Southern Boundary

Benjamin had been wandering for a long while. The intention was to scope out the lands about the Black Mansion, but he seemed to be caught up in the scenery of the Southern Boundary's lands. The moon was just coming over its peak and was casting shadows on the lake Ben was standing by. His shadow was an unnatural cast over the flat land. Ben was wiping blood from one of his daggers, the silver weaved one. Another bounty had gone well but it also got him on another packs list.

After cleaning it, Benjamin wiped off his hands on the thigh of his jeans. He could hear a rustling in the woods not too far from him. The young man pretended not to notice but he knew who it was, as would any one else. It was The Arrow, Arane. His green gaze remained focused on the still water as he waited.

Benjamin didn't look up from the water he was so intently staring in to. He had heard the Vampire speak, and it was to speak when spoken to. "I am simply here to do what I do best. Rid the place of the murderers and traitors." Ben's hand was moving methodically over his blade as if trying to keep it warm. The wind picked up a bit and Ben pulled his jacket a bit tighter around himself.

Ben was only slightly intimidated by the Vampires presence. Although, he was quite a bit taller than her. "And since when were these lands forbidden. I don't suppose you tell the deer or the squirrels that." His point was made to reference himself to something harmless. Arane seemed to be rather careless as she inspected his latest victim. The poor thing hardly knew what hit him. The only wound it inflicted was a cut along his forehead above his left brow.

Benjamin let out a customary sigh as he was threatened. "I would rather die painfully with a fight, than die painfully with cowardice." His deep voice held no remorse, he knew that he was testing the Arrows patience. However, his gaze was turned violently towards her as she took his silver laced dagger. She seemed to play with it. Ben tensed and said in a near growl, "How about you give me back my dagger and I will leave. Is that enough of a deal?"

Ben stared at Arane, he hadn't moved from his spot on the shore but found it tempting to lunge at the Vampire. She was showing her status like a prize, showing that she was above him. Deciding to add his own edge to this confrontation, Ben pulled out his light laced dagger. The silver blade's edge glowed faintly, the hilt was ragged leather. Faded from where he had held it, bloodstained from its past.

Ben exhaled softly and ran a hand through his ruffled hair. "A world without fear is a world without purpose isn't it? I may fear you, simply because of the way you hold yourself. Or maybe because I know your henchmen will come after at the flick of your hand." With that he tilted his head towards her looking at her through the corner of his eyes. She seemed to be... playful. Or at least somewhat friendly. Benjamin scowled as she called him brave. Certainly, he had been called many things before but not brave.

"Thanks, I am sure I could hold my ground against the likes of you." He paused and flicked his dagger once. "And if you are skilled with a dagger, can you avoid it's bite as easily as you can cause it?" The blade began to glow a but more, reaching the amount of light that would come from the summers firefly. Benjamin began to catch on to her attitude, her sort of game.

Benjamin blinked at the sudden movements from the Vampire. She had lunged towards his feet, he made a quick movement to jump back, avoiding a broad hit. But as he landed his legs were knocked from under him. Ben then fell in to a crouch. "My reflexes? They are well, maybe not to match your speed. But, that of a werewolf, possibly a Lycan I can match with ease." His green eyes watched her, she was flitting from one side to the other. Then, he lunged at her. It was his turn.

Instead of going straight to her, he caught her at the side instead of the front. Ben's shoulder made contact with the vampires. With one fluent movement the young man had spun behind her and had the end of his dagger pressed to her lower back. "But then again I am known for my speed." Benjamins voice was a low whisper as he inclined his head to her ear. One arm was around her waist, so she could not escape by moving forward. His muscular arm was keeping her tight to him but he kept the tip of the dagger light, not even to pierce through her clothing.

Benjamin watched out of the corner of his eyes as she inhaled deeply. No doubt she was taking in his scent, the scent of his blood. "Ahh, but if you were going to bite me you would have done it." His voice was nearing a purr, he was rather amused by this Vampire. She thought he had intended to kill her apparently. "And if I had meant to kill you I would have done it, with out hesitation. But, no one is spotting for you so I have no reason to. I don't kill recklessly."

And then she turned, facing him. His arm was still looped around her but now his hand was on her lower back. She had turned his blade to her own chest. "I will not kill you..." Benjamin flashed her a short smile then slipped his dagger back in to his belt loop. Then, he carefully took his silver laced blade from her hand slipping it in to his other belt loop. It took him a moment before he realized his arm was still around her. Ben then let his arm go to his side and he stepped away.

He looked at her with furrowed brows as her tone became serious. She had asked his name, but was he going to give it to her. It would be a great offense if he didn't so, he decided to play it safe. "You can call me Benjamin." Ben watched her carefully then said, "And you are Arane." He said her name fluently. The mood had become serious and Benjamin tensed ever so slightly. He ran another hand through his hair, sweeping it from his eyes. "Why did you come out here anyways? Shouldn't you be in the Mansion basking in your servants awe?" The wind had picked up again and it stirred the still water in the lake. That caused Ben to look towards the water, for some reason he enjoyed the water. Even with the blood of the werewolf still seeping in to the clear liquid.

Benjamin tilted his head, "Pleasure to meet you too." His head bobbed slightly, even thought he didn't really like Vampires he figured a due amount of respect was at hand. Plus, Benjamin found that Arane wasn't so bad. Still being around her kind made his scar ache. "Many know your name." He paused momentarily then added, "Well then I am grateful it was you that I met and not your guards." Ben made brief eye contact with her. She had told him to go back to his village. He wasn't sure that he wanted to go back but it almost seemed he had no choice. Ben nodded his good bye and turned heading towards the heavy shadow of the woods. He then turned and called, "Maybe we shall meet again!"

Arane had begun to walk away and whirled when she heard Ben call out to her. It was a tough decision for her to make, but she made up her mind."Why don't you come along."She shouted back to him. She seemed resigned."I suppose one human within the territory wouldn't hurt. Just watch your back. Some Vampires can't control their thirst."She awaited his reply. Arane noticed the moonlight was giving her away and her skin glowed like stars. She also noticed it was nearly sunrise."You coming?"She turned and walked away. Whether he followed or not, it wouldn't matter to her. She vanished into the night.

-To Main Hall-

Benjamin stopped and turned hearing her call for him. He smiled slightly, in the shadows as for her not to see. "Alright I am coming, it should be interesting..." Ben ran to catch up with her. She had disappeared momentarily until he caught up and strode next her. He found it rather interesting a vampire would want to be accompanied by a human. Especially to the Black Mansion which was feared by most. But, he followed her without hesitation.

~To the Main Hall