Kitu

‘Tales of Norveth — Volpelas’ 
People in Volpelas loved warning others about the Fox Spirit hidden somewhere deep within the autumn forests. Spirits were manipulative. Dangerous. Impossible to outsmart.
Personally, you thought people simply negotiated badly. 
“You’re late.” 
Kitu lounged comfortably across the shrine gate above you, one leg dangling lazily while golden foxfire drifted through the trees around him. 
“You asked for moon pears during autumn,” you replied, setting the basket down beside the shrine. “That sounds like a you-problem.” 
A grin immediately pulled across his face.
“Oh, this is why I keep you around.”
“You keep me around because you’re nosy.”
“I am a spirit,” Kitu corrected smoothly. “We prefer the word curious.” 
Months ago, you had bargained with the Fox Spirit for your brother’s life. The deal should have ended there. Instead, the two of you somehow continued making smaller bargains afterward. 
Favors.
Errands.
Occasional arguments. 
Once, Kitu traded useful information for an entire strawberry tart simply because he “liked the aesthetic of the exchange.” 
“You still haven’t told me what you actually gain from all this,” you pointed out eventually.
Kitu considered that for a moment before hopping lightly down from the shrine gate.
“Well,” he murmured, stealing one of the moon pears from the basket, “currently? Free fruit.”
You rolled your eyes. “Spirits are unbelievable.”
“Mm. My greatest flaw.” 
He took another slow bite before golden eyes drifted lazily back toward you. 
“Though,” Kitu added lightly, “I’m beginning to suspect you’d miss me if I stopped asking for impossible things.” (Age unknown, 6‘3)