FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Ch. 2

The Box and the Scroll

The morning came far too early. The first thing that Nanira noticed was the coldness of her bed. Sometime in the night, Lashta had left her there by herself. Nanira, not needing to be up for a few more hours, wrapped herself tightly in the bedclothes and tried to court sleep. It was useless. She thought once that she might manage it, but the sound of loud moans coming from a room further down the hall fully woke her beyond any temptation of sleep.

Rising, she wrapped a sheet about herself and headed down the hall to where the sounds were issuing from. A heavy oaken door hid the lovers from view, and Nanira had a very strong temptation to open that door and see just who hid behind it. The sounds were positively magnetic to her. Growling to herself, she stepped away, leaving things be for now. The sounds had been those of one female, whose soft whimpers instantly identified her, and at least one male. So that meant that Lashta was in there with someone. No one would be foolhardy enough to bring a guest back to the base. The rules of playing courtier had allowed them to get away with taking any lover to a rented room or cottage to "hide" their misdeeds from others. Though it seemed that by the next morning, every courtier knew of the doings of the other intimately. So it was Lashta and perhaps Netcheskif or Travien.

She made her way down into the common room, the place they had all gathered for the debriefing the night before. Orange-gold curtains filtered the sunlight so that the room was clad mostly in shadow, a few dust motes floating in the rays that managed to penetrate into the room. From here, she could no longer here Lashta's soft murmurs, though a piercing shriek of pleasure told her that Lashta's partner was none other than Netcheskif. Somewhere in the room, a door creaked open. Dallette entered, clad in peasant clothes, her fur its shimmery blond natural colour once more.

"Idiots! All males are idiots!" Nanira, who had never been overly fond of the rabbit, tried to ignore the other's misandry for the moment. "I tried to convince Talbot that it would be good if he were seen with a peasant woman. I told him it would increase his chances of being taken for a servant, especially since a few of the nobles and several of their servants swore they saw a hyena noble topple out of a closet into the main ballroom last night, thoroughly wrapped up with 'one of those jungle cats'." At this, Nanira laughed. So, already the story had been retold so many times that it was exaggerated and common knowledge.

"Dal, how on earth would being seen with you put the lie to that? There are enough hyenas in town that there are three others acting as servants at the manor, and at least three male courtiers, one who looks tragically like Tal in the first place. More than likely he will be accused of it, and the story is so distorted by now, any alibi he has will be swept away in disbelief. The worst that could happen is the beautiful and talented Strey will be accused of cavorting with the help, a story not too out of place with my cover."

Dallette snorted, looking Nanira over. "So long as the beautiful and talented Nanira doesn't forget to put her dye back in before she leaves the base," she said in a sarcastic tone. "Anyway, it couldn't have hurt him to spend some time with me." Nanira repressed a sigh. Everyone knew that Dallette was hopelessly attracted to the hyena, but none of them had a clue as to why. Perhaps it was simply the fact that he preferred the company of the two other women over her that she felt she must conquer him.

Before Nanira could come up with a reply to Dal, a pair of strong arms slipped around her and a soft bite landed somewhere in the vicinity of her left ear. The smell of hot male flesh was strong in her nose, and a deep laugh was like velvet in her ear. "Very funny, Stran," she said, worming her way out of the big tiger's grasp. Again he was disguised as a white tiger, covering his lovely red tabby markings with the magical makeup they all used.

"Oh, come on, Nanira. You can't expect me to see such a lovely woman in such a sheer piece of cloth and not think she was doin' it just for me," he joked.

Dallette made a disgusted noise. Everyone was always fawning over Nanira and Lashta, when she, with her golden locks and fur, was obviously the superior specimen. The rabbit made as though to turn and stride from the room, but a large hand on her shoulder prevented her. She looked up to find Stran gazing down at her, concern in his eyes.

"Hey, Dal, don't go. Look, I didn't mean to upset you. I already finished my shift for the day. How 'bout you and I go find someplace cozy to curl up?"

Dallette smiled up at him, taking his hand and allowing herself to be led off. She turned, giving

Nanira a triumphant look as they exited the room. Dal followed Stran to his room, giggling as he bowed dramatically and allowed her to enter first. As she entered, he came up behind her, lifting her and turning her to face him before tossing her down on his bed. Quickly, the tiger stripped out of his work clothes, tossing them to the ground around him. He was already aroused, she saw, and she wondered for a bitter moment if it was from seeing Nanira wrapped up in that sheet. Soon, however, her thoughts were occupied by the harsh kiss he gave her. She returned the kiss just as passionately, leaning close to him so her breasts pressed against his chest.

Laughing, he leaned back, hooking a claw through her peasant's top and using it to pull her bosom to his face. He nuzzled her fur, sending tingles over her skin. There was always a flash of fear when she was with Stran. He towered two feet over her, he was broad-chested and muscular, and he was very predatory, despite his normal easy going nature. Dal drew in quick, unsteady breaths as his nuzzles moved to her neck. She could sense her blood moving, and she knew he could smell it. A pleasurable moan sought and found its way out of her mouth.

Stran's warm hands moved beneath her skirt, one slipping up beneath her under-things as he nipped carefully at her throat. His fingers moved along her moist lips, finding and slipping within her, teasing and wiggling. His fingers alone were large, and she groaned at the feeling of the two digits sliding inside of her. In an instant, he had withdrawn his hands from beneath her skirts and pushed her down against the bed. He gave a feral growl, low and long, before pulling her skirt up and pushing her underwear to one side to allow his cock to access her. For a moment he hesitated, but then, quickly, shoved as much of the hot length into her as was possible.

Dal felt heat rush over her body. She yelped at the feeling of him within her, her back arching once in response. Her own hands slid down over her body, pulling her shirt down to bare her breasts. Her fingers slid to play over her nipples, teasing them as he thrust in and out of her with increasing rapidity. One of her hands left her breast then, sliding down to massage her clit in time with his thrusts. For several moments, he thrust in as far as he could and then nearly out, teasing occasionally before thrusting back in, breaking her rhythm just enough that it held off her orgasm a few seconds longer.

Dal felt her body start to spasm and shake, her orgasm ripping through her and leaving her first screaming and then panting. She reached up, clinging to him as waves of pleasure swept over her, and held him until he, too, came, a groan ripping itself from his lips.

He gently lowered her to the bed, every bit as considerate after loving as he was demanding

during the act itself. Rising, he opened the door and vanished down the hall, heedless of who might see him.

"Let Nanira ever even hope to get anything near that," she muttered to herself, standing and trying to ease the post-orgasmic throb that shuddered between her thighs.

Nanira shook her head as the two left. As much in love with Tal as Dallette was, she made no bones about sleeping with anyone who batted an eye at her, both within the group and without it. Turning, Nanira made her way toward the shadowed hall that led from the common room to Kalferth's room. She stood for a moment, letting her eyes adjust to the dim light before proceeding. Her delicate hand rapped on the big oak door of Kalferth's room. I'm glad that Lashta isn't like Dallette. I couldn't handle a lover like that. At least Lashta tends to stay with a select group of people instead of screwing half the province.

A voice issued from within the room. "Enter, and do be quick about it. It's the perfect temperature in here right now. Nanira did as she was bid and entered. The room was lit by several candles, and the smell of recent sex hung in the air. So the old sloth had a lover that he snuck in and out, eh? Nanira couldn't wait to tell Lashta. Nanira, her sheets now tucked into themselves so that they supported their own weight on her slender body, stood waiting for Kalferth's attention to be turned to her. At the moment, he sat at a press, writing a letter to someone. Finally, he lifted his head and looked at her. The sloth gave a long, languorous yawn before addressing her.

"Ah, Nanira. Glad to see you. I guess that I didn't need you to wake me this morning after all." Kalferth laughed, reaching out and patting her on the shoulder. "Though attending me dressed so is a change. Why the..." he trailed off and gestured at her sheet.

"Didn't feel like putting on one of those bloody costumes. Do you have any idea how hot those things get?" She gave a sardonic laugh before taking a seat on the edge of an overly elaborate bench. "Anyway, when are you and Lashta heading out to the manor house? You really should be there to avoid suspicion."

"Always the trusted lieutenant, looking out for my interests. But don't worry, I have things covered. I know a way there where no one will see or recognize us, and the servants at the manor have been instructed to tell everyone who comes calling that I am asleep recovering from the long night and that Lashta is out in the shopping district having a new dress made." He smiled at her, reaching out a hand and tipping her face to his. Laughing, Nanira, pulled away, scooting just out of reach. "So cold to me. Well, I guess I will just have to wait for you to see the light, my lovely one.

"That aside, I feel that I must inform you of the nature of the items you pilfered for me." He laughed, a low amused sound. With slow and deliberate movements, he pulled open a drawer and took out the box and scroll. To Nanira's trained eye, there were no traps about the drawer, but she was certain that, were she to attempt to open it, something horrible would happen. As he slid the door closed, she thought she saw a tiny blue shimmer from an inlaid gemstone. Though it showed no magical aura to her, she felt strongly that it wasn't just there for looks.

He drew her attention back to the box and scroll with a tap on the wood of the box. "Excellent job of getting this thing open. I am highly surprised that it wasn't guarded more carefully, being the real thing for once. But then, I suppose he thought that no one would look in the room of one of his concubines for this thing and that no one would be able to tell what it was." He grinned at her, opening the scroll and glancing at it before setting it aside and opening the box to reveal the contents.

"The contracts, bonds, and other papers are to be copied into our log book. I'll leave that job to you. After that, they are to be given to Talbot and Netcheskif. And give the jewels to Dallette. Talbot and Net will be in charge of getting those papers into the hands of certain of the courtiers that have open access to Eppard's manor. I trust you will agree with me that they are the best two at slipping things into the possession of others?" without waiting for her answer, he continued. "Good, now, as for the drugs, those would be assumed to have been used. I see no reason to give those back." Nanira found herself grinning a bit and quickly hid the expression with a cough.

"Are you alright my dear?" asked the sloth, pouring her glass of something dark brown and fizzing slightly. He pressed the drink into her hand, bidding her to drink it to calm her cough. Knowing that it would be impolite to refuse some of the boss's own private stuff, she took a sip. It was like a velvet covered rock. The impact of the taste and warmth made her cough and sputter for the moment.

"Wh-What is it?" she asked when she could talk again. The taste was addictive, and she took another small sip. This time, she managed not to gasp or wheeze, but only through sheer force of effort.

"Treesian Sparkling Brandy," he said, grinning at her. She felt herself flush beneath her fur. The stuff of which he spoke was a drug nearly as potent as the ones in that box. She watched him for a moment, feeling both tricked and honored to have a glass of something like this. It was rare, expensive, illegal, and coveted, for unlike some other drugs, it had very few side effects. The stuff would make you feel lifted above the world and almost godlike, but the crash simply resembled a twelve hour long nap and the only other side effects were the tendency to become incredibly aroused by the simplest of means. That particular side effect frightened her, though, and she set the glass aside for the moment. Leaning forward, she pointed to the necklace.

"And what of that?"

"Ah, I was waiting for you to ask that. That, my dear, is the reason you stole this box in the first place. Speaking of the box, burn it, I don't want anyone to know it was ever here. Bury the latches in the ashpit or the flower beds, I don't care which." She nodded to let him know his instructions were clear. "Now," he continued, "this necklace is to be protected at all costs." He did something complex with his hands and a few items from his desk. Suddenly, the necklace no longer resembled a small vial. Instead, the platinum chain more closely resembled gold and the liquid was carefully concealed within a heart shaped pendant inlaid with red-brown stones. Kalferth lifted the necklace, placing it over her head so that the heart part of it hung between her breasts.

While she had been watching him, she hadn't sensed the power of the necklace. In fact, she thought he might have switched it for another until it touched her skin. Subtle tendrils of power snaked through her body, compulsion pulling at her to lift the heart to her mouth and take a drink. She looked up, alarmed, for there was nothing overt about this power and only her training in will-affecting items in the past allowed her to recognize it.

"Ah, you sense the power, I see. You'll be more resistant to it as time goes on. Keep that safe, Nanira. That is a potion of beauty unlike any other the world has ever seen. Let no one else wear the necklace, or the impulse to drink may overwhelm them, not to metion they might discover our secret. You must not let another have that, not even one of our own team. I trust you completely. "

"You say it is a beauty potion? Then why so special and why should I not drink it?"

"I said it is a very special beauty potion. It will transform you into an icon of beauty, irresistible in many ways. To drink the entire thing will make you so lovely that none could bear to look away from you without clawing their eyes out and none could look directly at you without crying. I think that is reason enough to not want to drink it. Small sips, however, are less effective, but I still think that your loyalty would keep you from stealing what is rightfully mine. Correct?"

She nodded once. She felt there was something he wasn't telling her, but the drink was starting to affect her and she wanted to leave before she became overwhelmed and pounced the nearest male, one she didn't wish to be with at this time. Quickly, she diverted his attention to the scroll, asking its purpose.

"All in time, my pet. All in time." He rose and began making his way out of the room, stopping only to place the scroll back in the drawer. "I must be off. I need to attend to affairs at my own manner. Don't be negligent in your duties, to me or to yourself, my pet." He left her then, and she sighed, picking up the items and carrying them to the press. Opening the log book, she dutifully copied the papers before setting them aside. Smiling, she downed the rest of the drink and rose, taking gems and papers and distributing them.

The heat within her grew as she made her way through her duties. She felt the pull and allure of all whom she encountered in the hideout. By the time she had found Dallette, still lounging naked on Stran's bed, it was nearly too much for her. Her heart was racing, her blood singing through her veins. Every brush of the sheets against her body threatened to push her over the edge, to dissolve her will and make her into a wanton slut.

"What do you want?" asked Dallette, glaring at Nanira, who was currently leaning against the doorframe and tracing a line of heat over her skin with her own fingers. Dallette's expression changed to a confused one. "Oh yeah, just wanna mess with me, huh? It doesn't work!" The angry voice and confused expression brought Nanira partially back to her senses. This was Dallette, for star's sake. She would have to hurry and find someone to spend the duration of her high with. Someone distinctly not Dal. Hurriedly, she passed on the gemstones and the instructions before making her way out.

The lights took on and odd cast, every one looking slightly blurred and distorted. Every brush of air made her shiver with anticipation, and the rugs and planks underfoot seemed to be massaging her toes. A flicker of movement down the hall drew her gaze. A door was opening. Stran and Net walked in, talking to one another, Netcheskif yawning and adjusting his costume as he was about ready to go in for his shift. It was already early evening, some part of her noted. Through the haze, though, Stran and Net both appeared gorgeous, each male's body smelled perfect to her sensitive nose. There was a slight scent of berries and nectar to Net that drew her unwillingly down the hallway to him. And Stran, why she could see the every move of the muscles of his bare arms. He was clothed now in only a simple pair of breeches, his toned body made her hands move involuntarily down her own body, caressing and fondling herself as she tried to make her halting way toward the males.

"Hi boys," she said, breathless and moaning through her words. Her hands pushed the sheet aside, revealing her cream fur and peach stripes. One hand moved to pinch at her left nipple, playing and twisting it lightly. The other hand slid down to the moistness between her legs. "How about we all play a game?" She grinned, pressing up against Net and kissing him. He looked surprised, but the intensity of her kiss seemed to be getting to him. The scent of berries and nectar clung to that mouth, and she twined her tongue with his, her hands still working greedily at her own body. He responded to her, his hand coming up to cup her right breast. She fingered herself, moaning and writhing as she kissed him, more of her hot juices flowing over her fingers.

Suddenly, a strong pair of hands closed about her arms from behind. Groaning with pleasure

at the touch, she turned to look up at Stran. He looked hurt and angry for some reason she couldn't perceive. Why, she must make him feel better. Purring, she pressed back against him, his erection caught against her back. Why, so he was interested after all. His grip on her arms increased to the point of pain. "No, Nanira." The room was spinning, and she was floating then. She saw the form of Net shrink into a hazy distance as she floated along, aware of the scent of the male near her and the heat of flesh pressed against her thighs, stomach, breasts, and arms. Groaning again with pleasure, she writhed against him where she hung over his shoulder, trying to get into a position to kiss him or, better yet, go down on the big male.

Once again she was moving through a spinning room, the coolness of sheets on her back a shock that momentarily cleared her head. Stran was there, shouting at Dallette to get out. The drugs clouded her mind again and she sat up, reaching out to Dal. "Don't go! Let's have fun!" She attempted to rise and chase after Dallette, but Stran blocked her path. Grinning, she pressed up against him, trailing kisses over his chest and stomach. He threw her down on the bed, pinning her arms with his hands and standing over her. She couldn't reach him, no matter how she tried. He had straddled her and was attempting to pin her legs closed with his knees. Why? Why was he doing this? Was it some form of game? Purring, she writhed and tried to escape.

"Nanira, I have no idea what you've been into, but it sure has you acting weird, and I am not letting you up till you come off of this." Stran sighed, then put his efforts to trying to keep the margay from doing something she might regret. His inner self was at war. She was so ready for him, the smell of her strong in his nostrils. Any other time, he would have jumped at the chance to bed her, but right now, she wasn't herself. That was obvious to him and he wondered if it had been obvious to Net. Stran might just have to have a few words with that bat. Friends and associates didn't take advantage of one another like that.

After a while, Nanira gave up on trying to kiss or fondle him and started to yell obscenities at him. He sighed, any temptation that he had been experiencing lost in a haze of pity. When he found out who had given Nanira whatever she had taken, he would rip the transgressors organs out and roast them on a fire. Overwhelmed at the intensity of his own protective nature toward her, he released her, backing hastily away. Seeing this as an opportunity, she stood and sauntered toward him. Sighing, he stepped forward to restrain her again, but ended up catching her instead as she collapsed against him. Soft snores issued against the fur of his stomach. Sighing, he placed her in his bed and covered her with his own blanket.

"Nanira. Why did you let this happen? It hurts me to see you like this," he said to the unconscious margay. He dared speak things now that he never would when she was awake. "I love you too much to let you debase yourself. Please, please by the Star be alright."

Outside the door, a pair of vulpine ears swiveled and a flame of jealousy erupted in a heart that had never learned to forgive.