The art is NOT MINE! This is actually a really gorgeous picture created by Octoberink. I am not taking credit. All credit goes to them. They are a great Artist and writer. This picture just really reminded me of the premise I was going for in my book.
"Barkeep! Another round of mugs over here!" A waitress in a run-down brown dress with some fraying at the bottom walked over with a tray of over foaming beers. The liquid was falling down the side of the mugs, yet not so much that the men would complain about losing the tangy substance inside. To make sure she appeased her customers the waitress made sure she bent down every time she placed down a mug in front of the circle of men. With every action, she made sure something was showing for eye candy. She would purposely lean over a gentleman's lap or "accidentally" have her cleavage fall out, but not to the point she was showing everything. Just enough to make the dogs curious for her body.
Apparently, the woman was too much of a tease, because one man grabbed her around the waist pulling her close to his own body. At first, the woman laughed along but pushed at his grubby hands to get them off. With her struggling movement, it was like the guy registers he had more power over her. She watched as a smile crosses his face while pulling her closer, causing her to stumble into his lap. "Ummm heh. I would love to join you gentleman...but I must get back to my work." she attempted to pry the hand off her leg as she struggles.
"Oh come now. I will compensate you for your troubles my lady." he pulls her closer...to the point she could feel him get excited. " Just stay and have some fun."
The men who were watching this action and only laughing along suddenly stopped. These four men were the loudest in the whole pub, so when all three stopped talking and laughing it was a noticeable change to the dominant male and women.
"Come on pig. Just let her go." the male demonstrated a wider smile than before clinging onto the woman like she was a prize he won, but just as fast as his actions appeared they diminished. He still held the girl in his grasp but lightly. His back went straight up with shivers going down. The man had heard a click behind his back then a sharp edge put to the back of his head. "You heard me. Now. Release the girl. Pick up your drink and continue being the bastard of the bar everyone secretly hates."
Behind him was a woman that was about a foot shorter than himself, and he was a good six foot, with blond hair like the sun. It seemed almost unnatural with how bright it was. The only explanation a person would have is her hair was naturally blond or even a very light brown and she was outside too long for days on end, so it became this light, almost white looking hair. As she circled to the front of the man his eyes trailed down her body. She wasn't petite, but it was obvious she was very flexible and naturally talented at stealth. He was trying to scale her body and admire what he could see, but his eyes stopped at what she held in her hands. A crossbow. One aimed right at his heart now.
She extended her hand out just for the women, who took it very apprehensive, probably thinking the man wouldn't let her go so easily.
"Go on. Just be more careful." she gave a small smile, but when the man-made a movement to grab her again she frowned and shoved the arrow onto his chest. She didn't penetrate his clothing, but he could definitely deal with the sharp edge. The women scrambled up off his lap, practically running away.
The man used his hand and easily pushed aside her crossbow with a sigh. "What are you wanting little lady? It's dangerous to be handling something like this."
She glanced back at him, wanting to so badly move the arrow back up towards his neck, but she knew his fear factor was gone now. He wasn't even giving her a second thought. So instead she allowed the bow to hang to her side.
"Hmmm, Bertolt. You shouldn't talk to her like that." the man to the left of him remarked.
"And why not? It's just a princess playing knight." he finally took a drink from his mug after he spoke.
" She's a hunter." the scrawny man beside Bertolt whispered.
The pig of a man looked her up and down one more time. Not to look at her body this time, but to inspect her. She was wearing a make-shift outfit with a brown cloak. She wasn't wearing the hood, but aloud it to hang off her shoulders. She had the crossbow in her hands with a sword on her left hip. On the opposite hip, were what looked like two small knives. Looking over he noticed a bag sitting on the ground. It had trinkets hanging off like creature teeth and fur to patch up the holes. Bertolt looked back-up to her face with a laugh. "She is no hunter. She's a poser. A knock off." the man across from him laughed a bit, but the other two at the table looked towards Bertolt with fear. They must have known who she was. "If this little scarlet is a hunter then I would give up my favorite sword past down from generations, but that won't happen. Now leave." he waved his hand at the girl.
She turned to leave but froze for a few seconds. She knew she didn't have to prove herself, but she could have fun with this. Turning around with a pivot motion to face the smartass she opened her mouth. "Alright. I'll take that bet."
The man seemed intrigued by her proposition. He could be amused for a few seconds.
"It's just I don't want your sword. A sword is too precious to most...humans. But I will take a bag of gold."
"Go on."
"Tell me to kill anything. Anything at all. I'll bring back the proof. If I do then you ow me a bag of gold."
The man looked at her with a smile. "Fine. But if you don't come back with the proof then you will serve me at the bar like a proper woman should be doing."
She contemplated her decisions. She was confident. "Fine."
"Alright..." he thought for a few minutes then smirked once more. "Bring me back proof of slaying the giant of Wellwood."
She had heard of this giant. She knew many hunters have tried and failed. Either not finding him or...have lot their own lives.
"Fine." She extended her hand out waiting for his ok that the deal was on.
"Alright."
She shook her own head once as they sealed the deal with a shake.
"I nearby make an official bet with..."
" Scarlet."
-------------------------------------------------------
Sighing in irritation she has been traveling through the wooded area for hours now. Using her sword as a pair of shears, she would cut down anything that was in her way. Vines, tall brush, even limbs of they were not too thick. She did have to watch her aim though because she did start off her travels with her trusted stead and only friend Philip. Every adventure she has been on she has dragged this pure brown horse. From going on trips with her before he was trained enough to know not to just take off or buck her off if they encountered anything huge or dangerous. If she ever needed a quick getaway this horse was her guy...well you know the saying.
With one sword in hand and Philip's reigns in the other, she traveled as far as she could. What was the most frustrating was she couldn't find even a sign of this so-called giant. Not a single one. Usually, she would find things they dropped, crushed items, footprints, basically, anything disturbed, but there was nothing. It was like he didn't exist. Something that was close to 100 feet, honestly closer to 80 ft., should leave behind a trail. There...there was nothing. This shouldn't be possible.
Traversing through the terrain she wanted to so badly give up. It was warm, the plants she passed by would graze her skin leaving marks, and on top of everything, she didn't even get to relax and get her mug of beer when she was at the bar. Today was supposed to be an off day, but noooo. She had to make a bet with a pig to traverse these woods and hunt down an imaginary giant. At this point she was so bored she turned around to face her majestic friend. "I bet you a hundred bucks this giant doesn't even exist. The people that disappeared probably just got eaten by something or got lost."
The horse bucked it's head up and down like it was replying to her.
"Exactly!" she pets the horse's head once more before continuing forward. If it wasn't for the fact that if she didn't return with proof she would be degrading herself for that man she would have left by now.
"I just have to find something to look like I slew a giant. The big idiot wouldn't know the difference." she gave up looking for the giant and just wanted to find anything to help her out of this self-servicing bet. "If I could just find even a troll or eaten pieces from a dragon I could maybe pass it off." pushing aside leaves and debris with a sigh knowing this may take a while.
"Hey!..oh come on...get off! Hey!"
Scarlet whipped around extending her sword straight out and came across a man struggling in the vines trying to get her attention. He nearly ran right into the edge of her sword, so he stopped struggling abruptly with wide eyes. He wasn't even focused on her anymore. He couldn't seem to keep his eyes off the silvery sharp object not far from his chest. He raised his hands in the air so he would seem submissive and non-threatening, even though the man didn't seem that way anyway even if he wasn't running right at her.
"Ummm...Im...I'm sorry. I'm unarmed. I swear. Just a traveler needing help." using a shaking hand he attempted to push the sword out of his vicinity but only accomplished to make it sway.
"What are you doing back here?! Haven't you heard the rumors?" she slowly lowered the sword so it was still pointed at him, but more at his legs.
"I honestly came because of that fact." the man slowly lowered his hands, still shaking. "I came to investigate the claims but got lost. I heard someone nearby, so tried approaching...as you can tell...it didn't work out as planned." gesturing to the vines still covering his body and restricting his movements. He could still move around, but everything was taking ten times the momentum to get it accomplished. She took her sword swinging it to the left and right of him cutting all the vines that were attached to him.
"Here." Scarlet handed him one of her knives to complete the job. " You're either stupid or desperate to see creatures."
The guy hesitantly grabbed her knife and started to saw at the pieces. Because he didn't seem trained in using such a weapon, it took him a bit to even cut through one plant. "Thanks."
She had to admit he was good looking. He had short brown hair that was not quite flattened to his head, but not quite messy either. There were a few pieces flying everywhere, but she couldn't tell if that was from tracking in the woods or if it was natural. He had stubble above his lip, but that was the least attractive thing about him. The thing she really liked that did make him seem...somewhat manly was the beard that was well taken care of. Not a single hair was out of place for that. It only covered his chin then went up his face to just barely meet his hair on the side of his face. Full rushed eyebrows with the darkest green eyes she has seen.
Shaking her head she had to get a clear mind. If she was caught gawking at a stranger he may just be creeped out. Crossing her arms she made her appearance seem like she was impatient. Making it the most believable when she began taping her foot and finger to hurry him along.
She wouldn't dare say it out loud, but there was one thing...off about him. She didn't want to just judge him right off the bat, but what was going on with him? This man wasn't by any means scrawny. Honestly looking at him she would expect him to be a woodsman or something. He was built. Just with how wide he was from shoulder to shoulder he could grab her whole body and pick her up off the ground like she was a sack of flour. He could just be inexperienced and clumsy, but...she would be watching him the whole time. He also for some reason had a light brown jacket on over his clothing. It was overall smart because then the plants and trees couldn't mark up his arms and part of his legs since the clothing he had underneath seemed very simple. A plain blue shirt that had seen things and dark bottoms that were thin. The most expensive object on this guy was his chain hat that was hugging his neck.
"Here." Scarlet jerked a bit at him talking to her. Had he been talking to her this whole time? Oh, God. She just acted like she didn't care the whole time instead of phasing out just to inspect this man. For doing the exact same thing those pigs at the bar were doing to her. Judging.
"Thanks. If you follow the path that I made it'll lead you back to a very small town with a bar. You can't miss it. Best beer around for miles. You may even be able I find someone to help you back." grabbing her knife back she placed it back in the pouch walking forward.
"Wait! I have to pay you back somehow!"
She hung her head down looking at the ground. She just wanted to get this over with. "What?"
"I found a sign of a giant creature nearby. Maybe that can help you? Your out here hunting correct?" the guy rubbed the back of his neck with uncertainty. "I know it's not much, but-"
"Yes!" she ran over grabbing the guy by the shoulders...well the best she could. She then stumbled back a few steps tieing back her hair to seem normal once more. "Sorry. Yeah, that would help me a lot actually. Lead the Way."
The man gave the cutest smile, not even showing any teeth. It was warm and welcoming. "Yeah...sorry, follow me." he turned around walking back the way he came from.
Following behind the muscle brute she made sure to cut anything in her way. A few times the guy in front of her would get stuck once again, like the vines were intentionally reaching out to snare his arms, trying to pin him back. When that happened, she would have to run ahead, swing her sword, then continue forward.
"So why are you in this forest again?" she asked trying to strike up a conversation.
"Curiosity mostly. Research. Heard there were creatures in this forest that are not fully documented because people can not get close enough to them, especially giants...you?"
Scarlet sheathed her sword noticing the plants were getting thinner. "A job. A hunting job to be exact."
The man turned around with a tilted head. "Like for game?"
"Not exactly. I heard there was a giant who was attacking people unprovoked. Ending their lives." They came into a clearing causing Scarlet's eye's to go wide. How did she not notice this before? The grass was completely flattened like someone placed immense pressure onto the ground. The tree trunks were snapped and one tree, in particular, was laying on its side as if the creature ripped it up from the ground. The roots were still attached, but broken. Looking to the left she noticed another tree, but this one was broken in half. Approaching the broken tree she placed her hand down on it, stroking the spot. There were splinters but only on the spot where the bark was crushed.
"What are you doing exactly?" the man stood back observing Scarlet. After inspecting the single tree she stood back up walking backward. "It's staged."
"What"
"This isn't real. I mean the giant probably did this, but this was left behind just for someone to find." she picked up some dirt grinding it between her fingers.
"B-but are giants that smart?"
Scarlet turned around to face the man. "They're not dumb creatures. You would be surprised by how intelligent they are. Probably staged this to throw off their prey"
"But if they are...as intelligent as you say...why are you here?" the man seemed confused yet scared, looking all around trying to see if the creature would just jump out to claim it's prey. She turned around looking at him irritated. If he didn't shut up he would get them caught.
"I am hunting this creature because it's a Predator. It doesn't have control. It will eat and devour anything it notices. People have already disappeared here. We need to end that process. It acts and looks like us. Exactly like us actually, but it consumes human flesh like we do to tarts."
"But maybe it's just defending itself? What's so wrong with that?"
"Look..."
"Oh, Farris."
"Farris. Even if that's true Predators can't control their instincts. They could snap at any moment...now shut up, please. You will get is caught. The creature is probably watching us right now."
"Well, you do have one fact right then." Farris's voice got just a bit deeper. Turning around to investigate what exactly was happening she noticed a form hovering over her. It seemed to be out of nowhere. How did the giant sneak up behind them? She didn't hear a single step, no shaking, there was no clue of his presence. The only thing that gave her a sign of his presence was the now looming shadow that seemed to engulf her body in complete and endless darkness. Pulling out her sword she pointed directly at the giant now in front of her. She could feel her arms shaking. She wasn't scared. She's handled giants before. She was very unsure of the unknown. Why did he set a trap? Why did he set up a scene? Where did he come from?
"Farris! Run!" she slightly turned her head behind her, but never took her eyes off the target. She was trying to hear the running footsteps or even stumbles of the new travel companion. Even a scream would have worked...but nothing appeared.
"What did you do?! Set him down now?!" the high figure easily swiped its hand causing her to stumble but never fall. He was trying to knock her clean off her feet. "Back off now!"
Lunging forward she aimed for anything she could get to. It's feet, ankles, hands when he bent down, but nothing seemed to penetrate its skin. It was like her sword was a toothpick to it, only making it angrier by the second.
She was not prepared though for the hand that scooped up behind her. She was watching one hand, but that was only to distract the human. The giant used his other hand as she lunged to grab her body raising her into the air.
Scarlet took her sword jabbing it right into his hand, but still, nothing happened. No mark. Not even a reaction. He simply grabbed her sword with two fingers, forcing her hands to release before he dislocated her shoulder. He tossed it aside like a meaningless stick raising her towards his face. " Are you done now?"
Her reflection glared back at her through his eyes. She was trying so hard to turn her body around, so she could grab her crossbow on her back, but as soon as she attempted the giant applied pressure to his fist, making her wince and causing tears to appear in her eyes. She was defenseless. She couldn't move. The most she could do was watch her reflection in his deep green eyes.
"Farris!" she weakly cried out. She tried her best to look around for the running figure. Maybe she could get his help if he was still around or even alive.
Barely moving she looked towards her capture full of defeat she only witnessed a smirk full of knowledge and curiosity. Causing her own eyes to widen in realization.
HOPE YOU ENJOY THE STORY!!! I worked really hard on this chapter. Took me three days to type this up, so please let me know if you enjoy this story PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!! I see real potential with this story,but don't want to continue if there is no interest. I will say now sorry for long chapter. Probably longest one I have ever written, but really wanted to nail down the personalities present.
So what do you think of Scarlet? What do you think happened to Farris!?! If you know what do you think about the situation? Please comment your thoughts Especially if you enjoy the story so i know to continue!!! Thanks!!!