Heart to Heart (Mason)

[Elizabeth Constance]

Sitting at her desk in her office at the gallery, Lizzie had a nagging pit in her stomach about how their family was growing and yet there was an estranged childe out there. There had been one time that Lizzie had helped the woman by getting her relics that were needed but Henry had warned her that Mason wasn't part of the family. This bothered her. He had embraced the others but she was unaware of what had and continued to transpire between Henry and Mason for the woman to still be on the outside. It was time to find out.

Tapping her pen against the pad of paper on her desk, there was a list of Pros and Cons as to why she would disregard Henry's wishes to reach out to the woman. She didn't want to anger the man that she loved and saw the rest of her life with but she needed to know if she could fix their relationship. She'd admit that she didn't know much about the woman other than she had been sent to the Realm of Shadows not to long ago. She wasn't sure if Henry knew or cared but with the bad blood between them, she hadn't brought it up to him. Lizzie would have to admit that she telepathically would check in on Mason occasionally but that was as far as she would go. However as her relationship with Henry grew, she was taking a stand. It was one of those act now, ask for forgiveness later sort of deals. She didn't want to fight with him and she might not but she wasn't going to tell him first to give him an opportunity to talk her out of what she had already decided. It was time to reach out.

Her eyes glanced at her computer that she rarely touched unless she knew that one of her Board of Directors happened to be in the building. Taking an unneeded deep breath, soft whispered words left her lips though she hadn't realized she had connected to her beloved as she thought about him. 'Forgive me, Henry.' Her fingers gracefully danced across the keyboard as she sent off a formal invitation to Mason.

Good Evening Mason,

I do hope that this message finds you well and in good spirits. I know that he have only met one other time before when I had gifted you relics to help you in your endeavours. I would like to formally introduce myself to you. My name is Elizabeth and I am in a relationship with your sire, Henry, for seven months now. I do understand that there is some bad blood there but I would like to meet with you. I want to see if there is anyway possible that we may be able to repair your relationship with him. This this is possible, we might discuss bringing you into the family fold as this is a dark world that we live in and it is terrible to live in it alone.

This is a meeting that I am currently setting up without Henry's knowledge or approval so that we could talk alone as I would like you to be comfortable. I have a comfortable apartment in West Tower that we can meet at. You do not need to worry about Henry spontaneously showing up as he has never been there. I am about to head there now, I do hope to see you soon. The apartment number is 905.

In kind regards,
Elizabeth Llewellyn

She had pressed send and started at the computer for a few moments. Never did Lizzie want to anger Henry. It was in her mind that if she couldn't get through to Mason, then no one can. Not that, that she thought she was the best but with her ability to be level headed and look at all sides of the picture, she was the better option. Only time would tell.

Slipping out from behind the desk and grabbing her jacket, it was time to head to the other apartment and wait. Hope filled her that Mason would be curious and show up to talk but it did sit in the back of her mind that it was entirely possible that the invitation wouldn't be received well. An angry email or angry words applied to her mind mentally was a possibility but the attempt was out there. The ball was now in Mason's court. Would she take the shot or stab the ball to deflate it? Only time would tell.

[Mason]

Mason tossed her shoes to the side, set her sword and pistol beside her bed, and plopped down. Staring at the ceiling for a moment. She reached into the net, normally she'd use her computer. But she didn't particularly feel like putting in the effort. Her eyes narrowed, email. Ok, for convenience sake, she'd use the computer. She reached over to it, stretching off her bed a bit to tug it on, crossing her legs and sitting with it as she brought up her emails.

A familiar feeling came over her as she began to read. She remembered the one that her sire had sent her. She remembered her emotions towards him, and herself, at the time. Things were different now, she had accepted herself as a vampire. And vampirism itself. But she wasn't so sure she'd forgiven him. This however, wasn't Henry. She did remember sometimes people helping her, offering her things. She couldn't recall it specifically. Though, she probably didn't want to remember being helped by a vampire at the time.

Apparently this woman and her sire were in a relationship. Small world...or...city...province....territory. Whatever. The woman said that she was acting not only outside of Henry's knowledge but even against what he'd apparently been telling her. That alone helped Mason, long as it was true. She leaned on her elbows looking at the screen in thought. She wanted her to meet at an apartment, somewhere he'd never been.

The vampire leaned back in her bed, setting the computer to the side and thinking. Though she had accepted no longer being paladin or human, and had accepted being vampire, there were still parts of her that gave warning. That told her about traps and brutality. They spoke to her now, telling her not to go, telling her that if she did go, she should first search the woman's memories. Maybe even go so far as to block her and her sires powers before she arrived. Just in case.

But then, if she did that, and it wasn't a trap, just how much would that alienate her? Presumedly, someone was extending a hand to try and bring her into a 'family fold' and she could respond by what could absolutely be seen as an attack? What consequences would she have if she did that? But, if it was a trap, what really could they do to her? Sure, she didn't want to go back to the shadow realm. But if she was made an enemy then and there, she wouldn't have to feel bad about trying to torment them later, make them regret it. She wouldn't necessarily need to send them to the shadow realm. Just curse and mindblock them for days.

That at least, was only one scenario. She didn't want that to be the case. But she still felt a bit of pain from the last time she was sent there. Not physically of course.

"I have spoken." The voice caused her to jump slightly. She groaned, "Warren!" She growled, "Don't do that."
He repeated himself, "I have spoken. A severed rope cannot be reset. Only painfully mended. Your only choice is choice."

She ran her hands through her hair, "You just want vampires to work together don't you? You were this way with my sire as well." it was said with a matter of fact voice. Aside from the reference to her sire. There was still some disdain there.

"It doesn't matter."

"Why do you keep visiting me anyway? That's not a part of the agreement." Not that she wanted him to leave. Sometimes, having someone to talk to. Even someone who didn't exactly talk normally, or have a face, was better than nothing.

"It doesn't matter. None of it does. Things will be that that will be done. There is only choice. A child hasn't chosen to be a childe. But it is what it has become. There is only what there is."

"Just...give me time." She said. He went silent. She waited a few minutes before sending an extremely simple and short response to Elizabeth.

I will be on my way.
-Mason

She didn't really know what else to say. She wasn't sure how she felt about it. She wasn't sure if this was a trap or not. But she was going. Naturally, she brought her weapons with her. She wouldn't take too long, she wanted to at least get to the door. If she decided not to go, she could always just not enter. As she went she spoke to Warren, "I want you to go ahead of me. Check it out. At the very least, I want to know if I'm walking into a literal trap."

She was pretty sure she heard him chuckle as he left her.

[Elizabeth Constance]

She knew that she was going out on a limb to request this meeting but Lizzie wouldn't be Lizzie if she didn't at least try. What did Mason even look like now? She wasn't sure knowing that Mason is a mystic and that she had recently died, the woman would look like a complete stranger to her; other than the fact that she was actually a stranger to her. Taking the time to push any negative thoughts from her mind about the meeting as she walked down the street, Lizzie didn't want the thoughts to impact the experience. Passing the corner flower shop, a smile drifted across her lips. She needed to liven up the apartment. Grabbing a couple bunches of flowers and a few 3-wick candles, the home would be welcoming to anyone.

The home didn't need to be cleaned as it was cleaned weekly by a cleaning service. Lizzie was a tidy person and wanted all of her homes to remain that way even if she wasn't staying in them. Though she trusted her staff, she did make sure that her valuables were still in their place when she would learn if new staff was hired. Never could be too sure especially when she had pricey tiaras hidden in a floor safe that actually belonged to her family. Who wouldn't want to cash in on royalty jewels. If she was a common thief and knew their value, she would take them too. She frowned as she thought about her family and new that her mother was her only existing relative at this point but she made a life for herself to survive. Survive was exactly what she did.

Pushing the thoughts to the side as she reached West Tower. It was when she reached the elevator that a smile slipped on her lips. Mason replied to her message and was on her way. There were only a few moments left to get the home ready for her visitor. Watching as the elevator doors opened, she walked straight across the hall to her apartment and opened the door. Stopping in the kitchen first, she needed to get the flowers into vases. Grabbing four vases from the pantry, she broke the two bunches into four sets. Adding the water to the vases with half of the plant food packet into two and repeating in the other two, she was ready to set them out. Placing on vase on the table in the hall and the other three in the main living space. One went on to the piano, one on the coffee table, and the final on the table near the large portrait window that over looked Honeymead below. Next were the candles and they were set up near the flowers to give a nice fragrance to the home to create that welcoming feeling.

Lizzie was an unusual vampire and never carried weapons with her unless she was out hunting. She didn't want people to think that she was a menace to society even with all of her humanitarian work and definitely would never bring weapons around the children when she was at the orphanage. That in her mind was a disaster waiting to happen. Taking a look around, she was pleased with the setting and just needed the guest of honour to arrive.

[Mason]

Her route was generally accompanied with only thoughts of concern and scenarios of what could happen right or wrong. Mostly wrong. Warren returned to her as she got to the elevator, "Dangers to the sensitive hounds." she stared ahead. Sometimes what he said was just...slightly goofy to hear. "Ok let's try this. Is it safe for me? Answer with a yes or no."

"For you." he said. She groaned, that was probably as good as it was gonna get right now. She went down the hall, breathing in. She headed for the door and would knock, speaking as she did so."Hello. It's Mason."

The voice, or feelings, of the body she had taken had long since been erased. Wherever they went, she didn't know. But they were gone. And she avoided thinking about it. But she had the body still. Sadie Elder. She was just a little bit shorter than Mason used to be. Which, while a weird feeling, felt better than being the same distance taller. Because at least at some point she used to be this height regardless. Then again, maybe another few inches would make her a little bit more intimidating in combat.

It didn't really matter...or that was maybe Warren rubbing off on her. She tried to focus on the matter at hand. She needed to keep herself calm...as she could be. The last time she'd had an interaction with Henry she'd been full of stress. She wasn't certain whether or not that would transfer over here. She wanted to be at least a bit more...gentle. Or neutral was an easier thing to shoot for.

Her weapons might give the wrong impression she realized, but it felt wrong being without them most of the time. All that time as a paladin and even most of her time as a vampire she'd spent so much of it fighting. Or hunting for a fight. Even her new job in security meant she could bring weapons with her. It just kept her feeling safer this way.

[Elizabeth Constance]

Taking one final pass through her home to make sure everything looked perfect. Lizzie was known for everything being in the right place at all times. Organization and order made things nearly perfect for her. With nothing out of place, she was ready to receive her guest who just knocked on the door at the right time.

Straightening her sweater to remove any wrinkles that might have set in before running her fingers through her hair. She was a bit nervous about this meeting but pushed it down so that it wouldn't show. Gracefully walking towards the door, she out a smile on her face and opened it to greet her guest. "Good evening, Mason. Thank you for accepting my invitation. Please come in." Taking a step back to create a decent opening to give room for the woman to step in. Mason did look different as she suspected. There wasn't much she understood about the Mystic path even though that she had their powers but each path had their own make-up and why one would get a certain path over others when they are turned was a mystery to her. Why Mystics entered a new body? She was unsure but then again, there wasn't anyone around that would be able to answer such a question other than a 'Just 'cause' as an answer.

Closing the door as Mason passed through. The kitchen was just to the right as she smiled at Mason. "I hope your evening is going well. Please have a seat in the living room, I will show you the way. Would you like any refreshments?" Hospitality was one of her strong suits along with a cheery disposition. Leading her down the hallway to the large living area. As they entered the room, it was well lit and the aroma from the candles and flowers wrapped around them like an invisible hug to the soul. The silence was a tad deafening and her eyes drifted over to the record player and then her Alexa as she tilted her head and smiled. "Would you like some music?"

[Mason]

Mason felt herself pull in a breath as the door opened. She remained visibly wary. But aside from that, both externally and internally, she didn't have much. When the woman opened the door she instinctively shot her eyes for weapons and traps. Still unsure what the results of this could bring. She wasn't afraid, it was almost just the unfamiliarity that brought it around. She tried to smile as she was greeted and welcomed in, ah yes, that was often still an irritation wasn't it. She had learned of a power that avoided that problem, though pretty much never used it. "Thanks." she said quietly, walking in. Immediately realizing what Warren meant by 'sensitive hounds' as she picked up the smells of flowers. That made her smile slightly.

She, like Elizabeth, really didn't know why she was put into a new body. She barely remembered anything about the process. Only the time before and after. Have a seat. She started going to find a seat, adjusting her weapons as she did so and answering the woman's questions. "It's average. And no thanks." she responded, she heard a whisper in her ear, "Marshmallows and steak." she answered quietly in turn hoping Elizabeth hadn't heard, "Quiet. Go...do whatever you do....I guess."

She was already feeling somewhat less concerned now that she was inside, the place was nice, kind of calming on it's own. It did help that she'd at least seen Elizabeth before, and she knew she'd helped her. "Uh, sure." she said in response to the question of the music. She needed to speak, that's what she felt like anyway, "Why?" she asked suddenly before realizing she might think she was asking about the music, "I mean...why bother with me? It's not like there's any of my history that says you should. And even the sire said not to bother, apparently."

[Elizabeth Constance]

Perking her brow at Mason's comments though the man next to her was who she assumed the comments were directed towards. It's fair that she would have brought along a thrall to help gauge the situation that she was walking into but Lizzie was sincere to have a conversation with the woman. "Who is your friend? Though I do suggest acquiring the power to be able to see him, might come in handy to know if you are alone or not." It was a simple suggestion and all it was, it was up to Mason to decide what powers she did or did not want.

A simple nod was given to Mason's answer for music. Lizzie had turned around and decided to play a record over the digital sound from the Alexa. There was just something from the old analog sound of a record. Taking a few seconds to leaf through her record collection, she chose Mozart's Requiem.

As she placed the record on her turn table, she paused and tilted her head at the question that was presented to her. Yes, Mason had telepathic abilities but she wasn't thinking on Henry and him telling her to stay away from Mason as she hadn't been family. Bringing the needling to the record to start the music. Turning slowly before she moved to take a seat across from Mason.

"I never said that he said to not bother. I said that I was meeting you without his approval. Those are two very different things. He might be my husband soon but he does understand that I tend to do as I please. A smile appeared on her on face once again as she folded her hands into her lap. She sat straight up on the chair with grace. "I want to get to know you."

[Mason]

Mason pursed her lips as Elizabeth mentioned her 'friend' and also said it would be handy if she got the power to see him. She could hear Warren chuckle in response to that. Mason looked towards the voice, such an ability had still evaded her. "Uh...sorry. That's Warren Foster." she gestured vaguely into the air, "We made a deal to help each others. Just wanted him to check for traps really...sometimes he sticks around though."

She watched as the woman went over and played the record, it was surprisingly calming at the moment. Maybe it was just the presence of something methodical and pleasant. Something she'd heard before all this nonsense. For a moment she thought she heard Warren humming along with it but he was doing so faintly and seemed to drift away a bit.

Mason realized maybe she'd misinterpreted as Elizabeth responded about her question. Potential soon to be husband. She wondered slightly how immortality factored into marriage. Had to stop herself from drifting onto thinking on anyone using 'Till Death do us part' given their circumstances.

[quote=Elizabeth Constance] "I want to get to know you."[/quote]

[Elizabeth Constance]

”Depends on your thralls that you acquire. Some are willing to help and others are out to cause trouble. If he is willing to help you then that is good. I do apologize that you felt the need for o check for traps but I have been known to do that myself. I cannot fault you for being cautious.”

It was getting awkward with the silence that was building in the room. Unfolding her hands and gracefully placing them on the top of her legs, she smiled as she stood up. ”Please excuse me, I will be back momentarily, I am going to me a pot of tea.” The smell of tea kept her relaxed. Walking to the kitchen as she thought about how to open up Mason. Setting the kettle on the stove, she waited for the water to heat up. Pulling out the tea bags from the cupboard and the ceramic tea pot. Placing the tea pot on an antique serving tray with matching cups and saucers before putting four tea bags into the pot. Once the last tea bag was placed, the kettle began to whistle. A smile slipped upon her lips as she pulled the kettle from the stove and poured the hot water into the tea pot. Placing the lip on the top of the tea pot and then carrying it back into the living room.

”So tell me a little bit about yourself? What did you do before you stumbled into this life?” Setting the tray down on the coffee table. Taking a seat back in the chair that she once occupied and crossed her right leg over the other before folding her hands together and resting them upon her knee. Lizzie genuinely wanted to get to know the woman but that was up to Mason.

[Mason]

Mason grunted as Elizabeth mentioned that some thralls could actually cause trouble. She admitted, she hadn't really thought of that. Warren hadn't seemed to have been such an issue so far though. She smiled and nodded as the woman mentioned her looking for the traps, "It's not like there isn't always a risk. I can't imagine being a paladin leaves a good impression. Didn't think there was any harm in it at the time." she said.

She could feel the silence. It wasn't any less awkward for her, except maybe that she at least knew Warren had decided to stick around. Even if he wasn't really paying any attention to them. Just someone being there that she knew was at least a little bit of a comfort of sorts. Small though it may be. She nodded in response to Elizabeth again, "Yeah, sure."

As she left Mason leaned her elbows on her knees and rested her chin in her hands, "What in the world am I supposed to do now?" she whispered to herself. No answer from Warren, of course not. Even if he did it wouldn't make any sense. She was going to have to get used to this sort of thing, it felt weird that she had had so few...social situations? Since things had gone to chaos for her. For now she just listened, music, the sound of making tea, little else to do.

When Elizabeth came back she sat up again and tried to smile before she heard the question. She had to think on that for awhile, "Ah..." she leaned to the side furrowing her brow, "That's...hard to answer. Honestly, at this point it's been awhile. When I was human, just human, I don't think I knew where I was going yet. I just was afraid, I liked art, but I didn't have quite enough skill to do it myself at the time. Liked nature, that's not quite as easy anymore for some obvious reasons. Then I was a paladin, fear turned to disgust. And I just..."

She hesitated looking at the woman for a moment, unsure how much she should say, "Did more fighting then anything else. Few in between really. Got turned and still did mostly fighting, but with more anger. Then I died and came back to this." she held her hands out showing the body, "Shorter, no ink, wrong hair, wrong clothes, wrong people, not me."

Her hands returned to her, "Longer answer, but it probably also saves a lot of questions. I've gotten...mellowed I guess, after dying. Don't get me wrong I still do the fighting, but...it's all very different. Still figuring things out now. But whatever I was like when I was just human, I don't think that quite exists anymore."