The Lost Huntress

Eira swayed side to side as she walked along the moon lit path, Adrian on her side, talking. The reflection of the moon on the nearby river contributed to the beautiful scenery of the village. “Evelina is so shameless, she would stoop that low. To make that lad beg for mercy? She would do anything,” she laughed, “but I love her still, I would not trade her for anything in the world, except for a bottle of liquor from Sanlow that doesn’t taste like a blacksmith’s apron soaked in lemon juice.” Adrian’s eyebrows furrowed, “When did you start taking liquor? How do you know different liquor tastes and how do you know what a blacksmith’s apron soaked in lemon juice tastes like?” “One question at a time. First, my parents are farmers and traders so of course I know a lot of them. Also smell is taste, and that’s how most of Elmdale’s liquor tastes like.” “I won’t take that slander, it’s good liquor. I've been taking it for a lot of years now and it still hits a different spot everytime.” “Spot? Hit?” she snickered, “I don’t think I see it like that unfortunately, it is in fact – – It’s Esper!” she cut off her mid sentence to wave at her friend whom she recognised from the shadows. “We were just talking about you. What are you doing roaming about by this time, you’re up to another mischief?” Esper didn’t answer, but kept walking towards them, his steps pronounced and heavier than usual. Eira walked toward him and Adrian squinted his eyes to see him. Esper emerged from the shadows and fear gripped Adrian.” “Get down!” He yelled, taking Eira by surprise. She looked confused as to what he meant but before she could ask him anything, Esper ran towards her with an inhumane speed, and gripped her by the neck and lifted her up. Her face turned red and she kicked but couldn't get away from him. Adrian grabbed a stone, fixed it in his slingshot and fired straight at Esper, hitting him in the eye and freeing Eira from his grip and letting her fall onto the stony ground. Esper’s attention was now on Adrian and he matched towards him. A fight ensued between them and Eira could only look on helplessly, trying to decipher what was going on before her eyes. “Esper!” she yelled out, “What are you doing?!” She stood up to her feet. “Adrian, what’s going on?”! “Just get down on the floor!” Adrian yelled back as he sent his fist flying across Esper’s face. “That’s Esper, why are you fighting him?” “Not anymore!” Adrian took a stride back and with a swift sharp turn, a sword appeared in his hands out of nowhere and came down, slashing across Esper. The boy froze and blood oozed out of his mouth, he dropped to his knees and came crashing to the floor with a loud thud. Horror plastered on Eira’s face as she stared at her friend’s body on the floor, lifeless, she managed to whisper without looking up at Adrian. “What have you done?”