Of Gods and Monsters

Morose

"I thought in my heart how seldom, even in this world, justice fails to overtake the murderer, and to enforce the righteous judgment of God, 'that whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed'." 

-John Polidori

Ambrus and Elek by me

Elek felt bile push itself to the front of his throat as he turned around and attempted to look nonplussed. To his relief, Mia was blushing and swatting at Lukas for his comment, which distracted both mortals from his evident distress.

"Oh stop!"

She said as she swatted a smug looking Lukas. They returned their gaze to Elek who held the bow ready for play.

"Ah, sorry for the outburst friend, let us continue. I'm very much excited to hear you play."

Elek felt like he'd rather be doing anything other than performing at the moment, but he didn't want them to see how truly disappointed and upset he was. He closed his eyes to shut them out, to focus on the instrument and sounds it would produce for him. He began to play softly, a sort of melancholy sound erupted, matching his mood.

It was harrowing, hollow, and yet extremely beautiful. As it reached its climax, Elek opened his eyes, at the stunned faces of his small audience. He fought back a blush when he realized, once again, he'd accidentally played how he was feeling. However, if Elek was honest, his music always seemed to produce an air of a deep morose nature. They sat there moments longer before someone spoke.

"Wow. When you said you could play on the train I had no idea it would be this wonderful. The music you produce is so---physical---, so all encompassing."

Lukas said aloud, but it was evident that it had been something he'd intended to say in his head. Mia had met Eleks eye before he spoke. The look on her face pleased Elek as he realized that he'd managed to ensnare her that he had almost missed Lukas's praise. She was staring with a look of rapture until he'd began speaking, coming to again.

"Oh yes, Elek. That was wonderful. Simply, wonderful."

Elek felt embarrassment at their praise and thanked them in a small voice. Lukas looked at Elek then, appraising him, his hand to his face in thought.

"You know, I think I'd really like you to write the music for our upcoming play. That is, if you'd be up for it. I think you'd be able to write something truly beautiful that would match the ambiance."

Lukas was talking but Elek's eyes remained on Mia who stared directly back, until he switched his view when he realized the gravity of Lukas's offer.

"Write the music?! That's a generous offer but, I've never written anything in my life!"

Lukas frowned.

"Do you read music?"

"Well...yes...."

"Then you can write it."

Lukas answered in the affirmative and Elek could tell that he'd never accept "no" as an answer. He resigned to his fate.

"I suppose I could at least give it a shot. I could write something, just one thing, and you could decide if you'd still want me to do the rest of the play."

Lukas beamed.

"Of course! But, I doubt I'll have any qualms at all if you write anything similar to what I've just heard!"

Elek wrinkled his face in confusion for a moment and pointed out the obvious.

"I've just had a thought. You've yet to tell me what the name of the play is? And what its about."

Lukas smiled broadly.

"The play is based off of a book, a very scary book. Since October is approaching, we're giving our audience a real show."

Elek felt his anxiety rise at the mention of October. The month for devils to roam the earth. Or, that's what some said. He was smart enough to know they always roamed the earth, regardless of the time of year.

"Oh? And what's this book called?"

"The Vampyre, by John Polidori."

----

Ambrus lingered in the streetlight for a moment, touching his burned neck, and taking in his encounter with Lukas. He was sure now that he was indeed, a vampir hunter. This complicated everything. He could no longer leave Elek to his adventures in Vienna. No, not now. Not when he wasn't safe. He'd have to remain and watch over his interactions. He knew that approaching him now would do nothing but damage. Elek would never listen to him or heed his words. He cursed in frustration, his fingers feeling his immortal skin beginning to use his last victims blood to heal his charred flesh. He was happy to be rid of the reminder of his brush with death.

He breathed through his nose harshly in irritation. It had been a long time since he'd ventured out of Budapest and if he had a choice, he really wouldn't want to. It wasn't because he disliked the rest of the world. It was because it was his home, the place he'd been as a mortal, and the place he'd been remade as immortal. He liked the comfort of it and he liked the stability of knowing exactly what to predict from his city.

But, for Elek, he'd do nearly anything. So here he was, walking at top speed, to find some kind of quick residence.

He just hoped that nothing truly horrid would befall him in the meantime.