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[tauraran]

"Im Aran Thranduil. Prestad?"

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[bright_moon]

[ The answer does not surprise him. But the fact Thranduil hasn't attacked gives him hope, and he smiles gently while shaking his head. ]

Those I have met here have only been kind. And the one who agreed to change my husband and I has been exceedingly generous with us.

[ The compliments make his smile brighter. ]

Thank you, my friend. The transformation was...overwhelming. But not painful - Lestat made sure we were both comfortable, and cared for us until he was certain we could stand on our own again. My understanding, and so far experienced, is because of the kind of vampire he is...we do not need to drink blood often. And we have learned the basics of feeding without killing, for when we need to.

[tauraran]

{Feeding without killing... So they are not like some wild, ravenous thing devoid of morals. His intrigue brings him closer to the Man - Vampire, rather - and he studies him, his fingertips lightly touching Xingchen's jawline.}

Why did you make this decision? {He had sensed that the other's life was, at times, hanging on by a thread. Xue Yang must have been worried.} For more time?

{While his main concerns have, more or less, been put to rest, he can't say he isn't worried.}

If this Vampire has convinced you to join him based on desperation, I will not allow him to stay standing.

[bright_moon]

[ No, not at all devoid of morals! Xingchen holds still, remaining relaxed as Thranduil approaches. ]

Yes. In an effort to stay together, even after we leave here. Whenever that is. We are also more difficult to kill now.

[ He shakes his head gently, though his eyes warm at the promise. ] No. A-Yang approached him. If he hadn't been satisfied with Lestat's answers, he would not have even mentioned the possibility to me.

[tauraran]

{He has no more objections to give and, so, he bends his head gracefully and places a kiss against Xingchen's lips.}

I hope you find what you seek, but I can see that your new powers are already serving you well. I would not like for some ill to befall my Master.

{His eyes twinkle as if the name is a private joke between them.}

[bright_moon]

[ The graceful acceptance has him smile softly before the kiss earns Thranduil a quiet little laugh before Xingchen answers it. Just as sweetly, and being careful not to use his new fangs. ]

Thank you. I feel much stronger now, and not only physically.

[ His eyes are the same color as always - as far as he knows that won't change. And the joke has him grin - this time his fangs are easily seen. ]

That would be counterproductive. But thank you for your concern and loyalty.

[tauraran]

{Ah yes, there are the fangs. Thranduil hovers close for a few moments more, reassuring himself that Xingchen is safe before he moves back.}

I was concerned. I saw the state of your fëa while you slumbered. Time will not repair wounds of that nature and you will experience physical symptoms.

{Yet he has hope upon seeing the other smile.}

It isn't only for my well-being.

[bright_moon]

[ Fangs that are rather pretty! But there's no growl of threat, and Xingchen doesn't seem at all inclined to latch onto Thranduil to drink deeply. Not without permission. ]

I was better than when I first came here, but no. The healing process had no hope of completing without one person's arrival, and I do not wish this place on him. And now, there is hope that whenever my time here ends, I won't cease to exist.

[ Xingchen sighs and reaches up to gently stroke Thranduil's cheek. ]

And yet there is no threat to you.

[tauraran]

{Strangely, they are, and they suit Xingchen in a way Thranduil cannot explain. The hand on his cheek softens his natural defense and he understands how best he can help the other. Of course he will not do so without certain stipulations.}

My blood would strengthen you further. I am not a mortal.

{He rests a hand on Xingchen's arm.}

Drink what you will from me, but do not attempt to turn or kill me. I would not take kindly to either.

You may find, in the process, that you and I are not so different.

[bright_moon]

[ He blinks in surprise at the offer, drawing in a quick breath. He senses no deception or doubt from the Elf. And the hand placed on his arm is alluringly warm. ]

You honor me with your trust and offer. I will not forget it. And I would allow no harm to come to you, either.

[ The last thing Thranduil mentions has him curious, but his smile returns and remains gently as he shakes his head a little. ]

We will find out, but later. The craving is merely an itch right now, easily ignored. [ Easy, that is, for someone used to dismissing certain discomforts. ]

[tauraran]

Have you not offered me assistance if I am unable to meet quota? Consider this what I offer you in return.

{Xingchen has given him a safe home, plenty to read, pleasant company... Thranduil might be a pampered king, but he knows nothing is free.}

Should you ignore it? I do not know what will become of you if you ignore it overmuch.

[bright_moon]

[ It itches, but he recognizes Thranduil may feel the same regarding quota. So he sets it aside and focuses on the warm concern in the question. ]

My Sire told us that because of the level of power he has, and the fact he passed that power on to us, once our change was complete, we do not need to feed. It is only our ability to control the craving.

[ He pauses, then reaches for the hand on his arm to give it a gentle squeeze. ]

I would feel best in taking you up on your generous offer when I expect to be around larger groups of people.

[tauraran]

{To be frank, Thranduil hasn't been ignoring his itch much at all. If he thinks about that overmuch, he might begin to feel guilty. He hasn't been this intent on sex since he was much younger.}

This Lestat must be powerful indeed. I wonder if he and I should meet?

{If he appears suddenly in the house, it might be best. He returns the gesture, his hand warm and gentle, and then he takes a seat on a sofa.}

I can see the wisdom of that, though my offer wasn't only to keep you safe; it was also to keep you comfortable.

[bright_moon]

[ No need to feel guilty, Thranduil! Duplicity is all about the sex! ]

I would like that. I could introduce you, if you wish?

[ Xingchen follows and curls a leg under him to remain facing the other. ]

I know. And I am grateful to you for it.

[tauraran]

{It is, isn't it? Somehow Thranduil feels like he should be stronger.}

That would be best. Let me know what time would be suitable for him.

{He smiles faintly.}

I may not look it, but my fëa is in tatters too.

[bright_moon]

[ Xingchen had been so very innocent when he'd come to Duplicity. Now almost not a day goes by that he isn't pounced and thoroughly claimed. ]

I will.

[ He gently rubs at the hand he still holds, knowing his skin is cooler than a human's. ]

I wish I could help you heal.

[tauraran]

{Well that is entirely understandable between newlyweds. Xue Yang will probably be like that for the rest of time, however.

The comfort is kind and Thranduil relaxes into it as much as he is able. He will always have metaphorical armor and speaking of this subject is not easy.}

If I showed you the effects, you would be disturbed. I hide them under a spell.

[bright_moon]

[ So will Xingchen. He has learned much since waking in Duplicity.

He will never hold such a protection against another. And he realizes, distantly, that he's being honored just by Thranduil telling him. ]

But I would not break, should you decide to show me. I want you to be comfortable around me. This is your home while we are here and contracted, as much as it is mine. Even should we end our contract, should you wish to visit you would be welcome.

[tauraran]

{His expression is sad, wistful, his smile fading to Winter sunlight.}

I am comfortable. {But he has no intention of burdening his host.} The only reason I tell you is so you feel safe with me. By the standards of Men, I am ancient. If I had not suffered some woe, I would be absurdly lucky.

[bright_moon]

[ They are alike in that. ]

I do. Even now, I believe I am safe with you. I like knowing you are near - is that disturbing?

[tauraran]

If I thought so, I would not be concerned for you nor would I have kissed you.

{He is not so free with his emotions or affection.}

[bright_moon]

[ His smile is only warm. ]

I am glad to have your friendship and affection.

[tauraran]

Since...this place...can summon Vampires...

{He hesitates, his head tilting.}

Do not trust Dragons.

[bright_moon]

[ That is not something he'd expected! But instead of demurring, Xingchen gently squeezes Thranduil's hand again. ]

Should any be brought here, I will be cautious should I meet them.

[tauraran]

Caution may not save you. {He closes his eyes and his fingers curl.} A Dragon is the reason my fëa - my spirit - is in tatters.

[bright_moon]

No dragon will touch you again, while I can stand between you and it.

[ There's a hint of a growl, finally, in his promise. ]