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Year of the Rat Chapter 5 Diamonds

Lids of Ashen grey peeled apart to reveal glistening orbs of red and black to sight the world. Grimacing Flynt tuned his gaze from the skylight in the round roof of the wagons interior, averting his gaze from the abrasive bright rays of sunshine. The Rodent winced and rolled his tongue trying in vain to swallow away the nasty dry taste in his mouth. With a soft squeak the Rodent buried his head into the scaled side of Thrisha. Curling up tight against her warm inviting scales."My head hurts." complained the Rodent to his serpent mother.The Naga smiled down at her adopted Rodent and trailed her clawed fingers through his long locks of raven black."I should think so dear one, when you fainted you bumped your sweet little head on a stone." Flynt groaned and kept his eyes closed hiding against Thrishas warm scales.The Naga smiled in her soft way, she was resting her rump on her coils watching over the young Rodent as he rested. She had him in the middle of her coils, each length forming a circle of flesh and muscle protecting Flynt."You will have a headache for a short time, I gave you a healing potion as you slept, you frightened Rhinshin, Daugh and my husband. you will be fine my sweet little mouse." Flynt blinked and pulled his head from the Nagas lengths and her hand to peer up into her brilliant golden eyes."Mouse?." she canterd her head to one side and slowly nodded."T-thrisha, i-is being a Rat a bad thing?" The Naga went wide eyed for a moment then swayed her head back and forth."Heavens no my dear little sugar lump, there is nothing wrong with being a Rat." Flynt sat up and rubbed his head wincing as his hand went over a small lump."Then why is it that the word Rat itself sounds like a curse?" The Naga frowned and leaned close to her new pet brushing his nose and snout with her own." I don't want to be called a Mouse Thrisha, I am not a Mouse." huffed the Rat stubbornly, the Naga smiled and nodded,"Of course my sweet little Rat, however If I can't call you mouse then you can't call me Thrisha." the Rodent blinked looking into the Serpents eyes as her scaled nose pressed against the Vermin's own."Then what should I call you?" she smiled and leaned her head down to gently kiss the Rat on the forehead."Call me Mother." The Naga nuzzled the Rodent for a long quiet moment,"I had a bad dream." muttered the small Rat. Thrisha blinked and looked into Flynt's eyes an expression of pity covered her face."Is that where all this Rat business came from?" the Rodent nodded gently and took a deep breath before telling her of his dream."I was back in Pierpoint, I-I was outside and people were shouting at me and throwing rocks and fruit at me, calling me disgusting and vermin." the Rat sighed and held himself as those Serpentine arms pulled him against the Nagas torso. "When I ran home I was put into a cage in the basement, and fed scraps. then I woke up." Flynt buried his head against the Snake woman's chest breathing in her scent as she cradled him protectively."It was just a dream dear one, a terrible dream but a Dream, Humans can be cruel as all races of the world can be, especially to your kind." the Naga leaned back to stare into the Rats eyes."You are not vermin or filth, you are a member of a strong people, Ratfolk are like anyone else, they are a people who just want to live and survive this world." Flynt sighed and slowly nodded, rubbing a furless hand against his ash grey stomach that emitted complaints and demands for sustenance. Flynt gazed about the wagon noticing just then it was not moving."Thank you Mother." The Rat blinked when he felt her long fingers take hold of his chin and pull him to peer a her, those scaled lips pressed against the young Rodents own pink lips in a tender kiss."Now go child." spoke the Naga lounging back,"its early afternoon." Flynt gave a slow nod looking down at his bare body, blushing a bit especialy when the serpent chuckled at the Rodents reddening face."Get dressed darling, go find something to eat we will be here for a long while." Flynt licked his dry lips and stared towards the far window."Where are we?" The Rodent climbed out of bed crawling over the serpent womans warm beautiful coils to set his pink feet on the wooden floor he walked towards the window to peer out at the world. Thrisha's Amber eyes locked on the Rat boy's posterior. "Still in the forest but we moved to a new area during the morning, the refugees went on ahead to Narsin with your lover Daugh." the Naga smirked when she watched the Rat's disheveled fur stand up and he turn about, his tail instantly covering his crevace."H-he is not my lover, h-he is to old a-and I am y-young and, and he probably has childre-." the Rat stopped when the Naga slitherd over to loom over him,"Oh you misunderstand sweet little Rodent, All of the lizards are now your lovers, Daugh, Rhinshin every single one will share in what you and Daugh had, it is their way sweet one." the Rat was wide eyed and backing against the window seal."A-all of them?" the Naga slowly nodded trailing her fingers across his warm little face as he thought about what Daugh had said about a lot of the lizards wanting him. His train of thought was pulled away when Thrisha spoke up once more."Do not fret darling, they will not advance on you until you go through the Trials with the other young Lizards, and even then my sweet pet you have a choice, you do not have to take on the Trials, even if you did you will not simply be thrown down and raped by the lizard men they will want your permission." Flynt swallowed and shook his head covering his male parts. "Wait a moment, what Trials?." The Rat shudderd a bit, all of them large Reptiles wanted his small body it was difficult to think of anything else. Thrisha smiled gently and pulled open a wardrobe bursting with assorted attire whos doors seemed like they had not been able to close in a very long time."it is why we are all here on this land of Ghorn, before The Lizardfolk of Log-tail tribe were our Allies and true our own guardians they came to this area with their young adults, all your age my sweet Flynt." she slipped into a long garment with a fur brim."The young are sent out into the wilderness with a week to prove they have what it takes to survive in the wild on their own." she wrapped a scarf around her neck and turned on the Rodentian."Those who can't do it simply try again next year, Me and my husband are only to happy to honor their tradition and sail over here so they can uphold their ancient ways." She slid up to the Rodent and leaned down to stare into his eyes."I can see you are unsure of this, all of those men taking you, was it wrong for you to let Daugh breed you the other night?." she smiled and shook her head,"I do not need to be a psychic to see you are at war with yourself, teachings no doubt your parents lead you on about?" Flynt slowly nodded,"T-they never really cared for m-male on male stuff, b-but." the Naga smield and finished for the Rodent. "But you are not attracted to females in that way?"Asked the Naga. The Rat held himself and shook his head, squeaking and nearly jumping when Thrisha ran her hand down his thigh and cupped his rump."There is nothing wrong with wanting to be with another male, but you must try to understand one thing my dear sweet little creature." the Naga smiled and lowerd herself to the Rodents level."Their is a difference between sex and love making, Sex is a way to attain pleasure and sometimes money. Love making is when you love someone and,well you make love. what you and Daugh did was not love making though it was bordering on it." Flynt swallowed hard and nodded with a shakign breath."T-truly?" whimperd the Rodent. Thrisha gently cupped his rump again."You have a very defined body sweet Flynt, very Pheminin your hips are wide and your rump round, you have a lithe and narrow body even for a Rat-folk, you are blessed to have such a figure." the Rats round pink ears were half erect as he listend to his new mother praising words."You were born to be with other men sweety, and no matter how many of the lizardfolk bend you over and rut you, no one here will think of you any less or differently." she smiled and pressed her lips to the Rodents own before pulling away with a kind smile."Now get dressed, if you wish to become part of the Log-tail tribe you will need your strength and wits about you." she ran her hand along the Rodents jaw line for a moment before she slitherd away, pushing open the door and sliding outside, Flynt shivered at the cold air she let inside, his mind running in circles."Definitely more to the world than any of my books could of ever told me." Swallowing he ran his fingers along his peeking shaft, the vemrin gave a soft smirk of mischief and made sure no one else was in the wagon before he went to the bed and thought of nothing but Daughs feet.

Flynt Sat on the edge of Sjinjel and Thrisha's bed holding a carved wooden gryphon. he had slipped into his robes and donned the bone and bead necklace Briar had gifted to him. After cleaning up his little mess of course. His ruby red depths worked over the wood carved painted gryphon his father had made for him."I haven't looked in my backpack since my father gave it to me." mutterd the Rat to himself.Flynt gave a detatched shrugged and set the gryphon on the bed next to the strewn out items of his backpack he smiled a bit looking over the items. a couple cheddar cheese wedges, some bread, a journal, an ink bottle and quill, a cheese knife, some leather gloves, an empty water skin, a steel mirror and a pouch holding ten gold.he stared over the map as well, comparing it to the map he stowed in his satchel. Flynt sighed closing his eyes and fought back tears,"One day, we will see one another again."clearing his throat he began to put the things back in the pack setting the bread and cheese aside for later. Wrapping his scarf around his neck the Rat shoved his pack into the cauldron and turned to leave the wagon eager to greet the cold day and his new family. The Rodent wiped his snout and pulled open the wagons door before proceeding to step out into the wide open cold world. Stepping out of the Naga's cart the Rodent was greeted with a most unique and colorful sight. The Lizard cart was sitting around twenty feet from the Naga cart with flank to the serpents bowl top wagon. The Naga cart had its backside facing the Lizard wagons side. But what was baffling and surprising to the young Rodent was how both wagons were connected by one massive tent made possible with many poles. Between the wagons a staggering number of rugs and throws were strewn out and lounge chairs and stools were all set in the middle of the tent. It was so warm and comfortable!, as Flynt stepped down from the wagons ramp he peered along the rib like overhead of patterned cloth and the 'walls' of patternd heavy cloth boasting an elegant caledescope of many many colors and different patterns. There was a constant width of eight feet, the canopy of the tents drooped between each post holding the cloth up but seemed to remain the height of the Naga wagon. The Rodent spied Thrisha and Sjinjel lounging in the center area seemingly set up for just that purpose!. There were lizardfolk among them and a Fox of all things. Flynt nearly jumped out of his fur when his trance was destroyed with the entrance of Mosstail pushing aside a heavy flap of cloth wandering in to join the Nagas and his kin holding a bowl of food until he paused spying Flynt standing there with wide red eyes."Flynt!, Come join us." Shaking his head of his daze the Rodent wanderd over as all sets of eyes were locked upon him. The Ratling smiled sheepishly at the group gathered in the small area before taking his seat next to the Naga couple who smiled utter joy at the sight of their new son. The Rat squeaked when Mosstail patted his back a few times."How did you sleep?, how is your head?, I heard what happend." Spoke the reptile in a rush of words and while he awaited the Rodent to speak the reptile began to stuff his face with what looked like some kind of soupy broth. "I-I slept fine thank you." his red eyes turned to gaze at the knowing female Naga,"A-and my head is fine." the Rat peered up at the tent awnings then to the four lizards and one fox sitting among him and the Naga."This is impressive, how long did it take to put it all up like this?" A small round of chuckles and smiles emitted from the throats and lips of reptile and mammel."Not to long, a few hours at most." explained a gorgeous red and yellow lizard whos orange eyes lay upon the Rodent in such a way to cause Flynt to shift about feeling a bit uncomfortable. he couldn't help but wonder if the red lizard was thinking about the rodents frame. His thoughts were torn away when all of a sudden a trio of boiled white chicken eggs fell from above him causing the Rodent to squeak and jump nearly standing in surprise. he was pulled back onto his butt by a pair of Naga tails, both serpents smiling at him. Flynt held one of the eggs in his paw before looking up to find himself face to face with Rhinshin himself!. "Glad to see you up and about lad, I hope you join my son in the Coming of age ritual we have planned." Flynt stared down at the egg in his pink furless handpaw for a moment with a furrowed brow of deep thought, frowing the Rodent began to break the shell with his claw tip before peeling it away."Of course, y-you are all my family now." That made Rhinshin, Sjinjel, Thrisha, Mosstail and the other four lizards all smile. The fox however just roleld his eyes and shook his head. Rhinshin plopped beside his son, Mosstail who was buisy shoveling the soup into his scaled muzzle. Flynt peeled away the shell of the first egg and after rubbing the hard white casing off of the ball of protein the Rodent held it up to his muzzle, wriggling his pink nose pad as he sniffed the snack. those pink lips parted allowing the Flynt's warm humid breath to wash over the shining white egg before he sank his front teeth into it slicing the yolk and embryo in half.Pulling the egg away the Rodent rolled the food on his tongue shoving the dry food between his molars as he chewed quietly soaking the protein with his saliva turning it into a soggy mush before swallowing. "Did anyone tell you what it entails?" Asked the red lizard across from Flynt the Rodent popped the rest of the egg into his mouth and while he chewed he peeled another, blinking a bit when he was handed a small crystal salt shaker by Sjinjel. The Rodent stared at the elegant piece of utensil with wide eyes having never seen such a thing before.Swallowing agian he sprinkled the egg while shaking his head. the red patterned reptile grinned and rubbed his scaled thigh looking to Rhinshin,"You wanna tell him?" Before the pot bellied reptile could speak Sjinjel chimed in with his near sensual voice, and as he spoke the snakes long tail began to slowly encirled the Rodents neck in a very loose and gentle way so as to not make the small creature fidgit. Despite the possesive gesture the rat didnt seem to mind at all, in facet he seemed more focused on the salted egg's finding them absolutly deliciouse."It is a right of passage for young adult Lizardfolk, this area of forest is sacred to them Rhinshin himself went through the trial here, as did Daugh and their fathers, and their fathers before them." Flynt peered up at Sjinjel with his glistening ruby eyes, the white of an egg poking from the Rats fuzzy lips.the male Naga chuckled at the sight before he continued."You will be paired with another lizard and given a choice of one article of clothing, and one tool or weapon to take with you into the forest, where you and your partner will be expected to survive on your own for a week." Flynt chewed and swallowed the second egg reaching a paw up to caress the Nagas scaled tail end around his neck, giving a mild squeak when Thrisha began to wrap her tail around the Rodents lower torso bunching up his linden and cotton robes. "How do you determin a sucessor? and are there more than one?" inqured the young curiouse Ratling. Rhinshin spoke up this time, "There is always more than one sucessor, you succeed by surviving in the wild. if you cant handle it then you are encouraged to meander on back to camp." The reptile smiled and rest his arms across Mosstails back when the younger reptile set the bowl down and belched loudly in content."When your week is up you come back to camp together and lead one of us adults back to your shelter so we can inspect everything you have done and judge you on skill, then you are lined up at an ancient ruin, a holy place of our ancestores and recieve the blood of a sacred Drake and the mark of the tribe."Flynt chewed thoughtfuly on the last egg and swallowed before speaking up."What of the ones who loose?" The Rat squeaked when the Male Nagas coil tightend around his neck in a playful yet possesive manner,"They simply go home and try again next year, there is no 'I am better than you' in this trial dear little Rat, you fail, you simply try again." announced the Black and orange scaled Cobra. Rhinshin nodded in agreement with the Nagas, Flynt was about to speak again when he yelped feeling a scaled hand slap his back, it was Mosstail."Lets spar!." Flynt blinked a few times and shook his head taken aback,''W-what?" true others in the tent were surprised at the offer, Mosstail seemed to already begun to take a liking to Flynt already seeing him as a fellow clan member. Flynt felt the eyes of everyone in the lounging area upon him when Mosstail spoke once again. "I want to sparr with you Flynt, I want to see how you can handle a weapon." the Rat swallowed a bit and shifted on his perky butt when Thrisha's coiled tail end began to tighten around him, he gazed up into her concerned eyes."I..I have never really fought before, I o-only have ever read about fighting." another lizard spoke up, this one was a dull green and brown."But you took down two goblins, surly you have some skill buried within you, eager to come out?" The Rodent swallowed again and rolled his tongue, the flavore of those salted eggs still present on the muscle."o-okay, I suppose I need to learn how to use a weapon at some point." Rhinshin clapped his hands together."Well said lad!." Thrisha watched on with worried eyes as Flynt rose and followed Mosstail and Rhinshin outside. She frowned when Sjinjel squeezed her shoulders, their long coils wrapped around one another."He will be fine my love, their wooden weapons and if he gets hurt we have a healthy stockpile of potions and medicines." The female slowly nodded the warmth of her Rat leaving her scaled tail end felt unsettling to her, she wanted her rat back in her coils where he belonged."I-I know, but I still worry he is so young." Sjinjel nuzzled his lovers neck,"he is fifteen, let him live and learn about his new people and home. let us go for a strole, get some of this crisp air." Thrisha nodded with a longing sigh she let her mate lead her from the large tent and out into the forest. Outside the large tent Flynt took in the surroundings, emitting a soft squeak and huddling into his scarf when the true chill of the day washed over his small frame. The Rodents whiskers swished as he walked along being lead by Mosstail and Rhinshin to an area near the trees where there were five young adult Lizards standing and chatting their breaths like wispy clouds on the cold dry air while others were actually sparring!. With each step Flynt swished his tail back and forth feeling the eyes of other lizards on him, they all wore hides and leathers to beat back the cold. The Rodent stared up at Rhinshin's muscular backside the lower bit of it was left exposed as the saurus only wore a chest piece of leather and fur. The Chief of the lizards stopped infront of a set of wooden racks set in the muddy ground bristling with a caledescope of wooden weapons."Alright lads, pick your weapons and remember no head or groin strikes." the reptile smiled at his son giving his shoulder a squeeze then to Flynt he ruffled the Rodent's head."Go easy on him Moss, remember he is smaller than you and is a begginer, let him pick his weapon first." The younger reptile gave a nod and smiled at Flynt,"Alright little Rat, pick your blade."

Flynt took a deep breath and stepped up to the rack of beautifuly carved wooden weapons. There were so many to choose from, axes, halberds, bardiches,spears and so many different swords. Swallowing hard, the Rodent wrapped his furless fingers around the leather wrapped hilt of a single edged sword pulling it free of the rack the Rodent weighed it in his hand blinking a few times at its tremendouse weight. Though crafted of wood it was no toy, the Rat smiled at Mosstail who wanderd over to inspect the sword, the Rat bit his lip as the lizard smiled and nodded his head in aprooval to the chosen weapon."My turn?" The Rat gave a slow nod walking away from the rack and switching from a two handed grip to a one handed grasp of the slightly curved sword. Mosstail had chosen a spear and shield The reptile seemed to be familiar with the combination as he did not test or adjust the weapon and shield taking his stance a few meters from Flynt. The Rodent frowned furrowing his brow looking down at his weapon then up to his oponant, Mosstail was larger than Flynt taller and with thrice the mass of the light little mammel. "Okay Flynt, Do like Carrotseed be quick use his size against him." mutterd the Rodent. Flynt held the sword with one hand the tip pointed up at an angle and out away from his body, he bent his knees hunching forward grinding his foot into the dirt. He was ready to fight Rhinshin leaned against the wagon as the two lizards who were wrestling earlier were muttering to each other placing a bet from the sound of their conversation.Mosstail spoke up,"Focus Flynt, no distractions. just move with the blade, make the sword an extension of your self.begin when your ready Flynt, this is practice there is nothing either of us has to proove over the other." Flynt nodded his head showing Mosstail he understood. The Rodent took a deep breath feeling awkward and nervouse but he did his best to quiet his mind and focus.His red eyes scanning over Mosstail. six foot tall, average build,right handed. the way the reptile had the spear laying over the top of the shield with its tip juting out five and a half feet told the rodent Mosstail favored distance, this meant that he would not do so well in close up combat, hopefully. Exhaling through pursed lips the Rodent suddenly charged the Lizard with a flutter of cloth and spit of cold mud Flynt flew towards the reptile, the session had begun. Immediaetly Mosstail braced his round shield facing the Rodent, the shield had a concave at the top where the reptile rest his spear aiming the weapon at the Rodent ready for a full frontal assault.What Mosstail and true the rest of the reptiles watching were not expecting was for Flynt at the last moment to bolt around behind the lizard just as he thrust the spear at the Rat. Flynt quickly struck Mosstail in the side and his back before bolting away a safe distance from the lizard as he whirled around growling in pain. The young lizards eyes locked on the Rodent a grimace across that lovely sea blue and green scaled face. The lizard gave a pained chuckle."Flynt, t-that was a dirty trick." The Rodent chuckled panting more out of surprise at what he just did than general exsasperation, his red eyes gazed over the broad curved sword in his hand. The weapons construction was of tan wood with deep carvings in the ancient iconic Lizardfolk style. "I thought you said you never fought before!." Cried Mosstail giving his back a few twists. "I..I never have, I only read about fighting in books." Rhinshin watching, blinked in surprise at the Rodents words as did the others watching. Each reptile observing the battle murmerd amongst each other, none ever expected the small Rat to do so well. most in the Tribe thought he was being allowed into the Tribe out of pity. "Read about fighting!?" Cried Mosstail,"Flynt that was a dirty trick, feinting a charge then going around me like that, wh-where did you read about that!?" The vemrin chuckled softly and stared down to his feet then hands before looking at the observing group of lizards locking his red eyes on Rhinshin leaning against the Naga wagon. The large saurus smiled and gestured for Flynt to continue."I...one of the characters in my books, a Hero named Carrotseed he was a Rabbit and he fought against huge adversaries using his speed and agility to use their size as a weapon against them." Mosstail nodded and was about to speak only to gasp when the Rat charged him again out of nowhere like a wild animal and lunged at the reptiles shield slamming both his sandled pink feet into the piece of armor, causing the lizard to stagger back. Flynt landed and yanked the saurus spear from his hand and took a strike at Mosstails knee before backing away."L-li-like that." The young lizard looked at his hand then to the Rodent who tossed the heavy spear to the lizard. Mosstail caught it and nodded blinking a few times hissing and cradling his knee with his shield hand."I can only imagine what you could do with proper training."Rhinshin spoke up in his deep voice as the sun began to set,"Enouph chatting, come Flynt show us all what else you learned from your books!." obediently the duo did as instructed. The wooden blade wielded by Flynt with uncanny prowse caught the tall reptile in the side again bouncing off his scaley skin. Mosstail backsteped and swiped at Flynt the Rodent blocked the attack clacking the wooden weapons together. Mosstail threw his shield aside and adjusted his stance with the spear to a two handed grip. the music of wooden weapons clashing together echoed in the forest clearing for almost an hour until Mosstail swung hard at Flynt a little high. The Rat ducked avoiding the spear head end only to squeak seeing the reptile had twirled the weapon bringing the haft end around to strike the rat, Flynt tried to block but was to slow allowing the reptile's spear's haft end to strike the Rat in the face. A loud, slightly muffled crack resounded and Flynt fell to the ground crying out in pain a hand on the spot where a numbing agony exploded. The strike had landed on Flynt's cheek smashing the inner flesh against the Rodents pointed molars drawing blood.the rodent was thrown to the ground dropping his weapon. "Oh damn,I am sorry Flynt!." Mosstail dropped his wooden Spear and knelt infront of the Rat reaching up to inspect where he struck. both young males were panting from the excesive sparr. Flynt sat up and shook his head wincing and poking where his cheek was begining to swell he spat a glob of blood and saliva into the muddy ground and gave the reptile a grin,"its alright Mosstail, one of us was bound to get hit in the face." the lizard chuckled nervousely and flopped back on his bum infront of his sparring partner. Mosstail's scaley hide seemed to glisten with what Flynt believed was sweat but he was not totaly sure if Lizardfolk could sweat. Sure Daugh perspired but did Mosstail or Rhinshin for that matter?. "Drake's blood your fast though, did you really get all that from books!?" Inquired Mosstail looking at Flynt with a panting smile.The Black Rat blushed softly,"Y-yea." Mosstail stared at him with a dumbfounded expression before laughing, he got up to his scaled feet picking up his spear then offerd his free hand to Flynt to help him up.The young mammel upstart smiled and accepted the offered hand laying his own in that larger scaley mitt. With a tug the reptile got the Rodent back on his feet. Flynt gatherd his sword and Mosstail gatherd his shield both young males returned the weapons to the rack. Mosstail inspected the Rats wound again, it had stopped bleeding but it was bruising.The thin cheek fur around the Rodent's teeth allowed the purple bruising skin to be easily seen. "I'm impressed little Rat." sang out Rhinshins baritone voice as he handed a waterskin to the Rodent, the young Rat gratefully accepted the drink and swigged the fresh water with audibal swallows, his thin furry throat contracting with each greedy gulp. with a loud 'Phah.' the Rodent licked the side of his mouth and handed the skin to Mosstail who chuckled and drank from it as well. "Damn boy you were thirsty." laughed Rhinshin leaning in to inspect where the bruise was starting to show,"Looks like you can take a hit pretty well though." the Rat blushed and winced a little bit when the reptiles large fingers pressed into the bruise,"I dont know about that,I think If i continue sparring or try going into some battle I would probably focus more on being faster than everyone else.I dont think i can take a hit,that strike threw me to the ground, you lizards are big and you hit hard." explained the young Rat, Both Rhinshin and Mosstail chuckled at that.Rhinshin patted the Rats shoulder and ruffled his headfur between those ears,"Come on boy, lets find you some armor, its not good for you to carry on like you are with just robes." the reptile chuckled and lead both Rat and Mosstail inside the great big tent and out the otherside to enter the Lizardfolk wagon. In contrast to Thrisha and Sjinels wagon the lizardfolks wagon was a tad smaller witch was a stark surprise seeing how large the scale backs were,it had a single bed near the front that seemed to be more used as a chest and something to set articls of armor on,bones hung from the ceiling like tribal charms,furs ladend the floor,posts and tents lay rolled up and proped here and there,many blankets and hides, so many many different skins of animals lay in piles,for trade no doubt thought Flynt as he was shown a large old wooden chest with rusted brass fastenings,Rhinshin groand hearing his name being called and he slapped his sons back,''make sure he is properly equiped,wont have one of my sons wearing just cloth." he turned and left the wagon yelling a very disatisfied ,"What!?" "Did he just.." Mosstail finished Flynt's sentance."Call you his son?,he did, he calls all of the lizards in our tribe either son or brother." Mosstail smiled and laid a leather bundle on the floor and after untieing a Rather difficult knot he rolled it out showign several small bladed weapons from short swords,clubs,knives,axes."I'll let you find what you want to wear Flynt I know its not officole yet but, your one of us now remember that. everything is shared in our tribe, if you want something you have but to ask if someone will trade you for it, or if it is up for grabs." The Rodent blushed red nearly matching his ruby orbs,"A-and this armor?" the young lizard shrugged smiling at the Rat."Take what you want Dad said you could so no one is gonna stop you, besides when you pass your trial all of this stuff will be yours too." the young six foot tall lizard grinned showing off his teeth.The Rodent blushed softly and rubbed his shoulder looking into the chest of armor much of it was leather, some fur and some with metal rings sewn together. with a persistent blush the Rat turned to look back at Mosstail,"I d-don't know what to choose." the lizard smiled shaking his head and pushed off the wall he was leaning against and pat the Ratlings shoulder,"Don't fret then I'll get you set up."The Rodent gave a soft nod and took stock of himself he was wearing sandals, a shin length linen robe of grey and a knee lenth tunic complete with a scarf,a necklace of wood and stone beads,teeth of some beast and on the end a heavy steel hammer."Hold out your arms little brother." instructed the lizard Flynt blinked at the name but obediently did as he was instructed the lizard slipped a brown leather tunic's sleeves over the Ratligns arms and secured the tunic over Flynt's chest with a toggle and string. the sleeves were laced at the shoulder."There ya go,a perfect start to a set of gear, from what i experienced outside you'r someone who favores light armor and a one handed weapon." Flynt nodded as he inspected the fine leather tunic.The Rat reached under its neck brim and pulled out the hammer necklace and scarf. The Rodent then took off the necklace of stone and bone setting it down on the floor so it wouldnt get in the way. Flynt's ears perked at the sound of jingling metal and those ruby red eyes lay upon a short sleeve shirt of chainmail in Mosstails hands,upon the reptiles instruction Flynt held his arms upright and the six and a half foot tall lizard slipped the metal armor over the Rodents arms, head and body.Flynt rubbed his clawed hand over the worn riveted chainmail,surprised at how light it felt. the armor lengthed down to his knees. a few rings were missing and some holes were here and there in the armor but the Rat found it absolutly delightful, despite its flaws. The Rat was not given time to exclaim how he loved the chainmail Mosstail was already upon him wrapping a wide leather belt about the Rodents small waist. slipping the metal rods of the buckle through punctures in the thick length of hide. the reptile then slipped a large bone handled knife into the scabbard hanging over the Rodents ample butt by two lengths of thin leather and small buckles of their own a third thong of leather held the knife in place as it set lengthwise across the Rodents linen and mail coverd rump. Mosstail was far from done, he lay a wider belt of leather over the Ratlings shoulder it did not have a buckle but Rather lace that the reptile tightend over the young Rodents side the weight of another dagger in a sheath gave the strap its weight.the reptile held his large hand on the Ratlings shoulder as Flynt inspected the cured leather over his shoulders. another belt holding a square leather satchel and two small leather coin purses,was buckled around his waist.Mosstail pressed his hand to the boxy leather pouch,"Potion bottles,two bottles of healing,one potion of something i dont know,and a potion of yellow fluid i think might be fire resistance." he gripped the two purses side by side holding em in his palm,"One pouch of seven gold coins,and one with ten Lions." the reptile grinned at the Rat,"Don't tell dad i gave you this money." Flynt tilted his head and looked down at the pouches. "Lions?" Mosstail blinked then simply smiled shaking his head,"A lion is a coin worth a thousand gold." Flynt was thrown aback, if he was not infront of the reptile he would of fallen on the deck of the wagon,"TEN THOUSAND GOLD!?" the Rat mmphed loudly when Mosstails hand wrapped around his snout holding it shut,"Shhhh,yes ten thousand and seven gold coins,dont ask just accept it okay?" the Rats ruby red eyes stared up into Mosstails green blue slitted eyes,and offerd him a nod.the reptile let go of the mammles snout and moved over to gather more things for the little creature. Flynt rubbed his snout fur staring at the reptiles toned back as he rumaged in the collection of items. mosstail brought over a padded collar of brown with brass buttons and lay it over the Rodent's shoulders, a leather jug with a wooden cork was draped over his shoulder on a rope,a fringed leather satchel hung over the other shoulder, then a short cape of pure leather was lain over all three,with laced leather brim and a round buckle clasping it closed. The Reptile smiled and wrapped another belt, the third belt a long belt with wooden toggles on the end keeping it secured around his waist the weight of a sword over his left hip caused the Rat to reach down and wrap his hand around the hilt. Mosstail stood back and smiled, musing at his little freind pulling the sword from its leather wrapped wooden sheath,the handle was a warm worn sanded oak smooth and slightly grainy in the Rats grip,Flynt stared at the gorgeouse hilt of the Falcata, the knuckle guard curved down over his fingers carved in the shape of a stag's head. Its downward curved single edged blade was heavy, but not to heavy to make it unweildy,"its beautiful." exclaimed young Flynt, gazing over the weapon.Mosstail spoke up with a smile,"Its a fairly old weapon we've had it in here for years. we brought it with us hoping to trade it in the port city,but I think you will be better for it." he smield and watched the young Rat sheath the weapon,"How do I look?" Asked Flynt feeling a tad shy in his new duds. the lizard folk rubbed the back of his head, pushing down his long fins,"you look great Flynt,like a little warrior." The lizard rubbed his own chin as the small Flynt moved around the carts wooden floor, testing out his new gear it was light, fitting him perfectly the short curved blade, the twin daggers, the short leather cloak, tunic and robes. Mosstail pushed off form where he was leaning, trying to keep his eyes off of the small Rodents lithe frame."Lets get out of here, this wagon is always stuffy." Back outside in the dimming daylight Flynt blushed when Rhinshin affectionantly aprooved of his new gear squeezing his shoulder and nosing him in the chest. Amber tongue seemed adament about inhaling the smell of leather covering the Rat. Mosstail and his father both left the Rodent alone to tend to their duties and preperations for the coming day, dragging Amber-tongue along before the lizard began nibbling on the Rat. That is when Flynt saw them Two silhuettes gliding into the camp grounds two tall slender silhuets slowly taking detail as they got closer and closer to the dancing fire one with a great hood the other without. both holding large composit bows and kills of the hunt a boar and a string of rabbits.They had slid around the wagons Rather than going through the tents. Flynt ran towards then with an open mouthed smile upon his face like a child greeting his mother for the first time in such a long while. Thrisha dropped her boar and bow and slitherd swiftly ahead of Sjinjel her arms open wide. Flynt leapt into her arms wrapping his limbs around her torso as her own arms enwrapepd him, she held him against her chest kissing his head as a mother would her child."Little Flynt I am so happy to see you awake." Sjinjel reached out his arms and with a smile Thrisha nodded allowing the male Naga to wrap his arms around the little Rat in a caring hug. Sjinjel allowed his mate to hold Flynt as he buisied himself with the boar and his lovers bow. Thrisha occupied herself by cradling Flynt in her arms and gracefuly gliding over the mud and grass to the dancing campfire coiling up and reclinging on the cold ground.Despite the Naga womans wishes to keep the Rat cradled in her arms the young upstart was content to recline against her coil just below where the torso met the serpent's lower half,Flynt blinked as he felt something stiff prod him when he leaned back into her lower body he rose to his feet and stepped back to gaze over her lower half,particularly her lower stomach.What he saw was quite surprising, he reched a hand out and rubbed it along the buldging stomach the outline of a large animal was plainly seen in the elegant garnet scales. Thrisha smiled staring at the Rodent running his little pink hand along her warm stomach scales,"Twas a large wolf sweet Flynt, I felt a hunger in my stomach and simply filled it." The young Rat nodded, with wide eyes he ran his hand over the large bulge,"Is it alive?" the Naga simply smiled shaking her head. "It was alive for a while, but it stopped struggling not to long ago." Flynt flushed and sat back on his rump staring at the bulge tucking his legs against himself and holding his shoulders. Sjinel laid the rabbits and the boar down by the fire,a circle of river rocks kept in the wagons were set in a wide circle. the serpent male was buisy untwining some tinder and setting it beside the fire as a score of reptilian eyes shifted from their own buisness and over at the Naga and the small Rodent.the male serpent glided over to reach down and ruffle the Rodents headfur,"We thought about how you spoke of Thrishas larger stomach,and when we went to hunt we figured we could have a large meal for ourselves and bring meat back for everyone else,two less mouths to feed." the Rodent blinked and stared up into those Amber slitted eyes socketed in that hooded snakes head,''Y-you ate a wolf to!?" the king snake laughed and shook his head,"Oh no heavens no,I had a Panther." Flynt just baulked at the reptile and stared at the generousely offerd visage of the serpents lower body buldged out with a feline trapped inside."D-did they suffer?" A few lizards looked up at those words from Flynt a couple gave aprooving smiles. Sjinjel blinked a few times in surprise and feeling slightly awkward, he peered to his wife then back tot he Rodent sitting on his knees infront of her. "D-do not fret little Flynt though we swallowed them while they lived, they did not suffer long to confined and to little air inside our bodies they suffocated no doubt, I-I hear that dosent hurt a whole lot." explained Sjinjel lowering himself and with a hand resting on the Rodents shoulder he asked in a gentle if worried voice, an expression of concern on his face."This dosent bother you dose it, little Flynt?." the Rodent shook his head giving a trying smile. he gave a soft exhale and leaned against thrishas bloated lower stomach,he adjusted the scabbard of his falcata to sit more comphertably next to the kind female serpent."N-no not at all." he rubbed his where his cheek was swolen from Mosstails spear strike."Just surprised is all,I am amazed you two can eat entire creatures with ease." thrisha smiled and ran her fingers through the Rodents hair and Sjinjel chuckled,"Well our food supply is already low and we will be here for a week so hunting will be paramount for us all. Mine and Thrishas bodies will be buisy absorbing our prey for the majority of that time. Though we cant keep hunting for food when we get back on the road. we will be getting near lands owned by lords and farms, so while you are off playing with your new brothers the rest of us will be stockpiling for the rest of our jounrey to the city." Flynt gave a nod and a smile of understanding before he reached his furless little hand up to touch the hooded serpents muzzle, Sjinjel blinked in surprise then smiled closing his eyes and leaning into the Rodents caress. Night had finaly come, casting its cool embrace over the land, sparse clouds chased one another across the stary lit sky above,the small group sat together around the fire lizardfolk two Nagas and a single Fox and Ratfolk. A Ratfolk who leaned against the bloated stomach of His suroget Naga mother legs folded infront of him holding a wooden bowl half full of a soupy mixture of vegitables, rice, and chunks of boar flesh. the other half of the soup and the bread that was with the bowl were now resting together in the young Rodents warm little stomach.Rhinshin was sitting across the fire on an overturned bucket spinning a no doubt over exageRated recolection of an adventure he had. Sjinjel was leaning against his lover,both of their long lower bodies lay over one another giving the Rodent a warm cushy surface to lean back against. Rhinshin's fable came to a point of great humor,a bar fight between him and a dwarf that he drank under the table,it escalated to the whole bar in a brawl,the interesting part that got Flynt's attention was when a city guard,a Ratfolk had gotten in on the brawl and finished it by throwing a mug at Rhinshin striking him in the face. Sjinjel chuckled as Thrisha lay her lower tail coil around the Rat boy.The fire crackled and snapped, glowing with its warmth as the marshy forest was abuzz with the song of insects and nocturnal creatures.some of the other reptiles were spinning storys recolections slightly more exageRated of past adventures hunts and a great war.There was a song all of a sudden, drums were brought out and the low deep voices of lizard folk began to hum,while hands beat on drums a string of shells and bones were jostled a hollow instrument full of some kind of rocks was shaken and Rhinshin began to sing in Saurus. A string of lyrics the Rat could not understand that was joined by the huge black lizard from the goblin ambush the monsterouse dinosaur'esqu lizard kept gazing at Flynt causing him to fidget nervousely. The song was flowing and rugged at the same time,and both Nagas were swaying to the singing and beating of drums,shaking of bones and stones.it lasted for nearly an hour and a half before the reptiles retired to their pitched tents,some just lay in the dirt where they sat.The massive black lizard took up first watch while Mosstail and Rhinshin both ruffled the Rats headfur and bid goodnight to the pair of Naga royalty.

Thrisha coiled on her bed in the wagon,sliding her long body up against the wall of the wagon, Sjinjel helped Flynt out of his clothing and finaly commented on it."Our little warrior, you looked exceptionaly good in the gear Mosstail gave you." he smiled and folded and rolled the attire settign it all in a cubby hole opposite the bed.Flynt stood there nakked in the wagon,the cool breeze of the night floated through the open windows,only the door had been closed,both Nagas were staring at him,Sjinjel how ever did more than stare,his long fingerd scaled hand pressed flat palmed against the Rodents back then slid up along the his spine trailing those long fingers through the Rodents exquisit fur. The other hand slid gently down along the Rodents side to his hip where those long fingers slid over the Rodents rump causing the Rat to gasp and blush profusely.those coils slid around the Rat slowly closing in on him,the serpents amber eyes looked up to meet his Wife's own slitted eyes,she smiled and gave a soft nod.A chill ran through Flynt when Sjinjels tongue flutterd into his ear proceeding words,"I have Thrishas permission, now I want yours little Flynt, I wish to have you and i will only do so if i have your consent." The Rat shudderd gently his eyes following the bulge where the male serpents lower stomach held an extremely slowly dissolving Panther slide slowly around him. those coils taking a gentle grip around the Rodent the torso of the reptile never moved staying behind the Rat by. with a whimper and a very deep blush the Rodent swallowed hard. Sjinjel wanted him Flynt's mind rushed with a posible the definition of what the serpent was talking about and came to only one conclusion. "B-but D-Daugh.." whimperd the Rat and his ruby depths looked up at Thrisha's, her scales seemed to glisten by just the moon and starlight let in through the overhead sunroof of the wagon,"Fret not child remember what I told you about the tribe?." Flynt nodded slowly and blushed deeper red. he had not thought about that, he gave another shudder when Sjinjels tongue flutterd against his ear again and he with closed eyes nodded,"O-on one condition.." This time Sjinjel slid his torso around the Rat to peer into the younglings eyes,"Yesssss?" Flynt's hand went up and massaged over the reptiles muzzle,"I..I want to go in there, f-f-for only a moment!. I...I want to know what it feels like" Sjinjels eyes were wide, Thrisha however chuckled."Little Flynt,oh my sweet little Flynt, you have a most interesting request,though it is understandable the curiosity of a Rodent far outspans the stars in the heavens." The male Nagas coils began to tighten more around the Rodent who was looking away with a bracing wince."I would be over joyed to feel you inside me little one, but you see i am already full with feline, there would be no room for you and my sweet little snack you would perish." Flynt looked back into the serpentines eyes of amber with slits of black as fine as a knifes edge. "I will let you in just a little ways as i take you,but not the whole way little feeder you are our son now, not our prey or some servant." that seemed to sate the Rodent as he gave a gentle nod and held a soft smile. "Thank-" the 'you' was silenced when the king snake pressed his scaled lips into the Rodents own furry lips,that long slimy forked tongue flikerd in and out of the young Rodents mouth before he pulled away breakign the kiss to glide over to the bed, with no effort or break in stride the reptile slitherd upon the bedding turning Flynt arund in his coils so he faced Thrisha she had moved near the middle of the bed and was leaning her torso into the divider between the bed and the wall,Sjinjel adjusted his coils moving Flynt into a hands and knees position,only his arms were pinned to his sides by the reptiles coils. Flynt's legs were being spread apart by the reptiles hands,Thrisha got in on the act using her own coils that lay beneath and entertwined with Sjinjels,Thrisha smiled gently to the Rodent and slid her hands along his cheeks,"When our dear dear friend Snowpaw lived,he was very much like you little Flynt,sometimes he would spend the night in either mine or Sjinjels bodies,perfectly safe fore an amulate we gave him that held an enchantment that kept him from becoming just a meal." She smiled broader at the young Rodents open mouthed blushing expression, her fingers slid over his long pink ears,"Are you ready sweet one?" Flynt nodded gently then gasped at the cool sensation of a fluid beign poured over his rump,and being spread along his crevace,a long slender taloned figner circled the pink rose before easing itself inside,slowly grinding to the knuckle. Flynt whimperd gently, another finger was joined, another long scaled smooth digit soon joined by another,and another.All pushing in and out of the Rodents small chute. "he is so tight." Thrisha smiled caressing the Rodents face,''After so long since Daugh I see no surprise." She leaned close and nuzzled the Rodents olive nose. The Ratling gasped sharply feelign those fingers slip out each hand grasped one of the Rodents ample rump cheeks. Sjinjel smiled and caress the furry mounds."Such a perfect ass, even for a Rodent this is more than anyone can ask of such a delicate creature." Sjnjel hissed and slid both of his scaled arms along the Rodents back tracing over the Rodents details."Narrow back and shoulders, I dare say the gods had planned for yout o be female Flynt but changed their minds at the last moment." Flynt huffed and smiled looking into the female Naga's eyes as they seemed focused upon the Rodents own ruby depths, her maw opend to speak."The Gods wanted him to be perfect, and so he was born as such." The rodfent moaned and closed his eyes."S-stop it, you two are buttering me up." Thrisha nodded with a smile."Of course, you are ours now child we will treat you as you are meant to be treated."Flynt gave out a long huff feeling the weight of Sjinjels torso lay over his lighter body,his twin curved shafts sliding up and down the Rodents crevice, Thrishas free hand reached down along the Rats stomach,massaging where she could get to a small pat of the females hand on the males coil let her have access to Flynt's sheath and balls tangerine sized orbs.Sjinjels dominant shaft was hot dogging those ash grey ghost spotted cheeks the smaller shaft was pushing against the warm blush pink rose Flynt gritted his teeth feeling the head of that smaller shaft slowly grind its way inside that oh so tight opening. Thrisha was massaging up and down the Rodents straw thin shaft the pink taperd Rodent cock was fully erect and leaking pree cum. her free hand was massaging along the Ratkins cheek. her eyes on his keeping his focus on her though he had no choice being wrapped up in muscular coils,the Rat felt gRateful the five hundred pound panther being slowly digested was not part of the inescapable grip. With a soft moan the large male Naga began to slide out of the Rat then back in going slow and steady his arms wrapping around the Rats torso holding him against the reptile. both males were now eye level with Thrisha whos hand that had been stroking the Rats cock had gone to please her own sex organ.The Naga male puleld out further than before,a minor adjustment and he pushed back in,but with his second larger cock coaxing a sharp choking gasp fromt he Rodent his red eyes wide as teacups as that immense shaft damn near the size of Daughs slid in with the other shaft!. Both of Sjinjels malehoods were pinned against one another as they ground into the small Rodentians warm moist and pulsating tunnel spreading wide his rectums folds the deeper they went.The only one of the trio that were sweating was the whimpering panting and wincing Flynt. The Rodents eyes were closed tight, his teeth gritting as he winced feeling the immense pressure of the male Nagas twin shafts grinding in and out in a sensual speed creating wet noises from the Rodents small body. The Naga male's hips were smacking against the Rodents fuzzy cheeks the male snake already leaking pree cum from both rods smearing the inside of the Rodents love tunnel. When Flynt opend his eyes due to an incredibly warm rush of air flowing against his furry face and whiskers what he saw before him was both terrifying and amazing. Twas not Thrishas beautiful scaled snout of crimson and soil brown snout. Nor her amber slits but Rather her wide gaping maw. It was gloriouse,a bright pink squishy maw, pointed small teeth flanked her glottis and tongue sheath. long fang were held back against the maw,for that Flynt was gRateful. a pillar of glistening saliva seemed to hold the serpents mouth ajar, bubbles of saliva slid along and settled in the folds of that inviting flesh,the darkness of the Naga queens throat completed it entirely,the warm breath flowing from her glottis and the depths of her throat caressed the Rats fur as he was slowly moved towards that ajar mouth by Sjinjels own coils. it felt as if with each thrust he was pushing the Rat closer and closer to the serpent female's hungry maw. Young Flynt's jaw and chin pressed against that coushie and oh so moist flesh of her maw it was as if his head was resting against a soaked pillow her teeth teased along the Rodents lower jaw. Flynt closed his eyes and smiled feeling the wet flesh close around him as Thrishas jaws came down closing over his head. her grip was gentle, as gentle as her hugs and Sjinjels coils. she held the Rats entire head in her mouth coating it in her warm saliva. Her male companion aided Flynt further into her body the vemin whimperd feeling her maw surrounding his head, the heat was incredible and her saliva thick and warm, her breath was very earthy but the Rodent did not mind it felt amazing, the Rat shudderd and moaned with each slapping hilt of Sjinjels shafts into his pert ass, but he moaned in deep sublime pleasure when his pink nose pressed into that deep dark humid entance to the Naga womans body. Flynt shudderd, it was frightening for him but also it felt right, as if he needed badly to be deeper inside his new mothers gullet. The male Naga released the Rats torso but held his hand to his back while he pistoned his hips back and forth driving those dual cocks in and out of the Ratlings moist hot depths. a wet resonating glurk sound came with the contraction of the Nagas mouth pulling the Ratlings head down into her throat. Squeezing the Rodent from the tip of his snout to the nape of his neck in squishy undulating pink muscles that oozed saliva. Sjinjel pushed again smiling into his lovers eyes as he humped their prey. Slowly thrishas unhinged jaws walked up along the Ratling,over his shoulders and half way down his back. The heat was incomparable to anything Flynt had felt ever before, the sensation of flesh surrouding his entire body slowly crawlign over his shoulders and back, feeling the throat muscles contract around him, the sensation of her teeth scraping against his tender frame. Thrisha's esophogus slowly tugging him deeper and deeper,twin spaded cocks sliding in and out of his tender vent throbbing with each hilt and leaking streams of preecum. All while partialy wrapped in the coils of the shafts owners.It was nothing that he could of ever even dreamed about,sure Flynt had fantasised a few times about being eaten,but this was real. And it was frightening but also Nirvana for him. Flynt's head was deep inside thrisha well pased her torso now he was confused at not havign enterd the first smaller stomach, but he figured that to be a question for later. His shoulders were deep inside the females body,he could hear her every breath, every heart beat and moan of pleasure as her mate continued to breed the tight fuzzy ass just barely sticking out of her mouth. the womans lips were pressing against the Ratlings tail his legs were free to dangle at their leisure but they just shook with each powerful yet sensual gentle loving thrust of the male Nagas hips,he didnt even have his coils around the small creature anymore his hands were the only things keeping the Rat from dissapearing into the female Nagas body completely.Drool seeped out of the corners of the females mouth. she had already came and her fluids were soaking the bed covers beneath her and her lover. she was however still moaning in pleasure what ould ever be more pleasurable than a willing living prey half down her gullet being bred by her mate. It was something so divine, she had never done anything like this before her eyes roleld into the back of her skull as she swallowed repeatedly, feeling her hinged jaws slowly close aruond the legs of her sweet deliciouse little prey item she could barely focus. Sjinjel gripped tightly the Rodents thighs and thrust in a little to rouphly and with a howl of pleasure he exploded a load of seed so vast it nearly out did Daughs.The Naga humped a few short thrusts intot he Rodents ass Flynt's warm perfect rump milking the Naga for all of his spunk. Sjinjel collapsed breathing heavily and lay over his mates head shuddering in afterglow he barely noticed as his hands slipped from the Rodents hips as he closed his eyes smiling in deep pleasure. Flynt moaned and panted heavily, biting his lower lip as his arms were pinend to his sides by the Naga womans gullet. Both pink furless handpaws were ferociousely strokign his penis until the Rodent began to convulse and let loose a torrent of his own spunk into the folds of mucousa coated muscle. from the ejaculation and both heat, it was diffiult to breath for Flynt the esophogus muscles were tight around his small body and head, squeezing him as he sunk deeper and deeper, his hearing felt strange like he was underwater. Everything was muffled, all he could hear was the peeling of folded slimy muscles peeling apart to relax before him and contract across his entire lower torso. The Rodent suddenly squeaked as his snout was forced through an extrmely tight opening he felt the fleshy walls suddenly open up wide and his naris were berated with a strong reak of acid and more heat than he could handle. The Ratling yelped and went wide eyed suddenly feeling like he was in very deep trouble, his felt his head slide into a pool of bile sinking under it he desperatly tried to writh his snout from under the pool of scold worthy hot fluids. The Rat could feel the firm form of what was left of the wolf Thrisha had consumed he wriggled and despeRatly tried to keep his head above the fluids but when his shoulders enterd the stomach he could not help but scream as a sudden immense burning singed the tender flesh of his nose and ears his head was forced into the remains of the wolf. The Rat nearly hurled right there, the smell of rotting carrion force into his snout and mouth, he could taste the wolf!.the flesh was so soft and receeded like cloth when the Rats head was shoved into it. Thrisha screamed as reality suddenly struck her like a meteorite. She smacked the still dazed grinning Sjinjel across the face so hard he recoiled off of her bringing the male out of his after glow daze just in time to watch those furless pink toes slip from sight down the female Nagas throat. Thrisha held a paniced expression waving her arms helplessly for the male to get him out and stop staring at the bulge slowly going deeper and deeper down her neck. Thinking swiftly the male Naga took an iron grasp of the Rodents very long tail and In that moment both serpents were immensly gRateful of the Rodents abnormaly long tail attatched to his rump. Flynt squeaked gasping and going wide eyed in the pitch darkness of the Naga womans stomach his decent seemed to stop for a moment then all at once he felt himself being dragged from the hungry acidic depths of the Naga womans stomach. Sjinjel heaved and tugged pulling the Rodent from the Naga womans gullet with a cascade of saliva and bile unil the Rat was pulled free from Thrishas fanged maw and onto the now touroughly messy bedding. Flynt winced and pushe dhimself up on his hands very slowly panting and gasping as his vision readjuste itself to his surroundings, the candle light danced his shadows across the walls.Flynt sat up slowly and looke dup into the mortified face of Thrisha she seemed unsure weather or not to event ouch the Rodent as if she was scared the small creature would never forgive her for what she did and nearly did to him. Sjinjel ran his fingers over the Rodents eartips, they were and irritated red and had some spots showing from his exposure to Thrishas corrosive stomach acids."F-Flynt?" Dared Thrisha looking into those beautiful Garnets he called eyes. The Rat swallowed hard and blinked a few times when the Naga woman bravely reached out to him and pulled off a shred of scaley hide and tossed it to the floor."A-Are you alright?." the Rodent slowly spread a smile upon his lips and nodded slowly his red eyes wide as he looked down at his hands and played with the slimy brackish bile coating them."I...it tingles." Sjinjel looked to his lover then to the Rodent."W-we are so, so very sorry Flynt please will you ever forgive us?" The Rat staring at his fingers touching his index and thumb together repeatedly watching the slimy bile between them. He shook his head and looked up at them both. "Forgive you?" Thrisha winced ready for a barrage of blame and anger but what she got nearly floored her."That was the most amazging ten minutes of my entire exsistance." Flynt smiled and shifted takign a breath,"I-I think it would be wise i get your acids washed off of me, Mother their starting to burn." Thrisha nodded and Sjinjel slitherd fromt he bed helping Flynt from the now very dirty bedding and lead him from the wagon and out through the tent network gaining a few curiouse glances from some lizards staying up and lounging in the tents, before they left the tent Sjinjel grabbed a wooden bucket. Outside under the cold moonlight Sjinjel lead Flynt to the waters edge and both males made their way into the near freezing waters. Flynt gasped and shudderd when Sjinjel began to dump bucketfulls of cold water over the Rodent watching with aprooval as the Rat rubbed his face and even dipped beneath the glistening dancing waters. Once both males werte content the smaller male was thourouly cleaned of corrosive stomach acids they went back to the wagons. Entering the tent and then the bowl top cart Flynt paused to see a bundle of blankets and pillows on th eoposite end of the wagon and new ones being lain out on the bed by Thrisha whos gaze locked ont he Rat and she quickly went to him and despite the vemrin being soaking wet she eagerly held him ina close embrace. Sjinjel took it upon himself to finish makign the bed. Spreading out blue and yellow embroiderd quilts and fleece blankets. Thrisha grasped a random piece of cloth and began to dry off her new son."My sweet boy, I feel horrible." Flynt simply chuckled and pushed at the Naga womans belly."it is alright Thri...Mother. I enjoyed it immensely." the Rat frowned and after thrisha finished drying off the Rodents head giving a slight giggle at the vermins now dishevaled and puffed out head and snoutfur."it stunk though, a-and well when the acids began to burn me, a-and well when i enterd your stomach I began to panic." Thrisha frowned and Sjinjel slid over to nuzzle intot he Rodents neck."I would never hurt you Flynt, I swear to you I wasnt planning on accually ea-" She stopped when Flynt raised his paw up to silence her. "I know, I trust you and you are to kind and carring of a person to put a fellow sentient through such agony, I have read many books soem on biology, I know how it feels to be digested, and from my adventure books I know of acid pool traps and how the green and ofton yellow fluids sting like a thousand fires of hell as they melt your flesh away. you would never do that to someone." Flynt gave a soft frown as both Naga stared at him with wide gazes."it felt amazing, to feel your warm flesh surrounding me, it felt like i was floating. and when I enterd your stomach, yes I was scared but I..I wanted to be trapepd inside, despite knowing the peril of that." The Rat took a deep breath and leaned back against the all to happy to provide support Sjinjel."I have no doubt you would never do it again, at least to harm me but." Flynt stared up at the Naga woman,"You said you had an amulate that kept the late Snowpaw alive in your stomachs. I have read alchemy and enchanting books." Flynt huffed and shook his head grinning bashfuly."W-when I read all the books in th elibrary i turne dto the mages guild." he cleared his throat."I know there is a way to enchant an item to negate the effects of acids, but I think it would be wise to have a waterbreathing amulate, my lungs were on fire in there I could feel the lack of air." Flynt gave a small smile loking up at Thrisha,"But i have a few qustions." The Naga woman and male both nodded to each other trading looks of concern and relief as they glided over tot heir bed and when Flynt joined them both Naga coiled around him, sharing their coils with the Rodent. Flynt asked about why he did not feel the first stomach when descending into Thrishas body she explained that he in fact had slipepd through her first stomach. Food that enterd her torso stomach was processed then sent into her lower stomach to be further processed and then through her intestines. Flynt asked about her bone structure having felt the womans interior tighten when he began to exit her torso and he was rewarded with her willingly giving him tactile research of her hips and rump. She indeed had an ass but when Flynt hesitantly pulled the cheeks apart to peer in he found there to be no anus or vagina. her Hip and tailbones were connected with her lower ribcage and spine. His next and last qustion was proceeded by a yawn."How did I taste?" Thrisha blushed pink as she rested her head over the Rodents pressing his snout into her clevage."You were deliciouse my sweet Sugar treat." Sjinjel shared the Rodents warmth laying his head over his lovers head their coils and their torsos cocooning the Rodent between them and with the adition of three blankets the Rat could swear it was so warm it felt like he were back isnide the Naga womans stomach. The serpent lady caressed her son's head fur and began to gently sing to him, singing him to sleep.The words were in a forein languadge Flynt coudl not understand but what ever the Naga was doing with them the already sleepy Rodent could feel their effect as if the words were an incantation to put him to sleep. They were beautiful words no matter if Flynt could not understand them, they still nudged him off to dreamland.

The night was cold and as the moons slowly crossed the starry heavens clouds began to coast overhead, above the vast forest blocking the moons rays with their grey and silver bodies. Snow, at first a handfull of flakes flutterd and drifted down to dissapear into the cold brackish waters or on the hard dirty ground. Then the thousands, and soon as the air began to get colder and colder snow flakes fell to the earth below in the billions, very slowly covering the land in a thin blanket of the icey powder.Flynt was not having a good dream. He was dreaming he was being chased by horsemen through snow. Day slowly crept to life bathing the world in its dim glow barely able to penetrait the grey overcast lingering still from lastnight, observing the blanket of snowfall it had coverd the forest in. the land was slowly becoming cold, the caravan was close to the mountain range and it happend to be the begining of winter. Flynt flew awake with a shout of fright sitting upright quickly causing the Male Naga Sjinjel who was awake and laying with the Rodent until he awoke to shout in fright, surprised by the Rodents sudden cry. The Naga sat there and stared at Flynt who was sitting upright in the center of a circle of serpentine coils surrounding and laying over his legs all coverd in and tangled up in blankets. Flynt's fur was damn with sweat as his chest heaved but slowly he calmed down. The Rodent swallowed hard and sighed in relief reaching a hand out to rest it ontop of one of the Naga males beautiful black scaled coils resting his furless hand in the middle of one of the orange spots."Bad dream?" Inquired that soothing smooth as cream voice of the male Naga. The Rodents snout tipped upwards to peek at the walls of the wagon and slowly nodded. "Tell me about it?." Asked the Naga male resting his hands ont he Rodents shoulders, another coil gently coiling around the Rodents lower torso but remained slack. the Rat rest his hand ont he new coil gently strokign his furless warm little hand along the serpents warm scales."You were kicking in your dream, those little claws of yours kinda hurt, I had to wrap em up in one of our blankets." Informed the Naga, the Rodent smiled softly and ran his hand along the scales. "I was in a field, there was snow, but not a lot on the ground, there were horses chasing me, and...men i think, riding them but I couldnt see them. I tried running for the woods but they just kept getting farther and farther away from me the more i ran towards them." Flynt pressed a hand to his left shoulder touching his pink furless fingers against the Nagas black and orange fingers."I was shot, a crossbow and when I fell, i didnt fall into the snow I fell down a waterfall, and then I woke up." the Ratling turned to look back at the Naga with those wide attentive eyes of Amber peering into the Rodents ruby depths."I am sorry for scRatching you, a-and scaring you." Flynt chuckled and scRatched at his narrow chest before laying back leaning into the Nagas torso stomach, he reached a paw up to gentyl if a little playfully caress the serpent males jaw as he peered down at the Rodent offering a smile full of compasion."You should get up." Started the Naga,"You have a big day ahead of you, better get you a nice big breakfast, be sure to dress warmly it snowed last night." the Rodent blinked and cast his gaze to one of the windows and sure enouph a beautiful blanket of white powder had coverd much of the outside area, though it was not a lot of snow, barely an inch. it was present and it unnerved Flynt due to his nightmare. but the young black and grey Rat conceeded to the serpent and got out of bed, both males had a hard time untangling one another from the blankets, Sjinjel easily slipped from the cloth and watched with increasing humor as the Rodent struggled with his legs and feet."See now?, how much better it is to have a body like this." Sjinjel chuckling and giggling gestured to his lengths of coils and smirked at the Rat who was sititng on the bed tugging on the knotted blankets.the Naga flicked hsi tongue at the Rodent and spoke again,"if only you had coils like me, you could get out of that blanket easily, poor little mouse." Flynt gave the serpent a rasberry then wriggled and stumbled out of the bed only suceeding in falling to the floor with a squeak and a flop causing the Naga to burst out laughing, the vermin yelled out loudly,"C'mere you ovegrown noodle!." Sjinjel yelped when the Rodent managed to tackle his upper torso, both males going down to the floor of the wagon the blankets still firmly entangling the Rodents legs. After a good amount of playful wrestling in the crampt wagon and getting the attentions of a few on the outside and causing Thrisha to poke her head inside the wagon only to giggle at the sight of the Rat pinning the Nagadowna nd trying to cocoon him in the blankets. Eventualy the play stopped when Rhinshin shouted at the dancing wagon,"Will you two stop it!, get that boy ready for the trials Sjinjel!." both Naga and Rodent giggling like children obeiently stopped their play and the serpent helped his newly adopted son out of the blanket wrap. when the reptile managed to get the beautiful quilt from aroudn the Rodents feet he could not help but gently caress and hold one of the Rodents feet. Sliding his thumb along the Rats sole and along each pink toe."You do have adorable feet, Flynt." the Rodent blushed softly and came back,"And you have very comphertable coils." the Naga smiled at the roident and gently kissed his warm, moist feet before helping the Rat up and allowed him to get dressed. The rodent donned his linen robe and with the aid of Sjinjel the rodent donned cloth leg wraps. The Naga had Flynt sit down on a stool to allow the reptiel to wrap the linen wraps around his feet and up to his knee."Are you going to go through with the Trial my sweet little bundle of love?" Asked the Naga male in that almost condascending tone of voice, but the rat knew it was just how the two spoke to him, nothing but love. It felt a little uncomphertable but the rodent trusted them both with his life by now. Thje ratling slowly nodded,"Yes." Sjinjel smiled and gave a worried expression as he held one of the rats feet in his hands, gently squeezing the pink sole and toes."then you will only be able to wear simple clothes, a tunic and some leg and arm wraps. I will have you wear sandles due to the weather and your species not being that of Lizard-folk." The rodent nodded and sat on the stool as the Naga gently wrapped the rodents arms up with the same olive green linen wraps from his hands up to his elbows. the Naga male leaned up to gently kiss the rat on the muzzle, sliding his hand behind the smaller creatures head, teasing those big pink ears as his forked tongue flickerd and danced along the rodents teeth and own tongue. Pulling away the reptile smiled running his hand along the blushing rats muzzle and lips."Before you go, Thrisha should be returning any moment now." As if on cue, the round top yellow wagon's door swung ajar to admit the garnet red and diamoned spotted Naga to enter, she slitherd all the way inside and closed the door with a thwap of her tail before turning on Flynt and offering hima soft smile, finding the simple attire her new Son was garbed in to be more apropriate and adorable."Are we ready Sjinjel?, did he decide weather or not to go along with the Trials?" The male Naga nodded his hooded head,"He wishes to become a member of the Log-Tail Tribe." She smield and held up a small plate with three small round flat cakes stacked atop one another doused in a sticky syrup with some butter melting atop them, she smield warmly to her new child and held the plate to him."Eat up my sweet little Rat." her smiel remained as the rodent took the plate and peered at the cakes curiousely but he did not wish them to get cold so he took up the gold handled fork and began to eat, cutting out a small wedge from the cakes before impaling thme with the three teeth of the fork. he then lifted the wedge up smiling at the ribbons of syrup dripping from them before he shoved the wedge of heaven into his mouth closing tight, lips pursed around the fork his red eyes went wide eyed at the incredibly deliciouse flavore of butter, maple and flour. he closed his eyes and mmmhed in delight as he slowly drew the fork from his lips and rolled the cakes inbetween his molars to chew.Both Nagas were smiling watching the rodent eat the cakes, getting syrup all over his muzzle with each bite, the rat swallowed several times his throat getting a tad dry, to his surprise and relief Thrisha held up a crystal glass filled to the brim with cool creamy milk, a stalk of cinnomon standing in the cup."I am so happy you like my Pancakes sweet one, drink this Milk, it is how my mother made milke for me, with a cinnomon stalk to add a bit mroe flavore." Sjinjel chuckled and rubbed a hand over the rodents ear,"Can't have pancakes without milk." The rodent set the plate into his lap and gratefully drank the milk, but he did not down it for he was not done with the cakes, under the watchful eyes of the two Naga he consumed all three cakes as they spoke."Dear little sugar lump, we want to mark you with our own signet before you take the trials." The rat looked up at them the fork between his lips again, he simpyl smield and nodded, swallowing again befor edigging into the last segment of the cakes, dragging the flourey pankcake wedge along the syrup before nomphing it utter joy on his face."I think thats a yes darling." Stated Sjinjel with a chuckle, Thrisha simply rolled her eyes and glided over to a cabinant to rumage about Flynt took a long swig of the cold milk closing his eyes as the cool creamy goodness washed down his tight little throat. the Ratling squeaked in surprise when all of a sudden Sjinjel took hold of the back of the ratling head and gave him a deep kiss on the lips, then followed the affectionant if a bit sudden gesture with many, many tongue laps across the rodent's maple syrup mottled muzzle, the Naga pursed his lips against the rats muzzle and sucked, causing the rat to squirm and squeak until the naga pulled away grinning like a fool and licking his lips, a rope of saliva connecting the two males. Thrisha had slitherd over and simply 'stood' there and watched what her lover was doing. "Sjinjel darling, whipe off his muzzle with a towl, not your tongue." She coudlnt help but giggle softly as the Naga male blushed and took hold of a rag to wipe off the rodents maple syrup and snake spit dampend muzzle. The rat blushed deep red and sat there in utter shock as to what just happend, as if it were in anyway mroe surprising than being half way inside the Naga woman's stomach. Thrisha held the rodents hand up in her own as Sjinjel sat back and observed the young rodent, still licking his scaled lips of the vemrins maple syrupy flavore. Thrisha spoke softly as the young rodent winced in light pain as she dipped an needl tipped quill into a ink well full of red ink and gently as she could tatooed a small pyrimid on the top of the rodents hand with a hooded serpents head in the middle. it took almost ten minutes to do and when she had completed the signet she smield into the rodents red curiouse eyes."This symbol indicates you as a citizen of our city Azuray." The rat smiled and held up his slightly sore hand to look at the image of the pyrimid. the rodent squeaked in surprise when the Naga woman grasped the rodents ear and with a golden serpents head with long fangs and ruby eyes the Naga woman held it to the rodents ear and clamped it shut over his ear causing him to squeak and shout out in surprise and pain as the fangs punctured his ear lobe. when Thrisha puleld it away she smield at the Rodent and set the item down before takign a rag to whipe away the blood from the two new wounds, she then accepted a piece of jewlery from Sjinjel, a small piece of blue silk attatched to two golden rings, the Naga woman slipped the rings into the rodents new piercings. she blew on the rings and the wounds before giving the rat a kiss on the cheek."And this shows everyone that you are Royalty, a prince to our great house and ruler of the vast lands of Dychata." she smiled and kissed the rat on the tip of his nose." i am sorry for hurting you dear one, but it is the only way to show everyone you are one of us, that you are mine and Sjinjels son." The rodent rubbed and fiddled with the gold rings,"I understand, it more surprised me than hurt." The Naga woman smiled and noded before speakign again,"The rings are enchanted, they cannot be removed unless someone cuts off your ear." She gave a grimace but chuckled when the rodent pressed his ear against his head giving a soft squeak,''Well I hope no one wants to cut off my ears, I need them." both Nagas gave hearty chuckles and tended to their favorite rodent, both serpents enwrapping the small vemrin within their joined coils, ina sense cuddling with him until the time came that they had to let him be so he could join the other Lizardfolk young.

The path to the ruin was one of wonder and had the young Rodent's eyes wide and peering up and along the trail, taking in every spruce, cedar or Fir tree. The Rodent followed behind the gloriouse Red Lizardfolk from earlier, the rat trailing his eyes along the zig zagging yellow patterns along his neck's nape and tail. the reptile wore a long leather cloak with what looked liek some form of wooden pauldrons with feathers protruding out of its ends. The rodent peered down to his feet as with each step his sandal and linen wrapped feet he stepped upon a cut slightly warped log. the forest trail evolved into a very old wood log path with log railing stretched and leading deep into the cold dense forest. From the wooden path the rodent trotted along with what seemed like every single Lizardfolk in what was left of the Caravan. Snow fell from the heavens stickign to everyone's scaled heads and horns. Flynt rubbed his muzzle and whiskers keeping snow off of himself. It felt odd to be around so many Lizardfolk, surrounding him on all sides he felt safe among them, to know they were all his family now. As the troup wanderd up an ancient almost non exsistant path along a slight incline the rodent looked behind him to see that familiar black scale lizard folk, the huge lizard smiled down at his unofficile brother showing off those many, many pearly whites. The ruin was magnificent, Flynt had never in all his life seen a ruin before. The rodent passed beneath a gloriouse arch of stone in a cuving circular wall, peering up the rat with maw cracked open in astonishment passed beneath the rusting iron filigry decorating the underside of the archway. the rodent stared at his feet again following the marble tiles being swallowe dup by the forest floor. Passing through the coridoor and neath another iron decorated archway the ratling looked back over his shoulder at the smirking black scaled reptile."Beautiful isnt it?" The small rodent nodded gently and swallowe dhard following the troup of lizards as they enterd the center of the ruin, the base of a majestic tower appearing as if a Tree's stump only of marble, iron and stone. towering pillars of stone stretchign tot he grey clouds, their surfaces more defined under the cold bitter and dry air witihn the forest. the Canvass of tree tops rested upon the tips of each crumbled and crumbling pillar as they surrounded the center of the tower. The rodent followed the crimson Scale folk up one of the four Flights of stairs to Join the mighty Rhinshin Standing at the top of where a flight of steps that used to lead to the top of the tower but now after countless years of decay and time the stairs only reached up ten feet. The huge Lizard was a sight of absolute glory and a monument to the worlds most ancient of species. Flynt stood in the center where ancient carvings of a time so far in the past that the only few who could recall it were the decendants of their ancestores ancestores. Rhinshin wore over his shoulders a pair of massive pauldrons elegantly carved in the bulky depictions of a snake. they were solid pieces of sitting brass over a mantle of blue leather with studs inlaid within it carved as little squares of brass serpents. bone made up the collar and brim of the mantle. and from beneath the mantle over his back was a positivly gigantic cloak of blue scaled hide with a boarder of square bone like the mantle. long black and green feathers protruded from beneath the mantle over the cloak.Over his breast and torso was a curias crafted of a union between brass and scaled hide. He wore a set of thick brass and what looked like stone bracers with fathers protruding ove rhis large hands and forearms the same would be said about his greeves. But what set it all off was the massive pair of blue, yellow and green plumaged wings thrusting out of his bracers, and the helm he wore was the pinical of elegance as far as Flynt was concerned it coverd the whole of the reptiles head with deep purposeful intricate carvings, the huge reptile spotted the young rat gawking at him then gave a wry smile to the rodent before throwing open both arms extending his wings, Flynt's jaw dropped at the majestic sight.

The great reptile watched as young Lizardfolk filled in around Flynt, male and female alike there were only nine of them everyone else stood on the outside of the circular ruin's center looking in, watching their young and admiring their leader. The large sea green and blue Lizardfolk donned in hi ritual garb began to speak, adressing the young of his people. "My brothers, sisters, sons and daughtores, we all stand here in this tower built by the ancestores of our ancestores, erected long before most of the trees in this forest." His green eyes smiled down at Flynt."On this day, a sacred day for our something that has not happend in the generations we have endeared our age old tradition here, and it is fortunante that it has happend!." the great lizard roared and aimed a giant clawed hand at Flynt causing him to go wide eyed and squeak in surprise."Flynt!, Has saved the life of my son and true the whole of the caravan!, and for this selfless deed has he gained the trust and love of us all!." The rat felt very small as he blushed beet red and shrank into himself only to squeak when several scaled hands rest upon his shoulders and back."There is only one way for you all do perfom this Trial and that is with a partner, with an odd numbe rof you here one of you would sit out and have to wait until next year, but the Great Dragon has blessed us with this young rat!." There were some murmers and whispers Flynt's large pink ears caught from a few lizards around him,"I know what you are thinking, that this goes against our ways, that this..." the Reptile held his hand towards Flynt,"That this Prey cannot run in the forest with our sons or sisters." Flynt blinked a few times at that, 'prey?.' "but I ask you to recall the day past when my son challenged him to a spar!. even though my hatchling bested the rodnet the Rat left lasting impressions of his skill!, the first time the rat had ever wielded a weapon he nearly bested the son of your Chiefton!." Bellowed the featherd Lizard,"I do not see Prey when I look at him, I see a fellow Lizard!." there were a few more murmers but some one spoke up with a fist in the air,"Flynt Goblins Bane!." The Rodent averted his gaze to the Blackscale Lizard the huge reptile smiled at the tiny rodent.another voice bellowed,"Flynt the swift!." the rat blushed and gulped looking around only to gaze up at the huge Rhinshin as he thunderd."Flynt Brother and protector of Log-tail tribe!." there were a round of cheers all around. Rhinshin bellowed thunderousely as a pair of Lizard walked into the ruin holding a large caudron full of what looked like blood."Look around you!, at your fellow Lizard and choose who you will partner with to venture forth into the Forest and work together to survive for seven days!." there were gazes all around. Flynt watched as a few of the lizard young adults smiled at one another and held shoulders and elbowed each other brotherly, not a single one gave the rat a second glance, he just stood there alone in a sea of scales, swallowing hard the rodent slowly began to work his way from the center of the circle and was about to leave when Rhinshin called out,"Flynt?, where are you going?" the ratling flushed and stared up at the huge Lizard while eyes of the other young reptiles lay upon him, a few murmerd to one another and some even chuckled. Rhinshin furrowed his brow neath that helm,"Do none of your brothers or sisters suit your eye, Flynt?" the rodent gulped hard and gently spoke up. "I-I think it is the other way around." The large reptile rumbled before he looked down to the young lizards."Flynt is just as capable as any of you here why do none of you wish to partner with him?" A few looks were given to the Rat then the Leader of the Lizards, one voice sang out from the lips of a natural green and olive yellow lizard standing astride a female."With all do respect Rhinshin, he dose not belong here." Flynt winced at that and backed against a wall of scale squeaking when all of a sudden large red and yellow hands were on his shoulders, he gazed up to peer into the kind face of the crimson lizard formt he tent. Rhinshin began to descend the steps and spoke,"Why dose he not belong here Oakin?." the reptile flushed and seemed to be rethinking his words as the large reptile began to bear down upon him."H-he is a Rat, the only way he belongs here is as prey, if he went out with one of us he could be put in grave danger of being kill then eaten." Rhinshin was chest to chest with the scrawny upstart lizard, he leaned down staring his piercing eyes into the youth,"is that so?." the large lizard stared into the amber eyes of Oakin,"Dose anyone else see Flynt, the rat who saved the lives of us all, who alerted us to the pressence of Goblins who would have burned us all in our sleep. who else see's this hero as mere weak prey?." the lizard lookd around at the collected group, there were a collection of shaking heads. With a grin the reptile leaned down and pushed his helmeted nose against the young Lizards,"Do not speak of him as prey again." the lizard rose up and bellowed,"teams cannot be male and female!." The green reptile pouted as his female companion left his side to join another female."To make this painless for you all!, Mosstail will work with Flynt I do not want to hear anymore belly aching about Flynt and his species, remember my brothers and sisters that our generouse benefactores that provided us the rule of their kingdoms lands and oasis, who sail us all from their land leagues away to here so we can enact our ancient and sacred ritual have adopted this young rat as their son!, Flynt is your prince!." the rodent gasped and cowerd in on himself as all eyes bugged out of their heads and turned to gaze upon the rodentian with renewed respect. The next step Flynt was to take, his first step to becoming a legitamate member of the Log-tail clan gave him pause, was to drink from a horn that rhinshin dipped into the vat of warm steamy blood. the mighty Lizard peered down at the rodent."Drink this, it is the blood of a mighty Drake felled only moments ago, a sacrifice to the Great Dragon, drink its essence and gain its strength." The lizard winked at the rodent shoving the horn into his paws, the vemrin gulped dryly. the warmth of the blood radiated from the horn, other lizards and even Thrisha and Sjinjel watched as the young Ratling licked his lips nervousely and with closed eyes tipped the horn to his muzzle and drank down the warm blood in one go, ribbons of the essence flowed down his chin and neck as he felt the heated blood warm his belly the rodent gasped for air as he pulled away from the horn panting he gazed up at Rhinshin who nodded his head in aprooval."You will be one of us yet young Rat." the reptile dipped the horn again before handing it to Mosstail who greedily drank down the blood mimicking the rodent. Rhinshins voice bellowed out once again,"Behold the young Rat drank the essence of the Drake and did not faulter nor did he pause for air! you will all follow his example!." Flynt and the rest of the Lizardfolk young filled out of the ruin into a garden like area where against the crumbled wall and toppled over statue of a great Lizardfolk monolith were three tables and a single adult lizard infront of each holding a torch and donned in their own ritual garb. Flynt stood along side Mosstail as the troup of young reptiles all linned up and were given inspection by Rhinshin himself, the great Lizard looked over each Lizards attire individualy whiel another Lizard adult standing near the tables spoke up in a booming voice."You all have exactly four miles of forest to venture out and find a place to build your shelter and live with your partners for a week!, Choose the tool you will take with you!, each team can only have one tool or weapon!." the Lizard waited for Rhinshin to finish his inspection, he looked a the young rats attire befor egently speaking,"Flynt, in this trial each team member can only have two articles of clothing you are wearing three." the rat flushed and gulped hard looking at the other lizards and to himself befor eRhinshin spoke up again,"You must get rid of one article little one." Flynt thought for a moment then began to carefully remove his arm wraps rollign the cloh up and handing them to the reptile who smield and nodded,''Good lad, go choose your tool."The rodent gulped and rubbing his forearm fur the young grey and black rodent wanderd over to look at the assorted tools and weapons laying on each table, Moss-tail right behind him."you go ahead and choose for us Flynt, I trust you." The rodent nodded and swallowed hard looking over the assorted items, most of them were crafted in the Lizardfolk way, though there were some items here and there that no doubt came from the market bound stash. Majority of the tools were axes, knives and some form of spades, what the Rodent ultimately went with was a bow, a simple recurve with antler caps on each end. the rat picked it up looking at the bundle of arrow it came with, he counted them befoe wrapping his fingers around them, they were not ina quiver merely tied together, their tips were surprisingly crafted of metal but of what ore the rat could not place until he got a good look at them and smiled,"Steel tipped arrows." the rodent looked up at Moss-tail then to the Large Lizard in ritual garb and a cloak made of reeds who came over to inspect the bow, he took it from the rodents hands and held it up to show Rhinshin who bellowed his aprooval,"A bow!, a fine weapon for sure and no doubt one of ultimate leathality in the hands of such a quick little creature, well chosen Flynt now go!, into the woods!." The rodent nodded to the reptile and after his bow was given back to him he, upon the usher of Moss-tail trotted along the forest path and then simply bolted off the trail and into the trees. The other Lizard young chose their items and did the same, all of them spreading out in different directions. Rhinshin removed his heavy helm and huffed out in relief. he turned to match his gaze with that of the Naga couple. "Well said Rhinshin, Flynt is a prince. he is our prince." motioned Thrisha as she stared into the woods. the great lizard nodded his head in agreement."Worry not Majesty, they will be fine, I had scouts scour the forest for at least a ten mile radius for any dangers they could not handle, no bandits or goblins are in the woods but there are fauna, bears will be their biggest threat." the two Naga's both nodded to the reptile but they still worried about their new found son. Flynt trotted along in the depths of the forest, passing between and around great trees of cedar and birch. Mosstail spoke up with a smile on his scaled lips."Why a bow?." The Ratling blinked and looked up at his companion with a soft smile, he gripped the wound wood of the bow slung over his shoulder."for hunting." Mosstail blinked and upon the Reptiles expectaqnt expression the Rodent explained,"we are goign to be in th wilderness for a week, we will need to hunt for our food, fishing is always hit and miss so using a bow with steel tipped arrows will greatly improove our odds at felling game." the rat grimaced a bit and sighed,"I guess my parents were wrong about me, I can eat meats.'' The lizard canterd his head, Flynt just smield at him."They though because I am a Rat that I cannot eat a lot of meats, wich I really can't, if I eat to much heavy meats I will get sick." The rat ran his fingers up and down the bows bend. "How do you know their steel tipped?" Inquired the reptile. he Rodent gave a wry smile and drew one of the arrows from the bundle holding it up, rubbing his thumb along the broadhead."My father in Pier-point ran a Blacksmithery, I learned a few things from him. This is good steel." the rodent looekd at the Lizard then to the sky as snow continued to fall aroudn the duo as they ventured into the forest, the white powder was acumulating on the rats black and grey snout and head."We can make an axe out of any stone, but we need to find or build shelter immedietly." the reptilian blinekd a few times and gazed to the sky then to the rodent,"Alright, what do we need to look for?." the rat remained quiet, in thought for a long moment before speakign up."An animal burrow, liek a bears we can use the underground den to conserve warmth and build a cover for the entrance out of saplings and branches." Mosstail nodded a few times, impressed with how quickly the rat was coming along. "Alright, want me to scout ahead to see if i can't find a den?" asked the lizard, he deflated when the Rodent shook his head,"No we need to stick together." the rodent stopepd in his tracks and looked around the forest,'We need to be close to water, isnt there a river nearby?" the Lizard nodded to the rodents querry and aimed clawed fingers ahead of them."Yes, were actually pretty close to one." the ratling furrowed his brow and listend, trying to catch the resonance of bubling sloshing water, and sure enouph it was there not to far from them. The Rat smield and nocked one of the arrows."Alright we need to look near tree bases for den openings." The Lizard nodded to his Prince and the duo moved onward both searching and inspecting the area between and around Trees closer to the waters. Luck was with the pair of young adults, they came across an animal Burrow sitting nestled between two trees of fir. Cautiousely the two approched it."Okay who is gonna check if there is something in there?" Asked the Lizard, Flynt had the answere. The young Rat took up a rock and threw it into the den with a grunt and waited, listening for any sound of irritation from inside. When nothing cam the rodent bravely crawled isnide of the burrow and poked around inside it with an arrow, he had to move aside some branches and what looked like bones left behind by the owner of the Den. Once inside the antichamber of the animal den the rat discoverd there was no occupant and crawled back out to a nervousely fidgiting Mosstail, his lovely yellow eyes were wide, peering at the rat expectantly."W-well?" "its abandond, stay here I will go find some stones to make an axe so we can get to work on renovating it." the reptile gave the rodnet a disaprooving gaze when Flynt handd the bow to him."B-but." the rat shook his head and spoke in his soft way,"Thsi den will be our home for seven days, counting this day we have to make it comfortable as well as reliable." With that the rodent went off into the woods to hunt down his rocks. Flynt took up several rocks and beat them together making an axe out of one and returned with it to Mosstail and from there on the duo worked together to fell small trees, Flynt impresed the reptile once again by making twine out of the back of bark and creating a small lean to at the Entrance of the shelter using the saplings and his book learning the young rat tied the saplings together after trimming them down to size. he created an entry way for the burrow.With the rodents direction and the Lizardfolks own wilderness survival skills they put their heads together and made the den secure and livable. covering the entrance with branches and strips of bark.inside the double leanto the Rodent set upa firepit encirclign it with stones, he sent Mosstail out to find tinder while the Ratling used bark and the leaves and needles fromt he surrounding trees to make a bedding inside the den. it was a small burrow with a height of around the rodent's, a width of three and after the entrance tunnel wich went underground by at least six feet the Den had a length of barely five feet. Using a stick the rodent made an air hole in the roof of the den, he then went outside to make a small wind guard around the hole. As he finished his work the rodent stood back to inspect it all, an entrance cover hidden with a pile of branches and leaves extending out by four feet and having a height of the same. The ratling sat in the entrance,a simple square shelter that proceeded the true shelter neath the soil, he waited for his companion to return and as he did the young rat used a stone knife he had crafted to carve out the tip of a sapling, making a spear for his friend. When Mosstail returned the reptile had two armfulls of tinder and dry sticks he had found in the woods. the duo worked together setting the sticks up properly in the fire pit before the rodent began to beat to rocks together eventualy making some sparks, the tinder caught flame and the two had a healthy fire going. Mosstail inspected the rat's work on the shelter and was thouroughly impressed, even going so far as to lay down in the bedding. though the way the reptile laid down was a bit expected.The young lizard was a litle over six foot high afterall, and the den only had a length of five feet, he lay on his back his head propped up against the far wall and his feet and long tail were propped up and justting into the small crampt tunnel."Flynt! your a geniouse!, this is more comfy than my bed!." The rat shook his head gazing down the tunnel at the pair of large reptilian feet and tail sticking intot he tunnel. with a smile the rodent sat by the fire, stoking it into the late hours of night. the heat from the fire radiated into the tunnel and with the combination of the two occupants only made it that much more cozey, Eventualy Flynt made his way into the den, cralwing over Mosstail's feet and torso before laying down in the bedding to get some sleep. Tommarow would be interesting and the young rat would have to rely on all of his book learning of this particular sort as well as Mosstails knowledge of wilderness survival as well. The following six days were difficult at first for Flynt, it was hard to find good fire wood in a forest blanketed by snow. Hunting was fruitful, Flynt was able to put down at least four rabbits and together the two took down a bear that tried to invade their Den. the duo had plenty of meat and furs to make it much mroe cozy, the Lizard of course wore the bear fur while Flynt added the rabbit pelts to his arms and hands. they of course decorated the outside of the den with the bears skull and a few of its rib bones. Flynt left the skinning and gutting to Mosstail, he merely stood back to watch, a few times the rodent actually got ill at the sight of the animals being butcherd. It wasnt that he coudlnt stand the sight of blood, but rather the innards and the smell made him ill. Catching fish was easy as well, and keepign the meat fresh was a simple matter of keeping it under a drift of snow. Flynt wasnt sure of this method but Mosstail was adamant about it. getting water was an easy chore of melting snow or making trips to the river nearby and using a bucket both males worked for hours at making out of reeds to carry the cool essence of life to the shelter.it lasted like this for the rest of the period given, both males had survived togeter, sleeping with one another, spooning close to conserve warmth and when the seventh day finaly came Flynt waited at camp while Mosstail went to fetch one of the adults, he returned almost an hour later to Flynt sitting by the fire roasing a cod he had speared in the river. the rat stood up eyes bright and happy, over joyed to see the reptile who was brought back was the Crimson lizard his name was Olrath and as he inspected the shelter he did his best to try and poke his head itnot he little den before giving up with a chuckle, he accepted the offer of fish fromt he young rat and showed down on the blackend sea critter before speakign up his edict rubbing his chin as he stared at the bear fur and rabbit furs both males wore, and the two bear skulls hanging from the dens entrance."You two have don admirably, well done, now head back to the ruin we will elave this shelter here for travelers or critters traversing the forest and in need of shelter." all three went back to the immense tower ruin together and waited for the rest of the lizards to show up. Flynt and Mosstail were the first to make it back, but as the hours drug on and the sun bathed the land in its gloriouse light washing the blanket of snow riddled and mottled with the footprints of many reptiles a single mammal and two snakefolk.rhinshin was there he made his way tot he rodent and squeezed his shoulders and embraced his son."Flynt took good care of you eh?" The younger sea green reptile laughed and nodded flushing a bit."Good!, once everyone gets back we will be ready to complete the ritual, and Flynt." Rhinshin peered at the young black and grey hooded ratling."You will be an official member of the Log-tail tribe!."Flynt waited with Mosstail and was urprised from behind when Sjinjel and thrisha showed up out of seemingly nowhere and both tugged the rodent into themselves hugging him rather tightly between each other."Little Flynt! we were so worried about you!."called Thrisha, Sjinjel noded in agreement neither serpents seemed ready to let their rodent go, both had missed him immensly but to their dismay the rodent wanted to be let go and ultimately the serpent pair let him be. Once every had returned and word was spoken about the other four shelters made and how the teams survived Flynt was wide eyed and listening. the pair of females had made a shelter out of two logs and large amount of saplings, the other males teams made simple leanto's, seemed those were basic shelters any lizardfolk knew how to make. seemed everyone passed inspection and did what they were meant to do.Then came the final step of the Trial and Fllynt and Mosstail were first to step up to a wooden table set out in the round ruins antichamber, upon the table was a large wooden bowl with deep intricate relief carvings, within the bowl was an orange syrupy fluid. Rhinshin stood astride the table and smiled down to the two young males he dipped his large scaled hand into the bowl of orange paint he gesterd for Flynt to move closer and with a blushing smile the young ratling stepepd closer to the large reptile then squeaked in surprise when the Log-tail Tribe chiefton drug his clawed finger over the rodents left eye."You are now a member of the Log-tail Tribe, Flynt may you be a valuable and lasting member." Flynt nodded gulping hard and backign away from the large Lizard watching as he did the same with the other lizard-folk dragging his clawed finger over their left eyes giving them the mark of the tribe a mark Flynt only just began to notice as he looked around at the adult reptiles standing about and cheering. The Rodent spotted a pair of familiar smiling Naga's and ran to them with a gleeful smile of his own. When the Rat jumped into Thrisha's arms she wrapped her own arms around the young rat and coiled quickly around him the Naga woman clinged to the rodent tightly nuzzling and kissing him all over. Thrisha pulled back fom the rodent letting him down to his own feet only to giggle when Sjinjel tugged the Rat into his torso and leaned over him."Our little Lizard!." announced the Male Naga. Rhinshin bellowed loudly after the final young Lizards were given their tribal paint."Let us celebrate our new brothers and sisters!." Flynt had never experienced such a celebration or partook such an amazing feast!. there was dancing and music, a great bon fire was set ablaze and around it the remainder species of the Caravan, the Lizard-folk and the single fox all partook the festivities. There was an unimaginable amount of meats prepared in so many different ways it was dizzying for Flynt, the amount of drinks served was just as vast, one such drink Flynt was enouraged to try by a stout Lizardfolk but warned against by Thrisha it was definantly alchohaulic. The celebration lasted long into the night Flynt had never eaten so much in his entire life, he favored the shreded meats and the heavily sauced poultry. Eventualy the rodent had his fill and was so tired he went to sleep in the arms of Sjinjel who carefully carried him into the ound top wagon with his wife trailign behind and as the Naga couple laid down with their mammelian son Thrisha could nt help but rub the small creatures bloated stomach.

The following morning the caravan of two wagons departed the forest clearing, rattling and creakign along the road as most others were fast asleep in their hammocks or in Flynt's case a bed belonging to a pair of Naga royals who just so happend to adopt him as thier son. for the better part of the day the wagons moved along not stopping but once or twice to replenish water supplies and food. Flynt was becomign noticably more and more agitated as the wagons began to travers up hills that only got larger and larger until the two wagons were bouncing and rattling along a narrow mountain path. The young rat woudlnt go near the windows and the moment he knew the wagons were on the treacherouse path he waield and even cried, clinging so tightly to Thrisha she winced in pain after each large bump or lurch of the wagon the rat would squeeze her so tight she swore those little claws of his broke skin. It got so bad that the Naga woman had to give the Rat a sleeping draft to keep him from having any more panic attacks. Thrisha gently ran her fingers through the hair of her little rat a worried look given to Sjinjel as he chekcked the woman's sclaes for any wounds."I guess he is terrified of heights." The male naga scoffed and even chuckled giving Flynt a ruffle of his snout, staring at the tear mark in orange over the rodents grey fur.After traversing the mountains the rest of the trip was relativly quiet and uneventful.there was still a chill in the air but it was slowly subsiding as the sun warmed the lands.the scenery began to change slowly, the road became more prominant and to Flynt's relief flat and with only grass and small hills at its sides. A small fence held up a sign written in common on a plank of wood carved into the shape of an arrow pointing down the road the way the wagons were rolling.

After two hills of flowing golden grass that only seemed to grow taller and taller. the young Rat was walking alongside one of the guards protecting the wagons, the name of the large reptile looming six and a half feet above Flynt was Skraa'un. He was quite the talker,going on about ways to prepare certain types of mushrooms, and the kinds that were edibal and the kinds that made good draught ingridients and those that were to be avoided at all costs, the proper way of cleaning black berries and how to make armor out of a turtle shell. Cresting the hill Flynt who was now the proud owner of a walking stick wrapped in red dyed hemp and a hat spun out of the very grass he walked past. he had watched in admiration when Skraa'un crafted it while talking and walking along as if it were nothing. Flynt stared out over the outlines of irrigation fields and farm houses some with stone gates others with wooden fences. people and animals were wandering along a fork in the road to the city, the port city of Narsin that sat right on the ocean banks. It was protected by high stone walls bearing red and yellow banners,the sails of ships could be seen looming over the roofs of the buildings and houses behind those high walls that made the walls of Pier-point look like fences. The two wagons and their procession of reptilian hosts came in behind a wagon with a canvas cover half rolled up revealing a harvest of grain and melons. Flynt stood next to the towering reptile guard who smiled down at him and patted his back as a gate guard approached the lead wagon,Sjinjel was sitting in the drivers seat holding the reighns. "whats you'r buisness in Narsin?" Sjinjel smiled looking down at his Ratlign freind then to the splint mail wearing RedPanda,"Were here for trade." spoke Sjinjel. The Panda nodded and looked at Flynt who as gawking up at the RedPanda from under the brim of the straw hat."How many are you?"asked the orange,white and black creature Flynt smiled and spoke up,"Around twenty three." the guard smiled at the Rodent and wrote something down on a tablet, Sjinjel beamed pridefully down at the young Rat. "And how long will you all be staying in Narsin?." Rhinshin walked up and ruffled the hat on Flynt's head making it go askew covering the Rats eyes temporarily blinding him,"Better let Sjinjel handle this one pup." The Serpent chuckled gently and answered the Panda as another guard was checking the wagons and inspecting the lizardfolk's."Just two days we have an area reserved for our wagons and an inn for our heads, our ship should be moored in your dock, it is the Servina a two masted ship."The Panda looked over the parchments, flipping over them then smiled going a tad wide eyed,"Ah yes, lord Sjinjel and Queen Thrisha,please you and your troup may go on in." the Redpanda gazed at Flynt for a moment,"And please enjoy your stay in Narsin the gem of Aredena's coast." Rhinshin surprised Flynt by proping the young Rodent up onto his shoulder letting the little Ratlign sit up there as the group enterd the city passing through the large iron and wood reinforced gates. The Streets were crowded and busseling with such an incredibly cast array of different species Flynt was wide eyed and gawking, he pushed the hat back and let it hang behind his neck. The streets were a cobble stone maze literd with straw and patches of dirt. cats ran this way and that, dogs barked at one another and strangers.

The duo of wagons clatterd and rolled into the market place,the sound of several different musical instruments from flutes to lutes filled the space between the buildings.The caladescope of smells was intense, foods cooking of every kind, this city was thrice the size of Pier point Flynt had been to the market in pier point and this marketplace, Narsin's market was three of Pier point's markets combined. The Rat was taken aback at how he barely saw a handful of humans among the creatures holding up strings of jewls,vegitables,booths set up with glistening metals and preciouse cloths. The wagons found their spot of rest in a round open area with a fountain in the center with booths and tents set up all around the edge of the routunda. The Rat stared wide eyed at a booth not far from where they stopped the wagons a troupe of Ratfolk wearing robes were selling a number of random things. Rhinshin grinned at the Rodents enthusiasum seeing those Rats. one of them stared in his direction and smiled her fur was white with mustard yellow blotches. Flynt was let down off the reptiles shoulders and ran up to Sjinjel who was talking with his wife about what to sell and what not to out of their wagon as the lizards began to lay out the innumberable amount of hides and armors.to Flynt's surprise the reptiles were opting to hawk literaly everything in the wagon. "Can I go look around the market?" Thrisha stared at Flynt with a loving smile, Sjinjel chuckled and used a moch deep fathers voice."Why yes son, go have fun! but best not get into michief and be back in an hour." the reptile with no legs grinned down at the Rat. Thrisha slitherd up to him and wrapped the young Rat up in her arms kissing the him on the cheek, when she pulled away she took the straw spun hat and put it on her own head,"Go on little one, enjoy your self we have to set up our stall and a lot to set out and sell so take your time, but do not venture anywhere but the market place". Flynt gave a happy squeak and bolted off, Sjinjel was about to trail after him but his name was called and he turned to look at the female Naga."Let him have fun dear,it is likelyhis first time in a market place with free reihn." Sjinjel smiled nodding and followed Thrisha inside the wagon where he was dutied with holding a chest while the female Naga filterd through things they were wanting to sell. "You know Mosstail gave him a large wealth." the Naga male chuckled gently as he set down a nasal helmet with intricate engravings in the metal,"I know, Rhinshin told me." the black scaled naga looked into the chest at a snake toy tossed inside,"Think it will be a problem?" the Naga male paused staring at the wood carved gryphon of Flynt's. "Were in a city where there is a human every nine citizens,he will be fine he will listen to us."stated the female Naga. Sjinjel nodded and set the gryphon statuet on a shelf alongside a dragon statuet,"he will never want for ever again, We all will make sure of that." Sjinjel turned to his lover who nodded sharply at his statement. "Of course,but..I worry what the other serpent folk think of him."Sjinjel furrowed his brow as he set a robe of pure silk with yellow desighns across it down on the pile of goods they had intended to sell."They will love him as we do." the male gave the female a stern look and finished his statement with,"They will grow to tolerate him.."

Flynt chewed on a bit of fried chicken on a stick, he swallowed the mushed up flesh then chewed on the end of the pointed stick as he traversed the market place. The market was smack dab in the middle of the city,it stretched across a wide area of the city. tents lined every free space they could without blocking the doors to more permanent establishments,five rows of tents and booths fileld the middle of the deformed oval surrounding the fountain with the statuet of a bird of prey inf flight. behind a trio of striped tents a stone walled garden could be seen and beyond it the rest of the city up to the large cliff upon which the castle over looked the entire city like a mighty stone guardian. "Hey Rat!, come see my wares! you want some padding for those feet!,a fine pair of boots made of the finest leather!." Shouted a red furred fox like creature holding up a pair of boots. The Rodent smiled and wanderd over to the both of yellow and white bands looking over the assortment of leather workings. boots, bracers, gauntlets, books.The Rat lifted up a leather bound book and stared at the engraving of a rearing gryphon on the cover. Flynt choked down the rest of the chicken and slipped the wooden spike into his belt whiping his hand on his cloak brim smiling after swallowing the food and flipped through the book."Ah a lover of Gryphons are you?" the Rat smield up at the fox and gave a nod."Well! I was originaly selling that at six gold,for you I will sell to at a generouse price of four gold coins." the Rat smield gently and looked over the other journal books,seeing a smaller one of red cured leather with a dragon bust engraving,the Rat pressed his clawed finger on the smaller journal,"Eight for both these journals." the fox blinked then grinned crossing his arms,"ten.'' Flynt smield and shook his head,"Nine and two silver." the fox fliked his ear unimpressed,Flynt looked over the booth and spotted a pair of leather bracers with a gryphon bust engraving,"eleven for both books and those bracers." The fox looked at the bracers then books,he smiled and turned to lay a holder for the books down on the counter over the other leather wares,"Sold." Flynt grinned and fished out the gold pieces and lay them in the foxes black padded hand,the Rat gave a dip of his head,"thank you sir." those golden eyes went wide blinking at the Rodents respectful display,he flikked his bushy tail watching the young Rat secure the larger journal into the leather strap holder,buckling it secured he slipped the smaller book into his satchel and reached out to take the bracers when the fox lay four gold coins infront of him."here." Flynt stared up at the fox with confusion,the red creature held crossed arms and sighed,"Don't look at me like that,You'r a refugee from that damned city,dont feel right taking all you'r gold after dealing with that woman." "Woman?.'' inuired the Rat as he pulled taught the black cord lace,securing the red leather bracers over his wrists.the trader nodded looking at the Rat,"You don't know why she kicked y'all out do you?' Flynt shook his head and the fox sighed nodding to another customer,"Long story short,she finds us all disgusting, something about us all being abomonations of her gods image." the fox shrugged,"Just a human taking her power way to far,I give her a week before someone assassinates her." the fox waved the Rat off,"Go on lad,go buy other things enjoy your day this city is a good place for us non humans.'' Flynt stood there for a moment then gave a shake of his head turning about and scamperd off to do just as the fox instructed. Flynt had purchased another stick of fried greasy seasoned chicken and had his jug filled with a non alchohaulic fruit juce derived from carrots.He approched a booth with large round shields lining its top, a length of wood reading in royal font,"Ogrimunds misc and baubles."the Rodentian smiled and approached it walking up to a scene of a topless winter grass green orc with dusting hair lining his back and chest wearing an extremely odd pair of specticals of several lenses working oh so delicatly on a silver wire he was wrapping around a pink chrystal on the end of a knotted and crooked stick.Flynt looked over the purple felt cloth laden booth counter with a number of different shaped and tipped wands,some with silk wrapped about them,some of wood others of metal.the Rats head canterd to the side as he picked up one of them. a slightly long twig with a blue gem on its end wrapped in a brass wire. "Careful." the Rat gazed up as the smooth voice flowed from the pink lips of a tall human man with long flowing blond hair tied back to cascade down to the middle of the mans back,he smiled down at the small Rodent holding the wand,"It'll turn you into a troll."Flynt blinked and with a squeak set the wand back down and stepped back a bit looking up at the tall well muscled human wearing a white poofy sleeved shirt with a frilled collar left open to expose more chest than necissary, a vest with intricate gold embroidery was loosely hung over that white shirt,and those leather pants detaield the humans well toned thighs. the Rodent flushed and looked over the oher wands when all of a sudden a gravely chuckle brought the Rats attention back to the orc who had pushed back the eye ware and held out the wand he was working on to the well toned, almost seductive human who graciousely accepted it. "There ya go,this one should hold up better than the metal one i gave you,it uses frost magic." the human balanced it in his hand and looked down at the Rodent with a grin then back up to the green skin,"How much do I owe you for?" the orc smiled and waved his hand dismissivly,"i'll put it on your tab,you can pay me later." the human smiled and looked back down at Flynt still gawking up at him the human smiled and bent down a little bit only to suddenly aim the wand at Flynt. "Troll!." and he tapped Flynt on the nose with the gems end,the Rat squeaked going wide eyed and staggard back brushing his nose and whiskers sharply looking over himself to see if he was to be turned into a troll,when he looked up seeing both tall men laughing like school children the Ratling huffed and marched off swishing his tail irritably. A long pull of the cool carrot juice calmed the Rat down and he had all but forgotten the prank buising himself with looking over some earrings, other than the snake bite to his left ear the rodent had never had his ears pierced but he had always wanted to get at least one piercing done. he peered up at the Bear anthro who was smiling at him with crossed arms,the Rodent held up a black steel earring forged into the shape of a gryphon,the craftsman ship was so fine and deeply detailed the Rat had a suspicion magic was used."I would like a pair of these." the large brown bear smiled opening those eyes he bent down to inspect the earrings then looked past them at the Ratling,"But ya ears aint pierced lil'un." the Rat blinked reaching his paw up to ruffle the small slive of silk hanging between the two gold rings settled where the snake fangs punctured his lobes, he simply smiled and shook his head,"I-I know,I was hoping you could pierce them for me." the bear gave a smile and spoke in his deeply accented voice,"If ya sure, piercin yun ears und the earrins top you five gold coins." the Rat gave a smile and looked into his coin purse,but frowned seeing only two gold coins and three silver pieces.he regained his smile and handed a lion out to the bear, who's eyes went as round as the intricatly printed lion bust adorned white and gold coin. the bear took the money and gestured for the Rat to come into the booth,the bear inspected the coin several times before setting it in a lock box and gave a relieved sigh seeing he had enouph change left over,he set the coin inside and handed the Rat the gold coins handfull by handful,each coin went into the satchel,a few coins fell clanking to the stone ground but the bear was graciouse enouph to pick them up for the Rat. When the correct change was given to the rodent, the bear had Flynt sit in a folding wooden chair and rubbed his large black padded fingers along the ear lobe until Flynt let him know where he wanted the piercings,with an application of a cloth dipped in pure alchohaul rubbed on each side of the ear the bear used a fine needle to pierce the Rats ears.the Rodent squeaked in pain each time the needle punctured his long pink lobes drawing a small amount of blood that was whisked away with a cloth.The Coal black and ash grey Rat winced slightly when the steel hooks of his chosen earrings were slid into place,the dangling gryphons bobbed and wobbled with their new owners head while he nodded listening to the instructions given to the rat by the bear on how to keep them in his ears for a week and how to properly clean the punctures. Flynt left the bears booth smiling brightly and every other step he fiddled with his earrings proud of them. He took a drink of his carrot juice and began to make his way back to where his new family were. he was pretty sure it had been an hour if a little more.the Rat was not aware he was being followed and watched as he moved in between the people moving about the market place. The young Rat was so eager to show Sjinjel his new gryphon earrings and Thrisha his new books and Mosstail and Rhinshin his new bracers that was when he felt a force smash into his back. a heavy unyielding force that threw him sprwaling on his front a few of his gold coins loosely tossed in the fringed satchel escaped through the small openings and clatterd out infront of him."Oh i am so sorry!." Flynt felt an arm under his own tugging him to his feet,he watched as the tightly clothed purple tunic, vest and leather black pants wearing blue skinned dark elf woman gingerly scooped up the escaped gold discs and handed them back to the Rat with a smile she got a little close dusting off the Rodents shoulders and arms. her hand slipped down over his satchel bag slipping sometihng inside it but Flynt never saw what it was nor felt it he just smiled at the elf and shook his head,"No no its my fault, I was moving to slow." he smield at her and she smield back giving a nod and an odd gesture he had never truly seen before she pressed her index finger and middle finger together against her brow and thrust them out before running off to dissapear into the crowd.Flynt simply shook his head and continued onward to the area the wagons and his new family of reptiles were selling hides and gear.He never saw the diamond imbedded chain dangling from the opening in his satchel swaying with each step gleaming like a beacon off the sun light.Flynt waved with a happy squeak seeing the tall Rhinshin accepting the gold from a small red kobold the large reptile drew a happy grin on his tooth lined face next to the Lizard Chiefton Sjinjel waved happily at Flynt. "Hault!." the rasp of steel sliding out of its scabbared resounded and Flynt paused looking up at a very very unhappy looking Tiger in glistening steel armor and a long flowing red and yellow cape. his long silver sword tip was pointing at Flynt another tiger and a horse came up and surrounded Flynt each holding weapons. Flynt's hands went up and he shudderd with wide eyes and flat ears,"W-wha."The Rat squeaked when the tiger shouted,"Silence thief!." the guards flanking him removed the Rodents falcata and daggers. the tiger sheathed his long blade and stepped closer to the Rodent who stood there frozen in fear,"keep your weapons on him boys,he may have a blade hiding on him else where." growled the very very pissed off looking tiger. The striped cat wrapped his mitton gloved fingers around that dangling chain and slowly pulled it out to hold infront of him. the gloriouse long chain swayed in the feline's grasp, four perfectly cut diamonds imbeded in each silver link connected to a large red ruby the size of Flynt's eye borderd by pink diamonds.the Tiger grinned a wicked grin."Well well well, what do we have here?. Looks like we got our thief boys." Flynt was wide eyed staring at that amazing piece of jewlery,the foot falls of lizardfolk and shouting Nagas were inaudibal to him as his mind was desperate to process what had just happend. The elf,she was the thief! she slipped the bauble into his satchel.he opend his mouth to speak, to protest, but was silenced by a heavy thunk of blunt metal against the back of his head, the last thing the rodent heard was Thrisha's terrified scream as the young Rat crumpled to the cold stone ground.