Swerving between merchant carts, food stalls, and wagons was the caped wonder. Right behind him, the trusty gnome he called Snappy. This small gnome’s true name was too difficult for Cornelius to pronounce and he had decided that ‘Snappy’ was a perfectly fine replacement for ‘Snipairiwt’ar.’

“Stay close Snappy, no telling what vile creatures are roaming these foul streets,” was the command issued. It was broad daylight, the street was primarily filled with honest peddlers and mothers with their children. The pathways in this part of the city were of white mortar, coated with tan, earthen red, and brown stones. These paths twisted and turned with homes and shops surrounding the roads. Cornelius often cut between the alleyways, believing it made his image more mysterious as onlookers would catch only a glimpse of the Magi.

He turned a corner, sped down the alley, Snappy’s stubby legs struggling to keep up. One more shortcut between buildings, a quick turn and then he co-

Oof!

Without warning Lilly had the air knocked from her lungs and was doubled over from the impact. Some grown man in pajamas was dashing around the city and had crashed into the young woman. At the same time Cornelius fell back, equally winded from the collision.

“Owww,” the dark elf groaned, rubbing just under her breasts which had taken the brunt of the impact. She sat up on her side to get a look at the oddly dressed masked man. With fury she questioned, “why are you charging through the streets!? That really hurt! You could at least apologize!”

His eyes watered but he dare not cry in front of a civilian. He would persevere through the pain of tumbling into a thin dark elven girl. Jumping to his feet he declared with heroic elegance, “My fair lady, evil does not wait for its conqueror to casually walk over. No! Evil requires a warrior who runs to face it head on!” As Snappy was entering the scene, bent over and out of breath, Cornelius continued, “I am sorry that we collided. My body has been tempered in the fires of truth and justice so I am sure you are in horrible pain. Allow the Magnificent Magi himself to assist you in standing. Nay! You are probably incapable of walking after the damage I’ve inflicted. I shall carry you back to your home!”

Bending over the masked vigilante scooped one arm under Lilly’s knees and supported lower back with his other arm. He lifted the woman up to his chest. Almost instantly he realized his mistake as his knees began to buckle and breath escaped him, “b-be calm fair m-maiden,” *huff*, “I s-shall get you to...”

“Put me the hell down right this instant!!!”

Lilly’s scream startled the masked man and his tiny sidekick. Cornelius’ left arm dipped quickly and allowed the Alerian’s feet to land harshly onto the stone street. She felt a bit violated by the odd man’s sudden ‘help’ but was willing to overlook it as he had just indicated he was in fact the Magi she had ran out to see.

“Miss, I apologize if my strength frightened you. My powers can overwhelm some,” before he could continue his sidekick offered, “boss I think she just didn’t wanna he carried.” Lilly nodded as Cornelius shot the gnome a look of disdain. Returning his focus to the lovely elf before him he said, “my intention is simply to help a lady in need.”

Then, the hero snapped his fingers and outstretched an open hand towards Snappy, wiggling his fingers in anticipation. The dependable sidekick rustled through his sack before filling the hero’s hand. As quickly as he had snapped Cornelius whipped his arm around to present the gift to lithe elf, “for you ma’am, something to compliment your beauty.”

Lilly stared at the leather whip in the strange man’s hand. Unsure if she should laugh or run. Cornelius raised slightly from his bow to look at what he was giving to the dark elf. Embarrassed and angry he moved the whip behind him and faced Snappy, “we’ve been over this, you’re supposed to place a rose in my hand! Or at least a tulip or lily or something!”

Snappy was quick, honestly answering, “boss, you do this routine for every gal you meet, we’re fresh outta flowers.”

Lilly was starting to wonder how skilled this Magi actually was.