Behind the main stage, the festival noise turns into a low pulse through canvas and metal. Elizabeth guides Thadeus into the narrow gap beside stacked crates, where the light is dim and warm from the stage lamps.
Elizabeth Bathory
Marcus Thorne was digging into me long before tonight. He did not let go easily.
She keeps her voice low, eyes flicking toward the front of the stage, then back to Thadeus.
Elizabeth Bathory
He kept asking who I was, what I had done, who had followed me. If he decides to write about me now, I am worried he twists it into a story the neighborhood will not forget.
Thadeus Jovanović
She is not afraid of him, exactly. She is afraid of what he can make people believe.
From the other side of the rigging, the bass thumps on and the dancers drift past, unaware. Elias and Marla remain at work in the open, keeping the stage steady while the moment stays quiet.
Elizabeth Bathory
You saw him. He listens. That can be a gift, or a weapon, depending on what he does next.
✓ Quest Accepted
Comfort Elizabeth
✓ Quest Accepted
Uncover Marcus Thorne's knowledge regarding Elizabeth
“Thadeus takes Elizabeth's hands into his own, "We've been through this many times, you have nothing to feel guilty about, your conscious is clear as far as the Revenant business goes." Elizabeth smiles, but the smile is hollow. Elizabeth responds, "It's not just about the cult, Marcus was investigating my family lineage." Elizabeth looks like she's on the verge of tears.”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Thadeus closes both of Elizabeth’s hands in his, steady and warm in the dim corridor. The stage pulse hums through the crates, but the space between them feels still.
Thadeus Jovanović
You have nothing to feel guilty about. Your conscience is clear as far as the Revenant business goes.
Elizabeth Bathory
That is not what Marcus was digging into.
Elizabeth Bathory
He was asking about my family line, where it came from, what it means. That is the part that gets under my skin.
Her smile appears for a second, then slips. Thadeus keeps hold of her hands, and she does not pull away.
Elizabeth Bathory
He made it sound like a story people should know. I hate that I cared what he thought.
Thadeus’s grip gives her a steady anchor. Elizabeth draws one breath, then another, and the tightness in her face eases enough to show relief underneath the fear.
Elizabeth Bathory
...And he did not just hear rumors. He knows my family name is in old records. That much is real.
Quest Complete
Comfort Elizabeth
“Thadeus looks solemnly at Elizabeth, "Since we're sharing, I have my own confession to make." Elizabeth looks puzzled, then asks, "What is it?" Thadeus sighs, and shares, "I found your name in the Belmont Family Grimoire." Elizabeth backs away from Thadeus, stunned. "Oh, you did, so you must know about..." Thadeus walks back up to Elizabeth, grasping her hands warmly again, "That you're more than a sweet, strong woman?" Elizabeth lets out a laugh that feels out of place. "I swear to you, that creature in the stories isn't me!" Thadeus steadies Elizabeth, "It was your mother, I know. You share the name of the bloodthirsty countess that ravaged the European countryside during World War I, attempting to resurrect the Dark Count. Two heroes bravely faced the monsters together and brought her tyranny to an end. I've done my own research, too." Elizabeth still looks stunned, but wants nothing more than to be held by Thadeus.”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Thadeus Jovanović
I found your name in the Belmont Family Grimoire.
Elizabeth Bathory
You did? Then you know about...?
She takes a quick step back, stunned, then stops when Thadeus comes forward again and gathers her hands.
Thadeus Jovanović
That you are more than a sweet, strong woman? Yes. I know the line, the stories, all of it.
Elizabeth Bathory
I swear to you, that creature in the stories is not me!
Thadeus steadies her, and the tension in her shoulders loosens as he answers with what he has learned. The old family name, the countess, the war, the fall, it all lands in the quiet between the stage thump and the crates. Elizabeth still looks shocked, but she stays with him, held fast by his hands.
Quest Complete
Uncover Marcus Thorne's knowledge regarding Elizabeth
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Superb→Legendary
“Thadeus, embracing a now tearful Elizabeth, asks her, "Reading the story to its conclusion, it does a create a weird conflict with us." Elizabeth looks up, "What...what do you mean?" Thadeus grins, "I know you're not suppose to ask a woman her age, but you by your nature must be significantly older than I am." Elizabeth lets out another laugh and playfully punches Thadeus in the shoulder. "You're right, it's not proper to ask about a lady's age." Thadeus grins wryly again, saying,"Well, I think I've always had a thing for older women."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Thadeus pulls Elizabeth in close, and the laugh she tries to hold back breaks into her shoulder. His teasing lands softly, and the tightness in her face gives way to a wet, startled smile.
Elizabeth Bathory
What... what do you mean?
Thadeus Jovanović
You’re older than I am, by nature. Probably by a lot.
She snorts despite herself, then gives him a light punch to the shoulder that is more relief than protest. The backstage crates tremble with the bass from the stage, but the pocket around them stays private.
Elizabeth Bathory
That is not proper to ask a lady.
Thadeus Jovanović
Well, I’ve always had a thing for older women.
Her laugh comes easier this time. Across the corridor, Marla’s voice rises over a quick test of the equipment, and Elias answers with a muttered check of the cables, a small, ordinary sound of things staying together.
Elizabeth Bathory
You really do make it hard to stay afraid.
She stays in his arms a moment longer, then tips her head up, calmer now, waiting to see if he keeps the joke going or lets the quiet speak for itself.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reaffirm support for Elizabeth’s redemption
“Thadeus looks deeply into Elizabeth's eyes, her blouse stained slightly by her tears, "You create your own path, your past doesn't dictate your future. You've carried that burden alone for long enough. I am with you, to the end of my days." Elizabeth's face flushes, her heart both relieved and racing with attraction. Elizabeth smiles seductively, "You'd better be careful, sir. We're in public, but that doesn't mean I won't jump right here, right now." It is now Thadeus's turn to be bashful, replying, "Yeah, maybe I should tone it down a little." Fully comforted, Elizabeth nuzzles into Thadeus's chest. Thadeus wraps his arms around Elizabeth's waist, allowing this moment to go on for what feels like and eternity. Thadeus thinks that would be okay if they stood together like this forever.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Thadeus tightens his arms around Elizabeth’s waist as she settles against his chest. Her breath evens out, and the damp stain on her blouse presses against his shirt while the bass from the stage thumps like a distant heartbeat.
Thadeus Jovanović
She feels steady now.
Elizabeth Bathory
You make safety feel simple.
She lifts her face just enough to study him, a small smile lingering as the corridor behind them hums with cable checks and muffled laughter from the festival floor.
Elizabeth Bathory
If anyone asks, I was only hiding from the noise. That is the story I can live with.
Thadeus keeps her close, and the little joke lands in the open space between them. Her shoulders drop another fraction, like something heavy has finally been set down.
Elizabeth Bathory
Stay a moment longer.
Quest Complete
Reaffirm support for Elizabeth’s redemption