The incident at the church was disturbing enough that Ben had started to wonder about some things. Such a "family" was not something that Ben would consider normal due to the way in which the Elder invited him to know and… maybe be a part of.
Ben thought of things like initiation ceremonies or blood pacts that someone would have to go through to be admitted as Lord by Mother Miranda. Whatever it was, it seemed to be something that was difficult to accept.
"I still haven't seen any man-eating monsters attacking anyone...or am I just not looking in the right places. All I know is that I'm in a village ruled by a freaking weird family. And why does Elena seem to have issues with hunters? Maybe this will help me find out more." Ben enjoyed his time partnering with Rook enough to learn how to investigate and solve cases involving both intergalactic and Earth criminals, but the Revonnahgandero wasn't there to set an example as a detective for Ben at that time, which meant that Ben had You have to solve this case your own way.
…
Ben could be lucky and hope that Elena was at Luiza's house or ask her where her friend lives. Going to the Duke was also another viable option, venturing beyond those other gates sounded like a good idea too, but Elena's case was his first option and he really wanted to explore it.
"It would be great if Luiza was already preparing lunch. Everything that has happened so far has made me hungry". Ben thought as he made his way to the house where he was staying, on the other hand, Ben did not want to be a nuisance to Luiza while she carried out her tasks, even though she assured her that her stay there would not be a problem. Ben opened the gates to enter and closed them behind him then entered the house heading towards the living room to find exactly the one he wanted to talk to: Elena.
-Hi Ben. You arrived on time. Elena said, smiling friendly. A familiar smell attacked Ben's nostrils at that moment, which made him think about why Elena had made that statement and made him excited. It was the smell of a chicken being roasted, added to the sound of a spoon scratching the bottom of an iron pot, and the sight of Elena changing the living room table were suggestive enough for Ben to realize what was going on there: a delicious lunch is being prepared. Ben would not only have the chance to get relevant information from Elena, he would also be able to delight in Luiza's incredible culinary skills.
"Oh man, Grandpa Max needs to hear some tips from Luiza". Ben remembered the culinary extravagances that his grandfather used to make and that most of them only pleased his taste buds. Max lived with aliens enough to know some delicacies and learn recipes for dishes typical of alien species that only a Gourmand could digest.
-If this lunch is as good or better than the walnut cookies, Luiza is more than ready to compete in MasterChef. Ben made a compliment to Luiza that confused Elena a little.
-MasterChef? Elena asked, an expression on her face.
- It's where people from different places compete with each other to see who can cook the best and prepare the best dish. The winner gets a cash award in addition to the fame of best chef or cook by classification. Ben gently explained what the world's biggest cooking reality show was to Elena, and watched the look of confusion on her face disappear.
- It sounds interesting, but I think Luiza wouldn't want to compete with anyone to see who cooks better. With or without an award, it's not like her. Elena said, understanding Ben's explanation.
- Knowing that you approve of my skills in the kitchen is the greatest award I could win. Especially when it comes to guests. Luiza was listening to Ben and Elena's conversation about MasterChef, and enjoyed Ben's positive comments.
- Hi, Ben. Did you get what you wanted? Luiza asked, smiling slightly.
- Yes. It was hard to decipher some words as I'm not fluent in Romanian. I should have brought a dictionary. Ben replied, in a teasing tone as he scratched the back of his head, and a goofy smile on his face.
- That's not a problem, we have a teacher in the village who can help you with that. Elena gave her suggestion to Ben, thinking his inexperience with the native language a little amusing.
- And we even have boys and girls your age who would love to make a new friend. They usually walk around in the late afternoon if you want to meet them. Luiza almost guessed what happened a few minutes ago between Ben, Gretta and Bianca, and this idea made Ben a little interested.
"Of course. Who wouldn't want to meet the great Ben 10?" Ben wondered in his own proud mind, and had a brief but nice conversation with two girls who thought he was cool with him the very first time the three of them introduced themselves.
-Yes. I just met two girls a few minutes ago. Ben said, confirming Luiza's suggestion.
- That is good. Stay here until lunch is ready, then you can go out and see some more. Luiza said, giving Ben an approving smile that he managed to get along with the people there so quickly.
- All right. Ben nodded in response.
….
It was already 12:15 pm according to the Roman clock that hung on the living room wall, where all Ben, Elena and Luiza were having lunch. The dish was rice and beans, roasted chicken, salad consisting of lettuce, tomato and onion seasoned with vinegar. Pepper and garlic sauce were available for those who wanted to add an extra flavor to the meal.
Ben thought that Luiza was a strict person with rules of etiquette and that she also didn't like conversations during meals, until she decided to break the silence that just wasn't absolute thanks to the sound of silver cutlery scratching the white china plates.
-How does it taste, Benjamin? Luiza said, looking at Ben before popping a fork of rice into his mouth. Ben finished chewing before answering.
- Everything is delicious. Ben replied, giving Luiza a smug smile and an OK gesture with his left thumb.
- Excellent. Luiza nodded. Ben was taught to be helpful from a young age. As much as he was lazy about doing some household chores or helping someone to do them around the house or even in the summer vacation when he traveled with Max and Gwen in the Rust Bucket, but Ben wasn't ten years old anymore, and matured enough to understand that helpfulness and willingness to want to help were worthy virtues.
-If you want, I can give you a hand with the dishes. I have no problem with… Ben almost finished offering to help Luiza when she went to wash the dishes, but was interrupted by her.
-Not at all, Benjamin. You are my guest, and I don't want to give you any trouble or discomfort. But still, thank you. Luiza said gently before taking a sip of her orange juice. -You're right. I'll help her as soon as we're done. Elena offered to help, so Luiza nodded her head in "yes".
- All right. Ben nodded
So, the three finished lunch and Elena went to help Luiza wash the dishes and clean the kitchen. Ben waited for Elena to finish until she was available to talk.
….
Half an hour later, Elena was in the living room again and she wasn't wearing an apron, which meant she was done helping Luiza with her chores.
"Yeah… I don't know if she'll agree to say anything back, but I'll try anyway." Ben was determined to find out whatever problem she had with hunters. It might not even be a big deal, but it could also be a clue.
-Uh, Elena? Ben called for her to look at him right away.
- Yes? Elena asked.
- Can we talk a little? Ben asked gently, catching Elena's attention for a brief moment before answering.
- Oh yeah, why not? Elena sat next to Ben on the same sofa where he was sitting.
- What do you want to talk about? Elena asked, a slight smile on her face as she looked at Ben.
"And let's go." Ben told himself in his mind before starting to ask.
-When I asked if there were hunters in the village, I noticed that you were bothered. If you want to tell me something about it, maybe I can help. What about? Ben kindly offered to help his newest friend through what was perhaps her personal problem or trauma, and that took Elena by surprise. "Damn it, did I really make it that clear?" Elena asked herself in her mind. She didn't think Ben noticed her annoyance when he brought up the subject involving hunters, and was surprised at how Ben took it. Elena sighed lightly before starting to tell Ben what he wanted to know.
-OK. The truth is, it's not a problem I have with hunters or anything like that. There is an old legend that my grandfather used to tell me when I was a child before going to sleep. Most parents tell this same legend to their children. Elena replied, making Ben even more curious.
"Old legend? Is it about hunters or something?" Ben wondered in his mind, attentive to every word that came out of Elena's mouth.
-And what does this legend have it? Ben asked. Elena thought for a while before starting to tell such a legend.
-Legend has it that the forests around the village are not a safe place for those who dare to venture too far from here, especially at night. Ben noticed Elena's tone deepened as she spoke.
- According to legend, there are witches that roam the forests near here hunting the unsuspecting and lost as if they were their prey. They are like vampires and feed on the blood and flesh of their victims, when they are not simply moved by the desire to kill. Some say they live in the forest always on the lookout for some prey they can devour, and others... say they are in the service of one of the Lords. That last sentence from Elena captured even Ben instantly. Vampire witches who hunt and devour people in the service of one of the village's so-called saints?
- And which Lord are we talking about? Ben asked, his eyes and ears tuned to Elena telling that macabre legend.
- The one who lives in the castle, the Lady Dimitrescu. Elena answered.
- The legend also says that the Lady of the castle is also a vampire, and that the witches are her daughters who go out to hunt and take their prey to the castle, so that the mother and daughters have their "daily bread" . Elena said, making Ben think:
"I thought that pale skin was due to lack of sun, or she never takes off that big hat when she leaves the castle and… wait, get it Ben, that's still a legend." Ben regained his attention to continue listening to what Elena had to say, when she decided to say something that left Ben a little surprised.
-Witches love to hunt men. Ben's eyes widened a little at that supposed statement.
- Men? Ben asked.
- Yes. Legend has it that they and their mother love to feast on the flesh and blood of the men they capture. Also, the wine that is produced in the castle has a special ingredient: the blood of virgin women. As if the rest of the story wasn't disturbing enough, Ben was already starting to feel disgusted.
"Fuck, it's one bizarre thing after another. What kind of father would tell a macabre story like that to his children?" Ben was starting to get uncomfortable listening to this legend that according to Elena, was what her grandfather and father told her when she was little.
-From time to time, some young women from the village are summoned to go to work in the castle as maids, and if they make a mistake, they are taken to the basement of the castle where their blood is drained and added to the wine recipe that the Lady produces . On the other hand, they never go hunting in winter. Some say they abhor the cold, and that garlic can be used to keep them away from homes. Elena said, already with a neutral expression on her face as if she had already told enough, and Ben had noticed that instantly.
Ben knew Dracula's stories very well and why he was not a fan of garlic, and he associated this with the fact that there were bunches of garlic hanging from the fireplace in the living room where they were.
In any case, the supposed existence of these "witches" and the veracity of the rumors involving Lady Dimitrescu seems to be a strong belief among the villagers.
-What about your grandfather? Ben asked.
- As I said, he used to tell me that story. He is no longer among the living. Elena replied, already understanding what was really being said to him.
"That legend must be one or the only memory she has of her grandfather. And because this legend involves 'hunters' in a rather weird way, she may have remembered her grandfather when I asked her that morning." Ben connected the dots and understood the reason for Luiza's discomfort when he asked about whether or not there were hunters in the village. There were certainly hunters there, but they weren't the conventional ones Elena had not very good memories of, but a legend involving witches who hunt men that her grandfather told her when she was little.
-I… I'm sorry about your grandfather. I'm sure he was a great man. Ben said gently, offering his condolences to Elena for her loss, putting himself in her shoes as he too had a great grandfather.
- Thanks. He would love to meet someone like you, Ben. Elena said, a contented smile on her face, which Ben returned with another smile.
- I hope you enjoyed the story. It is the children's favorite. Elena said, in a teasing tone.
- It's not a story I would tell my kids, but it's still pretty interesting. Ben made a comment that drew a few giggles from Elena.
- I'm going home now. See you around, Ben. Elena said as she got up and walked to the front door of the house.
- Yes. I want to hear more scary legends. Ben said, as he gestured with his hands up and a grimace on his face to mimic a haunting, which drew even more giggles from Elena.
- All right. Just don't complain if you have nightmares at night. Elena said, still joking with Ben. After that, she said goodbye and went to her house, leaving Ben alone in that room. Ben leaned back on the couch and put his hands behind his head to support it as he stretched out his legs and then crossed them.
"Is that what Paradox meant by 'horror stories'?" Ben thought about how this could have something to do with his mission there while Elena's story was still fresh in his mind.
…..