Path of the Vampire forum

Marriage

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

<Tiamat>: Tiamat sat on the edge of the couch. Her laptop sat opened in front of her on the coffee table, a half empty bottle of blueberry wine that she had ordered from some small winery in the states next to the computer. She was dressed in nothing but the towel she had used to dry herself off with after her shower. She had spent most of her waking moments looking for and contacting relationship councilors. So far, none were taking new clients. She managed to stumble across an ad online that looked promising. she sent out an email to the person.

"Dear Miss Zodiac, my fiancé and I are having issues. According to your ad, you do some counseling, would it be possible to book and appointment with you?"

<Zodiac>: She studied the letter with interest. As a norm, her counseling skills ran more to the metaphysical, but she had done more normal work along these lines before as well. She glanced at the name again. "Tiamat?" That sounded familiar somehow, beyond the creation myths for some reason. She considered for a few moments before her fingers began to dance across the keyboard.

Yes, I do counseling sessions of various types and offer package deals for multiple sessions if required. We can do a preliminary meeting to get an idea of what the situations are and go from there. I can mark you in one evening this week if that works for you.

Sincerely,

Mistress Zodiac She hit the SEND key and went back to her other matters at hand.

<Ivy>: Ivy wandered the apartment aimlessly, she knew Tia had set rules if she were to stay and remain. She tried her hardest to oblige by the rules, keeping her hands to herself, she even ventured outside to try and make friends, and to update her city maps. Returning home with the maps in her bag, she dropped her coat by the door and kicked her hold-all under the table as she passed her childe and fiancée, trying her hardest to not take note of the fact the woman was only in a towel.. drinking what looked like very expensive wine. ''Privet Little bear.. have good sleep da?''

<Tiamat>: She didn't bother to look at the other woman as she came into the door. A reply email had arrived and she was busy typing out a response. She paused to grab the bottle of wine and took a very uncharacteristic swig. "I slept well Ivy, I'm just replying to this email I got about seeing a relationship councilor." She re-read her email as she tipped the bottle again. "Thank you Mistress Zodiac, would it be possible to inquire if you have any openings available for tonight to start?" She clicked on the send button and waited.

<Zodiac>: The laptop beeped again, causing her to look up from her potion making. "Impatient sorts," she fumed as she set the vials back into the racks. A quick glance at both the message and her appointment book, before consulting the clock on the wall.

I have an opening in two hours from now. Come relaxed, ready to talk. Some of the questions may be personal in nature but that cannot be avoided. Please contact if you cannot be here. A no show is charged for.

Blessings,
Mistress Zodiac

<Ivy>: Ivy frowned as she watched the woman she loves, drinking wine like it was beer. A little troubling to say the least, not to mention highly annoying as Tia knew Ivy couldn't drink anymore. ''Do have to do that? What happen to getting a glass?'' She stopped and leant against the wall, crossing her arms over her chest with a frown ''Were serious about council? Da ok.. Who did find?''

<Tiamat>: "I'm not in the mood for a glass Ivy, and yes. Besides you're the one who made the suggestion. Her name is Zodiac, she's the only one I've found who's even open to taking new clients. We have an appointment in two hours." She took another long drink from the bottle and typed her reply email. "That would be perfect. Where exactly do we meet you at?" She got up from the couch and pushed the button to send the email before heading to the bedroom with her luggage in tow. She pulled out her gold dress and slipped it over her body. She neatly folded her towel before hanging it up in the bathroom.

<Zodiac> "AHHHHH!" She was so wrapped up in her measuring, the beeping scared her, almost dropping one of the rarer elements she needed. She glared at the screen, then decided to wait until after this was finished to continue.

We are located at 4 5 in Honeymead Market. She sent the reply and began to put her powders away. "Jennifer!" her mindspeak shouted out to the girl downstairs. "Make sure the group room is set up and ready. Got a session arriving in a couple hours, please."

<Ivy>: She sighed and rubbed her face a little, yeah it was her idea but she'd have said anything at that point to get Tia to stay, Ivy was desperate and it showed when she called for outside help. But Tia was the one who found the help, she was the one who made the rules and the deals and held the power. Ivy chewed the inside of her cheek as she was told the time span she had to get ready, 2 hours to find her old Soviet uniform, 2 hours to sneak weapons into it, or not.. No doubt Tia would frisk her before leaving the apartment. ''That not much time Little bear.. are sure will be ready on time?''

<Tiamat>: Her hair was tied back into a pony tail. Her black stiletto knee high boots were zipped up. She didn't bother with makeup tonight. Normally she took more time to dress before going outside. She entered the main room and looked over at Ivy. She glanced at the laptop and opened up the email. She looked at the clock and then picked up her purse. "We're going to Honeymead, Ivy. Let's get going now." She walked over the door and opened it while waiting for Ivy.

<Ivy>: Ivy's frown deepened and she stood firm, digging her heels into the tiled floor. ''I not know who we going to see, I not know where. If expect me follow you. Unarmed through city, are much mistaken Tia. I want know please.'' Her voice didn't sound angry or stern, or even a little raised, the Russian was entirely calm, trying her best to keep a level head as the thought of seeing someone she didn't know, unarmed, scared her a little.

<Tiamat>: "Her name is Mistress Zodiac, She's got a shop in Honeymead. That's where we're going. Now let's go." She tapped her foot in annoyance. Ivy made the suggestion of going to a therapist. "Stop hesitating Ivy and get moving. We have to get across the city." She started walking out into the hallway.

<Ivy>: Ivy nods and pulls her coat back on, lucky in the fact her current armored wetsuit didn't have holes in it, the perks of owning your own dive school, she had a reason to wear the thing now, without it making her sound insane. Pulling her fur hat back onto her head she ran her thumb over the Soviet emblem on the front and sighed, pulling a kitchen knife with her, hiding it in her coat pocket. ''Da.. fine.. Lead way.''

<Tiamat>: She left the apartment building and stared at the sewer entrance. "We need to not go through there tonight Ivy." She sighed before climbing down into the muck filled catacombs. She carefully stepped in such a way to avoid touching anything. "God I hate this place." She climbed out into the training room before looking back for her fiancée.

<Ivy>: Ivy followed the woman and shrugged ''I not need come this way anyway.. can teleport.. and cross the river.. do know that, why you not want me use it?'' She didn't care to be as careful as Tia, brushing against the wall as she climbed out, glancing round the training room with a growl ''Could have told me ended up here.. Nyet, next time, you tell me where tunnel end up.. tell me where are going exactly, will teleport us.''

<Tiamat>: "Fine, then. Teleport us to the Honeymead market. I don't want to be late." She shook her head and stared at the other woman. "The more you hesitate, the longer it's going to take to get there." she pushed open the door and took a deep breath of the cold air. She put her hands on her hips as she waited for Ivy.

<Ivy>: Ivy sighed and vanished from sight, leaving Tia alone in place as Ivy wandered off to find the place in question before summoning Tia to her side when she got lost. ''I not sure which one you want.. but we here now da? Which one..''

<Zodiac>: She inspected the meeting room and found it to her standards. It wasn't business-like in layout or design, but a more relaxed and comfortable feel. The mystic had found getting people to discuss themselves went easier in more normal surroundings. Water was warming to heat blood packs and a small selection of more normal drinks and a few snacks were waiting. Also, a few ashtrays waited for use. Smoking, like other human habits that could eventually kill a mortal, had no effect on their kind, but again the simple act was a form of relaxation. She checked her watch again and exited the room to speak with Jennifer before her new clients arrived.

<Tiamat>: Tiamat looked around the marketplace and frowned before finding the sign she was looking for. She looked over at Ivy and pointed. "That one there," she said as she approached the shop. She opened the door and held it for Ivy. "It's a nice place here Ivy."

<Ivy>: Ivy simply shrugged as she strode through the open door, puffing her cheeks out as she contemplated turning round and walking back out again. Muttering to herself in Russian as she waited for Tia, or the building owner, to tell her where to go, or for the owner to even show up. Her hand slid into her pocket and wrapped tightly around the handle of the kitchen knife she'd sneaked with her.

<Zodiac>: "Can you say Felix and Oscar?" she sent the guarded thought to Jennifer as she watched the two women enter her shop. Jennifer quickly raised her clipboard as if reading it to hide her grin. A quick appraisal told her they were both 'like her' so she dispensed with the usual sign language display and spoke to their thoughts. "Good evening. Blessings of the night to you both. You are both on time. I do appreciate that in my clients."

<Tiamat>: She looked over at the woman with a clipboard and raised an eyebrow. She appeared to be looking at something on it, however the speed in which she lifted it seemed to have other connotations. Suddenly there was a voice in her head. She looked around to see where it was coming from. "Thank you Miss Zodiac. I'm Tiamat, this is my fiancé, Ivy," the raven haired woman said as she motioned to the red head. I appreciate that you had an opening in such short notice as well."

<Ivy>: Ivy frowned at the clipboard wielding woman, then the voice in her head? She'd heard of people that could do it, she didn't like the ones who could that she'd met. But she couldn't tell which of the pair was doing it and she rather quickly drew the small blade, keeping it hidden in her sleeve as her arm left the pocket, now more able to defend herself if needs be, turning to face the woman who'd spoken into her head with a glare ''Stay out of head da? I not like it.''

<Zodiac>: Frowned a bit as she heard the woman speak. She knew of this one-too well. She turned her attentions to Tiamat and spoke softly to her mind. "If the former Miss Ivy Pratt has problems with a telepath speaking to her, then we have a problem. When I was alive I never could speak, so outside of sign language and writing everything longhand, communications will be difficult. Perhaps you wish to consider another councilor for this then."

<Tiamat>: Tiamat shook her head slowly. "You're the only one left Miss Zodiac," she replied before turning to Ivy. "Ivy, she's our last hope here. Be nice and deal with it." She turned back to Zodiac and bowed her head slightly. "I apologize for her reaction." She took a quick glance around the shop and smiled slightly. "So what room are we going to be in? And how much are these sessions going to cost?" She opened her purse up and went digging for her wallet. Opening it up, she quickly flipped through the cash in it. "I have about a thousand on me right now." She pulled out the cash and held her hand to Zodiac.

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


<Ivy>: Ivy grumbled and frowned deeply, watching Tia apologize so profusely, on her behalf? Then pull out money? A thing they'd previously discussed, with Tia assuming Ivy would simply execute their help once they were done. A thing that wasn't far from the truth, hence the unarmed rule which Ivy had blatantly flouted by bringing a small blade with her. ''Not apologize for me. Is thing you do much, is Western habit.. We do this here? Or another room? Is little public here nyet?'' She glanced back at the human with the clipboard, flashing the woman a grin, showing her 6 fangs, the half feral vampire was unable to eat humans anymore, but it didn't take the enjoyment of trying to scare them away.

<Zodiac>: Zodiac held up her hand to Tiamat as she offered money. "Let's just have the first meeting here and let me get an idea if I can help you both first. Then we can discuss the issues of payments."

She listened to Ivy for a moment and bit back her own inner feelings. If she recalled the girl's background, she was pro Soviet everything. Soviets? Nazis? Neither of them made life easy for Sysgany - her kind. Be calm, she told herself. Be calm.

When she saw Ivy flash her fangs, she went into mock shock and wrapped her arms tightly around Jennifer-projecting her thoughts for all three to hear. "OMG, JENN! Aren't you scared?"

"Yes, totally terrified." the girl replied with a dead pan face in a monotone voice. The two women looked at each other and began to laugh.

"Forgive us," the gypsy smiled. "But we get things in here far scarier than you nightly. As to where we shall talk, if you step down the hall to the second door on your right. Make yourselves comfortable and I will be with you shortly."

<Tiamat>: She looked back at Ivy and then to the pair of woman in front of her. Her dark eyes narrowed as they proceeded to mock Ivy. Her annoyance at the joke was written clearly across her face. She was paying for counseling services that they desperately needed, and the person they were paying was mocking their client. She turned to look down the hallway and shrugged "I hope with less jokes. Come one Ivy, let's go sit down." She grabbed Ivy's arm and tried to pull her down the hallway.

<Ivy>: Ivy stood firm before feeling the tug on her arm, normally, humans were little more than walking targets and she had no issue with opening fire, in private or in public. A problem in itself as it often resulted in her death.. again. ''Fine.. but not pull me da? I able to walk.'' She followed Tia down the hall, removing her coat to show the black wetsuit, metal plates hidden beneath the latex as the typical Hammer and Sickle emblem stood out on her shoulder, her initials and last name written beneath it, she was wearing her old uniform. Removing her hat to let her red hair fall ''Do want me take this seriously da? Keep open mind..''

<Zodiac>: The gypsy watched them head down the hall then glanced at her assistant. "Touchy, touchy they are. Do me a favor, doll. Make sure you have that gun I gave you in your pocket just in case. I don't trust the Prattling spawn, but as long as she behaves herself, I can't say much. Hold the calls and all of that, but tap on the door every 45 minutes or so just to be sure." her thoughts were aimed to Jennifer alone now.

"You sure about this one, boss?"

"No worries. I have dealt with worse than this." she smiled. "You just stay out of sight as much as possible when they come out. Can't have my right hand girl suddenly being road kill on me."

<Tiamat>: "I said keep an open mind Ivy, not threaten the staff!" her voice raised more than she intended it to. Her frustration and anger starting to show. "This isn't goddamn Russia, you can't go around doing that! She's the only who has been willing to take our case. Sit down and knock it off!" Tiamat dropped down into the closest chair and sighed. She closed her eyes and rubbed the sides of her nose with her thumb and forefinger. "Give me your weapons Ivy. I know you're carrying something. I want all of this instant," Tiamat ordered as she turned to look at the wetsuit clad woman. "Why do you keep doing this Ivy? Just once, I'd like to go out and have you not try to shoot people, just one damn time." There was a sadness that became trapped in her words as she spoke.

<Ivy>: ''Are aware is not Motherland. Not need keep reminding me!'' She practically spat the words, like being out of her homeland was a problem to her, she missed it greatly and yet, was too afraid to return, if her name was seen or heard, well.. she'd been told time and time again that return to her home was little more than suicide. She also knew dying outside the city meant no return, so tried her best to cope. ''I not try to shoot anyone, you make me leave gun at home remember?'' She glared at her childe and slid the knife from her sleeve, dropping it in Tia's lap before pulling a small razor blade from the rim of her fur hat. ''Are happy now? Are defenseless.''

<Zodiac>: She grabbed her notebook and took a deep unneeded breath before walking down the hall where the others had gone. She knocked on the door to announce herself and then stepped in. Zodiac flipped the sign on the door from EMPTY to SESSION IN PROGRESS and shut the door behind her, but not before her cat managed to follow her inside.

"I apologize for that outburst from myself and my day manager." she began she walked to a open couch and took a seat. The cat jumped up and curled up against her as its green eyes almost seemed to be inspecting the two vampires in the room. "There is refreshments if you would like. Warmed blood packs or in your case," Zodiac gestured to Tiamat "Snacks and such." She reached into her pocket and pulled out several pens, a pack of cigarettes and lighter, then made herself comfortable before opening her notebook. "I always find a relaxed, informal atmosphere helps the conversations flow easier, So please, help yourselves if you wish. Smoke if you enjoy it."

<Tiamat>: Tia looked down at the knife that suddenly plopped into her lap. "Our good flatware Ivy? Really?!" She set the knife in her purse and picked up the razor blade and shook her head. There was a knock on the door before she could make a response to the fact that her redhead had completely broken the rules. Zodiac entered and offered refreshments and cigarettes. Tia simply shook her head at the woman and smiled. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm fine. Do you have a place where I can throw this out," She questioned as she held up the small blade. "I forgot that this was still in my purse." She tried to avoid looking over at Ivy as she lied about the blade's origins. She crossed her legs at the ankle and pulled the hair elastic from her head. her long hair, now freed from bondage cascaded down her shoulders and back.

<Ivy>: Ivy growled as Tia blatantly lied for her. ''Why do that? It not in your purse, was in my hat.'' She shrugged and stared at Zodiac like it wasn't a new thing to do, hiding razor blades in fur clothing. The offer of a smoke was tempting but she knew that Tia would see it as Ivy finding yet another weapon. The Soviet was nothing if not resourceful, the offer of blood had no option but to be rejected, lest it make her sick.. again. ''Nyet, I not eat human anymore, and not think Little bear be much happy if did start smoke again.'' She leant over and growled lowly into Tia's ear ''Da I take kitchen knife, you not let me bring machete!''

<Zodiac>: "Suit yourselves," she shrugged a bit as she began to set up her notebook. She pulled a cigarette from the pack and lit it. Outside of a dim taste, it was nothing but a relaxing device. She pointed at a small trash can that sat near the table for Tiamat's benifit. "Okay, first off, as I am sure you both know," she kept her attention on both of them as her mindspeak worked. She knew sometimes it was disconcerting to 'hear' a voice, yet not see a mouth moving. "Couples have moments of not getting along. Is a fact of life, or un-life in your case. So, either Tiamat is doing something that is getting on Ivy's nerves or the other way around, or both of you are annoying each other. All I can do is play impartial third view here. I may ask some questions that may confuse you, amuse you or literally piss you off but I assure you both, if I am asking I have a reason. So, who wants to start?"

<Tiamat>: Tiamat threw the razor blade into the trash and cleared her throat. "I'll start I guess,," she replied. She readjusted her position in the chair. "You've seen her behavior already. She does that all the time. We can't ever go out. She threatens everyone who even looks at her cross eyed. We don't have any friends who come visit us." She sighed and leaned forward in her chair. "It's very frustrating."

<Ivy>: ''Da, let Goddess Tia go first.'' She snorted and crossed her arms over her chest, frowning deeply as she sank back into the chair. ''You try dying over and over.. taken from family.. told many time that your god not think you worth saving. Is reason I point gun at everyone, Pull trigger before they get chance to..'' She sighed and shook her head. ''I try making friend and you get mad! Tell me I make wrong friend.''

<Zodiac>: She jotted into the pages of the notebook freely. "Okay, first off. Tia? Was Ivy always like this? And what did Ivy mean by 'Goddess Tia'?" She blinked a few times before looking at Ivy. "As for yourself being sent to the Shadow Realm so many times, if you were honest with yourself a percentage of those trips were your own fault from the things you chose to do. I can see how that would make anyone paranoid."

<Tiamat>: "She was never this bad before. She's gotten worse. She's also mad because she can't handle the fact she's with a living goddess. I told you Ivy if you want to be her friend then just do it. But that friend of yours also just recently killed you. what kind of friend does that?" she tapped her fingers on her thighs. "Not to mention you shot the girlfriend of the woman you turned into a vampire, through the door. Then I had to leave work early because you claimed there was some family emergency, when it turned out to be two girls who made a stupid mistake. I tried to explain to you that I just can't leave my job whenever you feel like there's some kind of family crisis. It's not like the restaurant where I was able do that." She sighed at that thought and fiddled with her dress.

<Ivy>: Ivy sighed and shook her head, rubbing the side of her face before a loud snarl erupted from her throat at Tia's words ''Are not Living God! Nyet! Were human when I find you, you die like we do, are not special Tia!'' She frowned and began playing with the brass Angel necklace round her throat to try and calm herself before muttering ''Only shot her because she shot up to my home uninvited and armed! I not know was not enemy. I not trained ask questions, I not trained hesitate. I call you there because it was emergency, if you not show up, would have killed both. You know why I not want you at restaurant anymore, or do want me keep pointing gun at you?''

<Zodiac>: "Okay!" Her gaze went back and forth between them. "Now I know when I ask this what the answer is gonna be, but I have to ask anyway. What brought you to the conclusion you are an actual goddess and can you prove this? Of course you can't. Just like every other 'god' and 'goddess' I have met before. A god cannot lower themselves to prove they are real, because if they did that what is the point in having worshipers? Nothing. So all we have to work with is your say so that you are THE Tiamat who Marduk slayed and from your original body was made the world and yada yada yada. reborn in a vampire's body? Is the rent high in this dreamland you have made for yourself, honey?" She fought the urge to laugh before looking to Ivy again. "And I think I am seeing what you are trying to get at as well."

<Tiamat>: Tiamat looked from Zodiac to Ivy, then back to Zodiac. She quietly reached down and picked her purse up off the floor. Without saying a word, she stood up and walked out of the room. As she passed the counter, she tossed her money to the woman there. She left the shop and walked away from the marketplace into the cold night.

<Ivy>: Ivy sighed and stood up, moving to the door with a frown as she blocked the entrance. Glancing back at Zodiac ''Are sorry for this, this what have to deal with every time I tell her she not god.'' Ivy shrugged and whilst still blocking the door, summoned Tia back into the room. ''Sit. Now.''

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


<Zodiac>: "Can a vampire die of a aneurism?" she wondered as she rubbed her temples for a moment. Tia's sudden '**** you all' exit pretty much told her the tone of this situation and it would only get worse the deeper she would press into things. She watched Ivy summon her childe back into the room without comment as she observed. At first glance at the pair, one would assume Tia the parent the way she tried to dictate things.

<Tiamat>: Tiamat got several blocks away before she felt that familiar feeling. She went from the cold air of the outside, to the warm air of the room she had just left. She stared at Ivy intently, her eyes nearly glowing with rage. Ivy stood in front of the door and ordered the woman to sit. Instead, Tia stayed motionless in place. "I will not be insulted again. By anyone." She turned on her sharp heels and sat back down. She kept her small purse on lap and crossed her ankles.

<Ivy>: ''Then will learn are not god. Because are not getting out of this room until is thing you learn da?'' she said it like a question but she knew, and knew that Tia probably knew too, Ivy wasn't going to move until Tia learnt it. Or Zodiac said meeting adjourned.

<Zodiac>: "Some could argue that you insult the both of us with your attitudes, but enough about you for the moment," Zodiac turned away from Tia and looked directly at Ivy. "Has she always been like this? And since it is apparent you care about her, why does her idea she's a goddess offend you so badly?" The gypsy turned and held up a finger to Tia for silence. She wanted to hear the Russian's answer alone and without prompting.

<Ivy>: Ivy frowned at Tia, remaining in the doorway as she pondered the question, not that she needed to of course. But it was worth making sure she knew how to word it correctly as English was a thing she quite often failed at. ''It offend me.. because do think she making mockery of my faith, she sit there act high and mighty and claim is god, but she was human, I not have to turn her, could have killed her, but nyet, did love her so did turn her, now she immortal so it make god complex get worse, was always calling self a god, even when was human..'' Ivy sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose lightly ''I not know why, maybe because she like killing people? Does think is god because has so far.. got away with murder, but if was case, we all gods.''

<Tiamat>: Tiamat clenched her teeth tightly. The muscles in her jaw twitched as she bit down harder. Her anger and annoyance apparent in her posture and and expression. no words lefter her throat as the other two women spoke to each other. Her foot began to tap onto the floor. Her eyes continued to glare at those in the room. She had gained some skills from some wraith she had come across, and she was tempted to unleash them in this moment. Instead, she sat there in silence.

<Zodiac>: She blinked softly. Perhaps the first time she had heard more than a smart comment or threat from the woman. Despite popular thinking, there was a brain in Ivy's head, and a smart one at that. "That's very interesting," Her eyes glanced to Tiamat as she jotted some notes. "So you discovered your 'godhood' when you was alive then? How did that happen? When was the first moment you realized you were above and beyond the rest of us hapless mortals or vampires? Your sire makes some valid points here."

<Tiamat>: She should have responded to the question. Instead, she sat silence and motionless; a statue of complete anger. She simply stared at the woman taking notes. She never even bothered to look to Ivy to acknowledge her continued presence at the door. She simply did nothing. Said nothing. She appeared completely detached from the world.

<Zodiac>: She frowned, but the woman's actions were not unexpected. Spoiled brat came to mind at first guess. "Okay then, a loving and caring goddess you are not, apparently. Perhaps the one person who is concerned and cares for you is in pain and you could hardly care less if your 'godhood' may be part of the problem." She looked away to Ivy again. "You mentioned your faith. What do you believe in, Ivy? I am not making fun of or anything, I am just curious what it is." The more she could keep Ivy talking, the harder it would be for Tiamat not to comment.

<Ivy>: Ivy frowned at Tia, tempted to smack the woman then and there for being uncooperative. ''Little bear, when people ask you question, is polite to answer.'' She sighed then looked at Zo, shaking her head, pulling the brass necklace out with a smile ''Freyja, and angels, they always keep me safe, even when was human.. is Norse. Tia not care who she hurt or kill, I give her choice to be normal, not be god, or leave.. She choose to leave.''

<Zodiac>: "I am familiar with Freya and the Norse. I have a Valkarye working for me in my other shop. At least Freya was open and honest about things, unlike some gods I could mention." she glanced at the angry woman. Another piece dropped into place. Ivy said 'Tia not care who she hurt or kill'. She turned to face Tiamat again and spoke softly. "Tell me this if you would. It has nothing to do with if you are or aren't a god at all. When was the first time you killed someone? Was it after you was turned or before?" She sat back into her seat. "I mean, what does it matter now? Whoever you were before is dead as far as the world is concerned. Not like you can be taken into court for it now."

<Ivy>: Ivy stared at Tia then frowned and shrugged ''Can answer for her if she not want to, she killed before was turned, did find her when she first arrive in city, moment she get off train hell break loose in station because she killed someone on train.'' Ivy's brow rose and smirked ''Is lucky I know what skill look like, or would have shot her for making me miss intended target.''

<Tiamat>: She looked and Zodiac then barely cast a glance at Ivy's words. She moved her feet and re-crossed her ankles. To answer the question, or not to answer it. She narrowed her gaze at the woman. She tapped her foot and thought about it. She could say nothing and continued to be branded an insult by everyone in the room. She could also answer honestly be branded insane. Her lips parted and she uttered a single word. A mere number to some, but a word of importance to her. "Six."

<Zodiac>: "Six people killed when alive?" She was assuming now, but had to start with something. "Did these people do something to you? Hurt you in someway, or was it simply something else?" She kept the snide comments out now of her questions. A taste for murder and not being held accountable for it might be the beginnings of her god complex.

<Tiamat>: She raised an eyebrow before answering the question. This woman wanted to open the door to Tiamat's life, then so be it. She'd allow this one to see. "I was six. You asked when. I was six. I've killed far more than six people." She calmly set her purse on the floor and glanced over at Ivy. "Let's talk about less boring topics than my life. Like Ivy's paranoid controlling behavior that's been bordering on Pratt-like behavior."

<Zodiac>: "You think Ivy is controlling. In what ways?"

<Tiamat>: "There's the summoning thing she does. Or that I only have a job because I went out and got one. Otherwise she'd have me be a stay at home wife. She shot Helena's girlfriend over a very stupid mistake the girls made. Then demanded I come because of a 'family emergency.' Let's not get into the fact that I now work at a bloody arcade because she decided to keep picking fights with my boss."

<Zodiac>: "Ivy? Is this true?" she asked. Tiamat was far from off the hook, but the best way to keep her talking was to address her own concerns for now.

<Ivy>: Ivy snarled at Tia's words and moved from the door, her hand balling into a fist as she bared her fangs, slipping into a state of ferality before grasping control again ''I summon because if didn't.. wouldn't ever see you! I shot Ember because she feed Helena vampire blood! Do think I want see own daughter turn out like me?! Was your boss who break into MY home and kill ME. Da I make you quit, or would have shot you. Option was simple, think I want shoot you? Think I want hurt woman I love.. Fine go back to restaurant, but I not sleep with you, I not bind to you, I not talk to you.''

<Zodiac>: "Well..." If what Ivy was saying was truth, she certainly has some reasons for her actions. "Tia? How could you expect her to be calm with you working for someone who killed her?"

<Tiamat>: "For the same reason she decided to befriend someone who had killed her. The same reason she decided it would be a good idea to try to join the group that killed her. How is it perfectly fine for that? But I have to get stuck being miserable at a dead end job?" She glanced over at Ivy before continuing. "When was the last time we slept together anyway? Certainly not that coffin you insist must be closed despite my dislike of it."

<Ivy>: ''I try join Tytonidae to use them.. Same reason did join the Order, did use them to help kill Pratt. And Serendipity, and attack Liz'' She shrugged and moved back to blocking the door. ''Sleep with coffin closed because as proven, many people able break into my home. And enjoy killing me for sport. Coffin lid made of 6 inch steel and Onyx. Is safer.. I not know when did last sleep together, you not want sleep in safety.. I not like sleep out in open.. it make me nervous.''

<Zodiac>: She lights up another smoke out of reflex. The conversation was rapidly in danger of getting out of hand now. Slowly, after writing down a few more facts and possible opinions, she stood up. "LADIES!" she sent her thoughts out loud and strong to get both their attentions now. Once she had their attentions, she continued to speak. "As I said, this was to be a conciliation to see if I could help you both. A lot has been said here very quickly, so let's relax for a moment. I am willing to try and work this with you both, but both of you are going to have to be willing to be honest with me. So far, both of you have left details out the other one is filling in and that is not going to work at all if this turns into a 'she said/she said' game. I will want to speak to you both together, but I think I need some one on one sessions with each of you as well. Will you both be willing to do that? Come alone and talk with me?"

<Tiamat>: Tiamat grabbed her head and screamed as Zodiac shouted in it. Her hands gripped her temples tightly in a vain attempt to dull the pain. She could barely hear the rest of words as the pain began to fade. "That hurt, why would you do that!?" she lowered her hands slowly and looked at Zodiac. "I'll be willing so long as I'm paying for help and not being insulted."

<Ivy>: Ivy shrugged away the mental yell, she'd had explosives go off near her head, she'd been shot in the face before, the dull throb was little more than an inconvenience. ''Da I do it, as long as she know she's paying for whole thing.''

<Zodiac>: She nodded as they both replied. "Then my assistant will help you both set up a schedule of appointments." she glanced at Ivy. "No showing her your fangs, please. She has my permission to shoot any vampire who gets too eager with her, so if she does I will not punish her for it. Now, I have a bit of 'homework' for the both of you to do. Sounds silly, but I want you both to think hard about this, be honest with yourselves and bring in what you decide. Both of you have been going on about what makes you crazy that the other one does. That is all normal thinking. But, I'd like the pair of you-on your own-to think of at least three things you can honestly say you do that you know annoys the other and tell me why you do them."

<Tiamat>: "I think that's doable." She stood up and leaned down to grab her purse. "Your assistant already has the money I had on me." She turned and started heading to the door. She paused as waited for Ivy to move through the doorway.

<Ivy>: Ivy stared at Tia hard, almost calculating as she watched her childe. ''Are going home? Or back to sleep in sewer again? Would be nice to know if should lock door or not.'' She stepped to the side and shrugged, looking to Zo ''only three? You want list of what I do to annoy her? Is as long as both arms. But three will bring next time.'' With that, she vanished, teleporting to her home, leaving Tia to walk.

<Zodiac>: "Blessings," she called out to the dispersing bit of smoke, then looked to Tiamat. "Blessings to the both of you. I hope we all can find some answers that will work for you both." she placed her palms together and bowed her head.

<Tiamat>: She looked back and nodded her head. "Hopefully, otherwise I'll be finding a new place to sleep permanently." She waved slightly as she left the room. "I'll get Ivy's schedule as well since she ported home instead of getting it." She went to through to the front desk before she headed out into the cold back to the apartment.

<Zodiac>: She watched her leave and then flopped back onto the small couch. "Holy hell." she sighed as she absently pet her cat. She looked at her familiar. "Tell me I am crazy for doing this?"

Ginny meowed.

"Well, there was no need to be THAT honest about it."