I awoke to an intense soreness in my left leg.

Groaning, and rolling onto my back I stare up at the ceiling.

Slowly rubbing my eyes I allow the midday sun to warm my face...

Eventually gathering the strength to sit up and survey my surroundings.

Tidy.

Any evidence of the scuffle that had transpired yesterday was cleaned up. Of course I was noticeably short a few cups and plates. I rubbed my head. Trying to soothe the headache I was currently graced with. I tried to put some weight on my leg, slowly forcing myself up on two feet.

The muscle of my left leg wasn't severely damaged, and all my bones were intact. But walking tugged at the torn flesh and strained against the bandages.

It was uncomfortable to say the least.

After replacing the bandage- grateful that I didn't have an infection, and the wound seemed to be healing cleanly-I slipped on a pair of undamaged trousers, and started putting things together for my departure later tonight.

I didn't like the idea of asking Amos for shelter. I had been as independent as I possibly could be for almost my entire life. Leaving my little cabin was not going to be easy.

The day went by quickly, and eventually the sun began to set. I busied myself finishing any projects that were left unfinished, making sure nothing would go to waste when I left. The rest of the day I spent on my own, hunting in the forests that were my home. But I couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness that lingered over me, longing for the time when the biggest danger in the woods was myself.

...

I was adding various spices to the meal I was preparing before hearing a knock at the backdoor. My heart stopped at the sudden noise, a brief moment of fear paralyzing my lungs.

I breathe out steadily. I remind myself there is nothing to worry about. Larten's around again, and he wouldn't let me be caught unaware for a second time.

Tentatively I walk over to the door, quickly wiping my hands on my pants before twisting the doorknob.

I am greeted by Larten's golden eyes, and a tousled crop of orange hair.

My heart flutters with a sudden pang of affection, I smile politely and I do my best to clear my throat and shake the unexpected feeling.

"Hello." he says, bowing his head rather meekly. And he fails at hiding the worried look in his eyes.

I motion for him to step inside, "Hey, come in."

He steps past me, he turns and notices the slightest limp in my stride. He reaches out to try and support me by gripping my arm.

"No, no, I'm alright. It doesn't hurt much, don't worry." I say quickly as I swipe his hand away.

He relents, closing his hand in a fist as it returns to his side, "Are you ready to leave tonight?" he asks.

"Yup." I answer plainly. Sighing discontentedly and straining to keep my head clear, and my heart calm. I don't know why but seeing Larten now...I feel anxious.

Like something bad is going to happen.

I go back to cooking and Larten walks to my side, placing a hand on my shoulder, "I wish this was something you did not have to do but-"

"No, it's alright. I get it. I won't fight you on it." I laugh half heartedly.

But I want to fight. I want to kick and scream. Refuse to leave, refuse to leave my home, refuse to leave his side.

I dismiss his apologies and his concerns, shaking my head, smiling halfheartedly. His hand lingers on my shoulder, somehow making me warmer despite it's coldness, he squeezes my shoulder firmly before moving away.

I invite him to one more meal at my table before leaving. We don't say much, or do much. Other than the occasional awkward stare. We both know the situation's gotten worse and don't quite know how to console each other. I do silently appreciate the fact that he doesn't bring up the events of last night, or the intimate- slightly embarrassing, though however hazy -moment we shared.

We finish dinner and he walks me to Amos's home. I feel worse, and worse as we get closer.

It's a sickening feeling in my gut, and a nervousness in my chest, "I hate to ask for help. I can barely admit that I receive any help from you." I start.

Larten walks beside me, with his hands clasped behind his back, "Like I said, just- pretend. Pretend it is you who is actually doing the helping. Think of yourself as...added protection?"

"Yeah, right. With this leg? I'm more like cannon fodder. A distraction while everyone else gets away."

Larten shrugged, "Well, you cannot save them all."

"Wow, I expected more sympathy, vampire." I joke, a coyish tone in my voice and Larten's lips twitch into a small smirk.

The sun had set, and we had reached the house by nightfall. I turned to Larten and in the back of my mind I'm hoping he'll tell me he changed his mind. That it was safer if we remained together...

But of course. That wasn't the case.

"Alright, so you remember what you should say, yes?" Larten enquires. Eyes sharp, bearing down at me.

"Course." I reply. Then pause, unable to find the right words, "You know which room I'll be in right?"

Larten smiled warmly, "I will come by tonight, do not worry. Simply try to keep from falling asleep."

I nod. Just stay awake. No problem. I doubt I'll have an easy time sleeping anytime soon, I don't have an excess of moonshine to help lull me this time. Besides, talking strategy tonight might help ease my nerves.

I exhale, steeling myself. Larten and I exchange goodbyes, I watch as his red cloak disappears behind a bend and all that's left, is the knock.

I rap my knuckles against the door, tensing at the sound of footsteps approaching from the other side.

The door is swung open and I am greeted by a warm light and a bright smile.

"Hunter? Two meetings in one week, I must be doing something right." Amos greeted me, chuckling innocently and sporting a timid grin.

"Yes, you do attract the right sort." I joked back. "Ah, anyway, I was hoping I could be of some help in these tough times and thought it might be beneficial to the both of us if I..." I sighed, "-is -is that offer still on?"

"Yes of course, you'd like to stay with us?" he replied, all the more chipper.

I nod, and Amos graciously extends his arms and his home to me. The large man ushers me in with a warm palm at my back.

Lily is in the kitchen, and she leaps happily from her chair to greet me, "Huntress!" she yells before wrapping her small arms as far around me as she can.

I strain to laugh as I wobble on my feet, movement restricted and small arms crushing my wounded leg. I hide my discomfort as well as I can, patting Lily's small head, encouraging her to finish her meal.

Amos invites me to sit, but I shake my head, "That's quite alright, I ate before coming, I would appreciate the time to put my things down. I can get out your way while you both finish."

"Oh, of course, forgive me, let me show you where you can rest your head."

I was left in the room at the end of the hall, It was a small room but at least it wasn't as cluttered as it once was.

I had a window, a night stand, and a bed. It wasn't home, but I couldn't complain. I might get an earful from Larten if I did; a con of having a friend with vampire hearing.

I finished unpacking the small bag I had brought and Amos stopped by my room before tucking Lily in for the night.

A soft knock came from my door, "Come in." I called. Amos peeked his head from behind the door, "Don't worry, I'm decent." I joke, smiling as I hear Amos stutter on.

"Oh no I wasn't- I didn't actually- of course not..." Amos blushed, rubbing the back of his head.

I can't help but mess with him, it's too much fun watching the large man blush. I chuckled heartedly, "Only joking Amos, thanks again for letting me stay."

The burly man smiles gently, "You're welcome, I'm happy you decided to stay here. I feel better knowing you're not out there all alone..."

"I...appreciate your concern, Amos."

"Well," he breathed, "...goodnight, hunter."

I nod gently in response, appreciating Amos's hospitality. He walks out away and my eyes instantly flicker to the windowsill. I hurriedly move to open it.

I jerk open my drawer to pull out a candle and notice something else clattering around. I pick up the candle and set it on the windowsill, lighting it quickly before turning back to inspect the item. My fingers curl around a small wooden picture frame. I flip it around and notice a hasty drawing behind the broken glass. It looked like a woman; with dark hair and thin features.

"Could this be..."

The paper was worn and soft. As if it had been handled many times.

Before I could give it any more thought, there was a slight rap at the window that could have easily been mistaken for a branch grazing against the glass.

But my heart jumped and I knew better. Hurriedly placing the picture frame back in it's drawer I moved to the window, pushing it open as silently as I could.

At first seeing nothing but the darkness of the night, I listened carefully for my friend before a rush of air assured me it was him. Pulling himself up through the window, swinging his legs through the frame in a swift and graceful motion.

He touched down silently, and I smiled at him as he brought a finger to his lips, telling me to keep quiet.

"Why can't you be this gentle with my windows...?" I whispered with a smirk.

"I could not do that to you. You would miss the excitement." he replied with a matched tone of humor.

Larten tugged at his coat and cloak, pulling it off and setting it on a chair against the wall of the room. Leaving himself in only his dark red suit vest. I was shocked to see a silhouette of a male body was underneath that cascade of crimson. His vest and and shirt fit snugly against his body. His shirt was having a hard time not curling and accentuating his muscular arms every time they moved or curled with the simplest motion. Clearly an outfit he had owned and worn for many years, it conformed to his body as if it was a second skin. It was also the first I found myself appreciating his fashion sense. He truly did look reminiscent of someone royal, from his vest to the shine of his stark black dress shoes.

I hadn't realized I had been staring until Larten curious eyes locked with mine.

"What is it?" he asks, searching my eyes.

I felt my cheeks flush as I cleared my throat awkwardly, "Oh, nothing, nothing. I just..." my eyes raked his body once more, "...you're always drowning in red fabric that I forget you're not just a floating head." I laughed nervously, internally kicking myself for making such a stupid joke.

Larten chuckled, tugging self consciously at the hem of his vest, "I should blame the man I got my fashion sense from. Anyway, I suppose you are eager to continue our previous discussion?"

I brushed away personal thoughts and questions, "Ah yes, sit here."

Larten sat next to me on the bed and I suddenly got the feeling of being a young girl who had sneaked her boyfriend into her room through the window, fearful of waking her parents and getting trouble.

I wish Larten and I were in the midst of such childish problems...and not this war...

"Do you think Peloquin has reported back to his people yet...?" I start, sitting cross legged facing Larten.

"I am sure he has. They must be close by if they managed to keep eyes on us long enough to know how to seperate us so effectively."

"So what do you propose we do? We never found anyone who had been marked. It's clear that there's something more going on here. They're not just after victims but now they're specifically after you and me. Why would they go through so much trouble to get rid of us? Wouldn't it be easier for them to just leave?"

Larten ran his fingers through his orange crop of hair, sighing deeply, "Normally when we are sent to investigate situations such as these we usually find that it is one Vampaneze causing trouble. The most I have ever seen is a trio. But for a group to have set up shop and dug its claws into a settlement is...all the more suspicious. And all the more difficult for me to deal with alone..."

I shot him a look, "You're not alone."

"Sorry, I meant us. Even for us to deal with alone." Larten's eyes were apologetic, and he patted my knee with a gentle hand.

It felt slightly patronizing to me so I huffed at him, crossing my arms, "It's starting to feel like we're at a dead end here. We've been chased from our house, and marked as their enemies. I feel like we're paralyzed."

Larten brought his knuckles to his lips, deep in thought, "I might have to bring in someone else. Another set of eyes and ears may be our only move."

"Another vampire?" I ask, secretly excited and hopeful at the chance at meeting another vampire like Larten.

He nods firmly, "Yes, it would not take more than a night to reach him, as he is close by. He is a good friend of mine, and trustworthy. Given the circumstances I think we would both benefit from another person we can trust. I will fill him in on what has happened, and since our enemies have their eyes trained on the two of us, they will never see him coming."

My ears perked up at that, "And when the Vampaneze try their luck again, we might be able to capture one alive and force them to tell us where they are. We would have a chance to turn the tables and surprise them this time!" I beamed.

"Exactly..." a gleam of hope in his golden eyes, "...I would be leaving now to fetch him. I would be back by morning." he paused, eying me carefully, "I need you to stay here. I will move faster on my own."

I nodded. "Fine, I'll hold it down here. No better way to keep an eye on the town than from within it. Right?" I looked at him with a grimace.

I had no other choice than to come to terms with my limitations as a human, dabbling in matters vampiric. There were going to be times where I wasn't going to be able to keep up, despite my expertise in tracking and hunting. There was no use in feeling like a damsel trapped in an ivory tower. I simply had to wait for my time to make a difference.

Larten could tell I was still sour despite my understanding. He reached out and tapped my knee lightly, his fingers drumming lightly before moving them away.

"Before I go I just wanted to thank you for having the bravery to stand up and help. I admire your determination and...It really has been a big help simply having someone else to talk to and lean on. I know now that you are someone I can count on."

Larten wrung his hands together, and I blinked in shock at his sudden confession. My heart was beating furiously as if I had gained the trust of a wild wolf. His guard finally down, creeping closer and his head nudging gently at my palm. An otherworldly friend from a world you never imagined you would get close to.

He stood up suddenly, his weight shifting you slightly as it was lifted from the bed.

"I should head out now." he said abruptly.

"-I'm glad." I spat out, and Larten turned slowly to regard me, "Despite everything that has happened and how we met...I feel like I can call you my friend. It definitely helps that you saved my life."

Larten smiled inwardly, swinging one leg through the window, "You saved mine first. I should have put more faith you."

I approached him cautiously, placing my hand against his cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow. Let's end this."

I made noted the feeling of Larten's cool skin against my hand, and he noted the fact that I was touching him and this time it wasn't because I had too much to drink.

There was a something in his eyes I couldn't decipher, I was afraid he wanted nothing to do with something that intimate so I moved my hand away. Watching as he swung the rest of the way out the window and hitting the ground with a soft thud.

He looked back once more to see me watching him out the window, before seemingly disappearing in the blink of an eye. The only thing in his wake being a dust up of dirt and leaves.

I was surprised to see such a thing, but not nearly as shocked as I should have been. At this point nothing would surprise me. But, "He's gonna have to show me how he did that when gets back."

I chuckled, amazed yet again at the mystical creature I had made friends with. Feeling triumphant I went to bed. Laying my head, contentedly drifting slowly off to sleep.

Late into the night, the lingering smile on my face was violently interrupted. Large hands covered my mouth and nose, keeping me from breathing or yelling.

I gripped at the large arms that were attacking me. Punching and kicking at the figure above me. But he was large, far too large for me to fight off. My effort worked against me as I quickly ran out of air, pools of black and shadow began to cloud my vision.

But before my body gave out, the figure spoke up.

"I had no other choice, Hunter..."

...

Drifting in and out. My body swaying in the rhythm of footsteps falling on dirt and dry leaves. The smell of the pine trees and early morning mist. The cries of birds echoed through the forest, sounding far and mournful. And...wait- not footsteps but, hoofbeats.

I open my eyes and this time they stay open.

A horse...I- I wiggle my arms. Tied. I hear the rope stretch and strain with my movements and it fuels panic in my heart. I try kicking my feet- tied.

I was thrown over a horse, hogtied. My stomach was braced against it's croup; forcing hard puffs of air from my lungs with every sway of the horse's hips. I strained to turn my head, turning towards where the rider would be seated. Quickly noticing broad shoulders and dark brown hair...

"Amos...?" I huffed, my breath visible in the frigid morning air...

The man's head turned slowly, his body rocking with the clip clop of the horse's hooves. I could see only the left side of his face...but I knew I had guessed correctly.

"Ah, Hunter, you're...awake." Amos answered cautiously, his tone no different than usual. Sounding as if nothing was the matter.

I grunted, twisting against my restraints, "Amos!? What are you doing!?" I yelled,

Amos sighed sadly, "I...am sorry, Hunter. But I really have no choice. Look, you'll really be helping Lilly and I. You're keeping us safe."

I growled, exasperated, "What the hell are you talking about? Why are you doing this? Where the fuck are you taking me!?"

"They've asked me to bring you to them. They said they'll finally let me see her." Amos explained vaguely, a hopeful tone to his voice.

My eyes widened in realization, "Are you talking about the Vampaneze?"

Amos turned around once more, looking me in the eyes and flashing me a meek smile, "Thank you so much for all your help, Hunter."

"Amos!" I growled, "You goddamn traitor. Let me go right fucking now! We can stop them! Just let me and friend-"

"Oh I know about your friend. He can't do anything to help any of us now. The Vampaneze want him dead for being so bothersome. They'll kill the next chance they get. And that's what I'm going to give them. Their next chance..." Amos cleared his throat. Eying me shyly, "Hunter...may I ask you something?"

Like I've had any say in anything that's gone on in the past few days...

I shook my head, so filled with anger I almost chewed my bottom lip off, "Do whatever you like, Amos."

"Please don't be angry, I really never wanted to hurt you. But I...well, that doesn't matter right now. What I wanted to ask you was...you and this vampire...are you two...close?"

My eyebrows furrowed, "What are you asking me exactly?" suddenly nervous at the nature of this question.

Amos scratched at the back of his head, in that classically nervous manner. It was unbelievable at how he seemed to be the exact same person I had known all those year. There was never a side to him I did not know. He was not a monster underneath the man. This was just who he was. Who he always was. It was unnerving to know that the same face he showed me everyday was also the same one he showed the Vampaneze...

"It's just...we have been watching you for a while now and it seems as though you two have developed a tight bond. I'm just wondering if perhaps...you two are together?"

My head spun, so quickly I could not find the ability to form even the simplest reply. What the hell is he saying? Why in the world would he ask that in the first place?

I twisted my head to regard him. My back straining from the awkward position, "I'm sorry, Amos, but...why the hell do you care?" I spat out sarcastically.

Amos chuckled softly, pointedly ignoring my tone. "Well, Hunter. Since you asked...I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit jealous..." he reached back to pat me on the leg, and I jerked away, "..I've always fancied you, Hunter. Admired you even. But I could never find the strength to forget about her."

I might have been flattered by his confession if it wasn't such a clear indication of how truly delusional Amos was, "Amos, I am truly shocked at how dense I was. You're fucking insane and I never even noticed."

"You're a strong woman, Hunter..." Amos laughed, "I wish things could have been different..."

He almost sounded sincerely sorrowful.

"Anyway..." Amos continued, "...we are almost there. Prepare yourself, Hunter."

There was only a few more feet of nauseating swaying and the crunching of dry leaves before we reached the entrance to a single medieval looking watchtower.

A tower of white stone towered high, it looked as though there might once have been more to this structure but time had not been kind and all that was left standing was a single watchtower built snug against the side large hill.

It didn't look nearly large enough to house an entire clan of Vampaneze. Perhaps it really was only a couple of Vampaneze rather than the army I was envisioning.

Amos stopped right outside the doorway, hitching his horse to a wooden post nearby. He took a moment to cut the ropes around my legs before wrapping his arms around me and pulling me off of the back of the horse to set me on my feet.

"There we are, no worse for ware." Amos analyzed me for a moment, brushing a lock of hair behind my ear.

I jerked my head away from his touch., "You don't have to do this Amos. Whatever they're offering you, it's not worth it. Larten and I...we can protect you. Trust me."

"You don't understand, Hunter. This is the only way, you two can't even protect yourselves..." he replied solemnly.

"Now come on..." he added, "...these aren't creatures you want to keep waiting."

...

Larten was nearing the position of his old friend. His assignment had led him to being hot on the trail of another wanted Vampaneze. Larten remembered his friend mentioning where he would be staying, in case they needed to communicate face to face.

There was an inn, slightly hidden, just before the town. He should have a room on the second floor at the end of the hall. Larten stepped inside to a lively scene of song and drink, despite the time of night.

"Of course..." Larten grumbled to himself. Completely unsurprised at this Inn being where he would find his friend.

The obvious next move would be to go to the bar. Keeping his cloak tight around his neck, and a hood over his head, he walked over to an empty table. Taking a seat he scanned the room.

Larten saw only drunken men and women of pleasure. All dancing and stumbling to the tune of the music. Lamps and candles coated the place in a warm brown light, making it difficult for anyone to notice Larten.

"You look like you could use a drink, you old grump."

Larten's head whipped around quickly behind him to find his friend standing behind him, hands on his hips and a warm smile on his face, "Gavner, there you are."

Gavner Purl, a long time friend of Larten's, moved aside to pull a chair out from across Larten. Gavner was a man of average height, with broad shoulders. He also had a face decorated with old scars, framed by short, dark hair.

Sitting himself down he asked, "What are you doing here Larten? I thought you had work miles from here."

"That is why I am here, Gavner. Things have not gone as planned. I can no longer investigate from a comfortable distance. There is more going on in that town than we had previously assumed. I need you to help me and an ally turn the tables against them."

Gavner raised his eyebrows in surprise, "My, my, Larten. You've gone and made a mess of things? Someone as annoyingly meticulous as you? I didn't think it was possible."

Larten rolled his eyes, "Yes, yes, I wish it were all just a big joke. Will you help me or not?"

"Of course. Want to leave now?" Gavner replied plainly, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly.

Larten sighed with relief, "Yes. Your work here, is it alright if you neglect it? I am not sure how long I will be pulling you away."

"Oh yeah, don't worry about it. I killed the rogue Vampaneze weeks ago." Gavner said, waving away Larten's concerns.

"What?" Larten shook his head, "So why are you still here?"

"Why do you think?" Gavner huffed, motioning towards the women and the mug of ale before him.

"You are never going to grow up, are you?" Larten gibed, standing up and waiting for Gavner to follow.

"And whose fault is that?" Gavner shot back, following Larten out the inn and into the night.

...

"So who is this ally you mentioned, Larten?" Gavner began.

Larten eyes Gavner, unsure on how to describe me, "She's...a hunter."

Gavner's eyes went wide, leaning towards Larten, disbelieving what he was hearing, "A woman? Your friend is a woman? And she's a human as well I'm assuming."

Larten straightened his back defensively, "Yes she is a human." he answered with as much confidence as he could fake.

"Are you insane? Are you not always the one lecturing the rest of us about the dangers of human interaction?" Ganver scoffed. His hands motioning erratically as he lectured the older vampire.

"Yes I understand the irony but I did not have much of a choice."

"And you trust this woman?"

"I do trust her. She is strong willed and brave. She has been helping me so far and she has a personal stake in this fight so we will continue to include her."

"Uh huh..." Gavner hummed curiously. Raising a brow at Larten, "So you like this, Hunter?"

Larten grimaced at his childish tone, "I just told you I trust her."

"Is she pretty?"

"Gavner, does that really matter?" Larten scoffed, shaking his head with an annoyed look on his face.

"Oh you're getting nervous, aren't you? You do like this girl..." Gavner rubbed his hands together excitedly, "So tell me, what does she look like?"

"Gavner please. We really should have been flitting by now."

"Now, now, larten. I really must finish digesting this drink, I'll get a cramp if I flit now. So come on. Give me something. What do you like best about her?"

Larten growled, fed up with Gavner's incessant inquiries. Feeling his face flush, Larten quickly decided to flit ahead of Gavner. Disappearing in the blink of an eye before him.

Gavner laughed heartedly as his friend left him behind.

"Wow, embarrassed!? You must really like this girl, old man!" Gavner called out before flitting to catch up, a devilish grin on his face.

...

"There is no one in there..." Larten drawled out with a ghostly blank stare...

"What? Is she not in her room?" Gavner asked.

"There is no one in the house. The house is completely empty..." Larten turned slowly to regard his friend. An angry scowl quickly forming on his face, "...she is gone. Someone must have taken her. Where is she!?"

Gavner flinched as Larten raised his voice, "Larten, not so loud. People will begin to wake soon." raising his arms in an attempt to placate him.

"Get up here." Larten commanded, ignoring him, "Help me search the house."

Gavner and Larten searched the room I had stayed in for any clues as to what had happened. Larten essentially turned the room upside down. Tearing at the sheets and flipping the mattress.

"What exactly do you expect to find underneath the floorboards..." Gavner teased as he watched his friend going as far as checking underneath the bed and knocking at the wooden floor.

Larten continued searching in the most unlikely places, despite his friend's concerned comments Larten didn't seem to want to leave any stone unturned, "She had to have been knocked out, there are no signs of struggle so she must have been carried out. She never would have left this house willingly..." Larten speculated. "The little girl is gone, her friend Amos is missing as well, they must have taken them all somehow they-"

"We'll find her Larten." Gavner cut in, stepping closer to place a reassuring hand on Larten's shoulder.

Larten's gaze lingered on his companion's. Grateful for the reassurance but hesitant to admit that he needed it. That you meant that much.

Larten's gaze dropped, "Come, we should check the surrounding area. Perhaps we can pick up their trail."

Gavner nodded and the pair exited through the back door. Racing to pick up the trail and against the rising sun.

(Author: This story is nearing it's end. I am almost finished with it and it will mark the first chapter story I have completed. I know it's been a long time coming and despite the hurdles it's time is near. Muahahaha...I can only hope some of you are as excited as I am.)