i never read the signs, driving with no lights

[interviewee]

WHO: Louis de Pointe du Lac and you!
WHAT: Louis's arrival
WHEN: Today, everything happens at night.
WHERE: Sunwaning, Solarpeak, and Dayrise segments
WARNINGS: Possible mentions of violence, etc.

[Multiple prompts below. Let me know if you'd like another!]

Comments

[gentledawn]

Have they become that ornate in the future? [Xingchen is a little surprised.] In my world, they are like long wooden boxes most of the time. Unless, of course, you are very rich.

[He smiles a little wider and inclines is head as they walk.]

I am Xiao Xingchen. It's a pleasure.

[interviewee]

Sure have. They're usually silk-lined, with a pillow and fit to the person they're meant to hold. Some are made of cherry wood, oak, all sorts of high-end stuff.

[Which means that Louis can stop with this charade.]

My sister died a long, long time ago, Xingchen. This coffin's for me.

[gentledawn]

How sumptuous! [He can respect hard work even if it seems...overdone. The dead can't enjoy their coffins, but maybe vampires can?]

...that makes sense. Thank you for telling me. [Xingchen will keep the information to himself, too.] You deserve a comfortable bed.

[interviewee]

It can be if you get the right coffin maker.

[Louis nods at Xingchen.] And they keep the sun off of us. Seems my apartment was built with only windows in mind.

[gentledawn]

We need to get you thick curtains. [Xingchen takes a path out of the city, frowning as he thinks.] Blinds too. Your apartment can be dark enough until we acquire you a nice coffin, that way.

[interviewee]

I was just gonna use newspapers, but I can't seem to get my hands on them.

[gentledawn]

News...papers? [He has never encountered those!] What are those?

[interviewee]

They're, uh, papers that can get bought or passed out. They have the day's news on it. Thus, newspapers. If I can find some, I can paste 'em over the windows. Keep the sun from being too bright.

[gentledawn]

We can do better than that for you. [Surely?] News circulating in that manner wouldn't do my people much good. Few can read.

[interviewee]

It came about around the time people started learning to read. First newspapers came from a guy Gutenberg and his printing press.

[But that's enough of the history lesson.]

We could do better, but I need something tonight before the sun gets hold of me. Gotta eat too.

[gentledawn]

Then let's start. [He redirects them from the flower yard to a fabric shop. After acquiring some curtain material thick enough to block out light, he asks:]

How many windows need to be covered?

[interviewee]

[Louis blinks at Xingchen for a moment. He has been cared for like this in a long time. Only after he's assessed the situation, he nods.]

I have two big windows in the living room and two small ones beneath them. I've got some loft style room.

[gentledawn]

Alright. This should be enough fabric. [He hopes. After rolling said fabric into a cylinder, he smiles at Louis and leads him to a local hardware store.]

I can have these done for you quickly. As for you needing a meal...

[He sighs.]

Would my blood be acceptable? As long as you don't take too much, that is.

[interviewee]

[Louis is honestly quite impressed with Xingchen. He's accepted the whole vampirism thing and come up with solutions to two of Louis's problems.]

I can as long as you don't have any drugs in your system. Otherwise I'll go find some rats.

[gentledawn]

[He likes helping others and what Louis requests isn't beyond him. He is a healthy young male and he can supply a good meal.]

I don't. I'm healthy. [He can't say as much for the rats.

After buying curtain rods, he nods at Louis.] Please lead the way to your apartment.

[interviewee]

[Louis leads the way back to his apartment, smile on his face.]

Been a while since I met someone like you.

[gentledawn]

Someone healthy...? [Xingchen asks curiously, carrying the fabric and tools into the apartment. He lays out the fabric and begins to prepare it for the curtain rods. Just a little sewing~]

[interviewee]

Ah, no. [Louis chuckles.] I meant nice.

[Louis stands by the windows, watching the moon outside.]

[gentledawn]

Then I'm sorry you've been treated poorly. [Xingchen tuts and loops the fabric around one rod, beginning to sew it closed.]

You seem thoughtful in your approach to being a vampire. No one can help their nature.

[interviewee]

I've tried to be, yes. [Louis reigns in the long, philosophical response about to fall out of his mouth.] As much as I can. Not everyone's like me.

[gentledawn]

I'm sure. [He smiles, unsurprised that Louis might be one of a kind.] Humans often give into their baser appetites and emotions. Those that resist are rare. I don't see why vampires would be any different.

[interviewee]

That’s a real progressive way to look at it.

[Louis bends down to help mount the first curtain rod.]

You mentioned your people don’t read, but do you, Xingchen?

[gentledawn]

I have encountered so many different people here. I guess they have opened my mind!

[He helps set it into place before starting on the second curtain.]

I do. I was raised on a mountain by my Master. She saved me when I was a baby.

[interviewee]

Sounds like.

[Louis smiles softly over at Xingchen.]

What kind of books do you like to read?

[gentledawn]

[Shortening the thread with a small knife from a pouch at his waist, Xingchen hums a little as he works.]

I like stories about legends and rare creatures. Philosophy is interesting too. What about you?