Risky Business (Marie)

[dmronny]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Something about the way Marie made the animal sound this time seemed to spook the deer which both took off deep into the forest. The sound was even convincing to Marie herself, it had come out so guttural and true that it was almost like magic. She had never dreamed that the attempt would work and she soon found herself desperately trying to keep up with the deer as they leaped first down one game trail and then another.

For the first time in a long while Marie felt truly free, something about running through the forest with nothing to worry about but food and avoiding the sun. Perhaps she could get used to simply living away from everyone if the city didn't turn out very enjoyable.

 

[OAMP]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

"Mmmm..." Marie took a moment to savor the reaction before bounding off after the deer, a nice, but not too broad smile now on her face. Moving along felt a bit unnatural, but not in a bad way. It was more like she expected at any moment for something to change, like in dreams where she could fly, but would then suddenly plummet into the ground for a rude awakening. It did not come, however, and Marie actually grew a bit content in just wandering the trees without nary a care for her destination. She had no experience with navigating, and getting worked up about it wouldn't solve any problems, so why bother.

There was one thing lingering in the back of her mind, though. A new thought, a bit familiar, but not in this context. Marie simply had to tell someone about this. Not the Henri-thing, or the incident at the inn, but how great running around in the forest felt. Marie was not the biggest gossiper, thought she did indulge from time to time. A lot of times there simply wasn't anyone interesting to chat with, such was rural life, but a lot of times nothing interesting had happened either. Something interesting was most definitely happening now, though, and she really wished someone was here to tell. Even grumpy Ulfur would be nice, even if he just laughed and jeered even more. The social compulsion was a strong one, even if it met with rejection.

After an untold amount of time this feeling grew stronger and Marie slowed. She couldn't get lost out here, at least not yet, without intention. She also belatedly realized the deer most likely would not take her to town, but away from people. Such was their nature. At the next juncture she would look for their path deeper into the forest, then turn away. Hopefully that would be the way back to a village, and not her own. She was at least pretty sure she had been mostly headed away still during her distraction. She was calmed, though, and now prepared to size up the next settlement, see what it had to offer, then decide what to do next. Eventually she must find the city, just to experience it, but the urge wasn't as urgent, even if it still called.

 

[dmronny]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

As Marie's desire for companionship of some kind grew she slowed in her chase of the deer. As much fun as it was to just wander and not have a worry in the world she needed someone to share it with. She couldn't live like Ulfur chasing away those few who she could truly share things with.

Of course that meant finding a city or at the very least a village. She wandered aimlessly through the forest for a bit before finding a well used trail. It would eventually lead to someone judging by the well-traveled look but who she wasn't quite sure.

The trail might have to wait though as she could feel herself growing very tired for some reason. The thick forest canopy overhead didn't give her much idea of the time but she couldn't help but wonder if t was near sunrise. Ulfur had mentioned something about finding shelter from the sun, or maybe she had simply interpreted that she should find shelter. She wasn't sure as the tired feeling was making it difficult to focus.

 

[OAMP]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie was more confident than not that she had more or less meandered in the general direction of where she'd been told in the past there had been a town. Ulfur seemed to suggest this direction too, if only by the subtleties of his actions. Normally she would be very unsure of herself at a moment like this, but the change seemed to bring a confidence in her sense of direction that had previously never existed. Or maybe she had just never had a chance to test it, before now.

After a few steps down the road, though, an unnatural unease swept over her, much the same way the previous strange sensations had. Marie paused and frowned, more disappointed in the lack of progress than freaked out by these new "instincts". If it was time, at least she had already made a plan, if not one she knew would work. She took an extra moment to memorize the current area, so she could later remember which direction she had so much confidence in, then wandered back off the path to find the largest tree that was nearby. It would provide shade, which would be one layer of defense. That wasn't all she had in mind, though.

Marie stood in front of it and closed her eyes, stretching out like how she'd heard monks sometime meditate. Ulfur had appeared from the ground, which seemed to be how he sheltered. There was still a bit of revulsion at how dirty that had to be in the back of her mind, but it would suffice, especially for the moment. She didn't "know" how to do it, but if this night had had any sort of theme, it was that the ability would come to her on its own. She did her best to push her lingering frustration out of her mind and relax, letting her body take over and do what was needed to get her safely underground.

 

[dmronny]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

The sudden onset of utter exhaustion after such new-found confidence in her abilities left Marie with a feeling of uneasiness. She made mental note of the trail she intended to follow the next evening. She had little time to ponder what may await her down this trail as the fatigue in her body grew.

She soon found an old twisted hawthorn tree which would provide an excellent source of shade. Normally she would avoid such a tree for they were considered ill omens amongst the peasantry. Now however she lay beneath the tree and spread her arms on the cold damp earth.

She lay there for a few moments as the sun began to peak to the east trying to relax and let the ability come to her. Something about the coming light filled her body with fear much as the sight of the torches had earlier. All the more reason to relax and push the fear from her mind she thought.

Suddenly she felt the earth shift ever so slightly and a brief moment of panic happened as she forgot she no longer needed to breath. The panic quickly passed though as her mind drifted into unconsciousness. It was almost as though she were dead and buried.

 

[OAMP]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie did not like how the fear almost made her body move on its own. The instinctual nature made it feel natural, which was indeed a small comfort in and of itself, but losing control was never a good thing. She more or less was able to carry out her plan as she had first envisioned, though. Her mind both wanted to fight the feelings that overcame her, but knew she couldn't. It was all she could do to hold the command to pop back out of the dirt when the time came in her mind. This felt safe, but it would be no good to stay down here forever... Now, to wait...

 

[dmronny]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

The fear drifted away as did everything else, as Marie slept beneath the earth for the first of what may be many times. There was something incredibly comforting about being surrounded by dirt though she had little clue what it might be. She drifted in a dreamless sleep for what seemed like eternity, hidden from the frightening sun in the sky above....

Eventually the feeling of exhaustion seemed to slip away and Marie's mind awoke. She was still buried beneath the soil under the ancient hawthorne as she waited for her senses to completely return. It was strange but she could sense an animal above her digging in the dirt beneath the tree. Somehow she knew the sun had finally dipped below the horizon and that she should get up to continue the adventure she had found herself on.

 

[OAMP]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie scowled, or would have, if it weren't the fact that being surrounded by dirt made it incredibly hard to speak, even if she somehow managed to get down here. This was why a town was preferable. If she had a house, the riff raff wouldn't disturb her sleep. Even a shack like Ulfur's, as inadequate as it was, would have prevented some rouge scavenger from locating her. It wasn't as if it had factored into her reasoning before, but the grumpy thoughts of someone waking up tended to be quite insightful.

It had taken her longer than she would have liked to descend below the surface, but it had also been her first time. Now Marie tried to rapidly jump back out, grabbing whatever infernal beast had dared dig here. A good chokehold and a snarl would do, as much as whatever it was deserved greater punishment. Marie retained at least enough civility not to break someone for waking her up when she was in a grumpy mood.

 

[dmronny]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

With but a thought Marie burst forth from her earthy tomb sending a satisfying spray of dirt in all directions. The frenzied squeal of the large boar that had been digging under the tree drew Marie's attention immediately.

She had never seen a creature quite so large or at least she had never seen one alive. More worrisome was the creature's reaction as it began to charge at the threat in front of it. She had only a moment to react before the creature and it's vicious tusks would be right on top of her.

 

[OAMP]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie's mind had been on the deer from before, this development was less than welcome. She was not afraid of the boar, but it was clear her tactic wasn't ideal for this creature. She was no acrobat, but with the new vigor she felt a simple roll to the side, timed right, would avoid the charge. Boars were nothing to sneeze at, but her position would be undeniably better when it had passed her. Marie vaguely recalled there being some kind of showmanship competition like this, but with larger animals, maybe back in ancient Rome. She couldn't remember for sure such trivialities, but she was fairly certain it was a tried and true technique.

 

[dmronny]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie's body might still be the same as it had always been but her growing confidence in her new state seemed to make all the difference. She barely had time to react even with her new-found confidence but she managed to roll to she side at just the right moment.

She could almost feel the rough bristles of the great boar's hide as it brushed past her and tried to gore her with it's tusks. The sound of her already no doubt ragged looking dress becoming even more torn did not make her feel much better about the situation. She would have to take care of that before entering the next village she thought as she prepared to evade the boar once more.

 

[OAMP]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie growled, letting the boar know just know much of a nuisance it was.. Had she the time or patience she might opt to skin this annoying thing and wear it. That would likely be time consuming and not look very good, even if it would be satisfying. Mildly gross, too, but Marie felt as if she could do that, if the other factors had made it worth it.

With the boar past her, Marie lept, aiming to grab it from behind and bite directly into it's succulent neck. She didn't think she was particularly hungry, and had no intention of eating or feeding from this creature, but letting it bleed out would likely end the annoyance rather quickly.

 

[dmronny]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

The boar's charge had been so fast that the creature had no time to react as Marie made her own attack. She was on it's back almost before she had recovered from her dive. It was almost innate the way her fangs came out and bit down into the course, bristly hide of the great beast.

The forest beast was no match for the ever persistent beast that now resided with Marie. She would never have done something like this before she thought as the bristly fur of the beast poked into her eyes and face while she bit and bit and bit. Eventually her fangs pierced through and the taste of blood filled her mouth.

This blood was different from that of the innkeeper's though. It did not satisfy her or the monster deep within. True it did seem to be just nourishing but it was not nearly as good, it was like comparing a meal of cabbage water to that of a hearty stew.

The creature had calmed immensely as she fed and it barely struggled as it's life ebbed away into Marie's throat. This calming effect might prove to be useful once she got to the city she thought. It would make it far easier to feed when she needed to. The great beast was dead now or close to it, making it her second kill in as many nights.

 

[OAMP]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie tossed the pig away with a half-growl. She had not intended to get that much into the act, but deep stirrings were definitely rustled within her. Maybe it was because she had already been mad at having been disturbed, or maybe she was mad because of these feelings. It was a bit disturbing either way, and she knew she would have to be more careful in the future.

Regaining her bearings after the strange slumber, Marie realized she had better be careful when she found the next village. Walking in looking as she did was likely to cause trouble, even if they had no knowledge of what had happened back home. Word would likely eventually travel, as well, meaning cover wasn't going to be a simple matter to maintain. The problem couldn't be solved by sitting in the woods, though, so for now she did continue on the direction she remembered. She would, as the saying went, have to cross that bridge when she came to it. Her senses seemed to be at their peak in the forest, so a scouting circle or two around whatever she found would likely be the wise option, rather than blundering down the road.

 

[dmronny]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Slowly the trail Marie was following began to widen and become more of a well-traveled path. She must be getting closer to the civilization she was looking for. Her time in the forest may have been interesting but for some reason she felt drawn towards this place.

She couldn't tell if it was just the thought of being around other people or even those like her. Perhaps it was something more primal, the thing inside of her already seemed to be hungry again. The blood of animals might be able to sustain her but it would never satisfy like the blood of a human. Eventually she came to a small footbridge over a stream in the forest, ahead in the distance she could see farmland and beyond that a village.

 

[OAMP]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

So far things had been uneventful, save for the insolent boar attacking when she first woke up. The calmness was nice. Marie would cross the bridge, then head into the tree line around the village perimeter. She felt an urge to go in, and couldn't wait to go in, but she would have to. She needed to know what she was getting into in more detail before she went in. Marie belatedly realized she didn't exactly know what she was looking for, but something seemed to fill in the gap for her. She would look to make sure there was nothing overtly dangerous, of course, but also be on special lookout for anyone walking alone, anyone vulnerable. The urge was once again strong to simply go and drink from them, but first she would try and engage them in conversation, learn about where she was, and maybe learn of any valuable opportunities she could take advantage of.

(Why the hell does auto correct turn opportunity into prostitutes?!)

 

[dmronny]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie calmly stepped into the dark wood line at the edge of the village to scout this unknown village. It was much larger than her own but not quite large enough to be more than a village. It was lit much better as well with lanterns here and there. She could feel the urge of the beast to flee at the sight of fire but at this distance she was still in control.

There seemed to be few people about the village at this time of night. Little but the dregs of society, much like Ulfur in her own village. The local inn seemed the most lively place here as well. There were a few likely targets if she should feel the need to sate her hunger. Beggars and drunks for the most part judging by their appearance.

(I don't know but it almost sounds like the start to a bad joke.)

 

[OAMP]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie had to resist the urge to cower, even at the slight glimpses of fire. It wasn't a threat, right now, but it was going to have to be something she worked on, she knew. The darkness might be nice, but there was opportunity in the light. She could survive without it, and in many cases Marie felt a primal urge to avoid it, but survival wasn't enough, she realized with clarity for the first time. That's what was pushing her on, the hope for something more.

Marie saw no reason not to begin with a snack, but realized she would have to be careful, and also that she could perhaps make something more out of it, if she wanted to be particularly productive. She would establish a list of what she was looking for, but did realize that most likely she would have to settle for less. There was no harm in being picky at least on the first pass, though. Above all, Marie needed to stalk someone who was alone, isolated from the rest. It would do no good to pounce upon prey only be interrupted. With that concern out of the way, Marie would next look for someone who looked physically weak, maybe especially lonely. Not that she had much experience in determining who the lowest of the low was, or that she was looking to go on a diet, but Marie needed someone she might be able to pump for information, or at least have the subtle wit a weakling would need to survive that would also volunteer to introduce her to this town, if their life depended on it.

 

[dmronny]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie searched for her ideal prey, or perhaps more importantly source of information. The few drunks she saw were not likely her best choice as their state would not be the best for learning correct information. Perhaps a simple beggar, they would now much of the town and they were likely not in the best of health.

There she suddenly thought a young woman like herself, though far poorer judging by her dress. Certainly a beggar judging by her appearance and weak, or at least weak compared to Marie. The girl passed very close to her hiding place as she moved away from the city gates towards her unknown destination. She was alone and seemed to prefer it that way as she moved far out of the way of any other's about the streets.

 

[OAMP]

Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie's interest was touched by this wandering girl. It made her shake with anticipation, but she had to fight it back, stick with the plan. A repeat of the night before would be the final nail in her coffin. She could not throw caution to the wind. The girl was doing all the things to make her job easier, but she had to wait until it was just right, until she was sure the place was dark enough and she was out of sight.

She didn't know how well she would pull it off, as she had not very much practice being sneaky, but Marie would try to quietly walk up behind her target, put a hand over her mouth, and take one, very very short bite, using the calming effect from before that she had noticed. Taking too much blood would knock the girl out, or worse, Marie imagined, and that would be no good either. She needed the girl awake. It would be hard, but Marie just repeated in her mind, over and over, "just a small bite, just a small bite, just a small bite".