Holier Than Thou

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad stood across the bed from her and stared at her. He never could stay mad around her for very long. Somehow, she always knew the right things to say. "If it's not enough to take him in my current shape, I will change," he told her in a level tone. He walked toward her purposefully. "Listen to me, Tenele. My wife. My Love. I will do what it takes to keep you safe." He framed her cheek with a large, pale palm. "I will protect you, even if need to become the new King of Darkness to do so."

[Emora Deen]

Tenele blinked at his words. She wasn't sure if that was possible, or even how he could do it, but Tenele knew by looking at Vlad that he would try. Tenele let out a shaky breath and leaned forward into him, forgetting his wounded back in her emotional state and wrapping her arms around his waist. "I love you," she muttered softly against his skin. "I believe you. I believe in you."

Tenele drew away and wiped her eyes, letting out a soft sigh. "Go get my brother," she told him, kissing his lips. "I'm going to bathe. I have a meeting this afternoon, its the first one since I got back so it should be interesting to see how they react to the marriage. I also got word that its concerning the Outerlands making a trip here to sign a treaty. I believe Sinead is seeking their help in the war."

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad nodded. She believed he would try. That was the best he could get from her until he earned it. He kissed her forehead and ignored the raging wounds on his back as her arms embraced him. He pulled a shirt on gingerly over his ragged skin - black, to help mask any stains. He'd thought about wrapping the torn flesh, but burns generally needed to breathe. He just had to put up with it until it healed, though he knew his back would always carry the scars.

"I'm going now," he told her quietly, turning for the door. He still felt deflated by the whole conversation, even as he stepped out into the hallway. His ego wasn't usually so vulnerable. He didn't particularly care if people thought he was strong. But he cared when it came to Tenele. He made his way across the castle on foot, grudging every shift of the fabric across his back and too stubborn to simply give in and teleport to the dungeon. He couldn't run from his weakness. He had to find a way around it.

[Emora Deen]

Talon sat close to the bars on a bench, sipping on a vial of blood. He made a face after taking a swig of it, like he'd just drank something sour. "I need to go hunting," he muttered quietly. "This stuff is disgusting."

* * *

Tenele bathed quickly, trying to ignore the heaviness in her heart despite how they'd left the conversation. Part of her regretted telling him, and the other part was relieved that she had. When she was dry she dressed in clothing appropriate for court, and made the long trek down from Vlad's high tower to the council room.

The guards stood posted out front, swords propped on the marble floor, and hilts rigid in her their hands. The door was open, and she could see the many members of court bustling towards their seats. The Queen's Maiden, and wife to a vampire, took a deep breath and stepped inside. By now the rumors of Talon's change would be confirmed, as were the rumors of her marriage to his new master. She had no doubt that this would prove to be an interesting meeting.

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad descended the dungeon steps and ignored the curious enthusiasm of the heckling prisoners as he made his way past Mick's desk. "I'm letting him out, now," he said casually as he swiped up Mick's keys.

"You seem better," the man greeted him.

"Dandy," Vlad smirked as he walked to Talon. "Miss me?"

[Emora Deen]

Talon finished his morning meal and dropped the vial near the bench. He stood up, leaning against the bars. "Oh, of course," he said with a smirk. "I've been practising keeping my cool, and I think I've got this whole heart beat war hammer in my ears thing under control." Talon didn't have to ask how Vlad felt, he could feel how he felt. What he was curious about was why the vampire seemed so full of rage.

He appraised his master, arching an elegant silver eyebrow curiously. Talon's red eyes flashed to Mick. "Alright, unlock me and then tell me what's put your knickers in a twist."

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad smiled slightly as he turned the key in the gate and pulled it open for his protege. "Let's speak someplace quiet," he murmured. "You feeling okay on energy?"

[Emora Deen]

"I'm feeling like I have too much energy, sitting here drinking stale blood for the past two days. Bleh," he muttered, waltzing out of the cell. "Thanks for the company Mick." Talon saluted the man and headed for the exit.

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad turned and walked by Talon's side up the long stone staircase back to the ground level of the castle. They got a lot of curious stares as they made their way through the main hall of the palace, which tended to serve as a hub for people coming and going to various meetings within the estate. Eyes studied Talon in particular. For once, Vlad wasn't the most confusing thing in the room.

He stopped in his tracks as Sinead entered the far end of the hall, walking with a group of consulates from local states within the kingdom. Must be for Tenele's meeting, he thought to himself. There was no avoiding it, so he bowed as Sinead crossed paths with them.

"Lord Dracul. Sir Raider," She addressed them formally.

Vlad's red gaze burned into the floor. "My queen."

[Emora Deen]

Despite the betrayal that Talon felt towards Sinead, he bowed to show his respect for her. It didn't stop it from hurting him, that she now thought of him as a monster. He had never been as close to Sinead as Tenele was, but he did care for her.

When she passed Talon righted himself, withholding the urge to pat Vlad on the back and keep him moving. Talon could still feel the vampires injuries. "Things seem lively around here this morning."

* * *

Tenele tried her best to ignore their stares. She just kept her eyes on the floor and headed to her usual spot at the table, taking the seat with great relief. But, the whispers didn't go unnoticed.

"Its not possible," someone muttered. "How can you marry a demon? Honestly, the Gods wouldn't allow it."

"What sort of person loves something like that?"

"It can't be love. Must be witchcraft."

"He's even turned Talon Raider I hear. She'll be next, mark my words."

Tenele closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath.

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad straightened slowly after Sinead had passed. "You seem tense around her," he observed as he started forward, leading them toward the library.

[Emora Deen]

Talon smirked. "My mother left me in her care, though she wasn't the typical adopted mother, she was the only one I knew growing up," he admitted. "It stings a little that she looks at me like a common Arken demon." He shrugged his shoulders. "Its fine, though. Mother's don't seem to be something Tenele and I are meant to have, or meant to have good relationships with. Or fathers for that matter. Thankfully, I guess now, we have each other." Talon chuckled. "What a strange family we make."

Further down the hall his smile fell. "Down in the dungeon you seemed very angry, want to talk about it?"

If you had told Talon a month ago he'd be walking with Vladimir Dracul and carrying on conversations friendly, almost brotherly, he probably would have laughed. But, now, maybe because of the bond, it felt very natural.

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad blinked at him for a moment. "Your empathy has developed quickly," he observed. "Most vampires end up with a specialty. Like humans, our talents are all slightly unique." He wasn't sure what to think about the fact that his ward was able to sense his emotions. He wasn't a particularly open person in general.

Undecided, he wore a hollow grin and kept walking. He was avoiding the topic, and he knew it. He pushed open a large, carved mahogany door which led into a three-story grand library. The room was circular in shape, with books stretching all the way up the walls. Tall ladders stood on tracks against them, while solid wood bookcases lined up along the ground floor of the room.

[Emora Deen]

Talon smirked. "Well, I'll tune you out if you don't want to talk about it," he admitted to Vlad, admiring the library as they entered it.

"Any particular reason we're here?" he asked, running his hands over a pile of books stacked near the door.

[Soran Nightblade]

"It's quiet," the dead king sighed, dropping into a chair at one of the tables and resting forward on his elbows to avoid the back of the chair. He peaked his fingertips and rested them against his lips thoughtfully. "Well, I suppose we should start our research here," he finally said, with more relish than he actually felt.