#radu dracula

[raointean]

Elrond and Elros and Political Hostage Situations

Okay, so I just finished the second season of "Rise of Empires: Ottoman" which covers the story of Vlad "The Impaler" Dracula (yes, that Dracula), and to a lesser extent, his brother Radu. They were given to the Ottomans as political hostages to be killed if their father "misbehaved".

That gave me Thoughts about E&E! With Maedhros and Maglor, no matter how much they actually cared for the twins, were absolutely holding them as hostages; first to try and get the silmaril back, and then to deter pursuit by Gil-Galad. If he had tried to attack them in retribution for Sirion, all M&M would have to do is hold up a twin and a knife and Gil-Galad would have to back off.

Then, when they were given to Gil-Galad, he could have held them hostage as well, or else it could easily be misconstrued as that. Gil-Galad has a somewhat shakey claim to the throne, especially if you interpret the confusion about his father as in-universe or him being an illegitimate heir. Elrond and Elros likewise have a shakey claim to the throne. They are the great-grandsons of the last high king... through his daughter.

Gil-Galad COULD hold them hostage just to keep them under control and make sure they don't try to overthrow him in the confusion during the War of Wrath. Or, he could have genuinely been trying to make sure they were okay and they just misinterpreted it.

Back to the Ottomans, I think Elros parallels Vlad. He matured faster (in my mind) and more fully understood what was going on. Because of that, he had to deal with constant stress and anxiety, which takes a serious toll on the mind.

Perhaps, like Vlad, that shaped him into a very uncompromising person. As soon as Gil-Galad let him go/sent him away, Elros declared himself king of all Men. As king, he started making some... shady decisions regarding children (conscripting young boys, trying children as adults, refusing to show mercy to children on the other side, etc.) He received no mercy when he was a child. Why should they!?

Elrond matured much more slowly (again, in my mind) and was never really able to grasp the level of danger he was in. He was just swinging from caretaker to caretaker and trying to keep his sense of safety intact.

The mind, especially those of children, is EXCELLENT at twisting the facts until things are okay. Elrond didn’t focus on the fact that Maedhros held a knife to his throat to ward off Gil-Galad, he focused on the extra rations he got that night and the fact that HE was the one to save the camp from conflict. That rose-tinted view probably prevented him from examining what happened from an objective point of view until WELL into his adult life.

Gil-Galad may have offered Elrond the position of herald to a) quell rebellious whisperings that Elrond should be king instead of him, and b) to give Elrond a place in life where he FINALLY had some leverage. Elros, in his black and white view of the world, just saw it as another means of control. That was the biggest fight he and Elrond ever had.

[elizabeth-halime]

Vlad Dracula

[coffeewithcutcaffeine]

— in which Vlad Dracula savours the sweetness of a hostage’s life, yet cannot escape the bitterness of his captivity.

word count: 1,705 words

warnings: explicit and implicit mentions of violence; alcohol use

a/n: And we are back with some Vlad Dracula shenanigans! 🎉 A combination of various things (a visit to Türkiye, more research about the Ottoman Empire, and reading Mehmed II’s biography) made me abandon the previously worked-on WIPs to jump back in time a little and craft Vlad’s formative years a bit more. I was initially working on a large piece, but the piece would be large large, so I have decided to divide it into four shorter works. This is the firstborn of the cycle, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as the pain allows. Thank you for stopping by and reading! ❤️️

➨ also available on AO3

May 1443, Laskaris Palace, Nymphaion, western Anatolia, the Ottoman Sultanate

Sitting with his legs crossed upon the rich Anatolian rugs nearly feels like dining amidst the embrace of an open meadow. He can almost envision it — resting in the tall grass beneath the shadow of a chestnut tree and indulging in the creamy delight of fresh sheep cheese, a generous gift from a Wallachian shepherd. The riotous crimson hue shatters his pastoral illusion. His fingers dance upon the fabric, tracing the intricate patterns that are woven into it. Each thread reintroduces him to a culture worlds apart from his own. Getting accustomed to the daily peculiarities of his new life has been a gradual process, one that seemed frightening at first and required a certain degree of caution.

Or so he persuades himself to believe. In the recesses of his mind, he is acutely aware that the reality looks different. He has quickly begun to speak their words, think their thoughts, and dine as they do.

Vlad grasps the still-warm white bread, feeling its heat seep into his skin, then tears the soft, yielding dough into two halves. He sweeps the plate with a smaller piece, immersing the bread in the thick, savoury sauce of honey and sumac. Each bite becomes a small instant of bliss that transports him to a place of simple satisfaction. After a moment of hesitation, he reaches for the ground ginger mixed with honey, now solidified and cut into sticky cubes, and tosses one into his mouth. The sweetness of the honey melts away on his tongue and reveals the comforting heat of ginger that lingers in his throat like a slow-burning ember.

He realises that the memory of pork meat has not crossed his mind for several months.

The table before them is laden with an array of delicious meals, set upon silver and copper plates adorned with intricate oriental patterns. Whatever they desire lies before them, within arm’s reach — mouth-watering spiced meats, roasted pigeons and chicken, vegetables prepared in every imaginable way, the freshest fruits, and sweet delicacies in a spectrum of vibrant colours. Olive oil rests before them in jars, shimmering like liquid gold. If their thirst calls for quenching, they can reach for cups brimming with şerbet, a nectar of hibiscus or pomegranate.

He watches Radu’s small hands reach for the cup, gently drawing it closer so that not a single drop of the sweet liquid spills. Even the most insignificant movement of his younger brother does not escape his vigilant gaze. He observes how Radu’s wide blue eyes remain fixed in trepidation on their Greek teacher seated across them. Vlad’s focus then shifts to the wooden stick beside the teacher, a silent reminder of the punishment that follows every act of disobedience. A mere glance at the piece of wood sends a searing jolt through the soles of his feet. He shifts instinctively, tugging his slippered feet beneath him to seek a fragile sanctuary of his own flesh.

The Ottoman etiquette does not favour conversation at the table, yet Thomas Katavolinos dares to break the tradition. He extends a plate with figs, offering them to Radu with a graceful gesture. “Here, young man. Take some.”

Radu feels an overwhelming fullness, as if he might burst from the sheer abundance within him. With a weary shake of his head, he declines. “Thank you, efendi. I am full.”

Katavolinos smiles, bites into a fig, and returns the plate to the table. The room is swallowed by silence once more.

This is an element of the new life Vlad considers nearly impossible to embrace. He finds it insufferable solely for having it be forced upon him, so stifling and alien compared to the lively, ever-flowing discussions over meals he is familiar with from home. The guests at his father’s court have always been most welcome to sit around the massive table in the dining hall and converse enthusiastically over plates heaped with slabs of roasted pig, the crust glistening in the glow of the hearth. It has been a customary sight ever since he can remember, even before those earliest days in Târgovişte. He also recalls the nights when he would tiptoe down the stairs to spy on Dracul laughing heartily with the few dregătorii he held dear as friends. Goblets filled with wine would sit between them, and the discussions of state affairs would soon give way to nostalgic tales of their shared past when the Voivode’s fate was anything but evident.

Another memory engulfs him, a more intimate one. The Drăculești siblings gathered around their father seated at the head of the table, watching him dig into his meal after a long day besieged by duties. His authoritative voice, softened in those moments by paternal warmth, inquired into each child’s daily progress every evening that he spent at home. And you, Vlad? How are your studies of Chrysostom advancing?

He swallows the painful lump in his throat, burying the memories deep within the recesses of his mind. He fixes his gaze on Radu, tethering his focus to his brother instead. He must remain alert, and this watchfulness anchors him, bestows a sense of purpose upon him. To protect as he has sworn to do preserves his grasp on sanity.

A servant walks in through the grand doorway, pausing beside Katavolinos while cradling a large metal jug. The Byzantian waves his hand adorned with heavy rings, and the young man bows, pouring a crimson liquid into a cup. Katavolinos drinks greedily from it, and Vlad instantly recognises the rich, fruity aroma of the red wine imported from Greece.

Their teacher is yet to embrace the faith of their masters but extols the virtues of the civilised Ottomans into the young brothers nonetheless, urging them to find inspiration in their refined customs. The contrast between these and the so-called Frankish savages is stark, a chasm that the Greek mentor never fails to emphasise. Just last week, they were subjected to an elaborate monologue on the purity of abstinence from spirits. To witness him guzzle the wine with such ravenous intensity that the liquid trickles into his dark beard fills Vlad with a visceral repulsion at the hypocrisy of this man.

The words spill from his lips instinctively, a sudden revelation born from weeks of meticulous studies of the Qur’an under the ever-watchful eye of Mullah Sinan. “They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, ‘In them is great sin and yet, some benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.’”

Radu’s hand strikes his thigh, but it is too late. The words have already escaped, their energy released into the air, thickening the palpable tension around them.

“I see that you have immersed yourself in your studies with great devotion,” Katavolinos draws the cup from his lips, pausing just enough to speak.

Vlad lowers his eyes, and the expression on his face reveals nothing but unblemished humility. “I always aim to please you, efendi.”

Few pupils have ever earned Katavolinos’ affection. This obstinate Wallachian, however, is one he does not like at all. He despises his brazen demeanour, despises the outbursts of temper that only few punishments can quell. He could order him to a day without food or painful beating, yet the brat would always find a way to rebel — still, he can endure it, he has grown to recognise the patterns of his misbehaviour. What Thomas finds intolerable is the sharp sarcasm that he hones with age, the mockery cloaked in innocence yet cutting deep. It demands immense self-restraint to resist the urge to seize the youth by his shoulders and beat the very soul from his being.

“Despite the advice against intoxication,” Katavolinos’ voice increases in intensity, “even our generous hosts occasionally indulge in this delight. It is not defiance against the proclamations of their faith, rather, it represents a blend of purity and pleasure. One aspect cannot exist without the other. After all, one cannot fully appreciate what is righteous without experiencing what is pleasurable.”

“I know. Mullah Sinan explained the ayah in a similar manner.” When Katavolinos is lulled into the false comfort of thinking the conversation has ended, the young hostage adds, “I am merely confused. I remember your firm cautions against alcohol.”

“What I caution you against as younglings does not apply to me as a grown man. Besides, we aim to cultivate in you qualities superior to our own.”

“Vlad,” Radu’s desperate whine begs him to stop when he sees the blaze in the Greek’s eyes that urges his brother to choose his next words wisely.

“And you were right. Alcohol is a poison for the mind. The greater the consumption, the more it weakens the intellect.”

“Are you trying to insinuate something?”

“I would not dare, efendi. But if you observe any similarities in your own behaviour…”

All that follows happens in a whirlwind of motion, so swift and fierce that not even Vlad could foresee it. The wooden stick that rested idly on the floor just a moment before now finds itself in Katavolinos’ grip. The Byzantian, no longer lounging upon the silk cushions, rises to his full height and towers over him. Vlad feels the heavy rings pressing into his skull as their teacher seizes a fistful of his hair and wrenches his head to the side. He is cast to his knees, feeling the soft slippers slip from his feet, exposing the soles to his prisoner.

The pain radiating through his feet is sharp and all-consuming, causing white flecks to dance behind his tightly shut eyes. Radu’s cries are deafening, yet they come muffled to his ears, dulled by the agony that subdues his senses. All else fades away. There is only him and the searing achiness that consumes him. When he is left alone and kneeling on the Anatolian rugs, the sharp stabs of pain give way to a deep, resonant throbbing. Each attempt to rise is met with betrayal by his own body, dragging him back to his knees.

The whimpers that invade his ears irritate him. He is almost ready to lash out at the pitiful sound. Only then does he realise the sounds emanate from his own constricted throat.

We know that the Drăculești brothers’ studies were adjusted to a similar curriculum they would be exposed to back home, especially in the studies of the Eastern Orthodox faith, rhetorics, languages, their own history and etiquette, etc. This was important to the Ottomans as they needed the possible pretenders to be prepared for their future duties in their countries. However, the boys received a dual education, studying as per Ottoman customs alongside the sultan’s sons or sons of Ottoman elites, as hostages often ended up working in the Ottoman administration. The brothers were never made to convert to Islam (because of the possibility that they might secure the Wallachian throne one day), and any references I make to their rigorous studies of the Islamic religion are my creative choice. I believe there could be a high possibility that they were taught at least the basics to understand better the sociocultural references and environment they lived in.

We do not know anything about their European teachers, only that they were most likely former Byzantine elites. Thomas Katavolinos (a Greek secretary of Mehmed II) is indeed a figure that appears in Vlad’s later life, but to deepen the plot and make it more dramatic when the time comes, I have decided to tie him into the brothers’ life much sooner. Therefore, his role as their tutor is fiction only. This is also an idea partially borrowed from the second season of Rise of Empires: Ottoman where Vlad calls both Hamza Bey and Katavolinos his teachers — it is a detail that has a lot of potential and can leave a great impact on the plot. You shall see when I get to it. ;)

Even though many people are familiar with the popular version that Vlad was tortured all the time and even imprisoned in a fortress while staying with the Ottomans, his stay there was far less horrible than this. He and Radu were treated with the dignity that was expected to be given to them as children of a foreign ruler, and so neither of them could be treated as a criminal. However, because we know Vlad was a strong-willed and rebellious hostage, he probably underwent some kind of physical punishment for his misbehaviour. Bastinado was, unfortunately, one of the most common disciplinary punishments of the era.

Despite the Islamic teachings against alcohol consumption, the Turks are a bit of an anomaly in the Muslim world (even though only around 20% of Turks drink alcohol regularly). It was no different during the Ottoman era. From historical sources, we know that Murad II did indulge in spirits — the information about his death varies, but one version states that he died stricken by apoplexy after a drinking bout. We also have historical information about Mehmed II’s own indulgence, one even resulting in a violent encounter with Vlad’s brother Radu.

Also, here is a useful little dictionary to help you understand some of the mentioned things! Sharbat (or şerbet) is a sweet drink prepared from fruit or flower petals, usually served chilled. It can be served in concentrated form and eaten with a spoon or diluted with water to create the drink. Efendi is a Turkish title of respect or courtesy, meaning sir, lord or master. In the Ottoman era, it was most commonly used to address a person with a higher form of education. In the context of this fic, the brothers use it as a title of respect towards their teacher. Mullah is an honorific title for Muslim clergy and is also used for a person who has higher education in Islamic theology and sharia law. They would educate the sons of the Ottoman elite in religion. Ayah is the name for a verse in the Qur’an.

[haitianempress]

Dracula a Love Story characters and their historical counterparts

Vlad - Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler and Vlad Dracula (Vlad Țepeș), was a 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, notorious for his brutal punishment methods, particularly impaling his enemies. He defended his realm from the Ottoman Empire and became a national hero in Romania.

Mehmed - Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror (Mehmed bin Murad), was the Ottoman Sultan who famously captured Constantinople in 1453. Historically, Mehmed II clashed with Vlad Dracula during campaigns in Wallachia, adding political depth to their enmity.

Radu - Radu III, also known as Radu the Handsome, was the younger brother of Vlad the Impaler and historically served as a ruler of Wallachia under Ottoman control. His rivalry with Vlad is well-documented, as Radu supported the Ottomans while Vlad opposed them.

Sultan Murad - Murad II was a formidable ruler who expanded Ottoman control in the Balkans and fought against various European coalitions. His campaigns laid the groundwork for the later conquests of his son, Mehmed II.

Gjerg Skanderberg - Gjergj (Gjergj Kastrioti), commonly known as Skanderbeg, was an Albanian feudal lord and military commander who led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire. Skanderbeg's legacy as a defender of Christian Europe against the Ottomans is similar to how Vlad Dracula is viewed by some in Romania. Both are celebrated as national heroes who fought for independence and freedom in their respective lands.

Erzsebet (Erzsi) - Erzsébet Báthory (Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed), also known as The Blood Countess or Countess Dracula, was a Hungarian noblewoman from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, infamous for allegedly torturing and killing young girls. She is considered one of the most prolific female serial killers in history.

[the-artifice-of-eternity]

Rise of Empires Ottoman Season 2 + text posts

[moonstone-vibe]

Rise of empires: Ottoman (2020) - Vlad and Dimitrie being best trolls

[nesrinslittleworld]

A thought I have to spill into Tumblr void:

What if "the most heinous act" that Vlad is referring about in Season 4 isn't actually about Lale, but... Radu?

Because History knows that these two didn't remain loving brothers forever, due to Mehmed's influence.. 🤔

(Also Mehmed appointed Radu as voievode of Wallachia when Vlad was captured by Matthias Corvin)

[tonyrossmcmahon]

Dracula and the Sultan - an LGBT romance!

How the brother of the real life Dracula ended up in an LGBT romance with an Ottoman sultan - TV historian Tony McMahon reveals all

This has to be one of the most unlikely gay relationships in history. An LGBT romance between the younger brother of the real Dracula – Vlad the Impaler – and the Ottoman sultan, Mehmed II. Dracula’s kid brother, Radu the Handsome (yes, he really was called that), overthrew Vlad with help from Mehmed. The two men had formed the most intimate of bonds in the royal bedchamber. Sultan of an…

[chaoticbuggybitchboy]

The Țepeș family was nuts. One went down as “the impaler” and is the model of the quintessential western vampire. The other went down as “the handsome” and had a totally opposite but also very fucked up life. And there was at least one other brother who got buried alive but those r the notable ones

[vladdocs]

EASY POLL?

[grande-caps]

Rise of Empires: Ottoman - Season 2

Quality : HD screencaptures Amount : 9.411  files Resolution : 1.920 x 1.080 px

-Please like/reblog if taking!

[thisghosts-obsessions-again]

Who is this body snatcher??? Okay, I have decided! My second playthrough will be Mehmed!

[elizabeth-halime]

Radu Dracula

[coffeewithcutcaffeine]

How fucked up people can be when someone reads the excerpt from Chalkokondyles that explicitly states things like:

“it happened that the sultan was almost killed by the boy when he had wanted to have sex with him” (explicitly mentioned r*pe attempt),

“he [Radu] fought him off and refused to consent to intercourse with him” (explicitly mentioned lack of consent on one side),

and “the sultan kissed the unwilling boy, who drew a dagger and struck the sultan on his thigh” (explicitly mentioned physical attack of the victim in order to protect himself from being r*ped),

and then proceeds to glorify Radu’s relationship with Mehmed and portray them as happily and passionately in love?

And Radu was thirteen when this happened. Fucking. Thirteen.

[thetemplarknight]

Dracula and the Sultan - an LGBT romance!

How the brother of the real life Dracula ended up in an LGBT romance with an Ottoman sultan - TV historian Tony McMahon reveals all

This has to be one of the most unlikely gay relationships in history. An LGBT romance between the younger brother of the real Dracula – Vlad the Impaler – and the Ottoman sultan, Mehmed II. Dracula’s kid brother, Radu the Handsome (yes, he really was called that), overthrew Vlad with help from Mehmed. The two men had formed the most intimate of bonds in the royal bedchamber. Sultan of an…

[whetstonefires]

Unfortunately Laurence's family are extremely easy to locate, due to their prominence. I think his mom is in serious danger in this scenario.

Ever since that "can your fave survive castle Dracula" blog did Stephen Maturin I've been thinking about Temeraire Characters vs. Castle Dracula so here's the breakdown: Laurence: About as good odds as the average Jonathan Harker. He has similar approach to religion (and would probably take the crucifix out of social obligation) and ability to manage the social situation with Dracula. He has experience being prisoner of various groups for various motives, and he has a tendency to accidentally make arrogant tyrants fall in love with him, so he's good on the "keeping Dracula's attention" front. If he managed to get in the baby situation he'd probably die because he'd try to save it (self-sacrificial martyr streak) but it's unlikely he'd end up in that exact spot with the vampire ladies since I think he'd be a lot more military and methodical about any exploring and always return to safe zones up until his actual escape attempt. Anyway if he lives long enough to try climbing he's home free, the man might not be a born and bred aviator but he's been climbing first ships' rigging and then dragon harness his entire life and once escaped a palace that was on fire by climbing down the outside. CAN survive. Tharkay: As a major proponent of “if it sucks, hit da bricks,” Tharkay climbed out the window on night #1. Granby: Granby would take the crucifix and from there it would mostly depend on how much Dracula finds him entertaining. Granby won't be polite about being imprisoned, and is used to Iskierka who will react to his protests by overruling him instead of getting bored and killing him. So i'm inclined to think Dracula would not find him so fun, in which case he probably would kill him early on. That said he could probably make the climb even one-handed. (again, burning palace experience) Could Survive but Probably Won't. Sorry Granby. Jane Roland: I will be honest I do not see any situation in which Jane could be tempted into castle Dracula in the first place, at least not without Excidium also being there on a mission of destruction. She's more of a Quncy Morris type, only she wouldn't die because she'd be on the back of a fifteen ton dragon who will melt Dracula into a horrible goo from aloft. Survives, by virtue of not playing.

Arthur Hammond: I cannot stress enough how fast this man dies.

Temeraire: Is a dragon the size of a frigate with a sonic attack that regularly causes landslides. Castle Dracula does not survive him.