Practice for two

"That sounds like fun. But who would the older clansmen be? Not a few marquises, right? I'm sure I won't get the family crest then." At that, Alice couldn't help but wail in a fatalistic way.

A smile flashed in Lestat's eyes as he explained, "No. Usually, the ones who act as hindrances are a few years older, underage Bloods, and the three of them won't be too difficult to deal with if they work together."

Alice nodded and added, "Then let's say in advance, in case you become a trialist in our group, you have to give us a break."

"No way." But Lestat said, "The trial is to prove that you are primed to leave the clan on your own, and with your future at stake, I won't cut you any slack."

"I'm not going to leave the clan at will. Besides ..." Alice smiled, "Lestat, you wouldn't let me leave the clan alone, would you? If I have you to protect me, what am I afraid of?"