User blog:Roastedman511/A Lone Hunter, Chapter 3

"What do you mean you have to leave?" Serena asked confused. Her tail straightened with what seemed like fear.

"Exactly that, I have to leave for a while, but I'll make it back here before night. I have plenty of food ready for you, that and you have that crutch as well to help you walk." I pointed out.

"You're going to leave me here by myself with nothing for me to do? What kind of human does that!" She shouted, her face beat red from our current argument.

It had been two weeks since we had come to terms with her having to live here with me until her leg healed. It was also the time of the month where merchant caravans would frequent the roads in the forest. I was interested in one particular caravan, though.

I had gotten acquainted with a merchant named Gray who liked to trade his wares for skins from the animals I hunted in the forest. Seeing as I was its sole human male resident, he decided to make the deal with me instead of potentially getting raped by some monster in heat. I put on a light brown cloak and a pack filled with skins and the like to trade.

My whole plan was to try and procure some pain medicine for Serena's legs. Last night she said it had been throbbing more than last week, probably due to the incoming cold. I had then decided today to head to the road outside the forest and catch them as they passed. Everything depended on me making sure she got her leg healed with no problem or strings attached. All I wanted was for my life to be back to normal for hunting for myself and the occasional talk with Sheila and Quilla.

I wondered as well if Gray still traveled with his group of companions. Last I remembered he had recruited a Kunoichi into his group of merchants. We were in Zipangu from what he told me, though I had yet to see any of the regions special species of Mamono in the forest. I then felt a pair of arms grabbing my waist, and a tail wrapping around my chest. Part of me thought Serena had finally broken down to being near me for so long.

"Do you have to? Can't they come here?" She asked miserably. Part of me thought about staying, but I needed to get medicine for winter as well. It seemed fall was coming to an end more than I thought. I turned around and looked at Serena down on the floor. I picked her up and placed her back on the couch since she forgot her crutch.

"I have to get some medicine for your leg. The wounds may have healed, but bones are another thing. That and I'll have to get ready for winter as well. I'm the only one who can hunt currently. Even more, aren't you supposed to be prideful and strong?" I said with a bit of sarcasm in my voice. At this, she looked down glumly, a sullen look on her face. I walked back over and put my hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll be back before dinner. I promise." I gave her a smile before heading off.

"Fine," She said giving me a threatening glare. "Just make it back. I prefer to talk to someone than for it to be quiet around here and bored."

"Don't worry, I'll be back before sunset," I said before closing the door. Once it was closed I headed over to the tree near the house and proceeded to take the route of tree platforms to the road outside the forest.

I calmly waited near the road waiting for Gray's line of carriages to show up. It had become a custom of ours to always meet up eight times a year. Two for each season for medicine and skins. Sometimes the occasional weapon as well if I needed more. All this time allowed me to reflect on the past two weeks.

I took out my journal and scribbled in in some of the recent occurrences. Over the two weeks, Serena had come to be more accepting of me as her "companion" or "host" as she put it. She did still make the occasional remark about me being a human, but she did have a friendly side. She was proud, but humble as well.

Even after an incident of seeing her nude, she was able to notice that it was an accident as I had just woke up and didn't see her putting clothes on or making her fur cover her. She also seemed to have cooled down from the whole "wanting to make me her husband" incident a year ago. If I had to describe it we were now friends in a way. Not close like me and Sheila, but along the lines of me and Gray without trading. I had even come to accept her being in my house. It was now my daily routine. I couldn't remember her not being there when I woke up.

My head snapped to the road as I heard hooves hitting the ground. I looked to see the usual first carriage pulled by Gray's centaur's who worked for him. I waved as they caught sight of me. I saw one of them smile as most of his caravan did during these meet ups. It was like seeing family after a long time.

I looked as the man himself hopped off the top of one of the carriages holding a sword at his side with a fox head pommel. He walked up and extended his hand. I grabbed his lower arm as he did with mine.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Glad to see ya Manhunter. How's it been, my friend?" He asked with his somewhat smooth voice.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"A bit good. The season has been treating me well, but I'm going to need some other things along with the usual. That okay?" I asked.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Anything for you, my good friend! Anything!" We walked over to the carriage that was carrying most of the cargo I'd buy. "The usual cold medicine and healing solvents right? Oh and you that cooking stuff right? Let's see salt, pepper, sage... Hey, Murasame! Where did I put those other things? What was it... Some kind of spice? Oh, the thyme?" He asked his partner.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">The Kunoichi popped her head out from the cargo and handed him a bottle of green herbs. "Right here, sir. And is this the one you were talking about? The-"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Yes, the Manhunter. The supposed male monster. Don't worry, unless you're some poacher or part of the Order he won't bite. I will admit he's quite the looker, though..." He winked at me before his nose sniffled a bit. His eyes widened. "Also he smells extremely like fish. I know your aunt is a Sahuagin and all but, wow it's strong buddy. Murasame you smell that?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">The woman stepped out. I examined her lithe frame made for speed and quiet movement. She looked at me with her stone gray eyes and masked face. She looked at me and then to Gray. Was she smiling?

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"You didn't tell me he was married already." She said slyly.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Gray looked at me surprised. "WHAT?! Has the Manhunter been man hunted? Who did it? Is she treating you well lad? Are you still the buddy I know?" He asked with joking sympathy. "C'mon who done took my boy's virginity? Does Quilla know at least?" He asked seriously at the end.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I sighed. "As always you know how to create a joyful mood. No, I have not been taken, but I might as well be. It's gonna take a while to explain. Can we sit down?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I finished explaining the whole situation to Gray. He brushed his hand through his blonde hair and took in a deep breath.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Well comrade, you certainly, um, gotten yourself in a pickle. A Jinko huh? They can be a bit rough at times. But sounds like this one is growing on you, also I'd be more than willing to give you some pain relief for your feline friend. I'll give you enough to last a few months. I just hope it's been easy for you."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I nodded. "It was a bit hard at first, but we've been able to sort things out. I'll admit she's come to love my cooking, and it feels normal having another person in my house now."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Why wouldn't it be?" Murasame asked. Gray let out a light chuckle.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"He lives in a house in the woods by himself. He has for ten years now and he's quite the expert huntsman. You could learn a thing or two my darling from the skills he's acquired. Wouldn't try making him your husband, though..."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Murasame seemed to perk up at the thought. She had been giving me a few looks here and there. Any hunter would know she was simply observing her prey before she prepared to go for the kill. She cocked her head and looked with those gray eyes at me.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Why's that?" She asked. Her voice sounded as if there no reason she shouldn't.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"This man right here is the nephew of the forest's resident tribe leader of Sahuagin, and well, there's also the Jinko. Serena, wasn't it? I'd be surprised if he wasn't taken yet. He is rather fetching, even by human standards. Sooner or later some Mamono is going to make a move on him, Plus," He then winked at her. "You got me to deal with first."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">The Mamono narrowed her eyes at him and looked away. "Pervert." She muttered.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Anyhow," he looked at the Kunoichi. "Please gather this man his stuff and put it in his pack. Also a few extra potions usable by monsters. No one, monster or human, should have to go through the pain of bones having to mend."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">She nodded and bowed before heading off on his order, but still seemed a little annoyed by his comment. I stood up and was about to get my pack before he pulled me by my wrist and put something into my hand. I looked at the vial of familiar purple powder. I quickly put it in one of my pouches. My blue eyes met his green as he gave me a slight nod.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"For the thing. Hope it helps with your uh, predicament."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I nodded and grabbed my bag from Murasame before heading off.

<p data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;text-align:center;">POV CHANGE (THIRD PERSON)

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Gray watched as Rain left, putting his hood up over his raven black hair. He then stood up and went back over to the carriage and motioned for his Kunoichi companion to follow and sit beside him. He saw her eyes widened at this. Never had he let her sit by him during their caravan travels.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Today was an exception. He could care less what other in the Guild thought.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">He let out a long whistle signaling the rest of the group. Horse and wooden wheel began to move as they made their way to town to sell their wares and trade at the square. They did have a delivery as well, quite a lot when he thought about it. Never in his years as a member of the Guild had they gotten so many orders for potions, coats, furs, weapons, even some other... Questionable items as well.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">As they went on he noticed Murasame take off the mask that was hiding her face. She had the usual Zipangu look as most people did here, the only difference being her eyes that were more like Gray's and Rains. His eyes wandered to the scar on her lip. The woman gave him a look of embarrassment as his gaze stayed on her more than when they talked at the Hall or in their quarters when either of them was lonely or needing conversation.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Sir, who was that Rain, man? Is he really the...?" She asked curiously, a bit of fear in her voice.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Gray nodded and smiled. "That he is. The Manhunter of Chinmoku no Mori. Don't let his nature or looks fool you. He's probably a match even for Kara or Hars. Which is why I'm lucky enough to say I'm friends with him. Guy has more skills in hunting than most in the neighboring villages."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"If so," She stated. "Why does he stay in the forest? Surely we could recruit him? Possibly a bodyguard or something would suit him, yes?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">At this, the blonde haired man laughed. "You think we haven't? He has more than those axes going for him. Now," He said curling his arm around Murasame. "Let's just relax as usual. We still got a long way to go, and it seems it's a bit cold..."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">As he brought his face into his her cheek, he was met with a fist instead.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Worth it!" He said, muffled and in pain.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Idiot..." The Kunoichi said with an expression of annoyance on her face.

<p data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;text-align:center;">POV CHANGE (FIRST PERSON: RAIN)

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I dropped down from a tree as I spotted an all too appetizing deer on my way back to my house. Part of me felt I should ignore and get back home to Serena, but also that I should treat her if anything seeing she couldn't hunt quite yet. I remembered the potions in my bag. They weren't as good as the stuff made by alchemist and mages, but they would be able to ease the pain and speed up the process. I smiled at the thought of soon being able to be

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I smiled at the thought of soon being able to have my house all to myself again. No nagging or being asked what was for the next meal. I would soon be able to sleep at night and not worry about a tiger woman about to rape me as I slept.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I she really so bad, though? This morning she was all too worried about you leaving! Part of my mind said. I shook my head at the thought. We were both a pain in the other's ass, we agreed on that. Serena considered me as nothing but a means to an end until she was back in proper condition. The memory of this morning peeked into my mind again as I spotted the deer and got ready to draw my bow.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Once again the pleading look she gave me to promise I'd be back made me soften a bit. Hell, I had kept giving myself less time to get back as I said I'd be back! What the hell was she doing to me? Was this that Mamono attraction Quilla said they all had? I let the arrow loose and watched as it hit home, piercing the creature's head.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I walked over and collected my arrow, and cleaned it off before putting it back in my quiver. I then moved quickly as I hoisted the dead body onto my shoulder's. Adding the current weight of my bag and clothes, this was nothing to me. I remembered having to swim with rocks on my arms to make sure I'd be able to swim quicker and develop more strength in my arms. I made my way on foot back to the house, hoping that there wasn't a stray Mamono out there hoping to find an easy target.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Then again maybe I wouldn't have to worry. Murasame had said I had a smell of fish on me, so had Gray as well. The only thing that seemed to make sense was me being raised by Quilla who was a Sahuagin, and Sheila was also my cousin who I saw almost every day when fishing.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Or I had just been eating too many fish.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Walking forward with my shoulders slightly tired, I opened the door and was met with an impatient Jinko. Serena glared at me, her left foot tapping against the floor. Her tail was swishing back and forth as well as I stepped forward and went over to the section of the house I used for preparing my catches.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">She followed me crutch in hand to the area as I took off my coat and cloak, and set my weapons in their respective places on the weapon rack I made to store them. As I took a knife and prepared to gut and clean the animal I looked at Serena in her emerald eyes.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"What is it? Something wrong?" I asked.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">She sighed, and her glare softened into a smile. I was surprised at this. I had half expected to be yelling or wanting to know why I had taken so long.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"I'm just glad you made it back when you said you would. You said you'd be back before sunrise, and well," She motioned with her paw to the window. "You did."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Well of course. A Nolan also makes on their promise." I started to skin the deer and continued to talk with her.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Were you able to get this medicine you needed?" She asked.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Yes. It's in my pack, just need to ration it out in dosages appropriate for a Jinko like yourself. Otherwise, well... I'm not really up for having to tuck you into bed while you're in a haze and get chewed out by you the next morning." I answered.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Well, it's not my fault if you seem the type to take advantage of a woman while she's unaware." She huffed and looked away from me.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"How do I look the type?! I'm a gentleman I'll have you know!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Your mother tell you that?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Silence fell as I got the deer skin out of the way. I continued to work on the carcass.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Yeah, well, while she was alive," I said trying to not let her comment bother me.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"OH." She said and backed up. "I'm sorry-"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"It's okay," I said cutting her off. "You didn't know. The same with my father. If you didn't know, I've pretty much been raised by the Sahuagin here."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"So that's why you smell like fish!" She said as if everything became clear. I put the knife away and took a moment to laugh at the irony of her comment. I almost fell out of the chair I was sitting in at how hard I was laughing. I looked to see Serena had stopped me, only for her to fall herself. I moved my body and got on one knee, and held her in my arms making sure for her right leg not to hit the floor. We stayed there looking into each other's eyes before looking away slightly embarrassed at our current situation. I took my foot and managed to drag the wooden crutch over to my reach. I took my right hand and handed it to Serena.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I put the knife away and took a moment to laugh at the irony of her comment. I almost fell out of the chair I was sitting in with how hard I was laughing. I looked to see Serena had stopped me, only for her to fall herself as she lost balance. I moved my body and got on one knee, and held her in my arms making sure her right leg didn't hit the floor. We stayed there looking into each other's eyes before looking away slightly embarrassed at our current situation.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"You okay?" I asked, a bit flushed.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Yeah. But could you get me my..."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I looked to see her crutch just out of her reach as I kept her off the floor in my arms. "Here," I said handing it to her.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Th-thanks." She said with a slight stutter. She steadied herself up and returned to er usual calm self. "Just let me know once it's time to eat, I'll be sleeping, so just don't try anything okay? Or I'll chew you out..."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I nodded in agreement and then went back to prepping the deer. I could hear her paws on the floor until she was out of earshot. I then let out the breath I had been holding in at how close we had been.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I was sure Serena was having similar thoughts as well with the defense she put up in most of these situations. Part of me felt a warm feeling in my chest with how close we had been. I wasn't sure what it was, but for some reason, it felt... Right. As if I should feel that way when I was near her. I wasn't sure what it was but I kept having that moment play in my mind as I finished the deer up. I then took off some pieces of them, slated them, and proceeded to the kitchen.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I walked in to see Serena curled up on the couch, a smile on her face. Her tail was even curled around her body as well, like, well, a cat. Seems even the proud tiger could have some cute moments as well.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Wait... Did I just call her CUTE?! I thought to myself. I turned on the oven and began to cook the fresh venison, occasionally looking over at Serena and how her body would rise and fall as she slept. Her smile widened as she seemed to cuddle up next to the pillow I had been letting her use. She seemed so at peace as she slept. Having to live with a man and not give into her urges must have been tiring, especially after earlier's event. I kept looking and smiled as well as she went onto her other side and muttered something about catching a deer and having me cook it.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I kept looking and smiled as well as she went onto her other side and muttered something about catching a deer and having me cook the legs so they'd taste better. I stifled a laugh as she moved around a bit from my slip.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I went back to cooking and thought to myself, maybe this wasn't so bad, having somebody else in the house for once.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">'''A/N: Time to get things rolling! Now for some more setting up before we get the plot rolling. Gotta say, Rain definitely finds Serena quite cat-chting. She's really purrfect!'''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">...

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">...

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I know, the puns are terrible.