Submitted by girl_from_the_crypt t3_10l7pho in nosleep

I can't believe this. I can't fathom any fucking part of this anymore. It's been a pretty sucky night, I couldn't really sleep and I kept jumping at every little noise I heard, thinking it could be Nick coming to take his due. But it wasn't. Not so far, at least.

So I guess it's time to talk about my Dad. Thing is, up to this day I never figured there was much to say about him at all. My father is… well. He's hardly worth mentioning. I don't even know how old he is, exactly. We never talk anymore. Hell, we never really have. I had a lot of time to think about that when I was digging up the frozen ground alongside Casimir yesterday. I eventually told him to just stand back and let me do the work. He was panting an awful lot.

"You okay? Where's all that stamina you always brag about?"

"Shut up," he muttered, leaning into his shovel for support.

I frowned. "Cas?"

"I'm fine!" he grunted. "Let's do this."

He lifted his shovel once again, but I stepped out of the hole and placed my hand on his chest, gently pushing him back. "Go get inside. Warm up and drink some water. You look like you're about to pass out."

Grumbling, he tossed the tool aside and lumbered up the steps to the porch. I continued digging for a while, but ended up having to take a break and sit down. I jumped when out of nowhere, a brown bird landed on my shoulder. It was so fat it was nearly circular, and it looked rather funny, what with its puffy feathers and the teeny-tiny beak. It took to the air again right away, flapping its itty-bitty wings like crazy in a futile effort to keep its heavy body up. It bumbled around for a moment, and I started laughing hysterically—it was simply too amusing. Blinded by tears of laughter, I didn't see the transformation, but after I'd wiped my eyes, I found a familiar tree monster towering over me.

"Holy shit," I pressed out in-between fits of giggles. "You're so great, I fucking love you!"

"Well." Aleksei bowed his head like an actor after a performance. "Did you know it was me?"

"Of course I knew it was you. If there's a bird around here, it's always you. What brings you by?"

"I saw you breaking your back there. Fiona, you saved me from an affliction that would have cost me my life; if you need something, just—" He plunged one set of claws into the ground where I'd been digging and pulled out a sizable chunk of earth. "—ask."

"Oh. Thank you. You just made that easier. And I was planning on asking you for help sometime, but I was gonna save that favor for something tricky."

"My benevolence isn't quite so fickle as that," Aleksei replied, sounding almost reproachful. "I'm not a common fairy."

"So you're saying there will be no petty favor-trading?"

"No. If you ever find yourself in need of my assistance, you will have it. That I swear."

I found myself moved by his words. For a moment, I didn't know what to say. Then, I settled on teasing. "So… I can finally make you a friendship bracelet?"

"Impertinent wench," he grunted.

"Ruin the moment, did I?"

"Utterly. That out of the way, why is it that you seem so mournful? You look plain when you cry."

I sighed. "You couldn't just keep on being nice, could you? It's about Tom Hayes. And my Dad. Turns out he probably instigated this whole mess. Cas and I, we've been… we've been trying to figure out how to go about this. You don't happen to know anything about my father, do you?"

The Leshy hummed in thought, casually wrapping his talons around the coffin sitting behind me on the porch and lifting it up as if it were a football. He unceremoniously nudged it into the hole before sweeping his paw over the heap of soil we'd piled up on the side, covering up the grave for good. "I never spoke with him. A very religious man, is he not?"

"Yes, definitely. And that's honestly one of the only things I ever really knew about him." I shrugged. "We weren't close."

"How glad I am for that! He would have steered you in a wholly different direction with all his devout ramblings. Back when your mother used to come to talk to me, she was worried his beliefs would clash with your bloodline's responsibilities. She had the right of it! She never spoke with me again after their wedding."

"Oh. I had no idea you two were friends."

"That is not the word I would have used. Anna Novak was… a fair warden to me. For that first half of her life. But that is all that ever was to it. She'd occasionally come to ask for advice, and I would provide it happily enough, but there was no bond to speak of save for this courtesy. After she was wedded, she distanced herself from the woods entirely. It was still sad to receive news of her death, though." He glanced at the ground by our feet. "And now I've buried her son. It would seem that many members of your clan find their final resting place here beneath the red meadow."

"Many?" I repeated. "Who else is there? Aside from Mom."

Aleksei's snout crinkled. What a very human expression on the face of a stag. "How much were you told? Do you know of Arkadiusz?"

"Arkadiusz…?"

"I see that further explanation is necessary. Considering your shift in responsibilities, is this something you wish to pursue?"

"I don't know. Can I… get back to you on that? Maybe? I'm definitely intrigued, but I couldn't say how much information I can handle right now."

"Understandable. I will find you when you're ready." He straightened up, his muscles groaning like bending wood. "I haven't yet had the opportunity to say so, but… having a soul suits you. You look fetching when there's life in your eyes. And if this constitutes an improvement to your quality of life, then I'm very glad for you."

"Uh… thank you. It's nice to hear that."

"Heire—Fiona, if I ever mistreated you, please—"

"We're good. And it's good to know you, it's good that you're in charge around here. Wouldn't want any other creature to be."

He looked at me for a while, his gaze completely unreadable. Whatever was going on behind those animal eyes, he wasn't intent on sharing. Huffing out a warm cloud of breath into the chilly winter air, he nodded, turned and trotted off towards the treeline. I patted down the dirt over the grave, flattening the ground with my shovel, before returning inside to check on Casimir. He was resting on the couch, looking much better than a couple minutes ago.

"How are you?"

"I'm alright. So, where… where do we go from here? Why would Dad do something like this, I don't… I don't get it. I mean, yes, he hates you, and he's always hated the woods, but I never thought he'd go and do something like this."

"No clue. Could you maybe reach out to him? Call him and put it on speaker? He doesn't have to know you're here," I suggested.

Cas nodded, readily pulling out his phone. He dialed the number and for a couple minutes, we listened to the ringtone with bated breaths. No one picked up, though.

After my little brother ended the call, I cleared my throat. "While we're both feeling extremely uncomfortable, would you care to talk about what happened with Jem?"

"Do we have to? Right now, I mean?"

"I guess not. I just think we oughta discuss it at some point. It's no good to keep that kinda thing bottled up."

He kept on dodging the question and I have up eventually. We ended up turning in pretty early, hoping to rest up. I figured maybe some extra hours of sleep would soothe my mind. Why I thought that I could finally catch a break, I'll never know.

I woke up to the sound of nails reading across a hard surface, a grating, nasty sound that had me sit up with a start. My heart pounding wildly, I glanced around frantically in an effort to make out the source of the noise, but my room was enveloped in complete and utter darkness. I swallowed, my throat bone dry.

"Who's there?" I pressed out, somehow managing to sound at least kind of intimidating. I slowly reached for the drawer in my nightstand; I keep a cross and some salt and stuff in there just in case. Also a knife, because you never know. Before my hand could reach the wooden knob, though, something kicked the underside of my bed from below. The entire frame jumped and I fell back onto my heap of pillows with a startled yelp. Flying into a panic, I tore open the drawer, my fingers closing around the handle of the combat knife in an iron grip. Hastily flicking on my bedside lamp, I pressed my back to the wall behind me, my eyes once more darting around the room. Everything was still again. I couldn't see anything out of the ordinary.

No, of course not.

It was under the bed, it was under the fucking bed.

Summoning all my courage, I leaned over the side of the bed to peek into the pitch-black space underneath it. My breath caught in my throat when I found gleaming eyes staring back at me. Before I could react, a large hand reached out from below, red fingers with blackened talons gripping and entangling themselves in my long hair, grabbing but not pulling. For a moment, I was frozen in place as the eyes that held my gaze moved closer, revealing the face they were set in.

"Boo."

All my pent-up fear escaped me in one long, deep sigh. "I should have fucking known."

Nick rolled out from under my bed and sat up in one fluent motion, smirking widely. "Oh, I'm sorry, did I scare you?"

"Yes, you did. Though I'm surprised you've got nothing better to do, considering who you are."

He smiled thinly. "I've always time to prove a point."

"Point being?" I asked in sharp exasperation.

"You really ought to be more respectful. Have I given you the impression that you have nothing to fear from me?"

"Look, it's not that I'm not afraid of you. Honestly, Nick, you terrify me. You are a being whose true form exceeds comprehension, you command hell itself… You're a goddamn nightmare. And not the kind I like." I rolled my shoulders, wincing at the crack they produced. "But I'm just so, so exhausted."

Nick's features softened. He looked upon me with kind eyes, an expression that would have likely put me at ease coming from literally anybody else. "Aww," he cooed, tilting his head. "I'm sorry to hear that. You do look awfully tired." He extended his hand as if he wanted to touch my face, but I batted it away as soon as it got close. He didn't comment on it, dropping his arm with his deceptively tender gaze still trained on me. "Let me mend it then," he said. "I might present you with some options you'd like to consider."

"Could you please just tell me what you want from me? I've no nerve for any more bullshit right now."

His lips twitched, almost giving in to a display of fury but not quite. "Fair enough."

"Cool. Let's go downstairs and talk this out in the kitchen."

"Let's not. Let's stay here."

"This is kind of my personal space," I argued.

"Oh, I know."

I groaned. "Alright. Bring it."

Nick grinned, rising to his feet and sitting down at the foot of my bed. "This property of yours is special. I'll admit that I'm not all-powerful, and your land, well… I have little to no influence here. Back when the black mill was still inhabited and being used, I had the Hettmanns tell me what was going on here from time to time, but with Jacek having taken his place at my side, even the last one of my worshippers has left this place. This puts you into an interesting position. Your land is neither mine nor…" He paused, rolling his lips together.

"God's?" I suggested.

He nodded, brows furrowing.

"You've trouble saying that, eh?"

"Maybe. I'm out of my comfort zone here. No matter. The creatures here are unholy, but not under my rule, the ground is impure but not tainted… it's difficult. There's no higher or lower power pulling the strings here. This place is… unclaimed territory. Which is why I believe that a certain being chose it as its resting place."

"A certain being?" I echoed. "What kind of being?"

"A powerful one. If you think that I exceed comprehension, then you couldn't even begin to understand the one I'm looking for. It's a creature that wasn't made by the divine hand. I do not know how it came into being, if it was ever birthed… perhaps it simply is. I could not describe it to you in any words that you would fathom. But I have been searching for it for a long, long time."

"Why?"

"I need to consume it. I need it within me. I need to be one with it. This thing, this creature… it could help me turn the tide."

"Turn the tide?" I repeated. "Do you mean—"

"Exactly what you think I mean." Nick's smile grew, now looking like it could split his face. "And since you hold some semblance of authority here, I want you to locate it for me." He drew closer. "You're shaking, Fiona. This do anything to wake you up?"

"I don't want to help you," I gritted out. "I don't wanna do this."

"Why? Cuz you're so devout all of a sudden? Please." He let out a derisive snort. "You haven't been to church since your father dragged you there nearly two decades ago. You are vain, lustful, lazy… Do I really need to go on? All this sounds to me like you've very much picked a side. You prefer chaos over order. You're not a pure little dove, Miss Novak, and no amount of pristine white gowns is gonna change that. Besides…" He trailed off, and I squeaked when his eyes turned an inky black, his skin paled and his hair curled atop his head. "I do have something you want."

"Stop that," I hissed. Dread mixed with nausea as I saw him take on Jacek's features. "Change back!"

"Calm down, it's all good! Hey, I promised I'd give him back. I've thought about it, and seriously, I wouldn't mind you two hooking up again. Do you have any idea how powerful that boy is? How powerful you could be? If you two had a kid, it'd be splendid."

I let out an incredulous laugh. "And you'd eat that too, would ya?"

He shrugged. "Nothing personal. It's all about the might."

I shuddered, face scrunching up. "I think this isn't a conversation I wanna be having."

"Well, then I guess that's just a discussion for another day." He stood up, wiping the corner of his mouth. "My request is clear, though? Find me this sleeping being and tell me where it rests. I'll be in touch, so don't stress out over contacting me. I expect results soon, but not quite so soon that you'll lose more sleep over it." The Devil grinned, reaching out to tip my chin up. "Rest assured, I never ask for more than people can give. I take care of mine."

"I'm not yours!" I shouted.

But he had already disappeared into thin air.

X

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Part 15

Part 16

Part 17

Part 18

Part 19

Part 20

Part 22

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Comments

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Reluctantrodent t1_j5v5qah wrote

Wow… just, wow. You really can’t catch a break can you?

56

SweetMeese t1_j5v7hn1 wrote

I really really hope he isn’t talking about the leshy

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69FetusEater69 t1_j5v9hka wrote

I’ve been wondering what Alexseis appearance is. You’ve described him as having many different features, and although he’s a shapeshifter, his tree appearance seems to be unique for a Leshy. Alexei may be something incredibly special (more so than he already is, being a Leshy and all).

27

girl_from_the_crypt OP t1_j5vanqn wrote

I don't think people have those kinda morals down in hell. Eating kids is probably just normal for Nick. I don't care. All I know is I don't want what he's offering. And of course I'd never give him Aleksei! Not that I have the authority to do so anyways, he's his own person.

150

HeatedPolkka t1_j5vb92a wrote

Damn, Nick's really like to mess with you, huh?? From the dad stuff to Nick's plans, it looks like it'll take a while before you can get some proper rest again.... At least Leshy is 100% on your side, so that's something.

But if there's someone that overcome this, it's you!!

19

leah_paigelowery t1_j5vbzob wrote

I find an odd comfort in nick and all his characters. Don’t trust him but keep him in your crew. He’s a powerful player. And I absolutely adore Alexei…especially now that he’s healed.

17

Dominus_Pullum t1_j5vc0ou wrote

Hmm, it seems like theres definitely wiggle room in this deal. He only had said you need to find this sleeping being, rather than bring it to him. I would suggest trying to ask for jacek's full freedom from the devil, then either awakening this being or giving that power to Alexsei, but idk how jacek himself would end up feeling about the loss of demonic magic, or if the devil would be willing to give up one of his favorite playthings.

10

Tytticus t1_j5vcbpw wrote

Honestly, if there's any chance this creature can finish Nick off and then go back to sleep, that might not be the worst thing. Then Jacek could take over as the king of hell.

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Thr33Littl3Monk3ys t1_j5vcjz2 wrote

Problem is...you already took what he was offering.

Twice. And apparently only one was a freebie.

Never make deals with a devil without having the entire contract spelled out in advance.

I really am worried about what this sleeping thing is gonna turn out to be...but I am glad it's not Aleksei.

(And now that your eyes aren't lifeless, well...sounds like he might be circling back to what he said before...)

84

BlackEyedBroad t1_j5vctqy wrote

Phew! Nick really had to make an entrance by terrifying you eh? He’s knows that you genuinely care for Jacek and he’s definitely going to use that for as long as he can. I wonder where Jacek is though. Be careful Fiona, I feel like you’re going to need the Leshy’s help very soon.

13

TheBumblingBee1 t1_j5vcvz5 wrote

Do you know of the being he is talking about? Seems like a sticky situation to say the least. Do it and the devil holds a hand over God, don't and you won't get Jacek back.

Althoughhhh I wonder if you can get this creature to help you get Jacek back from the devil. Maybe the creature can fight the devil? Food for thought. Get Jacek back by force, don't let the devil eat the creature.

How are you doing without Jacek, by the way?

6

ZAWolfie t1_j5vee70 wrote

Hmmmm. Azhdaya? It's like a dragon? Be careful out there OP!

3

ZAWolfie t1_j5vgu6i wrote

I'm thinking, if it is that, it's buried under the red meadow. Apparently if one dies and its head is buried, that soil becomes good to grow in. May somewhat explain where those red plants come from. It's some sort of a dragon. Eating its skin heals the wound of love- and if traditional christianity is anything to go by, Nick may still feel the pain of falling out of favor with the Big Guy. And eating it's heart gives a heck of a lot of courage.

9

Etalost t1_j5vhkeu wrote

Idk I’m still kind of suspicious of Cas in all of this. I don’t want to be but Jem’s comment about Cas a few chapters back and his mood swings now are really throwing me off. Also Tom’s description of him and when he saw the photo of your dad. How he said it could be him, not that it was for sure him. I guess it could’ve also been Nick taking on the form of your dad or even Cas. You’ve definitely got your hands full here!! Alexei is my absolute favorite and I love the bond you’ve formed with him.

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EbonyCohen t1_j5voagn wrote

A creature goes bump in the night under your bed. Fiona - “whew, it’s only Satan” 😮‍💨

233

TadpoleOfDoom t1_j5vs4sh wrote

Looks like it's time to learn about Arkadiusz after all.

Also how tf do you pronounce that? Ark-ah-dee-oo-tz?

3

HoneyMCMLXXIII t1_j5vssn7 wrote

Things hiding under the bed is one of my biggest terrors! And the devil, no less! I wish you the best in this journey, I love how your forest is utterly free, belonging only to itself and it’s inhabitants! I hope it stays that way. I’m very intrigued by what Aleksei said and also very curious what motive your father had in what he did. Be safe! Thank you for keeping us posted!

7

ancientevilvorsoason t1_j5vt4lw wrote

Since he is almost powerless, either it's something from the other team, the white hats, which is hiding in the equivalent of Switzerland and thus also mostly powerless or... he is after something that is outside of the whole game. Which means something more... Natural, for lack of better word. Or something abstract. Time? Death itself? Gaia?

20

Its_panda_paradox t1_j5vugx8 wrote

I have a sneaking suspicion that the thing Aleksei mentioned…Arkadiusz, I think..I think that’s what Nick is searching for. Time to find out what Aleksei knows about it, and maybe even let him in on your little deal with Nick the Dick. Maybe he has an idea you haven’t thought of yet. Otherwise, stay safe out there, Fiona. You’ve got a lot going on, and not enough information to properly decide what to do.

63

Sundance722 t1_j5vveso wrote

What about that dude in the lake? Isn't there a sleeping dude in the lake? Or am I mixing up my stories?

3

AirF0rce_11 t1_j5vx2e3 wrote

He's not talking about the guy in the lake, right? That wouldn't be a pleasant reunion, lol.

7

spacetstacy t1_j5vyvwe wrote

You've never heard mention of any sleeping being from your mom? Even in her delusional state? What about the hidden people? Do they have a king... or boss?

I know you have to help Nick, but what does "turn the tide" really mean? Will your forest turn over to Nick's domain and leave the Leshy's? Or does he mean the entire world?

Be careful out there.

15

S4njay t1_j5vzbs9 wrote

Now this changes things up a bit! Don't hand over the being immediately though, you need to try and bargain or something with it.

>It's a creature that wasn't made by the divine hand. I do not know how it came into being, if it was ever birthed… perhaps it simply is.

This sounds kinda familiar for some reason...

But yeah, the baby idea is certainly great! The combination of Fiocek 😍😍😍 (not if my Father in Hell has anything to do about it though)

6

girl_from_the_crypt OP t1_j5w1327 wrote

He just wanted me to locate it... Like, it's not like it actually belongs to me.... But, you think I could do that?

Yeah? I never heard of anything like it...

You think that's great?? Nick wants to eat it!!

4

Writerhowell t1_j5w4cia wrote

I wonder... If the child of a human and an angel or a human and a demon is born, they're supposed to be pretty powerful. I wonder if an angel and a demon could produce a child even more powerful? Maybe that's what you're searching for? Or perhaps a deity from outside one of the monotheistic religions? Neither holy nor unholy, perhaps? Or it could be something created by the imaginations of humans, which has eventually taken form due to the power of belief?

There's a lot to consider here, and I only hope you're able to win Jacek back without evil taking over the entire world. Good luck, Fiona. We're all pulling for you!

10

S4njay t1_j5w5dmk wrote

You'll figure it out, I have faith in you!

Well, it reminded me of ths Nasadiya Sukta in the Rig Veda, though it attempts to describe the nature of the universe:

>Who really knows? Who will here proclaim it? Whence was it produced? Whence is this creation? Gods came afterwards, with the creation of this universe. Who then knows whence it has arisen?

>Whether God's will created it, or whether He was mute; Perhaps it formed itself, or perhaps it did not; The Supreme Brahman of the world, all pervasive and all knowing He indeed knows, if not, no one knows

That's kind of a reach though...

Even if Nick wants to eat it, the act preceding it... 🎆🎆🎆

5

girl_from_the_crypt OP t1_j5w5khk wrote

Wow, how many fun options to consider! I don't feel intimidated by this at all! No siree!

Thank you for the support though. I need that good luck, every ounce of it. And I'll try not to plunge the world into eternal darkness or whatever...

9

IncredulousCockatiel t1_j5w7cia wrote

Not surprised tbh. You've killed. You've bargained with the devil. You had a vaguely bestial sauna orgy and you've possibly fucked a demon (or however Jacek identifies). I'm not kinkshaming or hellshaming for that matter. Who wants to spend eternity with a bunch of goody two-shoes and your shitty dad?

10

girl_from_the_crypt OP t1_j5w9hak wrote

Good question, what is Jacek, really? Gonna have to ask him about it sometime...

Lmao yeah you've got a point. But I don't like the thought of either option, actually. Like, I don't even want eternal bliss. That sounds like... Well, not my cup of tea, frankly. But I also don't want Nick to plunge the world into chaos. I wish there was a middle ground

13

Eierte_Dragonwraith t1_j5wadlb wrote

50 imaginary bucks says that the sleeping being is going to be this Arkadiusz being Aleksi mentioned earlier... We're rooting for you, hon.

15

Writerhowell t1_j5wcuds wrote

Eh, I'm just suggesting possibilities. Sounds like you hopefully won't have to do more than find and point, so to speak. But it might help you to find them if you know what you're looking for. Personally, I'd have asked for Licorice to help track down... whatever it is.

3

lauraD1309 t1_j5we8w6 wrote

Leshy would know where this thing is.

3

oececawolf t1_j5wfgqm wrote

I think you should plan to get out of all dealings with the devil ASAP.

2

Lifegoeson3131 t1_j5wgdaf wrote

I cant help but ship Aleksei and you, Fiona. I think you would make even more interesting babies LOL

3

MeAndYourMumHaveSex t1_j5wictl wrote

100% do not give Nick the sleeping monster.

Maybe, because there's no control over the land, you could find a way to stop Nick from being able to merely visit the forest, like putting crosses in a "force field barrier" around the land, but not in the forest. Although, it might leave your soul stuck in the forest when you die

3

Nature_Dweller t1_j5wjfff wrote

Okay! Ok, ok, ok. We need to protect this being at all costs!! My sleeping cutie doesn't need this shit.

5

sugarsuites t1_j5wl58c wrote

When you see a man,

Hiding under your bed,

Who you gonna call?

5

cidwitch t1_j5wn4n1 wrote

Nick's description of this creature he wants, immediately made me think of a dark being that left another special forest and wanted to see the world. What if it got tired and was drawn to your land to rest? If I remember correctly, this being was born from the imagination of a child.

In any case, Nick already has like 3/4 of the world already, gotta be greedy and have the whole thing.

5

LeXRTG t1_j5wnsrf wrote

ARKADIUSZ is the son of Zeus and Callisto. It would make sense that Nick has no power over him currently. As the son of Zeus, I'm sure it absolutely could turn the tides if Nick were able to control him/wield his power. Your land sounds a lot like Arcadia, too. Unspoiled, harmonious wilderness. We all want to see you get Jacek back but please, for the good of everyone here, be careful playing ball with the devil. If Nick gains power over God, it could damn us all for eternity. I know we're already well on our way there anyway, but no need to speed up the process, lol.

ORIGIN:

GREEK

NAME ROOT:

ARKADÍĀ > ARKÁS / ARKÁDIOS

NATIVE NAME ROOT:

ARKADÍĀ ‎(ἈΡΚΑΔΊᾹ) ARKÁS ‎(Ᾰ̓ΡΚᾸ́Σ) ARKÁDIOS (ΑΡΚΆΔΙΟΣ)

MEANING:

This name derives from the Ancient Greek name “Arkás ‎(Ᾰ̓ρκᾰ́ς) and Arkádios (Αρκάδιος)”, which in turn derives from “Arkadíā ‎(Ἀρκαδίᾱ)”, meaning “coming from Arcadia, native of Arcadia”. Arcadia, also known as idyllic land, pleasant life land, far from reality, is one of the regional units. It is part of the administrative region of Peloponnese. It takes its name from the mythological character Arcas, son of Zeus and Callisto. Arcas became the new king of Arcadia and the country's greatest hunter. In Greek mythology, it was the home of the god Pan. In European Renaissance arts, Arcadia was celebrated as an unspoiled, harmonious wilderness.

7

danielleshorts t1_j5wousl wrote

You Fiona are an OG. The Leshy & now the Devil seem to joke around with you. That shit is crazy

5

Caffeinated_Spoon t1_j5wpg8v wrote

Uhh... Yeah. Aleksei has a thing for you. Fortunately I get the feeling that if you wind up with Jacek he'd be OK with it. But he has a thing for you.

4

FlowGentlySweetAfton t1_j5wwdcf wrote

Fiona, you need to find Aleskei and have him explain your family history pronto. He referred to other members of your family being buried in the Red Meadow. My thought is that one of your ancestors is the being Nick is looking for. It would explain your family's connection and continued stewardship of the land. Knowing more about who you come from could be the key to beating the Devil at his own game.

9

ellie_kabellie t1_j5x3uhe wrote

The Arkadiusz…. sounds important if Aleksei felt the need to mention it. I have a weird feeling it may be the sleeping creature Nick wants to consume…

3

MizzCroft t1_j5x548h wrote

Omg don't have any babies with Jacek till you find a way to protect your baby. It's probably that creature Aleskai or however you spell it.. Sorry was talking about. Has to be. Hope the world doesn't go into chaos. Fiona you're like a dark angel kind of. That's pretty kool. Hope all goes well. Hope you figure out things with your dad too.

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ashleyxokidd t1_j5xi79n wrote

I wonder if what nick is talking about is what the leshy mentioned. The meadow has to be special. As nick said the land isn’t tainted nor holy. It’s rather ambiguous and what if it’s more so fueled by natural/supernatural forces that have always existed but the nature of them depends on the intent for them. What if there’s a reason a lot of the family is buried under the red meadow? Perhaps someone foresaw this and the being nick is asking to be dredged up can only be pulled up by a descendant. Learn more from aleksei! The devil himself told you he is not all powerful and has little influence here despite the fact that the creatures are unholy. Which may lend credence to the idea that some other force has domain over your land. One that is and always has been.

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tina_marie1018 t1_j5xnhv7 wrote

You do realize that he wants the location of Arkadiusz right?

Please talk to the Leshy and find out about it before you start looking for something for Nick.

Get some rest Sweetie I have a feeling that things are going to be rough for a little while.

Please keep us updated

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relliott15 t1_j5xp31z wrote

Let’s discuss what Nick the dick said about the land being “unclaimed”. The devil himself clearly wants it. He thinks he can get it with your help. What would you have to do in order to get the opposing team a seat at the table? Perhaps you can bypass all of this by way of starting a teensy tinsy Heaven/Hell war, thereby keeping Nick away for good.

Edit: And that would then allow you to pursue your feelings for Jacek. Maybe. And not be beholden to the GD devil anymore. Maybe. Lol. Idk.

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OfficiallyStupid25 t1_j5xq26f wrote

Well, looks like you have presumably some sort of eldritch abomination sleeping in your forest too now. But I'm no expert of course.

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cosmickupcake t1_j5xstvc wrote

Since nick doesn’t have power on your land I wonder if the Leshy could beat him in a fight not that he’s at full power. Whatever nick wants make sure if he eats that being it won’t give nick him power over your land. My next move would be to talk to the Leshy see what he says.

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lexancer t1_j5xvlhr wrote

damn it, nick, you had to go too far...

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stomaticmonk t1_j5y01iv wrote

Oh shit. I hope he doesn’t decide to come to the mill and find me hiding here. Doesn’t seem like someone I want to meet.

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_AddaM t1_j5y1gv1 wrote

Obviously we don't know how this is gonna play out but as far as deals go, it's not the worst... right?

Best of luck with all this and I'm hoping that your confrontation with Dad is more civil than it was with Jem. Peace

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Gerflooficorn t1_j5yhbzo wrote

I am of the firm belief that Aleksei is one of the best friends a person could have, honestly much nicer than most humans.

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Zak_The_Slack t1_j5ypowj wrote

I was thinking if the devil asked for your firstborn, then you should just say “When do we start?”

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Kallyanna t1_j607l2g wrote

Arkadiusz….

Maybe the original owner of the forest? “Sleeping” but not dead….

At first I was like “don’t be the leshy, don’t be the leshy!”

But I did a re-read…. The original ancestor MUST be fae or have made a bargain for a “nature preserve of the cryptids” if you will, for an exchange that goes on through your ancestry! Hence the Bies taking up refuge in your woods. ‘From earth’ but wanting to take over Aleskei for dominance over the woods, perhaps?

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yourexsbestie t1_j61shax wrote

Ohhhhhhh nooooooooo !!!! Hes talking about Leshy 😭😱

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yourexsbestie t1_j61tzwv wrote

Or maybe the lake monster ? He has been sleeping .... or is what is buried in the red meadow I'm unsure I just hope like hell is not Aleski Even though he is not sleeping the devil is a trickster this we know Also when Aleski has described his origin to you it was very similar to the description "nick" gave you Ugh your gonna give me an aneurysm woman 😵

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mamberdeville t1_j676xt3 wrote

He's not. He said this creature is sleeping. The Leshy is very much awake. This is something new, something she hasn't crossed paths with yet and will have to find. I can't wait to find out what! I'm missing her stories these past 2 days😭

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catatonie t1_j68wxmn wrote

Kinda hilarious because I have my friend visiting me and her last name is Nowak…remind me if you have sisters?!

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clownind t1_j6hhhvg wrote

The devil is a jerk and still owes me a superbowl win.

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