Valerie observed the altercation with guard with marked, if hidden, interest.  The heavy cloak,  as well as the shadows cast by the inn wall she leaned against, hid her against casual observation.  And the carefull wards she had placed on herself concealed her against any but the most determined minds.  Men and women, passing within inches of her observation spot, did so unawares of the lethal creature hiding in plain sight.<br/><br/>Valerie chuckled, a soft and throaty purr, as she watched the newcomer’s sword flash in the fading light, noting the swordman’s almost casual speed.<em>A mercenary . . . and a good one</em>.  Most of the guards of her target’s home were little more than hastily drafted militia, barely worth the money to arm them and would offer little trouble to the nightwalker.<br/><br/><em>But this one, </em>she thought<em>This one could be trouble if permitted.</em><br/><br/>Valerie carried no blade of her own but maintained a lively respect for the damage they could wreak, a properly placed dagger or sword just as effective at ending life or unlife as any of her methods.  The vampire pursed her full lips, her smooth brow creasing in thought as her emerald eyes followed Duncan’s back as he made his way up the hill.<br/><br/><em>This one, not the first night.  Best to have fun with him first, throw him off his game before the kill. </em>After all, thirteen nights is such a LOOOONG time and she liked to play with her food.<br/><br/><br/>