Of Vermin and Vigilance: Becoming Somina Swilovich

[TherapyCat]

((First Person POV))

Subject 1: Lucanus Servus/ "Stag Beetle"

Given Name: Anton

Found Location: The corpse was found in the hillside by the southern farms.

Visual Description: Male,  crimson Stag-like mandibles. Roughly the length and width of my index finger. The bodice is black, and sealskin brown.

Prior Knowledge: One of the most commonly known beetles within Barovia. The Males of these species warrant the beetle's name for they have stag-like antlers and use them in the same fashion as deer for male-on-male battles and conflict. They vary in size based on where they are bred. Those in regions such as Folknovia growing much larger than those in Dementileu. It thrives in regions that have vast hillsides and moderate levels of sun exposure. It prefers the canopies of oak, willow, ash, cherry, chestnut, and walnut trees. Their Natural Predators are cats, foxes, and crows.  The male of this species has enlarged mandibles that are larger than their female counterparts. Although the male's mandibles appear threatening in theory, they are virtually useless. They are rather harmless and other than needed for reproductive purposes; considerably useless as well. The females, however, inflict a rather painful bite.

((Third Person POV))
Chapter 1: Siblings And Squirrel Secrets

Spoiler: show

"Simona!" the clear voice of her older brother rang through the forest as he chased her mercilessly Her jovial giggles echoed in mirth as she hopped over bits of bramble and decaying leaves. It was autumn within vallaki, and the world felt warmer then, brighter. Quite agile from a young age, she took every turn within the forest masterfully, as if she had taken the time to properly memorize it. This game of prey and predator would continue for a time, as the sun lowered in its position. As dusk fell amongst the forest, Simona would halt, turning about in half expectance to see her brother. But when she turned in every direction, he was nonexistent.

"Stefan?" She muttered about her tone betraying some fear of existing in a world without him. Even only if it was temporary. Her brows knitted, and she took a breath to repeat his name when he suddenly lunged out of the bramble, laughing like a storybook villain. The sudden jolt in movement would force Simona to leer to the left, tripping over the unexpected bramble. Her body would roll down a shallow slope and into a ditch. Her eyes would clench in fear when they opened again she with greeted by the dull gaze of a squirrel carcass. Its eyes were empty and devoid of any signs of life. Its innards were on display, half-eaten.


"Simona!" the voice of her brother would call out unto her again, this time in evident concern as he raced to the edge of the slope, peering down into the ditch below. A small huff of relief as he found his sister. Still not content until he saw her standing once more, however. Only eight winters at the time, her little palm reached out to touch the face of the deceased creature. Her lip curled into a small opportunistic smile.

"I'm Okay!" she peered over her shoulder to her brother. Her eyes were a shade brighter than he had likely seen before. She watched Stefan stall a moment, eyeing her with evident confusion and mild dismay. His eyes squinted into a brief grimace at the sight, taking a moment before speaking.

"....I'm going to get Pa." he half muttered, obviously troubled as he shifted back behind the bramble.

Alone with the creature. She'd scoop him up, innards and all, and delicately place him into her backpack. The rest of the memory is a blur. Her knees and arms scraped with injury and bled the entire way back to the slum district. Where'd she follow her brother and father as they fussed over her wounds that she seemed to be numb to… She'd answer her mother's endless questions, survive her father's relentless lecture, and listen to Stefan's whines about witnessing death for the time with a placid expression. A nod here, a small frown there. She had become a master at saying "It won't happen again." She had learned to copy her brother's expression of dismay, and when to deploy it at the same time. A skill that she'd use later in life no doubt. When they all found rest during the night. She climbed down from her top bunk, taking her backpack from underneath the floorboards where she had hidden it when she excused herself at dinner.

With a demented smile, the youth displayed the squirrel carcass on the ground and took out a needle and thread. Taking a thick golden thread, and looping it through the eye of the needle, she'd begin to shove its innards back inside and create a crooked, zig-zag stitch until it was pieced back together once more. She'd clean up the bloodied bits with soap and water until she felt the dead creature looked proper. With a childlike gleam to her features, she'd hold up her abomination up to the moonlight, appraising it.

"..Simona?" she snapped her head to hear the rustling of her brother waking up from his bed. A look of pure horror. 

And yet, not an ounce of remorse on Simona's features.
As if that was something she was yet to be taught.

[TherapyCat]

Chapter II:

What Is Factual:

Spoiler: show

Simona was always a creature of deep fascination. Although the topic of interest would change and shift, as she grew with age, the behavior and mannerisms she exhibited while nurturing this obsession, didn't.

Simona's first obsession was death. Or perhaps, the feeling of dread that surrounded it. Being a barovian youth, she'd attended many funerals within her lifespan. She'd observe the tears streaming from the cheeks of the remaining survivors. And although she observed it, she didn't quite fathom it. She'd replicate the motion, once she was told this was the societal expectation, but it didn't truly mean anything to her. To die, was to accept the truth that life has an end. Amongst the mortal shells of our being. It was a simple, unavoidable thing…

Stefan crept from his bed slowly…his steps timid as he ventured closer to simona… "Sim… I--."
His words stuttered for quite some time. Simona stared back at him silently. She didn't move to hide her creature, her actions. She didn't race to defend herself. She stood there silently, her beady eyes staring at him as she observed his reaction. "You..You need to give that to me." he swallowed something, making a motion to the animal corpse.

"Is it owed to you?" she asked the question softly within the night. In a fluid motion her body rose, her legs finding the strength to stand. She cradled her abomination within her grasp like one would a ragdoll.

"...I suppose it isn't but.. Simona." He tried again. The floorboards creaked as she drew closer. Stefan stared at her, body remained still, slightly horrified within her wake. "...Simona.. This is not normal."

"...Is that proven?" she said simply. Walking until she stood infront of him. There was a genuine air of innocence as she peered between her brother and the mobid doll.

"...It is." he said with a deep-set frown.. Hesitantly his hands would reach out to grasp at her shoulders. At his wrist, his hand shook lightly. He mustered a smile, tightlipped and terrified. Her spoke to her with a sense of forced calmness. "...He is.. Dead. Simona.. He should be laid to rest… We need to dispose of him… now before Mother sees."

"I know he is dead." she quipped with an obvious air. Her eyes narrowed, casual despite his apparent frightful nature. "It has been proven. He was missing several vital organs. He does not appear to be breathing, either. That is a fact." she nodded surely.

"...Then.. why do you feel the need to." he motioned to her stitches, her grasp in which she held the creature. His eyes still quiver in apprehension.

"...Practice." is all she stated. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

Stefan shook his head multiple times. "...You need to." he paused at the sound of footsteps. Both of their heads turned to their mother who stood in the doorway