In all of his years, Reven had never had such a hard time finding a good meal. Never. There was usually someone out and about who had the qualities he liked. Pure untainted blood. Petal-soft skin. Good looks. {The looks really didn't matter, but why should Reven have to deal with an ugly meal? It wouldn't be enjoyable if he was forced to look upon a fat, acne-covered face as he wooed whoever he was after.} He just couldn't figure out why all the suitable prey was hiding that night.

The man sighed, turning his gaze towards the star-filled night sky. Clouds blocked out the moon, but that didn't mean the city wasn't illuminated. Lights from skyscrapers and automobiles {ghastly inventions, Reven always thought of them. Even during the twenty-first century, he still would rather ride a horse or walk to his destination rather than ride in a car.} Reven's thirst was mounting higher and higher, although he would be able to control himself even as his thirst worsened. He had been around for decades, so he was sure that he would indeed be able to control himself should his need for sustenance get out of hand. Besides, he had to control himself, lest the lights of the city make his true nature come to light.

As usual, he found himself gravitating near the hospital, wandering around as if he had nothing better to do. Of course, the vampire really did have nothing better to do. After so many years, he had accomplished anything and everything he'd ever wanted to: amassing an amount of money comparable to no other, owning his own successful stable full of purebred horses of the finest lineage, even collecting a library-full of books and plays thought to be lost during the passing of time. There was nothing for him to do but wander, and occasionally return to his manor in the country to see how the horses were doing and the staff actually properly maintained his home.

If he ever speculated as to why Reven found himself attracted to the area he currently meandered in, the answer was simple enough to find. The place reeked of blood and death, plain and simple. Of course, some of it did smell tainted, but that couldn't be helped. More often then not, the scent of undiluted blood trumped the tainted blood, and that was all that mattered. It was a place he could enjoy the mouth-watering scent without getting into too much trouble, so long as he managed to contain himself.

As he wandered near the entrance of the hospital, a girl walked out. She stunk of salt, of tears. Her shoulders were heaving as the sobs erupted from her, and Reven found himself stopping to look at her. How frail she looked. Reven did take note of the fact that she had a beautiful face, even if it was somewhat disfigured by crying. She looked so young, though, but as small as she was, of course she looked young. There was no telling how old the girl was, though. Reven breathed in her scent, his frown deepening. Almost undetectable the stench was, but it was there. She was tainted. Reven almost cursed, but managed to keep his mouth from releasing the foul words he had prepared to let loose. He was not about to look a gift human in the mouth. The scent was almost nonexistent, and that would have to do. A meal was a meal, after all.

Shoving his hands in his pockets and smoothing his features, Reven approached the girl, doing his best to look oh-so-concerned and wondering just what words might woo her.

{I'm sorry that's so long. Odds are, my post won't be that long again for some time unless inspiration strikes me.}