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A Familiar Place Continuing the story from “The Smuggler’s Cove” on SoFurry (still down I guess) about Nathan and Tosca, for those of you who were reading it. Resumes the following morning after Tosca remains with Nathan at the Smuggler’s Inn. The occasional cry of a seagull could be heard from the docks as most of the pirates had gathered outside the Smuggler’s Inn. Even though it was mid morning, a few of the ladies were still yawning and stretching after the long night. Paws were already walking over the sandy soil to the dock and ship, but plenty lingered around to say their farewells. The two men who stay at the inn last evening were present as well, and even a few locals were hoping to trade before the pirates departed. “I wish Marissa hadn’t been sick, but I’m glad she’s feeling better this morning.” One of the topless pirates spoke. “We’ll save copies of your posters if your bounties are increased.” “Heh. Encourage some poor soul to try and hunt us down.” Another thought it was funny. “Take care Deb.” Kristine the mature husky told the smuggler. “See ya next time-.” The rat stretched out a hand only to be tightly hugged by the canine pirate. “As if a thin shirt will change how I hug someone.” She wasn’t shy about giving her a tight squeeze goodbye. “It’ll be a shame to not have you in the crew, but I can respect your decision.” Holly the German shepherd told Tosca. “Vel will take good care of you until you figure out what to do next.” She reassured her. “Thank you, and sorry for all the trouble.” “We always help ladies in need.” The canine nodded. Among the crowd, a few ladies stood before Nathan for a final time. “You take good care of Tosca, Nathan,” Nikita the Husky placed a hand on his shoulder, “or else.” “Yeah, if you don’t then we will find you.” Asha the scarred lioness added while keeping a hand on her cutlas. “I’ll remember that very well.” Nathan stated somewhat nervously. “You don’t need to worry about Nathan.” Agatha the intimidating Altai dog spoke up to the human’s surprise. “They really do care for each other.” “Yeah, I think you’re right.” The lioness saltily grinned and stepped aside. “He’s been too scared to stare at our chests since we started talking to him.” She laughed. “We could’ve given copies of our wanted posters for him to remember us by.” “I’m sure he wants to sleep well Nikita, not have nightmares.” They left the human and went towards the docks. ‘She’s right. That would give me nightmares.’ He thought to himself and stepped back only to bump into Lily the wicked eyed wolverine. “You wouldn’t want me to leave without saying bye.” She teased. “You and Tosca take care.” She gave the human a toothy grin and briefly placed her thick clawed hands on his shoulder. “We will.” He spoke reassuringly. “If we meet again I’ll be sure to tell you some more thrilling stories.” She promised only to laugh and pat his shoulder. “I’ll let you know if any of them are true.” Wilma badger behind her spoke up. “Eh. Thanks.” He waved as they walked towards the ship. With fewer in the crowd, Nathan looked around and spotted a ringed tail nearby. “Hey Tosca, uh-.” He blinked in surprise as the figure turned around, revealing someone entirely different. “What? Wrong raccoon?” The scarred topless pirate gave him a toothy grin and leaned closer. Her breasts freely hung before him similar to how Tosca’s did, but the look on her steely eyes was anything but innocent. “Y-yeah.” He managed to say. A few other ladies nearby laughed. “Come here Claire!” Someone else waved her over, and the scarred raccoon turned to leave. ‘For a second I thought Tosca had turned into a pirate again.’ He blew a sigh. The last pirates made their way back to the docks and ship where they prepared to immediately set sail. “There you are.” Nathan found Tosca standing back and watching the rest of the crew return to the docks and board the ship. A familiar masked face without scars greeted him. “It’s a little bittersweet seeing them go.” Tosca mentioned. “Uh huh.” He eyed her briefly. “Were you two on board with them?” One of the men asked. “Yes. For a short period of time.” “I can’t believe it.” The guy was surprised. “Neither can I.” Nathan “It was a fun time.” Tosca mentioned. “Fun? Maybe for you.” He was happy to see them pull up the anchor. “You two come here.” A voice caught their attention. Vel the smuggler was looking intently at them both and gesturing with a finger. Deb the rat was standing at her side. The raccoon glanced at the sea, wondering what adventures would’ve happened before following Nathan over. “Well, I wasn’t expecting any of this to unfold.” Vel looked at the raccoon and human intently, “Neither were we.” Tosca and Nathan said almost in unison. “I don’t really know what to do with you two yet either.” The vixen admitted with a bashful chuckle. “He could wash up first.” Deb the rat spoke up. “I can smell him more than the ocean.” She wiggled her whispered nose. “I must admit, he does smell even from afar.” Vel nodded in agreement. “Really?” Nathan looked himself over. “A human’s nose isn’t very sharp.” The rat’s nose twitched in agreement. “We did our laundry aboard the ship… well, the ladies did, but he didn’t have time for anything once we reached this port.” Tosca explained. “Ah, I see.” Vel gave a nod. “Alrighty Nathan, go out back and lose the clothes. We’ll get something for you to bathe in.” “Wait. What?” He blinked in surprise. “If you’re with us for the day, then please tidy up after we get everything ready.” Vel told him before walking to the inn with Deb behind her. “I’ll think about what to do in the meantime.” ‘Guess I don’t have a choice.’ He thought it was odd that smugglers would care if he hadn’t bathed. “Don’t frown so much.” Tosca happily placed a hand on the human’s shoulder. “Hmm?” “If you want to complain then I can see if the pirates will come back.” She joked. “Heh. Yeah, a bath isn’t a big deal.” He shook his head. “But do I really smell that bad? You didn’t say anything last night.” “I can smell you, but I never said that you smelled bad.” She innocently spoke. “You never smell bad either.” He grinned and walked inside with her. Out back was a fenced in space bordered by trees on one side. A clothesline had a few garments blowing gently in the sea breeze. A large basin was already prepared for them, filled with water and a provided with a wash rag. “At least it’s private.” Nathan said. “You don’t want a crowd?” Tosca feigned surprise. “Where’s your sense of adventure?” She grinned. “I left it with the pirates.” He joked causing her to laugh. “We’re with smugglers now.” “Are you going to leave me and join them?” He grinned. “We’ve already joined them for the time being.” “Who knows where we will end up because of it.” “You’re just stalling. I wanna watch you strip down now.” She placed her hands on her hips and looked at him intently. “It’s nothing you haven’t seen already.” He didn’t see the appeal for the raccoon and disrobed before her. “Hehe, you’re always covered, unlike me.” The raccoon pointed to herself as he stepped into the basin. The water was pleasantly warm as he sat down, partially submerging himself. Tosca knelt down beside him, and a pair of soft leathery hands rubbed his shoulders tenderly. “I can wash myself, you know.” He attempted to brush her arms away for a little space, but Tosca worked on his upper arms instead. Disgruntled by her persistence, Nathan stood up to turn around only to immediately freeze. His body tensed feeling a hand grab his manhood. Glancing down, the black masked raccoon had a look of seriousness in her dark brown eyes. “I gave up sailing the seas as a pirate to stay with you. You can let me help.” She insisted. “O-okay!” He relented, unable to argue with a strong grip down there. Nathan quickly sat back down into the water as the door behind them opened up and Vel appeared. “Hehe, you look a tad soggy, young man.” The vixen chuckled at the sight, and approached them. “Thanks for getting this ready for me.” “You’re more than welcome, and my nose is thanking you as well-eh, maybe when you’re finished.” She wrinkled her snout. “You smell like a wet duck now.” Vel laughed. “That must be a compliment.” He made her laugh again. “I don’t think he smells quite like that.” Tosca giggled. “Get all that salt out of your nose.” The vixen tapped her muzzle with a claw. “I’ll get your back for you.” The smuggler offered. “What? Are you joking?” Nathan looked over at the vixen as she sat down behind him. “Hmm. On second thought…” her voice trailed off as she hesitated. Nathan suddenly heard a splash behind him as something brushed against his lower backside. “H-hey! Those are my clothes!” He sloshed around. “Yeah and they smell worse than you do!” Vel said as she plunged his pants into the water next. ‘I should’ve expected as much.’ He gave up and splashed his face as Tosca returned to washing his sides and arms. “I told him earlier to let me help him.” Tosca added. “Aww. Tosca cares about you.” The smuggler cooed at how she was helping him. “I’ve just figured that out.” He flashed a smile at the raccoon in front of him. “I just wish she didn’t grab my-!” Nathan nearly gasped as the raccoon’s hands darted underwater and grabbed him again. “Tosca!” He grabbed her arms. “Am I missing something over there?” Vel peered around his side curiously with a smile across her muzzle. Nathan froze from Tosca’s hands as well as the smuggler’s whiskers touching his neck. “Just me washing him!” The raccoon flashed a smile with her hands underwater. “MmHmm.” She hummed with a knowing tone. “Sounds like I was interrupting something.” “Let go.” Nathan hissed comically through his teeth. “Relax. I’m just cleaning you.” She winked and fondled him. Nathan had to bite his tongue so the topless and mischievous raccoon didn’t excite him so easily. Their ears perked up as the back door opened and closed behind them. Someone with a long canine snout had appeared, but her short and heavyset physique made Nathan second guess her species. The human almost didn’t realize he was staring at a corgi. She was clearly a former topless pirate working for the smuggler since she only wore a rough pair of pants much like Tosca. Her tiny hoop earrings were the only feminine touches to her otherwise curvaceous figure. Large white furred breasts seemed to subtly move with each step she took, but the sheathed knife and pistol at her hips were equally noticeable. “You’re bathing the man like he’s a pig, not an infant.” She wore a little bemused grin. She showed little modesty while scratching herself under a breast, causing it to jiggle. “You must be feeling better if you’re talking like that.” Vel mentioned without glancing over her shoulder. “My voice sounds better too.” “Yeah it does. You don’t sound like a wheezy congested dog anymore.” “I’ll always sound like a dog hehe.” The corgi grinned. “So what are you doing out here, besides watching a man bathe?” Vel handed the human’s washed clothes to Tosca and stood up. ‘She finally let go!’ Nathan finished washing his hair, but the human’s relief was short lived as he sat in the basin. “I thought he might want a towel to dry off with.” She held one up. “You’re too generous.” Vel grinned and walked with Tosca to the clothesline to hang up his clothes to dry. “I have my moments.” She stood by the building, waiting for Nathan. Seeing no other way to hide his modesty, Nathan stood up and stepped out of the basin. “My, my. What a sight to see.” The corgi wasn’t shy about looking the human over as he walked towards her. “His tail is wagging for me!” She held back a laugh. “Haha. That rhymed!” “Thanks.” He flatly said and took the towel from her. “My pleasure.” She found it funny how easily flustered he was. “So you are the Nathan guy everyone was talking about.” “Yeah, that’s me.” He quickly covered himself. “Pff. If it bothers you that much, I can turn around.” “I’m fine.” He kept a firm hold on the towel around his waist. “U huh. So how’d you like sailing with the Topless Pirates? Men normally don’t get a nice little ride like you did.” “Can’t say I’d call it a nice little ride.” “Hehehe.” The corgi giggled. “Lighten up. You won’t get seasick here.” She patted his shoulder before returning inside. ‘I feel like I’m still on that pirate ship.’ He nearly dropped the towel altogether. The raccoon and vixen took down the other dry clothes on the line before returning. “Your clothes will dry off but it’ll take a while.” Tosca nodded over her shoulder. “I suppose there’s nothing I can wear?” He said despite expecting a pair of smart remarks. “You can have my pants. I’m with women and you, so I don’t mind.” Tosca started to remove hers. “That’s fine. I’ll wait.” Nathan waved a hand. “Haha. I don’t think they’d fit him anyway. Lord knows he would not be able to wear mine.” Vel added teasingly. “I have extra shirts too, but I don’t think they’re long enough to cover your manly parts.” “I appreciate it.” He couldn’t help but shake his head at the funny offers. “Is that corgi gal working for you?” “Yep. Marissa is a former topless pirate who works for me now.” Vel confirmed. “She’s wide open, and I don’t mean the way she dresses.” “I figured out as much.” “I can help dry you off if you’d like.” Tosca was quick to offer. “I think he’s had enough attention for a while.” Vel mused before heading back inside, clothes in hand. “I’ll be back in a little bit then.” The raccoon followed the smuggler inside. As much as he was glad to have Tosca with him, Nathan wanted a little time to himself for the moment. The human took a moment to properly dry off without any wandering eyes watching him. He could glimpse some of the town’s buildings nearby over the fence and through the small stand of trees; but the sounds of birds and the ocean was much closer. ‘The breeze should help dry everything a little faster.’ He reasoned and glanced at the clothesline impatiently as water still dripped on occasion. Looking around, he wondered how long Vel had been running the inn at the port town. It must’ve been at least a year or two, but crime was always something done discreetly where he was from. ‘I’ve heard of back alley deals and crime, but Vel does everything in the open without a problem.’ He thought to himself. ‘And in the open is a good way to describe how these women do everything.’ The image of Marissa came to mind. Having a group of pirates closely associate with the smugglers certainly helped a lot. It was a natural partnership given how both were headed by likeminded women. ‘Staying with smugglers for a while suits Tosca well. It’s a lot safer than being with pirates or sea otters. Out of those three groups, who would’ve guessed smugglers are the safest?’ He thought how ironic it was before the door opened up behind him. “Hey Tosc-.” He turned around only to find Deb the rat closing the door behind her. “Wrong gal.” She coolly answered. ‘Ugh.’ He hastily covered himself with the towel. The rodent gave him a peculiar look before walking away with a cigar in hand. Nathan blew a sigh as she started smoking along the fence. The door opened behind him once again, but this time a familiar masked face greeted him. “Vel is very funny.” Tosca mentioned with a little grin across her muzzle. “She has a healthy sense of humor, that’s for sure.” He agreed. “Your clothes still look a little wet.” She observed. “Yeah. I’ve got a little while, but it’s sunny and breezy.” He saw the nearby trees rustle. “Are you sure you don’t want to try on my pants? I don’t care if I’m naked around you and a bunch of women.” “No, I’ll wait for mine to finish drying.” He insisted. “Fine. Be naked then.” She folded her arms at his stubbornness. He stood beside her, wishing his clothes would dry faster, as they stared out at the fenced in space. The silence lasted scarcely a minute. “Penny for your thoughts?” Tosca looked over at him. “You’d steal that penny right back.” He nearly laughed causing her to giggle. “Hehe. Maybe I would, but I’d pay you back for it.” She winked “I’d look forward to that.” He smiled as she reached down and touched his hands. His towel fell off, but neither one of them cared. “This isn’t the best place to say this, but I never thought I would end up loving someone.” She glanced at the inn before returning her eyes to him. “How could someone like you stay here and love someone like me when you had the entire seas at your fingertips?” He hugged her close. That warm softness of her body and fur against his bare skin, especially her breasts, felt invitingly cozy. “Heh. I’ve asked myself that.” She smiled and nuzzled his shoulder. “I guess we’ve been through too much together.” “You could’ve sailed away from it all though.” “Yeah… I dunno.” She wasn’t sure what else to say. “I still feel a little indebted to you, ya know?” “If you say so.” He said before undoing the embrace only to notice that Deb the rat had been watching them while smoking. Nathan hastily picked up the towel only for Tosca to take it from him. “Let’s check your clothes.” She used her tail to cover him. “Thanks.” He held the tail over his groin as they walked over to the clothesline. Deb didn’t seem to care before going back inside. “Your pants are still a little damp in some spots-.” Tosca felt them over. “That’s fine.” He was eager to redress himself. “I can’t wear your tail all day.” “Who said I’d let you?” She playfully pulled her tail away. “Besides, you’re not in the street. It’s just me and three other women here.” “That’s quite a few.” “Do all humans act that way with clothing?” “Yeah I’d say so. It’s not normal for anyone to be completely naked in public, unless you’re a wanted pirate criminal I guess.” “Heh. You might’ve guessed but it’s a little different where I was born.” “You don’t seem like the type to wear dresses.” He made her laugh. The inn was quiet as they went back inside the main room. Vel and the others were gone for the moment. “I’m sure Vel’s done with the laundry.” Tosca mentioned as she meandered around a table. Nathan idled for a moment before something caught his eye. “More wanted posters?” He noticed many pinned along a wall. “Yeah, they were there last night.” “I never noticed them the other day.” “You were probably too nervous with a room full of naked and half naked ladies.” She joked. “Yeah, a pirate crew and gang of smugglers will do that to a guy.” Most of the posters appeared a little older, but it was difficult to tell. There were some familiar characters, and also faces he had never seen before. A Caspian tigress with a modest bust and scars across her face; a shy appearing skunk with fur obscuring her face; and a happy Arctic wolf cheering with a cutlas in hand were some that stood out to him. ‘I wonder if Tosca’s would’ve looked like them.’ The human felt a little sad imagining the former bandit leaving him to sail the seas. “You’re staring at them.” Tosca pointed out. “I’m just imagining how your poster would’ve looked.” He turned away only to find the raccoon looking at him. “Uh huh.” She gave him a suspicious look. “I’d look exactly as I do right now.” “Maybe with a few extra scars, and a cigar like that jaguar lady had.” “Tosca is too pretty to have scars like most pirates possess.” Vel announced herself as she walked into the large room. “Hey, Deb!” She called out. “Get Marissa since she’s feeling better now.” “Okay!” A voice yelled back from another room. “I think I have a good idea for you two.” The smuggler smiled at them. “Will we need to find a new place to stay?” Nathan feared they’d be on the move yet again. “No. Both of you are fine staying here for the time being, but my clarity-uh. Heh, I meant to say charity.” She grinned and giggled. “I haven’t even had any wine yet!” “Sounds like you want some.” Tosca found it funny. “You bet. However… My charity only goes so far.” The vixen spoke again. “I’ll need you two to help with some chores in return. That’s a little more productive than starting to make love after a bath.” She gave them both a knowing look. “Heh uh… That’s fair.” Nathan immediately agreed as Tosca patted his back. “Perfect. We’re down a hand since Vanessa is expecting to give birth any day now.” “Oh?” “You sound surprised. Smugglers like us can have romance too, ya know.” Vel winked. “I believe ya.” Tosca playfully elbowed Nathan. “Marissa will get you two started.” She pointed as the short corgi from before entered the room. “Ah, I see you aren’t being washed up like livestock now.” She grinned at the human as Tosca giggled. Nathan didn’t like that she had seen him butt naked as well earlier. “Tosca and Nathan will help you today, like the delivery for Edgar.” “Sounds good to me.” She flashed a quick grin. “Cmon.” The canine walked across the room and gestured for them to follow. “We’ll get the things out of storage.” They followed Marissa back into the hallway and to a different door. Inside, the room was typical. Various barrels, crates, and sacks of different sizes and contents were neatly arranged inside. There wasn’t a strong smell as he had expected, save for the hint of tobacco leaves. A small cot nestled close to a wall was kept tidy between some barrels and sacks. Underneath was a series of small containers with personal items stowed away. “Don’t mind Deb’s spot. She sleeps in here.” The canine mentioned before retrieving three bags. “Cozy.” Tosca noted. “Does she sleep with two pistols under her pillow?” “Nope. Just one.” “Only one?” Nathan held back a surprised laugh. “Did Vel tell you about her pillow?” She glanced at them with a silly grin on her face. “No.” He stated. “Is that something all smugglers do?” “Hehe. I think it’s funny, but I keep my weapons under the covers.” “I’d keep my machete by my side when I slept alone.” The raccoon added. “Where is it? I haven’t seen it.” Nathan noticed the raccoon didn’t have it on her hip. “It’s still in the room. I didn’t want to poke you in the middle of the night.” Tosca giggled. “Thanks.” He half grinned. “Here you two go. I won’t have to make three trips across the town now!” The canine happily handed over the other two bags to them. “What’s in these?” Nathan felt a decent amount of weight and carried it over his shoulder. “Saltpeter. The buyer paid us well for it.” Marissa took her bag and led them outside. Novo Napoli was a typical port town, and it dwarfed the trading post by comparison. There wasn’t a single dirt pathway acting as a road bordered by a few shacks and cabins in place of shelters. Well built homes and other buildings lined the cobblestone streets. There were no rugged fur trappers, nor natives in sight. Instead, there were various townspeople going about their morning routines. A trio of little kids were chasing one another the street, sticks in hand as they darted around building corners. An old jaguar calling out of an open window to a passerby as a hand cart was being pulled noisily over the street. A man walking past them did a double take before going along his way. Nathan couldn’t help but notice a few women were gossiping by a well. They wore nice dresses, a sign of well mannered fanciness, and a far cry from the rugged lands he had visited. ‘No one else is half dressed like Tosca or Marissa.’ He realized as the women glanced at them a few times with critical eyes. “What do the locals make of the pirates and you smugglers?” Nathan asked. “They’re friendly enough, or indifferent.” Marissa didn’t bother looking towards the well they passed. “The women don’t seem too friendly.” He observed. “Sometimes women get jealous of us being out and about, but they just have to deal with it.” The corgi winked with a little grin. “The men don’t mind.” “I can’t imagine why.” Nathan mumbled causing her to giggle. “None of the men make a move even when the pirates are gone?” “If anyone lays a hand on us then they’ll have trouble.” She promised with a soft smile. “They usually just want to trade anyway.” “What do they like to trade for? Contraband?” “Sometimes.” Marissa shrugged. “It’s anything really. Avoiding high duties or taxes is another reason. If such and such country had a high tariff on rum, then you better believe anyone who loves rum will be excited to hear the Topless Pirates are in town.” “But you walk around freely…” “Damn right I do.” She quickly spoke and grinned. “What does the governor think about it? Does he allow it?” “The governor of the area resides here and turns a blind eye to it all. We pay him a little bit for the trouble, out of kindness.” “Kindness…” Nathan couldn’t help but find that humorous. “Yeah, a kindness tax.” She found it amusing. They turned another corner and continued along another street. “If I can ask, how did you end up joining a pirate group and then smugglers like Vel?” “It was a natural decision going from pirate to smuggler.” Marissa explained. “I grew up on a farm but had to attend school. The nuns were no fun to say the least. When I was old enough I went to the coast to make a living that didn’t involve working on a farm. Almost ten years ago, I was approached by the captain and a few crew mates when I was at an inn.” “You just ran into them by chance?” “Yeah it was a fluke, but we got along immediately. I’m short and stout so some aggressive brutes think they can push me over, but I can stand my ground with or without a knife in hand. They liked how I handle myself and after a day or two of talking, and thinking it over, I joined. I thought the topless part was kinda funny since no one really did that where I was from. Plenty of men would eye me up for obvious reasons.” She added. “And they still do.” “I can’t imagine why.” “Heh. I’ll give you two good reasons.” She half grinned and continued. “After pirating for some time, eh-about two years ago I’d say, I wanted to retire from living a life at sea. Luckily the crew had just become acquainted with Vel. She had fled another country and set up shop here. Trading and delivering in a port town and small area made for a nice transition in my view. We got along from the start and developed a good working relationship. I’m not the first pirate who has joined her smuggling operation either.” She pointed out. “You make it sound like a simple little story.” “Trust me. There’s plenty of adventures that happened in those years.” She flashed him a quick smile. “Vel is quite a character herself, you know.” “She certainly is, but she has been very nice to us.” Nathan noted. “We’re thankful for her kindness.” “Vel gets along well with anyone, provided they aren’t double crossing her.” “Does that ever happen?” “It’s very rare. She is pretty good about making the point you shouldn’t do anything stupid. Obviously I don’t have to tell you not to grab me just because I’m not wearing a top. Good thing you have your friend with you.” She giggled. Nathan eyed the corgi before looking over at Tosca. “What’s wrong?” He noticed that the raccoon had remained oddly silent most of the time. “I’m getting Deja vu.” The raccoon looked around. “You’ve been here before?” Marissa asked. “No.” Tosca said without certainty. “I’ve never been to Novo Napoli before.” “I was going to say I would remember seeing someone like you around here.” The smuggler pointed out. “No one else dresses like us.” “Were you at a town like this before?” Nathan guessed. “Yeah, but that was years ago.” The raccoon couldn’t place the feeling. “Alright. We’re here.” Marissa stated as they approached a modest building with an old colorful anchor shaped sign hanging over its doorway. “I’ll do all the talking.” Standing outside was an older calico feline talking to a pine marten. Both were dressed plainly, but with more than enough sophistication to distinguish themselves from fur traders or vagabonds that Nathan had encountered previously. The feline’s attention immediately shifted to the approaching trio as soon as his eyes saw the buxom corgi. “Marissa! It’s good to see you again.” The feline contently smiled. “Hey there Edgar. Mind taking this from me?” Marissa huffed and held out the saltpeter. “Of course, of course!” He quickly helped take all three sacks from them. “Thanks. That was starting to work on my back.” The corgi stretched and the feline wasn’t discreet at all about looking up Marissa. The pine marten rolled his eyes and brought the saltpeter inside. ‘I bet he would do more than just look if she wasn’t an armed smuggler.’ Even Nathan noticed how the guy’s eyes drifted lower to the stout canine’s chest. “Eyes up here, Edgar.” Marissa blew a sigh and gestured with a hand. “Oh. Eh. Sorry.” He apologized despite taking another peek. “Uh huh. I’ve heard that before.” She rolled her eyes. “So… do you have helpers now?” He looked at the human and raccoon curiously. “Yeah, for a while anyway.” The corgi shrugged and pulled a slip of paper from under her breast. “Here’s your bill of receipt.” ‘She was hiding paper under her chest this whole time.’ Nathan blinked. “Hey.” Tosca whispered and nudged him. “What?” “I could hide paper under mine.” “No.” He flatly stated. “Why? They’re big enough.” “I don’t see where you’d need to do that.” “You never know…” she shrugged. Nathan held back a goofy smile as he imagined the raccoon robbing someone in a swamp with a pistol visible under her breast. “I heard that your old friends came by the other day.” Edgar mentioned. “Yep. They stopped by for a day and left, but I was not feeling well enough to properly enjoy their company.” “Ah that’s a shame. You don’t look sick to me. You look great.” “Uh huh.” She gave slow nod. “I would’ve come by to visit the crew had I known.” “I bet you would have.” She chuckled. “They’d all remember you, especially Agatha and Lilly.” “Ah heh, I’m sure she wouldn’t forget.” He bashfully spoke. “Too bad they didn’t bring and sugar to trade with. I’ve developed a bit of a sweet tooth from sailing.” Marissa mentioned. “Alright, we’ll head back-.” “Oh. Wait just a second.” The calico excitedly said before running inside and then popping back out with something in his hands. “What’s this?” Marissa looked mildly surprised. “I know I already paid you, but take this bottle of wine as thanks.” “You’re such a schmoozer, Edgar.” The corgi grinned and accepted the bottle. “Just a little something special for you.” He flashed a smile. “I’ll see ya around.” Marissa bid him farewell before leaving with Tosca and Nathan. “He seems like a creep. He eyed you up like a bag of gold.” Tosca said once they were out of earshot. “Yeah, plenty of men can be even if it’s just business.” “Nathan’s eyes aren’t creepy.” The raccoon smiled at Nathan and gently nudged him. “I’m surprised he wasn’t all over you, Tosca.” The corgi looked over at the topless raccoon. “Eh. I’m glad he wasn’t.” She felt nauseous thinking about it. “He must really like you.” Nathan pointed out with a little grin. “Heh. That would be my luck.” Marissa blew a sigh. “I do get a bottle of wine for putting up with his damn stare though.” She looked at the bottle in hand. “You two helped save me from taking two more trips across town, and having to talk to Edgar more.” The corgi contently noted. “It isn’t that long of a walk to cross town.” Tosca pointed out. “It takes a lot longer than you think.” She explained. “Someone always hollers at me, and then I have to stop and chat. I know at least two or three times Vel has come out looking for me, because I’ve been away for so long.” “Hey! Marissa!” A voice suddenly bellowed with a friendly vibe. They stopped and turned to see a male Doberman, badger, and dingo standing by several empty flour sacks. “C’mere!” Two of them called out and waved. “Who are they?” “Good friends of mine. You two can return to the inn or do whatever. This’ll be a while.” Marissa said before walking over to the group. They watched for a moment as the corgi shook their hands and happily greeted them. “All of you come back from the fields?” They briefly overheard the canine say. “It’s just us for a while.” Nathan continued walking with Tosca. “Don’t feel too embarrassed walking with a half naked raccoon.” She grinned. “I’ll try not to.” He found it funny. The port town was busy but not overwhelming in its activities. The smell of smoke and bread baking was prevalent over the natural saltiness of the coastal air. A handcart pulled by a burly brown furred canine full of hay rattled by them. A Doberman woman in a dress carried two pails of water into a home near the waterfront. The sound of a hammer echoed from far away as a brief shout called out to someone. Tosca barely received a few glances from various locals, but no one spoke to nor bothered them. “Heh. Look. Another wanted poster.” Nathan pointed at the paper posted onto the side of a wall. It was worn well beyond recognition, but the pattern of a half naked pirate woman was very familiar. “One hundred and six pounds.” He was impressed by the woman’s bounty. “I suppose they’re well known here along with Vel.” Tosca reasoned. “But the rest of the gals told me their posters end up on various ports like this.” “I’m sure that Edgar guy collects them.” “That wouldn’t surprise me.” He admitted as an adolescent leopard walking past them gave Tosca a wild look. “Are you a pirate or a fishing goon?” The spotted feline paused and looked at her seriously. “A goon?” Tosca stepped forward and growled at the youth causing him to scurry away. “Tosca.” Nathan put a hand on her shoulder as the kid disappeared. “If I had my machete I could trim his whiskers-.” “Who cares about what some kid says.” Nathan walked closer to the docks with the grumbling raccoon. “Stupid kid.” She wiggled her nose. “You know, some people will think you’re a pirate or smuggler here.” He pointed out. “I don’t look like a fish. Do I have hooks in my mouth?” She pulled her lip. “Heh. If you were I’d go fishing every day.” He mused. “Mmhm. You’d be looking for a mermaid or an otter.” “Either one of hose will get me into more trouble than if I found you.” He smartly answered. “Heh.” She smirked and looked away. They meandered along the docks where a few fishing vessels were tied to posts. A small group of fishermen were cleaning their equipment and rolling up a lengthy net. The gentle sounds of waves slapping at the shore beneath them was ever present. “So when did you feel like you’ve been here before?” He remembered to ask. “When we walked through some of these streets.” The raccoon pointed over her shoulder. “I can’t help but feel like I’ve been through there before.” Her voice sounded unsure, yet certain. Nathan looked around as they slowly passed by buildings and people. “Did you come here before you ended up at the trading post?” “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “After I left home I came across a town like this, and I mean a lot like this.” The raccoon gestured with a hand. “Did the pirates tell you where we were sailing to on a map?” “I think we were sailing southwest and then southeast, or maybe it was just southward. I don’t remember.” “Okay. Then we’re south of the trading post.” He reasoned. “But I have no idea where we exactly are. There wasn’t a Novo Napoli when I was growing up. The closest town was a port like this called King’s Rock. The flag was different than the one we saw while docking.” “What was around the town? Forests? A swamp?” “I passed by some farmland and pasture around the countryside first.” The raccoon recalled. “We can look around the countryside tomorrow. I’m sure Vel has connections beyond this port.” “Yeah, you’re right.” She agreed as they listened to the waves wash ashore and fishermen haul in their catch under the high noon sun. *** The rest of the day passed by with ease, and after sharing a modest meal, Nathan and Tosca stood idly in the dining room of the smuggler’s inn. The human and raccoon had hoped for some direction on where they could go or what they could do beyond the port town; but in the meantime they helped with small tasks like moving and cleaning. Vel was busily setting up a table. Candles and two lanterns were placed to give enough light as the evening sun was setting towards the horizon. “Belly up with me, you two.” The buxom smuggler sat down tapped the tabletop. “It’s been a slow day, but thanks for helping out.” “You’re welcome.” They took a seat with her. “Cmon and sit with us Marissa.” The vixen called out to the canine as she appeared from an entryway. “I’m coming. Don’t go anywhere.” The heavyset canine joked as her claws softly clicked over the wooden floor. “It’s odd hearing silence in here.” Nathan remarked. The inn was bustling with noise yesterday, and packed with pirates; but they were the only ones inside for the evening. “Yeah, the Topless Pirates bring a lot of excitement and fun with them.” Vel hummed. “They’re really a wonderful bunch, as you know, and I’ve gotten some help thanks to them.” She nodded towards Marissa. “Although, I can never get any former pirates to wear shirts even if they work for me.” “Why should I? I was a topless pirate crew mate for years.” “But you’re not a pirate anymore.” “Once you let your breasts free, you don’t feel the need to cover them again.”Marissa sat down in the creaking chair and scooted forward. The short corgi’s large breasts naturally rested on the table. “Typical pirate.” Vel mused. “You don’t care anyway.” “I don’t.” She shrugged. “Speaking of, I saw Nathan looking at the posters earlier.” Tosca mentioned. “I’d be surprised if he hadn’t.” Vel grinned at the human. “I’m sure everyone has looked at them.” “You just wanted look at my boobs up there, don’t ya?” Marissa teased. “You’re sitting right in front of us.” He pointed out. “Yeah, that’s the joke.” The corgi half grinned. “Did you see my wanted poster up there?” She looked over at the wall of papers proudly. “No, I didn’t see yours up there.” “What? How? You can’t miss it! I had the biggest boobs of the entire crew second to Charlotte.” She frowned and squinted at the wall. “There’s at least two dozen up there.” “Don’t squint too hard. I’ve heard people say that’s bad for your eyes.” Vel said. “No one’s eyes are bad enough to miss a portrait of me.” The corgi simply smiled and gave a nod as she set her own bottle of wine on the table. “Where did you get that bottle? I don’t have any of those here.” He vixen looked closely before Marissa took a sip. “It was a gift from Edgar.” “Edgar? That old cat?” “Yeah. It was from earlier today after we delivered everything. You know how much of a schmoozer he is.” “Pf. If I flashed him my chest then he’d do the same for me.” Vel mumbled. “Then why don’t you?” She countered. “That wine is beggar’s piss.” She frowned at the bottle. “Hehe.” Tosca contained a laugh. “She never said it was expensive.” “Exactly.” Marissa gave a firm nod. “This wine ain’t for feeling fancy.” “If you say so.” Vel relented. “So Nathan… What were you in the business of doing before you ended up on a pirate ship?” The vixen looked at the human curiously. “I’m an indentured servant working for a company to acquire timber rights. I’d search out forests with giant trees to cut down. If they were on native lands then I’d talk to the chieftain to start an agreement.” “How long were you doing that for?” “It was supposed to last a full year. It hasn’t even been a full month yet.” “What did you plan on doing after a full year passed?” “I’m not entirely sure, but I expected to return home. I’d scrounge around for work, or maybe see if the company would hire me as a regular employee.” “I wonder if you would’ve been allowed back.” She openly thought. “I know of some people who were indentured before, and their terms conveniently changed, but who knows.” She lifted up her hands. “They’ve got you as a servant.” Marissa added. “It might be better to simply start over.” “I don’t exactly have a lot to start over with.” Nathan explained himself. “No money, supplies, or anything else. I only have the clothes on my back, and Tosca with me.” “Hey, a shirt is more than what most have.” Marissa snickered to herself. “Heh. Boy, is it.” Vel half grinned. “But that’s fair. You were here to do a job, and that’s the surest way for you to make a living and repay debts. But where do timber rights and sea otters mix together?” She held back a humorous grin. “Wherever abandoned ships in small coves are.” He unhappily recalled that morning. “Haha that actually makes some sense!” Vel and Marissa laughed. “I was a little too greedy from finding coins and a cutlas.” Tosca rubbed her head fur guiltily. “We slept on the open beach too.” “We were both curious and lingered around a little too long.” Nathan added. “A little greed, a little curiosity.” Marissa hummed along. “Can’t say I would’ve resisted the temptation either. Guess you two were a bit unlucky.” “But you would’ve had an entire crew with you.” Tosca said. “The crew was responsible for chasing down the ship in the first place.” The corgi smiled again. “Yeah, I’d say it was bad luck for you.” “Chita mentioned the sea otters, but I don’t think she said you two were on the ship after they ransomed the sailors.” Vel mentioned. “We never saw any sailors.” “It was completely abandoned.” Tosca confirmed. “Some of the sailors weren’t found, at least by the gals.” The vixen added. “They were missing some weren’t they?” She looked at Marissa. The corgi thought for a moment. “Half a dozen? Maybe the sea otters found them first.” Marissa unhappily guessed. “Those wet bastards are ruthless. I remember dealing with them before as a pirate. I know they’re cannibals.” Her words sent a chill down Nathan’s spine. “I’ve heard of some uh… eventful stories from the interior and wild coastal places.” Vel told them. “Truly horrifying stuff happens out there in the wilds: cannibalism, disappearances, and sightings of terrifying beasts to name a few. I’m sure less than half of it is true, but deciding which stories are real is bad enough.” Nathan knew she was at the very least, partially correct. He nearly met his end by the hands of sea otters after being kidnapped. It was nice to be in good company for a change. “Now that we’ve heard a little bit about you, Nathan...” The vixen’s attention turned to Tosca next. “How exactly did a wild lady like you end up with a cautious human?” “I don’t think anyone has told you everything, but I was a swamp guide who tricked Nathan and handed him over to bandits only to be double crossed myself.” “Yeah, we’ve been told that much.” Vel acknowledged. “We escaped thanks to one of Nathan’s otter friends and I repaid him by spending most of the night with him. “Oh! Did you?” The vixen’s eyes widened as the corgi looked pleasantly surprised. “I broke into the cabin and-yeah…” The topless raccoon flashed a proud bright grin. “He wasn’t really in a position to refuse.” She added as the human frowned and rubbed his wrist. “Hehe. I love it.” Vel giggled. “I hear no complaints from the gentleman.” Marissa looked at Nathan, wearing a wide grin. “Thanks for telling everyone that.” Nathan mumbled. “Heh. It’s not like we’re the most modest either.” Vel pointed at Marissa’s open toplessness. “As a former pirate and now a smuggler, I can say that there’s things I’ve witnessed and heard to make everyone at this table blush.” The corgi stated. “I can verify that.” The vixen hummed. Nathan and Tosca glanced at each other only for smiles to form on their faces. “You two really like each other.” Marissa watched them. “I’m not exactly sure how.” Nathan joked. “Between nearly being abandoned and handed over to swamp bandits, I can’t tell when I fell in love with her.” He made both smugglers laugh. “You’re lucky to have him, Tosca. Make sure you keep him.” “He’s not going anywhere without me.” She promised as Vel finished the last of her wine. “Ah, it’s already late now.” The vixen set her empty glass down and tipped her chair back a little. “We should get some sleep. Two late nights on a row is a bit much for me.” “I hear ya. I’ll head out then.” Marissa stood up from the table. “Head out? It’s already dark.” Tosca mentioned. “I live a short walk from here. I can almost see this place from my bed.” “Oh. You’re close by then.” “Yep, but Deb stays here. There’s a cot in the storage room.” Vel pointed over her shoulder. “Speaking the rat, where is she?” The vixen glanced around. “Probably smoking a cigar outside.” Marissa guessed. “Huff puff puff.” The corgi mimicked blowing smoke. “It isn’t good for you.” “Is drinking any better?” Tosca asked. “Eh, probably not?” The canine wasn’t certain as she grabbed her bottle of wine. “I suppose it depends on how much you drink.” She looked at the mostly full bottle. The raccoon nodded. Nathan glanced over and blinked as he noticed Vel undoing her vest. “You don’t need to stare at me while I undress.” The vixen gazed back at the human. “You are undressing in front of us.” Nathan quietly pointed out. “Bwahaha!” Vel burst into laughter for a moment. “Is that a complaint?” The human wasn’t sure how to respond, but Tosca and Marissa found it funny. “There’s two half naked women here, and he stares at the one still covered up. How is he not a gentleman?” Marissa joked. “Hehe. You are well reserved even when there’s half naked ladies all around you.” Tosca grinned at Nathan. “Eh. Thanks.” The human eyed the raccoon in particular. “You don’t exactly forgo tops around me in good faith though.” “I don’t mind your wandering eyes.” She whispered. “You do undress quickly when you drink too much wine.” Marissa teased her boss. “I didn’t drink too much this evening.” She eyed her bottle of wine still on the table. “How many other evenings should we talk about?” The corgi giggled. “Oh hush!” “Is that why you were half naked last night?” Tosca spoke up. “Well, it was late, and I wanted to go to bed, but you set up a little secret meeting with me… so I had an extra glass, or two.” ‘If she can handle everything last night intoxicated then she’s really smart.’ Nathan thought to himself. “And speaking of too much wine…” the vixen eyed the topless corgi. “You fell over your own laundry and sprained your wrist. If it wasn’t for your giant chest breaking your fall, then you would’ve broken a bone.” “Ah, shit. I remember it, but I wasn’t drinking when that happened.” She laughed. “You fell over clothes?” Nathan couldn’t help but find it funny. “You don’t even wear that much.” “I still have plenty of things to wear for any occasional.” She placed a hand on her hip. “How did this happen?” “I was wiping my fur down with a wet rag and I smartly decided to walk across the room while wiping my face. I didn’t even see the clothes and tripped right over them. I yelped like a dying lamb, and the person living next to me knocked on my door to see if I was okay. Oh goodness it was a scene.” She giggled from the embarrassment. “I thought you were going to include the time when you rolled out of bed.” Vel snickered. “Your breasts broke that fall too!” “How many times have you done wild things like me?” Marissa pretended to bite her tongue even as she giggled. “A few too many.” Vel traced the rim of her empty glass with a finger. “I’ll get outta here before you regret hiring me.” The corgi smiled, wine bottle in hand. “You two take care as well. I’ll see everyone tomorrow!” “Goodnight.” They bid her farewell. “Goodnight and don’t fall out of your bed.” Vel retorted. “I’ll have a soft landing.” Marissa said before going outside. “She’s something else.” Vel smiled all the same. ‘They’re crazy but funny.’ Nathan thought to himself. “I have a feeling all of the stories are true.” Tosca found them funny. “Believe it or not, they are.” The smuggler said. “If it’s alright to ask, where can we stay?” He asked. “Obviously you are staying here for the night. I wouldn’t kick you two out after everything you’ve been through.” Vel said as she finally finished unbuttoning her vest. “Besides, you’re both friends of the pirates, and I have no qualms with either of you. If you don’t double cross me, we’re friends from now on.” The vixen’s word, even as a smuggler, was strikingly noble of her. “Thank you.” Nathan and Tosca expressed their gratitude. “Here. Take a lantern and pick one of the beds upstairs or downstairs, whichever you two prefer. I don’t think anyone is here this evening anyway.” She looked around the empty space. “There were some people here yesterday evening.” Nathan recalled. “First people are scared to hear pirates are in town, and then they get excited that they’re all half naked women, but then they turn tail and run when they see ‘em in person.” The vixen laughed. “I can vouch for that.” Marissa laughed as well. “Thank you again so much.” Nathan paused to say. “I really appreciate it.” “Go get some sleep. I’ll clean up the table.” The smuggler vixen waved a hand despite wearing a happy grin across her muzzle. “Lead the way.” Tosca let him go first. Nathan exited the room, ascended the stairs, and then turned up the hall to the room he had stayed at the previous night. The quietness of the dark halls and empty rooms gave the human a sense of relief rather than one of eeriness. In their guest room, they found the bed already tidied up and clean. “It’s nice that they have everything ready for us.” Tosca took a moment to stretch and yawn. “Yeah. Marissa and Vel are a funny bunch too.” “Hah. Yeah. I like them a lot.” She agreed. Nathan set the lantern on the small nightstand and put his clothes aside. ‘It hasn’t even been a single month yet.’ He reminded himself at how little time had passed by despite everything that had happened. The human counted his blessings as he looked over at Tosca for a moment. Despite all of the misfortune, he felt very fortunate to be alive with her. “I can relax now.” Nathan laid in the bed and audibly sighed as he loosened up. “What? We had a bed yesterday, and a bed on the ship.” “Yes, but this bed isn’t moving or too small, and I don’t have to worry about pirates ransoming me anymore.” “I’m surprised you aren’t reminiscing about so many naked ladies you saw.” Tosca unfastened her belt and bent forward to slip her shorts off. She glanced up at him and a unifying grin emerged on their lips as their eyes met. “Lighten up.” She paused to shake her chest. Nathan watched her hanging breasts naturally shake and jiggle as she finished discarding her pants. “I think the worst is behind us.” Tosca added. ‘I hope you’re right.’ The human thought to himself. Given everything that had happened to them so far, he wasn’t sure how lucky or unlucky to consider himself. Of course Tosca was feeling optimistic. After all, the raccoon was with people a lot like her. “I’m a little wary of the smugglers, but they’ve been so kind to us.” He admitted as his grin faded. “I’m not. I trust them.” She sat on the edge of the bed, back facing him. “You trust me, don’t you?” “Yeah, but-.” “But what?” “We’ve been through a lot, so I can trust you.” “We have been through a lot.” She quietly agreed. “Betrayal, a rendezvous, an abandoned ship, kidnapped, pirates, and now smugglers.” “I could use a break from all that excitement.” Nathan closed his eyes for a moment. “Heh. I would enjoy some peace and quiet for a while too.” She agreed. “Thanks again for staying with me.” He placed a hand on the raccoon’s back, and rubbed her. Tosca’s ringed tail shifted and tapped beside him. The raccoon was silent for a moment. “I should be thanking you.” She looked over her shoulder at him. Nathan saw a grin etched into the corner of her mouth. The former swamp guide had helped him out too. Both would’ve met very different fates without each other. “How long are we going to stay here?” Nathan asked aloud. “I was going to ask you that.” She admitted. “Any ideas?” “I don’t know.” Tosca shrugged. “As long as Vel is okay with us being around and helping, I guess. Where else can we go?” “I don’t know.” Nathan had no clue. Would they stay in the port town for a few days, or even months? What else could they do? They had almost nothing. ‘Should I find out if any ships are sailing to the trading post from here?’ He wondered silently. Nathan wasn’t sure if Tosca would go back with him there anyway. It made more sense for the former swamp guide to remain with the smugglers. After all, the trading post only offered more trouble with bandits, and maybe even sea otters. Maybe he should forego returning? They could do anything, and yet at the same time, do nothing. “We’ve wrestled with fate this far.” She stated. “Is wrestling an alligator any easier?” He half joked only to hear Tosca giggle and blow out the lantern light before finally laying down beside him for the night. Whatever they ended up doing, they’d be together.