un: lecomte

[levampere]

Bonjour. I have a question for you all, if you'll indulge me.

How many of you here are immortal? Whether it be by natural means or otherwise. How do you feel about your immortality?

You don't need to tell me how or why you are, I'm simply curious. I myself have lived for 500 years, so I'm looking for kindred spirits, one might say.

Of course if you're not immortal and you know someone who is, I'd be glad to hear that as well. This platform was made to share opinions, correct? I'd enjoy having everyone's different perspectives.

All the best,
Comte de Saint-Germain

[ It's... It's not a letter but he's from the 19th century so. There you go. ]

Comments

[advisors]

( Literately awful. )

I can understand your caution, but leaving out something like that is unsettling.

Just how do you turn others? By a bite?

[levampere]

You have my sincere apologies. I didn't wish to scare you, since that is generally what people most fear.

[ Getting turned into a creature of the night... well, the stories don't usually end well when that happens. ]

Yes. A bite is all it takes. This is why I don't generally make a habit of drinking blood from its source.

[advisors]

As I said, I can understand your caution, but as I know what you are, leaving details out about such things seems unsavory.

I would thank you for it then, I suppose. Having multiple blood drinkers would be a tax on society, I'd imagine.

[levampere]

Forgive me. It's easy to forget all the details, after so long.

[ You know it's bullshit when he plays the "oh the years have made me so forgetful" card. ]

Indeed. It could very quickly grow out of control. It's not a skill I take lightly, nor something I share with those I am not certain will use their new life for the betterment of society.

[advisors]

Somehow, I doubt that, given your propensity for information on the subject.

A betterment of society? And just how do you judge that? As one person? That's still quite a bit of power to wield, both to those you gift and yourself.

[levampere]

Truthfully, I am more accustomed to explaining it to those who have at least a cursory understanding of the legends, so I really didn't mean to hide these things from you.

[ Probably...... ]

You are correct in saying so. But I have only turned those who were dedicated to such pursuits in life, so my gift to extend their lives was largely committed to helping them continue the work they'd leave unfinished otherwise.

[ Except for like... Napoloeon? But whatever. ]

[advisors]

( Ja'far's liking this guy less and less. He's dealt too much with half truths and people hiding behind things. )

If you say so.

And what work is that? You're still being vague.

[levampere]

[ Meanwhile St. Germain is honestly liking him more and more. He wouldn't be friends with Leonardo if he only liked people who agree with him. ]

Great artists, authors, musicians, scientists and mathematicians... I could give you their names, but I'm afraid you would not recognize them, since I very much doubt they live in your world.

[advisors]

And you gave all these people a choice? To become something wholly different? You didn't force the change upon them?

[levampere]

Indeed I did. All of the men I have turned chose to accept my offer.

There were plenty more to whom I offered my gift, but as they declined, I respected their decision and let them be.

Forgive me if I have given you any reason to doubt me. You can ask Leonardo if you wish to corroborate my words.

[advisors]

( Begrudging respect. Goddammit. )

I'm afraid I don't know Leonardo. Is he your friend from home? I assume he is a vampire as well.

[levampere]

[ He's a liar but at least he's a well-intentioned, nice liar. And he wouldn't lie about this. ]

Yes, he is like me. Though he takes a more extreme stance than I—he absolutely refuses to bite any human. He believes our existence is a curse akin to eternal damnation.

[advisors]

( Awful. )

I can imagine that immortality could be extremely lonely. And sad, should you lose those close to you.

[levampere]

That's unfortunately so. When you live forever, you must inevitably watch many people die.

[advisors]

To lose sight of the present in the favor of the future... I'm afraid I could not make that choice.

[levampere]

It is a very difficult choice, one I do not offer lightly.
But there are no right or wrong answers, merely one's personal decision.

I'm glad to hear you are certain of your choice.

[advisors]

I've seen what losing sight of the present can do. I won't walk down that road if I can help it.

[levampere]

Good. Your conviction will serve you well.

[ He loves dudes with conviction... it's cute. ]

[advisors]

( Comte.... pls. Don't get infatuated with this weird workaholic. )

It's more that experience has taught me that is a foolish notion, but I do not completely forget to look forward to the future. Just not at the expense of the present, which I feel that becoming a vampire could cause. Do any live in the moment, or are they focused solely on their goals?

[levampere]

[ He's a flighty bastard, he can have his flings..... ]

Vampires, like humans, can be wide and varied. Many spend all their time worrying about the future, but still others believe that each new moment is worth celebrating, and wish to remain solely in the present.

Personally, I prefer to keep my eyes on the future, while enjoying the present. Though the added time allows me to study the past, as well. I believe there is great knowledge to be gained in the successes and mistakes that are long past.

[advisors]

( Ja'far relaxes a little bit. Ok, maybe the guy isn't totally awful. )

My dearest friend was like that, save he didn't have much interest in studying. He did everything by the seat of his pants. And it almost always worked out for him, despite it all.

It's good to know that your people are varied, however. That eases my mind somewhat.

[levampere]

Sounds like a terror on your nerves. I imagine he and I would get along quite well.

[ He deals with Leonardo on a daily basis after all... ]

Yes, even among the men I turned, they each have their different ways of approaching their new lives.

[advisors]

He was. And I expect him to be, whenever he returns.

That's good. I'm glad they don't lose themselves to the newness of their situation.

[levampere]

I'm sure he will be.

I wouldn't let that happen. I'm not one to turn someone without taking responsibility for them.

[advisors]

I'm glad at least you have that kind of attitude. Many would not.