Infiltrating Abham

When the smoky veil lifted, everything around Vehsisis had changed. Even she herself had changed. Gone were her black sclerae, colourful skin, and slim tail. Her flesh was now a humanoid brown, and her eyes pale. Her hair retained its curly shape, but it was a tint of its former hue. Her airy robes had been replaced with layers of dense garments. A loose hem fell all the way down to her ankles.

The change in apparel was not an unwelcome one as she felt a dank breeze roll over her. It was an overcast day. The moist grass spoke of drizzles past while the cobbled sky promised more to come. From her perch on the crest of the hill she spied buildings in the distance that could only be Abham. It was indeed a quaint settlement, with only a few dozen structures to it, and the tallest being the steeple from a house of worship.

"Guh," Vehsisis groaned. That was not going to make her job any easier.

There was a knapsack at her side that had appeared out of thin air just as she had. Looking inside she found a few days' worth of clothing along with some modest rations. She slung it over her shoulder and descended toward the streamside town.

It was midmorning, and as such the residents of Abham were all going about their daily tasks. Vehsisis caught up to one, and introduced herself as a wanderer looking for a place to rest her head. The greeting she received was polite even if guarded. The local directed her to speak with the pastor whom had most recently been seen beside the temple.

Climbing the hill toward the edifice, Vehsisis found the man in question conversing with a young woman in an apron laden with tools.

"...because the proximity will make them easier to supervise and inspire stronger morals," the man was saying.

"And I think any potential learners would rather not hike all the way up here every day," the woman responded as a counterpoint.

"I beg your pardon," Vehsisis said by way of entering the exchange. "I was told to come here seeking a pastor."

"I am him," said the man, facing her with his entire body. He looked her up and down, evaluating. He was just beginning his later years. The lines on his face were made darker still by the wide brim of his hat. He was on the taller side, though it was a feature exaggerated by his slim frame.

"You're not from around here," the woman observed. She too looked Vehsisis over, but there was something warmer in the way she did it. Under her gaze, Vehsisis felt less like a specimen being examined, and more like the centrepiece of an art collection.

The demon subtly drew a deep breath. Yes, she smelled it all over the woman. Interest. She took the time to mentally note her traits to seek her out later. Between her equipment and her discreet musculature, she was unmistakably some sort of wright. She was of average height, possessed an intermediate complexion and dark hair.

"No, I'm not," the succubus concurred. "My name is Isis, and I am without a permanent dwelling at this time. I meant to speak to you about finding a place here to lay my head at night." She put on her best performance of a meek drifter **** for aid.

"I'm certain we can find something for you," the man promised. "But first, where are your husband and children? Are they nearby?"

"No such things," Vehsisis shook her head with as much humility as she could. "I am a party of one."

"Oh, you poor thing." The man reached out to lay a consoling hand upon her shoulder. "I am Father Elijah Burton, and you have my word that you won't feel unwanted while you stay in Abham. We just so happen to have a handful of residences that remain unoccupied. You'd be more than welcome to stay there."

"Erm, if I may," the young woman interjected. "Hello. Saher el-Baddour." She held out a hand for shaking. "Those residences can be mighty roomy for just one. I should know; I built them." She rolled her eyes, seeming to express both pride and modesty in the same breath. If you'd prefer something more lived-in, my own home has a spare bed. Plus, you'd be sharing a roof with someone that can keep you oriented."

Which residential arrangement does Vehsisis accept?
(A) A home to herself
(B) Share a home as Saher's guest