lestat de lioncourt. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
perfectionner) wrote2023-08-08 03:54 pm
perfectionner) wrote2023-08-08 03:54 pm
inbox for saltburnt;
WELCOME TO THE SALTBURNT NETWORK
USERNAME:
LESTAT
text ❖ audio ❖ video
WELCOME TO THE SALTBURNT NETWORK
USERNAME:
LESTAT
text ❖ audio ❖ video
[ armand, who hasn’t been in his head for years on end, is suddenly there now; lestat can only guess why. but that doesn’t mean he isn’t increasingly curious about the discovery of that answer. ]
Clearly. [ polite, but also somewhat pointed. ] Or else why not simply wait to find me in person?
[ that in and of itself is more goading, since he’s no stranger to prodding at armand unnecessarily. ]
Clearly. [ polite, but also somewhat pointed. ] Or else why not simply wait to find me in person?
[ that in and of itself is more goading, since he’s no stranger to prodding at armand unnecessarily. ]
[ lestat is, admittedly, still trying to work out the intricacies of the device he's been given, so it takes him longer in terms of typing out a response. ]
Do I have a minute for what?
Do I have a minute for what?
Have I told you of the Kingsguard?
[ a gentle segue into her plans to stay elsewhere, during the impending lockdown. ]
[ a gentle segue into her plans to stay elsewhere, during the impending lockdown. ]
I don't believe so. I would have remembered that name during our previously captivating conversations.
This is Tim.
I want to apologize for the other night. They drugged me, I wasn’t myself. I’m not usually that forward.
I want to apologize for the other night. They drugged me, I wasn’t myself. I’m not usually that forward.
Do you truly think you did anything worth apologizing for, Tim?
With each passing day, it seems we have much and more to discuss.
Truly? Beyond the most obvious detail, I wouldn’t begin to know what else you’d be referring to.
[ he’s well aware of the murders. sloppy work, in his view, but the methodology of at least one certainly points a finger in the vampires’ direction. ]
Though you have the right to inquiry, Your Grace.
[ he’s well aware of the murders. sloppy work, in his view, but the methodology of at least one certainly points a finger in the vampires’ direction. ]
Though you have the right to inquiry, Your Grace.
My niece intends to name the Lady Alia Atreides as the killer of her betrothed and present her evidence.
I ask that you hear it and, if it rings true, support it.
I ask that you hear it and, if it rings true, support it.
What evidence does she have? Some of these accusations have been flimsy at best.
Hey, Count von Count. I know you and yours haven't a cause to trust me. Hell, I gave you the best reason not to.
But — and it's an olive branch 'cause we're all stuck here together — if you and yours come out of this harassed and harangued more than Louis already hinted at being — we can talk, yeah? I hate the thought that they're all just cycling through you guys, hoping to catch you out. It's shitty.
I'm sending this to the other vampires, too. Just let me know you got the message.
[ DONT MAKE HIM REGRET IT LESTAT............ ]
But — and it's an olive branch 'cause we're all stuck here together — if you and yours come out of this harassed and harangued more than Louis already hinted at being — we can talk, yeah? I hate the thought that they're all just cycling through you guys, hoping to catch you out. It's shitty.
I'm sending this to the other vampires, too. Just let me know you got the message.
[ DONT MAKE HIM REGRET IT LESTAT............ ]
[ a heavy sigh, when he reads this message, but mostly because the nickname strikes him as deeply unimaginative. ]
It is far from the first time that we have been persecuted for acts we did not commit. The feast that transpired, before your arrival I assume, did not help matters, exposing us to suspicion, fear, and now discrimination.
If you are interested in speaking, on neutral ground, I would be willing to entertain the idea. If only to ensure a voice of reason when someone inevitably points the finger at one of us again.
It is far from the first time that we have been persecuted for acts we did not commit. The feast that transpired, before your arrival I assume, did not help matters, exposing us to suspicion, fear, and now discrimination.
If you are interested in speaking, on neutral ground, I would be willing to entertain the idea. If only to ensure a voice of reason when someone inevitably points the finger at one of us again.
Hey. You okay?
[ Scintillating prose this is not. But Matt's been listening to the machines around him beep and blip for what feels like hours, and he regrets not saying sorry to Pierce while he still could so fucking much, and--
The hours are counting down to Friday night. ]
Just wanted to say sorry if I added to any stress for you. I've been trying to be logical, emphasis "try."
[ Scintillating prose this is not. But Matt's been listening to the machines around him beep and blip for what feels like hours, and he regrets not saying sorry to Pierce while he still could so fucking much, and--
The hours are counting down to Friday night. ]
Just wanted to say sorry if I added to any stress for you. I've been trying to be logical, emphasis "try."
[ lestat is awake, although there's rarely a moment when he isn't awake, at this hour.
that doesn't mean he doesn't stare at this message for a moment in brief bewilderment. ]
No more than what their silly game already has. [ which is to say, very little. he respects humanity, loves it to an extent, but even he can acknowledge the ridiculousness of all of this. ]
that doesn't mean he doesn't stare at this message for a moment in brief bewilderment. ]
No more than what their silly game already has. [ which is to say, very little. he respects humanity, loves it to an extent, but even he can acknowledge the ridiculousness of all of this. ]
[ this, twice in one week? apparently, he needs to clear up some misconceptions. ]
What reason would I have to be angry with you?
What reason would I have to be angry with you?
You have been restless.
[ with louis in the gaol. ]
Is there comfort I can offer you?
[ with louis in the gaol. ]
Is there comfort I can offer you?
[ lestat earns this message and almost has to laugh. clearly, his stressed pacing has not been as silent as he'd thought. ]
So quick to consider others, over yourself, in this time.
The mere offer is a temptation all its own.
So quick to consider others, over yourself, in this time.
The mere offer is a temptation all its own.
As myriad and complex as the ancient himself.
But I do not trust him.
But I do not trust him.
I am Lestat. Is your business with me your own, or your mother's?
[ At some point in the afternoon, just as Matt's last breath leaves his body, a small golden light appears in his room. It's about the size of a marble, and instantly, it flutters through the air as if on an errand it knows well. Walls and locked doors are no impediment to it, as it isn't strictly solid, and it leaves no trace behind it.
Eventually, the little bauble finds Lestat. It winds and dances around him, gentle as a summer breeze but insistent all the same. If he follows it through the halls, the light will direct him to a folded slip of paper with his name on it. ]
Sorry I'm going to miss rehearsal. But I know you won't have any problem finding another white guy to hit the 2 and the 4.
If you feel a weird breeze when there's no one around, that'll be me trying to play with your hair from the afterlife.
Matt
Eventually, the little bauble finds Lestat. It winds and dances around him, gentle as a summer breeze but insistent all the same. If he follows it through the halls, the light will direct him to a folded slip of paper with his name on it. ]
Sorry I'm going to miss rehearsal. But I know you won't have any problem finding another white guy to hit the 2 and the 4.
If you feel a weird breeze when there's no one around, that'll be me trying to play with your hair from the afterlife.
Matt
Did you deduce it yourself, or did he confirm it for you?
[ Of the rooms Astarion visits on Christmas Eve, Lestat's falls somewhere in the middle of his path. When he wakes on Christmas morning, he'll find a small package wrapped in black paper and silver ribbon waiting for him. Inside:
— A perfume bottle filled with a deep, sweet fragrance. Around the bottle's neck is a ribbon embroidered with the words burning star.There's a note next to the package, written in Astarion's neat hand: ]
— The paperweight from the faire.
Lestat,
We are no longer strangers, are we?
Happy Christmas,
Astarion
[There is a pastel blue box at his door. There is not much inside but a sheet of paper, a hand written piece that Francesca has written out. The second sheet of paper is note, reading:]
The song we danced to, paced out and with an appropriate melody.
I hope this finds you well. Happy Christmas.
Francesca Bridgerton
The song we danced to, paced out and with an appropriate melody.
I hope this finds you well. Happy Christmas.
Francesca Bridgerton
[ On Christmas Eve, the manor staff kindly deliver the gifts Alicent prepared for family and friends. For Lestat,
— A tiny velvet box, containing a signet ring.
— Attached, he’ll find an envelope sealed with emerald wax, fine paper stock addressed in Alicent’s elegant hand. ]
— A tiny velvet box, containing a signet ring.
— Attached, he’ll find an envelope sealed with emerald wax, fine paper stock addressed in Alicent’s elegant hand. ]
Lestat,
Thank you for leaving the door shut for as long as I required — and for opening it, when I needed you most.
Happy Christmas,
Alicent
[The gift comes wrapped meticulously in paper that, while not strictly holiday-themed is nevertheless very appropriate, considering who it’s from. The gift is inside, nestled in pale blue tissue paper: An assortment of candied fruit, nuts and chocolates from the faire, for those of his friends who actually eat. For those who don’t, this portion of the gift is replaced with a simple calendar.
A jar of tea courtesy of Sol & Scroll, because everyone needs more relaxing sleep around here.
For Lestat, some slightly-yellowed sheet music – not from his era, precisely, but from a more recent one.
The note, on thick, cream-colored card stock, is in a somewhat wobbly, but earnest hand:]
The note, on thick, cream-colored card stock, is in a somewhat wobbly, but earnest hand:]
Lestat -
I’m less familiar with music from this century. Or the last one, actually. But I checked with Louis and he said this was okay. He knows your tastes better than mine.
Thank you, for watching out for him. You may think nobody notices, but I do.
Merry Christmas.
-Koby
Can I ask you a personal question?
It's about dying.
It's about dying.
Are there specific circumstances for this hypothetical death scenario?
If not in the literal sense, Monsieur Xavier, then what exactly did you have in mind for me?
Already finding ways to surprise, it seems.
[ between louis suddenly moving himself in and this message, among other things. ]
Though I have little reason to complain. And you?
[ between louis suddenly moving himself in and this message, among other things. ]
Though I have little reason to complain. And you?
[ the exhaustion that comes over them both can't be described - a century of longing, hurt, anger, grief. louis doesn't remember doing anything but pressing and falling into lestat's arms, laid out on the bed as they clutched to one another in silence in the aftermath, like the waves lapping at shore after the winds have calmed.
louis falls asleep, though fitfully, sleeping deeper with the beating of his maker's heart against his own. but things change over time, don't they? and when morning comes louis is pressed close to lestat, arms tangled around him and face pressed in against the crook of his neck. their legs have even tangled, louis a veritable octopus, trying to press close and soak up any and all warmth he can while they rest.
when he wakes it's slow, a little hazy and fumbling, louis nuzzling into lestat's throat on a sigh, fingers already too well spread along lestat's spine. there's the dying light of evening spilling in through the window again and he curls closer to the other vampire to avoid it. a vampire that isn't armand, that isn't daniel. his body knows immediately who it is and his heartbeat flutters out of time for a second before settling right back in. ]
S'it night already?
[ he's not going to look himself. instead he stays clutched close to lestat. yes, lestat. he should go. he should apologize. he should find somewhere else to mourn and sleep and rage. instead his eyes go heavy again as he settles into the other's embrace. ]
louis falls asleep, though fitfully, sleeping deeper with the beating of his maker's heart against his own. but things change over time, don't they? and when morning comes louis is pressed close to lestat, arms tangled around him and face pressed in against the crook of his neck. their legs have even tangled, louis a veritable octopus, trying to press close and soak up any and all warmth he can while they rest.
when he wakes it's slow, a little hazy and fumbling, louis nuzzling into lestat's throat on a sigh, fingers already too well spread along lestat's spine. there's the dying light of evening spilling in through the window again and he curls closer to the other vampire to avoid it. a vampire that isn't armand, that isn't daniel. his body knows immediately who it is and his heartbeat flutters out of time for a second before settling right back in. ]
S'it night already?
[ he's not going to look himself. instead he stays clutched close to lestat. yes, lestat. he should go. he should apologize. he should find somewhere else to mourn and sleep and rage. instead his eyes go heavy again as he settles into the other's embrace. ]
[ It's an untold number of hours later, after Louis comes to his room, that Lestat finally finds himself drifting toward rest. The composition he'd been working on now sits abandoned, albeit temporarily, the electronic keyboard having powered itself down after so much time without use. Louis is the one to fall into sleep first in the aftermath of that emotional maelstrom, and while Lestat is quick to follow, he's still the one who rouses before his fledgling does, with Louis leaving him almost no room to even consider moving given how closely they're laying entwined.
All told, it's rather endearing, Lestat thinks to himself, looking over Louis' somewhat peaceful features with a fond smile for what feels like several more hours before the other vampire stirs against him, stretching like a cat emerging from a nap in an overwarmed patch of sun. The night had been fraught, but rest is often capable of offering a fresh perspective — even if Lestat is under no illusion that Louis will remain with him here forever. ]
You slept all day.
[ Soft, affectionate, when he finally voices an answer, as Louis burrows a bit more definitively into his body; Lestat tucks his chin to place a kiss to Louis' temple, then nuzzles against that very same spot. ]
I didn't want to wake you. [ And not merely because he'd felt the solid, unyielding weight of Louis' body against his own for the last several hours, but because Louis had seemed like he'd needed every minute of the rest he'd taken. ]
All told, it's rather endearing, Lestat thinks to himself, looking over Louis' somewhat peaceful features with a fond smile for what feels like several more hours before the other vampire stirs against him, stretching like a cat emerging from a nap in an overwarmed patch of sun. The night had been fraught, but rest is often capable of offering a fresh perspective — even if Lestat is under no illusion that Louis will remain with him here forever. ]
You slept all day.
[ Soft, affectionate, when he finally voices an answer, as Louis burrows a bit more definitively into his body; Lestat tucks his chin to place a kiss to Louis' temple, then nuzzles against that very same spot. ]
I didn't want to wake you. [ And not merely because he'd felt the solid, unyielding weight of Louis' body against his own for the last several hours, but because Louis had seemed like he'd needed every minute of the rest he'd taken. ]
[ it's rare that anyone reaches out to lestat in such a direct manner, nudging against his mind — so that alone prompts him to sit up and take notice, in a sense, long before the text follows. ]
He is here with me.
[ a brief glance cast to the other side of the bed, where louis currently rests as quiet and still as... well, something not wholly alive, but peaceful nonetheless. a sleep he certainly needs, after recent events. ]
If you have a message for him, I can pass it along once he awakens.
He is here with me.
[ a brief glance cast to the other side of the bed, where louis currently rests as quiet and still as... well, something not wholly alive, but peaceful nonetheless. a sleep he certainly needs, after recent events. ]
If you have a message for him, I can pass it along once he awakens.
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