[Liem nods slightly as Gray explains a little more about her world, its vampires and its relationship with them. What she relates sounds generally familiar; the existence of vampires somewhere in the world, and stories about them, but little or no actual familiarity with any. Even if vampires exist in her world, he is somewhat gladdened to hear that she has never had cause to actually meet any.]

I heard many such stories in my own country, as well. … Not romantic stories, generally, but horror stories, the kind meant to hasten the foolish indoors after sunset.

[He supposes there are probably romantic stories about vampires as well, told by the storytellers favoured by the more fanciful members of Taldor’s gentry. For people who have little to fear from anyone except sometimes each other, perhaps the evils of the world seem more like curiosities than threats.]

Is the crucifix a religious symbol? Properly made holy symbols have the power to repel vampires, where I am from. But I don’t know of any gods who are represented by a simple cross.