Some explaining

I'm barely holding myself up as Morse and Jackass catch me. Morse, I understood, but Jackass was a surprise. I drop into their arms as my body gives out once more. Apparently my multiple hour sleep didn't amount to much as building me back up. As they helped me back to my feet I made full use of their help. Despite the changes that Eros put my body through, it was past its limit. Both mentally and physically.

"Sir! What happened? We followed your instructions but you never appeared behind us. We only just arrived less than an hour ago." Mors... in all the mayhem he was more concerned about me. Even after finally getting out of that damned cave they had stayed outside of it for nearly two hours. Two hours waiting for me to scramble out of that hole.

"I'm alright, Mors. Bruised and battered but alright. I... had to take a detour to avoid the lizards. Took longer than I hoped." As they helped me back to Miss Loroni's house I couldn't help but notice the eyes following us. It seemed the entire vvillage had come together. Mors explained that they were going to start a search party. Either to save me, or find my remains. "They're good people... please give them my thanks."

The walk through the village didn't take long as Jackass let me go and walked ahead. To open Miss Loroni's door. Helping me inside and to lay down. Through out the entire experience he hadn't spoken a single word to me. Rather his expression was that of pain and guilt. After Mors made sure I was comfortable he and Jackass left me once more. Leaving me alone in Loroni's simple home. Even in the dark it was... cozy. Comfortable. A testament to the woman's own comfortable demeanor.

"Sir?" The door opened slowly as I **** mysekf to sit up. Seeing Mors once more, this time accompanied by Miss Loroni herself and Hailey. Each of them with equally concerned faces. Miss Loroni in particular looking at my leg as the caked on blood stained her bedding. "The ladies have come to administrator some care."

"Ah, I see. Thank you, all of you. Mors... please give the others my sincerest thanks. I can't put into words how much their concern means to me." *Mors smiled softly before leaving. Hailey began to light up the home as Miss Loroni pulled a seat next to the bed. Examining my leg.

"I'll be sure to replace the bedding, Miss..."

"No, it's an old bed with older stories. There's no need to worry about something as foolish as a bit of blood. No... what I'm worried about is these injuries. I've... I've never seen anything like it."

"Curtesy of something in the cave. An octopus or squid, I don't know." Looking at their faces it took me a moment to register they had no idea what I was talking about. Considering there was a good chance they never left the village, not surprising. "Ah, I'm sorry. Animals that live in water. They have these... arms of sorts. Only with no bones. Just muscle. The have eight or nine of them. Arms, I mean. They use them to grab onto prey and drag it down into the water where it eats." Though my explanation would completely fail at a biology class, it seemed to work well enough for the two women. "I... I've never seen anything so big. Whatever you do, don't go into the cave waters. I can't recommend it."

"But... what caused these wounds? The cuts are... circles. What could possibly do that?" Hailey asked this time. Taking the time to look at the wound in the light.

"These arms have suckers all along them. Lets the animals cling onto the pray, even in slippery wayer. The suckers have... hooks. The suckers might slip, the hooks won't. I've seen smaller versions of the animals... most would fit in your hand and are calm. Loving even. But this... the difference between a family dog and a rabid bear."

"Let's... say we believe any of that." Miss Loroni began. Seemed I had said too much. Honestly, not knowing what a squid or octopus is, i wouldn't believe it either. "What happened? Mors said the last thing they heard was some explosion followed by silence. Nori took you for dead but Mors refused to say it. He was gathering the people to go looking. What happened?"

I couldn't think of how to answer the old woman's question(s). Not in ways that don't divulge information I was specifically instructed to keep quiet on. How could I? Explain how I know the animals, the zoo, the elk who saved me. What was I supposed to lie about? Omit? I was too damned tired to try.

"Hailey, will you please get Mors? I feel he should be part of this given his commitment." She stared at me confused for a short while before finally nodding her head slowly. Leaving the hut after a moment before coming back with an equally confused Mors.

"I understand this is... strange. But I'll ask that nothing I say leaves this home. I'm going to say some things, answer some questions, and I'll only do so if all three of you swear to keep it secret. No matter what comes."