"The Redmonts are dead." the man in the bar said. "They killed themselves in that war with the Ravenholms. Both sides wiped each other out and those who were left were cleaned up by the Alerian Army." The drunkard laughed and leaned back in his chair. "Yeah, they're all gone. You haven't seen one of them around here in months."

-*-*-

He'd fucked up, and he knew it. That was why he was hiding right now. That was why he was being hunted. It was too late for him to fix this. Of course truth be told he was too big a coward to meet his death head on like a man. So, he hid. And thought back about what had happened since that night in the bar when he heard the drunk man talking.

The whole of Aleris seemed to think that the Redmonts were dead. That was until he'd made himself known. The first few times he'd fed he'd taken too much and killed the person he was feeding from. Eventually he was able to feed just enough that he left them alive so that they could go back and tell how the Great Redmont General had fed from them, and told them to spread the word that the Redmonts weren't dead after all.

He'd continued his feeding spree, killing some, and allowing others to live, to boost his notoriety. Soon most of Aleris was buzzing, there was still at least one Redmont, the Great General Niscayah Redmont! He'd led the Redmont armies in the last war, and was rumored to be older then Maxim himself. Niscayah had even trained Maxim in his killing techniques. This vampire could single-handedly bring Aleris to it's knees.

At least those were the stories he was spreading across the lands for himself. And then someone came looking for him. There were questions about where he hunted, and what exactly he looked like. He hadn't thought anything of it until one night when he barely escaped as the place he'd been sleeping burned. Apparently whoever was looking for him had found him. He couldn't see the person clearly through the flames, all he could make out was the silhouette of a man, standing perfectly still. He couldn't make out his face, but he was positive that he was staring straight at him.

And he ran.

It'd been a week since the fire. And every time he ran, the shadow man was right behind him. It didn't matter where he hid, the damned shadow man was there.

That was how he came to be sitting where he was, in a pew, in a small temple to a god that no one but the mountain folk in the Oblivion Mountains. The sun was a few hours from rising and he'd been moving all night, only stopping once to feed on a deer he'd come across on his way up. How did things go from nearly perfect to total shit in a week? He made his way to the ritual area, and pushed the top of the stone table. It slid and beneath it was a hollow area that could be used for storage if needed. He got in and pulled the top back over himself. This would do for the day.

He was nearly asleep when he heard what sounded like a knock on the door to the temple. Then he realized that he was basically in a stone casket, for him to hear a knock, in here it'd be more like someone kicking the doors down. Oh shit.

-*-*-

Quinn had been on the trail of this vampire for a week. It wasn't that he couldn't keep him in his sights, he liked making his target scared. And this one was very scared. He'd already been so desperate as to hide in a temple. Granted it wasn't one of the main gods, but still...No self respecting vampire would be caught dead in a temple like this.

He'd kicked in the temple doors and looked around the small enclosure. There were only so many places for him to hide.

"Listen up imposter. If you come out now, I'll give you a quick death. If you make me find you, I'll drag it out so long that you'll be begging me to kill you, and I won't.

The Redmont's long, white hair had come to a rest in his eyes and he cleared it away. He was slowly losing his patience with this vampire. He let out a heavy sigh and was about to start tearing the place up when he heard the sound of stone scraping stone. A small, pleased smile crossed his face. This was getting to be too easy.

The vampire calling himself Niscayah Redmont pulled himself from his temporary tomb. And his arms went up, “Ok, I give up. I’m your’s!”

“Yes, yes you are.” Was all Quinn said as he approached the Redmont imposter. “I have to admit that I have one question. Are you really stupid enough to think that just because you haven’t seen one of us, the Redmonts are dead?” With that he drew his sword faster then any normal man would ever be able to and sliced off the other man’s leg.

He screamed and fell to the floor. “I thought you said that you’d give me a quick death?” he cried out.

Nodding, Quinn replied, “I did, and compared to the death I would have given you, this is quick.”

He didn’t say another word after that until he’d removed the immortal’s arms and legs. The blade slowly made it’s way to the man’s throat and he lifted his head as if proudly accepting his death. But it wasn’t that time yet, the blade slid down the front of the vampire’s shirt cutting it open leaving his chest exposed.

“IMPOSTER” was quickly written on the blank flesh.
Quinn turned and started to walk away. “Wait!!” his victim screamed, “What about me? You’re supposed to kill me!”

Without turning around, he said, “About that, if I killed you, no one would know what happened here today would they? Isn’t that why you left some of your victims alive?”

“Who the hell are you?”

This question stopped him in his step. He forward almost as it thinking the question over. “I’m a Redmont.”

With that he walked out the doors, leaving them open. The sun was slowly making it's way up the stairs towards them. The vampire inside would be dead soon enough, he didn't need to spread the word that badly.

Quinn, The Redeemer, Redmont made his way out of the temple, and started back to the Grand City. As far as he knew he was the only Redmont remaining. But he'd be damned if he'd let some piss ant ruin his family name.

It had been days since her encounter with Maxim Redmont. Deanna never left the tavern as she waited for him to return. Days turned into evenings, yet The Kinslayer had been true to his word when he departed. She waited in vain, and hope soon turned into sadness accompanied by anger.

In retrospect, she surmised that it really wasn't a surprise, for the hurtful and hateful words flung at the vampire Lord were not likely to entice him to return with open arms. It was hope that Deanna clung to each time she waited for the sun to set, furtive glances out the window and to the door were met with disappointment. Though his absence annoyed her, she truly could not blame his reaction to her verbal assault. Though at the time, hurting Maxim as he had hurt her had felt good, the truth was Deanna still loved him despite all that had occurred between the two and always would. Another time, another life she would have dropped everything to search for him. That was then, and Deanna's pride, newly found thanks to her beast counterpart, had steadfastly refused to seek him out, to work things out.

If Maxim Redmont wanted to see her again, and despite stubborn pride she said a silent prayer each night to whichever god was listening that he did, he would find her. He had before, he would do so again.

Like a caged animal, Deanna tired of her same sad routine each day, and she was pretty sure that Mal was about fed up with his employee's listless appearance, which is what prompted her one sunny morning to ask the tavern owner for a rare request: a day off. Mal was all too eager and pleased for Deanna to leave the tavern and venture out in the world that he had told her to take a few days to herself if she liked. Willow, his new main love interest, would take over her shifts. His eagerness caused Deanna to quirk a brow and asked if she was being fired and replaced. Her boss assured her it was not the case, simply it was long overdue for Deanna to travel to the City, to see the sights, the shops, the people.

Deanna had bathed and washed her hair and was peering through her sparse wardrobe when she heard a knock at the door and a soft voice calling her name. Willow poked her head through the doorway after Deanna called out her invite and smiled shyly at the shifter. As she crept closer into the room, Deanna noted the bundle of clothing in the younger woman's arms. "No disrespect meant, Miss Deanna, I just...well I've seen your clothes and...," Mal's paramour shifted nervously as she struggled to meet Deanna's inquisitive gaze, but those fey amber hued orbs seemed to distress the young Willow.

Deanna smirked a bit as her towel clad form shuffled over to the younger woman, her arms outstretched. "It's alright, Willow. Give it here. I see what you're attempting to do here, and I'll just spare you further embarrassment by saying thanks." Relief flooded the younger woman and she hurried out of the room, bobbing her head with excitement. "Alright great! Well, you know, enjoy the day!", and with those final words, the door closed shut behind her.

Deanna thew the items down upon the bed for further inspection. There were a few dresses in bright cheerful colors and frills that Deanna had to swallow the bile that rose in her throat before quickly discarding them. Several long swirly skirts came next, and those joined the pile of dresses on the floor along with some flats in both black and brown. A deep rose colored blouse that laced in the front and appeared to expose the tops of her shoulders was another choice, as well as a corset top that was a cerulean color with ivory lace trim. Deanna made a face as she turned away from the garments and yanked on a pair of leather pants, a particular favorite of hers. The leather was supple and soft, black in color and rather comfortable if truth be told. She stuffed her feet into ankle length boots with thick soles. More practical and sturdy rather than fashionable, Deanna felt that if she were about to play tourist, she sure as hell wasn't going to do so with blisters on her feet.

The towel still covering her naked torso, she ran a critical eye once more over the pile of clothes, her gaze caught between the blouse and corset. "This is ridiculous," she muttered as she snatched up the blouse. "Never wasted my time on such foolishness before in my life!" She dropped the towel and was about to yank the blouse over her head when a bored voice echoed within her head.

The blue one. I'd go with that one instead.

She was surprised her beast had spoken, never one to relay fashion tips before to Deanna. She tossed the blouse on the bed and grabbed the corset, silently admiring the pretty lace that adorned it. "Why this one?", she asked aloud to her bestial counterpart.

She could feel the look of scorn her beast offered in reply. Sarcasm laced her words as she spoke internally. I like blue? Think about it for a minute, but don't hurt yourself doing so. With a roll of her eyes, her beast padded away to quietly lurk in the shadows, leaving her human half to fend for herself.

Deanna bit back a reply as she struggled into the corset, nimble fingers quickly laced it together before turning to look at the mirror for inspection. Deanna frowned as she peered at her reflection. She felt rather exposed in her outfit, but tried to convince herself that it was still hot outside and it would be best if she were cool and comfortable in her travels. Right.

She didn't bother to say her goodbyes as she stomped out of the tavern and began her trek down the path that would lead her to the city. After several moments, a horse and cart pulled up along side her and the older gentleman wielding the reins offered her a ride. She smiled a bit and accepted his invitation as she climbed up beside him, pointedly ignoring his brief but obvious stares as she beckoned him to continue on the path.

Perhaps after an hours ride, she parted ways with her new found friend and experienced the hustle and bustle of the city. She attempted not to look the fool at took in impressive buildings, shops and most of all the people. She took her time, casually strolling as passersby moved at a much quicker pace to their destinations. Deanna allowed a rare, but genuine smile pass her lips. She hadn't felt quite so relaxed in some time and was looking forward to spend the entire day and perhaps even night here. This was her kind of place. The vibe, the excitement, the energy. It flowed here. Deanna loved every minute of it, and had no particular agenda planned. A little window shopping, perhaps some lunch, a bar fight or two? The possibilities were endless.

And if by chance, she ran into Maxim Redmont, well then...what better way to end her day?

She smiled.

It had been such a long time since she felt those particular facial muscles move in such a fashion, yet she did so now, a genuine smile of contentment. Deanna never thought of herself as a particularly beautiful woman, certainly not the kind that turned heads with their exotic looks and scantly clad figures. Her features were a bit off if truth be told- a far too generous mouth for her face, the pointed chin, the slightly crooked nose, fey eyes that unsettled most as they stared. However, when she smiled, which was not as oft as she should, none of her imperfections mattered for such a smile action transformed the woman's sharp to something rather lovely. Today, she had every reason to smile.

The sun burned high in the sky and felt delicious upon her skin. From time to time, the therianthrope would stop in the middle of the street to tilt her head skyward, feeling the warmth of the rays shine on her face, ignoring the perplexed looks she received from passers-by. She had gathered her thick auburn hair into a messy knot so that she might enjoy the sensation of heat upon her bare back and shoulders. Her booted feet beat steadily against the pavement, pausing to poke her head into the shops that littered the main street. Though coin jingled in the leather purse attached to her belt, Deanna wasn't particularly interested in purchasing anything at the moment, simply enjoying the time taken to really see the city and its offers. Who knew window shopping could be so fun?

After a while, her stomach began to growl, a signal that she was long overdue for something substantial to eat. It wasn't difficult for her to find a place to eat her mid-day meal, for taverns were everywhere. Delicate nostrils flared slightly, and she allowed her nose to lead her toward delicious smells emanating from a tavern across the street. She could practically taste the food as she weaved her way through the crowd to find a spot at a small table away from the door. She took her seat and waved the bar maiden over.

Deanna offered a brief but pleasant smile to the girl who, in her opinion, probably hadn't seen sixteen summers yet. The girl wiped her hands on her dirty skirt nervously, her dull brown eyes widening in astonishment as Deanna recited her food request, or rather...foods. She waited a beat, brows raised in question at the girl as the latter stood there, her mouth slightly agape. "Are ye sure miss? All of that for ye? It'll cost much." The corners of Deanna's mouth lifted slightly, rather amused by this simple yet hardworking creature. "I'm very hungry, little girl. Don't worry about the cost, I can pay you, but if I were you I'd hurry with that food." With that, Deanna grinned broadly, exposing rather sharp white teeth that seemed out of place in her human mouth. That sent the girl scuttling away which caused Deanna to chuckle, a cruel trick, but effective enough.

She drummed her fingers impatiently on the wooden tabletop, idly glancing around at those who frequented the tavern with her. People ate and conversations carried, none of any real interest to Deanna, but it was a way to pass the time. Her fingernails scored against the wood revealing deep scratches which were quickly hidden as the girl came back, her arms laden with trenchers of food. Deanna rubbed her hands gleefully together as the bar maid set her food before her, and Deanna wasted no time digging in.

Nimble fingers tore into roasted beef, enough for three adult men, dripping with juice and within seconds she was chewing happily, a sigh of jubilation escaping her as she reached for seconds. "This is perfect," she said through a mouthful of food. "You can go now...oh wait...", she tore off a chunk of bread and stuffed it in her mouth continuing on to the girl who watched her devour her food with utter amazement. "Ale. Two tankard, please." With that, Deanna dismissed her as she reached for a potato basted in butter. She ignored the steam pouring from it she popped it in her mouth. Ale was presented before her and she drank heartily before digging into her food once more.

After thirty or so minutes, Deanna finally pushed empty platters away from her, quite full and content on her meal. The bar maid returned at Deanna's gesture and nervously inquired if the meal was enjoyed, though clearly the question was hardly necessary. Deanna praised the girl for her promptness and the delicious meal, and ordered another ale. When the girl delivered the tankard to Deanna, the therianthrope paid her handsomely and waved her away once more. She wasn't in a hurry to depart the tavern and she propped her feet on the empty chair across from her as she nursed her third ale. Her smile was hidden as she watched the young girl gesturing to whom Deanna assumed was her father, knowing they spoke of her and her voracious appetite. The man shushed his daughter quickly and shoved her back to work as he caught Deanna glancing his way.

She settled back against her chair, shifting her body so that she acquired a more comfortable position. Sated in body, it was time now for her mind and spirit to relax and simply enjoy the moment. Try as she might, she could not help thinking of Maxim, their unresolved violent encounter several nights earlier nagging at her. She frowned, her fingers digging into the metal tankard leaving indents. It bothered her that she allowed him to intrude on her moment of bliss, yet she could not help the feeling that overcame her as she sat there, whether it be Maxim Redmont or something else.

She fought hard to not consider that someone or something would ruin her perfect day, but somehow trouble always had a way of following her. She sipped her ale slowly as her gaze settled upon the door of the tavern. She wasn't looking for trouble, but Deanna simply felt it best to be prepared, just in case. If something wicked came her way, well then, she would simply have to deal with the matter.

Once more, she smiled.

He found that after dealing with several people trying to prosper off of tarnishing the Redmont name, if you don’t leave at least one of them alive, no one will know what happened to them. So , with his last one, he’d only ran the silver stakes through their knees. They wouldn’t be able to chase after him, but he knew now that he’d mess up and word would spread soon enough.

Day was breaking and he soon found himself seeking shelter in a tavern. He hadn’t needed to block the suns rays due to any vampire infection, but rather, he just didn’t like the sun. It was too bright, and too hot. So, he’d walked into a tavern and sat, waiting for noon to pass. It’d be much more comfortable after that. As he sat there he drank one beer, however he milked it for hours. The beer itself was ok, but he’d kept it mainly for looks anyways.

He liked to people watch when he was in taverns, pubs or even restaurants. It gave him the chance to read people and watch their tells. People always had a tell. They may not realize it but they did. It was that tell that let Quinn know that there were eight men about to attack the woman whom he’d watched scarf down a small banquet. He’d grown up in Aleris, so he knew that this tavern wasn’t the best one to be going around announcing that you were different. The girl sitting down, apparently hadn’t.

She’d shifted her position and was looking at the door, which told him that some part of her instinctively knew that something was about to happen. However, it would appear that her mind was elsewhere and she wasn’t paying attention to the warnings. He put his empty glass down and a very eager waitress came out to clear his table. He’d been sitting there for hours and taking up valuable space for customers who wanted more then one beer.

As she came closer, the half breed grabbed her empty serving pan and threw it like a disk at the closest one’s head. It hit hard and with a loud crash the man went down. This got everyone’s attention. As they all turned to look at him, he just shrugged and pointed to the waitress, “Clumsy.” Was all he said. Some seemed to take the feeble excuse for what it was worth, but others they’d demand the truth. Even if it was only because it was their friend who got laid out.

Three of the remaining eight turned from Deanna and started towards him. The other four kept going at her. Quinn hoped that she’d be able to knock some sense into the leader, and they’d leave her alone. However these guys seemed to be lacking common sense and he wasn’t sure that would work this time.

He looked at the three men headed his way and was slightly upset that they felt the woman was a bigger threat then he was. Of course he knew that they didn’t realize who he was. They’d already figured out what the woman was. Quinn had known as soon as she entered. There was a smell to her. Not unpleasant, but it was very distinctive. She was infected with the lycanthrope virus. At least that was how he classified it.

As the men drew closer, they eyed him up and down. “Gentlemen, I appreciate the fact that your friend had an accident, however I will not be able to join your sewing circle to make it even. You’ll have to look somewhere else for your number eight.” He said it politely, and calmly. One of them actually smiled, nodded his head and turned as if that was really what they had meant to ask him. Then he remembered why they were headed over there and turned back around, his cheeks flushed.

“I would suggest you three, pick your friend up, and convince your other buddies to leave. This can only end poorly for all of you.”

“Fuck you!” the nearest one said and swung his ham like fist at Quinn’s face. The man stumbled as his fist went through nothing bug air and he looked around. Quinn had gone. All three of them jerked, and jumped around when Quinn’s voice could be heard behind them.

“Now, I can easily kill each of you here and now, however I’d prefer not to. Please, take your friend and go.” They were out of their league and they knew it. Quinn wasn’t boasting at being the biggest bad-ass in Aleris, not at all, but he could fairly easily make humans look like fools if he choose to. The men grabbed their friend under the arms and pulled him out of the pub. Four down, now it was just time to see how his friend was doing.

“Oh my…” was all he could utter at the sight that greeted him.

It was the whirl of the tray, the whizzing sound as it buzzed across the room hitting a particularly greasy looking man that caused Deanna to snap out of her reverie. She watched with equal parts amusement and suspicion at the man who had flung it, and it was at that moment she realized that the gesture was not for his benefit, but hers. How the group of men had come so close to her without her knowledge disconcerted her, for usually she was far more observant of other’s behavior, especially if there was danger and even more so if it concerned her.

Her gaze steadied upon the five that decided she was fair sport while their companions turned upon the tall man with the excellent aim. She didn't attempt to aid her would-be protector, for it was apparent that he was perfectly capable in fending for himself. Still, the whole scene annoyed her as she was simply here to eat and relax, not deal with lesser beings who by all accounts looked liked they crawled through a pig stall before coming in this fine establishment. Even more annoying was that these men had no plausible reason for targeting her other than obvious discrimination against not who she was, but what. It occurred to her that these vermin in human skins were paying closer attention to her actions than she gave them credit for.

She regarded the small group of men as they closed in on her with what she could only assume was threatening posture and words. She listened calmly to the insults they hurled and their opinion about her 'condition' before finally, Deanna held up her hand gesturing for them to stop. Despite her calm demeanor, fury seethed within and it was with great effort on her part that she didn’t eviscerate each one, something she would relish if truth were told.

Chaos was ensuing by the bar as she handled the situation before her. She lowered each leg from the opposite chair one at a time before crossing them gracefully, not giving them the satisfaction of actually rising from her chair but instead addressed them in a steady soft voice laced with venom. “Seriously? You local idiots decide to come over here and piss me off simply because I‘m not human enough for you? That‘s your only problem with me?” Dark brows rose as she shook her head in what appeared sympathy for their lack of intelligence. "Look, I'm not looking for trouble. I just came here to eat. I suggest that you boys turn yourselves around, sit back down, and then we can all go about our own business. What do you say?" It was a futile attempt, she knew this, but for their sakes she had to try. Besides, no one could say that they weren't given fair warning, and Deanna was nothing but courteous when the occasion called for it.

One of the men, a rather beefy looking fellow who stank of ale and gods knew what else, suggested something anatomically impossible for Deanna to try. Rather fed up with this boorish behavior, and quite tired of this abuse she was taking from lesser beings, Deanna finally decided to take action and put a stop to this situation before any others got involved. As it was, those who weren’t involved were torn between watching the situation at the bar and Deanna’s. Enough was enough. With movement that was nearly incomprehensible to the human eye, her leg shot out suddenly, a steel toe booted foot connected with the crotch of the one who threw the gravest insult to her. She watched with unhidden glee as his face turned a rather interesting shade of purple followed by blue, his mouth opened in a silent scream, eyes bulging out of his head. She was almost positive she did some serious long term damage to his testicles, and for that she wasn’t sorry at all.

As a collective gasp was heard from not only his companions, but the crowd that curiously grew around them, he collapsed to the floor, hands clutching at his groin. She turned away from him, ignoring as he alternatively sobbed and screamed in agony and faced the remaining four, rising from her chair. She had hoped this little display would spark some sense into these fools, but sadly they were all brawn and zero brain. One of them snarled and reached for Deanna, deciding that it would be he who taught her a lesson, but his hand never reached her. Instead, her own arm shot out, obsidian claws digging into his exposed flesh as her hand closed in on his throat. Applying only the slightest of pressure was enough to bring him to his knees as he vainly tried gasping for air, his face reddening.

Her human eyes bled amber hellfire as she glared at the last three. “Run. Now.“ She growled at them, and wisely, this time they listened and bolted out the door. She yanked her victim close to her face, ignoring the foul stench his body gave off as she forced him to look at her. “You people sicken me, you know that?“ she gave the blue-faced man still writing on the floor a vicious kick to his ribs before continuing. “Take this piece of shit and go.” She flung the man against his friend on the floor, noting with satisfaction the pinprick wounds she gifted him with that trickled with blood. As both men struggled to their feet, she leaned forward, her voice a mere whisper as she left them with one final thought to ponder. “You had best pray to the gods you never see me again, because if you do I swear I‘ll forget that I‘m a lady and eat your fucking faces.“ She gave both an icy smile as they practically flew out the door. She noted that only the white haired man’s pals were gone, sadly not wanting to play anymore.

One problem solved. The other patrons staring at her with slack jawed expressions, the fear evident in the eyes. She sighed heavily as she made her way toward the door, muttering her apologies to the tavern owner and his daughter. She highly doubted she would be welcomed back, in fact she was mentally kicking herself for attracting so much attention to herself. Not a word was uttered, not a sound heard as she passed the bar area, pausing only to regard the white haired man for a moment. Nostrils flared and she frowned, for clearly he was no more human than she, but what exactly? Without any odor to detect it was difficult to tell.

Her eyes narrowed quizzically at him, wondering why he had taken the time to defend her, a complete stranger. Friend or foe? She would save her thanks for a later date if and when he was deserving of her gratitude. She sauntered to the door and opened it prepared to walk outside, but before she did a slight turn of her head and tossed back to him. “Pay for the damages would you?” She didn’t wait for a reply as she left then, strolling out casually into the afternoon sun as if nothing had happened. Idly, she wondered if her new found friend would follow.