Prologue

In the beginning, there was everlasting darkness. Au’luu slept in peace. But in the cracks of oblivion came hunger and lust. A great devourer, one of malice and greed, gnawed on the roots of creation, where eternity ended and time began.

But then there was sunlight. The sun brought warmth and love. Chaos was burned away. Banished to the Fringe. Where it waited to devour once more.

So began the age of sunlight. The ashes settled and the earth was formed. In the warmth of the sun, she gave her love. Trees grew tall and mighty, and flowers bloomed. To the first of the living, who walked the earth.

Squirrels, the children of the night. Strong and wise. Mice, the children of the sun. Crafty and small. Rats, the children of the earth. Full of love and courage.

And with them came Death and the first star.

Chapter 1

Fluffy white clouds lazily floated in blue skies. Soft and warm was the sun, for spring was high and strong. Giant leaves grew wide and strong. Trees of of all kinds grew hundreds of feet toward the sun; oak, maple, spruce, pine. All as mighty as the last, green and full of life. Below the mess of gnarled branches, in the shaded darkness, vine and mushroom grew, among the ferns, rock, and streams.

Lichen covered rocks glistened with morning dew, and the air was alive with the sweet scent of petrichor. All was in the throes of spring. Ferns unfurled and flowers bloomed; purple, blue, yellow. Sweetly scented and just as beautiful.

A red squirrel danced on wet moss. She jumped high in the air, her sword and cape jostled in the wind as she twirled, then she landed with a wet slop! Her red loincloth fluttered in the wind; betraying her modesty and returning it just as fast. She was hardly concerned with showing the forest her maidenhood. Why would she? Nudity was natural. But her outfit was anything but. She wore a flowing, blue, long sleeved shirt, light and airy, that covered only down to her waist, and was held tight to her chest by a leather cuirass; one that sat comfortably against her small breasts. And leather vambraces kept the fabric tight and her arms safe.

The squirrel grabbed a vine and swung across a rocky chasm. She flipped, expertly turned herself in one motion, and landed on soft moss. The green plants squished between her toes. She laughed, a joyous laugh, so sweet and gentle; as was her touch against leaf and flower. Her fluffy tail, so impossibly soft, twitched and swayed in tune with her jumps.

All the sounds of the forest came to her large, tufted ears. It was part of the music, her music. The whole world sang, bright and loud, all for her to hear and her alone. For it was a beautiful day! The squirrel bounded with child-like glee, jumped high into the air, swung off a tree branch, and landed in tall grass. She chittered and barked! So happy she was, that she was near oblivious to all else about her. It was not like her, to feel so inebriated, but it was spring, and her senses as a squirrel, a female at that, were starting to gnaw at her sensibilities.

The squirrel skipped along the wet stones of a creek, scattering rock and crashing through fern, despite the horrid dangers that prowled the forest. She was not worried. The smell of spring was in the air, and she breathed it, as if it gave her new life. She would never grow bored with the smells of the forest. They were calming and pleasant, smelled of flowers, and rarely was it harsh or unforgiving.

The water flowed gently, over rock and through tall river reeds. Cattails grew in abundance all along the banks. Insects jumped between the large stems, some even skittering across the gentle stream. The squirrel stopped on the bank, stretched her arms above her head, and her tail twitched behind her as she did. She wiggled her nose, darted her eyes around the forest, then bent over and cupped the icy cold water in her paws to drink.

A dry stick cracked, the squirrel froze mid drink. She scanned the forest with her large tufted ears, as she slowly stood up straight. Her paw went to the pommel of her straight sword. She listened, honed in, and looked to the bushes across the creek.

‘Who goes there?’ The squirrel barked.

The bushes rustled again, and for a moment, there was only silence, and then someone spoke.

‘Nobody.’ The voice was soft and gentle, as if from a smaller beast.

The squirrel wiggled her nose. What a silly answer! ‘How could it be nobody? Don’t play games with me, or you’ll taste my steel.’

The bushes shuffled again. ‘You don’t read much, do you?’

The squirrel’s tail and ears twitched in annoyance. ‘What could you possibly mean by that?’

‘There is a story, an ancient one, of a warrior meeting a great monster. He tricked the monster by telling it his name was ‘Nobody’. And when the warrior fought the monster, it cried out for help. Nobody is attacking me!’

The squirrel sighed, rubbed her temples with her fingers, and counted to ten. ‘And, pray tell, why would you think I was such a monster? I’m a squirrel!’

‘I’ve never seen a squirrel before.’

‘And I’ve never talked to a bush before!’

There was a long silence between the two, and before the squirrel lost her patience, the creature of the bush spoke again.

‘I was merely taking precaution.’

‘Scared of a little squirrel?’ The squirrel teased. ‘You must not be much of a warrior.’

‘I am not.’

The squirrel smirked. It was like taking candy from a pup! ‘Come on out, then. I won’t hurt you, unless you make a move to hurt me.’

‘Do you promise?’

The squirrel kept her paw on the hilt of her sword and pulled it out of the scabbard just a little bit. ‘Yes.’ She lied.

The bushes shuffled again, and from the dense greenery came a mouse. A little thing, only a head shorter than the squirrel herself. She rose a brow, but did not relax immediately. He wore a pair of brass goggles, cylindrical, with dark crystal lenses that kept his eyes completely hidden. They were tied to his head by a leather strap.

‘A mouse? What are you doing way out here?’

‘I live here.’ The mouse said, rather matter of fact.

The squirrel wiggled her nose and took her paw away from her sword. She inspected him again with a curious eye. He was filthy, that much was apparent rather quickly. His white-blonde hair was a mess, and his golden-yellow fur was stained by dirt. His facial fur was covered in black soot, his creamy-white belly was stained nearly grey, and below that, well, she regretted that she looked at all, for her cheeks erupted with a hot and heavy blush.

‘You’re naked.’ She squeaked.

‘You’re very observant.’ He said, crossing his arms.

‘Why are you naked?’

‘I’m hot.’

‘That’s not an excuse to be indecent in front of a young maid!’

‘A maid? Are you looking for work? I can have you clean my house.’

The squirrel twitched. Her tail whipped behind her, a wild show of fluff, and she scowled at the little mouse. Why was the first male she had ever seen naked have to be him?

‘A maiden!’ The squirrel growled, rather irrationally. ‘An innocent female, unwed, and yet to lay with a male!’

The mouse wiggled his nose, as if deep in thought. ‘What does laying with a male have to do with being innocent?’

‘Don’t play stupid with me, mouse!’ The squirrel snapped. ‘You’ve nearly ruined my own innocence by presenting yourself the way you are.’

‘You aren’t looking away.’

The squirrel blushed so hot that she thought she would melt. She was angry, frightfully so, to the point she began to shake, but even she could not pull her gaze away from his naked body. For her mind was a muddled mess of spring time lust and desire; and her heat was almost upon her. She could feel it between her legs, a growing desire she could not itch alone. Her body knew what it needed, and this mouse had it, and have it he did; his body was toned, fluffy in all the right places, and curved in a way that made her quiver.

And that scent! Faint at first, but now, her sensitive nose could smell it, mouse, thick and heavy, yet, it was sickeningly sweet; and she took it in, unwillingly, in a big breath through her nose. Unmistakably male. It played with her mind, her senses, and heated her body up fiercely!

This can’t be happening...

‘I musn’t take my eyes off a potential enemy.’ She huffed hotly, her knees a trembling mess. ‘I won’t let you hurt me...’ She felt light headed now, but she summoned the strength to pull her sword from her scabbard. ‘I’ll fight to my last breath.’

‘I mean you no harm.’ The mouse insisted. ‘You’re shaking. Please don’t be afraid of me. I really am just a mouse.’

The squirrel was far too dizzy to hear what the mouse even said. She never took her eyes off of him, nor could she stop staring at those large, fluffy balls that hung between his legs, and that messy sheath of his. That male scent, unrefined, and equally as intoxicating. She was warned of this, many many times, to be careful in the spring, but she never listened! Why did she never listen?

‘Are you okay?’ The mouse asked. ‘You look sick.’

‘I’m fine!’ The squirrel barked.

‘I have medicine at my home. Let me take you there.’

The squirrel swished her sword through the air, rather sloppily, and stumbled backwards.

‘I don’t n-need your medicine...’

The squirrel felt nauseous, terribly so, and the whole world began to spin.

‘I’m coming!’ The mouse squeaked, as he jumped across the creek. ‘You are sick! Please, let me help.’

The squirrel panicked, lashed out with her sword, and missed the mouse by mere inches.

‘V-vile mouse!’ She groaned. ‘Be quick and leave me to suffer in shame.’

The mouse stood just out of reach of the swinging blade.

‘I’m not going to hurt you.’

‘I... erhhh... I... I can’t...’

The squirrel stepped backwards, slipped on a wet log, and smacked her head on the rocks. She trembled and groaned, went limp, and then went silent.

‘Don’t die!’ The mouse pleaded, nearly panicked now. ‘I can save you! Just hold on!’

Those words were lost and the world slowly went dark. The squirrel dreamed. Of blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and the flowers of spring; but it was faded, warped, twisted, as if it were upside down and far away. A big tree grew from the side of a cliff, a sycamore, tall and ancient. A shadow loomed, evil, full of hate and malice. It grew large, shimmered, and great glowing eyes of red shone and looked deeply into the squirrel’s eyes.

The squirrel woke up with a scream, sat upright, her breath hot and heavy, as she looked about the room before falling back to bed. She lay there for a moment, taking calm, soothing breaths. The sheets were so soft, a pillow of the finest down, and a mattress much the same. It was like laying on a cloud. A cloud that smelled like... the mouse? Her eyes widened and she looked about the room in a new panic. It was dark, dreadfully so, but there was no sign of the mouse; only the rhythmic tick of an old clock.

That familiar smell of mouse drifted, wafted, and tickled her nose. It was so dreamy! She cursed herself and snorted. Then, she panicked again!

‘I’m in his bed!’ She wailed in her mind. ‘I mated with him! Sullied by a dirty mouse!’ She screamed into her pillow. ‘What would mother say? I have to marry him now, surely!’

A terrible pain throbbed the back of her head. She sucked in through her large, rodent teeth and touched gingerly to a bandaged wound. It was wet, but not with blood, but with a sweet smelling poultice, one she recognized as a healing mix. But, there was a different smell, not from the bandage, but one from under the covers. It was familiar, one of lust and desire, but another scent wafted with it. It was harsh and tangy. Realization hit her hard and she squeaked in utter dismay.

A knock on the door, and a very gentle, ‘Hello?’ It was the mouse. He slowly opened the door and peeked his head inside. ‘Are you finally awake?’

The squirrel paled, shoved the blankets tightly between her legs, shuffled and wiggled up right in the bed, looked around for her sword, and grabbed it from the nightstand and held it at the ready.

‘I’m awake and fit to fight, if that’s what you want to know.’ She growled.

‘Oh, thank the sun!’ He squeaked and stepped inside, flooding the room with light. ‘I was terribly worried.’

‘What have you done to me?’ She pointed her sword at the mouse. ‘Tell the truth! I can smell you all over me.’

‘I did nothing to you! I swear! You fell ill at the creek and took a nasty fall. You hit your head on a rock. There was so much blood! I didn’t know what else to do, so I carried you home.’ The mouse was near in tears now. ‘I cleaned your wound and bandaged it.’

The squirrel wiggled her nose, sighed hotly, and lowered her weapon. ‘I suppose I owe you an apology, and my thanks.’

‘It really was no problem. How are you feeling?’ The mouse took a cautious step forward. He was still very naked. ‘May I check your bandage?’

The squirrel tried her best to keep her eyes above his waist. ‘Fine.’

‘You really should be resting,’ He said, as he walked to the bed. ‘You split your head open. I did what I could, but you still need to take it easy.’

‘It was that bad, huh?’ The squirrel blushed, this time out of embarrassment. ‘I don’t know what came over me.’

‘Accidents happen, I suppose.’ The mouse pawed at her bandage, untied it, and then slowly began to unravel it. It took several passes around her long, red hair. ‘Any number of illnesses lurk in these woods. I think the worst of them come out during spring. I feel odd, myself, especially after you showed up.’

The squirrel was almost purring at how gentle and soft his touch was. ‘Odd in what way?’ She asked, giving him a look.

‘Hm, well, I felt tense.’ The mouse threw the soiled bandage into a bin. ‘Then, there was this smell. So sickeningly sweet! I must have been sick, too, for I felt faint and hot.’

The squirrel blushed and looked away. ‘So you don’t even know about it, yourself.’

‘Know what?’

‘Spring heat.’ She wiggled her nose. ‘You really are just as innocent as I am. I thought wrong of you, mouse. For that, I am truly sorry.’

‘Oh, don’t apologize. I read about that sort of thing in a book once.’ The mouse blushed ever so faintly. ‘I wouldn’t even know what to do.’

The squirrel laughed! ‘You’re just as hopeless as I am.’ She gave the mouse a smile. ‘I hope I am not burdening you.’

‘You are no burden to me at all! I haven’t had a visit in...’ He trailed off, and for a moment he looked deep in thought. ‘Huh, maybe I’ve never had a visitor before. Not my own, I guess.’ He gently pulled her hair to the side and inspected her wound. ‘I used magic to heal your skull, but I still had to put stitches in your head.’

The squirrel raised a brow. ‘You’re a healer?’

‘I can do a lot of things, actually.’ He squeaked, as he grabbed a fresh bandage and applied a herbal poultice to it, then began to wrap it around her head. ‘I’ve been studying all sorts of magics my whole life.’

‘Healing a broken bone is no easy feat.’

‘Is that so?’

‘Even the most devout find it difficult.’

The mouse tied the bandage, tested it with a tug, and then stepped respectfully away from the squirrel.

‘Would you like some water?’ The mouse filled a cup from a pitcher of water. ‘You were asleep a very long time.’

‘Yes, please.’ The squirrel took the cup, sniffed it suspiciously, and then took gentle sips. ‘Very good, thank you.’ She drank the rest of it and the mouse refilled the cup. ‘How long was I out?’

‘A little over a day.’

‘That explains the dry throat.’ She drank another cup of water. ‘I would have died without your kindness. Thank you...’ She trailed off for a moment. ‘I am so sorry, but, I don’t recall your name.’

‘Faylo.’ The mouse squeaked.

‘It has been a pleasure to meet you, Faylo.’ The squirrel smiled. ‘My name is Uesstii.’

‘That’s a very pretty name.’

Uesstii bowed her head. ‘Thank you.’

‘You really should rest.’ Faylo insisted. ‘I have bothered you much too long.’

‘It’s fine. Though...’ She shuffled awkwardly under the sheets. ‘Can you bring me something to wash up with?’

‘I would have cleaned you, myself, but...’ Faylo rubbed the back of his neck. ‘I didn’t want to make you angry.’

‘Do me a favour, would you? Don’t tell anyone about my accident, please?’

‘Not a word.’ Faylo smiled.

‘Thank you.’ Uesstii wiggled her nose.‘And I’m sorry for soiling your bed. Had I been awake...’

Faylo raised a paw. ‘Don’t you worry about that. I’ll change your sheets while you bathe.’

‘Thank you.’

‘If you’re as uncomfortable as you look, maybe a hot bath will do you better.’

‘Oh, heavens, yes!’ She squeaked. ‘I would love one.’

‘The hot spring is just down the hall.’ Faylo offered Uesstii his paw. ‘I’ll help you up. Take it easy.’

Uesstii looked to him, then down to her wet sheets, then sighed and pulled them away. The smell hit Faylo hard. It was harsh, stung his nose, but was not unpleasant in the slightest; and that smell again, not just pee, but that sickeningly sweet and tantalizing scent, one that made him shiver. He took in subtle breaths of that smell, but he kept his eyes up and away from the mess.

‘You have a hot spring?’ Uesstii squeaked, desperate to keep attention away from her embarrassing mess. ‘I wasn’t aware there was geological activity in this area.’

‘There is, but quite deep.’ Faylo began, as he helped her to her feet. ‘We draw it using several steam engines.’

‘Not as much of a country bumpkin as I thought you were.’

Faylo smirked. ‘That’s just the beginning.’

Uesstii wobbled on shaky legs. She took one step before her legs buckled. Faylo snatched her up before she could crumple to the floor.

‘Careful! Take it slow.’

Uesstii, despite being dizzy, blushed hot and red. Faylo’s paw held her firm, yet delicately, upon her hip and chest.

‘T-thanks... Just really dizzy again.’

‘Here,’ Faylo ducked under her arm and leaned against her. ‘I’m not as tall as you, but, I am strong enough to help.’

Uesstii leaned against him. ‘You’re quite chivalrous.’

‘I read a lot of books about knights and their fair maidens.’

Uesstii rolled her eyes. She did the same, not too long ago; but to think even the males fantasize like that? Although she did not show it, she was pleasantly surprised.

‘So I’m your fair maiden now, huh?’

Faylo blushed and stammered out a fast response. ‘N-no! I didn’t mean it like that.’

Uesstii laughed! So loudly that it startled the mouse. ‘I’m just pulling your tail.’

Faylo felt as if he was going to faint! But that would mean dropping his fair maiden to the floor, and he would not have that. He stayed strong and carried her to the hallway.

‘Let me know if you need to rest.’

‘I’m okay.’

Electrical lights hummed and buzzed, near blinding to Uesstii. She blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the dramatic difference. What she saw when she did left her in awe. They were wired to sconces, chandeliers, and other decorative wall fixtures. Each one stamped with a strange emblem. The wires were neat, tucked nicely together, and ran along the walls and ceilings. She was no stranger to electricity, but to see it so elegantly used in such a rural environment was truly spectacular to her.

The hall was decorated with exquisite finery, equal to that of the imperial palace, she thought. Tapestries hung on the walls. Swords and shields decorated bare stone; along with solid wood furnishings. All of which held trinkets, loose gold coins, and silverware.

‘Who are you?’ Uesstii asked, giving the mouse an odd look. ‘This is a palace!’

‘Is it?’ Faylo swelled with pride. ‘My family built my home many years ago. They worked hard to make their dreams a reality.’

‘They did a wonderful job. It reminds me of my own home.’

‘Thank you.’

Faylo opened a large, wooden door. It squeaked and stuttered, and he forced it open the last few inches. Steam flowed from the doorway. Pleasant scents wafted between their whiskers; of citrus and ginger. Sunlight sparkled against the stone walls, gentle, and not too bright. The pool itself was carved from stone, large enough for a group of creatures, and was fed by a waterfall of hot water. The walls were decorated with intricate carvings of flowers, stars, and runes.

Uesstii followed her nose, to the edge of the pool, where Faylo helped her sit on a bench. ‘This is amazing!’ She placed her footpaws in the water and sighed in relief. ‘I haven’t had a hot bath in months.’

‘Why have you been away from home so long?’

Uesstii looked to the mouse to answer him, but was lost for words when she found herself unexpectedly nose to sheath. She squeaked. A pathetic sound that left her frozen. His sheath was a mess of thick, golden-white pubic fur that surrounded everything, even his hefty balls. The smell! That divine smell of his. A heavy musk that made her shiver with intense desire. The same smell that left her faint on at the creek.

‘I... I was r-roaming...’

The poor squirrel was transfixed. She leaned in closer, against all her wishes, and sniffed his scent straight from the source. A shocking bolt of pleasure tore through her body, made her shake visibly, and her tail nearly went completely rigid!

Oh, divines! Why did I do that?

Uesstii was not subtle at all. If the mouse was aware of it, he did not show it, nor did he turn himself away from her, even as his cock began to peek from his sheath. She had never seen a cock before, much less this close. She eyed it suspiciously.

‘Uesstii?’

Uesstii snapped out of her daze and immediately tore her eyes from his crotch. She was breathing hard now, her face hot and red, and her tail flicked wildly behind her.

‘Y-yes?’

Faylo pressed a paw to her forehead. ‘Are you sure you can bathe? You seem to be falling ill again.’

‘I’m fine! Really.’ Uesstii pushed his paw away and took a deep, calming breath. ‘I’ll feel much better once I have my bath.’ She began to unbuckle her cape, then stopped for a moment and wiggled her nose. ‘Could I get some privacy?’

‘Oh! Of course.’ Faylo scurried to the door. ‘I’ll be back soon.’

Then, he was gone. Uesstii listened to his footsteps fade away. She relaxed. Her mind swam with thoughts. The mouse was queer, frightfully so, but seemed kind enough. Though, she could not approve of his nudity at all. She must have hit her head far harder than she realized, for even now, his nudity felt less of an issue than it was before. She sighed. He really was cute, but she shook those thoughts away. She would have to talk to him about decency later.

The wound on her head throbbed, and it itched insistently, too, but she kept from scratching it.

‘How did I get myself into this mess?’ She groaned.

Uesstii unbuttoned her cape, let it fall to the ground, and rolled a knot out of her shoulder. She was sore, tired, and smelled terrible. Even her armour was soiled, covered in dirt and grime from several weeks travel, and now smelled of shame. What an embarrassment! She unbuckled the cuirass and slipped it up and over her head, past her large, tufted ears, and tossed it to the side. It hit the stone with a loud thunk.

It felt great to be out of that sweaty thing. Her vambraces came off next, piled neatly near to her armour. She stood and stretched, her impossibly fluffy tail trembled behind her as she did. Her blue undershirt sagged, heavy with sweat and dirt. She wiggled her nose. She really was filthy. Had it been that long since her last wash? She hooked her thumbs under the hem of her shirt and pulled it off, making her breasts bounce free.

Uesstii squeaked! So undignified. Her nipples, surrounded by creamy-white fur, were hard, sensitive, and begged for attention. She had never been so worked up in her entire life. It was all his fault, that dirty, little mouse hobo! A peasant, no less. She snorted! How could this happen to her? Truly, it was a disaster, but, at least she was getting a bath out of it. She could get one at any tavern in the country, at a cost of three copper pieces, but this was much better, and more importantly, free.

The water steamed and sparkled. She yearned to feel that warmth. She untied her loincloth and threw the wet thing away with disgust. She felt that heat again. Her mind was a clouded mess. Even the slightest breeze against her nude body made her bite her lower lip. She cursed spring and this terrible heat.

Sunlight glittered over Uesstii’s naked body. She was lithe, very petite, with soft hips, and a well toned belly, a warrior through and through. Her long, flowing hair, red as the sun, came down to her shoulders, and covered her left eye with an annoying bang, one she kept blowing out of her face. She was unlike any other red squirrel. Her lashes were silver, bright and full, her brow was much the same, and her eyes were shadowed silver. She still wore her winter coat. A thick layer of fur that made her far too bushy. Especially between her legs, where scraggly and messy pubic fur, as red as her hair, grew in copious amounts that nearly kept her modest.

Uesstii dipped a toe in the water, tested it for a moment, then stepped inside the pool. The temperature was perfect, not too hot, and was full of soothing bubbles. Fruits floated in the water, some clearly several days old, but they kept the water and air smelling wonderfully. She waded through the waist deep water, careful not to slip, and sat facing the door. The water soaked into her fur, caressed her sore muscles, and banished all her stress.

Bars of soap, thick, heavily scented, of berries and pine, lined the walls of the pool. Uesstii smelled each, mostly out of curiosity, and chose one that smelled of strawberries. Her favourite fruit. The soap was delicate and soft, lathered easily in her paws, and spread deep into her fur. She rubbed her face, cleaned her whiskers and behind her ears. Her long climbing claws combed through her hair like a brush. She would have been scolded for doing so, but she thought it was far more natural, and felt just as good.

Uesstii lathered her paws again. She rubbed her neck and shoulders, in slow, deliberate circles, and used her claws to work the soap in. The fur on her chest was thick, fluffy, and creamy-white, and stuck out sharply in a big tuft between her breasts. Perky, pink nipples, hard and needy, stood erect in tufts of fur; with just the barest hint of modest areola. Her breasts were large for a red squirrel, which weren’t very large at all, with very little sag, and fit her small frame perfectly. It was a miracle she could fit them into her armour at all.

There was that heat again, a boiling desire, that brewed like a terrible storm. Nothing could quell it, or save her from it, not even the throbbing pain from her head; even that was beginning to wane. The water heated her up, dreadfully so, fuelling a desire she was keen on ignoring for as long as possible. It was not possible. She cupped a breast and gasped! She bit her lower lip, wiggled in place, and gave it a squeeze. She nearly moaned. Intense pleasure invaded her mind, rattled her senses, and forced her paw to a hard, sensitive nipple; she pinched it, the jolt of pleasure made her bark!

What an embarrassing noise! Somewhere, deep down, she was thankful no one was there to hear it. Her heat reared its ugly head, struck hard and fast, and now she was completely at the mercy of it. She needed relief and she needed it now. One paw rubbed her breast and pinched her nipples, while the other rubbed along her belly, down to her bush of pubic fur, and began to comb her claws teasingly through the mess. Her fingers spread in a V over her nearly bare vulva, two digits on each side, to tease and squeeze at her folds.

Uesstii was not a fair maiden, but she was a hopeless virgin that was no stranger to masturbation, and any innocence to the fact was a farce. Masturbation was incredibly personal, of course, but it was hardly unnatural, especially for a female with needs and no husband. She rationalized it that way, and kept true to it.

‘Stupid, dirty mouse...’

It was all his fault! How could she be expected to remain a pure and fair maiden while a male walked around naked? It was barbaric! A horrible tactic to get her to submit to him. To get her on her back, legs spread, breasts bare to him. That beautiful, messy mouse cock, hard, throbbing, and leaking. Those large balls, so impressively full and virile, ready to fill her womb and make her a mother. She slipped her middle finger inside her cunt, as deep as it could go, and palmed at her clit as she teased herself.

‘Fuck me!’ She begged! ‘Breed me... Mrff... cum inside and make me a mother!’

_ Splash! _

Water hit Uesstii in the face just as she was about to reach orgasm. She squeaked! Pulled her finger out of her cunt, panicked, and looked around the room wide eyed, confused, angry, and frustrated! The water stirred, bubbled, and out of it, swam the mouse.

Oh, divines! He must have heard me! This is it! I begged for it! What a silly maiden I have been! Who begs for their knight in shining armour to come fuck them in a bath??

The mouse hardly looked at her at all. He swam to the opposite side of the pool, rested his back to the edge, and just, sat there, with his goggles still on.

‘W-what are you doing!?’

‘Having a bath.’

Uesstii squeaked, chittered, and nearly pulled her hair out! Her breasts bounced above water as she did so. ‘You aren’t supposed to bathe with females!’

Faylo tilted his head to the side. ‘Why not?’

‘It isn’t proper! I’m naked, you know!’

‘I know.’ Faylo grinned.

Uesstii flushed hot, her tail wiggled, and her ears twitched. Getting out was not an option, not with him sitting there! She followed his gaze, to her breasts, where she squeaked in dismay and immediately covered herself with an arm.

‘Don’t look!’

Faylo shrugged. ‘What’s there to look at? Besides,’ He splashed at the water. ‘You’ve seen me naked.’

‘What do you mean?’ Uesstii scoffed! ‘There’s plenty to look at!’

‘Your boobs?’

‘So crass!’

‘What else would you call em’?’

‘Breasts! Big and beautiful!’ Uesstii squeaked!

‘They don’t seem that big to me.’

Not only was this mouse dirty, he was ignorant, and absolutely infuriating! Any male in the world could only dream of seeing her naked! And none would dare critique her bust size!

‘You really know how to step on a tail.’ Uesstii sighed and sank deeper into the water to hide her breasts. ‘You see a fair maiden naked, and all you can do is yap. No pleasantry, no apologies! I thought you wanted to be a knight.’

‘I think you’re really pretty.’

Uesstii was already a blushing mess, but the honest compliment, even from such a knuckle headed mouse, gave her butterflies.

‘At least you can admit that.’

‘There’s no doubt about that, really. You have wonderful boobs.’

And he ruined it! Uesstii sank even deeper, muzzle submerging, to blow bubbles in growing anger. She wiggled her nose, stared daggers at him, then came up for air.

‘Fine, but don’t look at me.’ She relented. ‘If you insist on bathing with me, then you need to take those goggles off and give your face a proper wash!’ She sounded like a doting mother, almost like her own, but she pushed those thoughts away quickly. ‘Your face is stained and you smell of oil, and other queer things...’ She trailed off, whilst taking involuntary sniffs of his wafting male scent.

‘I suppose I should try to look my best in the company of a female.’

Uesstii nodded. ‘As one should.’

The mouse was strange, that much she knew. There was something else about him, a magical aura, one that even she could barely detect. It was soft, warm, and smelled of open skies. She watched carefully. The eyes were a portal to the soul. The first signs started there; and if he, the mouse was compromised, well, she would have to make a quick exit; her sloppy tail be damned.

Faylo looped his fingers over the leather strap, and with a swift tug, he pulled his goggles off. The glaring sunlight forced his eyes shut, and with several rapid blinks, he adjusted and opened his eyes. Those eyes, gold and soft, shone as bright as the sun, and twinkled as delicately as any star.

‘Satisfied?’

Uesstii could not respond, could barely breathe! She looked into those eyes; melted into them. The light was soft, not at all harsh, and filled her with a sense of love.

‘It can’t be...’ Uesstii whispered. ‘Y-you’re... a...’ She squeaked, fumbled her words, and felt as if her heart would leap from her chest. ‘You’re a Mauslin!’

‘Yes?’

‘There aren’t supposed to be any of you left!’

Uesstii, forgoing any sense of privacy, swam over to Faylo; more of a skip and a hop, that had her fall face first into the water. She surfaced, sputtered and spit, then wiped water from her eyes. She stood over the mouse, her breasts at eye level, her fluffy pussy fully in view; for anyone who would look, and look he did, only for a moment before his face was grabbed by Uesstii’s paws.

‘Your eyes!’ She squeaked, a shaking squeak, of pure and utter excitement. ‘You’ve seen it, haven’t you?’

‘Y-yes?’

Uesstii pulled at Faylo’s cheeks, inspected his fur, his face, those beautiful eyes; she even tugged his poor, dinner plate ears!

‘Ow!’ Faylo squeaked. ‘Stop that!’

‘I have to make sure you’re not deceiving me.’ She leaned down, sniffed him very invasively, and used her fingers to pry open his mouth; where she looked at his large front teeth. ‘Everything looks proper...’ She whispered, to no one in particular.

Faylo smacked his lips. ‘Your fingers taste weird!’

Uesstii was far too deep in thought to realize why her fingers tasted weird. She huffed and let go of his face. ‘You really are just a mouse.’

‘Of course I am!’ Faylo wiggled his whiskers. ‘What else would I be?’

‘A trickster.’ Uesstii barked. ‘To lower my guard with those eyes.’

‘What’s wrong with my eyes?’

‘Nothing, yet. I can’t be too careful. No one has seen a Mauslin in decades. What are you doing here all alone?’

‘I live here!’

Uesstii sighed and rubbed her temples. ‘I know that, but what are you doing here,’ She gestured to the house around them. ‘So deep in these terrible woods?’

Faylo rubbed his now sore ears. ‘Did you really have to tug on my ears like that? They’re really sensitive.’

‘Yes, now answer my question.’

‘You’re really bossy.’

Uesstii snorted. ‘You’re really annoying!’

‘You are!’

‘So childish!’

Faylo wiggled his nose. ‘You’re the one acting like a spoiled brat!’

Uesstii wanted to reach out and strangle the poor boy, but all that rage and boiling anger turned into flailing gestures; some of them incredibly rude! Even her tail shook, and her fluffy, pointed ears waggled. It was just too much for her. All this excitement, and the throbbing pain in her head, caught up with her.

‘Oh, fluff...’

She staggered backward, light headed, eyes fluttering weakly, as her knees buckled and she rag-dolled into the water.

Faylo squeaked! He dived after her, looped his arms under hers, and pulled her above the surface. The poor mouse frantically tugged her over the pool wall and laid her flat on the floor.

‘Uesstii!’ He smacked her face several times. Nothing! Not ever a squeak. ‘Oh, divines!’ He wailed!

After an agonizingly long time, and several more attempts, Uesstii coughed and sputtered; splattering water across her sodden chest.

‘Uughh...’

‘Oh, thank the divines!’ He squeaked. ‘Are you okay? You passed out and nearly drowned!’

‘I think so...’ She spit water from her mouth. ‘I just got a little heated, is all.’

‘You did seem pretty worked up.’

Uesstii sighed and pushed herself up. ‘Whose fault is that, I wonder.’

‘Yours.’

Uesstii was going to quip back, as was her nature, but she realized something, something horrible! She was naked and he could see her! She screamed! A shrill, exaggerated squeak! She covered her breasts with one arm and cupped her crotch with her free paw; her wet, soggy tail flopping behind her.

‘Don’t look!’

‘Sorry!’

‘Get me a towel!’

Faylo scurried to the linen chest and pulled out a clean towel and tossed it to the irate squirrel. She snatched it from the air and covered herself with it. He grabbed one for himself and began to dry himself off, right in front of her, and as if to tease her, he rubbed his crotch, jostling his fluffy nuts. She blushed again and squeaky huffed.

‘You really have no shame, huh?’

‘I don’t think anyone should be ashamed of their body.’

Uesstii agreed wholeheartedly, but had no intentions of encouraging the mouse.

‘I have fresh clothing for you.’ Faylo grabbed a loincloth and shirt from a pile on the floor. ‘The shirt is a little small, but it’ll have to do until I can clean yours.’

‘Thank you.’ She sighed.

Faylo hung his towel on a drying rack. ‘I bet you’re starving. We can cook up some supper, if you’d like.’

Uesstii’s stomach growled. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was till he said something. ‘A hot meal would be wonderful.’

Faylo smiled. ‘The kitchen is down the hall,’ He pointed with a claw. ‘You can meet me there, once you’re dressed.’

Uesstii nodded. ‘I’ll meet you there.’

They shared a look, and without having to tell him, he stepped out of the hot spring. Uesstii relaxed and rubbed her face dry with the towel.

What a queer mouse...

Uesstii sighed, so exaggerated it was, that it even surprised her. To be in such a situation, deep in the great forest. The odds were just as dramatic as she was being. Then, she perked back up! Faylo was a Mauslin! What a grand discovery. She mulled it over for a while, still wet and dripping, her sodden tail flat and pathetic against the stone floor. Finally, she decided her mother would know what to do.

It took a very long time to dry herself off, as it tended to be difficult to dry a squirrel tail properly, let alone her winter fur and long hair. She was a bit fussy, for a warrior, though she never did she see herself as a prissy female that wore makeup and pretty dresses, but she took great care to keep herself groomed, her hair soft and clean, and her fur smelling as sweet as possible. You just never know when you could meet your future husband, was her reasoning.

Wonderful smells, sweet and sour, of fresh herbs and cooked meat, came wafting through the door. Uesstii, never one to miss a meal on purpose, hurriedly tied her loincloth around her waist and slipped into the much too small shirt; then, she followed her nose. It twitched and wiggled as she walked the decorative halls. Such pleasant smells! Been too long since the squirrel had a warm meal.

The hall opened up to a large room. A grand oak table, with seats for a dozen beasts, spanned the entire length of the room, and at its end, nearest the back, two sets of plates and cutlery were set and ready. There was a door there that undoubtedly led to the kitchens, and it was open, and inside, she could see lights and hear the sounds of cooking. She drew closer, practically salivating! Thoughts swirled and swam of legendary Mauslin cuisine, if there was such a thing.

Uesstii peered inside, sniffed delicately, and looked to the busy body of Faylo, who bounced around the large kitchen. Ovens lined the walls, wood fired, with one in use where Faylo was. Pots and pans hang from wooden beams, along with dried meats, cheeses, and vegetables. She stayed a respectful distance, but she could not resist looking over his shoulder. He was frying a fish, a big trout, that spilled over the sides of the pan; and next to it, in a bowl on the countertop, a salad, cold and freshly made, of various greens, fruits, and vegetables.

‘Almost ready!’ Faylo squeaked.

‘Smells delightful.’ Uesstii said, as she sniffed the rising scents.

‘I hope it’ll taste even better.’ Faylo squeaked.

Faylo flipped the fish. It was seared pleasantly, scaled, and steam rose from it, with a hint of rosemary and lemon. Uesstii loved the smell of rosemary. It was by far her favourite herb, and not only that, it had a very pretty flower that she was quite fond of.

‘I caught it this morning,’ Faylo said. ‘I am quite happy with it. I really wanted a big one for supper, with you here and all.’ Then, he thought for a moment, and his wiggled. ‘Squirrels eat fish, yes?’

‘We do.’ Uesstii nodded. ‘We are also quite fond of nuts.’

‘I have lots of those.’

Faylo reached up, to a cupboard above, where he pawed about for a can. He was far too short to reach properly, and all he managed to do was push the can around. Uesstii grabbed the can, being a head taller than he, and gave it to him.

‘Thank you.’

The can, a large, cylindrical thing, was covered with linen, and it was full of nuts. A great assortment of tree nuts, acorns, walnuts, almonds; and peanuts, a type of bean, but nonetheless, was still greatly enjoyed by squirrels and the like. How the mouse acquired such an assortment was unknown to Uesstii, but that hardly mattered at all to her, for she was hungry, and nothing would be thought of before having a decent supper.

Faylo grabbed a pawful of nuts and sprinkled them on the salad, and for good measure, he tossed a few peanuts to be fried with the fish; but only for a moment, for he pulled the pan from the heat shortly after. He went right back to work preparing the fish, allowing for Uesstii to wander a little. She took to being nosey, as squirrels tended to be, and looked about the kitchen; till she came to an open passageway. The air that came from it was cold and foul. It made her whiskers twitch. She eyed the darkness with growing suspicion.

‘Where does this lead?’

Faylo looked over his shoulder and seemed to pale slightly.

‘That’s the cellar. I do not use it, and please, do not go down there, it is very dreadful and is in no doubt in disrepair, for I have not been down there since childhood.’

Uesstii left it at that and decided to return to Faylo’s side. The fish was cooked to near perfection, steamed delightfully, and near fell apart as Faylo pulled it to a plate; and with it, he took the bowl of salad. He walked to the dining hall, with Uesstii following close behind.

‘Take a seat.’ Faylo squeaked. ‘Either will do, go on, don’t be shy.’

Uesstii did so, but not at the head of the table, instead choosing the plate next to it. He placed the fish in front of her, along with the salad, and before she could insist on doing it herself, he was already cutting into the fish with a fork and knife and placing a hearty chunk of fish to her plate. She looked to the fish with a fierce hunger, and moved as if to eat, but she stayed her paw and looked to Faylo first.

‘Get it while it’s hot.’ He squeaked.

The ravenous squirrel dug in with enthusiasm! Faylo sat next to her and took a piece of fish for himself and stacked salad high on his plate. The fish pulled cleanly from the bones, flaky, and was light as a feather; and nearly melted in ones mouth. It was Uesstii's first hot meal in over a week and it did not disappoint.

‘So good!’ Uesstii squeaked between mouthfuls of food. ‘Been a good long while since I’ve had fish.’

Faylo wiped his muzzle with a cloth before answering. ‘Do you fish often on your travels?’

‘Sometimes, if I can manage a line, but not as often as I would like.’ She took another bite of fish, chewed in a very unladylike manner, before chasing it down with a cup of water. ‘The land has scattered rivers and streams, but I do not find myself on the banks of one every night.’

‘It must be a big world out there. I have seen some maps, but I suppose they’re a bit out of date.’

‘The maps don’t do it fair justice.’ Uesstii said. ‘The white parts are starting to fill in, and things that were once mysterious are now being unravelled by adventurers.’

Faylo sighed and poked idly at his food. ‘To be an adventurer.’ He squeaked. ‘I’ve dreamed of doing just that, but where would I go? I haven’t the slightest.’

Uesstii finished off a piece of fish and placed the bones to the side. ‘I don’t travel without purpose, but many do, I suppose. Most folk join the guild to find adventure, and find it indeed, for the world is a dangerous place.’

‘The guild?’ Faylo asked.

‘The Adventurers Guild, in tandem with, but not to be confused for, the Explorers Society, who they themselves insist are a separate entity.’

‘You don’t seem to have a high opinion of either.’

Uesstii shrugged. ‘I never was too interested in listening to angry old mice and rats bicker.’

‘Do they, I mean, do we do that?’

‘Yes, but in a bureaucratic way. Never would a rat purposely step on the tail of a mouse, nor would a mouse to a rat. They debate, endlessly, on where to explore next, I would assume.’

‘And what of the guild?’ Faylo asked.

‘They’re not as formal, you could say. The roughest and toughest bunch go there, mercenaries, warriors and gunslingers, all looking for work, whatever comes their way. It can be quite lucrative, so I heard, but, I have not joined or offered my strength.’

‘Why haven’t you joined? You seem quite capable.’

‘My skills are needed elsewhere, and they are none of your business, not yet, anyways.’

Faylo wiggled his whiskers. ‘A mysterious warrior type, huh?’

Uesstii nodded. ‘For good reason.’

‘Are things so dangerous that you can’t afford to reveal yourself openly?’

‘Information is valuable. Never give away more than you can afford.’

Of course, the squirrel was being dramatic to look tougher than she was, but in reality, it was good advice, especially for a little mouse in his position. Advice he tried to take to heart. The conversation waned after that, and the two ate in relative silence, but it was short lived, for the fish was eagerly devoured, mostly by Uesstii. Faylo cleared the plates and brought them back to the kitchen, leaving Uesstii to teeter backwards on her chair, whilst picking at her teeth with a claw.

Uesstii's ears flicked to soft foot steps. She looked over her shoulder to see the naked mouse awkwardly shuffling in place.

‘Must you always be naked?’ Uesstii squeaked.

Faylo was about to reply, but was shocked still by Uesstii losing her balance on the chair. Her eyes widened and her arms flailed about, but it was far too late. She fell backwards with a loud squeak! And smacked her head against the stone floor.

‘Uesstii!’ Faylo squeaked! And ran to her aid. ‘Are you okay?’

‘I suppose I deserved that.’ Uesstii groaned.

‘You should really be more careful, especially while wounded.’ Faylo helped her up to her paws and held her steady. ‘Are you feeling faint? You may rest again in my bed.’

‘I’m fine, Faylo.’ Uesstii brushed dust off her clothing and fur. ‘I should have remembered my manners.’

‘I am unfamiliar with the mannerisms of squirrels.’

Uesstii gave him a toothy grin. ‘You’re getting the crash course.’

‘You are quite fascinating, yes, if not a bit surprising.’

‘Oh, really?’

‘Yes. I have read a few books. Squirrels are high energy, aggressive, and do not know when to be quiet. So I read.’

Uesstii rolled her eyes. ‘Written by a mouse.’

‘Yes, actually.’

‘You should read something by a squirrel.’ Uesstii insisted with a huff, her paw going to her hip. ‘We have a lot to say about the other rodents.’

Faylo nodded. ‘I have a few, but the general consensus is a mutual respect, surely.’

‘Perhaps at one time.’ Uesstii shrugged. ‘Though, I don’t suppose the damsels in your books about knights are ever a squirrel.’

Faylo thought for a moment. ‘Not ever, actually.’

‘It would be odd for a mouse knight to pledge himself to a squirrel maiden, yeah? Doesn’t exactly fit your narratives.’

‘Why? I would fight for any maiden, be her a squirrel or not.’

Uesstii gave him a smile. ‘Spoken like a true knight.’

Faylo puffed out his chest proudly! ‘I want to be the knight my maiden has always dreamed of!’

‘Do you think we dream of that?’

‘Do you not? I thought all beautiful maidens dreamed of such things.’

Uesstii blushed! Her ears waggled and her fur spiked, and her tail was a wild frenzy. ‘You read far too many romances.’

Faylo began to poke at Uesstii’s bandage. ‘You don’t read enough.’ He tightened the bandage, and she squeaked!

‘Hey!’

‘Sorry. You loosened it.’

Faylo stepped away and again went silent, fumbled with his paws, and took quick glances up at Uesstii, who stood next to him with a raised brow.

‘What?’ Uesstii asked.

‘Well...’ Faylo began. ‘We have a couple hours of daylight left. Would you like a tour of the house?’

Faylo looked to her, with those beautiful, golden eyes, and she melted into them, as she seemed to do; for they were soft and warm, and his words were much the same and were filled with gentle sincerity. As much as she thought the mouse was strange, she could not bring herself to refuse him, nor did she want to. He was, admittedly, very cute.

‘Fine.’ Uesstii said. ‘I am curious.’

Faylo lit up! ‘Great!’ He grabbed her paw and tugged her along. ‘You’ll love the tour, I promise.’

Uesstii was whisked away, at a rather fast pace for a mouse. She kept up earnestly, her longer legs making it easier to do so. His enthusiasm was infectious, she had to admit, and she followed along with a growing interest. She listened intently to what he had to say, for the lore of the Mauslin was hard to come by and was seldom spoken of. He talked of everything. The tapestries, his books, the stone and woodwork, and the deep lore of the Mauslin that built his home.

They looped around the house, past the hot springs, to the grand living quarters, and then back to the kitchen; where Faylo pulled her to the back, through a door, and out into a greenhouse lit by waning sunlight.

‘This is the greenhouse,’ Faylo began. ‘Even in the coldest days of spring, I can grow lots of food.’

The greenhouse smelled of tomatoes, firstly, and when Uesstii looked about, she could see green tomatoes growing on trellis in many rows nearest the glass walls. And in the middle of the greenhouse, three rows spanned the entire length, end to end, all of which were growing various early spring crops. Uesstii took a deep breath of all the wonderful, earthy scents.

‘I love that smell!’ Uesstii said. ‘The smell of tomatoes.’

‘Not quite ripe yet, only recently did I plant them. They do better when the cold is gone for good.’

Lettuce, kale, and carrots. Everything Uesstii could think of grew in the rows of rich soil. She walked the paths with Faylo, as he squeaked about every plant, their oddities, and eventual yield. He led her to the far end of the greenhouse, furthest from the kitchen, where a little door was. Uesstii had to duck through it, but it was more than tall enough for a little mouse.

The land outside the greenhouse was rocky, moss covered, and wet with the mist of a roaring waterfall. Green mosses hang from the branches of mighty trees, the crowns of which grew wide, and the trunks thick and tall; far taller than Uesstii could see, for they reached toward the noontime sun and grew strong in his light. And far to the west, the sun was beginning to set, casting hues of red and yellow, and they could see it, in the sparse and rocky clearing, for they were perched on a great cliff next to the waterfall; and beyond it, the river could be seen snaking through the forest.

Uesstii was in awe! The setting sun reflected in her silver eyes as she looked across the forest, as far as she could see, an endless sea of green trees.

‘It’s so beautiful.’

‘The river flows to the west.’ Faylo said. ‘I haven’t followed it for far, no need, for the water is clean and clear, and the fishing is good.’

‘Do you know the name of this river?’ Uesstii asked. ‘Is it the same one you caught me drinking in?’

‘I believe it’s the Au’luu.’

‘Of the Au’luu mountains?’

‘The very same.’ Faylo nodded. ‘It is a rough journey of rapids and many, many falls to come to this point. Never have I had a traveller come down it, not till you arrived.’

‘To think you’ve been here this entire time...’ Uesstii wiggled her nose and thought for a moment. ‘And what would stop a particularly driven adventurer from stumbling upon your home as I have?’

‘A magical barrier,’ Faylo pointed a claw towards the sky above them. ‘One only a Mauslin, or the invited, can pass through, one of great power, I assure you. It goes unnoticed by all who touch it, but redirects them so subtly, they have no idea it happened at all.’

Sure enough, high above them, where she could see between branch and new leaf, there was a shimmering bubble, near invisible to the eye, and just as likely to be ignored and second guessed.

‘Incredible...’ Uesstii whispered. ‘Such powerful magicks.’

‘I do not know how to maintain it, myself, for it has always been here, before I was born, and I think it will be here long after I die. I have never seen it in use, not till I had carried you through it.’

‘Am I really the first to happen by?’

‘As far as I know, yes.’

‘I suppose that makes sense.’ Uesstii said. ‘This forest is grand and grows from the ocean to the foot of mountains. To find you here would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.’

Uesstii sat on a rock overlooking the waterfall. She watched the setting sun, took in deep, deliberate breaths of the fresh, cold air, and let the mist of the waterfall tickle her whiskers. Faylo fidgeted with his paws.

‘Of all the creatures that could have come down the river, I am happy it was you.’ Faylo squeaked.

‘Happy to feed a squirrel all your food?’ Uesstii teased, giving him a sly smile.

Faylo nodded vigorously. ‘And much more where that came from! I have cheeses to be ate and not enough mice to eat it.’

‘Oh no!’ Cried Uesstii dramatically. ‘Whatever shall we do? Oh, I suppose I could volunteer to fix the issue, if I must.’

Faylo giggled. ‘You’ll have it!’

‘What about more fish?’

‘Hungry already? We can go fishing tomorrow.’

Uesstii smiled and looked to the setting sun one last time. ‘I would love that.’

There they stayed, to watch the setting sun, and when it disappeared beyond the horizon and the last of the light disappeared, they watched the moon brighten and the stars twinkle. The stars were plentiful and bright in the cloudless sky. It was not long after the first stars sparkled when Faylo led the way back inside.

‘Is it okay if I spend another night?’ Uesstii yawned. ‘I would hate to travel in the dark.’

Faylo looked surprised she would even suggest such a thing.

‘You may stay as long as you need!’ He squeaked. ‘I insist you stay till you are completely healed.’

‘I won’t complain.’ Uesstii said. ‘I’m sure I’ll be right as rain soon enough.’

‘You are most welcome here. My bed is yours, as long as you need it. I’ll sleep in my study.’

‘Thank you, sir mouse.’ Uesstii curtsied politely as they came to his room. ‘I think I’ll retire for the night now, if you don’t mind.’

‘No, no! I do not mind at all. Please, sleep as long as you need. Come find me in the morning. I’ll make us a bountiful breakfast, I promise.’

‘Sounds wonderful.’

Faylo awkwardly shuffled for a moment before saying goodnight. She waved him off and he disappeared down the hall. She sighed and closed the door behind her. The sheets were changed, clean and fresh, the pillows had been fluffed, and the bed was made. She felt tired, dreadfully so, and found herself pulling off all of her clothing and tossing them to the side before flopping dramatically against the bed. She fell asleep near instantly.

Dreams came and went; each one soft and warm.