Mythic (NaNoWriMo14)

Prologue - Blessings and Burdens

Dedicated to Prisim. Don't slap me with a trout please.

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Prologue - Blessings and Burdens  

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Pursuing a career as a self-proclaimed Hunter was not something Rena had ever expected to be easy.

She just hadn't realised how lonely it'd be.

Rena managed the last few steps to the closed door of the tavern. She swore she heard the mud-crusted material of her sleeve crack as she lifted her arm and rapped her knuckles on the heavy wood. While waiting for a reply, she tilted her head, soaking up the sounds of life from the crowd inside.

I was ready for the dirt. Ready for the rough nights under the stars and the lack of civilisation.

The door swung open, the full volume the cheering and singing hitting Rena's ears in one joyous sound. She stood up on her toes, craning her neck to catch a glimpse of those inside. Already, she felt her heart speeding up, energy returning to her limbs.

I just wasn't ready to give up... well, that.

"Well?" said the crotchety old woman blocking the doorway. She was stocky, only coming up to Rena's shoulder, but was imposing nonetheless as she gave Rena the once-over and sneered. "Come straight from the woods, have ya? Hoping for a room? I doubt you even have the money to-"

Rena slipped her fingers under her collar as the woman spoke, revealing the golden chain and the rose coloured crystal key that'd been hanging under her shirt. She watched the woman's face as her eyes locked onto the amulet, her expression turning to one of horror.

Rena tried to run intervention. "It's okay-"

The woman ignored her, stumbling over her words. "Oh, by the ley itself, you have my most sincere apologies!" She made an attempt at an awkward bow, nearly tripping over herself in the process. "I didn't realise, please, come in, I'll move some people around, make sure you have the best room in the house-"

Rena let her key fall against her chest, holding up her hands.

"No, no! Really, it's fine." The woman still looked skeptical, so Rena continued as she was hustled inside. "Just a place to sleep for a night, possibly two, would be amazing. If you have the room."

The woman's head bobbed up and down as she guided Rena through the mess of tables and legs. "Of course, of course! Whatever it is you need, dear, you just be sure to let me know, yes? But you must be hungry, no?"

Knowing what would happen if she refused, Rena gave her a smile. "A little, if it's not too much trouble for you."

"Trouble? Nonsense!" It took all of thirty seconds for the woman to clear a table of its patrons and wipe it down with a rag from her apron before pulling out the chair for Rena. "Sit, please. I'll be back with your food momentarily."

Rena folded herself neatly on to the chair, placing her knapsack on the floor beside her as the woman hurried away.

Truth be told, she wasn't particularly interested in the food. What had her blood racing was the music, the cheering and the stamping of feet. There'd been a slight pause as she'd entered, the room turning to inspect the new addition to their numbers, but now it was back and louder than before, sweeping her up in the same tempo that had several couples up to dance.

Life, thought Rena, her eyes trying to take in everything at once and failing miserably. This is what it means to be alive.

And like that, Rena was up from her chair, threading her way between the tables and feet that they grew to join the dancers and their twirling bodies and skirts. With her crystal key out, thumping against her chest to the rhythm of her heart inside, she found herself in the hands of several partners, taking delight in their touch as they moved around the floor and took her with them.

Her hands clapped in unison with those around her as she lost herself in the small crowd, unable to resist letting small embers spark from her fingertips to fly in the air. Unable to resist brushing her fingers against the stringed instrument of a musician and imbuing an illusion into its wood to make the notes pouring from it visible in a rainbow symphony. Unable to pull herself back, and unable to care about the consequences.

But finally, the music stopped. The stamping settles and the voices hushed as people began to return to their homes or turned in for the night, leaving Rena alone at her table with a half-eaten plate of food and a glowing crystal key.

Finished, Rena brought her plate to the open bar behind which the woman was drying mugs, obviously waiting to show her final patron her room.

"Was the food to your liking?" asked the woman.

Rena gave her a smile. "It was delicious, thank you. Do I owe you anything for it?"

"Don't insult me," said the woman, putting down the rag. "For you to grace our humble stead with your presence is payment enough. We shall be honoured for however long you choose to stay."

"Hopefully I won't be a burden on you for too long," said Rena.

"No burden at all. Only good fortune and wealth you shall bring, my dear."

Rena shuffled uncomfortably at that, all too aware of the woman's gaze. "Can I ask what the celebrations tonight were for?"

The woman gestured to a window, but it was too dark for Rena to make out many details.

"Our portal's rejuvenation ceremony is tomorrow," said the woman. "The days either side of it are a festival around these parts that carry on long into the night to any tavern that cares to entertain them."

Dread dampened Rena's previous joy.

That'll be where the Unbound I was tracking is going, she thought. But that means the Order will be there. Just great.

The woman shuffled out from the bar, waving Rena over to the hall. Rena followed her, wondering if her knapsack would be in her room or if she'd have to go looking for it in the morning. For now, she didn't care. Though she doubted it would be the case, she could sleep on the floor with a potato sack for a blanket and she'd be happy. Her body resonated with her key, something that hadn't been the case for the few weeks she'd struck out on her expedition.

They reached a door at the end of the hall.

Inside was a small but comfortable looking room that Rena suspected was the best they had to offer. The blankets seemed clean and her knapsack had indeed been moved to sit beside her bed.

The woman attempted another bow, something that her back didn't seem to agree with.

"You'll find a bath drawn for you in the corner, which would still be warm if the fires have kept. Is there anything else you will require before morning?"

Rena shook her head. "You've gone beyond miles for me already. I couldn't ask for more. Thank you."

"It is my honour to serve a Mythic," said the woman as Rena slipped inside. "Sleep well, my lady."

The door closed behind her, leaving Rena to her thoughts and filthy clothes.

"My lady indeed," she muttered to herself as she prepared for the bath. "With where I suspect I'm going tomorrow, I'll be lucky if they call me a Mythic."

Rena slipped herself into the water, pausing only from her cleaning to finger the rose coloured crystal of the amulet around her neck thoughtfully.

Guess I'll be seeing a few old friends tomorrow, whether I want to or not.

*+*+*+*

A/N - Hey guys! Guess what?

IT'S NOVEMBER!

That means its NANO TIMEEEE! *Glitter falls from sky* I don't expect this to live up to Indigo (because really, what can top a weaponised turtle?) but I'm excited for it and how it's going to play out. Hopefully you guys decide to stick with it as I stumble my way through the 50k, and remember, votes and cookies stop me from going insane! (no seriously why am I doing this again someone remind me)

LET THE NANO BEGIN!

Word count: 1278