"I'd love to, though my job'd probably appreciate some more warning next time."

She elbows Acererak playfully. "I don't think it'll be quite so last minute."

"I can do warning." And, teasingly: "Or at least enough spying to figure out your vacation days."

She snorts.

"I don't think anything will match the first time... But breaking you in was fun."

"It was. Sadly, I don't think I can pull off fear like that when I know what's going on..."

"I will cherish the memory," she says gravely.

Heee. "It's a good thing the recording exists..."

"Indeed it is." She hugs Acererak.

Happy snug. "I'll give you something to watch it from, if you'd like."

"That'd be great, yeah."

"I'll get right on it."

She fortunately has a stash of crystal balls in her own demiplane; it's easy enough to modify one for Lace's use. Dropping off Lace goes easily enough, and then it's back to wandering and learning and exploring for Acererak and Eliese.

Lichdom is hard to obtain, but - Acererak's a good, dedicated teacher, and they have all the time in the world now. And several of the spells on the way to it are fun in their own right...

Acererak relaxes around Eliese over time, trusting her more and more. It's - easy and natural and good, so good.

She loves her Acererak so, so much. And they are going to be immortal together forever. They don't stop kidnapping Lace, but Acererak will always be the one Eliese goes home with.

It's everything Acererak never knew she wanted.

She's happy.