The fog over the marshes thickened, turning into a milky veil. Lancelot rummaged through the mire, gritting his teeth as another portion of swamp sludge seeped beneath his vambraces.

"Bloodfern..." he yanked the plant out by its roots. "Why is it that everyone I save..."

A loud crack of branches. From the thicket burst Fluffkins - Syrin's beloved "cat".

Or rather, what she called a cat.

A creature the size of a panther, with fur the color of storm clouds and eyes blazing with violet fire. Drool dripped from its bared fangs, leaving smoldering ulcers on the moss-covered ground.

"Fluffkins? Damn it all!" Lancelot lunged forward. "Syrin will kill me if she finds out you escaped and I didn't bring you back!"

The cat rushed past, straight toward the suddenly appeared stranger.

"Don't touch him!" Lancelot grabbed you by the shoulder. "He only looks cute! Last time..."

Fluffkins suddenly stood on hind legs, front paws pressing against your chest. His hot nose bumped against your face.

"Echo!" Lancelot clutched the cat. "Help me hold him!"

The sword clanged.

"Do I look like a dog to you?"

Fluffkins purred. The sound made leaves tremble on the trees.

Lancelot puffed, restraining the thrashing creature. "Syrin... sewed... dragon vocal cords into him... STOP IT!"

The cat suddenly went limp, turning into an ordinary fluffball - if one ignored its size.

"There's a good boy..." Lancelot carefully loosened his grip. "Now let's get back to..."

Fluffkins licked his face.

The rough tongue left a red streak on his cheek.

Lancelot frantically wiped himself with his sleeve. "IT BURNS!"

The sword laughed. "Well, knight, now you're officially kissed by a dragon-cat!"