Caught by a Hunter

Chapter 9

The rest of the evening went calmly and Alderoth actually enjoyed it when he got to see how Sifuu and Hassian were living, even if Hassian didn't actually live in the house anymore.

It did seem like Hassian was the calm one, the one who made sure things were in order and so on while Sifuu was more reckless with how things were. That of course didn't mean that she did not genuinely care for Hassian, Sifuu just wasn't the kind of mother who would bake cookies and stuff.

They were such a funny little family and Alderoth found himself smiling when following what they were doing. True, it did feel like there was friction between them too but maybe that was a normal thing that happened with every family? Alderoth couldn't really tell since he had no idea if he had ever had a family. His past was still nothing but a mystery and for some reason he was pretty sure he would never be able to find out what kind his life had been before coming here.

After it was almost dark outside, Alderoth was using a bucket of warm water and a towel to wash himself. There was just a simple corner behind the house that was used as a place to wash out with a lantern hanging from the wall. Water was heated in a boiler in the corner and there were boards to serve as a flooring and sheets to give some privacy. He didn't really mind this arrangement, it wasn't like his house had an actual bathroom either. Hell, he just washed himself in a pond that was near his house.

Alderoth splashed the rest of the warm water over him and took another towel, drying his face and then wrapping the cloth around his waist. It did make him feel a lot better when he could actually wash off all the remaining dirt.

"You done?" he heard Hassian's voice from behind the sheet.

"Yes", Alderoth said and he pulled the sheet away.

He raised his eyebrow when seeing the other man standing there, his back towards him and he was holding something.

"Here, mom found these", he said and held out a simple shirt and pants for Alderoth to wear.

"Thanks", the man said with a chuckle and took the clothes. "I had no idea you're such a prude", he smirked and he definitely could see those long ears turning a darker shade of purple.

"Just dress up", the hunter commanded.

Alderoth shook his head amused and he pulled the sheet back on, taking off the towel. His whole body was full of ugly dark bruises everywhere and he moved stiffly, but at least he managed to wash himself alone. The clothes did feel a bit big on him but he didn't mind, he was glad he had any kind of clean clothes to wear at all.

Once he was ready he pulled the sheet off again.

"Is this better?" he asked and finally Hassian dared to turn around.

"At least you won't get cold", he muttered. "We'll wash your clothes in the morning and you'll get them back when they're dry."

"Sure", Alderoth nodded and he used the towel to dry his hair more while stepping away from the washing area. "Did Sifuu leave?"

"Yes, even though I told her she should stay", Hassian grunted and he took another pile of clothes ready for him that were set on a small table aside. "But she said she wants to go see others in the tavern."

"I don't think it's that bad, we'll be just fine even if it's just the two of us."

He heard a whine and looked at Tau who had been sleeping nearby. Now the plumehound was looking at him over its shoulder, those yellow eyes big and sad.

"And Tau", Alderoth quickly added. "With Tau here nothing could go wrong."

Tau let out a tiny ruff and it laid back down now satisfied. Alderoth was starting to think that maybe plumehounds really did understand speech after all...