27: The Fox-girl

Defolta accepted Yolan's gesture, and both shook hands as a symbol of their first meeting.

"Defolta, a pleasure." Quick, simple, and brief. Given that she was in her Magical Girl form, it was only right to introduced as her female persona. She also introduced the little girl who was timidly standing beside her, "And this little one right here, her name's Juniper, June for short."

As for her third companion, Defolta was having second thoughts if she should be introducing her cat companion to Yolan.

"Let's play safe for now." Nekowa communicated with her mind linking to Defolta, "I'm not so sure what the general opinion of the public is concerning flying Magical Cats, even if magic exists in this world. For all we know, I'm some sort of an anomaly and we don't want any unnecessary attention directed at us. Don't worry, as you already know, I can turn invisible and am currently close at all times should you need of me."

Defolta silently agreed with the cat's reasoning and continued her conversation with the Ranger. Now that they were out of danger, Defolta took the time to perceive every bit of the fox-girl's characteristics.

True to her animal roots, Yolan was the embodiment of what a fox-girl should look more or less in a typical fantasy world setting. Her fox ears were out in the open and was located at the top, connecting to her short orange hair. Speaking of ears, Defolta wondered if fox-girls possessed their own set of human ears as well since her hair sides covered it quite well. It was certainly tempting to ask, but there was a time and place for everything, and asking fox-girls of their physical features out of the blue, especially during their first meeting, may perhaps be a touchy subject and she does not want to risk making things uncomfortable.

As every fox-girl must have, Yolan naturally possessed quite the remarkable long orange tail on her back. The tail was fluffy and definitely was appealing to touch. While the tail sported the orange fur color, a good portion of the tip was white.

Yolan wore a leather chest armor that covered her green long-sleeved dress. The insignia of a standing Eagle was laid proudly on the left chest on her armor in full display, clear evidence that she was part of a military organization of a kind. A pair of leather vambrace with fingerless gloves served as protection for her to protect her hands. Since she was an archer, the vambraces also functioned to guard her arm against the whip of the bowstring whenever she fired, thus preventing any injuries. Her long boots that she wore were also made of the same leather material.

At her back now rested her trusty recurved bow together with a good stack of arrows. Defolta also pondered if Yolan's arrows were of the magical kind since it one of them that was fired was imbued with lightning that electrocuted a goblin to crisp. Or perhaps it was the fox-girl's own magic that made it possible.

Yolan's blue eyes directed at June, and she asked Defolta while waving at the child, "What an adorable child. Is she yours?"

"If you mean she's my daughter, then no." Defolta shook her head, "But I care for her regardless as if she's one."

"Ah, I understand." Yolan replied and decided to not pry any further, in family matters at least. She subsequently changed the subject, "So, what brings you here around these parts?"

"We are on the way to the nearest town." Defolta stated their intentions, "Our travels have taken us far and what we need is some rest and supplies."

"The nearest town… I'm afraid that's impossible, Ms. Defolta." Yolan said in a sad tone.

"Impossible, what do you mean?" A gloomy look took over Defolta's face while she crossed her arms.

"Tell me, are you aware of where you are now?" Yolan questioned, now commencing her interrogation as per her job as a Ranger.

"To be honest, I'm afraid not." Like they say, ignorance is truly a bliss. As long as one acted genuinely gullible, then one may fool others, even oneself, "In my whole life, I previously lived quite far away from here in a simple shack located in the forest. My… grandfather, gramps was the one who took good care and taught me everything I know, including how to fight. Grandma though was a Witch and was the one who taught me how to use magic. Unfortunately, I'm not very good with it and only knew a few spells. Instead, I focused on the blade, hahaha. But alas, gramps and grandma died and it's painful remaining in my home after that. So, I decided to leave everything behind and venture forth outside in the open world, to see what it had to offer. It was also one of their wishes before their death."

That seemed to have convinced Yolan and her expression softened in response, "I'm sorry to hear that, Ms. Defolta. You have my sympathies."

"Thanks." Defolta appreciated the gesture despite her story being fake.

"Well, the situation is quite complicated right here, and you arrived at difficult times." Now that Defolta's story was enlightened, Yolan decided to speed up the current events with her, "Where you are headed to is the Border Town of Hansela, the first stop before entering Empire territory. Unfortunately, however, you cannot enter unless you possess a special pass or if you are vouched by a proper authority."

"Why can't we enter?"

"One can never be too careful, especially around here." Yolan replied, "You see, this region and the land beyond is rampant with a lot of criminal activities than usual. As such, the Empire sent an expedition of its finest soldiers to combat the crime and bring order around once more. Aside from that, more monsters were seen scouring around the countryside, with goblins being widespread at this particular part of the region."

"Damn it, so how are we going to get that special pass, then?" Defolta cursed out loud, "I have a kid with me, and camping out for the rest of our days is out of the question."

"Hmm, I suppose we could talk about this to my superior. It's the least I could do as thanks for helping me." Yolan suggested and wanted to offer her gratitude, "Our Ranger Checkpoint Camp is not far from here. If you would please follow me, then perhaps we may have a solution to your problems."

"Very well, lead the way." Seeing no reason to refuse her offer, Defolta agreed with the ranger's suggestion and did what she was told.