"I'd be surpirsed if that drunkard even REMEMBERED that night."
"It's doubtful, Vancha, but I have a feeling that she is smarter than him."
"You only say that because she's your daughter."
"Oh, but are you so different?"
"But you did not give birth to me."
"I might as well have, you know that."
"Hmm, how will we break the news."
"Let them have their time. When the chance comes, seize it."
"I shall. I swear it, Evanna."
"How many times must I tell you, I am your mother, treat me like it!"
"Again." He demanded. I crouched to the ground on all fours, "Grab the bag and DO NOT mess up this time."
"You don't think I'm trying?"
"AGAIN." he yelled again.
"Just so you know, it's hard to see in the darkness." I lurched into the air, aiming for the bag containing my shoes and coat that just missed my hand and I plummeted 10 feet back to the ground, back first.
He pulled me up by the arm, "You rely on the light too much. You also are not applying lower body strength. Run it again or you will freeze as you sleep."
"You know good and well you won't let that happen." I got in jumping position again and tried again. I grabbed the bag this time and brought down the branch it was hanging off, landing on me. "7th times the charm." I grinned, throwing my coat back on.
Unamused, he tied my shoe laces together and threw onto a lower lying branch. "You will LAND on the branch this time. Go it again."
I groaned and prepared to jump again. "You know, Larten, you should learn how to differ you apprentice from your own family."
"I've yet to learn why you insist on being the exception."
I jumped and retrieved my ever faithful boots from the branch, "HAHA-OOF!" I fell- No, I was PUSHED! But... How? As I rediscovered the ground and dusted myself off, I looked to the tree limbs to face the smart guy who dares to push a girl. "Eli, get over here. Now." That was the 'You're-in-danger-stay-by-daddy tone of voice. I came over to him and he grabbed my wrist, "Be very quiet..." He whispered.
We examined the skies.
"We-he-ell, I hadn't believed the rumors but I see it now! Larten Crepsley has a daughter! And she's a weakling!" "HEY! Anyone could've fallen off a branch like that if pushed properly!" I stood strong.
"And a moron. You shouldn't mess with me, kid. Do you know who I am?"
"Can't say I do."
He grinned, "Vancha March. Vampire General. And I challenge you, Elitria Crepsley, to a duel. Hand on hand, no weapons."
"No, Vancha, this is not like you. She's barely a cub! A half-vampire!"
"What'll it be, Elitria? Fight me or follow daddy's orders the rest of your life."
"I don't know what is wrong with you, Vancha, but I hope your stupidity is not contagious." Dad groaned.
"You seem drunk, or worse: Born that way," I cracked my knuckles and crouched in fighting stance, "Bring it, Sissy."