[text]

[circumsutus]

How many non-humans are here in Vatheon?

If you are not human, what are you?

Comments

[feralfanatic]

[Further spurred on by his questions, she continues.]

Starting with the 'lowest' castes, It starts with the Candy-red blood of my matesprit. Then comes, Burgundy, Bronze, Yellow, My own Olive, Jade, Teal, Cerulean, Blue, Purple, Violet, and finally Fuchsia.

[circumsutus]

Impressive. Why does a caste system exist?

[feralfanatic]

That is a complicated question. Mostly, it is a circumstance of birth. Those of the higher blood colors live longer. The older, and more potent trolls of the higher blood colors use this as impetus to rule over their 'lessers'. It is actually something me and my friends were set to be executed for trying to go against. My matesprit saw another path for our race, one of peace and equality.

They killed him for it.

[circumsutus]

I can't imagine living in a world like that. I'd probably end up just as dead as your matespirit.

[feralfanatic]

The world itself is not a bad place. It is beautiful in many ways. It is the Empress and her regime that is the major problem.

[circumsutus]

And any rebellion gets put down with extreme force. Your species has no opportunity to improve itself.

[feralfanatic]

Yes. We cannot advance as long as she holds the reigns to our people. The only consolation is that even far after my time has come and gone, other decent trolls are hatched. My descendant Nepeta, for instance.

[circumsutus]

Is Nepeta as much of a rebel as you?

[feralfanatic]

From what I understand she refuses to judge others by the hemospectrum, at the very least. She reminds me of myself when I was her age, actually.

But, I suppose that is partially the point.

[circumsutus]

Oh? Is your descendent supposed to be exactly like you?

[feralfanatic]

Not... exactly.

We do share certain genetic similarities, but it would be nearly impossible to be exactly alike. Which lusus chose them, how one is raised, who they associate with, who they take into their quadrants every decision can lead them down a different path then the ancestor that came before them.

At least, that is as much as I understand about it.

[circumsutus]

I see. That's absolutely fascinating. I would love to learn more about your similarities and differences.

[feralfanatic]

I bet you would. Not unless the little one gives her approval. I do not feel right giving out her personal information.

[Thankfully it had not been phrased as a direct question.]

[circumsutus]

Oh, I wouldn't want to hear it from you. Second-hand knowledge won't be as useful as getting the information directly from her.

[feralfanatic]

Yes, well, good. She is approachable and fun, I hope she can help you with what you wish to know. Information exchange is important. We are stuck together in this golden cage with each other, it benefits us all to share what we know with each other.

[circumsutus]

That it does. And if there's anything else you want to share with me, I'm willing to hear it.

[feralfanatic]

[A sigh, there was one subject, at least. Though she hated thinking of the guy.]

Have you been warned about one of us in particular? Large, monstrous purpleblood. Goes by the name of 'Grand Highblood'?

[circumsutus]

I haven't. Should I avoid him?

[feralfanatic]

He is a monster. Everything that is bad about our kind, distilled into one hate-filled muscle-bound husk.

[circumsutus]

Really? He sounds fascinating.

[feralfanatic]

[Okay, so the warning had served the exact opposite purpose she had intended, crap.]

He murdered thousands in cold blood, all at the whims of the Empress. Not cleanly, either. Rumors speak of nightmares coming to life, and disturbing levels of torture. He is hardly what I would call fascinating.

[circumsutus]

Even horrific things can be fascinating.

[feralfanatic]

You can find it interesting all you want, but please take the warning for what it is.

He is dangerous.

[circumsutus]

So am I.

[feralfanatic]

[As right as he might be, in her mind there was nothing more deadly then the Highblood. Thousands died in his campaigns. The sureness in the voice of the human she spoke to put her a little on edge as well.]

My warning was given, take it or leave it. Do not say I did not warn you.

[She shudders, just thinking about the purpleblooded monster made her queasy.]