Red Within The Forest

Chapter Seven: A Witch's Hospitality

To say the hunters weren't expecting to be met with a looming wall of chopped down trees was an understatement. Emmet hums, "Guess they did go with my original idea." he says to himself. Anton whistles, "They managed to build all this within just a few days? Damn...I could possibly bed a beautiful woman with that kind of dedication. If I had any." he said. Corvina and Nia lightly groaned at what he said as Gawen smacked him upside his head. 

Anton whined, "The hell was that for?!" he cried. Gawen raised an eyebrow, "Behave. How many times must we tell you?" he scolded. Anton gives him a cheeky grin, "At least seven more times. I think if you hit me a little bit harder next time, it'll get through my head." he teased. Corvina shook her head, "I swear you're such a nuisance." she said. Anton chuckled and stretched his arms up, "Takes one to know one, my dear compadre!" he sang.

Nia jabs his rib cage with two of her fingers. He doubled over in pain, "Okay! You...made your point." he groaned. The group followed closely behind Lieve and Emmet as they drew further to the village. Someone noticed the group, "They're back!" they shouted. People stepped out of their homes while others stopped strolling around. They all huddled close to the gates as they saw two recognizable faces. Another villager pointed at them, "It's Lieve and Emmet!" they exclaimed. The gates rolled up. The group cautiously stepped through and they were all greeted with warm tears and cries of delight. Piran stepped out of the village hall. He calmly strolled over and Lieve took notice of his presence. Oh, how she wanted to jump into his arms and embrace his warmth. No, she had to restrain herself.

Asena lingered behind her father and her eyes shined when she saw Lieve. She ran towards her and embraced her, "Lieve! I'm so glad that you're alright! How did it go? Was there alot of people in the kingdom? Oh, what about...?" she was cut off by her father. He cleared his throat and gave Asena a harsh look. Asena thinned her lips and retracted away from Lieve, "Sorry father." she mumbled. Mrs. Hughes gently brought Asena away from Lieve as her eyes gave Piran a stare down, "Your daughter was just worried about her friend." she tells him. 

Piran tightened his jaw and turned his stare at Emmet and Lieve. His gaze relaxed, "I see you two were successful." he stated. Emmet crossed his arms, "And I see that you decided to go with my idea." he adds. The two held one another's stare. Emmet smiles at Piran and the two embrace each other. Piran tightened his grip around his brother. His heartbeat slowed down, "I'm glad you're safe." he mumbled. Emmet scoffs, "It'll take a lot more to get rid of me." he admitted. The two share a laugh while separating from one another.

Lieve gestured to the hunters, "If you four may, I will gladly show you around the village." she stated. She walked passed Piran and she felt him gently grazing his knuckles on hers. Chills crawled up her spine. His gaze carefully followed her movement and snapped his attention back to his brother. Asena started to walk by her and Lieve frowned, "Is your father doing okay?" she asked. Asena chews on her right inner cheek while she quickly glanced behind her to see her father discussing something with Emmet. She sighed and lowered her head, "Father has been on edge more recently and his temper has gotten a lot worse. I don't know why but I've also heard him mumbling to himself a few times." she explained. 

Lieve gave her a puzzled look, "Have you tried asking him what's been bothering him?" she asked. Asena rubs her right arm, "I've tried, really I did! But...he would just give me a harsh glare and tell me not to worry and to mind my business. I don't know if I did something to upset him and if I did, he would tell me and we would talk about it. It's as though...he's changed into a completely different person." she confessed. Nia, who was listening the whole time tapped Asena's shoulder. The group paused their stroll while Asena gave the female a confused look.

Nia crossed her arms, "I apologize if I may seem a bit bold but your father...you mentioned he seems to be different. How so?" she questioned. Asena hugged her arms, "Um, well, you see...ever since the monster first appeared, my father of course has been on edge. He is the chief so it is understandable. I didn't think much of it because I would be too if I was in his position." she said. Gawen paused the discussion, "I suggest we go somewhere more...private." he said. His eyes caught some villagers listening in on their conversation.