---

Fu's fireball hit its mark full on, prompting the man to let out a feminine yelp that even got a chuckle out of little Echo. The man, now furious with anger, prepared to make a counter attack against the kitsune. While she didn't have her blade with her, Fu was confident that the spells she currently had access to would be more than enough to deal with a few goons. However, Fu had sensed another presence that had made its way behind her. Both her and the man turn to notice a beastkin standing at the scene, and he was shooting a menacing glare at the thugs. After spouting curses, the man made a hasty retreat and took his friends with him.

The man had threw the pendant on the ground before leaving, which Echo quickly took back. The grateful girl thanked Fu and the beastman with a large smile. Echo then seemed to ponder for a moment before jetting off somewhere, quickly leaving before Fu could even get a word out. After a minute or two, Echo then returned with two gemstones in hand. Fu recognized the gems as a Tourmaline and Tiger's Eye, the kitsune received the former as added thanks for her efforts. Looking at the gem, she first thought of it's worth. She figured that if things got tight around the shop she could sell it. However, looking at the beaming face of Echo, Fu decided to change her mind. She thought it'd be better to keep it for its sentimental value.

"My, my, where ever did you get such pretty little stones? Aren't you full of surprises?~" Mused Fu as she patted the lass on the head. "Say, why don't you come back to the shop with me? You could probably use a rest after that ordeal, plus you're sort of dirty and could use some cleaning up." She then turned to the beast man who joined the fray from earlier.

He was quite the interesting fellow, his physical features immediately marking him a canine beastkin, although the features where rather different than what Fu's was used to seeing. The black fur along with the ears and snout gave him a jackal-like appearance, and his foreign garb was a point of intrigue.

"Hello sir. Those men who attacked this little girl fled as soon as they saw your gaze. I was fully prepared to engage them myself, but I suppose we owe you thanks. I wasn't sure if I could have fended them off and protected Echo here at the same time."

Giving the man a look over, she continued.

"You don't seem to be from around here, if you don't mind me saying. If you'd like, you could accompany us to my humble shop. I could tell you about the ins and outs of the town over some green tea, think of it as thanks for helping us out." She said in a serene tone. "Oh my, where are my manners? Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Meifeng Fu, owner of a small occult shop where I sell fortunes and mystic wares." Said the kitsune with a polite bow and a cute wink. "The little girl who just gave you that Tiger's Eye is named Echo, she's something of a little sister to everyone at the port. She likes to give out gifts as a sign of thanks, she's also mute so please don't mind her if she doesn't respond with words."

"So, tell me stranger, do you have a name?"

Despite the three men's initial attitude towards the kitsune, she was fast to show them that she was no pushover as she threw a fireball at the leader. Even though the anger was clear in his face, the second he turned around to do something, he saw Nefersetekh standing behind the Kitsune. Luckily enough, the entire situation didn't escalate to something worse, neither did the authorities realize what was happening nor needed to intervene, which could become rather problematic for Nefersetekh, who was a nomad and did not have anything to identify himself.

With that situation dealt with, the petite girl turned to the kitsune with a silent, but adorable smile towards her. Judging by how the kitsune spoke to her and even invited her to her shop, they obviously knew each other,
When Nefersetekh was about to leave though, the petite girl turned to him, surprisingly, offering the same sweet smile she gave to the kitsune. To those who were paying close attention to Nefersetekh's face, despite his cold and serious expression, a very discreet smile could be seen as his eyes met the petite girl's. A moment later, the small girl held up a finger, telling both of them to wait as she scurried away, probably to fetch something. When she came back, she was holding two beautiful and surprisingly valuable stones with her. A Tourmaline and a Tiger's eye, which she gave to the Kitsune and to himself respectively.

Kneeling down near the girl, Nefersetekh accepted her gift with a small but respectful bow. In exchange, he raised his hand, reaching to one of the many golden hoops he used as earrings on his left ear. Despite his fierce and intimidating stature, Nefersetekh was surprisingly delicate and gentle as he reached to the girl's little hand, putting the earring he took off his ear right in the middle of it and closing it right afterwards in a sign for her to keep it. On touch, the girl would realize that the metal wasn't exactly gold. At least not entirely made of gold. It was rather warm to the touch and it was much lighter than gold. Due to it's size and how small the girl was, it could probably be used as a ring.

Standing up again, Nefersetekh noticed the Kitsune analyzing him with her eyes, obviously curious before she thanked for helping to solve the situation without using violence. As she introduced herself, Meifeng Fu also said she was the owner of a small occult shop and inviting him for some tea. As she continued explaining, she mentioned the small girl, who was called Echo and that she was mute, explaining why she was silent until now. Given the fact that Neferstekh himself had said nothing until now, it was obvious that he didn't mind that much the fact that the girl was mute.

"I merely did what needed to be done. No need to thank me." Nefersetekh spoke for the first time since he arrived in the town with a rather raspy, low and guttural tone, due to his race's unique physiology.

"I am Nefersetekh, a Seshem from the Erimos Desert, but you can call me only Setekh. It's a pleasure to meet you." Nefersetekh said, to both Echo and Meifeng Fu in an unexpectedly polite tone coming from someone with such a fierce appearance and stature.

"I would be grateful. The trip was long and I know next to nothing about this town." He said with a respectful bow, accepting Meifeng's offer for a cup of tea on her shop. Information about the city would also be welcome as he knew almost nothing about it.