On a path, a few miles from Keranlus
Near the Eastern Boarder, Lumminalux Province
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Fresh air filled Vaernya's lungs, the smell of blooming Neora flowers drifting over the low hills from the north, lifting her mood with each new breath. A frayed string flitted around in the calm breeze, tickling her brow in an irritating manner. The slim Cruentai lifted a gloved hand and gave a firm tug on the string, pulling it from its source and then held it up for inspection. Blue eyes observed the tiny thread dangling before them, thoughts dancing behind their gaze. 
"This cloak shows its age at last. It seems there is an endless amount of loose thread appearing from any and every seam. Perhaps it's time to replace this too, like so much else I have refreshed in my life." Her brow furrowed, as she released the black thread into the beckoning breeze, she watched as it drifted away and eventually out of site. "Lost in the breeze, taken to far away places far from home. Like me..." 

She stopped walking, her body lingering in the decision to turn around, to look back. Though she knew she would see nothing but land and horizon she struggled to come to terms with what was behind her. "One deep breath, that's all you need to keep going." So she filled her lungs again, savouring the scent the enveloped the area, and she turned her body to face the north-east horizon. Releasing the air from her lungs she lifted her gaze from the dirt path and met the scene before her.

"Beyond those low hills, beyond all the plains and forests, is my past. Beyond what I see is who I once was, who I left behind. So why am I looking back? Do I miss it already; my sub par life of seclusion, devoid of companionship and joy? The nightmares that haunt me every night? The ghostly echo of my own bones breaking and the stains left by my blood and tears? What a meagre existence I led... No. I led no life, I died that night. And I walked dead for 7 years until I gathered the courage to start a new life. There is nothing to look back at, I have all I need here. My true friend is by my side, my mind still holds sanity if even a little, and my skills will not fail me." 

Vaernya opened her right hand that dangled at her side, previously clenched into a fist. A high pitched whistle floated eerily from her pale lips. She waited a moment, her hand grasping slightly for something that was not there. No more than a minute later the soft sound of paws hitting earth came up from behind her and a thick, bristly coat of fur filled the empty space in the palm of her gloved hand. "Dear Bane, my dearest friend. You seem to be enjoying the air as much as I am." She scratched the massive canine's head, gazing down into golden yellow eyes. "We've almost made it, Keranlus should be just a few hours away. I haven't the slightest clue as to what we'll do when we arrive. What I do know is that it's a change; something fresh and new filled with sights and people we've never seen before." 

She turned again to face the direction she was originally headed, glimpsing at her shadow before doing so. "The sun should be setting right around the time we arrive, what a lovely coincidence." She itched at a spot on her neck being irritated by what appeared to be another loose thread. "I can't wait to get this damn cloak off, let's go." Bane let out a low huff as the dark female picked up to a brisk walk and collected his place at her side, matching her pace.

There were a million haunting and confusing thoughts in Vaernya's mind as she continued her trek towards the great city of Keranlus. What was she seeking really? A change, yes. A fresh start, yes. Fresh blood? What?

"Argh, no! No!" She grumbled, feeling the creeping grip of her primitive urge slither into her mind. It had been almost a week since she last tasted the blood of a man. To make matters worse, she had used up the last of her cattle blood supply a few hours back on the road. Though she was not hungry per say, she could feel the crave for fresh blood swelling up inside her. The longer she ignored it the more she noticed her throat was beginning to dry, her head beginning to pound. "I'm stronger than this... this is of my past." She continued to walk, humming an old Cruentain lullaby aloud, trying to concentrate only on her voice and the steady pace of her stride. Her heart beat seemed to grow louder and louder, the sound stimulating memories of pulsing, gushing blood pouring from a freshly opened vein. Her mouth began to water, her pupils dilating. She could feel her body tensing and the ancient instinct of her kind ripped at her willpower. 

"NO! Ah! Enough already!" She took off at a run, her speed noticeably above average. She closed her eyes, peaking them open only to ensure she stayed on the trail. The thudding feeling of her feet connecting with the earth became rhythmic, adding to the steady pant of her ebony companion. Slowly the overwhelming urge began to subside, though she did not let up on her pace. She needed to get to the city, she needed to get away from the monster inside of her. Perhaps doubling up on cow's blood servings would help keep away the blood thirsty inhabitant that haunted her reflection.