The Vintage Tavern,
Avenues of the Town of Crimsonton,
Kingdom of Velicia,
Darkling hours of Nightfall,
The Eighth Day of the Month of November,
Thirty Third Year of the Reign of King Jesse Crestings
"E-Erion?" Amelia called, standing at the lamppost outside the tavern, holding on to Lance's cloak as tight as she could, for there were many men around.
"Char?" the man looked over, before blinking a couple of times. "Oh Amelia! Mel!"
The damsel felt like an arrow had pierced her heart, but his soon recollection was consoling. "Did you have a heavy drink?" she asked, concerned.
"Yes, I guess I went a bit too hard", he massaged his forehead, seeming slightly bitter. "But what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be home?" he asked.
"Yes, I was on my way home, but a man attacked me on the way and I'm a bit frightened to be going alone. I need to get back now, and I was wondering if you could take me", Amelia asked, feeling like she was disturbing him.
"Ahh", he rubbed the back hesitantly, before nodding, "Alright, I'll be right with you. You can wait outside and I'll come", he said.
"Thank you, Erion", the damsel beamed, before walking away to the side of the street. She looked over to where Lance had been waiting on his stallion. He was still there, watching her intently, but did not react when she looked at him.
Just then, another man from the tavern seemed to be making his way towards Lance and the two were conversing.
Soon, Knight Erion returned and looked down at her with a sort of smile. "Let's get you home, shall we?" he said, rubbing his hands.
"Yes, please. Thank you very much", she said, holding the cloak firm. She turned to see Lance, but he did not seem to be there anymore, and Amelia felt saddened by the thought that he could have left.
"So", the dark haired knight began, seeming like he was tired. "Who was the man that attacked you?"
"Sir Grendin, from the Boutique", she said, unsure of whether she should share any more with him.
"Why? Did he have something against you to begin with?" the man probed, seeming interested in conversing with her.
"Well, he found out that I'm part of the book club and he told me he'd tell Lady Hildeth that I've been slacking away during labour hours. So now I'm anxious, since he said he'd hold back if I don't give him what he wants", Amelia said.
"Oh", Erion looked down at her, eyes wide with shock. "By 'attacked you', you mean he tried to..." the man seemed to be considering how he would phrase his words, before he finished, "...take advantage of you?"
"I-I think so?" Amelia replied.
"Did he try to undress you?" the man asked, seeming a lot more serious, his gaze running down the large cloak that was curtaining her and trailing down the street, like it was oversized.
"Yes", she answered, rather flustered. "But I evaded anything further from there", she said.
"That's good to hear", the knight nodded, seeming rather impressed. "He must have chased you though. I'd be surprised he let you go when you look that gorgeous", the man chuckled.
Amelia blushed, giving his a nudge with her elbow. "Well, frankly, he did, but thankfully someone stepped in to save me and knocked the guy out of his senses almost. And he leant me his cloak since my gown was in no shape for me to be seen in", the damsel was growing flustered the more she recounted.
"Who saved you?" Erion asked, seeming irked. He did not look like he liked the thought of another guy taking her side.
"A gentleman by the name Lance. I assume he's a foreign merchant", the damsel replied.
"Doesn't sound like anyone I know around here. And I know practically everybody", the knight said, eyes on the road ahead.
"Perhaps he is around temporarily? He did mention he was from afar…" Amelia tried to make sense of the man's whereabouts.
Knight Erion shrugged, before saying, "I don't trust him. He possibly had impure intentions for you as well. You can never trust a man at night."
The young damsel knew it wasn't true, but she thought back to how possessive Lance had been, holding on to her despite her pushing away from him. It had felt wonderful while it had lasted, but with what Erion had just told her, she was unsure.
Snuggling into the warmth of the cloak, she looked up to the man beside her with a sudden realisation, and said, "Aw, but he lent me this cape!"
The knight ran his eyes over it and said, "No wonder it's too long. But it seems to be battered and old. Perhaps he's a man without much wealth?"
"Perhaps, so. But he is kind", Amelia smiled to her companion, who seemed far more aloof than before. He did not say anything in response, but simply carried on till the Village of Drift-combe.
"Alright now", the knight stopped, when the edge of the village had been reached, and he rubbed the nape of his neck sleepily. "Will you be safe from here onwards?" he asked.
"Yes, of course! Thank you so much, Erion", the damsel smiled broad.
"My place is quite close from here, so if you need any help, you can always rap at my door and I'll be there", the man said, with tired smile.
"Ah, that is so kind. Thank you, Erion", Amelia smiled, feeling warm within. "Good night", she wished, before heading towards the road the led home-wards.
The walk back to the cottage was eerie and cold, with the sinister feeling of being watched. Several times, Amelia turned around to see if she was being followed and sure enough, it felt like there was someone in a distance watching her.
But she hurried home as fast as she could, desperate to avoid another incident where she wouldn't have anyone to rescue her.
Unbeknownst to her, there was a man in the shadows watching Amelia until she had safely reached the cottage and then he walked away, indifferent.