Though the night was long and dark, a dim light shone throughout the garden. Lit torches and lanterns dotted the darkness, flickering ever so softly. A woman - marked clearly by the brambles and mud adorning her skirt - shuffled over to another flower bed, shears at the ready.
One by one the leaves fell, snipped from the stem. A bored, contemplative glance shot upwards through the metal bars that marked the edge of the grounds - as though searching for something interesting. Her hands continued to prune, ensuring that the next day's visitors were well received by the plants that grew.
Seemingly lost in her work, it was the snapping of branches that alerted her to a presence - one entirely unexpected. A gruesome face presented itself through the bars, leering at her own. Decrepit hands obscured by shadows pried and tugged at the bars, seeking entrance to the small slice of paradise. A scream, followed by footsteps and shouts resounded throughout the courtyard, forcing the creature back from whence it came, into the long and dark night.
It has recently come to my attention that there is something of a beast loitering around my estate. The woods themselves are thick and full of secrets, a protection of sorts for whatever lurks there. My help was of no help in describing the creature - the only clue as to its size, species, and whereabouts is the hole in the grating.
For those of you well versed in the hunting and execution of monsters, I implore you - take up arms, and arrive prepared. In return for those able to slay the beast and provide me with proof, I shall reward you with personal glory, credit with the Red Block Trading Company, and a night to dine with select members of the Kade family. Should you wish to partake in this hunt, simply pen me a letter. We shall go from there.
One by one the leaves fell, snipped from the stem. A bored, contemplative glance shot upwards through the metal bars that marked the edge of the grounds - as though searching for something interesting. Her hands continued to prune, ensuring that the next day's visitors were well received by the plants that grew.
Seemingly lost in her work, it was the snapping of branches that alerted her to a presence - one entirely unexpected. A gruesome face presented itself through the bars, leering at her own. Decrepit hands obscured by shadows pried and tugged at the bars, seeking entrance to the small slice of paradise. A scream, followed by footsteps and shouts resounded throughout the courtyard, forcing the creature back from whence it came, into the long and dark night.
[ ! ]
A series of posters are nailed to whichever notice boards are easily accessible. The parchment is of good condition, likely a new ad. It reads as follows;
It has recently come to my attention that there is something of a beast loitering around my estate. The woods themselves are thick and full of secrets, a protection of sorts for whatever lurks there. My help was of no help in describing the creature - the only clue as to its size, species, and whereabouts is the hole in the grating.
For those of you well versed in the hunting and execution of monsters, I implore you - take up arms, and arrive prepared. In return for those able to slay the beast and provide me with proof, I shall reward you with personal glory, credit with the Red Block Trading Company, and a night to dine with select members of the Kade family. Should you wish to partake in this hunt, simply pen me a letter. We shall go from there.
Signed,
Rhonwen Cavia Kade.
Rhonwen Cavia Kade.
