Dark To Light

Greetings All.

My topic this day is intended to offer insight into the world of another Kind; one of great power, the world of the Vampyre. The history of the Kind is lengthy with tales of tragedy, horror, and lunacy to the point that those who seek to understand find little to recommend those Immortals. Be it known that understanding is gained through the realization that there are sub-types within the Kind, thus all Vampyres are not one and the same; abhorrent creatures bent on destroying humanity and other Kinds.

Most certainly that type exists; predators with neither morals nor care for the right to life that belongs to all. Mayhap they are the majority but to my knowledge there is no hard and fast proof . Be that as it may, many forms of prejudice toward the Kind, abounds; prejudices fueled by those who claim knowledge of the Kind. As we all know, or should know, truth in the written word depends solely upon the author's knowledge base. Then there is the question of whether that knowledge is gained first-hand, sightings, or purely through research; information garnered through tales, passed by word of mouth, and so on. The same could be asked of this author. Again, as I often state, take from this what you will then decide for yourself.

Many modern, prolific authors offer purportedly ficticious tales of the Vampyre which portray some as vicious, souless creatures and others as having natures in common with humanity. The latter often find themselves caught up in romance with mortals, as they seek to establish roots in modern society. Fiction is often the mirror of fact and I often wonder if some of those novels are a veiled attempt to implant the seeds of possibility without the particular author having to come forward and claim knowledge and offer proof, as is always demanded when one makes such a claim. If such is the case, and it appears so to me, at least the seeds are being planted. Kudos to those of you who make the attempt.

But to return to the nature of the topic; different types within the Kind. As with humans, one will find both good and evil within other Kinds, which applies to the various types of Vampyre, as well. That is to say that not all of one sub-type are good, and another type all bad. Confusing? Consider then that even the best of humans can go bad so why not other Kinds? Various reasons and scenarios play a large part in which of us is able to maintain appropriate behavior, especially at the worst of times.

First, one must consider that some Vampyres are born and others made. That kicks the 'Vampyres are sterile' theory in the teeth, non? Rather like the idea that Vampyres have no soul; again, no proof, but that is another matter. It is the made Vampyres who generally garner all the negative theories and beliefs. Why? For the fact that the loss of their mortality, 'human death', was so traumatic, that they are thrust into a world of which they have no basic knowledge, and with that, discover the new nature of their Being. And thus begins the journey; learning to adapt.

There are those who are unable to successfully adapt to their new way of life and those are known to harbor such anger and hatred for their lot they become the diabolical fiends of note. It is this type which horror images depict; creatures with deteriorating features, yellowed fangs, skeletal appendages, claws, etc. They were not made in that image, for in fact, the newly awakened Vampyre maintains his or her previous mortal appearance. It is their sins against mankind and other Kinds that earn the punishment of that deterioration and their descent into insanity.

I think the religious issue must be addressed at this point. If one professes to believe in a just, forgiving God or Creator, as all accepted faiths profess then certainly one must believe that Deity would no more turn away from the innocent victim who fell prey to being made Vampyre, through no fault of his or her own, without allowing them the repeated opportunities for redemption as the rest of us enjoy throughout our lives. Make sense? Begs the question: Why would Vampyres be singled out to be considered without a soul? Are we not taught that our souls are immortal and that each of us possesses one? Stands to reason one's soul stays with one until one ceases to exist. Souls cannot be stolen on a whelm. One may barter away one's own soul, even be duped into doing so, but a lost soul does not come about by passing from one life form into the next, if we believe in our religious persuasion. Of course there are many and varied disclaimers on that point but in the interest of time and that everyone has differing opinions, let us not beleaguer the fact.

The point to be made is that a Vampyre's physical deterioration is not an overnight happening but occurs over time, which is not measured in mortal time. Redemption and atonement for their sins will not reinstate their healthy looks but will arrest the deterioration. That may sound unbelievable to some who are only able to think in shades of black and white but then so do they disbelieve many other realities. Their choice and, afterall, all that we do and think is based upon personal choice.

The born Vampyre, of which there are many races, are Immortals who most closely resemble mankind in physical looks. Naturally, they are of a much higher intelligence (something humans tend to frown upon and refuse to believe), but given that Ancients have existed for centuries it stands to reason they have carried the knowledge garnered over that period of time to the present. Their offspring have the benefit of that knowledge as well, as what they learn in their lifetimes... You get the gist. While those born resemble mankind, certain of their races possess a physical beauty well beyond that of the most beautiful mortal. Why, is not known but it is not something they dwell upon but accept as a fact of their existence.

It is thought that the born Vampyre possesses the highest degree of majic in the universe (other Kinds, particularly Faeries, disagree), and it is to them that many of us attribute the safety and well-being of many of our Kinds. Their powers are legendary and, to my way of thinking, second to none; yet, I find them to be the most gracious, caring, and kind-hearted of all majical Beings. (That statement will most surely earn me some disgruntled friends) They are dedicated hunters, protectors, healers, humanitarians, master-craftsmen, and so much more there is not space to mention all, at this time. Sadly, they are victims, too, for those who who deem them abominations still hunt them down and manage to destroy many of them.

I hear the wheels of minds turning with the obvious question: If they are Immortal how can they be killed? No Kind is immune from death. Immortality equals longevity and longevity depends upon one's ability to survive one's adversaries. Simple as that. I will not go into the manner in which a Vampyre can be slain for it serves no purpose except to feed morbid fascination.

I will leave you with all of this to ponder and I will revisit the topic another time, as there is so much more to be revealed. Blessed May You Be.