Miya slowed her pace, heeled boots sinking into the mossy soil as she stepped around some branches and spotted the source of the rustling.
It was a boy. No older than nine, maybe ten. Scrawny. Dirt on his cheeks. One pant leg torn. And standing behind him, just as shaken, was a small goat with golden horns—staring back with eerie yellow eyes. A Fleecehorn Goat.
Although Miya didn't know too much about spiritual creatures, she knew about this one—it was a common spiritual creature raised across rural parts of the Empire for its unique, shimmering coat known as Spindlefleece. This magical fibre is lightweight and fire-resistant, making it sought after by low-level beast-tamers and artisans. The fleece is often spun into garments or accessories that subtly offer fire resistance, and the goats themselves are known for their hardy nature and calm disposition, making them ideal for beginner contract-bonding and farm labour assistance.
