Once undone (Elizabeth Constance)

[Zodiac]

Twenty four hours is nothing, but it was the best she could hope for.

Zodiac had frowned when Lizzie whispered to her thoughts with an unusual request, and what a request. She could have easily done it for her when she asked, but told what some would call a white lie. She was tired and needed time to prepare. Come to me tomorrow night and all will be ready. A time of 'cooling down' as the mystic saw it, though in all honesty she doubted the woman's mind would budge from her decision. When she considered it all, she was shocked. Vampires do things in strange ways has become a fact of her existence and the egotism of some of her fellow night feeders was nothing short of audacious.

What made her sire think she would fare any different than Lizzie did? And when one added the other half of things to the picture, well- ego meet attitude was about the best description she could come up with. "I warned her. I truly did, but even I didn't see a twist like this coming." she thought as she began to check and gather the items she would need. "Arrogant little ******! She was more than he deserved but yet he managed to con her good."

She stood up suddenly. That was exactly what he was. A snake oil salesman. Carpetbagger was another term for it. If it would not be an insult to her mortal bloodline, she would swear the man was Sysgany. Whatever it took to push his own agenda along and using and lying to everyone he met along the way. Perhaps it wasn't as bad as all of that, but the evidence was there to suggest it major. Even his childes were disowning him. How much would it take for him to realize maybe he was the problem and not everyone else?

Even magick can't cure everything Her Nana had told her many times before and maybe she was right, but it could fix some of the damage when applied properly. She kept checking and gathering what would be required.

[Elizabeth Constance]

Lizzie didn't expect Zodiac to turn her away when she contacted her. With all that Zo had helped her through, she would have thought that the door would be thrown wide open and she would be ushered in without a second thought but as she was told to come back the next day, she was floored. Maybe Zo was being truthful and there were things she needed to prepare first. Who was Lizzie to question rituals. She didn't even know them and when Robert used to attune her so that she could try...she would get beat to hell. Nope, that definitely was not her department and trusted Zo when she was told to meet up with her the following evening.

Slipping into her house on Larch Court, she walked over to the couch and covered Molly with a blanket after taking her textbook and notebooks away that were tucked under her side, placing them on the coffee table. Smiling down at her, she was glad that Molly was consistent in her life and definitely need an explaination as to why she had to take their daughter away while the bullets flew towards Serendipity. She closed her eyes as she didn't want to think about the issue at hand but knew that she would have to. Everything fell apart around her and Robert was the common factor.

She shook her head as she moved toward the nursery to check on Chelsea. The little girl was fond of her grandmother and now she would never get to see her unless Molly took her over. Maybe that could be arranged but would it be fair to put a stipulation that Robert wasn't allowed to be there. Dominic was a given as Serendipity knew how Lizzie felt about the man and Janoric was fine. That would be a fair stipulation until they got married. Then the terms would have to change. She gently ran her hands over her daughters face and smiled down at her in her crib before leaning down and kissing her upon the forehead. Placing her stuffed monkey next to her, Lizzie stepped back and sat down in the rocking chair to think over the nights events.

Once the sun was coming close to rising, She was already up with Chelsea. Molly was stirring to life and came to relieve Lizzie of "Mommy" duties so that she wouldn't harm Chelsea when the sun rose and Lizzie fell flat on her face asleep if she wasn't in bed. Once Molly had taken over, Lizzie made her way to her room and changed. Pulling her hair back into a braid, she laid down and let her mind drift off. She was haunted by the visions and felt the pain deel into her unbeating heart. Her mind played at the evenings events and if her body wasn't dead to the world so to speak in it's torpor state, she would be tossing and turning. After hours of turmoil a warmth filled her and a brightness filled her mind. Love and devotion filled her. Lux slipped into her dreams.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lizzie looked up at the woman who had been her sole support since the need to change. Tears moved from her eyes as she moved close to her. The pain and betrayal was evident but she felt nothing but love from the woman before her. Lux had been her friend, her companion, her support system, and guideance. Wrapping her arms around the heavenly woman as she cried. The wrm embrace was returned in a friend and motherly fashion.

"It's alright my child. In every life we have our challenges. Hiccups that try to bring us down to feel lower than we are. Elizabeth, you have a beauty that is shrouded and needs to shine. Step out of this dark cloud and rise above it. I have faith in you. You have the spirit to do so much and I am and always will be proud of you. You have accomplished so much and even fought against Muga to become the warrior of the Light that you have. With out of all that you have gone through and experienced...you still prosper. Don't let this be the end of you."

"I just always thought it would be the two of us taking on the world and spreading your message. Be the powerhouse that you need."

"You can still be that Elizabeth. You do not need him to do that and you know that. You and I worked on that. You are stronger than you believe. Everyone can see this especially Muga which is why he tried to take you from your desired path. Trust in me."

"I do trust you."

"Then free yourself of him and those that have caused you pain. Live your life to the fullest and I will always be here. Your sire will soon see and in time, you will mend your relationship but you have to put yourself first. I am here and have no intentions of leaving your side."

"The world will learn of your love. You are understanding and patient. Thank you."

"You are welcome. No more shooting either one of them. Peace Elizabeth. Shoot to defend, not out of anger or pain. Do not seek them out. Let them do as they wish and love yourself, Molly, and that beautiful child. Teach her and be her example. You are devoted, just put your energies where they matter."

"I will. I know what I must do. Your guideance again is always appreciated."

"May your light shine brightly, Elizabeth."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lizzie woke the next night, stretching and yawned. Relaxing back in her bed, she knew what she had to do. She knew that it was a dream because she didn't slip into the vathiá before she went to sleep but she had an overwhelming feeling that is how Lux would have responded. She sighed softly as she sat up and did her early evening prayer to Lux.

Feeling renewed, she slipped out of the bed and got ready for the evening. There was a date with Zodiac that she intended on keeping. Taking a nice hot and long shower, she felt completely relaxed. Sure of her decision, there weren't any feelings of remorse. The decision made sense and no one could really fault her for such a decision.

Stepping out of the shower, she dried off and slid into a lacey pair of undergarments. Next followed the black pencil skirt and the red and black silk corset hugging her body. Blow drying her hair and embedding large curls into her hair, she let them drape around her shoulders. Bright red and shining. Applying her make up, she used her minds eye to project an image of her face on the mirror to have a template to follow so she didn't look like a clown when she left the house. Bright red lips were the last application before slipping on her black six inch stilettos. She was ready to go.

Lizzie grabbed her purse and jacket as she left her room, she made her way to the living room. A bright smile slipped upon her perfectly painted lips as she saw her baby girl. Walking over, she played with her for a little bit before looking back at Molly.

"I have a few errands to run before I stop over to the gallery. Sam knows that I will not be into the orphanage tonight given the family situation. He is telling the kids that I am on vacation but I will bring them plenty of surprises when I get back. Use the debit card to order pizza and call me if there is an emergency. I will fill you in on the stipulations to Serendipity seeing Chelsea as soon as I get them sorted unless you have any ideas."

"I don't have any at the moment but I will think on it. Be careful Liz."

"I will. I am going to see Zodiac...I will be in good hands. I will take you out to dinner tomorrow after your exams. Did you get a babysitter for Chelsea while I am asleep for tomorrow?"

"Everything is taken care of. I promise."

"Excellent! Thank you."

"You're welcome. Go before Zodiac calls wondering if you remembered that you were meeting up."

Lizzie nodded her head and rushed out the door as she slipped on her jacket. The transit wasn't far from her home and she made sure her home was close to the orphanage incase she wasn't there and was needed for an emergency. She took a deep breathe as she waited for the train, ordering a coffee from the cart vendor and holding it tightly in her hands for warmth. Serendipity was going to be hurt but she would understand fully how hurt Lizzie was. Pretending to take a few drinks, she tossed the cup away when the train arrived to take her to Honeymead.

Looking at her watch, she was running ahead of schedule and was please. Walking casually as she passed West Tower, she waved to a few people, dropping a few dollars into a couple of cups that rested in front of a homeless couple while passing them flyers to Solace. With a smile, she finished her walk to Honeymead Market. Holding the door open for an elderly couple, she slipped in behind them and made her way to Zodiac's shop. Smiling as the bell alerted the owner of the entering customer, she walked straight to the back of the store.

"Zodiac...."

Attire

[Zodiac]

Jennifer looked up as the door bells chimed and watched the woman walk right into the back. She knew the person from previous visits, so rather than shout she followed her. "Mrs Pratt?" she caught her attention then gestured to the side door. "She's upstairs waiting for you, ma'am." She opened the door for Lizzie to proceed upstairs.

***

Zodiac frowned within as she saw Lizzie enter her upstairs workshop. As she had suspected 24 hours did not make a bit of difference to the matter. Her cell had chirped earlier, telling her money had been transferred to her accounts but she had not processed the transaction yet on the small chance Lizzie might still change her mind. She gave a sad smile as she approached with open arms. "C'mere, doll face." She practically bear hugged the woman for a few moments. "I am so sorry things have come to this. Truly I am." As much as the mystic had question Lizzie's choice in a husband, she had tried never encouraged her to leave him. That was her choice and she tried (hard as Pratt made things) to encourage things for Lizzie. Love was stupid like that as some of her own history would testify to. As much as part of Zodiac wanted to say 'I told you so!' she kept silent. Rubbing people's noses in such things rarely , if ever, did any good at all except to make them feel even worse than they already did.

"Come," She released the hug and slipped an arm around her shoulders as she led them to a small sofa. "Forgive the half finished walls and such." she explained the 2 X 4 rails from floor to ceiling that marked where rooms would be in time to make better use of the space. "Still trying to find a contactor to finish this mess for me."

She sat down at one end and encouraged Lizzie to sit beside her. "Since you have come, I will assume there is no talking you out of this," she began. "As your friend and as a professional, I have to explain to you. You know something about these things from Robert, if he ever cared to share such information with you, and you also know I am one of the very few who knows how to do this thing you wish for." How many arguments and issues she had endured over that single tome that had fell into her ownership. She had taken a blood oath over it, and despite the fact she had used it on occasions outside the original pact she had made, she had never broken the vow not to pass copies of it along. Several within this place had tried to encourage her to part with something she often swore never existed to begin with

"This is not like a mortal thing, Once I do this, the power to undo it is beyond even my abilities. I want you to understand this fully before I do anything. So humor me and explain to me why you want this and that you truly understand," She sat back against the violet couch and waited.

[Elizabeth Constance]

Lizzie looked up at the woman behind the counter before he followed behind her. She paused and tilted her head at the questionable greeting that slipped from the woman's lips. 'Mrs. Pratt?' That was not a phrase that she had heard in a while and it sent chills down her spin. Lizzie tried desperately not to cry as she shook her head to the woman that was now holding the upstairs door for her, letting her know where she would find Zodiac.

"Sorry Jennifer...it is Ms. Llewellyn now and thank you. Can you please make sure that we are left alone? I would like that we are not interrupted from our chat and the end result. Complications are and would be a terrible thing."

Turning, she proceeded up the stairs before the woman could reply. There was only so much that she could do to keep her composure when she was being questioned. It was one thing if it was Zodiac, she was 99.9% sure that the woman would want to talk about what happened and her reasons but to those that don't know...that was hard. Slipping into the upstairs, she looked around through the rooms and found Zodiac in her workshop. As those petite arms were held out, she instantly rushed over to the woman and hugged her. She wasn't sure how long the hug really had been but it was definitely needed. She looked down at the little wonder before and nodded her head at the soft and caring words. Slipping out of her coat, she moved to place it on the back of a chair, she ran her hands over her silky corset and then over her pencil skirt to knock out any wrinkles that would have threatened to make her outfit looking imperfect.

"Everything happens for a reason...even if we do not know what those reasons are. I am hoping one day I will understand but right now? No..."

She followed after Zodiac as she fed her to the small sofa. Sitting down on the couch, she shook her head. "I completely understand. I have many homes that are unfinished or not even started. If this is the worst then you have nothing to worry about." She folded her hands upon her lap as she looked at the woman beside her. As she began, she knew that the chat would come. What business professional would just act on such a strong and unchanging request without consulting their client first? Most wouldn't but there were always those that were shady and do it simply because they were getting paid. Zodiac was not only her confidant, her ritualist of choice, but also her friend. This consultation didn't come as a surprise but one she wished that she could skip. She nodded her head.

"I really know nothing about them. When I first started seeing Robert, he would attune me to try but I would get so hurt that he stopped and kept me protected. You know my terrible luck with the Fae...I felt the Demi-Fae wasn't any different. I am uneasy about them but I do know that if done properly...they will do as requested. That is about it. Though I do know that you can and forgive me for my lapse in memory last night when I asked if you could...I was upset and not thinking completely. You did it for me when I asked you to do it for Robert to free him of Pi. I knew this and it was my mistake for not thinking clearly."

As Zodiac began her explanations, she nodded her head. Time to get comfortable and talk to her friend and counselor. "I completely understand what it is that I am requesting and I understand the result and/or consequence. If she wants to be my mother then that will have to be worked on but it will not be by being bound immortally for eternity and that will not be any time soon. This is my choice. I feel hurt and betrayed by her actions. She explained why she did what she did but clearly it back fired and is for her own personal gain. How I see it...if she wants to be with him then fine but I will not be apart of it. I will not stop them. I will not wave a 'Go team' banner. They can simply be what they want to be. I have no say in the matter but it is not fair for me to stick around and have it rubbed in my face.

"I loved him very much and I took the last six months to be on my own outside of supporting the children at the orphanage to find myself like I was requested to do. That was not good enough and a replacement was found. I would have been fine if I knew about it and still not strived to be what he wanted but it was kept from me. They had several opportunities to tell me and I was kept in the dark. Secrets are nothing but lies. On top of that...I could handle him being with someone else but not the one person that I loved more than him. Yes, I have had my mistakes...the entire city knows that when Robert and Asher had their bloody pissing contest on the Crownet about my one and only trip in infidelity. I had died for that. I had repented for that. I gave up everything. Let them enjoy their life. I will grant Serendipity the freedom to do as she wants and not have to worry about me in the process."

[Zodiac]

She listened carefully and let Lizzie explain herself. Some of this was news to her as well. Zodiac knew about the dirty laundry being aired on the forums. It had disgusted her that Robert played the martyr when rumors of his own infidelities abounded. She never cared to dig into the entire matter. It was just sad and honestly no one's business, but in typical vampire style it became a freak show.

But the rest of it?

What a mess.

"You have been through a lot. More than I even had a clue was even happening. I am surprised you have hung on as long as you have in this. Me? Hell, been long gone and a for sale sign on my house before it got this weird." she sighed. How many actually fight to make a relationship work? Seriously fight? Most of the living treat such things as they do socks. Change them daily, toss them in the trash and grab a new pair. Very few mend their socks and try to keep them nice to last for any length of time.

"You tried to mend your socks and make them last," she smiled cryptically to Lizzie. "But I guess they don't make socks or relationships like they used to."

Zodiac stood up suddenly and gently slapped Lizzie on her knee. "Okie dokie! Let's fix your problem." She pointed through the line of 2 X 4's going from floor to ceiling to the garden plot that dominated the largest future room on the floor and the alter block that sat in the center of it all. She urged Lizzie to follow her as she walked into the large area. Pausing to lock the door, the mystic began to work a small hand crank mounted in a panel next to the door frame. The sun shutters above began to open, letting the moonlight fall into the room through the skylight in the ceiling above. Once done, she dimmed the lighting to let the lunar light be the main source of illumination. "Personally, I like the overall effect for things like this," she explained. "I will be right back."

***

In the back, a safe was opened and the girl took out a dark volume to open and study for a moment before slipping it into the pocket of her skirts. A small sheet of written notes followed as the safe was locked again. Zodiac made her way back to where Lizzie waited. Next to the altar she had assembled all she would require for this. "Stand next to me, babe. In case Sparky decides he doesn't want to play nice tonight." she urged her friend as she began the invocations. The barriers rose as the raging demi-fae appeared and snarled in contempt for the mystic who summoned it.

[Elizabeth Constance]

Lizzie hadn't realized that she had rambled on and truth be told...she could have said a whole lot more and make the conversation last for days. To her, she lost any remaining family she had so what was the use in clinging to the ties the bind. No, it was time to loosen the laces and untie this bonds. She gave a soft nod as she listened to Zodiac's reaction. She had thought that there might have been more shock and awe in the news about her friend but she was rather calm. Lizzie wasn't sure if she was truly that shocked or if she was calm and polite for her sake. A soft chuckle slipped past her lips. Sock! That was the analogy that Zodiac chose but the more she thought about it...the more it fight.

"No, they do not make them like they used to. It is a shame really. I could use a good pair but I do not believe in that anymore."

Her eyes followed the petite woman as she stood up and slapped at her knee. She wasn't going to put up a fight, ask a million and one questions or rebuttal the points that were given. No, she was supportive and willing to do the ritual. A soft smile slipped upon her lips as she stood up and followed the tip of Zodiac's finger as she pointed toward the garden. The alter sat beautifully in the center, giving a nice serene feeling. Walking into the large room, she circled around the garden before looking up at the shutters above were open and the light of the moon shone in. Closing her eyes as she let the light dance upon her face while she took a few deep breaths, letting her body completely relax. After a few moments, she opened her eyes and nodded towards the woman as she said that she would be right back.

Lizzie patiently waited and ask Zodiac returned, she moved to where she was instructed but a little closer than usual as the Fae still terrified her and Sparky was an interesting name for such a pet. Looking over at her, she took a deep breath and spoke softly as Zodiac began.

"Will it hurt?"

[Zodiac]

"Will it hurt? You? No. Me? It would love to I am sure. Wouldn't ya, Sparky? The mystic began to move her hands over the carved tiles on the altar's surface. 'Sparky' snarled its agreement of Zo's assessment of the problem as it smashed itself against the barrier. "The secret is in my pentacle," she nodded to Lizzie as she continued. "A specific shape, design and color scheme to help me keep track of where the imp is damaging the barrier so I can counter act it quick enough." The white and violet arrangement on the floor glowed softly around the trio and the altar block. A elaborate game of cat and mouse began as the gypsy worked the runes in a calm and practiced manner. Occasionally she was forced to re seal parts of the barrier to keep her 'guest' in place as she began to unravel the puzzle.

"Some have told me they feel it. When the ritual is successful." her mindspeak faintly reached Lizzie's thoughts. "A sharp jolt or a gentle tug. Most say they feel nothing at all, save relief that it is over and done. I guess it is different for everyone." More of the runes were glowing now as the girl added pieces to the puzzle. The fae growing more savage when she made an error in her spell.

"Oh, you think you're bad? I'll show you bad, Sparky." Her hands moved faster now. Confident she had the issue in hand. Her fingertips pressed a rune and held as the altar itself began to glow. 'Sparky' howled in rage as he spun like a top. The offerings upon the altar suddenly swept up as a loud POP filled the air. The barriers were gone and so was the fae. Only bits and pieces of the offerings was scattered about the altar.

"And that is how we do that," She looked at Lizzie and winked. Zodiac crouched down and opened a small box next to the altar and pulled out a wiskbroom and dustpan and began to sweep the leavings into a pile. "Anyone you know ever have this problem with a ritual? Damn faes always leave a mess for me."

[Elizabeth Constance]

Lizzie listened carefully as her eyes never left the Fae. The Fae always had a thing against her from the very moment that she was turned. Always with double head wounds from their attacks, making her feel much like a while until she was stronger in her own abilities. Robert and Serendipity had always protected her from them and now, they both fell away care about only that lustful burn into their groin.

Jumping back a little as the Fae attacked the barrier just in front of Lizzie. She trusted Zodiac with her life but the Fae...well that wasn't going to get her trust no matter what. She wasn't stupid and remembered what they are capable of doing. Zodiac's words calmed her in many ways and watching her work was more fascinating. Rituals were a complete mystery to her and she would learn more about them but it was the Fae that always stopped her. They had harmed her a great deal before when she tried to learn about rituals and how they worked. It was that harm that Robert had made sure to keep her away from them unless they were absolutely necessary for her.

Watching as Zodiac threatened the Fae only to then hear the pop and everything vanish before her but the mess that was left behind. There was a sudden wave of dying sadness in her heart followed by a twinge of relief to let her know that her bonds to Serendipity were broken. The control a sire could have over a childe was now missing and she could feel it. She was free. Turning back to Zodiac, she smiled down at her and shook her head.

"I am not entirely sure. Robert always kept me away when he was ritual working because of the Fae. There had only been a few times that I had been around him but I cannot recall if there was a mess or not. It has been sometime. Let me help you."

Lizzie began to clean up the areas that Zodiac hadn't reached just yet. Pulling the wet wipes out of her purse, she got started and smiled as the area cleaned up nicely in a decent amount of time. A tidy home was a happy home or at least in her opinion.

[Zodiac]

A soft smile appeared on her lips as Lizzie began to assist her. Between the two of them, the remnants of the offerings were soon swept up into the dust pan and dumped into the trash. After putting her tools away, Zodiac bid for Lizzie to follow her back to the sitting area. She rubbed her temples a bit as she sat back down on the violet couch. The experience was always a bit of a drain on her. Most rituals were nothing to her- not a point of bragging by any means, she simply seemed to have a way with them, but Disenthralment was more difficult in nature and taxing.

"A moment, and I will offer you a refreshment," she apologized while patting the sofa for the woman to join her. She'd be mortified if not the proper hostess, especially for people she actually cared about. "I call that little freak 'Sparky' cause as you saw, it jumps about like a bit of lightening when it's trapped like that. Trust me, I do respect what it is and what it can do. That little twerp has removed my throat several times when I started learning how to do rituals, but there are ways to protect yourself."

Quickly she began to feel like herself again and got up to put a pot of water on to heat up. "So tell me, doll, what now? You are free now, but freedom means little without some kind of plan to follow." Two blood packs dropped into the water before she rummaged about the small cupboard for cups. "I mean, I am sure you will need some time to sort yourself out after all of this, but I am just curious what you hope to do past this."

A soft knock at the door pulled her attentions. Zodiac held up a finger for patience. Jennifer would not be knocking unless it was something important. She opened the door and shared a few words with the girl before growing visibly excited, making motions for whatever to continue. The sounds of something large being moved came up the stairs and two men appeared carrying a large crate appeared. Zodiac directed them to a place along the soon to be made wall to set it down. A second crate appeared as the mystic grabbed her fake glasses and began to inspect the delivery order. A third box and a large envelope arrived as the check was written, along with a tip, and the papers signed. A round of thanks and the men exited. The envelope and receipt landed on her desk as she turned off the heat and opened one of the packs and poured them both a warm mug.

"Sorry about that." she offered Lizzie a cup as she sat back down. "That delivery was way over due." she took a long sip from her own cup. "So, what's the game plan, dollface?"