Will Violet be alright?
She is breathing, mistress.
I feel Delores' fear grow.
I meant that in a good way, Violet was panicking about our newest employee and it was physically preventing her from breathing. She is relaxing now and is coming to terms.
To terms?
With us making a permanent undead… I don't direct that thought to her. Is it different from Barbain, Beatrice and Qorth… their bodies are still alive, and able to go where they want, do what they want…
Red?
Apologies mistress, it's a line I didn't think I ever crossed.
-I crossed it, sister.
Still one soul sister. I own your actions just as much as you own mine.
I feel a huff but also warmth from that. One day at a time. I took a look at our new shop. Lea is behind a counter while there are Qorth's life bandages on display. I see my spare iron swords line a wall with a smattering of both iron and mithril knives. In a bin to the side I see the gear we took from the adventurers.
Not much…why is my underwear for sale?
Just a sample, Violet wanted to entice more sales. They can schedule to meet with her for couture. Did you want to display a more prominent piece of your work?
A display appears with the mithril sword Violet had forged me. Lea is delighted.
Is the time after midnight but before dawn good for you as well?
Yes, Lea. Thank you.
She mentally waves me off, trying to give off an aura that such considerations are natural. Delores touches my arm.
“Sorry mistress, I have been remiss in my duties.”
“It's alright Sara, you have a lot on your mind.”
Magdeline comes in and looks over Lea.
“Oh this is nice, miss Vampire, is it possible to have some made in my size?” Kalidia is eager to shop.
“Of course, miss. The Lady Dryad is more than willing to take commissions.” Lea answers her.
Kalidia pales, “Dryad…”
“You need not worry, she only desires to make clothes. Here, swallow this seed and she will know your body measurements.” Lea gives assurances that aren't very reassuring.
Delores is the one that grabs one and swallows it.
“I would like a new set of robes in green.”
It is not long before Kalidia swallows her own. The shape of her body enters my mind. Not exactly what I wanted to know. Kalidia only wants underclothes for now, plain. When offered to Jasmine, she just shakes her head, not brave enough to trust just yet.
“Lady Magdeline, why are you in Xavious lands?” Jeremy bugs Mags.
“I have been evaluating the new dungeon, young Sdrea. The queendom has learned a great deal about their nature due to this one's unique properties.”
“Unique properties?”
“Yes, as you notice with the clerk here. The dungeon is able to communicate. In fact they are able to venture forth from the dungeon itself. It has caused all sorts of headaches for the local garrison of knights.”
“That sounds rather concerning. Are you not worried about an outbreak?”
“No, the dungeon is no more a danger than myself.”
“But you are quite dangerous, [Countess].”
“And yet still trusted by the queendom.”
Jeremy frowns at that while Sir Hischurl examines one of the spare swords.
“The iron of this sword appears to be different.”
Lea skitters to Sir Hischurl, “Yes it is unique to our Lady Smith, stronger than regular iron. Though heavier as well.”
“That only makes it better than, how much for a blade similar to this?”
He pulls his own blade out and shows her. She takes a measurement and consults the prices provided by the guild and then frowns.
“Seven large silvers. Half deposit now. Thank you. A seed for you to enter the dungeon without a key, Sir.”
Nothing on the list was that low in price…
-----
“You're quite adept at this.”
“Thank you, Sara. I've helped run a store before in a previous Lark.”
I frown at that, “It's alright to call me, Violet.”
“Apologies, I'm still feeling out the boundaries of my new existence.”
I touch her arm, room temperature. Magdeline re-enters the store. I look at her.
“You already know, the body is dead. What blood she has isn't moving.”
“Are you not able to use [Blood Kinesis] Lea?”
“I don't have that skill, Violet.”
“Do you have a desire, a thirst for blood?”
She shakes her head. I hand her my blood skin, she only quirks an eye.
“Go on, take a sip.”
She opens it, blanches at the smell even as she tips it back.
“It barely tastes like blood, Violet. Was there a point to that?”
She looks annoyed and wants to say more but doesn't…can't. I sigh. Mags interjects.
“Perhaps if you drank, Violet.”
I shrug my shoulders and take a nip. Lea becomes increasingly uncomfortable. I raise an eyebrow.
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“Was that what you wanted me to feel, my [DiQueen]? I feel it in my soul but my body doesn't respond. It is very incongruent.”
“So you feel my bliss instead. You are a part of my soul space now…”
Red, could you take a nip for me?
The blood skin is whisked away and I feel the bliss traverse me once again. Lea twitches only a little. She does not say without prompting. She was more animated earlier. Is she losing her sense of self?
“Well?”
“It felt further, I think it was because of proximity.”
But it felt the same for me. Nevermind, there is a bigger issue to address.
“Lea, please always speak your mind. I hate to think my soul is forcing you to be this way.”
She gives me an annoyed look, “I prefer to have discretion on what I say to you, Sara. Always speaking my mind is just as much a violation of my will as never speaking unless asked.”
“ O…sorry, noted. How bout you listen to your own will then?”
She goes back to being mute. Is she angry at me? I look at Mags who just gives me sad eyes.
“She doesn't have a will of her own anymore Sara, her will is simply your will.”
But she literally spoke of discretion and her will. Is she just being possessive of my will? Not a will but a soul that drives the body according to my wishes.
“I desire you to have independent thoughts that you share as your soul thinks is necessary.”
She tweaks a little, “I feel that is closer, Sara, but I think fundamentally a command to be independent is impossible.”
“But the monsters in my dungeon are independent. Unless I directly control them.”
“I'm an undead, what I am feels like it is leaking.”
“You are more than undead, Lea.”
You have gained [Vampress Matriarch] Basic 7
Gain 10 exp
The dungeon itself shudders at my anger as Lea herself grasps her head. She looks up in a bit of wonder. She speaks before I ask her.
“I feel different, before my soul was just moving this body but I now feel like I am this body. Like before I died. Certainly seeing color again is a plus”
34 78 Vampire
Still a dungeon monster but not a mundane undead.
“I think I can feel it.”
I look at her again.
“The thirst…”
The blood skin is back in my hands. I toss it to her. She drinks from it. Her eyes rolled up. I shut my eyes as Mags placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Eyes open, dear.”
It wouldn't be right otherwise. I can not condemn her after I had forced her to be more.
“Lea.”
She looks at me. I take a moment, then continue.
“You have two options, you can be a store clerk and live off the bits of blood I allow you, or you can prowl the dungeons and take what you want from adventurers, you will slay and be slain. It is your choice but you can not be both.”
She looks at the blood bag.
“I can see how it can be addictive and how you wish to limit the amount taken. I assume the first choice is until I decide to be the second. You don't think I would be trusted if I was also a creature feasting on those in the dungeon.”
“It is as you say.”
She rolls her eyes, “I will be your clerk. I feel your hall though, may I be allowed to protect that at least. To protect your heart.”
“If you fight, there will be those who will attack you even in the store…” A moment of thought, “You can protect the hall but as a guard, not to slake your thirst. The blood is mine.”
“Fools who are even greater fools. I gained exp when I took that nip. You changed me to be this instead of a soul controlling a body but I am still tied here. I will protect my haven. It's annoying that I lost my magic core though.”
I wonder if she will form a blood core. Her body didn't come alive at all when she drank.
-----
“So, it's a dark woods full of tigers.”
“I remember it being darker, it feels like midday.”
Jeremy looks confused at Delores. He rears back when he sees the light reflecting in them. Ah right, may not be cat shape but still have those built in reflectors. Eh, the Lord already knew Violet changed her eyes. Jeremy stomps towards me.
“Are you having relations with my cousin?”
I sputter, I wasn't expecting that. Collecting myself I answer.
“That would not be proper, Sir. I ask you to retract your statement before you harm the mistress's honor.”
“That is what I am accusing you of, [Attendant].”
A tiger creeps on him, I will it away.
“There is no relationship beyond that of her employment, Jeremy. I do expect an apology.”
“Right, sorry Delores, I saw the similarities between your eyes and jumped to a conclusion.”
“That is quite alright but Red deserves one as well, or do you think your position in life means you can make such statements with impunity.”
His anger grows but he masters himself, “I apologise to you as well Sara, it was a rash accusation.”
I give a slight nod of acknowledgement. Delores speaks up.
“Besides, I fancy her sister.”
My stare causes her to laugh. Best of luck there. Pretty sure Violet is going to be a nun.
-Rude…but ya ew.
“Oh it's only so often I cause Red to break her stoicism. I thank you for the opportunity, Jeremy.”
I regain my Marie face, only grumbling internally…that's two you have enamored Violet.
-Sigh.
-----
I wipe down Kalidia.
“Your flower is back to being white, it was black for a moment before you left again.”
“It is as you say.”
“You said you weren't my tailor but have I not hired you today to do just that.”
An open secret learned by another.
I sigh, “It is as you say, but it is through my business and not by your demands.”
She waves me off, “Sorry, I wasn't mocking, just confirming. You're the dungeon then.”
“If we are speaking of secrets, will you tell me one of yours?”
I comb her hair as I ask.
“I don't really have a secret, Violet.”
“Why were you upset when your brother spoke of not having a title?”
“That is rather personal.”
I give her a patient smile that she sees through the mirror.
“Right, as if I hadn't just exposed yours. Fine, he speaks of having no title but father has already named him successor, since he bears the Sdrae name. I was not even in the running. It annoys me that my birth father is what determines my role in society.”
Nobility and their blood ties, “Why not claim nobility for yourself then?”
“Oh sure, a hundred years from now. After my children and their children are denied a house.”
“I apologize it was uncouth of me to act as if it was trivial."
She gives a wane smile, “So how did you become a dungeon?”
“I'm afraid our exchange of secrets has caught up, what great secret would you offer for that?”
She frowns at that, “I could tell you who Jeremy is secretly crushing on.”
“It is plain to see that it is Red.”
She pouts at that.
-Wait what…
You don't think he defers to you and apologizes because he is an honorable person do you. Besides you know the smells of heat as well as I do.
-...I've been doing my best to not think about them.
Me and you both. The next few years will be harrowing. I think I actually dread our coming time in mage college.
-----
I bang out the iron. It has been awhile since I had a commission. Lea leaves the store and wanders over to the smithy.
“Already at work?”
“Best to strike while the iron is hot.”
She tilts her head at me, “Is that not always the case?”
“Sorry, a saying from my previous lark.”
More confusion, “You said you were born human.”
“Inherited, striking while the iron is hot was just a saying about chasing opportunities when you see them.”
She nods at that and watches the work.
“Did you want a personal area for yourself? Both Violet and I have our own nests.”
“Its not like I need to sleep, Red.”
I wince at that.
“Oh don't you start. I asked for this, don't act as if you didn't enjoy the blood when your other half drank me dry.”
“Finding it physically enjoyable does not mean I cannot lament the loss”
“Oh tortured Sara, she who revels in slaying and feels sad about it afterwards. What loss do you lament?”
I look annoyed at her, it only makes her laugh.
“Your freedom.”
“Pffft I was an Elf bound by geas before I was even born. If anything I am more free now in this dungeon than I was ever outside.”
“You've only exchanged masters.”
“Mistresses. If we are being accurate.”
I roll my eyes at her pedantry. She wanders off. No doubt to bug Violet. More hammering brings the sword further to its form. A visit from Cecelia.
“Hard at work I see.”
“It's been awhile, you never asked for a sword.”
“Aw, I accept a sword from you anytime, sweetie. Though my own blade was given to me by my step-mother.”
Ah, sentimental then. “You could always duel wield them.”
She rolls her eyes at me, “And cut my striking force in half? Better to hold a shield than to act like a child.”
I bark a laugh at that which earns a smile. I put down the hammer.
“My mental magic seems stuck at intermediate nine.”
“Didn't realize you were trying to get better at it, you were always reluctant before.”
I give a sigh, “The trinket for cover I have is only a basic etching. I feel it would be helpful to have a more comprehensive skill.”
“Why have you not consulted your handbook, Marcene did give you hers.”
I actually have two but…
“I figured I could just ask a Maxwell.”
She looks annoyed at that, “I know my family has a legacy and is derided for their use of [Mental Magic], I would prefer my own daughter not join the chorus.”
I wince, “Sorry, I have a lot of memories of the various opinions of our house…”
She flicks me in the forehead. Then huffs.
“I suspect, since you said skill and not spell, that you have yet to gain [Magic Incantation].” My questioning look makes her nod in self confirmation, “If you progress [Common] into [Magical Common] you will get the incantation skill as well.”
“But I never hear anyone say…incant spells.”
“Of course not sweetie, the first thing any proper mage does is get [Silent Magic Incantation] afterall. Shouldn't you have memories of this?”
Violet pops in, “Anything using the system doesn't come across to us in other lives. It's like we are [Voiceless] even then. We can feel it happening but we never actually hear the voice itself.”
Cecelia winces at that, “I had not realized that you were denied even in the memories of others.”
I heat the metal again, “It is enough that I have my [Status Screen].”
