carriesparasol: (Thinking Deeply)
Alexia Maccon ([personal profile] carriesparasol) wrote2011-01-11 05:20 pm
Entry tags:

[RL with Sebastian ]

After her rather strange and adventuresome night Alexia had of course consulted with her dearest friend Ivy Hisselpenny. Of course it had been more gossiping than consulting as Ivy was rather shocked about all she had to share and had little to no advice on the matter. However, it had done her some good to confess to someone trusted about her strange encounter with Lord Maccon. After Miss Hisselpenny's visit, Alexia still had much to think about and digest, but she has such little time to do it. Ivy would not be her only caller that day. After speaking to the community, she was expected her acquaintance, Sebastian Michaelis.

Not wanting the unnecessary suspicion and annoyance of her family, Alexia planned for his visit to be closer to evening and fibbed to her mother that Lord Akeldama would be the one calling on her that evening. As usual the mention of the rove Vampire sent her mama into a tizzy and she and the rest of the family scurried away to another ball, leaving Alexia alone. Or, as alone as one can be with a house full of servants.

Patiently Alexia waited in the greeting parlor for her guest's arrival.

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-11 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Sebastian had much to do to prepare for his call, so as not to arouse too much suspicion or irritation in his master. It was rare for Sebastian to go anywhere without Ciel, or for the two to be parted for long. But he had taken extra care to complete his daily cleaning early, and arranged a tutor for Ciel for the late afternoon.

When he left, Ciel was stumbling through some French, something Sebastian might have been able to teach himself, but had left to an inferior teacher for now, so as to procure for himself the occasional afternoon off to run errands.

As there were no errands to run today, the demon arrived on Alexia's doorstep at precisely the time they had agreed upon, and rung the bell. Though he himself was still dressed as a butler and carried a package under one arm, he was admitted through the front door and conducted to the parlour with a minimum of fuss.

"My Lady," he said, bowing as he entered the room and setting down the package, which was a cake box coloured a robin's egg blue. Inside was a chocolate mousse cake, prepared by his own hand, of course. "It's a pleasure to meet you in person, at last."

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-11 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Alexia had of course informed her trusted butler Floote of Sebastian's visit, so he would be the one to escort him to the parlor. After Alexia rose to greet her guest she asked for him to bring them both tea. With a nod Floote left to do as was requested of him.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, sir," she smiled softly. "Please, take a seat." She motioned to the plush couch set at the center of the room, beside a polished tea table.

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-12 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
Sebastian tried not to look too hard at Floote as he sat. It might be rude to criticize another's technique and polish, particularly when Sebastian wasn't playing the butler at the moment. Though he couldn't help but look, despite his best efforts, eyebrows furrowing slightly.

He took the indicated seat, leaving the package for the butler to open, cut and serve along with their tea.

"You have a lovely home," he offered pleasantly. "Are you the head of the household?" He didn't have a clear sense of whether Alexis was titled, or what her status was, precisely, and he was curious to learn more about her life.

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-12 05:20 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh no," Alexia replied with a subtle shake of her head. "That would be my stepfather, The Squire Loontwill."

As Floote was the very best at what he did, at least in Alexia's London. He was swift to return with the cake and tea. Alexia thanked him and dismissed him until he was needed again. Of course knowing Floote as she did, he suspect he would stay close to the parlor should any trouble arise. There had been quite a lot as of late, after all.

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-12 03:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Sebastian nodded, smiling as he reached for his cup of tea. He reached for the teapot automatically to pour, but paused and simply picked up his cup. Of course the butler had done so already.

It was odd, not serving anyone for a while. He felt slightly off-kilter, and hoped that Ciel wasn't being too troublesome to his French tutor.

He ignored the feeling and focused on Alexia. "Tell me about vampires," he purred, lifting the steaming cup to his lips.

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-12 03:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Alexia was a bit startled by Sebastian's directness, but not all together surprised as to the topic. She took a moment to sip her tea and decide where exactly she should start. With such a vast topic it was rather difficult to decide. Fishing for some idea she glanced over at Sebastian.

"Is there anything particular that you would like to know about them?"

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-12 04:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Sebastian knew it was rather direct of him to have asked in such a manner, but hopefully this would get an easier sort of conversation going. He settled back against the sofa a little, a smile playing about his lips.

The tea was quite good. Almost as good as his own. Perhaps he should remember to play a compliment to the butler before he left.

"I'm simply curious about your perspective," he said. "You seem to encounter them rather often, for a lady of your refinement."

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-12 04:17 pm (UTC)(link)
With a slight sigh, Alexia nodded. It was true that she getting into quite a bit of trouble with the fanged sort as of late.

"Unlike many of the worlds I have heard about through our dear community, vampires are quite common in my world. For many years they have been a part of London's polite society. In other countries things are not quite so civilized with them or the werewolves and ghosts. London has grown quite accustomed to them all, though. My trouble with them is...and unusual case it would seem."

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-12 04:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Sebastian quirked an eyebrow. He had noticed that she seemed to speak of the vampires with casual familiarity, but had thought that was a personal quirk, not a reflection of general acceptance.

"What a delightful place," he said, laughing softly. "Where vampires and other monsters walk among humans openly. I think I like this London."

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-12 04:41 pm (UTC)(link)
She smiled at the thought. Seeing as it was her home she too liked her London, even if it still had many faults. She took another sip of tea and placed the cup and saucer back on the table.

"I only wish that more places could be similar, in my own world and in the other worlds I've heard of."

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-12 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
He nodded, reaching for his plate of the mousse cake, which had been served out as well. "So you consider it a good thing, overall." He wasn't surprised by this, given her attitude thus far. "You don't seem to fear them in the least. Not even the ones who give you trouble."

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-12 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course that would be because vampires can do very little harm to a preternatural, seeing as they become quite human at one's touch, but Alexia was not about the explain that. It was a secret she kept well guarded, even from her friends and family.

"I suppose I have just become so used to their presence that a few troublesome vampires will not ruin my view on their race as a whole," she told him, sounding quite convincing. "Of course, as long as I have my parasol at my side I am prepared to defend myself. I admit, my abduction was frightening for a moment or two."

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-12 04:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"That's understandable, and quite reasonable of you," Sebastian said, though inwardly he poked at it, rolling the question about in his mind. He didn't know her well, but was it really likely that a young Victorian lady with a parasol would be so reasonable when it came to blood-sucking monsters?

"Where would we be as a civilized society if people put an entire race down for the actions of a few extremists?" Precisely where they were right now, of course, since that was human nature. Sebastian smiled slightly, enjoying his own joke.

[OOC: Would her power affect Sebastian, too? Sebastian: *horrified at thought*]
Edited 2011-01-12 16:56 (UTC)

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-12 05:10 pm (UTC)(link)
"There are still many in this world who are against the integration of the supernatural set into society," Alexia said regretfully. "America is full of the Puritans who left because of such a reform here in England." She pitied the whole of America and other countries like it. Humans there refused to believe that supernaturals were anything but people who had sold their souls to the devil, and forced them into hiding by hunting them without mercy. It was practically a trip back to the European Dark Ages.

"I can only hope that we will all continue to strive forward instead of backwards as so many people seemed inclined to do."

[ooc: For now, I'll say yes, but canon has not finished and there is a lot unknown about preternaturals, so that may change as more comes out. :\]

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-15 06:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's human nature to fear the unknown, particularly if it has the taint of the devil in it," Sebastian purred, bemused. "It's incredible to me that England is so...enlightened." Or foolhardy, depending on how one interpreted it. The American reaction wasn't surprising to him.

"But I suppose things do tend to stumble along in a generally forward direction," he pointed out with a slight shrug. "So long as the supernatural don't give the humans too much reason to change their mind, perhaps acceptance is inevitable, at least in a century or two."

[OOC: Sweet! So it happens when she touches them?]

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-15 08:32 pm (UTC)(link)
"It is that fear that hinders any progress that might be made," Alexia as she carefully sipped her tea. "But England is far from perfect, despite its strides forward. There are still many people that fear the supernaturals. They may be accepted members of society, but there are still those who are hesitant to allow them near."

Her own family was a fine example, and even her dear friend Miss Hisselpenny was hesitant to associate with supernaturals.

"Now what about your world? Are most people aware of the presence of demons among them?"

[ooc: Yep. It's instantaneous skin, by skin to skin or through clothes.]

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-16 12:20 am (UTC)(link)
"Fear is natural," Sebastian murmured. "It's one of the primary motivations of humans, from what I've seen."

He chuckled and shook his head, reaching for the pot to pour them each more tea. The habits of service died hard. "Very few are aware of the existence of demons. Even the rest of the Phantomhive household doesn't know that I'm a demon. Only my master Ciel knows my true nature. There are other supernatural creatures in the world as well, such as Reapers, angels, and ghosts."

He shrugged, lifting his refreshed cup. "Most fear such things, without believing that they really exist."

[OOC: For the purposes of the party, want to assume that they just chat here and don't actually touch and they can possibly discover this little quirk when they're locked in a small room?]

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-16 12:26 am (UTC)(link)
"I see," Alexia said with a nod. She was quiet for a moment as she digested what he had just told her. "And does that work better for supernatural creatures of your kind? Or do you hope for a change?"

[ooc: That's fine with me. :D He'll be the first in the community to find out!]

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-16 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
He considered the question thoughtfully, sipping his tea. "I'd say that it matters to me little," he decided in the end. "I certainly have nothing that I wish that I cannot get through my own efforts, and to be honest..." He waved a hand. "It seems to me that humans are not so supreme in this world than they think. For me to go to your governments, to beg for legitimacy and recognition, is demeaning."

He cocked his head. "Overall, I think that I'm better off remaining in the shadows. There's so much more room to move there. In the light, I would need to behave. Now the only one I'm beholden to is my master."

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-16 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
Alexia took a moment to consider the danger she may have put herself in by befriending this new acquaintance, but in the end she decided trouble had a way of finding her one way or another. She might as well have a good conversation or two while she was at it.

"I think there are many supernaturals would agree with you. While the majority is glad for the peace that we have here, there are some who wish for more freedom."

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-16 01:44 am (UTC)(link)
Luckily for Alexia, demons from Sebastian's world had a code of honour, and Sebastian had no interest in any soul other than that of his master's. Alexia's death wouldn't further Ciel's interests in the least, and that meant that she was as safe as it was possible to be in the presence of a demon.

"Perhaps it's merely my own biases against change," Sebastian admitted with a soft smirk. "But I am happy with things the way that they are, and don't see much potential gain to be had - personally - within your system. I wonder, though." He looked at her with open curiosity. "Have any of your supernatural friends told you what they get out of coming out of the shadows and into the light?"

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-16 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
"I would not say coming into the light would be an accurate statement. Supernaturals are still very much creatures of the night. Vampires would perish in the sunlight and werewolves are very much diminished by it as well, save a few stronger ones," Alexia explained.

"However, I believe they are keen on joining the society of humans for protection. Supernaturals may have the advantage in strength and power, but throughout history there have always been those who hunted them. As members of society they are free of such persecution."

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-16 02:31 am (UTC)(link)
"I was speaking figuratively," Sebastian said with amusement. "I'm not at all diminished by daylight, but still I move in a world that most people would consider dark."

He cocked his head. "But they were persecuted because of the danger they posed to humans. Do your vampire friends not still drink human blood?"

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-16 02:41 am (UTC)(link)
"Of course they do," Alexia said with a nod. They needed it to survive, after all. "That is what drones are for. Vampires act as patrons to humans they deem worthy, and those humans in turn volunteer their blood. Usually they volunteer in a bid to gain immortality someday."

She did not think ill of any drone, but even if she were able to Alexia did not think she would ever with to have the immortal life of a vampire or werewolf.

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-16 04:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Sebastian nodded, resting his cheek on one hand as he regarded her. "Are you considering taking your friend on as a patron, then?" She did talk about that man, Akeldama or something like that, quite frequently. Perhaps she was already offering herself to him.

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-16 07:00 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh certainly not," Alexia replied. "Vampire drones are usually people of excessive creativity. It is hypothesized that their creativity is proof of an overabundance of soul. Only those with a large amount of soul would survive the change," she explained. Of course with the lack of soul Alexia had, she would not even be able to attempt such a feat even if she wanted to.

"Besides, I do not suit Lord Akeldama's...taste, when it comes to drones." She smirks a bit at this.

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-16 07:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Sebastian blinked at this. "Excessive soul?" he asked, leaning forward with more interest. "People in your world have...more or less soul than others? What does that mean?"

He sees her smirk and gives her a bemused expression in return, taking her meaning.

[identity profile] carriesparasol.livejournal.com 2011-01-16 11:41 pm (UTC)(link)
"It is not an exact science since the soul is something one cannot measure. At least, not as of the present moment," Alexia began her explaination. It felt strange having to explain at all, since everyone in her world had public knowledge of this.

"Supernaturals are beings in possession of excessive soul. If one took the bite of a vampire or werewolf and they did not have enough soul, they would not survive. The simplest example is ghosts. If a person has an vast amount of soul, it will appear in ghostly form until their body decomposes completely."

[identity profile] raises-shotas.livejournal.com 2011-01-17 02:42 am (UTC)(link)
"I see," Sebastian said thoughtfully. He couldn't help but wonder if he would notice a difference, eating the soul of someone who had the potential to become a ghost or other supernatural creature, or someone who didn't have enough. Not that he would ever find out, most likely.

He smiled. "That's fascinating. It's not the same where I come from. There are souls of different quality, different refinement, but not different sizes, so far as I'm aware."