FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Panting softly as he scaled the mountain, the husky glancing back at the entourage that followed. Mostly guards, though a few mystics were amongst the group, all looking much more uneasy than the husky. “C’mon everyone, lighten up,” the husky’s smooth voice spoke, “It’s not like your lives got irreversibly changed by the pull of a name.” Quiet murmurs of surprise filled the group, which quieted as their ascent quickly flattened out.

The large clearing looked odd amongst the tree lined mountains, even the signs of snow seemed to avoid the clearing. Sitting at the center of the clearing was a large stone altar, large claw marks leaving gashes along the sides and top of the altar. Manacles built into the altar shone amongst the stone and grass, their metallic gleam sending a shiver down the husky’s spine as he approached.

“Well, shall we get this over with?” the husky asked, not waiting for a response, walking towards the altar. Quietly, he started stripping down till just a simple loin covering kept his decency. His plush brown and black fur kept him decently insulated on the late winter morning.

“Normally there is a bit less eagerness for this, sir.” One of the mystics, a stern buck, said. Stepping up to the altar and setting a bag down upon it.

“This isn’t eagerness,” the husky shot back, watching as bottles and bowls were removed from the bag. “This is acceptance of fate. Father didn’t come, he didn’t even bid me farewell.”

“Because he’s full of grief,” The buck said, starting to fill the bowls. The other two mystics joined to speed up the process, the guards posting and keeping watch. The husky was the only one who was not visibly showing his unease.

“Then why didn’t he fight the choice?” The husky barked back. “Because his third born son, fifth child, is not worth the breath.” Watching as the mystics each grab brushes from the bag next to him, the husky’s ears perk as they start lowly chanting, watching as they start brushing symbols and patterns into his fur.

“Because fighting it would doom everyone,” one of the guards, a stout wolf, snarled at the husky.

“Everywhere else loved ones fight and beg for the chosen to not have to go.” A soft growl. “You forget, Colin, I’ve been where you stand multiple times. Skilled warrior making sure the chosen doesn’t try to escape, and that the mystics make it back home.” Glancing at the patterns being drawn in his fur. “Every other time, there is begging, pleading, even some thrown punches. This time, not a word, not a wept tear, not even a goodbye. So forgive me for accepting that this is my fate and not causing problems.”

The gathered remained fairly quiet as those words set in. The mystics quickly finished painting the husky before he was guided to lay back on the altar. Taking a moment to admire the gold and blue hues of the paints, before he laid back, feeling his wrists and ankles getting locked securely in the manacles. Wordlessly, the gathered mystics and guards start to leave. “Not even a good luck? A blessing?” The husky called out, before rolling his eyes and watching as they disappeared from view.

Giving them a couple minutes to get some distance, his left paw gently curled so his fingers could dig through his fur some. Growling as the manacles were in the way, but eventually he managed to pull a thin piece of metal from his fur, a few pieces of fur tangled with it. Angling for the key hole in the manacle, a burst of color overhead caught his attention. His actions are controlled as he starts working the wire until he hears a click and his left wrist feels the weight of the manacle fall away. “See if I can’t have control over this fate.” He barked out with a smile, tail brushing against the altar as it wagged. Quickly working to free the rest of his limbs, he stretched out for a moment, before laying back in a more comfortable position. Noting the glyphs on his stomach, a light smirk spread across his snout. “Don’t even know the right symbols.”

Waiting for a while, the husky was starting to stir out of anxious boredom. He knew of what was coming, but not what to expect. His mind wandering as scenarios and ideas started running through his head, a smile on his snout as some even seemed enjoyable. He barely noticed the shadow rapidly pass over him, his ears perking as he sat up, eyes going wide as a large figure began descending down from the sky. Scales looking to be made of copper and bronze glimmering in the sunlight, outstretched wings slowing the large scaled figure’s descent. Golden eyes locking with the husky’s, leaving the canine frozen as the ground shook with the heavy thud of the dragon’s landing.

Unmoving, unspeaking, the husky found himself drawn into those eyes, the world frozen around him as he felt his breath held. After a couple minutes of the silent stare off, he heard his own voice before he could react to stop himself. “Your scales are absolutely wonderful to behold.” The dragon blinked, a light rumble could be heard as it watched the husky move rather freely, watching the canine sit up some.

“You DARE speak to me, and out of your binds?” A deep booming voice echoed in the clearing, making the canine’s ears lower just from the sheer volume behind them. Glancing around, “Well little distraction, you gave up the ruse before the others could strike to end me!” Rearing up, a glow started to form in his maw, “I will end you and your little ambush before I decimate every one of your little villages.”

“Wait!” the husky weakly cried out, his voice faltering. Growling softly, he held up his hands as he stood up, swaying a bit as a gust of air nearly blew him over from the dragon’s flapping wings. “Wait! There is no ambush. There is no plot against you! Just a stupid husky who’d rather hope to enjoy his fate than be in fear of it!” He cried out, trembling as he looked up at the dragon.

Silence again as the dragon loomed over the husky, remaining raised on its back legs. Scanning for any signs of nearby life before slowly lowering back down, his snout moving in inches away from the husky, snout nearly as tall as the canine. “Stupid indeed to anger one such as myself.” Eyes narrowing, voice booming even when calm, “I could make a quick snack of you, mutt, and not even think twice.” The husky could feel heat radiating from the dragon’s maw as it spoke.

“Aye, that you could, but wouldn’t be fun, now would it?”

“Not for you, but for me, I could gleam hours of entertainment.” The dragon smirked, long jagged fangs revealing themselves to accent the point. “Enlighten me, how could this encounter be fun for you?”

“I, well,” the husky stammered. Shivering as he felt his gaze drawn back into those eyes. “Didn’t really think about that part.” A low rumble made him gulp and squirm some. “Though at least maybe be some entertainment.”

“Make me laugh.”

“What?” the husky barked out, confused.

“You want to be entertainment? Make me laugh.” The dragon watched intently as the canine squirmed, that low rumble continuing as he waited. “Though do be sure not to keep me waiting, I tend to grow rather impatient when I’m hungry.”

“I’m not exactly the most humorous.”

“You didn’t think this out much did you? Trying to bargain for your freedom?”

“No, no,” the husky stammered again, a couple tears welling in his eyes, before quickly blinking them away. “Not my freedom. I know that was forfeit when my name was chosen. I just thought not a terrified sacrifice would be a nice change for you. One who’s willing to discuss, and listen. Maybe even get a laugh at how poorly they spelled these runes and markings, or even gave me the wrong one.”

“Are you not terrified?” The dragon mused, leaning back to idly look over the painted canine, who was visibly shaking.

“I’d be an idiot not to be.” As the dragon’s eyes looked away, the husky’s form swayed slightly, not noticing a feeling of lightness about him suddenly going away. He pointed to his arm. “This is just gibberish, I believe.” Then the design on his stomach. “And a fertile womb isn’t something that really applies to me.”

“You understand draconic?” The dragon quickly asked, his words much more primal, watching the canine’s expression quickly turn to concerned confusion.

“I’m going to say,” the husky said, quietly. “No? If you’re asking if I speak draconic, I don’t. I can read it, somewhat.”

“Interesting,” a low rumble from the dragon as he silently observed the husky. Watching the canine subtly relax as their eyes meet, “Why have you learned draconic?”

“Incase I ever met a dragon.”

“Did you hope to meet one?”

“One day, though I never imagined being the sacrifice.”

“And how had you hoped to meet a dragon, if not like this?”

“I don’t know, out exploring the world?”

The silence that followed unnerved the husky, even the rumbling from the large dragon had stopped. He desperately wanted to know what the dragon was thinking, something to happen, to be able to move, but he found his muscles almost sluggish as he stood there looking into those golden orbs. Another quick set of primal words came from the dragon and the husky’s world became dark as he blacked out.

Coming to, the husky groaned lightly, his head felt heavy as he sat up slowly. As he blinked, hands moving on the surface below him, he became aware of his new surroundings. Gone was the cool clearing, bright sunshine, and scent of pine. The husky was hit with the scent of numerous exotic scents and faint mustiness. As his eyes adjusted, he noted he was in a cave, illuminated by a mix of bioluminescent mushrooms and crystals emanating a faint glow. As his hands continued to move, he blinked and looked down, finding himself atop a rather elegant silken cloth which seemed to be draped over a large bed. Standing up slowly, letting himself orient, his head slowly losing that heaviness, though a dull throb still occasionally made itself apparent.

Exploring the small cave he was in, it was lavishly decorated, with ornate wooden bookshelves lining most of the walls, filled with books, scrolls and many small tools and trinkets. The large bed sat opposite a rather elegant desk, the wood almost looking to be grown for the purpose of holding the glittering stone top. The desk was mostly devoid of items, though a few larger trinkets adorned it. A brighter light was seen coming from the small tunnel leading out of the cave.

His attention brought to the bookshelves, the husky started skimming the spines, tail faintly swaying as he noted the age of some of the books, well worn leather, fraying edges, in languages he could and couldn’t recognize. One in an azure dyed cover caught his attention, gently taking it out moving one of the trinkets to help remember where it went, he started reading.

Slowly walking into the cave, stopping in surprise at the sight before him, an anthro dragon stopped in the entry, arms crossing as he quietly observed the husky. Smiling softly, he quietly went over to the crystal over the desk and gently tapped on it, making it suddenly glow brighter. Chuckling as the husky jumped and looked at him with wide eyes. Copper and bronze scales shimmering in the light, “This might make it easier to read.”

“There are others? I’m sorry, does he get mad if we mess with his books?” The husky’s eyes travel over the dragon’s form, noting the lack of clothes to hide any features on the almost slender form. Slowly closing the book as he shivers, starting to put it back.

“Usually asking for permission first is preferred,” the dragon spoke, voice low almost rumbling, “but you have not been properly oriented yet.” Stepping closer to the husky, the scaled form’s over seven foot height looming over the canine’s nearly six foot. “Did you rest well? Need some food?” A meek nod from the husky got a light chuckle from the dragon. “Come.” The dragon said, turning and making his way out of the cave.

“Am I allowed to?” The husky asked, stopping at the entry, ears lowered as he shifted nervously.

“I told you to come, didn’t I?” The dragon asked, voice echoing lightly against the walls as he rounded a corner. “Don’t dawdle too long, bit of a maze in here, can’t have you getting lost.”

Yipping softly and quickly catching up to the dragon, trying to glance down side caves, but most were too dark or the tunnel curved too much to see into them. The canine was too distracted by the long veins of the glowing crystals that were in the walls of the tunnel to notice the dragon waving his hand and the end of the tunnel opening up for them. Stopping for a moment as the tunnel opened up into a large cave, the sound of water running drew the canines attention before he felt a tug on his hand and quickly followed, catching a few sights of large bioluminescent plants before he’s pulled down a large tunnel, mindful of a few large scratches in the path and walls.

“And here we are,” the dragon interrupts the canine’s reverie at his surroundings. Bringing him over to a table set in the center of the large open cave. “Take a seat.”

“Which chair?” The husky asked, noticing the table also looked to have been grown directly. His eyes then moved to the rest of the cave, walls adorned with tapestries depicting great dragons, small beds of moss and mushrooms adding an extra accent of color in the room. Glancing up, he saw a rather large elegantly shaped crystal as the source of a cool blue light in the room.

“Take your pick.” The dragon chuckled, stepping out of the cave.

Sitting at the first spot he found, the husky shivered a bit, his mind wandering as the realization of the situation hit him. Thinking of what transpired back home when his name was chosen, how little care there had been to him being the latest sacrifice. How quick his father made sure that he was taken to the altar.

“Reading from my collection?” A familiar voice boomed out, snapping the canine back to reality with a yip. The echoes of the caves made it hard to place where the voice was coming from. “Not looking at the priceless artifacts, not trying to escape. Reading?”

“It seemed pointless to try and,” he paused, seeing a shadow loom in the tunnel leading to the room.

“And of all the books you chose that one,” as the shadow moved closer, that voice got less resounding, melding into the low rumble of the anthro dragon as he stepped into the room. Carrying large bowls and a couple tankards, he made his way to the table. Not even thinking, the husky got up and went to the dragon.

“Let me help take something, please.”

Not one to turn down the assistance, the dragon let him take the tankards. “Are you trying to ingratiate yourself already?” Going to the table, he set the bowls down revealing hearty stew.

The canine looked at the drinks, setting them down unsure if one was for him or the dragon. Sitting back down where he had been, he looked up at the dragon.

“You seem confused.” The dragon remarked as he sat down.

“You’re him, aren’t you?”

“Him?”

“The dragon?”

“I am a dragon, yes.” Taking a bite of his stew, he chuckled. “But to be The Dragon?”

“The dragon who’s probably just toying with me to get me comfortable before killing me.”

“What happened to the canine who wanted to be entertainment? Sure of himself, picked some locks and stood up to a dragon, husky?”

“He’s realized he was stupid for thinking that.”

“Stop.” The dragon ordered, his eyes meeting with the husky’s, eyes seeming to glow a bit more in the darker environment.

“I…” he found his voice trailing off, the husky found himself incapable of bringing himself to speak. Ears lowering as his eyes met the dragon’s.

“I’m not going to kill you, unless you give me a reason to.” Taking another bite of his food. “You’ve piqued my interest and have shown yourself to be the first person in a century to possibly not just see me as some beast.” Leaning in some. “Now, I would like to have a civil conversation.” Taking a deep breath, he leaned back to look at the husky. “I understand that things are not what you’d had hoped for as a young man. Plus, now that you understand that I have power to make you do things, I hope you appreciate that I don’t want to do that and would rather you speak of your own free will.” The glow in his eyes fades letting the husky blink and stammer for a moment.

“Sorry,” the husky said quietly, looking down at the bowl of stew in front of him. A light growl from his stomach urging him to get a spoonful of food and start eating.

Letting him think and process for a few minutes, the dragon quietly ate. Admiring the form of his guest as he pondered. “So why draconic? Don’t think I’ve met someone who can understand it in a very long time.”

“I wondered what the marks were on sacrifices.” The husky responded, still looking down at his food. “Took forever to find a book, and wasn’t easy to barter for. But I got it, and studied it. Learned what I could. So I can read, limited to a couple books.”

“You said you wanted to meet a dragon, why?”

“To know if the tales were true.”

“Tales?”

“All powerful beings that can breathe fire, destroy entire towns, collect treasure and stories.”

“Sounds like a destructive monster who kills and steals.”

“They can’t all be.”

“No? Seems to be the opinion anymore.” A faint rumble emanates from the dragon. “You call yourself sacrifice, do you know the real reason behind your being here?”

“To appease you?” The husky asked, looking up at the dragon, but avoiding eye contact. “Keep the Vale safe from your ransacking?”

“Would you believe me that originally it wasn’t a sacrifice, but a blessing to be chosen?” Sipping at his drink, the dragon sighed. “A warrior, a mystic, a scholar, someone to learn some of my magic, to help keep the Vale what it was.”

“Keep the Vale what it was?”

“A lot more beautiful.” Standing up, the dragon went to one of the tapestries, showing what looked to be a lush forest with a sleeping dragon in the center of it, the four corners having different crests. “Much more peaceful.” Sighing softly, he looked at the husky. “About a century and a half ago there was an ambush. They tried to kill me when I came to meet the blessed one. I defended myself, and that probably helped add to the fear of me that had been building.”

“That’s why the bindings were there and my not being in them…” the husky trailed off for a moment. “I’m sorry.” Silence followed as the two looked at eachother, genuine sadness on the canines face as he looked at the dragon.

“Finish eating,” the dragon said with a light growl. “I’ll collect you in a bit.” Leaving the room before the husky could question him, he made his way through the tunnels, slipping into one of the offshoots much further down.

Unsure of what happened, and still processing everything that had happened, the husky sat quietly occasionally taking a bite of his food. After a little bit of time, he got up and examined the tapestries, both at the tales they told, as well as the age of the material itself. Feeling alone in the cave, he glanced at the exit before cursing to himself. Slowly making his way out of the cave and into the tunnel, he tried to pick up the scent of where the dragon had gone, ears perked trying to pick up sounds. Cursing again as he couldn’t hear or smell anything, he slowly started making his way down the tunnel unsure if he was heading deeper or back the way he’d been brought in.

The thought of trying to escape came to mind as he was wandering, but he knew that wasn’t a good idea. Checking individual rooms he eventually found the dragon, full sized, rampaging in the large cave. Signs of previous angry episodes everywhere, broken and discarded items strewn about, singe marks in the walls, claw marks everywhere. Curious, the canine stepped back and the boisterous sounds ceased, before stepping back into the room, he heard the angry roars, the cracking of rock, metal crashing into a wall. Gently sitting down on the cold cave floor right at the entryway, the canine waited, watching in amazement, fear, and sadness as the dragon destroyed what looked to be a rather ornate piece of furniture.

The dragon continued for some time, never turning around to notice the quiet canine observing him. Claws tearing new scratches into the stone as he let out a loud roar, swiping at the once proud bookshelf sending it flying across the room, watching it crash against the wall, he saw movement out of the corner of his eye as the husky scooted away to dodge some of the shrapnel. A low, snarling growl emanates from the dragon, resounding in the cave. “I told you to stay and wait. I will collect you later.” Fangs bared, claws digging into the cave floor as he approached the husky, Moving to loom over the canine.

“What was the Vale like?” The husky asked, his voice calm. “Before we ruined it?”

“What?” The dragon snapped back, that low growl deepening as he moved in closer.

“I would love to know what the Vale was like. Before the greed of my people and our neighbors ruined it. What was it like when those tapestries were made? Please.” Slowly standing up, taking a deep breath as he looked up at the dragon. “You can put me in the middle of this room after and go back to raging as punishment for not listening, but I’d just love to know about that first.”

“Why do you want to know?”

“You miss that time, I want to know what it was like, why you’re so passionate about it. What have my people forgotten?”

“Step out into the tunnel.”

Quickly nodding and backing up into the tunnel, the husky finally let out his held breath. Shivering as he waited, though not for long as the dragon, back in anthro form, solemnly walked out of the cave, wordlessly past the canine, who followed silently behind. As they rounded a corner, he noticed a light limp in the dragon’s step, glancing down at his foot, he saw damp spots where his right foot had been.

Rounding a corner, the dragon made his way to another large cave. The scattered crystals in the ceiling give the illusion of a night sky, mixing with the assorted bioluminescence on the walls and floor making the room rather well illuminated. The room was filled with various foliage, long grass, even a few flower beds. “The Vale used to be a lot greener. Used to extend much further than it does now.” The dragon said, slowly kneeling down next to one of the flower beds. Gently running his hand over the white and purple petaled flower, he smiled. “These used to be everywhere, now there’s none in the wild.”

Moving to gently sit down next to the flowers, across from the dragon, the husky leant down to get a soft sniff. “What happened to them?”

“They were plucked and used for fragrances and potions. They’re very temperamental plants, and those that tried to grow them themselves found that nearly impossible to do.”

“Temperamental plants?”

“Like they’ve got a mind of their own, one day it’ll be perfect for them, the next day identical weather and they’ll be wilting.”

“These ones seem to be doing quite well.” The canine observed, before looking up at the dragon.

“Not without the help of magic.” Sighing heavily. “They only grew in certain parts of the foothills around here.Anymore those areas are too developed for anything meaningful to grow.”

“And those ones?” The husky asks, nodding towards one of the other flower beds.

“A similar, more common species. Hoping to get them to cross into something more viable.” The dragon slowly stands up, stifling a growl as pain shoots up his right foot when he first puts weight on it. Slowly going over to the other couple of patches of flowers. “These are the first two crosses, but it seems like the more common flower is the one they take after most commonly.” Looking at the husky now, a light flare of anger. “It’s things like this, that the Vale was full of, that greed has gotten rid of.” Growling, he starts hobbling towards the exit of the cave.

Yipping, the canine got up and followed, ears lowered at the sight of the dragon in a mix of anger and pain. Following and quietly listening as the dragon goes over how the Vale has changed over the centuries. Asking an occasional question, becoming less worried about the fluctuating anger shown by the dragon and more concerned by the visible pain he had been showing. His ears perk as he hears water running from one tunnel.

“Is that water clean?”

“Clean?”

“Not poisonous. Not filled with parasites?” The husky asked. The dragon gave a confused look, before shaking his head. “Then come here.” The husky said, sternness to his voice. Going into the tunnel, finding it opening into another large cave, which had numerous bubbling springs dotted around the room, a small flow of water coming from near the ceiling and flowing into the baths. Glancing behind him to see the dragon was following, he got to the nearest water. “Sit back, get your foot out.”

“You giving me orders, mutt?”

“Yes. If you’re going to keep walking on that foot, it’s going to at least be washed and covered.” The husky said, giving a stern look. Shaking his head, and mostly curious, the dragon obliged, sitting down with his leg outstretched. Not really thinking about it, the canine’s paws went to his waist covering, untying the loose cloth. “I promise this is clean.” He said, not noticing the dragon’s eyes looking over his now exposed groin. The husky moved to sit next to that foot, gently bringing it to let it rest on his leg and elevate it, he examined the wound more closely.

The sound of tearing brought the dragon’s attention away from the exposed husky, seeing him using his claw to tear the cloth in two. Watching as the husky works meticulously, getting the first piece wet and ringing it out, before it’s brought over to the wound. A light hiss escaping him as the husky gingerly wipes the bottom of his foot clean. Feeling the husky shift lightly, his eyes were focused on the paws at his foot, blinking as something soft brushed against his clenched hand. Looking to see his tail brushing over it softly he gently pet it.

“Deep breath, there's still something in here that needs to come out.” The husky warned, his claws hooking into a splinter he slowly pulled out. Quickly getting the other cloth damp and wrung out, he quickly wrapped it around the dragon’s foot. Tying it securely, making sure there was plenty of pressure on the wound, he looked at the dragon, a faint smile on his snout.

“Proud of yourself?” The dragon asked, brow raised as he looked at the husky, who’s smile faded. Toes wiggling some as he adjusts, before pulling his leg back and slowly standing up. Wincing as the pain was still there, but was less apparent, he quietly left the cave.

Quickly washing the blood off his paws, the husky quickly followed behind. Ears lowering as they made their way back into the debris filled room. Watching as the dragon stopped just in the entry, waiting for a moment before he went to the center of the room feeling a lingering warmth in the floor where it was singed. Finding a spot in the middle of the broken bookshelf, eyes moving from the dragon to the floor. “Thank you for telling me what my people have taken away from the world and you.” He waited quietly, his curiosity getting the better of him as his paws moved to gently explore the singed floor, looking at the markings, especially as he found warmer spots.”If I may ask, one last favor? What is your name?” Shivering lightly, expecting to hear a growl, a snort, but silence followed the question. Looking up, he noticed the dragon was gone. Ears lowering, he glanced around the cave finding himself alone

Letting out a heavy sigh, the canine remained where he was. The anger and sadness he had seen from the dragon came to mind. “Don’t,” he chided himself. Wanting to go find the dragon, but with how much he’s already angered him he thought it best to stay. Unable to tell how long he had been in the room, the canine eventually started exploring the cave he was in. Looking at ages of claw marks, broken and discarded items, and even quite a few spots of dried blood.

As he was bent over, picking through some pieces of metal and wood, that curled tail started to sway lightly, raising just a bit to not hide anything as he felt himself being watched. Slowly standing upright, back arching, arms stretching overhead as he stretched some, lingering a bit to give a bit of a show, before glancing behind to catch a glimpse of the dragon looking slightly flustered, even more so when their eyes met. “See something?

“What? No, I was just coming to get you, I realized you hadn’t followed me.”

“You can keep admiring.” Chuckling and turning to face the dragon, back still arched as he held out the stretch a bit longer. “I take it as a compliment.” Letting up on the stretch, he gently stepped closer to the dragon, finding the visibly flustered figure rather cute at this moment. “How long has it been?”

“What?”

“How long since you’ve had a partner? Someone to admire and share a bed with?”

“I, you think it wise to ask me something such as that.” The dragon growled, not noticing the paw reaching up to gently press on his chin.

“Your eyes haven’t left my body since I turned around,” the husky teased, tail swaying as their eyes met. “Now how long since you’ve been able to hold someone close while in the throes of passion?”

“I…” the dragon trails off.

“How long since you’ve gotten to indulge in carnal lust with a willing partner?” The husky gave a nervous chuckle. “Cause I wouldn’t say no to giving you another way to let out that frustration at my kind.”

There was a long silence before the dragon spoke, voice that low rumble. “Follow” Leading the husky back through the tunnels to the room he had woken up in. The dragon moves to sit on the bed, patting next to him. “One hundred and thirty seven years.”

“One hundred and thirty seven years?” the husky asked as he sat down. “That’s a long time.”

“That was the last time I shared a bed with someone. The last time my mate and I were together.” Another heavy sigh. “He was the one who went to collect the blessed one. He never came back, I found where it had happened. They shot him down out of the sky, leaving him where he crashed into the mountain. He died alone.” He hadn’t noticed that his hands were clenched into fists, but a soft paw placed itself on one of those fists, bringing his gaze down. A tear trailed down his snout, “I lost everything that day. The Vale lost everything that day.”

Moving quietly, the husky turned to face the dragon, arms moving to pull him into a tight embrace. Feeling the weight of the larger male slump into him, he gave a soft smile, feeling the dragon’s arms wrap around him. Not knowing what to say, he just held the dragon close.

“He’d be so disappointed in what I’ve become since then. I’ve become a source of fear that's made your kind so much more destructive.” A low rumbling growl filled the room, he felt the canine tense and shiver some. “And now you think you can just make amends for all of that?”

“No.” The answer came bluntly. “There’s no way I can make amends for that.” The canine shivered, a piercing pain in his back as he felt those sharp claws digging into his back. “Maybe there’s a reason my name was picked. I want to see the Vale prosper. I want to see the Vale back to how it used to be.” He paused, holding back a grimace as he felt those claws traveling down his back. “I want to be whatever you need me to be to help that.” Giving a nervous chuckle, “Whether that be helping you keep plants growing. something for you to let out that anger on that doesn’t leave you hurting yourself. Showing you that you are not a monster, and still are worthy and deserving of love.” His breath was sharp as he felt those claws drag away, the dragon pushing him away.

“Love? You think you could show me love?” The dragon laughed despite the rage in his eyes. “Stay here, don’t touch anything.” The order was quick before he stormed out of the cave.

Storming to another cave that had small pools of water, he went over to one that was raised up, high enough that he could stand and look into it. Seeing the glow of anger in his eyes and the welling of tears, he snarled and swiped at the water. The inside of his maw started to glow as he screamed, a gout of flame shooting out of his maw as he threw his head back. Trembling as that gout quickly faded, falling to his knees the dragon started to sob, “He’s not being genuine. They don’t care about you.” Slamming his fist into the wall. “You can’t..” Snarling, his words trail off as he wipes the tears from his eyes. Staring at the cave floor, he sighs and looks at his hands. Blinking as he noticed dripping from his claws, thinking nothing of it for a moment as he looked at the water running down the wall from when he swiped at the water, but then he looked back at the hand that had dripped. Bringing it up some, his eyes widening as he saw the crimson tinge to them. Looking at his hand before he quickly got up and ran out of the room.

Having moved to sit at the desk, the husky heard those footfalls rapidly approaching, his ears lowering as the dragon rushed in. “I’m sorry.” The canine said softly. “The hug was too much, you’re right I can’t make amends.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” The dragon asked, walking over to the canine, looking him over. “Why are you over here?” He asked, grimacing as he saw the red stained fur around the long scratches down the canines back.

“I moved so I didn’t get blood on the bed.”

“Back on the bed, lay down on your front.” The canine’s head tilted. “Just do it.” He snarled, a tear rolling down his snout, the dragon visibly trembling. “Please.” Watching the canine grimace as he stood up, following rather closely behind as the other moved onto the bed and laid on his front, he climbed behind him, straddling over the canine’s legs as he bent down. His hands moving down to those scratches, a light green energy forming in his palms, letting him see how deep the cuts were.

“What are you doing?” The canine asked curiously, feeling the pain in his back starting to dull as warmth spread through those wounds. A light groan escaped the canine as he closed his eyes, a light shiver traveled up his spine from the sensations of the magic coursing through his wounds.

“I’m sorry,” the dragon quietly said, his eyes focused on those wounds, an occasional tear dripping off his snout into the plush fur below. His hands slowly move, that green magic slowly closing and healing the wounds leaving no scar but the fur is missing where the scars would be. As his claws curl around his sides, getting the last of those wounds, the dragon started to shift. Another soft apology coming from him as he started climbing off the bed. Stopping as he felt a paw quickly grab one of his, turning to look at the husky, avoiding eye contact.

“You’re not leaving are you?” A quick nod as the dragon tried pulling his hand away, making the husky squeeze his hand and tug back. “Stay? Please.” Giving a soft smile, tail swaying gently. “I won’t even talk. Won’t make you mad, or remind you of anything.”

“I did that, and you want me to stay?” Gesturing towards the canine’s back.

“You won't do anything stupid if you stay.” He noticed the immediate sniffle at those words. “I won’t say anything else. I won’t ask anything, I won’t do anything else. I just want to know you’re not hurting yourself.”

Standing there quietly, that initial answer resounding in his mind, the dragon gave a small nod. Feeling the grip on his hand loosen, he started climbing back into the bed, reaching to roll the husky on his side, earning a confused yup. Slowly moving in behind the canine, his arms wrapping around him, grabbing a pillow to keep his claws away from the husky, he very tightly hugged him against his chest.

Ears lowering as he felt those arms wrapping around him, a dull pain in his back as he was pulled back into that embrace, the husky remained quiet even as he heard the dragon sob. Feeling the dragon’s chin resting on his head, nestled between his ears, he just quietly breathed letting the other take the lead on conversation.

The dragon held onto the husky tightly, quietly sobbing for quite a while before he eventually spoke, voice barely a whisper. “I’m sorry.” Shaking his head lightly. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just. It still hurts, after all these years, it still hurts.” The silence that followed lasted an eternity to the dragon. He felt a paw move around the pillow, moving in behind one of the dragons. Glancing down to see the other paw move that pillow away, feeling his hand gently brought to the husky’s chest.

“You’re going to have to do a lot more than a couple scratches to hurt me.” The husky’s voice somber, surprising the dragon a bit. Bringing the dragon’s hand into his plush chest fur, down until his hand pressed against skin. The husky guided that hand, letting the dragon feel multiple long scars along his chest. “I was ten. Just a pup when I learned how insignificant I was. How much of a disappointment I was to my father.” Taking a single, deep breath. “I locked myself away after that. A good, quiet pup who never spoke up, and did what was expected of him. I joined the militia as soon as I could.” That guiding paw brings the dragon’s hand over to his left arm, letting him feel the scar from a rather large gash. When I was laid up, this healer, an absolutely saint of a woman, had so many stories to tell. She helped that curious pup come back. I listened to everything she had to say, and I’ve not stopped since coming out of that shell.” Gently taking both of the dragons' hands, he gently hugs them to his body. “A few angry scratches are worth everything I’ve learned today.”

Hugging the canine once again, fingers pressing into that plush fur, enough to enjoy that warm softness, but also deep enough to gently trace over the scars on his chest. “You must have so much hate towards your father.”

“Years ago, yes.” the husky chuckled. “But now, it’s a memento of when I was lost, a reminder that I am who I am because of that man, and that I am everything he hates me becoming.” Tilting his head up, gently nosing at the dragon’s chin before he lowered back down, smiling as those hands continued exploring, his tail swaying softly as he felt one hand moving down to pet over his stomach.

Quiet, the dragon let his hands wander the caine’s torso on their own. His mind focused on the husky. “Why did you help with my foot?” He asked, toes wiggling as he had healed it after leaving the husky alone.

“Because you were hurt.” The husky smiled softly as he felt those hands pull him in tightly.

“I threatened you.” His voice came back to more than a whisper. “If you’d been a little more in the room, the shelves could have killed you.” A faint growl melding with his next words. “A monster rampaging, self destructing and your first desire was to help it?”

“Not a monster.” The husky gave a soft growl of his own. Wiggling a bit in that embrace, spinning around in those arms. Facing the dragon, looking up at him, shivering as those hands were back on his back. “A beautiful, kind soul, that the world hurt,” a soft smile on his snout, “and I want to help that dragon, because he deserves it, sharp claws and all.” Leaning up, he gave a small lick to the dragon’s cheek. Seeing a few tears welling up in those golden eyes again, he wrapped his arms around the dragon hugging him tightly.

Hugging the canine back, making sure to keep his claws back, the dragon leaned down, placing a soft kiss on the canine’s forehead. “He always made me promise that if anything ever happened, I would move on.” Eyes closed as he felt the tears rolling down his snout. “I think that I’ve always been afraid that if I did, I’d forget him. I thought it’d be a disappointment to him.”

“I think he knew you’d be afraid.” Tail brushing on the bed lightly, the canine smiled. “But moving on isn’t forgetting. And he’d probably be more disappointed if you didn’t move on.” Taking a sharp breath in preparation for a reaction. “Honor him with everything you do for The Vale.” Not pressing further, just letting the dragon process, he remained quiet, occasionally smiling and nosing up at the dragon.

Eventually, the dragon would gently spin the husky back around, pulling the canine into a warm embrace. Feeling that tail gently rest on his leg as he starts idly petting the canine’s shoulder and arm. “You’re rather enlightened for your age.” The dragon spoke quietly. ”Though I’m not sure if love is exactly an immediate thing that I could say.”

“You will find someone.”

“I think I’ve found someone.”

“No, you’ve found the stepping stone you’ve needed to start your journey.” A soft growl made him yip, that scaled snout finding a new place to rest on his shoulder.

“A rather sweet stepping stone.” The dragon said, gently kissing the canine’s cheek. Chuckling at the yip that followed, until he felt that firm canine rear pressing back against him.

“I take it back,” a light chuckle from the canine, “you might not be a monster, but you’re definitely hiding one.” He audibly shuddered as he shifted, feeling the dragon’s growing arousal poking at his rear. Shifting a bit more and pressing back, he let that growing shaft slip between his cheeks, letting the dragon feel those firm cheeks flex.

“S..sorry.” The dragon stammered, squirming a bit as he felt the canine pressing back, a warm bead of pre leaking out into that fur.

“What for? Not warning me that I was about to have a beast poking my back?” The husky chuckled some. Glancing back, “If you’re not wanting love, you said and showed you can make me do whatever you want.” Gulping softly. “Things need to be a bit more slick, but you have my permission to do that if it’ll be easier for you.” Yipping as he felt those strong scaled hips gently roll in against his form.

His hand moving down to gently grab the husky’s hips, he grinds in a bit more, body acting on its own as he’s listening in. Though at the mention of controlling the canine, he shook his head, leaning his head to look at him more directly. “No. I will not do that to you. I want you to be aware, because if you need me to stop, I will.” He gently presses on the canine’s hips, a disappointed rumble coming from him as his ember leaves that cozy spot between his rump cheeks.His eyes move up to his back and he pauses for a moment, before he sits up.

“As long as you are sure you want this.”

“Positive. I want this. Could honestly say I need this.”

“Well then.” The husky smiles back at him, slowly moving to all fours, his tail raising to show off those his own swinging orbs, and the night rim nestled under his tail. “What’s your name? I want to know what I should be moaning out.”

As he watched the canine moving to all fours, an approving rumble filled the room. Leaning in, “Talluk.” The dragon quickly responded before he placed a hand on the canine’s hip, leaning in a bit more to press his snout under that tail.

Yipping in surprise as he felt that snout, before his swaying orbs were suddenly enveloped by a very warm tongue. “T…Talluk.” The canine stammered, moaning softly himself, that tongue slowly letting go of his orbs, his legs spreading as that tongue slowly licked up, not stopping until it found that tight hole. Another moan, much longer this time, came from the canine as he felt the dragon’s other hand on his other hip, feeling himself being held into place as that tongue started to circle and prod at his rear entrance. Toes curling as he did his best to relax.

Talluk gave a lustful growl as he felt that hole yield, pressing in a tad, drooling from sheer pent up lust. That warm saliva worked to help slick up that hole as the tongue slowly wiggled and pumped deeper, the sheer warmth helping those muscles relax some. “Wasth your name?” He asked presing his tongue in a bit more before pulling his snout back, tongue slowly following behind.

“Shale.” The husky managed between heavy pants. Involuntarily letting out a whine as that tongue pulled away, he glanced back with a bright flush.

“Well, Shale,” Talluk said, kneeling up as he moved in behind the canine. “I’m probably not going to last long, and I’m sorry for that.” One hand left Shale’s hip to help guide that long tapered shaft towards the offered hole. A shuddering growl as his finger gently ran along the ridged undershaft, sending a hot spurt of pre across onto that tail.

“I don’t care if you barely get the tip in and cum.” The heat of that pre made the canine shiver some. “I want to feel you hold me as you unload. Enjoy yourself, Sir.” His ear perked at the throb when he called him Sir. Teasingly pressing back, he relaxes as much as he can, feeling that tip pressing, demanding entrance. The duo groaning out as that tail relents, letting the first few couple of inches sink in. The first ridge slipped in, small enough that the canine didn't notice.

A desperate internal struggle starts as soon as his head slips into that warm hole, his muscles straining as his body wants to just go deeper, his mind knowing that he needs to ease Shale into this, his hand returns to the canines hip, fingers digging in, claws poking lightly but pulled back to not cause damage.

Sensing the hesitation, Shale gives a soft growl before pressing back, moaning as he feels the next couple inches sink in, the next couple of ridges sinking in, piquing the canines curiosity for a moment before the mental battle is lost and he groans out feeling a tug on his hips and a strong roll of the dragon’s hips. “T…Tallt!” He groans out, feeling that shaft grinding right against his prostate, making him loud out a loud moan.

“Good boy…” moans out over the canine as he rolls his hips back, pulling a few inches back, those ridges flared up, really working the canine’s inner walls and entrance as they tug out, built to help keep the dragon buried deep.

Another tug and roll of those hips and Shale felt himself filled well beyond anything he’d ever experienced. His tail straight up and wagging as he was enjoying every second of this rough, rapid filling. Thankful for the constant drool or precum keeping his insides very slick and muscles rather pliable. Toes curling as he did his best to stay still, paws grasping at fistfulls of bedsheets, he moaned out. “Don’t…” He stammered, as that shaft was pulled back, the bigger ridges working right over his prostate, a shot of pre hitting the canine in the chin as his own member throbs hard. “Don’t hold back. Give me everything. Please, I want it!”

Those words drove the primal need that Talluk felt. Leaning over the canine, he growled, snout pressing against his neck and starting to nibble and press in. The canine found himself pressed face first into the bed, pressing his rear up more as the dragon thrust back in. HIs thrusts worked the last few inches of that shaft in and out of the canine. Hips slapping against that firm, furred rump, roughly working his rigid shaft in and out, a gargled and yelped moan coming from the canine as he suddenly reaches orgasm. The scent of fresh seed mixing with the scent of sex, making the dragon’s nostril’s flare, his thrust getting a bit slower, and a bit harder. The slit his shaft had slipped from started spreading as the true base of the shaft slipped free. Shale, midst orgasm, too distracted to feel the large bulbous base suddenly pounding and grinding against him.

Talluk, driven fully by lust, hunches over the canine a bit more, nibbles at the scruff of his neck getting a bit firmer as his thrusts are getting deliberate. That constant drool of pre getting thicker as the dragon was approaching his limit.

A light squirm coming from the pinned canine as there was a moment of clarity in the midst of his orgasm when those hips gave one last hard thrust. Feeling that knot starting to get ground in, weak. “S…sir!” came from the canine, doing his best to relax, legs spreading.

“Grawph…” Talluk growled out, grinding more and more, pulling back on those hips as he felt the hole relenting. As that knot neared its thickest, a loud whimper was drowned out by a sudden growl, one hard thrust forward and that knot disappeared into that tight hole. The force behind that thrust mixes with the sensations of a tight hole, snugly clenching around his knot while it swells up sending the dragon to the bed below. Collapsing atop the canine, hands moving up to wrap around him in a tight hug as his orgasm hits. Hot, thick ropes of dragon seed flooding into the canine,

Barely conscious, Shale let out a weak, whimper filled moan as soreness mixed with bliss. Feeling himself trapped under the large form above, finally able to bask in afterglow, the last thing he remembers is being rolled onto his side. Held tightly in those arms as the dragon curls some. The heat of the seed flooded into him helping the canine pass out, his tail wagging as he cuddled into the dragon. As the heavy rumbling sent him over the edge and into blissful sleep.