As the sun came up, I climbed down from my perch in the tree. Malachi had just woken up and stretched, his tail stretching with him before he reached a hand in his bag and grabbed a piece of dried ration. He lazily extended a finger after being unsuccessful in finding a stick and jabs the ration onto his long nail and stuck it over the fire I had kept up. He smiled as the heat seemed to unfaze him completely. I watched him curiously with my head tilted. His food began to burn and pulled it back, looking fairly content with his piece of charcoal he considered a good snack with bits of fire still dancing on it. He plopped it in his mouth and swallowed, wiping the crumbs from his mouth happily as I cringed before he noticed me, “What?” He asked.

I shook my head, surprised he addressed me, “nothing.” I said abruptly with a smile before stretching. Malachi stretched again before standing and getting his things together. Then he pulled out a map of Elbaran and he seemed to be struggling as he studied it intently. He mumbled to himself as he tried to figure out his directions. I walked over and looked around him at the map. “Issues?” I asked curiously, “If I knew where you wanted to go I could help.” I said, genuinely wanting to be of assistance. The map had a lot of strange and almost childlike writing and symbols on it, as if he were trying to figure it out on an educational level as well.

He seemed frustrated as he spoke, “I think we’re around here, near the town of-“ He paused and a hint of confusion entered his voice. “The town of…”

“Shamier?” I asked as I pointed to a town just a few miles west of Kadoh’s peak

He blushed a bit with embarrassment, “Uh yeah, Shamier… I suppose we can head there and get some supplies. I know there’s a path south of Kadoh’s peak that leads into Atharia through the Crytoa mountains.” I nodded and backed away, pretending not to notice his embarrassment. He seemed to know names and such better than me. Sure I can read them and find my way by a map but I never use or carry one so I don’t pay too much attention to any of the names aside from some of the major cities or places I’ve visited before.

“Well let’s head out then,” I said looking off in the direction of the town. Malachi rolled up the map and slid it into his bag, adjusted his shield and the battleaxe on his back and nodded in agreement. It took us about a half a day before we reached the town and I took a large intake of air as I do with most towns and a smile crossed my face as the smell of pastries wafted toward me.

Malachi smirked and teased me, “Are pastries your only priority when entering a new town?”

I huffed and crossed my arms, “They are the first thing I look for, yes.” I stated and added mentally, even when on a job.

Malachi chuckled and looked around the small, peaceful looking town, “Perhaps I should keep an eye out for a mage’s shop or some healing potions.” I looked at him curiously before shrugging and grabbing his wrist, the warmth of his skin brought me an odd comfort. I led us forward and as we made our way through, the townspeople gave us weird looks and some glared at Malachi, I didn’t really notice though. Malachi was shocked by my grasp and caught the glares but paid them no mind as he spoke to me, “So pastries first then travel supplies?”

I nodded, “Yes,” As we reached the vendor, I looked like a child as I eyed the treats, but the man running it looked at Malachi.

“Get out Tiefling, you’re not welcome here.” He said angrily. I looked at him confused with my eyebrows knitted together. Malachi hadn’t even done anything.

Malachi bowed his head, trying to be polite, “I apologize sir, I’ll just gather some supplies and leave town as soon as possible.”

“Excuse me? What is the issue?” I asked as my attitude began to boil and I glared at the man.

“He’s a tiefling, a demon.” The man said while briefly glancing at me before he returned his glare to Malachi. I snorted a laugh and my eyes went dark.

Malachi grabbed hold of me and whispered “Let’s go Lia, no reason to cause trouble.” He looked back at the man, watching his glare cautiously, “Again, I apologize sir, we will take leave and cause you no trouble.”

I huffed and took a breath. I could just take care of the guy if you’re that upset. Zagasihr suggested.

No. You’ll just blow my cover. He’s a paladin. He would be able to sense you.

Since when have you cared?

Since now asshole. You’re not going to show off. Not here. I said annoyed. But why does this person have an issue with a paladin? Who cares if he’s a tiefling.

Akrakir is a half demon. In the man’s defense of course.

He couldn’t know that. I said as I was still pissed. Probably looked like I was having an internal argument to all outsiders, which isn’t totally wrong. I eventually gritted my teeth and walked away with Malachi, not before snatching a pastry off the man’s stand while he was focused on the paladin. As we turned away I took a bite of that pastry, an angry look in my eyes as I started to notice the glares of many other townsfolk. Malachi seemed rushed as we made our way out of town though, no longer worried about replenishing his supplies. He gave a quick look of disapproval to me but didn’t comment. I just ignored it. He can’t tell me how to live my life. He looked around with sadness in his eyes but didn’t react to the glares. It was so frustrating. I started mumbling those frustrations around my pastry as I tried to contain my anger. Zagasihr was still bugging me to take over. Nexxis simply trotted silently beside me. An old lady with a nasty look on her face spit at us and I couldn’t contain all of my rage. I go up and get in the woman’s face, “Do you understand what you’re doing? Do you know who I am? I will kill you.” I said darkly.

The woman looked at me shocked for a moment before she became angry, “You’re traveling with a creature created by demons.” She said, but by this point I had started to leave and turned to smirk at her as I threw a dart at the lady with amazing speed, just missing her face and only cutting a few strands of her graying hair.

“Lia! Stop! There’s no point! Leave the people alone and let’s go.” Malachi scolded me and apologized to the bitch. He pulled me along with a firm grip. I don’t care that he’s upset with me, those people were fucking assholes.

I huffed and mumbled, “I don’t understand”

As we finally made it out of town, Malachi released his grip on me. “You'd only make things worse if you attacked them. You can’t diminish hate with more hate.”

I whipped my head away from him, “Why were they rude to you? It doesn’t make sense to me.” I mumbled as I tried to piece it together. I know that tiefling’s get a lot of hate for being demonic in looks and usually end up as criminals, but demons and tiefling are not the same. Malachi is a paladin with holy magic, that’s not evil. He isn’t evil so why treat him like he is?

Because mortals fear things that are different. Nexxis says.

Mortals fear things that have cores and could eat their souls. Zagasihr says just to combat the fox. I ignored both for now.

Malachi took in a heavy breath of air and relaxed, his eyes falling back to the town and watched with those same sad eyes. He looked back at me with his ears lowered, but was trying to brush it all off with a smile. “It’s because I look like a demon. You can’t really blame them though. With all this demonic activity going around, I would be overly cautious too if some demon lookin fella came wandering into town.”

He can’t be serious. No, he is serious. I internally sigh and turn back to look at him, “But you don’t look like a demon. At least not to me.” I said turning away again. “You look like a goody two shoes.” I said sassily with a head bob and an annoyed sigh, “Whatever, fuck those guys who don’t know a good person when they see one.” I put my hands on my hips, causing my hair to fall around my arms and give a glimpse of the “Tattoo” on my back.

Malachi couldn’t help but chuckle, leaning himself back with his hands on his hips, “I’m sorry for the sudden laughter, it’s just- I appreciate the compliment though!” He tries to calm himself and wipes a tear away, “no matter though, there’s plenty of towns and shops to travel to.”

I lowered my arms, “Guess you’re right.” I said ignoring his laughter. Without really thinking I bent down and pat Nexxis before I straightened back up “Let’s go then” I said as I awkwardly linked arms with him and we started walking.

“You okay? I apologize I didn’t mean to laugh at you.” He said feeling a bit awkward.

I looked up at him curiously, “Yeah I’m fine, why?” I said, still internally angry at the situation in the town, I now tried to hide my own feeling of awkwardness because of our proximity. He’s really cute…

Malachi tilted his head, “You sure? I sense something is off… Or perhaps I smell something else.” He lifted his head up to smell the air with a smile but soon looked back down at me. “Soo any particular reason why our arms are linked?”

I shrugged “You’re warm I guess.” I said, trying to play it off. I wasn’t technically lying. I debated on letting go or not before Nexxis took off and I watched her curiously.

There is an injured man over here. Come. Nexxis says.

I sighed, “Do we have to…?” I mumbled out loud by accident.

“Something catch Nexxis’ attention?” Malachi asked, waving his hands close to his shield, his ears perked up to listen for any trouble.

I released his arm and waved my hand ahead with my head lowered, “There’s an injured man up ahead.” I sighed and started walking toward Nexxis.

You’re lucky he didn’t question how you knew what the fox found. Zagasihr said.

It was a slip up. I am glad he hasn’t seemed to notice. I replied.

He is a clueless young paladin.

Malachi picked up speed as his stance relaxed and he followed me. He opened his shoulder bag, giving a glance over his medical supplies. As we approached, there was a man sitting on the side of the road with Nexxis beside him, he was holding his side and cussing to himself before looking up to see Malachi approach with me trailing behind. The man was dressed in simple studded leather armor with shoulder length hair pulled back in a tight pony tail. Malachi raised his hands up, appearing unarmed, “Don’t worry, we can help you. I can heal those wounds for you.” His hands started to glow with a warm divine aura. I looked over curious and interested in what Malachi was doing but I examined the man with uncaring eyes, yet wary of him while I kept my distance.

“Uh thanks, what do I owe you?” The man asked awkwardly as he allowed Malachi to get closer, I perked up at the prospect of money.

“You owe me nothing. Just doing my duties as a paladin.” Malachi raised his hands over the wound, allowing the divine aura to close up the laceration as if it were never there. “Though perhaps you can tell us what happened? Maybe we can help.”

I huffed quietly annoyed and crossed my arms, the man looked at me briefly before turning back to Malachi, “I’m a merc that works for a family up the way. Their manor has been overrun by a tribe of Hobgoblins and bugbears. I was wounded as I escaped to get help, there are too many for the couple of us that work for the family.”

Malachi looked a bit shocked, “Hobgoblins? Strange… They usually live away from society and if they brought their bugbears, there must be some serious problem. Did these nobles perhaps have any dispute or issue with these hobgoblins before?”

The man shrugged, “Not that I’m aware.”

Malachi nodded and looked over at me, “Sorry for the detour Lia, but I gotta help these people and out those hobgoblins before they do any serious harm to nearby towns.”

My eyebrow twitches slightly, “Will we be getting paid for this?” I asked.

“Uh, no, probably not? You don’t usually seek gold for helping people in need.” He said, sounding confused.

fuck.. I internally muttered and Zagasihr laughed. I sighed audibly.

The man looked up at Malachi, “The nobles are trapped inside… Thank you for your assistance sir. I will lead you to the manor.”

“You’re welcome sir. We appreciate your help.” Malachi said as he followed the man closely. I rolled my eyes but I followed with Nexxis close beside me. I couldn’t separate from Malachi after all the trouble I’ve already gone through. Besides, I was really starting to like him. I just wish we were getting paid for this… We approached the manor which looked like a fortified castle. Large stone walls revolve around the manor with a gothic styled décor. The man we were following stayed close to the bushes as he watched the manor. The bugbears were standing guard by the closed gated entrance wearing cheap, thrown together armor. Malachi looked over the perimeter, “I can see why the hobgoblins would take over such a place.”

I looked around, “Seems like a good time… So are we going to kill them or-?” I trailed off as I thought about it.

“Rushing in and making too much noise might not be the best option. It would draw too much attention to us too early. We need to keep our eyes out for a blind spot or a way to distract those bugbears…” Malachi says quietly, as if he were plotting some sort of military ambush.

“I can create a distraction for you two to get inside.” The man said as he snuck off and shortly after an explosion drew the attention of the bugbears.

Malachi’s eyes flicker in shocked awe, “That works I guess.” He said as he stayed low and rushed toward the main gate.

I followed close behind him, keeping an eye on our surroundings with Nexxis keeping pace beside me. “All this work and we won’t even be getting paid.” I huffed under my breath. Malachi smirked and rolled his eyes at my comment. He maneuvered his way through with his back against the wall and I mimicked him, playing along. He turned his head looking into the courtyard full of beautiful trees and looking like a decorative park. Surprisingly the area was clear of bugbears.

“Huh, maybe the rest are inside?” he said as he moved in front of the gate and gave a quick glance around before lowering himself. He reached into his back pocket for a lock pick and started to pick the lock. With a small smile of confidence “-And we’re in” It’s impressive that a paladin is so efficient at lock picking. I looked at him slightly curious but didn’t comment as I took a quick glance around before gracefully following him inside while silently shutting the gate behind us, I crouched beside the wall annoyed. Malachi closed his eyes before reopening them and examining the courtyard. His eyes cautiously looked over the large front yard, “Looks like it’s clear, but we might not want to go barging through the front door.”

“Probably for the best, with only two of us it might not be the best idea to take them all on.” I trailed off, “I’m not used to working alongside others often, especially goodie goodies like you soo… What do we do?”

Malachi shrugged, “Guess there’s a first time for everything.” He headed forward, following the wall and headed toward the west wing of the castle, manor.

I followed close and kept looking around, “I don’t like this.” I muttered as we got closer, “What if he set us up?” I was irritated as I let my distrust for people show.

“I didn’t sense any corruption coming from him. He just seemed like a hired mercenary for these nobles.” He said, stepping forward. His ears perk up with the sound of a quiet snap heard close by. He turned around and rushed toward me. My eyes widened as I wasn’t expecting it. “Watch out!” He says but less than a second later we were unable to dodge as a hidden net appeared beneath us, lifting us high into a nearby tree. Malachi’s back was resting along the base of the net and I was tangled on top of him. He quietly huffed, trying to move his tail that was hanging in his face, “Welp, this could have gone better.” Nexxis watches from the ground, her laughter echoed in my head.

I took the opportunity to touch his tail, but a light blush came to my cheeks, I felt Zagasihr facepalm. “Soo um… suggestions?” I asked as I struggled to readjust myself before falling forward and making it worse by falling with my chest in his face. I quickly lifted myself up, wobbling against the rope, hovering over him with an embarrassed blush and apologetic look on my face.

Malachi tried to readjust himself as well by lifting himself up but was unsuccessful. He studied the net, not noticing my embarrassment which was good. His nose scrunches up in disgust, “This smell… The net is made from the hide of a Beholder. It’s basically an anti- magic net… clever.” He said but couldn’t help but move his tail across my back. I shivered slightly, I don’t know why I love his tail so much. This whole thing is making me oddly warm inside. I have never felt so drawn to someone- well aside from that one guy but I never really talked to him much. “Sorry Lia, it’s a bit cramped in here.” He said jokingly, effectively bringing my thoughts back to our current situation. “Do you perhaps have a dagger in your boot? If you can reach it, you might be able to cut us free before the guards show up.”

“I have plenty of daggers.” I huffed with a smirk before my eyebrows knit together. “Reaching them might be an issue though.” I stared at him for a moment as I debated what to do. I ended up leaning forward, burying his face in my chest as I brought my leg up behind me, reaching for my dagger.

Malachi tried to turn his head away, feeling uncomfortable with the closeness, “I hope you get that dagger soon! Making it a little hard to breathe in here. No offense!”

“Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.” I muttered as I got ahold of the hilt before straddling him to get a better position to cut us loose. As I cut through the last rope I grabbed the top of the net so I wouldn't fall hard. I dangled from the net that was still attached to the tree as Malachi dropped to the ground and tried to land gracefully. He managed, but with his armor he toppled over.

“Ouch… Thank you Lia.”

I dropped down and landed gracefully before shrugging “I got us out didn’t I?”

Malachi sat up and rubbed his lower back, “Sorry, didn’t mean to come off sarcastic. I appreciate you getting us out. We should probably be more cautious of traps. This courtyard might be filled.

I looked around with my hands on my hips before looking back at him and offering him my hand, “yeah, I don’t feel like doing that again anytime soon.”

Malachi reached for her hand, but paused for a second. He smirked, “I might be a little heavy for you to help out. I’m a lot denser than I look.”

I rolled my eyes and grabbed his hand, “It’s not like I’m pulling dead weight,” I said as I helped him to his feet. “You’re not that fat.” I smirked deviously.

You probably would have toppled over without my help. Zagasihr pointed out.

Shut up. I said back.

Malachi puffed out his chest a bit, trying to appear bigger, “I’m not that small either.”

I stifled a laugh, “We should probably head inside.” I said rolling my eyes but still had a smile on my face. Malachi sighed but nodded. He cautiously watched the ground as he tried to maneuver around anything that looked suspicious or out of place. His tail fidgeted back and forth nervously with his ears on full alert. I kept a smile on my face as I started dancing toward the building, avoiding suspicious looking things with ease, but then stopped when I heard noises.

Malachi hovered his hand around his battleaxe, “We got company?”

“Sounds like it.” I looked around and reached for my bow, I looked around for a trap I could possibly trigger as a couple of worn down enemies came into view.

Malachi withdrew his battleaxe and calmed his breathing. He kept himself low, eyeing the intruders, “They’re wounded? Possibly from their fight with the mercenaries? Hopefully this will make things easier for us.”

I nodded then shot an arrow causing another net to be released around the foes, “maybe we can ask them or just leave 'em there and go around.” I shrugged.

“Nice shot-“ Malachi said, impressed. “Perhaps we should leave them. They might call for backup and we don’t want to be in the area.”

I smiled “Thanks.” Then nodded, “You’re probably right. Let’s go then.” I said keeping my bow at the ready as I crouched in the shadows and continued forward until we were at an entrance on the side of the manor. I lifted up to peek through a window.

Malachi stepped closer, following behind me, “Do you see the nobles or any hobgoblins?”

“I see a couple of hobgoblins, but they’re right in front of the window, backs to me. Mostly anyway. And I can’t see around them very well.” I lowered myself below the window to look at Malachi.

He tried to look for another window, “Perhaps there’s another way in. I’d rather save the fighting for a last resort.”

I nodded and continued to scale the building, looking for any other way in. Over here Lia. This window. Nexxis calls to me. My head snapped up to look at the fox who was only a little ways away. I go over to her and look in the window.

“This window leads to an empty room. Looks like a study.” I said to Malachi.

He nodded, “Perfect, let’s go before we get spotted.”

“Could you give me a lift, the window is a bit tall for either of us to open and I’m pretty sure I can’t lift you.” I said, looking him up and down.

“Yeah sure,” He said as he walked over to the building, lowering himself and cupping his hands, ready to give me a boost.

I stepped into his hands and as he helped me up, I opened the window and slid inside before turning around and reaching both hands out, ready to help him up, “Just put your feet on the wall and walk up, so to speak, and I’ll be your balance.”

Malachi reached out for my hands with a smile, “I gotcha… Isn’t the first time I’ve climbed through a window.” He said, mumbling the last part. He eventually makes his way into the manor alongside me. I don’t comment since he clearly didn’t want me to hear it. I looked around the room before going to a desk and started rummaging through it.

Malachi raised an eyebrow, “What are you doing? We’re here to help these nobles, not go through their things.”

“I’m not getting paid, there is no reason I can’t see if they have any useful information.” I said without looking up but shrugged and walked away when I didn’t find anything of interest. Malachi shrugged as he made his way to the door that led to the hallway. He peeked his head around the corner with his ears twitching, trying to pick up any movement. Despite his armor, he seemed to maneuver with flexibility as he made his way down the hall. I followed close behind him into the hall and stayed crouched against the wall, I turned and nodded my head to Nexxis who sniffed the air a second. The fox started down to the left and I followed, sticking to the shadows. We didn’t need to verbally communicate for things like this. Having done jobs similar to this in the past, we developed a routine.

Upon coming to the end of the hall, the path split into two different sets of staircases spiraling toward what looked like the grand foyer of the manor. In the center was a group of well-dressed human nobles that were beaten and tied up. The room was patrolled by bugbears and a few hobgoblins. I sighed and quietly asked, “So how do you want to do this?” Looking at Malachi with a raised eyebrow. A strange and sinister grin crossed his face. He quietly raised a hand and closed his eyes. Suddenly the lighting in the room goes out as one by one the candles flicker and die out. Doors and windows begin slamming closed and the eerie cry of the wind, an almost ghostly sound, creeps its way into the hall. The hobgoblins and bugbears panic at the supernatural sounds and become alert with the sudden darkness of the room. It was easy to hear them withdrawing their weapons. I watched unfazed, “That’s a fun trick.” I said as I studied the enemies and readied my bow. I rapidly fired three arrows before hiding behind the corner and peeking to see if anything looked my way, I pierced and killed three different enemies.

The opponents were confused and dazed, trying to figure out what was going on and where their attention should be drawn. Malachi lowered his hand, ready to assist me. With a small bit of adrenaline and excitement he accidently released a bit of lightning magic that surrounded him, immediately getting the attention of one of the hobgoblins, “Darn it! Not again.” He immediately grabs for his battleaxe, concealing his magic. With his distraction failing, he charged in for combat.

I lowered my head in disappointment and replaced my bow over my shoulder and brought out a dagger in each hand, “What the actual fuck?” I sighed annoyed before following behind him and dancing around each enemy with a jab.

The nobles who were now aware of what was going on started to panic. Malachi charged through, slashing with his weapon, “Sorry! This ones on me! I blame you for this one.” Malachi said, pointing quickly at his weapon. I ignored him, knowing he was talking to Zelaphor. I wonder why she hasn’t shown herself yet? I continued to dance around, Nexxis stayed out of the battle but ran up to the nobles and started to chew through the ropes to free them. One by one the hobgoblins and bugbears went down. The leader of the tribe rushed toward Malachi, trying to bash him with his Warhammer. Malachi catches the attack with his shield and struggles to hold him off. He immediately tried to swing his battleaxe, causing a bolt of lightning to strike the hobgoblin chief and send him flying through a nearby window. Malachi lowered Zelaphor and tried breathing, “Well… That was fun.”

I glared at him, “Could have been smoother.” I popped a shoulder up as I turned to the nobles and put my daggers away.

“I can agree with that. Guess my distraction went horribly wrong.” He said glaring at his weapon before replacing it on his back. He rushed over to assist the nobles, “Are you all alright? I can heal any injuries” The nobles were a middle aged couple and they had a couple mercenaries with them. They all look at each other before the head of household speaks up,

“Thank you so much for helping us. These barbaric creatures just came rushing in and tried taking over the place. Unfortunately my best soldiers are off with my son, so we were almost defenseless against them.” The man bows to Malachi and Lia, “Thank you again though. The Moor family is greatly in your debt.”

Malachi bowed back in respect, “You’re very welcome sir, now let’s get those injuries patched up.”

I studied them for a while as I contemplated on what I wanted to say. Should I ask about a reward or should I think more paladinesk? Finally I sighed agitated, “What direction did they come from?”

The noble woman brushed her dress off as she tried to seem presentable, “I believe they came charging over from the far west. Though I’ve never heard of a goblin tribe being so close by. They must have had some serious trouble to up and leave their own territory.”

I think for a moment, “Alright well, are we done here?” I asked and looked at Malachi.

He nodded and looked back at the couple, “I suppose we should be going now. I would probably recommend contacting a local hold to help with upping your security.”

The man looks back at his wife, “Perhaps we should for our safety. We could try and hire more soldiers or we could contact our son. He actually controls a city in Atharia…”

Malachi slowly walked toward the door, trying not to be rude but wanting to leave. “Well I hope he can. May the gods watch over you and have a blessed day.”

“What city..?” I asked, turning to them curiously before I shake my head, “Sorry, we can leave.” I shrugged but was lost in thought. I wonder if their son would pay us for rescuing his parents.

The man smiled with an overly confident smile, obviously proud of his son, “The beautiful city of Gelion! A very wealthy town of military families. If you visit, tell him that we say hello and how you helped us! I’m sure he can repay you tenfold compared to us.” I hid my satisfaction at the prospect of getting paid, I nodded to them though before we headed out.