Path of the Vampire forum

Ashwood moved among the streets in the early evening. While there was still a cold bite in the air, the scents that marked spring were vivid and strong. Soon green growth would be coming up from the dead looking ground. “A time of change.” Ashwood mused to himself quietly.

Ashwood might have looked a little out of time. A drab shell hat on his head, light grey in colour, a carrick coat in deep brown over his body to keep the chill away. Simple dark gloves over his hands and moving beside him, marking each step was a silver headed cane. His brown eyes watched the streets from under the brim of his hat as he strode down the street.

He was glad that the chill was still in the air, it kept the scents of the waste and garbage that had been neglected over a long winter dulled. The fact that some humans could allow their homes to build up such levels of filth during the winter was something that Ashwood hated. Thankfully the house he was staying at was close to the north end of the city. It was a short walk to the outer limits and fresh air. While he understood the war playing out between the fae and the vampires, he had to admire how the wild lands were so much more well kept.
But this night he traveled into the city, to be proactive; and to explore. He was quite aware of his limits. But the need for knowledge and to better understand the city, both in physical and in mindset would be needed. He moved calmly but with weary eyes. He knew that he was in danger at all points. With new limits that the law gave him, he could be attacked at any point. But ignorance was a state he refused to remain in. So, he braved the streets.

He tried to walk in shadows more then not. There were plenty of them after all. And the shifting glow from store front windows, home windows and streetlights gave as much darkness as light. It made his path a winding one, a straight line would have been much quicker, but he was enjoying learning this area. Seeing how much space was between buildings, taking a back alley now and again. Looking into backyards, some kept with care, others neglected and full of half frozen dog crap. Spring was a time when all the ugliness the snow had hidden came into full view.

Shaking his head at his musing he returned to the road the followed the river and walked along that for a time. Pausing in a place halfway between light and shadow, he looked out over the river and enjoyed the soft wind. The large stone edifice of the bank at his back was a comforting feeling. The weight of the stone and how lasting it was. Ashwood had hopes that he would be able to feel this same sense of endurance as this moment for decades to come.

Changing the grip on his cane he began to follow the road and river again. Traveling to the east he noticed an out jutting that came off the sidewalk and hung over the river. A few warm yellow streetlights and several benches and tables were scattered about the space. Ashwood paused as he reached the three steps that would take him down and to the hanging space.

It was likely that during the day it was used to enjoy the flow of the river, but in the night, it was deserted. A soft breeze came off the river and like a luring finger along his cheek it temped him to come closer and explore the space.

Ashwood, feeling a little foolish, but still acting as he felt he should, took off his hat before he took the three steps down. The space was inviting. The wooden tables, chairs and benches seemed well kept. He moved among them letting his fingers trail over the back of chairs and along the sides of tables as he moved to the balcony that overlooked the river. All of the wood of the overhand was a rich honey colour, while the table chairs and such were crafted of a heavy dark wood. They looked a little weathered, but showed active care and mending to keep them all in good condition.
At this stage in spring all the ice had melted. But the water still retained her winter chill. She moved on her way with some haste. Like a person still out in chilly weather, she had a destination and was on her way. She was still far to cold to lazily take her time, that would be her midsummer. Right now she wanted to flow out to the lakes, then to the ocean where she could finally find the warmth that would allow her to relax and rest her cold soaked bones. The dark depths help a hundred secrets that Ashwood knew he’d never even have the clue to ask. He smiled softly then and settled down into one of the chairs that had been placed to watch the river and listened to its song for a while.

All too quickly a half hour had already passed, it was with regret Ashwood rose from his chair. “Thank you for the music.” He spoke to the river, before leaving the space and moving to the steps. Once up on the sidewalk again he replaced his hat on his bald head and began to move back towards the Dragon’s Rose. Moving west he passed in front of the mall, noting that even at this late hour still lights were on inside. Maybe people stocking shelves, or security. Or even shoppers of the non-normal set. With a slight grin his cane’s soft sounds marked his passage along the front, then west side of the mall. To the next street where he would turn west again.

Reaching the turn, he found himself once again walking along the river’s side. He moved his cane to his right hand so that his left could trail along the raised barrier that marked the sidewalk’s edge and where the bank of the river fell away into the dark waters. A soft humming came from his throat as he seemed to accompany the river’s song. Ahead the river split, one small branch travelling north, the main river to the west and south. This simple bridge was poorly lit, Ashwood took the opportunity again to pause. Looking over the edge and down, it was dark enough here that some starlight cut past the streetlights to fall on the river below. The black depths cast back the starlight to Ashwood’s eyes. And it was beautiful. “While I have many hurdles ahead of me, I hope that I shall never neglect to enjoy the beauty that is here for me to enjoy.” He spoke quietly before he began to move on again. A short dog leg to the north and he left the river’s side.

Following road around the commons he was once again passing store and building that were short, squat and inelegant things. That was one thing Ashwood was sorry for. A building should be more then just a box. Oh, some had fine front windows, that showed well the breath of things they sold. But they lacked character. The lack of bay windows, of detailing to the building itself. It was a sorrow that so many didn’t even see the dead nature of these boxes they entered day after day. The stores and malls didn’t attract his eye, and he moved about with a restless nature.

Finally, he reached the front gate of the Dragon Rose, but didn’t stop. He moved towards the north and quickly found himself standing on the edge of the city. The forest lay before him. He looked out at the green and black and know it fairly seethed with life. He stood in the twilight between city and wilds. “so far I have learned nothing save the city has places of beauty. I do hope that my luck changed before I most retire for the evening.” He spoke into the darkness.