[Hector opens his mouth to protest that it would only impact the Seekers if they got caught, but sees Alucard’s expression and shrewdly shuts up.]
Do you think they know something, then? Or know something and will share it with us?
[Otherwise, what’s the point of caring whether they’ll be at Freeport or not?]
You can use my quarters. It’s the only place with a writing desk to make your shopping list, and we’re on opposite schedules anyway. There’s no reason for you to sleep on those rotten bunks below when the actual bed is free.
[It’s a new ship, and these new quarters have no feeling of ‘home’. Hector hasn’t had a ‘home’ in a very long time. He sees no reason to get territorial over a room he only uses to sleep in. It’s not like it’s his lab or anything important.]
I can't say for sure. Speakers are not information brokers, and to treat them as such is folly. I'll have to try, and it is probably wiser that I do so alone. It will have less of a...ganging up on a group aura, and the Speakers have that problem enough.
[Alucard is careful with the response, but he also means it when he says he wants to bring as little heartache to the Speakers as possible. He knows their history and that it is rife with persecution. Bringing Dracula down upon them is cruel.]
There may be wolf fur on your things then.
[It isn't refusing, it isn't fussing, it isn't turning his nose up at it. A big difference from yesterday, and a gentle point.]
[That is so obviously a joke. Hector can't pretend to be offended for more than a second.]
I will leave them to you. The less small talk I have to do, the better, and splitting up will let us cover more ground, so to speak.
[Stocking up the ship is definitely his preference for the two errands.]
That's nothing new. I've had a wolf before. They used to joke that my workshop at the port doubled as a menagerie.
[Except all his pets are gone now, save Cesar. Hector drops a hand and the little dog bumps his head against it, stealing the morsel of bread he was holding.]
Though, if you always sleep in the body of a wolf, it's a wonder you had a human-sized coffin on your ship. Or must you take that form because I haven't a coffin to house you?
[Something close to a smile passes over Alucard's face at the attempt to make a joke. It doesn't stay for very long, but it's the first time he's made anything like a pleased or happy face since all of this began.]
Mmm. We should only be apart for a short window though. [The reason being obvious: you don't split the party. Not in this much danger.]
I'm sure that it did. [Alucard can't see Cesar being Hector's only pet.]
Being a wolf means that dreams are simpler right now. That's all.
[Alucard shreds a little bit more of the jerky, and he holds it low at Cesar's level. If he has to talk about an Emotion, he's doing it with a dog in his lap.]
[The ghost of a smile that flits over Alucard’s face is a hint of what the man might be like when his life isn’t imperiled. Hector’s curious. It’s a secret to work on unveiling while all his other studies are on hold.]
I’ll not let Saint Germain keep me longer than he must and I’ll hasten back to your side before you pine away in my absence.
[The common languages between then seem to be ‘sarcasm’ and ‘dog’, and Hector can live with that.
Cesar abandons Hector for Alucard’s jerky, the little traitor. He’ll take treats and shows of affection from where’re they come. Alucard’s lab puts him in closer proximity to food and to noses to lick, which are his main goals in life.]
That is what the rum was supposed to be for.
[He sighs. Can’t fault a man for using his shapeshifting abilities to his advantage. If Hector could be a wolf, he damn well would.]
The actual Count is in this corner of the world now?
[Alucard raises his eyebrows slightly, intrigued by that thought. He has been asleep for far longer than he thought, if those are the changes that have been made.
But at any rate, Cesar gets a few more bits of jerky, before Alucard gently ushers him back towards Hector. He can share the dog.]
I sill refuse to be fighting this anything but sober. Not against Carmilla, even if her natural effect is to drive a man to drink.
[Alucard's eaten everything he's been given, which is an accomplishment in and of itself.]
I wasn't intending on plaguing you with fur, I promise.
[And that too is said with a certain lightness that also hedges close to a joke. This? This almost feels nice. Normal.]
I'll be back out with the list before I rest for the day.
What are you talking about? He is just some crazy old man who showed up at the port a while back. He dresses himself in the most ridiculous fashion, but he's usually got wares enough to sell.
[The idea that Germain is anyone important is laughable to Hector. He tries much too hard to be mysterious to actually know anything of worth, right?]
I expect a celebratory drink when we put a stake through her heart.
[He mutters, because he has to have something to look forward to if he's going through the foreseeable future sober.
Hector's pleased with breakfast. Alucard ate something, so the nagging worry that the dhampir will collapse or go on a rampage subsides, and they're managing to get along. Who knew he had it in him?]
Alright, rest while you can. I'm going to press hard today to try to reach port before sundown. There's few places not under your father's control that will welcome a ship docking after dark, for obvious reasons.
{Alucard's not going to explain the Count, because he still doesn't entirely understand the Count himself. He knows knows him to be a man of infinite resource, so perhaps being a merchant is not that far out of the realm of possibility.
With that, Alucard rises to his feet.]
We will, I promise. Let me go begin on the list.
[With that, Alucard withdraws entirely. He spends a good 15 minutes writing a list, one that's even annotated (OATS-- 2 lbs, no more, they go rancid quickly due to natural fat content ; BLOOD SASUAGE -- Dietary supplement for myself, I will not need blood if I have this). It's folded and handed to Hetor, and then Alucard simply falls asleep in his wolf form beside Hector's bed.
He doesn't stir until woken, his wolf form just curled up into a tight little ball and trying to be even smaller somehow.]
[Well, the merchant does tend to inquire into Hector's plans each time they meet, though Hector rarely indulges him in answering. Hector chalks it up to eccentricity. What else could it be? immortal occultisttime-traveling meddlersworn enemy of Death himself
Hector takes a cursory look at Alucard's list, snorts, and tucks it into his pocket.
He sails, and when he finally hands the wheel off to a crewman with instructions to dock, he pauses at the door to the captain's quarters.
...he shouldn't pet the wolf...
...he wants to pet the wolf...
...he steps toward the wolf, but Cesar bumps past his ankles to get to him first. That's probably for the best.]
Wake up. We're making land, and we need to be in and out as fast as we can.
[Alucard's just going to find the Count when all of this is over and just. You know. Shoot the shit, as you do.
But it's a good sleep. One that lets Alucard's dreams be much simpler than they would be otherwise, and one that he doesn't wake up from half way through. He stirs only when Hector pushes in. By the time Cesar approaches, he's up and on all four paws, and then after one or two more steps, he's become an Alucard again.
Hector, you can pet the wolf later. He'll allow it.]
Is there still light out?
[Alucard pauses just long enough to straighten his shirt (his coat is long since gone), and even as he asks the question, he's en route to the door.]
[The sky is just starting to take on the golden glow that heralds the sunset. The Speakers are usually the last to retire when the light fades, and the Count keeps whatever hours he pleases, unconcerned with light or darkness. They should have time for their respective errands.]
Cesar will need to stay here. Don't let him follow you.
[He's already waved his bird-devils and the more obviously undead crew below deck. Only his sailors that are relatively human-passing are above to guard see them to shore and guard the ship. Cesar, much as he would love to follow them into the port, is missing too many parts to be safely allowed in public.]
If there are Speakers, they will likely be on the outskirts of the market. I'll head there once I meet with Germain. This port isn't affiliated with any factions, but keep your head down all the same.
[By fast he means vampire speed, making it impossible to be followed. Or he would, if that wasn't going to be overly dramatic. The most Alucard does is pause to try and manipulate his hair, tying some back and roughly re-arranging the part so he can hide some of his face under all that hair.
He murmurs a few "I'll be back"s in Cesar's direction as the two begin the work in earnest.]
Understood.
[He'll ask for a cloak at some other point in time - Hector probably has limited wardrobe anyway.
Once they are both off the boat, Alucard's speed increases, away from Hector and knowing he has to work quickly and quietly. Quiet he can do. Quick...well, that depends on factors out of Alucard's control.
It takes time to find the Speakers, even with Hector's advice on where to look. They're cautious everywhere, even in the Freeport, and he only speaks to one. (There are others hiding, he can tell by scent. Speakers have an air of traveled roads to them, even those who live on the seas and the islands.) There is reluctance until he mentions the contact's surname, Belnades.
"There is one part of the Armada that endures, in a port further north than here. Free and warded against Dracula. Step carefully there."
Alucard accepts what is said. It isn't a great lead, but it's better than naught and he and Hector cannot be choosers. He asks that his own destination be passed on to Belnades, and then he withdraws.
Being on the market outskirts means finding small, covered places to hide after Alucard departs from the speakers. There's a tiny little store room that he finds shelter beside, keenly aware of the chill of the evening air threatening to settle.]
[For his own mission of stealth, Hector is dressed in a plain white shirt with black pants and boots. He unties his red sash from his waist and wraps it around his head the way some sailors do to keep hair and sweat out of their eyes. He keeps his eyes down as he turns corners to get to Saint Germain's storehouse.
The Count is in high spirits, and is suspiciously well prepared to check off the items on Alucard's list.
Ah, blood sausage. Of course I have it. I've never known you to indulge in something so heavy, Hector.
He packs up their supplies into barrels and canvas sacks and sends them to the dock in a cart for Hector's crewman to load into the ship.
Of course, Germain can't resist stopping him at the door before he can make his escape. He tips his ridiculous top hat and smiles that 'I know more than you' grin.
Oh, and Hector...Walk the path that is meant for you without fear... For you are no longer alone...
He winks an eye, and the door closes of its own accord before Hector can demand an explanation.
Growling about mad bastards who dress themselves like troubadours, Hector stalks out of the warehouse distract and into the open market. The sky is darkening, and soon the last of the vendors will hurry back to their homes to bar their doors to the creatures of night.
Hector looks for Alucard in the darkest corners of the market first, because where else would a dhampir choose to hide himself?]
[Alucard's question comes from the shadows he's cloaked himself in, although he refuses to step forward just yet. There's no sense of safety out in the open, not right now, and he has no interest in inviting danger to fall upon himself or Hector.
He knows where they must go, and he has to look at maps. Gauge how many days they will be at sea, and that will decide so much more.]
[Of course Alucard has to reveal himself in the most cloak-and-dagger manner possible. Hector expects no less. Damn vampires.]
Yes, I am ready to depart if you are.
[He does not turn to look for Alucard in the darkness.]
I would like us to be off as soon as possible, but if you don't feel up to another night of sailing, we can leave at dawn.
[He is keeping in mind that Alucard's ship sails itself, and he may not be used to keeping such a schedule of actively piloting a vessel like Hector's. Sailing at night is dangerous, both because that is when vampire ships are active, but also just because of the lack of visibility. They need to do it, but undertaking it without being prepared could be just as disastrous or more than lingering at a port to be discovered.]
Meet me back at the ship and we can talk more freely.
[An understatement. One that sees Alucard remain in the shadows as he begins to walk, focused not on any problems or struggles with the idea of sailing for another night. It isn't a problem for him, not truly. He understands the basics of sailing, and Alucard knows he is the better candidate for night sailing than Hector if only for his eyes alone.
He keeps a swift pace, not looking anywhere but ahead until they are back at their dock. A dock they very much need to leave now. Only when there does Alucard uncloak himself from the shadows.]
[Hector checks the hold when they reach the ship, and their supplies have been properly loaded and stored.
He returns above deck and begins preparing the ship to sail. He can’t be the one to navigate in the darkness, but he can assist until he finally turns in.]
How about your task? Success?
[That will determine if they maintain their original trajectory or plot a new course.]
Mmm. Furthest island north has reports of a single surviving ship from the Belmont armada. The place is hard to get to - I want to check maps either before you go to bed or before I retire in the morning - and it is doubltessly warded against those like myself and my father.
[But it is there. There's a hope yet, should they reach it.]
Would you like me to make dinner while we make a departure?
[Hector's stomach grumbles, but he shakes his head. Too much work to do to stop and eat right now.]
There are maps and charts at the desk in my quarters. You check them while I get us out of the harbor. There's enough light left for me to pilot us out. Getting our course charted is the top priority.
[It's not like he's eaten well, sailing alone as he's done for the past couple of years. He can wait a little longer for Alucard's reportedly adequate cooking skills.]
[Alucard's set to argue that no, food's more important especially since there's little remaining light, but it isn't worth it. He and Hector are managing right now, and keeping the two of them in good terms is important.
So Alucard heads into the captain's quarters, careful to keep his focus on only the maps and charts. It takes a few minutes to find them, but once that happens, Alucard settles himself down on the floor and proceeds to unroll everything that's pertinent around him. The problem, in so far as he can tell, is the approach to the island itself. It's a nightmare of sandbars at any point besides the highest possible tide, and thus they'll have to leave the ship far at sea. That means letting the Belmont know they're approaching and...
...ugh.
Determined to find another route, Alucard keeps with the maps and charts for a bit yet, taking until they're well at sea to find anything that has a chance of working without giving too much away. Once he's at that point, Alucard gets to his feet and steps over the maps, going for the door.
[Hector entrusts the wheel to a crewman and leaves Cesar playing tug-of-war with another. Hector loves the dog dearly, but Cesar has a talent that borderlines on a sixth sense for finding the most important map spread on the table and settling down to nap right on top of it. Worse than any cat Hector's kept, living or un-living.
With ship and pet momentarily secured, Hector slips into the room and pulls shut the door behind him.]
What is it? Do you have a course, or is the Belmont ship more trouble than it's worth?
[He takes a peek down at the maps Alucard has spread over the floor.]
[Alucard returns to his little spot in the semi-circle of maps that he has set up, gesturing for Hector to come and at least stand where he is.]
The place is surrounded by sandbars from every approach save for one in the north east, here. [He taps a map that has the island on it, and it is a very small part indeed.] There's a channel that runs deep even at high tide, likely because there's a river or at least some kind of water flow from the island out to the sea. The issue is both how narrow it is and how to approach, as we don't want to give our approach away.
[Alucard then indicates a map of the waters leading up to the approach.]
There's a natural reef that makes approaching the area trickier, but we may be able to avoid it if the wind is in our favor. Of course, if we're dealing with a Belmont, we have to expect wards, traps, and other such nonsense even if we aren't detected.
What do we hope to get from the Belmont? Is stealth needed? If we want to treat with them, I can send a message by air. They’ll likely shoot it down, but if the letter’s in a flame-proofed bag, it will probably survive.
If we want to take the ship, we need to lure it out into open water. Make him come to us, rather than walking in to that death trap.
[He traces a finger along the treacherous shallows and reefs on the map.]
If it is integral to make our way there in stealth, I could probably forge something that could clear a path, but I’m loath to do that. The reefs are a delicate ecosystem and house some truly fascinating species.
[Hector’s priorities: he will make peace or war with the last of the Belmonts without qualm, but when it comes to destruction of wildlife, he hesitates.]
I...I think we need that first question answered. What do we want from the Belmont, Hector? What is the desired outcome of this situation?
[Alucard's been dealing with the thoughs on and off, of what he wants. What he really needs to do, but he's never given them real words. Never said them out loud.]
Stop my father? Simply escape with our skins? See to Carmilla but no other? And if we seek only escape, then going to the doorstep of a Belmont is death just in another manner.
[There's a moment where he's quiet, running his hand through his hair.]
And if we mean to stop my father, then it means his death.
[So they've finally come to it, then. The Talk. Hector sighs, and takes a seat on the floor, turning up to the ceiling so he doesn't have to look at Alucard.]
We're never going to be safe, if we run. Well, maybe you will be from your father, if Dracula's content to ignore you...but the others won't let either of us be.
[He pauses, not wanting to keep going, but he's really got no choice. Hector...knows what it means to be a patricide. It's a shadow that hangs over you for the rest of your life, and Alucard's will be a long one.]
We could aim to kill the other vampires, but so long as Dracula hungers for revenge, he will simply create more. So we either defeat Dracula, or we run.
...I will run, if that is what you want. He is your father.
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Do you think they know something, then? Or know something and will share it with us?
[Otherwise, what’s the point of caring whether they’ll be at Freeport or not?]
You can use my quarters. It’s the only place with a writing desk to make your shopping list, and we’re on opposite schedules anyway. There’s no reason for you to sleep on those rotten bunks below when the actual bed is free.
[It’s a new ship, and these new quarters have no feeling of ‘home’. Hector hasn’t had a ‘home’ in a very long time. He sees no reason to get territorial over a room he only uses to sleep in. It’s not like it’s his lab or anything important.]
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[Alucard is careful with the response, but he also means it when he says he wants to bring as little heartache to the Speakers as possible. He knows their history and that it is rife with persecution. Bringing Dracula down upon them is cruel.]
There may be wolf fur on your things then.
[It isn't refusing, it isn't fussing, it isn't turning his nose up at it. A big difference from yesterday, and a gentle point.]
I'll strive to keep shedding to a minimum.
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[That is so obviously a joke. Hector can't pretend to be offended for more than a second.]
I will leave them to you. The less small talk I have to do, the better, and splitting up will let us cover more ground, so to speak.
[Stocking up the ship is definitely his preference for the two errands.]
That's nothing new. I've had a wolf before. They used to joke that my workshop at the port doubled as a menagerie.
[Except all his pets are gone now, save Cesar. Hector drops a hand and the little dog bumps his head against it, stealing the morsel of bread he was holding.]
Though, if you always sleep in the body of a wolf, it's a wonder you had a human-sized coffin on your ship. Or must you take that form because I haven't a coffin to house you?
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Mmm. We should only be apart for a short window though. [The reason being obvious: you don't split the party. Not in this much danger.]
I'm sure that it did. [Alucard can't see Cesar being Hector's only pet.]
Being a wolf means that dreams are simpler right now. That's all.
[Alucard shreds a little bit more of the jerky, and he holds it low at Cesar's level. If he has to talk about an Emotion, he's doing it with a dog in his lap.]
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I’ll not let Saint Germain keep me longer than he must and I’ll hasten back to your side before you pine away in my absence.
[The common languages between then seem to be ‘sarcasm’ and ‘dog’, and Hector can live with that.
Cesar abandons Hector for Alucard’s jerky, the little traitor. He’ll take treats and shows of affection from where’re they come. Alucard’s lab puts him in closer proximity to food and to noses to lick, which are his main goals in life.]
That is what the rum was supposed to be for.
[He sighs. Can’t fault a man for using his shapeshifting abilities to his advantage. If Hector could be a wolf, he damn well would.]
Just keep off of my pillow when you’re furry.
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[Alucard raises his eyebrows slightly, intrigued by that thought. He has been asleep for far longer than he thought, if those are the changes that have been made.
But at any rate, Cesar gets a few more bits of jerky, before Alucard gently ushers him back towards Hector. He can share the dog.]
I sill refuse to be fighting this anything but sober. Not against Carmilla, even if her natural effect is to drive a man to drink.
[Alucard's eaten everything he's been given, which is an accomplishment in and of itself.]
I wasn't intending on plaguing you with fur, I promise.
[And that too is said with a certain lightness that also hedges close to a joke. This? This almost feels nice. Normal.]
I'll be back out with the list before I rest for the day.
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[The idea that Germain is anyone important is laughable to Hector. He tries much too hard to be mysterious to actually know anything of worth, right?]
I expect a celebratory drink when we put a stake through her heart.
[He mutters, because he has to have something to look forward to if he's going through the foreseeable future sober.
Hector's pleased with breakfast. Alucard ate something, so the nagging worry that the dhampir will collapse or go on a rampage subsides, and they're managing to get along. Who knew he had it in him?]
Alright, rest while you can. I'm going to press hard today to try to reach port before sundown. There's few places not under your father's control that will welcome a ship docking after dark, for obvious reasons.
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{Alucard's not going to explain the Count, because he still doesn't entirely understand the Count himself. He knows knows him to be a man of infinite resource, so perhaps being a merchant is not that far out of the realm of possibility.
With that, Alucard rises to his feet.]
We will, I promise. Let me go begin on the list.
[With that, Alucard withdraws entirely. He spends a good 15 minutes writing a list, one that's even annotated (OATS-- 2 lbs, no more, they go rancid quickly due to natural fat content ; BLOOD SASUAGE -- Dietary supplement for myself, I will not need blood if I have this). It's folded and handed to Hetor, and then Alucard simply falls asleep in his wolf form beside Hector's bed.
He doesn't stir until woken, his wolf form just curled up into a tight little ball and trying to be even smaller somehow.]
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immortal occultisttime-traveling meddlersworn enemy of Death himselfHector takes a cursory look at Alucard's list, snorts, and tucks it into his pocket.
He sails, and when he finally hands the wheel off to a crewman with instructions to dock, he pauses at the door to the captain's quarters.
...he shouldn't pet the wolf...
...he wants to pet the wolf...
...he steps toward the wolf, but Cesar bumps past his ankles to get to him first. That's probably for the best.]
Wake up. We're making land, and we need to be in and out as fast as we can.
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But it's a good sleep. One that lets Alucard's dreams be much simpler than they would be otherwise, and one that he doesn't wake up from half way through. He stirs only when Hector pushes in. By the time Cesar approaches, he's up and on all four paws, and then after one or two more steps, he's become an Alucard again.
Hector, you can pet the wolf later. He'll allow it.]
Is there still light out?
[Alucard pauses just long enough to straighten his shirt (his coat is long since gone), and even as he asks the question, he's en route to the door.]
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[The sky is just starting to take on the golden glow that heralds the sunset. The Speakers are usually the last to retire when the light fades, and the Count keeps whatever hours he pleases, unconcerned with light or darkness. They should have time for their respective errands.]
Cesar will need to stay here. Don't let him follow you.
[He's already waved his bird-devils and the more obviously undead crew below deck. Only his sailors that are relatively human-passing are above to guard see them to shore and guard the ship. Cesar, much as he would love to follow them into the port, is missing too many parts to be safely allowed in public.]
If there are Speakers, they will likely be on the outskirts of the market. I'll head there once I meet with Germain. This port isn't affiliated with any factions, but keep your head down all the same.
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[By fast he means vampire speed, making it impossible to be followed. Or he would, if that wasn't going to be overly dramatic. The most Alucard does is pause to try and manipulate his hair, tying some back and roughly re-arranging the part so he can hide some of his face under all that hair.
He murmurs a few "I'll be back"s in Cesar's direction as the two begin the work in earnest.]
Understood.
[He'll ask for a cloak at some other point in time - Hector probably has limited wardrobe anyway.
Once they are both off the boat, Alucard's speed increases, away from Hector and knowing he has to work quickly and quietly. Quiet he can do. Quick...well, that depends on factors out of Alucard's control.
It takes time to find the Speakers, even with Hector's advice on where to look. They're cautious everywhere, even in the Freeport, and he only speaks to one. (There are others hiding, he can tell by scent. Speakers have an air of traveled roads to them, even those who live on the seas and the islands.) There is reluctance until he mentions the contact's surname, Belnades.
"There is one part of the Armada that endures, in a port further north than here. Free and warded against Dracula. Step carefully there."
Alucard accepts what is said. It isn't a great lead, but it's better than naught and he and Hector cannot be choosers. He asks that his own destination be passed on to Belnades, and then he withdraws.
Being on the market outskirts means finding small, covered places to hide after Alucard departs from the speakers. There's a tiny little store room that he finds shelter beside, keenly aware of the chill of the evening air threatening to settle.]
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The Count is in high spirits, and is suspiciously well prepared to check off the items on Alucard's list.
Ah, blood sausage. Of course I have it. I've never known you to indulge in something so heavy, Hector.
He packs up their supplies into barrels and canvas sacks and sends them to the dock in a cart for Hector's crewman to load into the ship.
Of course, Germain can't resist stopping him at the door before he can make his escape. He tips his ridiculous top hat and smiles that 'I know more than you' grin.
Oh, and Hector...Walk the path that is meant for you without fear... For you are no longer alone...
He winks an eye, and the door closes of its own accord before Hector can demand an explanation.
Growling about mad bastards who dress themselves like troubadours, Hector stalks out of the warehouse distract and into the open market. The sky is darkening, and soon the last of the vendors will hurry back to their homes to bar their doors to the creatures of night.
Hector looks for Alucard in the darkest corners of the market first, because where else would a dhampir choose to hide himself?]
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[Alucard's question comes from the shadows he's cloaked himself in, although he refuses to step forward just yet. There's no sense of safety out in the open, not right now, and he has no interest in inviting danger to fall upon himself or Hector.
He knows where they must go, and he has to look at maps. Gauge how many days they will be at sea, and that will decide so much more.]
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Yes, I am ready to depart if you are.
[He does not turn to look for Alucard in the darkness.]
I would like us to be off as soon as possible, but if you don't feel up to another night of sailing, we can leave at dawn.
[He is keeping in mind that Alucard's ship sails itself, and he may not be used to keeping such a schedule of actively piloting a vessel like Hector's. Sailing at night is dangerous, both because that is when vampire ships are active, but also just because of the lack of visibility. They need to do it, but undertaking it without being prepared could be just as disastrous or more than lingering at a port to be discovered.]
Meet me back at the ship and we can talk more freely.
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[An understatement. One that sees Alucard remain in the shadows as he begins to walk, focused not on any problems or struggles with the idea of sailing for another night. It isn't a problem for him, not truly. He understands the basics of sailing, and Alucard knows he is the better candidate for night sailing than Hector if only for his eyes alone.
He keeps a swift pace, not looking anywhere but ahead until they are back at their dock. A dock they very much need to leave now. Only when there does Alucard uncloak himself from the shadows.]
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He returns above deck and begins preparing the ship to sail. He can’t be the one to navigate in the darkness, but he can assist until he finally turns in.]
How about your task? Success?
[That will determine if they maintain their original trajectory or plot a new course.]
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[But it is there. There's a hope yet, should they reach it.]
Would you like me to make dinner while we make a departure?
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There are maps and charts at the desk in my quarters. You check them while I get us out of the harbor. There's enough light left for me to pilot us out. Getting our course charted is the top priority.
[It's not like he's eaten well, sailing alone as he's done for the past couple of years. He can wait a little longer for Alucard's reportedly adequate cooking skills.]
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So Alucard heads into the captain's quarters, careful to keep his focus on only the maps and charts. It takes a few minutes to find them, but once that happens, Alucard settles himself down on the floor and proceeds to unroll everything that's pertinent around him. The problem, in so far as he can tell, is the approach to the island itself. It's a nightmare of sandbars at any point besides the highest possible tide, and thus they'll have to leave the ship far at sea. That means letting the Belmont know they're approaching and...
...ugh.
Determined to find another route, Alucard keeps with the maps and charts for a bit yet, taking until they're well at sea to find anything that has a chance of working without giving too much away. Once he's at that point, Alucard gets to his feet and steps over the maps, going for the door.
His head pokes out, looking for Hector.]
...If you've a minute?
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[Hector entrusts the wheel to a crewman and leaves Cesar playing tug-of-war with another. Hector loves the dog dearly, but Cesar has a talent that borderlines on a sixth sense for finding the most important map spread on the table and settling down to nap right on top of it. Worse than any cat Hector's kept, living or un-living.
With ship and pet momentarily secured, Hector slips into the room and pulls shut the door behind him.]
What is it? Do you have a course, or is the Belmont ship more trouble than it's worth?
[He takes a peek down at the maps Alucard has spread over the floor.]
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[Alucard returns to his little spot in the semi-circle of maps that he has set up, gesturing for Hector to come and at least stand where he is.]
The place is surrounded by sandbars from every approach save for one in the north east, here. [He taps a map that has the island on it, and it is a very small part indeed.] There's a channel that runs deep even at high tide, likely because there's a river or at least some kind of water flow from the island out to the sea. The issue is both how narrow it is and how to approach, as we don't want to give our approach away.
[Alucard then indicates a map of the waters leading up to the approach.]
There's a natural reef that makes approaching the area trickier, but we may be able to avoid it if the wind is in our favor. Of course, if we're dealing with a Belmont, we have to expect wards, traps, and other such nonsense even if we aren't detected.
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What do we hope to get from the Belmont? Is stealth needed? If we want to treat with them, I can send a message by air. They’ll likely shoot it down, but if the letter’s in a flame-proofed bag, it will probably survive.
If we want to take the ship, we need to lure it out into open water. Make him come to us, rather than walking in to that death trap.
[He traces a finger along the treacherous shallows and reefs on the map.]
If it is integral to make our way there in stealth, I could probably forge something that could clear a path, but I’m loath to do that. The reefs are a delicate ecosystem and house some truly fascinating species.
[Hector’s priorities: he will make peace or war with the last of the Belmonts without qualm, but when it comes to destruction of wildlife, he hesitates.]
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[Alucard's been dealing with the thoughs on and off, of what he wants. What he really needs to do, but he's never given them real words. Never said them out loud.]
Stop my father? Simply escape with our skins? See to Carmilla but no other? And if we seek only escape, then going to the doorstep of a Belmont is death just in another manner.
[There's a moment where he's quiet, running his hand through his hair.]
And if we mean to stop my father, then it means his death.
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We're never going to be safe, if we run. Well, maybe you will be from your father, if Dracula's content to ignore you...but the others won't let either of us be.
[He pauses, not wanting to keep going, but he's really got no choice. Hector...knows what it means to be a patricide. It's a shadow that hangs over you for the rest of your life, and Alucard's will be a long one.]
We could aim to kill the other vampires, but so long as Dracula hungers for revenge, he will simply create more. So we either defeat Dracula, or we run.
...I will run, if that is what you want. He is your father.
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