Salem sighed softly. He couldn't recall what they could do to help Doru, but it wasn't like that was something he would be taught was it? Was it a possibility he wasn't trusted with that kind of knowledge. He could feel everyone's eyes on him and it made him feel uncomfortable and his heart seemed to beat a bit quicker, but not by much. He looked to Doru. Had he said that his name was mentioned? Oh no. Why? He didn't want to kill Doru. He couldn't. If only he could do something with spawn himself. Then again if he had that kind of power... To steal them or to cure them... He would become an enemy wouldn't he?
"You've heard my name mentioned before Doru?"
He asked curiously. He tilts his head off to the side thinking to himself. He wasn't going to kill this spawn. There had to be something they could do. Doru wanted to try something. Clearly there was something on his mind. There was hope in him. He couldn't just answer for everyone here though. Surely everyone must have their own thoughts. Lucien didn't seem to want to kill anyone, but what did Ravna think? Daestra seemed to agree with not killing him and wanting to help him, but sadly he didn't know how to help Doru. He looks to Daestra and then slowly around at the others.
"I am sorry, but as for what we can do... I don't know. I am afraid that was something I was left in the dark about."
There was a hint of irritation. Not towards anyone here, but clearly towards whoever he had expected to learn this from. He looked back to Doru. He wasn't going to attack him. He couldn't. Maybe... He was too soft to vampire spawn...
"Doru you clearly have some form of idea... Something you want to try... I... I am willing to let you try. I understand if you are afraid that you will fail, but I don't think that you will. You seem to have a strong mind and soul. Ireena and Mordred are here for you. I am too. I know how spawn work for the most part Doru. This doesn't make you a monster. I am sure we can find some way to cure you... You may be able to avoid my fathers commands if you stay out of sight and out of mind... As for feeding... It isn't a great option, but animals would suffice."
Of course this was only his side of things. He looked around. He had nothing for the people that had hoped he would have some better form of answers on what to do about Doru. This was the best he could come up with.
"We didn't come down here to hurt you... not unless.. you were fully gone."
Doru looks to Lucian but than his eyes linger on Daestra the longest. An elf.. a kind he's never seen a glimmer..
"You're.. from the outside world... is it.. Truly rime with adventure? Different kinds of gods and people..? You seem so... bright you remind me of Mordred when.. When he was younger."
He manages to smile at Daestra but as his fangs poke through he looks away covering his mouth shame invading his eyes.
Mordred stands beside Ravna though one can see the anguish in his eyes to reach out.. He is unsure of what to do in this situation.
Doru looks and nods to Salem
"I hear you're name.. yes. You were... left in the dark?"
Doru looks confused. Than Salem's words.. cause Doru's eyes to widen as well as Ireena's and Mordreds.
My idea.. was a drop of blood.. If I could resist... I can return this symbol to my father myself... if I can't... you would need to slay me.. Than return it. Except... you're.... I see.. the castle makes sense. Was it you're idea than? To have me devour the rebellion? Or was that you're "fathers?"
Ireena rocks back almost as if she was slapped looking to Salem a pure terror invading her eyes.
No.. please...
As Ireena backs up she rushes to cover her own neck, in this shuffle of clothes she reveals deep.. Piercing and violent bite scars on her neck. Salem can see right away two sets of bites and just how.. Intense they were. A loss of control that could have even killed her. Mordred looks to draw his sword but instead he stares into Salem's eyes a long moment.
"Why.. why didn't you tell me?! You.. in our time together.. hunting.. fighting we became.. Friends. I... this is how I learn? I don't understand.. you have helped save Barovia from undead with you're magic supported my hunting parties. Why.. why mend our village when you're father.. Is it a Zarovich joke? More games? Were we.. never really friends?"
Ireena hides behind Daestra and Lucian and tries her best to begin breathing as calm as she can. Doru looks over this incident and tilts his head.
"You.. I remember you now... You were kind.. at the castle... Why? After everything?"
Lucian's gaze shoots to Salem upon hearing the word 'father'. Wait... so he's... that doesn't make any sense? As he tries to process Salem's words he takes in everyone else's reactions, noticing the sound of betrayal in Mordred and Ireena's voices. This... really doesn't make any sense to him.
His eyes stray again to Salem, newfound fear filling him as he realizes exactly what he means. So Strahd is his father? But... why would he be here? Along with the newfound fear, something else rises in him... pity? Perhaps he can relate to Salem more than he initially thought. At least, he can assuming Salem isn't really aligned with his 'father'. "You... you're really?" He stammers, unsure of what to say or how to say it as his gaze shifts back and fourth around the room. Realizing that Ireena seems to have lost her courage too, due to some past trauma, he feels every ounce of his own small bit of confidence fading.
Clenching his teeth, he steps forward, forcing himself to look Salem in the eyes... well, for a couple seconds anyways, "No... no one chooses their own parents." He says shakily, "Its not your fault your father is... who he is..." He swallows, mustering what little courage he has to continue his words, "The real question is... who...whose side are you on?" There is a hint of anger in his words, not something that one would expect to hear from the young elf. He can't forgive Strahd for what he's done to him or anyone else. There is no denying that Strahd is wicked, but he can't bring himself to place that same hatred on Salem too. Not without knowing what the vampire's son wants or believes in. As he speaks, he places himself between Salem and the rest of the group, suddenly feeling like everyone else might decide to attack the quiet man. God's know what Ravna is thinking at this point. After hearing her perspective on what to do about Doru, Lucian worries that this will turn into a fight between two vampires and the paladin. He can't get a read on Daestra, but he can tell that this revelation has left Mordred and Ireena with broken trust.
When Doru proposes his idea of resisting blood, she turns her gaze to him, respect and a glint of pity reflects there. His plan sounds noble, but she can't say she thinks just resisting blood once would mean he'd never be tempted again. He'd always be at risk of falling to that temptation so long as it remained before him. At least he believes death can set him free, his accepting that will make this easier should things go south.
Then Salem speaks up.
Unlike everyone else in the room, Ravna doesn't reel back in fear, shock, or even to prepare for a fight, no her body language stays calm. Instead, the sadness in her eyes turns to hard disdain. She hadn't yet felt like she could trust Salem, but up until this point, she hadn't had a reason not to. However, despite his apparent relation to Strahd his actions don't line up with the accusations the others are throwing at him. It could very well have all been some kind of ploy, some trick to gain their trust, but if that were the case, that slip up would mark Salem as one of the worst spies in existence. Her eyes narrow as she remains silent for several moments staring at Salem. He had heard rumors of vampires and spawn who had managed to break free from the strings of fate tying them to the path of evil. Rumors yes, but all rumors have some roots in truth. The question is how much truth remains untwisted. Could she perhaps use Salem as a means to unravel the truth? And if he is truly the son of the Devil, whether or not strings of fate have truly sent him down the dark road, perhaps he can be used as a pawn or a bargaining chip against Strahd. Not to mention, clearly this man is not full vampire. If that is the case, then perhaps his bonds to the shadow are more loose than that of the other poor souls puppet-ed around by the devil. Whatever the case may be, she can test one thing.
Remaining in her ridged stance between the party and Doru, she speaks up. "Calm yourselves." Her voice is hard, and the pale skin of her knuckles have whitened due to her intense grip on her lance. "While this indeed is shocking, we must not jump to conclusions."Her eyes fix on Salem, "Your intentions will be made clear to me."
Reaching for the power within her, her eyes flash as she uses her divine sense. "I shall see the color of your heart."
Daestra becomes slightly agitated at the idea that Salem wants to save this vampiric spawn but has no idea how to save them. What are we meant to do? Just act as if they’re a normal individual and go about our lives? No, that won’t do at all. The villagers would never accept such a thing as this to exist amongst them. The conflict inside is strong in this situation, I want to save this man from what he has become but I feel as though it maybe hopeless. Strahd might be the only one who knows how to revert this and there is no way he will willing give that information to the likes of us.
Daestra looks to Doru “Yes, I am of another world, I know next to nothing of this place or how I even got here, but I felt compelled to help save this place. My only way out of here might be taking down Strahd so I won’t back down from the fight.
Salem speaks momentarily with Doru.
Daestra can’t believe what he is hearing, did he just say father…? He unsheathes his sword from his belt and stands firm looking to Salem “Salem we need answers as to why we are just now finding out this information, how can we trust anything you say if you’ve been hiding something of this degree from us this whole time? And from Mordred no less, I honestly can’t believe this.”
He remains firmly planted with sword drawn as Ireena hides behind him.
After her spell activates, she looks from Salem to Doru, to the others, then back to Salem. "I can see that you are not like the poor soul we've been sent to deal with. You aren't undead, and thus should not be under Strahd's control. At least, you should not be forced to do his will. However, that does not mean your loyalty isn't to him." Gripping her lance, she continues, "You have yet to prove where your loyalties lay. I will give you the chance to gain my trust, and regain the trust of those you called friends. However..."She swings her lance up, pointing it at Salem, "If I find that you have thrown your lot in with the Devil, I will not hesitate to end you." She pauses for a long moment, red eyes fixed on Salem.
Then she turns her lance to Doru, though her eyes turn to the rest of the party "As for him, while I too pity him, and wish for a way to restore his life, I do not feel that we are equipped to do so if it is truly possible. I am not opposed to his plan of resisting blood if he wishes to return his father's holy symbol with his own hands. However, I do not feel that his doing so would mean it is safe to set him loose, even in the wilderness." She lifts her lance and set's it's butt back onto the floor.
"I have heard of a man by the name of Van Rickten. A man who may have answers as to if healing the undead is possible. I suggest we find and speak with him...specifically about what we should expect from Strahd's children."Her gaze flicks back to Salem, as if daring him to object. "Concerning Doru...I personally do not feel comfortable leaving him in this state." At this point she looks at the vampire spawn, pity plain in her eyes. "As I said, If he can resist the urge to feed. I would be willing to allow him to return his father's symbol, though he would be under my watch in case he falters. However, it still may be for the best to send him onward." She looks back at the others, "I want to know your thoughts on this. Van Rickten may have answers, but carting around a vampire spawn until we find him is out of the question. It may be possible to keep him confined here. But it is risky, and there's no telling how long it would take for us to locate Rickten." She pointedly leaves Salem out of this question.
Lucian trembles slightly as tensions rise in the room around him. Now he feels like this might turn into a fight between all of them and the two vampires... and he really isn't cut out to be a mediator. His eyes drift from Daestra and Ravna over to Salem again, and he almost tries to say something else but instead closes his mouth--not trusting his words or his voice not to shake.
A slip of the tongue and now... He was in more trouble than he had ever been in. That was supposed to stay a secret. Never to be exposed. They wouldn't... NO! They couldn't understand. His eyes darted around. He had been around for a long time and yet this made him feel like he was a small child. Fear and sorrow enveloped him. What did he do now? Where did he start? Ireena was afraid of him, but could he blame her... The nasty bites on her neck... His father could have killed her. He slowly looked to Mordred and swallowed. Why would he tell him the truth of who he was? He would have been killed on the spot wouldn't he? He would have been treated like a monster. Maybe he should have stayed at his father's side. He slowly took a step back. He didn't get ready for a fight, but seemed intent on possibly trying to flee. Doru's question made him stop.
Made him what?
"No... Whatever happened to you... I wasn't a part of it. It was most likely my father... I'm not even a full vampire. I'm not even a spawn."
He looked to Lucien who seemed to be mostly calm if a little scared? He couldn't really blame him. Not really. Whose side was he on? What a question... It wasn't like he held a hatred for his father like most of the people here seemed to. How could he hate him? It was his father up in that lonely castle. His father did all of these horrid things and even though he was angry and hurt... He held no real hatred for his father. He loved him dearly. His father only ever showed him kindness and of course there were things he kept away from his father and only shared with his mothers or Escher, but... He gave a shake of his head. It wasn't the time to be thinking about home. It was hard not to though when home was where he felt safe unlike right now.
He could almost feel the sting of tears. Would his end be down in this cellar..? What would his father do should he die?
He looked to Ravna. She was surprisingly calm and that made him feel a little calmer, but panic was still fluttering his chest almost like a bat trying to escape. When she raised her Lance to him that calmness slowly fed the panicked bat in his chest. Home. His father's coffin. That's where he wanted to be. He had left because he couldn't stand the way his father was right now. He had wanted to put a stop to it, but... He wasn't a cruel person. He wasn't used to all of this. To be threatened. He looked to Mordred the only one he had once thought would help him and knew that wasn't the case now...
All because of who he was. All because of where he was born. He swallowed hard. His thoughts on Doru no longer mattered. He may have just signed the spawns death away. He wouldn't forgive them for that...
He finally lets his eyes move to Daestra. He heard what he said, but he was starting to not really feel anything but numbness now.
"You all talk about how bad my father is... You all call him the devil..."
He clenches his hands into fists. Anger lacing with panic.
"I wonder why I hid who I was? Not like it isn't very clear or right in front of any of your faces. One of you cowers in fear... One of you led a rebellion against him... No one has said anything good about him. Why should I tell a bunch of wolves who I am? You all want to hurt him and you could... Right here and right now... By taking my life. It would be easy. Just as easy as taking the life of a spawn who said he wouldn't even fight back."
He backs up further clearly not trusting any of them. No matter what they said.
"I'm not him... I've never been like him... Even when you turn your weapons upon me... I won't be him. I don't have plans to stop any of you... I have my own mind and my own thoughts. Even though all of you think he could poison my thoughts. Everyone talks about killing him... All the time. Even though it hurts... I am beginning to understand all of the things he has done. It isn't like he just tells me what he does everyday. I live a normal life there. Studying magic with him when he isn't chasing after her."
He gestures to Ireena before he looks around at the group.
"I just want him to rest... So she stops driving him insane... When she's not around... He's at least not as bad, but I've realized she's always going to be around... So... I want him to sleep... Permanently."
That hurt to say. It was his father. The man that raised him. The man he would sometimes sleep next to just because he wanted to be close to him. He never truly stopped being a child. There was no need to really grow up why he lived in the castle. In those castle walls he had everything. When Ireena came along that had uprooted his life. Being outside of the protective walls of the castle he was seeing a lot of things he didn't understand or know about...
Friendships were fragile to him because of who he was. He had always been afraid of people finding out who he was. So he never told anyone his full name. He brushed off the fact that he resembled his father a little. This was the consequences of that. He looked towards the stairs that led back up into the church. Would he need to flee up them?
"No one chooses their parents." These were the words that Lucian had said Mordred's gritted teeth of betrayal began to soften and Ireena even peeked over to Salem. There was no malice in her eyes.. only fear that she was trying to fight.
Lucian had asked what side he was. Mordred had asked Salem why he helped but Salem hadn't answered. However it because he seemed panicked dealing with Ravna.
Doru see's talk of helping and letting him try and other talk of helping move onward. Each positive and negative all reaching his mind effecting his resolve for better and for worse as a myriad of emotions play across his face.
Mordred understood Ravna's caution.. After all Strahd had done. Ireena however began to inch closer to Salem before reaching out to hold his hand.
"I-I-I won't lie.. It's a little scary.. a lot even... but Barovia wouldn't be alive... Without you. What do you mean he's fine till I came? My father said he was a tyrant long before my birth and that the valley has always suffered.. I-I'm only 18.. compared to Strahd I haven't been around all that long."
Doru looks wondering if he may try to prove his resolve.
I understand if I am kept here, or even kept chained up. And if I fall to my urges I should be slain.. but I wish to live.. To serve the morninglord to protect my valley once more.
Mordred takes a deep breath as Ravna holds her lance toward Salem and Daestra his blade. Salem had never stated which side he was on... but he can't be against Mordred could he? He couldn't draw how weapon on Salem not unless he truly proved to be a monster. Lucians words had breathed a sense of reason with the old soldier.
"We can't choose who we are... I just need to know.. That you're not against us. The battle ahead.. is almost impossible and we need all the help we can. That.. and I meant that you are my friend. If Ireena can try.. I can as well and I will trust all of you're judgement with Doru even you Salem."
But Salem's words of calling them wolves and them calling his father the devil. Was he blaming Ireena for hiding? Mordred's face contorted looking to Salem with pure fear.
"Wolves... I've seen wolves tear apart my friends and loved ones. Wolves commanded by a man so bloodthirsty he could only be considered a devil. Were we the wolves you're father employs.. True wolves.. You'd be dead. I've seen wolves under a dark master... This.. Would already be over either that or we'd be dead trying to stop you."
Ireena looked down, Mordred didn't seem mad.. Salem seemed to live a naive cushy life at the castle. Mordred was beginning to not blame him.. In what being in a pack of real wolves or real hunters was like.
"Many believe my sister cursed by him, and that taking her life would hurt him as well. Yet that isn't what we do even if many villagers.. Avoid us. We only fight because... We must."
Ireena can clearly not wrap her mind around Strahd living any sort of normal familial life not with all the blood and death around the valley.. But she didn't think Salem was entirely lying either. Only the statements about her short life compared to 400 years of a tyrant she doesn't understand that..
Mordred heard Salem spoke of Strahd resting.
"The morninglord says the dead should rest... But giving that man rest.. When he torments even the souls of the valley seems... Not entirely fair to those tormented. Still.. it isn't revenge that motivates my sister... But peace for the people at last."
Doru looked around confused and unsure if they still would try and give him a chance after all of this.
Lucian bites his lip at Salem's words. Sure, none of them have anything good to say about Strahd. How could they? After everything he's done? Yet it does make sense. Salem likely feared this very conversation, or confrontation would happen as soon as they found out that he was related to the person that caused so much misery for them all. If he's lived a life of nothing but comfort, seeing only Strahd's good side (though Lucian has a difficult time picturing anything 'good' about the vampire), then why would Salem have any reason to think ill of him? How many of Strahd's atrocities is Salem aware of?
Nevertheless, Salem calling them a bunch of wolves causes Lucian to visibly flinch--an action he quickly tries to cover up by shuffling his feet as he listens to the rest of what Salem has to say. He pitys the... half-vampire. It must be difficult, learning that the person who raised you is actually a monster. Lucian hopes he never has the same revelation if he ever finds out who his own parents are.
Seeing Ireena approach Salem pulls Lucian back out of his thoughts. At least some of the tension is gone. They still have to figure out what they can do for Doru, but... Lucian shrinks into himself as Mordred talks of wolves and the devil with a look of fear in his eyes. Lucian subconsciously wraps his arms around himself upon noticing that fear in Mordred. He couldn't help but feel that fear reflected in himself. After all, he'd been thrown right into the middle of a metaphorical wolf pack practically as soon as he could walk, and has been fighting for his survival ever since.
"S...so..." he says finally. "We're all good then?" He looks from Mordred to Ravna and Daestra, then back at Salem and Ireena. Swallowing he says hesitantly, "I...I can't ever forgive Strahd for what he's done to me and... and my people..." He almost doesn't add that last part, having never really felt like a part of the Dusk Elf community. Still though, he can't overlook the fact that the Dusk Elves are a dying race because of Strahd's cruelty and selfishness. "B...But I can't blame you either, and I understand your feelings." He grips his pocket watch, a more firm expression washing over his face, "It sounds like you can at least partially understand our feelings too though, and that..." he doesn't really know how to finish that sentence, so instead he says, "That our goals aren't all that different."
He looks timidly at Doru, his brief confidence fading quickly as he stammers, "B...but for now shouldn't we focus on Doru? It isn't really fair to make him wait considering..." Well, considering that at least one person in the room is likely still thinking about ending his life. Doru probably feels like he's standing trial at an execution or something. If they are going to give him hope, then they need to hurry up and do so before he snaps under the pressure.
Daestra looks to Salem completely baffled “You think were are like a bunch of wolves? Do you know any of the atrocities that your father has committed Salem? I wonder whether you truly know what he is really like.”
Daestra lowers his sword and walks over to Salem “The bloodshed committed must be atoned for whether he is your father or not, there is no other way to handle this situation. If the rest of the group is willing to go along with helping Doru I will help as well even if I am still skeptical of whose side he is really on at this point. Ravna and I will be keeping a close eye on him, and I won’t think twice about ending him if he attacks anyone.”
Looking to Ireena “You can rest assured we won’t let anything happen to you, all of us here will protect you at all costs from anything Strahd throws at us, and thank you for being the one to break the tension, things could’ve got out of hand without someone thinking straight here, we all are a bit frustrated.”
He walks back over to the rest of the group “What shall we do with Doru? I do wonder whether it is too dangerous to take him with us, but it could take a while to find Van Rickten to get answers to how we deal with a spawn such as this. Leaving Doru here maybe our best course of action in the mean time, but if so we must make haste with finding our answers.”
Ravna listens to Salem in cold silence. His words were pretty much what she'd expected. She doesn't blame him for hiding his heritage, though she's a bit irritated that he didn't catch the fact that she'd stated that he isn't a puppet. He isn't undead, so he should be free to choose his own side. Despite his obvious love for his father, he does seem to know that that demon should be taken care of. She gets visibly irritated at being called a wolf though.
"I am no wolf. I do not kill for sport as those wild beasts do. I take no pleasure in ending a life." She continues to watch him coldly, "As I stated, you are not a puppet on your father's strings. Not unless you've tied yourself to him willingly. From your words it does not seem so, and I at least am willing to give you a chance at proving your intentions. You say you want your father to sleep forever, but words are worthless without actions to back them up."
For a moment, she takes her eyes off Salem and glances at Ireena. She doesn't comment on his stating that she is the reason Strahd is the way he is. She intends to inquire farther about what he means by that later, but for now it can wait. Rather than speaking again, she simply nods to Daestra's comment. Yes, she intends to keep Ireena safe. That girl has suffered enough at that monster's hands....
She catches Salem's eye again, then turns back to Doru. "It seems we are in agreement. If you pass this test, we will allow you to see your father under our surveillance. Assuming your father is willing, you will remain here, restrained under the church until we either discover a cure for your curse, or find that it is truly impossible..." She pauses for a moment. That statement fully implying that death may be the only cure. However, she is truthful in hoping for a way to restore the boy's life. She adjusts her position in the room so that she can see Doru, as well as Salem. She doesn't want either of them out of her line of sight.
"I too hope one day you can stand at your father's side, stand in the light of the Morninglord." Then she glances to the others in the room. "Prepare for the worst." She says loudly. Then she slashes her left hand with the end of her lance, letting a small stream of blood drip to the damp cellar floor. Yes, this is a test for Doru, a test to decide his fate...however, she also intends to watch Salem's reaction to this. He is half-vampire after all...
This decision may seem rash to the others, but it is clear that she believes they will put aside the shock of learning of Salem's heritage and focus on the reason they came down here. Not to mention she knows in her heart that she will not die here. No matter what happens. No enemy will end her before she fulfills her destiny.
Salem's hand was limp in Ireena's. He looked at her and then he looked to Mordred. Something had changed here between them. Trust broken. On both sides. He would never harm Ireena. Not after he had heard about her. Not after he had met her. A soft creature he was. Her question... It was a big one wasn't it? She should know, but as he let his eyes move around the room he deemed that no one would hear it from his lips. Not today anyway. They would be lucky if he decided to share that little piece of information at all. He looked to Mordred as he spoke. Though Ireena being scared of him as if he was a real vampire had hurt a bit... It hadn't hurt as bad as Mordred's reaction. Wanting to know why he did the things he did as if he was just playing some elaborate scheme.
It seems the wolf comment should have been kept to himself or maybe he should have used a different animal? How was he supposed to react to people like this? People that held such hatred towards his father. He had no reason to want to be forthcoming with this information. Even an outsider... Someone not even from this valley seemed to think he knew his father. To him he was in a lot of danger and the only one that would have defended him was angry with him. Did he think friendship would prevail in that? No he didn't. The only thing he had with him was his familiar and that poor things life would end quickly. Another thing he kept hidden away.
"I helped because the village needed it and my father wasn't doing anything... I know why now... He wanted this place to pay for what you had done Mordred... That's not how a lord should act. A lord helps its valley. So I started helping because it is the right thing to do."
Right now those words felt hollow. He looked away from Mordred. Whatever he had seen Mordred as before had altered. Though he may be calmed down now... It didn't change how he had reacted earlier. The last thing that was said by Mordred seemed to only upset Salem. He slowly pulled his hand from Ireena's. At least Ireena looked towards the peace of the people. Everyone at the end of the day deserved rest no matter who they were. He would take his father's place if he had to. A young lord of the valley. Not a tyrant like they called his father, but maybe because of who he was... He would still be deemed one.
He looked slowly towards Lucian. This dusk Elf... Why did it seem like he was so much more understanding? Like his father he had an interest in elves. Their lives and their thoughts. Everything about them was interesting, but one thing Lucian said kind of stumped Salem. His father had done something to the dusk elves? He hadn't known about anything happening to the elves. He wanted to ask. but he knew he had no right to at this moment. Though Lucian was being kind... It didn't mean he was trusted. He was very grateful to the dusk elf though. Probably the only one in the room that he didn't think was a wolf in the end well... Other than Doru and Ireena. Apparently the wolf wasn't the right animal to use in this situation? Ah... Maybe no animal was a good fit though... He definitely felt like he was being seen by Lucian. Passed the fact of who his father was.
Laying a hand on the center of his chest he gave Lucian a deep bow.
"I don't know what he's done to you or your people, but I will do what I can to rectify it. I won't do it for my father to be forgiven though. I will do it because you and your people shouldn't have to endure pain. You are all apart of this valley."
As he straightens himself out his eyes move to Daestra. This elf that he had been curious about at one point... Was starting to frustrate him. He couldn't expect an outsider to understand when all he heard was the bad things his father had done. It sure seemed like his father hadn't really done anything good though. So Daestra probably had the right idea, but just because Strahd was a certain way to the outside world didn't mean he was the same way to his family or in private.
"Daestra you may be right in the fact that I don't know anything about my father when it comes to the Valley... I didn't have an interest in the valley when I was young. I had many more things that entertained me. Plus what I did see of the Valley only brought pain to my father. I feared the same kind of pain and I grew angry with the pain the valley caused him. Some of it I don't think was necessarily deserved... I know that the man I seen in castle walls is also the man all of you know as the devil. Just because none of you can fathom him being kind... I can... Blood is everything to my father. He is kind to me because I am his son... and he lies to me because he wants me to see him as a great hero of this valley. I am not stupid. Once I started putting things together I realized that not everything he told me was the truth. He hides things from me. Never showing me that other side of himself. Maybe that was a mistake on his end because I know I've turned out too soft. I'm not a hardened soldier like he is and I don't know half the magic he does. Just because I don't know everything he has done... Doesn't mean I give him a pass on the things I am learning he has done. I will always know him as my father though. That will not change. I will always remember he has a kind side... Even if..."
He trails off and closes his eyes. He knew what helping them might do. At some point he would be an enemy in his father's eyes. That would earn him the man's anger and hatred. It would hurt, but he would always remember him as his father. A loving man, but he couldn't let him keep going like this. It may have been for different reasons, but he wanted his father to sleep. To finally truly rest. He would prove that he was good enough to lead the valley.
Now opening his eyes he looked to Ravna. Words were worthless without action. He sighed softly. He had spoken to mostly everyone here, but for some reason he felt worn and didn't know if he had anymore words for her. So he moved his eyes to Doru.
"At the end of the day Doru... I know you can do this. I won't end you life... and I am sorry for everything my father has done to you... I am sorry that you thought that I had a part in it. You don't have to believe me, but I didn't. I don't agree with what happened to you and I wish I would have known sooner about you because I would have set you free from my father's grasp."
He fell silent and looked towards Ravna. He was grateful she was giving him a chance, but it didn't change how he viewed her. He watched her cut her hand open. Blood was something he didn't struggle around. Sure he needed to make sure he was fed so that he could survive, but he could go a couple of days without worrying about needing to bite someone and honestly he could hunt animals. Her blood though smelled good as all blood did... Well the thought of biting her made the light sting in his throat almost disappear. Instead the thought of it made him sick. He turned away from her and looked to Doru. Spawn were a bit different though.
His mind wandered a bit to Escher. That spawn always made him so nervous and he didn't really respond well to him. Usually running and hiding... He regretted that now. He had a feeling he understood Escher more after finding out what his father had done to Doru. He gave a shake of his head and focused on Doru. He could do this. This boy seemed strong. He could hope for the best. He wouldn't have attacked Doru willingly, but if... and it was a big if Doru failed... Of course Salem would help to defend these people.
Mordred and Ireena look to Lucian as he manages to speak a bit too Salem. Mordred nods.
"You're right, about Salem.. And Doru here we should focus on him for now."
Ireena looks to Daestra and tilts her head with a smile.
"I.. Didn't do much not really but thank you all for listening and calming down."
She looks to them all Salem and Ravna included than looks to Doru with worry painting her expression.
Doru looks to them all, to Salem and Mordred.. To Daestra than to Lucian before finally planting his eyes at Ravna he seems determined. He gives a nod readying himself as Salem begins to speak as well. Mordred hesitates a moment but puts his hand on Salem's shoulder.
"You helped us.. many times I will choose to believe in you're words. Like Doru.. you are a rare friend here in Barovia and as stated before you can't choose you're parents."
Doru looks to Salem and gulps smelling Ravna's blood. He hopes.. That he doesn't let him down but the urge is so strong..
Doru's muscles tense his eyes fluttering from Ravna and Salem. Every doubt cast his way every faithful and helpful word.. Good and bad it all culminates to this moment for him. His muscles tense and his eyes now squeeze shut. A few moments later, his nostrils flare, and a thin line of saliva begins to run down his lips. He whimpers as Ireena gasp lightly, his clawed fingers flexing and twitching.
"Salem.. Mordred... I want to.. I want to.."
His words begin to slip into prayer
When the shadows come.
He whispers
I will not yield. Darkness is the destroyer, and temptation its weapon. I will face the night and its horrors and await the horizon. For in the light of the morninglord love only light can remain.
Doru's voice shakes and falters, his emaciated body trembling. One first is clenched at his side, the other squeezing the bloodstained sunburst that lies across his neck.
"In the light of the morninglord love
He repeats now gasping for air.
In the light of the morninglords love... Gertruda.. Gerturda.. Gertruda.... My friends...
After what seems like an eternity hanging in the air. As Ireena clings beside Daestra and Lucian. Mordred clenches his fist his brow furrowed in worry.
Doru's body finally releases and relaxes. His tense muscles seem to uncoil, his breath grows steadier, and the look of strain fades from his face. His eyes remain closed a moment longer, then flutter open- and... The fangs in his mouth slowly retract, leaving only an ordinary pair of canines behind. It couldn't be that easy yes? His eyes were still piercing and his skin was pale so what of his fangs? It seemed Doru himself hadn''t even noticed they were missing.
"I have not yielded
He whispers hoarsely.
Not yet, now allow that I know... I can survive a bit longer.. Allow to me to share something I was afraid was perhaps false hope. Much like Ravna I hadn't wished to raise pointless hope... But I know this Van Rickten you speak of. I've met him he was there at the rebellion after all.
"What..? I was there, there was no one by that name. There was an outsider mage.. and a swordsman from beyond the mist but I am certain there was no man named Van Rickten..."
Lucian's eyes widen slightly in surprise as Salem bows and states that he'd like to rectify Strahd's actions towards the dusk elves. How could Salem not know about...? He blinks, stammering a little and waving a hand, "Uh... um... thanks? I... well I'm not sure there's much that can be done at this point." The only options he could think of were ones that the dusk elves wouldn't agree with, well, most of them anyways. In that respect it is partially their fault they are a dying race. Regardless, nothing can fix death. Salem can't do anything to cure the hurt Strahd afflicted on the Dusk Elves or Lucian himself... not when both wounds were inflicted by killing. Still, at least Salem seemed genuine. Because of that Lucian can't bring himself to say any of what he was thinking. He doesn't want to make Salem feel bad for the things Strahd is responsible for, and he doesn't want Salem to think that Lucian blames him for any of it. Shaking his head he says, "I... thanks for what you said though..." He once more wraps his arms around himself, eyes and mind wandering somewhat as the rest of the conversation takes place.
He nods slowly as Salem speaks to Daestra, piecing together the half-vampire's perspective on everything. He finds it hard to believe that the Valley itself caused Strahd pain... not when he seemed to treat everything like some sort of sick game. Then again, how can he know what is going through the vampire's head? There are some things that Lucian will never know or understand. Perhaps it's better that way, sometimes.
He tenses as Ravna cuts her hand, flinching visibly as her blood drips from the wound. He lets out a long breath through his nose, then turns his wary gaze onto Doru...waiting for the spawn's reaction. As he does so however, he takes a step away from Ravna. Blood was something he could never get comfortable being around. Which is a little funny really, considering he'd volunteered (however hesitantly) to come fight a vampire spawn. Gods know, whenever violence occurs, there is always blood.
Watching rigidly, he keeps his fists clenched in preparation of a fight. He doesn't relax until Doru begins speaking to Mordred... and even then he retains his skittish demeanor. Perhaps that's something he never fully drops. He blinks, realizing that Doru's fangs seem to have disappeared. Is that... normal? He looks to Salem, and asks timidly, "His fangs... does that usually happen? That's... a good sign right?" He looks back to Mordred as he states his confusion about Van Rickten. He doesn't really have anything to add to that conversation, having not been here when the rebellion happened. He looks to Ravna, then Salem and Ireena... those two were there right? He fidgets uncomfortably, unsure of what the next step should be.
Daestra looks to Doru once more “Doru, where might we find this Van Rickten? And you must be honest with us if you want to be free of this place as well as your current situation. We will go to him and find out what we can do to resolve this if possible.”
Noting Salem's lack of reaction, Ravna watches Doru intently. As the small stream of blood drips from her hand, she seems completely calm, and calm she is...though she is also ready to jump into action should Doru fall to his urges. Even when the boy's fangs seem to disappear, her expression does not change...though the light in her eyes seem to brighten a bit.
Is this a sign?
When Doru starts to speak again, she lowers her hand holding it in front of her for a moment. As she does this the small slice glows momentarily before vanishing, cutting of the small stream of blood. Lowering it to her side, she listens to Doru. She's still conflicted about what to do with him now. She hadn't expected his fangs to disappear, but even still, there's no way of knowing that they won't just grow back at some point.
"Speak on."She says to Doru. "Even if it may be fleeting, your resilience and will to continue standing in the light is a spark of hope in and of itself. For now, it seems the Morninglord still wishes for you to walk among us mortals, perhaps you knowledge of Van Rickten will help us turn that spark into a blazing fire."
Something had happened with the elves that couldn't be fixed. What had his father done? He would keep this in mind. When he saw his father again he would ask. He had a right to know everything about this valley and what was happening in it. He would have to let it go for now as it wasn't the time. His eyes moved to Doru and rested there until he felt Mordred's hand on his shoulder. His bright green eyes moved to him slowly and hesitantly. He had helped them a number of times. Against what his father probably wanted him to do. He wasn't just going to watch people die. He offered a small but warm smile. This little vampling was glad to see there was no friendship lost though part of him was still nervous. What if this happened again if they found out more about his father... Would Mordred only come at him again angry. Friendship was a new concept that Salem was struggling with. It was hard to maintain and it was hard to get along all the time too wasn't it?
"I will continue to help too."
Salem let his eyes move back to Doru. It must have been hard for him to go through with all of this. Everyone was watching him, but he saw him relax and he seemed to look determined. Good. Though he wondered how many spawn were out in the world like Doru. Not all of them would be like this would they? He would have to keep that in mind too. He doubted he would be able to convince them to save every spawn they came across. That made him think back to the castle. His mothers... and Escher... His heart ached. They were at least fed though...
Seeing that Doru's fangs had receded seemed to even cause a look of shock to come across Salem's face. He couldn't do that. His fangs were always there. Another thing that was interesting was his father couldn't hide his either. This was probably something he would be jealous about or maybe curious about. It would be best not to mention it to him. He would rather keep Doru out of danger. He looked at Lucian who asked him about the fangs and crossed his arms thinking. It had to be a good thing right?
"I actually have never seen anything like this. I assume it must be rare and there's something has figure out that even I haven't. My father can't hide his fangs and none of the other spawn I know can do it either."
He looks over to Doru and smiles lightly. He had not yielded. That was good and with his fangs not even showing... That was even better. He was sure that this had to be a good sign. If none of the spawn or even father could hide their fangs... Of course himself included... Did that mean he was dangerous though? He hadn't ever thought of himself that way though.
He looked to Ravna. He was unsure of what to say to her still, but he did have one thing though she might already have an idea about it.
"Van Rickten might know about what's going on with Doru's fangs. He must have all sorts of things recorded about vampires."
He doubted any of it was favorable, but he might at least have some idea of why Doru was able to hide them. He had a feeling Doru had just accomplished something that normally isn't easy for a spawn or even a vampire to do.
He was starting to feel better now. The anger and panic no longer fog his mind. A lot of things are making more sense to him now. Hearing what everyone had to say made him think further about his father. What other things had he done that Salem knew nothing about... And if he had been told was he told a lie to cover what could possibly be the truth? His father had a lot to answer for. Right now he could at least rejoice in the fact that Doru was looking better, but one thing still worried him. Doru had been required to kill his own father. That was a command. Did that command still stand? Would they have to worry about it when they took Doru up to meet with his father? Maybe he should remain hopeful. Should Doru still try to follow that command... He would have to stop Doru.
Mordred looked to Lucian with a tinge of confusion plastered on his face.
"A good sign? I don't know.. Maybe? I mean.. it looks good I think."
Doru nods looking to Daestra than to Ravna with a fierce nod.
Doru smiled to Mordred and to Salem before taking a breath to explain.
"There was a fierce battle.. A month ago... As you know the rebellion of course. There was an extremely powerful wizard, an outsider.. In terms of magic he claimed to be stronger than Strahd himself. He wasn't alone.. There was a man named Alanaik Ray, when I first met him it was a month before that Fateful battle. He saved me from a werewolf, warned me that werewolves and vampires only knew to consume and could not be reasoned with... Which why I thought my fate sealed. In the battle however his hat was knocked off.. and it revealed his true form, it's as if the hat had magic to disguise himself. His true name was.. Rudolph Van Rickten.
"Alanaik was.."
"Rickten? Father has one of his old books at the manor but to think he lived here..."
"I kept his secret.. And I convinced him to fight with us. He wanted to sneak in the castle, assassinate Strahd while he slept. However Rahadin.. the wives they'd wage terror on the valley and would likely finish the dusk elves off before they could escape. I didn't want to come to that cost.. I wanted to stop them all not just Strahd. I told Rickten we'd lead a charge.. With or without him and.. He came. Escher had come with us as well Mordred."
"Escher..? He was.. the town bard we thought him dead.. He was also our friend."
"Escher went missing right before we found the crypt but somehow Strahd knew we were coming. Ambushed me and Rickten, I was knocked out and Rickten was hurt. Before I lost consciousness I saw the mage blast Strahd out of the castle in a single spell I thought for sure the devil met his match but.. I was told the mage was slain. It made me feel.. Strahd could never be stopped.. It's than at the castle where I.. Well you know the rest. I had to divulge everything I knew, I was compelled by his command. So Rickten is hiding once more and is in more danger now.. Because of me. However he is in the valley that much is for certain."
Mordred listens and nods as well as Ireena. Mordred than looks to the party.
"I believe we are able to retrieve Donavich's symbol now."
"Yes of course take it my friend.. And Salem.. Lucian thank you for believing in me."
Ireena ponders.. On the story of Escher but smiles to Doru with a nod.
"I know that Barovia will all flee to Vallaki now for sure... Whether I should stay down here or escort my father I don't know. I will leave that to you all, you're presence.. And choices have helped me hide my fangs feel clearer than before. I would like you're continued guidance, surely you are all sent here by the morninglord you must be for this miracle to have taken place.
"Its... Up to you all. It's true we lack for warriors in the evacuation. We as a group can't travel with the entire village as Ireena paints a bigger target. Parrywhimple.. and a hand full scouts and a dozen guards. Parrywhimple is crucial if Bildrath allows him to fight he's the towns greatest warrior.
"Except you!"
"Heh.. I've actually never once beaten him I am only Barovia's second strongest fighter and when father was alive I was third rate to be honest. Well... after we decide what to do and this funeral. You all should rest at our mansion, traveling at night is far too dangerous."
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Arcana Check: 15
Salem sighed softly. He couldn't recall what they could do to help Doru, but it wasn't like that was something he would be taught was it? Was it a possibility he wasn't trusted with that kind of knowledge. He could feel everyone's eyes on him and it made him feel uncomfortable and his heart seemed to beat a bit quicker, but not by much. He looked to Doru. Had he said that his name was mentioned? Oh no. Why? He didn't want to kill Doru. He couldn't. If only he could do something with spawn himself. Then again if he had that kind of power... To steal them or to cure them... He would become an enemy wouldn't he?
"You've heard my name mentioned before Doru?"
He asked curiously. He tilts his head off to the side thinking to himself. He wasn't going to kill this spawn. There had to be something they could do. Doru wanted to try something. Clearly there was something on his mind. There was hope in him. He couldn't just answer for everyone here though. Surely everyone must have their own thoughts. Lucien didn't seem to want to kill anyone, but what did Ravna think? Daestra seemed to agree with not killing him and wanting to help him, but sadly he didn't know how to help Doru. He looks to Daestra and then slowly around at the others.
"I am sorry, but as for what we can do... I don't know. I am afraid that was something I was left in the dark about."
There was a hint of irritation. Not towards anyone here, but clearly towards whoever he had expected to learn this from. He looked back to Doru. He wasn't going to attack him. He couldn't. Maybe... He was too soft to vampire spawn...
"Doru you clearly have some form of idea... Something you want to try... I... I am willing to let you try. I understand if you are afraid that you will fail, but I don't think that you will. You seem to have a strong mind and soul. Ireena and Mordred are here for you. I am too. I know how spawn work for the most part Doru. This doesn't make you a monster. I am sure we can find some way to cure you... You may be able to avoid my fathers commands if you stay out of sight and out of mind... As for feeding... It isn't a great option, but animals would suffice."
Of course this was only his side of things. He looked around. He had nothing for the people that had hoped he would have some better form of answers on what to do about Doru. This was the best he could come up with.
Ireena stands next to Lucian and gives a nod.
"We didn't come down here to hurt you... not unless.. you were fully gone."
Doru looks to Lucian but than his eyes linger on Daestra the longest. An elf.. a kind he's never seen a glimmer..
"You're.. from the outside world... is it.. Truly rime with adventure? Different kinds of gods and people..? You seem so... bright you remind me of Mordred when.. When he was younger."
He manages to smile at Daestra but as his fangs poke through he looks away covering his mouth shame invading his eyes.
Mordred stands beside Ravna though one can see the anguish in his eyes to reach out.. He is unsure of what to do in this situation.
Doru looks and nods to Salem
"I hear you're name.. yes. You were... left in the dark?"
Doru looks confused. Than Salem's words.. cause Doru's eyes to widen as well as Ireena's and Mordreds.
My idea.. was a drop of blood.. If I could resist... I can return this symbol to my father myself... if I can't... you would need to slay me.. Than return it. Except... you're.... I see.. the castle makes sense. Was it you're idea than? To have me devour the rebellion? Or was that you're "fathers?"
Ireena rocks back almost as if she was slapped looking to Salem a pure terror invading her eyes.
No.. please...
As Ireena backs up she rushes to cover her own neck, in this shuffle of clothes she reveals deep.. Piercing and violent bite scars on her neck. Salem can see right away two sets of bites and just how.. Intense they were. A loss of control that could have even killed her. Mordred looks to draw his sword but instead he stares into Salem's eyes a long moment.
"Why.. why didn't you tell me?! You.. in our time together.. hunting.. fighting we became.. Friends. I... this is how I learn? I don't understand.. you have helped save Barovia from undead with you're magic supported my hunting parties. Why.. why mend our village when you're father.. Is it a Zarovich joke? More games? Were we.. never really friends?"
Ireena hides behind Daestra and Lucian and tries her best to begin breathing as calm as she can. Doru looks over this incident and tilts his head.
"You.. I remember you now... You were kind.. at the castle... Why? After everything?"
Lucian's gaze shoots to Salem upon hearing the word 'father'. Wait... so he's... that doesn't make any sense? As he tries to process Salem's words he takes in everyone else's reactions, noticing the sound of betrayal in Mordred and Ireena's voices. This... really doesn't make any sense to him.
His eyes stray again to Salem, newfound fear filling him as he realizes exactly what he means. So Strahd is his father? But... why would he be here? Along with the newfound fear, something else rises in him... pity? Perhaps he can relate to Salem more than he initially thought. At least, he can assuming Salem isn't really aligned with his 'father'. "You... you're really?" He stammers, unsure of what to say or how to say it as his gaze shifts back and fourth around the room. Realizing that Ireena seems to have lost her courage too, due to some past trauma, he feels every ounce of his own small bit of confidence fading.
Clenching his teeth, he steps forward, forcing himself to look Salem in the eyes... well, for a couple seconds anyways, "No... no one chooses their own parents." He says shakily, "Its not your fault your father is... who he is..." He swallows, mustering what little courage he has to continue his words, "The real question is... who...whose side are you on?" There is a hint of anger in his words, not something that one would expect to hear from the young elf. He can't forgive Strahd for what he's done to him or anyone else. There is no denying that Strahd is wicked, but he can't bring himself to place that same hatred on Salem too. Not without knowing what the vampire's son wants or believes in. As he speaks, he places himself between Salem and the rest of the group, suddenly feeling like everyone else might decide to attack the quiet man. God's know what Ravna is thinking at this point. After hearing her perspective on what to do about Doru, Lucian worries that this will turn into a fight between two vampires and the paladin. He can't get a read on Daestra, but he can tell that this revelation has left Mordred and Ireena with broken trust.
When Doru proposes his idea of resisting blood, she turns her gaze to him, respect and a glint of pity reflects there. His plan sounds noble, but she can't say she thinks just resisting blood once would mean he'd never be tempted again. He'd always be at risk of falling to that temptation so long as it remained before him. At least he believes death can set him free, his accepting that will make this easier should things go south.
Then Salem speaks up.
Unlike everyone else in the room, Ravna doesn't reel back in fear, shock, or even to prepare for a fight, no her body language stays calm. Instead, the sadness in her eyes turns to hard disdain. She hadn't yet felt like she could trust Salem, but up until this point, she hadn't had a reason not to. However, despite his apparent relation to Strahd his actions don't line up with the accusations the others are throwing at him. It could very well have all been some kind of ploy, some trick to gain their trust, but if that were the case, that slip up would mark Salem as one of the worst spies in existence. Her eyes narrow as she remains silent for several moments staring at Salem. He had heard rumors of vampires and spawn who had managed to break free from the strings of fate tying them to the path of evil. Rumors yes, but all rumors have some roots in truth. The question is how much truth remains untwisted. Could she perhaps use Salem as a means to unravel the truth? And if he is truly the son of the Devil, whether or not strings of fate have truly sent him down the dark road, perhaps he can be used as a pawn or a bargaining chip against Strahd. Not to mention, clearly this man is not full vampire. If that is the case, then perhaps his bonds to the shadow are more loose than that of the other poor souls puppet-ed around by the devil. Whatever the case may be, she can test one thing.
Remaining in her ridged stance between the party and Doru, she speaks up. "Calm yourselves." Her voice is hard, and the pale skin of her knuckles have whitened due to her intense grip on her lance. "While this indeed is shocking, we must not jump to conclusions." Her eyes fix on Salem, "Your intentions will be made clear to me."
Reaching for the power within her, her eyes flash as she uses her divine sense. "I shall see the color of your heart."
Daestra becomes slightly agitated at the idea that Salem wants to save this vampiric spawn but has no idea how to save them. What are we meant to do? Just act as if they’re a normal individual and go about our lives? No, that won’t do at all. The villagers would never accept such a thing as this to exist amongst them. The conflict inside is strong in this situation, I want to save this man from what he has become but I feel as though it maybe hopeless. Strahd might be the only one who knows how to revert this and there is no way he will willing give that information to the likes of us.
Daestra looks to Doru “Yes, I am of another world, I know next to nothing of this place or how I even got here, but I felt compelled to help save this place. My only way out of here might be taking down Strahd so I won’t back down from the fight.
Salem speaks momentarily with Doru.
Daestra can’t believe what he is hearing, did he just say father…? He unsheathes his sword from his belt and stands firm looking to Salem “Salem we need answers as to why we are just now finding out this information, how can we trust anything you say if you’ve been hiding something of this degree from us this whole time? And from Mordred no less, I honestly can’t believe this.”
He remains firmly planted with sword drawn as Ireena hides behind him.
After her spell activates, she looks from Salem to Doru, to the others, then back to Salem. "I can see that you are not like the poor soul we've been sent to deal with. You aren't undead, and thus should not be under Strahd's control. At least, you should not be forced to do his will. However, that does not mean your loyalty isn't to him." Gripping her lance, she continues, "You have yet to prove where your loyalties lay. I will give you the chance to gain my trust, and regain the trust of those you called friends. However..." She swings her lance up, pointing it at Salem, "If I find that you have thrown your lot in with the Devil, I will not hesitate to end you." She pauses for a long moment, red eyes fixed on Salem.
Then she turns her lance to Doru, though her eyes turn to the rest of the party "As for him, while I too pity him, and wish for a way to restore his life, I do not feel that we are equipped to do so if it is truly possible. I am not opposed to his plan of resisting blood if he wishes to return his father's holy symbol with his own hands. However, I do not feel that his doing so would mean it is safe to set him loose, even in the wilderness." She lifts her lance and set's it's butt back onto the floor.
"I have heard of a man by the name of Van Rickten. A man who may have answers as to if healing the undead is possible. I suggest we find and speak with him...specifically about what we should expect from Strahd's children." Her gaze flicks back to Salem, as if daring him to object. "Concerning Doru...I personally do not feel comfortable leaving him in this state." At this point she looks at the vampire spawn, pity plain in her eyes. "As I said, If he can resist the urge to feed. I would be willing to allow him to return his father's symbol, though he would be under my watch in case he falters. However, it still may be for the best to send him onward." She looks back at the others, "I want to know your thoughts on this. Van Rickten may have answers, but carting around a vampire spawn until we find him is out of the question. It may be possible to keep him confined here. But it is risky, and there's no telling how long it would take for us to locate Rickten." She pointedly leaves Salem out of this question.
Lucian trembles slightly as tensions rise in the room around him. Now he feels like this might turn into a fight between all of them and the two vampires... and he really isn't cut out to be a mediator. His eyes drift from Daestra and Ravna over to Salem again, and he almost tries to say something else but instead closes his mouth--not trusting his words or his voice not to shake.
A slip of the tongue and now... He was in more trouble than he had ever been in. That was supposed to stay a secret. Never to be exposed. They wouldn't... NO! They couldn't understand. His eyes darted around. He had been around for a long time and yet this made him feel like he was a small child. Fear and sorrow enveloped him. What did he do now? Where did he start? Ireena was afraid of him, but could he blame her... The nasty bites on her neck... His father could have killed her. He slowly looked to Mordred and swallowed. Why would he tell him the truth of who he was? He would have been killed on the spot wouldn't he? He would have been treated like a monster. Maybe he should have stayed at his father's side. He slowly took a step back. He didn't get ready for a fight, but seemed intent on possibly trying to flee. Doru's question made him stop.
Made him what?
"No... Whatever happened to you... I wasn't a part of it. It was most likely my father... I'm not even a full vampire. I'm not even a spawn."
He looked to Lucien who seemed to be mostly calm if a little scared? He couldn't really blame him. Not really. Whose side was he on? What a question... It wasn't like he held a hatred for his father like most of the people here seemed to. How could he hate him? It was his father up in that lonely castle. His father did all of these horrid things and even though he was angry and hurt... He held no real hatred for his father. He loved him dearly. His father only ever showed him kindness and of course there were things he kept away from his father and only shared with his mothers or Escher, but... He gave a shake of his head. It wasn't the time to be thinking about home. It was hard not to though when home was where he felt safe unlike right now.
He could almost feel the sting of tears. Would his end be down in this cellar..? What would his father do should he die?
He looked to Ravna. She was surprisingly calm and that made him feel a little calmer, but panic was still fluttering his chest almost like a bat trying to escape. When she raised her Lance to him that calmness slowly fed the panicked bat in his chest. Home. His father's coffin. That's where he wanted to be. He had left because he couldn't stand the way his father was right now. He had wanted to put a stop to it, but... He wasn't a cruel person. He wasn't used to all of this. To be threatened. He looked to Mordred the only one he had once thought would help him and knew that wasn't the case now...
All because of who he was. All because of where he was born. He swallowed hard. His thoughts on Doru no longer mattered. He may have just signed the spawns death away. He wouldn't forgive them for that...
He finally lets his eyes move to Daestra. He heard what he said, but he was starting to not really feel anything but numbness now.
"You all talk about how bad my father is... You all call him the devil..."
He clenches his hands into fists. Anger lacing with panic.
"I wonder why I hid who I was? Not like it isn't very clear or right in front of any of your faces. One of you cowers in fear... One of you led a rebellion against him... No one has said anything good about him. Why should I tell a bunch of wolves who I am? You all want to hurt him and you could... Right here and right now... By taking my life. It would be easy. Just as easy as taking the life of a spawn who said he wouldn't even fight back."
He backs up further clearly not trusting any of them. No matter what they said.
"I'm not him... I've never been like him... Even when you turn your weapons upon me... I won't be him. I don't have plans to stop any of you... I have my own mind and my own thoughts. Even though all of you think he could poison my thoughts. Everyone talks about killing him... All the time. Even though it hurts... I am beginning to understand all of the things he has done. It isn't like he just tells me what he does everyday. I live a normal life there. Studying magic with him when he isn't chasing after her."
He gestures to Ireena before he looks around at the group.
"I just want him to rest... So she stops driving him insane... When she's not around... He's at least not as bad, but I've realized she's always going to be around... So... I want him to sleep... Permanently."
That hurt to say. It was his father. The man that raised him. The man he would sometimes sleep next to just because he wanted to be close to him. He never truly stopped being a child. There was no need to really grow up why he lived in the castle. In those castle walls he had everything. When Ireena came along that had uprooted his life. Being outside of the protective walls of the castle he was seeing a lot of things he didn't understand or know about...
Friendships were fragile to him because of who he was. He had always been afraid of people finding out who he was. So he never told anyone his full name. He brushed off the fact that he resembled his father a little. This was the consequences of that. He looked towards the stairs that led back up into the church. Would he need to flee up them?
"No one chooses their parents."
These were the words that Lucian had said Mordred's gritted teeth of betrayal began to soften and Ireena even peeked over to Salem. There was no malice in her eyes.. only fear that she was trying to fight.
Lucian had asked what side he was. Mordred had asked Salem why he helped but Salem hadn't answered. However it because he seemed panicked dealing with Ravna.
Doru see's talk of helping and letting him try and other talk of helping move onward. Each positive and negative all reaching his mind effecting his resolve for better and for worse as a myriad of emotions play across his face.
Mordred understood Ravna's caution.. After all Strahd had done. Ireena however began to inch closer to Salem before reaching out to hold his hand.
"I-I-I won't lie.. It's a little scary.. a lot even... but Barovia wouldn't be alive... Without you. What do you mean he's fine till I came? My father said he was a tyrant long before my birth and that the valley has always suffered.. I-I'm only 18.. compared to Strahd I haven't been around all that long."
Doru looks wondering if he may try to prove his resolve.
I understand if I am kept here, or even kept chained up. And if I fall to my urges I should be slain.. but I wish to live.. To serve the morninglord to protect my valley once more.
Mordred takes a deep breath as Ravna holds her lance toward Salem and Daestra his blade. Salem had never stated which side he was on... but he can't be against Mordred could he? He couldn't draw how weapon on Salem not unless he truly proved to be a monster. Lucians words had breathed a sense of reason with the old soldier.
"We can't choose who we are... I just need to know.. That you're not against us. The battle ahead.. is almost impossible and we need all the help we can. That.. and I meant that you are my friend. If Ireena can try.. I can as well and I will trust all of you're judgement with Doru even you Salem."
But Salem's words of calling them wolves and them calling his father the devil. Was he blaming Ireena for hiding? Mordred's face contorted looking to Salem with pure fear.
"Wolves... I've seen wolves tear apart my friends and loved ones. Wolves commanded by a man so bloodthirsty he could only be considered a devil. Were we the wolves you're father employs.. True wolves.. You'd be dead. I've seen wolves under a dark master... This.. Would already be over either that or we'd be dead trying to stop you."
Ireena looked down, Mordred didn't seem mad.. Salem seemed to live a naive cushy life at the castle. Mordred was beginning to not blame him.. In what being in a pack of real wolves or real hunters was like.
"Many believe my sister cursed by him, and that taking her life would hurt him as well. Yet that isn't what we do even if many villagers.. Avoid us. We only fight because... We must."
Ireena can clearly not wrap her mind around Strahd living any sort of normal familial life not with all the blood and death around the valley.. But she didn't think Salem was entirely lying either. Only the statements about her short life compared to 400 years of a tyrant she doesn't understand that..
Mordred heard Salem spoke of Strahd resting.
"The morninglord says the dead should rest... But giving that man rest.. When he torments even the souls of the valley seems... Not entirely fair to those tormented. Still.. it isn't revenge that motivates my sister... But peace for the people at last."
Doru looked around confused and unsure if they still would try and give him a chance after all of this.
OOC
If I miss anything let me know
Lucian bites his lip at Salem's words. Sure, none of them have anything good to say about Strahd. How could they? After everything he's done? Yet it does make sense. Salem likely feared this very conversation, or confrontation would happen as soon as they found out that he was related to the person that caused so much misery for them all. If he's lived a life of nothing but comfort, seeing only Strahd's good side (though Lucian has a difficult time picturing anything 'good' about the vampire), then why would Salem have any reason to think ill of him? How many of Strahd's atrocities is Salem aware of?
Nevertheless, Salem calling them a bunch of wolves causes Lucian to visibly flinch--an action he quickly tries to cover up by shuffling his feet as he listens to the rest of what Salem has to say. He pitys the... half-vampire. It must be difficult, learning that the person who raised you is actually a monster. Lucian hopes he never has the same revelation if he ever finds out who his own parents are.
Seeing Ireena approach Salem pulls Lucian back out of his thoughts. At least some of the tension is gone. They still have to figure out what they can do for Doru, but... Lucian shrinks into himself as Mordred talks of wolves and the devil with a look of fear in his eyes. Lucian subconsciously wraps his arms around himself upon noticing that fear in Mordred. He couldn't help but feel that fear reflected in himself. After all, he'd been thrown right into the middle of a metaphorical wolf pack practically as soon as he could walk, and has been fighting for his survival ever since.
"S...so..." he says finally. "We're all good then?" He looks from Mordred to Ravna and Daestra, then back at Salem and Ireena. Swallowing he says hesitantly, "I...I can't ever forgive Strahd for what he's done to me and... and my people..." He almost doesn't add that last part, having never really felt like a part of the Dusk Elf community. Still though, he can't overlook the fact that the Dusk Elves are a dying race because of Strahd's cruelty and selfishness. "B...But I can't blame you either, and I understand your feelings." He grips his pocket watch, a more firm expression washing over his face, "It sounds like you can at least partially understand our feelings too though, and that..." he doesn't really know how to finish that sentence, so instead he says, "That our goals aren't all that different."
He looks timidly at Doru, his brief confidence fading quickly as he stammers, "B...but for now shouldn't we focus on Doru? It isn't really fair to make him wait considering..." Well, considering that at least one person in the room is likely still thinking about ending his life. Doru probably feels like he's standing trial at an execution or something. If they are going to give him hope, then they need to hurry up and do so before he snaps under the pressure.
Daestra looks to Salem completely baffled “You think were are like a bunch of wolves? Do you know any of the atrocities that your father has committed Salem? I wonder whether you truly know what he is really like.”
Daestra lowers his sword and walks over to Salem “The bloodshed committed must be atoned for whether he is your father or not, there is no other way to handle this situation. If the rest of the group is willing to go along with helping Doru I will help as well even if I am still skeptical of whose side he is really on at this point. Ravna and I will be keeping a close eye on him, and I won’t think twice about ending him if he attacks anyone.”
Looking to Ireena “You can rest assured we won’t let anything happen to you, all of us here will protect you at all costs from anything Strahd throws at us, and thank you for being the one to break the tension, things could’ve got out of hand without someone thinking straight here, we all are a bit frustrated.”
He walks back over to the rest of the group “What shall we do with Doru? I do wonder whether it is too dangerous to take him with us, but it could take a while to find Van Rickten to get answers to how we deal with a spawn such as this. Leaving Doru here maybe our best course of action in the mean time, but if so we must make haste with finding our answers.”
Ravna listens to Salem in cold silence. His words were pretty much what she'd expected. She doesn't blame him for hiding his heritage, though she's a bit irritated that he didn't catch the fact that she'd stated that he isn't a puppet. He isn't undead, so he should be free to choose his own side. Despite his obvious love for his father, he does seem to know that that demon should be taken care of. She gets visibly irritated at being called a wolf though.
"I am no wolf. I do not kill for sport as those wild beasts do. I take no pleasure in ending a life." She continues to watch him coldly, "As I stated, you are not a puppet on your father's strings. Not unless you've tied yourself to him willingly. From your words it does not seem so, and I at least am willing to give you a chance at proving your intentions. You say you want your father to sleep forever, but words are worthless without actions to back them up."
For a moment, she takes her eyes off Salem and glances at Ireena. She doesn't comment on his stating that she is the reason Strahd is the way he is. She intends to inquire farther about what he means by that later, but for now it can wait. Rather than speaking again, she simply nods to Daestra's comment. Yes, she intends to keep Ireena safe. That girl has suffered enough at that monster's hands....
She catches Salem's eye again, then turns back to Doru. "It seems we are in agreement. If you pass this test, we will allow you to see your father under our surveillance. Assuming your father is willing, you will remain here, restrained under the church until we either discover a cure for your curse, or find that it is truly impossible..." She pauses for a moment. That statement fully implying that death may be the only cure. However, she is truthful in hoping for a way to restore the boy's life. She adjusts her position in the room so that she can see Doru, as well as Salem. She doesn't want either of them out of her line of sight.
"I too hope one day you can stand at your father's side, stand in the light of the Morninglord." Then she glances to the others in the room. "Prepare for the worst." She says loudly. Then she slashes her left hand with the end of her lance, letting a small stream of blood drip to the damp cellar floor. Yes, this is a test for Doru, a test to decide his fate...however, she also intends to watch Salem's reaction to this. He is half-vampire after all...
This decision may seem rash to the others, but it is clear that she believes they will put aside the shock of learning of Salem's heritage and focus on the reason they came down here. Not to mention she knows in her heart that she will not die here. No matter what happens. No enemy will end her before she fulfills her destiny.
Salem's hand was limp in Ireena's. He looked at her and then he looked to Mordred. Something had changed here between them. Trust broken. On both sides. He would never harm Ireena. Not after he had heard about her. Not after he had met her. A soft creature he was. Her question... It was a big one wasn't it? She should know, but as he let his eyes move around the room he deemed that no one would hear it from his lips. Not today anyway. They would be lucky if he decided to share that little piece of information at all. He looked to Mordred as he spoke. Though Ireena being scared of him as if he was a real vampire had hurt a bit... It hadn't hurt as bad as Mordred's reaction. Wanting to know why he did the things he did as if he was just playing some elaborate scheme.
It seems the wolf comment should have been kept to himself or maybe he should have used a different animal? How was he supposed to react to people like this? People that held such hatred towards his father. He had no reason to want to be forthcoming with this information. Even an outsider... Someone not even from this valley seemed to think he knew his father. To him he was in a lot of danger and the only one that would have defended him was angry with him. Did he think friendship would prevail in that? No he didn't. The only thing he had with him was his familiar and that poor things life would end quickly. Another thing he kept hidden away.
"I helped because the village needed it and my father wasn't doing anything... I know why now... He wanted this place to pay for what you had done Mordred... That's not how a lord should act. A lord helps its valley. So I started helping because it is the right thing to do."
Right now those words felt hollow. He looked away from Mordred. Whatever he had seen Mordred as before had altered. Though he may be calmed down now... It didn't change how he had reacted earlier. The last thing that was said by Mordred seemed to only upset Salem. He slowly pulled his hand from Ireena's. At least Ireena looked towards the peace of the people. Everyone at the end of the day deserved rest no matter who they were. He would take his father's place if he had to. A young lord of the valley. Not a tyrant like they called his father, but maybe because of who he was... He would still be deemed one.
He looked slowly towards Lucian. This dusk Elf... Why did it seem like he was so much more understanding? Like his father he had an interest in elves. Their lives and their thoughts. Everything about them was interesting, but one thing Lucian said kind of stumped Salem. His father had done something to the dusk elves? He hadn't known about anything happening to the elves. He wanted to ask. but he knew he had no right to at this moment. Though Lucian was being kind... It didn't mean he was trusted. He was very grateful to the dusk elf though. Probably the only one in the room that he didn't think was a wolf in the end well... Other than Doru and Ireena. Apparently the wolf wasn't the right animal to use in this situation? Ah... Maybe no animal was a good fit though... He definitely felt like he was being seen by Lucian. Passed the fact of who his father was.
Laying a hand on the center of his chest he gave Lucian a deep bow.
"I don't know what he's done to you or your people, but I will do what I can to rectify it. I won't do it for my father to be forgiven though. I will do it because you and your people shouldn't have to endure pain. You are all apart of this valley."
As he straightens himself out his eyes move to Daestra. This elf that he had been curious about at one point... Was starting to frustrate him. He couldn't expect an outsider to understand when all he heard was the bad things his father had done. It sure seemed like his father hadn't really done anything good though. So Daestra probably had the right idea, but just because Strahd was a certain way to the outside world didn't mean he was the same way to his family or in private.
"Daestra you may be right in the fact that I don't know anything about my father when it comes to the Valley... I didn't have an interest in the valley when I was young. I had many more things that entertained me. Plus what I did see of the Valley only brought pain to my father. I feared the same kind of pain and I grew angry with the pain the valley caused him. Some of it I don't think was necessarily deserved... I know that the man I seen in castle walls is also the man all of you know as the devil. Just because none of you can fathom him being kind... I can... Blood is everything to my father. He is kind to me because I am his son... and he lies to me because he wants me to see him as a great hero of this valley. I am not stupid. Once I started putting things together I realized that not everything he told me was the truth. He hides things from me. Never showing me that other side of himself. Maybe that was a mistake on his end because I know I've turned out too soft. I'm not a hardened soldier like he is and I don't know half the magic he does. Just because I don't know everything he has done... Doesn't mean I give him a pass on the things I am learning he has done. I will always know him as my father though. That will not change. I will always remember he has a kind side... Even if..."
He trails off and closes his eyes. He knew what helping them might do. At some point he would be an enemy in his father's eyes. That would earn him the man's anger and hatred. It would hurt, but he would always remember him as his father. A loving man, but he couldn't let him keep going like this. It may have been for different reasons, but he wanted his father to sleep. To finally truly rest. He would prove that he was good enough to lead the valley.
Now opening his eyes he looked to Ravna. Words were worthless without action. He sighed softly. He had spoken to mostly everyone here, but for some reason he felt worn and didn't know if he had anymore words for her. So he moved his eyes to Doru.
"At the end of the day Doru... I know you can do this. I won't end you life... and I am sorry for everything my father has done to you... I am sorry that you thought that I had a part in it. You don't have to believe me, but I didn't. I don't agree with what happened to you and I wish I would have known sooner about you because I would have set you free from my father's grasp."
He fell silent and looked towards Ravna. He was grateful she was giving him a chance, but it didn't change how he viewed her. He watched her cut her hand open. Blood was something he didn't struggle around. Sure he needed to make sure he was fed so that he could survive, but he could go a couple of days without worrying about needing to bite someone and honestly he could hunt animals. Her blood though smelled good as all blood did... Well the thought of biting her made the light sting in his throat almost disappear. Instead the thought of it made him sick. He turned away from her and looked to Doru. Spawn were a bit different though.
His mind wandered a bit to Escher. That spawn always made him so nervous and he didn't really respond well to him. Usually running and hiding... He regretted that now. He had a feeling he understood Escher more after finding out what his father had done to Doru. He gave a shake of his head and focused on Doru. He could do this. This boy seemed strong. He could hope for the best. He wouldn't have attacked Doru willingly, but if... and it was a big if Doru failed... Of course Salem would help to defend these people.
Mordred and Ireena look to Lucian as he manages to speak a bit too Salem. Mordred nods.
"You're right, about Salem.. And Doru here we should focus on him for now."
Ireena looks to Daestra and tilts her head with a smile.
"I.. Didn't do much not really but thank you all for listening and calming down."
She looks to them all Salem and Ravna included than looks to Doru with worry painting her expression.
Doru looks to them all, to Salem and Mordred.. To Daestra than to Lucian before finally planting his eyes at Ravna he seems determined. He gives a nod readying himself as Salem begins to speak as well. Mordred hesitates a moment but puts his hand on Salem's shoulder.
"You helped us.. many times I will choose to believe in you're words. Like Doru.. you are a rare friend here in Barovia and as stated before you can't choose you're parents."
Doru looks to Salem and gulps smelling Ravna's blood. He hopes.. That he doesn't let him down but the urge is so strong..
Doru's muscles tense his eyes fluttering from Ravna and Salem. Every doubt cast his way every faithful and helpful word.. Good and bad it all culminates to this moment for him. His muscles tense and his eyes now squeeze shut. A few moments later, his nostrils flare, and a thin line of saliva begins to run down his lips. He whimpers as Ireena gasp lightly, his clawed fingers flexing and twitching.
"Salem.. Mordred... I want to.. I want to.."
His words begin to slip into prayer
When the shadows come.
He whispers
I will not yield. Darkness is the destroyer, and temptation its weapon. I will face the night and its horrors and await the horizon. For in the light of the morninglord love only light can remain.
Doru's voice shakes and falters, his emaciated body trembling. One first is clenched at his side, the other squeezing the bloodstained sunburst that lies across his neck.
"In the light of the morninglord love
He repeats now gasping for air.
In the light of the morninglords love... Gertruda.. Gerturda.. Gertruda.... My friends...
After what seems like an eternity hanging in the air. As Ireena clings beside Daestra and Lucian. Mordred clenches his fist his brow furrowed in worry.
Doru's body finally releases and relaxes. His tense muscles seem to uncoil, his breath grows steadier, and the look of strain fades from his face. His eyes remain closed a moment longer, then flutter open- and... The fangs in his mouth slowly retract, leaving only an ordinary pair of canines behind. It couldn't be that easy yes? His eyes were still piercing and his skin was pale so what of his fangs? It seemed Doru himself hadn''t even noticed they were missing.
"I have not yielded
He whispers hoarsely.
Not yet, now allow that I know... I can survive a bit longer.. Allow to me to share something I was afraid was perhaps false hope. Much like Ravna I hadn't wished to raise pointless hope... But I know this Van Rickten you speak of. I've met him he was there at the rebellion after all.
"What..? I was there, there was no one by that name. There was an outsider mage.. and a swordsman from beyond the mist but I am certain there was no man named Van Rickten..."
OOC
If I forgot anything of course let me know ^^
Lucian's eyes widen slightly in surprise as Salem bows and states that he'd like to rectify Strahd's actions towards the dusk elves. How could Salem not know about...? He blinks, stammering a little and waving a hand, "Uh... um... thanks? I... well I'm not sure there's much that can be done at this point." The only options he could think of were ones that the dusk elves wouldn't agree with, well, most of them anyways. In that respect it is partially their fault they are a dying race. Regardless, nothing can fix death. Salem can't do anything to cure the hurt Strahd afflicted on the Dusk Elves or Lucian himself... not when both wounds were inflicted by killing. Still, at least Salem seemed genuine. Because of that Lucian can't bring himself to say any of what he was thinking. He doesn't want to make Salem feel bad for the things Strahd is responsible for, and he doesn't want Salem to think that Lucian blames him for any of it. Shaking his head he says, "I... thanks for what you said though..." He once more wraps his arms around himself, eyes and mind wandering somewhat as the rest of the conversation takes place.
He nods slowly as Salem speaks to Daestra, piecing together the half-vampire's perspective on everything. He finds it hard to believe that the Valley itself caused Strahd pain... not when he seemed to treat everything like some sort of sick game. Then again, how can he know what is going through the vampire's head? There are some things that Lucian will never know or understand. Perhaps it's better that way, sometimes.
He tenses as Ravna cuts her hand, flinching visibly as her blood drips from the wound. He lets out a long breath through his nose, then turns his wary gaze onto Doru...waiting for the spawn's reaction. As he does so however, he takes a step away from Ravna. Blood was something he could never get comfortable being around. Which is a little funny really, considering he'd volunteered (however hesitantly) to come fight a vampire spawn. Gods know, whenever violence occurs, there is always blood.
Watching rigidly, he keeps his fists clenched in preparation of a fight. He doesn't relax until Doru begins speaking to Mordred... and even then he retains his skittish demeanor. Perhaps that's something he never fully drops. He blinks, realizing that Doru's fangs seem to have disappeared. Is that... normal? He looks to Salem, and asks timidly, "His fangs... does that usually happen? That's... a good sign right?" He looks back to Mordred as he states his confusion about Van Rickten. He doesn't really have anything to add to that conversation, having not been here when the rebellion happened. He looks to Ravna, then Salem and Ireena... those two were there right? He fidgets uncomfortably, unsure of what the next step should be.
Daestra looks to Doru once more “Doru, where might we find this Van Rickten? And you must be honest with us if you want to be free of this place as well as your current situation. We will go to him and find out what we can do to resolve this if possible.”
Noting Salem's lack of reaction, Ravna watches Doru intently. As the small stream of blood drips from her hand, she seems completely calm, and calm she is...though she is also ready to jump into action should Doru fall to his urges. Even when the boy's fangs seem to disappear, her expression does not change...though the light in her eyes seem to brighten a bit.
Is this a sign?
When Doru starts to speak again, she lowers her hand holding it in front of her for a moment. As she does this the small slice glows momentarily before vanishing, cutting of the small stream of blood. Lowering it to her side, she listens to Doru. She's still conflicted about what to do with him now. She hadn't expected his fangs to disappear, but even still, there's no way of knowing that they won't just grow back at some point.
"Speak on." She says to Doru. "Even if it may be fleeting, your resilience and will to continue standing in the light is a spark of hope in and of itself. For now, it seems the Morninglord still wishes for you to walk among us mortals, perhaps you knowledge of Van Rickten will help us turn that spark into a blazing fire."
Something had happened with the elves that couldn't be fixed. What had his father done? He would keep this in mind. When he saw his father again he would ask. He had a right to know everything about this valley and what was happening in it. He would have to let it go for now as it wasn't the time. His eyes moved to Doru and rested there until he felt Mordred's hand on his shoulder. His bright green eyes moved to him slowly and hesitantly. He had helped them a number of times. Against what his father probably wanted him to do. He wasn't just going to watch people die. He offered a small but warm smile. This little vampling was glad to see there was no friendship lost though part of him was still nervous. What if this happened again if they found out more about his father... Would Mordred only come at him again angry. Friendship was a new concept that Salem was struggling with. It was hard to maintain and it was hard to get along all the time too wasn't it?
"I will continue to help too."
Salem let his eyes move back to Doru. It must have been hard for him to go through with all of this. Everyone was watching him, but he saw him relax and he seemed to look determined. Good. Though he wondered how many spawn were out in the world like Doru. Not all of them would be like this would they? He would have to keep that in mind too. He doubted he would be able to convince them to save every spawn they came across. That made him think back to the castle. His mothers... and Escher... His heart ached. They were at least fed though...
Seeing that Doru's fangs had receded seemed to even cause a look of shock to come across Salem's face. He couldn't do that. His fangs were always there. Another thing that was interesting was his father couldn't hide his either. This was probably something he would be jealous about or maybe curious about. It would be best not to mention it to him. He would rather keep Doru out of danger. He looked at Lucian who asked him about the fangs and crossed his arms thinking. It had to be a good thing right?
"I actually have never seen anything like this. I assume it must be rare and there's something has figure out that even I haven't. My father can't hide his fangs and none of the other spawn I know can do it either."
He looks over to Doru and smiles lightly. He had not yielded. That was good and with his fangs not even showing... That was even better. He was sure that this had to be a good sign. If none of the spawn or even father could hide their fangs... Of course himself included... Did that mean he was dangerous though? He hadn't ever thought of himself that way though.
He looked to Ravna. He was unsure of what to say to her still, but he did have one thing though she might already have an idea about it.
"Van Rickten might know about what's going on with Doru's fangs. He must have all sorts of things recorded about vampires."
He doubted any of it was favorable, but he might at least have some idea of why Doru was able to hide them. He had a feeling Doru had just accomplished something that normally isn't easy for a spawn or even a vampire to do.
He was starting to feel better now. The anger and panic no longer fog his mind. A lot of things are making more sense to him now. Hearing what everyone had to say made him think further about his father. What other things had he done that Salem knew nothing about... And if he had been told was he told a lie to cover what could possibly be the truth? His father had a lot to answer for. Right now he could at least rejoice in the fact that Doru was looking better, but one thing still worried him. Doru had been required to kill his own father. That was a command. Did that command still stand? Would they have to worry about it when they took Doru up to meet with his father? Maybe he should remain hopeful. Should Doru still try to follow that command... He would have to stop Doru.
Mordred looked to Lucian with a tinge of confusion plastered on his face.
"A good sign? I don't know.. Maybe? I mean.. it looks good I think."
Doru nods looking to Daestra than to Ravna with a fierce nod.
Doru smiled to Mordred and to Salem before taking a breath to explain.
"There was a fierce battle.. A month ago... As you know the rebellion of course. There was an extremely powerful wizard, an outsider.. In terms of magic he claimed to be stronger than Strahd himself. He wasn't alone.. There was a man named Alanaik Ray, when I first met him it was a month before that Fateful battle. He saved me from a werewolf, warned me that werewolves and vampires only knew to consume and could not be reasoned with... Which why I thought my fate sealed. In the battle however his hat was knocked off.. and it revealed his true form, it's as if the hat had magic to disguise himself. His true name was.. Rudolph Van Rickten.
"Alanaik was.."
"Rickten? Father has one of his old books at the manor but to think he lived here..."
"I kept his secret.. And I convinced him to fight with us. He wanted to sneak in the castle, assassinate Strahd while he slept. However Rahadin.. the wives they'd wage terror on the valley and would likely finish the dusk elves off before they could escape. I didn't want to come to that cost.. I wanted to stop them all not just Strahd. I told Rickten we'd lead a charge.. With or without him and.. He came. Escher had come with us as well Mordred."
"Escher..? He was.. the town bard we thought him dead.. He was also our friend."
"Escher went missing right before we found the crypt but somehow Strahd knew we were coming. Ambushed me and Rickten, I was knocked out and Rickten was hurt. Before I lost consciousness I saw the mage blast Strahd out of the castle in a single spell I thought for sure the devil met his match but.. I was told the mage was slain. It made me feel.. Strahd could never be stopped.. It's than at the castle where I.. Well you know the rest. I had to divulge everything I knew, I was compelled by his command. So Rickten is hiding once more and is in more danger now.. Because of me. However he is in the valley that much is for certain."
Mordred listens and nods as well as Ireena. Mordred than looks to the party.
"I believe we are able to retrieve Donavich's symbol now."
"Yes of course take it my friend.. And Salem.. Lucian thank you for believing in me."
Ireena ponders.. On the story of Escher but smiles to Doru with a nod.
"I know that Barovia will all flee to Vallaki now for sure... Whether I should stay down here or escort my father I don't know. I will leave that to you all, you're presence.. And choices have helped me hide my fangs feel clearer than before. I would like you're continued guidance, surely you are all sent here by the morninglord you must be for this miracle to have taken place.
"Its... Up to you all. It's true we lack for warriors in the evacuation. We as a group can't travel with the entire village as Ireena paints a bigger target. Parrywhimple.. and a hand full scouts and a dozen guards. Parrywhimple is crucial if Bildrath allows him to fight he's the towns greatest warrior.
"Except you!"
"Heh.. I've actually never once beaten him I am only Barovia's second strongest fighter and when father was alive I was third rate to be honest. Well... after we decide what to do and this funeral. You all should rest at our mansion, traveling at night is far too dangerous."