If we get burnt, least we were electrified

“I agree… but some I do.” He picked his own glass up. “I’m afraid to be anything else. This is the life I know.”

“Now now, isn’t that a weakness?” She teased, having fun with this one. “And you can have centuries of anything you want. Doesn’t that excite you? Imagine the possibilities!” 

“No, I try not to see myself as a victim,” she shrugged. “Well, I am standing here as real as you, aren’t I?”

“or a monster?” She was amusing herself. “I didn’t ask if you were real, i asked if you feel alive.”

“I do not with to mock anyone. Some are tolerable,” he nodded. “No, it is my money. I am old, I have worked for it. I have not thought that far ahead. Honestly, I do not know what I am doing.”

“Very few.” She raised her glass. “You’re taking orders and being a good little dog.” 

“I guess that is the vampire in me,” she shrugged. She liked a little darkness. “I have been told that before. And I also agree with you there. I do miss being alive. But this is my path and I make the most of it.”

“Mmm you unfortunate little thing.” She tilted her head, looking at the girl. “Then tell me... can one truly be alive when they’re dead?”

“People who know our age respect us, many mortals do not.” He glanced up at her. “I have money.”

“I have no problems with the mortals. I find it easier, to humour them.” She quirked her eyebrow. “No. They have money. What happens if they came for you again? Would you really want to be dragged back again?” 

dealingindrama

“And what talents do you think I have?”  he asked, curious what the girl would say.

“People listen to us. We have... a voice.” She laughed gently, tapping her fingers on the table. “For example... i have an arrangement. I make money. One day I may need it.”

“I can’t say I’m a fan,” he nodded, following her gaze. “What does that mean? What would I even do here?”

She shrugged, running her fingers across the table. “There are plenty of things you can do, many people in this world look for our talents.”

“Oh, i wouldn’t watch those monstrosities. They’re horrible.” She shuddered, thinking about a night where she’d been forced to watch one. “Oh? Aren’t you the most darling thing? It’s a shame that you’re dead.”

“Oh, I shall not worry about the words of vampires.” He nodded, knowing the fae would agree with him. Vampires were reborn in darkness, they were confusing beings. “Right now? Nothing.”

“It is usually best that way. They’re animals.” She look around the room, narrowing her eyes. “You need something to do. A... side project.”

“It’s sounds rather morbid. But yes... i think i would like that. I can hardly dress my best...here.” She turned her nose up. 

“Uh what?” he asked, his brows furrowing. “A job? I have my position.” 

“Something a vampire said, don’t worry.” She shrugged, the world was still confusing for her. So many years after. “And what.. are you doing for that position exactly?”

“It’s a party. It’s fun. It’s like a live action board game. It’s not real. You have food and cocktails. Dress up and work out the clues.”

“But... why? Although... i think i like the dressing up part.”

         “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger as the saying goes, darling.” Artemisia has been drinking a lot lately though. Despite holding her own. “I am guessing you don’t drink?” 

“Our alcohol in my home land is extremely different, much sweeter then this.” She gestured towards it, unamused.

“What does one do in their free time around here?” the male asked, he was curious about mortal life. He wanted to be a part of it. “It’s been a while,” he added.

“Apparently celebrate murder.” She smiled. “No, you get a job.”

“So, the other day, this friend of mine asked me what I like to do for fun. So… I am planning a murder mystery party. What do you think?”

“I think... it’s barbaric. That you’re going to celebrate... murder?”

Yes. I put my happiness over the well being of my people. Because... eventually you have to learn that in order to help people. You have to help yourself first. 

The same way everyone else does. A feeling of contentment. Feeling like there is nothing else you want in this world.