---

---

Medusa looked out at the vast mountain below her glorious palace, the mountain his kind were buried in. Well, not buried exactly.... That would be too humane. No, they had decomposed after they had been destroyed and eventually whatever environment they had died in swallowed up whatever was left of them. She could sense him, the bane of her existence, hot on her trail. He was hunting Medusa for killing his love and her despicable Fiancé and yet the woman he was hunting was his old lover.

Heh, the only good thing that would come of being killed by him would be her last sight to reach her eyes being his horrified look upon his face as he realized who she really was. Poor fool, still in love with the part of her that had long died within the darkness of her soul. But he still knew her true name, so if he did not kill her first she'd kill him to protect her secret and her Coven.

If he did such a thing, if he destroyed her roses, there would be no guarantee that her fellow sisters would be able to resist the temptation of the light since all the light souls would be released and if tempted her sisters could renounce their evil ways and become pure. Behind her mask Medusa grimaced, unable to stop herself from remembering how weak and fragile she was before.

That weak fool had fallen for a hunter and the only good thing that had become of that mess was her becoming dark. She had killed her husband initially to run away with the hunter yet in the end she took the better path, the one that led her to a darker yet freer path. It wasn't beautiful and sun shine lit, it was gritty and riddled with darkness, but it was the path that offered freedom from everything; She had a wide range of emotions and her power was unlike any other witch before.

Before she had been a slave to happiness lest the darkness take control and she had no power at all besides the power to defend herself and others. But unlike the power of a true witch she would still never be able to keep up, and so eventually she would die in vain. No Witch would lag a hand on him, lest they too die after they killed him. He was her hunter to kill, and hers alone.

He would be the key to her eternal darkness, forever she would reign as Queen if darkness and ruler over all Witches. Her name, Medusa, struck fear into the hearts of everyone who heard it who wasn't on her side, and that's just how she liked it. If it's a fight he wanted then it's a fight he'd get, but for now she'd wait, for the perfect opportunity to strike him down.

---

---

Clarissa was in a town just below the mountain though she was too drunk to figure out what exactly it is and she hadn't really bothered to pay enough attention to it to even guess. All she knew was there was a tavern, and since it was her pay day she'd be damned if she didn't spend it having fun! "Oh bartender! Another mug please of your finest ale!" Clarissa said with a devilish wink, the bartender blushing heavily and going to fetch her drink.

It payed to be the daughter of a demon and a witch, as being from a gorgeous sexy mother and a handsomely devilish father gave her plenty of sexiness, beauty, and lustfulness to spare. This was her 21st drink and still men were spending their money on her. She had yet to pay a shilling for any drink and she was enjoying that very much. Maybe she'd get a new corset today with the money she'd saved!

This one had become too tight as her chest had grown quite a bit in the last year since she bought her corset. Maybe golden satin and silver silk ribbon would be perfect! After all, it might even throw those Hunters off her trail since they had no idea Witches could wear gold and silver clothes since they weren't made out of the real items.

Heh, so many years yet they hadn't come up with their fashion scheme. What a pity too, it could've saved some of their lives. The man set her 22nd mug on the table and pointed to a pair of drunken gentleman sitting on their stools in quite the unattractive pose. She waved and smirked nonetheless, as flirting would mean more drinks, and the more she drank, the closer she'd get to actually being drunk.

No one ever came in here who was truly worth her time but every now and again she'd settle for some of the worst one night stands in the entire history of it's existence. After that she'd drag them off to give to her fellow sister Lorelai to sacred as any good sister would do. Her shadows would alert her of any Hunters, but of course she'd play with them a bit before disposing of them. After all, it was her or them.

---

---

Electra lay sprawled out across the grass, her platinum dress sparkling in the moonlight. She was at lover's peak, though no one, especially not lovers, ever came up here. It was her sanctuary, a place to be alone to ponder on everything that had happened throughout the day. She had almost lost control of her powers again but luckily she hadn't, or else she might've destroyed yet another village in her dragon form.

Unlike her fellow witches she couldn't sense a hunter, she had go rely on her hearing for that. She had better hearing than anyone thanks to her shape shifting power but sometimes fear got the best of her and she would transform on the spot and turn into a giant dragon even though it was just a deer eating berries. She knew Medusa kept saying that she had great potential but she didn't truly feel like she would ever have any control over her powers.

Electra needed help desperately but no one really had time to spare to help her. The hunters were coming, a lot of her sisters could sense that, but she unfortunately could not. They were preparing for the worst while she just stood by and tried desperately to figure out a way to control her powers. She decided to take a swim, taking off everything but her underwear before diving into the cold waterfall waters below.

She came bursting out of the water, smiling happily as the cold temperature was a relief from the humid weather of August. The night was peaceful and she treaded the water, wondering exactly what was going to happen to her if things went south; Could she really help her sisters in a battle or would she just end up killing them all once she went out of control?

Electra heard a snapping of twigs but decided if was just yet again a deer, though if she had looked up she would see the human eyes peering down at her from above.

Lorelai was settling into another comfortable evening in the castle. Castle Bloodrose she called it, she wasn't sure if it was actually named that or not. Sousiel was tucked into her lap purring as usual, she had a good read lined up for the evening, and tea within arms reach.

Something was bugging her though. She was had a growing concern that she might be becoming complacent. She and Medusa had spoken when she entered the coven years ago, they'd both agreed that with her flamboyant display of power in the destruction of Hector Digard and his wife that it would be best if she went to ground for awhile.

Not to say she spent her days languishing in luxury by any means, Medusa put her to work. She took no small amount of pride in the work she'd done managing spirit networks, binding demonic guardians, and otherwise helping to see to the safety of her sisters. That wasn't enough though, hunters still stalked her dear sisters, and she was powerless to protect them from her room in the castle.

She dumped Sousiel from her lap unceremoniously, which earned a yowl of surprise from the sleeping demon. Standing she resolved to talk to Medusa about what more she could do. Perhaps she would have some way for Lorelai to disguise the demonic taint coursing through her being, maybe some suggestions on where her sisters might be most vulnerable. Either way, she couldn't spend too much longer languishing away in the castle hoping time would undo her enemies.

"WHERE IS SHE!?" A man roared as lifted and slammed two young and beautiful looking witches against a stone wall, knocking over a table covered in spell books, ingredients and other things. His hands holding each by their throat as they clawed at his hands trying to break free. It proved difficult as their feet dangled a good three feet off the ground, and their kicks did nothing as they lashed out at his chest. After five seconds of strained grunts and growls. He pulled them away a few inches from the walls and slammed them again. "TELL ME!" He growled, his eyes burned with hatred as he looked at these filthy witches.

One of them, the smaller one gurgled something. He loosened his grip only slightly "We..We don't know!"

"Lies!" He growled and moved over to the fire. "Tell me now. Where is the witch that is called 'Von'Strauss"

The taller one now started to cackle. "You will never find out!"

"Why is that?" He asked in a deathly low voice.

"Because... you missed our sister." She laughed more. Just before Fenros was pulled back, the force causing the two in his hands to fly with him but they escaped his grasp. He crashed through another table and into a support beam. Crumpling to the ground as the third witch slowly walked towards him and bent over to look him in the eyes.

"Hello there." She said with a giggle. "You've been a baaad boy. Hurting my little sisters. " She twirled her forefinger and a pair of hands pulled him up. Looking over his shoulder he saw two men, their eyes glazed over, and their skin pale. They were a little smaller than him, but it was clear they were undead. Stronger than men, able to rip men apart.

"I think we shall sacrifice you to the Lord of the Dead, and reap your body as a new body guard. Fitting, a hunter protecting a witch." She smiled as she stood just before him, sizing him up. "Maybe torture you a bit first."

He lowered his head closer to her and said, "Ill ask one more time, Where is Von'Strauss?"

"Still on about that girl? That little twig? She came through a day or so ago...not that it matters, you will never see her." She said as she pulled a dagger out. She then asked, "Before I kill you, what is your name?"

"Fenros Digard" He said as he suddenly pulled away from one of the undead, spun, gripped the second and with a grunt threw it towards the three witches.

At hearing his name the witches gasped, and jumped out of the way of the undead. He could sense the fear coming from them as he pulled his blade from off his back and swung it around, tearing it through the undead he had pulled away from. His eyes turned to the three witches again as fire seemed to dance in them.

---

Fenros walked away from the burning hut as he said out loud. "You were no help."

A feminine voice in his head answered amused. "You seemed to have it under control. I figured you could vent a little."

Fenros looked down to see Alttia, his white wolf companion, laying in the grass with her head on her paws. Her tail thumping lazily. Lifting her head. She continued. "Besides...you had me running all day...with no snacks."

"Do you expect to get one now?" He asked as he tightened his gauntlets.

She didn't answer for a second...as if thinking. "It would be nice." She finally did, her tail thumping a little faster.

He shook his head and mounted his horse, pulling the reins, and turning the horse to the road.

With no answer She slowly got up. "You are such a slave driver..." As she began to follow.

(will finish later)

Hazel was wondering through the castle, her mind drifting from thing to thing. “It’s nice here, isn’t dog?” The fluffy, black creature barked in what sounded like agreement. They had been together since she first made the decision that she wasn’t going to have any more limitations. She was Hazel’s only companion for quite a while until she stumbled upon the coven.

The coven was something that Hazel had definitely needed; she was left wondering by herself practicing her power on the hunters she ran into. The witch had become stronger, no doubt, within her time at the coven but she felt she could be stronger. There was always room to improve and there was no doubt that a small part of her was holding her back.

After a bit of wondering she walked into a room and sat in a chair a bit absentmindedly. “Oh, I didn’t realize you were here, Lorelai. Do you mind if I sit here and think about things? I won’t bother you, unless you want to talk of course,” Hazel babbled, feeling the need to make it clear that she didn’t mean to bother Lorelai.

Hazel had a respect for all of her sisters in the coven, but found Lorelai interesting. They both had been raised with a knowledge of magic, but other than that had nothing in common that she could think of. Hazel had been born to a mother who was a weakling and not at all powerful, nor did her mother wish to become more powerful or give Hazel that opportunity. Lorelai, on the other hand, had tutors that taught her and Hazel envied that just a little.

"You really never lighten up do you?", Emiliano prodded his brother chuckling. Corradino grunted at his brother, "I don't lighten up when on the hunt Emilio, and you shouldn't either. Witches pr-", his borther interrupted him, clearly having heard this before, "'Pray on the foolish and unprepared' we were raised by the same parents you know. Besides we aren't even certian there ARE any witches in this area. One mysterious castle does not necassarily mean witches.", Corradino sighed, but saw his brothers point, ""While that may be true, all a Witch has to do to pose as a regular woman is not do magic... we are not the sort of hunters who need to be falling for Witches unknowingly.", Emiliano groaned at his brother. "What do you think I am a novice? I've been doing this as long as you and I'm not stupid. They say a Parisi can smell a Witch a mile off.", Corradino chuckled, "And we both know thats a lie... now come on, I can see the town ahead. Its time to start gathering some information."
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Upon entering the town, the two brothrs split up, having learned information was gained quicker while they were seperated. Corradino decided to get them rooms at the nearby inn first, and so was off in that direction. Emiliano needed a drink... badly, and made his way to the nearest bar he could find. This particular tavern currently had a little... entertainment if that was what you could call it. Quite a few patrons apeared to be providing the drinks for one particularly attractive woman when Emiliano walked in. In his full Witch huntr regalia more than a few patroons grew quiet at his entry. He hardly cared and made his way to the bar, sitting down in front of the bartender, just a few seats away from the woman the other patrons appeared to be attempting to woo, "Ale for a tired hunter my friend. I need to abate my thirst a bit."

Arzow Untheass

"3-no, 4." the forest was denser off to the left of the town name Lubos. In it, varieties of wildlife and fauna could be found - it was a miracle the place was still standing, given the amount of Witches. One would have thought there would be more who used animal blood for sacrifices and the like, and the forest still being relatively untouched was a godsend for the people who made their living hunting within it.

Arzow had stopped by a week ago; offering some service as best he could for a room and a meal each day he stayed. The tasks were mostly menial and benign tasks, but there were always some people that offered decent pay for a hunt. Considering that they weren't exactly the most picky, the hunts were - for the majority - a complete success, and with relative ease. There were, though, some... Harder, to please people; the type that wanted specific cuts of venison, or squirrel with completely undamaged meat.

"40 metres..." Arzow levelled the already drawn blade, it's hilt stretched out with what looked like wooden arms into what looked like a crossbow; the strings faintly glinting against the slight sunlight that penetrated the canopy. A deer stood - about 40 metres away - nibbling at the grass, and looking up ever so slightly every-so-often to survey it's surroundings. He hovered a finger in the gap of a rope loop, connected through a string to a firing mechanism on the crossbow.

Eyeing the animal with a cold stare, he began to count:
"1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8..." he spoke the words lightly and under his breath - adjusting the crossbow-sword ever so slightly as he did. Once he reached the number 10, the blade was firmly pointed directly at a certain area of the deers' chest. With a slight twitch of his index finger, a bolt flew cleanly and penetrated the lungs of the creature; ripping the aorta. It bucked, jumping forward and beginning to run, leaving a trail of blood behind it, before collapsing to the ground - life trickling out of it, before it simply died. He stepped out from the bush he had been hiding in and slid his blade back into the sheath which sat loosely against his side; held with only a bit of rope.

Grabbing the deer, he strapped it to a sled-like object wrapped in rope, and began to pull. It was a clean kill, which would probably get him a good price with either the barkeep or the butcher. He stopped for a second, reaching down and rubbing his finger across a splatter of blood before walking again. Then, he placed his finger into his mouth and licked it clean - his face eliciting nothing whatsoever.

---

Wren Arzow

On the other hand, Wren wasn't doing anything of interest. He, too, was in a town a little ways from the mountain - but was in a bar instead. His last hunt had gone to shit, and to top it off his pockets were running a little dry. There were some idiots over at the bar - spending pound after shilling on some girl likely none of them knew - and he was sat there, still sober with a tankard of ale in front of him.
"Fucking bastard Witch... I'll fucking kill you when I find you..." his tone was a low gravelling sound, before he picked up the drink and took a large swig.

Some Hunter strolled in, and air of... Experience? Arrogance? Wren couldn't tell, but he could bet it wasn't exactly a GOOD aura, even if he was a hunter. Not that he cared, mind. He just sat - taking drink after drink - and muttering about his failed hunt.

It was going to be a long night...

”Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio, contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae coelestis, Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute, in infernum detrude…”

The priest laid his hands on the wooden sword that had been placed before him. Blaine knelt on the other side, head cast low, reciting his own prayer under his breath. “Whatever god or angel is listening, lend me your strength so that I can strike down your enemies. Harden my heart against them, so that I can’t hear their pleas for mercy…”

The priest clapped his hands together, interrupting Blaine’s prayer. “The blessing is complete, my son. Go forth and slay the wicked under God’s sight.”

Blaine retrieved his sword and slid it under his cloak, then he glanced up at the priest. “If it pleases you, I might stay and continue my prayers.”

The priest nodded, then turned and strode down the aisle toward the door. As he did, he passed a quartet of nuns who strode purposefully up the aisle. The priest nodded to them, "Sisters..." he greeted as he passed.

The lead nun nodded brusquely and continued on her way. Almost as if they floated on air, the nuns quickly flanked Blaine as he was just finishing the last muttered words of his prayer. The lead nun placed her hand on his shoulder and Blaine stiffened, but then quickly relaxed.

He kept his voice low so as not to upset the priest, who was just now exiting the chapel. "You're so eager for my blood that you won't wait for me to step outside the church?" He smirked. "Either you're confident...or stupid."

The hand tightened on his shoulder as the other disguised witches prepared a spell. The leader finally spoke. "The Mistress sends her regards." Blaine began to feel warm as he recognized the words of an ignition spell. From his kneeing position, he quickly drew his blade and swung it at the feet of one of the witches, tripping her and burning her ankles. In one smooth motion he spun and rose to his feet, pointing his sword at the second nearest witch. He leveled his gaze at her and spoke very plainly. "I may be a killer, but I am not without honor. I refuse to shed blood in this sacred place. If you leave now, I will spare you."

The leader laughed. "Oh ho! A Hunter who abandons the hunt? This'll be easier than I thought!" She would be the first to taste Blaine's blade. As she dove toward him, he extended his arms, plunging his sword into her chest. The sound of burnt flesh was quickly accompanied by the scent of the same, which always assaulted Blaine's nostrils.

Another witch screamed in fury and pounced.

---

Blaine sheathed his sword as he exited the church, quickly finding the priest who was cowering just around the corner. The Hunter looked in his direction, bowed his head and simply stated, "Forgive me, Father. Their bodies remain, but should be burnt immediately..."


Ethan stepped through the doors to the tavern. He had been hot on the trail of the witch who had killed his brother, and he had finally gotten a name before stopping off to get some food and drink in him before setting off in the evening.

Medusa Bloodrose

Word was, she was powerful. She never even bothered hiding, or so they say. As he sat at the far end of the tavern, he noticed a couple other fellows, decked out in more gear than they needed, likely Hunters like himself. He also took notice of the girl who seemed to have the guys eating out her hand...that is, they would be if she wasn't busy accepting drinks from them. He smirked at the prospect of a decent challenge. An (admittedly bad) habit of his involved challenging the prettiest girls to drinking contests, to test their mettle. And if they turned out to be a witch, well...he always fought better after he had a few drinks in him. Liquid courage, and all that.

He let out a sharp whistle and waved to the bartender. "I'd like to buy the pretty girl a drink! And one for myself, of course. I'll have what she's having." He laid several shillings on the table and leaned back in his seat.


"Word is, Medusa Bloodrose is the worst of the worst."
"Word is, she drains her victims of their bodily fluids and uses them to water her plants."
"Word is, she kills any man who gets close to her."
"Word is-"

"Okay!" Fey shushed her familiar, and spoke in hushed tones. "I know, Sombra, but if mother trusts her, then I trust her." Fey travelled through the center of town, lugging her personal belongings in a small cart. The cart also contained several of her family's wares: 'healing' crystals, 'love' potions, dream catchers, and other assorted knick knacks for sale. As she pushed the cart, trying to draw as little attention to herself as possible, Sombra laid over her shoulders and whispered doom and gloom into her ear. Fey had always assumed that he did this partly because he wanted to protect her, and partly because he enjoyed seeing her nervous.

Sombra huffed and laid his head down before quickly picking it back up again. "There's a place." He looked in the general direction of the tavern. "Set up there."

Fey sighed. This was all her mother's idea, sending her to live with Medusa, but it had been Sombra's idea to try to sell some wares in route. To "make some scratch" he told her.

Sombra heard her sigh and huffed. "Oh, c'mon. There's no harm in making a little money before we get there... Besides, we'd be intruding if we didn't offer something in return. And, you know that coin is the universal language."

Fey muttered back, "I don't sell things...I keep the till balanced."

Sombra smiled cheekily. "And this is your chance to expand your horizons! Don't worry...I'll try to pinch some purses while you do your thing." With that, he hopped onto Fey's shadow and disappeared. The young witch could see his orange eyes appear here and there in the shadows that were cast all over town, and she wished that she could do the same...except, she wouldn't be able to haul her cart...

She set up a short distance from the tavern. She kicked the stand out under the cart and folded the top to reveal a few shelves, all with her wares in easy view. She stood completely straight as she recalled the words that she had rehearsed time and time again. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes and clapped her hands together, then, as if her personality performed a complete one-eighty, she plastered a huge smile on her face and threw her hands into the air.

"COME ONE, COME ALL TO FEY'S SHOP OF THE ODD AND CURIOUS! FEELING UNLUCKY IN LOVE? COME SAMPLE A CONCOCTION THAT WILL WILL MAKE ANYONE SWOON! WITCHES HAUNTING YOUR DREAMS, BUY A DREAMCATCHER AND SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR NIGHTMARES! COME, COME, DON'T BE SHY! STEP RIGHT UP AND PERUSE MY MAGICAL WARES!" The smile stayed plastered to her face as a few curious customer approached her.

Okay, Fey...just like we practiced... She took a breath before greeting her first customer.

@Jupiter Hollow Lorelai looked over at Hazel. She smiled internally, Hazel had a tendancy to wear her thoughts on her face, normally a liability for a witch, but Lorelai found it endearing. Over the past year or so Lorelai had discovered that Miss Lovelace was born to a 'good witch' who largely wasted not only her, but also her daughter's potential. It has been her joy since to offer any expertise she had to remedy the poor girl's lack of training and use her on occasion as an errand girl, Lorelai didn't get out much due to her condition and there were various ingredients in the forest that needed collecting.

She sighed thinking about her castle bound existence, it rarely afforded her the long walks through the woods she'd been accustomed to when she was younger. She did make it out there occasionally, primarily to visit Alexina, but that was hardly buisness.

"Miss Lovelace, lovely to see you as always, I was just about to check in with Medusa about a diversion, but it seems one has come to me instead. So tell me what is it that troubles your thoughts this evening/"

---

Alexina Broadchurch

Alexina smiled as she knelt next to a beautiful wolf, her hands gliding along from the top of his majestic head,down his surprisingly soft fur to his long tail. It would have seemed as he was a tame pet, if he, and three other wolfs were not tearing the meat off the bones of a recently killed Hunter. "Serves him right..." She said to herself as she pushed herself to her feet and walked away, wiping a little blood from her lips as she did.

Taking in a deep breath she let out a happy sigh, knowing that was one less Hunter to worry about. Though her thoughts did turn to another Hunter that was killing for gold...He was next on her list. Sadly she only recently heard of this man, the one with the strange sword/crossbow. She normally allowed someone to hunt for food...as it was apart of life... but if they hunted for sport, or not for their own belly, they tended to get greedy. But this one, with a weird weapon, was probably not just there for the wildlife.

But as the birds informed her, he was already gone from the forest.

She looked up as she heard the hoot of an owl, turning around to see one landing on the branch just a few feet from her. It hooted a few more times, and her eyes went wide with worry. Fenros was near...and he was looking for Lorelai, having just killed the three sisters out of town. She thanked the owl and started to run to the castle, as she ran gracefully like a deer, she came to an opening and jumped off a log. Closing her eyes she imagined a hawk. Mere seconds later her body morphed into one and with a few flaps of her wings she darted to the castle with greater speed. Of course Lorelai was not in immediate danger... But the more time they were prepared for that wicked man the better.

Soon she flew through Lorelai's window, and just as effortlessly changed back into her human form and seemed to land as lightly as a leaf. pushing the hair from her face she noted she wasn't in her room and walked from it to the hall in search of her. She personally hated the castle...so cold with all it's stone. She preferred the forest any time of the year. As well as it was just easier to protect the coven from the forest. It was her domain. She had a network of millions of eyes and ears from all the creatures that lived there. She was the first line of defense, and alarm.

Rubbing her arms, she peeked through any open doors, giving a smile and wave to any sister she saw, asking where Lorelai was. She was finally pointed to a room, where she found her and Hazel Lovelace. Talking. She didn't wish to intrude...Fenros was still a few days away. No way he would be able to make it to the castle with out her knowing.

After they would speak for a bit longer she decided it didn't really matter if she interrupted. So she walked in slowly. "Hello..." She said softly with a sweet voice.

---

Fenros Digard

Fenros rode slowly into to town with Alltia just to his right, She sniffed the air and licked her chops. The smells of roasting meat came from everywhere. All Fenros could hear in his head was her saying."OoooH beef! Roasted pig! and CHICKEN! awhahaha We need to get some of that chicken Fenros..."

Fenros glanced down at her and shook his head, "Maybe." was all he said in answer. He rode to the tavern but noticed a man infront of a shop of a young girl. Who was claiming to have potions and remedies and other items to ward off witches and the like. Of all the times he had seen this setup, ninety-nine percent of the time it was full of useless items. Hence the use of a pretty girl to gain the heart and 'generosity' of men.

He came to a stop, and slowly got off his horse. The leather from the saddle slowly made its stretching noise as all the pressure from his weight shifted to one side. His horse snorted and shook it's mane as he lifted the reins over the head of the horse he moved closer to the shop, tying off the horse at a post.

He glanced at the man next to him, Fenros's face was hidden in shadow from his cowl. This man was a clear Hunter, as plain as day, An easy target for witches. Either he was a fool, or sure of his abilities...or both. The only thing Fenros would have been pinned for a hunter was his massive sword. He couldn't help that. But the rest of his body was covered by his cloak.

As he looked at the man still, he knew if his brother Jason were here, he would probably of recognized the other man as he was now keeper of the books, and was already better at remembering names of other clans of hunters. Fenros on the other hand, knew his craft like it was an art form.

He pulled his hood back to reveal his face, his eyes narrowed as he inspected the wares. He shook his head at most of the trinkets, all of them were rubbish and wouldn't do anything against a witch. He then proceed to Picked up bottles, opening them and sniffing, and placing them back. while the girl and the other Hunter spoke. He had asked about the basic items every hunter knew. Though he wasn't interested in that. He did notice a bottle of what looked to be olive oil. The label on it said it was a love potion. He chuckled to himself as he sniffed it and confirmed it was indeed olive oil. But he jerked his head back at the rancid smell. Even Alltia sneezed at the strength of the odor.

"UuuuUhk! I'm surprised you can still be standing with how close it was to your nose. Even more so how dull your sense of smell is." She said with a groan, while she lifted her paw and started to rub her snout.

His lip twitched into a tiny smile for a second, looking down at her. "Oh come on you drama queen...it's not that bad." Putting the stopper back on, he held onto it. It would serve just fine as what he needed it for. He looked to the young girl and pulled a two shillings from his pouch and said, "Ill take this Olive oil..." He said, with heavy emphasis on the olive oil. He paid a little more than what it was worth, but he didn't care.

Alltia stood and walked around the stall, sniffing. Now that she had the smell out of her system she was noticing something... strange. She couldn't put her nose on it, and when Fenros glanced at her she looked up she said, "I don't know...could be something...could still be that olive oil." He paused for a moment and decided to go back to his horse, after placing the coin in the girls hand.

It could be her... but they were close to that castle of Medusa Bloodrose... the info that he procured from the three witches an hour before. It could easily be that as well. He nodded his head to the horse and Alltia came over, sitting next to him as he placed the vial of olive oil in his saddle bags.

Of the Parisi brothers, it was Corradino who's name witches could fear. He was the needle swordsman, the hunter faster than the wind, who could skewer a Witch and her foul familiar with one well aimed strike. They said he could smell a witch, that just by being near them he could sniff them out like some kind of dog, and that if he found a Witch he would stalk them for hours before killing them. Rumours about the man flew, the Parisi family had been hunting withces for a long time and he may have been the best hunter the family had ever had... that's what they siad.

Thee truth? He was good, very good and very dangerous. He couldn't smell a witch, he wasn't faster than the wind and he didn't stalk, considering it a waste of time unless absolutely necassary. Was he the best the family had? Currently most definitely, but ever? He wasn't sure, but it hardly mattered now. After getting his and his brothers rooms for the night, he went looking for him. Stepping out of the inn he looked for the nearest tavern, knowing his brother would have headed there first.

As he located it he began his trek towards it before something caught his eye, a young woman had set up a little shop next to the tavern, the sort of travel stand many aspiring merchants used. Though her pitch peaked the hunters interest. Mentions of magical cures and potions, the tools of withces certainly... but alchemists and charlatains as well. He wondered for moment his next course of action, before decideing on thee direct route. The Witch-hunter in all his glory approached the stand, looking over her shop before looking down at the girl, "Tell me girl, got any Wolfsbane? Silver? Lavender or gold? I'm looking to re-stock my supplies, and you seem like the nearest shoppe that may have any of the items I'm looking for.", he wanted to see her response, more often than not these people were charlatains and alchemists... but he had slain a witch or two in his time who hid in plain sight, but it was quite the long shot.

@Karl Kadaver

@Aerandir Lorelai's face brightens at the sound of Alexina's voice. Turning she patted the couch seat next to her. She'd never say it, but Alex's patrols of the forest and her...relentless stance against hunters, while they mirrored her own, concerned her. Her sweetheart wouldn't benefit from her worries though.

"Alexina dear, come sit. I was just asking Miss Lovelace what has her so thoughtful this afternoon, and of course I'd love to hear about how our little problem is coming along."

---

The Crystal Forest was a place of such great beauty that the sisters, Elina and Vespa Ruvina, at first had trouble comprehending that it was not man-made, but of natural origins. The dark, blue canopy overhead was thick to the point where sunlight hadn't touched the ground there for years, but the bioluminescent plant life, from the underbrush to the venerable trees, illuminated more than enough for the two to navigate without any trouble. Even the mushrooms glowed, and the atmosphere was straight out of a fantasy book. Everything was more or less suffused with beautiful cerulean hues.

Elina loved walks like this one. Vespa did too, sometimes, when she needed to cool off and relax. Often, they weren't together when they indulged in this small hobby due to conflicting schedules, but today it seemed that their free times coincided. So the sisters walked, side by side, silently to an unheard rhythm that only twins could experience. Nothing needed to be said, as they went with a serene grace and elegance befitting witches raised under high aristocratic standards. Both wore long, black gowns with frilled white cuffs that were comfortable and allowed the skin to breathe. Between their long skirts trailed Luna, Elina's feline familiar, who looked at their mystical surroundings with wonder.

While Elina was perfectly content to let the electric, buzzing hum of the Forest continue to soothe her ears, Vespa wanted to talk. Her bright irises like sapphires rolled slowly to the left to examine the figure of her wraith-like sister. Elina's gait was slow and carefree, and her eyes were closed. Her silver hair looked like tresses of mithril under the unique lighting conditions.

"Elina," she began softly. "How are your studies?"

The witch opened her eyes to reveal her crimson irises. Her expression was impassive, but there was a telltale crook to her lips.

"They're going fine."

Vespa sighed. "I know that look. That isn't good. What would Madame Bloodrose think?"

The stare between them lasted for a conspicuous moment, before Elina turned her cheek the other way. Her voice carried sorrow: "I'm not... the kind of person who can kill so easily."

Vespa shook her head. "Sister..."

They both stopped at the foot of a massive tree at the very heart of the Crystal Forest. Truly ancient, perhaps even dating back to that long-forgotten era before man even stepped upon the soil of this world, it radiated an aura titanic power and authority for something incapable of moving. Its bark was gnarled, ugly and thick. This tree had seen the fall of entire races and empires. In respect, the two sisters bowed. Then there was a content silence, as they admired its form.

"Hey Vespa," Elina said, while staring at the massive branches that twisted so high up.

"Yes, Elina?"

"Why were we born witches?"

Ah, that aggravating question. Elina had asked that many times recently, so much so that it was beginning to worry Vespa, but she could never offer an answer that would satisfy her sister.

"I don't know. But I do know that you should continue to hone our art of Blood Magic. I've offered to train with you before, but you've always refused."

There was a lump in Elina's throat, as she turned to meet her sister's gaze. "That's because... you kill the deer. And the rats, and the crows."

"Because death is the very basis of our powers," Vespa said patiently. "You know this."

Elina looked to the canopy again. "I don't like it."

"It's what we were born with."

"Which is why I am asking, why were we born as witches?"

Another sigh from Vespa. "You know I don't have an answer to that question. But we should make do with what we have. Do you know the saying, 'When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade?'"

"Yes?"

"It's what we should be doing."

"... I suppose."

Another silence, before it was Elina's turn to break it.

"Do you think the Hunters will find us?"

"They're not fools. They will find the Coven eventually. Madame Bloodrose is a notorious woman."

Elina's delicate eyelashes fluttered. "Why, then, did we come here, as opposed to returning to our castle, and back to Mother?"

"Because she threatened to kill us," Vespa said, far more brusquely and loudly than she intended.

Silver hair flashed through the air as Elina as she whipped her head towards her sister. "She was just angry because we had let her down. A mother wouldn't kill her children!"

"That-" Vespa hesitated, settling down. "That, I am not so sure."

Elina was about to retort, but restrained herself. Looking down to the ground, she saw a worried Luna. The cat's inquisitive meow made her smile, and she crouched down to scratch her reassuringly. It wasn't long before her familiar was purring.

"So this is what Fate has decided for us, huh?"

"Mhm. I guess so," Vespa nodded. "Kings and queens do what they will, while the rest of us-"

"-do what they must," Elina finished the quote. Luna began to circle her feet, delighting the way the witch's fingers ran across her belly.

"Say, Ellie," her tone was rather hurried. "I plan to begin reading Chapter VII of Alice's 'Further Explorations in the Bloody Arts' later. Maybe, you'd like to join me?"

She blinked and frowned a bit. "Maybe. I'll think about it."

"Alright," Vespa let the matter drop. This was going to be furthest extent at which she'd be able to push her sister. Walking away from the tree, she said, "I'm going back to the Castle. You can find me in my room. Will you be staying here?"

"Mhm. I'll see you later, Vespa."

Eventually, the sounds of Vespa's footsteps faded away, and Elina was left starkly alone, with only a white-furred cat to keep her company.

"Oh thank you, but you know to call me Hazel." She was not one for formalities and always felt awkward when someone called her by her last name instead of her first. Over the course of a year she couldn't remember if Lorelai had ever called her by anything other than 'Miss Lovelace.' Hazel didn't mind all that much, not enough to be mad at the other witch, but it did get a tiny bit tiring after awhile.

Hazel pulled up her dog on her lap as she spoke. "Nothing much, just wondering about things," she paused, looking down at her lap as her dog turned into a perfectly round puddle of black, a thoughtful on her face. "Actually you may be able to help. As you may know I was raised with some sort of knowledge magic, but it's only within the past few years or so that I started practicing dark magic. I think I've done all I can by myself and I've hit a sort of plateau." Hazel stopped talking not knowing how to continue what she was saying.

She was glad when she heard a 'hello' from Alexina. Hazel looked at her, she could sense something was wrong, she decided to not bring it up though and instead smiled at her. Hazel didn't usually talk to Alexina as she was usually in the forest only coming every so often, they rarely crossed paths. "It would be lovely if you joined our little chat," Hazel said, offering her a chair.

@Meiyuki @Aerandir

It had been about 2 days since Arzow had left the town of Lubos, and he had pretty much already set up in the newer one. The people he had done jobs for were sad to see him go, as they should have been, but he did promise he would come back. It was the best pay he had ever gotten for anything but Witch hunts, which was good.

Though he should have begun taking jobs straight away, but he had another agenda. There was this place called "Lovers Peak" - some natural spring that people rarely visited due to Witch sightings. Why they hadn't just sent a Hunter to take care of her was inconsequential. If they hadn't, the Witch might of been powerful, and he was slightly hoping he wouldn't have to face them.



It had been a bit of a long walk, but he finally arrived. It was exactly how people had described it - a natural spring in the middle of a forest. He approached it, holding the sheath to his blade idly, and approached a rock rim above the pool.
"W-what..?" Arzows' eyes widened as he saw a some clothes off to the side of the pool. They then flicked downwards at the pool, and caught woman wearing nothing but underwear swimming.

He tried to step backwards and walk away, still fixated on the girl as he did so.
"6..." in a seemingly random fashion, he said a single number under his breath. It was arbitrary, and very few people would actual know what it meant - but as he said it, his foot slipped. He tripped backwards, his hands attempting to grab onto something, and slid back off the rock.
"7... 8-8..."

Arzow slid to a stop and felt his head hit the ground. In the instant, he felt his hair slightly wet with blood and his ears ringing; his vision swimming.
"6-no, 7..." what number was he on again? His eyes were misty as he stood back up, limping a little as he made his way back up the rock he had fallen down. With the number count well and truly lost, it was clear he had likely concussed himself due to the collision. Maybe... Maybe that girl could help?

Resting on a branch near a town, with the mountain dominating its background, a man in a black coat-like garment with red detailing contemplated his existence.

“What will I do with myself?” He said, following it with a drawn out sigh.

Leaning forward, he rested his chin on both hands as he stared into the moon-lit town. In the midst of it a yellow light drowned out the pale moonlight.
A tavern. Quite beloved one too. Stories of a woman who came there ever so often, only to drink less-than-human proportions of ale, had reached him, just like most people in the town. And then, when dawn drew close, she would choose one man, to join with her. That lucky man would then be never heard of again.

But those were just stories of course. Stories at which the man on the branch scoffed, providing a fleeting moment of amusement, before the blandness of his boring reality made its way back into his life like a bad taste on the tongue after eating something from that very same tavern.

---

A woman, barely standing, faced the coat-wearing man. Her body was covered in cuts and bruises, the result of the blade the man was bearing. A drop of blood stained the ground below the blade every now and then.

“You’re no fun at all.” He told the woman before him. She continued staring at him with a frown on her face. She clearly had a strong resolve.

She still managed to wave her hand in an elegant motion which in turn created several fireballs that circled her body before flying off in the direction of the enigmatic man. He however skillfully maneuvered his sword in to the left then to the right of his body in a circular motion, deflecting the spheres of destruction.

That was it. She was at her limit and in turn fell to her knees. The man approached her with lazy steps.

“Before you take my life, I wish to know your name.” She asked the figure standing above her.
“My name is Theodore Mortas. But don’t fret, my dear witch, I won’t be the one finishing you off. I’ll leave nature to claim you instead.” He said ironically as the witch would likely not do anything else but agonize. The man turned around and headed towards one of the larger trees nearby.
“Maybe this will be an appropriate distraction from the dullness to come.” He told himself.

---

Theodore shifted his gaze towards the ground. A long trail of blood went on towards the town, only to abruptly end with slender body laid in the grass not too far away.

Theodore let his head drop and let out another sigh of boredom.
“Guess it’s the tavern then.”

The young witch was frankly stunned when two gentlemen stepped up to her stand. Usually her first customers were women or even children, wanting to see her oddities.

One of the men, a hulking (at least compared to her) man started perusing her wares. She was about to tell him that he shouldn't be touching the merchandise, but the other man, clad head to toe in light armor and looking to all the world like some kind of...

Hunter...

Fey's eyes went wide, even as he asked about Wolfsbane, gold, lavender, and silver. She knew as well as anyone that those were materials that were specifically sought to combat witches, her kind. She stammered slightly. "W-we...I don't carry those things..."

"I'll take this olive oil, the other man said just then. Fey took the money that he left on hr cart and as he walked away, her sense of stairway wit kicked in and she said, as much to herself as to the Hunter who stood before her, "He must've mean, 'I-love-you' oil." She managed a weak laugh as she spotted Sombra out of the corner of her eye. She shook her head slightly. If this guy found her out and meant to kill her, she didn't want Sombra to jump the gun. She could easily escape into the shadows of things got dicey.

She cleared her throat and spoke to the Hunter again. "I don't carry those things because I sold the last of my stock in the last town... Do you know how hard gold is to come by?" She spread her hands over her wares and added, "But you're free to see if there might be anything else you'd be interested in?" She held one of her crystals aloft, dangling by a leather strap. "For instance, this crystal can redirect you inner humours and align them to...increase your...stamina." She gave a weak smile that made it seem obvious that not even she believed what she was saying.

In fact, inwardly, she was too distracted by planning her way out of this guy found her out.

@Aerandir@agentmanatee

Lorelai thought a moment as she examined Hazel. She was a promising witch, studious, ambitious, and cautious. Hazel was also a little ditzy, but that would change with years and experience. Lorelai's primary concern was Hazel's willingness to allow the darker things lurking within her give her power, or rather the lack thereof. Hazel was a sweet girl to be sure, but sweetness wasn't a witch's ideal tool.

Perhaps Lorelai could nurture her, help her to grow as strong as Lorelai knew she could. That would be a rewarding endeavor while she was bound to this castle.

Reaching over Lorelai plucked one of Alexina's hands from her lap and placed in her own. Leaning in she got comfortable and began digging through her bag. A few minutes later she produced a large, black leather bound book, it was bound and written by her own hand. 'A Treatise on Fear and it's Infernal Manifestations'. "You can manipulate fear can't you? This is a book on fear demons, and the nature of fear as it appears in the abyss. Perhaps this and a few other volumes in my collection would be able to offer some insights into your abilities."

She handed Hazel the book carefully, being sure to neither open it nor drop it. "Do be sure not to invoke the name of the demons included in the last few chapters, even without ritual components the mention of such entity's names may draw their attention, and I don't believe you're quite prepared for that."

Once the book left her hands she took the hand she'd stolen from Alexina and interlaced their fingers happily. With a yawn and a small tremor as she felt one of her episodes coming on she laid her head on her shoulder. "As you know Miss Lovelace, I don't get out of the castle as often as I'd like, rarely do I make it beyond the forest. I do hate that most of the trips I've taken there of late have been to collect ingredients, I miss my lazy strolls and aimless sightseeing. I was thinking that a healthy young girl like yourself could perhaps gather some of those reagents for me, and in exchange I'd be willing to take you on as an apprentice, so to speak, and assist you with the wealth of knowledge I've collected over my years in darkness. Now is that something you'd find appealing?"

@Jupiter Hollow@Aerandir

Corradino was surprised to have been joined at the little stand by someone else. The man was bigger, and carried a truly massive sword. He seemed to be very interested in Olive oil... before Corradino decided the man clearly thought he was somehow trying to point out to the Parisi the items were fake. Corradino wasn't a fool, he was playing the part in case- large sword, seemed to act like a hunter attempting to help another, white wolf... couldn't be any other than Fenros Digard, Terror of Witches. A hunter of no small amount of renown for his savage abilities at hunting down and killing the foul women. Corradino decided he would follow him later.

For now he focused on the young womans response. She was obviously flustered and off put by his request, and sshe responded that she was out of stock of said witch hunting items, not that he needed re-stocking it was all a ploy to see her reaction, before meekly offering him a crystal even a fool wouldn't believe did what she advertised. Corradino had to make a judgement call now, wether or not the young girl was a witch. He looked into her eyes, trying to see what was behind them... for a moment they darted away and she shook her head almost imperceptibly. He followed her gaze with a quick glance of his own, finding a black cat at the end of them... a random chance encounter? Or a witches familiar... it was uncertain, but as he retuurned his eyes to the girl he stared for what could have been called far too long. Eventually, he sighed audibly, "Eh, that is too bad no? Hmmm... ran out at the last town eh? They need a lot of lavender aund Wolf's bane? Perhaps I should be focusing my search their no?", he chuckled at his own joke, politely refusing her crystal and turning away, "Ah, I've no need for it. A good night... actually,", he quickly turned back, getting a bit closer to her, "I vhas vondering, hauve you heard any... rumours about... witches here? I am here in search for a... group of sorts, a coven... wouldn't know anything about that would you?"

Fenros Digard

Fenros smirked to himself as the girl fumbled to cover for him saying Olive oil, weak laugh included. He retrieved his horses reins and proceeded to walk to the Tavern to get something to eat. He then tied his horse up again and pulled out an old well used large leather journal, and it quickly disappeared within the folds of his cloak as he walked to the door of the establishment.

He pushed the door open and quickly saw it was quite busy, especially at the bar with men surrounding a very beautiful woman. They seemed to grow on trees out here... he thought to himself as his eyes scanned the room. noting a few men with weapons, some seemed to be hunters. One seemed to be dressed like the one outside, Partner? he thought as he started to move to a table in the corner. A man with a mall called out and said he would also pay for the woman at the bar. Before he could walk a few steps he heard the owner yell, "HEY! Get that mutt out of here!"

"MUTT!?!??!?!?!" Alltia growled. (Of course only Fenros could hear her.) "HOW DARE YOU CALL ME A MUTT YOU FAT MUTTIN CHOP!"

"I Assure you sir she is more tame than half your patrons here...." Fenros started to say when he was cut off.

"I Don't care! Animals outside!" He yelled as he poured a drink for the man with the maul.

Fenros sighed and narrowed his eyes at the owner but figured it wasn't worth his breath. He looked to Alltia, "Why don't you go hunt in the forest? I promise to save you a piece for later. " He said softly.

Her hair which was close to rising up, lowered again as she looked up to him. "A WHOLE chicken..." She said with a slightly pouting tone.

"Fine. A whole chicken." He said as he nodded with his head to the door.

She looked back to the owner and growled again..."I don't like the smell in here anyways.... too many sweaty men..." Huffing she slowly padded outside.

He sighed and continued to his seat, pulling his blade off his back and leaning it on the wall beside him, he sat with his back to the corner of the room as he waited for a wench to come get his order. While he waited he pulled the journal out and opened it, it was filled with hand written notes, pictures and discriptions. all done by hand...and well used.

@agentmanatee@Vocab@Karl Kadaver@Madame Kitten

---

Alltia

Alltia grumbled to her self.... it was mostly focused between Chicken or Mutton Chops from before. She had gone to a full run to make it deep into the forest...not really hunting, but just to run. She usually stayed by Fenros's side all the time... He was the Alpha male after all and she owed her life to him as he saved her from a witch's hell hound, hence the scar on her face, and her lost eye.

She came to an interesting part of a forest that the trees were not like normal trees... they were crystal...and mushrooms glowed. She stopped and sniffed one of them, her head tilting as she did. But then she picked up a more interesting scent. A human. Crouching, she slowly made her way over to where the scent came from. This human smelt far better than anyone in that crowded tavern. She didn't smell like any other human, which worried her...but it wasn't a witch... she wasnt worried about her. She seemed like... a friend. Her head tilted again in confusion. Friend? I've never met her... She thought.

She peaked through some bushes and laid down softly. A white haired woman sitting by a massive tree....and A CAT! Oh she hated cats. She ate the last one that swiped at her though....tasted like Chicken actually... She licked her chops again before slowly coming out. She didn't know why she was leaving her hiding spot... it wasn't to eat the cat...though she wanted to. But she felt drawn to the woman.

@SillyGoy

---

Alexina Broadchurch

She thanked Hazel for letting her interrupt their conversation, and sat down next to Lorelai, her hand almost instantaneously was snatched and held in Lorelai's lap. She smiled slightlty, she enjoyed being with her... she just seemed to understand her. To have the touch of someone who loves her was indeed intoxicating. As growing up with wolfs and other animals, she picked up the wolfs pack need to be accepted, touching was their way of doing so. With this mindset, she felt needed, and it seemed to fill her more than she had just living among the animals of the forest... each creature had that desire and urge to be with another of their kind.

She was lost in thought as she partially listened to their conversation. She thought it strange Lorelai would be able to teach Hazel anything. Their abilities were far different. But, she was never a teacher... or learned from a book, she learned from the experience of her mother and her own experiments. She didn't even know how to read.

She was brought back to the conversation when Lorelai offered Hazel a deal, do some leg work in the forest and gather ingredients for lessons. it seemed fair enough to her, Lorelai had such a fragile body...but such a strong spirit about her. It was endearing, like a little bird with an indomitable will to soar high like the eagle. It was one of the things she loved about her.

Her hand squeezed Lorelai's affectionately, as her cheek rested atop Lorelai's, rubbing gently like a cat wood. It seemed strange, to anyone...but when you were basically raised by animals, it was a clear sign of affection.

She wanted to speak of Fenros though... but didn't want to bring it up incase Lorelai did not want to in front of Hazel. Though it didn't matter really, mostly everyone in the coven knew of Lorelai's great achievement on killing the butcher Hector Digard. Though older, he was still a fierce Hunter that had nearly killed off an entire family line of powerful witches, and almost finished the job with his last breath. That was till she found Lorelai in the forest, on the verge of death and nursed her back to health while protecting her from any hunter. Especially Fenros. Who since that time was on a rampage to find Lorelai and avenge his father, and mothers death. The last she heard he had killed twenty five witches in the last three months trying to gain info.

She knew Lorelai was strong, and Medusa more so as well...but still she worried for the safety of her lover...

(Sorry Double post)