Part 18: The Fox Woman

Philip was stunned. For what seemed like an eternity, he was lost in the brilliant amber orbs that stared back at him, eyes surrounded by thick, long, dark lashes that only enhanced the intensity of the eyes. Between the glowing amber orbs ran a straight, slender nose, delicately dotted with freckles of various shapes and sizes that spread to the creature’s cheeks.

For a brief moment, Philip was in love. Such animalistic beauty, such strength, such wonder! This creature was beyond anything Philip had ever seen. Then, he remembered the claws pressing to his throat and snapped out of his momentary daydream. The creature spoke again, a little more impatiently this time.

“Are you going t’ answer me, or just spend th’ rest of th’ day staring at me?� The voice was definitely feminine, but it had a wildness, a fire contained within it that was unmatched by anyone or anything the young man had ever encountered. He shook his head to snap himself back to reality.

“I am Philip, son of William. I seek no trouble, and I wish to travel in peace. I am on an urgent errand and I cannot be delayed.� The creature let out a snort of irritation and leaned back a bit, allowing Philip to take in more of the facial features of the individual that had him pinned.

He could clearly see that it was a woman who had her claws to his throat. Her face was slightly heart-shaped, coming to a delicate point at her chin. The freckles scattered over her nose continued across her cheeks, faintly visible atop the alabaster skin that adorned the creature. Her hair hung elegantly down over her head, neck and shoulders, a copperish shade of red that was full and vibrant.

Just beneath her hair at the side of her head he could see her ears, delicate fox-like ears a shade of russet tipped with black. Philip’s eyes widened in surprise as he saw the woman’s ears. He stammered for a moment before finally managing to actually speak.

“You… You’re not human! Who are you? What are you?� he exclaimed. The woman rolled her dominant amber eyes and shook her head, her slender, gracefully long neck moving slightly as she did so.

“What was your first clue, Human? Was it th’ ears, or th’ claws?� Slowly the woman rose and turned away from him, taking several light steps away from Philip, who was still too stunned to move. “My name is Shalamar. I am a member of th’ kitsune race. We populate th’ whole of this forest, in th’ deepest, darkest places, far away from Human influences.� She sneered slightly at the phrase. Slowly, Philip forced himself to his feet and brushed himself off.

“I need to be moving. I am on an urgent mission and I need to get to Idyll as quickly as possible.� The woman arched an eyebrow, and Philip actually saw her for the first time. She was fairly short, but quite strong for her stature. She was slender, but rather feminine, her exposed flesh pale but luminous.

She wore very little, and what she did wear was fitting of her supposed nature as a wild creature. A sort of animal skin halter covered her top, with some sort of strings tying the piece together between her full breasts. Her hips were barely covered by a very small piece of animal skin fashioned into a skirt, matching the style of her top. The piece was attached with ties at each hip, similar to the tie on her halter piece.

“Why d’ you think we should let you just wander through our lands freely? We doona know if you can be trusted. Maybe this is just some sort of Human trick.�

Philip didn’t hear the complaint she offered. He was still mesmerized by the beauty standing before him. Her midriff was bare, exposing four delicate lines above her left hip – perhaps scars? She had a small satchel that was worn diagonally across her shoulder and chest, and there was a sort of mysterious item around her neck – a choker of some sort that Philip couldn’t see very clearly in the fading light.

“Hello? Human? Are you going t’ answer me anytime soon?� Philip snapped out of his momentary trance and looked to the woman once again.

“Please, you must help me. There could be a war if I don’t get to Idyll in time, and if that happens, surely your people will be gravely affected by it.� The woman frowned and turned away quickly, disappearing into the shadows. As she turned, Philip was shocked to see an elegant, bushy fox tail swaying behind her. It was a russet color like her ears, but the tip was a sort of creamy color.

When she disappeared, the soft sounds Philip had heard before returned. This must be some sort of communication between her and the other unseen creatures hiding in the shadows. At length, she returned and sighed, crossing her arms over her chest.

“We have decided t’ let you pass. BUT… I will be accompanying you t’ th’ Human City. If there is a war coming, we must protect our interests and secure our own safety.� Philip frowned, then nodded, relenting.

“Alright, alright. But we need to get going quickly. I need my horse so we can ride.� The woman nodded and glanced to the side, nodding to the darkness. Two shadowy forms swiftly disappeared from sight in the direction that Hauseld had run mere moments ago. The woman approached and stared Philip directly in the eyes, her amber orbs aflame once again.

“I certainly hope we get there in time, Philip son of William. For my sake, and for yours as well.� In the intimidating face of this fox woman, all Philip could do was swallow and nod silently.