The story of Arnod Paole is one of the few vampire histories that has been sufficiently documented over the years to lend it historical validity. In the spring of 1727, Arnod Paole returned from service in the military to settle in his home town of Meduegna, near Belgrade. He bought some land, built a home and established himself in the community. After a short time, he was betrothed to a local girl whose father's land bordered his, and the two were wed.

The mercury light of the streetlamp
Tints orange the images of my mind,
Its beam so strong against the night
So feeble against the darkness.

I remember the things which bring me pain;
So fast thoughts which bring joy fade.
Yet with the onslaught of time
More vivid are those of grief and guilt.

Fingers of the past clawing forward
To tighten their grip
On the mind which gave them birth.

Tethers of shame
Shrouding ever thicker
The heart of their gestation.

"No more!"

"Would you consider putting that mad lamp with the naked man in the corner?" David Mlinaric, the doyen of interior decorators, has come to Transylvania. Jessica Douglas-Home, champion of Romanian culture, shuffles a 19th-century ambassador's uniform to the appointed position.

The summer was brief, and already by the middle of September many had returned to the pleasures of urban life. Ethel was among the first-comers; for, after her resolve to enter the life of the young poet once more, it would have been impossible for her to stay away from the city much longer. Her plan was all ready.

*blinking her eyes open she feels as if she's had the worse blood hangover ever*

"Aiiiiiiigh! What the...*looks around*Well, Hello Demon, nice howdoyoudo huh?"

*rubs her head and sits up feeling woozy and trying to get her eyes to focus*

"Ven? is that you?" *squints* "Mercy Girl, you've been away awhile *smiles to her*Welcome back!"

*tries to stand and go to the bar for a little 'hair of the dog' but quickly sits again*