Dracula

                            ❝ You don’t get to survive this many eons                                        without rivers of blood and countless enemies.  ❞

"And what are you?"

She'd known the darker side of him and not yet some true jovial side. She'd known the beast, not the man. Certainly there must be a man beneath the beast?

"And of myself? What are you plans for me to be?"

Lucy had doubts that she would be allowed to remain the socialite she'd once been. She'd not be the socialite or the soft hearted woman she'd been now that vampiric blood tainted her body.

"I think you can figure that out given enough time." He wanted to say he was something in-between, but even Dracula knew that he couldn't hold back his own desires forever. He'd take what he wanted and then leave the rest out to fade away. "We're all something else, aren't we? The face we put out to others and how we truly our. Sometimes, those two become merged together to create something far more concrete; two sides of the same coin."

"You," there was a pause as a grin spread across his lips, "I think you can be whatever you want. I would advise against creating connections." Friends, family and others had to be put aside. To hold them close meant there would be true pain, but like everyone... it would pass. "Keep them a distance or so away. Focus on what you want and take it."

The esteemed guest they had been hosting, Count Dracula, was to be escorted back to his homeland aboard the Dauntless. The governor’s words echoed in James’ ears, but he found himself feeling less than enthusiastic about the task at hand. Transylvania, with its dark legends and mysterious tales, was not a place he had ever envisioned himself journeying to willingly.

As Governor Swann finished his announcement, James took a moment to gather himself before turning towards the enigmatic Count Dracula. His stern expression softened just slightly as he offered a curt nod of greeting

Still less than excited about the prospect. Although he recognized the importance of diplomatic missions and the need to foster alliances, the presence of this man aboard his ship gave him an uneasy feeling.

Attempting to conceal his reservations, James mustered a polite smile as Count Dracula approached. “Welcome aboard the Dauntless, sir,” he greeted with forced enthusiasm, extending a formal handshake. The Count’s chilling presence sent shivers down his spine, but James maintained his composure, masking his unease behind a façade of professionalism.

James cleared his throat and turned to his trusted lieutenants, gathered on the deck this fine clear evening. With a firm and authoritative voice, he issued the necessary orders, outlining their heading and the preparations required to cast off. “Lieutenants, prepare the crew for departure. Secure the lines, unfurl the sails, and ready the anchor for lifting. I want every detail checked and double-checked before we embark.”

The lieutenants, well-versed in their duties, sprang into action, relaying James’s commands to the crew with precision. The deck buzzed with activity as sailors hustled to their assigned tasks. The lines were secured, coiled neatly and attached to the cleats. Sailors scrambled up the masts, unfurling the crisp, white sails, allowing them to catch the wind. Meanwhile, others hoisted the anchor from the depths, struggling against its immense weight until it finally broke free, signaling their readiness to depart. Others brought aboard the Counts possessions.

In this instance, he was being extremely careful in his dealings and the day he left. Granted, he already had his fill enough that should last him three or so days before he'd have to feed again, but he could deal with that when the time came.

For now, he flashed the Commodore a slight grin, just before extending his own hand for a handshake. "It's good to be returning home." It was an off handed comment, but one that was also truthful. The further they were from the port, the better and the attention of Dracula could focus more on those of the ship. If he could even get one under his control, the rest would be soon enough and he could do whatever he enjoyed with those who were not entirely essential to the success of the voyage.

Once the shake was over, the count made his way forward with his hands behind the small of his back. He'd allow everyone to do their duties for now, but once enough time had past... moves would be made. That much he was certain of.

❝ --- For which I say onto you, the era of the Vampire is nigh, the era of blood. Time of Eternal Darkness and Transformation is nigh, the Time of Trepidation and the Time of the Impaler. ❞