Earlier that day:
Cici and Clarissa had been discussing plans for Clarissa's date with Eli tonight, and there were somethings that Clarissa wanted to do before then. Clarissa had nice clothes, but she wanted something a bit more cute and casual to wear tonight, and she seemed positively thrilled to check out this city's fashion.
Cici had suggested that she visit a local alchemist for some... special pills. She could share some of hers, but she would be going through what she brought with her, and between the two of them, it wouldn't last the whole time they were going to be in the city. The pills did take a few days to take effect, so the likelihood that something was going to happen tonight was incredibly low, but even then, it would be smart to start as soon as possible, because Cici was positive something would happen, and soon. She gave it a week tops before Eli gave Clarissa exactly what he always gave her, and honestly, the thought only made her feel happy. The thought of more women showering her darling with the love and affection she thought he deserved was only a good thing in her mind, and she couldn't deny her own attractions towards not just Clarissa, but the others as well. One at a time, though.
They had been talking about all of that and more when Eli's anger drew all of Cici's attention, and she entered his thoughts immediately after informing Clarissa.
Clarissa just stood by and waited patiently, concern on her face, which warmed Cici's heart. She didn't even know what exactly was happening, but she wanted to make sure everything with Eli was okay regardless. The mental conversation did not take long, and by the end of it, Cici had a small smile on her face.
"Is everything okay?" Clarissa asked, and Cici just nodded with a smile.
"Yeah. Eli just needed a different perspective on something." Cici said, explaining what happened to put the woman's mind at ease.
By no means was her Eli stupid, he just didn't think about certain things sometimes. He was truly a wonderful man, and while she never once doubted that, being connected to his mind was always a constant reminder of many things. How much he despised how a lot of people were treated, how important justice for those who were wronged was, and how highly he viewed those ideals. Not just that though, but the overwhelming love he had for her always made her heart swell to bursting with her affection. She loved the man so much it was almost painful at times.
Once Cici was done relaying the situation to Clarissa, the pretty black-haired woman looked thoughtful. She was truly a beautiful woman, and Cici had to hold back a snicker at how cute the woman looked when she was thinking.
"Does he know how unbelievably powerful he is? I'm still having issues wrapping my head around it. I knew he was strong... but I could have never imagined what he showed us today." Clarissa said, her voice full of awe.
"He knows... but he doesn't think about things the ways we do. In his mind, if you see or hear something you don't like, you speak up, and you stop it from happening." Cici said.
"And he can do that because he's so strong." Clarissa said, and Cici nodded.
"Right... but it's one of the reasons I love him. He stands up for what's right. Even when he wasn't as strong as he is now, he always tried his best. And now that he has the power to act on what he believes, he does. It's just that his frame of reference so far has been... well... that he's been so much stronger than anyone he's went against. He's adapted to this world very well... incredibly well, honestly, but I don't think the power dynamics that are always in play have fully set in. You know, he has all of that power, and can literally do anything he wants..." Cici said, a fond a loving smile coming to her lips, "And all he wants to do is relax, and take care of everyone he cares about. He wants to protect all of us, and to help those he can, and so far, most of the powerful people he's met..."
"Most people with the power to do those things choose not to... they do evil and terrible things..." Clarissa finshed for her, and Cici nodded.
"He's starting to understand that. I can feel that my words got through to him, and they helped him to calm himself and start looking at things differently." Cici said, turning to look at Clarissa, who had that guilty look on her face like she'd seen so many times before, and she was having none of it, "Rissa... I know that look."
Clarissa flinched, but she met Cici's eyes with her own.
"This all just got me thinking... about the things my father did... and no one was strong enough to stop him... and no one even seemed to care to... until Eli." Clarissa said, a tear falling down her cheek, "Even when it comes to what's right and what's wrong, it shouldn't be this way. These people Eli has dealt with... they only stopped because someone stronger than them stopped them. Good and bad shouldn't just be suggestions..."
Cici took 2 steps forward, and wrapped her arms around Clarissa, who didn't even hesitate to return the gesture. A small sob left Clarissa's mouth, and Cici only smiled gently as she began to gently rub the back of Clarissa's incredibly soft hair.
"It shouldn't... but we can't change the whole world. We can only do what we can right now to make it better for those around us. Leave the world changing to Eli." Cici said, causing Clarissa to laugh softly, before Cici continued, "You know, this right here is why I think you'll fit in perfectly with us, and why Eli thinks so too. You're a good person, Clarissa, and you just want what is best for people. You also like Eli for who he is, and what he stands for, and not because of what he is, and what he can do."
Clarissa sniffed a few times before she responded.
"Thank you, Cici. You're always doing what you can to make me feel better." Clarissa said, looking up to meet Cici's eyes, and giving her a smile, "And of course I do. Even knowing what I know now, it doesn't change how I feel. It doesn't stop my heart from racing when I look at him... it doesn't stop my legs from shaking when he touches me... and kisses me. Honestly... the fact that he is such a kind and gentle person with the power he has..."
Cici gave her a wide grin.
"He's amazing, isn't he?" Cici asked, and Clarissa nodded with a smile.
"He really is." She replied.
The women let go of each other a moment, and Cici waited for Clarissa to compose herself and dry her eyes before she spoke up.
"On to brighter things now, Rissa." Cici said, Clarissa's cheeks turning pink at the nickname, but her slight smile told Cici that she liked it, "You have a date tonight, and we have places to be and things to get... although I'm not exactly sure where those places would be... not exactly familiar with this city."
"I... do not know either." Clarissa admitted, looking sheepish.
Just then, the door to their room opened, and Valerie stepped inside, giving both women a smile as she entered.
"Val? You're back early. Is everything okay with Serena and her brother?" Cici asked, and Valerie blushed slightly, but nodded.
"Yes...Cecilia?" Valerie said in a questioning tone, and Cici just smiled at the incredibly cute woman as she nodded and smiled. Valerie continued, "They told me they were going to start getting ready and preparing themselves, and as much as I insisted that they weren't wasting my time, I decided to just respect their wishes."
Cici and Clarissa nodded, and as Cici looked the gorgeous Dhampir woman, she had a thought.
"Say, Val, you've been in this city for a while... do you know where we can find an alchemist and where to buy some clothes for our little lady here?" Cici asked, gesturing at a now blushing Clarissa. Valerie nodded immediately.
"I do. I've been everywhere in this city... most not by choice, but I've memorized everything. If you want, I have time now, so I can take you to the places that I personally believe are the best. Just tell me what you are looking for."
Cici and Clarissa both smiled at the woman as. In short order, they explained what they needed, and Cici giggled at the way both Clarissa and Valerie's faces turned red as Clarissa asked her for the best place to purchase the anti-pregnancy pills she was looking for. Once that was settled, both women followed Valerie as they walked through the manor a short while before arriving outside.
"This way, my ladies." Valerie said, before gesturing for them to follow her.
Cici just snorted under her breath, but she couldn't help the smile that graced her face.
"Today is a good day." Cici thought as her and Clarissa fell into step behind Valerie, "I just hope it stays that way."