Demon Hunters

The Demon at the Inn I

The inn wasn't much to look at. Then again, that was just what Florian wanted from a lodging. He pulled out his leather pouch and shook it experimentally. There was a noticeable clanging of metal against metal, though the sound was much fainter than what it had been a week ago. This was vexing, to say the least. It was not like he couldn't find any work; a good demon hunter would always get his dues. No, the problem was that the last missions he had taken had almost cost him as much as he had gained. Perhaps it was just bad luck, but the last demons he had fought had been uncharacteristically tough and patching himself up after each fight had left Florian hurting in more than one way. Perhaps he was getting old – but what kind of self-respecting thirty-something would admit something like that?

Florian heard his stomach growl, and he decided to continue to the inn. A bed, no matter how uncomfortable, would be a definite upgrade to sleeping in a forest. Not to mention that he would actually get to eat something prepared by someone who knew something about cooking – though Florian was a passable demon hunter, he had no skill in the culinary arts. As the cold wind that had been plaguing his journey picked up, Florian pulled the bandana covering his mouth higher and covered his weapons with his coat. Though his rugged appearance would most likely net him no points from the owners of the establishment, he could at least try and avoid scaring them witless. After all, the appearance of a demon hunter almost never boded anything good for those around him.

As it turned out, the inn wasn't as bad as it had looked from far away. Though the colouring had dulled, it was clear that great care had been taken to maintain the building's façade. There were even some flowers out front, arranged in a manner that could be vaguely described as charming. As he opened the door, a pleasant waft of warm air enveloped him. Indeed, the insides confirmed that Florian had seriously underestimated the establishment. The whole room was bathed in the warm glow of the hearth and a delicious aroma of meat floated throughout it. Florian's mood was quickly soured, however, as he felt a familiar pain in his tongue.

"Greetings, wanderer! Would you care for a room? Or perhaps something to eat?"

Florian turned his head and saw that a young woman had appeared from the kitchen adjacent to the larger room. She was quite beautiful in her own, understated way, and her blue eyes contrasted nicely with her golden locks. Florian could tell that the woman was somewhat intimidated, and unsurprisingly so. His dark coat hid most of his body, and the demon hunter even had a hood over his head in addition to the bandana that covered his mouth. That is to say, he most certainly looked dubious.

"Both, actually. I'd like to start with the food, though. I'm famished," Florian replied in the friendliest tone he could muster.

Though the demon hunter's voice was quite croaky, Florian seemed to get across that he meant no harm to the girl, somehow. She smiled and pointed Florian to a table situated in the corner of the room. He sat down, setting his backpack beside him. The hunter noted that, apart from himself and the girl, no one else was in the room.

"What would you like to have then, sir? I'd recommend our ale; it is quite fondly remembered by anyone who happens to eat here!"

In the end, Florian decided to try the ale the woman had offered her. In addition, he ordered some cured meat and fresh bread, a fact he did somewhat regret as his finances weren't exactly on the stable side. However, the tempting scent circling in the room had coerced him into this decision. The woman soon disappeared back into the kitchen, leaving Florian alone with his thoughts. He grimaced and glanced at his leg. Though the healer had done a good job, it was obvious that it would take some time for it to completely heal. This was problematic. 'A demon hunter that wasn't light on his feet would soon find himself lacking said appendages,' as his mentor had used to say. He took solace in the fact that, at least, the pain in his tongue was still quite mild.