The Mysterious Beauty of The Black Tailed Fox
Unlike other foxes that roamed the woods of the southern forest of Godville, Asfi had always felt a strange connection to the world around her, a connection that was somehow incomplete. Deep inside, she felt the skin she had been born into was an ill fit for her and dreamt of one day becoming human. Her goal seemed forever out of reach, until the day that she happened upon the aftermath of a monster battle. It was a grisly scene, the land obscured by the forms of wounded and dying soldiers, and large beasts roaming the area. She felt drawn to one: a robed man encircled by a waning field of magic, his life quickly slipping away. She approached him and something deep inside of her triggered, reaching out to the man in a way she couldn’t understand. His life essence poured into her, carried on invisible strands of magic. The sensation was intoxicating and overwhelming. As her reverie faded, she was delighted to discover that she had changed. Her sleek black fur had receded and her body was long and lithe – the shape of the humans who lay scattered about her.
However, though she appeared human, she knew that in truth the transformation was incomplete. A cunning creature, she adapted herself to the customs of human society and used her profound gift of beauty to attract unsuspecting men. She could consume their life essences when they were under the spell of her seductive charms. Feeding on their desires brought her closer to her dream, but as she took more lives, a strange sense of regret began to well within her. She had reservations about actions which never troubled her as a fox. She realized that she could not overcome the pangs of her evolving morality. In search of a solution, Asfi found the Institute of War, home of the most gifted mages of Godville. They offered her a chance to attain her humanity without further harm through service by obeying the God who created her path.
-This is my true purpose: to serve the God who created my path to becoming human. But first I must know where to find him. -Asfia Ashenvale
The Encounter
_ The southern forest of Godville does not forgive blindness. Every piece of scene tells a story. I’ve seen every creature this forest has to offer. I was certain there were no new beauties left here, but now there is something new. Each track is a new beginning to a magical creature, its fragrance sweet like the smell of high class wine. It could fix a fool’s problem forever. Finally, worthy creatures to have time for. As I stalk my prize through the deep insides of the forest, I begin to see the beauty this thing has wrought. I step into a misshapen circle of blooming flowers. Giant wooden sentinels have stood over this land for countless ages, their iron-like hides untouched by the flimsy axes of anyone foolish enough to attempt to cut them down. This thing brushed them aside like they were twigs. How can a creature with this level of strength disappear so easily? And yet, even though it has left this unmistakable trail of art, I have been unable to lay my eye upon it. How can it appear like a hurricane then fade into the forest like the morning mist? I tremor in anticipation of finally standing before this creature. It will make a tremendous trophy._
_Passing through the clearing, I follow the sound of a stream to get a rest once more. There I see a small shock of black fur, crouching, waiting. I spy on it from a distance. A tiny fish splashes out of the stream and the creature scrambles for it, diving gleefully into the rushing water. To my joy, I realize it’s a black tailed fox. And a hunter, at that. This is a good omen. The creature I am hunting will be found; it will not escape me. The fox’s large ears perk up, facing towards me. He runs on all fours, quickly stopping in front of me. He babbles. I nod in appreciation at the young fox and venture onwards. I traverse the difficult terrain with ease, trying to pick up any sign of my quarry. As I try to pick up his scent, something distracts me. I’m startled by strange chittering. The fox followed me. I cannot allow her to disrupt my hunt. I face her and point into the distance. She looks at me quizzically. I need to be more insistent, good omen or no. I rear back and let out a scream, the wind whipping the fox fur and the ground rumbling beneath us. After a few short seconds, he turns his head and, with what I think could be a smile, he holds up a small, bone boomerang. There can be no further delay. I snatch the weapon out of his hand and expertly throw it into a tree, impaling it high amongst the branches. He turns and scrambles for it, jumping frantically. I barely get ten paces when a yawn shakes me to my very spine. The bright light of magical dust and mysterious sound echoes all around. Ahead, a fragrant giant ball of sparkling dust across my path splatters like art. An angelic voice rises behind me. “Hello there, stranger.”
-I can feel this is the one I’m looking for. -Zaphy