The Beginning

Let's Do This!

Ira told Colin to lead the way and shifted her car out of the other vehicles with a practiced finesse. They got on the freeway and Ira opened her glove box to grab a dagger that would effectively dispose of the demons. It was one of her personal favorites, a solid rainbow eucalyptus tree handle connected to a leather hilt made of hellhound skin and a sleek steel blade inscribed with demonic runes that capture the demon in the knife. Ira's uncles had made it for her seventh birthday after years of reinforcing the runes and tanning the hellhound skin. The eucalyptus wood came from the heart of an ancient forest within the amazon rainforest said to be nurtured by river sprites and the spirits of mothers.

Ira turned it carefully in her hand and holstered it in the sheath at her waist under her shirt. She wore a maroon tank top with lace straps under a light, black jacket and dark, faded jeans. Her black combat boots held three vials of holy water, a pouch of salt and a protective charm from her parents that held several small items. A steel blade was tucked in a hidden sheath on the sides of each of her boots and the laces were inscribed with demon binding runes. A black canvas bag held extra rounds for the pistol in her back pocket and also several other items including an american flag flask full of holy water, an angel blade, salt rounds, crosses and mystical gems and herbs. She also sported a cross necklace and moonstone earrings plus a hairstyle pulled into a messy bun atop her head.

When they pulled off the highway Ira checked her phone to see no new messages and muttered a curse at Bane. They drove through a heavily forested area and came out to a large clearing full of small structures and children plus a few mothers doing laundry. Ira appreciated the simple lives of elves and often wished she could just join them and forget about hunting. Her whole family, save for a few aunts, uncles and cousins, had fallen victim to the line of work they engaged in. Ira knew one day she'd meet her match but would fight until that day and work alongside fellow hunters.

Colin pulled over and shut off his car before stepping out and being greeted by several children who threw themselves at him. He caught them all in a huge hug and laughed as he sidestepped towards Ira's car. "I didn't catch your name, savior," He said charmingly and while opening her door and lending her a hand.

Ira paused for a moment before taking his hand and grabbing her backpack, slinging it over her shoulder and shrugging. "Irrella, but most call me Ira. So where are these demons at then?" Ira said while surveying the area. The scent of trees and soap covered the area and sounds of laughter and light banter reached her ears. It didn't sound like they were overcome by grief for their missing children. She took a few steps forward to better view the woman who were scrubbing at clothes in wash basins. They seemed cheery enough so she turned back to Colin.

"Oh, this way, we'll have to walk a bit. They set up camp just near our nursery and we don't have the power to drive them out," Colin said sadly as he walked briskly towards a path in the woods across the clearing. He led Ira deep into the forest and after ten minutes they arrived at the nursery. Cradles of branches, leaves, feathers and fur held little bundles of white cloth. The small hands of infants reached out towards Ira and she couldn't help but grasp a hand as she passed. There were around ten to fifteen beds each with a baby and only three women to tend to them. Ira noted the three empty cradles near the edge of the nursery. The whole area was covered with a dense tarp of leaves and cloth held up by rope to the trees above.

"Okay they're about five minutes that way, are you prepared?" Colin asked suddenly and turned to face the side with the empty cradles. "We tried to reason with them but they were having none of it and nearly killed the patrol we sent out. All three men are in intensive care at the hospital since our healers couldn't handle the damage," He said quietly so as not to disturb the resting infants and shushing women.

Ira knew this would be a quick easy job but stalled for a moment,"About payment," She said,"Would you allow me some food for my travels? And perhaps some elven hair, it's very useful in spells and rituals and I'm running low. Just a lock or two mind you."

Colin regarded her like a wolf who had snuck into the chicken pen before saying,"Is that all you want? We can provide you with much more, we are a wealthy establishment. Perhaps some elven wood or cursed root of Wraith Bush. We'll get together a thank you gift and send you off after a good night's rest!"

Ira was shocked at his hospitality,"Are you sure?" She said in awe. He nodded and responded solemnly,"Our losses have left us depressed and low. Your help is a godsend and we shall not have a new friend off without a proper, elven thank you."

Ira nodded and said thanks before slinking into the woods towards the demons. The elf had been cautious, telling her not to react hastily to the demons and that one of them could teleport. Ira suspected four black eyed demons and a higher one, maybe red or white eyed, that could do such trickery. She slowly proceeded through the woods before she heard voices up ahead. Crouching low in the brush she peered out at the havoc bringing demons.