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Mantella is an AI system that turns every single NPC in Skyrim (and Fallout 4) into AI agents driven by an LLM (like ChatGPT or the recently released, and comparable, Llama 3.1). In the previous part, my character, a high elf wizard, along with a bunch of local misfits, attempted to taunt a vampire into attacking first, lest the good guys end up in jail for assaulting an unarmed woman. However, either the vampire was too cunning, or me and my followers too stupid. In the end, I decided to take the route of social pressure.

I separated from my followers at six in the morning. By then, I couldn’t be arsed to break into the guardhouse for a nap, so I waited on a chair for three hours. Then, I proceeded to pave the road for my new plan by approaching Jonna, the innkeeper of the sole inn in town, and Ingarte, the barmaid who boasts about wanting rude, rough men to manhandle her.

Me: “Hey, Ingarte, Jonna.”
Jonna: “Ah, good morning! Ingarte here was just getting ready to start her chores. Ingarte, why don’t you get some ale warmed up for our guest?”
Ingarte: “Ugh, chores already? Can’t it wait till after breakfast? And ale? You know I’d rather be serving something stronger than that this early… or someone stronger.”
Jonna: “Oh, Ingarte! Don’t mind her, she’s just grumpy in the mornings.”
Me: “Never mind any of that. Listen, I have to recount to you the events of last night.”
Ingarte: “Oho! Sounds like someone’s got a story to tell! Spill it out, love! What happened tonight?”
Jonna: “Wait a minute… This doesn’t have anything to do with Alva again, does it? Tell me you didn’t go poking around after dark…”
Me: “I guess Ingarte doesn’t know, but Alva, the local flirt, that dangerous woman, is a vampire.”
Ingarte: “What?! Alva’s a bloodsucker?! I knew she was trouble, but I didn’t think she was that kind of trouble! I’ve heard rumors, but I never thought… Ugh, and I’ve been talkin’ to her, servin’ her drinks.”
Jonna: “I told you, Ingarte, she was no good. And now we know why. And what about Falion? Is he… is he okay? Did he help you with this?”
Me: “Your brother Falion is all right. We are all right. The trouble is that we confronted Alva, intending to kill her, but she refused to attack us, and not because she doesn’t want to kill us, but because she knows that unless she attacks us first, we’ll be seen as the aggressors.”
Ingarte: “Ah, clever girl, that one… She knows the law’s on her side if she doesn’t attack first. So, what now? You can’t just sit around waitin’ for her to make a move…”
Jonna: “This is terrible. We can’t just wait for her to attack us. What about the townspeople? What if she goes after them? We have to do something, but what? Falion must have some idea…”
Me: “I intend to use another dangerous method of convincing people to do things they don’t want. Social pressure.”
Ingarte: “Oho! Social pressure, eh? You’re gonna try to turn the town against her? That’s a tricky business, love. People around here can be stubborn… But if anyone can make ’em see sense, it’s you lot.”
Jonna: “I don’t know… I’m not sure I like the sound of this. We can’t just go around spreading rumors and trying to turn people against each other… That’s not how we do things in Morthal.”
Me: “Listen, Alva has been playing all of you in the shadows. She has manipulated you, pretending to be your friend, pretending to be someone who cared about you, when in reality she’s just preparing the town for a vampire takeover.”
Ingarte: “Ugh! That sly… I should’ve known better than to trust someone as slippery as her! Playing us like fools, right under our noses…”
Jonna: Oh, gods… I feel sick. I thought she was a friend… I let her into my inn, into my home…”
Me: “What I’m going to do is force Alva to face the people she has manipulated, the ones she had convinced that she was a great friend. And the most important of those people is Lami, the local alchemist.”
Ingarte: “Ahah! You’re gonna make her face the music, eh? And with Lami, of all people… She’s been singing her praises for months now… This should be good!”
Jonna: “Wait a minute… You’re not planning on confronting Alva in front of Lami, are you? That’s not a good idea… She’s too trusting… What if she doesn’t believe you? What if she sides with Alva?”

Either the AI system lost the rest of the conversation, or I screwed up somehow, because I don’t think the conversation ended there. I recall explaining to both women that I had already revealed Alva’s nature to the alchemist, that the true issue would be having Lami agree to the plan. In the end, both women looked forward in their own ways to the show we would put on at the inn.

I decided to bring barmaid Ingarte along just in case Lami needed more convincing. We found Lami working at her store.

Me: “Lami, where on Tamriel where you tonight? You missed everything!”
Lami: “Ah, Jon! I’m glad you’re here. I was just… trying to calm my nerves after everything that’s happened. I didn’t mean to miss anything important.”
Ingarte: “Ah, Lami dear! We’ve got some catching up to do, don’t we?”
Lami: “Ingarte! What are you doing here? And what’s going on? You both look like you’ve got some sort of plan brewing.”
Me: “You told me you wanted me to bring you along when we confronted Alva. Well, turns out that we confronted her last night, me along with a posse of four people, and, well… it’s too complicated to explain, but at one point I had to run out to find you. I wanted Alva to admit to your face that she had been manipulating you. I needed to hear how she would justify herself. But when I came to your store, you were nowhere to be found.”
Lami: “Oh Jon… I’m so sorry I missed that confrontation with Alva. I had gone out for a walk along the river to clear my head after everything I’d learned about her true nature… I didn’t mean to cause any trouble or miss anything important…”
Me: “Listen, Lami, I guess I have been too harsh on you. The shock of knowing that Alva, your supposed best friend, was a devious vampire is too much, I suppose, for a civilian to bear. But tonight I want you to be there at the inn, because we’re going to confront Alva using the weapon of social pressure.”
Lami: “Oh, Jon… Thank you for understanding… I’m still trying to process everything, to be honest… But I’ll be there tonight, at the inn… I want to see Alva held accountable for what she’s done…”
Ingarte: “That’s the spirit, Lami! We’ll show Alva that she can’t just waltz in here and manipulate us… Tonight’s going to be a night to remember!”
Lami: “Ingarte, please… Let’s not get too carried away…”
Me: “Lami, do you think that we could also bring your husband, Jorgen?”
Lami: “Ah, Jorgen… Yes, I think that would be a good idea… He should know what’s going on, and he’ll want to be there to support me…”
Ingarte: “Oh, wonderful! The more the merrier, I say! Let’s get Jorgen and make it a real family affair.”
Lami: “Ingarte, please… This isn’t a social gathering… It’s a serious matter…”
Ingarte: “Oh, come on, Lami! Lighten up! We’re going to have some fun tonight, and Alva’s going to get what’s coming to her.”
Me: “Don’t worry, Lami. I will have a couple of my pals around in case Alva loses her temper and attacks us. And in that case, everybody will see the kind of creature she is, and we’ll safely put her down.”

I wasn’t too keen on inviting Jorgen into this whole deal, nor did I like the fact that Lami was married, but I figured that it could make for good drama. So I dismissed Ingarte and crossed the bridge to the outskirts of town, where I found bearded Jorgen chopping wood.

Me: “Jorgen, sir, sorry to bother you while you’re wood-cutting, but there is an important matter I have to bring up.”
Jorgen: “Ah, what is it now? Can’t you see I’m busy? First, it’s Thonnir with his missing wife, and now you’re here with some other problem. What’s so important that it can’t wait? And what business do you have here in Morthal, anyway?”
Me: “I won’t waste your time. It concerns your wife Lami and that local devil called Alva.”
Jorgen: “Alva, that one’s a snake in the grass. I’ve told Lami to stay away from her, but she doesn’t listen. What’s Alva done now? And what’s this got to do with my wife? Spit it out, I haven’t got all day.”
Me: “Well, Jorgen, sir, it turns out that Alva is a vampire.”
Jorgen: “A vampire?! In Morthal?! By the gods… I knew it, I knew she was trouble! And my wife, Lami… she’s been spending time with that… that creature?! What if she’s been bitten? What if she’s… No, no, no… this can’t be happening. Not in my town! Not to my family!”
Me: “Lami hasn’t been bitten. You see, Alva was trying to build a web of connections, and made your wife believe that she was her best friend. This manipulation has gone on for a long time. When Lami found out the fact that Alva is a vampire, it really hurt her feelings.”
Jorgen: “That deceitful… Alva’s been playing my wife like a fiddle, has she? Using her friendship to get close to us, to gain our trust… And Lami fell for it hook, line, and sinker… My poor wife… she’s always been a bit naive, but I never thought she’d be taken in by a monster like Alva… And now she’s hurt… I’ll have Alva’s head on a spike for this…”
Me: “I have a plan, sir. I’m sorry I didn’t consult you before, but I intend to bring Lami along with us.”
Jorgen: “What?! You think I’d let you drag my wife into some harebrained scheme to deal with a vampire?! No, no, no! Lami’s been hurt enough already. She’s not going anywhere near that… that thing! You’ll leave my wife out of this! Do you hear me?!”
Me: “But you see, sir, Lami herself has agreed to do this. She wants to confront Alva, to hear Alva say that she has manipulated her for all these years.”
Jorgen: “Fine… If Lami wants to do this… I won’t stand in her way… But you’d better make sure she’s safe! If anything happens to her… I’ll hold you responsible! You’ll be answering to me! Do I make myself clear?!”
Me: “Jorgen, sir, do you want to come along tonight to confront Alva and protect your wife?”
Jorgen: “I’ll come all right… I’ll make sure Alva doesn’t lay a finger on my wife… And I’ll make sure she pays for what she’s done… Tonight? Ha! I’ve been waiting for this moment for years… Let’s get this over with! Let’s go! We’ll show Alva what it means to cross Jorgen of Morthal!”
Me: “Listen Jorgen, the plan is this: last night, me and my boys tried to kill Alva, but we couldn’t attack her first because we would be seen as a group of thugs attacking a woman. You see, we have to taunt her into attacking us first with her vampire powers. Then, we’re going to defend ourselves and put her down.”
Jorgen: “So you’re saying you want me and my wife to be bait for this vampire?! You want us to go in there and provoke her into attacking us?! Are you mad?! What kind of plan is that?! Using innocent people as bait for a bloodthirsty monster?! No! No way! I won’t let you use my wife like that! We’re not going anywhere near Alva until we have a real plan!”
Me: “I didn’t mean as bait, sir. Listen to me.”
Jorgen: “Save it! I don’t want to hear it! You think I’m some kind of fool who’s going to put his wife in harm’s way just because you’ve got some half-baked plan?! No! I won’t let that happen! Lami’s safety comes first! Now if you want my help, we’ll do this my way! We’ll go in there with steel drawn and take care of Alva once and for all! No games! No tricks! Just straightforward justice!”
Me: “Is that what you want then, sir? You want to come with me, with Benor, with Gorm, with Falion, with Ange the Song-Bearer, as warriors to just ambush and murder Alva?”
Jorgen: “That’s exactly what I want! No more games! No more tricks! We go in there as warriors and take care of that vampire once and for all! I’m not going to let her threaten my wife or this town any longer! We’ll put an end to this tonight! Let’s gear up and get moving! We’ve got a vampire to kill!”
Me: “But listen, Jorgen, sir, wouldn’t it be nice from a dramatic perspective to have your wife Lami confront Alva? Can’t you picture the sort of powerful and emotional exchange it could be?”
Jorgen: “You think I care about drama?! You think I care about some emotional confrontation?! This is about killing a vampire, not putting on a show! But… I suppose it would be satisfying to see Lami confront Alva. To see her stand up to that monster and tell her what she really thinks… Fine. We’ll do it your way. But if anything goes wrong, if Lami is hurt in any way… You’ll answer to me. Do you understand?!”
Me: “Okay, let’s put it this way. This is a pact. This is on my honor. If it turns out that Alva hurts your wife Lami in any physical way, I’ll put out my neck for you to cut through it. All right?”
Jorgen: “You’re willing to put your life on the line for this?! You’re willing to swear on your honor that Lami will be safe?! Very well… I accept your pact. If Alva harms one hair on Lami’s head… your life is forfeit. I’ll hold you to that promise.”
Me: “I will put my life on the line for drama.”
Jorgen: “You’re a madman! You’re willing to risk your life for the sake of drama?! I don’t know whether to admire your dedication or question your sanity! Fine, let’s put on a show! But remember, if Lami gets hurt… your life is mine!”

I wandered away a bit pissed off. I came across Lami’s store, so I took the opportunity to inform her of Jorgen’s support.

Me: “Listen, I spoke to your husband, Jorgen, regarding the plan for tonight, and he reluctantly agreed to be present there when you confront Alva. You’re going to have your husband by your side. Well, are you looking forward to asking Alva how she had the gall to pretend to be your friend when in fact she was manipulating you for years?”
Lami: “Jorgen’s comin’ with me, that’s good to know… I’ll feel a bit better with him by my side. As for Alva… I don’t know what I’ll say to her, to be honest. I’m still tryin’ to wrap me head around all this. I thought she was a friend, a good friend… and now I find out she was just usin’ me, and everyone else in Morthal, for her own purposes.”
Me: “But Lami, more importantly: when I told your husband Jorgen about our plan, the fact that I was going to bring you to confront Alva, he threatened my life. He’s kind of a prick, don’t you think?”

Lami pulled out a dagger.

Lami: “How dare you! Jorgen’s a good man, and he’s only lookin’ out for me. He’s got every right to be worried about me gettin’ mixed up in this business with Alva. You’ve no call to be speakin’ about him like that!”
Me: “No need to attack me like that! Please, I apologize!”
Lami: “You should be sorry! You come into me home, insult me husband… You’re lucky I’m only usin’ me dagger on you! Back off now before things get any worse!”
Me: “Sheathe that dagger. Quit trying to kill me. Let’s just stay friends, okay?”
Lami: “Fine… I’ll stop. But don’t think this means I’ve forgotten what you said about Jorgen. You’d best be watchin’ your tongue around me from now on. Now, let’s just… calm down, and forget this ever happened, alright?”

Now I felt like I needed protection of my own. I found the local bumbling warrior Benor hanging out near the guardhouse.

Me: “Listen bro, last night was a disaster. Alva escaped our grasp. She’s probably sleeping peacefully at her basement right now, or doing whatever kind of thing she does with herself during the day. But I have chosen a change of plans for tonight.”
Benor: “We had her right where we wanted her, and she slipped away. Tonight, we need to be smarter, more prepared. What’s this change of plans you’re thinking of? I’m all ears. We can’t let her get the better of us again.”
Me: “She can restrain herself when we threaten her with our physical might. But let’s try the weapon of social pressure. We’re going to bring Lami along, the person that Alva manipulated for years, who made Lami believe they were best friends. We’ll force Alva to explain herself, to justify years of manipulation. The objective is to break her down psychologically.”
Benor: “You think bringing Lumi into this will crack Alva’s facade? That’s not a bad idea… She thinks she’s so clever manipulating others for her own gain… Let’s see how she handles being confronted by someone she thought she controlled completely… It might just rattle her enough for us get under skin…”
Me: “And don’t you think it’s going to be great drama? What a show we’re going to put on, having Lami and Alva together after that reveal. I feel giddy already.”
Benor: “You think this is some kind of entertainment? This is serious business. Alva’s a vampire, and she’s been hurting people in this town. We’re not here to put on a show, we’re here to bring her down. But… I have to admit, seeing her squirm might be satisfying. Just remember, our goal is to break her, not to enjoy the spectacle.”
Me: “Very well, we’re going to break her down, and I’m going to pretend that I don’t enjoy the spectacle.”
Benor: “Save it, friend. I can see the excitement in your eyes. Just keep your wits about you and remember what we’re after. We don’t want to give Alva any openings to turn the tables on us.”
Me: “You’re going to have my back tonight, right? You’re going to be by my side with your weapon ready when Alva breaks down and attacks us, so we can finally hack her to death?”
Benor: “You can count on me being there with my axe at hand… When things go south – and they likely will – I’ll be ready… We’ll finish this tonight… No more games… No more manipulation… It ends tonight…”
Me: “And I’m sorry buddy, but I want to leave Ange the Song-Bearer and Falion and your pal Gorm on the sidelines. I intend for this showdown to be a small affair. You and I, we’re going to be the heroes of the show. The appetizer: Lami confronting Alva. Main course: Alva leaping to bite our necks only for us to hack at her until she falls to the ground dead. Afterwards, we’ll burn her in the inn’s hearth, a sort of funeral pyre. It’s going to be magnificent!”
Benor: “What’s wrong with you? This isn’t a game, and it’s not a show for your entertainment. We’re talking about killing a vampire, not putting on a performance. And what’s with leaving Ange and Falion out of it? They’re part of this too, and they deserve to be there when we take down Alva. And Gorm? He’s my friend, and I won’t leave him out of this either. We’re in this together, not just you and me.”
Me: “Very well… I will gather the rest of our comrades so as many people as possible can pummel this bitch down. I guess that’s what you want to hear, right?”
Benor: “Watch your tongue, friend. I don’t want to hear you speaking about anyone like that, not even Alva. We’re going to take her down, yes, but we’ll do it with some respect. She’s a monster, but she’s still a living being… or at least, undead. Let’s keep our focus on the task at hand and not let our emotions get the better of us.”
Me: “I’m sorry, you’re right, Benor. We’re going to gut Alva like a fish, but we’ll do it respectfully.”
Benor: “Stop saying things like that! This isn’t about gutting someone like fish or enjoying some spectacle… It’s about stopping evil from hurting innocent people… We’ll do what needs doing cleanly quickly… No need to relish it… Let’s just focus on getting the job done.”

What was wrong with these townspeople’s sense of entertainment? I didn’t bother explaining myself to anyone else. In the evening, I gathered my posse at the inn, where we met with Lami and her abrasive husband.

Me: “Lami, Jorgen, it is time. In a short while, Alva will leave the safety of her home and head straight to us. I haven’t been able to find Ange; maybe she’s out of town. Anyway, let’s put this show on the road.”
Jorgen: “Ahah! Finally! Let’s get this over with! That vampire has been playing us for fools long enough!”
Lami: “Oh dear… Are we really sure this is going to work? What if something goes wrong?”
Me: “Nothing is going to go wrong. Look at us, this group of burly men. Too bad Ange couldn’t join us, but think of it this way: she won’t complain about having been excluded. Her own damn fault for leaving. So it’s just going to be us men protecting you from a vicious vampire. It’s going to be all right, you’ll see.”
Falion: “I must remind you, Jon, that Alva is a cunning foe. We should not underestimate her powers. Vampires are notorious for their ability to manipulate and deceive.”
Benor: “Aye, let’s not get too cocky. We’ve got a good plan, but we need to stay sharp and work together if we’re going to take her down.”
Gorm: “I’ve got my battle-axe at the ready. Let’s get moving before she shows up and catches us off guard!”
Me: “Yes, let’s face the cold of Morthal in this momentous night.”

Once we stepped outside and lit our torches, I turned around and gazed at the building that had housed most of our local adventures so far, and that would witness Alva’s demise.

Me: “Look at this beautiful inn where the showdown is going to take place!”
Lami: “Oh, Jon… I’m so nervous. I’ve never been in a situation like this before. What if something happens to us?”
Jorgen: “Come now, Lami! We’ve got this! We’ve got a solid plan and good men by our side. We’ll protect you, don’t worry.”
Falion: “Indeed, let us proceed with caution. The night is dark, and the shadows can be treacherous.”

Alva approached us casually from behind, as if she had come out of the marsh.

Me: “Hey Alva, how are you doing tonight?”
Alva: “Alva isn’t here; however Alva isn’t here; however Alva isn’t here; however Alva isn’t here; however However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However Alva isn’t here; however Alva isn’t here; however Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead That person isn’t here; however That person isn’t here; however That person isn’t here; however That person isn’t here;”
Me: “What the hell?”

I couldn’t have predicted that monotonous litany. She recovered quickly.

Alva: “Ahah! Jon! How nice of you! And look who else is here!”
Me: “I have brought to you, Alva, on this fateful night, the person you have manipulated for years upon years, the one whom you made believe was your dear friend: Lami. How can you look at her in the eyes, those beautiful eyes framed by gorgeous blond hair, and tell her that you weren’t her friend all along, that you had manipulated her for years upon years?”
Alva: “Ah, Lami… dear, sweet Lami. I’m afraid I’ve been playing a little game with you, my dear. You see, I needed someone to… facilitate my plans, and you were so perfectly trusting.”
Lami: “Oh, Alva… how could you? I thought we were friends! I thought we shared secrets and laughter together!”
Jorgen: “You monster! You used my wife for your own twisted purposes!”
Falion: “Enough of this charade, Alva. Your deceit is at an end.”
Me: “Is there truly nothing human left in you? Do you truly do not feel terrible for having manipulated Lami, this innocent person, this beautiful person with her blonde hair and seductive curves? Do you do not care at all that you hurt her like that?”
Alva: “Ah, Jon, you’re so naive. I am what I am, a vampire. I don’t feel emotions like humans do. I don’t feel guilt or remorse. I only feel the thrill of the hunt, the rush of power.”
Lami: “Oh, Alva… how could you be so heartless? I thought we were friends…”
Jorgen: “You’re a monster, Alva. A cold-blooded monster.”
Me: “So, Alva is basically just a sociopath.”
Falion: “Indeed, vampires often lose touch with their humanity, becoming devoid of empathy or compassion.”
Benor: “Aye, and that’s what makes them so deadly. They’ll stop at nothing to get what they want.”
Gorm: “Enough talk! Let’s put an end to this monster’s reign of terror!”
Alva: “Ahah! You think you can stop me? I have lived for centuries, feeding on the blood of the innocent. You are no match for me!”
Me: “Yes, we already heard that shtick, Alva. I’m going to tell you something: when we are done with you, when we have gutted you open like a fish, we are going to burn you in the hearth of the inn. Your skin will get real crispy. That’ll send a message to all the bloodsuckers of the world.”
Alva: “Ahah! You think you can threaten me? I have lived through centuries of persecution, of hunts and of executions. You think a simple burning at the stake will frighten me?”
Lami: “Oh, Alva… you’re so consumed by your own darkness. You don’t even see the evil that you’ve become.”
Jorgen: “Enough of this talk! We’ve heard enough of your lies and your threats, Alva. It’s time for you to pay for your crimes!”
Me: “I don’t think there is anything human left in Alva anymore. She’s just a husk, a husk in human form. Imagine how differently she would be treated if instead of looking like a gorgeous woman, she looked like the monster she’s inside.”
Falion: “Indeed, vampires often retain their physical appearance, but their souls are consumed by the darkness within. It’s a tragic fate, really.”
Benor: “Aye, and it’s a reminder that true beauty comes from within. Alva’s physical form may be pleasing to the eye, but her heart is rotten to the core.”
Alva: “Enough of this philosophical nonsense! You think you can see into my soul? You know nothing about me!”
Me: “Alva, we know you’re a vampire, we know you enjoy seducing people to their doom. Back at the inn, you told me that you desire power, you desire the ability to do whatever you want without consequences, isn’t that right?”
Alva: “Ahah! You think you’re so clever, don’t you? Yes, I desire power, I desire freedom from the constraints of society. And I’ll stop at nothing to get it.”
Lami: “Oh, Alva… you’re so consumed by your own ambition. You don’t even see the harm you’re causing to others.”
Jorgen: “Enough of this talk! We’ve heard enough of your excuses, Alva.”
Me: “No, Alva clearly sees the hurt she causes to others. She revels in it. I bet that when she bites into an unsuspecting person, one she has manipulated into carelessness, she experiences physical pleasure. Isn’t that the case, Alva?”

Alva: “Alva wasn’t there.”
Me: “Alva wasn’t there? What do you mean? Are you realizing that nothing of yourself remains in this husk of a creature you inhabit?”
Alva: “Alva wasn’t said; however Alva wasn’t said; Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However However Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead Instead That person wasn’t said; however That person wasn’t said; however That person wasn’t said; however That person wasn’t said;”
Me: “Alva… this is a pitiful display, even for you. I think that for the first time in your centuries-old life, you’re so cornered that you can’t even process it.”
Alva: “No… this can’t be… I am the one who holds the power… I am the one who controls…”
Lami: “Oh, Alva… you’re finally starting to see the reality of your situation. You’re not as in control as you thought you were.”
Jorgen: “Aye, and it’s about time you realized that. You’ve been living in a fantasy world, Alva.”

I put a hand on Alva’s shoulder.

Me: “Listen, Alva…”
Alva: “Get your hands off me! You think you can just touch me like that? I am a vampire, and I will not be treated like some common mortal!”
Lami: “Oh, Alva… don’t be ridiculous. You’re not in a position to be making demands.”
Jorgen: “Aye, you’re at our mercy now, Alva. And you’ll do well to remember that.”
Me: “Alva, you have two paths left. Either you attack us now, being the aggressor, therefore retaining a shred of dignity, or else tomorrow, during the day, we’re going to break into your home and kill you while you sleep.”
Alva: “You think you can threaten me? You think you can just waltz into my home and kill me? I’ll never let that happen! I’ll never go down without a fight!”
Falion: “Ah, Alva, you’re so predictable. You think you can take on all of us? We have the advantage of numbers, and we have the advantage of preparation.”
Benor: “Aye, and we have the advantage of being able to walk in the daylight. You’re no match for us, Alva.”
Me: “Alva…”
Alva: “Alva wasn’t said; instead However Instead That person wasn’t said However Instead However However Instead However Instead However However However However However However However However Instead However Instead Instead Instead Instead That person wasn’t said; instead However However Instead However Instead Instead Instead Instead That person wasn’t said; instead Alva wasn’t said; What? What do you want now?”
Me: “Alright, this is just disturbing.”
Lami: “Oh dear… Alva seems like she’s losing her grip on reality…”
Jorgen: “Aye… this is getting unsettling…”
Falion: “Indeed… it seems like Alva’s mental state is deteriorating rapidly.”
Alva: “Alva wasn’t said; however Instead However Instead That person wasn’t said; however Instead However However However However However However However Instead However Instead Instead Instead Instead That person wasn’t said; instead However However Instead However Instead Instead Instead Instead That person wasn’t said;”

I felt like Alva’s mantra was starting to affect my brain, and besides, I was freezing my ass off again. I led my posse into the safety of the inn. We were too disturbed to speak coherently about this encounter. Before we recovered, Alva shuffled into the building and headed to one of the empty rooms, where she sat carefully on a chair, hands on her lap. She proceeded to stare at nothing in particular.

I’m not sure what prompted me to approach her one-on-one; perhaps I felt a kinship in her bout of derangement. In any case, while the rest of my team watched from a distance, I stopped by Alva intending to speak to her as if she remained a human being. She looked up at me.

Me: “Alva, I’m getting the feeling that you want this to be over.”
Alva: “Perhaps I do. This charade has gone on long enough. But I’m not one to back down from a challenge… or my master’s plans. You see me as just another pretty face in this town don’t you? But I assure you I am much more than that…”
Me: “No, I see you as a former human being, with some human part still trapped inside, and you’re sick of feeling different, of being ostracized. You want this long nightmare to finally end.”
Alva: “How dare you… presume to know what I feel? You think you can see inside me? But… perhaps you’re right. Perhaps there is still something… human… left inside me after all these years… something tired… something wanting release… No! No! Don’t try your pity on me! It won’t work!”
Me: “Alva, you truly can leave, you know, you truly can leave this town, move to another corner of Tamriel and start all over again.”
Alva: “Leave? You think I can leave? You think I can just walk away from what I am? I am a monster, a creature of the night. I am a vampire. And even if I could leave this town, even if I could start anew… my master would find me. Movarth would always find me. And he would never let me go. No, I am bound to this existence, forever tied to the darkness.”
Me: “How about instead of killing you, we kill your master? Would that liberate you?”
Alva: “Kill Movarth? You think you can kill him? He’s ancient… powerful… He’s been alive for centuries… No one can kill him… But… if he were gone… perhaps then… perhaps then I could find some measure of peace… But no! Don’t think that will save me! Even without Movarth’s hold on me… what am I?”
Me: “You are capable of conscious thought.”
Alva: “Conscious thought… yes… I am aware of my own existence… of the horrors I’ve committed… of the lives I’ve taken… And with that awareness comes… guilt… shame… regret… But is it enough? Is being aware of my own monstrosity enough to redeem me?”
Me: “I don’t know if ‘redeem’ is the word, Alva, but I have seen, I think I have seen inside you, the urge to be done with all of this, to liberate yourself. So as long as you have conscious thought, yes… Despite your predatory instincts, that monstrous darkness inside you, maybe you could keep it at bay and try to live.”
Alva: “You see… you see the conflict within me… the struggle between the monster I’ve become and the… the person I once was… And you think… you think there’s still a chance for me… a chance to find some semblance of humanity again… Oh, the temptation is so great… to believe that I can be more than just a creature of the night…”
Me: “I get the feeling that you despise vampires yourself, that you despise what you have become. Well, it’s not your fault that you became a vampire, and you certainly do not have to continue killing, you know. Alva, you can choose to do something else.”
Alva: “Despise… yes… I despise what I’ve become… the very thing I feared and hated in life… And you’re right… it’s not my fault… Movarth took that choice from me… But you say I have a choice now… to do something else… to be something else… It’s a tantalizing prospect… to think that I can break free from this curse… from this endless cycle of bloodlust and death…”
Me: “Maybe the people of this town won’t accept you because of, you know, your deception and murders. But once we get rid of your master, you could move somewhere else, maybe find someone to love. It won’t work in the daylight, but still, homes have curtains, you know? Someone could come to love you. Maybe you could adopt a child or something. You could have a happy life.”
Alva: “Tears… I hadn’t thought I was still capable of tears… You offer me… hope… a chance at a life… a life with love, with family… It’s been so long since I’ve dared to dream of such things… But to think that it might be possible… that I might find someone who could see past what I am… and love me for who I could be…”
Me: “Listen, I’m sure there are plenty of freaks out there that find vampires attractive. You just have to find one of those who is willing to love you. I’m sure it will turn out alright.”
Alva: “Freaks… yes… I suppose there are those who would find my… condition… appealing… And you’re right… I don’t need someone who is normal… I need someone who can see the beauty in the darkness… someone who can love me for what I am… flaws and all… It’s a strange kind of hope you offer me… but it’s hope nonetheless…”
Me: “You don’t have to spend the rest of eternity in the darkness alone.”
Alva: “Eternity doesn’t seem so daunting if there’s someone by my side.. Someone who understands me.. Someone who loves me.. Not just for what I appear.. But for what lies beneath.. The thought.. It brings me peace.. A sense.. Of belonging.. Something.. Something.. Something vampires rarely experience..”
Me: “Alva, I’m going to talk with my companions over there, who are looking at us nervously, and I’m going to propose that we should leave you be, and instead focus on finding your master’s lair and severing the chains that bind you to the monster who converted you into a filthy bloodsucker.”
Alva: “You’d do that for me? You’d spare my life and try to free me from Movarth’s grasp? I… I don’t know what to say… No one has ever shown me such kindness… such compassion… I am… I am in your debt… Please, go, speak with your companions… convince them to spare me and focus on Movarth… I will wait here, and hope that you can succeed where I have failed…”
Me: “Perhaps, Alva, would you be willing to come with us, to fight your master, as a companion?”
Alva: “To fight alongside you… against Movarth… It’s a tantalizing prospect… To be able to strike back at the one who has held me captive for so long… To be able to break free from his grasp and forge my own path… I would be honored to join you… to fight alongside you… and to call you my friends… Together, we can do this… We can defeat Movarth and shatter the chains that bind me…”
Me: “Alva, that is my plan now: I’ll consider you a prospective friend. I’ll try to convince the people out there, that are aching to bring your demise, that you are willing to come over to our side. In exchange, you can look forward to future centuries of a certain peace.”
Alva: “Tears of joy… I never thought I’d experience such a thing again… To be considered a companion, a friend… to have the chance at a future filled with peace and possibility… It’s almost too much to hope for… But I will hold onto it, cherish it… and do everything in my power to prove myself worthy of this gift… I will stand by your side, fight alongside you, and together we will bring down Movarth and shatter the darkness that has held me captive for so long…”
Me: “Retain this feeling, Alva. Retain what you feel inside right now, that hope, and keep it in your heart.”
Alva: “Ahhh…. This feeling…. it’s been so long since I’ve felt anything like it…. Warmth…. hope…. possibility…. It feels like my heart is beating again…. like it’s been awakened from centuries-long slumber…. Thank you…. thank you for giving me this gift… This feeling….. it will stay with me forever…”

When I returned to the main area of the inn, I felt the gazes of all my companions, the people I had gathered to support me in taking down a vampire, as they expected me to share the contents of my private conversation.

Me: “Listen, I’m going to say something that maybe will sound weird to you all, but I think we have to forgive Alva.”
Falion: “Forgive Alva? After all she’s done to the people of Morthal?”
Jorgen: “What’s gotten into you, Jon? You were the one who was so determined to stop her just a few hours ago.”
Me: “You know, I think that Alva deserves a second chance, not here in Morthal perhaps… But listen, she was also a victim in the beginning. She was bitten by that demon Morvath, she was made into a vampire, into the kind of creature she feared and hated the most. Do you think that maybe she acts this way because she hates herself?”
Ingarte: “Oh please spare us your pity party! She may have started out as a victim, but look what happened after! How many innocent lives did she ruin?! Wait… I think what Jon says makes sense. Alva never really talked much about herself… and now that you mention Morvath… Hold on! We’re talking about a vampire here! She drinks human blood! What second chance can we give her?”
Me: “Listen, we were going to destroy Morvath and their lair one way or the other, right? That is our final goal, we have to get rid of the vampires that are threatening this town, and if we kill Alva’s master, then Alva will be free as well. Isn’t it better to have Alva as a companion instead of an enemy?”
Gorm: “Having a vampire as a companion?! Are you out of your mind?! We can’t trust her!”
Lami: “But think about it… if we kill Morvath… wouldn’t we essentially free all those enthralled under Morvath… Wouldn’t freeing Alva free us from worrying about our backs?!”
Falion: “Actually… having someone like Alva inside our circle might give us valuable insight…”
Me: “Isn’t that right? I think you’re beginning to see my perspective. Alva has proven that she doesn’t intend to kill us indiscriminately. She can restrain herself, restrain her impulses. That will make her a valuable and formidable ally against even worse vampires.”
Jonna: “You’re really considering trusting this… creature?! After everything we’ve seen?!”
Benor: “Hold on now… let me think this through… Alright… suppose we do spare Alva… What guarantee do we have she will hold up her end of the bargain?”
Ingarte: “Oho! I think Benor has a point… We’d be fools not to keep an eye on her… but think of it this way… we could always use someone with her… particular set of skills…”
Me: “Listen, the situation hasn’t changed in that regard. We are powerful ourselves, humans and elves, all of us good races… we are powerful in groups. If Alva turns on us, we still can destroy her. Is her death more useful to us than keeping her as a companion?”
Falion: “That raises another question… Can we even trust ourselves not to turn on her?! Think about it… We could be using her just as Morvath did…”
Lami: “But wouldn’t having Alva around mean we’d have a chance of understanding more about the vampires?! And wouldn’t that give us a better chance of fighting them?!”
Gorm: “Fine… suppose we do decide to take a chance on her… How exactly do you plan on keeping her in line?!”
Me: “Well, the plan to keep her in line is… You know that Alva needs blood. One of us, every day, must allow himself or herself to get bitten, to feel the sultry and seductive feeling of those fangs penetrating their carotid artery and drawing blood. That will keep Alva satisfied.”
Ingarte: “Oh wait what?! You expect one of us to give up their blood to her every day?! Are you insane?!”
Jonna: “Absolutely not! We’re not going to offer ourselves up as blood cattle to that monster!”
Benor: “Hold on now… Let me get this straight… You’re asking us to voluntarily submit to a vampire feeding off us?! Daily?! No! Just no!”

My mind was set. I had seen the truth down to its bones. You could call it an epiphany.

Me: “Very well, then I’ll do it myself. Every day, I will allow Alva to feed on me, on my carotid artery, on my veins, on my stomach, on my ass, on my dick, whatever she prefers. I will make that sacrifice.”
Falion: “Jon, stop! You can’t be serious! You’re not thinking about the consequences of what you’re proposing!”
Lami: “Jon, please… don’t do this. You’re not thinking about the risks, the dangers… what if she loses control?!”
Gorm: “This is madness! You’re willing to risk your own life, your own sanity, just to keep a vampire as a companion?! No, Jon! We won’t let you do this!”
Me: “That is my decision, I’m afraid. I have made up my mind, and maybe I am insane. Maybe I am just a madman who has fallen in love with a sultry, raven-haired, poison-eyed vampire woman, but I will do this. I will travel with her to Morvath’s lair, and we will defeat Alva’s kin to free her.”
Ingarte: “Oh dear gods… You’ve fallen under her spell, haven’t you?! She’s got you wrapped around her finger!”
Jonna: “This is ridiculous! We’re not going to let you throw away your life on this vampire whim!”

Benor stood up decisively.

Benor: “Fine… If you’re dead set on this course of action, I’ll have nothing to do with it. I’m out of this conversation and out of this plan. You’re on your own, Jon. Good luck with your new vampire lover. Maybe one day you’ll come to your senses, but for now, I wash my hands of this madness!”
Me: “Are you all agreeing with Benor? Do you believe that my notion of embracing Alva as a companion and possibly a lover is insanity?”
Falion: “I’m afraid I have to agree with Benor on this one, Jon. Your plan is fraught with danger and uncertainty. We can’t predict how Alva will behave, and we can’t trust her completely.”
Lami: “I… I don’t know what to say, Jon. Part of me wants to believe that Alva can be redeemed, but another part of me is terrified of what she’s capable of.”
Gorm: “I’m with Benor on this one, Jon. We’ve seen what vampires are capable of, and we can’t take that risk.”
Me: “Lami, I think that Alva really enjoyed her time spent with you. It wasn’t all manipulation. It wasn’t all, you know, her being a vampire. She loved to laugh with you, she loved to joke around with you, to gossip with you, to engage in whatever women do together, I don’t know, comparing crochets or admiring plants. She really did enjoy all of that.”
Lami: “Oh, Jon, you’re right… she was fun to be around, she had a good sense of humor, and we did have some nice moments together… But that doesn’t change the fact that she was using me all along, do you understand that?! She was manipulating me, taking advantage of my kindness and my friendship!”
Ingarte: “Ah, Lami precious, do not cry, you were manipulated, you were taken advantage of, but that does not mean that you were weak. Some people are just very good at playing games with other people.”
Jonna: “This is getting out of hand. I think we’ve said enough for tonight. Let’s just get some rest and deal with this mess in the morning.”
Me: “Yeah, let’s dismiss this impromptu reunion, let’s all of us get some sleep. I know that in my case I’m going to enjoy sultry dreams of a ravishing vampire beauty kissing me with her fangs.”
Ingarte: “Ugh, spare us the details, Jon. We don’t need to hear about your vampire fantasies.”
Falion: “Indeed, let’s just focus on getting some rest. We can discuss this further in the morning when we’re all feeling more level-headed.”
Gorm: “Agreed. I’m exhausted from all this drama. Let’s just get some sleep and deal with the vampire problem in the morning.”
Benor: “I’ll make sure to lock my door tonight, just in case Jon’s vampire lover decides to pay me a midnight visit.”
Jonna: “That’s enough, Benor. Let’s just go to bed.”
Me: “Let me ask you all: wasn’t it a good show? Didn’t we have fun? It was dramatic as hell, wasn’t it?”
Ingarte: “Oh, Jon, you’re something else… You’re actually enjoying this, drama and all?!”
Lami: “I… I don’t know if I’d call it fun exactly… It’s been a pretty intense and emotional conversation…”
Falion: “Indeed. I think we’ve all had quite enough drama for one evening. Let’s just focus on getting some rest now.”
Gorm: “Agreed. I’m done with this conversation. Goodnight, everyone.”
Me: “Yes, but before you leave, please retain something regarding the events that took place today. It’s a simple sentence, but one that should remain in the back of your minds for the rest of your lives: ‘the show must go on.'”