014 - Dreams Isabel walked as if in a dream, which, when she thought about it, was probably not such an inaccuracy after all was said and done. The garden of Lilith seemed to be perpetually cradled in the soft blankets of the night, watched over by stars that seemed to stay fixed in the sky. The red star, called Wormwood she had learned from Lilith, was gone from the sky and the world had been irrevocably changed with its passing.
She didn't sleep, for her new form didn't demand such things from her while in the garden, but her thoughts would roam to wordly concerns for long stretches at a time. On those occasions, Isabel found herself drawn to a mirror that let her gaze upon the world that she'd left to watch how humanity was rebuilding from the ruins of Gehenna; or, more specifically, how the Giovanni were rebuilding their empire now that the Kindred branch of the family was all but extinct.
Often when she stared into the mirror, Isabel could hear faint voices whispering to her. A small hope was kindled in her heart as the voice of Antonio would speak clearly, if faintly, to her. She held onto the dream that he survived the Maelstroms of the Underworld, and that one day she would be able to summon his shade forth again. True, she didn't have vampiric vitae to fuel her magic any longer, but she did have the instruction of Lilith to draw upon, as well as the Dark Mother's blood in her veins.
"If you return, then you will be subject to the laws of that garden," Lilith's voice cut across her thoughts.
Blinking, Isabel nodded seeing the other's reflection in the mirror, for the Mother's magic was greater than her own. "It really is not much of a garden any longer," Isabel answered matter-of-factly.
"Even a patch of nettles and thorns is a garden," Lilith countered. "What calls you to that world, Isabel?"
Lilith's words drew a small smile from Isabel, there was truth in what she said about nettles and thorns, though few would dream of cultivating such a garden. Isabel sighed and shook her head slightly, "I am not wholly sure. The desire to realise old dreams and to see new ones come to light, perhaps."
Lilith nodded at Isabel's answer. "Then you should follow those dreams. Create your own garden and see what fruit comes from the tending."
Isabel opened her mouth to protest, but was cut short by a hand placed on her shoulder. "You have dwelt in my garden and eaten of the fruit here, Isabel," Lilith spoke reassuringly, "You will always be able to find your way back here when your need is great. You are Lilium, Isabel. You should follow your dreams."
Isabel's hand went to her pocket and turned over the solid weight of the key that appeared in the envelope bearing her name. Smiling, she gave Lilith a nod, "Then I shall."