I was sitting on a tree branch, swinging my leg while taking a bite out of an apple. Boredom kept my eyes out on the horizon or staring mindlessly down at the road below. I have been trying to find this Akrakir for two weeks now. The most I know for sure is that he is here in Skailorwind, but I refuse to go too close to any officials so it’s just a waiting game now. Based on where his scent was headed it’s safe to assume he’s a soldier. I hope this doesn’t take too much longer.

As if the gods have spoken I hear feet falling heavy on the dirt road, sounding tired. I almost fell out of my tree before looking and seeing a Tiefling approached with reddish brown skin, long tail with a fin on the end, horns that curved back along the side of his head, fluffy black hair that reached to the middle of his neck, gold eyes, large cat like ears with a tear in one, wearing familiar paladin’s armor while carrying a shield and a battle axe that also looked familiar. Too familiar. I quickly shimmied down the tree and fell belly flat against the ground in the brush, hidden by a few bushes. His head spun around at the noise as he carefully examined the area. His ears twitched as he checked for signs of trouble. All I need to do is remain still. His hand hovered over his battle axe that was equipped to his back.

Nexxis, as a small orange fox, jumped out of the bushes and approached him, she sat by his feet and looked up at him curiously. This broke his tension and he sighed in relief, relaxing his combative pose. He raised his hand out cautiously to allow Nexxis to sniff it. He remained calm to show her he meant no harm. This was so cute to watch. He seems so kind. The interaction with Nexxis made me feel that maybe I should take the friendly approach.

You know, you really shouldn’t take that route. Remember what happens every time you do that? Zagasihr reminded me.

Yes well, I still have to figure out the truth here to figure out my true course of action. Also, he seems like he can handle himself in a battle so I doubt the same issues will arise. I said, trying to wave away the worry.

“You scared me there for half a second, little one… Guess I have been a little jumpy lately though.” He said to Nexxis. His voice sounded so sincere. My heart actually reacted to it and a confused look came across my face. I don’t even know him. Nexxis rubs into his hand for him to pet her before bouncing back to me. She disappeared into the bushes and out of view of Akrakir.

That is definitely him. Nexxis confirmed. But I agree with your friendly approach. Something about that woman was off but he seems like such a beautiful soul with underlying issues. I think you two were supposed to meet.

Ugh, you and your insights are annoying fox. Zagasihr complained.

I am a celestial being and Sehanine’s Fox, I do not care what you find annoying, demon. My insight is for Lia. Nexxis huffed.

Akrakir stood and watched Nexxis glide through the forest, I saw a small smile lift his lips before he adjusted his shoulder bag and continued on his way. I followed him into a small town but I stuck to the shadows and every time he looked back I either kept myself out of sight or acted as one of the town folks. No one seemed to like him, they didn’t seem friendly and didn’t want his business. He was spit at, a couple people threw small stones at him, and he was turned away from most businesses. Weird and wrong. I kept my eyes on him and on the way out I grabbed two pastries and followed him out of town.

I called out to him “Hey wait up!” Akrakir basically jumped out of his skin and flew back, oops. He turned and stared back at me, his ears twitched and he eyed me with confusion. He looked around to see if I might have been talking to someone else. It’s sad that he isn’t used to the kindness of a stranger. I giggled and shook my head, play the nice card, get to know him, “I bought you a pastry.” I smiled at him and handed him one of the treats.

He looks at me then back at the pastry, still bewildered by my politeness. “Oh uh… Thank you, miss?” He said confused. His voice made my heart skip again, why? Well that is just frustrating.

This might be a mistake but I’m sure I can figure it out. I extended my hand, “Sorry, I never introduced myself. My name is Lia Nailo.” I continued smiling.

He flinched at my name, he clearly recognized it and connected the dots. He lifted his hand and gave me a firm handshake. Then in a joking tone and a cautious smile he asked “You’re the bounty hunter aren’t you? Should I be worried by your presence?”

I laughed a bit, I can’t let him know. Not yet. “Normally probably, but I don’t have any current bounties. I saw you around town and you caught my interest. That is very hard to do.” I tilted my head, “I never caught your name.” Not like I don’t know it.

He continued to study me, obviously confused by my forwardness and suspicious by my behavior, “Caught your attention? Oh, I’m sorry, the name’s Malachi, Malachi Belsorin.”

My eyes widened for barely a second before I caught myself. I know I have the right person. His name is different though. Something is going on here. And I knew I recognized his weapon, he has my uncle’s last name. That part is also odd. “So where are you headed Malachi?”

He looked down the path and gave a faint shrug, “Nowhere really in particular. Just keeping an eye out for trouble I suppose.” His tail hung low, swaying a bit because of his feeling of awkwardness. I stifled a laugh, but I know he has to be lying to me. Why tell a perfect stranger that information?

I shifted my eyes to his tail and I clamped my hands behind my back while rocking slightly on my heels, I always loved tails and his seemed particularly active. I looked back at his face and smiled “I’ll come with you.”

He looks at me dumbfounded before shaking his head, “I’m sorry, but I’m not really looking to form a team.” He gave a slight bow of his head, “I very much appreciate the pastry thought. May the divine watch over you.” He turned around and slowly started to walk off. My eyebrow twitched in irritation. This is going to be more difficult than I thought. I don’t want to give away my intentions but I do need to be pushy. I’m still trying to make sure he’s the son of Ralmir.

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Within seconds I’m casually walking beside him “I wasn’t asking.” I’m going to sound like a suspicious bitch. I don’t look at him, You’re going to give me away. I sighed as Nexxis trotted up beside me.

His eyes fall on the fox and then come back to me and he connects the dots. He gave me a serious look of irritation before stopping in his tracks. “Miss, I’m sorry, but I would rather travel alone. I’m not really looking for a team or anything. So if you wouldn’t mind leaving me alone, I’d appreciate it.”

I sighed and rolled my head to look at him, “Why won’t you let me tag along?” Here comes my whining child shit that I don’t like using. But seriously, what is it going to take for him to just let me tag along?

“I already told you, I’m not looking to form a team or make friends.” Well that sounds lonely and why no friends? He turned and tried to walk off. Pretty sure he wonders why I want to team up with him, he doesn’t know that I know a tiny bit about him. I just need to decide if I’m going to protect him or deliver him.

I’m suddenly walking next to him again, “We don’t have to be friends. You still didn’t answer my question.” I still won’t look directly at him. “You’re a real pain in the ass so far.” I rolled my eyes. I maybe should have kept that to myself, but it's too late now.

He shoots a glare at me, “I don’t feel the need to explain myself. Besides, if I’m such a pain, why don’t you go find another Paladin to join up with? There are better and more suitable warriors to team up with than just a tiefling with a shield.”

“But that’s what makes you so much fun.” I said with a smirk, using a silly tone. “Tiefling? And Paladin? Come on.” My tone almost had a sarcastic edge to it.

He slouched a bit, “Yeah, yeah go ahead and make fun of me, I’ve heard it all before.” He continued walking, clearly trying to lose me.

I caught up again, “I wasn’t trying to make fun of you” I laughed, “That really is something that intrigues me about you.” I wasn’t lying. It’s not something that tieflings do since there is so much racism surrounding them from what I’ve read. I’ve certainly never come across one that wasn’t a rouge.

Malachi raised an eyebrow at me and straightened himself up, still obviously confused by me, “Is that why you’re so keen on following me?”

I nodded my head, “I don’t know, something just draws me to you and I wanna figure you out.” I laughed. That sounds so bad. “In all my time now and I’ve never seen anything like you, I love it.” Which wasn’t wrong. I love the fact that he decided to go against the grain. It’s great.

“Uh huh?” Malachi looked ahead and tried to speed up his walking a bit, “Not that this hasn’t been a very interesting conversation, but I should really get going.”

This is getting to be very aggravating. I am seriously considering just taking his ass now. I rolled my eyes and kept pace, this is going to be harder than I imagined. Great. “You haven’t gotten the hint that I’m sticking around have you?” I sighed. “I can always catch up.”

A slight groan could be heard echoing from him, “And I suppose you’re not planning on leaving anytime soon?”

I shrugged, “No, probably not.” I tried to suppress a giggle over his distress.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and glared off toward the horizon, “Fine, but this is only temporary. Got it?”

I smiled, “Okay I guess. Where to?” I asked.

“For now, I’m just headed to the home of my master. But I’m more or less just wandering the countryside for now.” He glanced at me. “It’ll probably be very boring for a bounty hunter such as yourself.” He was still trying to persuade me to leave. At least he was trying to be kind about it, I guess. But I was already pretty bored anyway so this is nothing new.

I shrugged, “You would be surprised..” I mumbled. “Who’s your master if I might ask?” Not that I wasn’t already pretty sure who it was.

What if he stole Zelaphor from your uncle? Zagasihr asked. Zelaphor, the battleaxe that Malachi was carrying on his back.

Yea okay. Have you met my uncle? HAVE YOU MET Z!? I had to stop myself from laughing out loud. Zelaphor wasn’t a normal battleaxe, she was a sprite whose spirit resided in the weapon. There is no way he stole that battle axe. I mentally shook my head.

“If my last name didn’t tip you off, his name is Caderyn Belsorin. Apparently he was a well-known paladin back in the day. I haven’t seen him in a few years…”

I laughed, “I know him…” I paused as I chose my words carefully. “Personally, I haven't seen him in a long time.” I looked at the sky and smiled before turning back to Malachi. “Well, I’m glad he trained you then cutie.”

Malachi suddenly coughed inappropriately, “You know him personally? And did you just call me cutie?”

I nodded “I did call you that.” But I refused to comment about knowing Uncle Caderyn personally. Didn’t want to try and explain that.

“Don’t you think that’s a bit… improper? We did just meet,” He turns around, “Like we just met right over that hill back there.” I hadn’t been paying much attention to our surroundings but I looked back and saw the short hill he was talking about. The trees were spread out and the dirt road was clearly visible.

I laughed again as I thought about his comment, “Why would I think that’s improper?” I looked at him confused. Was that actually not okay? I don’t see the issue. It’s just a compliment and one based on looks at that.

“I think I’m regretting agreeing with you tagging along,” He mumbled to himself before turning to me. “Usually those kinds of comments are affectionate compliments that you don’t randomly throw out to strangers.”

“But you are really cute. I wasn’t just throwing it out there.” I said, still slightly confused. I only use it when I truly think that which I have only said to a couple people before in my life.

Are you catching feelings for Akrakir? Zagasihr asked, disgusted. I ignored him.

He seemed a little irritated and blushed, “And I appreciate the compliment, but we’re just temporary acquaintances, okay?’

I smiled, “Whatever you say” I whispered.