Brandle

                                    

                                              


                          
                   
                          
April 19th
                          
When the Executioners finished their interrogation, Brandle followed a servant up the sweeping staircase. He'd been to most of the previous house parties and the security was new. In truth, he'd have skipped this year's because of the forecasted weather, if it hadn't been for a note that promised new blood. He didn't care particularly about meeting someone new, but curiosity had driven him to contact the regulars. Among them, both William and Angelica had made him promise to come.
                          
"I suspect this year's party will be the most interesting yet," William commented.
                          
Brandle had to see that.
                          
He was shown into his suite; a living space, bedroom, and sumptuous bathroom. Showers were still a relatively new novelty to him and he was disappointed to discover they'd left one out in favor of a large claw foot tub. As if he hadn't soaked in enough of those in the last 1600 years.
                          
Had it really been so long? It didn't seem like it, but the math checked out. 
                          
What a terrifying thought.
                          
He unpacked his suitcases and hung the clothes in the wardrobe. Two weeks was barely worth the effort, but it seemed a shame to waste what amenities they offered. 
                          
His task done, he headed downstairs to find out who'd already arrived. The Executioner in the entryway was kind enough to point him down the corridor. He found several vampires assembled in a blue room, including his host.
                          
"Andrei," he said warmly as he shook the vampire's hand. "How are you?"
                          
"We're fine. You?"
                          
"Good. I think I know everyone here," he paused and eyed a shy vampiress with red gold hair. "Except you." He moved to her and stuck out his hand. "Brandle. And you are?"
                          
She drew back, eyes wide. "Zarra," she murmured.
                          
"Now that's an unusual name."
                          
Before he could get farther, a dark skinned vampire chuckled. "What did you say your name was?"
                          
He gave the interloper a cheerful smile. It was Bassile, one of the regulars. "Brandle. B-R-A-N-D-L-E."
                          
Bassile chortled and patted Zarra's shoulder, ignoring her alarm. "Don't let him fool you, dear. He's been Acwellen for at least a thousand years."
                          
"Yes, but I'm tired of that name."
                          
"That's as may be, but it seems a little late to try on a new one."
                          
"It's never too late," he replied. 
                          
"For what?" A female voice asked, and Brandle turned to see Angelica, her hair piled on her head and her green eyes glinting with amusement.
                          
"Nice to see you made it," he said. "This is Zarra."
                          
"Yes, I know. Andrei just told me who everyone was, including you. Brandle? Where ever did you come up with that?"
                          
Zarra made a soft noise and tried to withdraw, but Brandle followed her. "I read it in a book. Sad to say he wasn't the romantic hero, but he was a rather intriguing side character who, interestingly enough, turned out to be the villain in the end. I didn't see that coming. Anyway, I liked the name and thought this seemed the perfect time to try it out."
                          
Angelica stayed where she was and raised her voice so he could hear her on his retreat. "You should have warned me when you called."
                          
"I hadn't thought of it then," he replied. "Now, Zarra, you must excuse the interruption. That is Angelica, an acquaintance I've had for many years. She's quite harmless really, despite her ferocious appearance. As I was saying, yours is a lovely name, Where ever did you find it?"