Dear Santa Lestat, I’ve been pretty good this year I think. I passed all my classes and even had a bit of a self discovery about my sexuality that I’m still working on. (I think I’m asexual), but it feels good to have somewhat of an idea in my head. I’d take whatever you feel like giving and pass my love onto the rest of the coven please! Happy Holidays!

 ♛Beth! Beth. You have been very good. 

As I am a student of the savage garden, there are no walls to my classrooms, there are limitless teachers, other classmates, group projects well sometimes I assign work to David because it does make him feel useful, aside from being my punching bag. However, I am tested. Often. And not always in the manner or at the time I would prefer *snorts* 

Merci, cherie, consider your love passed onto the coven, they are always flattered although they try not to show it that my adoring fans care for their well-being, too!

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Your gift is a stroll along the East river in New York City, a flight up to the top of the Brooklyn Bridge to gaze upon the twinkling lights of one of my favorite cities in the world. 

And a lifetime subscription to Cat Fancy, because you have cats! 

As for your self discovery, that is wonderful! Does it feel as if a weight is being lifted? Asexuality is a very real orientation. After Louis’ book, many people asked Anne Rice our ghostwriter whether we were asexual as if it was a bad thing. Not just Louis and myself, but all vampires. The term is very specific… and I am certain that I have mentioned that certain features no longer “work” the same way after we are turned.

I defy definition as always. You may consider us asexual if it helps you.

I can tell you that whatever your definition of sex is (and it can be so much more than merely penetration), love is absolutely possible, nay, necessary. I am just realizing now that my search for goodness, doing good… these things are deeply rooted in a desire to be praised, but more than that, to be loved. Isn’t that what we all want? That first love you feel for your mother/parent is without language, it’s that simple.

Sex itself is an act of closeness, of allowing oneself to be vulnerable to another, to nurturing and satisfying that other person(s) (hey, there can be more than 2!). There’s a spectrum in that. You can be vulnerable and nurturing to others outside of sex, too. 

*flashes her a smile, hops onto the window sill. Bows courteously and then takes to the air* 

Dear Santa-Lestat. I’ve been reading your books since I was twelve and they’ve been helping me cope through everything. Well, my father died last month, my best friend died two days ago. I don’t really know what to do anymore. Everything’s been too much. I’ve been trying to read your books still, but stress is a fickle thing. All I know is that some cosmic power has it out for me. What do you think? Love, Ishmael. <3

♛*Lestat leans back in his chair, cracks his knuckles, licks his fangs. Leans forward, a look of concern etched across his face. Begins to write*

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Ishmael, it sounds so egotistical for me to recommend that you go back and read my books, but those are my words of comfort, you can glean from them the messages that speak to you. Sometimes I’m rather explicit in my advice, this is relevant here:

“… I was worn and miserable and I loved crying. I couldn’t do anything else. I gave in to it fully. I felt that profound release of the utterly grief-stricken. I didn’t give a damn who saw or heard. I cried and cried.

Do you know what I think about crying? I think some people have to learn to do it. But once you learn, once you know how to really cry, there’s nothing quite like it. I feel sorry for those who don’t know the trick. It’s like whistling or singing.” me, Memnoch the Devil. [X]

Read The Vampire Lestat and Memnoch the Devil, two of my books that I believe would be helpful to you… and imagine that I am there, with an arm wrapped around you, reading those words aloud. 

Santa Lestat hears you. There is no easy solution.

Sometimes I feel that some cosmic power has it out for me, as well. Are we to cry out that it’s unfair? Yes. But more than that, we have to kill the wolves. Metaphorically speaking.

Find strength where you can, and spread kindness and goodness to your family and friends. This will help fill the void that you feel. 

*embraces tightly*

♛Ishmael, are you aware that your name means God hears? Despite having been to heaven and hell, I’m still not sure if I believe in God, and whether if he hears, does he listen? There is a distinction. With a religious name like that, I would guess that your family did believe, and perhaps, so do you. At least in the existence of God, if not the fact that he is a listener

I’m not calling myself a God, but I hear you. I’m listening. 

So, not a God, although I have had Papal aspirations. Perhaps that’s more to do with my wanting/needing to be given a place, a reason to exist, and Popes have the advantage in that it is their job to do Good, and encourage others to do the same. 

Reading my books means that you’ve heard my words. Twelve! I may have just been enlightened myself at that age, at the monastery. It’s a young age to be reading the kind of grotesquery that is my life story, but the good outweighs the bad, and the overall message I would want my story to convey is for Louis to quit it with the religious guilt that follows any carnal, romantic, or platonic satisfaction!!! *ahem*… that life deals us different hands and it is possible to survive, even thrive, in the face of searing adversity. To hear that my stories have helped you cope with life’s obstacles is proof that I’ve done some good in this world, which was always my mission, even as a child in a monastery. 

I’ve lost many people I’ve loved. I’ve led many people to their deaths. Real or not, it was absolutely terrifying to be confronted with the souls of those I’ve killed. 

How does one deal with such great losses… a parent is someone who brought you into this world. That’s why I had to ask Louis to help my own father, ease his suffering, that was something I could not do myself. I’m still grateful for that.

A best friend is the family you claim for yourself, completely irreplaceable.

Cherish the memories, and know that you have room in your heart for more joy than you can imagine.

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kittyslover

♛*embraces the girl, hands crawling softly about her waist to loosely clasp behind her back, a smile spreading across his face* “Well well now, this is a pleasing turn of events, ma chérie!”

So far I have been addressed as: Santa Lestat, Lestanta, Saint Lestat, and Santa de Lioncourt. Any of those will do, whilst it is the season and I’m in my red velvet cap *winks*

Your revised wishes do heal the offense of your previous request, I am quite touched that you would choose moi for your Noche Buena festivities… although I can assure you it would be more than simply a “good” night on the eve of Christmas day *brushes the girl’s hair back from her eyes* I’m sure I needn’t explain my talent in this capacity. 

Your autographed copy of my latest work:

I will discuss your private audience with Marius when next I see him, he is always grateful to know he has fans as well as intolerably dull and authoritative as he can be ugh

Good to know I am loved more than Armand, that of course is merely sensible thinking *smirks*. Louis is too cute for MY perv imagination, too. But it works. Bless his patient little heart. 

Take good care of your hair and your cats, dearest! These things are for cuddling and cuddling is one of my favorite things to do ❤ 

Dear Saint–Santa Lestat: I have been pretty okay this year. I JUST won my fight against all sorts of mental problems that have been plaguing me and I am in the mood for change in a big way. I am myself again, not just a lump under the covers. I’m dyeing my hair, changing the style of my wardrobe, mixing things up–and I’ll take any gift you want to give me. Dark ones included. ;)

♛Dear Rae~ despite your “handle,” it appears that you are thinking very sensically; winning your fight against all sorts of mental problems is absolutely cause to celebrate, and makes you more than “pretty okay” in Santa Lestat’s book. *takes your hand and and kisses the back delicately* Be strong, there may yet be trying times, that’s to be expected. This comes from one who still deals with an assortment of inner demons of his own… which attack on a nightly, if not hourly, basis. As you can tell from any of my heartbreaking works of staggering genius. 

These changes you’re making, I do the same when the mood strikes, when it feels a new chapter has begun. I usually resort to interior redecorating, and retail therapy, as things like hair dye rinse away upon the first touch of water… piercings are somewhat irritating and the flesh closes when the metal is removed, tattoos fade away completely during the deathsleep. But I digress…

Santa Lestat hears you, darling Rae… imagine a dance between us, barefoot in the pale moonlight, on a rooftop someplace warm. I’ll bring you a dark red velvet gown to match your new look. It’s not THE Dark Gift, but it is A dark gift *embraces you gently*

Dear Lestanta, I’ve also been considerably good this year, and would like to request a… kiss. Just a peck on the cheek. O-or just a smile. And please give Louis, Marius, Armand, Daniel, David and everyone else my greetings and undying eternal love.

♛You dear little thing! I can tell that you have been good enough for this reward, certainly *smiles broadly* You know, giving you a kiss is also a sort of gift to the kisser, as well, as I get to enfold you in my arms first, taunt myself with your unique scent, enjoy that closeness for a moment in the darkness of your anonymity, before that light kiss is delivered. *mwah*

Coven, consider this loving message conveyed to you as well! Undying eternal love, hm? Perhaps this is from one of our own? Step into the light, Anon *grins*

PS. I like “Lestanta.” It has a ring to it. Like a stanza of music. Hmmmm… Although kittyslover’s title of Santa Lestat was a bit closer to my frequent papal desires in that Santa means Saint. I digress… Perhaps this should be included in my next staggering work of heartbreaking genius.

Dear Santa Lestat… All I want for this christmas is my own copy of Prince Lestat with yout autograph and Armand’s Autograph and Louis and Marius in flesh and blood. I was a very good girl -or so- And I promise to be more good and love you More than I love my Hair <3. -I suppose I could made this kind of petition here, don't?-

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♛ So let me get this right, ma petite… you want only autographs from Armand and myself, and you want the flesh and blood of Louis and Marius? Well that IS a tall order, you realize. It takes quite alot of effort and flirtation for me to get any of their flesh and blood even for myself! Quite a lot of persuasion and some degree of mischief.

…Unless you mean you merely wish to be in the presence of Louis and Marius? Even so, I must admit I am still somewhat saddened that your preference is for them and not glorious, magnificent – and much more fun – MOI. They have their moments (should you wish to spend several hours in lecture) but really, a night on the town with Armand and I bickering the entire time would be more exciting, non?

However, I’ll see what I can do, in light of the fact that you swore you would love me more than your own hair. I love no one above my beautiful mane, so I take that oath very seriously ❤

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Awww thanks loyal long-time follower! This blog is powered by VC fandom love ❤ 

And even better that you agree with me in defense of Antonio! Look, I started out in this fandom on the hate bandwagon against Banderas!Armand, but… nostalgia and a little consideration go a long way *u*

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So they actually are working on Tale of the Body Thief: Christopher Rice wrote the screenplay (for freeeee) at AR’s request and they are both in meetings about that with the people who own the rights to it. 

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Yes, that would be a particularly big challenge, to be as loathsome as AR sometimes describes him, while still being a little Botticelli angel, that’s Armand’s whole delicious appeal!

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Yeah, well, for Armand’s backstory, one would have to make The Vampire Armand, instead. I think that would be a fantastic movie, so much happens in it, it probably would be better as a series, with episodes to break it down. His life with his family. His religious zealotry as a young man. His kidnapping. The whole brothel time period. Marius rescuing him. The Palazzo time period in his life. BIANCA SOLDERINI and her story! Etc. 

Basically I’m agreeing with you ;D

Omg I probably will come out as crazy, but ever since Thor movie came out I had this head-canon of Tom Hiddlestone as Louis (I know “too British not enough French”) but now with that post of Chris as Lestat I just…oh god I need a minute…

You’re not crazy, he was kind of a Louis/Nicki hybrid in Only Lovers Left Alive (which you should see if you haven’t!)

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Hiddleston is so fun, too, he could actually be a pretty great Lestat. He would be a gorgeous whimsical asshole ❤

Have this. Fanart by reapersun and derlaine.

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You’re not the only one who’s mentioned Hiddleston in VC casting discussion, and the British thing is not a dealbreaker. He’s an actor! Look at Stephen Rea’s performance as Santiago. Stephen Rea is NOT a 19th century Parisienne, and he did a FABULOUS job of becoming exactly that 😉

Hi, do you think that Lestat could have or could have had bipolar depression? Or is it more of a vampire trait that some of them sometimes bury themselves underground, and don’t have the will or the strength to go on? Thanks :)

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The short answer is Yes.

I think vampires going underground is a metaphor for when people need to withdraw from society and practice self-care. A kind of convalescence. I think that’s why AR has made such a big point about it, in terms of vampire physiology, that those who suffer physical/emotional damage and then go underground for periods of time end up much stronger for it. Same can be said of people, right?

Oh absolutely, Lestat could have bipolar depression, or manic depression, at the very least post-traumatic stress disorder… he had a very abusive childhood (and some fanfic speculates he had a history of sexual abuse as well as emotional & physical abuse).

The reason and manner in which Lestat was “given” the Dark Gift would be considered rape, as well, so even if his mortal life had been relatively normal, it wouldn’t be surprising if he developed stress-related emotional issues and coping mechanisms bc of that experience. Plus a lot of other traumatic experiences all within a short time of his turning (the forced breakup with Nicki, turning Nicki, Oedipal issues with Gabrielle, Akasha, etc).

The fact that he did the same thing to David Talbot so much later on shows just how true the line that one of those vampires said, and I’m paraphrasing, “As we go on, we become more truly ourselves.” Clearly what Magnus did to Lestat is still fresh in his mind, always there, regardless of his many triumphs in the face of adversity.

The way Lestat treated Louis and Claudia in IWTV was similar to how his father and brothers treated him growing up, who knows how much of that was nature or nurture, but the de Lioncourt men seem to have a certain attitude that’s hard to shake.

Hi there, I just started reading the VC series and I’ve heard a lot of negative stuff about the new book Prince Lestat and it being quite horrendous. In your option is it really worth taking the time reading, or will it tarnish the good reputation of the series that I hold so far? I’m rather disappointed as I was hoping that the book was going to be fantastic but from what I hear, it’s really been nothing short of a let down.

Prince Lestat is supposedly a stand-alone book in the series and can be considered an AU. It’s very cracky and the characterization is inconsistent with the rest of the series.

My short answer is SKIP IT FOR NOW. Read #1-#4, those are SO MUCH BETTER. Then some of the later ones, like The Vampire Armand, Blood and Gold, and Pandora… after all that, you can go back to Prince Lestat and consider it a fanfic AU. Much less painful that way, less VC reputation-tarnishing that way ;]

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