The group in front of Nassor were the ones he knew best. Groith was there at the outside of the group surveying everyone within. A few hushed words were exchanged among the group followed by some nodding and eventually the departure of most of the clustered family members, leaving only Groith, Krimm, his mother and sister. As a majority the circle it was obvious what was going on inside.
The great behemoth vampire known as Muerio was just inside and was not looking to be in good shape. His eyes were hazed over and he was moaning and making small movements with his hands. The colossal man was on the floor and draped in many beautifully colored blankets and at his head was an ornate and fluffy pillow. Groith’s son, Krimm, was stroking the giant’s back with tears in his eyes. The vampire about about to go into hibernation for one more winter. This was the second the lad had witnessed this and it always brought him some distress as Muerio had become quite close friends with the boy.
Muerio took in a deep breath and exhaled, finally becoming still and lifeless, eyes slightly open looking downward. Krimm let out a little whimper as he embraced the beast and his father, thinking of the well being of both his son and the vampire walked up and gently closed Muerio’s eyes. It wouldn’t do Krimm good to see his friend’s eyes open like that all winter and it would cause Muerio’s eyes to be dry and bothersome in spring when he arose again.
Groith shook his head and turned around, walking a few paces before spotting Nassor. He cocked his head to the side, the brim of his large dark hat dipping and moving up again in a quiet hello.
“Nassor. Hullo! Is nice to see you again!” The middle aged man looked behind him towards his youngest still tending to the now sleeping titan.”Is not the best night for vistits but is still nice to see a friend. What brings you here on this cold night? The woods seem very dark this evening. Are you come alone?” Groith’s eyes looked about for any other guests he would be entertaining tonight but saw none.
On the other hand, the two young Tsarhanian soldiers at the campsite were all a buzz in their native tongue about Nassor showing up. Each seemed to paw at each other and speak in equally hushed tones as the ones present at the procession around Muerio. Though these men were Tsarhanian, it was obvious by their features, there was something off at the same time about them.
Groith looked at the two and chuckled, looking back at Nassor. “Oh… don’t mind those two. Defectors, my friend. They risk their lives for to leave Tsarhanian army. Our family find them and pick them up. They are impressed by you, you see. They know who you are and know your son is someone special to them. Maybe in time you speak to them about their connection to your son. But, I know this not why you come here to see our camp. Something is on your mind. I can feel it coming off of you. Your energies are troubled. Very, very troubled.”
Groith extended his hand to shake Nassor’s. “Come and tell Groith your troubles. I don’t want a friend to be so long faced as you are right now.”
Nassor’s gaze lingered on the two Tsarhanian men, locking eyes for a moment before the men quickly turned away to mutter with each other again. He certainly was wary of their presence. Defectors or not, he certainly knew the two knew exactly who he was and the thought didn’t sit well with the man. He released his hand from the gypsy’s and began to walk a short distance from the two, knowing full well Groith would catch onto his wariness.
“I’ve come such a long way just to ask a favor of you, my friend. I shall not blame you if you deny my request, but know it is urgent to my family. We are all worried sick.”
Out of the corner of his eye, a familiar face. The light-haired assassin with the scar across her lips. Velia. Nassor only paused a moment to watch. The others in the camp were still having the procession after all. Flowers of blues and whites were loosely held in her hand as she knelt beside the boy, Krimm. His tiny hands clung to her shirt as she wrapped an arm around his shoulder, soothing his hair. There was a mournful look on her face, but with it came a smile. Her lips began to move in a way he recognized as singing, handing flowers to the boy who in turn tucked them under the giant’s mess of hair. Nassor turned away from the sight.
“The timing is all wrong and I have no right to ask this of you at this particular moment,” he lowered his head and sighed heavily, “but our friend, Norvik, has disappeared. He has been gone for three months already without a trace of his return. My son is absolutely destroyed by his best friends disappearance. I wish for your assistance in finding him. You have knowledge of vampires and you know this area of the woods very well. If he were still out here....”
He rubbed the back of his neck, eyeballing the massive vampire once again. That could very much be Norvik, just without the group of mourners. He could be dead for all they know. Lying lifeless in the dirt, decaying from the sunlight. It sent a chill through Nassor’s spine just thinking about it.
Nassor grasped at his sleeve, trying to find some place to ground himself so he wouldn’t tip over the edge. “If he were still out here, you would know best where he could be. As I said, I know this isn’t the right timing... I am just running out of options at this point.”
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