{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.
We won't be safe if we stay either. That much is certain.
[Alucard knows that Hector will likely resent any sense of responsibility the dhampir feels for making sure that the necromancer's life endured. After all, Hector made this choice independent of Alucard. There is no true reason for Alucard to have that responsibility. All the same though, Alucard feels it and feels it keenly, aware and worried of imperiling the other man alongside himself.]
I've never known him to create another vampire. [Why would he? Another vampire with even a fraction of his powers? Unthinkable.] But no. The truth is clear enough.
[His gaze returns to the map.]
But that will make it easier to approach the Belmont. Offer help in destroying my father, and perhaps there will be a moment to make the case before a stake is driven into my heart.
[Hector didn't sign up for that part though, did he?]
[Hector draws up his knees and wraps his arms around them.]
I want to be allowed to sail freely with my dog, and study the living and unliving things of the world, and create new ones. What I want, I will never be permitted, whether Dracula lives or dies.
[His shoulders lift and fall in a shrug. Maybe once, he'd thought it possible, when Dracula told him he would seize control of the seas and regulate them. He knows now that it is folly.]
But, if I fight, and somehow don't die, maybe we'll kill all the vampires and I'll be able to go and see those turtles you spoke of.
[He looks up finally at Alucard.]
Do you think Belmonts can read, or are they the type of brutes you have to fight before they'll listen? All I know of them, I've heard from their mortal enemies, so it's likely all wildly inaccurate.
A quiet life on the ocean. Or just one island and it's infinite biodiversity.
[His voice is barely a whisper. But in there, there's some approval. That sounds nice.
Alucard closes his eyes, considering what the best step forward is.]
We would be best served by having a neutral party. I...the Speakers might be the best candidates, especially if I can take one of the life boats here in under a white flag. You wouldn't have to take additional risks beyond simply sitting and waiting for either me to return, or to be waved off by some other means.
If you wanted to get yourself killed, you should have said so back in the prison and saved me the trouble of jailbreaking you. Aren’t the Speakers pacifists? So they won’t be able to help you if the Belmonts attack first and ask questions never.
[He sets his jaw stubbornly.]
Between the two of us, we can hopefully keep whatever remnants of the Belmonts remain occupied until you or your Speakers can explain yourselves.
You made that decision long before I agreed or refused. [At least, that's Alucard's suspicion. He doesn't want to dwell on it though, as lingering on such a thought means thinking yet again about what Hector has sacrificed to be at this point.]
But yes, they are pacificts. I have one I'd ask, but they're a number of islands away.
[Sypha never really clarified her gender.]
In an ideal situation, it'd be only myself and the Speaker on a boat. Once at the island, I'd stay put while they made contact, and it would go from there. I feel a dhampir is already enough of a potential panic button for a Belmont. No need to add a necromancer in.
So I am to ferry you from island to island, then wait behind because my mere existence is so odious as to offend the Belmonts.
[Hector is used to a necromancer’s welcome (or more accurately, the decided lack thereof) where he goes, so he’s not sure why this instance irks him so. Maybe he thought it could be different with Alucard.
Maybe he is overtired and ill-fed.
He pushes himself up.]
Plot your course to the Speaker’s isle and make yourself ready to sail. I’m going below to eat before I transfer the crew to your control.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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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[Alucard knows that Hector will likely resent any sense of responsibility the dhampir feels for making sure that the necromancer's life endured. After all, Hector made this choice independent of Alucard. There is no true reason for Alucard to have that responsibility. All the same though, Alucard feels it and feels it keenly, aware and worried of imperiling the other man alongside himself.]
I've never known him to create another vampire. [Why would he? Another vampire with even a fraction of his powers? Unthinkable.] But no. The truth is clear enough.
[His gaze returns to the map.]
But that will make it easier to approach the Belmont. Offer help in destroying my father, and perhaps there will be a moment to make the case before a stake is driven into my heart.
[Hector didn't sign up for that part though, did he?]
What do you want from here on out, Hector?
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I want to be allowed to sail freely with my dog, and study the living and unliving things of the world, and create new ones. What I want, I will never be permitted, whether Dracula lives or dies.
[His shoulders lift and fall in a shrug. Maybe once, he'd thought it possible, when Dracula told him he would seize control of the seas and regulate them. He knows now that it is folly.]
But, if I fight, and somehow don't die, maybe we'll kill all the vampires and I'll be able to go and see those turtles you spoke of.
[He looks up finally at Alucard.]
Do you think Belmonts can read, or are they the type of brutes you have to fight before they'll listen? All I know of them, I've heard from their mortal enemies, so it's likely all wildly inaccurate.
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[His voice is barely a whisper. But in there, there's some approval. That sounds nice.
Alucard closes his eyes, considering what the best step forward is.]
We would be best served by having a neutral party. I...the Speakers might be the best candidates, especially if I can take one of the life boats here in under a white flag. You wouldn't have to take additional risks beyond simply sitting and waiting for either me to return, or to be waved off by some other means.
no subject
If you wanted to get yourself killed, you should have said so back in the prison and saved me the trouble of jailbreaking you. Aren’t the Speakers pacifists? So they won’t be able to help you if the Belmonts attack first and ask questions never.
[He sets his jaw stubbornly.]
Between the two of us, we can hopefully keep whatever remnants of the Belmonts remain occupied until you or your Speakers can explain yourselves.
no subject
But yes, they are pacificts. I have one I'd ask, but they're a number of islands away.
[Sypha never really clarified her gender.]
In an ideal situation, it'd be only myself and the Speaker on a boat. Once at the island, I'd stay put while they made contact, and it would go from there. I feel a dhampir is already enough of a potential panic button for a Belmont. No need to add a necromancer in.
no subject
[Hector is used to a necromancer’s welcome (or more accurately, the decided lack thereof) where he goes, so he’s not sure why this instance irks him so. Maybe he thought it could be different with Alucard.
Maybe he is overtired and ill-fed.
He pushes himself up.]
Plot your course to the Speaker’s isle and make yourself ready to sail. I’m going below to eat before I transfer the crew to your control.