Balthazar took a deep, steadying breath. “He is ill-suited to parties and other large gatherings. Weryn Vampires seem to need such things just as much as we all need blood. He will never fit in with the rest of your kind. Are you willing to be separated from them to keep him happy?”
“You’ve got a point there, but I trust Elgar to make up his mind to know whether or not he wants to risk being with somebody who has other interests that might not always align with his own,” Demos said. “But the truth is that we don’t know what Elgar really likes. We only know what Elgar can tolerate rightnowwhen he’s still not quite himself. Do you remember him? How he was before? He could have been the life of the party. He could have had a million friends. Eyros are normally not known to be loners. If a Weryn throws a party, an Eyros is sure to come over with a bottle of blood wine and an easy smile.”
Balthazar lowered his head. “I don’t remember him. Not because he is not memorable, but because–”
“You don’t want to remember everything else. I got that. Ryder is the same way as you know.” Demos grimaced.
“He will likely never be who he once was, Demos. You have to accept him as he is now. Not as you hope he might be in the future,” Balthazar said.
“I know. But I think that even if this is only a passing friendship between him and I that Elgar will gain something from it,” Demos told him with more passion than he realized. “He has to be given a chance to come back. And he can’t do that by not taking risks or being packed in cotton wool.”
They hadn’t gotten to speak more as Elgar had arrived soon after. Neither he nor Balthazar pretended they hadn’t beenhaving an intense conversation, but neither of them had told Elgar what it had been about despite Demos saying he would. Balthazar had smoothed his hands over Elgar’s overly large hoodie, straightening the collar on it before stepping back and smiling at his Childe.
“Off to the bookstore?” Balthazar had asked.
“Yes, Master,” Elgar had answered softly, clutching his skull.
“Good. Have a lovely evening, won’t you? And if you need me–”
“You are a call away. Yes, Master, I know. But I do not think I shall need you this evening. Demos will be there and I can take care of myself,” Elgar had responded.
And now, here they were, going to someplace far more dangerous than the bookstore or a party. Elgar’s head was up. His shoulders were back. His gaze was serene. Demos couldseethe Vampire he had once been. Still was.
“Forsworn is a wild place. One with nature. It is not as civilized as the other cities. There is no us and them in Forsworn,” Weryn explained. “There is only us.”
“Sounds amazing,” Demos said. “I cannot wait.”
“Though you say that it has been cut off since–since the War… there will be members of my Bloodline there. Never shall the woods of the Forsworn go silent,” Weryn said.
Demos opened his mouth to say something, but Elgar put a mental hand upon him.
He must see for himself, Demos. This will be difficult for him. Be prepared,Elgar sent.
And Balthazar thinks that you don’t know what’s what,Demos said.
Master cannot separate his guilt from my pain. But it is born from love,Elgar answered.That is why I cannot be angry at him even when he interferes.
Demos grimaced.So you knew what he was on about that night?
Of course. Master is very protective,Elgar answered.I expected nothing less from him.
I should have said something,Demos told him.I should have told you, but I…
Why hadn’t he?
There was no need. And you feared I might agree with him if you brought up all his objections,Elgar said.
Demos’ head snapped towards him.I…
Elgar was smiling softly.I know we are very different. That intrigues me as much as it does you. I am not afraid that you challenge my comfort zone. I want you to.
So I’m the risky side piece then?Demos chuckled.
You are my friend.
I am, Elgar. I truly am.
Then that is all that matters.
