[sub]in collaboration with [@SunsetRoses], [@Shagranoz], and [@Ellion][/sub] [h1][center][i][u]"Death's Gift"[/u][/i][/center][/h1] Lorelai made her way through the small tangle of underbrush on her way to... something. Charon had contacted her last night speaking of a gift he'd left for her here. While demons often left her gifts their Lords usually wanted payment for their services. So to have Death make an offering to her out of the blue was curious, and Lorelai wouldn't have risen - or fallen - as far as she had if she didn't give into curiousity on occassion. "It's probably just a dead body, maybe carved with your house sigil." Sousiel piped up next to her. "Maybe Death is trying to seduce you? Seems to be fashionable this season. Lexi, Gen, even Elina's made a pass at you in the past week." [color=00aeef]"I... Shut up Sousiel."[/color] Lorelai flashed her familiar a small glare. Alexina and Gen sure, but Elina's indescretion hardly counted. [color=00aeef]"Let's just see what the Old Man's left me huh?"[/color] "Fine, but if it's a love letter written in human flesh you'll have to reply, and I'll laugh." They finally came to the clearing that had been indicated in Lorelai's dream. Sure enough in a circle of brimstone layed two figures. [color=00aeef]"What have we here?"[/color] Lorelai approached them. Inspecting the circle she was surprised to see it was a warding against hunters, and turned inward as to trap the man and woman. Elizabeth woke suddenly at the sound of dry leaves and twigs crunching beneath someone's foot. [i]Leaves and twigs...by God they did it.[/i] She bit back the sigh of comfort she felt rising from deep within, her body tensing though she wanted nothing more than to relax and drift away. The woodsy scents calmed her, the steady breeze hitting her face making her feel alive again. She was no longer trapped underneath the surface, her she was, above and practically unharmed. Taking a steady breath, she turned her attention away from the sun’s beams that were shining brightly on her. She squinted, her breath held as she looked around. Liz’s gaze found Flint, and her heart throbbed. Her memories flashed, almost too fast to keep track of, causing her head to pound alongside her heart. She thought of the disagreement they had had, the demon's sweet words that had lulled her into an ever-present euphoria-she shuddered thinking about how the demon had manipulated her, using her weak heart. She also remembered her last, and most vivid memory of him. He had just returned alongside Fenros, and Andri. They had managed to send the group back up to the surface, at least, that's what Liz silently prayed for. Liz's eyes flitted furiously around the area, she had no energy to pull herself up, and thinking of those footsteps she knew she shouldn't shout for them. “Flint,” she managed, her voice hoarse and weak. “Flint where are th-” she was cut short by a woman's voice, and she had to brace herself to stop from turning a ghastly white. Her attention shifted, and she found herself looking into eyes the color of a fire's wispy smoke. For a color so plain, like grey, Elizabeth found no trouble in seeing the wisdom and experience hidden behind those eyes. In spite of herself, she trembled. It was a momentary reaction, but it was there. She had just showed weakness to a witch, she was dead in the water. A small smirk curved Lorelai's mouth. So the huntress knew some measure of what she was in for huh? She stepped closer to the pair. [color=00aeef]"So... I've got myself a Digard boy, and... who might you be?"[/color] Lorelai let out a small chuckle. [color=00aeef]"Where are my manners? My name is Lorelai Von'Strauss, as I'm sure you've surmised I'm a witch. Not some small one to make prey of either. So shall we exchange pleasantries while I figure out what to do with you pet?"[/color] Elizabeth licked her chapped lips, suddenly they were too dry for her to open her mouth to speak. She cleared her throat, aching to find her voice, though she knew her tongue had froze. She stared desperately at Flint, hoping the intensity of her piercing eye was enough to wake him. When her foolproof plan failed, she knew she was on her own. , but when the witch called her a pet she needed no further help. In the drop of a hat, her tongue had defrosted. Now, Liz was suddenly aware of her heavy armor, and the chain whip that still dangled at her side with a small jingle when she shifted her weight. Just as she was about to lunge, the sense in her pinpointed the weakness on her body, her shoulders. She let out a barrage of useless, petty curses, all kept in her mind. She had no chance fighting, so why not entertain the witch she had in front of her? “I'm Elizabeth, Elizabeth James. I'm sure you won't waste time with my name, however, seeing as you'll probably like to call me ‘'pet’ more than anything. Nice to meet you, Lorelai.” [color=00aeef]"Well met Elizabeth, is Liz alright? Maybe Beth?"[/color] Lorelai arched an eyebrow at the woman's anger. Good to know she still had spirit at least. [color=00aeef]"Well Elizabeth, we seem to have a conundrum before us don't we? I don't [i]really[/i] want to make you my pet, and I'm sure you don't want to be one either. I'd also prefer not to kill you, but when that Digard boy wakes up he won't leave me a choice will he?"[/color] She pressed a knuckle to her chin in contemplation. [color=00aeef]"What should we do?"[/color] “Oh, Liz is fine of course Lorelai. Might I call you Lore? Such a pretty name.” Liz's tone was slathered in honey, but she wouldn't even try to hide her sarcasm. Mimicking Lorelai, she stroked her chin in thought. “Well, killing me wouldn't be too fun, don't you think? After all the hell I've been through. May I ask why Mr. Digard waking would cause you to go to such extremes?” Liz knew irritating the witch was probably the worst thing she could do, and asking questions wasn't helping. Liz could no longer contain herself, she was tired and irritable, and if death came her way it would be blissful compared to making a deal with a witch. “I also wonder why a witch would want to compromise with a Hunter like me? You must be at the bottom of the barrel, aren't you? Maybe it's just your kind soul, no that can't be it.” Liz's voice was a toss up between teasing and taunting, and she managed to crack a thin smile. [color=00aeef]"I'll let... Flint? I thought I recognized his face. Tell you that."[/color] Lorelai's eyes narrowed at the girl's tone. [color=00aeef]"And Lore will suffice Liz."[/color] [color=00aeef]"Would you put aside your stupid petulant hatred of me for a moment. Perhaps just long enough to help me find a way to save your life?"[/color] Lorelai smirked. [color=00aeef]"I'm far from the bottom of my barrel, and I wouldn't say I have a 'kind' soul. I just don't particularly want to kill you, and yet I can't simply release you. Perhaps we could strike a deal you and I? Nothing too odious I assure you."[/color] Petulant? Maybe. Stupid? That could probably be debated. Liz shrugged and picked herself up off the forest floor, so she could eye the witch without looking up to her. Once she stood, she struck her usual pose and smiled charmingly. “I believe I can do just that, Lore. A deal with a witch, how curious. I have my own terms, of course.” she glanced back down at Flint’s sleeping figure and her features softened. “What are you offering, madam? Though I know very little about witches, I'm sure that you and I have two very different definitions of odious. I think that if you can agree with my terms though, I'll stretch my understanding of the word a bit further.” Liz cocked her head to the side, uneasiness blossoming wildly in her gut. She pushed it aside, keeping her charming smile plastered on.”You first.” Lorelai watched the woman's expression as she look towards Flint's unconcious form. There was something there, perhaps a gap that could be bridged between them. Time to lower the mask a touch Lorelai. [color=00aeef]"My love was slain two days ago, by a rival witch that was supposed to be my friend. See, not so alien am I?"[/color] Lorelai's eyes saddened. [color=00aeef]"I'm old now, and under other circumstances I'd just let time kill the hag. My love... she wouldn't want me putting myself at risk, but you see I've much to lose."[/color] She paused a moment, her eyes hardening with resolve, before continuing. [color=00aeef]"My sisters are at risk, and I'll need vengeance. Assist me in this... and I'll let the Digard boy go."[/color] “The age doesn't show, but I'm sure you've got no time for compliments.” Liz’s tone had shifted drastically, a bit more somber. She had no way to tell if the witch was lying or not, but the sadness in the woman's eyes was true. Liz thought about what she would do if someone close to her betrayed her, how she would do anything for revenge. She nodded slowly, her mind solely focused on Flint. “Flint, he's a good man. He deserves nothing less than undying loyalty, love even. He needs to go back home to find both of those things.” Liz cleared her throat and squared her shoulders. She fought back a frown, and stared hard into the eyes of Lorelai. “I shall help you, as long as he stays safe. I hope to never understand the feeling of losing someone I love, at the hands of someone I trust.” Liz searched the witch’s eyes, looking for a sign of compassion or any other emotion. “Promise me one other thing, though. That you won't enchant me, and that you'll trust me to do your petty tasks on my own.” Lorelai nodded solemnly, her hand went to her ritual dagger. [color=00aeef]"You'll understand if I need assurance. Not an enchantment, but a binding oath."[/color] [color=00aeef]"I swear to be generous, fair, and kind during your term of service. To allow you to operate as you need to the ends of defeating our now mutual foe, and to release Flint Digard from my harm, unless he threatens my life. I swear this on the life blood of Vespa Ruvina, may my own flow out to join it if I stray in my obligations."[/color] Lorelai drug the dagger across her palm, she didn't even wince at the small pain as blood bubbled up from the wound, as well as an acrid black smoke. She gently tossed the dagger to the ground near Elizabeth before meeting her gaze again. [color=00aeef]"Now, please speak your oath, to serve faithfully for the term of our time together, and we'll have an accord."[/color] “Of course, if it were me I wouldn't dare leave it up to will. Assuring my loyalty to you is the best way, the smart way.” Elizabeth nodded, pride straining to break free and show in her features. She wasn't just the useless girl she thought she was, she was being a help, to someone. A witch, but still someone. Liz watched Lorelai cut her palm open, and it lit a curious spark in the back of Liz’s mind. When Lorelai tossed her dagger to the forest floor beside Elizabeth, there was no hesitation as she swooped down and picked it up. With a final smile in Flint’s direction, she pressed the tip of the dagger into her palm. “I swear to aid you in you-our quest, until I am no longer needed. I vow to serve you faithfully, so long as my life is not threatened by you. I swear this on the James’ bloodline, and if I am to break this vow my own blood shall flow in retribution.” With those last words, Liz slid the dagger across her palm. She winced only slightly, before the pain was nothing more than just another wound to be healed. She tossed the dagger back over to Lorelai, the ghost of a smile dancing on her face. “It's a pleasure doing business with you, Lore. Now, what's my first task?” Flint groaned as his eyes slowly opened. He heard the muffled sounds of someone speaking. His body was sore from being tossed around like a rag doll by charon. He shifted his sprawled arms closer to him as he winced with his head pounding. "wh....Where are we..." he croaked as he pushed himself to his knees, finding his bow next to him. He gripped it in his left hand before looking up to see Liz with a bloody dagger, her hand dripping with blood. He then saw....Lorelai Von'Straus. All of a sudden, his pain went away, his drowsiness gone and his eyes wide. Lorelai...the woman who killed his parents. With a sudden reflex, he pulled an arrow from his bow and nocked it and pulled back within a second. But with his anger and this not being the bow he normally worked with.... The bot itself snapped right in the middle. Leaving him kneeling with an arrow in one hand and the broaken bow in the other. He didn't Hesitate, he dropped the bow, reached behind him and gripped his silver dagger, he jumped to his feet and lunged at Lorelai. His arrow snapped as it hit the wards first, and soon his hole body came to a stop as it was now pressed against the invisible wall. Suddendly the parts of his body touching the ward started to burn from the constant touch...Yet he didn't pull away as he pushed with all his might, as if his unnatural brute strength could break it. His eyes never left nor blinked while he glared at Lorelai. "What are you afraid witch? That you had to put up a ward?" Elizabeth felt like pulling out her hair as Flint woke and lunged at the wards. She thought back to the deal she had made just moments before, and squeezed forcefully between Flint and the wards. She gasped as they burned her, she wondered what it was doing to Flint. Using all of her leftover strength she pushed against him, the strain wrinkling her face. “Flint! Stop! If you don't threaten her she can't hurt you!” Elizabeth shut her mouth as quickly as she said those words, praying she didn't just break her vow with Lore. “Flint,” she urged. She was surprised to find her voice weak but calm, like a mother talking to a child. “Please step down, now is not the time for violence. You just need to leave.” She buried her face into his chest, and held him tightly. It was both a means to calm him, but also to stay away from the wards. “You'll harm yourself.” Flint didn't want to pull away, he was so close, he could do it he could push through. But he did finally snap out of it when he saw Liz being burned and pulled her away as she burried her face into his chest. He never looked away from Lorelai as he said, "I'm not leaving, why are you protecting Lorelai, Liz?" he narrowed his eyes at Lorelai and said, "What did you do to her?!" Elizabeth moaned out loud as she was released from the ward, she had no time to worry about the throbbing pain in her back and the smell of burnt flesh, Flint was still ticked. Using him as a support so her knees didn't buckle, she stared hard at him. “Lore...Lorelai, didn't do anything. We both agreed on something, and now you're free to go.” Liz grabbed his shirt, fistfuls of the cloth tangled in her hands. “You aren't made of steel, Flint. Stay away from the wards, stay away from Lore. Go back to Seren’s Folly, I'm begging you.” She wanted to tell him everything would be all right, and that Lore could be trusted because of their little deal, but she couldn't. If Flint threatened Lore, she could attack him. Liz glanced down at his broken bow and shook her head warily, he couldn't win against her, unequipped and injured. She couldn't even help him fight. [color=00aeef]"Flint Digard."[/color] Lorelai watched the scene with a mixture of amusement and apprehension. She wanted to honor her deal with Liz as best as she could, and the Digard boy was far from the top of her to-do list. [color=00aeef]"You were younger the last time I saw you, maybe not in the face. The eyes betray it though."[/color] [color=00aeef]"I'll have to thank Charon one of these days for the gift he offered me with you, but unfortunately I've had enough Digard blood on my blade for this century so I elected to cut a deal with Liz instead."[/color] Pressing her will against the warding circle, Lorelai opened Liz's way through. Gesturing for her to step across Lorelai cast an evaluating gaze at Flint. [color=00aeef]"I don't suppose you'll just let me leave in peace will you? I really don't have time to play with you today."[/color] Flint Shook his head. "No Liz... I'm not leaving you here with her. Why would you make a deal with that woman?!" He held her in his arms as he looked back tot Lorelai when she spoke up finally. His eyes narrowed, and even though he was still angery as hell...his mind began to clear enough to not be stupid and rush into battle with the woman...If he had his bow maybe. But his father, who was the greatest swordsman he knew, fell to this woman. "I nor my brother will never stop hunting you, to finish what our father, and our ancestors aimed to accomplish so long ago." He gripped his dagger tightly feeling helpless in this situation. If only Fenros were here... [color=00aeef]"Blah blah blah, ancenstral whatever."[/color] Lorelai rolled her eyes. [color=00aeef]"You're no dragonslayer boy, and neither is your brother. Just give up and move on. I'm nearly done with this world anyway."[/color] Turning to Liz she tapped her feet. [color=00aeef]"Now, Liz, shall we? I believe we have work to do don't we?"[/color] She extended a hand, ready to pull her though the barrier. [color=00aeef]"Let's get you out of that circle and I'll send Flint here, unharmed of course, back to Seren's Folley."[/color] “Flint it's okay! She needs my help, and I vowed to give it to her. Stay at Seren’s Folly, tell Emiliah that I'll be fine if she asks. And tell Coraline to stay here, she seemed a bit on the fence about staying with hunters.” Elizabeth took Flint's head between her hands, and she lifted herself up to brush her lips against his forehead. “Stay safe, Wolf-boy.” She muttered in his ear, as silently as possible. With that, and a final pat on his shoulder, she grabbed Lorelai’s hand and allowed herself to be pulled through the ward. On the other side, she kept herself from sneaking glances at Flint. Instead she turned to Lore, and did an awkward curtsy in her armor. “I do in fact believe we have business to attend to, Lore. We'll discuss my first task once he's back to Seren's Folly, safely.” Lorelai nodded. "Good bye Flint, hopefully forever, but at least until next season." She made a claw of her hand facing up. A small flame burst into being atop each digit. "Seren's Folley, make sure he's relatively unharmed." The flames - a pychopomp in truth - danced off her fingers to carry out her will. Taking spots around the circle, equidistant from each other, a line of flame ran through the air between some of them, forming a pentacle of fire once it was finished. The area inside the pentagon formed inside the perfect pentacle darkened as Lorelai's mouth opened. From her small frame came a thousand throated chant as she pushed on the borders between worlds. Finally Flint fell into the abyss as the ground beneath him gave in to Lorelai's will. With a snap and a rush of air everything returned to normal as Lorelai waved her hand and released control of the binding. She surveyed the now empty circle with a satisfied smirk. [color=00aeef]"Let's get back to camp shall we? I'll need to know your skills and background if I'm to put your talents to the best use."[/color] Lorelai turned to Liz briefly before turned back towards the halted caravan. [color=00aeef]"For know if you could simply ensure that no one tries to kill me, or at least succeeds in the task, that would be lovely."[/color] Elizabeth couldn't help herself, as the dancing flames bursted from her fingertips, she turned around to see the process. Averting the eyes of Flint, she watched with a distinct fascination as the pentagon darkened. It made her jump as the seemingly delicate witch spoke with a thousand voices, allowing an abyss to swallow up Flint. Hopefully, he was sent back to Seren’s Folly. “Amazing,” Liz muttered in awe. Since they were now partners, she didn't feel as though keeping her opinions on magic was necessary. Lorelai seemed satisfied, so why couldn't she feel the same? “Why do you need a bodyguard, when you have skills like that?” Elizabeth realized that the witch may just want her companionship, so none of her other friends would die. She bit that back as it threatened to leave her tongue. “Skills...well I'm good with a chain whip. It's my father's weapon, so he taught me quite a bit. I come from a royal background, so I have plenty of court skills. Honestly, if you wanted a bodyguard you should have picked Emiliah.” Elizabeth chuckled at the thought, shaking her head. “She would have attempted to take your life though.” [color=00aeef]"Those skill may be more valuable than you think."[/color] Lorelai offered the huntress a small smile. Liz didn't display the fear, or close minded hatred, of magic that most in her proffession held. A good start then. [color=00aeef]"Navigating the unsure political landscape of this coup may be delicate, and delicacy has never been one of my strong suits. I'm more the 'get the job done, examine consequences once the dust has settled' kind of woman."[/color] [color=00aeef]"As for needing a bodyguard, you're correct. I personally have little need for one, but I have people precious to me that may."[/color] Lorelai offered Liz her waterskin, surely the woman was parched. Considering whatever had transpired to leave her in Charon's clutches wasn't likely pleasant. [color=00aeef]"If and when the time comes, I may have to entrust their safety to you skills and prowess. For now though, why don't you just tell me about yourself?"[/color] Elizabeth returned Lorelai’s small smile. Their partnership would have to have a foundation of trust, if it was going to work. Of course, Liz would always be a bit on the uneasy side, seeing as none of the other witches made a blood contract. “So, you're the one staging the coup? Or are you the one defending your coven from a change in leadership? I know a bit about coups, I've seen shifts in power happen very often.” When offered the waterskin, Elizabeth greedily grabbed it. She took dainty sips however, before handing it back and wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She had confirmed her suspicions of being a bodyguard for the other witches in Lorelai's clique. “Well, as long as they don't use me as a plaything I won't mind protecting them. Is it true you witches dance naked around fires?” Her eyes displayed laughter, but her tone and face were serious. “I'm a Lady of course, from the family James. My father was a Hunter turned Lord, and I wanted to be a Hunter too. My mother didn't agree, but here I am now.” Elizabeth rushed through this, the same explanation she gave to everyone else. She had never been one to flaunt her royalty, and she didn't want to be a snob in front of her new partner. “What about you, I've heard plenty of how muderous you are, of course. Now I'd like to hear your side.” [color=00aeef]"Murderous huh? Is that what the stories say?"[/color] Lorelai smirked mildly. [color=00aeef]"It's true enough I suppose, I've razed some villages in my time, killed hunters for sport, even slew Hector Digard. That by the way explains Flint's reaction."[/color] [color=00aeef]"Those were my younger days though, and I was an angry young witch who'd lost her entire family. It doesn't excuse my actions, but may serve to shine some insight into my motivations."[/color] She sighed. [color=00aeef]"Nowadays I just want to hold on to my new family, help some younger witches not make the same mistakes I did."[/color] [color=00aeef]"As for dancing around fires naked, If the occassion calls for it. You'd be surprised how often witchcraft calls for some form of nudity."[/color] Lorelai flashed Liz a mischevous grin. [color=00aeef]"I wouldn't worry about being used as a plaything, most of my companions are wiser than to play with my things. Not that I view you as a possession of course, but some of them will, and that's enough to dissuade them."[/color] Elizabeth nodded in understanding, a look of realization overtaking her features. “The hunters...we view every death of a witch as a good thing. You lost the rest of your family, and the nation danced. When you retaliated, mainly because of your grief, they vowed to hunt you down and kill you. Now you have a new family, and the hunters wish to kill them too.” She rubbed her temples, feeling conflicted. She was supposed to hate witches, just like the rest of the people out there. However, she couldn't bring herself past curiosity. “It's just so silly, because our community is riddled with magic. You don't see us killing them, do you? It's as if not signing allegiance to the towns make you a public enemy.” Elizabeth was surprised by what she had just said, and pressed her lip into a thin line. The more she relaxed however, the more she believed her statement. “Sorry, I shouldn't get into it. You must be quite familiar with the other witch’s bodies then, aren't you?” Elizabeth giggled as she wiggled her eyebrows. The thought was enough to make a shy girl's face redder than a tomato. At that moment, Phagora came up. The blonde witch smiled as she saw Elizabeth. "Yet another new member of the coven, eh? Tell me, girl, what's your gift? Mind control? Teleportation? Or something more... esoteric?" [color=00aeef]"This is Elizabeth James, she's a hunter."[/color] Lorelai gestured to her new companion. [color=00aeef]"She's found her way into my service for the time being, I expect her to be treated fairly. We share a common goal after all."[/color] Another shape appeared from behid Phagora, as Lotte came skipping up behind. A tiny mouse sticking just out of the top of her closed fist.[color=FA8072] "Mom! Mom! Look what I caught,"[/color] Lorelai's face broke into a grin as she spotted Lotte. [color=00aeef]"A mouse huh? You'd better be careful, lest Sousiel eat it."[/color] She ruffled the girl's hair laughing. [color=00aeef]"I'll tell her not to if you want to keep it."[/color] Elizabeth froze, falling a few steps behind Lore as she saw the otheother witch. She smiled coyly, and did a small curtsy to be polite. It was when the small child showed up that she relaxed, it was charming to know that Lorelai had a child to care for. Looking closer at the child, she noticed that the girl had been Charon’s so called child. Liz had volunteered to stay, to be her plaything. Elizabeth tensed, two thoughts running through her head. Mat killing the redheaded child, and her sister crying, begging for the girl to be returned to her. “Hi...I'm Elizabeth.” She croaked, trying to find her voice. “What's your name child? Is Sousiel your pet?” She had to play it off, but she found herself struggling miserably. [color=FA8072] "Hi!" [/color] Chirped Lotte, [color=FA8072] "And no silly, Sousiel isn't [i]my[/i] pet, she is Mom's, And I'm Lotte and I am nine years old and Sousiel isn't going to eat my mouse," [/color] [color=00aeef]"Of course dear, she'll behave herself."[/color] Lorelai looked between Elizabeth and Lotte. Evidently this wasn't the first time they'd met, she made a mental note to ask the huntress about it later. Lotte seemed none the wiser, as if she didn't remember. That was likely a kindness, and Lorelai wasn't about to make the girl remember. Phagora, on the other hand, wasn't anywhere near as chipper. Her voice turned to a dangerous low growl, fire in her eyes. "Lorelai, were it not for the oath I swore you, I would challenge you to a duel here and now, and I would not be satisfied with first blood. You say that Medusa is mad, but what of you? Taking a mortal enemy into our midst, and expecting naught but her own words to bind her?" She shook her head in disbelief at Lorelai's actions. "I will not harm her, but neither will I trust her, unless she does something to prove her honesty. She could well pour lavender oil down my throat while I sleep!" [color=00aeef]"Then let it be said this is the first time your oath saved your life, let's look forward to more of that in the future hmm?"[/color] Lorelai smirked at the blonde witch. [color=00aeef]"As did her oath save hers, or did you think I brought her here unbound? Free to do whatever she pleased? Surely your opinion of me isn't that low is it?"[/color] Elizabeth growled back at the other witch, just as fiercely. Obviously she hadn't expected to be accepted, but this was just bitter hatred. “I'm the untrustworthy one, how interesting. The only thing holding you back from attacking your friend, one you should respect, is a lousy vow. She brought me here to protect your hide, and I will take no less than respect. I don't care if you acknowledge me, but you shall not spit on me in this way.” Her words dripped with venom, and she squared her shoulders. She wouldn't-couldn't-fight the blonde witch, but she wouldn't take this sort of treatment. With that, Liz relaxed, a smile coming to her face. She walked up to Lotte, a bit cautious. The girl seemingly didn't remember anything, and Liz wouldn't be rude just because of the things a demon cohersed her into. “Ah, Lotte. That's a pretty name, may I see your beautiful rat?” She held out her hand slowly, to pet the rat held tight in the child's grip. “I can show you how to care for Lotte blinked a few times at Liz, pretty oblivious to the semi-hostle enviorment that she was standing in the middle of. [color=FA8072] "Think I can take care of a rat,"[/color] She said tipping her head to the side. [color=FA8072]"It is easier than taking care of a human and the humans I care about aren't dead yet" [/color] She gave Liz a dazzling smile [color=FA8072] "But if you wanted to come play with us, I think it'd be okay," [/color] "If she is bound by magic, then that is a different story. I apologize for making presumptions. To... to both of you." The others might not have realized it, but they had just witnessed a miracle akin to the Creation itself: Phagora not only apologizing, but apologizing [i]to a hunter.[/i] Phagora looked up, half-wondering whether the sky was about to catch fire. She gave Lotte a warm, friendly smile. The little girl had grown on her in the past couple of days. So pure, so innocent. Phagora idly wondered just how much she knew about her family legacy. "I could maybe train him to do a few things. Roll on his back, squeak on command, things like that." [color=00aeef]"That's fine, this time. Don't make a habit of it."[/color] Lorelai's smirk broadened into a smile. Turning to Lotte she grinned. [color=00aeef]"Looks like you'll have plenty of playmates huh? What a lucky young lady."[/color] Turning to Liz, Lorelai held up three fingers. [color=00aeef]"Three names you need to know. Lotte Von'Strauss, my adorable adoptive daughter. Alyssa Von'Strauss, my little sister. Elina Ruvina, my late sweetheart's last remaining kin."[/color] She gestured towards her carriage, moving in that direction. [color=00aeef]"Those are my weak points, and the people I most need to survive this. Not that all of my coven-mate's lives aren't important, but some you hold higher than others."[/color] Elizabeth smiled gently at Lotte, this little girl could grow on her if she wasn't careful. “Of course you can, Lady Lotte, I'm sorry I doubted your abilities. However, I would love to come and play with you soon.” Elizabeth straightened, and turned to the blonde witch. With a curt nod, she accepted the apology. Lorelai addressed her, and she paid attention respectfully. [i]Lotte, Alyssa, and Elina. Easy enough.[/i] She figured she could remember those three names, and protect the people they belonged to just as well. When Lorelai began walking, she followed, looking ahead at their carriage. “Of course, I can do that.”