A Cold Flame Burns [Action; Dracula, open to other residents of the castle]

[notquitedracula]

[Given any choice at all, Soma would never go to Dracula for anything. There's always a price to pay with him, and it's always something you're going to regret later. Still... this is a problem he cannot solve on his own, and even if another way presents itself, Tepes is the most solid shot he has.]

[He doesn't use the network to contact Vlad. That would leave the chance of someone else finding out about their connection - and though he has told a couple of people, that's information he'd rather doesn't spread too far. No; he's entered the dread castle and ascended to the throne room - this time, oddly, the place seems to welcome him, with a straightforward path (even if it does happen to be infested with things that want him dead). Definitely not what he's used to.]

[Having come this far, though... he has no idea how to actually address the count. How odd is that? How do you actually talk to someone whose memories you have in your own head?]

((OOC: Backdated to before currently active plot))

Comments

[what_is_a_man]

[Dracula watched Soma's progress through the castle with interest. As he entered the throne room, Soma would see the count smirking, swirling his goblet of blood.]

To what do I owe the honor of one holding my will seeking me out?

[notquitedracula]

I need to ask you something. About alchemy, or magic in general, whichever ends up being better suited to the task.

[He's obviously not relaxing. At all. That goblet of blood isn't helping - he was already hungry, and the smell is making him just the slightest bit nauseous, not because it stinks, but because it smells sweet.]

[what_is_a_man]

[The count just smirks, swirling the goblet more. He could see Soma was unnerved by it, and he could probably guess the reason.]

You have me curious. Ask your question and I will answer it to the best of my ability.

[notquitedracula]

[His eyes never leave the goblet, though he tries to force them away. Honestly, you'd think he had the control of a newborn, or newly turned, with the way he's acting - certainly not the careful poise he's maintained since his arrival here.]

I need to block the transfer of heat from any source to one being. It doesn't have to be complete, but it needs to be strong enough to block strong sunlight or flame. The light isn't an issue - just the heat.

[what_is_a_man]

And what do you expect from me, hmm?

[He stops swirling the blood for a moment, only to take a sip for himself before continuing.]

A poultice or draught? A cloak perhaps?

[notquitedracula]

An article of clothing or a piece of jewelry would be ideal. Something that can be worn for extended periods.

[He can't help it; when Vlad takes a sip, he swallows too. Then, finally, tears his eyes away in disgust - mostly at himself.]

[what_is_a_man]

[This was too entertaining of a game for Vlad. He snaps his fingers and moments later a Persephone walks in. She carries a burlap sack, though within the sack Soma would find a ruby circlet that should solve his problems.]

Perhaps that will be sufficient. Rather appropriate too, for the pretender to my throne.

[notquitedracula]

[Ah, Vlad m'boy, you've missed a trick. Soma very carefully controls his reactions - there is no way whatsoever that he wants Dracula to know he doesn't want the circlet for himself.]

That... should work. I thought I already made it clear, though - I don't want your throne.

[The smell of blood is really starting to bother him. Ever seen a man break into a sweat just from being near something? Where the hell has his control gone?]

[what_is_a_man]

[The doors to the room swing shut as the lord of the castle stood. There was no aggression in his movements, however he glided silently over the stone floor.]

Not now, you don't. But you will.

[As he neared, Soma would likely feel a sort of pressure, as if something unseen was tugging at his shoulder as Dracula exerted his will over any of the souls Soma had consumed.]

Because there is one truth in our relationship, Soma Cruz. You are me. And only I fully command my power, eventually you will be little more than a puppet for my will.