snowfall
A short story on Ilu. While moving away, Ilu has a dream about a fond memory of his home. Melancholy about leaving, this memory soothes him.
"You're sure you're packed, Desilu?"
"Yes, Baba."
"You're off on your own in the world then."
"That's right."
The civilians of Frosthearth were either blessed or cursed with another layer of snow - it just depends who you'd ask. For young Ilu, it depended on the day.
"Where are we going?" He'd asked the man next to him, holding the end of his scarf. "You'll see, half-pint." The taller spoke, a huff of breath to follow after his words. Ilu would remark how he looked like a dragon, but his eyes widened and ears twitched at his next statement. "You've been doing well, lately. It's about time I show you what hard work will bring."
A smile pushed the youth's baby fat up his cheeks in a boyish grin, but he quickly cleared his throat and looked down to steel his expression. He gave a firm nod - it'd best be he show that he was mature enough to handle whatever Baba would give. He did recall that the man would reward the other clan members when they came of age. Still - the skunk hybrid couldn't tell if he was shivering with excitement or if the cold was sinking past his winter coat.
"Baba", the man known as Hawthorne, was a renowned "huntsman". And as fine as every animal may be, there were still the exceptions. The myths.
Kelpies. Weres. Vampires. So on.
It was his job to bring an end to these wretched beings, a certified contract executioner. A profession that died out back in the olden days, but he was one of the last few around. The myths were feared by many. And fear paid damn well.
More specifically, it was the other ebony ice-pelted beings that followed under the name of his branch. Though his grandfather founded it, he was the current head of it all. And this was a dangerous path to tread.
As he always would, his silver eyes darted to the young boy at his side with a glint of sympathy. Hawthorne never knew if Ilu was his biological son or not, and as one reason, he felt remorse. The second was the fact that Ilu was born into the business of gore at such a young age. But alas, there was nothing else he could do. There was no room for weakness here. And Hawthorne wanted so badly for Ilu to stay his - he had a natural protection and nurturing sense over him, after all.
"Now head home for the time being, Desilu," Hawthorne instructed, ceasing his steps and reaching into his coat pocket. Tossing the smaller a wad of rolled up parchment - who eagerly caught it with his paws - Hawthorne jerked his head to the town square's clock tower. "You have two hours to complete the contract, and you have thirty minutes to get home. You'll be dealing with the Hensleys again." Obediently, Ilu gave a sharp nod and turned on his heel, breaking off into a light sprint. His gift may have to wait for now - or was this a coming of age test?
Hawthorne's ears twitched at the sound of boots dashing off the cold cobblestone. A smile tugged at his face. He knew he wouldn't disappoint him.
Ilu laughed as Kilian gave a huff.
"Well, you're set then." The ginger began, nodding at his handiwork. "You might bleed a bit longer, but it's minimal. I got you clotted up pretty good." Ilu sighed in relief and closed his eyes with lax. The pain of his chest gashes throbbed, but at least it was dulling now with the healing properties the ointments and juices of the plants released. Besides, this wasn't truly the worst he'd received. "Thanks, Kilian." Ilu breathed with a nod. As much of an airhead as the fox boy was, Ilu loved his friend dearly.
Getting to his paws, Ilu made for the door of the long hallway. "I know you're gonna look for the Meister first before getting some good food in your belly." Kilian called with a flip of his scruffy hair. He rose from the bench he sat upon, trotting past Ilu towards the dining hall. "But don't miss out! It's chicken breast on the spit and rice tonight!" Kilian licked his lips and smirked over his shoulder at Ilu. "You can best bet I'll be eating your share if you take too long. 'Sides! You can say it's your way of thanking me for patchin' you up so good, yeah?" Ilu shot a smirk in return to match the fox's. "Won't the Mistress tell you to stay light on your toes, Kili?"
The two laughed off a goodbye, and Ilu made his way to the top floor.
"Baba, I'm here."
Meister Hawthorne had been patiently waiting for his obedient student, sitting idly about his office desk and moseying through some old files. He gave a brisk nod of his head to the skunk mix. "That you are. And so is your new friend." Getting to his feet, Hawthorne strode over to the freshly packaged elongated case. "I think it's time for you to have something that can protect you a little better from a distance rather than up close fighting." He said, clearly in accordance to the bandaging bound around Ilu's chest. The younger swallowed hard, fidgeting his hooves on the ground, his heart feeling like it'd beat out of his chest. He closed his eyes and held out his paws as Hawthorne filled them with a heavy casing.
"A-a musket?!"
"Yes, Ilu."
"You- a-are you sure, Baba?! All my own?!"
"That's right."
"Sir, do you need anything?" The train attendant asked, only to look apologetic a moment later as she realized she woke up the black-furred teen. "Oh- Oh, I- Ah.. Just some water, please." He must've really dozed off. The service girl gave a nod before she rushed off to make his request. His silver eyes exhausted, Ilu wrapped his bushy tail around himself. It was dark out still, it looked like... And still so much snow. He wondered when it'd let up. Then again, it would be a few days til he reached his new destination this way.
Sipping on the chilled, crisp water brought him back to reality for a moment, his prized musket right next to him. Many glares were given at him for taking it with him on board, but Meister Hawthorne knew just about everyone - including the conductor. It was just an extra little privilege. He smiled and shook his head at this realization, and leaned his head on the side of the case. He'd miss home. He really, really would.