| One: Prologue Night came a little early to the daylight, casting shadows over the world and concealing it in a blanket of darkness. It was cold, being the middle of fall with winter close on it's heels. A brisk wind billowed through the trees, making them rustle and scatter thier dead leaves about the ground, covering the tiny shoots trying to survive the harsh weather. The air was thick, giving way to the rain that hovered in a fog that hung about the forest like a haunted spirit. A single figure dared to wander around in this type of weather, and it wasn't as if he had a choice in the matter. He was dressed in a black cloak, the hood pulled over his face to protect against the rain and cold. A soft curse issued from within as he made his way through the forest and out onto the small road leading into the only town for miles...Lucky him, the locals were kind to strangers. Part 1: Smoke and Mirrors "You lose again, ha ha!" Smith grinned over his shoulder at Lily, who was trying to win a game of darts. She made a face towards his turned back, pretending she was going to throw her last dart at him! Kitara let out a chuckle, not looking up from polishing one of her long daggers at the bar. Smith arched an eyebrow, and then shrugged, moving to take the darts from the wall around the board. "Your getting...better." Lily snorted. "I'll stick to tending tables, neh." She picked up the broom, making her way around the tavern. Smith shrugged again still smiling, and walked to behind the bar, setting the darts in thier case. "Hell of a night..." He murmered, looking out of the small window out into the darkness beyond. Every once and a while lightning would flash, illumintaing the outside in an eerie shade of pale white. "Gives me the creeps if you ask me..." Smith lifted one of his crystal wine glasses and went to polishing it idly, trying to calm his nerves. Bad weather always seemed to summon...bad things. It never failed! "Stop fidgetting Smith..." Kitara remarked from her spot on a bar stool. She'd finished her polishing and was now sipping on one of the darker liquids in Smith's selection. Suddenly, lightning split the sky once more, shaking the ground and erupting the silence in a loud thunderclap. Lily dropped her broom, gasping as the doors flew open and a silloutte stood outlined in light. A metallic click sounded as both Kitara and Smith held up pistols towards the new guest. "Not to sound rude or anything-" Smith remarked calmly. "-But who the hell are you?!" The figure stepped inside out of the rain, dripping water onto the floor as he entered. He passed Lily, who stepped backwards, picking up her broom as soon as 'he' passed by. She could tell it was a male, cause he was tall and built like a fighter. She glanced towards Smith and Kitara, who both wached the figure with narrowed eyes. He lifted his black gloved hands, showing he was unarmed, and then pulled back his hood. "Easy..easy.." He shook his head, rain drops flying around him before he blinked, taking in his surroundings. "Sorry to barge in...But it's really terrible out there..." His jet black hair caught the light, making it appear as if it had red highlights. His black eyes glanced around, refusing to take in light or even reflect any of it. Smith nodded, setting his gun on the counter. "We've closed for the night, but your free to stay here as long as you like..It's pretty bad out there..like you said." Smith gestured towards a table. "Have a seat stranger." He nodded, allowing a smile to cross his face as he made his way to a table. He unclasped his cloak, draping it across the chair beside the one he slid into. The serving girl soon walked up to him, a nervous smile on her face. "What can I get for you sir?" She mumbled. TBC! |