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Deal of a Lifetime

Chapter 9

The Jade House was all abuzz that evening as those that lived within prepared themselves for the upcoming “Mixer Ball” being held later that evening. A party that to those seeking to make Hallarian accords was one of the most important events of the season. The perfect opportunity to meet many an eager Suitor who themselves were looking for the person of the dreams.

Yes, everyone was well and truly excited for the night ahead. Everyone save for a very anxious Aston Bakson who quietly watched the hectic goings-on around him from his perch atop the lone couch inside of the Jade House's hidden den. The overwhelming trepidation he felt as he waited only growing more intense the closer it got to the time of their departure.

“Make sure you’re ready everyone!” A harried Caspian called out for what had to be the twentieth time that hour alone. “We’re heading out as soon as Tulion’s finished changing!”

As if on cue, Tulion stepped into the room from a nearby doorway. Lower half clad only in a pair of heart print underwear. “Strong One!? Have ya seen any of my pants!?” He asked. “See I got the ones ya set out fer me dirty so I had ta change them and went ta get a new pair but I couldn’t find’um so I figured that ya did the laundry taday but then I—”

Halfway through his lover’s rambling explanation about his state of undress, Caspian pinched the bridge of his nose muttering a quick prayer for strength before calling out for help. “Harriet!” He yelled. “He’s doing it again!”

“On it Caspian dear!” Without warning Tulion was roughly yanked back through the door frame, Harriet’s hushed scolding voice coming from it as soon as he was gone from sight.

“Mr. Draylan! I can’t find those badges you asked me to get!” Marcia’s voice called out next from somewhere else in the house, Caspian quickly hurrying away to help her look.

Feeling the other side of the couch sink down, Aston turned to see Hector sitting down next to him. Hector giving him a bored look in return as he joined in on observing the chaos. “I honestly don’t know why everyone gets so worked up like this!” He sighed. “The mixer's just a party! No big a deal!”

“Oh, it most certainly is a “big deal” my fatuous friend!” Laurel snootily rebutted while passing through the room. “High society functions such as this “Mixer Ball” are a battlefield! One must strive to look their best. Behave their best! Do their best! Not that I’d expect a lout like you to understand such matters.”

“Ouch Lorry! Went right for the jugular there, didn’t you!?” Hector cried out jokingly, hand clutched to his chest. “You really are getting better at the insults! I’m really proud of you little man!”

Laurel’s cheeks took on a mild tint at the compliment, a small “T-Thank you.” coming from him after as he huffily made his way out of the room, a smirking Hector watching him go.

Thankfully for their little group’s dynamics, what hard feeling lingering between the two after their scuffle the day before had been mended. Hector staying true to his words and apologizing for the matter by convincing Tulion to give Laurel a triple helping of sweet rolls at breakfast. Now they were very much back to their usual slightly antagonistic, yet still friendly relationship.

“What about you Asty?” Hector questioned, looking back to Aston. “Please tell me you aren’t going to start running around in a panic too.”

“I don’t know. Should I be panicking?” The farmer returned with a quick shrug. “I’ve… I’ve never been to a party like this before. Or any party really.”

“Wait, you’ve… never been to a party!?” Hector said surprised. Fully turning to the other man he gave Aston an incredulous look. “But don’t you country types have all those festivals and… I don’t know hoedowns all the time?”

“We do... but I never really went to any of them," Aston admitted, slightly embarrassed. “Whenever my family were going to a party I stayed behind to watch the farm and do chores.”

Hector seemed to become very upset upon hearing this, a rare frown forming. “But didn’t you want to see your friends? Have fun? Dance?” He said with a frown. “You known, do something else in your life besides farming all the time?”

“Farming all the time was my life.” Vision going down to his clasped hands atop his lap a small, awkward chuckle came from Aston. It quickly transitioning into a forlorn sounding sigh. “H-Honestly it wouldn’t have mattered if I did go. I never really had any friends back in Ebonhill.”

Taking pity on the older man Hector scooted closer and gave him a nudge with his shoulder. "Well, you have them now Country man!” He assured. “Me and Marcia and even Lorry when he isn’t too busy being a brat.”

Aston couldn’t help the small chuckle that tumbled out of him with that. “Really?”

Hector nodded, an arm quickly wrapped around Aston to pull him even closer. “Yup Asty, really!” He reconfirmed. “As for the mixer, don’t worry. Just smile that sweet smile of yours, have some wine, some food, and you’ll have yourself a real great time!”

Despite the butterflies still running rampant in his guts Aston felt himself relax slightly in the face of Hector's infectious optimism. Some of the tension that had been building up all day easing. That was until Hector just had to keep on running his big fat mouth and give him something entirely new to worry about.

“Of course, the _ best _ part of the night is going to be our visit to the bathhouse!” Hector said with an excited grin. “Oooh, I can’t wait to see all those men! Swimming around in the pool, walking around all wet, all of them naked with everything hanging out!”

Aston could feel the heat on his cheeks as he visualized what Hector just said. “W-What!?” He said, suddenly panicking. “Y-Y-You mean we’re going to be taking baths together! With strangers! Other men!?”

Hector seemed to find amusement in the farmer’s reaction. “What did you think the bathhouse would be like?” He wondered. “That we’d each get our own private rooms to…”

Slowing to a draw, Hector saw Aston's eyes start drifting away in embarrassment. The bashful expression he saw on the other man's face quickly telling him all he needed to know.

"By the Moon Goddess you did, didn't you!?" Hector exclaimed, half laughing. "Oh Country Man, you can be really cute sometimes."

“Don’t make fun!” Aston pouted in response.

“I'm not! I'm not!" Hector assured, not at all convincingly. "Look, don't worry about being in the baths with everyone either. Just keep your eyes up and if something pokes you in the but don't try and grab at it unless you’re looking to make a special friend.”

‘What does that mean…’ Aston started to wonder, about to ask. But then, with another flush he understood and groaned. The idea that he’d actually… that he’d… do that, far too much for him to handle. Those sinful, lurid thoughts he’d been doing his best to suppress all week re-manifesting stronger than ever in that moment.

But before those vexing imaginings could haunt Aston’s thoughts for too long, Tulion suddenly made his reappearance. This time thankfully fully dressed as he strolled out into the room. “Alright everyone it’s time ta leave!” He announced. “We gotta be at the bathhouse by hour twenty and the Hearth by twenty-one so we better get a-going!

As if almost by magic every single resident of the Jade House heeded the call of its patriarch as soon as it was made. Caspian, Harriet, Marcia, and Laurel all appearing from various doorways while Aston and Hector stood. All of them dutifully coming to stand around the heavyset drake awaiting further instructions.

“Alright… we got everything set?” Tulion asked, head turning to Caspian first. “The badges?”

Caspian held up a small box in his hands and gave it a shake, a small rattling sound coming from inside. “Right there.” He confirmed. “Enough for everyone and then some.”

Pleased to hear that, Tulion shifted his focus over to Harriet. “The bathhouse?” He said over to her. “Everything set up there?”

“Yes. Our private dressing rooms are arranged.” The prim woman confirmed. “Sahstra also sent a message stating that all the outfits for the party were delivered there this morning.”

“GREAT!” Tulion clapped his large hands together, excitement in his eyes as he headed for his home’s secret tunnel. “Time to leave then! The others should be waiting for us in the front by now.”

“Others?” Laurel asked, pudgy face scrunching up in confusion as they filed into line behind the Dragkin and his two partners. The whole lot of them entering the dim passageway leading to the front of the Jade House. "What does Jadescale mean by that?"

“Come on Lorry, did you really think it was just the four of us Tulion was helping?” Hector answered, amused to be playing guide. “Nope! The Jade House is the best negotiator house in Kelston! Tulion’s has more clients than he knows what to do with!”

Reaching the end of the tunnel and entering the Jade House's front room Aston and the others quickly discovered just how true Hector's words were. The usually deserted, desert-filled lobby they’d come and gone through so many, many times before now positively packed with people.

Other young men and women like them mostly, but also a few demihumans. An entire crowd that excitedly chatted amongst themselves as Tulion, along with Caspian and Harriet, made their way through them. The big blue drake giving out friendly greetings and quick hugs to those who crossed his path along the way.

“HOWDY EVERYONE!” Tulion joyfully hollered above the clamor once he had made his way to the front of the room. “Ya’ll ready for the party tonight!?”

Loud shouts of, “Yes!” and “Yeah!” filled the room. Cheers and applause joining the uproarious rumbling as a laughing Tulion gave a big belly chuckle in return. “Now fer any of ya folks that are new, here’s what’s gonna happen!” He continued on. “First we’re a-heading off to a bathhouse so ya’ll can do yourselves up!”

Again, Aston felt his face heat up at the mention of the bathhouse. He’d never even heard of one before coming to Kelston and now that he knew it was a place where people bathed together out in the open, the idea of going there made him incredibly nervous if not just a little bit curious too.

Unaware of Aston’s concerns though Tulion went on with his speech. “Ladies! Yer all gonna be going with Miss Vanderman here!” He motioned to Harriet. Then gesturing to Caspian. “As fer the fellas, ya’ll are gonna be with me and Mr. Draylan!”

“Once there you’ll take a quick soak in the tubs and then head to the dressing rooms where you’ll put on the outfits we've provided for you," Harriet instructed next, expression stern. “No fooling around and no taking longer than you need. We have a schedule to keep.”

Caspian cleared his throat. “Also be sure you’re wearing your Jade House badges before we leave!” He added. “Can’t have all those suitors you’ll be meeting tonight not knowing how to find you again!”

“Lastly…” Tulion drawled, rolling on his heels while clasping his hands together. “...If anyone runs into a problem or has any questions feel free to come to me or one of my beautiful accord-mates here!”

Pausing for a moment the large man grinned. “Now with that outta the way, all I gotta say now is have yourselves a great time tonight! Let’s all do our best ta find ya yer destined Dragkin, ya’hear!”

Again, another round of cheering erupted from those inside of the small room. Tulion giving his usual melodic chuckle as he spun around and pushed open the front doors, a skip in his step, as he proudly led everyone outside.

“I always love it when he gives big speeches like that," Hector said as he and his three dorm mates followed behind everyone. “Tulion always gets as giddy as a kid on his birthday on Mixer night.”

“Feels more like we're all the kids here honestly," Aston commented moodily. Again, he didn't like it when he was treated like a child. "Tulion sounded just like my dad did when he was trying to get me and my brothers and sisters to behave when we were little."

Hector seemed to mull that statement over for a moment before he nodded in agreement. “You know, if Tulion heard you say that he’d probably be flattered.”

Now that was interesting. “He would?” Aston asked.

“Yeah, Tulion always saying how he thinks of us, his clients, like we’re his own children.” Hector further explained. “That’s why he works so hard to help us find partners to make Hallarian accords with. He wants nothing more than for us to be happy."

Saying that Hector looked over to Tulion again, a fond smile playing on his lips. Following his gaze Aston observed the large man conversing with a young Minotaur who was walking alongside him. Tulion laughing and ruffling the hair between the bovine's horns as he responded back, the Minotaur’s face lighting up as he joined in on the laughter.

Seeing that, Aston felt slightly guilty about his earlier opinions towards the older man. Seemed that Hector was right. Despite it being a business, Tulion did act like he cared a lot about those he helped. Far different from the sinister conman Aston had originally thought he, and by extension Harriet and Caspian, were a mere week ago.

‘Almost makes me wonder what else I’m wrong about.’ Aston thought with a quiet huff.

A question that he found himself dwelling on for quite some time as he and the crowd around him slowly made their way down one of Reveler's Row's many streets to wherever, and whatever, lay ahead of them on that nippy, mid-winter evening.

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Aston was beginning to sense a bit of a theme going on when it came to every new location he came across since coming to Kelston. That no matter what the building was or what it was used for, he would end up rendered speechless and utterly gobsmacked the very moment he laid eyes upon it.

That’s what had happened when he rode through Kelston’s front gates into the city itself. Though admittedly, that reaction had had its fail bit of disgust mixed in with the wonder. Decrepit old buildings and rusty leaking pipes were not the most pleasant of sights to behold.

However, after leaving those crumbling urban ruins and discovering Reveler’s Row and the rest of Western Kelston… well, he still couldn’t believe just how different both parts of the city were.

Then there had been the Eternal Hearth Tavern. From top to bottom Bruzki's bar and restaurant had put all others Aston had visited to shame! Not that it was that high of a standard mind you. A falling down shack infested with roaches could outdo Ebonhill's local tavern and the less said about the Bloody Hatchet and its contemporaries the better.

Still, as impressive as all of those feats of Draterran architecture had been, none of them could hold a candle in Aston's eyes to the bathhouse that he and the others would be spending the first part of their evening in. Its sheer size and gaudy opulence impressing and overwhelming the rustic, country-born man the moment he saw it.

Like with everything else in Kelston, the bathhouse was quite large. The structure four stories tall and several blocks wide. Its gently curved roof made up of interlaced black stone shingles that came out into wide eaves where they were held up up by tall golden columns barring engravings. The numerous windows that were on each story emitting soft golden glows that contrasted against the thick black smoke billowing up from dozens of smoke stacks peering up from behind the building.

The main entrance however was the true centerpiece of the bathhouse. Past the busy street that ran parallel to the structure was a spacious garden filled courtyard. The lush greenery framed by twin reflecting pools that sparkled in the light coming off the lit up main entrance of the bathhouse, it’s high arched entryway itself guarded by a pair of Dragkin statues. One a Sky-kin, one an Earth-kin who oversaw the endless stream of customers that passed by them.

“By the Sun God!” An equally awestruck Laurel exclaimed. “Not even the bathhouses in the capital are this egregiously decadent!”

Tearing his eyes away from the building he glared at Hector. “Did you know this was here!?” He more accused than asked. “If so, why did you not inform me sooner! I could have had somewhere to bathe befitting of my former status!”

Hector rolled his eyes while giving Laurel a hard snort. "Seeing as I've done this whole pre-mixer routine eight times already, yes Lorry, I've known about it for a while." He said, smiling. “As for why, I think it’s funny when newbies like you see it for the first time.”

Smirking, Hector motioned to the third member of their impromptu trio. “Take Asty over there.” He said. “Man’s had his mouth hanging open so long I suspect he’s trying to catch a bug.”

Hearing that Aston instantly snapped his mouth shut. The smug, teasing look Hector gave him when he did only making him scowl back in reply. “Very funny.” He muttered before looking to the bathhouse again. “I… I’ve never seen a place like this is all. Why’s it so different than everything else around here?”

“Not sure to be honest.” Hector shrugged. “Tulion told me once that some adventurer from centuries ago built it in remembrance of his homeland of… um, Toe-kai-ah or something like that. Real strange one, that fellow. Had a whole bunch of wives and said strange things all the time.”

“BOYS!?” Caspian shouted from a short distance away. “Get those little butts over here pronto! We’re not leaving you behind!”

“Coming Mr. Dray~lan!” Hector singsonged back before turning to his friends. “You heard him friends, time for us to partake in one of Kelston’s greatest spectacles!”

“Greatest spectacle you say?” Laurel repeated, all of them heading towards the building’s main entrance. “Ooooh! Is the décor inside the bathhouse even more impressive than the outside?”

The snicker Hector upon being asked that was both parts amused and lecherous. "Oh, it's not décor I’m talking about my dear, pudgy little friend.” He said giving a wink. “No… what I speak of is all the delicious sights wandering to and fro around the changing rooms and baths themselves in all their, rigidly long splendor!”

“Oh?” Laurel said, brows furrowing for a moment until they suddenly rose. The blond’s beady eyes glinting and his mouth forming an understanding "O" as he caught into what Hector was none too subtly implying.

“OH! Oh my! My, my, MY!” The young ex-noble giggled excitedly. “Here I was thinking this part of the night would be dull!”

Aston had also picked up what Hector’s thinly veiled words were hinting at. All of the naked men they’d no doubt be seeing once they had entered into the impressive structure before them. The very thought of which still plagued his every thought as they proceeded to climb the wide Perron staircase where a huffy Caspian still stood at its top waiting for them.

Giving the trio a once over when they were close, Caspian quickly zeroed in on the redness on both Aston’s and Laurel’s faces. An accusing eye shifting over to Hector as a single eyebrow rose up to his non-existent hairline.

“You better not be teasing these boys, you little troublemaker," Caspian warned, though there was little real reprimand in his tone.

Hector, like always, seemed to thrive off of the attention he was getting and moved in closer to the older man, giving him a daring smirk. “What If I was Mr. Dray~lan?” He challenged. “You planning on giving me a spanking for being bad or something?”

In response, Caspian matched Hector’s prankster energy with a wicked grin of his own. “You wouldn’t be the first brat I had to put over my knee if I was.” He countered. “Nor would you be the first one I’d just love teaching a lesson to.”

“Bring it, old man." Hector countered with a chuckle.

Going quiet, Hector and Caspian stood there, nose to nose and chest to chest. The two staring deeply into each other's eyes in a way that Aston found somewhat intense and uncomfortably flirty. A staring contest that lasted until… Caspian backed off suddenly with an awkward-sounding chortle.

“A-Anyway, try and behave for once, alright Kiddo.” He told Hector softly. “We want things going smoothly tonight.”

“I make no promises on behaving, but I’ll try Pops.” After giving Caspian another quick look Hector ambled off. Caspian watching him for a moment with a sad sounding sigh before he sobered and turned back to Aston and Laurel.

“Now as for you two…” The older man began, sounding stern. "Tuls put me in charge of you and the other newcomers so come along and behave. Otherwise, I might just really take one of you over my knee."

After chuckling at his own joke Caspian wordlessly led the two younger man into the building, Aston finding himself once again impressed by the sight that met them as they entered.

Like its outside, the interior of the bathhouse was luxurious and quite beautiful. Its central lobby high-ceilinged and domed with white marble walls decorated with murals of thrilling historical and soothing nature scenes.

The vestibule was also quite crowded, Aston was quite to learn as they traveled through it. More people than he could count coming and going in every direction. Some chatting with other patrons while others visited some sort of open bar at the very back of the large room. It was clear as day that the bathhouse was a favorite meeting place for the people of Kelston. An attraction of rest and relaxation.

Aston just wished he could count himself amongst those people. The sight of a few men clad only in cloth towels reminding him yet again where he was about to go and what he’d be seeing once he was there.

Continuing along their way the small group of three eventually came across another large archway to the left of the lobby. This one framed by twin murals showcasing imagery of several nude Dragkin drakes and other male humans and demihumans relaxing around an outdoor lake.

As they neared this impressive – and for Aston, highly scandalous – image, Caspian called out to a trio of men standing to the side of the opening. Two humans and a stout dwarf who, when they noticed the dark-skinned man, gave him relieved looks.

“Boys!? I’d like you to meet Cadby, Earnest, and Ronan.” Caspian announced, pointing to each man in turn. Then motioning to them, "Gentlemen, these two are Laurel and Aston. They're first-timers just like you so go on and make friends.”

Heeding the authoritative command both groups warily said their hellos. Caspian watching them pleased, before clearing his throat and continuing with his part as guide. “Now that we have that done, let’s move.” He said. “I don’t want Tuls strutting around the lobby bare-assed because he thinks we got lost. Not for a third time…”

With Caspian taking the lead again they traveled deeper into the building. First into a long hallway with doors on either side, then into what appeared to be a changing room. A muggy, musty-smelling chamber with walls lined with hundreds of tiny compartments each housing a wicker basket with a number on it.

It was as they made their way into this new room that Aston got his first look at what he'd been dreading all evening. Right there, right before his shocked eyes was the remainder of the male half of the Jade House's clients. Some were in the middle of undressing. Others standing around bare as the day they were born, either busy putting away their belongings or casually talking with friends.

However, there was one certain individual amongst these naked men that truly made Aston’s mouth hang open. That being none other than Tulion Jadescale himself who was just finishing pulling off the laced-up shirt he’d been wearing. The rotund, overweight drake giving his large blue and tan belly a quick scratch before he turned and saw them from across the room.

“There ya are my Strong One!” Tulion called out to Caspian, heedless of his own loudness. “Had me so worried I was gonna head out and look fer ya after I finished undressing here!”

“See boys? What did I tell you?" Caspian said with overwhelming exasperation and affection. Going over to his lover he nudged Tulion with his shoulder. Tulion playfully bumping him back as the human started taking off his own clothes.

“I’m sure you kids get the gist of what to do in here," Caspian said over his shoulder. "Go on and get undressed then put your clothes in a basket. Don’t forget which number is yours either! Once you finish that, head out into the baths and start cleaning up!”

Though not without a little hesitance Laurel and the three others Aston had been grouped with did they'd been instructed. Each heading over to a random cubby in the wall as Aston himself watched on, unsure of where he’d go. A decision that was unfortunately taken out of his hands when Tulion, noticing his plight, offered up a solution.

“There’s a free basket next to me Little Guy.” Tulion unhelpfully supplied. Reaching over he pulled out said container and gave it a quick shake. “Don’t mind me. I’ll be outta yer way in a tail shake.”

With that said, Tulion bent down and unceremoniously dropped-trow. The shock Aston had felt up to the point nothing compared to that he felt when he got an unobstructed eyeful of Tulion’s big blue, scaly rump as he kicked off his pants and bent over to retrieve them. Monstrously long cock and heavy balls left hanging between his spread legs for a single moment before he stood and ambled off with a heavy tread.

“Alright, over there Aston?" Caspian's highly amused voice drifted over. "You look like a snake just crossed your path. That or at least something as big and long as one.”

Realizing he’d been caught staring with a wince, Aston turned to Caspian and instantly regretted doing so. Both the knowing smirk the older man wore and the nakedness of his body causing Aston to blush terribly. Even for a man his age, Caspian was quite muscular and burly with only a little bit of padding around the torso.

Below that, well, while not as impressive as Tulion, he still had quite a tool at his disposal. Something which Aston couldn't help but stare at for what was perhaps one moment too long before he mentally slapped himself back to his senses, quickly averting his gaze.

“I-I-I'm fine!" Aston giggled nervously. His eyes starting to slowly dip down until he forcefully willed himself to keep focus on Caspian’s now openly smirking mustachioed mug. “J-Just a little… um, nervous sir… I, ah mean Pops! Thinking of the mixer later.”

There was harsh laughter from the Voice. ‘Wow! T_hat sounded real convincing_!’

Back in reality there was a long pause following Aston’s hasty assurance. Caspian’s face clearly stating that he hadn't believed a word of what had been said. But then, with a chuckle, the bald man shrugged and finished placing his clothes away.

“Well if you say so, son.” Caspian hummed lightly. “Just finish getting undressed as fast as you can. We only got an hour before we have to leave.”

“Y-Yes Pops.”Aston nodded quietly. “I’ll be right there.”

A towel slung over his shoulder, Caspian gave Aston a quick pat on the shoulder as he strolled past him. Aston once again having to scold himself after he unconsciously took another peek at the nude man’s backside. The tattoo of a cartoony, chubby blue Dragkin he saw on the left asscheek only making Aston’s mind wander to where it shouldn’t as he did his best to distract himself by quickly undressing.

‘Stay strong Aston, my man.’ The farmer reminded himself, nervous fingers clumsily fiddling with the drawstring of his shirt. ‘It’s just naked men. Nothing you haven’t seen before!’

‘True, but that was your brothers changing in the morning or during bath day.’ The Voice, ever its vindictive self pointed out. ‘What you just saw were two unrelated men completely naked! You liked looking at them too, didn’t you? _ DIDN’T YOU _?!’

Whimpering as those cruel words rang out in his mind Aston nodded, silently agreeing with what had been said. A part of him did like looking at them. He couldn’t deny it any longer. But he wasn't going to allow that sinful side to take control. Everyone was there to take baths, nothing more. Nothing sexual. Nothing perverse. Just a nice wholesome bath! Aston would just keep his eyes to himself and rush through whatever time he had left at the bathhouse.

‘That’s exactly what I’ll do.’ Aston assured himself. ‘Stay strong. Stay the course and keep your thoughts where they belong.’

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