Predator and Prey [Solo]

[ArcanaFate]

Lunch with Nan could be described as... pleasant.

The Homunculi had been dragged to a simple cottage near the edge of the town, and its quaint appearance held a sort of peace that contrasted with the crowd at the sign. It was a single story home, made from thick lumber and a clay like substance and was plain in appearance. The top of a stone chimney poked through, a very faint billow of white smoke stretching out into the sky. However, for the lack of color the cottage displayed, the gardens surrounding it were full of life. A plethora of flowers in a wide spectrum of color dotted the yard, bursts of color seeming to dazzle brighter as the. Ezra couldn't help as they were pulled along by the still-chattering woman to try and memorize as many of the flowers' appearance as possible before stepping into the doorway of the woman's home.

They had been quickly seated in a simple chair next to an old wooden table as the woman disappeared from view into another room. She returned moments later with two bowls and spoons. Approaching the fireplace, they noticed there was a cauldron within, some form of stew within that seemed to be filled with various vegetables and a thick meat floating ato. Filling the bowls with shaky hands, Nan turned towards Ezra with a raised brow.

"So, child, what be yer business in Stonevale? Not exactly the liveliest o' places, ye know." She inquired, making her way back to the table with a small hobble. The bowls hit the table as Nan took a seat across from the Homunculi, and broth splashed atop the table. Ezra made no movement in surprise, but their gaze shifted towards the brown liquid sitting on the table before answering the old woman.

"I am wandering, Miss Nan. Simply looking for answers that I-... I mean, my mentor expects me to find." Their hand slid down subconsciously to the satchel on their side, the tome that Ezoreth had left for them. Slender fingers dwindled on the bag for a moment longer before they looked up at Nan, who was just watching the Homunculi with a flat expression. Gray eyes seemed to bore into Ezra for a long moment before shrugging and reaching for her spoon and taking a long slurp. The noise was rather annoying, and from Ezra remembered among the many scattered thoughts in their head, it was impolite to slurp your food. But the Homunculi was a guest in this woman's home, so it would be rather rude to comment upon her eating habits.

"So, then, lass. Ye have a place ta stay, then?" Nan asked between bites, and Ezra responded with a simple shake of the head. They had planned on checking the local inn, perhaps find a job somewhere to make a little extra gold before moving on to a more magic heavy town. "Good, then ye can stay with me. Been needin' some help around the home, anyway. If there be no issue?" The Homunculi opened their mouth to object to such kindness, but was immediately drowned out by Nan's voice once again. "Perfect! Ye room be on the left. Is a bit small, but ye shoul' have no issues wit tha', ye?" They could only stare at Nan incredulously before letting out a sigh of defeat.

"Alright, Nan. I will stay here. Thank you for the hospitality."

The day continued on and eventually the elderly woman would retire for the evening, leaving the Homunculi in their new abode. There was only a small candle lit in the room, as Nan was somewhat sensitive to light during the night and only had the bare minimum of lighting in her home to assist her in keeping sleep. Ezra had taken a seat on the simple cot that was to be their new bed, an old book placed in their lap. The cover was a solid black, with thin silver runes etched across the cover in various patterns. A large silver clasp was sealed tightly, with no keyhole or any sign of how to unlock it. They placed a hand on the top of the book and sighed. It had been far too long for them to be struggling with this tome. They had spent years, trying every dispelling hex, magic words, even attempting to use a bit of blood to unlock the darn thing and there had been no results. What were they missing?

Frantic rings from a bell stirred Ezra from their thoughts, and yells began to echo through the town. The warning was clear: Nightclaw had made his way to the village once more.