𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕭𝖑𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝕯𝖆𝖍𝖑𝖎𝖆

 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕭𝖑𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝕯𝖆𝖍𝖑𝖎𝖆

 

The register clinked as Jasper Brown paid for the last of his camping supplies.

 "Alright, Jasper?" said a voice behind him. There stood a slightly older man probably in his late sixties or early seventies.

 "Billy!" Jasper cried. Billy was a close friend of Jasper’s father.

"What are you doing here?" Jasper asked. 

" Was going to see Charlie at the pub round the corner. You coming?"

 "Naw, have to pack for my camping trip," Jasper replied.

 "Oh, I see. Where are you heading to?" Billy asked casually.

"People have been talking about this trail near Hungerford, Hadrian's Way." As soon as these words escaped Jasper’s mouth, the cashier gasped. Billy and Jasper turned to look puzzled. 

" Pardon me, sir, I must have misheard, but did you say Hadrian's way?"

"Yes, why?"

"Rumor has it that there is where the B- Bl- Blood D-Da-Dahlia resides." the cashier stuttered.

"Hahahahaha" Jasper’s voice boomed. "You folks have a knack for telling horror tales, don't you?"

Billy stood there with a composed face. As if he were trying very hard not to laugh.

"Trust me, sir, anyone who dared to go there was never heard of again."

Jasper rolled his eyes and

"Just telling an old wives tale," he muttered to himself.

In the early hours when the sun hadn't dawned yet, Jasper was all set—just packing his end moment necessities. He was to catch the 5:00 AM train from Liverpool up to Newcastle and then a 25-minute ride from Newcastle to the town of Hexham to the west. From there, a bus ride to a spot 3 km south of the trail and its serene woodlands. It was a long journey, but he made it by noon. The sun was sweltering, but the thick trees created a tranquil canopy. Just enough for the sun to get a glimpse of the hard walnut ground. With his one hand clutching the map of the trail and the other holding a half-eaten peanut butter sandwich, Arthur set off in the dense woods to look for a camping spot to unwind in the night. He made it to the campsite around twilight. It was a rather uncanny area. With basil colored trees and small blood-red balls that seemed like wild berries—just the perks of adventure. Jasper thought to himself. The sky became clouded, the wind gushed and night settled. He pondered deep into the woods with nothing but a torchlight to look for bark, leaves, and wood shavings to light the campfire. After tirelessly trying to light the fire, Jasper could see some improvement as a tiny spark flickered around. Supper was just a frozen cheeseburger. On the contrary, night put up an incredible show, with stars dancing as the paschal full moon gleamed. He was devouring on his self-made smores when 'she came.’

"Hello." said a quiet musical voice.

Jasper looked up, stunned to see a tall statuesque woman with a beautiful figure. She had a very chalky pale tone with oddly colored red eyes, but Arthur was too much in awe to care. She draped a red cocktail dress that played along with the eyes.

"I am Valentina." she continued.

"H-Hello." was all Jasper could manage to say.

She was like a greek goddess; no one had the right to look more appealing than her. He reasoned with himself. 

"May I?" she asked solicitously, gazing at the trunk Jasper was resting upon.

"Please do," he replied. Just trying to be a gentleman.

Valentina fluidly danced her way to the seat.

Her dazzling face was friendly, open, and a slight smile played around her flawless lips.

“Now, what would a handsome young man like yourself, be doing in these wild woods?” Valentina asked cheekily.

“C-Camping.” Jasper stammered.

“Ah, you seem like an outdoorsy person. I’d love to get to know you; you’re like a fresh meal” grinned, Valentina.

“ Well, er….. I am Jasper Brown, and I am originally an Irish native, but Liverpool is my home. I like camping, hiking, and trekking. In simple words, I love adventure. I moved from London a few years ago. I am a scientist at Univerisity, and I enjoy soccer and baseball. Big fan of the London Mets I tell you. Big fan .” sighed Arthur, as if he had said too much and wondered why this goddess-like creature would be interested in his dull, stale life.

“Do you mind if I call you Jazz?” she asked with her liquid red eyes burning.

“Oh. Sure go ahead.”

“What about you?” Jasper continued.

“Oh, don’t be silly. This night is about you! Tell me more about yourself.”

Her voice worked like a charm, Arthur yearned for its melody.

“Er… I am also a huge hockey fan.” said Jazz idiotically. Irritated at himself for prattling about sports. Why would divine Valentina care about what team he supported?

“Um, Jazz,” she said, without quite meeting his gaze.

“Yes?”

“How old are you?” she asked. Flashing her perfect pair of pearl white teeth.

“Twenty-five. Why?” he asked.

“Hmmm. Young flesh.” Valentina mumbled to herself.

“Nevermind,” she answered.

Jasper suddenly seemed to be aware of the fact that they were leaning towards each other. Her breath was as fresh as freesia and as sweet as lavender.

Out of nowhere, she kissed him briefly on the cheek.

“What was that for?” asked an amused Jasper.

“Oh, you know,” Valentina said. Flashing her teeth for the last time.

                                                             𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕰𝖓𝖉