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Mariette nearly chuckled at the girl's sad excuse for an introduction. She would have to encourage Lilie to learn how to properly address a noble in the future, otherwise, she'd end up offending someone and skewing both their names. She turned to the other mage, her brow furrowing slightly when she dismissed herself. She hadn't meant to make Lilie's friend leave, but perhaps it was better that way? Maybe this was exactly what they needed, some alone time. She could get a feel for her new mage, and vice versa. Once the lady had left them, Mariette turned towards Lilie and grinned. 

[color=DDA0DD]"Would you like to accompany me back to our dorm?"[/color] She asked, figuring the mage wouldn't deny her. Though, that would be a welcome surprise. She had never truly been denied by someone who was supposed to be lower on the totem pole. [color=DDA0DD]"I'd like to get to know you."[/color] She added, her grin only widening. She had read some troubling things in the young mage's diary and wanted to understand why she felt the way she did. 

Lilie looked between Cassandra and Mariette, slightly anxious. Deja vu all over again, every time she would meet a mage a vampire stumbled into the scene. Mariette’s question didn’t really seem like a question, but Cassandra seemed to want to leave them to their own devices. She supposed the decision was made for her, but at the very least, she met someone new, so hopefully they would cross paths again.

[color=00BFFF]“Um, yeah,”[/color] She replied to Cassandra, giving her a slight wave. [color=00BFFF]“I’ll see you around, then.”[/color] 

Turning to Mariette, she shifted her weight from one foot to another, remembering that Arianna had led the way the first time they went to their dorm together. [color=00BFFF]“After you?”[/color]  Lilie offered.

[color=DDA0DD]"And what is it that makes you want to follow, rather than walk side-by-side?”[/color] Mariette asked, her head cocked in a way that was only just noticeable. In the past, when she had asked her servants that question they had always responded quite similarly. [i]It's unbecoming to walk beside a noble[/i], they'd say. She wondered what Lilie would have to add to the topic. She had noticed the way the girl had shifted her weight before asking her to lead, uneasy to say the least. She was such a curious creature already, it was going to be fun learning about her.

The white haired girl didn’t seem to know how to respond, not having been expected to be asked. Wait, this was a trick, right? Or maybe not. As the vampire looked at her expectantly, Lilie felt her inner thoughts screaming at her to respond and say something. Anything. Anything at all!

[color=00BFFF]“Because…”[/color]  She started slowly, trying to choose her words among the chaos in her mind. [color=00BFFF]“...I don’t know.”[/color] Her sentence seemed to lose volume, her uncertainty winning out.

Mariette's eager grin instantly went neutral. She certainly hadn't been expecting that. It was interesting, albeit disappointing. She wanted something she could add to her notes, not uncertainty. [color=DDA0DD]"Well, no matter,"[/color] She replied, beginning to walk back towards their shared dorm. She didn't look behind her to ensure Lilie was following, hoping the girl would begin trailing her. Once they were at their dorm, Mariette opened their door and gestured for Lilie to enter. 

Closing the door behind her, Mariette was tempted to lock it, but she didn't want to make her mage even more uncomfortable. She walked into their sitting room, and sat down on the couch, crossing her legs politely. [color=DDA0DD]"Did you try the cookie Count Ikelos made you? They smelled heavenly."[/color] She commented upon eyeing the platter and glass of milk before her. [color=DDA0DD]"Speaking of, did you have any questions about his departure?"[/color]

Lilie gave Cassandra an apologetic look, heels clicking the sidewalk as she hurried behind Mariette. Great, two minutes and she had already messed up. Alright, all she had to do was stop being so nervous. This was her third vampire, after all, she needed to get used them, especially since the entire school’s student body would be half mage half vampire.

Once they arrived, Lilie watched Mariette, trying to follow her lead. She couldn’t quite get a read on her just yet, her own curiosity shooting up as she was asked if she had questions. She had a lot of questions, but Allison was of no help when it came to Arianna. Would Mariette be the same for Ike? She didn’t even get to say goodbye. 

[color=00BFFF]“I, um, don’t have much of an appetite,”[/color]  Lilie admitted, placing the cookie with the rest. As for the other question, she figured she had nothing to lose. [color=00BFFF]“Is it typical for Eve vampires to replace one another? Seeing as you’re the third lady--countess--”[/color] She corrected herself, remembering Allison’s words. [color=00BFFF]“--that I’ve had.”[/color] 

[color=DDA0DD]"It's not typical, no. Most Eve vampires in the past completed their stay here and took their mage with them upon leaving."[/color] Was Mariette's answer. She chose her words carefully, not wanting to mention the sad state of her house. That would only spark more questions, and she wanted to keep her promise. [color=DDA0DD]"If all goes well, we'll be following this tradition."[/color]

[color=DDA0DD]"Now, is there anything you'd like to know about me? I have many questions for you, but those can wait."[/color]

Okay, that was an answer. Lilie nodded to show she heard, even if she didn’t completely understand. At least she wasn’t taken away anywhere. But what should she ask? Taking a second to think, she supposed she could start with something basic.

[color=00BFFF]“I guess I’d like to know your expectations,”[/color] She replied sincerely. [color=00BFFF]“I don’t really know anything about serving a noble, so some sort of clue or instruction would be appreciated.”[/color]

Mariette hadn't taken much time to think of her expectations for Lilie, knowing that her mage was to be treated differently than the average servant. Taking a few moments to gather her thoughts, she eventually opened her mouth to respond. [color=DDA0DD]"I want you to be respectful to my house. You don't have to like me, but speaking against my family is something I won't allow, and you will be punished accordingly if you do."[/color] She raised a slender finger, [color=DDA0DD]"Especially in public."[/color]

[color=DDA0DD]"I also expect you to always be honest with me, no matter what the situation is. If I ask you a question, I want a truthful answer."[/color] She wouldn't allow her experiments to obtain flawed results just because her mage was too shy or scared to respond legitimately. [color=DDA0DD]"Most importantly, I want what happens in this dorm to stay in this dorm. I have a role to play, so I may act differently in public than I do when we're in the safety of our home.”[/color] She paused for a moment, before adding, [color=DDA0DD]"Also, do not enter my room or linger around my desk in the study without my permission."[/color]

Once finished, Mariette smiled at Lilie. [color=DDA0DD]"Do you have any questions?"[/color]

Taking note to remember everything that she was told, Lilie had to admit that she was a little surprised that Mariette didn’t seem to care whether or not she was liked. Her loyalty to her family was admirable, at least, so there was that. Being honest was odd but doable, and everything else...she didn’t know what to think. The idea of getting punished did make her a little nervous. But as long as she did as she was told, things would be fine. Hopefully.

She had to admit she did have another question. [color=00BFFF]“It really doesn’t matter whether or not I like you?”[/color] She asked, frowning. [color=00BFFF]“I feel like that’s counter-intuitive to the vampire-mage relationship.”[/color]

[color=DDA0DD]"I'd enjoy having a happy, well-balanced relationship with you."[/color] Mariette unfolded her legs, leaning forwards and resting her hands on her knees. [color=DDA0DD]"In fact, we may have one for quite a while. However, one day I will be taking you away from everything and everyone that you know, back to my manor. You'll be allowed to visit your family and friends, but you'll always have to come back to me."[/color] She paused, making sure Lilie was absorbing every word. [color=DDA0DD]"We will live together, and you will grow old while I stay youthful. Perhaps this will make you spiteful, and you'll resent me. Or maybe there will be another reason why you begin to despise me."[/color]

[color=DDA0DD]"Even still, I'll care for you and make sure you pass on to the next life comfortably. So no, it does not matter whether or not you like me. Because no matter what, it is my task to look after you, and I take all of my tasks seriously."[/color] She leaned back, eyes bright with curiosity. [color=DDA0DD]"How does that make you feel, Lilie?"[/color]

How was she supposed to respond to that? If it hadn’t been obvious before, then Lilie’s confusion was much more apparent now. She opened her mouth to try to think of something to say, but she was stunned to silence. It would be a lie if she said she hadn’t thought about it, her departure day still holding some bitter thoughts as well as the numerous scenarios that had run through her head as she was brought to the Academy.

Pushing the unpleasant memories aside, Lilie rubbed her arm, choosing to look down at the table between them for a moment.[color=00BFFF] “...I don’t know,”[/color] She replied quietly. No, that was a lie. Remembering that Mariette wanted the truth, she shook her head. [color=00BFFF]“...It makes me want to hate everything.”[/color]

Mariette clenched her fists when Lilie responded with apprehension yet again. She almost said something but managed to hold on just long enough to hear Lilie's true answer. She grinned wickedly, baring pearly white fangs. Lilie was going to be fun, that much she knew. [color=DDA0DD]"Hating is a waste of time. Hating is sitting around, brooding and getting nowhere. [i]Do[/i] something, Lilie. Don't be complacent."[/color] She knew encouraging rebellion was technically treasonous, so her tone dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. [color=DDA0DD]"Convince me to leave you and take a new mage, rebel against what you've been taught. No matter what, don't just sit there. Be as angry as you want, as long as it motivates you rather than limits you."[/color] 

Lilie must have been a magnet for strange vampires. That, or the entire Eve house was just crazy.

The girl looked up at Mariette with wide eyes, unable to believe what she was hearing. [color=00BFFF]“Do--Do something?”[/color] She was so confused, but rather than get answers, all she was doing was wondering what kind of vampire she was going to serve. After a second, however, she actually found herself laughing. It was a complete one-eighty from just a few seconds ago, but she couldn’t help herself.

[color=00BFFF]“I guess you’ll be the first to know if I decide to lead a rebellion,”[/color] She sighed, shaking her head. [color=00BFFF]“I’m sorry, this is just...weird. I feel like you really shouldn’t be telling me these things.”[/color]

It was Mariette's turn to laugh. She chuckled airily, waving a hand in the air. [color=DDA0DD]"I really shouldn't, but it's too late now, isn't it?"[/color] She shifted from side to side merrily, letting her hair swing around. [color=DDA0DD]"Remember, whatever occurs in the dorm stays here. So if you let what I told you slip, it won't just be me facing the consequences."[/color] She winked at Lilie, pausing mid-shift. [color=DDA0DD]"Now that we've had our fun, there are some matters I need to address. Namely, what you wrote about in your journal. What do you think I'm concerned about?"[/color]

That was definitely a thinly-veiled threat if she ever saw one. But she had no reason to tell anyone, anyway, and she was sure it was meant in the best way possible. Instead, Lilie would focus on her next words, but once again, found herself stunned. At first, she believed that she had misheard, but there were very few words that could intermix with journal.

[color=00BFFF]“Concerned--how did you--Did--Did you read my diary?”[/color] Lilie asked, both mortified and upset as she stumbled through her words.

[color=DDA0DD]"Yes, I did...but I just skimmed. If I hadn't, how would I have known that you're afraid of feeding? What if I had gotten hungry and tried to drink from you?"[/color] Mariette hurried through her words, trying to explain herself. She could tell that her mage wasn't pleased with her actions, something she had been expecting but wasn't quite ready for. [color=DDA0DD]"I can tell you're upset, so I'd like to extend an apology. Do you need space? I've heard that helps."[/color]

[color=00BFFF]“I’m not--that’s because--you could ask or--”[/color] Lilie’s fluster was obvious, not knowing how to respond to this discovery. Well, maybe she was just curious. And as much as she wanted to disagree, it had been a valid point. Even if it involved invading her privacy. After making yet another mental note to make sure her diary was in a secure location, she took a second to compose herself.

[color=00BFFF]“There really aren’t many vampires in my sleepy hometown,”[/color] She would admit. [color=00BFFF]“The Lord in charge usually had his mage oversee the place of farms and human food, so anytime one was seen in town, it was usually treated as a big deal. So my experience with vampires is extremely limited, the past few days being the most I have interacted with them.”[/color]

And both her previous counts were gone, but that wasn’t important. Instead, she would explain herself to the best of her ability, hoping Mariette would understand. [color=00BFFF]“And feeding is...the idea itself is just weird, okay?”[/color] Not the most elegant of explanations, but it was beyond her understanding. [color=00BFFF]“It’s not like I’m going to object to it. I know it’s needed. But new experiences can make anyone nervous.[/color]”

Mariette listened intently, starting to understand Lilie a bit better. She had humble beginnings, and had suddenly been thrown into a world she didn't understand. It made sense that she wouldn't be keen on the idea of feeding, despite it being necessary for mages to give up their blood to their vampires. Mariette took a moment to ponder their predicament. Lilie had said she wouldn't object, but Mariette knew her blood would taste utterly sour if she were upset during the feeding. [color=DDA0DD]"I won't compel you or force you into feeding. I can drink from the bottle for the time being, and we'll figure out a compromise."[/color]

Despite knowing she meant well, Lilie found herself having to (reluctantly) object. [color=00BFFF]“If I’m being honest--like you want--I’d rather rip the bandaid off sooner than later,”[/color] She told Mariette. [color=00BFFF]“Otherwise the anticipation is going to build and I’ll end up hiding under the dinner table anytime the word ‘feed’ comes up in conversation.”[/color]

Mariette nodded along. Lilie had been very reasonable so far, adjusting to everything she threw at her. [color=DDA0DD]"We could always rip the bandaid off now."[/color] She said, more to get a reaction than because she was actually interested in feeding. She currently wasn't very hungry, but there was a part of her that was eager to know what Lilie's blood tasted like. She made a guess that it was refreshing, like splashing one's face with cool water at the end of a long day. 

Why didn’t she see that coming? Lilie’s eyes flickered away, the slightest bit of hesitation for just a moment catching her off guard as her hand went to her neck. No, she couldn’t just back away after just saying the sooner the better. Aside from the crippling fear, she couldn’t deny that she did wonder what it felt like. If she was being completely honest, what really sold her was how she felt like she was being challenged. Like Mariette [i]wanted[/i] her to decline.

Slowly lowering her hand, her gaze met Mariette’s, the girl pushing aside her nerves for the moment.[color=00BFFF] “If that’s what you want, then sure,”[/color] Lilie said.

Mariette's eyes widened somewhat. Lilie was full of surprises. She had been almost certain that her hesitation was going to overtake her. Standing, Mariette's fingers went to her side and began tapping. Up until this point, she had only fed off of her father's current mage. Otherwise, she drank from the bottle. It was an intimate process, and though she usually fed from the wrist she decided that tonight, she would play into Lilie's fantasies. 

[color=DDA0DD]"Come on then,"[/color] She reached out a hand for Lilie to take, and pulled the mage to her feet. She didn't release her, instead, pulling her close until their faces were only inches apart. At this distance, Mariette had to look down to see into Lilie's crystal blue eyes. Her nostrils flared, she could smell the lavender and vanilla perfume. Stooping, she tilted her head until her face was buried in the crook of Lilie's neck. Her mouth grazed Lilie's smooth skin. She could probably feel the grin spreading Mariette's lips. [color=DDA0DD]"Just so you know, I'm probably never going to feed from your neck again...unless you find that you prefer it."[/color]

Without awaiting a response, Mariette began to feed. Opening her mouth further, she latched onto the soft, pale flesh of Lilie's neck. Her fangs pierced the skin gently, sinking in with ease. As warm blood began to fill Mariette's mouth, she found herself making a small, pleased noise at the taste. It was like smelling a warm apple pie, with notes of nutmeg and large amounts of vanilla. Her arms wandered up from her sides, resting on Lilie's shoulders, her fingers interlocking behind Lilie's head. It effectively trapped the girl, though that wasn’t Mariette’s intention.

Her heart raced against her chest, the only thing stopping her from pulling back from Mariette’s hold being frozen by a clash of nerves and the strangest sense of anticipation. The whimper that should have come out got caught in her throat, albeit she was just surprised by Mariette’s forwardness. The taller vampire looked down at her, with Lilie realizing the only time she had ever been so close to [i]anyone[/i] was to kiss them. She had heard of vampires taking their mages on as lovers and recalled Mariette's promise to take care of her, suddenly feeling uneasy for a split second.

Mariette’s words seemed to snap Lilie out of her thoughts, her jaw outright dropping. The chance to protest never came, instead the only thing she could think about was that burning sensation. But as quickly as it came, it was replaced by something else. She had no words for it, the closest thing being put completely at ease. If there was another word, she couldn’t come up with it, her thoughts hazy as she felt surprisingly relaxed. There was no pain as she expected, just an odd warmth that made things harder and harder to grasp. If it wasn’t for Mariette holding her in place, she was pretty sure she would have crumpled to the floor at any moment.

Once she began to feel that she was bearing Lilie's weight, Mariette reluctantly unlatched herself. This was the first time she had tasted such rich, decadent blood in what felt like an eternity. She certainly wouldn't be able to take such large amounts on a daily basis. No, Lilie was a treat. Tongue poking out, she licked the two small holes on her neck to collect some of the blood that dribbled out. She slowly moved her arms down to Lilie's waist so she could support the dazed girl a bit better. Removing her face from her mage's neck, she stared into her eyes for just a moment before settling her back down onto the seat she had taken her out of. 

Abandoning Lilie, Mariette scampered to her own bedroom, tore the blanket off of her bed and returned to her mage. She gently laid the blanket on top of her, tucking in the sides. She figured there would be a lack of warmth after their shared experience. [color=DDA0DD]"Are you alright?"[/color]

Lilie knew she should have either apologized for nearly collapsing or thanked Mariette, but it was a little difficult to talk for a moment. After a moment, she managed to nod, the tiniest hint of embarrassment in her expression. Why did she feel like she had just done something intimate? It must have been because of Mariette's lips on her neck, making Lilie feel more like they just made out rather than feeding. Any expectations she had were so wrong it felt outright silly to see how ignorant she was. The blanket was welcomed, albeit it didn't help as much as it should have. She didn't know if it was the lingering warmth or the fact that she was unaccustomed to being up so late, but her body felt a little too comfortable, eyelids feeling heavy. 

[color=deepskyblue]“Sorry, I'm feeling tired,”[/color] She said quietly, shifting slightly as she closed her eyes for a moment. Before she had the chance to explain or say anything more, the girl dozed off.

Mariette simply nodded back at Lilie, not bothering to say anything. She could tell the girl was getting ready for a long, hopefully peaceful rest. She waited until her breathing turned soft and even, before scooping the mage up -blanket and all- and carrying her to Lilie's bedroom. Settling her down softly on the bed, she fluffed up the pillow that rested beneath her head and leaned over her to make sure the blood had stopped dripping out of her neck. Straightening herself, Mariette clucked her tongue. Lilie would have to adjust to larger feeding sessions, but that would come with time.

With everything in order, Mariette found herself leaving the room. She turned off the light and shut the door quietly as she went, before skipping off to her bedroom. She laid down, not bothering to wrap herself in the sheets that remained. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to linger on the taste of Lilie's blood, and their odd conversation. They were going to have a wonderful time together.

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