Exactly. There is magic on your world that I'm sure I've never even heard of, and the same with mine. I think if we all contribute something we can find a way home.
[He speaks with quiet passion and not a trace of doubt. This is what kept him going in Exsilium, and it keeps him going here.]
All right, good. I would drive but my head is still... not completely clear. [A pause.]
There is something I need to tell you when we are in the shuttle. When we are alone.
[ Yeah, he picks up on that tone - and appreciates it, to be honest. He nods in answer - once, firm. There's no doubt on his end, either.
He's already getting the door open, preparing to begin the start-up sequence, but then Belth says that and he pauses with his hand on the door frame. He blinks, once, shakes his head and gets back to it. ]
That's not ominous soundin'. But yeah, 'course.
[ DOOT... doot. But hey, he's clearly not actually bothered! And they're ready to launch. He actually does know what he's doing! This time. ]
[Belthazar says nothing else until they are settled and strapped in. He keeps his head down and his eyes closed, obviously trying to conserve his strength.]
... I should tell you that draining mana hurts. It hurts a great deal, as mana is tied to one's life force. If you could channel your mana into something else, like a crystal, then it would be fine. But if I'm directly feeding from you, I... I know it will not be pleasant for you.
[His knuckles turn white against his black robes.]
[ Eithan can tell. All the time he spent at the beck and call of the order, forced to push himself beyond breaking points... he knows what it means to be exhausted.
He doesn't look away from the piloting directions, even as Belth speaks -- but he does hear, and he does nod to prove as much. ]
I've... never heard of puttin' my magic -- mana -- into somethin' else, so that's not really an option right now. Think it's somethin' you could teach me for next time? As for the pain... seriously. Don't worry about me. I can take it. I've probably been through worse. [ Even though he tries not to give anything away, he does swallow, hard. ] I'm still in. Nothin's more important than makin' sure you're okay. And I'm not budgin' on that.
Yes, absolutely. It's a very useful trick to know so that in the heat of battle, you can give your magic a boost.
[He opens his eyes and peers over at Eithan, trying to judge if he's being truthful. So far it seems like it. Belth is slow to trust people in general but... he has no choice. He has no choice, and it's his own fault.]
Huh. That does sound really useful. [ Not that he's fighting things much here, but if that's knowledge he can take back home with him... all the better.
He glances over at Belth, gives him a small smile before he puts his attention back to the shuttle. ]
[The smile helps. He can't bear to return it, but the thought is there. He takes in a deep breath and lets it out so deep that his shoulders slump, hinting at just how exhausted he really is.
They reach the Iskaulit after a while, and Belthazar is slow to move purely because he's rationing his strength. He lifts his head and glances around. There are hundreds of places to hide in this ship. He knows how to disappear.
No one else has to know.]
Let's find a lift. We need to get to the third level.
[ Thank the goddess they get there soon enough... He almost asks if the kid is really sure he can actually walk, but he figures he'd just get a stubborn response because it's totally what he does when he goes too long without blood so he leaves the matter alone and just heads for the nearest lift. ]
No one uses the rooms toward the end of the ship, so they won't hear anything.
[He's kind of expecting Eithan to scream, but... you know. They find the lift and he gets on quietly. The doors shut, and Belth looks up at the redhead.]
[ It's a fair expectation. But don't be surprised if he opts for colorful cursing instead. Or in addition to. Who knows! ]
Actually fed? [ He winces a bit. ] Not since I got here. So... months. But they've so kindly started providin' some weird sorta pills for me. It keeps me alive? But I still feel a little like shit most of the time. Like the difference between livin' and just plain not dyin'. You know?
I used to have something similar. They never gave me pills, but someone made a stable mana crystal that I could use to collect sunlight and convert it into mana. I fed off that for over a year, but I lost it when I went to sleep for two months.
[He lets out a low breath and sets his shoulders.]
[ There's a long pause, wherein Eithan stares at the lift floor with his arms crossed, thinking... then he looks at Belth. ]
You sure? I mean, it's... a bite. And blood loss. It hurts, and you'll probably wanna take it easy for a bit after. [ Beat. ] Not long. I mean, I wouldn't like... take too much or whatever. But still.
I'm older than I look. [A pause.] I'm almost eighteen. Or maybe I am already-- time is strange here. The point is that I am nearly an adult, and I can handle a little pain.
[He's sure Eithan understands that.]
Mana withdrawal can twist people into monsters-- Wretched-- if they lose their grip on reality. I was only six when I saw it happen to people I knew. [The door opens finally, but Belth doesn't budge immediately; he just levels Eithan with a firm stare.] I've endured far worse than whatever your bite can do to me.
[ Oh my god. He smirks at his own joke, but only for a second~ Belth got his point across. He can take it. Clearly. Eithan understands. He'd only been 18 when shit hit the fan in his own life, after all... So in that case? It's go time. And he starts forward, out of the lift. ]
Definitely a deal, then. And hey - for teachin' me how to put my mana into a crystal for you? Honestly, you could just give me blood in a cup, for all I care. If that's better for you.
[It's not much of a berserk button for him, but he does make a weak fist and smacks Eithan's arm as they walk. Don't be fucking rude.]
Fine. I'll teach you how to put your mana into a crystal, and you can teach me how I'm supposed to get my blood into a cup. I'm fairly sure Hiro would notice if I cut my wrist, so...
[... He'd probably get the wrong idea, too. Oh dear.]
-- Here, this room will do fine. [It's a bedroom-sized space, empty aside from dust and cobwebs and the lingering scent of smoke. Belthazar faces Eithan properly this time.]
[ Hey, he got a reaction, and that's what he was after, so he grins. ]
Nah, not wrists. That shit's dangerous. And whoever Hiro is? Won't have to worry.
[ Ah, to be from a world where vampiric nobles have already figured this shit out...
He looks around the room as he shuts the door behind him, rolls his shoulders like he's getting ready. Bracing himself. With all this build-up, yeah, he's getting the idea that it's a good thing this room is so far away. He faces Belth in return, stands up straighter and shakes his head. This is absolutely the most serious Belthazar has ever seen him. ]
[Belthazar lets out a deep, slow breath. Part of the reason is that he's dizzy again, and the other is because he's trying to restrain himself. If he goes into this as hungry as he feels, no one is going to be okay.]
I'm sorry.
[It's all he can really think of to say. It isn't enough.
He takes Eithan's hand in his. Belthazar's is cold, but that doesn't last long. His eyes flash a bright, terrifying white-green as a torrent of magic surrounds him, not like casting a spell but like casting a void. It tugs at Eithan's strength, at his mana, until both of them can see it lift from the redhead's skin like a fine shimmery mist. Belth lifts his other arm and lets it swirl around it before he closes his fist and takes it into himself, eyes squeezed shut as if that might block out what is sure to be Eithan's pain.
And then it's over. He only takes what he needs to stave off the withdrawal, and not a bit more.]
[ Eithan doesn't even have time to snark about the apology before it all starts - the glowing eyes, the vortex of power... he can feel his energy dropping as the shimmer rises. And then? Oh yeah. Definitely pain.
He doesn't outright scream, though he feels close to it. Too many terrible memories, much conditioning against it. He grits his teeth, fangs bared, squeezes his own eyes shut as if it'll help. It doesn't. It hurts. His free hand curls into a fist, slams against the wall beside him as he at least allows himself a pained growl of a sound. Followed, of course, with a heart-felt shout of, "Fuck!"
When it's over, he lets out one huge, loud exhale of sheer relief, hunching over with his free hand on his knee and trying to catch his breath. He looks up at Belth, and his own eyes have a bare hint of a glow - a low, flickering red, like a flame running out of fuel. ]
Fuckin'--. Shit. Goddess that was... That was somethin' else.
[ And yet, still, he cracks a smirk - and laughs, weak as it may be. Maybe it's the shock. Or a coping mechanism. Whatever. He's fine. Yep. ]
[Belthazar is steady enough on his feet now that he can reach out after it's over, but he hesitates to touch Eithan. He thinks he might make it worse if he does. (Not true, but it's like shaking hands with your dentist. Awkward.) For once he's not distant and cranky. His concern is written quite clearly all over his face.]
I'm fine. Promise. Just need a second, that's all.
[ Since he's literally never had his magic drained before, it's taking a second for his body to catch up with "What in the hell just happened here fjdskl"... but he's fine. That glowing in his eyes is beginning to even out, too - a low, constant simmer, far more consistent and probably normal. As... normal as glowing eyes are, but you know.
He's more concerned about Belthazar, honestly. Even though he already seems a lot better, he has to be sure. ]
Forget "too much", man. Did you take enough? Are you okay?
[He waits until the glow begins to fade from Eithan's eyes, and then he finally lets out the breath he was holding and allows some measure of relief to come to his face. What he just did was regretful, despicable even, and Belth is determined not to repeat it unless he absolutely has to.]
The withdrawal's faded. I'll be fine for another month or so; I can look at my options in the meantime.
[He can't imagine how Eithan feels... except he can. Not only has he been fed upon, but he's probably at his limits, too. He's so strong. Belthazar barely knows him, but he feels like--
-- he understands.]
... Have you ever fed from someone with magic before? [There's no risk of corruption, he thinks, since Eithan is a demon himself. However, elf blood has mana in it and there's no telling how he'll react to it. It might be addictive.]
[ The glow does fade, finally, and he shakes off the last of the disorientation with a few hard blinks... and then a relieved smile. He's really, seriously glad to hear that Belth will be okay. ]
Good. Think a month's long enough to teach me that imbuing trick of yours?
[ Because yeah, he's at his limits, and he's hoping the crystal thing will make it easier. Still, he'd do it again if necessary. It hurts like a motherfucker, but he's sadly endured worse. ... Clearly they both have. ]
With magic? Yes. An elf? No. You're literally the first elf I've ever met. Period. [ He thinks about that for a second. ] How different d'you think it might be?
That's more than enough. [He cants his head a little.] I'm not a very patient teacher, though, so I hope you learn quickly.
[It's the first trace of humor he's shown for the past hour or two. If that's even humor. God, it's hard to tell.]
There is mana in my blood. That is part of the reason we are so connected to it-- it helped us evolve.
[He reaches up and unbuckles his hood, letting it drop to the floor, and then he begins working on the front of his robes. It's okay, Eithan. There is absolutely nothing romantic about this. He just wears five hundred layers because he's always cold.]
[ Heeey, the elf made a joke! He thinks. Whatever, he's amused anyway, and just deadpans right back. ]
Never would've guessed.
[ Eithan can't comment on the amount of layers, he's pretty bad about it himself when left to his own devices. Space is cold, okay? And he hates the cold. A lot. ]
[ He nods. ] Probably not too different, then. Should be fine. If not, I'll know pretty quick, and I'll stop.
[ The pills make sure he isn't starving, after all, even if they're terrible. And besides that, he's always had damn good control. What kind of noble's son would he be if he didn't? ]
[It's true, space is too damn cold and he's not a fire mage like his adoptive dad.]
All right. [He doesn't say that he trusts Eithan, but really, he kind of has to. Belth owes him now.
He slips his robe off his shoulders and still has a long-sleeved shirt to go, but that one can stay on. He just unbuttons the top half so his neck is more exposed. He likes wearing high collars and clothes that he can hide in; he knows he's frightfully skinny and he's tired of getting comments about it. It's fairly obvious when he's down to his tunic and pants, though.]
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[He speaks with quiet passion and not a trace of doubt. This is what kept him going in Exsilium, and it keeps him going here.]
All right, good. I would drive but my head is still... not completely clear. [A pause.]
There is something I need to tell you when we are in the shuttle. When we are alone.
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He's already getting the door open, preparing to begin the start-up sequence, but then Belth says that and he pauses with his hand on the door frame. He blinks, once, shakes his head and gets back to it. ]
That's not ominous soundin'. But yeah, 'course.
[ DOOT... doot. But hey, he's clearly not actually bothered! And they're ready to launch. He actually does know what he's doing! This time. ]
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... I should tell you that draining mana hurts. It hurts a great deal, as mana is tied to one's life force. If you could channel your mana into something else, like a crystal, then it would be fine. But if I'm directly feeding from you, I... I know it will not be pleasant for you.
[His knuckles turn white against his black robes.]
If you do not want to do this, it's fine.
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He doesn't look away from the piloting directions, even as Belth speaks -- but he does hear, and he does nod to prove as much. ]
I've... never heard of puttin' my magic -- mana -- into somethin' else, so that's not really an option right now. Think it's somethin' you could teach me for next time? As for the pain... seriously. Don't worry about me. I can take it. I've probably been through worse. [ Even though he tries not to give anything away, he does swallow, hard. ] I'm still in. Nothin's more important than makin' sure you're okay. And I'm not budgin' on that.
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[He opens his eyes and peers over at Eithan, trying to judge if he's being truthful. So far it seems like it. Belth is slow to trust people in general but... he has no choice. He has no choice, and it's his own fault.]
... Thank you.
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He glances over at Belth, gives him a small smile before he puts his attention back to the shuttle. ]
Hey, no problem.
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They reach the Iskaulit after a while, and Belthazar is slow to move purely because he's rationing his strength. He lifts his head and glances around. There are hundreds of places to hide in this ship. He knows how to disappear.
No one else has to know.]
Let's find a lift. We need to get to the third level.
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because it's totally what he does when he goes too long without bloodso he leaves the matter alone and just heads for the nearest lift. ]Got a place in mind, I take it?
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No one uses the rooms toward the end of the ship, so they won't hear anything.
[He's kind of expecting Eithan to scream, but... you know. They find the lift and he gets on quietly. The doors shut, and Belth looks up at the redhead.]
... When is the last time you fed?
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Actually fed? [ He winces a bit. ] Not since I got here. So... months. But they've so kindly started providin' some weird sorta pills for me. It keeps me alive? But I still feel a little like shit most of the time. Like the difference between livin' and just plain not dyin'. You know?
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[He lets out a low breath and sets his shoulders.]
You can take my blood. Fair is fair.
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You sure? I mean, it's... a bite. And blood loss. It hurts, and you'll probably wanna take it easy for a bit after. [ Beat. ] Not long. I mean, I wouldn't like... take too much or whatever. But still.
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[He's sure Eithan understands that.]
Mana withdrawal can twist people into monsters-- Wretched-- if they lose their grip on reality. I was only six when I saw it happen to people I knew. [The door opens finally, but Belth doesn't budge immediately; he just levels Eithan with a firm stare.] I've endured far worse than whatever your bite can do to me.
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Wow. You're pretty short, then.
[ Oh my god. He smirks at his own joke, but only for a second~ Belth got his point across. He can take it. Clearly. Eithan understands. He'd only been 18 when shit hit the fan in his own life, after all... So in that case? It's go time. And he starts forward, out of the lift. ]
Definitely a deal, then. And hey - for teachin' me how to put my mana into a crystal for you? Honestly, you could just give me blood in a cup, for all I care. If that's better for you.
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Fine. I'll teach you how to put your mana into a crystal, and you can teach me how I'm supposed to get my blood into a cup. I'm fairly sure Hiro would notice if I cut my wrist, so...
[... He'd probably get the wrong idea, too. Oh dear.]
-- Here, this room will do fine. [It's a bedroom-sized space, empty aside from dust and cobwebs and the lingering scent of smoke. Belthazar faces Eithan properly this time.]
If you want to leave now, I won't stop you.
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Nah, not wrists. That shit's dangerous. And whoever Hiro is? Won't have to worry.
[ Ah, to be from a world where vampiric nobles have already figured this shit out...
He looks around the room as he shuts the door behind him, rolls his shoulders like he's getting ready. Bracing himself. With all this build-up, yeah, he's getting the idea that it's a good thing this room is so far away. He faces Belth in return, stands up straighter and shakes his head. This is absolutely the most serious Belthazar has ever seen him. ]
I'm not goin' anywhere. Let's do this.
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I'm sorry.
[It's all he can really think of to say. It isn't enough.
He takes Eithan's hand in his. Belthazar's is cold, but that doesn't last long. His eyes flash a bright, terrifying white-green as a torrent of magic surrounds him, not like casting a spell but like casting a void. It tugs at Eithan's strength, at his mana, until both of them can see it lift from the redhead's skin like a fine shimmery mist. Belth lifts his other arm and lets it swirl around it before he closes his fist and takes it into himself, eyes squeezed shut as if that might block out what is sure to be Eithan's pain.
And then it's over. He only takes what he needs to stave off the withdrawal, and not a bit more.]
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He doesn't outright scream, though he feels close to it. Too many terrible memories, much conditioning against it. He grits his teeth, fangs bared, squeezes his own eyes shut as if it'll help. It doesn't. It hurts. His free hand curls into a fist, slams against the wall beside him as he at least allows himself a pained growl of a sound. Followed, of course, with a heart-felt shout of, "Fuck!"
When it's over, he lets out one huge, loud exhale of sheer relief, hunching over with his free hand on his knee and trying to catch his breath. He looks up at Belth, and his own eyes have a bare hint of a glow - a low, flickering red, like a flame running out of fuel. ]
Fuckin'--. Shit. Goddess that was... That was somethin' else.
[ And yet, still, he cracks a smirk - and laughs, weak as it may be. Maybe it's the shock. Or a coping mechanism. Whatever. He's fine. Yep. ]
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A-are you-- are you okay? Did I take too much?
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[ Since he's literally never had his magic drained before, it's taking a second for his body to catch up with "What in the hell just happened here fjdskl"... but he's fine. That glowing in his eyes is beginning to even out, too - a low, constant simmer, far more consistent and probably normal. As... normal as glowing eyes are, but you know.
He's more concerned about Belthazar, honestly. Even though he already seems a lot better, he has to be sure. ]
Forget "too much", man. Did you take enough? Are you okay?
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The withdrawal's faded. I'll be fine for another month or so; I can look at my options in the meantime.
[He can't imagine how Eithan feels... except he can. Not only has he been fed upon, but he's probably at his limits, too. He's so strong. Belthazar barely knows him, but he feels like--
-- he understands.]
... Have you ever fed from someone with magic before? [There's no risk of corruption, he thinks, since Eithan is a demon himself. However, elf blood has mana in it and there's no telling how he'll react to it. It might be addictive.]
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Good. Think a month's long enough to teach me that imbuing trick of yours?
[ Because yeah, he's at his limits, and he's hoping the crystal thing will make it easier. Still, he'd do it again if necessary. It hurts like a motherfucker, but he's sadly endured worse. ... Clearly they both have. ]
With magic? Yes. An elf? No. You're literally the first elf I've ever met. Period. [ He thinks about that for a second. ] How different d'you think it might be?
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[It's the first trace of humor he's shown for the past hour or two. If that's even humor. God, it's hard to tell.]
There is mana in my blood. That is part of the reason we are so connected to it-- it helped us evolve.
[He reaches up and unbuckles his hood, letting it drop to the floor, and then he begins working on the front of his robes. It's okay, Eithan. There is absolutely nothing romantic about this. He just wears five hundred layers because he's always cold.]
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Never would've guessed.
[ Eithan can't comment on the amount of layers, he's pretty bad about it himself when left to his own devices. Space is cold, okay? And he hates the cold. A lot. ]
[ He nods. ] Probably not too different, then. Should be fine. If not, I'll know pretty quick, and I'll stop.
[ The pills make sure he isn't starving, after all, even if they're terrible. And besides that, he's always had damn good control. What kind of noble's son would he be if he didn't? ]
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All right. [He doesn't say that he trusts Eithan, but really, he kind of has to. Belth owes him now.
He slips his robe off his shoulders and still has a long-sleeved shirt to go, but that one can stay on. He just unbuttons the top half so his neck is more exposed. He likes wearing high collars and clothes that he can hide in; he knows he's frightfully skinny and he's tired of getting comments about it. It's fairly obvious when he's down to his tunic and pants, though.]
Is that good enough?
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