The Hamlet Streets

[kodissajumissa]

Vane didn’t know much about being a target. Although it wasn't out of question if somebody was hunting him. The beast could feel it too. Humans with weapons were a scary thing to encounter. Together they slaughtered people and those people meant something to someone. It was only natural. So it took only the right person, right lost and the right bounty hunter to find… THIS target. Vane and the terrible beast that he was cursed with.

“Hffg…” The beast blew air from its nostrils. The wrinkles of its snarl smoothed over as the magic affected it. It felt calmed in its mind. What a strange emotion that was. The beast rarely felt that when it was around. Usually only after a full stomach and finding a quiet hole to sleep in. Not in front of humans however. But the beast was a simple creature and not capable of questioning this magic so it just… calmed down. It however recognized the source to be the man carrying the book.

The woman in glasses was a different story however. She still smelled of human. Both as a danger and a source of tasty meat. The beast was unsure now if it should attack or not. However the calming magic was enough to soothe its thirst for blood. It was filled with curiosity instead. Curiosity for these people. So the beast carefully hopped closer and leaned its snout in. It sniffed the two people, Odin specially. The smell of the creatures sweat and diseased saliva were strong and now intruding the senses of Eileen and Odin as well. But it still got closer. Close enough to get familiar with the two and finally… with a true miracle. The beast sat down.

[ricarditoreyes]

Eileen listened intently to the chanting. Another reminder of that dreadful day, but she could not afford to be dsitracted now. She watched carefully as the beast approached, and she felt the hairs at the back of her neck stand in anticipation. Then, witnessing the beast sit down as if pacified, she lets out a loud sigh, sheathing her blade. Assuming that in this current state, the thing before her was still more animal-like than anything, she attempted to indicate there was no need for them to harm each other.

Slowly, she crouches down and holds her hands out to the side - taking special care not to perform any sudden movements. She remembered the last time a friend turned on her, and how her mercy only caused more damage. She prayed that this time things would turn out differently, for now magic was by her side rather than working against her.

"If you're still in there, give us a sign" she calls out softly.

[catboywizard]

Odin’s face brightened quickly, seeing his magic worked! He didn’t expect it, he never really needs to use it, but the fact it works makes him feel better about himself.

“Vane…?” He asks, still chanting but now much quieter too see his answer.
He scoots a little closer, putting his hand near him, he doesn’t move, he’s still…

“Give us a sign…” he whispers, before continuing the chant.

[kodissajumissa]

The beast couldn't understand the words. Nor that Eileen and Odin were even trying to communicate with it. But it was in a strange calming stage. The beast stiff nervous sniffed Odin's hand and listened to him chanting. It didn't know what to make of this.

Vane however could feel it's opportunity. The mind of the beast was calm and easily tricked. Vane mental took a deep breath and chanted his own mantras. “I am in my body. I can feel it's life. I am in control. I am here. I am here. I…”

The calmness made the beast safe enough to return, however the physical form still stayed. But with the broken animalistic voice box, the beast was making noises. among the huffs and growls, one unmistakable word could be heard. One of a man, not a beast. “I…” he said clearly.

[ricarditoreyes]

Unsure of how to proceed, Eileen turns away, producing a mixture of herbs from a pocket within her coat. She crouches down, striking a match and burning the herbs. She cups the burning plant matter in her hands, sprinkling them by the group as a pleasant odor coats the area.

"Worry not, just something to soothe the mind".

She was unsure if the makeshift incense would have any effect. It was a mixture made to calm and deter the beasts she heard tell of stalking the Weald. Regardless, some testing could be done, and an opportunity like this would not present itself very often.

She takes a step back, giving Odin space to complete the chanting. In truth, it made her uncomfortable, though it appeared to be working incredibly well. She decided not to interfere, turning back and looking in the direction of the Tavern and the muddy streets.

[kodissajumissa]

The beast still eyed at them with it's sharp animalistic eyes. Jaw still hanging open and drool pouring out. The hairs on its back tensed up when Eileen reached for something. Was it a weapon? The beast already wrinkled its face but stayed still. The herbs were now burning and producing a pleasant smoke. The beast wasn't sure what it was breathing but it smelled odd. There might have not been affect on the fiend, but the calming scent mattered to someone else.

Vane was gathering his thoughts, trying to connect back to his body and not give into the fiendish side. He could feel his emotions being soothed and emotions under control. With the opportunity now presented to him, he could climb back out of the abyss.

The beast lowered its head submissively and changed shape in front of two. It decreased in size and the animalistic features turned back to ones of a man. The muscles, claws and teeth pulled back. With the medical and magical help from the two, the transformation wasn't as painful. Now Vane sat on the road in front of them with his hands digging into the dirt. As his consciousness returned, his irises and pupils decreased and his eyes were human again. Although now showing worry and fear when Vane realized the two stared at him.

“I… I didn't mean to. I didn't want to hurt anyone” Vane tried explaining with a concerned look and shaky voice.

[catboywizard]

Odin didn’t have much to say about the herbs, but he was happy they were helping, he’s sure it wasn’t just his magic that was helping.

Seeing him going over the edge and coming back, Odin stands back up, his heart pounding and yet he feels triumphant.
“It’s okay, you didn’t hurt them at all, I healed them.” He chuckles, going over to him and helping him stand.
“Though I do wish you told me before, honestly.”
Because, to be fair- he though that was…
Awesome??? Like he didn’t see him as terrifying he thought that was a punk ass curse- then again- should he say that? No…
Because he doesn’t want to hurt his pride or tramua more then it already is for poor Vane.

“We might’ve been able to help earlier…but I could see why you didn’t want to say that- and you missed the answer too your question…!” He smiles.

“Do you want to go back too the Tavern? “Eileen, will you be fine?”
Odin isn’t nearly as scared as the others, as he had seen monsters before, though he never knew who made them nor why they continue to persist. He wonders why the monsters in the basement were so nice too him, and his parents…

Whatever.

[kodissajumissa]

He was a powerful beast just a moment ago and now had to lean onto Odin for support. He stood back up on his feet hissing. His body was in frustrating growing pains but he was otherwise ok. He was just shocked and a little dirty now.

Vane didn't find the curse to be that awesome. The physical, mental and lawful consequences were too terrible to handle. He was still shaken after the ordeal so he barely listened to what Odin was saying. The magician sounded unusually cheerful for some reason.

“Wait…” Vane stopped Odin and held his own face. He smelled of herbs and had a spiritual aura around him. “What… What did you do to me? It usually takes me until morning to come back. You did something to me” Vane stated. He wasn’t angry at all. He was grateful actually for the help. However he was confused and little lost.
“Am I even welcome in the tavern after this…?” He also asked.

[catboywizard]

Odin smiles. "Of course you are! Those two, i'll explain to them someone spiked your drink or something, causing you to get a little more aggressive then normal, i'm not sure if that will work but hopefully because I healed them, they will trust me a little more. And if they don't believe me- it's not like they are the owners..." He sighs.

"I promise you, you'll be fine. And with what we did...well, I did a little chant, while Eileen over there burnt some herbs, whatever you did while you were taken by the curse seemed too work!" He grins.

He's been fascinated by curses, though now that he thinks abit more on it, not everyone knows how to decurse someone, and this curse seems too be more of a physical malady instead... But it could be useful in combat if he learnt to control it...
He hates thinking about that though- and focuses back in the situation.

"I'll need too pack those herbs then...Do you control the beast even a little bit while you're transformed...?"

[kodissajumissa]

Vane listened as Odin assured him and even made a plan to keep him hidden. He was grateful for it, but Odin was a pinch too optimistic. The man he hurt might not keep him out of the tavern, but it could attract bad attention. Gullible or not, Vane was blessed to have some allies.

He fidgeted the hem of his cloak and covered his arms with it. The night was cold here for the barely clothed man. “It's not me anymore when I transform. This… beast has a mind of its own. When it comes out, I lose myself. It's difficult for me to come back out until the beast lets me” Vane spoke genuinely but with shame and sadness in his voice.

“I struggle every time more and more and I fear one of these nights the transformation is permanent. But while I still control this, I want to fight. I want to be put to work. If I can't cure myself, then at least I can try to pay for my sins and enter heaven as a free man. I have to try. I just… I just need help. Please. Can you...?"

[ricarditoreyes]

As Vane's condition finally stabilizes, Eileen lets out a sigh of relief and begins packing up the herbs that she could still salvage. They didn't seem to make the situation worse, though further testing was still required. This affliction was unlike anything she had ever seen, and she found it difficult to contain her desire experiment further. Regardless, this was not the time, though at the very least the beast had been contained. She had worried they would have to find a way to subdue it somehow. With her crumbling body, she was glad it never came to that.

"I don't reckon folks will take too kindly to your...affliction." she says, standing up once again. "It won't be easy to find work the old-fashioned way, but perhaps we can find a fitting clientele. The kind to ask little questions provided we get the job done".

She recalled the injured men by the tavern. Soon, word would spread of the incident, and attention of this kind was the last thing Eileen wanted. Though reluctance plagued her mind, she couldn't bring herself to leave now. Seeing Vane's desperation to fight against the curse made it too difficult to turn away. Furthermore, her curiosity refused to be quenched, and she knew that although it would be safer, she would never forgive herself for walking away.

"I'll help, but do tell - how long have you had to live with this dreaded illness?"

[kodissajumissa]

Vane crossed his hands and bowed his head against them. “You two are most blessed. I am in eternal gratitude. I won’t let you down.” Vane thanked them. He couldn’t even begin to describe how relieved he felt around the two. He was tired of carrying this burden alone. To think of it, he was tired of being alone in general. Having someone, anyone talk to him with such kindness and willingness to halved his worries already.

“It’s been… several months now. I’ve been trying to find a cure on my own, but with no success. I have tried everything I can think of. Praying, bathing, blood letting. I cannot turn to the church for help. They will send me to the Order and brand me with burning irons. And I… I won’t be locked away with this beast. I won’t” Vane explained while holding onto his chains tighter. “I have found best success with these chains and meditating. When my mind is clear and collected, I can stay in control. But there was something in the tavern that startled me. I think… I think it was a hound” Vane said while thinking about the past events before his transformation.

[catboywizard]

"Don't worry about it! It's just what people do- there's more kindness then people think in the world." His smile is weak, yet genuine.

"And...this is a somewhat recent affliction...You seem...too have some memory loss when transforming...and...This is strange indeed." He thinks long and hard. "We can ask when we aren't..." He leans in, whispering.

"Being watched." Odin always has this anxiety, but this time he *knows* it's real, as the lady watching them is the one with the hound, though they certainly were good at hiding their stalking.

However, he also feels the same thing about the two drunk men, showing he isn't...*perfect* with his assumptions.

"Let's get back in the tavern before something ridicioulous happens, at least in there there is people...unless, do you two have a better place too talk?" He raises a brow.
"So we can all answer eachothers questions, it seems we are all...uhm- interesting characters, too say the least."
He chuckles- He knows they are curious about the book, and he doesn't blame them...He does wonder if they will be able to see what he sees, and if they don't, then that can make him confirm what enchantment is on his book.

And he himself is curious about the both of them, how and why *they* came here, Vanes Affliction, and Eileens odd aura.

[ricarditoreyes]

"Aye. I was wondering if the lass at the tavern was another one from your merry band. Though, it would appear not."

She had lost sight and track of the woman and her hound once the commotion by the front of the tavern had grabbed her attention. Furthermore, she was distracted now as she thought of heading back to the Tavern. She had paid for the food and drinks the group never had the chance to enjoy, though heading back now would certainly be risky - even more so if there was indeed a figure spying on them for unknown reasons. She did agree, however, that they needed more privacy to talk than what could be gleamed from standing out in the open as they were.

"Are you good to walk?" she inquires, turning to Vane. "We'd best make our way over then - perhaps find a warm room with less curious eyes. After tonight, I feel I could definitely use a pint".

Though eager to continue their chat, Eileen remained on edge. Odin had also noticed the woman watching them, confirming that her suspicions held at least some weight. She was hoping that one of her new companions would know more about this spectator of theirs, yet it seems they were just as unsure as she was.

"Let us keep an eye out. Shall we then?"

[kodissajumissa]

Were they being watched? Well they were on public streets so it wasn’t fully out of the question. But the way the two described it, made Vane’s hairs stand up. It was thankfully only his own body’s reaction. He could feel the beast had tired itself for tonight, so Vane didn’t worry about another incident anymore. The beast was strangely calm too, which made Vane sigh with relief.

“I can” Vane said and took a cautionary step just in case. His legs felt sore after the transformation, but he wasn’t about to whine about it. “I rather not waste good stew when I have two mouths to feed” He commented as they headed towards the Tavern.

“You two are good people. I wish to stick with you for now. But I hate that I have already caused you so much trouble. I will pay you back however I can. Don't be a stranger” Vane said. Part of him was nervous and scared for these people too. But also part of him felt something different for a change. Call him a fool for it, but there was something... hopeful he felt with these people.

→ Vane goes to Tavern