✿4 [Voice]

[redstringed]

This world has such a stench to it... it's a wonder any of you can breathe.

In the interest of making this place more tolerable, where would one be able to acquire roses? I wish to start a garden.

Or are we incapable of having even that meager luxury?

Comments

[redstringed]

People grow weak and lazy, accustomed to having things given to them on a platter. You overestimate their ability to care for themselves in the face of any remote difficulty.

That may be, but you do not need to coddle them.

[consultmybooks]

Well, I don't claim to know much about gardening. And I certainly don't know where you could find any roses in this place, although I imagine someone does.

[redstringed]

Indeed. I have already been contacted with such information.

Gardening cannot be particularly difficult. My servants could manage it perfectly fine.

[consultmybooks]

Of course. And if your servants could manage it, then you shouldn't have any problems at all. [Sarcasm may be the lowest form of wit, but Giles enjoys it anyway]

[redstringed]

I am a noble, Mr. Watcher, not incompetent.

[consultmybooks]

So why didn't you do your own gardening?

And why do you keep calling me that?

[redstringed]

The existence of a servant is justified in their work.

It is an accurate name, is it not? That is, in fact, precisely what you are.

[consultmybooks]

It's my job, yes. But more or less in name only. Or so it seems, at least. And it's certainly not my name. How would you like it if I called you "Miss Vampire"?

[redstringed]

It would be far from the most offensive thing I have been called.

Are names not rather familiar? Is a mere label truly so offensive?

[consultmybooks]

No. Just curious as to your motivations, is all.

Keep it up, if that's what makes you happy.

[redstringed]

And I'm afraid curious you shall remain, for the time being.

If it soothes your troubles, know that you are hardly the only person with whom I use such a name.

[consultmybooks]

It does. Nice to know I'm not being singled out.

[redstringed]

I could call you something worse, if you would like.

[consultmybooks]

No, "Mr. Watcher" is fine, thanks.

Just out of curiosity, what had you thought up?

[redstringed]

I hadn't, yet. I would have thought of something.

[consultmybooks]

Yes, I'm sure you would have. That's fine, take your time.

[redstringed]

I intend to. Hastiness is the choice of fools.

[consultmybooks]

If names are so "familiar", why do you let me call you by yours'?

[redstringed]

I find it utterly inconsequential and beneath me to worry about such things; call me what wish. I will maintain the dignity of my house and station. *Also, she's a hypocrite.*

[consultmybooks]

How very nice for you. What is your house and station, then?

[redstringed]

I am the head and heir of House Alucard. I do not expect that to mean anything to you.

[consultmybooks]

[Giles ponders that for a second...and then he laughs. A lot.]

No, I suppose you wouldn't.

[redstringed]

And yet, it seems to have been particularly amusing to you nonetheless.

[consultmybooks]

Oh, yes. Particularly amusing.

You vampires are just so unimaginative, aren't you?

[redstringed]

*There is a distinct edge in her voice now* If you refer to the "Dracula" coincidence, I will charitably inform you that this absurd novel does not exist in my world, and even if it did, my father - and our house - considerably pre-date its writing.