The Headhunter

I dragged in the pelt of that overgrown wolf into the Sandsea Tavern, scanning for my client and finding him not far from the door. People kindly moved themselves out of the way as I pulled the pelt in behind me. I set it down on the empty seat next to my client

"I dealt with your problem," I stated, indicating to the wolf's pelt. Gastly seemed impressed and he breathed a sigh of relief, reaching for a pouch that was settled near him and pushing it across the table.

"Five hundred gil as promised," He said. I securely fastened the pouch to my belt. "I'm impressed that you managed to even get past the guards."

"A Hunter always gets their Mark, no matter what obstacles get in the way," I explained obscurely. Gastly sighed and took a drink.

"So long as you got the bastard, that's all that matters to me," He murmured. I nodded and took that as my cue to leave.

"Keep the pelt, might fetch a good price," I advised, turning heel and leaving the Sandsea. I gave Tomaj a nod in greeting but he was looking busy so I thought better than to disturb him. The place was already busy considering the sun was starting to set on Rabanastre. I would drop by later though, like I always do.

I headed across the city, jogging to get there and back to the Sandsea before dark, towards the Headquarters of Clan Centurio. I nodded to the Bansat as he was leaving and held the door for me to get in. There were a few more of the more notorious Clan members still hanging around but thankfully none were talking to Montblanc. He was a very headstrong and clever Moogle who lead the Clan, issuing and supervising Hunters. He also kept track of completed Marks. He's been a good friend as well and has been my employer for seven years now.

"Kupo-po! You've been away on a Mark all day, did you have trouble, kupo?" He asked when he took notice of me. I waved off his concerns casually.

"Nothing someone of my rank couldn't handle," Was my answer. "Was just a species of wolf called a Thextera; one had found its way onto the Westersands and was terrorising the couriers," I gave a shrug and brushed my hair from my shoulders. "Still a Mark's a Mark, just came to update my Hunt Record." I handed in the bill for the Thextera Mark, my signature printed on the bill as proof that I was contracted. Montblanc took it, studied it over to check that there was no foul play involved (it's never happened, the Hunters knew better than to steal Marks from others) before tucking it away.

"Nice work, kupo," He complimented. "You're not far off from becoming a Ward of Justice, only a few more Marks and you're there, kupo."

"Aiming for it by the end of the month," I answered.

"Just don't get in over your head, kupo," Montblanc warned in a friendly manner. I waved off his concern and he seemed to read my mind about my next inquiry. "No Elite Marks as of yet, kupo, the other Hunters have taken the ones I had today, kupo."

"I'll drop by early tomorrow then," I nodded, leaving the Clan Centurio Headquarters and jogging back to the Sandsea Tavern. Was almost completely dark by the time I arrived there and most patrons were in double digits for their drinks.

"Well if it isn't the busy Hunter herself," Tomaj greeted from behind the bar. Most of the barmaids were working now to prevent in bar brawls that could have erupted. It was a popular tavern, foes were bound to cross paths. "Not putting the weapons away?"

"Keeps the drunken lechers off me, mostly," I said in an even tone. "Usual," He filled a cup and passed it to me. I handed him some of my gil in exchange. "Got any rooms free? I don't think I'll be able to leave Rabanastre tonight. Or at least until the ceremony is over."

"Sure thing," Tomaj nodded. I paid him in advance, already knowing the price he charged for the rooms, and he gave me the key to an empty room. Most taverns doubled their businesses by housing spare rooms, be it for travellers or for lonely men and women getting a night of pleasure. I always believed taverns to be the best places in a town or city: full of information, good food, good drinks, somewhere to sleep and a Hunter's Board. I would choose a busy tavern to a desolate palace any day. I drank away, immersing myself in my thoughts, until Tomaj interrupted me. "I was going to mention this when you came back from your Hunt, but the place was too busy to free my hands." He handed me a piece of parchment and I set down my drink, studying the writing.

"Flowering Cactiod in the Dalmascan Estersands?" I read aloud. The petitioner was a friend of mine, Dantro. The blasted thing must be causing the village trouble. "I was in the Westersands all day, when did this arrive?"

"Early afternoon, a courier was carrying it and handed it to me to post on the Hunter's Board," Tomaj explained. "Thought you'd be interested, since it's your home and all."

"I'll look into it, cheers Tomaj," I lifted my drink and nodded to him in thanks, pocketing the bill for the Mark. I was aiming to keep my night in high spirits. I had taken out a Mark, got decent pay, and was one step closer to my next Rank, another step tomorrow once I get to the Outpost in the Estersands, I'm sure Dantro will be there until the end of the week.

I had a couple of more drinks and retired to my room not long after midnight. I would be the first to admit that the beds in the Sandsea were not the most comfortable but they were beds all the same. It was always a nice change from living in the Bank Village where it was either very low beds or on the floor.

I placed my weapons near my bed, keeping my dagger closer for protective purposes, removed some of my clothing and pulled the sheets over the lower half of my body. My sleep was aided by the alcohol relaxing my body and the day's work in the desert tiring me.