Scene 1: Welcome to Woodhearth

Elestren nods at Helain. "I know something of having to fend for oneself. The world is far harsher for us than it is for men. I would like to bring them some food if I may. Then I will meet you at the guardhouse."

"Elestren, you may take my portion to the girls. I have no need for food beyond the wind and ice." Brentheli waves at the fair on the table, inviting Elestren to take what she will.

Elestren nods gratefully to the druid and takes her leave.

"You are wasting your time, but I shan't stop you. The rest of you report to the guard house when you are done here." With that he rises and leave.

After Meljora leaves, Helain lingers. She smiles warmly at you. "We don't get many travelers in Woodhearth. Please don't let our small town ways turn you away. The people here are nice, they just need time to get to know you. Is there anything else I can get you?"

Brentheli nods to the captain as he departs and turns to Helain, " would it be possible to get some insight into why there are so many crammed into such a small space? Especially since you mention not receiving many travelers I have to assume all these people are from the outlying farms that have fled here to escape something."

Elestren heads for the girls' house with the food tucked in a neat parcel in her satchel. By herself, she is able to take in more of her surroundings.

Helain looks out the door with grim consternation. Then turns back to the party. All signs of warmth gone form her face, but her body posture is relaxed still.

"I cannot speak to that, sir. To speak of...it..,is to draw it's wrath."

Brentheli gestures soothingly "I understand not wanting to draw attention to yourself. I spent decades in the frozen north avoiding attention but I have come to realize that there are things in this world that are worth being noticed for. My band of misfits are here because we each have a purpose in the Dark Woods that has drawn us to this place. Any information to aid us in that effort would be of great importance and assistance to us."

The girl looks over her shoulder again to make sure that no one is close enough to overhear what she says, "There is...something...that lives in the Dark Wood. Some say it is a beast, others label it a demon. It started killing the people in the country side. At first we would hear about one or two attacks a month. Then the number of kills increased. To protect themselves the people came to the village itself, hoping that safety would come with numbers. That more eyes would allow us to find and kill the...monster. But it didn't work, well, the killing slowed, but the thing is always able to find one or two people alone and it slays them in the dark." All of this comes out in a rush, her words start to blend together as she runs out of breath.

Helain pauses to gather herself. "To triy and protect ourselves further, we started building the wall. But as more and more farmers came in to town, we had to keep expanding it. We are filled ot bursting now, and if this creature isn't dealt with...we will all likely die in this village. Either because of the creature or from smothering ourselves."

"The towns people are suspicious too. They are starting to talk. They think it is a curse brought on by someone. There is a witch...not a witch...I mean not a bad witch...Juliet, lives alone...near the border of the Dark Wood, and has never reported any disturbances. People go to her for herbal remedies. She keeps to herself, but...well people talk. And Captain Meljora. He came here after the attacks started, but he is a foreigner. I don't know who might be to blame though. Neither seems guilty to me."

"I have serious doubts that Captain Meljora or this witch Juliet would be the cause of all the commotion but it would be good for us to speak with Juliet in the morning. Could you tell us how to find her? " Brentheli nods to Helain, and as an after thought "Has anyone survived an attack by whatever is taking people?"

"Survived night not exactly be accurate, the creature usually attacks when the victims are alone. Sometimes, it will strike vulnerable groups. Those two girl, Tula and Selene, their parents were taken by the monster. The father, Gairin, had business over in the next village. He decided to take the whole family. While there, Gairin came down with an illness. He was barley conscious, and the mother had to drive their cart back. The girls were asleep next to their father. They woke to the screams of their mother, but stayed hidden out of fear. At least, that is the story they tell."

Alexander listens sadly to the story, "Hopefully Elestren will be able to learn more. Perhaps we could track this beast down and bring it to justice. And visiting Juliet would probably be a wise place to start."

"Brave men have tried before, but none have survived. They say beast has ways of getting you alone, away from your fellows, and that is when it strikes. But if you could save us from it, the village would owe you more than it could ever repay." A light comes into Helain's face at your offer to dispatch the beast.

"I know of no beast that can't be felled by sorcery or steel," Alexander says confidently.

"Agreed Alexander, everything can be killed. Even the undead." Brentheli turns to Helain "Mistress Helain, could you provide us directions to the witch Juliet? Perhaps a map of the region if one is available?"

"Such courage you all show, but a map? Ah, no...no good sir elf. The people of Woodhearth have little need of maps of the area. I wouldn't know who might have such a thing." her voice rings lightly with mirth. Not directed at Brentheli, but the idea that anyone would draw a map of this sleepy little village.
"If you wish ta visit Julliet, Simply keep the Dark wood to your right and walk. Her home is set atop a small hill a few hours walk. You cannot miss it unless you try. As for the beast, to find it, go alone in the dark...you won't have long to wait, i reckon."

"Let us leave baiting the beast for another time. If everyone has had their fill, let us adjourn for the night at the guardhouse." I bow low to Mistress Helain. "Thank you for your hospitality and I look forward to your company at a future date."