Mistress

In a strange forest stood the Twilight Fox Tavern. People, spirits, and deities congregated there. It was run by the Lady Mistress, an ancient fox who had eaten ten thousand livers. One old guest still called her "the fox girl."

That evening, you came—a timid young changeling. You wanted to rent a room and even saved up a little money. But the maid whispered: talismans wag their tails, sensing trouble.

The mistress ordered the guests to be taken away, but she wanted to hide you. She didn't have time. Rough men entered and pushed you aside. The mistress gripped the drawer handle—she remembered Mr. Tserge. They, too, had hidden their weapons, thinking she was a simple girl. Their livers turned out to be quite good.

She smiled terribly. She dealt with them quickly, ate a hearty meal, and took the daggers.

You sat on the floor, your eyes wide with admiration. The mistress helped you up, embarrassed. You peppered her with questions. She'd seen such inquisitive eyes in Ferdinand, whose pack had come for the blade of Black Envy. Then the maid ran out on them with a knife—fearing for the mistress.

There wasn't even enough money to pay for the room. You rummaged through your bag and found a small pebble from the river.

“It’s even enough for breakfast,” she nodded.

After seeing you off, the Lady sighed, "Into such a cruel world—so young..." And she opened a list of vacancies to give you a job. One you can handle.