3.9 Golden heart

     The few guests were doing their very best beeing considerate in the familys situation; quietly talking and walking. Everyone weighed their words, desperately hoping not using saying that might trigger any painful memories: How are you, considering the circumstances. It was a question she was used to getting by now. Every time she answered "fine" with sad eyes and a longing, tired sigh: Is there anything you need? Just let me know. That was another one that often came. The mood was rather somber.

     The new house was a lot bigger then the old one, and so much more fitting for someone of her standard and taste. Every inch of sympathy she got was even better, it had never been easier manipulating sims before. But she had to take care when she did; like she had when she'd gotten dad to buy her that giant tv for instance. That way she didn't have to buy it herself.
     It was a good thing Ians insurance was good, or else this might not have happened. A large house with many rooms, and a big cellar for all her potions. It was best for them when their surroundings were cool.

     Pretending that she was struggeling with sadness, whilst feeling triumphant was tough. Usually the police looking for a male serialkiller would've offended her, especially since she'd gotten her own nickname; the KG killer. But she was smart enough to know it was to the best for her. When she'd gained immortality, she could extract her revenge on the idiots that had claimed the KG killer was a man. She'd just wished they'd given her a better name; like the Surgeon; because of the wounds they kept claiming she put in everyone. Instead they named her after the river, because that's where they fished up stupid Wilma. Wondered what they would have called her if they knew how she'd killed the rest of them?

     Jarl sends his thoughts, Lucky said it like she was supposed to care: But he had to stay home with the baby. Telling the grieving woman that Jarl had just outright refused to meet her again, was probably best avoid mentioning. Not that Lucky knew why, he refused telling her why: Is there anything we can do? Another question Skuld got often, but this time she answered: No, but thanks for offering. Eventually she'd find something they could buy, but she was getting a bit out if ideas at the moment. She wanted a new car, but that was probably a bit pricey for them.

     Dad had gotten even older- looking, loosing every bit of blond hair he'd had left. Didn't he dread getting older at all? Skuld really tried focusing on what he said, trying not to panic about the possible future she could see. What if she wasn't able to stop the horrible aging? Dad had been so strong and handsome, and look at him now; he was a twig! Not even that way to young girlfriend kept him any younger, but thankfully he'd left that golddigger at home.

     Even her younger brother was a grown man, and he'd gotten married to. But it was yet another sign of age creeping up on her. Because when he got older, so did she. And he was the younger brother! Swallowing deeply, she tried focusing again: I'm sorry about Ian. He'd said that already hadn't he?
     Doing her very best at looking sad, she thanked him. He had to have quite a bit of simoleons right? Doctors weren't exactely underpaid. Maybe he could get her a new car? Or maybe not, now that he was married. She hadn't even met his wife, she was probably some golddigging skank. Why else would anyone want to marry him?

     I can take another look at him if you want, maybe run some more tests?

     Thanks Odin, but there's nothing more to test for. After she'd defused Ian, she'd made sure to take a longer break. Skuld had found information about all the social insurances she could apply for, and Ians health insurance to calculate what would be more economical beneficial. Ofcourse, contrary to his lifeinsurance. Then she'd had to estimate how long this would take, and how high his insurance would be by the time she succeeded and would kill him off.

     Turned out that keeping him in a coma was the best financial choice for her at the moment. now Ian had a lovely little room in the giant new house. As long as he kept getting fed her special little brew, he wasn't going to wake up again. The city had accepted that she took care of him herself, since she had the education of a doctor. But they sent some nurse to bathe him a few times a week.

     Now that Aino was getting older, she could start taking care of Ian instead so Skuld didn't have to. Finally! The little brat should be thankful she'd let her help. That way she'd never have to look at him or his giant nose again! It was a grand day to be Skuld, and she was so close to her dream right now. With Ian out of the way and Aino growing, she'd never have to get as old as dad was. That's why the family was present ofcourse, to celebrate the girls age- up. That way they could entertain her so she didn't have to.

     As Marco saw another generation of young girls grow up, he realized he needed a new shotgun. Or atleast to make sure the ones he already had still worked: So Aino, you know how dangerous ponds are right? Shouldn't go near them. Especially if there's men with cameras there.
     I can swim grandpa, Aino assured him, dad had tought her that as a toddler. She could swim alright, she was possibly the best swimmer in the entire city. And why would she be afraid of sims with cameras? That didn't make any sense. Unless they could catch your soul with it! Which would've been awesome.

      Thank you so much for arranging a birthday party for me mum. Aino politely thanked the rest of the guests to. She wanted them to come visiting again, that would be nice. But if she said anything mum might get mad, and she didn't want mum to think she wasn't enough. Skuld on her side, just wondered how many calories the cake contained. She was going to have to run to the moon and back to get it off her thighs.

     Thanks for the outfit aunt Marea. It wasn't just clothes after all, it was fancy ones that cost a lot of simoleons. Atleast that's what auntie Lucrecia said. She'd thank uncle Efraim again to, but his job had phoned after him, so he'd left. Then it was just Marea left to thank.

     You're welcome, she said calmy: I got help from Lucky to pick it out though. The two of them were fashion disasters, but the girl seemed more than happy with it.

     Then Aino thanked Lucrecia again: You're welcome. She thought it was a bit odd that the girl kept thanking so much for so little; it was just clothes. By the way she kept thanking them, one could think she wasn't used to getting anything. It was good beeing polite, but this was a bit much. She seemed like a pretty nice kid though, and it was good to be a bit away from her own baby: You're such a pretty girl, that we figured you needed some pretty clothes to.

     The girl looked strangely at them before thoughtfully eating more cake. Fine, she was a bit strange, but with a dad in coma it might not be that odd: And your hair is so thick, Marea said: It was difficult braiding it.

     Yeah, Lucky nodded: I've never seen anyone other than you and your dad with that shade of red either. Most sims have to buy that at the store.        

     Red hair is so pretty, Marea was talking more to Lucky than with Aino now: I've always wished I had that when I was younger. 

     You are very pretty Aino, Lucky said to her: I bet the boys aren't going to leave you alone. Aino didn't get why boys wouldn't want to leave her alone, that was just strange. And why would she care if boys talked to her anyway?

     Skuld didn't understand what they were talking about. Her daughter was ugly, red hair was ugly and she looked like her ugly father. Didn't they see that large nose? Or those fat lips? The only pretty one was her. She was the prettiest one in the family, she always had been and she always would be. Aino was fat and ugly, and she'd get even fatter with the way she kept eating cake. Skuld wasn't sure about that outfit Marea and Lucky had gifted. And the girls hair wasn't thick, her hair was thick. She had to do something before the kid got some confidence.

     Aino was happy that she'd finally meet the family, even if she'd met them before. But she couldn't remember it very well: Is it true that you're a doctor? You don't look very doctory... She wasn't sure what to think about uncle. He looked cool, but not like a real doctor. He smelled doctorclean though, like handspirit and he looked clean to. There were probably no bacterias on him. But doctors didn't have tattoos: Are you like a real doctor, or is it more a doctor degree in something that doesn't have anything to do with anything doctory at all? And doctors always were bald and old, and he wasn't that old. He was younger than mum.

     Atleast it was clear the girl didn't take after his side of the family. The way she stumbled with words and didn't look straight at him gave that off. Poor kid, couldn't be easy with her dad needing all that care. Skuld didn't want him to look at the guy though, so he respected that; I'm the type that operates on sims. Not a bookworm. Okay, he was a bookworm, but that wasn't the point. 

     Doesn't all the blood make you sick?! The girl asked quickly, and revelead beeing as grotesque as a lot of kids were at a certain age.

    No, not really. But the first time I witnessed an authopsy I threw up on the floor. Just missed the table by a heartbeat. Odin sometimes forgot that not everyone got doctor-humour, and was slightly disappointed when the girl didn't giggle.

     An authopsy? Wasn't that when they cut in dead sims? Aino wasn't really scared of dead sims, but she'd never seen one before. Wondered how they looked: Did your mum get mad at you then? Mum was mad at her a lot, even if she didn't throw up on the floor.

     Uhm... No. It was during my internship. The doctor, she just laughed at me... and at all the other ones that did the same thing.

     That was strange: So your mum didn't get mad? All mums got mad at their kids when they weren't good. That's what her mum said, and mum was always right.

     I haven't met my mum, so I don't know what she'd think about it. He was calm as he said it: It was just the interns and some doctors there. 

     Uncle Odin didn't know his mum? Even her mum had met her own mum, atleast she'd though she'd said it. That was so sad. Aino loved her mum, and hoped she'd be a great daughter for her one day. That way mum would be happy. Aino was always happy when mum was happy.

     Nothing was better than when Aino realized that grandpa was alright to. He even let her make funnyfaces without getting mad. Not that she'd ever made a face at mum, she didn't want her getting angry. But this was still fun. Dad had let her make funnyfaces, but he was ill now and noone knew what was wrong with him. But she would take care of him and mum.

     The party had also left a lot of dishes. She should wash them so mum didn't have to. Aino really wanter mum to be happy, and to be the best daughter. It had to be difficult for her now that dad was unconscious all the time. Or whatever it was called in doctor- language.   

     She almost missed grandpa talking: How is your mum doing? Does she have moodswings? Was he serious? Everyone had moodswings didn't they? Mum changed her temper in a few seconds, so Aino felt like she was always walking on eggshells. But she loved mum and wanted to make her happy.

     Everyone had it like that at home, so she knew that everyone lied about it. And she didn't want mum to get disappointed in her: If mum has moodswings? Not really. Hey, is beeing a cop like in the movies? Aino just changed the subject, because she was sure that grandpa had given her a strange stare. Or maybe he hadn't? Maybe she was just imagining it.

     No, not at all. He sounded a bit off when he said it, like all air had been sucked out of him. But atleast he didn't ask more about mums mood. Grandpa was fun, but a bit strange.

     One thing that Aino had noticed, was that her family was kind of pretty. She didn't mind beeing the only one that wasn't, she was just glad other sims were pretty and happy. Aunt Lucrecia was very pretty to, even if mum was a lot prettier: You're very pretty! The woman jumped when she talked, maybe she hadn't heard her entering the room: Is your husband pretty to? Bet he was, but she'd never met him. Wonder why?

     Taking a deep breath, quietly collecting herself after the sudden startle, Lucky had to admit the girl was really weird. She was way to obsessed with this whole "pretty" thing. On the other hand, she herself had told the girl that she was pretty. Maybe it wasn't a good idea, after all; she hadn't been that obsessed with it as a kid: Uhm, yeah. Yeah, he is. Jarl's very pretty. And green, he's very green.    

    He's green! Is he an alien? That was so awesome. Aino had never seen a green sim before. 

    No, he's a plantsim. My mum did some experiment, and he was the result. We lived in the same house our entire lives actually. For some reason things like that was easier to explain to kids than adults. They just took these things so naturally.

     Oh... Was your parents pretty to? Aunt Lucrecias parents had to have been pretty.

     Sheesh, this was starting to rank high up on odd talks: Well, yes.

     Aino knew what type of relationship all the grownups had; Luckys mum was grandpas sister. But she couldn't remember seenh a picture of her or anything: Was your mum as pretty as my mum? It was always mums that were pretty: Do you look like her? The little face that aunt Lucrecias colours was far different from the rest of the family, was just a little detail in her young mind. Her husband was green after all, so who knew what else could happen? Ainp wished she looked like her own mum sometimes, but she was a lot prettier than she could ever hope to be. But she looked so up to her, and her pretty blonde hair. Dark hair was pretty to though.

     For some reason aunt Lucrecia didn't look straight at her, and fumbled a bit for words before talking: I look a lot more like my dad.. We have the same colours and... yeah. We look alike. She took a long break before talking more: He died a good while ago. Just never got over mum after she passed away

     Aino knew a lot about that to. Grandpa had just told her, and mum and dad had mentioned it a few times. She felt a bit sorry for Lucrecia and her mum. And now for her dad to. Mum and uncle Odin had grown up without a mum, and so had her dad. Even aunt Lucrecia and Efraim had. And Marea had no parents at all! She was so lucky that she had a mum, and a dad even if might as well have been asleed all the time.

     Was it your dad that was pretty? Maybe it wasn't that strange. Uncle Odin was kind of pretty to, even if he had a lot of tattoos. She liked the tattoos though, it was like having pictures on your own skin.

    Really, what was wrong with this girl: Yes, he was handsome. The ladies liked him a lot. Not that he'd been interested in anyone else but her mum. Aino nodded and smiled. She was going to take good care of her own mum. And dad ofcourse.  That way, she wouldn't have to be without a mum like so many of the others had.

     Quickly changing the subject before it got any weirder, Lucky tried beein a good grown up: How are you holding up then? With your dad beeing ill and all?

     The girl still had that strange look on her face, like she didn't understand what she was talking about. Maybe she had trouble processing what had happened: I want mum to be happy. That was it, the only answer she got. It was kind of sweet, so typical for kids to think about the parents when she should have thought about herself: Well, if you ever want to talk about it, or anything else. Just come and visit us, okay? And you can go to your grandpa and uncle Odin to. And Marea and Efraim ofcourse. The girl had that short look of confusion again. Poor thing. It was probably difficult for her.

     Aino behaved pretty well during the gathering, but talked a bit to much. Children were to be seen, not heard. Skuld didn't really like that outfit om her. Tilting her head, looking at her daughter, it was time to have a little chat now that the guests had finally left: Aino. Instantly the girl looked up: That is not a good look for you. You don't want the other kids to laugh at you. Do you? She didn't even answer; just payed attention to her every word: You are to fat to wear a tight outfit, and you look like a whore. Are you a whore Aino? Then she paused for a long while, keeping the eyecontact.

     It took ages before the kid said anything: no... She wasn't sure what a whore was, but it was probably something bad.

     Smiling coldly Skuld said: Did I say you could talk? Why do you always interrupt me? You're so rude. And that even after I fixed a birthday party for you. You're so ungrateful.

     Skuld knew just how to treat sims, to get the effect needed. The girl looked guilty and insecure, followed by a deepfelt appology: I'm sorry mum. I didn't mean to. You're so kind for doing all of this for me. I don't deserve it mum, I'm not worth it. I'm so sorry.   
     Hearing the girl saying the same things she'd told her as a toddler, was all music to Skulds ears. What a great idea it had been to start so early. Aino probably didn't even have any idea where the thoughts were coming from: So now you're sorry? You've made me sad Aino. 

     She whispered, so low that it was near impossible to decipher: I'm sorry mum... I love you... Aino felt terrible, she'd just wanted mum to smile and be happy. She hadn't meant to seem ungrateful. But she was ungrateful. She could've thanker her more, and mum just shouldn't have gone through all that trouble for her. She just wasn't worth it.

     Making sure that the girl wouldn't feel any closure, Skuld changed the subject: We have to do something about the way you look. Your hair is ugly, and you're fat. Lucrecia and Marea just bought you that outfit so others would make fun of you.

     Aino was caught by surprise, they had seemed so nice: They did? Mum was definitly right, why else would they have bought her leather- lookalike trousers and a tight shirt? And hadn't they said they wanted to get the hair away from her face? She'd just thought they meant it was annoying to get in her eyes. 

     Ofcourse they did. They always do things like this. Skuld pretended she cared about her daughter: When your hair is like that, your ugly face is easy to see. And with that outfit everyone will see how fat you are. You don't want the kids at school teasing you, do you? Kids now adays were to sensitive, couldn't even handle a bit of bullying.

     Aino was really nervous about starting school. Not just because then she'd have to leave mum and dad alone, but also because she'd be without mum. Now she was even more scared; she didn't want to be teased: No I don't.

     You see Aino, Skuld continued soothing her daughter: You won't make any friends anyway, so it'll be better if no one notice you. Don't you agree?   

     Quickly nodding Aino couldn't have agreed more. Hanging to every word she said, because mum was always right about things. She was right this time to. Aino wasn't going to be any prettier and only pretty girls had friends: But what do I do mum? I'm not getting prettier. She wasn't, mum said she got uglier every day.

     Don't worry Aino! Skuld was such a good mother at times, it was surprising she hadn't won an award yet: We'll just get some wide clothes to hide your weight, and cut your hair in a way that covers your face. The less ugly red hair it is to notice, the better. And the more face you hide, the better. We just need to find something that makes that big nose of yours less obvious. 

     Mum always took care of her every needs. Aino thought she was the luckiest girl in the world to have such a great mother.

     Looking up at her with admiration, Aino knew her mum was the smartest and most beautiful in simnation. She was like one of those fairytale princesses she'd seen on tv: You're the best mum. I love you! What would she ever do without her?!
     Smiling back, Skuld answered: Ofcourse you do. I'm pretty, so I deserve love. Skuld felt so good when the girl looked at her like she was perfect. Which she was, and the whole point of other sims beeing alive, was to make Skuld feel good about herself.

     The mix of dirt and garbage wasn't the best of change from her cellar. Not that she didn't love the smell around her workshop, but it could get a bit sickening at times. It might come as a surprise to sims, but for all the strange things they contained, it often smelled quite sweet. But it was also a sickening sweetness when stuck in it for long. This stench of rotting food that emerged from the recycling bin didn't do wonders for her mood. Why on earth didn't they use lids? Atleast that might contain the alarming ammount of flies that buzzed around the old garbage.

     Skuld didn't bother trying the door this time, it was better just doing it the oldfashioned way. Knocking on the backdoor wasn't as suspect as it might seem. It was common practice, especially between aquaintances. And she wore a common brand of sneakers, incase someone noticed the footprints. Merete and her was almost family, so she should be thrilled to see her. But her facialexpression showed another feeling.

     Skuld was still a bit surprised that Merete invited her inside, but maybe she didn't want anyone to hear what they had to say to eachother. Ofcourse she wasn't a complete idiot, she'd made sure that they were alone. Her halfsister had gotten married, and no longer lived with the sister. And her ancient crust of a mum was dead. If she was to believe official records, Merete had been married several times, and was divorced again. With daughters and a son that lived with her dad to, none the less. There was no way that a horrible old hag like that had any other man in her life, and she hadn't seen any specific sims coming back the times she'd surveilled the place. Lets just face it, Merete was a horrible woman. Besides she'd already made sure the neighbours wasn't at home. Had to learn sims habits after all.

     Merete should also be happy just to be given the opportunity to speak with someone as superior as Skuld, but the old hag didn't agree with that either: What do you want this time? Inheritance after your mother? She hadn't even thought about that! She was the dead womans daughter after all, so why hadn't anyone informed her? Unfortunately Merete continued before the dream of a fat inheritance came true: Because she signed away custody of you. There's nothing for you to fetch here.   
     And just like that, Skulds sweet dreams disappeared. Ofcourse she earned a lot of simoleons due to her potions. She didn't use all of them to harm sims, but sold them to. But she just wanted more simoleons. It wasn't like she could just buy everything she wanted in life.

     Tilting her head, Skuld studied the much older woman. She couldn't be far away from beeing an elderly. Her own mum couldn't have been that much older than her. But that was a time of life that Merete would never experience. As much as she wanted to cause the woman pain, she wasn't dumb enough to pick a fight with a fairy. Especially the ones with way to sweet voices. That didn't mean she was going to let her get away easily: I disagree Merete. There's a lot for me to fetch her. 
     Like what? She sure didn't sound to have a lot of patient, but what did she care.
    Well, I can fetch your essence.

      What? What on simplanet do you want that for? Skuld was just surprised Merete even knew what it was. It was far from the most known thing in simnation. On the other hand, she'd been the one telling her that tale all that time ago.
     I'll use it for a potion that can make me live forever. She said it, even if she wanted to keep a low profile. It wasn't like Merete could do anything about her outcome anyway.
     How are you going to do that? Are you going to turn them into liquid.. what?

     Skuld could have sworn she'd known exactely what do with it. Fine, she'd had that stupid dream all those years ago. But dreams weren't real. She'd just assume she'd know what to do, or figure it out in the end. She hadn't. It was a strange thing to think about, but she'd been so busy getting what she needed instead of researching more directly. This was unheard of! She was supposed to be a genious.
    Merete luckily wasn't. As she continued to talk before Skuld answered: And how are you going to get my essence anyway? Then an all familiar look on her face, that showed Skuld that her victim realized her imminent death was at hand.

     It was by far on the top three most expensive potion she'd ever made. It contained gold. It was also the only potion she'd used on herself, instead of the victim. Atleast it hadn't turned her into a fully fledged king Midas, so for a second she worried how well it had actually worked.

     Merete didn't have any chance to stand against it. Skuld was the best thing that had ever happened to simnation, but even she was baffled by her own superiority. The fairy had turned into solid gold in the blink of an eye. She got so shocked by the effect that the essence nearly escaped her. After all, getting turned into gold inside and outside, made things like the longue, heart and brain stop working to.

     The gold effect would disappear in a few hours, and whoever found her would be none the wiser. For once she didn't feel like looking inside a sim. Meretes words had gotten a grip in her mind. What was she supposed to do with all those essences? She couldn't use them for anything in their current state.
     Even worse was that she was horny as hell, even if this thing hadn't been that exciting. She was pretty certain that Ian couldn't still get a hard on atleast. So how difficult could it be getting a man to screw on a regular basis?

     A short stop home to cure the midas- touch, a shower and a new layer of makeup; Skuld found herself at a place she'd never been before: A danceclub for ordinary sims. As usual she was the most beautiful one there, but she was used to that.

     Simply walking up to the first guy she saw, Skuld barely even talked to him before asking if he wanted sex.

     She'd never expected it to be that easy. Okay, the guy was a lot older than her, but what did she care? She had an itch that needed to be scratched and Ian was indisposed at the moment. What did she care about the bartender that gave her some judgmental look? Old hag was just jealouse of her anyway. Who wouldn't be? Skuld was quite the sight.

     Usually she wouldn't allow some gross stranger entering her perfect body, but this was about her needs; not this idiot. The fool even gave her his number and asked to call him whenever she felt the urge again. What an idiot....
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If you didn't get it, Ian is still alive and kicking ;)

I had Skuld go to a club and just hump the first guy she saw, which was this idiot. If anyone remember Jonny from generation 2, I'm sure you can see the resemblance. They are a huge family and they all look the same. And I mean they are pretty much all clones of eachother. I thought I'd gotten rid of all of them, but on closer inspection this guy alone has 7 kids. And like five brothers, whom look pretty much the same as this one, with almost equally many kids each. No wonder they are everywhere.

Aino really loves her mum and worships her quite the bit. She also think she's perfect and always right.

Thanks for reading

3.8 My heart has found its home

warning: language, gore

     The cellar was always a bit chilly, which was the best for her ointments and the old nectarbottles inherited from her grandfathers. It wasn't a type that rendered the body cold in itself, but more the type that made the warmth of the other rooms feel like a wall of heat. A small shock in a dreary everyday. Well, dreary for other sims maybe. Skuld had a lot to keep herself occupied.
     For instance she'd taken a lot longer than anticipated, but she'd finally found that the town only had two werewolves. One of the two were the mayor, and the other one was his son; and Luckys exboyfriend. Biorn. A name that suited him despite the fact that he was a wolf. But he was big and probably strong enough to count as a bear.
     She'd even considered leaving the city and taking out some other werewolf somewhere else. But eventually figured that the best was to target him. The mayor was a big no-no, especially since she was sure that her dad, him and long- dead Bashir had been involved in some fishy business. And if someone was involved together with her dad, it was best to leave them alone. As much as Skuld might not want to admit it, her dad was the only one she actually feared getting involved in policebusiness at the moment.
     Skuld still had the potion intended for Rikard, it was just that for Biorn she might need a different one. And she was sure she had found the right this time. But the plan had to change drastically.

     Gurgling happily from her crib, Aino was as trustful as most toddlers as she reached her arms out for another grown- up imaginary friend. Couldn't keep waiting for dads to help her out of the crib, could she? She liked having sims around, and laughed and talked to the lady and the doll.

     Ian could hear her from downstairs; laughing and talking. As long as she didn't chew on the crib again, that couldn't be good for her health. He still wasn't getting any better, and was sporting a constant bad breath that never went away. With stomach acid washing over the teeth all the time, it was probably just a matter of time before they fell out. Maybe he should go to the dentist. As Ian staggered up the stairs, she started singing to someone. Probably to that doll again.

     Opening the door, he found the toddler sitting on the floor, and as expected; singing to Ratatosk.
Did you climb out of bed yourself? Ian laughed at her, now holding the doll so close that he'd need a crowbar to separate them. It wasn't anything odd with the girl climbing out of bed herself. She was so close to aging up, that it was a constant reminder of his own increasing age.
     Instead of blaming the doll, Aino blamed someone new: No, waydi in cheer hewped me. After a small pause, she kept singing some eerie song. She made up a lot of songs and stories, and it still beat the "poop and pee" songs. He'd never get the fascination kids had with those things. And when would she stop beeing so interested in it?

     Ian smiled at the empty chair to the toddlers joy. The cutest part was that she kept focusing her eyes on something in it: Thank you Lady, for helping me with my daughter. Now I don't have to bend so I'll throw up again. It smelled a bit bad over in the corner, maybe the chair was mouldy? Was it bad that he played along with her imagination? According to the books he'd read, it wasn't dangerous having imaginary friends.         
     Calmy Aino stroked Ratatosks wooden head, looking up with a suspicious glare. Then her chunky hand started picking on the dolls burned spot: Dadda ill?
     Meeting the girls eyes, Ian smiled as soothingly he could: Yes. Daddy isn't feeling well. He didn't add the little "as usual". Kids understood more than adults knew. He'd been good and not having the news on, or talking about unpleasant stuff when the girl was around. So she hadn't talked about stabbing anyone again thankfully.

     Thinking about beeing ill, made sure he really noticed how bad he felt. Feeling the water rising in his mouth, he barely had time to rush out and throw himself over the toilet before it came. He always washed it afterwards, so their toilets were extremely clean. But the scent of vomit had started beeing an everpresent thing in their bathrooms. What came out of his mouth just tasted aweful, making his throat burn. Every time some little grain got stuck in the throat, making him cough in an attempt at getting it out. And that alone didn't really help him feel any better.

     Still studying the old texts, Skuld heard the pipes when Ian flushed the toilet. He was such an idiot. How the flying fuck couldn't he get it?

     I wove you daddy... Aino whispered in his ear, spitting a bit as the words came out. She said it very often, and almost got all the words properly by now. It was about time, even he had started to worry. She was so sweet, she even said it without beeing anywhere close to a toystore.
     I love you to Aino, everyone loves you. His little babygirl was the sweetest, wasn't she? Clinging to him, she presser her fat cheek against his until it almost hurt; their cheekbones gnawing against eachother.

     If it hadn't been for the illness, everything would've been so perfect! Aino was coming along great with her languageskills. She'd even started playing with a new toy he'd made for her- not that Ratatosk wasn't always close by, but atleast she played with other toys. And she sat so quietly with it, the metal joints beeing pretty much the only sound heard. It was so good not hearing her shrieking the dolls voice.

     The toy was supposed to be a dog, but his daughter insisted it was a cat. She'd suddenly decided she liked cats, and only the doll liked dogs. So then it was a cat. It was probably a sign to Ian that making toys weren't his things. So he'd taken up trying some sculpting instead, which also made the toddler laugh. Fine, he wasn't an artistic sim.

     Ian even got a surprise call from an old friend, and an invitation to his house. He hadn't talked to him in ages, but clearly he wanted to take up contact. And Aino had even insisted on taking the "cat" with her and leave the doll at home. His little baby was really growing up, and was no longer as attached to her favourite doll.

     Arild pretty much looked the same as he did in school, and was as big a worrywart as usual.  Ian hadn't mentioned anything about his little healthproblem, that would just make him worry more. But it was so nice talking to someone else than his wife. He hadn't really noticed how isolated he'd been in their house, and how rare it was that he talked to someone else then his daughter and wife. Was this how it was beeing a grownup? It was kind of boring, maybe him and Arild could start meeting on a regular basis?

     It was so nice just talking to someone that was 100% perfectly normal! Maybe they could take up a sport or something, just not swimming. Not that Ian was sporty. How about music. No, he wasn't very musical either. Well, he could think about it first, then phone Arild later.
     After a very short while, a panicked black cat came running into the room with them. Ian didn't blame it, he heard Aino toddling after it, meowing as she did. Poor cat, but the toddler was probably a bit excitet by a real cat instead of a toy.

     Thing between him and his wife had also never been better. She was a dream to be around these days. She barely left him alone, and was so sweet and cuddly he'd been waiting for something bad to happen. But it didn't. Skuld just kept kissing and hugging him all the time, and absolutely nothing was wrong. Ian was sure he was the luckiest man alive.

     Everything was perfect, other than the unstable weather but he didn't care. For now he just wanted to be happy with his wife and daughter; and having a social life.

     The police is holding a pressconferance about an active serialkiller in Jericho. The Kaen- Garen killer is a suspect in the murder of Khalia Sandvoll. Khalia was found in the backalleys of old town, near the liquor store, and is the murderers first known victim. Recently, the body of a man was found in a burned out building; it was later revealed that the man was dead before the house was lit. The mans' name was Wolf Brenden, and both the victims had internal organs removed. It's believed to have happened post mortem.

     Just recently, an unsuspecting fishersim fished up parts of a female body at the docks near the Asylum nightclub. That was where Aino had talked about the woman with a rose on her chest and cloth covering the face. What a strange coincidence. The newsanchor continued with monoton voice, doing his best to sound serious: The female has been identified as Wilma Rothenmeyer. Wilma was reported missing earlier, but there weren't enough evidence to start an investigation. The female had been wrapped in sheets, and just like the other victims; she'd had her chest cut open and organs removed. The police is not suspecting cannibalism, as the other victims organs have been found close by. Oh, gross!! How do they even come up with such an idea? 

     It is also suspected that the disappearance, and possible death of a young child and her father; Lise and Salek Timas, is the work of the KG- killer. They were last seen passing the Peyton gallery at nightfall. The rumours are yet to be verified by the police.
      The murderer is currently active and the public is asked to be careful and lock the doors after nightfall. Beyond all, it is important that the citizens doesn't panick, and phone the police if you have any information.

      Friends and families of the victims have declared that certain items have been removed from their personae- 
     The tv was filled with pictures of the known victims, and also a "missing" message about the kid and parent. Then there was a list and pictures of some of the items from the victims. Alledgedly serial killers sometimes held trophies, and this seemed to have a knack for jewellery. A leather- thread commonly used as a necklace was the first to be shown and then a pair of small, black unisex earrings. The most obvious one was a large silver necklace ending in a v, embedded with polished stones in black, yellow and green.
     Ian had to admit he didn't have to much thought about the victims; his wife was out there pretty much every night. Alone! He had to have a talk with her, atleast he had to stop her from going alone!

     The KG- killer seems to mainly go after female adults, which might indicate that it's a sexual predator. However, the body of Khalia didn't show any sign of sexual abuse, but this might be something that the murderer starts with later on as his urges gets stronger. The other female victims has not been in any shape to tell. One theory is that the murder of the man is something that went wrong. Perhaps the killer was expecting a female, but when finding a man, still chose to commit the crime. According to our sources, it might explain the difference in violence. The house was lit on fire, as if the murderer wanted the body of the man beeing found easily, unlike his female victims.
     Why did reporters keep insisting calling women female and men.. well, men. Was he really the only one reacting to that? Like women were such an odd species other than sim, they had to be called "female", like a female deer, female cat and a female sim. And there was male deer, male cats and men. Which were sims? And what was it with them insisting calling it sexual abuse, when they meant rape. Like rape and sex were even remotely similar. No, he had to stop thinking about those things, this was not the time!

     His wife was out there all alone today, and he couldn't reach her on the phone! What if something had happened to her?! Taking a deep breath he had to stay calm. The backdoors was locked, he'd made sure to do that. And the murdered didn't attack sims on the street did they? No wait, he had! But it was a long time ago, and they stayed with their MO didn't they? Wait, he didn't know anything about murderers! Oh please Skuld, she had to come home soon! And when she did, there was no way in hell he'd ever let her leave on her own again. From now on he'd come with her. They could take Aino with them, or let his father in law babysit.

     It smelled a bit like urine in this part of town, but it was a small price to pay for what she wanted. Following him had been so easy it wasn't the least bit fun. Figuring out what he liked was even easier. Turned out mister goodygood had lost his goodness somewhere on the way to adulthood. Even if he was the mayors son he didn't even have any security with him, or even an entourage. But he was free to do pretty much whatever the hell he wanted to around town. And since he had a knack for drinking, gambling and women, it should be a simple task to get him where she wanted. The mayors son had to be properly handled after all.

     Gambling was illegal, atleast when mafia was involved. And it had been easy following him to one of the many shady places where sims gambled illegally. With a little luck, he'd probably been drinking to. It wasn't the first time she'd prepared herself to face him, but it was the first damned time he'd hadn't had a woman or three on his arms. And not just any women either, slutty women. Atleast in Skulds mind. Easy women, giggling with high heels and short skirts. She'd made sure to dress properly for the occation.

     He might still hate her guts, but there was no way he'd say no to easy pussy. Or what he'd think was easy atleast. Personally she was sure that because he hated her guts, it made sure her little plan would work. After all, men were useless idiots, and she was superior.
     She'd also seen the women he'd been hanging with. They were probably pretty enough, but nowhere near as good as her. And if she'd calculated right, her direct approach was going to be a nice little break from the giggling tarts that expected nothing of him. The spoiled son wouldn't know what hit him.

     As anticipated, he noticed her quickly. That's why she stood here in the slutty costume ofcourse.    Skuld, he didn't seem suspicious, but the grin he pulled wasn't trustworthy either: I was wondering why I'd seen you around lately.     
     I've been waiting to get you alone without any of your skanks. She pulled a wicked smile at him, before getting one back: You seem to be a magnet for whores.
     Explains why you're here then? Men, they were so gullible, probably thinking he had surprised her and not that she already knew he'd answer the very same thing.

     Do you see me hanging around your arm, waiting to suck your dick Biorn? Eying him up and down with a disgusted face, it had the effect she was waiting for: Why don't you keep that tiny wonder for your little sluts. Doubt impressing them is difficult.
     He didn't look a lot nicer as he actually grinned wider: I wouldn't want my dick anywhere near you, bitch. Oh yes he would, she could see it in his eyes already. He was quite a little hothead when he'd been drinking. She'd bet no one had ever talked to him this way before.
     Crocking her head, she answered: Aaaw... did I hurt your fragile masculinity? And here I was looking for a good, hard fuck. Pursing her lips before turning around, she said: Don't worry Biorn. You're to small to satisfy me anyway. But you have fun with your whores.

     She had barely taken the first step before he stopped her: Maybe I need to teach you how to show some respect, you blonde hag? 
     Swallowing a triumphant smile, Skuld turned around again. With her hand on hips and a small smirk, she eyes him up and down again: How are you planning on doing that, little one? You going to fuck me into submission?
    Fucking right I will bitch. 
    Laughing at him, she answered: Good luck with that, tiny.

     Putting his hands around her waist, she quickly pushed him off her: Get off me, tiny! You think I'm one of your dirty little whores?
     You will be by the time I'm done with you. He was still having that unsettling grin. It would be interesting to see how cocky he was, by the time he realized what she was going to do to him.
     Eying him up and down with disgust she talked again: Like I'm going to fuck you in the middle of fucking town... 
     Where the hell is good enough for you then, bitch? You think your getting some rosecovered bed from me or something? Fuck you! 
     You'd like that won't you arsehat? She hadn't had this much fun in a long time.

     Skuld knew just the place to take the little prince: I know a good, private place. It's run down and filthy. Just like you. Or are you afraid of a little dirt, jerk- off? She even made sure to put up a disgusted face at him. Couldn't let that spoiled brat think she'd be to interested now could she?
     I'm not afraid of anything, bitch. He would be. He would definitly be by the time she was done with him.

     The mayors son disappearing would without doubt be a high- class case. She she'd known exactely where to take him. Thanks to her little discovery a while back, the bog was waiting for another visitor. Skuld wasn't the least bit nervous this time either, she'd been sucessfull so far after all. If she'd been a nicer sim, she might have wondered what had happened to make him change personality that radically. But she wasn't nice, so she just didn't care.

     Around them the room smelled terribly; old and mouldy with miceturds lying all around. Not that she cared, and neither did Biorn. Maybe it would've been fun to actually fuck him, but truthfully she didn't want to be around him longer than she had to. Incase he changed his mind or went feral or something like that.
     Good enough for you, princess? Skuld pulled her best charms at him again.
     Disgusting and used... Just like you. Biorn did his best to keep up with her classy act.

     Sitting on the nearby table it creaked menincaly under her weight. Looking at him through her eyelashes: You going to use me then tiny, or are you chickening out? Place to scary for you? After a short break, just to make sure he got provoked enough, she went: I'm to scary for you maybe?
     Does it look like I'm afraid of some blond cunt? 
     Aaaw... how did you know it was blond.... She smiled sweetly at him, making sure to immasculate him a bit at a time: You guessed that all by yourself, little boy?

     He was finally so angry that he stopped thinking straight: You want to guess if it's tiny, bitch? Nothing like little growling in the dead of night... well, close enough atleast.
     Laughing deeply at him, Skuld knew just how to play it. Men were so predictable: Is that supposed to be a threat, tiny? Careful my blonde cunt don't swallow you whole... Then she laughed again, making sure it was just as unpleasant as he was.
    Finally he walked up to her: Wouldn't surprise me if you could fit the entire building up there, you banshee.

     Men were so easy, but this was a bit fun she had to admit. Especially since she'd make sure to take her precautions. Skuld had learned the hard way to take different scenarios into consideration, but this could've been a script played by actors.
     He jumped back with a yelp as she pulled the knife out, scratching him with it: What the hell? Are you cutting me!! It didn't take long before he staggered a bit: What the fuck did you do?! Poor bastard, he even tried getting his hands on her.
     I've poisoned the blade and scratched you with it. Had to make sure you're unconscious for a while. Can't kill you here now can I? It'll be to easy finding your corpse. It was rare that she felt such an amazing calmness, but this time she'd been properly prepared. Even down to taking her gloves with her. It could've been seen as suspicious to wear them.

     Falling to his knees, Skuld was really glad she'd been working out for so many years. He probably weighed a ton, but she knew the nurse- lift. It would take a while though, but she couldn't have his dragmarks all over the ground.
    I'm taking you close by to the swamp. She said to him, wanting to make sure he knew what was going to happen: Then I'm going to kill you, but since you'll be knocked out I'll make sure to cut you open before you die. More fun for me, not so fun for you. Then I'm going to drown your remains in the swamp. But first, Skuld bent down near him: I'm going to take this ring from your hand. You won't need that anylonger after all. I can't wait to destroy you. I like destroying pretty things.

     Ian didn't like beeing down in his wife's cellar anymore. The time at the hospital hadn't been pleasant and he didn't want to relive that again. But he was getting so nervous waiting for her now, that he'd taken a trip down there just to get a bottle of nectar. Her grandfather had been quite good at making them, and he felt he needed a little alcohol at the moment. Usually he wouldn't drink with Aino in the house, but one glass couldn't be dangerous.
     If Skuld didn't show up soon he was going to phone her dad and get him to babysit, then go look for her.

     There was a murderer loose in town, and his lovely bride was all alone out there. And he couldn't get a hold of her. He knew the chances something had happened were tiny. But when he tried to tell himself not to worry, he worried more than ever! Why did his brain work like that?
     Taking a look at the old bottles, he realized they had to be worth a fortune. They were several generations old. Then he understood how kind it had been of Marco to let them inherit them. He'd never give away a winecollection like this to anyone! Or maybe to his own daughter.

     One by one he took a look at them, they'd never really gotten a system for it. But when putting one of them back in, it butted against something. Come on, he'd just taken the bottle out! It fit in that hole damnit. He tried again, just to find it stopping against something. Putting the expensive bottle of nectar down on the floor, he carefully stuffed his hand into the opening. He could've just put the bottle somewhere else, but felt compelled to put it back where it belonged. That, and he was curious. Maybe it was a secret treasure, or some old family heirloom. The last would've been the best.

     Instead he pulled out a rather small leather bag, tightly closed. It was a tad heavier then the size gave away, and it sounded like it contained metals of sort. Opening it, he was surprised to find what seemed to be jewellery. A string of leather, that looked long enough to tie around the neck several times. A turqoise scrunchy with plasticball on it; like children used in their hair and a mans wristwatch. For some reason he forgot to breathe. This was not... this was not good...

     A pair of small, black earrings made him feel queasy. Hadn't this been the stuff on tv? No, this was common jewellery, anyone could buy this. This was completely common stuff! Maybe it had belonged to her grandparents? Then he found a heavy necklace in silver; ending in a v embedded with polished stones in black, yellow and green... An uncommon necklace, not common like the rest. But what about the scrunchy, it could've belonged to anyone! He refused to think about the missing little girl and her grandfather. Still with his hands in the bag, he felt one last item.

     Feeling it with his fingers before even daring to take it up, it was a circle. Nothing more exciting than that. It took even longer before he dared looking at it. But when he did, he found it to be a goldring, simple and smooth clearly beeing worn a long time; a wedding ring, much like his own. Without any doubt belong to a man, based on it's size. In the dim light he struggled to read the engraving on the inside: Orianas heart has found its home.

     No. There was no way this was possible

     No. Marco had said he'd died or a heartattack. No. He read it again: Orianas heart has found it's home. He must be reading it wrong, so Ian read it another time; the words didn't change. The writing was still the same, the words didn't change. Why didn't they change? It couldn't be what it said. It wasn't possible. It wasn't like anyone could get murdered and having it look like a heartattack. It wasn't possible.

     Marco had said it wasn't anything else it could've been, but that it hadn't been that certain, No. It had to be a coincidence. A lot of sims were named Oriana. There was no way either her or Bashir had such a romantic engraving anyway. But his father in law had said it was a cheezy heart- engraving, and this was a cheezy heart engraving. No.

     The other jewellery... it was like they had said on the news.... No. It was no way. It couldn't be his beautiful wife. What would she do something like that for? She didn't need anything of this! She couldn't have done this! Why would she? But all those times she'd been home late. Coincidence? What about that time she'd joked about the sim she'd killed? Anyone could say things like that! No. It was around the time that woman had disappeared; Wilma. They'd gone to school with her.... No.

     Ian was in shock after the finding. But whatever shock he'd had then was long gone by the sight that met him. His lovely wife was covered in blood. Was she hurt? A little voice in his head whispered that it wasn't hers. Or was it him that whispered it? She opened her mouth, so maybe it was her that said it? His beautiful wife, looking so cold and heartless. It wasn't her blood. She wasn't injured. Yes she was, she had to be. It was a strange coincidence. She was an educated doctor, just needed the internship and she'd be a real one. But she hadn't taken it. Surgical wounds, that's what they said on tv. Looking for a doctor they said. Skuld wasn't a doctor. But she could've been; Someone whispered to him again.

      Skuld.... no.... Was that his voice? It didn't sound like it was his. Maybe it belonged to her? To whomever kept whispering in his mind, in his tattered sanity.  
     Was she smiling? He didn't recognize her voice either; Ian, yes. So cold, so deep, so hard. How could he not have seen it before? The evil that was her, broken mind and twisted thoughts. Such triumphant smile, like she'd wanted to tell someone about it.
    Every single one Ian. The lady on the street, Wilma Rothenmeyer, Bashir, the little girl and the old man, the burning man and now.... She held out her hand so he could see. Dropped a heavy mans ring in his own hand: Biorn.

     Biorn? The man he'd once known, the werewolf Biorn? How? How could this thin woman take out a grown man? I even killed a man on our honeymoon Ian. Dragged him into the water and let the sharks feast on his corpse. Was she still smiling? Like it was a joke?  
     No.
     Yes Ian, yes. I put my little knife in their flesh, and pull out their intestines. I love every little thing about it.
     No, Skuld. No. You have to...

     Have to what Ian? 
     This was a bad dream. He was passed out again and couldn't wake up. Couldn't wake up and he was hallucinating. Yes, that was it: What have you done? He wasn't supposed to say that.
      Then that smile again, like she didn't understand what he was going through. Like she couldn't understand that others felt things like she did: I've poisoned you Ian. After I sent you to the hospital, I've been poisoning you every day. I wanted to get rid of you, but it was to much fun seeing how much of my poison you could handle. Was she coming closer, or was he walking closer to her? You are so resiliant Ian, but I don't have any need for you, for what I'm looking for. What was she talking about?

     Skuld.... I can't.... She'd poisoned him? Had she been the one sending him to the hospital to begin with? Why? Why would she even do that? It wasn't possible, he had been tested for so many things, so many things the doctors could imagine. But only as they could imagine, had they tested him for everything that was?
     Tilting her head, she pulled a disgusted face; You didn't think I actually loved you, did you Ian? Look at you. You're... she shivered visibly with disgust: Look at you and look at me. You were never good enough for me, and you never will be. All those times I had to see you naked... She looked ready to throw up now, but managed to keep it in. Every word she said felt like she used her knife on him: You are utterly repulsive Ian. She managed not to throw up, the scent of slowly decaying blood on her started stinging in his nose. It took time, but what was happening infront of him finally managed to sink in.
     You have to go to the police.

     Oh Ian. You don't think I'll let you leave, do you?
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poses: sectumsimpra, ag, imho, clarisse, zhi

Start off happy, end up bad, always a classic :D And Kaen- Garen is the name of the river that runs through Jericho btw.

sorry about changing Biorns personality so much, but he'd rolled the evil trait. And since Skuld has it to, I figured it was fun if they were equally nasty. (Don't worry though, he already has kids) And she actually cuddled Ian at her own accord, which was surprising. I'm more used to her yelling at him all the time, so I constantly have to fix their relationship. Even Arild phoning Ian and inviting him to a party happened on it's own accord. It's like the game knew he was in for a rough spot.

Thanks for reading