Re: Roadside tent: Daniel W & Damian W
The eyes did not demonstrate opiatic influence. This was not miosis. It was mydriasis, a flood of black over the eye, and if Damian thought of drugs, he thought of tropicamide, amphetamines, anticholinergics, and/or other stimulants. If the blackness had anything to do with opioids, it would be a withdrawal, but the rest of the man was not wracked with the correct symptoms. Indeed, more likely, was a traumatic brain injury that had damaged the pupillary sphincter. But, that too was a weak posit, as there was no blood, no sign of a wound—which, while it was not impossible to show no outward signs and still be gravely injured, it would be unusual. Damian wondered if the man had done something to himself in an attempt to see in the dark, but even that was nothing but a guess. Given the situation—the bloodless animal corpses, the arguing over vampires on the forums, the fact that he was here with this barefoot man—it was not out of the question to Damian's mind that something supernatural was afoot, though he did not immediately identify this man as anything but a man.
The younger man was young and strong—quite young. Without knowing the detail to which vampiric senses could differentiate, how granule the information they could derive could be, it was true that Damian was very young. Somehow, though his form was correct for a 20-year-old, he was much, much younger. He was lean and wiry-muscled, and his heart was strong, regular in his chest cavity. Along with the animal smells might have been the vinegary scents of opiates.—As he was scrutinized by the stranger, he appraised the man. His gaze was a close-held hand of cards, with nothing divulged.
Visiting, came the other's answer. Now Damian's eyes did betray a feeling. Irritation, as they rolled. "Odd hour," was all he said after a single tut. He squinted, pale eyes fringed in black, at the next question. The man's mode of speaking seemed archaic. The reference to Clever Tom Clinch recalled the author Jonathan Swift, but no further details. Damian was annoyed with himself, but he did not admit to this failure. Instead, he spread two gloved hands in a bland gesture. "Visiting." He too looked to the tent, then to the man. "There are small animals, all under 20 pounds, sucked dry. The puncture wounds appear to indicate another animal, though it would have to be large. I have come to find out who is harming the wildlife and to punish them as deserved." It was more information than he ought have given, but the younger man was certain (albeit perhaps falsely) that he could kill this stranger if he had to.