Imaru
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The Hunter.
A creature moves swiftly and silently through the woods. As it moves, its leaf like body twists around and the creature pauses. It had been in flight for days, running and hiding from the hero who was hunting it. Over the past days the creature, the deadly Scorpiarc made only two mistakes. The first was letting the hero get on its scent; the second was pausing to look back.
From above the hero fell, bringing down his blade with all of his might. The kill was swift and painless. And Imaru made sure of that. As he lifted the dead Scorpiarc onto his back many thoughts crossed his mind. He makes a good living. The life of a hunter is one of adventure, danger, and skill. He enjoys the hunt. And he even enjoys when he mark hunts him. You wouldn’t be able to tell though. Looking at him while he is hunting is like looking at a statue, no emotion, no jumping the gun. It took him months to do this, to learn to control his emotions and to master his technique. To become a master took time.
As he approached the gate to the Hunters Paradise, an in that has become home to many hunters, traders, and adventurers, he noticed two figures leaving.
“Rat, Dirk! Where are you two headed?” Imaru asked his two odd friends. Rat and Dirk were bandits who, by nature, got themselves into a lot of trouble. They were also funny to watch and listen to as they spun tales of monsters slain and treasures found. The Hunters Paradise became attached to the pair of Midnight Bandits, as they called themselves, so it was a shock to see them leaving.
“Hello Imaru were just going to-“Began Rat as an elbow hit his ribs.
“Start another adventure my friend” Dirk finished and said softly to Rat, “The plans a secret you knucklehead.”
“Yes boss it’s a secret.” Rat agreed.
“So where will you be headed? If it’s to the north I can give you some gear...” Imaru offered to his friends.
“Im sorry my friend, we’ll be doing this one on our own. Besides I have my axe.” Replied Dirk.
“And I have my can opener!” added Rat as he rolled his eyes.
“Well I wish you luck my friends. I need to bring this to Teral.” Imaru said as he lifted up the Scorpiarc. Rat and Dirks eyes widened at the sight of the once mighty beast.
“You hunted down a Scorpiarc?!?” asked Dirk in amazement.
“No it just dead because he found it that way.” Replied Rat sarcastically.
“Don’t talk to me like that you knucklehead!” Dirk stated flatly.
“Ohh I’ll show you a knucklehead…” Replied Rat. The two began to start wrestling in the road.
“Fair well friends.” Imaru called back with a chuckle as he entered the gate. Hunters Paradise won’t be the same without them, he thought to himself.
As he entered the inn there was silence. No one moved, no one talked, and all eyes were on him. Triumphantly he raised the Scorpiarc into the air and Cheers rang out amongst his fellow hunters. The talk resumed, and the hustling, bustling, inn became alive again.
“Welcome back Imaru.” Said the voice of a familiar woman. As Imaru turned his eyes met Karina’s. Karina was a beautiful young lady and the Rogue in charge of the jobs that the hunters got. Not only was she in charge of the jobs, she could execute them flawlessly if she wanted to. And she actually paid a pretty penny for the hides of the marks.
“It’s good to be back Karina.” Imaru smiled.
“I’ll give you one-hundred gold for that pelt.” She stated, starting off the bartering.
“Sorry, Karina not this time. This one’s going to Teral.” Imaru countered.
“Tell him I said Hello.” Karina said before another hunter started to talk to her.
As Imaru Pushed through the crowd he said his greetings, received congratulations, and was looked upon as a brother. This brought a smile to his eye. Being treated like family, which was one thing he loved in this place. As Imaru left the inn through the back door he could see Teral clearly.
Teral was the founder of the Hunters Paradise, and was also a retired hunter himself. He had gray hair and beard, and on his arm were strange glowing tattoos. As Imaru approached the fire Teral looked up and smiled when he saw the Scorpiarc in his hand.
“Welcome home Imaru, I see you got your Mark.” He said softly.
“Aye, Now what shall I do with it?” Imaru asked sarcastically.
“Make a salad perhaps.” Replied Teral laughing. “Give it here and let me see.”
Imaru handed Teral the Scorpiarc and sat down.
“Hmm, this is a nice one, fine hide, potent venom, and a beautiful color.” Teral said as he inspected the kill. “I suppose you’ll-“
“Its all yours old man.” Imaru interrupted him. Teral looked back down at the kill.
“This could make a fine helmet or armor.” He stated.
Imaru raised his hand objectively, “I have my armor already and I won’t trade it up.”
It was true. When Imaru first arrived at the Paradise he wore Doom Knight armor, but as the dark thoughts began to creep into his, and the insanity started to take hold, Imaru separated himself from it. Instead he donned a Dragon Rogues armor which he modified into his current hunting armor. He wore a hood and cape made from the elusive Rhoddhu, a creature that resides in the northern tundra. And he carried around an arsenal of swords, his preferred weapon of choice, in his enchanted pack.
“If you say so.” Teral sighed.
“I do, now I must get some rest. I have another mark to go after tomorrow.” Imaru replied as he rose. “I’ll see you when I return.”
“What are you hunting, if I may ask?” Teral questioned.
“Oh it’s nothing extravagant, just another Scorpiarc.” Imaru replied grinning.
“Good luck!” Teral said as Imaru walked into the inn.
As Imaru entered his room he looked around. And at once he knew something was wrong. His room was exactly like he left it, except for the glistening white envelope sitting on his bed. As he walked over to his bed he froze. He spun around swiftly and raised his sword as a blade swung down. Imaru then parried a second blow, and in a fluid motion, brought the handle of the sword upward into the attackers jaw.
“So you can fight.” Said an unfamiliar voice that sent a chill down Imaru’s back.
“What are you doing here?” Imaru asked as he watched the shadowy figure.
“I am just delivering a message. The envelope contains your orders. Fulfill them. Or else she dies.” Replied the figure.
“What have you done with her?” Imaru yelled.
“You’ll find out very soon.” Cooed the voice.
Suddenly there were rapid knocks on his door, catching Imaru off guard. His eyes left the figure for a second and when he looked for him once more he was gone.
“Imaru!” Teral cried worry thick in his voice.
“Its open friend what-“
"It’s Valisilwen. She’s not returned from her hunt!” Teral interrupted him as he opened the door. Imaru rushed out of the room, leaving Teral looking at the white envelope. It couldn’t be them…could it? Teral thought silently before leaving the room.
You can Comment, Critique, and talk about my story HERE. Thankyou!
< Message edited by saber1001 -- 1/9/2011 21:47:37 >
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