On the Hunt
In the middle of the vast, verdant land known as the Dales was a small, lonely Inn outside the Orlesian town of Lydes by the name of the Silver Antler. It was a favourite enough destination for travellers along the imperial highway, particularly adventurers in search of the treasures from the old Elven homeland that was the Dales. Recently with the darkspawn raids and the Orlesian military spread throughout the nation in vain effort to exterminate them, small establishments like the Silver Antler are relatively unprotected, resulting in poor business. But it was this one occasion which had proved to be a boon of fortune for the proprietor of the Antler; Norman Cerledre was also a warning of the danger to come for the greater part of his home.
The past few weeks had been cruel to Cerledre and his assistant, Surilie, the darkspawn raids had left the local armed forces in hot pursuit of them, and people fleeing the region to escape the potential danger. No safety meant no staying, and no staying meant no customers for Cerledre, soon he would have to leave. But what really made that night harsher were the rainstorms, it was raining heavily in the Dales for weeks now.
"Another rotten eve and no customers, mon amie." Cerledre mumbled dispassionately, "Is it true what the Chevaliers are saying, that there are no customers left for us to cater in the region? If we must endure another week without business we may as well abandon the establishment altogether."
"It wouldn't be so bad if he had enough food and drink to cater, but it too is fast in dwindling. And the topper comes in the form of ill winds and storms from the southwest bearing down on us. There will be no business for the next weeks. That's for sure." Both men sighed resignedly. They were not expecting anything in particular to happen.
Suddenly, there was a loud wail of the wind, and the two men noticed the door opening. As if completely out of nowhere, a heavily robed and hooded figure emerged from the doorway, soaked from the rainfall. The figure was relatively short and lightly built, and moved with a grace and elegance that surprised the two lonely bartenders. The figure pulled up a chair on the far corner of the bar and laid his hooded head down on the table, and Cerledre walked gingerly over to attend to the newcomer. She wore a green cloak over a brown chantry robe.
"How can I help you, monsieur?" he asked tentatively. The figure pulled back the hood, and Cerledre was honestly stunned. She was a most beautiful young woman, with smooth sunset skin, and scarlet hair that seemed to glow like the setting sun, even in the dimmed light, her features were light and delicate, but her eyes sparkled with insight, and it could be seen in those eyes that she had seen and known much in past months.
"Mademoiselle would do," he answered. "As for how you can help, I'd like a draught of your finest ale, and some bread, cheese and perhaps some fruit." The two bartenders snapped into action to acquiesce to the guest's wishes, this pleased the traveller, as she seemed to have more on her mind than food and rest. Once she had eaten and drank her fill, she called Cerledre over and asked for privacy from Surilie.
"I have come here with certain intents. I am looking for a -" she paused to find an appropriate word "friend of mine, a woman. She might not have introduced herself." she inquired searchingly. Cerledre looked at her confused, but she had more to say "She would be fairly tall, brown hair and looked as though she may have been beautiful once, dressed quite finely and had a strong Orlesian accent." Cerledre paused to recall of seeing a woman by the girl's description. But then the memory struck him, and he became visibly disturbed.
"I know of whom you speak mademoiselle, though I must warn you; do not go looking for her!" he urged, his guest began showing traces of irritation and protest in her face. "She came to my inn, not two months ago, said she was running from a woman – of your very description no less. She did not tell me her name, but I could tell she was certainly deranged. But she left me with a message, that if you ever made your way here," he paused and shook with fear; so much so, he thought he would stop talking, "we were supposed to tell you not to pursue her, else you find yourself in her grasp. And that she would kill you." The guest showed a trace of calculating fear but soon subdued it, for it quickly turned to bold determination. She pulled out a large pouch of coins which drew Cerledre's eye, Cerledre opened the pouch and his eyes widened in surpise, how could a travelling chantry pirest have so much money? There was something clearly out of place.
"Take these silvers, monsieur, as my thanks for the food, drink and the information." she said and got up.
"Thank you kindly, mademoiselle," he thanked but became stern again "But I implore you, do not go after this madwoman you spoke of, let alone by yourself." But she had already wrapped her cloak around her body and put her hood back over her head as if she had not heard Cerledre's words.
"I am setting forth to Lydes Docks now, and I'm taking a boat to Val Royeaux to find her. No matter what you say, monsieur, she will not see me coming." she announced bravely, opened the door and disappeared into the foul weather. Cerledre's memories of the recent guest's said woman were frightening ones, she was anticipating the girl's arrival. Maker protect her, for she knows not the danger she's walking into, Cerledre prayed to the Maker, and may a strong soul shield her from the darkness.