Family Feud Solo

BACKDATED TO CHRISTMAS BREAK, December 25th, 2020

There was a distinct difference between the Christmases as of late and the ones that took place during her younger years. An excited, hurried Valencia would slip down the banister, red hair flailing behind her as she rushed into the living quarters. The current one would almost refuse to get up, wishing nothing more than the day to disappear. Not because she was lazy, if anything she found the holiday to be a lovely way to spend time with the ones who care about you. It was hard to enjoy such a holiday when no one in the house cared about anyone, though.

She rolled out of her bed grimly, pale grey eyes squinting at the pouring sunlight leaking into her room. The balcony was coated in the freshest of snow, a small bird perched on the railing leaving small-footed tracks. Her smile lightened slightly but was quickly erased by the honey-coated words of her escort at the door. "L-lady Valencia, are you awake?" The Dhampir sighed, a mumble escaping her lips. She knew Miss Telina had no interest in waking up a bratty pre-teen on Christmas Day, yet it being her job she was left with no other choice. A part of Valencia's heart went out to her, knowing full well being under the orders of her mother was no easy task. The way she managed to put up a smile throughout it all was what Valencia respected the most. She had no idea what kind of punishments her mom gave out, but taking her wicked and pretentious personality into consideration, it couldn't be anything less than dreadful.

"Coming- Telina!" She chose to call her by her first name, not out of disrespect but out of closeness. Telina, and all the maids for that matter, were treated as mindless servants. It was a grim thought, and to wonder why they agreed to such a position anyway is bewildering. Perhaps because of the pay.. Yes, that had to be it. Not even if she was the poorest child in Hogwarts would Valencia choose to do something so tiring.

Moving slowly towards the door, Valencia's grey eyes were met with golden yellow ones instead. Well, they would have been if she hadn't been expecting someone eye level to her. Standing before her stood her father, his dark hair slicked back and dark black cloak fastened ever so neatly. A breath of relief was exhaled, the grin on her face too large to suppress. Out of all the peculiar and frightening things that took place in the castle, her father was the one thing amidst it all that she could trust. She watched as he offered an arm to her, his tall height almost uncanny next to a 5'2 Valencia. Hooking an arm into his, they continued down the long corridor until reaching her mother at the bottom of the stairs.

The previous smile played on her lips disappeared, a small nod of her head as she acknowledged her. "Morning, mother." Valencia's words were confident and well-spoken, though the unease and tension she felt near her were enough to have her run away. Was such a thing normal, to be afraid of the one supposedly the closest to you? There was no way she considered her to be the way most should. She wasn't loving, she wasn't caring, she was vain. Vain and too caught up in her wealth to acknowledge her own child and husband.

It was obvious Chandler could sense his daughter's strain, therefore placing a hand upon hers as if to say it would be alright. She swallowed hard as they made their way to the dining room, the table vast and large despite only seating 3 people. It would usually be full, entertaining guests of Gwenivere's as she threw massive dinner parties and balls. Valencia always hated them, especially the weird suitors that offered their hands to her. It wasn't until recently that her father shut them down, stating that it would be too dangerous to have such a large amount of people present. This was true, recalling the time a blood-purist broke in and threatened to burn both she and him. The world was simply unsafe for her kind, though would it ever be?

"Valencia, quit your slouching this instant." Her mother snapped, eyes cut so sharp they could practically kill. Immediately her posture was fixed, eyes still kept down at her plate. She wasn't interested in eating, and for that matter only wished to return to her room. "Yes, mother."

"So, Chandler my dear, have you read that newspaper article printed at Val's school?" Valencia winced, regret filling her eyes as she looked to her father. She shouldn't have shown her. She shouldn't have even brought the damn paper home. For what reason did she think she'd care? "I did, yes." His eyes glanced towards Valencia's direction for a moment. "I have no comment on the matter."

Her eyes softened, appreciative for his attempt at bringing the topic to a halt. This was the very last thing she wanted to talk about, on Christmas Day of all times. It wasn't until she heard her mother's sinister giggle that pain-filled her once again. This was what she thrived on, making everyone feel lesser than herself. "Oh but you must admit the Dhampirs can be dangerous. Why, when I met you, you were FEEDING on someone. Sure, you're a full-blooded Vampire, but still." A flick of her hair went over her shoulder, a grin placed delicately on her face. "You can't have Valencia believing her kind is harmless."

"Gwen, I said I have no comment on the matter." His voice had risen now, not in pitch but in volume. It was now that they would engage in a fight, she could feel it, the urge to flee and hide in the comforts of the maid's quarters larger than anything. This wasn't how it should be, not today. Eyes locked intently on the doors, she waited for the next line from her mother.

"Oh stop being so soft-"

"GWENIVERE DROP THE SUBJECT NOW."

This was normal. The fights, yelling, screaming matches, it was all expected. Valencia could hardly be surprised anymore, her face resting perfectly unamused as she kept her head down. However much she'd like to speak up to her, to them, it was an impossible feat. "May I be excused?" The wobble in her voice was apparent, yet it wouldn't make an impact on them. Her father's gaze reached hers once again, sorrow and guilt present.
She felt a hand touch her arm, turning to face Telina once again. "Let's start with your gifts, shall we?"