video; daemon: kyd

[mordacita]

[ Rafa is sitting on a countertop bar, his legs dangling. The camera is looking up at him. For now, the rest of the room is obscure. He's smiling. His suit is slightly damp and his hair has been pulled back to keep it out of his face. ]

Hello. My name is Rafa, and I have some news.

First, to those who have just joined us, welcome. Many here will know that I am a vampire. This is not a secret, and the new faces among us should know it too. If the word is unfamiliar to you, what matters is this: vampires drink blood. We need it to live. Many fear us because of this. Some of you spent time with me in the land called Eudio, where synthetic blood was given to my people. That is not an option here.

I come with an answer, I hope. A friend of mine has made a machine.

[ He pats the device sitting beside him. It looks something like a filter coffee machine; slightly bigger, and with more openings. ]

It clones bags of blood to create more. If you are not a vampire, then I ask if you would donate. One pint is all I need, and I can replicate it indefinitely.

For those of you that need this, as I do, I ask you to come to me. I will give you what you need, and none here will have to fear us.

Either way, I would be glad to see you. But even if you do not donate, and do not want my help, I would welcome you to this bar.

[ Rafa slides off the counter and waves his hand. His obedient daemon turns, and the camera now takes in the whole room. The bar area is filled with bottles of alcohol, as many varieties as Rafa had been able to find. There are booths with soft chairs, and dim lighting. Xistentia's foliage has been cleared away, and the whole place has been redecorated in shades of black, dark blue and purple. Rafa's own navy blue suit matches nicely. He comes back into view. ]

I grew rather good at making cocktails in Eudio. I find I miss it, and mean to continue. I am calling it The Coven. Cliched, I know, but it makes me feel at home. Come and shelter from the rain, if you will. I have plenty of space.

Comments

[mordacita]

I have always liked the taste of wolves. you may have guessed that.

[ And if she hadn't, that probably tells her more than she ever wanted to know about what Rafa gets up to with Hunter. ]

Are you saying you would like to play here, Rosie? I would welcome it. Music always improves the atmosphere.

[ Even for blood donations, he's sure. ]

[hasitsthorns]

[ That gets a laugh out of the woman. Yes, she was well aware how much Rafa liked Hunter. She would hope so, considering they were married. ]

Alright, cool. Just making sure.

-And yeah, I'd be down. You might be sharing me though. I already promised my musical services to someone else too.

[ Well. She didn't 'promise' anything so much as say she would, but- Same difference. ]

[mordacita]

[ Rafa lifts his shoulder. ]

I cannot expect to keep you busy all the time. Is there another bar you will be working in?

[ Because, you know. It's good to be aware of the competition. ]

[hasitsthorns]

Maybe. It's still, uh, in the planning stages I think but.

[ But she obviously hopes it comes to fruition. ]

I offered to help him out as music whenever he got it up and running.

[mordacita]

[ Rafa nods. ]

Well, the Coven is functioning now. [ A sweet little smile. His tone is very sweet too. ] So perhaps you can join me, until such time as...the other place, is open.

[hasitsthorns]

Well, it's not like I ever planned to be musically exclusive anyway. Talent like mine shouldn't be contained to just one venue.

[ #humblebrag ]

[mordacita]

[ Oh, Rosie, no. Rafa's eyes almost roll out of his head. ]

I am sure we can agree to see other people. Musically.

[ He sighs heavily. ]

I could probably talk someone else into singing, anyway. You would have no problem with sharing your stage in turn, I presume.

[hasitsthorns]

[ Wow, Rafa, look. This is the one thing she is half-way confident about. Let her have this. ]

Oh. I mean. I guess not.

[ That sounds more like a 'yes' than a 'no,' Rosie. ]

[mordacita]

[ He is in no way trying to manipulate her ego. Of course not. He would never do that. ]

That is what I thought. You would not mind the spotlight lingering elsewhere. After all, you will be too busy to worry about anything like competition, I assume.

[hasitsthorns]

[ ... squints. ]

I don't have any competition. I'm the best musician around this place, last I checked.

[mordacita]

Are you?

[ How innocent that question sounds. ]

Well, I suppose that will be for the public to decide.

[hasitsthorns]

I am.

[ Meanwhile, she's borderline offended. Rafa's heard her sing, been to Pandemonium more than enough times to hear her mixing. He knows she's good. He should. ]

But fine, I'll prove that I am. I'll sing at your place and Kaz's and anyone else's I can.

[mordacita]

[ The best way to get what you want? Turn it into what someone else wants. Rafa knows Rosie well enough to know pride will be a factor. ]

Good. I simply like to have people I can rely on, and if you plan to share your services, well…

I will have to share my opportunity. I knew you would understand.