[Action for Everglade, outside the Mayor's office]

[what_is_a_man]

[It had been a fairly quiet day, all things considered in Everglade. Sure, it always had its more rowdy inhabitants, but otherwise all was quiet. Until sunset, that is. Earlier in the day, a package had been delivered to the Mayor's office. A lovely potted flower. The sender was anonymous but it had been received along with a get well card for the mayor.]

[It had sat on the desk of a secretary all day, but as everyone was packing up to return home, the flower began to twitch. Within an instant, it had grown to the size of a person. Within the petals was the figure of an alluring young woman. Of course, nobody within the building saw the figure for very long before vines of razor sharp thorns began to spring out of the ground. The vines bore their way through the building, leaving nothing but wreckage and blood in its wake.]

[The building itself stood, supported by the vines as a sort of macabre warning from someone or something. If anyone came to investigate, the only person around would be an elderly man wearing rags and a wide-brimmed straw hat nursing a bottle of alcohol on the opposing street corner from the offices.]

Comments

[redcinemareel]

[The wolves are something she didn't expect, but they don't faze her much. She follows the maid, noting there is an otherwise lack of greeting. Servants aren't meant to be heard or seen unless asked. Grell knew that much first hand.

Walking through the halls would prove dizzying if it weren't for the escort. Even if Grell memorized the way, it wouldn't be easy to leave on the first try, surely.

She did fight the urge to ask "are we there, yet?"]

[what_is_a_man]

[On the long tour of the castle, wolves quickly became the least of the oddities. The undead of every shape and size, harpies, ghostly skulls cloaked in flame, and more. Finally though, the maid motions at a large set of doors before bowing and retreating. Within was a large elegant if dimly lit throne room with Dracula sitting in the throne. He'd let Grell take time to acclimate to the surroundings before he spoke.]

[redcinemareel]

[The oddities were fascinating to Grell, and certainly horrifying to anyone else that may have come through here. Things she's read in books, or had envisioned once or twice throughout her tenure as a reaper, they're walking the halls.

She does take a few pictures to show Marco later.

Her eyes adjust to the newest room, noting it was a bit darker than the others. The figure in the room catches her eyes, although it's hard to make out his features yet. It all seemed familiar to her, although this would be her first encounter with her host.]

So, you're the owner of all these lovely creatures?

[what_is_a_man]

[Vlad simply takes a sip from the goblet in his right hand before addressing Grell. If she had a keen nose, it would be fairly obvious that the goblet wasn't filled with wine.]

I prefer lord, really. I do not own them as much as I am a part of them, and they a part of me. And as my grave digger has informed me, you would be the new guardian of Everglade. Madam Grell, was it? Allow me to formally introduce myself.

I am Vlad III Tepes, Lord of Castlevania. You may address me by that name, or the nickname my subjects gifted me long ago; Dracula.

[redcinemareel]

[Reapers don't have keen noses, but what else would he be drinking?]

Also known as Vlad the Impaler. The most formidable being legend has to offer. Oh, yes, I know who you are.

[Grell steps forward with slow steps, grinning at what may be the pinnacle of her existence as a reaper. It's very rare for any of them to meet a being of legend. She wonders if even Undertaker has such a privilege.]

How I've waited for this day.

[what_is_a_man]

[Vlad just shrugs slightly.]

I've heard very few call me that. Then again, it was the Turks that gave me that name rather than my subjects.

[He's best friends with Death, if that makes a difference.]

As have I. There are things about Everglade that you should know, especially if you're to protect it. Tell me, what do you know of the barriers surrounding the cities?

[redcinemareel]

They're sustained by fear, at least in Everglade, and without it would spell doom for us all. [The part about iminent death should anything get too happy doesn't seem to be much of a concern to her, as she says it calmly.] The others aren't so clear, but we at least know that the one for Genessia requires sacrifices to regain stability, should it become unstable again.

[She finds it strange that Everglade's barrier is the only one they all know about, but probably a good thing they do, because it requires a rather delicate balance of fear and appeasing the people, which isn't at all easy. But Grell always liked a challenge.]

[what_is_a_man]

Very much so, except one crucial point. Whatever lay beyond the barriers do not kill. The fate they deal in is far worse. They rob their victims of emotion and will.

[There's a slight hint of amusement in his tone, but he quickly moves on.]

To uphold the barriers, you will need a constant and prevalent source of fear. As you no doubt noticed on your way here, Castlevania is home to many terrors that humans may call myth, but they alone will not garner the level of fear needed to keep the barriers strong. Which is why I have a proposal. What we need is a war.

[redcinemareel]

[If he had a hint amusement, then Grell is smiling in obvious amusement.]

It may be a step up for some.

[Yet at the mention of war, most of her amusement is lost. Not all of it, though. War is entertaining at most, and having just come from one in the previous world she was in, it's also tedious and annoying when involved. On the topic of having one in Everglade, it isn't something far off. With tensions growing, she's surprised one hasn't started already.]

Need? [She mulls over that word to herself, crossing her arms as she does so. She could see the ultimate benefit of a war: winner take all, but the means and criticism...that would be up in the air (and probably shot down).]

What sort of proposal?

[what_is_a_man]

Terror left unseen fades to myth and legend. It becomes little more than fairy tales that are told to children to keep them from misbehaving. However, attacks without provocation do not generate fear as much as it does indignant rage. I've seen first hand how small hunting packs of werewolves inspire hunters to seek fame and fortune at the end of a blade.

No, what we need is a war, one that makes very clear and visible the terror that the people of Everglade live among. A war that is carefully orchestrated so that neither side has an advantage, so that the lingering threat of the next new development fosters dread in the hearts of all. I cannot do so alone, and would need a very public adversary.

[He lets the statement hang in the air, curious to see how Grell will react.]

[redcinemareel]

[There is a valid point in his statement. As of now, helping both races coexist is a nice dream, but even she knows that's not what will keep the barriers up. People need to be afraid of what lurks beyond the shadows, and not be emboldened to conquer it.

She does raises an eyebrow at the last part. No one is better suited as an adversary to a ruse than her. A smirk plays upon her face.]

You flatter me. [Definitely taking that as a compliment.] You want me as a vibrant beacon on the other side of this war, but which side would we even be on? You against the whole of Everglade? And what makes you think other cities wouldn't get involved, unless you gave them an ultimatum that would stay their hand?

[A war of the magnitude she's thinking of wouldn't go without the other guardians trying to stick their noses in.]

[what_is_a_man]

There is already a great divide ripe for exploiting. Human against inhuman. The denizens in my castle are incapable of fear, but their numbers are limitless and they have centuries of experience in generating fear.

The other guardians will not intervene because the war will be confined to our little hamlet. If any attempt, the condition of the barrier should be enough incentive to stay their hands.

As for sides, my place has always been opposing humanity, and as guardian you would be better suited to protect the insects, so I suggest we start there.

[redcinemareel]

There are a few...factors I think should be addressed.

[She holds up a gloved finger.] First, having the war confined to this subarchway seems like a moot point. If your realm gives you the advantage, then why would anyone want to come and fight here? You'll have to give them an incentive.

And specking of which... [now she's holding up a second finger] you'll need to give the other guardians a better reason than the state of the barrier. They'll find a way to intervene, and the barrier truly isn't a good enough reason.

[Now there are three fingers.] Third, protecting the [air quotes] "insects" is only part of my role as guardian. Protecting the whole of the city is. It will look to be an act of betrayal to only defend the humans and no one else. I'm not human, after all.