Eliza blinked at the stone. Reality had hit her when Perdita reminded her of their relationship; she had been dating her for a number of months but nothing had happened between them due to the distance, and the circumstances she had to leave the town of Ravenspire; where Perdita served as Countess. She really liked Perdita; she made her feel like a new woman, but with Julia, she felt comfortable and at ease; almost like the fates wanted her there.

Eliza continued speaking into the stone on the edge of the dresser. As she began to brush the knots out of her wet hair.

“I used it as a means to buy Ariadne’s trust at the time, though in retrospect it was probably not a sensible thing to do... though it did rule you out as the person that sired her.”

“Why would you think I sired her?” Perdita asked.

“You’d been to the Stormlands. She is a Stormlands citizen and I don’t know of any other Vampires that had been down here.” Eliza responded. Perdita made a noise that she was unsure what it meant.

“I was not her sire.”

“As soon as she referred to you as a ‘bleeding heart’ I was certain you didn’t do it.” Eliza laughed.

“A ‘bleeding heart’?” Perdita asked confusedly. Eliza made a noise in confirmation.

“I would not describe you as one, but it did bring a funny image to my mind of you in the temple of Arateya, smoking weed, communing with nature and making flower crowns in the middle of the night.” Eliza jokingly responded, she swore she heard Perdita stifle a laugh.

“That is an interesting image. Something you do regularly, I take it?” She responded amusedly.

“We digress, I will keep our relationship more closely hidden.”

“It’s safer for you if you do. Who else knows?”

“Why’s that? Papa, Lucidia, and my adventuring group know.”

“Lucidia, the first minister?”

“Yes, she’s my godmother.”

“I see...”

“Am I missing something? How is it dangerous?” Eliza asked. She was genuinely confused as to how the knowledge of them dating could prove to be dangerous, Lady Ravenspire was a noble of the Empire and a powerful woman at that.

Eliza thought for a moment. The public knowledge of her dating a vampire could tarnish her reputation, but would surely bring no more danger than adventuring currently did.

“You are the daughter of a political figure in the Stormlands. If certain people were to hear about your softness for the Empire, there is a chance you would become a person of interest to the Empress’ agents. I do not wish any harm to come your way.” Perdita responded to the point.

“I am capable of protecting myself, Perdita.” Eliza felt annoyed at the constant need of people protecting her; it was stifling. She wasn’t even able to walk freely in her birth city; or attend an event without someone breathing down her neck.

“I have no doubt you are capable, I’m just wary of non-mortals.”

Eliza’s quirked her brow as she placed her hair brush down, she picked up the glowing stone and moved towards her inviting bed. There was clearly more to what Perdita was saying, and she was in no mood to find out. What she didn’t know, wouldn’t kill her… right now.

“Oh... thank you for the warning. That reminds me, if you would have me, may I join you in Ravenspire next week?” Eliza said. If she were to break up with her, she wanted to do it in person. Perdita deserved that, and she would be able salvage a friendship out of it. She crawled into bed, snuggling amongst the bedding and pillows; she hugged one to herself.

“Your company would be enjoyable. Is there anything you’d like to do whilst you’re here?” Perdita’s voice picked up, she was clearly excited for the company.

“It would be nice to spend some time with you in Ravenspire and if we’re able to visit the capitol.” Eliza said, yawning.

“Visiting Skydance sounds lovely, I can make arrangements to go up the week after, how long will you be staying?” Perdita sounded excited as she was speaking faster.

“A few weeks if you’d allow it.”

“Of course.” Perdita paused and then continued. “It would be nice to spend time with you.” Eliza felt her heart flutter at the simple admission, her cheeks warmed.

“Is there anything you’d like from the Stormlands?” Eliza asked, smiling shyly as she turned the stone in her finger, the glow staying constant.

“I do enjoy the food of the Stormlands.” Perdita responded.

“I’ll get something for you.”

“I look forward to it.” Eliza really enjoyed hearing her thick Valagardian accent, it was soothing to listen to. She didn’t want to end their conversation, but was aware of the long day she had ahead of her tomorrow.

“I should-“ Eliza yawned loudly unable to finish her sentence coherently, the vampire on the other side giggled at her.

“You should get some rest.” Perdita responded.

“Enjoy your night, I shall speak to you soon. Night night.” Eliza sleepily responded as her hand reached to brush the glowing sigil away.

“Gute Nacht.” Perdita responded in her native tongue; Valagardian. She broke the sigil and the room was instantly plunged into complete darkness as she drifted off.