The Fat Leaf

Katarina was confident that she could fight an imp one on one now after her first encounter. Especially now that she was armed with an actual weapon as well as her chain-mail that clearly had some special property. She'd have to investigate that later.

The problem was that it was likely that some of the imps had chosen to travel together. And Katarina definitely needed some help. She couldn't really think of anyone in particular that would be especially capable. Maybe Ysdeella, but the blonde hunter lived a little ways from the village with her father and Katarina wanted to get to these imps as fast as possible.

A plan started to form in her mind though and she set off in the direction of the village inn. Although most people head home during a storm the inn usually offered refuge for anyone who was caught out. There would be villagers that were too far from their farms in the outskirts to go home. Hopefully Katarina would find help there.

The Fat Leaf was in the opposite direction of Katarina's home but it was at least half the distance from The Lewin Forge. Stepping softly with her sandals she settled into a brisk walk. She had gone with Ysdella and Hunter Grissom on their hunts many times and Katarina knew how to move silently. Unfortunately it was slow progress just after the storm as the ground had many puddles and plenty of sticky mud.

Katarina was moving from shadow to shadow making her way to the inn and checking over her shoulder to make sure she wasn't being followed. All she could hear was her soft footfalls and the crickets. Not far now.

As she got closer to the inn Katarina was puzzled.

Is that music?

Crouching as to not be seen as easily Katarina stalked closer to the inn.

The Fat Leaf was the largest building in Pinehurst and towered over the surrounding houses and shops. A sign depicting a single pear shaped leaf swung in the strong wind. Katarina was glad to see that there were lamps lit illuminating the inn in a soft yellow glow. She smiled, the inn had never changed even since she was a child.

The music was definitely getting louder as Katarina got closer. It sounded, soft and mellow. Katarina yawned.

That was weird. It isn't that late.

Shaking her head Katarina silently moved to the heavy double doors of The Fat Leaf. She shuffled over to the side and used her hand to wipe away water droplets from the ornate glass window.