"Strange," replied the brunette. A friendly little wincing frown given with the fleeting smile. No ebony lips here. No sickliness in the air. Elfleda's slender hand rounding the small tree she passed by, stepping her way closer. Another tucking dark tresses away from face, in behind an ear.

But what she didn't hide, what she had no reason to, was the invisible thrum of connection shared with any Slayer's inner essence. That part of them which came from that same realm Elfleda, herself, represented and spoke for.

"You can call me Beth," the English brunette volunteered, closer still. A false name, some might say, but perhaps not. Valerie was not the first to have been given it. "Probably asking for trouble, out here at a time like this, I know... I was in a whole other world."

Eyes glistened as 'Beth' took a moment to look her up and down. Gauging her. Feeling for something.

"Do you come here often?"