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"I did at that," Elizabeth slowly nodded, a satisfied grin threatening to undermine her every attempt at remaining mildly modest. "I wonder if I would learn to be faster than Victor too. No, I suppose that is not relevant then," she amended, taking into account the refusal from Keres. She had to admit to being both relieved and disappointed at the same time. She really didn't know that she could take him on. She would have liked to try, under some previously arranged safe conditions. To have some guarantee of protection, survival.

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But Keres refused such guarantees. It was alright with her though. Many more men would die simply because Victor has not. In his place, to represent the worst of him and what he's done. She would punish them. Justly of course. And only when it was established that they were bad in some manner. She would determine herself what would constitute badness of course. Yes, that would only be just. And seeing how much faster and stronger she was, she might even have the time to investigate them, before their demise. Or not, she hasn't decided yet, but at least the option was there.

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"Victor is still needed then. I respect that, I just hope he won't become a stumbling block on my path to greatness. But I must say, I don't feel quite as angry now. Perhaps I will be able to handle myself around him and he won't suspect a thing. Perhaps. It is remarkable, Cylas. I thought I might need one more, but I am actually good now," Elizabeth thoughtfully responded, patiently waiting for the proffered skin cream. ?

Elizabeth realized with a start that she almost regretted Cylas leaving, however temporarily. It was as if he has become a kindred spirit of sorts in short time she knew him. But as Keres mentioned Victor again, her mind refocused on a sudden possibility that her unsated rage had suggested. "Are there no...special weapons then, that I could be granted. Something Victor would not suspect. A drug of sorts, a poison, a...I cannot remember what the novel called it, there was one I read that described the Massai tribe from Africa and how they used darts. I think that was it. Does your organization have anything of the kind that I could learn how to use? Something to either eliminate him or capture him at least," Elizabeth wondered with a sudden hope.

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It was strange to hear herself talk about a cold bloodied murder of the man she thought she loved. But the day has been strange at large. She has become a different woman, who owed him nothing. And it began sounding to her like Victor was not just a problem for her anymore. He has become, somehow, a problem on a more global level, one she did not mind addressing. Her quiet, unassuming Victor. Or so he'd appeared to be, the self indulgent bastard, Elizabeth considered, still mentally struggling to best describe who he really was and how she truly felt about it.

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"But yes, I shall play the part, as well as I can. If I do slip, I think he'd be more understanding this time. I made him realize a small part of what he did. Or rather, he pretends for my benefit to realize what he did," the young woman sadly corrected herself. "But, so long as he can play the part of an apologetic husband, he would let my slips slide, or it would look bad for his fa?ade," Elizabeth happily?concluded.

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Then the friendly servant was back and Elizabeth found herself unable to disappoint him or let him loose his money. He may have been the closest to a new friend she had. Other than Keres herself perhaps, but the leader of the entire organization was far above her level to truly consider the same kind of friendship. ?After a few seconds of consideration, Elizabeth took off her shoes. Her toes would surely hold, but the shoes were a different matter, she could not risk them. Could not let Victor become suspicious when he saw them scratched or worse.

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"I rather appreciate that you have some limits then," Elizabeth offered, thoughtfully regarding the guy, and his bulk, before she punched him in the face with the speed far surpassing that of an ordinary human. It felt so satisfying to her. To see that her actions mattered. That her will made something happen. That the big bulky guy dropped on his knees, barely able to avoid hitting the floor, but oscillating on his knees from the pain.

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In truth, Elizabeth prepared a punch in the stomach next, because it would hold such an intimate relationship for her. But he led her down, and went too low. It didn't see efficient to use?a stab at this point, the angle was wrong.?Well she could always adjust her plans. "You'd be right, only I'm no ordinary girl," Elizabeth taunted, and her bare right foot delivered a kick into the man's face. There was definitely a crunch, and within a few more seconds, Elizabeth?casually commented. "Well, I didn't want you to go broke, my friend, so I won this bet for your sake,"?she happily reassured Cylas.?

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Elizabeth found herself surprised at the nonchalant manner in which Keres commanded her servant. Her initial impulse may have been to wonder if the man servant was that trustworthy, but as soon as her mouth opened into an inquisitive O shape, she realized the pointlessness of her inquiry. Of course he had to be with Keres for some time. That was evident from his casual response to her wishes. The man did not even blink an eye. If anything, the opposite was true. Elizabeth may have been wrong, but she thought his considerable bulk moved with greater speed this one time, more so than before. As if the order made him somehow more eager.

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Changing her mind about what?she was going to ask, Elizabeth forced her mouth?shut and then thoughtfully reopened it. "How long has he been with you? What makes him so cavalier about...well...murder. Is it the organization that provides servants like him? Could I get one? Well, naturally, I am too new in this game. But if I am deemed worthy and rise in the ranks, even smaller ranks compared to yours, would servants or bodyguards be assigned to me?" Elizabeth hopefully wondered.

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"Because you are right, of course. I do need confidence. A job, you say? Well that sounds easy enough. Van I be candid with these people then? The same way you were with me? Or should I bring them in slowly? What would make them trust me in the first place? I feel like I was once a great hostess, a tolerable socialite, one may call it. But in those days I had nothing to hide and could just be myself. For all I know, there is some intrinsic charm in just being yourself, and until I am certain of being myself...Forgive me, I am so excited, and so frightened, that I am rambling again. How should I?approach them then, just be honest with them about what I know?" Elizabeth repeated her earlier question, her excitement making her forget the fact of the repetition.

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Then, as Cylas returned, all other thoughts left her, leaving her with an eager anticipation of her...she would have thought victim once, but now the word "prey" mysteriously came to her mind instead. Such a pathetic individual, entirely unnecessary and weak. Throwing a curious look at the man servant, Elizabeth was trying to gauge his response, to see if he would mock her, or be aghast. Somehow she did not believe he could be aghast, after serving Keres herself, but she just lacked that certainty...Alright, that was enough indecision, the young woman realized and firmly moved towards the poor man, who was too occupied with the prospect of food to really watch her.

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Not that he would have much of a chance at any rate, Elizabeth proudly considered, descending onto the unworthy human. Experimenting with her punches, and kicks, she could not decide if she wanted to squash his nuts first, or choke the breath out of him instead. But before she could decide, her experimental punches quickly made headway.?Blood was everywhere now and Elizabeth had to admit, she did not mind that scent in the least.

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Looking up at her hostess, Elizabeth shyly wondered. "Did I do that?right? Is he, is it over? Is that the point where I carry him towards the Thames? What kind of covering should I use for the body then? Oh you are so wise, Keres. You seem to know everything. I do so wish to be like you," Elizabeth admitted and licked an unexpected?drop of blood from her own face. She never realized blood could travel thusly, but she knew, she could get used to this.????

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"I thought so too, initially. Inanimate objects did not present any challenge to my growing power. I have assumed in my ignorance that the same could hold true for people. Perhaps it could. But when I was angry with Victor and fully intending to strike him, my palm into his face, he just...blocked it. I realized then that my reflexes were not infallible. I am not sure how he got to counter my attack. Perhaps he understood my impression or some such, though I did not expressly state that physical altercation was my purpose.

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But something went wrong then. In truth, perhaps it was my arrogance speaking, but I was of the opinion that even if he were forewarned, a normal human should not be fast enough to halt the passage of my strike. But apparently I was wrong. I realized then that I was not all powerful, nor invincible. Victor?essentially blocked me with his bare hands. Other people might have canes, or weapons. If somebody?ostensibly feeble looking like Victor could undermine my intention so effortless, I fear somebody stronger would have less trouble.

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At the very least, to be fully comfortable, I should be at least shown how to override such unexpected but plausible opposition. If I really am as invincible as I first perceived myself to be, then I should be trained in how to use my superior strength to its full capacity. Because another insurmountable obstacle like Victor, and I might give up. This quest for power is too new for me, and I find myself too uncertain of who I am. A woman of your talents might consider me weak, and may be right, but I feel myself to be ignorant, basically like a newborn, who managed to make a few?correct steps by accident of nature.?Oh I would love to...vent my fury onto the miserable hearts who deserve it, I just would not wish to be stopped so easily because I an lacking a trick or two," Elizabeth sighed, uncertain if Keres could understand her doubts or appreciate them.

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"You are high in the hierarchy. Does it mean you have the power to cover up mu tracks should I do something incorrectly at first? If so,, I am willing to try..." the young woman thoughtfully added.

"Alright, Robbing deserving people sounds exciting. I could see myself doing that. But what if that is not realistic? I was never a person of the streets. I mean, I don't know. Don't you need to have a special outlook on things. To have training about how to escape speedily. How to avoid detection...I think I read something like that in a book about an orphan who grew up to be a thief. He was?smart and quick, but had to be mentored. I am older of course, but when I have been alive the first time, I always regarded it passively. And now that I am stronger, do I truly know how to use my strength or speed? Do you think you can show me how to do such a thing? Or can the organization send somebody to train me covertly? I would do what I can otherwise. But if there is?some risk to draw attention, well, I wouldn't want my inexperience to put other lives in jeopardy, lives that I value at least..." Elizabeth spoke with a soft smile directed at Keres.

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"So you surrendered your power to the man you love? It is not surprising in itself, only strange that it could possibly apply to a confident woman like yourself. So, did you stop killing or robbing when you got married? If so, why the change. Was your husband not alright with you exerting your will on others, punishing them as only the likes of us can? Did he resent you killing then because his soul is pacifistic? How interesting. What do the two of you have in common then? So what makes your husband powerful, if not his superior strength and violence then what? Money?" Elizabeth wondered but was only too happy to talk about her own life again.

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"You don't think I need training? Would the other members of the organization be alright with me simply,,,starting out? Is there a territory I am not supposed to venture into, held by another agent??Or am I free to go anywhere? What about the constables? If there are any who wish to give pursuit, am I allowed to harm them when necessary. To disarm them, or even...well...kill them?" Elizabeth inquired, surprising even herself for sounding so wistful. ??

"Well, that is true. I would wish to be like you. You are so smart, strong and confident. It is everything I like, but perhaps your beauty makes a difference. I used to be beautiful and that may have given me confidence about who I was. Now, I may wish to be like you, but how can I be? I suppose if I have enough money, I could have men serve me too. Only how would I make that much of my own? I suppose I could concede your point. I don't truly need a man, except as a provider. I could live on my own, I wouldn't miss Victor very much. Certainly not the man he has become. Nor do I have any carnal desires for him, or any man for that matter. In theory then, I could be quite independent, if I had the means to support myself. How did you find the means to support yourself, before you met your man? Perhaps to be like you, I need to start with a few basic steps, especially how to provide for myself.

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Was he a heretic then? I am not sure how they would be afraid of someone greater, instead of appreciating them. What did he do, threaten them with his greatness? Those are strange tines indeed. I may live through them, but barely do I understand them. Of course, if you are correct, perhaps my time has been the past and is now gone? I would rather remain myself though, than change with the times. If I can. If I only can. Can I though? Is there enough left of me anymore?" Elizabeth grimly wondered, not even noticing how she incorporated the story of Keres' husband into her own.

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"Yes, tea, I could always use more tea. But if your husband was locked away for his greatness, would I not be apprehended and locked away for?similar attempts? Did he hint down lesser beings too? did he punish though vulgar brutes, their angry leering faces? Oh how I would love to punish them, so long as I remain undetected. Surely there must be more to this than simply coming out at night. Are you able to teach me how to slay? Or?if you're not, can the organization send another who can?

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In fact, I would not object if they tried to teach me how to be one of them, one of you, on Victor. If they managed to take him down for his crimes, without being caught, well, perhaps I could learn to imitate their work. Do you think so, Keres dear? Do you think I truly can be like you? That I have what it takes to learn?" Elizabeth wondered hopefully, her tears finally drying out. ?

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"It is invigorating!" Elizabeth eagerly agreed. "I am not aware of this personal power. I know of power that comes through inheritance, good marriage, title, lands, even unique education. But I never sought out personal power. Of course being weak could serve as a great motivator. And ever since I cam back, I kept feeling weak. I would not mind feeling strong at another person's expense. Especially if they are unworthy. Only, how do you find out which of the people belong to such a depraved category. Do you steal files from those prisons where criminals are charged with labor? Or do you go out at night and?look for robbers and such? I don't suppose you have any of your supernatural sciences being able to tell you where these depraved individual are hiding and which crimes they are contemplating? Oh I would be most eager to make their heads crack!" Elizabeth vehemently declared, finding pleasure in how the last word reverberated?through her mouth. Making her feel empowered, and slightly excited.

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"I can?easily accept his madness. And the fact that he was hiding his worst from me. But you are saying he even lied about the years? Oh my?God, it is so hard to believe that so much time passed. Again, I cannot quite remember what the madman said, but he seemed to have implied only a short period of time elapsed since I was gone.?And the servants...Are they real? I thought I remembered them, but either I remembered the wrong people, or else, they are not natural either? That...wretched bastard. He even lied about that.

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I bet he was feeling so smug when he was telling me that?they wouldn't judge me for anything. I thought he was?just being hopeful, or else how else could he know. But now, I am wondering what he did to enhance them. Of course they'd think whatever he wanted them to think, if he controls their bodies. I have to wonder, how much of it Victor actually remembers. Could he be honestly forgetting some of his deeds because they are so horrifying? Or does he believe his lies justified? What happened to this man I called my husband. How could he go so wrong?" Elizabeth wondered rhetorically.

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"You're not? Thank you," Elizabeth tried to gratefully smile through the tears, but her smile was too tremulous to succeed. Slowly shaking her head, Elizabeth readily admitted. "No, I don't think so. If Victor told me, then in such a?confusing way that I didn't understand. But I don't think he ever told me the whole story. He tried to make it look like the fault of his creation, and even being ignorant and unaware of what truly transpired, I found some holes in his story. I never truly accepted his words. Well, my logic wanted me to believe, because he used to be the man I loved. But something told me, that there was more to the truth than what he'd claimed. I have no doubts he is inhumane.

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I think, I may be wrong, that he understood some of his errors. He claims to want to take responsibility. I wanted so badly to trust him, but it was more because it was easier. Just like the voice, it was also easier to forget it. The voice demanded that I was different now. That....that I would never be the same, gods help me. That I am so different and superior that I will have no other way but to...show it. I think it wanted me to be more violent, only I didn't think that was who I was.

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And then, when I came back, I started feeling differently. Almost as if being violent could be the answer. It couldn't though, could it? Superior beings? That is interesting. I thought I had greater physical strength, but not more than that. Does it make me better than others though? Well, if the organization has uses for me, of course Victor will never find out. Though truth be told, I am not sure exactly how ordinary he is himself. You see, when I could not control myself any longer, I struck at him, with all of my speed and strength," Elizabeth admitted with cheeks only mildly flaming. She knew she should be utterly horrified by her display of violence yet this conversation made her think a bit differently of the incident between her and her husband.

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"And somehow, he was able to parry it. He mumbled some nonsense to explain it, but really, he shouldn't have been able to do that. I have seen the full measure of my strength and speed, how much greater they were than when I was first alive as an ordinary human. Don't think me vain, well you likely wouldn't as much as I did at first, but I really didn't see any average human being able to deflect so effortlessly. Victor claims he did nothing to himself, no enhancement as he did for his creation or me. Yet if his words are true, he is not ordinary human either. Do you think he merely wants to forget what he did to himself, being embarrassed by the unnatural enhancements? I don't know what the truth is, but his speed was nothing short of remarkable. To such a? degree that it both startled, and offended me, after I expected myself to be the stronger one in the relationship," the young woman muttered her last words, still a little uncomfortable with her confessions.?