What a beautiful night. Medusa thought to herself as she paced her garden. She was tending to the rose bushes as she did every night. The garden was well lit even at night. The circular courtyard that housed the roses was strewn with bulbs from the Glow Wood, collected by Elina Ruvina who often found herself wandering there.

She'd been receiving disturbing visions from The Elders recently. She stopped to cup a flower in her hands, drawing her face closer to it she cast her vision out into darkness.

Swirling there she saw shapes, wolves, great cats, and birds of prey. Symbols of hunters, and they drew closer to her vision. All the while she saw something looming in the background, something alien and hideous. With a gasp her vision ended.

The same vision, every night for a week. This was concerning. Castle Bloodrose had stood against hunters before, and she was confident it would do so again. Something was different this time though, and her visions were not making it clearer.



Lorelai ascended the spiraling stairs leading out onto the terrace that housed the roses. She'd just finished with her interrogation of William, a poor wayward hunter that strayed too far into Alexina's territory. Alexina took offense to those kinds of intrusions, especially from hunters.

Medusa had been reclusive of late. She came down from her garden less and less, leaving the other witches to their own devices. Her lips curled into an unconcious scowl. Quite a few of the younger sisters looked up to Medusa, and her absense had caused a dip in morale. Not to mention obscure and seemingly arbitrary requests for reagents. The Castle's defensive wards needed rebound, and their stocks were running low now of all times.

Lorelai arrived in the garden to see her finishing another vision. "The same one?"

"Always as of late." Medusa gave Lorelai a cold, wry smile. "How is Vespa?"

Lorelai suppressed the urge to roll her eyes, Medusa had elaborated enough on her opinion of her 'fraternizing' with the 'younger witches'. Never mind the fact that Vespa was a peer. "She's lovely as always. Concerned for her sister of course, but I doubt that will change anytime soon."

"You know, as the last of your clan you may consider keeping a man long enough to produce an heir to your bloodline. Instead of..."

Lorelai was getting good at biting her tongue, so good infact she was beginning to worry she might bite through it. "As I told you before, one pact or another has left me barren Medusa." She quickly moved to end the conversation. "Our guest had nothing to offer in terms of the status of Robert Flint or anything he might have planned, we know he's in Seren's Folley, nothing more."

"Thank you for your report." Medusa hesitated for a moment. I'd like to...apologize for my earlier comment, I haven't been myself recently."

Lorelai was somewhat stunned. "Of course, if Robert Flint has any idea where we are we could be looking at the greatest threat to our home in our lifetime."

"Indeed. Have a good night Lorelai, I do believe I will retire for the evening."

With that Lorelai took her leave of Medusa and made her way back down to one of the common rooms to continue her reading into an obscure demonology. If the hunters would be upon them soon she'd be ready.

"But... why do I have to do it? Because if you don't then you'll amount to nothing! If we are going to unseat Medusa you have t- But I like Medusa! She's nice to us!Then she is foolish! You could have ten times her power! All you have to do is grasp it!", Genoveve sighed, looking at the small sparrow on the windowsill, it stared at her chirping from time to time.

"Really? Honest? And... this will help me do that? of course Genoveve, this is only the start... now go on we've done the first part a hundred times before.", Genoveve nodded, and locked eyes with the sparrow. Suddenly, a green mist drifted from her to the bird, who now had green misty eyes. "Now, open up and tell the spirit what to do... it's a very simple command.", Genoveve layed her chin on the windowsill and opened her mouth, her overlong tounge unfurling like some strange carpet in front of her mouth.

The sparrow cock ed it's head once before receiving it's command. The bird hopped forward a bit, then a bit more. It was not long before it was on her tounge, and then began moving up it. Slowly, carefully it hopped up until it was just before her mouth, Genoveve ready to eat the little beast hole, and Yeris waiting I'm anticipation in her mind.

Ah, Seren's folly. It had served as her home for the past week. A quaint, nice little place where she could unwind and relax when she wasn't on a hunt. Plenty of taverns, whores, and other things she could use to unwind. A smithy to buy supplies to take care of her axe, shops to buy stuff so she could more effectively do her job, and even the church, which was where she currently was standing. Now, She wasn't religious by a long shot. In fact, she could care less about gods and demons. That said, she was trained as a hunter of the church, and she had to at least respect religion, at least a little.

That, and she always found herself oddly calm whenever she was in a place of worship. Something about the places just...eased her spirit, ever so slightly. Perhaps it was a divine presence. Maybe there was something to all of these religious whack jobs. Or maybe she was just thinking crazy stuff because she hadn't had a drink in a few hours.

Senna sighed, shaking her head.

The black clad hunter was leaning against the wall of the church, arms folded against her chest, legs crossed as she simply took in her surroundings. Her axe was firmly where it should be, firmly at her side in its normal state in its sheathe. Her eyes were cast towards the ground, her cap hiding the features of her face, though her mask was hanging loosely around her neck. She only wore that when out on a hunt.

She had to question why she kept coming back to the churches. Even if they were oddly relaxing, they didn't really serve any purpose other than a small distraction. Senna tilted her head up, looking at the ceiling, turning her head from the ceiling to the floor. Bah, she was so goddamn bored, but there wasn't much she could do at the moment. With an annoyed grunt, she left the wall.

"Might as well go get a drink and see if I can find that lazy ass partner of mine." She grumbled, heading out of the church and onto the main street. She'd probably find him in a bar. If not, she can drink there until he shows his lazy ass face, then she can drag him into the forest to hunt for witches.

---

In a quiet part of the Castle, was Laina's room. She had requested one that wouldn't be bothered by most people - she preferred silence over the noisiness of the rest of the castle. Her room was simple, though it seemed to be a bit of a mess. Several shelves with open books and lose sheets of paper inscribed with odd Runes littered the floor and other open areas. What the symbols could possibly mean, were anyone's guess. Only those who had studied the ancient runes would be able to understand them, and such knowledge usually was not for the frail of mind. The eldritch truth could often drive one mad.

Not that it mattered to one with their blood flowing through her veins. She could understand them somewhat, but their direct meaning always escaped her. Like a word that was on the tip of your tongue. An important memory you tried to recall yet couldn't. She knew she should understand them, know them, but yet the meaning and things always eluded her. Yet, she was compelled to write them anyways. Sometimes, though, she did know what combination and order of runes would do something when made with the right sacrifice.

Again, she didn't know how she knew, she just did. One day, she would unravel the mystery of that. But for now, she should probably leave the bed and get dressed.

The white-haired girl rose slowly from her bed, blankly staring at her room, a small yawn escaping her lips as she tossed the covers gently off of her and left her bed. She should maybe thing about sleeping with clothes on...would cut down the time it took to get ready for the day...

A thought for later.

For now, she went about getting dressed. She had a rather sleepless night, though that was nothing unusual. Sleep was a difficult thing for her sometimes, be it troublesome dreams or general restlessness.

"Saevire..." her voice quietly called out as she did so. The hulking knight made its presence known at the sound of his masters voice. Someone could have easily mistaken him for a decorative suit of armor, if they didn't know him. He was standing completely still until he turned his head in the direction of her voice. It moved slowly, the man moving to right in front of Laina. He then reached down...and gave her a little pat on the head.

"...Thank you." She said, putting on her hat. With that, she left her room. There was something she wanted to speak to one of the other witches about today. One by the name of Genoveve Boudicca. She had a very important question to ask the other girl. Something to her, was a matter of life and death and one of the reasons she had a rather sleepless night. Questions must have answers, and she wanted an answer for her question.

Her cloak trailed the ground behind her, with Saevire following after - the knights metal armor moving fairly silently for something as big as he was. She headed right to Genoveve's room, and it didn't take her long to get there. Motioning for Saevire to wait outside, she entered the room.

"Greetings, Genoveve." Laina quietly said as she walked into her room, giving the other girl a curtsy as Saevire closed the door. talking was sometimes difficult for her. Not because she couldn't speak well, but because words sometimes got jumbled with other things. She still had a habit of saying odd things for words. "Apologies for the intrusion, but,"

It was then Laina noticed what exactly Genoveve was doing. A bird was sitting on the other girls tongue, almost as if she had intended to eat it. Laina simply cocked her head quizzically as she observed the situation. She wasn't sure what the other girl was doing, but, well, she couldn't exactly judge.

"...I do apologize If I am...interrupting something. If you will spare a moment, I have...a..kn'a....a question." A word she didn't entirely mean to say slipped out. She knew what it meant of course, but she repeated herself for Genoveve.

@agentmanatee

Bobby glared at Clay from behind the counter as he had asked for another pint of ale. "It is now six pences for the pint Clay, and seven after that. " He said in a heavy Scottish accent. He folded his arms acrossed his massive chest as he waited for Clay's response.

"What? Bobby, come on. You know I haven't got six pences," He said grumbling, glaring at the man behind the counter. His own arms crossing over his much less impressive chest. Trying to seem like he had a chance at winning this argument, all the while trying to figure out exactly how many pints he could afford. It was...not much, even less if he wanted a bed for the night.

His eyes narrowed as he leaned forward as he replied in a low dangerous voice. "Ye still haven't payed up for the last time ye wondered in here few months back. Your tab is gainin interest by each pint." He scoffed. "Didn't ye father teach you to square your debts quickly? It's only proper seein how generous I've been letting you lounge in here. I run a business...not a charity."

He looked at a young female hunter walk up to the bar keeper next to them and said, "First one is on me." He said with a toothy grin. He always had a soft spot for the strong women type. Though when he looked back at Clay his grin quickly turned into a scowl, like a switch was flipped.

Clay let out a sigh, tipping his head back and pinching the bridge of his nose. Finally he put his head back on. "Come on, Bobby, buddy. You know me, you know I am good for the money. Uh, how much do I owe...exactly?" he asked, the smallest bit of worry in his voice. He was also keeping himself aware for Senna. His 'partner', she might have some money. That she would lend him. Maybe.

"Lets see...Thirty pints... 10 shillings....for now. You plan on getting off your arse and hunting down a few marks?" He said while tossing his head towards the bounty board. "Or ye can keep getting another one, but Ill add another pence to each one and ye tabe will just grow that much faster. But Ill need some collatoral if ye do that." He said with raising an eyebrow at him.

"What type of collatoral are we talkin' 'bout here?" he said, eyeing the board with a clear look of distaste on his face. There seemed to be a few, less bothersome jobs that he might be able to talk Senna into taking.

"YE FIRST BORN KID." He growled. "What do ye think!? Ring's! Gear! Horse! What you got of value for me to hold onto...or pay for it." He sighed, placing a hand over his face as he shook his head saying "Idjit..." How dumb can this younger generation be?

He ran his hand down his face and grey beard as he looked at Clay again, wondering if he would go for it.

"Kid. Done. Pint. Now," He said with the slightest hint of desperation in his voice.

His eyes narrowed even more, He suddenly leaned forward over the counter with alarming speed for such an old man, and slapped the back of Clays head with his massive paw he called a hand. "THAT WAS SARCASIM YOU BLOODY FOOL! Christ almighty I already run a day care for ye young pups. Why in God's name would I want another?"

"Fine!" he said with an uncalled for amount of exasperation in his voice as he pushed himself away from the counter and over to the board. "See, working," he pretened to study the board, his hand resting on his chin. "So, since I am clearly working, how about an ale on the house while I wait for my... associate? Come on Bobby, I am literally drying up here. How am I supposed to catch a witch without a mild hangover? Huh? Bet you didn't think of that,"

Growling, Bobby shook his head and muttered curses and death oaths under his breath as he turned his back and limped towards the exit behind the bar. "Easy, I've done it hundreds of times! Even more Sodding DRUNK! No Pint for ye till ye pay up."

Muttering under his breath, Clay backed away from the board. Glaring daggers at Bobby before walking over to one of the tables near the door.

A few moments later, the door shot open, letting the cool night air into the tavern. Emiliah entered, a bag fit to burst with lavander flowers and seeds hanging off her arm. Her spear tucked neatly behind her. "Hey Bobby," she called, crossing the room to the counter and taking a seat at the bar."I think I finally got her, been tracking a witch since last Tuesday. I swear, it seems like she's been leading me in circles, but tomorrow, tomorrow for sure," She paused for a moment. "Wha' cha got for dinner by the way. I'm starving,"

Bobby glanced at the door as it shot open, seeing Emiliah he smiled, despite still being frustrated with the idjit Clay. Emiliah was a good hunter...young but hard working. He stopped just infront of where she sat down. Her thought's turning immediatly to dinner.

"Cottage pie lassy." He said with a grunt as he shifted his bum leg slightly. "I told ye, It wasn't going to be cut and dry like the one before. Don't push ye'self too hard, ye don't have to be setting no records here." He looked over at Clay. "YE SHOULD BE MORE LIKE EMILIAH YE LAZY BASTARD!" He didn't expect a response as he looked down at her bag. "Ye planning on burrying her in Lavender? Doesn't work to well on the outside little one." He said with a chuckle.

"I take it Clay owes you money...again," she said with a little laugh. "No, I just saw some of it on the way home. Lavander season is almost over, thought I better stock up while I had the chance. The dried stuff and the oils don't work as well but they'll do in a pinch. Figured I could make some after I kill this pesky witch of mine. Besides," she said, setting the bag down beside her. "Ma wants some for perfume,"

He nodded his head, and was about to ask about her parents, but the door swung open again. A large white wolf padded in casually and made it's way to the bar, causing a few of the patrons to move away, not knowing what was going on. The wolf slipped behind the bar into the kitchen. With a sudden Scream "Alltia! NO! Wait outside with Buck!" A few seconds later Alltia walked out with her head down as she made her way to the fireplace to lay down next to Buck, the old Bloodhound.

Fenros walked in shortly after with Bobby standing straight up. "Fenros..." He said softly. As he watched him walk slowly to bar and sat down. "How are you doing me boy? I heard what happened to ye Partner, Sodding Shame. He was a good hunter."

"Thanks Bobby....Can I just get a drink for now?" Fenros said just loud enough to hear. Bobby nodded and handed him a drink. Fenros sighed tiredly and took it with a nod of thanks. He took it and took a few large gulps before placing it back on the counter. He then glanced around the room at the other hunters in there, not that he knew many there, he tended to work alone. He looked at Emiliah and gave her a nod in hello, only polite as he sat two stools away from her.

"Evening," she said with a slight wave. As though she hadn't been listening in on the conversion that was essentially held over her head. For a few moments, she let the silence settle over them while she waited for Bobby to bring her her food. After a few additional uncomfortable seconds she cleared her throat, unuse to being quite for so long without a very good reason for doing so. "So, you, uh, your Fenros then? Like THE Fenros," stating it like a question, even though she already knew the answer.

Fenros stared at his pint for a few moments before looking at Emiliah with out turning his head. He was asked that question so many times... He nodded and took another sip. "Yes...I am 'THE Fenros." He set the cup down as a woman with dark hair and a few strands a grey came out of the kitchen hurriedly, With Bobby following with Emiliah's food. She quickly Moved around the bar and wrapped her arms around the massive man and said, "Ohhhh Fenros dear... I'm soo sorry," She quickly moved back around the counter. "Ill grab you a plate of Cottage Pie!"
"I'm Ok..." He started while raising his hand to stop her but she quickly replied, "Don't you say that young man! A growing boy needs his food." With that she turned to Emiliah, "Good to see you dear!" She said as she patted Emiliahs hand before running off to the kitchen again.

Bobby laid the plate of food infront of Emiliah and said, "Here ye go little one." He said with a smile before moving to help someone else.

After a few more uncomfortable seconds. Fenros finally asked, as if none of that happened. "What is your name? I'm sure it's not little one or dear."

"Uh, it's Emiliah," she said, taking a bite of the food. It was hot enough to burn the roof of her mouth, but her stomach refuse to listen to reason. "Hazelbrush, well, one of them any way," Her families breeding habits seemed to revolve around over populating the town through sheer will power. That also meant that there was more than one Emiliah Hazelbrush running around this town and the neighboring ones. She let the silence settle over the two of them again, if only to allow her the time to chew before speaking again. "So, going after something big then? Or just coming around to visit Bobby?" Subtlety was never her strong point.

He looked at her and blinked a few times. Unlike Bobby, he didn't have a knack for names, if she was hinting that her family was well known.... but he couldn't bring himself to say that he didn't know. He instead answered her question..." I'm hunting a witch by the name of Lorelai Von'Strauss... She murdered my Father and mother about five years ago. I came to Bobby for any hints in her location."

"Oh, uh, that sucks, but um...good luck with that," she said, unsure what else could be said. Her heart breaking at the mere thought of having a witch take her father from her. It was hitting closer to home than she would have like. /After this witch/ she thought /I'm going to reopen the conversation about ma and pa moving closer to town/.

The birds head was finally one hop away from being in her mouth when Laina walked in. Foe a few moments Genoveve watched her, tounge still outstretched and mouth wise open, bird just barely out of it. However when Laina noticed Genoveve's current situation in full she couldn't help but blush slightly from embarrassment... she was really just happy it wasn't Alexina who had walked in.

She was about to stand up and shoo the bird away before, "NO YOU INSUFFERABLE DITZ! FINISH IT! THEN YOU CAN ANSWER WHATEVER QUESTION SHE HAS... if I like your answer that is.", Genoveve pleaded in her mind, it was so much stranger if someone watched... but Yeris's voice in her head was exceedingly clear. So, with a sigh, she looked back at the bird, who seemed to nod before hopping into her mouth proper. As soon as it had her tounge rolled back into her mouth with surprising speed and her jaw clamped shut. "Now, no chewing, swallow it whole.", Genoveve obeyed, with one hard gulp the bird slid down her throat... feeling quite strange as it squirmed about. A bulge could be seen in her throat as she swallowed it, until it passed down to her stomach.

The tall girl now stood and nervously cleared her throat before speaking, "N-no not interrupting anything we were- uh I was just... what is your question?", she smiled embarrassingly as she tripped over her own words. She looked Laina up and down... all the other witches had such pretty dresses and satin corsets and such... all Genoveve had were the rags from her life before... had she nit been powerful enough they may have turned her away solely on appearance.



Emiliano had been travelling non stop for several days now... a week to be precise. He had been on the road looking for work when he got a lead about what could be something big
.. a coven. He honestly hoped it was wrong... he could hardly kill one witch, let-alone a while group of the vicious women. He had finally made it though.

Seren's folly, a little town seemingly far from any real civilization and the closest location to his lead. Emiliano needed a drink before he could even think about hunting, so he located the nearest tavern, and walked in. He was surprised at the number of hunters, but shrugged... maybe they were tracking the coven to?

Honestly right now he didn't care... to sober and to thirsty. "Barkeep, ale please for some fraing nerves aund tired feet.", he took his own seat at the bar, sighing heavily as he sat.

The small girl stared blankly at Genoveve for a few seconds as she swallowed the bird whole. Well...she couldn't exactly comment on that. She had seen...done, some stranger things as well. That wasn't what was bothering the girl. What was bothering her, was the fact that she was certain she was feeling another presence in the room with them. There was only two of them here though, aside from Saevire standing outside the door. Not that it mattered in the grand scheme of things. One question at a time.

"Thank you, Genoveve." Laina said, bowing her head slightly. "I am sorry my ooboshu...visit, interrupted your dinner, But this question is one I must have an answer too." The smaller girl looked at Genoveve, her blue eyes studying her for a few more seconds before she continued. She was thinking of the best way to word this, so that any words the human girl wouldn't understand didn't slip out. That, and she was just plain unsure how to ask this.

Perhaps a direct method would work best, then.

"Do you love anyone?" She fixed Genoveve with her usual somewhat expressionless face, apparently completely serious. The phrase could probably be taken completely wrong taken out of context, but context was not to be found. Laina had perhaps gotten her question a bit wrong, after all. She was here to ask Genoveve about emotions in general, and from what she knew 'love' was one of the more common human emotions. She would like to experience it for herself, so she could finally at least have some understanding of emotions.

~Senna~

Senna walked through the dark streets easily enough. Night wasn't something she was unfamiliar with. In fact, it was her preferable time of the day. Less people about and it was easier to do things. Not to mention, the beasties and witches usually came out at night. A small smirk ran across her face as she imagine how fun it'd be to run into a witch tonight. Her axe hadn't tasted witch blood in quite some time. She would need to remedy that soon. She pulled her mask over her face, fully intending to go hunting tonight.

As soon as she found her bloody 'partner'.

At least she had a good idea of where his useless self was at. Probably at a tavern attempting to get drunk, but failing because his tab was too big. Thankfully, it didn't take the hunter long to reach the tavern. She tossed open the door rather violently, taking a quick look around for her partner, easily finding him at one of the tables near the door. Senna walked over, her boots making quite a bit of noise as she walked across the wooden floor towards the table.

"Oi," She bent over, placing a hand on the table rather loudly. "Clay," She barked. "I'm out makin' sure my axe is sharp enough to behead a witch, and what are you here doing?" She growled, green eyes glaring daggers at him. "Pissin' off Bobby again with your tab?" She stood up straight, certain she had his attention now.

"Hope you had fun, because I'm goin' hunting and you're comin' with me." She folded her arms across her chest. She didn't seem like she was gonna take no for an answer.

@Ellion@agentmanatee

---

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.

Genoveve cocked her head slightly at Laina's question... she never asked about emotions as far as Genoveve knew... not that she had been there very long, "Love? What and unexpected inquest... hmmmm... we should get her to move further... answer her question honestly, and be quick about it! She is useful and powerful a-and pretty!... yes amd she is pretty... answer the question in an intriguing way ditz, to keep her talking.", Genoveve giggled quietly then put her finger to her chin.

"Well... when my mom was alive I loved her! And I love me of course and I love Yer-DITZ! SPEAK NOT OF ME!-Eric my owl... uhm... and uh...", she seemed flustered now, as if she couldn't think of the words... rather the myriad of spirits had started yelling about what they loved I'm her head, "Women! Death! The old! Hate!SILENCE FOOLS! WE Must Let Her speak!".

"Well why do you ask Laina? Um I don't know if I'm the most reliable source I'm so... heh moody and ehm... swingy... why ask me? Why so interested in love?", she looked the much smaller girl up and down, she was so muchore delicate... pale and pretty and we'll dressed like all the other witches... some if the jealous spiritd were jostling for attention causing Genoveve to blush a bit more.



He jumped slightly as 'Bobby' handed him his drink and a female hunter, am oddity already, walked in raising hell to her partner. Emiliano couldn't help but laugh as she insulted him, "Listen to your partner! Lazy hunter is a dead hunter... but being a bit buzzed dies help, I'll buy both of you a quick drink before you go hunting.", he laughed and bought two more ale for the squabbling hunters, hopefully making skilled friends to make up for his... lack thereof.

@Rune_Alchemist@Ellion

Clay's head shot up as the door was slammed open. He didn't even have to look to know that it was Senna. "Ah," he said as she started in on her lecture. Clearly getting her to cover him was not going to happen today. "Well, I was wondering when you were going to show up and-" He was cut off by another man he'd not seen before. Or if he had, he'd forgotten. Which was probably best, as he probably owed him money as well. The offer of a free drink was tempting, but it also seemed like it came with the condition of a lot of work right now. And he was far more lazy than thirsty.

"And you are....?" He said, raising an eyebrow, pausing for a brief moment before responding with. "Oh wait, it doesn't matter. Besides, my friend, a lazy hunter isn't a dead hunter. A bad hunter is a dead hunter." That was probably the only thing that Clay had going for him. He was twice as lazy as the next guy, but he knew what he was doing when he did hunt and he was rather good at it. "The drink is more than welcomed, but we are staying right here tonight." He then turned his attention away from the stranger without a second thought. He refocused on the bigger threat in the room. "Sen, come on, it's already late out. If we head out now, we are just going to waste our night fumbling around in the dark. Why don't you just relax and order us some ale and we can get on this little hunt tomorrow. Bright and early?" His voice was just a tad too hopeful.



Emiliah eyed the man who had taken his spot near herself and Fenros. Clearly this man wasn't from around here. Only strangers referred to Bobby and 'Barkeep' or something of the likes. But she was happy for the distraction. Dealing with other peoples feelings weren't exactly her strong point. Although, it didn't look like Fenros was about to break down or anything. It mostly seemed that he was stating it as a fact, which was a little more unnerving. Not even a moment later, the tavern door swung open with a crash that shook the nearby windows. She recognized the girl as Sera, or was it Sasha? Something like that. Girls in the trade were hard to come by, so knowing of another one was a bit of a relief really. She had meant to introduce herself, but the chance had never really occurred before. Shaking her head, she turned back to Fenros, clearly the girl had only one thing on her mind at the moment.

"Well, Fenros, I don't know how well you know the area, but if you need someone with insight of the terrain, just let me know." After all, offering help to a fellow hunter was only the polite thing to do. She started returned to her food. Not that she'd ever say it out loud. But the food here was better than her ma's.

@agentmanatee@Rune_Alchemist@Aerandir

"...Y'fhalma?" Laina simply stared emotionlessly at Genoveve at the mention of her love for her mother. Was love something someone was supposed to feel for their mother? She was certain she would have, if she ever met the woman and she wasn't killed when she was born. Genoveve also loved her pets. So did that mean she was also supposed to love Saevire? He wasn't a pet, more of a...friend? Servant? Certainly they had been together for quite awhile, but...love? She felt...some things towards the old knight, that was certain, but she had never understood what.

"Forgive me, but I have been observing you for quite some time." She bowed her head apologetically. "I have come to the conclusion you are quite the emotional person...while I am not." A quiet sigh escaped the girls lips. She sounded a bit tired, though if she was she didn't say anything. "These things called emotions, I do not understand them, but I wish too. Love is a common emotion, is it not? I wish to experience it myself." It wasn't like she didn't feel things, but rather she had trouble understanding them. "I was hoping you would help in this endeavor."

She had always had trouble expressing her emotions, aside from curiosity and a rather insatiable thirst for knowledge. It was such curiosity that finally demanded she try to understand these things. Since Genoveve was quite emotional, she had deemed her the best person to ask. A conclusion that had no holes or logical inaccuracies in it at all.



"Night, is the best time to hunt anything." Senna replied in response to Clay's observation. "Werewolves, Witches, and whatever other beasts are out there just love the night." Despite her grumbling though, she took a seat across from clay, intending to take the new guy up on his offer of a drink. She could use one herself, honestly. She was feeling a little agitated since leaving the church - more so than usual. She lowered the mask covering her face as she rested her arms on the table as the drink was brought to them.

"Thanks." She replied to the other hunter who brought them...before chugging half of it. She placed the mug on the table, giving an irritated huff. "Ugh, goddamn it Clay if I would have known you were so lazy I'd have never agreed to be your partner." The black clad hunter grumbled again. "Seriously, this guy spends most of his day doing absolutely nothing except trying to get an extra drink out of bobby over there."

She brought the mug back to her lips, downing some more of the alcohol, though not quite as much as before.

"The name's Senna." She said to the other hunter. "Dunno you, but buying me drinks is a good way to get on my good side." She chuckled, giving him a friendly grin before continuing with a slightly suggestive tone. "I'll be your best friend for another."

@Ellion@agentmanatee

If Genoveve had been blushing before her face was red now, "Y-you want to... you... love me?Yes... this is very good! A doting companion of her caliber could be... useful in the extreme. Do it Genoveve, we will make a powerful ally...", Genoveve gulped, there were now butterflies in her stomach, but it mat habe just bwent tge bird... no one had wanted to love her since her mother... but she knew it was a different love to what could be found with Laina.

For a few moments Genoveve stood still, looking incredibly flustered before she spoke again, "Well yes... love is... a common emotion but it has different er... well there are different kinds of love like... uhm... come here.", Genoveve sat on her bed and patted the spit next to her. Assuming Laina joined her she spoke again. "For instanceñ you say you want to experience love with me... which is very FL different from how I loved my mother or Erick... it's more... alot closer. Well... do you just want to experience love or do you... how do you feel when you see or watch me? How do you feel differently from uhm, normal when you see or are with me?", many of the spirits were shouting at her to get on with it but Yeris silenced them, "If she loves us her bond of servitude will be stronger than it would with list or any other emotion... we must determine IF she truly loves Genoveve or simply wants to 'feel' love."

Genoveve just wanted to know if Laina loved her. If anyone could indeed love her... would she bully Genoveve like Yeris did? No... she didn't seem like that... did she have some other reason? An alterior motive? No... Genoveve just wanted to know.



He guessed the two hunters would warm up after he bought them drinks. Certainly the man hunter was somewhat correct, being a good hunter was more important than being a motivated one. The woman, Senna as she introduced herself, was quite happy to accept his offer of a drink and ask for another, "Well, as enticing as your friendship may be, I'll have to decline buying anymore drinks. There is a coven about and a Parisi does not let his guard down when witches may be nearby. Though I may be interested in a little hunt... if you'll have ne."

Truthfully he needed help. Hopefully they would not ask him WHICH Parisi brother he was and just help him. If npt, it was unlikely he'd survive an encounter with the coven.

@Rune_Alchemist@Ellion

---

Medusa felt regret as the sound of Lorelai's steps moved out of earshot. She remembered years ago when Lorelai had first come to the Castle. The 'Bloodrose Coven' wasn't even a real coven in those days, it was just her and Alexina before Lorelai arrived. Then came Lorelai, basically carried to the Castle by Alexina. The girl was near dead, fresh from the destruction of the legendary Hector Digard, but between her and Alexina they managed to nurse her back to health.

Medusa and Lorelai became close companions after that. Friends even, she added mentally. Lorelai settled into the castle, she could hardly go anywhere else, the demonic taint in her veins made it impossible to hide from hunters or rival covens. They'd talk at length about a vast variety of topics, from magical theory to swapping stories of romantic conquest. Medusa and Lorelai worked together, binding Pit Lords and lesser demons alike into the walls of the Castle, making it the safest haven a witch could ever want.

Soon more witches came, as the Elders told her they would, and their happy little family grew. With growth came responsibility however, and her and Lorelai spent less and less time together, as Medusa was busy managing the logistics of a growing coven, Lorelai catalogued the new additions to the library, and they both were often called on to help the newbloods hone their abilities.

Then the Ruvinas arrived, Vespa specifically. Lorelai and Vespa hit it off almost right away, and Lorelai started spending what little free time she had with her. Medusa would never admit it out loud, even in private, but she was a little jealous. Not of their blooming little romance, but that she'd been left alone. Once again someone she'd cared for had found someone else, and moved on without her.

So the tension grew between them, in private, until it was where it was today. Sometimes Medusa felt that if she pushed the other witch any further she'd attempt a coup. Fortunately Lorelai wasn't as foolhardy as her imagination sometimes made her out to be, challenging Medusa would be suicidal, even for her. Lorelai might have slain Hector Digard, but she'd find Medusa was a far tougher opponent.

She laughed, letting out a little tension as she arrived in her room. Sitting down she noticed the shadow in the corner, an Elder.

"What is it?" She asked respectfully.

"It wouldn't be wise to be as confident as your are about your position Medusa." The phantom spoke in her mind, sending chills up her spine.

"What do you mean? Surely things between me and Lorelai haven't gotten so bad she'd risk death."

"Vespa can empower herself through sacrifice, lifting herself to great heights. She can also draw power from intimacy. Do you think we're the only ones that have wondered if she and Lorelai might be able to reverse one of those?" The phantom chuckled ominously "Could you face the power of House Ruvina and Von'Strauss in one witch?"

With another chuckle it dissipated. Medusa still doubted it would come to that, but it might be wise to make some contingencies.



"Kill the bitch." Sousiel spoke from the seat across from Lorelai. "Then you could rule the coven with a bloody fist like you deserve to."

"I'm not going to do that Sousiel." Lorelai sighed. Sousiel had a tendency to get offended when she was offended, often she got more offended than Lorelai did.

"Why not?" Sousiel tilted her head. "I can see it now, Castle Von'Strauss, the Von'Strauss coven, and you on a heap of bloody tithes paid to you by your subjects."

"It's called loyalty Sousiel. The woman saved my life, I'm not about to end hers."

"It doesn't sound like she's being all that loyal to you. It was your magic that bound the guardian demons, not hers."

"She's just under a lot of stress right now. She says something's coming, and what reports we've gotten on Seren's Folly haven't been good." Lorelai closed her book. "Once this blows over I'm sure we'll repair our friendship and things will be fine."

"If you say so Mistress, but you know my vote."

Lorelai stood and headed towards the section of the Castle that housed the sleeping quarters. Supplies were running low, and Lorelai was in no condition to gather them at the moment. She winced as a shock of pain ran up her leg, she'd been querying the lower planes lately for anything that might illuminate Medusa's otherwise vague vision, and maintaining the conduit between the realm of man and the inferno wreaked havoc on her weakened body.

Lorelai was headed to Genoveve's room. Genoveve had an affinity for spirits like those that infested the Glow Wood, and she needed fresh deer blood from a deer that had partaken of the enchanted flora that grew there. Genoveve might also be possessed by a spirit of some kind, she often seemed distracted, as if someone was talking to her. That was a discussion for another day however.

She rounded the hallway where Genoveve's room was located.

@agentmanatee@Rune_Alchemist

-Laina & Genoveve-

Laina took a seat next to Genoveve on the bed, her starry blue eyes staring up at the taller girl quizzically. She had been thrown a rather large number of questions at once. They all seemed rather similar, though, so she could probably answer them fairly easily. Different...kinds of love? She was unsure what Genoveve meant by that. How did she feel different than she normally did? Well...Genoveve was...interesting to be around, that much she was sure of.

"Out of all the others here, aside from Lorelai...I like you the most." Unlike Lorelai who simply shared her interest in knowledge and finding answers to questions, Genoveve was a bit different. She was...well, emotional, while she was most certainly not. And from what she had also observed, Genoveve was also not one to simply do things without thinking. "You are...emotional, yet you do not rush into things without thinking. You seem to also care a bit for knowledge...I find you desirable?" It sounded as if she was questioning the word choice there, but that was the closes thing she could think of.

Was that love? The desire for someone else? She wasn't entirely sure, but that's why she wanted to find out.

"If that is...love, then I do." The statement was said with firm tone.

"Well uhm... that's the first part of it yes. You should desire someone you love but its... when I said there were different kinds of love let me explain." she took a deep breath, attempting to help Yeris in quelling the spirits currently in turmoil before she continued. "Yes Genoveve, explain to her what she desires, make it so that she can only see us.""So, the way I love my familiar Eric? Its.. sort of nurturing. I take care if him and he does what I say. But... that's not how people love each other... but there are different types of that love too."

She seemed flustered again trying to think of the words, "Like... uhm, a mother loves a child kind of like a pet but... intends for them to leave and take care of themselves. But that's not how... you love me you don't think... does this make sense Laina?"

“It does.” Laina said falling silent for a moment, her gaze turning towards the far wall. She could definitely say her feelings weren’t ones like a mother would possibly have for a child, though she didn’t know for sure. She had never experienced such love, since her mother died giving birth to her. She also could say that she loved Saevire, if Genoveve’s words were to be believed.

She had no reason not to believe her either. In fact, she found herself rather wanting to believe her.

“That is…not how I feel towards you.” She turned her gaze back towards Genoveve. “Not as I do towards Saevire…or my mother if I knew her.” By process of elimination, that meant that it could only be one thing, couldn’t it?

Genoveve nodded fiercely, "Ok yea that means it uhm... it's the last kind of love... called romantic love. It's when two unrelated people have uh... they feel special together and they can be found together often. They uhm... well Romantic love is what causes children and marriage but other things too... they uh...""Further ditz, you are not done yet... make her blush, re-afirm how she feels for you... she will be useful.", Nervously Genoveve squirmed and shuffled a bit as Yeris pushed her.

"Well the biggest difference I think between romantic and... other love is that lovers, what you would call two people in romantic love, uh... touch eachother... but they kiss but differently to how a child and mother kiss like... uhm... I... do you want to see what I mean?" within her mind only Yeris's utter giggling joy could be heard... it drowned out the other spitits.

So…this was that. She was feeling what was known as ‘love’ then. She must explore this ‘love’ further then. She was fairly sure she knew what Genoveve meant by ‘touching each other’ as well. It was something she has done before of course. Various rituals she’s done required such things sometimes.

“Apologies for the bluntness…but do you mean sex?” Laina replied. Judging from the girls blushing and stuttering maybe she had never done such a thing before? Well, if that was what lovers did then…Laina had never done such things outside of magic rituals.

But if it was what two people who were in love did, she would have no objections. It could be a learning experience.

“I have only done such things on a few occasions,” She continued a bit hesitantly. “However, I would…not object if that is your wish.”

Genoveve was surprised by Laina's forwardness, "Uhm... yes sex that is... what I meant... "hmmm... interesting... her rituals eh? We can do far better, you have many... lusty spirits within you... let them in"bbbbut... I don't know maybe it's to fa-""I think... no I know you want to... start slow if you must ditz... make her yours by the end though."

Nervously Genoveve gulped, looking into the smaller girls eyes, "Y-yes... lovers do that but... they don't call it sex... they like to call it making love... because they... love... each other..." as ordered the particular spirits invaded her mind... and Genoveve took Laina's face in her hands and kissed her, holding them together for some time before pulling back. "I-I...I'm sorry I didn't want to presume..."

Laina didn’t resist Genoveve’s advances at all. She returned the kiss when Genoveve’ reached down and gently grabbed her face. Indeed, she wanted to savor the moment. That was the first time she had ever done something…quite like that. She could say she was even a little disappointed when Genoveve pulled away.

“It is fine, Genoveve.” She replied, some color forming in her pale cheeks. She decided to be a bit forceful here, since Genoveve seemed to be hesitant about this. The small girl moved rather swiftly, and soon she was sitting on Genoveve’s lap, looking up at the taller girl, her own delicate arms wrapped around Genoveve’s neck. “I do not mind.”

The smaller girl was very fast and on Genoveve's lap before even Yeris had noticed, "Well Genoveve? Will you deny her~?, she stared down at the small girl, "I...ok"

With that Genoveve kissed her again, allowing the spirits to help her now. She kissed Laina deeper than before, and this time her tongue... began trying to enter her mouth absentmindedly. It's pointed tip wriggling between their lips, attempting to find purchase as the spirits urged Genoveve on.

Laina didn’t resist whatsoever, letting that tongue of Genoveve’s easily find its way inside. She had no reason not to, after all. So she’d let Genoveve do what she wished.

---

Note to Lorelai, improve the sound proofing on the sleeping quarters. So Genoveve and Laina huh? Strangeness calls to strangeness she supposed. She was a little surprised to hear Laina on the other side of the door though, Lorelai had thought it would take a bit more time for the witch to figure out emotions. Love was the most dangerous of them, capable of lifting a lowly witch to great heights, and laying a great witch low.

Were this magical research she would have chided the young witch, however, in this she could only be concerned from afar. She would also hope for the best of course. Those two deserved happiness, and with the wind blowing the way it was now was a good time to grab it up.

She quickly penned a note on her stationary and slid it under the door. It read: "Genoveve and Laina. If you would, at your earliest convenience, come and see me. There's a matter I would like to discuss with the both of you.". She smiled mischeviously at the note. Lorelai was sure Genoveve at least would jump to the worst conclusion she could. Maybe it was a little mean, but tormenting the younger witches at least a little was part of her job description.

She headed back to the common room to continue reading. New love blossoming was a beautiful thing. Lorelai's thoughts turned to Vespa.

@agentmanatee@Rune_Alchemist

Fenros Digard

He nodded in thanks to Emiliah before taking another swig of his ale and finishing it, placing on the far end of the bar and standing up. "Excuse me..." He said as he moved from the bar to his corner near the fire, pulling the massive blade from his back as he walked by a group of hunters talking.... He stopped when he heard a female saying.

"Night, is the best time to hunt anything." "Werewolves, Witches, and whatever other beasts are out there just love the night." She didn't notice him behind her as she went on speaking. He shook his head as he eyed her up and down, judging by her voice and naive view on the hunt. Sighing he said to her a few moments later, totally out of context of where her conversation was now.

"Night is the worst time to hunt anything, its when the creatures have the advantage of their strength." He said in a low voice. "Only a foolish hunter who doesn't care about dying would want to go hunting at night..." Despite his statement he done it many times himself...but he was sure of his abilities and had a plan.

He didn't wait for a response, even if she would challenge him as he would continue to his seat. Alltia moved from her spot from the fire to him, looking up at him, and he to her. "Sophie wouldn't let me have the chicken...." She said in a pouty voice.

"Well of course she didn't, it's meant for other people." He replied outloud to her. "Why don't you go get some Deer from the forest...you always enjoy venison."
"But i wanted CHICKEN! Roasted chicken with all it's fatty grease....ahhhhahahaha" She mused as she licked her chops.

Fenros sat down after leaning his sword against the wall next to him. "I'll save you a piece."

"A whole chicken." She whined softly...with her head lowering just slightly as she tried to pull her big eyes act.

He tilted his head down and to the side, as if saying...REALLY? Shaking his head, "Don't pull the eyes with me. You'll get what you get."

Alltia dropped her head and tail. "Fiiiine... She said grudgingly as she then padded out of the tavern just as someone walked in. It would have seemed strange to many hunters as they would have only heard Fenros's part of the conversation, Alltia's words only could be heard by him in his mind.

Fenros then Proceeded to pull an old book from his satchel, and laid it on the table. Opening it gingerly, as if it was a valued possession. It was written in a different tongue, that those(Who could read) Couldn't read. Not many people could, save for Bobby. Along the edges of the pages were scribbles of drawings or notes along the margin, as if it edited the content of the book.

---

Bobby

Bobby made his rounds around the tavern, speaking to new faces and accepting marks that hunters completed or just made note of who decided what to hunt. He noted the man who asked him for a drink to ease his fraying nerves and tired feet. Instantly he knew it was a Parisi Though he never met this one before. Certainly dressed like one. He narrowed his eyes trying to figure which one it was but he was pulled away from his wife calling him back to the kitchen. She only needed him to grab something from the top shelf. Then coming back out to see Fenros stand up and walk to his corner, speaking to another hunter, Senna. He raised his eyebrow, but it was only for a moment before he reached his normal table.

Shaking his head, he Loved Fenros like a son he never had, every time he talked to a woman he had hopes he was over his crush... but it seemed nothing would pull him from that witches spell. Grumbling he moved over to Emiliah and sat down next to her. "Sorry bout that interruption lass. I don't know if he said anything, but he just lost his only partner he ever had, a friend from childhood. Crying shame. Jett was a fine hunter. he was killed by a necromancy witch and Fenros was the one who had to clean it up after putting him BACK down."

He looked back to Fenros for a moment before looking back to Emiliah. "Why don't you ask him for help with yer witch? He would be good Backup." He was sure Emiliah could handle it herself. But Bobby was trying to help Fenros out as well. He thought the two would work great together...and who knows...maybe more. But it was an old man's dream.

---

Alltia grumbled to her self.... it was mostly focused on the Chicken she was looking forward to. She had gone to a full run to make it deep into the forest, once there she sniffed at the air to see if any animals were nearby. It was strange being by herself, 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 wasn't 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.

---

"Luna," she said, her voice a soft whisper as she continued to rub the cat's fur. "You're so pretty..."

Luna's reply was a soft meow, and a more vigorous rubbing of her head against Elina's thigh. She was indeed a fine specimen of cat, with soft fur, bright blue eyes, pink paws that never seemed to darken and, above all, an acute intelligence. Though she could not speak, Luna appeared to know whenever her master was angry, sad or otherwise down, and take the appropriate steps make her cheerful again. It seemed to the feline, however, that since leaving Castle Ruvina, Elina had been frowning substantially more than before. Yet the reasons behind them, though fairly obvious, were too complicatedly human for her straightforward animal mind to comprehend. She did know, however, that Elina liked it whenever she played with her, and doing so was often the right course of action. So little Luna contented herself upon this.

Yet this was interrupted when the cat noticed a presence coming closer. It was a crimson throb in her chest and an electric buzz over her spine. Such things were instinctive to felines like her, and her instincts did not let her down as when she directed her eyes to a shadowed area of the wood, there it was - a large, scarred white wolf, emerging proudly from the dark. Fear welled up within her tiny heart but the urge to protect Elina was greater.

"Luna? What's wrong?"

The cat made a throaty meow and stiffened towards the direction of the beast. Elina's sight followed and came upon Alltia. The girl's eyes widened, but she knew to remain calm.

"Oh my, a wolf. Don't worry, Luna. Wolves are friendly around people of my House."

Luna's meow was disapproving, almost reprimanding. Elina found it endearing and chuckled. "Now, now, if anything happens, I'll protect you."

In this, the witch was confident. The power of the late Marcus still smoldered within her soul as she hadn't been practicing witchcraft as of late. Even without any recent victims, she could at least mimic a lion's roar or call forth a powerful gust of wind, to scare off the animal should it decide it was a predator. The thought of actually harming the wolf never came upon her mind.

Standing up from her crouched stance, and to the dismay of Luna, who half-cowered behind her legs, she raised her arms in open welcome. "Come here, wolf. You look tired."

---

Alltia Hesitated a moment at the woman with white hair call to her, she was indeed tired... but her presence confused her...she never met this woman before in her life. Yet she was...familiar somehow. Lowering her head slowly she started to sniff again, but it revealed nothing. She slowly made her way forward to the woman.

Once to her she continue to hesitate, until she sniffed her hand and finally relaxed. Sitting down she was almost to the womans chest. "At least you don't smell as bad as he does..." She said...to her self, as Fenros was the only one who really was able to hear her... "But yes I am tired... and hungry." She looked down at the cat. "I could eat you....would you let me?" She said amused to the cat below her, cowering behind the womans legs.

---

Luna hissed at Alltia. "Go ahead and try mutt," she said. "I may be small, but my claws are long and sharp!"

Elina, of course, could not understand the discourse between the two animals. All she saw were two adorable furred beings that sat around her legs. Unlike Luna, she did not have to crouch to pet the wolf, and even though her fingers brushed the rough patches of her scars, she never ceased to smile at Alltia. Elina particularly noted the wolf's eyes, which were sharp and of a blue-white hue.

"You have such pretty eyes, wolf. My, what's with these scars? You need to be more careful out hunting. By the way, are you hungry?" she kneaded the back of Alltia's ears. "Are you? Oh, I'm sorry. I was only out for a stroll, not a picnic. I'm here plenty of times though, so I could return here tomorrow by about the same time right now. I'll have some sandwiches for you then. Nod if you understand, wolfie."

Luna absolutely despised how Master was talking to the wolf. That affection was supposed to be hers and hers alone - Luna the White Cat's! She meowed an angry one. Elina just chuckled and said, "Now, now, Luna. Be nice!"



Alltia licked her chops, "I've faced worse CAT"

The woman spoke again and started to kneed her ears...oh no..not that... "OoooooOOOooh that feels good." Alltia said as she pushed her big head more into the womans hands and chest, rubbing her head against her as she continued to kneed her ears. She then mentioned something about food and for a second she didn't hear her. But it suddenly clicked and she pulled her head up to look at her with her head tilted. "Chicken would be nice." She said, forgetting that the woman couldn't hear her. So used to Fenros being able to do so.

She did nod her head as she was asked if she understood. Her tail which was wagging in delight stopped as she realized she wasn't going to get free food at the moment. She looked down at the cat and lowered her head closer to the ground as she sniffed at the cat. "Yeah. Be nice CAT. Forests are dangerous for a little creature like you." She said amused. She wouldn't eat the cat though...it would possibly ruin her chance to get free food tomorrow.

She instead pushed her head against the woman again, clearly indicating she wanted her head rubbed again.

@Rune_Alchemist@agentmanatee@Ellion@SillyGoy

Theodore wandered the streets of Seren’s Folly with no goal in particular. He sighed, a rather exasperated one too.

Another fruitless night. Well some hunters would tend to disagree. For Theodore however, the hunts had to be fun, exciting, entertaining. And few of them were. There were witches who pleaded for their life at the mercy of Theodore. They were weak.

There were also the strong ones, hard to kill, it provided some form of amusement. But strength in combat takes a strong will, which the witches had.

Even when faced with certain annihilation, they never faltered. They did not beg for mercy, they did not make attempts to point out how pity his struggle was. Emotionless to the end.

It frustrated Theodore. He ground his teeth and his face took the form of a frown the more he pondered about it.

Laina was quietly embracing Genoveve, who was laying on top of her on the bed. That had been a bit more exertion than the smaller witch had planned. Still...she couldn't say it wasn't something she didn't enjoy. For a time after their activities she had just lay there, recovering from the exertion. That was, until she heard someone at the door that wasn't Saevire. She had sent the knight away while they had conducted their...activities, and even somewhat exhausted as she was she couldn't just keep laying there.

"Genoveve," She quietly began. "Apologies if you are resting, but I have other things I need to be doing." She shifted under her lover, pulling herself as gently as she could out from under her as she rested on the edge of the bed. She cast a glance to Genoveve, feeling as though she should do something, but unsure as to what...so the girl simply hopped off the bed and began got dressed once again.

Honestly, Laina was rather pleased with the experience. She had learned quite a few new things. Several about Genoveve, and a few things that she could possibly use in the future if she needed too. That was the first time she had ever used her abilities in such a way, and she couldn't say it wasn't...fascinating to see what all she could do with them. Perhaps Genoveve wouldn't mind a little experimentation in their...'lovemaking' as she had called it.

After getting dressed, she noticed a slip of paper under the door. Lorelai had need of them it seemed.

"Lorelai has need of us, it seems. It would be rude to keep her waiting." She continued, handing the other girl the piece of paper.

~Senna~

"Night is the worst time to hunt anything, its when the creatures have the advantage of their strength. Only a foolish hunter who doesn't care about dying would want to go hunting at night..."

Before she could reply, the man had already shoved off and took a seat elsewhere. She shot him a glare as he walked away.

"Oi, got big enough ones to talk but not enough to stand around and wait to get your arse kicked?" She shouted after him, having half a mind to go after him herself, but well...alcohol, man. She turned back to her drink and her other companions, giving the other hunter a dismissive wave.

"Ya sure? People who are my friend have a habit of living longer...among other things." Senna said to the Parisi with another suggestive wink, finishing the last of the drink in the mug. A Parisi? Did he just use that name? Wasn't that the name of some famous hunter or something? Meh, she could care less about the reputation of someones name. She liked seeing skill first hand, then she'd judge them. First thing first though. A drink and something more about this Coven.

"What about this coven, though?" She asked. "If there's one around here...shouldn't we go kick them out?" A bit of annoyance was creeping into her voice. "Seriously, what's everyone sitting on their asses here for? If there's a coven around shouldn't there be some hunters going after them?" She grumble. Her axe hadn't tasted the blood of beasts, witches, or anything in awhile. She honestly might go crazy if she didn't get to do something soon.

@agentmanatee@Aerandir@Ellion

Unlike her lover, Genoveve was in no hurry to leave their current position, bodies intertwined on her bed... and she was asleep anyways. It had been quite the first experience, and she hoped not the last as she napped atop the smaller girl, the warmth of her body quite soothing. But it was not to last as Laina pulled herself out from under Genoveve, eliciting a pitiful whimper from the tall girl.

It woke her up, and she drowzily raised her head feeling... less tired than she thought she would. She looked down at her midsection, smiling warmly as she saw her noticeably bulging stomach, she felt qhire filled. She watched as Laina got dressed and almost begged her to come back to bed when Yeris returned, "No Genoveve, it must remain a special act, one you two only perform when lost in passion like before... now dress yourself! There will be far more work to do.", She sighed and obeyed, finding her loose garments and putting them on before looking back at her bed... those sheets were going to need changing.

Her eyes widened as she took the note from Laina and read it, "oh no... what if it's bad? Did we do something wrong...", she quickly became rather nervous and tense before Yeris spike again in her mind, "Calm yourself! She clearly simply did not wish to interrupt Laina and yours... experimentation. Go to her with Laina... and try not to panicked to terribly.", Genoveve looked back at Laina, her face somewhat calming, "Yes... very rude... shall we go?", she offered Laina her hand to take, hopi g the girl would get the gesture.



That must have been Fenros... the hulking witch hunter... Emiliano decided to take his advice as he turned back to Senna, as her offer ironically did not help her own case, "You know what? Barkeep, another drink for me and my new friend Senna, so I can live longer and 'other thongs'., he laughed lightly as he ordered, ending it with a sigh.

"Well, he has a point, night may not be the best time, and it is nice and cozy in here eh? As for the coven well... I'd prefer to have as many hunters as possible to make the odds of us killing them and not being killed at least a but higher... a good idea no?"

Alexia made her way to the crystal forest, another place she enjoyed to visit. A small fox that was mostly silver but with red patches followed her as she enjoyed the open air of the woods. Her pet fox was prancing around the glowing mushrooms and chasing some insects. She was a little bored, a few years hunting the hunters in this forest, they all seemed to stay away now...afraid to attempt to venture to the heart of it where the castle stood. Not that they knew that it was there. She had performed her job and her realm was protected. Hunters and poachers no longer dare come near her forest. Save the occasional one or two who have no idea.

She came upon someone speaking... she peaked around a tree to see one of the biggest elder trees she's ever seen She then saw Elina speaking with a beautiful white wolf, that was almost bigger than Elina herself. She waved and said, "Good day to you Miss Elina! How do you fair on this beautiful evening." She wore a big smile and made her way over to her.

Elina was one of the sweeter witches of the coven...almost as if she didn't belong. Even though she had a twin she was much different from her. She walked closer to them and crouched down to pet the wolf. "Made a new friend I see. Beautiful coat..." She started to pet the wolfs back from her neck to her tail.

"How are you dear wolf?"

Alltia looked at her and said, "I'm fine now that my ears are being kneeded"

Alexis laughed and answered "That's good to hear."

Alltia popped her head up and looked at her. She could understand her....but only Fenros and his family could do that... She cocked her head to the side. "You can hear me?"

Alexia smiled more and nodded her head. "Of course

Clay tipped his head back, pinching the bridge of his nose as Senna started throwing insults his way again. This...man, was really starting to irritate him. First, buying them drinks hoping to encroach on /their/ hunts. He and Senna didn't need any help, they had gotten along fine before now and they would continue to get on without an extra hand in their pot. If he could be bothered to work, you could be damn sure he was going to be getting a fair amount of profit from it. They were certainly not about to go chasing after the coven either. There was no money in being dead. He let Senna and ....Parsnip? Pasley? Pascal? P...something banter back and forth while he sipped the drink their new 'friend' bought him. He nearly jumped when the man who had been sitting at the bar suddenly appeared at their table. Call out Mr.P something for being the fool that he was.

"See Senna? Someone is finally speaking sense, let's listen to the brooding character over there and push this whole....hunting tonight nonsense and taking on the coven of witches out of our minds," Clay then turned to back to the Mr. P somebody. "And, to be honest, Senna doesn't have any friends. Alive or otherwise, so, buying her drinks does nothing to increase your chances of survival. One might say, it lowers them. In fact, I get more tempted to kill you by the second. So, why don't you leave your ale and take your proposition elsewhere," He made a shooing motion with his hands


"Yeah," she said, finishing her food. "He mentioned something like that." Then, trying not to seem too offended thinking that Bobby felt that she suddenly needed help to take down a witch. But, in all the time that she had known Bobby, he had never made a poor suggestion. So, obviously, there was a reason he was suggesting it. She looked across the tavern to Fenros, eyes flicking up and down trying to figure out the reasoning behind Bobby's suggestion.

Fenros was a legendary hunter. She could probably learn a lot from him. She chewed the inside of her cheek thinking it over. Fenros probably knew all kinds of hunting tips and tricks. She could probably learn a lot. One of the problems with being essentially bound to a single location, even one as heavily saturated with activity as Seren's folly, was that once you had learned everything the town had to offer, the learning stopped. Occasionally, one happen upon a hunter with a skill they were willing to share. However, most hunters guarded their trade secrets with the utmost urgency. "Maybe you are right Bobby," she said, feeling quite proud that she had managed to figure out this suggestion.

She wasn't being totally selfish either. Her knowledge of the land around the Folly and in the witches territory was second to none. She had been trained in this area, grown up in the area and there were very few places she hadn't at least since, if not been herself. "Thanks for dinner Bobby, I think my pa is planning to stop by either today or tomorrow," With that, she pushed herself away from the counter and walked over to Fenros. She wasn't quite sure what she was going to tell Fenros /Hey...So, I think you are a good hunter and I think I am a good hunter and I think we should go be good hunters together/ Yeah, that sounded stupid. But before she could form her proposition, she was standing in front of him. When in doubt, go with the truth. "So," she started, waiting for Fenros to be attentive. " I don't usually do this, but I was talking with Bobby and he seemed to think that you could help me with a little...witch problem I am having. And...in return, I thought that I could.... help you with your witch hunt. I really do know the area quite well,"

@Aerandir@agentmanatee@Rune_Alchemist