Evaluating

[Ylva Kvalheim]

Ylva was bored. Such a thing happened rarely to a woman who enjoyed the hunting of muggles and preying on the innocent and not-so-innocent men around her. But for some unfathomable reason, life had lost its luster that day and she sort better activities. There were the the usual noble sports of hunting and whoring, or at least her own version of the two, but the thrill of the evening's already undergone preying upon was fading again. How could this be so? She was supposed to be holidaying, or whatever that meant. It was somewhat of a personal tradition for Ylva to skip the country after murdering her previous husband. There was the practical reason of avoiding any relatives she may not have known about, though she was careful about these things, but occasionally the country she found her unfortunate victim in had fond memories that she would rather not relive. Wherever she was at the moment, for she hadn't much cared and simply crossed the border of Norway and carried on going. Home was across the sea, and it was the last place on Earth she wanted to return to. Now what? The moon had risen, and there was nothing to do.

The tall woman simply glided out of the booth where she had been settled nursing a firewhiskey, and now she stepped out into the cool night and abandoned the small but pricey pub behind her. Her footsteps made no noise in flat silk shoes against the cobblestones. It was a long walk, but soon the lane widened into a street and then into a parkway. Ylva had full confidence striding a dark path in foreign land at night, yet something about the shadow ahead made her stop. There was no fear but some strange recognition as she sighted the figure ahead. She took one more step, then two, which was all she needed for her eyes to focus on the man. It felt like deja vu, but the feeling of recognition lingered on. The regality in which she stood changed to a posture of contemplation. Who was the man and why did she know him? There was no point standing and looking from a distance. Ylva was not one to start conversations with complete strangers, but for the purposes of enlightenment she allowed herself this once.

Noiseless on the gravel, she approached. "My apologies," said Ylva to Asparuh. "But have we met? You are familiar to me." Her Dutch accent was not out of place in this part of Europe, but she did not know what she expected to hear from this man. Did she know him from a picture, a description? Something about the long hair; or his stance. Not one of her kind, surely? She detested the mystery and its subsequent need for speech. Somehow though, she believed him worth speaking to.

(( I swear my posts aren't going to stay this big. I was just bored. ))

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

Asparuh stood, as this country meant nothing to him. He had some little business to take care of, as he cleaned the fresh blood off his hands with a cloth. With a tap of his wand, the cloth vanished, and the evidence was hidden. Black robes cloaked his tall, massive form. He was a brute, and a deadly, dangerous Death Eater who had been around since the beginning. He was careful, full of stealth about his kills. He did it so quietly, without a thought for the families involved. Asparuh did nothing of the sort. It would consider him to have a heart, for which he often didn't. He glanced down at his hands, now clean and ridden of any sort of human tissue.

Now that the job was done, he did not feel the need to return home, to his newest child. The future evil was sleeping soundly, from when he left. However, Asparuh suddenly tensed up when he felt eyes upon him. His hands curled into fists in front of his chest, and out of instinct, drew his wand. He did not know who to expect, or what. It could be an Auror. Asparuh would gladly smite one of them. Though the steps were light, noiseless. Asparuh gripped his wand tightly, and when he turned, he was confronted with a woman's voice, and a woman's persona to match. Sure, all Death Eaters knew each other from words or from missions. Yet, he was trying to match a description with a face, that is, if she were a Death Eater herself. Though with his mind, his power that he would not use unless needed, he never forgot a face unless he or she were not important enough to deal with.

Staring down with soulless black eyes at the woman, her accent seemed to match this part of Europe, whereas his did not, "As you are to me." He was the perfect description of Asparuh Zhefarovich, from the posture, to the facial expression, all the way down to the eyes. It would not be common that the elder Death Eaters have whispered or spoken of this man. He was one of the originals after all. Asparuh did not take any pride in that. His pride was elsewhere. Asparuh still had his wand out, but he folded his arms across his chest regardless. He would not be standing here long, unless this woman had something interesting to say, something enough to make him want to stay, or kill her. Whichever.

 

[Ylva Kvalheim]

The fact that the man had his wand out did not go over Ylva's head, which was why she pointedly ignored it as an indication of truce. He was very careful, it seemed. To her irritation, she found that they were both standing with their arms folded and she promptly rested them behind her back, her weight still even in case of a fight. To stay balanced was instinct, for consciously she was only pondering where she knew the person from. Apparently she was familiar to him as well, which irked her. If he could remember then why not she? His message was entirely unhelpful. But Ylva was not a stupid woman, and she put no faith in coincidence. A man such as he, in the same part of Europe for whatever business of his own; not suspicious in itself, but Ylva was sparsely known among any circle. If he knew her, he must be a Death Eater. Added to that, if the description she recalled in her mind was true ... Ylva smiled inwardly. "Ahh, then you must be Asparuh Zhefarovich." It was a welcome revelation in the silence. He must but Asparuh Zhefarovich the ... Third, as she understood. She curtseyed elegantly then, her head still raised and her back straight, only bending her knees. It was customary of her family's formal greeting, and she assumed him to be not a stupid man and he would not take it otherwise.

How he found her familiar, she didn't bother asking. Ylva knew that she had never met the man in her life and hadn't expected to; she kept well out of everyone else's business and socialised with no other Death Eaters unless at a large gatherings, in which case she spoke only when spoken to and ignored all until the action started. She introduced herself to Asparuh nonetheless. "Miss Kvalheim," she said. Another thought occurred to her and she moved to confirm it. "You are the ... Patriarch, I think, of the Zhefarovich family?". Yes, she was sure that was his title. If he had no more business and perhaps some time, she might ask him to drink with her. Surely that would be better than simply dirtying her dress with the blood of muggles in an effort to stave off the monotony.

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

It did not take long for Asparuh to realize that she too was one of his kind. By this, he meant Death Eater, and same blood status. Perhaps it was how she carried herself, which gave off some hints. Much of the pure-bloods seemed to have grace and posture now, as well as respect. Asparuh slowly put away his wand, but did not put his arms off of his chest. It was a habit that he could never break, also something that most of the members of his family did from time to time, even the females. Still, a name had not come to Asparuh's mind. He had many names of other female Death Eaters running in his mind, as he had gathered from meetings that he had attended, which was almost all. At the previous meeting, Asparuh had to speak first, which was not uncommon. The man had years and years of experience behind him. That meeting in turn went to the murder of Scott Anderson.

"Indeed, I am he," spoke Asparuh. When she courtesied him, Asparuh did not phase, nor did he look impressed. He was used to family members kneeling down to him, as it was a law written in stone that they must out of form of respect. Why she did this, it was probably a custom of her own family, which he had no right to question. Instead, he simply nodded slowly, once. It was customary for him to do such, if someone did a custom of respect for him. No, Patriarch's never knelt down in front of others, as it would show a lack of power that one held. "Ylva Kvalheim, I presume." If so, she was the Death Eater that had that last name. He knew of no others. However, it was rare of Asparuh to use a first name to address someone.

Ah, so she knew of his title in the his own family. That alone gave her more of a chance to associate with him. Asparuh did not associate himself with younger Death Eaters often, nor did he often associate himself with other people period. It was rare that he would give someone the honor of speaking with him. This woman may receive the chance, especially after he had released some of his wrath upon a poor and innocent man not moments ago. "You are correct. How do you know of my title in my family?" Some people that knew of his family were often not any that he should trust, even amongst the Death Eaters. Asparuh barely trusted his own family members, why should anyone else receive more? Though this was an interesting circumstance, speaking with another Death Eater, only know of by names, and she knew more of him than he of her. Until Asparuh knew more, only then would he make the decision of associating with her, utterly ignoring her or simply making her cease to exist. Though the latter would only happen if she were to do something to betray the Death Eaters themselves.

 

[Ylva Kvalheim]

If Asparuh Zhefarovich considered mistrusting her because of her knowledge of his family, he was entirely right to do so. Ylva Kvalheim was not to be trusted at all, if the name alone was anything to go by. No doubt he knew little of her simply because her ancestors had not meddled in Zhefarovich affairs. Like barracudas, they went after the smaller fish and kept well away from the sharks. They were powerful but they were few, and the Kvalheim women liked to keep it so. Ylva, personally, preferred preying off of pureblooded families who were not Death Eaters, of which there were few and all having been tampered with by a Kvalheim at some point. Although the loyalties of her family appeared to be to no one, the Death Eater kind were mostly left well alone. His question irritated her, but she was not irritated with him personally; she was irritated with herself. Ylva didn't think it mattered too much if he understood how much she knew about his family, but she may regret it in the future and it may have been a mistake.

The use of her first name did not rifle her simply because her surname was uncommon. If he knew her surname, then he was bound to recognise her first name. However, very few were permitted to use it, and she would have to decide whether or not to allow its use from him. "My family are historians of a kind," she explained briefly in answer to his question. "As the last of my mother's line, I carry all the knowledge of my predecessors. What they knew of your family, and any other, I hold with me. You are the fourth of your family to carry the name Asparuh, are you not?". Indeed, if he was the Asparuh that she had previously assumed he was; the Third. He needn't have worried though. The most she knew was a few of the Zhefarovich's basic customs and the current and previous heads of the family, which she regularly updated when she could. Just enough to keep her informed.

Ja, she thought. I believe I will ask him to drink with me. If boredom were physical I would have beaten it with a staff by now.

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

"Historians," repeated the large man. Asparuh would indeed have to look into this family. Someone who dated back further than usual, Asparuh preferred to know about them. Their traditions, their ways. If they were to resemble the way his family resembled, then Asparuh would wipe them from the planet, pure-bloods or not. It was a disgrace to copy another family's traditions, and he would do everything he could to keep the Zhefarovich family original and close to perfection. Other families had vanished due to the Zhefarovich line before. Once a Patriarch took control of another family, chances were, they would get wiped out if they went against the laws, and more often than not, they did. The most recent family that the Zhefarovich's had control of now were the Mirayinov's.

None of the families that Asparuh know of though were associated with the Kvalheim's, which was rather intriguing. He didn't know anything about them, and he was rather interested in finding out exactly what they are, what their customs were, and if he needed to make them non-existent, then he would. Though truth be told, that was only one of the many extreme measures Asparuh would take. Was this why he was claimed to be the best Patriarch the Zhefarovich family had ever seen? Perhaps. His ruthlessness and fearlessness would be passed on to Kalif, and onto his newest son Asparuh Zhefarovich the Fourth. "Acknowledged. I am the third to carry the legacy name of Asparuh in the family, same as my son who carries it on after me." Asparuh had left his son in the care of his sister Raisa, who never had a child, but she proved to be an excellent mother-figure.

His suspicions had fallen for now, but he did not regard her with his trust. No, that would take years if not decades to gain. He trusted Valcan, but that was one of the very few people he did trust outside of the family. "Your mother's line is intelligent, keeping a few tabs on my family." This was a simple fact. Though now that he was here and making conversation, though very little as it seemed, it was a good sign. Usually, Asparuh would never converse with a complete stranger, or a random Death Eater. He always needed a reason in doing what he did. And right now, his reasonings for speaking were just replying to what the woman at said before.

 

[Ylva Kvalheim]

"It pays to be attentive," replied Ylva amiably. "Though others might have used the information to gain connections. We prefer it to be used only for practical purposes; so that our dealings are not in interference with yours." She often used 'we' both in her mind and outwardly, yet in the end she knew there was only herself and her half brother, Baxack. Ylva did not consider any of the men that her mother had wed to be part of her family, and the same for any of her male ancestors. The females were the foundation of the Kvalheim family, and every other relative was irrelevant. She only kept in contact with Baxack because it was rare for a Kvalheim to have more than one child, so the children tended to 'stick together', as it were. However, her mother's work (and perhaps even the work of her mother before her) had ongoing repercussions, which was why she considered their dealings to be still active and relevant. Ylva shifted her position to a more comfortable stance, satisfied that Asparuh would not curse her for the moment. She found herself curious, which was a rare thing indeed for her, and because these moods were so rare she decided to exploit it. "How old is your son?" she inquired; she could not know that he was so recently born. Ylva would be quite surprised.

Somehow, standing around as they were felt ill befitting. It wasn't as if they were old friends who had stopped for a chat in the park; if they were going to talk further then she preferred to do so in private, especially if Asparuh asked about her family. Walking away now would be a wasted opportunity. "Would you care to move somewhere else with me? If you have other things to attend to, then by all means. But I tire of this wind, and company I have suffered recently has been sadly lacking." said Ylva. Her voice was not expressionless but somehow it was devoid of all but polite interest and an ever-menacing boredom that she needed abated. Perhaps this Zhefarovich man might do the trick: he had already made her curious, which was a good sign.

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

As some information was told, from that alone, it was all Asparuh needed. From what her family had gathered, they used it so their actions and such did not interfere with his own. That alone was a smart choice altogether. Someone meddling with Asparuh's affairs would not come out in one piece. Gaining connections would have the same disastrous endings as well. "Intelligent decisions are made by your family, so long as they have never interfered with a family like mine." Asparuh had only one family known to him that was ruled by the female kind, which was now in his command. It won't be long now until that family would be non-existent. They had meddled with him one too many times, and it was about time he got to work on hunting them down: one by one.

The next question spoken by Ylva caused Asparuh to hesitate. He had seven sons, but the one she was talking about had to be none other than his newest. He was quite comfortable with the fact that he would not have any more children, unless fate dealt him out inevitably. "He was born this year, on All Hallow's Eve," answered Asparuh. He only gave out what was needed to be known, and he left out the fact that his son is already doing the Zhefarovich ancestors proud: killing the mother so that he may live. That was something worth telling in the future. Once Asparuh the Fourth is able to walk, the training begins for the future Patriarch. Like himself, his son won't be able to contact with any other children unless he had a Guardian with him. Without a doubt, that would be Raisa.

Black eyes narrowed upon Ylva. So, as interesting as this meeting had occurred, the female wanted to take this elsewhere. Asparuh was highly picky upon where he went, as most in countries around Bulgaria would at least recognize him in some form or fashion. After all, he had faked his death once upon a time. "The matters I must attend to cannot be handled immediately. They take time. However, perhaps I do have a few moments to spare. Inquiry on where exactly we would go, considering the fact I do not wish to cause...riots." Asparuh couldn't be bothered with areas that had people that would piss him off so easily. He preferred a quiet, more secluded area than anything else.

 

[Ylva Kvalheim]

Suddenly Ylva realised that her dress was rippling at the hem in agitation. This particular gown was enchanted to work similarly to a sneakoscope though its reactions were far less noticeable. Apparently it believed her to be in some sort of danger, and she wondered why she had not noticed its antics yet. The wind blew fiercely in the open area of the park but her dress did not sway with it; nor did her hair or anything else. But her dress was moving, and only now did she recognise its subtle distress. "Berolige dig selv...calm yourself." she muttered softly to it, and the material fell instantly serene. Ylva did not blame the dress, though. In the presence of this man, she was in constant danger. Far from being turned off, she was rather pleased. Her curiosity swelled.

She raised her dark eyebrows after hearing that his child had been born so recently, but nodded in approval. "My congratulations," she said. All Hallow's Eve ... that would have been very recent, she mused. Ylva wondered vaguely who the mother of the boy was and why Asparuh had not mentioned her; then again, why would he? They did not know each other well. In the back of her mind she wished that fact to change, for she saw their meeting as no longer coincidental but fortuitous. There was no reason why this should be so, but some good had to come of a chance meeting with a Kvalheim that did not end in a duel. Noting the hesitation in his answer, she moved on.

Asparuh was right in questioning their destination, for she herself had to choose carefully. Ylva was currently staying in a guest house which she had recently bought, and the private bar in the upper levels was an area she was rather fond of. There would be few patrons at this time and the area was unplottable with all the usual protections and wards. To Ylva, comfort and privacy were the same words. Their destination she relayed to Asparuh then offered her arm for apparation; it was held loftily as though she was wary of contact in general but was explicitly permitting his.

(( If Asparuh accepts you can godmod the room and whatever you want. ))

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

When Ylva muttered to herself, it raised many suspicions doubting the woman’s stable mind at hand in Asparuh’s mind. If she were pure-blooded, as he assumed her to be, then it would be a liable explanation. Some pure-blooded families became so inbred, unfortunately, that their descendants ended up with some issues concerning with appearance and mind. The Zhefarovich’s were lucky to have remained normal after all these years, except for the strange tall gene they had received. He was not at all ashamed of the defect of being tall in the blood. In fact, he was lucky by it. Most were rather scared of someone so tall, so powerful and dangerous appearing. It made others just not wish to meddle with Asparuh, in which he preferred.

A single nod was all he needed to reply to her congratulatory statement. The baby boy would grow up to be a fine boy indeed. Asparuh had all the faith in the world for the future Patriarch, just like he had with Kalif even if he did spawn from a mistake. If he had a choice, he would not have changed that event in time, but he would have erased Tsvetanka from the history. He didn’t need that woman, and she was a disgrace to even be married to. However, Asparuh did approve of her ruthlessness she displayed while in action, and her deadly good looks. Asparuh appreciated much from his late-wife, but was ashamed that she had a single muggle in her bloodline to make her filth.

Asparuh needed no more words until they were in a more secluded area. He would have no other choice but to give Ylva the benefit of the doubt and allow her to apparate him somewhere that he was not familiar with. Considering she was no Auror, he knew she was not stupid enough to get him in serious trouble. Asparuh had encounters with Aurors before, and he knew better than to fight a bunch at once. Asparuh’s hand grasped Ylva’s arm, as he did not wish to lock arms. His grip was strong, but shouldn’t leave a bruise unless she was easily maimed. Asparuh prepared himself to be apparated, and like so, it happened. After the trip, he released Ylva, not wishing to touch as much as he did not need to.

You can describe the room. It is Ylva’s guest house.

 

[Ylva Kvalheim]

The smell of coffee and rich goblin wine greeted them as they apparated into the foyer of Ylva's guest house. The receptionist bowed in greeting and did not speak, simply letting Ylva and her guest pass through and into the levels beyond. One flight of stairs later and they reached a small but expensively decorated bar where one or two male occupants sat and drank, talking in low voices. Audibly the speaking stopped as both Ylva and Asparuh made their way to a private table, though not a single person stopped their activity or looked their way. She was quite used to the silent respect that she was shown and paid no attention to the change in atmosphere. She seated herself on the red velvet and oak chair after Asparuh had and waved her wand vaguely as a Mufffliato fell over the table; a force of habit. No one would dare listen in anyway, lest they wanted to be laid in the ground with their innards no longer inner.

Ylva continued as if they had not changed setting at all. "You have one son, I now know, but do you have other children? A wife, perhaps?" she asked, only inquiring about Asparuh's partner, or lack of, out of politeness. She was far more interested in his children anyway; not for the 'sunshine and joy' they might bring into his life, but mostly to learn more about the subtleties of his family. Ylva herself had only one infant son just recently born, and she did not see fit to mention it unless he asked. Araxfell was generally irrelevant since he would not be her heir. Spouseless, she did not bother to mention her marital status either. It was inevitably a dangerous topic anyway.

"And if you require refreshment, do not hesitate to call for one. We should carry something to your taste here," she added to observe the niceties. Strangely, Ylva found herself unable to predict whether or not he would accept a drink. She never poisoned her guests; if she wanted them dead, they would be dead. But his reaction would be of some interest to her, though she would not show it.

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

Assuming the spell that she had used was for blocking people from listening, Asparuh’s tall form resumed in a sitting position, which was straight and utmost proper. Asparuh was rather relieved that the others around would not be paying any attention to him, no matter how fearsome he appeared. Asparuh sighed and he answered, “I have many children, a total of ten, though one has died. I had a wife, once, but Azkaban claimed her life. I had a…lover for lack of better word, before my newest son took her life in the process. Such strange questions you ponder upon. There must be an incentive behind these inquiries.” Asparuh would only answer questions that pertained to information given. There weren’t many lucky women that had encountered Asparuh.

All four that had managed to seduce him, through potion or by other means, have turned up dead by some matter of circumstance if he did not end the life himself. All the children that he had produced, Asparuh had only been able to raise three. That would change though. Now that all of his children that had yet to grow up were in his possession, they would be respectable Zhefarovich’s like the rest of them. And if they were not raised to be such, he would eliminate them and allow them to join their half-sister Iulia who had foolishly died of heartbreak. It was pathetic really. Asparuh had always thought it irrational to love, and expect it in return. Someone like him had blocked it completely, severed it. It would only prove to be a weakness. And if any woman tried to do this ‘love’ and expect Asparuh to show it in return, they were gravely mistaken.

“I would rather not. I only consume what I prepare, for personal reasons,” Asparuh stated. The cold, vice look he gave her basically told her to not ask questions. Too many times had he taken someone’s offer, and he ended up in bed with them. Asparuh had a weakness, which was love potions. Never did he remember the events, but he remembered the wrath he shared upon the woman after waking up the next morning. It was strangely pathetic to drug someone into an intimate night. Asparuh did not assume this woman would do the same, but he was better safe than sorry.

 

[Ylva Kvalheim]

Well isn't he busy, thought Ylva as she raised a mental eyebrow at the amount of children he had. She could not guess his age by the way he looked, but somehow she had the feeling that he was older than her; though by how much she didn't dare guess. Ten children in however long he had lived, if longer than her, was a reasonable achievement. What on earth does he do with them all? she thought blandly. And he quite makes it sound as if his son had a choice in his mother's death. Ylva paused and reevaluated the thought. Then again, if I had thought to as an infant I would have killed my mother before she'd even laid a hand on me, myself. Disturbed from her musings, Ylva frowned almost imperceptibly before responding to Asparuh. "Hardly strange questions, Sir. Is it not courtesy to inquire after another's family?". She smiled at that. "But as for my incentive, it is nothing that should trouble you. I am simply curious. It seemed more relevant to ask about your family first. Anything else would have been too ... personal." Her smile remained for a moment longer before her face returned to passive interest.

Then again, she had hardly answered his unspoken question; why was she specifically asking about family? Ylva decided to oblige him a small thread of the tapestry that was her thoughts. "I suppose you could say I've developed a particular interest in families; I am ..." she hesitated for the briefest moment "...planning to start one myself." Family is not quite the word I ought to have used.

Now her amusement grew again as she noted the wording of his refusal to drink. For personal reasons? thought Ylva, concealing her smirk masterfully. I dread to think was someone has done or attempted to do to you in the past. "As you wish." she said softly, giving a half bow and half nod of her head. Perhaps he will suffer a few more questions, Ylva decided. Usually conversations were less one-sided and had both participants asking about each other. But Asparuh Zhefarovich seemed ... if not content to answer her questions, then tolerant of them. But he asked none of her, which was the point. She was not displeased with this, and only grew more curious. What was he thinking? "And you are not native to this part of Europe, I am sure." she said. "I think, perhaps ... Bulgarian?". Quite a way from her own home country but a place she was familiar with nonetheless.

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

Asparuh did not doubt that he would care about what was running through Ylva’s mind right now. He didn’t need to. Asparuh wasn’t that nosy and respected privacy as much as the next person. Asparuh smirked faintly at her retort to his saying. How almost expected. “Depends on just how much you are asking of said family,” Asparuh replied almost too calmly. Asparuh heard that she was only curious and that often is what drove him to kill others. They meddled in just too much, and they had to be disposed of. Just like that. But at least she wasn’t going too personal. That was something he respected and that was something to respect. “Curiosity killed the cat, so to speak. Be warned of that, for the reason that I usually take that quite genuinely.” It was a quick warning for her, just in case something ran through that little mind of hers.

How odd. She was just now planning on starting a family? She had to be rather close to Kalif’s age, who should be lessening on starting a family. Asparuh didn’t plan on his most recent children. They just popped out into the world, and he could do nothing to stop them. It was in his power, but it could have went against the laws of the Family. He too were bound to such laws. “You must be starting a little later than most would have considered. Other activities had pursued your interest more so during the youngest of adulthood, had they not.” The way Asparuh was speaking now, it was as if he knew much more than he appeared when really he just assumed. It was also a method often used by him to trick others into spilling what they had done. Asparuh had no intention of making Ylva Kvalheim spill any information she did not wish to spill however.

The thoughts that ran through Asparuh’s mind were not upon this Scandinavian woman in front of him. In fact, it was as if he weren’t even devoted into the conversation they were having. Asparuh barely paid even the eldest of Death Eaters much attention unless he really needed to. Perhaps this was why he did not ask her any questions. He did not care to know much about her. Asparuh could easily gain information from someone if he so wished, while only telling little about himself in the process. Little would prove no wrong, not to a fellow Death Eater. Another question was asked, and so it was answered. “Bulgaria is my home country, yes.” That was all that came from the man’s mouth. No extra information was given, and Asparuh’s eyes bore into hers. He appeared suspicious, but he was not.

 

[Ylva Kvalheim]

The thought that this conversation was becoming increasingly futile occurred to her, but Ylva was not ready to abandon ... whatever this was, just yet. She could have put it down to her curiosity but it was obviously apparent that that was not what was keeping her fixed in front of this man. Ylva was fascinated yet she of all people knew exactly how far to take things. Curiosity was no longer an excuse. Well, she could drop the ball and simply explain that she wanted to know more about him; an equally fruitless endeavor. Ylva chose her next words very carefully. "Curiosity does not become me well, so I do not indulge in it frequently. It has its limits." This was an interesting situation, indeed. Somewhere along the line he had questioned her motivations for all the things she was asking him, and she too was becoming wary of her own endeavour for information. But the simple fact was that Ylva liked this man and wanted to know more about him. It was just her way of making conversation. Sweeping her waist-length dark hair off of her shoulder, she smiled inwardly. Best be careful what you say now, Kvalheim. she told herself. Some men did not take kindly to a woman's interest, even if it was not romantic.

If she was being careful before, Ylva put the portcullis up on this conversation topic. She wasn't nervous though, for she was used to having to conceal the workings of her family. She had been doing it her entire life. But subjects such as this could often lead to the subject of her profession; then she would have to start killing people. "It is somewhat of a tradition," said Ylva calmly. "I'm not entirely sure if I am considering a husband to accompany the child I am after, but perhaps it might help. Whatever the case, this is the time when a Kvalheim woman must choose her heir. I have one son and he is not suitable, so I must try again." she told Asparuh, not looking at all as uncomfortable as she actually was.

I rather like Bulgaria, mused Ylva, waving her hand at one of the barkeeps to bring her a drink. She was brought a whiskey liqueur in a very small glass which she sipped delicately and then cradled in her lap. It was habit of hers not to place her glass upon the table. Ylva had been poisoned one too many times before. Suddenly a thought occurred to her and for the first time without thinking, she spoke. "Your newest son's mother ... was she important to you?". Ylva paused mentally and sighed at herself. So much for non-personal. Well, suffer his irritation, foolish woman.

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

This was a strange yet curious predicament. Why was she still sticking around? Asparuh never had much company, not in his presence for even this long. Usually, the other person left, either from fear or from another emotion that Asparuh did not bother to extract from their mind to see. What was so interesting about himself that kept this woman here in front of him? Curiosity was more than the reason. Perhaps she just wanted to know him, to know his history. He had been around for a very long time, after all. I could spare this woman some knowledge about me, so long as it isn’t too much to get her claws in and use against me. She would be foolish to do that. That would be something a mudblood would try to do. Of course, there would be no need to explain that. “Yet, it has come to curiosity of a dangerous and lethal man. How brave, or imprudent, whichever.” Every motion that Ylva had taken, it was noted in his brain.

A tradition, that was something Asparuh could relate to. There were many in the Zhefarovich Family, most were never broken or lest be punished by death itself. “I assume you are looking for another pure-blood to give you a suitable heir of either female or male. I respect your family’s traditions, and will not question them, neither will I ask why the other son is not suitable. However, what type of man are you looking for in order to supply you with a suitable heir. This is all considering that the male would have to be respected and also able to meet most of your needs.” The DNA of a child was most important, as it mixed with both mother and father. In order to create a suitable heir to any family, the partner would have to be well suited; with or without marriage.

Asparuh’s eyes averted from Ylva’s own dark ones to the barkeeper that brought Ylva a drink, before the man was ushered away. A man like Asparuh did not approve of acting like a drunken fool. He much rather have someone sober and speak, with information almost impossible to retrieve from. That just made things much more interesting than they did before. He took note that she cradled the glass in her lap and not on the table. It was not in Asparuh’s personality to poison a maiden. With narrowed eyes on the female Death Eater, the question was indeed pushing Asparuh. Irritation flashed in his eyes for a split second, before they returned to utter coldness. “She was useful to me, otherwise she had lived out her purpose.” It was harsh to say, but it was also somewhat true. Asparuh was also protective over her, but that was all gone now.

 

[Ylva Kvalheim]

Ahh, this was more like it. A bit of back and forth, mutual- ... if not interest, then at least feigned interest. Ylva spoke very little to anyone at all and spent most of her time in her own company. Therefore she wished any interaction she had with outsiders to be worthwhile, and such conversations were difficult with a silent partner. Luckily it had picked up a bit on Asparuh's part. She had certainly crossed a line in asking about his son's mother, but the irritation was expected and she accepted it and moved on without further comment. Ylva raised her eyes to his and openly acknowledged the mistake to him with a look; not one of apology, simply recognition. She focused on his earlier comment and responded in turn. "It was an inconvenient curiosity and has such been dealt with as my usual inconveniences are; annihilated." said Ylva, smiling to him in jest. She paused, then spoke again. "And, I suppose it is only bravery if you are entirely sure of what you face. As of yet I am not sure what wrath could be visited upon me if my questions become too impudent. Perhaps you could enlighten me?". In this question she was partially joking but secretly quite serious. Asparuh was a dangerous man, she knew. Ylva would be quite interested to know his thoughts on the matter.

Now how to go about answering him without making unintentional insinuations? she thought irritably, pondering his question. I am not looking for a man like one would choose a cow at a cattle station. Ylva decided to be frank. “A female, to be precise.” she informed him. “And as for the man ... He must be of pure blood,” Ylva agreed with Asparuh, speaking as though it was not a wish of hers but a prerequisite. “Of sound mind and body and possessing relatives with similar qualities. I am looking for these things, but neither could you say I am actively searching for it." Ylva looked slightly displeased with the next bit of information that she shared. "No doubt such a person with suitable stature would want me to marry them, as any honorable man would. For my child's sake, I would do this." But I would not relish in another union, she added to herself. Suddenly Ylva appreciated just how hard her mother had worked to find a man suitable to sire her who could father a child with no strings attached. It was difficult to explain this without making it sound like she considered every man to be a prospect; she did not.

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

Ylva was lucky that she did not comment on Liyla, to further that topic. Asparuh did not wish to think about it, at all. It was better left forgotten. Forget it and move on. Asparuh did this with Tsvetanka and now with Liyla, finally having the two of them dead. Though he was protective over them, both were more of a burden to him than anything else. Neither deserved his full attention, not when they did not even embrace the darkness within. The darkness that would allow any Zhefarovich to fall victim to the woman who possesses it. However, none of which were strong enough to possess the one male to have conquered and took control of the darkness as a young child.

Nodding slowly, as if he comprehended what Ylva was speaking of. “Perhaps meeting all those that you have eradicated at Hell’s Gate if you continue asking imprudent questions. If you wish to inquire of what I have done, and who I am, I suggest that you choose carefully. Often, I strike without warning.” This was all too true. There was a lack of a humorous emotion in his eyes. Nothing about this man was joking. He did not have a single funny bone in his body. This was why he was not able to cast the Patronus. He was never happy, and could hold no happy memory to use to be able to cast such a spell. Asparuh did not see a reason to use the spell however. He had other means of communication and defenses.

Even then, he knew that he could meet his demise at the hands of a dementor or a lethifold, for he could not use a spell to drive them away. Her choice of air did strike Asparuh as odd. A female…heir? “How strange. Never had I heard of a family that used female heirs.” It seemed almost familiar. However, Asparuh and his family believed in mostly male heirs leading the family. “A pure-blood heir of the female sex and possessing qualities of honor, from what I gather. Sadly enough, there are not many that are like this in our times. If you do not actively search to conceive an heir of these qualities, then you might end your family line. Time and worthy people are growing short. Conceiving a child outside of marriage is always low and pathetic in my views, but they do not matter as it does not concern me.” Asparuh wondered if she would allow her family’s line to die out, but then again, the less people there were, the better. Asparuh had yet to witness Kvalheim out in the line of danger, proving her skill. It would not matter to him if her line died out.

 

[Ylva Kvalheim]

Ylva, on the other hand, did see the funny side of the situation. She knew that Asparuh was being quite serious in what he was saying, and did not doubt that they would fall out if she stepped out of line, but Ylva had gotten a kick out of rousing him from impassive speech. However, her amusement at this and of many situations she encountered was locked firmly away and smothered beneath caution and suspicion. Once again, she chose to remain silent. It was at that moment that she realised that she liked him. Taken aback, she was silent for several seconds. Ylva was not thinking of him romantically, but in terms of character she approved of his mannerisms greatly. To her, he was all that a man should be; unlike every other pathetic male in the human race, thought Ylva. If I knew who had raised him I would congratulate them. Did all of the Zhefarovich's carry similar traits? If so, they were a worthy family indeed. It was a landmark in Ylva's life; there was no higher compliment she could have mentally bestowed. But, as always, it was internalised. Simple opinions were useless and nobody's business. There were more interesting things to focus on.

"I fear you are right," said Ylva. She did not frown but it was apparent that the matter troubled her somewhat. "My foremother's considered this stage of life to be a trial and taught their offspring to view it as such. And quite a trial it has proven to be." To find a man of honor, strength, ... sanity. Ylva smirked to herself. A rare thing in these times. Someone fit to spawn a child worthy of her household. If I had more freedom of choice I choose a man of his stature, she thought, looking hard at Asparuh Zhefarovich. But then ... why did she not have the freedom? Perhaps it was worth looking into. Their conversation had been a distraction, but it might prove to be a future opportunity; she would wait to see how it panned out. Her mother would turn in the grave thay Ylva had put her in if she knew what sort of a man she might have found. "Divan," said Ylva suddenly, lifting her hand and gesticulating sharply to someone behind her. The bartender almost dropped his crystal glass in his haste to attend her. Placing the barely touched liqueur on the platter he offered, Ylva dismissed him once more and regarded Asparuh calculatingly and cautiously. The night was getting longer and she had something to ask before she stepped into any deep water. "I must know; are you familiar with any families you think might have what I seek?" It was a simple enough question and she could only hope that he would oblige her, whether he cared about her lineage or not. What was this, matchmaking? Asking felt almost undignified, but the ends could justify the means if he had something else to offer her.

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

This woman was far more of value than many others as far as Asparuh could tell. There weren't many female Death Eaters that he approved of, but as always, he had a favorite. As of the moment, Asparuh's favorite female Death Eater (other than his sisters of course) was none other than his daughter-in-law, Nicolette Styx. She was such an improvement to the family than that one disgusting woman Namina. Oh how Asparuh relished in the memories of seeing her fall, seeing her in a bundle on the ground, before he made sure her body, along with Dorothee's, were never to be found. It was things like this that brought Asparuh some relief from stress - but not in any case was it happiness. Not even close to happiness.

Asparuh's arms folded over his chest, and he eyed Ylva cautiously. How odd that her family considered her own age to be a trial, and Asparuh wondered vaguely if she were to ever pass the trial. For some odd reason, if she had spawned one, then she had better use that spawn before she would run out of time. There were ways to raise a suitable heir without a descent partner. Asparuh stated, "If you do run out of time, as far as I am concerned, age and time is against you. The sooner you find a man to conceive an heir with, the better the chances you have of survival. Labor is no easy task for the elderly obviously." Asparuh knew that was the reason why Liyla had passed so suddenly. Her age and her body couldn't handle childbirth, and it was too late to perform surgery. All-in-all, Asparuh assumed that he won out of the situation. Though he was handling it smoothly, as he did actually care for Liyla in some aspect, there was still something good that came out of the situation.

Asparuh completely ignored the bartender and the question now caused Asparuh to go into deep thought. His ebony eyes closed, as he ran over the list of families that had purity in them in his mind. Asparuh could think of none, not any that came to mind that did not have a connection with his own. Slowly, eyes opened, he shook his head, "Other than my own, as the males were brought up similar to the mannerisms I have, I cannot think of any. I would have to go to the Zhefarovich Manor and research on bloodlines that in some aspect have had some history with my family." There were so many, some come and gone, there was just no way he could do that without his files at hand. It was a shame really. Truthfully, he did not care to have some other pure-blood lineage continuing unless he saw the use of it later on. It did not matter to him if Ylva did not spawn anymore. However, she inquired, and Asparuh answered, not hinting at all whether or not he cared.

 

[Ylva Kvalheim]

Then he was in a position to seek out the information that she needed. Putting her in a potential position to see him more often. If Ylva played her cards carefully, she could be able to get what she wanted or close to it. His words had rung true for her; she was growing older and had suffered childbirth only months before, finding it utterly exhausting and had kept her in bed for a week thereafter. She felt that she could only do it once more, or even twice if need be, but no more. Ylva was not weak by any means, but childbirth sucked the energy from one like a dementor. She had worked hard to build up her stamina once more, but it was apparent that raiding muggle towns would be out of the question for some time yet.

Now there was the matter of her future heir. Everything she had; her strength, her wealth, whatever there was for the other to gain was at their disposal should they give her what she needed. Ylva wanted this man to give her the child; or at least someone very like him. Now it was simply a question of making this seem like a favourable prospect to whoever she chose. She would make sure that they did not regret their choice. And if all goes well, they should gain a good night, two powerful and steadfast women and the loyalty of assassins ... though they wouldn't know it, thought Ylva, appearing just as deep in thought as she actually was. Slowly she opened her eyes and looked at Asparuh.
"And what about your family?" The question said everything. Forgetting 'family connections', 'purity of blood' and other ridiculous crusades that other women of her standing liked to indulge in, Ylva just wanted a child worthy to carry her name; and there was little she wouldn't do to get it. Perhaps ... perhaps he or someone he knew could grant her wish. What a fascinating person, she thought.

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

There was something suspicious happening, and immediately, Asparuh caught on. What in the world was wrong with women? Why did every one he had come across want to spawn with him? There were very few, but so far, it was just ridiculous. Asparuh tapped his fingers against his arm and he answered coldly, "My family is and will always be off limits to commoners. You have yet to prove yourself worthy, but as you continue here tonight, you could be higher than that in my standards. Ylva Kvalheim, you seek out a mate to conceive a child. Many have already found their love and married. I can only think of a few that could be a possibility, but it seems highly unlikely they would give you what you want."

Asparuh paused for a moment, and he continued, "There is my youngest brother Vladislav, unmarried but he is not even worth your time. He is exiled from the family, but ask why and you won't live to see sunrise. I also have a twin, Arnost, however, he lost his love Thorine so I doubt he would be rather generous with sexual intercourse, even if he is more probable to produce a female." Asparuh thought over the members of the family, and Asparuh could think of only one more. "Axel Zhefarovich is the last one unmarried. However, he is highly unlikely as he has his eyes set on Avory McKenna." Asparuh glanced down, realizing that he had left himself out. As he did this on purpose. As there was an old saying out there that says, Save the best for last.

Though most people in the family thought that Alphonse and Asparuh were in a competition whether or not who can have the most children. So far, Asparuh had more pure-bloods, but Alphonse had more children overall. However, neither were aware of this secret family bet. Asparuh's gaze landed on Ylva's eyes once more, with a piercing look to the soul, "I am aware of what you desire. Know this, sleep with a man of my stature, you will lose yourself to a man like myself. In the Zhefarovich Family, you will become a slave to the laws, and a slave before the Patriarch, who is also sitting before you. The child would bear the symbol of this family, as it will overrule any other blood it has it in. Your family would fall in their place, as I would gain control. It has happened to the Krassmira's, who are all dead. It has happened to the Mirayinov's, whose fates I have not decided yet. I have full control over the Hensel's and the Snow's. The child would be raised strictly under my traditions. This is why I tell you that this is unwise to seek out what you desire from my family, or worse, from me."

 

[Ylva Kvalheim]

Luckily Ylva had not heard of the effect that Asparuh had on so many women; she might have thought twice about pursuing him herself out of principle. But she could not say that she was unattracted to him; there were simply more important things to think about. Persuading him, it seemed, would prove to be a challenge. Ylva was quietly confident of her worth to him, knowing that she was sound of mind, body and blood. Now it was just a matter of knowing what to say and when to say it.

That was until he got to the 'best' part. Slave to the laws of the Zhefarovich family, slave to the Patriarch ... to him? What were these laws? All this for a child? If you were rolling in your grave, Mother, it would only be for laughter, thought Ylva sourly. Then again, there was little to lose in her circumstances. She was eldest of the two Kvalheims left on earth, having eliminated the previous two, and continuing her line was worth far more than a little subservience. As long as her daughter continued her family's traditions in tandem with the Zhefarovich's there should be no problems; Ylva would make sure that they did not overlap. Bonding to the blood of such a family could only mean better things for her child, and perhaps even for her children if she could better Araxfell's life with the partnership.

"It would be unwise for someone who was uneducated in the consequences of such action and who had much to lose. But you know enough of my circumstances to know that despite all that I might endure, the situation could prove too favourable to ignore." she told him after a moment's silence under his burning gaze. "I have said," she added, "that I will bear whatever I must for the sake of an heir." Her chocolate eyes seemed to harden. "And I have the strength to bear it." Gazing into Asparuh Zhefarovich's eyes did nothing to abate her determination and pride. "Would you consider it? Anything you need to know, I will provide." In the back of her mind, Ylva knew there would come a time when the darkest corners of her family's history would be open before his eyes. Pondering this and finding it not an abhorrent thought, she knew her decision was right. Now it was up to him. She smiled to herself; there may be some hope in this after all.

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

Asparuh listened to her words, as he had become aware that if she accepted, he would have to perform. Although, having a personal slave around the Manor wouldn't be that bad. Not even for her sake, because Asparuh did not need much nor did he request many things. This also meant that Asparuh had yet another family to control. Asparuh had to admit, he was power-hungry. He enjoyed having control over almost everything he came in contact with. It was just another piece on the chessboard to claim. That was all it meant to Asparuh. He would give her the very child she wanted, and in return, he basically would own her family, own her child, own her soul.

There was an issue where the gender could not be determined. And Asparuh could also provide multiples, fraternal twins mostly. That mattered on the father, whereas identical twins, he had never conceived. Perhaps that was a good thing, because he could careless which was which. Asparuh warned, "I will do this, if only you abide to what I have said before. There would be no loopholes out of it. Leave, and you die, as well as the rest of your pathetic family. They will be hunted down, maimed and killed." It wasn't even in the laws. That was just something the Patriarch enjoyed to do every so often. And if Ylva were to be pregnant, she would be limited to so many activities to keep the descendant of the Zhefarovich family safe.

Asparuh rose, and he outstretched his hand. Left hand, palm up. There still was no emotion on his face, but there was an evil smirk in his ebony eyes. If she took his hand, they would be off to the Zhefarovich Manor, where she would be bound by blood to them. Not by marriage, no. This was perhaps a bit harsher. "Once you take my hand, there is nothing you can do to get out of it. You say you will do anything to receive an heir, and yet, you will lose your family to me. The child will be raised by my laws. If your family traditions interfere with ours, they will be discarded. If you go against our laws, you and all your family will be killed. Is that understood, if you still want to accept this offer?" Asparuh could careless either way. It was just another family to him, another family to control. Another child to be raised to be feared in the community.

 

[Ylva Kvalheim]

Raising her eyebrows as Asparuh accepted, a smile of satisfaction slipped onto her face. The future of her family's blood would be secured by this union. She did not like the look in his eyes, though. It was as if she was an acquisition. The look had been shared by many a man who had wed her, and the satisfaction she got from seeing them pale in terror only a year later as she wrung the life out of them was exquisite. But there would be none of that this time, no escape if the frustration became overwhelming. As he had said, it was do or die after she put her hand into his then. His eyes were chilling; it was not the foolish and weak look that her previous husbands had, but convicted and strong. He would possess her now. Ylva was slightly sickened, but it did not lessen her resolve at all. As she had repeated to herself several times that evening, the ends justified the means and if she could raise a powerful daughter with descendants only queens could match, her trials were nothing. At this stage in Ylva's life, what she left behind in the world was worth everything.

"I understand," she answered simply and calmly, placing her hand in his. What a risk it was. Perhaps he had lied and did not plan to give her at child at all. So many possibilities; but if Ylva did not get what she wanted, all Hell would be unleashed upon him. If she gave up so much only to end up childless and in permanent, nameless slavery to another family ... the thought sent a quiver of rage into her stomach. The fire of potential energy was completely ignored and she calmly allowed herself to apparate with him to his Manor. All in good time, Ylva. she told herself. You will become used to this life soon. The girl would be a crowing legacy in her bloodline, glorious to behold. All it would take was time. So it was time for the fun part.