Vam-pires. [It's a strange word in her mouth, and she spends a moment playing with it before answering.] I don't know the word. I don't think we had them at home. [Not strictly true, but she'd never met a Dearg-due before, and he certainly didn't look like a blood-sucking maiden.]

But even if your parents were of lesser blood, [Tactful. That's what she is.] you are trying to make more of yourself - and that means you must be better than them already. I think there is hope.