first; video and text

[cravats]

[The video flicks on to show an interested face, though it's... mostly obscured by what looks like a cross between a pair of glasses and a pair of binoculars that grotesquely magnify one eye.]

Fascinating. When this appeared in my office I was hardly expecting it to be so unusual.

[Thankfully for everyone, the glasses come off now to reveal a man of indeterminate age, sandy hair neatly combed and cravat impeccably tied. He doesn't look directly into the camera, instead staring off into space, voice thoughtful.]

Perhaps some sort of aetheric device... ah.

[A thought strikes him and he leans in to type slowly- the book, or the device that appears to be a book, has keys with letters on them. They must be to communicate with something...]

Please inform me of your purpose.

Comments

[carriesparasol]

[Oh dear.]

Ah, yes. I suppose I did forget to mention that. Being at home again, and with sufficient protection, I thought it best not to worry you.

[locked]

[chapter_behind]

You forgot to mention it, or you thought it best not to worry me?

[locked]

[carriesparasol]

I thought it best not to worry you. As it is, you already have enough to worry about.

Re: [locked]

[chapter_behind]

Why are people trying to kill you, Alexia?

[locked]

[carriesparasol]

Apparently they are displeased with the child I am carrying. Given the scrolls I came upon on my trip to Italy, the vampires are concerned the child will be a "steal of souls". I am not sure of the details, but they fear what the child will be capable of once born.

Re: [locked]

[chapter_behind]

They fear what the child will do, but they don't know what that is?

[locked]

[carriesparasol]

Given the names "Stealer of Souls" and "Stalker of Skins" I cannot imagine it would be anything the vampires would find pleasing.

Re: [locked]

[chapter_behind]

I see your point.

Why don't you simply relocate to another world until your child is born?

[locked]

[carriesparasol]

That is an excellent thought, but I do have my duties to attend to here, and my husband is still unaware of the other worlds. He would be less than pleased if I were to disappear.

Re: [locked]

[chapter_behind]

As opposed to your murder, which, I've no doubt, would thrill him to no end.

[locked]

[carriesparasol]

I am surrounded by a pack of werewolves on a daily basis, James. I assure you that I am well protected.

Re: [locked]

[chapter_behind]

Yes, you aren't the point to take any sort of unnecessary risk.

[locked]

[carriesparasol]

Certainly not. And even after the child is born who is to say we will be completely safe? I think it better not to run away.

Re: [locked]

[chapter_behind]

[That was totally sarcasm.]

Indeed.

[locked]

[carriesparasol]

[Ignored sarcasm.]

You think my choice foolish?

Re: [locked]

[chapter_behind]

I think you're in danger, Alexia.

[locked]

[carriesparasol]

That is something I cannot help. I am doing everything I can in my world to ensure that I am safe.

Re: [locked]

[chapter_behind]

And I am just supposed to accept that?

[locked]

[carriesparasol]

James. I assure you that I am very safe here. Should I find myself unsafe, I will tell you and I will find another plan of action.

Re: [locked]

[chapter_behind]

[He sighs.]

As you like.

[locked]

[carriesparasol]

This was why I hesitated in telling you. I did not want you to worry like this.

[locked]

[chapter_behind]

Alexia...

[He sighs.] You are my friend. I want to be able to help you.

[locked]

[carriesparasol]

And I appreciate that very much. However, if I asked you to come and help I imagine there would be a completely different battle waged.

Re: [locked]

[chapter_behind]

[He sighs.]

Well, if the opportunity becomes available, please ask.

[locked]

[carriesparasol]

I will.

I do apologize for not being more honest with you from the start.