When the sun set and the pale woman woke from her deep slumber, it was foggy outside. Although fog meant a greater risk of danger, Holly Raine loved it. Sometimes, when she was sure that she was safe in her surroundings, Holly would dance out in the open. Of course after a few minutes she would feel quite silly but nature always drew out the child inside her.
The floorboards of the old house she currently resided in creaked as she dressed and went down the stairs. It was too dangerous to reside in Connlaoth anymore. The only reason she had stayed so long was because this was where she was born. But Holly had a feeling that people were becoming a bit suspicious of her; the excuse "my family is very sickly" wouldn't cut it anymore. Not to mention that she was living with no parents. So she planned to pack up and move.
To where? She had no idea. For a few days now she had picked out a hidden spot in the catacombs and stored away a few things that she wanted to take with her. Carpathians didn't need much, but Holly wanted to bring a few sentimental things along.
As soon as she was ready, Holly stepped out into the night, taking in the scents and sounds around her. The instinct to feed was nagging at her. Since she only kept to animal blood most of the time she was weak. But it was better than drawing more suspicion to herself.
Concentrating, she focused and held the image of mist in her mind and became that very thing. It blended in perfectly with the fog. She floated quickly down the streets, unnoticed by all but also starkly aware of just how much her body needed blood -- not animal blood, but fresh human blood.
Holly dropped the image and resumed her natural form once she was inside the catacombs. It was dark, but she was made for the night and required no candle or lantern. Nor did she see any other lights in the immediate area.
Other people who were persecuted for their ability to use magic frequented the catacombs. Though she came into contact with them, she tried her best to keep to herself...though many times it didn't work. Her natural compassion was hard to suppress, and her looks often had both bewildered men and women come up to her.
This was another reason she wanted to leave: she wanted to find others of her own kind. People who understood their problems. And maybe, the other half of her soul.
The darkness to her light.
Holly hated being lonely. It was time to take charge and move on in a different direction, not wallow in her own self-misery. She adjusted the shawl she wore over her dress, liking the comfort the soft fabric provided, and started down the long winding pathways of the catacombs.
