|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 1:15 am
It had taken her half a day, but she finally finished getting everything she needed. Mel couldn't believe it was already time for the Spring Thanksgiving. All the girls where making cute chocolates to give to the boys. They where suppose to be thanking them for the white items they been given back during the Winter Thanksgiving. Or was it the other way around? Either way Mel always made chocolate chip cookies for the men her age and younger. She tried to be anonymous, but everyone knew it was her. Still she didn't want the thanks, but she always found herself in possession of flowers, and such in the winter.
Shaking her head she sighed as she walked passed bar and the inn. It wasn't that late, so everyone was still in a somewhat sober mood laughing and singing songs. Laughing herself she pulled on her rucksack, it was time for her to get home and start making cookies.
Soon enough she found herself on her half of the land. A part of now found Hataru adorable, for the fact he had finally caved and asked her for a little bit of help. It had made her laugh, but she was sure her old animals weren't dieing off. Other then that she didn't seem him, only when she looked up and saw him on his land while she was in the fields.
Sighing she finished unpacking her ingredients when she realized..."I forgot to go by Ruby's and pick up the sugar I ordered." Her eyebrow twitched as she threw her bag back on. Grumbling she set back out, hoping that the inn keeper hadn't decided to go to bed early tonight. Closing the door behind her she never bothered to lock it. Then she started on the path back into town. Not even noticing the fog that was slowly rolling in.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 1:25 am
The distance between the farm and their nearest neighbors was about a half mile. Half a mile of wandering open lane with little to no light. It was quickly growing dark and the night animals were beginning to stir.
A scream rent the peaceful night, followed by a scuffling sound in the next field. The animals that had been happily hooting and chirping to the cool evening went silent almost at once. The scream melted into a fading bleat. If Melody dared to venture closer to the fence that separated her from the field, she would hear a low growling and the fleshy tearing sound of something eating.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 1:36 am
Melody froze where she stood. She had never heard a scream before in the middle of the night. Not like this at least, this was one that made her blood turn cold. Reaching into her bag she pulled out the scythe that she used to cut weeds and grass everyday. Crossing the bridge that led onto Vesta's farm she found the place empty. Not even the thief Skye seemed to be around tonight. Walking to the fence that wasn't far from the barn that she herself had convinced the other rancher to build not that long ago. A sickening ripping noise came from the barn that was no more then 10 yards from her. Scared for her friends and even her own safety.
Jumping the fence she didn't drop her items, but just kept running until she reached the barn doors. Out of breath and to scared to call out she slowed down and crept up to the door. Not sure of what sight she was to see.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 1:52 am
The barn door had been left partially ajar. Inside was largely in shadow, but many things moved inside.
Suddenly the doors are thrown open as several horses and sheep dash away in fright into the open grasses. A large mass, shrouded in darkness, darted out after them. Trails of blood were left in its wake, leading back to the mutilated corpse of one of the sheep. It had been the source of the screaming, at least it was before whatever it was had crushed its throat.
Then a low growl that ended in a higher note resounded, making her hair stand on end. The beast howled as it continued to reek havok on the barn animals that tried to flee before it. Swirls of fog twisted and twirled as their bodies darted past, obscuring them from full view.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 2:12 am
As the beast ran right by her Mel really did freeze in her spot. She was even sure her heart stopped for a moment. It was bad enough she could almost smell the beast's breath as it ran past her. Looking in she barn she saw the sheep's dead body. Now it wasn't uncommon for this kind of thing to happen, but this creature was huge. Then again she had never scene a wolf up close.
With out a second thought she ran as fast as she could to the other side of the ranch. Throwing the scythe in her bag she ran as fast as she could. Tripping when she jump over the fence, She got right back up and started again. Never once taking the chance to look back. By the time she reached Vesta's door she was heavily out of breath. Banging on the door she knew inside it wouldn't help. Vesta and her family usually went to the bar on this night with everyone else. Still she begged and begged someone to be home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 2:19 am
About half way through the field, Melody heard the howling again. Only this time it was closer. As she darted over fences and out to the house, she could begin to hear the sounds of steady panting and padded footfall.
Slamming into the door and begging for entrance, she found that the residence were gone and they had locked the doors behind them. With no refuge, she had no alternative, but to stay on the move. If she looked back across the open yard, she would not see anything dashing straight for her. Instead she would get a streak of black here, or a bending of grass there. No telling if it was the terrified livestock or the wolf that chased them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 2:28 am
Falling silent for the 3rd time this evening. Mel looked around and pulled the scythe back out. Gathering herself she made a dash for it. Running as fast as she could, she didn't dare let out a breath. The fog and darkness made it impossible for her to see where she was going. The was getting close and she could hear the water's rushing, it sounded like heaven in the hell she was running from.
Suddenly something caught her foot. A branch or rock that had been thrown up from the animals running wild in the night. Unable to find her footing her face quickly met the ground her scythe thrown from her hand so she didn't hurt herself. Freezing again she listened for the beast. Slowly she reached back for her weapon, her only tool of defense if it came to that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 2:41 am
As she reached for the scythe, her groping fingers touched something warm and thick furred. It was a paw, massive by canine standards, with claws that were easily as big as her fingers, digging into the soft tilled soil. The moment she felt it, she also became aware of the steaming breath that tickled her hair.
He, which she knew him to be after her year's as a ranch hand, stood at nearly four foot at the shoulder, which bent more like a bear than a dog. It's body was more than six feet long from head to tail. Thick built and dense furred, it clearly still donned its winter coat which was black with a couple patches of white on the saddle, tail and ear. The ears were pinned up high like a dobermans, but one managed to bend halfway almost curiously. The muzzle, which was currently positioned a few inches from her head, was slim and only just barely showing any teeth.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 2:50 am
Mel didn't move, she couldn't move. This was how she was going to die, the thing she knew not to be a wolf was going to kill her in a second flat. Slowly tears fell from her eyes. To the bright side she would be with her beloved Grandfather again. As much as she wanted to jerk away and run from this creature, she knew she had a better chance or it getting bored with her and chase after a spook animal that was running in the night. Praying long enough that they could identify her body, and that her ranch would be taken care of.
Blood was falling onto her cloths from where the poor sheep and Goddess knows what else. Her fingers dug deeply into the ground. Ready to try anything and everything she had to to get away from this thing!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 11:11 pm
They stayed motionless for what seemed like an eternity. Then, as silently as it appeared, the wolf darted back into the tall grasses.
A beam of light then passed over Melody and a familiar voice called out to her. Zesta had returned, not a moment too soon. Two of the terrified sheep took that moment to make an appearance. They ran out of the grass and made a beeline for their owner, comforted by the familiar voice as they skirted around the fallen girl.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 5:16 am
Meljust watched as the creature ran from her. Her heartbeat didn't cease though and as Vesta pulled up the very shaken girl, she just stayed silent. "Take her to where ever she needs then take her home. Make sure to warn Ruby that there is a wolf out killing animals. "It wasn't a wolf."
All eyes turned to the girl. "It was to big to be a wolf...yet it was...." Everyone figured the girl was to shaken to tell fact from fiction. They just agreed with her and Vesta's brother escorted her to pick her sugar up from Ruby then back home.Once there Mel locked herself in her house. Then took a shower to was the smell of the beast away. Every little noise made her jump therestof the night as she started on her work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:17 pm
Deep amber eyes watched from across the field as the townsfolk gathered around the girl. He couldn't hear their voices from this distance, but their darting beams of light and their agitated movements suggested that they knew he was there, or at least hoped he was not.
The blood from the sheep tingled his lips and lolling tongue, making him want to return to chasing the livestock. Yet, cunning predator that he was, he knew that his fun was over. For now at least. It would hardly be fair sport to be caught now.
With thoughts of wind and shadow to speeden his way, the beast ran through the open land. Fog and dim starlight kept him hidden from the natural world.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:30 pm
It had been a long night, but soon enough Mel had finished her cookies. All off them where neatly made and packaged in bags that she would deliver in the morning after her work. Eventually she found her way to sleep awaking from silent nightmares a few times. By morning though she felt slightly better, knowing that the beast hadn't got her.
Getting up she tended to her crops, all of them seemed to be coming along nicely, and all she really had to do was water them. Once that was done she went back inside and cleaned up. Putting on a pretty blue top and actually putting on a black skirt she placed the white headband she received last year for girls thanksgiving. Taking her basket, she figured she might as well be known this year.
Walking across the field she made her way to her first stop. Might as well be the first person to explain it to the boy. He was her neighbor, and she hoped one day they could be friends. Looking around she wasn't sure where he was, but she didn't think he would mind he she waited on him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:48 pm
The sun had arisen bright and early, the rain and fog having completely cleared. It left the air clean and fresh. Hataru opened his eyes and let out a cotton mouthed groan as the sunshine blared into his tender eyes.
He rolled over hoping to block it from view only to fall out of bed with a heavy thunk. The sudden drop jolted him awake, his dark eyes wide as he sat up and took in the jumbled mess that was his bed. Mud, blood and bits of grass were smeared all over the blankets.
Giving himself one disgruntled groan, he pressed his head reassuringly against the mattress. It was then that he realized he was nude and covered in mud, particularly his arms and legs. Grinding his teeth in self disgust, he got to his feet and stripped the bedding. Tossing it into his closet until he had time to wash them all, he then stalked into the shower to clean himself up.
A few minutes later he was sitting at his table, nursing a warm cup of coffee as he felt the onset of pains akin to a hangover. It was then that he heard a light rapping at his door.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:01 pm
"Hataru....its Mel...Today is Spring Thanksgiving...here in the valley the girls give chocolate to boys...I brought you some cookies...since its you're first year here...I wanted you to be included and all...." That and she gave cookies to practically all the boys. Until recently she always just labeled the cookies and disappeared. Now she did it in person, and actually acted like a girl about it to. Here she was all nice and dressed up, but he didn't know the old Mel.
Her grandfather getting sick had made her soften up a lot. She started acting a little girly. Not all the time, but enough to make him at peace. He wanted her to have a family of her own, and friends and actually get a chance to be someone other then a rancher. It became a part of her, because it made her smile to know her grandfather always like her looking nice on days like this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
