Be My 'Date'?
Posted: 30 Jul 2017, 13:38
Backdated to June 27
Elizabeth: Elizabeth had been back two evenings now and had once again searched her private emails for a reply from Alaric. Nothing. This caused the woman to frown a little, before she decided to take a more direct approach. Elizabeth turned off the computer with a press of a button with a single fingertip before she stood and both gently and quietly entered the other elder’s mind.
Forgive the intrusion of one’s thoughts, Alaric, but I was curious to know if one possessed an email account? I had emailed thee before my trip, but believe you have not received the email. Is there a preferred way of communication that you desire? Direct and to the point was sometimes the best route.
As Elizabeth moved to her closet, the telepath had an epiphany. She had not identified herself, and so after a few seconds, more thoughts followed with, More apologies. This is Elizabeth. It was entirely possible that he knew who was within his head, but she wanted him to be certain.
[ALARIC] The elder was out for his nightly walk; he tried to be outdoors as much as he was indoors, if only because it was something he had sorely missed. Although propriety dictated that he should wear shoes, he most often did not -- he revelled in the feel of the soil and the crisp grass between his toes far too much for them to be hindered by footwear. Out near the edge of the wilderness there was nothing to bother Alaric -- there were no signals out here, no electronic buzzing trying to invade his mind. Whatever lifeforms were back at the estate were far enough away that the temptation to delve into memories or well being was kept at bay. It was pure silence out here, except for the chitter and chatter of the bugs and the breeze whispering through the leaves of the trees.
It was a surprise to the elder, therefore, when a voice penetrated the silence and spoke directly to his mind. It wasn’t an invasive voice, my any means. It was like a bubbling brook, a gush of cool breeze. Soothing, even. She hadn’t needed to clarify; Alaric only knew a handful of other vampire -- three, to be exact, two of which were telepaths. One was his sire, and he knew what her voice sounded like. And the other was Elizabeth -- similarly, he knew what her face sounded like.
Alaric’s backside found the grass and his body followed suit, sending a flurry of fireflies launching into the air. He watched them, lazily, while he communicated with the other elder.
I think that I do, but I do not use it. I am not sure how. I was aware of a communication from you but I did something wrong. I cannot find it again. I contacted you like this. Perhaps it did not work? Telepathy works. It is good to hear from you, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth: A lightweight coat had been pulled from the closest, it seemed there was a cool front in Harper Rock, based off what she had seen upon the internet. Weather did not bother her in the way it would humans, but Elizabeth still liked to ‘play the part’ of appearing to be human when among them.
It had only taken a minute at most to receive a reply back, as long as it had taken her to pull the coat off the hanger, really. The lack of response to the email made sense now, as Elizabeth replaced the hanger back into the closet.
Perhaps one accidently deleted it, or it was moved to a new folder. Well, I suppose it matters not now, as this works just as well, if not better. She slid the light brown coloured coat upon her shoulders, pulled her blonde hair free, then moved to grab her purse from off her dresser. There is a city meeting of sorts upon the fourteenth...Is one busy this evening? Elizabeth abruptly asked as she moved from her penthouse to the elevator.
[ALARIC] Alaric started to look beyond the fireflies and toward the stars in the ink-black sky. The longer he stared the more there were -- and at least that was one thing that had not changed. The stars would always stay the same. He was already picking out the numerous constellations even as Elizabeth answered, Alaric nodding as if she were sitting across from him and could see his agreement. It was very likely that Alaric had ‘accidentally’ done something, and he wasn’t so proud that he couldn’t admit it.
I am rarely busy, he replied, though the latter half of the question confused him. Where is it, the meeting? Do you know who is going? Why is it that you want to go? I can make sure that I do not make plans for the fourteenth. Is that what you mean? Or are you asking whether I am busy tonight? he asked. He made no move to sit up just yet -- not until he was certain what it was that Elizabeth was asking.
Elizabeth: Elizabeth stepped outside into the night, and glanced around the park while Alaric’s thoughts continued. She laughed a little at his reply; the one of being rarely busy. Outside of her businesses, Elizabeth too was rarely busy. Perhaps that was how life for elders genuinely were. She doubted that Cosimo, or Alexandrea were rarely busy. ”It is at a cafe. An internet one. And I know of one or two going, but there seems to be some minor interest by other parties upon the Crow. I cannot begin to guess what the turnout may be, but this is the first time something like this has been offered or suggested among our kind for...years. She started traveling the width of the park towards the train station, then stopped to claim a seat on an empty park bench.
And yes. I do wish to go to see what, if any direction the residence of our community wish to go. Stances upon things. And… Her thoughts stopped abruptly as Elizabeth decided why it was she was asking if he was busy tonight. A telepathic conversation did not take up the majority of the night. I suppose, both. I was inquiring if one was busy then and one is busy now.
[ALARIC] An internet cafe. Alaric frowned up at the stars as if they were party to his doubts and silent fears. As if their winking and blinking were a silent conversation only for him, a kind-of morse code as they counseled him on his predicament. He did want to be more involved than he had been before; vampires were known to mankind, now, and if a repeat of the slaughter in the past could be prevented, then he would help to prevent it. And he could only do so if he were in the loop, as it were. He would have to try to overcome his difficulties.
Technology is not my friend. I fear that to be within an internet cafe will be overwhelming… he admitted. It was something he had not had to admit to his own family, as he was sure it was obvious given his demands to remove all technology from the library, and the odd things they had witnessed from him in the past. To Elizabeth… he did not know why it was such an easy thing to admit. But he trusted her.
That is not to say that I will not go. Only I am not sure how long I will stay, he said. He’d been going into the city more and more, and had been testing his limits. This would be but just one more test. And he had never been one to run away from his fears. Now, he sat up, pushing himself to his feet and brushing the grass from his backside.
I am not busy… he said, turning and walking back to the beacon of lights that made up the von der Marck Estate.
Elizabeth: She understood his reservations. Technology and Elizabeth had a strange relationship. Sometimes, the woman could not do without it, yet in the next minutes that followed, she needed everything that was connected to the internet and more to be shut off. Then, if we must, we shall leave early. Elizabeth assured Alaric. What was missed she could attain from others that were there-if not from Doc himself. She promised that she would go, and she would, but she would also take into account the feelings and thoughts of her companion for the evening. It would be rude not to.
With Alaric solidifying the point that he would not be busy then, or was not busy now, Elizabeth looked towards the train station. Can one get to Thornside Park? I have something to show thee. Elizabeth then glanced to the east which was populated by woods primarily.
[ALARIC] Ja. I can catch the train, he said. He was already mostly dressed -- he would only have to pull on a jacket and some shoes. It was rare that Alaric von der Marck slouched around the Estate in anything less than semi-formal -- getting dressed was the first thing he did every evening. He was curious, of course, and he would be lying to himself if he didn’t admit it was nice to have something to do.
I will ride to Swansdale, then I will catch the train. I do not know how long that will take, but you will wait for me? he asked. Inside the estate the air was warm, welcoming. It was homely. He didn’t have to go all the way down into the dungeon to retrieve his jacket and shoes -- he’d left his jacket draped over the couch in the vast sitting room, and his shoes were in the closet near the front door (the one often used to house the jackets and hats of visitors, in the past). The items of clothing were retrieved and donned before he was out the side door and collecting his newly acquired bicycle from the garage.
Elizabeth: The thought of riding to swansdale left questions within her mind, ones she may ask later if the thought resurfaced within the night. Yes, of course I will wait for thee. With her assured thought sent out, Elizabeth glanced towards the honeymead train station where she assumed he would get off. He could also get off at Westwall, or Gullsborough, they would just take him to different entry points into the park.
The last time in which we spoke, one mentioned reading as a pastime. Is one reading anything, currently? I have picked up a book, called ‘The Great Gatsby.’ Has one ever read, or heard of the title? Also, if I am distracting thee from achieving the destination, please feel free to state as such. She could opt to sit in relative silence and wait for Alaric, but Elizabeth wanted to assure him that she would wait however long it took, and more nights than not, when not at one of her businesses, Elizabeth was surrounded in silence. The conversation served a purpose to her, equally.
[ALARIC] There was something thrilling about riding a bike. The way the hair whipped through one’s hair -- though Alaric had been instructed that he should wear a helmet, that he could get booked for not wearing one. He had to be rebellious sometime, didn’t he? If he fell off the bike and slammed headfirst into the pavement, he would heal. So what did it matter?
It didn’t matter how loud the wind was in his ears, or the whirring of the wheels beneath him, he could still hear Elizabeth clear as day, and the voice he spoke to her with was unhindered by whatever exertion he had to put out in order to push the pedals. He could barely feel the fatigue it caused. It barely caused any.
I am not sure that I have read that one. There are many titles to choose from. It will be hard to catch up. At the moment I am reading ‘Crime and Punishment’ by a man called Dostoyevsky. It was published sixty years after my death. It is quite good, he said.
Elizabeth: Nothing in Alaric's returning thoughts indicated that he minded the distraction and so she would keep the lines of communication open. I must confess to never having heard that title, and am in agreement. To try and read even ten percent of the works that had been published while dead in the next hundred years would more than likely be...impossible. Though, the idea was slightly alluring. It would indicate that one would be left within quiet solitude...quiet being the highlight of that thought.
The Great Gatsby is a work of art that is fiction, but could be real in theory. It takes place in the 1920's. I have not gotten far within the novel, but it certainly is...different. The characters seemed intriguing enough, but it was not the typical genre that she normally read. However, Diederik gave her a copy of the book, and so she would attempt to read it. Has one traveled much within the city, or out of it? The outskirts, I suppose?
[ALARIC] When we are both finished, we will swap, he said. There was a way Alaric had of speaking that was very forthright; he spoke in statements rather than in questions, though many would say that was the German in him. Something about the German language didn’t leave much room for speculation. In many ways Alaric von der Marck was confidence, and was sure of himself. It was only sometimes, in regards to modern technology, that he felt out of his depth.
I explored the a lot before my death. It has changed in the past two centuries. It is bigger. I fear one day it will encroach upon the estate that I have built. For now, it is still far enough away. I try to explore a little at a time, now. Ja, I mostly know the edges, he said. He’d already admitted to Elizabeth his tendency to become overwhelmed -- he didn’t feel like he had to repeat himself. She would understand.
Elizabeth: Elizabeth's lips pressed together in an amused laugh at his statement in regards to their books. It could be terrible... She warned him, before adding on, But, I would very much like that. Elizabeth shifted upon the bench to cross her left ankle behind her right. Yes. I imagine much has changed within the city and out of it. I did not venture much in or out of it for the small time in which I lived here before my longest duration of death.
Her blue hues shifted towards the east, and then to the west, keeping an eye for his potential approach-though it had only been mere minutes. If one wishes to keep the city from ones grounds, one may think about trying to purchase surrounding lands. If that is an possibility one has not thought about. Though, the city is not too terrible. Parts of it. She mused within his mind, her thoughts about the city.
[ALARIC] Death. It was such a morbid topic, and yet the two elders were able to touch on it without much thought -- though to truly muse upon it, to talk about what it was like, about the nightmares that still plagued him, that was something that could perhaps wait until another night.
By this point he had reached the station and was waiting for his train -- walking, it would have taken him much longer, but the bike, when used the right way, was fast. And it was mostly downhill. Swansdale station was not too far from the outskirts; it wasn’t a busy station, which Alaric liked. He locked the bike up just outside of it and wandered inside to wait for the next north-bound train. He’d done this enough, now, to know what he was doing.
That is a good idea. I will look into it, he said. The estate was already vast, but adding to it would not be a bad idea. I am at the train station. The train will be here soon. Is that what you wish to show me? A part of the city that is not too terrible?
Elizabeth: Death to Elizabeth no longer scared her as it did the first time she had died upon her return. She had returned too many times to let it bother her-especially if the cause behind it was meaningful, or just. Yes, and no. Her response was so very cryptic, and so, as to not make Alaric potentially suspicious of this impromptu gathering, Elizabeth continued with her thoughts.
It is a sore sight for any eyes...but...it is important for thee. Or, perhaps at least something one should know about and have the knowledge about. Still, vaguely cryptic, but if Elizabeth said where it was they were going, chances are he might not want to go-or he may have even been there before. And then what? If Alaric had been here before, then she would have to come up with an alternative location and that would require more time and thinking on Elizabeth’s end. Where would one take someone who did not enjoy city life and she...had her own issues with the wilderness and the things that occupied it.
[ALARIC] Something that was important. Alaric frowned, wondering exactly what Elizabeth was getting at. They’d met twice before this, and hadn’t communicated much with each other otherwise. How was it that Elizabeth knew what was important for Alaric…? Except, of course, what she knew herself to be important as a vampire. As an elder, who knew more about this city than Alaric did, who often felt like he was playing a game of catch-up -- not just with modern technology and clothing and manners, but with vampires. With his sire. With the history of their kind which he had never been privy to, forced to figure it all out on his own.
The train pulled into the station and Alaric waited for passengers to step off before he stepped into the carriage. He would have to keep an eye on the stations, keep an ear out for the conductor, who would tell them where they were getting off next.
I am on the train. I will get off when it arrives at Westwall, he said. It was the one station he liked best, if going to the abandoned sewers, or to visit the park. There was only one road to cross before one was welcomed by the park’s greenery and hushed quiet. I thank you, Elizabeth. You are helping me, and I did not have to ask.
Elizabeth: Westwall. Elizabeth slowly stood up from the bench and turned to face the direction that was behind her. Quick, tiny steps moved her around the bench so that Elizabeth may head in the direction of the abandoned sewers and past that to meet with the other elder. I would not thank me yet. Elizabeth countered with a small laugh that only she would hear. You may not find anything in which I share with thee tonight to be important or worth-wild... Elizabeth bypassed a small group of young adults that were gathered, smoking and talking about plans for tonight. A movie, a club, were some of the things offered as suggestions as Elizabeth moved past and around them.
I will meet thee at the station. I do hope one does not mind walking. I could always teleport thee to the northern city limits. She offered, eyes moving to the water that surrounded her tower, then back towards the train station. I do not mind walking, so the choice is yours, Alaric. Elizabeth could walk a great distance in heels, and not be bothered in the slightest.
[ALARIC] I do not mind walking, Alaric said; he remained standing on the train, long fingers curled around the bar to keep himself balanced. He focused on the conversation he was having in his head rather than on the noise around him. There were a few other people on the train; a couple in quiet conversation, a trio of friends laughing at some joke, and two people on their own -- one was reading a book, the other was on his phone. Alaric could feel the buzz of the signals pushing at the edge of his mind but he’d learned enough, by now, to be able to block them out. So long as there weren’t too many of them, and so long as they were not incessant. At least it was nothing like the night the signals had first broken through, his telepathic mind opening up to the new world had sent him to his knees.
Does it matter if it is not something I find important or worthwhile? he asked. Overhead, the conductor announced the next station as Wickbridge. Wickbridge was where Alaric did not like to go -- it was a busier part of the city, and there were memories attached to it that he’d prefer not to dwell on.
That you think that it is important, and wish to show me -- is that not what matters?
Elizabeth: Elizabeth stopped and thought about the first question. Did it matter? To some, it very well might. It might be considered a waste of time, but time was what they were afforded the most among their kind. I suppose it depends on you. Her thoughts came before more of his own was shared with her. During his thoughts, Elizabeth continued, once again, upon her path towards the Westwall station.
His next question left her deep in thought and allowed the longest amount of silence since they started conversing telepathically. That is a heavy question to ask, Alaric. You are being kind, because we share a sire and so one may feel obliged to entertain flights of fancy, yet does it matter to a victim of a grave crime why the crime was committed by the individual, or only that it had been committed? Her head tipped in thought, while her hands found the pockets within her lightweight coat.
Tell me something...what is one thing you enjoy doing that you never thought was possible, or did not enjoy doing before your return? Elizabeth asked as she left the park and found the source of modernization upon the concrete.
[ALARIC] It was indeed a philosophical quandary that they had gotten themselves into, and yet Alaric was smiling. Gazing out the window the moving train and yet seeing nothing at all, blocking all senses but that which received the voice that channelled directly into his mind. And, of course, his hearing, so that he would know when the train was to get off at his station. They had just left Wickbridge and were zooming toward Coastside, after which it would only be a minute before they arrived at Westwall.
That is a grave mindset that you entertain, Elizabeth -- that you should instantly think only of a crime rather than of something good. When one is given a gift, does one give it back if it is not liked? Or does one thank the giver, and instead acknowledge the good intention? Unless you intend to commit a crime against me… should I be wary? he asked. Though there was a hint of amusement to his tone, Elizabeth’s grave reflections still had him wondering.
One thing that I enjoy doing…? he repeated the question and fell silent as he pondered the answer. The first thing that came to mind was a recent conversation with Leonie -- her views, and the modern views, on sexual intercourse. One could, these days, enjoy sex without moral concern. It is one thing he had not enjoyed before death, it had left him feeling dirty. But then, this was not a thought he dwelled on. It was not impossible before, nor did he think he would enjoy it now -- freedom to do so or not. You bring me shame. I realise that I have not embraced humanity as much as I should. Things made possible that were once impossible have come to be because of technology, ja? I avoid technology. I do not like cars. The train, the one that I am on now, it even makes me anxious. It is not something I would say that I enjoy. I still prefer fire to electricity, though electric light is constant, and is a comfort. The clothes! I enjoy the freedom of the clothing. Though it is jarring to see so little cloth on women, sometimes, for myself I am far more comfortable in these simpler styles.
Elizabeth: Elizabeth felt the corners of her lips pull into a smirk as Alaric inquired about his potential safety when dealing with her. She overlooked that thought for a second, as the woman thought about his idea of a gift. I suppose it depends on the one sending the gift. I doubt the residents of Troy would thank the greeks for their gift of a large horse once they knew what was within. Elizabeth laughed, but could see Alaric’s point. More times than not, she thanked the individual, and seldom returned the gifts she received. And, I mean this in any scenario...one should always be wary when dealing with our kind, Alaric. Did she mean him harm? No, but others very well may. Their species was a fickle one.
Elizabeth took a seat upon a bench at the station to Alaric’s liking, frowning when he confessed to her bringing him shame for asking about his current past-times. The blonde telepath waited for further explanation, then nodded her head lightly. She understood now, and felt a little of the same way in which he felt on some respects. Cars were something that she typically avoided, having only been in one twice this year, and not at all the year prior, or to that either. Trains were a necessary evil, but could be avoided with celerity, if she so decided.
The mention of fire brought a stillness from within Elizabeth as her eyes scanned the immediate area. Her preference was electricity, even at the ‘noise’ it made. When Alaric mentioned the clothing, her focus shifted and once again laughter would be heard within his mind. Yes, the clothing of this time is...most...interesting. She agreed with him, as her eyes landed on a couple walking up the stairs and claiming a seat on a different bench. I enjoy the piano...has one ever played? Something that had not changed over the centuries...not much. There were different types of pianos, but a standard one could still be found.
[ALARIC] The train pulled in to Coastside and when the doors opened, Alaric took a deep breath. He always did this. Although there was still the hint of pollution and humanity there was also the saltiness wafting in from the river. One day, he wanted to follow that river to its destination; he wanted to go the beach, and wander into the waves beneath the moonlight.
One should be wary when dealing with any kind, Elizabeth, he replied. It was matter-of-fact, a sighed statement that was not weighted with any particular bitterness or regret. One had to live a long time to realise that most people were fickle. Every vampire was a human before they were turned. Whatever they were capable of as vampires had to have always been there. The train started moving again and, as soon as the overhead conductor announced Westwall as the next stop, Alaric turned to the door, prepared. He was always anxious that if he did not press the button in time that the beast would not release him to the station, and he would have to get off at the next stop. It had never happened, but he was still fearful of it regardless.
I have not played the piano. The violin is my instrument of choice, he replied. I do enjoy listening to piano. One night you will play for me.
Elizabeth: Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement with Alaric’s sentiments about being wary in general. Indeed. Though, in truth, Elizabeth felt less wary as time progressed and she grew stronger, from most humans. Even most vampires. And with the knowledge that she could travel anywhere in a fraction of the time to ‘get away’ if need be, the woman felt more and more in control of what happened to her and how or when.
Her eyes traveled to the tracks, having moved off the couple on the bench as more of Alaric’s thoughts were shared within her mind. The violin. An instrument that she too found to be beautiful, along with the cello. Before Elizabeth had decided to take up learning another instrument, the woman had debated between the violin and the cello. The latter had won.
Alaric’s abrupt request had Elizabeth’s lips parting in a vocal laugh this go around. I may be swayed to. She more or less agreed to play for him, as her mind moved past just speaking with him, to his specific location. When the woman realized how close he was, she stood and moved closer to the edge of the platform. If one would be so kind to oblige me with their skill set in regards to the violin. Both of her hands found their way to her midsection, folded over the other, as Elizabeth waited for Alaric’s arrival.
[ALARIC] The train glided into the station even as Elizabeth’s response danced around his mind. He spotted the woman on the platform even as he heard her voice, his sharp eyes following her through the door’s window, the subtle smile still upon his lips. As soon as the train came to a complete stop he pushed the button and the doors, to his relief, snapped open with a hiss of air pressure. He wasted no time stepping from the train to the platform -- he hated the hot rush of air that billowed from beneath the train, as if he could step through that crack and off the platform. Why it terrified him so much he could not know. An intelligent person might surmise that it was not the train he was afraid of, nor the tracks or the humid warmth. It was the darkness.
“Of course,” he said, finally speaking out loud, his smile only broadening as he approached the other elder. “Hallo. You look flawless,” he said. Flawless. A word he had picked up recently. It was his habit to never read a book without a very large dictionary by his side. Whenever there was a word that he did not understand, he looked it up. It was, perhaps, how he had learned the language so quickly. Over time, his memory had only improved rather than degraded, as might have happened had he stayed human.
“I must first buy a violin,” he said. “It has been a while since I have practiced. I will hope that I still know how to play,” he said, clearly unphased about how horrible he might be. He would be happy only to have a violin back in his hands.
Elizabeth: As the train approached, Elizabeth’s eyes searched for Alaric; and even in only meeting him twice before, she had no difficulties in locating him. When she saw his small smile, Elizabeth reciprocated with one, one that was larger than his. Acquaintances, at best described their relationship, but she was still looking forward to their evening and his company. Elizabeth, though she often enjoyed silence, was not, nor ever had been a solitary creature. She could travel dozens of kilometers with others and just enjoy their presence while absorbing the silence.
“Alaric.” Elizabeth dipped her head slightly in greeting as he initiated it. Flawless was not a word in which Elizabeth was familiar with and so her mind traveled to the online world to understand its meaning. Perfect, or lacking imperfections were the first two definitions and it brought a couple of seconds of silence. It was a different, and strong compliment. “Thank you,” She said, her eyes taking in his appearance now that there was no one else around him. “And you...seem ever so debonair. The clothing, as you say, from this time suit thee well in multiple ways. The variation, I mean.” She had said it before when they had met by accident in the abandoned sewers and he had been wearing jeans. It seemed that no matter what Alaric wore, it suited his frame well.
It was good the subject had changed, because the blonde telepath seemed to be making excuses for complimenting him in such a way. She listened to Alaric’s potential problem and nodded understandingly, before Elizabeth turned in the direction in which they would need to go. “If one finds they need to remind themselves of what it is they may have lost...I know a woman. Her name is Meara. She meets with me three times a week to help me learn the cello. She is a wonderful teacher and her prices are fair.” Elizabeth offered to the other elder, as her eyes glanced in his direction from the side. “I could speak with her at some point. As for the violin, she gave me the name of a store and when I have been there to purchase my cello, they had a variety of violins.” Another subtle offer of help from Elizabeth, as they headed in the direction of the park.
[ALARIC] Alaric had not the capability to look up the meaning of words online. He could have, of course, if he knew how. As it was, he forcefully shut out the internet as much as he was able. The insistent buzzing of all the signals in his vicinity were always trying to get in, like bees constantly rapping against a glass window. But he would not let them in. He feared he would go insane if he did -- and this was the reason why he lost emails that were sent to him. Telepathy, however, was an old boon buddy. Something that he had always been capable of, and something that he far preferred.
Forgive the intrusion of one’s thoughts, Alaric, but I was curious to know if one possessed an email account? I had emailed thee before my trip, but believe you have not received the email. Is there a preferred way of communication that you desire? Direct and to the point was sometimes the best route.
As Elizabeth moved to her closet, the telepath had an epiphany. She had not identified herself, and so after a few seconds, more thoughts followed with, More apologies. This is Elizabeth. It was entirely possible that he knew who was within his head, but she wanted him to be certain.
[ALARIC] The elder was out for his nightly walk; he tried to be outdoors as much as he was indoors, if only because it was something he had sorely missed. Although propriety dictated that he should wear shoes, he most often did not -- he revelled in the feel of the soil and the crisp grass between his toes far too much for them to be hindered by footwear. Out near the edge of the wilderness there was nothing to bother Alaric -- there were no signals out here, no electronic buzzing trying to invade his mind. Whatever lifeforms were back at the estate were far enough away that the temptation to delve into memories or well being was kept at bay. It was pure silence out here, except for the chitter and chatter of the bugs and the breeze whispering through the leaves of the trees.
It was a surprise to the elder, therefore, when a voice penetrated the silence and spoke directly to his mind. It wasn’t an invasive voice, my any means. It was like a bubbling brook, a gush of cool breeze. Soothing, even. She hadn’t needed to clarify; Alaric only knew a handful of other vampire -- three, to be exact, two of which were telepaths. One was his sire, and he knew what her voice sounded like. And the other was Elizabeth -- similarly, he knew what her face sounded like.
Alaric’s backside found the grass and his body followed suit, sending a flurry of fireflies launching into the air. He watched them, lazily, while he communicated with the other elder.
I think that I do, but I do not use it. I am not sure how. I was aware of a communication from you but I did something wrong. I cannot find it again. I contacted you like this. Perhaps it did not work? Telepathy works. It is good to hear from you, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth: A lightweight coat had been pulled from the closest, it seemed there was a cool front in Harper Rock, based off what she had seen upon the internet. Weather did not bother her in the way it would humans, but Elizabeth still liked to ‘play the part’ of appearing to be human when among them.
It had only taken a minute at most to receive a reply back, as long as it had taken her to pull the coat off the hanger, really. The lack of response to the email made sense now, as Elizabeth replaced the hanger back into the closet.
Perhaps one accidently deleted it, or it was moved to a new folder. Well, I suppose it matters not now, as this works just as well, if not better. She slid the light brown coloured coat upon her shoulders, pulled her blonde hair free, then moved to grab her purse from off her dresser. There is a city meeting of sorts upon the fourteenth...Is one busy this evening? Elizabeth abruptly asked as she moved from her penthouse to the elevator.
[ALARIC] Alaric started to look beyond the fireflies and toward the stars in the ink-black sky. The longer he stared the more there were -- and at least that was one thing that had not changed. The stars would always stay the same. He was already picking out the numerous constellations even as Elizabeth answered, Alaric nodding as if she were sitting across from him and could see his agreement. It was very likely that Alaric had ‘accidentally’ done something, and he wasn’t so proud that he couldn’t admit it.
I am rarely busy, he replied, though the latter half of the question confused him. Where is it, the meeting? Do you know who is going? Why is it that you want to go? I can make sure that I do not make plans for the fourteenth. Is that what you mean? Or are you asking whether I am busy tonight? he asked. He made no move to sit up just yet -- not until he was certain what it was that Elizabeth was asking.
Elizabeth: Elizabeth stepped outside into the night, and glanced around the park while Alaric’s thoughts continued. She laughed a little at his reply; the one of being rarely busy. Outside of her businesses, Elizabeth too was rarely busy. Perhaps that was how life for elders genuinely were. She doubted that Cosimo, or Alexandrea were rarely busy. ”It is at a cafe. An internet one. And I know of one or two going, but there seems to be some minor interest by other parties upon the Crow. I cannot begin to guess what the turnout may be, but this is the first time something like this has been offered or suggested among our kind for...years. She started traveling the width of the park towards the train station, then stopped to claim a seat on an empty park bench.
And yes. I do wish to go to see what, if any direction the residence of our community wish to go. Stances upon things. And… Her thoughts stopped abruptly as Elizabeth decided why it was she was asking if he was busy tonight. A telepathic conversation did not take up the majority of the night. I suppose, both. I was inquiring if one was busy then and one is busy now.
[ALARIC] An internet cafe. Alaric frowned up at the stars as if they were party to his doubts and silent fears. As if their winking and blinking were a silent conversation only for him, a kind-of morse code as they counseled him on his predicament. He did want to be more involved than he had been before; vampires were known to mankind, now, and if a repeat of the slaughter in the past could be prevented, then he would help to prevent it. And he could only do so if he were in the loop, as it were. He would have to try to overcome his difficulties.
Technology is not my friend. I fear that to be within an internet cafe will be overwhelming… he admitted. It was something he had not had to admit to his own family, as he was sure it was obvious given his demands to remove all technology from the library, and the odd things they had witnessed from him in the past. To Elizabeth… he did not know why it was such an easy thing to admit. But he trusted her.
That is not to say that I will not go. Only I am not sure how long I will stay, he said. He’d been going into the city more and more, and had been testing his limits. This would be but just one more test. And he had never been one to run away from his fears. Now, he sat up, pushing himself to his feet and brushing the grass from his backside.
I am not busy… he said, turning and walking back to the beacon of lights that made up the von der Marck Estate.
Elizabeth: She understood his reservations. Technology and Elizabeth had a strange relationship. Sometimes, the woman could not do without it, yet in the next minutes that followed, she needed everything that was connected to the internet and more to be shut off. Then, if we must, we shall leave early. Elizabeth assured Alaric. What was missed she could attain from others that were there-if not from Doc himself. She promised that she would go, and she would, but she would also take into account the feelings and thoughts of her companion for the evening. It would be rude not to.
With Alaric solidifying the point that he would not be busy then, or was not busy now, Elizabeth looked towards the train station. Can one get to Thornside Park? I have something to show thee. Elizabeth then glanced to the east which was populated by woods primarily.
[ALARIC] Ja. I can catch the train, he said. He was already mostly dressed -- he would only have to pull on a jacket and some shoes. It was rare that Alaric von der Marck slouched around the Estate in anything less than semi-formal -- getting dressed was the first thing he did every evening. He was curious, of course, and he would be lying to himself if he didn’t admit it was nice to have something to do.
I will ride to Swansdale, then I will catch the train. I do not know how long that will take, but you will wait for me? he asked. Inside the estate the air was warm, welcoming. It was homely. He didn’t have to go all the way down into the dungeon to retrieve his jacket and shoes -- he’d left his jacket draped over the couch in the vast sitting room, and his shoes were in the closet near the front door (the one often used to house the jackets and hats of visitors, in the past). The items of clothing were retrieved and donned before he was out the side door and collecting his newly acquired bicycle from the garage.
Elizabeth: The thought of riding to swansdale left questions within her mind, ones she may ask later if the thought resurfaced within the night. Yes, of course I will wait for thee. With her assured thought sent out, Elizabeth glanced towards the honeymead train station where she assumed he would get off. He could also get off at Westwall, or Gullsborough, they would just take him to different entry points into the park.
The last time in which we spoke, one mentioned reading as a pastime. Is one reading anything, currently? I have picked up a book, called ‘The Great Gatsby.’ Has one ever read, or heard of the title? Also, if I am distracting thee from achieving the destination, please feel free to state as such. She could opt to sit in relative silence and wait for Alaric, but Elizabeth wanted to assure him that she would wait however long it took, and more nights than not, when not at one of her businesses, Elizabeth was surrounded in silence. The conversation served a purpose to her, equally.
[ALARIC] There was something thrilling about riding a bike. The way the hair whipped through one’s hair -- though Alaric had been instructed that he should wear a helmet, that he could get booked for not wearing one. He had to be rebellious sometime, didn’t he? If he fell off the bike and slammed headfirst into the pavement, he would heal. So what did it matter?
It didn’t matter how loud the wind was in his ears, or the whirring of the wheels beneath him, he could still hear Elizabeth clear as day, and the voice he spoke to her with was unhindered by whatever exertion he had to put out in order to push the pedals. He could barely feel the fatigue it caused. It barely caused any.
I am not sure that I have read that one. There are many titles to choose from. It will be hard to catch up. At the moment I am reading ‘Crime and Punishment’ by a man called Dostoyevsky. It was published sixty years after my death. It is quite good, he said.
Elizabeth: Nothing in Alaric's returning thoughts indicated that he minded the distraction and so she would keep the lines of communication open. I must confess to never having heard that title, and am in agreement. To try and read even ten percent of the works that had been published while dead in the next hundred years would more than likely be...impossible. Though, the idea was slightly alluring. It would indicate that one would be left within quiet solitude...quiet being the highlight of that thought.
The Great Gatsby is a work of art that is fiction, but could be real in theory. It takes place in the 1920's. I have not gotten far within the novel, but it certainly is...different. The characters seemed intriguing enough, but it was not the typical genre that she normally read. However, Diederik gave her a copy of the book, and so she would attempt to read it. Has one traveled much within the city, or out of it? The outskirts, I suppose?
[ALARIC] When we are both finished, we will swap, he said. There was a way Alaric had of speaking that was very forthright; he spoke in statements rather than in questions, though many would say that was the German in him. Something about the German language didn’t leave much room for speculation. In many ways Alaric von der Marck was confidence, and was sure of himself. It was only sometimes, in regards to modern technology, that he felt out of his depth.
I explored the a lot before my death. It has changed in the past two centuries. It is bigger. I fear one day it will encroach upon the estate that I have built. For now, it is still far enough away. I try to explore a little at a time, now. Ja, I mostly know the edges, he said. He’d already admitted to Elizabeth his tendency to become overwhelmed -- he didn’t feel like he had to repeat himself. She would understand.
Elizabeth: Elizabeth's lips pressed together in an amused laugh at his statement in regards to their books. It could be terrible... She warned him, before adding on, But, I would very much like that. Elizabeth shifted upon the bench to cross her left ankle behind her right. Yes. I imagine much has changed within the city and out of it. I did not venture much in or out of it for the small time in which I lived here before my longest duration of death.
Her blue hues shifted towards the east, and then to the west, keeping an eye for his potential approach-though it had only been mere minutes. If one wishes to keep the city from ones grounds, one may think about trying to purchase surrounding lands. If that is an possibility one has not thought about. Though, the city is not too terrible. Parts of it. She mused within his mind, her thoughts about the city.
[ALARIC] Death. It was such a morbid topic, and yet the two elders were able to touch on it without much thought -- though to truly muse upon it, to talk about what it was like, about the nightmares that still plagued him, that was something that could perhaps wait until another night.
By this point he had reached the station and was waiting for his train -- walking, it would have taken him much longer, but the bike, when used the right way, was fast. And it was mostly downhill. Swansdale station was not too far from the outskirts; it wasn’t a busy station, which Alaric liked. He locked the bike up just outside of it and wandered inside to wait for the next north-bound train. He’d done this enough, now, to know what he was doing.
That is a good idea. I will look into it, he said. The estate was already vast, but adding to it would not be a bad idea. I am at the train station. The train will be here soon. Is that what you wish to show me? A part of the city that is not too terrible?
Elizabeth: Death to Elizabeth no longer scared her as it did the first time she had died upon her return. She had returned too many times to let it bother her-especially if the cause behind it was meaningful, or just. Yes, and no. Her response was so very cryptic, and so, as to not make Alaric potentially suspicious of this impromptu gathering, Elizabeth continued with her thoughts.
It is a sore sight for any eyes...but...it is important for thee. Or, perhaps at least something one should know about and have the knowledge about. Still, vaguely cryptic, but if Elizabeth said where it was they were going, chances are he might not want to go-or he may have even been there before. And then what? If Alaric had been here before, then she would have to come up with an alternative location and that would require more time and thinking on Elizabeth’s end. Where would one take someone who did not enjoy city life and she...had her own issues with the wilderness and the things that occupied it.
[ALARIC] Something that was important. Alaric frowned, wondering exactly what Elizabeth was getting at. They’d met twice before this, and hadn’t communicated much with each other otherwise. How was it that Elizabeth knew what was important for Alaric…? Except, of course, what she knew herself to be important as a vampire. As an elder, who knew more about this city than Alaric did, who often felt like he was playing a game of catch-up -- not just with modern technology and clothing and manners, but with vampires. With his sire. With the history of their kind which he had never been privy to, forced to figure it all out on his own.
The train pulled into the station and Alaric waited for passengers to step off before he stepped into the carriage. He would have to keep an eye on the stations, keep an ear out for the conductor, who would tell them where they were getting off next.
I am on the train. I will get off when it arrives at Westwall, he said. It was the one station he liked best, if going to the abandoned sewers, or to visit the park. There was only one road to cross before one was welcomed by the park’s greenery and hushed quiet. I thank you, Elizabeth. You are helping me, and I did not have to ask.
Elizabeth: Westwall. Elizabeth slowly stood up from the bench and turned to face the direction that was behind her. Quick, tiny steps moved her around the bench so that Elizabeth may head in the direction of the abandoned sewers and past that to meet with the other elder. I would not thank me yet. Elizabeth countered with a small laugh that only she would hear. You may not find anything in which I share with thee tonight to be important or worth-wild... Elizabeth bypassed a small group of young adults that were gathered, smoking and talking about plans for tonight. A movie, a club, were some of the things offered as suggestions as Elizabeth moved past and around them.
I will meet thee at the station. I do hope one does not mind walking. I could always teleport thee to the northern city limits. She offered, eyes moving to the water that surrounded her tower, then back towards the train station. I do not mind walking, so the choice is yours, Alaric. Elizabeth could walk a great distance in heels, and not be bothered in the slightest.
[ALARIC] I do not mind walking, Alaric said; he remained standing on the train, long fingers curled around the bar to keep himself balanced. He focused on the conversation he was having in his head rather than on the noise around him. There were a few other people on the train; a couple in quiet conversation, a trio of friends laughing at some joke, and two people on their own -- one was reading a book, the other was on his phone. Alaric could feel the buzz of the signals pushing at the edge of his mind but he’d learned enough, by now, to be able to block them out. So long as there weren’t too many of them, and so long as they were not incessant. At least it was nothing like the night the signals had first broken through, his telepathic mind opening up to the new world had sent him to his knees.
Does it matter if it is not something I find important or worthwhile? he asked. Overhead, the conductor announced the next station as Wickbridge. Wickbridge was where Alaric did not like to go -- it was a busier part of the city, and there were memories attached to it that he’d prefer not to dwell on.
That you think that it is important, and wish to show me -- is that not what matters?
Elizabeth: Elizabeth stopped and thought about the first question. Did it matter? To some, it very well might. It might be considered a waste of time, but time was what they were afforded the most among their kind. I suppose it depends on you. Her thoughts came before more of his own was shared with her. During his thoughts, Elizabeth continued, once again, upon her path towards the Westwall station.
His next question left her deep in thought and allowed the longest amount of silence since they started conversing telepathically. That is a heavy question to ask, Alaric. You are being kind, because we share a sire and so one may feel obliged to entertain flights of fancy, yet does it matter to a victim of a grave crime why the crime was committed by the individual, or only that it had been committed? Her head tipped in thought, while her hands found the pockets within her lightweight coat.
Tell me something...what is one thing you enjoy doing that you never thought was possible, or did not enjoy doing before your return? Elizabeth asked as she left the park and found the source of modernization upon the concrete.
[ALARIC] It was indeed a philosophical quandary that they had gotten themselves into, and yet Alaric was smiling. Gazing out the window the moving train and yet seeing nothing at all, blocking all senses but that which received the voice that channelled directly into his mind. And, of course, his hearing, so that he would know when the train was to get off at his station. They had just left Wickbridge and were zooming toward Coastside, after which it would only be a minute before they arrived at Westwall.
That is a grave mindset that you entertain, Elizabeth -- that you should instantly think only of a crime rather than of something good. When one is given a gift, does one give it back if it is not liked? Or does one thank the giver, and instead acknowledge the good intention? Unless you intend to commit a crime against me… should I be wary? he asked. Though there was a hint of amusement to his tone, Elizabeth’s grave reflections still had him wondering.
One thing that I enjoy doing…? he repeated the question and fell silent as he pondered the answer. The first thing that came to mind was a recent conversation with Leonie -- her views, and the modern views, on sexual intercourse. One could, these days, enjoy sex without moral concern. It is one thing he had not enjoyed before death, it had left him feeling dirty. But then, this was not a thought he dwelled on. It was not impossible before, nor did he think he would enjoy it now -- freedom to do so or not. You bring me shame. I realise that I have not embraced humanity as much as I should. Things made possible that were once impossible have come to be because of technology, ja? I avoid technology. I do not like cars. The train, the one that I am on now, it even makes me anxious. It is not something I would say that I enjoy. I still prefer fire to electricity, though electric light is constant, and is a comfort. The clothes! I enjoy the freedom of the clothing. Though it is jarring to see so little cloth on women, sometimes, for myself I am far more comfortable in these simpler styles.
Elizabeth: Elizabeth felt the corners of her lips pull into a smirk as Alaric inquired about his potential safety when dealing with her. She overlooked that thought for a second, as the woman thought about his idea of a gift. I suppose it depends on the one sending the gift. I doubt the residents of Troy would thank the greeks for their gift of a large horse once they knew what was within. Elizabeth laughed, but could see Alaric’s point. More times than not, she thanked the individual, and seldom returned the gifts she received. And, I mean this in any scenario...one should always be wary when dealing with our kind, Alaric. Did she mean him harm? No, but others very well may. Their species was a fickle one.
Elizabeth took a seat upon a bench at the station to Alaric’s liking, frowning when he confessed to her bringing him shame for asking about his current past-times. The blonde telepath waited for further explanation, then nodded her head lightly. She understood now, and felt a little of the same way in which he felt on some respects. Cars were something that she typically avoided, having only been in one twice this year, and not at all the year prior, or to that either. Trains were a necessary evil, but could be avoided with celerity, if she so decided.
The mention of fire brought a stillness from within Elizabeth as her eyes scanned the immediate area. Her preference was electricity, even at the ‘noise’ it made. When Alaric mentioned the clothing, her focus shifted and once again laughter would be heard within his mind. Yes, the clothing of this time is...most...interesting. She agreed with him, as her eyes landed on a couple walking up the stairs and claiming a seat on a different bench. I enjoy the piano...has one ever played? Something that had not changed over the centuries...not much. There were different types of pianos, but a standard one could still be found.
[ALARIC] The train pulled in to Coastside and when the doors opened, Alaric took a deep breath. He always did this. Although there was still the hint of pollution and humanity there was also the saltiness wafting in from the river. One day, he wanted to follow that river to its destination; he wanted to go the beach, and wander into the waves beneath the moonlight.
One should be wary when dealing with any kind, Elizabeth, he replied. It was matter-of-fact, a sighed statement that was not weighted with any particular bitterness or regret. One had to live a long time to realise that most people were fickle. Every vampire was a human before they were turned. Whatever they were capable of as vampires had to have always been there. The train started moving again and, as soon as the overhead conductor announced Westwall as the next stop, Alaric turned to the door, prepared. He was always anxious that if he did not press the button in time that the beast would not release him to the station, and he would have to get off at the next stop. It had never happened, but he was still fearful of it regardless.
I have not played the piano. The violin is my instrument of choice, he replied. I do enjoy listening to piano. One night you will play for me.
Elizabeth: Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement with Alaric’s sentiments about being wary in general. Indeed. Though, in truth, Elizabeth felt less wary as time progressed and she grew stronger, from most humans. Even most vampires. And with the knowledge that she could travel anywhere in a fraction of the time to ‘get away’ if need be, the woman felt more and more in control of what happened to her and how or when.
Her eyes traveled to the tracks, having moved off the couple on the bench as more of Alaric’s thoughts were shared within her mind. The violin. An instrument that she too found to be beautiful, along with the cello. Before Elizabeth had decided to take up learning another instrument, the woman had debated between the violin and the cello. The latter had won.
Alaric’s abrupt request had Elizabeth’s lips parting in a vocal laugh this go around. I may be swayed to. She more or less agreed to play for him, as her mind moved past just speaking with him, to his specific location. When the woman realized how close he was, she stood and moved closer to the edge of the platform. If one would be so kind to oblige me with their skill set in regards to the violin. Both of her hands found their way to her midsection, folded over the other, as Elizabeth waited for Alaric’s arrival.
[ALARIC] The train glided into the station even as Elizabeth’s response danced around his mind. He spotted the woman on the platform even as he heard her voice, his sharp eyes following her through the door’s window, the subtle smile still upon his lips. As soon as the train came to a complete stop he pushed the button and the doors, to his relief, snapped open with a hiss of air pressure. He wasted no time stepping from the train to the platform -- he hated the hot rush of air that billowed from beneath the train, as if he could step through that crack and off the platform. Why it terrified him so much he could not know. An intelligent person might surmise that it was not the train he was afraid of, nor the tracks or the humid warmth. It was the darkness.
“Of course,” he said, finally speaking out loud, his smile only broadening as he approached the other elder. “Hallo. You look flawless,” he said. Flawless. A word he had picked up recently. It was his habit to never read a book without a very large dictionary by his side. Whenever there was a word that he did not understand, he looked it up. It was, perhaps, how he had learned the language so quickly. Over time, his memory had only improved rather than degraded, as might have happened had he stayed human.
“I must first buy a violin,” he said. “It has been a while since I have practiced. I will hope that I still know how to play,” he said, clearly unphased about how horrible he might be. He would be happy only to have a violin back in his hands.
Elizabeth: As the train approached, Elizabeth’s eyes searched for Alaric; and even in only meeting him twice before, she had no difficulties in locating him. When she saw his small smile, Elizabeth reciprocated with one, one that was larger than his. Acquaintances, at best described their relationship, but she was still looking forward to their evening and his company. Elizabeth, though she often enjoyed silence, was not, nor ever had been a solitary creature. She could travel dozens of kilometers with others and just enjoy their presence while absorbing the silence.
“Alaric.” Elizabeth dipped her head slightly in greeting as he initiated it. Flawless was not a word in which Elizabeth was familiar with and so her mind traveled to the online world to understand its meaning. Perfect, or lacking imperfections were the first two definitions and it brought a couple of seconds of silence. It was a different, and strong compliment. “Thank you,” She said, her eyes taking in his appearance now that there was no one else around him. “And you...seem ever so debonair. The clothing, as you say, from this time suit thee well in multiple ways. The variation, I mean.” She had said it before when they had met by accident in the abandoned sewers and he had been wearing jeans. It seemed that no matter what Alaric wore, it suited his frame well.
It was good the subject had changed, because the blonde telepath seemed to be making excuses for complimenting him in such a way. She listened to Alaric’s potential problem and nodded understandingly, before Elizabeth turned in the direction in which they would need to go. “If one finds they need to remind themselves of what it is they may have lost...I know a woman. Her name is Meara. She meets with me three times a week to help me learn the cello. She is a wonderful teacher and her prices are fair.” Elizabeth offered to the other elder, as her eyes glanced in his direction from the side. “I could speak with her at some point. As for the violin, she gave me the name of a store and when I have been there to purchase my cello, they had a variety of violins.” Another subtle offer of help from Elizabeth, as they headed in the direction of the park.
[ALARIC] Alaric had not the capability to look up the meaning of words online. He could have, of course, if he knew how. As it was, he forcefully shut out the internet as much as he was able. The insistent buzzing of all the signals in his vicinity were always trying to get in, like bees constantly rapping against a glass window. But he would not let them in. He feared he would go insane if he did -- and this was the reason why he lost emails that were sent to him. Telepathy, however, was an old boon buddy. Something that he had always been capable of, and something that he far preferred.