Thread: Innocence beneath the moon

She found her parents in the barn, both of them.. as was unusual. Callista's adopted fathers was a rugged, and rather bitter man but he was a great leader. He was always the one to deal with trouble in the town, and gather food with the hunters. The man was never pleasant to the adopted daughter, hating her for being what she was.. and not his own child. He could not love like her mother, and never did accept the child. Not that they would ever tell her they werent her real parents. For now, she assumed she had done something to cause the man's anger. Her steps were quiet as she entered the barn, feeling the tension that hung in the air. Father, Its nice to see you at home! She announced sweetly, moving to embrace him in a hug. The man was angry though, she could tell by the way he held himself. Something had gone terribly wrong. Stepping back away from the two women, he rest his eyes on his wife. I swear Ill find who did this.. The village is depending on us to solve the problem. Once I find the person responsible, their wont be enough peices left to indentify them His voice was harsh and angered, and he glared at his daughter, blaming her with a stare. He wouldnt ever say it out loud.. but ever sence she was brought to them.. his life was introduced to more and more madness. Was it her fault? Probably not.. but he needed someone to blame.. for his resentful bitterness needed to be justified in his mind. With that said and done, He walked out of the barn in a hurry.. taking their two coon hounds with them. Who was it this time? Callista piped up once he was out of view, hiding the feeling of rejection from her mother. She knew why he was angry, for it had been going on for quite sometime. Their hunters were going missing. Any that wandered into the forest, showed up cold and rotted along the edge of the forest. A horrid series of murderes. Gerald this time Gerald, A self-centered oaf of a man. He was strong, handsome and well built.. and about as intellgant as an ass. He stalked all the women in the village, forcing himself upon them. Many times, He had tried his hands at Callista.. cursing and teasing her when her dogs chased him away. She couldnt say she felt bad he was taken.. or that she would miss him in the slightest, but it was true the murders were getting out of hand. If anyone could track down the suspect though, it would be her father. Dont worry mother, Father will take care of it. Oh! Theres a trader in town who wants to give us four pelts and two livers for a milking cow! Oh the pelts are so beautiful, and undamaged. They could make us both new coats and boots. We would be the most stunning women in the village She tried, without luck to stear her mothers attention away from the worry that clouded her mind. She nodded, none the less. She knew they would be needing new clothing soon and father would love the livers. Besides, their cattle had produced twins last year.. they definately had one to spare. The women took one of the younger females from the stall, attaching a rope to the bell collar around the neck. Holding it out for Callista, she used her other hand to form a sharp whistle. A large, older cattle dog trotted into the barn soon after. Here, But take Adda with you. Its getting more dangerouse around the village. I dont want to loose you. Be careful alright! She could barely finish her sentence, yelling out the last few words. Callista was already on her way back to the town center, skipping happily with the cattle dog barking at her heels behind her. She came back just in time to watch the handsome man skin a rabbit. Such grace and precision in those rough hands! It was too bad he didn't live closer to the village.. she would love to have him teach her some skills with a blade. She was alright herself, a strong grip and graceful swing.. but he was much more skilled than she. She clapped with the crowd, and handed over the cow. Oh and the best milk you will have! Your people definately have a treat awaiting them. Youll be praised until the day the cow is too old. And trust me, she has many years ahead of her. Oh yes, any animal near her grew to its upmost potential. It was part of the natural magic that come off of her. She skipped back over to the furs, listening closely as he named them off. Her eyes widened at the Zebra. She had never heard of a Zebra, he must have traveled far for it. She immediately wanted that one. And soon after she picked up the furs of a bright, orange and white tiger and then the shining pelt of a panther. Her fingers study each one, fascinated by the brilliant colors and patterns. You must put so much care into the skinning and washing of these hides. Though the animal is gone, there is still so much to be told in the fur! I love it! Its too bad you dont live closer to the village.. you could sure teach me a thing or two She giggled, looking down as the cattle dog brushed against her legs.