Characters: Laurence the first Vicar/Ludwig the Holy Blade
Summary: Laurence and Ludwig go for a walk in the nearby woods, but they aren't as alone as they thought...
Laurence enjoyed the walks through Yharnam, especially because he was with Ludwig. Of course they did it under the guise that Ludwig was his bodyguard and in every sense, Ludwig was acting as Laurence' bodyguard, but just knowing that his boyfriend was with him, was enough for Laurence to feel at ease.
He couldn't wait to reach a spot where there were hardly any people around, so that he could hook onto Ludwig's arm and bask in his warmth. Autumn was coming and with it chilly winds. Laurence hated the cold and already dreaded the winter. At least today it was a sunny, while fresh day and Laurence intended to get the best out of the sunlight before it was gone for weeks behind grey clouds once again.
"We have a really nice day today.", Ludwig said. "Perfect for a walk. The air is crisp and feels good."
"I would prefer for it to be a bit warmer.", Laurence hummed and edged closer to Ludwig. There hadn't been any passersby for a good ten minutes.
"Are you asking for my coat?", Ludwig asked, a smile on his lips, as Laurence hooked himself in.
"No, your warmth is enough.", Laurence replied and cuddled against Ludwig as they continued their walk. They would reach the woods leading to Hemwick soon. Laurence liked to take a walk in them, but would rarely visit Hemwick, because it was possible to see Cainhurst from there. Even with almost all the Vilebloods gone, he hated that sight. Ludwig knew better as to get him there. He would normally turn back shortly before they reached Hemwick and make a wide circle until they were back in Yharnam.
When they reached the woods, both Laurence and Ludwig stopped.
"It's strangely quiet.", Ludwig was the first to break the silence.
"Hmm...", Laurence said. "Maybe there are wolves in there who chased away all the critters and birds. Still, they won't dare to attack you, you are strong enough to kill beasts, a simple wolf can't strike you down."
"While I admire your trust in me, I still would advise to be careful.", Ludwig said. "Stay close to me, Laurence, I can't protect you when you wander away."
"I don't plan on wandering away.", Laurence said, pressing himself even tighter against Ludwig. Where should he even go? There was no reason for Laurence to leave Ludwig's side at this very moment. He fully trusted Ludwig to keep him safe.
"You know what I am talking about.", Ludwig said.
"...That was one time and I haven't even drank anything lately.", Laurence complained, his cheeks flushing a bit, having a hunch just what Ludwig was talking about.
"Not that.", Ludwig sighed and shook his head. "I am talking about your hallucinations."
"Oh, that...", Laurence said, remembering what Ludwig had talked about. Laurence sometimes would... see shadows in that woods and they freaked him out. The first time it happened, he had ran away in a blind panic and Ludwig had gotten very mad at him for leaving his safety, especially over having a hallucination. "I don't think it will happen today, I had a good night's sleep."
"Good.", Ludwig said. "Let's go then, Laurence."
Laurence nodded and the both of them went into the woods, already on the usual route they would take on their walk. The walk was quiet and calm and Laurence felt at ease. He even was positive that he really wouldn't have any hallucinations today.
"Still... the silence in the forest bothered him somehow. Even if wolves would be there, shouldn't they hear them howl, pant and rustle through the coppice? Laurence was about to comment on that, when he heard some rustling leaves. He was about to relax, but Ludwig tensed.
"Laurence, don't move.", he hissed and reached for his Holy Moonlight Sword on his back.
"Ludwig, what's wrong?", Laurence asked, breathes coming faster, heart starting to pound. If Ludwig was that concerned, there was something more dangerous than wolves. Could it be a beast?
"Stop right there!", a voice sounded and out of the bushes came something that was neither wolf nor beast. In fact, for Laurence it was something far worse.
"Vileblood.", he hissed, half hiding behind Ludwig's broad back.
"Deliver the Vicar to us and we won't hurt you.", the Vileblood said. From the clothes a leftover of the knights. Not the elites from Queen Annalise, one of the regular knights. Of course that meant they were still incredibly skilled, but they were no match for Ludwig.
"I don't think so.", Ludwig said, his sword starting to glow.
"Ludwig can easily take you down.", Laurence hissed again from his hiding place.
"Who said that I have come alone?", the Vileblood said. Several things seemed to happen at once. Laurence could hear the sound of gunfire, a pained grunt of Ludwig and felt how he got pressed to the ground, shielded by Ludwig's strong arm. Ludwig's face currently was scrunched up in pain.
"Ludwig!", Laurence yelled. "Oh, they will pay for this...!" Laurence was about to get his threaded cane out of his coat, when Ludwig shoved him to the bushes.
"Hide, Laurence!", he said and stood up. "I take care of this."
"Are you sure? You are hurt!", Laurence said, but Ludwig shoved him another time, so that he didn't had a chance, but to fall into the bushes.
"It's you that they want.", Ludwig said, raising his sword with both hands clutched around the handle. Laurence could see blood spreading on the sleeve of Ludwig's white coat and clenched his teeth. He knew that he only would be in Ludwig's way. Reluctantly he ducked down to hide in the bushes.
"There is only one of you and three of us.", one of the Vilebloods said. Laurence couldn't see anything from his position, but he could hear the battle, waiting, hoping that Ludwig would come out alright.
"I am more than enough to take you all down.", Ludwig said. Laurence could hear the distinct sound of the Holy Moonlight Sword being fired off and several voices hissed and grunted, their steps indicating that they had backed away. There was more gunfire which this time seemed to have been blocked by Ludwig's blade. Laurence felt the need to clutch his threaded cane, his thumb hovering over the button which would transform the weapon into a deadly whip.
Not much time must have passed when Laurence heard the pained scream of one of the Vilebloods, clearly having been felled by Ludwig's blade. There was a screech and not even a minuter after it, a second death scream was heard. Laurence started to relax, Ludwig had clearly gotten the upper hand over the fight, though this moment of relaxation turned out to be a mistake, because he felt how someone was grabbing him, a hand was over his mouth and a blade too close to his neck.
"Don't come closer, or I will cut him down right here and then.", the Vileblood hissed, their voice quivering in fear at the sight of Ludwig, who had frozen, not moving a single inch anymore.
"Damn you...", Ludwig snarled and slowly let his sword sink. "Let him go."
"No, the moment I do that, you will strike me down with that sword beams of yours."
Crap, the Vileblood possessed some intelligence. Unfortunately, Laurence was in a rather problematic position... he could barely move, had trouble breathing because of the hand covering his nose and mouth and he knew that Ludwig would never endanger him. The Vileblood could get away with him as hostage and the moment they were out of sight, could cut Laurence down. Or drink his blood. Laurence shuddered at he thought, he would very much prefer a clean death over that.
"Drop your sword and then I let him go.", the Vileblood said and backed a few steps away. They were already planning their escape. Laurence had to do something, anything. His gaze found Ludwig and he tried to give him to understand, that Ludwig shouldn't drop his sword.
Ludwig's gaze found Laurence and he nodded slightly, he got what Laurence planned. The Vileblood was so occupied with staring at Ludwig's sword, that they didn't notice when Laurence put his hands into his pocket, feeling the slimy consistence of the Augur of Ebrietas.
A second later, the Augur had formed into tentacles and the Vileblood yelped in surprise as it knocked their weapon right out of their hands, their grip on Laurence weakening. Laurence fell on the ground, gasping for breath, as Ludwig raised his sword and prepared the beam. At the same time it fired, there was another gun shot to be heard and Ludwig slumped down, his face a painful grimace, a hand on his chest where the bullet must have hit.
"Ludwig!", Laurence got back to his feet, ignoring any scrapes and bruises he had suffered during that whole ordeal. His boyfriend was more important right now. He was at his side at a moment and eyed the wounds. Most of them weren't too bad, but the one on his chest probably managed to pierce his lungs, judging from some blood that dripped out of Ludwig's mouth as well as his trouble breathing.
"You need a blood vial right away, to stop the bleeding.", Laurence said, finding one in his pockets and preparing to stab the needle into the next best vein he could find. Soon, Ludwig's face relaxed and he breathed more easily now. The blood vial managed to stop the bleeding, but the wounds were still present. Of course, blood vials were just for first aid, Ludwig needed a proper blood ministration to get fully healed.
"I am glad that you are alright, Laurence.", Ludwig said, spitting out some blood. Laurence just kneeled next to Ludwig and felt tears well in his eyes.
"I am an idiot.", he suddenly blurted out. "I should have known something was wrong with the woods being so quiet! We shouldn't have come here today, now you got hurt!"
"Laurence, it's fine.", Ludwig said. "No harm done, thanks to the Holy Blood."
"...You still need a proper blood ministration.", Laurence said. "The blood vials aren't enough. They just can apply first aid. Your wounds can rip open again easily. Let's get you back to the cathedral. You will get a blood ministration from me personally."
"Oh, what an honour.", Ludwig said, slowly getting up, staggering a bit. "Getting a blood ministration from the inventor himself."
"Don't talk too much.", Laurence said and tried to lay a hand on Ludwig's shoulder, which was difficult because of their size difference. "Are you sure you can walk?"
"I have to, because I doubt you can carry me.", Ludwig said with a smile.
"At least you can still tease me.", Laurence grumbled, taking Ludwig's hand. "Still, tell me when you can't go on anymore. Just today, of course, we decided to not take Midnight with us..."
"She needs to get rest too, Laurence. Besides, sometimes I just want to spend time with you and even my beloved horse feels like an intruder then.", Ludwig said and slowly started to walk.
"That's cute, Ludwig.", Laurence said, face blushing a bit. "But I said to not talk anymore. And tell me when you need another blood vial for the pain."
"Of c...", Ludwig started and then simply nodded, not wanting to upset Laurence.
"Good.", Laurence said. "Back to the cathedral then."
Halfway on their way back, Laurence spoke again: "Ludwig... thank you for saving me from these scoundrels."
"It has been my pleasure.", Ludwig replied.
"Ludwig?", Laurence said.
"Yes, what is it?", Ludwig asked, his eyes focused on Laurence.
"I said no talking.", Laurence said and even though his tone sounded dismissive, he had a smile on his face.
(Author's note: My Laurence Discord complained that I hurt Laurence too much, so I decided to hurt Ludwig for once ^^
I hope you enjoyed!)