Our second character, willing to give an interview is, Lysander. Without further ado, here he is.
A tall, athletically built man casually walks towards the podium. Wavy, chocolate-colored hair frames his oval face in a messy, yet purposeful way, emphasizing the almost transparent nature of his twilight, blue-grey eyes. He exudes a power and an old world charm. From a large bag draped over his shoulder, he removes a large, old looking book.
"Greetings." He flashes a brilliant white smile to the crowd. "Ms. Salidas has asked me to speak to you this evening."
He places the book on to the podium and opens it.
"I am Lysander, and I am very pleased to speak with you all. As I understand it, you are curious about my kind, and wish to question me."
He flips through a few pages in the old tome on the podium.
"I am a historian by nature, having seen the centuries turn. I've had the pleasure of knowing many cultures as well as watching the rise and fall of some civilizations. It was only natural, I document them. This tome before you, is a mere blip in my history. I've written several such books, each containing a different era of my life. This one, which I have brought with me today, details what I think you will be most curious about...my turning."
He steps to the side of the podium, clasping his hands behind his back. One by one, he looks deeply into the eyes of each an every person in the audience. His stare is piercing and inviting all at the same time.
"I am, as you have no doubt been told, a vampire. And I have been one for more than two-thousand years." His voice is smooth and soft, carrying an almost melodic tone to it.
"Born in ancient Greece, I was turned at the age of twenty-eight, by Kallisto. We believed in many god's back in that time, and she convinced me she was one. She offered me the wine of her blood and the pleasures of her body. Unfortunately I was not aware of the price of such gifts."
He flashes another smile to the crowd, purposefully showing off his fangs.
"I spent my first thousand years with Kallisto," He pauses, the corner of his mouth rises in a smirk. "Divorce, was not really an option for our kind."
He takes a step back behind the podium again, turning a few more pages in his book.
"Kallisto and I, ruled over the largest vampire coven ever known to exist. Together, we watched the rise of Christianity and the fall of our beloved gods. We had a very comfortable life, that is, until our disastrous parting."
He looks down at his book, and closes it.
"Though we parted ways, Kallisto never truly left me alone. Sadly, I must say, she's tormented poor Alyssa because she feels she still owns me."
Lysander looks back out to the crowd. "And now, after having given a very brief summary of my early life, why don't we open up the floor to some questions. I'm sure you all have some specific things you wish to know."
Jessica says, “Do your teeth get in the way when you kiss? LOL. Um, not too many questions here. :-) I like that name too.
Lysander looks toward Jessica, his eyes seem to sparkle, and amused grin crosses his face. “I’m glad the ladies in this audience find my name acceptable. As to the question of my fangs, no, rest assured I have never had an issue with my teeth…getting in the way.”
B.J. Anderson asks, “How do you get used to moving from one place to another, over and over again so you don't draw suspicion to yourself?”
“I’m not sure I understand the nature of the question. Do you mean to ask, because of my nighttime limitations, does that make it hard to move, or are you simply asking how I adjust to moving from place to place? Just like when a human person moves, there is a period of adjustment. Before that, the area has to be scouted and a residence is usually set up. The physical act of moving is really no different.”
Lysander walks around to the side of the podium again. “Unless you are concerned with the, 'how' of moving. Perhaps your concern here is my limitation to the light. Yes, I am extremely photo sensitive, but I can still stand a little light. As long as I am only exposed to minimal natural light, I am not in harm’s way. I can function during the daylight to sign legal documents and what not, as long as I remain indoors. I am not forced into the earth or meant to lie in a coffin during the waking hours of the day. I set up meetings with realtors and lawyers when it is convenient for me and normally, at my location.” He paces in front of the podium raising his hand, he extends his index finger.
“As to your second question, how do I remain anonymous? Well, that is simple. I do not flaunt myself around. Others of my kind may have fancy houses, clothes, and make a spectacle of themselves. I however, do not. I do not risk bringing down the wrath of the Acta Sanctorum on myself or those who reside in my home."
Lysander walks back behind the podium. “Any other questions?”
A hand rises from the crowd.
Lazy Writer asks, “Why did you and Kallisto part ways?”
Lysander stands quiet for a moment. His hands come together as if in prayer. Slowly he brings them to his lips. He takes a deep cleansing breath before speaking. “Ours was a one sided relationship. I gave her the world, worshipping her as my mistress. It was not until much too late, that I understood how little she felt. All she cared for was power. Only then was I able to separate myself from her. She, on the other hand, never wished to give up control. Control meant more to her then love. Even with another man in her bed, she sought me out.” His eyes close and he stands silent, breathing slow deep breaths.
“My apologies, that subject brings back some not so fond memories. Please continue, let us have more questions.”
Scott Free asks, “Lysander--how do you feel about werewolves?”
“Well Scott, I know popular fantasy has us chasing each other down only to destroy one another, but that simply is not the truth. To be perfectly honest, the human world could learn a lot from the supernatural one. You don’t hear stories of our wars all over public news. That is not because we good at hiding from the mortal world, it’s because we don’t fight amongst ourselves the way you do. Now, I haven’t seen my Lycanthropic cousins for some time, but I can guarantee if I called on them for help, the pack would be with me as soon as possible.”
"That was an excellent question Scott!"
About The Author
Katie Salidas is a USA Today bestselling author and RONE award winner known for her unique genre-blending style.
Since 2010 she's penned five bestselling book series: the Immortalis, Olde Town Pack, Little Werewolf, Chronicles of the Uprising, and the all-new Agents of A.S.S.E.T. series. As her not-so-secret alter ego, Rozlyn Sparks, she is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with a naughty side.
In her spare time Katie also produces and hosts a YouTube talk show; Spilling Ink. She also has a regular column on First Comics News where she explores writing from a nerdy perspective.