[PRP] Wanderlust (Ravnos x Grendel)

[Seussi]

The sounds that drifted in and out of the fog were nothing more than background noise to Grendel, like the static of a television, faintly buzzing in the back of his head but nothing to concern himself with. There was nothing out there that he was aware of that could bring him harm, and surely nothing stupid enough to even try it. As a divine being, he reeked of power, always surrounded by a thrum of energy that was otherworldly in its strength. No, he had no care in the world for anything in the unknown mists, feeling the same disconnect with whatever was out there as he felt with most mortal beings. They were far too insignificant for him to take any notice of.

What he did notice was the Disciple who walked beside him, whose fingers fit so perfectly between his own, whose words he could listen to all day without tiring, whose advice he would always take into great consideration and even cherish, and whose heart belonged to him. His attention was, for the moment, unwavering and focused on the one who was dearest to him.

Though at that moment, it was hard to say precisely how Grendel felt about either him or the words that Ravnos spoke. He looked at the ancient vampire with great incredulity, his eyes blinking slowly as he processed what the other had to say. A place that was only water? A king who was obsessed with a round table? Ships that sailed through space??? The more Ravnos went on, the harder Grendel found himself able to believe in any of it, though the stories certainly became more absurd as they went on, making the previous ones seem like nothing in comparison.

He gave the vampire a sidelong look, eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"Is all of that true? You are not...pulling my leg, as they say?" He asked, though a faint smile toyed at the edges of his lips, a hint that while he knew his companion might be capable of great exaggeration, the God also knew him to be quite truthful.

"None of those places sound very appealing, regardless. We should avoid them if we can."

Somewhere in the distance and deep within the fog came a sound, a scream that was steeped in rage, confusion, and exasperation. It was enough to make the God turn his head in its direction, his eyes going distant as though he were looking at something far away, a slight frown creasing his brow momentarily before he focused attention back on Ravnos.

yayoi

 

[Yayoi]

Ravnos did sometimes like to exaggerate and stretch the truth in his stories. It made them more exciting. However he really only did it with the children. It wasn’t as frequent when he told the God stories. However, what he spoke of was all true. These other realms were so different from their own. They were fascinating. The people that lived in them could be quite charming once they calmed down from the initial shock of learning that you were from someplace far beyond their own worlds.

His own attention was focused on their destination. The spire in the distance. The Infinite Corridor as some called it. Portals that lead to other realms, other worlds. It was hard to predict where or even when they may end up once they began their search. But soon his focus returned to the God who walked beside him, their fingers laced tightly. The one he cared so deeply for. Their love so strong that it had crossed space and time itself, bringing them back together. There was nothing stronger. No love he had ever felt more deeply than the love he had for Grendel. Ravnos was glad that his previous work with the Disciples was done and that they could enjoy their time with each other again. He had missed it deeply, but Ravnos had been patient and he had been rewarded for that.

He scoffed, narrowing his own green eyes as he returned the side eye back to the God. “I know my clan is known for being liars but have I ever lied to you?” Well….there was that one time when Grendel caught him bringing in more pillows to the temple and he had assured him that he had just taken those to be cleaned and they were already part of what was there. But that was different. That was just a little fib, not like it was anything earth shaking. And Grendel probably knew he was fibbing, the God just liked to humor him and his proclivity for throw pillows.

“Yes, those realms are already well settled so we shall avoid them as best we can.” If he could only remember which portals those ones had been. Oh well. The spire was closer now and soon they would be at its entrance. There was a stirring in the air like static electricity as they drew closer. When Grendel turned his head suddenly Ravnos peered around him in the direction he was looked. “Something wrong?” He could spot the frown, the crease in his brow was unmistakable. There were things out in the fog, Ravnos knew this. But so far, until now, Grendel had payed no mind to any of it. So if it had the God’s attention it must have been something.

Ravnos moved a little closer to him. While he was immortal and had Grendel’s protection after their last run in with the Kuei-jin Goddess he still felt more at ease at the God’s side. Who knew what exactly was out there and what powers they might have. Certainly nothing that compared to the power of a God. But Ravnos knew he was safe as long as his love was with him.

Seussi

 

[Seussi]

"Not that I am aware of." The God admitted, and had he the will to investigate whether or not Ravnos was telling him the truth, he could, quite easily in fact. It would only take a quick little peek into his mind to know for certain. But he had never felt that urge. Not with him. He trusted the Disciple more than anyone he had ever known. Any doubts he'd ever had in the past were washed away in feelings of love and warmth and belonging. When he teased Ravnos about his truthfulness, it was just that, a tease.

"It just all sounds so...unbelievable. And quite a bit more dangerous than I had previously imagined." Especially given what Ravnos had mentioned earlier about there being realms where his God powers might not work properly or at all. What if they became trapped in such a realm? How would they ever return to their home and their family?

But Grendel did not often feel fear, and this little adventure of theirs would not be the exception. As they approached the spire, he could feel the charge in the air prickling along his skin, yet it did nothing to slow his stride. Only when the shriek pierced through the air that he slowed to a stop, his gaze suddenly fixated upon the fog.

"Perhaps." His frown deepened, though his eyes began to glow softly as he looked at something Ravnos could not see. A woman. A vampire woman, Wild and feral, as though caught in a perpetual frenzy, though the blood on her blade and that which dripped down her chin only proved that she had fed. She howled in rage and fury while she stalked through the fog, having recently killed one of the creatures that resided within.

His eyes stopped glowing as he abruptly turned his attention back toward Ravnos, who had moved in closer to his side, a slow blink focusing his gaze back on what was right in front of him. "Though it is nothing we can not investigate later. There is an insane vampire out in that fog, and it seems she has been there for some time. I am sure she will still be there when we return."

yayoix

 

[Yayoi]

He knew full well that the question of his truthfulness was only a tease. One he never took to heart. In all honesty Ravnos could never lie to Grendel. He cared too much about him to do such a thing. The Disciple never wanted his loyalty or his love for him to ever be called into question over a lie. They had been through so much together already. The two of them had made a home together, were raising their children together in that home. Anything that might drive a wedge between them just wasn’t acceptable to him. Of course, the God could peel into his mind if he wanted but Ravnos knew that he had no desire to do so. He never gave him a reason to.

The reputation of his clan tended to proceed him however, as did his own personal one. But those were the opinions of other clans, other people who did not know him like the God did. While yes, the members of his clan could undoubtedly be called liars and thieves, it was all out of a habit of trying to survive. They didn’t live where there were high walls to protect them like the Ventrue. Had jobs or businesses that brought in huge amounts of money like the Giovanni. Or even the physical strength of the Brujah. All they had was their Kumpania, their families, themselves to rely on. Where one struggled others were there to lift them up. There was a reason the Prince preferred them to move along and quickly lest some incident happened and the Ravnos rallied.

They were the most vulnerable yet even the wiff of a Ravnos in the cities made people nervous.

Ravnos chuckled lightly, raising a dark eyebrow in the God’s direction. “As if our own world would not be unbelievable to someone else from another realm. Magic and Gods. Vampires, demons. What may seem normal to us, I am sure, would seem strange and fantastical to someone else.” There was some concern in the realms that Grendel’s powers might not work and Ravnos understood where he was coming from. If they somehow managed to get trapped they might never find their way back home again. Never see their children, their eggs would hatch alone. Ravnos felt a sudden pit in his stomach at the thought. When he first traveled through here he was younger, Grendel wasn’t even part of his life at that point, his own safety was of little concern. If he suddenly disappeared his clan would find someone else to leave after a time.

But now? Now he was starting to regret leaving the eggs behind. No, it would be fine. “Well, as soon as we enter a realm we will check to see if your powers work correctly or if at all. If not we will leave right away.” That was the only thing he could offer as a bit of reassurance. They certainly didn’t want to get caught in a realm where they couldn’t return from.

Green eyes blinked as Ravnos took in what Grendel had seen. “A woman? Out here? She must be mad to be out there in the fog.” Ravnos had tried exploring it once and only once. After a harrowing encounter he never strayed far into it again. But he supposed it would have to wait till they were ready to return home. If she was wandering alone out there she most assuredly wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But he was curious as to why she was here. Perhaps she had drawn the ire of Caine and he had tossed her here. It seemed likely. The old God of Vampires liked to pull those kind of things sometimes for no reason at all. He called them “trials”, Ravnos called it being an a*****e.

Giving a small tug to Grendel’s hand, Ravnos smiled at him. “Come. The sooner we get started the sooner we can find a place for the new city and be on our way back to the Vardo.” Once they had entered the spire there was a stairway that spiraled up along the inner wall. What looked like tall, round mirrors lined it. Each one rimmed in an ornate golden border. Their surfaces smooth and unblemished. To anyone they would seem to be just what they appeared to be. Mirrors. “Welcome to the Infinite Corridor.” Ravnos’ voice echoed up the spire, disappearing into the building high above them.

Seussi

 

[Seussi]

The God considered the Disciple's words and thought about their land, full of magic and creatures that did not seem strange to Grendel. Vampires, demons, mortals, immortals, Gods, and everything in between. It was all he ever really knew, and considering something different was quite difficult for him to do. He could not picture it, even with how Ravnos had described them. It was too strange and unfamiliar. But still, he did not find himself on edge. There was little to no anxiety over what they might get themselves into. There was only curiosity and that same excitement that had shone in his eyes back in the Vardo.

He was about to experience the unknown and places that he could not even imagine. What was there not to be excited about? Well, the whole potential for no powers thing was certainly an issue, but as Ravnos said, it was not insurmountable, should it ever occur. Upon arrival to those realms, they would just need to take things slowly and carefully.

"Of course." His deep voice rumbled, and he gave Ravnos's hand a reassuring squeeze.

However, when it came to the woman in the fog, he shook his head slightly. "I did say she is quite insane. One of Malkav's...or I suppose Nemo's now, though how she found herself here is a mystery that can be solved later. One problem at a time." he held up a finger with a sharp-tipped claw and allowed a smirk to form on his lips.

Suddenly he found himself pulled along by the Disciple, and he could not help but let out a short laugh at the enthusiasm of the other. "And then what? Back to the bedroom to celebrate?" The smirk widened, sharp teeth exposed and glinting.

If he had anything else to say, however, it was soon forgotten. Now inside the spiral, the God lifted his gaze up and up to what appeared to be an endless climb skyward.

The mirrors shone in such a way that made him want to reach out to trail his fingers along the surface of each one, a strong urge to do so tugging at his very core, as if the mirrors were sentient and calling to him, or perhaps to his power. His free hand stayed firmly against his side, not quite trusting what he felt, and he glanced over to his companion even as Ravnos's voice echoed up and away.

"Alright. This is all very impressive and not at all ominous." Another small tease, keeping the mood light for now.

"So, where shall we begin?"

yayoi

 

[Yayoi]

Perhaps it was easier for Ravnos to imagine because he had already been through several of the portals already. The first time he had though had been a shock. What he knew, what he was familiar with was all thrown out the window in that instant. However, once he got over the initial shock it was east to let his curiosity run wild. What would he find in the next realm? What would he experience? What kind of people or creatures lived there? Hopefully the same would happen for Grendel. Ravnos easily picked up on his excitement. His eagerness to explore. It had not wavered since they left the Vardo.

To see such a reaction from the God was endearing. The excitement in those eyes warmed him from the inside out.

Ravnos frowned lightly. “Malkav….” The former Malkavian Dosciple. Of course he was aware of the trouble Grendel had had with him. It was…an unfortunate circumstance. The Disciple knew there would be challenges along the God’s path when he chose to create a new bond with the existing Disciples of Caine. However, he had not expected the outcome that had occurred of the Malkavian. As far as he was aware everyone else had been eager to pledge their loyalty to Grendel.

Malkav was stuck in the past, loyal to a God who no longer held sway over them. Caine was irrelevant, old news. There was no strength there anymore. What Grendel had done was to ensure the future of his people. Vampires were not used to change. Despite some of their natures they much preferred some stability in their worlds. Having lived so long a certain way made it hard for change to occur. The Disciple nodded. Yes, one problem at a time. If Malkav left her here then she was undoubtedly insane, perhaps frenzied by now. “How unfortunate.” He felt sorry for the woman. But for now that was to be tabled till later.

Mischief glinted in Ravnos’ green eyes as he cocked an eyebrow at Grendel. The corner of his mouth lifting and curling. “That was the plan. Although if you would rather not…..” There was a light tease there as he let the statement hang in the air but he couldn’t help the wide grin that parted his lips, fangs slipping out from beneath his lip. They had just spent quite a bit of time in the bed laying about. Enjoying their alone time together. It was only natural for the Disciple to assume that was what they would return to doing once they left this place. In all honesty it was the only place he really wanted to be right now.

But adventure called so that would have to wait for a more appropriate time.

When Grendel commented about it not being ominous Ravnos gave a little snort. It was all extremely ominous. Any number of things could await them on the other side of those portals. This place was fascinating but also dangerous in the same vein.

“We shall start here. I believe last time I was here I was further up and had not explored these lowers level portals.” He released Grendel’s hand momentarily as he approached the first mirror. His reflection a perfect copy of himself. But there was something not quite right about it. It did not move in response to Ravnos’ own movements right away. Instead it stood there gazing out from deep within the mirror, turning its gaze towards Grendel. Ravnos payed it no mind as his fingers swiped across the surface of the mirror, distorting the image as it rippled like water at his touch. He quickly traced a pattern of symbols upon it, a glow following on his finger’s wake. The same symbols etched in the gold border of the mirror. It was by chance that Ravnos had figured out how to open them this way. They had been a puzzle that nagged at him for quite a while.

Once he had finished drawing the symbols the mirror shuddered before it’s smooth surface came to life. A blazing, swirling mass of energy contained within that fragile frame. The air around it heaved and twirled with the energy it contained. Turning back to Grendel he smiled, holding out his hand for the God to take if he so wished. They were about to start their adventure together. And to be honest there was no one Ravnos would rather have by his side. “Shall we then?” What awaited them on the other side was still an unknown. A mystery to them both. But they would experience it together.

Seussi

 

[Seussi]

Malkav was insane, as was his nature. Grendel had been given plenty of time to reflect on his actions, which had severed the former Disciple of Caine from his clan and shut down his ability to access the madness network. Had he been too harsh?

No. Malkav had come into the Gods home and threatened him and his newly developing family. For that, the ancient vampire was lucky he was even allowed to remain intact, though perhaps living with his sanity and power stripped from him was a far worse punishment. Grendel had made an example of him and, by doing so, hopefully, proved that he would not suffer traitorous fools with leniency. He was not his father, he would not rule through fear, but he did expect respect from those who would follow him.

But this was not a subject he wished to dwell on when he and Ravnos had many more important things to attend to. World-changing things. "She will be fine, I am sure. She certainly could not go any more crazy out there than she already has. When we return, I will capture and take her to the temple. She can join the other dangers that have been stuffed down into the dungeon."

Such as Illyes, one of the last of Caine's Disciples to trade loyalty over to Grendel, though his confinement was voluntary and would hopefully not last too much longer. He had a clan that needed to be rebuilt nearly from the ground up.

Grendel offered his companion a sidelong glance inside the tower, something wicked glimmering in a smouldering gaze. "Oh, I think you know I would rather. I would rather do that all the time, though that would be highly irresponsible of both of us, given our obligations." Though this vacation of there's had only really just begun, and Grendel was not in any hurry to return to duty. Let his niece and daughter handle things for a while, give them a taste of how it is to rule over the domains and make decisions for themselves. How else would they ever learn?

He watched Ravnos closely as he approached one of the lower mirrors, moving closer to gaze curiously at the reflection that was just a bit off, eyebrows furrowing when it directed its attention to him.

How odd.

"Where did you learn that?" He asked, curious as the Disciple began to trace out symbols upon the surface of the mirror.

But soon, the energy in the room shifted as a portal swirled to life inside the mirror's frame. The God reached forward to grasp Ravnos's hand practically out of instinct, with a fleeting urge to pull him back instead of allowing them to go forward, a reflex born from a small worry of losing the Disciple again. However, once their hands met, that worry eased.

Together. As long as they were together. He nodded his head and grinned.

"Lead the way."

yayoi

 

[Yayoi]

When it came to the situation with Malkav, Ravnos could not blame the God for his action taken. If the Disciple had been in his shoes he would probably done the same. Though the decision to let him continue to walk around, unchecked may have been different, he could not say. But he trusted Grendel’s judgement. He could only hope it would not come back to haunt him in the end.

Of course, he was grateful that he had kept them safe. He would, of course, there was no denying that. Not that Ravnos couldn’t of taken on Malkav himself but their small children at the time could have been in a lot more danger had the Malkavian Disciple managed to get past the God somehow and come through that door.

Was there really a limit to madness tho? The Ravnos Disciple wasn’t sure. He had had little dealings with Malkavians let alone Malkav himself. He knew of them and him but the Madness network puzzled him. Not that he lost any sleep over not knowing. It was information that wasn’t all the important to him. When Grendel mentioned catching her and tossing her into the dungeon he wasn’t sure that was any better than being here. Being free to roam around in your madness or being caged up, both seemed less than pleasant but if it was what he wanted to do, to maybe try and help this woman, then who was he to try and change his mind? Besides she was one of his subjects anyhow and there was no one else around that could help her.

Catching that wicked glimmer in the God’s smoldering gaze Ravnos chuckled. Running his tongue along his teeth before he clicked it against the roof of his mouth. “Darn those obligations. Always getting in the way.” Oh, he knew the God would much rather do that all the time than handle any obligations. He could be insatiable, not that Ravnos would ever complain about that. Nor would he deny that he was just as much. But those thoughts were being distracting and he cleared his throat to refocus his thoughts.

Ravnos shrugged at his question. “I am rather smart you know. There’s brains behind these good looks, too.” Ravnos grinned wide. ”Trial and error really. I had a lot of time to explore and fiddle long before I met you. To be honest I am surprised I did not blow myself up or summon some hell beast from the very depths of the Underworld.” The In Between had been a mystery that Ravnos’ curiosity couldn’t let go. This spire and the mirrors as well. It was only when he noticed the symbols carved into the gilded borders that he had put two and two together but even then he hadn’t quite figured it all out right away either.

He felt Grendel’s hand grab his and he glanced down quickly before his gaze looked up at him. A smile on his lips as he squeezed the God’s hand reassuringly. The last time they had gone through a portal together Ravnos had been reduced down to his very essence and it wasn’t until Grendel had put him back together that he had returned to this plane of existence. For that he was grateful, ever so grateful. But this time would be different. They would be together and as long as they stayed together they would be ok.

The world that they would step in to was a world where there was no up or down. Left or right. Massive chunks of land floated past massive building that shifted and moved through the air. What might seem upright when standing on one bit of debris might look upside down on another. Water flowed in streams going in all directions. Some would spill off into the air and land in pools somewhere else. Gravity was twisted here.

As the Disciple stepped through his first step met solid ground but the second met open air and before he could stop himself he was suddenly falling. His hand tightening around Grendel’s to stop himself before he got caught up in some weird stream of gravity that would carry him in some other direction. Well this was unfortunate. This was probably going to be a no go right from the start. So much for being careful. He hadn’t expected to not find purchase with his feet as soon as he stepped through.

Seussi