Ø₦ ₮ⱧɆ ⱠØ₦₲ ⱤØ₳Đ (Vł₦Ӿ₴₭Ɏ)

[sky.]

⌌⊱⇱⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊰⌍
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West Village; Black Lake
Kingdom of Didor
Prime: 6am
​

Dense fog rolled over the small huddle of buildings scattered around a dark, murky body of water. To locals, it was simply known as the Black Lake. Not long before the children’s mysterious disappearance the lake supplied fish daily, even making way to Didors inner markets. It’s water were said hold wide canals which led straight to the nearby, frigid sea. Towering rigid rocks stood soil against pounding waves and sudden storms.

However, nothing could protect them from the power growing inside their walls. At least, none so far.

She appeared mere months ago. A young woman seen wandering amongst the marshy outskirts. Roads only taken by seasoned merchants and travelers. The innkeeper of the Siren’s Nest hammered a newly painted sign, hitting the final nail with a long sigh. A deep sorrow hung in his sleepless gaze. He to, had found himself victim to the witch after waking to see his young daughter missing from her bed.

The first child had been found dead, gutted and left along the roadside to be seen by passing eyes. Immediately word of the newly named, Swamp Witch, spread to Didor. News traveled throughout the bounty hunter community like wild fire, once the king announced a reward of one thousand coin to anyone who could bring the monsters head. A task that quickly proved easier said than done. As each attempt failed more and more children vanished.

With little options left, families separated. Sending their fear filled children to neighboring villages in order to keep them safe. The once booming village of Black Lake now sits as if abandoned. Those few adults who choose to stay remain inside their homes, only coming out during daylight hours.

“What a shithole,” the woman on horseback mused, shifting her weight against the fine leather saddle. Her emerald hues glanced to the man riding at her side. “How the hell did hear you about this place,” Kyra demanded more than asked, her eyes narrowing and darting to Lucian. A bitterness left her tongue, clearly showing her dramatic nature purposely.

The duo had been on the move for days. Only stopping to allow the horses to drink, eat, and rest. They themselves, ran low on food and supplies, making Kyra more of a hot head than usual. “Damn this place gives me the creeps,” her hands rubbed at the goosebumps on her bare arms. Reaching behind her she hunted through her saddle bag until finding a plain, dark brown cloak. Quickly she draped it over her shoulders and lifted the hood, concealing her face almost completely.

 

[Vinaein]

The land of the Night was wild and beautiful all in one, with its own unique 'flavor' one might call it. Lucian had rarely felt ill at ease as in one of these places, even when he was on the hunt, riding on horseback through gods-forsaken lands, on the hunt with his partner. Lucian gave a chuckle as he looked ahead, his beloved horse Ulric giving a low snort under him. The hunter was wearing a black cloak, the hood down, his smooth-shaven face exposed, his blue eyes gleaming...

He had more of preference for cities like their, liked the feel of hard cobblestone under his feet, liked the hustle and chaos of people all about him. Where there were beings heading about with wares to sell, bundles of clothing, carrying along children, men working at stalls to sell their wares, a smith working his forge in the corner of the nearby square with a great hammer cracking down upon some unfortunate hunk of metal to beat and bend it into shape with the scent of smoke thick within the hunter's nose.

But rather than the towering old buildings of Revenath, there was little but glade and wood, with the dim light waltzing between trees to stare as he whispered out to his partner "Saw the bounty, sound as you!" His grin was playful, coy to flash his teeth while the horse's hooves clipped down upon the ground. He may have preferred cities, but Lucian (no family or last name beyond various titles), was simply making the best of it.

Missing kids, swamp witches...all in a day's worth. In this world, there were creatures of folklore, monsters acknowledged to roam the world to satiate their hungers. There were those conscripted and contracted to hunt and fight them. And ever since they had been children, the duo had been at it. Their partnership had lasted quite a ways now, the two having fought their way through more than one scrape, each having covered for the other, saving his or her life.

"We're not far now," he added, looking about to the bog. "...In fact, we might be hitting the point where we need to go on foot. Hope you brought the boots."

He wore a pair of swords, both over his back, a crossbow at his belt, with a variety of knives and potions to deal with poison and bolster performance. "Don't get too frightened," his voice bore a playful and teasing edge. "You know things in these woods can smell fear, partner.."

 

[sky.]

“Oh?“ Kyra paused as quickly as she pulled back on the fine leather reins, commanding the dark bay gelding to a a sudden a halt. The animal snorted in his own response, “and what gave that away fearless leader,” she added, waving hands around them. Anyone who knew the duo knew they went as far back as childhood. Both orphaned and brought under the wing of a bounty hunters. Who’s specialty was anything but, human.

“I swear Lucian, this better be worth it, I’ve told you. No. Witches.“

She gave her horse a series of swift pats with a gloved hand, her emerald hues studying the outskirts of their destination. Of course the bitch set up in a damn marsh, the tone in her head just as annoyed. A heavy sigh left her lips as she swung a long leg over to dismount. Her gaze held heavy, the skin on the back of her neck already at attention. She had been doing this long enough to know when real danger faced them.

The boots.

It was enough to soften the woman’s expression. With a small laugh she found a palm sized rock to toss at him. Of course I brought the boots. She urged to say back. Instead she shook her head and began sorting through her saddle bag. “That it can, my friend,” she agreed lowly.

She probably even already knows we’re here.

Kyra knew Lucian could sense it to. The thickened atmosphere, the sensation of being watched. Witches weren’t ones to be taken lightly, especially ones who have given themselves up to black magic. Fortunately for them, this wasn’t their first go around. Depending on who was asking, some would say they’d been up against much worse.

Once the horses were secured to a pair of twisting trees, Kyra loaded her weapons belt with a similar design to Lucians. “So. How shall we get this over with? Burning always seems to work well enough,” her tone matter of fact.

 

[Vinaein]

Well used to Kyra's usual demeanor, Luc's grin was playful, even sarcastic as he pat his own horse's side to direct it to relax. The dapple courser gave a snort, flicking his tail with a soft neigh while Luc exchanged bandied words with his companion. "Hmm, gave it away?" He aked pleasantly. "I might say the time. Maybe the location...something like that, Kyra? Am I hot or am I hold right now...?" His smirk was pleasant and even slightly inquisitive while he kept his eyes on her...even as his attention remained all about their surroundings.

"Oh, Kyra, where would I be without you if I didn't adhere to your specifications...?" He asked, still in a pleasantly sunny mood, even with everything around them as she saw to the horse. The marsh, however, was hardly getting any lighter even as much as they may have wanted it to. Well, that was just like. Along with a rather predictable risk of their professional lifestyles. Why not take the time and get it done now?

He slid down from his horse, drawing a dagger to hack away at thick vines before them. Like Kyra, he could feel the permeation of danger all through the air, sinking into them from its placement. He kept his other hand to the hilt of his sword, holding the hilt tightly as he looked about.

They were hunting a witch. Not typically a walk in the park, not to head to a monster's place of power. But...

"Burn the swamp? That just sounds savage. Think of all the poor creatures who live here." Lucian tsked playfully, his eyes ahead as he smiled.

"The old fashioned way...you wanna cover me?"

 

[sky.]

She offered him a swift roll of her eyes, amusement being the furthest thing she felt. Burn the swamp, Kyra repeated the jest to herself. Lucian never failed when it came to bringing light, even in the darkest of circumstances. Most of the time the redhead would join in, exchanging her own cheeky remarks. This wasn’t the time.

Not now.

“If that’s what it takes to kill this bitch,” her voice trailed off, a knee high boot sinking into the mushy earth, “Damn. These were new“ she added with a heavy sigh. Using a twisted tree limb hanging above Kyra grasped ahold, maneuvering between the protruding thorns. With a small grunt she pulled her leg out with a pop, causing muddy spatter to fling around the duo.

Kyra cupped her mouth to hold back the urge to laugh. Not only was she covered by marshy debris, but so was Luc. It would certainly be enjoyable to clean off later, or better yet, have him do it for her. A pleasant thought that would ultimately have to wait. After all, they had a witch to find.

Sweat glistened against her forehead as they pushed onward. Deeper into the unknown territory. The sinking sensation plaguing her only intensified the further they stepped. Thick clouds of fog casted an eerie shade of green, which only grew denser by the second. Kyra took a free hand and moved for the witch light swinging from her neck.

“If this doesn’t stop I won’t be able to see a hand above my own face“

The petite female took stance on the tips of her toes. Her emerald eyes gazed over the layers, narrowing as she struggled to see merely a few feet in any direction. Her heart drummed against her ears, loud enough for Lucian to possibly hear. Something doesn’t feel right. Kyra kept the thought to herself….fingers brushing against her weapons belt.

“We may as well be walking in circles, Luc,” she exhaled, not wanting to take another breath of the sickening atmosphere. “Your call, which direction?”

 

[Vinaein]

With the amusement, Lucian couldn't help but flash the barest hint of a grin at his partner. The two had a camaraderie that was reflected well in their banter, after all. Of course neither was seriously considering burning the swamp in, though Lucian could not resist little touches of wry humor whenever they met up. Lucian thought she was so serious at times. Really, it was beautifully adorable...

And, also, she was incredibly effective. At all times. He could never help but admire that about her. His eyes gleamed with a soft light while his smile grew and his gaze locked to try to locate their quarry. After all: they had a monster to kill. He didn't comment upon his own boots sinking into the water about them, crushed into the bleak mud beneath them, while he watched her pull her limbs from of the mud. "Trying to announce where we are?" He asked playfully.

He was already considering how best to scrub her down when doing the same for himself...but that could wait until later. His own eyes were easily piercing the gloom, his step carrying him forth while he kept a hand to his sword. He couldn't chance it with the torches and flint., that much he knew.

"Well...keep going. If nothing else, you'll be able to go by scent!" He added with a soft laugh....

It was true, though. They were walking in circles. He knew it, so did she, which meant...

"Kyra. To the left. I think this is an enchantment..."

He recognized they weren't alone just as they said it...the bog was alive, but...it was quiet. Far, far too quit. His eyes narrowed as he saw the bog...bubbling, something moving in the water.

Something was moving, coming up to spy at him...more than one creature. He caught a glimpse of long, stringy black hair and deep blue skin, with eyes like sizzling coals and a lipless mouth full of razor teeth...a giggle lingering on the wind

"Bog Witch!" He called the warning.

 

[sky.]

An enchantment? Shit. Kyra hissed the word, how could they have missed it, what were they, amateurs? The striking redhead took on a hard expression, quickly hiding any and all emotions that may be readable. Witches were clever, more than people thought. This, was an obvious example just that.

“The bitch has had us running in circles for hours. Perhaps her spell also made you chatty. Get your head in it,” Kyra demanded with a cheeky grin, her rich, earthy hues narrowing against the dense fog.

Just as her partner had, she spotted movement surrounding them. What magic is this? Her head spun around, trying to pinpoint where these creatures hid. Unfortunately, the two bounty hunters stood on unknown land, her land. “Looks like our girl has brought in reinforcements,” she kept her back to Lucian, knowing he was watching her own.

One boot crossed carefully in front of the other. Now walking in a slow, steady circle. Sounds of devious chuckles and haunting giggles made it harder to focus. What the hell are these things? Fairies, perhaps. Or even lesser trolls, who are well known servants to witches.

“Luc-“

Her voice carried with the eerie breeze. Suddenly seeing what he called out. There was no mistake as the woman came to view. Those who dabbled in dark magic could not hide the signs. A rot set in. Taking over what could have been amongst the most beautiful faces.

Teeth, hair, skin, eye color, all morphed into something wicked. All in exchange for power.

“Don’t lose sight of her,” Kyra whispered, not taking her gaze off of the witch. She knew it was easier said than done, this wasn’t going to be easy as money as she had hoped. “Remind me to double the charge,” her lips curled into a smirk. The dark, shallow water bubbled in front of them, triggering Kyra to reach for the cross bow secured to her back. The hunter’s stomach knotted, watching the witch rise up into full view. Blue skin shining under the moonlight like prized scales.

In a split second Kyra found herself soaring through the air, landing several feet away into the thick muck. The witch let out a ruthless cry, repositioning herself in front of Lucian. A staff stood clenched between the witch’s twisted fingers. “The staff! Get it away from her,” the redhead called, slowly aiding herself from up from the ground. Her head throbbed as she staggered upwards, eyes searching the bog for the dropped weapon.

Fuck.

Her hand lingered against her side, damn she got me good. She peeled her fingers away, crimson liquid covering her pale palm. Kyra echoed the witch, giving her own scream of anger. Swift movement continued to circle around them, growing closer with each pass. “I can’t find the crossbow,” she called out in frustration. Her blade alone would be no match against magic, unlike the arrows - it carried no special properties.

 

[Vinaein]

Hags were a very frustrating predator for hunters...they were not as powerful as vampires, but they were clever and tenacious creatures. They hit from the shadows, hard and quick. They were strong and rapacious..

They were also social creatures. Thinking you were only facing one could be a very fatal error. He pulled his blade from his back, pulling it down, without any shine thanks to the darkness of the bog. His eyes flicked back and forth. "Kyra, keep on guard!" He snarled, his eyes glinting as he gazed all about them...

Kyra had been hurt, maybe badly. He saw her struggling for the crossbow and pulled a potion from his belt, tossing it to her, one to stem her bleeding. His eyes had narrowed grimly as he saw the danger all through them.

Mocking, cackling laughter greeted them...and he spun as the water burst...excpt it wasn't a bog hag. The thing coming out was bigger, massive, with thick limbs and blazing eyes. "Troll!" He shouted a warning. This, he realized bleakly, standing side by side with the vampire queen, was a most coordinated ambush by creatures that not only sought prey, but knew enough to think.

He lunged down, hearing the hag's laughter as he went for his boot, withdrawing a knife and flinging it as it came back.

The strike was true, hitting the Hag's arm, making it drop the staff, to what little avail he could manage with the damned Troll upon him.

His foot touched something and he went down, evading the beastly troll's limbs, his hand closing on Kyra's crossbow as he rolled to her, the Hag leaving behind an inky trail of blood in the water, her stealth forgotten through it all, while she hissed furiously.

"Two on two. Kyra," he passed her the crossbow, his own blade out, runes carved upon it gleaming to life while he glanced between enemies.

"Hurt her...but not enough...Kyra, I'll use myself as bait...you come in behind and fire when ready, alright?" He was already moving...

Preparing to take on both enemies.