Hall of Memories
It is not unusual for castles to have long hallways, nor for them to be used to display portraits of past rulers. Castle Draco is no different. High up on the front face where the afternoon sun produces an even glow through the overcast, a long line of high arched windows lets the light wash over the paintings along the eastern wall of the hall. Sconces hold oil lamps that are lit in the evening and morning so that the hall is never totally dark.

There are only a few portraits in the hall of past Counts – mainly because their lives spanned several more generations than usual. Surrounding them, however, are many portraits of offspring and family. Standing before one particular set of paired portraits at the end is a figure all in black: a black Eeee in a black dress, with only the glowing red irises of her eyes showing any color.

Having a quiet day, Alptraum has been spending the day looking through portions of Draco Castle that are open to the general 'public'. Well, at least public that are guests of the Countess, anyway. By afternoon, the Eeee finds himself walking this long corridor, distracted by the few portraits there are and pausing to marvel at the past Counts. As he gets closer to the far end, it's then he actually notices that Rosalind is here and seems to be lost it thought. Smiling a bit as he's always happy to see her, he starts towards her slowly. "Countess?" he calls out carefully, trying to to alarm her, "Rose? I hope you don't mind that I have been looking at your ancestors? I don't know much about mine, but your entire history is in this room … " He pauses and tilts his head, trying to see the pair of portraits she's looking at. Making a guess as to who it might be, he asks, "Is that your brother who was killed?"

The portrait shows a white-furred, raven-haired Eeee with very masculine features, along with the typical glowing red eyes of a Sylvanian vampiric Eeee. His bearing is noble, projecting a certain amount of stoicism that seems to reflect the rocky nature of the mountains that the Castle is built into. The brass plate at the base of the frame reads: Duke Andrei Vasile Albu 6065 – 6096 RTR

"No," the Countess says. "My late husband. We married soon after I became the Countess. That's when I learned that I could not bear children through… normal means." There's something both sad and angry in the woman's expression now. "I come here when I need political advice. Andrei was a better ruler. He always knew what to do."

The name gives Alptraum pause. That certainly doesn't sound like her brother. His eyes flick between the portrait and the Countess as his mind works over possibilities. When the answer is revealed, be blinks and actually takes a step back. "Oh," he says in a softer voice, "I never knew you were married before. I … I'm sorry. Would you like to be alone?"

"I've been alone for eleven years now," she replies. "So I appreciate the company, really. I should have told you about him before, I suppose. Draco County's current troubles have much to do with his death."

"Well. You didn't know me. And truth be told, if I were in your position, I would have been wary of some strange white-haired man showing up and declaring he wanted to help you too," Alptraum says and moves a bit closer to the Countess so he can see the portrait better. "Do you … want to talk about it? I can't promise I would have any answers or words of comfort, but I'm a good listener. If you don't … I can understand that and I wouldn't press you to talk."

The Countess turns to look at Alptraum, her expression softening. Then she looks back to the portrait, and explains, "Andrei and I were not in love. The land needed a strong, experienced ruler, so the marriage was political. Still, it didn't take long for us to grow… close. He blamed himself for my inability to conceive, no matter what I would say to him. I think it made him take risks. Back then, the previous Count Karstein had just begun raiding his neighbors, including us, and Andrei went to meet with him. He never came back. I was ready to go after him myself, until I heard the news that he'd been brought to Fleaufille in Gallis, and… beheaded. So that the Marquis could show his people that Sylvania was ruled by monsters."

Alptraum sits quietly for a time as the description of what happened brings up other unpleasant memories for him from his time in Babel. Finally, he says, "I know we are considered creatures of the twilight … but I have seen so many others in the world that are far more monster than we are. The Gallee … some of them are worse than any demon I've faced. I was in Babel when the sky city, Rephidim, decided that a purge was in order. I will not dispute that some they targeted were evil … but … many were not. Not truly. Phlagaea nearly died there. The invaders had set an ambush and captured the Yodhgorphat and were beheading them one by one and making the captured ones watch. Not only that, but they were laughing while they tortured them. I was so angry that … I attacked them. Killed one of them too, and rescued the only survivor … Phlagaea. All their prancing and claiming to be better than the monsters and those invaders were worse. I was so angry; I'm still angry.

"I know it's not the same as what you must be feeling right now, but … I think I can at least understand what you feel. Would you believe it was Arkold that actually stopped me from doing worse things to them in retaliation? Hard to believe, but it's true. He helped me see that I had to put aside my anger or, well, I would be the monster they wanted to claim we were."

"There are plenty of monsters here, Alptraum," Draco says quietly. "The Karsteins… well, Andrei felt safe because the Count was his cousin. The current Count looks… similar. He proposed to me after news of Andrei's death, even though I suspect they sold him to the Gallee. But it's also my fault that the Marquis keeps sending Chevaliers into Draco. Like you, I was angry too. I didn't have anyone to keep me in check though. I assaulted the Marquis at a New Year's party in Rephidim. Well… if throwing a cup of blood on a Kujaku can be considered assault. I expected to be arrested, killed… but they just ushered me out while the Marquis fumed and demanded my head. The warrior classes up there… didn't have much respect for the Marquis."

"We all have done things in our lives that we reflect on and wish we had not. But, we cannot change what has happened, only where we go from here. Not a great answer, but I do not see what more any of us can do," Alptraum comments as he looks straight ahead. "You were kinder to the Marquis than I would have been, I think."

"I was stupid, Alptraum," Rosalind says. "I would have thrown my life away, and my County, for nothing. And I do not think I would have treated the Yodh much differently myself, to be honest. I know what the Yodhgorphat did in the Undercity of Babel, all with the blessings of the noble houses and other Temples. But I am glad you have the capacity to forgive monsters."

"I give people a chance to show me what is in their heart. I do not judge them by what is said about a group, a race, or whatnot, that they belong to. It may be stupid to do so, but … being someone who lived for a very long time with near nothing and chased from town to town, it gave me the desire to at least try to see each person I meet for who they are, not what they are," Alptraum admits with a small shrug.

"Ah, but you change them, you know," Rosalind says, smirking now. "People want to show you the best in themselves, so that is what they try to become. You are like a mirror where they can see their souls."

"Of course I try to change them. I even told Yodhsunala Nekara that once, when I rescued an airship sailor that fell from the sky. Out of all the people who were pointing and laughing on that ship, I was the only one who went to try to save him. I didn't even know him, but … Well, as I said then, even if my actions did not make a huge impact on the world that day … people remember. Children remember. Perhaps someday they too will be willing to risk much to do some good. And in time, even one person can effect change in the world," Alptraum notes.

"Change isn't always good," the Countess says quietly. "I dream of holding the Marquis in my hands, Alptraum. Of warping his body, drinking his blood, and cursing his line. But what would it change if I did that? It would only make things worse, and I cannot see any way to make them better."

"Grow stronger. Gain allies. Show the world that your County are full of good people. Put a face to those the Marquis has tried to demonize. Show them to others in a way that they can understand them. It's an old storyteller trick; you craft the tale so that the audience can relate to those in it by seeing parts of their lives in your tales. By doing such you destroy his arguments and reasons to strike at you. If he insists on furthering his aggression towards you, he earns the animosity of those who sympathize with you," Alptraum offers as his head tilts so he can look at the Countess.

"Ah, and then what?" Rosalind asks, sounding despondent still. "Sylvania will be no less harsh without the Gallisians. I have often wanted to give up and let them have it. Let Sylvania destroy them. I think this land hates us all equally. And what have I to offer allies in return for aid? Maybe Andrei could have done it, but I'm just a weak and spiteful woman. I can do a few tricks, but depend on fear and rumor and superstition to protect my land."

"Take back the land over time. Seek out and defeat the parts which seek to harm your people. You have allies willing to do this for you. One of them is talking to you right now," Alptraum says. "As for what you offer allies? This land has an abundance of useful things, such as wood, that could be exported. It has skilled craftsman, unique cultures. And as odd as it sounds, some people like to visit strange and mysterious places. Not to mention your union with Melusine offers unique opportunities as well. You have the ability though her to repair and reshape people. Nothing is ever hopeless or impossible, Rose. You just have to keep moving forward and just take each day as they come to you. Arkold, Tulani and I located the Light of Nala, a legend. Who were we? An old drunk, a bastard son of an evil Eeee tainted by dark magic, and a sailor. Hardly people of nobility and virtue … and yet we managed what was, I must say, an amazing thing."

"Perhaps some of that strength of yours will rub off on me," Draco says, leaning her head on Alptraum's shoulder. "I've made so many mistakes, and it seems like every little triumph is thrown back at me. I thought that returning the Chevaliers to Gallis as pigs would slow them down - but the Marquis simply made it law that any soldiers returning without their commanding officers were deserters and would be executed. I can't even be an effective monster when I try."

Alptraum slips his right arm around Rosalind and holds her close. "I only sound strong because I have had people who believed in me when others didn't," he whispers in her ear. "I've had days where I thought of giving up too, or simply ending my life. What always pulled me through those days were having friends who reminded me of the beautiful things about who I was. I think you have been alone too long, Rose. And as Tulani has told me more than once, no one can carry the world alone. So … let me say this again; I believe in you. I have a hard time even putting into words how I feel about you. There is little I wouldn't do for you if you asked it." Alptraum pauses there to lightly rub his nose and chin between her ears before looking back to the portrait on the wall. "Even if you wanted me to march into Gallis and recover the spirit of Andrei, I would," he adds. "You say you're weak … well, you inspired me. I even became a monster for you … that chitin on my right hand doesn't come off. But … it was worth it. You were worth it."

"I won't risk losing you like I did Andrei," Rosalind promises. "And I'm glad you found me here. I wish I could spend the rest of the day with you, but… I have other matters to see to."

"Anything I can help with?" Alptraum offers.

"Do you know much about farm yields and water allocation?" Draco asks hopefully.

"No, but I know some farmers to the south that might. It doesn't help you today, but if you ever want to make a list of things you're looking for advice on, well, I can keep track of that when I do go on the road," Alptraum suggests.

"I don't have that much ink and paper in the castle," Draco says with a light chuckle, before pulling away from Alptraum. "I'll consider it though."

Alptraum catches the Countess' hand as she pills away. "A few more moments of your time?" he asks quietly. "I just … there is a couple things I wanted to ask you."

The woman pauses, and says, "Of course, Alptraum. What did you want to ask me?"

"When will I see you again?" comes Alptraum's first question.

"Tomorrow night I will be free, if you can come join me for dinner?" the Countess asks.

"I would love to," Alptraum says with a smile. "The second question, well … I'm not even sure of how to ask it. But … would you be willing to consider me as your official consort? I know we share a bond greater than what is normal for what a consort's duties are, but. I just … I want to be yours, somehow."

Dark brows raise up at this. "Would you like me to make a formal announcement then?" she asks. "That would require a ball at the very least, to introduce you to the other nobles."

"Well, would you want me as such? Would it make you happy?" Alptraum asks, "Formal announcements aside."

"You are my only consort, Alptraum," Draco notes. "However, I am not quite ready to expose you to County politics just yet," she explains. "I want to enjoy your innocence for at least a little while longer."

Alptraum nods at that. "It isn't the political position that I was interested in. It is … well, I'm not sure how to explain it other than I want to be yours. And if you say I already am … that is enough for me for now," he says. The Eeee then does something a bit more forward than he has ever dared with the Countess with an obvious invite … he draws in close and kisses her. Being the sometimes greedy bat he can be, he holds it for as long as he can, then reluctantly lets go. "Until tomorrow night, then. Whenever you feel sadness again, please remember that I believe in you," he says softly.

Draco blinks at the kiss, and then smiles. "Well, I… " she says, and then just smiles and kisses Alptraum back a little more gently. "I'll see you tomorrow night."

"I will await the embrace of tomorrow's twilight for the chance to see you again, though it may seem an eternity," Alptraum whispers. His lips curl back in a playful smile and after a brief rub of his cheek to hers, the Eeee turns and walks back down the corridor from the way he came.