Case File 2017.07.29
Back in Chicago it had fallen to a normal routine, for the most part, within the city at night. Elena's work usually didn't end for the night after stepping out of the precinct. Though after even that work was completed...home was a bit odd currently-- her house usually felt too full but lately the Castle had felt too empty. Ever since Vegas and the divide and conquer approach that drew Elena as a Knight back to Chicago to deal with matters while the rest headed out to follow Gwen and the items stolen from Wanderland's safe.
The group: composed of Liam, Rhea, Alex and Delilah. Still traveled the road in the RV that had seen some better times, getting back on the road by early morning pursuing Gwen. So far the track record of following the woman had led to a death trap at nearly every stop so far as debts or favors were being repaid in kind for whatever help was rendered prior. Since the events in Kirbyville, the unexpected visit and side office appointment as Delilah's bodyguard and keeper had set Rhea a little on edge. She'd been trying to sort her thoughts out and attempted to distract herself with the road map, eventually asking Liam if he knew exactly where they were going...distracted at trying to plan ahead before realizing what a ridiculous question that was given the current situation.
That earned her a look from the man and once-upon-a-time mentor. Maybe he was a bit grumpy regarding the news that his new apprentice just stated earlier before they left this morning regarding the incident in town about beating the crap out of a man and nearly drawing magic up to finish him as that demonic side slipped into the driver's seat for Alex briefly. Liam had basically told him not to do it again and left it at that. The uncomfortably long moment of silence since asking that question finally made Rhea look up and notice that look, dismissing it quickly as wishful thinking and a breath of frustration.
After a moment she lowered her voice more to ask Liam about what Delilah knows about herself and who she is... Promptly receiving a response from Delilah herself as she lists off what she knows about being on her way to becoming a White Court Vampire as well as her association with House Raith and so forth before putting the statement out there to 'de-claw' her before that point so she could retain her sanity. Rhea might not be able to see Alex laughing but she certainly could hear him chuckling at the fact that she was overheard-- the majority of the individuals within the RV had supernatural hearing even without the closed quarters acoustics the layout the interior provided, so it was honestly a moot point to attempt to speak sotto voce. He didn't join in the conversation, but she knew his interest would be piqued and Alex would be listening.
There was interest regarding the topic Delilah brought up...while no mystery during the start of the war between the Council and the Vampires that methods to grant a measure of immunity to Red Court Venom, it was curious that this was the first Raith to willingly want to shut down their abilities. There was only one thing Rhea wanted to add to Delilah's list, given what was stated as known she added that one sibling had decided to put her in charge of the other woman's safety. She stated it without naming anyone, and more for Liam's benefit than anyone else...but it still earned scrutiny from Delilah and questioning looks from Liam. The poor attempt at redirecting the conversation back to Delilah's other concern didn't work as she would have liked... She'd wanted to do this differently, but the cat was out of the bag now and she was going to be required to provide additional details.
That didn't earn Rhea any brownie points with Delilah for this, but she hadn't been holding onto the information for long. Maybe in the long term it was better to be outed in this manner, even if it was uncomfortable. The other woman prompted for details and Liam only seconded that-- if Alex was only paying partial attention before, he'd likely be giving the conversation full focus now. She'd be a hypocrite for not stating anything further so stated the truth. Back in Kirbyville, she'd had a surprise visit from Monty while everyone else was scattered about doing their own thing. He was the one that had appointed her to keep Delilah safe. That started to set Delilah off as she didn't want anyone else calling the shots for her and felt that this was coming from a half-sibling she'd not even met yet...and who just happened to be the current King of the White Court.
Liam, to his credit, could sense that tension and worked to defuse it... Rhea hadn't been attempting to damage any trust but the timing of everything might not appear as such given its delay of full disclosure. Monty had been a good part time ally for them as well in multiple ways...though that could be lost if Monty felt some action warranted a reaction to bring the White Court more fully into the War with the Council outside of name alone. Liam stated that they were all responsible for Delilah and pointed out what she'd done so far to help them and assured her actions were hers and she was as much a part of the team as the rest. They all looked out for each other, adding that if The White King of Vampires doesn't like it then he could talk to Liam himself.
Drawing closer to the next city, Liam didn't want to bring the RV in unless they absolute had to, so worked to get it parked a little ways out and suggested the group take some time to relax and move away from that land boat for a bit. He'd try to scout around and give some thought more to helping Delilah with her request...the situation wasn't ideal to attempt any kind of research or crafting of potions or whatnot but he'd see what he could come up with for her. As they drew close to stopping, Rhea apologized to Delilah for holding onto the information for as long as she did...she felt bad enough and guilty about that, even though she'd tried to state it as soon as she could work herself up to with everything that'd gone on currently. The mask of Delilah's reaction to Liam's statement or even Rhea's apology gave little to revealing any kind acceptance or denial either were accepted. Constantly being cramped in the RV was bound to leave them feeling out of sorts, but perhaps the break would help all of them.
They'd finally pull up just outside of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, settling the RV in the outskirts of town. Delilah wasted no time in removing herself from the RV and Alex quickly followed, though asking permission first instead of just tagging along in case she'd wanted a moment away from everyone...including him...to clear her head. Liam checked the box of maps they'd acquired since this trip started, looking more of a local city map over a road map-- they might be here a bit and it'd be better to know the city. He marked a few places on the map of New Orleans before handing it to Rhea, explaining that while there was a good seven hours until nightfall...he'd try to hold up in one of those spots if he found himself in a bind. If by chance they ended up finding a place, he asked they left something behind for him to find them with later should he make it back to the RV when no one was there. Rhea nodded and told him to be careful, turning to study the map for a bit as he left before eventually leaving the confines of the RV to both stretch her legs and find something to eat herself.
Delilah could only speculated with an educated guess after their near miss why she had a shorter temper than usual. She'd fed slightly off of Alex, but a different part of him, it'd left her feeling a bit meaner almost. She welcomed the company and the two started to walk off in search of food. Alex set the rule of trying just the local food while they were in town, expressing an interest in trying out the tiny lobster-like things. She pointed out that those tiny lobster things were called craw-fish and were more like a freshwater bug and didn't describe them as an appealing meal. Alex didn't find craw-fish appealing after that and turned to ask about the pastry things the area was famous for... She pointed out with amusement of sorts that if Alex wanted to keep those abs he probably wouldn't want to eat those either.
She redirected the topic of food over to the last thing Liam had mentioned before they'd split up from the RV. Asking him if there might be some spell or potion to allow her to be normal. It was difficult to keep the hopefulness in tone from her voice, but the chance to stop the transition or stop that Hunger... Alex seemed hopeful as well, pointing out that once they helped get Liam's Power back...if anyone could do it, he could. Though also stating not to focus too much on it right now until the knew more, to stay more in the present. It brought up thoughts she'd been questioning...like if what they had together was real or just some twisted addiction. That left a sour spot in Alex, he hadn't thought perhaps her own feelings for him wouldn't be genuine...it hurt to think about but at the same time there was no way to know for certain. She hadn't meant to hurt Alex but could see how what she'd stated stung, it was just stating the possible reality. After a moment Delilah risked a kiss and gave him a smile while stating they go find his donuts...distracting from the direction the conversation was turning at this point.
