We had gotten far enough away from the manor when I finally sighed heavily, we were still in the courtyard tho. “Maybe we should head west.”

“Yeah, probably a good idea to investigate. Something must be very wrong for these hobgoblins to leave their home.” Malachi said as he started thinking to himself. “…and they did seem badly wounded as well. I doubt the mercenaries did all that damage to them…”

“What could be that bad?” I asked as my eyebrows knitted together, trying to run through scenarios before I shook my head, “No I don’t think they did either, so maybe we should go see what happened to their home. Wouldn’t want that spreading, I suppose.”

Malachi nodded, “Might be a long walk though, I can’t imagine they lived close by a castle such as this. Especially being so close to a town.”

I shifted slightly and nervously glanced at Nexxis, “I mean… We don’t have to walk.” I said then shook my head, “Walking wouldn’t be terrible, but we should head out soon.” I said, trying to smile at him.

“Not walking?” Malachi thought about it for a moment, “I mean if we had enough money I suppose we could rent a horse and carriage, or many just horses.” He said as he walked alongside me. “I could go for a bite to eat. All this fighting and saving nobles has worked up an appetite.” While he was talking and thinking I heard a click and shoved Malachi as hard as I could, getting him just out of the way of another trap, I barely got out of the way but the damn thing did manage to trip me causing me to fall forward. Malachi stumbled forward trying to regain his balance. “Woah!” He turned and rushed to catch me from falling, “Forgot this place was covered in traps for a second!”

With his help I steadied myself so I wouldn’t fall, “Did not want to go through that right now.” I sighed, “Once we get out of here I’ll make food. Also I have plenty of coin for a horse and carriage, but that wasn’t what I meant.” I mumbled.

“Yeah, I’m not feeling the whole net thing either. Not really my style.” He said as his stomach made a soft growl. He seemed embarrassed and tried to clear his throat and speak up. “Let’s uh, let’s do that. Food sounds good.” I giggled at him with a nod.

As soon as we got to a safe area I started a fire and began cooking some of the meat from my bag. As I cooked I kept glancing at Nexxis. Maybe we should ride you there. It would be so much quicker.

you know I don’t show myself to anyone. Nexxis said.

He’s a paladin. Isn’t that like your thing? Zagasihr says.

He’s a paladin of Palor. But you are right. He is a good person. And I do like him. Nexxis says with a sigh.

Malachi reached behind his back and stretched, causing a mild yawn to appear, revealing his fangs. He adjusted himself as he sat to watch the fire with his tail wrapping around his feet, “Sorry for dragging you along on that little side quest. I kind of have a bad habit of sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong, but it’s difficult to ignore these senses.” He said jokingly, “I’m glad we were able to help them…”

“It’s whatever. I just wish I had found something in that room” I shrugged before handing him some food. “I’m curious about what we’re about to find though.” I said as I stared at the flames and took bites of my own food.

“Thanks” He said and it didn’t take long for Malachi to sink his teeth into the food and devour his portion entirely, “Same though, but if I know my luck it probably won’t be anything good.”

“I’m okay with that” I shrugged, “Maybe it’ll be fun” I smiled devilishly before shaking my head and stretching. I had finished my meal and was deciding what we should do next. “Well do you want to camp out or head out?” I asked curiously, leaning back on my arms.

He looked up studying the sky, debating on the time of day. “If we leave to investigate it might be pretty late before we can set up camp and rest. I still have plenty of mana just in case, but I guess I’ll leave that up to you to decide.”

“We can head out, maybe camp a little closer if it’s not too dangerous.” I said before standing and dispersing the fire. Nexxis trotted up next to me and tilted her head.

Are you sure you want me to take the two of you?’ She asks. I didn’t respond yet.

Malachi gave a thumbs up before standing and grabbing his bag, “Guess we better start walking than before nightfall hits. I’d rather not run into nightly monsters and hags.”

I laughed “Do you want to walk?” I curiously smirked.

His ears perked up as he looked at me confused, “Unfortunately I lack the ability to fly and don’t plan on spawning demon wings anytime soon, so walking seems like our only option here.”

I looked at Nexxis and nodded before taking a few steps back. The small orange fox grew into a large, white, nine tailed fox with red markings on her face that ran down her body, symbolizing flames. “Do you want to walk?” I asked again tilting my head as Nexxis bent down for me to get on. Once I was situated on her back I looked at Malachi, keeping my head tilted.

Malachi’s jaw dropped and he slowly stepped back, tripping on a nearby tree stump and falling over. “The fox just- the fox can polymorph?” He said as he looked at me confused, trying to figure it all out. He crossed his arms and tried to relax, “After all I’ve seen you would think I wouldn’t be shocked by these things anymore, but nope! More magic and strange creatures!”

“Well she is a celestial being… Although her polymorphed form hides her aura. Her name is Nexxis.” I tilted my head the other way, “What? Are you scared?” I teased with a smirk.

He bowed his head, “Uh, greetings Nexxis…” He said before turning his attention back to me. “Scared? Me? No. Just…cautious. Celestial beings aren’t creatures you want to mess with or get on their bad sides.” He said, still sitting there with his arms crossed, trying to seem relaxed and unfazed.

“We've been bound to each other since I was ten, so just don’t get on my bad side and you won’t get on hers.” I shrugged.

Nexxis bowed her head to Malachi, Greetings young paladin. She says to him. Nexxis can only project her thoughts into others minds, it can be a disorienting experience.

“That’s incredible…” He said in awe. He was hesitant with a respectful fear. His eyes flickered at Nexxis, “Telepathy though… I suppose anytime you two looked at each other. You’ve been talking this whole time…” He said as he tried to piece the entire puzzle.

“We don’t even look at each other sometimes.” I shrugged.

Nexxis laughed gently, It is okay Malachi, did you want to walk the entire way?

“Uh well I mean, walking is good for the body. It’s important to keep in shape, especially with all these demons and monsters around. And besides, I’ve traveled across vast amounts of land before-“ he was clearly rambling.

I looked at him annoyed the entire time and eventually cut him off, “Just get on already and stop being a fucking bitch. Let’s go!” I said agitated and impatient. Nexxis flicked me on the back of the head with one of her tails causing me to rub the back of my head and sort of glare at her.

She looked at Malachi. Just get on and let’s go. She huffed.

Malachi raises his hands, “Uh yeah. I think I’m good. You know. I’ve never been the type to ride horses or griffins, let alone celestial beings. With all respect, I’ll walk.” He stands and brushes himself off before walking at a nervously quick pace. Nexxis gave an irritated growl and rushed forward, scooping Malachi onto her back and trotting along. I started laughing at him. No one refuses Nexxis. Malachi’s eyes flickered as he tried to process what happened. His tail was starting to wrap around his left ankle, “You could warn a guy you know!”

“You didn’t want to listen” I shrugged, “What’s the big deal?” I asked curiously. I don’t see why he would be so worried to take a ride on Nexxis. She’s better than any horse.

His ears parted back, giving him a mildly irritated look, “Nothings the matter. I’m just overreacting like usual…”

I rolled my eyes “Jeez, what happened to you to make you this damn nervous?”

Malachi didn’t reply at first and left an awkward silence between us that just made me very annoyed rather than awkward. He eventually shrugged casually, “Eh maybe being a goody goody has made me soft and weak. Scary and strange things make me squeamish like a small child.” He said with a faint laugh, trying to mock himself.

I decided to play along, not let him know that I was annoyed with his behavior. I snickered at his mocking demeanor, “Well you’re the first outsider she’s revealed herself to, so feel a little special,” I winked.

We will be there in no time, Nexxis says, not contributing to the rest of the conversation.

He smirked for a moment before it quickly faded and he whispered to himself, “Special huh?” He looked off toward the horizon, probably trying to change the subject as he tried to keep an eye out for the destination. “I’ll admit, this is much faster than any traveling by foot or horse.”

I looked around and after a little bit Nexxis began to slow down. “Where is everyone?” I whispered. It was too quiet. There wasn’t anyone here.

Malachi looked around, studying the area. “It’s far too quiet. If we’re in hobgoblin territory, we would have immediately been ambushed.” Nexxis continued to slow down until she came to a stop and allowed us to get off before she shrunk down. I readied my bow and started to creep up a small hill before I stopped dead in my tracks. Before me lay a war scene. The amount of carnage was unbelievable. Bodies of hobgoblins and bugbears were everywhere, their entrails laid out on display and most bodies were mangled and pieces devoured. My jaw dropped. Malachi stuck his nose in the air and probably smelled the amazingly strong odor of the decaying flesh. He rushed to me after noticing my reaction, “Lia what’s the matter-“ He began before freezing in his tracks, blood had dyed the earth red. He stepped back, covered in a cold sweat and his eyes were panicked and unfocused, he was having sudden flashbacks.

I looked at him with worry clear in my eyes, this was obviously affecting him in a negative way. I turned back to the carnage, “You can stay here, I’m not sure what’s wrong but if you’re not comfortable coming then don’t. It’s okay.” I turned to smile at him, hoping to put him at ease before I replaced my bow and pulled out my daggers, heading off into the carnage. I was very careful not to step on any bodies. Wouldn’t want any of that on my nice boots. Gods I hate getting dirty. Malachi was unmoving and speechless. He stepped back but wouldn’t leave the area. He finally put his hands on either side of his face to force himself to look down and away.

A paladin that can’t handle this? Zagasihr snickers.

He is only a child. Nexxis defends.

He’s a cub. A cub that we shouldn’t be messing with. The only reason we can is that he was clearly abandoned. Probably due to being a runt. Zagasihr says.

Enough! You know that isn’t true. Stop being rude. I said angrily as I continued off. Nexxis stayed by Malachi’s side and watched him with concern and empathy. I walked further and further into the carnage and soon I noticed a small group of demons feasting. They turn to me with hungry eyes. I watched them unafraid. “What the hell.” I said. “Don’t you guys usually like- not slaughter a ton of people all at once?” I asked but something about their demeanor was off. They never answered and turned to jump at me. They were hunched and partly furry with long arms and canines. Zagasihr took over, without any resistance from me due to our deal, and teleported us out of the way and immediately attacked them. Showing no mercy as he blasted them away with his dark flames.

* * *

You have seen battle recently? Nexxis asked Malachi but she didn’t really expect a response right away as she continued to monitor him.

Malachi was dazed and not fully away of his surroundings, he eventually started mumbling out of anxiety, “So many people… So many people lost their lives.” Nexxis hesitated before transforming back into her true form and curling around him, blocking the view of the bodies and blood but she didn’t respond. She looked over toward where Lia went with perked ears. Malachi’s body was shaking as he tried to regain control of his breathing.

* * *

The small odd demons put up a much harder fight than they should have. There was something not quite right with them. They caught my arms and legs a few times with their claw like hands but eventually we finished them off and Zagasihr relinquished control to me and I stumbled back to Nexxis who had forced Malachi away from the scene to try and help him. I was winded as I sunk to my butt against Nexxis and closed my eyes. Malachi’s nerves seemed to settle, but his eyes were dark and heavy as he looked off into the nearby woods. He crossed his arms but it looked as if he were secretly hugging himself. I cracked an eye open at him, “Soo what happened?” I asked cautiously but even I could hear the tiredness in my voice.

He didn’t make eye contact with me as he still looked off but his slouched shoulders straightened up, “Just being a softy. A goody-goody who doesn’t like the sight or gore. I apologize for not being of any assistance.”

“But you helped kill in the manor?” I said confused yet sympathetic. “If you don’t want to talk about it I understand. But please don’t lie to me, kay?” I said softly as I took a shaky breath and closed my eyes again.

Hypocrite. You’re lying to him. Zagasihr pointed out.

Shut the fuck up. I responded.

Malachi was silent for only a moment, “I’m not lying. Striking a man down with a sword and seeing his entrails laid out on the field are two different ways of death. One is an honorable battle, the other is grotesque.” He said, looking down at his own hands.

“I suppose you’re right.” I said softly before I finally leaned forward and reached into my bag. I rummaged through and grabbed a few things to start dressing my wounds, muttering to myself in elven all the while before finally speaking louder to Malachi, “What happened to make you freak like that though..? Or do you not want to talk about it.” I asked cautiously, still unsure what was appropriate and what wasn’t. I didn’t look at him.

“I overreacted. That’s all. Just being emotional. I’ll be fine.” He finally glanced at me, noticing my injuries, “You alright there? I can patch you up if you want.”

“Naw I’m fine. Don’t worry about it, just a minor cut.” I said brushing it off as a blush came to my cheeks.

He shrugged, “If you say so... Did you come across anything out there on the field?”

I nodded, “I fought a couple of demons.” I said, completely nonchalant.

He raised an eyebrow and smirked at me, “I love how nonchalant you are about it, like it’s no big deal. But it’s a good thing one of us was able to deal with them.”

I shrugged and looked at him, “It’s not that big of a deal.” I said with a stretch that led to a yawn. “They were pretty nasty though so it is a good thing they’re not around anymore. Not appealing at all.” I mumbled toward the end.

“Hm, guess with all the demon activity going on, I shouldn’t be that shocked. Guess we should just be cautious in case of nearby demons.” He said as he stretched as well and pulled out his bedroll, laying it out close to the fire. He removed his chest piece, placing it nearby with Zelaphor in arms reach. He pulled his shoulder bag close, acting as a pillow.

I nodded, “Guess I’ll see you in the morning though.” I sighed, “That drained me.” I mumbled. Malachi was already half asleep as he hummed in agreement and rolled to have his back to the warmth of the fire.