After some time of walking, I reached to the stables on the outskirts of the town. When I approached the workers, I called out, "Hello! How are you this fine morning?!"
The woman who seems to be tending the horses looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "What's a foreigner doing here?" She asked, which made me laugh.
"Just doing a bit of traveling, Miss. Name is, Alejandra Garcia, and I am looking for a horse to hunt with."
"Oh?" The woman approached me and slowly walked around me. Her eyes glared at my body from head to toe, until she stopped in front of me. "Hm... So, Miss Garcia, you want to go hunting... All right, I shall let you, if you have the right amount of money for it."
I gently placed my bow down on the ground, then pulled out a bag of money. When I gave it to her, she was surprised by the weight, then smiled at me. "All right, you got your horse." She said, then walked back to one of the brown horses in the stable. "Just give me some time to get her ready."
I picked up my bow again and waited. She came back with a saddled horse, and gave me the reigns. "Now, I should warn you about something." She said.
"Well, not to be rude, but, I know what I am doing." I chuckled, "I hunted since I was just a child. Father taught me."
"That's good to know, but, I am not talking about that." She pointed towards the forest in the south, "Be careful when you are hunting there. I heard of stories of people who lived in the town going through those woods, only to never return. Some say that they were taken away by vicious creatures, or something that shouldn't exist in this world. I am not sure though, but, can't hurt to warn anyone."
I stared at the forest in silence in amusement. "Sounds interesting... Thanks for the warning." I grabbed the reigns, then climbed up the saddle. "Well then, thank you, Miss. Farewell." I then steered the horse to begin my hunt.
***
At the end of the day, I secured the bag of the last rabbit I was able to kill, on the horse's saddle, between all the other bags of meat from other animals. Once I made sure it was on right, and won't fall off, I climbed onto the horse to head back to town. Though, the game for today wasn't as fulfilling as the others in the past, I was pretty happy I got something at least, and will help me for at least a month.
As I was about to gallop away, I heard the sound of a roar from deep within the woods, causing my horse to whine and stumbled back in fright. I calmed her down quickly, then stare at the trees. I don't know what was deep inside, but, I do feel something from within. Something dark.
I do have a few arrows left, but do I dare to go in? Some part of me really wants to, and to be honest, it's getting me quite excited. I don't have much time anyway, so, why not? I can handle myself against creatures.
I tried to steer the horse towards that direction, but, it simply whined and backed away. Obviously, she doesn't want to get anywhere close to it, so, I had to jump off. I tied her up to the nearest tree so I won't lose her, and grabbed a few clean knives from the saddle.
I adjusted my clothes then my bow, then took a deep breath and tread on. The deeper I went in, the more uneasy I felt. I could see that someone, or something, went through these trees many times, due to the crunched leaves and markings on the trees. I examined one of them closer to see that it had claw marks across from it.
Wolves? It's rather wide and deep for it be that, but if it isn't, then what else could had made it?
I heard another roar which froze me up in fear. I slowly turned around to see a wolf, but, it was bigger than a normal one. I stared at their amber eyes, mostly to try and avoid looking at their huge sharp fangs, and pulled out my bow. My hands couldn't stop shaking, but, I don't plan on dying here.
With the arrow pulled back and aimed at it's forehead, I took another deep breath. Once I exhaled, I released the arrow.
It pierced the ground next to the wolf.
I cursed, then clenched onto my shirt. My fate was sealed as it leaped forward. I shut my eyes as I smirked.
It took me a second to realize I was still breathing and not in immense pain. I opened my eyes to see that the wolf was laying on the ground, with an arrow that was thicker than the ones I have. I was about to reach to it, until I heard footsteps and voices. I quietly hid behind one of the trees and crouched from being seen.
I couldn't tell who they were, but, the voices belonged to a man and a woman.
"Look, Grimmie!" The woman laughed, "I got it! I got another rare creature!"
The man let out a sigh as he lifted up the wolf over his shoulder. I tried to take a look at them, but both of their faces were obscured by the wolf's body. They were also rather tall, and dressed up quite strange. "Yes, Alice, well done, as always. Now lets get this to Master Scarlet and Renny."
The woman giggled. "All right." Before they left, she paused, "Hey... What's this?" She took out something from the wolf, "Oh my... This is a really pretty necklace... Amethyst, I believe."
I panicked then looked under my shirt. That wolf nearly taken my life, but, though I am very thankful that I still live, I was pissed that it stolen my necklace instead. I nearly jumped out from the tree to take back the necklace, but, as I took another look at the man and woman, I was too intimated by their height to move.
The man is built like a tower. The woman was shorter than him by a few inches, and is slimmer, but quite muscular. The man seems to be wearing pieces of armor over his clothes, while the woman wears a leather coat that is strapped over her torso, and a skirt underneath that exposes her legs at the front. They seem to be ready for battle, but, this is just hunting. I mean, yeah, sure, there are dangerous animals, but, you don't have to go overboard for it. There will be blood that will stain your clothes.
But that doesn't matter.
"It's a pity..." The woman spoke up, "That the owner had been devoured by the wolf... May had been someone young as well... Well, if their family comes searching, the Lord and Lady will take care of them, or something, right, Grim?"
"That is if no one else greets them first."
With that said, the two left. I followed close behind them to find where they were heading. Once they found themselves at the edge of the forest, I saw a huge castle across a wide garden of rose bushes. I never saw anything like this up close before, and boy, I feel jealous. The residents live the high life while I have to work for it.
The maids tending to every part my home, warming up the tub of water, cooking all kinds of foods, and more. I could just lay back on my bed, or bask in the sun on a perfect day, without shedding any blood or sweat. But, then again, it seems rather boring to just sit back. Sure, rest and relaxation is good, but, what's the point of it if you can do it everyday of your life all the time?
I guess it's something like a reward to me to rest after a long day of hard work. After all, I have been tending to my own home, cooking my own food, and warming up my own tub of water, since I was a child. My parents taught me a lot since I was a kid. It's mostly because they want me to be ready, just in case something ever happens to them, or something like that.
But, again, that doesn't matter. That sort of thing isn't relevant. I have to get back my necklace. It's important to me.
I kept my eyes on the man and woman, as they brought the wolf towards a woman in a long green dress. Her long red hair frames her flawless pale face, and wears glasses. She seems so elegant and straight forward, and I am afraid of what will happen if she sees me hiding behind this rose bush. I can't help myself by feel nervous.
I am not sure what to really do to get my necklace back. Approach them and ask for it? The woman thinks I am dead. And what would happen to me if I just pop out from the bush? They would think I am a thief or a murderer with this bow.
I should go back to town now, and try to come back tomorrow. I looked up at the sky to see that it was getting darker. I don't think it's a good idea to run back through the forest at this time. Maybe, I should just pull myself to together and approach them.
They could be nice people, but, I don't know what they would think of me. This is worrisome. I let out another sigh, then sat there quietly for a minute. I held the bow tightly and brought it close to my face.
I don't know what to do. But, looks like I don't really have much of a choice. Time to be a thief, for just one night. I placed the bow down, then took off every weapon on me. I adjusted my clothes again, messed with my short hair, then rubbed my face.
All right, ready!
I waited until the group went inside the castle. I quietly followed by going the far right side of the garden, then slipped underneath a window. When I peaked inside, the two tall people followed the woman into a door. Once I made sure that no one was around, I opened up the window, then climbed on inside. I closed it back up, then crawled my way until I reached the door.
I peaked between them, to see that they entered a room that lead to several other places. The woman with red hair looked at the couple. "Grimm, take the wolf to the kitchen, and we will figure out what to make of it. You can do as you wish, Alice."
The man let out a affirmative response, then left the room. The woman decided to follow him, but before she did, she placed the necklace on a table with a lamp. The red haired woman stared at the necklace, then picked it up. "Another victim to the dire wolf..." She whispered as she touched it, "An unfortunate fate... I will keep this somewhere safe for the family to retrieve it, if they ever notice."
"I don't think that's ever going to happen." I replied in my head.
I didn't really want to think about it, so, I forced myself to focus on my current objective. Once the lady left as well, I stalked her by crouch walking, then saw that she stopped in front of another door. As soon as she knocked on it, I waited to see what she will do next.
I looked around the area again to see if anyone is heading this way. Fortunately, no body is, but, I did notice how well decorated this place is. Lively plants, paintings, and the wall paper is quite nice on the eyes. The plush dark green velvet curtains are nice to the touch, and compliments the color of the beige wallpaper.
I noticed that underneath the paintings have names inscribed on golden plates, and one of them has the image of the lady with the red hair, standing next to a man. "Scarlet Bones" is her name, and the man is named "Renny Bones". They don't look alike, so, most likely they are married. They seem like a lovely couple.
On the other images, I see someone that looks like the man "Renny", but looks somewhat different. The name, for some reason, is faded, so I couldn't read it. Maybe his twin? Interesting. There is another woman in a different frame, but isn't the tall woman. Her name seems to be "Jenny Bones".
I couldn't find any image of the tall woman or man yet, but there seems to be a couple of paintings missing. Well, whatever reason there is for that, it's non of my business to know. Besides, I won't be coming back once I get my necklace, so, there is no point. Thing is, it's quite late, and I left my bow, arrows, and knives back at that garden. If they find it, I am screwed, so, might as well take the risk.
Which is a really dumb one, but, whatever. I just want my necklace back.
The lady, Scarlet, knocked the door several more times, hitting it harder each time, until she began to kick the door. "Renny!" She yelled, "Get your arse out of your work! You're needed!"
The door opened up somewhat, releasing a huge puff of strange smoke from within and into the air. It's rather strange because it wasn't just one color, but, multiple colors. Red, blue, yellow, and more. It's like a rainbow, but, I don't why I think of this, it shouldn't even exist in this world, even though it's just smoke.
Maybe it isn't? Well, I don't know.
"Sorry, dear." The man opened the door further while wearing a really weird and unfamiliar looking mask, "What do you need me for?"
"Grimm and Alice came back from their hunt, and have the wolf in the kitchen. What do you think we should do?"
The man adjusted his glasses as he thought about it. It took him a minute to say his answer. "Well, it's perfect for experimenting, as well as researching... Bring it." He then noticed the necklace in her palm, "Let me guess... Another victim?"
Scarlet let out a sigh as she gave it to him. "Do what you wish..." She said then turned towards this direction.
I panicked then slowly hid behind the curtain. She didn't seem to notice as she left the area, and closed the door behind her. I turned towards the man who returned back into the smoke filled room, so I quickly ran to it, and hoped he didn't lock the door.
It wasn't. I opened the door while trying to not make any sounds, then entered. The air was really heavy that I couldn't breath, so I lifted up my shirt over my mouth to block it out. This meant that I have to be quick.
Unfortunately, it's hard to clearly, however, I did see where he passes through when he moves. I just have to follow it to get back what I want. And luckily for me, he placed the necklace on the table next to him. It's covered in so many strange tools, that, I wonder if I accidentally take anything, will he notice?
Well, if I can't see, then possibly, he can't either, so, I pushed myself forward to grab ahold of the necklace, by still sticking close the shadows, even though I can hardly breathe.
As I got to the table, I peered over it to see that the man was focused in a book. I slowly reached towards the necklace, and once I grabbed the chain, I pulled it. Only to get stopped half way.
When I looked at the man, we both locked eyes. And my body was seized up in fear, however, I didn't want to go down without the necklace. I didn't want to draw attention so I spoke in an almost whisper, "Please let go... this is mine..."
The man didn't respond and stared at me.
I felt my body growing weaker and a headache coming on due the smoke. "I don't..." I clenched onto my mouth and nose tightly, "I don't want to lose the last gift my parents gave me... Please... give it back."
The man stared at me then released his grip from the necklace. He turned his head towards the huge pot on the table before him, which is where some of the the smoke is originating from. Then he pointed towards the door. I looked at him, then at the door, then whispered, "Thank you." And ran out of there with the only bit of breath I could hold onto.
I hurriedly climbed out the window across the door, then dropped down behind a bush. Fortunately, it wasn't another rose bush. I couldn't my body very much while my vision blurred and all I could see is stars. The only thing I could do is stay hidden until I was well enough to move.
In little time, I passed out, but, I still held onto the necklace tightly in my hand.
Memories of my family flashed as my dream. I could remember the laughter we all shared, the days my father and I hunted, and the times my mother taught me how to sew. We always sat around a table at the end of the day, and ate, while talking about what happened. I loved them so much.
I just wish they had survived the wild fire that started from the forest. We were caught in the middle of it, along with many others, and though, we could had just abandoned the place, my mother and father wanted to help out the foolish ones who didn't. They helped them to try put out the fire, but at some point, they couldn't handle it anymore, since it didn't seem to die out, and so, they burned into ashes.
I was just one of the many survivors of the town, and since there wasn't anything left after the fire, I decided to travel on my own, with the last gift my parents got for me. It's an important memory, so I do not plan on losing this, not even to a thief.
I opened my eyes abruptly to a wooden ceiling. I sat up on my bed and looked around. There are several other beds all around, which means that I am in an inn. I opened my hand to see that my necklace is still there, which made me so happy.
Suddenly, I felt nauseous as the room spun before my eyes. My body felt so heavy that I couldn't get on my feet, so I laid back and stared the ceiling again. I tied the necklace back on again, then rested.
I am not sure how I got here, but whatever. In fact, I begin to wonder if I really did break into a castle to take my necklace back. I mean, if it was real, then hey, good thing that I wasn't sent to jail. I appreciate it.
But, who wouldn't send a person to jail for breaking into their home? Well, whatever. Last night doesn't matter now. I have to go and check if I have any meat for me to eat during my travels.
Nothing else matters except the present, and I got a fiancee to meet soon. Best to savor my freedom of being alone before I settle down.
---
It was pretty early as I prepare my horse to go travelling again outside of the town. It was quite fortunate that I still have her, despite what happened last night. Which I am not too sure about actually. My mind feels foggy, and my body still feels quite heavy. Maybe I was so tired from hunting the whole day, or got into an accident somehow.
The woman who gave me the horse was the one who found her, and apparently me as well. I was sleeping pretty heavily next to her. I do get exhausted from time to time when I hunt, but, it's rare and usually only happens during the summer. Maybe, what happened last night wasn't a dream?
Which makes sense since I am still missing my bow, arrows, and knives. I wonder then, who took me back to the horse? Did I sleep walk? Shouldn't I be sent to prison for getting caught? I mean that man did let me go, but, if anyone else had found me, why didn't they punish me?
Well, I shouldn't argue. I am here after all. And if I wasn't, then my fiancee would had to wait for me a bit longer. I do miss my love so much. Despite the fact that I was the one who wanted to put the marriage on hold.
To be honest, I was nervous. I couldn't handle settling down yet, since I was so used to being on my own for a long time. But, they understood and decided to let me travel to get it out of my system. I did send letters to him whenever I could, and the last one I've written was told that I am ready to go back home.
I don't know if he found another, and to be honest, that does scare me. But, I only have myself to blame if that is the case. Ah well, more fishes in the sea, as they say.
Once I finished making sure everything was secure on my horse, I looked at the woods. Despite the fact I still feel dizzy and heavy, I sort of want to see the castle again. I find it too beautiful to just leave alone, and I also want my equipment back. I did spent a lot of time and money on them.
I took my horse to the woman who sold me it. "Excuse me." I spoke up, which caught her attention.
"Hello, again. How may I help you this time?"
"I plan on going into the woods, Miss." I replied as I gave her the reigns, "And I want my horse to be watched."
The woman's eyes widen in shock. "Woah, wait, what?! That's mad!"
"I know, but, I thought I saw a castle or something there, and I want to see it again. Please, watch over my horse? If I don't come back during the night, just sell her and keep whatever I have on her. It's just meat anyway."
She stared at me in disbelief. "I don't think words alone will change your mind..."
"Nor action." I chuckled, then passed her the reigns. Once I made sure I had my necklace on right, I head towards the woods once again.
The deeper I went in, the stronger the heavy feeling I felt the other night returned. I don't know if it's because of how unwell I am, but this time, it's much stronger. Don't plan on turning back though, so I forced my way forward.
As soon as the castle was in my sights, I took a deep breath, examine the area, then exhaled and hid behind the bush that I placed my things next to. It's not there anymore, which does not surprise me. I wonder if they broke into pieces or something.
Well, guess there is nothing I can do about it. Might as well break into the house again, just to see it one last time. I examined the area around me, then the windows. I didn't see anyone or anything, so I carefully crouch walked to the same window as last night.
I entered with ease, then closed it again, and scanned the place once more. Since it's not as dark as the other night, I could see the beautiful detail in the blue wallpaper in this room. As well as the huge shelves of books. I tried to read their spines, but they were written in words that I don't understand. How strange.
I continue to look around the castle. I made sure that no one was behind the door I was about to enter. After passing through the dining room, kitchen, three hall ways, and so many doors, I realized that this place is empty. Like, completetly empty.
Not even rats are around.
How is it possible for a place like this be so empty?
Then, I saw something from the shadows zoom by me.
I blinked and saw a little boy standing in front of me. He is dressed entirely in black, and his face was the strangest thing I ever saw. A pair of glowing red ovals that may be his eyes, and a smile that stretches from ear to ear, exposing sharp teeth, or at least that is what it might be. To be honest, the longer I look at him, the heavier my mind and body get, to the point where I feel like I am suffocating.
I forced myself to look away, but, for some reason, I started to hear something in my head. A weird sharp stinging noise that is starting to make me dizzy. I couldn't stay on my feet for long, so I collapsed.
"Smiley!" I heard a voice shout from one end of the hallway, which interrupted the noise in my head. "There you are- Huh?"
Footsteps approached me closely, and I was suddenly forced up on my feet again. I wasn't sure who I was looking at, but the voice was really familiar. Renny it was, though he still wears a mask around his mouth. The man who let me leave without punishment.
"How come another person broke into my house?! Wait, were you the one from last night? Why did you come back? Do you want to be killed?! Wait, are you really the person from last night?"
Then another voice shouted from down the hallway. "Renny?! Did you get Smiley yet?!"
The man, Renny, shifted his vision towards the boy behind me, then back at me. He then quickly opened a door to force me inside and shut it.
I could hear him sigh heavily, then reply with, "He escaped from me again, dear!"
The sound of footsteps was heard again and stopped in front of the door. "Then what are you doing standing around then?! Hurry up and capture him! I swear, that thing is a little monster."
"Well, he is just a child, Scarlet." The man chuckled somewhat sheepishly, "He is still young and have a lot to learn about the world. Don't worry and be patient, we will get him."
She paused, then sighed as well. "Fine... Just, don't let him break anything important... Or else..."
"I can't promise you that... But, you know, let's go take a walk around the garden. He will show up again soon."
The conversation ended with a positive response from Scarlet, then they left. I am not sure what room I was forced into, but there was something that caught my attention.
The boy with the wide smile.
I jumped in surprise, but then quickly calmed down since the boy doesn't seem to pose any threat. I mean, sure, kids tend to be quite friendly, but for some reason, something about this one doesn't seem right. Not human, I guess is the right description.
But, no matter how strange he looks, it's not right to call a child not a monster, nor anyone else, unless they are judged by personality. And this one is just an innocent kid.
Right?
I slowly crawled towards him while extending my hand out. My body and mind gets heavier the closer I approach, but, I just sort of want to know, is he okay? Maybe, he is hiding away from his parents, which may be Renny and Scarlet? Is there any reason why he is running around?
"Hey..." I whispered, "My name is Alejandra Garcia. You must be called Smiley, because of your smile."
The boy doesn't seem to fear me. Instead, he seems curious. He looked at my hand, and slowly leaned forward to examine it.
I let out a short laugh. "I won't hurt you, kid. I promise."
As I was about to pet his head, I was suddenly stopped abruptly, and pulled away forcefully. It was by that same man again, Renny.
"Come now, before my wife finds you." He said as he pulled me out of the room.
I yelped in pain in response, which made him stop and sighed. "Get out before you are found." He ordered as he let go, "If anyone sees you, well, I won't say what may happen... Anyway, whatever you do, if you see that little 'boy' again," He turned towards me with narrowed eyes, "Ignore him... Pretend you have never seen him..."
"But, I don't feel well..." I replied.
The man stared at me silently, and adjusted his hat. The sound of a rooster crowing could be heard from within it. Or maybe I am just way too ill that it seems like it came from within it. Either way, that doesn't matter. I have to get out.
"Well, don't worry about me anyway." I forced out a chuckle, which doesn't seem to convince him, "I just need to go past the woods, into the town... I came from the garden, so, I just need to head through there, right?"
The man's eyes widen. "That is a terrible idea! My wife is there at the moment! Do you know how difficult it is to lose her? She knows her ways around the house through passages I don't even know of!" He then let out another heavy sigh, "Grimm could escort you out, but if Alice knows, she may tell Scarlet." He then tapped his chin in thought, "And if that happens..." He began to mumble to himself about things I am sure I don't want to hear.
I couldn't focus anymore, nor keep my body up, so I fell onto my knees. "I... feel... sleepy..." I said, which caught the man's attention.
"Ah, for heaven's sake..." He groaned, "I am not surprised that you are already this tired, especially since you have just met Smiley... Humans tend to be quite fragile..."
I looked at him. "Why call me a human, if you're human yourself?"
We both stared at each other for a bit in silence. "Ah... doesn't matter." I continued as I raised my hand to my head, "I have to go past the woods... my horse... my... fiancee..."
Suddenly, I passed out.
Renny kept his eye on the young woman, even though she clearly fell asleep. He then leaned forward and examined her. Her breathing is somewhat stable, but, she must not be here any longer. He then pulled out a tarp from his hat, then wrapped it around her body.
"Grimm!" He shouted.
He felt the floor rumble as a tall man stomped on the wooden floor. When he stopped before him, he bowed. "Yes, Master Renny?" The man asked.
"This body is no longer of use to me... Please, assist me on taking it outside the woods, so we can bury them."
"All right, sir." Grimm took Alejandra, then walked out of the castle.
Renny spotted something from the corner of his eye. "Smiley, come out now..."
The young body appeared before him.
"I know you're curious about the world, but, please, if another person comes inside this home, don't think about playing with them either, okay?" The boy just tilted his head without a word. After a bit of silence, the man whispered to himself, "I am surprised that woman didn't scream... That tends to happen a lot when people see you..." He then shrugged and walked past Smiley.
Once the arrived to the edge of the forest, Grimm placed down Alejandra. Renny pulled out a shovel from his hat, then ordered, "Grimm, go back to the castle, and tend to Scarlet. I will do my job here."
The tall man nodded then retreated into the woods. After Renny made sure he left, he pulled the tarp away from the woman, then dragged her closer to the town, and ran back into the woods.
He looked back at her one last time, then turned towards the direction where the castle is. As soon as he heard a woman shouting, "Hey, she's back!", he placed the shovel over his shoulder then strolled back home.
"Time to continue my work without interruptions. I hope."
