Van/Kani chat

Van allows Kani to take their arm for guidance.

Once away from the castle...

"Hey, so, sorry about... all of that. Great first day at work, huh?" Van says.

Kani now looks sleep deprived on top of frightened. "It's, um, none of my business... I-I didn't hear..."

"Nah look. I'm also sorry about waking you up. Coulda done it myself but you probably don't wanna be in there right now anyway."

"It's - It's no trouble, Lady Van."

Van snorts. "I'm not a lady. Not a noble. Call me Van." pause. "Hey so, I won't snitch 'cuz I hate that guy too. What did you hear?"

Kani goes very quiet. Head down.

"Look. I'm not gonna hurt ya. I promise. I don't do that. Hurt innocent people. I won't tell on ya either, give 'em any excuses. Just curious about whatever dirt you heard on that fucker."

"I... I don't..." Kani's voice is small. "Please, I don't want to get in the middle..."

Van sighs. "Okay. Okay, fair. Hey, though. Tell me if Laurent tries anything. Okay? And tell Lucien too. Tell anybody. Fuck, why are you working here?"

"He offered - Lord Lucien - he said he needed a maid, and..." Kani trails off.

"Mhm." pause. "Do you know, uh... Well, do you *know*?"

Kani looks strained again. After a few seconds, she nods wordlessly.

"Okay. What do you think about it? I won't get offended."

"I... Um... I - I won't tell. I won't tell anyone."

Another sigh. "I meant... Okay. Thanks."

"I'm sorry."

"Why?"

"I - because - I've displeased..."

"Look, people are afraid of things for a good reason. Like. I won't even blame you. I can only speak for myself when I say I don't go after innocent people. But anybody can say anything and you don't have to believe 'em. Most vampires aren't good. I get it."

"Will they... Are you - going to -"

"No turning. Feeding only if allowed. I'm not even gonna ask. You'd say yes even if you don't wanna."

Kani says nothing. That's probably an accurate read, though.

Van breaks the silence eventually. "So... got any hobbies? Let's talk about something else before you die of a heart attack."