[ It's been a few days since Rafa felt like himself again. He's avoided everyone but Hunter since then, and even now he doesn't look comfortable on camera. This is something that has to be done, so he is making himself do it. Anyone who knows his farmhouse will recognise that he's sitting at the top of the stairs, with the plain wall behind him and the shadows of the eaves playing over his shoulders. ]

Hello. I am certain that you do not wish to hear from me, but I must speak anyway. I must apologise for the things that I did. I was not myself, as many of you were not yourselves.

That does not make it right. To those of you whom I...hurt. Enthralled. [ He corrects himself and then swallows, that word tasting sour on his tongue. ] ...I know that you are in pain now. I would help you if I could, but my presence would make things worse for you. I cannot ask for your forgiveness, so I will not. In time, the city will heal your affliction. It does not allow such things, and now that it is safe again, it will make you right. You need only wait, and I am sorry that you must.

[ If Shane were here, he could have cured them at once. He would have made everything right again. But he's gone, and Rafa feels his absence so much more keenly now. Seeing that Kyd is about to turn away, he reaches to draw him closer and refocuses. ]

Our farm will not welcome visitors for a time. I will arrange for what we grow to be sent into the city. [ He looks like he might say something more. Then he thinks better of it, and shakes his head. ] Goodbye, my friends.

[ Rafa is sitting on a countertop bar, his legs dangling. The camera is looking up at him. For now, the rest of the room is obscure. He's smiling. His suit is slightly damp and his hair has been pulled back to keep it out of his face. ]

Hello. My name is Rafa, and I have some news.

First, to those who have just joined us, welcome. Many here will know that I am a vampire. This is not a secret, and the new faces among us should know it too. If the word is unfamiliar to you, what matters is this: vampires drink blood. We need it to live. Many fear us because of this. Some of you spent time with me in the land called Eudio, where synthetic blood was given to my people. That is not an option here.

I come with an answer, I hope. A friend of mine has made a machine.

[ He pats the device sitting beside him. It looks something like a filter coffee machine; slightly bigger, and with more openings. ]

It clones bags of blood to create more. If you are not a vampire, then I ask if you would donate. One pint is all I need, and I can replicate it indefinitely.

For those of you that need this, as I do, I ask you to come to me. I will give you what you need, and none here will have to fear us.

Either way, I would be glad to see you. But even if you do not donate, and do not want my help, I would welcome you to this bar.

[ Rafa slides off the counter and waves his hand. His obedient daemon turns, and the camera now takes in the whole room. The bar area is filled with bottles of alcohol, as many varieties as Rafa had been able to find. There are booths with soft chairs, and dim lighting. Xistentia's foliage has been cleared away, and the whole place has been redecorated in shades of black, dark blue and purple. Rafa's own navy blue suit matches nicely. He comes back into view. ]

I grew rather good at making cocktails in Eudio. I find I miss it, and mean to continue. I am calling it The Coven. Cliched, I know, but it makes me feel at home. Come and shelter from the rain, if you will. I have plenty of space.