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IC - INBOX/VOICEMAIL/TEXT/THREATENING LETTER
Please leave all IC correspondence for Dr Hannibal Lecter here.
Thank you, for your speedy response to it.
Very well, I believe the Tuesday you mentioned is a light day for my clientele. Dinner shall be served at seven. If there is anything you would like as a wine, or a favored liquor, please let me know.
I look forward to our conversation on my observations.
Very well, I believe the Tuesday you mentioned is a light day for my clientele. Dinner shall be served at seven. If there is anything you would like as a wine, or a favored liquor, please let me know.
I look forward to our conversation on my observations.
I will be there, but I do not drink wine. You will be unable to provide what I consume, I am afraid, but thank you none the less.
[ When he arrived he did so in style, for Ignacio never dressed for anything less than to impress. Clean, crisp, not even a single hair out of place that was not intentionally tousled.
It was he who acquired a wine to bring it, something that he learned it was wise to do when visiting the home of another. It was the closest thing to Spanish that he could acquire in a city that was beyond foreign. One the door was opened, he would present it to the Doctor. ]
Buenos noches, I do hope you are fond of red.
[ When he arrived he did so in style, for Ignacio never dressed for anything less than to impress. Clean, crisp, not even a single hair out of place that was not intentionally tousled.
It was he who acquired a wine to bring it, something that he learned it was wise to do when visiting the home of another. It was the closest thing to Spanish that he could acquire in a city that was beyond foreign. One the door was opened, he would present it to the Doctor. ]
Buenos noches, I do hope you are fond of red.
I don't think any of us really are while we're stuck here.
[Hannibal opened the door in one of his three piece suits, brown with a casual flare to the jacket. His shirt was a light pink, and his tie was blood red, matching his four-square perfectly. He smiled politely at Ignacio, before stepping back elegantly to invite him in.]
Good evening, Lord Ignacio... yes, I am quite fond of red. [He took the bottle from his guest, nodding his approval.] A fine vintage. I thank you.
[He closed the door behind the vampire, his entire manner polite and congenial, as he gestured for the vampire to follow him down the front hall, and towards the dining room. The house had less of an oppressive feel than his Baltimore home, but then, he had his little family to think of.]
I do apologize for not having anything on hand that will suit you. My Submissives are out for the evening, so we will not be disturbed. [He led the way to the front of the table, where his meal was already waiting for him, and pulled out the chair to his right for the vampire.]
Please, have a seat. Are you certain there is nothing I can get for you?
Good evening, Lord Ignacio... yes, I am quite fond of red. [He took the bottle from his guest, nodding his approval.] A fine vintage. I thank you.
[He closed the door behind the vampire, his entire manner polite and congenial, as he gestured for the vampire to follow him down the front hall, and towards the dining room. The house had less of an oppressive feel than his Baltimore home, but then, he had his little family to think of.]
I do apologize for not having anything on hand that will suit you. My Submissives are out for the evening, so we will not be disturbed. [He led the way to the front of the table, where his meal was already waiting for him, and pulled out the chair to his right for the vampire.]
Please, have a seat. Are you certain there is nothing I can get for you?
"Your company is hospitality enough," he said smoothly, though it was not exactly said in a flirtatious way. More to simply compliment Hannibal and his home, now that Ignacio has been invited into it. Unbeknownst to the mortal, Ignacio assumes, Hannibal has now given the Vampire Lord a free reign over his abode, something that he planned to use to his advantage if he needed to.
"I do not consume as mortals do, so while I respect and understand your rituals, my role in them will be different." As he followed he made certain to observe his surroundings, though not in an overt way. It was time to catalog everything in his mind's eye, to take in the den of someone he considered to be formidable. You had to be if you could bring someone as impressive as Will Graham to their breaking point.
He did not offer platitudes such as 'I hope Yuri is doing well' or anything of the like, as it would be a lie that would stick in his throat. He did not care for humanity and he was not about to pretend now, even if it would have been polite. Such things were left unsaid as he took his seat, the jeweled cane that he took with him everywhere he went was set to the side.
"All that you can grant me is your patience and understanding," he offered with no small measure of genuineness. "It will satisfy more than a meal."
"I do not consume as mortals do, so while I respect and understand your rituals, my role in them will be different." As he followed he made certain to observe his surroundings, though not in an overt way. It was time to catalog everything in his mind's eye, to take in the den of someone he considered to be formidable. You had to be if you could bring someone as impressive as Will Graham to their breaking point.
He did not offer platitudes such as 'I hope Yuri is doing well' or anything of the like, as it would be a lie that would stick in his throat. He did not care for humanity and he was not about to pretend now, even if it would have been polite. Such things were left unsaid as he took his seat, the jeweled cane that he took with him everywhere he went was set to the side.
"All that you can grant me is your patience and understanding," he offered with no small measure of genuineness. "It will satisfy more than a meal."
She is not hurt, Alfred, but she is ill. She collapsed in front of me while I was attempting to get home.
[He carefully helped tuck the robe around Hiling, and brought her within. He gave Alfred a rueful smile.] I am afraid I now understand all too well your worries and concerns for her. She is a very stubborn girl. Where is her room? She needs to be bundled up.
[He carefully helped tuck the robe around Hiling, and brought her within. He gave Alfred a rueful smile.] I am afraid I now understand all too well your worries and concerns for her. She is a very stubborn girl. Where is her room? She needs to be bundled up.
Ah, that was very nicely phrased. Not so much the expected reminder that Hannibal had invited the vampire into his home and thus, able to come and go as he pleased across Hannibal's threshold. Well, that could be taken care of later. He could not assume that Ignacio would play by any rules but the ones that benefited him. It was the same thing that Hannibal himself had planned for.
"Very well. Please, make yourself comfortable. I shall return momentarily." He smiled, dipped his head politely, and returned to his kitchen to put the red wine in his wine refrigerator. He took out a bottle of wine for himself - a very good Riesling - and returned to his guest. He carefully uncorked the bottle, put it precisely at angle with his wine glass, and then sat down gracefully.
Hannibal snapped out his white linen napkin, offering Ignacio another polite smile. "So, I have spoken with Lord Rafa, on a number of changes that we would both like to see come about in Duplicity. He has led me to believe that you would like to be a driving force, behind this initiative?"
"Very well. Please, make yourself comfortable. I shall return momentarily." He smiled, dipped his head politely, and returned to his kitchen to put the red wine in his wine refrigerator. He took out a bottle of wine for himself - a very good Riesling - and returned to his guest. He carefully uncorked the bottle, put it precisely at angle with his wine glass, and then sat down gracefully.
Hannibal snapped out his white linen napkin, offering Ignacio another polite smile. "So, I have spoken with Lord Rafa, on a number of changes that we would both like to see come about in Duplicity. He has led me to believe that you would like to be a driving force, behind this initiative?"
"I am a driving force," Ignacio said with a slight quirk to the edge of his lips. He was someone who always spoke with confidence, and the passion in his eyes was undeniable despite the controlled look on his face.
"I desire change, perhaps more than anyone, but I also must work within the confines of the current laws. We will change these laws slowly and over time, without overt acts of rebellion, lest we suffer another war. I believe I am a bridge between the Creator and the... volunteers."
He used that word very loosely because he thought it was a ridiculous term for those who were very clearly abducted here.
"Just as I was a bridge between all of vampirekind in my world."
"I desire change, perhaps more than anyone, but I also must work within the confines of the current laws. We will change these laws slowly and over time, without overt acts of rebellion, lest we suffer another war. I believe I am a bridge between the Creator and the... volunteers."
He used that word very loosely because he thought it was a ridiculous term for those who were very clearly abducted here.
"Just as I was a bridge between all of vampirekind in my world."
[ He goes from relief right back to concern. He can't berate himself right now for not going out after her. He can only focus on the now. The now which was caring for the girl and making sure she would get well. Nothing else matters.]
Thank you. Thank you very much for this. It's this way.
[The trip through the house will take them up to a second floor. The second door is quickly opened to let them into her room. It's well cared for. Clean with whatever she needed or brought with her. He's done his best to at least see to her physical comfort and material needs while she lives with him. Despite that huge misstep on the network, he does try hard to take care of her, when she chooses to be there.]
I'll gather more blankets. Heat up a water bottle. Whatever you need, doctor.
[He is at a loss of what to do for her. He's glad this man is here. It's been far too long since he's taken care of a sick child. The last had been Miss Kyle and she very much refused to be looked after.]
Thank you. Thank you very much for this. It's this way.
[The trip through the house will take them up to a second floor. The second door is quickly opened to let them into her room. It's well cared for. Clean with whatever she needed or brought with her. He's done his best to at least see to her physical comfort and material needs while she lives with him. Despite that huge misstep on the network, he does try hard to take care of her, when she chooses to be there.]
I'll gather more blankets. Heat up a water bottle. Whatever you need, doctor.
[He is at a loss of what to do for her. He's glad this man is here. It's been far too long since he's taken care of a sick child. The last had been Miss Kyle and she very much refused to be looked after.]
[Hannibal followed Alfred along the halls, and back to Hiling's own bedroom. He carefully put the girl down, noting that she was not going to release him, so sat with her. Speaking quietly to her, persuading her that she needed to get under the blankets.]
A thermometer, if you have one, and as many blankets as you can find. Does she eat human food?
A thermometer, if you have one, and as many blankets as you can find. Does she eat human food?
She does. I'll make her anything she needs. [He doesn't bolt out right away. He lingers just a moment to brush a hand over Hiling's forehead to smooth her hair a little.]
I'll be back soon, lass.
[He hurries out of the room with haste to get all those things he's been asked for. A thermometer. As many blankets as he can carry, torn from his own bed and even from the room he never walks into anymore. She gets even Regulus' blankets.
He returns as quickly as he can, laden with items.]
I'll be back soon, lass.
[He hurries out of the room with haste to get all those things he's been asked for. A thermometer. As many blankets as he can carry, torn from his own bed and even from the room he never walks into anymore. She gets even Regulus' blankets.
He returns as quickly as he can, laden with items.]
Hannibal began to carefully cut up his salad, into precise, mouth-sized bites. He ate, quietly and with excellent manners, while Ignacio spoke. When the Vampire Lord was finished, Hannibal delicately patted the corners of his mouth, then spoke.
"So you are closely connected with the Creator, on some level. Will he listen to you, about slowly bringing about change, or ... do you believe there is someone else we ought to bend the ear of? Someone with greater influence?"
He delicately poured himself out a glass of wine, letting it air before drinking it. "The young Cesare Borgia had a fine idea - pick one idea, one banner, and stand behind that. Move forward with this, and this alone, before we begin to tackle anything else. Since you and Rafa were instrumental, I can safely concur, with the LIEs agent no longer kidnapping us from our homes ... perhaps we ought to financial matters. Namely, Submissives being able to shop for themselves, for any item that they wish."
"So you are closely connected with the Creator, on some level. Will he listen to you, about slowly bringing about change, or ... do you believe there is someone else we ought to bend the ear of? Someone with greater influence?"
He delicately poured himself out a glass of wine, letting it air before drinking it. "The young Cesare Borgia had a fine idea - pick one idea, one banner, and stand behind that. Move forward with this, and this alone, before we begin to tackle anything else. Since you and Rafa were instrumental, I can safely concur, with the LIEs agent no longer kidnapping us from our homes ... perhaps we ought to financial matters. Namely, Submissives being able to shop for themselves, for any item that they wish."
[Hannibal smiles gently after him, before he turns back to Hiling. Gives her a long look, and states quietly so only she can hear him.]
He is an excellent Dominant, if you realize that he wants to coddle you as the child he sees you at, and not the sexual young woman that you are trying to become. Keep that in mind.
[When Alfred returns, blankets are carefully put atop Hiling, along with a thermometer under her tongue.]
I would not think she would be susceptible to this, considering that she is an android.
He is an excellent Dominant, if you realize that he wants to coddle you as the child he sees you at, and not the sexual young woman that you are trying to become. Keep that in mind.
[When Alfred returns, blankets are carefully put atop Hiling, along with a thermometer under her tongue.]
I would not think she would be susceptible to this, considering that she is an android.
"Are you on good enough terms with Rafa to use his name without a title?" It surprised him, a man with such impeccable manners such as Hannibal to allow for such a verbal slip. Naturally, this was the thing that Ignacio noted first and foremost.
"Regardless," he continued. "The Creator and I have an understanding. They appreciate my work and what I have done for this city, enough to allow me certain... favors." He would not mention that one of those favors was the acquisition of Will Graham's beloved dog, there was no need to share such intimate details.
"This latitude has been granted to me in only the period of a year. Given time, I like to think that he and I would consider each other equals. But like many relationships, this bond takes time and is often hindered by forces outside of my control. If we can rein in the masses under a common banner, such as has been suggested, it would aid in this process."
Thoughtfully, briefly, he pursed his lips. "Know that any legal steps we take forward are ultimately undermined by those who cause chaos. This is a very tenuous tightrope and the Creator holds both ends. One incident, his fingers slip, and there are no ramifications for anyone other than us. To put it bluntly, we either need to kiss his ass or rebel entirely and the latter is doomed to failure."
"Regardless," he continued. "The Creator and I have an understanding. They appreciate my work and what I have done for this city, enough to allow me certain... favors." He would not mention that one of those favors was the acquisition of Will Graham's beloved dog, there was no need to share such intimate details.
"This latitude has been granted to me in only the period of a year. Given time, I like to think that he and I would consider each other equals. But like many relationships, this bond takes time and is often hindered by forces outside of my control. If we can rein in the masses under a common banner, such as has been suggested, it would aid in this process."
Thoughtfully, briefly, he pursed his lips. "Know that any legal steps we take forward are ultimately undermined by those who cause chaos. This is a very tenuous tightrope and the Creator holds both ends. One incident, his fingers slip, and there are no ramifications for anyone other than us. To put it bluntly, we either need to kiss his ass or rebel entirely and the latter is doomed to failure."
"I was told I was to refer to him as his Majesty -- but I do beg his and your pardon ... I have no idea what he is the King of. Ergo, I thought it best to refer to him as one would French Royalty - the first name only. I do apologize for any insult."
Stated smoothly, and without missing a single beat. It was so polite that Hannibal was certain his message was quite clear - he was not going to call someone by their title unless he knew why they had it. He could trace his own lineage back generations, after all. He had no doubt the vampires could do the same, and if they were going to be allies ... well. Then everyone could be called by their proper titles.
"I see." That could provide useful. There was no greater weapon than trust, after all. Hannibal took another bite and considered Ignacio's words. While he would prefer outright rebellion -- simply because chaos covered a number of crimes -- he knew that proceeding with caution and within legal means would be the wisest course of action.
He poured himself out a measure of wine, and gently put his salad to one side, so he could begin his main course. "I believe uniting behind one banner is in our best interest -- and I know people who can help ....smooth troubled waters. However, I think we both can agree that the city of Duplicity and LIEs are ill equipped to handle certain elements. The tight rope might be held by the Creator, but we also have people all the more willing to set the man's hands ablaze."
He carefully took another bite, closing his eyes to savor it, before patting his mouth, and continuing. "To that end - would it not be best to offer that up to the Creator as a means to gain more freedoms for Submissives? After all, if we were allowed to police our own people, instead of the guards, I am certain the disruptive elements would come to heel."
Stated smoothly, and without missing a single beat. It was so polite that Hannibal was certain his message was quite clear - he was not going to call someone by their title unless he knew why they had it. He could trace his own lineage back generations, after all. He had no doubt the vampires could do the same, and if they were going to be allies ... well. Then everyone could be called by their proper titles.
"I see." That could provide useful. There was no greater weapon than trust, after all. Hannibal took another bite and considered Ignacio's words. While he would prefer outright rebellion -- simply because chaos covered a number of crimes -- he knew that proceeding with caution and within legal means would be the wisest course of action.
He poured himself out a measure of wine, and gently put his salad to one side, so he could begin his main course. "I believe uniting behind one banner is in our best interest -- and I know people who can help ....smooth troubled waters. However, I think we both can agree that the city of Duplicity and LIEs are ill equipped to handle certain elements. The tight rope might be held by the Creator, but we also have people all the more willing to set the man's hands ablaze."
He carefully took another bite, closing his eyes to savor it, before patting his mouth, and continuing. "To that end - would it not be best to offer that up to the Creator as a means to gain more freedoms for Submissives? After all, if we were allowed to police our own people, instead of the guards, I am certain the disruptive elements would come to heel."
"Is ignorance truly an excuse, Dr. Lecter?" Ignacio replied with a certain twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "Allow me to educate you," and he relaxed in his chair, one leg crossed over the other, his voice smooth and calm as he began to regale Hannibal with the tale of one of his favorite subjects.
"Rafaello d'Este is a King above mortals, a Lord of Vampires such as myself. And, also like myself, his title was earned through violence and intelligence, not by blood alone. The house of Este is rich and storied, an ancient noble line which houses many of our powerful brethren, and he earned his place amongst them. As a mere human he excelled, his reward was eternal life and powers, some of which are even beyond my own. He embraced these gifts, made them his own, and accomplished feats in his world that would take novels to truly inform you about but one of the key being that he ended a racial war between fae and vampires, natural enemies who hated each other since the beginning of time. He was their bridge and even wedded a fae, not even for the sake of that alliance but for love."
Ignacio had no need for breath but he paused momentarily there, his expression full of admiration. "He is no less than magnificent, my first love, the one who opened my heart after thousands of years of keeping it closed. Every ounce of respect must be given to him for I will tolerate no less than that. Do you understand?"
The other topic could wait, as this was far more important to him.
"Rafaello d'Este is a King above mortals, a Lord of Vampires such as myself. And, also like myself, his title was earned through violence and intelligence, not by blood alone. The house of Este is rich and storied, an ancient noble line which houses many of our powerful brethren, and he earned his place amongst them. As a mere human he excelled, his reward was eternal life and powers, some of which are even beyond my own. He embraced these gifts, made them his own, and accomplished feats in his world that would take novels to truly inform you about but one of the key being that he ended a racial war between fae and vampires, natural enemies who hated each other since the beginning of time. He was their bridge and even wedded a fae, not even for the sake of that alliance but for love."
Ignacio had no need for breath but he paused momentarily there, his expression full of admiration. "He is no less than magnificent, my first love, the one who opened my heart after thousands of years of keeping it closed. Every ounce of respect must be given to him for I will tolerate no less than that. Do you understand?"
The other topic could wait, as this was far more important to him.
[ When he comes near she reaches for him. She wants to rest her head on his lap. Not let him leave. She'll cooperate as long as he's giving her the affection she wants. With Alfred here she's afraid his attention may be divided. ]
I'll be alright as long as you're here.
I'll be alright as long as you're here.
"Only in unknown waters, my Lord. A stranger, in a strange land... " Hannibal took another sip of wine, savoring it on the roof of his mouth. Enjoying it almost as much as he was enjoying this traverse into vampiric history. He listened avidly, dark eyes staying on Ignacio's face, and his body language tilted him towards the vampire lord.
He put the glass down, slowly, resting his fingertips together as he took a moment before answering Ignacio's less-question-slight-threat. Such a rich history deserved it's full contemplation, and not merely a wave of the hand and a callous, 'Of course, of course'. He sought to frame it, as he so often did, with actual intellectual understanding. "He is a nobleman - taken from the older meaning of the word. A noble man - who earned his crown through blood and sacrifice. A king who led from the front of his army, so to speak, instead of safely from behind."
He picked his glass up again, and gave a solemn dip of respect with it. "As someone who values the title 'Doctor', for all the education and work I have put into it, how could I not understand? I shall address him by his proper title."
His utensils are gracefully taken from the plate again, where they were resting. Fork tines down, in the European fashion. "I give credit where credit is due - for someone of his lineage, he is refreshingly free of affectation. I have known noble families with scions - and they have not earned an iota of the respect I hear ringing in your voice, nor have they acted with such calm gentility."
He put the glass down, slowly, resting his fingertips together as he took a moment before answering Ignacio's less-question-slight-threat. Such a rich history deserved it's full contemplation, and not merely a wave of the hand and a callous, 'Of course, of course'. He sought to frame it, as he so often did, with actual intellectual understanding. "He is a nobleman - taken from the older meaning of the word. A noble man - who earned his crown through blood and sacrifice. A king who led from the front of his army, so to speak, instead of safely from behind."
He picked his glass up again, and gave a solemn dip of respect with it. "As someone who values the title 'Doctor', for all the education and work I have put into it, how could I not understand? I shall address him by his proper title."
His utensils are gracefully taken from the plate again, where they were resting. Fork tines down, in the European fashion. "I give credit where credit is due - for someone of his lineage, he is refreshingly free of affectation. I have known noble families with scions - and they have not earned an iota of the respect I hear ringing in your voice, nor have they acted with such calm gentility."
"And for the record, he is Italian royalty, not French." That was said out of jest, not something that needed to be actually addressed, it was just a comment at Hannibal's previous excuse. "Though truly, his Kingdom is expansive and not limited to Italy. I believe he currently resides in Prague." Beyond Duplicity, that is, but Ignacio felt that did not need to be clarified.
"My Kingdom differs as it remains strictly within the purview of Spain, though that kingdom is expansive in of itself. We withdrew much of our rule in modern times, though our influence is felt around the world. Rafa does not dabble in human politics as much as I do, the vampire world is mostly separate. That may be why he is not as... impatient with them as I." That was putting it lightly, he knows. Though he doubts that anybody truly knew, beyond Rafa, Lestat and Will who had traversed the depths of his mind, how deep his hatred went.
His facial expression did not shift in the slightest and he appeared to be remain completely calm. Perhaps too much, for a trained eye such as Hannibal's he may be able to see how much Ignacio controlled himself at times. At his natural core, Ignacio was a passionate creature and even centuries of practice could not disguise his true feelings entirely, at least not to a keen observer.
His head is nodded slightly in approval of Hannibal's decision. "Rafa... he is exceptional, and it is a privilege to be loved by him. I find that those of us like Rafa, like myself, those of us who have earned our way to our stations are far less, hm, how you say... pompous? I cannot say that I am not without my arrogance, but I am not of the opinion that I am owed anything unless I take it for myself. Perhaps that is why I am able to adapt to any situation, such as the one I find myself in Duplicity. It is why I take responsibility for my mistakes."
"My Kingdom differs as it remains strictly within the purview of Spain, though that kingdom is expansive in of itself. We withdrew much of our rule in modern times, though our influence is felt around the world. Rafa does not dabble in human politics as much as I do, the vampire world is mostly separate. That may be why he is not as... impatient with them as I." That was putting it lightly, he knows. Though he doubts that anybody truly knew, beyond Rafa, Lestat and Will who had traversed the depths of his mind, how deep his hatred went.
His facial expression did not shift in the slightest and he appeared to be remain completely calm. Perhaps too much, for a trained eye such as Hannibal's he may be able to see how much Ignacio controlled himself at times. At his natural core, Ignacio was a passionate creature and even centuries of practice could not disguise his true feelings entirely, at least not to a keen observer.
His head is nodded slightly in approval of Hannibal's decision. "Rafa... he is exceptional, and it is a privilege to be loved by him. I find that those of us like Rafa, like myself, those of us who have earned our way to our stations are far less, hm, how you say... pompous? I cannot say that I am not without my arrogance, but I am not of the opinion that I am owed anything unless I take it for myself. Perhaps that is why I am able to adapt to any situation, such as the one I find myself in Duplicity. It is why I take responsibility for my mistakes."
"Is he? Well then we have something in common. My mother was of the Sforza and Visconti families, from Milan." Where they ruled for two hundred and fifty years ... rather like Ignancio and Rafa apparently had. "I suppose I shall have to inquire how he has liked Prague. I myself have always found it a beautiful city."
He took another bite of his meat, still listening avidly while he chewed delicately. Still savoring each bite. After all, how could one enjoy a dinner conversation if one was not enjoying one's dinner? Something at the corner of his mouth flickered, before he carefully cut up one of his roast potatoes. "That is the problem with most of humanity. They tend to react, like the animals they are, rashly and without comprehension. Unlike animals, though, they give their actions names to justify deplorable behavior."
He chewed pensively, swallowed, and then added smoothly. "It is hard not to be impatient with self-aware debasement, and crude behavior. I do not envy you your political ambitions."
Another genteel sip of wine, then a sip of water to clear the palate while he spoke seriously. "When you have pulled yourself up from inequity, from poverty, and perhaps from something akin to Dante's darkest visions -- you have earned the right to be self-assured. After all, you have found your true self, and have been honest with your conquests. Why not take pride in them? If you are also honest in your errors of manners - well. Then you are, in my humble opinion, doubly blessed with wisdom to see the errors of your ways."
Here he paused, his own brow furrowing. "I have made my own errors in judgement. Mostly from believing I comprehended more than I actually had. It cost me many things ... many things I cannot get back, ever again." He met Ignacio's eyes, then. "So now I tread more carefully. I make my promises, and I keep them, with full realization of what that entails. I also have let people in, and I take care of them. I myself have responsibilities, to see those people survive this place. I believe you, my Lord, and his Majesty ... are the individuals who can help me do so."
He took another bite of his meat, still listening avidly while he chewed delicately. Still savoring each bite. After all, how could one enjoy a dinner conversation if one was not enjoying one's dinner? Something at the corner of his mouth flickered, before he carefully cut up one of his roast potatoes. "That is the problem with most of humanity. They tend to react, like the animals they are, rashly and without comprehension. Unlike animals, though, they give their actions names to justify deplorable behavior."
He chewed pensively, swallowed, and then added smoothly. "It is hard not to be impatient with self-aware debasement, and crude behavior. I do not envy you your political ambitions."
Another genteel sip of wine, then a sip of water to clear the palate while he spoke seriously. "When you have pulled yourself up from inequity, from poverty, and perhaps from something akin to Dante's darkest visions -- you have earned the right to be self-assured. After all, you have found your true self, and have been honest with your conquests. Why not take pride in them? If you are also honest in your errors of manners - well. Then you are, in my humble opinion, doubly blessed with wisdom to see the errors of your ways."
Here he paused, his own brow furrowing. "I have made my own errors in judgement. Mostly from believing I comprehended more than I actually had. It cost me many things ... many things I cannot get back, ever again." He met Ignacio's eyes, then. "So now I tread more carefully. I make my promises, and I keep them, with full realization of what that entails. I also have let people in, and I take care of them. I myself have responsibilities, to see those people survive this place. I believe you, my Lord, and his Majesty ... are the individuals who can help me do so."
[If he's honest, he knows little to nothing about Androids. He supposes hen needs to learn, and quickly, if he's to prevent this sort of thing from happening again. He doesn't like seeing her sick. His only saving grace is Hannibal. The man is a doctor. He surely knows best.
It seems Hiling seems to think so. The way the girl clings to the doctor tells him sharply whom she prefers. He doesn't blame her one bit for it. He can't even be hurt by the obvious preference.
Hannibal is her favorite. Better in every conceivable way to him. It would be easy to just melt back into the house, as a good butler should, and leave them be. But he can't because she is his responsibility and he wants to do right by her.]
We're both here for you, lass. I'm sorry I haven't been. [He aches a little knowing the girl would rather be out in subzero weather, away from him, than warm and safe. He won't think of that.]
Only thing you need to do right now is get better. Whatever the doctor recommends, I'll see it out for you.
It seems Hiling seems to think so. The way the girl clings to the doctor tells him sharply whom she prefers. He doesn't blame her one bit for it. He can't even be hurt by the obvious preference.
Hannibal is her favorite. Better in every conceivable way to him. It would be easy to just melt back into the house, as a good butler should, and leave them be. But he can't because she is his responsibility and he wants to do right by her.]
We're both here for you, lass. I'm sorry I haven't been. [He aches a little knowing the girl would rather be out in subzero weather, away from him, than warm and safe. He won't think of that.]
Only thing you need to do right now is get better. Whatever the doctor recommends, I'll see it out for you.
Hiling.
[Hannibal gave her a reprimanding look, before he purposefully slid away from her slightly. The right sort of punishment for a Submissive, who was openly disrespectful to her own Dominant.]
You know very well this kind of behavior is unacceptable. This is your Dominant. [He nodded to Alfred.] You have not even acknowledged him, or the care he is giving you. That is unspeakably rude.
[Hannibal gave her a reprimanding look, before he purposefully slid away from her slightly. The right sort of punishment for a Submissive, who was openly disrespectful to her own Dominant.]
You know very well this kind of behavior is unacceptable. This is your Dominant. [He nodded to Alfred.] You have not even acknowledged him, or the care he is giving you. That is unspeakably rude.
[ Even such a subtle movement was devastating to her. She whimpered as she shivered. It was as if the blankets did nothing to help. Rejected by him she then turned to Alfred. Her arms reached for him, cold fingers grasping in the air. ]
Alfred. I need you.
Alfred. I need you.
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