FSE

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Should really think about what I want for dinner. Mecatl's brow furrowed in thought as she stepped back and twisted. Air rushed past her as the chimera charged past with a bellow. She spared it a glance as she twisted. Light catching on her deep green hide, travel leathers, and glittering off the edge of her blade.

The reptilian fighter was tall, towering head and shoulders over most people, carried herself with a grace that would surprise given her height and build. Green hide rippled over muscles as she caught herself and righted. Yellow and red, feather-like quills perked and lay back as she straightened herself. Glaring at the creature with her one good eye. Her features were severe, muzzle almost squared off, a rather nasty scar peered out from behind the leather patch that covered her right eye.

Her sky blue eye watched as the chimera skidded, nearly tumbling over itself, as it tried to turn. The creature was awkward in it's movements, as if it wasn't entirely used to its body. Perhaps it was from its construction. A blend of lion, bat, and who-knew what else. Things thrown together by some mad wizard or alchemist to try and creature some new life. It fumbled to its feet and turned to her. Tail lashing behind it angrily as it snarled, iron-like quills snapping at the air and sparking off stone.

Not sure I'll have time to get back to town, she clicked her tongue quietly as she glanced at the sky. This thing chased me pretty far, so I could get away from the others. Gonna have to take it's head off, make sure it's really dead, and...

A whisper of warning on the wind. Her body was moving before she even heard the snap. The chimera whipped it's tail out and launched several quills at her. Mecatl twisted on the spot, tail and hand dipping low to push herself back up as the beast lunged again. Her gazed fell upon it and the world slowed to a crawl. For just an instant, she could see how the muscles twisted under its ragged hide. Felt the impact of clawed feet on the ground. A ghostly image of the beast tracked towards her and, in that instant, she could read how it would move. An opening as it tries to tear out my throat. Not much of one, but it's all I need.

She caught herself and dipped to the right. The beast barreled at her, churning up dirt and grass as it went for her blind side. The feint was all she needed. She seemed to push herself off the air itself and lunge back. Massive claws rending the air where she should have been, jaws snapping down on the spot her head would have occupied. The lunge left it open, skin pulling taut around it's neck. Her eye locked onto a large vein throbbing just below the surface and she dove for the opening.

Fangs punched through the hard hide and she felt the familiar throb as her venom sacs emptied into the beast.

An instant, a snap of her jaws. She launched herself backwards, tasting and feeling blood splatter on her face. Mecatl dropped to a low crouch, blade at her side. The chimera turned at her, snarling, shaking it's head. Muscled gathered for another charge at the vexatious fighter.

Then it staggered.

"There we go," she breathed, "just let it happen." The chimera growled, but the noise was weaker. She could see the haze forming in its eyes. "Easy now, easy," the reptilian woman stood and approached the creature. It tried to back up, but it's feet got tangled with its own tail and it fell over. Great chest heaved as it tried to draw breath into lungs that no longer worked. "There there now," she breathed out and reached over. Gently brushing her fingers through it's mane. The monstrous creation whined at her. "I know, I know. The pain will end now, young one." A whimper sounded from the creation, but died off mid-sound. It slumped and she watched as it's breathing and heart quickly faded away. "A tragedy," she breathed.

"Ah, Huntress, there you are!" A new voice rang out. It was Ainsley, one of the local guards. The boar huffed and puffed as he stumbled towards her. "Was worried we'd lost you there. You took off after the beast. I couldn't keep up."

Mecatl chuckled darkly, "Sorry about that. Used to hunting alone." She'd been hired, as well as a couple other Hunters, to track the beast down. The headmaster had insisted that they pair up with local guards, for safety reasons. Really, it was to verify the kill, or something of the sort. The old goat had been antsy because they were 'taking too long' or something of the sort.

Ainsley shuffled closer, the boar looking from her to the creature, "What did you do to it?"

She held up her curved blade, "Caught it in the vitals," she lied smoothly. "Just have to bring it's head back now, correct?" she stepped towards the chimera's side and pulled it's bristly mane back. Taking note of the deep brown and stiff hair.

Ainsley snorted, "Yes, that is part of the deal." He shifted and gripped the haft of his ax a little tighter. Looking from her to the creature and swallowing. She glanced from him to the ax, then down to the creature. Ainsley shifted, fidgeting with his weapon slowly.

Mecatl let out a silent sigh and turned to start cutting the creature's head off. She could feel Ainsley shuffling around behind her. "So," she hummed as she skillfully went to work, "why did you make this thing?"

"What?" Shock, fear, surprise all rang through his voice.

She clicked her tongue, "Part of why we Hunters were just 'lazing about the village' for a couple days. We were investigating to make sure what the threat was, where it liked to hide out, what might have brought it here; and in this case who made it." Mecatl tilted her head, "Boar," she ran her hand over the pelt, "that's most of it, but then there's hints of a large feline, a bat, and I'm not even sure what you did to get that tail." She paused in the grim work to pluck one of the quills from the ground. "Almost like an iron spike. Fascinating."

Ainsley moved closer and she could hear his breath getting shorter, panicked. "Of course I do understand somewhat," she continued.

That caught him off guard, "What?" Leathers creaked and chain mail whispered as he lowered his ax a little. "You do?"

Mecatl nodded and pocketed the quill. She might turn it into a throwing dagger later. "Small town in the middle of nowhere. To small for even bandits to bother with? Only so much jerking off you can do in the barracks, or how often you can corner the local maids. Then you find some old book somewhere, maybe a passing merchant. Give them a hard time rather than pay." She wiggled her head and adopted a more superior tone, "Confiscate it for the good of the land and all'tha." A snort, "Hogwash."

Leather gloves creaked, "We... We never meant for it to get dangerous. Just big enough to cause some trouble. Then we could chase it off or..."

Mecatl pushed the chimera's head aside and watched as it rolled slightly downhill. She stood and stretched, turning to face the boar. "Kill it? Become great, heroic guards of this nowhere town?" She peered down her muzzle at him. "Get some rewards that you don't have to pay or coerce for? Listen, I get it, really I do. These things happen, and then the creature gets out of hand, and..." she rolled her hand.

Ainsley shifted, "Yeah, didn't mean for it to eat Ol' Juniper or Little..." he shook his head, "It just got out of hand. Then we sent for you lot."

"Smartest thing you could have done," Mecatl stepped forward and leaned in. "Listen, gonna take a bit to get back to town, I don't like traveling in the dark much, so what's say we set up camp here. Get you out of that armor, and I'll give you a little..." she grinned, "something."

Now that really caught him off guard, "Really?!" the boar looked her up and down. She was taller than him, in better shape, and reptilian. Not his usual fare by far, but he wasn't gonna be picky.

"No!" she laughed, "But I will give you everything," she stepped forward and casually wrapped her arms around him, "you," Mecatl pulled him close to her, "deserve." Her arms tightened around his core. Hands clasped onto her forearms and she lifted the boar off the ground. She was far stronger than she looked.

Ainsley would have squealed as she picked him up. He kicked and gasped in shock, which only made her arms tighten that much more. "Wh-what are you doing? " he gasped.

Her form shifted now. That quill-like mane filled out, spreading into a feathered crest that looked like the sunset. "Me?" her tone was casual, "I'm crushing you." Travel leathers and clothing faded from her body as she grew. Legs merged with her thickening tail, feathers sprouted from her green hide. An even deeper, more majestic green as the serpent lifted the boar.

He kicked, he tried to headbutt, he fought her. Mecatl sighed, "The more you fight, the faster you..." he caught her in the snout with a headbutt. She rocked her head back, but didn't relinquish her hold. Pain flashed across her face, but she wasn't going to release. As her tail formed, she threw it around his body and tightened the hold even more. "Starting to annoy me," she hissed. He thrashed and she leaned in, putting her head near his, "I want you to know," she spoke into his ear, feeling how the boar was already starting to slow. "This isn't just because you created a chimera and set it loose. It isn't just because of the unspeakable things you've done while wearing the uniform of a guard. You chose your role, so I must choose mine. I Hunt Monsters."

She felt him tense and she put her shoulder against his chin. Arms loosened just enough to shift where she was squeezing. Air rushed past her head as he took a deep breath, strength and consciousness racing back to him.

Crack!

A practiced jerk and she heard that too familiar snap of bone. The boar went limp in her grasp and she loosened her hold. "Of course, I could just squeeze you until you cease, and normally I would, but the things I've heard about you?" The serpent pulled away with a tutting noise and began to strip the boar of his armor and weapons. He was limp, paralyzed, but his eyes were wild as he stared up at her. Mouth trying to work as if trying to say something. "Oh, I wouldn't try talking. Not that you could, with that crushed throat. Still, should be able to stay with us for a couple minutes."

It wasn't long before she had him stripped, cleaned, and pointed towards her. His heavy frame lay against her body, draped against her bare form with an intimate closeness. Mecatl reached down and cupped his chin, "I want you to remember this in the afterlife." There was fear in his eyes as she opened her maw. Jaws unhinging as she leaned in towards the guard. Shame I didn't bring any seasoning or sides. Boar does always go better with some roasted potatoes.

It had taken Mecatl two days to get back to town. She hadn't expected just how lethargic she'd be after feeding. Though that gave her plenty of time to rip and bloody up Ainsley's clothing. His armor and weapons came back to town with her, wrapped in his cloak with the chimera's head. Her shape-shifting magics did wonders for hiding what was left of the boar. It'd be some days before she needed to eat again. A normal tavern meal next time, she promised herself. It wasn't often she consumed someone like that. Slowed her down far too much, left her vulnerable.

Her fellow Hunters were waiting for her in town. Their guard companions looking somewhat cowed. She took notes of the looks they shared when she told the Headmaster that Ainsley had died fighting the chimera. The fellow Hunters took their cut of the payment, a few of the tail spikes she'd salvaged, and bid her farewell.

That was some days ago. Since then, she had taken to the roads. Staying in little towns where she could find them, setting up camps where she couldn't. Mostly, she let the winds guide her. Little whispers or rumors that reached her ears. Some of them picked up in the taverns or waystations. Others the just came to her on a breeze.

This was how she worked. She was a Hunter by trade and choice. Her job was to make sure that people were safe from the monsters of the world. Didn't matter if they were slavering beasts that could flatten an entire city, or someone in a position of power that abused it. She would investigate, make sure of her target, and then take care of things. The Crown knew this and her position offered her a fair bit of freedom. They didn't ask how she handled problems, and she was certain they didn't want to know. By the stars, most of them didn't even know what she was. The alone might lead to some greater problems. Far as they were concerned, she was little more than an exotic reptile of some sort with a knack and skills.

Her attention shifted along the well-trod road she was on to a wider spot up ahead. She'd been in these woods for a time now, following game trails and creek until she happened upon this road. A trade road, she ass certain, the name of which eluded her. But up ahead in the clearing was the clear makings of a waystation. The sign over the door had a spotted deer bounding over some brush. "Hmm," she glanced around. There was a clearing around back, fence made from fresh lumber. Just a scant few horses and pack animals turned loose. Which it was nearing midday, so likely just traders stopping for a meal. Which, in the near week since her last, she could feel the call of her own stomach.

An attended waited at the gate, rising as she approached then going still when he saw she was so foot. "Noonin, can I help?"

She waved a hand and put on a pleasant smile, "Just need a little reprieve and a meal."

His eyes wandered over her. Armor well kept, clothing good if dusty, and weapons well maintained and stowed. He didn't see her Hunter Sigil, but she always kept that tucked away. People would either get nervous, or they'd try to hire her if they saw it. In her rather ordinary, reptilian form, she looked mostly harmless. At least she hoped she did.

The gatekeeper waved her through and returned to his seat. The donkey sighing as he rocked back in his chair, "Think they've got some roast chicken, veg, a stew, and believe Ol Nan just got done with some fresh loaves."

Ah, fresh bread, one of her weaknesses. Few things could tempt her more than a good loaf and some fresh butter. She as more than happy to approach the main building and let herself in.

The building was about as plain as one would expect. Large windows had been thrown open to let light and breeze in. The main floor had a good dozen tables, a bar, and a hearth that had been banked. As she'd expected, there weren't many people in here. A hawk over in the corner. A Naga-like creature bundled up in ill-fitting clothes shared a table with a porcupine. A badger merchant sat with two others, an otter and a falcon. Couple road-weary guards looked up as she entered. She gave them a nod and found herself a seat, fishing out coin as a large brown bear approached. "Lunch, some cider, I hear you have some bread?"

The bear grunted in acknowledgment and took the coin she offered. Barely glancing at it as he bounced it in his hand before stuffing them into a pocket. "Be right out," he turned and whistled sharply to another bear. This one nodded and hurried to get a tray of food while the larger of the two went to get her drink.

As promised, the meal was simple enough. Roast game, vegetables, and a loaf all to herself. Mecatl breathed out a sigh of relief as she dug into her meal. Somehow remembering her table manners to keep from just devouring all she could. Her eye narrowed as she took a bite of the loaf. Crusty, yet soft, pairing wonderfully with the fresh butter she'd been given. Oh it would work wonders when it came time to sop up the last of her meal.

Voices drifted from the other tables. Snippets of conversation carried on errant breezes.

"I tell ye, she ain't got no bounty."

"Ye, but to eat like that? Must be..."

The guards, doing what they do and making sure she wasn't some nere-do-well. Might check in with them later to see if there's any rumors or bounties she might wanna snag herself. Though she wasn't hurting for coin. The Manticore job had paid well enough, even splitting it with her fellows. Not like she had a lavish lifestyle.

"Really, here, now?" that one had a slight panic to it. Worry threading through the words.

The other was playful, "No one is going to notice so long as you don't make a scene. Now, just wiggle your tail a little..."

Mecatl opened her eye a little and glanced towards those voices. The snake and his companion. Curiously, the snake seemed far more nervous than his partner. Though the partner looked rather pleased with herself. Especially since his tail vanished up under her dress. A little smirk played over Mecatl's face as she could just imagine what was going on there. Especially since legless snake's like him tended to have their fun bits towards the end of their tails. Though first she'd seen of them being used so openly. Ah well, not really her business. Not unless the pair chose to involve her. Which could be a little bit of fun.

She nibbled at the game and let her mind wonder again. Staring into the middle distance as she relaxed some.

"I'm telling you, 'issa dragon. May all my feathers fall out."

That caught her attention. Dragons tended to cause trouble for those around them. Well, at least in her experience. Some were fine, though they'd deem themselves rulers of some little area or the like. Some would want to take it by force, others by coercion. Always something she wanted to check out if she could. Her gaze stayed forward, but her attentions shifted to the trio. Winds curled from the windows and rolled around them before wafting out past her.

"And I'm saying poppy cock," the otter chuffed.

The falcon puffed up defensively, but the badger grumbled. "I had been hearing rumors myself. Nothing more than that though."

Feathers still lifted, the falcon glanced at his companion, "More than rumors, and living pretty openly if you ask me." Beak clicked with a huff. "Course they don't look much like a dragon all the time. More like one of them dragonborn. Tall, lean, but you just know." Feathers swished as the merchant looked around then leaned in. "Plenty of rumors of them walking about on all fours, larger than a house!"

The badger grunted, "What's he doing? Raiding? Stealing?"

A click, "No, word is he's... Doing something with the locals."

"What?"

"Yes, I don't know. Just hear that people can go to him, and then their businesses begin to do better after. Trades go better, shops flourish, all that. Hear he even gives money to those that need it."

The badger grunted, "And what's he doing? Raiding? Stealing?"

A click, "No, word is he's doing something with the locals."

"Something?"

The falcon wiggled his fingers, "Something. People go to see him, and when they come out… sometimes their businesses are doing better."

"Doing vague things? Larger than a house? How would they go about hiding then? Especially in the middle of a city. Much less one as busy as Firesport? Poppy cock!"

Mecatl leaned back at her table and rolled that in her head. She'd seen those dragonborn about. Good folk near as she could tell, faced lots of issues. Then again, any reptilian did when walking around. Why the sheer number of men she had asking if she wanted 'a hot rock' to bask on was stunning. Not that half of them could last a minute with her, much less survive the night. Why, she knew how to kiss someone in the right way to embarrass them in front of their lads.

Still, Firesport wasn't far from her. Few days walk, less if she could get a ride with someone. Now that she was on a main road, that shouldn't be too hard.

"Ah," she started as the bear proprietor walked past, "Another loaf please? This bread is really good," she flashed her most charming smile and offered up some more coin. The bear grunted, might have looked pleased, and wandered off to get her some bread.

Now, she just had to get there and do her little investigation. Mecatl nibbled on the remnants of her meal and let her gaze linger. Just in time to see the snake's head dip with a breathy gasp.

"There you go," his partner rubbed his back, "feels good doesn't it?"

The snake flicked his tongue, "You are the absolute worst!"

Mecatl chuckled to herself and refocused on the fresh loaf before her. Tearing into it with eager hands and buttery knife.

Firesport hadn't been too far to travel. Something made easier when she hitched a ride partway with some merchants. Strangely enough, the viper and porcupine. The viper was nice, if nervous, and the porcupine had been pleasant to talk with. They took her most of the way there before parting company. Hadn't taken Mecatl too long afterwards to finish the trip and find room for a few days.

Now it was morning and she found herself seated at a table in a quaint little thing called a Cafe. Not something she'd heard of before. They did have some pleasant drinks and pastries that she was perfectly happy to snack on. Her attention lay further down the lane though. Hadn't taken too much investigating to find this was where the supposed dragon lived.

It wasn't what she would have expected. No grand manor on a huge sprawling lawn. No castle or even a fine cave. No, it looked like a rather ordinary home on a decently sized lot. Not huge, but certainly on par with the bother 'good but not wealthy' homes. Each home in the area had walls high enough to discourage snooping. Why some might even be able to afford guards to keep unwanted guests at bay. Probably had some sort of service for keeping their yards in order too.

Didn’t smack of a place one would find a dragon. It seemed entirely too ordinary. Not even the guests seemed suspicious. Few people trickling in and out. Just looked like rather ordinary people from different walks of life. Ordinary looking butcher here, a hunter there, maybe a merchant or two, she wasn’t sure. Some stayed minutes, others longer. Some left looking pleased, others annoyed. There was no pattern or reason to it as far as she could tell.

I have to get in there. An easy enough thought, but the question became how. There was always disguises. She was good at that. Could always be fun there, but dragons had a thing about disguises. Something about seeing the truth of something, or some shit like that. Though she always had a few tricks up her sleeve there. She was no mere mortal or simple trickster.

Leaving a few coins on the table, Mecatl stood up and walked towards the front gate. An easy smile, but purposeful stride to her. Knuckles rapped sharply off the gate and she didn’t have to wait more than a moment before a goat opened and peered at her, “May I help you, Lady?”

“Yes, I wish to speak to whoever is in charge here.” Her tone brusque, business-like, but not harsh.

It was enough to catch the gatekeeper off guard. “M-may I inform the Sir what your business is?”

Mecatl sighed and shifted a little, hand sliding along her belt. She moved just enough to let her cloak open up and flash the Hunter symbol. “My business is between me and the one in charge here.” She turned her head a little and peered down her muzzle at him. Oh she was taller than the goat, not just head and shoulders, but chest as well. She knew just how imposing she could look when the mood struck her. Even if she hated it.

The goat’s eyes flicked down to the sigil and she could feel the fear radiating off him. Just that quick burst before it was covered up again. “One moment, Madam.” He nudged the gate shut, turned and walked hurriedly towards the house proper. Mecatl took the chance to lean forward and peer at the house. Open yard, a couple good trees, nice garden, but nothing too fancy. The house was large too, but not huge. Central building, couple small wings that couldn’t be more than a few rooms each. The whole structure only looked like it was two, maybe three floors as well. Even if those floors were rather tall looking. Could be a dragon’s home, but seems too modest. I hope this isn’t just some merchant being pissy about another merchant or something stupid like that.

Her thoughts were already racing on how to handle this if they turned her away. By all rights, they couldn’t, or rather shouldn’t. Her Sigil gave her a lot of leeway in things. Not something she exercised often, but if she wanted, she could just kick in the gate and go right inside. While she didn’t have a blank check, she certainly had enough goodwill that she could. As a Hunter, she was technically above guards and the like. Cause sometimes, creatures liked to hide among the wealthy and well to do.

It didn’t take long before the house doors opened and the goat came back out. Back stiff and stride purposeful. She straightened her back and put on her best passively annoyed face. Not an expression she liked, but she knew she could put on a good resting bitch face when she wanted. She turned her good eye towards the gate and barely glanced down as the goat unlocked it and opened it up. “This way, Ma’am.”

Closing the gate behind her, he lead the way into the house. Her gaze swept over everything as she followed him. Just like the outside. It’s a shade fancy, but not ostentatious. Not plain, not too overdone, just nice enough. Her muzzle wrinkled ever so slightly, probably adding to her fiersome appearance. Other servants poked their heads out into the hall, saw her, and dipped back. Wonder what they’re saying behind closed doors. Not every day that a Hunter just walks into a home like this. The corner of her maw twitched into a smirk. Probably wondering if their boss is up to some sort of shenanigans.

Didn’t take long before she was lead into a conservatory. The goat bowing and leaving her there. Though she barely noticed him leaving, since her attention was on the sheer variety of plants. Or rather on the type of plants here. All jungle ones, plants that shouldn’t exist here. She schooled her expression into one that was faintly neutral, looking over the vines and flowers with a flat expression. This keeps getting stranger. Why… who would have these plants here? While they weren’t ones from her native home, they were close enough. Rich people get exotic plants all the time though. The even richer built these glass and metal monstrosities to contain it.

Eyes flicked up as something squeaked overhead. Windows set higher into the room cranked open slowly, allowing something of a breeze to come through. Mecatl wrinkled her nose ever so slightly and followed the stone path around.

A rather well-appointed dragonborn was waiting for her near a table. His scales were a deep purple, so deep they’d seem black in some lights, and had faint green marks along his neck. He wore a fine outfit, certainly something that seemed higher rank. Everything from the boots to the kerchief around his neck spoke of refinement and money. Yet did it without seeming excessive. His sleeves were rolled up, dirt showing on his hands as he worked in one of the grow beds. Though there wasn’t a great deal there, as if he’d just started. Clearly posed and staged.

As she approached, he turned to look at her, peering through a gold-rimmed monocle and giving her a look over. He had the most striking silver eyes she’d ever seen. Something about the color or how he looked at her made her stop and nearly drove the breath from her lungs. Not out of fear or sense of danger, but some other sense that sent a tingle down her spine.

“Ah,” his voice was clear and tone clipped, “If it isn’t the Hunter that nearly scared my man half to death.” He was brusque, but there was a hint of amusement she couldn’t help but pick up on. He wiped his hands on a cloth and stood, offering his hand. “Kernik Tosavur.”

He’s short. She’d seen her share of dragonborn before, they were usually towering beasts of scale and muscle. Near as tall as she, generally, but this one was no taller than the goat had been. His build was light, slender as well. “They call me Cat,” she took the hand and shook it. His hands are soft too, a little rough at the edges, but soft. “You garden, Tosa?” she nodded towards the plants.

If he was surprised by the nickname, or that she knew how Dragonborn names worked, he didn’t show it. Instead, he just laughed quietly. “A flame of mine said it could do me some good. That I should go touch grass and smell flowers now and then.” A hand waved towards the plants, “I do rather like being indoors though, so thought this would be a good compromise.”

She grunted quietly and looked around. Though she kept watch on him out of the corner of her eye. There was something about this that felt off somehow. Was it because of the plants, how he was clearly trying to look like he was tending to them? Just something else? She couldn’t tell yet. “Please, sit?” he waved a hand towards the chair and table, “Tea? Some pastry perhaps? My cooks just came up with some rather delightful honey cakes.”

It was almost as if he knew her weakness. “Of course,” though it was just polite manners. One didn’t receive guests without offering some hospitality.

Tosa pulled the chair out for her and moved to his own. She arched a brow, surprised he didn’t try to push her in after she was seated. Which was always a little aggravating. Either they had trouble shifting her, or they planted her too close to the table. Instead, he waited for her to move herself before taking his seat. “So what brings a member of the hunt to my humble abode? I doubt it’s for a casual visit.”

“It rarely is,” she breathed a sigh and leaned back in a rather un-lady-like way. Throwing her arm over the backrest of the seat. “We are offered free reign on many things, but sometimes,” she waved her hand and acted as if she was trying to think of a word.

“Pressure is applied by someone who thinks you aren’t earning your keep?” He arched a brow with a smile. “So some noble They push you to visit someone they find suspicious to,” he took on a deeper, more regal tone, “Make you earn your keep. Or some nonsense like that.”

“Yeah, something like that.”

He poured two cups of tea and clicked his tongue, “To which someone is worried about myself and my business?”

“Which is?”

“I,” he trailed off a moment and thought on it. Sipping from his tea to buy a moment. “I invest.” Her brow arched and he continued. “People come to me and ask for money. Sometimes it’s for a new venture, some trade they wish to make, others it’s to help with taxes. We write a contract, I give them money, and then they return the money with some interest.” Another sip, “Or they offer me dividends on a regular basis.” He caught the look she was giving him “All above board and taxes paid on it.” A gesture, “And without extortion. I do not take advantage of people.”

Mecatl frowned internally, nibbling on a honey cake to keep the frown from coming out. Money was another of her weak points. Rather it was not something she trifled with herself. “So, why would someone be offended by this?”

He breathed a sigh, “Not offended so much as jealous. I have a rather… good knack of finding the better investments. Ones that pay off time and time again. Even if they fail one time, others they will come back for another try. Which might pay off more then. Building a relationship rather than raking someone over the coals because of a mistake.”

A hum, “Merchants are no good in the poor house.”

“No they are not. And sometimes, a storm happens, or bandits, or a monster on the roads.”

Using gold to get gold somehow struck her at both something a dragon would do, but also something they’d never do. While there were rumors abound about dragons and their hoards, she knew better than that. It did seem rather strange if one would focus on that. Though she couldn’t begin to wrap her mind around the money and investing part of it.

While money wasn’t something she was good at, she did know something about people. She began to ask gentle questions about the people he did business with. Keeping an eye on him the whole while. Then began to nudge into who could possibly be agitated enough to bring her here. Strangely, he didn’t ask her who had sent her. He just answered or joked, but there was something that bothered her. Something about, well him in general. His tone was near perfect, responses were the right ones every time. There was something about it that set off her internal alarms and put her on edge. It wasn’t magic, not exactly. He wasn’t trying to charm her or weave a spell with words. Yet there was something there.

It’s his hand, she frowned a little. He was making some sort of gesture, open hand, but fingers curled as if grasping something. Strangely, she couldn’t remember his hand lifting. Just that his hand would lower after some questions. It’s not a charm, I know when someone’s trying to charm me. It did give her plenty to think on as she excused herself and left. Humming under her throat as he thanked her and called for the goat to escort her out. Though she could still feel his eyes on her back as she left. There was more here that she needed to uncover.

Which meant she’d be back.

Mecatl narrowed her eyes ever so slightly as she looked over the grounds. It was late, it was dark, everyone had gone to sleep. At least she was certain they had. The gate goat had wandered back into the house proper some time ago. Since then, the other lights had gone out one by one. The last being one in the upper floors. Perhaps our troublemaker has gone to bed. Means I can slip in and get a feel for it all. Sneaking around in a house wasn't her usual forte, but she was good enough at it when the need came up.

Taking a breath, she closed her eye and tilted her head. Slow breath and let the wind carry her out for a moment. A beat that resounded with her heart. No magical guard or barrier? Now that is even more curious. There wasn't a person of means that didn't have something out there. A Watchdog or at least a chime to let them know there were guests. She couldn't feel anything beyond some buzzing in the bedrooms and workrooms. Even then it was nothing above regular levels. Charms and small protections, stuff any house would have. There was a couple larger presences, but those were people. One of which had to be the mysterious Taso. Whatever he was, it was as ordinary as she. She knew that much. Even if she didn't know what he was yet, she'd find out sooner enough.

Even with her own assurances that there was nothing amiss, she darted across the lawn. Barely even touching the grass as she slithered through the air. A pause by a trellis to listen then she short up the side of a building and to a window. Mecatl hooked a claw into the edge and pried it open slowly, holding her breath the whole time.

Not so much as a squeak.

It opened into a study of some kind. Even in the moonless night, she could pick out the shelves of books and objects that lined the walls. A grand desk tucked towards one side. Chairs flanked a small table before a fireplace. The air inside the room was still as could be. Barely even a breeze rippled through. She braced her hands on the sill and eased herself in, leaving the window cracked should she need an escape. Not that she was afraid of being caught. It was just easier to not be.

Check the desk first, see if anything looks suspicious. She made it a step towards the desk when she felt something. A ripple through the air, movement. Freezing in place, she glanced towards the door as it swung open and the study's lights came up. Taso was there, a tray of something in his hand and a strange look on his face. He wore a rather comfortable looking robe cinched about his waist. "You're here," he breathed, his tone strangely relieved sounding.

"I'm here," she acknowledged, her voice look and eye focused on him. Not relaxed, but not in a ready to attack pose. Even if her muscles quivered with anticipation, ready to leap should she need it.

His movements were slow, careful, as if approaching a wild animal. He kept the tray in sight as he moved further into the room and sat it on the table by the chairs. "Had hoped you'd show up tonight," he breathed quietly.

"What do you mean by that?”

Something about her question made him visibly wince. "I mean, ah..." The dragonborn clicked his tongue and muttered something under his breath. "Shouldn't have said that."

Mecatl struck the instant his hand began to lift. The dragonborn twisted as she shot across the room at incredible speed. His eyes wide and hands lifting, Defense or a spell? Doesn't matter. She'd made her choice before impacting him. Hands grasped his wrists and lifted both above his head. Shoulder slammed into his chest as she used her larger size and bulk to simply drive the male backwards. He scrambled to keep up, but it didn't matter, she half-drug him to the wall. Books jostled and shook as she slammed him to a shelf. He gasped, the breath knocked from his lungs, and she struck. Maw sliding over his and trapping him, tongue driving into his maw to coil around it tightly. Surest way to disable a caster: trap their hands, pin them to a wall, and occupy their wrists. Catches them off guard and gives her time to finish her attack. Muzzle wrinkling as she gave her venom sacs a little squeeze. The bitter taste of her own venom squirted over her tongue. She could taste it as her tongue plunged past his and dove into his throat. The male jerked, gagging, then stiffened as her venom dripped down his gullet.

Strangely, his tongue pressed back to hers and he swallowed. Not the involuntary gulp, but one that seemed almost eager.

Mecatl broke the kiss quickly and leaned back. Her muzzle almost touching his as she hissed low in her voice. "What you just tasted was my venom. It will kill you in a matter of moments, unless you listen and obey. Try anything and I'll pump a more potent dose right into your neck, understand?" He nodded, eyes wide and breathing heavy. "Good, were you about to use magic against me?" Another nod. "What was it?"

Teeth ground slowly as he huffed, "You won't believe me."

She hissed and opened her maw, letting her fangs unhinge and flex, "Wrong answer."

"Waitwait," he blurted, eyes starting to pinion a bit as her venom already began to surge through his body. "It... It's very complex and I don't have the time to fully explain it."

Every mage thought his brand of magic was far too complex to explain. She rolled her eye and hissed, "Then answer me this, and answer true. Did you lie to me this afternoon?"

"Yes."

"About?"

"Almost everything."

That was all she needed to hear really. Mecatl struck again, this time aiming for the fleshy bit where shoulder met neck. It was packed full of blood vessels and wasn't nearly as messy as a neck strike. Taso yelped, the noise oddly restrained, as her fangs scraped against scales, fought them for a breath, then plunged in. She could feel him tense under her, body surging towards her as her sac squeezed again. Putting a dose equal to that she'd used on the manticore into this male. She kept his hands trapped, bodily pinning him to the wall. All she'd have to do was wait a moment and he'd no longer be her problem. While a part of her was sorry that she didn't get to unravel the mystery around him, there was a larger part glad she didn't have to pick her way through a web of lies. It could get rather...

"Ah... AH!" the male gasped and pressed against her. She was used to the struggle. The fight to stay alive for a moment more. His heart hammered against her lips, breathing grew heavy. Then she felt a strange, familiar pressure against her thigh. Not the feel of his legs against her, but the hardness of something else. Mecatl leaned back and gave him a look. Taso's face was twisted, not in agony, but in something akin to bliss. He hissed through clenched teeth, eyes narrowing. Then, with a grunted, "Nnngh!" his hips rocked against the air.

She hissed and released his hands, stepping back as the male shuddered. His robe had fallen open in the scuffle and he was sporting a rather rigid erection. Pointed tip, thick ridges along the underside, and a rather sizable knot. As she backed away, it grew thicker. Veins throbbed openly on his knot and shaft. Hips jerked against the open air as he spilled his seed over his own robes and the carpet. Teeth ground as the dragonborn grasped at shelves to steady himself, knees weak as her venom had a rather intriguing side effect on him.

Mecatl narrowed her eye, well if she couldn't kill him one way. Metal hissed on leather as she drew her blade, "You have until my patience wears out to explain yourself."

Taso rolled his head and panted, "CA... Can I sit down? I'll fall over if I don't."

She stepped back slowly, but kept the sword pointed at him. "If I suspect you're casting anything, even the most simple of magics, I will remove your head from your shoulders."

His hands lifted slowly, "Nothing of the sort. I can' t begin to..." he bit his lip as he took a step, the very feel of the air against his bare erection enough to make him stop and bite his lower lip. "B-begin to focus on magic, not for hours yet."

A glance around the room revealed a time candle. Tall, well made, with rather prominent marks denoting hours. She cut it roughly halfway between the top two marks. He watched her as she walked and sat the chopped candle on the table and lit it. A clear sign of how much time he had. Only then did she sit down in one of the plush chairs. She kept her sword out, certain she'd be able to at least plant it in his throat before he tried anything. Taso took a moment longer to shamble over to his chair. Hissing through clenched teeth as he bent over to right the seat before claiming it. She gave him a moment to try and adjust himself, smirking as he winced every time the cloth of his robe brushed against his length. "So, care to explain that?" she waved her sword towards the damp tent, "That should have killed you, no matter what you are."

"A dragon," he cleared his throat, "and yes it should have killed me. I've built up a tolerance to your venom." When she didn't immediately lunge for him, Taso breathed out a sigh and leaned back. "I have mastered a certain spell. I'm guessing you spotted the tail end of the hand gesture earlier? A little twisting motion with my fingers." She nodded and he continued, "It let's me rewind time, to a degree. A few seconds is easy enough. With focus I can manage minutes or even hours." His brows lifted as he sighed, "Days if I want to be out of commission for a week after. The spell moves me, and only me, through time. So when you asked me something and I fucked up the answer, I just rewound a second and got it right."

Mecatl crossed her leg and let her sword come to rest across her lap. His eyes followed the glint of the blade with an almost intoxicated fascination. "I," his once impeccable speech slurred a little, "We were partners, mates. In the future I mean," his muzzle wrinkled, "past for me, it... Gets complicated sometimes. So! In this future-past we are together and then," he rolled his hand, "something happens and my magic gets out of hand. I know it's really hard to believe, but it's true."

"Oh I know it's true."

His head swung towards her, "You do?"

Mecatl sighed, "My venom is very rare, very potent. In large doses it'll stop someone's heart and cease their breath. Not before giving them a bit of euphoria though. Should someone get resistant to it, it would lead to," she waved her hand towards his still-raging erection with a smirk. "While making you," she tapped her fingers on her blade, "for lack of better terms; drunk and very truthful." She tapped a cheek, "Though that could also be because you just haven't been touched by one such as I in a while."

"It's because no one can compare," he smiled and rolled his head towards her.

"Don't push your luck. So, something happens to me and you decide to push yourself not to lose me?"

He wiggled his hand, "More complicated than that, but..." eyes fell to the sword as she shifted her grip on it. "Something kills you, when I find you, I lose it. Lose control with magic and," he made a motion, "Booom."

That send a little shiver down her spine. If she'd had her feathers out, they'd be on end. Instead, she pushed that aside for now. Can worry about that later. "So what, you bounce back a couple days? We get that close that fast?"

He shook his head and nearly fell out of the chair, "Months, years sometimes. It's out of control, so I just..." he made a crashing noise. "Figure out when I am and go from there." The dragon heaved a sigh, "Can never figure out when you're gonna..." he trailed off as his voice broke a little. Having to stop and swallow before continuing. "Always catches me off guard, no matter how many times it happens."

"And how many times has it happened?"

He rolled his shoulders and didn't answer. She gave him A Look and waited. He managed to last a breath before, "I've lost count."

"Well then, you should be getting used to it." How strange to discuss her own demise so casually.

He gave a dry chuckle, "You'd think so. Something about it just catches me wholly off guard somehow. It's always different with you. Everything is." She lifted a brow and stared at him. Taso shifted in his seat and chewed on his bottom lip. Clearly he needed a moment to collect his thoughts. He glanced at the candle as it burned, counting down her patience. She kept her gaze on him.

"I can reliably predict people." He waved a hand at the window, "I know who I can give money, and it'll return with interest. I know how much they need, and how much is too much. I know who will flee with money and return. More than that, I know who moves where day in and day out. I've been here enough times to know what their routines are unless something changes it. I can tell you what the Baker will have tomorrow, and that she will not realize her butter supply is low, so she goes to the dairy farm. Which is where she'll be alone with the farmer and they," he waved a hand, "So on and so forth. But you? I can never predict you."

She arched her brow again and tilted her head. "You... Sometimes we don't run into each other for months. Sometimes now. There are times where you kick in the door, or come down the chimney." he stopped, "How did you get in this time?"

"Window."

Taso looked surprised, "I would have never... You used the window last time too."

She couldn't help but smirk, "I'm getting predictable then."

"Far from it," he chuckled and lowered his head to look at the tea and treats on the table. "Yes cakes?"

Mecatl arched her brow, "I can't stand teas." The cakes were tempting, but she was wary. If he somehow expected her, then could be drugged or something. She was tough, but there were still ways to get to her.

Taso slumped a little in the seat and breathed, "You like this one." His voice was low, barely a whisper. Leaning forward, he tried to pick up the pot, but his hand was unsteady still.

Mecatl took the pot from him and poured two cups. Handing him one first and waiting as she lifted hers. He flashed a smile and leaned back, sipping on it. It would be rude, and I don't smell anything off. In fact, the teas smelled pretty good. Fruity almost in a way that made her salivate. Why not? So she tried a sip and found that, for the first time, she did enjoy the flavor. Though she would wrinkle her nose and set the cup down, "Not the worst." Eye darted to the cakes, "Let me guess, my favorites too?"

"You do have a sweet tooth."

Mecatl rolled her shoulders and stood up. Taso watched as she leaned forward and snuffed the candle. "I'm not saying I believe you, but you're not lying." She leaned in closer and he sucked in some air. "One would think that, if you have done this many times that you'd be better at it." He started to say something, but she cut it off by grabbing a handful of his knot and tugging. The dragon arched and ground his teeth, hissing as his cock surged back to life. "Guess you really can't predict everything about me." She grinned as he groaned, hips rocking against her grip. His aching cock throbbed in her grip, spilling more of that rich dragon seed across his belly and her hand. Milking him just a beat, she pulled back and grabbed a cake with her cum-coated fingers. "Well, don't think you're a threat at least. So I'm off." Turning on her heel, she marched for the door. Might as well use it since he knew she was here. Eating her creamed cake as she went.

Mecatl went right back to her inn. Didn’t try to hide it in the least where she was staying. If he was capable of using time magic, then he could find her. If they had the relationship he claimed, then he’d know that she didn't like to be hunted. If she felt she was being chased? Well, it'd be like trying to catch a fart in a fishing net.

Back in her room, she sighed and shed her gear. Laying everything out on the small table before breathing out a sigh. She stretched her naked body out in the dark and hummed. Rolling her shoulders one way then the other. As she stretched, her body changed and grew larger. Feathers sprouted from that green hide and rippled along her body. The feathered serpent stretched towards the bed and slid onto it, casually coiling herself up to think about the conversations.

If he’d lied, she would have smelled it on him. That afternoon, what he’d said had been close enough to the truth that it irked her, but didn’t rankle. Which could mean either he did know her, or he was adept. Wouldn’t put either past him. Though, he wasn’t entirely in a state to come up with complex laws.

The mere fact that he was alive meant that he had to be telling the truth. One couldn’t simply take a bite from her and shake it off. Though he was rather cute, squirming there as he made a mess. Tasty too. He hadn’t tasted foul or vile. Sweet, inviting, and with a strange familiarity to it. Ah yes, me from his future telling that he’s good. She wrinkled her muzzle with a smirk. That would be silly, but at the same time, she’d seen and experienced stranger. Her life had not been a short one by any definition.

Still though. Over all these countless years, she’d had lovers, partners, companions, but a mate? Seemed absurd. Maybe she should have asked him some questions. Something about her only someone intimately familiar with her would know.

Ah yes, just ask him what pattern to eat me out in. That will prove that he knows me inside and out. Of course she could ask him about something else. Like her eye.

Just thinking about it made her keenly aware of the pressure of the patch over her missing eye. For just a moment, it felt like the leather shifted and tightened. Squeezing around on her head in ways that it shouldn’t, but then the moment passed and all was normal again.

Though that felt like enough to make up her mind. He wasn’t a threat, near as she could tell. IT didn’t mean she was going to linger here and see what all his talk was about. No call for that, and she didn’t like to stay in any given place longer than she had to. Come morning, she would be on the road again. Before sunrise as was her way. If she heard more rumors of a dragon in this area causing trouble, well, she could always come back around and just take his head. Seems like a sound plan, she thought to herself as she closed her eye. Coils tightening that much more as she breathed out a little sigh. It was late, she wouldn’t get more than a few hours of sleep. Not that she needed much. Taking a slow breath, she willed herself to sleep. All it would take would be a few seconds and…

Mecatl rose before the sun. Oh she could feel it humming at the edges of her senses, growing louder with each passing moment. Her serpent body uncoiled and stretched. Arms split from her sides, legs formed from her trunk. Sinuous movement flowed along her body. Each turn making her shrink and reform into that body that she wore in public. Feathers lay flat and melded into green hide. Muscles shifted and rolled over her form as she stretched an arm out. Gathering up clothing to draw over her body. Almost seeming to flow into each article.

Before too long, she was checking the fit of her bracers and tucking the last of her daggers away into pockets and portions of her armor. Feels good and ready for the day. Her thoughts wondered to the dragon, Taso. There was something there, a strange twinge that shot through her core. Huh, that’s a new feeling. Hadn’t felt that in some time. Muzzle wrinkled as her tail twitched behind her. Still though, she didn’t have business here. He’d proven himself mostly harmless last night. He’s doing good here, there’s no reason for me to remove him. Probably make a note of it and tell someone else later. Let them decide on what to do with him.

As for her, she’d be on the road well before the sun was up. There might be some bakery or something open early, but she’d be fine for a few hours without a proper meal. Just hoped that the gates were open. While she could just bypass them, guards sometimes got the wrong idea with someone scaling the walls.

Out of the inn and onto the street, she made a beeline for the city walls. Some people were just starting to rouse. Some buildings showing signs of life. Her tongue flicked and picked up the scent of things beginning to bake and cook. Nothing done yet, and she didn’t feel like waiting around for it. Even if some of the smells did taste wonderful. Her head swiveled from one store to the next, trusting in her other senses to keep her from running into anyone.

Which wasn’t until she was approaching the gate, which one she wasn’t sure, that she felt someone intruding on her space. The movement was purposeful and she expected them to push past her. Except they didn’t. Whoever it was slowed and lingered there. Just outside of arm’s reach and waiting. She stopped and turned to look. Unexpectedly finding Taso standing there with a little smile. He was dressed in less fancy clothing than the day before. A strange hat rested on his head, he had a pack on his back, and there was some sort of cloth-wrapped bundle in his hand.

“Good morning,” he chimed.

Brow arched as her tail swayed behind her, “Good morning. What brings you out here, so early in the morning. After a rather late and taxing night.”

That made his cheeks color a darker shade. “It was rather draining last night. Stimulating as well.” He paused before letting out a little sigh, gaze taking on a more distant look. “So, heading out?” he said after a moment.

“Something I always do?” she asked as she turned and began to walk.

Taso fell into step beside her, “You aren’t one to hang around when you feel your tasks are done.”

She clicked her tongue, “You know me so well don’t you?”

He wiggled his hand, “I do know some of your habits, but I never try to think I know you too well. You always catch me off guard.” He took a slow breath, “But I do know you like to get started early. So I took the liberty of grabbing a couple things for meals.” He offered her the cloth bundle. “Stuffed buns?”

Tongue flicked quickly before she reached over and took one. It smelled like any other bun and didn’t set off any alarms. “So,” she rolled one around in her hand, “what brings you out here this morning? Not trying to follow me out somewhere, are you?”

He cleared his throat, “Well, technically, I’m just going in a direction similar to the one you are.” She fixed him with a look and cocked her hip ever so slightly. It didn’t take more than a breath before he sighed, “I am, but when I say that I’m outright following you, you tend to call me a creep or something.”

Mecatl kept her tone suspiciously flat, “Ah yes, why would I think that the man who claims to be my mate from the future, who has been with me countless times, deciding to follow me would be odd?”

Nose wrinkled as he looked at her, “That’s another new one, but I know that tone too well. You’re not going to run or chase me off?”

She rolled her shoulders as she continued towards the gate. “I figure that if you mean me harm, I’m faster and bigger than you. I can either overpower you, flash you something naughty, or just outright leave you behind.” She chomped the bun and found that it was stuffed with some herby meat and cheeses. “So,” she spat a spray of food and worked it around before swallowing; “if you know me so well, can you keep up?”

That made him chuckle, “Not always, but I’d gotten better overtime.”

Mecatl tilted her head, “Oh? What did I do when you couldn’t keep up? Just leave you behind?”

Taso clicked his tongue, “A few times. Told me where you’d be and kept going. I’d come into camp and find you ready with a meal. Well, sometimes. Others I’d come in and find you with fish or game. Then you’d tell me, ‘your turn’ and toss the catch at me.”

The gate guards barely gave them notice as they walked through the opening gates. Just waved them onwards as as she chewed on her meal. It was good. The seasoning and everything just right, even the ratio of meat to bun. “Does sound like something I’d do. Probably left pretty clear markers for you too.”

“You keep saying that, but I still don’t see how they could have been ‘clear as day’ like you say.” He shook his head and chuckled. Eyes somewhere in the middle distance.

Silence fell over them as she walked out of town. Taso a half step behind. Not quite at her side, but also not lagging behind. She picked her path at random, following her whims and the winds. Tongue flicked and a breeze guided her towards one road. So that’s the one she took. A part of her expected him to pick up conversation. To chatter her ears off, but he didn’t. It was just a strange silence. Comfortable, probably more for him than her, but easy as well. Even if his stride was rather heavy, boots thudding off the ground with each step.

It was past midday before, “So, how quick do I die usually?”

If the question or her breaking the silence caught him off guard, he didn’t show it. “Somewhere between weeks to years after we meet. There’s not really a pattern to it at all.” He rolled his shoulders in a shrug. “I don’t even know what gets you most of the time.”

“So you never see it? Is it something different each time?”

He opened his mouth to say something. Stopped. Closed his mouth and thought on it. “Yes and no,” Taso said hesitantly. She didn’t say anything, just let him stew and think for a moment. Which he did, rolling his head one way then the other as he thought. “It sounds crazy, but it never seems like the same thing twice. Yet it has the feel of being the same thing. It’s hard to explain.”

“But you don’t know what it is?”

“No. You’ve acted like you do know, but you’ve never told me. I’m sure you have your reasons though.”

“I’m sure I’ve got my reasons too.” And she did have ideas over what it could be. If she hadn’t told him before, she certainly wasn’t going to now. Her tail swished behind her as she hummed to herself. Readily falling back into silence as she walked with this mystery man in tow.

Such was the routine for the next few days. They’d walk until it was too late to keep going. Set up camp. One of them would secure food. They’d talk here and there, but a lot of time was in silence. Much as she hated to admit it, there was a certain coziness to it all. Having someone that matched her pace and could keep up with her. Even if he wasn’t quite there yet. She would stop when he started to look too wearied. If he noticed, he didn’t say and she wasn’t going to either.

They were deep into the wilds, miles and miles from anything, when she rolled her shoulders. “Okay, I want to see you as a dragon.”

“What?” Tosa looked at her in surprise. Especially since it had been well over a day since she’d said anything to him.

Mecatl stopped and turned to look at him. “I presume you’ve seen me as I am.” He nodded, “So I want to see you as you are. All natural however that is.” She crossed her arms and adopted a stance that said she wasn’t moving until he did. Mecatl crossed her arms and fixed him with a stare.

Taso fixed her with a look. Though his wilted before the might of hers. Took a breath, sighed, "Okay, but you've got to promise not to laugh." She arched a brow at him and he shuffled, "Not that you ever have." Taso muttered to himself and shifted his pack around. Loosening the straps on it before taking another breath.

His body flowed, not as smooth as hers, but with the ease of someone practiced in the art of transformation. Shoulders broadened, arms lengthened, everything about him changed and shifted. Clothes melted away into his body and his pack slid along his frame. Coming to rest about where saddle bags should sit. Mecatl had to step back as his body grew and he dropped to all fours. She watched as that purple hide almost glowed in the daylight. His green markings pulsed with magics she could only guess at. Those marks spread along his neck and shoulder. Raced down his back to coil about his haunches. Within mere moments, the dragonborn was gone and in his pace stood a dragon.

A dragon roughly the size of a plowhorse.

"There," Taso shook his head out and snorted. "This is my full size and everything."

Her lip twitched, "You are very mighty." She paced around him slowly and looked him over. Powerful haunches, sturdy tail, those sleek muscles under his frame. "Mighty cute."

"I knew it!" he huffed at her. "I'm turning back now."

Mecatl ran her hand over his flank, "Not so fast." Taso stopped and looked at her. She met his soured look with a smirk, "You know so much about me. It's time I learn some about you." I a smooth motion, she hopped onto his back and settled down. "Giddy up."

He threw his head, "I am not a horse to be ordered around." Something in his words rang gently against her senses.

"Then why is there a hint of joy in your voice?"

Taso refused to answer that. Instead, he began to walk and mutter under his breath. Mecatl shifted around on his back until she straddled him. Very smooth pace. Either he's naturally like this, or he's practiced. She let her fingers trail down his back slowly. Feeling how muscles shivered under her touch. Oh he's enjoying that I'm up here. Wonder how many times we've been in this position. She cracked a smile. Wonder if he's one of those who enjoy the whole dressage and act.

"Well, aren't you going to ask me something?" She didn't respond. Just let her hands glide over his body slowly. Feeling the warmth and flow of him. After a good moment or two, "Usually when someone wants to know someone else, they ask questions or converse."

"And when have I ever been usual?" she nearly purred, "I am learning so much about you." Mecatl stretched out and allowed her body to flow. Feathers sprouted from her hide as clothing vanished. Body growing longer and heavier on him. Coils wrapped and draped around him, yet Taso continued his steady pace. It wasn't long before she let her head slide under him. "Oh, look at that, I am learning so much." There, between his legs was the dragon's slit. Already bulging with excitement, tip peeking out from between the dark, swollen lips. "Someone is enjoying being my mount isn't he?"

Taso didn't answer, not directly, just muttered under his breath.

Mecatl thought about getting hands for this, but she didn't need to. Why, she barely had to lean in and flick her tongue against him to see more. The dragon's stride faltered a step as her tongue wrapped and danced over his tip. Flesh surged towards her muzzle eagerly. Pulsing with his mounting excitement. She flashed a toothy grin and allowed her tongue to slide around the pointed tip. Taso huffed, but otherwise kept silent as she teased him.

Lips met his tip in a light kiss. He was warm, vibrant, and eager. Oh she could taste just how excited he was. Especially as she got a better look at his throbbing length. Watched with fascination as those underslung ridges throbbed and pulsed. Lifting and falling with each beat of his heart. Then, a jewel drop began to form. A hearty dollop of precum for her to lap up and sample him.

Sweet, a hint of salt to it, with a distinct tingle to the aftertaste. "You've got some green dragon in you. I head those are resistant to poisons."

Taso kept walking, focusing on the small illusion he'd thrown around them. "Yes, but I also know your venom is enough to bring down even an elder green." If anyone passed, they'd hopefully see a rider and a horse. Not a dragon with a feathered serpent giving him a, "Ahhh!" he gasped as her maw slid over his cock.

Mecatl nodded and smirked at him. Tongue wrapped one way then the other around his length. Inviting him right to the deepest reaches of her muzzle. Sure, he had to start swinging his legs wider with each step. Her thick, squared muzzle made each step that much more difficult, but she was having her fun. Walking was his problem right now.

As they continued, her tail wrapped around the base of his and slid down between his legs. Turning her head, she watched as those delicious looking ridges twitched at the feel of her against him. Her own vent eased across his spire. Then began to grind into his flesh while her tongue toyed with his tip. Just for a moment though before she pulled back. Her tongue wrapped so tight around his cock. Saliva dripping from the muscle as it writhed on his flesh. Mecatl began to plant little kisses on his length. Shifting her focus down his shaft. All while her slit ground over his flesh. Bringing the taste and scent of her own excitement as she brought herself up. Savoring the look and feel as his ridges spread her opening. Flashed the glistening ruby flesh within. Then popped off only to have it repeat on the next one.

It wouldn't take long for her vent to approach his tip, but she stretched that journey out as long as she could. By the tip she allowed him to feel her warmth nesting against him, the drake's knot was half swollen. Flesh practically creaking with desire. She grinned and pressed her lips to his base. Allowing her tongue to coil out and begin to play with him. Reveling in the feel of his knot throbbing under her attention. All while her vent nudged his tip and began to rock. Oh, she wasn't going to allow him entry. Not yet. He would have to earn that pleasure. No, instead she ground her body against his, rubbed him between the cleft of her folds. Slowly, steadily, teased him with her body. Basked in the joy as his flesh teased her pearl.

Mecatl watched with joy as his cock twitched and lifted. The tip nearly touching his own belly. Only to have her tail and tongue bring it back down. Trap him against her flesh so she could toy with him. Grinding his length across her entrance, then the smooth scutes. To tease him with her feathers and lips. Ah, those noises he was making too. She could just imagine him grinding his teeth and grunting, whining as she denied him entry time and again.

Then she began to move faster. Slick entry easing and teasing across his flesh. Popping and toying with his body. All while she let her own vocalizations roll over his spire. Teasing his knot with lips and tongue. Squeezing it until it began to grow, then releasing and allowing it to shrink again. His body trembled under hers as her tail ran one way then the other. Coating his lance with a blend of their own excitement. One moment, she wrapped him in her tail, the next her tongue. Stroking, playing, and working the dragon as she saw fit. Arching and twisting, she allowed her tongue to dance over his shaft. Up over his length then around to play with her outer folds. Coil about her clit and squeeze before dancing to his tip. Her own climax building steadily as she did.

Faster, she coaxed herself on. Moaning into his manhood as she planted kisses all over his ridges. Harder, she demanded silently. She could feel his hips start to hunch with his pace. Trying to keep a steady motion even as his knot began to reach full size. Veins pulsing along his length as she teased him. Mecatl brought him right to the cusp. Length surged against her body, trembling with need. Slower, she cooed to herself. Trapping his spire and planting soft kisses on the knot. As if apologizing for not letting him finish.

While dragons were known for their stamina and prowess, mating rarely took more than an hour. For a serpent? Oh they could go for hours, days even. She knew he knew this from the way he huffed, but didn't complain.

Hours passed. The sun was beginning to set as she pushed his tip into her body. Allowed him to feel that primal warmth around his flesh. That made Taso gasp and huff, stopping finally as his hips hunched. Before he could unleash into her, she pulled back with a wet pop and brought her head around. Jaws open wide as her body wrapped around his spire and squeezed. Grinding her vent into the base of his knot, allowing him to feel her warmth while denying it.

Taso let out a low, guttural roar and rocked his hips. The hours of teasing, dozens of denied climaxes, it had built to this one moment. Mecatl was overjoyed as the male hunched and rocked. Thrusting into her tail and the air as he erupted like a volcano. Spilling his rich, thick cream right into her waiting maw and tongue. Still she teased and toyed with him, hooking her tail just so in a mock-tie. Lips and tongue worked his tip to keep him stimulated. Not allowing the male a moment of rest. Not until she was certain he'd drained his balls into and on her muzzle. Only then did she unwrap herself and lift her head. Taso looked back at her wearily as she held her maw open.

Gulp.

One smooth motion, she tilted her head back and swallowed every drop he'd given her. Tongue flicked out over her lips and face, cleaning what had spilled there. Mecatl took her time cleaning herself up before uncoiling from the dragon. Arms and legs reforming as she loomed over the drake. "Impressive," she admitted, "Now be a dear and set up camp. I'll go hunt after I take care of," her fingers dipped down to her slit with a smile, "this."

Taso huffed, "You are both alluring and infuriating."

She cracked a grin, "You know me well. Now chop to it, there's a storm rolling in. If you're a good boy, I might let you sleep in my tent tonight." She winked and found herself a large rock to sit on. Leaning back as her fingers slid into her slick cunt to play with herself.

Taso muttered, but didn't seem to complain as he went about setting up the camp. Though he did stop to stare at her when she'd get louder or more active.

Oh yes, she was going to have fun with him.