beatrice felt a slight smile spread across her features, amusement growing. yes. bats were, to most people, nothing but an annoyance. beatrice didnât see them that way herself. but she was no BEAST like this, with hearing that could take in all that the bats had to say. were she able to hear such things then perhaps her mind could be swayed, but as it was? she found bats utterly FASCINATING. âi donât find them a nuisance, quite the contrary. though i have often been told of how annoying they are, iâm afraid⌠well, iâm afraid my mind is set on the matter.â
her smile was more relaxed, more NATURAL now. this bet was both amazing and terrifying, so unlike everything seen before. it was wonderful, and yet it made  her nervous - for how did one act in this situation? she liked knowing about other people (and creatures) so as she could plan her actions in advance.
âiâm not here to study the bats, not right now. admittedly i do find them fascinating, but these bats are far better suited to this environment. i donât wish to intrude.â perhaps later, when things were settled (and her children safe) she could return and look closer. but not now. âas much as i love bats, i love my family more.â
she gave a little nod, an acknowledgement of the beasts words and apology. not that the beast was at fault, and not that apologising made any difference. but it was a matter of etiquette really. âiâ ah, well, i expected as much. iâm sure he went the other way orâ heâs in here somewhere, i do hope.â but the place was dense, and movement slow. and there were so many directions which she could take. perhaps the best thing to do would be to LEAVE. he would do the same and when they were out of this area, then they could try and contact one another safely.Â
but would either of them make it out safely to begin with?
âi would be incredibly grateful for any assistance you can offer,â beatrice began, her smile warming again. âthatâs a generous offer. and whilst iâve navigated treacherous areas before, i know when iâm lost and when i must admit it. this place is quite unusual. if i could get out it would be far easier to get in contact with bertrand. iâm prepared to do what it takes to get out - a long trek will be worth it to meet with him and to get out. i can cope.â she would have to cope.
For some reason, the womanâs determination and steadfastness greatly amused the beast. Its maw quirked into a faint sneer (facial expressions were a gesture it picked up from humans, and somehow had never been able to un-remember, hard as it tried). It always considered it rather ironic when humans cared so passionately about something, given their ephemeral nature and inability to make significant changes. The beast had seen generation after generation come and go, and what had changed, really? Human nature itself made progress impossible. One man builds, another man destroys, in a circle that doesnât seem to break.
    Nonetheless, there is grace in their failings. The beast found a certain charm in the way this woman took to her mission though it knew that she, like all others, was destined for misery. Her appreciation for the wildlife, the scenery, the beast itself â it found this slightly touching, if not a á´Ęá´á´á´É´á´
á´á´s cause for alarm.
     Despite its constant internal warnings, the beast begrudgingly found itself warming up to this new arrival. âI am afraid i cannot relate to your... motivations. My many siblings and children are all deadââ (by its own teeth, no less.) ââ though I understand your species values familial sentimentality quite a bit more than I am accustomed to.â With a sharp smile, and mostly joking, it added, âI promise, if I happen to come across your mate, to refrain from eating him. Unless he deserves it.â
    Raising the forward half of its body to an imposing height, the beast periscoped to get a better view of its surroundings, though even its impressive length was not quite enough to clear the topmost layer of seaweed fronds. âIf you can recall such a thing, may I inquire as to where you entered the forest? And where you would wish to exit? The northern area leads to the train station, however to the south of here one may find the town and lighthouse. and to the east lays the old ink distillery.â
    The sun was just beginning to set, with a watery twilight settling over the landscape. The eerie silence of the area never failed to sadden the beast, as it recalled a time when the crashing of waves could be heard for miles.
    Perhaps humans were doomed, but they could rend and tear the world in a way no other creature could.
    âAnd one more thing. What, may I inquire, is your name, my dear? If we are to spending such quality time together, I would prefer to address you properly.â
tangentwithtanner
gummygunk
vaporwave
gamechangershow
germansingergirl
pixelskylines
izzy806
andulkaphoto
kianamaiart
