2. LAMBING.

[hismasterpiece]

Tonight, just after sundown, there is a ruckus on one of the farms northeast of the village. When the bleating dies down, several dead lambs might be found in one of the enclosures. The ewes paw and nose at the bodies, dumb terror still fresh in their eyes.

Forest animals just have not been cutting it for Drusilla. But the vampire has been too wary to approach the village and feed there -- not without her Family, those who strengthen her. She stalks the journals during the day when she's not sleeping. Two slayers? A vampire hunter? All sorts of overpowered freaks and heroes and demons? She might be mad, but Dru is not stupid enough to attempt any kills in the village. Yet.

As she tears through the last lamb, the vampire laments to herself how much more fun this would be with Spike. And then she convinces herself in a long, drawn-out argument with a curiously red evening star -- which she quickly names Ethelind -- to spy on the sleeping village. Find out where the sweetest victims lay their heads. Her tattered white new-feather sundress, covered only by a black lace shawl, is stained red with lambs' blood. The dress of her porcelain doll, which she is carrying with her, is also stained. Perhaps she can stop at the shop for a new frock, and one for dolly, too.

When she glides through the village, Drusilla will dare to peek into some windows. She cannot enter any homes without an invitation.

[Dru will not be lingering around anyone she has identified as a threat. She is a powerful vampire but far more bold when working with lackeys or her "family" -- Angel, Spike, Darla. IF YOU WANT YOUR CHARACTER TO DIE OR BE INJURED AT THIS TIME JUST TELL ME IN A SUBJECT LINE, otherwise she won't be killing or hurting anyone in this post.]

Comments

[bloodwaif]

"Think of how my taffeta will rustle! Think of the click of the heels, click click! And you in your fine tie!"

She stops only feet away from where he is hiding, trying to sense him out. Unfortunately for her, Luceti has dulled her senses. She is not as sharp as she is at home.

[simplestgift]

Then maybe, maybe, she won't smell him. Smell how very frightened he is.

If she turns him, Buffy will finish him. That much, he thinks he can count on.

A breeze picks up.

[hismasterpiece]

"Come, come, play and frolic with Ethelinde and I!"

She lifts her head, scenting the wind, but it only brings a confused tale of dry stones and trees and sweat and damp air. Dru hesitates; to move on and hunt, or try to trick him into revealing himself?

[simplestgift]

The stake. The stake Buffy gave him, sitting somewhere in his house. But he's in the woods. Breaking off a dead stick would create a stake, wouldn't it?

But not now. Not while it would make noise that would draw her attention. He knows that much from all his experiences hiding. This can't be as bad, not by a long shot, as hiding from the Spanish guards near Ferrol. If she turns him, Buffy will end it. He's still dealing with what they did to him after they recaptured him. If he can survive that, this isn't so bad.

His jaw sets. His eyes locate a fallen branch nearby. His hand tightens on the pistol.

[bloodwaif]

"I would never crack your bones," she whispers. "I would only steal your breath, beautiful boy. And give you back something much tastier and grander: unlife forever. I should worship you!"

She THINKS he might be around here somewhere, but her senses are still numbed by the barrier. Dru turns toward a nearby collection of boulders, the opposite direction from where Archie is hiding. If he's quick, he can probably sneak away without her noticing right off.

[simplestgift]

He shifts to attempt just that, but as he does so, one of the flagstones he was pressed against breaks off and hits the ground with a thud. He stops breathing.

[hismasterpiece]

"He wants it, see, Ethelinde?" A smile quirks her lips and she turns her steps toward the sound. "He wants it so."

[simplestgift]

She knows where he is now. He has to wait. He has to see the whites of her eyes and then shoot. It's the only way to take her by any kind of surprise now, with one shot to his name, and then run while she recovers.