The Hunter's Take

A E L A N O R A

THAT MORNING

Solace has finally graced me with its presence yet again. The gentle splashes of the water, as it flows about the river, add a tender tone to the already majestic songs of the morning birds. The growls of a wild grizzly bear not too far off offer a giddy sensation to my elated soul. I missed how the sun's invigorating rays caressed my skin in the early hours of the day. I missed how the vibrant colors of the forest gave life to my spirit. Finally, I missed how I can truly be myself when the only ones who can see me are my beloved creatures of the land. I will never trade all these for anything. Anything.

          "This surely takes me back." I mutter to myself, smiling widely for the memories from back in the day.

          I went straight to the tree where he and I used to spend our most precious time. Untouched, unbothered, and still standing strong after all this time. The promise of our love is still here where it was and will always be. There was a time when he loved me until the time came that he doesn't anymore –couldn't anymore. I mean, that monster took him from me. The man who was supposed to hold me until the end of time was taken from me without me having the chance to bid my farewell. Naturally, I had to do what I believed was right and what was just. I had to. If we're left with no other choice, I'm sure everyone would do the same. Right?

          My current state must have been reduced to a new low from that incident. If I truly wish to exact my vengeance, I must see all of these through. I vowed to myself and to my beloved that I would avenge the happy ending we undeniably deserved but was taken from us without any regard. Vatic is here to help and, for some odd turn of events, Portia is too. I had my doubts towards her but with her admirable dedication and inarguable knowledge, she too can be very useful. But, I still strongly believe that she is who I think she is. A filthy pirate. She may be cunning but she doesn't know who she's dealing with.

          I heard hissing from somewhere nearby and was followed by quiet yet distinct footsteps. "Are those from Vatic or that pirate girl?" I ask myself. No. It couldn't be theirs. The pirate girl is along the shoreline and Vatic is in town still occupied in locating the so-called The Nymph's Curse. Apparently, that's what they call it these days. I can't help myself but laugh at that notion. "Cute." A corner of my lip perks up with that thought.

          A silhouette of a woman emerges from the distance. She's wearing a black cloak which has a ridiculously long train that she lets them get dragged along the forest floors. On top of that, she's carrying a beautifully woven basket and sporting that familiar black silk cloth tied across her face to cover her eyes. "Integra." I whisper through my tightly sealed grin. I must conceal my presence. Hide.

          So, today's her Harvest. I was a little too engrossed in playing with Vatic and that pirate girl that I almost completely forgot about this woman. This praiseworthy woman can undoubtedly do anything even beyond the Gods' supposed vast comprehension. When I say anything, I mean anything. I figure that if she wanted to handle Dalakethnon herself, she would be able to do so without even thinking of utilizing the curse Vatic and the pirate girl seem to be desperate to find. But, I'm more than certain that she wouldn't dare. I bet she has something up her sleeve to do the exact opposite. Save the beast perhaps? Doubtful. Good luck with that, witch.

          It took me a while to realize that she was heading towards Hiraya and if she is, it's highly likely she'll stumble upon his son and there's a chance she'll also meet the pirate girl. I figure it isn't a good move for me to mingle with them and it's better for me to stay out here at least until the witch goes back to her humble abode. I'll just continue to enjoy this luxury of solace I am almost always not able to afford given the situation I meticulously placed myself into. Well, I'm not in a position to complain. I wanted this.

          I was truly having the time of my life when I didn't realize that the moon had finally claimed its throne. Vatic must be worried about me. I should probably go back now. Integra must've gone back to her cave without me even noticing. The forest at night really gives off a whole new type of allure to me especially if the songs of the morning birds have now become the chirps of the night crawlers. The cold night breeze offers me the chilliest yet calmest embrace. And the wolves themselves don't just accompany you with their howls. Their company itself is something to be in awe of.

          "Play with Vatic for me," I whisper, cupping the face of the leader of the pack gently. The wolf's fur is as warm as the first tea I take every morning. Our heads touch as a sign of respect to the wild creature and he seems to understand my sentiments when he responds with a gallant howl. The rest of the pack followed him.

          Before I can even leave the clearing in the already darkening woods, I notice a presence looming nearby. I didn't get the chance to see where that strange presence was coming from because a thick mist enveloped the entire area. This is definitely odd yet I can't shake the feeling that it's rather familiar. I've seen this kind of mist before and if it is what I think it is, he is here. He finally decided to show himself. I was actually wondering how he's doing. The last time I saw him was –I can't even recall anymore.

          A series of deep guttural grunts is heard in all directions. My insides burn with fear and rage at the same time. It's as if I've been transported to hell itself but instead of seas of fire, I'm surrounded by cold mists making me blind to whatever or whoever it is that is coming. However, I'm certain that he is out there. Dalakethnon. The opportunity has gladly offered itself to me and who am I to decline that very generous bid? I understand that I can't defeat this former myth but I can do the thing I do best. Tracking. I will observe Dalakethnon's every move and see if there's anything noteworthy to come up.

          As the mists slightly clear and somehow the guttural grunts and growls sound closer, I finally set my sights on him. He hasn't changed much since the last time I saw him. His pointy ears, harpoon-like teeth, inhumane bulky frame, and even his crimson-tainted eyes are glowing than ever. Hellish. Devil-like. Satanic. I mustn't waver. I wanted this. Cold sweat threatens to pour out of me but I manage to tail him. It's apparent that he hasn't noticed me yet. If he does, something bad has already happened.

          I've left some subtle clues for Vatic and even the pirate girl for my whereabouts just in case they are really going to look for me. I just hope that they're witty enough to pick up on it. It'll be pretty simple so it will be easy for them to decipher. Every couple of feet, I will leave an arrow pointing to where Dalakethnon is leading me. Wherever that is, it will be where his grave will stand. And if the pirate girl's claims are true, it will also be where the treasures will be. I won't deny that the adrenaline from this situation is arousing.

          He's walking awfully slowly so I have no choice but to walk slower. I've been very careful all the while I'm tailing so I won't make any noise however tiny it may be. With those large ears of his, he can hear even the squeaks of a newborn squirrel nestled on top of the tallest tree. Maintain the distance but don't lose sight of him. Remain silent but don't forget to breathe. Don't even dare to look elsewhere or he might just vanish in an instant just like how he manifested. Surprisingly, he's stealthy for something so massive. If I'm not mistaken, he seems to now be as tall as a two-story establishment or even three if the darkness of the night is just playing tricks with my eyes.

          My arrows are almost out but I think I know now where he's headed. The Cathedral. I knew it. This is the only place in town I couldn't make myself get into. "That witch is good." A crack of smirk reveals itself from my lips.

          All this time, we were being followed by that strange mist but it wasn't much of a hindrance as I managed to follow the beast into town and eventually to this place. He punches the enormous arched doors open. So, that's why those once beautiful doors are now looking like they've been through multiple calamities. I can never imagine how or why the beast is here. Does this place serve as his lair? If it is, is this where he keeps his hostages if they're even still alive? There's only one way to find out.

          Before I could even approach the enormous doors of the Cathedral which closed by itself from the initial force Dalakethnon gave them, it swung equally violently again. Then, heavy mists start to pour out from the inside of the former holy place. As soon as the mists thin, it reveals that Dalakethnon is waiting at the entrance. It's like I'm being welcomed to hell itself by none other than the Beast of Hiraya himself. I beckoned my feet to run but I couldn't. Some invisible force is preventing me from fleeing. I was too careless. But, this is not how I'll die. I refuse.

          The beast charges towards me and grabs me firmly with his monstrous right hand. I think I broke a few bones. My quiver was flung violently out my torso sending the remainder of my arrows to scatter to the cemented platforms on the Cathedral's entrance. I feel every drop of my blood evaporates with the fact that I've become defenseless against this monster. Will Vatic save me? I'm sure he will. But, will he get here in time? He's smart so I can only trust him and even the pirate girl. I may still be wary of her but I know she thinks of me as her friend. I can only hope for that.

          "That damn beast!" I swear, finding myself trapped inside a deep dark pit somewhere in this place. I didn't realize a place like this existed inside this former holy ground. My entire body aches but luckily for me, I don't have any broken bones and I just had a couple of bruises. But again, I'm defenseless. I don't even know why he left me here. Is he saving me for later?

          I scan this dark pit and all I can see are decaying human remains, bones which most likely belong to humans than animals, and a huge pool of darkening blood. It looks utterly horrific but this isn't the first time I have witnessed something like this. I can stand this. I just have to hope that Vatic and the other one will find me in time. If not, all I've been planning and executing for my love will be all for nothing, and that I can't stand. I feel like I'm almost at the finish line so I don't have the luxury to die at this point.

          "Aela!" I hear a faint call from afar. I can't even tell who it is. I must probably be underground as the calls are coming from up above. "Aela!"