Chapter 4: Enlightenment

Disclaimer: Written in 2001, this story was inspired by characters and situations created by a certain author who discourages fan fiction.

Writer Contacts: To contact Wiebke (and especially if you would like to link to this site or any of the stories), email wiebke@juno.com.

Louis gave von Stroheim a questioning look. "You wouldn't turn me in?"

"Of course not!" his companion burst out. "Don't you think I've learned anything in this life of mine? If nothing else, I know how to keep a secret."

"That much is clear," Louis agreed. He glanced over to the library again and began to walk in that direction. "Could we perhaps sit and talk?" he asked.

"Oh, of course, excuse me," von Stroheim apologized, leading the way. "I've been a terrible host."

"How can you say that? I burst in here with the crazy idea I could kill you!"

"Yes, but since then I haven't--"

"Oh, leave it behind you." Louis took a seat in one of the luxurious chairs. The library seemed to be set up as an eighteenth century European salon, complete with musical instruments and all manner of Englightenment-era scientific toys. It occurred to him that Lestat must have visited such places during his ten years of wandering on the Continent. For a moment the thought of Lestat distracted him. Would he be worried? Should he tell Lestat what he had found out?

His thoughts were pushed aside at once, however, when von Stroheim settled into his seat and began to speak. "How would it be if we began again? You know, proper introductions and so forth?"

"Oh, yes, of course. I think you know a few things about me already."

"Yes, I think I do," von Stroheim replied brightly. "Your name is Louis de Valmont -- or at least so you told me -- and you're a vampire and... you like Classical music."

Louis nodded. "All true... except the name. But I'm sure you understand about that. You can call me Louis, however."

"Ah, thank you, Louis. And likewise, you may call me by my given name." The mysterious storekeeper extended his hand. "Wolfgang."

"Wolfgang," Louis repeated. "I haven't heard that one in a long time."

Wolgang smiled. "No, I suppose not. It used to be quite common. It means 'wolf path,' you know."

Louis nodded. "I understand. Now let's go back to where we just were. You know a few things about me. I still don't know much about you -- you're a mystery. All I know so far is that your name is Wolfgang von Stroheim -- or at least so you told me -- and you have something special in your blood and... you really like Classical music."

"There you have me. Now as for the rest, just tell me what you think. Take a guess, as it were."

"You're not a vampire..." Louis began.

"Not a chance."

"But you are immortal."

"Yes."

"I think, judging from your tastes, that you're at least as old as I am."

Wolfgang took in their surroundings and then examined Louis in turn. "That depends on how old you are, Louis. Obviously I have no way of knowing. So how old are you?"

"Over 200," Louis admitted. "I came into this life in the 1790s. Right here in New Orleans actually."

It felt strange to admit such a thing. Actually the entire idea of meeting a new person for the first time was quite novel. Everyone he knew had known him for a long time or at least a few years. Lestat. Armand. Marius. And not only did they know him, but they'd read his book and Lestat's histories and they simply knew all about him. No one else knew because mortals couldn't know. When he spoke to Wolfgang it felt like a transgression even though it really wasn't.

"Well, then, you're exactly right. We must be almost the same age. I grew up in Vienna under the reign of Joseph II. And it was in Vienna that this happened to me."

This was too fascinating. Louis found that he had moved to the edge of his seat. "And what is 'this'?" he asked.

"That, Louis, I will now explain."