Theodor stirred at the pitter-patter of feet down the hallway. He was sitting half the way up, hand on the knife he habitually kept under his pillow, when his door slammed open, and a cheerful, “Morning!” resounded. 

It was just Noah, the child vampire. When he realized who it was, Theo released the grip on his weapon, and waved at the already departing boy. Down the corridor, another inhabitant was the next one disturbed.

“Damned brat!” Joan’s shout was clear despite the distance, and more racket followed.

Theodor ignored the sounds as a matter of habit. He rolled out of bed, and proceeded to stretch thoroughly. After working out the stiffness in his muscles, he called upon a servant. All he had to do was pull a cord, which was connected to a bell elsewhere, and wait. Even after 30 years, the sheer convenience of living as a noble still startled him on the rare occasion.

In the meantime, he padded across the carpeted floor to the windows, and drew aside all the curtains. Though the sun had fully set already, it was still fairly light outside. He cracked open a window to let some fresh air in, breathing in the scents of early evening. He was itching for a flight, but didn’t want to let Casna wait for too long.

The servant arrived shortly after Theodor had changed into his day attire, and had seated himself at his desk to review his work from the previous morning. Documents and loose parchment littered the surface, but he maneuvered through the chaos easily.

At a knock on his door, Theo answered with an, “Enter!” In came Marcin, a stout but finely groomed middle-aged man. The servant carried a tray, upon which lay his meal; a chalice full of freshly drawn blood. Theodor motioned him closer, and while grabbing the drink with one hand, held up the other with a single finger raised.

He drank deeply, and finished the first meal of his day in several quick gulps. “Mmm,” he sighed in appreciation, closing his eyes briefly. If he were younger, he would mop up the residue lingering on the cup. But as it was, he merely returned the vessel to Marcin’s tray. “Good man,” he praised, and gave the retainer a friendly pat on his arm. He ignored the subsequent nervous tensing the human couldn’t help prevent.

Smiling wryly, Theodor stood up, and preceded the man outside. Wouldn’t want to give the poor thing nightmares by following right behind his back, after all.

It was a swift walk down to the foyer, where, as expected, Casna was waiting for him. “Evening,” he called out to her. He was not at all reluctant to get into her personal space, and stood right beside her. He brushed her shoulder in greeting, then stretched an arm over the backrest of her chair, leaning down on it. His other hand was resting on his hip, his head tilted down to meet her gaze, fangs peeking through his smile.