Politics and Monsters (Doc)

[Elizabeth]

Elizabeth: After running a few quick errands, Elizabeth had gone home to change for her meeting with Doc. Spring was finally here, and there was always a deep-seated appreciation with the woman in regards to the season and usually her mood was lighter, to match the season the woman enjoyed the most. It was not difficult to pick the dress in which she would wear for the evening, inspired by the season. She grabbed the long seasonal dress from off the hanger, switched into the dress and then ran a comb through her hair, before exiting the fade portal upon the roof and finding her way to the station near the mall. With hands in her side pockets, the woman headed to, and inside the building and then caught the elevator up to the location she had become use to. Both hands pressed against the door and stepped inside, while her blue eyes searched for Doc. When her eyes landed on the person behind the bar, Elizabeth went for him and took a seat. "Is Ch-Doc in?" She asked, head curiously tipped.

Dress: https://s-media-cache-ak0.p i n i m g.com/or ... ff8302.jpg

Doc: Doc dressed for his meeting with Lizzie. He opted for a dark blue suit with a monochromatic shirt and tie. Dark on dark as one of his lab techs liked to say. But in truth Doc had made a decision in his life. He was pulling out of the public human world. He would be leaving that to others to run. He would now focus on the vampire world.
Since the outing of vampires, everything had gone.. Seemingly well. But there was no cohesive vampire mind. All vampire were akimbo and adrift. There was no consensus. Doc did not want to be the voice of the vampire. He railed against it for the most part. But no one was stepping up. Someone had to step forward, and **** him.. He could not turn a blind eye, because as soon as he did.. Ruination would be on them.
Making his way to Yin, Doc took solace in the fact he would have an impartial voice in Lizzie, that would help him decide his path. He headed off into the office, leaving the door open as he waited for her. Some minutes later, as he heard her voice in by the bar, he moved to the door and grinned at her, “Lizzie… Please.. Come on back.”

Elizabeth: "Thank you." She said, even if they had not been of any help. It was not their fault that they had human ears, while vampires had the better set of them by at least ten fold. Her lips once again found a smile as she moved to the office, her blue hues falling on the piano for a second, before making eye contact with Doc in his office. "Good evening, Charles." She said, trying his name out since he always signed his emails in such a fashion. "How are thee, this eve?" She asked while claiming a seat on the empty chair in front of his desk.

Doc: Doc smiled at her. She had been easy and effortless in her graceful arrival. Lizzie had a calming affect on those around her, whether she knew or not. She had a way of asking all the right questions, in all the right situations. "I am much better for your arrival." He motioned to the bartender that they would need privacy as he quietly shut the door and took a seat beside Lizzie, instead of behind his his desk. The desk was a barrier. He wanted no barrier for this conversation. He needed her impartial input; and for that.. no barriers was a must. "I am.. conflicted. As I told you in our correspondence, I have a mind to take up Vampire politics. He paused for a long moment. "Lizzie, I have never been one to shy from speaking my opinion. But I also know.. that my opinion is usually unpopular." another pause, "Even so.. I cannot help but realize that we need a formal united voice.. now more than ever. Should.. for example only, .. should the humans turn on us tomorrow.. what is our stance? Yes .. I know what I would say.. but if we have no united voice.. and there is an uprising.. it is the holocaust all over again." He sighed. "Lizzie.. am I over-thinking this?"

Elizabeth: Her smile faltered for a moment, before once again finding the corners of her lips while he talked. She took in everything that he said without interruption. She waited a second to process everything before speaking her thoughts. "I do not think one is over-thinking anything." She assured him, a hand finding the knee closest to her, of his. Just temporarily, as a reference of assurance. "But, in saying that...while no one wishes to die, how long would we stay dead? A holocaust might be a bit...of an oversight when saying such a thing. That does not mean I do not value caution, nor should anyone else, when dealing with the human populace...." She collected her hand and allowed it to drop within her own lap. "I no longer fear the humans as I used to. It is the fae in the woods, the wendigo's and any other creatures in which we should be more worried about." She sat back in the chair a little..."A voice is good and needed in our community, but they are often unkind or do not care...How will one make them care enough to get them to listen?”

Doc: Doc watched her as she spoke. Her brief interaction with him was noticed, but he made no move to impede her actions. It was, as was he found her nature to be, calming and reassuring. Doc focused on her thoughts. Most specifically of her comments of being too unkind or uncaring. Slowly he nodded, "Yes." He took a moment to gather his thoughts, "I have been accused," he gave her an impish grin, "and .. rightly so, that I am a cold hearted ********." He nodded again, "Perhaps I am not the best suited for this role." His face held a hint of sadness, as if he had, perhaps relished this role. Brushing his own wants aside, "Who do you deem good for this role? Because we need this role filled. And the person needs to be capable."

Elizabeth: She noticed the frown and slowly shook her head. "I was not saying one would not be a good fit, I was merely giving one some food for thought, in case one had not thought of such a thing." She assured him, still giving this much thought. "Perhaps you are the perfect roll for such a thing. Those that had tried before you have perhaps cared too much. Perhaps that was what was wrong. Staus even cared in his own way...Isabella too much and the others...perhaps a cold hearted ******** is what this city and the kindred occupants need." She nodded slowly, pondering a great many of things still, but keeping them to herself for now. "Have you a plan of some sort?" She asked, wondering what he would share, if anything...or how much thought he had given this.

Doc: "A plan.. ? Yes.. of sorts. Nothing grandiose, or ostentatious. A mere vote. Have all vampire kind submit their thoughts as to a future, and then a vote on the top three. Simplistic I do realize. But as one individual I cannot begin to admit that I know what our kind want." He sighed and slouched in his chair, "I know what I want.. given the fact we have been outed. I want fairness. Should our get a pass if we breach a human's personal space? No. We have the ability.. but should we force ourselves on humans? No. Chaos would rule." He paused again, "Tytonidae.. tried to uphold vampire law. We were outcasts for it. Do I believe Tytonidae was right? Yes. I do. But I also see were in the minority. That time is now gone. But I also see, that if we, vampire kind, are in the minority.. we ALL fail."

Elizabeth: There was a twitch of her lips as Doc spoke, the woman nodding her head. "I would focus on the first step...before suggesting potential punishments." She said, but raised her shoulders into a shrug. "However, everyone appreciates honesty up front...transparency, as it were." She looked around the room and then at him. "It seems as if one knows what they wish to do and I believe you have a sound and stable mind, Charles...You do not need my assurance in these things." Elizabeth offered him a genuine smile, fingers pressing down on bottom of her dress, smoothing it down. "I believe if one is going to do something to this nature, the time is now and not later. We are so far separated from other vampires, perhaps even our own blood, that this will be our greatest downfall. We need to unite, even if just on a few fronts."

Doc: Doc nodded, "I Agree." He gave her a half appreciative half impish look, "The time is now.. " The impish look faded to a more sedate questioning look, "But am I the one to put this forth? There are elders, such as yourself, that are far more knowledgeable than myself. Why should anyone answer me? Who am I to them? No one. A killer. How many have i helped put down?" He drew a breath, "And truth be known, had we not been outted, I would still be putting them down, because I believe in the harm to least .. is better for the most. I would much rather harm 'one' versus having to harm 'ten'." He sighed in a heartfelt manner, "Maybe I was wrong. And if I was I will take that blame. But you Lizzie,.. You could be the uniting voice." He gave her a wink, "You were a queen..."

Elizabeth: Her smile started to falter and then fell when he suggested her over something untrue. She shook her head and then offered him a small smile. "You have seen some of my human past. I was as much a queen then, as I ever was, now. My own childre listen naught to me, why should any stranger?" Again she shook her head. "I more than support your endeavours, Charles, but I will be of little help to your cause. Perhaps, someone in your faction, or a childe? Perhaps Ari?" Elizabeth offered, as she looked away. "The time is now, but it is not my time. I had it once, twice and then...I enjoyed my solitude for years. Perhaps too many. Even if the limelight was negative, one was still far more active than I."

Doc: Doc had been sincere in his comment. She had a way about her; but if she were unwilling to accept the role, it would be as though they had none. "I meant no disrespect Lizzie." He knew her to be genuine and caring. So much more so than himself. That was why he thought she would be a good fit. But at her refusal, he was at a loss. "Ariadne is ..." He paused and gave Lizzie a pointed look, "She is not good in a crowd. She prefers her solitude. She would not be a good fit. I would not do that to her. And my spawn? They are far too much like me.. or far too withdrawn from me.. to want to put themselves forward. The time is now. Our kind needs to make a united stand.. regardless of how we personally feel. I want to do my part. But I doubt I am the voice of our kind." He sighed slowly, "But we need to do this.. yes? Tell me you agree that we .. need a united front." He stared at her, "If I am wrong tell me now. Tell me I am being pedantic or dramatic.. I don't ******* care... just tell me the truth, Lizzie."

Elizabeth: She knew he meant nothing but kindness, but the woman believed he thought too highly of her and her abilities. Her personal thoughts disappeared when he started questioning his thoughts. “The time is now. Perhaps sooner than now, but it cannot wait past now.” She assured him. “If our kind get isolated more and more as we allow time to pass...it would be an easy slaughter of our kind, no matter who the attackers are. Human, wendigo, fae...something else.” She agreed with him. “Your faction, it led once, even if not in the manner some, or most liked. Which meant that you also led. One must have more confidence in themselves, before others will, Charles. Your intentions are good and right. That is a start, if you wish to go from there.”

Doc: "To be honest Lizzie.. as much as the thought aroused me, I had hoped you would dissuade me." He raked a hand through his hair, "We need leadership.. but I am not sure I am the one to lead. There were others that I thought would be here.. but the fade has taken them. It seems the longer I wait the more of those suitable the fade takes.,, and then what? We expect a fledge to step forward? They would be slaughtered. I know my spawn would be fine.. because they capable." He sighed in a defeated manner. "But what of those fledges that have not been taught? What future do they have? Killed and sent to the fade to spend an eternity in that abyss of of pain!?" Another hand through the hair, "I am not sure I can allow that to happen.. it would wear at me.. "


Elizabeth: Ripper had reached out to her once before, asking for her assistance in such a manner. To call everyone together that she could, believing others would listen to her as well. Elizabeth had turned him down, believing him wrong, but perhaps she had been wrong. Here, Doc had entertained the idea of her being the voice in which people would listen to. There had to be a voice, somewhere in the city, but whose? If not Doc's, and if not hers...What other elders were there? Alaric? Elizabeth already knew that he was far from ready to do such a thing; having just returned less than a year ago. “I need to think.” Elizabeth said as she stood, moved past him and out of the room. She took a seat at the piano and pressed her fingers to the keys, playing no real song until a few chords turned into another, and then the start of the song. (song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hK2Nn1 ... 74&index=9)

While Elizabeth played the song, she thought about all the names and faces she knew. The good and the bad, and while she did that, she found some of the same results Doc had. Some had left, took to what appeared to be a permanent state of sleeping, or were dead. Some were so dead that they would never see this life, or another, ever again. There was no solid answer, no real leader, none but one or two people. One, she had to question him about personally and would when the song had ended and all her thoughts were finished.

Doc: Doc made no move to stop Lizzie as she left. At first, he thought he had insulted her. Gravely. He followed her, only to see her take a seat at the piano and begin to play. The melody was soft, tentative and yet appealing. He moved to take a seat at across from her. The music was soothing. Soothing in a way nothing else tended to sooth him. It was at this point, he knew he was correct in asking Lizzie her input. She may not want to play a pivotal role.. but somehow.. she knew she would.

Elizabeth: Something had to be done; this they both agreed upon. The community needed to be drawn together, for many reasons; safety and security first. They disagreed on the human front, Elizabeth no longer finding them a threat against any real vampire. Once upon a time, she felt different, but the woman felt they needed to focus on the larger things. The larger Fadebeasts that tore through the streets and sewers, trying to kill their kind. The fae as well. They had been a problem far too long for her liking. Now the Wendigos. Her lips twisted in thought as the song came to an end, eyes landing upon Charles. She waited until her fingers concluded the song, before she spoke. “I have to ask....Have you asked your own leaders, Charles? Tell them your thoughts? If you follow them in those respects, surely you would follow and support them in every capacity here?” She looked at him, fingers finding a resting place upon her lap again. “If anyone could get anything done in the city, we know it is them. Perhaps your faith is misplaced in me, as are your perceptions. What can I do, that someone cannot?” She turned away from the piano...”One must think me a coward to hold reservations, while desiring the best for our kindred...” She shook her head frustrated.


Doc: "Have I asked them? If they were about .. yes I would have... or I would not have needed to ask you.. , they would have supplied what I need to know. But there is a vacuum, a vacuum that I am unaccustomed to. I am soldier, not a leader. I have never wanted to lead. I content in doing my own thing. But where we find ourselves now, is .. without leadership. ' He took a seat beside her on the piano stool. "Lizzie." He said nothing for a long time. "I need your help in this. I have no one else to ask." He stared at her hard, "I cannot do this alone."

Elizabeth: When he sat next to her, she turned to look at him. "You are not alone in this Charles. I will support you in any way I can. But..." She exhaled the air out of her lungs, as unnecessary of an action it was. "You think too highly of me to put me in such a potential position. You are a soldier, and people tend to listen to those out of fear. I have not been a fighter in years now, before than...centuries." Her right hand came out to find his cheek for a second. "I know naught where to even start or begin in such a large endeavor." The hand was gone before the sentence even ended, finding her lap. "You need my help, but perhaps I would need more than thee." She laughed softly. "What can I do? I will do whatever it is you ask of me, or need of me. I agree with thee, we can no longer be isolated as a community. And I wish to see that come to an end as much as you do."

[Doc]

Doc: Doc released a pent up breath. Then he gave her a crooked grin. "Baby.." he gives Lizzie a pointed look, "I am asking 'YOU' for help. I have no ******* clue what to ask... other than getting popular approval. In .. other words, YES I need your help." He shook his head, "What can you do? You can make sure I do not ******* alienate the whole ******* city..." He laughed, "you say you do not know what to ask.. but .. " He gives her a knowing look, "You and I know, You know more than you are letting on. Which is ******* fine. I am fine with it. Just tell me what to ******* do Lizzie."

Elizabeth: "You shall have my help..." There was a tone of reservation after he brought up the point of alienating the entire city. She did not believe that was possible, however...it was possible. Even if unintentional. Doing what was right for the greater good, but others upset about it...it was easy to have an entire city at your back. "We go slow." She said, before adding in, "And we are nice. Not unbelievably nice, but nice. Direct, perhaps, is the better word. Directly nice." Her blue eyes fall on him, her smile twisting in amusement. "One must think of what they must do to garner the interest of the vampires. I would avoid the Crownet. There is little value in it anymore, sans a few things on occasion. Direct is better and appreciated. Have a meeting with an agenda after speaking directly to those that need speaking to. So that no one is surprised and thinking the worst, Charles. Given your..history. Some will still care, which is why you must speak directly to them and listen to them. Taking notes on what they say may be a good idea as to make the agenda for the meeting where everyone comes together. "She paused, knowing this would be difficult to hear for him. "Your beliefs on humans need to be kept to yourself. You are now in the minority. It is a truth you must realize sooner than later, many of our kind congregate with them on a weekly, daily, even hourly basis. there are far more important things to worry about for now." She watched his face while she dropped that bomb in his lap.

Doc: Doc took several moments to mull her words over. Because, it was not a simple discussion. Even if she agreed with him, in all points. That would still be only 2 versus the city,. that was no way, a populace vote. Should even half the 'known' vampires vote for him, that was still only 50%, No matter what the vampire cause amounted to by percent, he was dedicated to to fulfilled the majority rule; even if he were in the minority in the vote Doc was acquainted first hand how, things that should have happened one way, ended another. Was it Tytonidae's fault? No. Tytonidae laid out the rules and those that circumvented those rules; were within their rights. And now Vampires found themselves in the path of needing human ...'permission'..So the question became, who best to challenge? Who Best to speak for Vampire kind? Doc was willing, but he would not stand in the way of others of his kind, should they wish to take that stand, Doc looked at Lizzie. The look on his face should express, the need for Lizzie's input. Doc did not expect it, but he did hope for it.

Elizabeth: She knew the look well, and lifted her shoulders. This was not something that would be easily decided in a night, or even two nights. “How does one imagine this process going? Is one planning on just informing others that one wishes to start a government and do so, or are you planning on offering to hold an election, much like we did five or six years ago? I do not know if anyone would be interested, honestly...” She admitted, before continuing. “If they were, would they have not tried to do this already?” She canted her head while in deep thought. “You still wish to be the soldier instead of the leader, yes?” She asked, needing to know right here, right now which path he wished to be on so that they could continue to work out the finer details and how to go on from here.

Doc: “I think I can be more effective as a soldier, than a leader. And .. to be honest, I do not have an agenda or platform to run on. I had planned on broaching the subject with Wendell’s group first. Hopefully, getting their approval.” Doc rubbed his jaw as he got his next thought together.

“I am not so much, wanting a vampire government, than a collective voice.” He looked at her, “When the masquerade was still in effect, and there was an attempt at a council or governing body, it didn’t work, because they wanted to rule over us. There was no way to come to a consensus. I do not want to have a ‘ruler’, so much as someone that can speak for the collective group of us. Not about our politics, but about our right to survive.”

He raked a hand through his hair. “Right now, relations are decent with the humans. But we are still the new penny.. As it were. We are bright and shiny. But sooner or later, the shine will wear off that ‘new penny’ and we are one incident away from being the villains. Look at the United States, people hate their president. There is so much hate on both sides, it wouldn't take much to set them off.” Doc looked at her pointedly, “We are out numbered. We could easily overrun. Especially if we have no legal precedence to protect us.”


Elizabeth: Politics in any aspect or form had been avoided with Elizabeth; both Canadian, American and quite frankly, globally. Still, the woman nodded, listening to what Doc had to say, before she offered him a smile. “I believe if there was a platform in which one was seeking, you already have it, Charles. Your platform is not to rule over others, but to be the voice of concern and reason for our community. ‘Community Counts,’ so to speak.” Elizabeth nodded her head slowly, mulling over the words, uncertain as to who ‘Wendell’ was or their group. “Perhaps Wendell needs to be the voice for you...if you are trusting of him and his group..then why not him?” Her head canted to the right a little before Elizabeth added more to her thoughts. “Perhaps, since community seems to be the driving point of your desire to involve yourself in politics, perhaps that is how one should start. Gather with those within the community from all walks of life first and see what their immediate concerns are about? From there, certainly someone, or a couple of someone’s would like to be the face of the people, so to speak. If one is to ‘sell,’ for lack a better word, the idea of community, one must recognize that there are many different minded people within said community. Coming together with those different from thee, may add some weight to your claims.” Elizabeth smiled at him, before turning towards the keys, simply glancing at them for now as she allowed him to consider her words.

Doc: “You make it sound so easy.” He shook his head, in confused awe. “I have been rolling this around in my head since.. The masq fell. And I could not get past the fact that everyone hates Tytonidae, and I am Tytonidae. I was positive no one else listen for that fact alone. But it is like seeing an accident happen, and you cannot stop it. I can see that if we do not have a voice to state our case in a human political fashion, we could be extinct before we knew what hit us. I am still not sure they would listen to me.” He narrowed his eyes, “But Wendell. They may listen to him.”

Nodding slowly, Doc was silent for a few moments. “You know.. You need to be preparing a worse case scenario plan, right? If you haven’t already.” He leaned forward, “Bank accounts you have access to that can’t be traced to you. So you can use them in emergencies..”

Elizabeth: As Doc spoke, Elizabeth turned to face him once again. Wendell. The name came up again. Doc seemed to have a lot of doubt about his own abilities; perhaps for a good reason. Caution should always be taken with things of this nature. With something so large…

“I have to be honest...I do not know this Wendell. Who knows Wendell, other than you? If they are not well known, then how can anyone know what his beliefs are? What he truly stands for and believes in?” She countered, before Elizabeth took a breath in and allowed it to remain within her lungs. “Let me tell you a story that perhaps one is not aware of. In the beginning, with the rest of the elders, I was part of this council attempt. There were things that had transpired...driven by myself, another elder and…” Elizabeth trailed off, her older memories hazy, at best. “It matters not who was part of some of the things that had happened, just that people--our brethren had died for superficial reasons, in reality. Months passed and then a few more, before I started building my ‘family.’ Not all of them blood, as you are well aware...but the point is, once upon a time I and a few others were the most mistrusted kindred within our society and within a year later at most, I had a great many of people roaming the halls of my tower. It can be that easy, if your intentions are for the greater good.” Elizabeth stated as a small frown fell upon her lips. The story had sparked some other memories; snippets at best, leaving more questions. “Besides, I did say that I will help thee, and if there is Wendell…” Her voice trailed off…”I believe you are too hard upon yourself, Charles.”

Doc: He was quite aware that Lizzie had neatly sidestepped his concern about her future. He nodded once. Doc took that gentle side-step as her polite refusal to wanting to discuss her plans with him, instead she focused on his earlier comment about Wendell. “Wendell.. I thought you would have known him?” He gave her a slightly baffled look. “Wendell Groom, .. most call him Wendigo? Ariadne’s spawn. He owns Black Box.”

Doc gave her a half way amused look, “I thought everyone knew Wendell..” He gestured absently, as if brushing that comment aside as he focused on her other comment. “Everything I have ever done, since I joined Tytonidae, has been for the greater vampire good. Even putting vampires down.. Was done, in hopes they would learn a ******* lesson. Most did. Others were **** for brains and better off in the Shadow Realm, than in the human world, ******* it up. I put down my spawn. It is true, sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.”

He sighed in exasperation, “There were vampires out there, that sired at the drop of a ******* hat, and turned their fledges loose without a word of caution. And what happens, when you turn an 18-something teenager into an omnipotent being? ******* chaos for the rest of us. So my methods may not be what everyone liked.. But the reason for them, were valid.”

Elizabeth: Groom. That name was familiar. Wasn’t there a building with that name on it? When Charles mentioned his known name, a light of recognition brightened her eyes. Elizabeth nodded slowly, then laughed. “Oh. Yes. I do not know him personally; we have never interacted face to face, but I know of him as Wendigo...through the forum.” Her shoulders rolled slightly into a small shrug, her bright blue eyes on him.

Her smile did not falter when he went on about the things in which he did for Tytonidae, or Doc’s personal feelings on why he did the things he had or how he felt about others. Elizabeth could agree with him in some respects; some vampires were just better off remaining in the realms than walking three feet on earth’s surface. “Whom is one’s backup, should Wendell not be interested?” It was a possibility, and Elizabeth wondered if Doc had considered it--or if he had, who that ‘runner-up’ may be. “And speaking of back up plans...what will yours be, should things go sour? I imagine an untraceable bank account?” She teased him lightly, still not offering up her thoughts on the matter-should things go badly for their kind.

Doc: Doc grimaced. Yes. Who indeed? He didn’t have an answer for her. There was a list of possibles, sure. But someone he would trust enough to back? That list was slim. Those that he would trust, wanted no part of it. They had all washed their hands of the vampire community at large. And even though Doc saw, understood, and even agreed with their point of view; he could not leave the innocent fledges to be burned at the stake.

It made no sense really. Doc was not a tolerant person. He was short tempered, angry, and would kill just as soon as look at someone who pissed him off. But even so, something in him, made him say .. someone had to look out for the innocent few. Where would he have been had Vel not given him a small bit of time? Angry and perpetually in the Shadow Realm most likely. But she took the time. Had patience. Explained things that were completely foreign to him. Did not the others deserve that? And when his mind warred with his heart about it, he knew the humans would not give them the benefit of the doubt. He sighed.

“I don’t know Lizzie. I only know we need to do something.. Sooner rather than later.” and then as she asked her question about his plans, he winked, “Indubitably my dear.. Indubitably.”

Elizabeth: Twice, Doc had referred to her as something other than Lizzie. The woman just nodded her head, then parted her lips to speak. “Then let us do something, Charles. We both agree that something must be done-so we have to move past the words and put words into action, yes?” Elizabeth asked him, urging him past what may be, potential self-doubt. “We can speak of this for hours, or nights...but the more time that passes, the more time works against us. And them.” Elizabeth finished. “Talk to Wendell, see his thoughts? And in the meantime...we do something.” She said, twisting her lips in thought.

“If he does not see the importance, or need for such a thing...then we press on wards and I shall speak for thee.” Elizabeth concluded, before her blue hues lit up. “What shall we do first? Where do we begin, Charles?” Then, those very eyes lost their shine as her thoughts headed down to darker thoughts. Mistrust and paranoia. “I wish to be open and honest with thee. I will not allowed, nor be put in the same predicament as the tried and failed first council.” Her body shifted so that she could face him once again. “I will help thee, but...just be knowledgeable that I do not take betrayal lightly. Ask my 'uncle,' if one will--should one ever stumble upon him.” Who her uncle was, was not stated, nor would be.

Doc: ‘Betrayal?’ He rolled the thought around in his mind. Betrayal was the farthest thing from his mind; except of course, that was the whole point of this enterprise, was to -prevent- betrayal. He returned her regard evenly “Elizabeth, I do not know the circumstances that revolved around the first council. It happened before my time. Anyone who was betrayed, was not by me, nor is it my intent to betray you or anyone else.

“You might say that ‘betrayal’ is why I want to see this done. Our community, is but one betrayal away from a second holocaust. All that needs to happen, is one pissed off vampire wanting to get back at a rival vampire, he sells that rival out to the wrong human, and it is war for all of us.” He paused letting his words sink in. When he spoke again, it was to address her earlier query. “I will speak to Wendell. But I think we should also set up some ‘community listening events’.

“You bought it up earlier. We need to know the thoughts and concerns of the vampire community. I know my concerns. But everyone should be given the chance to be heard.”

Elizabeth: The darker, more malicious gaze faded away as the woman nodded her head at his words. “Hopefully, many, or even some feel the same way as thee. It has been a long time since anyone extended their care past their own noses or lineages. I do not think this will be an easy task, but mayhaps one will be surprised.” The blonde telepath offered with a warm smile. “And now we know where to begin.” If he felt that her thoughts on starting with a meeting of sorts was the best route, then that would be the easiest way to get the ball rolling with this endeavour. Instead of wasting time arguing or debating on tactics, which took time away from the real pressing business, they could skip the time wasted and move onwards. “I believe in thee, Charles.” Elizabeth finished with a firm nod of her head, before turning to face the keyboard once again. “What would one like me to do at this point, if anything? Or should we wait until you have talked to Wendell?”

Doc: Doc lifted a shoulder, in silent debate before he answered, “I do not see why we cannot move forward, before I speak to him. He is a busy man. Not always available to a sit down for a face to face. Nothing is harmed, by asking people their thoughts.” He canted his head to the side as another thought came to mind, “I guess my..” he then grinned at Lizzie, “or should I say .. our.. First step is get our own thoughts down, in a cohesive and cognizant manner.

“Each of us. Separate from one another. There may be points we, the two of us, differ on, and it would be best to know that up front. Sooner rather than later.” He paused, “I think it would be good if there were differences. That way we will have to work out ‘our’ strategy of finding common ground. Will give us practice at helping others should that need arise. Which I am pretty certain, will happen.”

Elizabeth: Moving forward without Doc speaking to Wendell did not phase Elizabeth. He was right. Why could they not think of things before reaching out to another source? What would the harm be? At most...time wasted. Time, in which a vampire had an endless supply of-at least currently. “Agreed.” Elizabeth said with an agreeable nod of her head, before her lips twisted in taunting smile. “You know...if one wished for me to depart thee...one could have simply just said.” Elizabeth laughed, eyes brightly lit with humour, before she stood. “When would you like to speak again about this, Charles? So I may know when it is I need to have all my thoughts down.” She moved around the piano, fingers gently appreciating the detail on the top of it.

[Elizabeth]

Doc: Confusion was clearly written on his face, “What? When did I say I wanted you to leave?” Then it dawned on him. “Wait. No. You misunderstand. I meant, that we, you and I should make our own lists of what we deem the most important. Then we should compare them, and make our case to each other. I didn’t want you to leave.

“I merely thought it would behoove us to have to argue our case to each other, thus giving us a taste of what the community’s reactions would be like.” He stood and moved to the piano. “However, I do apologize as I monopolized the conversation with work. It was presumptuous of me. If you would be so kind as to stay, I will promise to behave myself.”

Elizabeth: A hand was held up, accompanied with a warm smile and a shake of her head. “Do not apologize. This is important to thee, and I am thankful that you have shared it with me and listened to my thoughts.” Elizabeth did not mind if people disagreed with her, but the least they could do was listen to her thoughts before closing her personal (and perhaps sometimes wrong) thoughts down.

“As for you behaving...try not to do that too much.” Elizabeth said with her slightly devious trademark smile. “What would you like me to play for thee tonight?” The blonde Telepath asked, as she moved back to the bench in front of the black and white teeth of the piano. With a gentle hand, Elizabeth smoothed down her dress, claimed the bench once again and waited to hear Charles' preference for the evening.

Doc: “I would like you to play, what -you- want to hear.” He leaned against the piano. “You always play what I want or what others want. I would like to hear what you like. And,” He gave her a crooked closed lipped smirk, “You are easy to talk to. You have a way about you that, makes a person let down their guard, and spill their guts.”

It was true. He had told her more about himself than anyone else, in such a short period of time. And even though she had shared her past with him, he was the one that seemed to dominate their conversations. His thoughts, his plans. But in all this time, he did not know what her thoughts or plans were. She had always neatly sidestepped the issue when it came to her. He felt no animosity at not knowing. It just told him, he had more of a wall to scale.

Elizabeth: “I like a little bit of everything--to some degree. I have found in the last few months, by some accident that I find Stevie Nicks; whom I thought to be of the opposite gender when seeing the name,” Elizabeth stopped to laugh at her error. “Enjoyable. She was part of a group of musicians--their name escaping me...I have found a few songs that I enjoy from the group, but believe she was the real talent of the group.” Elizabeth said with a simple raise of her shoulders. “You will be sorry that you asked me to play what I want to hear.” She teased him as fingers found the keys, but remained still upon them as Elizabeth decided upon a song.

The melody was light and whimsical at first, but changed its depths not long afterwards. The song was not the most complicated she had ever played, her fingers remaining within the middle portion of the keyboard most the time while Elizabeth played. Once in awhile, fingers stumbled due to her lack of sheet music, having learned the song by ear as best as she could, over the duration of a couple of months. When the song stopped, Elizabeth’s hands dropped to the side of her seated frame, before commenting, “I do not believe it is one of her most known works--songs.” She corrected herself, before glancing in his direction. “It is nothing in which one would play at a peak hour here…” She chuckled softly, before placing her hands on top the other, upon her lap.

(Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLAZPTXcwGs )

Doc: After she finished playing, he nodded, “I recognize the name Stevie Nicks, she was with Fleetwood Mac at one time. That group was popular when I was young. I did not recognize the melody that you just played.. But she did sing a song that,” He smiled at a remembered memory, “came out about the time I discovered girls,.. Rhiannon.” He got lost in the moment of remembering. “That was the anthem of my youth. Chasing after my Rhiannon.” He chuckled to himself, then added, “I never did find her, I never won.’ Another amused grin, “Youth. Time has a way making what was a crushing blow in your youth, something that you can look back on and smile.”

Elizabeth: Fleetwood Mac. That was it. What it meant, if anything, Elizabeth knew not. “Yes, that is it. I have also heard the song a time or two before. The one you speak of.” Elizabeth commented, before shifting the conversation a little. “Perhaps that is not such a bad thing...never winning with a woman such as her. To me, it seems as if she were untouchable.” Elizabeth offered, thinking about how the song seemed to imply she was always just out of reach, but still very visible to the one chasing after her.

“Courting--dating, in your time seems more complicated than it was in my time.” Elizabeth could not imagine being human in this day, trying to figure any of it out; if she even wasted her time on the notion. “I have had my complaints and reservations about the social standards of my time...but I do not envy those of this time. Life is so...loud and chaotic without adding another person into the mix.” Cars, the internet, airplanes, telephones...the list was virtually endless.

Doc: “Loud. Yes quite loud. That is why I have so many different places in the city. Sometimes I just want silence. Quiet time. Most do not understand my need for silence. They all need to have stimuli.. Or else they think themselves bored. Personally I think most of them are over-stimulated. So overstimulated, that they have lost the desire to use their imaginations.” He gave her a side glance, “We know how to use our imaginations. When we were young, for whatever our individual reasons, we would use our imaginations to steal away from a dark place.”

The smile faded when the memories of the nine year old Charles came to mind. His nine year old self covering his ears as he heard his father beat his mother. Doc forced the memories away, “The youth of today.. Have to be constantly connected to something, someone. And if they aren’t.. They do not know how to cope. They get frustrated and feed into the anger of the moment.”

Changing the subject, he looked at her, “I recently bought a lodge. Close to a ski resort. It is very quiet there..”

Elizabeth: Connected. Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement with Doc. Upon her return from the realms, it had been impressed upon her on how important it was to have a cellular device upon her persons, from her childre. But as time passed and more learned the skill set of the Telepathic ways, the phone often found itself being left behind in her tower. And if not there, then at one of her three places of businesses, forgetting about the device. Being continually connected was not something Elizabeth enjoyed being-even if was easy for her to connect to the internet, or other devices with just a mere thought.

There was a quirk to her lips when Charles mentioned a lodge and then a ski resort. “You partake in skiing?” Elizabeth cast him a sideways glance, the quirk still there as the woman thought about their ice skating endeavour. “I once owned property in the woods. A cabin. I sold it years ago to another that I believed would find greater value in it than I. He enjoyed hunting…” Why she had sold it precisely had escaped the woman’s memories, and so, Elizabeth believed it had something to do with those areas being inhabited by the fae. “I passed by there some time last year and saw the small cabin. It looked abandoned from the outside.” She commented with a gentle lift of her shoulders. “You will have to show me this lodge some evening. It sounds...delightful. Besides, I cannot miss you upon a pair of skis. I have seen them, but never set foot in a pair.” Elizabeth commented, wondering internally if skiing would be something she would be interested in. “Or, perhaps some evening could be tonight.” Elizabeth offered softly, her free hand reaching across her petite frame and coming to rest upon his arm to give it a squeeze before Elizabeth allowed it to rest upon the arm that was connected to him.

Doc: “Ski? Me? Good god no. I am too ******* cold as it is; on average, without adding Skiing to it.” As she laid her hand on his arm, he gave her an appreciative look, before he warmed to his subject. “No.. I do not ski. I have no desire to ski. I bought lodge to give me respite from the city noise.”

He moved to sit beside her on the piano stool. “I have gotten accustomed to the cold. But that is not to say, I prefer it. I do not. I liked to be warm. I like a roaring fire in the fireplace. And I like quiet.” He looked at her, “As you said, it is hard to find quiet in the city. It hard to find quiet .. in this age. Everything makes noise. Coffee maker? It beeps. Cell phones.. They beep. Cars.. constantly make noise.” He nodded, more to himself than to or for her, “But the ski lodge is quiet. Peaceful. Serene.”

As she spoke of her cabin, that she had sold, Doc almost interjected to say she had messed up when sold it, but he bit back that comment. Then she expressed interest in seeing his lodge. An eager smile, unbeknownst to him, showed on his face. “You would like to see?” His look was excited, almost expectant, “It’s still a work in progress. It is complete. Just needs to be decorated.” He stopped suddenly, then finally admitted, “I am not the best decorator. Perhaps if you saw it.. You could advise me? As long as it doesn't involve flowers.. I ******* hate flowers.”

Elizabeth: Her lips twitched in amusement when Charles confessed to not liking flowers. In fact, he disliked them so much that he used the term ‘hated.’ “I shall remember that.” She said with a nod before going back to the question about seeing his lodge. “I would indeed. Perhaps, if they are as nice and as quiet as you say, we may be neighbors there.” The tower was always bustling with activities from others and had become a place she was not particularly fond of anymore. It was far too large without Shamus and his childre and the few others that have moved on to other things, in whatever capacity that was.

“Does your lodge have a fireplace?” Elizabeth found herself slightly envious at the thought of it. None of her homes, save for one, had a fire place within it. And the one that did, she no longer frequented-having more or less given it to her childre to use, once upon a time. “Most the modern homes do not possess such a thing.” Elizabeth commented, her blue eyes bright, plainly showing her envy of his potential fire place. “Is it possible to go there tonight? So that I may see what size the lodge is, and gather some ideas for your decor?” Elizabeth tilted her head so that it was angled in his direction, eyes on his face.

Doc: Doc’s face split into a grin. “You really want to see it?” The grin faded somewhat, “I do not have a portal set up there yet… so we would have to drive.. And it’s about an hour away.. My car is in the parking lot, Still game?” He felt like a kid showing off a new toy.

Ninety minutes later Doc parked the Vanquish in the drive of his lodge. “Like I said, it’s complete and functional, it is just has no furnishings or such yet, only thing I have done is hang drapes..” He exited the car and moved over to the passenger side of the car, and opened the door for Lizzie. He handed her the keys to the lodge, “Let yourself in, while I go get some wood for the fire place. I will get a fire started in no time. Electricity should be on.”

Elizabeth: Doc appeared delighted and perhaps even proud of his lodge. The lodge meant something to him, it seemed and so Elizabeth appreciated the lodge’s value just a little more than previously before. When it was agreed upon, they took his vehicle to the lodge, Elizabeth’s eyes taking in the interior of the car, attempting to figure out what each turn dial, or push button would do. She would ask, another time, as to not take away from Doc’s excitement in regards to his lodge. “Thank you,” Elizabeth said as she stepped out of the car once he opened the door. Keys were given to her, which had her eyes dropping down to the set of keys, mildly surprised. When he spoke about gathering wood to start a fire, her suspicion about a fireplace had been confirmed. “Do be careful.” Recently, with the wendigo’s added in with the fae, it almost seemed risky for any of their kind to be out in the woods for any long length of time. Even if one was just collecting firewood.

She turned, and gathered the dark material of her floral print dress, lips twisting in humour as she pondered how much Charles ‘hated’ her dress, and moved to the doorway. A final glance back was given to where they had been, as her ears listened for sounds that were not typical to the outdoors. There were, after all, dangers that lived within them. A few seconds later, a key was placed into the door lock, turned and the door handle opened. Darkness welcomed her as the door swung open, her long fingers reaching for the wall to turn on the lights for the immediate room.

There was a bare hallway almost immediately to her left, a long hallway ahead and to the right was the fireplace. Elizabeth stepped within the threshold fully, and then moved towards the fireplace to view it. A minute, perhaps longer, had passed, before Elizabeth moved away from the alluring appeal of the fireplace, conscious of the fact that she were here to give Charles an opinion about the decor and just bask by a fireplace.

Elizabeth skipped past what she assumed was a room to the opposite of the main living space, and went down the longer corridor. She stopped in each doorway and took in the size of the room and anything of note. Closets in the rooms, where the windows were and which she assumed would be the master bedroom. When the back rooms were put into memory, Elizabeth moved towards where she began, but at the sound of a metallic screech towards the front of the lodge, Elizabeth froze in place. She had never heard such a sound before, and while she was curious, there was reason to pause. If not for the fae, than for the wendigos. But then, the woman was reminded that she was inside, while Doc was outside.

Fast steps moved to the doorway, to open the door. Once it was open, Elizabeth called out into the night, “Charles?” Her eyes swept from right to left and that was when she saw it. Elizabeth seldom uttered a foul word from her lips, but when she saw ‘it,’ as usual, and any time before, a four letter word escaped her lips. “Oh, ****. Shoot!” She followed up, well aware of the word she used, and perhaps was slightly embarrassed for using such a strong word while Doc was around, wishing to cover up her colourful word. There, on the roof of Charles’ car that Elizabeth assumed was as expensive as it was luxurious was her knee height ‘friend,’ crouched down on all fours like a rabid animal, growling and snarling. Beneath the fae demon, layers of paint had been chipped away from its long claws on its four ‘legs’ (if they could be called that), and when it lunged in her direction, only then could someone see a dent in the hood that had been hidden behind it.

Doc: Doc was whistling softly to himself as he gathered up wood for the fire. Once he collected an armload, he headed back to the front of the lodge, because he had given Lizzie the keys, so the back door would still be locked. Rounding the corner of the lodge to the front, he heard Lizzie’s exclamation before he saw it. At her cry, he turned his gaze to the front door, and then immediately followed her horrified stare to his car.

“Fuuuuck!” He glared at the fae demon and chucked a split log at it. “I just got that out of the ******* shop!” The log sailed over the top of the fae demon, because he didn’t want to chance hitting his car.

Throwing another log at the fae, he sprinted to the door, and attempted to bundle Lizzie, the wood and himself inside. Dropping most of the wood, outside, rather than inside, he managed to get Lizzie and himself inside and door shut. Holding up a hand, as he leaned against the front door. “Lizzie.. Listen to me..”

He was sure she was about to light into him about bringing her into the wilderness and putting her at risk. “I swear.. I have never heard anyone having issues with the fae here. I have been here many times. No Sign.. I have never had an issue. If I had known I would have never brought you here.. You have to believe me.”

He raked a hand threw his hair, “**** me.. If I had known.. I sure as **** would not have driven the Vanquish!” He gave her a pleading.. And apologetic look, “You have to believe me.”

Elizabeth: As the fae creature came towards her, Elizabeth reacted defensively and casted a shield of protection around her. A log was tossed in its direction, having it turn and flank far left, while Doc moved her, some wood and him inside. With them both inside, and his back to the door, she took a step back. What Charles said, was not what Elizabeth had expected, and then it turned from some sort of apology to blaming himself.

Her hands dropped in front of her, as Elizabeth found a red coloured flower upon her dress and started rubbing the material between both thumbs and pointer fingers. Vanquish? Was that the name of his car? Did people name them? Elizabeth tilted her head and then sighed. “It is not your fault.” She began, then continued, looking past the door. “I heard a noise...I am so very sorry for the damages to your car.” At the door was a scratching noise, much like an angry puppy wanting to be let inside because it was raining outside, or getting dark out. “I will gladly pay for them.” Elizabeth finally looked at him, twist her lips in thought and then took a step away from the door. “It is not your fault.” She started, trying to move over the sounds at the door.

“It is my fae demon.” She said flatly before continuing. “When I first started learning rituals...I was not very good at such a thing. My sire was the ritualist in the lineage, but I finally saw the value in them. I did not know what I was doing. After five failed attempts, he escaped the circle that I incorrectly made and now…” Her shoulders lifted. “Thannich--what I have come to call him, has done far more damage than that...to which I am very sorry for, Charles. I had no idea when he would come--I never do. It could be nights...weeks...a month. He comes whenever he pleases or gets a scent of me.” She beckoned him away from the door. “Please step away from the door. He might break through.” She took another step back as it snarled and growled and snapped at the door. “I should not have come here. I will surely pay for the damages in which he created. However much it is. I’m so very sorry Charles.” Elizabeth dipped her head. “Perhaps, it is best that I go...if I am gone, then your door and you are safe. In one piece.” Elizabeth explained offering him an apologetic smile. “Please forgive me.”

Doc: Doc still had his back against the door, in order to keep the Fae Demon at bay. The scene was chaotic at best, there he was, the floor littered with kindling and firewood, while he held a fae demon from shredding Lizzie and himself apart, when Lizzie apologetically admitted it was her Demon.

‘Her Demon?’ Doc gaped at her. What the ****? Vampires could control these ******* things? No.. No way! Why would she hate his car?! It was a great car! Was she not comfortable on the ride up here?

“Wait.. What?” He blinked. Muttering to himself, ‘**** me..’ “Did I hear you say.. That ..” His body flinched as the demon threw itself at the door as it tried to claw and beat it’s way in. “That .. it is YOUR demon?!” The front door and Doc reverberated with the repeated banging the demon gave it. “YOUR demon.. that you named Thannich?” He said through gritted teeth. It felt like it was going to splinter the door before too much longer.

“Great! It’s a ******* pet..” The door rattled and shuddered violently, “Can you call it off now .. please??” Lizzie looked so apologetic, and ashamed, that he couldn’t be angry. Frustrated as ****? Yes.. angry.. Maybe a little.

Elizabeth: She had not explained herself correctly, or Doc had misunderstood. “No, no. That is not what I meant. He is not mine. Yes, he has a name, but Thannich does not listen to me. Or anyone” She moved towards him and raised a finger to his lips. “Listen to me. Please.” She placed another hand, her free one at the side of Doc and against the door, hoping to help him keep the demon out. “He is mine in the sense that he is my burden. Other than that...he does not care what he destroys, or who is in his way. He-He is angry with me.” Elizabeth removed her finger, and then looked up at him, and away from the door her palm was flat against. “I am sorry. For touching thee.” She said, then slowly stepped away. “If I leave, I suspect he shall too. Or...one could open the door. I can attempt to teleport him away.” It would not be the first time she had done that...the only time she had done that though, her house had been in shambles, and Elizabeth had lost a leg in the process. “You should let me out.” Elizabeth concluded, the door rattling against his back as the demon went from scratching at it, to throwing itself against it. “Charles.” Elizabeth looked at him, expectantly looking towards the door.

Doc: Doc counted. He needed to count, as the demon continued to throw itself at his door. He needed to calm and center his thoughts. He had misunderstood. Alright fair enough. It happens. Didn’t she think he wanted her to leave earlier?

Fair was fair. She gave him the benefit of the doubt, he could do no less. “Lizzie. Look at me..” The demon screeched and threw itself upon the door, as he held himself against it. “I am not letting you out there just to save me. **** that ****. **** you for even thinking it, Lizzie.”

Doc was not exactly pleased at the turn of events, but he was not the type to save himself over others. Especially a female. Yes yes.. Said out loud it would seem very sexist. But the truth of the matter was, that was how he was built. Females were to be protected and cherished, until they prove themselves unworthy. And Doc had met several unworthy. But Lizzie was not unworthy. Lizzie was worth dying for. “So this.. Thannix.. Demon. You know him right? What does he want from you?”

Elizabeth: Her eyes moved to his face, then she looked...confused. Elizabeth had understood most of it, but there was something amiss in his final sentence. Was he mad at her? If so, whatever for? The demon was her problem, and while chivalry was not dead in her mind, it was not fair for Doc to take on her problems because Elizabeth had been ill informed about how to perform rituals.

“I do not know him, no.” Elizabeth laughed then allowed the laugh to be replaced with a straight lined lip. “I know of him, yes. And as for what it wants...I can only imagine based off our continual aggressive encounters that quite frankly, he would like nothing more than to rip my head off, or something along the lines of that.” Elizabeth said plainly, before looking at the door. “I could teleport thee somewhere and follow after?” She suggested, with the addition, “To save your door and what remains of your car.” It was the first thought on her mind, but somehow, Elizabeth had a feeling that Doc would not be keen on the idea of running away from a fight.

Doc: “Excuse me?” Doc was staring aghast at her. “You really expect me to.. Teleport out of here.. and leave you here alone.. To deal with this demon..” he paused dramatically “BY yourself!?” He snorted in disbelief.


‘What the **** are you thinking?! The.. LAST.. thing I will do.. The VERY last thing is leave you here to deal with this ****** on your own!”

Doc would have paused and stepped forward, to press his case, expect that the door was still be hammered by an irate Fae Demon. “Baby.. I do not know who .. in your ..” the door continued to be slammed upon, “.. existence told you .. you were expendable.. But whomever it was.. They were ******* WRONG.”

“Thannix.. ******* STOP IT!” He yelled to the Fae Demon, through the door.

Pinning his gaze on Lizzie, he said quietly, “Lizzie, I am not leaving…” Louder, “DID you hear that Thannix? I AM NOT LEAVING.”

Elizabeth: Just as Elizabeth suspected, Doc would not have any notion of her idea-which seemed like the best option in her mind. There were more explicit words thrown in her direction, which had her raising a brow. “The door will break down,” Elizabeth reminded him, before he said something else. Something unexpected.

Her blue irises glazed over for a moment, before they both closed and the woman seemed to be standing there in a standing, sleeping position. They both shot open at the same time, before she whispered quietly to Doc, “We have to kill the wretch. Tonight. We must. I would do it for thee.” Elizabeth turned and moved away from Doc, and disappeared down the long hallway, completely oblivious to the door almost off its hinges now. What Doc had said after the word 'wrong' was missed by the woman.

There was the sound of clanking from what was the larger bedroom, before some tearing and then she returned with the drapery in both hands, each side wrapped firmly around her palms multiple times. “I'm ready.” She said, not entirely looking at Doc, but looking through Doc. Focused on the door. “Open the door, Peter. You must open it, or we will never see the other again. You have to help me! I know it to be true. Open the door. Let her in.” Elizabeth stood there, reliving some memory from her human years, accidentally brought on by Doc's words.

Doc: The door was splintering and the hinges were busted, the only thing keeping the door in place, was Doc. The noise of the screeching fae demon, the noise from the banging, kept Doc from hearing Lizzie’s words as she headed down the hallway. When she came back, he saw her hands wrapped like a boxer’s hands before he donned his gloves.

The door was all but gone, so the look he gave Lizzie when she said to open was one of ‘are you ******* kidding me? There is nothing left to open!’ Doc lunged away from the broken door and placed himself between Lizzie and the oncoming Fae “It’s a She?! Thannix is a she. Well that makes sense..******* females..” And only belatedly did he realize she called him Peter. ‘Peter? Who was Peter?’ He drew his sig from his shoulder holster. Irony, he almost didn’t wear it tonight. He unloaded three right center of mass of that Fae that was rushing at them.

“We need to get it cornered.. Then it’s two against one.. Odds are in our favor.” He pushed Lizzie toward the small room off the hall, “Go!”

Elizabeth: The gunfire that seemed to erupt from nowhere had Elizabeth jumping and then looking at Doc (who was currently ‘Peter,’) with surprise and horror in her eyes. “What sorcery is this?” Elizabeth started backing away from ‘Peter,’ before she continued. “Stay away from me, Peter.” Elizabeth warned as she held up both her hands that securely held onto the drapes. “I will end her this very night, and nor you, nor the rest of our brothers will stop me.” Elizabeth turned upon her heels, only to be pushed by Peter. “Unhand me at once!” Elizabeth warned him before, she turned and moved to push past him, an elbow cutting into his right side. “We could be masters of our own destinies, brother. Please.” Elizabeth pleaded with him, not being able to actually make it past Doc given the narrowness of the hallway and both their frames.

Doc: Doc frowned, ‘Sorcery? Did she just say sorcery?’ he gave Lizzie a questioning look, as she backed away from him and then tried to pushed him away, while elbowing him. ‘Why the **** was she fighting him -and- calling him Peter?’ “Lizzie! Snap out of it.. Focus! We have to...” what he was going to say was cut off as the fae demon slammed into him, ripping and tearing into his side and back.

Stumbling backward into Lizzie, he now focused on the demon instead of her. Her issues would have to wait. He grappled with the demon and using the Sig as a hammer, pounding it into the demon’s head, to try to get it to release him. His jacket and shirt hung in blood soaked ribbons, his back was equally shredded, causing his movements to be less fluid and accurate as he wanted. Eventually he tore himself free of the demon, long enough to be able to put more bullets into it.

Elizabeth: “Unhand me, this moment! I will not do it! Not for her, not for you, and most certainly not for them!” Elizabeth tried to wrangle her way past ‘Peter,’ again, only to be knocked back against the wall, her shoulder and head hitting the wall. That accidental twist of fate was enough to jar her sense back to present time, where she was greeted with Thannich and Charles in blood, with a gun in Charles’ hand. He had brought a gun on their ‘date’? Part of her was pleased, given the turn of events, while the other wondered if he brought it in case he thought she would do something to him.

With the demon taking multiple shots-or so Elizabeth suspected given the entrance wounds, the blood and the fact Thannach was limping its way towards the open entrance, the woman made her move. “Do not argue with me, Charles. Or send ‘fucks’ in my direction.” Elizabeth warned, as the petite woman scrambled to her feet, half tripping upon the long hem of her dress to accomplish the small feat. As she came towards Thannich, the tiny demon creature skidded backwards from her, knowing it was far too injured to do much damage to Elizabeth.

She should kill it, and had she a weapon, she would have. But with Charles soaked in his own blood, the woman did not hesitate to swoop down and touch the creature, sending him to the outskirts of the city. Maybe he would heal, or maybe he would die-preferably the latter. With Thannich gone from the scene, Elizabeth did not wait to turn and return to Charles’ side. Not only was his car ruined, but so was his suit, shirt and a great deal of his flesh. “Can you heal any of this?” She asked, one hand to his neck, while the other brought the hem of her dress up to her lips, ripping the floral print. “You should not have helped me…” Her tone harsh, before it softened and the words, “But thank you.” Came from her lips, as she started ripping her dress. “I know you hate flowers, but some flowers and herbs have medicinal properties in them.” A small joke from something he told her a while back.

[Doc]

Doc: “Who is arguing.. Be my -*******- guest Lizzie!” He growled more from pain, than irritation and anger. He had to send a **** her direction. She asked for it. He would have smirked but hurt too much. He boosted his blood, then started accessing which wound to heal, so he could help Lizzie. But it seemed to be a moot point, as Lizzie teleported the fae to who knows where.

Then she did what he had expected, Lizzie took him to task. The tone wasn’t scolding, but it was the look, that knowing ‘I told you’ look. “Yes..I can heal. I am accessing.. the damages. And I do not run from a fight. And I especially do not run when the other party is weaponless. What kind of ******* cad do you think I am..” He frowned at her, “More importantly…who is the ******* cad that did that to you in the past? You have some issues that are still hanging around. I hope Peter ******* bought the farm in a painful way, if he left you to fight alone and defenceless. Did he? Leave you? When you needed him most?”

Elizabeth: She had heard the ‘****’ and had ignored it in favour of busying herself with tending to him. She helped assist him with his blood loss, before she glanced down at him, and then laughed. “You can be insufferable.” There was humour to her voice and a smile that accompanied that statement. The hem of her dress had been ripped away so that she could start wrapping it under his arm and over his shoulder, since that wound was probably the least of his worries. “I would start with your back…” She commented, before the smile and the twinkle from her eyes vanished.

Confusion washed over her features as Doc started defending himself. But when he mentioned the name Peter, her lips pressed together tightly. Until he mentioned Peter leaving her. Elizabeth laughed then and shook her head. “I am sorry.” She apologized for laughing, still wrapping his shoulder. “Peter is-was my brother. One of them. He did not leave me.” She sighed and then tucked the shred of dress under the wrap. “He was my youngest, older brother...born just before I was.” She took a small scoot away from him before continuing. “We were very close, given our age. My issue with him is not that he left me, but that he disappointed me. Did not help me, nor defend me when I needed him the most.” Elizabeth stood and crossed her arms. “Growing up, he had defended me and helped me, but in one instance he did not. It was perhaps the biggest disappointing experience in my lifetime, with the exception of the death of James.” She lifted her shoulders upwards, then moved away from the discussion. “I am terribly sorry for your car, shirt and suit coat...and the door to your lodge. And anything else.” Elizabeth was almost afraid to start looking around to see what Thannich may have done during his path of destruction.

Doc: Doc suffered through her ministrations with a clenched jaw, he was in pain, she was trying to help. He would try to be a ‘good’ patient. And when she said he was insufferable, he grinned a bloody grin, “It is one of my more endearing qualities..” He winked at her as he nodded about healing his back. He closed his eyes, and focused on healing when she apologized.

Once the back was healed Doc turned toward her and gave her his undivided attention. She had been sold out by someone she trusted the most. Family that had been there for her in the past, but for some reason, sold her out later. And she was apologizing to him? “Lizzie you have nothing to be sorry for. Nothing. Faes’ happen. We deal with it and move on. It wasn’t your fault. It is the cost of being who we are.”

Doc laughed. It was a painful, short laugh, but still a laugh. “You have to admit.. I do know how to show a girl a good time.. From puking in front of strangers..” he referenced the infamous Christmas Sweater Party.. “To being attacked by a rabid female hormonal Fae Demon.. I dare anyone to top that…” he winked at her audaciously, “Am I right?”

Elizabeth: “Let us not forget breaking my arm either.” She pointed an accusatory finger in his direction, before laughing. For as blunt and crass as Doc could be at moments, there was an endearing quality about him as well. Nothing Elizabeth would admit to, but his fix it and move on attitude was as appreciated as it was appealing.

“Yes, but...now we are doorless, fire less and...well....less of you.” She extended a hand in his direction. “You cannot drive like that. You are missing a shoulder, practically.” Elizabeth knew well enough that Doc would be fine and would heal in a night or two, but what about tonight? “And I...I cannot drive.” She was sure she could learn how to drive, but the woman was very adverse to the idea of it.

“I have a fireplace. In the penthouse in the alpha towers...” Elizabeth said slowly, her arms resting at each side of her petite frame. “If one is interested, that is.” It was an invitation, vague, perhaps, but one nonetheless.

Doc: “Oooo.. Are you inviting me for a sleepover? What would everyone say? **** them,, **** yes! I love Sleepovers! We can make s’mores!” He gave her a half pain-filled half-cheeky as **** eyebrow waggle. Though truth be told, they both knew it would be all he could do to stand, much less walk.

Then Doc sobered. “Wait.. Are there flowers? I ******* hate flowers. Nevermind.. **** it. I will deal with the flowers. You will have to teleport me, though. I used all my mojo healing and boosting and making sure all my shots hit my target. I got nothing left.”

That last comment took Doc, himself, by surprise. There was no hesitation. He had admitted a weakness openly. That was not like him. He was usually so careful NOT to admit a weakness. But here, he had just admitted that he was out. If she wanted, she could send him to the Shadow Realm with no trouble. Somehow he knew she wouldn’t. He trusted Lizzie. The people he trusted, were few. But he was relieved to know that he had one more that he could count as an allie.

Elizabeth: Elizabeth looked at Doc while shaking her head with a warm smile. She waited on him to finish before, she addressed the potential flower issue. “I have not been there in years, the last of the flowers died long ago. I am almost positive. And if there are, they will be well and truly dead and need to be disposed of.” Elizabeth moved towards Doc and then knelt down beside him.

“As for a sleep-over, that is very presumptuous and scandalous.” She laughed before arching her brows in a coquette fashion. Was she flirting with Charles? Perhaps a little. She moved onwards, bypassing the thought. “One may find themselves disappointed, I do not believe there is any food in the apartment, and I do not desire to vomit upon thee again.” She admitted, not desiring to relive that sensation again. “But there are books, of all types there.” As if that were a happy compromise of sorts.

“I am going to teleport thee.” She said, as her hand reached out for him, mindful of where to place it due to his injuries. “Then, I will follow thee.” She assured him, before a hand landed on his chest and teleported him outside the small complex. A few seconds later, Elizabeth was there, offering him a hand as she stood at his side. “We have to go up to the top floor, but thankfully there is an elevator. Twenty steps at most.” Maybe more like thirty, but twenty seemed more doable than thirty or potentially forty.

Doc: Doc gave her his best ne’er-do-well grin, “Baby.. Scandalous is my middle name.” He gripped her hand, grimacing but still playing the gallant knight in shining armor, “It was a pain in the *** to explain that middle name in middle school…” He exhaled in a grunt, as the tensing muscles rebelled in angry shooting pains. He had to brace himself on her shoulder as well, “Charles .. Scandalous.. Nilson..” He was finally on his feet. He felt like he had just scaled Mount Everest. “Books? I love books.” He felt lightheaded.

“Teleport away..” Doc knew he could hold it together .. only a few more minutes.. Before he would pass out. Yes Vampires had higher tolerances for pain than humans, but being liberally lacerated by an angry Fae.. was not fun. He would take a bullet to the head any day.

After what felt like eons, Doc was in an unknown area. But he was still on his feet. Doc smirked tiredly, he took a step and almost keeled over except that Lizzie was there, once more offering her hand. “We really have to ..” He had to pause, the effort of speaking was even too much, “.. stop meeting like this..”

Elizabeth: “Perhaps,” She said in agreement, before adding on, “But then we would be denying the world the scandals they crave.” She teased him as her free hand found the entrance door and pushed it open for the both of them; her leading him inside. Thankfully, the corridor wasn’t very long or wide and once they made it inside the elevator, it would be five steps to get to the front door of the penthouse, as it was the only living quarters on the floor.

Once they were inside the elevator and the door closed, she propped Doc against a wall of the elevator, and placed a palm to one of his cheeks. “As much as I enjoy our conversations...you should save your energy for the final steps out of here and into the penthouse.” Her eyes fixed on his face, before offering him a smile. “There is a chaise near the fireplace. Straight ahead from the doorway. Straight ahead.” She said one more time, before the elevator door opened and revealed the same tiled flooring as the main entrance way. A pair of keys were pulled from one of the two small pockets within the waistline of the dress, as they walked, wishing to save time and find the key. Elizabeth knew it was on the ring...but which one it was, was another story. Perhaps a sign that she owned one too many properties.

“Here we are.” Elizabeth said as they reached the doorway and she placed a key inside the lock. It turned, thankfully and she shoved the door open. “Straight ahead.” Elizabeth reminded him, a hand pointing to the black chase a few feet away from the fireplace. “We can make it.” She told him with profound assurance as they made their way inside.

Doc: As long as he was moving, he was good. One foot in front of the other. He could do this. Meanwhile, another part of him was cursing how foolish he was to try to take on the Fae in the first place. He had decided to meet it head on, in a show of force. But he had overlooked his powers. He silently cursed at himself. He could teleported it away, as Lizzie did. But his thoughts had not even gone there.

Once they reached the door, Doc laid his palm on the wall, bracing himself up until Lizzie got the door open. His thoughts playing back the final scene, Lizzie moving with purpose toward the creature, placing her hand on it..and teleporting it away. He felt foolish for even engaging the beast in battle. Why the **** didn’t he think to teleport it away? He was still thinking like a human, doing things that were tangible. He had studied too long to learn what he had, to not use it.

So lost in his self loathing, he was startled when Lizzie motioned and said straight ahead. Grunting as he pushed off the wall, he stumbled more than walked to the chaise. Upon reaching it, he sat down heavily, weary from the exertion of the walk. He released a pent up sigh, and fell over on his right side. The side that had taken the least amount of damage. Closing his eyes, he told himself he would just take a short nap, as he passed out.


Ooc Note: The following evening

Elizabeth: Elizabeth had claimed a red and black trimmed couch in the far corner of the room once Doc had found the chaise and seemed to be sleeping. Or at least resting from the battle with the tiny, hellacious creature that made a ‘grand appearance’ every few weeks when it was the least convenient for Elizabeth. Once, Thannich had shown up and destroyed an entire cooler of flowers for a wedding. It took a great amount of time for her reputation to regain its balance once again after that escapade.

Her eyes took in the light and dark contrasts of the room, as curious about the decor now, as she had been over a year ago when she entered the penthouse. Dark were the floors, and most the furniture within the penthouse, making her nose scrunch up in disdain. Then, there was a sharp contrast of white every so often. The marble fireplace and mantle. An empty vase on the black piano and the conflicting raven insignia’s scattered throughout the main areas of the home.

Blue orbs landed upon a book nearest to her and her fingers moved to collect the book. She opened the front cover and smiled when Elizabeth read the written words in there. She had not seen the book in some time, but there was no denying who had given it to her given the word ‘lady’ within it. Only one in the city referred to her in such a fashion, and that was when she frowned. Where had Myk gone off to all these weeks? Something Elizabeth would find out another night…

Ooc Note: The following evening

Elizabeth: She had left Doc in the main area of the penthouse and finally retreated to one of the two bedrooms within the penthouse. Had Elizabeth been worried about Doc waking up before her and going through the penthouse? Not in the slightest. She had nothing of great importance here.

When Elizabeth had woke from her own sleep, her furrows browed at the unfamiliarity of the room. It took a few seconds for Elizabeth to recall how she got here and why she was here. Doc! Elizabeth removed the dark purple duvet from around her frame, and then instantly snapped it back up and towards her. She listened to the sounds in the apartment, before making her move to the torn, tattered and bloodied dress from off the floor. All the clothes here were her childre-her Chicory’s mostly, and there was no possibility that Elizabeth would wear anything leather, or took the shape of pants. Her head disappeared into the dress, then was tugged down abruptly, before Elizabeth moved to the half open door of the bedroom, listened again and then moved to the main living space, with a questionable, “Charles?”

Doc: Doc had slept like the dead. He was used to someone usually Kaelyn or Molly sleeping with him, kicking him, stealing the sheets, laying across him; but this time, there was no one kicking, punching or pushing at him. He had been able to go into a healing trance and lay unmoving, while his body healed. The trance allowed him to heal faster than normal, but that did not mean he was completely healed. Not by a long shot. His skin was no longer lacerated, and the shoulder wasn’t mincemeat any more. But there was still healing to be done.

He heard the voice calling out to him, and he tried to sit up too fast, winning him the glorious prize of sharp stabbing pain. He groaned and grimaced, as the memories of the night before came flooding back. The Fae Demon. His less than stellar performance at kicking its ***. It was more like, he got his *** and shoulder handed to him; while Lizzie sauntered up and poofed it goodbye. Before he fell into his trance, he made a plan to go back to studying his powers. He needed to refocus his attentions. He had been too focused on work of late. Without the nightly hunts with Ty, he had gotten sloppy. Lazy even. That would have to change.

Doc sat up, wincing as he stretched muscles that were not completely healed. “Lizzie..” It was uttered with a gravely ‘I just woke up’ voice, “Clothes.. Tee shirt.. Got one I can borrow?”

Elizabeth: As she moved from the hallway and into the main living area, Elizabeth’s eyes fell upon Doc and saw him sitting up. “One should-” She held a hand up, but it was too late. Doc had was up and in obvious discomfort. “Lay still awhile.” She said, her tone, slightly amused as she came to his side. “I...am not certain. Perhaps in the room down there.” It was difficult to say what her eldest childre had left in the penthouse before they made their own destinies and stories. “I shall be right back. Stay here.” She warned with a finger, before the woman flitted off in a hurry.

The sound of drawers could be heard as Elizabeth rummaged through them, pulling out whatever she could find that ‘might’ fit Doc. Gaijin had been tall, but more wiry than Doc, while Regan taller and built wider. She found a plain v-neck t-shirt, a red t-shirt with a black footprint on it, accentuating the middle ‘toe’ and then a black button down t-shirt with tiny white words on the front pocket. What they said were beyond her care or concern for the time being. “I do not believe any of these genuinely suit thee, but...it is the best I have to offer thee.” Elizabeth offered Doc a small apologetic smile before holding each one up in her left hand, displaying them for his choosing. “How do you feel, Charles?” She asked, eyes looking towards his shoulder and neck for the time being.

Doc: “I have lain still all day.” He rubbed his eyes with his thumb and index finger. “I think I can sit up without causing too much damage.” ‘I hope’, Doc muttered to himself as she went off the search out a shirt. When she returned, she displayed shirt after shirt, like she was Vanna White. He smirked to himself over the thought. She probably would not have any clue what he was referring to if he had told her.

Doc almost picked the red tee shirt until he envisioned having to raise both his arms over his head to get it on. Yeah.. that wasn’t going to happen. His skin was healed, but that did not mean all the muscles and tendons from his torn up shoulder had healed yet. “The black button up, please.” He paused, side stepping her question about how he felt. He wasn’t in a hurry to admit, he felt like he had been chewed up and spit out. That was the last thing wanted. He wanted to blithely smile and say he felt fine, and she needn’t worry about him at all. But every move, even the slightest one, still caused him to want to wince.

“Once I get cleaned up, I will get out of your hair, and I will be make sure you get this shirt back.” He gave her an apologetic smirk. “Sorry about the disaster last evening..” He felt rather pleased with himself. He was able say that without any outward sign of pain.

Elizabeth: The other shirts were set aside on one of the two red couches, before she moved to him with the red shirt. Elizabeth had noticed the lack of an answer in regards to how he was feeling, which was an indication of how Charles was feeling. If he had said fine and he was not, it would have been a lie and Elizabeth had asked him to never lie to her, even if it was not something she may like, or wish to hear. “The shirt belongs to someone who does not reside within the city limits anymore. They shall not be needing it back.” Elizabeth moved around Doc, observing the wounds upon his back, before stopping in front of him.

“What is one apologizing for? It was not your fae demon…” Elizabeth stated as she pondered what Charles had meant by ‘getting out of her hair.’ When her mind wandered to the main source in which Elizabeth garnered unknown information, she frowned and crossed her arms. “You think you are annoying me?” She tipped her head, each arm dropping to her side before the shirt was dropped to the chaise he had slept upon all day. “That could be the furthest thing from the truth, Charles. I enjoy your company immensely.” Elizabeth said quietly, as she found the tips of her toes and pressed her lips to the corner of his own. “If I was bothered with the company, I would tell thee.” She said while Elizabeth’s feet found the entirety of their soles once again.

Doc: Doc watched her as she crossed over toward him. She appeared distracted. His presumption was proved correct when she brought him the red tee shirt instead of the black button up, he had requested. When she spoke about the fae demon, she used the words ‘not yours’. “The black shirt Lizzie,” He said, and then launched into a the next subject before he gave her time to reply, “You said, ‘not your fae’. What do you mean by that? Can they be controlled?”

He shifted his seating position, and slowly attempted to stretch his arms and back, in hopes to help loosen the muscles up. “Because.. If it were mine.. I would be pretty pissed if it attacked me like that, for being.. ‘Mine’.” He waited for her to hand him the black shirt, “I have been pretty lucky in that regard, apart from the faes in the ritual altar, I have avoided them pretty well.” He frowned, “Which is why it doesn’t make sense for one to be there at the lodge.”

“Aren’t they supposed to keep a low profile around humans? This lodge is really close to the ski resort. Humans are all over the place. Why would it take a chance?”

Elizabeth: She looked down at the shirt in her hands and then back at the couch before nodding. “Forgive me.” She had been so busy trying to gauge Doc’s healing that she hadn’t picked the right shirt. “I...do not know. I do not believe so.”

Elizabeth dropped the red shirt and grabbed him the black one. She stood there, ensuring that it was the black one before, stepping towards him again. “I imagine that perhaps Thannich could be...if one captured him and placed a barrier.” Elizabeth had not thought of it before, simply because catching it seemed near impossible given the warpath the creature made while near her. “What I meant was that Thannich was not yours in the sense of your burden to shoulder. Nothing more.” Elizabeth offered him the black shirt after glancing down at it again. “I do not know much about the fae to make any sort of claims on what I think or believe.” She smiled at him apologetically, before lifting her shoulders into a small shrug. “There is a bathroom where I came from. If it is needed.” Elizabeth raised a finger towards the bedroom decorated in mostly grey and black hues. “Towels are near the sink in a cabinet.”

Doc: Doc gave her a tired but still somewhat impish crooked grin, as she made the comment about the burden to shoulder, “Oh I don’t know.. I am pretty sure it was..my shoulder.. And it wasn’t lightweight. Yes.. I was definitely my shoulder burden. No one else’s.” He looked at her, “Do you know how I know…?” He pointed to his shoulder, “That’s how I know.”

He was on a roll. She was telling him to take a shower. It wasn’t that insulting. Alright it was kind of insulting. “I am that bad? ****.” He tried to give her a hurt pitiful wounded look, but something about her disposition, as she handed him the black shirt, made him rethink giving her a hard time. “I’m just teasing you.. You seem morose. What’s up? If I upset you, tell me. Please. I would rather you tell me, and get it out in the open, then you ignore it, and it festers.. And then the next thing you know you’re taking off my leg, because I left the shower a mess…”

Elizabeth: Her lips flickered with amusement, before she shook her head. “I had meant a wash cloth…” She laughed a little, before her blue hues danced with a tinge of deviousness behind them. “I would go for your thumbs. Still in one piece, but unable to do much. How very frustrating it would be for an evening...perhaps two.” Her lips pressed together to flatline in thought. “I feel dreadful about last night...and-” Elizabeth claimed a cushion on the red and black sofa, crossing her left leg over the right at her ankles. “Last evening, one was in a difficult situation and one believed that I would-or could control the fae creature. I can understand such a thought as one was frustrated.”

Both hands found a place in her lap, before she continued. “Tonight, one seems to imply the same thing. That I can control such a thing. You are suspicious of me. Think I would intentionally hurt thee?” Fingers found the black material and nestled the fabric between her thumb, pointer and middle fingers, and caressed the material with the fingers. “Do those that you often consider an acquaintance try to kill thee? Or am I the unique lucky one?” Her head tipped slightly, eyes upon him while she spoke.

Doc: “What?” Doc was confused. He was trying to apologize for last night, not blame her.. “Why would I think you can control a fae? I thought.. That You thought.. That I was controlling it..” He leaned back, and immediately regretted it. “Owww.. fff… me..” he groaned through gritted teeth. “And I wasn’t controlling it.. But.. if I could..” he counted and regulated his breathing in order to stop tensing up, “I would love to unleash one or two fae on a few of those that I hate. Pratt, being one.. If you’re interested in knowing who...”

“And no.. I did not think you were trying to hurt me..” He added, then slowly he looked at her, was she trying to hurt him? Now he was tense again. No. That was not correct. If she wanted to harm him, she had the perfect opportunity when he was zoned out on her, now, ruined chaise lounge. His gaze went from her to the bloody chaise lounge. “No.. you are actually one of the few of my acquaintances that I would not thought that of. ” He turned to look at her again, “But you haven’t known me that long.. Things change.”

Elizabeth: Pratt. The name rung a bell and her eyes held a look of surprise and confusion. She had met him once before, when Serry had told Elizabeth that she had bound herself to him. Everything Serry had said about Mr. Pratt seemed nothing but good. “My ‘sister’ is bound-married to a Mister Pratt.” Elizabeth said idly, wondering if perhaps they were different Pratt’s. It was possible after all.

It was true that Elizabeth had not known Doc well, which begged the question as to why? He had been a vampire for some time now, and they had rarely met until recently. Her eyes narrowed a little at the words ‘things change.’ Was it a foreboding perhaps? Was Doc planning on doing something to ‘change’ their current circumstance? “This is possible.” She said in agreement, while her eyes slowly returned to their normal positioning; one that was far less defensive. “Hopefully not, but…” She trailed off with a soft raise of her shoulders. It would be far more likely that Doc would change things than she would. Her expectations of people had dropped significantly within the last five years, finding the vampires and people of today extremely...disappointing. If there was no instant gratification, they grew bored and moved on to where they could get the validation they wanted, not necessarily needed. “I had a nice time, even if the night ended on a different note.” Elizabeth had not expected for Thannich to show up, but there was nothing that she could have done. Would have been able to do. “I should perhaps bid thee a pleasant evening so that I may go shower and change…” A soft smile was extended in Doc’s direction, as the woman dipped her head ever so lightly.

Doc: Doc blinked, her sister was married to Pratt? He made a face of pure revulsion. “My sympathies to your sister.” He was going to let it drop, but if her sister was in any way cared for by Lizzie, he needed to do due diligence. “Have you spoken to her recently? Is she doing...well?” Even as he asked the question, other questions bubbled up that he needed to ask.

“Lizzie you do know Pratt.. Right? You know what a manipulating soul sucking ******** he is?” He watched her as she changed the subject and intended to leave. He was about to ask her to wait; when he stopped himself. Perhaps this was her way of not answering his questions. It was fair. Perhaps he had crossed a line. He understood keeping certain things close to your vest, he did it himself. He would make a strategic retreat when things got too close.

“Right..” He nodded. “Then I am going to head home and crash. Take care..” He pulled his tome, read it, and dispersed.