Another summers day spent in Zeleti's office, trial and error filled his workspace but still to no avail. He sat and pondered for a moment if there was another way, was his tunnel vision blocking him from seeing a different solution? Zeleti's thoughts were interrupted as an unexpected scent entered his vicinity. The scent was one he knew all too well, it was accompanied with the sound of firm footsteps heading his way. Why would his brother come all the way to see him here? Ricard was not one for leisurely visits, although he held family ties dear, the brothers' relationship wasn't always as stable.
Ricard was proud, proud of himself, his strength, his family, he wanted to make them the strongest. Thus, he found Zeleti's nonchalant attitude towards vampire politics somewhat disappointing. However, at times this would be envy. Zeleti embodied the Crimson family traits perfectly. Selfish desire and strength to do as you please. Growing up Ricard saw this and naturally took the role for the family, and more time than less, that would indeed be his desire. However, on rare occasions his self-doubt would prevail and wonder was this really his desire or duty?
'Good morning Zeleti.' Ricard made his way inside his brother's office, knowing he would have already been sensed. 'Seems like you have quite the research going on.' Ricard explored the various notes and files scattered around.
'Good morning.' Zeleti replied giving his brother his full attention. Ricard was one of the few beings that didn't repulse Zeleti, since he had grown accustomed to having him around since young ages. He simply saw Ricard as a constant figure in his life.
'I believe it's been quite a few decades since you were so engrossed with your work.' Ricard continued exploring all the while being sure to keep his hands to himself, he knew all too well- personally- the dangers some of his brother's work carried.
Zeleti's instincts were on high alert, something was wrong. A visit from Ricard, and now him taking interest in his work. 'What has happened?' Zeleti's expression grew serious.
Ricard sighed as he turned to finally face his brother. 'Nothing as of yet, we are monitoring the situation. The other families have gotten wind of your... new… passion.' He chose his words carefully.
Zeleti sprung out of his seat in worry, about to dash out the door.
'She is fine, brother.' Ricards firm words halted Zeleti's moves. 'I have already taken precautions to ensure her protection, she won't become our weakness. He walked up slowly to meet Zeleti at the doorway.
Zeleti met his eyes.
'Is she worth the trouble?' Ricards eyes spoke more than his words.
For the first time Zeleti didn't back away, he met him directly. 'That and more.'
'Then I will need you to state your case in the next council meeting alongside Vanessa, until then I give you my word no harm will come to her.' Although he may not fully understand his brother, Ricard always did and will support him, he believed in their blood. His word was law.
___________
A few days later Zeleti was waiting patiently in dreary office for the council meeting to start. Venessa was seated across the room reading a book to pass the time. Zeleti leant against the window staring down at young vampires arguing in the school yard. Meetings always took place at the vampire academy as it was neutral ground for all families. Zeleti wasn't dressed in his usual casual attire and doctor's coat today, to assert dominance Vanessa made sure for to dress in formal attire. He wore an all back shirt and suit trousers, paired with the family's traditional coat.
'I don't see how my attire will affect the situation at hand.' Zeleti whined as he stared out the window. He felt comfortable around Vanessa enough to speak, since she seemed to always understand and cater to his needs. She always remained a safe distance from him, never initiated conversation or forced eye contact. She had been around him since childhood; always following Ricard meant Zeleti inevitably grew acquainted with Vanessa over the years.
'Finally, I wasn't sure if you were going to manage to start a conversation before, we are called upon.' Vanessa closed her book and walked up to Zeleti, although she still stood quite a few steps back.
Zeleti appreciated Vanessa's efforts and would always make sure to start conversations with her in case she wanted to speak to him. In this instance, it seemed she was quite eager.
'I'm listening.' Zeleti signalled her to speak freely.
'Ricard has told me to do everything I can to persuade the other elders, and I will. But you must know the outcome may not be a favourable one. All I ask is that you keep your crimson eyes held high and support my decision. Know that I will steer the decision to wherever I see will yield the best results.' Vanessa was nervous. This wasn't her first time representing the family in meetings, although it was the first without Ricard accompanying her. However, the main reason for her uneasiness was how clearly Zeleti cared for this human.
She knew there was only one way this human was going to be kept alive, and that was what she was afraid of.
*knock knock*
An attendant came in gracefully ushering the pair to follow him. Vanessa waited for Zeleti's response before making a move. He met her eyes and nodded. That was all she needed.
They followed the attendant to what looked like a grand assembly hall, with ceiling to floor windows and an extravagantly large chandelier. The doors themselves weren't something a human could easily open. The hall accompanied by the luxury drapes and old money decor screamed ceremonial. The hall however, Contrary to its decor remained empty aside from a large oval table that sat in the centre. Five out of the six seats were already filled with the heads of houses standing, house Crimson was the last to arrive since they were the subject of today's council meeting.
Three of the seats were larger in size than the others, signifying the Three Great Families. Vanessa took Ricards seat in the middle, while Zeleti stood beside her. All heads or representatives would have an heir or heir-in-training beside them. Ricard would usually swap these roles with his wife, he wanted to make sure if anything happened to him, Vanessa would have enough experience to train Valerie- their daughter- and Vesper in his place.
The others also took their place at the table. The Dusk family, known for their love of tradition, stealth, and tanned skin tones. A rare occurrence with vampires that came with unique aura powers. The Crows, a complete contradiction to the former. They have no loyalty to family and will take in any who come their way. Only valuing power, led by the only known albino vampire, infamous for his eccentricity. Over the years, the Crimson's became known for being the mediator between the two extreme family traits.
'Let's begin.' Damien Dusk stroked his beard as he gestured the lesser families to be seated as well. Accompanying him was his proud daughter Drusilla and a young child version of Eamon. Zeleti smiled in his direction, to which Eamon responded with his tongue stuck out.
'Yes yes, let's! Well, what do you have to say for yourself this time?' Cain Crow twirled his infamous white locks, grinning at Vanessa.
Vanessa sighed in distaste at Cain's lack of etiquette.
Damien continued ignoring Cain's antics despite actually agreeing with him for once. 'You have broken a number of laws. 1. Revealing our nature to a human. 2. Using your pheromones on a human excessively. 3. And if this was a crime of passion, not informing the council of this crime only adds to the punishment. Please do speak.'
'Oh yes, heavens forbid you cause your human's addiction in the heat of your passion.' Cain snickered, while his heir-in-training whispered something in his ear. 'Ooo yes, let us not forget Ricards convenient last minute absence. Quite disrespectful given the circumstances.' Cain's red eyes pierced more fiercely against his snow-like hair.
Vanessa's voice was calm, her demeanour ice cold. 'Well, Zeleti's standards have always been quite high- a reflection of his blood, I'm sure. Thus, to find someone he deemed suitable as a partner- of course we would- 1. Reveal our nature to her since we will eventually turn her...' Zeleti's eyes froze in fury at Vanessa's words.
'Trust me'. Vanessa's words reverberated in his mind calming him- a side effect of her aura powers on those she marked and tasted their blood.
'And 2. Damien, the pheromones were a test to see what her potential would be, and if she was capable of turning. Although you finding that out, seems to be an act of privacy violation, and I will be sure to bring that up at the next meeting.' Vanessa continued with a stern warning towards The Dusk family.
Damien's eyebrow twitched in annoyance when he realised his mistake, and more so, that a younger vampire had reprimanded him.
'And point 3 seems no long relevant given my explanation. However, Cain, my husband's absence is because he has given his word that nothing will befall the lady in his presence... given the circumstances.' Vanessa's words her daggers pointed at Cain revealing she knew full well about their informant.
Cain snickered, he loved antagonising others. 'Well, we will have to see what happens then, won't we?' His sly expression and not so discreet threat was pointed at Zeleti wrapped in a wide grin, with his red tipped fangs on display.
'Don't take the bait, trust me.' Vanessa's voice held Zeleti back.
'Are you finished talking about me as though I wasn't standing right in front of you all?' Zeleti's look towards the room was menacing and full of disgust, but what they all feared most was his unpredictability. They all knew his power rivalled his brother, maybe more, and were glad he never wished to use it.
'Vanessa speaks on behalf of the Crimson family whether Ricard is here or not, your disrespect is noted and will be remembered.' Zeleti then did something unrecognisable of himself. His eyes turned crimson and gazed directly upon the other heads. 'But do you not all see me, a Crimson blood standing right in front of you here?' He released his aura letting its pressure remind them of his strength.
The others all stood in response ready for war.