[ If there were vampires back home, it'd kind of be the point that he had no idea, right? That's their thing. Not that Carl ever thought for a second they existed. Walkers were enough to worry about. ]
We do, but everybody calls them different things. Walkers, geeks, biters, monsters.. People started getting sick and dying, but they didn't stay dead. Then they'd bite and eat and turn anybody they could get their hands on. [ He shrugs. That was life for a while, but they're not really around in Abraxas, so it's just a thing that happened.
Even though Louis may not see it, he nods in agreement. ]
You're right. It's who we have and what we make our own that's important.
It’s best they remain as stories, as your Walkers, your monsters. Mine. We’re here, yes. Would you do me a favor and not tell anyone of my nature? For now.
{ he knows eventually people will have to know, but he’d like for it to remain as is while he figures out the area. he’s heard of the vampires in their own faction, and the other places have them. it’s less to do with that, and more that he wants to enjoy the peace of what solvunn might have to offer someone like him before he has to figure out how he’ll fit into it.
he might have a start, or an idea if he’s amendable. }
That's all they are here, just stories. Yours isn't mine to tell. I don't think you'll tell mine, either. You don't seem the type.
[ Maybe he's too trusting, but Carl thinks he's gotten pretty good at reading people. Faith in people is how you keep the world together and it's mostly given him good things. The Summoned all come from different walks of life, different places where things are normal for them. It's what makes them all so unique and adaptable of what gets thrown their way. ]
Uhhh. Sixteen? Ish? [ He shrugs, offering a sheepish smile. ] After the world ended, it got a little harder to keep track. Didn't seem all that important in the grand scheme of things.
{ sixteen. it shouldn't give him pause, but it does. he wasn't on his best when he was taken to solvunn. he ends up leaning down to pluck a singular wildflower from the shrine. it needs better care, he notes. there are plentiful of weeds sprouting. he twists it in his hand, fiddling with the stem as he looks back over. }
My Claudia was close to your age when I met her. { he surprises himself that he'd speak her name. he rolls with it, finding it hurts still but it's not as it once had been. } She the fighter sort. More capable than I. I can remember her saying my name vividly. Louis. Only she would add extra emphasis.
{ he doesn't have claudia's diaries with him here. he only has her words and his memory. there are parts he won't ever speak. he understands the telling of a story and its impact. }
I'd like to restore this shrine for her. Might as well learn about Solvunn if I do. Apparently there are other factions. Which makes me wonder why they'd separate us if there are other Summoned.
[ Carl listens attentively. Even just getting to know Louis, he gets the impression the vampire doesn't really share much of himself. Kind of closed off and stoic like a lot of the people back home. Like Jesus, who is very friendly and wants to do the right thing, but no one really knows a whole lot about. ]
And Claudia was like you? [ A vampire. It's clear enough from what Louis isn't saying that he lost her, and can't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. It's never easy to lose people. ]
I think that's a great idea? Just because somebody isn't with you doesn't mean you can't talk to them. Yeah, there are two other factions, Thorne and the Free Cities. I dunno if there's a reason for why people end up in different places.
{ it has to be having been dirsuptedly taken when his last interaction left bitterness to his core, something of which not even armand could soothe. it might be as back then when he lost his brother and he was left vulnerable. someone found him at a place where he could open up. carl, however seems the type that won't take advantage. it's not as if there's anything to at this point left to sully in him.
when he curls his mouth, it's a smile that wants to reach his eyes and it reflects briefly in the gloss of his green eyes. }
She was. My immortal companion. Would you like to help me? I don't assume you've lost, but I've always found honoring our loved ones to be cathartic. I didn't get the choice, when my tombstone was set by another. { another lingering pause. } If you don't mind, I'd like to know more of the other factions. Thorne, mostly.
I'd love to help. If you want to talk more about her, I'm happy to listen. [ Carl smiles back, pleased he's formed some sort of kinship, or at least an understanding of one more person in Solvunn. Louis has lost and they can both relate to that and give tribute to what they lost before while getting familiar with what they have now. ]
I've uh. [ He takes a breath. ] I lost my mom. I lost a lot of people, and I'd like to honor them, too. If that's okay?
Sorry, I don't know a lot about Thorne. I know Nadine in the Free Cities, but I don't know anybody in Thorne. I know there's a castle.
I'm sure I'll find out eventually. { it's probably for the better that carl doesn't know more, or he'll have to acknowledge that he might be seeking old connections, that somewhere in him he felt he might not have come alone. what was it about an invisible chord? he pushes it away, to the reality at hand. it reminds him he has found solace in simply talking. although, it brought trouble when he tried to control it.
the bit of warmth he seems to kindle, but is hidden in depths, resurfaces in his calm demeanor. }
I'd like that. I foresee we will have plenty of conversations. You can tell me about yours as well. We'll need materials. I don't know if coin is a thing here, or trade of labor. I have much to learn. Do you know how the lodging works?
I'd like that a lot. I can get a few things to help clean it up next time we come out. They like labor trades, but they're also pretty generous to us being here. It's nice.
[ He nods in the direction of the settlement. ]
Why don't I explain on the way? There's a lot. Has anybody offered you a place to stay yet? You can stay with me until you find something better if you want. I'm staying with a family, but I've got my own room.
Then it looks like you’ll have to teach an old soul. I’ve only done my fruit of labors on my mind with books. Fortunately, I am a quick study.
{ the offer brings a slight surprise, if he’s honest. the kindness of solvunn folks have left him slightly off, but it isn’t terrible. he gives the shrine one last glance, memorizing it as a silent promise to be back, and then motions towards the open path. }
Lead the way. I don’t want to impose if your room might be half a coffin? Wanda offered me one. Truthfully, it’s to filter light out. One day maybe I can build my own insulated place. I was going to find somewhere.
Everybody pitches in to get the work done, and then the afternoon is yours. Though.. I guess being a vampire means you're kinda limited in the daytime, right? Or is that just a myth? Anyway, there's probably stuff that you can do at night that others don't want, so I bet you'd be kind of in demand. But if that isn't your thing, you could always do what Aloy does. She lives in the woods along one of the paths to the other settlements.
[ Well, that pretty much confirms what he was asking. It's a bummer he hadn't thought about that before the offer, but he's pleased that Louis takes it in stride. He can't help but smile at the mention of Wanda. ]
She's awesome, I love her. She's been teaching me more about magic. Pretty sure there's nothing she can't do. If you need help with anything else though or just need company, I'm a pretty good listener.
I didn't think of it that way. Night work I can do. I'll have to ask what is available. You're bright, Carl. I'll also have to inquire about about the other settlements. My morning usually can start soon as the sun sets. I'm sure our paths can cross then, if you're around.
{ he can practically tell carl is beaming, and it's a tickle of excitement at the mention of wanda. with what he'd gathered so far, she seems to be beloved at solvunn. he'll remember to keep in her good graces. }
Ah, so people can learn magic here? I have a few Gifts. Abilities. I never thought of it as magic. Maybe you can teach me a lil of what Miss Wanda has been teaching you and it'll be your true grit of talent in her honor. The very least, I'd like to witness it some day. { although, he's not sure he wants to learn magic yet, since he struggled accepting his vampiric gifts. if the possibly is there, he'll think on it. perhaps he could be inspired. step one. }
[ Carl ducks his head at the compliment but takes it. It's not that nobody's ever said that of him before, but he likes helping people. ]
I'll make it a point to be around. Can't clean up the shrine together if I go home when the sun sets, right? [ He leans closer to Louis so he can nudge the vampire gently with his elbow. ]
Yeah! We don't have magic where I'm from, but if I can learn it? I think you'll have an easier time than me! But yeah, I can show you what I can do and a little of what I've learned from Wanda. I can't do anything impressive yet, but it's one more thing I couldn't do before.
{ louis is internally thankful he has found people extending their kindness to him, but mostly it has inspired him to try and mingle. carl has been the one to make the most effort, and he wonders if it's his youth, but it's evident that he's suffered by the loss of an eye. there's history there, and yet he persists with a vampire. how admirable. he jokes, of which he makes obvious at first. }
I'll make sure to get you back to your bedtime. We all have our skills. I'm sure you were capable back in your world. I look forward to finding out, Carl. { he gently nudges carl back and they could have been walking for hours - he's enjoying their time to not notice it. the settlement does came into view soon. }
Then it's a promise. Meet me back here in a few days and we can get started. She needs a lil' cleaning first.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
@Louis
Date: 2023-02-26 10:31 pm (UTC)Not that I'm aware of, anyway. Only in stories.
[ If there were vampires back home, it'd kind of be the point that he had no idea, right? That's their thing. Not that Carl ever thought for a second they existed. Walkers were enough to worry about. ]
We do, but everybody calls them different things. Walkers, geeks, biters, monsters.. People started getting sick and dying, but they didn't stay dead. Then they'd bite and eat and turn anybody they could get their hands on. [ He shrugs. That was life for a while, but they're not really around in Abraxas, so it's just a thing that happened.
Even though Louis may not see it, he nods in agreement. ]
You're right. It's who we have and what we make our own that's important.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-01 02:37 pm (UTC){ he knows eventually people will have to know, but he’d like for it to remain as is while he figures out the area. he’s heard of the vampires in their own faction, and the other places have them. it’s less to do with that, and more that he wants to enjoy the peace of what solvunn might have to offer someone like him before he has to figure out how he’ll fit into it.
he might have a start, or an idea if he’s amendable. }
Tell me. How old are you?
no subject
Date: 2023-03-02 11:55 pm (UTC)[ Maybe he's too trusting, but Carl thinks he's gotten pretty good at reading people. Faith in people is how you keep the world together and it's mostly given him good things. The Summoned all come from different walks of life, different places where things are normal for them. It's what makes them all so unique and adaptable of what gets thrown their way. ]
Uhhh. Sixteen? Ish? [ He shrugs, offering a sheepish smile. ] After the world ended, it got a little harder to keep track. Didn't seem all that important in the grand scheme of things.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-06 10:31 pm (UTC)My Claudia was close to your age when I met her. { he surprises himself that he'd speak her name. he rolls with it, finding it hurts still but it's not as it once had been. } She the fighter sort. More capable than I. I can remember her saying my name vividly. Louis. Only she would add extra emphasis.
{ he doesn't have claudia's diaries with him here. he only has her words and his memory. there are parts he won't ever speak. he understands the telling of a story and its impact. }
I'd like to restore this shrine for her. Might as well learn about Solvunn if I do. Apparently there are other factions. Which makes me wonder why they'd separate us if there are other Summoned.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-08 09:12 pm (UTC)And Claudia was like you? [ A vampire. It's clear enough from what Louis isn't saying that he lost her, and can't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. It's never easy to lose people. ]
I think that's a great idea? Just because somebody isn't with you doesn't mean you can't talk to them. Yeah, there are two other factions, Thorne and the Free Cities. I dunno if there's a reason for why people end up in different places.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-11 01:48 am (UTC)when he curls his mouth, it's a smile that wants to reach his eyes and it reflects briefly in the gloss of his green eyes. }
She was. My immortal companion. Would you like to help me? I don't assume you've lost, but I've always found honoring our loved ones to be cathartic. I didn't get the choice, when my tombstone was set by another. { another lingering pause. } If you don't mind, I'd like to know more of the other factions. Thorne, mostly.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-11 02:05 am (UTC)I've uh. [ He takes a breath. ] I lost my mom. I lost a lot of people, and I'd like to honor them, too. If that's okay?
Sorry, I don't know a lot about Thorne. I know Nadine in the Free Cities, but I don't know anybody in Thorne. I know there's a castle.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-11 11:23 am (UTC)the bit of warmth he seems to kindle, but is hidden in depths, resurfaces in his calm demeanor. }
I'd like that. I foresee we will have plenty of conversations. You can tell me about yours as well. We'll need materials. I don't know if coin is a thing here, or trade of labor. I have much to learn. Do you know how the lodging works?
no subject
Date: 2023-03-14 11:02 pm (UTC)[ He nods in the direction of the settlement. ]
Why don't I explain on the way? There's a lot. Has anybody offered you a place to stay yet? You can stay with me until you find something better if you want. I'm staying with a family, but I've got my own room.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-17 08:10 am (UTC){ the offer brings a slight surprise, if he’s honest. the kindness of solvunn folks have left him slightly off, but it isn’t terrible. he gives the shrine one last glance, memorizing it as a silent promise to be back, and then motions towards the open path. }
Lead the way. I don’t want to impose if your room might be half a coffin? Wanda offered me one. Truthfully, it’s to filter light out. One day maybe I can build my own insulated place. I was going to find somewhere.
{ he has a vague plan, mostly. }
no subject
Date: 2023-03-20 11:34 pm (UTC)[ Well, that pretty much confirms what he was asking. It's a bummer he hadn't thought about that before the offer, but he's pleased that Louis takes it in stride. He can't help but smile at the mention of Wanda. ]
She's awesome, I love her. She's been teaching me more about magic. Pretty sure there's nothing she can't do. If you need help with anything else though or just need company, I'm a pretty good listener.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-22 06:02 am (UTC){ he can practically tell carl is beaming, and it's a tickle of excitement at the mention of wanda. with what he'd gathered so far, she seems to be beloved at solvunn. he'll remember to keep in her good graces. }
Ah, so people can learn magic here? I have a few Gifts. Abilities. I never thought of it as magic. Maybe you can teach me a lil of what Miss Wanda has been teaching you and it'll be your true grit of talent in her honor. The very least, I'd like to witness it some day. { although, he's not sure he wants to learn magic yet, since he struggled accepting his vampiric gifts. if the possibly is there, he'll think on it. perhaps he could be inspired. step one. }
no subject
Date: 2023-03-23 08:22 pm (UTC)I'll make it a point to be around. Can't clean up the shrine together if I go home when the sun sets, right? [ He leans closer to Louis so he can nudge the vampire gently with his elbow. ]
Yeah! We don't have magic where I'm from, but if I can learn it? I think you'll have an easier time than me! But yeah, I can show you what I can do and a little of what I've learned from Wanda. I can't do anything impressive yet, but it's one more thing I couldn't do before.
no subject
Date: 2023-04-03 07:05 am (UTC)I'll make sure to get you back to your bedtime. We all have our skills. I'm sure you were capable back in your world. I look forward to finding out, Carl. { he gently nudges carl back and they could have been walking for hours - he's enjoying their time to not notice it. the settlement does came into view soon. }
Then it's a promise. Meet me back here in a few days and we can get started. She needs a lil' cleaning first.