She glanced around at the town of Kierra as humans bustled by filling the streets. Many of the men were dressed in what they considered pleasing attire, Adela had to admit it was certainly eye-catching. It was all for show, to ensure people didn't forget their social status. In that way, it wasn't so different from the queue she and her kin wore. She had to remind herself that she didn't flaunt hers and that the bragging by the humans here was truly no better than that of the vampires that governed them.

A gaggling group of youths passed by her, booze spilling from bottles clutched in their ring-decorated hands. A bloody hand adorned in gold jewelry flashed through Adela's mind. A memory... or a nightmare. She couldn't remember which. She shook her head, the sooner they completed their mission the better. She was to meet with the lesser cousin of Master Kres; Kratz, whose slob-like manner and fondness for partying made him an ill role model and poorer ruler. It was no wonder his city took on a similar demeanor. It must have run in the family because Master Kres governed his territory the same way. His capital city Kurro held even more grand parties. Yes, the country of Crichton boasted the most humans of the four vampire kingdoms and as a result, seemed to be the liveliest. Which struck Adela as odd, because in the darkest corners and alleys it was known that they could be the cruelest to their subjects as well.

Adela glanced around at all the festivities and cheerful people, it was certainly hard to tell that the vampires were having a hard time feeding here. Then again if she was being honest with herself most things were hard to see with that damn Dawn armor. Adela took a step back as a child rushed past her. A second glance was all it took to remind her that Crichton and the city of Kierra in particular were also known for their unusually high number of street orphans as well as homeless.

Some of the orphans ran around playing simple games like slayers and vampires, others showcased odd talents or sold trinkets trying to make ends meet. She knew others still relied on thievery and were adept pickpockets. She sighed as she spotted a small girl creep out of the crowd and closer to a vegetable cart. Her skin was pale and stained with dirt, her hair a matted mess that flooded her shoulders. She was dressed in rags and moved cautiously, no one but Adela seemed to pay her any notice. No doubt she was a victim of the Blood Lust, the time when the moon was full; resulting in unrestrained hunger and feeding as well as many destroyed families.

"Lady Adela." A voice cut firmly into her mind pulling her from her thoughts. "Are you ready to meet with Lord Kratz for the briefing and stratagem session?"

Adela sighed. She was as ready as she'd ever be. "Yes."

There was a loud smack, followed by a crash. Adela turned to see the little girl fall into a barrel, as she tumbled backward. She scampered to her feet and began running. The owner of the stand appeared from behind the food cart, his stature was big and brawny. He wore a thick black beard that seemed to wrap around his bald head. The man unfurrowed a whip from his side. A vicious crack snapped in her ears and the little girl fell to the ground once more, with a whimper. He raised his whip again and let it reign down like a cobra, stripping the flesh off its victim. The little girl groaned but did not scream as a child should. She gritted her teeth, trying to bury the pain.