Help Wanted

Food, the Wendigo crooned, it's ragged voice grating within Salem's mind. They pair stood in the cover of night atop a hill over looking a small western settlement. Salem lifted his nose to the air, and inhaled deeply. "We smell it, we need it." Salem responded, his voice just as raw as his possessor's. His mouth watered and his eyes darted over the town, picking out the houses with lights. He shuddered with delight. It was quiet, it was peaceful, it was unaware. With grace befitting a predator they descended from their perch, making their way down to the ramshackle town.

The oil lamps that lit the road flickered in the chilling breeze. It carried the sound of music and laughter. It also carried the sent of food, both cooked and living. Salem's tongue flickered out of his mouth, wetting his lips as he walked through the town. The silence that usually marked the town faded around him. In it's usual silence dogs would howl, cats would meow, and whatever bugs remained with rustle about. Not tonight, as the man in the tattered Confederate uniform walked through the animals fled, sensing it's intentions. They enjoyed the silence before the kill, it was the only peace they could find. The Wendigo enjoyed it more than it's slave.

It's peace was disturbed as the saloon came into view. They didn't stop, only kept going. People called out to him. The words they spoke carried no meaning. It was lost in their scent. They walked into the Saloon, it's music filled with life, the laughter with happiness. They looked over the patrons and grinned, showing a row of vicious teeth. They turned and placed their hands on the two large doors that stood open. They closed them with a loud crash, interrupting the piano player. Everyone turned to look at the newcomer.

"Can I help you friend?" One of the patrons asked, walking up to the twisted man.

"Yes," They answered in unison, their lips pulled back in a savage smile. "We're hungry." The first scream that night rang out for only a moment, followed by a gurgle and panic.

Salem's stomach had become knotted up during the process as he fought of his hunger. His eyes were clenched tightly and it took a good portion of his will power to keep from doing the same to his mouth. When the pain resided, the hunger was still there, but it had lessened. He opened his eyes and pulled his tongue back into his mouth. It stung, but it was to be expected. "Better than expected." he said, rubbing a temple.

Salem had hoped that his friend would have blocked the transfers of memory. That his presence would have interfered, but going off of Willow's expression he hadn't been that lucky. He began pushing himself up from the ground when she turned away, but stopped as she presented him with the clean blade and bowl. He eyed them for a moment, then her. "For a while." he said with the sort of finality only a cursed man could muster. For an day, an hour, a moment, but not forever. He shook his head, realzing he was being ungrateful. "Thank you," he said as he took the blade in hand and traced it down the woman's forearm. He sliced through just enough layers of skin to cause the blood to flow, demonstrating a familiarity with the body that few had.

Her life's essence gathered in the simple wooden bowl and as it flowed the man spoke. "With this blood tasted, another's life need not be wasted." His voice calm and strong. He filled the bowl a third of the way before taking it in bother hands. He inhaled it's aroma before placing it to his lips. The warmth stung his newly tattooed tongue and he tasted both his blood and her's. As soon as it hit his stomach he felt it. Felt his endless hunger begin to distance itself. It was still there, nagging, but no longer relentless. For the first time in centuries, he felt something like freedom. No matter how temporary he couldn't help but smile. Something different than his others. Bearing no mischief or cruelty. No predatory gleam or hunger. Just happiness.

"Well that was rather boring to watch." Fanuco says sitting on the roof looking down at them with a bored face.

"Well then, I should consider myself lucky for that then. No hangover, a new tattoo, and three years without worry." He beamed as he listed off his gifts. It turned into his usual smirk as he pushed himself up though. "I owe you." he said, his tone becoming serious. "More than you might care to admit, but I do. You gave me three gifts and so I'll return the favor. Ask of me any three things and I'll see to it that they get done." Salem shoved his hands into his pockets and turned from the woman. "There's no expiration date on the offer, much like us." he said with a chuckle as he walked back towards the Inn. "As for you," he said, speaking to his sword wielding friend. "You're a sneaky sort. I like that. You and I should do some bonding some time." With that Salem waltzed into the bar, feeling lighter than he had in recent memory.

Fanuco watches Willow return to the inn from his perch on the roof."So is it time to go hunting, missy?" He says after jumping down from the roof.

Salem looked at the other two. During his time alone he had rustled up some breakfast. A plate of eggs and ham, that he ate with the grace of a wild animal. "Bout time," he said between bites. Despite his newly gained freedom he still needed to eat, like every other living thing. "I was starting to think we would stay here forever."