Hilda and the Werepup

Chapter 8 - The Noticed Hunters

Callum's eyes slowly opened, only to see a blurry view of his surroundings. He blinked a few times and saw the view of Trolberg next to him, under an orange sky with pink clouds roaming around. He sat up and soon realised that he was on Hilda's bed. He looked around to see Hilda asleep on her desk, her arms were folded and her head was rested on them; her hair was tied back into a ponytail. 

Hilda let me sleep on her bed, Callum thought, somewhat sheepish, she let me sleep on her own bed, so she ended up sleeping on her desk... I feel so bad - but - how did I end up here?

Callum got off the bed, careful not to wake Twig, who was just snoozing, crouched into a white fluffy ball, at the end of the bed. He cautiously carried her from her seat and gently laid her on her bed. He sighed in relief when he managed to do it safely. He slump onto the floor right beside the end of the bed, sitting against the wall, leaning on the bed, his legs bent as he wrapped them around his arms. It wasn't as comfortable, but comfortable enough to make I'm doze off to sleep.

Percy lay awake in his room. He was constantly worried about his son, not wanting him to meet the same sticky end as his mother. He was filled with sorrow from the death of his wife. Now he only had Luke left as his family. He ambled out of the room and found Johanna sleeping on the sofa. She must've worked so long she couldn't go back to her room and just fell asleep there. Percy noticed the blanket that fell off, on the floor. He picked it up and gently placed it over her. He sighed and after a short moment, he went back into his room.

The next morning, Luke was the first to wake up, and started wandering into every single room like a curious chicken, but careful not to wake anyone up. He then headed into the kitchen and made himself jam and bread. Johanna was awoken by the noise in the kitchen, and languidly went into the kitchen.

"Oh... good morning, Luke..." Johanna greeted tiredly. Luke beamed at her, as though he had been up all night, filled with energy, which was probably from the many slices of cake he had eaten the night before. Percy appeared in the room, yawning as he went. 

"Oof, someone's up early." Percy remarked as he joined his son at the table. He turned to face Johanna, "Sleep well?"

"Yep, it was quite cold, honestly, but not for long." Johanna smiled. Percy smiled back and nodded, "Are Cal and Hilda..."

"No, they're not up yet."

"That's good," Percy stated as he stood up, "I planned to make breakfast for them. Woo-hoo let's see how fun this gets!" 

He made a soft cheer and took out some bread and knives. 

Hilda groaned and opened her eyes, her head feeling peculiarly comfortable, only to find herself lying on her bed. She looked from an empty plate to the rest of her room. Alfur stepped out of his tiny house, stretching, "Oh! Good morning, Hilda!"

"Morning, Alfur. Where's Callum?" 

"How am I supposed to know I just stepped out of bed a few second ago - oh, he's there next to Twig." Alfur pointed with his stick-like hand. Hilda crawled over to the end of the bed, and saw Callum sitting there, his head pressed against the bed. Hilda recalled putting him on her bed and sleeping at her desk.

He must have carried me over- Hilda thought, her face heating up again. She shook her head wildly and got off her bed. Twig awoke from his sleep, his head popped up and instantly leapt off the bed, tailing Hilda out of the room. Alfur got ready and just as he was on his way across the room, Callum opened his eyes and the tiny elf was the first thing he saw.

"H-huh..." Callum said emptily, "where did you come from?"

"I live on her desk over there in the tiny clock house." Alfur replied blankly, pointing at Hilda's desk.