Interview with a Vampire

J.D. sips a mug of coffee at the dining table. Jesu enters and sits across form her. "You wanted to speak with me?"

J.D. glances up. "Oh, Jesu, hi."

"Hello."

"Um, yeah, I decided we've been slacking off with our character posts and I'd like you to do today's topic."

Jesu smiles. "Of course. What is the topic?"

"Childhood memories."

Jesu furrows his brow and licks his lips. "Oh."

J.D. quirks a brow. "Oh?"

Jesu folds his hands in his lap and concentrates on the crystal candle holders on the table. "It is just that ... my childhood wasn't a very happy one."

J.D. snickers. "It's better than the alternative."

Jesu raises his brows. "Which is...?"

J.D. wrinkles her nose. "Jalmari's."

Jesu chuckles. "Yes, my childhood is much brighter than his." Jesu shakes his head. "My poor brother."

"Exactly. So, will you?"

Jesu sighs. "I suppose there is no harm in it. The real challenge is deciding which memory to talk about."

J.D. grins slyly.

Jesu cringes. "I do not like that look."

"Tell them how you became a vampire."

Jesu rolls his eyes. "Some how I knew you would say that."

J.D. giggles. "Please?" She gestures to her bedroom door, where the computer is waiting on the other side. "And don't leave out the all the good details! It took me ages to come up with that part of your life."

Jesu chuckles as he stands. "That is a lie, it took you five minutes."

J.D. sticks her tongue out. "So?" She points to her bedroom door. "Go. Scoot!"

Smiling, Jesu salutes J.D. before heading to the computer. He steps over her mess of clothes and bits of paper, then sit at her desk and logs onto Blogger.

How I Became a Vampire
By Jesu ta Korento

The year was 391 B.C. and it was the night before my 15th birthday. I was asleep on a bed of hay (something that, to this day, makes me grateful for modern mattresses) in the slaves keep when my Master woke me. I remember the look of urgency on his face. He rushed me to to his bed chamber. I thought for sure I was in trouble for something even though my master was much kinder to me than he was to the other slaves.

When we arrived, he shut and locked the door. Obviously something was wrong, but he did not speak a word of it to me, so I could not ask. Slaves did not speak unless spoken to. He grabbed my arm and yanked me toward his bed.

The Lady of the house, my Master's sister, sat at the edge of the bed. She was a beautiful woman, all milky skin and long, orange hair. But that night, her emerald colored eyes hung in distraught. "Oh, Connor, you do not have to harm the boy," she said. He was not hurting me, but I was frightened.

She gestured for me to sit next to her, so I obeyed. She took my hands in hers, which was not unusual. She was always a warm soul. She treated me as fairly as she treated her own son. "My dearest Anwell," she called me by the pet name she'd given me, loosly translated as beloved one. "How you have grown into a man. I have been blessed to watch you grow up, I never thought ... but now I must tell you ...." She squeezed my hands as her breath caught.

"For gods' sakes, Jord," said my Master. "We do not have time for sentiment. Tell the boy now or send him away."

My heart raced. Away? I did not want to be sent away, I liked it there. I knew it was foolish, but I had come to think of the Lord and Lady's castle as my home.

The Lady swiped at her eyes and nodded. She placed a hand on my cheek. "Dearest Jesu, I am your mother."

I jumped to my feet, but held my tongue. A thousand questions raced through my mind, but I focused on the floor, not sure if asking would be too bold.

My reaction seemed to upset her. She threw her arms around me and pulled me against her. "Oh, my son, I wanted to tell you, truly I did, but it would have endangered your life."

"I ... I do not understand."

"I am your mother, Jesu. Conner, is your uncle."

I glanced at my Master. He nodded. "It is the truth, my boy."

I blinked back tears. "Than, why...?"

"Oh Anwell, you know what we are. Surly you must have noticed, after all this time, how we are different."

At first I thought my mother meant how she and my uncle were surrounded by riches I could only dream of. Of how her husband, my father, thought he was above the law.

"You must have noticed, Jesu, how your uncle and I do not eat food. How we are awake at all hours of the night. Do you not notice our dislike of the sun?"

As a matter of speaking, I hadn't noticed. Being a slave was tiresome work. I slept from dusk to dawn in the slave keep, which was across the way from the castle. How was I to notice anyone was awake after hours? Back then, only the working stock had tans from tilling the garden. A woman of good breeding always stayed indoors and shielded her sensitive skin from the sun. As for their feeding habits, I did not work in the kitchen.

I shook my head.

My mother looked distraught. "Jesu, I don't know how else to tell you ... your father and I ... your uncle ... we are all vampires."

I had herd the term before. The other slaves sometimes whispered it in regards to the Lord and Lady of the house. They always spoke it in a nasty tone, but I never bothered to ask what a vampire was.

"Son," said my uncle. "We are demon folk."

"Oh Conner, do not give the boy the wrong idea!" She faced me. "We are not human, son. We are of a different kin."

I glanced at my uncle and then my mother. They both wore the same expression of hope, but I did not understand. "So... I am vampire too?"

"Unfortunately, no. You are human."

My mother frowned. "We do not understand why, but sometimes our children are not always born the same."

I thought of my mother's first son, my brother, my father's favorite. Understanding began to shine. "Jalmari is a vampire," I whispered.

My mother's eyes gleamed in the moon light. "Yes. You must be terribly upset, but now is not time for explanations and apologies. You are a man, and your father has long noticed how your uncle and I favor you. He does not like it. He feels threatened and your father does not like threats."

"My father does not like me?"

"He does not know you are his," my uncle clarified. "Your birth was hidden from him. He would have killed you and possibly even blamed your mother. That is why we led you to believe you were an orphan."

Feeling light-headed, I leaned against my mother. I would have sagged to the floor if she wasn't still holding me. "Why are you telling me this now?"

My mother glanced at my uncle then took a deep breath. "I wanted you to know the truth before... before we..."

"Before you send me away," I finished. "My presents threatens the Lord, so now I must go. I understand."

My mother hesitated. "There is an other way. You can become a vampire and stay with us, should you choose."

I perked up. "How?"

My mother bit her lip. She furrowed her orange eyebrows and glanced away as though having second thoughts.

"A bite," said my uncle.

"A ... a bite?"

He nodded. "A simple bite of the flesh from one of us is all it takes."

"Then ... then why did you not bite me when I was a baby?"

"It is not that simple," my mother snapped. "Becoming our kin through bite curses the vampire! You would lose your will. You would be forever damned to obey the vampire that bit you. How could I make that choice for my infant?"

"Aye," said my uncle. "Your miserable existence falls to your mother's inability to turn you with out your permission."

"Oh Conner!"

I glanced at them. "Is it really true? All you have to do is bite me and I can stay?"

Mother blinked at me. "Well, yes, son. But you have a choice. You can leave and continue life as a human --"

"Forgive me, madam, but why would I choose that?"

She bit her lip. "You will live a very different, very long life. You will never sleep again. You will never see the light of day."

"Quit trying to talk him out of it, Jord, you know this is what you want too."

My mother turned a sidelong glance to my uncle. "Of course I want my son to stay with me, but he is a man, Conner, and deserves to choose his own fate."

"Mmm. So what will it be, boy?"

The answer seemed obvious to me. "I want to stay. I want to be a vampire ... please, I do not want to leave."

My uncle chuckled. "No need to beg, boy, we are happy to keep you. All you have to decide now is who you want to be your sire, your mother or I, and do not not think either one of us will take offense if the other is chosen."

"I do not mean to rush you, dearest, but it is nearly dawn. Your father will be back soon."

I sucked in a deep breath. The decision was already etched on my heart. My poor mother thought I loathed her for keeping me in the dark, but I couldn't have been happier. I had a family. All this time, I had people who loved and watched over me, right here. "I want you to do it ... Mother."

She touched her fingers to her lips. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Than, you best give me your wrist."

I raise the underside of my arm to her beautiful lips. She grabbed it but paused to give me one last glance.

"Please," I whispered.

She leaned over my arm. I squeezed my eyes shut and clenched my jaw as her teeth pierced my skin.

I have been a creature of the night from that day forth. My father was terribly angry when my mother told him, but he eventually came to tolerate me. My brother and I have been inseparable even since.... well, at least until Jenna came into our lives. But that is a story only J.D. can tell.

It just never ends.

Mia,

Congratulations. You have completed phase one of the hostage situation we have going on here. As a token of good faith etc etc please find enclosed one page of your notebook and also a mint. The mint might look slobbered on but that was totally how we found it.

Right. Next thing on el agenda. So you've made it this far, and we are enjoying are Heelys very much thank you, but like all wonderful kidnappings you now have other hoops to jump through. You have twenty four hours to produce twenty four cupcakes plus also better working conditions for everyone.

Don't even try the old sympathy plea because we are all at our wits end with you wandering around singing all the time and playing laundry wars and stuff. Don't push us. We're so serious this time. 

Totally still watching you and ignoring the fact this is open topic week or whatever,

A. Non.

The Others Get a Turn

In an empty bar located in detroit, Dominic shuffles through the door and looks around unsure of who he should be searching for before sitting down at a booth in the back. He orders a beer from the server that suddenly appears and begins to fiddle with the metal band on his right wrist. It kept him from sleeping in the world where he was from but he didn't know if it would work here.

"Hey Dom," Bastian settles into a seat across from him.

"Oh, Bastian, hi." Dominic looked around for a second, for either someone else or a waiter. "Do you want a drink? The person should be back soon. Is Noah supposed to be here too?"

"I don't think so. Dawn has him busy and he's been on here before. She said something about us seconds getting a chance to hand out and talk." When the waiter brings Dominic's beer to the table, Bastian orders a drink and then they sit in silence.

Dominic looks around the room, trying to keep his gaze away from Bastian. To his relief someone else approached the table. It wasn't someone he knew but that was okay. He indicated for the guy to sit next to him as he said, "Hi."

Watching the newcomer order a water with lemon, Dominic took the distraction to examine his appearance. He couldn't help but feel he should know the stranger but the name was just out of reach in his mind.

"What are you doing here?" Bastian said in the direction of the newcomer.

Both were surprised but the newcomer shrugged it off first before responding, "I was told to be here."

Dominic had to ask at that point, "Sorry but umm, who are you exactly?"

"Michael." He smiled before tending to his drink.

"Michael." Dominic repeated the name and then it came to him. "Oh, Michael. You're the rogue that Noah said was cute. Now I remember."

"What?" Bastian snapped, his posture going from almost perfect to stiff. He didn't look happy either.

Dominic looked down at the table. He probably shouldn't have repeated what Noah had said about the other mutant, let alone in front of Noah's boyfriend. So, he tried to divert the conversation. "How do you know each other?"

Bastian doesn't respond and Michael bites his lip before taking a drink of the water. After that, at least he gives the answer. "The group I am with, we used him to get Noah to help us. Sorry about putting the knife to your neck like that. We didn't plan to hurt you."

"Sure you didn't." Bastian glared at Michael before focusing on his own drink. "I can guarantee it won't happen again."

Things were tense but the tone changed at once when someone else sat down next to Bastian. This caused Bastian to shift closer to the wall, away from the second newcomer, while the other two looked up in surprise. It was Dominic, as usual, who greeted the man. "Umm, hi."

"Hello. You are the mutant characters right?"

"Right... who are you?" Dominic had a feeling he wasn't from their world by how he had mentioned the word mutants. His voice didn't sound scared or anything but instead had a slight interest with a smile that was more of a smirk as the stranger pulled out a cigarette.

He lit the cigarette and took a drag before ordering a drink. He winked at Dominic. "Andras. You can call me Andy. I'm a demon from Detroit, so Dawn had me meet you all here since you're not familiar with the location."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." Bastian doesn't give him much acknowledgement even, and instead stares at Dominic. "Noah said that about him? Explain now."

Dominic looked at Andy and Michael, uncertain as to what he should say. Michael gives him a look of interest and Andy obviously has no idea what is going on. There is nothing to save him from Bastian's anxiety, so he has to say something.


To be continued...

Lord Dressen's Request

Lord Dressen pulls a chair up to Charlene’s desk.

Charlene: *looks up from her typing* Hi, Kyle. Is there something I can help you with?

Dressen: Yes, I have a request.

Charlene: *leans back in her chair* Okay.

Dressen: I don’t believe you portrayed my intentions accurately concerning Anna.

Charlene: Oh?

Dressen: I’ve wanted her a long time.

Charlene: Yes.

Dressen: And I gave her countless opportunities to accept my attentions.

Charlene: Yes.

Dressen: And the way I understand it, it's my standing as Grand Marshal that keeps her from being at my side.

Charlene: Well, she is looking for a soul mate, Kyle.

Dressen: But, she can’t get past the idea that a Nobleman might be that soul mate.

Charlene: And you feel justified in what you’re doing to get her to see your side of things.

Dressen: Yes. It’s justifiable. But, I have one concern. The readers may see my actions as self-fulfilling. I’m not only doing this to satisfy carnal pleasures. I love Anna.

Charlene: I see. Would it help to have a scene between you two that’s a bit more…sensitive?

Dressen: *straightens in chair and smiles* Yes. Show that I’m not cold, power-seeking, and ruthless...that I'm as capable of showing love for her as Cole Shilo is.

Charlene: Oh. Well, I’ll try to work something in the storyline to express your…feelings for her better.

Dressen: *nods with a sigh as he stands* I’m glad we had this conversation. *tugs at his vest and looks at his watch* Now, I have matters to finalize.

Charlene: The new curfew?

Dressen: *holds up a finger to accentuate his point* It’s the only way. *turns and leaves*

Charlene: *smiles and swivels her chair to view the closet* Okay, he’s gone. You can come out now.

Anna: *opens the door and peeks out* Is he for real? *sits in the chair and shakes her head* He is so messed up. You’re really going to make him look all sensitive?

Charlene: *turns back to the computer* With his personality? *chuckles* There’s only so much that can be done.

.

A (belated) letter

Mia,

Your characters have totes been busy with other stuff (as you will soon see) so you can hardly blame them for being a day late and contacting a third party to help them do this. Hardly. Geez. It's not like you were in a rush to do anything to do. They should know, they've been watching you. Anyway, here's how it's going to go down.

Somebody has taken your most prized pen and notebook as of 11am on Saturday the 13th of February 2011 and they may or may not want payment.

Yeah, that's right, they finally did it. It's not hidden about the house where you can find it, oh no, suffice it to say the notebook and corresponding pen are tied up in a bundle and hidden somewhere really secure but not actually safe. This bundle may be dangling over an open flame as we speak, it's hard to tell what with all the smoke coming from over where everyone is standing.

So. There's you dilemma for you. You have no notebook. They kidnapped it and now your WIP hangs in the balance.  You have twenty four hours to deliver the ransom. What ransom? Well that's easy because there is a list.

1. Your characters will do more sighing/winking/eyebrow raising/weird breathing unless absolutely you might die if they don't necessary.

2. Everyone gets Heelys.

3. Cheese.

4. Stop ending chapters on cliffhangers and exploding things because you get stuck.

5. Less waking your characters up at unreasonable hours and more drinkies for us... er, I mean them. They want the drinkies. *whistles*  They have a Union, you know.



And there you are. No more and no less. You have twenty four of your earthling hours. Do not disappoint or they swear your notebook with the ideas will meet an untimely demise. They are so not kidding this time.

Yours expectantly,

An interested party.

p.s. I would give the bathroom, like, five minutes because this interested party may or may not have made it a bit fragrant whilst we were popping by to get some sugar. Not from the toilet, from the fridge, I just needed to use the bathroom too. Wait, shoot, I switched to first person again.

Letters to Dawn

Dear Dawn,

First let me say thank you. Thank you for writing our story even though many people are getting tired of angels. Thank you for doing this story and for liking me as a character. I really do appreciate this. And I understand that you're a very busy writer. I was just wondering: are you going to get back to the story I'm in any time soon. I have been stuck with this guy in my apartment for months and it's a little awkward. I mean, Lucas asked about seeing my bedroom and then nothing. I don't know if I should show him. Should I invite him to stay? I feel bad that he doesn't even have a bed where he is living right now but don't want to get in any more trouble right now. I'm already grounded from going to the club. I know I deserved it and that night was really worth the punishment. Thank you for that, by the way, I really had fun even though I almost gave in. Speaking of, do you think Lucas likes me? Will he still like me if we can't have sex? I hope so. I can't put my finger on it: there is just something about him. I never had a relationship before, though you know that already. It would be really nice to have one even if we never sleep together. Lucas, he's so.. this feels so weird. I don't know what I'm even doing. So, umm if you could find time to come over and help me out, I would really appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Elijah


Elijah, you are so kind. I'm glad you are one of my characters. And I'm so sorry that I haven't been able to write your novel. I do want to and I promise that I still love the story even though I haven't written in the book for months, I really do. I will do my best to get back to your novel as soon as I get my head in order and finish the YA draft. I can't wait to see what happens next. Thank you for being such a great character.

Dawn,

What the Hell? Seriously? I die in the first chapter, become a stupid minor demon, and then you take me all the way to this really cute guy's house and leave? Ugh. This sucks. I mean, it's hard because the past months have been so lame. Then I met this guy, Elijah. He's really cute and we almost had sex at the club. Then I find out he's in my English class and now I'm in his house, staring at his bedroom door and you leave us there for months while you write other stuff, or pretend to be writing but really your just hanging around online. I don't even care if we have sex or not, just let me know. Elijah, he's so... Do you think he likes me? Could he ever like me? Did he tell you anything? I sound crazy. Okay, just, could you please come back and at least finish this chapter so I'm not stuck waiting. I would really like that.

From,
Lucas

Oh Lucas. I'm sorry that I haven't gotten to your novel. And I know it sucks about the whole death and demon thing but you got a lot of action that first chapter. So, at least you have that. And I don't know about Elijah. You'll just have to wait and find out. I will try to get to your novel by this summer. The other novels just need my attention right now. But I promise, you'll like what happens.

To Anastasia with Love

Dear Anastasia,

I am truly honored you chose me as the hero of this story. I know the story originated as a contemporary novel to honor your father, a soldier. I am proud to still honor such a man with my own story. Your world and mine can use more men like him.

Please accept my utmost gratitude for your own dedication and sacrifice to sharing my story with the world. I know it has been a difficult journey for all involved, including myself. I am honored to have worked with you on this project.

Know that I will always be here, even after the story is done. I have enjoyed every moment we have had together and I don't want to lose any future moments with you. I will continue to visit you in your dreams and caress your imagination with my adventures and love.

Thank you for everything, Anastasia. I pray you never lose your love of magic and child-like sense of adventure.

All my love,
Derac Vidor

Dear Ms. Wilson

Dear Ms. Wilson,

In light of Cornerstone Summit’s, or in your dimension’s familiar terms, Earth’s, celebration of love, be it know to you as Valentine’s Day and your birthday, I have been called upon by Sirs Cole, James, and Vincent Shilo to extend the following invitations for February 14, 2011.

Sir Vincent wishes to meet you at 7:30am at which time he will whisk you by Smoke of Night to the northern providence of Terra to ski the slopes of Higotham.  Appropriate attire has been sent with this request and he asks that I reassure you there is no worry for lack of skill.  He will guide your balance at all times.    

Sir James offers an afternoon of relaxation which includes a full body massage in the sunroom.  Confections from Midway Summit and a personal note are included with this letter.  He asks that it be withheld from blog print as it is of a personal nature.

Please find with Sir Cole’s invitation a bottle of the finest Ambrosia of Meridian.  He wishes to escort you to Shilo City’s Ball of the Bells, to be held on February 14, 2011.  Should you choose to accept, a carriage will arrive at 7:00pm.  Arrangements have been made at Chantelli’s Formal Wear and Armerello’s Jewelry to allow you to select your choice of gown and accessories.  He also wishes me to assure you that the Song of Meridian will be played, spotlighting the two of you in dance.   

May I add my deepest wishes for an enjoyable birthday on this day of love.  It has been my pleasure to perform this duty.

Sincerely,

Tyler Ballard

Officiator to the Nobles

Charlene:  *turns bright red*  Oh.  My.  God!  Cole, don’t you dare fill Dressen’s order! 











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