A Telepathic Conversation

"... It was an impressive proof of your skill"

As much as Ceriden appreciated the flattery, this did not answer his question. As he considered how to refine his earlier question to try to coax some details about Gareth's moral beliefs, he suddenly sensed the vampire ask a question of his own:

"I apologise in advance because I know I shouldn't be asking you this, but.. That book of spells Sabina.. my master.. carries around... If that's the only thing you want from her, then why haven't you just taken it from her and left?"

Ceriden pondered the question for a moment. Wincing from his headache, the mage replied, "I'll admit that I have considered doing that, and I probably will if she has second thoughts about giving the book to me, but I will plan on helping her until that happens. I certainly could overpower her and take her stuff, but I did essentially promise to help her. Therefore, I am honor-bound to follow through with this job until it is completed to the best of my ability. At the end of the day, I have to live with the decisions I make, and if I just take what I want from her, then I'm no better than the common brigand. Actually, I'd be worse than the common brigand, for they at least have the decency to stab you in the chest before they rob you blind instead of stabbing you in the back."

Ceriden took a breath. He thought about what he wanted, why he wanted Sabina's book and what he was planning on doing with it once he got it. He knew his plan was reckless and foolish, but since he was probably an outlaw by now anyway, he might as well follow through with his plan. However, Ceriden probably needed a partner for this plan, considering how dangerous it would be. Hopefully, Gareth would consider being that partner.

Which meant that he needed to sell it to him. Taking another breath, Ceriden telepathically asked, "Gareth, what do you plan to do with yourself after we hopefully complete this spell, satisfy your master, and I buy your freedom? I guess I'm asking this because I'm going to need a partner for my future travels, and I was wondering if you would like to accompany me. I will find a way to make it profitable for you, and of course I will help you find food. I've actually studied vampires in the past, so I can help you figure out how to live with your condition."