Realistic or Modern Spellbound

[xrakkax]

"Natalia is best storyteller." Amalia complimented. She did like to tell them, but her cousin had a gift.

Jovan smiled gently, "Like her mother."

That made Natalia blush in reverence and remembrance. "Mama would have loved to be here. She would have liked your story too, Willow." She meant it in all sincerity. "She'd have stayed up all night if she could, to tell stories."

"But is late for us, I think." Micha hummed in thought over to the horizon.

“Another story!” Granya commanded, keeping cozy by the fire with Finn. “One about Haruki.” Brave Haruki had many adventures. The family had been told of them by friends back in the old homelands. Granya loved to hear them.

Among his adventures were Haruki and the Bonewaker, wherein Haruki learned of a Warlock who had been gathering an army of undead beasts; Journey to the Void relayed Haruki’s travels tracking a will o'the wisp, who had promised him a single Truth if he let it out of a bottle, to the center of the world where he found a sphere with a prophetic inscription about the end of their world, only to not be believed upon his return; Kelpie’s Heart, being the tale of when Haruki came across a little girl Drowned-Maid, born into a kelpie Temple wherein they raised women to become their servants, and how they escaped to the Selkies of the Sapphire Sea where they were tracked by the furious Kelpie until Haruki cut out its heart and gave it to her as a warning to any Kelpie to stay away.

“Alright. But this will be the last one.” Natalia made sure she got an agreement before she began, “A hundred miles from anywhere on Earth there lived a clan of powerful warriors. Their leader, Haruki, was the son of the daughter, of a long line of intelligent, strong Chieftains.” This first part was said for the benefit of Molly and Willow who did not know these stories. “One day Haruki and his friend Ryuu decided to leave the clan lands to find the White Deer, to make a wish. Haruki, though he was not yet sixteen, wanted to find a bride. But he had no luck with any of the women in his clan. And he didn’t find Ryuu’s habit of tumbling in the grass with any pretty legged girl appealing.”

Haruki and Ryuu knew that the White Deer always traveled in a path as straight as she could. They began their journey in a spiral until they saw hoof prints. Not just any old prints would convince them they had found the White Deers trail. These were dusted in white shiny specks. As if each foot had been dipped in silver ink.

Confident, the men followed the sparkling impressions through the Blade Road, where giants of ancient days had fought. Their swords still stood upright where they sheathed them in the loam. Haruki and Ryuu stayed in the eye socket of a skull one night. To keep dry from the storms. Two days passed of fighting bone fairies and mist worms. They knew they were getting close to the end of the road when they saw the Skewered Knight and the Pierced Serpent. Both long since died from battles a thousand years ago.

A day later they found themselves trailing the prints into a cave. Most of the way was dark. The only light being the blue and silver algae on the walls and ceiling. The sound here was swallowed into the dark corners. When they saw the lap of luminescent water at the end, they knew they had come through to the other side. Although there were no monsters in this cave, the dreariness of the damp and dark took from them their cheery spirits. Haruki and Ryuu shuffled out into the moonlight, their feet cold in the sparkling dark water, and struggled not to lose heart. They collapsed into the wet sand. The faint sound of merrimaking faded away with their consciousness.

A cry woke them up in the morning. The men looked over and saw a woman weeping on a balcony of a great ruined fortress. Ryuu saw her face from where he knelt in the water. Her beauty compelled him to investigate. Haruki warned him about meddling, but he was ignored.

“Why do you cry, Lady?” Ryuu asked.

The woman turned and they saw she was pregnant. They also saw she brandished a ghost blade. Ryuu felt his heart skip. They didn’t just happen to find a ruin. They came to a resting place of bygone Champion.

Natalia wiggled her brows at Granya in an ominous manner, “The lady here had to be a Mahra; a stolen guardian charged with the task of ruthlessly defending the fort when the sun rose, when the Master of the castle, bound to the eye of the moon, could not do it himself.” As if on queue the campers heard a howl in the dark around them.

Haruki came to Ryuu’s side, ready to defend themselves if the Mahra attacked them for trespassing. But the woman did not charge them. Instead she frowned, tears still spilling off of her cheeks, “My Cat Sí handmaid, Katie, has been gone for three days. My child will be born soon. I am afraid the Warlord will find out my secret and slay the babe.” The sorrow overwhelmed her. “I cannot leave this place! Katie is my only way of safeguarding my child!”

The tragedy touched their hearts. “Lady, my friend and I will do what we can to help you.”

Coincidentally the last direction she saw Katie was the path of the White Deer. The men spared no time to run onward. They traveled for two days before they came to a dark wood. Mushrooms the size of trees canvased overhead. The rain that came barely fell on them. Using the silver hoof prints as a guide, both for the direction of Katie and the White Deer, the men smelled the stale scent of rot and bone. Ryuu peered above and saw webs through the gaps between tree and fungi. They were fortunate to see a feline, like the kellas cats of ancient Scotland, grumpily biting at the sticky net. She looked down then, met them eye to eye, and said, “Well now, you two enjoying the view?”

Haruki chuckled, “Are you Katie?”

“Who’se asking?”

“Haruki, son of the daughter of the Chief Clans.” He told her. “This is Ryuu, my bravest man. We have come to take you back to your Mahra. She is worried about you, Katie.”

“Then I am in good company!” It was sad to know the Mahra was in a wretched state, but she shook her cat head, “I have to get the White Deer. I have to save my friend from the ghost of that horrible Warlord.” The Cat Sí had seen him by chance three days ago. It was either run then or lose it forever. Without a word, or even leaving behind her spectral humanoid self, Katie made off on the chase.

The sentiment was noble. Haruki called up, “We’ll help you.” Ryuu was less pleased, but he would help all the same.

“I’d like that! But be careful. My spectre has witnessed the Deer caught by an Aracia in the tunnels below the forest.” As evidenced by the webs they were in that part of the land. The warning was noted. They took down the Cat Sí down and all three of them continued the hunt by following the prints, once again, into a tunnel.

It was clear that if they did not have the hoof-marks, it was likely they would have gotten lost. And thankfully the three were expert sneaks! The tunnels were crawling with Aracian maidens; women devoted to the Aracian species.

To their delight and their horror they found the White Deer. A large mand-spider, an Aracia, had caught it up. It meant to spin the mewling beast into a sack to devour it later. Haruki took out his legendary sword, Aesundyr. Ryuu’s eyes glowed with fire. His fingers grew claws dripping in acid. The men charged forward. Though the Aracia managed to sting Haruki, the Aracia saw them far too late to win. Ryuu brought down the White Deer and set her loose. A fairy like her could be grateful enough to desire a payment in return, but Ryuu had not the right; he didn’t catch her. Compelled by her nature, the Deer leapt away. However, he knew that. So did Haruki. They made sure the White Deer could not escape them until the Cat Sí sprang onto the White Deer and declared her caught!

“What is your wish?” The White Deer asked in all gentleness.

“That my Lady Gweneth is able to free herself at will from any form of imprisonment.”

“It is done.” The White Deer jumped into the air and became mist that sped across the lands.

Haruki and Ryuu were without their wish. Katie knew it, and asked what it was they wanted. Haruki explained he hoped to find a bride. One who had compassion for others, who kept her word, and would risk comfort and life for those in need. The Cat Sí thought this admirable. So, she said to him, “Chief Haruki, if ever you wish to find a lover, call on me. I will do my best.”

“Thank you, Katie.” Haruki bowed.

Now that Katie had succeeded in her goal, she left the men and met up with Gweneth. The Cat Sí shared her story with her Lady. The tale was spread in honor of Haruki. And many women flocked to Haruki in hopes they were his soul mate.

Natalia finished up with, “Although Haruki and Ryuu had not gotten a wish from the White Deer, they were able to find a different method and made a friend along the way.” She smiled to see the drooping lids of her niece. “Alright, Shchenok. Go on to bed.”

Molly yawned, “Yeah, I’m fading fast.” She got up with Micha to their tent.

Granya got up and dusted off her trench coat. “Willow will you go to river with me tomorrow?” The gems. She had been having a lot of fun and nearly forgot.

 

[Soliloquy]

Although the compliment to her story did please Willow, even blushing slightly herself, she knew she couldn't do the story justice compared to her grandmother. It seemed she, like Natalia's late mother, shared the gift of luring listeners into the world they spoke of. It was an art of it's own, and while she might never be as talented as her grandmother or even Natalia, she hoped one day to pass on stories to eager little ears.

Another story it was, most of them having difficulty saying no to Granya's pleading eyes. The cousins might have all built up some level of immunity, but admittedly Willow was likely the weakest. She had the softest spot for that mess of curls and trench coat. While it was Natalia's turn to launch into a story, Granya wasn't the only one with heavy eyelids, closing at times but opening as the story grew to scenes of excitement and conflict.

Willow was just rising from Theo's arms and doing a small stretch at Granya's request. "Oh, of course! I was going to make a trip to one of the small stores after lunch tomorrow. Did you want to come with me and then we can head to the river after that?" She'd realized earlier that day that her supply for her cycle wasn't going to last the entire trip, no doubt due to an increase in physical activity.

 

[xrakkax]

“Da!” Granya’s heart fluttered in anticipation. Sleep couldn’t come fast enough. “We will have plenty of time to pick our favorites before it gets dark.” Her voice faded some as she hurried to the tent.

Theo laughed, getting up and wrapping his arms around his lady love. He was delighted to see how well Willow managed Granya. There were a few rough patches they went through, Granya still being a teen, but as she got closer to seventeen she had been blossoming. Theo believed Willow’s nature to be a contributor. Not that Granya’s Aunts weren’t good examples. Willow simply had a jena se qua. Thinking over what good of a mother she’d be had him thinking of what you had to do to get there. Grinning, he scooped her up in his arms. They might have been exhausted the first day they came to camp, and maybe the day had been full, but Theo sensed he had just enough for another fun, last-minute activity.

“Miss Crosse, I hear you due for check up.” Theo said in a semi-professional purr on their way to their tent.

The next day breakfast did not disappoint. Amalia took over for that morning. Micha and his sister had been switching. The campers came out to enjoy their meal before discussing their plans. Jovan wanted to read again. Amalia and Natalia had finally decided to swim at Granya’s insistence. They had all been swimming at different times and days. That morning all but Jovan splashed in the water. Bear did too, and so did Avril. Except Avril unnerved Molly so Amalia had her boa exit early.

Once lunch came and went Theo wanted to say a sweet, small, temporary goodbye to his girl. He pulled her into a hug and kissed her head, “I see you later. Micha and I are going to prank Molly as much as we can today.” They planned to hike and hunt. Along the way, both men were going to slowly add rocks to her pack and see when she noticed. If that failed, they had a plastic snake, a squishy fake frog, and they were wearing shoes that could accommodate clip-on paws. That way Molly would see them and think they were being stalked by a mountain lion.

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow shared a chuckle at Granya's enthusiasm, although that was soon overshadowed by another Russian's different form of enthusiasm. Grateful for the distance between their tents, she threw her arms around his neck happily nuzzling into his neck while murmuring just what she thought Doctor Al-Zakhar needed to examine on her.

The next day was speeding past, and at lunch she realized she couldn't have planned her trip to the store any sooner. She'd have a single pad left after freshening herself up! Willow shrugged her knapsack on just as Theo came over to give her a farewell. "Well you two have fun with that," she smirked, brushing the bottom of his beard with her fingers. "Just keep in mind that Molly can have a temper and you two are going to be in the woods with her and a gun, so good luck!"

Leaving him with that forewarning, she looked over to Granya waving her hand. "C'mon, Shchenok! The sooner we get to the store, the sooner we can go to the river and find the rocks," she called. It felt like she'd caught on quickly to the best methods to get the girl moving.

 

[xrakkax]

Theo laughed, a little nervously, “Yeah, that why I prank Micha too. Frame him for trouble.” He was hoping it would work if it got down to brass tacks. Or brass-knuckles of the Malone breed.

“Coming!” Granya said, catching up to Willows side.

The walk to the shop didn’t take too long. It helped that Granya didn’t feel pressure to speak or to ramble. When they did have something to say it didn’t feel awkward or forced. Granya happily trailed after Willow in silence. Finn felt comfortable enough to speak too. He said, “Pretty eyes.” to Willow when the sunlight danced in them. When Willow and Granya finished a song, Finn bobbed his head as if nodding, cawing, “Nice voice.” to them.

Upon entering the shop the cool AC washed over them. Granya breathed in deeply. She closed her eyes as if every smell was a story. They came to get pads, but she would try her hand at begging for some snacks as well. Granya tugged lightly on Willow's sleeve, “Can I have a snack?” She added after a thought, “And something Bear would eat.” Willow would remember the bloody muddy fall Granya endured, and how Molly had managed to get up easier when she tossed that half-eaten pig ear.

It didn't feel like one treat would hurt. "One, and nothing that's going to upset your stomach or ruin your appetite for dinner tonight," she decided. "And something for Bear."

While Granya went to search for the items in mind, Willow had some trouble finding pads. You’d think a shop would have been prepared for the other half of the population visiting a campsite. Then Willow felt a tap on her shoulder. At her left stood a young woman holding up a pack of pads. Her face on the right side sported deep scars. The damage from whatever had happened permanently inked her eyes red.

“Need these?” The young woman's accent reminded Willow of one she heard before. But the memory had faded too much to recall where.

 

[Soliloquy]

Turning at the touch, Willow admittedly felt a surge of sympathy as she saw the woman's face. While she might have had the scars for years and the wounds had healed, she imagined the emotional damage that came with whatever had caused it lived long after the bleeding had stopped. Her eyes shifted to the pads and she lit up, feeling a wave of relief that they wouldn't need to walk to another store or worse; take the van to the nearest town.

"Unfortunately, yes I do," she admitted as she accepted the package from her. "Horrible time to be bad at planning, it seems. Thank you."

 

[xrakkax]

“Yes, thankfully they have these shops. They are back in that corner if you need them again.” The woman's smile wrinkled her scar at the corner of her mouth. “Good day.” She parted from Willow to go to the very spot of which she spoke. They were stacked between shavers and wallets. What a strange place!

When the girls came to the checkout Willow saw a glistening bottle of rosé in a cooler behind the cashier. Next to that was a box of her favorite brand of milk chocolates. Both of these items were half-off today. Another shipment would come on Saturday to refresh the shelves. All of this had to go before then. Or as much as the store could get people to buy.

“This it?” The boy asked. He was young, probably no more than fifteen. Most likely a job for Spring break. Or to help the family business.

It felt as if the store was calling out to her little whims, shifting her weight as she contemplated the extra purchases. "Actually," she bit her lip but in the end, she caved to her own cravings. "I'll take the bottle of rosé and box of the chocolates. Milk." Turning partway to Granya as she pulled out her wallet, she flashed the girl an apologetic look, knowing she couldn't indulge.

Granya sighed in slight disappointment but held no grudge. Ever since she was about seven she had to mold her life around not eating a few particularly delicious foods. As for her loot, Granya got beef jerky and two pigs' ears because they were cheap.

The young man turned around and fetched the goods. When he faced them he asked, “I.D?” The teen held out his hand. Once he got it, he clicked authorization, rang up their bill, and handed out a long strip of white paper, “Alright, Willow Mae Crosse--” A muttering began right behind them while the girls put their things in their grocery bag, “--here is your receipt.”

“Can you move faster?” Demanded a deep, gruff voice.

Willow turned around in unison with Granya. As soon as Granya saw the man her shoulders bunched. A low grumble of agitation caught in her throat.

Immediately Willow saw a resemblance between this man and the woman from before. But this man was slightly older. Maybe an elder sibling. The similarities didn’t end at the of the color of their flaxen hair or their accent. This man’s face looked as gnarled as his sisters. The tattooing made him all the more intimidating.

“I said can you move?” His voice raised, his tone impatient. Almost as if Willow had offended him.

Granya noted that as much as he apparently wanted them to go, he stood like a mountain between them and the door. They’d have to scrape by his broad shoulders. Seeing as he kept his feet planted, Granya took this as a power play. The young girl would have none of that! She scrunched her nose, parted her lips to their limit, and clenched her teeth tight in quiet rage.

“Agnar.” The woman with him, the one who helped Willow, said her brother's name in a warning tone. Knowing someone was tempering him relaxed Granya’s face, but her shoulders were still tense.

Agnar didn’t take his scornful gaze off of Willow. He stepped back once. There was room to walk by without pressing against him, but they’d still brush shoulder to shoulder. Another pester from his sister had him snap a glance, “I know, Asa.” He took one more step back. The gap made for a comfortable getaway.

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow had been a bit stunned, mostly by the level of abrasiveness this man seemed to have for no reason. It wasn't as if they had been lollygagging about or anything, they were merely packing up for their journey back to the campsite. She might not have been as outwardly aggressive in return to the man's position as Granya had been, but she might have made a comment if she wasn't trying to be a good role model for her. Molly certainly would have given the mountain of a man a piece of her mind, that was for sure.

"Excuse us," she said with her usual kind demeanor, leading Granya past towering Agnar while keeping hold of the younger girl's wrist. She didn't understand how someone could be so bold to a stranger, but it was likely none of their business. She gave a final glance toward Asa as they were at the shop door, about to leave. "Have a good day and thank you again!"

Asa offered an apologetic smile. Then she turned to her brother and hit his arm. Agnar rolled his eyes before facing the clerk. Granya perked her upper lip in disdain.

With that, Willow tugged Granya out into the air that lacked the chill of the air conditioning, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she'd held in the man's presence. "Man, that guy sure seemed to have a stick up his ass," she muttered, before realizing the horrible example she was setting. "Sorry, don't talk like that...or don't let them find out if you start talking like that because of me."

 

[xrakkax]

Theo couldn’t be more proud in spirit of his lady love for not getting violent. Molly would have probably broken her hand letting know what she thought of that man. Mainly because he had gotten sassy with Willow.

Granya smiled at Willow, “Stick up ass is not bad.” She chuckled. “You should hear randomando. She slings like a sailor.” She felt comfortable to loop her arm with her, hopefully, future Aunt. “Don’t tell Дядя Theo, but on call with friends I cuss.”

She wasn't wrong, it was hardly the worst thing she'd said, although usually well contained around Granya. Grinning, Willow nodded as the two strode back toward camp, accompanied of course by dear Finn. "That's fair. I can't claim that I don't say much worse, so I'd never hold that against you. Your secret is safe with me." After all, how bad could a few teenagers be? Not nearly as bad as when she'd burnt her hand taking cupcakes out in a blind hurry before, right?

Granya happily grinned, “Da, our secret.” Finn made a chuckling noise.

The trip to the campsite to drop off their supplies didn’t take too long. Granya stowed a few snacks under her pillow for later. Willow dropped her extra pads off, relying on the one in her bag in a pinch. Then she tucked away the rose and the chocolate. Before long they were off! Finn sat comfortably on her shoulder. Occasionally he perked in interest at the woods, but mostly his feathers puffed in contentment. Granya felt about the same. The unrest from the shop now forgotten.

It took an hour to walk to the river. Twenty minutes in they walked across a lovely little bridge over a stream. Then about the half-hour mark Granya turned off the path. She wanted to show Willow the coolest oak! The roots grew like massive bars covering a cavity. Enough to fit a person comfortably. You had to crawl through between the only gap big enough to get in, but once you did it felt like you were a forest fairy living in her classic oak dwelling. That wasn’t all. Three or so minutes ahead was a huge boulder. Granya said she liked to do flips off of it sometimes. They continued until finally, they broke through the line of trees to see an awe-inspiring sight.

All along the shoreline, the light shimmered between pebbles of solid and translucent minerals. Many of the tiny stones were actually glass smoothed by the motion of the clear water.

 

[Soliloquy]

The oak was a beautiful tree, and she voiced that as they moved through the woods. Nature was a glorious thing, no doubt, and even if she was beginning to miss her bed she could still enjoy the sights. She imagined that Granya had come this path several times before to be so familiar with it, trusting her as they journeyed. Walking past the treeline, she stopped in awe at the colorful shore before them.

"Oh Granya! This is so..." she trailed off, unable to find a single word to describe just how breath-taking the sight was. "It's like a rainbow melted into little pebbles and they all found here. No wonder you wanted to come!" She might not have shared Granya's crow-like interest in collecting little things like pebbles or buttons, but is was a wondrous vision on it's own.

 

[xrakkax]

Granya felt confident that Willow would understand. She shared a grateful, silent nod. Then they went at it! Finn perched in the trees to avoid adjusting to Granya's up and down motion. He kept his watchful, pale blue, tinged with pink, eyes on her and Willow. The two of them gathered stone after stone. Granya got more excited about all the things she could make with them. She brought out her phone to take pictures, of the river, of the pebbles, and of themselves. Granya knew what was going to fill the next page in her scrapbook. By the time the sun was casting long shadows.

"Oof, probably time to go." She observed under the roof of her fingers over her eyes.

Willow at first tried to be picky about which stones she found, only taking the brightest ones that caught her eye. After a while her selections broadened, beginning to weight down her knapsack she was using to stow them away. She couldn't say what she'd use them all for, maybe start up an aquarium or something? She'd find out eventually. For now, she just kept collecting until Granya pointed out how late it was getting.

"Oh, Lord yes," she agreed, pulling herself away from the shoreline reluctantly. She was ready to start back toward the campsite when a familiar feeling told her she'd need to take a moment for herself. "Hang on, I need a minute before we head back." All that extra activity wasn't going to bode well with a teeming liner. Reaching into the front pouch of her bag where she knew the last of the pack had been tucked away. Her fingers reached in to grab one only to rub the sheet of plastic. It took a moment of self control to keep herself from swearing yet again in front of Granya. "Well, that's great. Thought I still had a pad left and apparently not."

Granya offered a sympathetic smile, “We should hurry.” Finn seemed to agree.

The two left the beautiful shoreline. They walked cautiously. Lest their gait disturb the Red Devil. On the way back Granya had a happy time helping distract Willow by talking about the crafts they could make. That is, until she felt the call of nature.

Granya did her best to keep moving forward. Walking was brutal though, every step a jolt to her bladder. Sweat began to form on Granya’s brow. She couldn’t even imagine-- well, she could imagine how terrible it was for Willow, what with her period. She really didn’t want to stop. Willow needed to get her pad. It was painfully clear to Granya how urgent it was for Willow, but she broke when they came to a familiar boulder on their trail back to camp.

“Willow,” Granya frowned, “I’m sorry. I need to go to the bathroom. Do you mind?” Embarrassed to go potty in front of Willow, Granya said she’d be as quick as she could, but she’d go it alone.

She was a bit uneasy knowing it was beginning to go dark. "Just stay close to me and Finn, yeah?" she asked, agreeing to a short distance for privacy, but not to much. Just in case there were bears.

"Eh, I--" Granya blushed hard in embarrassment. "--I need to go number two." she explained, feeling her face redden. "I promise, I will be as quick as I can. But I may be a little ways into the trees. Okay?"

She understood the need to a bit of space then. "Okay. I'll be here. Just shout if you need something?"

Granya readily agreed as she shifted from foot to foot. Then she turned to head through the trees. Finn looked back once and then flew off Granya’s shoulder. As before, though he’d be close, he would perch in a nearby branch rather than watch Granya directly.

Both Finna and Granya blended into the trees. Just about when the two were out of sight Willow heard the flutter of wings. Across from her, on a branch, landed black eagle. He stared at Willow with unblinking eyes. Then he turned his head in the direction that Granya and Finn had gone. The black eagle swooped into the air, disappearing through the boughs heading that way. Not long after, little birds tweeted and flitted about. A robin with a respectable red chest, alighted on the boulder behind Willow. His song rode the breeze. For about five or so minutes. And then stopped.

Willow heard the cry of the black eagle in the distance.

The robin darted into the air like hellfire chased him. The woods grew quiet within the span of a breath. Just beside the boulder where the bird had been entertaining her came the crackle of twigs. First light, then louder.

Between the trunks of the twisted trees from where they had come from the river, Willow witnessed the shadows rise. Higher, and higher the shape rose. The ambiguous silhouette silently took the tangible form of a bear. What little light fell over it defined a head half shaved, marked up with distinctive tattoos. Three scars marked its head. One from his right temple trailed down the side of his face. It intersected the second scar that led from his right ear to the corner of his mouth on the same side. The direction of the smaller cut on the left corner of his mouth implied the third scar was merely a continuation of the second. Perhaps a single swipe from some blade by a past victim.

Of all of these details, it was the gaze trained on Willow that took her attention. The eyes were intelligent. Large, focused chips of onyx, filled with quiet rage.

All the wood fell into mute fear. The wind stilled, the trees hushed.

The black grizzly audibly inhaled, “RAAHHH!” The sound reverberated in Willow’s chest as the living mountain of muscle and teeth came bolting toward her.

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow hadn't been about to rush a girl along during her needed bathroom time, leaning against a tree as she waited. Nature around her gave some scenery to watch, the eagle in particular catching her to eye as it landed. She grabbed her phone, which lacked service but was still a functioning camera and snapped a picture. Maybe Granya would want to add it to her scrapbook as well. But something felt off as the bird flew away. Something she couldn't put her finger on.

She'd been ready to give a hollar at Granya that they needed to keep going. It was getting dark, after all. Just then the silhouette broke in the distance and all of the joking with Theo felt like it was about to bite her in the ass. A bear, and one not to be trifled with, was staring her down. Her heart quickened in her chest, and while the bear was looking straight at her, all she could think of was Granya through the treeline. She didn't imagine she'd be able to outrun the bear, but she did plan on putting as much distance between it and Granya as possible.

Grabbing the straps of her bag, she quickly spun about, running in the direction opposite of both Granya and the campsite. Thoughts of what this was going to end up doing to her pants were null and void. Adrenaline surged through her veins and she did her best to keep her head down, looking for roots or stones that might cause her to spill. Speed was all she had, that and the fact she was smaller than the bear.

 

[xrakkax]

Running off path into the forest cut away from both Granya and the campsite. Willow’s diligence saved her from falls that would have meant her death. And the towering woodland slowed down her assailant. Slowed him, but did not deter him. Willow could still hear his roar not far behind her.

Providentially Willow slid down a slope and saw huge roots as thick as tree trunks over an abandoned den. The same one Granya showed her before. A crash indicated she had a moment to decide to run or to hide. Willow squeezed through the gap Granya had just as the bear came lopping down the curve of dirt she did.

The bear's brows drew together. His head flipped this way and that. Had he lost her? The bear hit the earth in frustration. Willow could feel the tremble in the ground. His eyes and nose were at work to find which escape she may have chosen while he was lagging. The black tip of his muzzle wiggled in the air, slowly correcting the direction he should consider until it faced the gnarled roots. A moment passed. Willow could see the muscles of his tense face relax and his head perk in attention when they met eyes.

“RAAH!” Again he shouted, renewed in his objective. The quizzical face of a bear turning into fury. The grizzly monster reared a paw and then brought it down.

Wood flaked over Willow as the dagger length claws tore away at the obstructing limbs. Each swipe of the massive paws counted down to her approaching fate. The grizzly's roar shook through Willow making for her a song of impending doom.

BOOF!

Willow’s assailant stumbled to an unseen force. The grizzly gave to the strength of his foe, his back pressing against the tree that guarded Willow. It caused a branch to cover the exit Willow would have used to sneak out. Snarls of a different sort blended in with the frightening sound of the bears groaning growls. The wounded wood creaked against the weight of the warring beasts. Though the black hulk of a monster blocked most of her view, she managed to make out the vague shape of its opponent. A female honey brown wolf almost the size of the bear itself furiously attempted to wrestle the black fleshy mountain down. Through the branches and the foliage shaking loose over her as the creatures battled, she saw glimpses of the lupine's viridian eyes.

 

[Soliloquy]

Huddled into the entangled roots, Willow did her best to try and sink into the shadows. One dirtied hand went to her mouth, trying to silence her labored breathing as she watched the looming figure of the bear stop a short distance away. She thought she might have a chance if she were to stand perfectly still, or so she hoped. She hadn't provoked the bear, so it stood to reason it would give up and lumber off, hopefully not toward Granya or the others.

The penetrating gaze that leveled with her own dampened those hopes and she slunk as far back under the roots as she could manage, watching the bear approach with plumes of steam rolling from it's maw. She considered trying to make another run for it, but knew squeezing her way out was going to slow her down as the beast closed the gap between them. She was bracing for the worst as the earth shook from the bear being struck unexpectedly, crashing into the tree with a deafening roar. The impact made her shriek, stealth abandoned at this point while the brawl broke out just before her.

The wolf would have been viewed as a threat itself in any other situation, it's keen sense of smell and mastered hunting skills far surpassing her own, but here it was acting out of it's role. The blur of fur was snapping and snarling in defense of Willow, now trapped beneath the oak and the battle just outside the root. For the briefest moment when she was able to see the wolf's face, an inexplicable desire to protect the wolf just as it was doing now to her was felt, worried of the famed strength the grizzly. She was trapped and left with no choice but to watch the exchange.

 

[xrakkax]

Tufts of fur from both beasts floated down, some still attached to flesh. The wolf managed to throw the grizzly off his feet, pushing him away from the wooden cage wherein sat Willow. By virtue of gaining the preferred ground the she-wolf broke away from close-combat to make her stand between him and Willow.

The loping grizzly shook his great head as if ridding his mind of dizzying shock from the unexpected fight. If bears could be bewildered, Willow would have gleaned so from the slack jaw and furrowed brows that this monster of an animal had about his face.

The only indication that the she-wolf had come as a guardian was the unspoken, spiritual sense between them. There was no way to tell otherwise whether the she-wolf meant to save Willow or have her for a meal herself. To the naked eye, all that was certain was the determination of the beast not to allow the bear to get her.

The she-wolf kept its blazing green eyes locked onto its foe who tried to make a shot to Willow from the side. The wolf barked viciously, causing a pause in her opponent. From this angle, Willow got a good look at the profile of the bloody she-wolf.

Among the nips and cuts, there were notable wounds. Three bloody lines trailed over her shoulder to her collarbone like red straps. Two weeping bites, one on the side of her neck and the other on her right haunch stained her honey brown coat a dark crimson. A fainter red line over her left missed her emerald eye, only cutting into the brow and a little bit of her cheek.

“Raah!” The hulking blackness growled, stomping one of its forepaws.

As if in disagreement, the wolf pulled back her lips into a snarl. The fangs were a little longer than Willow's thumb.

The grizzly raised on its feet, making a symphony of threats in growls and grunts.

Spreading her paws for a sturdier stance, the she-wolf’s hackles raised higher. Her ears popped forward in confidence and warning, ready to go at it again. The bear thrust forward.

A burst of dirt flew up behind the wolf as she launched herself into the grizzly. The force of the motion stirred the branch covering the escape gap enough to move it by hand. The beasts thudded into a pile of teeth, claws, and spit. They broke occasionally, trying to get the upper hand. The bear shot out its paws like a boxer, trying to knock her out. The wolf dodged and snapped. While the two battled it out Willow heard the caw of a raven. The raptor circled above her position.

Swooping in like a light in the darkness, Finn alighted on the branch nearest to Willow. She could see his body had taken a beating. There were red stains painting his front. A couple of tiny black downy feathers stuck to the drying blood, on his beak, and on his talons. Finn lowered his head, meeting her eyes, “Run Willow! Run to camp!” In addition to the fight in front of her, she could hear someone coming through the trees. Not from the direction of the campsite. No, from the direction of the boulder. In urgency, Finn flapped his wings, “RUN!” The voice, while still characterized by the throat of the raven, sounded much more human than before.

 

[Soliloquy]

The standoff between the two beasts was both frightening and enrapturing, making it impossible for Willow to look away. The wolf was taking a beating but was standing firm before the tree. There was no doubt that either of them was backing down, the bellowing roar and threatening snarl of each voicing it. They were launching at each other, the ground caving and shaking as they met.

Finn's sudden appearance made Willow's heart drop. Granya. She wouldn't be far off if he was here, and that meant she was in danger. She saw a space she'd be able to squeeze out of, the bear now preoccupied with it's opponent, but she hesitated for a moment. If she left, what would happen to Granya? Either wolf or bear winning would mean there was a victorious beast between her and the young girl, a terrifying thought. The command from Finn ripped her out of her thoughts. Camp, yes! She couldn't protect Granya but at the camp they had guns! They'd be able to scare the bear off and bring her back safely.

Ignoring the snag of branches and rocks, Willow scrambled out the opening and lurched in the direction she prayed she remembered was back toward the path. In the dark of night it was much harder to run, nearly toppling to the ground a few times before the smell of food cooking came from ahead, directing her through the last of the woods before she broke the treeline. Everyone was sitting at the table for dinner - everyone but Granya. Her heart sunk, having hoped she had somehow managed to beat her to camp. Her hair and face were a mess of cuts and dirt from her escape, eyes wide in terror as she rushed toward the group.

"Bear!" she practically shouted, her sides finally starting to hurt as she stopped moving. "A bear and a wolf - " she had to stop, gulping for air, "Granya out there and - get the guns!" The dirt on her face was streaked tears as she struggled to convey everything to them while being overcome with guilt that she had come back without Granya.

 

[xrakkax]

Finn did his best to lead Willow to the pathway and down the right direction. Then he parted from her, doubling back. The sounds of monstrous roaring and growls absorbed into the branches of the trees the further Willow got.

At the shout of Willow’s first word, Bear sprang to his feet. The nose of the large Russian dog gathered information as she spoke. The others weren’t equipped with a snout to know the secrets of scent.

In that same moment Theo, who had just sat down, shot up and made his way to his lady love who he held steady in his arms. As the explanation came out the family leaped into action. There was no reason to disbelieve her. And this kind of prank didn’t seem to fit Willow’s nature.

Natalia had Theo to help Willow to sit while she fetched her first aid kit. Jovan pulled out his phone to try to locate Granya’s. He cursed in frustration to find that while the signal was strong it failed to connect. Granya’s phone must have died. To make matters worse, it began to rain. If the water soaked the Earth they would lose some tracking ability.

In any normal circumstance, they may have all left to search. But they had reason to keep more than one person behind. Jovan went to the van and pulled out his rifle, saying, “Theo, Amalia, Molly. You three stay.” He turned to them as he loaded the gun. “Micha, you come.”

Micha grabbed his Remington, “Da.”

However, Molly wasn’t having it. “Nope. The bitch ran my friend off and has done who knows what to Granya.” Molly was thankful she had chosen to bring her Mossberg 500. It was known to deal with bears. “You wanna make me stay, you’re gonna have to shoot me.” She set off on the path. “Let’s go!” Bear didn't question her. He ran ahead. Micha sighed, and with Jovan they ran after Molly.

Theo set up an umbrella stand to keep them dry. Then he got a water bottle for Willow and sat down with her. Natalia came to her side with ointments and bandaids, “Красивый, it’s okay.” He tried to soothe her. “What happened? What did you see?” Every bit of info was important.

 

[Soliloquy]

Her legs found relief as she sat down, her mind finding the same at Theo's side. Even if she no longer had to focus on standing, her body shook as the remnants of adrenaline still surged, barely hearing Jovan barking his orders that Molly refused to abide. A swig of water seemed to help calm her slightly and cleared her throat so she could launch into explaining what had happened to Theo.

Willow told him of how they'd been heading back toward the camp when they had to stop so that Granya could relieve herself. She stressed that she wouldn't have let her out of her sight if she would have known about the bear! She told him of how just when she was going to check on her the eagle appeared, staring right at her before all hell broke lose. The scarred up bear had appeared out of nowhere, charging at her without being provoked. She ran, as fast as she could she ran, wanting to get the bear away from Granya, until she hid in the large tree. The bear had her cornered when the wolf appeared to challenge it, telling of how the wolf had come between her and the bear before Finn rushed her away.

"Oh, Theo, I'm so sorry!" she sobbed by the end, worked up yet again. "I couldn't go to Granya with the bear following me. I never should have let her out of my sight and if something happens to her..." She didn't know what she would do it that were the case. She'd be consumed by the guilt for the rest of her life and the family would rightfully blame her. "Please, we have to go find her!"

 

[xrakkax]

The cousins shared a look of concern. Theo laid his chin on the top of her head, "You're alright, Kрасивый. This isn't your fault." He said gently. "Uncle Jovan, Micha, and Molly are going to find her. Don't worry."

Natalia wiped the last wound and ministered the salve before putting on a bandaid. Then she packed her kit and pushed it aside for later use. If they found Granya they'd need it. "Willow, it could have happened to any of us, okay?" She held one of Willow's hands, "You have to take deep breaths. Come on, with me." She and Willow inhaled, then exhaled, "You're going through a natural response. Let your body calm." Then she said, "We will trust the others, okay? It's better to stay here where it is safe."

They may not have been calm,, but Willow would have expected them to at least be panicking a bit more. She listened to Natalia's directions, letting out a shaky breath along with her. Even when her chest rose and fell evenly, her mind still raced. "I can't, Natalia. I can't just sit here while she's out there alone," she said in a nearly pleading tone. "Please, can't we go help them somehow?"

Theo and Natalia shared a communicative expression. Finally, Theo nodded, "Okay." He stopped her from getting up. "But in a minute. You just ran all the way here. Give yourself water, or tea, or something. And take food. Is no good if you collapse while we all looking, Da? Then you can't search with us." He hoped that would be good enough. "You shivering too, Kрасивый . Tea and blanket. No more than ten minutes, Da?" A compromise.

While she might have normally argued that ten minutes was time wasted, Willow knew he was right. If she went out and passed out in the wet woods she was only becoming another problem for the family. She drank down the bottle of water she had been given. The moment of forced resting also brought to mind other problems that had bloomed in the woods. "I'm going to change first," she told him, assuring that she could stand and make the few feet to the tent on her own.

A fresh pair of pants and underwear along with a sweater seemed to help peel away some of the stress she'd carried. That or she'd just managed to mask it better. She was quickly back at Theo's side, gulping down the tea as fast as she could. "Can we go now?" she urged when the empty cup was set down.

Theo had every respect for Willow. And he honestly was quite relieved she didn’t mean to let herself idle. Not that Amalia or anyone staying behind idled, but she didn’t know they were guarding the camp and Willow. To any sane Mundie, they looked like they were just sitting.

“Sit, five minutes,” Theo assured her. “Get energy up for searching.” She hadn’t relaxed at all.

Flashes of lightning lit the campsite and the roll of thunder masked the noise of the woods. Theo held Willow in his arms, telling her to steady, to get a moment's rest to better use her strength when searching. They waited for either the others to return with Granya, or the five minutes were up. Amalia patrolled the edge of the camp to chance seeing the young girl return on her own.

“Alright, let’s go,” Theo said, getting up.

“That Finn?” Natalia squinted. She saw a familiar snow-white dot through the darkness. Not from the pathway Willow came down, but rather to the left of the van. As it came closer she recognized the raven. Willow noted it was still messy with blood and small black feathers.

“Granya is here!” He caw’d just before he perched on the nearby tent.

Between the trees, a figure none of them had seen before walked out. The man was as tall as Theo, and he had about the same build. That’s where their similarities ended. He too looked as if he ran through the trees like Willow. His hip-length hair, that looked like white silver, had caught leaves and mud-stained much of it a dingy grey. His fair skin nearly blended in with his tresses, save for the parts that were smudged in dirt. The man's eyes were a striking Alice-blue. Of all these details, a few stood out to Theo and Natalia. One being Granya asleep in his arms. Two, this man had only a cloth wrapped around his lower half. Three, Granya was naked and bleeding over both of them.



The surprise took Theo off his guard a moment. In reflex, he held Willow to him protectively. Natalia too, who called Amalia over as soon as they saw him. Avril slithered alongside her mistress, ready to strike if the call came. Theo trusted Amalia to approach this strange man while he took Willow’s safety on his shoulders. None of them knew what this could mean. Or what they were dealing with.

Amalia warily closed the space between him and the naked stranger. Wordlessly Granya was transferred to her arms. Amalia gave a nod and went to lay Granya on the table to examine her wounds with Natalia. Then she looked back at the ivory man. Amalia eyed him suspiciously, “Who are you?” Avril coiled on standby.

The man glanced at Willow, his thoughts turning over what he might say. Finally, he told Amalia, in all honesty, “I am Liam.” His voice. Willow could almost swear she heard it before. Liam raised his palms in peace, “I have come as a friend. Please allow me to be at her side as she recovers.”

Finn flapped his wings, “Trustworthy.” He gave his opinion. They’d have to decide now.

The family looked between each other. No one had strong opinions against it. So far he seemed okay. But then again, who knew? Amalia agreed first, “Da. Sit by fire.” She gestured. Though Liam seemed disappointed, he obeyed.

It surprised Theo only briefly, realizing that Amalia intended to do harm if it turned out that this man had anything to do with the bear attack.

Natalia had her attention on Granya for now. The wounds were serious. She took out her kit and began her work to clean, disinfect, and stitch. Being a vet had skills good enough for humans too. The wounds needed a talented healer. Willow saw how they had cut her. In the exact, identical pattern as the wolf.

 

[Soliloquy]

The moment that Theo agreed they could look Willow was on her feet. Her mind raced to finding a flashlight to help with her searching, although those thoughts were stopped abruptly. In the air above them, Finn's arrival felt like a sliver of hope. Granya was there? Willow had already taken a step toward the section of wood he had come from when the strangers form stopped her in her tracks.

Willow cried out seeing Granya's limp body, her worst fears coming to life as the girl was transferred back to her family. While she had mild concerns for Liam as he joined them, she focused her attention on Granya, easing far enough away from Theo that she could watch Natalia beginning to address the many wounds. She lacked any training, but wouldn't sit idly by as someone she cared for was in need. Rushing to their tent, she grabbed a clean shirt from her bag and used a bottle of water to wet it a small section at a time and begin wiping the grime and dirt off of Granya, mindful to stay away from the cuts and gnashes Natalia needed to address still.

Her careful wipes traveled along her face, avoiding the gnash that traveled from brow to cheek. The worst of her face was cleaned when Willow's eyes traveled down to the three large parallel cuts that traveled over her shoulder to collarbone, pausing for a moment as a preposterous idea entered her mind. She'd seen those cuts before... but no, that wasn't possible. It was absurd and impossible and... Shaking her head, she went back to her work, eyes focused on Granya. "I'm so sorry, sweet Shchenok," she whispered.

 

[xrakkax]

Natalia had Theo get a blanket and pillow for Granya while she finished up the wounds on her shoulder. Behind them, at the campfire, Amalia questioned Liam. “How you come to find her?”

Liam hesitated, taking another look at Willow. She seemed occupied. Perhaps he could clearer, but he couldn’t be sure she wouldn’t catch his words. Liam inhaled, choosing carefully what to say, “I heard her yelp in the woods. When I looked I saw a black eagle was attacking her, trying to stop her from passing it by. Perhaps to keep her from going back to the pathway.” He suggested, not knowing himself if this was so, but figured it was likely, “I intervened. But once I struck down the eagle I saw she had gone.” Liam explained he searched for the girl. This part was vague, with him stuttering over the details, “She uh-- she had come across the bear. There was a confrontation. By the time I got over to them, the bear knocked her out. I managed to strike the bear away. Then I picked her up and followed the white raven here.”

None of them could tell if Liam had witnessed Granya as a wolf. Either this man knew and he had the respect not to blabber, or he didn’t, and he was just a handsome, helpful half-naked guy wandering in the woods. Amalia didn’t want to let the cat out of the bag just yet, in case it was the latter. So she forced a smile that looked more like someone bent her jaw. “Then we glad for the help.” It was only polite to say so. Then there was the issue still of whether they could trust this man wasn’t going to snitch on them, and if he was a Mundie, a Hunter, a Mage. Amalia pursed her lips and skewed them to the side in thought. Finally, she asked, “Where, uh-- where you come from?” A nice stall to learn more specific information.

Before answering Liam’s brows pushed up in concern. Taking another study of Willow, and apparently knowing Amalia’s intent, there could only be one word to convey all she needed to know. Exhaling slowly, Liam answered truthfully, “Aarin.”

Amalia sat up, speechless. Theo snapped his eyes to Liam in surprise. Natalia paused in her work, looking up wide-eyed. Before the silence could be noted, Natalia finished up her last stitch and sat on the bench.

Just about then Granya’s eyes fluttered briefly. Her throat croaked as she murmured in distress, “Willow?” She breathed. The attention shifted off Liam onto Granya. “Is Agnar gone?”

 

[Soliloquy]

Liam could have been spilling secrets left and right, waving his arms about and making every declaration possible and Willow wouldn't have care right then. She left the interrogation of the man to Amalia, knowing she wasn't someone that would let danger get past her if it was identified and familiar with just how mean of a hook she had. Instead, her attention focused on Granya. Once the dirt and grime was cleaned away, she was trying to run her fingers through those unruly curls.

The young girls voice brought tears to her once more, leaning in enough that she could hear her better. "Oh Granya," she sighed in relief, although her brows soon knitted themselves together at her question. "Agnar?" It took her a moment to connect the name to the agitated mountain of a man at the store from earlier that day. "Did he do this to you, Granya? I swear to God if that son-of-a-bitch laid a hand on you-"

She stopped in the middle of her sentence, her lips unable to keep up as her mind raced. Agnar's scar-deformed face was still a vivid image, as well as the cuts along the bear. She hadn't gotten as good of a look at the bear, much more concerned with running for her life and to distract it from Granya, but the scar that crossed down over both eyes was undeniably the same. Her wide, chocolate eyes shifted from Granya's face down to the stitched up cuts that decorated her, flashing back to the wolf she had watched through tree roots. The honey-brown wolf with unusually green eyes. "Impossible..." she breathed, looking to Natalia and then Theo, as if wanting them to know her thoughts and tell her she was wrong.

 

[xrakkax]

“Y-you’re okay. . .” Granya visibly settled once she heard Willow’s voice and glimpsed her face. “. . .good. . .I wasn’t. . .too late.” She trailed off as unconsciousness took her. Her breathing grew slightly troubled.

Theo and Natalia exchanged looks of the perplexed sort. They had envisioned this going a different way. It was maybe possible to finagle this to their advantage. But as Theo read those beautiful, teary chocolate eyes, he found it would only come off patronizing. There was no intent to insult her intelligence either. What to do?

Meanwhile, Molly had followed Micha and Jovan all the way to the boulder. The men were less familiar with the oak tree. Though they knew it was said to be around the boulder somewhere. Bear sniffed busily to catch a reliable scent trail. They were all busy searching through the rain and the dark when Micha saw Molly had spotted something lumped to the side of the boulder.

“What is it, Myshka?” Micha asked, walking up.

Jovan followed. When they realized Molly picked up a pile of Granya’s clothes, they glanced at one another in uncertainty. Molly turned to them in some confusion, “She took off her clothes.”

“Someone or something tore off her clothes.” Micha hummed and nodded. “If anyone touched my niece, I will shoot them.”

Molly blinked, “No, I don’t think so. Well, I mean, someone could have, but look.” She shined the light so they could see better, thinking that was the reason they didn’t understand, “These weren’t torn off. Unless she crossed paths with some weirdo who has a fetish for girls whose clothes are neatly set aside, and unless we believe Granya would wait patiently for her assailant while they were folded, our little Shchenok probably did it herself.”

Jovan held in his amusement at Micha’s complete fail. Besides, this was serious. Jovan nodded, “Probably right.”

“But why would she do that?” Molly puzzled over the clothes until Bear barked for attention. “Oh, maybe he found her!” She said as she tucked the outfit under her arm. The rifle had been slung to her back for traveling ease.

Micha rubbed his face, realizing things might be going in a different direction than planned. Jovan shrugged. They needed to find Granya. If that meant Molly found out in the meantime, well, as long as his great-niece was safe, then so be it. They would just have to do their best for now.

Molly excitedly pointed out Granya’s footprints. As she got into the treeline, her confusion compounded when those little feet impressions suddenly bloomed into large wolf paws. “What in seven hells?”

“Maybe Granya run from wolf and the paw cover her feet marks.” Micha offered.

“Yeah, I guess.” Molly frowned. Something felt off. With the two of them. She studied them briefly before brushing that aside. They had work to do! Molly trudged onward. Thankfully the rain wasn’t as bad under the branches.

Jovan and Micha followed onward. They got to the slope and the oak. Bear barked and insisted they go further through the forest. Molly noted white feathers. Jovan and Micha could do nothing but agree. At least Molly couldn’t point to any Granya human footprints. But maybe that would have been better. Molly couldn’t figure out why she couldn't see them.

“Is getting muddy.” Micha offered.

“True. . .” Molly had to concede even the large paws were becoming obscure. “Alright well, it’s all on you, doggo.” She said to the proud old Bear.

Bear barked and ran ahead, doubling back when he thought he lost them. Molly and the men tracked through evidence of a vicious fight. Molly couldn’t believe it was a wolf. Texas’ wolves were maybe the size of a medium to large dog. This was ridiculous! Molly pieced and puzzled, trying her hardest to put together a sensible answer.

Just as she was about to ask why Finn was following a wolf, Jovan pulled her shoulder. Her body jerked to a stop. Molly perked a brow in question. A sudden growling of Bear, their good old boy, drew her eyes to a massive shape in the darkness. “Oh shit!” Molly dropped the clothes and pulled her rifle into position.

No more than a few yards ahead a large bear shook his head and then pressed a paw to his brow as if he suffered from some headache. The bear groaned as he turned his gaze to them. His big nose sniffed the air. The scent was familiar. Faint, but it did match some of the smells off of Willow. That earned them a disdainful snarl.

Molly hadn’t been dissed by a bear before, but if she had she’d know this was clearly a remark on their character. As it stood, it just came off like an angry bear. Molly readied her gun, “This that bear you think?” It was hard to see, but she thought she could pick out odd scarring on its face.

Above them, a swallow came to perch nearby. The bear looked at it with a frown. He seemed to be caught in some indecision.

Jovan frowned. They didn’t know who they were dealing with. A Coven? A pack? A family like theirs? Was he sent by anyone or did he act on his own? All this would be good to know. It would determine their actions. That, and he wanted to see if this bear would cooperate with them. Maybe tell them where Granya went. Obviously she wasn’t around here. And it appeared the bear himself only just woke from whatever took him down. If it was Granya, they’d have hope she was already back at camp. If not, then maybe they had more to worry about then the bear.

The hesitation was not lost on Molly, who asked, “So, are we just gonna stare at it, or what? I don’t see Granya. And this bastard hurt my friend.”

Realization fluttered across the bears face. Whatever Molly had said ignited the bear’s fury. Had it been the mention of his loss of the little wolf, or that her connection to a Crosse meant she was scum destined to die by his paw? Either way, the bear geared up to charge them. Their doggo, Bear, got between them. The suddenness of it catching them by surprise. Bear did his best, but this was not a beast of the Russian lands. This was a cursed man. And their strength rivaled Bear’s. One swipe and one failed dodge sent the doggo flying into a tree. Bear yelped once and fell silent. The bear turned to the three with intent to murder. The living mountain of muscle, claws, and teeth leaped at them.

Before Micha or Jovan could react, to tell her Bear was okay, since Micha would know, and before Jovan could demand answers to help their situation, Molly saw red. She had enough of waiting. She had enough of this bitch. She had enough of not finding Granya. And the thought that this motherfucker killed her favorite doggo pissed her off. Grunting, Molly flicked the point of her gun up, hot tears spilling over her cheeks.

POP!

THUD!

Dirt and blood sprayed over the three. The bear's body slumped at their feet. It groaned in pain. Molly took a step closer and pressed the nozzle to its head. Micha reached out her, to call her to him, but his words fell on deaf ears. What followed took from Molly her rage and replaced it with dumbfounded shock. The body of the bear began to smolder as if it was a slowly burning piece of cloth. But she saw no red to indicate a fire. She stepped back in complete confusion. A man lay unconscious amidst the damp earth, surrounded by bits of tiny tattered purple flowers. Blood seeped from a bullet wound to his neck.

As if summoned to further perplex her, Molly witnessed the arrival of a lioness with a scarred face. The feline yowled when her eyes fell upon the wounded man. Micha pulled Molly back to him after getting Granya’s clothes underarm. Jovan went over to pick up Bear. The doggo whimpered to Molly’s relief. But she had little time to spend happy over it. The lioness swiped the air, screaming at them. She stood over the man in a defensive stance.

Just then a familiar bird came to perch by them. Micha pointed it out to Jovan who asked him, “Is Granya alright?”

Molly had so much going through her mind, she couldn’t find the words to ask why they thought a dumb raven would know the answer. The poor girl grew pale when Finn replied, “Yes, she is at camp.” Before flying off. Too shocked about everything she just saw, Molly allowed Micha to guide her from the mythic scene. “Wha--what the fuck?” Molly muttered, at a loss. “What the fuck?” It was all she could really say for the time being. At least it stopped raining.

Micha did his best to soothe her, saying, “It will be okay, Myshka. I can explain.”

Molly wasn’t the type to be calm. Or patient. As soon as her wits caught up to her they were nearly back at camp. She pulled from Micha and pressed her back against a tree. “You tell me right the fuck now what the fuck is happening, Micha, I swear--” She pressed a hand to her head. It began to throb. “--if you two know what’s happening I need you to tell me!” She rested her head back against the tree and wrapped both hands behind her around it in a tight grip. “If you don’t, I’ll march right back to camp and take Willow home and you’ll never see me or her again!”

Heart in his hand, Micha humbly bowed his head, “I understand.” Micha looked at Jovan with a frown. Then he inhaled, not ready for the beginning or the end of their relationship. “Molly, that man is cursed. He is a therianthrope. A bear, in his case.” Micha said.

“No. No, that’s wrong, nope.” Molly shook her head and pressed her lips together.

Jovan sighed, laying Bear down gently. They may be a while. “Molly, is true.” He glanced at Micha before saying, “We know, because we Mages. This is world we know of. We grow up in. This monster of our homelands.”

“Wh-what?” Molly blinked, breathing heavily. “What the fuck? What does that mean? Who are you-- what are you? Is this another fucking prank? Or is this real?”

“Da.” Micha frowned, seeing her distress. Also, noted that his luck was bad enough to have pranked her all day and now had to hope he was believed. “Mollyshka, what you saw is thing that happens. Most of world does not know because-- well that is complicated, we an explain more at camp.” He offered. Molly felt her heart beat quickly, she shook her head again. “Molly, Mollyshka!” Micha huffed. “You can’t just repeat ‘no, no’. Tell me what your mind, Molly. What you think? Do you not trust you eyes?”

“Don’t sass me Micha Baronov!” Molly pursed her lips. “I’m the one who gets to be upset!” After a moment she swiped her hand through her messy hair. “And anyway, I’m not really a ‘trust your eyes’ kind of a person..” She muttered, closing her eyes. “I’m more of an instinct girl.” Molly ran through her thoughts and memories. She had every right to be distraught and disturbed. All of this coming to light, and in this way. Who wouldn’t be? Molly thought of the lies they had to have told. Then it hit her. What lies did they tell? She looked at them. The people she felt safe with, who she trusted. That feeling still lingered. Had they not earned an opportunity for the benefit of a doubt? “Alright. I’ll come to camp. We’re going to talk about this.” She added in resolution, “With Willow.”

If Theo had wondered what was the right time, that was no longer a question. Jovan and Micha agreed. Molly still had lingering frustration. She didn’t want to be touched at all. Neither did she have the patience to talk. Jovan held Bear, so she walked along with him to comfort her goodest boy. Occasionally she glanced at Micha. When he wasn’t looking her expression held a trace of mercy. When he did meet her eyes, she gave him a deep, angry glare. Micha chose not to meet her gaze for the rest of the way.

As soon as they appeared at camp Molly noticed Willow looking between Natalia and Theo. Granya lay on the tabletop. Being overwhelmed by the moment she had almost forgotten their mission. Finn said she was back. That was it. Molly ran over to Granya, completely unconcerned with half-naked man.

Natalia and Theo had opened their mouths to respond to Willow’s murmur of ‘impossible’, when Molly had arrived. They were thankful for the small reprieve. Before Theo could place a reassuring hand on Willow, Molly came between them. Theo had no idea what had happened so far, but he did see a look of irritation in Molly’s eyes. Theo smiled nervously. They had pranked her today. He wasn’t about to question her annoyance. That dragon can be left un-poked and sleeping.

Molly put her hand on Willow’s back and rubbed. Then, noting the girl’s breathing sounded more like wheezing, she looked at Natalia, “Is she alright?”

“Da.” Natalia nodded, looking back down. But something strange got her attention. She ran a slender finger over the wounds on Granya’s shoulder. It looked like it was turning a dark purple color. “Hm.” Natalia knew that Willow had been wiping that wound while she did the others. “This looks like. . .” Natalia looked at Willow, a question on the tip of her tongue. But no, it wouldn’t make sense to ask. Natalia knew Willow probably had no idea what to look for, and besides, the woman had cried so much her tears may have blurred her vision anyway. Natalia asked for a rag specifically used on that shoulder. There were bits of tiny, tattered purple petals on the cloth. Easily mistaken for normal dirt at a glance. Natalia brought it to her nose, she tasted it. “Monkswood.” Natalia gasped.

"Monkswood?" Molly asked, puzzled.

Micha frowned, "Wolfsbane." Molly blinked, not understanding. Then she gasped in surprise as it dawned on her.

Natalia snapped her eyes up at her cousin, “Theo! Get my herbal kit!”

As if being found out, the effects of the flower became easier to spot. The wounds of Granya’s shoulder darkened from purple to black. The color spread slowly through her veins. Granya’s wheezing began to sputter in intervals. Molly cupped her hand as she watched Granya’s body waking itself from a healing rest as she struggled for air. Wide-eyed, the young girl's hands trembled as her fingers weakly dragged down her throat repeatedly.

“Got it!” Theo handed it to Natalia. Worried, his hand reached to stop Granya from clawing, in case she hurt herself.

Natalia rolled out her pack. There were tools in cloth slots, vials, swatches of samples, dried leaves, and tiny packets of various flora. Immediately she took two dry powder, dropped a pinch in an empty vial, and poured in clean water. She corked it, shook it, and said, “Willow, her head.” Granya was held up slightly so that her niece wouldn’t choke. In fact, this meant to open her airways while she worked on the wound. Granya began to breathe normally. But they weren’t done yet. Natalia scraped off some of the petals from the cloths into a small mortar and pestle. She mixed a few other powders before adding a tablespoon of honey. Once she got that stirred she dapped the wound with the salve. “Willow, would you?” She asked for some help. The wounds were long and she only had one clean hand.

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow had felt Molly's hand, but didn't respond to it, her eyes still looking for an explanation. She knew what she had seen, and though they hadn't seen it, something told her that they knew. Neither of them told her it was impossible, neither said a word to her and she was left battling with her own thoughts and the impossible chance that her savior was laying on the table before her, bandaged but not broken.

So many oddities were replaying in her mind as she looked down at Granya. The girl wrestling with Bear and biting his ear. Her peculiar eating habits. Her abnormal habit of sniffing the air. But that didn't mean.. it couldn't mean. Girls weren't wolves, not outside of trashy teenage literature.

She was yanked from her thoughts as Granyas breathing grew heavy, Natalie suddenly visibly worried. Willow stowed her imagination, moving as she as needed to help alleviate the pain of the young girl, elevating her head. Wolfsbane? This couldn't be happening... But here they were, suggesting the impossible while Granya was in clear pain. Willow didn't hesitate to take the slave coated cloth, diligently working the length of the cut downward with purposeful dabs, sweat dotting along her brow. "We've got you, Granya," she breathed, hoping to try and calm her struggled breaths as well as Willows own beating heart.

 

[xrakkax]

Granya looked at her shoulder briefly, then squeezed her eyes shut, baring her teeth. “Uugrh, s-so cold.” The words Willow said were appreciated, but Granya was unable to convey her feelings at the moment. She gripped her uncle's hands to relieve the stress. Finn perched by her head, pressing his white-feathered body against her to comfort her.

The two women worked to get the salve over the length of each of the three cuts. While Willow helped to administer the medicine the family held their breath. Aconite was a tricky plant. They had many types in their family. Some killed faster than others. Some paralyzed, some merely sedated them. All were a problem. It took a skilled botanist like Natalia to make antidotes. And it required knowing which type was used on the wolf.

Molly felt herself relax as Granya’s body stopped fidgeting. She opened her eyes half-way. They could see the purple tinge fading from her sclera. The color of the skin on her shoulder returned to her normal fair complexion. Her breathing steadied. Granya, exhausted, allowed sleep to once more claim her.

Everyone audibly expressed their relief. Amalia, still keeping an eye on Liam who sat in silence, had been standing to see how Granya was doing and pressed a hand to her head as if catching herself dizzy for the emotional rollercoaster. Micha pumped a small fist and rubbed his neck. Jovan cussed in Russian with a tone of joy, thanking all that was good. Finn laid his beak gently to Granya’s cheek. Granya was too hurt for anyone to hug on. That would have to be saved for later.

Natalia sat back, her heart slowing. They caught it in time. Theo exhaled. He rubbed his niece's hands with his thumbs. Granya had been quite brave today. She saved his love and his love had aided in saving her. Theo felt that this had to mean something good. That there was still hope things would work out. Whatever Natalia or Theo had meant to say, and no matter what they thought they could get away with before, now they understood what had to happen.

In silence, they acknowledge this. Natalia looked to Theo, “Lay her on her bedroll. She needs to warm up. The monkswood has dropped her body temperature.” She looked around, “Where’s Bear?” Jovan walked up with him in his hands. No need for pretense. Theo picked up Granya and Jovan laid Bear down. Natalia used her herbs to heal his cut and murmured over his broken bones. Soon Bear stirred from where he lay and got up, tail wagging.

Molly made a noise of relief, “Bear!” The doggo jumped down and rubbed his body against her legs. Molly dropped down and hugged him. “Hey boy. So glad you’re okay!” She kissed him a few times.

Natalia allowed it for a moment, but then she said, “Molly, we need Bear to keep Granya warm. If you don’t mind.” She didn’t want to be cruel.

“Of course.” Molly smiled at Bear. “You so good boy, you work so hard. Time to be the goodest again, okay? Go help Granya.” Something told her he understood. He certainly left to do just as he was told. Finn followed through his flap. Molly didn’t know how to feel right now. But this was not a bad thing. And now that it was handled she decided there was a pressing issue to handle. Molly looked to Willow, hoping her eyes communicated her thoughts, and hoping they were on the same page.