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The 2nd And 3rd Day

__________Grian's POV__________ 

'The seer again opens their eyes. After losing 2 innocent souls, they fear what might happen. Seer, whose role do you wish to reveal?' 

After opening his eyes, Grian points towards Mumbo. Earlier, Etho signalled that the moustached man is a werewolf, but honestly, Etho is unpredictable and since he has the power to check, Grian does so. He wouldn't know whose card to reveal anyways. 

'Alrighty then, dear Seer. Ren-diggity-dog reporting for duty.' Ren turns Mumbo's card towards Grian, a werewolf. "Oh well, always good to check" The latter thinks. 

'Now close your eyes, I hope you're satisfied, and may you stay alive for the night.' 

 

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'-the night is over, the sun is setting. The hermits can gladly say they survived, all of them... except for Stress. Stress, reveal your role and take a seat on the couch, you know the drill.' Ren smiles melodramatic. After Stress had done so, he continues: 'Now, Hermits, decide who is one of the culprits. Good. Luck.' 

'...I honestly don't know who to suspect anymore. Anyone got any leads?' Cub asks. 

'I did notice a noise to my right. First, I thought it was Stress, but she's kind of dead, so it could've been Iskall?' Joe says. 

While Iskall is defending himself, Grian makes eye contact with Etho. Last round, he noticed Xisuma looking intensively at Etho, as well as False, so he quickly signales to him to watch out for the two. Etho nods quickly and focuses on Iskall again. Just as Grian is about to turn his gaze to Iskall as well, he meets Doc's eyes. He feels Doc's gaze piercing into him. "Oh god, he's onto us..." After staring into his soul for what feels like way too long, Doc smirks and winks: My lips are shut. 

Relieved, Grian lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He doesn't know why, but Doc lets Grian and Etho go their own way. Doc is smart enough to throw him and Etho under the bus without being suspicious himself, so Grian is glad that Doc's with them. 

All the while, Iskall has been overly defensive off himself. And because, to the hermits' frustration, there are no other leads, Iskall gets voted off. Grian notes that Xisuma and False are again pointing towards Etho. "Shit, those two are way too smart... gotta be careful" 

'Are you kiddin' me?!' Iskall exclaims, 'Oh you've made a mistake, guys. I'm a villager as well.' 

Several groan in frustration, so far, all "deaths" were villagers... 

'Okay Hermits.' Ren says, 'I know. I know. It's very sad and all that, but Imma cut the day short and skip to the third night of Hermits' Hollow.... close your eyes, and good luck staying alive.' 

 

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'...Aaand lucky for most of you, you've survived. The same can't be said about Joe. Joe, you got brutally murdered by the werewolves. Take your seat on the couch please.' 

'Alright, I was cupid. Good luck findin' the werewolves, Hermits.' Joe says. 

'Ooooh, we've got a change for once! Not all the dead are normal villagers anymore. Anyways, the best of luck to the lovers, with Cupid gone. And you know the drill: find the werewolves, execute 'em.' Ren says. 

'Okay I don't know about you guys, but I'm starting to get frustrated. We haven't made any progress so far!' Keralis exclaims. 

'Keralis is right,' Xisuma chimes in, 'Maybe we could vote for a sherrif? Maybe it'll help getting this going.' Various nods and agreements are heard from the hermits. As Keralis just pointed out, they're getting nowhere at the moment, and it's starting to get on most people's nerves. 

'Okay, then who wants to run for sherrif?' X continues. The hands of False, Bdubs, Cleo and Doc immediately shoot up. 'Well, that was fast. Anyone else?' When nobody reacts, X says: 'Alright. How about we change it up for a bit? You know, usually each candidate gets to do a little speech. How about we don't do that now? Instead, everyone else, share the reasons why you would vote for a certain person.' 

'Yeah, that's fine by me. Seems fun!' Grian responds. He is not sure who he'll vote for though. Cleo would be a logical option, but he doesn't want to be associated with her by the others just yet, to avoid being targeted. But False and Doc are dangerous to vote for, they're too smart. 

Which leaves Bdubs. But he can't think of any reason why he would vote for Bdubs. No offense to the man of course... it's just... yeah. 

The hermits have already started with counting reasons for why everyone should vote for a certain candidate. Then, it is Grian's turn to say his thing: 'I- uhm.. I think I'm going with Bdubs.' he blurts out, quickly trying to think of a reason why. 

'Oh? Why Bdubs? So far, not many people have voted for him.' Mumbo asks. 'No offense to you mate!' he hastily adds when he sees Bdubs' offended expression. 

'Well I'm very glad at least someone appreciates me!' Bdubs exclaims. 

Grian smiles. 'I'm sorry Bdubs, but the reason you've got my vote, is that you're an open book. You're easy too read, and that is kind of good to know, so that we can tell your lies. I simply find False, Cleo and Doc too secluded. They could play any game and deceive us all, whereas you...' He trails off. 

'What?! And I thought someone finally acknowledged my wonderful skills!' Bdubs gasps. Grian bursts out laughing. 'Sorry not sorry Bdubs!' He giggles. 

'Grian has a point though. False, Doc and Cleo know how to play the game of lies well. You've convinced me bro, I'm going with Bdubs.' Tango states. 

'Geez, this is like the mayoral race all over again...' Ren chuckles. 'Now, the voting. Point towards the candidate you want to vote for on three. One... Two... Three!' 

The majority of the hands point towards Bdubs. It seems like Grian has convinced more hermits than just Tango. Good. 

'Well, congrats BdoubleO! You are officially sherrif in town!' Ren proclaims. 

'Yass baby! I'm in charge now!' Bdubs grins. 'But on a serious note, even though it's what we've asked ourselves every time: did anyone find something sus?' 

'I'd like to point out something.' False speaks. After getting a quick nod of confirmation from Bdubs, she continues: 'I don't know if you guys noticed, but Etho has been awfully silent. Of course, that's not a good reason to immediately suspect him. But I'm just saying, usually he's more present. Ya know, voicing suspicions, finding werewolves...' she trails off. 

"Shit. That's not good. If Etho's out this is gonna be difficult." Grian thinks. 

'Yeah, I noticed it. But I kind of brushed it off.' Xisuma chimes in. 

'Guys, I've just been sat here and listening.' Etho interrupts, calm and relaxed. "Good, Etho, don't overreact, that would be suspicious." Grian thinks. He silently smiles in himself: Etho knows how to play mind games very well. 

'I'm just as confused as you guys. Usually, I have some vague suspicions towards people in this game, but now... no clue. It's honestly kind of annoying me.' Etho casually brushes it off. 

'Fair. But I'm still keeping my eyes on you mister.' False grins. 

'As you wish' 

'Okey okey sweetfaces,' Keralis interrupts, 'that Etho over here is silent, fine by me. But I think Zedaph is really suspicious right now!' 

'Me?!' Zedaph replies, surprise evident on his face. 'Why would I be suspicious?' 

'I- It's a gut! You've got a different vibe hangin' around you Zeddy, it's weird. You seem off.' Keralis defends. 

'O-kay? Does that immediately make me sus?' Zedaph questions. 

'Well... Yeah. Yes it does!' Keralis exclaims. 

'Okay. Dear Keralis. Do you have a logical reason to why Zed would be suspicious?' Xisuma asks. 

'Shashwammy! You too?' Keralis pouts. After seeing the half-joking-half-stern look on X's face he admits: 'No, I- I don't. But still!' 

'I say we vote Keralis, everyone.' Cub says. Noises of agreement are heard from most of the Hermits. 

'Well,' Ren begins, 'Now for the votes, even though I think I know what the outcome will be.' He smiles when almost all the hands point towards Keralis. 'Welp, Keralis, how surprising!' He chuckles. 'What is your role?' 

'I am the hunter and I'm taking Zedaph with me!' The man in question says with his characteristic soft voice, trying but desperately failing to sound threatening. 'Oh no! Whatever shall I do! I am but an innocent villager brutally murdered by the hunter!' Zedaph dramatically falls onto Tango's lap. The hermits burst out laughing, to the embarrassment of Keralis, who was convinced that Zedaph was a werewolf. 

'Get- get up Zed. Take your seat on the couch with Keralis.' Ren says, laughing. 

'Now, with this temporary happiness slowly fading... Hermits, prepare yourselves for another night in Hermits' Hollow...'