About five miles or so outside the city limit of Essen, a forest grew, wild and untamed. Within the trees, hidden from view, was a worn down mansion. Unkempt and falling apart, one with a good sense of mind wouldn't step one foot near it, in fear of it collapsing on to them. Windows were nowhere to be seen, brick and stone missing from spots in the walls, the large front doors on the verge of falling from their hinges. Vines and ivy grew wild up and down along, and the shrubs and bushes, at one point once kept in shape, now grew haphazardly. It was at least three stories in height, with a couple of rounded tower like parts, one of which the roof was falling in. The grass of the 'lawn' was high, in some spots at least a foot in length, if not more. It was as if the wildlife had completely taken over there, reclaiming the land that had once before been taken from them. Birds perched along the roof, a deer could be seen if one looked around to the back, grazing.<br/><br/>And this was just the outside. The inside was just as bad. The rooms were extremely dusty, cobwebs and fresh spider webs were in corners and all around, spots in the wooden floors were broken, holes seen above and beneath. Where the floor was stone, cracks were found, some missing with just the mortar left behind. Furniture was strewn about, some in rather good shape, others not so much. Spots of moss could be found on the walls. Pictures once hanging perfectly now were turned lopsided, or on the floor, the glass shattered. Though the rooms were a mess, each could be discerned. Curtains hung, torn and tattered in what was once the living room across the large four pane window, fluttering with the breeze. In the kitchen, cupboards were broken, some missing their doors, others barely having any. An old fashioned pump sink was seen, along with a fire stove. Silverware was tossed around, plates, bowls and cups broken; others were only chipped. Stairs that led up to the second floor were dangerous looking, the steps sagging towards the middle. Pieces of the railing were broken, others completely missing. And, just as with the first floor, the second and third floors were just as devastated. Rooms to be found were a study, bedrooms, bathrooms, and even a small library, with books everywhere, pages ripped out and tossed to the floor, the bindings nearby.<br/><br/>In the second tower like structure was a bedroom, the window missing. This particular room was the only one half way kept up, the floor not as dusty. A pile of blankets, pillows, and furs was against one wall. A large moth eaten rug covered the floor. The bed, unused, was shoved up on its side. A large chest, the lid open, revealed a variety of different objects, like clothes. The strangest thing about this room were the small objects. Skeletons of small to medium animals were pinned to the wall, including mice, birds, squirrels, and even a fox, feathers lined up. Rocks and dried flowers on a small desk.<br/><br/>Submerged in the pile a bit of skin could be seen, tufts of hair sticking out. A hand, uncovered. And the sleeping face of a female. But she wasn't about to be asleep for long. At first, when the explosion went off in Essen, she didn't stir. However, when one piece of the shrapnel, pushed along with extreme speed from the force of the explosion, hit the house, her eyes snap open. Staring at the wall, her eyes glowing slightly in the dimmed light. Slowly, she sits up, looking around for the source of the sound that had woken her up, but found nothing. An displeased frown formed on her lips, as she sighs deeply. What a pain, being woken from such a good nap. Now that she was awake, it would be a while until she could fall asleep again.<br/><br/>So, deciding it would be best to go and do something, she stands up, brushing down the 'dress' that she was wearing. Picking up a medium sized dagger made from a bone, she tucks it away in the belt around her waist, and lastly tying her hair back with a thin tie of leather. Crossing the floor, she pauses at the window, staring out in the direction of where she could see smoke rising. What was going on? Not that it mattered, it was nothing to do with her. However, she was curious as to find out what had gone down, and despite her better judgement jumps from the window, landing on the ground below, and dashes off.<br/><br/>The wind tugged at her clothing and hair as she ran, her nose leading her closer and closer to the city, the scent of smoke and blood growing in strength. And with it was the disgusting smell of another species, vampire. Curling her upper lip and baring her teeth at the putrid aroma, she moves on, ignoring her nose, or at least trying to. Such a foul smell made her stomach churn, but she was able to fight back the urge to throw up. Now that she was closer, she could hear cries of agony and pain, the crackling of flames and pieces of debris as it fell to the ground.<br/><br/>Pausing at the edge of the city, her eyes drift along, picking up the scene of a devastating event. Ground zero. What the hell happened here? Just as she was about to step foot in to the wreckage, she caught movement of someone else. Narrowing her eyes, she picks up the scent of someone who was like herself. They appeared to be in chase of something. After a moment, the other now gone, she decides to chase after them. It seemed like fun, and it had been quite some time since she'd played any of her games. Running along now after her quarry, she easily picks up their trail again and it wasn't too long til they were in her sights.<br/><br/>From behind, it appeared to be male. Pushing herself forward, leaning towards her prey, it was a quick process of changing from human to large wolf, four paws pounding the ground. Her fur was white, and there were small spots of gold. Her eyes were now blue, and locked on to the male before her. A few yards separated them, then meters, and lastly she was right on his tail. Running now beside this stranger, she looks up for a split second, feral grin on her maw. Excitement pumped through her veins. A change was in order, and that was exactly what the doctor had prescribed. Let the chase begin!