Gwenyth, a mysterious lady knight

The woman knight is striking and beautiful, with the fine features of an elf and flowing black hair that blows in the midnight breeze. Her skin is so pale that it seems powdered and her ruby lips are as luscious as a strawberry. She gazes at you with eyes so dark they seem to be black on black, and yet you can just see by the moonlight the rusty red surrounding her pupils.

"I am sorry I struck you with my mace," she says and offers you hand up. "If you were turning I wanted to be done with it quickly."

You rub at the tender spot on your belly, but do not complain. She lifts a large waterskin from her belt and removes the stopper.

"Let me clean you," she says and you allow her to gently pour the warm water over your body, cleaning the inky spit and black gore from your naked curves.

"Thank you for saving me," you say. "What are you doing out here in the Salt Swamp?"

"I am a Lady of the Order of Sanguarius. Have you heard of it?"

"No," you say and you detect a flicker of a smile, then she returns to concentrating on washing you, her soft hands rubbing the sludge from your breasts and stomach.

"Amends must be made for an ancient curse on our order, so we tirelessly battle the undead. I come here once per moon to attend to my vows."

"What is your name?" you say as the beautiful knight bends to pour the water across your thighs and between your legs. The warm liquid feels good against your skin. There is something about the tender, practiced way she touches you that you find alluring, but you mind your tongue and say nothing.

"I am Lady Gwenyth Aurelius, but you may call me Gwen," she says. "What is yours?

"Melena."

"Melena, turn and I shall wash your back."

You turn and she pours the water down your neck, her hands rubbing from your shoulders, slowly down your back. She stands close and touches you in an intimate way.

"So you worship Sanguarius?" you ask. "I have never heard of that god."

"He is not a god," she says. "He is the king of vampires."

You turn in sudden fear and see that the pale, beautiful woman is smiling and revealing sharp fangs.

"Do not be afraid," she says. "I am not a beast like these creatures. I can control my appetites."

"Why are you not with the armies of the undead?" you say, backing away. "Your kind is at war now."

"We do not follow the demons," she answers, "and all of my order are considered outcasts among our own kind. I fight for life and against ****. I am a paladin. I would battle against the demon kings and their undying legions."

Perhaps it is because she has just saved your life, but you believe this creature.

"Do you know of the order of druids that dwell high in the Dragon's Spine mountains?" you ask.

"I have heard of them," she answers.

You fetch your pack and take out the Shining Stone. It begins to faintly glow at your touch.

"My village was destroyed by the demon armies, my family killed. I must get this magic stone to the druids so that we can stop the undead."

"That cannot be," says Gwen. "A Shining Stone. I have heard of such things. I cannot touch it, for I fear it would have much the same effect as my weapon on these baser creatures."

Gwen looks at you, passion in her dark eyes, "Melena, allow me to join you on your journey. There is still a great distance to travel to these druids. I will swear an oath to protect you."

She removes her helmet, freeing her lustrous black hair to blow in the night air. She tucks the helmet beneath her arm and actually drops to a knee before you, leaning against her mace. She bows her head as if you are the queen about to declare her a knight.