[ 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.]
[Belth looks up at him and nods, his long ears bouncing a little from the movement.]
I will. [He thinks he can defend himself if it really came down to it, but he doesn't say that. Instead he focuses on deep, slow, meditative breathing-- and he closes his eyes.] I'm ready.
[ There's no ceremony to what he does - just leans in, lets sharp fangs easily pierce through skin at the side of Beth's neck, and drinks. He's tasted magic-touched blood before, but not at this level. Belth wasn't kidding. It's different, but that seems to be the extent of it. No problem.
It doesn't last long, since he's not ravenous, not as bad as Belth had been. But it's still a bite, and it's still blood loss. And he's ready to catch the guy if he falls over. ]/small>
[It hurts. The skin there is already pretty sensitive, but the slow wound is excruciating. It's been a while since he was in this sort of pain. Mana withdrawal is a full on body ache, a screaming inside his head that captures his vision and makes him quiver. But this? It's like a knife sinking in and twisting.
He clenches his teeth and his fists, but he doesn't dislodge Eithan. The only sign that he's the barest of uncomfortable are the pained tears at the corners of his eyes. He doesn't make a noise outside of his shaky breathing. But when it's over-- which is thankfully quick-- his legs give way beneath him.]
[ Yeah, not surprising. Nothing to be embarrassed about, though. It happens.
He helps him down slowly, carefully. There's nothing in here, so clearly the floor will have to do. And once he's settled, one of Eithan's hands immediately reaches for the bite marks on the other's neck, applying pressure. Best way to get the wound to close faster, after all. ]
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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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[ He steps closer, puts a hand on Belth's shoulder. ]
If you feel like you're gonna pass out, say somethin'. [ Why yes, he is concerned about how damn small you are. ] You ready? Still okay with this?
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I will. [He thinks he can defend himself if it really came down to it, but he doesn't say that. Instead he focuses on deep, slow, meditative breathing-- and he closes his eyes.] I'm ready.
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[ There's no ceremony to what he does - just leans in, lets sharp fangs easily pierce through skin at the side of Beth's neck, and drinks. He's tasted magic-touched blood before, but not at this level. Belth wasn't kidding. It's different, but that seems to be the extent of it. No problem.
It doesn't last long, since he's not ravenous, not as bad as Belth had been. But it's still a bite, and it's still blood loss. And he's ready to catch the guy if he falls over. ]/small>
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He clenches his teeth and his fists, but he doesn't dislodge Eithan. The only sign that he's the barest of uncomfortable are the pained tears at the corners of his eyes. He doesn't make a noise outside of his shaky breathing. But when it's over-- which is thankfully quick-- his legs give way beneath him.]
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Hey... You okay? Need to sit down?
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Y-yes, let me sit.
[God, that's embarrassing. But not surprising, either.]
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He helps him down slowly, carefully. There's nothing in here, so clearly the floor will have to do. And once he's settled, one of Eithan's hands immediately reaches for the bite marks on the other's neck, applying pressure. Best way to get the wound to close faster, after all. ]
Thanks, by the way. Seriously.
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