[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. ]
[Belth makes a soft, uncomfortable noise as Eithan applies pressure to his neck. The bleeding will stop soon enough, but for now he's just... well, out of it. And feeling a little babied.]
It was... a fair trade, I think. We'll just have to polish the execution.
[ Yeah, well, he doesn't want you to bleed out, or something like that. That's all. ]
Heh. Yeah, we'll take care of that. Then it'll be an even better trade.
[ And, well, since he really needs to keep Belth from passing out... might as well start asking questions~ ]
So hey. That magic of yours. What can you do? Like... I've only got the one element, and my particular focus of it. And I met this other lady here who I swear is more of a psychic, but her world calls that magic. So what've you got?
[He sits quietly on the floor as he collects himself, taking slow, deep breaths and flexing his fingers to make sure they still work. He looks up as Eithan addresses him; in the low light, he seems as young as ever.
Aside from the freaky glowing green eyes, that is.]
I specialize in arcane magic, but I dabble in frost and fire as well. A true archmage has mastery over all, so I endeavor to learn as much as I can. [He adjusts his sleeves.] It's more than an element, for me. As a mage, I can see the threads that make up a spell and weave them as I like.
I can offer a demonstration in a moment. I'm still... wobbly.
[ Eithan isn't a stranger to glowing eyes. Certain things make that happen in demons, or incredibly magically-inclined people of other races. Constant glowing, though? That's new to him. Still, it's hard to call it freaky when it's attached to a kid. Well, adult. Adult that looks like a damn kid. And is going to be called "kid" until kingdom come, probably, sorry (no he's not) ]
Yeah, no, you're not demonstratin' anything. Until next time. 'Cause I absolutely do wanna see that, actually.
[ There are a small number things that Eithan is actually a nerd about. This whole magic-has-other-rules-in-other-worlds thing? Is quickly becoming one of them. ]
Archmage... that sounds badass, I won't lie. [ He grins a little. ] As far as fancy titles go, I'm technically a high wizard. Yours sounds cooler.
[Belth isn't expecting to hear that. The more Eithan talks, the more Belth can't help but like him. He knows what to say without being manipulative about it-- like he speaks from the heart. Belth needs more of that in his life, for sure.]
... I see what you mean, but it was never about myself. I want to change the way things are. The only way to do that is to rewrite the system.
From the outside? Dunno, personally. Unless you expose 'em, but that shit's messy, and it's not like I know the situation. Wouldn't advise it. I'm... heh. I'm doin' it from the inside. Also messy, but... quieter kind of messy.
[ Did he just admit that? ... He just admitted that. ... Man. But he feels like he can trust Belth, somehow. It's nice. And not at all something he expected would happen. ]
[ And Eithan finally sits back, takes his hand away, sure that he's not gonna bleed out. It's just up to time, at this point. ]
... Yeah. That is bullshit. Is there anyone on your side who knows otherwise? Knows the truth? Even if it's just like a slow start, it's still somethin'.
There is my adoptive father who is a magister himself. He thinks I should find a different way; he's been involved in the council for a very long time and he says I am not suited for politics. 'You are meant for greater things,' he said.
[He runs a hand through his hair, not that it makes it any messier. That's impossible.]
What could be greater than restoring my homeland...?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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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It was... a fair trade, I think. We'll just have to polish the execution.
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Heh. Yeah, we'll take care of that. Then it'll be an even better trade.
[ And, well, since he really needs to keep Belth from passing out... might as well start asking questions~ ]
So hey. That magic of yours. What can you do? Like... I've only got the one element, and my particular focus of it. And I met this other lady here who I swear is more of a psychic, but her world calls that magic. So what've you got?
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Aside from the freaky glowing green eyes, that is.]
I specialize in arcane magic, but I dabble in frost and fire as well. A true archmage has mastery over all, so I endeavor to learn as much as I can. [He adjusts his sleeves.] It's more than an element, for me. As a mage, I can see the threads that make up a spell and weave them as I like.
I can offer a demonstration in a moment. I'm still... wobbly.
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And is going to be called "kid" until kingdom come, probably, sorry (no he's not)]Yeah, no, you're not demonstratin' anything. Until next time. 'Cause I absolutely do wanna see that, actually.
[ There are a small number things that Eithan is actually a nerd about. This whole magic-has-other-rules-in-other-worlds thing? Is quickly becoming one of them. ]
Archmage... that sounds badass, I won't lie. [ He grins a little. ] As far as fancy titles go, I'm technically a high wizard. Yours sounds cooler.
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[Eithan found a nerd button.]
A high wizard sounds very intriguing, actually. But most likely I will never... be able to attain that title, due to my birth.
[He looks down at his hands.]
Perhaps if there is peace in Dalaran, but... I do not know.
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[ Shared nerd button! ... But that's put on pause for the moment, because something else clearly needs commenting on. ]
... You might be denied the title, for whatever bullshit reasons they have, but you'll have the mastery still. Can't take that away from you. Yeah?
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... I see what you mean, but it was never about myself. I want to change the way things are. The only way to do that is to rewrite the system.
How can I do that from outside?
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From the outside? Dunno, personally. Unless you expose 'em, but that shit's messy, and it's not like I know the situation. Wouldn't advise it. I'm... heh. I'm doin' it from the inside. Also messy, but... quieter kind of messy.
[ Did he just admit that? ... He just admitted that. ... Man. But he feels like he can trust Belth, somehow. It's nice. And not at all something he expected would happen. ]
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[His knuckles whiten against his pants, and he realizes he's cold. He reaches down and slips his robes over his shoulders.]
No one would listen to me now. They think I did something terrible, or at least they are pretending I did in order to destroy any chance I have.
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... Yeah. That is bullshit. Is there anyone on your side who knows otherwise? Knows the truth? Even if it's just like a slow start, it's still somethin'.
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[He runs a hand through his hair, not that it makes it any messier. That's impossible.]
What could be greater than restoring my homeland...?
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