That cave was most troublesome. I'm glad we made it out alive.
Radiant_Flame
There is one thing still troubling me...
Radiant_Flame
Why didn't you tell me about your boyfriend earlier?!
You just never asked... and I did not think it important. He's been dead for at least five years.
Radiant_Flame
WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SOMETHING!? HE WAS YOUR HUSBAND!!!
... Yes he was. But, I saw no benefit in mentioning him. I suppose I am... edgy... like that.
Radiant_Flame
I will admit, I expected someone else... I thought you'd be giving away flowers and sympathy cards every five minutes.... But dead husband?! That's a whole different ball game!
Well, if you had asked about family I would have said there was none... He was my family.
Radiant_Flame
Maybe you should have MENTIONED IT SOMEWHERE IN THE LAST 14 HOURS WE'VE BEEN TRAVELING TOGETHER!!!!!!
Alright, alright. No need to shout. It isn't like he was a prince or any of that, so I doubt his presence would have changed anything.
Radiant_Flame
How long ago did he die? And how exactly did it happen?
It was five years ago. We were sparring in our castle training yard. I lost control of my emotions and struck him down by accident.
Radiant_Flame
I see... Well, at least you didn't eat him. So that's a bonus.
... You have very little understanding of me, do you?
Radiant_Flame
Not really. Though I can guess you might be capable of some dark actions considering you're from Vortova.
I suppose you are right. Perhaps I'll show you one day.
Radiant_Flame
Vortova isn't a good place... Don't go back there.
... I... Can't. The Schism happened. Vortova does not exist anymore... And even if it did... Even if it did... What makes you think I would want to return to that hell on earth.
Radiant_Flame
Then why do you keep bringing people there?
"Do not bring up those names..."
Radiant_Flame
Umm... Okay? Are you sure you're okay? You've started having hives all over your body...
This is more than you need to know. I told you, I have issues...
Radiant_Flame
WHAT IS GOING ON?!
... I'm... Different. People like me are called Midevil princesses. We're like normal vampires, but with much more bloodlust... We also get blood drunk instead of drunk from blood.
Radiant_Flame
Wait- you're a vampire?!
... Yes. And before you say anything... Yes I did sign the accord.
Radiant_Flame
Yes, I actually knew that. I've heard rumors. But I always heard that midevil princesses died a few years after their transformation, though I guess you're different. I also don't know how old you are, but you must be like centuries old or something at this point...
No... The rumor is false. We are not all in immediate danger of death when we "die". Instead, a magic within us takes over, keeping us going for many, many years.... A curse... Yes, some of us have died recently. As far as I am concerned, there is nothing wrong about that... Some of the rumors about us are however false. We do not drink blood because we are evil monsters. We are drinking it to survive, just like how humans breathe air to survive. And the thirst- You will get your answer when you become one. But I can warn you- It will be one of the worst experiences you ever go through.
Radiant_Flame
Just give me a simple yes or no question... Are midevil princesses technically living forever?
Yes. They are. Unless they are destroyed.
Radiant_Flame
Okay thank you for the confirmation. I thought so.
Have I told you everything you want to hear?
Radiant_Flame
Good, I am glad we cleared that up... What now? Did you bring me here to kill me?!
I just wanted to tell you... I may be cold and heartless, and I have done things I am not proud of... But... I can assure you I am one of the "good" ones...
Radiant_Flame
Okay well- that settles that... I'm not scared of dying or being killed, not really. More annoyed about wasting precious time. Besides, if you were going to kill me, you'd have already done so. You won't deprive me of the honor of arriving to Vortova alive.
I appreciate your bravery. I respect your courage. However... Do not talk about death as if it were nothing... Death can be a scary thing, a terrible thing. When I see people throw their lives away so callously... It makes me sad... It makes me question whether or not they truly value their life... I am sorry for keeping all of this from you... Do not think that I have made this revelation easily... Do not judge me for my nature... I am... Just edgy...
Radiant_Flame
Listen... I have also lost loved ones before. My adopted parents when I was just a boy, my entire squad during a battle... Hell, I almost let my own brother die not too long ago. I have seen a lot of death- enough to know that every living thing deserves respect, especially when they're at their most vulnerable. So don't think for a second that I don't know death is bad... Death isn't scary or terrible, per se. What makes it terrible is watching someone suffer when they could be living a full, happy life... Death isn't terrible. The truth is that death itself is nothing. A soul is never really born or destroyed, they are merely cycled back into the Universe... This cycle of life and death is necessary for new life to arise, and to keep the balance between life and death stable. There isn't anything scary or terrifying about death, per se... but if you'd ask me what's truly terrifying... If you had to ask me what's most frightening in this world, well- I'd say that killing someone is far worse than dying itself. That, is a terrible thing.
That was... Beautiful. I wish more people shared your outlook on this subject... It seems I have misjudged you... I apologize for my accusations... Your comments about death seem to suggest that your species is one of great wisdom... My apologies.