But how will you know if sniffing won't work

[negotiates]

You know, I'd like to think that I have enough experience with doppelgängers to be able to distinguish them. Even if neither are human.

Elena will have no shortage of volunteers eager to help her. I have my own family to take care of first.

Comments

[primogen_vampirate]

Oh, any number of ways. I'm a curious creature by nature. And it isn't often I meet a man I find something to respect in.

[negotiates]

I see. What does this Circle of yours do?

[primogen_vampirate]

The Circle of the Crone? Does our reputation not proceed us? I'm wounded.

We're the witches of the vampire world. Or the heretics, depending on your religious inclinations, I suppose.

[negotiates]

That's impossible. Vampires cannot be witches.

[primogen_vampirate]

Do you require a demonstration?

[negotiates]

Very well. Show me.

[primogen_vampirate]

Let me think. Which one will look most impressive? Cruac can be a subtle art, but there are a few...

Ah.

[A flash of a knife across her wrist. And as the drops of rub blood hit the ground, a barrier of hawthorn begins to rise up like a topiary wall.]

[negotiates]

[Consider him impressed.]

Well. I'd say you've converted me.

[primogen_vampirate]

An interesting choice of words as we are the immortal enemies of the Lancae Sanctum. Or as you might know them, the Catholic Church.

[negotiates]

[That is interesting. He shrugs.] It was a figure of speech. I have no interest in any church.

[primogen_vampirate]

They're so dreary, anyway.

[She heals up her wrist.]

Why did you say that vampires can't be witches?

[negotiates]

Because they can't. I've seen witches turn. They lose their magic.

[A pause.] How is it that you still have magic?

[primogen_vampirate]

I was many things before I turned. A witch was never one of them. I only gained my magic after dying.

[negotiates]

How were such powers granted to you?

[primogen_vampirate]

I elected to join the Circle. They were my family and it was only natural that I should want to become one of them, after my Embrace. It was the whole point, really.

[negotiates]

And now you are its leader.

[primogen_vampirate]

Flattering, but not entirely accurate. Perhaps the term "cell leader" might be a better choice of words. I doubt a fae-infected vampire is likely to rise much higher in the ranks at present.

[negotiates]

[A raised eyebrow.] Fae-infected?

[primogen_vampirate]

Well, someone as old as I am is bound to have an adventure or two.

And what about you?

[negotiates]

As you've probably guessed, I have no magic.

[primogen_vampirate]

But you must have had your share of shenanigans. Unlife would be most dreary without them.

[negotiates]

True. Yes, I suppose I have.

[primogen_vampirate]

Let's have a story, then.

[negotiates]

[He thinks a moment.] Well, the establishment of the United States of America was quite a momentous occasion.

[primogen_vampirate]

And you participated?