the Hunters

Hoggesburg-an Introduction~Part I

    Saaya trudged along the gravelly path, pebbles and rocks  flying up in front of her feet and landing on the black sweater of the boy walking in front of her.

"Saaya pick up your feet," Lawrence said, a deadpan expression on his face as he spoke. He continued walking, his hands in his pockets, his left hand running along the the steel handle of his pistol. It was cold  out, and a cloud of vapor lingered from his lips from his heavy breathing.

"Fine, Mr. Manners," Saaya spat. She jokingly stood up straight and folded her hands in front of her. "Now do I fit your image of stunning perfection, Lawrence?" she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. Lawrence turned around and stopped walking, looking Saaya up and down.

"Yes actually, Saaya. That looks spot on."

"Oh you brat!" She kicked a rock at his back right as he turned around and crossed her arms, also pouting.

Lawrence chuckled, "We're almost to the town where that demon was spotted. Better get walkin' if we wanna get there before dark."

Saaya huffed and said nothing, still pouting as they made their way down the steep hill to their next location.

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Lawrence and Saaya passed under the arch of Hoggesburg right as the sun was meeting the horizon. Saaya took in the beautiful sunset, letting her eyes scan the horizon, which was now a shades of pink and orange instead of the normal blue.

Lawrence briefly glanced at the skyline in its glory, then continued through the town straight to the bed and breakfast placed at the end of the street. Saaya followed close behind, rubbing her exposed, patched up arms to keep warm in the now bitter cold of dusk.

The two pushed the door open and were welcomed by a cozy warmth from the hotel. Saaya sighed happily as Lawrence approached the desk. A young woman was standing behind it dressed in a dated, traditional dress fit for an authentic bed and breakfast, but very peculiar for modern fashion.

"Room please. Two queens, fireplace," Lawrence said as he rolled up his sleeves around his wrists.

The girl looked him up and down and grinned from ear to ear. She waved a hand to follow her, and started up the stairs.

As the three approached room 015, the girl produced a key from the pocket of her dress and put it in the door lock, turning it to hear a click. When the door opened, the smell of pine, wax, and.. pork, wafted out from it. Saaya sniffed and grinned, practically leaping into it and claiming her bed by the refrigerator. Lawrence nodded as he passed the girl and placed his belongings on his bed near the window. He didn't bother to change out of his clothes or speak to Saaya as he climbed under the sheets and drifted off to sleep.