Metamorphosis 1

[fatherssins]

Characters: Alucard and you!
Setting: Room 2-16, then the open halls of the Tower
Format: Prose
Summary: Woken from his long sleep Alucard finds himself in an unfamiliar setting. Curious, he decides to explore the area around him.
Warnings: N/A

The long, dark sleep of the undead could seem like a limitless stretch of time to those that slept it. How the all enveloping pitch blackness of the night worked as a comforter to Alucard, the beautiful, hideous, half-cast son of the Vampire King. Neither dead nor alive, existing entombed in an ageless, cursed body for all eternity. The sins of the past haunted his dreams as he relived the final moments of his mother's life spliced together with the finishing blow he had dealt his bloodthirsty father. He had designed the remainder of his days to be lived out in his coffin, sealed away from the world where Dracula's cursed bloodline could too slumber, keeping the innocents safe from the unholy desires of the undead.

But now he finds himself woken, no longer surrounded by the confining security of his coffin walls but outstretched on a very human bed. Pale sunlight filters in through dirty windows and he feels the familiar sting of light on his skin. A soft groan eases past the dhampir's lips and he finally moves to sit up, blankly staring down at his gloved palms, tensing his hands and then relaxing them. His limbs feel tired and strained, as if he'd been torn apart and then haphazardly put back together again, his joints ached and it took the dhampir some time to summon the strength to stand and even that was with some difficulty. Alucard's eyes begin to adjust to the dim light in the room and as his pupils dilated and focused until he spots a letter on the tattered bedside-table next to him. Feeling his bones flex and crack as he steps closer he picks up the small paper envelope and unfolds the parchment inside to skim its contents.

And then he reads it a second time.

The dhampir's head throbs all of a sudden, aching a piercing, penetrating pain. "Ce înseamnă acest lucru..."* Alucard murmurs in his mother tongue (Romanian), his voice low and solemn. These printed words could not possibly be true, he knew he had extinguished the last, true evil in the world. He was the only one who could have done it. So how it is that his homeland is now destroyed. No, the dhampir would not believe it, and proceeded to convince himself that this was some illusion, black magic devilry that was designed to plant the seed of doubt in his mind.

The confines of this small room held no answers for Alucard and so, after delving deep into a hidden reserve of energy, he decided to step out into the corridor and upon doing so he saw what appeared to be an endless line of closed doors mimicking the one he had just stepped through. Turning back he noted the number he had stepped out through and, feeling his senses overwhelmed with a variety of scents, sights and feelings, he had no choice but to simply choose a direction to walk in (which happened to be left) and begin walking until he came across someone or something that could explain this madness to him.



* "What does this mean..."
[ooc: For any characters with a particularly strong sense of smell or who can pick up the "scent" of blood Alucard has a very distinct odour. Any character who recognises the scent of a vampire will definitely be able to smell that undead blood in him. For those who don't know what a vampire smells like then he will give off a general aura of death and foreboding...!]

 

 

Comments

[marchwarden]

A terror as overwhelming as anything Haldir had ever felt suddenly washed over him as the shadows departed. Never in his years had he felt an aura so strong, so malevolent in design. It was almost as if looking into the eyes of Sauron himself. Great evil lurked within this ghostly being, an evil that the elf had never known until now. As the dhampir approached, Haldir found himself struggling with both the urge to flee or stay. He hadn't expected the creature that emerged from the shadows to be in the form of a human man. Judging by the foul aura he sensed earlier, Haldir almost expected this newcomer to be in the shape of a beast instead. It was a welcoming sight to be graced by this ethereal beauty rather than by the ugliness of a foul monster. Yet, despite the loveliness of this man's pale curled hair and finely sculpted features, Haldir found himself a tad taken back by the harsh gaze that lingered within those inhuman amber eyes. With his voice caught in his throat by overwhelming fear, Haldir was about to attempt to speak when the wayfarer's odd accent reached his elven ears.

"Lost?" The elf repeated dumbly as he gazed back at Alucard with a look that was mixed with fright and awe. "I...I wish not tell you the truth of your arrival here, but you're certainly not lost." He whispered softly in reply. "You, this place, none of it is what it seems. They, the ones who've trapped us here, claim that our worlds have been...destroyed." Lowering his gaze from the dhampir in an almost shy manner, a deep sigh escaped Haldir's lips as he tried to regain his composure. Now that the dread was finally washing over him, the elf was finally regaining his courage to speak.

"We know not if such is true but I suspect these claims of destruction are merely lies shrouded in mystery."

[fatherssins]

Alucard was not well versed in the art of reading other's emotions, but even still, he saw hints of fear in this pointed-eared man that were all too familiar. Many had come to know him as the son of Dracula and his father's reputation brought with it great dread and loathing. Had this stigma followed him here into this new world too?

The dhampir's expression softened at the words of this gentle stranger, as if he was trying to sympathise with his terror. Yes, he thought to himself you are right to fear me, but as true as he felt those words were, he longed to not cause such dread in men.

"All worlds have been destroyed?" Alucard finally echoed, keeping that tender tone in his voice, like a captor lulling it's prey into a false sense of security he seemed so gentle now he stood before the Elf in the light. Alucard believed himself to be evil and he made an effort not to get too close to others, but whether he had taken on the hatred of his father or the compassion of his mother was yet to be seen. "Then you received the same letter as I? I tend to think that these letters are to cause panic in the fairer of the people here." By 'fair' Alucard meant 'weak', but unlike many he saw no error in being weaker than others. In truth he had a strange desire to covet the weak.

A long pause, and he stood there statuesque, unblinking in deep thought. His skin carved marble, unchanging, beautiful but altogether eerie. Then, quite suddenly, he smiled (a very closed mouth smile) and added -as if just remembering his manners- "Ah! Forgive me," now that Romanian accent was at its strongest as he begins to speak a little more freely "I have yet to give you my name, or thank you for speaking with me. I am Alucard."

[marchwarden]

Fearful blue eyes soften as Alucard spoke. While that fearsome aura still surrounded the dhampir's very essence, there was something quite intriguing about this ethereal being. Alucard may have been as pale as a corpse and seemed as if he was sculpted from the chilliest ice, but there's something oddly warm and inviting about him that made Haldir smile. The Elf found himself staring at the strangely dressed man, his eyes no longer filled with fear or dread. He was actually smiling now unlike earlier. While the conversation itself was rather grim at best, Haldir found the dhampir's accent to be oddly soothing.

"Indeed." He replied with a faint sigh. "They claim that everything was destroyed but there's proof that they're lying." Briefly remembering the conversation he had with Gandalf, the marchwarden's mood began to sour. Just why are these "Administrators" so quick to lie to them? Just what do they want from them? What could they possibly want from them? So many questions but barely any answers.

After a lengthy pause, Haldir blinked several times once the statuesque man introduced himself. "Al-lu-card?" The Elf pronounced awkwardly due to his slight Sindarin accent. Chuckling lightly due to embarrassment, a soft kiss of a smile toyed at his lips as he stated his name. "There's nothing to forgive. I should've remembered my manners as well, friend. I'm Haldir."

[fatherssins]

Alucard saw how the pale-haired man's expression began to soften, how the fear in his eyes subsided and as much as he knew how dangerous this was for the other, the dhampir couldn't help but revel in it.

Someone who did not fear him, just for a moment. What bliss.

"I believe we would do well to be cautious of what we are told here, we can judge if it is true or no." Alucard said with the hint of a self-assured nod. He had never been a hugely trusting creature, his past had set that quirk in place many, many years ago.

But now the dhampir truly forgot himself as he chuckled at Haldir's pronunciation of his name as he did not move to cover his open mouth as he did so. Whether the Elf would notice those elongated, diamond-sharp canines was all down to how much attention he was paying. And the dhampir, unaware and quite how much he may have just revealed about himself, continued to speak. "You give my handle more grace than it deserves, it is a pleasure to meet you Haldir." And now how inviting those once fierce golden eyes appeared and how that warm smile played on the half-breed's lips.

[marchwarden]

Alucard's chuckle invoked a nervous, if not, shy smile from Haldir. He could tell that he may have butchered the nobleman's name and that somewhat shamed him. The marchwarden prized himself in being quite elegant and fluent in the common tongue but pronouncing Alucard's name certainly seemed rather difficult. His wounded pride made a slight blush rise to his cheeks, a rosy hue that was typically uncommon with him. He looked away in slight humiliation, his watchful gaze missing sight of the pearly white fangs. While he could tell there's something quite strange about this immaculate stranger, Haldir didn't have the time nor patience to dwell on it.

From what he's learned so far, everyone in this godforsaken tower is more stranger than the next. A common truth that the Elf was beginning to understand with every passing day.

"Yes, well-" The marchwarden let out a slight huff. "You're name is quite peculiar, you see. Never heard of such a name in all my life." A quick retort that was, one to save some of his dignity. No longer scorned with embarrassment, Haldir's blue gaze rested on the dhampir again.

"Tell me, mithaer, where is it that you hail from?" The Elf curiosity is sparked.

[fatherssins]

Alucard noticed Haldir's reaction and kept a tender, warm smile on his face. "Forgive me, I have made you feel self-conscious when that wasn't anywhere near my intent. You pronounced my name beautifully, more than I myself do." And this was not idle flattery but the truth, Haldir's voice was clear and soft, Alucard couldn't quite pinpoint his accent but it was similar to some of the British travellers he had eavesdropped in his homeland.

Haldir's observation, in regards to Alucard's name, was more astute than he may have realised for 'Alucard' was not in fact his birth name but it was an alias. The opposite of his father's to show how bitterly he had resented what Vlad had done with his power. A small part of Alucard wanted to tell Haldir the truth, to admit to his true name, but now it was time for the dhampir to feel shy. He did not have the courage to be honest with the Elf.

"I suppose it is a little strange." Alucard finally said after a moment's pause before quickly changing the subject "I am from a small village by the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania, Romania. Perhaps you have heard of it? Beautiful countryside, even if I do say so myself."

"Myth-ai-r? Is that what I am?

[marchwarden]

In truth, the compliment did feel like flattery to Haldir but he couldn't help but feel humbled by such a comment. It was silly, yes, but for some reason the Elf felt pleased to know he hadn't butchered the pronunciation of Alucard's unusual name. Uncertain whether this was his true name or not, Haldir was just glad he hasn't offended his newly made friend. Eying him with wonder, the Elf began to inquire more about Alucard's distant homeland. "Transylvania?" Haldir arched his brow at that. "I'm unfamiliar with such names, I'm afraid." While he certainly hasn't traveled outside of Lothlórien much, the marchwarden would've at least known those regions had they existed on Middle-earth.

Nearly captivated with this otherworldly stranger, Haldir couldn't help but chuckle once he heard Alucard repeat his earlier words. "Mithaer, friend." He replied with a small smile. "It means 'Silver One' in my native tongue and if I do say, the name fits you well." Considering that Alucard's pale locks look almost silver within the dim lights, the name certainly does fit well.

[fatherssins]

"It is my homeland, so naturally I feel relatively protective of it. I have travelled little in my life but the vast mountains and forests of Transylvania will always be home to me." He says this with the hint of a smile, although not affected by any sort of homesickness Alucard clearly thought fondly of his home.

Alucard seemed fascinated by talk of another language and his eyes could've even glowed as Haldir explained the nature of that foreign word. "Ah! You have a local tongue? As do I! How terribly interesting! I should like to learn another language some day, perhaps this is to be the one I am to study. My first language is Romanian, but over the years I've picked up a little of the common tongue, but I still have much to learn." That said, Alucard's English was practically perfect (bar his pronunciation).

Then it dawned on the dhampir, was Haldir giving him a nickname? A carefree, affectionate, nickname? The half-breed's heart could have flown at the very thought of someone giving him his own unique handle.

But wait, was this dangerous? Was he already getting too close? Was he putting this fair man in danger by loitering with him? Alucard's expression seemed torn now. He wanted to tarry, to stay with Haldir, but he knew that to do so would put him in harm's way, and reluctantly he asked "I-- have I kept you from something of great importance? Perhaps I am distracting you? Do you need to leave?"

[marchwarden]

That small smile from earlier made its whimsical appearance once more when Alucard spoke so passionately about his homeland. The same feeling Alucard held for Transylvania mirrored that of Haldir's own feelings for Lothlórien. He has always been protective of Lórien's borders, Haldir himself leading a battalion of marchwardens to guard her safe. While Alucard may not have been homesick, yet, Haldir certainly was. He missed the tall trees of the Golden Woods, missing the golden hues of the autumn leaves as Summer departs at Winter's call. The Elf especially messed the sweet fragrance of the flowers that would nest within the boughs of ethereal gray trees. Everything about his native home he missed, even down to its people.

A gentle sigh escaped Haldir's lips as thought of the home he'll never see again. He must've looked so distant now to Alucard, almost as if he was in another all together but the Elf could still hear him. "I would love to learn your language, mithaer." Haldir replied once the distant gaze faded from his sapphire eyes. "I was always told I was quite smart as an elfling and I mastered the common tongue in less than a few years during my youth." Chuckling softly as he remembered his rambunctious childhood days, Haldir's chuckles eventually quietened once Alucard spoke.

"You distract me from nothing, my friend. I have no errands to run, so perhaps I could humor you with a tour of this tower?

[fatherssins]

Alucard could see that distant, forlorn look in Haldir's eyes and, although on most occasions the dhampir couldn't guess one emotion from the next, he had a feeling that in that moment Haldir was thinking of his own homeland. That sort of nostalgic look said much and he quietly sympathised with his new friend.

New friend? Had he made a friend? Wasn't that a terrible thing for a killer like him to do?

The dhampir struggled to push those negative thoughts out of his mind as he listened to Haldir speak, one word piquing his interest "Elf-ling?" he echoed curiously "Is that another word in your tongue?" Alucard asked, subconsciously stepping closer to his new companion.

And now he was offered a tour? God, how he knew he should have said no, how in his heart-of-hearts Alucard realised that accepting this would only put his new friend in more danger... but he was unable to decline. He wanted a tour, and he wanted to spent more time with Haldir.

"You would do more than humour me, I would be delighted to go with you, if you are quite sure?"

[marchwarden]

A gentle chuckle escaped Haldir as he signaled for the other to follow. Despite the fact he was hoping to spend the remainder of the day indoors, Haldir was more than content with the idea of acting as Alucard's guide in order to kill the time. His right shoulder may have ached terribly but he wasn't about to send this exotic man away to fend for himself. Remembering how difficult it was to stomach life here at the tower, Haldir couldn't imagine how horrific such an experience would've been if he was here on his lonesome.

"I'm a Elf as your people call us." He relied with a gentle laugh. "One of the Firstborn Sons of Eru. My people have existed in Middle-earth nearly as long as the earth itself stirred." Offering him another smile, Haldir's gaze rested briefly on the dhampir as he spoke.

"Did I not already confess that you keep me from nothing, mithaer?" His smile grew a little wider. "Come, I shall show all that I know about this tower."

[fatherssins]

"Then-" he pauses a moment, trying to understand "you are not a man? No son of Adam?" Alucard was not disappointed, no, in fact he found himself doubly intrigued. Another species of men stood before him, kind and gentle and quite different to anyone he had ever met before. The dhampir's smile seemed to grow more intense with each passing second.

"How fascinating! Ah! Is that why you look different to most men? Forgive me, but I did notice your ears and thought them unusual for a man." It explained quite a bit really, Haldir's aura had seemed quite atypical for a human man. There wasn't the same sort of fragility or aggression that Alucard was used to sensing in men. "I have much to learn, it seems!" The poor half-breed, he was forgetting himself. Forgetting the act of coldness and separation he strived so hard to maintain for the sake of others.

[marchwarden]

Another chuckle escaped Haldir as he turned to face his new friend. A look of mischief settled in his gaze once Alucard mentioned how unusual his appearance was. It tickled him somewhat this strange being, despite how otherworldly he may have seemed, looked so surprised to meet an Elf. Alucard's fascination with him borderlines on childish intrigue at this moment. "No, I am no son of Adam." A brief pause. "Whoever that 'Adam' is..." A snicker was probably heard by Alucard since the Elf was finding all of this to be too amusing for words. "It seems as if you certainly do have much to learn, my friend. There are various realms that exist beyond your Transylvania. Some perhaps more beautiful than you could ever imagine."

Falling into step with Alucard now, Haldir's cheerful gaze settled on him fully. "Tell me," He began with a smile. "What are you? You look like a Maia but you seem quite different from them in some regards. They are lesser Ainur who entered Eä in the beginning of time, some would claim them to be the Hands of Ilúvatar, the All-Knowing Father."

[fatherssins]

How terribly cheerful Haldir was, poor Alucard had no idea that the Elf was chuckling at his blatant naivety, rather he simply thought that he had come across an incredibly happy man Elf. There were few of them about and it was such a refreshing change to meet someone so upbeat. How he was enjoying Haldir's company.

Until he asked the question.

Everything up until now had seemed so innocent, how Alucard had wanted to avoid the details of his being, but he felt unable to ignore Haldir. As much as he wanted to dodge the question he could not, and there was a blatant, familiar look of sorrow back on his features as he spoke (he had seemed so happy only moments earlier). "I do not know what a Maia is, but I can confidently say I am not one. No, rather I am..." he paused, this was more difficult than it should have been "I am a mix, a muddied gene pool of man and..." more quietly now "monster."

[marchwarden]

The doom and gloom that settled over those regal and fair features shocked Haldir into silence. What did he say that pained poor Alucard so? It had been a simple question, one that gave thirst to the Elf's intrigue. He hadn't expected to upset his friend over such a simple question but once he realized that Alucard was a "half-breed", an knowing frown settled on his lips. So this man was half-human and half-something else? Whatever that else might be, Haldir didn't dare ask. Instead, he gave a gentle pat on Alucard's shoulder and looked at him with a wan smile.

"Aye, say no more. I once knew another who was born of both human and elven blood. He and his brother grew to become great kings but the blood they share with men shames them still." Now gazing into Alucard's oddly beautiful eyes, Haldir couldn't help but wonder if the nobleman was half wolf by any chance. Only wolves could have such clear golden eyes.

"Forget I asked and let us continue on our way."

[fatherssins]

What pain those solemn eyes held, such a deep root of suffering within them, secrets and a dark history that would probably never come to light. But it was there, pleading for comfort, clear as day.

"The... blood of man is the purer part of me." Alucard whispered with an excruciating beautiful agony. Concerned that if Haldir considered men to be the pollutant of his friend's blood then what was he to be?

[marchwarden]

Still staring into those uniquely gold pools, Haldir found it difficult to speak as he gazed at Alucard. "The Blood of Men is rarely pure, mithaer. However, there are some exceptions that I'm more than willing to note." Letting his hand drop from the dhampir's shoulder, a playful smile returned to the Elf's lips as he continued to lead them deeper through the tower.

"Don't dwell on the makings of your past or lineage, for all of that matters not here."

[fatherssins]

Haldir was, in time, warming Alucard to the Elf's more open-minded ideals. There was the smallest hint of a smile and he nodded in response. "You're quite right, forgive me for dwelling on something that must seem quite foreign to you. Now, lead the way Haldir, you know this place better than I."

[marchwarden]

Haldir couldn't help but try to match Alucard's smile with one of his own. The mild mannered nobleman was rubbing off on him. The Elf was already starting to admire Alucard quite a bit. Maybe it was his folorn beauty that attracts him or perhaps the way Alucard rolls his words in that strangely exotic accent that adds such excitement in his blood. Whatever the reason, Haldir felt strangely blessed to meet such a unique individual here. Individuality amongst his elven kind was always lacking, one of the reasons why Haldir seemed rather fond of outsiders. "Now that's settled," Haldir began with a smile. "Let's take a visit to the meadow upstairs. I can assure you that you'll love it there."