Vampire Hunter D: Stolen Sunlight

Chapter 19

Leigh was awoken by a hand on her shoulder, slightly shaking her. Her eyes opened to see D kneeling next to her bed. It took her sleep addled brain more than a few moments to produce any other reaction than smiling up at him dreamily. It took the sound of smothered laughter to finally make her realize something else was needed. When she realized what she had been doing she sat up quickly, only the hunter's fast reflexes prevented her from bumping heads with him on her way up.

Once D was assured she was awake and alert he moved over to the two bags on the table. He picked up one and indicated the other. "There should be enough gold in there to provide you with necessities. I have already paid for the room and meals so don't worry about that. My goal is to be back by nightfall tomorrow so try to keep your head down until then."

Leigh suddenly had to push down the urge to jump up and give him a hug before he could leave. Since she was barely able to contain herself from making a fool of herself, she simply nodded her understanding. When he turned to leave she finally jumped up and called out to him. "Be safe! I mean... I know you will of course... but you know... just watch out." She wanted to kick herself for the outburst, but she couldn't reign in the need to let him know his safety was on her mind.

He looked back at her for a moment before a small smile graced his lips. "You stay safe as well."

Leigh could feel her face burning but she smiled back anyway. "That's the plan." He nodded one last time before leaving. Leigh stood staring at the door for a few minutes before she shook off her stupor and moved to get ready to face the day.

Once she was ready she headed downstairs. She hoped that even if the place didn't serve breakfast, they could point her in the right direction. She still had rations in her bag, but she didn't want to use them for two very good reasons. First, they would need them when they got back on the road again, and secondly, and most importantly, there was no point in eating tasteless rations if there was real food to be had. If she couldn't get that much from staying in a strange town in a strange world, all by herself, then what was the point really?

When she made her way downstairs, she didn't see anyone at first. She milled around the large empty room for a few minutes, noting that the place was pretty clean considering the people that packed it the previous night. After her impromptu inspection she walked to the counter at the back of the room and tentatively called out. She waited for a minute and when there was no answer or person coming from the back, she started to head out. She was stopped by a voice. When she turned she saw a man with his arms full, making his way behind the bar. She couldn't really tell where he had come from but shrugged it off as she walked back over.

"Ah yes, you must be the young Miss Leigh that was traveling with the gentleman that checked in last night. He told me to help you in any way I could when he left this morning. Is there something I can assist you with?" Leigh was pleasantly surprised. He was the first person, or human anyway, that had treated her with genuine kindness since her arrival. She couldn't help but wonder if it was because he didn't know who was staying under his roof or not. As soon as the thought crossed her mind she chastised herself for being so judgmental. She would work under the assumption he was genuine and deal with it later if it turned out otherwise.

She gave him a bright smile when she answered. "Thank you! Yes actually, I was hoping for a bit of breakfast. Do you serve it here or will I need to find it elsewhere?"

"Oh, I do apologize but we are strictly a bar. Since we don't have a kitchen you will need to go down the road. The man you are traveling with made arrangements however, so you should be expected. The restaurant we recommended is just to the left, three buildings down. If you need anything else, I'd be happy to help; I'll be here until this afternoon." Leigh was happy to see the man was projecting actual remorse and willingness to help.