InsaneJournal

Who: Vlad {narrative}
What: Meeting Pavel Milyukov
Where: A village near the palace
When: The afternoon of Day 3
Warnings: None

Vlad awoke to his third day in Russian hell completely alone. Daniel had, presumably, gone off to look for Ella again - in his Beast form, which was something he didn't approve of, but it was impossible to try to reason with him. Being seen with a hulking creature would destroy his cover, so with reluctance he'd let them go their separate ways.

Food was his main priority, and while Dracula hungered for blood, Vlad informed him that his currently mortal body required something more solid. With any luck he might be able to find Daniel again, or even Ella... Helena was a long shot at this point, but he hadn't yet lost hope. You are going to get yourself KILLED if all you can think about are other people. Find better clothes, and eat something FRESH before you become too weak to properly defend yourself. My strength is weakened during the day, so try not to die by sunset, understood? Dracula was frustrated and clearly wanted to be let out, but he did have a point - releasing him during the day would be useless. While the sun was up, he had to rely on his own human skills and nothing else; although the vampiric abilities he'd developed would help a bit.

Keeping a low profile was key, since he'd already been questioned once and had no desire to go through the same ordeal again, although he hadn't forgotten his promise to Alexei. If there was any way to save the doomed royal family, then he might have considered it, but it really was impossible. He couldn't remember enough of history to know who their allies were, and finding them would be next to impossible even if he did have any names to go off of. The lucky ones were let go and fled to other countries, but the unlucky ones were shot along with the Romanovs and he had no desire to be added to that particular group. So, after searching for a water source and failing, he headed out in the stolen jacket and boots from two nights prior. The high collar combined with a hat was a passable enough disguise, but he stayed away from the palace and sticking to a nearby village instead.

Fortunately - or perhaps unfortunately - Vlad had no idea that Alexandra was currently trying to find him with the belief that he was her dead Rasputin, nor did he know that Ella was believed to be a witch and one of the women they'd temporarily imprisoned was a royal spy. If he would have known any of this, particularly the bit about Rasputin, he might not have been so willing to venture out at all. One thing he knew was that the Tsarina's holy man was not very popular, and to be suspected of being him was almost as good as a death sentence. But he didn't know any of this as he prowled on the outskirts, trying not to draw too much attention to himself while getting close enough to steal some food. He had no money, and he doubted many of these people had much either based on their appearances.

It was nearing early afternoon when he was approached by a sharply-dressed man who had a hard, no-nonsense sort of look about him - it reminded him of a retired army general, although he couldn't quite put his finger on why.

At first Vlad ignored him, pretending to be absorbed in a display of fish, but then the man addressed him in quiet English and asked if he could speak to him. He was surprised, and it showed for a brief moment before he hid it. He had two options - he could say yes and see what this man wanted, or he could run. Do not be hasty, Vlad. See what he wants and kill him if he knows something he shouldn't. Hesitating for a moment more, he finally acquiesced and nodded. "Alright," he replied, keeping his voice low as to not attract attention. They walked away from the crowd, and once they were out of earshot the man introduced himself as Pavel Milyukov. The name sounded familiar, but Vlad simply looked at him silently - there was not a single chance that he was giving the man his name, false or otherwise.

Pavel smiled tightly, as if silence was nothing less than what he'd expected. "I know you do not belong here," he said, wasting no time in getting to his point. "I also know where you and the other travelers come from." He watched Vlad's carefully for a reaction, and after seeing none, continued with a slightly harsher tone. "There is a witch among you, with extraordinary powers. These are dangerous times for witches and travelers alike."

He knows more than he tells, Dracula hissed in displeasure. He is no fool, and you would do well to recognize that.

"What is it that you want?" His reply was short and to-the-point; this man wasn't the sort to tolerate false ignorance or long-winded answers.

"I want your help, and in exchange I will offer my own. You need it, I think, more than you are willing to admit." He spread his hands apart, palms up, as if in supplication. "A fair trade, yes?" Whether it was or not, Vlad couldn't be sure. He didn't know if he could trust this man or not, but being on his own and even with some of the others wasn't good enough. They needed someone who actually lived in the time period, someone like this, even if it was a risk. Sometimes risks were necessary.

Minutes passed as he considered the offer and the man from which it came, and it was with lingering suspicion that he finally nodded. "Fine. If I help you, then you will help us." There was an emphasis on the 'us', because it wasn't just about him no matter what Dracula said. Pavel nodded briskly, extending a hand which he shook with slight trepidation. "Come with me, then, and I will explain more once we are somewhere... less public."

He frowned, not particularly liking the idea of going off with him and consequently giving him his trust. "Why? What do you want me to do? Pavel held up a hand, shaking his head. "All in good time. Coming with me now saves us the trouble of trying to find you again later."

Vlad had no choice but to follow the man, not to the palace - which he'd been expecting - but away from it, to where a car was waiting. This is a foolish idea, Vlad. They could shoot you and no one would ever know. As true as that might be, he was already involved now - might as well see it through. There was a driver, along with two armed men outside the car and another already inside. He didn't like being weaponless and at their mercy, but when Pavel gestured for him to get inside he did, barely making eye contact with the stone-faced man next to him. The other two armed men seemingly stayed behind as the car began to move forward, and the journey to wherever they were going didn't take long at all. The house was not quite luxurious, but it reminded him a lot of Pavel - sturdy, reliable, and perfectly capable of serving its purpose.

He didn't mind being alone. In fact, he would have been far more worried if he was with someone else, particularly a woman - he always felt like he had to protect those who couldn't protect themselves, since he was more than confident in his own ability to keep himself safe. If this man wanted him dead, then he could have shot him by the car, or even in the car. Maybe this wasn't the best idea, but he'd never been the passive sort - he couldn't just sit around and wait. He wanted to be a part of things, and despite Dracula's downfalls he was fairly sharp and had the potential to offer good advice. You flatter me, the vampire commented dryly as the car ground to a halt and he stepped out. Pavel led the way, while the armed man followed behind. There were even more guards at the entrance and inside, but they didn't bother him. Pavel seemed to be watching for any sign of fear or suspicion, and if he was then he would have been quite disappointed.

Waving away the guards, the man led Vlad upstairs. "Tomorrow a dinner is being held in honor of the Grand Duke at the palace. You will be our eyes and ears, and report back to us afterward. We will ensure that you are on the guest list and appropriately dressed - no one will question you, so you have no need to worry." He stopped outside one of the many doors lining the hallways, turning to face him. Did he know that he'd been questioned? What if Alexei recognized him and said something? Would the tsarevich be that foolish, or did he know the seriousness of the situation? If anything goes wrong, deny it. He is a child, after all.

"What exactly do you want me to listen and look for?" Vlad was curious as to what this man's intentions were, whether he wanted to help the Tsar or help bring about his downfall. He realized that if he wanted the latter, then he'd effectively be aiding in the death of the royal family. He'd done a lot of things, but to condemn that boy to die... What is it about Alexei that makes you act like this? Dracula snapped, annoyed. I'm ashamed of your softness.

Pavel frowned slightly, pushing open the door while he replied. "There is talk of witches sent by Rasputin, not to mention rumors that the man himself is still alive. The people are restless and impatient, and these rumors have done nothing to quell an inevitable uprising. The monarchy has fallen, and the country is in turmoil. I do not like chaos. I like order and structure, but with the military divided and the populace at arms, these things are scarce. I want to know about Rasputin and the Empress, I want to know what the Grand Duke's plans are, I want to know what the royal family thinks and how capable the Tsarevich is." His gaze was hard and unflinching, and Vlad felt immediate respect for the man. "Observe everything but say little. You will stay here until it is time, and if you do as I ask then I will help you return to where you belong."

Vlad listened, and for once Dracula was actually silent, presumably mulling over what the man was saying as well. "Are there others, or am I your only spy?" Pavel chuckled mirthlessly, shaking his head. "No, you are not the only one. Are there any more questions, traveler?"

He shook his head, sensing that it would be best to keep quiet. "No." The man nodded. "Good. Someone will be up shortly to see to your needs." He waited until Vlad entered the room before pulling the door shut, and he heard an audible click of the door being locked behind him. Predictable. No matter - I can help you escape, if need be. But it seems as though he needs you, so I doubt he will kill you anytime soon.

I appreciate the vote of confidence, Dracula. Vlad explored the room, pleased to find a bathtub and a fireplace. Presumably Pavel wouldn't leave him to starve, and he would receive a change of clothing. It was a pity, really, that he couldn't sleep - he didn't trust the situation enough to allow himself to fall asleep and become vulnerable.

If anything goes wrong during the dinner, Vlad, will you let me out? The question was a surprise, coming from Dracula, and he moved over to the window and looked out over the landscape for a moment.

I will, yes. And he meant it.