Nothing Is Ever Perfect

[Anonymous]

It stung. Just those slight shimmers of sunlight peaking over the horizon seared those dull, pale red eyes that would soon be covered and sealed away for the next twelve hours or so. The whole thing was bothersome, and she didn't seem to be tolerating it too well. Then again, who could blame her for such? Finally being able to stand out into the full light of day yet not being able to see what it all looked like under the rays of the sun. Though sunrise was just beginning, it was still dark enough for her to remain seated on the edge of a stone fountain off to the far end of the village; not too far from a clearing. Perfect for viewing either the sunrise or the sunset -- which she favored.

Long lavender tresses were twisted together and brought over her right shoulder and allowing them to rest on the dirt ground just below where her feet swung. Yes, she wasn't all that tall, nor was she all that short. But short enough that she could make her feet swing from where she sat. Her arms were covered in a black material, clasped at the top by dark purple cuffs, one just below the two, and a thicker one at each wrist. The strapless outfit that was adorn only had a large purple wrap over the top and left the rest of the black material to be seen. The boots, on the other hand, were a totally different story.

The normal black legged boots that would reach up to mid-thigh were gone. The cladding that would've been heard from the dark purple metal that surrounded the foot didn't accompany her. It was, what she liked to call, safer to walk barefoot during the day. Even if she couldn't see as well as she could in the dark. It was still better. No reason to wear them and give that eerie clanking that comes with stalking someone or something through a dark alley of abandoned building. That all gave thrill to the chase and made it all worth it.

The awkward yet intriguing red marking on her forehead caught the shine of the sun's rays as it came up more. Her hand automatically shot up from clenching the side of the fountain and shielded her view. Now it was getting to be a little too risky. She'd give it another seven minutes before going back to the small tavern at the other end of the village to retrieve her blindfold -- for a lack of a better word.

[Anonymous]

Vasu wandered the empty village. Not long from now it would be thriving with activity as the sun rose, spilling orange cascades over the footsteps of others. Already he could hear some of them stirring beyond the doors of their residences, calling, eating, dressing, all the things that made up a normal life. Luckily for Vasu, there was nothing normal about his life. He lingered for a moment to watch as a small bug scurried quickly between shadows, and it reminded him of himself once, a very, very long time ago. Hurrying from dark night, to pale moon, avoiding sunrise, longing for the sunset. Over the many years he had existed, though, he had acquired a certain… resistance to the sunlight. Vasu left the skittish bug to its own devices and continued along through the village, no set destination in mind.

His coat ends fluttered slightly around his knees, shifting against his pants, black on black. How he loved to play up the cliché. A vampire, dressed all in black, what else did they expect? He watched the dust stir before his feet fell, his green eyes such a contrast to the pale complexion of his skin, black strands of hair casting shadows here in there in the most funeral-like places. Vasu quickly tired of the dirt specks, he tired of many things quickly, even though he knew he had all the time in the world to stand and admire particles of matter go wandering about on the careless wind. Moving so slowly did not appeal to him. He had known someone once, so appreciative of the life they had now lost, that they would stand for hours just to watch the leaves on a single dying tree as, autumn-by-autumn, they fell and grew.

The sun was just showing its first stretching fingertips, an orange glow creeping into the ink of the twilight. Soon, it would rise in a glorious parade of dusky gray and golden rays, yawns and children skipping out the door to greet this wondrous day. This day they would while away playing games and being utterly naïve of anything important other than their current plaything. Vasu smiled at the thought, continuing on his way with a sarcastic flick of his wrist before placing both his pale hands in his pockets.

Before him, sitting idly on the fountain at the far end of the village, feet swinging, facing the horizon, a woman was. It was odd to see someone out so early, someone so pale. He approached at a casual pace, stopping beside her as he reached the edge of the fountain. Although Vasu didn’t usually strike up a conversation, he was on the amiable side of things this particular day.

“Enjoying the sunrise?�

[Anonymous]

". . . That which I am able to see of it," she replied calmly and possibly somewhat rudely, still swinging her feet over the fountain's side.

Lactys didn't seem to be bothered by the man's presence, it was half expected and half not. She knew he was in the immediate area before he had approached her, yet she had not bothered to pay any mind to him until now. There was that feeling about him. A familiar one at that. He wasn't human, that she was sure of. Her nose twitched a bit, catching his scent and letting a small impish grin to appear on her pale lips. And yet she still did not turn her head to look at him. Yes, she knew well what he was now. There was no need to look just yet. Time was running short before the sun would bestow it's entire shining gold rays completely over the horizon and sting her eyes intensely. Yet she wasn't going to be rude and just up and walk away without formal introductions. Then there always was the spare piece of black cloth she kept tucked away within her boot just incase.

Her gaze narrowed a bit as it progressed to get a little brighter each second she sat out there, the stinging pain searing through every nerve in her body. And it was all just from her eyes. Shoving herself off the edge of the fountain, her hair tumbled in front of her face as she leaned over and slipped her hand just under the edge of her boot. She grasped onto the black cloth that was in there and pulled it out. There was no hesitation in her swift but gentle movements to bring the cloth up over her eyes and her hands back beneath her lightly shaded hair to tie the ends tightly together. A sigh came by her lips, leaving them slightly parted. That was much better, a cool feeling against those sensitive eyes of hers now concealed and hidden from the day.

It was a shame. To never have been able to see a full sunrise for so long and not being able to remember what one actually looked like. The feeling of the sun warming that cold dead blood that ran through her veins; and actually being able to gaze upon the cause of the warmth that was so brief. It was saddening, yet angering at the same time. At times it would get to her, but she was managing to hold off her anger at her eyes slowly developing their immunity. Though at the consistant rate that everything was going, it was beginning to seem that she might just finally perish before taking a glance on a full sunrise again. Lactys shook the thought from her mind -- too horrid at the moment. She had company, and on top of it she was in a good mood. Nothing was going to ruin that for her.

She turned her head toward him, as if she could see him well and clear through that cloth over her eyes. The faint grin still painted on her lips. "What as brought you out into the light so early?" she asked of him, her hands behind her head and twisted her hair to bring it back over her right shoulder.

[Anonymous]

Vasu peered out upon the rising hues of the sun, giving everything a touch of orange and yellow warmth. He had not expected to see another vampire out here, on the edge of the village, gazing at the sunrise with such greed. It was rare for an undead to possess the attributes necessary for the sight of the sun, that thing which most feared, and it was like comparison to the echoes on high to be able to watch it as the black ink of twilight withdrew, pulling back with beauty that was incontrovertible. The birds, hearts beating slowly, then rapidly, in succession, took their cue to begin the morning choir. The notes that were whisked from their throats with such ease carried like cloth on the wind to meet Vasu’s listening ears, pale and attentive.

The sun was so gravitational. It managed to attract the attention of even the inanimate objects that sprouted up from the ground, as they grew to achieve the attention of its twisting and taunting glow. The blades glistened in the morning dew and shifted to make it twinkle just so on the eyes of little, happy creatures frolicking about. Vasu was not one of those little, happy frolicking creatures, but he was definitely attracted to the warmth the sun gave to his pale, dead skin that had grown so cold, and now, as he stood beside this daring woman of the night, he reveled in the euphoric feeling of its rays.

So, she still couldn’t see all of the sunrise. What a frustrating thought. She came so close to seeing that tip peek over the horizon, but was forced to retreat before she got the whole cake. Vasu’s lips tilted into a faint smile as she spoke. Oddly, he was glad to be able to talk to someone before the bustling started, someone who had been sewn to the shadows by the greed of another’s will to pro-, or de-, create. What would you call the turning of a mortal into a vampire? It certainly was not creating life; it was recycling that life into something stronger, something better, although so limited in the most fickle ways.

Vasu watched with interest as the woman slid from the edge of the fountain. With one liquid motion she slipped the bolt of black cloth from her boot and knotted it securely behind her head. Strange, he had never seen this before, and was curious enough to ask when she beat him to the mark.

“Hm. I guess that would be because I enjoy watching the sunrise. After so many years of running away from it,� Vasu replied with a smirk, turning to see the edge of that great, glowing orb rise above the gate of the horizon.

He let his eyes close for a moment to adjust and turned back to the woman. He could no longer see her eyes, but he didn’t feel he needed to. His hands slipped from his pockets and the long pale fingers slid through his dark hair, where they met and laced, resting at the back of his head. He was a thin and pale figure, so stereotypical, with a crooked smile that somehow seemed so interesting if you angled your head just right.

“So, how are you going to get around like that if you can’t see?�

It seemed a rather logical question to ask; unless she had some secret x-ray vision that she was hiding behind those hidden eyes. Vasu removed his hand from the back of his head, letting one rest on the edge of the fountain as he shifted his weight to lean against it, watching her as he waited.

[Anonymous]

He was still there, and the sunrise was near completion; she could feel it on her bare skin. It must've been nice. To fully confront that which was something you had feared for so long and finally laugh in its face, mocking it in your victory over it. That had to be a wondrous feeling, and she was starting to itch for that feeling of dominance. But patience was said to be a treasured virtue so there was no harm in attempting to take on that advice. There was no way that it could do all that much harm in the long run. If anything, a lot more good than bad. Yet this was Lactys and her way of thinking; it was often twisted. Nothing seemed to ever play out the way it does in her mind.

She was only partly on the path of mocking the sun and its inferiority to her, a creature of the night. It banned her from being normal again. Or as normal as the undead could ever possibly get. It was awkward, to be dead yet living at the same time. A bad cliché in play. Yet looking on the brighter side of the whole ordeal of being the walking dead, at least it was better than being some zombie risen from the grave. Even worse if it were to be a zombie with the soul still attached. And even more so worse if the soul was constantly removed and placed back in. The living dead rotting and remembering everything about themself. That had to be horrid remembering what you once were and seeing yourself decayed. She didn't want to witness it, let alone go through it.

During thoughts like that are the times she really started to appreciate being the night creature she was. Despite the limitations that are placed on her. It was definitely much better than that scenario. Better than words could begin to describe.

"Hm, must be nice," Lactys spoke softly. He had a smirk on his face, she knew it. It didn't need to be seen, only heard in his voice. There was nothing in it that mocked her for not being able to see it herself. Merely some sort of relief from no longer running and being able to bask in the light. That's what she gathered from his tone, that was all she needed to know it. Just that only was satisfying enough to bring a grin to her own pale lips.

But then she started to wonder what he looked like, really looked like. After having a long time to gaze upon him and get to memorize his face and place it with that voice, that was sweet to hear, when she couldn't see. That was a little too much to ask for, especially after having met him a few mere moments before. It was greedy, she'd admit that. Yet something needed to be etched into her mind that wasn't that of a pitch black night that would come and let her see all once again under the light of the moon. She was the one who had chosen not to look upon him sooner, so it was herself she had to scorn for it. Always hope for another time, and she was creeping to the edge of jumping into determination to make it so.

What a forlick-like mood she seemed to be in, too. Peculiar, it even made her feel strange. Not sheathed behind her normal cold and heartless attitude, Lactys seemed almost too gentle to be the creature of that which she was. From something to get her to remain in a mood as such had to be great. Especially in the company of another. A rare occurance, yet she wasn't going to push the envelope with this one. Never confessed, she rather much enjoyed company and conversation; particularly during those blinded daylight hours she had to drag through to be able to see again. What a burden.

Her hand came up for her pale slender fingers to gently touch the cloth over her eyes, her head tipping down slightly. Common reaction to that kind of question. It was natural. Normally, a witty comeback would've been her reply. Something harsh and unkind. There was a quality to this vampire that struck her interest, and she wasn't going to let him flee from a comment she made. He might have, then again he might have not. She wasn't sure and wasn't risking it.

"Run into a few walls and hope nothing more serious than that happens," she stated sarcastically, near ready to burst into laughter. She contained the laughter, but couldn't help but give a smirk off that showed the tips of her fangs. They gleamed in the sunlight, nice and shiny. Well taken care of like some sort of a trophy. Perhaps they were, she wasn't sure herself.

A shake of her head was given. Sacasm wasn't her thing, so it wasn't used much and was somewhat rusty. She tossed it from her mind and made note not to attempt it again without more practice. Sitting herself back up on the fountain, she allowed on leg to dangle over the dirt ground and the other to dip into the water; sitting as if it were the saddle on a horse. Lactys was trying to keep track of his movements, to make sure that she was indeed facing him. It'd be rude otherwise, but it'd never be on purpose unless she truly didn't like someone. Him, she was liking thus far.

Her head tipped down a bit before she brought her face back up to gaze in his direction blindly, and held her hand out toward him. "I am Lactys . . . she introduced herself calmly. Better now before she forgot to, and it'd be cruel to wait for him to begin the introductions. She was there first, it was only fair.

[Anonymous]

Vasu’s pale fingers tapped idly along the edge of the fountain, quietly occupying themselves as they twitched in rhythm against the hard surface. The sun was hanging in the sky with full glory now, although this day was proving to be the epitome of light and beauty. The sun was also turning out to be the main subject of his thoughts thus far. It was humbling to come across another immortal that was still unable to see the sun. His eyes wandered toward the woman who was standing beside the fountain. It must be very frustrating to feel the tingle of warmth on your cold skin, knowing its there, and still not be able to look upon it and the things it touches. Vasu shifted to a more upright standing position, letting his hands rest at his sides for the moment to consider what other prophetic ideas he could come up with.

When he spoke it was always so charming, but when he thought it was always poetic, filled with images and sad words to counteract the red haze people liked to dress life in.

“That sounds… interesting,� He couldn’t help but let a small laugh slip from his lips at the thought of the woman beside him wandering through the streets and bumping into walls and people alike, finding her way through trial and error.

The breeze was slight, but Vasu felt it brush against his skin. She seemed rather determined, and rather interesting so far, although he had only known her briefly for the past few minutes. Was that enough to know someone well enough to judge whether you will continue speaking or leave them wondering where you went? Not to him, that was for sure. He had a complex, one of having to know that person, the one you speak with, for at least long enough to know their inner workings, or somewhere close. The result; Vasu had close friends and few acquaintances. Perhaps he should start working on that.

Vasu moved so that he was positioned more forward to her, facing her more or less, those eyes hidden by black. He didn’t know whether she had seen him, his face, before being forced to wear it, but he wasn’t going to ask. That would sound odd, ‘Oh, yes, did you happen to see what I looked like?’ Instead he only smiled at her name and replaced his hands into his pockets with gesture of growing comfort and amiability that seemed to be sprouting from him today.

“Lactys. Nice name. I’m Vasu. So, you don’t mind if I stand around for a while? At least I might prevent some wall-bumping,� Vasu smirked, his face turning to a playful manner, like batting the words a few times before letting them spring out on their own.

Vasu turned his head to look at the forest where the shadows still lingered, just beyond the safe boundaries of the village and the solid fountain. He was tempted to go and stand there, in the small pools of darkness that the ageless trunks created, but he didn’t think that Lactys would want to move from the sun, as it seemed she had only just gained the strength to stand under its warmth. Vasu could see people shuffling out of their doorways and he knew vampires were not the most welcome creatures, the bringers of death and night, them with the endless air of mystery.

“Do you always come here?� It seemed a good conversation starter, if they hadn’t started a conversation already.

[Anonymous]

Interesting? Was it really? Running into walls blindly, knocking people over, destroying fruit stands and the like recklessly? She supposed it could be interesting, it wasn't actually tried before. Nor had she seen a sight as such. Perhaps it could be. Especially in the golden red glow of sunrise a good excuse could be conjured up on the spot. Not worth the try right now.

Hm . . . Vasu; unique. Something that wasn't familiar to Lactys' ears even after all this time. That was good. It was out of the ordinary and that was something she needed other than just his company for the time. For the first brief moments that the sun caressed her pale and cold flesh, she thought that she was actually a normal living being. Only when the villagers started to emerge from their homes and set up their shops and go about their daily routines did harsh reality rear its ugly face once again. What faint memories those were, but brisk moments of remembrance could be softening to a hardened soul every now and then.

Normal sounded extraordinarily nice at the moment, then again anything other than the current condition she was in was better. Perhaps eternal night, her sight wasn't improving in the daylight. Maybe it was time to retire the effort and accept being condemned to dwell in the darkness for eternity. Then there was him. A vampire in the same, and here he was basking in the rays of the sun. How had he gone about beating the light? She wanted to know and fast. Her lips moved to form the words, but his voice hit her ears before her first syllable was released. Dang, beaten to the punch. Oh well, there'd be a moment sooner or later and she was going to get her answer even if she had to trail after him. Blind, of course.

"Not often, no." It wasn't her home, so it wasn't easy to get here other than when she was passing between areas. Every once in a blue moon that was. And it was only recent she realized what a good spot this was to attempt gazing at the sunrise. So close this time, too. Pity.

It was her chance now, she could beat him to the next question and ask how he had come to be able to walk about in the sunlight. A light shake of her head was given. No, she wouldn't ask right now. It would be extremely rude, right now anyhow. What was with her? She was completely out of it, nothing seemed to be going as normal as they usually went. A shame, too. She was hoping to frisk a few people out of food and possible a place to rest for the daytime. Being sly was the only way she managed anymore. As they always seemed to be saying, "Nothing's free." How she loved proving that wrong when she could.

The silence hung in the air, between them anyhow. The bustling about seemed to increase as the sun rose higher in the sky. Easy how the living are trained like that. Almost like the undead are trained by the night. The sound of children playing and laughing seemed to bring a small smile to her lips. Her head turned in their direction trying to seek them out before she gave in and turned back in Vasu's direction.

"What about you?" Lactys raised an eyebrow underneath the cloth, the movement was still noticeable. She thought she'd shoot the question right back at him since she didn't have anything else to ask at the moment; other than her other one. That would wait. "Do you come here often yourself?"


[OOC: Sorry about the crappy work, I'm tired out from a very boring and long day.]

[Anonymous]

Vasu watched the people wandering the now active streets for a moment, watching them breathe, their hearts beating, blood flowing to bring strength to their living muscles. Strings of flesh and sinew that left him wondering how it was that his own body still worked. There was nothing supplying fuel to those muscles, save the regular consumption of blood that he sought out each time his stability began to grow weak. Was it this blood that gave their bodies a mockery of life? Or did the blood just help them sustain the esthetic beauty that the living yearned for? Whatever it was, they were still here, even after death.

He didn’t need to be told again how lucky he was to have been granted this gift, how grateful he should be to his maker for sparing him his immortal life, ridding him of the mortal shell that was once so constricting. But, there were times he hated it. He resented having to flee to the shadows, although he had rid himself of that nuisance, but to be able to enjoy the taste of a good meal, the warmth of living skin, the feel of moisture that can only come from a casual breath. All of these things were taken from him. You must lose to gain, he supposed.

Lactys, obviously, was also trying to defy the binds of the night. What vampire didn’t try at least once? The small number was the group that succeeded, through sheer perseverance and structure, building strength with strength, over and over. It took so much effort just to be able to enjoy the sunrise, and even now he still felt the effects it had on him. He was weakened, and the want of sleep nagged at the back of his mind, whispering to him to just lie down in some secluded spot and shut his eyes. That had been the hardest thing to overcome. Because of it, he didn’t often spend days awake; more likely, Vasu would be sleeping right now.

He turned back to Lactys, removing his gaze from the people making their way through the streets, calling to children with a mother’s wariness or persuading a passer-by with soothing, tempting words. He was aware of the sounds, but paid little attention to them after a few curious moments, instead listening to Lactys’ reply of, ‘Not often, no.’ He nodded, his hair falling forward and then resuming its natural position. So, she wasn’t from Adela. Lucky for him he’d chosen this day to stay up, wasn’t it?

Vasu watched as she tried to face the general direction of the mortals in the streets, blinded by her eyes’ inferiority to the sun and the black cloth she used to protect them. He couldn’t help but think how annoying it must be, smiling as she shot his own question back at him, facing his general direction, even if she had no way of being quite so accurate. Obviously, she didn’t have the x-ray vision he’d pondered before.

“Not often. Usually, I’d be somewhere sleeping by this time,� he answered.

Vasu leaned back against the fountain, his feet moving to accommodate his new position. Once again he considered the strength of the sun and resented it for a moment. He hated it for being so stubborn. Couldn’t it just let them be, let them walk freely beneath it? They hadn’t chosen to become stalkers of the night, at least he hadn’t. What made it this way? He always wanted the answers. He needed to know before he could be content with the way this worked, in all of its inequality. Perhaps, though, there was something, or someone, who resented them for their immortality and prowess with the dark. Perhaps.

He turned to look at Lactys, watching her features, the ones he could see, anyway. Even if he couldn’t see her eyes, he thought she looked as though she were thinking, pondering some questions of her own, but Vasu couldn’t be sure. Instead, he spoke, looking out at the horizon he could see above the clearing around the fountain.

“You don’t look like you’re in a hurry. What were you planning on doing, anyway?�