The Huntress

Chapter 12

So apparently shoe makers are called cobblers (also it's like 5am again and should I be sleeping? Yes. Am I? No. Will I soon? Also no)

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Thankfully, Ilya had enough money to commission a new pair of boots. This new pair would go about three quarters up her calves, have hidden sheathes inside for a couple kunai in each boot, the hitai-ate on the front near the top on both boots, and they would be steel toe-and-sole boots as well. She also requested they be lace up and preferably grey or brown.

She thanked the older man who took her order and walked out, bumping right into a girl with bright red hair. At least, they looked like a girl. They both muttered a sorry to each other and Ilya took the moment to not-so-subtly check them out. Their red hair was in two messy buns on top of their head, and the hair must've been short cause there was a lot of loose strands coming out at the bottom. The girl was tanned, a small scar on her jaw, and vitiligo making a pretty pattern over her body. Her eyes were practically glowing silver and she had silver markings all up her hands and arms (think of traditional henna). Her nails were coloured a bright blue, and she wore a kimono that was green and pink and had a very elegant design on it.

"You're pretty," Ilya said out loud, then immediately covered her mouth with both hands and blushed hard. "I'm so sorry that was the first time I've said something without thinking and now I'm just embarrassing myself by rambling but I can't seem to stop and I'm just gonna turn around and leave before I make even more a fool of myself." Ilya turned and facepalmed. So. Lame.

The girl laughed and it was such a pretty laugh, like bells. "You're forgiven I think," she giggled, placing a hand on Ilya's shoulder, who gave a sigh of relief and turned with hope in her eyes. "Actually, I'm not from this village and I'm a bit lost, can you help me?" Ilya nodded and the girl grabbed her hand and thanked her. "I'm called Red by the way."

"Because of your hair?"

"No, because it's gender neutral," she said and Ilya tilted her head as she led the way.

"I see," she said finally. "No last name?"

"Well yeah, but technically I was disowned." Red said, rubbing the back of her neck and smiling awkwardly.

"Ah. If you ever need a place to stay I've got a couch or two you can crash on. I'm pretty sure one turns into a bed," Ilya put a hand to her cheek in thought, she never actually tried if either of her couches turned into beds but they probably do... right?

"Thank you.. uh...? I never actually got your name," Red chuckled awkwardly and gave a grin to Ilya who smiled back.

"My name is Ilya, also no surname," she winked and nudged at Red with her elbow.

"Ilya no surname then," Red giggled.

"Oh right... so where are we going?"

Red shrugged, "your place I guess? I... don't have anywhere to stay and I was wandering around until I literally, bumped into you."

"Sure, but if you're gonna be staying over I need to get more groceries."

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She walked into the open apartment, Kiba was in already and he stood and grabbed the bags from Ilya. "What's the extra food for?" He asked, "Naruto coming over?"

"Uh no, actually... or maybe? I've got a new uh roommate now and she should be coming up," Ilya peeked out into the empty hall. "She was right behind me?" Ilya stepped into the hallway and walked to the metal staircase, the staircase upon which an exhausted Red crawled up and spooked Ilya and Kiba.