The Arrow Hunter

Cold flowing wind crossed the plains of Eastern Talera as the winter slowly approached from the Northwest. The fields were becoming orange and the few trees standing around were shedding their multiple colored leaves to further decorate the ground and many interesting hues relative to that of a sunset or sunrise. Somewhere in the middle of the vast fields of tall grass walked a lone man dressed more like a poor soldier.

He wore basic clothing that most would wear although he had straps of chain-mail fastened over his chest and hips to provide protection. His pants were thick and wrapped in brown shreds of cloth to better protect him from the wind. Around his feet were boots that matches the lengthy glove on his left hand. To keep him warm was a black hood pulled over his shaggy black hair and fastened onto a cloak that covered most of his body to provide more warmth. His only weapon was an old yet well constricted bow that was latched onto his wooden quiver holding seventeen arrows.

For a short moment he paused and lowered the hood to better gaze the landscape with his dull green eyes. His face was well shaped and handsome for that day and age but his expression seemed to portray someone fairly peacful yet bewildering passion for war. A contradiction in himself but no one would question it for they wouldn't have a chance to challenge his character. His bow may be old but he is the best archer to the East of Talera.

How very drull, I have not even cross the gap of the mountains yet. By the looks of it I would say perhaps six more days. He thought this to himself and followed with a rather exhausted sigh. At this rate I wont reach Tallwood for a few months.

A man walked, grass folding under his dark leather boots. A brown worn cloak hid his face under a hood. A silver goatee stuck out from his chin. A smooth skinned smile appeared on his face as he walked. A pack on his shoulders, he marched. A single strand of silver hair drooped down from the hood.

When he noticed the man walking along, Hinin quickly knelt down and pulled off his pack. He threw open the flap and yanked out a solid white mask fitted for his face. A black tear would be drooping down from each eye socket. A leather strap was attached to each side of the mid section of the mask. With pace, he pulled back his hood, revealing his shoulder length silver hair. Hinin pulled the mask down over his face, threw his hood back up thus hiding his hair again, then pulled his pack back onto his shoulders then stood and continued walking, not saying anything to the man as he passed.

The Master Archer had spotted the other person before the masked man could even detect his presence. While watching him drop into the brush and re-appear with an odd mask on, he began to wonder. What might be so important for him to hide his face? Very curious. Further pondering the question he stroked the stubble that formed on his chin.

As he passed the man, he gave a glance towards him, sizing him up and seeing if this man was strong enough to hold a sword or maybe a bow. HE now wondered if it may be possible the elderly ploy was just an act to gather information. He picked up his pace, finally coming to a stop after a few more steps. He spun around, mask still covering his face, and slid a knife out into his hand. "Who are you? "

The man had already slid the limbs of his bow from the cloak draped over his body and had a arrow knocked in place, prepared to take a very accurate shot if needed. "A name is a sacred thing..." His eyes narrowed and he lifted the aim of his horizontal bow. "More so for when the man asking hides behind a mask. Why might you be hiding?"

He smirked from behind the mask and tightened his grip on the knife. "That is an interesting question. Let's just say it's either this, or I will be killed." He kept his eyes on the man with a fierce intensity.

"Not quite sure that I understand...Are you afraid I would kill you? Or is there something else you are hinting at?" He never loosened the tension of his grip or wavered the concentration of his gaze. I am afraid this one might be more than previously suspected. Did he plan to rob me? Did I simply throw him off guard by pulling my own weapon? With this in mind he eyed him a bit more carefully to decided what he might be. "Are you some sort of brigand or bandit? For if you are then know well that I have no valuables. Also, if you attempt to make reach for my coin...your death will be swift." He did not wish to kill but he would take life in order to protect his last bit of cash if need be.

He felt almost wounded by the words. "Rob? Why would I do that? I am just hoping you just don't reveal anything to anyone else. As long as you never saw me, I have no desire for a fight." He loosened his grip on the knife, feeling almost less worried now. The man had shown that he was under the impression that Hinin was a thief.