Post #2687520 in Outcasters AU: Strange Love, a roleplay on RPG

"My people are xenophobic," Erieda replied, and Bertoldo found himself somewhat taken aback by her blunt honesty. He appreciated it, of course, but worried more than anything else. It had planted some small seed of doubt within his mind that this idea, taking the Seelie in and protecting them, would not be as successful as he'd imagined. He had to fight for his own people to be tolerant of them, this would only work if the Fae returned the favour. He had half a mind to ask her if she intended to keep them in line, but she was already continuing. "They would have preferred not to involve anyone else in our affairs, and because I understand this, I did not force anyone to accompany me." To this, Bertoldo simply offered a nod. Mr Wells frowned a little but spoke no more on the subject, fidgeting in his seat.

"Aside from the fact that this entire city seemed to be built with the one thing that can harm us the most." Yet again, both men were left with many questions that they dared not ask. Erieda seemed to change the subject as if she knew she'd already said a bit too much, and they both seemed to understand and appreciate this. "Are you his personal valet, Mr...?"

"Uh, oh, Mr Wells," the shorter man responded, seemingly caught off guard by her addressing him directly. "And yes, I... suppose so," he continued. "I manage his affairs and whatnot, and I manufacture serum, but the Lord can dress himself well enough." He tried his best at a laugh but he was nervous and anyone could see as much. His hand had so far not left his collar for a second, and now a very thin layer of sweat was bringing a shine to his forehead. Bertoldo turned his attention back to Erieda. "Mr Wells is mortal in all ways but he is very useful. He created the serum we use to quell our more animalistic side, and because of this we are no more threat to these humans than they are to themselves, though convincing them of as much is proving to be an impossible task." He paused a moment. "Other than that and assisting in my affairs, he is also a very good friend of mine. I trust no one else like I trust this man, and I only tell you this because, if I am ever unreachable, he's the man you should go to. I wish to make you feel comfortable in my home but... avoid placing your life and trust in my Council."

Mr Wells leaned forward in his seat, craning his neck around to be able to peer out of the window, watching the world move around them for a few moments before sitting back. "We've still got a fair bit to go," he informed them, seemingly finding the question in amongst Bertoldo's silence. He was offered only a nod in response, and this seemed to suffice for the moment.

It had been about an hour or so, in Bertoldo's estimation. The carriage slowed to a gentle stop outside of a rather large building, bland and rather unimpressive to look at. It blended in with the rest well enough that you wouldn't imagine there to be a Vampire council living within. Bertoldo liked it that way, and he always greeted his home with a warm smile and a lingering stare. The door opened beside him and distracted his attention, and after a second or two he climbed out, turning and offering his hands to assist Erieda in stepping down from the carriage.

Bertoldo was eager to get this situation sorted out, and so he wasted no time at all in guiding Erieda into his home. He glanced about the streets as they approached the door, which opened before him almost as if the man on the other side could sense him ahead of time. The man stepped to one side, his eyes solely on Erieda, and Bertoldo gave him a warning glance as they both passed by. He turned only his head to Erieda, wearing a half-smile. "I hope you'll forgive them for staring. They've likely never seen your kind before, and the Council's opinions on this matter have no doubt seeped into their minds as well," he explained, keeping his voice strangely low as if he didn't quite want to be heard by anyone other than her. Mr Wells had taken his leave by this point, knowing he was not needed to discuss these plans.

Before long they were at the door of his office and he opened it wide, turning and giving Erieda a warm smile. Once she was inside, he closed the door gently behind her and moved quickly to the chair on the closest side of his desk, pulling it out for her. He waited for her to sit, but instead of walking to the other side of it and taking his own seat, he simply remained by her side, turning and resting himself against the desk. He looked down at her, his smile remaining. "First of all, perhaps I should have said it sooner, but I wish to welcome you to my home," he said, his tone almost humorous. "Now, is there anything I can do to make you feel more comfortable? If you'd like, we may discuss these plans over dinner?" he asked, knowing that it was almost time for him to feed on something, lest he falter in strength.

Snippet #2687520

located in Alternative Universe, a part of Outcasters AU: Strange Love, one of the many universes on RPG.

Setting

Characters Present

Footnotes