Hexe - The Great Exodus

[CH. 0042] - The Nightmare

Lamia

Noun

Translation: Nightmare

Definition: "Lamia" signifies not only a typical nightmare but also a creature born from necromancy. These humanoid creatures are characterized by their six eyes and shapeshifting abilities, making them elusive and terrifying. Lamias possess the chilling power to delve into an individual's memories, manipulating and twisting them to their advantage. They are known to feed on blood, adding to their nightmarish and predatory nature. The existence of Lamias is often tied to tales of horror and caution, as they embody the physical manifestation of one's darkest fears and the corruptive potential of forbidden magic. However, they are very real.

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As the crowd filtered into the cathedral, Mediah and the enigmatic elf lingered outside amidst the other half of the guests, who seemed equally indifferent to the ceremony inside. The air around them was heavy with incense and the earthy scent of the gathered masses, yet Mediah found himself inexplicably drawn to the elf and something else. Something he could smell.

His eyes lingered on her, tracing the contours of her face until she finally caught him staring.

"You don't seem like the religious type," she teased.

"Neither do you," he retorted, his gaze briefly flicking to the unique necklace adorning her neck. "Or is that some kind of new cult fashion I'm unaware of?"

She lightly touched her necklace, a silver web glinting in the candlelight, and smirked. "I see we both have strong opinions," she replied, her eyes meeting his with an intriguing intensity. "I like that."

"My friends would say I'm too opinionated for my own good. In other words, I never shut up when I should," he quipped, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

"I like that, too. Silence is boring, overrated."

"Who was it that said... let me think, oh! 'Words are silver, but silence is gold'?"

"Someone who clearly doesn't understand the dynamics of communication and transaction," she replied quickly. "The value of words often surpasses that of coin, determined not by inherent worth but by the impact they have and the demand they create."

Mediah couldn't help but be intrigued. Her presence was an enigma, much like the unusual necklace she wore – out of place yet undeniably captivating. Just like a coin.

The elf moved a few steps closer, her morbid scent intensifying with each stride. "Words have a value that can be measured by what people will exchange for them—information, intel, secrets—and by the eagerness with which they seek them. What meaningful creation ever emerged without thoughtful dialogue? The mere coin isn't always sufficient."

"I see you enjoy engaging in stimulating conversation," he observed, subtly tilting his head to lessen the impact of her potent smell and mumbled. "Some people never get the meaning of the coin."

"Like any curious person, I suppose," she responded, turning to face him fully. She caught a hint of his unease. "You're not accustomed to having deep conversations with women?"

"Oh, I am... Quite frequently, actually. It's just that..." Mediah trailed off, searching for the right words.

"Am I that repulsive? Is my appearance so unwelcome to you?" she asked with a hint of mock offence, a playful twinkle in her eye.

Mediah, steadying himself against the overpowering scent, decided to address the elephant in the room. "Are you a mortician by any chance? You smell like..."