Evangeline stood in the corner of the dimly lit inn, her back against the wall. The hilt of her silver sword stuck out over her shoulder, glinting in the candle light, the leather-bound hilt of her steel sword rested just below its sister. Silently she took in her surroundings: one elderly (and frail) bar wench, two burly men in the far corner engaged in a round of gwent, one middle aged woman and her husband in the center, and lastly a greying gentleman in the corner across from her. The last one caught her interest.

He sat by himself nursing his drink, which Evangeline thought smelled oddly of mandrake but couldn't be certain from her distance. He had a small satchel strapped across his chest; she could see bits of leaves and twigs sticking out from its flap. And odd aroma of various herbs and flowers wafted from the leather bag every time the man moved. His hair was slightly receding, streaked with gray and silver tones that wrapped around his face that fell into sideburns. His eyes were dark with puffy, gray bags below them. His lips were thin and greyish-purple, she noted that he barely opened them to partake of his dink.

She couldn't quite place it but something about the man drew her in; something was off. Her medallion didn't move, but her senses were jittering at his presence. Her heart stilled as he met her gaze with his cold, dark eyes. He made sure to keep her gaze and nodded for her to come join him; raising his cup to her. She drew in a deep breath before slowly making her way across the Inn to his table.

He motioned for her to sit across from him, she noted his fingernails were long and pointed, reminding her of beastly talons.

"Please have a seat, Fair Maiden." His voice was smooth and he spoke well; he was someone obviously well-educated and from a well-to-do family.

Evangeline nodded and sat down directly across from the man.

"You haven't taken your eyes off of me since I arrived." He said taking a sip of his drink. She was sure it had mandrake in it, another curiosity to add to the enigmatic man. He motioned for the bar wench to bring another drink over.

"I simply took notice of an interesting person." She shrugged, placing her hands underneath her chin, resting her elbows on the edge of the table.

"Interesting, you say? Hmmm" he hummed before taking a drink, eyeing her from across his cup. "I'll opt to take that as a compliment, seeing that you of all people would know about interesting personas."

"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked watching him as he slipped a steel tumbler from his satchel. He popped off the cork and topped off her drink with his mandrake hooch.

"Merely that, I should think, the world's only female witcher would know an interesting person when she saw them." He said with a hushed voice as he eased the tumbler back into his bag. "I've heard quick a few tales about you over the years."

She scoffed over her drink. "Modern tales of witchers are about the White Wolf, not me." She said taking a sip of the concoction before her.

"You'd be surprised then to learn of the fast spreading tales of the Crimson She-Wolf." He said with a thin smirk over the rim of his mug, raising it to her slightly.

"Enlighten me then." She challenged.

"Of course, Milady." He cleared his throat before proceeding. "I believe the first one I heard was of how the White Wolf and yourself rid Kovir of a rather nasty Katakan; I believe most stories go into the gory details of how you burned the creature to a crisp before severing its head from its body. Then there are the war stories, of course..." the man used his hands to talk spreading his hands wide and rolling them for effect. "All which differ slightly, but still make large of your heroic deeds on the battlefields; wiping out an entire battalion on your own, some say." He said placing his fingertips together for emphasis.

Evangeline bit her lip. "People of all races and stations in life tend to exaggerate things they've not witnessed themselves."

"That is very true, indeed." He said taking another drink from his mug. "Although," he drawled on. "I have a feeling, that your deeds don't need much exaggeration, do they Fair Maiden?"

Evangeline rolled her eyes. "Enough about me." She said taking a swig of her drink, she could feel the effects of the stout alcohol working already. "Obviously, you know exactly who and what I am. But I, Dear Sir, am at a loss on what title you hold, and whom to address you as."

"Ah," he smiled with thin lips. "I beg your pardon, let me introduce myself. I am Emiel Regis; a barber-surgeon, from Dillingen. You can address me as Regis, though."

"A barber-surgeon... That explains some things I suppose."

"Such as?"

"The herbs you carry, the mandrake hooch, and the faint smell of... carrion..." She trailed off closing her eyes to take in a sniff and hone in on the exact scent. She didn't notice how he clenched his teeth and twinge as she mentioned it. "A smell such as that lingers long after your work is done." She opened her eyes to see him drain his mug.

"That it does." He said somberly, avoiding making eye contact with her.

She heard feet shuffle behind them and picked up the scent of a drunken farmer; the smell of shit mixed with cheap ale. "How'd you like to take a walk with me Regis? It's beginning to get a bit crowded in here, don't you think?" She said, nodding back over her shoulder at the approaching man. She saw Regis grimace. The man was on them before he could utter a reply.

"'Ey, there Darlin'" the man said as he ran his hand down her back as he approached. She rolled her eyes with disgust and clenched her teeth. Regis tensed and clenched his teeth as well, sensing where things were headed. The man hiccupped before continuing. "'Ow 'bout ya come an' talk wuth a real man?" The brawny man said facing Evangeline, leaning on the table trying to block out Regis with his large body.

"I beg your par-" Regis began, pushing himself up from his seat.

"'Et lost ya ol' geezah!" The man yelled grabbing hold of Regis by the collar of his shirt and hoisting him up out of his chair completely. Regis didn't flinch, he held the man's gaze before speaking again.

"I suggest you put me down, Good Sir."

The drunkard moved to shake Regis but stopped when he felt a sharp pain along his neckline. Evangeline had already drawn her steel sword by the time Regis' feet had been lifted from the ground. The tip of her blade touched the man's carotid artery. The man flinched, cutting a fine line into his dark skin. A trickle of blood began to flow down his neck. Regis pried the man's fingers from his collar and with dignity, straightened out his shirt and vest.

"It seems the lady would prefer my company at the moment, Good Sir. Kindly, remove yourself from our presence." Regis quipped, staring into the man's eyes. The man relaxed and stepped away from the pair. Evangeline sheathed her sword, cautiously. Regis tossed some coins onto the tabletop. "Shall we?" He asked offering her his arm. Evangeline nodded and took the arm he offered. He ushered her past the gaping patrons and out of the inn into the quickly fading light of dusk.

They walked a-ways down the path, glancing every so often over their shoulders to see if they were being followed. She felt Regis' grip on her hand tighten as four men approached them from the side, as well as two at their rear.

"Seems like we made quite the impression." He sighed.

"Seems to be a reoccurring theme for me."

" I can see why." He muttered, giving her a once over, letting her hand slip from his arm to pull her sword from its sheath. "I'll take the two at the rear." He said turning to face the burly men. She blinked a few times, gave the man a good onceover, thinking to herself that there was still something peculiar about him. It was odd to her how easily she trusted this stranger with her life. She didn't bother to look back, she knew, for some strange reason, that he could easily handle himself.

"If I were you, boys, I'd turn right around and leave. You fail to realize who you're harassing." Regis called over his shoulder as he approached the other men. A smile crossed her face, she knew it was she that he referred to.

"Ya an' yer whore try ta made a fool of ou' frein'. One of ya did sometin fishy back thar. Made 'em act all funny like. We dunna take kind ta the likes of ya." Regis' eyes shifted. Evangeline had thought the man had backed off too easily. Her new friend had a bit more explaining to do when they wrapped this dance up.

"You'll leave us be or suffer the consequences. Your choice." She said taking her stance, her blade level with her eye, pointed at the men before her.

"Shut yer mouth whor-" the man jabbed a grubby fist at Evangeline, before he could finish his sentence she had severed his hand from his body with a fluid swipe of her blade. The man screamed and clutched the bloody stump. Blood gushed from the forearm covering the man in a crimson wave.

"Get the wench!" Another screamed as he lunged at her. She pirouetted and slashed the man across his abdomen, spilling his intestines across the dirt path. The other two men stood rooted in place, mouths agape in horror as the man fell into a convulsing heap. Evangeline took a step towards the men, her blade raised to strike, covered in blood of their fallen comrades. One man dropped his sword and fled in the opposite direction. The other haphazardly lunged at her with his pitchfork, she easily knocked the weapon from his hands prompting him to follow his friend and flee. She turned to face the initial brigand. The man was sobbing, clutching his stump to his belly. She made quick work of him and decapitated his head from his body, ceasing his mewling.

She looked up to see Regis, the two assailants were slashed to ribbons, blood pooled between the two bodies at his feet. "Well, well. That was something one doesn't see everyday; to behold a witcher in battle is something indeed."

"You didn't do so bad yourself I see..." she said sheathing her sword. "You're quite a resourceful man, Regis."

"You pick up a few things when you're in my profession." he said straightening out his clothes.

"I'm sorry you got dragged into this bloody mess."

"Don't apologize. If I didn't want to be involved I'd have left your company sooner. I wouldn't have invited you over if I wasn't prepared for something like this." He said with a shrug, motioning at the scene before them. "What I mean is that, you are a witcher, humans don't exactly accept your kind... and to top it off... you're exceedingly beautiful, if you'll allow me to say so. That alone is enough to bring plenty of unwanted attention; an inevitability."

"It certainly seems that way at times." She muttered, trying to hide the blush spreading across her face by turning to assess the area around them. The ground was now saturated with a shade of crimson that matched Evangeline's hair.

"We had best gather our things from the inn forthwith and slip away before anyone notices these fellows are missing."

"Good idea." She said turning back towards him, the blush faded from her face. "My horse and supplies are in the stable around back of the inn."

"Mine as well; we should be able to slip in and out unnoticed then."

"Only if we make haste. Let's go." She said walking past him with large steps. Regis nodded and followed her lead.

"Where are you heading from here, if I might inquire?" He asked as he took a spot beside her on the dirt path.

"Why? Are you going to follow me?"

"I thought, perhaps, I should accompany you, for a ways, for my own safety, that is. If any unruly mob came after me, what would I do without your assistance?"

"I suppose having company for once wouldn't be too bad. Someone who can defend themselves is a plus, and..."

"And what?" He asked, a faint smile playing across his thin lips.

"Someone interesting and knowledgeable." She finished, the corners of his mouth turned up more at her flattery. She paused a moment before she continued. "I didn't use magic on that man, but you did."

He groaned and nervously ran his hand up the back of his neck, ruffling his hair. "I was hoping no one would notice that."

"You might be able to hide things from most peasants, but not from me. You should keep that in mind if you're going to be my traveling companion. I know you're hiding who or what you really are." She said holding his gaze.

Regis swallowed nervously and looked away from her. She stopped in her tracks about a hundred yards from the inn.

"You helped me out back there. I owe you a debt now; I won't force you to tell me but be aware that I'm watching you. I will figure it out, one way or another. Don't abuse my trust, Regis, it's something I rarely hand out."

He blinked a few times at her, taking a moment to process her words. "Of course. I thank you for your trust and discretion."

"Enough chit chat. Let's gather our things and be rid of this place." She stated moving alongside the shrubbery, concealing herself as much as possible.

"Agreed." He said following her lead to the back of the inn. Luckily for them no one was around. They took their belongings mounted their horses and fled north, along the byway. The land was lush and fertile, the dirt road lined with plentiful grasses and trees. It was a much better view than the dessert land Evangeline had previously been traveling through, but it also gave monsters and men ample places to hide. She focused her attention to her senses; keeping herself alert for anything that might be lurking in the picturesque scenery.

They rode a distance in silence, the hours passing along from dusk to midnight, before Regis broke their silence.

"You never did answer me."

"Hmm?"

"I asked you where you were traveling to. There can't be many contracts for witchers this far south; considering this part of the world has 'moved on' and most monsters have hunted into extinction by you and your brethren."

"Jobs are sparse but still lucrative. I'm heading to Neunreuth."

"The merchant city. I wonder how much its changed since I was last there..." He pondered to himself before continuing. "Of all places, why there?"

"I received a contract form the merchant guild there. I must get there as quickly as possible; this won't be a pleasure quest. We will ride hard. I won't slow down for you. You'll keep up or I'll leave you behind." She said her eyes forward.

"I see, this must be a contract of some importance then."

"It seems their city is being plagued by a vampire; of what kind I'm still not certain."

Regis tensed at her words. "A... A vampire you say?"

"You can go your separate way before we get there, if you're worried."

"Aren't you? Worried, that is."

She shrugged. "I've battled all kinds of monsters before. It's all I know."

"But... Forgive me for my ignorance, but I've always heard vampires, of certain sorts, can blend in quite well and be a formidable foe, for even the best witcher. Does that not worry you?"

"Yes, and it's true some vampires are more intelligent than others. They also have different abilities compared to their lesser cousins. If this vampire is of the higher kind, which I'm thinking it is, it quite possibly will be the deadliest foe I've ever faced."

"But yet here you are, almost rushing into its deadly grasp."

"I'm a witcher, Regis. What else should I do?"

He shook his head. "Not bloody run off to your death head first."

"Would it bother anyone if I did? It's my job to rid the world of villainous creatures. I've trained my entire life for that purpose, underwent countless mutations to my body to be able to help rid the world of these monsters that plague, not just humans but all races. Who should care if I die attempting my job, other than the people I failed in doing so?"

"I'd care." He murmured, staring down at his hands as they rested on his saddle horn.

"Pardon?" She asked leaning over in the saddle, peering down at him.

"If you died, I'd care." He replied turning his gaze to meet hers.

"We've only just met. Why would you care if I died? You seem plenty capable of fending for yourself; you slaughtered those men to ribbons back there as quickly as I finished off those others, that is quite a feat in itself. You can bend people to your will with magic, something only sorcerers and witcher's can do proficiently. You don't need me to protect you, I'm not so ignorant as to believe that." She stated straightening up in her saddle and casting her eyes forward again.

"Then why did you allow me to accompany you? If you find me so suspicious." He asked cutting her off by pulling his horse in front of her blocking the path.

She bit her lip and looked away. "I told you why already."

"For the same reason you stared me down in that inn? For the same reason you -"

"I'm lonely..." She sighed gazing up into the moon. "I suppose, anyway. It's been so long since I've had someone of any kind of intelligence to talk to, I forgot what it was like. Perhaps, this is my last chance to have some human contact before I die. Because you're right, most assuredly this will be the hardest fight of my life." she finished turning her golden eyes back to him.

Regis swallowed hard and pulled his horse back. "I-I'm Sorry. Please forgive my actions. I don't know what possessed me to talk to you in such a way. I had no right."

"Let's make camp." She said feigning to ignore him, pulling her horse off the path into the copse of trees at the top of the hill. Regis nodded and silently followed her. They tied their horses to a tree a few yards away from a small clearing and dug a fire pit. They worked in silence as they both spread out to gather twigs and branches for their fire.

"You know, although I've heard tales of you, I'm afraid I don't know your name, Fair Witcher." Regis stated, breaking their silence as he lay his catch of twigs and branches into the pit.

"My apologies, I assumed you knew already. It's Evangeline." She said over her shoulder tossing some kindling into the pit

"Evangeline... the bearer of good news. Beautiful name; one seldom heard anymore."

"I've yet to meet another." She said as she kneeled next to the pit casting igni to light the fire. She walked away and gathered her bedroll from her horse and spread it near the fire.

"I thought I might go hunt and forage a bit."

She stared at him a moment contemplating her options; was a safe idea to let him wander the woods, or to turn her back to him this early on?

"I won't wander far or get lost. Promise." He smiled, holding a hand up in the air as if taking an oath.

"Damn, here I was hoping to lose you in the forest like a stray." She muttered with a roll of her eyes.

"I'll be the stray that comes right back, the one you can't get rid of." He smirked over his shoulder as he made his way into the woods.

"Just my luck." She grumbled finding a good tree to prop up against. He chuckled as he faded into the dark forest, leaving Evangeline to her thoughts.

He's not natural. There's something off with him. He's uncanny. He's not a wticher, obviously not part elf but yet he's not a normal human either... if he is, he's a sorcerer and hiding it somehow, for some reason. Mysterious though, he may be, I still am drawn to him. Could it do any harm to let my guard down this one time? To live in the moment, with him... To let something happen... It's been so long. She thought to herself as she kept watch. Her thoughts wandered as time went on; contemplating her options and trying to solve the conundrum of the man that accompanied her.

"The hunter returns." She stated as she heard him approaching.

"With a brace of coneys." Regis said holding up a pair of long eared rabbits. "And a few parsnips, onion and mushrooms as well. And I think I have a few good cooking herbs left in my satchel, come to think of it."

"However did you manage-"

"Throwing knives." He said pulling a small knife from his belt. "Another-"

"Trick of the trade?"

He nodded as he began to skin and gut the surprisingly, plump rabbits.

"I'll be damned. We couldn't have this good of a meal back at that inn." She said finding some branches to cut and make a roasting spit as he worked on the meat.

"There's also a small stream nearby; I filled my water-skin full. We can boil the vegetables and then add in the meat and herbs to make a decent stew, if you happen to have a proper receptacle that is."

"I have a mess kit in my bag; there's small stockpot along with some utensils and bowls." She said making her way over to her horse and rustling around in the saddle bag.

"I daresay, that will do quite nicely." He said with a quick smile as he made a mirepoix with the vegetables. "And roast the vegetables in the coals until the water boils." He muttered to himself as he took a large piece of rabbit fat and stuffed it, along with the parsnip, mushroom and onion, into the caul fat of the rabbit's stomachs. He twist the membrane around the vegetables to make a casing and slid it into the coals.

"Keeping you around might be beneficial after all." She joked as she handed him the stockpot and sat the bowls and spoons to the side.

"Just because one is in the woods does not mean one cannot have a decent meal. There are plenty of ways to cook in the wilds, and plenty of food to forage and hunt." He said holding up a finger and wagging it at her. "As long as one knows their surroundings."

"I've been on the path for years and I never eat this good; unless I'm in a city and paying a decent sum for it."

"I shall teach you then. We can eat like this almost every time we camp." He declared pulling out some herbs from his bag.

"Hmmm, I'll hold you to that." She said giving the rabbit a turn on the makeshift spit.

"Why don't you go ahead and get some rest. I'll take watch and finish cooking. I'm assuming you want to leave at first light."

"I do, we need to cover as much ground as possible." She paused a moment and gave him a hard stare.

"What?" He said with a crooked grin. "If you keep staring at me like that people will begin to think things." He said leaning in towards her seductively.

Evangeline rolled her eyes and pushed him away with the palm of her hand on his chest. "Don't be getting any ideas, I'm only trying to analyze you."

"You doubt my ability to keep watch? Or cook? Perhaps both?" He said sarcastically.

She rolled her eyes again. "Wake me up when the food is done, O' Keeper of the Watch." She stated tucking into her bedroll.

"What's this? The witcher is trusting me to do something on my own? -"

"Shut up Regis." She muttered turning away from him and the fire, pulling the blanket up to her chin.

He chuckled. "Goodnight, Evangeline."

She paused a moment, the words feeling foreign on her tongue. "Goodnight, Regis." She said with a slight blush, glad that her back was to him.