The maids had heard the rumours first, of that small stretch of beach where no one was to go because it was the feeding grounds of a monster, that people had been dragged screaming into the waves and that the sea had frothed red and white once in a feeding frenzy. And well-meaning as always, they'd mentioned it to the only daughter of their master.

When actual, factual reports had failed to turn up any information or any numbers, Veronica had gone to the little strip of sand and rocks and sea by herself on a beautifully sunny day dressed in comfortable shorts and a loose shirt made of a delicate, flowing material in a jewel-like green. Her sandals dangle from her hand as she leaves a line of soft footprints all the way to along the sand and what she finds is a monster.

A very relaxed monster, all things considered. With a quiet blink, Veronica tilts her head down at him,

"Excuse me."