Chapter One
The air was stale. It was rank with wisps of smoke that sailed past the florescent lights and into the shadows above. Music could be heard in fits and starts as the record skipped on the worn out phonograph. It was noon and The Red Lady Tavern was full with drifters, drunks, sailors.
It was a place where you can drink your cares away and have a nice warm meal to put in your belly. That was probably the only reason Eden even came into the damned place. The Tavern was a shadow of its former self. Once the hub of the Old District, catering to the rich and powerful; now, only host to those who wish to drown their sorrows.
Maybe that is the reason she comes here. Even run down and beaten there was beauty in the old tavern. Hell, that could go for the damned city; industrial combining with natural beauty to form the city of Preseason.
But, Eden shouldn't be the one to talk about looks. She was just a little over average built with long raven black hair that framed her pale face, and mismatch colored eyes. One eye so blue it all most glowed and the other a deep emerald green.
Eden took a long swig of her mug of mead draining the last drops, before placing it back on the table.
"I see your travels haven't diminished your appetite," said a red-headed woman who proceeded to exchange Eden's empty mug for a full one.
"No, it has only made me thirst for more of your finest mead!" she replied, before taking a gulp.
The red-headed woman chuckled. "Aye, and one of the only few who are able afford it," she said, nodding over her shoulder to the other patrons around the tavern. "Most can only afford my cheapest brand."
Eden nodded thoughtfully picking at her fish. "Aye, but at least they are able to buy your cheapest, Reagan."
Reagan nodded solemnly. "So, do you have any kind of tales to tell?"
Eden paused for a heart beat, thinking thoughtfully. "Unfortunately no, not this time," Eden said, finishing the last bits of her food. "There hasn't been a worthwhile hunt since last month."
"That's good, maybe it's a sign from the gods telling you to switch to another and safer job lass," Reagan said, gathering up the empty plate.
"Nah, I'd rather hunt than sit around or do any mundane job anyway. And besides," Eden said, pushing her seat back and getting up. "If I were to retire the gods would just send something rather nasty and I'll be the one to clean it up."
Reagan heaved a sigh and shook her head. "One of these days, you'll end up biting more than you can chew."
Reaching into her pocket of her tunic she pulls out her money pouch. "You said that many times now, and I haven't met a man or beast that can matched my wits or sword couldn't take down," she replied confidently as she counted the gold coin.
She regarded the raven-haired woman, chewing on her next words before slowing them down. Eden was an arrogant lass, but what she said was true. She didn't become one of the greatest bounty hunters for having a pretty face.
"But I'll keep on saying it tell the day I die," Reagan said haughtily, but, with a smile the made her storm gray eyes bright with mirth.
"I hate to leave, but I do have some business to attended with the guild masters."
"Well don't be a stranger, now." Reagan said with a mischievous wink.
"I'll be back later for super, so save my seat." Eden said as she stood, placing two gold coins on the table.
