New Adventures (Segreti)

[Elizabeth Constance]

Lizzie sat at her desk at the gallery combing through paperwork that had piled up but it was only a few weeks worth as Molly had been really good about keeping up the day to day of her businesses. She never planned to be gone for so long but she self sabotaged what relationship she might have had for Enver. He was amazing and was kind enough to let her and Chelsea move in with him but once feelings started develop, she fled instead of seeing if he shared mutual feelings. Maybe it was because all her relationships before him failed miserably. There was never a day that passed that she didn’t think about him but once it had reached the year and half mark, she let him go because she figured he had probably moved on which honestly was well within his right given she left without a word.

As she signed her name to another form that was bringing in a new exhibit to the gallery, Lizzie was interrupted by a flash of ginger red head and something sparkling up upon her little head. Smiling as she looked up to see her daughter and one of her many tiaras that had been stashed in the floor safe of her walk in closet. Reaching out to her daughter who had grown into a beautiful six year old and pulled her upon her knee.

“Tell me, my love, where did you find that beauty that is on your gorgeous little head.”

“Isn’t it pretty, Mommy?! Mom got it out for me. I saw her pull it from the floor in your closet.”

Lizzie’s heart sunk as the words dropped for her daughter’s small lips, her custom gun was also stored there and the thought of her daughter getting her hands on it terrified her. Keeping a smile upon her face so that she wouldn’t scare Chelsea, she combed her fingers through her tresses before adjusting the tiara to be straight on her little head. “Did you see the code she used to open it.” A small nod of her head made Lizzie pull her into a tight hug as she made a mental note to put a lock on her closet or better idea yet...change the code to the safe. “It’s the date that you died.” Pressing her lips together as she tried to stay calm. “You are incredibly smart my Love but I need you to promise to stay out of the safe. If you want to play with Mommy’s tiaras, you may but you must get permission from Mom or myself and we will get one for her. Do you understand, Princess.” Sighing she nodded her head. “There are bad things in there isn’t there? And why don’t you where these anymore?”

This wasn’t a conversation she was prepared to have with her at such a young age but Chelsea has been in Harper Rock her whole life and one of her mothers was a vampire, there were only so many times she could dodge the questions. “Yes there are, Chelsea but those things are to keep us safe from the bad guys. You and Molly are too important to me but also there are keepsakes in there that I would prefer remained there.”

The child’s eyes grew brightly as she bounced. “Oh like the purple necklace, earrings, and ring set.” Lizzie always made sure to not let her daughter know when she was upset but those questions brought up painful memories especially the purple jewelry set that Robert had gotten her for Christmas and the ring he proposed to her with that matched. “Well, Mommy is no longer a princess so there is no need for me to wear them but depending on the occasion, I might wear one of the smaller ones to just add a touch of elegance and as for the purple set, those are from an old friend and will stay in the safe for safe keeping but it’s getting close to dinner and I’m sure Molly will be looking for you. Head back upstairs and get cleaned up, give the tiara back to her to put up. I need to head to the orphanage and check on a few things.” Chelsea nodded and then hopped off Lizzie’s lap before kissing her on the cheek and running upstairs.

Quickly Lizzie cleaned up her desk and set aside the documents that needed her attention for later, prepared to leave. As she stood from her desk, she walked over to the coat rack and grabbed her jacket. Slipping her arms into the sleeves and letting it fall around her, she pulled it closed with the tie around her waist letting the jacket hug her body. Lizzie never carried her purse with her as she was proficient in using her mind to do anything she needed but slipped her phone into her back pocket for appearances even though she could check her messages without having to even pull it from her pocket but the world was so attached to their phones that it would look odd should she not have one present. Waving to the employees as she walked passed the front desk, Lizzie decided to take the long way to Swandale and let the brisk air brush against her cheeks. Who didn’t need a nice relaxing walk on a cold winter day?!

As she passed a snowman, she smiled as she imagined the joy the children had as they put it together. Building a snowman wasn’t anything she was able to participate in as a child but many of the things she missed out on, she made sure that Chelsea wouldn’t. Stopping quickly into a near by shop, she purchased a beanie and scarf that was missing on the snowman. Once she finished dressing the frosty being, she pulled her phone out for once to take a picture and sent it off to Molly to show Chelsea. The small act lifted her spirits and that was all she needed. Smiling to herself as she used her mind to start her Apple Music on her phone, it was quick to notice that Chelsea had downloaded a bunch of music when Demi Lovato began singing. Chuckling out load to herself as she rounded the corner, entering the Swandale district.

The orphanage was only few blocks away and the thought of seeing the kids made her happy. It had been awhile but they all sent her letters and emails letting her know all of the exciting things that had been going on. It was time for her to let them know that she was home even though she had been back for three days. As she reached the door, she could hear the giggles of the younger children and the older kids yelling out directions for the video games they were playing on the game systems. Turning the handle of the door, she walked in and the waited a moment before the younger kids realized she walked in and swarmed her. “Hello everyone! I missed you!”

[Segreti]

The Sorcerer twiddled his fingers as he left the office of Segreti Showmen. They had recently had to do a good deal of restoration, after a rather recent incident. Suffice to say, buildings don't enjoy earthquakes. Vampire Rights were a bit of a new thing for Antonio Segreti, but vampires themselves were not. He'd been studying the supernatural for a long time and had always seemed to have a keen interest in it. When he found out about Harper Rock, well, he just had to stop by. It was there that he began a business. Multiple ones in fact, and furthered his discovery of such fascinating and unnatural phenomena. He didn't immediately learn of vampires, instead he found out about sorcerers and rituals. Both things he was quick to learn more about, and the former of which he became. It took a lot longer to find vampires than he liked, but he did, and he studied those too. And began a path towards the route of blood thief, that, however, was kept quite secret.

The attempt to advocate for vampire rights was a recent one. And one that had a great deal of conflict about it. Enough that at only the first attempt to bring it up in public discussion at Segreti Showmen, the event would be attacked by paladins. They tried to take him with them, but after what he assumed was a telepathic warning of needing to get down, the entire building felt an earthquake causing evacuation. It was all...quite problematic. As a result though, he realized he was probably now one of the people on the forefront of paladins minds. An idea he was not particularly fond of, as he personally did not have as much physical skill as many, and relied on his powers to aid him or get him out.

Which was why his actions today would be, at least momentarily, kept secret. Segreti might be a selfish man, but in spite of that, he seemed to do a good bit of philanthropy here and there. Whether or not it got to the public eye was now coming into question. He knew the risks of publicly aiding anyone now, which meant his choice to help with a local orphanage could potentially go unnoticed. He was soon on his way in his car, trying to think over what the point of this all was. And also, just how well off an orphanage even could be in Harper Rock. There was just a little bit of a push from him to tell them they should probably leave the place. It was dangerous, soldiers and zombies everywhere.

His arrival wouldn't take long, it wasn't like it was hard to get anywhere in this city. And soon he'd be getting towards the place, adjust his suit as he stood up and shut and locked the car door behind him. Took a breath in, and headed to go find the woman running this place. He was not armed, nor did he have any security guards with him. Trying to get the least attention as possible.

[Elizabeth Constance]

It would be a lie if Lizzie wasn’t excited to see the children and to hear about everything going on with school, hobbies, projects, and even possible love interests which the teenage girls were so willing to spill to her. A soft chuckle slipped passed her lips as she looked at them all. “I’m back and we have plenty of time to catch up. I promise, I will spend time with each of you.” She was interrupted by a tug on her jacket, turning to look down at the young boy who turned to point out the window. “Miss Lizzie, who is that?”

Her gaze quickly followed the child’s and she turned to look back at her staff. No one knew she was back yet because she hadn’t made it public yet and here was a guy standing outside of their home. Waving over one of her staff who had been with her from the beginning and was aware of the dangers that this posed the orphanage as well as her own presence with being back. “Try not to scare them but please get them to safety while I find out who this is and what they might want.” The worker quickly nodded and she began to gather up all of the children including those on the game systems. The protests could be heard as they realized they were about to lose their match because they had to quit. Extra game time was awarded if they cooperated which worked as they were pleased that they were able to stay up later than usual.

Once the children were guided out of the room and to the safety of the upstairs, Lizzie straightened her jacket, ran her fingers through her nearly perfect hair, and applied a fresh layer of lipstick to look professional before she opened the door and stepped outside. She was hoping this wasn’t a threat as anything dealing with the orphanage typically was done at her office but maybe the system of business had change with her absence and she decided to wing it. She had defensive powers should she need them but it all depended on the man that now stood before her.

“Good evening, sir. Are you lost?” She knew that was a redundant question as he clearly had his eyes on her house that held many children inside that she took care of due their missing parents. Lizzie made sure to keep herself between him and the home as she would do what was necessary to keep everyone inside safe.

[Segreti]

Antonio, looked at the building thoughtfully as he approached. Kind of made him wonder, after what happened to Showmen, if it was a good idea for buildings around here to start being made for the purpose of surviving things like earthquakes. Normally it seemed like it might be a waste, but with vampires everywhere and the more things escalated, it could be a good idea. He smiled as he saw that someone was coming out to greet him, a pretty red haired woman who looked ready for a formal occasion. He was usually dressed up and tidied himself but that was the nature of his business. And his money. It was important to keep up appearances.

He chuckled glancing down as she asked if he was lost, politely, "Well ma'am I hope not. I'm looking for the orphanage." he answered before holding out a hand, noting that she chose to stand between him and the house, so if she chose or looked concerned about taking his hand he'd quickly retract it and place them both folded together in front of him before moving them again as he explained further, "I'm Antonio Segreti. I've been running a few businesses around here recently, I'm kind of hoping to offer a little bit of a donation or funding. In a place like this, I imagine they need all the help they can get. But uh, for recent reason. I'd prefer not to stay out in the open much." he explained.

He took a glance over his shoulder just to be sure, "I've had a recent issue with paladins and I don't want them causing you any trouble if possible. So if there's somewhere easier to talk, that'd definitely be a good idea. Unfortunately vampire advocating is a bit of a controversial topic."

[Elizabeth Constance]

The man that stood before her was well dressed in business attire. The orphanage definitely wasn’t a place to do business but here he stood looking official. Lizzie’s glanced down for a moment as he stuck his hand out to her and introduced himself. Giving him a slight nod of her head, Lizzie took his hand gently yet firmly as a good business person should. Who really wanted a sloppy fish wobble of a handshake. “Pleasure to meet you Mr. Segreti, I am Elizabeth Llewellyn and one of two owners of this orphanage. I do hope you do not mind me asking but what businesses do you run and why are you interested in donating to the orphanage?”

Lizzie had hoped this wasn’t a scheme to gain political favor but one could never truly know the real reasons behinds one’s intention, that is, except if one was a telepath such as herself but she rarely used her abilities for business ventures unless she truly had to for safety reasons. As he spoke about running into recent trouble, she instantly decided that the orphanage was definitely not the place to talk because if any harm came to those children, Lux have mercy upon the souls that hurt them. That would be a repentance she’d be happy to redeem herself for. Lizzie wasn’t one to go out of her way to harm anyone without reason but she’s been known to take care of those she cared for and who was in her charge.

Just as she took a step toward him to suggest leaving, the word ‘paladins’ left his lips and she froze. “Excuse me?” Her eyes darted and she scanned the area before her gaze looked back to him. “If we are going to talk business, the orphanage is not the place to do it. We should leave and honestly...now if you were followed.” Lizzie didn’t know this man so she kept up appearances of being human other than her pale complexion which to an untrained eye would just chalk up to her being a ginger and not going out to tan, pulling out her phone, she texted the caretaker inside that held the children that she was leaving and would be back later. As she slipped her phone into her pocket, she looked at Antonio. “Where to?” Once the question left her lips, she dropped his hand from the handshake and walked passed him toward his car. “Paladins are the last group of people that you want to mess with, they are relentless.”

Once she reached his car, she turned to him and perked her brow. “Vampire advocacy...” It was rare should anyone share thoughts of vampires and humans cohabitating other than Robert and herself and they were ridiculed for it because Lux forbid the thought of evolving and being civil. Lizzie knew she had been gone for far too long but there was no way that there enough changes that would support humans and vampires coexisting in a perfect world...well outside of the world she and Robert had built for themselves with the church, orphanage, and above all...her home life with her daughter and thrall who was her best friend. This thought intrigued her immensely and this would have to be a conversation they continued but first they needed to leave. “Maybe you can tell me more about that but I do recommend that we leave. This not the best location to have such discussions.”

[Segreti]

Segreti smiled and nodded his head as she answered saying she was one of the owners of the orphanage and then asking his business, "Depends on the business. I have a few..., plays and stage acts, trades, some production though I don't particularly deal with the details of that myself, they don't...really have anything to do with children all that much, just people in general."

She also was definitely in a rush to leave if paladins were involved, and in regards to where it was, "I doubt they'd have gone all this way. If they're out to kill me they're not doing good and if it's for information, then they're pretty darn good at hiding." He didn't take incredible note of her pale skin, due to that it could very well be natural. Though it didn't mean he couldn't suspect her, Segreti had been in Harper Rock at least long enough to recognize sometimes people who you'd think weren't vampires very much could be. It was just a matter of seeing who was who.

She asked where while heading to the car, "I've got a place more on the edge if you're fine with going there, if you need to bring someone with you that's fine." he commented, striding around to the drivers side, and slipping inside ready to get on the move, and commenting on paladins, "They're problematic no doubt."

He smiled as she repeated the words Vampire advocacy, "Not a popular opinion I know. But it's necessary. At this point they don't even have the same rights as second rate citizens. If it weren't for them having powers, and a much more rooted historical issue, I wouldn't have been surprised if they permitted vampire slavery in a few years." he shook his head.

He'd start driving off as she mentioned it not being the best place for discussions, "Well from what I've heard Paladins aren't the best spies. Tattoos and aggression the moment they see a vampire. Pretty sure one saved me recently actually, though I can't say that for sure, but I don't know anything else that can cause earthquakes and speak to minds. Oh, well except fae maybe. Unfortunately though there is probably even less reliable information about them. I'm, uh, a sorcerer and I've been trying to do as much research into these sorts of things as I can. Harper Rock is a glass cannon waiting to go off." He glanced over at her momentarily, though his eyes were quickly back on the road, "That's why I'm considering a donation. Of all the places for an Orphanage, Harper Rock seems like one of the most likely to need it, but where it'd be in the worst position."

[Elizabeth Constance]

Antonio seemed to be of like mind when it came to businesses as she had the art gallery and the theatre, a light smile slipped upon her lips. “Actually you might be thinking too small because you definitely can include children in the theatre. There can be workshops, children’s plays, etc. I have done it myself with my own theatre and the children love it except those that want to just sit at home playing those game boxes on the television.” Lizzie kindly shook her head as he spoke about him probably not being followed. She placed her hands on the top of his car for a moment as she spoke. “Actually that is just the thing about them and their relentlessness...they attack at will but more of a game for them should you not be expecting it and you are caught off guard. I am aware I have stayed away from this city far too long but I can assure you that the mentality of the paladins are bleak and single minded, they just want to kill what is different and threatening to them.”

The moment the car was unlocked and he opened his own door, Lizzie pulled on the handle and let herself into the car. She shut the door and looked at him after buckling the seatbelt. He had seemed concerned when he originally mentioned the paladins but now he didn’t. She wasn’t sure if he was taking them seriously or not but Lizzie wasn’t about to take the chance. A light sound of laughter slipped from her at the mention of picking someone up if she needed to just before she shook her head. “I might be a woman in this dark and twisted city but I can assure you, Mr. Segreti that I can easily take care of myself.”

Folding her hands gently into her lap with her back pressed against the back of the seat and sitting up straight and proper, her eyes continued to watch him even as he drove. Lizzie was always trying to read people but she did it the hard way by reading their facial features opposed to just invading their mind as it had gotten her into trouble far too many times in the past. Antonio’s views on vampirism rights were spot on. Vampires were feared and treated like animals once the paladins came to town. Killing and torturing vampires just to find out more information, find more vampires to attack, just to rid them from the world but all from what she could tell....it was all pure sadistic joy. “It is a very rare and unpopular opinion but not one that has not already been dabbled with. I as well share a thought that vampires and humans can coexist together however this city...I am afraid will not be on the same page though it does not mean that people like us should stop trying. Vampires were human once and it is highly possible that some, most likely not all, but some still cling to their humanity which helps them blend in. Blending in is key for them to keep them from being hunted.” Shaking her head quickly. “Vampires in slavery would be a terrible idea. Many would fight back against it and that would only prove to those that hunt them just how far gone they are when they are only trying to protect themselves.” She failed to mention that even if they died, as long as they remained in the city and died there...they would always comeback and that sort of rage could be harmful for her race.

Lizzie turned her head away from him to look out the window as he began to drive. She needed to think on the situation of the paladins and the possibility of her race, taking note that she was due for research to find out all that she had missed. Maybe it was good that she had left or she might have found her self in the Realm of Shadows many times over though it that wasn’t a visit that was foreign to her. She spent a lot of time there but as a telepath, it wasn’t the funnest of trips even though she could still connect with the living world. “I am sure that the paladins have people that do spying for them. They have a whole organization of people that want nothing better than see the vampire race fall.” Turning her head to look at him again as he continued, “one saved you?” He spoke of a mental message and an earthquake and that would only mean it was someone that had telepathy and mystic powers. “Do you know if the whole city was affected by the earthquake or was it a centralized event? Do you recall who might have done so? What did they look like?” Lizzie wanted more information because she had yet to reach out to see who all was still around but hopefully there was still a friendly face that lingered and hopefully wouldn’t be pissed by her disappearance. For just a moment, she forgot to focusing on breathing and had stopped entirely. Breathing for her was purely for appearance but at times she had to focus on it or she would just stop altogether giving it away that she wasn’t a human any longer. Pulling her attention inward, she started breathing again and hoped he hadn’t noticed when he glanced at her. “A sorcerer. So you have supernatural abilities!? Interesting. How did you come into this path?” She never really was able to question a human on their supernatural choices before except for the blood thieves that she used to let feed off of her. Lizzie realized that she just one person that would fascinate her and depending on the meeting, create an interesting alliance with but she still had to remain careful as this was dangerously the same path she once took with Robert but she couldn’t help but agree with Antonio, change needed to happen and she prayed to Lux that it was for the best.

Flashing him a smile and a nod. “The orphanage as well as the food pantry are places that I provide most of my personal funding to as the donations to Solace is not always as great. Solace is a great church but there has been controversy behind its values from the city. I want to care for the lost and broken. I want to help each person grow, have food, and build a stable life. It is the one ray of hope this city truly has and I appreciate that you want to help because I can use all the help that I can get.”

[Segreti]

He listened furrowing his brow as she mentioned that he had more room in the business for children, nodding and turning into a smile as she explained the how, snapping a hand and pointing for a moment, "You know that's a good idea, I'll need to keep that in mind." The topic quickly changed back to paladins though, and he grunted slightly at her opinion of them, "I mostly know about them from what I've managed to discern and find. Less so from...personal experience. Aside from a few instances, and that recent issue, I haven't run into all that many...shockingly."

He chuckled at her response about being able to take care of herself, though not in a mocking way, "Well that's good. Always important here, or...anywhere for that matter. But most places don't have easily found, well armed gangs, and monsters that come out of shadows or something."

She also mentioned his vampire advocacy having been attempted before, and that she shared it. Which was good and brought another smile before he returned his eyes to the road. Yes, coexist. That'd be nice wouldn't it. And a truly strange city. But one that no other could rival. If vampires and humans were able to truly work together in Harper Rock, there would be no place more productive. And no place that would look more intimidating to outsiders. That however was merely a bonus. And, unfortunately, would likely never happen. As, just like the woman said, the city just didn't seem to be on the same page with them. He also noted the necessity to blend in, and her respons to vampire slavery. The yes there were only negatives in that direction.

He let out a low rumble as he heard her say paladins might have spies. He'd have to check into that. Segreti might be a businessman, and have avoided a criminal record. But that was because he knew what he was doing. He knew how to get the right people, how to ensure he was never the one who ended up with the crime on his head. One of the advantages of having money, you didn't need to do the work. It was technically illegal some of the operations he'd done, but it was necessary to get things running. And, in a city such as this, he doubted anyone was without a crime on their head.

Her interest was clearly peaked as he mentioned a vampire saving him. Including specific questions about the event, what they looked like and how it happened. He grinned slightly glancing back and forth between her and the road. It was excitement and yet...was she not breathing? No, pay attention to the road, "Uh, well, it was definitely localized. I think it was just the building. As far as who, I have an idea. But I can't necessarily go handing that out. Even if I knew I was right that's just not the sort of information you spread. They were willing to help me out when it was probably only of a risk to them and when they didn't know me, at least I assume they didn't, and I think that deserves some discretion."

They were very specific questions. He rather wondered how much she already knew about vampires and paladins with all of the information she was handing out. How long had she been in this city he wondered. Eventually the topic came up of his being a sorcerer, and supernatural abilities, "I met another sorcerer, heh. Yup that simple. Or apprentice, I think. Didn't really tell me who he was too much. I was interested naturally when he told me I had the potential for supernatural powers, but skeptical. He showed me what he could do, so naturally I wanted to do it to. Of all the things I had to do, running from a few wolves was not expected. He asked for money but that wasn't too much of an issue. From there a lot of what I learned was on my own, I was told the types of abilities I could potentially have and practiced them myself. Personally I'm quite pleased with it, jumping over buildings, healing wounds, energy from anima, have been three particularly favorable abilities for me. Though I'd hardly call myself a master, and rarely use them for anything but getting places or doing more work."

Yes it was an unusual but fortunate scenario. Of all the classes to have ended up in, sorcerer was the most fitting for him. With his fascination of the supernatural the only thing that would have remotely fit better was perhaps blood thief, but it had a much more difficult nature to it. As a sorcerer, he was self contained. However, ultimately, it was not enough for him to have just a single route. And he did take on another, but that was for his own secrets.

Back onto the orphanage, they seemed to keep veering off track. He didn't mind that at all though, it wasn't like they were on a time limit so far as he knew. They'd be arriving towards the place relatively shortly though, as buildings started thinning out a good bit more. She mentioned the pantry, using her own funding, and apparently controversy in regards to Solace. And that she appreciated help. He smiled in return, "Glad to. The world can be a bit...cruel. And when children aren't cared for properly it just gets crueler. I never really had too many issues myself growing up, I suppose I was lucky. But I can still sympathize with those who have to deal with it." He furrowed his brow thoughtfully, "I might ask though, how long have you been in Harper Rock. You certainly seem to know a good bit about it, and of course there's your being an owner of the orphanage. So I assume you've been here awhile. Was it just business, or where you were born, maybe family? You don't actually have to answer that, as it could be a personal question. So I won't blame you if you don't want to."

[Elizabeth Constance]

A sincere smile rested on her face as he liked her business idea for how he could include children. He seemed almost excited but she definitely could be reading that wrong. Hell she read a lot of things wrong lately because she refused to use even her most basic of powers unless necessary. Tilting her head slightly as he grunted over the paladins, she gave a slight shake of her head. “Honestly, do not stress to much. Knowledge is there and knowledge is power.”

As she spoke about the well armed gangs and monsters that lived in this city, she nodded in agreement because it was true. Out of all of the places she had been to for business or vacation, Harper Rock was definitely unique. Zombies, fae, vampires, skeletons, etc. she honestly could go on, on how exotic the monsters were here and yet they were monsters that one would find in old story books. Hell when she was growing up and training to take over the throne as Queen should her father die, these creatures were used to scare children into behaving, never had she thought they were real but here they are. “True, one could never to be too safe.” Likely for her, she had many defensive powers as a telepath, her shield being one she used the most but she did cross over into other paths and have some offensive powers as well. She was definitely prepared, though she might start carrying her gun again.

He seemed to mull over some of the information that she so kindly dropped upon him. She knew that she needed to be careful with giving too much information but she was honestly spilling it all on the floor. Maybe she should have started a conversation with someone when she first returned because this is the first person she’s spoke to other than business at the gallery and he knows how this city works so she just let information fall out of her mouth. Though depending on his questions, she will give him a thoughtful answer without giving herself away unless she had too. Lizzie would make that call in the moment depending on what the situation was.

As he spoke about the event, a sight smirk slipped over lips as he confirmed that it was indeed a vampire but he wasn’t going to tell her any information. That was good on his part, protecting them while advocating for them. It was very smart but he was thinking about the event, this was the prime time to get the answers while it was fresh on his mind. She was going to break her own rule as curiosity was getting the best of her. As he spoke, she quickly slipped in and looked at the world from his perspective from that night. Glancing through the crowd, Lizzie couldn’t make out anyone that was overly familiar. She did take note of the brunette that seemed to stand up for vampires, she was worth keeping in the back of her mind. It wasn’t long into the discussion before trouble started. He was right, they were paladins. Scanning through the chaos she tried to find who he spoke about and then there was a female Paladin blocking a woman of raven hair with clothes that fit loosely upon her tiny form. Lizzie was positive she knew who it was but she would reach out later to confirm but from only seeing the back of the woman’s head and how she dressed...it might be a long shot so she wouldn’t offer up this information to Antonio. ”I understand completely, please forgive my questions. I did not mean to pry.”

Antonio was very kind to then answer her questions about him being a sorcerer. She didn’t know that there were others out their teaching people to have supernatural abilities. Lizzie wasn’t sure why this surprised her because by the sounds of it, vampires had a similar form of learning abilities through the Wraith Guides. Abilities were useful in this city especially when you needed a way to escape or a better way to fight. ”Jumping over buildings and healing wounds! Those are definitely useful abilities.” if she came off as sarcastic, she didn’t mean too as she was trying to learn about him as well as hide that she herself had powers but for a very different reason.

She noticed that they were starting to leave the city but hoped that they didn’t go far enough outside that should something go south, she wouldn’t have a permanent death. She just returned and hadn’t planned on disappearing again. Nodding her head towards his comments on the less fortunate, she gave a slight shrug of her shoulders. ”Indeed the world can be cruel but I do my best to make sure those children have the best life possible. I almost spoil them but I get them the best education so that they can go to the best universities, get them tutors bit also allow them free time to do any hobby of their choosing. We care for them as if they are our own. My daughter visits often as I adopted her from the orphanage but we look so much alike, most would never know that she wasn’t biologically mine.” Turning her head to put attention back onto him opposed to the fading city outside of the car, he was interested in her. Normally she wasn’t asked questions about herself and it caught her off guard. ”How long have I been in Harper Rock...hmm let us see, I believe I moved here May of 2011 so about nine years now. I do leave occasionally for business trips or vacations but always come back. My life is here.” The mention of family shocked her a little bit she gathered herself. She wasn’t concerned about personal questions because her business professional or personal was often displayed to the public, it was rare that she could hide anything. ”You are quite alright, I do not mind. I was born in Wales so I do not have any family here other than my daughter and my best friend. I do not know how things are with my family are as that is entirely a lifetime ago by my choice. I wanted to do different things and my family disagreed. I made a choice that I felt was best for me so I came to Harper Rock and started a fresh new life.” They were easy questions for her to answer, none were prying or digging into if she was human or not. It was simple conversation and ice breakers, nothing that she needed to worry about. Here eyes looked out the window again and it never seemed to amaze her how quick you can get to a destination when you simply don’t pay attention to the outside world.

[Segreti]

He chuckled a little at her comment of knowledge being power, "Indeed it is." he agreed. It was one of the greatest. Without it he would not have gotten into the position he was in. If you had the knowledge of the right things, you could profit off of it. Or manipulate it. She also agreed on safety. He personally didn't carry a weapon with him all the time, unless he had to deal with the unsavory. But then again he could generally escape most problems. And he had his new powers to leap off of such as a fascinating new ability to summon these undead wolves. It was truly fascinating.

She apologized for the questions. Though it didn't really relieve her of any suspicion, "No problem. It's natural to be curious. Sometimes though it's just a necessity to keep things to oneself. For the sake of others." he answered. In spite of that Segreti really did tend to indulge himself, he still had some sense of morality. Even if it was a bit less than that of an average person. Though, perhaps not an average person in Harper Rock.

Another smile as she seemed to either joke or be entertained by his explanation of his powers, "Indeed they are. Though perhaps not as impressive as some. But enough that I enjoy them." he said simply. Glancing over occasionally as she continued about the world, and the children and Orphanage. An adopted daughter. Segreti was almost amused at the thought of himself ever attempting such a venture. Children were a bit more difficult of a prospect then, apparently, business. But perhaps that was a matter of his personality. Too focused on material creations then...well however children could be classified.

The businessman nodded thoughtfully as she answered his question on how long she'd been here. Nine years, that was certainly enough to have learned a good bit of vampires if she was paying enough attention. Although apparently she came in and out. She didn't seem to mind his more personal question. He raised his eyebrows as she mentioned Wales. All the way from Wales and ended up here. Also little family. She just wanted somewhere different. Fair enough, though strange place to choose he wouldn't criticize too much. Some were bound to end up here without realizing what it was.

He'd eventually come to a stop, there were a number of other houses around this area. Fairly well off area of town, but Segreti mainly chose it for it's security. It was easy for him to see outside of it and it would be hard to commit a crime around here and then escape. "Guess we're here." He stated obviously, breathing in and shoving the door open before getting out. If she didn't already start making her way out he'd open the door for her. He'd had to work with people of business, it was practically instinct that if there wasn't another person to do it, you open the door to stay on their good side, then start to head to the door presumably with her, "Personally I find the atmosphere of Harper Rock a bit more interesting then other places. It's more rooted in the unusual so naturally it's got a stranger history. But at the same time, since it's got so much supernatural surrounding it. It's actually a sort of...portal, to the past. Not just the undead, as they may be called. A dangerous portal, but one nonetheless. Imagine if people were more interested in the history of it, how much would we learn about the past? Knowing all that we know now."