((I also realized that I forgot to put my age. Errr.... let's say I act sixteen or so. That seems to be about average, not taking our 400-year-old into account. *chuckles*))
Riik slunk off, hoping they wouldn't come after him. Sure, he thought, being on your own may bite, but at least I'm not being pursued.
He whipped around as a small mew came from the underbrush he had just trampled. The cat from the clearing was following him. He knelt down to pet it, noticing with his animal instincts that the cat meant no harm. "Hello, little cat," he muttered. The kitten looked up at him, an odd look in its eyes. Riik knew, somehow, that it wanted to say something to him, so he sat down next to the cat and closed his eyes. This time, however, instead of taking control from the cat, he slid in next to the cat, listening to its thoughts.
*Ahem.* Thank you for finally listening, Riik, the cat said. My name is Steve.
Riik was confused. How did this cat know his name?
It's an animal thing, the cat explained. You'll get used to it. Anyway, Megan wanted me to tell you that she's friendly, and she wanted to know what you wanted.
Hmm, Riik thought. A friendly vampire. I ought to go back, no matter how frightening that other one was. Thanks, Steve! And with that, Riik slid back into his own body and headed back, Steve padding at his heels.