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The only sound that filled her ears was the thundering of her own heart. Selina swayed and took a slow breath, trying to calm herself down. Yet even that was an effort beyond her right now. Her blinked, vision blurred then focused back slowly. An image resolved itself slowly. Dark scales, bloodied gums, cracked and stained teeth. It crawled towards her with aching slowness. A thundering filled her ears, and it took her far too long to realize it was a roar.

She was staring down the maw of a black dragon who was barreling down on her.

Her world expanded and she remembered. They were fighting Vymmiorres, a black dragon with designs to be an emperor. Months, years of travel had brought them to this point. Countless battles, foes defeated, friends and allies lost, villages razed to the ground, and innocents lost. All for this, right here, right now. Taking the dragon on in the heart of its lair. She'd spent everything she had to keep her allies up and moving, weakening Vymmiorres where she could. Now she was staring down the beast's gullet as it bore down on her.

Some part of her lifted her spear and braced it against her foot. Lips curled and she let out a soundless cry of defiance as the beast crashed into her. Fangs and acidic saliva tore into her body. She crumpled as blood poured over her. Was it Vymmiorres? Hers? Her world exploded into pain then icy cold.

“_ SELINA!" _

She bolted up in bed with a gasp, body alternating between burning and ice cold. For a moment, her room was blindingly bright, every plank, every grain of wood in sharp relief. She blinked and her vision faded back slowly. Colors draining away to leave the room in a soft, gray haze. Selina lifted a hand to her head and braced her palm to her temple for a moment.

“Always wake up at the yell."

Her voice was hollow in the bedroom, each word formed a slight fog in the cold air. Must have let the fireplace go out again. She was glad for the distraction though, drag her mind away from the lingering memory of the dream.

Selina threw back the curtains on her bed and shivered as colder air rushed in. Grabbing her robe, she crossed to the small fireplace and crouched. She focused everything on getting the fire going again. Picking out a couple good bits of wood. Stirring up the old coals to see what was left. Adding the pieces in the right order so she wouldn't have to work too much. Steady, methodical and well practiced moves. It let her breathe and focus on her heart again. Willing herself into a calmer state.

Selina settled into a crouch before the fire, arms wrapped around her legs. She breathed in and centered herself slowly. Each breath came that much easier than the last. Fingers loosening their grip on her thighs as she found her calm. Fur laying flat and her heart calming steadily. Ears fell back as her eyes drifted closed. Falling into the easy, long remembered practice of meditation.

There she sat, unmoving, as the room warmed and brightened. Her eyes half open, staring into the nothingness below the fire and above the wood. Slowly more light crept into the room, casting her features into stark relief while bringing more life to the rest of the room. Warm hardwoods and soft cloth filled the bedroom. The bed's posts looking like they'd grown from the floor. Twisting and rolling like a vine covered trunk. Branching up and out as it reached, threading into the soft greens of the canopy and curtains.

As the light brightened, it reveled more of the room and more of that forest feel. With a wardrobe that looked like a massive tree trunk. A desk that looked like it was made out of a rock. Then curiously a mirror. Not unlike one seen in higher end tailor shops. Three panels of silvered glass stood nearly floor to ceiling. Each mounted in a finely carved frame that held them at a slight angle to each other.

Only when the room had warmed and Selina's body calmed did she moved. She took a thin reed and lit the end on fire. Taking it to a small oil lamp, she lit it up and moved to stand before the set of mirrors. Slowly, carefully looking herself over as she turned before it.

She was a tall woman with broad shoulders. Her fur nearly black, but with hints of brownish gray to it. Eyes of a startling amber-gold peered form a wolfish face. Though her muzzle was a shade wide and that cheek fluff rather pronounced. Her thick pelt hid the steady flow and shift of honed muscles. As she turned, her fur shifted and revealed fine lines of scales here and there. Little hints along her ribs, traces on her hips. Most notably was the bare patch of jet black scales along her spine. Revealed as she pulled back her mane of long hair. Then there was the more pronounced ridges of her shoulder blades.

“No new scales," her rough voice a bare whisper as she reached back. Fingers nearly touching the row of scales along her back. Was her fur darker than before or was it just the lighting?

Did it matter?

Selina sighed quietly and gave herself another look in the mirror. Even after all the years, the face still felt alien to her. Certainly not the coyote she had come into this world as. Now she was this cursed… thing.

Taking a breath, she took up a brush and worked it through her fur steadily. Just straightening out and removing loose fur. Then came dressing herself. She picked practical wear, trousers, shirt, the usual wear. With a hooded cloak to ward of the oncoming chill.

Morning chores were easy enough. Snuff out the lamp, bank the fire, and then downstairs. She did her round of the lower floors, checking on the herbs that had been left hanging to dry. A few brews that had been left to steep or process in one way or another. Some things were bagged or bottled. Each finding a home in a pouch or bag. Everything was either for her use or to take to town.

Not everything was inside her home though. She had to step outside and stretch, sniffing at the air with a low hum. Eyes swept over the area around her home quickly. She lived at an old watermill. It had been abandoned some time ago after it nearly burned down. They built a new one a bit further up the river, and when she came here several years ago, she rebuilt this and moved in. Which it had taken a while to get the wheel working again. She was far from the most skilled at handiwork. With nothing but time on her hands, she felt like she made due.

More than that, she had set up a small herbalism and alchemy lab within the building's cellar. Which a side effect of those two things also meant that she could brew her own alcohol. Which is what she was going into the cellar to check on.

Venturing into the dark, she waited a moment for her eyes to adjust before pushing through the rows of kegs, tapping each one, listening, smelling, and then nodding. A couple got rolled up and lifted into her hand kart. Selina grunting quietly under her breath as her muscles rolled under her loose clothing. It _'s always so easy to pick them up,_ she sighed to herself. Easier than if I weren't… she trailed off and shook that thought from her head. Muscles barely strained as she hefted the full barrel up onto the cart and slid it forward. She had a couple ready for the town. Ol' Crellin would be happy she had more stock for him.

Sighing quietly, she rolled her shoulders and picked up the handles on her cart. Casually leaning into it as she started down the path towards town.

“Ah you're here!" the older goat grinned as Selina wheeled the cart up. “Got th'lads to help unload so a lady like you don't gotta grunt and groan with the rest of us."

She laughed, “I don't mind helping," but 'th'lads' were already hard at work with her cart. Nudging and rolling the kegs, grumbling and grunting about the weight as they rolled them down into the cellars. She watched as they used two and three lads to keep the kegs from running away and crashing. A little smirk tweaked at her lips as a voice hissed in her mind, Look what they have to do to mimic a fraction of our power.

“I'll be back for the cart later," she turned quickly and headed towards the market. Aynor wasn't a great town by any stretch of the imagination. A dozen families and that was it. Barely even any farmland to speak of. They hunted, gathered, fished, and then relied on what small farms they could. She helped the farmers where she could, giving them some tips on how to shape the land and what to farm when.

We could be doing so much more. Change the scape of this very land to make it so much easier on them. The voice growled in the corner of her mind. Think of it. All it would take would be a wave of your hand and you could doubly, NO! You could triple their farms and yields. All for a little power.

“Selina!" Tilda waved and pushed some buns towards her, “Fresh from the oven for you, Dear. A bit of cider 'ta wash em down with, eh?"

Breakfast, that would get her mind off things. “Tilda, I swear your buns are the best thing I've ever put in my mouth." A beat, then a pang as she didn't hear the giggle or quip from one of her old friends. Years apart, and she still missed them.

Selina clutched her fresh buns and took a walk around the market. Eyes darting over the few stalls. There wasn't much to the market. It was barely more than a wide spot in the town's only road. At one end there was the town's single tavern, The Far Turnip, which served so many purposes. Town hall, Mayor's office, courthouse, inn, so on and so forth. Opposite that stood a temple at the other end of the market. Not a temple to any one deity, it housed a good dozen smaller alters. Though she'd been in enough homes here to know most had some private alter to whatever deity the family worshiped. Beyond that? Just a handful of buildings, most barely a single story.

Her stomach rolled, reminding her that breakfast was to be consumed. There was a bench she liked to sit at, just off the main street. Had a nice tree, good shade in the afternoon. Not to mention it let her watch the comings and goings, on top of letting others find her. She barely sat down before taking a bite of the bun. Warm, buttery exterior with a fluffy interior, stuffed with some spiced fruits. Oh it was delightful. Tilda had outdone herself again.

“Selina! Selina!"

She hid a smile behind her breakfast and pretended not to hear the calls. A tall ear perked as the unruly horde charged at her. Little Leila holding a broadside and waving it about. “Selina!" the boar squealed as she nearly launched herself at the dark coyote. Selina had to quickly set her buns aside and catch the piglet before she went head over heels into Selina's knees.

“Why hello there, little one," Selina chuckled. “What has you all excited." Not that she didn't already know.

Romola picked up the buns so she could sit down. “New broadsheets." The boar's ears perked slowly and she offered up the buns. Selina gladly traded the buns for Romola's younger sister. Both ears perked as she nibbled at the edges of one. “Would you mind reading for us?" Romola looked hopefully, holding her younger sister while other of the town's children gathered around.

Selina finished up her first bun and wiped her fingers on the edge of her cloak. A bad habit she'd never gotten rid of. “Well," she pondered after swallowing, “I suppose I could." Their faces lit up and Leila got ready to shove the broadsheet into her hand, “After I finish my food. I would hate to get food all over the page." She did her best to hide her smile as the children waited patiently. Oh she could feel them trying not to stare at her impatiently as she worked her way through the remaining buns. Then sipped down the cider with a quiet hum.

To their credit, they were patient as she set the mug aside and adjusted her clothes. The broadsheet all but appeared in her hand as she lifted it. Selina leaned back and straightened the page. Little surprised that the new sheet is out already.

Selina knew that it wouldn't take a moment for the children to settle. So she began to read from the front. All the news and goings on in the kingdom itself, weather reports, tax updates, so on and so forth. Though she avoided the notice asking for information about a small warlord. Didn't want to give the children nightmares. It didn't take much before the children were making disgusted noises, "No!" Leila huffed, "The back!" she reached out and pushed at the page a little.

"Ooh," Selina perked her ears and turned the sheet over slowly, "you want the Ballads. And here I thought you were finally showing interest in the updated tax codes and weather."

The broadsheets were exactly that. A large bit of paper that she could barely hold onto. The front was the domain of goings on and updates. The back was what most people were really interested in. The Ballads. Stories and small plays and who knew what else. Some even came with illustrations carved and then printed alongside the tales. Sometimes a cheeky artist would even include a caption in a rather humorous illustration.

A quick scan gave her a rough idea of what they were. A drama about missed love from a popular writer. A satire of that story by one of his rivals. One tale about a near-mythical thief who reallocate wealth from the greedy rich.

And a tale of The Chosen Few.

Elis gasped and pointed at the page, "Oh! Can you read this one, Selina?" He was a huge fan of the Chosen and the Heroes of Prophecy.

We should have never taught that brat to read, a dark voice hissed in Selina's mind.

"Of course we can. And I mean we because," she slid closer to his sister and patted the bench beside her, "You are going to help me with the voices."

The teen boar male looked like he was about to explode with excitement as he clambered up beside her. He clutched the page with an almost reverence before starting to slowly, steadily work his way through the words. He was still learning to read, but he was bright. More than that, he had a natural storyteller within him.

This particular ballad was about how the Chosen Few had been hired to retrieve some exotic goods from a merchant. Except with the slight wrinkle that said goods had been confiscated and taken behind enemy lines. It was harrowing and went into great detail of the grand plans of each party member. Emphasizing how they worked together well, but ultimately flourished under the supreme leadership of their noble knight.

That's not how it happened at all. Selina thought to herself. Those bozos didn't even show up until a week after the goods had been secured. Too busy partaking of a local lord's hospitality.

As she was reading through the narration and helping Elis sound out words, she found her mind wandering back. It drifted back to when they'd returned the wagon. How they'd celebrated that night and a bard wrote up a song for them. She smiled to herself as that tune began to drift through the back of her mind. Without even thinking, she hummed it to self as Elis leapt from the bench and began to act out what was happening. Which started a chain reaction with some of the town's other children rushing him as 'the evil minions' and getting into mock-fights before dying dramatically.

Her muzzle wrinkled in a smile as her ear twitched around. Only then realizing that they'd gathered a small crowd. Villagers who were just wandering through the market or that had been idly chatting were gathered around. Listening to the ballad as they narrated it, and now laughing as the children fought with unseen weapons. As Selina scanned the crowd quickly, her eyes caught on someone. A traveler in a heavy cloak, it's hood pulled up to hide a face in the shadows. Selina could just make out a pair of vibrantly blue-green eyes under the hood, watching her.

"SELINA!"

The cry cut through the laughter and squeals of joy. Selina sat bolt upright as Norah landed just outside the circle of villagers. They parted as she stumbled, a helpful hand caught and steadied her, but she didn't notice. Just panting as she stumbled towards Selina. "Norah what's wrong?" Selina handed the broadsheets to Romola and surged to her feet.

"It's Hooper, he... He took to coughing and won't wake up."

If the usually joyful falconess was this worried, it had to be something terrible. "Hurry then. Children, I'm sorry, but I'll be back later." Selina stretched her legs out and took into a run, knowing that Norah would take to the skies and keep up.

Sure enough, by the time Selina approached her house, the hen was diving for the door. Her feet barely touched the ground before she threw her door open, panting and almost in hysterics. Selina surged into the house and immediately went to the loft.

She knew that Hooper had never been the strongest. He was smart, shy, but never one to get into rough play as much as the other children might. We could fix him easily, that dark voice whispered in her mind. She ignored it as she climbed the ladder and made it to the loft. The feathery child in his bed and breathing heavily. Eyes open wide, but staring blankly at the ceiling as he breathed heavily. Her ears perked as she heard the rattling in his lungs.

Selina dropped to the bedside and began to look over the child. A pity, that voice hissed in her ear, fever, cough, weak. Some medicine will help him, but it will be slower. He'll be bedridden for days, if not longer. She could feel something crawling inside her. Green power from her own magic reached from the depths of her core, but it felt wrong. Tainted. Something dark was intertwined with the power and reaching towards her. A spell will fix him in mere moments. You know this as well as I do. All it would take would be a few words, a little prayer, and a hint of Power. He'll be right as rain by the end of the day. Go on, just say the words. Touch him. It will be easy.

Her fingers shook over his beak. They trembled as that awful power tingled and trickled through her digits. It would be just that easy. Oh how much easier it would be to do that. Just a whisper of power, what would it cost her? A few more scales perhaps? Surely that would be worth the cost.

"It shouldn't be too severe, thankfully." Selina rocked back on her heels, "He looks far worse than he is. There's a fever, but it will break soon enough." Selina sighed and smiled at Norah as she rose to her feet. "Do you have a clean rag and some fresh, clear water?" Norah nodded. "Good, get the cloth damp and bring it here."

While Norah hurried to do that, Selina reached down and rubbed Hooper forehead. Her voice low, "I told you to be careful, especially this time of year. Children will be children though," she gently stroked his head crest. Humming a few notes as she waited for his mother to return.

Selina took the cloth and basin when Norah returned. She added a few herbs from her pouch to the water, stirred with her finger, and dipped the cloth in. "You'll want to keep it damp, not wet." Gently, she lay the cloth over his face, making sure not to cover his beak or nares. "Let him rest, check on him regularly." Standing, she rolled her shoulders slowly, "I need to go to my home and make the medicine. It should be done before dusk. Let me know if he gets worse before then."

Norah relaxed with a breathy sigh, "I am so sorry for making you run all the way here. Just he..."

She trailed off as Selina put a hand on her shoulder and smiled. "I know." Norah had lost her mate before the egg hatched, and her poured everything into raising their son together. "He'll be fine, believe me. Just let me know if he gets worse, and I'll bring the medicine when it's ready."

Norah shook her head, "No, I can't possibly make you come all the way back here. I'll come by and pick it up." She turned her head and thought a moment, "How's a brace of rabbit sound for trade?"

"That sounds wonderful," Norah was a skillful hunter and always brought in the best game. "I will see you this afternoon then."

Pssh, her dark passenger snorted, coward.

Selina bit her lip as she turned to head towards her home. Yes, I am a coward, but only if it means I don't become you.

A walk through the woods back to her house sounded good. If she went back to town, then there would be questions. People would wonder why Norah had come to grab her. Would ask what she could do, what they could do, so on and so forth. It was one of the great things about living in a close-knit community like this. It was also the worst part of it. Selina wrapped her arms around herself, How can I face them? She thought to herself. I could solve so many of their problems with just a spell. I'm not just some hedgewitch or herbalist, I am a druid of the highest order!

She could feel tears burning at the corner of her eyes. Wrapped her arms around herself and held on, biting her lip to tamp it all down again. Yes, that voice hissed, mirroring her own thoughts. Imagine all the good you could do. Make their fields grow better, faster. Reshape the land so they can work more of it. Heal their wounds, cure their diseases, you can take care of all their Pesky Little Problems. It would be SO incredibly easy for you. A few hours of spells, a couple days of work, far easier than risking your life. Far easier than…

There was a presence. Pressure against her muzzle. It felt as if someone had placed a finger against her nose and was forcibly turning her. Her head swung around until she was peering into a stream. The reflection rippled as she stared at it. The eyes darkened from her golden amber, taking on a dreadful red to it. The muzzle widened and reshaped, rippling in and out of focus as she stared at it. Her eyes tried to focus, but it was impossible. For a brief second, she could see the coyote she was born as, but then the water rippled and there was another image over it.

A black dragon that sneered down at her. Far easier than killing me…

The words hung in her mind as she worked on medicines. A powdered blend that could be mixed into steaming water would help Hooper with his lungs and fever. Though the syrup she was planning on would help him rest, as well as break up whatever was in his chest. It would take longer, but again. It'd be safer for everyone.

Yes, keep telling yourself that. 'Oh it's safer for everyone.' Pha! You could do so much good if only you'd just grow a spine, little mutt.

Selina' lips curled into a snarl and she slammed her hand down on a table. More than ready to yell at herself. To tell that voice that harassed her to shut up for one godsforsaken moment and let her work in peace without battering her mind.

At least until someone rapped and a quizzical, “Hello?" rang through the open door. “Am I interrupting or disturbing?"

Good, a distraction, “No no," Selina looked up from her worktable. Her small apothecary was located around back of her house. It had been a store room, a tall lean-to really. She'd added a few windows on the low wall to give more light. On top of bringing in a nice, long worktable that she could move around and do what she needed to. Right now, she was working over a small burner, simmering an even smaller kettle of medicine. “Come on in, I was just mixing up a few things for the locals." She glanced up at the voice and stopped herself. It was the strange from earlier. The hooded figure with those strange blue-green eyes that peered out from the shadows of her cloak.

As she looked up, the stranger stepped forward and pushed her hood back. She was a rather striking hyena. One ear was missing a piece and the other was pierced with a couple simple earrings. She wore an easy, almost playful, smile as she looked over the workshop. Though most fascinating was her eyes. Nearly luminous blue-green in a sea of black. They swept over the workshop then settled on Selina as the stranger stepped forward. “I hear you're an herbalist of sorts?"

Selina perked an ear and took in her guest. Not that there was much to take in beyond her face. That cloak draped over her shoulders so elegantly. It was a lovely midnight blue as well, which only seemed to enhance her eyes. “I've been called worse," she laughed, “Moved here a couple years ago. Took up the role of herbalist and amateur apothecary." She nodded at the kettle she was stirring.

That muzzle split into a grin that almost seemed too wide for the hyena. “Ah, well what I'm looking for is rather simple. An herbal mixture that I am certain is rather easy. One that keeps us ladies from," she paused and brought out a gloved hand to mime over her stomach, “having any surprises."

“Oh that is very easy." Selina moved the kettle off the burner and turned to a chest. “You'd be surprised how thrilled the local ladies were when I told them I could make this." She laughed and pulled out a pouch, “Each does is good for a tenday or so, how much would you be interested in?" Selina opened the pouch and checked inside. It was still fresh, still scented faintly of cherry too.

“Enough for a couple weeks." The hyena drew closer and perked her ears, sniffing. “That's an interesting aroma. Most don't add scents to the mix."

Selina's tail swayed slightly as the hyena leaned in. Her scent was clean, almost completely vacant in fact. Stranger still, there was a faint ticking from within her cloak. “Oh it's not just the scent. I added a little bit of cherry into the mix." She smiled, but she could feel her hackles start to rise, “Makes it taste less like a bunch of something you'd find under a rock."

The hyena moved in a little closer, “I knew someone that did the same thing once."

Tick tock tick… to…

Every alarm in Selina's mind went off and her body reacted before she could think. She leapt back as the hyena's arm shot up. Light glinted off a dagger, but she knew better than to expect that was the end of it. Feet barely tapped off the ground as she shot backwards and went low. Something unseen whistled past her ear. The hyena's grin widened and her eyes glowed as her body shifted. Almost melting into darkness, following the path of whatever she'd thrown.

Selina knew her workshop better than she knew her own body. It wasn't even conscious thought as she reached out and grabbed for her broom. It was a far cry from a weapon but it was long, sturdy, and she'd used worse in a fight. Her ear twisted before she finished her dodge. Just barely catching the shuffle of boots on hard-packed dirt. She turned and lashed out.

“PFHA!" the hyena spat as the broom caught her in the mouth. “What is with you and sticky weapons?!"

“What's with you and saying hello by trying to stab me?!"

The hyena's muzzle widened further as she stood up, peering at Selina over the top of the broom. “I knew it was you, Sil." She nudged the broom aside gently, “No one else would really be that happy to sit and read to kids that early in the morning." Her voice dropped as if trying to do another voice, “Not with the voices you pull out. And the way you took off to help that falcon? Not to mention the song. Not many people know that particular tune." Her muzzle widened in a grin and that music hummed in Selina's head again. The hyena using those mental powers of hers. Zon's eyes darted at her, “Though why the medicine?"

“Sensitivities," she lied without thinking. Though she still wiggled the broom at the hyena, “You could have just walked in to say hello like a normal person, Your Majesty."

Zon snorted as she moved around the table and planted her hands on it. “And you could have said goodby…" she trailed off as Selina looked away. The hyena took a breath and stepped closer, “I've missed you, Sil." She reached out and let her gloved hand come to rest on Selina's cheek, “When you vanished on us, I just…" she leaned forward, lips parting as she breathed out. Selina felt her ears warm as Zon stepped in. Memories came rushing back. She felt her insides flush warm and clench ever so slightly in memory. Her heart fluttered as excitement rushed through her. Memories of countless days traveling, laughing, hard times, good times, and so many nights just…

Selina leaned back before Zon's lips could touch hers. “How about we catch up first?" she smiled, fighting off the urge to throw herself at one of her closest friends.

That smile faltered ever so slightly before returning in full force. “Yeah, what was I thinking?" she cackled, a little too strong. “So, what are you making?" Zon pulled her cloak off to reveal her usual traveling leathers. All in rich blues and natural tones. Her smoky gray pelt was lovely as always, hair a dark mane. One arm was partially bared, but the other had a full sleeve, and both hands had fine, supple gloves.

“Some syrup, my little patient has a cough and something in his lungs. Why, joining in?"

That muzzle split into a wider grin, "Of course, I was always the better herbalist. Cook too," Zon looked into the middle distance and rubbed her chin, "as well as scout, and..."

She ducked the broom Selina swung at her head, cackling. "I've gotten better at some of that," Selina huffed, "and if you're gonna help, hand me some of that Wiseman over there."

Rounded ears perked as Zon looked around the workroom at the bundles of herbs hanging everywhere, "Wiseman? That some local name for these herbs?"

“It's that old sage there."

Zon's ears folded back and she took a slow breath. Held it for a few seconds, then let it out in a long, drawn out sigh. “I really should have known and seen that one coming, shouldn't I? You and Gin always double-teamed me with those," she wheeled around and slammed both hands to the table, “WRETCHED FUCKING JOKES!"

A hesitant knock at the door, “Did I come at a bad time?"

Selina leaned over to look past Zon, “No, Norah. Just an old friend happened to come around." She motioned for the falcon to come in and turned her attention to the syrup. Stirring it slowly as Zon leaned in and sniffed at it. “Don't you dare snort on this."

“I'm not going to snort in it. I am a professional. It does smell about done though."

Selina clicked her tongue, “It should be. I was about to mix up a dry bundle of herbs to steam as well. Ones that will help him breath a little easier in between doses."

Zon snapped her fingers, “I know just the blend you're talking about." She got up and began to sniff at bundles of herbs, picking a leaf here, some berries there.

“There's more in the cabinet," she thumbed over her shoulder and set up a freshly boiled bottle and funnel. Her ears turned towards Norah, then her eyes, “I've done what I can to make the syrup taste a little better. There is only so much I can do though." Moving carefully, she began to pour the syrup into the bottle. “You'll want to give him a regular spoon's worth first thing in the morning, and before bed. Mortar's one shelf up and to your left." Norah looked confused, but Zon made a noise and pulled down the heavy stone bowl. “The herbs my friend is mixing up will help him rest and recover. It should take," she rolled her head and looked at the bottle, “fifteen days to finish this off. And make sure he finishes this off, even if he's feeling better."

She stuck a stopper into the bottle and offered it over. Norah took it and clutched the dark glass to her chest, “Will this help with him not responding? The way he just stared at the skies was…" she trailed off and shivered.

“That was a fever," Selina stroked Norah's feathered hands, “This will help break it. He needs rest and medicines right now."

Norah held onto the bottle like her life depended on it. “Oh!" she started after a moment and reached behind her, swinging a pair of rabbits around. “As promised, though I do think I should get you some more." Norah's eyes darted to the hyena as Zon ground some herbs into the mortar.

“That was a fever," Selina stroked Norah's feathered hands, “This will help break it. He needs rest and medicines right now."

Norah held onto the bottle like her life depended on it. “Oh!" she started after a moment and reached behind her, swinging a pair of rabbits around. “As promised, though I do think I should get you some more." Norah's eyes darted to the hyena as Zon ground some herbs into the mortar.

"Oh that will be plenty, thank you so very much, Norah."

Zon perked her ears and looked at the rabbits, "Oh those are good ones too." She flashed a very toothy grin and looked around. Selina offered a pouch to the hyena. Who happily shook the contents of the bowl into it. "A hearty pinch of this in a regular sized bowl of steaming water should be good."

Selina nodded at her friend, "I'd suggest doing it at night time, or if he has trouble breathing while he sleeps. Just toss the water and spent herbs outside when you're done."

Norah thanked her with a hug, gave Zon a nod, and headed out quickly. Zon watched the falcon leave and waited a moment before asking. "So, what have you been up to since," she waved her hand in a vague suggestion of time.

Selina found her mind racing as all kinds of thoughts came back to her. It had been years since she had last seen her friend. Ever since they'd fought and defeated Vymmiorres, the Black Scourge. Ever since...

"Oh you know, I just... Took my share of what we'd gathered and decided to go on a little self-discovery trip. Have some quiet for the first time in... A while. Came across this place, found this burned out building and decided to use some of what I had to rebuild it. What about you guys. "

Zon gave Selina a look, but kept her friendly and curious expression. She knew how to read people well enough to know that her friend didn't want to tell everything. Even if it was plainly obvious that the slim, short coyote was now vastly different. "Well, we did look for you for a little bit. I told Rirki what your note had said. He just put his hands on his hips and snorted. " The hyena scrunched her muzzle up and planted her hands on her hips. "That won't stop me, I can't read." She chuckled, "Which is a lie, but you know him. He roped Click and Murdock into it. Though Murdock saw it as a chance to start up a bit of an enterprise. He talked Click into figuring out a way to make more vessels like Fate."

Selina laughed, "Oh I'd seen them." She leaned back and swept her hand around, "Come see the wonders of the Flying Merchant Co. We offer goods from around the Kingdoms!" What she didn't mention was that one of the ships had been Murdock himself.

A grin, "It is good marketing, and a ship coming in the skies? Draws all kinds of crowds." Zon looked at the rabbit and picked them up. Casually inspecting them as if planning out a meal in her head. "You've got a root cellar, don't you? I could make up a good meal out of these two."

"Oh, planning on staying around?"

"If you'll have me." Zon arched a brow, "I don't need to go back home. Father and the Twins worked something out finally. They check in on me every so often. Mother's more than happy I'm out here learning new and interesting skills."

Selina felt her muscles relax at that. Didn't even realize she'd been tense at the thought of her friend leaving too soon. "Yeah, down this way." She lead the way into the small kitchen and showed the trap door that lead into the cellar, "Talked the local carpenter into making this trapdoor. I had to dig out the cellar a bit more, but I had time."

Zon followed her into the cellar and waited as Selina struck a small lantern, revealing a cellar easily tall enough for even the changed coyote to stand up. Stone had been piled high to enclose the cellar, giving it solid walls all around. Rough wood planks covered the entire floor. Zon glanced at the tall rock pillars that held the building above them. Most surprising was the array of pipes, some of them dripping into buckets.

Selina looked into one bucket and sighed, "I got the water wheel working, and tried my hand at getting water through the house." She picked up the bucket and went to a low trough to dump it out. "I think I did a decent job copying that thing Click made, but..." she waved her hand at the leaking pipes, "not quite there."

"Still damned impressive," Zon admitted and went to the lower root cellar. Didn't take more than a moment for her to find a few things that she could use. Picking them out of wood bins and off shelves. "So let me guess. You dug out a secret vault to hide your share of the ill-gotten gains?"

Tall ears folded back as Selina huffed, "What gave it away? Some loose floorboard? A stone out of place?"

Zon shook her head, "No, I know you, and I know you like to dig little borrows when you can."

Selina huffed, "Well fuck. At least you don't know where it is hidden."

"Yet," Zon teased. "Think I can cook us up something nice. But what about drinks?"

Selina opened a door to reveal the other part of her cellar, the room she had her kegs stored in. "I have some ale I'd been brewing and aging. A couple good ciders too, from local apples. I do have a couple small things of wine from wild berries, but they're still aging." Zon's eyes widened and she breathed out a low whistle. This wasn't something she expected her friend to be doing, and yet it somehow seemed wholly appropriate. "But, " Selina continued, "I do have a couple special things." She moved to a shelf and picked up a straw-wrapped bottle, "Remember that night at Wolfsong's keep?"

Zon cackled, "How could I not? Never thought someone so rough would have such a FINE collection of wines, and he could appreciate them too." She took the bottle from Selina and ran her fingers over them, "Shame he issued a bounty for us, and couldn't even count how many bottles we stole?"

Selina flashed a smile, "Well... He was right," she held up a second bottle, "You weren't the only one lifting them."

"You fucking sneak! No wonder he was so mad." Zon cackled and grabbed one bottle, "Put the other back, and grab some cider. I wanna taste what you've been brewing. Come, we shall cook and feast!"

"Then he asks, 'what is blue?' and Murdock fucking erupted on him!" Zon howled with laughter, finally managing to get out the end of the story after a good ten tries.

Not that Selina was in any better shape. She leaned against the table, giggling herself. It had been a long time since she'd felt this relaxed. Tasting Zon's cooking, them sharing nearly a full bottle of wine and cider. Which Zon was more than happy to go back for more on that. Then just talking about old times and things that she'd missed.

It was later in the evening now. Shutters had been pulled against the encroaching chill and the main room of her house was lit and warmed by a great fire in the hearth. Selina had discarded most of her layers, exposing her form for the most part. She still had breeches and a vest on, just for the sake of if anyone should come knocking late at night. Zon had no such qualms. The hyena had discarded all but her breeches. Breasts swinging freely as she cackled. Firelight glinted off her, now fully uncovered, clockwork arm. Finely shaped metal plates slid across each other. Brass and silver mixed to match her own natural color as best it could. If one looked, one could see the fine gears, pullies, wires, and springs that ran it.

Selina snorted a quiet laugh and wiped at her eyes, "Oh I have missed you guys." She sighed and stared down into her drink. That smile of hers fading into a slow frown as she did.

"We've missed you too," Zon's voice sounded far closer than it had a second ago. Selina looked up to find the hyena had moved to sit beside her. The warmth of her body pressed to Selina's side as she smiled. "Wouldn't have kept looking for you this long if we didn't." She winked and threw her arm around her friend.

This time when she leaned in towards Selina, the coyote couldn't stop herself. She leaned forward as well, breathed in Zon's breath. The taste of wine, herbs, and rabbit flavored the hyena's breath. Giving it an underlying sweetness as they moved closer. Lips parting for a light kiss. Testing the waters before their heads angled just so. Maws parting so they could deepen the kiss with a deliberate slowness.

The feel of Zon's tongue against hers was something both long forgotten and yet intimately familiar. The way it plunged boldly into her mouth, sweeping across her teeth, and then curled with hers. Selina felt a warmth surge through her core and knew her friend was feeling the same. She lifted a hand to cup one of the bare breasts. Brushing over the soft fur, feeling the weight of the mound, then finding one of Zon's delicious, dark skinned nipples. A moan pressed into the kiss as she leaned forward. Pushing into the hand eagerly, her own hand slid between Selina's thighs. A touch so light she swore she imagined it sent jolts up her spine. Fur bristled and her thighs quaked eagerly.

Neither remembered standing, nor did they recall moving. One breath they were by the fire, discovering each other anew. Tongues danced, clothing ties were pulled, and hands freely explored. Bodies shuffled and moved together in a breathy frenzy. Before the kiss could break, Selina felt the bump of her bedding against the back of her legs. The kiss broke with a huff as she stared down at her companion. Zon grinned and dropped to her knees smoothly, undoing the ties on Selina's breeches. Selina busied herself with taking off her vest, lips parting in a quiet pant.

"Ahh!" she cried out as Zon's chilly nose bumped against her privates. The hyena giggled quietly and uttered a play growl before planting a bite on Selina's toned thigh. Somehow, she got her vest off and started to sink back into the bed. Something Zon was more than happy to help with.

Grabbing her by the legs and lifting them up high. Using that chance to lean in, muzzle opening wide. "Haaammm," the hyena closed her maw around Selina's exposed pussy, suckling quietly on it. Her tongue bathing the altered coyotes pussy lips. Selina fell back into her bedding with a moan. Oh fuck, she panted to herself, it's been so long since anyone but you has done anything. Almost forgot how good it felt! Not that Zon would let her have a moment to forget. Not as that tongue pushed into her and took a slow, deep lap of her core.

"Faaa," Zon gasped as she pulled back with a pop. Selina's hips jerked as the hyena pulled away, leaving her trembling after that one lick. "Somebody hasn't been taking care of herself, has she?" Zon peeled her pants off the rest of the way and stood up. The hyena's already naked body slid into bed with her.

Selina laugh/panted as her friend, "I have been trying to, but you know there's only so much fingers can do."

Zon slid up beside her in bed, "Is there now?" Her hand swept up Selina's thigh as she leaned in. Planting little kisses on her friend's neck. The leather of her mechanical fingers slid over Selina's privates as the coyote panted. "How about I show you a new little trick I've learned?" Zon lifted herself up and smiled, biting her lip as she looked down at Selina's body. Examining her friend's new form with an appreciative eye.

Selina lifted her head curiously as Zon's mechanical hand rubbed against her privates. The smooth, nearly seamless, leather of the hand whispered over her lips. Her ears folded back as her friend pushed fingers into her with a curious little plunge. She arched, panting as the surprisingly warm digits spread her eager body open.

Then Zon cut loose with her new trick.

Selina arched off the bed with a surprised gasp as those fingers began to vibrate. There was no other way to describe it, they just began to hum inside her. Pleasure shot up her spine as Zon skillfully moved her fingers this way and that. Thumb brushed Selina's clit, digits massaged her mons before dipping in and out. I wasn't just her finger either. Her entire hand was trembling at a pace Selina could never have imagined.

Not that Zon would stop at just that. No, the devilish hyena leaned in. Planting soft kisses and bites along Selina's neck, down to her breasts. She slathered one of the coyote's nibbles with a firm lick before gently blowing on it. Working tenderly, in sharp contrast to the wild humming of those fingers.

Selina hissed and groaned, spit and growled as her body arched off her bedding. Pushing into the hand and grabbing at her covers. She felt her pleasure build quickly, faster than she could have dreamt of. Zon was just too good at finding where to use those magic fingers of hers. It was little surprise when Selina yelped and jerked her hips up. Body hunching and rocking as she made her pleasure known. Sharp calls, panting gasps, and thighs that shook as her excitement squirted across her bedding.

Zon lay beside her and smiled, waiting as Selina calmed and panted. Fur bristled with the pleasure that sang and coursed through her. "Well," Zon mused, "What do you think of that."

"I," Selina heaved a breath, "think it's your turn now."

The hyena looked positively thrilled as she took Selina's place on the bed. Even if took the coyote a moment to recover before she was able to slide between her friend's legs. "Would you look at that," Selina mused as she finally slid between Zon's thighs, "someone is soaked." The hyena moaned and bit her lip as the coyote's fingers brushed her swollen lips. Selina wiggled her fingers and spread those petals open enough to expose her friend's glistening lips. "Why, it's very unladylike to get this excited. Especially when you're playing with a lesser."

Zon's ears folded back and she huffed, "S-shut up."

Selina wiggled her fingers against those lips and gave the hyena a swat across her privates, "Oh is it embarrassing my lady?" Zon jumped at the swat and huffed, a hand coming up to cover her face. Selina took full advantage by leaning down and brushing her tongue over those lips. Zon's flavor was rich, exotic, and as desirable as always. "You're lucky I don't just climb up and sit on your face. Grind on your moaning muzzle as I..." Selina curled her lips back and leaned in. Tongue and teeth played with Zon's pussy in a way that made the hyena squirm and groan. Her powerful thighs already shaking.

Selina was more than ready to pay her friend back for that little demonstration earlier. If Zon wanted to go that hard that fast, then she could play as well. It had been a long time since she'd had a chance to play too.

Tongue dove into the hyena's cunt and curled up. Sweeping along those trembling walls before drawing back. Letting her teeth ever so gently nibble along the female's pearl. Zon started to moan, began to lift her hips up against that tease. Only to gasp out as Selina's fingers slid over her lips. Gathered a bit of her nectar, then slid back and teased the hyena's back door. Zon nearly jumped from the bed, but Selina pinned her down, "Oh no you don't," she play-growled. "Can't get away from me that easy. Not when I know you want this."

Zon all but howled as Selina pushed two slick fingers into her rear. The coyote growled playfully and began to slurp at her partner's pussy. Tongue wetly slapping the outer lips. Darting this way and that, teasing the clit. All while her fingers pumped and curled within the female's backside. Jerking, jiggling, doing everything she remembered Zon loved having done to her. Reveling in the noises that her partner was starting to make. Those lovely gasps, the needy growls, and the trembling moans.

Oh it didn't take long before the hyena was calling out as well. Rewarding Selina with her pleasure and pressing those taut thighs to either side of her body. Selina grinned and teased her partner, bringing her down with slow licks and gentle nibbles. Huffing as her eyes narrowed. Breathing in the female's scent and basking in her flavor.

Zon came down slowly, panting and giggling with delirious glee. She moved her hand slowly and peered at Selina, "That all you got?"

Selina grinned at her and moved up to straddle her partner, "Oh, we've got all night, Buttercup."

There was no telling how late they went. Not like they'd brought any light with them into the bedroom. It was some hours later when Zon stirred, feeling the larger Selina curled against her back. That was an oddly familiar position to be in. Well, not having Selina be so large, but certainly having the other woman curled against her spine. She shifted in the bed slowly and began to pull away. Selina muttered something and whined, "I'm just going to the privy," Zon whispered, "I'll be back in a second."

Her partner whined, grumbled, but released her. Zon eased from the bed, naked as could be, and silently padded downstairs. Her goal the privy just round back.

Though she had a brief detour. Wandering over to her things and pulling out a small wooden case. Inside was several neat papers, all blank, and all cut a uniform size, as well as a small reed pen and a vial of ink. It was but the work of a moment to write a simple message onto a page. " Found her."

Zon put away the case and took the paper outside. All it took was a whisper and it folded itself into a small bird. With a mere rustle of paper, it took off and darted into the night's sky. Leaving the hyena to wander into the privy to take care of business before returning to cuddles.

She and that accursed dragon circled each other. The world about them was filled with a fog that limited their view to mere feet. Selina's hands curled against nothing, wishing she had her trusty spear. The dragon only had its natural weapons, but it didn't even snarl. There was something about the fiend's gaze that seemed angry, sullen, and resigned all at the same time. As the dragon strode to the left, she went to the right. They matched each other step for step. Neither daring to make the first move.

Until a low chime reached their ears. Both muzzles swung the same direction and eyes widened in low surprise. Selina felt her heart stop, then begin to race as every muscle tensed. She sprang forward and knew that the dragon was doing the same. She just had to…

Bang! “Fucking!"

Selina bolted up from her dream and blinked at the dark curtains around her bed. An ear twitched as she heard shuffling and more, softer, curses downstairs. Worry and panic surged before settling as her nose picked up the scent of cooking food. Surprisingly, it took a full few seconds before her senses picked up the far heavier scent of hyena woman. Perhaps it had just overloaded her senses, since her muzzle felt itchy from the dried excitement that covered it.

Dragging herself out of bed, she found a robe and pulled it on. Venturing downstairs to see what was causing the noise. Also she needed to wash up.

"Good morning!" Zon called out from where she was in the kitchen. "Couldn't sleep with someone drooling on my cheek. So got up to make some food." The hyena was certainly cooking up something that smelled nice. Even if she hadn't bothered putting on more than a pair of trousers. "Hope I didn't wake you up, got a bit of grease popped on me."

Selina yawned, "You did, but I usually wake up around this time. You know, it wouldn't pop on you if you wore a shirt or something."

Zon snorted, "Dress modestly in the comfort of a friend's home? Go repress someone else." She shook her fist playfully. "Also you needed to hit the market something fierce." She smirked over her shoulder at the coyote, "Let me guess, you take most of your meals in town?"

She could feel a cold sweat break out along her shoulders, "I cook, sometimes." Zon gave her a look. "Listen, the Baker makes these amazing buns and they're just so good."

"Uh huh, just can't keep hot buns out of your mouth, can you?"

Oh she missed that so much. "Of course you would go right for that," she snorted with a feigned annoyance. "Just for that, I am going to get the boiler going, and use all the hot water."

Zon's ears shot up, "You have a boiler?"

"Well, of course. I am not going to bathe in icy cold river water." She stopped and looked over for a moment, "You didn't, did you?"

Hand fell to hips and the hyena snorted, "I was sticky and needed a wake up. So I did!"

Selina smiled, "Well then, just means you can join once it warms up."

"Oohuhuhu," Zon giggled, "That sounds like an amazing time."

Selina smirked and headed into the cellar so she could get the boiler going. There was plenty of firewood stacked up down there, as well as a tinder kit. So getting it going was only a matter of moments. Breathing out a little hum, she loaded up her improvised automatic firewood loader. IE, a couple bits of metal she'd wrangled into a chute for it. Then came time to open the dripping valves. Another of her really crude attempts at doing something she had no clue how to manage. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't the best either. She muttered quietly as she shook her hand off.

Getting water going to the bathhouse meant she had to go outside. Let it cycle through the system and warm everything up steadily. Sure, it took a good bit, but it wasn't the worst thing in the world. Especially when she could finally relax in a nice, hot bath. One that she'd made herself. So out through the cellar door and into the chilly morning air. Turn the right valves and head to the rain water barrel. It wasn't the best, and was certainly icy cold, but she did want to get the night's grime off her face. Not to mention it'd wake her up pretty fast.

Plus taking a moment to splash water on her face and wake up gave her a chance to think. It had been years since she'd seen any of her friends. Zon was... Well, not a sister to her, you didn't go around fucking your sisters. Closer than family, for sure, but not fully lover. There wasn't really a word that could describe it. Reminiscing with her, sharing a meal, and then a bed? It had felt so natural. Just the two of them falling back into old habits. There were still problems though. Just looking into the rain barrel reminded her of that. Zon hadn't brought up her appearance, but she knew the hyena wanted to. All the little looks, the way her fingers lingered on the scales, and a thousand other things. How could she broach it though? I love seeing you, but I can't risk being around you? I don't want to risk hurting you if I ever...

Selina splashed water on her face and winced at the icy chill. It shocked her to the core and drove her back a step. Panting quietly as she shook her head. She leaned her head back and looked up at the morning sky. Taking slow, practiced breaths to clear her head and calm herself. For all she knew, Zon was just passing through. A few days and she'd move on to do, whatever it was that her whims guided her to. If she wanted to stay longer, or if she wanted Selina to go with her, then the could talk then.

Selina craned her head back and took a slow breath. Her gaze focused on the clouds drifting overhead as she breathed slowly. No matter what happens, stay calm. Think things through. It might be easier to explain everything to Zon by herself. She was always ready to think things through and not just leap into action without a plan. There wasn't much she could do about her situation. Just make the best of it she could right now.

Her gaze fell upon a rather fluffy looking cloud that drifted lazily overhead. It was lower than the others, but didn't look nasty in the least. In fact, it was rather picturesque in a way that made her ear twitch. A little too white, too fluffy, drifting strangely low, and with an almost literal silver haze around the edges. Her eyes darted from that cloud to others and back. No gathering storm clouds, just more fluffy white clouds dotted here and there.

Her eyes narrowed at the strange cloud, unable to resist staring at it for a moment more. She watched as a dark spec fell through the cloud. Some bird diving after prey, or just dancing up there in the clouds themselves.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Except most birds didn't scream as they dove. "AHHHH!" Selina jumped and screamed as well.

"_ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! _" agreed the plummeting spec, resolving itself rather quickly into a raven. A rather large raven who wore a set of comfortable, if ill-fitting robes. "FRIEND!"

Between spotting the incoming wizard and that cry, Selina barely had a second to process. Wing-like arms flared wide and she felt magic pulse from the raven, slowing his descent in an instant. That way he hit her with only the weight of his somewhat slender, short frame. Arms wrapped around her neck and legs coiling tight about her core. His long beak pressed to her neck as he clattered it happily, " FRIEND, MISSED!"

It took her a few seconds to process what just happened. As would be expected when a humanoid raven decided to dive bomb anyone. She needed just a moment, all while he was purring and clattering his beak against her neck. "Click?!" her tongue popped off the roof of her mouth as she said the name, mirroring the sound as well. "What... How?"

"HA! I knew it," Zon cackled from where she stood some distance away. The hyena cupped her hands over her mouth and shouted, "Told you he'd jump, you owe me!"

Selina's attention shifted back up, ears folding back as she watched a trio of shapes descend from the cloud. These were moving at a more sedate pace, lowered from the cloud via ropes they held onto. A large boar snorted, "I didn't fully doubt, but I had to make a wager against it." The boar was large and wide, fine clothing held his muscled frame almost elegantly. He looked her over as he set on the ground. "Can it be, Selina? You've gotten... Taller."

"Is friend Selina!" Click trilled from where he still clung to her.

"It's Selina alright," the second of the trio announced. He was a rather unusual looking kobold. Rich ruby scales glimmered in the morning light as he released the rope and stepped down. Armor rattled and clattered as he dropped a couple feet. A shaggy mane of silvery gray swoshing about his head as he looked up at her with the slightest of smiles. "I know those eyes."

Those four words stole the breath from her lungs and nearly made her knees give out on her. Memories rushed back at all the times Rirki had said that to her. No matter what she'd been through, no matter what animal she transformed into, it was always those four words. "I know those eyes."

"Murdock, Rirki, what are you doing here?" A low chime drew her attention to the fourth newcomer. A tall, if strangely squat looking, mechanical creature. Short legs, long arms, a barrel-like chest, and a low oval head with gem-like eyes stared at her. "And Cogs, can't forget you."

Zon cleared her throat, "Well, I might have send them a little message last night."

Murdock bellowed a laugh, "And we just so happened to be in the area. Well, near enough that Cloudy was able to get us here. Speaking of," he turned and looked at the cloud. Stuffing two fingers in his mouth, the boar pipped a series of whistles. The cloud bank, which was a way to hide their airship, Clouded Fates, began to drift upwards and away from the lot of them.

Zon slipped up beside them, "Well, before things get weirder," she reached up and tried to pull the raven away. Click hissed at her and held tighter to Selina's body, having missed his friend dearly and wanted hugs. Zon frowned and planted her hands on her hips, then perked her ears," Oooh Click, Selina tried to make a water pump and heater system." That made the raven perk up a bit, "but it's all," she added the sound of water dripping.

Click craned his head, "Is?" he mirrored the dripping sound and added some bubbling, "I can fix!" His dark eyes seemed to grow larger and sparkled, “Can fix please?"

"Yeah," Selina hadn't stopped trying to both look at and avoid Rirki since they touched down, "You can fix, please?" She also blessed Zon silently. When Click was feeling cuddly, it could be anywhere from minutes to hours before he'd get tired of it. Not that she'd usually complain, but right now, there was almost to much going on for her. Distracting the tinkerer would clear up some of her thoughts.

"Fix!" Click hopped down and snapped his beak, making the sound of cogs rolling against each other, "Come, we fix!" He was a few strides away before thinking to ask, "Where fix?"

"I'll show you," Zon laughed, "Breakfast is on the table. I'll let you lot talk." something glimmered in her eyes and Selina felt something she hadn't in years. Zon's voice hummed in her mind, <Can keep us all linked up for a few hours now, nice and easy.>

Murdock stepped forward and clapped a hand on Selina's shoulder, "Sorry to drop in unannounced. Would think someone would have manners." He called over her shoulder.

<I apologize for nothing!>

The great merchant sighed and shook his head, "Come, why don't we have some breakfast and tea, catch up on the new before we broach the old?" His eyes glittered as he reached into a pouch at his hip, "I have a new blend of tea you might like."

Selina did her best to smile, "Does sound good."

Zon had, somehow, cooked up a small feast for breakfast. Selina settled down at the table and adjusted her robes idly. Ears perking and falling flat as she watched Murdock move through the kitchen to get tea going. Rirki followed her to the table and settled down nearby, but not too close, and not directly across from her either. "Nice place," he looked around.

She smiled, "Thank you. Had learned a bit of carpentry on my own. Though got the locals to help me fix it up."

Rirki nodded as he looked around, "Just you here?"

"Well, right now it's all you, but yes. Was just me for the last few years."

She could feel the question teetering at the edge of his mind. One that begged to be asked, yet neither he nor her dare speak. One so simple yet infinitely complex. Too complex to answer before either were ready.

"So!" Murdock sat down a mug before each of them. The bench creaked as his noble bulk settled onto it, "What have you been up to? I can't imagine you sitting by idly."

Thankful for the distraction, she began to talk about her daily life here. Not that there was much to tell. She told them about finding the burned out building, fixing it up, how she kept busy with herbalism and trying to figure out mechanical devices. What was left unsaid was why she kept herself busy.

Murdock happily kept the conversation up. Asking questions or sharing a story when she began to trail off. Their chatter interrupted by the occasional bang from her cellar or muffled curse, followed by a chiming noise from the automata. Zon joined them after a while and shared in the stories. Yet still, Selina couldn't bring herself to look at Rirki directly, nor did he do more than politely interject or share some story here and there. The overall feel was friendly, and it was helping her relax. Still though, she couldn't help but feel that looming dread. The sword that dangled over here. A conversation that must be had.

"I owe you an explanation."

Murdock and Zon stopped mid-retelling of some story and quieted. Even Click quieted down in the cellar. A moment later, the trap door creaked open and she could spot his beak poking through it. They were ready to listen, but she didn't know if she was ready to tell.

Selina took a slow breath and closed her eyes. "It will be easier if I..." she trailed off and used that psychic connection Zon established with them to offer up images. Sharing her own memories with her former companions.

The only sound that filled her ears was the thundering of her own heart. Selina swayed and took a slow breath, trying to calm herself down. Yet even that was an effort beyond her right now. Her blinked, vision blurred then focused back slowly. An image resolved itself slowly. Dark scales, bloodied gums, cracked and stained teeth. It crawled towards her with aching slowness. A thundering filled her ears, and it took her far too long to realize it was a roar.

She was staring down the maw of a black dragon who was barreling down on her.

Her world expanded and she remembered. They were fighting Vymmiorres, a black dragon with designs to be an emperor. Months, years of travel had brought them to this point. Countless battles, foes defeated, friends and allies lost, villages razed to the ground, and innocents lost. All for this, right here, right now. Taking the dragon on in the heart of its lair. She'd spent everything she had to keep her allies up and moving, weakening Vymmiorres where she could. Now she was staring down the beast's gullet as it bore down on her.

Some part of her lifted her spear and braced it against her foot. Lips curled and she let out a soundless cry of defiance as the beast crashed into her. Fangs and acidic saliva tore into her body. She crumpled as blood poured over her. Was it Vymmiorres? Hers? Her world exploded into pain then icy cold.

“_ SELINA!" _

There was no pain. No crunch of flesh or impact of body and teeth against her. Selina opened her eyes just a crack, expecting to see the dragon's dread maw bearing down on her. There was nothing. She looked around, then over her shoulder. The beast lay there behind her, body only just settling in a plume of dirt. Something felt strange. There was a haze over everything, as if a fog had moved in. Had to be the dirt kicked up from the battle. Even through that haze, she could pick out the glint of her spear tip. It glistened somewhere near the rear of the dragon's skull. Vymmiorres had impaled herself on the braced weapon. As Selina watched, the beast's hide rippled and thorny vines began to sprout from it. Her spear doing it's work and ensuring the dragon wouldn't recover.

"Nasty bit of work," a low voice growled. Each word slithering over her ears. Selina felt her blood run cold. That was a voice she knew all too well, and when she turned her head, she could see Vymmiorres snarling silently at it's own body. "Bad enough your... Stick killed me, now it's turning me into a bush? Pha!" The great head swept towards her and foul lips curled back in a grin. Onyx scales almost seeming to absorb what little light there was here, "At least I got out too."

Selina's ears turned, "What do you mean..." Voices, muffled somehow, called her name and she turned. "Over here!" she didn't dare take her eyes off the dragon. It... She wasn't attacking, but Selina couldn't risk it. How is she here, when she's behind me? The voices took on a more panicked tone and Selina turned, "I'm over here, I'm..."

An unearthly chill shot up her spine as she watched Murdock great hands wrench the dragon's jaws open. Rirki all but dove into the great jaws and pull a limp body out.

Her limp body.

"Ah, for one so wise, it always took you a while to put the pieces together." Vymmiorres mocked her with a cold laugh. She inspected her claws slowly, "While I regret dying, what I regret more is only taking out one of you _ Fools _ with me."

Selina stared, "I'm... Dead?" Her throat was dry, or was it? Her eyes burned with tears that couldn't fall as she stared blankly at her friends.

"We both are. Now we just wait for... Whoever to come claim us." Vymmiorres sighed and rolled her head. "I made some deals I never thought I'd have to pay up. I imagine there will be some great war in the Under over who gets my soul. As for you?" She snorted and puffed out acidic smoke that vanished into the fog, "I imagine some nature... Thing will come get your spirit. You'll get to tend to some holy garden or watch over a Glade somewhere. How drull."

"You... Killed me?" Something boiled within Selina, cracking her stunned mind. "You... KILLED ME?!"

"You killed me, so only fair."

The coyote spun on the dragon, robes flared as she held her hands out. Dead or not, she could still feel something. Feel that connection she had to the natural world. As her fingers flexed, she felt something stir and respond. Vymmiorres growled at her and rose to her feet, "Oh, are we going to finish this? A little dirt nap renewed your vigor? Is this how it will be? Us rending our souls apart in one final, glorious combat?"

She and that accursed dragon circled each other. The world about them was filled with a fog that limited their view to mere feet. Selina's hands curled against nothing, wishing she had her trusty spear. The dragon only had its natural weapons, but it didn't even snarl. There was something about the fiend's gaze that seemed angry, sullen, and resigned all at the same time. As the dragon strode to the left, she went to the right. They matched each other step for step. Neither daring to make the first move.

A chime. Simple and pure cut through the air like a knife. It shook her spirit to the core and made her gasp. Both her and Vymmiores' muzzle swung in the same direction.

Selina could see Zon had gone through her packs and pulled out something. While everything else was hazy, as if viewed through thick fog, she could see the scroll in agonizing sharpness. She knew that parchment and the seal upon it. It had been a gift a very long time ago, something gifted to her from The Oracle. A spell that she was told to never use, but that it would be handy to have.

Click snatched the scroll and cracked the seal. The chiming grew louder, shaking through this Dreamscape as he unrolled it. Words echoed into this deathly realm as streamers of light coursed from the scroll and raven, surging into her battered body. "Ah!" Selina cried out as the distant pain of bones realigning and flesh mending shot through her.

"No..."

The resurrection magic burned its way through her body. Pain like she could have never imagined surged through her. Seared it's way along every fiber of her being. Poured into every nook and crevice she had. It wrapped around her heart and began to coax a steady beat. Selina watched as her chest began to glow and a wavering portal opened.

"YES!" Vymmiorres bellowed, "A way home!" And she surged forward.

In an instant Selina knew she had to beat the dragon to her own body. Even if the spell was attuned to her, and they were calling for her, there was that moment where her body was empty, seeking a spirit.

She dove for her own corpse. Felt draconic talons rend into her spirit. Latching onto her and refusing to let go. She cried out in agony, yet refused to relent. This was a realm of spirits and willpower. Where the dragon could have easily tossed her aside if they were living, she batted the hand away and dove for it. Yet Vymmiorres wouldn't let her go without a fight. They wrestled and pushed, will powers clashing as they moved closer to the body. Inch by hard won, hard defended inch. Neither gained the upper hand, drawn to that pulsing light. Selina reached for it, felt Vymmiorres talons dig into her very core. Trying to anchor her there. Yet she stretched and...

"Then I woke up," Selina looked down at her mug of tea, her voice tired and so heavy. "I thought for sure that everything worked. That Vymmiorres would be rotting in the Under. Her soul picked apart by whatever pacts she made." Selina took a shuddering breath, "It was about a moon later when I felt... Something. It was hard to describe. I used my magic and I swear I heard a laugh. The more I used my connection, the more I began to hear her whispering at me. Then I started to change."

Now she turned away from her companions. She let her robe slide off her shoulders and reveal that line of jet black scales that crested her spine. "I don't know how, but she somehow put a bit of her soul into mine. Corrupted me. I can't... Explain it." She felt tears gathering in her eyes as she hung her head, "I just knew I couldn't risk any of you. Not if She..." A breath, the heat of a tear ran down her muzzle. "So I left the note, took a portion of the spoils, and found somewhere remote to stay. Started trying to find someway to cure myself, to cleanse my magic, my… whatever she cursed with her spirit." Selina's shoulders hunched forward, “I just…" she choked, “I di…" words caught in her throat and she sobbed. <I didn't want to hurt anyone.>

Fingers brushed her cheek, “Oh Brighteyes," Rirki stepped closer and pressed his cheek to hers. She tensed, sobbed, but a hand stopped her from pulling away. Zon's fingers stroked her bare back. Murdock trapped her from the other side. Powerful arms coiling around her and Rirki, drawing her against the boar's broad chest. Last of all was Click, the raven clambered over the table and draped himself on her back. Head resting atop hers as her churred. Rirki held her tightest and whispered, “You are so dumb sometimes."

Selina burst out laughing, crying, and simply just sank into their hold. Letting the others support her for a moment as years of stress and worry that she'd kept bottled up in herself released. These were the people she'd trusted with her life more times than she dared count. She knew they would've supported her and found some way to fix her. Which is why she'd left in the first place. If she changed, if the curse consumed her, they'd be doing all they could to bring her back. Which she didn't know if that would mean her accidentally killing them. Which she couldn't begin to bear even thinking of.

How long they stayed there, she couldn't tell. Murdock was the first to pull away, clearing his throat quietly. “So," he stroked his hand over Selina's back, “Zon, you said there was a town nearby?"

“Yeah?" a beat, “Oh yeah, there's a town nearby. Would you like to go to the market and pick up some stuff for dinner?"

“Why I would love to," even Selina could pick up the false cheer in his voice. Though she didn't notice that he was wiping the corner of his eye with a kerchief. “Always like to check out smaller town markets, gives me a chance to see if they need anything."

Click stayed in his draped hug for a moment after the other two left. His beak clattered by her ear and he whispered in a very low, “Just Selina, only Selina here." Before pulling away and padding off. His nails clicked on the wood floor, followed by a creak then thunk as he returned to the cellar. Which left just her and Rirki there at the table.

He ran his fingers forward and cupped her chin, “Hey." He lifted her head and smiled at her, just for her. The kobold stroked her cheeks gently, “Do you have a cloth and basin?" She nodded slowly. “Your bedroom I guess?" She nodded again and stood up slowly. Rirki let his hands slide down her cheeks, then down to her hands. She smiled quietly, squeezed his fingers, and then walked up the stairs to where her room was. Rirki moving with her and looking around the room. “Oh it's very you, I like it."

“Thank you," she moved to the bed and sat down on it. He found her basin, took it, and went off to fill it with fresh water. Selina stared blankly at the floor until the kobold returned.

Water gently steaming as he sat it down, “Got Click to warm it up for me." He set it down and dipped a cloth into it. Gently using it to wipe her eyes. “Feeling better? Worse?"

She shook her head, “I'm so fucking tired."

“You look it," he cracked a gentle smile. Always honest with her to a very fault. “I've missed you, Brighteyes."

Her lip trembled and she refused to look at him still. “I'm sorry."

Rirki bumped her gently, “I know." He laughed, “I was so angry, so hurt when you left. Then Murdock shook my sense out of me. Literally, picked me up and," he mimed it, “good thing I could heal up, you know." He laughed, “Sat me down and started talking. Asked me how much it must have broken your heart too. I…" he breathed out a sigh, “I don't know if we can go right back to where we were, but…" he trailed off and gave her a little look.

Selina felt her heart stir and flutter. Gently, she took his hand and slid back into her bed. The kobold had to hop up to join her. “Some rest?"

“Yeah."

Rirki shed his clothing, dropping it off the side of the bed as she slid under the covers. Her robe was downstairs still, but she didn't care. “I'd say I've got nothing you haven't seen before, but," she laughed, the sound a little sour to her ears. His body though? She could remember it in detail. Ruby scales gloriously bright, his creamy underbelly a nice contrast. That grayish mane of his was as unruly as ever. Trailing down his neck and spine, forming almost a collar around his neck and hanging on his chest. He was fit, body fairly trim, but with a bit of a stomach to him. Strangely though was the sheath tucked between his legs.

Not that it was too much of a worry at the moment. Rirki moved in and pressed himself against her. Arms slid against her sides and tucked in close. She wrapped her arms around him and let her legs trace around him. He was smaller, barely half her height, but that didn't matter. They'd spent countless nights in each other's arms like this.

“You know, you're still beautiful. Kind of dig this wolf-like thing you've got going now." He flashed a rather toothy grin.

She laughed quietly, “You would." He made mocking little noises and wiggled his head. Selina took a slow breath and let it out. Muscles relaxed as she breathed, unleashing tension she hadn't noticed. Rirki moved up a little closer and laid his head on the pillow next to hers. Her hand came up and his found it immediately. Fingers linking silently as they lay there. Not sleeping. No talking. Just existing with each other for a time.

How long they laid there was impossible to tell. Maybe they dozed off at some point, maybe they didn't. Her ear twitched now and then at the sound of Click working away in the cellar. The world seemed to fade away until it was just her and Rirki in the bed. Curtains separating them from the harshness of reality. She could stay like this for hours, days even, but knew they wouldn't. At the very least, they didn't have a looming threat hanging over them. It was just time to relax.

Rirki nuzzled into her neck, “Since you came here, have you…" he trailed off for a moment, “I'm not intruding by being here, am I?" His words were slow, cautious. She could tell he was trying to pick them very carefully.

“No," she shook her head, “The people here are nice enough, but… you know how it is. Hard to connect with average farmers after," she rolled her hand.

He nodded and nosed into her neck, “Yeah." It was true enough for both of them. Hard to discuss things with normal people and not sound like you're either making things up or boasting. Something the two of them only did with friends. They settled into quiet for a moment. Her fingers stroking along his back. Combing through the mess of his hair. He mirrored her touches. Fingers dancing through her fur and petting the scales that lined her spine. Just breathing quietly as they basked in each other's presence.

"I missed this."

"Me too."

Fingers combed through fur, danced over scales, warm bodies slid against each other under the covers. Just a little shift, getting more comfortable. Lips pressed to neck in a gentle kiss. Just the little peck that invited a quiet huff.

"Know what else I missed?"

She felt him shift on the bed and a quiet chuckle, "And people always thought I'd be the more physical one."

Despite his teasing protests, Rirki shifted with Selina as she moved onto her back. "Yeah, and I found out they had a betting pool on which of us would make the first move. Still surprised Click won that one."

The kobold slid further down her body and nuzzled her thigh. "Well, Zon figured you'd make the first move. She didn't expect you'd throw me into bed and sit on my face." Warm breath puffed against her privates before his blunt muzzle rubbed against her privates. A quiet, eager, purr lifting from the male as his tongue bathed over her outer lips. Selina huffed and arched into her bedding. Legs spreading readily for her smaller partner.

Selina grinned as she uttered a quiet growl, "Of course, she did that to me first. One of her," she took on a bad imitation of the hyena's accent, "Lessons in getting what you want."

He chuckled and nibbled around her lips. Casually bringing his fingers up to massage her in slow, petting circles. "When flirting and talking won't get your point across. Just sit on his face until you've made it clear." He gently spread her open and ran his tongue across her inner folds. Just a quick lap to see how excited she was.

Selina moaned at him and reached down. Twining fingers through his mane, "It worked, didn't it? Got us talking and thinking about something beside just surviving."

He hummed his agreement and nuzzled into her. Tongue casually, slowly sampling her. His eyes narrowed as he breathed in her scent. Reminding himself of her. Selina huffed quietly and lay her head back, watching him with a smile. Hips casually pushing towards his muzzle. Rirki liked to take his time and make sure she was properly warmed up. So it was some minutes of gentle teasing before he pulled away and slid against her. Kissing his way up her stomach as he positioned himself against her. Tip teasing her body as he rocked against her. Drawing quiet moans from his partner before he eased in.

Oh it had been a while since she'd felt the touch of any man. Rirki was perfectly adequate for a kobold, which meant that, naturally, he was somewhat smaller than she. It didn't matter too much because he knew how to use his weapon of choice. Working his hips just so. Letting his sheath tickle against her privates. Sliding back and forth against his own shaft as he worked himself into her. Hands and maw busy with her front and sides. Never letting anything stay idle too long. He kept his pace and pattern steady, measured, feeling how she reacted and responding to her. Oh she nearly forgot how attentive he was.

Thighs pressed to his body as he buried himself in her. Rocking slowly before finding a slow, steady pace. He groaned and arched, panting up at her. "There we go," Selina huffed and rolled her hips into his. "You're acting like it's been a while."

Rirki's lips curled back to expose his teeth, "It has been." He gripped the bedding and rocked into her faster now, unable to hold himself back. She breathed out a quiet moan and watched as he shivered. A little smile creeping across her lips. She arched, pushing into him with a louder moan. Rirki huffed and she could feel him tense and shiver.

"You now Zon would let you have a ride, and she can get loud." He muttered something under his breath, trying to keep himself under control. Selina could already feel his knot starting to tap her. It wasn't large enough to give her a tie. Not before she'd changed, and certainly not now that she was even larger. She brought her hands up and cupped his head, fingers going through his mane. Arching, she pressed her breasts against his muzzle, all but burying him between her mounds. Then she breathed out a low, panting moan as he body rocked towards him. "Oh... Oh gods, Rirki!"

A whine sounded from somewhere between her breasts. She felt his thrusts grow faster, erratic. Hammering her as his powerful tail cracked off the bed. She met each thrust with another pant, felt how his knot stretched inside her. Then a shove, a whine, and the warmth of his seed inside her.

Selina relaxed her hold on his head and tilted her head, "Already? I was so close too."

"Hush!" Rirki snorted at her, "I know what you're trying to do." His muzzle poked out from between her breasts.

"You do?" Her tone was a little too innocent.

He leaned back and his hand swept down her thigh. "Oh I know exactly what you're trying to do..."

She kept up the innocent act, "I don't know what you're talking about. Just that my good boy is a little too excited."

Lips curled back to expose teeth, "Good boy, huh?" Nails scratched her thighs as he picked them up. The kobold showing off that he was stronger than one would expect. "You've clearly forgotten what happens when you call me that, Bright eyes."

Ears perked and she bit her bottom lip, "Hmm?" She wiggled her hips, feeling him slide inside her. The knot, which would keep a female his size tied for some time, slipped and slid inside her. Then came free with a wet little pop. Yet he pressed back against her, letting her feel how it throbbed as he continued to seed her.

"Oh yes, it..." he pulled back, "drives..." the kobold shifted against her. Muscles rolled under his scales, making them glitter in the dark. Her superior eyesight picking up every little shift and roll. Gave her excruciating details as his body began to grow. Muscles expanding, bones creaking, that mane of hair erupting across his body. He surged forward over her with a bed-shaking growl. The grip he had on her thighs tightened as the kobold all but folded her in half. Nearly driving her knees up around her ears.

In the span of a breath, Rirki grew in size as he unleashed his lycanthropic side. He more than doubled in height, matching then exceeding her. Great, clawed hands slid off her thighs and grabbed her wrists, pinning her to the bed. " wild!" he snarled down at her, barely taking a breath to line himself back up. His larger great club slapped off her body, spread her already seeded body. Skill and practice lined the tip of his spear up with her body before he threw himself forward. Selina yowled her pleasure as he spread her open. Rirki answered her with a howling snarl. Pinning her wrists with his hands, trapping her legs with his body, and digging his toes into the bed.

Then he began to ravage her like the animal he pretended to be. It was a good thing her canopy bed was as sturdy as it was. He'd shaken lesser beds to pieces with his ferocity before. Selina gasped and pushed into him, showing off her newer, considerable strength. Rirki felt her arms start to lift and pushed back, pinning her with a snarl. Redoubling his efforts to fuck her senseless. The male's heavy, lycanthropic balls crashed off hers. His thick tail cracked into the bed and slammed against her as he threw himself into her. Where his cock had been enjoyable before, it now stretched her and fit perfectly within her walls.

Selina arched as best she could, throwing her head back and moaning for him. Voice rising and falling with each bestial thrust. She could feel her excitement dripping down her rear and onto the bed. Making each thrust that much slicker. Her noises, her smell, the look she had, everything only served to drive him to greater heights. The supernatural stamina of his altered form giving him a fresh start on this. Making his second round far more than the first had been.

Oh it had always been a game for them. She knew what buttons of his to push. How to coax the kobold to finish quick. It had never been about longevity in bed. Not between them. It had been knowing how to please the other. When he contracted his condition, they'd found quickly enough that he was in control of it. Well, for the most part. They'd also found that she liked it when he 'went a little wild' on her.

As he did now. Selina's breasts bounced and her maw hung open as she gasped for air. Rirki was there, all but engulfing her muzzle in a kiss. His tongue slammed into her open mouth and drove into her throat. Selina almost gagged, choked slightly, but caught herself and suckled on his tongue. All while her body pushed into his. Tightening with pleasure, eyes rolling back as she felt her finish rush up on her. Hurried onward by the lycan's savage rutting.

It was no surprise when she arched mere moments after they began. Fighting against his mating press as rapture raced through her body. Rirki growled into the kiss and pushed tighter. Letting her feel his knot as it began to grow.

Before, he'd been too big for her coyote form. Now, she moaned at him and pushed, encouraging him to try as best she could. Without words, without anything else, he slammed himself into her. Burying every inch he had into her core. The male grunted into the kiss, drooling into her mouth as he hunched over her. Balls crashed off her backside in rapid fire fashion. His knot stretching her wider and wider. Shaft growing within her walls, stretching her in ways she hadn't felt in an age.

It was little surprise when he coaxed a second finish from her. The cursed coyote arched and shuddered, moaning into his kiss. Eyes rolled in her head as the male pounded her, barely even able to move his hips.

Then it was his turn. Shoving himself against her and grunting into the kiss. Practically exploding inside her. Supernatural curse fueling his lusts, enhancing it, filing her with far more seed than a mere mortal could produce. She was certain that her stomach was going to bulge from the sheer volume. Her ears folded back and twitched, matching each pulse of his mighty manhood within her.

Slowly, shakily, Rirki broke the kiss and panted down at her. "I..." his voice shook through her, "missed that."

He barely moved his hands before she reached up and pulled him into another kiss. This time using her tongue to invade his mouth. Telling him without words how much she'd missed him as well. He grumbled, a happier growl, as his tail swayed behind him. Waving with quiet joy as he rocked into his partner.

First tears, then silence and touch, now the physical and emotional release of sex. Selina felt herself relaxing further as Rirki's hand swept over her. As a pair, they shifted on the bed, finding a new position for their larger frames. Bodies and spirits humming with release, they could rest further. Perhaps get another round or two in. Though that depended on how long their friends stayed out and about. Selina breathed out a sigh and pressed her nose into the male's ample chest ruff and breathed in his unique scent. He did the same for her. Burying his nose into her hair and breathing deep. Her eyes drifted closed and she smiled, genuinely happy for the first time in an age.

It was some time later that they ventured back downstairs. Both dressed again, well as dressed as they dared be. Selina had her robe on again and Rirki had his pants on. Click was just shambling up the steps as they came down, "Got pipes and boiler fixed. Tired, sleeps?"

Selina swept an arm around his shoulders in a hug and nodded, "Yes, can sleep." She pointed him towards the spare room. "There's bedding in the chest at the foot of the bed. Need me to come set it up or you?"

"No, sleep good. See in while, Friend."

Rirki watched Click shambles upstairs, "What do you bet he just opens the chest up and goes to sleep on the pile?"

"Good enough odds I wouldn't bet on it. Just hope he props open the lid this time." She stretched and sighed as she continued down the stairs. "I need to use my bathhouse, and clean up."

Zon called up from the kitchen, "That's what we were planning on doing." The hyena flashed a grin, "Picked up a few things we can snack on while we were in town." She waved towards a tray that Murdock was loading up with some food. Fruit, nuts, bread, cheeses, and more. "I'd taken a peek inside your bathhouse, figured a nice soak would be ideal."

Murdock chuckled, "Oh we know the soaking you like," he winked towards the hyena, "Where's Click go?" Selina thumbed towards the stairs and he nodded. "Ah, yes. Makes sense. He woke us all up when he got Zon's message. Then insisted on flying here as fast as he could. Stayed up all night too."

Selina chuckled, "Good to hear nothings changed with him." She stretched and hummed, "A good soak will be nice. Got my bathhouse set up in the druid style. Bathing area, rinsing, then the soaking pool. Let me go make sure it's all running, and grab us some cider. I'll meet you guys in there."

Outside and around to the waterwheel. She could immediately see the changes Click had made. Using magic and Cogs to reshape the pipes and funnels. Following his work around, she whistled, "Always amazes just what you come up with." Around and into the cellar. She could hear water moving through the pipes. The primitive pump augmented by magics now. Fine runes scribed onto the pipes that Click had reshaped. Even her boiler had been improved and crackled away merrily. Shaking her head, Selina grabbed one of her cider kegs and headed towards the bathhouse.

She'd barely made it a few steps before a piping whistle made her look up. Norah waved from a tree at the edge of her yard. Curious, Selina wandered over, "Norah, what brings you up here? Is Hooper okay?"

The falcon relaxed with a little trill, "He is doing better. Slept though the night last night. I was just making sure you were okay. What with the stranger yesterday, then you not showing up in town today." She shuffled and glanced towards the house, "Then more strangers about today."

She liked Norah, she had been a good friend since Selina had arrived. "Oh they're all friends, we traveled together for a time before I came here. Just happened to be passing through when they found me again. Offered to let them stay for a time while we caught up."

Norah visibly relaxed, "Good, I was just..." she trailed off and laughed, "Had some strange dreams, ill omens. So been a little on edge. I won't keep you from," she glanced over Selina and smiled, "catching up as it were." The falcon winked, "That big one looks like he could be fun."

Selina laughed, "Oh they all can be." She offered a wave, "Let me know if things get worse. I'll come by to check up in the next couple days."

Norah trilled and hopped from the tree. A flap of her wings sent the falcon sweeping up and away. Spiraling into the skies and back home likely. At least Selina hoped, since it was getting later and the sun was getting low.

Her bathhouse was her pride. Really, it was only three rooms. One you walked into to change out of clothes and find linens. That was little more than a passage way though. She did have a steam room, wonderful on those cold winter mornings. Sit in there for a time and let the warmth soak into her. Opposite that was the bathing room. A fine wooden floor with a low bench and several places to wash oneself. Get the daily dirt and grime off, as well as soap up. The water drained into the floor itself and ran through gravel and sand before returning to the land. Most of the room was taken up by the larger, pond-like pool she'd dug herself. Shaping a large stone by hand until it formed a basin she could sit in, and sink right up to her shoulders if she wished. Water trickled into one end and kept it warm, draining out the far side and into the Sandy ground filter. She'd even cultivated some thick, fluffy moss around the edges to give a softer seat.

As she ventured inside, she was immediately greeted by the sight of Zon and Rirki. The hyena gasping, panting, and fighting to keep from howling as the kobold pinned her against the wall. Using his lycanthropic strength to hold her up. "Well, nice to see you two are getting at it."

Murdock chuckled from the bench he sat on. The boar was naked as the day was long. His rich brown fur criss-crossed with both scars and streaks of pale fur. Making it look like he'd been struck by lightning countless times. He looked overweight, but she knew just how deceiving that appearance was. "Well, Figured you two would've popped the cork earlier. So Zon got to teasing Rirki like she does, and..." he waved a hand at the pair just as the kobold spanked the hyena. Drawing a pleased yelp and shudder from her. The boar let his gaze linger on them a moment before standing up. Not doing anything to hide his own half-erect length and heavy balls.

Selina dropped the keg by the food tray before shedding her robe and knelt to wash herself off. She hadn't gotten much of a chance to clean up earlier. Just the splashing in the barrel and then Rirki cleaning her face. She was sticky and fur matted with the fun she'd had over the last day. It felt good to get some of her paste-like soap and scrub it through her fur. Rinsing it away with a pleased sigh. "Always forget how good a scrub feels until you've been dirty for a bit."

Murdock chuckled, "Oh I imagine you've been dirty. Though that's probably Zon's corrupting influence." He made no effort to hide that he was looking her over, but the boar didn't oogle her.

"Probably," Selina dipped her head to dump warm water over her head and neck. An ear twitching towards the pair as Rirki's snarls took on a pattern she knew well. "Though I have had more excitement in the last two days than I have in years."

Ears perked, "Really?" Murdock chuffed, "sounded like you had a few prospects in town, but to hear them say it," he adopted a thicker accent, "yer not a fan of the sausage."

"Ppfft! That's only because I turned them down." Well and truly cleaned, she moved to join the boar in the soaking pool. Sighing as she practically melted into the warm water. "Oooh, Click works some miracles. I always have to fight with the water to make it the right warmth. It's just..." she stretched out and felt the water almost cradle her, "perfect."

"You know how it is," Murdock shifted in the water and poured a couple mugs of cider, "give him a task he can flap at. He'll be a happy chappy." The boar sipped the cider and grinned, "Make this yourself?" She nodded. "Wonderful stuff. Heard you're also supplying the locals with some brewing. Not stealing my recipe are you?"

Selina sniffed, "Please, you never gave me that recipe. Though I made something pretty close, I think." She glanced at the others just in time to see Zon kneeling before Rirki, panting with an open mouth. The shapeshifted kobold gripped his cock and snarled, painting the blue-eyed hyena with his seed. "Make sure to clean up before you get into he pool with us!" she teased. Picking up some of the food to nibble on.

It felt good, natural, to be like this again. Surrounded by her friends, eating, drinking, teasing each other. While she and Rirki were very close, practically mates, all four of them shared in the enjoyment of physical affection. They'd invited Click to join, but he had been utterly uninterested. Not that he didn't find them attractive, he just didn't find sex appealing and they were understanding. He was a cuddle fiend though.

Selina, on the other hand, was a druid. She understood that sex was natural, and also a wonderful way to bond with one's companions. Plus it was just enjoyable, for her and her companions. She sank lower into the water and watched as Murdock did his best to look her over without making it too obvious he was looking her over.

She gave an overly dramatic sigh, "Stare any harder, and your eyes will bug out of their sockets, Pig."

He swung his great, tusked face towards her, "Oh I see how it is. Give Zon the jelly legs overnight. Make Rirki a wild man in the matter of a day. Then I look at you and suddenly I'm swine?" He touched his fingers to his chest and looked hurt, "I see how it is. No, really it's okay."

Teasing, play, all things she had missed. "Aww, I'm sorry, Piggy. Should I kiss it and make it better?"

He tapped his lips with a thick finger, "Well, you certainly could..." then blinked as Selina dipped under the water. "Just like her, always dipping out when we start to talk." Though he watched as the dark shape stretched out across the pool, staying underwater. Just a second later, he huffed as her hand brushed over his manhood. Murdock leaning back on the stone bench to give her more room to work.

"Why does our group bath time always turn into a group sex time?" Zon winced as she squeezed her shoulder. Small clicks sounded as she released the mechanical arm and set it on a bench. That set aside, she joined them in the water, sinking right up to her neck in the warmth with a pleased noise. "Not that you'll hear me complaining." Her blue-on-black eyes lit up as she saw Selina under the water. "How long do you think she'll last down there?" Then a hand grabbed at her knee, "Oh, one moment." A thought, a flex of her natural abilities, <Was just wondering how long you'll last down there, Luv.>

<I think she'll last until Murdock's ready to pop.> Rirki thought as he joined them. Body shrinking back to it's usual stature. Steam rolled from his body as the transformation warmed him. The water actually hissed as he dove in, cooling himself down quickly. He gave Selina's backside a stroke before surfacing just enough that the top of his head and eyes peered out over the surface.

Selina grinned, <What do I get if I get him to finish before I've got to come up?> She changed her grip on Murdock's cock and began to stroke it slowly. It didn't take much to get him hard. Especially when she leaned in and tucked her tongue behind his foreskin. Licking at it slowly and feeling it surge in her grasp. As expected, Murdock's cock was clean as a whistle. He was very fastidious about keeping himself clean.

The boar grunted quietly, <If I don't hold back and keep it fair? I've got a box of Primid chocolates on the ship with your name on it.> He sent the mental image of a small crate.

Oh she hadn't had Primid Chocolates in so long. Her mouth would have been watering if she wasn't submerged, <And if I can't?> Having a handful of those were rare enough, she wondered where he'd gotten an entire box. <How about I pay for a trip to Misty Meadows?>

She felt that ripple of surprise then eagerness through her friends. The Meadows wasn't just a hot springs or some place anyone could visit. It was a druidic hot springs, located at the very cusp of The Wilds.

<Oh that sounds good,> Murdock grinned, <Can I use my hands to challenge you a little, or is this all you?>

Selina thought a moment, using her tongue to push his foreskin back so she could nipple at his tip. <So long as you don't pull me out of the water, or hold me down if I want to come up. I don't have a problem with you using your hands.>

The thought barely cleared her head when Murdock's massive hand came to rest on the back of her head. It was large, warm, easily cupping her head, and utterly relentless as it pushed her down. Back when he used to do this, his thickness would almost strain her muzzle. His tip nearly probe her throat. Now that she was larger, it was easier to wrap her maw around his girth. Teeth only just grazing flesh as her tongue darted around him. <That's the stuff,> his mental voice was flavored with pleasure as he leaned back. Hips barely rocking as he guided her head up and down.

Selina knew what he wanted, knew what he liked, they'd teased and played so many times before. She also knew he likely wouldn't expect her to simply plant her hands on his thighs and begin to drive herself harder and faster. Gulping and slurping around him as best she could while underwater. Bubbles filtered from around her gaping mouth and surfaced every few pumps. Victory was hers when she felt his hand loosen and his cock surge in her maw. His excitement palpable against her.

"Oh fuck," the boar grunted, eyes going crossed and entire body shuddering.

Zon cackled, "Our little druids gotten wilder hasn't she?"

Rirki flashed a toothy grin and laughed, "Got a taste of that earlier. She was always good with her tongue, but now?" He trailed off into a pleased rumble. Water dancing around his body as he floated there and watched his Selina tend to their friend. <I bet she's just eager to have some release again,> came the tease.

<Hush,> Selina all but purred through the mental link. She was having fun though. As much as she liked the villagers, they were almost worlds apart. The amount of travel she did, the trials she'd faced, the experiences she'd had. A mere decade ago, she would have been perfectly at home here. Would have likely picked one of the villagers as a worthy partner, and been happy with her herbalism and apothecary work. Things changed when you could face down god-like beings.

One of which was firmly stuffed in her maw. The water diluting the precum that poured into her maw. She teased and worked Murdock faster. Managing to pull away from his hand on each down stroke then back into it every time she came up. Her other hand swept up and teased his massive balls. Teasing that porcine pouch as her tongue lashed one way then the other. Murdock grunted, groaned, and found himself unwilling to hold back. As his pleasure built, he slid further down on the bench, giving Selina more room to work.

Then his grip on her hair tightened and he drove her down. Uttering a low squeal as his body heaved towards her. She responded by driving her head down, lips curled tight around his cock and pushing out as much water as she could. Growling playfully, a bubbles streaming from her nostrils as her jaws trembled around him. The large male jerked, heaved, and let out a squeal as he erupted inside her. Filling her maw and cheeks in those few bursts of his great club.

Selina escaped the moment his grip relaxed, surfacing with a huff. The wolf-like coyote turned her head and spat his load into the moss with a, "Time!"

Zon gave a very polite little clap then looked towards Rirki, "I don't know, does it count if she didn't swallow?"

The kobold rumbled in thought, water dancing around him again. "Well, she did get him to finish, but does it count as finishing the job?" He lifted a little and tapped his lips, "I suppose it really depends on how one would define fiBLLRRGB!"

Selina cut him off by promptly dunking the kobold below the water and holding him for a moment. <Maybe we should find out how long you can hold your breath.> She smirked, "You guys know I can't stand the taste of spunk. Especially when someone has been eating a lot of salty things." She gave the grinning boar a look. “What do you think, Murdock? Satisfied?"

<Don't threaten me with a good time!> Rirki went playfully limp, surfacing and just bobbing along like a corpse. Despite the fact that she knew he could hold his breath far longer.

The boar chuckled, "Well, I definitely enjoyed. Though," he stood up and winked, flexing his hips and bringing his weapon to bear, "I do believe I have a second wind..."

Selina looked towards the hyena, "Is this gonna be three on one, or girls versus the guys?"

Zon's smile brightened, "As fun as it would be to out number you, I think we can do a battle of the sexes." She reached over to give Rirki's back a good swat, "Unless someone wants to just corpse it. Then it can be two on one."

The kobold broke the surface with a screeched, "Prepare for battle! I'll take the caster, Murdock!" and splashed at Selina.

"Leaves the tricksy one for me," the boar grinned and cracked his knuckles.

Zon and Selina shared a look, "Prepare for assault!" they darted to the edge of the pool, placed their hands upon it, and bent forward. Zon flashed Murdock a toothy grin while Selina hiked her rear at Rirki. Twin growls and grumbles came from the men. Murdock's hand came down on Zon's backside with a flesh-stinging crack. Driving a moaning yelp from the hyena as she arched. Rirki didn't go for that, rather dove under water and came up behind Selina, happily feasting on her privates with eager nose and even more excited tongue. Before the coyote could do more than moan and lower her front down, the boar was slapping his cock off the hyena's backside. Fat, blunt tip wedging against her body as he nudged and wiggled it. Slamming into her with a grunt, driving a pleasured scream from the female. Her cry cut short as the boar threw his weight against her. Each savage slam drove a new cry from her in short sharp gasps.

"Ah ah AH AH!" the muffled cries from the other room woke Selina, as did the steady thumping of headboard against the wall. It took her a few seconds to realize just what those noises were. Though the fact that Rirki was curled into her side did help her memory. Well, that and the rather bony, light frame of Click draped across her awkwardly.

"Click?" she yawned. The raven muttered some sort of noise. "Why are you laying on top of me?" A dark, winged arm lifted and pointed towards the wall. Where the noises of shared pleasure could be heard, as well as the muffled, panted sounds of a challenge. "Ah, they've been testing again?"

Rirki yawned as well, "All night. Surprised they slept, but you know them."

She hummed an affirmative, "Surprised I slept through it." She turned and banged her fist on the wall, "YOU TWO WANT BREAKFAST?" The panted sounds of affirmation, "Then get it yourselves. It's cuddle time." Click's head shot up and his dark eyes brightened.

Selina barely lifted the covers before the raven dove in under it with a, "Cuddle time!" and curled against her, "Cuddle fiend friend."

Fingers brushed through the raven's fluffed up feathers and scrubbed his skin gently. She smiled and settled back down with a weary noise. Rirki gladly tucking himself against her back.

"Gonna stay in bed all day?" Rirki muttered.

She hummed, "No, need to go to town and check on some things at least." Selina hummed to herself and nuzzled into Click's head, "And have to get this one to show me what all he's been fix-fixing."

Click chittered, "Fix things good!"

The sun was well and truly up when Selina and Rirki wandered into town. Click had spent a good bit of time cuddling up to her and purring. He'd been too cute and she missed those too much to say much about it. Then there was the bath, and a second cleanup after Rirki decided to surprise her. After that, he helped her out loading up her cart and getting things delivered in town. Now they were settling onto the bench with fresh buns in hands.

"These are good," he rumbled, "and you're right. Wouldn't mind her hot buns in my mouth." The kobold flashed a toothy grin as she snorted a laugh. He sighed and leaned back, looking over the street, "This is a nice place. Quiet." His attention shifted at a squeal, "Mostly quiet."

"SELINA!" squealed Leila as she charged up. Stopping short at the sight of Rirki.

"Hello there, you little trouble maker," Selina smiled, "This is my friend, Rirki." He waved at the children as they began to gather. "And he has some stories he'd like to tell."

"What?" Rirki turned his head. "Stories?"

Selina flashed a smile, "Yes, grand stories of far off lands. Mighty tales which children," she gave him a look to emphasize, "can enjoy. The type of stories you'd find on the back of broadsheets."

"Oooh," he nodded, then scarfed his bun down. "Avast and attention!" he leapt to his feet atop the bench and pointed, "What be the tails yer lookin fer?" Rirki poured on a different accent, "Gallant warriors in far off realms? Pirates aboard the seas? Wily merchants on the river bangs? Or perhaps," he leaned in, the children leaning in as well, "Tales of ships that sail the skies and beyond?"

A low gasp, "Ships can go beyond the skies?"

Rirki turned and gave a surprised look, "Don't tell me you've never heard the story of the Great Moon Privateer, Ruby Scales the Dread?"

Selina smiled behind her breakfast. Always surprised her just how good Rirki was at weaving tales. Turning things they'd experienced into grander adventures which could be taken in by the audience. Since they were children, and several armed with wooden blades, he'd engage them in mock battles. All while waxing prosaic over the, rather cleaned up, stories. She was thankful he skimmed out and edited the stories so they were fit for polite company. No one would want to hear about their fight with the Necromancer, or the screaming boils incident.

“Have at thee, Knave!" was all the warning Rirki got before Zon darted in, the two starting to spar and play fight. Zon smoothly moving into the roll of theatrical villainess. Murdock chuckled quietly and moved to sit beside Selina. The large boar offering the children some treats with a wink. Selina took one of the foreign candies and nibbled on it. Her acceptance prompting the enraptured children to take some as well.

Then the villagers began to show up as well, watching the impromptu play act. Cheering, joining in the more commonly known songs, and gasping at the right times. All while the sun drifted further and further down the horizon. It was nice, it was peaceful, and it was fun.

“AAAAAAAAAA!"

Selina looked up out of newfound instinct and spotted Click diving towards them. Not from the Fates, but rather from over a wall that Cogs was walking around. The villagers looked rather shocked, and Selina felt something surge in her from the way Cogs was flailing towards them. He rushed up and leaned towards her, hissing, "Problem, problem!"

"Click, what's wrong?" she was on her feet in a flash, the others gathering around her as the raven scrambled forward.

"Decided to do a little," he made hammering noises, "so went up high, tall tall. Looked out and spotted..." he held his arms out and made a groaning noise. Selina felt her blood run cold and looked over as Aelric walked over and gave her a look.

In a low voice, she looked at him, "Aelric, we need to get everyone into the temple. There's something coming this way."

The buck's back straightened, "How bad?"

Selina glanced at Click and the others. They were letting her take the lead here since she knew everyone,. Click snapped his beak a few times, "It might be nothing, some undead. My friends here are very strong though. Get everyone into the temple, get the militia to watch the doors."

He nodded, and turned to the crowd to gather them up. He was good, calm, and they all knew how to handle situations like this. Raiding parties, bad weather, and other things were common enough out here. People were afraid, but they wouldn't panic.

As everyone left, Rirki turned, "Click, how bad?" The raven shifted his hands into a complex pattern and an illusion flickered to life before him. It showed an armored undead, almost as tall as Selina and armed with a mighty sword and shield. Then the image shrunk, multiplied and panned back. It continued to zoom out until it showed a map of the area. The undead forming a dark line that was spreading around the village. Steadily seeping towards it.

"Okay," Rirki sighed and cracked his knuckles, "We've faced larger forces before. They're just undead. Not your typical zombies, but nothing too nasty either."

Zon rubbed her chin, "This reminds me of... What was that? The Staff off Mordiar?"

"Heliki's Hand. That big fist thing that could raise undead. Also a nasty mace."

The hyena's nose wrinkled, "Didn't we destroy that?"

"We took it to a temple to be purified and destroyed," Selina sighed, rubbing her nose. "Which means..."

Murdock groaned, "Some acolyte either got jumped taking it somewhere sacred, or someone decided they could use it to bring about a great age of peace or..." he waved his hand, "blah blah."

Selina's ears perked, "There was something in the broadsheets a couple days back. Deposed noble raising an army of bandits or the like. Fancied himself a minor warlord."

"Fantastic," Rirki threw his head back and groaned. "Okay, so I'm guessing the temple is sturdy?" Selina nodded. "Good. So," he gestured at the illusion and Click panned and zoomed it for him. "We can set up around here, here, and here. One of us stays in the town to catch stragglers."

Murdock nodded, "I can handle that. They'll think twice about facing Murdock the Bulwark."

Rirki nodded, "Selina, you..." he glanced at her.

Her eyes were fixed on the image, "Norah! I've got to go make sure she knows, get her and her kid out." She was starting for the street already, "She's a great friend, and I don't leave friends behind."

Rirki started, "Just tell us where she is and we can..."

She cut him off, "It will take me longer to tell you where she is than it'll take me to go get her. If you try, you might end up with an arrow in you." Which would surprise the falcon when she didn't drop any of them with a single shot. They were a little bit tougher than you average bandit or deer. She whipped around and tensed to run.

"Wait." Murdock's iron grip stopped her. The boar lifted his other hand and... Let out a shrill, piping whistle that echoed far and wide. Clouded Fates burst from the clouds overhead, the airship screaming towards them. Selina could hear villagers cry out in awe and fear, rushing at the temple more. The boar stepped out towards the street as the airship pulled up just short, letting him climb aboard. "You're gonna need this!" he bellowed and casually tossed a spear, "Less you want one of your others."

The haft was a familiar weight in her hand. It wasn't her prized spear of fable, the one she'd used to fell Vymmiorres but it was one of her other familiar weapons. She swore she felt the haft pulse warmly in her grip. The wood soft and welcoming, as if eager to be in her hand again. Just holding it made her feel more at ease.

"Thank you, Big guy!"

He laughed and shouldered a massive great sword, "Think nothing of it, could never find a buyer for the damn thing." He winked as the others climbed aboard.

Rirki called out, "Selina..." she looked at him as Murdock took his place on the street. "Be safe." Then Click leaned forward and whistled, mimicking Murdock's sailor call. The airship responded, lifting into the air and carrying them towards their spots.

<We're linked up. Call if you need help!>

<Will do. I'll get Norah and come back to the temple.> Selina stretched out and let her feet fly. <Don't make too much of a mess, people have to live here.>

She felt Murdock chuckle, <Nary a cobblestone out of place, or your money back!>

<They'll never know I was here,> Zon grinned.

<Aww, no boom?> Click huffed, <But been very good! Fine, no boom today. Boom tomorrow, always a boom tomorrow.> The airship swept overhead as Selina ran out of town and into the woods. Banking away as it hit the tree line. She knew Rirki was pretty good at tactics, and also knew that most undead wouldn't pose more than a mild challenge for her companions. So long as they didn't let themselves get overwhelmed.

The undead creatures shuffled towards the hamlet. What had once been corpses and skeletons of peasants and ages guards had been twisted, infused with dark powers. Bodies reshaped into line upon line of warriors fit for battle. Armed and armored for war, seeking to raze a defenseless village to the ground and add to their numbers.

As such, they were not surprised that there were no victims in the street. They could feel the gathered life force up ahead. Thrumming, panicked warmth huddled within the walls of the temple. Heavy doors barred to guard them from the encroaching horde.

Yet one remained on the street. Standing defiantly at the edge of the small market. Murdock greeted the undead with a smile and a tilt of his head. Greats word casually resting upon his shoulder. "Good evening!" his voice boomed down the row, "I would ask if you are well, but I can tell that you've seen better days. While I am certain that you might find what you seek within the market, I'm afraid that is is closed for the day." The mindless undead continued their march forward. A singular goal ringing through what passed for their brains."I will have to ask you to leave!" Murdock bellowed, "Oh who am I kidding. I just like to hear myself talk." He laughed and took a step forward.

Lightning flashed overhead. Thunder boomed below. Murdock squared his shoulders and took another step, thunder shook the houses as his foot came down. He grew with his next stride, becoming the size of a giant. The ground shook as he took his next step, towering over the houses about him. Lightning sparked and jumped along his muscled frame as the merchant-barbarian casually swung his great sword with a single hand and loosed it. The mighty blade sang through the air, glowing with the raw energies of a storm as it bore down on the silent undead.

KRA-KOW!

Houses shook as the weapon tore into the army, sailed into the skies, and came back. Ripping through bodies and armor as it raced back to the boar's outstretched hand. With the battle begun, the army surged forward with the hiss of the grave. Met only by the thunderous laughter from the boar as he responded in kind.

<Well, it sounds like Murdock has started.> Zon's mind touched her friends. The hyena was little more than a blur, a hint of shadow that darted from one creature to another. While she held a dagger casually in her hand, she never lifted it. Creatures would glance at her, draw close, then drop. Ichor oozing from ears and eyes as she destroyed their minds with her prowess. <Has anyone found the leader yet? Or really any clue what we should be looking for?>

Rirki was little more than a blur of crimson and fur. <The broadsheets made it sound like some disposed noble. So look for whoever is fanciest.> The lycanthropic kobold pounced into a throng of undead. Halberd and body tucked into a tight spiral, striking faster than one could blink. He barely touched the ground before darting into another direction. He was wiry, fast, and deadly as could be with his weapon of choice. <Thinking the usual Dread Lord style outfit. Spiked armor that's been painted black, a big cape.> A blade caught his side, but the lycan barely noticed. The wound sealing up almost as fast as it had been delivered.

<Nothing here, nothing yet.> Click clattered his beak and perched atop Cogs. The bearish automata marched through the undead horde. Massive fists crashing into them like great clubs. Occasionally, the raven would spot a thicker assembly of creatures and point. Some great, unknowable word would be uttered as he twisted the very fabric of reality to his will. Convincing it that the group was always on fire, and exploding. Then reality would apologize for the mistake and the undead soldiers would promptly explode. All was right with the world again. At least until Click asked reality if those over there shouldn't be frozen instead. <Forgot how easy undead soldiers are to kill. Almost boring, if there weren't so many.> Then Cogs waded into a new group and began to spin. Prompting Click to hold onto the metal head and scream, "WHEEEE!" as his legs were thrown outwards. "Faster!"

<Yeah,> Rirki sighed, <Just bad luck for them we were here. Selina, how are you doing?>

<Almost there.> She was really, really glad that her friends were here for this. The coyote stretched her legs out and rushed through the forest paths, spear at her side. She'd taken out a few scattered soldiers, but avoided most of them.

"NORAH!" she called out as she rushed into the clearing.

"Selina?" the falcon called from atop her house, eyes darting around into the undergrowth. Several undead were scattered around the clearing around her house. Each with arrows jutting from their eyes or heads. Norah was a really good shot.

Norah popped off a shot at something behind Selina. Without thinking, she spun around in time to see the undead reel back and screech. Planting her feet, she slammed the spear out, driving the tip through it's open maw and exploding out the back of its head. She ripped her weapon out and called, "Get Hooper, I'm getting you back to town. My friends have everyone safely there."

The falconess nodded and dove into a hatch on her roof. Selina hurried to the door and waited, spear out in front of her. Glancing about as things shuffled in the woods. Getting nervous are we? Her darkness almost purred, You know, it won _'t take much to keep them safe. If you insist on saving them that is. They're in the forests, your territory._ Selina could feel the breath on her neck, a hand guiding her nose towards the tree line. How easy would it be to just_ … snap your fingers and set the trees on them. Call upon wolves, deer, the bear to your air. Or you could just…_ she could almost see the shadow of a draconic claw reach past her, Take a form and use your own claws and teeth. Rend their flesh from their bones. Crush them until…

Selina nearly fell backwards as the door opened, ears shooting up as she grunted in surprise. Norah came bundling out, trying to hold up Hooper, who was wrapped in a blanket. Selina quickly tucked away her spear and took the young falcon from his mother. Norah resisted for just a moment before nodding and unslinging her bow.

“Hey there, feeling better, Kiddo?"

Hooper trilled quietly, “Yes, Auntie." Before erupting into a fit of coughing.

You know he'll alert them if he hasn't already. Better to leave him here, or heal him if you want to bring him along. The voice drew closer to her ear and dropped lower. Just think of it. All it would take would be a mere whisper of what you have to offer. The gentlest of breezes from the depths of your Grove. Then he could stand a chance of surviving. It'd be so much easier to flee if he could just run as well.

Selina hated to admit that the dark inner voice was right. She ground her teeth and held Hooper to her front. "Move!" she started off at a jog. Norah hot on her heels, arrow notched and eyes wary. Selina's ears perked and swiveled, she and the falcon doing their best to spot groups of the creatures as they wandered through the woods. Selina ducked off the path and started to overland, Norah hurrying to keep up. "Getting thicker," she growled under her breath.

"East," Norah squeaked, "There's a path through the brush, then a game trail just beyond. We can take that to the stream, follow it closer to your home, then back to town."

Selina had a rough idea of what Norah was suggesting and nodded. Diving into the brush and bursting through. The undead began to thin out somewhat as her booted feet pounded through the brush. Norah all but perching on her back, occasionally firing off a shot at one thing or another. Selina could feel the undead all around them. It made her fur bristle and skin crawl. Her sharp nose picked up the scent of death and decay all about them. In the distance, she could hear low booms and the crackle of thunder. A part of her wondered if she should try to loop around. Maybe even call for some help from her friends.

They burst into a clear spot and she skidded to a stop. Norah bounced off her back, but recovered and brought up her bow. It looked like the bulk of the undead were here. At their center, a massive bear in black, ornate armor. He clutched a strange mace in his hand. The mace as dark as his armor, the end capped by a mummified hand clenched into a fist. It pulsed with dark energy that surged through the undead around him, bolstering them further.

"Well," he growled in amusement, "what do we have here?"

Selina's heart leapt into her throat, then stopped as the undead moved. Shambling towards them. Moving to surround and cut them off. Her mind raced as she looked for a way out. Norah shifted to press her back to Selina's, bow lifting slowly. They could take out a handful, with bow and spear. Could she do it while holding Hooper? Defending Norah?

You know what to do.

"To whom am I addressing?" Selina blurted, trying to buy a moment to think.

A smirk played out under the dark helmet. "I?" he rumbled, "I am High-Lord Vesh Onyx, The Blackblade, the..."

Selina snorted a laugh.

He froze mid-titling and gave her a solid glare. Eyes blazing under his helmet, "What is so funny?"

"Nothing," she shook her hand, "nothing, go on." Her hand slipped under the blanket that wrapped around Hooper.

The bear cleared his throat, "High-Lord Vesh Onyx, The Blackblade, the exiled, the dark lord of..."

Selina snorted again and the bear rose up on his mount and bellowed, "WHO ARE YOU TO MOCK ME?"

Her stomach churned as her hand came to rest on Hooper's back. Fingers splayed out between his shoulder blades. She could feel her magic, that green pit within her core, twist and roll. Fingers tingled as the green reached out. A shadow sliding and twining about it. "Me? I am Selina Sweetbriar, herbalist." The power rose at her call, ready to answer as if she hadn't ignored it for years. Hooper arched in her grip as the power flowed into him, burning away the sickness. Yet the shadow lingered in her, wrapped about her own fingers.

"A mere herbalist?" he sneered down at her.

Her voice dropped as she eased Hooper down, "Hooper, I need you to grab onto your mom and hold tight. Norah," she glanced back at the falcon, "I need you to run."

"But..." the falcon started.

"Norah, I need you to take Hooper and run. Now." Her voice was steel hard as she stood up and stared up at the bear and his army, "I'll handle them." Her magic throbbed in her core. She took a slow breath and felt it pulse in time with her heart. Slow, steady beat that rolled through her limbs. She changed her grip on the spear, trying to ignore the new scales that poked out from under her glove.

Vesh laughed, "As if I would allow either to escape. Archers." Hooper was already clambering onto his mother's back. The fledgling knowing just how and where to perch on the older bird. Norah spared a glance at Selina, but the coyote was staring forward. Wings beat at the air and the falcon leapt for the skies. "Fire!" The undead loosed their arrows at the falcon. A volley that could blot the stars from the sky sailed at her.

"No."

Selina's voice was calm, iron-hard, but carried the weight of command on it. The wind snapped through the clearing, blowing the arrows wildly off course. Selina could feel it. The wind was her breath. The forest was her body and heart. Green from beyond her body responded, stirred, and began to pulse in time with her own powers. It answered her call readily, rising to meet her. Within seconds, the ground about her feet began to thrum, glow as the magics within and without answered the call of a druid.

Vesh looked more than a little surprised. "Who... What..."

Selina chuckled coldly, "I told you. I am Selina Sweetbriar. Herbalist." The Archers were readying another volley. She held her hand out and the ground split. Thick, clinging vines and tangled thorns surged from the ground. "Druid from The Thorn Valley." Armor and bones cracked as the vines tightened around the Archers. Undead voices lifted as the plants crushed the unlife from them. "Wielder of the Thorn of Agony." Fur began to thicken along her body, growing matted then flattening out into scales.

_ Yes. _

"Friend of the Wild Hunters." She took a step forward, the ground rose to meet her. An undead soldier surged at her and was met with a pit that opened beneath its feet. "Thorn in the Fae King's heel." She took another step, the bear was looking worried now. "Slayer of Vymmiorres!" She brought her spear up and slammed the butt into the ground, "That is who I am, Little Man." Her voice deepened as the power surged through her, a tear gathered at the corner of her eye. "You have come to my home, have threatened my friends, and for that." The trees lifted in behind the army and moved closer. "For that, you must pay." She looked at the mace, that withered, clenched fist. She'd faced it before. That time had been far worse than this laughable fit the bear was having. She also felt deep in her core, that if she didn't do something about it, then someone else would be hurt. She had enough magic to destroy the artifact, but...

<I'm sorry, Guys. Rirki, I love you.>

Lips curled as she snarled, " You have woken the dragon!"

<Selina?> Rirki's head snapped around, <Selina?> Nothing. <Anyone know where she is?!>

Before anyone could answer, they felt something shift. An explosion that rippled through their very spirits. The undead shuddered, jerked, and then collapsed as whatever magic was animating them got sucked away.

<I have an idea where she is, JUMP!>

Rirki leapt into the air and reached for nothing. As he sailed up, Clouded Fates swept lower and a rope dropped. He grabbed onto the rope and was climbing as the ship began to pull up. "What was that?!"

Murdock called from the helm, "Felt like a magic item broke, a powerful one."

Rirki felt his blood run cold. "You think she..."

Zon looked just as worried as she paced the deck, "Sacrificed herself? Maybe, but it'd take far more than just an ancient artifact of unspeakable evil to blow up our girl." Those blue eyes scanned the landscape and Rirki moved to join her in searching, "What I'm more worried about is..." she pointed, "There!"

A low roar ripped through the air, one that send icy chill through each of their bodies. Any one of them would know the sound of a dragon's roar by heart. The airship banked towards the sound as they rushed to the side.

Even in the dying light of day, the shape of an elder dragon was unmistakable. Fading light fell across dark scales, wings cast long shadows over a clearing that was covered in twisted brambles. Trees and earth alike had been churned up and thrown around by the magical explosion. An explosion which felt strangely small as the dragon reared and roared. A vicious looking green gas billowing from its maw and falling across the fallen legion of death. Wherever the gas fell, new plants sprang to life, vibrant and virulent. The dragon's head swung around as the airship closed. Sharp, amber eyes glaring up at the vessel. It bellowed and flapped wings, beating at the air.

"Is that..." Murdock breathed.

"It has to be," Zon sighed.

"Oh Brighteyes..." Rirki backed up and gathered himself.

Vines clung to the dragon, tearing as the beast freed itself of the earth and began to rise. Great wings stirring the plants with storm force winds. Driving it higher into the air, one unsteady beat a the time.

Zon growled, "We've gotta bring it down," she looked over her shoulder, "What are you doing?"

Rirki was planting his feet against a mast, "I'm going to jump onto it. Either I catch it off guard, or it's Selina and I can talk it down."

"You are not going to just leap onto a dragon, even if it is Selina. We don't know..."

The dragon bellowed again, legs kicking at the air as wings beat harder. It was quickly getting higher than the airship. Rirki ground his teeth and gathered himself up, lycanthropic muscles quivering as he readied himself for a dash and leap. He was stronger in his changed form, faster, he could make the jump. All he had to do was try.

A roar ripped through the air, drawing their gaze higher. The adventures and dragon all gazed upwards as a second dragon ripped through the clouds. Light dancing off silver and black scales as the other elder beast dove from above. The darker dragon snarled and twisted in the air, trying to roll out of the way. Yet the slivered one adjusted its wings and slammed right into the other's body. Wings folded as the pair cried out, slamming into the ground with an earth-shaking crash. "What the..." Zon started as Rirki bolted past, "Fuck!"

Selina's world was a whirl of new sensations. She felt, strange, heavy, her body screaming at her. There were hazy memories of a bear lifting the cursed mace. Of her slamming her spear into it and driving every bit of Green she could into it. The mace shattering, and then a moment of darkness. She'd come to screaming in agony as unholy fires wrapped around her, threatening to consume her body. Yet they didn't. She didn't know that her body absorbed the magic, fueling her change. The pain she felt was her mortal body being reshaped into a dragon. She was dimly aware of the green trying to hold her, calm her, but she had to get away. Break away somehow. Then there was that roar, a dragon's cry. She'd twisted around and felt like the world was the wrong way up. Then weight on top of her. Arms wrapped tight around her, gathering up new wings. Holding her tight, driving her to the ground again. That heavy weight pinning her down as she screamed and yelled, trying to kick it off her.

<" SELINA!"> a voice screamed in her mind and ears. She opened her eyes and blinked as Rirki, looking strangely small, grabbed onto her face. "Selina, come back! Come on, Brighteyes!"

Her alien tongue rolled in a strange maw. Words felt impossibly hard to form as she growled, "Rrrrr."

Another body slammed into her. Murdock in his giant form, wrapping arms around her neck and trying to hold her head still, "Come on, Girl. Please be in there."

"Mrrrrrr," the world felt strange, everything seemed small, fragile. Even the storm giant sized boar was small.

<I am not leaping out of a perfectly good airship. Selina, if you can hear me, we're here!>

That had to be Zon, she felt the name at the edge of her senses, but everything was... Too real. The world too bright, and the green thrummed against her senses like a giant drum.

"Come on, Friend Selina, give us a sign. Let us know you're you. Can fix." The voice was... Different, but something about the pattern and phrasing felt familiar. She rolled her head to look at the dragon that pinned her down. Bright, dark eyes stared down at her as she blinked up at it. Chimes filled her ears as Cogs wrapped powerful arms around her neck from the other side, helping Murdock restrain her from flopping around.

Rirki clung to her muzzle and moved in front of her eyes, "Hey," he said, voice low yet still perfectly clear. She stilled, nostrils flaring as she breathed heavily. The scent of the world overwhelming her. Yet Rirki stayed atop her muzzle, petting gently. "Hey... I know those eyes." She blinked, tears burning at her eyes.

Then the world went dark.

"So it's been an interesting week," Rirki sighed as he leaned against Selina's flank.

Her tongue rolled inside her muzzle, "It's... Been... A week?" words were hard, she felt clumsy. Zon could do her psychic thing and link them all up, but she had to learn her new body.

"Yes yes, a week." Click rumbled behind her. The other dragon, she still couldn't believe he was a dragon, was tucked against her back. Even funnier was his name, which was Greggirgrigg, and yes you had to pronounce all the Gs. He insisted they continue to call him Click because he liked it better. "Had lots of things to fix fix," he cleared his throat, "There was a lot to clean up and some repairs to be made. Somebody," he rolled his head, "tore up some cobblestones."

"I did not!" Murdock huffed, "I just... Nudged a few with my foot. How was I to know the ground was soft?"

"You check before you go trodding around," Zon sighed, "Anyway, 'guise me up, Click?" She held her hands out, "Selina has to go make the rounds and keep the peace."

Selina watched as Click reached around her and touched Zon with a large talon. The hyena's form rippled and Selina had the odd sensation of double vision. She could still see Zon standing there, but there was a faint image over top her. One that looked like Selina, or rather how she'd looked a week ago. "Thank you," Zon bowed, her voice having that same strange double quality to it. "I'll be back once I deliver the ale and read to the kiddos."

"But yes," Click sighed, "it has been a week since the whole," he rolled a hand, "incident. Near as I can guess, the sudden magical eruption interacted with you and caused the rapid change into your new form." His muzzle swept down to look at her. "Which also caused an imbalance in your senses, overloading you to the point where you were rendered unconscious."

Rirki sighed, "You soaked up the explosion, turned into a full dragon, and passed out."

"Ah," Selina breathed and craned her head to look over her body. She did have black scales, but they weren't only black. There was traces of orange, brown, and green in there too. In a way, she almost looked like an autumnal forest at night. Swinging her head around on her shockingly long neck, she peered at Click. His body was largely silver, but with black markings, almost like gloves and stockings and feather-like marks on his wings. "You?"

He chuckled and turned his head a bit, "Yes, Um, well... I was going to tell you eventually. Once you said what happened to you, thought it best to help there before I…" he trailed off then cleared his throat. “See, I wanted to go and explore the world, be an adventurer. I also knew that if I knew I was a dragon, then I'd be tempted to change back if things got rough." He lifted a massive forepaw and rubbed the back of his head, "So I put a spell on myself. Fully change myself into the raven form you know, but also forget who I was fully. For a set time at least. That way I could experience full mortality and adventure."

Her tongue rolled against sharp teeth, "Explains why you were... Naked and lost. When I found you."

"Mm, that was a mistake on my part. Didn't expect I'd forget everything when I changed." He breathed out a sigh, "Though I am glad that some conditions of the spell worked. The time limit for one. Ended last year and I was able to share who I am with most of those closest to me. Though now you know too, so that's all my friends." The dragon shifted, "Though some conditions worked a little too well though," he cleared his throat and cheeks darkened a little, "The lack of my... Desire being one of them. Didn't want to have an unknown number of surprises around, so..." he waved his hand, "made sure I didn't want to," he trailed off again.

"Didn't want a bunch of cute bastards running around, so you made it where you didn't wanna fuck," Rirki grinned.

Click sighed, "Yes, something like that."

Selina shifted, pressing back into Click without thinking about it. "But," she started and looked for the words. Common was getting easier, and she was taking her time with it, but her tongue felt too thick and long for her mouth. "My curse?"

"Ah!" the drake nodded, "There wasn't one. Well," he thought, "there was, kind of." Both dragoness, kobold, and boar looked up at him questioningly. He sighed, "If I had to guess, something went strange with your resurrection. A smudge on the scroll, word said wrong, no telling really. You were still attuned to your body, so you had priority. However, you fought with Vymmiorres and either accidentally pulled part of her into you, or some of her slipped in. Just that essence of dragon, a mere hint of it. Which naturally, as draconic essence is want to do, it mingled with magic and grew there. A seed planted in your druidic powers. So as you used them, it tried to assume it's 'natural' state and thus your changes."

Her muzzle wrinkled slowly, "But... I heard her. In my head and my spirit."

Click blew out his cheeks and made a noise, "A hint of her, a shade of her darkness perhaps, or just something of your own self doubt? Your own worries of what you could become manifest in your own mind?" He reached around and tapped her nose with a finger, "I told you, only Selina's in here." Muzzle split into a wide smile as he settled down with another sigh.

Selina stretched out as well, slowly acquainting herself with her new form. Click had enacted a barrier around her home. It wouldn't keep people out, but it would keep them from noticing the two full grown dragons lounging behind the house. Wings stretched, unfurled, then lay flat against her side. Tail swished and rolled, curling against her feet before sliding back. "Felt real enough," she huffed low in her throat. Looking back at him, she hummed. "How do I... Change back?"

Click perked a little, "Ah, I can teach you how. It's a simple matter of willpower and imagination." He leaned back as Selina rolled her body again, the dragon cleared his throat quietly. "Although, perhaps we should wait on the lessons a little bit."

"Why?" she calmed her breathing into meditative exercises she knew well. Stretching out her limbs one by one in a manner she was used to. It was like using her power to change her shape. Except she couldn't just drop the form at will. You couldn't just become a mole or a giant eagle because you saw one. You had to know how the body worked. Discover it's limits, how it moved, become as familiar with it as she was her own.

Click shifted, "Well, for one this is the longest you've been awake all week."

Something in his tone made her look back at him. "Feels like there is more," she snorted towards him. A puff of green mist wafting against his muzzle. Where it touched, a thin layer of soft moss sprang up.

“Another curiosity, never seen a dragon with plant breath." The drake snorted and reached up to brush it off. "Well, like I said. For a good ten years, I haven't," he rolled his hand, "tended to my urges. Easy enough to handle most of the time, but now you're here and you're pressing against me in a way I hadn't felt in a long while." The silvered dragon huffed at her.

No sooner did he mention it than she felt that warmth against her haunch. Thinking back, she realized it had been there for some minutes now. A hard, weighty warmth just resting against her."Oh sure," she grunted, "get to cuddling, get hard." Would it be that bad though? Sex with a dragon was certainly one of the items on her bucket list. Never figured she would be a dragon as well, not without some higher level magics at least. She'd had a spell in her pockets for just that sort of occasion, but it never came up before she was cursed. Just thinking about it, she could feel her own body start to warm to the idea. A tingling surged through her loins and tickled it's way to the base of her tail. "Rirki?" she asked quietly, glancing at her partner.

The kobold flashed a grin at her, "What, do you want to fuck Click? Honestly, could be fun. Don't think he's gotten any since he told us, and we had a little weekend at some hot springs."

"No I have not," his cock throbbed on Selina's hip. A very hot dollop of precum oozing onto her scales as the male huffed. "Not to sound ungrateful, but as nice as it was to have you three stroking me off, and the sessions with each of you in a smaller form, there is something..."

Rirki laughed, "No pussy like dragon pussy, huh?"

"Something like that," Click huffed again, then grunted as Selina rolled her hips back into his. “Not to mention," he ground his teeth and huffed, “Selina is a very attractive dragoness, and more importantly a good friend." His talons scraped over her scales as he pressed closer to her with a low growl.

She could feel her insides tighten and warm even more. Nostrils flared and brought in the male's scent as she turned her head to look back at him. Some instinct whispered that he was a fine specimen of a dragon. “Just," she huffed, “don't knock me up. Just became a dragon," she shifted and pulled away from him, rolling onto all fours, “don't think I'm ready to be a mother as well."

He happily moved behind her, “Don't worry, I have methods to keep that from happening." So did she. She'd taken a dose of the herbs Zon had asked her for… well just over a week ago. While she trusted her work, she wasn't sure if how it'd extend to becoming a dragon. So better not to chance it. Even if her body was already starting to whisper naughty thoughts to her. Thoughts that made her look back at him and notice something. He's smaller than me. Not by much, but I don't think his shoulders or as high, and he doesn't look as strong. Huh.

Those thoughts were pushed aside as Click's heavy forepaw came down on her haunch and his muzzle nudged her backside. Selina's rear lifted more with a huff, her tail coiling up and around. He rumbled low in his throat, the noise sending quivers of pleasure through her core. He squeezed her rear, spreading her open and revealing her inner lips for his tongue. Her head rolled with a deep gasp as the male sampled her, legs wobbling just a little.

“Getting excited there?" Rirki grinned at her.

Selina panted, “Hush, it's just… more intense than I'm used to."

Click rumbled, “It's dragon senses. They're far more highly attuned than other creatures are. You'll have to get used to, mmmph!"

Her tail coiled awkwardly around his neck as she rocked her hips back. “Put that muzzle to better use." Eyes narrowed as she ground her hips back against his nostrils. Click muttered some sort of reply before tightening his grip and diving in with vigor. Tongue slurping across scales and slit. His eager growl shook into her and made her insides quiver. Selina felt her knees wobble again, but stiffened her legs. Front lowering down to give herself more support. She could feel her excitement start to mix with his drool and drip down pristine scales. Insides flushed and warmed eagerly as the dragoness groaned. That low, pleasured noise made the ground tremble around her. Click groaned as well, letting the sound ripple through her as he pressed his muzzle tighter to her rear. He breathed in her scent before driving his tongue deep. Spreading her new form open around him. The first male inside her grumbled in pleasure and rolled his tongue this way and that. Tasting every last inch of her and groaning in approval.

"Vexations," Click groaned and reared. "I can't wait anymore." Weight came down on Selina's body as he pulled himself up and over her. Talons stroked her flanks and belly as he drew himself over her. The dragoness' legs locked just so, hips more than ready to support the weight of a male atop her. He rocked forward, pressing his burning tip against her body. Then let it slide past her folds, teasing her by grinding his length into her. She craned her head and looked under herself, spotting the deep red of his manhood as it pressed between her thighs. Sharp tip, barbed crown, deep set ridges along the underside, and glorious to look at. Both groaned as Click teased her. Parting her folds with his shaft, teasing her by grinding against her body but not sliding in. He rocked the smooth top of his length against her, letting her nectar soak his length.

She breathed in his smell. Deep, rich, and powerful, it made her insides clench more. Under that, she could pick up other smells. The scent of a lycanthropic kobold, and that of a boar. Turning her head, she saw Rirki smirking up at her, seated on the ground and casually stroking his cock as he watched. Murdock was some feet away, not actively playing with himself, but certainly rubbing the front of his pants. "Are you having fun Y... WHOA!"

Selina stopped Rirki mid tease by leaning forward. Her massive, forked tongue pressed against his body. The tips eased against his cock and rolled on it. Standing up, he wouldn't be taller than her muzzle, not in his natural state, and probably not even in his transformed state. Though it didn't stop her from casually licking over his cock. Practicing with her new tongue by driving her partner to the ground and toying with him.

"Oh I think she is, Lad!" Murdock cackled.

"I know I will be," Click breathed out and leaned forward. He planted a light kiss between Selina's wings, working his way up to her neck. She shivered, scales rattling as the male teased her in several places. She rumbled her pleasure and curled her tongue against Rirki, feeling his cock twitch against the muscle. Despite their vast size difference, she could still taste the male's precum. Sweeter than Murdock's, but he also knew how she felt about salty things.

Teasing talons swept around her hunches and teased her belly teats. The new sensation drew a low moan from the dragoness, hips hiking higher. Click took this as a sign to stop teasing and drew back, gently wedging his tip against her. Slow, gentle rocks began to sink him into her. The dragoness groaning, the male moaning, both pressing together at a slow pace. "Fuck you're tight," Click breathed into her neck, panting now as he pushed himself deeper a thrust at the time. Savoring the feel of her around him, that soft warmth that soaked into him and coaxed him to go deeper. It was only a shame when his hips touched hers. The aching throb of his loins matched by the teasing clench of hers. Bodies pressed flush, greeting each other, adapting, finding a nice middle ground.

Selina's eyes narrowed as he pulled back. Talons dug into the ground and she let her moan pour over Rirki. Those devilish barbs on his crown and wonderful ridges played her body just right. It was like a musical instrument found in the hands of a maestro. Or at least an eager learner, because Click gasped and jerked into her after only pulling back a little. Scaled hips crashing off hers as the male uttered a wordless curse.

Rirki wasn't in too much better of a state. He was all but clinging to her muzzle, straddling her tongue and rocking his hips. The poor kobold panting eagerly, a look of pure bliss on his face. Tongue rolling from his maw as his hips stirred into her tongue.

"Too much for you?" she asked, not bothering to direct it at either male.

Click huffed, "Hush," and pressed his head to her neck, trembling on top of her.

Rirki groaned, "First time with a dragoness?" He flashed a grin and planted a kiss on Selina's muzzle, leaning forward as best he could while his hips rocked faster. "Cause it's my first time and ho-lee-sheeet."

She could hear the blush in Click's growled, "It is not my first time, just been a while." Selina smirked and gave his side what she hoped would be a playful tap with her wing. Click leaned over and growled, his words somehow only reaching her ear, "Never got to partake in vaginal so eagerly. Not a word to the others."

His thrusts started slow, a little awkward. She shifted her hips to help support and guide him. While she was fresh to being a dragon, she wasn't a stranger to sex. Certainly wasn't a stranger to sex while on all fours, or even in a less-than bipedal form. She was a druid, after all, and what druid didn't experiment while in animal shape? Only got weird that time Zon walked in while she was in goat shape and Rirki was having fun.

Click's ridges hit something inside her and she felt pleasure shoot up her spine. Claws dug into the ground and she groaned right into Rirki. He took that as a good sign and rocked his in that area, barely even moving, but teasing her in a way that made her hips tremble. It took a buck of her hips to put him back on task, "Right," he breathed and curled his forepaws around her belly. Petting and stroking her trim stomach and belly teats. Playing with them as his hips stirred against her more. Body hitting hers with soft claps as he breathed pleasured noises onto her neck.

Show this male what we can do.

Tail coiled around his hip and she pulled back as he drew away. Legs trembled as his length stroked her just right, but she didn't stop. Powering herself up and back, hammering against him as he jerked and thrust forward. Click gasped, the sound pouring over her body in a way that made her shiver with delight. She clenched around him and drove her hips back faster. Savoring the feel and sound as the male hammered against her. Each impact shook her to the core, threatened to shake the ground, and yet she wanted more. She growled in pleasure, rolling her muzzle and tongue against Rirki, treating him delicately while also urging him on.

"Gonna," was all she heard from the kobold before she nudged him back. Driving him to the ground, she pressed her tongue to his front and licked. Muscle rolling against his front and twitching cock. Rirki gasped, grabbed at her tongue, then snarled as he arched up. His seed splattered against her tongue and his front as she played with him. She rumbled and rolled her tongue on him, teasing the kobold to get as much as she could out of him. Then, with a playful smile, she drew her head back and spit out what stayed on her tongue.

That urged Click on more. The male hunched against her, peppering her backside with shallow thrusts. His ridges and barbs did work, coaxing her to higher and higher levels of pleasure. Juices dripped freely from her stretched slit and ran down scales to pool on the ground.

It wasn't long before she felt it. A new, yet familiar, sensation. The steady swell of a male's knot. It started to pop and pull at her lips. Hinting that it would tie them and lock his seed deep in her core. Her stomach clenched at that thought, heart leaping as her body almost screamed for that hearty, healthy load from him. A primal, needy growl rolled up her lungs as her hips rocked back. Making each meeting that much harder, that much louder. Walls and entrance clenched at the knot. Coaxing it to stay, longing for it to swell within her and lock them together.

"FUCK!" the male wrenched his hips back and pulled out, leaving her feel incredibly empty.

Selina swung her head around and caught sight of his cock. Knot pulsing, length twitching, right on the very cusp of having tied with her and filling her to the brim. "Too much?" she teased wickedly, a grin splitting her muzzle.

Click panted down at her, reared up and resting his weight lightly on her haunches, "Y-yes. Just give me a moment." His gaze drifted down as she rolled her hips and tail to the side, exposing her still gaped cunt to the male atop her. Ruby insides glistening with need as the muscles tightened up slowly. He ground his teeth and groaned in raw desire. She could feel his want, his need to tie with her and plant his seed into her depths despite his promise. It reverberated between the pair and Click ground his teeth. Jaw clenching as his cock twitched, spilling precum onto her rear.

"Roll onto your side," he breathed after a moment. Selina grumbled, but did as he asked, dropping heavily onto her flank and looking back at her partner. The male groaned at the sight of her laying before him. He moved up and crouched lower, draping her tail over his thigh. "Think I calmed down enough to..." a glance down revealed his knot had gone back down, but that didn't stop his cock from twitching in time with his lustful heart.

Together the dragons lifted Selina's leg and Click leaned in. She arched her neck proudly, waiting for the pressure against her slit. Eager to feel him slide into her again.

Only to have his tip nudge higher under her tail. Probing her back door with a little push. "Wait," she looked at him, "What are you!" she gasped as his tip wedged in. The male's length, slick with their mixed juices, spread her backside open slowly.

Click huffed, "You asked me not to knock you up, this is a surefire way." He grinned and clacked his teeth in a very raven-like way.

Selina huffed, "And what about me?" She reached down to stroke her outer lips.

"Think we can help there, Right?" Murdock flashed a very large grin as he strode towards her.

Rirki cracked his knuckles, "Think I can help there too." The already naked kobold sprang off Selina's thigh and moved in, hands massaging her outer lips. His tongue felt so very small against her, but she wasn't going to complain. She was just curious what the three of them were going to do. Well, it was obvious for Click. He was steadily rocking his hips to slide deeper into her ass. Murdock's stride grew heavier and lightning crackled over his form as he grew to his giant size. Though even as large as he was, he was still less than half her size. Which made Rirki seem even smaller.

Not that it would stop either of the males from starting to play with her. Murdock's fingers slid over her outer lips and spread her open. His entire hand cupped her swollen clitoris and stroked it. She arched, moaning as he started to polish her pearl with hand and tongue, teasing the larger female. Then came a jolt, a spark of his lightning that jumped between fingers and across her privates. She arched and gasped, thigh quaking and ass clenching against the male.

"Oh I think she liked that," Rirki laughed. "Let's see how she likes this."

The kobold took a breath, spread her pussy open, and dove into her. Selina gasped in surprise, then pleasure as Murdock shocked her again. She could feel Rirki as clearly as she'd felt Click's cock. Her body molded to the kobold as he half-climbed, half-swam inside her. Selina ground her teeth and groaned. Rolling her head as Rirki moved deeper into her. Then his fingers touched something and she clenched again, gasping.

It seems that was what he was aiming for, because his fingers began to feel out the edges of that spot in her. Stroking, petting, massaging, toying with her and making her body jump and clench around him. All whine Murdock continued to tease her from the outside. Thick porcine tongue playing with her pearl as his fingers massaged her. Continuing a double assault while Click continued to thrust. His pace getting faster now, Hips clapping off hers as the dragon groaned hotly.

They weren't just going to play with her either. She felt Murdock's blunt, almost spiraled, tip press against then into her. Not his full length, just part of it. It eased into her larger body and began to rock, nudging against Rirki. She felt the kobold squirm, wiggle against his friend, and Murdock chuckled.

Before opening his mouth and slurping wetly around her clit.

Selina's world erupted in a kaleidoscope of color. She gasped and threw her head back, bellowing her rapture to the skies, body clenching around all three males. Squeezing them, milking them, driving them into a frenzy.

A part of her pleasure-filled mind wasn't surprised when Click pressed deep to her. His deflated knot growing rapidly. The male snarled and hissed what might have been a curse. Hot breath blasting her neck as the male gave himself over to his lusts. Nostrils flared as he breathed in her scent. Rapid, hammering thrusts drove him to lean forward and clamp his jaws on her shoulder. Burying a snarl there as he quickly went over the edge. Ridges flared and knot pulsed as the pent up dragon erupted inside her like a volcano. Heavy, thick seed sprayed deep into her body and painted every surface it could.

Inside her Rirki was certainly in an odd state. Selina's orgasm had squeezed around him and her, surprisingly strong, pussy muscles had pulled him deeper. Might have gotten a new fetish, he laughed to himself, then groaned as those slick walls rubbed against his body. Her tongue had been great, he blew a sizable load all of his front. He was already hard again, pushing against her as she trembled around him. Of course, he had to move a bit here and there to avoid Murdock as the boar shoved his pork hammer into her. There wasn't much warning there. A relaxation of the muscles, a hint of light, and then it'd come slamming forward, nudging him towards the deeper areas. More than that, on occasion, he could feel a throb from behind him. Had to be Click, but it had stopped moving. Must've finished. He'd wanted to play with Selina's G-spot some more. Really get her howling, but now? Well, might as well have his fun while he was in here. He squirmed and wiggled inside her, moving a hand around to grip his own cock. Stroking himself with low hissing noises. Not wanting to push out too much air yet.

Murdock continued his assault. Since Selina was on her side, it made things a bit easier. Though still, the size was something he had to work to play with. He kept playing with her clit, doubling over to lick and slurp at it when he could. Even going so far as to pull out. Only to draw back with a wet pop that made her hips jerk. Then he'd slam back into her and thrust as hard as he could. The dragoness groaned and rolled her head, clenching around him, Rirki, and Click as well.

“Faaaawk," Selina gasped, “d-don't knnnn-now…" she growled and clenched, rocking her hips between the two males, “h-how long…" Another shock from the barbarian made her gasp and throw her head back, “last!"

“For fucks sake!" Zon huffed, “I leave for a couple hours and you three just fuck the poor girl into a stupor? And I'm not here to watch?!" The hyena licked her lips, “Piggy, finish up and let her take a break, will you?"

He chuckled, “Only polite I guess. Sorry, Luv." He tightened his grip on Selina's thigh, “Got carried away…" the boar leaned forward and dug in. Really hammering her now. Pendulous balls, which could likely destroy a stone wall, clapped off her body with thunderous smacks. The dragoness groaned, jaws shaking as her head lay back, tongue rolling from her maw as she panted. Murdock wasn't going to stop playing with her clit though. He'd always said, “If I can't make a lady cum twice, I'm doing it wrong. Fellas better be dry firing by the time I'm done too!"

It was little surprise that the dragoness snarled, hissed, and moaned. Body trembling weaker around him as her hips rocked. Tugging on Click's knot and drawing groans from the male behind her. Murdock planted a hand on her belly and drove himself harder, sneaking his fingers up to tease one of her belly teats.

Didn't take more than a few pumps after Selina reached her second before he felt his purse tighten. The instant he did, the boar pulled his cannon out and set to pumping it himself. Hand flying over the slick shaft, lightning sparking here and there. A second later, he arched and let out a breathless sigh of his own. Grinning as his hefty hammer jerked in his grip. Spraying his swine seed over the dark scales and slit. He pumped every last drop out he could manage, tongue rolling from his lips with a, “Ah, much better…"

Zon clapped quietly, “Wonderful, good. Now, I've got food for dinner. Click, you can manage for yourself and Selina?"

He lifted his head and hummed, “I believe I have some spells that would let Selina come inside. At least for meals. The magic should also make the food large, so when she…" he cleared his throat as everyone looked at him. “Yes, I can manage."

Selina huffed a laugh, “Boy, lose all your feathers and you get talkative." She stretched and narrowed her eyes. Huffing as her rear clenched, aching around Click's throbbing cock. How long would his knot last? How much had he put into her? Certainly felt like her stomach was bulging somewhat from the sheer amount he'd pumped into her. And continued to pump, judging from the warmth that shot from his tip. That wasn't the only question she had though.

“Where's Rirki?"

Murdock blinked, “Oh! One sec, my apologies, Sel."

“Wh… OH!" she jerked as he pushed his hand, then arm, into her. He reached around and felt, going up to his shoulder before exclaiming, grabbing something, and pulling back.

“Congratulations!" the boar called out as he yanked Rirki out by his foot, “it's a kobold."

“Huzzah!" Rirki gasped.

Zon just blinked. Looked from Murdock and Rirki, up to Selina and Click, then back. “I. Am going to start food. You," she waved her finger at each of them, “are going to bathe before you set foot in the house."

Selina woke with a gasp, cracking open one eye and looking around. She was in her bed, the familiar warmth and comfort of her bedding cradling her. As well as the steady warmth of someone on top of her, hips rocking steadily as he purred. “I can't get any sleep without you getting on top, can I?" she whispered.

Click chuckled, in a form that was somewhere between raven and dragon, but slightly smaller than her. He lay with his head between her breasts, slender stomach against the larger swell of hers. “Have thing for lovely lady," he clicked his beak, and ran his hand over her pregnant stomach. He could stay there for hours, petting her stomach and playing with her. A touch made him groan and shift off though, cock sliding out of her pussy. She felt a trickle of draconic cum leaking out of her pussy and down her tail slowly.

“I swear, I would've never thought that the sweet little bird, who had no interest in sex, would get rock hard around pregnant women." She stuck her tongue out.

Rirki chuckled, “It's not just that," he peered over Click's shoulder and thrust, driving a gasp from the caster. “I'd have never figured he was such a bottom."

“I'm not…" Click huffed and hung his head as Rirki thrust again.

Selina lifted his head and kissed his beak, “Yes you are." She groaned and slid from the bed, “Make sure you two clean up. Which means changing the bedding. Wash and dry it."

Rirki grinned, “Yes Ma'am, now…" he planted a hand on Click's shoulder and dug in, “Fucking my gal while she's asleep?!" he play growled and surged forward, biting onto the dragon's shoulder and drawing a gasp from the male.

Selina ignored them for the moment and walked over to her mirror. She stretched and stood before the trio of mirrors, looking over herself. It took her a second to realize there was no light, just her own superior eyesight. Still, she flicked her fingers and a candle sprang to life.

Her fur was almost midnight black, but with hints of tan and brown in it. Touches here and there of what she used to be. Which also meant that there were hints of scales as well. Not many, just along her spine and shoulders. Muscles rolled under her fur and scales, far more powerful than she'd been even months ago. Tall, broad shoulders, powerful build, but with a grace she hadn't expected. She hummed and turned in front of the mirror, reaching down to stroke her stomach quietly.

Rirki was likely the cause of that. His had been the first real load inside her, and he was very fond of not pulling out when he had sex with her. Which was frequent and passionate, as he was a kobold and a very good boy all wrapped into one. Though it could be Murdock as well. He was good about pulling out, but made mistakes or mistimed it now and then. Click, well… once he found out she was 'safe', meaning pregnant, he was about as wild as Rirki.

Gathering her clothes, she pulled them on and made sure each piece was neat and tidy. Then it was downstairs to start on her daily chores.

Murdock and Zon were in the kitchen, play fighting. Which meant that Zon was pinned to a wall, her throat bulging from the boar's tongue that he was fully cramming into her muzzle. The hyena gagged and heaved against him, but Selina could smell her excitement from across the room. “I'm going into town with this week's ale. Do you two need anything?"

The kiss broke with a wet gasp, “I think we're… good," Zon gasped.

“I've got some goods coming in later, so I'll be by the market."

Murdock started in for another kiss, but Selina's touch stopped him, “No morning kiss for me?" she play-pouted at him. The boar moved to give her as deep of a kiss as he'd given Zon. Only to be caught off guard as she shoved her certainly draconic tongue past his thick porcine muscle and right into his throat. The boarbarian gagged in surprise, but couldn't pull away as she gripped his head. Selina held him for a moment before releasing him, “Good."

He gasped and coughed, “Why does that always surprise me?"

“Because you let her." Zon leaned in to get the same treatment. Happily slurping on Selina's tongue as it slid into her throat. The kiss broke after a mere moment, Zon leaning back with a wide grin. Selina grinned as well and swished her tail, heading out back.

Cogs was already out there, loading up the cart with fresh barrels. He lifted his head and chimed at her, “Why thank you, Cogs." Several more chimes, “Of course I'm going to read to the children." A hesitant chime, “Oh you know they'd love for you to join."

Aynor hadn't changed much in the last few moons. The market had grown, what with Murdock deciding to relocate here. A When Pigs Fly office sat on the main street. Greta, the mother to Leila, Elis, and Romola; waved at her from the small stall out front. She flashed a rather easy smile and went back to sorting through goods going in and out. Never would've thought Murdock would've found someone so good at organizing and logistics here. Selina waved back and made her way towards Tilda. The deer looked up with a smile. “Oh you're up bright and early, Dear. What can I get you?"

The spilled blood of the innocent!

“How about some of those fruit buns? If you have any today."

NO!

Tilda grinned and offered them, “Always got some set aside for ye, Luv. Some cider too?"

Selina purred, “Does sound good, and do you have any pickles?"

…Pickles are acceptable, but only with cheese!

“And some cheese, to help with the sour?" She laughed and ran a hand over her stomach, “Already causing trouble with the cravings."

Tilda nodded, “Oh think nothing of it. I had the strangest cravings back when I had mine. Coming right up, Dear."

Armed with her breakfast, Selina went to her favorite bench and sat down. Leaning back, she took in a slow breath and looked over the small village. The shady tree, lone road, the dozen or so small buildings. It just felt so nice and quiet. She nibbled on her breakfast and waited. Counting down mentally until she heard, “SELINA!" erupt from several sources. Little Leila trailing behind Hooper, the falcon trying to hop and flutter his way, holding onto the latest broadsheet. The pair racing to be the first to get to her. Other kids in tow behind them.

Life was good.