Dark Authorship

Welcome

Elena, Elena, Elena... A certainly charming name, worthy of a maiden equally charming as the woman in front of me. Even if the slight tremor in my right arm reminded me of the danger she represented not long ago. The thought of facing her directly was intimidating and equal parts exciting, but I'd honestly rather see that strength used in other ways.

"So now we know our names, Elena, I would like to know if you know these lands, or of any settlement where I can resupply my resources. I have traveled for quite some time in the wasteland and would really love some good company. Other than you, obviously."

"...I guess, I know of a place."

Perfect.

"Excellent! And where would this place be?"

"..."

Come on, just a little more. Even if it's not the site I'm looking for it could be a good place to regain my strength to continue my search, plus it's information I could sell to suitable individuals.

"...It's not an easy place to get to."

"Maiden Elena, I have traveled for so many years in the cursed wastelands of our land. I do not think there is any need to worry about me, although the gesture is appreciated."

"Alright."

"On the other hand, are you thinking of recovering your clothes, maiden Elena? Bare skin does not receive good treatment under the cursed sun"

She kept her expression flat, but seeing her face move down to meet her naked body was enough to tell me that she hadn't noticed the absence of her clothes. His eyes widening a little in surprise before he turned around and walked towards the remains of the camp. Pulling out a long dark cloth, and quickly wrapping her body in it.

I have no idea how she did it, but the fabric hugs her body and only her face is barely visible through a hood.

"I don't think those are normal clothes, do you, maiden?"

"..."

She said nothing, knowing as well as I do that her little demonstration has given me a small clue into her situation. She was a witch.

Like a bucket of cold water that freezes any intention I had with that woman, my thoughts are organized. It made a lot of sense the more I thought about it, her calmness in the situation, her silent walk, her almost abnormal strength, her extraordinary beauty. Small details that could be explained in one way or another but once put together they all paint a fairly clear image of the reality of the woman I have called a maiden.

And a witch is a sign of a coven, which is not good knowing my history with those groups of followers, faithful servants of the worst kind of calamity that haunts the cursed land. A servitude that offers them supernatural powers that go against the fragile order that still persists in the world, imposing a twisted logic to make reality act as they wish.

For a moment I considered separating her head from her body, but I have been bitterly surprised in the past where a witch could live without having their head. A surprise that ended with me almost losing my arm.

The tension in the air barely lasts, maybe because I was the only one who was really tense but the imperturbable gaze she kept made me uncomfortable.

"It's mostly custom, but I prefer to walk around naked."

¿Ah?

Dazed with confusion, she took my silence as an invitation to further elaboration of her thoughts.

"Normal clothes are uncomfortable, but I can't go without clothes outside my home, for various reasons, so I use this as an alternative."

Now I wonder if she really recognized the accusation in my words and is playing with me by acting stupid or if her twisted mind didn't catch it and responded with the first thing that came to mind. In any case I'm more than happy to play along and not have to deal with an unnecessary confrontation against a member of a coven with the potential to put all the members in my way.