Their little trio is nothing like the Paris coven, but Louis still has a disorienting moment where memory comes rising up to meet him as Lestat's words remind him of those early days. Louis with his camera on the outskirts of coven excursions, raising his camera to capture the vicious jubilation of vampires roaring through the city on their motorcycles, Claudia glowing amongst their number. Guilt, near to hand, for not heeding his own immediate assessment of the danger inherent in keeping their company.

Would they fall into similar habit, the three of them? Invitation to document whatever it is Daniel and Lestat get up to when they go out without him?

Louis lets all of it slip away. (More present: They document, nothing more. An assessment that feels in painful alignment with Lestat's request.) Sets the box onto the coffee table at last, letting the impulse to protest diminish too as logistical questions take the forefront.

"Lestat and I both have some errands to attend," Louis answers. "If you think we can evade rocket launchers for another day."

Ha, ha.

"Rachida will make arrangements for my things to be sent onwards. She can manage any of your packing, if you like."