What's one More? (Open to any VDM family)

[Louvel von der Marck]

If there was anything that could make Louvel feel warmer than the fire in front of him could it was the presence of the child he considered as close to his own son if there ever would be one. August von der Marck had the Keeper wrapped around his finger and that would never change. The relaxed position of his legs stretched out in front of him did not change as his nephew climbed slowly into his lap. The weight and position of where he settled in was as comfortable as always. He curled an arm around the youngest von der Marck in attendance and eased him to lean back against his chest. His long fingers ruffled the hair on the top of the child’s head while he marveled at how quickly he seemed to be growing.

The hand of youth disappeared into a pocket and soon revealed a treasure that was unveiled as the small hand opened. A lucky rock it was and Louvel chuckled lightly at how wise the little man was when it came to what Uncle Louvel needed. He leaned in and admired the stone before taking possession of it between his sun soaked fingers. Rolling it back and forth between his thumb and index finger he marveled at the prospect that of all the rocks he had seen around the world this one stood out enough that it was brought to him. Mossy orbs lifted from the small head leaning against him and over to the one who had the honor of being the boy’s father. He kissed the back of August’s head and returned his attention to the gift in his hand.

“I will never go anywhere without this, Master von der Marck.” His tone was businesslike as if he was bestowed a rare powerful relic that was to be guarded with his very life. “It is in safe hands and I thank you.” He glanced at those around the fire and winked. Returning his attention back to August he felt it was only fitting something so priceless should have a name. “You must assist me with choosing a proper name for it.” He nodded slowly with a serious look. “There is a sword named Excalibur that King Arthur was said to carry. I do believe this rock is equally promising and I request a fitting name for it.”

He glanced over the fire to the faces present and found the expressions across each were an interesting mixture. The stirring of the small body resting in his lap pulled his attention back to the nameless stone waiting in his fingers. Maybe it would need a night or two before August came up with something. That is when Hannah followed Judah’s passionate declaration of his love for his family. As her voice explained that as far as she knew Alaric was a distant cousin like the rest of them were. Only Alaric didn’t speak english but he owned the property they have been living on. The message he discovered earlier in the sound of Alaric’s voice claiming ‘she knows what I am’ went on another tour of duty through his head. He felt the smooth stone between his fingers as his eyes fixed on Alaric then back to his brother. The one who had most if not all of the answers.

“Then perhaps a history tour later could be arranged for Hannah, yes?” His eyes stayed on Judah while he worked the stone slowly between his fingers. “Hmmm, Judah?” Finally he was back to looking to Alaric and Leonie with a sense that they would understand what he was on about. If they didn’t then he would need a few more lucky stones to pop up. At this point it couldn't hurt if everyone was holding one.

[Alaric von der Marck]

The company was pleasant, Alaric realised. He could sit here amongst his family and he could relax. He was not overwhelmed by the voices speaking in the language he did not understand. It wasn’t as if they were all speaking over each other – though he did have a few different voices in his mind. He had to focus on them all one at a time. First, Judah.

Alaric’s eyes shifted from Leonie to Judah and shrugged his shoulders.

“ Sie sind dort, wo sie sein sollten. Ihr Freund ist zu begrüßen. Was ist falsch mit Leonie, denke ich, ist etwas, das zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt diskutiert werden sollten,” he said with a smile. It wasn’t an angry smile, or mistrusting one. It was just a regular smile. The last thing that Alaric intended to do was cause discomfort. He did not want anyone to argue. The only reason he had told Leonie and Louvel what he had was because he didn’t want them to have to tell lies all night. Of course, he was completely unaware of how the conversation had progressed.

A sharp glance was then spared for Leonie. A talk, yes, about women’s attired – Alaric was sure that it would be riveting. It was the second statement that caused him alarm. He at first misunderstood, but then realised there must not be any sarcasm in the statement. By innocent, she really did mean innocent. Though a very slight shake of the head was given in response. It wasn’t just that she was a family member. It was just the entire notion that women could dress the way they did in this day and age. Their bodies were treasure that only the worthy should be allowed to see.

Except Leonie was no longer looking his way. Instead, the expression she wore was positively sour, and it was directed at Hannah. Now, Alaric really was curious about what was being said. Leonie soon filled him in, and Alaric could only arch a brow. No one, it seemed, had let her in on the fact that they knew that she knew. And she wasn’t game to tell them, either.

Choosing to try to trust his current family members despite the last act of betrayal that had ended his long life, he did not raid their memories to figure out who Hannah was in relation to Judah and why she was entrusted with family secrets. He would find that out later.

” Drücken Sie nicht. Kommt, laßt uns entspannen und eine gute Zeit haben,” he said, this telepathic message sent to both Leonie and Louvel. Alaric could be patient, and right here and now he did not suspect that the house would be overrun with hunters and that he would, once again, meet his demise. For right now, it did not matter. His feet lifted to rest on the edge of the fire pit, the opaque glass lifted to his lips so that he could finish the contents.

* You are right where you should be. Your friend is welcome. What is wrong with Leonie, I think, is something that should be discussed later.

** Do not push her. Come, let’s relax and have a good time.

[Judah Marck]

Alaric's words touched his mind, something that had occured numerous times now but it was still so odd, his thoughts didn't simple cease or cut off so he could focus, he still had to pay attention and he no doubt had a slightly odd look on his face as he tried to process. He had to fight the urge to give a nod, or some visual sign of his understanding. Instead he sat still, a placid smile on his face as he tried to keep up with the others and listen to the conversations around him. Alaric said that this was his place, that he belonged here but right now he was unconvinced, he wasn't feeling the love or welcome with Leonie giving him looks and he felt like Alaric had been somewhat terse, though he knew it was probably just his own concerns putting inflection on it. It was rare that Judah doubted his place and purpose, in fact nothing made him feel this unsettled... Well, except for his own love life. Maybe that was it? He felt guilty at one point, unsure if he'd given Hannah the wrong idea about his intentions, he'd been welcoming and eager to make a friend as always but he knew that could be misconstrued as flirting. Not to mention the fact that he was sitting not far from Leonie, the woman who had been a big part of his life, who he'd had feelings for he'd never given them the opportunity to address.

Complicated as always, he was clearly better off brushing the whole concept of romantic love aside.

Louvel was addressing and Jude narrowed an uncertain gaze on him, one that didn't last long as he couldn't help but smile at seeing the man he considered his brother and his son together, happy. Louvel had been great, he was a good uncle and it made it possible for Judah to relax a little. The topic at hand was less relaxing. "As in our family history? Now that's a long and complicated story, brother. I'm sure Hannah isn't interested in us, we are just remarkably vain and think the von der Marck are the at the middle of the universe." His tongue poked out, a near juvenile gesture that was followed up by the man taking a large sip of his wine. "I mean, did you have questions Hannah? Perhaps Lou here might be up for giving you a tour later, after all, like it's my position to know the history it is his to know this Manor house like the back of his hand and ensure it's upkeep. He's also annoyingly good at it, we try not to tell him too often how much we appreciate him, he might let it go to his fat head." Brothers indeed.

[Hannah Lynn (DELETED 8242)]

There was...something going on. Hannah couldn't quite put a finger on it, but Leonie had been fairly welcoming and talkative when Hannah first arrived and explained why she was at their front door, but for a few minutes she had been very quite. Alaric appeared to be taking the route Leonie was as well, having gone silent-even in his native language, whatever that was.

Then there was Louvel who made Hannah feel like she was in the fourth grade. As if he was trying to get Hannah alone with Jude; as if they had never been alone anywhere before. As if he knew or suspected one of them liked the other like 'that.' Thankfully, Jude interjected for the both of them before Hannah shot daggers at Louvel for his attempt at...who knew what? As far as Hannah as aware, Judah and her were just friends, which could be a thing for men and women, right? She hoped so, but Hannah also knew that sometimes that just didn't work. In her world that was quite possible, because as awesome and cool as Jude was, he had a whole lot going on in his life, with the church and with his son and other things, that Hannah hadn't really ever thought of Judah as anything more than 'The cute preacher guy, I know.' Sure, he was cute, that much Hannah could admit, but now that she sat here, each Von Der Marck male was good looking in their own way. Even the mysterious vampire, Alaric.

Hannah decided to stay silent for now, just like Leonie and Alaric and work on finishing the wine, before her eyes trailed to Jude when a question was asked of her. All she could do was shake her head, because things seemed to get that much weirder. Maybe not in the respect that Louvel kept an eye on the family property-which...couldn't they hire people for that? But the fact Judah seemed to be speaking about his family like it were a 'job,' of sorts, just seemed...strange. It just was a strange way of putting something out there when someone was big into genealogy or something of the similar chord, in Hannah's mind. So, Hannah just shook her head indicating that she didn't need 'alone time with Judah,' or a tour of the grounds. Her future plan was to drink this glass of wine, and subtly leave as quickly as possible shortly after.

[Leonie von der Marck]

After too long of an intense sort of silence, Leonie’s hazel gaze swept around the group gathered, mindful of the small boy sitting upon Louvel’s lap. The sight of him had her annoyance ebbing slightly as she took a deep drink from her glass and finally set the thing down on the stone beside her. She’d had enough of this ridiculous tiptoeing, from all of them, and decided to go straight for it. After a sidelong look at Alaric still at her side, and a hasty message spoken within her mind for him to pull from her memories right after, at last the Lioness drew herself up, her posture and even the tilt of her chin taking on the trademark sort of commanding self confidence the von der Marck were famous for. Her palms settled upon her thighs, her gaze drawn, as ever, to the flash of blue adorning one finger, before she looked Hannah squarely in the eye, even through the flickering flames.

“Alaric, Louvel, and I know you know, Hannah,” she said, her tone gentle but still matter of fact, leaving little to argue with. “And so if you know who Alaric is, then you know what he is. Maybe even some of what he can do,” she said, by way of explaining how they might have discovered such knowledge without Hannah uttering a word. “It came as a surprise to learn that,” she added, her gaze paired with a raised brow flickering to Judah for a moment before it moved back to the honey-blonde woman, “since his safety, especially with the current lay of the City, is our highest priority.” And with a slow smile, she bent to lift her glass once more. “There. Now the air is cleared,” she added as she sat back and took another, smaller sip. Though she remained on guard, mostly, it felt much better, in her estimation, to have as much of it out in the open as could be said in front of their guest. It was more than obvious that things were too uncomfortable in the moments before she spoke up, and Leonie, for one, never liked to make potential new friends feel alienated or unwelcome.

There was still plenty to be spoken between them, but that could be done later.

[Louvel von der Marck]

The rock in his hand was warm with the heat that soaked in from holding it. Smooth beneath his fingers it slid back and forth while he listened to those around him. His eyes found the expression from Judah reminding him there was so much more to take into account than the revelation that Leonie made no issue bringing to light. He leaned so his face could rest over August’s head briefly. There was nothing more precious than the promise of the future sitting in his lap. The one who brought them together long before any of them ever took a breath sat within the small circle. Mossy hues found Alaric and then drifted to Hannah.

“Indeed it is.” There was no question that the patriarch that required the sacrifice of one of their own would be protected at all costs. It would be failing the lost and the found equally if they neglected to. “So what are your thoughts on this Hannah? Do we have any reasons to be concerned for our family?”

Louvel left his questioning there but did not refrain from sharing what he asked of their guest with Alaric out of respect. While wrapping his arms loose around August he nodded to the one that was the center of attention.

“Leonie sagte Hannah, dass wir wissen, sie ist sich Ihrer Herkunft, Alaric. Ich fragte sie, ob wir irgendwelche Gründe besorgt zu sein, dass sie weiß.” His eyes drifted back to Judah and stayed there for a few quiet seconds.

“The horses need to be fed. It will not take long. Want to help?” Louvel stood up and allowed August to slide down his leg as he did. Once the boy was on his feet he leaned down and whispered in his ear. “That is if it is okay with your father.”

Translations:

*Leonie told Hannah that we know she's aware of your origin, Alaric. I asked her if we have any reason to be concerned that she knows.

[Alaric von der Marck]

For all Alaric’s insistence that they talk about Hannah and her knowledge later, it seemed that Leonie and Louvel had different plans. Alaric took note of their passion, proud of the way they wanted to form a protective line in front of him, but for future reference he reminded himself to not be so gentle when telling them his wishes. It was a nice night and the fire was warm; they were relaxed, and it was not, in his estimation, the time nor place to have this conversation. And yet, he had only himself to blame – he had not been clear with his messages. Next time his wishes would be clear and blunt, rather than gentle. If they wanted him to lead, they would have to learn to listen.

“Ich wollte nicht zu diesem Gespräch hier zu haben,” he said, sharp eyes drifting between the three von der Marck present. It seemed Louvel was ready to get up and take the youngest of them away – he wondered whether it was tactical. It was time for the adults to talk. It saddened Alaric in a way. He was enjoying their time by the fire, and he enjoyed the time spent with August. He represented the future of the bloodline, the future of this family. Alaric’s curious interest in all branches of the von der Mark heritage would never wane.

“Juda, ist dein Freund willkommen, wenn Sie ihr Vertrauen, obwohl mein einzige Wunsch ist, zu wissen, wie Sie wissen, dass Sie ihr Vertrauen können. Ich möchte Vertrauen Ihnen – und dass meine Geheimnisse sicher sind…” he said, his voice as gentle as Leonie’s had been earlier. He did not want this discussion to turn into an argument. He did not wish to make anyone feel unwelcome, nor did he want Judah to feel as if he were on trial. There were reasons why he had wanted to have this conversation in private, and it was for Judah’s benefit. Hannah he would have asked to see at a later date, to ask the question that Louvel had asked of her.

There was nothing to do about it now but to continue.

* I did not want to have this conversation here.

** Judah, your friend is welcome, if you trust her – though my only wish is to know how you know that you can trust her. I want to trust you – and that my secrets are safe…

[Judah Marck]

Judah made a heavy sound, a sigh that was pulled deep from his chest. Louvel seemed intent on taking August off to some other activity that took him away from the adult discussions and Jude gave a curt nod to show his agreement. It was a good idea because he was suddenly feeling very weary and very frustrated, though he felt Louvel needed a bit of a reminder as to which matters he ought to trust to his brother but taking Augie away before the **** hit the fan was certainly more important. He watched them go, offering August a broad smile that never seemed to touch his eyes, an attempt to reassure the boy that it was fine and to go have fun with his Uncle. He was seven, he didn't need much persuading to go off and feed horses, or stay up later for that matter. His gaze swung to Hannah, studying her face with something akin to apology for what was transpiring and what was about to, hoping she could read the message clearly enough. She was a friend, one he hoped to keep because he felt like although he had hundreds of acquaintances and people who sought him out for advice or to try to impress he had few true friends that weren't von der Marck. It was part of why he'd opened up to her, but more than that, she was a potential ally at a time where the positive message that not all vampires were psychos needed to be spread.

"Leonie... Really? This is so unnecessary to do this now. Why could you not wait to speak to me later? You are being rude to a guest and thank you for the judgement of my choices, truly appreciated. Really mature, both of you." There was something sharp in his tone, not enough to cut, it was dulled by the tiredness that lowered his tone into a frustrated grumble. He glanced to Alaric, listening to him and giving a sharp little nod. Yes, he thought, they really ought to learn to listen to him. He didn't speak out loud, it wasn't the time or place to have this personal discussion with Alaric and if he was being honest he wasn't wanting to have it in front of the others. "I trust that she will and has kept the secret, it was important to show her that there were good in vampires and that we needed to protect them. She was also there at a time I NEEDED to speak to someone outside of this damn family to save my sanity. I love you all, I do, but I find it difficult to be so entrenched and without support outside. Especially right now, when I need some space from certain people." He thought this, translating in his head and hoping Alaric was listening. Outloud he spoke again, what felt like minutes for him was mere moments in reality. "Hannah, i'm sorry about this, not the best introduction to your friend's family I guess. Yes, I told her and I trust that she knows to keep it quiet. Hannah has experienced some negativity from humans regarding vampires and understands what a sensitive topic it is. It came up because I told her about Anna and about Alaric to explain that vampires could be dangerous but not all were. They could be allies, friends and family. She deserved the truth because she is someone who doesn't want to see rioting in the streets or lives taken pointlessly, and I needeed to talk to someone who wasn't a von der Marck. Who wasn't YOU." He gestured to Leonie and then off in the distance to Louvel, "We'd gone through a difficult time, things were tense and people were adjusting. Hannah can be trusted, and I do."

He stood abruptly, knocking back the last of his wine and moving closer to Hannah, gingerly lifting hand and squeezing it between his. "I do sincerely apologise... You are under no obligation to stay and play nice, but if you'd like to sit and have some wine i'm sure we can move to a less uncomfortable topic, or I can show you around the manor... Not in the potentially awkward some people seem to be proposing." His brow creased, clearly baffled but what he too had perceived as some awkward attempt at getting them alone together. They had been alone together and it was perfectly fine, they were friends. She was a lovely woman and he had no illusions about trying to form a romantic relationship with her, she was just settling into a new town and working out what that meant for her life now. He respected that and wanted to help her, because he enjoyed her company. It was a simple thing, really, and that's what was nice about it. "If you want to go... I'll walk you out. We can have dessert again at the bakery soon." He glanced down at her hand in his, giving it an affectionate pat before releasing it, pressing his own palms into the pockets of his dark jeans. "I know you don't need this kind of..." He peered over his shoulder, eyes studying the pair that remained, "Awkwardness?" There wasn't a better word he could think of in the moment and he hoped she'd supply her in replacement, one that better fit her feelings on the situation.

[Hannah Lynn (DELETED 8242)]

Leonie broke the silence in the room, informing Hannah that they were well aware of the thing Judah had told her. What she knew about Alaric, specifically. How they all knew was some grand mystery, because Hannah certainly hadn't said anything to anyone. Though, something in Leonie's words almost implied that they probably all knew because Alaric could do things because he was a vampire. What things, remained to be seen still.

Hannah choose to remain silent for now, her blue eyes slowly roaming to Louvel, who chimed in after Leonie. This had to be the 'something,' that had been in the undertones of the conversations tonight, unknown to Hannah. When Louvel asked if there was a need to be concerned, Hannah set the wine glass down and narrowed her eyes as Louvel once again started speaking in the foreign language. While she understood it was for Alaric's benefit, the fact her name was mixed in with some sentence she didn't and couldn't understand made the tip of her tongue go to the roof of her mouth and make a small 'click,' sound. She only shook her head at Louvel's question, finding the fact he even felt the need to ask, unbelievable.

Perhaps their first encounter had sparked his concern, but the second and third encounter hadn't been so bad. Had it? Hannah's private thoughts were interrupted by Alaric's sharp tone-continuing to keep Hannah from speaking up. She sat up in the chair, right on the edge, as she became tense and on edge. Was there going to be the need to defend herself from anyone in the room? Verbally, or physically? If so-Hannah didn't want to be in a position where it would be easy for the person to harm her, in the physical sense. Very slowly, both her hands came to rest on the arms of the chair she occupied as Hannah calculated the distance between her and Leonie, and finally her and Alaric. Leonie was closer, and Judah closer yet, but Hannah believed he wouldn't do anything to her, as long as she didn't instigate something first. But should he flip his mindset, Judah was going to have to be dealt with first, before an attempt at an escape was made.

Thankfully, Louvel was gone by this point, along with August and Jude finally spoke up. She sat there, eyes shifting to Alaric as Jude spoke to Leonie. Hannah felt confident that she could manage to get away from Jude (had it been deemed necessary), and Leonie. But what of Alaric? Her eyes began to size Alaric up, and Hannah decided that she would go for the weaker spots, as taught in the beginning. Should she have to fight him. How would getting a nice knee or kick to the lower parts of the male anatomy impact a vampire? Hopefully, Hannah didn't have to find out.

When Jude spoke her name, her blue eyes moved away from Alaric and landed on Judah's apologetic features. Hannah only nodded her head and offered Jude a small smile. None of this reflected on him in any shape or form, something Hannah would make a point to tell him later. If, and when they were ever alone again. Jude came closer to Hannah and offered yet another apology as he collected her hand. Her smile only grew a little bigger, once again finding that shred of kinship she always felt when near Jude. "It's fine. I promise." She assured Judah as he pat her hand, before releasing it.

Hannah was suddenly in a form in the road as she weighed her choices. Leave, or stay? Louvel had already left with August, which indicated he may or may not be back. And then there seemed to be a need for Judah, Leonie and Alaric to address some things in private. Meaning, not with her around. With these two impending thoughts in Hannah's mind, her decision was made. "I'd love to stop by and see you at the bakery again." Very slowly, Hannah stood and indicated what he choice was going to be. "But-" The woman stopped to focus on Leonie. "I understand your concern and Louvel's. Our first encounter didn't go so well. I was tired, stressed over...work, the bags were mixed up and we were being treated as if we were terrorists or something. It wasn't a good situation and I had hoped to have redeemed myself by now." Her shoulders lifted into a roll of her shoulders. "Anyways, I just wanted to say that yes, I do know. I have for a little while. And how you know, I don't know as you didn't hear it from my lips." Hannah glanced over to Alaric before continuing. "And here Alaric remains. Safe and untouched. And not bothered by anyone I know, or by me until today. Sorry." She glanced back at Judah. "Let's plan to catch up soon?" She offered before taking some steps around Judah; in the direction that they had come from. She stopped and turned to smile. "Thank you all for your hospitality. Leonie, please tell Louvel that he doesn't have any need to be concerned and if you would pass that same message on to Alaric, I would appreciate it." Her eyes once again found Judah's, offering him a small smile. "I know my way out, so there's no need to have to leave what's more important." With that, Hannah gave everyone one, small awkward wave, turned on her heel and moved past the group that had collected around the fire. It was too hot in here for her and being she wasn't family; this wasn't something Hannah was going to stick around for.

[Leonie von der Marck]

Leonie’s eyes narrowed at Judah’s speech, even as she looked to Alaric and nodded to him. “Meine Entschuldigungen, Alaric, aber ich fühlte es war mehr unhöflich, den Elefanten im Zimmer zu vermeiden, sozusagen.” Her hazel gaze next turned on Judah as she rose to her feet, the outrage in her look more than evident at his admonishment. If he didn’t feel the need to address her in German if he was going to try and instigate an argument, then neither would she. “One would think a broad decision to include people outside of the family in such sensitive knowledge would be something to be agreed upon before it is done, Judah. We’re supposed to be a team, tensions between us or not. Clearly, we are not on the same page, and clearly, you don’t value anyone’s opinions or concerns but your own. The only one being immature around here is you, since talking with any of us about something so profoundly important as potentially breaching Alaric’s safety and anonymity was too difficult,” she all but growled through gritted teeth. “No one was attempting to push you two toward alone time, either, but rather to try and gauge without bringing outright attention to the matter, why you would do such a thing. Touring the grounds as a group would have allowed that through idle talking and getting to know Hannah better so we could decide for ourselves, but clearly that too was too difficult. Hence my attempt to clear the air and do away with the elephant in the room. It was far ruder, to me, to let the tension stay between all of us and make our guest more uncomfortable without addressing it.”


Leonie moved toward Hannah then, a hand out in an attempt to get her to wait. “You have nothing to be sorry for. Thank you for keeping a secret that we hold dear and take so seriously. We were just... taken by surprise by this news. I can’t speak for anyone else, but thank you for being discreet.” She sighed. “Alaric’s safety is one of the most important things to our family. We sacrificed a lot to bring him home, and I hope you understand our caution and distress. We’re not normally so reserved a group,” she added with a smile, “And I’m sorry if my bluntness made you uncomfortable. Please, don’t feel you need to leave, but if you do, please don’t be a stranger.”


It was the best she could do, that she could think of in the moment. She really did feel badly for going against what Alaric wanted, and for broaching an uncomfortable truth and making Hannah feel unwelcome, but she would not be Leonie if she didn’t speak her mind or worry for the father-like figure she had come to adore.

* My apologies, Alaric, but I felt it was more rude to avoid the elephant in the room, so to speak.