You Called ... ? - Marvin's Haven

He nodded. "My apologies then for disturbing your solitude. I have heard and seen of your flesh crafting. Is that what disturbs people about your family ?"

She shook her head, sadly.

"The ability to shape and mold flesh is a disease upon the line of my family. It is, I believe, what has caused so many of my brethren to become a part of the misguided and childish Sabbat. No, the ability to influence the mind and will of the living, that is what is truly noble about my family. Much as it is a part of yours, from an age or two ago. Does the ability to shape and mold flesh cause others to be disturbed with the Fiends? Doubtful, though it is likely due to the changes that such an infection inflicts upon the mind that makes them truly disturbing."

Marvin cocked his head and furrowed his brow. "So it is your line not the tremere that trod the path of enlightenment and possess the noble mental arts. "

She nodded.

"Primarily. Where did you think that the Tremere gained such knowledge? When they stole immortality from my Elders," (that was a scary thought. How old was she again?!) "They took the ability to influence the mind and even heighten their awareness of things around them. Just to be clear, of course, I speak of the Disciplines called Dominate and Auspex."

"I have been honored with some of the most noble of your line haven't I ?" He said with awe and surprise. " those disciplines I know and am mastering as well. I am growing less enchanted with warlocks as we speak. "

She smiled as she gazed at him, taking another delicate, lady-like sip from the glass in her hand.

"Yes, your family has been graced. Which is why it is so distressing to know that those of your line think so poorly of my own. But, never matter. I suppose these things do happen. If you wish to get downright technical, the Tremere, while they have their own form of magic, continued to be able to perform such magic after stolen immortality from my own Elders."

She shook her head, sadly.

"It is a shame, to think such potential would be stolen, rather than simply asked for. It is unnecessary to be so rude about the whole ordeal. And then to demonize us, when they have committed the most spiteful, atrocious acts against our family."

"That does sound distressing. Why is there not much effort to combat these lies. Also , do you have a computer ?"

She smiled.

"Two nearly unrelated questions. Yes, I have a computer, and the knowledge to use it. As for why we do not bother to combat these lies? People, even Kindred, are easily manipulated, foolish creatures. As time goes by, the filth that the Warlocks continue to spread wears thin and is washed away. Why waste our precious time in constant battle with those who are not worth such effort? When the filth washes away, the truth is made known. When the truth is sought, we speak it, but we are not nearly as pathetic as the Warlocks. They will hammer and spread their propaganda in an effort to sway and manipulate the opinions of others. Why should we stoop to such a level, to confuse the truth, when we do not bother with such things? No, those who truly seek wisdom will come to us in time, and then we speak the truth. There is no need to convince anyone, to attempt to sway the minds that are undecided on so many things. The truth, in the end, is what sets them all free. But only when they have proven themselves ready to hear it."

He grinned at what she said. "Noble words and sentiments. I am glad to have heard them so I can hear of truth. Before you leave I will give you the lore of my family on several discs to rge level one of my generation can learn. This assuming you wish it. "

She ducked her head, shaking her head no as she answered him.

"The offer is appreciated but unnecessary, Marvin of the Clan of the Moon. You seek knowledge, you seek truth, and that alone is payment enough."

"There is power in knowledge and freedom in truth and I thank you for placing my feet on the right path. "

She finished the glass of wine in her hand -- which tasted more of wine than blood, but Marvin had no trouble ingesting it.

"The pleasure is mine. Is there anything else you would ask of me at this time, Marvin of the Clan of the Moon?"

"A word of wisdom or advice if you would be willing ",he said while moving to refill her glass.

Her delicate hand held out the glass for him to refill it, though her lips quirked upward in a smile.

"On what topic? I have much wisdom and advice that I can share. The trouble is, coming to rest on a topic. Otherwise, I will spend a century departing such to you, as you are young yet."

... Without him having told her a thing about himself.

Topping off his own glass he chuckled while sitting back down. "My youth betrays itself I assume. Hmmm. How about something on the value of remaining humane? It is something I have fought with of late."

Being far from humane herself, she paused to think upon the answer.

"There are values to it, certainly. You do not have the same troubles that, say, myself or your Victor Morton would have in walking among the living. As well as the Camarilla, as a sect, tends to highly prize individuals who continue to retain such morals and values. It is, though, a matter of introspection, I suppose. Why would you wish to be humane? Conversely, why would you wish to leave such morality behind?"

He paused to consider that. "It is something I have been debating recently, although I have been ordered not to become like Victor, lest I be put down. Sometimes compassion and caring become a burden in this unlife, and I have debated giving up that burden so that I may be freer to do things, or less bothered by being humane. On the other hand there is a lot to be said for preserving it. It is a tough call, as I have seen people on both sides of the fence perform quite satisfactory. It may be though, that I am far to young to give up such things."

She listened to him carefully, considering his words.

"You are not ready to be inhumane. One thing you must understand that with the loss of compassion comes a whole different set of problems, Marvin of the Clan of the Moon. While I can understand that a burden is placed upon the shoulders of those who cling to such morals, it isn't any easier once your moral code has changed. It merely swaps kind of problems for another."

He nodded. "Thank you for that observation. All things considered, I believe I will remain where I am at then. Is there anything you might wish from me tonight then Lady Victoria?"

She shook her head, the rosebud of her lips turning upward into a smile.

"No, Marvin of the Clan of the Moon. I only ask that if you continue to have such questions, you let me know. I will be more than happy to assist you with answers that you seek."

"I will do so, and with thanks. "

She nodded and rose from the chair. She moved with the grace of a large cat, but still somehow seemed delicate.

"Then I thank you, Marvin of the Clan of the Moon, for your hospitality."

"And I thank you for your visit Lady Victoria" he said, rising and moving to escort her to the door. "At some point I would like to beg your company again to discuss something of scientific interest but it is an ill formed thought at the moment."

She gave him a smile as she glided -- yes, glided -- toward the door.

"I am at your service, Marvin of the Clan of the Moon. You have only to call, and I will do what I can to be here quickly."

He bowed his head to her as he opened the door. "You honor me Lady Victoria. Have a pleasant evening."