“I apologize for that” she said when we were a considerable distance into the jungle. “But I couldn't let him go against my religion. I just couldn't believe he was about to kill you! I just joined this tribe you see, and they are so bloodthirsty.” I hid my grimace at the word 'bloodthirsty' and then reassured her.

“It is fine my lady. What is your name?” I asked, with a unjustified interest in the poor woman.

“Chiori, sir. And yours? Where is it you are from? I must admit I have never seen one like you. I have seen those with white skin, but not like you.” she said, a small amount of her previous awe entering her voice.

“Carlisle. I'm from a place called England, it lies in the westward.” I suddenly remembered that she had saved my life, well she thought she had anyway. So I should thank her, “I thank you for stopping him from killing me”

“Oh. Your welcome sir.” she smiled beautifully at me.

After that I tried again and again to leave. But Chiori never let me. She insisted I stay at the village, and I wasn't going to be so rude as to run away. Maybe I was deceiving myself subconsciously. Maybe I deliberately stayed with her. For companionship. I was there too long. Much longer than a month. Another drawing to staying was that Chiori knew so much about the medicine that could be gotten from plants in this land. Me and her would go out every day and she would show me plants that could cure infections, juice that could help coughs. I grew attached to her. She was so interesting, and beautiful. She was such a great companion, always happy. And she didn't even know of vampires. One night I was fake sleeping in a hammock, when she came up to me , and motioned me to come. When we were at a spot we regularly visited, by the river she stopped and sat down and motioned for me to do the same.

“I think I shall leave tomorrow” I said. As I had said many times.

“No you will not. You have to stay” she said, turning to me. The moonlight was shining on her smooth skin, and her eyes stared into mine, and I wondered what she would see there in the gold.