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Karloff was doing something he did at times when the need arose. Looking for a fresh, and willing donor. Sometimes, the search would take him days to complete, sometimes only minutes....and sometimes he would have to go home without his reward.

However, little Diavolos was off enjoying himself and he'd tapped into that precious store too much recently. The little fellow didn't exactly mind, he was more than willing. He had some archaic view that he was owned by him though he had often told him that was not the case. He could leave anytime he wanted, but instead, unless he made him go do his own thing (like today) he would cling his little body to Karloff and chitter away incessantly.

It was pleasant in a way, a bit confusing after having been use to the solitude of aloneness for so long. But the little fellow was a friend, a faithful and understanding one at that.

A small smirk spread across the fanged face, as he walked through the dark woods. His eyes glowed like red orbs, when suddenly---he took another whiff. Someone was near by. Female....not afraid. He breathed it in again. She smelled spicy, and kind of tangy. She would do, if she were willing. He followed the scent carefully.

The red orbs loomed in the darkness, stalking the tangy scent of blood. It was pulsing hard, the owner of it was exhilarated. She was close, and unaware of his presence. He could tell, just from the scent of her blood. There was no fear, no wariness....

He was there. He could see her dark colours almost blending in with the night. Red and black, playing like a child unafraid of anything.

Interest? She was expressing interest instead of concern, or fear. No wonder the scent of her blood was tangy. As was usual, it usually reflected the character and nature of the soquili who it ran through. He made no approach yet.

He had long questioned his methods in this hunt for willing donors. Sometimes it felt too much of a...hunt. Too much fear inspired in the prey, as if instead of asking it was just code for him demanding. Some probably believed that, but it was not the case. He was not that sort of creature, and he never truly had been. However, stalking like this had it's merits too. By staking out his blood donor, he could assess whether the donor would be willing or too frightened. Weak or evil...It was something, at least enough of a help to not keep him from stalking for his donors. It was the best way to find who would or would not be willing.

Letting out a low breath, he stepped into the stream, waiting for the mare to turn around. Perfectly aware, that once more his accursed wounds were open, and pooling their crimson stream into the water below in swirling eddies.

Karloff didn't move quickly, though his reflexes were sharp. It was habit to move slowly as not to scare those who were intimidated by him. He didn't like to frighten others, not unless it was necessary.

"I'm fine." His voice was low, deep and smooth. "Though, if you are willing, I would appreciate your help." He assessed her, she was still not afraid more willing to aid him than to run.

"It doesn't affect anything, it occurs when it wants." He tilted his head watching her, moving slowly forward. "You're not afraid?" He was only a few feet from her now. "It's not ritual. It was murder. The murder of my mother, the assault on me. A lasting reminder, once symbolic of the curse I thought I was under. But now...just what I crave." His voice has remained low and smooth as he inched closer, his eyes on her steadily. "Do you know...what I crave?"

"No. The blood won't stop. It does only what it wants," he shrugged. His eyes were not torn from her, she wasn't grasping the situation at all. Most would have caught on, fled, or asked what he meant. He breathed gently, calming the hunter in himself. Sometimes he was too intimidating for his own good.

Taking a step back, he spoke hesitantly. "I crave...blood."

"Maybe it's why I crave it. I don't need it. I can live without it. I eat just like you, but I want to drink it. I look for donors who are willing." He tried not to let himself be imposing to her, which didn't seem to be an issue at all. "Do you understand what I'm asking?"

Others usually answered by now. Whether it was indifferance, fear...but there was a reaction. Sometimes there was confusion for awhile, but it faded away. He waited to see if it would sink in.