<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Elysia</span></span><br/><br/>"Oh..." Elysia's eyebrows came together in confusion as Nathan insisted that he still wanted to stay, just not as an NPC. "But...why? If you need the money you should accept it," she insisted. Perhaps he did not wish to have to a contract hanging over his head. Perhaps he simply wanted the freedom to leave whenever he desired.<br/><br/>"I could always write up a new contract. One that allows you to leave whenever you'd like and that only requires me to pay you while you're here." She snuggled into his back, closing her eyes. "I'd like you to stay as a friend, or a lover," she chuckled. "But I have all of this money that I don't need and you have to pay for your mother's medical expenses. You are more than welcome to take what you need."<br/><br/>She appreciated that he was trying to do something nice for her and she was likely spoiling it by insisting that she pay him. "Of course I would still value you. You're not just a pretty pet to me," she insisted, frowning a little and releasing him so that she could move to sit next to him again. "I know sometimes I act like that's all you are but it's just play. You're a person, a human, and despite how much other vampires might think otherwise; your life is important."<br/><br/>There had been times in her existence when she had lost a lot of her humanity and had given into the animalistic side of her but she deeply regretted the times she allowed herself to lose control. "Either way, the choice is yours. Let us speak of it another time. There is a year to go, yet. Perhaps we will get sick of one another," she grinned, nudging him with her shoulder.<br/><br/>Sia listened while Nathan explained his mother's health problems, tilting her head to the side a little. She wasn't sure there was anything she could offer to do, other than provide payment. "I ensure you that she will be taken care of. Whatever she needs, she will have it. And you should visit her, of course. Family is important." She lifted a hand to his cheek, her eyes sad.<br/><br/>"It is lonely, yes," Elysia nodded when he asked what it was like to be a vampire. "Everyone you ever loved will die before you. You have to give up family, friends, loved ones. Especially in the beginning when you are struggling to control your urges." Her eyes dropped to the centre of his chest. "You don't want to be like me," she insisted. "If I'd had the choice, I would have remained human. I lost... so much..." her voice caught on the words and she took a moment to compose herself.<br/><br/>"There are so many hindrances. We cannot go outside during the day. You have no idea how much I miss the feeling of the warm sun on my skin. Forever is such a long time, especially when you are alone," she sighed. "We're hated by most of the world. We cannot reproduce. At least, the women cannot." Her eyes darkened at that and her hand subconsciously went to her stomach. It took her a moment to remember he was there and she forced her bad thoughts away while she looked at him.<br/><br/>"Stay human. The strength, speed. It's all overrated. If I could reverse it, I would." She paused and smiled softly at him. "I won't get bored of you," she assured him. "And I'll feed from you as long as you'd like me to. Your blood is remarkable. I might have a harder time keeping the other vampires off you than I thought," she teased.