Fantasy ˡᵒᵛᵉˡʸ ˢᵉᵈᵘᶜᵗⁱᵒⁿ ⁻ ᶜˡᵒˢᵉᵈ

[Syrli]

Camilla scowled down at the cat and the red scratches just above her ankle. The feeling of the warm presence beside her leaving only made her want to curse Lincei out even more. She watched him as if waiting for him to sit back next to her again, but it didn't seem like he intended to. Wait a minute, had he said that someone was calling for him? She shook of the last bit of sleepiness and did indeed hear someone calling his name out in the woods. However, she didn't really have time to react before Eliot was heading out the door. As soon as he had left Lincei turned back into a human before her. "They're coming for you, with torches and shit." Lincei whispered. He was clearly unsettled by the situation. "I don't know how many, ten of them maybe? Goddammit Camilla, I told you getting involved with humans was a terrible idea!" Camilla stood up from the couch and pointed her finger towards his chest. "Oh, don't even try to say that this isn't your fault! If you hadn't been there last night that girl wouldn't have died, you manipulated me into doing it you son of a - !" Lincei interrupted her by hushing. "God, do you want the whole village to hear? Keep it down, please. We need to get out of here."

Camilla carefully peaked out through the window. There was a group of humans talking to Eliot. "I'm not going anywhere, they're going to take him! What if they think he killed the girl?" Lincei rubbed his temples. "If you go out there, they're going to kill you. You can't fool all of them with your lies. Let the boy handle himself, and if they take him I'm sure that he will find a way to come see you again if he really loves you so much."


Bjorn sighed. Eliot probably wouldn't come with them voluntarily, but he couldn't stand the thought of losing another life. "Eliot" He said sternly. "Whatever she has told you is lies. And whatever you feel for her is also fake, you're simply her next victim. Who knows what she really is." He felt the knife hanging from his belt. He was unsure off how dangerous Eliot would be if they tried to overpower him. The creature might already have a strong grip around his mind. "You'll thank us one day." He gestured towards another young man standing behind him, a hunter named John. John raised his bow and kept the arrow stretched and pointed at Eliot's chest. Bjorn started slowly approaching Eliot, with his knife slightly raised. He had never dealt with enchanted people first hand before, only ever heard stories. Would the poor boy attack him? He didn't want to hurt him, but they couldn't let him flee or hurt anyone.


At the sight of them raising their weapons at him, Camilla couldn't sit back anymore. The sky outside seemed to darken along with her mood. She exited the small cabin, and looking back she saw that Lincei hadn't followed her. It was probably wise. "What's going on here?" She shouted at the gathering of people. They were looking at her, some with horrified and some with confused expressions. Maybe she wasn't what they had imagined the monster to look like. She stopped midway between them and the cabin. She didn't want to be threatening, but also didn't want them too close. She saw them whispering to each other, and the wind began lightly tugging on her dress and playing with the smoke and embers flowing from the burning torches. "For god's sake, what are you doing? Lower your weapons!"

 

[Woody.]

Eliot was angry. Angry at the situation, angry at Bjorn for making him doubt his emotions towards Camilla, and more angry that they wouldn't just leave them the fuck alone. He wanted to stay here voluntarily! He had saved her out of good will from when he foot was stuck in the roots, and he knew that when he spoke with her that sometimes there was a fog, but he enjoyed that fog. He enjoyed just simply being there in her presence and not just because he found her desirable. "You better step the fuck away from me, Bjorn." He snapped, like an angry dog. The look of John told Eliot the man would shoot if he did something rash. He didn't feel like having an arrow in the chest anytime now. But he certainly would not leave this area because Camilla was here, he had to keep her safe. Perhaps he was entranced, that voice that always stood in the back of his mind always warned him of danger, but he wanted to believe that his desires for Camilla's attention were real. She could simply allow him to lay his head in her lap and he'd be content.

The look in Eliot's eyes was only proof that something truly was tying him here. If he needed, he'd die here just to always be where Camilla was. And isn't that the strange part? That little voice spoke out, its just been a few days.

Eliot stepped forward very threatening. He had his own weapon at his hip, he could easily reach out and slice the man with his knife. He could kill Bjorn for saying such nasty things about camilla. If he had never heard of her, why should he know what she was? None of them understood his desire for her. It was when all of them heard her come out did they all freeze and turn to look at the woman who stepped out towards him. Eliot had even dropped his gaze from the intruders to gaze at Camilla, who stood in all her glory. How dare these measly men make her leave her home, Eliot could easily handle them without getting Camilla involved. But when Eliot was able to pull his gaze away to look at the men, his anger sky rocketed. Some of the men were gazing at her with such looks that made Eliot fuming with jealousy. In his brain he couldn't tell if the men were confused by her or admiring her.

Bjorn eyed the woman that came out, she was slender and beautiful unlike most of the stories that were surrounding her. Aye, Bjorn's idea of the monster was a shape shifting creature, which this woman could still be. Disguised as a beautiful woman to lure Eliot into her home. Her beauty was admirable, but Bjorn was too cautious and his will strong, for the moment. If this was the monster the stories told of, he couldn't let his guard down. Neither could the men that surrounding the outer hut. Some even began shaking in fear that this "monster" would show her fangs and attack them.

"You must be the beast that has entranced, Eliot." Bjorn declared, his voice calm and stoic. The inn keeper seemed to have his wits about him and confidence to stand up the creature. After all, Mazel had been a member of the village. A dear girl to everyone, there was no one that hated Mazel. He knew that no one in the village would ever harm her, which only meant that Eliot was the perpetrator or it was this devilish seductress. The Inn keeper though had a feeling that Eliot hadn't harmed Mazel, he wouldn't have done it so close to the hut. Others whispered to each other, wondering if Camilla was even the beast or if they had the wrong woman.

"The city is far, and the village is close. A woman such as yourself would have made herself well known to the village for supplies." Bjorn called, and the men muttered in agreements.

"Her father is a woodsman who has traveled to city to sell" Eliot snapped, and Bjorn only gave him a look, "A woodsman that would leave his defenseless, unmarried daughter out here, boy? What story is that and why would you believe such tale? I know not of a woodsman out in these woods, and I've lived here since I was born."

Eliot hesitated, he was trying to come up with ways to defend Camilla. They had weapons, and though for the moment they were pointed at him, Eliot didn't want her in any of this. Her story was real to him, and he wouldn't question it for a second. "A stranger had entered our village last night and took Mazel from us." Bjorn continued, "And this is very much a stranger to us." Now Bjorn's gaze fell to Camilla. The thought of this woman being the killer of Mazel was the only option left.

"Enough," Eliot demanded, "Camilla is innocent of any dealings with beasts-"

Bjorn wasn't hearing any of it though and motioned for two men to quickly handle the man before he could fight back. Being over powered, and his knife taken out of his grasp both men had to shove him to his knees and his arms pulled to the back of him. Eliot was now out of the picture and would no longer be able to defend this woman. Bjorn was understanding though, the rumors of awoman who seduced men to feed off them was very real, and Eliot was simply a victim.

 

[Syrli]

”This is madness!” Camilla shouted, still keeping a safe distance between herself and the villagers. ”We make and grow what we need, we rarely need to seek for merchants. Do you see now why I avoid these people, Eliot?” She tried to keep calm, but she was definitely feeling the situation slip out of her hands. The story she had fed Eliot could definitely be punctured if he began to question it. And there was too many of them for her to have any real power over them, and their fear and anger would also make it a lot harder.

”Please, just leave us alone!” It was a call of desperation, the sound of tears cracking through her voice. If they took him, they’d never let him come back, or worse, make him realise the truth about her. For once in her life she had actually been able to see a glimpse of hope, and now it was being janked away from her. ”I beg of you, you are blinded by grief, but please think rationally! I’m not a monster.” She thought that she could see the arrow pointing at Eliot slightly dip for a moment. She did not know if the arrowhead was made of silver or not, but she definitely didn’t dare to go close enough to check. However, it might be nicer if it was indeed silver. If it wasn’t, she’d have to go through the incredibly painful process of bleeding out without actually dying. And the her true nature would be obvious to everyone, including Eliot. She’d rather die.

As they brought Eliot down to his knees she called out his name in dismay and was just about to run towards him, but was quickly stopped by the bowman switching his aim from Eliot to her. Camilla was crying openly at this point, and was quickly running out of options. She slowly raised her hands and wiped her eyes with her forearm. She looked at the bowman, and there was a distinctive shiver in the strung arrow. If she was lucky, she might be able to take advantage of their compassion if she appeared harmless enough.

Two men had just started to slowly approach her, when a low growl seemed to echo through the forest. Oh god. ”You need to leave now!” It had only been a matter of time before the intruders of the circles would get what’s coming for them, espescially when they reeked of aggression and fear. But even though she should want them to get hurt and torn apart after what they were doing to Eliot, she felt the need to protect them. The men seemed to shift focus from her to the woods surrounding them, spinning around in search of the source of the sound. It seemed as if it came from every direction all at once.

Bjorn went up to the girl and held the knife against her throat. He could feel the sweat begin to pearl on his forehead. ”If this is one of your tricks...” Camilla kept her hands up, desperatly trying to push herself back from the blade tickling her skin. ”N-no! I promise, please trust me. We all need to leave right now, before...” A silhouette appeared from the forest behind the cabin. There stood a lynx-like creature, only that it was as big as a horse and had antlers like a deer. Its teeth extended well below its chin and its yellow eyes seemed to glow. ”Holy hell.” Bjorn gasped.

An arrow swooshed by Camilla and Bjorn’s head, and the beast growled louder. It began galloping towards them, making some of the men begin to flee the other way. Camilla stood almost frozen in awe. It had been a long time since she had seen Lincei like this, but she didn’t want him to hurt them. Bjorn seemed as shocked as she, and she tackled him in the chest, pushing him away from the claws of the approaching animal. It passed them and continued towards Eliot and the few men left. ”Run, for god’s sake!” She cried out towards them.

 

[Woody.]

What Eliot was witnessing was something from the stories. This was a monster- the monster that they so desired to call Camilla. Why in the hell would they believe Camilla was a monster over that! But he did begin to think though, the girl had to have been on her way to see him. Her death was sudden and quick... especially after he brought Camilla into the village. it was as if she were bad luck and now everything was unravelling and wavering, it made his head spin uncontrollably. So why was he second guessing himself? In the whole lot of chaos, the beast had come his way. Seeing as it didn't seem to attack Camilla made him release a sigh of relief, up until the moment it was charging at them. Such a beast was great, no human with their simple weapons could take down a creature. As it down at him and the men he felt an odd sense of familiarity in this creature. Like he'd met it before, perhaps it was just the eyes, but was sure that this monster was familiar to him. "Fucking run!" Cried the other two, as they released Eliot immediately, what was he to do? He had no power to kill this creature. His knife that had been taken from him was out of site.

He tried to get up on his two feet, the only way he knew he could survive this creature would to run and hopefully it chased the other two. In a last ditch effort, he awaited the creature just for the right moment. It's eyes raged forward, the creature surely trying to attack with full intent to kill. The moment he felt the creatures breath, he dashed to the left. The creature hurdled past him, and the sound it made had created a deep fear within Eliot. He was able to focus now, whatever fog that covered his eyes was lifted. The strange thing though - he was still worried for Camilla. This time though all of his thoughts were just on Camilla, but trying to survive.

--

Bjorn had been stunned momentarily. The creature should have ripped him to shreds, but this little girl had suddenly pushed him out of the way. He was still suspicious of her and her work with Eliot. She was slowly killing him, Bjorn had been witness the death of a few missing soldiers. He was drained and just ended up... disappearing. Eliot was a good lad with a bright future. Bjorn cared deeply about everyone in the village and when Eliot became apart of it, he was welcomed with open arms. Now this woman was planning on taking her away from him. Though she saved him, he wouldn't let this go. This was not something she could be forgiven of, but for the moment the creature in front of them was the primary target.
He growled at her, "Don't you dare think for a moment we are done with you. He'll learn the truth about you, girl."

Snagging the knife he dropped on the ground, he whistled for the beast who seemed to set his eyes on Bjorn now.

--

Eliot had gotten to his feet after the dive which saved his life. He'd feel that in the morning, but right now he heard the whistling from Bjorn and focused in on the man. He simply had a knife which he had used to threaten Camilla with. Eliot admired the man's courage, he most certainly was a mad man as well. This gave Eliot the chance to escape, he could simply run like the other men did or he could save Camilla once more. Though he hadn't seen the creature truly charge at her specificly, he wanted to make sure he was the one to get her away from the monster. Taking her anywhere but there. he scrambled through some of thickets towards her, the monster already stalking its next prey. Bjorn had decided to run, however, as the he underestimated the monster. He probably knew the knife wasn't that compatible. The rest of the men who were scrambling to shoot arrows at it would probably be the next target of the beasts, it was when Eliot was able to get to Camilla, he slid to his knees to her, "Are you alright, my sweet." He said, his voice dripping with worry, he was able to think carefully to his next task which would be to take her far from here. The stress that was probably going around in her head might cause her fear, "It's not safe here, it's our chance to go." He begged, whether it was to his smith shop or further into the forest, he just wanted to be gone from this place. The villagers had come into the village causing unneeded worry.

But the fog was gone, which meant there were too many questions running through his head about Camilla. The first one being why Bjorn seemed to confidently know she was a monster.

 

[Syrli]

Camilla grasped Eliot's arm and stood up together with him. "Yes, I'm okay." The sound of a man screaming came from through the woods, the same way the beast had went, but the shriek died out as fast as it had appeared. She wouldn't be able to stop Lincei in this form, she wasn't even sure if he would be able to tell her apart from the humans. And whatever men had stop to try to take the beast down seemed to only be able to cause it insignificant wounds. So yes, it was probably best to get out of there. She'd rather not go back to the village, but she knew that if she brought him deeper into the forest the villagers would just keep following them to try to take Eliot back. Returning to the village would certainly be unpleasant, and it would also probably lead to even more troubles, but at least Eliot would be safe there. And hopefully she would manage to convince the villagers that she didn't want to harm him.

Even though she knew that Lincei would handle the situation without them, she couldn't help but to feel like it was a betrayal to see the cabin disappearing behind them as they hurried their way towards the village. She couldn't be sure that he intervened just to save her, and he'd probably deny it no matter what the truth really was. After all, he was a guardian spirit just as she. His duty was to protect the creatures of the forest; the animals with pumping hearts and lungs filled with air. She on the other hand was the guardian of nature; the trees, moss, breeze and frost. And naturally, they were two halves of the circle of life. Without one the other couldn't keep existing. So it would made sense that he would try to save her, but it still had surprised her. Even though he had been around for as long as she could remember, their relationship had always been a bit...strained, to say the least.

She looked up at Eliot, and it was clear that he was thinking about something. She wondered about how much he believed of what they had told him. "Do...do you want to talk about it?" She asked carefully. "I-I mean, I just don't know how I could prove myself innocent to them. Whatever I say, they just wave it off as lies."

 

[Woody.]

Eliot had stopped for a moment, the hiking back towards the village was draining. Of course he understood the dangers of taking her there, but he had his home which he could gather supplies and perhaps run off. But why would he need to run off, if all Camilla was to the villagers was an outsider she wouldn't need to fear them. But this wasn't about being an outsider, because they truly believed she was a monster. The monster that had come out of the forest which attacked and killed several men had made his decision of taking her back to the village come to a halt. Even her question when she tried to talk to him about being innocent. This was all too confusing for the poor man. He experienced joy and admiration for this woman, his heart pounded when she was near and for just the few days he had known her, he wished he could be with her for an eternity. Which was why he fucking needed answers as to why those feelings were there. He was not one to rush things, but when he is thinking about an eternity with a woman then something certainly was wrong.

"Camilla." he spoke her name while they rested in a near grove. The village couldn't be much farther, he needed answers before he took her back. Several men were possibly killed back there all because they were afraid for Eliot. That the beast would have snatched him up and possibly eat him, "Are you a witch Camilla." He asked, his voice wavering with worry. He didn't want her to be- because he liked those feelings when he was with her. Maybe that Fog wasn't too bad in his head, and he could just rest his head in her lap till he died. It wasn't lovestruck emotions either, he wanted to protect her and know her and her likes. Many men would have gone off beauty, but she was just so mysterious that he wanted to know her whole person. Was that different from a man who was after lust?

"I dreamed about you last night, Camilla." He said and continued, "From the moment we separated in the village my thoughts were only to come rushing back to you and pray you take me in. We just met, why the fuck am I so obsessed with you?"

Then it was that monster that had killed his men, in Camilla's precesne others had died! The moment Camilla came to the village Mazel died. Was this all a conisedence, or was she truly bad luck and he was the next target to be killed? Dragged in the forest to be forgotten about and left to die as Camilla laughed at his dying state.

 

[Syrli]

She would tell him everything one day, surely. Maybe. He deserved to know, and once they had grown a bit closer he would understand and accept who she was and want to help her. After all, she didn't want to be like this, everything she wanted was to be human like him. But to tell him now, after all those people had died? Absolutely not, the timing couldn't be any worse. He would probably be unable to ever forgive her. She needed to wait until he was in a more stable emotional state. Telling him now, when he was mourning that girl and still in shock from seeing the beast that Lincei turned into, it could even be considered cruel! He doesn't need anymore stress or bad news. Yes, not telling him was definitely the humane thing to do in this situation, just an innocent white lie for his own best.

"Of course I'm not a witch, Eliot. You know that I haven't done anything to hurt you, or anyone else for that matter." She looked up into his eyes and could tell that it wouldn't be enough to silence the doubt that those men had ignited within him. And as long as there was doubt or fear or anger, her powers over him would be weakened, and there would only be a matter of time before he could think clearly and would break away from her completely.

"I could ask you the same thing! I'm sure that if I actually had gotten a proper night's sleep I would've dreamed of you too." Even though she was sure that her words would calm him too some extent, she didn't want to take any chances. If he started doubting her and questioning things to much...if he decided to try to leave her...She didn't even want to think about it. She simply couldn't allow that to happen.

She stepped closer to him and gently placed her hand in his. "Eliot..." Her other hand trailed carefully up his arm, over his shoulder and to the side of his face. "Please, you do trust me, don't you?" Before he could anser she leaned in and let her lips meet his. Perhaps she had been afraid of what the answer could be. She released his hand and let both of hers feel and hold him close, as if she was worried that he'd try to pull away from her. She was so hungry for him, that she couldn't understand why she hadn't done this much earlier. Her heart was pounding in a way she could barely even remember.

 

[Woody.]

There it was, that small little reassurance that had calmed his nerves. If she certainly felt the same then he had to be a sane man. Still though, he had that inevitable doubt that stayed, his trust in the village didn't dwindle, it just was pushed to the back of his head like an after thought. The very same could be said about his rational thinking, it was just hovering there in his head, waiting to resurface and exploit this woman for what she was. A liar.

Yet as she had inched her way closer to him, her hands gently exploring him and pulling him down for his lips to meet hers, he melted. The fog covering his eyes for now, and his mind only focused on this woman. She was soft, just like he imagined. Her hands were small and when they delicately touched his cheek, he just couldn't get enough. Gods have mercy on his poor soul. Hours and hours in her presence and this was the carnal desire he sought. He probably wouldn't have been able to pull away if he tried, her power, or whatever had captured his attention was having a rather powerful hold on him.

Instead of pulling away, he did quite the opposite. He pushed her against a tree to capture her like a trapped bird. His arm resting against the tree above her head and the other pulling her chin so their lips were pratically sealed. Every part of him just needed to get as close as he could to her.

And though the fog had covered his mind, he was thinking of what to do about their situation. Earlier he wanted to bring her to the village, but their reaction alone was enough to make Eliot hesitate. No, she couldn't go the village. The cries of men were no more, possibly dead. If she went back to her own home that monster could get to her. So what was he to do with this maiden? Right now, if any of the villagers dared to come close, he would surely kill them. No one would touch Camilla.

"I don't want you to leave my side, got it?" He mumbled as their lips disconnected for a breath of air, "For if any man come near you, ill fucking kill them." That very moment a surprising jealousy entered his head, the idea of a man even taking her away had caused hm great anger.

All the while, Bjorn had unfortunately didn't make his escape without injury, his face had been torn with clae marks, and John the huntsman had wounds all over his body, perhaps a chunk of flesh missing as well. The two men had made their way to the village, their story of the monsters had caused murmur in the village. Eliots name was said, Bjorn explaining the magic that held the man's mind hostage was causing him to be entranced by a woman. A warning was sent to many, if Eliot were to return, they'd surely save the man. And if any saw a woman, whose beauty rivaled that of Faries she would most certainly be put to death.

 

[Syrli]

Camilla panted as the connection between their lips broke, although she wouldn't have minded drowning in the kiss if he had let her. She could feel a shiver up her spine as he spoke, and she let herself lean back towards the hard tree bark. Did he really want to be with her as much as she wanted to be with him? She let her lips graze against his neck and jaw, as they made their way back to his face. She could barely stop herself, but stayed just and inch or so away.

"Don't worry, I can hide. Tell them that the beast killed me, and they won't suspect a thing and won't hurt either of us, okay?" She ran her fingers through the back of his hair, and thought to herself that the village could wait. All she could ever want was right here in front of her, and it might have clouded her judgement a little bit. Who knows who could still be lurking around here, it was possible that both fleeing villagers or Lincei could bump into them, but those thoughts didn't cross Camilla's mind anymore. She was the closest she'd ever been to Eliot and nothing else really mattered. She had never felt safer.

"I don't think I could ever let you go." She mumbled back before seeking his lips with hers again.

 

[Woody.]

He chuckled a bit, she certainly had a good idea, the beast killing her would make them think he was safe. Certainly then he could live in peace and have this woman. But enough of the village, along with his questions, he let the village thinking sink bellow his mind and decided to relax in this pleasure. He would belong to her for an eternity, if she wanted. Hands fell down to her gown clenching the fabric, who knew simple clothing could annoy him the most. "Camilla," he mumbled, too needy to act rationally, was he a man of such little patience and need? One woman shouldn't be able to make a man weak to his knees.

Who knew running from a monster could bring up such an events. Her lips were fire, and when her hands went through his short hair he couldn't help but bite back a growl. She was a dessert he was ready to devour if she wasn't careful. "I doubt I can hold myself back, my dear. Please stop me." He half begged, half threatened. Because if she didn't tell him no, he wouldn't stop.

'What unmarried woman allow this? Her father most certainly would kill you.'

That was the only thing he worried, but why should he worry? The villagers stated the story of her having a father was false.

'So are they right about her?'

The fog simply covered up that thought, having her so close seemed to help erase those thoughts. Yet it only proved that his hesitation about this woman was still very much alive.

 

[Syrli]

Camilla dearly wanted him, but she also realized that continuing on with this maybe wouldn't be very beneficial for her. What if it only would cement his doubts about her being just a wicked temptress? But he clearly wanted her too, so could she really be blamed for that? She was touch starved and had been thinking about this moment since they first met, so could she just let it slip out of her hands? If she's lucky it could even strengthen their bond even more and make her plan more airtight. But of course, there was never any guarantees for anything.

She tried to conceal her eagerness and let her movements slow down, her lips, her hands, her breathing. If she was going to go through with it she was going to make sure to enjoy every moment off it, not let any sensation or touch go to waste. Her hands found his grasping at her dress, and she took hold off his wrists and firmly brought them away from her waist and held them up at his sides. She nearly giggled into his mouth, the corners of her mouth curling up into a teasing smirk.

She began to slowly push him backwards, leaving the tree her back was leaning against, when she all of a sudden the sound of a twig snapping behind them made her stumble and take Eliot with her into the grass. She quickly pushed her upper body up from the ground, and looked in fear in the direction of the sound. She only saw the backs off two deer running off into the trees. She chuckled lightly and covered her forehead with her hand. "Oh gosh, I thought that..." She didn't finish her thought, but instead laid down again and tried to not make too much sound as she giggled about the situation that had just happened.

 

[Woody.]

Her eyes, her smile, everything was going to smoothly, till she gave him that god damn teasing smile, and moved him away from their position against the tree. He was so excited to finally have her all to himself and she had to tease away from him, he wanted to keep caressing her and give her all of his love, till she pushed him to ground out of the blue. What the fuck? he furrowed his brows as she lifted up her eyes gazing with fear, when he looked he only saw the deer as well and he scowled. A pleasant moment ruined by animals. He laid on his back, almost like a pout.

Her giggle though, made him lift his head and let out a groan. Of course there was still a beast in the woods and all his thoughts were of a woman. God, how stupid could he have been to want something like sex? He sat up on his elbows, and turned his head to her. Her laugh was contagious, but it only brought a chuckle to his lips. Surely, she had to have done that on purpose. Perhaps she was scared and had chickened out? Besides, why was he thinking of sex when there had been death and monsters among these woods. Was he easily swayed? "Even out here in the trees, you get me distracted," he accused, but this time it held a more teasing tone to it, "Tormenting me, and teasing me... just to take it all away." He sighed dramatically. But, it truly was a risk being out here. He didn't know who had survived the attack, while he flaunted his attention at someone.

The deer truly ruined this moment of pure fun, but they'd have to get back into reality. He had to make a decision, whether to really go back to the village and announce her death and hopefully they believed him. "Another day, then." He decided, and leaned down to kiss her lips one last time. Take in her warmth, and then stand up from their position in the grass. He offered a hand to help her up, this moment wouldn't be forgotten. The sweet laugh and kisses--

Surely the monster, and deaths wont be forgotten either, Eliot

That could be easily erased and replaced with good memories. Especially when he had Camilla at his side.

"Now, I surely can't let you go back to your cottage," He said, "The monster could still be lurking in those woods, I can't allow him to take you away." It was heroic of him to say, but in true honesty, he hadn't seen such a creature before. It had frightened him, he would try his best to defend, but he doubt that he could do an ounce of damage to the creature. Especially when he wasn't armed. "are you sure you don't want me sneaking you into my home?"

 

[Syrli]

"Pfft, 'tormenting'? Really?" Camilla chuckled. "I'm decently certain that something called 'tormenting' can't be this fun and enjoyable. Aw, don't pout darling! I didn't take it all away. I'm still here, am I not?" Her playful mood shone brightly, she seemed to have forgotten the tragedy they have witnessed earlier. Unbeknownst to Eliot it wasn't much of a tragedy to her, though. As long as they didn't take him away from her, all was well in her opinion. Well, the loss of the innocent girl's life might have been a bit unfortunate, but the humans that had invaded her home and threatened them was hardly innocent. And she wasn't the one who had hurt them, either.

As Eliot stood up she almost started regretting her teasing, and cursed the deer that had frightened her and ruined their moment. She had only wanted to have some fun and drag it out so she could enjoy him a bit longer, but alas, the one who grasps after too much tends to let all of it slip out of their hands. Now it was her time to pout. She did accept his hand though and stood back up from the ground and wiped her dress off.

"Well, I can't really think of a better hiding place. I don't really know anyone else in the village, and I'd rather not just stay here just out in the open." In reality, she usually spent most nights under the starlit skies, but Eliot wouldn't know that. She just really liked the idea off following him home. "But how would we get me there unnoticed? I'm sure that they are there waiting for you to come back."

 

[Woody.]

Eliot surely could think of many ways of sneaking her in. At night, when most were asleep, or perhaps when he could find clothes she could possibly disguise herself on. He just couldn't think of what he would do with her sleeping arrangments. One bed in a small home, he would surely get no sleep, because he would most certainly sleep on the bed before he-. Did he not want to sleep with her right next to his body? Didn't he want to do things to her not moments ago? God, he couldn't stop thinking about it. So why did he hesitate still? He bit his tongue to stop himself from revealing his ideas, but he had an idea she hoped would agree on.

It would keep her safe and away from her cottage. A stable, not abandoned, but held no horses due to a very unfortunate event. A predator had gotten in and most were killed. Now it sat on a field that belonged to a rather old farmer. He knew he wouldn't be out on his fields this time of the year, and it sat on the border of the forest and village. A perfect spot... he could of course have to transport things from his home, but there should still be hay in the stable. He would most certainly have to put blankets around for comfort. "Well I suppose we could take shelter in a small place. Its not a castle, but I could protect you from the winds and we could certainly stay till we can roam up to your home." It was still a risk, due to her being so close to the viage. But this way they had a roof and he'd have no need to take her to his home. He would be able to keep her company while he soothed her. In his head, he thought she was frantic and scared from what happened to those men. Any poor girl would have cried in her situation.

The only rhing that could cause issue is if he showed his face to the villagers when he tried transporting blankets from his home to the stable. They would most surely criticize him, but thats only if any men came back from the monster. Something in him hoped they were safe, but the fog thoughts hoped they all died for causing Camilla unneeded stress. "Wpuld that satisfy you?" He mumbled, he still wanted to be close to her, but during the height of a monster on the loose ontop of trying to protect her- he had no other option

 

[Syrli]

”Hmm...” Camilla stroked her arm. Why didn’t he want to have her in his home? Was he hiding something from her, or did he just want to keep her at an arm’s length? ”If you think it’s a good idea it will work perfectly, I’m sure.” It certainly wasn’t exactly what she had hoped for, and not knowing why he wanted to hide her somewhere else bothered slightly. What if she had been coming on too strong or moving things too fast and that it had made him think badly about her? For a moment, she felt like wanting to shrivel up and hide. Humans had so many unwritten rules and codes and patterns of behaviors, and to her it was all just too unfamiliar and irrational for her to understand them fully. ”You’ll come by and keep me company sometimes though, right?” She asked carefully. She figured if their plan would work he would have to pretend like everything was normal and live his normal life, but the thought of spending even a day without him wasn’t all that nice. Still, she would have to do it if it was required to guarantee their safety.

- - -

Lincei limped through the forest. His black and white fur was dirtied with both dried and some still wet blood. After gotten hit by one too many arrows he was lucky that the last of the humans had either fled or died because he hadn’t been strong enough to keep his true form for much longer. He had headed back to the cabin, but she was gone. He had begun searching for her, either still alive or at least her body. He couldn’t know if he had killed her or not, all he could sense in his blinded rage was scents and movements.

He was just about to get seriously worried when he found her all flushed and close to that human. Bleh, how disgusting. She obviously didn’t worry about his wellbeing too much. And the man had survived too, unfortunately. He could’ve almost sworn that he had dug his claws into a man’s chest that looked just like him, but it appeared that he hadn’t been as lucky as he had thought. He was turning out to be quite the annoyance, and their little romance was bringing more problems than he could accept for much longer. If she didn’t get her act together and ended him soon, Lincei would take care of the problem himself. He had no want of watching them make love however, so he turned around and began slowly making his way back towards the cabin again.

 

[Woody.]

Eliot smiled at her question, "Of course, I could even sleep in one of the stalls. It's just- you're a woman and I'm a man. An unmarried man at that and you're an... unmarried woman." He hesitated, she had kissed him first! She probably was just as willing as he was, but he knew that protocols stated that woman should never lie with a man unless married. She should know that right? That was simple knowledge everyone knew. Many would have called her a whore, and her reputation would be ruined. But if it were him, he would surely make love with her, because in reality he wouldn't be able to let her go. Wouldn't that be as close to marriage as you could get? "But what we just did-" He stated, "Almost did." He was hesitant cause he didn't know if she had the same idea that he had where it was going. Damn it, talking to a woman was difficult.

"I would simply be there to sleep and watch over with you until the monster is gone. I would still need to gather supplies and food when I'm out, but I'll always come straight back to you, got it?" He tried to reassure her. He wouldn't be too far from her, but if the villagers did find out. He probably would be dead meat. He took her hand and kissed her palm. He hated seeing her worried, most of all, he hated how this day had turned out. From the villagers witch hunting her, to the fucking beast, and to almost making love. The last one he wished he didn't start thinking rationally. Because it was that rational thought that kept him from actually doing it right there.

"Let's hurry, I don't want it to get too dark, dove." He lead her through the trees and towards their destination, careful to avoid certain paths that had high. All while, he began hearing shouting from the village townhouse. He hesitated, but it was still a bit aways. The stable was coming up, and it would be safe there. The shouting did worry him, and his doubt heightened. It seemed everytime he thought about the village his doubt for Camilla heightened.

The stable was a bit cold, he did have to admit. There was still hay, but no horses. 5 stalls were in the stable, and the farmer must have just cleaned out and was preparing to put horses in this home. It was at least cozy to say the least. If Camilla hated it he could most certainly try to find some other arrangments. But it was quiet here. No monster, no villagers, just them at least. Though he'd have to get blankets for her, and perhaps some food. He didn't want to starve her.

 

[Syrli]

She tilted her head slightly. What was the problem with them being unmarried? Wouldn't the problem be if one of them was married, not the other way around? Either way, it was clear that Eliot was uncomfortable with the situation. She had never wanted to make him feel bad or do something he didn't want to do, she just thought that...that...it hadn't been like that. The way he had kissed her and held her, the things he had whispered to her...the signals had seemed to be loud and clear, but judging by his words now it was obvious that she had misinterpreted them somehow. "No, no, of course." She said, pretending to understand what he had meant. "You should sleep in your own home, of course. It's...probably for the best." She tried to play along, mirroring the emotions she saw on his face, but in reality she was hurt, and ashamed. How could she have been so recklessly impatient and stupid? Coldness and distance between them was the absolute opposite of what she wanted.

They entered the small house, and inside there was wooden fences splitting the room into parts. It looked like it could be a shelter for some kind of animal, maybe cows or horses. She had only seen animals near the village roaming fields, but she assumed that maybe in the winter as it got colder they had to shelter them somewhere. "This will be good, I think." She thought that it would be much better if he decided to stay with her, but kept that thought in her head. She did not want to do the same mistake again. It was a bit cold, but it wouldn't cause her any harm other than perhaps some discomfort. Even inside they could still hear the sound of loud voices coming from the village. "At least you will be close, but I still think that I'll be safe here. But you should probably go there now, I think you might be the reason why they're making so much noise. I'll stay here, but if you don't come back before it gets dark I'll start worrying that something happened, and then I might go looking for you, okay?" She wanted to get close and touch his arm or caress his face, but after what had happened she was too uncertain and decided that it was safest to not do it.

 

[Woody.]

Eliot looked down at her expression, if she did worry and go out looking for him, he knew she would be fucked. He hoped to god she was kidding though, and though the thoughts in his head told him to stay with her, the better part of him knew that he needed to go calm the nerves of the villagers. Then perhaps he could sneak into his home and retrieve the supplies for her. It was funny. Even without the fog making him see her as the most desirable creature in the world, he did find her quite kind and had a simple beauty of consideration. She talked with him, and cooked for him, she wasn't evil and the rational did enjoy her calmness. Even if through all this hectic chaos going around they had ran and almost been killed twice, he could safely say he wouldn't mind if she would stay with him.

"Just stay safe, and if you dare hear anyone outside, hide and don't make a sound. I will come back." He promised her, and gave her a charmed smile. He hoped she would do as she was told, he couldn't risk getting his neck chopped over a woman. No man in their right man should die for a woman they just met, right? That would be illogical. He straightened his shirt, it was ripped and torn in several places, and his trousers were scuffed with dirt. He looked like a mess, thinking about it almost made him laughed. Camilla would have allowed him to actually make love to her when he looked like a wild animal? That hopefully helped his self confidence, cause he looked like jack shit.

Able to leave without looking back had to be one of the hardest things he could have done, yet he walked out those stables confidently and walking to the noise.

--

The townhouse was packed with most of the villagers, the two men that had survived were telling tales of the monster the "witch" had summoned to kill them. Though Bjorn was saved by that woman, and almost hesitated to tell John that wasn't it- he kept his mouth shut. "The monster tore down your husbands, and friends. Then went to aid the bitch." John had snapped, he had been the one to hesitate to kill the woman, but he was now just pissed off. The women whose husbands were lost were huddled together and crying.

"The man Eliot, he fucking is put under a spell. Ran away with the woman, he did." John explained, and Bjorn noticed a figure in the back of the barn. Eliot. Bjorn had furrowed his brows and with his arms crossed called, "Boy."

The townhouse went quiet, and all eyes turned to see the man dirtied and grim. Eliot didn't know what to say, standing there to see women weeping, and two villagers he knew so well, torn up and beaten. They looked bad- and if he hadn't been out with Camilla, they would have never gotten hurt. No one would have died. He was ashamed.

"Where did you take her, Eliot." Said John with an expression of pure hate.

Eliot hesitated, he didn't want to lie. He shouldn't need to lie, seeing that almost no one came back was horrifying. He opened his mouth to lie, to lie for Camilla and to save his ass. Yet, he couldn't do it. What he did for Camilla and choosing to save her and no other was a betrayal of trust between the village. Could he say that she really did put him under a spell? That would imply he believed the villagers over Camilla.
"She's gone." Was all he said, that could mean several things. She left and ran away, or gone from their eyes. He didn't want to lie and this was the closest thing he could get for them. Bjorn didn't like that answer. He still sensed the man was under an enchantment. Which was why he had men wandering the streets in case Eliot did come home- and came home with her. His men would hopefully find her if Eliot was hiding her, but right now Bjorn wanted to tell the boy the story of where it all began.

"Then she must have power of you still, Eliot." Bjorn announced, and Eliot looked at him with confusion, "I was never under a spell." Bjorn shook his head and people whispered among themselves. Bjorn's only attempt was to get Eliot to believe the story of the 'monster', and then Eliot will realize what she truly was. Perhaps the only way to kill the monster and free the villagers from these misfortunes, was to have Eliot kill her. And an angry man whose heart is broken, would be the most excellent assassin.

"Men had gone missing before, Eliot. Specifically men. Soldiers went into the woods and some were drained of life. The first victim had been a member of our village long ago. He was young like you, and full of life. Each day that he went into the woods there was a change. He was day dreaming, and acting like he was in love. Day by day, villagers noticed his absence, and though he'd return... he came back tired each time."

Eliot didn't understand what this had to do with Camilla, and he wasn't tired- or was he? There were moments where he did feel like he could sleep forever due to exahusten. But traveling through the woods wasn't an easy task. "I have not felt those changes." Eliot argued, but he wasn't so sure. He was doubting himself for a second.

"This monster had lead him to the woods everyday, and what temptation would a man seek to go into the woods alone? A woman." Bjorn stated. He didn't know what Camilla was, Bjorn though she was a shapeshifter whose true form was a monster. Then the witch theory where she gave him a love potion as she sucked out his life force. Whatever she was, they didn't relate her to being anything with nature and simply enjoyed killing men. This was the first time anyone had seen Camilla, and though shocking was her beauty- Bjorn had put together a theory. Which involved Mazel.

"A woman whose meal would have been taken away if another woman were to tempt him away." Bjorn called out his theory, and referred back to Mazel. Eliot though, saw no corrilation between Camilla and Mazel. Just because Camilla had been in the village the night Mazel had died didn't mean a damn thing. I've been trying to tell you she's dangerous. Came all those suspicious thoughts that were suppressed in his head while he was with Camilla. Mazel wasn't tempting him away though- she had just been trying to talk with him thats it. Camilla would know the difference, she was human and knew human interaction. "You would rather defend a woman who you've only met recently, and brought chaos to this village than believe your own friends." Bjorn accused, "What says that about you, Eliot? Are you the one causing all of this?"

"No." Eliot snapped, "I would never hurt Mazel."

"No one here would have." Bjorn raised his hands to the crowd who gazed at Eliot as if this was a courthouse and Eliot was on trial. "These are your friends, and family. We took you in with kindness, and you throw it away for a monster. A monster who tempts you away just long enough to eat your fucking heart. She'll kill you and she'll kill us all. Where is she Eliot."

This was too much to handle. Eliot refused to believe the villagers. They weren't right, they didn't know Camilla. Neither do you.

 

[Syrli]

After he had left, Camilla sat down in the hay and nervously picked on her fingers and the skirt of her dress. She wanted to follow him, but it would be riskier now than just the other night. They knew what she looked like and were probably searching for her. She tried to tell herself that everything would be fine. He would tell them that she was dead and they wouldn't do anything to hurt him and they'd stop searching for her. She repeated it in her head like a mantra. She should try to sleep, she had only gotten that small nap with Eliot, but her nerves kept her awake. She would simply just have to wait it out.

- - -

a couple of hours earlier . . .


Bjorn had gotten away a bit easier than John, so after being patched up he left the doctor's office. He told John that he would gather up some people for a meeting in the townhouse, to tell them what they had seen and warn them of the danger that could potentially be threatening more lives than had already been lost. They needed to act before that happened.

The doctor was taking care of John's right shoulder, which had been badly hurt. The beast had basically thrown him around like a piece of meat, and if Bjorn hadn't been there he would've probably been eaten like one too. The doctor seemed terrified by their stories and the size of their wounds. "Wh-what is your plan? To stop that creature, I mean." The doctor asked carefully as he tightened the fabric around his shoulder to stop the bleeding. John grunted in pain. "I don't know. We can't send another group of men into the forest, not with - Argh, fuck! - ...Not with that monster out there still. It's too dangerous. We could search the city, but that might take too long. The only person who knows where she is would be Eliot, but he won't help us as long as he's under that fucking spell. We need to take him out of it...somehow." The doctor went to rinse the blood off his hands, and the sight nearly made John nauseous.

"Hmm...Well, I do have to admit that I do have some experience with this. It's pretty common that mothers bring me sick or deformed children thinking that it's the work of fae. One of the most secure ways to tell if it's true is with silver. Silver is the holiest of all metals, so it could heal minor sicknesses caused by ungodly creatures such as fae. But if Eliot's truly is possessed by one, silver would react to his touch. It could burn his skin, even." This certainly caught John's attention. "Than that's what we must do! It would prove everything, and he would certainly believe us after that!" He tried to stand up in excitement, but the pain made his attempt fruitless. "Calm down there, son. If you move too much the bleeding will start again. And I'm sorry to admit that I'm not fully sure that it would work, it's something they told us when I studied but I've never seen it with my own eyes. However..." The physician dried off his hands and turned his back to John as he began rummaging through a drawer under his desk. He came back and showed John a small vial filled with some kind of liquid. "This is extracted bee venom. I've been experimenting with it while trying to treat Mrs. Worfold's knee pain, but I think we could use it too...guarantee that we would have enough proof that Eliot is possessed. It's simply too dangerous to take any chances, and with this, his skin will react for certain." He walked over and picked up a shard from a mirror laying on his desk. "I was going to try to repair it, but it will be far more useful this way." He carefully poured a few drops of venom onto the shiny piece of metal, and then carefully wrapped it in a piece of cloth.

. . .

The doctor had advised him to go home and rest, and let someone else bring the mirror shard to the meeting, but John had insisted on coming, despite the pain. As Bjorn spoke to Eliot, John limped over to two of the spectators and whispered too them. They nodded carefully and began making their way towards Eliot as discretely as possible. Bjorn's story seemed to at least have awoken some kind of doubt within Eliot, and John knew that this was the final proof they needed. He rejoined Bjorn's side and spoke loud enough for all to hear. "I have a way to tell for sure whether Eliot has been possessed with an evil creature or not!" He could sense Bjorn glancing over towards him, as he surely didn't know what was going on. The two men had reached Eliot and had brought him a chair, and made him sit down. He took out the shard from his pocket and carefully unwrapped it, so that he wouldn't cut himself. He held it up to their audience. "This mirror shard has enough silver in it to burn any devilish creature or victim in its possession. Let's use it to see if Eliot really is in his right mind, or if the witch has control over him!" Enthusiastic shouts rang throughout the hall, and the two men made sure that Eliot wouldn't be able to escape if he tried. They made him hold out his arm as John approached.

John grabbed Eliot's wrist with his left hand, and held the shard with his right. He slowly brought his right hand down and the sharp metal sunk into his skin and made a cut that was a few inches along his arm. Only seconds after the area around the wound turned red and began to swell, just like the sting of a bee, only on a larger scale. Whether it actually was the venom or the silver his skin reacted to wasn't important, all that mattered was that they had the proof they needed. He let the shard of metal fall to the floor and spoke directly to Eliot. "Do you see now? She has poisoned you, you can see it for yourself! We are only trying to help you, for God's sake. Tell us where she is so that no more innocent lives have to be taken."

 

[Woody.]

The cut along his arm hurt like hell. It felt like his blood was boiling and he wanted to believe it was just cause they cut him, anyone would of had the same reaction! This wasn't proof, they were lying to him. In his mind, the fog tried to tell him this was all a set up to give them Camilla. But it was as if the fog was screaming for him to fight the pain, the silver was certainly having its affect. He closed his eyes trying to make sense of all of their words. John had come eye to eye with Eliot trying to help the man, he was just being possessed. They cared for him, and this would break his heart, but Camilla was a virus. She would kill him if he were to go back. John was saving the lad from impending doom. John crouched in front of him now, looking at Eliot's pained face. He was sure that it worked, he had gotten through to the boy. The look in his eyes of confusion and anger, so much the man had began gritting his teeth and digging his nails into his palms. The men had slowly released Eliot and he didn't fight them. He simply sat there.

Eliot didn't know what to believe. All different thoughts were in his head, and it was like a black smoke running through his head. The thing that was entrapping his mind with thoughts of Camilla was trying its best to keep hold on him. What was real emotions for Camilla? Would he have considered her the same if she hadn't entrapped him in this magic of hers? Was she truly kind, or was she really just trying to kill him? "John." Eliot mumbled, and looked at the man. John gave him a sad smile, and just seeing him smile made Eliot sick to his stomach. God, he loved the feeling of being in love. The high that gave him, and the comfort he expirienced with her. But at this point he believed the villagers, she was really trying to kill him. Though in reality that probably wasn't her goal, but the villagers had gotten to his head.

"Where is she, Eliot." John pressured more, Eliot was getting a headache from all of this stress and he didn't want to talk. He was too tired, so he simply stood up and said with a straight face, "She's in the village." He didn't specify yet where she was, because he wanted to handle her. He wanted to be the one to bring her to the villagers, because she was the one who tempted him. Lied to him, and most importantly, made him feel things that were false.

"allow me to retrieve her, she will probably run if she hears villagers go close to the stable." He explained, his voice weak and full of dead emotions. John hesitated, he didn't know if he could trust Eliot, but just the look the man gave him was comforting. Eliot looked crushed, and when he looked at his arm and watched the burning feeling sink in, he knew.

"Alright, boy. We will prepare to rid ourselves of the monster." Many mumbled in agreement. Eliot stood up, his shoulders slouched, and a bit of blood from his palms where he dug his finger nails in. The cut in his arm was bleeding still, and he didn't seem to care if the blood dripped on his arm. Without a word, he simply... walked out. To retrieve the woman that tormented him, the one who was in the stables awaiting his return. Who trusted Eliot to protect her.

--

"Camilla." He called out as his got the stables. The name had made him almost gag. It was a bad taste in his mouth, he tried not to sound dead, but knowing the information the villagers had given him made him feel different. He had put his arm behind his back to hide the cut along his arm, and stepped inside, "Camilla, it's safe. Don't worry, my dear."

 

[Syrli]

Camilla winced at the sound of her name. She guessed that she must have dozed off anyways. Her legs felt a bit wobbly, but she pulled herself up from the door of the stable so fast that she almost got a bit lightheaded. At the sight of Eliot in the doorway, she felt a wave of bliss hitting her. He was back, and that means that the villagers thought she were dead and wouldn't bother them anymore. She almost felt like crying, the sudden burst of emotions of finally approaching her dream was overwhelming, and her joyful mood made her fail to notice the smell of blood.

She skipped up to him, and as she was in an almost celebratory mood she couldn't care less about him or her being unmarried or whatever he had been talking about before, because right now she didn't have the time for such worries. She just wanted to rest leaning on his shoulder again and never let him leave her side. As she approached him she didn't stop to look at him closer, but instead she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and reached up to give him a kiss. It didn't last longer than a breath, but she was too curious to hear about what had happened while he was gone. Also, she was sure there'd be more where that kiss came from later.

She stepped away, to let him step inside. The evening was approaching and the winds where getting colder already, and although the stable didn't provide that much shelter it was better then nothing. But speaking of the cold, she had thought that he would try to grab some supplies and food while he was out, and she had surely expected some blankets but she couldn't see him carrying any, or anything at all for that matter. It was only then she sensed the smell of blood on him, but since she couldn't see a wound it confused her. Still, the scent made the hairs on the back of her neck raise. "Eliot, did everything go well? I thought you would bring back some food...and blankets. Did something prevent you from getting them?"

 

[Woody.]

When she had kissed him, he didn't understand why he wanted to recoil. He had enjoyed her lips earlier, and even though she felt so soft, and her joy was beaming, he couldn't stand the sight of her. He allowed her close though, if he were to take her to the villagers he would need to at least make it seem like he was the same right? But how could he- when he learned things about her that made sense. With what happened to Mazel... to creature attacking them by her cottage. How could he ever look at Camilla the same again. He leaned into the kiss for the the looks, and he still felt enchanted by her kiss. When she pulled away as fast as she kissed him, she allowed him back into the stable.

"I couldn't make it to my house." He stated, "I was bombarded with the villagers and I guess it slip my mind." He shrugged, his one arm staying right where he needed it. "I'm just glad no one found you." He mumbled, he didn't know what to think at this point. What should he tell her? That perhaps he could show her his home since it was so late. Convince her that it was dark enough that no one would see them and then take her to the villagers who were probably anticipating the kill. Should he really hand her over?

But he needed to know if she was truly lying, so he had to ask, "I just need to know one thing before we are in clear, Camilla." He leaned against the stable walls, his exhaustion getting the best of him. Tonight was a nightmare. Blood, Death and lost friends and all he could think about was having sex with Camilla. How could he have just fucking done that? He lost friends today, he lost Mazel, and he lost the trust in the villagers at this point. All cause of fucking Camilla. It was as if he was thinking irrationally again, but the opposite of what Camilla did to him. He was thinking with emotions and without trying to find out answers from her point of view. He kept his anger in check though and he just gave her a small smile, "I just need to know if you saw anything before you left the village yesterday." The day that Mazel died.

 

[Syrli]

"Oh, it's fine. We could get them tomorrow instead, you don't have to worry." She might be grasping onto the hope that this would be the beginning of their happily ever after to the extent that his shift in mood, his slightly furrowed brow, went unnoticed, but the scent of blood was hard to shake out of her mind. Had they hurt him, or had he hurt them? Why didn't he tell her? There was also something else about his smell that was weird. He smelled like...bees? Yes, just like the alarm pheromones after a bee sting. The venom had a certain smell that warned other bees about the threat, but this was stronger than she had ever experienced before. She wanted to ask him about it too, but she couldn't. Humans wouldn't be able to sense the smell, so it would be too suspicious.

"Do you mean before..." He didn't need to answer, it was clear that he meant before Mazel's murder. Maybe the villagers had found another suspect, and now they were searching after witnesses. After all, Eliot seemed to be shocked after her death so it made sense that he would want to help. "Well...There was many people out, the inn was pretty much full. But I didn't notice anyone particularly suspicious. I was mainly focused on getting home as fast as I could. It's not safe to be out that late...evidently."

She noticed that he seemed to be tired, and combined with the persistent smell of blood she couldn't hide her concern. "Eliot, you look exhausted. Can't you stay here for a bit and rest up before you head home?"

 

[Woody.]

Bjorn had explained that a monster wouldn't their meal taken from them, and if Mazel was truly in Camilla's way... then Camilla had to have been involved. She was lying and he fucking didn't see it till now. His mind was clear from any fog, but it still hurt him to think Camilla would harm a soul. she didn't seem to be the kind of person to even harm a fly. Why couldn't he just fucking kill her himself? It could be easy- she was smaller than he, and he could just snap her neck. But he couldn't bring himself to do though, her worried look had softened his heart.

She genuinely was worried for him, he lifted a hand to touch her cheek. She was still soft, and those doe like eyes really did get to him. She acted so innocent, and it angered him even more that a woman he cared for would do such a thing. He gave a smile and said, "I am tired- but I won't get any sleep tonight knowing you're out here all alone." He took her hand and mumbled, "perhaps you should come with me, to my home. It'll be warm, and I could be by your side all night." He bribed her.

He'd take her to the villagers, he'd give her up. She was a monster who killed men, and who killed Mazel. She tricked him, and made him think that he loved her when in reality she was planning on killing him this whole time. He had to shove those feelings aside, and get rid of her before more people die.

 

[Syrli]

His proposition was enticing for sure, but Camilla was having more and more certain suspicions that something was off. Suggesting to her that they could enter the village again was careless even if their plan had worked, and he should know that. It was unlike him. And also, he had taken her here for a reason, and he had just before he left made it clear that he did not want her to sleep in his home. What had happened while he was gone, and why wasn't he telling her? If their plan had been so successful that he really thought that it was completely safe for her, he surely would've been excited to tell her the good news. Had they convinced him that the things they said about her were true? No, in such a short time...they wouldn't have been able to convince him anything in just an hour. They didn't have any proof that she weren't human. Another possibility suddenly came to her mind. They had threatened him, maybe? Said that they would hurt him or someone else if he didn't bring her to them? But still she was surprised that it had taken him out of her influence on him so easily. Usually it took a greater shock to break the bond, but she guessed that her power wasn't as strong as she had thought.

She looked up at Eliot. It had taken a few too many moments for her to respond to his suggestion. God dammit, it was basically everything she wanted, was she really going to throw it away for some groundless suspicion of hers? She was probably just being paranoid, after all, she was used to having to watch her back. But accusing Eliot of wanting to turn her over to them just felt so cruel, how could she think he would do something like that? She knew he was merely human, but still...He loved her, right? ...It couldn't be just the power of the enchantment, right?

"Do you really think it's safe? What if they spot me?" She was fully aware of that the question was meaningless, but at this point she was just trying to stall for time so that she could figure out what to do. She felt like a toddler seated in front of a bowl of sweets, unable to resist it. She should try to strengthen their bond again, just in case. "Why can't we stay here until it get's fully dark and the streets are more empty? I could keep you warm while we wait." It wasn't optimal, especially judging by how he had reacted to her advances earlier, but it was all she could come up with.