Anna stood on the porch of her family's home, and business. Her father walked around the corner as the horse slowly trotted by, pulling an open slab of a carriage behind it. The white sheet outlined a perfect still body, the second body to be found within 2 months. Apparently someone from the farm, both bodies had been found bloody, and torn. An animal attack. She wasn't much familiar with anyone that worked there, but the loss did send a chill up her spine about the two deaths. Her father grunted, shaking his head "don't be taking your sister out to the words anymore". She nodded, the tone in his voice indicated no reason to argue. He clapped his hands together, and began rubbing them as he disappeared back behind the house. She noticed her brother was standing behind him, as her father moved. Bertol made no notion as to noticing her, he looked dazed. He and his father were out late last night, she tried to ask but was told it wasn't her business. He looked exhausted, dirty, and confused. They started to stay out late once every few weeks lately, she once smelled the scent of old mead on her fathers clothes one day and assumed they were at the bar.
Her brother shortly followed her father, and she watched him walk away. Her lips pursed in a dissatisfaction for their recent drifting apart. The door creaked open behind her, and she jumped at the sound - whisking away the thoughts of her brother. Her mother's brown curls framed her thin face, she had one missing tooth that barely showed past her smile, crinkles at the corners of her eyes and mouth from constantly smiling. She stood the same height as Anna, "Dear, can you please run to the town circle, and get some things for dinner?" Anna nodded, as her sister came out the door under her mother. "Lets go! She already told me!" Cassandra squealed with excitement, she had a small sack of gold in her hands as she bounded out into the road. Anna and her mother shared a small chuckle as she followed after her younger sister who was skipping ahead of her.
It didn't take long to reach the barters circle, which was basically in the center of the town. Her sister started to run up to some of the stands, asking for the items her mother requested. She stayed a distance behind her, watching the enthusiasm her sister had as she greeted every person. Anna had her attention turned for a moment, before she heard her sister squeal. She looked up to see her catch her balance on a table, and apologizing to some man. Anna hurried over placing a hand on her sister shoulder, "I'm sorry about that, she gets so excited to come here". She stared at the man before her, she had never seen him here before. And due to the village being particularly small, it was easy to spot a newcomer. "What brings you here?" Anna erupted, her mouth moving faster than her thought process on whether that's an appropriate question to ask a complete stranger.

@ZayZe

It was another day for Lucio until he was interrupted from his observations of the people in the small town that he had decided to stay at. It was a little girl and she yelled. He looked at her for a second, then at the woman had approached from behind the little girl. “It’s fine.” He said, straightening out his sleeve a little. ‘At least she apologized.’ He thought. “Just a vagabond looking for shelter for a little while.” He said looking at the young woman. If only she had known he was 100x her age. He truly felt like an old man, but in the mirror he was still his 23 year old self. He looked around the small town square. There really wasn’t too much. He had figured this town was made up of roughly 1000 people or so.

After a second he looked back at the woman. “What does everyone do here to relax? Is there a tavern nearby?” He paused a moment, taking a step towards her. He slightly bowed, “I’m Lucio.” He came back upright, “I’m pleased to meet you and…” He paused looking at the little girl, “Your dear little sister?” He questioned, giving the little sister even a slighter bow.

Lucio didn’t really have plans to do anything in this town. He figured he’d stay for a week or so before finally moving on. He had recently turned a vampire, but he had killed a couple people. He felt it was making people suspicious and he couldn’t have that. He’d either have to make the decision to kill the man he turned or train him. He turned the man in the first place because he had seen him feeding. Lucio was going to compel him until his system had Vervain in it.

The man had made a deal with Lucio, turn him to make him immortal, or he’d have to kill him. Lucio figured the man would have more self control, but he had given into the vampiric lust for blood.

This problem had to be dealt with, and soon.

'It's fine'
Anna felt a sense of relief wash through her as he expelled those words. She gave a small tight smile, "Oh..." she stared at him taking in his appearance. A traveler indeed. "Yes, she is. I'm Anna, this is Cassandra..." She finally answered, gesturing to her sister. Anna slightly curtseyed in response to his bow. She chuckled, and then her eyes began to wander as she thought upon his prior questions. Cassandra slipped out from under Anna's hands and back to her task of getting dinner. Potatos, carrots, another stew.
"There is an Inn down that way, you cant miss it, it's on the right," She pointed North, a road lined with houses, and few business'. "Oh, there is a Tavern across the street from the Inn...so you wont have to stumble too far". She laughed at her own joke, and then her eyes went to her sister. Who was filling up her burlap sack, and beginning to return back towards Anna. "I got everything!" She yelled, coming back to the two - looking up at Lucio. She leaned against Anna, just staring at him - she then broke her gaze and began to count the gold she had left.
"For fun...I guess the tavern. Me and her typically go explore a little outside the village....but there have been bodies found. The most recent one was different I heard, it looked like a bear, or wolf attacked them," She laid her hand on her sisters back, and crinkled her face a little as the afternoon sun set at its highest.
"We cant go out there anymore...Papa said so," Cassandra stated, still fiddling with the 3 pieces of gold in her hands, "He said it might be a vampire!"
Anna raised an eyebrow, and bit her lower lip "Vampires aren't real......did Bertol say that?" She questioned Cassandra, who shook her head in response. She was a mini Anna, in looks - a reflection of herself as a child.
"Papa said so..." She trailed off, and sighed - now rocking on her heels. Her interest in the conversation left, the beauty of a childs attention span sometimes.

"Well..since you're a traveler - if you have a weapon that needs fixing, or a new one. My father is a blacksmith," She nodded down the road she pointed towards the Inn "Actually, our home is on the way to the Inn and Tavern...You can walk with us if you'd like, we're heading that way now". She started to turn towards the road, Cassandra walking ahead of her - she stopped and looked back at him.

“Yes, I’d like that.” He said walking up beside her to walk with her towards the Inn and Tavern. He noticed that the villagers were growing suspicious of vampires already. It wasn’t a good sign. He had to take care of this threat immediately before things got out of hand. The new vampire had to die. He thought about his options while they walked a little. He eventually looked at the girls. “I do need my weapon repaired. It’s grown dull.” He said looking at the sword on his hip. “I might need it for the bear or vampire.” He said jokingly and slightly smiling. He didn’t really need it, but someone with his strength using a sword was more than enough to kill someone. All he needed was to take care of the growing suspicion.

He began to focus on the girls and the conversation. “Do you have a job of some kind?” He asked then looked down kicking a small rock on the path they traveled on. Lucio liked this small quaint town. It was peaceful and was beautiful. Surrounded with green trees and foliage. He wanted to stay here for a while, but plans change sometimes. He looked up from kicking the rock and scanned the area. He should keep an eye out for the vampire he sired. He could feel him, and he was somewhere nearby.

As he joined Anna in stride alongside her, she laced her fingers together behind her back as they walked. Taking in the crisp afternoon air, she watched her sister bounce along in front of them, today was a perfect day - aside from the dead body. A smile appeared on Cassandra's face upon hearing the word of 'vampire' again. "See! He believes in them!" Cassandra belted out, turning around and pointing at Lucio. Anna rolled her eyes and laughed at her younger sister. Anna believed these tales to be childish in some way, though deep down she truly believed there was the possibility of their existence. She waved to a few passerby's as they said their typical sentiments, and walked on about their day, bringing her right hand up to push back a lock of her deep chestnut hair.

"Uhm...I help my father run his shop - while he forges with my brother. My mother just really teaches me and my sister how to do simple things....my father is hellbent on marrying me off..." Her tone changed with the last sentence, clearly unhappy from the choice she wasn't making about her own life. They had made it to her home, and also fathers store. The family lived in the back, and above the shop. While he had all his equipment behind, the building. "My father is here if you'd like to speak to him," She said, walking up the few steps to porch, she stopped and turned to him. "Well...you said your a traveler, but - are you by chance here for the royal ball?" A mocking tone appeared on the last 3 words, "My father has me attend them..." Her eyes rolled again, with a heavy sigh, "I know why, and it makes them rather dreadful....I see them as they're where everyone is trying to best the next person..."

Lucio laughed when her sister had shouted out the acknowledgment of vampires.

“I would stop by your house and introduce myself to your father, but I have errands to attend to.” He paused a moment watching her walk up onto the porch. She was pretty cute for her age. He hadn’t really thought about her until now. His focus was elsewhere. He had to get this job done.

“Yes actually. I heard people say that there would be some kind of event in this town.” He noticed her distaste for the ball but he figured he’d tried to distract her from the negative side of the royal ball. “Have you ever thought about leaving?” He asked then added, “I just got done visiting Hadrian’s Wall. It’s been 100 years since they had rebuilt some of those forts. It was quite the site to see. Roman Emperor Constantius II is rumored to come visit Britain.” He smiled. “I don’t know when that will happen though.” He looked around at the scenery then back at her, “Balls aren’t always about competition, just have fun, dance, and drink.” He said slightly laughing, “I’ll show you what I do for events like these if we see each other there?”

"Oh, well you know where we're at - so feel free to stop by anytime," She smiled at him warmly, and then turned her head towards down the road. "Then Inn and Tavern are only a few houses up," She gestured, a wooden sign hung out in front of both of them. As he brought up leaving, she bit her bottom lip and nodded, "All the time..." Anna sighed, and crossed her arms listening to him speak - the wonderful views he must see intrigued her, "Maybe if I can escape the grasp of my father one day, I'll have to set out". The sentence was a little sad, she felt devoted to her family by some strange innate feeling though.

Anna's smile twisted into a smirk as he said that, "Alright - well if I see you there, I expect you to stick to your word Mr Lucio..". She stared at him intriguingly, he was different already for the norm. Then again, she never talked to strangers much. Her brother came around the corner of their house from the back, and stopped to stare at Lucio, then to his sister. "He need anything?" He asked sternly, not breaking eye contact with her. She grimaced at his tone, "Not at this moment...This is my charming brother Bertol, Bertol this is Lucio". Bertol stood rigid, staring at Lucio, nodding his head and then continuing on into the front of the house. "I'm sorry, he's been rather strange lately -- don't mind his lack of manners.."

“Well maybe you’ll be free from your tormentor one day.” He jested. He knew she didn’t want to marry a random stranger for the benefit of the family. He would try to brighten up the topic somehow. That was something she’d have to figure out on her own. Maybe something would happen in the future to let her live the life she wanted to. He started stepping down the porch. “Okay, thanks for everything.” He said and smiled walking down the porch. He heard her little brother speak, and he turned around to see him. Lucio nodded at the boy before he walked off. “It’s fine. He’s protective which isn’t always a bad thing.” He shrugged slightly. “I’ll see you at the ball Anna.” He said waving to her as he walked off.

After a few minutes of walking he approached the Inn. He entered and greeted the innkeeper asking if he could keep his things there while he went and ran some errands. She had agreed and he left. He walked over to the Tavern and he opened the door and walked inside. “Well you are new. Welcome to Drunk Pillow.” Lucio rose an eyebrow and laughed at the bartender. “Funny name.” He said walking up to the bar. “Can I buy a pint of ale please?” He asked digging into his coin purse pulling out a coin. The bartender nodded, grabbing a empty glass and pouring out some ale from the barrel. “Here you are sir.” Sliding the glass over to Lucio. Lucio nodded grabbing the ale and sat down on the stool.

There wasn’t anyone in the building at the moment, which was good. He wanted some time away from people. He had to focus and find the sired vampire. He drank a few more sips before finishing the glass. He stood up, “Thanks.” He said. He was getting hungry. This lady looked more than good enough to feast on. He looked at her in the eyes, using compulsion, “Come with me to the backroom. Don’t scream or say a word.” The barkeep nodded her head. They walked into the back room and Lucio sank his teeth into her wrist. He had self control over himself, but every time he had tasted human blood it tasted like it was his first time. The scent, the flavor just popped and his taste buds were overwhelmed with it.

After a minute of eating he stopped. He used his sharp tooth to cut into her wrist. It was shallow but it had lost the appearance of vampire fangs, making sure his tracks were completely covered. He looked at her, “Clean yourself up. If anyone asks about your wrist, tell them something believable.” He said as he started to walk away, “And forget this ever happened. Next time you see me, you’ll think of good things and think of me as a friend.” He smiled. He nodded to her and walked out before she could say anything. He had prepared her for his stay here. He needed something to live off of and she was it. Sadly she was the one that had to deal with his… needs.

He had stepped back out into the street. He could sense him. He was nearby. He looked around for a minute or so, eventually catching onto his scent He followed it and found the sired vampire in a house. He couldn’t go outside or he would die. It seemed he was sleeping a house by himself. Lucio looked around to see if anyone was watching. No one was. He used his vampire speed to enter the house and quietly. He snuck over to the sleeping vampire. He kneeled and quickly broke his neck. He picked up his body and use his vampire speed to run out of the village into the forest nearby.

He ran over to the tree and broke off the branch. The vampire was healing and starting to stir awake. “What the hell?” He asked looking around blinking.

“Hello.” Lucio said standing before him. “You’re causing me issues.” He said tossing his stake in the air, twirling it around. “Lucio!” The vampire yelled. “Don’t do this. Please.” He said starting to panic. He was scrambling to get up.

“Sorry.” Lucio said running over to him, thrusting his stake sized branch into his heart. “If you had better control, this wouldn’t have happened.” He paused for a moment looking into his eyes, “Temperament is key to a vampires life.” The life began to drain from the body of the vampire. His veins and skin turned blue. He stiffened and died.

‘Well that takes care of that.’ Lucio thought brushing off his hands. He gathered some branches around the woods and started a fire. He burned the corpse and bones. Eventually everything turned to ash. ‘Now it’s time for that ball. I need to change.’ He thought, walking back towards the town.

He went into the Inn. The innkeeper had kept his things for him while he had wandered into the tavern. “Thanks for holding my stuff.” He said approaching the innkeeper. He grabbed a couple coins. “Hopefully this gives me a few days to stay here.” He said handing it to her. The innkeeper had looked down at the coins, “Oh yes of course you can stay.” She said examining the coins. They were gold. Not silver or copper. It was more than enough to stay. They were Roman coins too. She looked up at him as he left. ‘Who is he?’ She questioned herself in thought as he walked into his room.

Lucio changed into more a formal outfit, fitting for a "royal" ball. He figured it was a small town and people didn't really have such expensive clothing.

Anna waved goodbye to the man as he departed, thinking on his words. Her 'tormentor', she wasn't sure if she'd go that far as saying her father tormented her. But, his decisions about her life weighed heavy on the young girls shoulders. Anna realized she had been enwrapped in her own thoughts for a few moments as she realized Lucio was no longer in the street in the distance. She turned and walked behind the house to see her father and brother looking at an axe - her father was scolding Bertol, clearly he messed something up. Sighing, she began to turn to go back to the front of the house when her father called her name, "You're still going tonight?" Though it was a question, it was a statement. She looked back over her shoulder, "Of course father...wouldn't miss it". And walked back to the front of the house, entering and walking through the shop.

She could hear the fire crackling, and knife hitting the counter as her mother cut the vegetables for the stew. Her little sister grabbing the cut pieces and throwing them in the pot as her mother finished with them. Anna sat down at the kitchen table, picking a flower from the vase her mother had as decoration and twirled it in her fingers, "Mother" She questioned, her mother 'hummed' with recognition for her daughters voice. "Have you ever left here?" Her mother stopped for a moment, and raised an eyebrow at Anna "Whats this about?"
"I'm just curious..." Anna questioned, staring at the flower - a simple clover flower, her sister had picked these and threw them in there.
"Well, I only traveled here from my home village after me and your father married," Her mother responded, and then began to get back to making dinner. Anna blinked a few times, and sighed deeply.
"I don't want to marry someone....I want to travel," She stated, her sister coming up and taking the flower from her hand. Scolding her with an angry look as she placed it back in the vase - and then returning to her mothers side to help with dinner.
"What brought this on?" Her mother asked.
Cassandra piped up, "Anna was talking to a man in the circle, he said Vampires exist!"
Anna shot Cassandra a look, her parents were rather picky over who she talked too. Her mother then shot Anna the same look, and Anna rolled her eyes. "She brought it up, little brat, I just told him to be careful of the woods".

"As you should be..." Her mother insisted, and then they heard the front door open, "Go tend to the customers". Anna stood up, staring at her mother wearily. Something wasn't setting right in her gut.



Her mother had helped her into the dress she was currently wearing, the corset underneath so tight she felt like her chest had no room when she exhaled. It was a deep burgundy with long open sleeves, the center of the dress was a cream that settled in well alongside the burgundy, that laced in front of the centered cream. She had her hair up in a tight bun, with a few loose curls dangling around her face. She stared at herself in the mirror before she left, her mother and father praising her beauty of course, trying to make her excited to go. Anna had voiced her distaste for these recently, and huffed as her mother tightened the front of her dress again. "Now, make sure you're careful...." Her mother noted, walking around Anna adjusting the final touches to her dress. "For what? The vampires..." She mocked, her mother grabbed her face and looked her straight in the eyes - "Anna its not a joke..." She said sternly.
"You don't really believe in them..do you?" Anna questioned, as she grabbed her mothers hands, bringing them down and holding them.
"You just never know dear..." Her mother hesitated to respond, and before she could ask anymore questions her father came to whisk her away to find her husband. What joy.

As she arrived, her father departed to go talk to other gentleman of the village. He never stayed long at these events, just to escort her and then he typically went to the Tavern. At least that was the usual routine. As she entered the crowd, she began to see some new faces she hadn't seen before. She thought back on Lucio for a moment, and his idea to drink - and well since her father wasn't around to bash it out of her hand because it could be seen as 'unlady-like', she made her move and took a goblet from the table of ones provided. She began to sip it, and thank fully it was a red wine, she couldn't exactly stomach ale's. Not her favorite. As she started to gulp down a few more sips, a man blonde haired man around her age approached her - putting his hand out. "I'm Ronald, care to join me in a dance?" Anna was mid sip, and swallowed it down, wiping her mouth with her hand and setting the goblet back down with an uneasy smile, before picking it back up and taking the last sip "Of course..." She smiled, and took his hand. He led her to the dancefloor, the sound of lutes, woodwinds, and more members of the string family entered her ears. He placed a hand on her hip, and grabbed her other free hand as they began to dance around each other. "May I ask your name?"
She realized she never hers, "Anna". She smiled, and then began to look past him the crowd. Beginning to daydream of travel, now that Lucio had planted that idea in her head.

Lucio walked out of the Inn into the streets. He looked around to find his way to the center of the town. Along the way some people had looked at him. He didn’t know if it was because he was a stranger or a just because they had liked his outfit. He passed by the tavern and a man was on his way there. He figured he’d feed on the barkeep after the party had died out.

He eventually found himself on the outskirts of the crowd looking inward towards the center. People were dancing and having a good time. Lucio wasn’t really one for dancing. When Lucio was a boy they weren’t called dances, more like rituals. People flinging their limbs all about looking crazy. It didn’t suit him. He walked along the outskirts of the crowd trying to find his new friend he had made earlier. Anna. After a few seconds of looking he had spotted her. She was dancing with another man. He had never bothered asking if she had someone for her.

He watched for second longer before she had spotted him behind the crowd watching her. After a second he broke eye contact and moved over to a table with some ale. He grabbed a cup and started sipping on it, walking around at what there was to do. His companion was pre-occupied so he had to occupy himself.

Lucio saw dancing, other bobbing for apples. People were just talking and having a good time. He looked around for a key figure here that’d be at this ‘royal’ ball. After a few more seconds he spotted the mayor of the small town. His outfit was a little more fancy than everyone else’s. Lucio’s still was more fancy, he had traveled more, allowing him the comfort of rare fabrics and silks.

He walked up to the small town mayor, introducing himself. “Hello. I’m Lucio. I’m a traveler.” He said slightly bowing showing the mayor some respect.

“Ahh I haven’t seen you before!” The mayor exclaimed walking up to him shaking his hand. “You must be new around here. I know my folks pretty well here.” He said patting Lucio on the back. “Welcome to Swiftburgh.”

“Thank you sir.” He said sipping on his ale. “Are you the mayor of this town?” He asked.

“Yes. It’s my family’s town. We’ve been running this place for years.” He said motioning his hand at the town around them. “It’s a small town but it’s our home.” The mayor said. Lucio nodded his head as if he was agreeing. He looked at Lucio, “We’ve been having issues with animals lately. So be careful around in the woods.” The mayor said. Lucio nodded his head, “Yes, I’ve been warned by multiple citizens in your town already. I will be cautious.” Lucio said.

“We’ve already had 2 deaths in the past 2 days.” The mayor put his hands on his hips, “Hopefully it stops soon. I only have about 10 militia men around here to do anything.” He said pointing to a couple of the guards around the formal ball. Lucio followed his gaze to the guards as he listened. The mayor paused a moment, “Our hunters haven’t been able to find these animals, but we’re hoping we find something soon.” The mayor shook his head as he said that. “I can’t have my people being scared and moving away from this town.”

“I doubt they will sir.” Lucio said looking out at the crowd as they talked to each other.

Anna followed the mans lead as they danced about, she was drowning out the small talk with thoughts leading back to her mothers earlier concern. "Don't you agree?" She heard him repeat, but had no clue as to what he was talking about. "Erm...yes, yes of course" she gave a sweet smile, her eyes traced bck to the crown and locked on with Lucio's. A smile flashed across her face as she recognized the familiar face. "You're very beautiful, what drew me to you..." she heard him say, and the smile faded. A typical sentiment that didn't woo her in anyway. "Thank you," Anna searched the crowd again for the new face that was beginning to intrigue her.
The man continued to talk, finally bringing her in a little closer to try and whisper in her ear. She cut him short and backed away,"Excuse me..." she dropped her hands, and gave a quick curtsy before she disappeared in the crowd. Anna walked back towards the table and grabbed two more liquid filled cups, watching the everyone in the crowd. She felt out of place amongst all the others whom were so comfortable with each. Anna knew most of everyone, it wasn't exactly interested in anyone else at the moment. She finally saw him standing with the mayor talking. Anna clutched the cups in her hands and gracefully made her way through the crowds towards them.
"Good evening Mayor," She smiled and curtsied to him.
"Anna! So good to see my dear, looking elegant as ever. How is your father?" He questioned, and then motioned to Lucio. "Have you met Lucio? He has just arrived here".
Her smile turned into a smirk, "Thank you Mayor, and he's doing well. Also I have met Lucio, I was actually coming to steal him from you if that is alright". The mayor chuckled and gestured for them to leave, Anna handed Lucio the extra cup as she led them away. "You two enjoy your evening!" She heard him shout, as they departed.
Anna looks to her partner, and took in Lucio's outfit, it was so elegant in comparison to her dress she felt. She had never seen such abstract fabrics, wanting to reach out and touch them to see the quality. Anna found herself staring a little too much, and felt her face flush. "I-I see you're making friends easily," she stammered referring to the mayor, taking a giant sip of her drink. "I decided to take your advice and partake in some of the fun" Anna swirled the liquid around in her cup laughing.
"So what do you think?" She questioned, sfarung out to the sea of bodies moving around and interacting. Anna typically found herself being cornered by a man all night, or hung out with a few friends she had made during these events. But tonight, she had a new guest at her side and was actually finding herself excited to be there.

He smiled when she had come over to him. He figured she’d be busy with her life here. Maybe she had found that man she was looking for. He watched her look at his outfit. It had seemed she really liked it. She even seemed to have turned a different color. He listened to her when they walked away from the mayor. “Yes,” He said chuckling a little as she stammered herself away from his outfit. Making friends was never really an issue for Lucio. He could be stand offish due to his attitude, but he blamed that from his age and experience. People thought him arrogant for acting too formal or ‘aged’ because he was ‘young’. Or maybe for his over confidence. He never really thought about it. People normally didn’t know he was a Original vampire.

He watched her take a big sip of her drink too. He chuckled, “Don’t have too much fun.” He said and grinned at her. He rose an eyebrow of curiosity, “Have you been drunk before?” He asked. He looked out at the crowd when she asked what he thought about the ball. “It’s good. I like it so far,” He said, and adding, “There’s more people here than I originally thought.” He continued to look out at the crowd for a second longer. He looked back at Anna, “Are you having a good time? You didn't have to leave your man.” He said.

He was used to events bigger than this. He had been all over the world. The romans really knew how to party. Britons were much more tame and… sheltered, he figured it would be a fitting word. Lucio didn’t mind a tame culture though. He figured with all the years he’s experienced he’d rather just relax and live a dull life. Excitement of adventure, dating, sexual lust had faded. Yes, he still enjoyed all those things, but he wouldn’t get lost in excitement anymore. It was more logical. He was a boring old man at heart.

Something he didn’t think Anna would want. Maybe she did. Going with the waves of fate was something Lucio enjoyed doing.

Anna laughed at his question, "Of course - Sometimes I drink with Agnes and Natalia. But they're preoccupied tonight," She pointed to two blondes dancing with men near the center of the crowd. She watched them dance along with the men they both had been seeing lately. She rose the cup to her lips, and took a sip only to spit it back in her cup "I am not with anyone," She laughed and wiped the edges of her mouth. "Actually just met him, he came up to me and asked me to dance," her eyes scanned the crowd again "Look he's already found himself another woman". Her hand pointed to the left side of the room in the corner where he was whispering sweet nothings to another lass.
"Here I'll give you a quick tour of the town," She pointed to the far right corner where a few men stood "from left to right - the fat one is the owner of the meat market John, the one next to him with the beard is Vincent, he owns the Inn. Jacques trades goods from other towns with ours, travels a lot. And next to him, that is Erwin DeRose. My father," she stared at the man she clearly was related too, and took another sip "He says we have family all over, all with the same thick dark brown hair - its a trait I guess". Bringing her hand to her face, and twirling a curl around her finger. Anna looked around the room some more, "You've already met the Mayor...I guess that's really the most important person here".
She linked her arm with his, and began to walk him across the room towards another room. Where people were playing board games, and having philosophical conversations. She brought him to bench and sat down, patting the spot next to her. "Sorry, I'd rather be out of my fathers view" this room was a lot smaller, with 3 tables, a few benches, some bookcases riddled with scrolls, and books. She jumped slightly as a man at one of the tables slammed his fists down with drunken frustration over the domino game they were playing. She laughed, and looked to Lucio, "I like to come in here most of the time, a little bit quieter. And the conversations here are more interesting, not just town gossip". Anna placed her cup on the ground, and smoothed out her dress, "Cassandra wouldn't stop talking about Vampires today, she believes that's what is killing people. My mother seems to believe so too"

Lucio looked at the man hitting on every woman he could find. He slightly shook his head. He guessed it didn’t hurt to try. It was something he wouldn’t do. He didn’t mind being alone, most of the time he preferred it.

Lucio’s eyes followed where she was pointing as she pointed out everybody. He looked at the owner of the inn. He was expecting a woman for some reason. It was typical for males to be business owners. Women were growing more powerful and popular in Rome in administration and management. He looked at the trader of Swiftburgh. That was the man that would be going to and from town to town. Lucio was slightly curious to hear about his story. He took a sip of his ale when she pointed out her father. He seemed like a strong man. Probably from all the hard work of his profession.

His eyes went to back to the mayor. “Yeah I never asked his name.” He said. She had stolen him away from the man before he could ask. He didn’t mind though, being with Anna was a little more fun to him. Females always were better at capturing his attention.

He was surprised when she had linked her arm with his. As they walked over to the other room he kept scanning around, observing the scene. After they had sat on the bench he said, “I don’t mind. I would be the same way. I’m not one for someone watching my every move.” It was annoying to him. Lucio’s ears had wiggled slightly from the abrupt noise of the drunken man. He looked over at him with distaste. The drunk man was too busy playing his game.

He looked back at her as she was talking. “I prefer places like this. I'm sure it's a lot more calm when there isn't a royal ball happening.” He said smirking and taking a sip of his cup, then sitting it down after Anna had done the same thing. He put his hands together looking at the scenery. The way he sat was almost proper, but it was just natural for him. He looked over at Anna, “Your family seems very superstitious.” He said smirking. “What do you believe?” He asked then added, “Well hopefully these killings stop soon.” He said scratching his chin, looking back at the room with everyone minding their own business. Lucio knew full well that the killings would stop. He had killed the rogue vampire causing him all the drama, and there was no trace of it to get back to him. He had felt relief, letting out a small brief smile.

A couple men were talking across the room. Lucio started focusing on their conversation, curious to hear what they were talking about.

“Yeah. He’s just disappeared, Korbin.” The man said slightly stressed out. He shook his head, scratching his hair out of stress. He took a drink of ale and Korbin said, “No one just disappears.” The other man looked at him, “I know.” He said taking another sip.

Lucio knew people would be suspicious but he was just going to stay low. The man he had sired didn’t have a family. Eventually his old friends would forget about him. Time heals everything.

Her eyes scoured the area, the table of drunken men playing Dominos, another table was littered with mugs, and goblets, and more drunken men talking intricately with each other, a few women sat at the table as well in their own conversations. There was a couple going through the bookshelves, laughing as they found titles and flipped through them. What was humorous was beyond her. There were plenty of candles illuminating the room, so you could clearly see the pair getting handsy with each other in the corner. Anna didn't think she had been here long enough for people to be this drunk, but then again, she also had showed up a little later than intended. "I don't see this as much of a ball....to be completely honest," Her nose wrinkled as she laughed, "More like a party for the well endowed of the town".

She reached down, picking up her cup again and staring into the liquid as it swirled around the cup, she raised it to her lips and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't believe in Vampires, or Werewolves..." she began, "Or atleast I'd like not to. But the world is pretty vast, who really knows" Anna sipped her cup again, and realized she was getting low on alcohol. But at the same time realizing she felt a bit woozy, the alcohol kicking in. "I do hope the deaths stop...its rather frightening. Me and Cassandra would go to the woods, and outskirts of town all the time. If something ever happened to her...I'm not sure what I'd do.." She trailed off, staring blankly at one of the occupied tables.

"What do you think?" She asked, before a familiar voice called her name.

"Anna!"

Her head turned towards the entrance to see a lady a few years older than here, she stood as the lady came closer to her.

"Lucio, this is Verna," Anna nodded before Verna started to raise an eyebrow.

"Oh, we met earlier, at the Inn!" She laughed, "Yes I know Lucio, he's a very nice gentleman," Anna looked between the two and smiled.

"Well, at least that saves me the introduction process," Anna said as she looked at the outfit Verna was in, "Beautiful, this is new?" She questioned, placing her hand on the blue dyed fabric. Verna raised her arm, and Anna gasped.

"Verna, what happened to your wrist?" She questioned, grabbing her arm and staring at the bloody bandage that was wrapped around her wrist.

Verna pulled her hand away, looking at the cut her eyes went from Lucio to Anna - "I broke a bottle, bent down to clean it up and kicked a shard towards my wrist. It was an unusual accident..." She stated, and then looked to Lucio.

"Hmm...hopefully it heals quickly," Anna noted, and then laughed, "Be careful, Cassandra believes there are Vampires about - the blood might attract them". She made a hissing noise and raised her lips above her teeth. The two girls laughed.

"Are you enjoying your time here so far?" Verna asked Lucio, "Anna here is a great escort, treat her nicely".

Lucio laughed when she had said that the party was more for the well endowed. It wasn’t too formal. People were still getting drunk and having fun. He didn’t know how formal this was compared to the normality of the town. Luckily he had come to the town when there was a ball. Being able to blend in with all the people was easier when everyone was out and about.

Lucio looked out into the room nodding and shrugging his shoulders in agreement with Anna when she had said the world was vast, and she couldn’t know if they existed or not. He bent over grabbing his drink finishing it off. He looked over at her when she had said she wouldn’t know what to do if Cassandra had died. He watched her look out into the room blankly for a couple seconds.

“I thi-” His words cut off by Verna. He watched Verna walk towards them. It was the woman at the bar from Drunk Pillow Inn.

Lucio had smiled when she said he was a nice gentleman. The compulsion had worked, obviously. She would have freaked out the moment she saw him most likely, unless she was into that kind of thing. He had only met two females that hadn’t freaked out when he had fed on them. He was more than 1300 years old at this point. That’s a lot of humans to feed on for only two to have been fine with it. So he had made the decision to just compel them and let them forget.

He listened to Anna when she had asked about her wrist. He put his hand on his chin, scratching it lightly. ‘I probably should feed on her inner thigh.’ He thought while Anna joked about the vampires being about. He chuckled along with the girls. If only these girls had known what was really happening. He looked at Anna, she had seemed interested in him. He wondered how she’d feel when she’d eventually find out if he was a vampire. If their relationship actually had developed that far. There was no way for him to avoid manipulation, sadly, It had to be done for self-preservation.

He looked at Verna when she had asked him how he liked it here. “I like it. It seems like a pretty gentle and friendly town.” He said giving her a smile. He looked at Anna briefly smirking and back at Verna. “She is a good escort.” He said agreeing with Verna. “She’s also shown me where to go and who worked where.” He looked at Anna bumping his shoulder into her lightly, “Thank you.” He said to her. He hadn’t shown her gratitude and felt like he should. She was his only friend that he had made since he’s been here, given he’s only been here for the past 3 days. The last two days he had lurked on the outside of town, scoping things out. He had known there were werewolves but didn’t know who it was or where they were.

“I’m glad.” Verna said enthusiastically. She made a ‘oooo’ noise when Lucio had bumped his shoulder into Anna thanking her.

Anna smiled at his thank you, and looked to the cup she was now grasping with two hands. Shooting Verna a look as she "ooo'd" from his shoulder bump. She finished her drink, and walked over to a table setting down her empty cup. Turning back to revisit her current companions, she bumped into someone "I'm sorry", she quickly spat out and looked to see it was a former lover of hers. Though things had never entirely gotten that far, it was the first time seeing him since he left.

"Alphonse, nice to see you again," She breathed happily, he took her hand in his and kissed the top, giving a small bow.

"You as well, Anna. Its been a long time..." He added, she nodded in agreement.

Alphonse had been gone for many months, as their relationship was beginning to blossom - was when he got orders to leave. He was about Lucio's height, blonde shaggy hair, brown eyes, tan skin. He was a carpenter, and had been asked by his father to help rebuild some homes in another village that were destroyed from a fire that had broken out. The job was going to pay very well, and Alphonse couldn't really say no.

"How have you been?" He asked, placing his hands behind his back focusing his attention on her.

"I've been very well..." The two began small talk, as he talked about the past few months, and she elaborated on hers as well. Having her laugh a few times through their conversation.

Verna looked to the couple talking, and smirked "Ohhh...Alphonse is back," She gritted her teeth and looked back to Lucio. "I'm not sure if fancy Miss Anna at all, but that was a former interest of hers...it didn't get very far though". Verna smacked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, and placed her hands on her hips. Anna waltzed back over to Lucio, and Verna, "Uhm - if you don't mind Lucio I am just going to have a drink with Alphonse and catch up. I'll find you again shortly.." She placed a hand on his arm, and then departed, kissing Verna on the side of the cheek "Show him a good time Verna..." She laughed, and walked out of the room with Alphonse, back towards where everyone was dancing.

Verna watched the two walk out of the room, and then turned her attention back to Lucio, "Well, you have anything you want to see? Or did you need another drink?" She held her wrist up and shook it slightly, obviously not referring to the alcohol that was being supplied.

Lucio chuckled when Anna had shot Verna a look. He watched Anna leave and put her drink away. On her way back he had watched her bump into a stranger. He watched him kiss her on the hand. Lucio sat back into the bench slightly irritated. He didn’t like getting jealous or angry, because when he did, it was never a good thing. Vampiric emotions are something very different from human emotions. He watched as they conversed for a little longer.

He looked at Verna, rolling his eyes when she had made that remark. The fact that it didn’t get very far made him feel relief. Maybe it was best not to get attached to anyone. He didn’t like games women had played. Normally he just cut ties. He figured she was interested in him, but perhaps he was mistaken.

He let out a slight, quiet, and dull vampiric growl when the man had kissed her again leaving with her only friend he had made. He didn’t have a reason to be at the ball. He only said he would go cause there was one happening. The fact there was a ball at this moment was just happenstance.

Lucio sighed when Verna asked if he wanted another drink. “You weren’t supposed to remember anything from that.” He figured his compulsion was a little weak. He hadn’t tasted vervain in her blood, nor did she have a blood of a werewolf. The big thing was she wasn’t freaking out at least.

He bent over grabbing his empty glass, walking over to the bar with Verna, asking for refill. The bartender filled up the glass and Lucio quickly downed the mug. He turned over to Verna. “Let’s go dance for a little bit before I leave.” He said to her wrapping his arm around her arm as they walked out. They arrived at the center of the square as music played. It was a slow song.

Lucio danced with her, after a few moments he leaned over looking into her eyes. “Forget that I’m a vampire. We’re just friends. Every time I come to you, you’ll know what I want to do and forget everything afterwords.” He said compelling her again. He knew it would work this time around. She nodded and they continued to dance for a few more minutes.

As the song stopped and played the next one, they worked their way off the stage.

As they strolled away, Alphonse began to tell Anna about how many buildings they had completed and the obstacles they encountered. Shortage of supply, rained almost for a whole, a few of the workers got sick. One even died. He walked over to the table, and grabbed two drinks - handing one to Anna. He continued to talk, and she listened taking in another sip. His demeanor was a tad different and she couldn't exactly place what had changed about him. But something did. After he kept talking, Anna began to find herself a little bored - he hadn't really asked much about her life, though not much had happened. He continued to talk about himself, his adventures, and such. Which now she was beginning to regretting taking leave with him, her interest was elsewhere.

Her eyes scanned the floor, and she saw that Verna and Lucio were dancing. Biting her bottom lip, she felt a tinge of jealousy sink into her skin. Anna took a sharp breath in, and took a gulp of the ale. Her face crinkled as she swallowed it, the taste wasn't her favorite. She set the cup back down and took Alphonse's hand in the midst of his still talking. "Care for a dance?" Even though she questioned it, she dragged him to the dance floor.

The two swirled together as the next song started, they didn't say anything for a while. Anna kept her eyes slightly on her new friend and barkeep, trying not to make it too obvious she was staring. As the song picked up a bit of pace, Alphonse twirled her out - and upon this her outstretched arm collided with another girls. She quickly brought her arm back to her and held it against her body, "Ow..." She looked at her arm, and saw a pretty nice scratch with some blood starting to trickle out. She looked around and saw a few of the girls around her were wearing bracelets and other elaborate jewelry, she must've cut the side of her arm on one of those.

"Are you alright?" He asked, taking her arm and staring at it. He took in a sharp breath, and closed his eyes, letting out a slow deep breath.

"Ermm...are you alright? Does blood make you queasy?" She questioned, and wiped the blood with her other hand. He watched her do so, and then looked around the room.

"How about we go clean that up?" He suggested, and took her hand leading her from the dancefloor. They walked passed the pair dancing, she tried not to look at them as they walked by. Slightly embarrassed, and the jealousy was still clearly sitting in her gut. Alphonse stopped by a table, grabbing a cloth napkin and led her outside on a small patio. He led her to sit down, it was only the two of them - and began to wipe the blood away. Holding pressure.

"Cant believe that happened.." He laughed, and then brought the cloth away. He stared at the bloodstain on the cloth, his breathing seemed to increase.

"Yeah...I cant believe that. Guess there was a nick or something on her bracelet..." She looked at her arm, "It wasn't too bad. Just a scratch that drew some-- are you okay?" She realized he had brought the cloth to his face. Alphonse stood up, and shut the door - that still cracked open slightly.

"Please..dont be scared, I have to do this..." He stammered, moving towards her slowly.

"What are you talking about? What is going on with your face?" She stood up, and backed up towards the railing. He stared at her, his eyes began to darken, blood vessels becoming apparent. He grabbed her face lightly, and pushed a strand of hair out of her face.

"Please, don't be scared Anna. Your racing heart isn't making this any easier..." He breathed, she could feel his palms getting clammy. Her eyes widened in fear, and she kept trying to back into the railing. Finally she knee'd him right in the crotch, and crawled over the railing hitting the ground and running. She screamed out for help, and continued to run towards the gardens, she stopped for a moment to look back and didn't see Alphonse.

Anna stood still in the yard, everyone was inside the commotion inside probably would override her screams. She could feel her heart beating in her chest, her hands shaking as they clutched the bottom of her dress holding it up so she could run. As she turned forward, he appeared again.

"That wasn't very nice Anna...I just needed your help, and now I'm angry..." He was normal, but that quickly changed again. His eyes changing, face looking evil, he peeled his lips back to reveal fangs. A hand quickly met her throat, slightly lifting her off the ground, she yelled out and more tears poured down her face.

"Please don't kill me..." She whimpered through muffled gasps for air.

Lucio had left and said his goodbyes to Verna, leaving her at the center. He was ready to go to bed, and think about what he was going to do tomorrow. Luckily the town was small and he could just walk casually to his bedroom in the inn. He figured he might have to find a job of some kind while he stayed here to get some money. He had plenty of wealth but he hadn’t brought anything with him.

After a few steps he heard screams and a feint smell of blood wafted through the air. The blood smelled familiar but he couldn’t put a face to it. The voice of the scream also sounded familiar. Lucio jogged around to investigate. He heard another scream. He was probably running out of time. He used his vampiric speed and grabbed a piece of wood from a nearby carpenter workshop, and ran to the source of the smell and scream. He eventually found Anna being choked by this old friend of hers. His face of a vampires. He couldn’t let Anna know his secret yet, especially when she was being killed by a vampire. Or was it the perfect opportunity to let her know? Either way he didn’t have time to think.

He ran up to the stranger choking her, “Hey what are you doing?” He yelled to surprise him. Alphonse was startled from his yell, he was too focused on Anna to see Lucio approach. He let go of Anna and looked over at Lucio.

“Leave us alone. You’ll get to live another day.” He said with his vampiric face. Lucio chuckled, “I can’t let you do anything to her. She’s all I have right now.” He said focusing on the creature ahead of him. He was still internally debating on whether or not she should let him know what his secret is or not. He didn’t have a lot of time to think. He felt she wasn’t attached to him enough. If she saw who he really was then she might run off in fear, telling the who village what they were. This whole village could rain down on him. He didn’t feel like fighting a whole village of people. The only thing that sounded good from that was a the human blood bath he would be in. Sadly it wasn’t a good option. Dukes and other sized rulers would notice a whole village had disappeared, and he couldn’t have that.

Lucio took a few steps towards him, with his stake raised. He figured he wasn’t going to let her know his secret quite yet. It was too risky. “This is your last chance!” Alphonse shouted.

“I don’t care!” Luico yelled back, running towards Alphonse at a human speed. Alphonse figuring he had the upper hand ran towards him at the same speed. He pushed Lucio with all his strength sending him flying to a nearby tree. His back had collided with the tree, slightly knocking the wind out of him. He couldn’t act strong, especially like an Original vampire. Anna can’t know, not yet, not until he knew it was safe.

Alphonse walked up to Lucio, picking him up and smashing his back to the tree. Lucio brought up his stake and attacked his heart. Alphonse had smacked it out of his hands, sending the wooden piece flying. “You had your chance.” Alphonse said, turning his head going in for his neck.

Lucio brought up his hands and swung down his elbows, hard enough to make Alphonse lose his grip on him. Lucio’s feet had hit the ground. He ran over to the wooden stake, picking it up. Alphonse chased behind him tackling him to the ground. Lucio squirmed to turn around and face Alphonse.

“Your dead.” Alphonse declared holding Lucio's hands down onto the ground. Lucio hip thrust him off his main body. Lucio used some of his vampiric strength to free his wrists from Alphonse grip. Lucio got up and tackled Alphonse. He stabbed at his heart but Alphonse had stopped it, using his vampiric strength.

Lucio cracked a big smile. Anna couldn’t see it. He chuckled softly enough so only Alphonse could hear it, and whispered to him, “It’s too bad you came back here when you did. You could’ve had her all to yourself.” He said, pushing the stake into Alphonse. Alphonse had no chance at stopping the strength of the Original. Alphonse’s skin turned dark, and veiny. His head slowly turned towards Lucio, “Origin…” He managed to say before succumbing to death.

Lucio had killed him. Alphonse was dead. Lucio sat there for a second. He got up from the vampire, turning around to look at Anna.

“Are you okay?”