------------- Tales of the Raptor - Malaise

“Step out here and let me see you.”

The strange sound reverberated through the little fox’s head. Kami wasn’t sure what exactly this thing was, but her True Seeing said it probably wasn’t an actual four legged canine. The fox shook its head as though its ears were full of gnats. Something was compelling it to walk right out into the firelight. The rest of the camp was slowly noticing they had a visitor, and that Kami, still quite naked, was somehow handling the situation all by herself. Gwenvael leapt up and over the logs, heading towards the tent. She held out a hand to Aziza, who, understanding her need, drew one of her scimitars and threw it handle first to the half-dragon.

Kami focused her power one more time.

“Now, show yourself.”

The fox looked at her as if to understand what it was she had just said. It shuddered as if having some nervous convulsion. The thoughts were obviously running through its head. It struggled against the compulsion, and partially won. It decided on a compromise, one that would at least partially protect its secrets. The fox suddenly stood up on its hind legs and began to grow, stretching arms and legs and expanding its chest as it went. It took no more than a few seconds to completely change.

What stood before them now was an orange furred hominid fox, standing some five and half feet tall. She was obviously female, a cross between human and canine, like a small, strange Gnollak or Flind. Despite her animal nature, she was still quite alluring. From the fox’s form, clothing also appeared, a black and gold painted dress split up the sides, arm bands tied with silk straps, another silken sash around her waist, and a matched pair of oriental swords at her side.

Kami stepped towards her. Gwenvael moved up quickly behind, the scimitar held low, ready to strike if needed. Kami held out her hand as if to dismiss her.

“It’s alright. I don’t think our visitor is going to cause us any trouble. Are you? I assume you can speak in this form.”

“Yes. I can. I also have ability to understand your speech.”

“Well, that’s no surprise. I did just cast a Tongues spell before I left the bon fire.”

“As did I before coming into the camp.”

“Really? So, what is it you want,… I’m sorry. Do you have a name?”

“I am Tsuki.”

“Just,… Tsuki?”

The fox creature said nothing, only nodded.

“What are you?”

“I am Fox Hengeyokai. We are animal spirits of the natural world.”

“You are a spellcaster? What kind? Are you cleric or mage?”

“You would call me mage, I think.”

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