✿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]

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.

[redstringed]

Relying on an innate power to enthrall others is far less impressive than to do it without such a crutch.

How did it work?

[consultmybooks]

No idea. For his prey, he typically used seduction combined with a low grade suggestion. For others, however, he could seriously affect them. There are rumors that he learned some of his powers from the gypsies - I wouldn't be at all surprised.

[redstringed]

Hm. An impressive crutch, perhaps, but used as a crutch nonetheless.

[consultmybooks]

Agreed. He used it to hunt, and to attempt to elevate himself above the state of the average vampire. Who are, as you said, beasts ruled by their impulses.

The bit where he turned into mist upon being staked was a problem, however.

[redstringed]

Little more than pretense, it seems to me.

Then he was unkillable? *She can't help but chuckle a bit* How deliciously ironic.

[consultmybooks]

Unkillable, yes. Buffy kept staking him until he gave up, but he did eventually give up.

[redstringed]

Then a beast putting on a pretense at nobility and weak of will.

What a masterful combination. I find it hard to believe your kind is frightened of him.

[consultmybooks]

Did I not mention the part where he was unkillable?

[redstringed]

Unkillable. Not undefeatable, as you have so kindly illustrated yourself.

[consultmybooks]

True.

And he was a decent enough sport about it. We haven't seen him since.

[redstringed]

How interesting. If he did, in fact, have such power, then it seems silly to not use it.

[consultmybooks]

Oh, he does. But we quickly had bigger problems than a vampire who actually had a great deal of self restraint.

In the end, his arrangement with us wound up being quite similar to his deal with the gypsies. We left one another alone.