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The Cursed One of the Blue Forests | Chapter 1 drabble

Updated: Jan 29, 2023

In this story Diana the Huntress is contracted by the Witches to help them hunt down a Cursed One, rumoured to be residing in the Blue Forests.


(Authors note: I'm unsure exactly how to start showcasing my writings on here, but I think I'm just going to post a new "chapter" on here whenever I have something slightly finished on my hands. Hope you enjoy this little drabble!)


Diana made her way into the cosy firelit tavern, the noises of the patrons and locals was a welcome comfort in comparison to the outside, where the icy wind was blowing and the pines rattled in the growing darkness.

She dug her chipped, calloused hands into the leather coat pocket of her overcoat to retrieve some coins, sliding them over the scrubbed wooden bench at the bar as she ordered her hot spiced mead. Diana took off the wide brimmed hat and placed it on her lap as she accepted the steaming cup, stray greasy strands of brown hair fell beside her face from her long plait.

Her green eyes glanced tiredly over the tavern as she drank, taking in the numerous individuals.


No sooner had she spotted two interesting people than they had started walking towards her. They were magic wielders- it was horribly blatant. With their facial tattoos, jewellery and symbols embedded into the leather they wore. Witches.

Most of the other patrons looked to be giving them a wide berth, almost trying to ignore their presence. Eventually they were both standing next to Diana at the bar.

The human woman spoke first, she had silvery white-blonde hair and a kind heart-shaped face.


“You’re a hunter, aren’t you?”


“I am.” Diana replied. Her steady, sidelong gaze never breaking contact.


“We’re looking for someone with your speciality.” The woman relaxed against the counter, stroking her thin pale fingers through her elbow length hair. “It’s an amazing coincidence you’re here, you wouldn’t believe the amount of drunkards around who put themselves up for hire with false qualifications.”


Diana switched her gaze to the man- an elf. He tilted his head slightly but said nothing.


“Should we talk business privately?” Diana proposed.


“If you like.” The woman smiled. She led Diana all to the back of the tavern, into a corner of empty seats and tables.

While the witches took their seats Diana observed them; their clothes were almost wealthy looking, they appeared to be handmade, with details of beading and embroidery present on the cuffs and edges.

The elf wore dark warm colours of red and orange, which almost clashed badly with his auburn hair had it not been for the additional contrast of a dull turquoise and green in the patchwork and lining. Whereas the human woman equipped herself with more pale creamy colours and light browns, flowing robes with leather corsets and belts.


“My name is Celine, and this is Holt.” The woman said as she gestured to the elf beside her.


“I’m Diana.”


Celine made a thoughtful face. “I swear I’ve heard of you, perhaps rumours from other villages?”


“It’s possible.”


The elf- Holt- spoke for the first time. His voice was soft and low. “Have you had dealings with Cursed Ones before?”


Diana raised her brow slowly. “I’ve had run-ins with them. Never killed one.” She looked between the two of them. “You want me to kill one, don’t you?”


“Only if necessary. We- our Coven, try to find Cursed Ones and supply them with refuge and sanctuary. If they cannot be reasoned with…” An expression of indifference flitted over Celine’s face. “We will dispose of them and claim whatever bounty is on their head. And they usually have a fair few bounties. We will be accompanying you, of course.”


Diana nodded slowly. “Who is it you want my help with?”


Holt passed a page of parchment across the table towards her, it was the bounty contract. There was no picture, just a documented account of missing people and a vague description of the monster.


“He is a beastial Cursed One. It sounds like he’s some kind of spider. He was an Alfvanir Priest named Father Langvarandi before his curse. As you can see from the bounty note, he appears to have a den in the Western parts of the Blue Forests, that’s where the people have been going missing.”


Celine added. “There have been reports of gigantic webs in that part of the forest, animals cocooned in webs and hanging from trees. No one has ventured further to find out what else is there. I suppose if any have they would now be counted among those missing.”


“I see.” Diana murmured, her eyes still running over the parchment.


The two witches waited patiently as Diana was lost in her own thoughts, deliberating.

“How much are you paying me for this?” Diana finally said, her green eyes darting up from the contract to look at them steadily.


Celine and Holt shared a glance, then Holt spoke. “Two-hundred gold and fifty silver.”

“I accept.” Diana shrugged, digging out her wooden pipe and awkwardly lighting it using the candle on the table. The smoke smelled like burnt rosemary and something else.

“When do we head out?”


Celine smiled. “We need to pick up supplies from our home first, we can be headed to the Blue Forests by noon tomorrow.”



***


To be continued...

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