maskormenace

[The boy who appears on camera could be no more than sixteen, if one were to judge by physical appearance alone. At best, the sober expression and conservative haircut might cautiously elevate him to as old as twenty. It’s the eyes that reveal the lie in that assumption. The eyes and perhaps a quality to his presence, something still and weary and aged that he makes no effort to conceal.]

My name is Godric, and I am newly arrived here.

I do not doubt that many of you have heard every possible question that could be asked in regard to our arrival, so I will be brief.

[A faintly wry expression crosses his face as he says it, as if in apology. But it passes as he pauses for a few heartbeats, unhurried, taking the time to consider his words.]

I am not altogether comfortable being proclaimed a hero, nor am I necessarily comfortable with the hand the military has taken in all this. For those of you who chose to register, if you had doubts, what swayed your opinion? For those of you who chose to abstain, or indeed took any other path, what convinced you it was for the best?

[His eyes wander back to the camera then, his gaze steady, focused wholly at whoever he may be addressing on the other end.]

They say the Porter is sentient, but I wonder over the nature of its intelligence. Do you believe our presence here is as deliberate as they imagine? If so, is it punishment or providence? Or is all this merely chance?

[Another pause and he shifts, eyes going distant and unfocused, considering whether to ask more. Deciding against it, he smiles politely. There’s no real happiness in it.]

Thank you for your time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Miles just grins more and waves a hand. ]

Just Miles, please. But well met, Godric.

[ Even if he does blink a bit there. ]

May I ask the obvious question, then? What species are you?

I am a vampire.

[He's matter-of-fact about it, but manages to look vaguely apologetic too. It's not like having a vampire move into one's town is always a comfortable prospect.]

I'm not sure how people react to my kind here. I would not be surprised if there were mixed feelings, and I would be grateful to know if I ought to keep it quiet entirely. I've been assured that there are options for synthetic blood, and I've been offered private housing, but they appointed me a job as a food critic.

[Can you see how dry this expression is, Miles? But it might be a little funny. It isn't as if they weren't aware of his inability to eat food, so he's fairly sure he's being trolled.]

[ A vampire. Well. That's a new one; Miles can't help but stare. But given the last person he helped was a cannibal, it's too far outside his experience.

The food critic part, though. Sorry, Godric, that startles a laugh out of him. ]

And yet here you are, unable to eat it. I suppose you could focus on presentation.

[ He shakes his head a bit. ]

While you are right to be concerned, most imPorts should be quite fine with you as long as you clarify that you are not out to harm others here. You're not the only one with unusual dietary restrictions.

[He nods thoughtfully, still somewhat hesitant. Coming out of the coffin had not brought about peace and understanding in his world, but then, none of that had been because of his own actions. He gets along well enough with humans, these days.]

So I have heard. And the native citizens? Are they accepting of us imPorts, for the most part?

[ Miles makes a so-so gesture with his hand. ]

They can be wary. Prejudiced, even. But you're in good company.

[Have a weary sort of smile]

No different than usual, then.

I have some ideas for what else I might do to earn a living, but I'm still familiarizing myself with this world. I have not yet decided whether I will register, but if I choose not to, will it greatly affect my ability to find employment, or conduct business of my own?

Starting up will be rougher. If you've no major opposition to it, then I do recommend starting registered out of pure convenience. You can always change your mind later.

But - it is quite feasible to deregister from the start as well.

I see. Judging from the responses I've received so far, I don't believe I have any major opposition to registering, save some... lingering personal principles that may not apply here.

[Vampires do not usually work in service of human governments for more very good reasons than Godric can count. On the other hand, this isn't the same situational dynamic.]

I still have some time to decide. In the meantime, do you have any general recommendations for newcomers?

[ And Miles does not swear himself to anyone but Emperor Vorbarra, normally. But - here he is anyway. ]

Depends on what you're after. Practical concerns? Entertainment? I'd normally recommend some restaurants, but ...

[That gets a genuine laugh out of him.]

I'll pass on the restaurants, but any practical concerns I have not addressed would be welcome. I wouldn't be adverse to entertainment, but I don't expect you to play tour guide.

[ He taps at his chin thoughtfully, considering. ]

You've had the most of it, I think. And you've been assigned housing I'm sure. Don't feel you have to stay there, I suppose. My family moved out within a few months.

[He takes a mental note that Miles has family here, and considers asking him about them later, but for now he has plenty to think on.]

The housing I've been assigned seems adequate enough for now, but I'll take that under consideration.

Thank you, Miles, you have been very helpful. You're a credit to your title. You have office hours, I assume?

[ Miles bows over the camera, pleased by the compliment. ]

Of course. Which are preferred, though I do live upstairs as well.

I wouldn't dream of intruding on your home unless it were an emergency. I'll stick to office hours, and thank you again.

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