Patient Hunter

Ruby laid motionlessly on the floor of the camouflaged tree house. It was meticulously constructed to look natural and was ever so slightly enchanted to amplify that appearance, without being noticable to most magic affine creatures.

Ruby had exchanged her typically red clothes for greenish-grey patterned ones, that looked as if the tailor had attempted to create clothes outside the regular threedimensional space. The very irregular shapes and random fringes blended her shape with her surroundings. She also had covered her rifle to minimise reflections and chances of detection even further.

She did not keep track of the time she had already spent in wait. Patience was her most important trait. Ulrike was hiding next to her, observing their surroundings. Every sniper needed a spotter, and these two women were a winning team.

Something was rustling in the undergrowth ahead of them.

Ulrike muttered coordinates under her breath and Rube adjusted her rifle accordingly.

There was no further movement.

The forest was silent.

Shadows and light wandered over leaves and branches.

Then, there was the rustling again, slightly longer lasting, enough to appear almost rhythmical.

None of the two lockettes moved.

A black helmet appeared from between the bushes, moving ever so slightly.

Ruby aimed, but did not shoot.

The helmet disappeared

The light of the day slowly turned orange.

The rustling returned, louder than before. From the undergrowth, soldiers clad in camouflaged uniforms emerged, their black eyes revealing their alignment.

A finger coiled.

A shot boomed loudly through the silent forest, followed closed by several more.

The soldiers fell to the ground, black fluid covered leaves and quickly spread over the forest floor.