A Double-Edged Sword

[loyalindoril]

dalamusrex​:

loyalindoril​:

“I am not even certain he is a cat. More like some small.. furry.. Oblivion-spawn.” Dalamus turned Ragnar to face the back hallway, then lowered him to the ground. As soon as his tiny, outstretched, needle-tipped orange feet touched the floor, he bolted back to the darkness from whence he came. Presumably never to be seen again–until one least expected it. Or food was served.

A favor? The younger vampire straightened, turning his attention back to Thurvayn. He spoke highly of Sinbadaen, and that made Dalamus feel.. all kinds of warm inside. Happy. Proud. But what was it that Sinbadaen felt he could not do for Dalamus?

He peered at the mason jar in awe, taking it as if being handed something precious and fragile. Sinbadaen… He had heard Dalamus lamenting the scars on his own face. That they made him look like Drevain–or so Drevain said, and so Dalamus accepted it as truth. And though the scars did not always bother him, there were times when, suddenly, he wished he could excavate them from his face. And so Sinbadaen, knowing magic to be a great fear for Dalamus, confronted one of his own fears, to ask this favor. 

He was speechless. The only indicator of any emotions were his ears which rose and fell as he processed all the implications. “I.. do not know what to say. Thank you, Thurvayn.”

“This is why I say I should really come around more often. I should have seen this before I got asked. You’re welcome for the salve, but it’s a small feat for me. You should be thanking your boy. ..He’s a good one. And you know me, I don’t say that lightly.”

He smiled lightly, watching Dalamus process it. “I’m thrilled for you. It’s what you need.”

[loyalindoril]

dalamusrex​:

loyalindoril​:

“Absolutely, do come in.” Dalamus stepped out of the way so Thurvayn might enter. No sooner than the older vampire’s foot crossed the threshold did Ragnar the Red Kitten come bolting from the back hallway and leap towards the guest–only to be caught in midair by Dalamus, without so much as a change in expression on his face. Clearly this is not the first time the kitten has done such a thing.

“Apologies for this one. But what brings you here, Thurvayn? Do not tell me you came all this way just to say ‘hi’? Not that I would complain.”

He laughed as he processed what had just happened, shutting the door behind him. “It is not the first time that I would have been affectionately tackled by a cat.

“But, you are correct. Though, perhaps I should come by more often, my apologies for staying away so long. However. I recently was asked a favor.”

He dug in his coat pocket as he spoke, “Your significant other.. That boy has quite the courage, I’m very impressed. But I’m also extremely happy for you that you have such a boy in your life.”

Finally he produced a mason jar and held it out for Dalamus to take. “He approached me in the Square, shaking like a leaf. Yet he managed to ask me to make this for you. He tells me that he is a healer and yet, obviously afraid of me, asks me to do what he cannot for you. A... precious find of a boy, that is.

“That is a scar softening balm. Apply it twice a day, it’s all food-based materials so your animals licking your face will be fine. If you need more, please don’t hesitate to tell me.”

[loyalindoril]

dalamusrex​:

loyalindoril​:

The knock upon the door immediately alerted Dalamus to the unexpected guest, and Hyacinth’s barking added some urgency to his response has he rushed to gently quiet the dog. Once the dog was quiet and sitting at her bed, the mer peered around to make sure no cats nor ravens were poised to make a break for it as soon as he opened the door.

Once assured there would be no jailbreaks, Dalamus answered the door–a moment of stunned silence at first, but then a large grin threatened to split his face. “Thurvayn! How wonderful to see you!” He threw all ceremonial manners of greetings aside, in favor of a strong hug.

The older mer chuckled and thankfully kept his footing at the surprise hug. He grasped the younger mer tightly, securely. “Hello, Dalamus,” he chuckled. “You seem to be doing quite well. Might I come in?”

[loyalindoril]

@dalamusrex

He could track him down the hard way, but Riften had so many unsightly smells that he’d... rather not. Instead, the mer figured he’d start at the first place he’d know Dalamus to be--his home.

The large mutt knocked upon the front door, greeted at first by the barking of a dog.

[rpxmusings]

                                                              YOU’RE  A  FIGHTER                                                  ALL THE WAY DOWN TO YOUR CORE                                 AND   N O T H I N G    IN THE WORLD COULD   K I L L   YOU

            ( ( (   EXCEPT TO KNOW THAT EVERYTHING YOU’RE FIGHTING FOR IS WRONG   ) ) )

[loyalindoril]

lionofmara‌:

loyalindoril‌:

That ash-torn voice was just shy of nails on a chalkboard, regardless of how gentle the enormous mer was trying to be. What in the Gods’ names had this mer been through? It took Sin a moment to gather his composure again–those yellow and red eyes sent needles into Sin’s spine.

“I…I understand that you are an alchemist? I was…I am capable of great healing, but– ..I am sure you know of Dalamus’ fear of magic. I was hoping that you would be able to .. make a scar-softening salve for him. He has been going through much emotional healing but the scars… His scars remind him of the trauma. I wish to help him, but.. lack the ability and knowledge.”

He deflected his own odd eyes from Thurvayn’s out of respect–and anxiety.

Thur watched the boy for several seconds, his ears pulling back gently upon hearing Sin’s request. He processed it quietly--Dalamus, he knew, had a dark past, a tough past. But for this Altmer--Altmer--to come to Thur, claiming he was helping Dalamus through it, almost didnt sound right. So far, he knew the boy to be different than he was used to, but to hear that Sin refused to use magic to help Dalamus, the thing Sin was best at, and rather defer to another for help?

What dark secrets did Sinbadaen hide?

“You are a brilliant gem, Sinbadaen,” Thurvayn spoke in Altmeris. “Of course I will help.” He paused to study the Altmer. “But.. what of your own scars?”

[lionofmara]

@loyalindoril

It was startling to see the massive, terrifying, mer in the city square. Though he was shorter than many other mer back home, the Dunmer’s presence was like an alarm beacon to the Altmer. He couldnt tell why, but that was no ordinary vampire–the Lion knew it.

Sin hadnt expected to see him back in Riften. He couldnt recall seeing the mer there before, and that aura was too strong, too oppressive to simply not have noticed. But it was just the opportunity Sin needed, wanted. Feared. Dalamus wasnt there this time to call off the much larger mer. Did Dalamus even have “control” over the mer whom he considered a father figure? Sin wasnt sure, but certainly would have felt better were the much smaller vampire there with him.

But Sin wanted to do this. If the Lion let him…

Sin made his way up to the looming figure. “E–excuse me, ser. M–might I be able to speak to you for a moment?”

[loyalindoril]

The mer’s ears perked upon hearing a slightly familiar, meek voice at his shoulder. He turned to look down upon the smaller, soft Altmer.

“Sinbadaen?” he said, part perplexed, part hoping he had gotten the boy’s name right. “Of course. What might I help you with?” he asked, finishing the movement he had started of putting some coin in his pocket.

Suffice it to say, he was astounded the boy had the courage to come up to him. The last they had met, Sin seemed quite rightly terrified of him. He looked nervous, even now, but had quite the mask of courage on. Thur applauded him.

[dragxnsfire]

the Cure (Thurvayn|Haleth)

[loyalindoril]

haleth-dovahkiin‌:

loyalindoril‌:

Haleth hugged the mask of Krosis close to her before nodding sharply. “I guess I’ll have to trust you on that,” she smirked, feeling a little better than before. “But— but I have to wear this,” she said, waving the mask a bit, before standing. Quickly she looked out the window before going back to her pack.

“What d’you think we’d need?” she asked, rummaging through her belongings. She set the healing options she’d made on the table to make room for her… other… potions. She winced at the thought of leaving the batch of freshly-made potions, but something told her that pragmatism was, in this case, a necessary evil. “I guess we leave this stuff here. And food! We should take some food. Maybe we should— I don’t know, wait and cook something first?” Haleth pushed a small sack of bread further down into the pack to make room for whatever else was needed, looking to Thurvayn expectantly.

“If you wish to wear it, that’s your choice, but it wont be necessary,” he said as he watched her move around.

He blinked, however, when she mentioned packing food. “I’ll say this gently, again; normal food doesnt help you anymore. You dont need it. You might want those healing potions if we happen to get into a fight, though. That still works.”

[dragxnsfire]

the Cure (Thurvayn|Haleth)

[loyalindoril]

haleth-dovahkiin‌:

loyalindoril‌:

Haleth looked at the older vampire nervously, before nodding slowly. It was some comfort to know that she didn’t have to face such prospects alone, but his reassurances didn’t dissuade all of her anxiety. “Would it be safe to travel to Morthal? I mean, it’s only a day or two’s run, but so much can happen—” she gasped, suddenly realizing a new threat— “and the Dawnguard! They’d probably recognize you, but they’d shoot me in an instant!” She remembered meeting one of the members— Sorine, if she remembered correctly— and marveling at the fascinating mechanical weapon wielded by the organizations’ hunters; now, the amazement turned to fear.

“Wait,” she said quickly, “you’re actually going with me? Are you sure? What if something happens?”

The mutt didnt seem dissuaded or worried what-so-ever. “I’ve not lived for over 1500 years by being careful. We’ll be safe traveling, day or night, provided that we take enough blood rations to stay under the radar. The Dawnguard are still few in numbers; while it’s a real risk, the risk is low. And Dawnguard foot soldiers are no match for me,” he said calmly.

[loyalindoril]

lionofmara‌:

dalamusrex‌:

loyalindoril‌:

Dalamus let the tension leave in a wave before realizing Thurvayn was telling Sinbadaen to relax. Suppose he was more nervous than he thought. Still, it was a great relief to know his choice of partner was both acknowledged and accepted without any major altercation.

“Thank you for meeting with him, Sinbadaen.” He brought his partner’s clasped hand up to kiss the back of it before looking to the older vampire. Rowdy, huh? After a moment or two, his appearance of gratitude towards his father figure changed to mischief. “I told you so.”

It was much harder to relax than Sin would have liked–the Lion didnt like the new, bigger predator he was faced with. The larger mer was extremely intimidating, and for reasons Sin–nor the Lion–couldnt quite put his finger on. Vampires, the Lion could handle–but this vampire… And there was something underneath the vampire smell that he couldnt quite distinguish. That mer wasnt all Dunmer, and paired with that height..

He gave Dalamus an unsure look. But Dalamus’ mischievous look helped a little–if Dal could be easy around the larger vampire, he couldnt be that quick to anger. But that look Thur had just given him.. it sent a chill down his spine and guaranteed the Lion was up front and wary.

“I.. I am sorry, ser. I have.. not been treated the most kindly in the past. I.. can really only take Dalamus’ word…“ he said softly.

He gave Dalamus a chuckle and slightly wry smile, before looking back to the altmer. So the boy was meek for a reason. It was brave of him to say so.

“Then, you know the hand of kindness. Something your kin do not--that’s good to hear. Not of your mistreatment, but that you’ve seen similar trials that Dalamus has seen. I have to apologize for my earlier judgment then; when Dalamus told me he was with an altmer, my mind jumped to the worst.

“But,” he looked to Dalamus, “I should have trusted his judgment above my own. It’s my own trials that have made me this way. I hope you both can forgive me for that.”

[dragxnsfire]

the Cure (Thurvayn|Haleth)

[loyalindoril]

haleth-dovahkiin‌:

loyalindoril‌:

Haleth drew in a sharp breath, running a hand through her hair. “Yes! Yeah, you’re right!” she said, snapping to attention. “I just need to stop and think.” The womer wrapped her arms around herself as she began to think. Soon, the tip of her boot began tapping the floor, a release of nervous energy so she could right her racing mind.

“There’s supposed to be a guy in Morthal that’s been studying vampires and other undead… things,” she said quickly, “but that’s just a rumor I heard in some inn a few months ago. It doesn’t help that this man in Morthal and may or may not actually exist.” As she spoke, one of her hands absently rubbed her arm in an attempt to calm herself. “What if I’m stuck like this forever? What if he won’t help me?”

He watched her quietly as she tried to piece things together. “It’s a lead, and it’s the best thing you could hope for, currently. But, if we cant find him, or he wont help you... I certainly can. You arent alone. This is something that can be lived with--it’s difficult, but not impossible.”

[dragxnsfire]

the Cure (Thurvayn|Haleth)

[loyalindoril]

haleth-dovahkiin‌:

loyalindoril‌:

He was worried about her attacking his family? Haleth paled even further than her newly faded complexion. She opened her mouth to argue. “I wouldn’t―” but found herself unable to complete the sentence. Something in her knew the older vampire was right; she barely even knew the new rules she had to live by, let alone what she might do in a fit of hunger.

“Okay,” she said softly, before tipping the bottle back and draining it; while she drank, she thought about the distrust she’d initially shown Thur, and how she’d wondered why on Nirn someone would let themselves become a monster. She set the bottle down on the table while staring at the ground, her thoughts and questions turning to cacophony in her mind.

There was no going back to Windhelm, that was for sure; her professors at the college would detect her new state in an instant. She clenched her hands into fists, thoughts racing. “What now?” she asked, more to herself than to her companion.

He moved to close the cabinet door and pull out a seat for himself. He was quiet for a few moments after she spoke, thinking.

“You mentioned someone who would be able to help cure it, when we met. If you dont want this, that’s a good place to start.”

[dragxnsfire]

the Cure (Thurvayn|Haleth)

[loyalindoril]

haleth-dovahkiin‌:

loyalindoril‌:

Haleth sat down in the chair heavily as he spoke. “If by ‘the hard way’ you mean ‘getting burned by the sun’, then yeah,” she said, eyeing a sweetroll on the table and wondering if making herself at home included eating the pastry. The younger Dunmer listened to him, wanting to say something in her own defense, but ultimately deciding against it. She’d made enough of a fool of herself as it stood.

“Thanks,” she began quietly, “I didn’t know where else to go. I don’t think I would’ve made it home before being found out or turning to dust or something―” that part made her stomach churn, remembering just where vampire dust came from― “and I couldn’t tell anyone else.” Her ears flushed violet in shame. “I should have taken a potion. None of this would’ve happened if I did.”

As he handed her a bottle, Haleth swirled it around to observe the contents: it was a deep crimson with a syrupy consistency; she gave him a confused glance. “I don’t think a potion can help me now,” she began slowly. She raised the lip of the bottle to her nose, hoping this wasn’t the potion with skeever in it; she soon wished it was.

“Blood?” she squeaked, placing the bottle on the table quickly, “No, no, no— I’m not drinking blood.’

Now was no longer the time to to tell her the number one rule of vampire hunting was to always take a cure disease potion after exposure. But it burned at him for not saying so earlier, and though rationally he knew he did all he could to prevent this from happening to her and that she was her own person, it still ate at him.

As she realized what he’d handed to her, he gave her a pained, understanding face. That was his same reaction, all those years ago.

“You have to, Hal. For one, I cannot have you attack my family in hunger when they wake up and join us, because you have not learned this new self control. Two, the strains of thinbloods here in Skyrim can stand the sun if they’re freshly fed. It’s uncomfortable, but doable. Three, eating normal food will not take away that gnawing feeling in your stomach. But, as I said. It wont be pleasant, but you’ll become accustomed to it; that I’ve given you is deer or wolf. I dont bottle the obvious.”

[dragxnsfire]

the Cure (Thurvayn|Haleth)

[loyalindoril]

haleth-dovahkiin‌:

loyalindoril‌:

Haleth slipped into the door as quickly as possible to avoid attracting any further unwanted attention from the patrol. As soon as the door was closed, she turned to face the older vampire. As he asked for an explanation, Haleth found that she didn’t have the words to describe the past few days. Her mouth felt dry as she gripped the rim of the mask that had concealed her new condition from those she’d passed on her way.

“I― I don’t know,” she said lamely, letting the mask fall to her side, “I was fighting a― a thinblood, and I thought everything was alright, and now it isn’t.” She glanced anxiously out the widow, hoping no one from the upper echelon of the Dawnguard planned on popping over for a visit before returning her gaze to Thurvayn. “One of them scratched me with his knife.”

The mutt closed the door behind her, relocking the deadbolts.

He sighed as he listened to her words, and moved to pull out a chair at the small dining table nearby. “Please, make yourself at home, you’re in good company.”

He moved to a cabinet not far away. “If that thinblood had his, or his buddy’s, blood on his knife, all it takes is a knick..”

A quick dip of his hand into the cabinet, he moved to hand Haleth a bottle he took out. “...I’m going to hazard a guess, you came here first after finding out the hard way.. It’s not going to be pleasant, but it will help.”

[dragxnsfire]

the Cure (Thurvayn|Haleth)

@loyalindoril

Haleth ran up to the door of the small farmhouse, acutely aware that the guard on patrol gave her a wary glare all the while. Normally, she would have waited until she was sure the inhabitants were awake and had started their day before dropping in for a visit, but there was a certain matter of urgency to be taken care of. Quickly, she tied Socks’s reins to the post of the farmhouse’s porch; fortunately, the gentle horse remained loyal to his master in her new state of life― unlife?― Haleth’s stomach sunk anew, horrified at what she’d become. Thurvayn had specifically warned her against such a situation; no, it was worse than that. He’d warned against vampire lords, not the common rabble vampires that infested Skyrim’s caverns and crypts. Internally, she hesitated, stroking the soft velvet of Socks’s nose. What if he wouldn’t help? What if he turned her away? Taking a deep breath, Haleth forced herself closer to the door, pounding on it as heavily as possible.

“Thur! Thurvayn! Please open the door!”

As the seconds passed, her pounding became more desperate. “Please open the door! I need help!” she cried.

[loyalindoril]

His odd sleeping habits had Thurvayn awake long before his family. Upon the pounding at the door, he peeked out the window to see a horse hitched, and got to his feet.

That voice was familiar. He pulled back the several deadbolts from the door and pulled it open. The first thing he noticed was those glowing eyes.

“Haleth.. What happened..? --Come in, come in,” he said, moving aside so she could step inside.

[loyalindoril]

lionofmara‌:

dalamusrex‌:

loyalindoril‌:

Dalamus was now a little nervous, thanks to that glance.

He moved to stand with Sinbadaen, holding his hand and attempting a reassuring smile. “Sinbadaen, this is Thurvayn. He is practically a father to me. I have not seen him in a while, and mentioned you while catching up. He wished to meet you.”

This was possibly one of the most awkward situations Dalamus had ever been in. He usually played the role of aggressor or protector, and this called for neither. All he could do was hope that they got along, and act as though he expected them to. 

Sin gripped Dal’s hand in discomfort. Of course Dalamus had to have an even scarier vampire as a father figure.

“That is.. Kind words, ser,” he said meekly, swallowing the Lion’s growl trying to escape. “It is.. a pleasure to meet someone Dalamus thinks highly of.”

The vampire watched the Altmer carefully, critically. The Altmer seemed too quiet to be the sort that Thur was used to, much more polite--though it could just be the werelion was scared.

Good on him. Not that the Lion could possibly be that scared.

“You can relax. Dalamus deserves someone who can handle his rowdiness--and believes in him. I couldnt take that from him,” he said calmly.

[dragxnsfire]

Preconceptions (Thurvayn/ Haleth)

[loyalindoril]

haleth-dovahkiin‌:

loyalindoril‌:

Haleth cast a shocked glance to Thurvayn. 1,300 years; she bit the inside of her cheek again. “That’s so… long.”

The younger mer gave a short nod, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I remember those. I was told that the Greybeards would handle the negotiations. I guess they didn’t want any more trouble with them than could be made by her,” the younger mer shrugged. At the time, she had been relieved to be excluded from having to come up with an acceptable peace treaty; now she wondered if it was wise to let someone so unstable-sounding handle something as sensitive as peace negotiations.

“I assume she’s upset that she doesn’t get to keep cracking skulls in the name of— well, whoever it was she sided with.” Haleth shifted. “I’ll be sure to avoid her if our paths ever cross.”

He nodded solemnly. It was quickly replaced with a reminiscent smile. “She punched the shit out of Ulfric. It was glorious. But, she’s definitely not the sort to mess with. Even I struggle against her. She has strong opinions, but she’s not the worst in the world.”