A/N: Greetings all, I bring forth this short story. As of yet, it is still untitled, because coming up with titles is my bane. ^^; I wrote this about two years ago, and I am currently in the process of editing it. It's only two chapters long, maybe more, since I want to delve deeper into the characters' relationship.
Constructive critism is greatly appreciated.
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"The Feikan are a tribe of half-men, half-wildcats. They are known for being extremely violent and unpredictable; their agressive nature rivaled only by their cruelty. There were few differences appearance-wise between them and humans. The only foolproof difference was the Feikan's eyes. Theirs are a piercing golden color."
Chapter 1 ::
The night was still; the crisp autumn air felt brisk and cool. Miko stepped into the tavern, wincing as the noise assailed her sensitive elven ears. Her lips curled into a disdainful scowl as she took in the state of the place. The floors, the walls, the tables were all dirty; the air smelled of sweat, beer and rotten food. Eager for her trip here to be over with, she slipped through the crowd quickly, her nose wrinkling in digust as her eyes wandered over the crowd of drunk men. She hated coming to these places, but it was the only place where she could find a mercenary to hire with little to no delay.
Miko made it to the counter and perched herself on the edge of a stool. The bartender noticed her immediately and came over, wiping a mug with a piece of a worn rag. He surveyed her warily, taking in her pointed ears and, more importantly, the runes on her face marking her as a mage. So, what ll it be? he finally questioned, his voice hostile. Strangers weren t appreciated in this town.
His question was waved away carelessly. "Where can I find myself a mercenary?" she demanded, her tone aloof.
Before the barkeep could reply, a quiet voice interrupted, "I m looking for work."
Both the elf and the barkeeper turned to the source. A boy, looking to be in his late teens, was seated at the far end of the counter, staring intendly into his cup. His dark bangs fell into his face, making it hard for Miko to make out his features. She studied him with more than a bit of suspicion. His lanky build and nonchalant way of sitting did not speak of a trained weapon.
Perhaps sensing her skepticism, he got up and unsheathed his sword with the practiced ease of a seasoned fighter.
Silence seemed to befall the previously loud and boisterous crowd of the tavern; a weapon had been unsheathed. Behind the counter, the bartender seemed to have tensed. The whole room was watching.
"So, what do you say?" he prompted quietly.
Silently, Miko appraised the blade he was holding. Even in the dim light of the tavern, she could tell it was a finely crafted weapon, engraved with runes repelling spells and magical attacks. Moreover, she could tell he was a good swordsman, from his intuitive way of guessing others intentions, the easy grace with which he twirled the sword.
"Alright," she conceded, her tone brisk and business-like. "What is your name?"
He sheathed his sword and it seemed, to those in room, as if it were easier to breath. Without so much as a glance at her, he tossed a coin into his mug, and answered, "Akai."
Miko nodded, slightly offended that he wouldn't even look at her. "My name is Miko. I am headed for the city of Lanthur,-"
"On the other side of the forest of Silence," Akai completed, a note of understanding in his voice.
Again, Miko found herself nodding to his words.
He brushed past her, heading for the door, without looking at her. "Let's go then," he said, "It will be a few days walk from here."
Miko turned around to stare at Akai s retreating back. His swordplay was good, but his attitude left much to be desired. It took her a few moments to get over her indignation, before she hurried after him, her lips twisted into an irritated scowl.
She was well aware of the forest of Silence s location.
[EDIT] I fixed that embarrassing 'working' typo. Thanks to Nate. ^^;
[EDIT 2] Fixed indignation typo, thanks Cacophony ^^
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