Be wary where you step [Open]

[VIVIANA CAMELIA LESTOAT]

The silence of the library had always brought comfort to Viviana. Even in such a place of obligatory tranquility there was never stillness. Steady breathing, sighs of exasperation and boredom, the rustling of parchment and scratching of quills, whispered conversations, and scuffling of feet, the leather binding of old books creaking open to fill an eager students mind with knowledge- all were things that Vivi heard clearly, and in a higher volume than most. Rather than finding the many noises irritating or distracting she had the great fortune to listen in more of a lullaby. Each exhalation and crisp crackle of parchment soothed the fair Ravenclaw allowing her to slip deeper into her thoughts to better the essay that she was writing in that thin, elegant script of hers.

Unlike those around her Viv’s concentration was not divided by outside distractions. Her focus had always been immaculate, only two things being able to pull her out of her tunnel vision. One, the most obvious and well known, being the scent of blood. It could bring any vampire, half or otherwise, out of whatever they were doing. The other was subject to Viviana, it being anything of monetary value, such as jewelry, her favourite of which were pearls. It wasn’t uncommon for her to be seen in them either. A lovely iridescent string gracefully adorned her neck that very day as it were. Feeling them cooling against her skin was tantalizing and where some would have viewed such a thing as vain or superficial, Vivi was content with the truth. This wasn’t something that she could help any more than she could her mouth watering over the scent of blood it was instinctual.

With her unwavering focus Viviana had finished her essay in a fit amount of time. Rolling the parchment up, closing the inkbottle and tenderly blowing on the tip of her quill so that no ink would blemish her belongings, she began to pack her things up rather satisfied with the work that she had completed. The rest of the day, now that business had been attended to, was completely left up to leisure. But Viv lingered in the library a few moments looking around at the many books that lined the stacks. How many of the stories held within did she no know by heart, having listened to her father recite them in the most alluring way. Whenever he opened his mouth to speak Viviana knew that she would not be able to look away until he had finished whatever tale he had to spin. No bard had ever been as eloquent as he and none ever would, whether in reality or in her heart it remained the same for her.

Each of her movements were delicate and lissome, the way that her hips slithered seemed to be more of a dance than a simple walk. It wasn’t sensual, necessarily, but tempting nonetheless. It came with the territory. Vampires were so very dangerous for many reasons but the most unsuspecting was their ability to captivate- they lured you in with their natural wiles, which had a lot to do with, despite best efforts to drink only from the willing, why Viviana’s family was never found wanting human blood. So many were willing. As she rounded the corner her sense and reflexes were of sound mind, keeping her from walking into the person coming opposite her with nothing more than a single step to the left. Still, Viv came to stop her eyes slowly roaming over the person’s face to take in their features only to lock eye contact with them a moment later. “A thousand pardons.” Viviana’s apology was sincere but it was her tone that made all the difference, like little silver bells ringing out a sweet melody.

[AALIYAH RAYNE D'EATH]

It wasn't too often that Liyah made her way towards the library. It wasn't that she didn't like the place it was just that she preferred more secluded and hidden areas of the castle to do her studying and homework. She wasn't huge on people or crowds and even though the library was a nice place to study, other people were always there and she just didn't like it. Being away from people meant that she didn't have to worry about whether she would stay in control or not. She hadn't tasted human blood in over two years but that didn't mean that the craving wasn't still there, it was always there. Vampires, even half vampires, couldn't stay in control forever and animal blood didn't exactly saturate the craving, it just kept her healthy.

Today she was on her way to library because she needed one book that she couldn't get anywhere else in order to complete her homework assignment. She was walking now, rather quickly towards the library, she wanted to get in and get out. As she rounded the corner she saw someone step quickly out of the way to avoid a collision. If Liyah had been focused on walking she would have realized that someone was coming and been able to move as well but her mind was elsewhere at the moment. The voice that rang in her ears only a moment later was something she recognized which made her look up. There before her was Viviana.

"Oh sorry Viv, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going" she replied with a small smile. "How have you been, I haven't seen you in forever it seems?" she added hoping to catch up a little with her friend. Viv had been a good friend through some rough times and even now Liyah knew that Viv could probably help her but Liyah didn't want to ask for the help partially because she didn't want to admit she needed it. She was trying to take care of things on her own but recently her cravings had been getting worse. Ever since she started spending more time with Dominic and had realized her feelings for him for some reason she just felt different and in less control that she had been before. Viv was probably one of the only people that could or would help her.

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[VIVIANA CAMELIA LESTOAT]

Aaliyah was someone that Viviana had known for a while now. The girl seemed to struggle deeply with who she was- and in fact had been the person who most influenced her aspirations. Whenever she saw one of her kind in such distress it pained her. How was it that those different from them had painted vampires in such a negative light? Or in one of utter ridiculousness? Vampires were not monsters or the things that went bump in the night, but simply just like everyone else. It was just that, for them, they survived off the blood of humans. This was nothing more than the food chain at work, natural selection, and most of the time humans, though drank from were not killed. At least that was the way of her household. What could humans claim to such an effect? They were wasteful when it came to substance. The Native Americans were the only humans with any claim to fairness, when they killed an animal, all of it was used, where it be the pelt for clothing, and the bones to hunt with, every part was used. With humans now it was selfish killing, and yet vampires were hated and feared.

“You’re forgiven. Idle minds plague the best of us.” She didn’t mind that Aaliyah hadn’t been watching where she stepped. Viviana had taken the appropriate measure to avoid an incident, but the returned politeness was very much appreciated. It wasn’t often that Vivi was faced with the problem that Liyah had, but then they were vastly different people. Aaliyah constantly worried about controlling herself around others, it was stressful work. To be so consumed with something often had an effect of making you more susceptible to the very thing that you were trying to avoid- reverse psychology if you will.

Viv on the other hand was content. She held the concern in the back of her mind so as never to forget but also not to be harped on. To do so was a tedious task, one that took many years to perfect. Growing up in the nurturing environment that she had, with her father making certain to fill his daughters’ heads with tales of their kind, in the most enchanting way, Viviana had learned to do just that. A funny thing time was. It was always ticking away and yet seemed so infinite. Generations passed through the ages, old turning to new, it seemed to be a never-ending circle. What was happening now in a person’s life had surely happened hundreds of times in the lives of other’s some where throughout history- and yet it still seemed fresh and in most cases original to the person that it was happening to.

Forever was a long time, but she understood the expression as it was meant rather than taking it literally. “Yes, it had been too long between encounters. I’ve been well. I plan to see my father soon, it’s about time for him to make a visit at The Three Broomsticks again, which I always look forward to” It did bother her that Remy was such the vagabond, roaming from town to town to croon his enthralling tales to weary patrons. The thought of the life that he led was rather romantic, though as his little girl forever and always, she did want him home. “And yourself?” Looking Aaliyah over there was something different about her. Subtle chances in the way that she held herself, she had gotten older too, in the week or so that they had remained parted, Viviana was still about to see the difference. Liyah seemed to be weighed down with worry.

[AALIYAH RAYNE D'EATH]

Liyah smiled and nodded as her apology was accepted by Viv. Lately Liyah really hadn't been herself, she had been pretty out of it, even during classes. Her teachers had noticed that she was quieter and wasn't raising her hand as much. Really her mind was just full of things that were not class related and even when she tried to clear it out she couldn't. She hadn't been sleeping well either, having nightmares and many restless nights to say the least. Liyah wasn't exactly ever the most upbeat person in the world but she was usually pretty confident in her appearance. Lately she was walking with her head down just trying to get from one place to another without running into anyone. More antisocial than she had been before at least. The thing with Liyah was that when she had an insecurity she tended to focus on it too much and at the point it tended to take over her day to day life. It was a terrible habit but hard to break.

"Glad to hear you are doing well and that is great about your father coming home to visit" she replied with a small smile. Liyah and her father were still on rough terms and for the last couple years Liyah had witnessed first hand what a father daughter relationship could really be by watching Viv and her father interact. What Dom had said to her about making amends with her father still rang in the back of her mind, she just wasn't quite ready yet to be the bigger person.

When Viv asked about how Liyah herself was doing she sighed a little. "Good and not so good I guess. I confessed my feelings for my brother's best friend and he returned the same feelings. He is going to my brother to gain his permission and acceptance before we pursue anything and that is fine by me. But ever since I have been hanging out with him more, getting to know him, I have had a harder time controlling myself. I haven't tasted human blood in over two years and can generally control that aspect of my life pretty well but lately it has grown harder. I had to force myself to refuse biting a boy that practically begged me for it. I just thought things would get easier as I progressed in my life but it seems like things are only getting harder. I don't want to be plagued by desire the whole time I am around Dominic, but I also don't want to bite him. It is just a confusing situation" she replied.

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[VIVIANA CAMELIA LESTOAT]

Viviana knew of Aaliyah’s family troubles, though no specifics as she never asked for them. She was the type to allow information to flow to her when others were ready for her to know. Viv only went so far as to inquire politely. There were boundaries that she made certain never to cross and prying was one of them. When it came to those such as herself even, Vivi let things come to pass in their own time. It was something that had been realized over the years. Honey was suckled far more sweetly than vinegar and the same was true of learning the things that would be helpful to you. Brutish tendencies were a surer way to incite reluctance than patience and understanding. True, results did take longer but with her mentality of time and its workings, it never bothered her. It was a shame that Aaliyah couldn’t have a relationship similar to that which Viviana had with her own father. Roll the dice of chance however and it might have been said that Liyah was the lucky one. Her father was always around, or so it seemed.

Silently she listened to her friend’s troubles, taking in the information and sorting it out with the wisdom that Viv seemed to possess more clearly than most seventeen year-old girls. Where some were prone to concerning themselves over their love life, or lack there of, academics breathing down their neck- looming over them with that dreadfully ominous sensation of flunking out, or simply were devastated over a blemish on their beautiful young faces, Viviana didn’t bother with any of those things. She had a greater knack for hearing and advising those that did find trouble in their lives than she did being troublesome herself. Was it a thing of superiority, or merely lady luck smiling down upon Vivi for having such a level head? Whatever the case she was always willing to open her ears to the venting of a friend, especially one that she held as dear to her as she did Aaliyah.

She knew of the boy that Liyah spoke of. A Hufflepuff sixth year, her brother Galen’s best friend, and quite the gentleman from what Viv had seen of him- the type that opened doors for a lady and, in appropriate cases, always standing as a female entered the room. Imagining Aaliyah paired with such a young man was favourable. “Your worries are understandable and not something to be taken lightly. However, you must remember that your Dominic is well aware of the position that he potentially puts himself in. Has he not been a friend of your brother’s for many years now- it seems likely that he hasn’t gone into courting you with blind eye toward the threat that you may one day pose to him. Rationalization suggests that Dominic has made a decision that you should accept given you are interested in him as well.” Her head bowed slightly as she let this advice sink in with Aaliyah before moving on to the next topic of concern.

“As for your bloodlust, there is very little that you can do to rid of it, especially in a case of sexual lust toward another. It makes our thirst more unquenchable until one or both cravings have been sated.” There was no escaping the desire to drink blood, it was so for all vampires no matter how old, wise, or in control they were, there was always the thirst. “I know that you don’t like the taste of human blood, but a method that may work is to have Dominic cut himself and let the blood drain into a glass for you to drink, just a small amount, no more than an ounce to finally have your taste of him and, in effect, rid yourself of the curiosity that pesters you to bite him. If he is willing to do such a thing for you, of course.” With Aaliyah’s aversion to drinking human blood the suggestion might be taken unkindly, but it was a better chance than her holding herself back. The more she did that the greater chance she had of going too far with Dominic. For everything in life there was an equal and opposite action, the more Aaliyah resisted, the greater her craving to taste him would become.

[AALIYAH RAYNE D'EATH]

Liyah listened closely to what her friend had to say to her. It was more often than not that Viv was correct in the advice that she gave. Thus far Viv had never led Liyah astray. Liyah hadn't gone to Viv a ton of times but a few times for sure. This time was probably the most troubling of her issues that she had brought to the attention of Viv. And like always Viv knew exactly what to say and how to say it so that Liyah could understand what should or could be done about the situation.

"You are right, Dominic does know the danger that my family could pose to him. He has been friends with my brother for a while now. But I guess it tears up my conscious to know that I might one day cause harm to him. It doesn't matter to me whether I bite him, or he does what you said and cuts himself. I don't want to taste him, at least the part of me that is speaking to you right now doesn't want to. The other part of me does. I do understand what you are saying though and know that I am going to have to start considering those options. It just doesn't sit easily with me. Two years is a long time to go without something to just cave in and take it once more" she replied with a sigh. What Viv said about physical attraction being a key cause of the feelings that Liyah was having did take Viv by surprise at first. She hadn't even thought about that being a factor at all probably because she tried to keep those thoughts at bay.

Both her and Dom had decided that they would wait to get permission from her brother before pursuing anything with each other. That meant that Liyah tried to keep her feelings about him at the back of her mind, at least feelings like that, because she didn't like thinking about things like that only to eventually have her hopes crushed. She did believe her brother would give his consent but she didn't know for sure and she wanted to save herself the heartbreak if she could, which she doubted anyway. "One or both desires? So just by tasting him that may not make these feelings subside?" she asked hoping that wasn't the case. Physical afflictions between her and Dom probably would come along eventually but not for a while and Liyah didn't want to live with this feeling. Of course she would for Dom because in her mind he was worth it, but she would like avoid it if possible. "I will talk to him, eventually. See what he thinks of the situation. But for now I have to wait for Galen's permission. Dominic and I have agreed to hold off on any courting until Galen has given his consent to the pairing" she replied. Her voice was slightly down trodden, she wasn't very good at this whole waiting thing.

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[VIVIANA CAMELIA LESTOAT]

Those three little words; You are right, were always pleasant to hear, yet no matter the amount of times that Viviana had heard them she kept a rather humble approach to the situation. She was under no delusions that she was all knowing, it was physically impossible for one single person to have knowledge of everything, as knowledge was infinite. There was some debate that since human beings only used ten percent of their brain that that uncharted territory might hold everything in creation, but Viv was far too skeptical to let that influence her beliefs. The only reason that she was so often right was because when she didn’t know something she took the smarter route not to make any statements on the matter at all, admitting when she didn’t know something.

The dilemma that Aaliyah spoke of was self-involved. She didn’t blame the girl at all for her way of thinking. People often did think of things in such a manner, it wasn’t out of arrogance in most cases but nature. “Harm can come to a person at any time from any means. It’s simply life, always a risk, things never truly in your control- but we do have the power to make choices and it seemed that Dominic has made him. All that remains is for you to fully come to terms with the unpredictability of life. You may one day bite him, or someone else for that matter and perhaps you wont. Hiding behind your fear will only succeed is troubling your mind more it should be. I understand your desire to avoid drinking human blood but you simple cannot shrink into seclusion in order to avoid contact, and thus risk, all together.” It was likely to drive her mad if she did and Viviana would have been most grieved if such a thing were to happen to a shining star like Aaliyah. She liked her friend with sanity plentiful in her mind.

Vivi was trying to think of a way to put her meaning more delicately. She wasn’t fond of vulgarity and in a way the desire that she mentioned it involved something of a romantic notion. Idly, her fingers brushed over the pearl necklace that she wore letting the words formulate in her mind before speaking them. “Even if you do satisfy your bloodlust you still are likely to be challenge with just regular lust- with his blood having been tasted, in fact it might make you more inclined to satisfy your desire for him sexually. Your feelings for him are instinctual. You can’t ever take them away, but by drinking his blood you can lessen your desire to drain him.” Hopefully that was a better explanation to quell Aaliyah’s question.

“I think it sweet that you have fond someone that favours you.” Most girls their age did find it imperative they find romance. Viviana had more important things on her mind personally. She was fiercely dedicated to her studies, and she did play mother hen to many of the vampires that were in the school. Perhaps it was time for her to find someone of interest. There was no harm in it. The only issue was finding that person. Vivi did have high standards. That probably made her snobbish, but she didn’t see the point in settling. What was the point in having someone special in your life if they weren’t, indeed, special?

Aaliyah had been on her way somewhere, apparently in the opposite direction that she had been going if appearances were to be believed. She hoped that she wasn’t keeping Liyah from anything important. “Am I keeping you from anything?” Viviana inquired. Maybe Aaliyah had been heading to the library, it was only just around the corner after all. If that was the case, with nothing else present on her agenda, Viv was more than willing to lend her expertise, or at least give her insight on whatever it was that she was working on. Vivi had probably done the exact assignment the previous year.

[AALIYAH RAYNE D'EATH]

It was never easy to admit that you were wrong and accept the truth of the matter. It wasn't easy in this situation either even though the truth was something Liyah knew well enough. It would be impossible to try and say that Viviana was wrong in the advice she was trying to offer Liyah. Dominic was only human, vulnerable. Liyah wasn't immortal or anything but she did have more going for her than full human beings did. It was just a hard concept for Liyah to grasp, she couldn't in good conscience take the blood of a human especially one she cared for. It didn't much matter to her whether it was consensual or not, she knew that once she tasted his blood everything she had been working for would disappear. Liyah didn't doubt that Vivi was correct and Liyah may only be causing even more damage in the long run by resisting but Liyah just wasn't ready to make that decision. The reality of the situation was easy enough for her to recognize and she knew what was right and what was wrong but she couldn't mentally and emotionally bring herself to confront it yet.

The biggest thing that Liyah didn't understand about herself was why she took things so hard. The rest of her family had taken to their destiny and to who they were without a problem in the world and Vivi accepted who she was completely as well. Liyah on the other hand had almost always struggled with who and what she was, never accepting it fully. She didn't know why she was this way but she did know that all she wanted was to have a normal life with a normal family and normal everything. That was just wishful thinking of course, Liyah would never be normal in the sense of the word. I know that what you are telling me is correct. I can't control what happens to Dom after a certain point. I won't be able to keep him from all harm but at the same time it would tear me up to be the one to cause him the harm. I do believe that he knows the risk he puts upon himself but I don't believe that becoming friends with my family automatically means that you also agree to being bitten" she replied with a sigh. Liyah was just torn at this time, she on the one hand knew what Vivi said was right but on the other hand she wished it could be something else. Liyah knew she was stressing herself out with this and needed to figure out something soon.

Dominic is amazing. I am lucky to have met him and have him in my life. I just don't want to ruin anything, I have never cared for someone like I care for him" she admitted. It was true, she had never been able to trust someone like she trusted him. He knew her deepest secrets, things that Vivi didn't even know. Liyah felt safe around Dominic, she felt secure and that was something that was a new feeling for her but a feeling she liked having. When Vivi asked if Liyah had been on her way somewhere Liyah shrugged a little "Was just heading to library to grab a couple books for a report, nothing that is dire" she replied with a small smile. The assignment wasn't due right away and Liyah had plenty of time to get it done.

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[VIVIANA CAMELIA LESTOAT]

Viviana understood; Aaliyah was willing to accept that she couldn’t prevent all harm from coming to Dominic, but she could still do her part in avoiding harm to come to the boy directly from her. It was the mentality that she imagined that Liyah was operating under, but it was a delusion that was only temporary. The only way to deal with temptation was the yield to it. In doing so however, one could control how much they yielded to rather than having it build up inside of them only to explode and create havoc, be chaotic in the consumption. Her piece had been said. To go into reiteration would only serve in appeasing Vivi’s own need for reassurance, or to attempt drilling the opinion into Aaliyah’s subconscious in hopes that her opinion would take seed. Neither of which Viv wanted to do.

Aaliyah was a smart girl. Having the advice in her possession now was all that Viviana needed to do. She may have been mother hen towards some, such as Liyah, but she did not believe in thrusting her opinions on others in hopes that they would adopt them as their own. Viviana had desires to help others not to rule them. In no way had she assumed that Dominic had agreed to be bitten when he agreed to become friends with the D’eatch family. She was merely reminding Aaliyah that he must have known the potential risks of doing so and decided that it was worth it. The purpose of speaking with him was to get his consent, not that Viv had already assumed it. But that was no matter. Liyah was having a tough time. It was one of those moral dilemmas, which came with being as compassionate as she was.

Acceptance had never been difficult for Vivi. She didn’t have the sort of problems that Aaliyah did with judging what was right and what was wrong. That was subjective though; Viviana couldn’t tell Liyah what to believe in- all she could do was help the girl through the rough time as best as she could. Perhaps one of her father’s tales could do the trick. Viv searched her memory for one of relevance, but her thoughts were interrupted by what Aaliyah said next. She really did have it bad for the human. To care about him as much as her tone entailed was something that Vivi had never experienced for anyone herself, that kind of affection for another in a romantic capacity… did that make her a shrew?

Considering Liyah wasn’t heading anywhere that couldn’t wait Viviana didn’t have a guilty conscience for keeping her and felt comfortable doing so longer. “Whatever you decide to do concerning Dominic- I’m sure that it will work out in one way or another, these so often do given patience and time. If your affections remain true for the boy and his are just as sound there is nothing that you can’t get through. Just remember to be understanding of everything.” Taking a small step toward Aaliyah she put her hand on the other girl’s shoulder, slight pressure applied for comfort, to soothe and be reassuring. “But first you have to understand, accept and love yourself, otherwise your love for Dominic will be quite moot.”

[AALIYAH RAYNE D'EATH]

She had to love and accept herself before she could truly love Dominic? That wasn’t something she had ever really considered. Though it wasn’t exactly something she had even bothered to think of either. Liyah didn’t exactly hate herself, but she sure as heck didn’t love herself. In all reality she just didn’t accept herself or trust herself. But if what Vivi was saying was true, and most of the time it was, she would have to learn to trust and accept herself before she could share that feeling with someone else. So why was it that if she couldn’t trust herself she could easily trust Dominic. She felt as though she could delve any truth to him and that he wouldn’t turn away or judge her. In relation to that, she knew that she would keep an secrets for him and would do anything in her power to help him should he ever need it. She accepted him for the everything he was and in turn he accepted her for everything she was. Why then did she need to accept herself? It was a concept that wasn’t exactly easy for the girl to grasp but at the moment she didn’t want to dwell to much on it entirely. She knew that Vivi was right in what she said, she just needed to figure out how to accomplish what Vivi was suggesting she do.

”I will do my best to do what you are describing to me. It is all new concepts to me and may take me a bit to really grasp what it is that I need to do. I don’t think I will never accomplish it I just think it may take some time” she replied. She wasn’t trying to wiggle her way out of listening to Vivi she was merely stating the truth. It was going to be hard for her to change her thinking about herself and about her family and she knew it wasn’t going to happen overnight. Changing the mentality that she currently thought about herself in was going to be something she would really have to focus on doing. Unlike Vivi she hadn’t grown up accepting herself, ever since she could remember she had rebelled against who and what she was. It wasn’t like she was the first or the only person to not like who she was, plenty of people didn’t like themselves, but for her she tended to take things a lot harder.

She wondered why Vivi was single. It was just a fleeting thought in her mind as Vivi gave her all this advice on her relationship with Dom. How could someone that gave such great advice not have a relationship of their own. Even since Liyah could remember Vivi had been single. It wasn’t because the girl was nasty or rude because she wasn’t and it wasn’t because she wasn’t pretty. Liyah thought that maybe Vivi just hadn’t found that person that she felt was a good match for her. Liyah had dated quite a few scumbags before happening upon Dom and felt she could have just as easily done without the scumbags. It wasn’t any of her business though and Liyah wasn’t exactly one to pry and so she kept the thoughts to herself, for now.

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[VIVIANA CAMELIA LESTOAT]

She couldn’t ask anything more than for Aaliyah to do her best. The only way for positive results to happen was if the person wanted it for themselves. No matter how badly Viviana might have wanted Liyah to be happy with Dominic it simply wasn’t up to her. Viv did believe that fate played a big role in a person’s life, it governed what happened but that didn’t mean that your actions couldn’t help to influence and guide fate in the direction that you wanted it to go. Everyone ended up at the same place eventually but of the infinite paths that could be taken the deciding factor was always you. Aaliyah might not have been in a position to comprehend the concept that she had purposed but soon enough she would be.

“There is little need to feel pressured.” The only thing that would really force her hand was the thirst. That was the only thing that ever truly forced a vampire’s, half or otherwise, hand. Aaliyah and Dominic were aware of the dangers though and that made them better equipped than most. Being self-aware made life much easier. Of course it did call into question just how vigilant Liyah was if she didn’t fully understand yet how to accept herself. Vivi felt like a revolving door, in constant motion yet never getting anywhere. This wasn’t a new sensation though. Most things in life had this effect on her. Viv was always trying to figure out what it all meant despite knowing that there was far too much in life to find absolute meaning in it. She could form opinions all she like but there would always be something else out there that she hadn’t taken into consideration. For all the wisdom that she possessed Viviana still knew that she wasn’t always right.

Removing her hand from her friend’s shoulder her ears perked toward the faint sound of others approaching, their footsteps echoing, sound bouncing off the hollow corridors to reach her senses and inform her to the impending advance. She didn’t mind the interruption that was soon to come but also didn’t think it was any of the humans business as to what matters they were discussing, so fell silent until the pair passed. The two boys’ that were walking by gaze lingering on Viv and Liyah longer than a casual glance, which was a common thing. Aaliyah was beautiful, she had the same innate elegance that Vivi did and it had the tendency to make people stare, searching their features for some small flaw in the design, that they would never find, admiring the grace of their movements, lavishing in the deepness of their eyes. Vampires were a dangerous bunch, luring, deadly. Once the boys were well out of sight Viviana turned her attention back to Aaliyah, having looked away initially to follow the boys’ progress. “Perhaps desires to accomplish this newfound concept should be strong. Your boy Dominic does seem as though he would be very tasty.” And the stronger the appeal the harder it was to resist. She realized that this comment wasn’t completely brought on by erudite, but also by Viviana’s craving for blood which those boys’ had stirred inside of her.

[AALIYAH RAYNE D'EATH]

Liyah's attention did wane when the boys walked past them, muttering about something or another that she didn't really care to hear about. Though she could have easily listened to their conversation she generally chose to keep to herself. Plus she didn't find it fair to use her advantages against others unless she really needed to. The boys looked them over, eyed them from top to bottom, something she was used to and was sure Vivi was used to as well. They were gorgeous, both of them. Actually all half vampires were generally good looking or above average in looks. It was just something that they possessed from their vampire side, an allure to them that others couldn't explain. It was almost like being part veela, they just put a trance on some people. Liyah watched as the boys disappeared and could read the desire on Vivi's face but said nothing about it. Why should she?

What Vivi said next did take Liyah aback for a moment but she didn't read too much into it. She knew that Vivi meant nothing by the statement and simply nodded her agreement. "You are not wrong" she added with a sigh. Dominic was enchanting, something she had noticed about him during one of their first meetings years ago but now that she cared about him as more that desire had increased as Vivi had described it would. Liyah knew that the sooner she found herself and solved whatever personality crisis it was that she was going through the better for her and for Dominic. She didn't really want to just jump his bones and drink his blood, not really her idea of a party and she figured it probably wasn't his either.

"Am I keeping you from anything?" she suddenly asked remembering that Vivi had asked her a similar question earlier but that she had never returned the question. She hoped she wasn't holding Vivi up from doing something otherwise more important than listening to Liyah complain about her life. Liyah knew there were people worse off than her and in a few hours when she was alone in her room she would think about it and mentally scold herself for being so down about things that really weren't the end of the world. Being a teenage girl, half vampire or not, was difficult and confusing on the best of days. Vivi was two years older and therefore more mature and wise in the happenings of growing up. Liyah appreciated being able to go to the older girl for help when she needed it, Vivi was more of an older sister than Liyah's own family. Probably because Liyah had a grudge with her family right now and had a tendency to flock towards and find people to trust outside of those that she was already related to.

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[VIVIANA CAMELIA LESTOAT]

With Aaliyah’s admittance that she wasn’t wrong about Dominic appearing to be tasty Viv couldn’t help but to smile. It was progress, which meant that Liyah was well on her way. That familiar sense of accomplishment rained down upon her. Some might have claimed, and Viviana certainly wouldn’t have protested to the notion, that she was addictive to having the praise and profit of others. She couldn’t help it though. Like most things about herself Vivi had come to accept that it was merely in her nature. How could anyone truly be defaulted for something that was encoded into their hardwiring? It was hypocritical for anyone who did. That was probably the reason why Viv’s grudge against mankind was subjective to the masses and individuals. When it came to individuals Viviana afforded them their due, but the masses were discredited as chaotic, prejudice charlatans.

“Not in the least.” Once her schoolwork was completed, which it was, Vivi had free time on her hands to spare, especially if it was for Aaliyah whom she loved dearly as though she were another little sister. She found it an awful shame that her parents had only decided to have two children but that was a decision that they had made and Viviana had to have confidence that it had been made for a good reason, at least as it pertained to them. Viv, when that time came, wanted a large family, with at least four children of her own and was more than willing to adopt afterward as well. It was odd that she could look so far ahead in the future when the present presented obstacles as it was. Vivi still needed to find a suitor and as it stood her interest was lacking greatly. Perhaps it was one of those things that one simply had to wait for and would come in due time.

“I am becoming quite hungry though. Would you care to join me for dinner.” By that of course Viviana meant that she was craving blood. Where it came to gaining permission to drink from humans Viviana usually didn’t have any problem with it. There were some would were too afraid or disgusted by the act to go along, but it was more about reading people than it was random selection. She wasn’t sure if Aaliyah would go along with her, but the suggestion was still valid. Maybe if Liyah saw how she feasted then she wouldn’t be so sketchy toward a perfectly natural, for their kind, action. It also had the potential of helping Aaliyah come to terms with who she was.

[AALIYAH RAYNE D'EATH]

Liyah hesitated when Vivi asked if she wanted to join her for dinner. She was sure that the other girl didn't mean getting some ham and pineapple in the great hall which meant she was probably speaking of getting blood. Liyah sure that she was quite ready to take the plunge into feeding on human blood again, no matter how willing the human may be. She knew that in most case scenarios that vampires or half vampires tended to take willing victims, only a fair few that didn't agree with the basis of the unspoken rules took forced and unwilling victims. Liyah was one of those few that felt that willing or not it was still wrong to indulge in human blood, but she realized that it was wrong to her and not to others, a matter or mere opinion.

"I will come along with you, though I can't say I am all that hungry" she finally replied trying to push across the point that she wasn't comfortable with drinking human blood as of yet but that she didn't mind to stay in the company of Viviana while she did so. It didn't really bother Liyah that others like her drank human blood, for some reason she didn't feel as disgusted if she watched them as to when she tasted the blood herself. Probably had a lot to do with the fact that she was so uncomfortable with herself so she tended to make things harder for herself. This conversation had proved helpful in the very least though and had opened Aaliyah's eyes to some new possibilities. She knew for sure she was going to talk to Dominic before making any decisions though, she wanted his opinions on what was going on.

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[arthursalvador]

Arthur was busy as usual, but he did normally pay attention to where he was going. Watching the pair of boys ahead of him turn their attention to a distracting couple, but he couldn't be bothered by girls right now. Everyone knew that he was insatiable when it came to actually getting into a relationship, but his upper torso was just clothed with simple Ravenclaw robes that cascaded over his whole form. Just cause he was lazy and didn't want to get completely dressed having just put on a white muscle shirt, and the Ravenclaw vest underneath with the emblem on the left of his arm. A prefect badge worn on the front of his shirt, and wearing some black slacks that gave him a very lazy look with socks of course. The dress shoes were well needed within this castle due to the cold floor at nights, and the fact the winter was taking it's toll on him.

Letting out a few sniffles since he had recently caught a cold, but it wasn't anything too noticeable. It felt more like a tickle in the back of his throat whenever he was almost about to sneeze, and looked down at the books in his arms. Sighing softly, wondering why he tried so hard to keep up in his studies when so many others just seemed to fly by effortlessly. Sure, he was smart, but not enough to remember everything on the spot. Intense studying surely did help him, and now he found himself wandering the library more than anything. Searching for rare and powerful books that could teach him arcane secrets that no one might have picked up on yet. Arthur was tempted to try creating his own spell at some point, but he'd have to wait.

Sure, he could devote a lot of time to certain abilities, but creating a new spell would indeed take up most of his life. Nah, he'd consider that another time as he almost bumped into Aaliyah and Viviana, two of the hottest Ravenclaws he knew. Easily able to make his blood boil on the spot compared to the other few he knew in the class, and the prefects didn't scare him anymore. Arthur was easily friends with the head boy and that made him more likely to be left alone when it came to dealing with certain women. Plus, he had tried to pick up on some moves from both Jaycen and Hector. Amusing to watch them try to talk about that when they both had enough experience, but never really flaunted it. Arthur just wanted to test them, and in a way they had passed.

Now back to the hallway that he was walking down soon stopped in his tracks looking at the familiar form of Viviana. No, his gaze did not travel lower as it should have, but his features grew stern at the two half-vampires passing near him. Wondering where on Earth they could be headed, but he could sense something was...different with the way they had a ...hunger, yeah, that was it, in their eyes. Almost tempted to step away but if he could just get the feel of their lips on his neck while their teeth would brandished, Arthur was almost all over that. Especially since he was much bolder than a lot of his kids his age since his hormones always made him act before he thought anything of it.

"Hello ladies, lovely evening is it not? Where are you headed this fine eve? Surely you two can't be off to getting into trouble are you now? I'd have to disapprove then. Arthur Salvador at your service by the way, but if that's not what's going on then I'm sure I could come up with a few other scenarios if you know what I mean," he winked to the two of them. Obviously, he was cocky, but he really didn't care if they turned him down. Arthur was a punk when it came to just dealing with anyone in general, but his attitude was what made him desirable...the kind where he didn't take crap from anyone that dared try to...besides Deimos.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]

[VIVIANA CAMELIA LESTOAT]

Whether or not Aaliyah was hungry wasn’t the issue, nor was it the concern. Viviana knew better than to believe what the girl was saying. When it came to blood vampires were always hungry for it. Unlike humans it wasn’t something that they could get their fill of and be sated. Blood constantly called to them, they thirsted for it, and there was that everlasting reminder in the back of their throat the burned to taste it on their lips again. Humans couldn’t understand it and Liyah, she was repressing the indisputable instinct. It saddened her that her friend was having so much trouble with something couldn’t be helped.

When it came to her own hunger Viv never denied it. There were times when she debated whether it was truly fair to her willing subjects. A vampire’s charm could be hypnotizing after all, and if they were too blinded by one’s beguiling nature were they still in a state of mind suitable to make such important decisions? It also called into question, without charm distracting them, whether any person was ever truly of a right state of mind. Stability was subjective to each person’s threshold and by whose standards was a basis of comparison justifiably used. If no one was fully conscious than she couldn’t be held responsible for the misguided choice that they ultimately made. Whatever way you spun it Viviana could always be comfortable with the fact that she fed off people.

Just like the boys before him Viv knew that Arthur was coming before he came into sight. She was fond of the boy. He was always so accommodating. What more could a girl ask for than the polite, flattering, willingness that dear Arthur possessed? Her eyes lit up with bloodlust immediately simply knowing that he was coming along. “Looks like we wont have to go out after all. Delivery is on its way.” To refer to Arthur as food wasn’t something that Viviana would have done if not for her thirst. Her gaze flickered in the direction that Arthur would be coming from, a stunning smile already waiting on her lips for him.

As the boy made his way closer to them Vivi became even more hypersensitive to her surrounding, though the only thing that really concerned her was the boy. It was a rarity for someone to be so solely focused on another, but in that moment of hunger the only person that existed for Viviana was Arthur. She was very reserved when it came to daily life but when she was about to feast a flip switched in her head turning on a sexuality that could be over whelming to some. His words made the mood even easier. Viv slowly circled Arthur leaning in closer to his neck, her fangs inching out feeling that sharp sting against her lower lip. She could feel his blood calling to her, his hormones raging to make it boil and race all that much faster.

Her fingertips gently grazed against Arthur’s jugular coming to a stop finally back in front of him. Head tilted slightly to the side and her fangs showing predominantly in her smile now. “I could come up with a few scenarios myself.” Vivi retorted letting her hand naturally sweep back behind him as though it were one fluid motion rather than the small detour she had taken along the way. Gripping the back of his neck she made sure to be gentle with him. “Aaliyah…”Viviana forced herself to look away from Arthur giving him a moment to regain himself. “You’re more than welcome as always.” She didn’t want to be rude, even if she was focused she could never forget her manners.

[AALIYAH RAYNE D'EATH]

It was only a few strides into their descent down the hallway that they came across the very person Aaliyah was hoping they wouldn't, Arthur Salvador. He was a Ravenclaw just like herself and Viviana and from being around him what little time she was Liyah knew he was one of those "willing victims" that Vivi had talked about. At this stage Liyah really didn't want to be in this position with Viviana, she felt pressured in a way. As Arthur ascended upon them he greeted them sort of politely and then instantly brought up exactly what was on Viviana's mind. It was like he knew the look in her eyes or something. "Good day" Aaliyah commented with a nod towards him but didn't look at him in the eye. She didn't want him reading her like he was Vivi, or doing anything else.

Liyah watched as Vivi moved towards Arthur, doing what almost looked like a seductive dance with him before finally coming to a stop in front of him. She watched as her hand scoped out the back of his neck and how her teeth pierced right through his soft flesh. Even from where she was standing Liyah could smell the blood that was now draining into Vivi's mouth. The smell of blood was sickening to her actually, the smell of Arthur's blood made her feel nauseous. It seemed that Dominic's blood was the only blood that sang to her, no other human blood called to her. Not able to physically watch this happen right in front of her Liyah averted her gaze and tried to focus on the paintings that were hanging on the hallway walls.

When Vivi offered her some of Arthur Liyah instantly shook her head. "Thanks but I am good for right now" she replied as she glanced back at them. She was uncomfortable at the moment and didn't know exactly how to react. Usually it wouldn't bother her but because she knew that Vivi wanted her to embrace her vampire side it made things more uncomfortable, she felt undue pressure of sorts even though she knew Vivi wasn't meaning it that way. She had been off of human blood for five years now and couldn't even imagine going back, at least not right now. She did honestly try to take what Vivi had told her to heart but changing the way she was would take time and only be possible if she really wanted it to happen. Which currently, she didn't.

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[arthursalvador]

Arthur was normally not so keen on being used as bait at all, but right now with Viviana sucking on his neck. That almost made him change his mind about this whole ordeal they had going on. Sure, they were two half-vampires, but his eyes soon went into their half-lidded state when he was soon telling Viviana to stop by just nudging her shoulder lightly. "Hey I don't want to pass out from blood loss, don't drink too much," he said to her as he soon attempted to free himself from her grasp. Arthur didn't get used to that ever, but he wasn't sure when Aaliyah would want to feed anyways. Arthur was only keeping his hopes up for just one particular reason and that was to feel her lips near his neck. Yes, this was all an odd coincidence that he just happened to be walking around the corner, but when he freed himself from Viviana's grasp...when she let go, that is, resumed to talk to them.

Yes, draining his blood always made him woozy, but it didn't stop him from hitting on Viviana once more. "I always knew your teeth made your eyes sparkle whenever you started to suck blood Viviana, too bad they can't sparkle in another way. I think I deserve that for giving up some of my blood," he said to her, rather blunt with the other girl there too. Many would think he was rather pig-headed for even attempting to talk like that, but he had his share of rejections to just keep trying and trying. One day Arthur would get it right and live in his very own house with kids. Luckily he didn't have many siblings besides the one that tormented him daily. Okay, so he had a few more siblings than originally planned, but that wasn't going to hold him down forever. Getting away from that house was the number one thing he planned to do and live as far away from Deimos as he could.

Arthur barely grasped the situation here until he realised the Aaliyah wasn't drinking blood like a half-vampire should, but they could probably resist better than actual vampires. There was only one other vampire he knew of that drank from willing victims, but recently there had been rumors he had stopped now. Luckily Arthur knew this man through Viviana, since he was obviously her father, Remy Lestoat, married to a very beautiful woman that Arthur would give his whole body for just to see her once in her light. These thoughts ran rampart in his mind all the time until he looked back towards the two girls. "I'm so used to it, and it feels like a mosquito bite, nothing more to me. Perhaps I've just developed a strange taste for having my blood being drunk from," he said to them shrugging his shoulders acting like this was perfectly normal to be talking about in a school hallway.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]

[VIVIANA CAMELIA LESTOAT]

As that sweet taste of blood trickled into her mouth Viviana felt that high that came with replenishment. She could survive on very little blood, but it wasn’t something that she wanted to put herself through. Vivi was all about indulging her vampire needs. The feel of his skin breaking under the slight pressure of her fangs was satisfying in itself- that unmistakable pop from the action always did send chills down her spine. As much as Viviana craved Arthur’s blood she had trained herself as to when to pull back. His concern, with the eagerness that she had latched onto him, was fully understandable. When you willingly put your life into someone else’s hands it was always a concern. Though she could have stood for a bit more of him, when Arthur tried to free himself Viv let him go, licking the corner of her mouth where a few delectable drops had remained. It hadn’t surprised her that Aaliyah had turned down the offer.

One of these days Vivi could only hope that Aaliyah didn’t tense in disgust from something so natural to her kind. If she hadn’t known better, or Liyah for that matter, her reaction could have easily been mistaken for disapproval. The way that drinking blood, even watching someone else do so, made her squirm was a shame. If not for her self-assurance and thirst Viviana might have even felt guilty about doing so herself. “As you wish, of course.” She wasn’t going to force Aaliyah to drink from Arthur, though she was certain that he was one of the finer tasting humans out there. Unlike Aaliyah she didn’t necessarily need that connection to make a person’s blood appealing to her.

Despite having stopped drinking from Arthur she didn’t let him go completely. The affects of losing that much blood could be dizzying after all, she was merely there to act as a support beam to Arthur, should he need it. She also imagined that he didn’t mind her being close to him still. He was absolutely right; Arthur had been so kind as to give her something that she wanted it was only fair that she return the favour. “You’re very sweet.” And Viviana meant that in a plethora of ways. Just desserts were certainly in order for the boy and it would have been rude for her not to thank him properly.

He caused a smile to come to her lips at his statement. It was nice to know that he was so comfortable with her drinking from him now. Most of the fear had long since been lost when it came to him and that was refreshing. “I’m pleased that you enjoy it. No reason that the experience can’t be pleasurable for the both of us.” The nonchalance would probably concern Aaliyah, but Viviana took it as a good sign. She wanted those that she fed off of to be completely mellow about the entire ordeal, otherwise complications were bound to ensue.

Leaning into him once again Vivi placed a tender kiss on Arthur, though with his blood running through her system she was filled with passion at the same time. When it came to such things, involving a human, she always had to be mindful to be gentle. A single moment of over zealousness was all that it could take for her morals to be betrayed by who she was. Being fond of Arthur this was a fate that she especially wanted to avoid.

[AALIYAH RAYNE D'EATH]

No matter how comfortable Arthur was with the fact that Viviana had just fed from him it still made Aaliyah uncomfortable. The thing was that the allure of Arthur didn't hold the same thing for Liyah as it seemed to for Vivi. For Liyah the only person that made her feel like she wanted human blood was Dominic and as Viviana had said that was probably because of the close connection they had grown. It wasn't like other humans really tempted Liyah and that was because she didn't have the intimacy with them that she felt with Dominic. Drinking from Arthur wouldn't solve her dilemma in the least amount, at least that was how she felt about it. Sure Arthur didn't mind and he probably felt lucky to have a beautiful woman like Viviana chose to feed from him. Liyah honestly wouldn't be surprised if the boy felt as if he was indeed getting some special from Viviana. Of course the boy wanted more and Liyah wondered to herself whether Vivi would ever fulfill his requests.

"It is nice that you are so taken with being fed from but unlike my dear friend here I do not have a desire for your blood. Nothing against you or anything but it just doesn't tempt me" she replied with a soft shrug. While she could force herself to drink from him and she would probably enjoy it to an extent it wasn't hard for her to say no to his blood either. With Dominic she could control herself but she felt less in control around him than she did now. It was an odd sensation really. "I think I should probably get going though Vivi, things to do you know" she added. "Nice to meet you Arthur" she said as well not wanting to be rude to the boy.

With a final nod of her head in departure she turned to leave. Standing in this dark place of the corridor watching her friend feed from a human boy wasn't exactly her idea of a good time. While she understood that Vivi was only trying to help her with his issues concerning Dominic, Liyah felt that just simply talking to Dom might help clear some things up. Dom was an understanding person and no matter how much help those around her offered she believed that this was an issue she needed to find a solution to on her own.

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