((I tried not to make the end seem forced. Since their conversation could really carry on indefinitely if we let it, I think it best to end it soon. XD Sorry for my epic slowness. In the future I'll definitely try to keep my novel length tags down so I'm not stalling our threads for quite so long.))
Even as brief and mild as it was, Jasper caught that flicker of vague irritation from Vladimir at the mention of Alice and Edward, and his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. This gave him a sort of focused curious look, rather than being an expression of suspicion, which was very deliberate. He'd learnt to keep his own real emotions from showing when it was necessary to—as it so often was when attending human schools, and being in a constant state of pain due to his thirst. Staring at his teachers and 'peers' as though he'd like nothing more than to leap over his desk and eat them on the spot was never received well. Except in the case of the teachers being older women, who seemed to find that unsettling vampiric nature of Jasper's flattering.
He could guess that the Baron was becoming lost in his own thoughts simply by the very subtle shifting of emotion, then the more alarming change his anger brought, but had no way of knowing what those thoughts might be. Perhaps the Baron was also married, and wasn't particularly fond of his wife the way Jasper was of his. But, then, any marriage the Baron might be involved in would presumably be of the political variety, since he was a planetary ruler from a seemingly almost medieval future. The inexplicable gratitude caused Jasper to smile as one would at a verbal or physical cue—something he didn't normally do, since it gave him away so blatantly. But he was allowing himself that much, with Vladimir, since he knew the truth about him now. Emotions were fair game and Vladimir would do well to remember that.
He nodded thoughtfully to Vladimir's comment about tigers. "I could probably transfigure something in here to be an Earth tiger—and there's actually a few varieties of them—but," he paused as he glanced around the room, "it would be better to do it elsewhere, sometime. I wouldn't want it destroying your room." And he also wouldn't want to accidentally injure it if he had to restrain it.
"More of this planet is becoming industrialised each year. Mankind's really done a number on it. It's on a steady decline... slowly dying." Which was why it hadn't surprised him to find out multiple planets had been colonised in the future the Baron was from. He was sure he'd see the pressing need for it arise in his own lifetime.
"I am flattered you don't find me similar to your mentat, then," he said seriously, deciding it may be best not to inquire further about Piter at this point. "But I am still willing to help you in whatever capacity, if you'd like me to." He chuckled quietly. It sounded a little forced. "Not killing people for you, of course. Too much blood on my hands already. But you know what I mean." And it couldn't hurt to make his meaning clear. The raptor was by then stirring, likely sensing Jasper's faint but growing restlessness. It had little to do with their conversation, and everything to do with the smell of the Baron's blood. It would be better for both of them if Jasper excused himself to get some fresh air soon. He gradually sat up from his slouch against the cushions, giving the raptor a fond pat on the snout as he also sat up, already alert despite his prior unconsciousness.
no subject
Even as brief and mild as it was, Jasper caught that flicker of vague irritation from Vladimir at the mention of Alice and Edward, and his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. This gave him a sort of focused curious look, rather than being an expression of suspicion, which was very deliberate. He'd learnt to keep his own real emotions from showing when it was necessary to—as it so often was when attending human schools, and being in a constant state of pain due to his thirst. Staring at his teachers and 'peers' as though he'd like nothing more than to leap over his desk and eat them on the spot was never received well. Except in the case of the teachers being older women, who seemed to find that unsettling vampiric nature of Jasper's flattering.
He could guess that the Baron was becoming lost in his own thoughts simply by the very subtle shifting of emotion, then the more alarming change his anger brought, but had no way of knowing what those thoughts might be. Perhaps the Baron was also married, and wasn't particularly fond of his wife the way Jasper was of his. But, then, any marriage the Baron might be involved in would presumably be of the political variety, since he was a planetary ruler from a seemingly almost medieval future. The inexplicable gratitude caused Jasper to smile as one would at a verbal or physical cue—something he didn't normally do, since it gave him away so blatantly. But he was allowing himself that much, with Vladimir, since he knew the truth about him now. Emotions were fair game and Vladimir would do well to remember that.
He nodded thoughtfully to Vladimir's comment about tigers. "I could probably transfigure something in here to be an Earth tiger—and there's actually a few varieties of them—but," he paused as he glanced around the room, "it would be better to do it elsewhere, sometime. I wouldn't want it destroying your room." And he also wouldn't want to accidentally injure it if he had to restrain it.
"More of this planet is becoming industrialised each year. Mankind's really done a number on it. It's on a steady decline... slowly dying." Which was why it hadn't surprised him to find out multiple planets had been colonised in the future the Baron was from. He was sure he'd see the pressing need for it arise in his own lifetime.
"I am flattered you don't find me similar to your mentat, then," he said seriously, deciding it may be best not to inquire further about Piter at this point. "But I am still willing to help you in whatever capacity, if you'd like me to." He chuckled quietly. It sounded a little forced. "Not killing people for you, of course. Too much blood on my hands already. But you know what I mean." And it couldn't hurt to make his meaning clear. The raptor was by then stirring, likely sensing Jasper's faint but growing restlessness. It had little to do with their conversation, and everything to do with the smell of the Baron's blood. It would be better for both of them if Jasper excused himself to get some fresh air soon. He gradually sat up from his slouch against the cushions, giving the raptor a fond pat on the snout as he also sat up, already alert despite his prior unconsciousness.