Eiryk shook his head. Why would Alex ask those question. Certainly he'd asked question about being a vampire off and on to him, Cris, Rue... It didn't seem odd that he would have talk to Aishe about it too. She was the youngest of them, she'd had a lot of time to think about what she wanted and how to go about it. Even if she hadn't, her experience was the most recent and probably the most relevant.
"He...†Eiryk frowned, his lips went white, "He changed his mind?â€
Later he'd be irritated that Alex hadn't confided in him, that this had been kept from him. For now though he was just trying to process it all. He might not even be irritated, maybe it didn't matter. He was having a hard time getting his mind around Alex wanting to be turned, being willing to give up his mortality and the sun.
He sobbed once and sank down along the wall. Alex didn't have to go through all of this. He could have saved himself all this pain and now they were waiting what little time his fiancee, lover, partner, had left trying to decide who would turn him. Eiryk couldn't care less. Let some out dated Anantya turn him, grab some Tacheran off the street, it didn't matter. Anyone in this room would be perfect. But so long as Alex didn't stay dead he didn't care.
"Someone... go. Just go to him I don't care. I'll do it myself if I have to but he doesn't have time for this. Please... go.â€
He couldn't quite make eye contact with anyone and rubbed his forehead absently wanting some action, any action to be taken. He'd heard Cris and he didn't disagree, he wasn't the best choice but he couldn't just sit and do nothing. They could have a chance to make the decision but Eiryk wouldn't wait forever.
Out With the Old... (invite only)
Alex wiped the back of his hand across his brow and leaned on the kitchen counter for a second. When he brought it away from his face he frowned. It was shaking. He just felt - shaky.
It had been a week since he'd come upstairs from the clinic. A week and a half since the surgery on his knee. He knew he should be feeling much better but these last few days he'd been feeling worse. Not a lot, but a little. He hadn't mentioned it to anyone. It hadn't seemed horribly relevant. He'd been pushing himself, eager to be active, happy to be up and around.
At the moment his heart was pounding unreasonably hard though, and his ears were ringing faintly. He abandoned the cup of tea he'd been making and made his way into the bedroom. Eiryk was at work; Alex had reassured his lover that it was just fine. He had so many people here at the Towers that he could call to for help.
Right now he didn't need help. He just needed to lie down and rest. A short nap, and if he didn't feel any better he'd go see Rowan at the clinic. That's what he'd do. He arranged himself carefully in their big bed and pulled the comforter over himself, passing out before his head hit the pillow.
He woke much later than he thought he would, late in the night but too early for Eiryk to be home yet. He was sweating onto his sheets but he felt chilled. He got up, made his disturbingly breathless way into the bathroom, drank some water, and took his temperature. It was fucking high. 103.
Alex made his way back out to the living room. "MARI," he said, and his own voice sounded thready and thin to his ears. What was going on?
When the AI appeared he said, "Can you please let Rue... Dr. Murphy... know I'm coming into the clinic? Please. Wake him up if you have to."
He declined her offer of assistance; he could get to the elevator on his own. Once again, he had to wonder at his own pride as the hallway turned itself from a few feet into a few miles long. Oh god, what was happening? There... double metal doors. He reached out, far, far, and hit the button although he was pretty sure MARI knew to stop the elevator for him.
The doors slid open as Alex's vision was already tunneling. Black fuzziness invaded the periphery and he gasped a little. There was someone in the elevator already, and Alex hoped they wouldn't mind lending a hand because damn it... the world was swinging wildly around.
"Sorry," he gasped, not even sure what he was apologizing for until he began to fall. "Oh. It's you."
Arms reached out for him, and Alex had a peculiar sense of deja vu as he fell into them. "Thank god it's you."
Eiryk
10 years ago
Rowan Murphy
10 years ago
When Aishe dropped her little bomb on them Rowan couldn't help his knee-jerk reaction. He was too tired, too wrung out, too guilty, too lots of things to do anything. He felt the tears bubble out and immediately tried to swallow them down, turning into Cris's embrace, nodding when his husband spoke and sent, but unable at the moment to really say anything.
Alex had changed his mind? Rowan didn't care when it had happened, he was just glad it had. Glad, and at the same time sorry that he couldn't give Alex his first choice. Or was it his first choice, since he'd changed his mind? Rowan didn't even know.
He did see Eiryk's movement out of the corner of his eye where his face wasn't buried in Cris's soft blue sweater, and immediately he was up and across the room. He pulled Eiryk to him, hugged his old friend, and ignored the tears that still streamed from his face.
"I'll do it," he said. "I want to do it. It's Alex. I don't have anyone else I'm responsible for, and I've already been teaching him. I can handle anything uncomfortable he might experience. He's been asking me questions forever, you know that."
He looked back over his shoulder at everyone else, red-rimmed eyes bright with hope. Then he lowered his head to Eiryk's ear. "And I know about the other thing," he said, softly, but not so softly that no one else could hear. "The blood. He's going to need help with that, Eiryk. I can help there, too. Not that I wouldn't anyway, but I want to do this for him. For you."
Rowan looked back at everyone else again. "Let me. Please, let me do it."
There were so many reasons why he would be good for Alex. Their Alex. And if, as Cris said, Alex grew to resent he decision, well, that was all right too. Rowan was a doctor; he was used to making judgment calls. Alex could hate him, be angry at him, and Rowan would be all right with it. As long as Alex was alive to hate him and be angry at him. He didn't have enough guilt to feel like he deserved that, but he knew he could handle it if it happened.
Alex had changed his mind? Rowan didn't care when it had happened, he was just glad it had. Glad, and at the same time sorry that he couldn't give Alex his first choice. Or was it his first choice, since he'd changed his mind? Rowan didn't even know.
He did see Eiryk's movement out of the corner of his eye where his face wasn't buried in Cris's soft blue sweater, and immediately he was up and across the room. He pulled Eiryk to him, hugged his old friend, and ignored the tears that still streamed from his face.
"I'll do it," he said. "I want to do it. It's Alex. I don't have anyone else I'm responsible for, and I've already been teaching him. I can handle anything uncomfortable he might experience. He's been asking me questions forever, you know that."
He looked back over his shoulder at everyone else, red-rimmed eyes bright with hope. Then he lowered his head to Eiryk's ear. "And I know about the other thing," he said, softly, but not so softly that no one else could hear. "The blood. He's going to need help with that, Eiryk. I can help there, too. Not that I wouldn't anyway, but I want to do this for him. For you."
Rowan looked back at everyone else again. "Let me. Please, let me do it."
There were so many reasons why he would be good for Alex. Their Alex. And if, as Cris said, Alex grew to resent he decision, well, that was all right too. Rowan was a doctor; he was used to making judgment calls. Alex could hate him, be angry at him, and Rowan would be all right with it. As long as Alex was alive to hate him and be angry at him. He didn't have enough guilt to feel like he deserved that, but he knew he could handle it if it happened.
Aishe
10 years ago
Aishe was relieved when no one got upset with her. And they all seemed to believe her. Whether because they wanted to believe Alex had wanted this, or because they knew she wouldn't lie (and, really, in three cases here they could tell she wasn't lying, she hoped), whatever the reasons, she was thrilled.
Cris approached it rationally as usual. Aishe smiled softly and shook her head at the sending. Now, she was going to have to lie to Cris and she didn't much like that, but it wouldn't exactly be a lie really. Because Alex hadn't told her this part.
[He didn't express a preference, Cris. I don't think he ever expected this to happen... this way. I think he was expecting he might have some sort of say in it, but he trusted me with this and I can't let him down. I think anyone here would make him happy.]
And, hopefully, they would reach a decision soon. By consent, it seemed they were turning to Cris and Rowan. Kiamhaat, Aishe knew, wouldn't speak up unless it seemed like everyone else wanted him to do it. But Rowan gathered himself together and ran to Eiryk, addressing him mostly, but also looking at Cris as he offered to be Alex's Creator.
Aishe nodded to him, feeling guilty, because Rowan was so sincere. But it was Cris's call since Eiryk just seemed to want it done and Alex's future secured. The only person left to object or not was her own Creator, who Aishe would certainly vouch for. As far as she was concerned, he was the perfect Creator for anyone. But Rowan would be good too. He was a nurturer. Eiryk was right - anyone here could be Alex's Creator, and be a good one.
Oh, well.
Cris approached it rationally as usual. Aishe smiled softly and shook her head at the sending. Now, she was going to have to lie to Cris and she didn't much like that, but it wouldn't exactly be a lie really. Because Alex hadn't told her this part.
[He didn't express a preference, Cris. I don't think he ever expected this to happen... this way. I think he was expecting he might have some sort of say in it, but he trusted me with this and I can't let him down. I think anyone here would make him happy.]
And, hopefully, they would reach a decision soon. By consent, it seemed they were turning to Cris and Rowan. Kiamhaat, Aishe knew, wouldn't speak up unless it seemed like everyone else wanted him to do it. But Rowan gathered himself together and ran to Eiryk, addressing him mostly, but also looking at Cris as he offered to be Alex's Creator.
Aishe nodded to him, feeling guilty, because Rowan was so sincere. But it was Cris's call since Eiryk just seemed to want it done and Alex's future secured. The only person left to object or not was her own Creator, who Aishe would certainly vouch for. As far as she was concerned, he was the perfect Creator for anyone. But Rowan would be good too. He was a nurturer. Eiryk was right - anyone here could be Alex's Creator, and be a good one.
Oh, well.
Christian Bern
10 years ago
Cris watched Rowan run to Eiryk, knowing what was coming next. It broke his heart to see his beloved so torn up about Alex's condition. It would be near impossible to convince Rowan that he wasn't to blame if the worst did happen to Alex.
He was grateful that wasn't going to be the case.
But more than even that, he was grateful that Alex had chosen before he had gotten this sick and that his choice had been life, or unlife as the case may be.
Still, he had his friend's care and well being to consider and his husband's future relationship with a potential child, his relationship with Eiryk and perhaps even their own relationship to consider while listening to Rowan's heart felt plea.
Watching his husband's aura, he also weighed the decision. Rowan would make a good parent. He was patient, knowledgeable, fun, protective. He loved Alex already and Eiryk. If something should happen between Alex and Eiryk then Alex would have a firm support of friendship to keep him interested in living through the long centuries. He would be there, himself, whether Alex was his child or not and so would Aishe. Eiryk was very much planning on being there for a very very long time so the man was going to have a large family no matter who did the actual creating.
If Alex resented being a vampire and resented Rowan for making him one. It would sadden his partner but it wouldn't break him. Rowan was made of sterner stuff than most people gave him credit for. It was the fun loving, kind hearted doctor that most people saw. (despite the piercings and leather). A part of him wanted to protect Rowan from such a possibility but that concern came and went in mere moments. He couldn't protect Rowan from everything and there was more joy to be had in this relationship than there was pain. He wouldn't take that away from Rowan for anything.
"Alright, Love. If Eiryk has no objections than neither do I.†He smiled softly at Rowan, happy at the thought of having Alex officially a part of their family. They would all look forward to teaching him what it meant to be a vampire. Hopefully they could show him the things that made it truly wonderful.
"You are right.†Cris said as he stood and crossed over to Aishe. "I still have my hands full with this one.†He hugged his daughter, his heart filled with giddy relief and no small amount of pride that Aishe was able to shoulder that secret for Alex. It must have been hard to keep it while Alex was incredibly sick with the cancer treatments but he had been getting better and if things had gone according to plan then he would have gotten healthy again on his own and then he could have chosen to make the decision and chosen when to reveal it on his own. "She is quite the trouble maker. Her and that damn Elder that is always causing trouble.†He grinned at her and then up at Kem. "Not you. The other one.â€
"Now, enough talking. Let us go make a vampire.†Cris moved to Rowan's side, determined to be with him just as surely as Eiryk was determined to be with Alex. Their friend's creation would likely be a group event. He hoped the incredibly private Alex didn't mind.
He was grateful that wasn't going to be the case.
But more than even that, he was grateful that Alex had chosen before he had gotten this sick and that his choice had been life, or unlife as the case may be.
Still, he had his friend's care and well being to consider and his husband's future relationship with a potential child, his relationship with Eiryk and perhaps even their own relationship to consider while listening to Rowan's heart felt plea.
Watching his husband's aura, he also weighed the decision. Rowan would make a good parent. He was patient, knowledgeable, fun, protective. He loved Alex already and Eiryk. If something should happen between Alex and Eiryk then Alex would have a firm support of friendship to keep him interested in living through the long centuries. He would be there, himself, whether Alex was his child or not and so would Aishe. Eiryk was very much planning on being there for a very very long time so the man was going to have a large family no matter who did the actual creating.
If Alex resented being a vampire and resented Rowan for making him one. It would sadden his partner but it wouldn't break him. Rowan was made of sterner stuff than most people gave him credit for. It was the fun loving, kind hearted doctor that most people saw. (despite the piercings and leather). A part of him wanted to protect Rowan from such a possibility but that concern came and went in mere moments. He couldn't protect Rowan from everything and there was more joy to be had in this relationship than there was pain. He wouldn't take that away from Rowan for anything.
"Alright, Love. If Eiryk has no objections than neither do I.†He smiled softly at Rowan, happy at the thought of having Alex officially a part of their family. They would all look forward to teaching him what it meant to be a vampire. Hopefully they could show him the things that made it truly wonderful.
"You are right.†Cris said as he stood and crossed over to Aishe. "I still have my hands full with this one.†He hugged his daughter, his heart filled with giddy relief and no small amount of pride that Aishe was able to shoulder that secret for Alex. It must have been hard to keep it while Alex was incredibly sick with the cancer treatments but he had been getting better and if things had gone according to plan then he would have gotten healthy again on his own and then he could have chosen to make the decision and chosen when to reveal it on his own. "She is quite the trouble maker. Her and that damn Elder that is always causing trouble.†He grinned at her and then up at Kem. "Not you. The other one.â€
"Now, enough talking. Let us go make a vampire.†Cris moved to Rowan's side, determined to be with him just as surely as Eiryk was determined to be with Alex. Their friend's creation would likely be a group event. He hoped the incredibly private Alex didn't mind.
Alfarinn
10 years ago
"We have to hurry.†Alfarinn told Becky as soon as she returned to the room. He was standing next to Alex's bed, looking down at the human that was only getting worse. "Help me unplug all this. I need to take him upstairs.â€
He gestured to the machines and then looked at her. "I don't have time to explain fully but I made Alex a promise that I would turn him if things didn't get better.†Alfarinn regarded her solemnly and then looked at all the monitors and machines that proved that things were definitely not getting better. "I intend to keep that promise but that would be easier to do upstairs.â€
"They are going to come back soon and I would rather them not come in before the change has begun. I don't know who they are going to decide is the best choice to turn Alex but I am overruling whatever decision they make.†He gave her a quick smile. "They are very good friends. They love and support one another. It is a balance that should be preserved. They will all be there for him but this way no one person among them would feel most responsible for Alex as a vampire.â€
While Becky was helping him unhook the machines, he murmured to Alex. "I am here and you will feel better very soon, my friend. I promise I will take good care of you.†For many centuries to come if all things went as they should.
They made their way into the elevator, going as fast as Becky could go. She had to hold the little hand held pump that pushed air into Alex's lungs. Without the respirator working for him he would soon die. Neither of them wanted to risk death or brain damage when it could be avoided for the small amount of time they needed.
Bringing him into the first guest bedroom, he settled Alex carefully upon the bed. "Keep him breathing for a little longer.â€
He moved forward and took Alex carefully into his arms. " Velkommen til familien, min sønn.†As gently as he could, Alfarinn bit down and began to drain the blood from Alex. It was full of medication; it didn't taste clean and vital which was so unlike the Alex of few months ago but underneath all of the artificial stuff there was the taste of a healthy lifestyle, of good meals and exercise that was not so easily erased by even illness such as this. And there was something else, or more importantly someone else, he could taste the hint of vampire blood. Like a faint whiff of something more potent, older and richer lingering like a fine spice in the human blood.
It took but a few minutes but it seemed like a tiny eternity. He was now full on blood, more than he could really use.
"I need you to take some of this back now." Alfarinn bit into his wrist and pressed it firmly to Alex's lips. Alex needed to drink and he needed to do it quickly. If he didn't wake up enough to do so then he would have to try to force some of it down Alex's throat and hope some was enough to wake him up so he could drink the rest.
He gestured to the machines and then looked at her. "I don't have time to explain fully but I made Alex a promise that I would turn him if things didn't get better.†Alfarinn regarded her solemnly and then looked at all the monitors and machines that proved that things were definitely not getting better. "I intend to keep that promise but that would be easier to do upstairs.â€
"They are going to come back soon and I would rather them not come in before the change has begun. I don't know who they are going to decide is the best choice to turn Alex but I am overruling whatever decision they make.†He gave her a quick smile. "They are very good friends. They love and support one another. It is a balance that should be preserved. They will all be there for him but this way no one person among them would feel most responsible for Alex as a vampire.â€
While Becky was helping him unhook the machines, he murmured to Alex. "I am here and you will feel better very soon, my friend. I promise I will take good care of you.†For many centuries to come if all things went as they should.
They made their way into the elevator, going as fast as Becky could go. She had to hold the little hand held pump that pushed air into Alex's lungs. Without the respirator working for him he would soon die. Neither of them wanted to risk death or brain damage when it could be avoided for the small amount of time they needed.
Bringing him into the first guest bedroom, he settled Alex carefully upon the bed. "Keep him breathing for a little longer.â€
He moved forward and took Alex carefully into his arms. " Velkommen til familien, min sønn.†As gently as he could, Alfarinn bit down and began to drain the blood from Alex. It was full of medication; it didn't taste clean and vital which was so unlike the Alex of few months ago but underneath all of the artificial stuff there was the taste of a healthy lifestyle, of good meals and exercise that was not so easily erased by even illness such as this. And there was something else, or more importantly someone else, he could taste the hint of vampire blood. Like a faint whiff of something more potent, older and richer lingering like a fine spice in the human blood.
It took but a few minutes but it seemed like a tiny eternity. He was now full on blood, more than he could really use.
"I need you to take some of this back now." Alfarinn bit into his wrist and pressed it firmly to Alex's lips. Alex needed to drink and he needed to do it quickly. If he didn't wake up enough to do so then he would have to try to force some of it down Alex's throat and hope some was enough to wake him up so he could drink the rest.
Alex Aristos
10 years ago
Alex didn't really know where he was or how much time had passed. Awareness came to him in bits and pieces, floating by like leaves on a stream. They circled and brushed against him but flitted out of the way before he could grasp them.
He heard voices he knew. Familiar ones that cut through the fog of his mind, like Eiryk's. Other voices he knew he should know but he couldn't hang onto their owners' names. Things felt strange around him. His throat was uncomfortable. His leg hurt. His chest hurt. His stomach ached. It was easier to keep drifting.
Somewhere in the back of his head he knew what was happening, but he couldn't find the energy to care. If he'd had that much energy he'd have been appalled at himself. But he didn't. There was just him. Drifting away to the sound of one of those voices he should know, because there was something... about it. Something important. He drifted some more.
Until a bright light shattered his pleasant floating feeling. A pinch, and a bright spotlight on the backs of his eyelids. More of that voice. Deep and soothing. Foreign and familiar at the same time. What...
His heart pounded once. He felt it through his head, through his skin, through his veins. Another flash, another pound. Thunder and lightning through his body. He felt... cold. Was that the last thing he was going to feel? Cold?
Someone was talking to him. Something cool met his lips. He recognized it; it was something he wanted. Very much. Alex tried to swallow, realized his throat was horribly raw and rusty, like there had been something in it. He panicked, destroying his happy tranquil state as he tried to swallow around that raw scraping sensation.
A new voice soothed him, or tried to. Alex's eyes flew open and he saw a familiar face. The liquid against his lips... ah. There was only one reason for that. Right? Was he dreaming?
He couldn't keep his eyes open; it took everything he had to swallow. Gentle fingers massaged his throat. Fireworks burst behind his eyes again at the taste of that blood. So much more potent than Eiryk's. Like a drug overdose. Alex drank, assisted by hands holding him up, fingers at his throat, at his mouth. Wave after wave of rich, delicious... blood. Oh god, it was good.
He made a strangled noise when it stopped, and then he remembered to breathe. It was a tortured sound, a tortured effort, but he managed it on his own even though his lungs ached. With effort he opened his eyes again.
Alfarinn. He mouthed the name, tried to say it. Wasn't happening. His eyes wanted to close; he battled to keep them open. He tried to turn toward Alfarinn but his body wouldn't obey. Finally he managed to lift his hand, and he reached for the man who was keeping a promise made not so very long ago. His lifeline, the only rope he had binding him to this Earth.
He heard voices he knew. Familiar ones that cut through the fog of his mind, like Eiryk's. Other voices he knew he should know but he couldn't hang onto their owners' names. Things felt strange around him. His throat was uncomfortable. His leg hurt. His chest hurt. His stomach ached. It was easier to keep drifting.
Somewhere in the back of his head he knew what was happening, but he couldn't find the energy to care. If he'd had that much energy he'd have been appalled at himself. But he didn't. There was just him. Drifting away to the sound of one of those voices he should know, because there was something... about it. Something important. He drifted some more.
Until a bright light shattered his pleasant floating feeling. A pinch, and a bright spotlight on the backs of his eyelids. More of that voice. Deep and soothing. Foreign and familiar at the same time. What...
His heart pounded once. He felt it through his head, through his skin, through his veins. Another flash, another pound. Thunder and lightning through his body. He felt... cold. Was that the last thing he was going to feel? Cold?
Someone was talking to him. Something cool met his lips. He recognized it; it was something he wanted. Very much. Alex tried to swallow, realized his throat was horribly raw and rusty, like there had been something in it. He panicked, destroying his happy tranquil state as he tried to swallow around that raw scraping sensation.
A new voice soothed him, or tried to. Alex's eyes flew open and he saw a familiar face. The liquid against his lips... ah. There was only one reason for that. Right? Was he dreaming?
He couldn't keep his eyes open; it took everything he had to swallow. Gentle fingers massaged his throat. Fireworks burst behind his eyes again at the taste of that blood. So much more potent than Eiryk's. Like a drug overdose. Alex drank, assisted by hands holding him up, fingers at his throat, at his mouth. Wave after wave of rich, delicious... blood. Oh god, it was good.
He made a strangled noise when it stopped, and then he remembered to breathe. It was a tortured sound, a tortured effort, but he managed it on his own even though his lungs ached. With effort he opened his eyes again.
Alfarinn. He mouthed the name, tried to say it. Wasn't happening. His eyes wanted to close; he battled to keep them open. He tried to turn toward Alfarinn but his body wouldn't obey. Finally he managed to lift his hand, and he reached for the man who was keeping a promise made not so very long ago. His lifeline, the only rope he had binding him to this Earth.
Eiryk
10 years ago
Eiryk clung to Rowan. It felt right. He knew that Alex was probably closer to Cris but oddly enough that was probably for the best. He didn't want to change or damage anyone's relationship. He wanted Alex alive and well, human or vampire it didn't matter to him, but what was the point of being alive if he didn't have friends and family to come back to?
What little color was left in Eiryk's face drained away when Rowan mentioned the blood. Rowan knew about it of course but there was some guilt there. Eiryk wondered if the blood had caused this, if it was killing Alex. It did make this a little more complicated but certainly that was a risk they had to take.
He looked at Rowan, slightly worried though. It was the first time in a while that he'd worried about something other than Alex. He wasn't certain, he just guessed, but Eiryk had known Rue along time and couldn't help but think that some guilt was coming into play.
"Of course... I think that would be wonderful but only if you -want- to Rue. None of this is your fault, you don't have to turn him to make anything up to anyone. If it is something you want I would love this.â€
He would love it if Cris did it, or Kem or even Aishe. It didn't matter to him, the only thing Eiryk was concerned about was that it was done soon and willingly.
What little color was left in Eiryk's face drained away when Rowan mentioned the blood. Rowan knew about it of course but there was some guilt there. Eiryk wondered if the blood had caused this, if it was killing Alex. It did make this a little more complicated but certainly that was a risk they had to take.
He looked at Rowan, slightly worried though. It was the first time in a while that he'd worried about something other than Alex. He wasn't certain, he just guessed, but Eiryk had known Rue along time and couldn't help but think that some guilt was coming into play.
"Of course... I think that would be wonderful but only if you -want- to Rue. None of this is your fault, you don't have to turn him to make anything up to anyone. If it is something you want I would love this.â€
He would love it if Cris did it, or Kem or even Aishe. It didn't matter to him, the only thing Eiryk was concerned about was that it was done soon and willingly.
Rowan Murphy
10 years ago
Rowan felt an almost giddy sense of relief when various blessings were offered and no one seemed to have an objection to his being the one who turned Alex. His pale, strained face split into a wide grin and he practically bounced to his feet, dragging Eiryk by the hand up with him.
"Damn it, let's go get your man back," he said as he pulled Eiryk toward the door. Elation killed any fatigue he felt; he could do this for Alex and Eiryk. If he couldn't save Alex one way, he could save him another. Having Alex's blessing, through Aishe, was all he needed for now. He could analyze it later.
They burst in through the clinic door and down the hallway to Alex's room... and the Rowan drew up to a dead halt, bracing himself for Eiryk's inevitable crash into his back. His heart dropped out through his chest and he staggered for a second.
There was no one there. The bed was empty, the machines all unhooked.
"Becky? What the... Becky?" Rowan's nurse wasn't answering. Someone else was missing too. Alfarinn. Alfarinn had been there.
Rowan turned, the haggard expression back on his face, to look at Cris as if his husband could help him add up the facts. Alfarinn, Alex, and Becky were gone. He sank into the nearest chair as if he were deflating. Stunned, Rowan turned to look at Aishe.
She lifted her shoulders. "I was under orders."
((ooc: Assuming everyone followed them to the clinic))
"Damn it, let's go get your man back," he said as he pulled Eiryk toward the door. Elation killed any fatigue he felt; he could do this for Alex and Eiryk. If he couldn't save Alex one way, he could save him another. Having Alex's blessing, through Aishe, was all he needed for now. He could analyze it later.
They burst in through the clinic door and down the hallway to Alex's room... and the Rowan drew up to a dead halt, bracing himself for Eiryk's inevitable crash into his back. His heart dropped out through his chest and he staggered for a second.
There was no one there. The bed was empty, the machines all unhooked.
"Becky? What the... Becky?" Rowan's nurse wasn't answering. Someone else was missing too. Alfarinn. Alfarinn had been there.
Rowan turned, the haggard expression back on his face, to look at Cris as if his husband could help him add up the facts. Alfarinn, Alex, and Becky were gone. He sank into the nearest chair as if he were deflating. Stunned, Rowan turned to look at Aishe.
She lifted her shoulders. "I was under orders."
((ooc: Assuming everyone followed them to the clinic))
Christian Bern
10 years ago
Cris followed along with everyone else back across the hall. He watched Rowan with a smile, happy to see his husband cheerful and purposeful, happy too at the thought of Alex being a part of their family.
They were like some strange raiding party, tumbling rag tag into the medical center. Everyone was short on sleep, some were short on showers and everyone was filled with a new sense of hope.
However, Rowan stopped dead in his tracks and the cheer seemed to drain out of him. Cris could tell, even only seeing the back of his partner, that something was very wrong.
Moving to the side of Rowan and Eiryk, he entered the room and saw that it was empty. The plugs and wires still dangled from the machines and the bed was slightly askew. Alex was gone and so was Becky and Alfarinn.
Rowan turned to him to make sense of it. Cris came to where his husband had sank into a chair and knelt in front of him. "I will find out what happened to him though I suspect the answer is somewhat obvious."
He hadn't missed Aishe's words. Cris turned and looked at her, one eyebrow arched. Under orders. He already had some idea of what was going on but Aishe's statement confirmed his suspicions. Becky wouldn't take Alex out of the room and that left Alfarinn. There were few reasons why he would do such a thing.
[Explain yourself.] His sending had a sharp edge of anger to it. Even if Alfarinn was doing or had done what they had intended to do he was still angry that he hadn't been told and that Rowan had lost his chance to turn Alex as he had intended. They wouldn't love him any less for him not being Rowan's vampiric son but the thought had brought his partner joy and relief and someone had taken that away.
[I kept a promise.] Came the calm voice that responded. [He is safe and he will live as one of us.]
Cris sighed softly, standing, he reached out a hand for Rowan.[/i] "Alex is going to be fine. He is upstairs with Alfarinn." He turned and looked at Eiryk to reassure him that everything would be okay. "He has made him one of us. Alfarinn says he promised that to Alex a long time ago but Alex wanted to get better on his own. He said that he renewed that promise when he brought Alex down here a few days ago."
He wrapped his arms around Rowan. [I am sorry, Love, but at least he will live.] Cris gestured everyone toward the door. "Let's go upstairs. He will be wanting to see everyone soon." Taking hold of Rowan's hand, he continued. [This connection will likely be good for both of them. They both could use a family.]
They were like some strange raiding party, tumbling rag tag into the medical center. Everyone was short on sleep, some were short on showers and everyone was filled with a new sense of hope.
However, Rowan stopped dead in his tracks and the cheer seemed to drain out of him. Cris could tell, even only seeing the back of his partner, that something was very wrong.
Moving to the side of Rowan and Eiryk, he entered the room and saw that it was empty. The plugs and wires still dangled from the machines and the bed was slightly askew. Alex was gone and so was Becky and Alfarinn.
Rowan turned to him to make sense of it. Cris came to where his husband had sank into a chair and knelt in front of him. "I will find out what happened to him though I suspect the answer is somewhat obvious."
He hadn't missed Aishe's words. Cris turned and looked at her, one eyebrow arched. Under orders. He already had some idea of what was going on but Aishe's statement confirmed his suspicions. Becky wouldn't take Alex out of the room and that left Alfarinn. There were few reasons why he would do such a thing.
[Explain yourself.] His sending had a sharp edge of anger to it. Even if Alfarinn was doing or had done what they had intended to do he was still angry that he hadn't been told and that Rowan had lost his chance to turn Alex as he had intended. They wouldn't love him any less for him not being Rowan's vampiric son but the thought had brought his partner joy and relief and someone had taken that away.
[I kept a promise.] Came the calm voice that responded. [He is safe and he will live as one of us.]
Cris sighed softly, standing, he reached out a hand for Rowan.[/i] "Alex is going to be fine. He is upstairs with Alfarinn." He turned and looked at Eiryk to reassure him that everything would be okay. "He has made him one of us. Alfarinn says he promised that to Alex a long time ago but Alex wanted to get better on his own. He said that he renewed that promise when he brought Alex down here a few days ago."
He wrapped his arms around Rowan. [I am sorry, Love, but at least he will live.] Cris gestured everyone toward the door. "Let's go upstairs. He will be wanting to see everyone soon." Taking hold of Rowan's hand, he continued. [This connection will likely be good for both of them. They both could use a family.]
Alfarinn
10 years ago
They had to force Alex to drink it in the beginning but he knew that it would work. He had seen others just as far gone become one of them. The blood was potent; it could coax back to life even those with but the barest hint of it still inside them.
Alex opened his eyes and took a tortured breath. It was clear that he tried to speak but Alfarinn shook his head. "Don't waste your air on that just yet. There will be plenty of time."
He re-opened his wrist and pressed it again to Alex's lips. This time he expected that Alex would be able to take it and drink on his own.
"The change is strange and painful." Alfarinn watched Alex with solemn eyes. "but you might not find it so bad. You have been through so much already. You will get stronger soon and then... you will never be sick again." He smiled gently. "I will be here the whole time."
Cris sent to him, his mental voice filled with more anger than he would have expected. He explained himself, as ordered.
With a sigh, he looked at Becky and then at Alex. "We will have company soon."
"Will you do me a favor, Becky? Will you get him a bag of blood?" Alfarinn explained himself to both of them. "He will be hungry after the change has finished. It is an unsafe hungry and its better to blunt the edges of it with something that can't be harmed than to risk someone who can." He knew the others would happily give Alex some of their blood but they hadn't been eating nearly as well as they should themselves. Besides, one shouldn't get used to drinking vampire blood so early in unlife. It was far too rich.
Alex opened his eyes and took a tortured breath. It was clear that he tried to speak but Alfarinn shook his head. "Don't waste your air on that just yet. There will be plenty of time."
He re-opened his wrist and pressed it again to Alex's lips. This time he expected that Alex would be able to take it and drink on his own.
"The change is strange and painful." Alfarinn watched Alex with solemn eyes. "but you might not find it so bad. You have been through so much already. You will get stronger soon and then... you will never be sick again." He smiled gently. "I will be here the whole time."
Cris sent to him, his mental voice filled with more anger than he would have expected. He explained himself, as ordered.
With a sigh, he looked at Becky and then at Alex. "We will have company soon."
"Will you do me a favor, Becky? Will you get him a bag of blood?" Alfarinn explained himself to both of them. "He will be hungry after the change has finished. It is an unsafe hungry and its better to blunt the edges of it with something that can't be harmed than to risk someone who can." He knew the others would happily give Alex some of their blood but they hadn't been eating nearly as well as they should themselves. Besides, one shouldn't get used to drinking vampire blood so early in unlife. It was far too rich.
Eiryk
10 years ago
From grief and desperation to stunned to almost giddy Eiryk was a bit woozy and dizzy but he still half charged back to the clinic hot on Rue's heels. It was too good to be true, but at the same time he knew they were in for a few problems. The fact that Alex was already a bit enamored of vampire blood, that even though he'd given his permission to be turned this wasn't the time or place that Alex had anticipated it happening and probably another dozen things that Eiryk hadn't even thought of yet. But Alex would be alive, sort of, to face them.
Rowan stopped unexpectedly and Eiryk did plow right into him before stumbling backwards. It didn't take long to figure out what had brought his friend up short. Eiryk blindly went to the empty bed. They couldn't, -wouldn't- have taken Alex away that fast if he had... No. That couldn't be it. Still Eiryk leaned heavily on the bed as his mind struggled to make sense of what he was seeing. Alex was gone, the nurse was gone, just as he was starting to grasp the implications Aishe and Cris provided confirmation of what he was starting to expect.
He shook his head. It seemed like they were all slightly blind- sided by this. Alex, cautious sweet Alex, had managed to out flank hundreds of years of combined military, piracy, and Viking experience; with his emotions so raw Eiryk didn't know if he should be hurt by the secrecy, cry or laugh or some combination of all three.
"Upstairs our place or upstairs Alfarinn's place? When can I see him?â€
Eiryk's voice cracked slightly with the strain they'd all been dealing with for the past few days. Angus had kept Eiryk well away from the other brothers for some time and he had blacked out an hour or two after Angus first turned him. He had to wonder if Alfarinn would be slightly protective of Alex for a bit at first, if he'd want time to ease Alex into this new life and wouldn't want any interference. Eiryk honestly wasn't sure if he could stand that. He -needed- to see Alex was up and kicking. He had to have proof that his fiancé was going to remain with them and hadn't just vanished into thin air with a nurse and the elder.
Rowan stopped unexpectedly and Eiryk did plow right into him before stumbling backwards. It didn't take long to figure out what had brought his friend up short. Eiryk blindly went to the empty bed. They couldn't, -wouldn't- have taken Alex away that fast if he had... No. That couldn't be it. Still Eiryk leaned heavily on the bed as his mind struggled to make sense of what he was seeing. Alex was gone, the nurse was gone, just as he was starting to grasp the implications Aishe and Cris provided confirmation of what he was starting to expect.
He shook his head. It seemed like they were all slightly blind- sided by this. Alex, cautious sweet Alex, had managed to out flank hundreds of years of combined military, piracy, and Viking experience; with his emotions so raw Eiryk didn't know if he should be hurt by the secrecy, cry or laugh or some combination of all three.
"Upstairs our place or upstairs Alfarinn's place? When can I see him?â€
Eiryk's voice cracked slightly with the strain they'd all been dealing with for the past few days. Angus had kept Eiryk well away from the other brothers for some time and he had blacked out an hour or two after Angus first turned him. He had to wonder if Alfarinn would be slightly protective of Alex for a bit at first, if he'd want time to ease Alex into this new life and wouldn't want any interference. Eiryk honestly wasn't sure if he could stand that. He -needed- to see Alex was up and kicking. He had to have proof that his fiancé was going to remain with them and hadn't just vanished into thin air with a nurse and the elder.
Alex Aristos
10 years ago
Alex struggled to make Alfarinn's words make sense but they trickled so slowly into his brain. Finally they dripped through; thank goodness the Elder was using small words and simple concepts. Strange and painful... so far it felt strange and floaty, but Alex supposed that was because he'd been about to die and technically he was still going to do just that only he'd be waking up possibly not feeling more corpse-like than he did at this moment.
He shivered, hard, the tremor sweeping through his body uncontrollably. It was impossible to distinguish the effects of drugs and sepsis from becoming a vampire. God, he was going to be a vampire. Sort of too late to rethink that one, huh. But he wouldn't, anyway.
Alfarinn spoke to Becky. Alex had closed his eyes with the reassurance that Alfarinn wouldn't leave, but when the Elder's words made sense again his eyes snapped open.
"No," he choked. His voice sounded pretty bad. He snatched at Alfarinn's arm.
"No company... please. Just... me and... you."
He didn't want Eiryk to see this. He didn't want Cris to have to. Nor Rowan or Aishe. It was going to be too much. He was doing this partly to spare his friends the pain of seeing him die. Partly - he had plenty of other reasons. If it was going to be difficult, he would rather face it privately, like anything else. He didn't want to see any of them again until he could walk on his own feet out to greet them.
Even in illness and death he could be proud. Too proud, maybe, but this was the way he wanted it.
"Will see them... when I'm back... on my feet," he rasped, trying to explain.
Another shudder swept through him and he closed his eyes, braced against it, and struggled to stay aware.
He shivered, hard, the tremor sweeping through his body uncontrollably. It was impossible to distinguish the effects of drugs and sepsis from becoming a vampire. God, he was going to be a vampire. Sort of too late to rethink that one, huh. But he wouldn't, anyway.
Alfarinn spoke to Becky. Alex had closed his eyes with the reassurance that Alfarinn wouldn't leave, but when the Elder's words made sense again his eyes snapped open.
"No," he choked. His voice sounded pretty bad. He snatched at Alfarinn's arm.
"No company... please. Just... me and... you."
He didn't want Eiryk to see this. He didn't want Cris to have to. Nor Rowan or Aishe. It was going to be too much. He was doing this partly to spare his friends the pain of seeing him die. Partly - he had plenty of other reasons. If it was going to be difficult, he would rather face it privately, like anything else. He didn't want to see any of them again until he could walk on his own feet out to greet them.
Even in illness and death he could be proud. Too proud, maybe, but this was the way he wanted it.
"Will see them... when I'm back... on my feet," he rasped, trying to explain.
Another shudder swept through him and he closed his eyes, braced against it, and struggled to stay aware.
Rowan Murphy
10 years ago
Cris came into his line of sight, his image blurry through tears and exhaustion, and Rowan slid bonelessly from his seat to kneel on the floor with him. He leaned forward, rested his head on Cris's shoulder, and nodded in agreement at his words.
Alfarinn and Becky's role confirmed, Rowan took Cris's hand and stood, feeling wrung out. Like he wanted to fly apart. He usually handled stress well but it was starting to overpower him. He wasn't alone though; everyone here felt it. He moved into Cris's arms and embraced his husband in return, knowing this was equally hard on him, soothing his hands over Cris's lean back.
[No, no, you're right,] Rowan sent back to Cris. [Alfarinn will be a good Creator. It's good. We still have Alex, that's the important part.] He meant what he said but he still felt... jilted, somehow.
Before they could go anywhere a sound from the doorway made Rowan turn. He saw Becky standing there. Her eyes went wide and she moved toward them all, mostly toward Eiryk.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't get much choice. He's okay. He's doing okay."
Aishe moved to stand next to Becky. "It's all right," she soothed the woman. "Between Alex and Alfarinn there are several teams of mules who have stepped aside and acknowledged that they couldn't compete for stubborn."
Well, Rowan thought, that much was true. Becky gestured down the hallway. "Alfarinn asked me to get blood. I don't know what else is happening, but Alex drank from him and he's awake, talking to Alfarinn. It's going to be all right."
Alfarinn and Becky's role confirmed, Rowan took Cris's hand and stood, feeling wrung out. Like he wanted to fly apart. He usually handled stress well but it was starting to overpower him. He wasn't alone though; everyone here felt it. He moved into Cris's arms and embraced his husband in return, knowing this was equally hard on him, soothing his hands over Cris's lean back.
[No, no, you're right,] Rowan sent back to Cris. [Alfarinn will be a good Creator. It's good. We still have Alex, that's the important part.] He meant what he said but he still felt... jilted, somehow.
Before they could go anywhere a sound from the doorway made Rowan turn. He saw Becky standing there. Her eyes went wide and she moved toward them all, mostly toward Eiryk.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't get much choice. He's okay. He's doing okay."
Aishe moved to stand next to Becky. "It's all right," she soothed the woman. "Between Alex and Alfarinn there are several teams of mules who have stepped aside and acknowledged that they couldn't compete for stubborn."
Well, Rowan thought, that much was true. Becky gestured down the hallway. "Alfarinn asked me to get blood. I don't know what else is happening, but Alex drank from him and he's awake, talking to Alfarinn. It's going to be all right."
Christian Bern
10 years ago
[Hmm, we are going to have to talk to the two of them about communication.] Cris sent to Rowan, his mental voice still holding an annoyed edge even if a promise had been made and kept. [Alfarinn could have told us and saved us a great deal of worry. Not all of it but at least we would know we weren't going to lose him.] He sighed softly and leaned a little against Rowan. [I suppose he was worried that we would object to him as a choice.] He couldn't tell with Alfarinn this time. Perhaps he was worried that one of them would insist or that they would insist that it be one of them or that Alfarinn didn't know Alex very well so it shouldn't be him. Or perhaps Alfarinn himself was worried that he wouldn't be a good enough father. [His most recent child had been his lover. He had been a soldier, the child.] And Alfarinn as well. [He had been bonded to him. He died on the battlefield. I believe that is why he would feel strongly about such a union and perhaps Alex felt the same way, and to a lesser extent the same way toward the rest of us. That we are too close.]
Cris watched as Becky entered and told Eiryk that Alex was awake and drinking and that Alfarinn had asked for blood. "Ah modern times...back in my day we were given an animal or two to drink in the beginning." At least he had been. Grisha had been very clear about keeping the hunger low so that permanent harm wouldn't be done to anyone. Clanless couldn't afford to leave bodies in their wake, not even in the good old dark ages. "Bagged blood is certainly a much better alternative...less furry." He said for Becky's benefit; the others in the room were likely to know from experience. Except Aishe, he hoped that his daughter had yet to have reason to experience the need to drink animal blood.
Going back to the conversation with Rowan he said. [I think they will find that their relationship will be far closer than they think.] And again he thought that would be good for both of them. Alex could use a father that didn't judge him and Alfarinn could use a child who needed him and reminded him why he made a clan and protected it in the first place. Megan had seriously damaged a caring soul with her betrayal of her brother and the clan that they had made together.
Talking to Eiryk, he smiled and shrugged slightly. "Alfarinn says we are to take our time. Something about taking the stairs." Apparently there was some vague amusement in that thought that he didn't fully understand. "They want to give him a chance to fully turn and feed some before we storm the castle. Might I suggest a shower and change of clothes for each of us. Eiryk, you can shower at our place if you like and Rowan might have something that will serve to wear. Perhaps find some blood for ourselves?" He had relied on Ume in the past few days so he was less hungry than some. "I can call a few people who would be willing." There were plenty of the human security team who were willing donate blood in times of need. Usually that was in a combat situation and for vampire security but some would make an exception. "When everyone is done they can meet back at our house and we can go up together."
Cris watched as Becky entered and told Eiryk that Alex was awake and drinking and that Alfarinn had asked for blood. "Ah modern times...back in my day we were given an animal or two to drink in the beginning." At least he had been. Grisha had been very clear about keeping the hunger low so that permanent harm wouldn't be done to anyone. Clanless couldn't afford to leave bodies in their wake, not even in the good old dark ages. "Bagged blood is certainly a much better alternative...less furry." He said for Becky's benefit; the others in the room were likely to know from experience. Except Aishe, he hoped that his daughter had yet to have reason to experience the need to drink animal blood.
Going back to the conversation with Rowan he said. [I think they will find that their relationship will be far closer than they think.] And again he thought that would be good for both of them. Alex could use a father that didn't judge him and Alfarinn could use a child who needed him and reminded him why he made a clan and protected it in the first place. Megan had seriously damaged a caring soul with her betrayal of her brother and the clan that they had made together.
Talking to Eiryk, he smiled and shrugged slightly. "Alfarinn says we are to take our time. Something about taking the stairs." Apparently there was some vague amusement in that thought that he didn't fully understand. "They want to give him a chance to fully turn and feed some before we storm the castle. Might I suggest a shower and change of clothes for each of us. Eiryk, you can shower at our place if you like and Rowan might have something that will serve to wear. Perhaps find some blood for ourselves?" He had relied on Ume in the past few days so he was less hungry than some. "I can call a few people who would be willing." There were plenty of the human security team who were willing donate blood in times of need. Usually that was in a combat situation and for vampire security but some would make an exception. "When everyone is done they can meet back at our house and we can go up together."
Alfarinn
10 years ago
Alfarinn turned back to Alex as Becky slipped out of the room. He could already see the changes beginning and in Alex's case it was an interesting mix of getting stronger and dying at the same time. In the case of a healthy human they would have gotten weaker first, faded to nearly nothing and then come back stronger than ever before but in Alex's case he was already at death's door. The blood revived him even as it began changing him.
"They won't be coming in the room, Alex." He smiled and reached out another reassuring hand. Now that it was just the two of them and Alex was breathing on his own, he could change positions. Alfarinn held Alex up and slid behind him. He leaned Alex's back against his chest and wrapped his arms around him. "It will be the two of us until you are ready for more."
He smiled, prepared to wait. His body was cool and didn't offer the comfort he could hope for but it was solid and he was there. Alex wouldn't be going through the experience alone.
"There are a couple of deep sleepers down there who would like to see you before they pass out." Alfarinn smiled and hugged Alex a little closer. "Let's hope you don't inherit -that- trait or you and Eiryk will need one spectacular alarm." It was nice having someone able to slowly but insistently wake you up. Selfish of him, but he liked being a deep sleeper and being awoken by his favorite blond. Of course Cris occasionally served as an alarm and his methods were far less gentle.
More for a way to fill the room with something other than silence and pain, he spoke of what he could do, hoping the sound of his voice, if not the content of his words, were a comfort to Alex. "Our abilities are not always passed down exactly the same from Creator to child and sometimes we acquire some quirks from our turning. For instance, I was obviously not this cold when I was made...though it was a spectacularly chilly winter in Norway so perhaps I was. " Alfarinn smiled. "I am an empath. I feel the emotions of others; I don't see them as auras. That is something Cris and Aishe have in common. Must be nice." He muttered the last little bit under his breath. "I can speak to ravens and crows and other birds to a lesser extent. I believe you met Natt and his lady love at the wedding. He has been asking when we were going to have another one. I believe he is hoping Henri would be there to spoil him again. I didn't have the heart to tell him that not all weddings included an indulgent French caterer." Leaning his head back against the headboard, he continued. "I have the ability to bond with another person and ironically the ability to block people out. I can also pick up impressions from items."
"Among what you have seen all of us do, is there anything you were hoping for?" He always suspected that the time of turning, the environment, the person's thoughts, had something to do with the first abilities and quirks that people received. So perhaps Alex would get what he hoped for. They often also seemed to either aid what a person already had or make up for something that the person lacked. He knew a wickedly perceptive blind girl that could prove part of his theory.
"They won't be coming in the room, Alex." He smiled and reached out another reassuring hand. Now that it was just the two of them and Alex was breathing on his own, he could change positions. Alfarinn held Alex up and slid behind him. He leaned Alex's back against his chest and wrapped his arms around him. "It will be the two of us until you are ready for more."
He smiled, prepared to wait. His body was cool and didn't offer the comfort he could hope for but it was solid and he was there. Alex wouldn't be going through the experience alone.
"There are a couple of deep sleepers down there who would like to see you before they pass out." Alfarinn smiled and hugged Alex a little closer. "Let's hope you don't inherit -that- trait or you and Eiryk will need one spectacular alarm." It was nice having someone able to slowly but insistently wake you up. Selfish of him, but he liked being a deep sleeper and being awoken by his favorite blond. Of course Cris occasionally served as an alarm and his methods were far less gentle.
More for a way to fill the room with something other than silence and pain, he spoke of what he could do, hoping the sound of his voice, if not the content of his words, were a comfort to Alex. "Our abilities are not always passed down exactly the same from Creator to child and sometimes we acquire some quirks from our turning. For instance, I was obviously not this cold when I was made...though it was a spectacularly chilly winter in Norway so perhaps I was. " Alfarinn smiled. "I am an empath. I feel the emotions of others; I don't see them as auras. That is something Cris and Aishe have in common. Must be nice." He muttered the last little bit under his breath. "I can speak to ravens and crows and other birds to a lesser extent. I believe you met Natt and his lady love at the wedding. He has been asking when we were going to have another one. I believe he is hoping Henri would be there to spoil him again. I didn't have the heart to tell him that not all weddings included an indulgent French caterer." Leaning his head back against the headboard, he continued. "I have the ability to bond with another person and ironically the ability to block people out. I can also pick up impressions from items."
"Among what you have seen all of us do, is there anything you were hoping for?" He always suspected that the time of turning, the environment, the person's thoughts, had something to do with the first abilities and quirks that people received. So perhaps Alex would get what he hoped for. They often also seemed to either aid what a person already had or make up for something that the person lacked. He knew a wickedly perceptive blind girl that could prove part of his theory.
Eiryk
10 years ago
Eiryk stood with his back to the room, he was having a hard time watching Cris and Rowan right now. He wasn't certain why it bothered him because Alex was going to be fine, but it was easier not to. His hands were buried in the sheets on Alex' bed, trying to hold on to something whether that something be Alex or Alex' humanity or his own sanity Eiryk didn't know.
He was exhausted, he hadn't slept since this began, he was hungry and his emotional state was questionable. He'd gone from low to high to slammed into neutral; Alex was dying, Alex would be fine and live as long as vampires lived, Alex didn't really want to see anyone right now (at least that is what he took from Alfarinn via Cris and the stair comment). It wasn't as bad as the great flu debacle but it still stung a bit right now. Granted he understood, or he would if everything else wasn't making Eiryk a touch unreasonable.
So he answered the one thing that was the simplest. That didn't have much emotion attached to it.
"Wooly.†Eiryk said absently. "Angus gave me sheep. Should have sheared them first.â€
At least having the wool would have given him something to do while his maker was off doing monk things and trying to explain why a marauding Viking was staying with them at the monetary. His fascination and skill with wool and spinning was something he'd had before he'd been turned.
Without turning around Eiryk shook his head at the suggestion of going for a shower and a meal. Honestly if he showered at this point he would probably pass out and possibly sleep a full twenty four hours. He would just as soon go up and sit on the floor outside his father-in-law's door until Alex gave the OK to see everyone.
That was an interesting realization, he was going to have a potentially intimidating father-in-law. It was better than Alex's biological father, who's house Eiryk still wanted to burn, and if the man happened to be in it so much the better, but still it was an interesting twist. He suddenly regretted not getting to know Alfarrin better. Perhaps this whole transition would be easier all the way around if he knew more about their clan's elder. The only thing he knew for certain was he'd have to up his mead production if he gave away bottles for Christmas and such.
Larger questions, however, loomed in his mind and Eiryk wouldn't be easy until he had some idea about their answers. Rowan's amnesia came to mind, if Alex were to encounter that challenge, what would that mean for them? Would Alex still be his Alex or someone new? Would he care? Would this new Alex want Eiryk? There was even some uncertainty if Alex would still need him or want him even if he remembered everything. Some people could change a great deal between human and vampire.
For as optimistic and flexible as Eiryk generally was all his mind would do now was conjure worst case scenarios. At some point, without thinking about it, he started to tear the sheet in strips and tie the strips in knots. They started simple and became quite complicated following the pattern of his thoughts.
He was exhausted, he hadn't slept since this began, he was hungry and his emotional state was questionable. He'd gone from low to high to slammed into neutral; Alex was dying, Alex would be fine and live as long as vampires lived, Alex didn't really want to see anyone right now (at least that is what he took from Alfarinn via Cris and the stair comment). It wasn't as bad as the great flu debacle but it still stung a bit right now. Granted he understood, or he would if everything else wasn't making Eiryk a touch unreasonable.
So he answered the one thing that was the simplest. That didn't have much emotion attached to it.
"Wooly.†Eiryk said absently. "Angus gave me sheep. Should have sheared them first.â€
At least having the wool would have given him something to do while his maker was off doing monk things and trying to explain why a marauding Viking was staying with them at the monetary. His fascination and skill with wool and spinning was something he'd had before he'd been turned.
Without turning around Eiryk shook his head at the suggestion of going for a shower and a meal. Honestly if he showered at this point he would probably pass out and possibly sleep a full twenty four hours. He would just as soon go up and sit on the floor outside his father-in-law's door until Alex gave the OK to see everyone.
That was an interesting realization, he was going to have a potentially intimidating father-in-law. It was better than Alex's biological father, who's house Eiryk still wanted to burn, and if the man happened to be in it so much the better, but still it was an interesting twist. He suddenly regretted not getting to know Alfarrin better. Perhaps this whole transition would be easier all the way around if he knew more about their clan's elder. The only thing he knew for certain was he'd have to up his mead production if he gave away bottles for Christmas and such.
Larger questions, however, loomed in his mind and Eiryk wouldn't be easy until he had some idea about their answers. Rowan's amnesia came to mind, if Alex were to encounter that challenge, what would that mean for them? Would Alex still be his Alex or someone new? Would he care? Would this new Alex want Eiryk? There was even some uncertainty if Alex would still need him or want him even if he remembered everything. Some people could change a great deal between human and vampire.
For as optimistic and flexible as Eiryk generally was all his mind would do now was conjure worst case scenarios. At some point, without thinking about it, he started to tear the sheet in strips and tie the strips in knots. They started simple and became quite complicated following the pattern of his thoughts.
Alex Aristos
10 years ago
Periodic shudders turned into full-blown shivering. Alex tried to listen to Alfarinn's voice as he felt cold, colder, colder still. It was like someone had injected IcyHot into his veins or something.
"Burns... so cold," he said through teeth that were clacking together.
He focused on the voice of the man who would be... or, now was, he supposed, his Creator. He would be linked to Alfarinn forever, and even though Alex didn't know him very well he felt good about that. This deceptively youthful man looked after an entire clan of vampires. Like Cris did. Like Rue did. Only, it started here. With Alfarinn. How Alex was privileged enough to have the equivalent of vampire royalty turn him, he didn't know. What he did know, what he felt, was that he would never question whether or not he belonged, or was wanted, when this man was the one who had brought him here with a promise.
Alfarinn slipped behind him and Alex turned into him a little. It didn't feel like cuddling with Eiryk but it was still comfortable and comforting. ALex continued to shiver, and now there was a dull throbbing behind his eyes, the edges of his vision fading to white and then back.
I smell... snow," he gritted out through shivers. "Snow and... sea water."
Imagination, he knew, but he could swear it was real, and those scents, he thought, would forever be etched into his mind. He liked that; Alfarinn's scent - but also Eiryk's. What was it with him and Norsemen? 'Well, I'd love to go out with you, but see, I only do Norsemen.'
Who knew.
Alex clutched at Alfarinn's arms where they encircled him and arched a little as the throb in his head and through his veins intensified momentarily, then receded. He had a chance to take a quick breath and then it hit again. He moaned softly and focused on Alfarinn's soothing voice, only catching part of the content.
"Abilities..." Alex gave a quick negative jerk of his head. "Don't care. Whatever. Don't need them. This. You. Eiryk. Family. Time."
He choked on a cry of pain as ice-cold flames licked through his arteries. "This is the gift."
Ironic, that something so good could hurt so damn badly. Another wave of cold-pain shot through him and he thought he saw his breath puff out like arctic air. Now he knew he was seeing things. He arched again, and he couldn't hold back the cry of pain as his heart wrenched and his lungs seemed to catch on fire.
"Burns... so cold," he said through teeth that were clacking together.
He focused on the voice of the man who would be... or, now was, he supposed, his Creator. He would be linked to Alfarinn forever, and even though Alex didn't know him very well he felt good about that. This deceptively youthful man looked after an entire clan of vampires. Like Cris did. Like Rue did. Only, it started here. With Alfarinn. How Alex was privileged enough to have the equivalent of vampire royalty turn him, he didn't know. What he did know, what he felt, was that he would never question whether or not he belonged, or was wanted, when this man was the one who had brought him here with a promise.
Alfarinn slipped behind him and Alex turned into him a little. It didn't feel like cuddling with Eiryk but it was still comfortable and comforting. ALex continued to shiver, and now there was a dull throbbing behind his eyes, the edges of his vision fading to white and then back.
I smell... snow," he gritted out through shivers. "Snow and... sea water."
Imagination, he knew, but he could swear it was real, and those scents, he thought, would forever be etched into his mind. He liked that; Alfarinn's scent - but also Eiryk's. What was it with him and Norsemen? 'Well, I'd love to go out with you, but see, I only do Norsemen.'
Who knew.
Alex clutched at Alfarinn's arms where they encircled him and arched a little as the throb in his head and through his veins intensified momentarily, then receded. He had a chance to take a quick breath and then it hit again. He moaned softly and focused on Alfarinn's soothing voice, only catching part of the content.
"Abilities..." Alex gave a quick negative jerk of his head. "Don't care. Whatever. Don't need them. This. You. Eiryk. Family. Time."
He choked on a cry of pain as ice-cold flames licked through his arteries. "This is the gift."
Ironic, that something so good could hurt so damn badly. Another wave of cold-pain shot through him and he thought he saw his breath puff out like arctic air. Now he knew he was seeing things. He arched again, and he couldn't hold back the cry of pain as his heart wrenched and his lungs seemed to catch on fire.
Aishe
10 years ago
Aishe knew she had something that could help Eiryk, at least a little maybe. Their friend had been so quiet, and now he stood facing away from them shredding the bed sheets and knotting them. Next to her, Kiamhaat's hands clenched at his sides and she knew he was reliving the night she was turned. She went up to Eiryk and slipped her arms around him, hugging him, resting her chin on his strong bicep and looking up at him with big green eyes.
"You know we made Kem stay away when I was turned?" she asked him softly. "It wouldn't have been right. It was a thing for me and a thing for Cris. It was too painful, almost too private, to share with the man I loved. I don't know if that makes sense to you but it makes plenty of sense to me. Alex loves you, Eiryk. Give him this time to go through the indignity of his turning however it's most comfortable to him."
The process wasn't pretty. Aishe remembered it. Clinging to Cris, sobbing, sensible and senseless in turns as her own body destroyed itself and then transformed itself. She had wanted Kiamhaat there and yet she hadn't.
He stepped closer to her, touched a lock of her dark hair, but looked at Eiryk. "It was the right choice. That was for them." His soft half-smile fell upon Cris, too, standing there supporting his paler-than-undeath husband. "The bond they have now is what Aishe needed when she was newly turned. Maybe I could have been everything, done all of it for her, but she's stronger for what they have together."
Aishe smiled at Kiamhaat and squeezed Eiryk tight. "Don't hold it against him, Eiryk," she said. "Let him be. It's Alex. More stubborn than a team of mules. I guarantee you he's looking forward to coming out of Alfarinn's place on two feet, alive and whole, strong, and himself again."
She tugged at Eiryk's hand. "Come on. It's going to be hours. Cris has it right. Come home with us, if you don't want to go to your place, or we'll go back there with you. You need to shower. You can greet Alex looking all shabby and smelling like you just crawled out of your own crypt. Polish up, dress nice, get a drink. We won't let you sleep through his turning. I promise."
Aishe rubbed her hand up and down Eiryk's back soothingly. "Let us help you."
"You know we made Kem stay away when I was turned?" she asked him softly. "It wouldn't have been right. It was a thing for me and a thing for Cris. It was too painful, almost too private, to share with the man I loved. I don't know if that makes sense to you but it makes plenty of sense to me. Alex loves you, Eiryk. Give him this time to go through the indignity of his turning however it's most comfortable to him."
The process wasn't pretty. Aishe remembered it. Clinging to Cris, sobbing, sensible and senseless in turns as her own body destroyed itself and then transformed itself. She had wanted Kiamhaat there and yet she hadn't.
He stepped closer to her, touched a lock of her dark hair, but looked at Eiryk. "It was the right choice. That was for them." His soft half-smile fell upon Cris, too, standing there supporting his paler-than-undeath husband. "The bond they have now is what Aishe needed when she was newly turned. Maybe I could have been everything, done all of it for her, but she's stronger for what they have together."
Aishe smiled at Kiamhaat and squeezed Eiryk tight. "Don't hold it against him, Eiryk," she said. "Let him be. It's Alex. More stubborn than a team of mules. I guarantee you he's looking forward to coming out of Alfarinn's place on two feet, alive and whole, strong, and himself again."
She tugged at Eiryk's hand. "Come on. It's going to be hours. Cris has it right. Come home with us, if you don't want to go to your place, or we'll go back there with you. You need to shower. You can greet Alex looking all shabby and smelling like you just crawled out of your own crypt. Polish up, dress nice, get a drink. We won't let you sleep through his turning. I promise."
Aishe rubbed her hand up and down Eiryk's back soothingly. "Let us help you."
Rowan Murphy
10 years ago
Rowan's emotions had been through the wringer in the past few nights, like everyone else's. He was starting to feel desperate. Like there was too much happening. He hated this feeling, but he knew how to break out of it and he knew Cris did too. He sagged a little, knowing Cris could bear his weight.
He smiled wearily at Becky's apology. "It's fine, Beck," he said. "No one blames you. And everyone here is happy, despite all outward appearances. Go bring Alfarinn that blood and then do me a favor and leave. I don't want you looking snackable when Alex is through."
"Alex would never... he's such a sweetheart," Becky said.
Rowan shook his head. "Yes he is, but he's going to be a very bloodthirsty sweetheart soon. Go home after you make that delivery, Becky."
She swallowed, nodded, glanced around, and took off fairly quickly. Rowan rested his head on Cris's. [God, love. I'm done in. You must be too.]
He smiled at his love's sending. [Alfarinn will be great,] he sent. [Really, I'm not upset about it. Just... you know.]
He let his subterfuge drop so Cris could take it all in, the anger, the disappointment, the joy, the sadness, the frustration, guilt, helplessness, everything he'd felt for the last forty eight hours in what must surely be a muddle of confusing colors.
Cris made sensible suggestions and Rowan agreed with him. "Cris is right," he said, his voice once again so heavy with fatigue his accent was almost indecipherable. He was too tired to fix it. "You should go with them Eiryk. Alex is in very good hands. And so will you be."
And so was he. "I plan to do exactly what Cris suggests. There's a long wait ahead. We may as well make good use of our time. D'you understand me?"
He was slurring so badly, in about seven different accents, Eiryk might not actually understand him. Rowan knew that was what happened when he was tired past all reason. His tongue felt like a dead weight. He was practically a dead weight, hanging onto Cris.
"Take me home, love," he said, his voice barely a murmur. "Need you. Need... something."
Cris would know what. He always knew.
He smiled wearily at Becky's apology. "It's fine, Beck," he said. "No one blames you. And everyone here is happy, despite all outward appearances. Go bring Alfarinn that blood and then do me a favor and leave. I don't want you looking snackable when Alex is through."
"Alex would never... he's such a sweetheart," Becky said.
Rowan shook his head. "Yes he is, but he's going to be a very bloodthirsty sweetheart soon. Go home after you make that delivery, Becky."
She swallowed, nodded, glanced around, and took off fairly quickly. Rowan rested his head on Cris's. [God, love. I'm done in. You must be too.]
He smiled at his love's sending. [Alfarinn will be great,] he sent. [Really, I'm not upset about it. Just... you know.]
He let his subterfuge drop so Cris could take it all in, the anger, the disappointment, the joy, the sadness, the frustration, guilt, helplessness, everything he'd felt for the last forty eight hours in what must surely be a muddle of confusing colors.
Cris made sensible suggestions and Rowan agreed with him. "Cris is right," he said, his voice once again so heavy with fatigue his accent was almost indecipherable. He was too tired to fix it. "You should go with them Eiryk. Alex is in very good hands. And so will you be."
And so was he. "I plan to do exactly what Cris suggests. There's a long wait ahead. We may as well make good use of our time. D'you understand me?"
He was slurring so badly, in about seven different accents, Eiryk might not actually understand him. Rowan knew that was what happened when he was tired past all reason. His tongue felt like a dead weight. He was practically a dead weight, hanging onto Cris.
"Take me home, love," he said, his voice barely a murmur. "Need you. Need... something."
Cris would know what. He always knew.
Christian Bern
10 years ago
Cris looked over at Aishe who had gone to Eiryk. She was telling him of her own turning. He smiled softly at her and then at Kem, who was indeed made to stay away for the night. Of course a part of him had worried that if Kem had been invited to come that he might change his mind at the last minute and tried to stop the entire proceedings. The Egyptian was much more understanding these days and Cris thought that a part of what had helped was that Aishe had taken the decision completely out of his hands. Kem had not been responsible for taking away her humanity. He had. He could live with because he knew his stubborn daughter and she would have just found another to do it for her and what if they had been less supportive or the wrong clan or clanless.
"And her empathy manifested immediately. Thank goodness it was in a form I understood.†Cris smiled at his daughter. "but seeing crazy lights and other things around people is disconcerting. It was good that it was just me for the first night. If he gains empathy or telekinesis or the like then having a whole horde of people and an emotional reunion might be catastrophic.†To Alex, his friends and possibly even Alfarinn's apartment.
He turned his attention back to his husband, hugging Rowan closer. His partner explained how he was feeling by showing him. Cris nodded. [I know, Love. I do not need my empathy with you.] Something Rowan helped prove once before with a blindfold.
Cris nodded when Rowan asked him to take him home. As he reached the door, he added "I am sure Alfarinn will call me when they are ready for visitors and I will send out the word to you all.â€
Until then he intended to go home and do his best to convince his redhead that he was not responsible for what happened to Alex and to remind Rowan that he had tried his very best. Alex was going to be okay. Now he needed to take care of Rowan. His lover needed to release the stress and responsibility he was holding onto and he had a few ideas on how to make him let go of all that. [I know just the thing.]
"And her empathy manifested immediately. Thank goodness it was in a form I understood.†Cris smiled at his daughter. "but seeing crazy lights and other things around people is disconcerting. It was good that it was just me for the first night. If he gains empathy or telekinesis or the like then having a whole horde of people and an emotional reunion might be catastrophic.†To Alex, his friends and possibly even Alfarinn's apartment.
He turned his attention back to his husband, hugging Rowan closer. His partner explained how he was feeling by showing him. Cris nodded. [I know, Love. I do not need my empathy with you.] Something Rowan helped prove once before with a blindfold.
Cris nodded when Rowan asked him to take him home. As he reached the door, he added "I am sure Alfarinn will call me when they are ready for visitors and I will send out the word to you all.â€
Until then he intended to go home and do his best to convince his redhead that he was not responsible for what happened to Alex and to remind Rowan that he had tried his very best. Alex was going to be okay. Now he needed to take care of Rowan. His lover needed to release the stress and responsibility he was holding onto and he had a few ideas on how to make him let go of all that. [I know just the thing.]