forum “Hinder me no more. Or so it says, at least” (OxO, Mature, Closed)

Started May 26 by @Serpentess health_and_safety language

tune

Marc made a soft noncommittal sound and shrugged, not willing to admit that he didn't completely understand it either, but dropping that topic all the same.

But his smirk grew when he caught Nok’s expression at the nickname. He certainly wasn't going to stop using it as long as the vampire in question was around.

“It's because they're young, stupid, volunteers that makes them so annoying.” Marc agreed, a little exasperated by the thought of that group of vampires. “But I‘ll take your word about their “mothers”. I’ve been lucky enough to not come across… or at least, I don't think I have come across many.” he mused, uncertainly. He did raise a brow at the information regarding how Nok became a vampire. It wasn't exactly surprising that it had been involuntary, many were, but it explained his dislike of the one who turned him. But, again, that wasn't uncommon.

Nok’s frown deepened as Marc’s smirk grew. He then sighed and shook his head. He suspected that his reactions were only further encouraging the hunter.

“Just like that damned lizard jester…”he muttered to himself.

Nok shrugged,”Most of the ‘mothers’ are teens themselves, especially as of recent times, so it’s hard to tell the difference. The few adult ones still around were either told to make a subsidiary clan by their matriarch, or they were lieutenants that rebelled.”

He noted Marc’s raised eyebrow and sighed.

“If you want to ask, then ask. I won’t promise that I’ll give many details though. My so-called ‘rebirth’ is not something I like to think about,”he said, brushing a hand through his hair.

Marc chuckled to himself as Nok mumbled something against him.

“Well, that doesn't make that situation any easier.” he sighed, pushing his hair back. “And I feel like I mentioned I’m not very knowledgeable on vampiric politics, so I don't know how much a subsidiary would help. But the rebellious ones don't surprise me at all.”

He knew his expression was obvious so it made sense that Nok would guess what he was thinking. But he just shook his head at the offer. “I’m not going to lie, I am curious but I don't want to pry and bring up… well, I guess this counts as ancient history, huh?” he smirked awkwardly at his attempt to lighten the mood. “There’s no changing it so the only point in talking about it is if you want to tell me.”

Nok noticed Marc’s chuckle, but didn’t otherwise respond to it. No need to encourage him more.

“Exactly. And, whether you mentioned it or not, it’s not surprising. The clans don’t like outsiders, as you’re likely aware. More or less, large clans will spawn subsidiary clans when they grow too big for their current area. They become outposts, serving mostly as a marker of future expansion. And, when one clan decides to create an outpost in another’s territory, you get a clan war. Like dogs fighting over which end of the stick they want. The fucking idiots often do it in a city too, which always attracts hunters. And, they wonder why few clans get very big, and why rebellions are common,”Nok said, his explanation turning into a small rant.

Nok hummed pensively at Marc’s words, not amused by his poor attempt at a joke. His eyes bored into the man for a long moment as he debated telling the tale of his maker or not. Then, with a subtle shake of his head, he turned away.

“Well, suffice to say, he tricked me and I got more than what I bargained for. Or, less, if you want to be technical, since I died as a result,”he mentioned, his tone growing sour.

“Sounds like some kind of ancient military thing. Creating outposts to expand their power… their empire or whatever.” he shrugged, glad that the old man had cleared things up a bit. “I know that Vampires are secretive about things so they try to keep a lot of information to themselves and away from their prey… and their hunters.”

He nodded respectfully as Nok told him what he wanted to about being turned. “I… can't say I’m surprised that he manipulated you. But… I feel like offering my condolences would be… awkward.” he admitted, trying to think of the right thing to say.

“It’s a possibility. Though I think the original strategy has withered in the care of the clans, else vampires would likely rule the world by now,”Nok commented, snorting derisively at the thought of a ruling vampire.

“True. I don’t really give a fuck about the rules anymore though. Probably another of the many reasons the clans despise me. Like I give a fuck about that either.”

Nok was glad that Marc didn’t pry. It showed the old vampire another admirable quality that he rarely found in hunters. The decency to stop asking questions when the conversation became unpleasant. It also made him realize even more how much he was already growing to like the man.

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter to me if you offered condolences or not. It is what it is. I can’t go back in time… Well… Not in the way I would want to. And, the gods won’t be of any help either. Besides, the bastard that turned me is long gone. And good riddance,”Nok replied.

Marc sneered at the thought of vampires ruling the world. Something he, and his ancestors, wouldn’t stand for. “Good thing too. Otherwise, I would be part of a rebellion or something.” he shrugged. “Guess their lack of sharing information to try to protect themselves is also biting them in the ass at the same time.”

He paused for a moment. When did vampires become them in this conversation? Nok was a vampire too. But he wasn't part of a clan… That had to be it. He and Nok were talking about the clans and the so-called leadership of the clans. That had to be it.

Marc started to nod about the fact that the past can’t change… before raising a brow and looking over at Nok. “What do you mean not the way you want to? Is there a way to go back in time?” he asked, trying to wrap his brain around how impossible the idea sounded.

Nok chuckled,“That’s a strangely pleasant thought, to rebel against an empire of vampires. Though, I’m a rogue in any case, whether it’s clans or empires or guilds that rule the vampires. Or humans, for that matter.”

“It is, among other things. Power blinds the strong and cows the weak. It’s all about the hierarchy, not about the union. That’s the main fault of the clans. They will never willingly unite,”he added.

An amused snort escaped Nok as he realized he’d let the possibility of time-travel slip. Oh well. Not that it really mattered now, unless Marcus was crazy enough to try building the necessary machinery. Doubtful.

“To put it simply, there used to be. But, it wasn’t something that you could just make happen. It was accidental, at best. And, even then, it likely wouldn’t happen. Hell, it might have been more divine intervention than anything else,”Nok vaguely answered.

He looked over his shoulder, trying to think if he had any artifacts to give an example of what he meant. Though, he was admittedly wary of going down that path of memories. It would probably come up in discussion anyway, but maybe he could delay it.

“I might be able to scrounge up some fragments or sketches to show you what it is was that could ‘accidentally’ make someone travel in time. It might take me a minute. I can’t remember where I put them right off hand, if I kept anything. Hm…”

Nok was pretty sure he had, at least, one fragment of a portal gateway. He could probably find it easily. However, steeling himself to talk about it was another matter.