I have certain qualms about hunting. Its not that I am overly picky, not like a Ventrue anyway. I am just careful. I dont like to hurt people to support my own needs. Some people deserve to be hurt, my donors, as I like to call them, rarely qualify. So, as you might imagine I dont feed indiscriminately or as often as I would like. Its a razors edge to walk, but it keeps me sharp and like most of my clan, that razors edge is right where we belong.

Tonight I find myself at a private party. I know most everyone here; its a typical high society, artsy bash. Lots of wine sipping and a few cavasses set up. There are a few new artists being paraded through. Undiscovered talents, flavors of the week really, as far as this crowd is concerned. But they are something to pimp and preen, only to forget about when the next great undiscovered comes along.

This presents an interesting opportunity for me. Being tied to both the Museum and the cities art arenas. These young things recognize my name, if not my face and any Toreador worth her salt can turn that general interest into a burning desire. I never take without giving- its just not my way. I am very selective. This particular artist, a Painter from the east coast is rather good. He has an odd mix of surreal and dirty realism that I find almost unsettling. What is perfect about him is his lack of connections to Cleveland. He just finished school here and hasnt decided yet if he will persue our scene.

He is like a lost puppy really. One good dose of Presence and he has spilled his life story to me. Tragic, I feel for him. Enough that my help will be genuine. He will help me by spending the next three days in my bed a few pints low after every evenings lustful session. I will help him by telling him he does indeed have a future in the arts, just not in the arts of Cleveland.

I will even take the initiative of buying him a plane ticket. The boy is headed to LA to a certain gallery I know will be receptive of his vision. He gets a lead on selling some paintings, I preserve my reputation by sending him hundreds and hundreds of miles from Cleveland. We both get what we want and more; noone needs be a victim.