Of Monsters and Men

Skeptically, she took the bag and stood, examining it first, then Ezra. She hadn't intended to say it, but "thank you" was past her lips before she remembered that she wasn't supposed to linger. With that, Kitty scurried out and disappeared.
 
He was visibly surprised when he heard her expression of gratitude, and watched her go before putting away the third plate of breakfast food he had previously prepared. Not having foreseen her hurried departure, he had cancelles all his tasks for the day, so he disappeared into the depths of his home to do something different. Training, maybe, or perhaps some thinking on why he should abandon this form already.

On her way out, Kitty would see more creatures on the streets of the village. Most looked at her when she passed by. Now, during the daytime, the place wasn't illuminated in eerie blue, but early morning sunlight. Still, blue flames circulated, and all kinds of strange creatures went here and there. Some buildings resembled shops, bars, cafeterias. Monsters gathered around and shared stories in strange words and sounds, as well as beverages and strange foods. A group of Estraven-like beings passed her, but he wasn't with her.
 
She moved quickly at first, fearful when the monsters looked at her, and she made sure her hood was pulled over her head. But after a minute, she began to slow. Though she did not stop walking, Kitty started to notice the things happening around her. The monsters... they were so... normal.

The girl shook her head, clutching Ezra's bag tighter to her chest, and vanished into the woods. She'd be back in a few days. She just didn't know it, yet.
 
Over the next few days, life continued normally for the monster village. Ezra went back to work the next day and also started organizing their next expedition outside thee forest. To the nearest ruinous city, that had once been called Tavorán. Abel helped in any way he could and would be going with them once they left. But that wouldn't be for a few weeks yet.

Estraven and his herd continued their work as transports for others and messengers between monster settlements. They had regular beasts for supplies and also cleared roads for wagons to travel through the thick forests. Lately, he'd befriended one of the horses. A huge white shire the stable owners called Puff.
 
By the end of the first day, Kitty annoyedly noticed that her focus lay more on the village than on her survival. When neither sandwich poisoned her that night nor the next afternoon, suspicion dwindled into curiosity, and she began to recheck her facts. Even if she wasn't entirely convinced, maybe it wouldn't be too hard to give Ezra a second chance.

Not that she expected to see him again. If anything, Kitty preferred to keep away from the village.... Except, two mornings later, she stumbled across the place once more in search of food. For some reason, it was situated directly between her home and her destination. It was almost as if an invisible pair of thumbs was placing it there for the sole purpose of meeting the monsters again.

Yet, she was stubborn. The girl kept her hood on and tried not to be noticed as she made her way through the small town. If luck held, she wouldn't be called out by anyone for walking through—what with being human and all.
 
"Hey, Late for Dinner" Said a voice, just as one of the many blue flying lights stopped just a few centimeters away from her face.

From the sound of it, it was Abel, the younger - man- that had been in Ezra's house when she woke up a few days ago.

"What are you doing back here huh?, missing us already?" He continued to say, the orb of light burning without heat.

A few other lights stopped to look at the scene, and they weren't the only ones. A group of stags that were navigating the village did so as well. Estraven was amongst them.
 
She started, taking a step back from the light and accidentally tripping herself. Kitty landed on the packed earth—worn by many a footstep—and looked up, first with confusion at the blue light, then concernedly around at those watching. The girl hastily picked herself back up and brushed off the seat of her pants, stifling the pressing instinct to bolt. Though, it must have been more that clear by the expression she was making.

"My name is not 'Late for Dinner,'" she grumbled while dusting herself off. "It's Kitty. K-I-T-T-Y. And I'm not here to visit." The girl continued on her way, making sure the mint jacket hood was still pulled over her dark, curling hair. There was too much attention. Too many eyes. It made her quite uncomfortable.
 
"Yeah but I like Late for Dinner better" Said the light, following after her.

"What do you want then?, Back to rob Ezra of his time?, to... Grab more sandwiches maybe?. Or... Oh god, pray tell, did you get lost?" He said, cackling, the light flaring momentarily and bouncing around Kitty. However, he didn't get to make fun of her for much longer.

" Leave her alone, Abel. You're awful..." Said another floating light.

" Do you need help or something, human??, If you want, I'll chase him away" It continued. Its light was lighter than Abel's. Almost white.
 
Kitty swiped at the small light that was Abel, disliking the way he... it? swished this way and that in front of her. Her hand went through it, which was discouraging.

"No," she replied, despite how nice the thought of a sandwich sounded about now. "I'm just... passing through."
 
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