Men & Monsters

"Well, my dear..."

"Here, this will put luck in your favor tonight." Myrtle breathed as she scurried all over the Aune household. What Eira received in her hand was a necklace, one studded with gems and jewels and heavy from all the precious metals it was made of. The young woman studied it for a moment, having never seen it before in her life, while Myrtle searched for the matching bracelet. "That's what your father gave to me when we got married, as it was what his mother wore, and her mother before her. All the way back to when we first settled here. It should bring the best of luck any Green Folk could ask for herself."

"I didn't think you to be the superstitious type Mama." Eira cocked her head while she ran her thumb across the necklace, fascinated by its age and beauty, and yet hesitant to wear it. She marveled at its unique sparkle, one that hadn't faded a bit since its first owner wore it. Such history behind it, she thought.

"Tis but a habit of living in these woods. Oh curse it! I can't find the bracelet. Your father won't like this. Oh wait, here. Let me see you." The two Folk women faced one another, and in response to Eira's meek grin, Myrtle smiled widely as she clipped the necklace behind her daughter's neck. "You look beautiful Eira. Now put your hood up. You don't want the men to think you're promiscuous. After all, Zaines has his eye on you."

"Yes I know," Eira sighed as she pulled her hood up over her hair.

"And what's wrong with him?"

"N-nothing. It's just...I don't care for him that much."

"Now Eira, if not him, then who? You know you missed your chance with Awel last..."

"Yes," Eira spoke sharply. "I remember."

"All I'm saying is this; Zaines has everything you'd want. Food wouldn't be a problem, he's strong, he has something funny to say every...well, every once in a while, and I'm sure he wants a nice hearty son..."

"Mama, I don't wish to think about that now. It only makes me nervous."

"Don't be nervous. So what if you don't care for Zaines? He'll take care of you dear. If nothing else, maybe you'll find another boy tonight. Perhaps one from the next village over? That'd be good for diversity."

"Mama, please," Eira snapped. "Enough with kids."

"Oh alright!" Myrtle stepped forward and fixed her daughter's hair a bit, if just to make her more presentable. "I just want you to be happy and live easy. A grandchild wouldn't hurt either."

"Thanks Mama. I know. You know I'll want my husband and I to take care of you too." Eira and Myrtle kissed one another on the cheek before they departed. Once they climbed the steep stairs from their near-underground home to the outside, an overwhelming bonfire smell overcame them. Next came a glorious sight. A great fire stood at the center of the village, licking up at the towering tree branches as it spewed glowing cinders, which only faded into the night like tired lightning bugs. Not only did the fire spark with life, but Green Folk all around it moved with such vitality that one couldn't pick the elderly out from the young adults.

Eira pulled her hood forward further, so that it nearly concealed her face in shadow. She clasped her hands before her, as was expected of a proper lady, while her concealed eyes watched all the activity around them. Children, with their never-ending energy, played a game some ways away from the bonfire. As they walked by, Eira could tell they were trying to mimic her own experience with a Coffin Spawn, as one boy tried his best to play the part of the monstrous creature. A girl played Eira, it would seem, in that she screamed for help until another boy, proclaiming himself as Zaines, wrestled the other boy after declaring he would save her. The harmless game made Eira smile as they walked on.