“There is nothing more tragic than wasted potential,” he says candidly, taking a sip of his champagne. When she asks if Greer reminds him of his daughter, he can’t help but smile. Perhaps even the way he talked about her was reminiscent of how a father might speak of their child—he really only has known her for such a short amount of time, but there is something about her that brings out the man he used to be. “She does, yes… my eldest daughter, to be exact. I had three children, the other two boys. I kept watch over them for as long as they lived—long enough to see my sons die in battle, my daughter disappear without a trace, and my wife go mad with grief. There is no other pain on this earth like losing a child. I still think about them, even today.” He eyes fall to the floor, his brain briefly clouded with what little memories he has of them. He vaguely remembers what they looked like—but he mostly remembers the idea of them; their essence. If he ever crosses to the other side, he knows he would recognise their souls instantly. “You’re right, we do need to grow from it. I have changed so much from when I was young—back then, I would have picked a fight with the sky if it somehow displeased me. Now I think I have more of an idea of what is actually important.”
His eyes are drawn back to her, lingering on her neck and then onto her face. William would have written endless sonnets about her, he imagines. “Who would have believed that Lysander, the Spartan admiral, hadn’t actually died and was, in fact, a vampire? Humans don’t have that kind of imagination. I have changed my surname many times, though. On my paperwork for the university I use Lysander Taylor, simply because it was the first thing that popped into my head. And, of course, my fake ID matches that.” Name changes were always a burden to him so he didn’t care too much about what surname he chose. Sometimes he’d look at a nearby book and merely choose whatever the author’s surname was. When she says she and Cleopatra grew to be more than friends, he raises an intrigued eyebrow. He thinks he feels a pang of jealousy, perhaps mixed with amusement. They have both lived such long lives—anything was possible, that much was plain. “At the time it did. I admit I felt guilty when I heard of the news of his death. He was a beautiful young man who thought he was invincible. I suppose when people revere you as a god, it’s hard not to believe such a thing. It’s always been a dream of mine to locate his tomb—perhaps once I am done with New York, or when it is done with me, I will make that my next mission.” He turns his attention back to Rosamie, curiosity still lingering about her implied affair with Cleopatra. “What was Egypt like during Cleopatra’s reign? I wish I had visited.”
“ at least we have years to make up for any potential wasted time . ” she’s sure that in another thousand years , the things she’s doing CURRENTLY will make her cringe ; and at least then , she’ll have time to fix it . especially looking at the amount of immortals she has surrounding her these days . “ and what’s this girl’s name , the co-worker ? yes ... though i had no children of my own , nor human lover when i was human - watching the rest of my people die off , knowing i lead them to their deaths at some times ... some things are not meant for you to forget . ” and she’ll reach over , takes his hand in hers for just a moment as she gives a gentle squeeze , before letting go . she didn’t turn many of her people , surprisingly ; by time she returned to them ... she had realized that not all people were meant to be immortal . “ rather , we must remember . so that if there are repeats , it’s intentional . ”
can’t help but chuckle , head tilting back the slightest bit . it feels good to laugh , she thinks . “ you’d be surprised by the amount of tin hats that are around these days , it seems that the internet gives almost TOO much power . even now , i’m just stepping into the public’s eye - i wouldn’t be too lax , just yet . though it seems you’re doing fine for yourself , despite having first met looking at greek art . ” all the signs were there , but these particular were VERY hard to find , much less read and understand . the more they talk about her , the more rosamie realizes she misses her dearest friend . “ perhaps i could come along , if you’re open to company . tombs always bring back memories , even some of those i don’t have personally . ” and she smiles , visage of the long gone queen in her head . “ absolutely chaotic ; she was certainly seen as a god , and it pissed so many people off . it was hard to be in egypt WITHOUT adoring her . but ... there was political tension on every corner , every step . not to mention , the romans . ”
