Of Blood and Loss

VIII. The Ranger

Hercules swung open the half-doors and entered a Saloon. He was met by a lot of judgemental eyes, even heard a few "Fuckin' Greyskin" s but that didn't stop Hercules. He could barely even hear them as he walked up to the bar at the far end. He sat down and several patrons shuffled away. He looked to the left and found a ton of judging eyes. Most people there were cattle herders, wearing Special hats and boots. He was familiar with the area, and their perspective on the man. "Your far from home, Orc." The bartender said. "Ale." Hercules grunted, reaching into the small pouch on his belt and pulled out a silver coin. The saloon was suddenly filled with sinister chuckles and slurs. "Listen, old man. You think you can just show up to this here saloon an-"

He was interrupted by the half-doors swinging open, revealing a man. The man had his brown hair tied back into a ponytail, and sitting on top lay a quaint little oak cowboy hat. His aqua eyes blazed through tiny frames, that sat at the end of his nose. He let out a heavily accented "Listen here keep." He spoke with a polite, elegant accent. "You may not serve Orcs, but you will serve an old friend." Hercules glanced up and met the Keepers eyes with a smile, Hercules twisted his fingers, revealing two silver coins. "One for another old friend too." As the keeper turned to fill the tankards, Hercules turned back. "Been a while old man" The man laughed. "Speak for yourself, Pilon." The two friends caught up, drinking tankards by the half-hour. "You tellin' me this lil shit punched an ancient with its claw" Hercules let out a hearty laugh "He's Mars' kid aye" Pilon smiled as he took another drink. "What you been up to cowboy?" Hercules asked behind a foam moustache. "After the Legates came in and the Royals' Guard disarmed, I became a bounty hunter. Was never good enough for a Legate, nor am I a god. I was just a good shooter, so that's what I stick to. Tracking criminals and the such." Pilon reached behind his back and pulled out a repeater. A rifle, the barrel slightly rusted. Hercules gleamed "Fuck me its been a few years" He took the weapon and flipped it, revealing an insignia. Hercules looked up to the man, sipping his beer smugly. "Mmhm, the first rifle used in the military. The same one we shot together." Pilon looked forward reminiscing, but as he turned to his old friend he was met by an even prettier sight. Hercules let out a grin "You remember Eliza right?"

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Venus let out a smile as she said "Okay, that's fifty." Morgan clapped "I hope it's worth it hey" As Venus looked over, she noticed Morgan had a fairy chain sitting on his lavender hair. "Never thought I'd see a Gladiator with a crown of flowers" Venus chuckled. "Not much of a Gladiator anymore" Venus furrowed her brow "What do you mean?"

Morgan played around with the chain of daisies and dandelions "I've always been a gladiator because I have a home, my arena" Morgan smiled "A Gladiator is defined by his Arena, and my Arena is dead" Morgan found a small purple flower, opened up the chain and put in the line. Venus didn't know how to react. She just feigned a smile "Well maybe your arena is still waiting for you" Morgan glanced over "That's what I'm hopin' for"

Venus put all the upgraded bullets into a small pouch and placed it on her belt. She loaded six in and smiled, just in time to see Achilles run out from the forest. He approached the two, still sitting by Niruith. "Hasn't the Crab started to smell yet?" Morgan shook his head "Better get used to the smell, looks like we're eating it tonight." Hercules had left his small bag of Crabmeat by the side, which Achilles picked up and held out at a distance. "Better taste nicer than it smells, come on. The village is just up ahead" Achilles stopped for a second and turned to the woman.

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"Werewolf, Eh?"

Pilon was just talking about his next bounty. "Yup" The man replied, "Living in some cave; although that's a bit off your path, huh." Hercules raised his brow, to Pilon's amusement. "I know you're after Jupiter." Hercules soon turned very stern. He finished his sip and made a noise, then let out a gruff "What do you know about Akrasia's destruction?"