(FYI for everyone. The story contains a little bit of a bait and switch as far as the monster goes. I started going one way, then had inspiration in another direction and I did not want to re-write everything I had already accomplished. Thanks for understanding.)
Shereena)
*
The Night Cloak Inn sat quiet. It had been nearly 2 weeks since Shereena and Vivian had their ill fated encounter within the building. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary in the small village surrounding the place. The people went about their daily routines, The Night Cloak continued to operate with travelers coming and going. Perhaps no one knew what had occurred within. After all, neither Shereena nor Vivian were known to anyone locally.
With winter approaching travelers were now arriving with less frequency. Yet one arrived this day. A lone horse carried a young woman clad in fine crafted plate armor. The woman's long copper hair danced behind her as her horse meandered down the street. While her armor hid most of her lovely features, her face revealed creamy, flawless skin, entrancing emerald eyes, a lovely face with soft features and luscious lips. Slung over the saddle bags was a shield adorned with an etching of an open hand, signifying the willingness of those following the god of justice to help those in need. A sword hung from her hips, its scabbard bright with a fresh coat of polish and decoratively engraved by a skilled hand.
Several of the villagers looked up from their daily business and gave the young paladin a curious look; nodding to acknowledge her as she rode by.
"Greetings milady." Said an older villager walking the road as she approached; the elderly man most likely the face of the village. "What brings you to our quiet corner of the world?"
"Good day sir." The woman replied from her horse. "I am wondering if anyone has passed through in the last month or so, a young blond haired woman by the name of Shereena. Her priestess garb should have been memorable."
The old man held his chin for a moment while his brow tensed in though.
"Yes, I do remember her." He finally replied.
He looked around for a moment, and once satisfied none of the other villagers could hear him, he continued.
"Though, she wasn't dressed like any priestess I know of." The man said, informing the traveler. "Come, let us talk more in the comfort of my home. I am sure the road has made you hungry, and a home cooked meal is sure to hit the spot."
The woman dismounted from her horse and began to follow him home.
"I name is Vira. And I want to thank you for your assistance." The young paladin said, a worried look having come over her face after hearing this man's comment about her friend."
The man led her into the heart of the village. His home was quite modest though clean and well build. Across the road sat a large building; it sat quiet and dark. Hanging above the door of the building was a sign that read "The Night Cloak." Vira felt a sense of unease fill her body as she stared at the foreboding building. The worries she had for her friend grew.
"Here we are." The elderly man said, breaking Vira's thoughts.
"Oh...Um...Thanks for your hospitality. I appreciate the gesture." Vira said, turning away from The Night Cloak and entering the man's home.
"Oh it is no problem at all. Though I insist that you get out of that uncomfortable armor and allow me to serve you dinner before we discuss other topics." Her host replied, motioning towards what looked like a spare room. "I will begin preparations for dinner while you change."
Vira wanted to dive right into what had happened with Shereena, however she didn't want to appear too forward, or perhaps too heavy handed and have him clam up on her. She entered the small room, and began to change from her armor into a modest gown.
In the back of the house the old man had begun the mundane task of whipping up a meal for his new guest. He had a few moments to himself before the back door of his home entered and 3 of his neighbors entered unannounced. The three burly farmers stared angrily.
"Gavin, why are you helping the woman?" One of them snarled.
Gavin lowered his head in submission, he was no match for one of these men, let alone three.
"I just thought that she might be able to help us." He said softly. "She appears skilled and surely has the gods on her side."
"I cannot risk my daughter on the slime chance she can stand against those creatures." Another man replied. "They have not hurt anyone as long as we have done as they command."
"And you will do what they command...right Gavin?" Said the third. "You know what do to. If you disobey them and anything happens to my family, I will be sure to punish you!"
Gavin stood silently as the three men left a moment later. He now held in one of his trembling hands a small vial that had just been given to him.
"Please forgive me." He finally said, looking up to the sky.