Thread: Hunted (BurningWillows & BloodMoon)

The moon would be full tomorrow. Ashlin chewed on her bottom lip, staring up at the darkening sky where stars had already begun to appear while the sun continued to set. She pulled her cloak closer to her body, standing alone and anxious on the balcony of her suite. A purse of coins and a little sultry look and Ash had gotten herself a nice room at one of the inns of Cleansed City. It was a welcomed change from the harshness of the woods, one that she could only enjoy for a single night before returning into those bitter trees. Stop thinking on it. Enjoy the night. Never had her purse been so full, and she did indeed plan to enjoy herself. One of the bankers children had grown ill, and under the disguise as a medicine woman she was able to heal the child. In return he had given her a month's worth of warm meals and soft beds. Tonight, however, she planned to spend a little extra on a well-deserved feast. Tossing her raven black hair over her shoulders she strutted across the room, dropping the cloak at her sides. Downstairs a table had been set out for her alone, with a menu sitting upright for her indulgance. The city was the only place that anyone could find pre-outbreak food. Everywhere else had to start from scratch or memory, but the innkeepers of Cleansed City had grasped their hands on some of the best recipes. One in particular, a pasta dish with a cream sauce, was served at the very inn she had chosen to rent a room from. Ordering her food and a glass of whatever wine they had available, Ashlin relaxed to the sounds around her. Behind her a group of men spoke of their recent hunting trip where they found a deer, and two tables to her right was a couple arguing over who worked harder. The sounds became a numbing drill in her ear, stuffing out any other thoughts she could have. Momentarily she shut her eyes, trying to drown herself in the noise. The heavy stench of alcohol crossed past her and the sound of a chair being pulled out made her eyes snap open. Across from Ash was a man taking a seat at her table, seeming more concerned with finding the right stool position then asking for an invitation to join. Uh... Sloshing his beer on the table, he looked up and gave her a crooked grin, scratching the scruff growing on his chin. You ain't my wife, he muttered, confused for only a second, Eh, but you...you are prettier. Need a warm bed tonight sweetheart? His words were slurred, drunken. Ashlin swallowed the bile filling her throat, wanting nothing more than to get rid of him so she could enjoy the night. No thanks, she pursed her lips, trying to hold back from biting his head off, I'm fine. Yes-s...you are, his head wobbled as he tried for a seductive tone and failed, Sexy thing like you shouldn't be a-a-alone. A shiny coin if...if you fuck me. Ashlin's nostrils flared and her violet eye's grew to slits. Breathe, just breathe. He's just some asshole looking to score. Or we could tear him limb from limb. Ah, choices. Don't. Just let him walk away. Fuck off, Ash hissed, shoving the table slightly into his chest and making him tip back, Not interested. His hand reached out, as if to grab onto something to steady himself, then slapped down on her own hand lying clenched on the table. The unwanted touch made her stomach churn faster as she ripped her hand away, fury blazing white hot. She opened her mouth to tell him off when someone new neared, catching the corner of her eye. He could see turmoil behind her eyes, but was unsure what caused it. She wasn't speaking, neither a positive nor negative note on his part. And Xael didn't want to leave her in there, but he was also hesitant to get attacked once more if she was feral. Cautiously he found the blood stained keys on the table and opened the cage for her, jumping to the side as he swung the door open. At first she made no movement, and worried that he had misjudged her and that she had suffered wounds Xael moved to the opening to pull her out. He paused as his hand began to reach out to her, seeing a flicker of movement in her glassy eyes as she watched him. Backing away again, Xael folded his arms over his chest and muttered, I'm trying to save your life. Either you bloody well crawl out or I'll just leave you to your own devices.