The end in sight.

[Dane]

" No, a celebration is fine. Have your fun, I'll be there shortly to set an order to things, but If your reports are correct then time should be on our side. Still be wary. We've come too far to be caught off guard and have everything fall apart. The end is in near Ahmad. Don't lose sight of what's important." The Vampire King set his phone done by his side and glanced over at Lucia, who sat across from him. Sitting in the back of a stretched limousine they were currently en route to Ahmad's new taken Den, in a supposedly abandoned section of Oslo's warehouse district. That was far from the truth. It was usually a very lively place, home to hundred of lycans. That had all changed a night ago. Under his command Ahmad, Dane's right hand swarmed the city with not only the vampire elite, but the bulk of the vampire forces massacring the lycans who called this place their home. Years of preparation were to thank for this easy victory. While the lycans laid siege to Rome arrogantly believing all was well, Dane was quietly at work. Every full moon and many nights in between he spent his time gathering information on Oslo's hairy denizens. Names, photos, home and work addresses, nothing went overlooked. The invasion force was split into squads. Each one given a target. Working as one, they simultaneously located and executed their targets. After the lycans were dealt with, a few well placed threats and bribes were made, and now the city was theirs. The local authorities and officials now belonged to the vampires. He was assured that tonight they would have the privacy they needed.

"Your mother was just spotted arriving in Stockholm. They say she ran all the way to Scotland, her tail in between her legs." He smiled, clearly amused. It seemed he had made a strong impression. His teeth tonight seemed to shine extra bright. It was appropriate considering the affair. Tonight would be a momentous night. The fate of all the races; vampire, lycan, and even human hinged on the events that would unfold. Dane was particularly well dressed for the special occasion. He wore a black suit and tie, adorned with golden cuffs, his hair neatly combed to the side. Dane's eyes never strayed too far from Lucia. He wanted or rather needed a glimpse of what was on her mind, how she was feeling. Things were drawing to a close. Another confrontation with her mother was nigh. Soon Dane promise to make Lucia Queen would become a reality, and she was so very young. It would not have surprised him if she was overwhelmed or anxious, maybe even having second thoughts on the matter. There was little doubt she would back away now, but pressure can crack even the strongest of minds "Are you ready Lucia? Tonight we seize our destiny." He said outstretching a hand to her.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Sitting quietly across from the Vampire in the limousine, Lucia rested with her ankles crossed and hands folded in her lap, listening to Dane's side of the conversation while looking out the tinted windows. Scandinavia really was a beautiful country, yet the girl felt uneasy, somehow, being so close to the Lycan Den in Sweden. Even here, she could smell traces of what had been a thriving Werewolf community, now taken over by the scent of their demise and Vampire uprising. She wasn't sure how to feel about this.

As Dane ended his call with Ahmad, the Hybrid took to heart his final sentiment: don't lose sight of what's important. Turning her gaze toward the Vampire King as he addressed her, she nodded subtly. She could have gone without hearing that her mother had fled so cowardly. True, though Lucia had witnessed it herself, it was still shameful to hear. Alena had made it back to the Den, though. That was the important part: she was safe, and soon, unbeknownst to her, she would help end this war that had raged on for so long. Reminding herself that soon, the two immortal races would be united, Lucia steeled herself. In her lifetime, the girl had only known war between her parent races. Hell, she was pretty sure in Dane's lifetime, he had only known war. Yet, together, they would bring the Vampires and Werewolves to peace.

The girl smiled as Dane held out a hand to her. She'd had the strangest feeling all evening, almost like something light was flying around in her chest. Her worries the morning before had proven to be unfounded as she woke in the evening with Dane beside her, lying comfortably in a luxurious bed. Any further doubts washed away when the Hybrid scooted closer to the Vampire to feel his body against hers. All evening, Lucia'd had to sit ever so slightly askew due to tenderness, but it brought a sly smile to her lips every time she forgot and straightened her posture. She couldn't help but perk up every time the Vampire made even the slightest contact with her, and his self-assuredness made the girl more confident in what they were about to undertake. Extending her left hand to Dane, palm down, Lucia grasped his, "I'm ready."

[Dane]

Lucia's rather reserved response to the news of her mother cowardliness tickled him slightly. It was a little more than fairly amusing but Dane's expression remained unchanged showing no indication of his delight. He had already taken Lucia; Alena's daughter and one of Raven's last remaining remnants, from the werewolf Queen, that was made clear when the girl chose him over her own flesh and blood. Yet that wasn't quite enough, he wanted more. She resented her mother, that much was clear and he had even seen Lucia admit that to her pet in what she believed to be in confidence. Could he turn that resentment into something else? Could he make Lucia truly despise her mother or even find her mere presence disgusting? It was something to strive for on top of everything else.

"Good." Dane said squeezing her hand. "Our actions today will echo throughout all of history. If you ever find that to be too much remember I'm here by your side. We'll see this through together." He smiled, and gently tugged her towards him while patting the empty space besides him. "Sit by my." It was more of a request than a command. "Once your mother arrives I'll meet her in the streets with a select few." He motioned his hand towards the window, to the empty streets. They seemed to be blanketed in darkness, the only light coming from the limousine's headlights. "If the witches did in fact maintain their end then your pet will bring Alena to me subdued. Without her there won't be much of a fight." His trust in the conjurers was nonexistent. Yet he felt assured everything will play out as planned. Not a man to play the game of chance he had made contingencies. The witches were of course never willing partners. He had taken one of their own as prisoners, her safety, as well as that of her coven hinged on tonight's event. "If not we are well prepared for a fight. I've ordered gunmen to be placed within each building, and I've been assured the entire district has been rigged explosives. We'll rain hell among the lycans, before introducing them to it."

Their ride slowed to a halt. The chauffeur hurriedly exited closing the door behind him before rushing to the other side to open theirs. "Your destination Sir and Madam." He bowed as Dane stepped out, taking Lucia's hand he helped her out of the vehicle. From the exterior the newly taken den didn't look like much. It walls were splayed in dirt and dust, and decorated with graffiti. It's entrance a metallic rusty green door seeming to barely stand on its hinges. The streetlight above them remained a constant flicker. The werewolves had a habit of hiding in the plain sight this was just another example of that. The interior was another case. Pulling the door open they were greeted by bright fluorescent lights and the clamor of the ongoing vampiric festivities from within the dining hall. Two lowly servants awaited them. Dane acknowledged the pair with little more than a nod. Stepping around Lucia and Dane they went to gather their belongings from the vehicle. "I've ordered them to arrange us a room, but if you wish for your own that can be easily done." His eyes strayed to the sight at the back of the main hall, where a group of humans screaming and scratching struggled to break free of their subduers. One of the vampires, a dark skinned man of fair hair returned Dane's stare with a knowing look. Instantly he released his captive before stomping on his foot to the cracking of bones. He briskly approached Lucia and Dane kneeling at their feet. "My King." He bowed his head before glancing up at Lucia. "And the prodigal daughter returned to claim her birthright." He took her hand, and briefly kissed it. "Lucia, how you've grown so much since I've last seen you." The vampire stood tall. "Marcus," Dane acknowledged the man by name. He was one of a handful of vampires in Dane's council who had been part of Raven's court, and one his oldest and most powerful subjects. "Now is not the moment for formalities. Gather my council the time for battle is nigh."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Moving to sit beside Dane at his invitation, Lucia listened with interest as he informed her how the meeting with her mother would go. Part of her hoped Alena would arrive subdued. The thought of watching the guns and charges go off toward her mother wasn't her ideal way to spend the evening. Yet she wondered how Pablo would be able to restrain the Queen of Werewolves.

Looking out at the streets, the girl was not impressed with what she saw. She turned to Dane, "I trust you have everything accounted for. It does comfort me to know you will be by my side. I believe this is right."

As the vehicle came to a stop, Lucia peered around the Vampire, checking out the local headquarters. They didn't appear promising, and she hoped she wouldn't have to stay here long; but she supposed looks could be deceiving, as was often the case for Lycans. Taking Dane's hand, the Hybrid stepped gracefully out of the limousine. The black dress she wore swept down to her ankles, exposing bare feet. With a high neck, the back of the dress fell low, just below mid-back, hugging tight to her waist and hips. She wore her hair down; the only other adornment being the key hanging around her neck that had been for the cell in her father's room at the destroyed mansion in London.

"I'd very much like to share a room." Entering the building, the bright fluorescent lights accosted her. Ever in favor of natural light, Lucia attempted to hide her displeasure by quickly setting her focus on something else. Certainly there was plenty else to see; the moment she and Dane entered the place it was clear they'd arrived in time for some sort of soiree. The tone of the front room was rife in high spirits, but Lucia couldn't quite relate. Surely what they were about to do in the coming nights was cause for celebration, but she couldn't help being incredibly nervous.

The Hybrid's gaze turned toward the back of the room where what looked like tonight's entree was being restrained. This. The party atmosphere; the helpless Humans' screams barely audible under the din of many casual conversations going on; the sheer numbers of Vampires here, not just Baby Bats. This felt more like the Home in London she'd known before being abducted to Sweden at age 11. As the girl thought that and started to relax a little, a familiar face appeared among the nameless crowd, approaching the recently arrived duo. As this Vampire knelt, she remembered his name and smiled toothily as he kissed her hand. "Dane, the time for formalities is always. If not, we are little different than They." She gave the Vampire King a stern look, trying to conceal her smile. She knew damn well she was being difficult, but seeing another familiar Vampire from her father's rule was helping to ease her nerves. "Anyway, I've not seen Marcus in years."

Lucia grabbed a tail of her dress and curtsied gracefully to Marcus, addressing him, "So glad to see you well. Are there many others from my father's court here?"

[Dane]

Dane turned his head to glance at Lucia, his eyebrow raised in a peculiar manner. Was she talking back to him? Someone was certainly growing bold. He knew it was done in good humor and though she may have been correct to an extent he had punished many of his subjects for far less. Insubordination was something he did not tolerate. Perhaps a reminder was in order. He was a King, and she nothing more than a filthy hybrid with tainted blood. If Lucia was not essential to his plans she would have faced his wrath. It seemed Marcus, grinning ear to ear was well aware of this. Unlike the hybrid he made no attempt in hiding his amusement. "Right you are Lucia, apologies for my crude behavior. Excuse me while I leave you two to reacquaint." He stiffen as he spoke. "Nonsense my King." Marcus abruptly stepped forward placing his hands on Dane's shoulders and lightly brushing. "No apology is in order." He said then readjusting Dane's tie. "My sweet Lucia you must understand on the eve of battle the king is tense. Ever the perfectionist, and a man of clear priorities I expected no less of him. Yet that is why victory and glory follow so closely. Still what are such things worth if you don't find the time to enjoy them?" Dane glared at his fellow vampire who continued appearing none the wiser. "Our enemy is hours away and watched with a careful eye. Unwind, relax, learn to trust those who put so much faith in you. I can assure you that everything is in order." Marcus slipped between the duo, taking them both by the arms and leading them to the dining hall. Dane begrudgingly followed. He did not trust any of his men. Raven had once put his faith in Viktor, and that had turned out disastrous. He would make his presence known, for the single purpose of heightening morale, and then he would slip free from the celebrations.

"Quite a few." He finally answered Lucia's query. " Most are already enjoying the festivities. I am certain they will be ecstatic to see you once again. We were all in high spirits upon hearing news of your return." A path cleared in front them as the vampires made way for their king. Compliments and praise for his victory could be heard. As one of the servants dragged away the human clinging onto his shattered foot Marcus let Lucia and Dane free, stepping forward. "Allow me." He held the crying man up by his hair, and faced the two. " Would either of you like a taste? I pried him from the streets myself. My King, I believe you deserve the first bite." Nodding without a word, Dane grabbed the man from Marcus. Yanking his head back he plunged his teeth into the man's neck silencing him and drinking deeply, careful to not spray blood on his suit. He pulled away, his teeth retracting he let the man slip through his arms and crumple onto the ground. "Honored guest?" Marcus said yanking the man back up onto his feet. "I'll see both of you inside." Dane said glancing between the the vampire and the hybrid before stepping through the double doors of the dinner hall. Instantly he was greeted by a swarm of his subjects, paying their respects and showering him in admiration. The urge to scoff and roll his eyes was high. They were no better than Marcus. While he sought the favor of his future Queen, the masses desired his.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Smiling as Marcus looped his arm with hers, Lucia followed the Vampire's lead. With Dane and Marcus beside her, remnants of her father's rule, the girl felt more comfortable and the tension in her shoulders eased up. She heard what Marcus said concerning Dane, and she supposed she should not have questioned him so, but she couldn't quite empathize; didn't war come naturally? Maybe it was her own nerves getting to her..

She was happy to hear that there were others from her father's court still around. She'd just figured Viktor or her mother had dispatched of the remaining nobility loyal to the late King, Raven. While Marcus' words were likely flattery, she drank them up as readily as she would blood. Watching as Dane fed from the offered morsel, a smirk grew at the corner of her mouth. The subtle things, like the way the victim's limbs grew limp after trying to struggle free; the way the color faded from the Human's skin; how his eyes rolled up into the back of his head: those little details were things she missed when she was feeding, too concerned with consuming. Yet they were exciting to watch.

As Dane let go of his victim, the Human staggered weakly, falling right to the ground. There was little life left in him; not enough to satisfy Lucia's thirst, in any case.

The Hybrid rose her hand to Dane, waving with her fingers and watching him fondly as he dismissed himself. Turning back to Marcus, Lucia eyed the Human, her head tilted slightly to one side. Surely this Human's heart would pump more blood into his body soon enough, if given the chance. Lucia, however, did not feel like waiting. It didn't seem unreasonable to her to leave this half-dying man for the masses to finish off. Really, she was doing them an honor by allowing them to feed from the same Human their King had sampled. "Marcus. I am terribly thirsty. This worm does not seem to have enough juice left to satisfy my needs... Would it be too much to ask for a fresh drink?"

"Say no more," Marcus pushed the man he was holding up back toward the group of servants restraining the crying Humans. With a flick of his wrist, gesturing to the captured Humans, another was pushed out of the huddle, stumbling forward before the Hybrid. Grabbing the young lady by the hair, Marcus stood her up, presenting her to Lucia. "This one put up quite the fight before I nabbed her. I've always believed the wilder ones had the best tasting blood." He grinned wide.

Lucia took the Human by the hand, pulling in to a close embrace. The woman's hands and knees were scuffed up and she had a cut over one eyebrow; she was shaking in the Hybrid's arms and had clearly been through a lot already this evening. Holding the woman by the wrist, Lucia twisted the Human's arm behind her back, putting her in an arm lock and holding her close to her own body. With her other hand, the Hybrid brushed away a loose strand of red hair, running it over her victim's scalp, holding her firmly by a thick chunk of hair. Staring intently at Marcus, a toothy smile on her face, Lucia whispered so only the Human could hear, "You're lucky we're in the company of others. What I would do to you is a fate much worse than what these men could ever put you through." Her crimson eyes flashing, Lucia laughed audibly, sinking four fangs into the neck of the woman in her arms.

The woman tensed noticeably as the Hybrid fed, trying to grasp at her captor with her free hand. Drinking deep, Lucia craned the woman's neck to the brink of snapping it. The urge to rend her victim limb from limb and devour her flesh was strong; the blood satisfied her thirst, not her hunger. It was all she could do to remind herself that she was in the presence of Vampires to stop herself from tearing the Human apart. Lucia drained the woman dry, savoring every last drop. The woman's blood did taste sweeter than most Human's; perhaps Marcus was on to something.

Lucia loosened her grip on her victim, letting her fall lifelessly to the floor. Licking her lips, the Hybrid smiled, stepping over the corpse with bare feet to Marcus. The Vampire motioned to the servants who bent quickly to dispose of the body. Holding out an arm, Lucia waited for Marcus to take her by the wrist and lead her. "Don't tell me Chastity is still around..."

The Vampire laughed boisterously as he escorted Lucia through the double doors to the dinner hall. "Chastity fled the night your late father was murdered. Some believe she was in cahoots with Viktor."

To that, Lucia laughed, covering her mouth with a hand, "Chastity couldn't hurt a Human; how exactly could she have been plotting against my father?"

Smiling wide, Marcus tapped his nose with a finger, signalling Lucia had 'gotten it on the nose'.

As the doors closed behind the Vampire and the Hybrid, Lucia wriggled her arm free of Marcus, "It was excellent to see you again, Marcus." She made her way back to Dane's side, smiling pleasantly. "I didn't mean to call your wishes into question." Lucia lowered her gaze to the floor.

[Dane]

The vampire king's eyes darted left and right scanning the crowded room for a sign of his second in command. His enhanced senses were doing him no favors; the chatter of conversations was making it difficult for his hearing to discern any specific voice. Perhaps Ahmad was awaiting him in the war room. Dane had after all said he was near by, and his right hand understood for Dane it was always business before pleasure. Given the first chance he would slip free from this dull affair. "My King." A soft hand grasped at his arm from behind him, motioning him to turn. Glancing over his shoulder it was a vampiress seeking his attention, alongside a few of her companions, all beaming to have gotten their king's notice. He turned and exchanged pleasantries with the groups. Though they did not provide any names, it seemed they had met Dane at least once before. To him their faces seemed familiar, but it was truly impossible to say. Over the years and nearly every day since his kingship the masses that were his subjects sought the need to introduce themselves to him. As if that would earn them any favor. The lady vampire spoke once again. "My King, Ahmad told us of your victory over the dreaded lycan queen. We all wish to congratulate." His ears perked at the mention of Ahmad. "Gratitude to each of you." He bowed his slight. "I would do anything in defense of my people. You mentioned Ahmad, do you know of his whereabouts? I require his presence." The members of the group glanced at each other, each shaking their heads until one stepped forward. "I saw him only moments ago my king. Stay here while I search for him." He bowed gratuitously before taking his leave.

"Perhaps while we await Eric's return you can tell of us your triumphs. We've heard so many rumors we know not what to believe." The woman stepped forward standing particularly close, in her hands a warm glass of blood. Taking Dane's hand she guided his fingers around the stem. It seemed he was tonight's entertainment. Some of them sought more than just his attention. When it came to this sort of affair it was what he expected. There were a few perks. Under other circumstances he may have been interested in the vampiresses' boldness. Beauty was usually abundant in her kind, and the low-cut red dress clinging tightly to her body did her many favors. "I was told that when all others fell you stood alone against the bitch and her lover." One of the men spoke as Dane sipped from his glass his eyes momentarily flashing red. "And as they attacked you tore out the poor bastard's throat." He smirked, who was it that spoke of his battle. Only Lucia was present at the time. Was it Ahmad? The men he sent to recover any valuables from the wreckage and to transfer the prisoners below? "That's not too far from the truth. Although it does me not justice." He held out his index and middle finger to his subject's side, jabbing slightly. "I punched a whole through Szandor's chest and tore out his heart while it still beat in my hands." He watched as their eyes glowed with admiration. Szandor's death was actually something he took much pride in. Few of his kills had ever been so satisfying. His eyes settled on the vampire who claimed to have seen Ahmad, apparently he had quickly rejoined the group. "Now if you excuse me, I have business to attend to."

Dane turned just as Lucia approached him, and in a way apologized bashfully. Glancing towards the entrance he shot Marcus a glare. Aware of its meaning his officer vanished through the door. "Lucia you were in the right. It is not like me to forget my manners." He said moving his hand to her chin and lifting it so she looked him in the eye. "That said I would have punished most of my subjects for speaking back to me. You are lucky I hold you in such high esteem." Smirking he leaned forward, his lips right by her ear he whispered. "Though perhaps you still require discipline." He could feel a pair of eyes watching on him, and right on queue the woman from before join them, standing by Dane. "Laura." She introduced herself curtsying though barely offering Lucia a glance. "A friend of the king?"

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Looking up as Dane lifted her chin, a shy smile brightened Lucia's face. She was honored the Vampire thought so highly of her. His words as he leaned in closer to whisper in her ear sent shivers down her spine, though she couldn't exactly say why. The word 'discipline' implied punishment to the girl, which had a negative meaning to her; yet she wondered what Dane had up his sleeve.

She would have to wait to inquire as to what the Vampire King meant, as it seemed someone else required an audience. The Vampire, Laura, on any other occasion likely would have gone below Lucia's radar. On this night, however, on the eve of revolution and the brink of becoming Queen, this new-comer's attitude was unacceptable. The distinct lack of respect this Laura displayed toward her soon-to-be Queen was pitiful; not to mention the way she was eyeballing Dane. This Vampire couldn't hold a candle to her own beauty, Lucia felt; it was amusing the way she fawned for attention from the Vampire King.

A quick burst of rage rose from her chest; the Hybrid's initial reaction was to go for the lady Vampire's eyes, tear them out and leave her crying on the floor, bleeding all over her pretty dress. The desire felt so strong, the girl teetered forward on her feet before catching herself, hiding clenched fists behind her back. There were Vampires here. Correction: there were only Vampires here. While it was probably obvious to most she wasn't pure-blooded, so to speak, she needed to behave how they felt 'normal' was. That likely meant not slaughtering one of their numbers in front of the King, even if she did count the King as a close friend.

"...Assert yourself." Trying to calm the initial need to rend, Dane's words from the night before came back to her, and she stepped forward so Laura would have to meet her gaze. "I am Lucia Drusa Severa. Daughter of the Master, the first Vampire, a son of Satan, Himself: Raven Lestat." Lucia's crimson eyes flashed and she bared her fangs to the woman standing beside Dane. "With your King's blessing, I will reclaim my father's thrown. You should show more respect to your future Queen."

[Dane]

"She is more than a friend. This is -" Dane would have continued if Lucia was not intent on introducing herself. His gaze shifted from the woman by his side to the hybrid. She was angry, clearly something Laura had done something upset her. Whatever the slight it went unnoticed by the king. Though still he found it amusing. It was a wonder what a single night with Lucia had done to the girl. Not days ago Lucia stumbled about her father's mansion searching shyly for a sparring partner. Now she was more than ready to make her presence known to the masses. That was not the ideal way to announce he was stepping down from the throne, but at least it saved him from a speech tonight. Knowing the vermin that attended these affairs word would spread quickly.

"Pardon me, my dear." Laura smiled widely remaining calm despite Lucia's burst of anger. Though it had been unexpected; the girl was clearly overreacting, she had done no more than fail to make eye contact with her, she would strive to be the more courteous of the two. Like most of her race she took pride in her civility. "I was not present during you're father's reign. Dane is the only King I have known." She straightened her posture as she spoke. For a moment her eyes darting towards Dane as he watched sipping from his glass nonchalantly. Lucia's claim to be the future queen was a bold one, but it appeared to be true as Dane made no attempt to refute it. "It was not to my knowledge that the late king had any children. I could not know of your status, or your existence for that matter. My ignorance though is no excuse for my behavior." She paused, her head titling to the side. "I have heard your father was a great man. Tell me about him."

The Vampire King smirked as Laura spoke. The woman had not even the slightest clue how close she was to death. One wrong word and Lucia would tear her throat out. Like both her parents the girl was quick to anger, that was one trait that hadn't skipped her. Part of him wanted to egg Lucia on to see her extract her rage on the woman and to see how ruthless she could be, but now was not the time or place. This was a cordial event after all and tearing a subject to shreds did not make for a good first impression, especially for one who was not quite yet queen. He could not imagine many of the other subjects would take kindly to that. Her reign would not have much support, and no matter how much he looked down at those present some were not to be taken lightly. As the woman spoke Dane lifted his hand up to Lucia's back, resting it on her bare skin caressing her softly. "I must take my leave, I am needed elsewhere." He announced before once again leaning in close to whisper into Lucia's ear. "Play nice, she is little more than rabble. Barely worth our time and even less your rage. " Stepping away he flashed a smirk at Laura. "Now excuse me." He bowed and made his way towards the exit.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Eying Laura as she amended her attitude, Lucia smirked quietly. It seemed her point had gotten across, though Laura's words felt insincere, despite sounding pleasant enough.

As Dane placed his hand on her back, the Hybrid stood tall, never breaking eye contact with the female Vampire while he spoke just to her. Grabbing a tail of her dress, Lucia inclined her body to Dane as he took his leave. The girl watched which direction Dane exited, but quickly returned her attention to Laura.

Looking at the Vampire before her, Lucia saw the woman as if for the first time. It should have been obvious to her that Laura was a Baby Bat, but it hadn't dawned on her until Dane mentioned it. The daze in her eyes as she looked to Dane, hoping for acceptance; how she dressed, hoping to impress those around. Of course she wouldn't have known Raven as King. She probably didn't know many of the Vampire that came before her, other than those her Sire would have instilled in her for whatever political advantage he/she could glean. The thought frustrated Lucia. Werewolves honored the dead and kept information on those long deceased readily available for the younger generations to learn from.

Well, if Laura's Sire wouldn't tell her of the Vampire that started it all, Lucia would. "My father was a great Vampire, and an excellent leader." With a subtle motion of her hand, a passing servant paused to offer the two women a glass of blood. Taking a casual sip of her drink, the Hybrid paused to sort out her thoughts. Where should she start?

"My father has a few surviving children," this was not what she wanted to focus on. Technically speaking, Lucia, herself, was last in line for the throne, if you went by the birth order in the monarchy. She was the youngest of Raven's children, but none of her siblings had stepped up to claim their father's title. Anyway, the girl firmly believed that she had been Raven's favorite and that he would be proud with how she'd grown.

Continuing on, Lucia changed the subject, "Yet one of his finest moments was slaughtering the King of Lycans in combat. The Werewolves are known for their raw strength, but Raven bested the very oldest one in a battle that lasted an entire night." It felt king of strange talking about her mother's race so nonchalantly, yet here she was, doing it.

Lucia found she was smiling despite herself, just talking about her father. "My father-Raven was handsome and charismatic and ever so cunning; not unlike the current King, Dane. Yet Raven stood out in a different way." Pausing again to find the right words, the girl looked to Laura to see if she could even remotely comprehend the majesty her father carried about him. It was worth a shot. "When my father entered a room, the entire building came at his beck and call. A-a power just radiated from him and his charges felt invigorated by their mere proximity to him. There was this infernal Darkness to him, and yet... Yet he seemed to be able to stop everything to take care of 'family' matters. I think...." Lucia stopped herself, unsure whether or not to continue. Taking another sip from her wine glass, the girl changed her mind, then changed it again. "I think one of his true weaknesses were the women he let into his life." She was, of course, referring to her mother; but also, later in his life, Chastity.