Her initial reaction had been to roll her eyes at Constantine. Even though she did enjoy the sound of his laugh, there was just something about him that had her constantly wanting to roll her eyes. Most likely the fact he was reckless to the point of being dangerous. She knew just how dangerous that was because she tended to live that way herself. The last thing she wanted, though, was to work with someone similar to herself. If only there was another way…
"I think far too many people would question it if you stopped living as dangerously as you do," Talia pointed out, shaking her head. In all honesty, it seemed more a part of his personality or who he was than anything else. She knew he wouldn't be able to stop even if he wanted to. Something would always call him back. "I'm not so sure anyone would want to live through the Spanish Inquisition a second time. Not unless someone is truly mad." And looking at the other, she had to wonder if that was the case.
It hadn't escaped her attention that he'd mentioned being in an asylum. Not that it actually surprised her. She'd seen the sort of person he was and knew that most people would assume the worst. Just like they did with her. Though, she had avoided ending up in a place like that. But Talia had to wonder just what had sent him there in the first place. Then again, it was probably for the best that she didn't know. Just because they were working together didn't mean she needed to know his history. And he definitely didn't need to know about her own. Talia knew most everyone knew who her father was and what he did. But no one needed to know about some of the other things that had happened in her life.
And he definitely didn't need to know about her experience with death. Nyssa made certain she knew far too much about death and she wasn't going to let him in on that fact, either. It was a part of her past she'd prefer to leave there. She just had to hope that the nightmares that occasionally plagued her sleep wouldn't crop up during their time together. If they did —
It wouldn't matter. She needed to focus on their work together and nothing else. "Trust me, I know all about that," she pointed out, nodding in agreement. "People seem to think that just because I'm a woman I can be walked over or be taken advantage of. I've had to learn the hard way that there are plenty of people out there willing to take what they think is theirs." It had been a hard lesson to learn, but one business school had made a point of teaching them. And one she also picked up from her father.
But something told her this wasn't like anything she'd learned in school or from her father. Constantine had mentioned the supernatural and while she'd dabbled in it thanks to her father, she knew it was nothing compared to the other. And that probably meant a lot of trouble that she wasn't used to dealing with. Talia wasn't normally the sort who trusted someone, but in this instance she had no other choice. Her instincts were telling her this job was going to be dangerous and while she never minded that, this time had her concerned.
She could always tell him no. If she thought she might not survive this she could tell him no. But her own curiosity had gotten the better of her and she wouldn't. And once they left Gotham she wouldn't be able to turn around. If she was going to commit to this she was going to truly commit to it. Especially since they'd created a blood pact. There was no back out of something like that. Not without consequences.
All that was left in her eyes was to make certain she could bring some of her men along. They would help to keep them safe should they run into trouble. The problem was whether or not Constantine would approve.
"There's nothing to fit in with. You won't even know they're there," she pointed out, chuckling at his reaction. They'd been trained by those she trusted most and were the only ones she trusted to keep her safe. "We don't know what we're going up against, John, and these have been trained by me to be the best. They will make certain no one attacks us." She wanted to point out she wouldn't go without them, but that might've been pushing things. For now, she would continue to tell him they were for both of their safety.
Shifting from one foot to the other she could tell he was uncomfortable. Not that it surprised her. Travelling with assassins was normal for her. Unfortunately, it wasn't for Constantine and she understood his reservations. But this was something that would protect them both.
"I might be willing to make an exception. Just this once, of course. If word gets out then everyone would expect that." And that wasn't something she could allow. Though, something told her Constantine just might earn that loyalty without having to swear it.
Her eyes followed his hand and she had to wonder just what it was he'd brought with him. A location as to where they were heading would help. It would at least give her a chance to send ahead someone to make certain it wasn't a trap. She didn't think Constantine would betray her, but she wasn't going to take that chance. Looking down at the map, she could admit it wasn't what she'd been expecting. But at least he wasn't lying to her. Her eyes once again focused on the blood and noticed the direction it was heading. Talia didn't think Siberia was a place someone would go to for an artefact, but then again the proof was there in front of her.
"Nanda Parbat is nowhere near that," she told him, remembering the times she had spent in the cold. Her father enjoyed the extremes and she wondered if there was still an old base there. "But there might be a place for us to go," she added, making a mental note to send her assassins there. Most of her father's bases were abandoned, but she knew there were some he kept manned. Just in case. "I don't know if they'd have any clues, but it's worth a shot. We just need to be careful. They might look harmless, but Ra's is not known for his kindness."
@thecursedhellblazer // moved
