One Night in Vienna

Gradually rest released the two cuddling vampires from sleep. Both still kept their eyes closed, enjoying the presence of the other vampire.

Alfred's head was still bedded on Herbert's breast. The elder stroked softly through his hair, playing with some strands. The pain in Alfred's shoulders was now, after another couple of hours, quite bearable. His thoughts flew to the previous night.

He did not even try to pretend that he had not enjoyed Herbert's treatment. In his very first night as a vampire he had guessed that it would probably not be hard to fulfill Herbert's claims. Now he saw that he did like it very much – more than he could have ever imagined.

He was really fond of the prince and could not think of one trait of his character that would bother him in earnest the long run. He found it pleasant to spend time with Herbert. Those hours yesterday, when for the first time after being changed he had been apart from him, had been the dullest of his short undead existence. He had longed for Herbert's return after only three minutes.

Now, Alfred really looked forward to all that was still to come. And the fact that he could feel this anticipation made him even happier. There it was – his very own emotion that he could distinctly feel. He was sure that it was his own emotion, not Herbert's, though the elder looked very contented too.

Herbert was indeed contented. While at first it had only been Alfred's looks that had attracted him, he had learned in the meantime that the young vampire had many other advantages. He had a wonderful character that seemed to match perfectly with his own. And the fact that you could already see this character, while Alfred was still so young – Herbert's head swam only thinking about what a diamond he probably could cut out of this already shining stone.

And this diamond was his own. Herbert wanted and had to believe that Alfred would return his feelings. The kisses they had shared over the past few nights – they had to be more than pure performances of duty. They were too soulful. And he downright knew that Alfred had relished his caresses yesterday.

Herbert's present wish was to never be apart from Alfred again. They were such a perfect match. He had broken the habit to hope over the centuries. It simply hurt too much when his hopes were destroyed time and time again. But he could not help hoping now. Hoping, as he had never done before. He pulled Alfred closer to him, as if to prove to himself that he was still there.

Alfred's answer was a painful hiss that reminded Herbert on his injury. The count's son let go of Alfred at once. "Excuse me, Chéri, I forgot."

"Never... mind," Alfred pressed through clenched teeth while the agony subsided again.

Still, Herbert's lapse put an end to their cuddling, since the prince carefully freed himself from Alfred's embrace, sitting up. Alfred waited for some seconds more before he tried to do the same. It worked out really nicely, better than in the previous night. Herbert checked Alfred's pain-level by opening the connection to his emotions. He found them to have lessened so much that he decided to not block the connection again.

Tenderly, he watched Alfred, who was rubbing his eyes. He simply looked cute; sleepy and with ruffled hair. Not able to resist, he placed his hand in Alfred's neck and pulled him softly towards himself. Their lips met for an almost shy kiss, as if it was their first one. Again Herbert had the feeling from last night – that his whole unlife began anew, with Alfred by his side.

Slowly Herbert's lips found their way along Alfred's chin, his hand caressing the younger's cheek. Alfred started breathing heavily at once. Herbert placed small kisses along Alfred's carotid and wondered if he could dare to take a sip, when there was a knock on the door.

Herbert let go of Alfred and called: "Come in." The door opened and his father came in, as the prince already had expected.

"Good evening to you two. Would you get ready please? Baptiste expects us in his parlor in half an hour's time. Do you think you'll be able to come at his invitation, Alfred?"

"Y-yes Y-your E-excellency," Alfred stammered. For one thing he was still a bit out of breath because of Herbert's kisses. And then the count's son was still very near to him in a distinct position. For the first time since his death Alfred felt a wisp of his old human shyness. It was impudent to appear like this before his Lord, half naked and with a man by his side – who was none other than his Lord's son.

"Very well, then we'll see each other soon again," Breda nodded, impassive to the scenery (he did not expect anything else) and left the room.

"Alright, I'm going to the bathroom first to get ready. Don't worry, I'll be quick," Herbert announced while stretching.

Alfred snorted, amused and doubting. He supposed the main reason for them to be apart from each other in future would be for Herbert being in some bathroom. Herbert just stuck his tongue out at him, grabbed his brush and towel and darted out of the room.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Herbert had been true to his word and Alfred had had time for a quick wash, before it was time to leave for the parlor. However Alfred had needed help donning a shirt – his shoulders were not able to do this movement yet. But Herbert helped him at once so they could leave in time. Breda already waited in the parlor, sitting in one of the comfortable chairs.

Alfred looked around with interest. It wasn't hard to notice that their host was very wealthy. The furniture was modern and very luxurious. Of course the house provided electrical light. There was a very impressing chandelier at the ceiling and the floor was covered with valuable-looking oriental carpets. A couple of animal skulls hang on the wall. If there had not been the corresponding skin beneath the skull, Alfred would have had a hard time guessing what kind of animals they had been. Apart from domestic animals, such as deer, there were also very exotic specimens. Alfred was quite sure that some of those skins belonged to big cats and one seemed to be the skin of a giraffe, even.

"Baptiste sends his apologies, but he will be late. Another emergency, it seems. He is a man in great demand," Breda explained Baptiste's absence.

Herbert nodded – that had been his impression yesterday. He used the time to ask his father a question that was bothering him since yesterday. "How old is Baptiste, by the way?"

Breda chuckled. He wasn't surprised by Herbert's interest – the Viennese was a special specimen of a vampire. Herbert had never met one like him before and probably would not meet another ever.

"Actually, I don't know, I've never asked him. It – didn't seem to be appropriate."

Herbert raised his eyebrows. He had already noticed his father's respect for the Viennese, but that proved how strong that respect was. Herbert could understand his father, after meeting Baptiste the day before. Baptiste had the talent to give his counterpart the feeling to be a friend, to feel equal – while you still looked up to him.

"I've always wondered myself, you know, I still do. There are rumors about his age, but no one seems to know it for sure. Which is not really surprising, since they're probably all not even half as old. The rumors tell about 1000 years."

Alfred and Herbert gasped – this age was almost unimaginable. The three of them turned around when they heard a merry laughing. Baptiste had entered the room unnoticed.

"And I always wonder why no one seems to bother to actually ask me. Everyone only wants to speculate around. It's really no secret, but people insist on making one out of it. You'll learn now something very exclusive: When I was a living human I had been a member of Charlemagne's court. I was there at his crowning for Emperor, founding the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. I was 17 back then. 25 years later I became a vampire."

Baptiste's guests marveled with open mouths. All of them had enough knowledge about history to know that Charlemagne's crowing had taken place in the year 800. But Alfred was the one to calculate the fastest.

"1122 years," he whispered, awe-struck.

"You know, my very young friend – you stop counting at one point," Baptiste said cheerfully, walking to the chairs to sit down. "How are you? Has the silver almost left your body?"

"Much better. Thank you very much for your efforts and hospitality."

"How do you manage it?" Herbert asked, looking around and Baptiste turned towards him. "I know so many vampires, some older, some younger than me, but most simply won't manage to keep up with the times. They're forever stuck in the time which they were changed in. Decades pass them by, but they're not able to work a tap. But you, so much older than anyone; you lead a very modern life."

"I've always moved with the time – and I have to admit that life got more comfortable over the centuries. I'm really looking forward to the next decades. These automobiles you can already see in this town, tainting the air, are very promising, nevertheless. And it is my guess that it won't be long until the first attempt to fly with machines will finally succeed. I suppose that it is my curiosity for everything new that still makes me happy with my existence after such a long time. A vampire caught in the past will become depressed sooner or later and then they will set an end to their existence."

"Are there others like you? Other vampires that old?" asked Alfred.

Baptiste shook his head. "I don't know of any. All of my early companions are gone. They either ended their existence out of free will, or they lost fights for power, because they could not or would not muster their former drive. My daughter Elisabeth is the only one that is almost my age – the same vampire-age, at least. The next older vampire I know of is something between 800 and 900 years old. For this, you'll still have a long way to go, eh..."

"Oh, excuse me, where are my manners? Alfred von Tönisvorst, at your service."

"Ah, a young noble. He seems to fit perfectly into your little family, Breda. What have you done before my old friend had ripped you out of life so rudely, Alfred?"

Alfred couldn't help grinning. He could understand Herbert's immediate taking to their host now. "I was a student of natural science. My professor also studied vampires. When he went on an expedition to Transylvania, I accompanied him as his assistant. Is this – a skin of a giraffe?" Alfred changed the subject abruptly, not able to restrain his curiosity any longer.

Baptiste laughed. "Very well – how about this: I tell you about my time in Africa while Herbert plays a bit on the piano. Your father is always raving about your skills, Herbert – I've wanted to hear it myself for a long time."

Herbert nodded, took his wine glass, and went over to the piano that was standing on the other side of the room. While the prince's skilled fingers flew over the keys, Baptiste told about his big-game hunting in Africa. Alfred listened rapturously and even Breda, who knew these old stories already, enjoyed hearing them again – Baptiste was an excellent storyteller.

Baptiste noticed Alfred's unusual level, for a newly risen vampire, of curiosity at once. The young vampire didn't cease to ask him question after question; his thirst for knowledge seemed to be unquenchable. The ancient vampire's interest was aroused. Alfred was a special kind of vampire, he could see that instantly – just as he had seen it with Breda almost 300 years ago. But during a short break of conversation, when all were attending to their bloodwine, listening to Herbert's play, the Viennese caught Breda's look and the count shook his head smilingly.

"I'll take him with me, Baptiste. I know he'd be in best hands with you, but neither you nor I would be able to explain this to Herbert."

Baptiste was indeed disappointed – but he got over this quickly and chuckled. Yes, of course, Breda wasn't stupid. He had noticed his interest in the boy immediately. This boy had best prospects to become a very fine vampire one day and he would have been a nice challenge for him. But on the other hand, he'd have very good teachers in Breda and Herbert too – and after all these two bore his hallmarks.

Alfred, who had restrained himself from asking more questions out of pure politeness, didn't notice the small exchange of the elder vampires. He was too charmed by Herbert's music. It was true that his prowess at this instrument was basic at most, but he could well hear that Herbert had mastered it. There wasn't one wrong note, no faltering melody. Herbert played without score and Alfred didn't know the song – but still he felt like he had heard it a thousand times before. Had he known that the song was one of Herbert's self-composed pieces, his admiration would have been even greater.

Alfred sipped on his wine, breathing deeply. He felt so well right now. He had good and interesting company and the pain in his shoulders was nothing but a distant burning. Following an impulse, he decided to try out this connection of emotions he shared with Herbert. Could he willingly "send" an emotion to Herbert? He concentrated on his current contentment and simply willed himself to send it. Apparently it worked, for Herbert paused for a split second in his play. Then the prince smiled, without stopping his play or even looking up. Seconds later Alfred was flooded by a bunch of emotions. He didn't even try to unravel or name them. He knew he'd be over-challenged. All he could say was, that they were all positive emotions.

Smiling, he turned back to the conversation with Breda and Baptiste to keep on asking the saved questions.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Baptiste answered all of Alfred's questions patiently until there was a knock on the door. A servant entered, bowed and said: "Milord, the coach is here and ready."

"Ah, very well Rudolf, thank you. Tell Christian he may harness the horses," Baptiste ordered. The servant retreated and the Viennese turned to Breda. "I think it would be in your interest to make yourself familiar with the horses and the carriage? And I suppose my curious young friend here would love to see a bit more from my beautiful city?"

Alfred only looked confused, while Breda asked: "Will you accompany us?"

"You know I'm a much asked for vampire. I lingered here too long, anyway. But you know the town well enough to show the best places to those boys. So, if you'll excuse me now?"

Baptiste rose and left the room, while Herbert gazed at his father in anticipation, pausing his music. "We'll make a tour through the city? Now? Wonderful!" he exclaimed, when Breda nodded.

"Just take capes from your room – there are some in your wardrobe – and come to the patio." Breda rose and left the room, too.

Herbert went back to the table, tipping the rest of his wine into his throat in a rather ungentlemanly manner. Alfred emptied his glass with distinctly more manners.

"Come on, hurry. You'll see, Vienna is beautiful." (A/N: Herbert is sooo right!) Suddenly Herbert sighed loudly. "If only I had some money with me. There is a huge market that opens very early in the morning – there is nothing you won't find there."

They had reached their room in the meantime. Someone had cleaned it in their absence. Herbert looked into the wardrobe and found indeed several capes. He chose two for them, took Alfred by the hand, and dragged him out of the room, down the stairs, and into the patio.

Breda was already there and acquainted himself with the horses, that were harnessed in front of a landau. The servant was still busy with dismantling the top, making it an open coach for the trip through town. When all was ready, Breda climbed onto the box, while Herbert and Alfred took place in the back of the coach. Clicking his tongue Breda, commanded the horses to move and they drove out of the patio.

"Why do you have to make yourself familiar with this coach, Father?" Herbert asked and the count turned around to him.

"Because we will start our journey back with this coach tomorrow. And that means that you two will also make yourselves familiar with it tonight. I suppose you know how to steer a coach?" he asked Alfred.

The younger merely nodded and kept on looking around. He really hadn't seen much of Vienna up to now. First they had been occupied with finding the University as quickly as possible, than his senses had been addled by pain. Now he marveled at his surroundings. Herbert really didn't exaggerate: it was a wonderful city. Of course, they only had started their trip and were still in Baptiste's neighborhood. But the houses here were all pretty impressive mansions. He was sure that Vienna also had to have messier quarters.

While driving through the nightly streets, Breda commented on some buildings to Alfred and Herbert. St. Stephen's Cathedral, State Opera, City Hall, and of course, Hofburg Palace, the residence of the emperor. While driving through an unspectacular part of town, Alfred rested his head on Herbert's shoulder, watching the black clouds covering the moon once in a while. Herbert slung his arm around Alfred's shoulders and placed a kiss on his blond hair. They both felt nothing but peaceful contentment. Herbert laid a hand on Alfred's cheeks and turned his face around to be able to kiss him. Soon they had forgotten everything around them and Breda's newest comments on buildings or places were left unheard.

They were so much drawn into each other that only an insistent cough ripped them back into reality. Upset, Alfred pulled back, looking a bit ashamed, while Herbert was merely annoyed by the interruption. That changed quickly when he saw where they were. Only some steps away Alfred saw the biggest accumulation of market stalls he had ever seen. Breda had already parked the coach and an aid had brought some water and hay for the horses.

The young boy had watched the two kissing people a bit ashamed, but now he looked downright confused when he realized that Herbert was NOT a woman. Quickly, he retreated some steps – those gents had been strange to him even before, visiting the market at such an early hour, now he found them creepy.

Breda climbed off the box, while Alfred and Herbert got out of the coach. The Count pulled a small bag out of the pocket of his cape and gave it to Herbert.

"We'll meet here in two hours' time. Please, Herbert, TRY to spend the money mainly on useful things you two will need for the journey home. Alfred, please keep an eye on him. I have to do some purchases myself. Oh – and you won't need a trunk, Baptiste will provide us with one."

"How... Where... Where is the money from?" Herbert asked, astounded and thrilled at the same time. The purse was heavy, so it likely held a small fortune. "Did Baptiste..."

"Baptiste is rich beyond all measure, but I don't have to excessively strain his hospitality. Baptiste operates something like a bank for vampires – he lends money and he also treasures external money fiduciary. I deposited a larger amount of money with him a long time ago. So when I'm in this part of Europe I don't have to travel with too much money on my body. I'll visit Baptiste, anyway," Breda explained. "See you later," he added before turning around and disappearing in the clutter of stalls.

Herbert regarded the treasure in his hands almost as tenderly as he had Alfred before. Then he put it in his cape's pocket, took Alfred's hand, and pulled him on to the market. "Come on, someone here has to sell hairwash-powder."

"Eh, Herbert, I think your father didn't mean hairwash-powder when he said 'useful things for the journey'," Alfred dared pointing out. His Lord had given him an order to keep an eye on Herbert's purchases, after all.

"He said 'mainly'. We will do just that. Mainly we'll need clothes – believe me, I won't have a problem following this order. But you can't find hairwash-powder in Transylvania and I think it is useful for your nerves on our journey home. Moreover, I still have a bit money of my own," Herbert self-exculpated.

They needed quite a while to find the appropriate stall, but Herbert asked for the way rigorously. Finally he found his precious powder and ordered ten canisters at once – that would last for a while. He bought other hygienic products, such as soap, sponges, two brushes, a comb, a file, and a big soft towel for each at the same stall. Alfred reached for a razor, but Herbert took it from him again, smiling. Softly he whispered:

"Don't you think you'd have a full beard by now, if vampires still needed shaving?"

Alfred paused and realized that Herbert was right. He should have noticed this earlier. But then again, he didn't really have time during the last week.

Herbert ordered the package with the purchased products to be brought to the coach – this service was provided. For the first time he opened his father's purse and saw, that there was really more than enough money in it. He father had been foresighted – he simply knew that Herbert loved shopping.

After they could check off these items (apart from the hairwash-powder Alfred had had no complaints with any of the other things), they turned to the quarter of the market, where the merchants sold clothes.

Soon after, two pairs of trousers each and several simple shirts and jackets were on their way to the coach. Alfred was amused at how fast Herbert was able to spend a small fortune. Soon they were surrounded by merchants, trying to convince these solvent customers to buy their fine clothes.

Herbert eyed a tailcoat that was glittering purple in the electrical light. When he held it, testing in front of Alfred, he earned a horrified look.

"Is something wrong with it?" Herbert asked confused.

"I won't wear it," Alfred simply explained. Never would he don this hideous thing.

Herbert smiled at him and this smile seemed to change every bone in Alfred's body into melting wax. "But I think it really matches your eyes," Herbert purred.

"This is purple. My eyes are green."

"Exactly."

"I will not wear a purple tailcoat. Nothing purple at all, if it comes to that. And even less so when it sparkles."

"Nonsense. You'll need something for the ball. My father will surely set one soon."

"There are so many tailcoats and suits here – why has it to be this one?" Alfred slowly became desperate.

Herbert pushed forward his underlip and such looked like a pouting 3-years-old. He also behaved like one, now Alfred came to think of it and he remembered why he had supposed that it wouldn't be easy not to lose patience from time to time when being with Herbert.

"Put it back, please. We'll find something else for me, alright? But not purple or glittering."

"Very well," Herbert finally gave up and gave the tailcoat back to the merchant, shaking his head. Sometimes it had been easier to have a consort lacking of his own free will.

The merchant bowed and said: "If the gentlemen wants to follow me to my stall? I have many other designs, all in different colors. You'll surely find something worth to wear on a reception by the Emperor."

Herbert nodded and they followed the merchant, who indeed offered mainly fine clothes for society occasions. Herbert immediately saw a combination of jacket and trousers in a dark green color. Now he felt the need to kiss Alfred for his steadfast refusal before. This would be really perfect for him!

He took the set and showed it to Alfred. Smiling, Alfred took the jacket and put it on for testing. He had no problem with this color and it fitted really well. Marveling, he stroke over the cloth. His family wasn't poor at all, but not immensely rich, either. They probably wouldn't have afforded this combination, even if they would have the money if need be. But Herbert wouldn't hear any of this and paid the fancy price without batting an eye.

With this, their time had almost run out, and so had the money. Herbert therefore renounced looking for ball-clothes for himself – after all, he already had chosen the clothes for this year's ball.

On their way back to the coach, Alfred got stuck at a stall selling books. Herbert waited smilingly – they both had their preferences. And for the most part it wasn't bad that Alfred was that independent. That's what he liked so much about him – he wasn't some random brain- and emotion-less vampire, running after him like a puppy. The prince noticed Alfred's longing look and followed it to a certain book. Karl May? Wasn't that the author Alfred had enthused about yesterday? The one with America?

"Don't you know this one yet?" he asked.

"Only by name – I've already heard about it. But I couldn't find it anywhere. They say it's really good."

Spontaneously Herbert waved to the merchant, who wrapped the book into brown paper. Alfred looked a bit embarrassed – apparently there was still the expensive combination in the back of his head. But really, this book was the cheapest item they had bought this morning.

"Hey Chéri. Father said useful things for the journey. And now you won't have to retell a story you already know, you can read us a completely new story. So it won't be boring for you either. This is a useful item," Herbert explained winking and Alfred couldn't help laughing, taking the package from the merchant. He was obviously happy about this gift – more than about the clothes. Somehow it was neat, that one could make Alfred happy with such small things.

"So, but now we'll have to hurry," Alfred urged – their time must be up already.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Breda was waiting for them more or less impatiently. He already had planned a buffer, since Herbert tended to show up too late. So there was still enough time to drive back to Baptiste's.

This time the count sat in the back of the coach, between all of their purchases, and Alfred and Herbert climbed onto the box. They drove the coach home, changing reins after half of the way. Everything worked out quite nicely, but Breda would not have expected less. Of course Baptiste's people have found the best coach and the best horses available for his money.

They came back to Baptiste's without any further delay, where servants took their purchases and carried them into the house. It was nearing sunrise and so they went to their guest rooms immediately.

Alfred realized now that it had been an exhausting night for his shoulders in particular. He was hardly able to undress his cape without help and failed completely with the shirt. Herbert rushed to his aid and also tended to his wound again with some silverherbs.

Then Herbert inducted one of the new brushes while Alfred lay down, groaning a bit. The prince took off his shirt and climbed into bed, cuddling close to Alfred.

"Are you looking forward for home?" asked Alfred softly.

"Well, somehow I'd really like to stay a bit longer. But I can understand father – he has to go back as soon as possible. This Baptiste is a really amazing vampire, isn't he?"

"Oh yes, he is. He must have so many stories to tell," Alfred said a bit wistfully.

"I'm sure we'll come back here – no, I'm pestering Father so long, until we'll make a planned journey hitherto. Maybe just the two of us," he promised and Alfred chuckled. Herbert was crazy. But in this case, Herbert would receive his full assistance.

And with these last thoughts, they slid into rest.

TBC