Chapter Text
Within a few days of letting the kitten into her life, Semmelweis found it had already became normal to her. This morning she awoke to find the little kitten laid atop her chest, peacefully slumbering. By the judge of it, she had been pleasantly asleep for some time, and Semmelweis was even more surprised she had failed to disturb it with how restless she was and how much she tossed and turned when she did manage sleep. She figured, I must have had a peaceful night. She ever so carefully turned to look at her alarm to her right, barely able to read it, she reckoned it was a mere few minutes before it would go off, but it was before indeed. She felt terrible at even thinking about getting up and forcing Lorelei awake, and she decided, I’ll just lay here until the alarm goes off.
Bella argued with her, It’s just a cat, it chose to lay there. So get up, if it didn’t care about where it was laying, you shouldn’t care to make it uncomfortable.
Semmelweis disagreed, You’re being too harsh on it. It sleeps where it’s happy. And, look how peaceful it is.
Bella grumbled, but, it didn’t try to sway Semmelweis any further. She simply awaited the couple of minutes to pass, with the soft hum of the kitten’s purr.
Although her workload was not enough to drown in, it was certainly enough to keep her from needing to keep her busy for a few days. Considering she had requested the work, and mostly was taking it from clerks already swamped in their tasks, she had no hard deadline in which she had to finish these reports, files, and her favourite task of transcribing discs, but she did have to do them eventually. She knew her workaholic side was ensuring they would get done much sooner, rather than later but. She accepted her workaholic nature as who she was. She would only need to leave today for the two evaluations in the evening. She hoped at least the doctor was nice, although she wasn’t counting on such a miracle.
Bella asked, nice personality, or a nice face?
Semmelweis answered, a nice personality you incessant demon.
She made breakfast for herself and for Lorelei. The kitten happily ate what it was given. Having never owned a cat before, Semmelweis constantly feared she might be over or under feeding it, however it seemed as if Lorelei knew remarkable restraint. While, in the beginning it ate everything it could, now it simply was content to eat its fill. Still, Semmelweis made sure she gave enough extra just in case her new furry friend grew peckish enough for more.
Her first proper task of the day was to rebandage Lorelei. While she could probably leave it for another day as miraculously the kitten seemed conscious of her bandaging, and actively made an effort not to undo them, she knew it was best to redress them. She spent about twenty minutes carefully unwrapping, then rewrapping her. And here too Lorelei was most considerate, standing or sitting still, allowing Semmelweis to do her work without any resistance. She was always constantly fretting she was disturbing the kitten, and assured it.
“I’ll be done soon, then you can run about all you wish.”
Lorelei meowed, as if in recognition.
Semmelweis answered, “Thank you Lorelei.”
The kitten raised her tail high, as if the thanks uplifted the kitten.
And to that Semmelweis thought, I’m glad the kitten is happy when she hears my voice.
She arrived at her desk gently pulling out her chair, and tucking it in. She continued right where she had left off the previous evening, her pen drafting the layout of the report, and filling in all the necessary information for the report, writing it based off the journal logs and audio messages to HQ. She handled it with complete impartiality to the squad involved, having not known them, nor would she be likely to, she found it hard to care for them; something she felt no need to change. They weren’t her teammates after all. She was merely their temporary clerk, for the day. Normally she could hear the kitten Lorelei in the background, or sometimes the kitten would sit in her lap. She had to shoo if off once from sitting on her report she was writing. However, the kitten was silent. Oddly silent for the mornings.
Semmelweis thought, she’s probably just sleeping, let’s get some work done whilst we still have this peace.
But Bella cautioned a different idea, or she could have gotten hurt. You remember how much of an aloof klutz she is from the fireplace. But, hey, peace of mind am I right?
Semmelweis sat up immediately, rushing out to find the kitten where she last had seen her, thinking to herself, I swear to God Bella!
Lorelei wasn’t in the kitchen, dining, or lounge rooms. Climbing the stairs to the second story, Semmelweis wondered if she got trapped in the bathtub, but Semmelweis found that door closed. The last place was her bedroom, and there she indeed found little Lorelei. She found the kitten with something in its mouth, scurrying away from her bag she had left beside her nightstand.
“Hey! Come back here you little ball of mischief!”
The normally saint like kitten, had suddenly decided now was the time to make up trouble, as it raced ahead, sprinting down the flight of stairs, and scurrying away out of sight. Semmelweis ran in pursuit, wondering if Bella had decided to infect the kitten itself, to annoy her.
When she found the kitten again, it was sitting adopt her desk. It made no move to run or flee, merely sat still, curiously waving her tail, eyes watching her. Initially Semmelweis scoffed at the kitten for daring to sit at her desk so smug, however she noticed what the kitten was holding in it’s mouth. The letter from Madam Z she had forgotten about, brought to her attention. Semmelweis narrowed her eyes at the cat, partly thankful and partly very annoyed! Although, she couldn’t hate little Lorelei as she merely looked at Semmelweis with eyes that had neither a mischievous thought behind them, nor a fully-fledged thought either. Approaching the kitten, Lorelei relented to Semmelweis pulling the letter out from her mouth, which had become caught on one of her pointed teeth.
The envelope wasn’t largely damaged, it wasn’t drenched in saliva and the only harm was two small puncture marks. Opening the letter, Semmelweis was glad to see the holes wouldn’t impede readability. It was a long winded letter, although with the knowledge it came from Madam Z, the lengthy address to Semmelweis was most likely genuine. Despite a small desire to skim through it, she opted to give Madam Z the courtesy of hearing her out fully.
It began with the usual form and formalities, bullshit foundation introductions and addresses, Semmelweis naturally tuned out. The first words uniquely Madam Z were in bold, MAY THIS MESSAGE BE ONLY READ BY FOUNDATION INVESTIGATER, SEMMELWEIS. She began, I write this letter to you for many reasons, of which I hope to make clear. Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on an outstanding and valorous field agent record, looking into your reports, I don’t believe all the data aligns with the narrative presented by your superiors, I feel some crucial understanding is not being addressed here in the Foundation. While I cannot fix this, I would like to offer you the chance to continue your excellent work, and for you to be in a team with a much more accepting environment.
She thought, so this is why she’s always tailing behind Constantine. She’s the polite public relations official. At least her intentions aren’t bad.
She read on, it mentioned Marcus by name, apparently Madam Z had met the girl priorly, and the letter read that Marcus had vouched for her. While they had never formally met, Hoffman spoke highly of her, and Marcus was willing to speak again in Semmelweis’s defence. Alongside this, another surprise name was found also recommending her. Kakania, who stated she was a diligent and honest member.
Oh, what a surprise little miss helper is helping people. She seconded her thoughts, I probably ought to thank her… but I can’t stand her mirrors.
The first part of the letter was encouraging her to join Team Timekeeper. It also come with some benefits too, surprisingly. More leave then she had been accustomed to, that she wouldn’t likely use, a therapist which would be arranged for her if she wished without needing to apply for the forms, to which she internally laughed no. The second last paragraph though, was something different, a warning. I also write to inform you as I have seen reports of the arcanist vampire, Valentina, returning to Vienna. Her whereabouts, since her joining of Manus Vindictae, have been closely monitored, but remained classified information. While I cannot provide you frequent updates, for your personal safety I forgo information clearances, to warn you. She initially moved towards the French-German border, her return is unexpected and urgent. While we do not know what she is looking for, given your history, be advised. I have notified your local headquarters to be on guard in case you should request help, or find yourself involved with her. Please, try and stay as safe as possible, and don’t take unnecessary risks, or make yourself publicly seen.
Semmelweis had dropped the letter before she read the final paragraph. Her body suddenly felt as if her veins are turned to lead. She sat down, and held her now heavy head in the palm of her hand; indifferent to the sudden concern of her furred companion.
This has to just be a coincidence. There’s no possibility she’s looking for me. She hoped her words, trying to calm her sudden nerves. I’m nothing to her, she’s not going to silence me, she’s not going to come at kill me… recruit me… try and command me. She… She liked that I didn’t submit, it surprised her.
Bella whispered, don’t fool yourself, she likes you like a pet, you amuse her. She wants you on a leash.
She tried to silence Bella, her at a time like this was the last thing she needed. And she would come all this way for her pet? She could have kept me when we met in Vienna.
Bella suggested, and what if she knew we’d survive? Maybe she was just rushing on to complete the Manus ritual or their mission, and had no time to keep a stubborn prisoner compliant and walking along with her. But now, she has all the time she would possibly need, for us.
She spoke aloud, “So what Bella!? What do I do?”
Bella spoke herself aloud, “We need to run. As far away as possible. We don’t want to bring ourselves at her mercy. She was merciful before, she could have killed us, twice. Well… she thought she did once. We got unlucky once, and lucky once. I don’t want to gamble our life, nor do you.”
Semmelweis retorted, “And what? Go rogue again!? If we do that, we’ll be hunted by that woman, and, by the Foundation. They won’t put us on house arrest the second time.”
“Better to be an outlaw today and tomorrow, then to be a prisoner today and have doubts about seeing tomorrow! I’d rather be hunted then kept like an animal.”
Lorelei watched her friend argue against herself, her ears drooped and her brows fell. It pained her heart a little to see her friend in such a tormented state. Even if they were only friends for less then a day whilst she was still human, she considered almost everyone she met her true friend. Why do you hate yourself my dear? She thought, why does your heart flow against itself? She didn’t know what was Semmelweis needed, she didn’t know what was the proper treatment for this. She stared confused. She knew she wanted to help. In her ears Mama and Papa urged, follow your heart my child. And so she nodded, said, alright Mama and Papa. She didn’t know what do to, but she did know what power her voice held. She knew, her song would bring comfort and peace to those who heard it. And so, she approached Semmelweis, gently nestling her, and began to sing. And out of her lips came a soft, and melodic purr.
At first, Semmelweis hardly noticed the kitten. She absentmindedly began to stroke it, not realising it. But, her heart began to thump with a slower rhythm, and her mind at war felt a growing tranquillity wash over it. Like a river’s waves, cleaning the worry-full muck from her mind. As her hears processed the kitten, she looked briefly down at it. It was staring at her with its blue sparkling eyes, looking up, showing it’s stomach. She couldn’t help but pet it where it wanted, and she chuckled at how it kicked it’s paws up in delight as she did so. As the quarrelling in her mind came to a lull, it was Semmelweis who held more or less the greater say.
As she looked at the kitten below, tickling her finger with it’s tongue, she said, “We can’t leave, we can’t run away. Because, we’ve got to take care of her.”
Bella spoke, “You’re just trying to find an excuse.”
Semmelweis said, “Maybe, but it’s true. We’re all this little thing has. And I say we’re staying. And that’s final.”
With Bella lacking anything else to say, she left Semmelweis be. And, half due to the kitten’s lullaby, and partly due to a sudden exhaustion she felt; Semmelweis gently placed her hands on her desk, and rested her head. Shutting her eyes, for a short rest.
Her short rest of her eyes became proper sleep within minutes. Even a vampire felt weary from life at times, and so she slept soundly, Lorelei’s melody echoing in her mind all the while. When the kitten noticed, Lorelei herself scurried away for a small half hour. When Lorelei decided to return, she quietly leapt up upon the desk Semmelweis slept at, and watched her for a little while. Knowing she had work that she had previously wanted to do, she gently began tapping her friends head with her paw, gently, but enough to rouse her from sleep.
Semmelweis failed to raise her head, grumbling, trying to bargain with the kitten, “hmph, I’m still alive Lorelei. You can leave me be.”
Lorelei, uncontented, continued her polite assault of Semmelweis’s skull, till at least Semmelweis gave in.
She lifted her head up, thoroughly annoyed with the kitten’s antics, “Hey. If you keep disturbing me, I’ll stop stroking your stomach.”
Lorelei backed away, cowering her head, fearful of the punishment.
Semmelweis gave her signature smile, a smirk, “Don’t worry, you’re safe. I doubt I’d have the heart to not give you them anyway.”
The kitten lifted up her head and meowed almost in relief. As if she understood her.
Semmelweis had a sudden realisation, wait, “Can you… understand me?”
Lorelei nodded her head, affirming Semmelweis’s suspicion.
Upon hearing this, Semmelweis stared blankly for a few moments. Whilst her gaze was into the kittens eyes, what her mind perceived as greatly beyond the kitten, the walls, or even this universe. Great… I’ve got an arcanist cat, and it heard me… it heard everything.
She asked the kitten, “Are you hungry?”
Lorelei shook her head.
“Hmm, thirsty?”
She shook her head again.
Semmelweis then asked, “Did you just want me awake?”
Her furry friend nodded slowly.
Semmelweis sighed, this cat… it can be thankful it’s cute. And soft. And sweet. “Well, I did want to get my work done. Thank you, Lorelei.”
The kitten pleased, left Semmelweis alone to return to her work; for a few minutes before Lorelei decided Semmelweis’s lap was simply the perfect spot to sleep.
Completing her work, soon Semmelweis had forgotten about her problems almost entirely. The threat of Valentina seemed like an absurd and far away thing with the soft purr of Lorelei beneath her. While working with the kitten ontop of her proved a minor hassle in limiting even slight movements, she managed to make it work. When she held a soft spot for things, she tended not to mind their oddities, like her cat’s clinginess at times. Although, partly that was because she enjoyed it’s presence so close. She knew she would have to leave eventually in the afternoon for her appointment at the Foundation HQ, which she tried her best to ignore. She was still rather in the bargaining phase, maybe I can go to the physical one, and just forge the report from the psychiatrist? Bella didn’t even need to speak for her to realise, that’s a foolish idea. In the end she resolved herself to the eventuality, I really do have to attend both.
With an unhealthy number of groans and grumbles, Semmelweis made ready to leave for her appointment. Her furry friend was perhaps the first person to see her whine like this, and so long as Semmelweis held say of it, she would be the only witness to it. She made an effort to ask Lorelei, if she would like to come. Her meow and nod was all the permission Semmelweis needed to take her with her, after she ensured she was fed and had drank as Semmelweis wasn’t certain the appointment wouldn’t drag on. She hoped for once the foundation wasn’t going to run like a bureaucratic slog-fest, but she might as well hope for the dead to once more complain. She thought that, maybe if they were to dock the pay of all the employees who do not have bags under their eyes, that would motivate the slackers. With Lorelei snug and comfy in her satchel, Semmelweis left for the foundation. Being sure to dress in an outfit Valentina had not seen her in, and a hood to hide as much of her face as possible.
Her appointment was not quick, nor was her wait short either. She sat in an hour of frustration, as apparently, the doctor had some pressing matter to attend to. When she requested, that because of this, the appointment be rescheduled, she was told, ‘oh don’t worry, it will be over in ten minutes,”; however when the next ten minutes came, and she complained, she was told the very something, till the point she was thoroughly cross with this nonsense she had to put up with. She was thankful Lorelei was incredibly well behaved and silent, otherwise she might have had folk asking her questions, like why is there a stray cat in your bag? When the doctor eventually arrived, it seemed more so like he was gushing at having Semmelweis as a case study on vampires, rather than doing a physical evaluation. She almost lost it when he asked, “may I inspect your fangs?”
Bella whispered, why not show them to his neck?
Semmelweis thought, a very tempting thought… but no.
However, despite the disaster of having a vamprior be the doctor for a literal vampire, Semmelweis still feared moreover the psychological check-up. She’d prefer getting stabbed, then having to do it. A possibility Bella was sure to try and convince her, wouldn’t have to go then, would we? Not wanting to deal with Bella and a therapist, she told her mental hallucinations to kindly shut up. When she had sat down in the lobby once more, preparing to await at least fifteen minutes, she hadn’t even sat down when a woman called out her name holding a clip board. She had blonde hair, a professional appearance, a wooden clipboard, a sweet voice, and charming smile.
Bella asked, is she pretty enough for you?
Absentmindedly Semmelweis said quietly to herself, “She’s not bad looking.”
When she realised it, Bella jokingly teased, maybe you should hit on her?
Semmelweis joked, I’d rather jump into the next storm. Now, shut up, or she’ll label us a crazy arcanist.
The Foundation psychologist walked Semmelweis along to her office, when she opened the door, she offered to take Semmelweis’s coat, and her bag.
“Here, let me, it’s only polite, and I would like you to feel welcome here.”
While Semmelweis was content to play along with her coat, she couldn’t allow the woman to toy with her satchel. “No no, miss, that is fine thank you.”
She smiled, “Oh, but I simply insist.” And reached for it, holding it with one hand.
Semmelweis tried to yank it back away from her, but as the therapist yanked in response her satchel was sent flying towards the therapist, and then crashing back into Semmelweis. A small, but in that room, a deafening whimper was all it took for her secret to be revealed.
Her therapist looked baffled, “Did- did you bag just cry?”
Semmelweis could only blink to sate her anger, thinking to herself, this is why I hate therapists.
The woman reached in and found the golden kitten inside, “Why is there a cat in your bag?”
Thinking fast, Semmelweis said without much confidence, “She’s my… emotional support animal.”
The therapist looked surprised, “Oh? I didn’t think you would have one. What with your record as an investigator, and your file. I see, where you embarrassed about it? Is that why you tried to hide it?”
Semmelweis nodded.
“Well, don’t be. This place is judgement free. If you’d like, you can take her out, I’m sure she would much rather to stretch her legs a bit, wouldn’t she.”
Semmelweis nodded again, and took Lorelei out. The kitten briefly came over to the therapist, rubbed against her leg, then returned to Semmelweis’s lap where she received prompt pets during the entire session.
By the end, both individuals felt better. While the psychiatrist undoubtedly believed it was due to her work, Semmelweis would say it was something else she couldn’t exactly name. Still, Semmelweis didn’t exactly mind this one; except for the fact, that damned woman needs to learn about personal boundaries. She left just as the night was arriving, and the sun was setting. Her therapist writing a little note that her patient’s emotional support cat was oh so well behaved and adorable; an addition Semmelweis knew would soon come to haunt her as she would try to explain it later on. When she made it home, she began making dinner, desiring to be able to put her feet up and do nothing the rest of the night.
With herself and Lorelei both fed, Lorelei having skimped a large portion of her own dinner’s meat, Semmelweis decided she would quite wish for a warm bath. The kitten, rather stuffed after what Semmelweis had given her, was sound asleep on the living room carpet. She knew she had to check the fire every once and a while, yet she knew if she spent a good half hour alone in the tub, the chance of harm was unlikely enough as to be acceptable. Her tired body ached for that rest though, and she wouldn’t pass it up.
She had just run the water, taken off her shoes, and prepared a towel when she heard something from downstairs. The sun had long since set now, and she was certain the noise wouldn’t be calming from outside on the street. It wouldn’t be able to be heard if it was. No. She heard talking from inside her house. And she recognised that thick Slavic accent, and ethereal elegance anywhere. SHIT.
She quietly crept to the top of her stairwell. She stared silently down, she heard Valentina clear as day, speaking to herself. Semmelweis had no idea what she should do. Do I approach her? Do I hide? Do I jump out the window and run!? Her heart wailed like a hammer inside her, fear arose just as did Bella’s whispered, motivated purely by the fear she felt.
Her one command, we need to get away!
But Semmelweis knew with Valentina, if she was here for Semmeleweis, this close, she wouldn’t get so far. She instead listened, to try and gauge what to expect from her.
The ancient vampire spoke softly, “Oh, hello my dear friend, I never expected to see you here. I was a little unsure but, oh I simply know it’s you now. How you’ve been, she been treating you well?”
Is she? Semmelweis could hardly believe what she was asking herself, is she talking with my kitten?
Despite every pleading shout from Bella, and from her own petrified heart and mind, Semmelweis slowly walked down the steps, trying hard to not make even the softest of sounds. There she saw Valentina, gently scratching Lorelei’s chin, asking if the cat enjoyed it. Semmelweis tried to signal Lorelei to come towards her, trying to motion physically. The cat was facing towards the stairwell, Semmelweis thanked whatever power did be that Valentina had felt inclined not to face towards the stairs, but instead the fireplace. Yet, Lorelei refused to move, and Semmelweis grew more desperate. She tried to make a noise to get her to come.
“Pspspsp” She recalled cats liked the noise, or reacted to it, and she hoped it would work, “Pspspspsp.”
Yet Lorelei stubbornly stayed put, merely looking up at Semmelweis with clear, blue, calming eyes. Pure and innocent, unlike the monster currently lay its hands on her.
She quietly hushed, “Psst, Lorelei. Psst.” She let a hint of her frustration out, and her voice rose, “Lorelei, come here!” And she immediately regretted that, as she heard a slight chuckle from the woman below.
Valentina spoke softly, “Greetings Semmelweis. I apologise I intruded but… I feared you wouldn’t answer the door for me. So, I let myself in. Anyway, I’m sure my dear friend would have let me in, even if you refused.” She stood up, to face her. “Speaking of which, I’m surprised you knew yourself. Well, I suppose that makes sense as to why you have her.”
Semmelweis half paid attention to her words, caring mostly that Lorelei, who listened to Semmelweis once Valentina stopped petting her, and walked to Semmelweis, and was promptly cradled in her arms.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about Valentina, why are you here?”
The vampire below her laughed, which was somehow more terrifying then her simply standing there. “You really don’t know? My… this is quite a funny and charming coincidence. I suppose I ought to thank you then, for taking care of our little friend.”
“Our friend? Who on earth do you possibly mean?”
Valentina smiled, “You see, this little cat in your arms, is our dearly departed Lorelei.”
“You’re joking.”
Valentina shook her head, while her face was hard to read, it seemed earnest, “No, I am not.”
Semmelweis asked, the complete bewilderment of the whole thing exacerbating her voice. “How could you possibly even know?”
Valentina responded, “I had a suspicion ever since a few moments after the storm ended. You see, Lorelei wasn’t the most… stress free, person to be friends with. I worried more then once someone might, take her. So, I used an vampiric ritual, I pricked her thumb, cast an arcane skill, and drank the blood. Thereafter, I could feel where she was, physically. I could always follow it to where she was.”
Semmelweis stopped here, “You’re telling me, Lorelei survived, and is a cat now?”
Valentina shrugged, “I cannot speak on the survived part. When the storm hit, her location changed quite considerably, still in Vienna but, I recall it was by some Churchyard. I figured that maybe that was because the blood magic was acting strange given how odd the storm can be, however I could still feel her move and a connection to her. The arcane skill was made long ago by a vampire who was in love with a normal arcanist, and thus I can tell a small amount of what she is feeling. And she felt very much alive and like Lorelei.” She asked then of Semmelweis, pointing at her, “Now, tell me, how ever did you come upon naming her that, without knowing who she was?”
Semmelweis took a moment to think before she answered, “She responded to the name when I said it to myself randomly.”
Valentina laughed, “Couldn’t get sweet Lorelei out of your mind, could you? Don’t worry, I’m guilty of it myself. She even told me to expect you when we first met, she had a plan for you, I reckon you were playing against the odds in your case.”
Semmelweis then asked, “So… how on earth did this happen!?”
Valentina looked at her with a face that seemed to be fitting on a corpse, and not a half-corpse such as she, “How should I know?”
“You came, all this way, and you don’t know!?” Semmelweis could only think, this woman!
Valentina nodded, “I hardly expected this myself but, well. It explains a lot, and… seriously, look at the resemblance.”
Semmelweis conceded, “I don’t know why on earth I failed to notice that sooner.”
Valentina laughed once more. It irritated Semmelweis that she found this entire experience rather amusing.
The calm and gentle smile on Valentina failed to make Semmelweis feel at ease, she saw the sharpness on that smile, how it cut like a knife. She knew there was something Valentina was interested in, and her mind feared what that might be.
She asked plainly, “What do you want from me?”
Somewhat coyly, Valentina answered, “Oh, what ever do you mean?”
“Why are you still here?”
Valentina moved back, towards the fire, “Why not sit down, if you want to continue asking questions. The fire’s nice and warm, wouldn’t you say?”
Semmelweis watched as Valentina sat down in one of the living room chairs, facing her, gesturing for her to take the one opposite her. While she moved closer down the stairwell, she didn’t take the seat.
Valentina sighed, disappointed, “Suit yourself. You worry too much.”
Semmelweis laughed, “Says my home intruder.”
Valentina began, “You might be expecting me to have a solution to this let’s say, unique, situation. However, I must admit, I have no idea how our friend has found herself so fluffy and soft as of late.”
Semmelweis nearly jumped at the news, “So you’re saying, you have no idea what to do? That’s wonderful.”
Valentina smiled, “I didn’t say that entirely. I might be able to figure something out, given some time, dear Semmelweis.”
“Don’t call me that.”
Valentina sighed, “Oh, why do you hate me so?” She placed a hand over her head and sighed loudly, feigning the sting of betrayal, “oh, you leave me so pained, Semmelweis.”
Seeing a friend in distress, Lorelei began to wriggle and squirm out of Semmelweis’s grip, she plopped to the floor, and quickly walked on over to Valentina, hopping onto the chair’s armrest, then onto her lap, quietly purring for her just in the manner she would comfort Semmelweis. A small part of her, Bella she realised, was spurred with jealousy at the sight; yet the greater part of her knew she couldn’t blame Lorelei for simply being herself.
Valentina stroked her, “Do you like that, Lorelei?” Her friend nodded, and the old vampire smiled, “I’m glad I didn’t lose you. Even if, you’re like this now.”
In the warm glow of the fire, she saw Valentina’s face clearly. Her eyes reflected something, for a few moments, her almost statue-esque appearance and composure cracked. And the light from the fire bounced of a single shed tear, as it slid down Valentina’s cheek.
She quietly said, “I know I said I didn’t worry, and that I was alright with you staying but… I hated leaving you, even though that’s what you wanted. I hated saying goodbye.”
Semmelweis could hardly believe this woman, this dangerous woman, who turned her, that could very well kill her, was sitting in her living room, crying. She had not idea what to do or to say, and she was partially frightened into staying put and watching, else she might provoke Valentina’s wrath.
Shortly after, Valentina turned to Semmelweis, having let her tears out, she returned to how she normally was. Terrifying.
“Now, Semmelweis, I will ask, although, I can see, you’ve done a good job thus far. Do keep Lorelei safe, for me. I know you will, but, I have to make that clear.”
Semmelweis nodded, “I will, she’s nice to have around. Although… I’m a little weirded out with the idea of her sleeping on my chest again.”
Valentina chuckled to herself, “What? Are you embarrassed by her now?”
Semmelweis instinctively said, “Oh shut up,” as if talking to Bella. It was only after she had said it, did she realise, her eyes in a thousand yard stare, accepting their fate.
Valentina only burst out laughing, “My, you’ve still got that fight in you. I like that, I’m glad you survived.”
“It’s just, weird, knowing it’s a person… now.”
Valentina lowered her heard towards Lorelei’s little face, at times it seemed she spoke to Semmelweis, and others at Lorelei herself, “You know, Lorelei was always clingy like that. I remember one night, she had spent the day helping folk and singing in the streets like any other, but she came over to see me. You were so tired, weren’t you? I asked one of those hired thugs to make tea for her, but before it arrived she had already fallen asleep. I carried you into my chamber, placed you on the lounge there, and went to bed. I awoke to Lorelei just standing there, in front of me. Saying you were cold, and asking if you could sleep in bed with me. I told you no but… you looked so sad I agreed. You climbed in and you didn’t let go of me the whole night. I couldn’t believe you, would ever feel so comfortable being close to someone like me, you were so precious. It made me want to protect you.”
Despite a part of her not wanting to irritate Valentina, Semmelweis thought to disturb the tender moment.
“Oh, so you shared the same bed as a child?”
Valentina gave her a sharp look, the fact that Lorelei was on her most assuredly saved Semmelweis from having a pissed off vampire breathing down her neck.
She told Semmelweis to, “Watch it. It wasn’t like that. She just likes being close to people, physical. Anyway, I’m guessing she climbed into your bed too hmm?”
Semmelweis sighed, “Yes…”
Valentina smirked, “Then you have no ability to criticise me, hypocrite.”
Eventually, Valentina told Lorelei to hop off her. Lorelei, obeying, but making a pout at the request jumped off, as Valentina turned to leave. She turned to Semmelweis, still on the stairwell.
“I shall see you sometime soon, dear Semmelweis. I do very much intend on seeing both of my friends here again some time. Make sure not to tell the foundation about my visit, else that may complicate things. Maybe next time I’ll bring a housewarming gift. Is there a particular wine you fancy?”
Semmelweis pondered, “Hmm, I’d ask you to drink half of it first, so I know that the poison would at least kill the both of us.”
Valentina chuckled, “You think so low of me? Trust me Semmelweis, if I wanted you dead...” she paused, disappearing in a flash and appearing right in front of Semmelweis. Despite Semmelweis being one step above her, their height difference made their eyes meet level. “you’d be dead already.”
With that chilling reminder, she exited Semmelweis’s temporary home like she owned the place. Saying goodbye to Lorelei, and farewell to Semmelweis. The second Semmelweis heard that door close, she breathed the biggest sigh of relief her lungs could muster. Her tense body sat, then sprawled over the stairs.
“Glad that’s over.”
The moment Semmelweis was certain her intruder had left, she immediately returned to her bath. She needed it more then ever. She had to refill the water, as by the time she returned to it, it had gone slightly cold, and she much preferred the luxury of a hot bath at the current moment. She had left the door slightly open, a precaution so she could still hear things from the entire house, in case Valentina came back for anything. But, it also proved just enough so that Lorelei could get through, and investigate just what Semmelweis was doing. Her head barely above the tub, turned towards her.
Semmelweis smiled softly, it was slight, but she did enjoy seeing her. “Don’t you go peeking Lorelei.” She said, “It’s alright for a normal cat, but not for you. You ought to give someone privacy when undressed.”
Lorelei nodded, staying put looking up at her. Almost unwarranted, she began to purr. That soft, melodic lullaby. Like a gentle soft voice. It reminded Semmelweis, of that voice in the mountains, of Lorelei’s final song before the Storm.
“You still sound lovely Lorelei. Although, not the same, it still makes me…” Semmelweis fought her eyes a bit, “want to sleep.” She straightened up, trying to regain control over her drowsiness “Save it for later, please, if you wish to sing. I don’t want to fall asleep and drown.”
Lorelei nodded, and walked out of the bathroom, leaving Semmelweis alone, once more to relax, and to bathe. She thought to herself, this day has been, interesting to say the least. But, no small part of her couldn’t say, I’m glad though. I’m glad she’s still here.
And here she was, when Semmelweis got out and dried herself off, and hopped into bed. Already lying on one of her pillows, beside her head. Softly purring, softly looking and her. In no short time, cuddling up beside her. And in no short time, did Semmelweis succumb once more to her calm and alluring song. Which spirited her away to a place of tranquility only Lorelei knew where to find; a place she was happy enough to share. And whether it was due to a want, her due to a dazed and sleep-ish instinct, soon Semmelweis held Lorelei in her arms, close to her chest. And the kitten failed to mind, purring louder then ever, feeling close and warm to her friend.