Breaking Boundaries

[Robert Pratt]

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

This RP takes place on Thursday 3rd April 2014.

Deanna: I looked for you in the raid. I haven`t seen you in a while and wondered how you were. So...erm…hello Robert. How are you? Mind if I stay here for a bit? Enver`s being...well...Enver.

Robert: *Chuckles* You`re more than welcome to stay here Deanna. And I`ve.... been better. Yourself?

Deanna: I`d be great if I didn`t have to deal with that ***. He was really mean to me last night. I swear he says stuff like that when Keara isn`t around as he knows she won`t believe me if I say anything. *sounds sad* He took joy in reminding me I`m nothing but a ghost.

Robert: Well, you know there`s a ritual that can give you flesh? I could maybe try it - if you wanted a body again? And Enver.... has his moments. Just ignore him, or give it back to him. And there`s a power I have - I can see and hear anything my wraith, Leyna, does. Maybe if Keara develops it, she will be able to see and hear for herself what he says. *Smiles kindly at her.*

Deanna: Is it painful do you think? For flesh to be given? Where do you suppose it comes from? I`m not really sure what I want to be honest. I`d not considered being anything more than I am now. Perhaps think your offer over I can? As I quite like being able to go where I want...unseen-ish

Robert: Honestly? I don`t know, any of it. I`ve never done the ritual before - So I`ve not seen it work. But, it would mean you could punch Enver if you wanted to. *He chuckled softly, trying to cheer her up* And of course you can think it over. The offer is there if you want it.

Deanna: *smiles unseen* Now that is an image I can hold on to. *laughs softly*

Robert: I thought you`d like that image. Only thing I can do, make you smile. You just seem like you need a hug. And I`m sorry I can`t give you one. So a smile is the best I can do.

Deanna: *blushes unseen* Yeah. If you hugged me, you might end up losing some of your essence. And...I wouldn`t feel it...It would be very much one sided. Like hugging a cloud maybe? I`ll ask Keara when she comes out of the catacombs. Maybe she`ll have a better way to describe it.

Robert: *He had no idea if it would work or how it would feel, but he stepped up to her and then into her, wrapping his own arms around himself as they merged into one. Then stepped back, looking at her curiously.* Did.... that do anything?

Deanna: *feels faint and falls to the floor, her shadowy form hovering a few feet off the floor*

Robert: Oh Lux! What have I done?! *He panicked, dropping to his knees beside her and feeling helpless as he leant over her, looking into her face .* Deanna? Deanna? Are you ok? Deanna please.

Deanna: *comes around a few minutes later* Oh wow. I did not know that was possible. Sorry.

Robert: *He smiled down at her and looked relived.* You had me worried there! I thought I`d hurt you! *Standing up, he offered her his hand. He knew he couldn`t actually offer her any help - but the gesture was there all the same.*

Deanna: *Dea laughed as she straightened herself out* Anyone would think you don`t have a wraith of your own the way you are acting around me. But thanks...for the offer of help. What happened between you and Leyna? If you don`t mind me asking. And yeah you are polite.

Robert: Well, Leyna`s in a huff with me right now. But she usually appreciates the gestures - even if there`s no real `help` behind them. I like to be polite, and I like to help those I care about and consider friends. I asked her to watch over my ex while I was away. The things she saw and the abuse she took.... I tried to apologise. But she`s having none of it right now. And I don`t know how to make it up to her.

Deanna: I guess you just keep saying sorry till it sticks...maybe? She`s lucky to have you. At least if the problem was your ex, she is an ex and therefore no longer a problem. *sighs* I don`t think Enver`s going anywhere anytime soon. So I`m stuck dealing with him, possibly for eternity

Robert: Why is it you don`t like Enver so much? What did he do? And yes, exes are all I have. I don`t think the right person exists for me yet. So I`ll be alone for eternity. *Shrugs*

Deanna: Oh no. That will never happen. Everyone has someone out there for them. Maybe you just need to be more patient. I don`t mean to sound disrespectful or anything but you haven`t even lived out your natural mortal years yet. Not that I can really talk. I barely scraped through the average age before I died and look at me now. I`ve been this *gestures to self* longer than I ever had form. And well...he`s just not good for her. You should see the things he has her doing. Ven would never approve...and I still think he`s her true love. If he returned, Enver would be gone.

[Keara Aithne]

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

Robert: I`m a bit.... of an.... acquired taste though. And you`re not being disrespectful, I like people who speak their minds. All my exes have - it`s an attractive quality in a woman. Also, what has he got her doing exactly? And who`s Ven? How`s she not herself? What`s she doing that`s different? And the woman you knew before, well, she wouldn`t cope in this time. She`s had to change, modernise and learn about `now`. Don`t you see the changes in the world, how what you knew and how you were would have to be different?

Deanna: I probably shouldn`t say. But she`s not herself. She`s not the woman I knew before. Ven`s our sire. He was a wonderful man. And her first husband. She knew how to behave then though.

Robert: *Smiles kindly at her with a wink* I`m sure there`s plenty of modern things you`d like to try if you could. Right? And Ven was her husband, but Enver is now. Just like Lelantos was Enver`s wife, and Keara now is. Me. I want to find someone that will last, stick by my side forever. I don`t think that`s possible now though. Divorce and splitting up is too easy for people now. Guess I`m just old fashioned that way.

Deanna: You don`t understand, just like she doesn`t. I don`t mind change. I honestly don`t. But she`s so...I can`t explain it. But she used to have lines she wouldn`t cross. She had beliefs. And now it`s like those lines never existed. She`s so different with him and I don`t like it. I mean, yes, he`s helped bring her out of herself perhaps but anyone could have done that. I bet you could have helped her. And..*sighs* I try not to think about what I`d like to do..for me.

Robert: Perhaps in coming out of her shell, her mind has expanded - and so too have the lines she`d cross or not cross. In the modern day, lines that seemed like a massive sin to cross many years ago, suddenly seem trivial. New lines have to be drawn and old ones erased. And I don`t know what I could or couldn`t have done for her - but I`m her friend and I`ll always be there to help her or entertain her. Like when we went skating together. That was fun! As for you - perhaps you need to find a hobby, or an interest of your own. Something that brings you happiness and joy. Then you will perhaps understand Keara a little more?

Deanna: It`s kind of difficult to have a hobby like this Robert. Exploring and following people who don`t know I`m there is about the only real fun I have. And I understand Keara...I just...well I think she could do better than Enver if I`m completely honest.

Robert: *He chuckled softly* That`s because you`re her sister and you still love Ven. No-one will ever live up to him and what you thought they had. You love Keara, and that`s obvious. It`s cute, and adorable really - how much you care about her. She`s a lucky woman to have you and Enver to love her and look out for her. And we can play some board games? You tell me where to move your piece to. *Tries to think of other things she could do* Do you feel anything at all? Physically I mean. Like, if you were to jump into the pool, would you feel a temp change?

Deanna: *shakes her head* I don`t feel a thing...unless I`m stealing someone`s essence. And I try not to do that. I mean...it`s not like I need it. Right? And yeah of course I love her and want the best for her. I just know he`s no good. And what are board games?

Robert: Do you like taking the magic from someone? Does it make you feel good? Because if it does – I can summon you a spirit or two. Let you drain them so you feel better. As for board games.... hmmmm..... You know chess? I think that has been around a while. But they are games you play, with pieces on a board. They can be quite competitive and fun. *He summons a couple of spirits*

Deanna: Oh. Well I`d be willing to try. But surely you have better things to do with your time than to play games with me. I wouldn`t want to drag you away from anything important. *reaches out and touches Robert* Now that...that I felt. *smiles unseen* I really cannot bring myself to drain those poor creatures. Cannibalistic that seems to me. Though I guess that might sound silly to someone like you.

Robert: Oh.. OH! *He looked horrified* I`m so sorry, I didn`t think of that! I`m sorry. I didn`t mean to offend you! And there`s nothing more important than helping a friend. Besides - I like spending time with you. You have a brain, and a personality, and you`re not afraid to show either. So, board games it is, anytime you like. *Smiles as he felt a little of his power being taken, waving his hand to disperse the spirits away, not wanting to feed on them in front of her.* Would you like some more? It seemed to make you smile...

Deanna: *blushes behind the shadows* How could you tell? Did my tone give that away? And don`t worry about the spirits. It was a very kind gesture. Do you feel it when I take you essence? *touches him again, her hand reaching for his as if to hold it*

[Robert Pratt]

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

Robert: "Yes, your tone changed ever so slightly. It seemed to lift, as if the corners of a mouth were lifting in a smile." His hand turned, palm up and a little light appeared there in his hand to close the gap between them as she took some power from him. Once more, he felt it draining from him with a tingle that ran throughout his body as he nodded. "Yes, I feel it when you take it. How does it feel to you? Taking it from me. Can you describe it?"

Deanna: Deanna was quiet for a moment as she pondered what she’d been asked. How did it feel to her? She wasn’t sure she remembered what physical sensations even were, let alone describe one, but as she thought it over something did come to mind. “Like embarrassment,” she blurted out. Even if they weren’t blood related by birth, there were elements of Deanna’s personality that were uncannily similar to Keara’s. “I’m sorry. I’m not sure that made sense. I mean it feels like that flush of colour you get in the cheeks when you blush. I think. I honestly don’t think about tactile sensations much, but that’s how it feels to me. Like a flurry of warmth passing through my being.” She retreated to a safer distance, not wishing to drain any more of his precious essence.

Robert: He smiled softly at her, letting the little light float up from the palm of his hand to dance for her before he snuffed it out and lowered his hand again. "And it always feels like that? Taking the power from someone? And if that's how it feels - I'm surprised you don't take more often. I know I'd like to feel that." He stepped a little closer to her, aware that a couple of people were staring at him and the 'voice' talking - as they couldn't see Deanna. But most people there knew what he was, and were used to him doing.... weird things. So the staring didn't last for too long and just came in fits and starts.

Deanna: She watched the light he conjured dance in the air before he allowed it to die out or disappear or whatever it was he did, as she’d never seen anyone do that before and so couldn’t be certain how he controlled it. “I used to steal people’s essence when I first emerged from that realm, but it just seemed wrong and then certain people started crying foul. I hadn’t so much considered it stealing then as I did borrowing?” The last word was elongated when she said it showed that she didn’t really believe what she was saying. “And it was quite…addictive. So I stopped. I didn’t want to make people mad and I didn’t want to embarrass Keara with my behaviour. After a while I kind of forgot how good it felt.”

Robert: He couldn't help but smile at her elongated 'borrow', but said nothing about it. "Well, you're welcome to take some from me every day if you'd like to. Especially if it makes you feel better, happier even. And yes, people like to cry foul while doing the same thing themselves. I've had people banishing my wraith for taking the essence - while sending their own to take mine."

Deanna: “Really? That sounds awfully rude. You can’t tell someone not to do something and then do it yourself. That’s just…Oh…what’s the word I’m looking for…hypocritical. Sorry. I don’t really talk to many people. I mean I can talk to Keara when she isn’t…otherwise engaged. I’m not sure I so much talk to Enver as I do try to provoke him. But please don’t tell Keara I said that. She’s asked us to ‘play nice’.” Her form made the air quotes as she said the last few words. “Which for the most part we do…if she’s there…and conscious…if she’s not we kind of revert back to trading insults. I know. I know. I should let him be. He makes her happy. Yadda yadda…I just can’t help myself.” Much like her sister she had taken to babbling, but it was this or scream and gush about how wonderful she thought Robert was for making the offer he did. An offer she was yet to accept or refuse as she tried to distract herself from it.

Robert: He couldn't help but smirk as Deanna talked about how she and Enver wound each other up. "Well, sounds like you and Enver are acting like a brother and sister normally would. I don't see anything wrong with a gentle ribbing when you see each other and behaving while 'Mom' is around." He chuckled to himself again, looking at her fondly. "And yes, people are hypocrites. The ones I'm talking about walk in the Dark, while I try to spread the Light, make people happy and turn them from the wrong path. Bit of a crusader if you like."

Deanna: “Oh my good don’t make me want to hurt you,” she raised her hand as if going to punch him before she caught herself. “Oh wow. That was embarrassing,” she said edging away again. “For a moment there I forgot I couldn’t…well…you know. Wow. I’m kind of glad you can’t see me right now because my cheeks would be…well…wow,” she brought her hands to her face as if checking for the heat before coughing one of those fake coughs people did before changing the subject. “I bet you are. You’re a nice guy. Though I bet it’s nice having all these people around you…in your corner so to speak.” It was then she realised that her voice was fairly audible and that people knew she was there. A hand covered her face as she realised what she’d done and then she whispered. “I really shouldn’t be talking here, Keara would kill me if she knew.”

Robert: He just smiled at her as she threatened to punch him. "What? You can't see that the way you're both behaving is like two siblings arguing over a favourite toy?" He followed her as she stepped away again, not letting her feel like she was being turned away or rejected or any nonsense like that. "All of these people are here because they need help, or are helping others. Quite a few are victims of vampire attacks, so they come here for help on how to defend themselves and what to look for to identify a vampire. I teach them about the differences between good vampires, and bad, so that when the news about vampires breaks and becomes public knowledge - then we're ahead of it all and people know that not all are 'evil'." He smiled and looked around, receiving smiles from all he caught the eye of. "And don't worry, they've all heard Leyna talk - or seen her floating around if she's made herself visible to them. Some people, seem to find talking to a ghost easier than talking to a real person. But we can go to my office if you'd be more comfortable?"

Deanna: She corporealised for a moment, more so as she had the urge to throttle Robert, than because of anything he said thereafter; not that Robert likely noticed as he saw her even when she didn’t wish him too. “Oh my god stop talking. Lalalalalalalala.” She tried drowning out what he was saying but it all sunk in and so her shadow slunk down a little in defeat. How was she going to keep this from Keara. If she told Keara she’d probably go mental and if she didn’t and then Keara found out and knew that Deanna knew, she’d likely get banished. “Oh for the love of god Robert. Why did you have to tell me that? Do you know how insane that sounds?” Deanna was suddenly struck by the fact that she might actually share Keara’s view on humanity.

Robert: He blinked as she became a little more solid to his sight, cocking his head to the side as she seemed to.... sing? "What? What did I do?" He looked totally confused as he watched her go back to normal again and seem to... deflate. "What's wrong? Are you ok? And what's insane? I've no idea what's wrong here." And his face said that that, was completely true.

Deanna: “Do you have any idea what you are doing?” she whispered, looking around. He couldn’t see the fear in her face but he may have heard it in the tremble of her voice. “Turn apart I was by people. When they found out what I was. Keara too…maybe…She doesn’t really talk about it. I think they burned her alive but I don’t like to pry. People aren’t all accepting in mobs Robert. They are full of hate and fear and they do what they do without thinking.”

Robert: He nodded his head, and gently walked towards his office, an arm out and 'around' her to guide her. Only once they were in his office with the door shut, did he take a seat and answer her concerns with a gentle smile. "Deanna dear, I've been on the end of those mobs - only the mobs were made up of vampires who descended upon me and ripped me to pieces. You are lucky, you've only felt that pain once. I've felt the pain of death almost ten times now - and every time was at the hands of vampires. Humans have shown me kindness, humans have shown me understanding, humans have shown me acceptance - where all I've felt from the vampires is hatred and pain and death. So I'm working hard to ensure that should a mob rise up from the humans - it won't be marching towards me, but to the dark ones."

Deanna: She followed and while a part of her shivered inside for him to act like she was alive again, the other part was so angry she wanted to steal more of his essence and weaken him to show him just how strongly she felt about this. “That’s because vampires aren’t supposed to live in one city. This place is madness. We’ve turned upon each other for no reason. That’s why Keara’s gone all pacifist. And speaking of Keara I’ bet she’d be one of these dark ones you talk about. Even though she only kills with good reason and wouldn’t normally take a life. Taught we were to respect humans.”

Robert: "While I don't agree with some of Keara's opinions - I don't believe she's given in to Muga's way of thinking. She is doing what she thinks is right, from her own experiences. There are others however, who enjoy the killing, enjoy causing pain to others, enjoy the power that the plague of vampirism has given them. Doc for example - he apparently tormented a human woman for months on end, even raping her. Just because he could. Then he turned her, so he could continue to torment her for the rest of eternity. Him and those like him are the ones who need to be taken from this place and put out of our misery. This hasn't happened for no reason, it is Muga's influence as he tries to find a foothold in the world once more"

Deanna: “Yeah well our experience left our race extinct. So I guess you can understand why we feel the need to protect the ones we love in this new life. God Robert. If I tell her this she’s going to freak. I mean she likes you. I know she does but wow…seriously? And yeah that’s sick and twisted but there are people in this word that are just as bad as he is and would torture our kind to the brink of death over and over for the fun of it.” She shook her head, paused for a brief moment and then as an afterthought added, “Look I don’t want to argue about this but seriously…your version of light and dark and theirs,” she gestured to the door, “might not match. How do you know doing this isn’t going to get those you love killed?”

Robert: "Those I love are in danger now, because they are human. Exposing vampires to have them held to the same laws as humans are - is protecting them." He smiled at her, so sure of himself and his views. "The world has changed from the last supposed holocaust. There's been a few, of varying sorts throughout the years. People have evolved since then and are more accepting. I am no danger to humans...." He opened his mouth and showed her his ragged canines. "I don't even have fangs with which to bite with. As for Keara - don't tell her." He chuckled

Deanna: Her form slumped down to the floor and she hung her head. It almost looked like she was trying to cradle her head in her hands. “I can’t not tell her. That’s a lie by omission. She hates liars. If she found out I knew about this place and hadn’t told her she’d banish me and I don’t want to go back to that realm Robert. I don’t want to disappoint her either. She’s all I have in this world. Maybe you were right…” she grumbled a bit as she spoke now. “Maybe I hate him for other reasons too. I’m not allowed in their cell these days if they are both home…Well…technically I’m not allowed in there unless invited but still…I go in there if she’s not home.”

Robert: He slid off the seat and knelt beside her, gently setting his hand above her knee in what would have been a reassuring manner if she had a body. "Well, I have the ritual to bring you back - should anything happen to you. And she's not all you have - you have me too. Besides, Keara knows about Solace already. Not the details, but she knows it exists and that I work with and help humans here. And..." he smiled at her. "How would you like an entire apartment of your very own? You can design it as you like, and I'll pay for it to be done and make all the arrangements for you. Your own personal space, that's just for you and no-one else. Unless you want them there."

Deanna: “Huh? You’d do that?” she said looking up at him. She couldn’t believe he was making her that offer. She had places in the Asylum to go to be alone, hell she had access to all of Keara’s places if she wanted to get away but none were really hers. “I…Wow. Thank you. Thank you so much…but I can’t accept that. I’m fine really I am. Keara has places I can go. I’m sure if I wanted a place of my own she’d buy me one. I just…she knows huh? I bet she’d never imagine that…wow. Just wow. What a weird night this has been.” She was quite clearly still trying to process it all as she spoke, hence her mind being all over the place and jumping back and forth.

Robert: He just smiled at her as he knelt beside her, setting his hand back onto his own knee as it wasn't very comfortable holding it out with nothing to lean on or against. "Of course. I have a few apartments right upstairs, on the top floor. Number 8 is now yours. And of course you can accept it. Everyone needs a place to call their own, their own space where they feel at peace while surrounded by their own things." His voice was soft and kind as he spoke to her, that friendly smile still on his face and not shifting.

Deanna: “No honestly I can’t accept it. It’s bad enough I know what you do here but to accept a place here to would just be a slap in the face to her. I don’t want to add insult to injury and honestly, I feel better when I’m closer to home. The asylum is as much my home as anyone else’s. Besides. If move out, Enver will think he’s won and I’m not having that.” She was sounding more compose now, back to normal even. Robert was a very kind guy and she liked his smile, it was the smile of a warm and caring man and as Deanna realised what she was thinking, she began to wonder how Keara could have married Enver after having met Robert as he was obviously the more superior of the two men.

Robert: "Well, it wouldn't be moving out. It would be doing what you normally do and knowing you had a space to be yourself in for an hour or two when needed. And if you want to be closer to home...." He thought about where the Asylum was, as he'd seen it on his wanderings, and then tried to think about what was close. "Oh, well, I could get you a place in West Towers. That's just at the other end of the park. And it wouldn't be linked to Solace. I'm sure Keara wouldn't begrudge someone giving you a gift would she? That would work right?"

Deanna: “I guess but well…erm…no. Thank you but no. You are a very kind guy but that is too great a gift from someone I barely know. Not that that should matter or anything, I just wouldn’t feel right. Honestly, if I wanted a place of my own she’d buy me one. I tend to just come and go as I please anyway. I have a lot more freedom than most…I think. I mean Keara doesn’t mind if I disappear for days on end and I always seem to be able to find her when she needs me…or I her.” She was quite insistent about not taking a place from Robert, even if a small part of her thought it might be nice. She had more than enough rooms to choose from if she wanted space and she’d even started hanging out on Enver’s boat when he wasn’t about; the sound of the water brought back memories of her parents and that always made her happy.

Robert: "Well, the offer is there if you want it. And you're always welcome here or in any of my places. Just if there's ever a time you need to escape Keara or Enver, or both. As I said, we all need our own time and space sometimes." He smiled at her and nodded, just as insistent that she take him seriously.

Deanna: “Thanks. And wow. I’m like the worst person ever. I just realised that when I arrived I asked how you were and you said you’d been better. I should have asked what you meant. I was so wrapped up in my own issues that I just…sorry.” Deanna sighed and looked around Robert’s office. “If you’d like to talk to someone about why you’ve been better I have the time. Talking’s about all I’m good for anyways.”

Robert: "We have been talking dear, and you obviously needed to vent and get some things off your chest. From what you've said - I'm guessing you don't really have anyone to talk to about what's going on in your head?"

Deanna: She laughed. “Nice deflection. Part allurist too huh? I’ve seen Enver pull that crap a thousand times already and Keara falls for it like ninety-five percent of the time. I’m not as easily distracted as she is though. But then he can’t put his hands on me so I guess there is an upside to this whole incorporeal thing,” she giggled. “I’ve poured my heart out Robert dearest it’s your turn now.”

Robert: "Not that I'm aware of" He chuckled. "I think allurist is as far from shadow as you can get." He winked at her and grinned. "And it sounds like you have enough problems without mine too. And mine, are just stupid really."

Deanna: “Try me. You kind of already said we all need someone to talk to, so you should just talk to me. Is it anything to do with Leyna?” she asked curiously. “And why she’s not speaking to you.”

[Keara Aithne]

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

Robert: He sighed and shifted to move back on to the couch again, as he was getting on a bit and his joints weren't what they once were. "Partly. There's just..... it's been a tough few weeks. I got fed up waiting for the woman I was engaged to, to tell her childe that we were together. Turned out, she'd been lying about telling her all along - and she had no plans on telling her at all. So annoyed - as I'd wanted to do it from the time we got serious - I told her myself. They both went mental, I got shot and then the woman I was engaged to broke up with me. A few days later - I believe she slept with another of her childre, despite me saying we weren't broken up and were going to work on things. In the middle of all of that - my mind seemed to, uncurl from itself. I learnt a new power that was able to break through the scar tissue in my brain and show me the memories I'd forgotten. And the memories I'd forgotten..... were that I have children. Emily and Hunter. So I had to go to them, to find them. And..... well.... I did." He didn't feel like telling her that both of his genetic children were paladins. After how she'd reacted to him telling humans about vampires - he didn't think this extra bit of information would go over too well.

Deanna: She followed in her own floaty manner and perched on the sofa, or more accurately floated above it as if she were seated next to him. “Those don’t sound like silly issues to me Robert. They sound kinda of huge actually…How old are you?” she asked rather rudely. She’d not thought about his age till now but if he had kids, she assumed he was older than perhaps she thought he was. The politer question may have been to ask how old his kids were and work out from there how old he might be but she wasn’t exactly the sort to bite her lip or pussy foot around, not any more.

Robert: "I just turned 40 last month." He answered easily, without thinking anything of the question.

Deanna: “Wow. I’d never have guessed that.” Her tone clearly showing that this was a compliment. “And if you don’t mind me saying…It sounds like your ex was a bit of a…Well I try not to swear so I’m not going to finish that sentence but I’m sure you get hat I mean. Why on earth anyone wouldn’t shout about daring you from the roof tops must be crazy. You’re so nice.”

Robert: He smiled at her and shook his head. "No, I'm not someone to shout about really. With how people view me in the community - you don't even want to admit that you're my friend. Otherwise, you're immediately targeted and put onto the 'watch' list and the 'death' list when some folks get a bee up their bum. You definitely don't admit you're dating me. That just makes you seem like you're crazy, and moves you to the top of the 'death list'." He smiled still, but it was a sad smile this time.

Deanna: “Aw don’t say that. That can’t be true. I mean surely she could have trusted her childe with this secret…if it had to be secret. I still think you are exaggerating. You have to be. That’s just insane. Why would anyone want to kill the person you were dating for just dating you. That’s like…well…I don’t know but whatever it is utter madness. And if she truly cared about you, she’d of done it. I’ve seen how crazy love makes Keara. I mean like seriously cuckoo. If she didn’t already live in an asylum I’d say that’s where she belongs but damn…The woman couldn’t even tell her own childe?” Much like Keara, Deanna tended to live in her own little world and couldn’t believe that people would use a person’s loved one as some sort of pawn or bargaining chip.

Robert: He nodded his head. "Yes, they've done it before. When the vampires couldn't find me - they killed everyone they knew associated with me. And the reason she didn't want to tell her childe, is because, well, her childe is my ex as well. Apparently, she's still in love with me - even though she cheated on me while I was dead and then vanished for months. And yes, when I love, I love hard. I guess, I'm just not the sort you can fall for like that."

Deanna: “Oh don’t be stupid. You don’t know how others see you. Last year Keara probably would have said the same about herself and look at her now. She has a damn shadow. Can barely pull those two apart at ti…” her hands clapped over her mouth, or would have done if she had a body. “Forget I said that. Please? Point being…If my sister can find a guy to follow her around like a puppy…anyone can. Seriously. If I had to choose between you or Enver, you’d win hands down. I have no idea what she sees in that loser.”

Robert: "Oh, I do." He chuckled. "They tell me how they think I'm an idiot and need to be culled from the population regularly." He shrugged and then frowned at her. "Deanna, them being a couple is normal - they're happy and will want to spend their time with one another. Enver's also a friend of mine, and while he's not the most.... congenial of people sometimes - he makes Keara happy. And while I...." He looked at her and winked. "might be your type. Enver is Keara's."

Deanna: Her face would have been red at this reply and for a moment there was an almost uncomfortable silence as she went to speak and then stopped as she didn’t actually know how to respond. She crossed her spectral arms across her chest, huffed and appeared to almost slink back into the sofa. “Yeah well…I used to think she had good taste. Now I’m not so sure. As I said before. She’s not the woman I knew. And maybe you are more my type than hers, doesn’t mean I’m not right.” It was odd for her to even consider she might have a type. She’d not found a mate in her first life and she hadn’t even considered the possibility of finding anyone in this one. As she thought about it she began to wonder why she hadn’t sought herself a companion of sorts but then she only knew a couple of others of her own kind; one being Leyna and the other thought it was a horse and neither of those were exactly companion material.

Robert: He didn't feel awkward at all in the silence that followed, and he just let her think whatever she liked in the silence as he watched her. He couldn't help but grin as she seemed to huff and change her position to arms folded. "And I think you're so protective of her - you wouldn't see the good in Enver if it were staring you in the face. Which is sweet. But it isn't going to help your relationship with her or hi,."

Deanna: “Yeah well…I guess I just know how much she’s changed. You should have seen her before…she hated dresses. She’d sulk if she was forced to wear one, which of course she was, as women in our time couldn’t go around dressed like guys. At least not if they wanted to blend in. The fuss she put up then was amazing. Ven was so patient with her and of course she was the dutiful wife, so she did as he asked…eventually. But if we were on the road and not settled, she was always dressed like a guy. Then she gets here into this world and bam. Whore. Not that she knows that’s how she dresses. She says she likes the freedom or something. I don’t know. I tend to tune her out when she starts talking about clothes these days. But anyway…what was I saying? Yeah…that was it. She’s changed. And before you go pointing out the obvious,” she turned to face Robert, a spectral finger being waved before his nose. “I know she dressed like that before he came into the picture. But back then she was more…erm…touched in the head is the way I want to phrase it. She explained the clothing once and it made sense but I forget what she said now.”

Robert: He smiled softly at her. "You call her a whore, yet she's not doing anything every married woman does. And I bought her a dress once, and she looked stunning in it and she said she liked how it felt on her. If you had a body, I'd take you shopping too and you could find yourself a new style and wear anything you liked. And.... surely now that she's more sane that's a good thing? Not a bad one?" He frowned, looking at her in a pointed manner.

Deanna: “I called her whore because that’s how she dresses. Have you seen the length of the skirts she wears? I’ve seen more material on Enver when he’s just in his boxers,” she shivered at the memory and made a childish sound that showed she didn’t like that image. “And yeah, she seems more at home in the clothing of this era but I think it has more to do with the freedom of this time. Fashion was quite limited in our first life and women wore what was expected of them. You probably didn’t notice but even my spectral form conforms to the standard of the past. I don’t really know why but I can’t get my image to change. It’s like someone sketched me into this world. Oh…you know what…you should ask Keara what I looked like…when I had a body…she can draw really well and I bet she remembers. Though…scratch that. I mean,” she laughed nervously, “you probably don’t care what I looked like before. No-one does.”

Robert: He raised an eyebrow and stared into where he guessed her eyes were roughly. "Deanna, if I didn't care about you - why would I be offering you so much and trying to help you however I can?" He reached out to her, offering her his hand and knowing that if she took it, she'd draw more of his magic from him. But then, he knew she liked it and it cheered her up for a moment.

Deanna: She instinctively reached out to take his hand but pulled back before she could do him any damage. “You’re very kind. Too kind for your own good. Why anyone would want to harm you I have no idea. And please don’t tell Keara I called her a whore. While I’m sure she wouldn’t really mind, she might tell Enver and he’s just itching to trap me in a cage. I know he is.” There was the slightest hint of panic in her voice, as Deanna really didn’t like being trapped in one location against her will. To her it seemed almost inhumane to cage a creature that was meant to be free, especially when that creature was her.

Robert: He raised an eyebrow and looked at her in concern. "What do you mean he wants to put you in a cage? Why on earth would he want to do that to you? To anyone really?"

Deanna: Apparently this had caught his attention, and she hadn’t even had to lie. Finally someone was willing to listen to her about stuff like this, as Keara seemed blind to the possibility that Enver would do anything like this to her. “Well…he hates me. He tried to trap me in a spirit cage once before. Ended up catching another wraith instead. Though I don’t think he minded. I told Keara then what he was doing and she said she’d speak to him and make him promise not to do it again but he’s sneaky. He’ll find a way to make it my fault. You wait and see. And once you step in one of those things, you’re there for like the longest twenty-four hours of your afterlife. I mean I should know, I’ve been in a few…but those weren’t Enver’s fault, they were Keara’s. She’s like addicted to raids or something and sometimes I go help and well you don’t see those things till you are in them.” She was rambling on and had she the need to breathe she certainly wouldn’t have gotten quite so far into this rather lengthy explanation. The one thing it did show however was how passionate she felt about the subject, as much like her sister, when she felt strongly about something she tended to get caught up in it.

Robert: He leant back in his seat and lay his arm along the back of it - which would have been around her back if she'd had a body. "I don't know how he'd make that your fault. I mean - if he lays the trap and doesn't tell you or Keara it's there.... then that's very definitely his fault. And yes, I've seen Keara's addiction to the raids." He curled his nose. "She does seem to like killing far too much!"

Deanna: He was close to her and had she skin, she’d probably have had goose bumps. No-one ever paid her so much attention. “Well yes. See. Thank you. It would be his fault. But he’d spin it like he was trying to protect the family or something. I mean I have to admit, he’s been pretty good for the most part,” she shook her head as if trying to dislodge the good thoughts she had regarding him. “She’s not addicted to killing fyi. That’s not why she does it. She kills the creatures to protect our secret. She thinks the things might escape and go on a rampage in the city or some nonsense. I don’t know. I just know it comes from a good place.” She couldn’t help but defend her sister, it was second nature as that was what family did for one another.

Robert: He grinned as she confirmed that Enver had some good points, thinking he was perhaps getting through to her. "Well, maybe you could ask Keara to ask Enver, to warn her if he's putting down any traps - including cages - for the family protection. That way, all avenues are covered and he has no excuses. Right? And if she's not addicted to killing, and it's all for the protection of vampires - does she kill gangsters, enforcers, security guards? Those aren't a threat. Those are humans."

Deanna: “Sometimes. But honestly she tries not to. She doesn’t take any pleasure in killing humans. He’d only attack one in self-defence or if they knew of vampires and seemed to pose a threat to our kind. And if she does do that…well she does it quick. She doesn’t like them to suffer. She’s kind of difficult to explain at times. I used to think her quirks had something to do with her madness but now I think she just thinks differently due to everything that’s happened to her. I mean I’m lucky I don’t have to deal with anything like that. I mean it’s not like a person can hurt me now…right?” She knew Keara didn’t lie, so if she’d said that she definitely believed it to be true, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a way to harm her that Keara didn’t know about.

Robert: "Well...." He thought about it. "People could use a ritual to banish you. Keara could dismiss you and you'd be lost to the Darkness again. There's the cages. Then there's the power I have to dispel a wraith. I can't imagine that's too.... pain free or comfortable."

Deanna: “Actually it feels like being summoned…but the other way around. Like being teleported I guess. Yeah that’s probably a better way of describing it. The cages don’t hurt really either, they’re just seriously frustrating. And I don’t think I could ever annoy Keara enough for her to do that to me. I mean she threatened it once. When I kinda, maybe embellished a story about Enver and this other woman. Cos of course she took his word over mine but I don’t think she’d really do it. If she refuses to kill a vampire and send them there, I can’t see her sending her sister back there either. She’d probably just make me follow Enver around for like a month or something because she knows how much I hate shadowing him.” Once more with the babbling. The young woman had more to say than even she expected and even if she was talking about Keara and Enver more than herself, it was nice to be being treated by a person that she wasn’t linked to.

Robert: "Well" He chuckled. "If that happened, get word to me. I'll arrange for Enver and I to do something together so you can come down here and visit and have a bit of fun with Leyna or Belle and such."

Deanna: “He’d just rat me out,” she said shaking her head. “And as I said before I really can’t go lying to her. I’d just have to play along until she forgave me…But thanks for the offer. It’s sweet.” Her posture relaxed a little more, though she was wary about leaning back into the sofa (in a literal sense) in case she took some of Robert’s essence without meaning too.

Robert: "Well, there'd be nothing to rat out. You'd still be tailing him after all. Plus, he can't see you - so he'd have no idea what you were up to." He chuckled, watching as she seemed to relax a little and wasn't as uptight as she'd been before. "So, what are your plans for the rest of the night? Keara got any errands for you?"

Deanna: “Nope. I’m a free agent…for now. I think I’ll just hang around and maybe be nosey…If you don’t mind? See what you are teaching people and such. What are the rules on trying to freak people out? As it is kind of funny making people wonder what they just saw out of the corner of their eye and stuff. It’ about the only real power us wraiths have…to wind people up.” She’d taken up enough of Robert’s time and although he didn’t seem to be in any rush and wasn’t ushering her out the door or anything, she still felt that his time was probably best spent doing something else than chatting to her.

Robert: "Of course you're welcome to have a nose. My homes are your homes and you're welcome to go and look anywhere and everywhere you like. Enjoy yourself. And don't freak out the kids, but feel free with the adults. Leyna does the same thing sometimes. So they know what it is usually, after the initial surprise and not being dead or disorientated." He chuckled.

Deanna: She was more than happy to check out her new playground, as while she’d visited Solace several times since meeting Leyna, she hadn’t really done any poking about as it was just plain rude. But now she had permission. Now she was going to explore. “Thanks Robert,” her form straightened and moved towards the door. “Shout if you need me,” she added before disappearing through the door.

Robert: "Enjoy!" He called out as she left, and then got up himself to sit at his desk and go through some application forms for new staff members.