[018]

[rule_britannia]

I'm looking for some informative literature on the subjects of werewolves and vampires. If anyone has any recommendations, I'd appreciate it.

Comments

[rule_britannia]

[Save them for the stage, Marshall.]

I'd think it would be far more sensible to be afraid. [Not that Marshall looks at all threatening, but the fact remains that it would be so, so easy for the vampire to kill him.]

You can't possibly have always had that potion.

[marshall_lee]

Oh I'm not telling you not to be afraid. It would be stupid not to.

[Ouch. He gets really quiet before admitting]

No..I haven't. I'm not innocent by any means but I've always at the very least left innocent people alone.
Not that this justifies anything but I always sought out people that would do harm to others. I doubt many murderers would be missed.

[rule_britannia]

[Arthur gets no points for tact.]

No.. I suppose they wouldn't. [A pause, then-] The potion... does it always work?

[marshall_lee]

[In a way he can appreciate that.]
So far it has. I mean, I still crave blood but it's manageable. It's just like being forced to stick to a strict diet.
[He grins.]
Don't worry. I'm not about to go on a rampage or anything. I learned how to make the potion myself as well so I'll be okay during the summer too.

[rule_britannia]

I didn't think you would.. you wouldn't be here if you were going to do that.

[Right? Because the school knows there's a vampire student here.. right?]

[marshall_lee]

No. Dumbledore knows I'm good on my word. He was the one that offered to let me stay. All the professors know too. Students though..not so much. A few know but not many and its better that way.
[He chuckles.]
I should start a secret club or make pamphlets. How To Deal With Finding Out Your Friend Is A Vampire.

[rule_britannia]

I can only imagine the amount of widespread panic it would cause.

[Just as well he doesn't know one of the nurses is a vampire, too.]

[marshall_lee]

Oh it would. And to be honest, I'd really rather avoid a stake in the heart. I just want to live as normal of a life as I can.

[Marshall wouldn't dream of ever telling.]

[rule_britannia]

I'll keep it to myself, then.

[A beat.]

You can have this one for nothing.

[marshall_lee]

Thank you.
[He raises an eyebrow. ]

Oh? Are you saying you might blackmail me in the future? C'mon. Wouldn't it just be easier all around if we were friends and just mutually helped each other out when needed hmmm?

[rule_britannia]

Are you proposing a trade of some kind?

[Hypothetically. He's already stated his lack of a wish to have angry vampires after his blood.]

[marshall_lee]

I kinda doubt you have anything I couldn't get for myself. I've learned to be self suffecient in my old age.
[He pauses.]
I honestly wouldn't mind having your friendship though. Thats it.

[rule_britannia]

[Okay, that throws him. He looks over at Marshall, then gives a slight half-smile.]

That's fair.

[marshall_lee]

[What can he say? Living forever gets lonely. He grins back].
Cool.
[He yawns. Sure, he can stand sunlight now but it still makes him feel sleepy just sitting in it.]
Is there anything else you wanted to know 'cause I think it's nap time for me.

[rule_britannia]

[He gets a bit of a smirk for that.]

Nothing for now. I'll find you again after sunset, shall I?

[marshall_lee]

[He chuckles.]
Nah, I'll be up again in another hour or so. It's direct sunlight that makes me feel a little tired.
[He tilts his face up at the sun and closes his eyes.]
It feels nice though so it's a fair trade off.

[rule_britannia]

Hmm, I suppose that makes sense.

[He watches Marshall's expression curiously.]

Marshall.. how old are you?

[marshall_lee]

[Ah the inevitable question at last!]
I was born in 1817 and I became a vampire when I was sixteen. So including my real age I'm a hundred and ninety five.
[He gives a funny smile.]
I still like to count my age from my real birthday which is in July. Counting my age from when I died just seems morbid.

[rule_britannia]

Vampires do that?

[Vampires are odd. Sorry, Marshall.]

[marshall_lee]

[He shrugs.]
I don't know if other ones do but I like to keep track that way.
I know there are some that are so old they don't even bother remembering their ages. Those guys are pretty few in number though thank Merlin.
[No, it's just Marshall that's odd.]

[rule_britannia]

I imagine you would need to be rather discreet to reach that kind of age.

[marshall_lee]

Either really discreet or really vicious.
Neither are the type I'd like to encounter myself. Older vamps are pretty powerful.

[rule_britannia]

I bet they are.. [He clears his throat.] Ah, sorry, I'm keeping you from your rest.

[marshall_lee]

[He waves a hand in dismissal]
No worries. I've had a good time talking to you. Its nice to have someone I can be myself around who can't give me detention.