✿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

[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.

[consultmybooks]

I thought as much when I mentioned Dracula to you a few nights ago. And, while you could very well be lying, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

You ripped him off, or he ripped you off. Or your world just coincidentally has no Dracula yet your name is his backwards. Either way, it's funny.

[redstringed]

There is no mistaking that it is the latter. An absurd little coincidence.

Or do you really think that a respected clan would intentionally name itself after the antagonist in a piece of trash that is only charitably called literature? We would be fools.

[consultmybooks]

I've never actually come across a "respected clan" that was worthy of the name before.

[redstringed]

Hardly surprising; the vampires in your world are brutish feral beasts. That would be akin to asking civility from a pack of wolves.

[consultmybooks]

Yes, it would. Fair point. Although our Dracula typically manages a fair bit of style. His ability to hypnotize his pray helps matters, of course.