Eric's room - for Athelstan

[onceaviking]

Eric's room is neat and bare.
He hadn't been expecting to return.

He opens the door and lets Athelstan in. Then he switches on the bedside lamp and turns to look at him.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

"Yes", he agrees. "It's a thing only a vampire can give."

[onceaviking]

Eric looks at him. Then he says," We don't give Athelstan. We take."

[athelstanthescribe]

He waves a hand.

"But not without something in it for the... donor. Even if it's a side effect."

[onceaviking]

"That is true," Eric agrees.

[athelstanthescribe]

"And as I said, for all the pleasures a human lover can give... that isn't one of them."

[onceaviking]

Eric settles back down next to Athelstan.

"And some of you really learn to enjoy it."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I think I did from the first time", he says, a smile playing on his lips. "Is that not usual, that you say some of us?"

[onceaviking]

"Not all are as enthusiastic as you," Eric says, not really looking at him.

[athelstanthescribe]

"No?" He thinks about that, then shrugs. "I don't see why they would agree, if they can't be enthusiastic."

[onceaviking]

"Some are so enamoured with the idea of vampires that the reality doesn't really factor into it."

[athelstanthescribe]

"They're not expecting it to hurt?"

[onceaviking]

"No. And they don't expect becoming afraid."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods.

"They aren't able to trust that you'll stop."

[onceaviking]

"But you do?"

[athelstanthescribe]

There's a short silence before he answers.

"I believe you don't want to kill me, for more reason than one."

[onceaviking]

Eric nods.

"That is true."

[athelstanthescribe]

"And so far, you've shown you can remember that even in feeding." He smiles slightly. "It isn't as if I could stop you."

[onceaviking]

"No, you couldn't, " Eric agrees.
Smiling.

[athelstanthescribe]

"So, you've proved to me you can and will stop yourself." He shrugs slightly. "It's no guarantee, I know, but some grounds for trust."

[onceaviking]

"I suppose you're right."

He sits back up. Running a hand over his face.

"How are you feeling? "

[athelstanthescribe]

"A little... dulled", he says after a moment's self-evaluation. "But otherwise all right."

[onceaviking]

Eric nods.
"The offer still stands," he says, quietly.

[athelstanthescribe]

"And I'll take it", he says equally quietly. "At best, I'm going to watch someone volunteer in my place."

[onceaviking]

Eric nods.

Then he looks away. And says," Peace."
That's what comes after.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I'll remember", Athelstan promises.