Darkness of the Woods

Chapter 17

Elfrida

It took them a few hours to get ready. Elfrida had done both of their hair and makeup. The outfit Elfrida was wearing was what everyone else in the gathering will be wearing, a deep blue cloak, and the traditional black dress that fell to her feet and had a slit that stopped at her thigh. All described by the Master from visions he was sent by the goddess.  As the initiate, Victoria was wearing a white dress that went to her feet and the same deep blue cloak. It was to symbolize her innocence to the truth and by the end of the ceremony it will be drenched by a certain substance symbolizing the gaining of realization.

By the time they were done it dressing, it was time to go. They made their way out the school, as silently as they could, avoiding any wandering students the best they could. Lucky for them, tonight was the party, where they were going as soon as this initiation was over with.

Elfrida led Victoria down from the school and towards the same place where Cammi and Audrey had fought. They were already almost there when Elfrida heard something and stopped. Victoria whispered, "What is it?"

Elfrida continued looking towards the direction of the noise, but answered her friend, "Nothing, just continue on without me. Everyone should be there already. Just ask Audrey to help you." At the look on Victoria's face she added. "Don't worry. I'll be fine. I'm just going to be a little late that's all."

Victoria gave her a worried look but continued down the path as Elfrida stayed there watching her leave. When she knew she was out of sight, she got off the path and listened for the noise she had heard. And then she found the source.

Two human teenagers, hiding behind some bushes, looking out at the small gathering of vampires and werewolves. Elfrida peered beyond them and saw that Victoria had just gotten there and was being instructed by Audrey on what to do. "Hey what are you doing here?" Elfrida whispered from behind the girl and boy.

The girl jumped, but the boy quickly grabbed Elfrida's hand and dragged her down next to them. "Shhhh...I could ask you the same thing."

Elfrida looked at them, made a quick decision, and answered. "Well I was following my friend there." She pointed at Victoria, who had moved into position. "I was trying to figure out what she was doing sneaking out all the time. I was worried she'd get in trouble."

"Of course, the rich girl must be hurt that her best friend does anything without her. Boohoo." The boy said mockingly as the girl, finally out of her surprise, hit his arm. Not hard enough in Elfrida's opinion.

Elfrida glared at him but said nothing to that. "And what's the reason you're here? On school property?"

Elfrida recognized the girl was one of the waiters in school, actually the very first waiter she had when she got here, and she guessed the guy probably worked here too. It was a small town outside the academy gates. "Oh...you know exploring."

"Uh-huh" Elfrida said not convinced.

The girl finally spoke up, saying, "It's none of your business what we're doing." She had a slight blush creeping up her face so that made Elfrida guess what they were doing. "But hi, I'm Emily Bridge."

"Really? You're telling her your name. She can tell the cops who we are." The boy said exasperated.

"Don't mind Adam, he's a big worry wart." Emily said in a stage whisper.