Seventy First Sip

[mal_addict]

So. It's that time already.

I know it doesn't mean much, in the current state of chaos and whatnot, but I've been here for three Earth years today. It feels like a lot longer.

[She lets out a soft sigh, doodling a turtle on the page, a turtle with four elephants on its back and a round, flat shape resting on their own backs]

So many people I know have been sent home at this point. Some of them have been sent home twice. Makes you wonder when it'll be your turn.

Comments

[bronwe]

What do you miss of home?

[mal_addict]

Everything.

[Polly]

...Just everything.

[bronwe]

Even despite the endless wishing here?

[mal_addict]

I don't wish. Where I come from, magic comes at a price. I'm not willing to pay it.

[bronwe]

I was told it comes at a price here too. Is it true?

[mal_addict]

Once, everyone's wishes either backfired, or they lost far more than they expected when they made them. It seems the castle cashed in on their wishes, and I wouldn't be surprised if it happened again, one day.

[bronwe]

[ Like incurring a debt without realizing it. The way Bilbo lived for so long yet felt so strained. ]

Do you buy your food from the town then?

[mal_addict]

I don't eat. I buy my coffee from there, though.

[bronwe]

You don't eat what the castle gives you?

[ You can't possibly not eat, right? ]

[mal_addict]

I don't eat at all, I'm a vampire. I can eat, if I so desire, but it's not important to my existence.

[Turns out that's exactly what she doesn't do]

[bronwe]

But do you ever feel hungry?

[mal_addict]

Yes, but not for food.

[bronwe]

For coffee?

[mal_addict]

Yes, for coffee. It hadn't always been that way, but after I went through transference...well, coffee is all I need.

[bronwe]

What did you feel hungry for, before coffee?

[mal_addict]

Blood. I'm a vampire, it's what my kind feed on. But we can change that, if we're willing.

[bronwe]

[ Oh. Oh. ]

Why did you choose to change?

[mal_addict]

Because I grew tired of being hunted and treated like a monster. Having people get their pitchforks out the second they caught sight of me.


...Besides, I needed to get away, and a vampire can't get away without some drastic changes to make them more socially acceptable.

[bronwe]

Well, I think one should never judge another too lightly, whatever they choose to eat. I'm sure pigs would think me a monster. But I hope no one hunts you now.

[mal_addict]

[Oh you are too precious]

Nah, they just shoot me dirty looks now. But they hurt far less than a stake to the heart.

I like that mentality of yours, though. People are people, no matter what they are.

[bronwe]

[ He chuckles. ]

Whether hobbits or vampires.

[mal_addict]

Exactly, my little friend. Exactly]