Interview with Maeko

 

Hello! And welcome to the weekend Amaranthine interviews where YOU ask the questions!

In honor of the new book, I’m going to give everyone else some time off and conduct these interviews myself. See what a good author I am?

Jo: Today we have Maeko – and before we begin can I please, please request you don’t pull an Etsuko and thank everyone for an hour.

Maeko: *giggles* As Naylor-sensei requests.

J: Thank goodness. Anyway, let’s get right to it. Rami asks: I know what Etsuko’s name means. What does your name mean?

M: My name is Tsukino Maeko, though you might render it the other way around. Maeko means “child of true blessings” – written with the characters for “true; reality” (ma), “favor; blessing; grace” (e) and “child” (ko). I chose it and my clan name – Tsukino, which means “moon field” – after I was changed, as both seemed appropriate to my new situation.

J: Bonnie asks: Do you think Jorick was an ass for abandoning you?

M: *giggles* Jorick-ue belonged to Malick-san and so was unable to remain in Japan, at no fault of his own. Jorick-ue could have taken me with him, but chose not to because he feared that Malick-san would lay claim to me. Their laws stated that if a vampire created a new vampire while still in debt to their master, then their master might also claim the fledgling. Jorick-ue had my best interest at heart when he did not reveal me to Malick-san. He did what he judged to be best, which is the most that can be asked of anyone.

J: True. Alicia asks: Do you hate being stuck in a young child’s body with an adult intellect?

M: We each have a burden to bear in our own way, for no one can be perfect. If they were, they would not be able to grow and improve because there would be no room for growth. Being in a child’s body is inconvenient at times, but it is the burden I bear, and is a lighter one than those carried by others.

J: Very philosophical. Bonnie asks: Since you were the first Japanese vampire, who was the second?

M: *giggle* Tsukino Shinobu-san was the second, and my first fledgling. Shinobu-san is very beautiful and he made me smile. *giggles*

J: Uh-huh. I know what that means. Bonnie also asks: Are most of the vampires in Japan from you or did others move in later?

M: All those in the Tsukino clan are from my line. Later, vampires came from Korea. Together with some of my fledglings, they went on to form the Fukui and Sato clans.

You’ll meet Maeko and her clan in Heart of the Raven

J: Alicia asks: Do you know of any other fledglings or dark secrets of Jorick’s?

M: *giggles* Perhaps. But it is not my place to reveal Jorick-ue’s secrets.

J: That was boring. Come on, just a little something?

M: I am sorry, Naylor-sensei, please ask something else.

J: Fine. If you’re determined to be that way. Alicia also asks: What do you think of Verchiel…is he to be trusted?

M: I find Verchiel-san to be many things, and in my dealings involving him, he has so far proved trustworthy. As to what Verchiel-san might do in the future, I cannot tell, for the most upright might stray and the most corrupt become clean.

J: Uh-huh. Amy wants to know: What has been your favorite experience as a vampire?

M: Such a challenging question Amy-san! I have seen so many amazing things. I believe the movie theater was that which was the most amazing to me. To see people from half a world away moving and talking as though in the room with me was awe inspiring. Since then technology has continued, but none has managed to fill me with the same wonder – yet.

J: Always the optimist. Tricia asks: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

M: I think…I think I would like to go to outer space, perhaps to Mars or another planet. To step foot in a place that is revered only in stories, books, and movies would be a great thing indeed.

J: Now that’s an interesting answer. Amy asks: What do you consider your greatest strength and greatest weakness?

M: Amy-san asks very challenging questions! My greatest weakness is that I am too attached to the physical; to people and things. Being unable to let go prevents me from moving to the next level of development. My greatest strength…Hmmmm…The ability to command, perhaps?

J: It’s funny. Most of my characters can come up with their strengths but not their weaknesses, you’re the opposite. Bonnie asks: Have you ever had to completely abandon your dolls?

M: Ah. It is sad to say, but there are those who died of injuries, and then I lost many in a fire that claimed one of my dens. I have thankfully never had to walk away and leave them alone with no one to protect them.

J: I get the impression that few of the vampires really mess with you.

M: *giggles* You are correct, Naylor-sensei. There is an unspoken arrangement that only the Keiri ignore, and even then they are careful. Though it has been proved untrue, a belief persists that if the maker is killed, all those they made will also perish. Since most can trace their lineage to me, I am the mother to all of them and they do not dare risk their own demise. *giggles*

Maeko returns in Clash of Legends

J: You seem to enjoy that. All right, last question. Angela asks:  If an evil genie offered you 3 wishes, would you take them and what would you do with them?

M: Ah! The genie is evil, and so one is expected to turn them away, yes? *giggles* I believe I would accept the wishes. With my first wish, I would wish the genie to become good and no longer evil. Next, I would wish for safety for Japan, as there are many things I am concerned for at the moment, and last…last I would wish to bring him back.

J: Him? Him who? Jorick?

M: *giggle* No, not Jorick. *looks sad for a moment* We have all loved someone who was lost to us. I will say only that “he” was that person for me.

J: Can’t we even get a name? I mean, come on, I can’t think of a way to stick you in the last book, so we may never get the answer otherwise.

M: *giggles* Naylor-sensei could write a story about it.

J: No! I don’t want to! Do you know how much research I would have to do?

M: Naylor-sensei loves research.

J: Do other people have this problem with their characters? Seriously!

M: *giggles*

J: And with that we’re out of questions! Thanks so much to everyone who submitted one, and to you for stopping in to read. Please check out the post where you can drop a question for Sorino.

Missed an interview? Catch up!

Samael
Katelina
Katelina’s Bonus Follow Up
Verchiel
Jorick Part I
Jorick Part II
Micah
Kai
Torina
Velnya’s Resurrection
Velnya
Etsuko
Loren
Oren

Posted by Joleene Naylor on July 3, 2016

https://joleenenaylor.wordpress.com/2016/07/03/interview-with-maeko/