Boots of leather lightly crunched over the gravel path in a rhythmic motion. The town of Kiten was bustling with activity as usual. Each man and woman moved with purpose as they tended to their daily lives. A woman who tended to two children appeared to be so drained with energy that she nearly stumbled over her own feet. The owner of the dual hazel eyes sympathized with her, but avoided her altogether as he moved to the side. As unfortunate as it was, Lucien didn’t want to involve himself with something he couldn’t benefit from the situation.

The Church would lend aid if it was serious, Lucien thought. And he definitely didn’t work for the Church. His pace didn’t necessarily match with the others as he leisurely strolled along the streets. The sun shined brightly overhead as it bathed the earth beneath with its sweltering heat. An occasional wind brought temporary relief as invisible fingers combed over his ash blonde hair. Garbed in a gray-blue jacket with black slacks and a pair of leather brown boots. Underneath the jacket was a gray shirt with his hands mostly covered with fingerless gloves.

With a delivery recently done, Lucien found himself some leisure time to spend however he wished. The young man was always told to savor the free time while he had it as many who came before him hardly ever get it anymore. The problem that Lucien faced was what to do with his free time. There were too many people active and aware for Lucien to pick anyone’s pockets without getting caught. Yet there was something in the wind that drew his attention.

”Now they’re claiming that one of their own was attacked by a vampire!” A man complained in hushed whispers. The duo walked too close to Lucien for comfort who nonchalantly pivoted around them and continued on his way. ”That’s ludicrous. Only an idiot would believe them. I’m sure they are just acting to drag attention to themselves.” Another chipped in.

Ordinarily, he’d simply inquire what they were talking about, however the knowledge of there being so many people set his anxiety through the roof. Poor guy could feel his throat tighten as his tongue felt like sandpaper. I wished that I could just say what I wanted to say, Lucien moped. His heart felt heavy in his chest as a nervous sweat rolled down his cheek. However, as if fortune was on his side, Lucien peered over to something that stood out. There was a couple of oddly dressed people that were garbed in leather and appeared to be ready for a hunt. Yet they were approaching anyone that would give them a time of the day.

It wasn’t until one of them rushed up to Lucien with wide eyes and a furrowed brow. “You must hear us out! One of our own was bitten by a vampire and we need help!” He pleaded. The man even grabbed Lucien by the shoulders to which he immediately furrowed his brow and instinctively smacked the man’s hands off of him. “I’m not a healer. You’d best check up on the Church about that.” Not to mention it sounded a bit too hectic for Lucien’s liking. If there truly was a vampire then the town would be more tense. Instead the populace were giving these people a wide berth.

”You don’t have to be! We’re part of a group that’s studying about these creatures and how to kill them! Please, if you could help us just this once, we’ll pay you.” The man offered. Truthfully, Lucien had almost tuned out the poor guy until he heard the last bit. The mention of pay made the blonde’s brows rise up with interest. Crazy or not, who was he to turn down payment to do a job? Lucien narrowed his eyes however as he raised his left hand to his chin, a sign of mulling over his thoughts.

“What exactly do you want me to do?” That was when Lucien caught a glimpse of someone unexpected, someone that he distinctly remembered, and for a moment Lucien’s eyes flashed in recognition. The anxiety filled his mind once again as he became tight-lipped while the man began to give him directions to where the rest of the group was located. Hopefully this time there would be less stabbing involved.

WC: 747

Saeka Zhongli