Be My 'Date'?

[Alaric von der Marck]

Backdated to June 27

Elizabeth: Elizabeth had been back two evenings now and had once again searched her private emails for a reply from Alaric. Nothing. This caused the woman to frown a little, before she decided to take a more direct approach. Elizabeth turned off the computer with a press of a button with a single fingertip before she stood and both gently and quietly entered the other elder’s mind.

Forgive the intrusion of one’s thoughts, Alaric, but I was curious to know if one possessed an email account? I had emailed thee before my trip, but believe you have not received the email. Is there a preferred way of communication that you desire? Direct and to the point was sometimes the best route.

As Elizabeth moved to her closet, the telepath had an epiphany. She had not identified herself, and so after a few seconds, more thoughts followed with, More apologies. This is Elizabeth. It was entirely possible that he knew who was within his head, but she wanted him to be certain.


[ALARIC] The elder was out for his nightly walk; he tried to be outdoors as much as he was indoors, if only because it was something he had sorely missed. Although propriety dictated that he should wear shoes, he most often did not -- he revelled in the feel of the soil and the crisp grass between his toes far too much for them to be hindered by footwear. Out near the edge of the wilderness there was nothing to bother Alaric -- there were no signals out here, no electronic buzzing trying to invade his mind. Whatever lifeforms were back at the estate were far enough away that the temptation to delve into memories or well being was kept at bay. It was pure silence out here, except for the chitter and chatter of the bugs and the breeze whispering through the leaves of the trees.

It was a surprise to the elder, therefore, when a voice penetrated the silence and spoke directly to his mind. It wasn’t an invasive voice, my any means. It was like a bubbling brook, a gush of cool breeze. Soothing, even. She hadn’t needed to clarify; Alaric only knew a handful of other vampire -- three, to be exact, two of which were telepaths. One was his sire, and he knew what her voice sounded like. And the other was Elizabeth -- similarly, he knew what her face sounded like.

Alaric’s backside found the grass and his body followed suit, sending a flurry of fireflies launching into the air. He watched them, lazily, while he communicated with the other elder.

I think that I do, but I do not use it. I am not sure how. I was aware of a communication from you but I did something wrong. I cannot find it again. I contacted you like this. Perhaps it did not work? Telepathy works. It is good to hear from you, Elizabeth.


Elizabeth: A lightweight coat had been pulled from the closest, it seemed there was a cool front in Harper Rock, based off what she had seen upon the internet. Weather did not bother her in the way it would humans, but Elizabeth still liked to ‘play the part’ of appearing to be human when among them.

It had only taken a minute at most to receive a reply back, as long as it had taken her to pull the coat off the hanger, really. The lack of response to the email made sense now, as Elizabeth replaced the hanger back into the closet.

Perhaps one accidently deleted it, or it was moved to a new folder. Well, I suppose it matters not now, as this works just as well, if not better. She slid the light brown coloured coat upon her shoulders, pulled her blonde hair free, then moved to grab her purse from off her dresser. There is a city meeting of sorts upon the fourteenth...Is one busy this evening? Elizabeth abruptly asked as she moved from her penthouse to the elevator.


[ALARIC] Alaric started to look beyond the fireflies and toward the stars in the ink-black sky. The longer he stared the more there were -- and at least that was one thing that had not changed. The stars would always stay the same. He was already picking out the numerous constellations even as Elizabeth answered, Alaric nodding as if she were sitting across from him and could see his agreement. It was very likely that Alaric had ‘accidentally’ done something, and he wasn’t so proud that he couldn’t admit it.

I am rarely busy, he replied, though the latter half of the question confused him. Where is it, the meeting? Do you know who is going? Why is it that you want to go? I can make sure that I do not make plans for the fourteenth. Is that what you mean? Or are you asking whether I am busy tonight? he asked. He made no move to sit up just yet -- not until he was certain what it was that Elizabeth was asking.


Elizabeth: Elizabeth stepped outside into the night, and glanced around the park while Alaric’s thoughts continued. She laughed a little at his reply; the one of being rarely busy. Outside of her businesses, Elizabeth too was rarely busy. Perhaps that was how life for elders genuinely were. She doubted that Cosimo, or Alexandrea were rarely busy. ”It is at a cafe. An internet one. And I know of one or two going, but there seems to be some minor interest by other parties upon the Crow. I cannot begin to guess what the turnout may be, but this is the first time something like this has been offered or suggested among our kind for...years. She started traveling the width of the park towards the train station, then stopped to claim a seat on an empty park bench.

And yes. I do wish to go to see what, if any direction the residence of our community wish to go. Stances upon things. And… Her thoughts stopped abruptly as Elizabeth decided why it was she was asking if he was busy tonight. A telepathic conversation did not take up the majority of the night. I suppose, both. I was inquiring if one was busy then and one is busy now.


[ALARIC] An internet cafe. Alaric frowned up at the stars as if they were party to his doubts and silent fears. As if their winking and blinking were a silent conversation only for him, a kind-of morse code as they counseled him on his predicament. He did want to be more involved than he had been before; vampires were known to mankind, now, and if a repeat of the slaughter in the past could be prevented, then he would help to prevent it. And he could only do so if he were in the loop, as it were. He would have to try to overcome his difficulties.

Technology is not my friend. I fear that to be within an internet cafe will be overwhelming… he admitted. It was something he had not had to admit to his own family, as he was sure it was obvious given his demands to remove all technology from the library, and the odd things they had witnessed from him in the past. To Elizabeth… he did not know why it was such an easy thing to admit. But he trusted her.

That is not to say that I will not go. Only I am not sure how long I will stay, he said. He’d been going into the city more and more, and had been testing his limits. This would be but just one more test. And he had never been one to run away from his fears. Now, he sat up, pushing himself to his feet and brushing the grass from his backside.

I am not busy… he said, turning and walking back to the beacon of lights that made up the von der Marck Estate.


Elizabeth: She understood his reservations. Technology and Elizabeth had a strange relationship. Sometimes, the woman could not do without it, yet in the next minutes that followed, she needed everything that was connected to the internet and more to be shut off. Then, if we must, we shall leave early. Elizabeth assured Alaric. What was missed she could attain from others that were there-if not from Doc himself. She promised that she would go, and she would, but she would also take into account the feelings and thoughts of her companion for the evening. It would be rude not to.

With Alaric solidifying the point that he would not be busy then, or was not busy now, Elizabeth looked towards the train station. Can one get to Thornside Park? I have something to show thee. Elizabeth then glanced to the east which was populated by woods primarily.


[ALARIC] Ja. I can catch the train, he said. He was already mostly dressed -- he would only have to pull on a jacket and some shoes. It was rare that Alaric von der Marck slouched around the Estate in anything less than semi-formal -- getting dressed was the first thing he did every evening. He was curious, of course, and he would be lying to himself if he didn’t admit it was nice to have something to do.

I will ride to Swansdale, then I will catch the train. I do not know how long that will take, but you will wait for me? he asked. Inside the estate the air was warm, welcoming. It was homely. He didn’t have to go all the way down into the dungeon to retrieve his jacket and shoes -- he’d left his jacket draped over the couch in the vast sitting room, and his shoes were in the closet near the front door (the one often used to house the jackets and hats of visitors, in the past). The items of clothing were retrieved and donned before he was out the side door and collecting his newly acquired bicycle from the garage.


Elizabeth: The thought of riding to swansdale left questions within her mind, ones she may ask later if the thought resurfaced within the night. Yes, of course I will wait for thee. With her assured thought sent out, Elizabeth glanced towards the honeymead train station where she assumed he would get off. He could also get off at Westwall, or Gullsborough, they would just take him to different entry points into the park.

The last time in which we spoke, one mentioned reading as a pastime. Is one reading anything, currently? I have picked up a book, called ‘The Great Gatsby.’ Has one ever read, or heard of the title? Also, if I am distracting thee from achieving the destination, please feel free to state as such. She could opt to sit in relative silence and wait for Alaric, but Elizabeth wanted to assure him that she would wait however long it took, and more nights than not, when not at one of her businesses, Elizabeth was surrounded in silence. The conversation served a purpose to her, equally.


[ALARIC] There was something thrilling about riding a bike. The way the hair whipped through one’s hair -- though Alaric had been instructed that he should wear a helmet, that he could get booked for not wearing one. He had to be rebellious sometime, didn’t he? If he fell off the bike and slammed headfirst into the pavement, he would heal. So what did it matter?

It didn’t matter how loud the wind was in his ears, or the whirring of the wheels beneath him, he could still hear Elizabeth clear as day, and the voice he spoke to her with was unhindered by whatever exertion he had to put out in order to push the pedals. He could barely feel the fatigue it caused. It barely caused any.

I am not sure that I have read that one. There are many titles to choose from. It will be hard to catch up. At the moment I am reading ‘Crime and Punishment’ by a man called Dostoyevsky. It was published sixty years after my death. It is quite good, he said.


Elizabeth: Nothing in Alaric's returning thoughts indicated that he minded the distraction and so she would keep the lines of communication open. I must confess to never having heard that title, and am in agreement. To try and read even ten percent of the works that had been published while dead in the next hundred years would more than likely be...impossible. Though, the idea was slightly alluring. It would indicate that one would be left within quiet solitude...quiet being the highlight of that thought.

The Great Gatsby is a work of art that is fiction, but could be real in theory. It takes place in the 1920's. I have not gotten far within the novel, but it certainly is...different. The characters seemed intriguing enough, but it was not the typical genre that she normally read. However, Diederik gave her a copy of the book, and so she would attempt to read it. Has one traveled much within the city, or out of it? The outskirts, I suppose?


[ALARIC] When we are both finished, we will swap, he said. There was a way Alaric had of speaking that was very forthright; he spoke in statements rather than in questions, though many would say that was the German in him. Something about the German language didn’t leave much room for speculation. In many ways Alaric von der Marck was confidence, and was sure of himself. It was only sometimes, in regards to modern technology, that he felt out of his depth.

I explored the a lot before my death. It has changed in the past two centuries. It is bigger. I fear one day it will encroach upon the estate that I have built. For now, it is still far enough away. I try to explore a little at a time, now. Ja, I mostly know the edges, he said. He’d already admitted to Elizabeth his tendency to become overwhelmed -- he didn’t feel like he had to repeat himself. She would understand.


Elizabeth: Elizabeth's lips pressed together in an amused laugh at his statement in regards to their books. It could be terrible... She warned him, before adding on, But, I would very much like that. Elizabeth shifted upon the bench to cross her left ankle behind her right. Yes. I imagine much has changed within the city and out of it. I did not venture much in or out of it for the small time in which I lived here before my longest duration of death.

Her blue hues shifted towards the east, and then to the west, keeping an eye for his potential approach-though it had only been mere minutes. If one wishes to keep the city from ones grounds, one may think about trying to purchase surrounding lands. If that is an possibility one has not thought about. Though, the city is not too terrible. Parts of it. She mused within his mind, her thoughts about the city.


[ALARIC] Death. It was such a morbid topic, and yet the two elders were able to touch on it without much thought -- though to truly muse upon it, to talk about what it was like, about the nightmares that still plagued him, that was something that could perhaps wait until another night.

By this point he had reached the station and was waiting for his train -- walking, it would have taken him much longer, but the bike, when used the right way, was fast. And it was mostly downhill. Swansdale station was not too far from the outskirts; it wasn’t a busy station, which Alaric liked. He locked the bike up just outside of it and wandered inside to wait for the next north-bound train. He’d done this enough, now, to know what he was doing.

That is a good idea. I will look into it, he said. The estate was already vast, but adding to it would not be a bad idea. I am at the train station. The train will be here soon. Is that what you wish to show me? A part of the city that is not too terrible?


Elizabeth: Death to Elizabeth no longer scared her as it did the first time she had died upon her return. She had returned too many times to let it bother her-especially if the cause behind it was meaningful, or just. Yes, and no. Her response was so very cryptic, and so, as to not make Alaric potentially suspicious of this impromptu gathering, Elizabeth continued with her thoughts.

It is a sore sight for any eyes...but...it is important for thee. Or, perhaps at least something one should know about and have the knowledge about. Still, vaguely cryptic, but if Elizabeth said where it was they were going, chances are he might not want to go-or he may have even been there before. And then what? If Alaric had been here before, then she would have to come up with an alternative location and that would require more time and thinking on Elizabeth’s end. Where would one take someone who did not enjoy city life and she...had her own issues with the wilderness and the things that occupied it.


[ALARIC] Something that was important. Alaric frowned, wondering exactly what Elizabeth was getting at. They’d met twice before this, and hadn’t communicated much with each other otherwise. How was it that Elizabeth knew what was important for Alaric…? Except, of course, what she knew herself to be important as a vampire. As an elder, who knew more about this city than Alaric did, who often felt like he was playing a game of catch-up -- not just with modern technology and clothing and manners, but with vampires. With his sire. With the history of their kind which he had never been privy to, forced to figure it all out on his own.

The train pulled into the station and Alaric waited for passengers to step off before he stepped into the carriage. He would have to keep an eye on the stations, keep an ear out for the conductor, who would tell them where they were getting off next.

I am on the train. I will get off when it arrives at Westwall, he said. It was the one station he liked best, if going to the abandoned sewers, or to visit the park. There was only one road to cross before one was welcomed by the park’s greenery and hushed quiet. I thank you, Elizabeth. You are helping me, and I did not have to ask.


Elizabeth: Westwall. Elizabeth slowly stood up from the bench and turned to face the direction that was behind her. Quick, tiny steps moved her around the bench so that Elizabeth may head in the direction of the abandoned sewers and past that to meet with the other elder. I would not thank me yet. Elizabeth countered with a small laugh that only she would hear. You may not find anything in which I share with thee tonight to be important or worth-wild... Elizabeth bypassed a small group of young adults that were gathered, smoking and talking about plans for tonight. A movie, a club, were some of the things offered as suggestions as Elizabeth moved past and around them.

I will meet thee at the station. I do hope one does not mind walking. I could always teleport thee to the northern city limits. She offered, eyes moving to the water that surrounded her tower, then back towards the train station. I do not mind walking, so the choice is yours, Alaric. Elizabeth could walk a great distance in heels, and not be bothered in the slightest.


[ALARIC] I do not mind walking, Alaric said; he remained standing on the train, long fingers curled around the bar to keep himself balanced. He focused on the conversation he was having in his head rather than on the noise around him. There were a few other people on the train; a couple in quiet conversation, a trio of friends laughing at some joke, and two people on their own -- one was reading a book, the other was on his phone. Alaric could feel the buzz of the signals pushing at the edge of his mind but he’d learned enough, by now, to be able to block them out. So long as there weren’t too many of them, and so long as they were not incessant. At least it was nothing like the night the signals had first broken through, his telepathic mind opening up to the new world had sent him to his knees.

Does it matter if it is not something I find important or worthwhile? he asked. Overhead, the conductor announced the next station as Wickbridge. Wickbridge was where Alaric did not like to go -- it was a busier part of the city, and there were memories attached to it that he’d prefer not to dwell on.

That you think that it is important, and wish to show me -- is that not what matters?


Elizabeth: Elizabeth stopped and thought about the first question. Did it matter? To some, it very well might. It might be considered a waste of time, but time was what they were afforded the most among their kind. I suppose it depends on you. Her thoughts came before more of his own was shared with her. During his thoughts, Elizabeth continued, once again, upon her path towards the Westwall station.

His next question left her deep in thought and allowed the longest amount of silence since they started conversing telepathically. That is a heavy question to ask, Alaric. You are being kind, because we share a sire and so one may feel obliged to entertain flights of fancy, yet does it matter to a victim of a grave crime why the crime was committed by the individual, or only that it had been committed? Her head tipped in thought, while her hands found the pockets within her lightweight coat.

Tell me something...what is one thing you enjoy doing that you never thought was possible, or did not enjoy doing before your return? Elizabeth asked as she left the park and found the source of modernization upon the concrete.


[ALARIC] It was indeed a philosophical quandary that they had gotten themselves into, and yet Alaric was smiling. Gazing out the window the moving train and yet seeing nothing at all, blocking all senses but that which received the voice that channelled directly into his mind. And, of course, his hearing, so that he would know when the train was to get off at his station. They had just left Wickbridge and were zooming toward Coastside, after which it would only be a minute before they arrived at Westwall.

That is a grave mindset that you entertain, Elizabeth -- that you should instantly think only of a crime rather than of something good. When one is given a gift, does one give it back if it is not liked? Or does one thank the giver, and instead acknowledge the good intention? Unless you intend to commit a crime against me… should I be wary? he asked. Though there was a hint of amusement to his tone, Elizabeth’s grave reflections still had him wondering.

One thing that I enjoy doing…? he repeated the question and fell silent as he pondered the answer. The first thing that came to mind was a recent conversation with Leonie -- her views, and the modern views, on sexual intercourse. One could, these days, enjoy sex without moral concern. It is one thing he had not enjoyed before death, it had left him feeling dirty. But then, this was not a thought he dwelled on. It was not impossible before, nor did he think he would enjoy it now -- freedom to do so or not. You bring me shame. I realise that I have not embraced humanity as much as I should. Things made possible that were once impossible have come to be because of technology, ja? I avoid technology. I do not like cars. The train, the one that I am on now, it even makes me anxious. It is not something I would say that I enjoy. I still prefer fire to electricity, though electric light is constant, and is a comfort. The clothes! I enjoy the freedom of the clothing. Though it is jarring to see so little cloth on women, sometimes, for myself I am far more comfortable in these simpler styles.


Elizabeth: Elizabeth felt the corners of her lips pull into a smirk as Alaric inquired about his potential safety when dealing with her. She overlooked that thought for a second, as the woman thought about his idea of a gift. I suppose it depends on the one sending the gift. I doubt the residents of Troy would thank the greeks for their gift of a large horse once they knew what was within. Elizabeth laughed, but could see Alaric’s point. More times than not, she thanked the individual, and seldom returned the gifts she received. And, I mean this in any scenario...one should always be wary when dealing with our kind, Alaric. Did she mean him harm? No, but others very well may. Their species was a fickle one.

Elizabeth took a seat upon a bench at the station to Alaric’s liking, frowning when he confessed to her bringing him shame for asking about his current past-times. The blonde telepath waited for further explanation, then nodded her head lightly. She understood now, and felt a little of the same way in which he felt on some respects. Cars were something that she typically avoided, having only been in one twice this year, and not at all the year prior, or to that either. Trains were a necessary evil, but could be avoided with celerity, if she so decided.

The mention of fire brought a stillness from within Elizabeth as her eyes scanned the immediate area. Her preference was electricity, even at the ‘noise’ it made. When Alaric mentioned the clothing, her focus shifted and once again laughter would be heard within his mind. Yes, the clothing of this time is...most...interesting. She agreed with him, as her eyes landed on a couple walking up the stairs and claiming a seat on a different bench. I enjoy the piano...has one ever played? Something that had not changed over the centuries...not much. There were different types of pianos, but a standard one could still be found.


[ALARIC] The train pulled in to Coastside and when the doors opened, Alaric took a deep breath. He always did this. Although there was still the hint of pollution and humanity there was also the saltiness wafting in from the river. One day, he wanted to follow that river to its destination; he wanted to go the beach, and wander into the waves beneath the moonlight.

One should be wary when dealing with any kind, Elizabeth, he replied. It was matter-of-fact, a sighed statement that was not weighted with any particular bitterness or regret. One had to live a long time to realise that most people were fickle. Every vampire was a human before they were turned. Whatever they were capable of as vampires had to have always been there. The train started moving again and, as soon as the overhead conductor announced Westwall as the next stop, Alaric turned to the door, prepared. He was always anxious that if he did not press the button in time that the beast would not release him to the station, and he would have to get off at the next stop. It had never happened, but he was still fearful of it regardless.

I have not played the piano. The violin is my instrument of choice, he replied. I do enjoy listening to piano. One night you will play for me.


Elizabeth: Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement with Alaric’s sentiments about being wary in general. Indeed. Though, in truth, Elizabeth felt less wary as time progressed and she grew stronger, from most humans. Even most vampires. And with the knowledge that she could travel anywhere in a fraction of the time to ‘get away’ if need be, the woman felt more and more in control of what happened to her and how or when.

Her eyes traveled to the tracks, having moved off the couple on the bench as more of Alaric’s thoughts were shared within her mind. The violin. An instrument that she too found to be beautiful, along with the cello. Before Elizabeth had decided to take up learning another instrument, the woman had debated between the violin and the cello. The latter had won.

Alaric’s abrupt request had Elizabeth’s lips parting in a vocal laugh this go around. I may be swayed to. She more or less agreed to play for him, as her mind moved past just speaking with him, to his specific location. When the woman realized how close he was, she stood and moved closer to the edge of the platform. If one would be so kind to oblige me with their skill set in regards to the violin. Both of her hands found their way to her midsection, folded over the other, as Elizabeth waited for Alaric’s arrival.

WEARING

[ALARIC] The train glided into the station even as Elizabeth’s response danced around his mind. He spotted the woman on the platform even as he heard her voice, his sharp eyes following her through the door’s window, the subtle smile still upon his lips. As soon as the train came to a complete stop he pushed the button and the doors, to his relief, snapped open with a hiss of air pressure. He wasted no time stepping from the train to the platform -- he hated the hot rush of air that billowed from beneath the train, as if he could step through that crack and off the platform. Why it terrified him so much he could not know. An intelligent person might surmise that it was not the train he was afraid of, nor the tracks or the humid warmth. It was the darkness.

“Of course,” he said, finally speaking out loud, his smile only broadening as he approached the other elder. “Hallo. You look flawless,” he said. Flawless. A word he had picked up recently. It was his habit to never read a book without a very large dictionary by his side. Whenever there was a word that he did not understand, he looked it up. It was, perhaps, how he had learned the language so quickly. Over time, his memory had only improved rather than degraded, as might have happened had he stayed human.

“I must first buy a violin,” he said. “It has been a while since I have practiced. I will hope that I still know how to play,” he said, clearly unphased about how horrible he might be. He would be happy only to have a violin back in his hands.

WEARING

Elizabeth: As the train approached, Elizabeth’s eyes searched for Alaric; and even in only meeting him twice before, she had no difficulties in locating him. When she saw his small smile, Elizabeth reciprocated with one, one that was larger than his. Acquaintances, at best described their relationship, but she was still looking forward to their evening and his company. Elizabeth, though she often enjoyed silence, was not, nor ever had been a solitary creature. She could travel dozens of kilometers with others and just enjoy their presence while absorbing the silence.

“Alaric.” Elizabeth dipped her head slightly in greeting as he initiated it. Flawless was not a word in which Elizabeth was familiar with and so her mind traveled to the online world to understand its meaning. Perfect, or lacking imperfections were the first two definitions and it brought a couple of seconds of silence. It was a different, and strong compliment. “Thank you,” She said, her eyes taking in his appearance now that there was no one else around him. “And you...seem ever so debonair. The clothing, as you say, from this time suit thee well in multiple ways. The variation, I mean.” She had said it before when they had met by accident in the abandoned sewers and he had been wearing jeans. It seemed that no matter what Alaric wore, it suited his frame well.

It was good the subject had changed, because the blonde telepath seemed to be making excuses for complimenting him in such a way. She listened to Alaric’s potential problem and nodded understandingly, before Elizabeth turned in the direction in which they would need to go. “If one finds they need to remind themselves of what it is they may have lost...I know a woman. Her name is Meara. She meets with me three times a week to help me learn the cello. She is a wonderful teacher and her prices are fair.” Elizabeth offered to the other elder, as her eyes glanced in his direction from the side. “I could speak with her at some point. As for the violin, she gave me the name of a store and when I have been there to purchase my cello, they had a variety of violins.” Another subtle offer of help from Elizabeth, as they headed in the direction of the park.


[ALARIC] Alaric had not the capability to look up the meaning of words online. He could have, of course, if he knew how. As it was, he forcefully shut out the internet as much as he was able. The insistent buzzing of all the signals in his vicinity were always trying to get in, like bees constantly rapping against a glass window. But he would not let them in. He feared he would go insane if he did -- and this was the reason why he lost emails that were sent to him. Telepathy, however, was an old boon buddy. Something that he had always been capable of, and something that he far preferred.

[Elizabeth]

[ALARIC] Given the compliment that followed the unknown word debonair, however, Alaric could guess as to its meaning -- but filed the word away to look up at a later date. He smiled and offered a mock bow in thanks for the complement, his fingers sliding down the lapel of his jacket. He was obsessed with the feel of it; it was one thing he enjoyed about being a vampire -- the heightened senses. Especially now, after two centuries in a realm where the senses were so dulled one forgot that smell, sight, taste and feel were ever possible.

“Meara?” he repeated the name. It was not a common one. “I think that I have met her. When I was buying suits, a girl was playing a strange violin by the fountain. I went to see. It was beautiful music. She introduced herself as Meara,” he said, nodding. It was a strange coincidence if it was the same girl. But then, this city was not so big, after all. “Do not speak with her until I know whether I need the instruction. The name of the shop will be much appreciated,” he said with a nod, following close beside Elizabeth, focusing on the way the light hit her hair rather than on the noise around them.


Elizabeth: Elizabeth’s attention shifted to Alaric completely when he repeated the name, then provided a further explanation. She nodded her head, agreeing that it probably was the same Meara she had been speaking about. “Of course.” Elizabeth conceded to his request, having not planned on saying anything until Alaric had given her his approval. “The store name is called Musitopia. If one ever needs directions or someone to accompany them to the store, I would be happy to oblige, Alaric.” It would be a handful of hours at most, in just one night. Nothing would be missed.

“May I ask as to how much one knows about your bloodline? Forgive me. Not yours; as in the one you share with your human family, but that of Noble.” They had moved past the length and most the width of the pond in the park, her eyes moving to the white tower as they bypassed that too. “I am not attempting to put one on the spot, or make uncomfortable, I am just curious is all.” They were nearing the end of Thornside Park which would take them to the Gullsborough district. “Much has changed as the centuries have passed, but I find it important to always recall where one started from-regardless of other things.”


[ALARIC] Alaric wondered if where they were going had something to do with their bloodline -- the one Isabel belonged to, the one that they shared. It was one he had almost forgotten about, and now Elizabeth reminded him of the way they were connected. A bond, of sorts. He shook his head. His hands were shoved into his pockets and he exhibited mild curiosity as they walked -- a curiosity that belied any anxiety he had about being unaware of their destination.

“Nothing,” he said. “That is, I do not know anyone from Noble but yourself. And our sire, whom I have spoken with once,” he said. He’d seen her in the mall not too long ago, but he’d not stayed. The noise was too much, and he could not even remember now why he had gone there. Later, he had heard her voice in his mind. Words that he did not understand. I miss you, she had said. He cleared his throat.

“I started in Germany. It is as Isabella has said. She thought she had healed me. She did not know that she had turned me. Is it a lineage I can claim if I have not been a part of it?” he asked. There was no bitterness in the question; he had forgiven Isabella, there was no resentment. He honestly did not feel that he had a right to claim something just because it was suddenly there. “I… am not good with the internet, and it appears to be the preferred form of communication. Is there something more that I should know?” he asked.


Elizabeth: Alaric’s thoughts had merit and one that she could not ignore. Elizabeth nodded her head in understanding, then offered her thoughts. “A couple of years ago...three perhaps, I had finally taken the initiative to stand upon my own two feet, as it were. The reasons matter not, but it was time. Regardless to what I formed those years ago, I would not be here if it were not for Noble blood within my veins. The same could be said for any, and all of us who stem from Isabella.” Her shoulders lifted into a small shrug, before she pointed ahead of them.

“Straight ahead...mostly, is where a great many of us lived before the holocaust. And some of us had died there. Isabella, Antigony, Isabella’s sire, I imagine...Have you ever seen it before?” Her head tipped so that Elizabeth’s blue eyes were upon Alaric as they walked side by side. While her steps had direction and purpose to them, her stride was all but hasty. There was no need to, Elizabeth had planned on spending the evening with Alaric, the night was still early and she was enjoying the other elder’s company. “When I had returned to life, I sought it out. Not much remains of it anymore. Most of it having been destroyed by the fire set upon it by hunters. I had the desire to salvage it. Reclaim it for our bloodline, but oddly enough...I was never able to procure who held the deed to it. I have searched, and searched and have failed on finding out who the owner is, when it had been purchased and how to go about reclaiming it. It is as if no one truly owns it, outside of the wilderness that is nestled around it.” Elizabeth returned her attention to ahead of them, as her lips parted. “It was the only thing in which we had here when we were able to return.”

Elizabeth paused and turned to face him. “Sentimental, I am not...overly, yet it felt as if we had something that was ours again, that all would be fine. A naive notion, as time has continued and we are fine, and have progressed-still…” She offered Alaric a small smile. “It was a comfort, one in which we will never be able to indulge in.” Elizabeth glanced around, then slowly continued walking again. “I had no idea that you existed. Prior to your return that is. Had I known, I would have sought thee out. I do not understand how it is I had never come to know about thee, even if she did not.” Elizabeth’s hands came before her waistline and were folded neatly among themselves, fingers clasped over the other. “In truth, your arrival and story frightens me, Alaric.”


[ALARIC] Alaric shook his head. He had not seen the place before, nor did he know of its history. When he’d met Isabella for the first time she’d taken him to an apartment in the city, one which did not seem to have too much history attached to it. The building Elizabeth pointed out, however… he could not imagine being trapped in fire, with no way out. His own death had been… well, it was not honorable. He was weak from sleep and reacted only once the first blow had been made. But he’d seen the man’s face. He’d heard his taunts. He’d understood the betrayal, and it was the last thing he experienced before being sentenced to purgatory.

“I am grateful, now, for what it is Isabella gave to me. When first turned I was not. Without guidance, it is not an existence I would condemn anyone to. But, after years of finding my feet, able to help my family, to watch them grow generation after generation, I knew that I had a privilege denied to most,” he said. Perhaps now it was why he found it so hard to detach and disentangle himself from the lives of those who did not need him. They were capable. But it is what his purpose had always been, and it was hard to change one’s habits.

“And, knowing what death brings, offered this second chance, I am even more grateful,” he said, humbly. There were sacrifices they had made to become what they were, there were downfalls. But he was not angry, and he did not loathe his existence. He only wished it were not so lonely. Walking with Elizabeth now, he understood that it didn’t have to be lonely.

He had questions, of course, but they had time. And Elizabeth’s last statement caught him off guard, causing his feet to stop so he could turn to look at her, fully. “It frightens you? Why?” he asked.


Elizabeth: She nodded her head in understanding. Elizabeth could not imagine what life would have been like had she been the one without any guidance or support after having been sired. Life would have been increasingly difficult and it was possible that unlike Alaric, she would have not survived. Not that anyone would know, but the thought had crossed her mind.

When they had come to a stop, Elizabeth glanced around and then allowed her eyes to land upon him. “Two reasons, if I am honest.” She raised her chin a little, while both her hands fell to her side. “While on my way to Italy, my traveling companion had suggested that there was no way in which Cobb had managed to do what it was he had done by himself. That someone must have been working with him in secret-hiding among us. I cannot help but agree.” She looked past him, collecting her thoughts and knowing how that may sound. “I am not suggesting it was you-if such a person existed, your time line does not coincide with the possibility. Yet, someone, like you-or what I mean was, may have been hiding in plain sight. Did you ever know Cobb? Or perhaps another vampire? If you had been around without anyone knowing, then perhaps it is possible that they were around too. And perhaps, unknown by you, were able to...I do not know. It sounds ludicrous, I know, but learn how to survive, such as you did, without anyone knowing they were around.”

She started walking again, thinking how best to state the second reason. This one was far more believable and closer to home and admitted a sort of weakness to Alaric. “As for the other reason…” She took a deep breath inwards, held it and then expelled it. “Is personal. I had always worked hard to learn what it is I had learned before my death. I believed to have been a knowledge and somewhat powerful Telepath. But, clearly that was wrong. And your existence proves how little I actually knew-or know.” While it was true there were times that Elizabeth and Isabella had not traveled side by side, the woman still kept an ‘ear’ upon her sire, and somehow she had missed Alaric in the process. “It is your possible skillset that is intimidating.” She finished, lips pressed together in a fine line.


[ALARIC] As Elizabeth shared her fears, Alaric frowned. It was a frown that only deepened the longer she continued. He wanted to interrupt, to tell her that there was nothing to be afraid of -- but he was respectful, and waited until she was finished. Although the reasons were serious enough, he laughed at the last one. When Alaric laughed the expression stole over his entire face, his lips broadened into the broadest of smiles to reveal a gleaming set of straight teeth beneath. The corners of his eyes crinkled, the blue-green of them gleaming.

“My skillset?” he laughed, and wondered if Louvel had made out like Alaric was some kind of God. “I… will confess that I like to tease my family,” he said, bowing his head as if he were ashamed but really, he was not. “They believe, sometimes, I think, that I am able to read their thoughts. That I am able to see the very images they imagine as they pass by their minds and it fills them with such amusing horror…” he said. Those poor children. How long could he torment them? Did they even still believe that he could read their thoughts like an open book? “To them my skillset is large. To you…” he shook his head. “I am not sure that I am anything special. I am a telepath, nothing more. If you trust Louvel, you will know that I was brought back via ritual. I have not been in this city these many centuries, hiding,” he said. He peered at Elizabeth curiously, wondering if he needed to tell her about his fear of the dark to convince her that he had indeed been dead. But he decided against it.

“As for your other fears -- I am sorry that I cannot help you. I do not think you are lacking in your abilities. Isabella did not know of me, so even if you were to read her memories, her mind, her connections, I would not have been seen. If it is not an acknowledged connection, will it be seen?” he asked. It was reasonable to assume that if a sire does not know they have sired, then that bond will not be read through their minds. “The Estate, when I built it… it was far away. The city itself was only very small and the distance to travel was further. I was not in the city often -- not every night. I remained on the Estate, through vast amounts of wilderness. I kept to myself, I kept my human family safe. They were my company. It is not your ability as a telepath that you should question, it is mine -- I did not know there were others. I thought that I was alone,” he said. And he would have been. He was dead before they’d even come to Harper Rock, was he not? There was no reason that he would have been seen. He was not notorious. “When you speak to no one and go nowhere, it is not so hard to remain hidden,” he said.


Elizabeth: While Elizabeth had seen his frown (not that she could blame him, given what the woman may have implied at first), Elizabeth had continued. When her thoughts turned personal, she saw his amusement and heard him laugh. He explained about his family, and she too started to smile. His family's thoughts about his abilities and possibilities amused her. How interesting life must be within his family estate. “I believe thee.” She did. The timeline of Alaric's death made it impossible (if he were telling the truth), for him to have been any assistance to Cobb. Yet, if he had some ability that she knew nothing of...could it have been Cobb was able to replicate said ability, and teach it to another, without Alaric knowing it? He had managed to learn more about the fade than any of them.

His thoughts on why Elizabeth had not been able to learn about him had made sense. Alaric had been nothing more than a meal at best. Why would Isabella think anything more about a human she had killed in hunger? Alaric attempted to ease her troubled mind in regards to Elizabeth's ability and the potential to it lacking and that earned him an appreciative smile. “You are most kind.” He did not have to reassure her-it was not his place, and yet he felt the need to. “This is true.” Elizabeth agreed with a nod of her head. It still gave her thoughts about who it was that had been assisting Cobb. Perhaps, they too were close to Harper Rock, yet not within the city to draw notice to themselves. An idea she would share, but not openly pursue. It seemed tedious and impossible to find that information out. “And now? Does one still desire to remain hidden?”


[ALARIC] Alaric had to admit that he had not thought about Cobb, nor about their history as vampires, as much as he should have. Elizabeth asking him questions now like she was, her apparent concern and fear about the numerous possibilities -- it made him realise that he probably should be interested. His foucs for so many years was his family, making sure they were settled and safe and set up for the future. In so many ways his endeavour had succeeded. The Estate was well maintained and the von der Marcks across the world were, mostly, well-off. They had money and trust funds and their children did not have to work, if they did not want to. They had bankers who knew how to invest. They had what they needed.

To assume that he was then a relic they would be happy to leave in a corner was probably indulgent woe. He was not a dolt who knew nothing. He was part of the supernatural and this city was slowly becoming overrun. Humans knew of vampires. His goal should be to keep his family safe from impending dangers. Perhaps that was why he was here. Something was coming, and he had to be prepared. And so, after a few moments of silence, he shook his head.

“Nein,” he said. “I will not be in the dark any longer. To protect the family, I must be… how do you say… pro active? … I do not like the dark,” he said, the latter words mumbled, a frown clouding his brow as he took a step forward, urging them to keep moving, if Elizabeth should wish them to.


Elizabeth: At his step forward, Elizabeth moved as well. There was merit in the idea of protecting his family-she would do the same. Hopefully, it would not be a continuous notion Alaric would have to take part in throughout the years. Elizabeth had found herself, in the beginning doing so much of that, only to have been ‘abandoned’ in a sense by those she had sired when she eventually stopped protecting them as much as she had. At some point, she believed they needed to learn to stand upon their own two feet, especially if they were making continual trouble for others.

“The dark?” She asked, wondering what he meant by that. While Elizabeth preferred the sun and wished she could bask in it as she once had, it was an impossible feat to do so. “We unfortunately need the dark, Alaric. Without it, we would not survive.” Elizabeth stated, knowing he knew that too. Here they were, in the dark. “It will get easier in time. To get used to that fact. I would advise against standing directly in the sun.” She laughed, knowing all too well what happens when one took part in their indulgent whims.


[ALARIC] Again, Alaric laughed. It was more of a chuckle than anything else, but he shook his head. “The night, I do not mind the night. I have said before, I do not think I miss the sun as you do. No, it is not dark,” he said. And he gazed at Elizabeth as if to confirm it, even to himself. He could see the blue of her eyes and the blonde of her hair, the alabaster sheen of her skin. He could see the green of her frock, brilliant and more vibrant than the very grass.

“We are vampires. Our sight, it is more than that of humans. We can see by the moon, by the stars, by the electric lights that bounce from the city and against the clouds overhead. It is not dark at night for those of our kind,” he said. He looked around them, revelling in the sights as mundane as they may be to some. When truly looked at, everything had its beauty. “In true dark, there is no light at all. There is no colour. There is only black,” he said, the laughter gone from his tone, which was now weighted with his fear and respect for the dark.


Elizabeth: The night and the dark were two different things to Alaric, she learned. The dark, she came to realize was the realm, and not the night in which they thrived within and had to live within. “Well, hopefully, one does not have to return there ever again. The times are different from but a handful of years ago.” Death had been a possibility a couple of months ago for Elizabeth in the battle for the territory in which she gifted to the disciples, but before that, it had been years. Politics, or the lack there of, had played a role in that, she believed.

“As I said, the mansion is long abandoned now, the exception being Aeryn. The ritualist. Perhaps she owns it, or knows who does.” It seemed strange to her that the woman appeared one evening and took up residence in the building that should be torn down and rebuilt, but ‘strange’ was something that the city never seemed to lack. Her eyes landed upon a person who was walking in the direction of the mansion, someone, Elizabeth assumed was going to see the woman and had turned the conversation in that direction when her glance had fallen upon the individual. “On a less than serious topic change...one should laugh and smile more, even at the slight expense of another.” Elizabeth teased Alaric, knowing she had been the source for his amusement tonight. “It is most becoming of thee.” She could be as serious as the next person, it was true, but there were other sides to the woman, and seeing that Alaric too had more than one side was a nice find.


[ALARIC] Yes. The primal dark that Alaric referred to was indeed, death. And he did not contradict Elizabeth when she assumed as much -- even if his dislike extended toward this realm, too. He had to sleep below ground or in a coffin otherwise his mood suffered, lethargy settling in where there should only be boundless energy. Sleeping above-ground felt like he’d had no sleep at all. Underground, at least at the Estate through all those winding tunnels, electricity had not found its way to his chamber as yet. He had to rely on the fire, and if the fire went out? Then it was dark. There was no light. It was as dark as death and, on those nights, Alaric panicked. Thankfully, they did not occur often.

Alaric knew nothing of an Aeryn, but Elizabeth was preoccupied with the mansion. “Should we go in and ask her?” he said with arched brow. Was this where they were coming? Was this the place Elizabeth had been so cryptic about showing him?

When Elizabeth uttered her compliment, Alaric did indeed smile. A small, coy smile -- though small as it was it still touched his eyes. “It is not that I try not to laugh. There has not been a lot to laugh at,” he said, and nodded. “It has been nice, to laugh,” he concurred. “It is… I enjoy your company,” he admitted. “I feel that I can speak freely with you. And that you will understand. I am able to speak freely with Louvel, though some things I do not think he understands. His mortality, it gets in the way,” he said. It was a step away from admitting to his own loneliness.


Elizabeth: There had been two reasons that Elizabeth had picked this location. The first being the most obvious, and as she had explained to him. This had once been Noble area and even though neither of them were just Noble for whatever the reason, it was still something to remember. Something to share with him. The second, was that she had heard from Diederik that there had been a change to the area surrounding the property. What that was, she could not say.

“No.” Elizabeth conceded, her thoughts torn between Aeryn and the new found discovery. “She has been there a while and has done no damage to the grounds that I can see. If we may no longer own it, then she may as well.” A neutral party that seemed to have no interest in it, other than using the altar her sire had used so long ago. “While I was gone, my thrall had told me of a change to the property line. Something that had not been there before. Activity had increased-the foot traffic and so, natural curiosity got the best of us both. There seems to be a...I do not know how to explain it. Or how it came to be.” Was it possible that the underground area had always been there? Unknown to Isabella, Antigony and even her ‘grandsire’ for lack of a better terminology? “There is a door in which he has not been able to pass through, but swears he has heard the sounds of fighting from within.” Of course it drew her attention, being so close to the abandoned mansion that she and many others had called ‘home.’

As they reached what was once the Noble property line, Elizabeth stopped and turned to look at Alaric. “You have spoken of siring those within your family some time. Perhaps, if Louvel ever decides to embrace that fate, things with him will become easier for both of you.” She suggested as her smile widened. “And, I leave a thought with thee in regards to laughing and your lack of it lately. Are we not masters of our own destiny? If one wishes to enjoy their time more, then I hope that one will find a way to do that. At times, it may be painful, this is a harsh truth, but one will not know, if they do not take the opportunity or the risk.” She concluded that thought, before reciprocating the thought about her company. “I must confess that I too find your company agreeable and entertaining. And for that, I give you my thanks.” Elizabeth dipped her head cordially to the other elder, before her attention waned towards the mansion and then to where it was the individual had been going. Diederik had been right.


[ALARIC] Alaric followed Elizabeth’s line of sight and listened carefully. Was this, then, the place she wished to show him? The place that her thrall had found and which had sounds of fighting from within. They lingered nearby and though Alaric was not afraid to have a look, he did not wish to venture too far inside without his weapons. He let the thoughts simmer while he focused on Elizabeth’s suggestion, shaking his head.

“Louvel is engaged to be married,” he said, the words slipping out before he wondered whether it should have been secret. Did Louvel and Leonie want everyone to know, yet? But here was Elizabeth, a fellow elder, and Alaric suddenly realised he was thirsty for the counsel.

“It is between you and I, ja? I do now know whether this is for everyone to know. He is engaged to be married, and they are expecting a baby. They are to create their own family. I have watched my children die. It is not a pleasant thing to watch. These are the things I do not think that he -- that they -- can understand. They do not know what it is like to watch those you care about, die. They do not understand the ravages of time, of how it has the potential to ruin them, ja? I do not think it is a good idea to sire him. Or Leonie. I think that they will regret it,” he said.

It did not matter how much the young von der Marck’s tried to persuade him otherwise, he did not think that they understood what they were requesting, or what they would be sacrificing. “I think that I do want family to join me in this afterlife, but then I also think that the cost is too high. It is contradiction,” he said with a frown. He sighed, and gestured to the mystery before them.

“Is this what you wished to show me? Do you wish to venture inside…?” he asked.


Elizabeth: There were a lot of things Elizabeth assumed she did not know about Louvel, after all, he was just a business acquaintance at best. She didn’t know his hobbies, or even his age, though she could try and guess the latter. She assumed based off his golden complexion that the human must either work in the outdoors, or have hobbies that kept him out there, but the list to either of those was endless, in Elizabeth’s mind. “I see.” Elizabeth commented with a nod of her head. She had not expected the male to have been engaged to be married-then again, why would she? It was not something she asked of mere strangers, or anyone, really. That was, unless the woman was hopeful one of her own would venture down that path-successfully. The latter being the keyword.

“Of course, Alaric.” Elizabeth assured the other elder. Really, what purpose would there be to spread around the business of a human on the personal front? It was not as if him getting married put anyone in danger. Elizabeth’s steps stilled when Alaric confessed that Louvel was not only getting married, but having a baby. There was a tinge of envy from the woman, but it was pushed aside by the fact that there was so much going on within Louvel’s life in such a short duration of time...Elizabeth wondered how the human kept up with it. Then again, was that not the human way? Life was so short for them. At best one hundred years, but how many of those were good years?

The mention of Alaric watching his children die had the woman turning away to look at...nothing as he continued to speak. He was at a dilemma, and she could understand it. It was not easy seeing those younger than oneself die-even more so when they had been shortchanged a copious amount of life that so many others were given and took for granted. “Then the time is not right. Rightly so. I have sired some that did not take well to the process. Some that never made it past the first evening. Some that made it past, but were deranged and had to...meet an untimely demise. Who is to say how either of them will take to it? We can all hope for the best, but no one wants to see the horrors of a hungry vampire near an infant or toddler.” Elizabeth cringed a little, before she turned back to look at Alaric. “I do not have the answers for your predicament. But, if you do not sire them at some point, you will be watching them die. Like so many others from your family.” Elizabeth reminded him, before looking towards the structure besides the abandon mansion.

“Perhaps some night. But, I seem to be lacking any weapon...and as neither of us know what lies ahead…” A slightly devious smile graced her lips, before Elizabeth raised her shoulders into a slight roll of them. “I thought perhaps there may be more parts for your Louvel. Parts left undiscovered. But...perhaps now is not the time to think about such things.” Elizabeth conceded, before dipping her head in acknowledgement about the change in Louvel’s life that was about to happen.


[ALARIC] Alaric hadn’t even thought of the consequences should one of the parents, so keen on vamprism, lose control around their child. He hoped that there would still be enough humanity in them, with such a strong connection to their own flesh and blood, that such a thing could never happen. But why was it that he himself had fled his home? He’d returned for a few nights after his siring but did not trust himself. It was not only the farmers and workers who were suspicious, but he himself suffered a thirst so unquenchable that even the blood of his own family appealed to him. If at the wrong place, at the wrong time, given the wrong circumstances -- who knows what could happen? He shuddered just to think of it.

Elizabeth’s agreement and support comforted him and helped to ease some of turbulence in his own mind. The predicament she offered next only served as a reminder that the choice remained obstinate. Turn them, or watch them die. He could not turn them all, and nor did he wish to. It would defy the point of the whole venture, of the estate and the financial trusts that had been so painstakingly put in place. The family was built to outlive him, to grow and prosper. New members arrived at his doorstep every day. Perhaps, the answer was simply to choose carefully. Haste was not required.

He let the subject drop, and instead focused on the building in front of them -- or tried to, at least. Elizabeth’s deviousness was distracting. Alaric arched a brow.

“You wish to explore? We can, if it is what you wish. Louvel will still make his swords, despite his other responsibilities...” he said, wondering if there was something he was missing. Impending marriage and a pregnancy that his body would not be changed by would not stop him from approaching and using the forge. Unless he had said something to Elizabeth, in which case Alaric could find something else to do with the parts he had already accumulated.


Elizabeth: There was a duration of silence from Alaric as he listened to what Elizabeth had said. Did she suspect Louvel to be capable of harming his own kin? Not particularly, but the embrace affected some in so many ways, while others were barely bothered by losing their supposed humanity. Blue orbs moved to Alaric as he posed a question, one the woman already knew the answer to.

Slowly, Elizabeth nodded her head as she took a couple steps towards the new; or missed structure. “I do,” the other telepath admitted with a small smile. “It seems strange to me, that after all this time, something shows up so close to...home, as it were.” Was that because Elizabeth was paranoid by nature, or did her thoughts actually have significant weight and value to them? Either reasoning would have Elizabeth stay the course in hope of finding out more information on what her thrall had found. Her head turned to glance back at Alaric, as she raised her left brow and allowed an insidious smirk to fall upon her lips. “Coming with?” More steps took Elizabeth closer to the underground tunnels, before Elizabeth picked up her own pace and disappeared inside of the main entry of the elaborate system beneath their feet.


[ALARIC] Alaric watched Elizabeth with no small amount of admiration. There was no hesitation, no fear in her step. She approached the den of mystery with avid curiosity and, when she asked whether Alaric was coming with, there was no way he could say no. He hoped that the innards of that den were like the abandoned sewers, with foe that he could take down with his bare hands, if required. Although he doubted that Elizabeth needed anyone to protect her, what kind of gentleman would he be if he did not at least try?

Whether or not there were answers to be found for Elizabeth’s predicament they would at least have the satisfaction of sated curiosity. Elizabeth, only wanting to know what had been born behind the home where she and other immortals had lived, and Alaric because he was curious to know what that home might have been like -- though he only got a glimpse of it as they passed its walls. Maybe later she could show him around -- Aeryn or not.

The den was not overburdened with electricity or outside signals. It was not overwhelming to Alaric -- this was not something that he was afraid of, and the foes that they did find within were no match. Eventually, Alaric forgot why they were there. Instead, he let go of everything, and reveled in the kind of recreational entertainment he had not enjoyed in a long, long time. To rid the city of monsters, and to laugh while doing so -- and he only had Elizabeth to thank.