Author: Hellebore, Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 1:57 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

Rex finished up with her hair, wondering what she meant by him being ‘weird’, but didn’t think much of it. Something about Hazel was just cute to him, and it drove him a bit crazy that he couldn’t win her over so easily. It was less a challenge though, and more that he wondered just what was wrong with her and what he needed to do to help her.

Rhenakos walked up just as Rex finished. “Well…that was faster than with me, Hazel. I’m a little surprised. It took Hazel almost a full year before she would let me anywhere near her.” He looked over to the plushie, and waved. “Are you ready to go, Hazel?”

“I’m coming with you,” Rex said with a glare.

“Not a chance,” Rhenakos replied almost immediately. “Don’t be stupid. This isn’t a job you can do.”

The boy glared at him, “Says the fuck who…” He rolled up his sleeves and marched towards his father. “I can take a demon just fine. Better than you can! Just let me at ‘em.”

“And this is why I can’t take you. You’re inexperienced and rush headfirst into things,” Rhenakos replied. “The answer is no, and that’s final.”

“Hazel said I could come,” Rex shot back.

Rhenakos looked over to Hazel for the confirmation, and sighed. “Fine. But you listen to my instructions, and don’t do a damned thing unless I tell you. Got it?”

Rex smirked, “Got it. To Bohar!”

The demon hunter put his head into his hand. “I’m going to regret this…” He looked to Hazel. “Go ahead and get ready…”

Author: Hazel, Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 1:43 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

“No, Rex… Nothing safer. No one will hire a freak. They won’t even sell me food.” She looked up at him. “I can be normal in other cities if I don’t stay long but… once they realize something is wrong with me… They treat me the same.”

Looking up at him she just smiled, “Because you are an odd one, Rex.” She tilted her head at him. “It’s not bad… It’s just weird you want to spend time with me when you got other women willing to be with you. I have nothing I can give you but yet you come here every day.”

She smiled a bit at the thought of Angela giving her special flowers. “Peonies mean… romance, prosperity, good fortune, happy marriage, riches, honor, and compassion.” She blushed a bit as she itched the side of her face. “Sorry, you didn’t ask for what they meant.”

She saw Rhenakos coming and looked up at Rex, “You better finish Rex… We have to leave soon. We’re traveling to Bohar.”

Author: Hellebore, Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 1:23 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

It was the most that Hazel had ever said about herself, and Rex was more than happy to keep his mouth shut long enough to hear what she had to say. He was confused at first when she said something was wrong with her, and as the odd breeze blew by, he shivered. It was suddenly freezing cold despite the Sulaira sun, and he felt as if he was being stalked. Tendrils rose from her shadow, stroking his face as if they were a predator playing with its meal. He shivered, almost dropping the scissors, but before he could even blink everything was back to normal, and he was back in the miserable Suliarian heat.

Rex tried his ebay to continue on as though nothing had happened, and was surprised to hear that she was bullied in school because of the shadow. The boy was not happy with the way that she sounded, and he made a little note to go pay them a visit later.

“So my dad,” he said as she mentioned how Bryony more or less hired his father to help her. “I guess he’s been just helping. But…isn’t there anything safer you can do? Someone your age shouldn’t have to be put through any of that.” He remembered Lewis saying something similar, recalling that his adoptive father had grown up surviving in Hoja Mesto. “That’s…not fair…”

“I don’t think you’re a monster, though,” Rex said finally. “I’ve met monsters before. They’re nothing like you. You’re…kind. Even if you are a bit weird.” He paused as she sniffed him. “It’s so weird you can smell sex…is it really that bad? But yes…Simone loves peonies. Lady Angela gave her a gift of specially made lavender ones…she’s been planting them all around the castle. She’s a plant fiend…”

Author: Hazel, Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 12:59 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

Hazel blushed a bit, “It’s okay hair.”

Thinking about how she met Rhenakos she inhaled a bit, “Because it’s not that I help out him Rex… It’s that he helps me. That’s how we met. When I was six he came across a job that needed an escort. I was just looking for someone to take me to a purification job. I’ve been studying demonology and all of that since I was very young. After all, to live with what I have wrong with me… I have to know how to fight it.”

There was an odd breeze that blew by and the strange tendrils in her shadows crept up, “Because I am a monster, Rex.” It wasn’t her touching him as it caressed his face before disappearing. “Or rather I have a monster inside of me.” The tendril would have that wrong feeling to it. “I was born possessed by an eldritch being. A very old creature with strong powers. It was Lady Angela who helped my mother give birth to me and who put the soul of the creature into the plushie. I destroyed my mother’s womb and she can never have children again. My father was researching how to kill it but eventually, he mysteriously vanished in the middle of research. Not long after he disappeared…”

She paused and frowned, “There was this group of kids in Sularia who hated my shadow. They were kids I went to the academy with. They ganged up on me and they beat me with whatever they could get their hands on as their parents watched. My mother is important and she leaves often. So I grew up fast to take care of myself… Jack he… what he did to them almost killed them. So I moved out of the city and found this place. I fixed it up.”

She grasped at her dress as she closed her eyes, “It was my first job by myself. I decided that I would completely take care of myself with no help from my mother so she didn’t have to associate with me. She was mad as all good mothers would be but she understood why I was doing it. When she couldn’t change my mind she… did what she could to help me. Rhenakos was her solution. He was told there was an occult specialist who needed help. He’s been sort of like family to me since then and he tries his best to look out for me.”

Looking up at Rex, this was the first time that he could see her mercury eyes so close, “I’m the one taking the jobs Rex. Rhenakos just gets paid to go with me. This is my source of income. Dangerous jobs that no one will take. I went to the academy and tested out three years ago. Rhenakos made me attend school instead of dropping out. I’m certified in demonology and other things of that nature.”

In short, she was smart. “But I don’t mind if you go… Ask Rhenakos when he comes. You can even tell him I said you can come. The demon won’t mind you,” she leaned back almost into him as she sniffed him. “You smell… like peonies today but not like… sex.” She had heard stories. “Your mother?”

Author: Hellebore, Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 12:31 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

Rex wasn’t going to let her get away with her lack of self care, and more or less vowed to make sure she did it, even if it meant he had to take on some of her chores. For some reason or another, it really bothered him that she wasn’t taking better care of herself. It didn’t matter that this was how she always lived, it needed to change.

He was genuinely surprised when she allowed him closer to help with her hair. Rex sighed, taking the scissors from her and looking at all of her hair. As he touched it, he smirked. “You have very pretty hair,” he said as he measured out strands. It didn’t take him long to start making snips and cuts.

“My dad, huh? Why do you help him out much? I thought he was a lone wolf kind of guy,” Rex stated. Maybe he had changed a bit. “And a demon? That sounds dangerous. Why are you even going? I heard you make traps and stuff for him, but I didn’t think you had to go on actual jobs with him.” In his mind, it was like Lewis taking Lucas on jobs. It was just not practical.

“..do you think I can come with, then?” he asked. “I don’t…exactly like the idea of you going alone with my dad. He’s…” Rex had heard the stories of what had happened between him and Osiria, and although he was told Rhenakos had changed, he didn’t believe it. “Let’s just say I don’t trust dad to do anything right…”

Author: Hazel, Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 12:22 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

“I mean I have a lot of stuff to do Rex. I have to do all the chores around the house, I have to get ready for jobs, and I have to make sales as well when they happen. There’s just not enough time for me to eat.” She stared at him blankly. “I’m fine Rex. I’ve been living this way for a while and it’s not like I’m underweight now am I?”

Her eyes snapped to him as she got ready to deflect him back but something stopped her as she thought about what he was saying. “…I’ll hold the mirror if you cut my hair. I’m not very good at it.” She offered the scissors up and held the mirror so she could watch him. “You can touch my hair but not my scalp… Okay?”

She looked embarrassed, “I used to have longer hair than this back when my mother helped me but… Once I was by myself I couldn’t take care of it anymore so I just cut it all off. I’m not very good at… being a girl I guess. My hair isn’t like theirs at all… All silky and stuff.” So she did notice the others.

"I have to go on a job with your father soon. He said he's going to come to get me. I have to finish the bait. Apparently, it's a demon going after virgin girls, he likes their blood."

Author: Hellebore, Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 12:17 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

Rex stared at her for a moment, and then gave her an angry look. “What do you mean you only eat once a day.” He wanted to march up to her angrily, but he knew she would just smack his hand and that would be that. “You need to take better care of yourself than that. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And plenty of water throughout the day too!” It was weird that something so responsible was coming out of his mouth.

He let out a sigh, and let go of his frustration at her lack of self care. “Look, Hazel…” He took a single step closer to her, which was technically closer than he was allowed to be. “Just…let me help. If you don’t trust me with the scissors, at least let me hold the mirror for you. I won’t touch you, I promise. Just…you need to take better care of yourself than this.” He made a note in the back of his head that he was going to have to bring her food. Her curry was great, but if that was all that she ever ate, she would probably need other foods.

“Well…? Can I?”

Author: Hazel, Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 12:07 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

Hazel came to respect that Rex noticed that she didn’t want him too close to her. He noticed the boundaries and kept to them the best he could. When he did try she smacked his hand with a spoon and gave him a smile. Maybe, eventually, she would let him closer but for now she felt safe with him at a distance.

On the days she locked him out she sat against the door herself. This was the closest they had been since he started to visit her. The door being between them was good enough for her. She listened and gave him advice or made small comments to him. She wasn’t really much for discussing the things that happened to her but she did tell him that her father was missing or dead and that her mother was the leader of the oracles of Sularia.

She told him the name of the plush who growled at Rex often, Mr. Jack. And that as long as Rex didn’t threaten her eventually he would stop growling, though sardines as offerings didn’t hurt. They were his favorite.

The particular morning she was cutting her hair she almost jumped when he yelled for her. “Morning, Rex!” She looked at the scissors then him. “Well… Who else would do it? It’s only me.” She was holding the mirror still with her legs. “I have always done my own hair cuts and thanks to my curls I can’t see when I mess it up.”

She took a handful of hair and started to make a face, “It’s too much to take care of by myself. I barely remember to eat once a day so I have to cut it. If I don’t cut it… It ends up in knots and it’s a mess.” She let go of the handful settling on a few strands before snipping them. It was short almost entirely too short for Hazel. If she kept it up then it would be a messed up boy's cut for sure.

Author: Hellebore, Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 11:58 AM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

Rex wasn’t entirely sure why, but he didn’t like the idea of Hazel being so isolated. It was strange, though, that she seemed to willing to allow his constant visits despite her adamant nature of rejecting the need for him to visit. He kept coming, though, asking if she needed anything. Most days, he wasn’t let inside, and he wasn’t entirely sure the reason why other than the fact that she could tell he had slept over at one of his ‘girlfriend’s’ places the night before. It confused him, but it shouldn’t have affected her, and it didn’t seem to click with Rex on why.

Even on those days, where he was stuck outside, he would still sit at her door and try to talk to her. Most of the time, it was just casual and inane talk. Rex started off with where he grew up in Suluria, and of how Lewis and Simone found him. He talked about Izzy a lot too, and how much he adored his sister, and wanted to make sure she was okay. Mostly, though, he just wanted to talk with Hazel, no matter the subject.

On the days that she let him in, he was happy. The curry she made was absolutely delicious, and he relished the unique taste. It wasn’t something that the Terrowin family had much, and getting to taste Hazel’s unique spin on the flavor made things even better. During the few times that she did let him in, he also started to notice that she wouldn’t get close to him. Finally realizing this, he did his best to maintain the distance, only pushing the boundary on rare occasions, trying to see if she would let him any closer.

On this particular morning, Rex was running a bit late. Simone had asked for his help, and since he was home instead of out and about with one of his girls, he had little choice but offer his assistance. When he came up to Hazel’s cottage, he noticed that, for once, she was outside.

“Morning, Hazel!” he said, looking at her curiously. “A haircut? Why don’t you get someone to help you?” He kept his distance, though, not wanting to distract her while she had scissors.

Author: Hazel, Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 11:41 AM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

Hazel took a look at Rex and tilted her head. “Even if you grew up here Rex… It’s not a good idea. The body doesn’t adjust like that and you know it. Keep water on you.”

She tilted her head once more to the other side. “You don’t have to do that. Really. I can make a trip into town if I have to…”

Two months came and went quickly with Rex finding out just how hard getting close to Hazel would be. On the days he went and save ladies first Hazel had the front door locked. She could easily tell him which girl it was he had slept with after the first month.

“Benin, right?”

“Vilpamolan, this time?”

“Sularia? Close to home Rex.”

On the days he didn’t he was let in and even given some of her food. She never let him close to her but he was given curry to eat. It was something she was fond of from her time helping in Abed. She had asked if she could learn to make it and they were more than willing to teach.

He was only let in six out of the thirty days in each month. Twelve days he got to spend with Hazel. Today was one of the days that Hazel was outside. She had a mirror propped up and she had some scissors as she tried to concentrate on how to cut her hair. It was getting long since she was trying to avoid Rex, not having the time to actually cut it.

Author: Hellebore, Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 11:24 AM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

As Rex opened the door, he was surprised to see his father staring at him with a look of confusion. The demon hunter turned his attention back to Hazel as she told Rex where to drop the flour. Rex did as he was asked, barely noticing that Hazel was, more or less, avoiding getting near the boy.

When Hazel forced Rex to sit down, he didn’t have much of a choice but to acquiesce. “I’m fine, really. It’s nothing.” Still, he was appreciative of her getting him water, and he gulped it down without any reservations. Hazel left him to return to Rhenakos, and the two were having some kind of secretive conversation. Something about a job, and from what Rex could hear, it wasn’t much.

Rhenakos nodded. “It’s a toss up between lust and envy. You know how it is…sometimes they blend together. And don’t worry about it. I had help from Simone and Lewis.” He glanced to the side. “We were caught off guard…how I was supposed to know we were in elvish territory.” That was about as close as he was going to admit that it was his fault they were caught.

Rex perked up when he heard Izzy’s name, and before anything else could be said, another person walked into the small hut. N Even Rex was starting to feel as though it were getting crowded. He pushed his chair back, trying to make more space on the floor as Hazel ran up and hugged the person who claimed she was Hazel’s mother, and Rex merely stared at the two. There was an obvious resemblance.

Rhenakos nodded when the woman started to speak with him, “Not a problem, Bryony.” He caught the silver, and proceeded to stash it away. “Never can complain about pay.” As gruff as he was, he was still somewhat professional about the whole exchange.

Rex and Rhenakos both seemed to shy away from the argument the mother and daughter started to have, and Rex was surprised at what he heard, but kept quiet. Rex was gunning for Hazel’s side, though. After all, he kept himself alive on the streets of Sularia as well, which was a little bit of a surprise considering he had never heard of Hazel.

Rex stood up when Hazel mentioned he should leave. “O-oh…okay. But, really…I’m not worried about the heat. I grew up here, so it’s nothing, really…” He smiled. “If you need anything, let me know. I’ll come by every so often to check up, since Izzy is so busy.” There was a hint of determination in his voice, as if he would not take no for an answer.

Author: Hazel, Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 8:03 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

Hazel tilted her head as he said he barely knew the girl. “But why…” A question for another time maybe… She could always ask her mother. “Thank you again, Izzy and I’ll remember what you said.” Maybe Rex really wasn’t a bad person.

Within the hour that Rex had been away, Hazel had gotten a visitor that the boy knew well. No one answered him and the door was slightly opened. There were hush voices on the inside and one that Rex knew enough.

Once Rex opened the door he would see his father Rhenakos staring at him for a moment. “OH! Rex! I didn’t know you would be making it back… Did you run here?” She gave a considered face. “Please, put it down over here.” For how close she was standing to Rhenakos she immediately backed up and away from Rex pointing at what had to be her kitchen area. “You didn’t have to run. You could have died from heatstroke.” She was careful as she grabbed just the sleeve of his shirt and forced him to sit. She got a cup of water and offered it to him.

“But… Um…” She blushed a bit and stepped away from Rex completely. Leaving at least six feet between them and put herself effectively almost behind a wall. She leaned over to speak to Rhenakos. “I can be ready by tomorrow for the job. I just have to prepare sutures and know what kind of demon it is. I should fully be able to put up a barrier around it so you can have a go at it like normal. I do apologize about that one job in Virens I couldn’t go with you to. I heard you got caught…”

She looked nervously over to Rex, “He does look like you like Izzy does… He volunteered to get me flour.” Her voice was so soft and quiet. The shack suddenly felt so crowded as a tall Arriese woman came in. She was gorgeous and Hazel was staring at her with starstruck eyes.

“Is that any way to greet your mother?” Bryony sounded serious with a frown before she opened her arms and Hazel ran into them. Bryony hugged her tightly. “Thank you again Rhenakos for taking care of her… I know it can be a lot of work.” She took a bag of silver out and threw it at the hunter. “Consider it a thank you for taking her on jobs when I can’t.” The mother looked at her and played with Hazel’s hair a moment. “Will you consider coming back to the oracle mansion?”

“No.” Hazel was stern. “I’ve told you a hundred times… I can’t be there. It’s unsafe. I’ll just end up almost killing someone again…”

“Hazel. They attacked you. It was perfectly reas–”

“I almost killed them and now everyone hates me because of it. No.” The girl put her shawl back up on her head and went back to her cauldron. She had a sad look on her face.

“I see…” The mother frowned a bit and shook her head. “Rhenakos, whatever you need for the trip just let us know. We’ll reimburse you for it.”

“I can handle it…”

“Hazel, you are sixteen. You shouldn’t be handling all of this by yourself. Let me help you.” Hazel couldn’t argue with her. “It’s the least I can do. I’ll get you some more fabric so you can make some more dresses but you should consider letting Kite…”

“I don’t want Kite to see me.” She pulled the shawl closer hiding herself. “No.”

“Then a female seamstress?”

“No. I can do it.” Hazel once more was stern.

“Alright… I’ll get the fabric then… It was nice to meet you, Rex.” She knew his name before he could say it and the oracle was on her way.

“You should probably go,” Hazel looked up at Rex. “Walk back, please. Don’t run… It’s dangerous in this heat.”

Author: Hellebore, Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 7:37 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

The fact that she was even considering it was a win in Rex’s book, and when she started to back out when she smelled a girl, the teen shook his head. “Nonono, she won’t mind. I barely know the girl, don’t worry. Besides, it’s just flour. Just give me the silver and I’ll be right back. It won’t take long. I promise!”

“It’s a pleasure, Miss Hazel!” Rex was sad she didn’t take his hand, but he did a little dramatic bow as he took the silver. “I’ll be right back, I promise!”

“I’m…so sorry, Hazel. He’s a good boy, though, I promise. Just…ignore it when he hits on you. If you tell him no, he’ll back off. He’s not a total pig…”

“I’m not a pig at all!” Rex complained as they left.

It took about an hour for him to return, and when he approached the cottage, he took a moment, setting down the large sack of flour that he had bought. He was wheezing, and obviously out of breath, and there was no way in hell he was going to let her see him like this.

After taking a moment, he hefted the bag, and approached the cottage. “Oh Hazel!” He plopped it down again, this time outside of her door. “I’m back! Did you miss me? Told you it wouldn’t take long.” Though he had managed to catch his breath, he was still covered in sweat, and looked as though he had run the whole way.

“Where do you want it?”

Author: Hazel, Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 7:21 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

Hazel jumped back once Rex got excited at the prospect of getting her flour. She pulled the shawl closer and she just gave him a stare but it wasn’t like Izzy. “Don’t you know who I am?” He was a Rosenite that much was clear. He should have known who she was. She was Sularia’s pariah. “Okay though… Hold on while I get the silver.” She pulled out a sack of silver from a drawer and brought it over.

Looking at Izzy she nodded, “Thank you, Izzy… I could have waited. A few days without bread wouldn’t kill me. I’ve done worse.” She chuckled a bit but moved her eyes to Rex now. When he held out his hand she made a face and dipped down to smell him. She made a face and stepped back a bit. “You… smell like a woman. Maybe you shouldn’t get my flour… I wouldn’t want her to think anything.” She made a sigh when she realized that Rex wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“Here…” She didn’t touch his hand but dropped the sack into it. “Flour for a month. Don’t come back here too late into the night though that’s when… Bad things happen out here. It’s not worth dying for.” She paused when she realized she was being rude. “…I’m Hazel Black, Sularia’s Occult Specialist and Hedge Witch.”

Author: Hellebore, Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 7:15 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

Izzy nodded, “Of course I can get you flo-”

“I’ll get it! I can bring it right now, even,” Rex said earnestly. “I’m not busy like you are, Iz. I really don’t mind.” There was an odd look from his sister, one that was asking ‘What are you up to.’ Still, if Hazel agreed, she would acquiesce to his decision to help. After all, Hazel was more than capable of taking care of herself.

Izori sighed, “My idiot brother is reliable, at least. I’ll give him that. If you’re okay with it, then I’m okay with it. I have a busy schedule and wouldn’t be able to get back till next week, like I said.” the fact that a six year old was already booked for a week earned a solid stare from Rex, but he guessed that Toya kept her busy.

“Don’t worry, I can handle it!” Rex said confidently. He held out his hand, taking a step towards Hazel. I just realized, I never properly introduced myself. I’m Rex Hellebore Terrowin, at your service.”

Author: Hazel, Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 7:09 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

Hazel made a face and chuckled. “It’s alright Izzy I probably wouldn’t even know when I was being flirted with anyways. No one ever does. You know how people are with me.” She was oblivious to what she met and that Rex had actually tried to flirt with her. Which showed just how much she knew.

She saw the look on Izzy’s face and smirked a bit, “It’s alright Izzy I don’t mind answering. I stay here by myself so I don’t hurt people. It’s better this way. Even if I do get lonely it’s not like people in the city like me.” There was a sad glint in her eyes as she finished up the tonic.

“I certainly try to be. I do have a reputation to keep.” She put her finger to her lips as she thought about it. “I’m almost out of flour, do you think you can get me some? Enough for a month. The flour lady’s son hates me so they won’t sell to me.”

Author: Hellebore, Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 7:04 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

As soon as Izzy heard Rex’s remark, she made a face at him. When Hazel questioned it, she went around to where Rex was standing, and kicked him in the shin, “Shut up, Rex! Don’t bother Hazel with your stupid!” She looked to Hazel, “Sorry, you can ignore what he said. He’s just trying to be an idiot flirt. He’s not always like this…” She paused. “Well, he is, but I promise he’s harmless. Just ignore him.”

Rex was hopping up and down, “Ow, you little twerp! What was that for!?”

“Hazel is innocent. She doesn’t need you around here making things harder for her! Just leave her alone!” Izzy raised her fist. “I know where you sleep!”

“Fine, fine!” Rex said, holding up his hands. “I’ll stop. But…Hazel, you said you’ve been here since you were six? It really must get lonely.” That earned a look from Izzy. “Oh come of it, sis. I’m asking an actual question. I can’t stand being alone for more than a day. I can’t imagine being out here by myself for years, with only strangers coming by every so often…”

Izzy was already grabbing up the herbs. “Thanks, Hazel! You’re the best!” Izzy was rough with most people in her life, but Hazel was one of the sweetest girls she knew, and thus had earned a soft spot in the demon girl’s heart. “Is there anything from town you want next time I come by? I can make a trip out next week if you need something!”

Author: Hazel, Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 6:57 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

“Eating grass? Sounds like they ate something bad… It’s the one field as always? Sounds like mushrooms. They spring up this time of year. I can get the Hyanac for you.” She took the coin and looked over at Rex. He looked like Izzy with his red hair. This must have been her brother. She had heard a little about him.

Though expertly Hazel stayed away from him the best she could in the small shack. Though she had to stir the pot so she supposed that the distance between the cauldron and them would work. “It’s a tonic for keeping spirits away but I’m lacing it with Queen Anne’s Lace. It should give the succubus a nasty headache… and also keep my customers happy.” She threw in some of the giant white flowers and watched as the tonic turned a purplish-blue.

“Succubi aren’t scary not really. If you know how to handle them you can safeguard yourself.” She tilted her head at him. “Why would I need someone here? I have wards set up so nothing bad can enter here.” She had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. “I’ve been here by myself since I was six."

Hazel left their sight for a moment before bringing back two big bundles of what looked like grass with blue flowers. “Here you go. It’s fresh too so it should be more potent for them. Make sure to get rid of the mushrooms in the field.” She took the coin and handed Izzy the bundles. “Maybe sure not to give them too much okay? But if it’s Aja or Toya giving them it they will know what to do.”

Hazel was hesitant as she reached out and patted Izzy on the head.

Author: Hellebore, Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 6:47 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

As the two approached, Izzy noted that Hazel was nervous about the newcomer, Rex. Even if it was her brother, Izzy knew better than to expect anything less from Hazel. She wasn’t one for strangers, and it easily showed.

“Hi, Hazel!” Izzy said with the sweetest smile. “Auntie Toya sent me for the usual blend,” she said as she started digging around for the coins. “Sadly, yes,” she answered in response to the question about the dragons. “They’re eating the grass again. It’s not good.”

Rex hadn’t said much since Izzy and Hazel started talking. Hazel was…not what he expected. She was cute, in the shy introverted kind of way. What caught him most, though, were her eyes. They seemed to glance nervously his way every so often, though as she talked with Izzy, she seemed to loosen up a bit.

Izzy nodded when she asked to go grab the chicken, and the little red-haired girl went and chased the chicken out, shutting the door. “Shoo…shoo!” she said, finally getting the door shut.

“What…are you making?” Rex asked as he walked towards her, staring into the pot. He wasn’t entirely clueless. Rex knew that he was making her nervous, but his curiosity got the better of him. As she explained, he smiled. “Succubus, huh? That sounds scary. Do you need someone to keep you safe at night?”

Author: Hazel, Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 4:08 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

Hazel’s cottage was in the middle of the outskirts. It looked more like a rundown shed as it was made with older wood with patches that had been obviously replaced over the years. There was grass growing all over the thatched roofing and chickens were running around outside. A large cauldron was outside with other things that couldn’t be inside the small house.

The humming was coming from inside that suggested a youthful voice. Once Izzy opened the door Hazel turned from where she was. She had caramel skin and mercury colored eyes. Her hair was poofy from the heat and humidity of the area full of wild curls. She wore a conservative cream-colored dress and her feet were barefoot.

Immediately when she saw Rex she ran and grabbed a shawl that went over the back of her hair and she held it close over herself. She couldn’t have been older than him. “Iz- Izzy! What can I help you with?” Her voice was sweet and up the back of the cottage from just the sunlight that came in was sprawling shadow tendrils.

There was growling and Hazel took a spoon and smacked a squid plushie that was nearby. “No, they are guests. Sorry, he doesn’t like strangers.” She pulled the shawl closer as she stood far apart from them not really wanting to get close. “Are the dragons sick again?”

A chicken ran inside and Hazel sighed, “Can you… get that out? Close the door for me?” She shooed it back towards them but still didn’t move too far from her spot. The cauldron on the inside had a roaring fire under it and colored smoke came. The flooring was dirt and there were baskets of herbs, vegetables, and fruit everywhere. It barely looked like a house. There was a ladder up to a half loft near the front. Her eyes were uneasy on Rex as she grabbed the spoon and grabbed more handfuls of some lavender to toss inside the cauldron.

"It's to scare away some spirits that have been plaguing travelers. Apparently, they act like vampires but if you ask me it sounds more like a succubus doing it… They won't listen to me though."

Author: Hellebore, Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 3:56 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

It had been a busy morning for Rex. Busy, in the sense that he woke up next to Natayl, a stunning Arriise beauty that had, in the past month, made it well known how much she liked sleeping with Rex. Sure, she wasn’t exactly well known for keeping her legs closed, but that didn’t bother Rex too much. He enjoyed her company, for what it was worth, and she enjoyed his. At least, she enjoyed it enough to scream about it throughout the night.

Yet, it was this very morning that the door opened, and Natayl’s father almost had an aneurysm as he processed what had happened. Whatever spell Natayl had used to keep her room quiet had no effect if someone was able to waltz right in at any moment.

“By Natayl, have a good day!” Rex said as he jumped up and grabbed his clothes. Without any hesitation, he hopped out the window, and headed down the streets of Suluria, taking only a moment to slip into the side roads to finally put his clothes on. This wasn’t the first time he had been caught, and wouldn’t be the last.

“Ah, right…I was supposed to visit Izzy today. Wonder if she’s up yet,” the boy said as he straightened out his white tunic.

It wasn’t long before he was at Toya’s door. It was Izzy who answered his knock, and her eyes lit up with surprise and happiness when she noticed that it was her brother.

“Rex!” she said, pulling him indoors. She slammed the door, and gave him a big hug. For a six year old, she was quite strong, and almost took the breath out of Rex as she squeezed him hard. “You should have told me you were coming!”

“I…did? We planned this a week ago, Iz,” Rex replied as he ruffled his sister’s hair. She was about to say something, when a call from Toya made her seize up.

Curious, Rex followed his sister to meet Toya. With the task given, and the coin in hand, Izzy nodded. “Got it, Aunt Toya. I’ll make sure we do that right away.”

The two left, and back into the streets ot Sularia they went. Rex looked at his sister, and sighed. “She really has you under her thumb, doesn’t she?”

Izzy nodded, “She’s the only one I can’t overpower, no matter what I do. Rex…I can wrestle dragons to the ground, but Aunt Toya…” Her eyes grew smaller. “Auntie Toya terrifies me…”

Rex grimaced. “That bad, huh? It’s okay, though. You seem to be doing well enough. So…where are we going? To see this…Hazel person?”

“Yes,” she replied. “Hazel is a hedge witch at the edge of town. She’s…a bit of an odd one. People tend to stay away from her, and for good reason. The rumors you here about her on the streets..they can get pretty gruesome.” It seemed like she wasn’t worried about visiting Hazel, though, as if she were merely playing up the rumors for Rex’s benefit.

Rex sighed. Great. Another old hag…just what I needed to deal with.

A smirk flashed across Izori’s face. “You were just thinking something about Hazel, weren’t you?” It was like she was trying to play a game. “Just you wait. She’s pretty cool, actually. Really smart, too…” They had neared the edge of town, and started to get into a more wild-like area. “There…her cottage is just over there.”

Author: Toya, Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 3:29 PM, Post Subject: Tummy Aches [P/R]

“Can someone summon Izzy for me?” Toya was barely up for the day. She smelled like booze and her brown curls were wild. She had on her husband’s shirt and no pants. She dared anyone to tell her she was in the wrong for sitting at her desk drinking whiskey at the ass crack of dawn.

Once Izzy came in she noticed the teenager with her. “Didn’t know Rex was visiting Izzy. My bad.” She downed the last bit of the flask and shook it before trying to look up in it. “Listen, got an emergency. The dragons down in the lower field are eating grass again. Seems like they ate something bad and their stomachs are upset. We’re out of Hyanac Herb and the only one anywhere close that still has some lives in the fucking outskirts. That means Hazel. Can you go see her?”

Toya got a sack of silver and threw it at her. “You can disregard training today since your brother is here. That and I’m busy,” she got up and grabbed the big ass bottle of whiskey behind her. “My husband’s birthday.” She drank from the bottle. “I’m coming up Blaine! Did you keep my side of the bed warm at least?!” She yelled up the stairs and there was a smart-ass response back down to her.

“YEAH BUT NOT FOR LONG SO GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE!” The lycanthrope yelled down to her.

“See, gotta go. Please get the herb. Give it to Aja if she isn't fucking Garland. This is pretty important soo…. BYE.” Up the stairs she went.