Rise of the Mythical Woodland creatures

Life at Home

Araidne's p.o.v

I let out a small sigh as I put my Sketchbook on my bed and look around to what I call my prison cell, also my room. The window was ajar and I could feel the breeze from my mattress on the floor. My wardrobe had clothes piled inside and outside, my carpet was stained and no matter how hard I've tried, I can't get rid of it. Looking more over it I can see the small curves into the wall and door, shaking my head I look away from them, wanting..No needing to forget them. I get up and grab my Airpods from my desk and I take my phone off charge and I let a soft sigh escape my lips. Taking my hoodie off a hook in case it rained, I opened the window wider after listening for my father, luckily all I heard was distant snores from the living room. Carefully I use the bricks to help me descend down the house. When I got down I opened up the back gate and left, running to my friend Azrael's house for a session of Dungeons and Dragons. I loved the game and everything to do with mythological creatures. Honestly I believe in all of them to really exist, I know it sounds stupid but I do. Maybe it's because I have nothing else to believe in. However I do keep my head up about life, no matter how hard it may be. Distracting me from my thoughts, I ended up outside his house. "Huh...that was quick" I mutter quietly to myself as I walk up to the door. But I don't knock. my thoughts began to flood my mind 'What if they started already? I don't want to interrupt them. I'm just a side character. I could pretend I'm ill, but would they care?' Someone tapped my shoulder as I opened my eyes and looked at the person. Standing before me was Azrael. "Earth to Araidne. You zoned out again." I tilt my head before realising it and blushing a little in embarrassment. "hehe. Yeah, sorry" He shook his head. "don't worry about it, Daphnes not here yet so we have some time to kill" He smiled warm-heartedly at me. A smile i wished my father had..

He lead me inside as I sit down on the sofa and sigh. "Hows life Az?" He sat opposite me and smiled. "Nothing really interesting happening. Have things gotten any better?" I shake my head. "worse" I reply. He was the only one that knew about what happened at home, the beatings at least. Daphne didn't even know, if she saw any bruises i would just lie, i didnt want her worrying more than she does. She has to look after her siblings because her parents died. Of course me and Az help her, what kind of friends would we be if we didn't? Anyways, we waited a while and talked. We drank tea and ate biscuits and then heard a loud and rapid knock on Azreal's door. Az got up and opened it to reveal a very worn-out and tired Daphne. Her hair was ragged and her clothes were crumpled. She rested her hand on her knee as she panted, regaining her breath. "kids are a fucking pain to deal with.." both and and I giggle a little as he let her in and I move along on my seat. "well at least you can relax now" She gave a small nod as Az got his collection of books out of the glass display cupboard. He kept them in there as it reminded him of what he loved and what he loved to do with his friends. "Do you need a drink before we start?" I kindly offered, without hesitation she answered "Fuck yeah I do. Got any wine Az?" He nodded as I get up off my seat and leave to pour her a glass of wine. She had a fine taste for wine, she preferred red wines than White wines. That I do know.

Walking back through, I see Daphne helping Az set up the dice and books for monsters, places and NPC's. We always were prepared for situations. I walk over as Daphne holds out her hand, not needing to look that I had the wine. Smiling, I give it to her, she doesn't drink often so when she has the chance she will. I sit down in my respective space, where I usually sit, as does Daphne and Az clears his throat. "Now that we are settled. Let's begin" Both of us nodded. "So, Jason and Michelle have entered the castle, the walls were made from cobble but it was old, mould grew almost everywhere that you could see. What do you do?" Az glanced at me.

Daphne's p.o.v

Araidne made her move of rolling a perception, rolling a 15." You can see ruins to the north of you from what seems to be a throne, or multiple. Though something in the air seems to give off a bad vibe. Like something eerie. Daphne?" I turn my attention to Az and sigh "Jason would go up to inspect the throne and sit down as he is irresponsible" I giggle a little as I hear a small sigh from Araidne, glancing over I see her smile a little. "I'll follow but not sit down. Who knows what it could do?" Az chuckles darkly "suddenly a crystal surrounds Jason as men in cloaks teleport into the room, one by one they all summon their dark energy to the crystal, ignoring the fact Michelle was there" My jaw dropped. I can't believe he would do that to my lovely Jason.

A few hours later: Araidne's p.o.v

That session was amazing! He's never done anything better. I'm just surprised we made it out of the dungeon alive,well just barely. But it was time to go home now, Daphne had to go and pick up the kids from the daycare so we said our goodbyes. So now it was just mean and Az. "Az..I dont want to go home" I frown. He scared me. My own father scared the life out of me. He made me the way I am now, secretive and alone (well for the most part.) Az frowned and embraced me into a hug. "it'll get better. I promise you Araidne. No matter what it will get better" I didn't even know I was crying until he wiped a tear that was cascading down my cheek. I nod slowly before leaving. "thank you for everything Az." We had the best friend relationship. Az lived alone, and was gay which I am too which makes it better. He even offered me to live with him if things got too bad. I say my final goodbyes before going 'home'. As I approach the building, I can see the damage that's been done to it over the years. I climb back over the gate and quietly climb back up the wall and through her window. Standing silently, I no longer heard my father sleeping, I usually fake where I've been, or that I haven't been out at all. I take off my shoes and change into my pajamas and hide my electronic devices before going to walk out my room. When I opened the door, I saw him. Standing there with a bottle....