New Adventures (Segreti)

[Elizabeth Constance]

Lizzie was relieved that she hadn’t offended Antonio with her questions but he had a valid point on keeping information to oneself, you could never be too sure who was watching or listening. ”You are very right, you have to be cautious at all times as people in this town wear many masks. I am not foreign to having to keep a secret.” Hell she was a vampire after all, she had to keep who she truly was under tight lip. Yes her life was public but people knew about her good deeds that she has done but her private life and eating habits, that was well under wraps. If a human knew what she was, it was because she told them and those people were mainly those who she worked with at Solace but they were part of the inner circle which was a very closed group. The congregation didn’t know and she kept it that way.

He spoke how he enjoyed his new powers but how could he not? They were new and exotic. Lizzie herself would find joy in learning new powers and want to test her abilities so she would grow stronger. Each attempt at the new power, she would get just a little better than the time before. It was a way to evolve for lack of better terms. She liked having the ability to protect those around her anyway that she could. To her, the more powers she had, the better equipped she was for what might come in the future. She wasn’t useless anymore and she had grown tremendously since she had first arrived in the city.

Antonio hadn’t asked her any follow up questions about herself which she was okay with. They were just meeting and getting to know each other purely for business though depending on the questions, she probably would answer them but then again probably not. If it meant outing who she was, she would tread carefully unless she made a mistake which she wasn’t void from; she was after all previously human and there was no creature out there that was perfect. Everyone made mistakes. Lizzie made them daily but corrected them almost instantly.

Looking at the clock on the dash board, she smiled inwardly as she took note that her daughter Chelsea was in the thick of her voice lesson. Lizzie was proud to be a telepath as she was able to connect with her loved ones when she needed but this time it was a want. She wanted to see how she was doing in her voice lessons. Chelsea was a talented six year old that had options for when she was older. Touching upon the mind of her child it was easy to understand her obsession with Demi Lovato; she was currently working on one of her pieces and she chuckled lightly to herself. Listening, her daughter at times would be a little pitchy but was almost perfect. Lizzie wasn’t a helicopter parent by any means but she did want her child to do well and she had a natural talent to sing herself. She wanted to help her daughter succeed and reach each note so she chose to sing along with her. Soon giggles filled her head and she smiled as she responded. ’Focus Princess, I am just helping...’

Lizzie did take note of the song and that it was a tad grown up for her daughter but continued to sing with her when it got to the chorus where she struggled a little bit. She didn’t realized that she started to sing out loud as well as mentally to her daughter. A raw and near flawless voice flowed just as they reached their destination.

(Unbreakable by Demi Lovato)

I'm gonna love you like I've never been broken
I'm gonna say it like it's never been spoken
Tonight tonight
I'm letting go, go, go, go
I'm gonna give it like it's never been taken
I'm gonna fall like I don't need saving
Tonight tonight
I'm letting go, go, go, go

Once her daughter was finished, she used her mind to scroll through iTunes for a different song and smiled. Demi had a new single that her daughter hadn’t purchased yet. Buying the censored version she spoke to her mentally. ’Okay my Love...look at your iPod, I just bought a new song on our account that I think you will like. Talk to your instructor about giving it a try. I will see you at home later, Mommy has some business to attend to. I love you, Princess.’

Letting go of the connection, she noticed that he came to a stop in front of a building that she assumed that they were going to. As she reached over to unbuckle her seatbelt, he was already exiting the car. Hurrying to meet up with him, grabbed for the handle of the door as she realized that he was almost to her side of the car. Damn was he going to grab the door for her? ****! She wasn’t used to guys being gentlemen unless it was their job, example if she hired a driver, it was their job to grab the door for her. Stepping out of the car, she hurried to the front of the car to stand next to him. ”I am really sorry if you meant to open the car door for me. I was not trying to be rude because you have been a gentleman thus far.” Lizzie walked with him as he made his way to the door, listening to his words. He wasn’t wrong, Harper Rock was definitely a very different place than any other. The history was important at least to her kind but she held that close to her as she nodded in agreement. It was when he mentioned a portal that she paid more attention. What portal? It couldn’t be the Realm of Shadows as she called it because that was just for the dead but the past...now that had her full attention. ”What do you mean by ‘portal to the past’?” What had she missed or was this something she already knew but he called it something different because he was human.

[Segreti]

Segreti nodded thoughtfully as she mentioned masks. He didn't really think about it much, but in a way he wore one. The more criminal activities he'd undergone were always kept well hidden, but they existed. And he'd evaded the danger of questioning most of the time, though if he were asked, he'd be forced to lie. And as a result, it was a mask. Just one that nobody realized he might even be wearing most of the time. Ironically, the paladins might be likely to think of it. But wouldn't be likely to be able to do much about it, at least he certainly hoped not.

There was a little bit of quiet along the way as the conversation somewhat slowed down. But then he started hearing the woman start to sing in the middle of a song. It wasn't one he was personally familiar with but it sounded fairly modern. She had an excellent singing voice too, so he just chose to stay quiet and glance at her smiling and raising an eyebrow in thought while she went on. Maybe he'd ask her about it later. Not to disturb her for now.

As he got out and went to open the door she seemed to rush to get out causing him to caught out a slight laugh, waving aside her comment about being rude, "No no, thanks, that's fine." he responded before locking the car doors with the keys and opening up the house stepping in and to the side so he could close it behind them. Though her question about the portal once again brought his attention, and he suddenly realized that it held a little resemblance to something. He hadn't actually intended it that way, referring to it in a metaphorical sense. Since Harper Rock itself seemed to harbor so many strange beings that the rest of the world no longer had. But, after some more recent research on vampires, he also realized it was not unlike this so called 'Shadow Realm' that he had heard vampires go to when they die. One person in particular had described it interestingly to him, it wasn't a Hell. But it was certainly no Heaven. What he believed it sounded like most, was a grey room with a flickering candle that couldn't be found. A sort of time out until they could dig their ways through the walls back into the real world. Void of most sensations, but not impeding them.

"Ah, well you see, as far as I can tell. There's no where else in the world that has the same reach into the past as Harper Rock. They all have stories, vampires, zombies, gods. But none of them still have them, and if they do, it's not as blatant and rampant as Harper Rock. A 'focal point' of sorts, for the supernatural." He responded before furrowing his brow and smiling, "Though, I guess it does bare a strange wording. I'm told vampires go somewhere temporarily when they die. Never been told how they get out though, just that they go there and an idea of what it's like. Maybe I should ask about that if I can."

He'd gesture inside. It was fairly well furnished, and there were paintings on the walls. Some were labeled, others not. Most were of historical origins. It was rather tidy, fitting with Segreti's tendency for control. Aside from a large spread of notes across the dining table which he would shuffle together if she entered so he could close the door. Most of them were his records on what he knew about the supernatural in Harper Rock. And on the mantle set as if he took it off regularly, as it hung on its edge, a much smaller book with runes on it. "Little curious, but, what song were you singing? It kind of came out of nowhere honestly. Very nice voice though, I might add. I don't personally sing much, I don't have the time to practice something like that. But I definitely enjoy it."

[Elizabeth Constance]

Antonio reassured her that she wasn’t being rude and she relaxed at this. Lizzie wasn’t one to make a habit to be rude and would apologize if she felt that she crossed such a line. Giving him a soft smile and nodded her head as he began to explain what he meant about the portal comment. He wasn’t wrong, there was so much about Harper Rock that anyone from the outside world would just assume that someone was talking about a fiction novel that they were reading. It wasn’t until he began talking about the Shadow Realm made her nod once again. That was the supposed portal. Amazingly for a human, he knew much about her world and it made her wonder. ”Interesting point of view and has someone told you about this place? How did they get this information? Are you sure that your source is reliable?” Lizzie was aware that she asked quite a bit of questions but she was one person that could confirm or deny the happenings of the Shadow Realm as she used to frequent there and not by her choice except for once. Hell, she had a home there because she spent so much time there that her ghostly blob needed somewhere that she felt would protect her from going crazy but as a telepath, there was nowhere that she could hide when her mind was found to be an enemy when she found herself in the realm. However she would keep this information currently to herself. She needed to know more about him.

She followed him inside once he opened the door, she took a look around and was amazing at the amount of art upon his walls. Walking slowly to take in each piece, she noted that he had great taste but favored historical art. That wasn’t something she found often in this city and it was refreshing. Glancing around as she continued to walk, she noticed in the other room with a pile of notes but what peaked her attention was the small book on the mantle. She was familiar with such a book as her ex-husband was obsessed with those books. She walked into the room. Lizzie hadn’t noticed that he was close behind in case she wandered too far but she picked up the book and looked at it before turning around. ”Do you study rituals?”

As she was about to ask follow-up questions, he had mentioned her singing. If she could blush, this would have been the time to do so but she did give a look of surprise as she had been so focused that she hadn’t realized that she had sung out loud. Lizzie bit her lip for a moment as she thought how to answer and then nodded. ”I am sorry about that, it was actually a song my daughter seems to be over the moon about. I believe it is called ‘Unbreakable’ by Demi Lovato who is some pop singer. Not what I normally listen to.” Antonio liked her singing. That was nice and he seemed very kind especially to her at this moment as she realized how careless she had become so she needed to know more about him because if he knew who or what she was, she needed to know if she could trust him or not. ”Thank you. I sing often at home unless it is for an event. I also play the piano, I have a grand piano in each of my homes. Please tell me though what are you studying and why are you advocating for vampires? I mean outside of what you already told me about them having basic human rights. Why are you so interested?” This was the time for answers and with them being out of view of anyone that could see, hear, or harm them it was the perfect time. Put all the cards out on the table and make a calculated decision from there. If he wanted this advocacy to work, he needed an ally and she might Be that ally but then again maybe not depending on how the evening went.

[Segreti]

Segreti leaned his head back as she commented on the Shadow Realm. Asking how he got the information and if the source was reliable, he shrugged a bit, filing away the notes into a cabinet for now as he spoke "In a place where people can create illusions and teleport, reliable is somewhat of a difficult term to solidify. Some responses I've heard, I'd say no, it's not. I don't know them well enough to be sure. But it's consistent and reasonable. And...well fits the terminology. Strangely it also vaguely fits some ideas of limbo. A place where you're neither in heaven or hell, but not in purgatory either. Along with some other reports about there being just nothing at all, I believe it absolutely could have been the Shadow Realm, but misinterpreted due to the fear of there not being the pearly white gates or the deadly inferno as they were expecting." He shrugged as he walked away from the cabinet, "Unless I die and go there though, it's all really speculation. Most things are. Very little can be truly proven, we just have to pretend that it's real."

He watched curiously as she picked up the book. Asking if he studied rituals, another smile and a nod, "Somewhat, bit of a fascination more than a hobby. I haven't been able to do much with it. Along with the resources being hard to get, you'd be surprised...well actually you might not be, being here for so long. But there's a lot of things in there pertaining to harming others, finding things or people, even some that essentially involve teleportation. Or summoning a demi-fae to guard a place. I'm hoping to practice some of them if I ever get the ingredients. Some...well they're pretty much useless to me, one is supposed to keep out thralls. I can't say that I see a real reason for me to need that. Then again most of them are really." he shook his head and shrugged, "Like I said, fascination more than hobby."


She seemed a bit surprised he'd heard her, or that she was singing maybe? She apologized, but explained. Some song called Unbreakable by Demi Lovato. Ah, yes he didn't listen to her much either. She mentioned singing at home, and playing the piano. Having a grand piano in each of her homes, that made his eyebrows raise, each of them? She asked him another question, why he was interested and studying/advocating for vampires. He'd answer it, and then ask in turn he decided. An exchange of questions and answers. He took in a breath, it was a long story. Sitting down by leaning against the back of a chair thinking, "Well. I guess I got interested in the supernatural as a kid. History and business were always kind of my thing. I enjoyed old plays like Shakespeare and their mystical properties, I enjoyed the greek mythology. But I was a bit too analytical to believe in specifics without learning them or their origins myself. I saw all these statues and documents about things that existed in the past and thought, surely some of it must be true. And I wanted to know, how much? Which parts? What has become distorted and what has remained. So when I heard of Harper Rock, and apparently there being strange goings on, I was naturally pulled here. When I got here, took mere moments to find out supernatural things were going on. In a short time I'd already found a sorcerer. But vampires were much more well hidden."

He got up, looking at the ritual book, "I started with stuff like that. Maybe there was some connection, some ritual that brought someone back from the dead. But I haven't seen any so far. Or heard of any. I still haven't figured out their origin. What I knew was I found the hub of supernatural activity. And I just wanted to explore. But to do that, I had to live. So I started a company, and then another, and then another. Those occupied my time, but I still spent some looking. Took me...months, to find any vampires. When I did, the few occasions were me trying to convince someone not to kill or feed off of someone in a street. Or freaking out from starvation. But they didn't stick around long. I started digging more, saw how much vampires were the underdogs of the city. That by some monumental feat, the city had made some of the most powerful beings on the planet, afraid. Soldiers everywhere, hunters, paladins. Even these fae beings, who I've heard compared to gods, apparently are against vampires. Normally, I wouldn't get involved. I'm basically a history nerd with good business skills, who was I to step in? But...then they passed that law, sticking vampires with their animated persons deal. Requiring checkpoints, restricting passage, and I knew problems were getting too bad for me to ignore." The man made a clicking sounds shifting and sitting down in a chair thoughtfully, "So, I decided, in spite of the fact I've never been a social worker, or a politician, or a big public speaker, nor was a long lasting citizen here, that I had to do something. Because vampires standing up for themselves might just be ignored or treated like threats. But if I did it, a human, a businessman and a sorcerer. Someone who people might believe, surely, must be on their side. Maybe I could turn things around. So far...well there's been a mixed reaction. I'm not sure people were really expecting it, and doubtless some of them want public opinion turned against me. Fortunately, I have enough money that I can get the word out myself and don't have to rely on the media for it. But, it's come with other problems."

He paused, furrowing his brow and leaning his elbows against his knees, "Sorry, that was basically a life story huh?" He chuckled a little bit apologetically, then remembered what he was going to ask, "Oh right, you said you had a grand piano in all of your homes. Those aren't...necessarily cheap? Also, you have multiple homes? How did you afford that? Far as I'm aware, running an orphanage around here doesn't seem like the most profitable of a job."

[Elizabeth Constance]

Lizzie took notice of the pile of notes that he now stored away into a cabinet. She would definitely ask about those later as she wanted to know what he knew but it was doing to take baby steps as they got to know each other this night. Listening carefully as he spoke about his knowledge of the Shadow Realm. She wanted to tell him what it was like and that he wasn't too far off from what he was told. Limbo was a great term for it but sadly as far as she knew, it was a world for only vampires as she never saw anyone outside of the vampire community unless it was a wraith that had been banished. The Shadow Realm was nothing but wraiths because that was what the vampires became while down there as they tried to fight their way back home. "That sounds like it could be rather terrifying for someone if they had to visit there. Is it for everyone or just vampires?" It was actually terrifying and void of any semblance of reality at least for her. Shrugging her shoulders lightly as she found a chair to sit in that was near him. "Pretending things are real is human nature. Believe what you cannot see and at times deny what is actually right in front of you."

Looking down at the book that was still in her hand as he answered her question about dabbling in rituals, she smiled as she placed the book down on the table. "Rituals could go either way. They can harm but they can help. The Demi-Fae can be helpful but on the other hand, they could still turn against you and harm you. I do not trust them but they are a necessary evil for rituals to succeed. Hell there is a ritual out there that can bind you to a person making a marriage that much more meaningful. There are some for protection but the harmful ones, I wish would just disappear." Tilting her head at him as he spoke about ingredients being hard to find. He wasn't wrong depending on what he was looking for because Lizzie and her thrall often was sent out to gather ingredients for Robert so it was a hunt she knew all too well. Flowers, those were the ones that she hated gathering the most because she always seemed to come back with a head wound or two from the Fae in the woods. For Lux sake did they hate her. "It is an interesting hobby though I might be able to help with ingredients. What are some things that you are in need of?" This was her chance to reach out to help but also gain trust with him.

As Antonio took a seat, Lizzie prepared for the story that would answer her questions about his fascination. What kid wasn't interested in the supernatural. They were like old timey superheroes and villians compared to what kids encountered today in their comic books. Perking her brow as he continued, he was the kind of person that was a 'see it to believe it' but he made the venture to Harper Rock to actually find it. Whether he realized it or not, he was among those that he was looking for but he needed to be careful because pissing off the wrong people would cause him issues. When he stood up and looked at the ritual book, Lizzie looked down at the book as he continued. Shaking her head as he spoke about bringing someone back from the dead as she looked back up at him. "That is a terrible idea, there is no scenario where bringing someone back from the dead is a good idea." Nodding her head as he spoke about living. Making money was definitely a root in for survival. What peaked her interest even more was that he had encountered vampires and knew he had. She wasn't at all surprised that they didn't stick around long because that was the key to their survival....stay hidden. She was one of a handful that she knew of that actually dealt with the public but how could she stay hidden when her businesses along were very public oriented. Yeah she could have Molly who was her thrall handle the business but she wouldn't have gotten any satisfaction out of it and she didn't use and abuse her thrall like some others of her kind did. He wasn't wrong about the vampire race being the underdogs even when most of her kind might think that they were at the top of the food chain. Instantly she nodded her head as he spoke about the fae, this is would confirm without hopefully letting him know who she really was. "No you are right about the Fae disliking vampires. There is something in their makeup or something that seems to hate them. I never understood why that was." Lizzie prayed to Lux that, that wasn't too much information but if it was...she would have to deal with it but carefully. Furrowing her brow and tilting her head as he continued, he provided new information. At least it was new to her as she hadn't encountered the situation yet. Only place she knew that was restricted was the Quarantine Zone because no one wanted the zombies out running around but check-points? "What do you mean about resticted areas? Are there more other than that zone with the zombies? What check-points? I do not know about this law, I had been away on business for sometime. Please enlighten me on this."

Lizzie would have felt like she would be sick if she was human at this time but the uneasiness was incredibly present even though she worked to keep her composure. She at least hoped that if she did come across one of these check-points that she would pass. "What tests do they run to see if someone was a vampire or not? Is it just looking for fangs and an unhealthy pale complextion?" If that was it then she was golden because her complextion greatfully was healthy even though a little on the pale side but then again, she was a ginger. Fangs though...super easy as she didn't have them at all thanks to her pulling them out when she was married to Robert. He had gotten hurt at home and lost his fangs. She did what any supportive wife would do, well the Stepford wife anyway, and pulled her fangs out with a pair of pliers. No fangs, healthy complexion, and the fact she almost clings to her humanity; who would really guess unless she was caught using her powers. Scoffing a little as she nodded her head. "A mixed reaction is actually natural. You are trying to aid the very things that go bump in the night. The terrible monster that hides under the bed to them needs to stay out of sight, mind, and existance. I am, however, supportive of your advocasy becuase it is important. What other problems? The Paladins?"

Chuckling lightly as he felt he gave her his life story. It was a mini life story but still one that she enjoyed as she got to know him a little better. Ah, he did catch that she said all of her homes. Well that was easily explainable or at least she thought so. "Yes, I have multiple. I have seven homes, though have thought to gain a few more. The orphange would be eight but that was purchased through the church. When I left home to come here, I did bring some money with me but I have a two businesses outside of the orphange and the food pantry that make a good deal of money. I also have some hobbies that bring in some extra cash but I honestly do not need it. The money just sits in the bank account so I use it to help others." Easy questions. Those she could answer with ease and he definitely was starting off easy which she was okay with.

[Segreti]

She asked if it was for everyone or just vampires. He let out a groan, considering, "Haven't figured that part out. If I had to theorize myself, I'd say it might have to do with all undead. But that's just one idea. Maybe people kind of...go through it before they go wherever they go, or maybe some of them go their on accident somehow before it's corrected. I can't be sure about it really. And I haven't gotten that information to say it one way or another." He gave a nod about the need to believe in things. It was true, a person had to believe. Even the act of believing what was right in front of you was in some way not always reliable. Caution was necessary.

She also commented on rituals, being used to help or harm. He had seen a few that looked like they could help, but they were still things that he didn't know how to use. She mentioned demi-fae potentially harming as well if you did it wrong. He hadn't been in danger of that many times, but it had happened once or twice. She mentioned she wished the harmful ones would just disappear, "Well, just like the creatures themselves, I doubt it will happen."

She also asked what he was in need of, "Well...there are a lot of plants that would be useful. I'm supposed to be able to find them easier than normal, but they must be quite rare cause I have a lot of trouble doing that. Found a few in the forest though. I'm sure if I get better at it it'll be easier. Otherwise there's supposedly some kind of oil for some. One I've been attempted recently, requires used syringes, of all things, and ancient bones. I can get those actually. The one I find the most interesting however, is the one I'm least likely to be able to ethically do." He leaned back in his chair shaking his head, "Because, among other things, it requires Paladins blood and sorcerers blood. And even if my blood suffices, no idea if it does, I'm not so sure about the paladin part. And antiques, but I don't know exactly what kind." he let out a sigh and shook his head, "All in all it's a bit of a hassle. Not sure there's too much you can do about that, but thank you."

She seemed to respond to using ritual to bring someone back from the dead to be a terrible idea, he let out a slight chuckle, "Of course it is, I was talking the origin of vampires or zombies however. After all in voodoo zombies are believed to have been created by someone, and don't just occur. It wouldn't surprise me if perhaps the power exists to bring someone back from the dead, but not as a true human. I'd probably never attempt such a thing, it's extremely dangerous I imagine. But knowing whether or not it's happened could help explain exactly where vampires, zombies, mooncalves, all these 'undead' as they are called, come from."

The topic would also talk to fae, which she seemed to know some about as well. Saying that they seemed to simply be made to hate them, and not understanding the reason. That was perhaps a short answer, but it was phrased very personally. Still, she had been here for years. She had reason to know things personally, he wondered how many vampires she had met by this time. However, what she seemed to not know about, and may even have had concern for, was the comment about restricted areas, asking about those other than the Quarantine. And tests. What they used aside from the most basic appearance.

She agreed that a mixed reaction was natural. Since he was advocating for what was always seen as a monster historically. Paladins were a big part of the negative response he imagined. Her answer to the question of piano's and homes was interesting, causing him to raise eyebrows again, "Seven homes, that's pretty significant. You must have been from some big money."

He got up, thinking, going into the side bathroom of the living room and grabbing a handheld mirror while he spoke, "Well, in regards to the checkpoints. They've been setting them up in a number of places. They don't want vampires leaving. And vampires are expected to have ID's and chips. Aside from that though, they're pretty much making signs of vampires public knowledge. The not needing to breath," he came out holding the mirror dropping down on the seat and glancing at his own reflection, "And especially that they shouldn't show up in mirrors." he turned so that she could see him, in it "I'd just be completely see-

He paused as turned the mirror, noticing she wasn't showing up. His face seemed to hit a moment between the thoughtful frown, slowly turning into a confused smile and a **** of the head. He turned to face her, head still tilted to the side as he slowly set the mirror down, "Huh."

[Elizabeth Constance]

Theories were good but when it came to the Shadow Realm it was something that should be clarified but she was keep that to herself for the time being. Though if she was truly honest, she didn't know if humans went there but she had never seen a human there before. It had always been vampires and wraiths but maybe there was another form of limbo that humans went to. No one could truly know as each group of people could have different stories and different theories. "Maybe this is something that we could do a study on but not sure how forth coming people might be with their knowledge and/or experiences. It would be something to look into."

Nodding her head at his comment about the rituals. He had a point, there wasn't much for change when it came to those that were harmful to just vanish and disappear. It was something everyone needed to except. Hell look at the wars in other countries. It was always over the same things and no matter the options, there wasn't much change. Reality was a hard pill to swallow. "True but one could only hope but it seems that hope continues to die each day."

Taking mental notes as he spoke about the ingredients. Yes some were hard to find but it wasn't something that she wasn't afraid to take on. Hell her and her thrall were somewhat good at finding certain items and she knew where to find others. However there were some that she couldn't get a hold of because of having to break into buildings. That wasn't her strong suit but then again, it wasn't in her nature to break the basic laws, she would rather just pay a exuberant amount of money for items to get what was needed. "Honestly, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask because I am pretty sure that I have a few things lying around from when I used to gather items for my ex." Smiling as he sat back and got comfortable, he was relaxing which was good. This was definitely turning into a good meeting and they were both learning much about each other. "It is always something you could try but I will see what I can do to help. I cannot make any guarantees but I do know a few people. I will reach out and see if they would be willing to help. I like a challenge."

Chuckling almost in embarrassment as he continued. The zombies and vampires were common knowledge at least to her as well as to anyone that was a member of the supernatural world. He was speaking on the powers that the necromancers had but that wasn't something she knew much about. She knew a necromancer or two but their powers were a bit of a mystery to her as she hadn't been able to learn them yet. She still was a ways away from even attempting to learn those powers. One day she might understand them. "You have a valid point, I am not entirely sure that I had thought about it like that. Thank you for that perspective."

Lizzie hadn't even thought that seven homes would be a lot because that was considerably less than what she was used to when she was a royal. Shrugging her shoulders a little bit as she brushed off his comment. "Yes, I had money before I came here but most of the money I have is what I made for myself when I started my businesses. There is a lot of money in art."

Watching him as he stood up, listening to his words as he walked into the adjacent bathroom for only a moment. How he spoke caused her a little more concern about the checkpoints but had hoped that her healthy complexion and lack of fangs would be her ally. It was the moment that he stepped back into the room with a mirror that her heart sank. The mirror test was the one test that she wouldn't be able to pass, that would only be passable if she was a mystic. Watching him as he dropped back down into his seat and stared into the mirror. Maybe he wouldn't think anything of it so she remained patient and quiet. This would be the one time that she would want to use her powers but she didn't want to give any additional reasons he would need to suspect her and she was almost positive that he didn't notice that she forgot to breathe earlier as he hadn't asked about it but now that he mentioned vampires not needing to breathe...it might actually come up now. He had turned the mirror just slightly so that she could see his reflection but he paused in mid-sentence. Feeling a little unease, Lizzie leaned forward to stand up for a moment, maybe pace a bit, when he turned the mirror and she was left staring at nothing. Sitting back in her chair, her eyes met his as she looked slightly mortified. "Right so ID's and chips. What is your point of view on that?" Carefully folding her hands into her lap, her eyes remained on his as she desperately wanted to know his thoughts but promised herself that she would not invade. This was delicate and she would be delicate with it and should it get ugly, she would teleport away and probably purchase another home so that she could not be found. That was her habit after all, trouble came knocking and another home would come into her possession to keep her family safe. "I am sure that you have questions..."

[Segreti]

When she had said that if he needed any help on rituals he nodded, smiling appreciatively, "Thank you, I'll have to keep that in mind." he responded. She seemed to also find his perspective on the rituals and undead to be somewhat interesting. Whether or not it was completely accurate, that would depend. He couldn't be sure. She also seemed to not take the number of homes she had to be all that impressive. Just what kind of money did she come from? Though she was right about art, unless, perhaps, you were a normal artist.

However, as the matter came to it, and he turned the mirror and came to the realization that she was not shown. As she asked a question but clearly already realized she'd been found out. There was a moment of silence before she said he must have question. He smiled, in a sort of sign of confusion and surprise. Set the mirror down, and sat down on the chair pursing his lips, hands in his lap, and head tilted to the side. He slowly let out a breath shaking his head still with the unusual smile on his face, "Can't say I was expecting that, though I probably should have guessed it."

Well, it wasn't the first time he ran into a vampire. It was typical though that things were not as, up to this point, relatively normal given she had spent so long in Harper Rock. It might also help explain her security in her own safety. That smile quickly went to one of curiosity, as he clasped his hands together at his mouth and leaned his elbows against his knees,"Well...yeah actually. A lot. Though I'm not sure you want to talk about those or not. You know, what it was like to become a vampire, what it might have bene like to come back from the dead, what's the deal with the demi-fae like the Sirens cause they're even more elusive to talk openly with than vampires. But...that's only if you want to talk about it."

He chuckled leaning back yet again against the chair, "Really I might have been bound to start guessing eventually if the conversations just kept going. You kept making comments as if from a personal experience, especially in regards to the fae, and you got really curious about the one that helped me. But, I dunno, that route didn't come I guess. Not sure what you want to do now that I know. It's not like I'm going to tell anyone though, I think that much was clear when I wouldn't even give the description of the person that helped me. Sometimes it's important to avoid getting noticed. Though...it'll come out eventually unless you're extremely careful, like I said they're pulling these ID tags and such, and unless remedied, sooner or later I wager they'll do just like they did to the jews and require armbands or something. Surprise you missed all that.."

[Elizabeth Constance]

Lizzie watched him as he began to process the information that he just learned. Frowning a little, she instantly connected her mind with her daughter. 'I am sorry my Princess, Mommy's meeting is running late. I will try and be home when you wake in the morning. Please be good for Mom.' She dropped the connection and instantly connected with her thrall Molly. 'Molly, I am really sorry. I know that I have only been home for a week but I might be in trouble. Step up the security at the gallery and have a guard down in my office so that no intruders can make it up into our home. Pack some bags just in case this goes south. Do not worry about security at the orphanage for now but be prepared for anything. I know I do not need to say it but please take care of our little girl. She does not deserve to have to worry about her safety, she is already so grown up for being six. I love you guys, I will let you know more when I know it or I will be home in the morning.’

Standing up as she began to unbutton her jacket to prepare for the long evening. She almost looked like a lawyer as she revealed a black power suit with a green silk shirt under her suit jacket. Placing her jacket over the back of the chair, she turned to look at him and tilted her head at his comment. "Why should you have guessed it?" He leaned forward as he rested his elbows on his legs as if he was studying her, shrugging as he continued only for so many questions to follow. Taking each question and nodding as she began to pace about the room. "At this point, you are either an ally or I am going to be a science experiment by morning so why not... Being a vampire can either be good or bad but it depends on how one takes on their life and if they are willing to play by the rules to protect our kind. There have been many in the past that did everything they could to harm humans which made it hard for the rest of us. I personally am probably more close to being human than others. I want to help humans but also I feel that both races can coexist and work together but not in a hostile environment. I honestly do not remember my turning or how I felt but I choose this life, it was not forced upon me. I do not entirely know what the deal with the demi-fae or the fae is with vampires, they just do not seem to favor us. I personally am afraid of them because of attacks."

Stopping back behind her chair, she placed her hands upon the back. Her eyes met his as she listened to him. Nodding her head as he pointed out that even though she thought she was careful about her verbiage but wasn't careful enough. Smiling lightly as she tilted her head. "Well I have always been used to having to be careful about what I say and how I say it. Possibly I was not careful enough but you do not seem too horrified...or at least yet. It is something that I was taught by the elders of our race but they have been long gone." The moment he stated that he wasn't going to tell anyone, she instantly relaxed and moved to sit down in her chair once again. Lizzie was completely relieved and smiled as he pointed out that being the reason he hadn't told her about the other vampire. "ID tags would be a terrible idea. There are some that would make this difficult for the rest of us and what is the point in hiding who we are if we are forced to prove what we are. They will have a hard time realizing I am a vampire unless they whip out a mirror or catch me in a window. I have worked hard on my powers to be passable. I have a healthy complexion, I can walk in the sunlight even though I choose to do so briefly, and I personally do not have fangs. My feeding is purely off of blood bags. Though I missed it because I have been out of town for quite awhile for business among other things. Outside of the seven homes here, I have a few homes out of the country. Protection is everything especially when it comes to my daughter. Lux forbid if any harm comes to her."

Leaning back as she took a few moments to think. Tapping her finger upon her knee as she crossed her legs. As her shoulders dropped, she chewed on her lip, she was at a loss for an idea. Letting her eyes meet his once again. "What are your ideas on how to make this better for both sides? Is that even possible and was that all the questions you have, I am surprised."

[Segreti]

He frowned as she said he was an ally, or she'd be a science experiment by morning, but he let her continue for now. About when being a vampire worked out well or not, and the problems that some individual vampires had caused by taking drastic, and unnecessary, actions against humans. And that in spite of being a vampire she clung to her humanity. Truly the supernatural never ceased to intrigue him. And though he often had to deal with the formalities of business, such matters always seemed to keep him interested. Because there was more to the supernatural than just the possibility of it. But also how people responded to it. Every facet of life changed, every piece was ever so slightly set off that a world used to the supernatural and enveloped with it would be ever so much different than one without. That was just one of the issues that caused this struggle with the government. The colliding worlds of those who were dealing with the supernatural by nature, and those dealing with it by relation. They were indirect parties in a way, and they didn't even think of it that way. She also answered his question on the fae, though, to a limited degree. It seemed that there was only so much she knew about the matter. That was unfortunate, but not a surprise.

"Thank you, and, so you know. Even if I were the type, which I'm not, to try and concoct some trap for an experiment, I'm not capable enough for that. At least I don't think I am, I haven't really been in many direct fights with vampires to know." He commented, just trying to assure her of the situation. Though he was clearly interested in everything she was saying, he wanted to get that off. Just in case.

She also noted his lack of being horrified, adding 'at least yet' to the mix. He smiled slightly, he'd been around the supernatural now for awhile. He'd seen more than just vampires. And he'd almost never thought once about vampires being horrifying. Mooncalves maybe. Those things were disgusting. Though, he wasn't sure horrifying necessarily fit them. But that was likely due to the fact he realized he could actually take them down if he was properly armed.

She also seemed quite unhappy about the idea of ID tags, and yet, it was a requirement to have an ID stating they were vampires. She also mentioned that some would take advantage of that and further destroy what lives the vampires had. She also mentioned them having trouble finding her as a vampire, since she appeared fairly human and had no notable fangs. Even able to walk in sunlight, he nodded thoughtfully, that one definitely helped. She also mentioned her daughter, which made him slightly curious about how she was able to raise a daughter given the problems of being a vampire. Such as the day and night issue, though, she mentioned she was able to stay in the daylight so perhaps it never was a problem. She also used the term "Lux" where most would use the term "God." Lux, meaning light? An interesting choice.

She asked him about his ideas on how to make things better for both sides, and if his questions were it. He chuckled "Oh hardly, but if I threw them all at you at once, or in order, we'd be here for a long time. Like...who is Lux, if that's a vampire thing or a previous religion or belief. And if vampires even have notable religions, aside from culture which of course you have to have. And what it feels like to come back from the dead. I have...a very long list of questions that I sometimes forget when I'm on the spot. You're also, actually, not the first vampire I've met in person. It's just that you're one of very few I've gotten to actually be in one place with for long. At least, you know, to my knowledge. Probably the one thing that I'm jealous of paladins for, no wait, two. ONe being they can recognize vampires. The other being they seem to have more intimate awareness about fae sometimes."

He stroked his chin considering the question on how to make things better,"Really it could come to a simple agreement. But, people are people, and that tends to not happen. Hence why soldiers and/or cops are necessary for a society to survive when in large numbers. Someone has to uphold the law, it's just that sometimes the law shouldn't be upheld. As far as how to make things better, same as has been done any time a race has been deemed inferior. Or savage-like in some cases. Try and get the same rights. Only this time, differences may have to be recognized. No vampires are not the same as humans, but there are many things vampires do that humans can as well. And even some things humans have as an advantage over vampires, most of the time. I imagine laws on siring would probably end up being made if I'm honest, but I also imagine for things to go well there would need to be a greater use of animal blood rather than human. In a society where the laws were already made equal, the problem comes down to containment and punishment. Cause on the one hand, how do you describe a life sentence for a vampire. And when the sentence exceeds a hundred years, what even can you do about it? And is it right to hold someone for that long? Aside from generally the issue of containing vampires or super powered humans. It's a bit of a long process I believe, one which would require a great deal of research. Oh, right, that's one of the other primary things when it comes down to it. Studying vampires, studying culture, and if there actually is a psychology change between human and vampire. If there is, is it something that is legitimately serious enough to warrant a reaction, or is it something that's just more common."

He let out a sigh shaking his head, "I've had to think on it for awhile and...there's no short or one answer to that type of question. Vampires and humans function different, obviously, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't get the same chances. The problem is making it happen really. And it requires a great deal of research that's a bit difficult to obtain. Not only because it's hard to get into contact with vampires, but also with a doctor or a psychologist to work with it, and the problem of that almost inevitably someone will try and take advantage of it to find vampires. Or if we hid everything completely, call us frauds for the information."