132 [video]

[young_idealist]

I didn't realize...

I didn't think I was gone that long.

It would seem you all have had a terrible time of it. I am grateful I wasn't here. I wouldn't have been much help at all.

[Friends Filter]

Are all of you well? I am at a loss in the light of what everyone here has endured. I only wish to help out if anyone still needs it.

It wasn't time away I

Comments

[private]

[feels_no_love]

I have survived in spite of all. [Dracula smirked. He looked haggard and there was something off about the way he held himself, as if he were either sore or exhausted.] Though I have truly learned that no good deed goes unpunished.

[His usual dramatic gestures didn't look quite right. His left hand was missing. A bandaged stump jutted from his sleeve.]

[private]

[young_idealist]

[Armand flinched at seeing Dracula's disfigurement.] Is... there anything I can do for your comfort?

I promise you I had no idea I was being sent away.

[private]

[feels_no_love]

I...

I don't know. I know I need time and rest and blood to heal this, and I have been doing all right with what is in the kitchens. But the means by which I received the wound are more troubling to me than the wound itself.

No, no, I believe you. Sometimes I found my ire rising, but as things wore on I found myself rather glad that you did not have to endure this.

[private]

[young_idealist]

Do you need more blood? If you're injured I'm sure we can find some way...

[A sigh.]

Coming back here is such a heavy weight. Tis bad enough I don't much about what has happened to people, but I don't know how to help when I wasn't here.

Thank you for the thought. I don't think I would have fared well from what I've seen people saying.

How were you hurt? I don't think you'd be the kind of person to grovel for this Flagg person, the filthy Admiral impersonator. You're too proud. Pride can be a good thing, in the right place.

[private]

[feels_no_love]

I could probably hunt the CES even with one good arm. I will give you what knowledge I can of events since your departure.

It was hideous, to be honest. I would have followed you about insisting on bodyguarding you, and probably would have made a great nuisance of myself in the process. [A dry chuckle.]

I did not take the offer. It was made, but I did not take it. It was not just pride. I have become much more of a thinker during my stay, and what I kept thinking was: this man is a deceiver and crueler than I ever was. Whyever would he have kept his word?

I was hurt helping Luke fight a gigantic, acid-spewing spider set by Flagg to guard the door of the CES, in which many people were sealed. Warden items did not work on the door, but the black stones would. A friend...[hesitation.] took the deal but then turned on him and gave me her stone. So we tried to fight our way to the door...

...it bit off my hand to swallow the stone and make it unusable.

[private]

[young_idealist]

That sounds serious. I think... yes, I can be sure you can go hunting. Soon. Today?

I... am glad to hear that you were not tempted for any reason. Thinking can be a very good thing when one's situation is changing.

[private]

[feels_no_love]

Today would be excellent. I have...

I was humiliated. I should have been able to do better against the beast. I could have, once.

[He sighs and goes quiet for a few moments.]

Sometimes I miss not thinking. Not...feeling.

[private]

[young_idealist]

We need to do something about your power levels.

I'll meet you at the door to the CES. I can find a tame spot to wait it out while you hunt.

I mean well, but sometimes I wonder if I'm the right warden for you. When you dive into your own head, I get a little lost.

[private]

[feels_no_love]

Give it some thought, and we shall discuss it. If anything I would appreciate being able to regenerate more quickly.

Very well, I'm coming up.

[Silence for a few moments]

That makes two of us. Sometimes I...

...never mind, it is unimportant.

[private]

[young_idealist]

I can't see how that would be a problem, and in hindsight, it's possible that any reasonable request I made on your behalf may have been refused by the false Admiral.

I'll see you at the door.

[private]

[feels_no_love]

I have been thinking that myself.

[spam]
[Dracula is in a brooding mood, and revisiting the scene of his defeat makes it somewhat worse. He is pacing, good hand and forearm stump caught behind his back as he moves without making a sound.]

[spam]

[young_idealist]

[Armand has no intention of making him wait long, and hurries up shortly. He stops short at seeing how Dracula is moving.]

Did I keep you waiting long?

[spam]

[feels_no_love]

No. [He stops, and smiles tightly.] This is merely...well. This is merely the place where it happened.

I am a warrior, and we love to brag. [Said completely unironically]. I had hoped to have a great story of valor and heroism for you to return to, and to share amongst my Inmate friends.

As it is I think I owe Luke Cage a drink. The spider vomited acid on him.

Re: [spam]

[young_idealist]

[Armand waves his pocket watch at the door and pushes it open.]

Then let's hurry inside where you can hunt. It should help you.

I understand. I am not disappointed in you. You still fought. There is no dishonor in losing.

[spam]

[feels_no_love]

[Dracula let out a grunt of confirmation, but he did not agree. Much more important to him was his estimation of himself, and that had fallen considerably.]

Very well. Perhaps I should bag Hoffman his turkeys.

[spam]

[young_idealist]

That sounds like a helpful thing to do.

[Armand looks around for a good place to wait.]

I'll be around here if you need me.