Belle felt when the beast rubbed against her hand. She shook her head and smiled softly when his paw was placed on her arm. After that, she would stay still so he wouldn't have to move away, and sleep for a few hours, recovering after the sleepless night. A few dreams about her past life - home, mother and father - disturbed her, but not enough to get her to wake up.<br/><br/>It would definitely take a while for her to stop missing home that much...<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/>Back in Willendour, as Gerard was still in the blacksmith's house, being watched closely by the man's wife. When she noticed the man running out the door, she stood up and called for him, but ended up giving up on the idea of running after him. She watched him for a while from the window, before sighing and closing it.<br/><br/>In the tavern, many men were already there, despite the early hour. They drank, talked and played cards, oblivious to what was happening to Belle. And apparently, judging by their reaction to Gerard's pleads, nobody cared at all. As the man approached Gaston, he was already slightly tipsy. He left his beer on his side and stood up. Putting an arm around Gerard's shoulders, he spoke with the condescending tone you use with a madman. "Really? A monster?". It was obvious he didn't believe one word.<br/><br/>"What kind of a monster?", he asked, winking at the other men. He didn't even try to hide the gesture he made, indicating he thought Gerard was crazy. "Come on, tell me... how big was it? Did it take her from the house?"