(Untitled)

[of_highdegree]

Who: John Kenway and you.
When: Saturday, early evening.
Where: Just outside the Rice Building.
What: Smartphones are for pansies.
Warnings: None.

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[of_highdegree]

As he had with Stefan, John heard him lingering before he actually saw him. He still had no great desire to deal with the humans here -- though, to tell the truth, his odds were about half and half so far -- but he still needed answers. Surely there had to be someone who could give him a better explanation of what was going on, whether they meant to or not, and the third time was, of course, said to be the charm.

That in mind and in spite of himself, he hobbled in Elijah's direction, feigning innocence, just and old man out for a walk, and reached out for his thoughts, trying to get a read on them. He was met with nothing, however, not even the casual daydreaming of an otherwise idle mind, and he frowned a bit, suddenly wary. The heartbeat said human, and the lack of surface thoughts said vervain. Chances were this man was a vampire killer. Just what he didn't need. Not that it stopped him from moving in his direction.

He never stopped to think that perhaps Elijah was a vampire and one older than him. He'd yet to meet anyone who had any number of years on him.

[respected]

Elijah had sensed the man's approach long before he ever set eyes on him. Still, he waited until the other had moved close enough that the sound of his footsteps would conceivably alert a human before turning to face him. He had little to fear from most people-even here, as far as he could tell. Well, so long as he remained within the protected areas of the campus anyway. That confidence definitely revealed itself by how casually he regarded this stranger ... not that John's appearance would make him the most imposing of figures under any other circumstance.

"Can I help you?"

[of_highdegree]

Humans. Always so overconfident. Still, likely no idea what he was dealing with or not, Elijah was still a potential threat and so the sour look he affected was a bit more than just for show.

"I would ask if you had any idea what was going on here beyond what we've been told by that Dean fellow, but considering how entirely unhelpful everyone has been thus far ... " He shrugged.

[respected]

"I'm afraid I wouldn't be much help either," Elijah responded, the slightest hint of amusement touching his expression as he regarded the other man.

"I have no reason to doubt that what he's told us is the truth. There are a number of things about this place that appear to lend weight to his story. At the same time, he's given me no reason to trust him just yet either." Which is why he intended to find out for himself one way or the other. There's a brief pause, as though he's weighing his options before Elijah continues.

"I do suggest you remain cautious while you're here. There's no telling who, or what, might be among us."

[of_highdegree]

"You mean beyond those creatures I was told attacked the university the first night everyone was here." He paused, feigning a suspicious look. He knew quite well what 'might be among them', but he needed to know if there were other vampires here for sure, or if Elijah was just assuming there were. "Forgive me for asking, then, but ... such as?"

[respected]

"As far as I can tell, the barrier that protects those of us on campus from the creatures beyond is real." Elijah regards the other man for a moment before he continues.

"Still, that doesn't account for any threat that may come from within the university itself." Whether he was referring to their hosts, talk of this cult infiltrating the campus, others who were pulled here like themselves, or something else entirely is purposely kept vague.

"One can never be too careful these days."

[of_highdegree]

Well, at least he wasn't one of the monster callers -- the few, truly mad vampire killers he'd seen run through a town or city, telling anyone who would listen that the end was coming and that vampires were among them. He wasn't sure if that honestly made him feel better or not, though, nor was he sure he wanted to continue this conversation either way.

"Point taken," he said. A long pause followed, largely so he didn't appear to eager to be done with this, and then he offered, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Mister ... ?"

[respected]

"Smith." Yep. He is still using that fail alias. If it ain't broken...

And he will hold out a hand toward John. Isn't this what normal people did when they greeted one another? B(

"Elijah Smith."

[of_highdegree]

"John Kenway," he answered, taking his hand in his. If his hands were a little cool to the touch, the last time he'd eaten a few days ago, it could always be written off as old age. And, well, the fact that it was January here, from what the calendar told him. "And I'd say it was a pleasure to meet you, Mister Smith, but ... I'd rather it be under different circumstances."

Ones where he could destroy the other man, as he had Richard's descendents for ages, and get away with it, perhaps.

[respected]

"Likewise, John." No need for formalities here. Even if he hadn't been using a false alias, Elijah rarely went by anything other than his given name. He shakes the man's hand briefly, before releasing it again.

"And please, call me Elijah."

[of_highdegree]

"Elijah, then." John allows him a brief, polite smile and then looks away, towards the buildings, sighing. "I should be on my way before it gets to dark to see, I think."

[respected]

"Please." He motions toward the buildings that John glanced toward, as if to invite the other man to take his leave in that direction. "Don't let me keep you."

[of_highdegree]

Humming, he straightens a bit, as if trying to gear himself up for the effort going even that far will be. "I suppose I'll see you around then. It's not as though we're able to go far, if we're to believe what we're told."

Another sigh and he moves away, back towards the building. Chances are he won't stay in his room, if he even makes it that far, still not too keen on the idea of being stuck, but that doesn't mean he can avoid putting forth the effort to keep up the illusion.