A Story About a Vampire

Chapter 3: The Grand Tour

This wasn't exactly the fantasy Sophia had in mind when she walked into a supposedly vampire infested castle, and yet in retrospect it's surprising that this idiocy worked out as well as it did. By any rules of the world she should have been torn apart and eaten, but apparently her leap of faith was rewarded (though it wasn't with the steamy vampire romance in her head). As Vallentin lead her out of this plush room she was very much in her own world, Vallentin's introduction to this tour going in one ear and out the other, she thought he called this room the greeting chamber or something? Either way she exited behind him, trying to put the idiotic stunt she'd just pulled out of her mind. As incredible that it was that vampires existed that didn't make the real world like her books, she thought that she'd better remember that or lose her new friend fast. Oh also she really hoped he didn't look in her bag because some of her books were in there and if he saw them she might cry. Sophia decided to direct her attention to the tour as best she could, her fantasys could wait (and maybe hopefully come true later). The greeting chamber opened into the landing atop the stairs Vallentin had been standing imposingly atop less than half an hour prior. Sophia hadn't had the chance to admire this entry hall on her way in before she was accosted by Vallentin's facade, but now with the afformentioned vampire's guidance she was shown the beautifully carved pillars, polished stone floor and rather opulent red carpet. Whilst Sophia could appreciate the beauty of this room, she was also able to appreciate how fundamentally inutile an entry hall was. She decided to simply nod along with Vallentin's tour as he was clearly proud of his home and she didn't want to be rude, as much as this room confused her.Meanwhile Vallentin was starting to get nervous, to finally have someone he could call a friend was exciting and he looked forward to showing off the lair he was so proud of. His fear came when his guest seemed unimpressed by his lovely entrance chamber, could he really lose his only friend like this? Boring them to death with a crappy tour? Through this internal strife he managed to keep up his exciteable ramblings about the craftsmanship of the room, but then he realised; she was probably just distracted! He knew now that Sophia was almost as socially inept and horrifically anxious as himself, she was probably still on that whole uncomfortably close exchange, wondering if Vallentin hated her now, et cetera, et cetera. Maybe talking about the exquisite brickwork, whilst vaguely interesting, wouldn't be enough to shake her fear, so he must do better to focus on the truly fantastical. "Well Sophia, as lovely as the brickwork in here is I'm sure you'd like to see the truly fantastic parts of my lair!" Vallentin began, holding his joyous tone for the moment."Um, yes please Mr Valentin." Sophia meekly responded, seeming suddenly very interested in the floor's brickwork."Well then follow my lead young one, and I shall show you the marvels I've collected over my long life!" Vallentin was no longer needing to try hard to remain peppy in his speech, it was coming naturally with how smoothly this was now going. He marched his way purposefully up the entry halls stairs, this time taking the second flight to the right, rather than left, through the oaken doors and into a dark hallway. With a snap of Vallentin's fingers, the candles in sconces throughout the length of the hallway lit to reveal a hallway appropriately matched to the previous rooms; with the right sides floor to ceiling windows covered by thick (and rather expensive looking) red curtains. Vallentin thought it might be best to skip over this hallway into the more interesting rooms first; not missing a beat and stepping into the first door, holding the door wide for his guest. Sophia entered this new room, sincerely hoping that whatever was inside would be marvelous enough to snap her out of her self-loathing. Her wish was granted, this room was like a miniature museum of, clearly ancient, but still resplendant and polished weapons and armour as well as some other knick nacks here and there. Her eyes went wide at this beautiful collection of history, before her gaze settled on Vallentin who was looking, not at his collection, but at her, seeming giddy at her reaction. An involuntary smile spread across Sophia's face and she began race-walking over to the closest item, a suit of silver plate amour so shiny that it was practically a mirror, fortunately the lighting in the room prevented her seeing her own reflection in it (as well as the nonexistent reflection of Vallentin behind her). "What's the story behind this one?" Sophia asked excitedly, turning her head to the equally elated vampire."This armour stands to welcome people to this chamber as I once did to it's wearer, the first of many so-called heroes that came here to kill me! This museum stands in their memory as a monument to their bravery and, on a slightly more sombre note, their lives which were lost needlessly. The warrior that wore this particular set, 800 years ago give or take a century, was actually a very noble soul and I'm sure a hero to his people. Whilst he was willing to engage in conversation, he did quickly dismiss my attempts to make peace." Vallentin replied, varying in tones between reverent and melancholic, all played up dramatically as if this were a performance."Why would they say no to peace so easy if they were so honourable?" Sophia continued to probe, being truly enraptured in this tale."Well Miss Redgrave, this is a question the man himself answered. He said that he had heard the tales of vampires with silver tongues and so he would fight his instincts of mercy. To this day I curse whatever vampire gave us such a reputation. To rely on deceit like that they must've been a true villain, and it has caused many of the unfortunate predicaments that this room commemorates.""Wow!" Sophia whispered under her breath and continued to admire the armour. They continued around the room for almost an hour, Sophia interrogating Vallentin for every detail he knew about the various weapons and armours on display, but both of them retained the energy they'd had at the start, being inspired by a topic of interest and the company of a like-minded soul. The pair finally arrived on a medallion, placed atop a velvet cushion an a regal-looking pedestal; this was very quickly of interest to Sophia as it was the only item in this exhibit not designed to be taken into battle (at least to her knowledge). It was made of a kind of stone, which seemed to emit a faint white glow (Sophia had originally thought it to be a trick of the light) , shaped like a crescent moon with grooves near the tips which housed a leather thong which acted as the means by which it could be worn as a medallion.After gazing at the medallion for some time, admiring it's transfixing glow, Sophia looked expectantly to her friend; anticipating a story about this funky necklace, but found him staring whistfully into the middle distance. After a brief moment of silence between the two, Vallentin looked into the expectant eyes of Sophia, smirked and began "You may want to take a seat for this one, we could be here a little while." With no chairs in sight, Sophia flopped onto the floor without breaking eye contact, eyes wide and chin resting on her hands. Vallentin slowly sat on the floor in front of here, crossing his legs and ignoring the fact that he could teleport a chair in here. "Now, let's begin the most pleasant story in the room shall we: the tale of the silver wolf."