There was a silence on the other side for a moment, then a sigh. "You should have informed me, yes." His voice was somewhat harsh, but then he paused and inhaled. "We have to deal with this breach of the Masquerade before anyone finds out about it. I will make a few calls, then return to you." Click. Hector disconnected, leaving Chloe alone to her thoughts.
It's no use crying over spilled blood. “Clara, let's find me something to drink. And let's avoid the clubs, shall we?”
Clara thought for a moment, before starting a car and driving away. They drove in silence, only music playing lightly through the radio. After a few minutes, she stopped the car. As Chloe looked up, she realised it was dark in front - or rather, there were the lights, but far away. They were right in front of the river. "There are some people taking a stroll over the wharf." She said. "Some places are brightly lit, especially near statues." Clara said as she turned of the engine.
I look out into the night. I am a true hunter now. The most dangerous game. Well, Connell didn’t realize Vampires existed when he wrote that. I open the door and step out into the night. I stroll along the nearly abandoned warf. Aloof. Waiting for my prey to walk into my web.
The night seemed cool, cold even, but the temperature did not bother Chloe. She noticed a pair walking away, they were clothed far warmer then she was. She walked in the darkness of the wharf, near the bridge. She walked past a statue... A statue of a mermaid with a sword and shield. In front of it there was a plaza with lights on the ground... and water shooting from the pavement, near the lights. Spoiler: ? ? 5 Perception 14,15 vs DC 10 - 2 successes She paused. She felt... Someone. Someone strong, approaching. Her head snapped to the side. She could feel it... The strength of the... Individual? If she were to come to blows with that... Vampire? It would be a difficult conflict.
I shiver, but not from the cold. “Who’s there?” As I peer into the darkness, I call upon the blood to heighten my senses. I’m not a fighter. A strong group of mortals would be difficult. One of my kind nearly impossible. I need to diffuse any hostilities before they happen.
There was a silence; only the wind and the movement of water in the river could be heard. Then steps. After a moment, she saw him... crows flew moved before him, as if they were flying in front of him, clearing the patch. Then she saw him... a scholarly-looking man. Yet... there was something wild about him.
I step back. This man makes me nervous. Perhaps I should head back to the safety of the car. I’m sure Clara could provide me with some blood, albeit not as satisfying as vitae straight from the source. But fear overtakes me, and I’m frozen like a deer in headlights.
The man slowly approached Chloe, his steps measured. Finally he stopped in front of her. "Good evening, Neonate." He spoke slowly, his voice deep, slow, calm. "A fine night we have." He greeted her, his voice calm, measured... even respectful.
I am taken aback. Nervously, I think of how to respond. I don’t want to give away any more information than I have to. “Yes, quite a few people are enjoying the evening. I was not expecting to meet a kindred spirit.”
Her voice seemed to give him a pause. "Forgive me, for being rude with a question, but your tone, you don't seem to be a native." He spoke carefully. "Am I right?"
"A vampire from states? That explains the dialect." He nodded his head. "I myself am a traveler, and just arrived to the city." He paused. "Ah, forgive me. Where are my manners? I am Cuthbert Beckett. A travelling scholar." He introduced himself, bowing at the same time.
I watch him bow, never taking my eyes off him. “Cuthbert, that’s not a common first name where I’m from. However, there is an actress who has that as her surname. What brings you to the wharf tonight, traveler?”
He paused frowning as he straightened. "My studies, is what brings me here." He explains, his eyes focused on Chloe. He cocked his head to the side. "I don't suppose you are familiar with the local legends, Neonate?" He asked, while raising his eyebrow.
“I am afraid not,” I say trying to be respectful. “Perhaps you could enlighten me? Maybe over a meal?”
The man hummed, thinking for a moment. "Very well." He nodded his head. "I would enjoy a perspective of someone who is not native to this land." He looked at Chloe. "Do you have a place in mind, Neonate?" He asked, his voice deep and cultured. His eyes observing her from beyond his spectacles.
"Ah, the supper in the open air, in the night?" The man smiled. "How invigorating~" He chuckled lightly. "Do, lead on, Neonate." He gave a small nod, allowing Chloe to take the lead.
We walked along the wharf. In the distance, I see a group of three young men. I can see they are passing a bottle of what I can only assume is some type of hard alcohol between them. I reached out, took Cuthbert by the hand, and led him toward them. “I hope you’ve read a few books on acting techniques in your studies. I intentionally bumped into one when we were about to pass by the guys. “Hey, asshole! Watch where you are going!”
