“ Hello” I said in one of the eastern languages Aro, Marcus, and Caius had taught me. She seemed to comprehend.

“Don't be scared of me, I mean no harm. I was just washing in the river here” I continued interrupting her gawking.

“You're…strange…I…Are you god or ghost?” she stammered in a fairly similar language to what I had been speaking. I still after all these years hated it when humans would sit like a rat in a snakes glare when I encountered them. It made them only seem all the more vulnerable to me, all the more tempting as her pulse beat through her skin, and her heart thudded.

“Neither my lady.” I said with the best attempt at a reassuring smile. She looked at me, her expression turning from awe to confusion, to determination. What conclusion would she come to? Had she possibly ever even seen a European pass through here, let alone a vampire?

“Come with me. Now.” She ordered.

“Now…I really must get going…” I said. I didn't revel in the idea of being presented to a village of mortals. I wasn't thirsty but still I had only about a decade's practice.

“No. Come. Chief needs to record you. I have to report any strangers. Tribe custom.” she said. How ironic that she was trying to comfort me. She motioned for me to follow and walked into the trees. I knew she was not vampire, but her grace was astounding. And as I looked past the strong, and warm scent she gave off, I saw that she was rather beautiful. Naturally not in the unnatural way of a vampire. I followed finding myself awed at this woman, now instead of the other way around.

The village she led me to was fairly similar to the ones I had passed. Small huts made of leaves, and dirt grounds. The woman ran into a nearby hut, then reappeared with an elderly man whose expression was all concern.

“White man.” He declared with a slight anger in his voice. He made a motion to the men gathered behind him, seeming quite angered at me.

“NO!” the woman screamed. I looked at her in alarm. She spoke so rapidly to the man who I assumed was 'Chief' that I really couldn't understand. Every now and again words like “unjust” , “kind”, “law” and “religion” came out. Finally the Chief nodded and she turned to me and smiled, motioning for me to come. I followed her back out to the woods. Again I marveled at her. She really was beautiful, but I wanted to move on. I knew I couldn't grow attached to humans, and I just wanted to put myself out of the way of temptation. I was so empty and companion less, especially after leaving Volterra.