Spice and Sparkles ((Closed RP- Baron Harkonnen, Jasper, and the Raptor))
((Many thanks to A-mun for coming up with the thread title. It is my area of extreme FAIL.))
Although he couldn't claim to be satisfied, the Baron had finally gotten his rooms in order. He was still irritated that rooms was really one large room, with a closet and a semi-acceptable bathroom, but didn't plan to put up with it forever. What he'd ( Read more... )
Although he couldn't claim to be satisfied, the Baron had finally gotten his rooms in order. He was still irritated that rooms was really one large room, with a closet and a semi-acceptable bathroom, but didn't plan to put up with it forever. What he'd ( Read more... )
He'd been absently fingering his wand, and, realising so, tucked it back into its place in his sleeve. "For what my thoughts are worth, I suspect aspects of that trauma may always be with him, as deeply ingrained in his psyche as it seems to be," he said. Which he knew mostly through careful observance of A's emotional state, but he also knew he could be wrong. "Whatever his original potential was is now lost, but, in overcoming his trauma, his potential may become even greater, depending on what you mean by potential. To be well-adjusted and grow as a person? To learn? The former would be of greater use to him right now."
Since the Baron hadn't indicated he wanted the massage right that minute, Jasper summoned his chosen glass slowly to his hand, without bothering to pull his wand back out. He tentatively sipped the wine, found the flavour slightly less acetic than expected. Not good, but not completely repugnant either. He watched with interest when Vladimir produced the canister, already able to smell the spice before it was opened-cinnamon-like, but very obviously something different, something... more. Something he felt compelled to taste. Gently shifting the raptor, he leant forward and held his glass out toward the Baron. "I'm curious to try some. A smaller amount than is usual would probably be best, as I've never had any before. Once you've had time to enjoy your wine, we'll see about your massage. You could stay where you are and just lean forward if that would be most comfortable." Anything was fine as long as clothing stayed very much on.
Vladimir repeating his half-serious offer earned him a smile. Jasper had been mildly flattered before, taking it as simply a form of praise, but now wondered just how earnest the Baron was being. The offer wasn't unappealing. It would give him something interesting to do, presumably without monopolising his time-he did have other obligations and desires, most notably pertaining to Alice and Satou, as well as seeing to his own magical education.
"Belief does seem to be a very large part of the magic here. As I understand it: Without belief that the spell can be done, focus would be as pointless as flipping a switch and expecting light when there's no light bulb in the socket. Um, assuming you can follow that metaphor." He had no idea what energy sources might be like in the Baron's time. Perhaps they weren't dependent on electricity. "And what would being your personal assistant entail?" he asked with a chuckle.
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Some might argue that Vladimir was being hypocritical with this view. He'd repeatedly had his way with many slaves, not always with their enthusiasm. But, Vladimir was from a different culture, and they were slaves. A disposable commodity, like livestock. His mentat was twisted by Tleilaxu conditioning, but he was a ghola, a genetic duplicate of a dead man pre-inclined to take the conditioning properly. Piter had probably enjoyed it.
"I'm surprised A is doing as well as he is, and hope B is gone for good. He's likely hold a grudge, A should have finished it or waited till he could." He frowned as he realized that A was a letter, and not a very short name. A deserved better. "He should select an actual name, I doubt he called himself a letter. He is doing remarkably well despite this all, and appears to want to succeed. With a new environment and proper encouragement, I'd agree with your assessment. His potential may be greater for it in the long run, if he learns confidence in himself as an individual."
He smiled slightly at Jasper, adding, "I'm not sure why I find myself specifically interested in his future. He's been helpful, shows potential, and such shouldn't be wasted. Teaching is not an entirely unappealing career change, even if inflicted by exile. There's less productive things to do than trying to improve a school."
Vladimir felt genuine delight at Jasper's interest in the spice. It wasn't that he thought the substance might reduce his inhibitions, or anything underhanded. Despite its value, it seemed a small gift for a creature this rare, but it was something he could offer. "In small doses, it has a mild effect. It may produce a feeling of alert relaxation and well-being, but it may also stimulate the mind and senses." He carefully tapped a few tiny grains of the substance into Jasper's glass. "It's something like cinnamon, but never exactly the same twice. Spice is the greatest treasure of the Imperium, and I hope you will enjoy it."
Taking a drink of his wine, an affectionate smile played on lips as he anticipated the promised massage. There wasn't a point to rushing it. He was savoring this company. "I think you're exactly right about the belief aspect to magic. The first time it worked it took tossing aside the disbelief for a moment, accepting that I wouldn't be holding a wand and watching others others perform it if it wasn't possible. It didn't work right, but something worked. After that, it's been much easier."
He looked fondly at Jasper, adding, "I am actually serious about the assistant idea. You're already doing it perfectly. The occasional massage could never go amiss, but mainly it would just consist of conversation." He sounded more serious about the conversation, but there was no doubt he was looking forward to the attention. "I like to have someone to discuss things with, it often leads to a deeper understanding and better choices. I'm not sure what adequate compensation for the job would be, but, I expect I could come up with something you'd be pleased with."
Perhaps Jasper wasn't a mentat, but, he was doing things perfectly anyway. Vladimir knew that his need to replace Piter was just a good rationalization for spending time with him. It was important to have one of these. He wasn't about to say that mainly he wanted to spend time with him, that Jasper made him feel uniquely alive in a way he'd long forgotten. He found that with Jasper's attention, he was content to be exiled to this absurd castle. To go admitting such would reveal an exploitable weakness. He didn't know Jasper could read it anyway.
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He nodded solemnly in response to Vladirmir's conjecturing that it was nothing more than an experiment for whatever vile organisation had been training A, presumably since birth. "As I understand it, L was a highly specialised sort of detective in their world, requiring anyone in his position to be extraordinarily intelligent and possess abilities normally thought to be beyond human capacity. I can't imagine anyone being forcefully trained to replace him would have had a very enjoyable life, even without the physical abuse."
And again it was a small mercy Jasper had no way of knowing how the Baron viewed the practise of slavery, nor how he'd treated his own. Jasper had always tried to be a very tolerant, considerate person, but even he had his limits. And he had lived through the despicable period in human history when slavery had been both legal and commonplace; he'd be dismayed to know humanity was more or less doomed to endlessly repeat its follies rather than ever learning from them.
"Choosing a real name for himself may also help distance him from his past," he said thoughtfully. "I would think any of the people he's known here for a while might have already suggested as much to him, but I can't be sure. I suspect he might only consider the idea if someone who's very close to him brings it up." And he, too, had an interest in A's overall well being and future, though more in a protective older brother way than the quasi-paternal form Vladimir's was taking on. Which was maybe a little unusual, since he was older than Vladimir and A both-but people had always related to him as though he were a 20 year old young man, so he'd rarely had the opportunity to foster the mindset of a much older person.
"Thank you." He raised his glass in a toasting gesture, then settled back against the sofa cushions and pulled the slumbering dinosaur's head more fully into his lap again. It was oddly comforting, having the raptor trusting him and seeming so at ease with him physically.
There was no real blending of flavours for him when he tried the spice-seasoned wine. There was the wine, and then there was the trace of something almost delicious, comparable to the hint of cloying sweetness in the scent of rotting things. The spice was that deceptive sweetness, the wine was the rot. As he drank more, the spice was indeed having a noticeable effect, likely amplified by his being a vampire. While his vision was normally acute to the point of being distracting if he allowed himself to get lost in simply looking at things, his vision with that tiny amount of spice was something else. He could perceive unusually bright haloes of light and colour around everything, especially the raptor and the Baron.
He realised the Baron had been speaking to him, and struggled to pull his gaze away from the fascinating tangle of glimmering colour-a vein?-in the man's temple. "I'm happy to speak with you without having a title attached, or being paid to," he said with a soft laugh. "But if you'd prefer it in a more formal capacity, like helping prepare the curriculum for your future classes, I'm willing to do that too." Combined with the startling effects of the spice, the emotions he could perceive from Vladimir had his senses swimming for a moment; akin to sensory overload. Perhaps the spice had been a bad idea. Still... it was a pretty interesting experience. He slowly smiled as he added, "Though I am very curious as to what kind of compensation you'd come up with."
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The Baron nodded agreement with Jasper's further assessments of A. He was determined that A would recover from his past incidents, but, it wasn't the sort of thing that could be rushed to succeed. It was still very confusing to be cultivating a paternal sort of interest in someone for no specific reasons, but, for some reason Hogwarts seemed to be bringing out Vladimir's better traits. He was the sort of individual who reacted to situations as necessitated by the situations themselves. Although he'd spent most of his career focusing on the heavy-handed side of politics and mastering the art of cruelty, he was no longer in the same situation. It was true that he missed his position, and his home, and his family, but, he knew this wouldn't make any difference to the situation. And so he was trying to view it with an open mind.
Basically, he could see no specific reason to behave like a bastard, and found himself playing a more benevolent role of the sort he'd been planning to push Feyd into. It was the choice of advantage, but, he found he didn't mind it so much- it was easier than making new enemies, those happened anyway, and enabled him to find some pleasure in the reduced stress. He of course had his own comfort in mind, but, he was a natural hedonist, and insisted on enjoying the exile to some degree. The main frustration was becoming that lack of physical contact. Preferably with lovely young men, a far too perfect example of which was sitting a mere few feet away.
So it was probably good that Hogwarts was awakening Vladimir's better aspects, as, it was impossible for him to watch Jasper and his pet without wishing he was in its place. He took a deep drink of his wine, enjoying the familiar sensations as the spice moved through his system. Such a lucky creature, I do hope he appreciates the privilege. When the spice-altered attention of those beautiful golden eyes turned to him, seeming to watch him in a way that was hard to interpret, he of course had a momentary flicker of wonder. Was this gorgeous young man actually interested in what he was? Surely that couldn't be right?
Vladimir was certain there had to be some bizarre unknown attached to this entire situation, as it seemed far too perfect, but it wasn't this that kept him from attempting to haul Jasper off to the bedroom despite his aching joints. Nor was the fact that breaking an apparent social taboo might make people angry and prove a disadvantage to his goals. He wanted Jasper, true, but he found he had no desire to upset Jasper, or cause him to feel uncomfortable. It was unusual and a bit troublesome to be feeling this way, more concerned for Jasper than himself, but, Jasper made him feel so unnaturally good. Vladimir found himself wanting Jasper to feel good as well.
His spice-edged consciousness added an extra resonance to Jasper's voice. It was lovely just to listen to him speak, especially when they were such pleasing words. "I'd hate to ruin a new friendship with imposing too many formalities on it, of course, but, I would be flattered to call you my assistant. Or anything else you'd prefer." Jasper's smile couldn't help but summon one of his own, and Vladimir felt that rather unfamiliar surge of the emotion that had to be happiness again, as well as genuine affection. The comment about compensation actually caused him to flush slightly, but he felt rather sure that it wouldn't be wise to respond to the perceived flirtation with an example of what he'd like to offer. "And as I have found your company to be one of the best points of Hogwarts, I'll have to make sure to come up with something good. It may require some creativity, having come here with nothing more than myself and some spice. How are you enjoying it?" It's probably good I've met him here, and not at home. He'd be able to bankrupt me with that smile. There was of course no way for Vladimir to know that the most interesting commodity he possessed was in his own veins.
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"You may call me what you wish," he assented, and though he was still smiling, his manner had become markedly more somber. He had allowed himself to become distracted and far too comfortable, between the effects of the spice and more notably the Baron's exceedingly pleasant presence, and he'd somehow forgotten one very important factor. He was not human, would never be human again. He could play at being mortal all he liked, but it wouldn't change anything; it would only deceive others. Once Vladimir knew this truth, Jasper rather doubted his kind offer would still stand-and he wouldn't blame the Baron, any more than he'd blame the stag for fleeing before the wolf. It was simply the natural, logical reaction. No human would ever be truly safe around Jasper. What Vladimir was proposing was just inviting disaster. Much like rooming with Satou. Like attending a school full of humans. Especially like offering a massage to one.
Assistant, a position presumably for someone the Baron saw as an inferior, a subordinate... So there could have been a collar, just of a different sort than Jasper had originally expected. He might have enjoyed it. But he didn't feel too bad about things-Vladimir would undoubtedly find someone more suitable for the role in time, someone who wasn't at risk of ripping him apart and lapping up his blood like a mindless animal the first time he got a paper cut. Perhaps A would volunteer. It would really be an ideal solution, he thought.
"I've enjoyed your company as well," he said, a curious note of finality behind his words. "And also the wine, the spice. It's as remarkable as you'd said it would be. Thank you again." The specifics of just how remarkable it was to him he'd keep to himself, at least for the moment. But this praise was obviously honest, given he'd already drained his glass by then. He levitated it onto the coffee table, far enough away from Vladimir that he wouldn't think he had to offer more.
Jasper had delayed the inevitable long enough. He sighed inwardly as he gently shifted the sleeping raptor once more, letting the creature have his place on the sofa as he slid out from underneath him and stood up. He needlessly straightened his robes before stepping around the couches and moving to menacingly loom stand behind where the Baron was seated.
"What would you like me to do?"
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"If I may call you what I wish, I'd prefer to call you Jasper." He was feeling relaxed, and pleasant with the slight edge of spice, and the exceptionally enjoyable company. It was of course not in his nature to admit Really, I'd just like to keep you close, and enjoy your amazing company. And to call you a friend, and perhaps a very good friend, eventually. Had he known the truth about Jasper, this in fact may have been easier to admit, as bizarre as that was- at the moment, he was seeing himself as the wolf, and Jasper as the stag. Had he known that they were both more like the wolf, he'd have been somewhat more comfortable with the strange developing feelings he appeared to be forming for Jasper. As it was, he couldn't quite explain his fascination, beyond an inexplicable liking that somehow went beyond simple lust.
And so, when Jasper's mood subtly altered, he found himself concerned. Things like this were the sort of thing that the Baron paid attention to, as it was a necessity in politics. Subtle changes often held a great deal of meaning. Had he said something wrong? Had he ended up making Jasper uncomfortable despite his efforts not to? Why the strange finality?
He shifted slightly and managed to turn himself so that he could look up at Jasper, still smiling, but the concern tinted his voice as he replied, "I'd like you to do only what you would like to, as there is no rush unless it's one I don't know about. But I sense that there is something wrong?" Although he very much wanted Jasper's lovely hands on him, he found that he really did not want to feel like Jasper was being coerced in any way- part of why he was so intriguing was that thus far, Vladimir hadn't felt like he'd had to coerce him for attention at all. The strange hint of finality he had spoken with was unsettling- he wasn't sure what was going on, or what he might find out, but he certainly did not want this to be the last time that he saw this lovely creature.
Of course, it didn't completely slip his mind that Jasper might have been up to something, and this finality might somehow apply to him, and whatever Jasper had planned was potentially going to occur. But, the Baron had not gotten where he was by being easily afraid, or surrounding himself with nothing but safety. He took risks, and, they often played out to great advantage. Whatever Jasper was, be it some inexplicable piece of divine providence, or a brilliantly dangerous mastermind of some sort, both would be equally interesting. It was this mysterious edge to Jasper, that quality that reminded him of a laza tiger, that added the extra spice that made him so much more appealing, after all.
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"So you've changed your mind about wanting an assistant?" He smiled faintly. "And I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to," he lightly pointed out, and, though it remained unspoken, the rest of his thought was clear enough: Nor could you force me. Vladimir's answer hadn't been particularly helpful, but he didn't mind; it hadn't escaped his notice, both heard and felt, that the Baron had also perceived some essence of his mood and was concerned.
It was increasingly strange, this little meeting with Vladimir-fear would have been much more rational than concern. He didn't even appear to mind that Jasper had him in a fairly vulnerable position. Perhaps one day he would look back on his encounters with Jasper and realise exactly the sort of risk he'd taken inviting such a being into his private quarters, and even allowing the vampire to touch him. Not death, obviously-but the potential of experiencing a pain so excruciating death would have been a great kindness by comparison.
And Jasper did intend to touch him. He contemplated using a warming charm on his hands first, but ultimately dismissed the idea. It would only be a further deception, when the entire purpose of this 'exercise' was to offer Vladimir the truth. Let him do with it what he would.
"Is something wrong?" he asked vaguely. "I suppose I'll let you be the judge of that. And please tell me if this hurts." Though he tried his best to be as gentle as possible when he slid his hands onto the Baron's shoulders and very lightly gripped them, turning the man so he was fully facing away, it most likely felt like being handled by vises. And that wasn't the part Jasper had been worried about being painful. That came a moment later, when he started at the back of Vladimir's neck and worked his way outward and downward-working the muscles, attempting to ease the tension and knots from them, and pressing his thumbs along either side of Vladimir's spine. He did take the utmost care in doing this, but it was by no means gentle by human standards. He murmured an apology when he heard a rather alarming crack, as of a joint popping, or, possibly, cartilage breaking. He rather hoped he hadn't just inadvertently snapped the man's spine. Since physical contact amplified Jasper's empathic influence, at least the Baron would be feeling inexplicably relaxed despite any pain.
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"Not at all- but I do think 'assistant' sounds rather mundane for one like yourself. Advisor, perhaps, would be closer, if still imperfect. I can't say that there would be a lot of actual work, which I hope wouldn't disappoint. You've already been more helpful than you realize, I think." He wasn't sure why he was being less guarded, and almost admitting that 'assistant' meant 'a good excuse to see you more frequently'. But it didn't seem like the wrong choice. The fact that Jasper seemed to be acting according to his own will pleased him- it was partly this that made him so magical. Even exiled tyrants liked to feel wanted. And Jasper almost made him feel wanted in the way he'd most prefer.
If he'd been modern, he should have felt fear, but, Vladimir was the product of thousands of years of a complicated breeding program which discouraged an inclination towards the emotion. He already kept a deadly creature around at home, Piter. He also knew if he kept Piter around a day longer than he was necessary, he'd regret it, and didn't plan to. And so he managed him very carefully- and without fear. Fear would have given the advantage to the twisted mentat.
Vladimir was convinced fear wasn't the right approach here, either. There was something odd about Jasper- the fresh spice in his blood added an edge to his already perceptive observation, and insisted on it. Observing people to a point where he could almost play mind reader was a specialty, but all he could discern was a vague sense of an unknown. But not necessary a malevolent unknown. Jasper's curious return of the question, asking him if something was wrong, was interesting. Was it directed at him, or, was Jasper actually asking it in regards to himself? It seemed almost as if he expected disappointment or anger to be directed at him, and was not looking forward to it.
So, he wasn't unprepared for the unexpected- he was just rather surprised when it turned out to be what seemed like absurd strength from the slender young man. In fact, it was downright painful when he turned him- which was a very revealing thing. He shouldn't have been able to do that, as, Vladimir's suspensors were on a very low setting. Vladimir, however, was of a rather unique mentality- the Harkonnen line was known for a few very strange traits.
Jasper had discovered one- although he had to forcibly strangle several gasps, and did think that Jasper could probably break his spine if he got too enthusiastic, each shot of pain only left greater pleasure in its wake. He didn't say a word at first, immersed in sensation, but a detail was growing clear despite his overwhelmed senses. Jasper had the coldest hands he'd ever felt, almost like metal. What was he? Amazing, but he couldn't be human. He didseem to be using care, which kept Vladimir calm despite the force which probably would have seriously injured anyone who wasn't as heavily padded, and still might have had Jasper been careless.
He did let out a gasp after the crack, although a curiously mixed one. The aftermath of the initial stab was intoxicating, in fact arousing due to his crossed wires. He decided he should say something. He was rather sure that Jasper did not want to injure him. But he had to know one thing. "Just one moment, if you would, Jasper- but I don't mean stop if you're not tired of it. You're. . .remarkable. Just a pause. That one I do need to recover from a moment." He found that he was actually feeling less stiff as he turned towards Jasper, although it might have been the endorphin high. Before this went any further, he needed to know if his building suspicions were true.
"Jasper, are you a thinking machine?" The first trace of fear that Vladimir had felt came with this question. Not with the thoughts leading up to it. It was the answer that worried him, given the history behind the Butlerian Jihad. It was not a fear of Jasper precisely, more the fear that he wouldn't be turned off despite the knowledge of an impending apocalypse.
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"Assistant, advisor, friend. I'll leave the choice of title up to you." He had no doubt he would be referred to in different manners depending on whom the Baron may mention him to, and assuming the Baron would still want to remain in contact at all once he knew the truth. It mattered remarkably little to Jasper what he was called, so long as he was treated with respect and not as a servant. "I do like to keep myself occupied, my mind busy. With things that interest me, not necessarily the work of others," he said with some amusement. No, he wouldn't mind not having much actual work to do.
He couldn't know that he was hurting the Baron, and the fact he seemed to be enjoying the massage only convinced Jasper he was somehow doing it right. When it eventually became enjoyment of a different variety he flinched and struggled not to pull his hands away. This wasn't entirely unexpected, but it was still unpleasant. Inappropriate. And it wouldn't have even mattered to him that the Baron evidently got off on pain-some of his own preferences were hardly vanilla, after all-only that he was the cause of such feelings.
When he'd been newly born to the life of a vampire, experiencing others' emotions as though they were his own had been deeply confusing. But he'd quickly learnt how to differentiate between his own emotions and the echo of others', and to not be so affected by outside emotional influences, which did certainly serve him well at present.
Then Vladimir requested a pause, so he gladly complied, his hands stilling. He was fairly sure he was being asked if he was some kind of robot, which caused him to suddenly laugh despite how grim the question seemed. Was the Baron actually afraid now? Of the possibility of him being a robot? "No, not a machine. Not at all." He moved his hands up to rest on the Baron's shoulders, considering something. As he withdrew his hands altogether (to hopefully lessen any chance of Vladimir feeling threatened), he slowly leant a little closer, all traces of mirth gone as he murmured, "I was once human."
He would have thought his dead pallor and unnatural gold eyes alone were a bit of a giveaway in that regard-clearly marking him as not-quite-human. Perhaps the Baron had simply chosen to be blind to his peculiarities until forced to acknowledge them, as was how the vast majority of humans reacted. It was interesting, if nothing else, to see how his vampirism could affect humans like that.
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His civilization still hold a strict prohibition against thinking machines, due an incident ten thousand years prior where the thinking machines had nearly exterminated the human race. This was why it was the thought of robotics caused trepidation, whereas the more typical sources of it weren't having an affect. So, Jasper's laugh at the question was a relief, and not an offense, as, surely a thinking machine wouldn't have laughed at the question. So he had to be something else, and something else was preferable, whatever it was.
He'd actually found Jasper's hands remaining on his shoulders to be comforting, whereas removing them peaked his alertness slightly. He'd known where they were before- but he was still not afraid. More, he was slightly disappointed that Jasper had finished, as, it really was helping, just very forcefully and in a way it took a unique mentality to appreciate. If Jasper had wanted to cause him harm, he'd had plenty of chances to attempt it already. But he sensed that Jasper thought that he was not going to react well to the discover of his not-quite-humanity. This was likely the source of the altered mood. And so, he did not flinch at Jasper's admission that he was once human, and implication that he no longer was. The source of the fascinating strangeness that coloured Jasper so interestingly had to become evident, eventually. It was a good of a time as any.
Vladimir smiled slightly, replying, "I believe that you still may be human, but, not necessarily in the same respect as most of the race. My people would have been likely to classify you as such, as I feel that I've been speaking with a human." This was in fact a meaningful sort of thing to say in the Imperium, a statement of respect. "There is certainly something very unique about you, Jasper, and it's not just your massage technique. Which, by the way, is remarkable, if unusual. I am starting to feel significantly improved. But, I think you may want to tell me what exactly you are?" He made sure to color his words in a way that would hopefully cause Jasper to feel comfortable about whatever the admission would be- he was really quite open-minded.
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This was a conversation better had comfortably face to face, without him looming over Vladimir, and so he returned to the gold sofa, sitting beside the raptor rather than disturbing him yet again by moving him. Despite his growing anxiety he had no obvious nervous tics, made no fidgeting gestures. He simply laid a hand on the raptor's snout, as much to comfort himself as anything. For the moment he actually forgot to continue making even those occasional small movements, to shift positions, blink, and breathe as a human would, instead remaining entirely too still for the first time in Vladimir's presence. No longer playing at being human.
"Do you remember what I said about Hufflepuff being the House for vampires?" he asked, smiling slightly, without humour. He really should have admitted the truth then instead of letting things go on. But at least they were clearing the air now, for better or worse. "I haven't meant to intentionally deceive you. Do you even know what vampires are? If the myths from today have survived into your time, then they are probably still similarly inaccurate, aside from our... dietary requirements. But, I don't prey on humans. In fact no one in my family does. This makes us very unusual even among our own kind... We are natural predators of humans, you see," he admitted, not seeming particularly thrilled by this fact. It took considerable effort to not look away from the Baron's face as he spoke, to not stare at the floor in shame.
Jasper paused then, waiting and watching for the Baron's reaction, for any sign of his disbelief or condemnation. He knew his explanation hadn't been eloquent in the least, but it had covered the pertinent basics, everything Vladimir should know in order to make an informed decision-either he'd want Jasper to leave now, or he may want more details. It was hard to guess which way it would go, even with what he already knew about Vladimir.
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It wasn't all too surprising of news that Jasper had some sort of telepathically calming influence. The pet was a pretty loud beacon, and, he'd been aware of his own inexplicable pleasure in the man's company. This influence did seem to be causing an inclination towards honesty with him, but, he wasn't actually doing anything that he didn't want to. If anything, this influence was actually very helpful, as a relaxed mood did lead to better decisions most of the time. And thus far, things were not going badly in his opinion. Jasper hadn't run off yet.
And whatever he was, it was already clear that he didn't seem to be plotting malevolently at Vladimir. So, Vladimir didn't feel angry, and rather, interested in exactly what Jasper was, and how he accomplished this useful skill. He could not miss the added hesitation marked by Jasper returning to the sofa- that he felt this was very important was evident. With Jasper's lapse of memory he was able to notice the obvious markers of his lack of humanity, or what Jasper perceived as one. The lack of breathing was fascinating.
Vladimir's culture did remember a great deal of ancient legends, but very little thought was given to most of them. So vampires weren't alien, but, things like vampires weren't of much interest or sensation to a civilization that did have the walking dead living amongst it, ghola. They weren't the same as vampires, but, this sort of thing did tend to take a great deal of the fear element from the concept of 'undeath'. Only superstitious people like Fremen were frightened of ghola for that reason. It was understandable why some people would fear some ghola, especially twisted mentat assassins. If they decided you were going to be dead, you'd be dead. Vladimir had never seen this as a reason to be afraid of Piter, however. It was just a reason to know Piter better than he knew himself. And Jasper did not appear to be twisted like Piter, and so even if he did happen to prey on humans, it wouldn't be particularly disturbing. It was just the right of a successful predator.
He listened to Jasper's confession receptively, showing no fear at all, only curiosity. When Jasper began to explain how he didn't feed off humans, probably to try and reassure him, he actually felt a sudden compassion for him. This lovely creature had apparently been convinced that there was something wrong with what he was, and felt he needed to tack on these reassurances despite the fact that he'd already had plenty of chances to attack him had he desired to.
"Unless I'm completely confused, and I do not believe I am, vampires are a myth of ancient times involving the living dead, who were said to feed on the blood of the living. And, I've seen enough here to realize you're telling the truth, although, that would be evident with or without the magic school." He was ice cold and not breathing, after all. "Did you think that this would make me angry, Jasper? I am not sure why it would. In the future, the 'living dead' are relatively commonplace, although I am not aware of any who have to drink blood." The operative phrase for Piter was 'have to'. It didn't mean he wouldn't, and probably did when he got the chance.
"I expect that this is something you would prefer that I keep to myself, and I will. As I do see how some could perceive it as a problem, and make things unpleasant for you, and, we cannot be having that." He only showed a sign of actual dismay when he recalled one of the details about the old children's stories, that might have frightened a Fremen, but not any Imperial noble. "Does this mean that you can't go out in the sunlight, then?" He did hope this would prove to be false, as, the idea of Jasper being instantly destroyed by a little ray of sunlight was upsetting.
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"In the world I come from, there's a powerful organisation of other vampires like myself, tasked with enforcing the one law we're all expected to abide by. And that's to never reveal what we are to humans, upon penalty of death for all parties involved. Their reach doesn't yet extend to the wizarding world, but some caution couldn't hurt, and I do truly appreciate it."
Again he couldn't help but marvel at how well the Baron was taking this information. Jasper would certainly be capable of sensing any deception where emotions were concerned, but there was none. There seemed only to be curiosity, understanding. Even compassion, which seemed almost to reverberate as a palpable substance to his spice-enhanced senses. He would have a difficult time putting into words how something incorporeal could have such a marked taste and texture to him.
"Direct sunlight reveals us for what we are, but does no physical damage at all," he explained, reminded of his embarrassing slip up with A in his garden. He masked his discomfort easily enough. "Garlic, religious artifacts, blessed water, rice, stakes through the heart are all likewise useless against my kind. There's little in this world that can even pierce our hard skin, much less our hearts. We have no traditional weaknesses. Save one, perhaps."
It was there that he finally looked away from Vladimir, crossing his arms over his chest, seeming almost to withdraw into himself. It was a gesture more suited to someone like A, and was at odds with how Jasper usually presented himself; there were shades of insecurity. "The smell of human blood," he said, elaborating. "Most other vampires don't perceive it as a weakness, but I do. If it's too strong..." He set his jaw. "I'm not known for my self control," he muttered. "It's a large part of why I behaved-very strangely-when we met. It's difficult," he said, determinedly not looking at the Baron, "to be even this close to you. The smell of your blood... It's unusual. More appealing to me than human blood normally is." He risked a brief glance toward the Baron, wondering how he'd react to being told that he was indeed an almost irresistible temptation, just not in any way he'd probably hoped for. "I did expect you to be far more upset about all of this. Though I'd never consciously try to harm you, I've put you at considerable risk simply by being here."
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Vladimir listened quietly to the lovely young dead man, which he did realize was much more dead than a ghola, which were technically 'alive' as any typical human. Due to this, and other weirdnesses of the Imperium like facedancers and Navigators, Jasper remained within the realm of normality to Vladimir, just, better, apparently. He wondered how old Jasper was, although, considering the packaging it didn't matter that much. But being older than he appeared could explain a portion of why the Baron felt so compelled towards his intellect.
He felt a growing interest and affection as Jasper explained further, and was relieved to know that he wasn't as destructible as the children's stories might have such a creature appear. That would have been terribly inconvenient. The thing that was fascinating him most was that although Jasper had claimed he wasn't human any more, he was behaving in such a remarkably human manner and apparently not noticing it.
The Baron was not offended by Jasper's admission that his blood was exceptionally appealing- in fact, it was unusually flattering in some bizarre way. Surely it was a compliment of some sort, as Jasper must get some pleasure out of being near him, or he wouldn't have come. The greater compliment was that he came despite considering this temptation a weakness, so obviously Jasper did want to interact with him. Considering it a weakness seemed silly, as it would be strengthening to develop such a discipline, but it was very human. When Jasper glanced back at Vladimir, he was apparently relaxed, and had a strangely warm and compassionate smile that someone of another time and temperament wouldn't be likely to wear when faced with a specimen of the blood-drinking undead. Vladimir found his insecurity strangely touching, and hoped he could console him somehow.
The only sense in which he wasn't relaxed was that increase of Jasper's magnetism. Vladimir knew he was dangerous, but, he wasn't worried about the physical danger. Attachment was far more worrying. Jasper's admission had gone and brought the two to a more similar level, enhancing the potential of actual friendship with another intelligent creature. Vladimir was rather strange about this himself, in light of his profession. Perhaps they weren't predators in the same sense, but, Vladimir was still a predatory being, and, knew very well that his own death toll was probably a thousand times Jasper's or more. Just, he used delegation- his most frequent deathstroke was merely a pen to paper. Empires lived on blood.
"You don't have to continue to reassure me, Jasper- I'm aware that you do not wish to harm me, your actions reveal that. But I'm pleased you've told me this, as, it is important to consider if say, we were to take an afternoon walk in the city. But I do believe that you underestimate yourself." He shifted his bulk on the sofa to bring himself closer to Jasper, as if to emphasize that he wasn't concerned about Jasper's deadly capabilities. "You say that you're not human, but, according my culture, you're exceptionally human. You've already said so, and are displaying it right now. As the human race evolved, it appears the definition of human has became more refined- a man can bear a human shape, and still be an animal. The difference is in the ability to act against instinct and to confront situations in a rational manner. According to Imperial standards, you have probably killed more animals than humans, regardless of shape, if it is a consolation. So do forgive me if I must consider you human, and, that this news doesn't make me want to toss you out of the room. I don't think that's what you want me to do anyway, or I don't think you'd be here." Vladimir's smile lingered, and he hoped that Jasper would realize that he liked him very much, regardless of blood-drinking tendencies.
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"You're not afraid," he said quietly, and it wasn't quite a question, though he did sound uncertain. "I can tell. Some of us have extra... abilities," he explained as he regarded the Baron curiously, "traits which I believe in most cases already existed when we were human-alive, and becoming a vampire magnifies them. I am an empath, as you've probably already guessed." Perhaps ironically, that utter lack of fear in the Baron, of discomfort, of anything but those pleasant emotions, was close to unnerving Jasper. Bella displayed a similar lack of fear around him and his family, but, then, she also happened to be in love with one of them, so naturally she'd be biased. Foolishly so, sometimes, but that was love for you. It was seldom very logical.
The Baron had no such emotional attachment to him that should cause him to behave so illogically. His equanimity in the face of learning the truth about Jasper still largely baffled and amazed the vampire.
He did seem heartened by Vladimir insisting that he was very much human, since it sounded like Vladimir's culture possibly defined 'people' by their humanity. Something he'd struggled to reclaim and hold onto after half a century of living as little more than an animal able to follow and carry out orders. "I'm not always capable of acting against my instincts," he admitted, slowly looking away from the Baron to focus on some point on the wall across from him-making an effort not to duck his head in shame, at least, as he really wanted to. "Nor am I always able to behave rationally. But I do try. I try very hard."
He knew trying wasn't really enough, but it was all he could do. He still hoped there would come a day when it didn't have to be such a conscientious effort, that he could one day enjoy being around humans like Alice and Edward did-or at least better tolerate it, without the constant undercurrent of bloodlust that always, always plagued him. Would he never become desensitised to the smell of human blood?
"No, I don't want you to tell me to leave," he agreed, smiling despite himself. "But I would understand and wouldn't hold it against you if you did kick me out. You've been far more accepting and kind about this than I really deserve." It was clear he did appreciate it, despite struggling to come to terms with Vladimir not fearing what he was. Some of his prior somberness returned as he relaxed somewhat, uncrossing his arms and staring down at his hands in his lap. "But accidents happen." He idly traced a collection of old scars on one of his wrists with his fingers, frowning. "All it would take is you getting a small cut when near me. A pinprick, a papercut. Something seemingly insignificant. And I... know from experience I wouldn't be able to stop myself." It was incredibly gruesome to even think about, but it was also the reality of what he was. Vladimir certainly deserved fair warning, especially if he wasn't going to rescind his offer to let Jasper play personal assistant.
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He leaned against the arm of the couch as he spoke to enchanting young vampire, who probably didn't need to be bothering with his empathic abilities on him- if it had been necessary, he might have felt somewhat upset by it. As it is, Jasper just helped him think better, aside from that irritating emotional pull that was far more dangerous than a vampire. At least it was becoming more explainable. Jasper appeared to expect about as much acceptance in 'normal' society as Vladimir would. Only, he still had some conscience about his far more literally predatory nature. Consciences were a liability in the Imperium.
"Now, I'll admit this little revelation is somewhat surprising, as it wasn't exactly what I'd expected. But again, that's another of those commonplace things. Surprises aren't surprising, they happen all the time, this one's just very unique. It's merely new facts to go on, Jasper, and I do appreciate that you told me. But, I do think you underestimate yourself. Although it's better than overestimation, it's always when people believe they are invincible that that knife comes flashing out of the shadows."
He continued, calmly, explaining, "Everyone's capable of being dangerous, but many are just not aware of it. You know you're dangerous, and put your mind into honing your discipline. I think that many from my time would react to you without fear, Jasper, and rather accept and respect the fact for what it is. In my day, there are quite a few humans who are equally deadly- mentat assassins, for example. Every Great House requires one, because they all have them- you know how the cycle goes, you served a military role." He eyed the scars at Jasper's wrist curiously for a moment, presuming them relics of some aspect of this. "I can't say I find you any more frightening than my mentat, but you're far more pleasant."
Considering no one could be killed at Hogwarts anyway, it seemed like it was rather unnecessary to make it a major point at all, but, Vladimir sensed that this issue went deeper than any simple concern about killing people on Jasper's part. He felt that strange emotion again, that tug of compassion. Again he smiled at Jasper, hoping he might feel somewhat more comfortable. His distress was actually rather upsetting, as, he was far too lovely to be feeling that way. "As for what you deserve, well, I do believe that in this circumstance, that's my decision, yes? You'll just have to forgive me if I think you're only worthy of my gratitude for such exceptional company, and for being honest with me. I'll just have to avoid papercuts, apparently, so that I don't cause you any undue angst."
Even in a worst case scenario, there was that magic, and Vladimir did have a very abundant amount of blood, so he figured it would work out somehow. But, given Jasper's distress and temperament, he thought any overly troublesome incidents to be unlikely anyway. He'd probably be far less dangerous than someone of his unique nature who was entirely confident with it- he had focus.
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