"A number of Kindred have, the number so far is small, but it is growing."

A smile now, at Ella.

"Golconda varies from case to case. Some of us embrace the beast, but are no longer beholden to it's urges, and some, like myself, return to humanity." He pauses, and then adds thoughtfully: "The exchange for such an existence, however, is that for long periods of time, I would need to sleep, and that is something I could not help."

He reaches for the box of cigars on the table, fetches the cutter, and contemplates a smoke.

"Would you mind terribly if I had one?" It is only polite to ask.