➶ seven ( text )

[heroica]

[ Unlike her announcement of Leliana's departure, this one does not reveal her voice. It's only text, written word with the author's feelings left implied, and less verbose than last time, too. ]

Alistair has gone. His room is empty and his things have vanished. As his fellow Grey Warden, I thought it best to inform those who may have known him.

[ Leliana, Brennan, Dorian. Alistair, too, now. All of her closest friends in Wonderland seem to be steadily vanishing (and she hasn't heard of Bethany Hawke, yet, another one who would be regretfully added to the list). ]

He was exactly what a Warden should be. He was brave and kind and with a good heart.

[ Ridiculous jokes and all.

Soon after, she sends out one private message to Anders: ]

Anders,

Alistair left behind Purrlock. Do cats and mabari get along? Could you teach me how to take care of a kitten, if you have the time?

Comments

text;

[heroica]

[ If the conversation weren't over text, she would offer him a wistful smile. ]

Thank you. But, it isn't my loss alone.
There are many others here who knew him.

text;

[vampdetective]

I'm sure he'll be missed.
I'm sorry I didn't have the chance to get to know him.

text;

[heroica]

I wish that you could have.
I mentioned that I had a little experience in swordsmanship?
He was the man with the sword. He was a very talented warrior.

text;

[vampdetective]

I'm sure he'd be glad to know that he helped inspire you to learn.
If there's anything I can do for you, let me know?
I know how hard it is to lose people you care about.

text;

[heroica]

[ He helped to inspire her to a lot of things. Both the one from Wonderland and the man she knew and loved in Ferelden.

Robyn swallows. ]

Of course. Thank you for your generous offer.
I hope earnestly you don't lose anyone here anytime soon.

text;

[vampdetective]

I hope not, either. But it's happened before.
Some things we just can't control, much as we might like to.

text;

[heroica]

Knowing it is out of our control is little comfort, however true.
I wish that I could accept it more easily.

text;

[vampdetective]

I don't think accepting it can ever be easy.
It's fine if you never do. Means you hold out hope.

text;

[heroica]

It also means I may not be living in complete reality.
It's difficult to both hope and to be realistic, isn't it?

[vampdetective]

I find you can do both, if you're careful.
Hope isn't a bad thing. You're aware of the reality, but hope can make it easier to deal with.

[heroica]

It's hard to find that balance, I mean.

You seem awfully sure of yourself. I admit I'm a little envious.

[vampdetective]

I've had a lot of time to practice. Either that, or I'm really good at faking.
You get a lot of time to think over the course of three centuries.

[heroica]

Three centuries?
You've lived for that long?

[vampdetective]

Guess I never mentioned that, huh.
I've been around awhile.

[heroica]

Apparently so.
Dare I ask for how long?

[vampdetective]

Just shy of three hundred, actually.
I'm a vampire.

[heroica]

I'm sorry; we don't have vampires in my world.
May I ask what you mean?

[vampdetective]

None at all?

[Well, that makes this especially interesting-- and potentially complicated.]

It means I'm undead. We don't age, and we're stronger than humans, but vampires have to drink blood to survive.
Human food doesn't do anything for us. We can eat it, but it won't sustain us.
I don't drink from people, though. Just animal blood. The pantries here supply me with plenty of it.
Back home I had a standing arrangement with the local butcher.

[heroica]

Not that I'm aware of, but it's entirely possible.

[ Well. That's... something. Luckily they're texting, so her expression of surprise, her wary gaze, go unseen. ]

I hope it isn't rude to say, but I'm glad that you're able to find another way to keep yourself healthy.
That's very interesting.

I imagine not all of your kind are so willing to seek out other sources.

[vampdetective]

[He doesn't have to see her face; he's been through this reveal enough times to know what to expect, but for that very reason, he won't be holding her wariness against her.]

I have an advantage that they don't. I have a soul.
Most vampires where I come from don't. Kind of a special case.
But you're not wrong. It's rare that you find one who won't drink from people.
Made it a company policy when I had a few others working under me. Animal blood only.

[heroica]

They don't have a soul?
I can hardly imagine what that might be like.

That sounds like a noble goal.
You must be very strong to withstand it.