| R.I.P. |
[07 Apr 2010|06:47pm] |
"We must not fear daylight just because it almost always illuminates a miserable world."
Rene Magritte
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| 032 |
[04 Apr 2010|07:35pm] |
The rules, as it were:
Vampires are dependent upon blood to survive. Starvation is uncommon, and although has been attempted in some primitive form of torture, has never ended well for anyone involved. That said, vampires are immortal, unless they receive a stake through the heart, a removal of the head, or exposure to daylight. Daylight must be bright sun, for the record. A vampire may venture outside on an overcast day, so do not assume you are perfectly safe at three in the afternoon, as that may not be the case.
Garlic may slow us down but it will not protect a flat, as garlic essentially gives us hay fever. Crucifixes, ankhs, and other various symbols of life will also prove difficult, but only if the person wielding said symbol is a true believer. If you haven't bothered to talk to God in a few years, don't expect a crucifix trinket to stop a vampire. Neither will running water of any sort bother us; however, a person may seek refuge upon (current) holy ground and be protected, as we may not venture upon that land. Likewise we cannot enter into a private residence unless invited.
Please protect yourselves. Do not believe gossip that will result in you and your family taking chances. These are dangerous times. If you have any questions, or you would like my non-vampiric sources for the above information, I will be only too happy to give my assistance.
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| 031 |
[01 Apr 2010|08:19pm] |
Appetizer's new toy. Don't mind Appetizer's nakedness; his sweaters were in-between washings.
( Warded to Morgan )
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| .30 |
[25 Mar 2010|09:48pm] |
Due to recent events, the Vampire Rights Association is taking an indefinite hiatus as its president, Zachary Rueben, has been called out of the country for other business matters.
Thank you so much for your kind support over the years. The VRA will be back; it is only a matter, like all things, of time and good fortune.
( Warded Private )
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| .28 |
[14 Mar 2010|09:01pm] |
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to a peaceful rally hosted by the Vampires Rights Assocation! It will take place in front of the Ministry of Magic on March 23rd and will be led by the inspirational Cynthia Mortimor. Mortimor has been a proud member of the VRA since her turning in 1882, and her active participation, kind nature, and organization skills are paralleled to none. Mortimor first began active campaigning when she was in the Temperance League as a human witch in 1877, and from there she has fought for her beliefs in a peace-filled manner ever since. Please join us for a night to remember. As always, participants will be searched for stakes and garlic before they are allowed to join the crowd.
Thank you, and I hope you have a good evening!
( Warded to the Order )
( Warded Private )
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| .27 |
[25 Feb 2010|08:57pm] |
I thought we might need a bit of silliness. That is Appetizer in his St. Valentines Day garb.
As some of you know, I'm a representative of the Vampire Rights Association, as well as a vampire myself. Although the VRA has already issued its press release and condolences for the terrible Quidditch Massacre, I would like to reiterate those thoughts as well as add a few of my own.
I understand why some people are afraid of vampires. We are dead, and yet we do not die. We have no need to breathe, and nothing but the rays of the sun (and a well-aimed stake to the heart) can do us in. But please, please understand that we do not share the same political ideals, just as not all wizards and witches are Death Eaters. I'm terribly sorry for the attack, and all those affected. It is not as it should be.
I can only hope that those in power are making it as it should be, at least to the best of their ability.
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| .25 |
[26 Jan 2010|10:14pm] |
For the record, my girlfriend has never beaten me up, despite her rather vibrant claims. Likewise, she has never beaten me at rugby. Any insistence to the contrary is purely fictional.
Also, I will now recite love poetry for you, Morgan, but only because you seemed to approve of it so in Mr. Snape's journal.
Meeting at Night
Robert Browning
I.
The grey sea and the long black land;
And the yellow half-moon large and low;
And the startled little waves that leap
In fiery ringlets from their sleep,
As I gain the cove with pushing prow,
And quench its speed i' the slushy sand.
II.
Then a mile of warm sea-scented beach;
Three fields to cross till a farm appears;
A tap at the pane, the quick sharp scratch
And blue spurt of a lighted match,
And a voice less loud, thro' its joys and fears,
Than the two hearts beating each to each!
Thank you, thank you. I expect to be shagged for this.
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| .24 |
[22 Jan 2010|09:22pm] |
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( Order )
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| .23 |
[19 Jan 2010|11:01pm] |
It makes little sense to me, killing those who are non-violent. I knew Mr. Emmerdale very well; he was one of my first contacts who vouched for me when I first wanted to join the VRA in the 1650s. He could've refused my interest - my past was certainly checkered enough - but he was so kindhearted. He truly believed in the best of people.
Those that would seek to viciously kill such a man, those that would tie his hands with magical binds, those that would leave him to burn -
- they are the true monsters.
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| .22 |
[17 Jan 2010|08:59pm] |
I am quite enthused because I have picked up a new vampire book that is turning out to be somewhat popular over in the Americas. It is entitled 'Interview with a Vampire', and it is by a Muggle named Anne Rice. It is something of a (masochistic) hobby of mine to read Muggle interpretations of vampires. I must say I did very much enjoy Stoker's Dracula, as well as Nisbet's short story, 'The Vampire Maid', even if both were very much inaccurate.
My favourite has definitely been Salem's Lot by an American author named Stephen King. While it too held a great deal of false information, it was quite breathtakingly scary, and it also made me a bit nostalgic for the times when raiding towns was morally okay and, but only in the ironic sense, of course.
Sometimes escapist literature is a beautiful thing. And one of the benefits of having books at Caer Dubh is that they also double as weapons should someone decide to come stare over my shoulder whilst I am engaged in reading, Ms. Morgan MacDougal.
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| .21 |
[02 Jan 2010|10:12pm] |
Violence begets violence.
( Private )
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| .20 |
[18 Dec 2009|09:55pm] |
For Ms. Savage, since she so politely requested, here is a picture of Appetizer's Halloween costume from this fall:
To all the rest of you MacDougals: how dare you, picking on a poor little... dog... thing. I dare say that this picture will bring far more positive attention than the one Angus posted yesterday of his cropped hair. I think he looks like a sheep that's been shorn too early.
On a more serious note, thank you to everyone who attended tonight's VRA rally. I do hope the Ministry noted my spirited "The Fourth Unforgiveable? Tyranny!" sign.
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| .18 |
[14 Dec 2009|10:27pm] |
Seconding what Angus has already said: historically speaking, stripping away the rights of a minority has never been the precursor to peacetime, whatever the Wireless is saying about a sad necessity. A sad necessity is having to watch one's budget lest one overspend. A human rights tragedy is making life even more difficult for a group of people whose lives are already marred by trauma and pain.
I've had firsthand experience with what happens when someone is told over and over again that they are a monster: they become a monster, and they will kill. By denying any social outlet and feasible employment opportunities, the Werewolf Employment bill will drive desperate werewolves straight into the packs that run wild just outside the city borders.
The Vampire Rights Association is hosting a formal protest of the recently passed Werewolf Employment bill. If you are interesting in participating, this protest will take place at 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 18th in front of the Ministry of Magic. Please, we encourage all forms of non-violent protest.
As always, wands are allowed, but any and all attempts to disturb the public will be quelled by yours truly. And believe me, I am in no mood to quell politely.
( Morgan )
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| .17 |
[01 Dec 2009|11:28pm] |
The full moon hangs heavy over the fields surrounding Caer Dubh tonight. It's always been beautiful to me; even before I was a vampire I loved gazing at it and wondering if it was true that it was only a star orbiting the earth as all things orbited the earth, and it was only God's breath shaping it to be large and small and then large again. Now I can see the pock-marked craters left by the various meteors by better than I was able to as a human being, but it's still beautiful.
It's a shame that its rising is coming to mean something more ominous than the simple beauty of nature.
( Warded to the Order )
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| 16. |
[11 Nov 2009|09:46pm] |
I was thinking this morning of war. It's not a pleasant topic, and I've been in enough to loathe the arrogant violence associated with such a venture. There are many things worth fighting for, yes, but very little is worth the death of anyone if it can be avoided. Lives are so brief - candles with a guttering flame - and it pains me to see anyone injured by either an outside party or by misunderstanding.
Wizards and witches are more fortunate than some, I should think. When I was alive, I fortunately lived in peaceful times, but after my death, I was witness to over twelve wars. It was always the same with Muggle conflict - gunpowder, fire, axe, and arrow, and now that I am a vampire, I may kill with my hands or with my teeth or with a gun, but only if I shoot myself fir. However, with wizards and witches, there is nearly always a choice. Intent. I have heard it said that you really need to have a particular will for an Unforgiveable Curse to be functional. One may choose between a curse that kills, or a curse that inhibits. I am envious of this. I am perfectly willing to act in self-defense, but my moves are limited, as are any Muggle's.
There is very little glorious about wars. There is no dignity in adhering to any cause. Perhaps that is not what I am supposed to think, in this day and age, but it is what I feel.
In news I'd rather not impart, the Vampire Rights Association will be closing its offices in Kent due to budgeting problems.
( Warded to Morgan )
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| 15. |
[24 Oct 2009|08:33pm] |
A vampire bat came flapping in from the night covered in fresh blood, perching in his usual perch on the roof of the cave. Smelling blood, the other vampire bats began to ask him where he'd found such a delicious meal.
"It's none of your business," said the bloody bat, but the others persisted until finally, he gave up and said: "Fine. I'll never get any sleep at this rate. Follow me!"
And out they all flew, hundreds of vampire bats blotting out the moon, the rustle of leathery wings echoing through the wind. They flew through a valley, across a river, and through a forest full of trees. Finally, the bloody bat slowed down as they reached their destination.
The other bats, salivating at the thought of dinner so close at hand, began to flap their wings ever more quickly. "Where is it? Where is it?"
"Do you see that tree over there?" asked the bat.
"Yes! We do!" they returned in a feeding frenzy.
"Good," said the first bat. "Because I sure didn't."
For the record, no, we do not turn into bats. But I like the joke regardless.
I will be out of town for an evening or so. It is the time of year that I pay my respects to those that are long since dead. I'll be back before you miss me, however! And thank you Morgan, once again, for the assistance and company.
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| 14. |
[10 Oct 2009|07:44pm] |
Things are not going as well for the VRA this quarter as we'd hoped. In response to recent budget cuts and a lackluster turn-out for the Latvian-based charity ball this past September, the British Chapter of the VRA has evaluated its various offices and has determined to close its office in the city of Newport in Wales. This office originally had acted as a trauma and rescue center in which newly-turned vampires were welcomed to stay, no questions asked. Counseling was also offered at this center. Unfortunately, as of October 1st, we were forced to close the location.
I helped open the Newport office in 1878, so it's a bitter taste to close it but 99 years later. It feels very much a setback, but they never claimed that social work would be easy. The VRA will manage, as it always will.
I know that there was quite a bit of much-deserved outcry regarding the misfortune at the Brookstanton library, as well as the uncertainty about the murdered young man being held at the Ministry of Magic, and the healer and her husband who are currently missing. Our own misfortunes pale against these other tragedies. Life is much too brief as is. My thoughts are with those currently in anguish due to these happenings.
On a completely different note, I find myself in a bind. I usually go on a pilgrimage every October to remember people that have long since past, but I am uncertain if I can get away properly this year. It will be the first year I've missed out on it since the second World War.
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