This is my first attempt at fan-fiction, so please review and give good advice or ideas that you would like to see. Also PM if you would like a heads up as in the direction of the story. Thanks!
ONE
Looking out as the sun neared the end of its tour I tipped my hat back to watch as it slipping past the distant peaks. The sky was lit asunder. My eyes soaked in the tapestry on display as the sky, once a purple haze in the mid evening air, exploded into ribbons of ruby and tangerine, until what seemed like mere moments later became a serene twilight. Still I looked out to the now vanquished sun remembering why I loved these sunsets of the mesa, a view I was sure would never tire.
In no hurry I moved in a slow and what felt like an almost human fashion towards my black stallion as it lay in the cool evening air. Underneath the solidarity of the stars most folk would have taken it as the end of a day, another tic on the biological clock, a time to lay and rest. But to me none of those reasons applied, it simply represented a transition to what felt like the beginning of my 'day'.
Sensing my intentions in the way only a horse riding with its long time master could, it rose slowly at first before trotting towards me. Reaching out I stroked the stallion's lustrous mane, feeling the course hair between my fingers before reaching into the sack attached to the saddle, pulling out a crisp red apple. Pulling back my light brown woolen duster I shined the apple on the breast of my cream colored shirt, before handing it to my rone. As my companion was finishing its evening snack I hopped into the saddle with a grace that surely matched the best gymnasts. Once I was settled I lightly touched the spurs from the ashen dirt covered boots I wore, a loud whinny was the response. My horse rose on both back legs, but only for an instant before returning to gravity and sprinting to what felt like destiny.
As I rode I began to think of trivial things that seemed a whole life ago. I remembered how it used to hurt riding without the proper riding pants, but now that seemed so trivial even as I rode in just my dusted blue jeans, something I was sure would have been unbearable those years ago. I rode the stallion hard, but it had been bred for this kind of thing, long distance runs, not a race horse, but bred to chase. I laughed at the memory of how I came to own this horse, all the while continuing to follow the stars for guidance. Like always, in the back of my mind I couldn't help but think of just running there myself, it certainly seemed logical, but I was confident that I would be of need for my companion later, I always had.
Coming up over a hill I began to hear the subtle sounds of a nearby stream, no doubt a town would be nearby, the town I was looking for would be this way. Even in the pitch darkness of the moonless night I could see everything in crystal clarity, but I had had excellent night vision for a long time, I couldn't remember a day without it. Reaching the top and overlooking the cool desert landscape I eyed a small patch of lights in the distance, it felt like the place the place called to me, though if I were honest with myself I wasn't quite sure.
After letting my companion drink it's filling with the clear water of the stream an hour later we were just outside of the town. Riding in was easy enough, most people seemed asleep; at least the lights were out anyways. Only the saloon and the inn seemed to have their lights lit on the outside, I would take that as open for business. Tying my horse to the common post I strode into the inn, letting my boots hit the untreated wood hard. My slight ruckus was enough to wake the person behind the counter up, in a flash I was at the counter myself slipping coins into the attendant's hands. The man was confused at first, perhaps by the speed just displayed but he shook his head and left it to tiredness.
"I'd like to stay a while." my first words met with only a slight grunt from the attendant. I wasn't even sure if he had acknowledged me, that is until he daggled a key from his thumb and pointer finger. Receiving the key I smiled, "I'll be across at the saloon, if anyone should need me."
"Name?" the attendants voice was low and groggy with just a bit of the edge of distrust.
I was almost out the door before I heard his voice, "Well Henry," I had eyed his tarnished bronze nameplate when I came in, "Just put William, that will do for now. I don't dabble much in last names." I tossed the end of the comment out as I had already strode through the double doors with an unbalanced amount of energy, passing through before Henry could wrap his mind around another comment. I am sure he intended to comment further, but instead opted to go back to sleep, I heard his head hit the counter in a dull thud.
Crossing into the thoroughfare I looked to the saloon, at first debating to just pass it up in favor of wondering the town in the brilliance of the night. That is until I picked up on a scent. It filled overloaded my senses like I was trapped in a room stuffed with spices, yet this was more intense. Sure I could smell the cheap booze and even cheaper cuts of meat at the saloon from here, but there was something else. I couldn't just smell it, it had a taste too. It was sweet to the point of a toothache, but savory enough that my mouth watered; the saloon it was.
Apparently tonight was the night to get drunk, no wonder the lights in the town were nearly empty, they weren't asleep, they were drinking! How odd I thought to myself, going back to seeking the source of the scent. All this merriment was throwing me for a loop, the dancing seemed to be swirling the scent around and who knew where it could be coming from in this place. I looked around the two story establishment, people danced on the bottom floor, probably because it was easier to make it from the bar to the floor for the men drunk enough to dance. Glancing at the top I saw young and old couples holding each other already, having found a companion saved them seeking one in dance. So I opted for the bar first, I wasn't much for crowds. Weaving with uncanny ease through the common folk I reached the bar in what would have taken an average person longer to just walk uninhibited, or maybe I just felt overly confident.
It hit me, not like a solid punch to my face, but in the way some have that moment, the epiphany. I was pretty much positive that this was what was happening.
"What will you drink?" The siren sang to me through her musical lips, her scent almost unbearable, so strong, so desirable. Her dark brown fair flowed to just below her shoulders and her beautiful face and full features were enough to make any man desire her, but those meant little to me, I could only think of her delicious scent.
I looked at her with a look that I hoped would not convey my appetite, "Your blood."