Here We Go Again

It was that time again. Time for Arabella to move on to a new place, for a new start. She had purchased a stable on the outskirts of the city, though much to her dismay, the house on the property was far from liveable. Never the matter, she would find a place in the city until she could have something built, or the existing structure gutted and refurbished. She didn't need much in the way of a house. Hell, she spent most of her time outside as it was, but she still did need a bed to sleep in, so she would have to find something in the mean time. She had heard rumours that there was a clan of vampires in this area. Clan life was something she had never found herself drawn to. She had worked so hard to adjust herself to living among the humans, no matter how much she was supposed to hate them, or simply see them as prey. She hadn't had much interaction with other vampires over her years, but she hadn't minded. Somewhere, deep down, she was still bitter towards them. She hadn't wanted this life. She hadn't asked for it, and yet due to one man's greed and selfishness, she had been dragged into this life against her will.

She supposed she could, at any point have ended it. Though they were harder to kill than a mere human, Vampires could still die, but what would that accomplish. Perhaps there were others like her. Others that had chosen to live among the humans, to blend in and go against what the world thought of them. Monsters. Blood thirsty, heartless beasts. Thats not what she was. Not at all. But who was she to pass judgement on those she had not met. Perhaps, in time she would seek out the caln who called this place home, but for now, she was tired, and wanted nothing more than a place to rest. Dressed in a well fitted pair of jeans, her black cowboy boots, a white tank top, covered by a red plaid flannel blouse, and her favourite black leather jacket, she drove down the road in her pickup truck. Country music blared from the stereo to which she sang along, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. All was fine and dandy until a popping sound and the sudden screech of metal on pavement screamed in her ear. Gripping the steering wheel, she cursed under her breath and applied the breaks. Great. Just what she needed. A popped tire and no spare. Throwing the truck into park, she turned off the ignition and rested her forehead on the wheel, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She sat up, reached across the seat to grab her cowboy hat, and placed it snuggly over her loose blonde curls and opened the door. The cold winter chill nipped at her skin as she got out to look at the damage. Cursing to herself once more, she sighed and threw her hands in the air. "Great. Just what I needed." she exclaimed, her sweet southern drawl heavy on her words.

Grabbing the keys out of the ignition, she slammed the door shut and locked the doors. She shoved her hands in her pockets, and began walking down the road. She wasn't sure how far out she was, but she supposed she would find out soon enough. And so, Arabella began the trek. After what seemed like hours, she finally came across a park. This had to mean she was close to finding help, but there was something different, something in the air. The scent was heavy, and though familiar, completely foreign to her. Cautiously, she proceeded onward, her head on a constant swivel, looking around for something, anything to put an answer to the questions she had about this place. Was this perhaps land belonging to that clan she had heard tell of? Clenching her jaw, she continued, unsure of what to expect.

Wandering around the land, Demetri stuffed his hands into his pockets. On this night it was what some humans would call "chilly", so he dressed accordingly. He wore a long black trench coat, an old fedora he had had since the 2747, black slacks and a grey scarf which wrapped around his neck gently. His thirst for blood was high tonight, but he knew it would be difficult finding anyone truly alone. The small city knew of the vampires existence and tried to keep themselves among numbers, or walked with canines trained in the arts of detecting those that were inhuman. But Demetri did not worry about these things. The eldest vampire knew all the tricks in the book, and could easily fool any human or young vampire alike. After many run-ins with Werewolves, he learned they too were an easy target. They used more of their instincts than their minds, something Vampires did not have an issue with, for the most part. As he walked, he listened to the footsteps around him, searching for any signs of lone steps. One set of steps peaked his curiosity. They belonged to a woman. He could hear the heel stomping on the ground, but like thin air, they vanished. This was no human. Turning to meet the noise, he walked faster, wishing he would catch the culprit. Turning around a sharp corner, he stood in the shadows, watching the scene play out before him.

As he saw the female by herself, he started to wonder what she was doing around here. She seemed to be lost or something like that, but he could tell she was not looking to kill anything. She was keeping to herself, but the smell of a run down vehicle clung to her clothes. He walked over to her closely, emerging from the shadows. Extending his hand from the depths of his pocket, he waited for hers in return. "I am Dominus Demetri, and you have found yourself among my toparchia. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Arabella continued to look around cautiously. She wasn't sure how she felt about this place, but something was telling her she shouldn't go any further, and then she knew she was right. She wasn't alone, there was someone else present, though they had not made themselves visible, taking refuge in the shadows. But whoever hid in the shadows, did not stay there for long, and a voice was quick to break the silence. She spun around to see just who it was and was quite surprised indeed. He was a handsome man, eyes a far brighter blue than her own navy ones. A vampire, like herself, though she presumed far older judging by the title he presented himself with. Dominus? His toparchia? So clearly Dominus was the term used for leaders of a vampire clan...gathering... nest? Hoard? Well whatever the called themselves, she presumed this was their leader, and it was probably in her best interests to be polite, though she was hardly anything other than. Looking at his outstretched hand, she offered hers in return, gripping his and shaking it "Pleasure to meet you Demetri. I'm Arabella. Arabella Willowbrooke." she said introducing herself courtly.

Tiping her cowboy hat up with her free hand to lend a better view, she grinned sheepishly at his offer to help. "Don't supposed you have a spare 35 inch tire fit for 20inch rims hidin' off in the shadows there?" she joked lightly, her southern accent thick on her words. "Im new to the area. Lookin' for a fresh start, but my truck doesn't seem to be on the same page. Blew a tire a few miles back on the main road.. " she began, but her curiosity got the better of her and she couldn't help but ask, "Sorry but you called yourself Dominus... are you the leader of the vampires in the area? I've heard about a clan...or..whatever it is y'all call yourselves, round these parts..." she said trailing off, really not sure what the protocol was for a situation like this.

As they shook hands, Demetri was gentle on her skin. He was careful not to harm her, or squeeze too hard. After so many years of perfecting this, it was hardly a task anymore. He gave her another smile, exposing his pearly white teeth. "I'm afraid I am not familiar with such parts for a car. I have not actually use a car in centuries. I normally travel by foot, plane, boat, or even have my drivers escort me from place to place. I'm sure you can find what you are looking for within the neutral lands, but there is none of that here. Yes, I am Dominus Demetri. I am the original vampire to walk this world, as well as, the leader of my clan. I started this group a couple hundred years ago, nestling here. I have a safe haven for our kind, not too far from this very spot. It is deep within the woods, so deep the humans do not even know we inhibit so closely to their lands. If you are looking for a life to have a family with, then you have come to the right place. But before we get into that, please tell me a little bit of yourself. Where do you come from? How were you changed? How long have you been a vampire?" Demetri knew he was laying it on thick with the questions, but he really wanted to know who she was, how she came about and how long she had been this way. It was always interesting to hear the stories of all his vampires. Each one was different than the rest.