'Old friend,
I am back to Dorgoyl Castle. My homeland had become warm even in this time of year, so I'm seeking refuge in the North. A long winter is ahead us, and I'd hoped we could spend it together. You are welcome to join me anytime.
Love,
Tama Blackwing'
Finishing the letters, he let the candle drop above the envelopes. While the wax hardened, he took his seal ring off, engraving the winged dragon into it. A couple of minutes later, Cassandra came by to take them and have them carried off to their three recipients. He commonly had someone from his household complete whatever he needed done, but for this particular one, they had hired humans. It would take their own kind far too long, since they could only ever move during the night.
Since that was finished, he left the study and made way down the hall to see Dimitri. He had ordered that the werewolf girl's room be carefully guarded. He didn't wish to go as far as to lock her into a cell again, but he wouldn't risk her running away.
"She wants to leave." His friend informed him dryly, and he shrugged.
"She can't."
"Tama?"
"Hm?"
"Stefania is still upset. When do you plan to speak to her?"
"I don't. Eventually, she'll settle down. Besides," He smiled. "Zmay is coming to visit. I'm sure he'll find a way to make her feel better."
"You're saying that on purpose?"
"Of course – I say everything on purpose." Patting Dimitri's shoulder, he took a turn down a different hallway, unhappily noting the sunlight was coming through the large windows even though he had his men paint the glass and hang heavy, dark drapes over it. "I'm off to bed. Make sure the exits are guarded."
....
Having checked on the guards once more, Dimitri picked up some food from the kitchen and made his way upstairs 'till he reached one of the towers. The sunlight bothered him as well, but he never was able to get much sleep knowing Stefania was around.
Reaching the door of the guestroom she was occupying, he knocked. Hopefully, she was awake.
"Yes?"
"It's me."
"Enter." Came a tired response. She sat in a rocking chair, working on embroidery. "I should have known better than to expect him to come see me." Watching the tray he carried, she looked at him indifferently. "I've no appetite."
"You'll feel better when you swallow something other than wine."
Unbothered, he brushed past her and stopped before the small oaken table, proceeding to set the dishes across its surface. He heard the chair as she slowly rocked in it.
"I wish he cared like you do."
"You know he cares, my lady. He's just… I don't really know, either." Sighing, he stepped away from the arrangement on the table, and offered her a polite nod. "Enjoy." He added and made his way for the door. As much as he craved her presence, he didn't wish to linger and impose himself like a clingy dog.
"Can't you stay? I'd like some company."
"I can."
Her smile, albeit clearly forced, was refreshing.
"Here, take my seat. I'll sit at the table." Slowly, she began her meal, and he made himself comfortable in the noisy chair.
Her black hair swayed as she cut the meat on her plate, taking a bite without much enthusiasm. They didn't need anything aside from blood to maintain their life, but that was pretty much the equivalent of a person whose entire diet consists of a daily piece of bread. It keeps one alive, but offers no satisfaction.
"So what is it like?" Stefania asked after a while.
"What?"
"The creature."
"Your brother thought she's harmless, at first, but he doesn't look so sure anymore."
"Huh." Chuckling, she added between bites, "Another one of his stupid ideas blew up in his face."
Upon taking one final sip of her wine, she carefully patted her mouth clean, and turned around in her chair so she could face him. "So tell me about him." She sighed. "I didn't even get to ask for his wellbeing before we started fighting."
"He's fine." Dimitri nodded, as though he was convincing himself as well as her.
"What's the actual reason he came here? He told me it's because the weather is getting warmer, but that never bothered him before. What is going on?"
"He's bored."
"Bored? You're telling me he moved his entire household across countries and into this ruin purely out of boredom?" Standing up, she crossed her arms. "Do you think I'm stupid?"
"I do not." He shook his head. "He's been restless for centuries, already. He…" Frowning, he stopped himself from saying any more and stood up as well. "If you want to know more, you'll have to get it out of Tama. It's not my place to tell."
As he made way for the door, Stefania rushed over, grabbing his wrist. Blinking in confusion, he realized he'd never stood so close to her. Her floral scent, timeless skin, dark eyes… For a fraction of a moment his gaze landed on her bosom, squeezed and made prominent by her corset. Quickly, he looked elsewhere.
"You know he isn't going to tell me."
"Neither will I." Hesitating for a moment, he pulled his arm away. "I'm sorry."
....
Nights fell earlier in these parts, and Dimitri had to acknowledge that was a favorable thing about moving to Castle Dorgoyl. It hasn't even been seven hours since noon and he could already comfortably walk outside – Tama close behind, dealing with his long hair which rippled and tangled in the North wind.
"This is some view." The knight commented, sparing a moment to stare into the hilled distance while they walked on the castle's outer walls. Most stars were already visible, and the waxing Moon was quickly making its way upwards.
"Stefania is worried about you." Dimitri blurted out, not in the mood to waste much time on discussing environment. Truthfully, he was concerned he might lose his resolve and tell her if she persisted to ask. There was no way she wasn't aware of his feelings, and it wouldn't be beneath her to take advantage of them. She was Tama's blood after all. "She wished to know why you're acting strange. I didn't tell her."
"Tell her what?" The man asked absently, as if he didn't know exactly.
"Don't play stupid." Dimitri didn't say more. They had agreed long ago not to talk about it anyplace where they could be heard – preferably, at all. Thinking back, at the time he never would have spoken to his lord in such a bold manner since he was just a guard. After that day, he became some sort of a right hand to Tama. Making Dimitri deal with the many escapades he'd cook up every now and again was the man's strange way of showing gratitude.
"She'd become even more of a pest if she knew."
"She's just trying to understand you. You two are each other's only family."
"So?" Tama sighed. "Most vampires have no family. I have hard time understanding why it's so crucial."
"Whatever, I'm not a bloody philosopher." The knight's laugh rang in the wind at his short patience. "If you must, come up with something I can tell her so she'd let it go. I don't know what to do."
"Hm…" He pondered over it for a moment. "Tell her… I fell in love. Yes. A terrible seductress stole my heart, betrayed and left me… And all she took with her was a lock of my raven hair…" Inhaling tragically, he added, "And a bite of my undead heart."
"That's Samson and Delilah, you oaf! Your sister had read the Bible."
He laughed again, faking an apologetic expression.
"Honestly, I don't care, Dimitri. Tell her whatever you want."
"How about the truth?"
All amusement left his friends face, and he stopped walking to lean back on the wall and look at the sky. He shrugged.
"If you judge it's the right thing, go ahead."
.....
"When will you let me leave?" The werewolf asked, refusing to sit at his table until she's gotten her answer. Tama offered an overly pleasant smile.
"Good to see you out of your room, Lorelei. You know already." He gestured vaguely. "As soon as Frey confirms your words, and I make sure he is the source of your knowledge about our kind."
"When will that be?!" Her aggressive stance and cautious movement ruined the beauty of the pale blue dress the maids had chosen for her. The color intensified the fairness of her skin, while her brown locks fell delightfully over the fabric.
"Given how rainy the autumn has been until now, and my guests can only travel by night – no sooner than a month. I doubt the invitations had even reached them yet."
"And I should stay here the whole time?!" Reaching the table, she let her hands slam atop its surface, making sure to catch his gaze. "I don't like it here! I want to go home, and you can just come find me when they arrive."
"And risk you running away? I wasn't knighted for being stupid, Lorelei." He stood up and came closer to her. "What don't you like?" He tried more gently, having placed a hand on the small of her back to escort her to her seat. "You're warm, full, safe – none of which you have in the wild. Please, sit down."
Swiftly turning back to his own end of the table, Tama poured himself more wine, and took a sip before facing the girl again.
"Everyone hates me here – your guards, servants, and even you are just pretending to be nice! I'm not stupid either." As if mimicking his actions, she took the closest pitcher and pored some for herself too, drinking up quite the amount before she continued speaking. "The Moon is beyond new! In less than a fortnight it will become full again. What guarantee do I have you people won't kill me on the spot when I turn?!"
"We didn't kill you the first time. And I am still curious about you, so I would never permit it. Is it settled then?"
"No, it isn't! I'm tired of sitting around all day. I can't even sleep at night because I never do anything to make me sleepy! Your beds are too soft, and your maids won't let me go on the balcony! All your windows are painted, I haven't seen a ray of sunlight in two weeks! This stupid clothes irritates me, too!"
"Alright. Alright, Lorelei!" Raising his hand, he couldn't hold back a chuckle at her anger. "I will permit you to go out on the balcony and get your sunlight." He had to shudder at the thought. "As for activity… I don't know. You can try fencing?"
"I want to feel grass beneath me, lord, and river, and wind! I hate these walls."
Having to pause for a moment as she said that, Tama slowly nodded to himself. She was a creature of the day, after all. So full of life, enjoying the simple pleasures of the earth. Smiling lightly, he tried recalling the time he used to be like that, hoping to invoke that feeling once more, but quickly discovered he couldn't. It has simply been far too long.
"What are you smiling for?"
"Nothing, nothing at all." He laughed. "How about we go hunting one night?"
"I'm not sure how well I can hunt at night unless the Moon is full… But," She sighed. "Alright. It's better than nothing."
"There! I will make the arrangements as soon as possible." He raised his cup to her. "Now, can we dine together? Night is at its end, we're losing time."
"Fine."
.....
"Why must we do this? I have forgotten the steps."
Cassandra played away on her violin, refusing to be bothered by their conversation. The high notes, her creative melodies echoed against the walls of the enormous ballroom. How full it used to be once. As a young – well, relatively young – vampire he enjoyed hosting grand balls more often than was reasonable. As in many other things, however, he had lost his will for it.
"Didn't you wish to be active, Lorelei? Until we can go hunting, waltzing will have to suffice." He took a stance, straightened his back and stretched his arm out in invitation. "Unless you'd rather go back to sitting around?"
She was a hard one to please, he had to note. Only days ago she made a scene for not getting enough movement, but still complained about his every suggestion.
Giving in, Lorelei approached. She placed her hand in his, rested the other on his shoulder and waited. He advanced forward and made a step right, and initially she stumbled a little, but it didn't take her long to grow accustomed to it once more. Waltz was delightfully simple that way.
"Who taught you to dance, Lorelei?"
"My father."
"Of course." He smiled, not trying too hard to conceal his disbelief.
The music was turning more heated, quick, passionate as Cassandra surrendered to the violin, and the werewolf was beginning to lose her pace. She was starting to falter, more and more, making hesitant twirls when Tama sent her away and limply falling back into his arms, nearly bumping into him rather than retaking her position as his dancing partner. All of which only seemed to encourage his head maid to play more fiercely yet.
"Keep up, lovely Lorelei! I don't recall dances in Frey's court were ever so mild." He laughed at the girl's irritation that was growing progressively more obvious as her struggle continued.
Purposely – as usual – he tugged only a tad bit harder while pulling her towards himself and she didn't disappoint. They had to stop moving. His laughter resonated louder than the music, and Lorelei went good five steps away from him, red-faced and brooding after just having landed face first into his chest.
With a wave of his hand he signaled for the music to stop, and Cassandra left. Approaching Lorelei, he gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led way to the huge door on the other end of the ballroom. She stiffened, offering him a sour look as she went along.
"Don't be mad, my lady. I'm just having a bit of harmless fun with you."
"Your maid hates me, she played like that on purpose." Jerking her shoulders in a very unladylike manner, she put some distance between them as they walked ahead. "And no boys I ever danced with tugged like that!"
Having approached the door, she reached for the knob, but ended up gasping in surprise when Tama made her turn to him, leaving his arm to rest against the wood, right beside her head.
"Oh, Lorelei," He chuckled, allowing his gloved fingers to tap the surface, enjoying her confused, doe-eyed expression while she stared up at him. "I am not a boy."
It began with her eyes. The pupils dilated, coloring her bright green eyes mostly black. Eyelashes followed, as she blinked about dozen times in a second, looking away to avoid his gaze. Her lips came next, ticking slightly and thinning themselves into an awkward line. And at last, her pretty fair skin; its hue turned sweetly pinkish.
"What are you… even—talking about?"
And finally, the stutters. Yet again, he graced her with his amused laugh, permitting himself the freedom to poke her nose before stepping away into his own space. He hasn't dealt with this kind of innocent shyness in a long time, and it brought back some of his dearest memories.
He found it very entertaining to observe her reactions. She was unused to social contact, clearly utterly inexperienced, yet she knew right away she was being flirted with. He just thought it something to think about.
"Let's move, Lorelei. We've only a couple of hours left of night. I don't like when morning catches me."
Softly moving her from his way, he finally went thought the door and down the hallway, listening to the bat of her steps as she followed.
"Where are we going?"
"Walking."
....
"Do you like gazing at the stars?" Tama asked while they walked through the courtyard and towards the large maze that was once the centerpiece of the castles exterior. It had long stopped being that, with its bushes turned to lumps of brittle twigs, and the sculptures within gray and covered in moss and bird waste. His household still didn't get a chance to work on its restoration, and even if they did, it would take several good years to cultivate.
He noticed her shrug her shoulders indifferently.
"You don't?"
"I do… But it just turns to staring at the Moon and counting down until it'll become full again." Gesturing limply, she continued, "I like Sun better." Having heard a trace of vigor in her voice, Tama paid closer attention, watching her profile as she spoke. "Lying down on a meadow somewhere and looking at the clouds move is much more calming. And beautiful. It's like…" She paused in search for words, "For a while, you turn into a butterfly or something… I don't know. It's nice."
"It must be." He nodded thoughtfully. "Ah," A sigh escaped him, "Though I live in darkness, the Lord is a light for me.[1]" He recited quietly.
"When was the last time you saw sunlight?" The sound of her earnest curiosity brought a smile to his face. He thought back to the day, and narrowed his eyes for a moment to recall exactly how long ago it was.
"Some four hundred years ago, if I'm not mistaken."
"Four hundred?!" Silently, he cursed himself for the slip-up, having failed to even think of his words before she reacted that way. "Surely you're not only four hundred years old?"
"Thank you for the flattery!" He grinned, pretending to have taken offense. "Of course not, Lorelei, I'm ancient. That was just the last time I was out in the Sun."
"So… By accident, you mean?"
"Yes, of course." He offered a short laugh. "A complete accident. Anyway," Clearing his throat, he hurried to change the subject and extended his elbow her way. "Best hold on now, my lady. You can still get lost in this old place."
She appeared to have questions, and if he was certain of one thing, it was that he wasn't going to answer them – especially not to someone whose identity could as well be completely false, and especially not the questions about that particular topic. So, he did what he does best, and enthusiastically moved on to a whole different subject yet again.
"Isn't it strange, Lorelei, how out of nowhere we collectively began planting mazes in our gardens? They sure are mysterious and pretty, but way too much work for what they're worth, don't you think?" Before she could get a word in, he swiftly continued. "But, it became a trend, and as I'm sure can be told at first glance, I follow trends."
On her initiative, they stopped walking, and Tama faced her, wondering what happened. Smiling, as if she was having a hard time containing her reactions, Lorelei chuckled. Once, twice, before she proceeded to laugh at him.
Awkwardly taking a step back, he watched her, in question. All the times he was actually being delightfully humorous, she offered less reaction than a dead horse.
"What?"
"You're stupid." Remnants of laughter adorned her voice, and it did make him smile, although he hurried to fake anger.
"It's not very wise to call your lord stupid. Your father failed to teach you that, Lorelei?"
"Not in a bad way." She added merrily and went on walking ahead of him, observing the first sculptures they came upon with interest – or was it difficulty because of the darkness? Tama slowly followed.
"There's a good way to be stupid?"
"You know," The werewolf shrugged, "Funny."
For a while, they continued walking in silence. Dry bushes, crippled statues, muteness of an autumn night made for a perfect atmosphere. If only dawn wasn't less than two hours away, he thought. After making conversation by the fountain in the midst of the maze, he finally suggested they go back. Bed time was approaching.
...…
The guard was better at playing chess than he had any business being, the old walls were damp and leaking, so dirty water was pooling beneath Dimitri's boots and chair. Rats squeaked, the wind whipped his skin, a few chess pieces were missing. Yet, he chose to spend his nights in the absolute misery of the dungeon, rather than risk running into Stefania again.
She sought him out, a couple of times actually, judging by what the maids told him. Being given the freedom to decide what he'd disclose to her about her brother made his situation no easier than before. It won't be easy for her to hear, and even less so for him to tell.
"What…" He watched the chess board, bewildered. "You're cheating?"
"No." Sebastian replied indifferently, removing another white piece he had just gotten from him. "Check mate."
"You've won every round! How?"
"Do you see any prisoners here?"
"No…"
"I have nothing better to do but play chess. You know," A smile escaped him, "Unless Anna pays me a visit."
"You're playing chess day and night, in that case. She doesn't lift her head from sewing since the werewolf moved in. Tama always orders something new for his pet."
"Put in a word for her, would you? I haven't seen my wife in weeks."
"Will do."
"Another round?"
Sighing exhaustedly, Dimitri shrugged his shoulders and nodded. He should note to bring cards with him next time. Just as they rearranged their figurines and went back to playing, a distant bat of steps reached them. It was slowly growing closer, but they didn't pay it much mind. A maid bringing more wine, maybe? That would be good, they were almost out.
"So this is your hideout." A painfully familiar voice came from behind his back, and he stiffened. The guard swiftly got up from his seat, and bowed politely.
"My lady."
Choking down another sigh, Dimitri stood up as well, with a heavy heart deciding he had no choice but to turn around and face her. He offered the same greeting as Sebastian, only with noticeably less vigor.
"Maids told me to look here." She allowed her gaze to roam the ruin that was Dorgoyl's dungeon with fake interest, before her eyes were back on him. "I'd enjoy your company again, if you please."
And there was only one thing he could say to that,
"It would be my honor."
"I see." Stefania nodded knowingly, not bothering to hide her miff. "I'll wait in the parlor."
Letting her go ahead, he sat back down with Sebastian, cursing whichever maid had uncovered him. The guard crossed his arms and stared him down with a smirk.
"So? The lady enjoys your company?" He teased wittingly, since all bats in all caves in the world already knew he had feelings for the woman, apparently. "What's with that face?! I thought you'd dance around like a fool when the day comes!"
"The day didn't come. You misunderstood."
"Well, what does she want with you then?"
"Don't ask."
Drinking up what little wine was left, Dimitri lingered a little longer. He wished to avoid the discomfort of catching up with Stefania on the stairs. And since he had to get this thing done, anyway, he'd prefer to do it later rather than sooner.
.....
Fire crackling in the large hearth was the only light source in the room, coloring the walls in warm hue. The room temperature felt divine after the hours he'd spent down in the dungeon. Woolen blankets were folded over each of the recliners by the fireplace, the small table was full of food and wine. Stefania was curled up on one side, glass of steaming mulled wine in her hands. The sight would appear entirely inviting to a naïve third party.
Out of nowhere, Dimitri recalled his time as a demon hunter[2], as they called themselves. On more than one occasion, he raided whole werewolf packs' hideouts and lived. Might be all the time that passed since, or the wine, but he truly felt like he'd rather go back to that than sit down with Stefania.
"You came." She offered a glance over her shoulder, and turned back to the blaze. "Join me."
And so he did. Making his way over, he took his place in the free recliner, lazily laying the blanket over his lap. Since she remained silent and slowly sipped her hot blood wine, Dimitri didn't bother to speak either. She was the one who wished to talk in the first place, so it was up to her to break the ice.
"I came here so I wouldn't be all alone. I knew Tama would start avoiding me very soon, but I wasn't expecting the same from you." She spoke to the fire, not looking his way.
"Your brother sent out invitations to Vlad, Zmay[3] and Frey. Soon you'll have plenty of company." He forced his facial expression to remain stoic as she flashed him an annoyed look.
"I came here to be with my brother! If I wanted Vlad's and Frey's company, I'd go to their castles."
He nodded in understanding of her words, inwardly noting she said nothing about Zmay. Truthfully, Dimitri was always aware he never had any chance with Stefania. She was noble. Not to mention, in vampire hierarchy, she was an ancient. He was a hunter, who killed her kind for living before becoming one of them. And even then, he was a little over five hundred years old. He was no one.
Zmay was a knight, a noble ruler, a legendary warrior. Yet, Dimitri found himself again and again having the audacity to mind the knight's presence; the way he preoccupied Stefania's attention, made her come out of her shell, made her lower her guard, which came easy to no one.
"Anyway," She inhaled a deep breath, "You know why I asked for you. I demand to know what's happening with my brother."
Frowning, Dimitri took his time to decide what would be the most favorable way to approach the topic, and came to conclusion it'd be best for everyone's sake to get it over with as soon as possible.
"First, you should know he's alright." He began slowly, leaning forward to get his own glass of wine. Occasional sips were a good way to spare oneself a moment to think. "There was a tough period, but it's over. At least I think it is."
"So…" Stefania gestured in confusion. "This isn't the tough period? He abandoned a perfectly good castle back home, to come and work on this ruin in the middle of nowhere! And—And he keeps a werewolf, feeds it, dresses it – I hear he even danced with it!" Sighing, she laid her hand over her chest to calm down. "I can't even begin to understand him! He was always strange, but this… I don't know."
"As I already told you – he is bored. About—"
"Bored?" Yet again, her impatience got the best of her, and he focused on containing his annoyance for being interrupted. "That makes no sense at all. When I'm bored I read a book, or learn to play an instrument, or travel, or… Anything! I don't move across the continent and act like a fool!"
"It's not so simple, lady Stefania. He tends to think too much, and at some point…" Well, the hour came to have that sip of wine. He could feel her intense gaze on himself while she waited. "He seems to have decided his life – our lives – aren't worth living."
"How so?"
"We have all the time in this world, nothing to lose, we're damned to never see daylight. I'd say he regrets ever becoming a vampire."
"It took him two thousand years to start regretting?"
"No. He's been like this far longer than you think."
"How long?" Slowly, she put her glass away and turned her body his way, focusing all of her attention on what he'd come to say next.
"Well, I'm not sure how long indeed, but I've been there four centuries ago. At the time, he was at the worst I've ever witnessed."
Stefania looked away in thought, trying to recall the memories from that period, slowly shaking her head in disagreement. He knew why – Tama never was the one to allow his trouble to be seen; especially not by his overbearing sister.
"But he was normal back then. He organized banquets and balls every fortnight! He was so lively at the time!"
"Yet he went outside."
"Where outside?"
"After one of his feasts," He refrained from saying orgies, as that was what most of those parties ended up being. "In the morning," He sought Stefania's eyes before continuing. "He went out."
Heavy disappointment was written all over her posture the second he finished his sentence. Slowly, she let one pale hand cover her mouth, although she wasn't making a noise in her mute shock.
"On purpose?" She asked to make sure, as if it wasn't clear. He nodded.
"I was on guard duty. I called after him, and yelled; he just kept going. In the end, I had no choice but to run out too and carry him inside. We were both sick for weeks after that." Once he had started to reveal the truth he had kept secret for so long, he couldn't find it in himself to stop. "I was only exposed for a minute or two. But he… For almost ten minutes he stood in the Sun, refusing to move. The witch doctor couldn't believe he even lived through it."
Lady's dark eyes wavered, glistening with tears, and she swiftly turned away to hide them.
"Why didn't he ever talk to me?" She whispered, facing him once more with a handkerchief in her hand. At the moment, nothing seemed sweeter than the chance to tell the truth, and so Dimitri came to say the words he regretted immediately:
"Because you're a pest." Just a moment later, his surprise matched Stefania's and he looked back at her in panic. "Please," He cleared his throat in discomfort. "Forgive me, my lady! I was… I just used Tama's usual words…"
Her tearful laugh came as the initial response, leaving him to feel a mix of both relief and shame.
"I forgive you, of course." Slowly, she stood up and approached him. Reluctantly, he did the same. Curiously he watched her as she took his hands in hers, holding them tightly. "Thank you for caring about us. I promise," She smiled, "I'll try to be less of a pest in the future."
"I just did my duty."
"Your duty is to my brother. Yet, you're so good to me."
"You're his family. To me you two are the same." He lied, not knowing how to deal with this new gratitude.
"Oh," She offered an overemphasized nod, clearly making fun of him. "So you're in love with him as well?"
His complete bafflement seemed to amuse her even more, although, soon she chose to quit joking and looked at him seriously once more.
"Once again, I'll always be grateful to you." Withdrawing her hands from his, she came a step closer, and much to his panic, wrapped her arms around his middle and leaned into his chest for a hug. He allowed one reluctant hand to rest on her back until she let go.
"So what do you think I should do now? How do I help him?" She asked.
"Just leave him be. He's found some joy in this werewolf situation. The rest of us just ignore it when we can." Having said that, he cleared his throat, and offered a curt nod. "I'll return to Sebastian now. Have a good night, my lady."
[1] Bible, Micah 7:8
[2] Demon hunter – Secret order of humans trained to hunt and kill supernatural beings and people dealing in supernatural, including witches, vampires and werewolves.
[3] Vlad Dracul (Vlad Tepes) – Romanian ruler who inspired the character of Dracula;
Zmaj Ognjeni Vuk (Vuk Grgurevich Brankovich) – Grandson of a Serbian ruler. Vuk is the main character in many epic songs, depicting him as a draconic hero. What Vuk and Vlad have in common is that they were both knights in the medieval Order of the Dragon, hence their nicknames (both Zmaj and Dracul mean 'dragon' in their respective languages).