Port Henry How many know?

[TomEC]

Well, the impression I got was that when Victor first came to Port Henry, it was generally known that Elvi was supposed to be a vampire but not everybody believed it. This is understandable, since if I heard someone here in Outlook was supposed to be a vampire, I wouldn’t believe it either. I think what would’ve happened next, after the rules were explained to Elvi, would have been a kind of general cleanup where they would have minimized the damage. I suppose this would’ve meant that a large portion of the population of the town would be allowed to believe that it was all a big joke. Whether any memory wiping went on in this process, I don’t recall if Lynsay ever said. Nevertheless, the net result appears to be a small town where an unusually large number of people are aware of the existence of immortals. It’s understandable that Lucian believes this is going to cause big trouble later, though I think it’s proving to be beneficial to have a town like that.

[Denise]

It would be hard to keep that unknown in such a small town when at least six of their residents have been turned, now. Four of those were over 50 when the turn happened, so all who knew them would know something happened. And mind wiping doesn't take if the person remains in the situation with the same people.

[susan60625]

True, Denise. But look how Lynsay wrote how Teddy would come back as a new person, with the old Teddy having died on his vacation. And this new person, along with Katricia, would be the new police in the town. Maybe they used the same type of story for the others, especially Mrs. Ricci (Alessandro's mate). If I'm not mistaken, she was in her 80's when they met and she was turned.

[Denise]

Could be, could be.

[TomEC]

It would be hard to keep that unknown in such a small town when at least six of their residents have been turned, now. Four of those were over 50 when the turn happened, so all who knew them would know something happened. And mind wiping doesn't take if the person remains in the situation with the same people.

I think if any kind of mind wiping was used, and I'm not saying it was, it would be to cover up small single incidents, like the way Marguerite did that one time with Caro in UVM. I agree, Susan, that It could mostly be done with cover stories like Teddy's. There would be challenges, for sure, but the general disbelief in things like vampires would work in their favor. I know if someone tried to convince me that a resident of our town was a real immortal vampire, I would need some very compelling proof.

[Denise]

...the net result appears to be a small town where an unusually large number of people are aware of the existence of immortals. It’s understandable that Lucian believes this is going to cause big trouble later, though I think it’s proving to be beneficial to have a town like that.

Agreed, regardless of whether any speculated or actual wiping is used in any specific situation.

[TomEC]

Agreed

[Lynsay]

Tom's right. Lucian took measures to reduce those in the know. Very little mind wiping was necessary. Mostly it was a matter of nudging thoughts along, like Bastien did with that nasty old bitty in Tall, Dark and Hungry when he and Terri were shopping (Dang, hope I have names and situations right. Kind of dopey tired right now) Anyway, as Tom said, people believe what they want and most would be more than happy to accept that it was all just a big joke/gimmick to get donors for the blood drives and susceptible to having their thoughts nudged in that direction. As for the few mind wipes, that wouldn't be a problem. Elvi's real name, and the one she's been known by all her life is Ellen. Elvi is the nickname given to her after the turn because of Elvira, Mistress of the dark or whatever. And the memories of Ellen are of an old woman, which Elvi no longer is. So if Ellen was wiped from their memories, or the memory was put in that she died in that accident in Mexico, they won't see Ellen to have their memories sparked. I presume they found a similar way to deal with Hazel and Alessandro's woman etc.

Lynsay who only writes what the characters tell her to, lol

[TomEC]

There is nothing about Lucien or anyone doing any mind wiping or memory altering with the people of Port Henry. The only thing that Lucien did was to scan the people in the crowd who had come to Evi's defense determining they were not a threat and would keep their secret. He did instruct Evi and Victor to stay in Port Henry to keep an eye on things and make sure no one said anything.

Bob.

I don't recall what exact information is included in the books, but you got it straight for the horses mouth, Bob. Lynsay couldn't include every detail in the books since that would make them way too long and practically unreadable. She would be the one to know. It's not hard to figure out, in any case. Sometimes we can just fill in the blanks with a little logic. We do that in large ways and small every time we read a novel. It is, after all, fiction, and though it may be fun to hash over the details sometimes, what really matters in the end is whether or not you enjoyed the ride. I know I did.

[sin]

By Jove! I think he's got it