When In Italy

[Elizabeth]

Her annoyance only grew as she showered and changed. Doc had told her at least twice that he would bet on her any day of the week against a foe and at the first chance of danger from a foe, even if not her own, he couldn't want her further away. Though she could not currently see her reflection in the large mirror above the bathroom vanity, Elizabeth stared into it anyways. That was, until she 'heard' the buzzing sound of the light fixture above her head. Blue eyes glared high above her head, before she shook her head, then left the bathroom in search of the dress for the night.

The teal colored dress was apparently made in one of Italy's oldest wool mills; the sale's woman had claimed as if that were the main selling point about the dress. It had short capped sleeves and fell to Elizabeth's knees, even given her petite frame. In the seams at her hips were two pockets, not large enough to fit more than a set of keys or petty cash and credit cards. The hotel key card was placed within one pocket, while the other now held a debit and credit card. It was unlikely that she would need to use them, given the tour would be after hours and much would be missed given it was early in the morning hours.

After finding a par of gold heels (because black and dark blue just didn't seem what anyone would pair with teal) in a smaller box, Elizabeth moved to the door of the hotel room, but paused. Her attention shifted to the bathroom once again, hearing the 'buzzing' sound once again. She flipped the light off and smiled at the silence that filled the room. Her mood, slightly better than it had been ten minutes ago. "Dante." Elizabeth greeted the male as she approached the front entrance of the hotel, her head dipping slightly. There was a look of surprise in his eyes, perhaps due to Elizabeth's chosen attire for the evening. The thought was validated when he started speaking. "Ahh, sometimes there is dirt and mud where the grapes are. Your shoes and dress could get ruined." He rubbed at the back of his head, then his neck as he shifted his weight on his legs. She laughed and then shook her head. "It is unlikely, but also of no concern of mine. I have many more dresses and will be gaining more in the next few evenings. And I never need an excuse to purchase a new pair of shoes." She made a move for the door, which had him bustling for it not long after Elizabeth made the decision that she wasn't going to change.

"This way." Dante pointed to a small parking compound that had the name of the hotel on the side of the building. Elizabeth followed, in no hurry, even if it was early in the morning; unlike Dante. Was he worried that they would be caught doing something illegal? The thought brought a small smirk to Elizabeth's lips as he came to a red two door car and unlocked it with a push of a button. Elizabeth moved around the front of the car, as he shoved some papers and books to the small back seat of the car. She waited a few more seconds before Dante indicated she could come in, and claimed her seat. The seat belt was fastened before she closed the door and soon they were off to the vineyard.

More times than not, Elizabeth closed her eyes and allowed the time and scenery to pass. While he was a much better driver than that of her 'sister,' Elizabeth was certain she could do better; even with her lack of experience in the matter. When they arrived, she glanced down at her persons to make certain she was in one piece, and then over to him to see the same. "We can only walk the grounds." He said as he opened the car door, then unbuckled his seat belt. "Of course." Elizabeth nodded her head, debating that statement internally. If Dante wasn't around, there would be no debate, but since she had to abide by human laws, Elizabeth would play nicely. Tonight, anyways.

"This vineyard has been around for a couple hundred years. First, for wine. But about two decades ago the family decided to expand when a neighbor died and bought their lands. Now they are also known for their grape juice. One of the best in Italy. Should try it while you're here." The tour began as soon as Elizabeth stepped out of the car, the woman silently listening and gathering as much details about the grounds and the family as she could.

[Doc]

Doc watched as Sophia left the hotel. He watched until the tail lights of her car were out of sight. He sighed. Flying halfway across the world to do surgery in two days time, was not his idea of fun. However, on the upside, it wasn’t as bad as if Sergio expects him to make people disappear. It would be a hell of a lot harder in Italy to burn a body than in Canada, where he had an industrial medical grade incinerator. But the task that was set in front of him, was far from easy. Yes he would be doing surgery, but the type of surgery was far from cut and dry.

The surgery was in less than thirty-six hours, and it would require a double jaw surgery, and ocular reconstruction. Why? Because the patient was a wanted man and he needed to avoid facial recognition software that was now rampant in Europe. The only way to do that without constantly skulking about avoiding cameras and staying bundled up, was surgical intervention. Normally for a good outcome, meaning not looking like someone underwent such surgery, there would be months of planning. Studying the bone structure and contouring the breaks created in surgery to aid in recovery.

But Doc wasn’t given months of planning. He had less than two days to study the x rays provided, come up with a plan, and execute it. To be honest Doc wasn’t invested in the outcome. If the patient died on the table. So be it. And he wasn’t going to go out of his way to make his patient ‘pretty’. The man via his old friend Sergio, hijacked Doc’s Italy trip, causing Lizzie to be ******* pissed with him, so the patient would be lucky to wake up from surgery, for one. And two? Frankenstein's monster will have a more pleasing profile than his patient.

The first rays of the sun started to peek over the horizon and Doc finally made his way inside the Hotel. He raked a hand through his hair and debated whether to see if Lizzy were still up or not. He debated, if he tried, and she were still irked, she might remain angry longer. But if he waited and gave her time to cool.. It could be beneficial… unless.. She’s waiting for him. Then he would have made her wait all night and day, and she would be even more pissed at him. ****.

Uncharacteristically, Doc felt a vague sense of unease. Normally it didn’t bother him if people were pissed at him. They were pissed? Sucked to be them, didn’t it? When it would bother him, was when it affected the peace and harmony of ‘his’ surroundings. When the Ball and Chain got angry, she would scream into his head. This disturbed ‘his’ peace, so he attempted to keep her happy.. Because it kept her quiet. But Lizzie. Lizzie was different. She got angry and she got silent. Deadly silent. But silent, meaning it didn’t affect him atmosphere.

Except.

Except Doc didn’t want Lizzie to be pissed at him. The frustrating part of the matter, was he had no ******* clue why he didn’t want her pissed. She was doing her own thing. She was leaving him alone. So why did it bother him? Heading back to his room, Doc collected the file. He needed to study it, but he had decided he was going to explain the situation to her, if Lizzie were awake.

[Elizabeth]

“If you come back during the daytime hours, they give you a nice tour of the outside, some of the inside and then the underground area. Where they store some of the wine while it ages. Rumor has it that the tunnels go on for dozens of yards under the city. My ex-girlfriend a few years ago told me that it goes under the entire city. What do I know? Just stories, maybe.” Dante chuckled and shrugged as they walked the grounds, Elizabeth pondering what he said. It was impossible to come back during the daylight hours...maybe. Still, could someone manage such a task? Wouldn't the person have to own a great deal of property? She doubted that any family, old or new would appreciate knowing someone had a tunnel system under their homes. And what of business owners? Elizabeth frowned, thinking on what Dante said, the possibilities of what he suggested and the likelihood of her being able to verify the claims.

“I believe you know a lot. I have already learned so much about the history of this family...” Elizabeth finally spoke, blue eyes on Dante as they moved around the vineyard, careful to stay on a path that was not overgrown with grapes. “Are there other places such as this in the city? With such rich depth to their history?” Elizabeth inquired, making the most of her time with Dante. Just because Doc was off gallivanting with whomever, wasting time on their reason for even being in Italy, did not mean she would do the same.

“Si. There is a place on the hilltop, that way.” Dante turned around and then pointed towards the rise of land that would eventually form a dark hilltop that looked down at the city. “The family there ruled the waters around here. Anything someone could eat from the seas and oceans, they could get their hands on. Now, the family is not so prominent as they were, but they still live there and dabble in fishing. Mostly hobby, they're old money. Same as a few other families here; mostly the ones who had political backing in the day.” Dante shrugged, not indicating if he was part of one of those families, but seemed to know a lot about...almost everything.

“What about the churches? I suppose they have some of the most amazing architecture in the world.” Elizabeth asked as she turned her attention to Dante alone as she came to a stop. “Well...” He started out, grinning from ear to ear, as if she had just paid him a personal compliment. “We have some old churches, Si. My papa told me that we had one of the first churches with a dome structure. It's...” He brought a hand to his lips and made a kissing sound. “Magnifico. I could show you some time...” He all but casually suggested, then added in, “Unless your friend had plans to take you there. I could give you two directions.” Followed by a not so casual suggestion.

Elizabeth pressed her lips together in amusement, before taking another step in the direction where Dante had parked his car. “I believe my friend will be busy for some time, so if one has a free evening...” Elizabeth said with a small roll of her shoulders as Dante followed after her. “Though, I must impress a warning to you, Dante. I have seen many of things during my travels over the years, and very few things manage to impress me.” She tilted her head, wondering if he would rise to the challenge at some point, and if he did, what it was Elizabeth could learn about Italy and vampires-if anything were to be learned that was. “You have not been to Italy. There are many impressive things here.” He puffed out his chest, then unlocked the car with his remote. “You will see.” He added, as he opened his car door, waited for her to do the same, then slipped in after Elizabeth had taken to the passenger seat and buckled in. “I guess we shall see.” She said in agreement before they drove back to the hotel, Dante all too happily sharing more about the places they passed, attempting to garner Elizabeth's attention the entire ride back.

“I had a lovely evening. I know we will see the other again.” Elizabeth said with a confident smile as Dante pulled up to the hotel's main entrance. “I am off in three nights. We can go to see the churches then, if you want.” He mentioned as Dante put the car in park. “Three nights? Perhaps. I shall have to let thee know...until then, do have a good evening, Dante.” Elizabeth unbuckled her seat belt before he could say much more, then vacated the small car. After taking a deep breath inwards, still amazed that both of them arrived to any location in one piece, she closed the door and headed back into the hotel, and pulled out the key to her room. Her blue eyes glanced in the direction of Doc's room, wondering if he was back yet, but made no attempt to actually find out. If he was, then she might have some choice words to say. If he was not, she might have even more words to say later. It was best to let the unknown remain unknown, while Elizabeth made plans to continue with her designated plans, regardless of his.

[Doc]

Doc had knocked at Lizzie’s door and had gotten no answer; so he headed back to his room alone. Yes he would have rather spent his sleeping hours with Lizzie. However, it would only be acceptable to him if she were amiable to the suggest. But the point was moot. Lizzie was not back yet. Doc paced in front of her room for what he -thought- were hours; but in truth, was only about fifty minutes.

Back and forth, in the hallway.

Back and forth, in the hallway.

Back and forth, in the hallway.

Finally, Doc succumbed to the point that Lizzie was either in her room and ignoring him. Or she had not returned yet.

Doc decided on the latter. Lizzie was off to parts unknown.

****.

Raking both hands through his hair, he closed his eyes and pondered the odds of her staying to see him again, and the odds of her leaving and saying ‘**** you sucker!’

Truth be told, Lizzie leaving would be the best scenario for him. If she left, then anything that happened after the surgery .. good or bad, … Doc grimaced, most likely bad, would have .. zero effect on her.

Doc rubbed his face. This was not how he wanted to spend his time in Italy. He wanted to experience it -with- Lizzie.

Lizzie had this hard as nails front to her. But the truth of the matter was, she had no ******* clue what the real world held. She puff herself up all she wanted, but she was one bullet to the brain to death. And permanent death, as Doc knew it.. Would be cruel and unusual punishment for the refined lady that Lizzie was.

No, Doc was not saying that Lizzie did not make sound and judicious decisions. Rather it was that Lizzie, in Doc’s opinion, did not care of she died.

Lizzie was old. Older than anyone he had ever met. Her childlike expressions and innocent quality at learning new things, well that endeared her to him. He had no idea why. There was a difference. But what the difference was, … well that was up for debate.

Doc scanned the lobby of the hotel once more, for a blonde bombshell with a well developed bosem. Yes. It was far too late to disturb her now.

[Elizabeth]

Dawn would be approaching soon, Elizabeth could feel it in the heaviness she felt in her body. A glance to the alarm clock near the bedside table confirmed that. Her eyes shifted to the window that was hidden beneath curtains, but the blonde haired telepath had her doubts on the curtains actual benefits during the daytime hours. She would not risk it, dying while sleeping was not something Elizabeth planned on taking part in.

Only having recently arrived back to the hotel and making the decision, Elizabeth had perhaps been back at the hotel only five minutes at most, before heading to the hotel lobby area. Dante's replacement, smiled warmly at her and offered a “Can I help you?” The woman nodded her head, and offered her own smile, this one full of hope and appreciation. “I hope so. I was wondering if you had any extra pillows and blankets? I get cold...even in summer.” Elizabeth explained, the woman nodding her head.

“Oh! Yes. Sure. I can have someone bring them to your room if you would like?” The woman asked, clearly not wanting to make a customer wait-though Elizabeth had a couple hours before the need to retire into a darkened room was needed. “I do not mind waiting.” The woman nodded, picked up a phone and dialed a two digit number that rang until another woman picked up. She explained the need for more pillows and blankets, as Elizabeth moved to sit down in the foyer area.

And then, she saw the computer in the lobby area and Elizabeth moved towards it. A quick glance at her emails would do no one any harm and she could check in with everyone at home-more specifically her thrall. While she was positive Deiderik was fine and all were well with her businesses, Elizabeth had to be...certain. Thralls were not something she had until a few years ago, so at times she had reservations about how loyal they were to the one that enthralled them. After letting Deiderik know she was in Italy, and asking about each business and the employees, Elizabeth also sent an email to Cosimo. The email was not as long the one to Deiderik, because she was just checking in and ensuring him she was well, while asking about his own-where as Deiderik also received instructions-her childe was not her thrall. Then, she checked and replied to a few other business ordering emails, ignoring the knock she heard on someone's door during her email session.

She glanced at the time and then blinked, not realizing how much time had progressed during what she thought would take no more than fifteen or twenty minutes. Her eyes moved to the desk to see another pillow and two blankets folded neatly and waiting her. “Thank you.” Elizabeth said after signing out of her email account and stood. Gathering the items, Elizabeth turned to head back to her room and saw...Doc. In the hallway. Near her door. No, at her door. Elizabeth pulled a small breath into her lungs, then moved towards his direction. “Charles.” She said with a small dip of her head, blue eyes on him. “I hope one was not waiting long.” Truly, Elizabeth would have no idea how long he was at her door, having been consumed with the emails, and while she was irritated at him, and his female friend; perhaps more the latter than the former, Elizabeth rarely tended to go out of her way to be rude. “Enjoy your evening?” She asked with a raised brow, while shifting the blankets in her arms to unlock the door and open it. Once it was opened, she stepped inside and then turned to look at him. She highly doubted anyone would appreciate them conversing in the hallway at this time of the morning, and so, she set the blankets down on the edge of the bed and invited him in. “Come in. Please.”

[Doc]

Enjoy? “No. I didn’t. I would have much rather …” He stopped. He didn't want to argue. Doc watched her swipe the lock on the door and enter, he stayed where he was. He wasn't going to invite himself in. She set the blankets and pillows down, then politely, but without any true welcome in her voice, told him to come in. Doc nodded to himself. Alright. That was how it is going to be. Polite cordial conversation.

Doc entered her room, and quietly shut the door. He crossed over to the bed, and laid the file on the blankets she just laid down. He didn’t say anything, as he opened the file. He spread the documents out. They were photos. “Front view of the lower mandible.” He pointed to the next one. “Under view of the upper teeth.” He slid out the next one, “Front view of the skull.” He pointed out the last two. “Photos of a computer a 3D rendering of the skull.”

Doc stared at the photos for a long a moment before adding. “This guy.. Has International bolos out on him.” He looked at Lizzie, “Bolo.. ‘be on the lookout’,” turning back to the file. He flipped the photos over, and pointed out the stack of lab tests. “He is too well known. He needs a new face. No one wants to touch him. He has a reputation for being.. Vengeful to those who **** him over.” He looked at her, “Sergio and I have worked together before. Sergio is a middleman.. Supplier of unusual goods. He is in deep and this is his hail mary play.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets and crossed the room away from her. “He is hoping to take the heat off of himself, and save his reputation.” Doc grimaced, “And I owe him, from before ‘vampire’. The girl is Sergio’s eyes and ears. He probably thought I would appreciate the girl’s charms.. He was wrong. She’s annoyed. She is having to work instead of **** her way through the job.” He sighed audibly. “I have 36 hours to prep for a surgery that will last eight hours. This is the kind of job you need several months to prep. I have hours. I did not plan on this, Lizzie. But I do owe Sergio. I am sorry this fucked up your trip.”

[Elizabeth]

Files and pictures were displayed on the bed of things Elizabeth did not understand. With each mention of bone, Elizabeth glanced at Doc, assuring herself that they were not speaking about him, as she tried to wrap her head around the information he was sharing with her. What did any of this have to do with anything? More importantly, what did this have to do with Italy and the reason they came here?

Slowly, it became clear. Bolos wasn't something Elizabeth had any idea about, until yet more information was revealed. Sergio-another facet Elizabeth wasn't familiar with was mentioned, and she couldn't help but frown. Doc owed Sergio and Sergio was cashing in it seemed, but if the guy wasn't happy....Did Doc understand the risk he was taking? There was no veil here in Italy, or wherever else he was going. Which meant that if Sergio wasn't 'happy' with the job, dead Doc meant a very dead Doc. No return flight for him to Harper Rock, no finishing their research in Italy, and no more....

Her thoughts stopped there as Elizabeth's blue eyes looked down at the folder, still listening to what Doc had to say. And then he apologized, which had hr attention shifting to him as she sighed. "My trip is hardly ruined, Charles." She assured him, after all, hadn't he been the one to impress upon the idea that they may end up doing different things at different times for his own pursuit of research? "We just arrived, and already I am ahead of schedule with learning about the city and some of its history of its people." She assured him, before crossing the width of the room to stand before him. "I will find what it is I am looking for here, even if it takes a little longer than anticipated. What is time for those such as us?" She smiled wryly, knowing that time did not run for them as it did the humans and if she had to stay in Italy a month instead of just shy of two weeks, then she had the ability and privilege to do so.

However, there was on aspect of time that very well may not be on her side and that was her time with Doc. Doc may be able to pull off the job that Sergio wanted him to do, but what if he couldn't? It seemed very possible given the fact he had little to no time to prepare for a reconstruction of sorts. And then what? She would be able to say that the last time she saw Doc, she was annoyed with him, for some reason Elizabeth really did not have a reason to be annoyed with him about, or over? "In truth, I hold you to nothing in regards to this trip, Charles...with the exception of a singular aspect. In a round about way, you promised to show me some of the most beautiful waters in the world, and so, I most certainly expect to see those waters. Which, I believe you said was not too far from the hotel-our very reason for being here." A slow smile spread across her lips, before she moved to his side and looped her arm through his. "All I ask is but an hour of your time, at most." The smile turned into a smirk, before her eyes glanced to her room's door, allowing him time to decline, if he absolutely must.

[Storyteller]

==========AUTOMATED RANDOM EVENTS SYSTEM==========

Elizabeth feels as though they are being followed, though there's no one visible behind them other than their current party members.

[Doc]

“I appreciate your understanding.” Doc said with obvious relief. He did appreciate it. This thing with Sergio wasn’t something he had counted on. It was true he had other agendas for this trip. First was to see what he could find out about Enzo Vaughn, second, the job that he took care of in Germany, and third any historical background on vampires, vampire lore, and the vampire language. When Lizzie had first mentioned her trip to Italy, it was like a godsend. His search for Enzo would either be successful from the beginning or a bust. He suspected it would be a bust. But he had to try.

Since his last international trip ended so catastrophically terrible, Doc wasn't’ eager to tackle another international foray. But, Lizzie was going where he needed to. It was the impetus to get him motivated. He had planned on making a few phone calls. Hiring a Private Investigator to do the heavy work and then spend the rest of the time with Lizzie, digging for clues to the ancient past. Except ******* Sergio had to throw a spanner in the works. He should accept and but Lizzie off for a few days. However Lizzie’s search may turn up leads that take her elsewhere, while he was stuck here reconstructing Mr. X.

Seeing that smirk of hers, the one so similar to his own, he knew Mr. X would have to wait. There was no way he was putting Lizzie off. “So I did..” Doc shuffled the papers and photographs back together, and tucked them in the file. “Let me put this back in my room, and we can be on our way..” He grinned at her, “Give me two minutes..”

Doc left Lizzie’s room, headed back down the hall to his room, swiped the door, and tossed the file on the bed. He headed to the bathroom and grabbed a few towels, in case they may want to sir on the ground. Tossing the towels over his shoulder, he left his room, tugged the door shut, and double checked that it was locked. Once he was back at Lizzie’s room, he tapped on the door before trying to open it. “Lizzie, you ready?”

[Elizabeth]

After Doc agreed to the suggestion, collected his things and left, she found the edge of the bed and removed the pair of heels she had been wearing earlier in the evening. A good pair of shoes were difficult to come by, unless one was willing to spend a lot of money, and she had spent a lot of money. How sand would mix with the gold hued heels was anyone's guess, but Elizabeth had only four pairs of heels and they had more days than that planned for their trip.

Believing the two minutes to be up, Elizabeth pushed her way off the bed and moved to the bedroom's door. She opened it, peered outside and in Doc's room direction to see...nothing. She glanced in the other direction, wondering if Elizabeth could push her luck and ask for more towels, but decided against it suddenly. Her blue eyes narrowed when she saw...someone glancing around the corner of the lobby's main area and in her direction? Though, perhaps she was mistaken, for she had only seen something out of the corner of her eye as she turned towards the lobby's direction. Slowly, Elizabeth slinked her way back into the room, but peered around the corner again.

There!
She closed the door and frowned, knowing now it was not her imagination. Still, it did not mean anything necessarily. Still....

The knock on the door had Elizabeth take an unexpected step back, then another as the handle rattled. When she heard the voice on the other side of the door, she laughed at herself and internally scolded her seemingly active mindset. Clearly, Doc's story was ingrained upon her more than she would admit. She opened the door and then smiled warmly at him. "Ready?" She asked, as Elizabeth stepped out in the corridor, lacking the heels she once wore. Once in the hallway, she closed the bedroom door and checked the handle to make certain it was closed and locked. She linked an arm through his, eyes focused on where she thought she saw someone bobbing their head back and forth down the hallway. Once they reached that spot, Elizabeth sighed and felt relief. Nothing.

"Have you ever done anything close to what you have done before?" She asked before taking a final glance over her shoulder as they left the hotel, verifying that there was still no one in the main lobby area. No one other than the woman at the desk. It may seem like small talk to Doc, but the truth was, she wanted to know if the odds were for or against Doc. Time was already stacked against him, but did he have the skill to pull off the task? That was an entirely different question. When they came to the curb, she glanced right, then left and right again, only to see the bobbing head again! By a parked car. "You know...I forgot to change..." She said, pulling back hesitantly. An excuse, perhaps a poor one at best, but one that came from her regardless, in hopes of stalling and retreating back to the hotel.