Locking up the Sun

Dissidia? Now that - that was a name Sorrow had not heard in years since last his tutor mentioned it. At the time, when Sorrow wanted to know more, the tutor marked it as unimportant. But was it, really?

Offering a bow, as it usually went with his introduction, Sorrow spoke, "I go by the name of Grace, and my given name is Sorrow. A pleasure to meet you, Mr Dissidia."
He had almost forgotten what it was he was there for.

Having shadow-crossed, Misery found herself facing her brother, leaned over in a slight bow. She eyed him oddly, glancing towards the other side - only to meet the casual exterior of the other vampire. The girl suppressed a sigh. She had no time for this.
"Is this really a good time to be making new friends?"

Sorrow straightened up, a ghostly smile playing on his pale lips.
"You are late."

"I am never late, brother," Misery crossed her arms over her chest, glancing back to her sibling. "Nor am I ever early. I arrive exactly when I intend to."
She let her gaze rest on him and fell silent, her expression softening. With the other here, she could not say things like 'I missed you' or speak of the matters concerning the family. So, Misery settled for a simple, "You look good. Who's the other freak-show?"

Sorrow shook his head slowly - did his sister adapt more sass in the time she was gone?
"Is that any way to speak?" he let out a quiet sigh. "Mr Dissidia... I offer my sincere apologies. My sister, Misery... she has her own way with strangers."
"Misery," he addressed her, looking at her pointedly. "I have only just met Mr Dissidia. You are leaving a rather... clumsy first impression."

"Fine. Do your thing. Bond. See if I care," Misery gave a shrug, moving after the senior vampire, pausing, then moving past and in front of him, courtesying shortly. "I apologise. You needn't leave because of me. So... Mr Dissidia, was it? Do you have a given name, or do I just call you-"

"Please, do not finish that sentence," Sorrow spoke from behind the two and closed his eyes once Misery offered a mock-pout.
"I am afraid I must ask you to stay a moment longer, Mr Dissidia. I hope it is of no inconvenience to you, but there is no mention if we are ever to meet again. I wish to know more of your clan, if there are things you may feel comfortable sharing."

Settling further away, Misery leaned on the cold wall, arms crossed over her chest. She waited patiently for her turn to speak with Sorrow, well aware of his interest in Vampire History. Quite unlike her, who in turn, was much more passionate about History of Magic.

Sorrow took a moment to think before speaking - after all, the vampire's reply was less than friendly, his posture clearly defensive. He decided to play it safe.
"Have you ever attended the Festival, or have you a member in the family who has? I apologise if I come off as rude, but I would very much like to learn."
Sorrow felt a need to, as well, given his role in quite possibly near future.

"Because Father's never spoken of your clan, nor have I heard much from my late tutors... I am guessing it is not as vast and as ours."

"Ah, that is to say..." a sort of an awkward smile played on his lips, but Sorrow offered no explanation. Misery had stepped in to do so, and quite happily.

"My. Now that is a first. Osca be blessed," she spoke, but not in a mocking tone. Rather, a honestly curious. "Neither Sorrow or I have ever attended, for we were far too young. But for one not to even know about the Festival of the Undead... you must have been idle for quite a while."

"The Festival of the Undead is the one gathering of all vampire clans which even the Princes attend. Unquestionably, it takes place every three years. That is when the vampires gathered offer their complete views regarding the different societies, introduce their young and future leaders of clans, challenge each other in a variety of physical and psychical competitions... It is a chance to meet, assess each other's strengths and weaknesses, make friends as well as enemies. It is a time when vampires coming of age undergo the Tasks, and so much more."

"But surely, even if you have never bothered attending such a festival... you have heard about the debates between the clans, the possibility of an upcoming war? The need of choosing sides, and attempts to better the situation?"

Misery's eyes narrowed at him instantly.
"I wasn't trying to impress you."

"Either way," Sorrow spoke, moving to stand beside his sister. Quite honestly, he was growing tired of the sarcastic smiles. But, like every other, he supposed Heat had a reason behind them. Just as every child of the Grace clan was cursed by his or her name. "The way it is, it matters little. Perhaps you could join us during the next Festival, but you are, like every vampire, under no obligation to attend, just as you were up until now."

"But I feel as if even this was much. Then, I shall save my inquiries for another time and leave you be," he motioned for Misery to follow. It was time they spoke on their own. It was an oddity in itself for Misery to be so patient, when clearly it had been a matter of importance.

Further down the alley, after the other vampire had left, once making sure they were secluded in their own shadowy bubble, Misery finally spoke. She told Sorrow about things concerning her, her worries about Cazz and their clan, the things she felt she needed to do. The latter was nothing specific, though Sorrow could understand it was something important.

It was not before then that Sorrow noticed just how exhausted his sister seemed to be. Not only physically, but psychically as well. Her skin seemed paler than usual, and though she had tried to conceal it, he could see the weariness in her eyes. The barrier around her mind was weakened, probably due to too long a meditation, though of what sort, Sorrow did not know. He asked if she had taken any blood, but the look she gave him was so stern he shut up immediately, and continued listening silently. It dawned on him just how much strength she was drawing up just to stay standing, to be able to tell him everything of importance now, to put others before herself and rest later. Never before had he seen Misery in such a light - only a couple of years back, when they first arrived at Hogwarts, she had still been the cold, rude Misery who thought only of him and herself - now, that same Misery was tied closely with people she cared about, and fighting to protect them in the best way she knew.

"If that is all," he spoke quietly as at last she fell silent. "It would do you well to go back and rest now."

Shaking her head, Misery rubbed her temples forcefully, warding off a headache.
"No, I still need to-"
"Misery," Sorrow interrupted her, and in his eyes she read his concern, giving the tiniest of nods. "Please."
"All right."

A quick hug was given as a goodbye, and Sorrow was left staring after his sister as she shadow-crossed, disappearing in the darkness around them. He let out a sigh, quite aware that she had no intention of listening to his plea.