Blackburn's Crossing Chapter 4: Snake Eater

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"I'm glad you seem alright Aluc. If you ever need that chat I'm sure you can find me." Bernard shrugged as he stood and moved to Kallisto, with a smile he placed a hand on her free shoulder, "I spoke with the one who brought us here and showed us town, she told me that you have living family here. Family is important, you should get to know yours better when you get the chance. It's rare that we lose our family only to get them back." While he started with join, it ended in sadness, clearly Ferrin's death was on his mind in this place. He gave her another smile, "I hope they approach you before it's too late."

Letting go of her shoulder he turned back around to Loretan, his tone somber as he asked his questions, "I wish to learn what I can about the arrows that were found with my father when he arrived. The Elder mentioned a black substance that coated them? And I'm also curious about the Maw, if my father sacrificed himself to it, I would like to know what it is."
 
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"The Maw is many things, a thing we sacrifice to. A thing that protects us. A thing that consumes all that is offered. It perhaps is also a gate way for the creature that dwells within it. One that is unseen to the eyes, and is strong enough to dismember our weak bodies. I know of none who have seen this creature but we have seen its effects on a man or woman's body," says Loretan waving off in the vague direction of the Maw. "As for the arrows, it has passed down as a charm into my care as each shaman protects our charms. They are said to bring good luck, anything from the Lands Beyond the Mists. The substance of which you speak has long since faded from the arrows even before my receiving them. I think most of it was consumed upon the injury your father had received or that blood had washed much of it away. I can show you if you would like but they would be of little use to you."
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"I will head out when you tell me to, Kallisto. There are plenty of people folk to watch until then," says Aluc on the way to Kamoktalin. As you approach you see both him and Ahretakan are speaking both smiling as if at some private joke.

Kamoktalin looks away from Ahretakan as they stop talking as soon as Kallisto approaches. Kamoktalin smiles for a moment nodding his head in greeting. "Ah, Kallisto. Your companions are curious, and I have a feeling they are not alone. Is there something you wished to talk about? Something more you think we may have missed?"
 
Léone nods at the conversation, having mostly listened in as Takatar shared his stories of the hunt. She had lots of thoughts, considering the various spells that Al'ocktalel supposedly had in her arsenal. "I'll have to conserve my counteractive spell energy for the most crucial moments... but which ones to prioritize? The lethal ones, the debilitating ones... the ones that turn us against one another?" She frowned, figuring that it would be a discussion she'd need to have with the rest of the group during their strategic planning.

Following along to Loretan, she mostly stayed to the back as Kallisto and Bernard asked their own questions to help prepare for the hunt. As the Graveyard of Bones and Lake of Blood are mentioned, she raises an eyebrow and mulls it over while they continue to speak. "So the settlers knew how to trap her mate... did they figure out how to locate the graveyard? Perhaps they had scouted it all out and then tracked it with... the map. Her eyes light up in realization, having just identified the nature of the strange map earlier in the hut but not thinking much of it back then. "How could they even manage to do that? And what exactly will be waiting for us there if we go to find it?"

She shakes her head, trying to make sense of it all before a deep yawn escapes from her mouth. Blinking her eyes, she looks around and realizes that it was actually quite late; the others were likely sleeping already. She looks to the others and nods, bowing at Loretan and Takatar. "Thank you for allowing me to listen in, I think I'll be heading back now. I hope you both find the answers that you're looking for." Stifling a second yawn, she leaves the group to their business and slowly begins to make her way back to the hut.
 
Before Kallisto walked away she paused as Bernard spoke, glancing towards Ahretakan. She nodded, "Yes ... I think I will get to know them decently well during this."

She nodded once more to the group of people before moving towards Kamoktalin and Ahretakan, bowing her head slightly before placing herself on the ground next to them. "Hello again Kamoktalin ... Ahretakan... I hope I'm not bothering you. I've heard much of the Serpent tonight ... but unfortunately I have not heard much of the Hydra." Kallisto ran a clawed hand through her hair, "I understand it is likely difficult to speak of ... but I'm hoping either of you might have ideas on the Hydra. If it had been encountered before during hunts, or fought at all. From what I understand, your brother was here before he transformed ... did anyone attempt to fight him off? Or did he ever attempt to come back here?"
 
Bernard nodded, "I would like to see, to know, if it's not too much trouble, but I'm sure there are other more pressing matters than my Father's past. Perhaps I should leave the dead to rest, and focus on the living." Bernard let a disappointed sigh escape as he rubbed his eyes, pushing back the tears welling up. He choked back his emotions with a slight huff before finishing, "Maybe another time. It is getting late and I should retire. Thank you for your assistance. If you need anything please ask, or if you recall anything that might help us, we could use every advantage."
 
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Kamoktalin looks grim at this. "The night he came back he was fought off, he transformed before many people's eyes asking us to worship him as a new immortal being. Many had thought he had gone mad until the transformation hit. He was driven off by our numbers then, i'm not entirely sure our people could withstand an attack from him... and the Maw did not defend us then, for he was one of our own. Luckily the Children of the Snake have not attempted to try as of yet, or they simply do not have the numbers yet to swing the battle into their favor."

Ahretakan frowns at this as well. "We will do what we must to survive," says Ahretakan firmly.
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"I will gift them to you, upon the defeat of the Great Serpent, Child of Father Swamp," says Loretan nodding at Bernard's pain. "It was quicker than most if that is any comfort. He did not spend much time in agony before being dragged into the Maw. Go in peace."
 
Kallisto sighed after hearing Kamoktalin's story. "I ... had not even considered that the ... 'Maw' may not view the transformed Children as threats. It is ... very good the Serpent had not thought to command them to strike." She picked at her beads for a moment, "Perhaps her ... desire to 'protect' her 'Children' has worked in your favor in that regard. Not keen to risk them. I have not fought a Hydra myself, but I've heard tales from both people and animals of their strength, but also their weakness to fire. A few of those I travel with are able to create flames -- so that will be good for sure."

Resting her head in her hands she yawned again slightly, "It sounds like no one has attempted to go after him ... or seen him much. I wonder if he was kept by the Serpent as a guard for her nest, since he came out of the river nearby..." Eyes half closed she shook her head slightly. "Those ... I really tire of having to ask such painful questions, both here and in the Crossing ... but of those that were lost to the Serpent -- I saw about seven of them when we approached. Might there have been any lost more recently that could be ... more difficult to deal with if found to be on the Serpent's side?"

Kallisto looked at the pads on one of her hands, "The only one I knew was there for sure was... Ialay. I do not know her skills, and it sounds like Loretan and her apprentice are the only ones trained in some level of magic ... I suppose I'm asking, regardless of whatever was done to them ... how skilled would the Children be? I intend to capture them back instead of kill, but ... I cannot make promises if it comes to defending those still on our side currently."
 
"Thank you. It is a small comfort to know." Bernard gave a polite bow before heading to the hut. He removed his plate armor, packing it away before collecting the urn with the book of the dead. He stepped to the door of the hut, giving a slight yawn and looking back to Arissa and Peri curled up. Bernard looked down at the urn and gave a heavy sigh and returned to his pack. Putting the urn away he removed his pelt, laying it over the two before rolling out his own bedroll and moving his pack as a pillow, drifting off to sleep.
 
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"We have not fought them, but have seen them in the distance, from the few hunters that have dared quick hunts," says Kamoktalin nodding his head gravely. "We do not know if the gift makes them any better than they are, or if they are simply corrupted appearance wise. Regardless no doubt their souls have undergone some form of corruption. If so we would be about evenly matched in a straight fight, of even numbers. If he does show... end his suffering."
 
Kallisto nodded once more to the pair before slowly standing, using the bloodied spear to help pull herself up. "I see. That is good to know. I ..." Kallisto placed a hand towards her head, "I know what is stuck in their minds at the very least, as it was done to me as well before being removed. It ... was strange -- like a disconnect between how I felt and what I thought." She looked at her hands again, a sad smile on her face, "I have already been corrupted on some level ... so I feel I cannot give up on them without trying first. If we can find the Hydra we will try to lay him to rest as well."

She gave a long sigh of a growl, "I think it is time I make my way to bed. There's much to discuss in the morning ... and for the days to come." Kallisto glanced around towards the various tribemembers still energetic even this late at night, "Hopefully no one gets too carried away. I'll see you both in the morning."

Kallisto bowed her head towards the both of them before leaving towards the shared hut the party had been given. She smiled slightly seeing the party spread out through the hut before rolling out her bedroll as well, allowing Aluc to place herself as she'd like. Placing Sulrac and the spear near herself she curled herself up in the center of her bedroll, listening to some of the chatter from the tribe and the various noises of the swamp through the night.
 
Dawn of the 22nd Day:

In the morning Violette is already up, she goes about a short routine preparing for the day and waits for everyone to slowly wake up. She looks fairly on edge about something as she mentions they should discuss her abilities, as well as what their official plan going forward is going to be. After everyone has woken up and eaten she begins take a standing position to start.

"So as I revealed last night to Arissa, I think I have a solution for the Hydra if we have to fight it," says Violette to start off smirking mischievously. She slowly unveils the wraps she had placed around her wounds from the crocodiles, a lot of blood stained the wraps but her skin was flawless where they should have been scars or at least marks despite the healing given to her. "I am rather resilient when it comes to every day attacks such as swords, arrows, bites from crocodiles... but beyond this I have a slightly deeper secret that only my closest family knows. And maybe a friend I've made recently."

Her eye flicks over to Kallisto for a moment at the last line as she steps back a few paces. "In order for you to understand I'll need to show you and I ask you prepare yourself. I'm glad I brought a chance of cloths." She chuckles at this for a moment before continuing. "Fair warning my other form does not sit well with most people. In fact it is a cause for many to become openly hostile. I hope I am not making a mistake by revealing this but I think it is necessary and will hopefully put your mind at ease when it comes to the Hydra," continues Violette as she takes a few steps back and kneels down closer to the ground to allow the process more room. "In this other form I am all but immune to things that render and tear, or bludgeon and bash. Magic and fire still work but normal weapons of warfare do not. We'll see if humanity fails me again. Regardless of what happens.... I do not blame you."

A sudden snapping that sound deep within Violette's body, as her hair begins to grow white hair extending from all the pours of her skin. The skin of her face begins to stretch and elongate to have more of a point, until it finally takes the form of a rat. A few more shudders as her the rest of her form takes shape. It is a moment before she is able to stand up exposing her lycanthropic form to the group with a hand grabbing her other arm, which was clawed and balled into a fist. "So... I'm sure you have lots of questions...." says Violette in a more raspy but unsure voice.
 
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Bernard woke early, surprised that Violette had beat him awake. She said little as he took care of his morning rituals, praying and enjoying some rations from his pack.

When the rest were up and Violette decided to share her secret, Bernard watched quietly with the others, but as she finished her transformation, there was a recognition of her curse in his eyes. Unarmed and without armor, Bernard stepped forward from the group. He did not turn away from her new form nor seem off put by it but rather he had a slight unsettling air of intense focus, the kind of focus he typically found in hunting death before his return to the Crossing. "Have you turned anyone?" He asked simply, his voice was calm and collected.
 
Kallisto had had a hard enough time staying asleep as it was with all the thoughts in her mind -- fears of how badly things could go, was there still something they were unaware of, would everyone who followed her end up dying? -- that it did not take much to wake her in the morning.

Once everyone seemed settled and ready to begin the day, she was surprised as Violette began to speak, smiling slightly as she realized what Violette was getting at, but also watching the party at the same time for their reactions. Hearing the noises of Violette's transformation again she winced, remembering how much she had said it hurt.

"I still wish you did not have to deal with such pain to show this again..." Kallisto muttered before Bernard stood. After hearing his question she rubbed the pads on her hands, "I cannot speak for her fully, but unlike what happened to me, she seems able to control herself. We spoke before while she was like this, and the only misstep was she sat on her tail without realizing at first," Kallisto finished with a teasing smile towards Violette. "Though, I understand your concern Bernard -- please do not think I am belittling why you ask, nor what happened in the past."
 
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Violette looked over to Bernard watching as everyone else seemed to be mostly stunned into silence. Was she that vulgar to look at? "Why would I turn anyone? The object is to keep a low profile with this if I want to live. There have been people that have seen me when I was younger and my guardians were lucky enough to have arrived in time before I could be killed. I am also well into childbearing age but I don't think many men are willing and understanding enough to venture into that world," says Violette as she looks among everyone. She gives Kallisto a brief rat smile as she waits. There would be a point she knew, where spells or weapons could come to bear or the questions would unload like a torrent. She hoped for that later but prepared for the worst. "I have complete control over my transformation since I was born this way. Might have taken awhile to realize as a child that the world would never understand, but I've been told children with magic feel much the same way growing up."
 
Bernard watched her with a critical eye as she responded and when he had judged her response, he relaxed and took another step forward, "You've risked your life coming with us and again to save my own. I believe you when you say that you've not turned anyone. I can appreciate the danger of sharing this with us, but you have little to fear from your friends." He smiled at her extending a hand in friendship, "My only concern is that the Undying One has powers to dominate the mind. I hope you are strong willed enough to resist her or it could be dangerous for us all, but stay near by and Ezra will provide."
 
Arissa watched Violette’s demonstration in a mix of horror, confusion and a hint of betrayal, glancing to Kallisto as well. Kallisto willingly brought a lycanthrope along with us without our knowledge? What if she had lost control in the night while we all were at rest... or if she had bitten someone after losing her memories... or if the naga gained control over her in our battle?

Arissa listened to Violette’s explanation, relaxing considerably at hearing that she had a greater level of control over her condition. “If I am to be quite honest, I am rather surprised and disappointed to hear that Kallisto made this decision on her own... especially considering her earlier experiences with lycanthropy. Still, I believe that I can understand your curse more than most, and I know how hard it must be for you to share this.” Arissa smiled sadly to Violette, meeting her gaze. “I know that there are many who turn in fear and flee, but I promise you, that is not us. I would have hoped you would have realized this sooner, but I am glad that you have come to trust us now.” Arissa smiled sheepishly to Violette and briefly rubbed her aching back. “Besides, I know I have not exactly been forthright with my heritage either, although my wings are not much of a great danger. Still, you are our friend, and this changes nothing.”
 
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Violette seems to relax no longer grabbing her arm as he nose twitches for a moment. He takes Bernard's hand carefully in her claws and shakes it. "The Undying one dominating me probably wouldn't have been a problem, you have that weapon the changes which is magic, Leone, Yelcan, and Peri have spells that could harm me. Kallisto has her sword and now that spear which seems to be magical. The Serpent also has the distinct disadvantage not to know what I am and therefore is unlikely to force me to transform, and I'd like to keep it that way. In the mean time I've heard such spells take great concentration to maintain and I hope that we will not give her the chance to do so," says Violette looking over to Arissa. She shows her teeth for a moment in a smile in her direction returning Arissa's own. "Do not blame Kallisto for making this decision. She made a promise to me not to share my secret. I do not know if you understand the depth of this secret for if certain people were to find out, my family would be ruined possibly even disowned from our names, and titles. I can understand if you have misgivings about lycanthropes because there are many, many stories of ones who have become inflicted with the ailment, and the new animal side of them wars with the human, but I was born this way. It has never not been a part of me. Thank you for understanding."

"I apologize for being slow to share but I had to be sure, the last time this happened it did not end well. I am glad many of you are more open minded," says as she moves forward to hug Arissa in excitement and stops at the last moment. "Sorry, I've already ruined my outfit I'll not do the same to yours. Hair can be a horrible thing to get out of an outfit," says Violette stepping back a few steps. "So if we do face the Hydra I will meet it. If anything I should be able to hold it at bay while you focus on the Children and the Undying One if it comes to that. Their poison I fear is still a threat to me. I'd better turn back before anyone from the tribe comes wandering in."

Violette steps back to the far corner, and through a reversal that sounds no less brutal she becomes herself again, though her usual air of confidence is currently absent, almost as if she does not believe this to be true.
 
Kallisto frowned as she heard Arissa's words -- she'd understood the risk Violette could have been, but she was stuck between a difficult place. Yes the party should have known, but at the same time she promised Violette -- either way no one would be happy, and Kallisto would still be viewed badly.

Wincing again as Violette undid her shifting Kallisto spoke up, "I did promise her -- and I do not intend to go back on my word. For better or worse. However I did not ignore the risk either." Kallisto glanced towards Arissa, "My own bout of lycanthropy made me very aware of how little control I had in any of it, even with how short a time I was afflicted. The short amount of time I was ... transformed, words were the last thing on my mind, and even then it was a forced transformation once we found my trigger -- not something I could manage to do myself."

Turning her gaze back towards Violette, "Tara told me of lycans who were born to it -- they were very different from any who were infected as I was. Violette shifted in front of me, and spoke with me -- it showed she had control." This time Kallisto set her eyes on Bernard, "I cannot claim to know all, but when all else fails, I trust in my gut. In my own way I have kept an eye on her, and she has risked much for us and with us. If she had become a threat," Kallisto laid a hand on the bloodied spear, "then I would have dealt with her, as you all were preparing to do while I was infected."

Giving a growl of a sigh, "I do not expect for anyone to think much of me -- they see a large woman who probably has more muscles than brain -- but please do not assume I allowed things to happen without thought behind it. I also understand if any of you feel betrayed by this, but if anything your irritation should be aimed at me for not speaking before."

Pulling herself to standing, she had one hand on Sulrac and the other holding the spear, "We will likely still have to explain some of this to the 'Children' who are coming with us so they do not attack her as well, and there is still much to be done. Violette is still risking herself to help us, and may I remind you all, any of us are a danger if controlled by the Serpent." Kallisto looked over the group, "I stand by what I did, regardless, and one way or the other, we must deal with what is still to come."
 
Arissa listened to Kallisto and thought for a few moments. I would likely have done the same thing... but that is likely not a promise I would have made to begin with. She shrugged and looked to Kallisto thoughtfully for a moment before giving her a slight smile. “I understand that loyalty is very important to you, and it is a trait that I admire. I cannot say that I am pleased with the decision you had made, but I suppose I am hardly one to judge for making decisions regarding others, ja? What is done is done, and there is no point dwelling on it, especially with so many far more pressing concerns.”

Arissa then approached Violette with a smile, and quickly twirled a hand to magically clean the fur from her body before embracing her. “I would not have minded getting a bit dirty, but I appreciate the concern.” She pulled back and met her gaze once more with a sad, serious expression. “And I believe that I would in fact know the consequences of your secret getting out better than you might. However, that is a conversation for later... gods, I hope you have ordered enough tea for how long this talk may need up being.
 
Bernard smiled as Violette shook his hand and frowned at the pain the transformation clearly caused her.

As Kallisto spoke again Bernard sighed, he was tired of the excuses and the defending of bad decisions. He turned calmly to her, "There is much we should discuss, perhaps it's best we take a moment in private." He ushered to the door of the hut, hoping their conversation could happen where the party thought no less of her. Turning to Arissa, he gave a slight smile, "It seems your 'curse' is known to many. Be the friend to her that I am to you and fill her life with light." He turned to the rest, "I just need a moment with Kallisto, we'll be back in a moment. I'm sure you all have questions for Violette, but try not to overwhelm her. She is still the Violette we have travelled with for a week." Bernard exited the hut with Kallisto.
 
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"That's a handy trick," says Violette before embarrassing Arissa. She frowns in the direction of Bernard when he says that he needs to talk to Kallisto as she watched them both leave. "I imagine you're family must not be entirely pleased with your situation either then... Seems like my actions have gotten Kallisto into unnecessary trouble."

"While we wait for that conversation to resolve, I'll say that I do believe there isn't enough tea in the world to say everything," says Violette a small smirk forming on her lips. "Guess you know now why I'm interested in rats. You do look good from the grass thought Arissa, and I'm glad your not one to kill rats you come across."
 
Arissa’s eyes followed Bernard as well as he left. “Of course. No one deserves to feel alone like this. I trust your judgement to speak with her.” Arissa’s watched as Bernard left with Kallisto, her eyes lingering on the doorway. “My past is of little importance. This is my family now, but it is possible that there may be something that you could benefit from hearing get my tale.” Arissa turns to Violette and smiles apologetically. “It is not my place to speak for Bernard, but you must understand that this... complicated things for him. I can assure you, he does not do anything that he does not deem necessary, however.”

Arissa looks to Violette slightly confused for an instant before she recalled the white rat she had seen around the manor. She then smirked to her. “I had thought that something was amiss. I had stayed at the manor for quite some time, but never once spied a rat. I had always figured Grimdosh caught them for James. I am afraid I do not have much taste for killing most things... to be frank, the Falkovnians I had fought did the deed themselves after I had bested them. Still, it is good to hear that my appearances hold up from below... although I do prefer to know when I have caught someone’s eye. Tell me, how many times had I been graced by the presence of my little admirer.” She smiled to her mischievously. “I am certain they would never have done anything indecent. I have heard that Perian uses rat tails as components from time to time. Such a creature might find themselves in danger were they to find their way into the Marsh Home unbeknownst to us.”
 
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"I think you'd be surprised at how many rats there are in the house. They have quiet a free range through the houses nooks and crannies, and they were amendable to my presence for the most part though a bit rude for not sharing the cheese Grimdosh put out for them," says Violette smirking and shaking her head. "I'm not sure that man could hurt a fly if he tried."

"My adventures kept me spaced around the Manor, though if I had known where a few of you had lived I might have investigated the house as well since many of you often visit the Manor. Though as for the admiration part, I do admire any woman that can command the respect you do in such a short amount of time in town. Though maybe it is your flute," said Violette who after a moment realized maybe Arissa wouldn't get the reference and quickly added. "I don't suppose you've heard the tale of Hamelin? Needless to say he was quiet the rat charmer."

"If Perian should ever need rat tails I can help her find a few, easily enough though I cannot comment on the decency of ratkind. They despite appearances often have their own unique personalities. Some more more pleasant than others, and I think would make great pets if people got over the fact that they often have to scavenge and hide to survive," says Violette as she put a finger up to her cheek to think. She looked briefly in Perian's direction. "Maybe I could find a suitable one for the Marsh house? Would you like me to find a pet rat?"
 
Arissa laughed at the mention of her being a rat charmer. “I am afraid that I am a far better person charmer than anything else, although you would not be wrong to guess that my flute had something to do with it. I have learned a few sylvan melodies that are capable of making individuals more... amenable to my presence. Perhaps I could give you a demonstration some time if you would wish it.”

Arissa’s smile slipped slightly for a moment as she thought back to the empty home waiting for Bernard and Peri back in the Crossing. “As generous as the offer is... I believe that perhaps we should hold off before filling the Marsh House with pets.” Arissa then paused briefly before looking to Violette. “Please, pardon me if this is a personal question, but I believe it would be best for us to know what to avoid around you. I know that werewolves have both a weakness and a trigger... are wererats similar? The werewolf we encountered was harmed by gold and set off by wolf’s bane.” Arissa smirked to Violette. “I am glad to hear that cheese is not a weakness of yours. Gods, what a curse that would be.”
 
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"Yes... but you are thinking of afflicted wererats. Many who become afflicted have to learn to control and live side by side with the beast. I've been told there was a place that does this, it was mentioned by my father once when I was in his study and hide from him while he had a guest. Someone claiming to be a Knight of Shadow but I wasn't ever able to find anything on them.... anyways often there is a trigger that will set an afflicted lycanthropes transformation unwillingly. Most of the time the true werebeasts will not involuntarily transform. Most of the time. I am lucky enough not to have a trigger like that or if I do it is one that is rare enough for me not to have encountered it in all my life. My bane however, this is a bit more... abundant. So much so that my parents attention slipped for just a moment in the market, as i stole a strawberry. I almost died then, and since then I have known to avoid fruits of all kinds. It becomes difficult when it comes to foods," says Violette remembering back to the night before last.

"I believe this is where Bernard would say his food was to die for, and he would be correct. That's why I took that salve from the witch, I thought I might weather it overnight but it grew too much to take," says Violette frowning.
 
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