Mouse

Character work for a new Nosferatu I'm about to launch.

Come in, come in. Don't mind the dark, my dear boy! You'll get used to it soon enough, after all. We spend a great deal of quality time down here in these tunnels, so you might as well get comfortable. No? A little unnerving? Well, you have been through a lot in the past few weeks, so I understand. I'll light a lamp.

*the sound of breaking glass is heard*

Bother. I could have sworn I left that on the second shelf. Ah well, here's another. Do you have a match, old boy? I swear, I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached to my torso. There we are. I can feel the heat from here, so do keep it to yourself. You might not appreciate a clear look at me in this light anyway.

Now, don't scream! I'm completely harmless, I promise you that. My skin condition is quite confronting, but I assure you, it isn't contagious. Or painful, thank you for asking. I've long since acclimatized to the itching and as long as I don't accidentally run into anything too hard, the sores don't weep. You're completely forgiven for the outburst - I'm to understand that the decor down here tends to unsettle guests, and I'm not a sight anybody would wish to come across in a dark place.

What's that you say, old boy? Bitter? Not at all! I've never had the misfortune of looking in a mirror, so as far as I'm concerned, I'm still the fresh-faced young dock worker who was Embraced all those years ago. It's inner beauty that counts, in my humble opinion, but of course I would say that, wouldn't I. Still, I know a few tricks to keep myself unnoticed in public. You might have noticed.

Can I offer you refreshment? I only have rat, unfortunately, but you might be hungry after your long trip. No? You'd rather get right down to it? Well, if you could read the document out to me, I'll give you my professional opinion - as long as you don't mind if I partake in a little refreshment first! The blind leading the blind is thirsty work, if you'll pardon my little joke.

*a rat shrieks in the darkness*