Chapter Twelve: Alavira P.O.V.

One moment I'm washing clothes, the next something is dragging me into the water. Confusion and panic crash through me as if I've been hit with a wave. Trying my best to get a clear picture of my surroundings, I'm even more confused. My head can't keep up with what is happening right now as I'm surrounded by water, and pressure begins to build within my body. When my lungs start to burn and squeeze tightly for air, is when I get a good look at the creature that has taken me.

"You can't die yet, pretty little thing. I haven't had my fun with you!" Its voice is deep and muffled underwater, its teeth a gnarled twisted clump in its mouth as it speaks to me, before slamming its face to mine to breathe out nasty, stale air into my mouth and nose. I want to scream, to fight it but I'm stunned. I'm in shock and can't believe what I'm seeing.

It's as pale as the first snowfall in winter, it looks almost sick with how thin it is. Where human bones should be sticking out, there aren't any. Its collar bones look too small and jagged as if they had been broken. Where ribs should sit, there are only four, thin almost rectangular shapes. Its hips stick out harshly under its makeshift gown of thin, tattered, white cloth. Muscular legs dangle in the water, but they don't look right. The knees are backwards and its feet face in different directions as it paddles lazily. A large, thick tail that almost reminds of a fish with frills whips back and forth behind it, as pale as its owner's flesh with a few inky black spots scattered across it. The long, matted turquoise hair flows behind it and around its face as a few bones stick out from the strands. Its black eyes hold small, shining blue orbs to match its hair, while a tar like goo hangs under its eyes to give it almost a sunken effect. The same goo can be seen running down from its bottom lip to its chest, almost making it look as though it is missing everything from its bottom jaw to its collar bones. Its fingers are too long for its hands and are armed with sharp, black, talons that look like they can tear flesh in an instant. It doesn't have a nose or ears from what I can see, and slim, long gills line its neck. It's something from a nightmare.

The shock finally subsides as I begin to fight back, trying to get away from this creature. Needing fresh air to fill my lungs, to see the sun shining and know I'm out of this new found hell. Accidentally elbowing it in the face gives me an opening to try and swim back up. Its black blood oozes out of a cut on its forehead showing me the way up. It bubbles and looks like spilled ink in the water as it floats up. Following its path as I try to pry myself from its ever tightening grip. A faint shrill sounds in the water as it reaches for me again as I kick it harshly, using it to push myself further away trying to get back to the white water that sits up above us.

Its hand tangles in my hair, drawing me back down with a rough tug as it tries to swim deeper still. Panic sets in again as I start to see the black water surround me again, reaching a hopeless hand up to the surface as I'm being taken deeper still. Is this how I die? In a river, when I was so close to freedom?

Something grabs my hand tightly and I think it's the creature again when a soft hand grabs my other while I was trying to punch it, only to be face to face with Suluk. He's here? Am I hallucinating? He's saving me? He signals for me to stay still, to keep quiet and wait. Kieren shows up to my side as he draws forth a talon to cut me free from the creature. Its hand still tangled in my hair, unaware of my rescuers. He cuts effortlessly through my hair, and once that pain has subsided the creature turns back to see all three of us. A blood curdling, ear piercing shrill sounds echo in the water as it lunges back for us. It's talons slicing into my calf as it tries to redirect itself to swim back up toward us. Crying out in pain without a moment to stop myself the water assaults me, pouring its way into my mouth and throat making my lungs burn harshly for air.

Suluk wasted no time in swimming us back up to the surface, one arm around me as Kieren follows closely behind, watching for the creature to come back. We nearly make it to the bubbling surface when the current sweeps us away, Kieren trying to keep up with us as we are torn apart by the harsh twists and turns. Panic sets in as I begin to believe I'll drown down here, so close to freedom and yet so far. I hear Suluks voice like a whisper, far off and distant. Hear the panic in his voice as he tries to yell out to us. "Lay on your back!! Float up and draw breath when you can!!" Coughing up water as I surface for a moment before trying to do what he said, watching the sky clouded with trees before start to thin out and becoming a vision of colors fading into each other.

Being sucked under for another moment before running into a rock. That will definitely leave a bruise if I make it out of this alive. Panic like before takes me as I watch Kieren swim with the current before being pulled under harshly in a spot he shouldn't have. The thing is back! My vision blurs, black spots encroaching the edges as I can't seem to draw breath again. Waiting to see who will come up to the surface again. The heartbeat in my ears mixes harshly with the roaring of the river as I start to feel as though someone has filled me with heavy rocks. Unable to move my own body as I stare at where Kieren was just a moment ago. It feels like an eternity while I wait to see if he'll come back up.

I believe I'm going crazy when my body becomes light all the sudden, the frothy water that was suffocating is slowly releasing me; the roar of the river receding as it feels like I'm floating; the tree limbs become closer as the sky darkens further and I'm sure this is the moment I'm dying. Far off I can hear that shrill screeching again, Suluk yelling, and something that sounds like thunder, but not quite right. Feel the air around me as it feels like I hang loosely there, but the wave of uneasiness and exhaustion hits so hard that everything goes black for a while.

"Ava! Ava! Ava, are you alright? Can you hear me?" Suluks voice sounds far off and a bit distorted as I feel pressure on my shoulders. It also sounds like someone is sick off to the side and a woman is grunting on another side. What is happening? What is going on? Where am I? Why do my eyes feel so heavy? I try to speak to Suluk, but my throat is raw, it's so painful that I can barely breathe right without wincing at every intake. My hand moves around for a moment before my fingers hit something that feels like an arm. Fingers are on my wrist in an instant and a heavenly voice with a soft accent speaks calmly.

"She's in shock, but her heart rate is good for now. We need to move them somewhere safe. We have to leave this place before dark. If a Helse Duilker is here, then there is no telling what else may be lurking waiting for nightfall." Suluk doesn't say anything after the woman is done. Instead it feels like two arms are picking me up as I hang loosely in them. Unable to move of my own will right now, I let the darkness claim me again.

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Cool water drips down my temple drawing my attention first thing, but I do not open my eyes yet, unsure of my new surroundings or if I'm even still alive right now. The sound of something being sat down startles me and I can't stop the small flinch that happens. The sound of a chair being moved on the wooden floor draws closer, and still I refuse to open my eyes. "Nice to see you're finally awake. How are you feeling? I have some nice, cool water right here for you to drink if you can sit up slightly for me?" That beautiful voice speaks softly again from my side and I peek an eye open. The candle by the bed is too bright, the light hurts my eyes making me squish them shut again and turn away. "Oh? Still a bit sensitive? I'm sorry, here may I help?" Her smooth voice caresses my aching head like a silk sheet, soothing and cool, as I nod.

Not even a moment later a cool, tingling sensation that reminds me of Kierens healing wraps around me. It almost reminds me of the few times I was lucky enough to try mint candies and it made my tongue feel the same way. While Kierens reminds me of when you step out of a warm house into the snow, it's cold and a bit awkward at first but something you grow used to quickly. The pounding in my head comes to a halt as my eyes feel less pressure, even the small bit of pain from my leg seems to cease. Slowly opening my eyes I'm met with a high, vaulted ceiling, the elegant carvings in the wood look like something that should be in a royals home. The darkness is lit with candles and a few lanterns that are slowly dying and need to be refueled.

Large, open windows allow for a cool, night breeze to flow through while bugs and soft rain bounce off of a dim, shimmering, violet barrier. Even the wood around the windows have delicate carvings that remind me of soft vines that have grown up to bloom with beautiful flowers, a few birds and bees can be seen flying between flowers or resting on vines. The work that has been put into this home is absolutely lovely. I'm entranced by the small, unlit fireplace that looks to be made out of riverstone and sand. A large cauldron sits, waiting, in the middle, its front legs slightly sticking out onto the small area in front of the fireplace that holds other tools and a basket.

"Good, you're sitting up on your own. That's a good sign! Your throat might be a little sore, I can only fix so much unlike Kieren." The woman lets out a breathy chuckle as she speaks fondly of Kieren. It draws my curious gaze to hers and helps me relax a bit with the warm, welcoming smile she gifts me.

This woman is one of the most beautiful, and exotic person I've ever seen. From her midnight skin, to hair so long and curls so tight they look like they were placed individually with intent from a goddess to make the light shimmer with every bouncy movement, all the way down to her plump, perfectly curved figure she looks like something that would entice someone to sin. Her honey brown eyes, the left having a dash of green on the bottom, and her plump lips are warm and welcoming as she smiles and remains calm for having a stranger in her house. A few stray pieces of hair fall in her face as she moves, looking as if she's trying to grow bangs out, or I guess layers in her hair since a few medium length pieces fall over her shoulder. She is hauntingly beautiful and I can't seem to take my eyes away from her.

"This is for you." She speaks up again and it makes me wonder where she is from, just the smallest hint of an accent remains from a homeland she must have come from. I take the cup of water from her and take a few sips looking around the room for the others, needing to know if Kieren made it out alive. "Don't worry about them, little human. They are both safe and resting, even if I did have to basically lock Suluk in a room to let you rest by yourself." She chuckles and eyes me over as well. I wonder, for a fluttering second, what she must see. If she sees someone who is strong, or weak; pretty or scared; if she sees someone who is free, or still a slave in that all knowing gaze of hers. Shifting slightly on the bed with nervous energy she gives me a sweet smile and as she turns I realize her four sharp teeth in the front are a little longer and thicker than they should be, but they do not look odd in her mouth. It makes me wonder what she is, and who she is.

"Where are we?" My voice is small, quiet and rough as I try to speak. Taking another sip of water she turns back to me with happiness written all over her face, like me talking to her is something to be happy about. She is odd, but in a good way. I'm starting to realize that most people here are like that; odd and kind hearted.

"I brought you to my home! It's not much, but what I have you're more than welcome to! The house by the river, on the hill, was not safe yet. Not until they set a territory again that is. But they can have that done by tomorrow evening, so no worries about a thing deary." Her long, delicate looking fingers and hands continue to work on something off to the side as she speaks without looking at me again until the end.

"Thank you….um?" I don't want to be rude, but I have no idea who this woman is, much less her name. That seems to grab her attention though as she looks embarrassed and smiles at me awkwardly.

"That's right you're new. Please forgive me! I didn't mean to be rude, it's just been so long since I've had to introduce myself. My name is-"

"Mom, I'm back!! Brought that water you wanted!! It took forever and I'm soaked! Can you believe-Oh she's awake!! Welcome back to the land of the living little human!" Ginger burst through the door, interrupting the woman from before and drawing both of our attention to her. Her hair soaked and sticking to her face and equally wet clothing. Her golden eyes looking to me with amusement before turning to her mothers with worry. She looks like she knows she's about to get in trouble and is giving large, sad eyes to try and get less of a punishment.

"Ginger Nathiera Detemtra! What have I told you about interrupting people?! And what happened to knocking?! I swear it'll be a miracle if people think I taught you any manners!" I shrink back further into the bed trying not to laugh and draw attention to myself as this new mystery woman turns and scolds Ginger. She raises a hand and sighs. "Those eyes haven't worked in years! You can stop that and take this punishment like an adult!" She raises a brow and crosses her arms over her stomach as she glares at a poor, sad looking Ginger.

"Mom! It wasn't my fault! I thought she was still asleep!" Ginger whines and steps back bumping her back into the fireplace. It's silent for a moment before the woman steps up, making Ginger squeal and I let loose a horse laugh at the sight before me. They both stop and turn to me, Ginger smiling and the woman staring with amusement. "I told you she had a pretty smile!! Would bring all the customers in to see the both of you!" She proclaims proudly, making her mother giggle and me blush.

"Oh right, I never told you my name. It's nice to meet you Alavira, I'm Zipporah." She smiles warmly at me, extending a hand. I shake her hand happily, noting that it doesn't feel as warm as Gingers did and that leaves me even more confused.

"You're probably wondering how she's my mom right?" Ginger looks between us with a warm smile as she wraps an arm around her mothers and leans into her, the small fiery freckles dancing just above her skin. "It's because she found me as a baby and raised me as her own! Pretty cool huh?! She's awesome, when she's not yelling at you." She explains making me laugh as Zipporah rolls her eyes and flicks her daughter's hand.