Chapter One: Wayfarer

As the first rays of dawn filtered through the canvas of Kieran's tent, a soft glow of golden light bathed the interior, gently nudging him awake. He stirred, stretching his limbs, the fatigue of the previous day dissipating as he embraced the promise of a new morning. It was quite a beautiful thing, something that never got old. Each day was a new chapter, it was surely more than welcome any time.

With practiced grace, the minty blue fox rose from his makeshift bed, feeling the coolness of the earth beneath his paws. He reached for a small leather pouch resting on a nearby stump, its contents holding a collection of fragrant herbs and dried flowers—a testament to his connection with the natural world. He held it dear, since childhood. Carefully, he selected a sprig of rich purple-bluish lavender, its soothing aroma filling the air as he tucked it behind his ear, a symbol of calmness and balance.

The dawn was a special time for him; before the trials and dangers that surely lay ahead, Kieran liked to ground himself with calming, happy practices.

He got up and walked a little ways away from his campsite; a few steps brought him to a nearby basin filled with fresh water he had collected the previous evening. He cupped his hands, allowing the cool liquid to cleanse his face, invigorating his senses and awakening his mind. Drops of water glistened in his blue and golden pelt, a refreshing reminder of the world's simple pleasures.

The sun’s early shafts of light soon soaked deep into his fur down to his skin and warmed him. Leaving the tent behind, Kieran stepped out into the embrace of nature, the cool morning breeze tousling his fur and carrying with it the scent of dew-kissed grass and blooming wildflowers. With each inhale, he felt a deep connection to the world around him, attuned to its rhythms and whispers.

Perhaps it was not a spiritual experience like he once knew when he was a young kit with his family, but it was a deep connection nonetheless. After having experienced all he had, his faith had dwindled to not much more than the dying embers of his nightly fire. Kieran valued things all the same; this was the world he lived in, after all; he was a part of it, and it was a part of him. Why shouldn’t he love it? It was all he knew, and all he ever would know as far as he was aware.

His gaze shifted towards a nearby cottonwood tree, its sturdy branches offering a natural perch. With the grace of a predator, Kieran ascended the tree, finding solace in its embrace. From this elevated vantage point, he surveyed the vast expanse before him—the sprawling landscape of Arthos, a tapestry of untamed beauty and undiscovered secrets. Nothing compared to this land he called his own; to the intrepid fox, the realm was endless as well as ageless. Though it was filled to the brim and running over with political unrest and morally degenerate scumbags here and there, on the other hand, it had its unmatched charm.

It was here, amidst the rustling leaves and the harmonious symphony of joyful bird songs, that Kieran found solace. He closed his eyes, centering himself in the present moment, a moment free from the burdens of his past and the uncertainties of the future. In this stillness, he cultivated a sense of inner peace, a quiet strength that fortified his spirit.

As the sun ascended higher in the sky, its warm embrace kissing the land, Kieran descended from his perch, returning to his campsite. He kindled a small fire, coaxing it to life with practiced precision. The crackling flames danced before him, casting a gentle warmth upon his face—a symbol of his resilience in the face of adversity.

From his pack, he retrieved a small bundle of dried herbs—a blend he had crafted himself, designed to invigorate and rejuvenate. With deliberate intent, he sprinkled the mixture onto the flames, releasing an aromatic haze that enveloped him. Inhaling deeply, he allowed the fragrant smoke to cleanse not only his surroundings but also his mind and soul, purging any lingering doubts or negativity.

With the fire crackling in the background, Kieran settled onto a weathered log, his journal and quill in hand. Each stroke of the quill upon the pages was deliberate, capturing the essence of his experiences, thoughts, and reflections. Artful images flowed effortlessly, as if guided by an unseen force, each entry a testament to his growth, resilience, and unwavering determination. The final product was a lovely sketch of the landscape as his yellow eyes saw it before him.

Completing his journal entry, Kieran closed the weathered book, its pages filled with tales of triumphs and tribulations, a tangible record of his journey through the world of Arthos. He glanced at the small silver necklace adorning his neck—its pendant a small blue fluorite crystal shard, a symbol of his commitment to his purpose, a reminder of the lives he had touched and the justice he had served.

With a sense of purpose and renewed vigor, Kieran rose from the log, his morning routine complete. He extinguished the fire and packed up his tent and other belongings into a big backpack. He didn’t want to leave a trace of his presence on this beautiful landscape, not even forgetting to take his whiskey bottle. There was some left, and once it was finished it’d be very useful to hold some other liquid. Everything fitted compactly in his bag, and once he was sure he’d gotten everything, the lonesome fox flung the backpack over his shoulders. He secured his trusty weapons and essential supplies to his belt, making sure everything was in order for the journey ahead.

Taking one last look at the campsite, he reflects on the serenity of the Highland Plains, grateful for the moments of peace it has offered him. With a confident stride, Kieran sets off, his paw steps marking a path through the tall grasses. In the morning mist were speckles of flowers on the plains, dewy with water that dripped slowly. They had all sorts of colors, pleasing to the eye, and Kieran walked among them.

The muscles in the bounty hunter’s legs rejoiced at the exercise; his body was most satisfied when on the move. The start of a new journey each day was a profound sensation, and his heart sprung forth across the way. His soul danced and ran full speed ahead to wherever his feet would take him, to wherever he’d end up next.

These were the kinds of moments that summarized his very life; sturdy, free, and peaceful.

On the note of missions, he needed to find another job to complete, and hopefully, the next town he stumbled upon would have some to choose from.

The thrill of adventure coursed through his veins, urging him to seek out new challenges and opportunities. With each step, he scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of civilization. The vast open flatlands stretched out before him, seemingly endless, but he knew that beyond the undulating landscape, settlements were waiting to be discovered.

Days turned into weeks as Kieran traversed the rugged terrain, occasionally encountering fellow travelers who shared tales of distant lands and untold treasures. He listened intently, gathering information about towns and cities rumored to be teeming with opportunities for brave souls like himself. Finally, on the horizon, he spotted the telltale signs of human habitation. A cluster of rooftops peaked above the stone walls, lit by a lavender-colored sunset, promising the possibility of rest, resupply, and perhaps most importantly, new missions to embark upon.

As he neared the town, the sound of bustling activity grew louder. The air was filled with the aroma of hearty meals cooking and the distant chatter of voices. Kieran's heart quickened with anticipation as he approached the town's entrance, his keen eyes scanning the surroundings for the familiar sight of a public bulletin board.

Upon entering the town, Kieran found himself amidst a lively marketplace. Traders hawked their wares, children ran through the streets with gleeful abandon, and the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. It was a vibrant tapestry of life, a place where opportunities and challenges awaited.

His eyes fell upon a wooden board adorned with parchment notices, pinned in an organized fashion. Eagerly, he stepped closer, perusing the various job postings that ranged from escort missions to retrieving rare artifacts and solving local mysteries. He narrowed his eyes to read and rubbed his white chin naturally, as he often did when in serious work mode. Each notice held the promise of excitement, danger, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of the townsfolk. Plus, of course, food money; that was important!

Kieran's mind thought hard as he considered his options. He weighed the risks and rewards, assessing his skills and strengths. He knew that whichever mission he chose would test his mettle, but that was precisely what he desired.

With a determined glint in his yellow eyes, he plucked a notice from the board—a call for a skilled man to track down a particularly troublesome character known as The Shadow. The artist of the poster had sketched a black male swift fox with yellow eyes. He seemed to be missing both ears, and his face was covered in deep scars.

‘This guy hasn’t had a good time, has he?’ Kieran huffed sarcastically, with amusement.

The minty fox began to read the included information about The Shadow, and it was made abundantly clear by the excerpt that he was a cunning and relentless criminal, known for his involvement in a variety of nefarious activities. He excelled in the art of stealth and was known to use his knowledge of the city's intricate alleyways and hidden passages to his advantage. He was a master thief, targeting valuable treasures, artifacts, and even sensitive information. The Shadow's crimes often involved sophisticated heists, leaving authorities baffled and ordinary citizens living in constant fear.

Folding the parchment and tucking it securely into his pocket, Kieran felt a surge of anticipation. He had found his next quest, and it seemed like it’d be a good challenge for him.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the town, Kieran headed toward the local inn to rest and prepare for the journey ahead. His mind buzzed with excitement and his heart brimmed with determination. Tomorrow would bring a new chapter in his adventures—a chapter filled with challenges, rewards, and the promise of growth.

With a steely resolve, Kieran knew that he was ready for whatever awaited him. The Shadow would be no match for him in the end, he knew that much, but each person he hunted was unique in their abilities and ways of defying him. For that, the minty blue bounty hunter knew that there’d be challenges along the way that he’d had to carefully consider and outsmart, but he had an unshakable faith in himself and what he was capable of. The Highland Plains had been just the beginning, a mere taste of the grand tapestry of Arthos that lay before him. With each mission, he would weave his own story, leaving a trail of bravery and resilience in his wake.

And so, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Kieran embraced the unknown, ready to face the trials and triumphs that awaited him on his path. The world of Arthos beckoned, and he was more than willing to answer its call.