[ It's been a very, very long time since anyone dared to elbow Armand like that. Louis, perhaps, had come close, but this is less about flirting and more about -- playfulness. Boyish good humor. He surprises himself by laughing, pleased and embarrassed in equal measure. It makes him seem, for a few moments, very young. ]

Thank you, Maestro.

[ He sobers up as he returns his gaze to his fledgling. ]

I never thought that I would take part in the act of creation. It has always.. horrified me. Terrified me. To make a vampire. But.. I find no regret in my heart. Is that strange?