As Corven and Rose wandered deeper through the twilight-lit streets of Underzen, taking in the jagged architecture and the unnatural beauty of the glowing crystal veins snaking through the walls, a sudden figure approached them from across the cobbled path.
Clad in a worn black cloak over a set of steel armor dyed an inky, matte black, the figure moved with a certain purpose—heavy boots thudding softly against the stone as the crowd naturally parted around him. A massive greatsword rested across his back, its hilt bound in old leather and glinting faintly beneath the city's low-hanging magical lights.
"You two are new here, right?" the figure asked, his voice a confident baritone with a laid-back edge.
He was beastkin—clearly canine in lineage. Short, bristled ears poked through a tousle of brown hair, and his amber-gold eyes shimmered faintly, giving off a low, animalistic glow. His skin was a deep, earthy brown, and his physique was nothing short of imposing: easily over six feet tall, broad in the shoulders, with a frame built for battle.
"Yeah? Need something?" Corven replied, eyeing the man with a mixture of caution and curiosity.
Rose didn't bother answering, simply crossing her arms beside Corven, tapping one foot against the ground in a silent rhythm of impatience—or readiness.
"Want a job?" the beastkin offered, a grin forming as he gestured loosely with a gloved hand. "I'm guessing you two aren't exactly dripping in coin right now."
His laugh was rough and easygoing, the kind that suggested both experience and mischief.
Corven raised an eyebrow, intrigued but guarded. "A job, huh? Sounds interesting. But why us?"
The beastkin scratched the back of his head, ears twitching slightly as he let out a half-chuckle, half-sigh. "Well, having a vampire with us makes things easier—and most of the ones down here are too stuck up their own asses to say yes."
He grinned wider, showing slightly pronounced canines. "Figured you two were new enough not to be total snobs yet."
Rose raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"Fair enough," Corven said. "So what's the job?"
"And more importantly," Rose added with a sharp glance, "what's the pay?"
The beastkin's grin widened like he'd been waiting for that question. "Simple enough task. Just a delivery job. We bring something to a client and make sure it gets there intact."
From beneath his cloak, he pulled out a small pouch and shook it once—producing a distinct metallic rattle, like coins or tools brushing together in tight quarters.
"As for payment…" he paused, as if weighing the offer. "Thirty silver coins. Straight up."
Corven's smile twitched into amusement as he glanced at Rose. "Thirty silver… is that a lot?"
Rose shrugged with complete honesty. "I have no idea."
"We really are perfect for an adventure," Corven muttered with a quiet laugh.
Noticing their uncertainty, the beastkin held the pouch up and added reassuringly, "Don't worry. That's enough to live here for about five days comfortably—food, lodging, and some spending change, if you're asking."
Corven gave an appreciative 'oooh,' clearly more interested now. "That's a solid chunk of coin for a so-called 'simple' delivery."
"Damn right it is," the beastkin said with a toothy smirk. "And before you ask—I'm not allowed to say what's inside. Just that it's important. So… are you two in, or not?"
He held out a hand, palm open in casual expectation.
Corven didn't hesitate. "We're in," he replied, reaching out to clasp the beastkin's arm in a firm shake.
At that, the man whistled—a sharp, two-note sound that echoed down the alley.
A few seconds later, another figure approached. She wore gear nearly identical to his, the same black cloak and armored plating, but her build was leaner—more agile than imposing. She stood at around five feet tall, a feminine silhouette hidden beneath light chain and leather padding. A bow was slung over her shoulder, and a quiver sat neatly at her hip.
Her ears were feline rather than canine—slightly more pointed—and her brown hair was tied back in a short, practical ponytail. Amber eyes flicked between the two newcomers with practiced sharpness before she smiled.
Her movement was light, predator-smooth, the way a shadow might step through candlelight without disturbing the flame.
"Did you get them to join us?" she asked, tone bright, energetic—matching her partner's vibe perfectly.
"Yeah." he answered.
Releasing Corven's arm, the beastkin said, "Call me Irsted. She's Trish."
Rose gave a small wave to the female beastkin, a smile of her own forming. "Pleasure to work with you. Glad to see another girl in the group."
"The feeling's mutual," Trish replied with a nod, her eyes gleaming with something between amusement and approval.