Third Vine

[woodsiequeen]

[She received a letter. It contained nothing but a symbol:



She was insulted. How dare they flaunt their power, using this most revered symbol? It mocked her, reminding her that she was a failure and a prisoner. She stewed about it the entire day, until night fell and she prepared for bed. She sighed, realizing that she had fallen into a pattern once again. Humans did so love their routines, and she followed them to keep up her charade, but just like before, she found herself doing things subconsciously; going through the motions. Only this time, there was nothing tying her to true self. She had no power, she had no one close to her, and she didn't have the reassurance that she was working towards a goal. Was this her punishment? To slowly forget who she was and the higher purpose she served, and resolve herself to a life of conformity and patterns?

She thought about this as she stood in front of the mirror in the washroom as she did every night (another routine...). Just like before, she gazed at her reflection intently, trying to summon up even an inkling of her power, and just like before she expected to be disappointed. But this time the pattern was broken. Her eyes went wide as she watched herself change; as her soft skin became smooth, green bark. She could hardly believe it, but for the first time in weeks she saw herself as herself, and not that wretched human shell.

Viktoria wanted to scream. She wanted to run through the town and sing the praises of the Woodsie Lord for giving her this precious gift. But as she knew it was a gift, she also knew she could not be so careless with it. There was no one who needed to know of her powers, and therefore they would remain a secret... for now. She was well-versed in keeping her true self a secret. She slowly, almost sadly, reverted to her human disguise and crawled into bed... but she did not sleep. No, she waited until she was certain enough hours had passed, then slipped out of the room, and out of the house entirely.

Silently, she made her way to the park. It was artificial, like everything else in this horrid town, but it was the only place that felt fitting for a prayer of thanks to the Trickster. As she approached the small pond, she unbuttoned her nightgown and let it fall away from her, and as she knelt by the water she called the change again. It was such a wonderful sensation to feel the moonlight on her skin and the water absorbed through her fingertips again. She couldn't remain here; she would have to return before dawn so not to arouse suspicion, but she could linger just a little longer...]

((OOC: So hey, nightowls. Who wants to talk to the naked green babe in the park?))

Comments

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[Well, this wasn't one of the drones, at least. There was nothing she could do about it now, may as well roll with it.]

...I apologize for my outburst. I did not hear your approach, and I thought you were one of the mindless ones. If you wish to stay, I will not protest.

[When she speaks, it almost sounds like there are several voices speaking under hers, in perfect unison.]

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

And who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

No one of any importance. Just a fellow creature of the night.

[You aren't getting her name that easily, mysterious stranger.]

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

Ah of course. It is good to meet you then, nameless one. Too many prefer day.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

This is truly the first time I have felt at ease. The mindless ones are gone, and in the shadows everything looks far less... uniform and drab. Do you wander at night often, stranger?

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

I try to. I do not need to walk the night thanks to this town, but it is a helpful reminder of times past.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

Thanks to this town...? You had something taken away, didn't you?

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

My very being, shall we say.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

We are not so different, then. This place also stole my true self from me, and has only just now decided to give it back.

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

Quite lucky you are, nightwalker.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

I still feel incomplete, but yes, it is a blessing. Tell me, stranger, what is it that you lost?

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

That which I sacrificed my humanity for.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[She looks at him curiously. The only men she knew who lost their humanity were the Servants, and they were forced against their will. This one... did not seem to be the same as they were.]

If you are not a man, then what are you, really? If you don't mind my asking, of course.

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

Blood drinker, Dead Apostle, nightwalker, vampire, all have been names used to describe my kind.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

...You are undead.

[Not really shock, just... confusion. She's never heard of a vampire before, but it certainly sounds like something undead.]

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

I prefer more than alive.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

I suppose it does differ from one perspective to another, hmm? I admit I am unfamiliar with your kind, but that's just one of many things I am unfamiliar with here.

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

I daresay it's easy to learn.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

I do enjoy learning, but this place makes it more... difficult than I am used to.

Perhaps I could start by learning your name, stranger?

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

I have been called the Night of Wallachia.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

That's quite an interesting title you have, stranger. I suppose you may know my name as well- you may call me Viktoria. It's a pleasure.

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

The pleasure is mine, lady Viktoria.