Chapter 1: The Huntress
(Eve Solaris POV)
I felt the warm, summer breeze brush against my skin as I drew my bow back, holding my ground, feeling my steady heartbeat lead my aim.
‘Almost there… just a bit more…’
‘Now!!’
I released the string of my bow with a resounding twang and watched as the arrow arced through the air to strike my target.
The deer reacted instantly and tried to run away through the thick undergrowth of the forest, but it was too late. I watched as the arrow sunk deep into its neck. Blood spurted out of the wound, staining its snowy white fur as its life faded from its eyes.
“Yes, I got it!” I victoriously celebrated as I hopped down from the tree branch I had been using as my hideout for the past couple of hours and ran over to where my prey had fallen.
Looking down, I could see a trail of blood spattered across the ground. The deer was still alive and struggling. I smiled gleefully, thrilled by the joy of the hunt, and began to follow the trail, a stark contrast of red against the luscious, green grass.
The world around me faded into an indistinct blur as I ran through the undergrowth of the forest, focused solely on the quickly drying splotches of blood. The pained cry of a weakening beast snapped me out of my reverie. I peeked through the recently disturbed brush and I could see the now fallen deer, gurgling its last breaths through a steady stream of blood.
The deer’s wide, almost intelligent eyes stared at me as I approached, but it was too weak to resist me further. I edged closer to the near dead animal, in an attempt to calm it.
“Please allow me to end your suffering.” I solemnly whispered, as I plunged my knife into its heart.
“That was a good shot, my Little Huntress” I heard a voice call out from behind me.
I turned around to see a 6’5 tall man, with extremely chiseled features, blond hair, and green eyes sporting a proud smile on his face, as he came over and ruffled my hair, messing it up.
“I told you to stop calling me that, Dad!” I blurted out. slapping his hand away and blushing slightly. My Father had recently started calling me “Huntress” for my skills in hunting, but added in the “little” because of course he did.
“You may be turning 18 soon, but you’ll always be my little girl.” He told me through unsuppressed laughter. “Now let's stop messing around, we need to hurry up and get this back before dinner time or your mom will be pissed.”
“If you’re in such a hurry, you could always carry it back yourself, old man.” I teased as I pulled the arrow out of the deer’s neck.
“Although I may not be the strongest in terms of mana, I still have enough to use body enhancement, unlike you, little huntress.” He teased back at me with a wink, bending down to grab the deer’s front legs.
“I’ll have mana one day” I pouted, grabbing the two back legs of the deer to “help” my dad carry it back home.
My parents had both been B-class adventurers before retiring. While they weren't considered that strong given that the ranks went from D to SSS, I was still envious of them. Being born without mana was seen as an abnormality, something that tormented and fueled me every day.
My father gave me a thoughtful look as we made our way back with the deer, before he said “Eve, I won’t pretend to know how it feels, but I want you to know your mother and I will always love you no matter what. Never think that you’re a disappointment to me or your mother, understand?”
“I know, Dad. It’s just that everyone else awakened at the age of 7. Yet, I’ll be an adult soon and still can’t even use the most basic forms of mana.” I replied, my bangs covering my eyes from his view.
He stopped then and turned fully towards me. “Mana isn’t everything, Eve. Plus, due to your years of training, under whom some might call the greatest hunter in all of Eden, your peers and even many adults wouldn’t be able to hold a candle to you, mana or not.” He added with a smug grin.
I raised a brow in amusement, “Oh? You’ll have to show me where this oh-so-great hunter is so I can thank him myself.” I said with an exaggerated turn of my head.
My Dad covered his chest in mock outrage, but couldn’t hide the smiling tugging at the corner of his lips.
“Thanks” I said, not including ‘for cheering me up’ since I knew he understood.
“That’s what parents are for. Now, let’s get going.”
“Yes, Father!” I yelled as we began walking towards town.
…
The better part of an hour later, I could see the border of the town I called home: Callum.
It was a small town, home to only sixty to seventy people. A neighboring river that bisected out town, delivered fresh, cold water for the villagers and livestock. The wind was warm here during the summer months, at least, warm for the South Continent. Anyone from the East Continent of Anatolia would find it freezing.
You could see some of them in the line of merchant carriages up by the small trade hut bundled up in thick furs, no doubt supplied by nearby villages. They looked ridiculous compared to the villagers in their thin clothing.
Some of the merchants were inside the trade hut, caught up in a tense negotiation over goods. For a small village like ours, they were our biggest source of income and they knew it. Before even reaching the gates, I could hear the village bustling with activity. It was no wonder considering every abled person was preparing for the Solstice Festival that would be held in a few days. This one, however, was a bit special since it marked the two thousandth year in the Neamh Calendar.
I could see children all over setting up decorations, laughing and playing while the adults talked in groups, discussing various adult things like the coming autumn harvest and current events. I could never understand how the village elders could sit for hours talking about something so boring. Did age suck the fun out of adults as they grew older? My father was an exception though. He remained his joyful, teasing self even though he was usually the one leading most of those adult discussions. Overall though, everyone was excited for the celebration that would soon be held for the sixteen Gods of our land.
As we walked deeper into town, I caught sight of a very familiar person running over to us with a dorky smile smeared on her face: Gabriela Esther.
“Uncle Ayrton, Eve! I see your hunting trip went well” I heard her call out to us.
“Yes, well, Eve is turning into quite the prodigy with a bow, if I do say so myself,.” My dad replied with a smile nearly bursting from his own pride.
“Seems like the nickname of “The Huntress” isn’t just for show then, right Eve?” Gabriela teased.
“I don’t believe my Dad would let me have it just for show, Gabriela.” I retorted, already feeling the warmth on my cheeks. “Anyway, how’s your training going? Is Sister Flavia treating you well?”
“Yeah, it’s alright.” Gabriela said with a sigh. “I know that serving the Church is an honor and all but I haven’t had much time for myself.”
I shot her a mocking grin, “You’d spend it all hanging around with me or gawking at Ashtor Caden anyway, which I should say is not very nun-like.”
“Sh-shut up!” Gabriela yelled, blushing furiously as she turned around to see if Cenric was around. “Fine, if we’re sharing secrets, you like Cenric Antheia!”
“Well, I hope I’ll see you at the Solstice, Gabriela!” I said with a wave, already walking away before Gabriela could reveal any more of our secrets. Father was already grinning widely. It looked like I was going to get another long talk from mom again.
“Always on the move, that one,” my Dad laughed as he too waved at the still flustered Gabriela and continued to our home.
I looked up a few minutes later to see a small cottage house with aging limestone walls, coming up in the distance. A familiar, comforting warmth filled me when the large oak door creaked open.
A stunning, slender woman about 5’5 tall, just a little shorter than me, with rich black hair and dark violet eyes, approached us, walking with elegance and grace similar to those of royal descent: my mother.
“Hello, Dear. I see our little huntress’ expedition went well again, today” she called out to my father
“It went very well, Davina. Her skill with the bow grows rapidly day by day. I must say, given another couple years even my title might be at risk” My Dad responded as we hung the deer up so we could skin it.
“Mom, do you have to tease me as well with the “Little Huntress” thing?” I whined as we finished hanging the deer.
Her brow was raised as she was undoubtedly still trying to figure out what title he could be referring to but she simply shook her head and looked at me. “Of course, Eve. I can’t let your father have all the fun, can I?” My mom teased with a wink.
“You should enjoy this, Eve. One day, when we aren’t around anymore, you’ll miss this.” My father said while beginning to skin the deer.
“You’re both not even in your forties yet. I believe it’s a little early to be thinking like that.” I said seriously, not wanting to think about it.
“Time flies faster than you think my little huntress. I’ll skin the deer for tonight, you head inside and help your mother with setting up dinner.”
“Yes father, I'll see you soon, then.” I answered, running inside.
~~~~~~~~~
As I opened the door to the dining room, a mixture of beautiful smells flooded my nose. I could smell the fragrant aroma of mashed potatoes, corn, beans, and their various spices that my mom was preparing to go with the venison we’d be eating tonight.
“Dad told me I should help you prepare for dinner.” I called out while walking towards the kitchen.
“That’s great, Eve! Please, help me set the tables. I wanted to talk to you anyway.” My mom yelled back.
As I approached the kitchen, I could see my mom stirring the pots of food to make sure nothing was burned with the same bubbly aura she always exuded.
“Hey mom, what did you want to talk about?” I asked as I started to lay out plates on the table.
“Are you excited for the Solstice?” She replied, not taking her eyes off the food.
“Of course, mom. This is a big day for the entire continent, aren’t you excited?” I absently questioned as I finished setting up the table.
“I am the village Chief, it is my duty to be excited for such events,” she responded.
“Mom, is there more to this tha…”
“I’ve finished skinning the deer, everyone.” My father’s yell cut in, interrupting my question.
“We will talk about this later, sweetie. Let’s get the deer ready for cooking while your dad casts preservation magic on the extra meat.” She said as she walked past me, patting my shoulder.
“Yes, Mom.” I answered, following her.
We spent the rest of the night cooking and enjoying our time together. We laughed as we told each other jokes and hunting stories from when I had first started hunting. My father did not fail to mention how, at first, I had made many mistakes at my father’s expense.
This was basically how everyday went for us. We talked and laughed for hours, but, before we knew it, it was getting extremely late and I had begun to feel the results of my efforts from my hunt.
“Well, I think I’m going to head to bed. Thanks for the meal, mom. It was delicious as always. I love you both, goodnight.” I said, walking over to hug both my parents before heading to my room.
“Good night, sweetie. See you in the morning.” I heard my parents call out to me as I entered my room.
As I laid in bed, I couldn’t help but think about what my mom had said to me
‘It’s her duty to be excited for such events.’ Does that mean she personally has other feelings for it or other feelings towards these gods? My parents had met the gods before. It was a great honor to them both, as it was a privilege only for most nobles or distinguished adventurers. However, a war had broken out between the continents of Eden and Drakht, drawing their attention elsewhere, so I hadn’t had the chance to meet them.
‘I’m probably just over thinking things. The gods are the greatest beings to have ever existed and care about us deeply.’ Were my final thoughts on the matter before deciding it was time to let the darkness take me into sleep. ’The Solstice would be in a few days. Whatever it was, it could wait till after.’
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