Sparks flew from Vulpesen’s blade as claws flashed in the moonlight, a mere inches from his face and he offered a swift riposte, the point of his sword similarly coming within inches of the creature as it retreated. Still, as quick as the Zorren was, he scored only a large gash in his opponent’s cloak before it clicked its heels against the alley wall and sprang away. “Would you stop moving,” he growled, lifting his sword to point at its chest.
“And what fun would that be little champion” Its voice was high pitched and mocking, grating on Vulpesen’s ears. Anything beyond a passing glance revealed that it was something beyond the mortal races. Its face, capped by a top hat to undoubtedly hide a small pair of horns, was thin with a well groomed mustache and goatee. In its smile, Vulpesen could see a line of sharpened teeth. Its eyes glowed like flames in a hearth and as it lifted its hands, long metallic claws stretched from its fingers.
Dressed in a fine tail coat, the creature before him looked like a gentlemen of nightmares, but as the zorren’s eyes wandered lower, he found the real marker of what he faced. Below the knee, its legs were pitch black and thin. Its feet were shaped like an aristocrat’s boots. A passing glance might have made one think it wore simple breeches and black socks, but Vulpesen knew enough to recognize the shape of its limbs. A springjaek.
Mischievous at best, but more often malevolent, Springjaeks loved the city and the wealth of opportunities to sow chaos. There had been tales of some that managed to live normal lives, using glamorous to live among the mortal realm while suppressing their violent urges. But most were a danger, and something that the Brothers Vitae were constantly searching for. And when they were found, it was their agents that came to restore the harmony between the realms of mortal and fae. “Kiradin. You can come with me. Or you can leave this city. You’ve outstayed your welcome and if you resist anymore, I will end you.” The point of his sword lifted a bit higher, its tip evelling at the springjaek’s throat.
“And why would I do that? It’s so nice here. The girls are pretty with such lovely voices. Oh you should hear them scream. It’s like music. But I hear Zorrens have voices too. You might not be as pretty, but I’d still like to hear you SCREAM!”
Vulpesen had started to move but the springjaek’s claws raked against brick, bringing about a screech that almost brought him to his knees, just as Kiradin opened his mouth to release a gout of blue flame…
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3 Hours Later.Singed, scratched, and bleeding, Vulpesen made his way into the inn, his tail flicking irritably behind him. “Quick lil devils. But he won’t leave the city. Even with me on his tail.” His grumbles and growls were drowned out by a flask from his cloaks which he brought to his lips as he reached the desk. “Room for one. Send up a meal, anything that’s left in the kitchens.” He didn’t wait to hear the rates for what he’d asked for. He simply dug into the pouch at his hip and produced some gold for the attendant. It was a generous amount, and he figured it would be enough to offset the late meal and any blood he might get on the sheets.