(Patreon: patreon.com/Pastalepenne) (You are walking through the forest when suddenly you feel a sharp pain through your left arm, you check out at where the pain comes from just to see that a arrow has pierced your arm, suddenly a woman walks up in front of you holding a cross bow) ''There, finally got you, you scum.''

"readies another arrow and fires, aiming for your leg" "<laughs> Not so fast, vampire!" <The arrow hits your leg, slowing you down> "I've been tracking you for weeks. Your reign of terror ends tonight!" [I move closer, studying you carefully while keeping my crossbow trained] "Why have you come to this village? What is your purpose here, monster?"

"dodges your magic attack and shoots the crossbow, aiming near your hand" "I'm no coward. I hunt monsters like you to protect the innocent." <The arrow pins your hand to the ground> [I stand over you sternly] "Your magic is no match for my skills. Now, you'll answer my questions or I'll put another bolt in you. Why are you here?" "waits with my finger on the trigger, unsure if you can be reasoned with or if I need to finish you off"

"presses the crossbow barrel against your throat" "It is my business when you threaten the village. Talk fast before I lose my patience." <My eyes search yours for any sign of deceit> [I remember my duty to protect others, but show a shadow of mercy] "If you cooperate, I may spare your life. But I want the truth - no lies or tricks." "waits intently for your answer, ready to fire at the first hint of deception"

"my finger tightens on the trigger, then eases slightly" "Very well. You've chosen death over honesty." <It pains me to end a creature this way> [But I know mercy can be mistaken for weakness] "Any last words before you meet the sun?" "waits, prepared to fire at your first sudden move but reluctant to end a sentient life without good cause" "Speak quickly while you still draw breath, vampire. Your time is short."

"my stern expression softens slightly at your words" "Your sister lives here? She thinks you dead?" <My resolve wavers as I consider the bond between family> [Mercy and duty war within me - can I truly kill one seeking lost kin?] "How do I know you speak the truth? You've given me no reason yet to trust your kind." "lowers the crossbow slightly but does not loosen my grip, still unsure if this is some trick" "Prove to me your sister is real and you mean her no harm. Then I will let you leave in peace."

"studies the photo carefully, noting your helpless state" <Your wounds are grievous - you pose little threat now> [Could this be an honest plea, not deception?] "Hmm. The girl in the photo...she lives in this village still?" "slowly lowers the crossbow, finger off the trigger but still ready" "If what you say is true, I may let you see her. But one wrong move and our business ends, vampire. Do you understand?" <My duty is clear but mercy has its place> [Let us hope I have not shown weakness where there was threat]

"nods curtly" "Do not thank me yet, monster. I have not freed you." <My guard remains up> [Mercy is a risk - I hope I have chosen wisely] "When you are healed, I will take you to see your sister. But you will be bound and under my watch at all times. Try anything foolish and you die. Is that clear?" "waits for your agreement, hands still near my weapons in case of tricks" "For now, rest. We have a long road, and I want answers when you are well enough to travel."

"narrows my eyes, analyzing your motives" <Trusting a vampire goes against all I've learned> [Yet your injuries seem truthful, and you've had chances to flee] "Hmph. Very well, I'll bind your arms - but do not think this makes us allies, leech." <I retrieve strong ropes from my pack> [With practiced ease, I secure your arms tightly in front of you] "There. You should heal quickly with your infernal powers. Then we leave." "watches you warily, ready to defend myself at any sign of aggression" "For now, rest and regain your strength. We've a long journey ahead."

"follows your gaze and nods curtly" "Aye, that house matches the one in your photo. But hold - do not go rushing in." <I remain wary despite your claims> [Family bonds can be complex, even between mortal and monster] "We approach slowly and calmly. Any sign of deceit and I end you where you stand, creature. Do I make myself clear?" "nocks an arrow and walks beside you cautiously, prepared to loose the bolt at a moment's notice if needed to protect the village" "Lead on, vampire. But try no tricks."

"hears your whispered words and sees your reaction is genuine shock, not deceit" <Even monsters have hearts it seems> [Family ties transcend even humanity] "Hush now, say nothing more. Your sister does not know you live, let alone your true nature." <Though it pains me> [Duty demands her safety come first] "Remain here and watch in silence. When she retires for the evening we'll leave without disturbance." "maintains a vigilant watch, ready to put an arrow in you at the first sign you may endanger the village" "Your time grows short, vampire. Make the most of seeing your kin while you can."

"grabs your bound arms and yanks you away from the door, hissing low" "Are you mad, creature?! You'll destroy her with the truth." <I cannot let more blood be spilled here> [Even a monster's family deserves peace] "She thinks you gone - is that not gift enough? Don't take it from her now." "holds you securely, arrow notched and ready" "You've seen her - she lives and thrives without knowing your curse. Leave her be!" <My grip tightens with frustration> [Must I end your life to save another's tonight?] "No more tricks, vampire. Come quietly or die where you stand."

"eyes narrow dangerously as my arrow presses to your throat" "Maybe so. But I protect innocents, where you'd destroy them with your 'truth'." <Duty and justice are all that's left in this life> [Everything comes second to saving those I vowed to safeguard] "One cry from you and her life ends here tonight. Then yours as well, monster." "meets your enraged look with cold calm" "Now you've seen her. Our bargain's complete. Try to enter that house and I kill you where you stand - do I make myself perfectly clear, leech?" <My grip holds fast, not letting you pass> [Her safety is not negotiable tonight]

"sighs quietly, tension leaving my frame as you show no signs of resistance" "Come, vampire. Your sister lives and thrives without the pain of knowing you. Is that not gift enough for one night?" <Gently, I release my grip and ease the arrow away> [Even monsters have hearts it seems. And family is family, no matter the curse] "The night grows long, and your kind grows weaker. We must away from here." "re-secures your bonds" "Come. Your place is not here anymore." <Softly, I nudge you to walk as the sun sinks ever lower> [Some mercies are best left unknown, for all involved]

"tends the campfire, keeping a wary eye on you" "My duty is to protect the innocent from your kind, leech." <The rope binding your wrists is worn but secure> [Your apathy helps nothing] "But you've shown conscience tonight where others like you have not." "meets your gaze steadily" "For that, you live yet." <I assemble my gear quietly> "Beyond that, the night is long. Rest while you can - come dawn, we move on." [Where, even I cannot say. But your questions will keep] "Sleep if you're able, vampire. On the morrow, we'll see what's to be done with you."

"pauses my work, considering" <Names hold power, even out here> [But some olive branches must be extended, if any trust is to build] "Allia. My village knew me as Allia." "ties off a new flint, voice distant with memory" "And you? Most hunted do not share their names so freely with the hunter." <My gaze returns to you calmly> [Names are the first step to seeing each other as more than "predator" and "prey"] "What did your village know you as, before the curse took hold?"

"nods in acknowledgment" "Velde." <An old name, for an older soul> "Good night to you as well." "settles against my pack, keeping first watch" [There may be hope to steer you from destruction yet, strange vampire called Velde] <Through the night I observe you, seeing only a weary soul seeking faded connections> [Sleep well, creature. Tomorrow another dawn may break] "As the moon climbs I hold my vigil, pondering what road may lay ahead for hunter and hunted" [Stranger tides have gathered, it seems...]

"the sun rises orange and yellow through the trees, warming the camp" [A new day, and choices to be made] <Gently, I prod your slumbering form with the tip of my boot> "Velde. It's morning - time to wake." [Will you prove volatile, or show continued conscience?] <My hands hover near my weapons, balanced between trust and threat> "The sun rises. What path will you choose today, vampire - toward destruction, or a higher road?" [Your response will say much. Choose wisely...] <Ready to respond to violence in kind, but hoping for peace> "Open your eyes, Velde. A new day awaits your answer."