[Ennui]

I shrug.  Sure, why not.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2209 Isla's Apartment Seattle


Glinda remains at your side as you walk.  Her attempts at conversation seem to fall a bit flat and it is apparent that she is....................concerned about something.  Finally, she takes your arm and turns to you. "May I ask you something personal?"  Without waiting, she continues.  "Where do you see this going?"

[Ennui]

I try not to have specific plans but the goal is to carve out our little niches of barrens and make them better places to live and establish a way for that to live on after us ultimately.  Why do you ask?

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2210 Isla's Apartment Seattle


Glinda nods. "That is a nice goal, Isla.  I hope that we can make it work."  She pauses momentarily.  "Sian says that all is good and that we may return at any time.  She says to tell you that there is not too much blood on your carpet."

[Ennui]

I stare blankly at Glinda.  If that was supposed to be a joke it's not very funny.

I head back to my apartment.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2211 Isla's Apartment Seattle


Glinda shakes her head.  "I think it is a reference to Corbin and Shelly not staking her.  She would not harm your friends unless there was no other way, and she would have plenty of ways to get away from here if she needed to.  There is nothing to worry about."

Indeed, when you get back to your suite, you find everyone sitting where you left them, although both of your friends look a bit shell shocked and Shelly mouths a soundless "What the fuck" as you walk in.  Sian, looks your way and smiles.  "I think we will get along fine, once the shock wears off.  They have some questions about vampires that I am sure they want very much to ask you after I have left.  Overall, this will be good, as long as we work together to get past certain prejudices."

Both Corbin and Shelly nod and they do indeed look like they have some questions.  Sian adds, "Now that this is out of the way, what do we need to hammer out now?"

[Ennui]

You broke it to them already?  I still don't know why you wanted me out of here for that.

I don't think there's anything else to hammer out.  You guys have any questions for her specifically?

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2213 Isla's Apartment Seattle

Sian looks at you and smiles.  "Yes, I did.  I hope that is alright.  I think that they have questions for you, though."  Both Corbin and Shelly nod their heads.

The elder vampire stands up.  "I like your friends and I like your ideas.  I am sure that we will make this work.  Let me know when you want to get together for this circle or to just practice."

[Ennui]

You'll have to bring the puppies next time.  I'll show you my lab, give you an idea of what the grander scale will be like once you are ready to move forward with that, I say escorting her out.

After she leaves I address my friends.  I hated keeping this secret from you over the last few days.  I hope you understand it wasn't my secret to tell.  You have questions for me?

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2215 Isla's Apartment Seattle


"Yes, I will bring them next time.  They do tend to attract attention and I will have to consider a way to deal with that issue.  Thank you so much for asking me here.  Come see me when you have a chance."

When you get back to your suite, it is obvious that there is a bit of a strain between Glinda and the others.  She is standing near the window, looking out at the sprawl in the night while Corbin and Shelly are sitting on the couch.  Shelly is the first to speak. "Holy fucking drek, Lizzie.  A vampire?  And not one, but two?  Didn't we have enough of these diseased pseudo undead already?  And we.....we....holy fuck, are we infected now, too?"

Glinda turns from the window and looks at you with sad eyes. "Perhaps I should leave for a while and let you three talk this out."

Shelly looks at you and licks her lips before opening her mouth and closing it without saying anything, giving you the chance to speak.

[Ennui]

No Glinda, you should stay, I don't know all the answers and you may be able to give us more answers.  Besides you are a roommate now.  This is something that we should all be here for..  The answer is no Shelly.  These two aren't from the magical virus.  You'll have to ask Glinda more about that.  I don't really understand it myself,  I understand your reticence Shelly.  But they are more like us that those monsters from our childhood.  They aren't hunting us,  They aren't turning us.  They have been chased by communities who want to kill them just as we have.

We also have similar goal.  Their project in chinatown and ours in here in Redmond.  They care about people

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2215 Isla's Apartment Seattle


Glinda nods from where she is at near the windows.  "Lizzie is right, Shelly.  I was made into what I am through a bite, but the process was a bit more complicated than simply getting a scratch or being bitten.  I am nothing like the diseased creatures you are familiar with but am more like the vampires of legend and old trivids.  I have no intention of turning you into a vampire and you cannot become like me through casual touching or having sex with me.  I am a sorceress of some power, but even my magic is different from what is "normal" for you.  It is very difficult to explain this, but I like it here and I like you three very much and am asking you to give me a chance to be your friend"  She stops talking and looks anxiously at Corbin and Shelly.

Both of your friends remain silent for a couple of minutes then Corbin nudges Shelly.  "Hey, Shel, look at it like this; we would already be dead if she wanted to harm us.  I think it is sort of neat to have had sex with someone over a thousand years old.  I say we should give her a chance."

Glinda looks at Shelly.  "I am not here to break you three up and will leave if the vote is not unanimous for me to remain."

At this point, Shelly looks over at you. "Are you really OK with this, Isla?"

[Ennui]

I am...Granted I trust Glinda more because I know her better and Sian seems to have a different understanding of social behavior, but I do trust her and Glinda trusts her so that makes me trust her that much more.  Shelly, they are people living in a hostile world.  Most anyone would rather kill them than talk to them.  They are constantly hiding and living in fear of this sort of retribution.  Does that remind you of anything?

We haven't trusted many people since then and I haven't felt a kinship like I have with these tow since we lost our brothers and sisters.  I see kindred spirits, not monster.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2216 Isla's Apartment Seattle


Shelly's eyes widen and she sits back in the chair.  After a moment she nods and rises, going to where Glinda is standing. "I am sorry, Glinda.  I had not really thought of it in that way.  Of course you can stay."  She puts her arms around the vampire and kisses her.

Corbin looks at you then follows suit, but comes to you instead.  He takes you into his arms and holds you close.  "You certainly have way with words, dear sister."  He then takes your face in his hands and begins to kiss you.

[Ennui]

I kiss him back but cut it short.  I don't want you guys to be convinced by my words.  I just want you to keep an open mind about them and look for yourselves.  I think you will probably come to a similar conclusion is all.