The Plague (Black Sun AU) - 2
The woods grew close together the further one goes. To those unfamiliar with these parts, it would seem alien, foreign. To someone like Moomin, who grew up exploring and playing within its’ brush, it was like visiting a home away from home. It was comforting knowing there were plenty of places to hide in.
That is if someone doesn’t know where to look.
Moomin stopped mid-sprint. His ears flicked, listening intently to his surroundings. A moment or two passed before he heard branches snapping to his right. He was off once more, keeping low to the ground and light on his feet. Through trial and error he learned how to maneuver around twigs, branches, leaves, and whatever else littered the forest floor. After the troll had mastered that, then came the new challenge on how to handle the prey itself.
Moomin shook those memories from his mind. That was a whole other mess and one he was especially glad to have figured out.
As for the one right now…
The troll came to yet another stop, crouching low. Just over the log he could see the creature. It was on high alert, standing straight. It’s long ears were perked, chest moving up and down rapidly. It didn’t move its’ head, but Moomin could see its’ eyes jerking around, picking up on something the troll couldn’t.
Then he did.
Moomin, without taking his eyes of his target, could hear in the distance the sound of someone playing a fiddle. Had it been any other time this would have peaked his interest. As of now though, the fiddler was far enough away for the troll to finish up here without drawing attention.
The last thing Moomin needed was word getting back to his parents about his time in the woods.
With ease, the prey was snatched by the neck. Before it could let out a scream it was dead. The fiddler was getting closer, but Moomin paid no mind to them. The hunt had paid off and the troll did away with manners as he ravaged his prize.
It was when Moomin was halfway through the meal that he noticed the sudden silence. He halted, teeth still sunk into the animal. Slowly, he removed the carcass from his mouth and turned around. There was a vague thought, probably how he looked a mess.
The one before him was indeed the one playing the fiddle. They held it at their side with presumably relaxed ease. The stranger was dressed head to toe in black except for the yellow scarf around their neck. The wide brim of the hat hid the person’s face from view, but what little could be seen seemed attentive. A cold dark eye was indicative of that, never leaving the troll’s face.
Moomin, after what felt like an eternity, slowly got to his feet. He felt the prey slip from his hands, but he ignored it. He kept his attention on the stranger in black, even as he wiped the mess from his mouth.
The stranger suddenly burst into laughter. Moomin, startled, thought if sandpaper had a sound this would be it. It sent a shiver down his spine.
When the stranger had collected himself, he looked the troll over in amusement. “Well,” he said, “this is turning out to be an interesting day.”
NOTE: It has begun….
EDIT: I don’t like the first half of this. It came off too wordy and I feel like I jumped ahead of myself.
@black-sun-au
Obsessed with this au and having it in writing is amazig
