[b:6c43c43c5a]For ten long years, hidden in a stone coffin buried beneath persian sands, lay a terror. For ten long years, that terror slept, but restlessly, dreams of hatred, violence and blood teasing the imagination of the barely recognizeable creature within. It was aware of the stone lid being slid off the top of the coffin, aware of cool moonlight on its withered, mangled visage.

It was aware too, of blood passing between lips and teeth, flooding down into it, and then, by force of its will, rushing along its veins, granting a new 'life' to the monstrosity. One finger, long since dessicated into a near skeletal claw moved, followed by the rest.

Then, the one good eye it posessed opened to view the one who had awakened it, immediately recognizing the barbed fangs that marked a vampire of the clan Giovanni. Why had the mercenary merchant vampires chosen to awaken him? He had done them no great service, they owed him nothing.

[i:6c43c43c5a]Of course... they wanted to use him.[/i:6c43c43c5a]

He listened only long enough to find out the reason, it was apparently, one young vampire, who had accomplished much since sending him into torpor... in spite of himself, the newly awakened vampire felt a surge of pride hearing the accomplishments of his rebellious childe.

And then, he sat up, whispering very softly, his throat seeming hoarse with sand and time. The Giovanni leaned in closer to him, trying to hear his words. And was promptly repayed as the withered vampire gripped his head and bit down into a now exposed neck, swiftly drinking the blood, and using it as he did to renew his formerly torporous flesh, a sight that might make a human or young vampire blanch in disgust. Veins bulged as blood rushed through them, repairing damage dealt by time and the hand of an enemy.

Finally, as the hapless vampire turned to ash within his fangs, he let go his grip on what was now a skull, letting it drop down to shatter on the edge of his sarcophagous, and stood. His sight had not returned to what it should have been, and he reached up to feel his eye, discovering that where his eye once had been was now ruined features; scar tissue and a deep indent, telling him in truth that his eye was no more.

And so, he raged.[/b:6c43c43c5a]