7D112I2
You've never run from things. You've only had momentary lapses.
You, whose very fate is cursed with this sickness...
... were capable of love. Even as your mind ailed from this suffocating, parching thirst...
That is why you saved my life from the periphery of death... tried to share your love...
Tell me. Why did you seek death?
Because I wanted to get away from the pain.
How odd. Don't most humans inflict suffering unto others to be freed from their own?
How could hurting others help... when my pain comes from this... endless cold?
Where's your family? Your siblings?
I never had anyone, not even on the day I was born. I've only known... the cold... the loneliness...
... So I want to burn myself to ashes like I was never here.
Then...
... allow me to grant you the will to live.
The family I shall grant you will forever be by your side. Come with me.
You may know my name as Quixote.
Or Don Quixote; 'Don' as the signifier of my nobility.
... and...
... made my heart beat once again...
Sancho. Thus commences our adventure.
We shall receive no assistance, Bloodfiend or not! This shall be us two against the world.
I know.
I suppose we will encounter many knights on our journey; many of whom shall challenge me to a duel. You will watch my back when the time comes, won't you? You must strike our foes with a heart that knows no fear.
Ah, and how could I forget? From this moment onward, we must abandon our identities as Bloodfiends as well.
In other words, we must appear and behave as humans do.
... I know that as well. That is why you have transformed your Rocinante into the shape of a horse, as awkward as it may appear.
It used to have such a beautiful, flowing mane of blood...
Whinny...
Alas. Even Rocinante finds this appearance unpleasant. Sighing and exhaling, so unlike itself...
Do you even know where this elusive 'tavern' is supposed to be?
Is that not your responsibility to learn of?
I've been holed up in that castle for about as long as you have in any meaningful metric. How should I know?
You are truly impossible. I have not once seen nor heard of a Child who speaks in such an insolent manner to a higher Kindred.
I thought we were to appear and behave as humans do? This is supposed to be an adventure, after all.
Speaking of which, dear Sancho. I have overheard the travelers from earlier, and they say that there is a cave in which a fearsome man-eating bear has made it its home.
Really, a bear?
I can obliterate that poor animal in less than three -
Oh, please. Where is the fun in that? We shall battle this fell beast like the battles in which the Fixers from the books have struggled so valiantly!
Our adventure then... was full of amateurish mistakes and foolhardy confidence, but...
We shall feast on bear meat as well!
You have but to imagine the look of shock on Dulcinea's face as we regale her with this tale.
A look of disgust would be more accurate.
Those were the days when my heart beat more vibrantly than ever before.
The night approacheth with great haste;
Yet thou shalt hew open a path, cleaving the shadows in twain.
With the blessings and approval of our family of which there is no equal,
Challenge and vanquish all things perilous.
And at last - reach true happiness.
Thus how indubitable.
The magnificence with which mine ingenious adventures of to-day shall shine.
Which is... our adventure, as well.
You remember the words, right? A Fixer must maintain a head clear of corruption, speech free of deceit, and conduct guided by clemency.
Show courage in adventure, and bear pain in suffering.
And pray, forget not the mercy for the downtrodden...
... and last but not least...
... Pursue your dream, even if it means wagering your life in the chase.
And we'll return here and talk all about it, no matter how many moons it takes.
About all the wonderful adventures we've undertaken.
Even if I were to lose my mind...
Even if all this is just a fake steed running in circles on a carousel… I don't want to stop...
Even if it means that you must struggle against this incurable disease? Even if you must stand against your own blood, your Father?