FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The Icefire range was cold and hard, the mountains black and barren. Ice and snow cascaded over every ledge, making their climb treacherous and slow. Akio sat huddled in Anjel's cloak on the large brown horse as Anjel led it through the winding steps up the mountain. This was a far cry from the place Akio called home--the grassy plains, red and green mountains, clear blue skies and warm sunshine. The skies here were covered in a blanket of soft gray clouds, rumbling with the promise of snow.

Anjel never questioned her about the time she spent asleep. He seemed to notice that she came back different, changed, but even she didn't know what it was that was altered. She was more subdued. Most notably, she hadn't said a word since she was found that night by the cold tower. Akio wasn't sure why she hadn't said anything, or why she felt the way she did, but she didn't seem able to change it. Anjel appeared to realize this, also, but Akio could feel his sadness.

As the city came into view, Akio knew at once that these dragons were going to be very different from the ones in the south. The castle in the distance was squatty and spread out, with thick turrets and heavy flags. She felt the trepidation pool in her gut. Was she to live with Anjel in these desolate mountains? Was it really what she wanted?

Remembering her dream, Akio slid her knuckles against her belly. Warm fields, a future in motherhood. It was her old tribal grounds, that she knew for sure. She couldn't take Anjel back there... and certainly could never bear him any children. They were two different species.

She settled into another slump of sadness, her blue eyes searching away from the mountain, looking for home.

The company came to a stop at the city gates. Guards let Glyph and the rest of them through, but Anjel hung back with Akio on the horse. He was looking away, up into the skies to the east, where the mountains crawled into a valley before rising up again in the distance. He handed the reins to the guards, who nodded back solemnly, before turning to Akio. "We'll be going our own way now," he said to her, coming up beside the horse. He held out a hand, offering her help to get down.

Akio looked down to him, huddling in the cloak. The wind was a constant now, and she had the feeling that he was going to fly with her somewhere. Even in the warm south, the air was cool when they flew. "I'll freeze," she said quietly.

Anjel's eyes widened only a little to display his surprise that she'd finally spoken, but he said nothing of it. "I'll do my very best to keep you warm, my rose."

She looked down at his hand, then off into the distance, to the smaller range in the east. Her ears lowered and she dipped her head, remembering her place. She took Anjel's offered hand, but said clearly, "As you wish, my Lord." The look he gave her would have broken her heart if she were not feeling so numb.

Anjel gathered her to himself, and he was very warm, indeed. He clutched her against his breast as he crouched down, then sprung into flight, his wide wings working overtime in the chill, thin air. She buried her face against him for the ride, grateful that his arms and hands were large enough to shield her from the majority of the wind.

They landed, but Akio did not take in her surroundings. She hung close to Anjel, the ground burning her feet pads, it was so cold. He held onto her, moving her around as he lit fires. "I'd forgotten how damnably cold it is up here," he muttered, stroking back her ears with a heavy hand. "But it is beautiful. Look, Akio."

She turned her head away from him, blinking in the firelight. It was more than beautiful. Huge icicles hung from the ceiling, some of them so large that they met the ground and created huge pillars. The walls were made of ice, shining, glittering with the warm hues of Anjel's fire. They were deep inside a cavern now, with very little natural light coming in. Anjel pushed her further into the cave.

"The ground turns to tile, farther inside. You'll like it--it's heated. There's a natural heated spring here that warms the inner chambers." He escorted her down into the darkness, tossing jets of flames at torches here and there to light the way. It was really not that different from his lair in the south. This one was just disused, and it had no sort of decoration. Her spirits started to rise as she felt the warm tiles beneath her feet.

Deeper into the cavern, the walls turned to the gray stones that built the mountain. The air was warmer and less dry. Akio lowered the hood of the cloak as she moved on without Anjel's insistence. He walked quietly behind her, lighting fires in the appropriate places. When they came to a fork, Anjel took her arm and steered her to the left, down a winding hallway. The room they stepped into was glowing; blue algae had grown on the walls and the ceiling here, emitting a gentle light. A small pool was raised in the natural stone off to one side, where water bubbled and steamed. The smell was off, but it was almost as pleasant as the warm lake in Anjel's southern lair.

"The algae has spread," Anjel commented as he walked by Akio, looking around the room. It dawned on her that while this was Anjel's home, he hadn't been here in years. Maybe even a decade. She thought about how she would feel if she was away from home for so long, and she felt a little guilty at having been so distant. He was coming home, where he belonged. Wasn't it what every creature deserved? Home?

Akio shrugged the cloak over her shoulders, letting it drop to the floor. The air was heavy here. She walked over to a wall and touched the glowing moss, surprised to find it very soft and even warm. She looked over towards Anjel, not sure why she was suddenly so shy again. He was watching her silently.

"I don't know what I want," she said to him across the room. He lowered his head marginally, watching her as if he was afraid that moving might scare her off. Akio felt the dragon's gaze on her, and the more primal urge to run under the gaze of a larger predator made her ears lay back.

When she didn't say any more, Anjel walked over to the edge of the pool. He pushed up onto the ledge and leaned back, rolling up the legs of his loose trousers before putting his feet into the water. He was facing away from her, his hands on the stone at his sides, but Akio knew he could see her peripherally. At the moment, his eyes were on the still surface of the water.

Soothing her anxiety, Akio walked over to the pool. She propped her elbows on the ledge next to Anjel and looked up to him. Alone with the dragon, she felt less spiteful than she had earlier. He wanted to be here among his kind, and she had said that she wanted to be with him. Were they words she'd said in the heat of the moment, or were they her real feelings? Home felt so far away, now. What would she really be giving up to be with him?

Anjel rubbed back her ears, his hand trailing down to her back. She looked up and saw him looking at her, no trace of a smile on his muzzle now, but an expression that realized the reality of her situation. "Any time you want to go back, all you have to do is ask," he said. "You're free. I free you, Akio. As I am a free dragon, so are you a free wolf. If you want to go back to your pack, I would be happy to escort you." He took a deep breath, warm caramel pools searching her gaze. "If it's what you want."

Akio looked away from him, unable to look into those trusting and open eyes while she hurt him. "I don't know what I want," she repeated. "While I slept, I dreamt... I saw what could have been, what could still be. I thought before that it didn't matter, but if it's affected me like this..."

She felt more than saw Anjel pull his eyes from her. He drew his hand back, placing it in his lap over a muscled thigh.

"I love you, Anjel," she admitted to the water, her voice soft and unsure. He didn't reply. She felt the subtle movement of his body as he breathed in and out, but he made no other motion. She crawled up onto the edge of the pool, placing her paws on his shoulder and chest to steady herself as she leaned over him. His muzzle met hers for the kiss, but she felt his muscles tense beneath her hands.

As Akio drew back, Anjel's eyes stayed closed. He turned his head to the side before opening them, and Akio saw that there were tears standing in his eyes. "I wish I could give you the things you want," he said. His hand rose and he placed it on his chest, rounded talons splayed. "I never expected heartbreak to be so literal." A dry laugh escaped his lips.

Akio placed her hand over Anjel's, over his heart. "I never meant to break your heart." She leaned forward, kissing his scaled throat, nuzzling against him. She felt his arm circle her, drawing her closer, heard the sound of the water sloshing as he moved to face her. Anjel lifted her muzzle with a gentle hand, kissing her. She felt the urgency behind his kiss, the need. Akio felt tears spring to her own eyes as she returned the fervor.

Anjel slid into the pool, his arms locking in hers to draw her down with him. The water was almost hot, but she didn't pause to remark on it. They were both caught in the passion. Akio's arms went around the dragon's neck, his hands on her hips pressing her against his loins. His trousers clung between them, a barrier, but the heat of his organ beneath the cloth was even stronger than the water. Anjel slid a hand between them, unlacing the front of his pants, then drawing out the hard pink flesh. His hips worked forward subconsciously, rubbing it against Akio's belly. Anjel broke the kiss to moan, slipping his fingers between Akio's legs.

He slid first one, then two fingers inside her, grinding his organ against her and pumping his fingers in time. Akio leaned back against the warm stone, opening her legs for him with a sigh. He was bent over her, kissing, as he lifted her enough to angle his shaft into her. He pushed in slow, as he did the first time, pausing once he was hilted. Akio sighed, leaning her head back, her paws spread out on his armored chest. Anjel's mouth lowered over her breasts, sucking at her nipples as he slid out and pushed back into her, groaning deep in his throat in pleasure. He kissed a trail up to her face, and as she lowered her head to look at him, she met the same sad eyes she'd been avoiding only moments before.

"I don't want to be without you," he whispered.

Akio tightened her thighs around him, her paw tracing his jaw line. "I know," she said softly. "I know I don't want to be without you, either."

He slid back and forth inside her, grabbing every muscle on the way. Anjel's eyes bore into hers. "If you want me to take you home," he sighed into her ear, "I'll stay in my lair in the south." He punctuated his promises with a long, slow thrust. "I'll visit you. I'll watch your children grow."

Akio's arms slid around his shoulders, her hips rising up to meet his. She didn't say anything, only held onto him. They both knew that such a relationship would not be enough for either of them, that it would be more like torture. They lost themselves in their lovemaking, putting the future aside for now.

When they were finished and dry, Anjel donned his messenger's cloak and left for the city, promising to return with some warm clothes for her to wear. He returned not long after, his arms full of folded clothes. He escorted her down the right fork, leading them into a larger circular room. This room did not have the luxuriant pillows that his southern cave had for a bed; instead, a large flat rock was against one wall, covered with two white thick-furred pelts. On the alternate side of the room, hung from pegs, were the tanned hides of many animals--"small foxes, white rabbits, and brown versions of the pelts on the bed.

Anjel saw her staring at them. He set the clothes on his bed and walked over to her, plucking one of the rabbit pelts down from the wall. "Fur sells well up here," he said. "Not everyone can stand the cold without the help of an extra layer of fur. So, I skin the animals I eat and tan the hide."

Akio laid her ears back. "Wearing the fur of another animal?"

"I have to eat," he said, hanging the rabbit pelt back on the peg. "And I need coin to buy other things I need. And, as I said before, we dragons don't eat animals that speak. Meat is harder to come by here in the north, so I hunt my own, and use what I can from the rest. Even bones sell."

Akio nodded, touching the fur of an arctic fox. It wasn't so different, really, from the alpaca fur she slept on in Falqon's room.

"The cloak I bought you is lined in fur. It will keep you warm when we go to see the fellowship."

She looked up to Anjel questioningly. "The fellowship?" The title gave her chills.

Her dragon nodded, moving back to the bed. He sorted through the clothes, choosing her outfit. "The other white dragons. They're like my family."

"How many other white dragons are there?" Akio asked, crossing the room to him. He smiled to her and held out a pair of warm woven trousers and a tunic, both a soft tan color. She dressed as he answered her question.

"There were three when I left, but the number has probably changed since I was last here. As white dragons are born, they are given to the fellowship to raise." He hesitated. "I was given to them a little late. They all live together in a mountain not far from here. They sent me south when I was younger, to serve the southern dragons."

Akio eyeballed him but didn't ask any questions. She laced the tunic up the sides as he sorted through the clothes. "Ah," he said, pulling out a beautiful black cloak. As promised, it was lined with white rabbit fur, coming out in puffs around the hem, hood and wrists. He held it out for her to step into. As she slid her hands through, the fur brushed against hers. She felt the difference already, and they weren't even out in the cold. She drew it closed, smiling up to Anjel.

"One more thing," her dragon said, pulling something from a pocket of his cloak. He held the moonstone dragon pendant out to her again. "Please wear it." Though he was smiling, there was a sadness in his voice. Akio took the necklace and looked up to him, sliding the leather thong over her head, saying nothing.

They left for the meeting with the fellowship once Anjel was dressed in more formal attire. Akio pulled the hood over her head and cinched the cloak closed for the ride, and she hardly noticed the cold. Her outfit was completed by a pair of black suede boots, also lined with the white fur. She felt almost normal again, snuggled against him as they flew through the gray sky. Snow began to fall and she watched it float by them, peaceful. She did not feel nervous again until Anjel set her down at the mouth of a large cavern.

Anjel nuzzled her ears before stepping up to the cave's entrance. He was nervous tooâ€"she could tell by the way he walked, and the way the tip of his tail flickered. She walked after him silently. The cavern opened up into a lair every bit as beautiful as Anjel's, only much larger and furnished. A long table sprawled across one side of the room, and on the walls were tapestries and paintings depicting the icy wonderland that surrounded them. Crystal icicles stretched from the ceiling, and from an indefinite point above, daylight shone down on them, fractured and multiplied by the ice. The room was lit without a single fire burning. The ground was tiled, also, but not heated. Akio was thankful for her boots.

A very young dragon played on the floor near a hallway with animals carved from soapstone. A fledgling watched, his arms crossed, looking up when he heard their footsteps on the tiles. He had the same amber eyes as Anjel and wore a loose tunic of lavender silk. He turned completely, standing between them and the young one protectively, as Anjel and Akio approached.

"Who are you?" the fledgling asked, forcing his voice lower as to sound more impressive. Anjel smiled down to him.

"My name is Anjel," he said. "Messenger, returning from the south. Is Ghaleon still emperor here?"

"He is," the fledgling said. The young dragon behind him had stood up now, watching the interaction from behind the bigger dragon's legs. "I'm Lucifer. This is Crysta. I've heard about you, Anjel."

"I'm sure you have." Anjel's eyes flickered to the littlest dragon, his grin widening. "And you little one, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Crysta's eyes widened impossibly, but she managed a little bow.

Anjel straightened, placing a hand on Akio's shoulder. "It's nice to meet the both of you, and I would enjoy getting to know you, but I really should present myself to Ghaleon first."

Lucifer nodded, stooping to take Crysta by the hand. "Wait here, big brother. We'll go get him."

As the two younger dragons disappeared into the darkness down the hallway, Anjel walked over to the long table and sat down on the bench, propping his elbows behind him. Akio joined him, watching him carefully; though he appeared casual, she could sense that he was wound tight. She placed a paw on his thigh, offering silent support.

It wasn't long before the emperor joined them. He looked every bit as regal as his title. The white dragon was at least fifteen feet tall, long and lanky, with three sets of pearly horns. His eyes were no different from Anjel's in outward appearance, but Akio could see the age, the knowledge, and the well-protected anger hidden inside them. He, too, wore purple silks, as well as a long cloak lined with black fur that looked harsh against his pale color.

Anjel didn't rise when the emperor came to stand a few feet away; instead, he craned his neck up to look at him, crossing his arms. Akio kept her eyes lowered out of both respect and habit from her time with the dragons.

"Still arrogant, Anjel?" The deep voice of the larger dragon startled her. "I sent you away to learn a lesson."

"I've learned my place," Anjel said to him. "Groveling at the feet of dragons who were born more fortunate than us. Living lower than slaves." Akio heard the contempt, the mockery, in Anjel's voice; it was an alien tone.

"It is our lot," Ghaleon rumbled, his tail twisting on the ground behind him. "You cannot change who you are. The dragons will never accept you as one of them. You have no choice but to be our family, no matter what you may believe otherwise."

"Sending me away to my uncle's empire only proved how corrupt the world truly is, Ghaleon." Akio's ears swiveled forward--Tyrran was Anjel's uncle? "I was less than shit to them. Yes, I learned my place, and I know how to act now. So am I supposed to always just let them kick us when we're down? Let them rape our women and abuse my 'family'?"

"There is a line you should never cross." The emperor came closer, crouching down in front of Anjel. Akio stole a glance to him and saw that his eyes had softened, but the anger there was tightly reined. "I wanted to love you like a son. What you did disgraced our entire family, little and insignificant as it may be. I sent you away so that you would see the world for what it truly was." He paused, tilting his head a bit. "And yes, perhaps selfishly I hoped that you would see what kind of home you had, that you would see that only here could you be accepted and loved for who you truly are."

Anjel was quiet. The intimate silence made Akio feel uncomfortable, as if she was intruding. Ghaleon had scarcely looked at her. She wanted to say that she had accepted Anjel for who he was, but she could sense that now was not a good time. Instead, she wrapped her curiosity around what Anjel could have possibly done to be banished to the south.

"I'm not sorry for what I did," Anjel said finally, sitting up straighter in his seat. This admission did not please the larger dragon, but before Ghaleon could form a retort, Anjel was standing up, forcing the emperor to step back and rise himself. Akio joined him. "Tell the girls I'm home. I just felt I should present myself to you, as I am now."

"Diamon will want you to stay here," Ghaleon said, placing a large talon on Anjel's shoulder. "You know she never liked that lair of yours. It makes it seem like you are not a part of this family."

Anjel slipped his arm around Akio's waist, directing her towards the entrance. The wolf did not miss the look on Ghaleon's face when he realized the relationship between the two of them was a little more than master and slave--was it disgust? Akio felt her ears flatten as a flush crept up on her cheeks, even as Anjel looked over his shoulder and told the emperor that he had never been a part of his family.

The flight home was quiet, but Akio didn't think that Anjel was distressed. In fact, she felt quite the opposite; Anjel had a little smile on his face.

When they landed, Anjel carried Akio into the heated regions of his lair. He set her down in his chamber, pushing the fur-lined cloak off her shoulders and lifting the soft shirt over her head. Akio's heart beat in her chest at his ease, at how sure he was of himself when he was with her now. Anjel hooked his thumbs into the waist of her bottoms and smiled down to her--a smile that both warmed her and broke her heart.

Anjel laid Akio naked on the bed of pelts, soft even with a stone base. His hands cupped her breasts, fingers grazing over her perked nipples. Akio watched him slide down her body, kneeling on the floor at the bedside. He pulled her closer, lifting her warm legs onto his shoulders, watching her with those liquid amber eyes. Akio propped herself up on her elbows, watching her dragon lower his big head between her legs. As he sniffed at her sex, his nose barely touching her outer lips, Akio drew a long, slow breath, but her heart was racing. She brought a hand to the top of his head, feeling his horns and the thick scales cradling the ridge that ran down his spine.

Akio whispered his name, and she saw him smile, his eyes closed as his jaws opened to slip his tongue between the folds of her sex. It was a long stroke, not penetrating, but tasting her slit, the tip of his long tongue flicking upwards at the very end to flicker at the sensitive nub at its pinnacle. Akio's breath came out in a long sigh, her fingers still groping at his horns. Anjel took another deep breath of her musk, groaning even as he lapped at her sex again, deeper, stronger.

Finally that long tongue slipped into her tunnel, and Akio arched against him, lifting her hips. Her paw was clutching his horn, holding onto him as he thrust his tongue deeper inside of her, twisting it, testing her muscles. Anjel's tail was flicking on the ground, tapping against the tiles as he worked.

It wasn't long before Akio succumbed to her passion. Anjel held onto her hips as he flicked his tongue inside her, pressing against her contracting muscles, while Akio clung to his horn and the pelt at her side, her sharp gasps and cries echoing off the stone walls.