*Brista POV

Right... it appears we've got two more potential recruits now. So much like you all, I also wonder what Grimm might make of them.

So far my husband had been a fine selector of who could and could not join the ranks of his top echelons; and make no mistake, through the majority of them are part of his family, I bet you sensed great things from us despite not actually seeing us in combat situations--yet.

But the tell is that we, including the white-haired twins, are all vampires. I wonder if he could still act with the same meticulousness to recruits of other races...

Then again, for a vampire lord to decide to take in such diverse talents!

"Wife."

"Sire."

"You've seen to their accommodation?"

"Already."

"Good."

"Might I ask... what plans have you in mind?"

"Their names are Arzakh and Kaltenworf, of Djinn and lycan clans of Valpor and Zarastra, respectively."

"Your Majesty did have it correctly."

"Interesting. For them to be able to be brought in one go... Djinns are mostly renowned for their superb trait of competitiveness, see. They are proud to the point of being brash, prudent when needed, and could be very resourceful. Then again, it would not do to generalize; but I think Arzakh resembled them well enough--more so because he said he is his clan's last."

"As regards to the lycans, however..."

"They are currently our bitterest adversary, I know--but again, generalization is out of the question. Kaltenworf, to me, is quite well-mannered and outwardly caring. I have yet to discover his true motives, though; might not be able to do that soon, in fact."

"And why?"

"They both might not be willing to wait that long. I'd say one week is the maximum we could retain them for."

"With respect, Sire, they are well within our jurisdiction. You could, if you will, regard them as prisoners and get whatever you need to from them, for as long as you might wish."

"...Not a bad idea. Mind, this was Rissa's first chance to get to actual action and she may be a bit down. I'll check on her later. All the while, it would do to let her get along with these new comers. Think of how our common folks would react to them, though; could be hilarious."

"She'll have a second... and you sure have everything covered, sire."

"That, my dearest Dragoness, is one thing I will expect of Areena as well; which, it reminds me, may just be what is needed..."

"...Sire?"

"You remember he is of age to receive the valetry certificate. Might cause some rift if we are to have him search among the vampire population; our kind possesses a certain sense towards rule and distinction of class, and having a mortal as a boss--prince or not--might not end too well."

Damn. Quite the spot-on analysis, Grimm. "Well, then?"

"Well, if he could somehow charm these new potentials to be under his wing, in a metaphorical sense..."

"Hold on--so you're aiming to create a mixed valet team of races? This... is unheard-of!"

"Yeah, so is the case of a mortal succeeding to a vampire clan."

"Hum..."

"Brista, my dear, we have been together now for almost twenty-five years. I'm surprised my 'unheard-ofs' could still surprise you at all."

"...Good point. It's just... they always seem shocking when you put them forth like so."

Grimm snickered and kissed me once on the forehead. "This too?"

"Hardly. Continue, please; I wish to see this to the end."

"Well, now, the idea is there. You will break it out to Areena as best you can. To have any effect at all, the desire to include them in his team will have to come from himself. Good?"

I bowed.

"Lord Vladista, you will see from me what will please you."

As I retired from his presence, again after all these years, I could not help thinking that maybe my decision to forsake Lycania was not at all fruitless.