Who:Bex and Marcel What: Duval party When: Sept. 12th Where: the Duval house Rating: low
Marcel didn’t know if he and Bex should attend a party thrown by the Duvals, but the pair certainly didn’t like to pass up a chance to get dressed up and attend a party. Plus, Marcel would be lying if he said the party didn’t pique his interest. Something told him it wouldn’t be much different than the parties the Mikaelsons threw in the past.
Either way, he donned a classic black Dior suit, ensuring his tie matched Bex’s dress. When they arrived at the house, someone greeted them and informed them that for this evening they could help themselves to the humans, within reason. The reason being to not drain them and adhere to the laws in place to protect the humans.
He looked at the radiant blonde on his arm. “Well, the house certainly isn’t understated.”
As much as Rebekah did not like Damien, she was curious about his world. What was that saying? Know thy enemy. Rebekah also enjoyed a good party and the parties the Duvals threw were rumored in Midnight to be some of the best. It was the excuse to dress up that Rebekah would always take.
Slipping into one of her more expensive dresses, Rebekah did her makeup and hair then Marcel and her were off to the portal for (hopefully) an enjoyable evening. As the two stepped inside the manor, they were greeted by a vampire who informed them that they could snack on the humans…as long as it fell within the boundaries of the law. Given the Mikaelsons did exactly have rules about who they fed from, it was a new development. Not that Rebekah planned on feeding on anyone tonight anyway.
Marcel’s voice drew her from her thoughts. “Obviously. Neither is the service,” Rebekah replied and nodded towards the staff flitting in and out of groups of people with silver trays of champagne. “Even the staff are dressed to the nines around here.”
Marcel knew first hand how loose vampires could be with rules regarding feeding on humans. After all, he’d run a club that at midnight turned into a snacking ground for vampires to feed on unsuspecting humans. They weren’t allowed to kill them, but still. Here, though, the humans seemed to be consenting. Maybe he’d have a snack later, but for now he helped himself to one of the glasses of champagne as a server passed, handing one to Bex.
“There’s Alyssa.” Marcel spotted the young woman who right now looked every bit like she fit into this world. “I shouldn’t be surprised to see her handling herself well.” He turned to Bex. “I wonder if Caroline is taking notes somewhere for future parties.” Mostly Marcel joked, but he did know Caroline’s past of ensuring every party thrown was perfect. A sip of champagne and the vampire looked at his fiancee. “Shall we dance? People watch some more while I walk around and show off how gorgeous you look in this dress?”
The relationship between the humans and vampires was one of mutual benefit. The humans received protection and favors in exchange for being willing blood bags. Rebekah had never seen it work out so well before, but given how controlling Damien could be, maybe she really should not have been too surprised. Still, no doubt humans were pawns in the games the supernaturals played with one another. Some things never changed no matter what world you ended up in.
Rebekah accepted the glass of champagne from Marcel and took a sip. Of course it was top shelf. At Marcel’s words, Rebekah’s blue eyes shifted to her sister. “I’m not surprised. Alyssa can adapt to anything.” One of the reasons she was an honorary Mikaelson after all. “And I’m not sure Caroline would want to come here.” Last time Rebekah spoke to Caroline she wasn’t too familiar with the Duvals. It sounded as if she steered clear of them for the most part.
His comment earned him a smirk and Rebekah drained the rest of her glass. “Yes, let’s have a dance so I can show off how handsome you look in that suit.” Setting her empty glass on the passing tray of a server, Rebekah offered her hand.
If anyone could make it work by sheer fucking force of will? Marcel would bet on Damien. He might dislike the Duval brothers a lot, but he saw how much control Damien held and determination. After all, if he didn’t, Marcel doubted he’d be with Alyssa.
“I wonder if they have other options in this place?” Marcel shook his head when he tasted the champagne. “Your sister is the poster child of adaptability.” He once said that Klaus was the smartest person he ever met, Elijah the stuffiest, and Rebekah the strongest. But he’d amend his words to include that Alyssa was probably the most adaptable, and Freya the most determined. “Okay, fair point. I don’t see her and Stefan enjoying this.”
He took Rebeka’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “As per usual, you look absolutely smashing.” Marcel briefly thought of the Strix as they walked and quickly pushed those fucking crazy vampires from his mind.
“My guess? Probably not.” Why would they bother with blood bags if they had humans willing to tap a vein in exchange for some protection? From this party alone, there didn’t appear to be any shortage, especially if people kept procreating and those kids decided to stick around to be pledged.
Rebekah nodded. “She is.” Everyone had their strengths and weaknesses. Rebekah wouldn’t deny she was capable of adapting too, but it was certainly a strength Alyssa possessed in spades. “And no, it really isn’t for them.” Besides, Stefan was a ripper. Putting him in a situation where he could sink his teeth into a vein was always a bad idea.
It was very much reminiscent of the Strix, but Rebekah didn’t want to think about them either as the two started to make their way through the crowd of supernaturals. “So do you,” she replied, squeezing his hand. “I’m pretty sure more than a few of these vampires are a little envious.”
Apparently the pair shouldn’t be surprised when a (probable) vampire walked by them and said, “Humans can always become a werewolf’s mate or take a virginity pledge with the witches. But, you’re right. We don’t bother with blood bags, although we do have butchers and farmers who provide animal blood for those who prefer it.” Marcel blinked. Say what you wanted about New Orleans witches, but as far as he knew virginity didn’t play into anything, except possibly the harvest ritual? When the vampire walked away, Marcel looked at Bex as they kept walking. “I wonder if animal blood affects them like vampires in our world.”
Marcel always forgot about the ripper part. So yes, this would be a bad idea for their friend.
He grinned at the hand squeeze and compliment. “Well, it’s their loss because I wouldn’t want anyone besides you at my side.” Well, maybe Davina, but in a completely different role since he viewed the witch more as a daughter type.
While Rebekah appreciated that tidbit of information, it was rather rude to eavesdrop. The original gave the vampire a pointed look. “While I appreciate the information, eavesdropping is rude,” she replied indignantly. Rebekah was also rather confused about the use of virginity for anything. She knew in some cultures it played a huge role, but she wasn’t familiar with it playing any role in witchcraft.
The vampire walked away and Rebekah offered a shrug. “I’d assume so, but I don’t particularly wish to find out.” Animal blood tended to make vampires weaker in their world.
Rebekah returned the smile. “That’s a very good answer.”
Marcel agreed fully with Rebekah, although the vampire shrugged, obviously unconcerned by Rebekah’s words. “Virginity is…a social construct anyway.” He’d learned enough about that from female vamps he’d led.
“I’m nothing if not smart. Besides, it’s the truth. And I noticed a few checking you out, so obviously we succeeded in dressing to impress.”
“Obviously.” Rebekah had watched that particular concept evolve from a society that lived by it to one where it didn’t matter nearly so much. The world was capable of evolving sometimes even if it seemed to prove otherwise far too often.
“Then I suppose it is a goal accomplished. We should have a dance.” Rebekah tugged Marcel towards the dance floor.