The Emissary of the Fox Court

"We pay in gems and precious stones and valuable flowers from looted greenhouses." The Herald says.

"The Emissary handles the specifics. I understand the folk of Sturmport turn enough of a profit from what we deliver to make the trade worth continuing."

## Keeper of the Driftwood Staff

Uru places his driftwood staff in front of the foxes. “This staff has lent me it’s strength on many adventures. I hope it is a viable offering for your treasury.”

The scarfed fox yips and barks commandingly. A fifth fox dashes out of the brush and takes the staff with its jaws...but it's too heavy to carry completely off the ground. The new fox drags the driftwood staff down through the mud a little and then sits in front of the party, panting and pouting.

As the hunting group is assembled, the fox called "Prime Minister" has impatiently gone up to help the fifth fox grab Uru's driftwood staff and retreat away from the direction the two-legged wanderers are shooting at.

## Just Desserts

"If you bribe me, I'll look the other way." The Director says. "I'll even have the Moss Rats help you."

Malephon looks up to see the director watching him hold the bucket. "Oh, of course. Will 100 silver do?"

"That's enough for me." The Director says. "I just want to see the expression on its face when it discovers the incident."

"Me too. You will have to tell me."

He throws the bucket down into the Abyss to hide the evidence.

The Director arranges for the Emissary to be tied up in meetings for several hours.

Later there are some absolutely hilarious squeals of disgust and outrage from the direction of the Emissary's burrow.

Followed by desperate sobbing.

The Director has a sketch of the Emissary's disgusted, horrified face delivered to Malephon.

"Official evidence. I trust you will help bring the perpetrator to justice. And distribute this responsibly in the process."

## Duties

"I can come with you," the Herald says, padding up with another Fox - one noticeably frailer and a bit thinner of fur.

"Please allow me to introduce the newly appointed Crossroads Emissary, newly arrived from the Foxwoods via the path created by the Walking Orchids."

The Emissary bows its head. "It's a pleasure."

"Just so you know," the Emissary continues. "I plan to stay here and execute my duties to the Fox Court from inside the woods. I am...not much of a Fox for travel."

The Fox Emissary at the Crossroads receives Ylkwa's gift with grace.

"It is said that in olden days there were once many unicorns. Now, none are known to walk the woods.

"The artifacts of this particular unicorn, the Three-Tailed Harbinger, are of great importance to us. Those who follow the Lords Below say that it strode before them when they traveled in host. It was a patron of beasts.

"We Foxes hold it in esteem. For this reason, I extend my gratitude on behalf of the Court.

"Should you seek monetary remuneration for the return of this relic, we can provide it."

The Emissary noses a thorn twig of petrified wood towards Keryth.

"In the stead of the King, I hereby knight you Protector of the Winding.

"Bear the insignia of the Fox Court proudly and defend your honor as well as that of the Court. The structures and treasure of the Winding are yours to defend and dispose of."

Keryth accepts it, kneeling low for a moment. "Thank you for this boon. I will treasure it so long as I can remember it."

The Emissary makes a mark on a leaf in ink.

"I will have this record delivered this to the Palace to immortalize the granting of this domain in perpetuity to you and your self-heirs."