entrancelogs | 010 ƒ open } { they’ll make their judgments, so assured

[ She doesn't need Freya's acknowledgment to know; it was more of a rhetorical question at this point, although the shake of Freya's head makes her feel even more hopeless.

Of course, all of this is starting to make a little sense in terms of why Lucifer is wrapped up in this. He definitely was a fan of drama, and being surrounded by some level of insanity that Chloe preferred to be detached from. And now he had dragged her into it, unarmed and unable to defend herself. ]

I'm listening. [ She looked at Freya, part of her still wondering what the other woman's angle was. She hoped it was just helping out of the goodness of her heart, but Chloe didn't trust that, not completely. ] If there is a way to protect myself and anyone else, I'd like to know.

[Freya nods in agreement, before a small smile crosses her face and she tips back the rest of her shot.]

Alright. Vampire 101 it is.

[She then starts to move around the bar, gesturing for Chloe to follow her.]

The first and most important thing is that vampires from my world, as long as they're properly fed, look and behave exactly like any other normal human. Their heart beats, they can see their reflection in the mirror, and while their circulation is slightly poorer than most humans, it's similar to any other human with poor circulation. But they can't come into your home - or in this case, your room - without your express invitation, so I would refrain from verbally inviting someone into your room unless you're certain they're human, or they're a vampire you feel you can trust.

[ Chloe downs the rest of her drink, figuring that she will need it before she follows Freya. Her hands are clasped in front of her, betraying some of her nervousness, although her eyes stay concentrated on Freya. It won't stop a quip or two during Freya's lesson, though. ]

I wish it were that easy to keep some humans out. [ She tries to crack a smile. ] But okay, no inviting people in unless I know if they're a vampire. If they look just like humans, though, how else am I supposed to tell?

In normal day to day interactions, it's hard to say. They can be a bit paler, but that isn't always a given, since vampires are present all over the world, so they come in all shapes, sizes and colors. There are some consistencies though - when they are looking to feed, their fangs will extend, their eyes will turn a blood red color. There's also some darkening of veins directly under their eyes.

Also, most vampires can't be in the sun unless they have managed to befriend a witch to make them something called a daylight ring. It's made with a blue lapis lazuli stone and is spelled with protection magic. Some wear it in other forms of jewelry, but the most common form is a ring, and if they're out in the sun, they need to be wearing it at all times.

[There's a pause, before she decides to work with a frame of reference she may know.]

If you've spent time with Damon Salvatore, you may have noticed a large family ring on his left hand.

[She holds up her hands as she speaks to illustrate. It's really enormous though, she can't imagine Chloe having missed it.]

[ Chloe thinks back, realizing she did notice the ring before and just never gave much thought to it. ]

Yeah, I remember it. That has to be some seriously strong magic to protect vampires from the sunlight. [ She does wince a little at that, realizing how easy it is becoming for her to talk about magic and vampires like it's normal. Of course, it is her new normal. ] But at least it's something I can actually keep an eye out for. So...

[ A pause. ]

Is that the kind of thing you can do? Make daylight rings?

[ She has so many questions, so she decides to just ask them when she thinks of them. ]

[Asking questions as they come to her is probably the easiest way to do it, to be honest. Holding on to questions until later, runs the risk of her missing something important or forgetting to ask.]

Among other things. My power is grounded in what we call "spirit magic." I draw power from the earth and the elements and channel it into my spells. But there are different schools of magic in the same way there are different schools of science. Not all witches practice the same way.

Okay. That actually makes sense.

[ It's one of the first things anyone has said that does. At least if she can break this down into concepts she can understand, it would be easier to swallow. ]

Is this something you learned how to do? I mean, could you teach me something so I can help? [ She can't believe she is asking this, but after what happened to Lucifer, she can't stand the idea of letting it happen again. ] How long did it take you to learn all of this?

I've been practicing since I was four years old, but ... no. Magical skill is something you're born with, unfortunately.

[She pauses to open the door to her room, revealing the interior that has been switched around since the incident with her mirrors. The carpet has been changed out for hardwood floors, and her room has taken on something more similar to her room back in the Abattoir, in all it's early colonial flare.

Spell ingredients have are still hiding in plain sight all over the room, but in this particular instance she steps in to head towards a small planting box that is resting on the far window.]

But there are more mundane approaches you can use to protect yourself and Lucifer.

[ Chloe manages to always be amazed by the different ways people have arranged their rooms. Her own was stark and boring in contrast, not just to Lux and Lucifer's adjoining penthouse (which looked so much like home it was often heartbreaking for her), but Freya's and the others she'd seen as well.

As she glances around the room her eyes eventually are drawn to the spell items spread around. It kind of feels like she's stepped into a different world; and in a way, she has. ]

Four years old? Wow. And I thought the months of police training was hard. [ She finally concentrates her gaze back on Freya, moving closer to her. ] I'll do whatever it takes. I can't let what happened to Lucifer happen again.

[She nods in agreement before reaching for one of the plants and plucking a sprig of it from the box.]

First things first: vervain.

[She holds the sprig out to her.]

Vampires have an ability called compulsion. It allows them to alter memories, erase them, or force a person do to something for them. But vervain, when worn on your body, prevents them from being able to take control of your mind. You can either wear it, or you can also drink it in liquid form. That's my preferred method, because while I cannot be compelled as a witch, if a vampire tried to drink my blood, they would be weakened from the vervain in my system. It also burns their skin if they come in contact with it.

[ Chloe takes the sprig, holding it up as she turns it in her fingers thoughtfully. It's a tiny little plant, kind of like a weed, and it's hard for Chloe to grasp how detrimental such a little, unassuming thing can be to such powerful creatures. ]

Wow. Okay, so I just need to carry this around in my pocket or something? I guess my wardrobe could use a little color. [ The self-deprecating joke comes off a little flat what in the reality of their situation. ] I can believe this is enough to stop an actual vampire. How often do you have to drink it to make sure it stays in your body?

Every day. I usually drink it in the morning with my coffee. You need to drink it with something strong, because otherwise the flavor is ... far less pleasant.

[Vervain is an herb that was probably never intended to be eaten with anything.]

But otherwise yes. In a pocket, or in jewelry - something you wear consistently.

Ugh, sounds fun. [ Chloe wrinkles her nose. Still better than getting eaten by a vampire, though. ] I think I'll stick with wearing it for the time being. I kind of like attached to my non-vampire related coffee for the moment.

[ It's an attempt at levity, but not a very good one, considering the seriousness of the situation. With a sigh, she looks down at the vervain. ] I guess I'll put it in a necklace for now. Are there... Are there any vampires here from your world currently that I should be on the lookout for?

[She pauses for a moment, before shaking her head.]

Not that I know of. There are vampires from my world here, but I don't believe they're likely to do you any harm. And I don't feel comfortable outing them without their consent.

That's okay. I'm a little more concerned with the ones I should be worried about than the ones who will leave people alone.

[ She already knows about Damon, anyway, and she is sure Elena will also make sure she isn't in any danger. At least, once Elena finds out that Chloe knows what she knows now.

Granted, no one saw what happened with Klaus coming. Chloe just finds herself hoping that the mirrors don't find a way to cause any more trouble anytime soon. ]

Is there anything else I should know?

If you are attacked by a vampire, a stake to the heart or setting them on fire will do the trick as far as protecting yourself. The stake doesn't have to be particularly large, though. Wooden bullets can be quite effective.

[Which might be better for Chloe since she is comfortable with a gun.]

Even if the vampires on this side of Wonderland won't harm you, that doesn't mean their Mirrors will be as accommodating. You should be prepared.

It's mostly the Mirrors I'm worried about, after what happened.

[ She imagines the wardrobe could easily supply wooden bullets and she's definitely going to find out as soon as she gets back to her room. There is no way she's going to risk what happened before. ]

Mostly not being able to the tell the difference between us and the Mirrors. Is there a way to stop a vampire from attacking me before it gets to that point? Like... I don't know, garlic or holy water?

[She shakes her head.]

Garlic and holy water are unfortunately dramatic myths. Though the plant form of vervain burns to the touch. They can't hold it in their hand, so if you suspect someone is a vampire from my world you can always give it to them and see if they can handle it.

Well, at least I have something that will work.

[ Chloe clutches the vervain a little tighter, as if it's her only lifeline. In a way, it is. It could be the only thing that stands between her and vampire, if worse comes to worse.

And the fact that she is actually saying that to herself is completely insane. ]

If they do touch it, and it burns them... Is that enough to put them off or will it just piss them off more? [ Chloe definitely wants to do whatever she can to keep her and Lucifer safe, but she doesn't exactly want to poke the bear, either. ]

That depends on the vampire. But if they're the kind with ill intent, it will likely only make them angry.

[Which is why it's good to be prepared in other ways.]

I would suggest saving it for when you absolutely need to know.

I'll keep that in mind. [ Chloe knows all of this is of the utmost importance for her to know, but at the time time, it makes her feel even less in control. ] It's so much easier at home where you can just shoot someone.

[ She doesn't want Freya to think she's not thankful, especially since she knows that a life like this must come with a cost. Trusting Chloe enough to tell her all of this, knowing that there are people here who would likely hurt her or Klaus or Damon and yet, still trusting her with this information just so she can protect herself and Lucifer. ] Thank you for telling me all of this. I'm not... I just have no idea how to deal with any of this and you're being so helpful when you don't have to.

[She shakes her head before reaching out to place a hand on the other woman's arm gently.]

You're important to Lucifer, and I consider him a friend. And it's unfortunate that ... it seems no matter how far removed, we always seem to draw trouble more often than not. I would rather you know how to protect yourself first.

[ While Chloe is thankful Freya isn't a hugger like Ella, the hand on her arm is still incredibly comforting. It makes her feel a little less alone, a little less adrift in the mess of all of this. ]

And about that, too... Thanks for looking out for Lucifer. I know he is a complete pain in the ass and acts like he has everything under control but, it helps him to have people look out for him. [ It helps Chloe too, to know that he is safe and cared for, but she's not going to mention that. ] And after him, I'm used to being dragged into some pretty crazy stuff. I just hope when it comes down to it, even without being magical or having, I don't know, insane vampire powers, I can still have your back.

[ Chloe would have gone through the mirror to get Freya, if she could have. Lucifer wouldn't have let her, though, knowing what she'd be up against. ]

[She nods in agreement.]

And I have yours. If you run into trouble, all you have to do is call, I can be there in two seconds.

[It's handy to have a witch on your side who can melt vampire brains.]

[ And for that, Chloe is glad to be in the midst of it rather on the outside. Even if she does end up tangling with a vampire in the future, at least she has allies that know what to do. She's not going in blind anymore. ]

I'll keep you on speed dial. [ She pauses. ] There isn't any chance you can like, read my mind or anything, is there? [ What? She might as well ask. It would be easier than calling. ]

010 ƒ open } { they’ll make their judgments, so assured

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