Thread: Death Planet (DarkAngel76 and Kosmik_Khaos)

The twin suns of Tyr stood high in the clear blue sky casting their unforgiving light onto the dull brown, dusty landscape. The dry wind kicked up small dust devils that danced in spastic jigs before falling out of existence and reforming several feet away to resume their dance. In all directions the world seemed to fade into obscurity due to the heat waves that rose from the scorched ground. Off to the East heavy dark clouds were forming and making their way west towards a small town that was the only a blurred image forty miles east. A creature with a build close to a horse but covered in hard black scales, a lizard like tail, five clawed toes instead of hooves one each leg and head closer to an alligator than a horse, full of pointed, serrated teeth. The things vibrant orange eyes focused on the town sensing its riders intent to go there. A large sun darkened hand reached out and caressed the next of the creature getting what could only be described as a purr, but much much louder than any cat could produce. Yeah, we will rest there tonight Bicona. The man spoke in softly to his mount but his voice low voice held a natural hardness to it. The rider was a tall man wearing dark pants and shirt under a steel gray duster. His wide brimmed hat cast a shadow over his face hiding his eyes that were a stunning shade of green and held a darkness deep within them. The wind picked up and sent his duster and shoulder length black hair whipping. The smell of the oncoming rain wafted past him and so did a feeling of imminent death. Gripping the reins he heeled Bicona into movement. The creature moved with in the sinuous grace of a feline before taking off into long, almost leaping bounds. It would only take a couple of hours at that ground eating pace to reach the town. The only sounds were those of the wind whipping past the rider and the soft distant rumble of thunder on the horizon. Bicona's footfalls made virtually no noise as she made her way across the land in the comfort of the silence of her rider. Less than two hours later they arrived to the edge of the small town. The sign that stood outside the limits held the name of the settlement. New Hope. Now that he was at the threshold of the town his assumptions of the place were beginning to set. The town was small, but not tiny. There was at least five hundred people here, but no more than seven. Most of the buildings were made of wood and only a few were more than a story high. All of them had a sun bleached look to them, as well as a coating of dust. Looking skyward the clouds had started to darken the day prematurly and the weight of rain was tangible in the air. Making his way down the main street he paid no heed to the people staring at him and Bicona as they made there way to the first saloon they found. Dismounting he didn't bother to tether her to the watering trough, she would wait for him as long as it took and God help anyone that tried to steal her. They would become her lunch before they knew what happened. Walking into the saloon he felt every eye in the place snap to him, first out of general curiosity of who was walking in, but the stares lingered as they tried to figure out who this new stranger was in their town and for what reason he was there. Going straight to the first empty table he sat heavily in the chair with one arm resting extended on the table while the other rested on his thigh with his hand draped between his legs. After a few moments a serving girl made her way to his table and looked down at his head not able to see his face due to his hat. Pardon me ser, can I get you anythin'? She asked in a sweet voice that held a note of hesitation in it. Not saying anything for a moment the man reached up and slowly removed his hat and laid it on the table. He could see the girl growing uncomfortable beside him. A slew of small, tell tail signs. She kept shifting from foot to foot and her hands worried the hem of her apron. A hot meal, strong drink, and if you have it, a room, if not directions to a place that does. He said in a flat tone never looking at her directly. In fact the only movement after removing his hat came from his mouth. With a nod the girl quickly scurried away from him obviously glad to be away from him. Sitting absolutely still he listened to the saloon and it's inhabitants. Scraps of conversation started to give him a picture of life in the area. Things were better here than they could be, but this was no paradise. Crops were smaller this year than last, but the herds were doing strong. The raids had finally died down after a new sheriff was inducted into the town. Several people went missing in the glade to the south of the town that provided hunting and most of if not all of the towns wood supply. He was brought back to attention when a bowl of hot stew and a mug of liquor were laid out before him. Sorry ser, but we don' have any rooms open at the moment. The girl said in a tight voice that was on the verge of being little more than a squeak. Turning his face up to her she started back and he could hear her breath catch in her throat. His eyes caught hold of hers and it was as though he nailed her feet to the floor with that gaze. His piercing green eyes bore into her brown ones for a moment. He could see her trembling and the sweat starting to bead on her face. Come now child I cannot be that frightening now can I? He asked his low voice still harder than stones. It was true though, he carried an air of intimidation around him and his face held a look that could freeze lakes of fire. The poor server opened her mouth to speak but words failed her as terror started to spread from her eyes to her face. Breaking eye contact with her he waved her away but she stayed locked in place. Sighing heavily he took up the spoon and tapped it against the lip of the bowl. You can go, thank you. He said politely, but it was without a doubt a dismissal of her. His words snapped her from her daze and she did let out a squeak before all but running from his table. With the first bite of his food the sky opened in a torrential down poor that filled the room with the sounds of water beating wood, helping drown out the human noise that had started to annoy him. Something was going to happen in New Hope. He could feel it and whatever it was, it would not be good. Settling into his chair he ate in relative silence waiting for the rest of the world to catch up to the storm that was growing overhead.