Interlude: An Email to VS from MM

Dearest darling V,

All but one of the mice, as you called them, are now captured. I'm debating what sort of mouse to get next - another male, or another female. We do want at least one breeding pair, but with the latest addition, I think that might sort itself out.

Here are my notes on personality, as you asked, and a few notes on the relationships in the group.

F-001 'Leonna'

F-001 is easily loyal. She's something of a peacemaker, from what I can tell, and easily won over. Once we move to the next stage, she is likely to be eternally loyal. I could ask her anything and she would even rip out her own heart (but I won't, my darling! I know that's too far, trust me...)

She and F-003 are becoming close, as I asked F-001 to look out for her. Do you remember Dorcas and Dolores, those two brunettes D used to have at his old castle? I could see a similar guard dog status here - although I'll explain later why it's a possibility and not a goal. 

F-001 has been learning to garden, as I trust her enough to let her handle the PF, in the fullness of time. 

M-001 'Andrew'

M-001 is very friendly, unfortunately. He and F-001 get along rather well, as he's drawn to protecting her, in a way. If only I could draw that out and make him a group guard dog! He's wonderful at the piano, and I'm fine tuning that so that he could, if need be, be a lovely little performer for our soirees. 

He and M-002 are close friends, as the only males. I don't think we'll have any trouble between them, unless they fall out over the natural things. They'll spar well together, I think, although for pure viciousness, F-002 and F-003 have them beat.

F-002 'Raven'

F-002 is sullen, but cooperative in our plan for the mice, as it were. She spends a lot of her time at the easel, and paints a variety of pictures - from childish paintings to pieces that seem to have some meaning. She seems to be watching me as closely as I watch her, and searches the bookshelves, alway sitting down with a book I know full well she has no interest in. There's a sharp mind there, and she'll make an excellent addition.

She gets on with no one, so far. She avoids everyone else, and I am the only one who makes an attempt to talk to her these days.

M-002 'Paolo'

The best I can say about M-002 is that he is in shape. He's constantly in the gym like a hamster on a wheel, but he's got a good personality, though not as openly friendly as M-001. He's nice enough to everyone, but while I can interest him in the gym, it's hard to interest him in other skills. Still, as I noted before, he'll make a nice sparring partner, so there is at least that.

Aside from his one-track interest, I feel he will take the transformation well. He'll never be too classy, in my opinion, unlike M-001, but he'll be strong, and both he and M-001 are good contenders for the breeding pair. I'd prefer to use him, though, as M-001 could master the piano fully, given time.

 

M-001 may, however, have some slight interest in cooking that could be encouraged and used.

F-003 'Katrina'

Our newest addition! She's a hothead, my love, but not the kind you like. She swears, she pushes back even when instructed, and I write this in the nighttime, while she sleeps again. She only took some persuading, some prodding given what I knew of her background (and I know quite a lot, believe me) and she not only acquiesced but made it clear her motive is revenge upon her own daughter. I feel she may be the strongest of all of them! 

I don't know what skills she may be good for yet, but painting might be a way to connect or rival her and F-002. Either way, her personality will be a good bond for the rest of the house. If she fights, it will inspire them. Before, I had three little angels and a sullen woman who hid from the rest. She'll spark them up, alright.

Perhaps, V, this is the sort of personality I should look out for with the next subject. Someone who will inspire fear or anger or love, rather than fearing or loving. We need a good outcome for you to be able to show the other Masters you alluded to last time. We need these people to become the best vampires we can make them.

But, oh, V, how I hate this. Mothering them isn't too bad; it has its perks, and I am queen of my domain. But I hate being away from the world, imprisoned here! I miss the touch of your hand upon my cheek. I miss you so much.

This must be done for our cause, my love, I understand. 

As for my research in the Vampirica volumes you gave me - thoughtful of you, I must say, my love, to furnish me with what other Matronas have never had! - I have found many things. One is that Newcrest is actually on a map of ley lines - it used to be known in our books as 'Nearcrest', and before it was smoothed out, was a hilly area near the water where fog used to creep and cover. Nearcrest! Why did we not think of it - but you, my clever darling, must have known. What secrets you share with me!

You said that you wanted me to look more into the ley lines mentioned, and so I did, pulling up all I could. This ley line here should boost not only the likelihood of any offspring, but also, as Nearcrest has what the Vampirica author referred to as 'darkened' ley lines (which explains our being drawn to this spot), the offspring are most likely going to be vampires, born and bred!

Oh, my love, my dearest! That this auspicious place should be so blessed! 

You did say you had not read some of the volumes, but I have been delving into them. Now, when they turn, they will have more reason to fight. We do live in packs, but juvenile vampires (newly turned) have the problem that their instincts are heightened and their inhibitions slightly lowered by them. It's similar to how humans don't get along as well together when young. So, my poor little dumplings have that in their future, and I must play Mother and keep them in line. Feel for me, my dear!

Write to me soon, V. I miss your voice - let me hear it in your words.

My love is yours, eternally,

M