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OOC:? Was waiting on the ladies, but they can jump in en route.
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IC:
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¡°That you do, Mr. Mikaelson.? And the master of this house, I for one could argue that you knocking on my door with your current company . . . was its own brand of humor.¡±? Van Helsing paused while placing a hand in a vest pocket, not suggesting such the decision by this vampire had been to make a show of anything or even sarcasm, but the act itself did certainly speak for itself.? A vampire calling on a vampire hunter . . . in hopes of discussing important matters of logic, and in a civil manner!? The good doctor grinned at the other¡¯s remark, lightly shrugging at the predictable honesty of his guest.
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¡°I cannot imagine you wouldn¡¯t be, Sir.? Just as I was upon answering my door at this hour.? Men of the world, like you and I, find ourselves unable to quell our curiosity.¡±? He walked to another table where a half-burnt candle stood in a saucer with a single finger hold, and casually lit a long match while making his way out.? ¡°Ladies, if you¡¯d follow your companion and myself.¡±? The good doctor held up the now lit candle with a small smile.? ¡°You three probably will do just fine where we¡¯re going, but my eyes always need a bit of help.¡± ?
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With that he headed off back into the foyer and took a quick turn down a dark hall where he led them to the end.? To the side, old locked wooden door stood between them and the lower level.? The good doctor held the candle up to the lock, and produced an aged key from the pocket his other hand had idly occupied, softly clearing his throat.? ¡°Behind every door is another secret to be revealed,¡± he said softly to nobody, though surely his guests would hear.?
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"What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow."
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Klaus's eyes never left the doctor, though his attention did stray to the sides, spying this and that detail out of the corner of his periphery. He knew this man killed vampires for a living, or at least as part of one, so wasn't foolish enough to relax too much even in light of this...truce. He planned to keep his word but trust wasn't in his nature. It just wasn't. Time and time again he had learned that trust was a dangerous thing...He'd seen it in others, seen it end others...experienced the tendrils of it tripping him up a few times, had protected his own family from themselves too many times to count. So no, he would not trust a vampire hunter very far simply because the man was just that.
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Perhaps he would consider it a compliment to his skills, Klaus thought with mild amusement, gaze sharpening in interest as they reached the door.
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"I must admit to being curious...Concerning what is in this room as well as why you would show it to us. Very intriguing to say the least, Doctor Van Helsing."
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He spoke nearly as softly as the doctor himself had, body a complex mixture of relaxed and ready, eyes just as odd of a mix of calm and eager.
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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Valerie kept a close eye on her companion given some lingering concerns about how she might be handling the changes this world had undergone since her day. Plus there was also the matter of her not seeming entirely at ease with the situation itself perhaps due to the whisperings of the dead but who could really say one way or another with her being so silent.
¡°There is another whose reputation might well rival your own.¡± She said at the mention of ¡®his kind¡¯ as there was a small part of her that had become curious as to whether the hunter might be familiar with the woman who was so relentlessly hunting her family as it were.?
¡°With the shock this world must cause for someone in Amara¡¯s position¡it is perhaps for the best to remain in the company of one so gifted at putting others at ease.¡± Not to mention her concerns about bringing this woman around the others, in particular Julian whose flare for cruelty made him someone who quite honestly she would love to see on the wrong end of the sword belonging to one Rayna Cruz.?
Amara cast a quick look around almost as though searching for something when the good doctor (as she preferred to think of him) suggested they continue this conversation elsewhere. It was difficult to say why this troubled her. Maybe an underlying suspicion or another reason entirely. But when the others moved to follow she carefully picked up the two boxes at her feet in order to walk with them so as to avoid being left alone in such an unfamiliar setting.?
Valerie gently placed a reassuring hand on the arm of an obviously nervous brunette as she walked alongside her. There were likely no words to be offered from one experiencing doubts of her own. It was hard to tell whether the vampire hunter was leading them towards a place where he often dispatched their kind or merely an area where he might work on other¡hobbies.
Amara found herself watching a bit distractedly as the candle was lit, an act that in itself was fairly simple yet something about the small flame stirred memories of the past. Briefly affording her a bit more confidence. She gave a small nod at both his words and to assure the other woman she would be alright.
There was a moment when her gaze drifted to Klaus trusting that he could handle any tricks the hunter might possess. If not for her companions she might well be huddled in a corner somewhere. ¡°I will simply be happy if it's not a small enclosed space or filled with spirits.¡±
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The good doctor Van Helsing opened the aged but sturdy wooden door with a soft creak . . . a sound that surely only spoke of the door¡¯s age and not how little the house¡¯s master actually travelled down to the hidden parts below.? In fact, a very respectful amount of time was devoted to both common and uncommon scientific dalliances.? With his lit candle, he led the way, slowly but not hesitating.? He was not stalling.? He was not scared.? Just a hint of unclear anticipation.? Something about this meeting and their conversation thus far had hinted to him that there . . . was more that met the eyes, and ears, when it came to these three strangers in the night.? The most logical thing, however absurd the notion . . . dear Lord, was to see where this mysterious experience could be taken.
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¡°There is another you to rival, say?? Bless me, do tell . . . if I might be so bold as to inquire?,¡± Helsing glanced back briefly, trying to phrase that most carefully, but in his defense the source of the comment just then had in fact given a vague clue of suggestion.? Had she only mentioned it to be purposefully cryptic?? He couldn¡¯t think so, considering how this had already developed.? ¡°If I understand you correctly, my dear, you¡¯ve found a sense of ease here, so that should make my question less of a burden I do hope.¡±? He did just then make out the two boxes.? ¡°Is it absolutely necessary that those parcels accompany you wherever you go?¡±? The good doctor did not, of course, wish to speak so bluntly that their appearance here ad now was plain awkward and too mysterious.
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The stone steps came to an end and revealed a large room that, when all its corners and crevices were fully visible, covered a little less than half the ground floor space of the actual residence.? Thus it was obviously large.? Van Helsing offered a smile to the young woman who had just mentioned her simple hope.? He shook his head assuredly.? ¡°I wouldn¡¯t quite define this basement area as too enclosed,¡± Van Helsing lifted his candle out and above his head, more so for himself more than the others so that he could see his own vast array of items and properties. ?
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¡°As you can see, plenty of room to move about, for whatever purpose you¡¯re after.? And certainly no spirits to pester any one of us . . . I have dwelled in these parts for many a year with no such disturbance.¡±? He stepped forward, taking a thin length of wood from a small pile nearby to borrow a flame from the candle, proceeded to light a few more in the near vicinity.? In doing this, he of course revealed tables.? Scrolls, texts, drawings, and then there was the large quantity of chemist-like displays.? Items of all sorts, many of them tools, hung from the walls, some from hooks dangling from the ceiling.? He¡¯d proudly ensured his laboratory was able to satisfy and assist him with all manner of needs and fancies, and exposing it was . . . dear Lord, but he saw no other way here.
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"What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow."
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"It's hard to believe you'd actually show us this, Dr. Van Helsing...Your surely private and secret sanctum...Surely we are the first of our kind to be aware of such...I am truly and deeply honored," Klaus said quietly.
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He spoke in all deepest sincerity. It took a great deal to surprise him but this had done so. The doctor was likely making an exchange of good faith. At least that was Klaus's first guess on the matter.
His discerning gaze had swept the room, returning to the scrolls with the most interest as he was not familiar enough with the other more technical items to put them?to any practical use.
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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¡°Indeed.¡± Valerie was admittedly curious to discover whether this man at least knew of the infamous huntress. Casting a quick glance to her companion then returning her focus to the good doctor. ¡°Her name is Rayna Cruz. If the stories I have heard are to be believed she doesn't die, at least not permanently, instead rises from the ashes like a phoenix.¡±
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She had never witnessed this herself but had heard tell of it through vampires who found themselves in the woman's crosshairs. ¡°She carries a small sword that if one is marked with it doesn't heal and acts like a beacon leading her straight to them. Rayna keeps coming until she kills them. Some stories claim that the souls of her victims are trapped inside the Phoenix stone found in the hilt of her sword.¡±
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Amara was quiet as the others spoke until something was said that seemed directed at her. Slowly drawing a breath as she prepared to answer his question with brown eyes briefly glancing downward at the boxes in her hands. ¡°I don't suppose that it is necessary so much as it provides me something to do with my hands. Suppose that I am still a bit anxious.¡±
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She began looking around at the basement carefully studying all the candlelight was able to illuminate. ¡°I wish that I could find sanctuary from spirits but sadly they appear to be drawn to me like a moth to a flame.¡± Her shoulders relaxed a bit even though fingers still gripped the boxes.
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Valerie supposed the other woman's desire to busy her hands was in part due to feeling ¡®out of place¡¯ in a strange new world but suspected given time that would change. Briefly watching her then looking around letting her gaze linger on the various scrolls he¡¯d collected as their gentleman escort spoke.?
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"Of course this Rayna's methods would vary vastly from those of our Great Doctor here,"Klaus said of Van Helsing.
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"So if he has not heard of her I would not be in the least surprised..."
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Arching a brow he smiled.
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"Then again if he has heard of her likewise I would not be in the least surprised as...well considering the fact he hunts those predators down that are stronger than all humans and is still standing before us, perhaps he is full of more surprises than he appears."
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Though he spoke to the 2 ladies for the most part, Klaus gave Helsing a friendly smile tinged with dry amusement.
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"It does sound like Rayna runs on some sort of extremely powerful magic while your methods are more...unconventionally scientific, wouldn't you say, Doctor?"
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It would be a very bad idea for those 2 to get together and combine methods, Klaus thought darkly. A very bad bloody idea indeed. Perhaps the methods, like oil and water just simply wouldn't mix. One could only hope. God knew he had enough trouble as it was, he concluded darkly.
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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¡°I would like to assume, and will be going on . . . good faith, so to speak, that the revelations beheld down here won¡¯t be spread about, outside these walls.? Not with too much detail, at least,¡± Helsing glanced back at the male vampire with a fearless look, candlestick still in front of his face though there was now more light to help with his own eyes.? ¡°Hopefully the honor you speak of shall translate into some sort of . . . confidentiality.¡±? He gave a gesture of acceptance, even opportunity, when the other seemed to look upon a few rolled up parchments.? ¡°Take a peak for yourself, if you wish.? You may be surprised.¡±? The good doctor turned, moving to light the a thicker candle behind glass nearby.
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¡°Ray . . . Rayna Cruz, is it?? Hmmm,¡± he blew the lit stick out and set it down, fingers idly tapping on a large tomb he randomly noticed . . . one he knew to contain personal notes on chemistry-related developments.? Trials.? Successes.? And of course unknown dilemmas and failures.? ¡°I¡¯m afraid that name doesn¡¯t ring with the familiarity I¡¯d prefer,¡± he still smiled pleasantly, calmly allowing his human limitation when it came to vast supernatural knowledge that at least one if not more of his unforeseen guests possessed.? ¡°Though I must admit to . . . being more alarmed than intrigued by what you tell me.? Dear Lord, but . . . a truly immortal daughter of the night.¡±? Helsing eyed her, then the other young woman.
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¡°Neither of you have . . . been marked, or are being chased?? I simply need to know if this meeting was . . . if it¡¯s . . .,¡± he trailed off, suspicion rising, thoughts quickly forming as to the very worst possibilities.? They could have arranged this, come here with Klaus as some sort of pre-planned trade-off!? Leading this Rayna Cruz right to his front door . . . Heavens no!? He firmly pushed any thoughts away . . . his hesitation was combining with unneeded wild fancies, and . . . well, but it would still put him at ease to hear the hopeful reply from the other.? The one with her hands full offered her own simply if profound and sympathy-producing reply from him. ?
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¡°Anxious,¡± Helsing repeated the word, nodding.? ¡°What a constant burden to carry around . . . sadly I cannot relieve that of you with just simple words of reassurance.¡±? The good doctor swallowed, taking a couple steps forward, glancing at some other materials.? ¡°Though it¡¯s ironic, you mentioning anxious.? Know that you are not alone in that.¡±? He did so dislike admitting weakness or uncertainty, but he¡¯d not lie or weave an illusion with his guests, and was still hoping they would reciprocate.? ¡°Not for the first time do I regret not having studied in order to be a somewhat competent medium.? Too much to do as it is and all.¡±? He brought his hands up in partial surrender, before unrolling a parchment to look at its contents.? ¡°I have no access to such magics, but I¡¯ve been doing well by working in elements and alloys to doctor up the potency of primitive weapons, among other things.¡±?
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"What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow."
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"Of course I'll never breathe a word, Doctor," Klaus agreed smoothly.
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"If we're working together, that's no way to treat a...colleague if the word can serve in such a situation."
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He gave a light chuckle.
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"This Rayna, she's no vampire, and we'd certainly not be working with her. She...well she is something else entirely...and trust me, Doctor, if she fits your bill of a monster who needs to be killed, I for one am certainly glad to help. She is a bit too powerful for my liking a and a hunter besides."
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Klaus frowned in open distaste, though he still remained calm, gaze still studying the tomes and instruments of science with some interest.
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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Valerie had to admit that her curiosity was certainly piqued at the good doctor¡¯s talk of possible revelations that weren't meant to go beyond these four walls. Her gaze slowly drifted over the rolled up parchments knowing that perhaps she shouldn't have been so obvious about her interest in them.?
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She turned at hearing the offer being extended, finding his willingness to allow her the chance to read through his scrolls. ¡°That's very kind of you.¡± Perhaps he figured there wasn't much he could do to stop her if she chose to indulge her curiosity or maybe he simply felt there was no particular reason to keep their contents a secret. But then why would he think she would be surprised?
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Preferring to keep certain hopes and fears to herself as he repeated the name she herself had spoken mere moments ago. It was odd how she dreaded what might be said next though truthfully she couldn't say what concerned her more¡the chance those two might be acquaintances or that he had no clue.?
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She breathed a little more easily at hearing he found the name to be unfamiliar though very nearly doing a double take when he admitted to being more alarmed than intrigued. It was odd to say the very least as one would expect him to be eager to align himself with the likes of Rayna Cruz. ¡°Why alarmed?¡±
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The heretic shook her head once. ¡°No. Neither of us have fallen prey to such misfortune.¡± Seeing no point in mentioning that a member of her little ¡®family¡¯ had indeed found themselves on the wrong end of her sword as it had very little bearing on this encounter.
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Amara turned a cautious eye to her surroundings still struggling to feel at ease even as the discussion of a huntress took place. It was strange how they all seemed in agreement about this woman whom she would have expected to intrigue the good doctor.?
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¡°I fear this feeling might linger.¡± She knew with certain aspects of her existence there was a fairly good chance of this being the case. How could it not be? With each passing moment the odds of experiencing debilitating pain increased. At first she said nothing merely nodding when informed that she wasn't alone. ¡°I should think that wouldn't be the case for you.¡±
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Valerie turned from one of the scrolls she had been inspecting when the good doctor spoke of his regret. Offering a brief smile. ¡°I suppose that is the case with most individuals.¡± All too often she would forget that her life was no longer limited to decades and perhaps this was the case due to her only having been turned some thirty four years ago.
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To be quite honest it came as a relief as the thought of a hunter with access to such magics was extremely troubling. But she supposed for the purposes of their new friend it might prove disappointing.?
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¡°Oh¡no¡no, we would not be working with Rayna Cruz.¡± Shaking her head as she briefly looked to Klaus whose words seemed aimed at encouraging the good doctor to put an end to the huntress. She couldn't help thinking him to be outmatched if he were to take the bait, not that she personally cared.?
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(ooc: as sure as I post this the first attempt will post but just in case yahoo ate it.)
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Van Helsing gave one of his characteristic warm smiles when Klaus promised that he would not breathe a word, and stated that since they were working together, it would be no way to treat a colleague. Nodding, he replied, "very good then, I indeed consider you a colleague, since we are working together for the same cause. It is well to keep all matters discussed here concealed, as we cannot chance the information falling into the wrong hands." He looked at Valerie and Amara, studying their expressions, then his look returned to Klaus, "so, you were saying¡ It is harder for your kind of vampire to be killed, and you cannot simply turn into missed? In what other ways are you different?" His eyes studied Klaus, observing is every expression, wondering to himself if he were truly willing to explain the other ways in which his kind were different; if so, he would reward him by showing him still more equipment that he had in his lab. "I have shown you mainly books and scrolls so far," he continued, giving a soft smile, as if to coax Klaus to reveal the answers he was seeking; "answer this question, and I will show you some of my equipment for human blood transfusion, that I will use to change vampires back into humans again." The doctor was still not quite sure he totally believed in the magic part of making such a vampire as Klaus professed to be, but he figured, if a vampire could take the chance on him, a known vampire killer, allowing him to actually live, and have the chance to once more become human, he¡ Could at least attempt to meet him halfway and believe his statement. Such was indeed the nature of the doctor, who usually made a practice of trusting people, until they prove themselves unworthy of such trust.
God loves you.
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" I wonder if you had a blood sample from a vampire if you could work on a formula...Mixing that vampiric blood with that of human blood...allowing them to learn to tolerate one another,"Klaus said thoughtfully, then gave an apologetic shrug.
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"I am not, by nature a medical man, doctor. I am merely wondering how it could be possible to have both bloods, differing so as they do, able to tolerate one another. For right now, were you to transfuse me with human blood I would either reject it or my body would consider it a meal and nothing more. So it must see it instead as a catalyst for change...without killing me or whoever is rather in question."
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He smiled at Amara, an idea suddenly occurring.
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"Tell me, Amara. Do you think a bit of your blood would help the 2 mix as you are not precisely one of us as I understand it nor fully mortal either?"
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He had only met Amara earlier tonight? as well, and at first had dismissed her as, interesting though unable to help his current situation. Now, however, with talk of transfusion...Well that made matters a bit different.
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When Van Helsing asked how his type of? vampire differed from the other breeds other than lacking the misting ability, Klaus frowned thoughtfully.
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"Well...Though we can also be killed by unlight, many of us have what we call daylight rings. These are also magical and protect us against the sun."
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He couldn't help but smile, knowing that magic would bbe something a bit more difficult for this scientist to swallow. Of course the misting ability the other breed had seemed to be a form of magic to his mind, but he had no true way of knowing.
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"Our kind of vampire," he added carefully, deciding to take a calculated risk, "Can be harmed...even killed eventually by the bite of a werewolf."
I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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Amara was curious as to why this woman's name was unfamiliar as there were at least whispers about the man who stood before them. It was a troubling thought as there was little question ?as to whether this¡¡¯Rayna Cruz¡¯ had killed vampires based on the way Valerie had spoken of her.?
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Her brown eyes darted towards the other woman as she contemplated asking where the spirits of her victims had gone. It was a matter of some concern though mostly curiosity as she welcomed not experiencing the pain of any more deaths than was absolutely necessary.
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She held her tongue in spite of a desire to ask a seemingly endless stream of questions as Valerie seemed preoccupied with the scrolls. Turning the former handmaiden looked between the two men attempting to follow their conversation about blood transfusions.
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¡°I do not know if my blood would help matters.¡± Tipping her head slightly as memories replayed themselves inside her mind. ¡°She used¡¡± It was a time she did not wish to revisit but if it could prove helpful then she would share what she could remember. ¡°Qetsiyah used some of my blood when creating the cure.¡±
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Van Helsing had been awaiting Klaus's answer concerning how he was different from most other vampires, when Amara mentioned the fact that her blood had been used in making the cure for her. ?The doctor turned to regard her with definite interest, "really? Do you know in what measurements? It is entirely possible that it moderately increased quantity of your blood, or of some other ingredient, could make the transformation complete." ?He pointed to a shelf in one corner of the room, "now, here¡ Are some of the needles I use, plus¡ Blood substitution potion; this is to mimic the action and flow of real blood, until the blood can be excepted by the body as such, and begin to circulate properly." ?He wondered it to himself if his newly formulated potion could actually prove to be a substitute for vampires. ?"it is filled with the same nutrients," Van Helsing continued, "I wonder if some vampires could not use this to circumvent the necessity of having to drink actual blood? I shall have to look into it." ?He looked at Valerie end Klaus, wondering if either of them would volunteer for the experiment. ?Turning to Amara, with a slight twinkle in his eye, he stated, "in the meantime, I have yet to find, or invent a potion as a substitution for a cup of hot tea, would you¡ Care for a cup at the present time?" ?He offered an apologetic look to the others, for as far as he knew, they could drink nothing but blood.
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When Amara spoke of her blood being used for a cure Klaus's eyes shot wide.
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"So there was a cure? It was made with magic or..."
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He hesitated. Would this woman even know the word science? No. "Or...alchemy?"
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Did such a word exist even if the practice did? Hopefully she would understand the mental concept behind the word. He could only hope so for if it required magic, they were in for a hold up...He'd have to find a good witch and hope he could talk the good doctor into combining forces as it were.
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Still with his gaze riveted to Amara Klaus asked her,"Do you remember anything else she used in?this cure?"
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It was impossible to keep the eager hope from his voice.
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When Doctor Van Helsing asked if a vampire could not use such a method to feed, Klaus shrugged doubtfully.
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"Perhaps...Soon I shall bring an unworthy for you to practice on. I shall keep them immobilized and safe for you if you can house them here...Someone to experiment on will be necessary, after all. And as you do not consider us worthy creatures of god, this should be amenable to you, yes?"
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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Van Helsing's eyes also were riveted on Amara when she spoke of a cure. ? "I need to know anything that you or anyone else can remember, any thing, even ideas, that you might have about ingredients for a cure." ?He was also looking hopeful, and he looked at Klaus with genuine surprise when he spoke of bringing another vampire on which he could experiment. ? "if possible, try to make certain that the subject is one who is in discriminate in his killing and feeding habits," the ?doctor advised, looking at Valerie and Klaus, he added, "I would not wish to perform my experiments on ones such as yourselves, which I have seen to have considerable good qualities. ?For your sake's, I will treat them with reasonable kindness, as long as they are cooperative, and do not harm me or anyone associated with me."??
God loves you.
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While Van Helsing had been showing the equipment, and listening to Amara, he suddenly realized he had missed what Klaus had said; giving him a questioning look, he stated, "I¡ Beg your pardon?" His smile touched his eyes, and the expression of hope increased when Klaus repeated his suggestion about mixing blood, and made his statement about transfusing him with human blood at the present time. "that could very well be the solution," he replied, looking considering, as well as hopeful. "and, what if it were given¡ A little at a time, with your blood, as a sort of buffer?" He regarded Amara as he spoke of using her blood. "daylight rings?" He regarded Klaus with raised eyebrows, a slight frown touching his lips at the mention of magic. "oh yes¡ Magic is only science that is not yet known or explained," his Tone was that of a kind, benevolent instructor as he further explained, "being the imperfect creatures that we are, many times we¡ Seek to explain things that we do not know, things for which we have not yet found the answers; what is largely thought of as magic, now¡ Will no doubt, be merely common science in years to come. Nature possesses many an interesting phenomenon which we have yet to discover and study." He regarded them thoughtfully, studying their expressions before adding, "still though, I have no doubt that the different blood from each of you has verying components, differences in formulation and so forth, that will lend itself to our cause." He gave them a look of concern when told that their kind of vampire could be harmed, even killed, with the bite of a werewolf.
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¡°I¡¡± Amara trailed with a faraway look in her eyes as she desperately searched her memory for the answer needed but the trauma of what had been endured blocked her access to anything that might prove useful. ¡°I don't know. All that I remember is the terror I felt at the thought of what I expected would be done to me and the pain of her dagger cutting into my flesh.¡±
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She couldn't safely say how much of her blood was taken for the purpose of creating the cure. It might have been only a few drops or maybe much more. Her gaze moved in the direction the good doctor had pointed looking at the items in question with a light shudder.
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¡°Hot¡tea?¡± She repeated with a slight hesitation as it sounded unfamiliar though with all those years spent trapped inside a sarcophagus¡desiccated¡she imagined most things would. It was, after all, a thousand wonders the experience hadn't driven her completely mad.
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The former handmaiden turned to look at Klaus when asked about its existence, offering a small nod. ¡°Yes¡there was.¡± She couldn't be entirely certain whether it was still out there somewhere as Qetsiyah mentioned her plans of sealing it away inside a tomb with the man both women loved. ¡°It was magic that granted us immortality and it was the means for creating a way of bringing an end to it.¡±
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Valerie tore her attention away from the scrolls as the others began discussing the cure a bit more in depth. She, of course, had notice a lingering uneasiness in the other woman which she attributed to all this talk of a night Amara no doubt would love to forget all about.
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She started to offer a possible candidate but the thought of Lily¡¯s heartbreak should Julian be taken kept her quiet. Oh how she wished something truly horrible would befall that monster. There was a flicker of both sadness and anger in her eyes at the thought of him and what he¡¯d taken from her.?
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Klaus made note of the look on Valerie's face for he recognized it. Pain, hatred and the need for revenge. Oh how he could relate. Rather than asking her he merely gave her an understanding smile before returning his gaze to Amara, from whom he had been briefly distracted.
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"Do you understand what vampires are now? And if so can you explain the difference between you and us. IT seems both of us require blood and both are immortal. You were asleep for centuries upon centuries and survived, so we have enough in common. I ask because I am wondering if this cure of yours would work on us or something similar...or if we are too different. Magic created both of us, it seems, but as this was done by 2 different witches in 2 different ways I must wonder if the similarities are as relevant as we may like for them to be. My mother used a spell, for example, while it seems your mistress, or whatever she was, used a potion. Still in all, magic is magic, so there could be some way to work with it."
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He threw Van Helsing a brief look of sympathy, knowing that this was not a thing in which such as he dabbled. Klaus had access to witches, and still had never considered a magical fix, as he had explored such centuries ago with no results. Hell if there had been one in reach, Mikael would have surely made use of it to eradicate his family at once.
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Yet with Amara arisen and among them, perhaps new information could emerge. Startling as he recalled something about Van Helsing he turned back to Amara with fresh hope on his face.
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"The doctor has skills in hypnotism."
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He flashed a quick look to Helsing. "At least word on the street claims this to be among your many skills good sir."
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Turning back to Amara he continued. "This is an endeavor in which he places you into a trance of sorts, allowing you full access to your own mind. Were you to do this, do you think you could remember more of what was in the cure then or did you ever know?"
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He hated the eagerness and intensity in his voice, but there was nothing for it.
I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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Van Helsing gave a polite smile as the two conversed about witches, magic, potions and the like; he nodded to Klaus's sympethetic look, but shook his head, "I'm...afraid this is very much out of my field indeed," he admitted, still keeping himself alert, as it could still provide an opportunity for learning.? His eyes came alight with surprise and interest at Klaus's question of hypnotism, "while no one is truly all-knowing on any subject, as there is always ever more knowledge to be gained, this...is a subject of which I have considerably more knowledge than the previous one.? It is,' he continued, "partly due to the skill of the hypnotist, but the main success lies with the willingness of the subject.? In other words," he turned to regard Amara with a warm, concerned expression, "You would have to be willing to place complete trust in me, not only for the actual act of hypnotising you, but for the retrieval of those obscure memories, which could indeed prove quite helpful in this endeavor; it would be as though you were passing the memories and information on to me, and you would have to trust me as a safe repository for such treasures."
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Kat