For every moment of truth,theres confusion in life

Balance. It was such a delicate thing and yet so many in Arcadia did not truly comprehend the need for balance. Or choose to not care, depending on who you run into. The woman in front of them though… Ray can give a little respect to her views. “There is a reason that the yin and yang signs exist… Though I would believe that some of the younger age groups just see it as a possible jewelry piece they can wear.” 

“Sleepwalking” Ray repeated, titling his head to the side in curiosity, “Have you been doing that here?” That was certainly interesting… And dangerous all at once. With the wolves not able to roam for miles up miles away from the town, surely a few have started to lurk in the alleys on a full moon. “That would certainly be a situation that uniquely puts you in danger without you being aware or trying.” He does not envy Amanda for that problem. 

Ray paused, staring at her before glancing away. “My sister. She is rather busy though so I do not see her often.” Or rather he chose not to see her or seek her out. It was… Petty but he was still frustrated with her decisions as of late. Despite trusting her with his life and wiling to do anything she asks of him. At this point, he was more impressed that he was willing to say anything to a stranger about her… It wasn’t long ago where he wanted to keep her hidden at all costs. “Family is important, in some situations.” 

Amanda has to smile at his comment about the young ones, simply because it was only the other day that she saw someone wearing a pendant that displayed just the ‘yin’ part, meaning that their partner of perhaps best friend might have the other half. “Yes, for some it has become a modern day symbol that is worn without knowing the true meaning. Although I guess some of them will know and still like the idea of donning some fashion item with it on.”

She gives him a nod. “Yes I have. I have been sleepwalking all of my life--well as far as I can remember anyway. It has caused some serious problems for me and raised questions that I don’t really know the answers to.” She will need her parents for some of those answers and considering they gave her up to be fostered when she was really young, Amanda figures she will never know. “Some people are reasonably understanding...whilst others can get very aggressive and think I am lying.” Her most recent was a vampire. 

“Sometimes we all get busy with life don’t we...and then we realise it’s been so long since we have spoken to someone.” The brunette offers him a smile. “At least you have your sister though because you are right, family can be important.” She maintains the smile she has given him, even though she really doesn’t have a clue what it is like to have family at all. Sure, there were foster parents, but she got put with one--then another---and then another. It was only when she was old enough to move away, she got out. 

“She was, very special, she was so amazing, and she was so caring, she was one of the good guys, you know? She was an amazing person in general” he was sad she was taken away from him, from her family and friends, from the world, so soon. The world needed more people like her, and it was so sad that it has one less person like that. “They haven’t tried to hurt me, but I don’t really get along with the ones that hurt innocent people” he probably never would, he tried to be civil with Erik, but just because of Kennedy really. “It’s okay, I don’t mind saying it, besides, it’s not really a secret anyway”

It is nice to see that there are some real good souls around Arcadia, because the most recent ones were starting to make her lose faith a bit. This is not to say that Amanda always plays fair. In fact, she can be quite harsh at times, but usually she chooses not to hurt anyone unless they hurt her--physically that is. “Well if talking about how special she is, brings even a small smile to your face then this is a good thing...the memories to keep treasured.” By the sound of things, there are far more vampires than she is aware of. “I know of two..actually three..because you stated last time we met that there was one called Jacob.” She knows a Jacob too and he was quite the gent, very pleasant and accommodating if it’s the same one.

“all work and no play…”

a small grin as she notes the need for time off.  there generally wasn’t a time when vincent wasn’t ‘working’ though his line of work was rather more – personal – than it was a dreary means to an end.  it was far more fun just to – take – what he wanted.  

“well then, i do hope that you manage to take, what sounds to be - a well deserved break.  they do say that a change is as good as a rest… so change, or rest.”

he does turn slightly, looks once more at the young woman.  only the slightest arch of brow.  he wonders if perhaps any of the stories she reads manage to make the way into her nocturnal wandering.  into the visions or images that she might glimpse in that semi-slumbering state.

“fewer take the time to - read - these days.  and perhaps that makes me sound a little archaic, preferring leather bound tomes and the crackle of pages to a… console or a device with social statuses and a constant stream of ‘media’.  a lost art… or perhaps, a lesser one - but personally… i find it better to wake the imagination when you let the words take you to a place that no CGI could ever accomplish.”

besides - if he wants a little slice of ‘call of duty’ he simply has to venture outside of his door and make it happen.  with less guns.  more screaming.  and a death count and gore rating that would make the NC-17 censors quake in their boots.

“then forgive the question – if there isn’t anything holding you back, then you are lucky – a free spirit isn’t something that one encounters all too often.  then again – i forget, that the sandwoman is, after all… a myth.”

“ah - the independent woman.  an honourable pursuit.  i wish you all the success with your plans.  i have to admit - i’ve never really been one to - work for others.”

he pauses outside of the bar - slightly more exclusive than some of the spit and sawdust places that arcadia seemed to revel in.  and he does move to open the door for her, stepping back, gesturing for her to move inside.

“though hopefully even the independent woman can still make a little room in her life for something a little… old fashioned?”

“Exactly...and I certainly don’t have any intention of being dull, so definitely not all work for me.”  Amanda knows that she is busy working more at the moment than what she should be, but that’s because there’s a bigger picture here. Once her plans have turned out in her favour, she should be able to start relaxing a little more and finding time to do things she wants to do.

“Well I’ll see how the next few weeks go, but I think it could very well be both...a big change and then time for a small break--a rest.” 

Work hard now--reap the rewards later.

This is the rule she is going by at the moment, though she can always make time for a little fun and good company. Otherwise, she would drive herself insane.

Offering him a smile, the brunette nods. “I have my phone for certain things--and a laptop for work needs, but I am really not the type to go playing games online--or with a console. I would sooner watch a good movie or like I say, read a book.” She might not go into as much thought about a book and analyse it in a way that the writer wishes it to be perceived, but Amanda believes it is about what you take from it and actually enjoying the story too. 

“I am not that lucky....” Her words are enough to indicate that she might have one or two things which hold her back right now. “So there’s nothing to forgive.” A friendly smile graces her face and perhaps she should have just gone with the playful comment insinuating the world was there for the taking --but she sees no reason to state that. Most people after all, have something which holds them back even if it’s a temporary thing. 

Amusement does light up her face at his next words though. “Ah yes...the sand woman--a myth to many--reality to a select few.” She follows it with a small wink.

“You must be very fortunate to have to not work for others. I must admit, it’s not something I relish myself.”

She figures that if her boss was more reasonable and not such a lech, then the inclination to rip him off, might not be as strong. However, that’s not the case so she really doesn’t gives a damn about ruining his business.

As they stop at the bar, her line of vision shifts from Vincent and she looks up at the sign, which is even classier than those around Arcadia, so she is definitely looking forward to entering the establishment. 

Gabriel raised his eyebrows slightly while he curled his eyebrows up. “I have always had a certain love for expensive and strong drinks. I do believe that has taught my liver and kidney’s how to quickly react to alcohol in my system.” He smirked and of course there was that small detail of where his body was programmed automatically to take care of unwanted invasions in a much more efficiënt way than non vampire and werewolf bodies could.

“And there are moments I wish I could unknown my parents.” He cocked his head a little and he made eye contact with the beautiful young woman. “Although they did love me and provided me with all wanted material needs, I mostly got the impression they were creating a barrier between me and my dreams and goals.” He folded his hands behind his back and shifted his weight from one leg to the other. “I can happily announce though that their attempts to stop me from doing everything I wanted have not worked too well.” And therefore he had now not seen them for a very long time. He knew that not only they would hate who and what he had become, they would also attempt to kill him if they could. And that would most likely end in him killing them. He might not feel a certain love for his parents, but he did not want to kill them either, strangely enough. 

And there it was. Right when he was opening up a slight little more there was a certain crack in her mask, a crack that made him smile. “I do think that connected souls should help each other in this harsh and cruel world. After all, we do not want to end as the next corpses in this town, do we?” He cocked his head slightly. “I will teach you anything you’re willing to learn.” And he might abuse and use a slight bit of her powers for himself along the way.

“Hmm...somehow I just knew that you had refined and expensive tastes in alcohol as well as other areas.” It isn’t exactly difficult to determine that, based off of what she has seen about him so far. 

“Really?” Amanda raises a brow of curiosity when he speaks about his parents, listening quietly as he continues to explain. There’s a softness in her eyes that shows a good degree of understanding when she hears what he has to say. “Material needs are important but shouldn’t replace other things that are equally, perhaps more important.” Having said that, Amanda has had little emotional support and love over the years, so even though she has said that, she has been quite materialistic sometimes. “I am glad to hear that. Nobody should really be stopped from achieving their dreams and goals. I suppose there are exceptions--but in general we should all be free to try and succeed in them.” There are times when she wonders what her own parents would think of how she has turned out, but the fact they had given her up to begin with--their opinion doesn’t matter much to the brunette. “Do you still have contact with your parents and do they live around here?”

--She’s wary.

There’s no denying it. For so long, Amanda has relied on herself and a good part of her will remain that way. Yet surely if she could progress further and be better, then that’s a good thing for her, right?

“I certainly have no damn intention of ending up as the next corpse in this town.” There had been a one or two dangerous encounters recently. “I’m not sure how you can help...I’m...well..I don’t think I am like you...” Now is the time to be straight and blunt about it. “Tell me what you are, Gabriel....cards on the table for this...and I will too.”

People smiling at him always felt odd. Not many find him… Friendly. His indifferent and monotone puts people off. So when one is still being so… Nice. It was odd and he still wasn’t sure how to react. As long as she doesn’t see a reason to attack him, he suppose, then he can be a little… Friendlier. “Balance of a scale is important to a healthy life” He replied, tilting his head to the side in thought. 

“Everyone and everything has secrets. Trying to find those can be challenging… And dangerous.” His voice came across matter of fact though he was troubled but the fact that the woman- Amanda- has been finding out some of the mysteries that are Arcadia. It means she might be aware of the dangers around here, or is very close to finding out. If he knew her better he might feel sorry for her, knowing that things will only get worse the more mysteries one uncovers.

Ray moved his head to the other side, observing Amanda and trying to understand her words. “Trying a few things out” He repeated, not quite a question but not a statement. In Arcadia, that could mean a lot of things. Magic, abilities, simply doing homework or something. No one can be certain anymore.

“This is true...for every positive, there has to be a negative somewhere. Nature has her own way of balancing the scales. Even if we don’t always see it at the time.” He hasn’t been hostile to her at all, but Amanda can’t work out whether he is bothered about her company either. The guy is rather difficult to read, but judging by some of the more unfriendly ones she has met recently, she is willing to at least be nice to him unless he proves he doesn’t deserve that.

“Sometimes it’s not a case of wanting to find out...you just find yourself thrust into a situation and there’s little you can do about it...this is highly dangerous too.” She takes a deep inhale and looks at him, knowing her sleepwalking has got her into deep water lately. “I sleepwalk...and have woken up in some very dangerous places.”--or more to the point--in the presence of dangerous people. “But I am hoping that is behind me now.”

“To try and figure a few things out....” The brunette smiles again. “I have a lot in my life that has questions but not enough answers unfortunately. Probably family would help, but seeing as I don’t have any here--I can’t fall back on them. Do you have family in Arcadia?” She can’t remember whether he has stated that before or not and if truthful, Amanda doesn’t have any family anywhere.

She had a point, he would always have those memories, along with the pictures, so he would never forget how she looked like or about her, not that he would without them, he would never forget about her. “Yeah, and I am glad, I wouldn’t ever want to forget about it, and about her, she will always be important to me” he was sure that whoever he dates in the future, that she will understand that, if she doesn’t, then maybe she won’t be the one for him. “I am sorry to hear that, some vampire around here, are very powerful, but don’t deserve the power they have, some vampires around here, are like the villains on the superhero movies, I wish we had a hero around here to destroy them”

Gabriel saw a moment of hesitation and there was a certain unreadable sentence in her eyes she for some reason didn’t dare to voice. He knew that through all their meetings they were playing this delicate game of chess, both hiding parts of themselves and knowing that if they would force the other to reveal such a part, they would also have to reveal a part of themselves. “I do have a certain tolerance for alcohol. I might have had a little too much practice." 

He curled his lips up into a smile and he hid his hands in the pockets of his jeans, even though he quite enjoyed the sun on his bare skin. "My parents had a very strong connection to nature. They have been the ones explaining me how the circle of life connects not just us, humans, but also us with the trees and us with the animals and us with the elements.” He kept his eyes locked with hers. His parents had taught him many more things and not all of their sayings had been true, but he had never been able to resist his feelings and emotions connected to the world surrounding him. “But I do believe that the kind of connection they were talking about, must be the one you are born with.” Gabriel squeezed his eyes a little. He started to suspect that she was not just human. Not even those environment activists, believing they could save the world, spoke like her, like him. “If you ever want a teacher to open that mind of yours even more, you might want to ask the person standing before you.”

Amanda gives a small nod. “Ah...so you were one to drink plenty in your youth were you?” She shoots him an amused look. “I think I should drink more and then I would be less likely to suffer the consequences afterwards.” Yet what she usually does is not have a drink for a few days or perhaps a week or two and then go all out and downs a few glasses--resulting in a hangover. 

She isn’t sure whether he noticed her hesitation or not, but if so, Gabriel hasn’t indicated he did. She just figures that it might be best to not do anything that could jeopardise the pleasant atmosphere and conversation they have shared between them so far.

She blinks, but her line of vision remains connected with his as she listens to him talking about nature and his parents. Amanda might be wrong but she is pretty certain by how he is talking, that there is something in his words which connects him more than any human--just like it does with her. “I wish I knew my parents...though at least I found out a little about them recently.” She didn’t get much information from Remy. He wasn’t aware that her parents had given her up--but at least she knows why they had now. Though what they agreed to do, along with Remy, she can’t help but feel like she won’t forgive them. 

His next words do catch her attention though and she raises her brow. “I knew there was something with you....something I sensed...but I didn’t go with it....when I should’ve.” Her gaze remains firmly fixed on his. Declaring what she is, is something Amanda doesn’t often do voluntarily, yet with what he has just said, she knows he is aware of her too. “You’d help me?” She has struggled so long on her own, that it is quite difficult to believe he has just stated that. 

“well now, that is a pity.  discovering things is one of the more pleasant things about moving to a new town.”

one of.  picking out the ‘wolves’ from the ‘sheep’ was another.  of course, there are those who like to think themselves one, rather than another. but brashness and stupidity wasn’t exactly a trait of the wolf.  cunning, patient - vicious, deadly.  he’s seen more than enough who prefer to posture and brag, bluff and bore to know the difference.  most - are dismissed after the initial encounter…  tolerated only for the sake of appearances.  and then, only to a certain point.

this one - he hasn’t decided yet.  the nighttime adventure had certainly been - entertaining.  and there’s nothing particularly - intolerable - about her.  he actually rather does enjoy her company - or has thus far, and is quite looking forward to see where this encounter might take them.

though her lack of vision as far as the book goes?  yes, it’s disappointing - however he’s not exactly going to let that slip beneath the mask.  instead, there’s simply another quiet smile, as though taking consideration of her view ( he’s really, not ).

“no need to apologise - not at all.  what one takes from any form of art, be it literature, or a painting, or a piece of music - is a very personal aspect.  things drawn from experience or a certain perspective which is unique to you, and you alone.  regardless of the message that anyone else sees - i hope you are enjoying reading it.”

ah - there it is - perhaps a little niche - a place to find some manner of something - deeper.  and this is the part he enjoys most.  seeing what parts of themselves they’d offer to that charming smile and courteous nature…

“and what kind of thing are holding you back?  those meaningless things that clutter and bother that you could shake off and be – free?”

Amanda genuinely doesn’t feel like Vincent is one of the bad ones at all. His manners have been impeccable throughout the time she has spent with him. He has offered far more patience than most would have if she would have intruded on them. Then of course, there’s the fact she really has enjoyed his company so far and it really makes a change from some of those she has encountered in Arcadia.

“I couldn’t agree more...and hopefully I will be able to explore the town more soon when I take a few days off work. I am due some time off.”

Though not all of her time would be taken on the leisurely side of things. She has plans to execute, so she won’t have to spend the rest of her life working for a boss she can’t stand to work for. 

“Well I think you are being more than gracious with that, but yes, I am enjoying reading it...mainly before bed, but sometimes after work.” It probably sounds boring to some, but some days Amanda just comes home from work, showers and changes, then curls up on the couch with the book. It’s not like she doesn’t enjoy getting out there and having some fun as well--but not every single evening.

Letting a small smirk appear on her face, she looks at him. “Ah, Vincent...what makes you think something is holding me back?...maybe I was just speaking metaphorically.....”

Her gaze remains on him and she pauses for a moment before speaking. There’s at least a couple of things holding her back, but not everything she is willing to speak about yet. 

“But yes...one thing maybe...I have a few plans laid out, which means at some point in the future I will be my own boss instead of anyone being in charge of me....and that in itself is a fine place to find myself.”

“I am sorry.” Ray didn’t realize he apologized until he did, his face frozen as he processed what he just did. Maybe it was the people that he has met in this town, or the events with Amber, but the apology seemed… Automatic and sincere. Strange. But he also understood the statement of unfriendly people. That has been his whole life. Especially when people realize heavily what he was. No one but Mina has been actually kind or his equal. And then he came to Arcadia…

“The events that happen in this town… It does not seem entirely normal, does it? Events that might be overlooked in a bigger city… Are prominent.” 

“Amanda” He removes his hand almost immediately, not used to touch, “Despite you saying that, I feel like I have.” 

“You don’t have to be.” She gives him a warm and friendly smile. “At least you aren’t one of them.” Her smile widens, assuming he isn’t, but she doesn’t really know him. “But hey, look at it this way--I have met a couple of friendlier ones recently...so they weigh up the scales a little, right?” 

She listens as he answers about the town and Amanda finds herself nodding. “I agree. This town holds quite a few mysteries---but finding them out,  a few are dangerous and unwelcoming unfortunately.” With some she has met, it makes the brunette witch want to guard what she is more than ever.

She observes the way he retracts his hand immediately, but doesn’t think much of it, purely because she realises some people aren’t very tactile, whereas she can be very much so at times. “You haven’t...not at all...I was just taking a some time out to try and figure out a few things--but it’s nothing that can’t wait.”

“Yes, of course, I wouldn’t change that for the world” he was capable to just focus on the nice memories, in the first months, he wasn’t able to, he couldn’t help but just think about how he would never hear her voice again, how he would never see her again, how he would never hear her laugh and see that beautiful smile again. Then, as time passed by, he was able to just focus on the good memories. “I am not sure how to describe them, I always have been horrible at it, sorry” he said with a frown. “He is, in my opinion anyway, I don’t like that guy, at all”

Ray observed the woman in front of him, understanding the apprehensive and defensive attitude. Respecting it, a little. After all, with those that are roaming around the town he knows that many have a right to be on edge. A part of him thought that perhaps she is aware of that part of this town, but there is no way of knowing without being blunt. 

And that was not his intention. Not right now. 

“You are right to feel that way by some in this town” Ray told her, tilting his head, “It certainly a strange place to live.” That is coming from him, seeing as he lived in New York for awhile before coming here. He looked at the woman up and down, in a clinical matter of observation before extending out his hand. 

“My name is Ray. Sorry for disturbing you.” 

Hearing him tell her she is right to feel that way about some in town, Amanda offers him a small smile and relaxes if only a little. “There are some real unfriendly people in this town, more than I have ever encountered.” Before she came to Arcadia, she assumed most people were human. Now she looks through marred eyes and automatically assumes they are something more than that--unless proven otherwise. This makes her sad in a way because she shouldn’t have to think like this.

“Can I ask you something?--why would you call it a strange place to live?..in what way?”

She awaits his repy, not quite sure if he will just state something simple as an answer, or something that will indicate he knows about the supernatural. 

“Oh...no, you weren’t disturbing me at all...pleased to meet you, Ray.” She shakes his hand and offers him a friendly expression. “My name’s Amanda.”

Gabriel curled his lips up into a smile and he let his power race through his veins, filling the tips of his fingers and toes. He was uncertain if Amanda was suspecting something about him. And when she suspected something, he was curious whether she was leaning towards him being a vampire or him being a warlock or maybe something entirely different. In a way it would make this endless game of playing chess all the more interesting if she knew, but it would only be fair if they could play with the same weapons. 

“I am glad to hear that.” He nodded his head slightly. “After all, we had gotten there to not come out unintoxicated, didn’t we?” Although he had not been drunk for a long time, he was perfectly capable of remembering all too well how it had felt, those times he had experienced it when he had still been human.

“It does create a certain connection between us, especially such a large part of this world seems to be so keen on bringing the wonders of nature down instead of enjoying them.” He closed his eyes and breathed in and out. He could manipulate the wind, if he would want to, but he was afraid it would be too much of a hint. He cocked his head slightly. “And what has awoken this knowledge of the powers of nature in you, Amanda?” He spoke softly, his voice barely a whisper as if he didn’t want to disturb the calm surrounding him. “Who has taught you the true value of those trees, the leafs, the twigs and the wind blowing them?”

Amanda looks over at him and her body stance remains relaxed, apart from her fingers which slowly move one after the other, almost like she is playing a slow tune on the keys of a piano. There’s this ‘feeling’...it makes her want to place her hands on him and see if she can sense any power--the kind she feels surrounded by right now. She’s too hesitant though, because what if she can draw power from him too? The brunette has spent nights researching about siphoners--pulled in all the contacts she could gather and she knows her capabilities could extend far further than drawing power from just a witch.

“We did..so we were successful in that...although it kind of felt like me more than you when it came to being the drunken one.” Amanda chuckles and doesn’t think much of it when it comes to the consumption of alcohol, because some peoples toleration of it is far higher. 

“I remember reading something once...a few years ago...it said... those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. ... there is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” She remembers it well because it was something she heard when she first realised how important nature is to her. She has managed to cause a breeze a few times, just so she can listen to the soothing rustle of the leaves, but Amanda has refrained for a while since she tried and her magic was weak once or twice. Little did she realise until recently exactly why it was weak sometimes and not others. “Maybe I was always attuned to the power of nature?” She tilts her head on one side and looks at him. “Nobody has taught me the true value...it was always within me...I just had to open my mind more.”---or more truthfully, she just needed the barrier that had been put up in her mind to be pulled down and now it was--she was scared--but excited. 

Running. The sound of his feet pounding against the fresh earth. One thing that he actually looked forward to. Endorphins spread through his body like wild fire, waking up the wolf inside him just enough to push farther and farther. What he didn’t’ expect to see was someone on his trail. His brow furrowed as he slowed. Just in time for him to sense something. Sprinting turned to jogging. Jogging slowed to a walk as he came on her, glancing the woman over. “What are you doing here?” Adam asked, noticing his own gruff tone.

Originally posted by welovegarretthedlund

Amanda blinks as she looks at the stranger and if she is perfectly honest, it’s not the politest thing you can just blurt out to someone on first meeting. So she pauses for a moment and tilts her head, wondering whether to be firm or to show how she knows her manners well enough.

“Sorry?”

She looks to their surroundings and then back to him.

“As far as I am aware...I haven’t encroached on anyone's territory. So me?...I am enjoying the peace that the woods offers me. I would throw the same question back at you....but common sense alone tells me you’re out running...or jogging.”

“It is a pleasure to see you again too, Amanda.” He monitored her face, the expression in her eyes, the lines around her curled up lips and he cocked his head slightly while he wondered if the magic he sensed in the air was just his own or maybe hers too. He wondered if there would be a way to lure those hidden talents of her out, but he would stay patient for as long as he had to.

“We do happen to have that in common.” He looked around and he made sure to have the palms of his hands open. He liked the wind touching his naked skin and the sun warming his cold forehead. The sound of leafs blown by the wind was like music to his mind. “I never feel as alive as surrounded by nature.” Even though he was a vampire now and technically dead, he still had that connection, that connection to the living, that connection to his heritage. “Some say that nature possesses a certain power that our human minds can barely comprehend.” He squeezed his eyes a little to read her reaction in hers. 

Amanda is too lost and wrapped up in everything right now to pick up any sense of magic from Gabriel. Of course she knows there is something about him, it’s what’s kept her intrigued for so long. It’s just with everything that has happened to her, it’s like certain aspects to what she is, have been stunted for so long and there is a lot of learning to do. 

“My head was a little tender from our night out together.” Amanda chuckles and casts a gaze to him. “....but definitely worth it.”

She inhales and takes in the fresh air, something which she finds relaxing when accompanied with the pleasant surroundings. “I like that you think like me when it comes to the great outdoors.” Her dark hues remain on him as she smiles softly. “Hm.....” She studies him, giving one of those looks which seem to linger--something she does quite often. “I am not sure if they are right or not...because we seem to understand...we comprehend each breeze which blows--the rustle from the trees as the leaves touch or fall to the ground. At least that’s what I got from the first time we met.” Now there is more than one way he can read into this and it’s the brunettes turn to watch his reaction.

“I know, losing her, was the most painful thing that has ever happened in my life, but the pain is worth it, because I was able to have her in my life. I wouldn’t change that for the world,” he gave her a sad smile, he was glad that he met her, that he was one of the lucky people, that was able to know her and spend time with her. He felt incredibly lucky, and he was glad that he had so many good moments with her. “Marcus kidnapped and tortured Pandora, if I am not wrong, because she killed someone from Marcu’s pack, then her brother, asked Nicolas help to get her back, I wasn’t there, but from what I got, Nicolas killed innocent people to try to get Pandora back, then she died, and it started sort of a war between the packs, it’s still a little confused to me, but that’s what I got”

“Then it’s good you have the nice memories, right?” Amanda offers him a smile, not really knowing anything about the guy, but she can see he really cared for this woman--he loved her. She does just blink heavily however and listen to everything regarding the carnival, her brow furrowing as she does so. “Okay so I don’t know any of these names. Maybe I know them by sight?”  Letting out a small sigh she continues. “This Nicolas sounds like a real nasty piece of work though.” Unbeknown to Amanda, she has crossed paths with the ancient vampire and it did not go well at all.

“Witchy, witch, witch. What ya doing all alone in a forest?” Erik appeared at her side in a flash and eyed the bag in which she had just put the box back into before glancing at her. 

Dark and a witch? First, he needed some more information. 

Firstly, his words have her on guard. Secondly, the speed in which he appears by her side, has her on guard and then some. She knows of only one perhaps two who could move quicker than a human and extremely fast-- she’s met both in Arcadia. 

“Nothing.” Her dark hues remain fixed on him. “Just enjoying the quiet....away from town.”