Celina: Eden

The Monster in the Forest

Leon Belcrone continued to listen intently to her story. They both hung outside of an inn with people moving in an out of the entrance. His hand stroked his chin as if stroking an invisible beard. He sat on an old, creaking barrel with his legs stretched out and crossed.

"That's what I thought. But what I do know is not only was Priscilla Ardella a much older woman, also, she died over a hundred years ago. So, I doubt your story even holds up, unless..."

"And that's where no one seems to believe me. I--I can't die, Leon. I can't even age. I'm the same age I was when I was exiled from Eden. I had taken her name to continue her legacy. Naenia was just some scared little, inexperienced girl." She folded her arms, kicking dirt underneath her toes.
"You are really from Eden? Really? And, you, over a hundred years old?"
Priscilla looked him into his stern, blue eyes.
"That's what I said. Yet, no one seems to believe me. That's why I was better off not telling anyone about my situation. I've usually kept everything to myself."
Priscilla looked into the palm of her hand.
I could've saved Priscilla. I could've stepped in front of that bullet. If I had just been in front of Armand's gun when he fired it, Priscilla would've lived a longer life. She might've been walking around 'til this day.
"I mean, that's some story, young Priscilla, or Naenia, whatever I should call you."
Priscilla (or Naenia) sighed.

"Priscilla's fine. Naenia's gone."

"Waaaahhhh!"

A yell sounded as Jessica and Noel fell forward onto the ground. Noel held a hand to his head, rubbing it as if he'd bumped it hard.

"Jess, why did you hit me?!"

"Because, I thought you touched me very inappropriately. Don't ever put your hands there again." She seethed, folding her arms.

"I told you, it was an accident! Seriously, I--I didn't mean anything...!"

"These are your travelling companions I take it."

Priscilla looked at both Jessica and Noel for a moment.

"Yeah. I'm helping them get to Eden. I'll prove it exists."

"It's not like I don't believe you. You seem to have had a rough, bumpy road." Leon replied, stroking his chin again.

Priscilla nodded.

"Well, there's a lady that we need to help. Remember? That terrorizing monster in the forest."

Jessica threw her hands up.

"Count me out of that. We need to not waste time and save my mother? Remember? Or is everybody gonna act as if there's no urgency?"

"We'll get there, don't worry. I believe the next town is beyond those woods anyway. So, we may encounter this monster." Priscilla replied.

She drew both her daggers and spun them a few times. Noel ran beside Priscilla.

"Ha! You see? Pris is down to help a damsel in distress. And, and she can fight too. So, she's bound to help us!"

"Noel, you're just doing this to impress some girl." Priscilla said.

"Hey, not just some girl. A pretty one. A very, very pretty girl, Miss Joi. Besides, a Priest from the Monastery of Faith can never turn down such a request!"

"Maybe it won't show up. It could be a product of the Red Moon, which reminds me Pris, why didn't you tell us about the Red Moon? Yet, you tell a total stranger? We weren't aware that you knew about the Red Moon." Jessica spoke in a sarcastic kindness.

"I really don't know, okay? I don't take kindly to people asking me too many questions like I have all the answers."

"Tch, typical."