Et Tu Brute? (Amalea)
Posted: 15 Mar 2018, 14:23
Elizabeth
Betrayal.
It was a word that tasted as bitter as it sounded in Elizabeth's opinion. And that was exactly how the Telepath woman felt. There were not many humans she allowed to have a glimpse into her private life...her thrall, Louvel given they had a relation of sorts, her great niece twenty or so times removed, and finally, Amalea.
The choice the woman made baffled Elizabeth. Especially, given all things Doc. How could she betray every vampire in the city, including him? Was he not enough to sway her decision in any regard?
It felt like a slap in the face on so many fronts. A strong pill to swallow since the betrayal of her brothers, and mother, when Elizabeth was human. When she still viewed them as family. And in a sense, that was how she viewed Amalea. Family.
Do you have time this evening to meet? Elizabeth reached out into the woman's mind gently, as to not startle her, given a few nights had passed since Elizabeth mentioned wanting to speak with her since Doc had given her the usb drive.
Amalea
There hadn't been a night since the fateful on in early February that her dreams had been peaceful. Her days neither; always dogged by the events and the choice. She'd become a recluse for most purposes, early on, trying to make sense of it all and what had occurred that had led her to that point. It wasn't like her to do something like that which was frightening to the red-head. In time, she could likely, with help, sort that out; getting the help would be the tricky part though.
Preconceived notions thanks to a tiny device had ripped away any semblance of choice that she had felt she had. It was always the plan to own up to what had happened, particularly to Doc and Elizabeth. To not didn't bear thinking about, really; that wasn't who she was. She had preferred to be able to tell it in her own words with her own thoughts and explanations and that device had taken that away. Why bother with what couldn't be seen or heard - the mental words of the ancient, the mental conversations between them, her thoughts and emotions - when you could see all else? She knew the limitations of it; it had ended before her near-collapse into insanity and the choice was made; but the inference was enough. She wanted to try to explain; try to make sense of it all, but wasn't sure if anyone would listen. She couldn't really blame them, but she had hoped.
The mental brush from Elizabeth was not unexpected. In truth, she had been waiting on it ever since the night Doc had told her he had showed Elizabeth the usb and she had offered to answer any questions. She honestly wasn't trying to hide anything; even if her schedule had been full; she would have cleared it for this. I do. Where and when is convenient for you?
Elizabeth
Everyone deserved to explain themselves and their thoughts in Elizabeth's mind. And it seemed that Amalea was more than willing to do that, if given the opportunity, given their brief interactions in the last two weeks or so. But, just because Elizabeth was willing to hear and try to understand one's reasoning, did not guarantee anything, with the blonde haired telepath. Still, Elizabeth was not ready to throw the woman to the wolves either.
When the response message was returned, Elizabeth gave it some thought. Where and when, indeed? The sooner, the better. Tonight, would be best. Still, that left the location. For something as...discreet as this conversation, a private space would be best.
Her mind reached out to Diederik for a brief moment as Elizabeth decided upon a location. Not any of their businesses and not any of Doc's either, given things. And given the nature of the conversation, it would have to be a home, or apartment. Are you familiar with alpha towers? I own the top floor there. I will leave the door unlocked, but there is a camera and sensor at the door. It is just a precaution as I am not there often. I can meet thee there in about an hour?
Amalea
As she waited on the English woman’s reply, she leafed through her closet looking for something other than pajamas to wear. She was fairly sure that Elizabeth would want to meet sooner than later but she had no idea where or precisely when, so having options in mind would be good. A quick shower and change of clothes would be all she would need to be able to head out as soon as she knew.
She didn’t really have many high expectations for the meeting. Or rather, the outcome of it. Elizabeth would at least give her a chance to talk; that she had no doubt. It was the best she could ask for given the circumstances. She wanted to hope for more but knew better than to press her luck. The opportunity to be heard was priceless; if anything else went to her favor, she’d thank her lucky stars later.
I know it. I will be there. She has stayed in the building for a while before she had found out about her legacy apartment so knew it well. Now, though, she quickly showered before tugging on her dark wash jeans and a crimson shirt. Hair wa neatly combed and makeup applied to her arms before she headed to the designated place. Finding the door unlocked as promised, she slipped inside as she called out. “Liz?”
Elizabeth
Tea was a great many of things, to Elizabeth.
Soothing, in most respects and brought about the sense of familiarity to the woman, among other things. So, when her thrall brought the tray of tea and biscuits to the coffee table that Elizabeth sat besides, she smiled appreciatively to him. "Thank you for everything, Diederik. I think it best that you go out for the evening before my visitor comes. Girl talk." She glanced at the tray, seeing the tea pot, different types of tea (herbal, mostly) and the types of biscuits. It was not every day Elizabeth had company, but that did not mean the woman did not know how to be a decent hostess. Especially in her own home.
The sensor alarm went off, making her phone buzz as it rested next to the ornate tea tray. Blue hues traveled to the door that was a distance away, seeing the familiar face of Amalea. "Over here." Elizabeth said as the woman stood, waving Amalea over to the couch, and smaller love seat. "Thank you for coming." Elizabeth knew it was not easy to face up to the things you did-especially when it was viewed negatively by the mass majority. "Please, come sit. Wherever one may be comfortable." With the invitation offered to the woman, Elizabeth sat back in her spot, turning her body as to watch the woman carefully. Was she afraid for her life? Not especially, but Elizabeth was still of the firm belief that something was amiss in everything that had happened, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it.
Amalea
The red-head followed the sound of the familiar voice giving a small wave as she spotted Elizabeth. Amalea had to smile briefly as she took in the sight of the tea service. It was something so normal in her crazy, insane world. It gave the appearance that this was to be a lovely, social afternoon full of discussions of the latest society happenings. Alas, if it was so simple, but she suspected such days would not be in her future for quite some time.
"It is I who should be thanking you," she shook her head lightly as she stepped over to the couch. Settling into the corner, though not quite into a ball, she continued, "I'm sure that at the moment I am not high up on your list of favorite people if you have seen the video Papa said he gave you." She sighed softly knowing she'd already screwed up one relationship. "Where would you like me to start?"
Elizabeth
Where to start?
There were so many places, Elizabeth reasoned internally, as she watched Amalea make her way over. But, the most important one, perhaps the most emotional one was...How could you do this to him?
While the choice was a slap in the face to those Elizabeth believed were close to the woman, it had to sting the most for the man she called Papa just seconds ago. But, Elizabeth couldn't start with emotion. There would be time for that later. Even if emotion was the driving factor for tonight's get together.
"Once upon a time, not that long ago, I made a few unpopular choices. There are ways to overcome those choices, time, being one way, or other methodologies. I have experienced both a few times over." Elizabeth concluded, before glancing to the tea tray. "Before we start, would you care for some tea? I have a lemon flavoured one, ginger, honey, orange something or another, and the standard earl grey. My favourite, of course." Elizabeth stirred at her own tea cup, then flanked it softly against the side, before setting it down. The cup was brought to her lips, the liquid sipped at while eyes rested comfortably on the other woman
Amalea
What she really wanted was to be swallowed whole by the couch she was sat upon and never spit back out. It would certainly make things easier for her though not for those around her. It also went fully against her plan of coming clean and attempting to set things to rights, even if she suspected things would never be whole again. In the end, perhaps it would be best if she left, but that was yet to be seen as there was much to do before coming to any conclusions.
Amalea blinked at Elizabeth's admissions though she wasn't sure if this particular choice was surmountable. "And they ended decently well?" It was something to hope for, at least. A sliver of light in the dark night. "Please. Whichever you would suggest that might have the most calming effect." She wasn't afraid to admit she was nervous to the elder; she was quite sure by now that it showed.
Elizabeth
"You can relax. I am not going to kill you." Elizabeth assured the woman, as she reached for the pot of warm water and poured it into another cup. "Lemon it is." Elizabeth decided before tossing a satchel into the warm water and offering it to Amalea. The tray of various condiments partnered with biscuits slid closer, for easier attainment.
Then, Elizabeth laughed. "If by well, you mean dying for most unpopular choices...then yes." She nodded, sipping at her tea again. "Have you heard from Theodosia since things? Do you, like Ariadne, believe her to be who she claims to be?"
Amalea
"Not too worried about that, honestly," Amalea supplied quietly as she watched the English woman prepare her tea. "Rather that to being hated and outcast for eternity." Accepting the cup, she inhaled the scent deeply, "Thank you." A small bit of honey was added once it had seeped properly. Taking a biscuit, she settled back onto the couch.
"Unfortunately, that's not really an option available in this case," she shook her tresses lightly. "Nor would a trip to the ICU solve anything, I think." As she thought, she nibbled on the edge of the biscuit, "I have not heard from Theodosia since that day, though I do not doubt she will keep her word on being available. I suspect it will have to be us that contacts her, honestly." A sip of her tea allowed her a moment to consider the information presented to her, "I think she spoke true about how she came to be here and deep beneath the city though I do believe details were left out. So yes, I would have to agree with Ari."
Elizabeth
A quick look was given to Amalea while she spoke and prepared her tea. Elizabeth then nodded her head, agreeing about the woman's thoughts on killing her not being the way to fix what had happened. "True, but some of our kind may not care and find...momentary appeasement in attempting to take your life." Elizabeth lifted her shoulders and quirked her lips into a small twist of thought.
"It seems this...Theodosia is a difficult woman to locate. Many have tried. Which means she is very strong-something to perhaps be worried about later on down the road. Or perhaps she has left the city for good. If the rift is expanding, then there is no need, I suppose to remain. Did she give any indication on how large she could make the rift?" Elizabeth had seen the audio, but there had been long periods of silence, which to her, did not always mean silence given her path.
Elizabeth set down her tea cup that was about a quarter of the way filled and placed her hands in her lap. "There has been a great deal of damage that has been done. City wide; though one could argue that there was already damage that could not be repaired...but I have recently come across one of her 'creatures' roaming the streets near redwood. Scared my thrall out of his wits, nearly.Still, some threats were caged...and now they simply are not." Elizabeth laughed hollowly, recalling the time she had brought back a loupgarou to one of her properties and he had walked in at just the right time. The same reaction, more or less. "Personally, and even professionally." Elizabeth finished, her blue hues on Amalea and the tea the woman had prepared herself. "Amalea...is one at all familiar with California Poppies?" Elizabeth asked, almost too casually, a smile fixed upon her face. "It is a beautiful orange flower."
{OOC NOTE: If you want to roll for attempting to figure out the tea water has been laced with California Poppy, that's possible, though would be hidden in with the taste of lemon and honey. The California poppy contains protopine, which has similar (but much milder effects) as morphine, making it a good natural sedative}
Amalea
Amalea shook her head in agreement with Elizabeth's statement, "Unfortunately, I believe you are correct. Even if their efforts would be better spent elsewhere, there will always be some who want blood."
"The path we took to reach her was rather windy and long. I'll be honest and say I don't think I could even begin to retrace my steps so I think it's fair to say she knows how to stay well hidden. She's impossible to appraise. I got the mother of all migraines when I tried and didn't get anything besides she was a vampire, which I had already known." She chased a small nibble of biscuit with a small sip of her tea. "She was incredibly strong even in her weakened state which is why I didn't want to see her killed. While we had no idea if the shadow realm reached her domain, it wasn't worth killing her and releasing a pissed off ancient onto Harper Rock. As to the rift, she didn't say, but she did say it would take continuous effort to keep opening it."
She gave the woman the smallest of smiles, "It's not much, but if it could be figured out what effort is being putting forth or it's power source, it could potentially be stopped." She paused for a moment, taking another small sip of her tea, "As to where she could be found, I would start with her lair deep within the Labyrinth though that would be an impossibility. I supposed she may have to feed sometimes; given the weakened state we found her in, I doubt she has blood replenishing abilities like you guys do."
"There has and I never meant for there to be this level of destruction and mayhem. I do intend to try and repair as much of it as I can. Maybe not physically, I can't do everything; but I can provide funds for those who can." She nodded quietly at the comment about uncaged threats; she knew the elder was likely referring to the zombies that could now be found outside the Quarantine Zone. "I could only wish they were simple to recage without expanding the cage."
Her senses piqued a bit at the casual way that Elizabeth asked her question. It wouldn't be an entirely odd question if it were not for the discussion they were currently engaged in. It was an odd tangent, but perhaps relevant. "I know of poppies, but I'm not sure I am particularly aware of the California variety. Though, if I were to guess, given the topic at hand, particularly if we were in a Harry Potter book, I'd almost hazard it having a truth agent to it."
Elizabeth
"Have you any idea what that power source may be?" Elizabeth asked, though she had heard guesses of such from the group the night they encountered Theodosia. It was a good guess, but that did not mean that it was the correct guess. The hands in Elizabeth's lap moved to grab her tea once again as Amalea explained her desire to correct what more than likely would never be able to be repaired. The masquerade had fallen and then things had progressed negatively with Longslade and the vampire community from there. Elizabeth expected it to be the same scenario, where the masquerade could not be repaired once it had fallen in Harper Rock. Now the zombies were out...it could only mean more zombies would get out or be made...however they were made, now that they were out of the land of the walking dead. The true, walking dead, in her mindset. "It is a noble mindset, but it may take a lot of funds and time." Elizabeth stated, letting Amalea know that her efforts might take years and not weeks or months.
Elizabeth was not familiar with Harry Potter, but she did understand the idea of a truth 'agent.' This caused Elizabeth to laugh and shake her head, before taking another sip of her tea. "Not at all. I saw and heard what was said that night from everyone in the tomb of sorts." Elizabeth's smile and laugh dwindled as her lips pressed into a very thin line. "The truth is...I have some very dire news for you, Amalea. I believe you have been enthralled by Theodosia, for that is the ONLY," Her tone louder, and harsher as she stated that word, "way I believe you would betray your vampire friends and most of all...Charles." Her gaze grew hard and steely as Elizabeth finished her tea off.
"And so, I plan on keeping thee here a while to see if she plans on reaching out to thee once again. Then, the both of us will meet her head on and we will kill her. Together. Then, the rift will stop growing in size, the zombies could be handled and all will be well again with Charles." The tea cup was set down, allowing her hands to expand in a nonchalant mannerism, as if Elizabeth believed this would be entirely possible.
"As I said, I do not plan on killing thee, but the poppies will make thee a little tired given I put two grams in the water we were both just drinking. And since you are human..." Elizabeth's voice trailed off softly, before the woman cast mindblock upon Amalea as she sat there, putting her plan in motion on step at a time.
(mindblock 2)
Amalea
"I do not. She mentioned her experiments. I know Cobb had is, so perhaps there is some common ground there." In reality, it was only her best guess and nothing solid. "She said she wasn't interested in the living nor their destruction. It may mean that humans as a source are out? I haven't heard of any being killed, at least, just reanimating." She sighed quietly, frustrated she couldn't provide more definitive answers. A quiet nod was her initial reply to the woman's comment about time, "I know. Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, I don't think this will be fixed that quickly. But it's something I want, no need, to do. No matter the time or cost. If I was in it just for the short haul, it wouldn't be a real effort."
Her eyes widened slightly at the woman's laugh in response to her comment about truth agents, though the shake of her head was enough to tell the red-head that wasn't the answer. She nodded quietly at the mention of the video; she had known the English woman had seen it after all. It was to be expected that it would be brought up. The harsh tone caught Amalea off-guard causing her to flinch slightly. She deserved it and more though she wasn't sure if she had been enthralled by Theodosia or simply broken mentally as she had believed prior. There were the beginnings of tears in her eyes as she nodded quietly, assuming that the elder had more to say.
The next statement caused the red-head to blink. It sounded so simple that she wished it would work but she knew killing Theodosia wasn't going to be as simple as that; especially given the Shadow Realm. It would be an endless cycle. She opened her mouth to say something, closing it once she realized the woman wasn't done. Her cup was set upon the table before the woman was finished speaking, lest she spill it unintentionally. She knew on some level she should be upset by this turn of events, but couldn't be. It was less than she deserved.
"It doesn't interact with St. John's Wort, does it?" Why it was the first thing her mind thought of was beyond her, but as Elizabeth had said, she was human and she wasn't trying to kill her; she knew herbal remedies could mix funny. An eyebrow raised slightly at the foggy feeling descending upon her brain; it was a bit overkill given she was being drugged, but she supposed it was a precaution. It was starting to kick in, she could feel it, but she still mostly alert, "Don't think she can be killed without returning which would make things worse. Also not sure if it was enthrallment given I've never experienced it." Even in the state she was descending into, she couldn't accept the easy out that had been handed to her. While she hadn't been herself, she hadn't felt like she'd been enthralled, "All I can say was I didn't feel like I was in control, like I was just a outsider looking in." Her nose twitched, "I think the humans call it a type of dissociative disorder, but I'd be lying if I said that's for sure what it was."
Betrayal.
It was a word that tasted as bitter as it sounded in Elizabeth's opinion. And that was exactly how the Telepath woman felt. There were not many humans she allowed to have a glimpse into her private life...her thrall, Louvel given they had a relation of sorts, her great niece twenty or so times removed, and finally, Amalea.
The choice the woman made baffled Elizabeth. Especially, given all things Doc. How could she betray every vampire in the city, including him? Was he not enough to sway her decision in any regard?
It felt like a slap in the face on so many fronts. A strong pill to swallow since the betrayal of her brothers, and mother, when Elizabeth was human. When she still viewed them as family. And in a sense, that was how she viewed Amalea. Family.
Do you have time this evening to meet? Elizabeth reached out into the woman's mind gently, as to not startle her, given a few nights had passed since Elizabeth mentioned wanting to speak with her since Doc had given her the usb drive.
Amalea
There hadn't been a night since the fateful on in early February that her dreams had been peaceful. Her days neither; always dogged by the events and the choice. She'd become a recluse for most purposes, early on, trying to make sense of it all and what had occurred that had led her to that point. It wasn't like her to do something like that which was frightening to the red-head. In time, she could likely, with help, sort that out; getting the help would be the tricky part though.
Preconceived notions thanks to a tiny device had ripped away any semblance of choice that she had felt she had. It was always the plan to own up to what had happened, particularly to Doc and Elizabeth. To not didn't bear thinking about, really; that wasn't who she was. She had preferred to be able to tell it in her own words with her own thoughts and explanations and that device had taken that away. Why bother with what couldn't be seen or heard - the mental words of the ancient, the mental conversations between them, her thoughts and emotions - when you could see all else? She knew the limitations of it; it had ended before her near-collapse into insanity and the choice was made; but the inference was enough. She wanted to try to explain; try to make sense of it all, but wasn't sure if anyone would listen. She couldn't really blame them, but she had hoped.
The mental brush from Elizabeth was not unexpected. In truth, she had been waiting on it ever since the night Doc had told her he had showed Elizabeth the usb and she had offered to answer any questions. She honestly wasn't trying to hide anything; even if her schedule had been full; she would have cleared it for this. I do. Where and when is convenient for you?
Elizabeth
Everyone deserved to explain themselves and their thoughts in Elizabeth's mind. And it seemed that Amalea was more than willing to do that, if given the opportunity, given their brief interactions in the last two weeks or so. But, just because Elizabeth was willing to hear and try to understand one's reasoning, did not guarantee anything, with the blonde haired telepath. Still, Elizabeth was not ready to throw the woman to the wolves either.
When the response message was returned, Elizabeth gave it some thought. Where and when, indeed? The sooner, the better. Tonight, would be best. Still, that left the location. For something as...discreet as this conversation, a private space would be best.
Her mind reached out to Diederik for a brief moment as Elizabeth decided upon a location. Not any of their businesses and not any of Doc's either, given things. And given the nature of the conversation, it would have to be a home, or apartment. Are you familiar with alpha towers? I own the top floor there. I will leave the door unlocked, but there is a camera and sensor at the door. It is just a precaution as I am not there often. I can meet thee there in about an hour?
Amalea
As she waited on the English woman’s reply, she leafed through her closet looking for something other than pajamas to wear. She was fairly sure that Elizabeth would want to meet sooner than later but she had no idea where or precisely when, so having options in mind would be good. A quick shower and change of clothes would be all she would need to be able to head out as soon as she knew.
She didn’t really have many high expectations for the meeting. Or rather, the outcome of it. Elizabeth would at least give her a chance to talk; that she had no doubt. It was the best she could ask for given the circumstances. She wanted to hope for more but knew better than to press her luck. The opportunity to be heard was priceless; if anything else went to her favor, she’d thank her lucky stars later.
I know it. I will be there. She has stayed in the building for a while before she had found out about her legacy apartment so knew it well. Now, though, she quickly showered before tugging on her dark wash jeans and a crimson shirt. Hair wa neatly combed and makeup applied to her arms before she headed to the designated place. Finding the door unlocked as promised, she slipped inside as she called out. “Liz?”
Elizabeth
Tea was a great many of things, to Elizabeth.
Soothing, in most respects and brought about the sense of familiarity to the woman, among other things. So, when her thrall brought the tray of tea and biscuits to the coffee table that Elizabeth sat besides, she smiled appreciatively to him. "Thank you for everything, Diederik. I think it best that you go out for the evening before my visitor comes. Girl talk." She glanced at the tray, seeing the tea pot, different types of tea (herbal, mostly) and the types of biscuits. It was not every day Elizabeth had company, but that did not mean the woman did not know how to be a decent hostess. Especially in her own home.
The sensor alarm went off, making her phone buzz as it rested next to the ornate tea tray. Blue hues traveled to the door that was a distance away, seeing the familiar face of Amalea. "Over here." Elizabeth said as the woman stood, waving Amalea over to the couch, and smaller love seat. "Thank you for coming." Elizabeth knew it was not easy to face up to the things you did-especially when it was viewed negatively by the mass majority. "Please, come sit. Wherever one may be comfortable." With the invitation offered to the woman, Elizabeth sat back in her spot, turning her body as to watch the woman carefully. Was she afraid for her life? Not especially, but Elizabeth was still of the firm belief that something was amiss in everything that had happened, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it.
Amalea
The red-head followed the sound of the familiar voice giving a small wave as she spotted Elizabeth. Amalea had to smile briefly as she took in the sight of the tea service. It was something so normal in her crazy, insane world. It gave the appearance that this was to be a lovely, social afternoon full of discussions of the latest society happenings. Alas, if it was so simple, but she suspected such days would not be in her future for quite some time.
"It is I who should be thanking you," she shook her head lightly as she stepped over to the couch. Settling into the corner, though not quite into a ball, she continued, "I'm sure that at the moment I am not high up on your list of favorite people if you have seen the video Papa said he gave you." She sighed softly knowing she'd already screwed up one relationship. "Where would you like me to start?"
Elizabeth
Where to start?
There were so many places, Elizabeth reasoned internally, as she watched Amalea make her way over. But, the most important one, perhaps the most emotional one was...How could you do this to him?
While the choice was a slap in the face to those Elizabeth believed were close to the woman, it had to sting the most for the man she called Papa just seconds ago. But, Elizabeth couldn't start with emotion. There would be time for that later. Even if emotion was the driving factor for tonight's get together.
"Once upon a time, not that long ago, I made a few unpopular choices. There are ways to overcome those choices, time, being one way, or other methodologies. I have experienced both a few times over." Elizabeth concluded, before glancing to the tea tray. "Before we start, would you care for some tea? I have a lemon flavoured one, ginger, honey, orange something or another, and the standard earl grey. My favourite, of course." Elizabeth stirred at her own tea cup, then flanked it softly against the side, before setting it down. The cup was brought to her lips, the liquid sipped at while eyes rested comfortably on the other woman
Amalea
What she really wanted was to be swallowed whole by the couch she was sat upon and never spit back out. It would certainly make things easier for her though not for those around her. It also went fully against her plan of coming clean and attempting to set things to rights, even if she suspected things would never be whole again. In the end, perhaps it would be best if she left, but that was yet to be seen as there was much to do before coming to any conclusions.
Amalea blinked at Elizabeth's admissions though she wasn't sure if this particular choice was surmountable. "And they ended decently well?" It was something to hope for, at least. A sliver of light in the dark night. "Please. Whichever you would suggest that might have the most calming effect." She wasn't afraid to admit she was nervous to the elder; she was quite sure by now that it showed.
Elizabeth
"You can relax. I am not going to kill you." Elizabeth assured the woman, as she reached for the pot of warm water and poured it into another cup. "Lemon it is." Elizabeth decided before tossing a satchel into the warm water and offering it to Amalea. The tray of various condiments partnered with biscuits slid closer, for easier attainment.
Then, Elizabeth laughed. "If by well, you mean dying for most unpopular choices...then yes." She nodded, sipping at her tea again. "Have you heard from Theodosia since things? Do you, like Ariadne, believe her to be who she claims to be?"
Amalea
"Not too worried about that, honestly," Amalea supplied quietly as she watched the English woman prepare her tea. "Rather that to being hated and outcast for eternity." Accepting the cup, she inhaled the scent deeply, "Thank you." A small bit of honey was added once it had seeped properly. Taking a biscuit, she settled back onto the couch.
"Unfortunately, that's not really an option available in this case," she shook her tresses lightly. "Nor would a trip to the ICU solve anything, I think." As she thought, she nibbled on the edge of the biscuit, "I have not heard from Theodosia since that day, though I do not doubt she will keep her word on being available. I suspect it will have to be us that contacts her, honestly." A sip of her tea allowed her a moment to consider the information presented to her, "I think she spoke true about how she came to be here and deep beneath the city though I do believe details were left out. So yes, I would have to agree with Ari."
Elizabeth
A quick look was given to Amalea while she spoke and prepared her tea. Elizabeth then nodded her head, agreeing about the woman's thoughts on killing her not being the way to fix what had happened. "True, but some of our kind may not care and find...momentary appeasement in attempting to take your life." Elizabeth lifted her shoulders and quirked her lips into a small twist of thought.
"It seems this...Theodosia is a difficult woman to locate. Many have tried. Which means she is very strong-something to perhaps be worried about later on down the road. Or perhaps she has left the city for good. If the rift is expanding, then there is no need, I suppose to remain. Did she give any indication on how large she could make the rift?" Elizabeth had seen the audio, but there had been long periods of silence, which to her, did not always mean silence given her path.
Elizabeth set down her tea cup that was about a quarter of the way filled and placed her hands in her lap. "There has been a great deal of damage that has been done. City wide; though one could argue that there was already damage that could not be repaired...but I have recently come across one of her 'creatures' roaming the streets near redwood. Scared my thrall out of his wits, nearly.Still, some threats were caged...and now they simply are not." Elizabeth laughed hollowly, recalling the time she had brought back a loupgarou to one of her properties and he had walked in at just the right time. The same reaction, more or less. "Personally, and even professionally." Elizabeth finished, her blue hues on Amalea and the tea the woman had prepared herself. "Amalea...is one at all familiar with California Poppies?" Elizabeth asked, almost too casually, a smile fixed upon her face. "It is a beautiful orange flower."
{OOC NOTE: If you want to roll for attempting to figure out the tea water has been laced with California Poppy, that's possible, though would be hidden in with the taste of lemon and honey. The California poppy contains protopine, which has similar (but much milder effects) as morphine, making it a good natural sedative}
Amalea
Amalea shook her head in agreement with Elizabeth's statement, "Unfortunately, I believe you are correct. Even if their efforts would be better spent elsewhere, there will always be some who want blood."
"The path we took to reach her was rather windy and long. I'll be honest and say I don't think I could even begin to retrace my steps so I think it's fair to say she knows how to stay well hidden. She's impossible to appraise. I got the mother of all migraines when I tried and didn't get anything besides she was a vampire, which I had already known." She chased a small nibble of biscuit with a small sip of her tea. "She was incredibly strong even in her weakened state which is why I didn't want to see her killed. While we had no idea if the shadow realm reached her domain, it wasn't worth killing her and releasing a pissed off ancient onto Harper Rock. As to the rift, she didn't say, but she did say it would take continuous effort to keep opening it."
She gave the woman the smallest of smiles, "It's not much, but if it could be figured out what effort is being putting forth or it's power source, it could potentially be stopped." She paused for a moment, taking another small sip of her tea, "As to where she could be found, I would start with her lair deep within the Labyrinth though that would be an impossibility. I supposed she may have to feed sometimes; given the weakened state we found her in, I doubt she has blood replenishing abilities like you guys do."
"There has and I never meant for there to be this level of destruction and mayhem. I do intend to try and repair as much of it as I can. Maybe not physically, I can't do everything; but I can provide funds for those who can." She nodded quietly at the comment about uncaged threats; she knew the elder was likely referring to the zombies that could now be found outside the Quarantine Zone. "I could only wish they were simple to recage without expanding the cage."
Her senses piqued a bit at the casual way that Elizabeth asked her question. It wouldn't be an entirely odd question if it were not for the discussion they were currently engaged in. It was an odd tangent, but perhaps relevant. "I know of poppies, but I'm not sure I am particularly aware of the California variety. Though, if I were to guess, given the topic at hand, particularly if we were in a Harry Potter book, I'd almost hazard it having a truth agent to it."
Elizabeth
"Have you any idea what that power source may be?" Elizabeth asked, though she had heard guesses of such from the group the night they encountered Theodosia. It was a good guess, but that did not mean that it was the correct guess. The hands in Elizabeth's lap moved to grab her tea once again as Amalea explained her desire to correct what more than likely would never be able to be repaired. The masquerade had fallen and then things had progressed negatively with Longslade and the vampire community from there. Elizabeth expected it to be the same scenario, where the masquerade could not be repaired once it had fallen in Harper Rock. Now the zombies were out...it could only mean more zombies would get out or be made...however they were made, now that they were out of the land of the walking dead. The true, walking dead, in her mindset. "It is a noble mindset, but it may take a lot of funds and time." Elizabeth stated, letting Amalea know that her efforts might take years and not weeks or months.
Elizabeth was not familiar with Harry Potter, but she did understand the idea of a truth 'agent.' This caused Elizabeth to laugh and shake her head, before taking another sip of her tea. "Not at all. I saw and heard what was said that night from everyone in the tomb of sorts." Elizabeth's smile and laugh dwindled as her lips pressed into a very thin line. "The truth is...I have some very dire news for you, Amalea. I believe you have been enthralled by Theodosia, for that is the ONLY," Her tone louder, and harsher as she stated that word, "way I believe you would betray your vampire friends and most of all...Charles." Her gaze grew hard and steely as Elizabeth finished her tea off.
"And so, I plan on keeping thee here a while to see if she plans on reaching out to thee once again. Then, the both of us will meet her head on and we will kill her. Together. Then, the rift will stop growing in size, the zombies could be handled and all will be well again with Charles." The tea cup was set down, allowing her hands to expand in a nonchalant mannerism, as if Elizabeth believed this would be entirely possible.
"As I said, I do not plan on killing thee, but the poppies will make thee a little tired given I put two grams in the water we were both just drinking. And since you are human..." Elizabeth's voice trailed off softly, before the woman cast mindblock upon Amalea as she sat there, putting her plan in motion on step at a time.
(mindblock 2)
Amalea
"I do not. She mentioned her experiments. I know Cobb had is, so perhaps there is some common ground there." In reality, it was only her best guess and nothing solid. "She said she wasn't interested in the living nor their destruction. It may mean that humans as a source are out? I haven't heard of any being killed, at least, just reanimating." She sighed quietly, frustrated she couldn't provide more definitive answers. A quiet nod was her initial reply to the woman's comment about time, "I know. Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, I don't think this will be fixed that quickly. But it's something I want, no need, to do. No matter the time or cost. If I was in it just for the short haul, it wouldn't be a real effort."
Her eyes widened slightly at the woman's laugh in response to her comment about truth agents, though the shake of her head was enough to tell the red-head that wasn't the answer. She nodded quietly at the mention of the video; she had known the English woman had seen it after all. It was to be expected that it would be brought up. The harsh tone caught Amalea off-guard causing her to flinch slightly. She deserved it and more though she wasn't sure if she had been enthralled by Theodosia or simply broken mentally as she had believed prior. There were the beginnings of tears in her eyes as she nodded quietly, assuming that the elder had more to say.
The next statement caused the red-head to blink. It sounded so simple that she wished it would work but she knew killing Theodosia wasn't going to be as simple as that; especially given the Shadow Realm. It would be an endless cycle. She opened her mouth to say something, closing it once she realized the woman wasn't done. Her cup was set upon the table before the woman was finished speaking, lest she spill it unintentionally. She knew on some level she should be upset by this turn of events, but couldn't be. It was less than she deserved.
"It doesn't interact with St. John's Wort, does it?" Why it was the first thing her mind thought of was beyond her, but as Elizabeth had said, she was human and she wasn't trying to kill her; she knew herbal remedies could mix funny. An eyebrow raised slightly at the foggy feeling descending upon her brain; it was a bit overkill given she was being drugged, but she supposed it was a precaution. It was starting to kick in, she could feel it, but she still mostly alert, "Don't think she can be killed without returning which would make things worse. Also not sure if it was enthrallment given I've never experienced it." Even in the state she was descending into, she couldn't accept the easy out that had been handed to her. While she hadn't been herself, she hadn't felt like she'd been enthralled, "All I can say was I didn't feel like I was in control, like I was just a outsider looking in." Her nose twitched, "I think the humans call it a type of dissociative disorder, but I'd be lying if I said that's for sure what it was."