FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Deal of a Lifetime

Chapter 4

The tunnel that laid beyond the Jade House's secret door was a dim and foreboding place. The gloomy atmosphere within only adding to the building unease one Aston Bakson felt as he followed behind the large blue form of the creature that was leading him deeper and deeper into its lair.

With nothing else to do but stare at his guide's back as they shuffled along, Aston wondered if the potential Dragkin he'd agreed to search for would be anything like Tulion. A roly-poly, constantly grinning giant who, while slightly annoying with his constant buffoonery, wasn't all the awful to be around.

But then Aston was reminded of that dark gray Dragkin he'd met, Ebonfang. That smug, sinister, predatory creature that had sized him up like a lamb for slaughter. Ebonfang seemed to be every bit the monster Aston had always believed his kind to be.

He and Tulion were total opposites of one another. One was bright and friendly while the other was dark and foreboding. Two contrasting personalities that quite frankly Aston didn't know what to make of. Maybe Ebonfang was an exception to the rule. An oddity. That would seem to be the case after what Aston had learned about how Dragkin were expected to treat those they made Hallarian accords with.

Perhaps Aston would enjoy his life with his future “accord-mate". That if they were like Tulion he'd learn to endure their companionship. Perhaps even, dare he hope, become friends with whatever Dragkin dame he ended up with. That kind of outcome would at the very least make the mess he was in a little more tolerable.

“Ya doing alright back there Little Guy?" Tulion's deep, concerned voice came suddenly. “Ya really haven't said much since ya signed our negotiator's contract."

“I'm fine sir." Was Aston's brief, guarded response. “Just thinking is all."

Glancing back at the sullen younger man Tulion pouted. He'd been around humans since he was a hatchling and if there was one thing he hated, it was seeing any of them unhappy. Especially when it came to the ones under his watch.

“It's the hidden door ain't it?" He asked, trying gently for conversation. “I know! I know! It's weird we got it, but I promise ya it ain't as bad as it looks!"

“Oh, really?" Aston huffed back dubiously. “Because it looks really, really bad." Yes, his attitude was a little rude, but it had been a long day.

Slowing to a stop Tulion faced his huffy little friend. A warm chuckle tumbled out when he went to ruffle the farmer's auburn-colored hair. "There's that sass again." He said, snickering. "I was starting to think the way ya acted when we first met was a fluke."

When his comment earned him a slight blush and a scowl from Aston as his hand was shoved away the drake grinned even brighter. "As fer that door and this hallway, they're leftovers from the early days of the accord." He explained. “Back when there was all this fighting and fussing between the negotiators back then."

“Why were they fighting?" Aston asked, growing curious now.

Starting down the hallway again Tulion motioned for Aston to follow before continuing. “They were all upset because there weren't enough humans back then looking for accords to go around." He shrugged. “Makes sense seeing as it was just after the great wars. Most of you folks still hated the hell out of us Dragkin."

Taking in what had been said Aston nodded in agreement. From what he recalled from his schooling on the subject, the Raisteria-Draterran wars had been a bloody five-hundred-year-long conflict between the different races on the continent they all shared. Humans, elves, dwarves, and orcs were on one side while the Dragkin, Minotaurs, Kabolds, and several other less abundant races were on the other. The fighting, again, only ended because of the Hallarian accord and a few other treaties they were able to make in the end.

Coming to the end of the hallway where another door sat Tulion opened it and motioned for Aston to go first with a gentlemanly wave. An offer that, despite his continued hesitation, he cautiously accepted. The room Aston stepped into once he had just as surprising as the parlor of the Jade House had been. Though for completely different reasons altogether.

Looking around from where he stood Aston thought for a moment that he had somehow entered someone's personal home. A simple den with plain wooden walls and earthy green carpets meeting his eyes. It decorated with wooden tables, chairs and even a pair of large couches placed tastefully about alongside several knickknacks and framed photographs. The entire feel of the room incredibly rustic and homey.

Distracted by where he was Aston was suddenly startled when a loud thud came from behind him. The young man spun around in alarm only to discover that it had simply been Tulion closing the door behind them before he sauntered his way past him with an amused smirk.

“Can't tell ya how bad I wanna sit down in my favorite chair right now." The Drake said as he lumbered along.

Going over to a large, well-cushioned chair with a hole in the seat, the heavyset Dragkin proceeded to flop down onto it with a pleased growl. His entire body quickly settling back against it so he could properly give his rounded belly a quick scratch.

“There we go!" Tulion sighed. Then after a moment, he sat up again. "Why don't ya come over here and join me, Little Guy?" Grinning he gave his thigh a pat. “Got ya a real comfortable spot for ya on my lap if ya need one."

Aston nearly did a double take at the outrageously flirtatious nature of what Tulion had said. Aston and the blue dragkin held each other's gaze for several long moments before the older man finally broke the spell. Wide shoulders shaking merrily as he tried and completely failed to contain his laughter at Aston's expense.

Seeing that he was being made fun of Aston huffed at the irritating man. Forget what he had said concerning Tulion being a kind soul. No, he was a menace in the making!

“I think I rather sit on the couch if that's fine." Aston haughtily rebuked as he headed over to the couch and took a seat. “I'm sure it's more comfortable than a bony lap."

Despite being rebutted Tulion continued to find humor in the reaction he had gotten. “Damn!" He said, snapping his fingers while giving an unrepentant grin. “Here I was hoping you'd take me up on that offer. Maybe next time, aye?"

“I don't think so," Aston replied flatly.

Only more pleased with himself at the pouty look directed his way Tulion reclined back in his seat once more, a pleased look on his face as he returned to the history lesson he had been giving.

“Now where was I?" He began slowly, finger tapping his furry chin a few times in deep thought. “AH! Yes! All of them old-timey negotiators were fighting like mangy dogs in the streets over the human shortage. Got real bad sometimes too."

“You mean like clashing swords and killing each other?" Aston asked, images of warring dragons locked in epic combat filling his head.

Unfortunately, Tulion was quick to snuff out such an exciting premise. "Nah, nothing as interesting as all that." He sighed with a frown. "It was more like a whole bunch of spoiled brats fussing over who got the chance to make contracts with any willing human that came sniffing around."

“There were a few bastards that even went around kidnapping folks." Tulion shook his head at the way his predecessors had acted in the long ago past. In his eyes, those days were the greatest disgrace to his profession as a negotiator. "They'd force them into signing contracts that they didn't want."

Tulion lazily motioned over to the door they had just used. “When that started one of my ancestors hired some dwarves to put in that hidden door and passage." He informed next. “Ya know, to keep the humans we watched over safe from being snatched away in the middle of the night."

Now that sent a chill down Aston's spine. The thought of being dragged off somewhere by someone as big and scary as a Dragkin was enough to make his gut twist in worry.

Noticing the dread his words had caused Tulion was quick to put Aston's fears to rest, however. “You ain't got to worry about any of that Little Guy." He assured him. “For one, we got laws in place now. There isn't a Negotiator alive now who would dare kidnap anyone. It's a death sentence."

“Second…" Suddenly Tulion's face completely changed. His eyes becoming slitted and snake-like and fangs barred in a beastly snarl as he finished his sentence, voice much deeper and fierce.

“...There would be hell to pay if anyone tried taking you or anyone else here." He continued darkly. “No one fucking lays a hand on anyone in my house unless they allow it!"

To his immense surprise, a feeling of intense calm came over Aston despite the fearsome expression he saw on Tulion's blue face. The tension he didn't know he'd been holding onto melted away as he let out a long, relieved breath. At least he'd be safe as long as he stayed in the Jade House. For ever how long that would end up being.

“Tulion!" A gruff voice came from somewhere just outside of the room. “You home you great oaf!?"

In an instant Tulion's features reverted back to their normal, bemused state. “In the living room Cass!" He called out amused. “Why don't ya come in here and say hello to my little friend!?"

Several heavy footsteps could be heard coming from one of the open entryways inside of the den. The sounds growing louder until the person making them stepped into view, a growly response to Tulion's comment coming out of them before they had even fully entered the room.

“Swear by the goddess “Tuls"!" They started, vision fixed on the lounging Tulion. “If that's another euphemism about your cock I swear I'm going to… … …"

Slowing mid-sentence the newcomer finally took notice of Aston seated quietly on the couch. His expression of mild annoyance towards Tulion changed to quiet curiosity as he took the younger man in from afar, Aston looking him over as well. Quickly becoming surprised by what he saw.

The stranger was an older gentleman. Somewhere around the age of Aston's own parents. Complexion dark and body tall and muscular. The top of his head was completely bald, with dark gray, triangular muttonchops trailing down the sides of his face. Their tremendous bushiness merging with a thick horseshoe mustache the same shade that sat below a prominent nose and above a bare chin marred by a single, cross-shaped scar.

He looked like a rough and scary dock worker to Aston to be honest. Dressed in big clompy boots and a pair of brown overalls that covered a simple linen shirt. The top of which was brazenly left unbuttoned and open, exposing a thick thatch of chest hair. The whole wardrobe gave him a tough guy persona that radiated strength and confidence.

For several awkward seconds, the man stared at Aston from across the room. Large, woolly eyebrows knitted together as he considered him for a bit before turning back to Tulion with a curt question.

“Who's this now?" He asked in a growly, yet friendly way. “You go and pick up another stray on us?"

Barely moving from his comfortable position in his chair Tulion tilted his chin in Aston's direction. “That there is Aston Bakson." He hummed sleepily. “Our Harriet approved, newest resident!"

Repeating the gesture in reverse he then nodded towards the man. “Aston. This here is my Strong One, Caspian Draylan." He then added. “My second accord-mate and official mother hen of our little operation here."

The first thought Aston had after being introduced to Caspian was, 'Mother hen? This bruiser!?', the second one, and this came with a small gasp, was a shocked, 'WAIT!? Did he just say “second accord-mate"!?'

Hardly believing his own ears Aston looked back and forth between the two older men. Brain taking a few, befuddled attempts to comprehend what he'd just learned while Caspian grabbed hold of one of Tulion's horns and yanked it. Roughly forcing the Dragkin to fully face him.

“What did I tell you about calling me a mother hen?" Caspian huffed through a half-smirk as he tugged at the curled protrusion a few more times. “What about me is in any way motherly?"

Tulion appeared to be completely unfazed by the rough treatment he was receiving. Snickering softly to himself, he peered over to his male lover with a mischievous edge. "What about that time I caught ya wearing that frilly apron?" He teased. "The really cute pink number with the little duckies that one girl we had left behind."

That comment earned Tulion's horn an exceptionally hard yank. “Only reason I was wearing that was because mine was in the wash and you know that!" Caspian insisted, cheeks actually tinting a little. “As soon as it was dry I was back to wearing my normal one."

“Which really was a shame! You looked so damn pretty in it my Strong One." Tulion continued without a hint of remorse. “I really want ya to wear it for me again one day. Maybe without anything on under it this time?"

“No way in hell that's ever happening Tuls." Mercifully releasing the scaled man Caspian glared down at him with a fond, yet exasperated expression for a few moments.

Then moving his attention back over to Aston the gruff man presented him with a warm and friendly smile. “Anyway… well met Lad." He greeted. “Please don't let this blue buffoon's idiocy fool you. I promise that we're a respectable lot here at the Jade House."

Standing, Aston held out a hand to the other man. This time trying his best to make a good first impression, unlike the one he had with Harriet. "Well met to you too Mr…. Draylan was it?" He greeted.

Padding over to the nervous man Caspian accepted the offered handshake with an impressed nod. "You're a well-mannered one, aren't you? That'll do you real good when it comes time to meet our Suitors." He said, approvingly. "But just call me Pops. Might not be a mother hen but I am a papa bear when it comes to looking after you young people."

“Bear huh? Well, yer as hairy as one I suppose." Tulion chimed in smartly. "But I still say yer a mama with all that fussing ya do around the house."

When Caspian shot his large partner a frowning look Tulion actually flinched. The Dragkin chuckled nervously as he took hold of his own horns as if protecting them. “A-Ayway my love, could you do me a favor and show the boy to a room?" The drake asked nervously. “I'd do so myself but I just sat down and…"

Caspian gave a hard snort and folded his arms over his chest. “Let me guess. You feel like taking a nap now?" He incredulously replied.

At the accusation, Tulion's eyes drifted off to the side. “Maaaaybeeeee." He guiltily responded. “But can ya blame me? I was out all evening getting groceries and then I found the Little Guy here and just had to help him! I've been busy!"

“You big lazy…" Caspian snorted, his annoyance clear as day, but his eyes betraying his amusement towards the situation. “Fine, I'll do your job for you, oh mighty dragon lord." He sighed. “But I'm afraid you don't have time to rest."

Tulion frowned. He hated it when his potential beauty sleep was interrupted. “Why?" He asked. “Did something happen?"

“Yes, but it's good news." Smiling Caspian thumbed over his shoulder towards the door he'd just used. “Turns out Mr. Tremblewing and Allie finally made a decision and are waiting for you in consummation suite number two."

The response to Caspian's news was instantaneous and loud. With a shout, Tulion was wide awake again and bounding right out of his seat. His body crouched and fists clenched as an excited, joy-filled grin overtook him.

“REALLY!?" Tulion exclaimed, stomping over to his mate and Aston. “B-But I thought they were still working out the details! Ya sure they said they're ready to sign!?"

Seemingly to share in the excitement, though not nearly as enthusiastically, Caspian quickly nodded back. “Well… when I left them just now they were cuddling like lovebirds. So yes, I'm sure they're ready." He assured. “All they need is for you to make their contract official and they can seal the deal."

Standing to the side as the two men shared their moment Aston had to quickly cover his mouth, smothering a snicker as Tulion started to hop from foot to foot and wag his large tail like some overgrown puppy.

“Good! GOOD! I'll go and get ready for the ceremony then!" Tulion said, still bouncing about. “Aston? I'll see ya later Little Guy. Be good for Caspian for me, ya hear?"

That said the giddy Drake rushed off at an alarming speed for someone his size. The stunned silence after he squeezed his big blue self through a door leading out of the room almost comical as Aston and Caspian shared a bewildered look between them.

“Is… Mr. Jadescale always like that when someone signs a contract?" Aston asked the older man.

Patting the farmer's shoulder Caspian sighed ruefully. “Most of the time, yes." He admitted. “For Tulion, helping couples get together is the best part of the job."

Giving Aston a knowing look the older man then smirked at him. “Well that and interacting with our clients." He continued. “Though he needs to learn to tone it down. Gets a little too flirty sometimes."

“I'll say!" Aston laughed back gently. "He actually asked me to sit on my lap earlier! Nearly gave me a heart attack."

“His lap, you say?" Caspian asked, an eyebrow quirking upwards. “Did you do it?"

Realizing what he'd just said Aston flinched. Hands quickly coming up to cover his idiot mouth as he cursed himself for saying what he just said. For all he knew Tulion flirting with him could send Caspian into a rage and the last thing he needed was the older man thinking he was trying to intrude on their relationship.

But to his astonishment, the whiskered man merely chuckled at his panic. "That horny old lizard." He grumbled good-naturedly. "I really do have to teach him some tact when it comes to teasing clients. Especially after he scared off that one fella last year."

Slowly removing his hands from his face Aston blinked up at the other man, confused. “You… you're not upset he did that?"

Placing a hand on Aston's shoulder Caspian turned them towards another open doorway, leading them through it. "Nay lad, not in the slightest. Harriet won't mind either in case you're wondering." He casually explained. "It's just how Dragkin are when it comes to humans. Part of their nature."

Yet even more new information Aston realized as they entered a short hallway. “It is?"

“Aye, they claim they all see us as "cute" or something," Caspian replied back. "But don't let it worry you. A Dragkin may flirt and tease, but no self-respecting one will take it any further."

There was a short pause where the gray-haired man hummed thoughtfully. "That is…" He chuckled knowingly. “...unless you make it crystal clear you like what they're saying and want more."

“Well um… that's good I suppose," Aston said more than a little relieved.

That had actually been something he'd been worried about since finding out about the true nature of Hallarian accords. That some amorous Dragkin would try to seduce him and not take no for an answer. Those two men back on the wagon to Kelston had been enough thank you!

“Anyways lad, let's get you settled in so you can get some sleep!" Caspian said changing the subject “Come along, the dorms are downstairs."

Going down a set of stairs at the end of the hall the two men entered into another large space. A dining room for the looks of it with a long table at its center and a door at the back which, from the open window in the wall, led to a kitchen.

“This is the mess hall and kitchen," Caspian explained as they passed through the darkened space. "Mine, Harriet's, and Tulion's bedroom and office are also on this floor. Except for the last two you're free to come and go as you please."

Nodding absently Aston remained silent as they descended down to an even lower floor. This time ending up in a long hallway with three doors on either side. "To the left, we got the bathroom, and to the right is the laundry." His guide said, gesturing to the first pair of doors as they passed them.

“Next four are the dorms. Two on the left for the lady folk." Caspian pointed to one side of the corridor, then to the other, he said, "While those are for the fellas."

“Which one do I sleep in?" Aston questioned looking at his two choices. It was amazing to him that all of this was underground. From street level, the Jade House looked to be a single-story building.

Caspian shrugged dismissively at the inquiry. “Depends on the roommate you want son." He said. “Either way, there are three rules here at my house."

Holding up a hand he held up a single finger inches away from Aston's face. “Rule number one: No fighting or arguing with your new dormmates."

A second finger joined the first. “Rule number two: If you don't make it to breakfast or dinner on time you have to fend for yourself!

Finally, a third finger came into view. "And rule number three: And this one's only temporary, curfew is four hours after sunset." Gaze suddenly meeting Aston's, Caspian seemed to almost be pleading when said, "Please be home by then."

Looking into the dark brown eyes of his new acquaintance Aston wondered why being back at a certain time was so important and why it was a new rule. It wasn't as if he were some child who needed to come home by bedtime.

Still, who was he to complain. He had to follow the rules if he wanted to stay there after all. "I-I'll remember those rules, sir…" Caspian gave Aston a frown. “I-I mean Pops."

Ruffling Aston's hair similar to how Tulion had the rough-looking caregiver began to leave. "That's a good lad." He hummed. “Now go and find yourself a bed! You'll be needing the rest for what's coming your way tomorrow."

Curious as to what that meant Aston went to ask. But before he could even utter a single word the older man was gone. The last he saw of him that night being his robust figure as he swiftly climbed his way back up the stairs.

Alone now Aston sighed, eyes going from closed door to closed door as he came to terms with what was now his temporary home. All in all, it wasn't the worst. Clean, free food, bed and bath. Better than sleeping out in the street. The only potential problem he could foresee was not liking whoever he ended up rooming with.

Speaking of which, heading over to one of the male dorms Aston hesitantly knocked on the door. The heavy rapping of his fist against the polished wood echoed in the quiet hall as he waited for a response. Which he received rather quickly. Although said response wasn't exactly a positive one.

“GO AWAY!" An incredibly snooty-sounding voice called out. "I'm trying to get my beauty sleep in here if you don't mind!"

'Alright, so this door is a no.' Aston thought with a roll of his eyes. The last thing he needed was to share a room with someone who sounded like that.

Going over to the next door Aston tried knocking on it, this time just a little more firmly. This time, to his tremendous relief the reply he eventually received was far more friendly than the first.

“Be right there!" A light, male voice came.

Stepping back for a moment Aston quickly dusted himself off. An uneasy smile presently nervously as the door opened to reveal an unexpectedly attractive-looking man. The unexpected blush he felt creep down his face and to his neck when he saw that the boy was only dressed in a pair of tight-fitting boxers quite embarrassing.

The half-naked stranger seemed younger than him, but only slightly. Lithe and muscular with a complexion several shades darker than the usual Raisterian. His face, as stated before, was quite handsome. High cheekbones and long pitch-black hair tied back by a simple band of cloth.

That was when Aston noticed something different about the person before him. His ears were larger than a human's and pointed. 'An elf!?' He thought at first. But no, his eyes looked human, and so did most of his other features. 'A half-breed then.'

“Let me guess! You're the new kid on the block?" The man said, a mischievous grin gracing his fair features. “Well… you don't look like a nut so I guess you can board with me. Come on in!"

Ducking back into the room after that the man left Aston completely dumbfounded as to how he should react to what just happened. The farmer's nervously glancing around for a moment or two before he was playfully pulled through the still-open doorway by the front of his shirt. The sudden change in scenery leaving him dizzy and staggered as he entered a midsize bedroom.

“Careful there friend." Aston's new roommate laughed. “Can't have you cracking your head open on the floor. It'd make an awful mess and I don't feel like spending the night cleaning."

'Oh, thanks!' Aston thought, sending a glare in the younger man's direction.

Seeming to sense his irritation the skinny man grinned and sat down on one of the beds. “Name's Hector." He said, introducing himself. “No last name. Just Hector from Unta-ana."

“Unta-ana!?" Aston shouted back, surprised.

Unta-ana was a far-off kingdom all the way on the other side of Raisteria past the eastern sea. Traveling all the way from there to Kelston in the west would have taken over a year and a half and cost a small fortune.

Finding Aston's shock funny Hector leaned back on his elbows, grinning. “Yeah, Unta-ana." He said again. “What about you friend? What's your name and where'd you come from?"

Doing his best to avoid looking at Hector's lower half as he took a seat Aston on the bed opposite of Hector's. “I'm Aston Bakson from Ebonhill near the Raisteria capital." The brunette said. “I-It's a farming village."

“Same area Lorry's from then," Hector remarked.

When a confused look met his words Hector gestured past Aston to the wall behind him. “The snobby guy in the dorm next to ours." He explained. “Little bit of a brat, but not all that bad once you get used to him. He can even be friendly when he wants to."

'Didn't sound all that friendly to me.'Aston thought, repressing the urge he felt to huff.

Instead, he sheepishly patted the bed he was on. "So… it's alright if we share a room?" He asked Hector. "If it isn't I can try the other door again or—"

“—It's fine with me if you stay Country Man." Shifting around on his bed Hector laid down, head coming to rest on his folded arms. “Not like you'd be the first guy I've bedded with here. Five others have come and gone before you."

“Five others?" Aston repeated, a small pool of worry starting to form in his guts. “How long have you been here?"

Hector let out a long, sad-sounding sigh. "Nearly two years." He said staring up at the ceiling. “Dragkin don't really like making contracts with other demihumans, even half ones, so it's been hard. But I haven't given up yet! Sooner or later some Drake or Dame is going to come and sweep me right off my feet."

Peering over at Hector from his new bed Aston frowned, feeling bad for the other man. Despite what he'd said there was an obvious tinge of disappointment in his voice. It causing another bout of anxiety-laced worry to bubble up in Aston's mind.

No matter how much he wished to the contrary there was still a good chance he'd end up in a similar situation to Hector. More when you considered his looks. Aston really wasn't the most desirable-looking man in his opinion. Just a rural commoner with below-average looks and a belly. If someone as attractive as Hector couldn't find someone to sign a contract with then what hope did someone like him have?

It was with that thought swirling around in his head that Aston felt it was time to get some sleep. The stress he'd been put through all day finally getting to him as he laid down, still fully dressed in his traveling clothes.

Closing his eyes he wondered what the next day would bring. A chance for a brighter future? Or the beginning of his inevitable downfall. In the end, he wanted to believe that it would be the former. If only because it helped him drift off as fell into a deep slumber, contently awaiting whatever dreams may come.

====================

O0O0O0O0O

====================