For the Love of Literature -OPEN-

[Anna-Lee Price]

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Her footsteps were soft as she approached the library, not wanting to disturb the others residing in the house. It had been kind of Master Gunnar to take her in, kind of him to give her a new life. She didn't quite understand why he did, as she wasn't really useful, but she was grateful nonetheless and didn't want to give him reason to regret his decision. Before entering the huge room, she peeked in the door to see if anyone was in there. It seemed empty and so she entered, eyes wide.

It was calm and quiet and she was surrounded by walls and shelves of wonderful, peaceful, mind-transporting books. Anna ran her fingers along their spines, taking her time in deciding what to read. Sure, she could be mingling in the throne room or cooking in the kitchen... But the throne room was loud, and she didn't much care for loud. The kitchen was usually peaceful and she enjoyed cooking, but she just didn't feel like it. So here she was, indulging herself in her favorite pastime with Master Gunnar's vast array of reading material. There were tomes older than the famed Master Zeo, novels, shiny new straight from the bookstore, classics that one could bury themselves in time and time again... How could a person decide on just one? 

Anna decided that she couldn't and pulled an armload off of the shelf before moving to a nice, squishy chair, placing the pile on a nearby end table. She pulled a book off of the top of the pile and looked it over. It was a steamy romance, a classic that, in it's day, was considered vulgar and was actually banned in England for awhile. She opened up the cover and began reading with vigor, absorbing the words as if every one held the greatest importance, becoming wrapped up in the story and actually crying when the protagonist, a lovely young woman, was scorned by the man she loved.

It wasn't long before she devoured the entire story and happily grabbed another off of the pile after setting the novel next to the rest.

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Word Count: 356

[Gunnar Helgison]

He'd wandered to the library really quite without thinking, his feet just taking him to a favored and well-known spot without the vampire's mind having told them to. Gunnar had a lot on his mind lately, even more since that last incident with Marcus. What had he been thinking, just biting him like that? The boy had seemed to enjoy it, it was true, and Gunnar knew that he certainly had...but honestly he couldn't help but feel that, despite the lycan's neck being offered up so sweetly, he had not even remotely had the right to ask for it. Marcus was too kind, and too beautiful a boy to be wasting his time on someone like him, so he could only guess that it had been a pity thing, maybe. Though even that didn't make sense as Marcus also seemed far too honest to do such a thing as suffer through a thing simply because he felt badly for someone...no. He shook his head, almost physically trying to shove any such thoughts out of it as really he'd been thinking of such things enough lately. Why Marcus persisted in being such a puzzle to him, he couldn't say, but he knew that the lovely young man was and that was all there was to it. Besides it wasn't like he didn't have a whole host of other things going on that he needed to think about. 


The holidays were creeping up quickly, and well...to be honest they were some very troubling times for the already moody ancient. Gunnar couldn't say why as really he'd never wanted for family during these times. Klaus had always made sure he was well tended to on the rare occasion he'd stayed in America, and when he'd traveled back to Germany - back to the house that he'd been raised in - there had been so much family that finding a moment alone had been a thing of near impossibility. This year, while perhaps a bit different, wasn't really all /that/ different though as he had kin near, and no doubt there would be festivities as the new Kaiser was one he knew for a fact that highly favored the Christian holidays.

He sighed, absently running fingers through his hair before fixing a black hair tie that had been wrapped around his wrist haphazardly around the long hair that had been falling into his eyes - securing it in a somewhat messy knot at the back of his head. A glance down at his shoes revealed that he'd simply been standing there in the doorway of the room like an idiot, lost in thought and unaware of the surrounding world , and after a brief grimace of self-disgust flickered subtly at the corners of his lips, he forced himself to move forward.

Normally he could expect to be alone in this room as most clan members favored the more entertaining Throne Room as a lot of people just didn't share his love of books. Tonight though, the faint and fluttery sound of pages turning could be heard...and perhaps despite himself, he smiled - even if only very sparingly as really he wasn't one to allow himself excess displays of emotion. Past experience had shown such things to just be acts of stupidity, and Gunnar did not ever like to be stupid. He did not hesitate, though, to allow his feet to follow his ears...a bit of absent curiosity needing to be satisfied as he wondered if it was Marcus curled up in one of the cozy chairs or perhaps someone else. 


There was a momentary inward flash of disappointment as he spied not the lycan that had been so much in his thoughts, but rather a new 'recruit' - as it were. A sweet, timid slip of a girl that he recalled being named Anna-Lee. She had seemed very much in need of a place to call home...and even though Gunnar made it a point to appear at least neutral to the majority of the world, he had simply been unable to turn her away. She also spent a great deal of time in the library, so far as he could tell, so it shouldn't be any great surprise to find her there.

Still, he hardly had a mind to interrupt her...so rather than stop and try to engage her in conversation, he chose to randomly select a book from one of the shelves and settle in a nearby chair so he could both observe her and perhaps find a little escape from his brain while he did so. Of course, such a thng wouldn't stand for long - not with another hint of curiosity bubbling to the surface as he tried to take a glance at the title of the book the other girl had picked up and found it so obscured by the angle she had picked to sit that all he could do was either sigh and look down at his own book and just forget about his wondering, or let his own curiosity get the best of him - and it would soon seem that the latter choice had won out. "Excuse me.", he leaned forward, employing quiet but only vaguely interested tones as he continued. "I was just wondering what was on the reading menu today?" He smiled, the expression kept coolly vague as he certainly didn't want to seem too eager to know, or too curious. "...I just noticed that your tastes seemed to be rather varied from what I could tell, and was wondering if my selection was expansive enough or if you could suggest anything else I might want to add to it."  

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Word Count: 938 (^^; 

[Xavier Corinthos]

  His gaze remained mostly neutral, ready to be averted should any reason present itself to do so. Of course, it wasn't because he believed he was less than the vampires he served. Oh no, any lack of self worth the Dhampire might have in regards to himself had nothing to do with the 'pure' races being his superior. Xavier certainly believed the rhetoric he spread through out the ranks of his followers, that theirs was the superior race. 

   Going about his current duty of dusting the shelving, which really wasn't much work at all as the library was kept pristine per Master Helgison's orders, Xavier reflected absently on current events.  Things had been going well for the movement lately.  The death of Aaron Williams had proven quite fortuitous.  Joseph LeBeau was a man that was more difficult to use, he was clever, observant, but infinitely more useful to him than Williams could have ever been.  

  "Not to mention it wouldn't hurt if he bent you over something and reminded you just what you are good for eh Xavier?", purred the voice of Tarra within the confines of his head.  She was being rather mellow today actually, no doubt due to thoughts of Joseph, whom she absolutely adored, and did seem to rather hope would take an interest in humiliating him.  For the time being he ignored her, it was easier when she wasn't being aggressive, so it seemed he had lucked out in this way also. 

   "Of course there is also the matter of the new headquarters, don't want to forget about that. I mean, that's what really sets you apart from just some gang of thugs", offered the calmly, and offhandedly smug tones of Todd. He hardly took insult, by now accustomed to this voice's ways.  Besides, Todd was right, the destruction of one of the clans had not only served to easily get rid of a fair number of vampires for him, but had also provided his movement with a base of operations. 

   "Why don't we ever read the pretty books?", piped up Lily, no doubt bring her attention to such things, as Xaiver gently pushed one of the books back in among the others so it's binding was flush with the others in its row, rather than protruding somewhat. "They probably have many wonderful stories in them" ... Here he had really been looking forward to a 'silent' evening. 

   As he continued to work, he was about to continue his line of thoughts when he heard conversing.  No doubt the vampires had long been aware of him, given their superior senses; however, he was a slave, not really supposed to be noticed all that much. 

   "Not unless your new master wants to have a bit of 'fun' with you"  He could rightly hear the smirk in Tarra's tone. Would it really have killed her to keep her mouth shut about that sort of thing from time to time. 
 
   "Most likely", mused Todd in response to Xavier's absent thought. This no doubt sparked a feud between Todd and Tarra, one he thankfully could ignore, as he continued his work.  It wouldn't' do to go out of his way to be hidden, it would only raise suspicion for a slave to so deviate from his work for no apparently reason. So, he continued to move on adjusting any books that needed adjusting, and tending to the dust that was pretty much non-existent, thanks to the frequent tending the room received.

    Seemed like a mundane enough conversation, nothing really worth his noting, so much so it was tempting to merely continue his work without thought of the pair, even as he ended up within direct eyesight of them.  Still, he kept his ears open, especially since, if he wasn't mistaken, that was the voice of the new Clanmaster himself.  One never knew when something useful would slip from the mouths of those in high positions.  Even if the Clanmaster was a cautious, reserved sort, no one was perfect, and Xavier had a way of finding use for matters that one wouldn't typically think to keep hidden. 

   "Oh, she seems nice, maybe she will be our friend."  How was it one of the least obtrusive and never cruel voice was one of the most irritating? Still Xavier offered nothing in response to Lily's eager observation.  Their friend indeed, as if he wanted anything to do with the night skulker. 

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Word Count: 745
Tags: N/A
Notes: N/A

[Anna-Lee Price]

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She was so absorbed in the book that she hadn't noticed Master Gunnar enter the library, nor did she realize his close presence until he spoke. Startled, Anna jumped a little in her seat and dropped the book. "Oh! Hello Master Gunnar." She picked up the book, smoothing the pages it had fallen open to. Anna looked towards him. he sent him a soft, friendly smile when he asked what she was reading. She was not usually comfortable with close conversation, and he was close... Leaning in towards her... But the subject was one she liked so she ignored the inkling of unease and answered him. "A collection of poetry by Edgar Allen Poe..." She lifted her face to the ceiling, eyes closed and voice a soft murmur, and quoted a few lines of her favorite work.



"`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil!

By that Heaven that bends above us - by that God we both adore -

Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,

It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore -

Clasp a rare and radiant maiden, whom the angels name Lenore?'

Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'"



Anna lowered her face and looked towards him again, smiling brightly. Her smile, however, became a look of concern when he asked if his selection was broad enough. His collection was marvelous, but she did not wish to displease him if that was not the answer that he wished for. She bit her bottom lip as she pondered her options for a moment, looking at the floor. Finally, she spoke. "Sir, your collection of literature is very expansive and I have not noticed any deviation of it's excellence..." She looked back up at him. "Of course, I am not learned or aged enough to presume that my opinion on the subject is of any matter. Nor have I made a large enough dent in my readings to be able to suggest something new." Her words were careful and she gauged his reaction carefully to be sure that she hadn't said anything wrong. 

It was then that she noticed the other man dusting and straightening any books that seemed out of place. She did not address him, not wanting Master Gunnar to see her as rude by inviting someone else into their conversation, but nonetheless hoping that he would step in and possibly offer the clan master some suggestions of his own. 

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Word Count: 410

[Gunnar Helgison]

He smiled faintly as the girl read aloud to him, unable to help but be amused at such a thing as generally the roles were very much in reverse. Of course that smile would soon find itself fading into some form of neutrality, a hand held up swiftly to signal the desire for a pause as he verbally waved away her insistence upon calling him 'Master'. "Please, just call me Gunnar. Titles have never been something I was entirely...comfortable with." And wasn't that the truth. Even when he had been a member of the High Council it had only ever been Gunnar, or Helgison to those that insisted on maintaining some formality. Perhaps it was strange, but there it was and it wasn't something he was about to change his mind on any time soon. Of course, if she continued to do it anyway he also wasn't going to make a big deal about it as that might be pushing things too far... but he did genuinely hope she didn't. 

Absently, his lashes lowered - gaze taking in the stack of books that she'd set on the table and he couldn't help but smile again, shaking his head a bit at the girl's obvious ambition. Several of the books she'd chosen were thick, wordy tomes, and no matter how quickly one could read, he couldn't help but feel it would likely take her days to get through them. That smile, like the last, wasn't precisely one to linger though as he noted the way she carefully picked out her words when it came to answering what had been an honest question. That was the main thing he hated about titles. They instilled fear where there was no need for such things. 


Inwardly, the Norwegian ancient sighed...the sound never escaping the confines of vampire's head as he just nodded absently to what the girl was saying. He remained silent a moment more before glancing up and turning his head idly in the direction of the slave that was seemingly keeping himself busy dusting book shelves. In all honesty, he was barely comfortable with the idea of slaves - even though they were an old and valued tradition in the vampiric world - never mind with the idea that he actually owned some. Because of this, every 'slave' that he owned was treated more like an employee. They received weekly pay checks, paid days off, and were never intruded upon past eight hours of work per day. He divvied up duties in shifts, and felt that was at least something more fair than simply saying that he owned another person. The trouble with his views, however, was that most of his slaves tended to view him as strange - simply because they were left over from a rather traditional, and horrifying regime. Hetepheres had not been a kind or progressive mistress, and that left him with a lot of 'damaged' people calling Azag Ni Home. 


"Xavier..." , his voice was quiet, neutral but certainly not cold as he addressed the taller dhampir. "What do /you/ think? I've been thinking of updating my library a bit but I'm not sure what people might be inclined to read. What sort of books do /you/ enjoy?" Was it a bit odd that he made the questions seem pointed? Perhaps. But he couldn't help but feel it was necessary to get a straight answer either. If he made it seem like he wasn't genuinely interested, Xavier might not be willing to provide even a bit of real input...and he really did want to know what others thought. Just because his personal tastes tended to lean towards the classics didn't mean he never occasionally picked up something new. He just didn't know which other new books people in his household might want to see added too. Especially since everyone, even the slaves, were encouraged to take time to enjoy them if they were so inclined. 

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Word Count: 658

[Xavier Corinthos]

  "He has noticed us, He has noticed us.  He's going to do terrible things to us...", began the frantic cries of Samuel, who was practically screaming in his head.  Worthless little bastard, at least when he got this bad. Fortunately a sharp reprimand from both Todd and Victor demanding his silence was enough to put an end to that.  It was rare that those two would step in, usually if it wasn't Virgil deciding things were too much for Xavier, it was Tarra just wanting to be a bitch and exercise some of her cruel control over the weaker Samuel.  Still, he was grateful for the reprieve. 

   How fortunate it was that Xavier's mind could not be delved into, or how quickly he likely would have been put down.  A slave in his state was hardly one that could be relied upon, or in his case, was one that could hardly be trusted. Still, it wasn't just his mental block that kept him safe. Despite the turmoil in his mind, the Dhampire and only just paused in his moving of one of the books, only a fraction of a second longer than he otherwise might have before turning to face the master that had addressed him, and the other vampire, who for all intents an purposes also 'owned him' by virtue of being part of the clan, though of course, primary ownership fell to Gunnar himself. 

   As he turned, he had brought his hand down to rest before him, and lightly hold the duster he had been using, his gaze lowering in a display of humility that was appropriate for his 'kind'. He had seen the new Clanmaster a time or two, but had been mostly keeping his distance while things settled, now, in the brief moment it took his gaze to shift to an appropriate place he had had a better measure of the other's looks, as well as that of the female clanmember. 

   "Master Gunnar's hair is so pretty and soft... It would be fun to braid", remarked Lily in obvious admiration.  Unsurprising that she would find both of these vampires wonderful friends, but at the very least, she was not Tarra.  Now, Xavier had come to know, through various means, that Clanmaster Helgison wasn't big on ceremony.  However, Xavier was not supposed to know this nearly so well, and it would not suit him to be perceived as one that so easily came to accept himself as better than what every other master or mistress had made him be throughout his life. 

   "... Apologies... but I don't often indulge in such pastimes", he begins quite softly, in truth it hardly seemed like a good idea to admit to having taken up quite a few texts based on military strategies, leadership, and various rebellions and movements throughout history.  No, the blood sucker would not be privy to that information.  "I understand that... there is much to leave desired in modern literature." That was true enough, it hardly needed any deception in it.  Sparkly vampires, and sex fetish books indeed.  "Much cannot be expected of races that are lesser than your own I am afraid, Master", he offers in equal apology.  After all, all good little Dhampire that were raised within the clans of vampires should know that vampires were of course the superior race.  Such Dhampire would believe with all that they were, that in truth they were the lowest of a low that the vampires had to share this world with.  Xavier knew how to play the part quite well indeed, and he was clever enough to know, consistency of character was always more important than immediately pleasing his audience.  Gunnar's displeasure would be far less harmful to him than his surprise might be.

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Word Count: 635
Tags: N/A
Notes: N/A

[Castile Beist]

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He had been lounging in a room just outside and across the hall from the library, a fairly formal looking room which housed multiple comfortable and well stuffed chairs. He vaguely recalled it being a study, though it remained empty and had become a 'reading room' of sorts for him on his down time. Castile often kept himself preoccupied with fashion and design, concerning himself with shoes and the like when it wasn't time for seriousness and work. But he was a well educated man, despite his frivolous pastimes. The Beist family was a well learned one, all of their children sent to boarding school to complete their education in Louisiana before they would truely delve into the family business, for the men at least. No, before he had been anything, a jack of all trades or blatantly homosexual, he was well learned.

Castile was slouched back in a large, over stuffed arm chair, flipping through the pages of a biography he thought might give him some insight on a case he was currently working. Marcus had become his assistant of sorts on many things, as he was being taught to be a proper member of the Beist family, but there were some things he handled privately. This particular case was one of those. With a manner of seriousness the well dressed lycan thumbed through to where the index had directed him, lips pursed only slightly in concentration. That was when an expert from Poe caught his attention. Voices had arose in the background, soft, as they weren't yelling by any means, but just loud enough for Castile to hear from a distance. He lifted his chin, head cocked a slight to the side as he dropped eves. "...clasp a rare and radiant maiden," Whoever was reciting the poem knew Poes work well, that much was apparent, and his interest became piqued. Clapping the book shut and leaving it there in his empty chair as he rose to his feet, Castile straightened out his black sweater and moved in their direction. Nearing, he immediately recognized two other voices present in the conversation, one being Clan Master Gunnar, and the second regrettably being Xaviers.

The slave had never given him any reason to dislike him, no, but he had heard from vampires around the estate that he was literally impossible to read. It caused Castile unease and caused suspicion in the lycan. Many abilities developed through necessity, as Gunnars knack for attracting lycanthropes had. What had his bloodline been up to that warranted such need for secrecy? Though Xavier couldn't choose to doff his ability at a whim, Castile wondered if the slave ever reveled in the wall that surrounded his mind. Castile didn't trust him.

Rounding the corner the lycans blank face broke into a smile. "Now now, Xavier, I've been a part of two races and I can assure you that humans have their own literary champions. And though Gunnars is a proud and powerful one, I've ran across far fewer vampire written works of art." His impish gaze slid over to Gunnar, whom he offered an apologetic nod to accompany the grin. "No offense of course."

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Word Count: 533
Notes: N/A

[Anna-Lee Price]

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She was a bit surprised at the clan master's gentle insistence that she call him Gunnar. Many in power preferred formalities among their lowers. In fact, most expected and/or demanded it. He then looked over at the stack of books that she'd chosen with what Anna would almost call the beginnings of a smirk before it began to fade as she voiced her carefully worded answer. Oh no... He's angry. What do I do now? She was about to lamely try to fix whatever she had done when he asked the other man for his opinion. Anna inwardly thanked the goddess as the man dusting the shelves answered.

What he said was not particularly helpful. She was about to pipe up and correct his claim that vampires were the superior race when another man walked in. It seemed that her quiet night of reading was quickly becoming a social gathering... And one that she wasn't quite sure if she wanted to participate in.

The new man looked a bit older than the rest of them and, to tell the truth, his grin was infectious. Okay, so maybe the party wasn't so bad. Anna smiled as he defended human literary artists and offered what could be called an apology to Master Gunnar... No, Gunnar.

Anna looked over to the one called Xavier. "Poe was human. As were Shakespeare and Robert Burns and Yeats. Emily Dickinson was a dhampire. Christopher Marlowe was a lycan..." She blushed a bit and looked at Gunnar for a sign of offense before turning back to Xavier. "There is no master race, no matter how much some would wish otherwise." Anna looked back down at the book in her hands, wondering if her beliefs would anger the others.

Instead of letting things become awkward, she decided to stand shake the hands of the other men, introducing herself. "Hello... My name is Anna." She smiled sweetly as she did so and kept a gentle light in her gaze as she paused respectfully before looking into their eyes.

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Word Count: 340

[Gunnar Helgison]

If Gunnar had any inkling of just how much Castile knew of those within the walls he'd recently claimed as his own, the vampire might have decided to become concerned with just how he'd come by such knowledge. Oh, perhaps not in regards to his own self as he'd often spoken of his own particular abilities with the man with relative ease...after all, Gunnar was a rare vampire that felt more at ease with lycans than his own race. Yet another thing for those that he could claim distant kinship with by the fact that he had fangs alone to view as somehow 'less' in himself. The thought had his lips briefly twitching into something nearing a scowl, that flicker of distaste quick and clearly focused on himself rather than anyone else in the room, before such an expression easily flowed back into something more pleasant. After all, being pleasant around Castile was no difficult task. 


And as Castile talked, the vampire's attention shifted - though he certainly did continue to take into consideration all that Xavier had to say, even though his lashes did lower at the other's calling him 'Master' too. Still, it'd hardly do to correct him now...not when it could possibly embarass him. Gunnar was well aware of the fact that Xavier could be a bit touchy, even if he tended to internalize such things, and he didn't relish the idea of causing the dhampir more distress than his previous life had already caused him. In fact, if he had it his way, Xavier would live a rather different sort of life than the one he was used to. He'd stay a 'favorite', of course, but he'd actually be treated accordingly rather than simply abused more than any other slave that his master or mistress owned. 


His fingers absently steepled in front of his chest, his eyes taking in those around him - continuing to merely listen as the others spoke as they would, not minding the least in taking this rather passive role in conversation. He'd never been one to care for being the center of attention, and he was pleased that no one sought to try and make him such. Once there was a pause, and introductions were finished - on both parts - Gunnar would shift a bit in his seat, settling himself so he was seated sideways in the thing with legs dangling over one of the arms, while his own arms folded neatly beneath his head so he could peer idly up at the ceiling. One hand moved for a second - waving to two empty seats...one for Xavier and one for Castile to take if they so chose, as he was never one for sitting while others were standing, and once that was settled he returned to his former position and then spoke. "None taken, Castile.", he smiled a bit. "You've just never seen my personal collection. There are plenty of works written by vampires there, that I've saved from various fates. Recently, it's become popular to burn any known vampiric author's books." Gunnar's brow wrinkled slightly. "Dhampir and lycan as well. Seeking to keep schools 'pure'." , he scoffed, a cool glance directed at the lycan male in the room. "Though I suppose it isn't any more depraved than anything else I've seen happen in this country..." Again the vampire's lashes lowered, voice trailing off, and then after a moment he merely shook his head. " Anyway, my point is...there /are/ vampiric works of literary art in this world. A great many of them. It just isn't likely that you would have come across too many of them as they aren't generally written for any but their own kind." 

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Word Count: 619

[Xavier Corinthos]

  Castile might not have had a defined reason to dislike him, but the Dhampire certainly had his reasons for disliking the presence of the lycan.  The more of those that were able to walk, unharmed during the day, the less advantage he had. Indeed, he would consider it in such terms consciously, and deny the fact that, in truth, it was also a matter of the other infringing on his 'safe time'.  Oh, Xavier hardly knew that somewhere deep within him, he still considered it as such, back from the time when it had been his one and only safety, as he never knew when his mother would return when she was out at night. No, all he had been able to count on those first few years was the fact that, she had never been able to trouble him during this time that he later came to truly understand what was meant by it being marked by the coming and going of the sun. 

   However, such displeasure was relatively minor for him. Castile was lycan, below his concerns in many ways, and he had no problems with his kind continuing to live on as they pleased when the humans and vampires were put in their rightful places. His greater rise of displeasure came from the words of the female vampire. In part, he regretted that he couldn't allow himself to answer her words in the various ways he might have preferred. Especially as the names she rattled off referenced no man or woman of skill he felt worthy of any admiration.

   Fiction was of little interest to him to begin with, but in the Dhampire's mind those she listed were only made great because those of their time didn't know any better. Really, he wished all Tarra would say was 'nevermore' he would consider himself infinitely blessed, and what creativity did it take to end with everyone dying. Of course everyone dies, any idiot knew that, was it really necessary to make sure of it by the end of some pathetic tale made popular by a bunch of plague ridden, starving peasants? Xavier tended to think not.  Now, he might have yielded in his mind if she'd brought up  Sun Tzu or Sun Zi, Shanahan,  Fraser, Mushashi, but many of them based their writing on reality... besides, a handful of talented individuals among billions didn't really make a good case for her claims.  

   Still, to the pair he could only lower his gaze humbly, as they certainly were not the ones he should demonstrate his independence and cleverness of thought too, least of all before the Clanmaster. So, instead, he had kept all other emotion from his expression, that he might only appear to be maintaining his submission to all his betters, as he was supposed to see them to be. 

   "I don't mean to speak out of turn Master Beist... Mistress Price.  I know only as I am made to know by those who are my betters", he offers easily, calmly.  His tones made it all seem so very normal for one to say such things, and indeed that was how it should be should it not?  It wasn't that long ago that many servants, even of humans would profess such lacking in themselves, that it was for masters to think, and for servants to support those thoughts. Certainly he imparted no sense that he should be pitied, as that wouldn't suit his character in the slightest; Even if it were LeBeau that he spoke before, it wouldn't have been the best way to speak on such matters.

   As the female vampire's hand reached, he shied away, averting his gaze.  Yes he declined to shake that hand, but by the way he shifted away uneasily, it was likely clear he did so because it wasn't proper to so take her hand.  Her attitude towards Dhampires shouldn't be seen to sway him to trust such a gesture so easily.  After all, it wasn't unheard of that a vampire might test the wit of a slave by tempting him or her into making such a mistake.  Xavier seriously doubted she would do anything of that sort, but it suited him to portray himself in such a way.


   Then Gunnar gestured for those who were standing to sit, and he knew he must not question or refuse. Still, he was uneasy with the invitation, and as it was appropriate for him to demonstrate as much, Xavier allowed himself to fidget just a bit, before settling. Keeping his eyes down, he remained, assuming the slightly nervous tension of a slave waiting to be ready to spring off to do his Master's bidding. In the meantime though, he kept his ears open. One never knew what one might find out by merely being attentive to unguarded, seemingly harmless sentiments. So far there wasn't anything too revealing. He certainly had already known about the existence of vampiric literature, and new even better that his eyes were not considered fit for such texts as those.  Young as he had been when he'd fist 'seen' such a book, he'd learned quite well the importance of not betraying ones curiosity, least of all by where careless eyes might choose to fall unwittingly.  

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Word Count: 776
Tags: N/A
Notes: Xavier needs to learn how to talk less in his head <<; he seems to have it down for the actual talking ^^;; 

[Castile Beist]

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Watching the pair pick their words so carefully in the presence of their Clan Master reminded Castile how pleased he was to owe fealty to none other than himself and his family name. Though he lived under the roof of a vampire, he often found them to be either indecisive on alliances or quick to spur into anger. After working with enough of them, he had learned how to avoid the short end of either stick. The nervous vampress quickly rattled off a multitude of names,  attaching their race to each. In their times the supernatural was rarely believed to be a true existance in society, and greatly feared as witchcraft when believed. It almost gave him cause to shudder just thinking of it. Humans were so indecisive on how to deal with his kind and the blood suckers as it was now. It was difficult to determine however, if their existence were easier these days as opposed to two hundred years ago. Todays technology made it difficult to hide and Castile counted his stars that so far he'd managed to go undetected.

A dark skinned hand thrust in his direction, bringing him from his voyage into the more ponderous parts of his mind. The wide grin spread back across his face where a blank one had taken charge. Grasping her hand gently the lycan lifted it to his lips to offer her a light kiss on the knuckles. "A pleasure, Miss Anna. I am Castile Beast." Though his attention had wavered, he lacked no manners in his introduction. As soon as Gunnar began to speak Castiles pale gaze slid cooly to the Clan Leader. "Oh I have no doubt that there are a many vampiric masterpiece. I merely meant to protect the masterpieces of the humans where no diplomat is present." 'It would be quite the wonder to hear that one herald the praises of a race other than his masters at any rate.' The latter sentence was wisely kept to himself. "I don't mean to speak out of turn Master Beist... Mistress Price. I know only as I am made to know by those who are my betters" Typically Castile would gently remind the other that no titles were necessary when a precursor to his name, as he was merely a favored guests of sorts in the Azag Ni house. But this time he offered only a slow blink. Gunnar settled into a seat then, generously following it up with an offer for himself and Xavier to rest with he and Anna. It was with a polite wave that the lycan declined. In either form he was slower than a vampire worth their salt, and even inside the estate which he resided Castile was not about to be caught unawares in his pink fleshy disguise. The wolf inside was alert, muscles readied at all time. He hadn't been too comfortable when Hetepheres ruled this estate and it was his good fortune that he had not been. He gave a sideways glance at Xavier, noting where the other obediently plopped himself.

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Word Count: 584
Notes: Castile would totes make this sound at Xavier

[Anna-Lee Price]

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Xavier called her "Mistress Price". She was positive that her discomfort showed on her face. She'd never been "Mistress" or even "Miss" before... It was unsettling to say the least. She decided not to say anything, knowing that it felt odd being corrected when you were simply giving others due respect, even if they weren't your
betters... Nonetheless, She extended a hand in friendship... And he shied away! From her! Anna-Lee Price had never been seen as threatening by anyone. She didn't think she liked the feeling. She gave him an apologetic glance before turning to the lycan with the contagious smile.

He took her offered hand and, instead of shaking it as she had expected, drew it to his lips and laid a gentle kiss across her knuckles... If she'd still been human, she would have blushed. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Beist." Anna's relief was almost palpable as he released her hand to look back at Gunnar. She was not used to being treated so politely and though she liked it, it was still a little disconcerting when it happened.

Xavier fidgeted before sitting as he was invited to do, though he seemed a bit uncomfortable with the situation. The tension radiating off the dhampir did not go unnoticed by the small woman and it made her a bit uncomfortable too. Then, Castile declined the offered chair in favor of his own two feet. What was it with these men? Were they uncomfortable with Master Gunnar? Was it her? The thought made her squirm in her seat. She sat back in her chair warily and listened as the clan master spoke of vampiric works of literature. She'd never been allowed to see any of these works and made a mental note to ask him if she could borrow one.

"Burning books is horrible." Her voice was quiet, almost as if an afterthought of some spirit. "The humans behave as if we're monsters, incapable of feeling the things necessary to make art and when they are proved wrong, they dispose of the evidence." Anna softly shook her head in what was probably pity for those who did not see the world in the way that she did. For those who did not see all of the good and only saw the bad. She wished to get off of the sad subject of destruction so she turned to Xavier. "How long have you lived with Master Gunnar? I mean, Gunnar." She sent an apologetic smile towards the blonde man before turning back to the dhampir.

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Word Count: 427

[Gunnar Helgison]

Occasionally a nod or smile was given, the vampire showing all the signs of being part of the conversation while still remaining outside of it. It wasn't that he was uncomfortable, exactly, but he'd always been a bit of an introvert...and though he had been the one to initiate this particular conversation, he found he simply had no more to add to it and it was always more pleasing for him to listen to a group rather than actively engage them.

Of course, all that silence from him certainly did give his mind time to wander - and wander it did. Right back to the lycan he'd recently been fang deep in...and wasn't it just a bit embarassing how often his thoughts seemed to roam there? He had no business thinking of Marcus in that manner, not even a little bit. And yet, he couldn't help but reminisce about the taste of him flowing into his mouth or the appealing way he'd squirmed and writhed in his lap. A little sigh escaped, his lashes lowering in a manner that might indicate he'd be blushing if he were human, and then just like that he pointedly forced himself to more actively listen to what was being said. And came in on Anna's question of how long Castile had been living with him.

"Oh he hasn't been living with /me/ all that long. He has, however, been living in this house for a while now...." Gunnar spoke up easily, a faint smile curving his lips as he turned to Castile. " I believe he came here perhaps a year or so ago?" He made the statement into more of a question, a brow raised expectantly for the lycan to continue from there. And once he did, Gunnar would settle back into his own particular line of thinking - though this time his mind would find itself focused on Xavier instead.

Briefly, he wondered if the slave found it discomfitting to live in a house that his former mistress had once ruled over. To be surrounded by new faces, unfamiliar things, and to find himself having to deal with the uncertainty of an unfamiliar clan master. Gunnar was aware, of course, of Xavier's most recent history - considering he'd burst in on it when he'd been sent to destroy the former mistress of Azag Ni - and he wondered absently if Xavier ever worried that he'd be treated cruelly even still.

His gaze settled absently on the slave, the expression in his eyes studious as he observed the nervous fidgeting of the slave. If Gunnar thought offering Xavier his freedom would do the young man any good, he'd do it in a heartbeat. After all, he'd never much been one to enjoy the keeping of slaves and had only ever done so to prevent them from falling into worse hands than his. But no, freedom was something that Xavier would not do well with. At least, Gunnar didn't believe so at this point in time...so he'd have to simply keep an eye and an ear out to try to guage what might really be best. Gunnar's thoughts trailed off, the vampire becoming conscious of the frown lightly furrowing his brows as he seemingly stared at the slave and after a moment of physically forcing his expression to relax into something more neutral, he let his gaze drift back to the others and hoped that his inadvertent study of the slave hadn't caused him to be more self-conscious than he already was. 

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Word Count: 588

[Xavier Corinthos]

   There seemed to be very little of consequence on the agenda for evening. As they slipped into further conversation about literature and further worked at acquainting themslelves and one another.  Worse, it seemed that becoming acquainted with him also seemed to be something that concerned some of them.  He had noted the female's interest, but had fortunately been spared the need to respond, as Master Helgison slipped back into a more active role in the conversation. Indeed, with him talking, no doubt the other two would spare him no mind what so ever.  

   He was, however, doomed it seemed. His disappointment that the other had slipped back into a silent role, and was no counsiering him closely was kept quietly to himself.  That didn't mean it was any less valid. The feel of those eyes on him were a bit confusing. Master Helgison hadn't yet made his real intentions known, at least not as far as Xavier was concerned.  As such, it was difficult for him not to rely on past experiences, with so little else to go on.  As such, though he squirmed in that gaze, it actually wasn't entirely out of his desire to act nervous and subservient. 

   He'd likely pay for the places years of conditioning took his mind; later, when Tarra could be certain that Virgil would let her get away with it. For now though, Xavier silently focused his energies on trying not to dwell on the same things Gunnar himself were. Most, likely, would have felt embarrassed over what the new clanmaster had seen of his 'life' before.  Xavier; however, had only known masters and mistresses that afforded him no dignity in their presence. Indeed, he rather assumed that if Master Helgison wasn't the sort to either want to cause him to hurt... or to otherwise 'enjoy' him; that he would be sold in time.  That would be most inconvenient. 

   He wasn't really in a position to think on such matters though; not when, he was trying to assure himself that nothing was really expected of him in this moment. Finally, Gunnar's gaze seemed to become a bit less intense.  Now if only the other two would become more cooperative.  Somehow it didn't seem likely, not with the way the female vampire's tones seemed bent on inspire some sort of connection, and the lycan just having the feel of a general pain in the ass.     

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Word Count: 409
Tags: N/A
Notes: bit awkward x__x

[Castile Beist]

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Leaning back against a book shelf so as to make himself a little more comfortable while standing, Castile seemed to pay little mind as Anna spoke on the burning of books. He had seen much worse in the world. Castile had seen far worse than a few charred pieces of paper meant to quiet others. Humans were capable of anything. But then again, so there the supernatural beings that lived alongside them... His mind went briefly to his family, the ones who had been so set in their ways that their own daughter had suffered. Thoughts whirled around his head but his expression remained largely impassive. This ability, no doubt one Xavier had as well, had developed through knowing ones place and avoiding suspicion.

Anna spoke again, drawing Castiles thoughts back to the present and he watched quietly as she turned her attention to Xavier. Her curiosity over the other seemed rather dangerous to Castile, though the danger was solely to herself he wagered. Something was off about Xavier, that much he was sure of, and until he knew what, he had no idea what the other was capable of. "How long have you lived with Master Gunnar? I mean, Gunnar." She was polite, but appeared willing to shake the formality for her clan master.

Gunnar however spoke up, turning the conversation in a direction that confused Castile a slight, though the lycan took it in stride. "I believe he came here perhaps a year or so ago?" Castile cleared his throat before speaking, giving a nod. "Yes, I believe its been about that long. I was here when Hetepheres ruled and when you arrived...though, if you'll pardon me, Gunnar. I do believe she was inquiring upon Mister Xavier."

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Word Count: 356
Notes: N/A