Auhtor's note: Just a POV drabble of how the the denizens began noticing Elisheva's presence, be they human or Fang.
In the bustling streets of Glipwood Township, life carried on as usual. The townsfolk went about their daily routines, their gazes inadvertently drawn to the enigmatic figure who had recently arrived in their midst—Elisheva Bennet.
Amidst the observant town residents, Ferinia Swapleton, the flower shop owner, had taken notice of Elisheva's comings and goings.
The young woman had first visited her shop requesting carob and dried lavender to help mask her scent.
Ferinia had taken notice the girl's involvement in the festival scuffle – one that had the Fang Slarb bullying the Igiby children and the young woman stood up for the children. But she also recognized Elisheva's kind side beneath her withdrawn disposition. Ferinia found herself curious about this mysterious newcomer, wondering about her background and the reasons for her strange customs, such as avoiding shellfish and not appearing on Sundays. Ferinia also noticed how Elisheva had forged a friendship with Mr. Oskar N. Reteep, the bookshop owner.
Meanwhile, the Shoosters, the kind-hearted middle-aged couple who owned the Only Inn, had also observed Elisheva's interactions with Peet the Sockman. They had witnessed her compassion and kindness towards the eccentric homeless man, and it left an impression on them. They found themselves intrigued by this young girl who displayed such empathy and wondered what her story might be.
At the tavern, Shaggy, the tavern keeper, recalled when the young woman visited and asked for a peculiar drink he'd never heard of. Then for coffee, when told they were out, she hesitantly asked for a drink without alcohol. That's when Shaggy'd offered a lemonberry lavender brew, which she'd accepted. It must've been her first time trying out the drink, she complimented it. However, understandably, she quickly finished her drink when one of the Fangs entered the tavern. But the strangest thing was the Fang sniffing her inquisitively as she left.
Since then, he had caught glimpses of Elisheva during her visits to town. While he didn't know her personally, he couldn't help but notice the way she carried herself, with a certain grace and dignity. Shaggy, perceptive as ever, sensed there was more to this girl than met the eye. He wondered what had brought her to Glipwood Township and what secrets she held.
Even the children of Glipwood whispered among themselves about the mysterious girl with the braided hair. They watched her from behind hidden corners, their wide eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of admiration. Elisheva's presence brought a spark of excitement to their otherwise mundane lives, igniting their imaginations with tales of adventure and bravery.
But not all who observed Elisheva did so with good intentions.
The Fangs, ever vigilant and malicious, took note of her every move. Commander Gnorm, leaning back in his chair on the jail stoop, sharpened his dagger while lazily following her with his pale green eyes. The Fangs sniffed the air, her scent was perplexing to them. For she didn't smell like a Skreean, let alone like any of the other human visitors from diverse regions.
From the jail stoop, they kept their cruel gazes fixed upon her, a reminder of the constant danger she faced as an outsider in their world.
Elisheva's instincts kicked in, and she quickened her pace longing to retreat to the safety of her tree shelter, eager to escape the threatening presence of the Fangs. The feeling of being watched by these vicious creatures weighed heavily on her, making her feel exposed and vulnerable.
In the midst of these observations, Podo Helmer, father to Nia and grandfather to Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli Igiby, engaged in a conversation with Ferinia at her flower shop. Being an ex-pirate with years of experience at sea, he possessed a keen sense of judgment and protectiveness. His three grandchildren had told him how the young woman had hurried to his grandaughter Leeli's defense at the risk of getting bitten by Slarb. Podo had noticed Elisheva's presence and observed her interactions with Oskar. There was a strength and determination within the young woman, a flicker of hope that the troubled times might find some solace.
He shared Ferinia's curiosity, suspecting that Elisheva might be a frightened teenager who had run away from home. His protective instincts were triggered, and he wondered what circumstances had led her to their town.
The newcomer had became both a subject of curiosity and a target of malicious intent, her presence stirring a mix of emotions among diverse denizens within the town. As her journey in this unfamiliar world continued, these observations would shape the course of her interactions and the challenges she would face.