video; un: thevampirelestat

[perfectdevil]

[ The screen opens up to a black imitation Chesterfield couch in pride of place at the centre of the screen. On it sits a young man of seemingly around twenty years old, dressed in a half unbuttoned black shirt and silver waistcoat, tight black slacks and shining black boots with golden toe caps; his long legs crossed elegantly before him, he lifts his wrist in a light wave of greeting toward the viewfinder. ]

Good evening, everyone. Lestat here.

[ A flourish of his other hand, a widespread sweep as if he'd just announced something very impressive, and then he leans forward with the manner one might take when speaking to a dear friend, rather than addressing a network of mostly strangers. ]

I've been thinking, mes très chers, as I am often known to do: it's my birthday soon, and though I'd love nothing more than to throw some grand shindig and invite all of you, I have it from a reputable source that it might not be the best idea given the way the last party we were all invited to turned out for a lot of us.

[ In the background, another figure can be seen through the entranceway leading to the kitchen, though this man seems much less prepared to be on show to the entire network as he goes about taking off his gardening gloves and placing the tools he'd been using into the sink. He emerges a moment or two later with two freshly potted plants in his hands, which he deposits somewhere off-screen, before returning and taking his place at Lestat's side. ]

That, and, if I'm being honest... I'm feeling strangely low-key about it this year. All I really want to do is sit in the comfortable velvet seats of a quaint little movie theater and watch something new. I've heard of the media store opening soon, of course, but I'll be another year older weeks before its doors open. Instead of wasting time browsing once I'm inside, I thought instead that I might rely on the knowledge of the masses, so-to-speak, and get a few recommendations before that time comes.

So, I come to you with a question, my beloved City: what is your favourite movie? Tell me the plot, describe to me your favourite scene, tell me how your favourite actor 'eats up' every role they play — truly, anything goes. If you don't have films in the world you are from, perhaps tell me your favourite story, and maybe while I'm inside the media store I can keep my eye out for an adaptation of it for you.

[ His eyes naturally slide to his side, to his patient companion, and a smile curls his mouth. ]

And, if you're interested in something a little more challenging... Louis is here, too, and he can be frightfully picky. If you manage to genuinely pique his interest, then you'll really impress me.

Comments

Video | UN: Loki (answering you both in one go, hope that’s cool)

[abit_ofboth]

[Lestat might be interested to now that Loki did not actually choose this appearance, it was placed upon him by his father to hide his true heritage when still a babe in arms. Though Loki does know that his face is relatively unchanged. Only skin tone and eye colour really make a difference, but it is quite a stark difference.]

I am glad to hear it. Typically when I attack people I do it for a very good reason. Unfortunately, I do not see being possessed by a place as a very good reason. It certainly did not gain me anything, which is bad enough on its own. Still, I am glad to see we both came out of it rather unscathed. [Really, he’s lucky that one of the people he encountered that night could handle themselves.]

I might be amenable to that. I have made some human friends as of late. Perhaps they can advise us on the best way to watch? I have come to understand that humans seem to have a method in everything they do. I am sure there must be some ritual or another that we should partake in while watching.

[As he speaks with Lestat, Louis does not go unnoticed. It has been some time since he spoke with him and for awhile had honestly thought he was one of the ones to disappear. He does not show his surprise that Louis is still around, but instead smirks at his clear surprise.

As he turns to address Louis directly, his softens his smirk into a smile.]

I do appreciate that. I must wonder if the reason we have not met our captors is because of what we would do to them if we did.

From what I understand, these movies are like recorded plays, and everyone knows it is better to see a play in a group. How boring it must be to watch alone, without the laughter and tears of the audience. I do hope at least a small group event is on the table at least.

When I was younger, I managed to get my hands on a couple of books by someone named Robert Graves who wrote of the early Roman Empire and the rise of one named Claudius. The manipulation and trickery and mind-games played by all involved in their attempt to rise to power was, shall we say, inspiring. If you come across any adaptations of I, Claudius or Claudius the God, I would be very interesting in seeing those.

works for me! ♥

[perfectdevil]

[ Lestat can't help but laugh a little at Loki's comment about human rituals. One of his favourite pastimes is masquerading as a human through those very rituals, being able to pick and choose only the most entertaining ones and executing them with perfect attention to detail — hair brushing, that little shift of weight they do from one foot to the other when they've been standing too long, the way they always make coffee in the morning regardless of whether they need the caffeine or not... and has witnessed for himself enough humans buying popcorn for screenings that he really doesn't doubt there are certain mortal traditions to be followed for such a viewing at home. He's glad he won't be the only one painfully interested in knowing what they are.

He nods his agreement emphatically when Loki mentions that plays should be seen as a group. He hasn't told Loki of his past life as a Thespian in any great detail, but he supposes that any cultured man would feel the same way; that theatre is an art form intended for the many, not the few, and that the performance on the stage would mean nothing without an audience to watch it. ]

All the more reason for us to host a get-together ourselves. For the sake of ease, perhaps something on a small scale, so that we don't need to take too many requirements into consideration. [ Because ew, lame, pandering to other people's desires. He looks at Louis with a little nod, naturally looking for encouragement for his idea. ] But with enough human influence to make sure we are doing it right.

[ He laughs, settling back on the couch, apparently very pleased with this future possibility. ]

You could invite some of your human friends, perhaps. This place is so small, perhaps there will be some cross-over in our friendship circles.

[deathoftheauthor]

Human traditions...

( Louis nods, obviously taken in by the encouragement. He's never been much of an event planner, to say the least, but the idea is appealing — a social affair during which he has every excuse to be quiet, and where the subject of conversation is bound to be something other than himself. )

Oh, but I've been to see so many films! Decades of them. Popcorn is traditional, so that will be a necessity, of course. And depending on the size of the gathering, we may wish to find somewhere with a larger screen, and a more robust sound system... and more comfortable seating arrangements, of course...

( The gears in his mind are turning! )

[abit_ofboth]

Yes, planning these things for ourselves does seem a better option, though we must make sure that whatever we do plan does not conflict with the plans of the city. That also does not bode well, believe me. [He shakes his head sadly as he remembers his failed attempt to do anything at the alternate Halloween party. He’d not even had the chance to really speak with anyone there before this place decided he needed to be at theirs. He still suspects he was punished for such a decision but has not had the chance (or will, frankly) to speak with others who may be in the same boat.

Loki smiles at the mention of his human friends. Funny that not so long ago he referred to all humankind as ants. Now he wishes to court one.] I have made a few human friends, but I admit there is only one I have been thinking of inviting. I could put out the word to more if you wish for a slightly larger gathering though.

[Loki’s face lights up in interest as Louis begins to speak. Mostly due to his mention of popcorn.] That is a traditional snack for these things? Then I truly have been missing out. I discovered the treat at the carnival. It is so versatile and, well, tasty. I am afraid I could eat quite a lot of it.

[This movie idea is getting better and better so far as Loki can tell.]

[perfectdevil]

[ Lestat is all for discussing the City's haste to punish anyone it deems even slightly rebellious to its intentions, having been at the hands of that punishment a few times himself, but he's such a hopeless romantic that all of that goes right out the window when Loki drops such a tantalizing piece of information as him only wanting to invite one human in particular.

He doesn't even pay the fact that Loki and Louis are having a lovely little time talking about food, he practically bulldozes his way over their chat to ask, with no amount of preamble: ]

Oh, I see you're intending for this to be something more intimate, are you? I'm all for that. Now that I think about it, I'm sure it's a done thing, you know. Mortals call it a double date.

[ He looks between the two of them with the sort of expression that encourages confirmation. ]

What do you think - myself and Louis, and you and the one who has caught your eye? [ His eyes flash, excitement and.. something else, piquing his interest. ] That should be thrilling company.

[abit_ofboth]

[Loki frowns, looking at Lestat with a bit of confusion when he suddenly interrupts them almost excitedly. He’s not even sure if it’s a true interruption simply because they were all talking together, but it still strikes him as odd.]

I, well, I suppose. I hadn’t thought too much about the details, but you did mention you wanted something more low key. I wouldn’t want to change your plans by accidentally inviting half the city.

[He’s playing it off a bit, but the idea of a double date to watch some movies sounds like a wonderful evening.]

I admit it sounds like a nice idea. If you are interested, I would very much like to try this double date you speak of.