First Ones 21, 6107 RTR (Nov 11, 2008) Alptraum and Rosalind visit one of the unusual restaurants of town.
(The Right Hand of Shadow) (Alptraum) (Sylvania)
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Even though Alptraum and Rosalind had intended to go out by mid-day … somehow they seemed to get a bit distracted by other things … like creative uses for a light mint paste and other games best left to privacy. Eventually, though, the pair sneak out of their shared quarters and enter the town. Alptraum's claimed plan is simple; explore, talk to people, and go into any place that seems interesting at the time. In other words … simply be a couple without a set schedule and plan. Though … Alptraum may have a secondary plan, to try to get others to stare. Or in other words, he wants the world to see how sexy Rosalind can be and show her off!

    The Mausoleum
    What is it with Sylvania and its plethora of spooky bars and restaurants? Similar to 'The Dead Inn' near Draco castle, this bar takes what is normally a scene of grief and passing into something entirely different. (Though one might feel dead if they drink too much, but that's beside the point). One of the out of the way and yet recommended restaurants that Alptraum located in the city that Arkold now protects is 'The Mausoleum'. Its style is that of an ancient crypt of a long past family of nobility. Rather macabre and gothic, its tables look like stone sarcophagus. Fortunately their tops are sloth and covered in fine red velvet tablecloths. Making up for the lack of room under the tables, thee chairs here have been designed to be a bit Eeee centric; more gripping perches than a regular chair.

"Out of all the places I've visited in the world, from Rephidim, to the Gigi Coast, to Babel and beyond, no place has this innate … well, desire to be creepy quite like Sylvania has," Alptraum quips with a wide grin as he escorts Rosalind into the first haunt of the night, "I mean, how many other countries make a restaurant look like a crypt?" The light is low in here and the acrostics are odd. Specifically, the room is layered in fabrics and stone in such a way as to make it sound larger than it really is. A feast for the ears, rather than the eyes, as it were.

"There's a subculture on Rephidim that goes in for this," Rosalind notes, but still seems surprised by the decor. "If we had tourists, this would be the perfect cliche spot to bring them, though! Must be a youth thing. And how did you find this place?"

"I attract creepy?" Alptraum offers and fails in his attempt to smile cutely. "Or the more likely, I asked people for interesting places to go. Between you and me, I really don't want to go to the 'Bucket O' Grog' and watch people pass out in their own ick. I'll leave that hobby for Roogi."

The Countess laughs! "Ah, so you found a place no Yodhblakat would be caught dead in, is that it?" she accuses while grinning.

The two Eeee are not alone here. Glowing eyes blink in the low light here and there, along with more sedate regular ones. Rosalind can feel the look of the other patrons fall upon her briefly before they return to their own interests. "While the Blakat can be entertaining, I would rather pay attention to your tasty neck over worrying about my own," Alptraum teases right back and snaps his teeth at her.

"Hmmm, still, I wonder if you won't cause a riot even without the Yodh," Rosalind teases, noting the glances. "I sense that they serve blood here, from the patrons."

"Ahem. Would Sir and Madam like to be seated or choose their own table?" a voice suddenly speaks up from behind the pair. Somehow a waiter has managed to come up behind them without being heard. No small feat to accomplish around an Eeee. The waiter is, not surprisingly, Eeee himself. A tall, thin, graying gentleman in an older tux that has probably seen better years; it being a bit thread worn. He smiles to the pair welcomingly. The smile has almost a grandfatherly feel.

"Ahh!" Rose yelps, and then does a double-take when the waiter turns out to not be an Igor.

"No, I do not have a hunch," the elderly waiter says with a good-natured smile and actually spins to prove it. "And before you ask, I used to teach at the school for professional Igors. My specialty was always appearing when unexpected."

"Hmm," Alptraum says as he rubs his chin thoughtfully, "May we have the table there?" He indicates a table in the middle of the room. An odd choice given he's often preferred those in a corner.

"But of course, sir," the waiter says with a low bow. "Would sir like to remove his jacket and gloves before sitting? Or would Madam wish to check her scarf? We have a secured check room and guarantee you will get everything back."

Alptraum wiggles the fingers on his right hand. His left, of course, is wearing the mimic-glove to make it look more like his right. "Oh, that's quite all right, I'll hold onto my gloves Mister … ?" he says.

"Forgive my manners. I am Gustoff and I will be your waiter for the evening," the elder Eeee says and smiles politely. "And it will be an honor to tend you the needs of a polite gentleman such as your self and his lovely companion."

"Of course," Rosalind replies, handing over the scarf.and raising an eyebrow at Alptraum's choice of table.

"This way," Gustoff says and guides the pair to the table. He stands back and dips his head to Alptraum. Alptraum takes the cue and 'helps' Rosalind step and settle into her 'perch' before he climbs into his. Gustoff nods approvingly.

"I see that the young lady is of the vampiric line. Would sir wish to request a specific blood wine? I personally recommend the Riesnstat. It is a drier wine with a smooth finish. It is quite affordable and very popular amongst our regulars." Gustoff offers.

Alptraum's brow goes up. "I defer to my lovely Rose. Whatever she would like," he says and looks across the table to Rosalind.

"The Riesnstat sounds wonderful," Rosalind says, after she brushes her skirt down a bit.

"As you wish," Gustoff says, "And forgive me for saying so, but I see you have been training him well."

"Oh, thank you," Rose notes, trying not to look surprised by the comment. "You should have seen him before."

As the waiter walks off, Alptraum raises his hand as if to dispute that he's been trained. But … he's too late, so Alptraum just huffs. "I am not being trained," he asserts to Rosalind instead.

"I know, dear," Rose says, grinning. "You're self-domesticated."

"You're enjoying this, aren't you," Alptraum mock-grumbles.

"Well, aside from being the center of attention," the woman notes, a little on the quiet side. "I should be feeling exposed right now."

"Ah, but you're no one important tonight. At least, not important to anyone but me," Alptraum claims and winks. "But … if you want to expose yourself … I wouldn't complain," he adds in a whisper … then quickly holds up the edge of the table cloth in defense!

"I'm afraid I don't have that natural gypsy flair for performance art," Rosalind says with a smirk. "And you're right; with my eyes like this I'm just another vampire."

"Is that a request for me to train you in the art of showing off your body?" Alptraum teases and flutters his eyelashes at Rosalind. "And you're not just another vampire. You're my vampire!"

"You know what I mean," Rose says, waving a hand over her face in the vampire 'eye roll' gesture. "And how exactly did you learn to do a striptease, hmmm?" she asks, while waggling her eyebrows.

"One word answer: Mave," Alptraum remarks as he rolls his shoulders. "You should see some of the jewelry that is sometime used for decoration. Egad."

This makes the Countess' ears perk. "Pardon me? Is it really big and gaudy then?" she asks. "I'm afraid I know little about the Yodhinala."

"Nooo. It's more strappy and shiny. For men, well … it's used to outline and accentuate certain anatomical features," Alptraum tries to explain politely. And partially hidden in a cough, he adds, "And … well, to prevent certain rises to the occasion until it's supposed to rise."

Rose giggles at that. "Oh my… a reverse chastity belt?"

"Yeah … the person being danced for gets the 'key'," Alptraum adds and tugs down his ears in slight embarrassment. "I didn't think you would want that as part of the show… "

"The show wasn't for me, it was for Ravenia," Rose points out. "And giving her a key might have been too tempting."

"It was partially for you too," Alptraum points out. The waiter returns with two glasses and a bottle. Without a word, he sets a glass before each. Gustoff sets a claw tip along the edge of the cork. He circles it, then pulls the cork free with a pop.

"Just half a glass for me, please," Rose notes.

As Gustoff pours the glass, Alptraum looks at her questioningly. "Full glass for me, thank you," he tells the waiter, whom nods.

"Is there anything Sir or Madam would like for a meal?" Gustoff inquires. "We have some dishes popular with those of mixed relationships. Select fruits that do well in flavoring the blood of one for their vampiric partner to enjoy."

"I think a full vampiric meal is in order," Rosalind notes. "It's a special occasion."

"Ah? What, may I ask, is the occasion?" Gustoff asks. He also takes a moment to apologize to Alptraum by saying, "And do forgive me, sir, I did not realize you too were of the line."

Alptraum waves his hand. "No apology necessary. I don't show the typical signs. How would you know?" he points out and smiles.

"Our first date," Rose replies.

"Ah, well, then I wish you many more; you two make a most fine couple. Ah, to be young and in love again," Gustoff says with a wistful sigh. "The excitement, the desire, the … embarrassing moments. May you have many." The waiter slips off quietly again.

Alptraum leans to the side and watches the waiter leave. "What a strange fellow," he comments.

"I figured he was an undertaker just moonlighting as a waiter," Rose admits in a whisper, before lifting her wineglass. "So, are you going to make a toast?" she asks. "You're the Best Man, after all."

Alptraum lifts his glass. "There are so many things I could say about you, Rose," he says as he looks at her over the rim of his glass; silvery eyes sparkling. "And none of them ever seem eloquent enough. You are the best woman I have ever met. I pray that I will always be worthy to be at your side. After all, someone has to try to corrupt you; you're Eeee." He winks and grins fangily.

"So, to Rose, the most beautiful woman in Sylvania," Alptraum finishes with.

With a light laugh, Rosalind touches her glass to Alptraum's. "Well said," she comments, and has a sip of the wine. "Mmm, not bad, considering it may be the last wine I taste for some time."

"So … you're sure you're pregnant?" Alptraum asks in a whisper.

"I'm the witch of Draco County," Rose replies with confidence. "Yes, I'm sure."

"Whew," Alptraum says and takes a sip from his glass, "I hope I make a good father, then." He smiles, adding, "I can't remember the last time I felt, this, well, happy."

"I'm sure you'll be up to the challenge," Rosalind says. "And I'm sure Phlagaea will help with keeping them free of the usual childhood ailments. I hear I once spent a week vomiting and crying when I was weaned off of milk and onto blood."

"And I also hope our children don't turn out too strange, given who we are," Alptraum says in a joking whisper. "You might give birth to one … or as you said, twins, who are naturally half-shadow dragons. No, junior, do not turn your Rughrat into a ball… "

Alptraum then can't help but shudder at the suggestion. "Oh, ugh. I heard I was similar. Supposedly near constant vomiting when I was a child. Of course the Yodhsunala were trying to feed me solids at the time," he comments.

"Well, I don't know about that being inheritable," Rose laughs. "You poor dear. I can't imagine the childhood you had, lacking vampires to raise you."

"Confusing and lonely. People get a little creeped out when they find a one year old gnawing on the neck of a vermite," Alptraum notes and swirls his glass.

"Well, that too," Rose admits, swirling her glass as well. "But… no proper cuisine! Just wild blood all of the time."

"Pretty much. I learned the hard way to never suggest necking when trying to get a date. Never goes over well," Alptraum quips.

"Are you serious?" Rose asks, fighting a grin.

"Oh yeah. I've never seen anyone run so fast," Alptraum adds as he looks wistful. "Well, except for the time I had to hide from Hexen. You see, there was a dance and he couldn't find a partner, so he tried to get me to wear a dress. Granted, he was really drunk at the time and kept claiming I looked like a woman anyway. I'd have kicked him, 'cept with all the beer he had he wouldn't have felt it… "

"What would this Hexen have thought of your performance at Arkold's bachelor party?" Rose has to ask. "It isn't often the Best Man tries to seduce both the bride AND the groom! Although if anyone could, it would be an Eeee. Or a Lapi."

"He would have demanded a snog and to cop a feel," Alptraum answers quite simply, "And I did that because ti was funny. I even think it amused Mave. Though … lots of strange things amuse Mave. If she offers to loan you Inala's protective Embrace … please say no."

"Loan me… I suppose it isn't some sort of corset then is it?" the Countess has to ask, after taking another sip of wine.

"It's a device to ensure faithfulness of your partner. Only two keys exist for it, one held by the Yodhinala, the other by, well, the person loaded the device," Alptraum says and makes a face. "Or as you said earlier, a chastity belt. She thought you might want one for me."

Rose laughs again. "Of course Mave would have the other key," she comments. "I have your heart, Alptraum. I don't think I need to concern myself with your loins."

"As Mave put it, 'It's not a violation of faithfulness to seek release in Inala,'" Alptraum intones, trying to mimic Mave's particular way of speaking. "Between you and me, I think she says certain things just to … mess with me."

"Undoubtedly," Rose agrees. "She is a Yodhinala, and so all of her feminine traits are of course… exaggerated. Including the psychological ones."

"I'm so glad you would never mess with me," Alptraum says in mock seriousness. "And enough about her. I would much rather think interesting thoughts about you." He grins and waggles his brow.

"I am all shadow and darkness and blood compared to Mave, after all," Draco notes coyly. "Far more seductive, am I not?"

"You convinced me to become a monster for you without even asking. I think that answers just how seductive you are," Alptraum answers as he leans across their table a bit. "I would rather be a hideous and scary monster and yours, than alone and normal," he nearly purrs.

"That is… strangely sweet," Rose says, leaning over as well. "Nobody ever became a monster for me before."

"Just by you?" Alptraum asks playfully and takes her left hand in his.

Draco waggles her ears a bit. "Well… it's part of the reputation, you know. Image to keep up and all."

"Of course, they were all monsters to begin with, really," she adds. "You just couldn't tell by looking at them."

"Want to use that reputation a bit with me? Remember our discussion about being your demon?" Alptraum asks with a sly smile.

"Oh my, yes I remember that," Rose says with a giggle. "I'll have to find out if that would be… well… too much. Wouldn't do to have the Mages Guild getting involved."

"Well, if it works out, we'll just have to have you make a big show of it; all spooky and imposing and changing some fellow," Alptraum suggests, grinning. "Could be great for the reputation."

"We don't want to scare off our potential allies, however," Rose notes, sounding a slightly more serious note. "It is complicated, of course. But I think having a demon on hand in private could certainly ease certain negotiations… "

"I leave the politics to you. And speaking of politics, that's also enough of that," Alptraum notes and taps her nose. "Because not only is it things you shouldn't be thinking about … here comes dinner," he adds and sits back.

Rose leans back onto the perch-chair as well, and has another sip of wine.

Gustoff returns wearing his genial smile. Humming softly, he goes about setting up the vampiric meal for the pair. It's a nice assortment of blood dips and candies, along with an assorted fruits and such that are easy to chew. It's by no means the sheer quality and quantity that Rose can get at her castle, but … the care and quality of the presentation is still amazing. And as Rose will soon learn … even simple ingredients done right can make for one amazing meal…

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GMed by Jared

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