Mein Licht

"Can you walk by yourself now?" Kross asked Lothaire as they trekked through the forest.
"Yes, I believe so. The sun is rising, though... My strength will not be growing anymore until nightfall," the vampire huffed as he pulled himself away from the black headed boy, standing taller than him, surprisingly.
"You can walk in sunlight? I thought vampires like... burst into flames when sun touched their skin?" Kross asked.
"It isn't a wise idea to stay in the daylight for too long. Your strength quickly deteriorates, so you cannot run as fast as normal, or use your ability if you have one. Then your eyesight steadily grows weaker, as well as your hearing, and before you know it, in a matter of hours, you're dead. So it is possible, just not something you can do for as long as you like,"
"So, we need to get moving then... The sun as already been up for a good hour..." Kross said, suddenly feeling panicked. He didn't like the feeling of having a never aging man's life on his hands.
"No, do not fear. Turn left here, off the main road..." Lothaire commanded, bored.
Kross followed him off of the dirt road they had been walking on; the same one he had came to Crescent Stone on two mornings ago. They now walked in the thick of the woods for another half of a mile until Lothaire stopped again, and slowly turned to look Kross directly in the eyes. His faded yellow irises sent chills through the other's body. "What I am about to show you is a secret kept for generations upon generations, only known to the vampiric race. Anyone else has never been told about these, so you must keep it to yourself. There is no other option."
Kross nodded to him and watched as he took his long, pointed fingernails and lightly pushed them into the flesh of his wrist. A few drops of almost black blood trickled down Lothaire's pale skin and fell gently on top of a large rock they were standing beside. As soon as the blood touched the gray surface, the rock disappeared, and two massive cellar doors lied on the grass in its place. "How...?" Kross began, but Lothaire cut him off. "Vampire's blood. The only key to unlocking the entrances to the hidden underground tunnels scattered across the mountains. The rocks are an illusion older than I am, but a very strong one. No one can see past it, as even the rock is a tangible item. It can be sat on and touched, just like a normal rock... But with my people's blood, it fades away."
They both pulled open the doors and stepped into the tunnel. It was long, and Kross couldn't see the end of it, but he could tell Lothaire knew his way around. So they began to walk, hidden from people and the sun, together on a path of centuries old dirt, lit only by the countless torches that lined the walls.
"Welcome to the vampire's world, Kross," Lothaire said, his voice echoing off the walls, "we have so many more secrets to share with you."

The sun was already well into the sky when Mizuki made it well out into the forest. She knew her clothes were better suited for nighttime, but it was what she had. It was better than bright colors at least. Even though it was the end of summer and most everything was still green with a hint of yellow, it was still pretty chilly because of the high altitude of the mountains. The farther down she trekked while following the main path though, the warmer it got.
Still, she didn't go too far. It was around midday when she suddenly stopped. There were settled foot prints she had been following, but they led off the path while others continued down. She considered this for a moment, but she knew that no one who didn't know the area well would just venture off into the forest. Even those who were from villages wouldn't, she figured, and so she followed the prints leading into the forest. They kept on for a little ways with some plants having obviously been trampled, until they quite suddenly came to a stop at a large rock. She frowned, searching around the rock, but there was no trail past that point. They surely couldn't have just disappeared!
Sighing, she ran her hands through her hair, staring at the rock. It didn't even have a foot print on it! She was just about to head back to the road when she saw something then. Squinting, she stared hard at a black spot that looked dried, and crouched next to it, rubbing her finger on it. It came off kind of flaky, and she noticed a slightly reddish hue to it. It was blood obviously, which meant someone had been here at least, but where had they gone?
---
The sun was setting by the time Mizuki trudged into the Skye residence, ignoring her grumbling stomach and collapsing on the couch. She couldn't believe that she hadn't found anything. After figuring out that it had indeed been blood on the rock, she had gone back to the road and kept going a little ways to make sure there weren't anymore footprints heading into the forest -which there weren't.
So in the end she had come back with nothing to show for her day-long trek, and she wasn't too happy about it. What would she have done if she had caught them?... she didn't exactly know. For one she would have demanded an explanation. Would she have had it in her to kill them or worse, bring them back to the village? These were just some of the questions floating around her mind, haunting her.
"So you're finally back." The sound of Harry's voice made her groan a little.
"Yeah, and I found squat," she sighed in return. "Just leave me here. I'll sleep on the couch tonight."
"Have you even eaten at all today?"
"Not that I can remember," she mumbled into a pillow. Maybe that was why her stomach was so upset with her... it would make sense, now that she thought about it. "I'll eat tomorrow, I promise. No more day-long adventures."
"Good; because it isn't worth it you know." That made her frown, and she picked herself up out of the cushions of the couch, seeking out her brother with her eyebrows furrowed together. "What isn't worth it?" she questioned.
Harry shrugged, looking every bit of his normal self with his shoulders slouched and relaxed posture. "Looking for him. It's not worth it, Miz."

---

Thomas wished that they would let him go after Lothaire. The fact that the older vampire had been missing for days during the time of year that was most dangerous for them just couldn't be ignored. If he had been taken by his old village, then he knew very well what would become of him. They didn't want him leaving to go look though -not until the festival was over at least. It made him wonder why he ever thought that telling them about the village's traditions was ever a good idea.
Because they hunt and kill vampires. If you tell them, it'll help keep them out of trouble, a nagging voice in the back of his head reminded him. Yet this time it hadn't seemed to help Lothaire in the least. That was why he chose to ignore the orders he had been given and was heading out towards the village right then.
Thanks to enhanced night vision, he didn't need the torches lining the walls of the ancient tunnels to see, although their dim lights did help.
It had been a few years since he had come down here, ironically under Lothaire's wing. He was half vampire and didn't fit in wherever he went. The village accepted him, but only because he refused to feed on human blood. He could still remember late nights hunting in the forests for large game to sate the thirst that had slowly been encroaching on him, getting worse year after year. It was that selfsame thirst which made him finally leave the hunters, and his family. At first he had become a rogue of sorts, without attacking humans still though. He became more sensitive to sunlight and knew he was slowly losing his humanity with every year.
Then he had been found, in a way. Lothaire had brought him down here, where he had been made a full vampire. The thirst had seemed to become easier to handle after some time, and he had acquired a special skill, as all vampires had. His life had become easier, and he had found a place where he fit in. The vampires here didn't attack humans unless they were attacked first. They were like a separate community from anything else, even other vampires, and they had a peace treaty of sorts with the hunters which was long forgotten by many.
And Thomas felt that he owed everything he had now to Lothaire. He wasn't just going to let the old vampire be killed by the hunters at the end of the Blood Festival, which was why he had gone into the tunnels. So imagine his surprise when he stumbled upon the vampire he had been going to save, accompanied by a human boy.
He just stood in front of them for a long time, still and confused. Finally he sighed. "It seems you didn't need my help after all, Lothaire." His pine green gaze traveled from the older vampire to the black haired boy. "If I thought the council was going to be angry with me for going to save you, they're really going to love the fact that you've brought a human boy here."

Kross staggered backwards at the sight of an approaching person, but Lothaire pulled him back to his side.
"Thomas," the vampire said, scratching at his poorly shaven scalp, "I'm surprised you could recognize me. Feels odd not having long locks on my head anymore."
Kross stared at both of them, back and forth as they talked. He felt out of place; even more than at Crescent Stone. Maybe it would just take some getting used to.
"As for the boy--he's not human. He's a dhampir, a hybrid. Half human, half vampire," Lothaire said sharply, his eyes narrowing, "and he saved my life. The council will make an exception. Kross has some very valuable information that he has opened my eyes to, and it needs to be brought to the members of the council immediately."
The 'dhampir' had never actually heard that term before, though he supposed that's what he was. Dhampir...Has a nice ring to it, I guess. Kross thought.
Lothaire continued, "We need to reach the court by sunrise, so we must head out as soon as possible. I ask you my dear friend, Thomas, please accompany us. I need more witnesses...Should we ask Adara to join us, too? She seems to have a great deal of influence on the council member's mood."
Their conversation seemed to move so quickly. The two had hardly greeted each other, and now they were talking about some sort of council. "Who's Adara? And why do we need to go see these council people?" Kross asked suddenly, causing the two vampires to look at him as if he were ignorant...which he truly was, in an environment like this, anyways.
"Adara is a member of our clan. A young girl, relatively new to the vampiric race. The head of the councilmen, Lord Ignis, changed her himself. She's almost like a daughter to him, I presume. No memories of her human life have been shared; I believe Adara herself forgot them in the changing process. But Lord Ignis seems to know things about her," Lothaire explained, crossing his arms impatiently, "The council is the Lord and Lady vampires who rule over the clans of the mountains. There are several different clans scattered across, and we all live our separate ways. We're not friendly with one another, but we don't attack on sight, either. If they're trespassing on our territory, then something will start, or if one our own clan members is murdered, things like that. Anyways, the council oversees all of us. They are not apart of any clan, nor do they have favorites. It's all unbiased. They're basically our police. They keep us in order and punish us when necessary. Their courthouse sits higher up the mountain, in a small dip near the peak. If you wish to consult the council, you have to go to them, which is what we must do now."
Kross blinked at him, nodding after a few seconds. "I think I understand...Will I be going with you?"
"Yes,"
"No!"
Both Thomas and Lothaire looked at Kross, and then to each other. "Thomas!" Lothaire said "He has to come with us!"

"I still don't think that's a good idea," Thomas argued with Lothaire. "He isn't a full vampire or part of our clan, and we're considering taking him up to the council." He was trying to reason with the older vampire. "You're talking about important information. Even when I first came here and was introduced to the council, it wasn't under circumstances like this, and you had already made me a full vampire. I just don't think it's a good idea."
Thomas ran a hand through his hair, glancing at Kross for another moment. "Talking to Adara would be a good idea though. She's a lot more level headed than some of the others, and I'm sure she would listen to us."
"Thomas, this isn't normal situations. We need to get to the council and tell them about what's happening," Lothaire said. Thomas noted a stubborn look in the older vampire's gaze, and he narrowed his eyes a little.
"You just aren't giving up on this, are you?" he groaned. "They're really not going to like this, Lothaire."
"But they have to listen fairly," Lothaire reminded him.
"Okay okay, I give up." Thomas shook his head. He knew by this point that he wasn't going to win this argument, no matter what he said, so he turned pine green eyes on the black haired boy. "Welcome to our clan then, Kross," he said, sticking out his hand. "I'm Thomas."

(Short :P I couldn't really think of a whole lot...)

Lothaire clapped his hands together "Good, good. Now, go fetch Adara and whoever else you think should join us, and we will head out momentarily," he said, patting the other vampire on his shoulder. "I'm glad you gave in, Thomas. I need you to hear this information too, just as much as the members of the council," he added.
He then turned back to Kross and started to walk with him further down the tunnel. "You and I, Kross, shall head back to the clan. While I change into more suitable clothes, you can introduce yourself. Don't worry, they won't bite," he laughed.
Kross blinked at his corny joke and kind of rolled his eyes. He was still digesting Thomas's words--'welcome to our clan'. "I didn't know I was joining your clan," he said once the two were out of Thomas's earshot. "I thought I was just bringing you back here...and now I'm going with you to the council? Lothaire, the information I had may not have anything to do with all of this...I just picked up a random book and read a story out of it. It was almost like a children's book..." by now Kross was terrified of meeting the council. If this wasn't true, then he could very easily be blamed...And these council people didn't sound very friendly. He shuddered at the thoughts of what they would do to him.
"Calm down, boy. I will say this is mostly my idea, that I told you to go and search that book specifically for me. I'm a seer, remember? It will be easy to pass it off that I was receiving vibes from this book."
"I guess..." Kross sighed.
Once they had finally reached the clan, climbing up a set of stone steps very much like the one they had gone down to get into the tunnel, Kross was welcomed by darkness. It took his eyes several seconds to adjust, but he eventually came to see that they were now in a cave. It was tiny, so he could make out all of the other figures in the room. There were only three of them, excluding Kross and Lothaire. So that means...counting me, and Thomas who isn't here yet, there are only six people in the clan? At least the ones that are here now, I guess...very small
There was a river that rushed rapidly to his right, filling the tiny cave with endless echoes of moving water. The other figures were scattered about, some sitting on rocks, others lying on the floor. But he could see that every single head in the room turned to look directly at him as soon as he entered.
"Lothaire!" came a woman's voice, and soon a girl with long, curled platinum hair and a rather large chest came running up to him, pressing herself into his torso.
"Hello, Sarraqa." replied the male, lightly stroking her head. She smiled at him with longing in her lavender colored eyes, and Kross wondered if the two were romantically involved.
"You're alive...I cannot believe it! Oh, thank god!" she hugged him tighter, but Lothaire just smiled. Sarraqa didn't even seem to take notice of Kross yet.
"Who's the boy?" came a male's voice; he spoke lightly and carefully. He was tall, about the same height as Kross, with sun kissed skin, like he color of light bronze. His eyes were sharp and the color of ice, and he had silver hair that was pull into a tiny ponytail. His bright hair and eyes contrasted greatly with the darker tone of his flesh, and sitting beside him was another girl with the exact same features, despite her hair being longer.
"This is Kross, everyone. He is a dhampir boy who saved my life back at Crescent Stone. He helped me escape from my oncoming death in the middle of the night. He is a friend, and we welcome him." Lothaire said firmly. "Kross, this is Sarraqa," he said, nodding to the girl who clung to his chest. He then pointed with one hand to the tanned ones a few feet away "The boy is Dareios and the girl is his younger sister, Nasrin. They're from Persia, while Sarraqa comes from Paris, much like my own home in London. Though the time periods are a bit different," he winked.
Kross waved to all of them, feeling for one of the first times in his life, at a loss for words. "Hello, everyone. It's uh, nice to meet you all," he managed to choke out. He didn't feel like his care free self here, at all.
"Where're all the others?" Lothaire asked his clan mates, to which Nasrin replied, her voice more powerful than her brother's "Hunting trip. The leader took the other three with him, with the exception of Thomas and Adara. I don't know where those two are, though."
Well, there more than six... Adara is seven, and the other three would be ten, and this leader person eleven. Nice number...I hope the air becomes less thick with time, though. Kross thought, staring at his new home with an uneasy heart.

Thomas left Lothaire and Kross to their own devices as he expertly went his way down other tunnels in the search of Adara. Since there was no telling where she would've gone off to, he ended up following her familiar scent, a sweet mixture of autumn cotton and fresh rain on grass. Since everyone had their own scent, each person was easily identifiable. Adara's was a bit strange and out of place though with their region, so he found himself especially sensitive to it.
In the end, he found the vampiress above ground, sitting out on a cliff and watching a nearby waterfall. Its sound was slightly defeaning to his enhanced ears, but he had learned to tune it out, which he did as he approached her. "Adara. Lothaire is back, with a dhampir boy. He says that he has something to tell us, and asked me to go find you," he started once he had sat down beside her.
As she looked up at him, he was met with round, midnight blue eyes. She had soft, milky skin, and long ebony hair tipped in a silver resembling moonlight. He wondered briefly how she had looked when she had been human, before being turned, because sometimes vampirism tended to enhance and beautify a person's features.

Back at the cave, four vampires were just returning from their hunt, leaving their kill in a designated spot at one end of the cave. The clan was actually very organized. Hunting parties went out, usually in three's or four's, and brought back kill. Since it was strictly against their code and morals to attack humans, they would hunt large game. They then brought the fruits of their labor back to the clan, putting it in a community spot where everyone would take their share. Sometimes a hunt would last close to a week, sometimes a few days. During the winter it was even less, but they always managed.
In the lead of the procession was the leader, Karik. He had an intimidating air about him almost, and being an older vampire was very powerful. His build was slightly on the stout side, a shorter man with broad shoulders. He had a gaunt face with thin lips and powerful eyes. They looked almost chocolate, swirling with maroon. His hair was about chin length, scraggly and partially unkempt. It was of a charcoal with ashen flecks, showing the true age that he had been turned. And though he was mostly clean shaven, there was a hint of hair on his upper lip and chin, also charcoal and also flecked with gray. It gave him an almost wise yet powerful look, but at the same time he could also look a little like a hermit.
Coming up behind Karik with light steps was a girl who appeared to not even be five feet of height yet. She was slender and lithe, looking very childlike in features as well. She didn't wear shoes, her feet being grass stained, and her skin looked sun-kissed despite the fact that she couldn't actually really be in the sun. She had long ringlets of snowy hair that reached to her shoulders and eyes that were almost grassy in color. Despite that most of the vampires in the clan seemed almost comically serious, she squealed when she saw Lothaire, bowling past Kross and Sarraqa to wrap her arms around her neck and give him a huge hug. "Oh Lothaire, I've been so worried!" she exclaimed. "I thought for sure that Crescent Stone had you!" When she pulled away enough to scrutinize him, a frown wormed its way between her eyebrows. "And whatever happened to your hair? Oh, you poor baby, it's just awful," Lamani tsked at him.
"Lamani, stop babying him. You do realize he's one of the oldest vampires here, right?" This came from a male vampire well above six feet in height. He looked heavily on the scrawny side, as if someone could see his bones. He had an oriental look about him, with dark skin and slanted eyes. Inside of dark eyes though, his looked almost clear, with a slight bluish hue to them. He had long, dark brown hair that looked black in certain light, braided most of the way down his back.
"Yes, I do. Do I need to remind you that I am older than him though?" Lamani said pointedly to the vampire. A sheepish look crossed Astarot's features, and he closed his mouth quickly. Smirking a little, she let go of Lothaire and went to Kross. "Thank you for bringing him back to us, child," she said respectfully. She opened her arms up for a hug from him as well. When he accepted, she wrapped her arms around his neck and then kissed him in thanks. Lamani really enjoyed kisses, and despite her appearance, they weren't exactly childlike.
"Stop molesting the boy," a woman nearby snapped exasperatedly. She had extremely dark skin, almost ebony, and burgundy hair was fashioned in dreadlocks that were tied back at the moment. She had piercing orchid eyes, and a no-nonsense look about her. She was proportioned fairly largely, somewhat big busted too, though none of them could particularly compare with Sarraqa in that respect. "Lothaire, would you care to explain to us what's going on?" This was Y'dra.

Adara pulled her legs onto the ground, from where they had been previously dangling off the edge of the cliff, and stood up so she could look up at Thomas. She was short, and had the characteristics of a young girl, about fifteen or sixteen years of age.
Her silver tipped hair drifted freely in the breeze and mist of the waterfall's air. "Lothaire? He's back?" she asked. Her voice was sweet, yet cold...not cold as in rude, but the sound of her voice was chilling and hollow. She hadn't had much time to get to know the elder vampire, as she had only been apart of their clan, and their world for that matter, for roughly three months.
"And with a dhampir boy? Interesting..." she trailed off, placing a delicate finger upon her tiny pointed chin. "Lead the way then, my dear Thomas. I seem to have forgotten the way back." she admitted, while fastening the tie of her light blue robe. It tied below her chest, and opened up below, hanging down to the backs of her knees, much like a cloak without a hood. She wore no shirt underneath, so her pale midriff was exposed, but black shorts followed after, several inches about her knees with many pockets. Her shoes were simple black boots that extended a little past the ankle.
She motioned for him to go on, interest slightly piqued about what Lothaire had to share with them.

•◘•

Kross listened to Lothaire whisper to him that the older looking man was their leader, Karik, and that whatever he said, he would have to do. Oh boy, Kross thought I have to obey someone...That's going to take some getting used to. Though his mind was completely jerked away as a tiny little girl hugged him. "Er, you're welco--" he was cut off as she planted a kiss firmly on his lips, to which he widened his eyes at. He could feel her sharp, pointed fangs against his lips, which took him off guard at first, but he then remember he was in a colony full of vampires. Despite the fact that someone had said this girl was even older than Lothaire, and that she had been the one to kiss him, he couldn't help but feel like some sick, twisted, pedophile.
He blinked awkwardly at her, Lamani apparently, but decided he should probably just be himself. He smiled and scratched the back of his head "Well, did you enjoy yourself?" he asked her, referring to the kiss.
At the voice of yet another person, Kross looked up to see a woman even more exotic looking than Dareios and Nasrin, or even the other man with the braid. He wondered were she had come from...perhaps some African tribe, or maybe the Amazon?
Lothaire stood up by the river, so he was facing everyone in the cave. He looked over at Karik, giving him a 'I hope you don't mind me stealing your spotlight' look, but continued on without permission anyways, because he was Lothaire, and could, of course, do whatever he pleased. At least that's the impression Kross got from him.
"Everyone, I would, once again, like to introduce to you the dhampir, Kross. He rescued me from Crescent Stone and saved my life, so I would ask you all to please make him feel welcome. He was hiding out in the village with two mortal children, a brother and sister, who seemed very convinced he was just as human as they were. He has no where else to go, so I was thinking he could join us?" he said, looking over his shoulder at Kross, who nodded.
"I think he has potential to help us in many ways, as he has helped me uncover some...shocking information. My fellow clan mates, I believe we are at a time of prophecy. I have reasons to think the Demon King is returning for the first son, Jupiter, and I fear you all know what that means. War. I received several signs and visions of oncoming battles, and so far this is my only conclusion. I'm not saying this is it, but only that it is all I have for now. I believe some of us need to take a trip to the council and consult them about this. What do you think, Karik?" Lothaire continued, staring at his leader with urgency in his yellow eyes.
Kross looked from Lothaire, to each and everyone of the other vampires in the cave, and saw the mixed reactions from each of them. He suddenly felt as if he wanted to help each and everyone of them...so he decided he would give it a shot here, in this new lifestyle. He just hoped Mizuki would understand, if he ever saw her again...

Thomas stood up as well and nodded to Adara as she asked him to lead the way. "I'm sure you'll get used to the tunnels soon," he assured the vampiress. "It took me a little while myself." Aside from her, he was the youngest member of the clan, and he knew how it could feel. He guessed that was why she spent so much time off on her own.
"Also, you don't have to call me Thomas. I think everyone else does because it's just normal for them. I'm actually pretty used to just Tom." He gave her a small, friendly smile as he began to lead the way back. It wasn't a particularly long way and they arrived right as Lothaire was beginning to speak. As Adara went to join the others, he hung back, leaning against the wall. He had heard at least half of it before, so he really was only interested in what the older vampire had to share with them. Still, his shoulders stiffened a little when Lothaire mentioned the boy having stayed with a brother and a sister.
He kicked himself for it. There were plenty of siblings living in the village. The way Lothaire made it sound though was almost as if the siblings had been living on their own, which would mean they would have to be old enough to... Biting his lip, his gaze traveled to the black-haired boy, narrowing there for a moment. He would talk to him about it later. If it really had been his younger siblings, he was curious on how they were doing...
Karik's face was grave as he listened to Lothaire. He had known the vampire for quite some time. He knew his visions were never wrong, though they could be misinterpreted, and that they couldn't simply ignore them. Besides that, what he was suggesting was a very serious topic to be considered severely. In all honesty, they almost had a duty to take it to the council.
"Okay, Lothaire," he started. "I believe a trip to the council is in order. Who do you propose accompany you?" he questioned. Since he was the leader, he would stay behind with whoever else didn't leave and make sure things continued to go along smoothly, but knowing the vampire standing before him, he already had an idea of what he wanted to do.
"I am going," Tom spoke up from the back, sitting up and taking a step forward. "He's already told me about his suggestion of going to council, and I have agreed to go with him." He paused, eyes traveling to Adara. "Would you come with us as well?" He asked her, voice taking on a slightly gentler tone. "Not only would it be a chance for you to see the Lord Ignis again, but your presence may help sway the council to our side." A sheepish smile crossed his face. "Lothaire's words; not mine."
"Ooh. I want to go!" Lamani called out, bouncing on her feet with an impish grin plastered to her lips. "It's been some time since I've seen those old farts, and I think it's about time I reacquaint myself with them again."
"Lamani!"
"Oh, do be quiet, Astarot," the vampiress sighed. "I mean it all in good nature. They may know my age but you wouldn't believe how far cuteness can get you, even with the oldest vampires." She paused and grinned at Lothaire. "Isn't that right?" Since she had made him a vampire, he probably knew her better than any vampire in their clan. He knew her quirks and faults and all. He also knew that she could be perfectly serious and calculating when she wanted and she was significantly more powerful than she appeared.
Remembering something then, she smiled sweetly at Kross -the dhampir boy. "Oh, and I did enjoy myself, thank you. I adore kisses."

(I'm completely in love with Lamani's character )

The slender vampiress nodded, her face lacking emotion. "Yes, I shall go. Thank you for inviting me, Lothaire." She liked the way Thomas--no, Tom--used a friendly voice with her. It made her feel more welcome. She was looking forward to seeing Lord Ignis again, she had to confess. Adara felt at peace around the Lord.
"Not a problem at all, dear child." Lothaire replied.
"I request permission to join you!" Sarraqa announced. Any chance to spend with my darling Lothaire is more than worth it...I hope he walks by my side. she thought, her shiny pink lips smiling at just the thought of it.
The senior vampire looked at her for a moment before nodding. "Alright, then. Thomas, Adara, Lamani, and Sarraqa. That should be more than enough with myself and Kross." said Lothaire. "If you would please excuse me while I go change out of these torn rags. We shall leave when I return." he added, before disappearing between a crevice in the cave wall that seemed to lead to another area of the cave.
Sarraqa locked her hands together and placed them over her large chest, sighing to herself. "I'll be waiting for your return!" Kross noticed that she spoke with a charming, almost southern belle of an accent. I thought she was from Paris? I'll ask her later, I suppose. More conversation for the road.
"So, Dareios, Astarot, Y'dra, Karik, and myself will be staying here? No fair..." Nasrin pouted, but her expression immediately turned to a scowl at the sight of the doting Sarraqa. "You know, Sarra," she started, "if your corset were any tighter, I do believe the blimps on your chest would burst. Try and be a little more modest, no?" and she, too, disappeared behind the crevice.
Sarraqa gasped at her, placing a hand over her mouth. "I can't help what the dear lord gave me, Nasrin!" she shouted to her, then wrapped her arms around her chest, eyeing the brown leather corset that was over her white, fluffy dress. It fell down to her calves and had puffy sleeves with loose wrists, adorned with many lace patterns and pearls around the neck. She was even dressed like a southern belle.
"Excuse my sister," Dareios sighed, "She is quite childish. Please forgive her."
Kross watched their conversations from afar, still standing near the river where he had been before. He saw Thomas again, as well as another girl who had been addressed as Adara. My new family. he smiled. He already liked all of them.

(xD I just love all of the vampires. They're fun.)

Lamani tsked a little, going over to Sarraqa. "Don't worry, child," she tried to assure the girl. "She's simply jealous," she soothed, patting her arm. Quite frankly, she was too short to reach her head. "Later we'll try to find you clothes that fit better, hmm? I think you've about outgrown that corset." She offered her a motherly smile.
"Mani, you amaze me sometimes," Y'dra commented, shaking her head. "How can you go from a squealing little girl offering to pass around free kisses to motherly the way you do?" She was generally perplexed.
"Simple. I'm very old, and that side of me tends to come out at times. I rather enjoy acting like a little girl though. It's really actually fun, and I tend to get away with more," Lamani explained patiently to the giantess with a small grin. "Are you saying you don't approve?" she pouted a little.
The dark skinned woman sighed as she looked at the girl. "Not in the least," she assured her. The grin came back to the snowy haired girl's face. "I'm saying that you confuse me, and I've known you for some time now. I'm not sure how Lothaire handles you."
Lamani frowned a little. "Well, he doesn't have a choice. I'm his mother in a sense, so he just has to deal with it," she said firmly.
While they were waiting for Lothaire to change, Tom thought this would be a good time to talk to Kross, so he made his way past the others until he was in front of the boy. He didn't quite know how to start a conversation though, and ran a hand through his hair for a moment. "Well, I'm sorry for my rude behavior earlier, first off. Some of us really have been worried about Lothaire," he started by way of explanation for earlier.
"I wanted to ask you a couple of questions though..." He trailed off and then turned his gaze to meet the icy blue of Kross's. "Lothaire mentioned that you were staying with a brother and sister in Crescent Moon. By any chance, did these two happen to be twins, living on their own? The girl would have violet hair and blue eyes, and the boy would be a red head with yellow eyes," he described his younger siblings. "I used to live in the village," he explained to the odd look that came over the boy's face. "I actually used to be dhampir too. The vampire trait runs in my family, and I inherited some of it. I think you might have been staying with some people I knew, and I wanted to check up on them if it's true."

Sarraqa smiled at Lamani. "A new corset might be wise," she admitted, "This one is so old, the leather is worn and I have to tie it so tight just to keep the darned thing on me!" she giggled, sitting herself on a rock as she motioned for Y'dra to come closer and join the conversation. The trio talked amongst themselves while others went about doing their own things in the cave.
Adara was now by herself, so she sat on the cave floor, her knees crossed to the side. She watched Karik and Astarot, and then Tom and Kross, sighing quietly. She wasn't upset that she was alone; she was just ready to get moving. Lord Ignis would be ecstatic to see her, she knew.
Kross nodded to Thomas's words, when suddenly it dawned on him. "You're Tom! The boy in the picture! Oh wow...I can't believe I didn't realize it before! Yeah, I stayed with Harry and Mizuki. They were really nice, Mizuki was, anyways. But she once mentioned something about needing you back at Crescent Stone. Something about you being their legal guardian since your father had passed, and if you didn't come back soon, they would probably be taken away somewhere, to your uncle or someone," he explained, trying to remember the conversation. "I don't know the rules here, but it might be a good idea to go check in on them, if you can. I would love to go with you if you did, though. I really liked Mizuki..." he trailed off, smiling like a goof. "Oh, so you're a full vampire now? Who changed you? And...Mizuki or Harry don't know that, do they? Eesh...That'd be a problem, for the village at least...Hmm..."
Lothaire returned, dressed in a tailed coat of light red velvet, with a white ruffled collar and snug black pants, covered in boots. With his clothes on, Kross could easily see him with long white hair. He looked like the stereotypical vampire in older movies...it kind of made him laugh.
"Kross, Adara, Thomas, Lamani? Are you ready?" he called out to them, holding both his arms out as if he were going to hold all of their hands. His eyes widened for a second as he pointed to the curly headed woman "Oh, yes! And Sarraqa! My apologies, dear."
Kross looked over at the southern belle and pursed his lips. She obviously displayed large amounts of affection for Lothaire, yet he couldn't seem to remember her name half the time. "Well, shall we get going, then?" he said to Tom, as he walked over to the elder vampire with him.
Adara excitedly jumped to her feet and rushed over to Lothaire, hands held together behind her back. "I am ready!"

Thomas blinked at Kross in surprise. He hadn't expected the boy to know who he was. He was glad that he had stayed with Harry and Mizuki though and was able to tell him that they seemed to be doing fine. He didn't get a chance however to answer everything because Lothaire came back. He walked over with Kross, Lamani having already skipped over and Adara and Sarraqa there as well. Soon they were heading down the tunnels.
"Lothaire changed me," He explained to Kross as they walked, hanging towards the back so they could have a more private conversation even though he knew that if any of the vampires really wanted to listen to them that they could. "I was having.... issues. The older I got, the more I craved blood. I just couldn't stay in the village anymore." he sighed a little. "I hated leaving them, but I had to." He bit his lip. "I can't go back though. Thanks for telling me how they're doing, but I'm a vampire now. You saw the Blood Festival right? They were going to kill Lothaire in another day or so if you hadn't gotten him out. I think they'll be fine against our uncle anyway. He's not exactly the most friendly vampire and he'd have a bunch of hunters on his tail if he tried to get anywhere near the village." He smiled a little at Kross. "Seems like you made friends with Mizuki though. You've barely mentioned Harry," he teased, obviously having no idea about the crush Kross had on his sister. Besides, even if he did have a guess, he wouldn't be worried. He knew his sister well enough.
As they trailed on, Lamani turned around and began walking backwards, watching Thomas and Kross talk. "So you're finally hearing about your Crescent Stone siblings?" she commented off-handedly to Tom. "It took long enough to find someone who could tell you something." She smiled broadly at him, and then grinned impishly at Kross. "You should hear him. He goes on and on and on about those two. I swear, if I didn't know that they were siblings I would think he was in love with the both of them!"
"I do love them," Thomas argued, smiling at Lamani, knowing she was teasing. "I am their older brother."
"Yes, but you do have a habit of talking about them fondly quite a bit, dear."
"As if you don't know what it's like, miss free hugs and kisses."
Lamani pursed her lips at him. "There's nothing wrong with kisses," she said defensively, and laughed wickedly as she saw a blush appear across Kross's cheeks. "Oh, I'm going to have a lot of fun with this new boy!" She exclaimed happily. It seemed as if Kross was going to become a target to her now. "Tell me, do you like kisses, child?" she asked him sweetly. "You seemed so awkward earlier, but I'm sure you'll warm up to me. Everyone eventually does. Even Tommy here, though it took me a while to break him."
"As if any of us have a choice," Tom sighed with a small groan. "You kind of force the issue, Mani." He looked at Kross. "You aren't going to want to give into her, but after a while you'll figure out it's just better to do as she asks. She's going to get what she wants in the long run."
"So right you are. I'm not quite used to being told no." Lamani grinned.

"So," Sarraqa started, quickening her pace so she could walk next to Lothaire in the front of the group, "what was it like being at the Blood Festival? And what kind of visions did you see of this war?" she asked, not really interested in either of the subjects, but she wanted Lothaire to think she cared about what was important to him at the moment.
He didn't look at her as they walked, as he was mapping out the route in his mind. When they came upon a fork in the road, he turned right. "It was good," he answered, not really hearing her question until after he had answered. "Oh, I mean...it was interesting. Not good, per say, but...I don't think I was the right crowd to really enjoy it, hm?" he smiled at her, to which Sarraqa returned a smile of her own. "As for the visions...I see everyone. All of the clans of the mountains, and the vampire hunters of Crescent Stone, all of them at full blown war. I'm not sure of the cause, and I never saw the Demon King in any of my visions, but it is the only answer I have come up with. We will see though." he said as they turned left, and then made another immediate left after it, as they came upon another set of stone steps. "We're going up here," he called out to the group, "it will put us on the trail to the courthouse. That will be the long part of our journey, but even if we do not make it by sunrise, we have a thick overhead of clouds, so the sun will not reach us anyhow."
Sarraqa nodded to him and followed up the stairs, making more small talk along the way.
Adara was still silent as usual, straying further to the side of the group, though she did not look upset. She would occasionally glance at Tom, but seeing as he was in a rather serious conversation with Kross, she did not interrupt. When the reached the surface, she was welcomed with a part of the mountains she had never been to. It was cold, even though there was no snow on the ground, and it was only early autumn. The higher elevations always were more drastic in temperate than level grounds, she had come to realize, even though she couldn't exactly remember her life on level ground.
Trees were everywhere, as well as the occasional boulder and patch of wild flowers. The path they walked on was soft dirt, with blades of grass growing through it, but there was still more than enough dirt to follow it. Because of the mass thickets of trees, Adara could scarcely see the snow capped mountain peak that they were headed towards, but she could still barely make it out. She was excited heading to the courthouse. She had been once, when she had first been changed, but the councilmen brought her back while she was still in the changing process, so she did not remember it very well. All of the other times she had seen Lord Ignis, he had come to her.
Kross nodded to Tom's explanation about Harry and Mizuki being alright with their uncle, which made him feel a little better. She certainly didn't seem to like, er... what was his name? Alexander, I think. So she might not be happy, but at least she will be safe. And I think she said Alexander lived in the mountains too, so I still might have a chance at running into her if she gets moved there. he thought.
At word of Lamani talking about how much Tom loved his siblings, Kross started to laugh. "You know, Mizuki actually played it off that you were her boyfriend at first," he said, and then realized he would have to explain to her older brother that it was only because he was flirting with her so much. Shit... "Er, it was only to get me to leave her alone..." he added, scratching his neck, "...'cause I was flirting a little too much for her liking." he muttered the last part, still knowing Tom's vampiric ears would still hear it.
To quickly talk about something else, he began to fake laugh at Lamani saying she as going to have fun with him. "Oh yeah? I'm a fun person, I'll tell ya. You'll have a good time with me." he winked at her, stuffing his hands into his pockets. He wished he had brought a jacket with him. It was really cold up here.

Lamani found herself really enjoying this conversation she was having, though her eyes widened a little bit as he admitted to flirting with Thomas's sister. Well, she knew this probably wouldn't end up well for him. Too bad. I had just decided I liked him, she thought as she decided to leave them to the rest of their conversation as she turned to face forward again once they had gotten outside and were heading up to the place where the council was. It wouldn't be long now before they got there.
At first Tom had frowned at Kross in confusion and then his eyes narrowed a bit at the boy. Probably the only reason he held his tongue was because they were almost to the council. "We'll talk about this later," he said, a warning note creeping in his voice.
The dirt path ended before the group then and they began to ascend a set of old stone steps. These went on for a few minutes until it came to an old building creeping with vines and wildlife, coated in snow. The doors were wooden, large enough that six people could easily go through them at the same time, tall enough that three people standing on top of another could fit through. There were sconces hanging on the wall outside, the torchlight flickering strongly, albeit lazily, and as they all reached the top step, the doors created a large creak as they swung open inwards.
The group herded inside, the temperature considerably warmer in the great stone building. But though it was large, it was also strangely bare and empty, it had a certain midevil elegance to it as well. At the far end of the room opposite the large doors there was a huge stained glass window depicting some scene from history. Four daised chairs, almost like thrones, sat in front of it and on either side were four more sets of wooden doors, probably leading to bed chambers.
Sitting on these thrones were four vampires, looking as if they carried something of a regal bearing. One was a woman with long silver blonde hair. There were two separate pieces hanging down in the front with bands holding the bottom together. Then intricate braids pulled back behind to create a small ponytail of sorts, the rest of the hair hanging down in straight strands. She was slight in form, with aristocratic features, full pink lips, and -strangely enough- eyes that were a soft melon color. The shift she wore was of a silky jade, a robe covering it. It looked like animal hide, the trim lined with fur and the inside completely fur. While the shift underneath reached mid-thigh at best, this robe hung down about mid-calf. Then there were her boots, which came up nearly to her knees, that looked to be of the same material as the robe. It could be easily assumed by her pallid skin and fair features that she likely came from somewhere far north where it was winter most of the year. This was the Lady Lule.
Then there was the Lord Vidar. He had sun darkened skin, looking as if when he were a human he had spent most of his time in the sun, and eyes that were a foresty green. His hair was almost a chocolaty color, switching between different hues of brown, and his look was almost wild. He was skinny, with unseen muscles and a powerful aura about him. He wore no shirt, despite the chilly atmosphere outside of the building, and though he wore trousers of a sort, they had a sort of tribal look about them, reaching just below the knee in a loose fashion. Much like Lamani, he wore no shoes, though his feet did not appear to be grass stained.
"Lord Vidar!" The little girl trilled enthusiastically as the group approached. "It's so nice to see you again!" Though they looked extremely different in appearance, they both seemed to come from a more tribal, wild background than some of the others. "Lady Lule; Lord Ignis." She trailed off with a tip of her head as she noticed an empty seat, pursing her lips and looking questiongly to the other three. "I believe you are short one today."

Kross halfheartedly shrugged at Tom, not really feeling threatened by Mizuki's elder brother. Because now he was invincible, back to his old self. He was Kross, and Kross could never get into trouble. Kross could never lose. He smiled to himself, a little too gleefully, as they approached the courthouse. Oh yeah. It feels good to be myself again. I missed you.
Adara rushed inside, a few paces ahead of everyone, but was polite and held her tongue as Lamani spoke. As soon as she was finished though, she rushed ahead and bowed, "Lord Ignis. It is lovely to see you again."
"I can agree, Adara. Hello." He was a tall man with with a thin torso, yet extremely broad shoulders. He had thick hair of solid black, with a hairline about an inch back on his scalp, with the rest falling sleek down to the bottom of his neck. His eyes were thin, almost baggy, with irises the same black as his pupils. The Lord's skin was an almost iridescent white, and his face was chiseled with crisp bone practically showing through the pale flesh. Despite the unusual appearance, Lord Ignis still managed to keep a calm, partially welcoming expression. His clothes consisted of a similar black robe as Lady Lule's, though his extended to his ankles, and his shirt underneath was a dark gray with a ruffled collar. "And what might you all be doing here?"
"Lothaire has returned to us, your grace. And he comes with information that needs to be shared with the members of the council." Sarraqa spoke up, toning down her accent a bit to sound more formal. She had her hands wrapped around Lothaire's arm, and she walked up closer to the councilmen with him.
"I see. We are happy to see you returning safely, Lothaire. I presume this hybrid in my presence is your rescuer?" Lord Ignis said, pointing with a lazy hand to Kross.
"Yes, your honor. This is the dhampir Kross. He was staying in Crescent Stone under the classification as a human traveler, and his act was very convincing. No one suspected him. He helped me escape from my oncoming death last night, the night before the Blood Festival's third and final day." Lothaire explained, standing formally and speaking clearly.
"Hmm...and he has joined your clan?" the Lord asked.
"Yes sir. Karik has accepted him." replied Lothaire.
"Very well. We shall have to see him again, once he becomes a full vampire. Then we can fully add him to the consensus."
"Wait...what?" Kross said suddenly, looking around the room, wide eyed.
"Is there a problem, dhampir?" Ignis asked.
"Oh, of course not, my lord! The boy is just not used to our customs, is all!" Sarraqa said quickly, to which the three councilmen narrowed their eyes at.
"Not now, boy!" Lothaire hissed at Kross, "hold your tongue!"
I have to become a full vampire? Why didn't they tell me?! No...Mizuki will hate me... Kross thought, even though he wasn't sure he would ever get to see the violet haired girl again.
"Yes, you do have to become a full vampire," came a female's voice from the side of the room. She was a woman of average height, extremely skinny with an hourglass figure. Her hair was almost white, though powdered with the lightest shade of purple, like cotton candy, and hung so thick and long, down to her calves, yet rising out of her face so it all fell behind her. Her eyes were round and hazy white with yellow, like milk and honey swirled together, with thick layers of black, curling eyelashes. Her face was round as well, and small, with pouting naturally turned down lips, full with light purple lipstick over them.
Everyone in the room turned to her. "Lady Asha," Lothaire bowed, followed by Adara and Sarraqa.
"Hello," she said, though her eyes never met any of them. She was still looking at Kross, who's eyes were wide. "I can read minds, boy. This is a court, and therefore lying is not permitted, nor possible with me around." her voice was light and soft, high pitched and near childlike. She walked gracefully to her seat, two spaces from the Lord Ignis. "And do not fret, dhampir. Mortal girls seem to love vampires now a days...some charm added by humans in modern literature, I suppose. I don't believe this Mizuki child will be any different."
Kross's face blushed red as he felt Tom's gaze on him. Maybe he wasn't so invincible after all.
"Now, onto actual business. What information do you have to share with us, Lothaire?" Lord Ignis said, banging a stone gavel on his podium.
"Well, your honor, when I was being help captive in Crescent Stone, I received visions, as that is my gift, you are all aware of. I saw terrible things...oncoming war. Civil war, actually. All of the vampires were against each other in a battle that seemed to last for more days or weeks than I could count. It could have even been years...Anyways, I asked Kross to go investigate a book I had been receiving vibes from, and he came back with the tale of the first son, Jupiter, and how his Demon King father will return to claim him one day. I believe this could be the cause of the war...As we all know, the Lord Jupiter ended his own life hundreds of years ago in his mother's homeland, back in Rome. So when the Demon King comes back, well...he won't have his son to collect. Some how, I think he will cast war upon us, perhaps so we will all die in place of his child." Lothaire explained, to which the court watched with stone cold faces, "...I'm not saying this is factual, but it is the only evidence I have received. I thought the council deserved to hear it, as my visions are usually very accurate, and...well, war will effect us all." he bowed once his explanation was over, and took a step back next to Sarraqa, who beamed pink.
"I see...Thank you for sharing this with us, Lothaire." Lord Ignis said, "We will be sure to keep a careful eye upon everything and everyone. Your job is to return to us immediately if you receive another vision. I advice you not to share this information with anyone else for now...it would only stir up more unneeded trouble."
Lothaire nodded, "Thank you for hearing me, my Lord."
"You are welcome. And I look forward to seeing some of your clan again soon, with the new vampire Kross." he looked to his side to the other council members "Is there anything else you would like to add?"

The Lord Vidar shook his head slowly. "No, I haven't anything to add," he said. There was a ghost of a smile lingering on his lips from the appearance Lady Asha had made and the reaction she had brought forth with it. It seemed there would be some interesting happenings to come with their newest soon-to-be vampire.
Aside from that though, the warning of war was a troubling topic indeed. Yet they hadn't any idea what would spark it, how it might play out, nor any idea of how to prevent it. The only clue they really had was the Demon King, which in all honesty could be a far fetched notion. It had been several millenia since the Demon King had last made his presence known in this world, and he didn't quite find it likely that he would suddenly reappear now. Still, he held his tongue on that opinion. Lothaire's visions could be vague at times and they would soon see in which direction they turned, he was sure.
So really they didn't have much to decide upon. They only had another matter to think about to keep them up when they should otherwise be asleep. He did hope Lothaire had another vision soon to share with them. War would be catastrophic and they had only recently in the past few centuries established a sense of peace. That peace was still very frail at the moment and he would hate to see it fall apart on them so soon.
"Safe travels, friends," Lady Lule's musical voice reverberated softly about the room. It seemed that not one of them had much else to say. There wasn't exactly anything else that could be done, so she didn't see any sense on keeping them there any longer. So with everyone's final farewells, the small group of vampires were soon leaving the large stone structure to head back out into the cold and then into the tunnels on their way back to their clan.
"Well, that was an interesting visit," Lamani commented once they were outside and down the stone steps. She had skipped ahead a little and turned around to watch everyone as they walked along as well. Her mouth opened in a yawn, revealing pointed ivory inciscors, and when it had passed, she wrinkled her nose a little. "I'm tired," she muttered, almost to herself.
Lamani slowed a little until Kross was approaching and she opened her arms up towards him. "Would you carry me?" She asked him sweetly. She would've asked Lothaire, but he had just gotten back and she was sure Sarra would want to walk with him. She realized that the vampiress adored the older vampire, and she tried to leave the two alone as much as possible. However, if Lothaire kept messing up with her for much longer, she was sure she was going to do something bad to him. He hardly seemed to remember that poor Sarraqa was around, much less that the girl was pining after him. Mani honestly felt sorry for her.
Thomas didn't bother going to talk to Kross again as he hung towards the back, walking instead with Adara. She rarely seemed to really talk to anyone and he actually felt bad for leaving her alone earlier for the trek to the council. As he fell in step with her, they were silent for some time. It wasn't quite an awkward sort of silence though, but more of a comfortable one. She was usually rather quiet, and he usually just enjoyed her company. "Did you enjoy seeing Lord Ignis again?" he asked her after a little while, glancing over at the dark haired woman walking astride him. She had seemed happy to see the vampire who had turned her, but she hadn't exactly gotten to really talk to him. It was a shame that he was in the council really, because anyone could see the bond the two shared, yet they were nearly constantly apart.

Kross noticed they had reached the tunnels just in time. When they started going down the stone steps, it was roughly midday, and the clouds had started to pass, so the sun was bound to reach them soon.
"You need not to worry about the sun for the most part in the mountains," Lothaire had told him, "it's usually so cold, and we're up so high, clouds are always blocking the sun. There are still some days, like this one, where the sun comes out, but we usually are able to plan trips like this accordingly."
Once they were in the tunnels, he turned to Lamani, who was talking to him. "Uh, sure," he said to her, figuring why not? Kross bent down on his knees and let the tiny vampiress climb onto his back. He hardly felt her on there, even with his half-human strength. He couldn't imagine what it would be like to hold someone as tiny as her with full vampire blood in his veins. I guess that'll be soon...Maybe I could talk to Lamani about it? he thought. She seemed friendly enough. "
Hey, Lamani..." he said quietly, "why do I have to become a vampire, exactly?" he had many other questions too, but the most important one was: "And, will it hurt...? How much will I change, personality and appearance wise? Do you remember being a human?"
Sarraqa was walking by Lothaire, as usual, this time managing to hold his hand. She had said earlier that she saw a rat scurrying by, and that rats terrified her, so she needed him to calm her down. He willingly obliged, and now Sarraqa would be beaming all the way back to the cave. Even though she had known Lothaire for almost one hundred and thirty years, and had loved him for as long as she could remember, she never seemed to grow tired of his little games. Of course, Sarraqa herself was just a little southern belle; a foolish girl, even back when she was mortal.
Adara gave a small smile to Tom as he walked next to her, and looked at him with distant eyes as he spoke. "Yes, it is always nice to see the Lord. Though the visit was was terribly short...I was hoping it would last longer," she sighed, twining her fingers together behind her back.
"What do you think, Tom?" she asked him suddenly, "What do you think will be the cause of a war like that? I...I've never even seen another vampire outside of our clan or the council...I especially don't want my first meeting to be set on attacking them..." she trailed off, nervous and shaky. If there was one thing she remembered about her human life, it was some form of panic attacks, which seemed to carry over some in her vampiric life. She got chills a lot, but it was nothing like she had experienced in mortality.
She noticed the group was still a ways away from the clan, so she decided to ask more questions. "And...why did the council seem so calm? I don't even know what to expect, yet I'm terrified..." she squeaked, her eyebrows tilting upwards. There was suddenly so much going on, yet she hadn't even figured out everything about her new self. I can't even imagine how Kross must feel...

Lamani smiled as Kross let her on his back, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, letting her eyes close as she rested her head against his back. She really was still like a little kid in a lot of ways. She was quiet through his questions though, and could practically feel his nervousness. She was surprised he hadn't guessed already that he would be made a full vampire if he stayed with the clan....
"Yes, I remember my human life, a little," she told him quietly. "It's rare that someone will forget, unless something especially traumatic happened. Dhampir's never forget either. I think it's because they already have vampire blood though." she paused, considering the rest of his questions.
"Well, the clans aren't supposed to house dhampir's unless they're soon to become full vampires. Anyone with strong connections with humans can be dangerous. We have a code, almost like a treaty. The humans don't know where we are, don't attack us, and we don't attack them. Other than that though... I know you were talking to Thomas earlier. He was dhampir. Eventually you'll start feeling the bloodlust; no one knows when. It's at different points. But it'll just keep growing and growing, and it'll become so bad that you won't be able to control it. Vampires can control it, but dhampir can't. I'm not sure why, but it just seems to be that way. That's why you need to change over."
She yawned again, shortly, and then continued. "Your personality shouldn't change, really. You'll still be yourself. Someone will need to be with you at all times for a couple of days until you can control your thirst, but after that you should be fine. Your appearance may or may not change. Sometimes a person will go through eye color changes, maybe hair color, or other features, and sometimes they'll stay the same. Would you believe my hair used to be black?" She sighed a little then. "You shouldn't worry about it so much. It probably won't happen until you're ready, though you will have a small time limit because of the council knowing about you now, and Lothaire has changed people before. Since he found you and brought you to us, by default he would be the one to do it unless you want to request someone else. I have to warn you that there will be a sort of bond between you and whoever changes you though." She felt that she should just tell him how things would be ahead of time. It only felt right since he would become part of their clan officially soon.
Meanwhile Thomas was talking with Adara towards the back of the group, though at the moment he was just listening to her worries about the upcoming war. "I guess the council is just calm because even though Lothaire's visions are pretty accurate, they can take a little while to actually come up. There's no telling when it is and they have warning about what's going to happen anyway," he said. "I'm not sure... Personally, I'm worried about it."
He looked over at her. "I'm not sure what would cause a war like what he described," he sighed. "And I understand why you're scared. I've only met a few vampires outside of our clan, personally. Not all of them are as good as those of us here in this clan are. Chances are, if you meet them in battle, they aren't friendly anyway." He smiled a little at her. "Don't worry; all of us here will have your back, Adara. I'm sure Lord Ignis will as well. Other than that, I honestly have no idea how to make you feel better about this... it can be scary, especially when you've never been in any sort of battle before, much less a war."

The fact that Lamani had not answered his question about how much pain he would feel did not reassure Kross very much. Though he did seemed pleased with the fact that his personality wouldn't change much, if at all. He liked being a flirtatious idiot. "I don't know when I'll be ready...but I guess whenever is fine. I'm a nomad of sorts. Never really stayed in one place for more than a month or two, at the longest. I'm kind of excited to be settling down somewhere, strangely enough. Becoming stronger, immortal, and even more attractive than I already am while doing so is just a bonus," he smiled over his shoulder at the tiny girl on his back.
Adara on the other hand, seemed to feel more assured, unlike Kross. Even if it was just a little bit. Talking to Thomas made her feel better, especially knowing that he understood her fears. They were both relatively new, so experiencing everything all of the others had done hundreds of times over together made it so much easier.
Sarraqa had her mind on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. War and battles and death were next to nothing to her, as she was walking with Lothaire, hand in hand. Her mind was filled with many things young girls in her time period dreamed of: wedding dresses, tall wedding cakes, crying family members, honeymoons, and of course, babies. She frowned a bit at the fact that she would never be able to bear children of her own, but it didn't put too much of a damper on her happy mood.

(Horribly lazy. I apologize. It'll get better.)

Lamani giggled a little, appearing completely relaxed. She had the sense that she had made a new friend with the new addition to the clan, and at least this one didn't seem so cross about her peculiarities. In fact, he seemed to have quite a few of his own and she knew he would fit right in. He was warm too, and she snuggled into his back a little, eyes still closed. Even though they were in the tunnels, her vampiric senses told her that it was bright outside and she should be tucked away and asleep. It was probably more habit than actually being affected by the sun, but she still felt it nonetheless.
"So, since you've come, there's been a lot of talk about Tommy's little sister. It sounds like you have a huge crush on her," she started, voice sounding sleepy yet casual at the same time. "With how you talk about traveling so often, I'm quite surprised. I guess she didn't affect you enough to make you want to settle down though. I believe that is how one knows when they've found a very special person, when he or she makes you want to stay around. Instead of moving on, going off." she paused, and suddenly laughed.
"Listen to me, going on like a hopeless romantic. I wouldn't listen much to love advice coming from me. I may have been around quite a while but I've never really loved. I think should you want to ask someone, I would ask Sarra. Though, maybe not, at the same time..." she trailed off and heaved a sigh. "I'm disappointed in Lothaire. I should like to wrap my hands around his neck some days for the way he treats that lovestruck child." She snorted a little and then burrowed her face into Kross's back with a yawn. "Do you have any more questions then? I'm sorry if I tend to ramble on, but it passes the time more peacefully at least."
Thomas could see the slight relaxing in Adara's shoulders, showing him that he had managed to make her feel a little better, even if he felt like a complete fool. It seemed like he could never say anything right at times, and especially not around her. It was just hard to calm down sometimes and it made him want to hit himself.
They had been in the tunnels for a little bit at this point and were beginning to approach the cavern again where the clan would be waiting to here news of what had happened with the council. Usually they might be asleep by now, but it was because of the severity of the situation that he just knew they wouldn't be adjourned to their separate places to sleep through the day.
"Tonight, do you want me to try and show some of the tunnels a little?" He asked Adara, somewhat randomly, as they walked. "Since you don't know them too well yet, walking around them and actually going places and then back tends to help." He grinned a little at her, a crooked and boyish sort of grin. "You wouldn't believe how turned around and lost I got at first when I would go off on my own." the smile toned down a little. "I'd hate it if you got stuck in the tunnels sometime and we didn't know and didn't know to come look for you."