We all huddled around the low table in the main room, looking at the book. “So, what do you see?” I asked.

“It’s just a book about horticulture?” Gaelan said, looking bored.

“No, it’s a book about weapons.” Fauna said, glancing at him perplexed.

“It says here that it’s a book about building wells.” Freya corrected.

“Hehe.” I laughed behind my hand, looking mischievous.

Moto was laughing at me, enjoying my unusual display of trickery. “Alright, Taka, and to me, it looks like it’s a book about The On High; what is it really?”

I closed my eyes and thought of the words: [[Reveal Yourself To My Allies.]]

With a whoosh sound of water, the book’s magic exploded on the pages, blue mist sprinkling through the air.

Everyone went silent. Mouths open in shock.

“It was a gift!!” I cried, bouncing around.

Moto poked at it, “from who? Taka magical books can be quite dangerous; we should get this out of here,” his defensive side was bristling his fur up, ears flattened backward in wary suspicion.

“It was a gift from the Gods.” I corrected it.

“The GODS?” Everyone echoed.

“Mmhm, from The One on High.” I nodded.

Again, silence. “Y-you spoke to the On High?” Gaelan was dazed, trying to grasp what had happened. “Truly?”

Moto leaned in and whispered to me, “The Sentinal, Fey, and Humans follow The One on High. Along with several other Gods differing per race.”

“I see,” I muttered back.

But Moto was still displeased, “the Gods do not grant gifts lightly; what on earth do they want you to do?”

“They said it was to improve the Realm of Ileria.”

The girls were skimming through the different schematics, “what is this?” Fauna asked, pointing at a kitchen mixer, along with several other culinary machines.

“Those are machines for cooking. They are run by electricity.”

“Like lightning magic?” Moto asked, looking at it too.

“Yes, we harnessed electric power, much like how magical stones are used here.”

I could just read the thought, and all without magic etched on everyone’s faces.

“And this one?” Moto pointed at a pottery wheel.

“It is a spinning platform used to make pottery— rather than making it by hand, you spin clay with water and pressure,” I explained. I had taken several pottery classes in school for my extracurricular classes; I could make small items, but nothing genuinely fancy.

The others were now skimming through the pages. Still, Freya managed to pull up multiple herbal tools for making medicines upon touching them. Fauna was able to pull up more cooking utensils and machines we could apply magical stones for electricity. I was starting to get excited. This was fantastic!

Gaelan was able to bring up buildings, and I learned that day he had helped his family build their own home, no wonder he was good with lumber.

I decided that it would be best if we investigated the map, “this is what I cannot understand.” I pulled up the schematic for pipes and joints to assist with plumbing. “I need a blacksmith and a design, but I require someone who specializes in this.”

Everyone looked at the little blip on the map. “That looks as if it’s in the village!” Freya said.

“Well, we have only kept to the main section of the market and shops,” Moto said, and Gaelan nodded.

“I had seen a few interesting places but have yet had the time to go and explore.” Gaelan was rubbing his jaw thoughtfully.

“There is no time like the present!” With that in mind, I decided we were going to go down to the village and find out what that blip was!

—————————————————————

We walked down the mountain at a leisurely pace, gathering different items to have Moto tuck away into his bag that would prove useful for dinner that evening. Upon reaching the village, I pulled up the map, and sure enough, most of the village was visible, and I almost laughed. It’s nearly like a map in W.O.W. During my earlier years in life; I had been a huge video game fan before my family went postal on me. I winced; that was a tale for another day.

We followed the map down one of the side streets, which brought us to a brick tower, looking somewhat out of place, shingled roofing black and shiny in the sunlight. The hedges surrounding it were beautifully cut and bright green with life. Above the curved door was a wooden sign that swung haphazardly, a fox prancing up in the air and coming down as if on prey, “The Hapless Fox.” I tilted my head and spotted a fox statue in front of the stairs to the doorway. “Well, that’s appropriate,” I noted the name of the tavern.

But this was the place. I opened the door and cautiously stepped over the doorway; I wasn’t sure what on earth was awaiting me on the other side of the door.

I was surprised to see that this tavern— unlike the one on the main market street was veritably empty, the room was also changed with magic, rather than a tower-like shape, it was square and more extensive than I would have expected, there was even what appeared to be side rooms!

“Whoa,” I walked in with Moto right by my side as Gaelan being braver, with a curious pair of Nisse girls, wandered about. “This is so cool!” I gushed, looking around and placing my hands on the mahogany wood top of the bar counter.

“Why, THANK YOU.” A long-haired man popped up from behind the counter and was grinning from ear to ear. “My name is Aramil Ofandrus!” He gave a very extravagant bow, showing distinctly pointed ears.

“A-Are you Nisse?” I asked as he looked up at me from his bow.

“Why yes, I am little messenger; welcome to the Hapless Fox.” Taking my hand, he pressed his forehead to it with a flourish.

Moto bristled beside me and growled.

“Ah, the mate.”

I poofed into red and shook my head, “ah, more like… what’s the fox equivalent to dating…”

Moto raised a brow, “what is dating?”

I sighed and turned to him, “it’s when two humans decide to get to know each other exclusively.”

“Exclusively?” Aramil asked.

“Yes, not anyone else.” I paused, “wait, why am I explaining my love life to a random elf?”

The elf and Sentinal opposite the room both said, “bonding.”

This appeared to make Moto ecstatic, despite his embarrassment; his tails had fluffed to a swaying furry fan.

“Sorry little kit, I couldn’t help myself,” he had a mischievous grin across his face. I took a moment to appraise him; long blond hair fell to his elbows, two braids on each side of his temple adorned with blue trinkets and gold bells that jingled as he tilted his head. Verdant green eyes like spring watched as I looked him over set in a distinctly “Elf” like face. I couldn’t describe it any better than anyone who had eyes could tell this was a Nisse. He was lengthy in limb and height, but strength exuded his form like a willow branch, unbreakable in even the strongest wind.

He, too, seemed to be appraising me, and reached and caught a strand of hair and brought it to his lips, “you smell of springtime, little fox; I take it you were just born?” I nodded, “I see. Calm yourself, Kitsune.” He chided Moto, “I have already bonded for my lifetime.” A somber look came about him, and he sighed, “you quite remind me of her, you know, she was born in the springtime when the blossoms fell about this village. I never thought I would have stayed anywhere…but…here I am…”

“All this time?”

“Yes, little fox. We can bond with others…but a true bond. That is harder to break or change over.” Releasing me, he clapped his hands, the cheerful self back. “What can I do for you?”

“I was told that someone here might be able to help me…” I didn’t know exactly what I should do, and I wasn’t sure how much I should share.

But, within that moment, the door slammed open, and a hooded figure walked in.

“Hello Leo, you imbecile, get in here.” Aramil snapped.

“Is that any way to treat one of your most loyal patrons?” Flinging the hood off, I could barely catch a glance at the man Moto had flung me behind himself and Gaelan, both men standing at the ready. Fauna and Freya looked frightened and huddled behind my body, looking around me.

“W-wait, what on earth is going on?” I cried.

“Eidolon!” Moto snarled at the man. It sounded like Eh-i-dol-on. But I didn’t know what that was, “leech!” He added with ears pinned back and a firm grip on my forearm.

Was this man that dangerous?

I peeked around to see the thin, gangly male leaning on the bar with his fingers tapping his chin in boredom. “Yes, yes I know, I know,” he rolled his eyes dramatically. “I’m not hungry. Your necks are safe.”

“Wait, leech…a (vampire)?”

Everyone looked at me, confused.

“Whoa!! Are there vampires in this world!”

The man sniffed, insulted, “little fox, I am an Eidolon.” His face was hollow, high cheekbones and slightly sunken in eyes glittering blue behind thick lashes. He had on what appeared to be earth’s version of Victorian clothing, which begged the question, where was he from? I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to gather as much info as possible.

“So, wait, wait, why is he dangerous.”

“Taka.” Moto said softly, “Eidolon is known for drinking the energy or blood of an individual; even for immortals like ourselves, it can cause damage over time. If you feel as though there is a kiss at the back of your neck, that is the sign.”

Aramil had been watching with gleeful fascination, “Leo is an ethical Eidolon.”

Moto barked a laugh without humor, “can any of them be ethical.”

“A good question,” The Nisse started rubbing down a flagon. “But I have known Leo for several centuries now; he is a good stock. But that is rare.”

It was then I realized the blip had stopped. “Moto!” I poked him in the ribs gently. “I think that’s the person I need.”

“No, absolutely not. I will take you to the Dwarven kingdoms before I let an Eidolon near you.”

“Need me for what little fox?” The vampire looked quite interested now, “I am Leo Noctun. I am three-hundred and seventy-five years of age.”

“I need something designed for the village; we require pipes for bringing water down to the people, as well as creating a more (hygienic)— ah, I mean clean place.”

He was pondering now, “I have seen such things in lands far beyond here, but who would have thought a fox would know of such things.”

“So would you know how to design it if you needed to?” I asked, bouncing slightly.

“Taka…” Gaelan slowly said my name, almost like a warning.

“Guys, this is (racist). You don’t even know if he’s bad or not.” I realized they had no concept that here, as races and factions lived almost in a eat or be eaten, the survival of the fittest kind of world. “Ugh, what I mean is that you are judging a person before knowing them, and that is rude. If he tries to bite me or drink my energy, I’ll roast him like an eel.” with that said, I stepped around Moto and Gaelan, “guard Freya and Fauna if you need to feel useful.” I snapped. “But I am not a delicate blossom.”

The Nisse behind the counter was laughing now, “careful Leo, I wouldn’t trespass with this one.”

“I am not an idiot; I can sense it without your assistance.” The Eidolon sighed and reached a hand out to me, “Pleased to make your acquaintance.” I noted the lilt in his voice was vaguely Scottish but unaware of what people would be in this world. I shook it firmly, and we had a slight stare-off before his eyes lowered.

Ha. I win.

I realized Moto was sulking. He wouldn’t show it in his demeanor, but I got a vague fox feeling that I had hurt his sensibilities. Walking by, I entwined my tail with one of his and brushed against him.

“Ugh, foxes.” The Eidolon grumbled as if thoroughly disgusted.

“Jealous.” I teased.

“If only,” he sighed. “Well, I would be able to; I am rather bored…but you would still need a blacksmith; there is one in a neighboring village outside of this valley. I could send a recommendation and see if she would be willing to come here.”

“She?” I was elated, “oh wow, a female blacksmith— wait, isn’t this place like (archaic)? uh… old-fashioned…uh…” I thought, “oh no, women doing things ahhhh the world will die?”

Everyone blinked and suddenly began laughing; even Moto was trying not to chuckle into his hand, tails switching between an agitated bristle and swaying laughter.

“That’s sort of how my old world was...” I clapped my hand to my lips and looked at Moto concerned, he, too, was a bit on guard, but Aramil waved his hand.

“We already know, my dear, you’re a migrant, yes?”

“Y-yes.” I nodded; it wasn’t the whole truth, I was sure Aramil could tell since his clear green eyes bore into my own and a soft smile curved on his lips.

“I understand.” He said with a nod. “Leo send word for Fija, tell her it is urgent, and I am pulling my favor.”

Leo blinked for a moment and laughed to himself with a shrug, “as you wish Aramil, I’ll do so.” With a flash of dust and smoke, he was gone.

“Ah!” I flailed and leaped back, my fur bristled, and ears flattened back as fangs protruded.

“Awe! We startled the little fox; I’m sorry, my dear, it’s just a..what did you call him, vampire? Yes. It is an Eidolon trait. Much faster than a messenger bird.”

“I see…” maybe we need to invent the telegram.

We all decided to sit down and have a few drinks on the house, and Moto had decided to sit us down together at a table across the way; he surrounded us with air and sighed. “Privacy.”

“Ah,” I swallowed my mead down with a tight throat.

“What did you mean by exclusive?” He asked, tilting his head. “You’ve mentioned several things that do not translate to Fox culture, such as the conversation with Seichii.”

“I see,” I nodded. It made sense he would want to confirm where we were, not that it made it any easier for me embarrassment wise. “W-well, what do you want to know?”

“How are mates found in your home?”

I sighed, “well, two people meet, and they like each other after an un-predetermined amount of time— that is to say it’s not that certain people won’t get tired of waiting obviously if their feelings aren’t requited.”

“Don’t they just…” he paused, “know?”

“No, sadly that is not the case for humans… frequently, relationships end badly due to not knowing many things.” I shook my head, “humans tend to (divorce) or leave if things are not as they thought it would be or are bad.” I realized that this world might not have things such as separation. I shuddered; what did that mean for women?

“Ah, you mean negating a marriage contract. I have heard humans have those.”

“What do foxes have?”

A very soft look came across his face, “Foxes, if they have a mate-pair bond for their lives. Such as Yuna and Juro, they have been together since the world was breathed into existence.”

“W-were they the first kitsune?”

A chuckle, “not quite, two of the first, Inari had many more with her before this world’s birth.” But his tails were swaying, “but you said I was important to you…what does that mean…”

I turned pink, “it means I am interested in pursuing a relationship to get to know you better. Exclusive means no one else.”

A bemused look, “I am aware of that word, yes.” A pause, “but…for foxes if another male were to attempt to court you, it is within your right to do so.” It almost seemed to pain him to tell me this.

I felt my ear flick back in confusion as I watched his body language. He was telling me this, despite obviously wanting to keep me to himself. My heart clenched for a moment and skipped a beat.

"B-but I don’t want to get to know any other foxes…” I frowned. “I want to get to know you…” I bristled slightly, “and I would hope you’d be sure to make that clear instead of moving aside. Because if you don’t, you’ll be sleeping near the hearth!” I snapped.

He was stunned. “But—earlier…” he noted when I had been upset with him. Foxes clearly were to back off if a female demanded it. I sighed.

“Moto, I am not delicate. I can defend myself, and I need to be able to do so…regardless of if I can do something on my own…I will always want you by my side, even if I don’t need you by my side. Do you understand?”

A look came across his face, and I couldn’t quite pin what it was, but within moments I was surrounded by fur and kissed till my brain went blank and my limbs languidly relaxed.

Forehead pressed to mine; he seemed to steel himself with a bit of control. “Sorry.”

“I-it’s okay.” I breathed, feeling light-headed.

“Awe, look at that, bonding.” The Nisse said. They all began to mutter to themselves and glancing at us as Moto began to run his fingers through my hair to brush it out in tender affection, utterly unbothered by the audience as to where I boiled in a blush that would rival the sun in heat.

Gaelan laughed out loud while Fauna nudged him, and Freya simply slapped several coins into Gaelan’s hand.

I do not want to know…

[[They are betting on how long it will take before you’re mine.]]

[[Stupid, I’m already your—]] My mind went blank as I was thoroughly kissed again, leaving nothing but the wild smell of summer and woodlands around my senses. The only thought echoing through my head…[[Sel tulan igmila on.]] Before I could try and understand what it meant, [[You are precious to me. These are the words spoken by my people when we find the one we wish to walk with.]]

I felt my heart flutter wildly in my chest.

[[Even if you are not ready, I shall wait. We have forever, after all.]]

With the laughter of our companions and new friend echoing around us, I settled into an embrace that I happily knew I would reside in for the rest of my days.

Even if I wasn’t ready to admit it.