A Test of Restraint [Luna]

freedom is only an illusion

like opening a cage to let a bird fly out, while it remains tethered

Yulia had just arrived in Haunted Village this morning, and she had taken to waiting. Her young serving lad had asked why a woman like her was visiting this place, either obviously understanding she was nothing more than a temporary traveler or assuming it offhand. Not owing him an explanation, Yulia had offered him anyway. Perhaps a local could know more about these rumors than the elders who had asked her to come. Judging by his reaction, he did know of them, but held them in disregard. Undoubtedly Yulia saw, in the shadow of the youngster's disbelief, her own prior lack of awareness. Sitting in the silence here at the village tavern, reading the job description she had grabbed this morning, Yulia was hyperaware of her surroundings. This place should be moderately busy around this time in the afternoon, but nobody was here. Perhaps they had taken the warnings more seriously and begun to prepare. On the other hand, it was entirely possible that the residents were up to something.

Her fingers worked around the handle of her coffee cup, and she raised it to her lips before setting it back down. Focus, Yulia thought to herself. An uncomfortable sense stewed in her stomach and worked its way up to her throat. Almost like she had to throw up, she walked outside mechanically after leaving behind a few jewels tucked under her plate. Where was her job partner? Had she possibly come to the wrong village? According to the resident she had contacted, they had wanted more than one mage on the case. Naturally the woman didn't hold any resentment in her heart for that choice. It was the more intelligent option, especially considering how the village hoped to simply subdue the supposed werewolves rather than kill them. However, she was anxious to meet her partner. To find out how they were. Altogether she could admit she was unsure of how to meet said individual. She was not accustomed to waiting around for others, but then again this new chapter of her life had already introduced her to a great many new customs. Anxieties. Being concerned. She decided to continue waiting in the tavern; what other real landmark did a little village have, after all? Once another several minutes had passed without meeting, though, she was determined to go back outside and wait near the fountain in the center of the square. That was impossible to miss, even if her appearance might be to some.

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