You said you couldn't know the future. Perhaps you will change your mind once you go back.
[His dark eyes study Alucard's face.]
There is a difference between being lonely and being alone. The life of a dhampir isn't anything but being alone. [He's quiet for a moment. It feels strange to be so personable, but he can't think of any other way to say it for it may not apply to Alucard at all.] I don't have to be lonely.
The people I have met and helped, the ones I have saved from the Nobility, the places I have traveled... Even if I am alone, knowing they are there keeps me from being lonely.
I will stay awake until the day I, too, am hunted. So that I can continue to see what the humans do with the world they have taken back.
[It's the only way he knows to say, "You should, too," without forcing Alucard's decision.]
No, I couldn't know, but I know Wallachia and I know myself.
[Despite himself, Alucard is not as collected or stifled as D; his own voice trembles faintly before he takes in a deep breath.]
My mother loved the humans, despite everything. She knew their naivete, but wanted to help them. Even to the minute they burned her alive, she begged for mercy on their behalf.
I will give them salvation from my father. I cannot give anything else.
[Again, he's quiet. His eyes are watchful, but soft in the presence of Alucard's turmoil. He doesn't offer any physical comfort; however, the sheer fact he hasn't left or turned away is a powerful enough indication he's invested even if Alucard may not realize it.]
It will be long and arduous, but I believe it would be wrong to squander the training your mother shared with you.
[He pauses thoughtfully. Alucard has very much suffered the anger of his father. D is no different, as much as he despises it. Yet.]
Try here first.
Fixing Drakstaden won't happen only by removing the Prime Minister. The city is sick all over. Their only source of medical assistance has been defunded. Lundberg has a shady practice; he cares more about his findings than his patients, and he doesn't have the materials to ensure recovery.
Depending on what you know, you could help them until we're finished.
You should speak to Keith. He's looking to improve the conditions of the lower and middle levels. Those there require augmentations for labor, working. For survival.
What do you know about surgery? Lundberg was a candidate for working with Gunnar, but I believe alone that may be dangerous. You could work with both of them, or with just Gunnar.
[He'd seen that, and it's unsurprising that Keith would be so concerned with the lower levels. Keith has a good, determined heart.]
I know basic surgeries, nothing terribly intricate like my mother, unfortunately. But I have no doubt that I would be able to do as much if not more than Lundberg.
[Alucard hesitates, then closes his eyes.] I would not refuse your help, if you wish to.
Damn, he's cheeky! Wasn't he just talking about sleeping forever? Hmm... If anything happens to you, though, I'll have to catch a ride on him! A little young, but...
I don't think so.
[Without any hurry, D turns back to the table he had been sitting at initially. The paper he had been writing on is moved over, and a clean sheet is taken out.]
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no subject
[His dark eyes study Alucard's face.]
There is a difference between being lonely and being alone. The life of a dhampir isn't anything but being alone. [He's quiet for a moment. It feels strange to be so personable, but he can't think of any other way to say it for it may not apply to Alucard at all.] I don't have to be lonely.
The people I have met and helped, the ones I have saved from the Nobility, the places I have traveled... Even if I am alone, knowing they are there keeps me from being lonely.
I will stay awake until the day I, too, am hunted. So that I can continue to see what the humans do with the world they have taken back.
[It's the only way he knows to say, "You should, too," without forcing Alucard's decision.]
no subject
[Despite himself, Alucard is not as collected or stifled as D; his own voice trembles faintly before he takes in a deep breath.]
My mother loved the humans, despite everything. She knew their naivete, but wanted to help them. Even to the minute they burned her alive, she begged for mercy on their behalf.
I will give them salvation from my father. I cannot give anything else.
no subject
Do you know any of your mother's trade?
no subject
Both my parents raised me with science and medicine.
[He doesn't say it, but he wanted to be like his mother the most.]
no subject
[He pauses thoughtfully. Alucard has very much suffered the anger of his father. D is no different, as much as he despises it. Yet.]
Try here first.
Fixing Drakstaden won't happen only by removing the Prime Minister. The city is sick all over. Their only source of medical assistance has been defunded. Lundberg has a shady practice; he cares more about his findings than his patients, and he doesn't have the materials to ensure recovery.
Depending on what you know, you could help them until we're finished.
no subject
Dhampir will never be saviors.
But he can't argue the more delicate point about his mother. It would be a waste to not put some of that to use, wouldn't it?]
...Perhaps.
It will become more difficult for me to be in the other levels, save the lower. Perhaps that is where I should be, in all respects.
no subject
What do you know about surgery? Lundberg was a candidate for working with Gunnar, but I believe alone that may be dangerous. You could work with both of them, or with just Gunnar.
[He pauses thoughtfully.]
I'll help you, if you'd like.
no subject
I know basic surgeries, nothing terribly intricate like my mother, unfortunately. But I have no doubt that I would be able to do as much if not more than Lundberg.
[Alucard hesitates, then closes his eyes.] I would not refuse your help, if you wish to.
no subject
[Another voice says, sounding entertained:]
A little dangerous, don't you think? There'll be a lot of blood. A whole lot of blood. Maybe the two of you won't be able to resist!
no subject
Despite what your parasite may think. [The words are said a bit wryly.]
no subject
I don't think so.
[Without any hurry, D turns back to the table he had been sitting at initially. The paper he had been writing on is moved over, and a clean sheet is taken out.]
Is there anything you are going to need?