[pattern by Meghan Hageman]
❁ THE ROT IN VIELLERI - A WIP BY SOLENE
genre - horror fantasy ; gothic elements
pov - third person limited
themes - law is not always right, trust, the importance of agriculture, atonement from others’ wrong-doings, loss, family expectations, past affecting the present, injustice
warnings - blood, human deaths, harsh language, mention of animal deaths, mention of osteophagia and necrophagia, ghost, insects.
status - brainstorming/planning
There is not much to say about Vielleri. It’s a small village, in northern Thiracie, separated from Reenlane by round hills and sharp mountains. But it is the birth place of a Saint, and also the place of her death, and somehow, it changes everything.
This was supposed to be a festival just like the ones before. Arabella and her father would sell the cheese and the milk from their goats, maybe some fruits and vegetables, exchange some lambs with others farmers to renew the herd. Celebrate the arrival of the pilgrims coming to visit the oak where Saint Savina was hung, three centuries ago. But as fog rolls down the hills and drowns Vielleri, whispers comes to life. Saint Savina was seen in the streets.
Nonsense. Tales of the drunk. Arabella doesn’t think much of it, even as more and more people claim to have witness the apparition. Then, the land her family farm stands on start to rot. Fruits are molding before being ripe. And it is spreading. Arabella knows that if it doesn’t stop, soon the village would not have enough food nor money to sustain itself.
Some thinks of Savina as their protector. Others claims she came back for revenge. Arabella doesn’t know which side she is on, but she is sure the two events are linked. So, with the help of her friends, she tasks herself to discover the true intentions of Saint Savina and to stop her, if she must.
But how does one stop something that has already known death?
Arabella Casetti - The farmer’s daughter. Arabella is hardworking, spending probably most of the time with goats than actual people. She craves building meaningful relationships with other people, but has always stand out as an odd one among Vielleri.
Agatta Fabbri - Daughter of the priest, Agatta is knowledgeable about all things related to Saints, and considers Saint Savina returning as holy. However, her kindness and intelligence pushes her to side with Arabella to save the town.
Nicco Basilj - Firstborn son of the Mayor, the village seems to know more about his future as he does himself. He uses his privilege to help Agatta and Arabella, relishing in the feeling of being seen for who he is.
Rosalba Piovano - The old lady that lives on the outer edge of Vielleri is one of the first accused to be at the origin of the rot. Lonely, not a lot of people dare to go hear her house, reputed haunted.
Miranda Attici - Miranda is coming back at Vielleri to open her clothing shop. She is flabbergasted by the events and tries to hold on as much as she can, even if it means flagging an innocent person as guilty.
Arabella followed Agatta to an alcove on the side, so small it was almost impossible to notice at first glance, where round stairs went up and down in the darkness. Agatta got her torch out of her snatchel, along with a heavy keyring. They turned up their respective lights before going down in silence. The sole of their shoes, hitting against the stone in a prudent rhythm, reverberated against the walls. Arabella took a deep inspiration. The air was still, heavy. Not a lot of people came down here, she could tell. Finally, they came to a stop at a wooden door.
“That’s where we bury holy people. The ones who dedicate themselves to Ashain and Myra. Savina was moved here when she was recognized as a Saint, and zhares were accepted by society.”
Arabella frowned at the explanation. “It’s weird, considering that people who followed the same faith hung her.”
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist, I will put it under the cut :)
