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Hetroth regained consciousness to the sound of voices nearby. Assessing his vicinity, he was somewhat distressed to find his parts were to the wind, within eyesight of whomever the female voice he was hearing belonged to. Flailing clumsily, he took a couple attempts before he managed to pry the covers from under his right leg and up to his belt.

"Good morning.", the female voice said aloud, likely addressing the hyena.

"M-morning.", Het stammered, only now realizing he was talking to a white wolf. Kapria.

"Well, his sense of shame appears intact.", Varik said, even as he himself stood stark naked right next to the white wolf.

"At times I wish some of it could rub off on you.", Kapria said towards the buck.

"Why? Seen too many dicks today already?", Varik asked with a grin.

"Varik.", Kapria snapped back at him.

"Sorry.", Varik backed off, still smiling. Kapria sighed heavily, still looking quite irate.

"May we talk now?", Kapria asked, gesturing loosely towards Hetroth.

"Wha-?", Het asked.

"Very well.", Varik said, gesturing to proceed.

Kapria walked up to the bed and sat at its side, making Het only pull his covers further up. Varik was nearby, hovering by the foot of the bed with his arms crossed.

"What can you tell me of the fertility god?", Kapria asked, staring intently into Het's eyes.

"Uh? What do you mean exactly?", Het asked back.

"What did it do to you?", Kapria asked in a tone that seemed outright accusatory.

"I told one of your doctors.", Het said, not really wanting to recount the tale a second time.

"Yes. And the way he relayed it, you'd somehow abated its ire.", Kapria said.

"I... maybe? I don't know.", Het said. "All I did was endure its attentions.", he said.

"And what were its exact words concerning redemption?", Kapria asked.

"Uh. That I should... have more sex. With more people. More types of people. And father children.", Het said, feeling somewhat uncomfortable so much as alluding to his sex life with what was essentially a stranger.

"I see.", Kapria said, lost in thought for a while. "Yet it warmed up to you regardless of what you'd actually done?", she asked on.

"I think so. But it seemed of two minds. I'm not sure what it truly thought of me.", Het said. Kapria seemed troubled with his answers, doubt visibly creeping into her thoughts.

"You mentioned the denizens are rather... aggressive.", Kapria said.

"Well, a lot of them seem intent on having their way with you.", Het said, thinking back to his experiences. "Including Timir.", he added after some thought.

"I see.", Kapria said, lost in thought. She then got up and walked off a couple steps. Het noticed her hands were shaking. "Thank you for your time.", she said and moved towards the door.

"Still plan to go through with it?", Varik called after her.

"Yes.", Kapria said. "We've little alternative.", she said.

"Well, you know my opinion on the matter.", Varik said.

"I do.", Kapria said with some resentment, then went out the door.

"What-... is there something I should know?", Het asked, continuing to keep himself covered.

"I suppose.", Varik said and slid back onto the bed next to Hetroth. "She's still intent on getting Cossian back to normal. As normal as she can be, anyway.", he said.

"Oh.", Het muttered, thinking back to how terrifying his stay there had been. "I cannot imagine this ending well.", he said.

"I know.", Varik said, sounding somewhat morose. "I wish I could enjoy Cossian getting what she deserves. But once again, she's dragging Kapria down with her.", he said. "Somewhat like I've dragged you down, I suppose.", he added with a mild smile. Hetroth rolled his eyes.

"None of that.", Het said and rolled over onto his side, placing a palm on Varik's chest.

"Sorry.", Varik said with a guilty smile.

"So what do we do now?", Het asked.

"Well, we can spend all day in bed if you wish.", Varik said with a lew smile.

"I mean what next now that I'm back?", Het asked on in mild annoyance.

"Oh. You have a point. Seems we're just about ready to return.", Varik said, rubbing his chin.

"Anything more we await?", Het asked.

"I'm somewhat curious what'll come of Kapria's efforts.", Varik said. "But that's not something we're likely to witness nor see through to its end.", he said. "Best I organize a return trip.", he said and sat up.

"Can we do something better than walking?", Het asked pleadingly.

"Hmpf. I suppose.", Varik said with a smirk. "Not eager to have some alone time with me along the way?", he asked.

"Not with Ivid and Rette tagging along.", Het said.

"After as much as they'd seen, I would think some late night love-making between two men wouldn't seem so bad to them.", Varik said.

"Be serious.", Het said with a roll of his eyes.

"I am quite serious.", Varik said with a smile. "I believe they've seen quite a bit these past two weeks.", he said.

"Did they?", Het asked, hoping to get a better idea of what Varik meant.

"Well, Roeterik did, at least.", Varik said, picking through his memory. "He's actually done quite a bit in the last two weeks.", he went on. "Might've actually done it with a man at some point.", he added.

"That still leaves Ivid.", Het noted, trying to ignore the unlikely event he'd just heard.

"Can't exactly vouch for what she's done, but she's witnessed some things.", Varik said.

"I don't imagine she spent a lot of time gawking.", Het said.

"No. Just blushing and looking troubled.", Varik said. "Much like you tend to do.", he added with a sly smile.

"I do not.", Het protested with a raised brow.

"If you say so.", Varik said, now outright grinning.

"Either way, I do not wish to do anything in front of them.", Het said.

"Not proving me wrong about your bashfulness.", Varik said with a chuckle. Hetroth glared at him.

***

At the public baths once more, Hetroth felt strangely at ease this time. He yet didn't feel at liberty to gawk at the parts of others as Varik sometimes did, but he felt much less fearful of being seen in the nude, at least among others in a similar state of undress. Part of it was likely the time he'd spent in the plague realm, and how his idea of a "troubling situation" had shifted somewhat. The other part was that his two guild mates were currently absent. Although to his knowledge, that would not last.

"Really trying to prove you're not ashamed anymore.", Varik noted with a sense of bemusement.

"I'm really not.", Het assured.

"So you wouldn't mind if I reached in and...", Varik trailed off, his arm slithering over Het's thigh.

"Stop. Didn't say that.", Het protested, moving his hand away.

"Then still quite bashful.", Varik said with a smile.

"Not as much as Ivid. That was your claim.", Het reminded him.

"It was also my claim that she grew embarrassed upon seeing some more carnal acts.", Varik said. "Such as that one.", he noted, nodding head towards a farther pool.

Het turned towards it to find two figures, a male sitting at the pool's edge, with the other's face buried between his legs. Hetroth stared for just a little while, more so trying to discern the lower figure's gender than anything, before turning away, blushing once more.

"Hah.", Varik remarked triumphantly.

"Shut up.", Het said, only growing more ashamed at having been proven so wrong. Apparently it'd been one thing to witness strange, distorted and depraved creatures performing such acts, and another thing entirely to witness regular people doing it. "Suppose I may've overerestimated how much recent days have changed me.", he admitted, smiling to himself. Varik ruffled his hair.

"And may you remain as adorable as you are.", Varik said, smiling himself.

"Little chance of that if you keep putting me in these situations.", Het said.

"Give it some time back in your prudish guild and you'll be back to covering yourself in front of other men.", Varik said in bemusement. Het rolled his eyes. "Sorry. Hope that wasn't too berating towards your guild.", he said.

"No. I guess I agree there.", Het said thoughtfully. "Do you truly think they will want me back?", he asked.

"Oh, calm your mind already. They will.", Varik said. "And that friend of yours would sooner run naked through the streets than permit them to deny you.", he said.

"I think you overestimate her devotion.", Het said with a raised brow, the mental image of Ivid doing that no less surreal to him than the things he'd seen in the plague realm.

"I believe you underestimate it.", Varik said with a smile. "Regardless, you're much more valuable to them than you imagine.", he said.

"I wish you'd be less cryptic.", Het said.

"I wish you didn't keep asking things I refuse to answer.", Varik said, once more ruffling through Het's hair.

"Ugh. Fine.", Het said.

"Since you're so at ease being naked now, what say you we go for a swim?", Varik suggested. Het wanted to respond at the less than subtle jab, but figured it was actually a decent idea. All the other times something had gotten in the way.

"Sure.", Het said.

As they got up out of their little pool, spilling water as they went, they noticed Het's two guild mates finally enter the bathing area. Het would've preferred to go straight for the pool, but Varik paused and awaited them to near. It was somewhat curious for Hetroth to see the cream coloured mutt intact and on full display for the first time. It outright felt like looking at a different person. His face seemed more stern, his musculature somehow more toned, and perhaps most of all, his genitals were quite prominent for one of his stature.

"Took you a while.", Varik said.

"It took Rette a while.", Ivid corrected, at which the mutt in question stared at her with displeasure. She wasn't covering herself this time, Het noticed, although the tinge of red underneath her fur suggested she would've preferred to do so, particularly when she noticed Het staring at her. Although that in turn made Het likewise turn a subtle shade of red.

"Oh. That again?", Varik asked with a mild smile.

"Yes.", Rette said in annoyance.

"Could've handled it here.", Varik said teasingly.

"I'm not here for that.", Rette said sternly, a mild blush upon his otherwise very irritant face.

"You'd do well to handle such needs while there's willing bodies around.", Varik said with a modicum of earnestness. "Don't think your guild will be able to help you with your particular needs.", he said.

"I know.", Rette said, looking somewhat troubled.

"We'll figure something out.", Ivid said in a doubtful manner. "Perhaps we could come visit from time to time.", she suggested, looking somewhat uneasy with her own idea.

"You could.", Varik said. "As long as you bring him along.", he added with a tilt of his head towards Het.

"As if he needed persuading.", Ivid said with a mild smile. Het was once again surprised to find she was able to joke about it now. Two weeks among the All Knowing had truly influenced everyone around.

"We're going for a swim.", Varik said. "Care to join us?", he offered.

"We're just here to get clean.", Ivid said.

"Very well.", Varik said and guided Het along.

"You all seem much more at ease now.", Hetroth noted as they distanced themselves from his two guildmates.

"Oh. Yes, I suppose. I think your disappearance gave us something of a common problem.", Varik said.

"Thought you and Ivid would never get along.", Het said, smiling at the happy outcome.

"Well, I yet take issue with her zeal, and she takes issue... well, with about everything you take issue with. And then some.", Varik said. "But I guess we're at more of an understanding after some time we spent talking.", he said.

"I should get abducted more often.", Het said with a smirk.

"We would've eventually reached an understanding without the misfortune.", Varik assured.

"Would've been two years instead of two weeks.", Het said.

"Two months, perhaps.", Varik said, rolling his eyes.

"You assume you'd get the chance to talk long enough.", Het countered.

"I suppose that'd be an issue.", Varik said thoughtfully.

"We'll see how you do with my two other friends.", Het said, his smile waning a little as he remembered something. "Assuming they yet decide to speak with me.", he noted.

"Either they will, or they're not worthwhile friends.", Varik said plainly. "Though I do not think they'd necessarily be much more of a challenge.", he said, contemplating something. "Are they as zealous as Ivid?", he then asked.

"Didn't take them for the types.", Het said.

"Shouldn't be a problem once they come around, then.", Varik said with a smile.

***

They returned to the small pool to find only Ivid there, focused on scrubbing her fur clean.

"Where's Rette?", Het asked as he and Varik sat down at the opposite end.

"Off 'wrestling' with some female.", Ivid said with visible annoyance, tilting her head in some general direction. Het scanned the hall to find Rette a fair distance away, holding someone down and gyrating his hips around.

"Oh.", Het said and looked away from the ongoing scene.

"He's a handsome one.", Varik said as he leaned over on one elbow to get a better look.

"Varik.", Het said.

"What? You'd do well to enjoy the sights opportunity grants.", Varik said. Hetroth noticed Ivid blushed at that point for some reason.

"And you feared I would be into women.", Het said, sparing the lewd scene one last glance before refocusing his attention on the water.

"Uh? Don't have to like women to enjoy the sight of a male fucking one.", Varik said. Het looked towards the buck to find something else was currently rising up on attention.

"Varik.", Het said, trying to be as discreet as possible.

"What?", Varik asked, not really picking up on the subterfuge. Het nodded downwards towards his rod. "So?", he asked.

"It's fine, Het.", Ivid spoke up somewhat unexpectedly. Hetroth felt somewhat stunned to be the only one seeing issue with the present situation, even if Ivid was visibly blushing. Perhaps Varik wasn't wrong in his assessment of how she'd changed.

"Uh. Alright.", Het said uncertainly, now awkwardly trying to turn his attention elsewhere.

"Think I'll go for that swim.", Ivid said and abruptly got up, momentarily giving the hyena a blatant display of her bare torso before she walked off towards the larger pool.

"Huh.", Het murmured as he watched her head off and disappear into the pool.

"Hm? Thinking you might like girls after all?", Varik asked, continuing to eye the mutt's efforts.

"No. Just... I don't understand people sometimes.", Het said, feeling as though he was speaking a foreign language at times.

"Take your mind off such matters and watch nature at play.", Varik suggested. Het then noticed the buck had begun to idly stroke himself. He briefly looked towards Rette, but quickly turned away again.

"It's... too strange for me to enjoy.", Het said.

"Maybe that's your problem.", Varik suggested.

"Uh?", Het asked.

"You assume they'd find our time together odd. But maybe it's just you who finds seeing friends do such things strange.", Varik said.

"Uh... maybe?", Het considered. "I don't think so.", he added after some contemplation. "Just not the way of our guild. Not normally.", he said.

"Then I suppose I've corrupted your friends.", Varik said with a lewd smile. "What say you we do the same for you?", he asked, then reached in and grabbed Het by the genitals.

"Let's... let's leave it for the night.", Het suggested, pulling the buck's arm away with some regret.

"Aw, alright.", Varik said and leaned back. "At least come here and give me a hug.", he said, his arms splayed off to the sides along the edge of the pool.

"Oh, very well.", Het said and leaned into the buck, wrapping his arms around. Varik closed his eyes with a smile and gave the hyena a light kiss on the lips.

They remained as they were for a while, with only the sounds of splashing water and people talking to stir them from their pleasant stupor. Het looked out into the distance within the chamber, seeking something to draw his attention. Rette was finished with what he'd been doing, and now lied flat upon the floor, enjoying the afterglow of his efforts. His partner, an equine, had descended into a nearby pool, now washing herself of the stink of sex.

Somewhat more interestingly, Hetroth noticed a familiar pair walk in. Two lupines, one pristine white, the other her opposite, now in more than just fur colour. They directed their step towards Het and Varik. Hetroth couldn't help but stare at Cossian. Her shoulders broader, hips thinner, bereft of breasts, a set of testicles and somewhat small-sized penis in place of where her womanhood had been. Perhaps more than her physical changes, what drew Het's attention was the utter defeat and misery upon her face.

"Hello again, Varik.", Kapria said as they approached.

"Oh. Greetings.", Varik said, looking up at the two new arrivals. They descended into the small pool, opposite to Het and Varik. Compared to them, the two lupines seemed quite reserved and distant towards each other. "Anything in particular you wish to speak of?", he asked.

In response Kapria simply looked towards Cossian, clearly expecting her to respond.

"I'm... sorry about Irmin.", Cossian began in a voice quite unlike the one Het remembered. It'd gotten considerably lower, unambiguously masculine. "I realize it's rather late for this. I just needed to say it. I'm sorry.", she said.

"Oh. Wonderful. Apology not accepted.", Varik said sternly, crossing his arms.

"Varik.", Kapria said in a pleading tone.

"No. This does not warrant forgiveness.", Varik began. Het felt this may've enraged the buck more than any back and forth between them ever had. "This should've been for Irmin to hear. This should've come years ago. This shouldn't be part of some misguided quest to undo the misfortune that's befallen you.", he said, growing increasingly heated.

"Varik, please.", Kapria repeated.

"And most of all, this should've been a deed punished. By you. Not some chance encounter with a daemon.", Varik said, now directing his ire towards Kapria.

Nobody said anything for a while, an uncomfortable silence dwelling over them. Though Kapria maintained an air of dignity and restraint, her eyes seemed to suggest she likewise held some regrets, Hetroth noticed.

"A word alone, if you may.", Kapria requested, suddenly rising to her paws.

Varik shrugged and got up, prompting the two of them to walk a distance away. Now left with only Cossian for company, Hetroth felt no less tense, yet wanted to ask her some things.

"Uh, so what's it like? Getting to grips with the situation, I mean.", Het asked, wanting to start a conversation somehow, yet immediately feeling as though he might've overstepped.

"It's a nightmare.", Cossian said, continuing to stare off into the surface of the water. "I can hardly bear to look in a mirror anymore.", she said. "Kapria tries to look past what I've become, but even she's reluctant to touch me.", she added bitterly.

"I see.", Het said, not expecting this amount of detail concerning her troubles.

"I loathe what it's been doing to my mind.", Cossian said, growing increasingly irate. "I'm more prone to anger, have greater needs I do not wish to see fulfilled.", she went on.

"Uh. I suppose there you could find a kindred spirit in Roeterik.", Het suggested nervously, but the black lupine seemingly ignored him.

"I've even gotten to experience the anguish of being struck in the balls. Five times by now.", Cossian went on, a look of madness forming in her eyes. Het wanted to question how one got that to happen five times within two weeks, but figured his own recent misfortunes certainly proved it possible. Perhaps more so for someone who may've wrong some people in that very same manner previously. "Were it not for Kapria and some distant hope of ever returning to normal, I likely would've ended my life by now.", she said.

"Oh.", Het blurted out in somewhat of a stupor. "And is apologizing a part of that hope?", he asked.

"Yes.", Cossian admitted unhappily. "Though I doubt it helps in any way.", she added, contemplating something. "And it's not entirely insincere.", she went on.

"So you do regret what happened?", Het asked, somewhat curiously.

"'What happened', as if it was an accident.", Cossian shook her head. "I was younger, dumber and angrier at the world. It may be too late to change anything, but it's not something I'd have done ever again.", she said, making Het mildly curious as to what'd happened for her to reach a turning point in her life. "Just wish it was anyone else I had to apologize to.", she then added resentfully.

"Well, for what it's worth, I'm grateful you tried to save me that night.", Het said.

"Uh? Oh. Yeah. A lot of good that did.", Cossian said. "I actually regret it.", she added after a while. "It didn't help either of us. I should've just run.", she said, staring off to the side in disdain.

Het didn't know how to respond. Despite her jagged personality, he felt a sense of pity for her.

"Sorry.", Het said uncertainly.

"Don't be.", Cossian said with a sigh. "I just... really hate this.", she said in resignation.

At that point, Ivid returned from her swim.

"Oh, hello.", Ivid said and sat down next to Het.

Cossian said nothing, instead giving a curt nod while continuing to look miserable. Ivid simply raised a brow in response.

"Someone die?", Roeterik suddenly said as he approached the solemn scene, taking a seat next to Ivid.

"No.", Het said, somewhat put off by the lack of tact. It wasn't unlike the Rette he knew, but the tone in which he'd said it seemed different.

"Oh. Pardon.", Rette then said, seemingly only now having noticed the downtrodden black wolf among them.

"Uh. Cossian here is having trouble adjusting to her new pa-", Het began.

"Shut up.", Cossian said in annoyance.

"Well, I can sympathize.", Rette said with a tilt of his head. Though he hid it well, Het could tell he was blushing.

"Not quite the same situation.", Cossian said humourlessly.

"No. But I am having to deal with some temper issues.", Rette admitted, crossing his arms. Ivid rolled her eyes, looking as though she wanted to say something but refrained. "Alright, and I've been spending an inordinate amount of time handling my needs.", he said in annoyance, having noticed the face Ivid was making. He was now fully red in the face.

"You don't seem particularly unhappy about it.", Cossian noticed.

"I enjoy the feeling. But truly I regret the time wasted.", Rette said. "I should be training, studying, anything but this.", he said.

"Cut them off if you're so unhappy.", Cossian said in annoyance. Ivid glared at her.

"I've considered it.", Rette said without a hint of sarcasm.

"Oh God.", Ivid said, now glaring at the two of them. Het likewise felt uncomfortable with the topic at hand.

"I don't think I could go through with it. Nor do I truly wish to.", Roeterik said.

"Well, door's open for you.", Cossian said.

"As is for you if you find your current parts so objectionable.", Ivid countered, looking somewhat irate with the black wolf.

"That's true, but that'd potentially incur the wrath of the fertility god, and we wish to avoid that.", Cossian said.

"Doesn't voicing such suggestions do that as well?", now Het asked.

Cossian stared at him for a while in dismayed realization, then sighed heavily. "Yes, probably.", she said, looking down into the water once more. She then took a handful of water and ran it over her face in frustration.

"Well, I wish you luck in your efforts.", Hetroth said. Ivid stared at Het with some kind of disapproval.

"Uh. Thanks.", Cossian said glumly.

After some time spent in relative silence, each of them having turned to focus on cleaning themselves, Varik and Kapria returned, both seemingly having something on their minds they were reluctant to mention aloud in front of present company.

"Coss.", Kapria said plainly, prompting the black wolf to rise out of the pool, continuing to look like a freshly whipped slave.

Varik took a seat next to Hetroth, immediately placing a hand on his shoulder and pulling him close. Het was slightly troubled by the sudden show of affection, although Ivid herself displayed only the mildest of aversion, then just turned her sights elsewhere.

"So what'd you talk about with her?", Varik asked.

"Just was wondering how she was dealing with the situation.", Het said.

"And?", Varik asked, seemingly eager to hear the answer he likely already knew.

"She called it a nightmare.", Het said.

"Good.", Varik said with a mild yet malicious smile.

"I don't know about wishing that on anyone.", Het said. "She told me she regretted what'd... what she'd done.", he said.

"That's good as well. She can carry that regret all the way to Irmin.", Varik said dismissively.

"Who? What?", Ivid asked.

"Long story.", Het said with a guilty smile. He wasn't sure Ivid needed to hear it, particularly since she already seemed displeased with the black wolf.

"We've time aplenty.", Ivid said with a shrug.

"I'm more curious as to what the two of you were talking about.", Het said, trying to redirect the subject.

"Oh. Well, something we wanted to keep private.", Varik said with a smile, which very mildly irritated Het. "Although one thing that's arisen from it is I'm to stay an extra day.", he said.

"Oh?", Het asked.

"Sorry. It needs to remain a secret for now.", Varik said, continuing to put on his best smile.

"Alright.", Het said with a roll of his eyes. For the guild hall of the All Knowing, very little seemed to be all that known there.

***

"You seem troubled.", Varik noted, looking at the cream-coloured mutt from across their table. Rette had indeed sparingly touched his food.

"I am.", Roeterik said. "Though it's not a subject I wish to broach under present company.", he said.

Ivid looked around questioningly. "Am... am I to move elsewhere?", she asked with some displeasure.

Varik tilted his head in a way that suggested it'd help.

"Fine.", Ivid said and took her plate with her, finding a more secluded place within the mess hall. She'd spend the finer part their time there glaring at the mutt, at least until some All Knowing canines unknown to Het decided to join her.

"So what's the problem? Any pains?", Varik asked, sounding quite serious.

"Uh, not usually.", Roeterik said. "I'm more so worried what'll be when I leave this place.", he said. "The hospitality here has been quite effective in calming my nerves and needs. I worry what I'd do without it.", he went on.

"Oh, well. Nothing stopping you from handling the need yourself, you know.", Varik said, gesturing suggestively with his hand.

"I know. But that... takes longer.", Rette said.

"Have to grow used to it eventually.", Varik said.

"It'll get in the way of my training.", Rette said.

"Would think training would effectively take your mind off such matters.", Varik said with a raised brow.

"To an extent it did.", Rette began. "But then it relapsed as I was doing more idle work on a dummy.", he admitted. "Made it somewhat troubling to move about.", he added with a blush.

"Need to learn to think of less alluring things when that happens.", Varik said.

"I realize. But it's been proving difficult.", Rette said, growing irritated at receiving no particularly original advice.

"Well, if you're feeling desperate, then maybe Het here could offer his services.", Varik suggested with a grin.

"Hey!", Het protested, feeling some decisions were being made for him.

"Don't you pretend you wouldn't like it.", Varik teased, much to Het's displeasure.

"Thank you, but I'm afraid I like women.", Rette said.

"Oh? Heard you did it with a man.", Varik prodded with a sly smile.

"Yes.", Rette admitted with a growing blush on his face. "Wasn't an experience I found all that enjoyable, however.", he said.

"Aw. Pity.", Varik said with a smirk. "Although in desperate times the not so enjoyable can be quite alluring.", he suggested, prompting the mutt to frown at him. "Sorry.", he then added, feeling he was teasing too much.

"Maybe you could find yourself someone within the guild?", Het suggested.

"I'm not sure. I've meager rank and no family backing.", Rette said.

"Pretty sure the best swordsman among us could still find someone.", Het suggested on. "Not like your affliction was broadly known before... was it?", he then asked uncertainly.

"No... only to the higher ups and you, I suppose.", Roeterik said.

"If you truly cannot satisfy yourself any other way, I suppose we could accommodate you from time to time.", Varik said with a shrug. "Although there are other alternatives. Timir's temples yet stand. As do many a brothel.", he said.

"I... I hesitate to waste the coin.", Rette said. Varik rolled his eyes.

"Some might object to treating us like a free brothel.", Varik said.

"I understand. I just... I really don't want this new development hindering me in so many ways.", Rette said.

"Well, look to the positives. It's pleasant to do, and having male parts will make you stronger.", Varik said.

"So far it's only made me weaker.", Rette countered.

"Oh? Someone strike you in the jewels?", Varik asked with a hint of interest Het wanted to roll his eyes at.

"Uh. That too. I mostly just meant my needs cause me to lose focus on what matters.", Roeterik said.

"I suppose a kick to the stones might make you feel that way.", Varik went on, seemingly trying to shift the focus of the story towards subjects more interesting to him. Hetroth palmed his face in realization of what he was doing.

"It wasn't actually a kick. This one fox, Gestrius, accidentally smacked me during a spar with his two-hander.", Rette said with some displeasure, likely at the very memory. "I'd never realized how bad it can feel.", he added.

"I see.", Varik said with a mildly compassionate smile. Het glanced towards Varik's nethers to confirm it may've been more than just empathy that made him smile like that.

"I don't think sex need be beyond your focus.", Het interjected, hoping the current line of questioning was over with. "Having a family and fathering children in particular can be quite beneficial to your status.", he said.

"Suppose so.", Rette said, considering the option.

"Planning on fathering some yourself?", Varik then asked at the hyena.

"Varik.", Het said with a resigned sigh. Varik ruffled his hair with a chuckle.

Het's rescue from Varik's teasing came none too soon as Arlus approached their table.

"Varik. Matters urgent.", Arlus said, leaning over the buck's shoulder. Varik nodded and got up, moving a fair distance away from the two Artificers before they spoke. Hetroth observed their conversation, noting how Varik seemed to remain stoic and calm even as Arlus seemed to only grow more frenzied.

"I still fear our return.", Rette said in a defeated manner.

"As do I.", Het said, continuing to look curiously at the ongoing conversation.

"I will have to report on what's happened. And who knows what they'll make of me then.", Rette said.

"I still believe my position is considerably worse.", Het said, now turning back towards the mutt. "But even so, you don't seem the type to hold Artificer ideals all that high.", he noted.

"Quite the contrary.", Rette said. "I owe them a great many years of my life I would've otherwise spent orphaned.", he said.

"Oh? You were orphaned?", Het asked, somewhat curiously.

"Disowned. No difference in my life.", Rette said.

"Why?", Het asked, wondering what might've caused it.

"Hereditary altercations between siblings.", Reoterik said. "End result was my state of being, and the vengeance I'd enacted when I was but a boy.", he said.

"Oh... you did likewise to your... brothers?", Het asked.

"I stabbed my elder sister through the heart in her sleep.", Rette said. "The one who'd done this to me in an effort to assure our parents wouldn't name me heir instead of her.", he went on.

"That's terrible.", Het said, feeling ill at the pit of his stomach.

"It's also quite typical to dungborn nobility.", Roeterik said. "She made an error in not killing me outright.", he went on. "She also made an error in assuming our parents ever considered me heir. They barely batted an eye when they'd learned what she'd done.", he said.

"So your parents disowned you for that?", Het asked.

"For leaving them old and heirless. Yes.", Rette said.

"I take it you don't regret it.", Het said with some uncertainty.

"Of course not.", Rette said with sudden irritation. "May my sister rot and the entire house die out.", he said vehemently.

"Well, there's still you.", Het noted.

"I no longer carry the name. And I would never consider retaking it.", Roeterik said, looking ready to throw something.

"At the very least, you've come out of it the victor of sorts.", Het said with some caution.

"That I have.", Rette said sternly, calming somewhat. At this Rette returned to eating his meal in a strangely defiant manner, each movement forceful as though to spite the very memory of his family. Het likewise turned to his food, somewhat reluctant to broach further subjects with the agitated canine.

Eventually Varik returned, looking no less calm than he'd been minutes ago during his conversation.

"What was that about?", Het asked.

"Oh, guild things.", Varik said, once more being purposefully vague.

"Would almost think you're secretly planning to throw me back in the damned realm.", Het said dismissively.

"Of course. We're hoping Timir sees fit to give you a second set of balls.", Varik joked and suddenly grabbed Het under the table.

"H-hey!", Het stammered in protest, trying to distance himself from the buck yet was unable to due to being held in place. He spared a fearful glance towards Rette, who merely smiled in amusement.

"I see you're of better mood.", Varik noted.

"I suppose. I've come to see the change in a positive light.", Rette said.

"Oh? And what lead to that? I think I missed out on the more interesting conversation.", Varik said.

"Just reminiscing about the past. And my dungborn noble sibling that lead to my state of being in the first place.", Rette said.

"Curious.", Varik said with a mild smile. "We'll be returning to our quarters now.", he then announced. "You're welcome to come with if you change your mind concerning men.", he added with a sly grin.

"I believe I'll pass.", Roeterik said with a mild chuckle.

Het merely sat there turning various shades of red.

***

"Stabbed?", Varik asked as though he had misheard.

"Yes. In her sleep.", Het went on, retelling the tale of Roeterik. They were heading towards their place of rest once more.

"And he was what? 8? 9?", Varik asked.

"I do not know. He hadn't mentioned his age.", Het said.

"Still, remarkable for a child that young to know enough to stab someone in the heart.", Varik said.

"Yes. 'Remarkable'.", Het said glumly.

"Hm. Was thinking he'd have something in common with Cossian, but now it just sounds like they'd come to blows if they knew more about each other.", Varik said thoughtfully.

"Hm?", Het asked.

"She's also nobleborn. Not dungborn like your compatriot either.", Varik said. "Somewhat on the opposite side of things. The older of two siblings, female, her younger brother the favoured son.", he went on.

"I trust this didn't end similarly.", Het said, hoping he'd not hear anymore of castrations nor murders that day.

"Oh, no. This was a much less violent series of events. She wasn't even fully excluded from the family wealth, just considerably less rewarded.", Varik said. "And since we've only her word for it, we just have to assume it was because her brother was male and not because she herself was a shit.", he went on, rolling his eyes.

"We've only Rette's word for his story as well.", Het noted with a raised brow.

"Well, somebody castrated him, that much we know for certain. Doubt he'd lie about the surrounding circumstances.", Varik said with a shrug.

"Technically could've been a punishment.", Het once again noted, even if he didn't believe it himself.

"On a child?", Varik asked critically.

"Oh. Right.", Het said and realized his idea didn't hold much ground.

"Either way, even if what Cossian claims is true, she still ends up sounding no less a shit to be using that as an excuse to be the way she is.", Varik said. "Especially since your friend doesn't seem to hold ill will towards any general group of people despite his experience.", he went on.

"I couldn't really tell you what goes through his head.", Het said. "And well, he did get to stab the person who did it.", he added.

"That he did.", Varik admitted with a smile that seemed oddly out of place to Het. "Cossian just abandoned the family name, deciding she wanted to have no part in it.", he went on. "With that much I can empathize, actually.", he added, rubbing his chin.

***

"Don't suppose I'll find out what's keeping us in Primum, will I?", Het asked as he sat down upon their bed, leaning back and getting comfortable.

"Oh, just some leadership issues.", Varik said.

"Somebody catching the blame for the whole debacle?", Het asked.

"Hm... something like that.", Varik said with a mischievous smile. "Wondering if I should take you along.", he said.

"Well, I wouldn't mind. See little alternative in the matter.", Het said.

"Could always leave you with a good book.", Varik suggested.

"Please, no.", Het said humourlessly. Varik chuckled.

"Alright, alright.", Varik said, now moving towards a chest of drawers within the room. "You may be shocked to find I don't always dress the way I do.", he said, now rummaging through one of the drawers.

"That'll be interesting to see.", Het noted, eyeing the buck curiously. Indeed he stared on in wonder as the stag yanked off his loincloth and pulled out a pair of regular trousers, his bare rear soon hidden underneath.

"You're supposed to wear the loincloth underneath that.", Het noted with a frown.

"I find it more comfortable this way.", Varik said. He continued on, somewhat clumsily pulling a shirt and tunic over himself, then boots, and finally an azure tabard. For a while Het thought the buck would now look indistinguishable from the rest of his guild, but as he turned around, Hetroth found his tabard wasn't exactly standard issue, the very symbols he normally painted upon his chest apparently dyed into the fabric in white.

"Really?", Het asked with a tilt of his head.

"Yes. Kapria was pretty upset at the time that I'd 'tarnished' my uniform.", Varik said with a toothy grin.

"And when'd you decide to stop wearing it?", Het asked.

"When I left for Tertium.", Varik said, his smile waning a bit.

"Oh.", Het said, uncertain whether to push the subject onwards. "So it's somewhat of a momentous occasion?", he asked.

"It is.", Varik said with a mild smile. "Although I've yet to know what exactly comes of it.", he said, his smile seemingly more nervous.

"I'm sure it'll be fine.", Hetroth said glumly, feeling somewhat tired of cryptic phrasings.

"Thanks.", Varik said quite sincerely, even if he knew the hyena had no idea what this was about.

***

The chamber they'd entered was considerably less impressive than the one where they'd kept the golden gate, yet it beheld a different kind of splendor. Where it lacked in size and grandeur, it made up for it in finely crafted decoration. No surface around, the furniture, the walls, floors and even ceilings, were left untouched and unrefined with patterns geometric and floral alike. The centerpiece of the room was a stone table, its front engraved with a likeness of Zelethon, surrounded by intertwining floral patterns stretching out to the sides. Behind it were 5 seats, no less splendid, their backs a match for the full height of any person who might sit upon them. Yet upon those 5 seats now sat but 4.

Hetroth recognized but two among them by name, Yohun the Eye and Golguth the old goat. Yohun in particular seemed troubled, his one good eye staring off into the distance, lost in thought over something. The other two were persons he'd seen, yet hadn't spoken to nor could he identify. Two canines, one a female brown wolf, the other a male black mutt.

Behind them stood a single grey-robed fox, holding an inscribed crystal orb of some kind. In a way he reminded Het of a seer, and may've been just that, though he couldn't be certain. Before their table gathered everyone else, standing in a quarter circle, a sense of anticipation thick in the air around. Besides Varik, Arlus was the only face Het yet recognized among the expectant crowd. In fact, the dreary-eyed wolf made his way through the crowd towards them.

"How's the big moment?", Arlus asked.

"I guess it depends on whether Dillin decides to candidate.", Varik said.

"Nawh. He's out of it. Said he didn't want to be the head of a prick.", Arlus said with a grin.

"Tertium's now a prick, eh?", Varik asked.

"A huge, floppy one, I believe he called it.", Arlus said.

"What?", Het chimed in, somewhat confused as to what they were talking about.

"Oh, nothing. Just some people not happy with the amount of 'deviants' Tertium tends to gather.", Arlus said. "Though really they're the ones offloading them there.", he went on.

"Alright, enough.", Varik said with some displeasure.

"Hey, I'd take it. Always better than what Golguth's having.", Arlus said with a smile.

At that point, Yohun lifted his head and gave their table two sturdy knocks, drawing the attention of those gathered.

"It looks like we're all assembled. Let us begin.", Yohun said, bringing an end to the reserved murmurs pervading the room. "We gather here today to address a matter quite sudden.", he announced. "Kapria Ferellic has crossed over into the high realm against the guild's wishes.", he said. "Consequently, the seat of head within the Tertium branch has been left vacant.", he went on. "It now falls upon us to elect a replacement.", he concluded.

"Ahem.", the old goat cleared his throat as he began to speak. "Kapria left a letter naming a successor, and though her will is of somewhat questionable worth right now, we will take her her word as valid recommendation.", he said, sounding considerably less official than his predecessor. "Varik, step forward.", he then said.

As Varik moved out into the open of the room, Het suddenly realized Varik had known of these matters far ahead of time. Or at least as far as his talks with Kapria that day.

"Any objections? Other candidates perhaps?", Golguth asked out into the open. Het took note of how the two canines of the lower branches seemed to look rather sour at the nomination. Nobody seemed to voice any concerns, however, leaving a moment of silence. "Melik?", he asked towards the fox behind them.

The fox kept his eyes closed and clamped his hands around the orb he'd been holding.

"Pretty glum atmosphere among the heads.", Het whispered to Arlus.

"Oh. Well. They've all got their grievances with the situation.", Arlus whispered back. "Except for Golguth. He's too old to care.", he added with a smile.

"What kinds of grievances?", Het prodded on.

"For starters, grand sage Ferellic there is quite obviously upset his daughter ran off.", Arlus said.

"Kapria?", Het asked, somewhat surprised.

"Were you not properly introduced?", Arlus asked.

"Must've slipped my attention. I was somewhat concerned with other matters at the time.", Het said, recalling how he'd been enduring his indecency at that moment.

"Well, that's how you become head of your own branch at 23.", Arlus said with a bittersweet smile. "And now the trust ol' Yohun put in her proved a bit unwarranted.", he said.

"Most others would've done likewise.", Het said with a raised brow.

"You expect more of a branch head than what most would do.", Arlus noted. Het decided not to argue.

"And what of the other two canines?", Het then asked.

"Oh, Unsith there's just upset 4 of 5 are going to be men again.", Arlus said, nodding towards the female. "And Thesenius doesn't like another non-canine running a branch in the canine kingdom.", he went on.

"Oh.", Het said, somewhat taken aback.

"I think they both might take issue with cockhandlers as well.", Arlus added, rubbing his chin. Het now merely thought back to how wrong an impression the Tertium branch had left him with.

"No objections were raised.", the fox said as he finally opened his eyes.

"Very well, then. Varikas, do you accept the position?", he then asked.

"I do.", Varik said sternly.

"Then yours it is.", Yohun said, rising from his seat along with the 3 others. As he and Varik clasped hands, a somewhat reserved but still quite deafening round of applause erupted within the chamber.

As soon as they unhanded one another, the rest of the gathering converged around Varik to give their gratulations and best wishes.

Hetroth observed the pleasantries from a distance, the polite smiles and handshakes somewhat reminding him of the advancement that'd passed him by. He thought he might've felt some resentment at such a sight, particularly considering the man of the hour had been the one who took away his chance of advancement, yet he couldn't feel any envy the way he had with Ivid. At that point, he couldn't tell if it was simply because he felt happy for the buck, or because his recent experiences had robbed such matters of importance to him. Perhaps more than that, it dawned on him that he was now lover to a guild head. Of a rival guild. Besides seeming no less surreal to him than what he'd witnessed in the plague realm, he now had to pause and think - how in the world would he explain this back home?

***

"Ah. Finally done with this.", Varik said as he pulled off his pants. "Sweat like crazy in these.", he added, wiping his forehead.

"So... head of the Tertium All Knowing, eh?", Het asked, reclining on their bed. He was yet clothed, save for his boots.

"Yup.", Varik said, looking quite smug with his flaccid parts now out in the open.

"Seems a step down from king Varikas the first.", Het said with a broad smile. Varik paused for a second in confusion, then smiled as he remembered where that particular bit of misinformation had come from.

"I can still be your king.", Varik said, moving towards the prone hyena.

"Oh? Am I to refer to your member as your highness?", Het quipped, even as the deer moved onto the bed and over the hyena.

"You may.", Varik said, hovering around over Het till he ended up sitting on his chest, his flaccid genitals hanging right in front of the hyena's nose. "You may also polish the royal jewels and scepter.", he added with a lewd smile.

"Uh. I'm not so-mf!", Het began in protest, but was silenced as the buck's parts draped over the front of his muzzle.

"Now, now. You don't say no to a king.", Varik said with a toothy grin, gently gyrating his hips over the hyena's face.

With some reluctance, Het opened his maw and permitted his tongue to slip out, taking a testing lick of the buck's low-hanging fruit. They tasted mildly salty and sour, not particularly pleasant to his palette, yet being used like this and getting so up close with Varik's manhood was starting to have an effect on his own parts, his length steadily stiffening in his pants. He truly had a lot in common with the aspect of submissiveness, he realized.

As the buck continued to smother Het's face with his manhood, marking him all over with his scent, the hyena continued to obediently lap at the stag's hefty scrotum, occasionally getting a lick of Varik's steadily hardening member.

"Come, put them in your mouth.", Varik commanded, placing his gonads at the front of Het's somewhat hesitant maw. Hetroth eventually yielded and opened his muzzle wide, though with a playful show of teeth that quite clearly gave the buck some second thoughts. "Best keep those chompers in check. Else I'll be having to abandon my guild duties as well.", Varik quipped nervously. Het merely smiled up at him mischievously.

Now rolling them around and gently sucking on them in his maw, Het tasted the buck's damp testicles in full. Though the taste quickly washed away under the hyena's saliva, it continued to arouse him, keeping him hard in his pants. He gave them the occasional tug and pull, craning his head as far off to the sides as his position would allow.

"Ow.", Varik said suddenly. "Not so rough.", he protested even as Het let the stag's gonads drop out of his mouth.

"Sorry.", Het said, feeling guilty he caused his lover some discomfort. He then gave Varik's sac a deep kiss, followed by a suckle that soon put the twin stones back in Hetroth's eager maw. He didn't get to enjoy their feeling on his tongue for too long, however, as Varik pulled away and repositioned, instead presenting the hyena with his prick.

Het repeated his last action, granting the cervine member a tender kiss, tasting pre in the process. The buck then lowered his hips further, pushing his member inside Hetroth's expectant mouth. With his length now secured to the hyena's lips, Varik began to gyrate his pelvis back and forth, his yet wet sac bouncing up against Hetroth's chin as his more subtle motions steadily turned to thrusts.

Hetroth feared he would choke at the increasingly needy movements of the bigger male, and though his jaw was starting to ache in his attempts to keep his teeth well away from Varik's maleness, the stag's tender groans and spasms seemed to make it all worth it.

"I'm coming.", Varik panted out, the warning very much welcome to Hetroth despite the peculiar tasting load it meant was coming. As the buck's entire body began to convulse and his length stiffened and started to throb, his seed began to spill into the hyena's maw in hard, short bursts. Het did his best to swallow it as it came, and felt somewhat surprised to find he hadn't found it as distasteful as prior times.

With his climax at an end, Varik slowly pulled away and collapsed off to the side, permitting Het to breathe deep once more. He rolled onto his back and spread his legs, seemingly airing himself out as he enjoyed the afterglow.

"Good to be the king.", Varik said with a mild chuckle.

"Your highness yet has duties to attend to.", Het noted, touching himself absentmindedly.

"Give me a minute.", Varik said, continuing to lay there and pant gently. "Alright. Let us see the sceptre that yet requires polishing.", he said and rolled over towards Het, now facing the hyena's yet clothed groin. "Off with his pants.", king Varik demanded, now fiddling with Hetroth's belt buckle.

"At once, my lord.", Het said and joined the buck in attempting to unclothe himself.

Just as they finally managed to liberate Het's stiff and somewhat moist manhood and Varik laid his tongue upon the hyena's testicles, they heard a knock on the door, followed by the usual lack of courtesy in the form of the door swinging open. Perhaps out of sheer frustration at how many a time this had happened by now, and how much he needed it this night, Het barely reacted upon seeing it was Arlus who'd come to see them.

Though the sight he came upon, that of Varik leaning low between the hyena's legs and continuing to lap at his tesicles, was hardly to his liking, Arlus barely seemed to flinch at the scene, looking as though he wanted to speak of matters considerably more important than what went on before him.

"Gods be damned, Varik. Now's not the time to be licking your boy's balls.", Arlus said in displeasure.

"Uh? What do you mean?", Varik asked. "Thought we were done with the formalities.", he said, sounding genuinely confused.

"The carriage! You asked me to prepare it for today and now it's down by the entrance, idling about.", Arlus said, grabbing at his scalp.

"What? I thought you'd postponed it after it turned out Kapria disappeared.", Varik said.

"Never told me to. Thought you decided you'd do everything on a tight schedule.", Arlus replied.

"Oh. Well, piss. Give us another half hour. And please, tell our guests to prepare as well.", Varik said and got up.

"Fine. But best make it before the gates close for the night, else the guild bills you for the ride.", Arlus said with some displeasure and left.

"Uh. Not gonna finish?", Het asked expectantly, his manhood out in the open and still stiffened.

"You'll have to forgive me, we are indeed in somewhat of a hurry.", Varik said with a guilty smile. "Perhaps once we're back in Tertium.", he suggested.

"Gods' sakes.", Het grumbled and pulled his pants back on. He hated being pent up. And this day he was exceptionally so. "Not sure when you expect us to get the time.", he went on, now looking around the room for his things.

"Worst case you'll just rub one out.", Varik said, still trying to soothe Het's disdain with a smile.

Het merely rolled his eyes.

***

The carriage rattled and vibrated semi-rhythmically as they travelled down the empty forest road. It was intimidatingly dark outside, the world around a featureless void, save for the occasional speck of night sky visible through the foliage in more sparsely overgrown areas. It seemed a wonder they were able to travel at all in such conditions, especially at this speed, although as he understood it, the solflights that carried them had a rather keen sense of sight even in the night.

Ivid and Rette sat at one end, facing opposite the direction of their travel, yet were currently staring off into the sides as though attempting to avoid each other. Varik sat with his eyes closed and his arms crossed, trying to catch some sleep during their rather unexpected travels, though the rough and uneven road made that quite difficult, as once and again he rose back to consciousness, a bump in the road sending him bouncing against the side wall.

Hetroth, on the other hand, had his own set of worries. A pair of them in fact. Some time after their travels had begun, Het realized his excitement was quite reluctant to wear down, and so much as looking anywhere near his two male co-travellers' nethers sent his loins aflame. Worse than that, the prolonged stiffness between his legs had lead to another deeply unpleasant side-effect he wished he wouldn't have to experience ever again after it'd happened in his teen years - his balls were aching in longing for release. The rumble of the road beneath them only caused him more anguish, at the same time stimulating his loins as well as causing greater strain to the parts in between.

"Varik.", Het whispered, leaning in towards the buck.

"Hm?", Varik whispered back, half-asleep.

"I really wish we could stop for a moment.", Het said.

"Oh? Need to pee?", Varik asked, slightly raising his voice, although hopefully not enough to reach their two fellow passengers ears past the rumble of the carriage.

"Something of the sort.", Het said, blushing slightly.

"Uh... oh. Really can't wait?", Varik asked with a sly smile.

"Don't you start. I'm aching!", Het whispered urgently.

"Oh, alright.", Varik said and knocked at the roof of the carriage.

***

"Fucking bother. We're late already.", the canine driver complained as Het ventured off into the woods for some privacy.

"What do you care? You get paid for your time regardless.", Varik said.

The rest of the conversation went on beyond Het's perception. Stumbling somewhat through the dark, he sought out a relatively secluded spot by a tree. Though he was hardly out of line of sight, the dark around him made him quite invisible to his fellow travellers. Yet he was hardly happy about the present situation.

Hiding out in the dark, between some trees, desperately having to relieve his urges like some kind of feral half-walker. With a sigh to himself, he unbuckled his belt and whipped out his length, then leaned against one of the trees and began to stroke himself, his mind racing to bring the necessary imagery to his mind. It proved quite a challenge with the haze of pain radiating from his groin, yet he managed nonetheless, only occasionally pausing in his efforts when he thought he heard someone near, yet just as quickly returning to the task at hand as he realized it was just his imagination.

It took him no more than a minute of full-on, attentive jerking for him to finally reach that much anticipated climax. As his legs began to feel weak and his entire form began to buck in the throes of orgasm, his member became completely rigid for a moment, only to suddenly start pulsing frantically, ejecting spurt after spurt of his milky white seed onto the side of the tree he was leaning against. Against his own volition, he gave out a mild whimper, the startling intensity of his orgasm causing him to momentarily lose control.

He stood there for a while yet leaning, panting and sweating after the unexpectedly exerting session of self-care. Yet somewhat worryingly, the ache coming from his gonads had yet to pass. He tried to remember if this was a common occurrence, but could hardly manage to recall the previous time this'd happened. He figured at this point he would simply have to hope for the best.

As he walked back towards their carriage, he found Varik standing in wait, looking just mildly bemused.

"What?", Het asked critically.

"Oh, nothing.", Varik said and clambered aboard their transport. Het shrugged and followed, seating himself as they'd been before.

"We done? No one else in need of a piss?", the carriage driver asked dismissively.

"Gods under. Just go.", Varik called out, seemingly having grown tired of the canine's sour mood.

As they sped off once more, however, Het noticed Ivid staring at him in a manner he could only describe as befuddled. And blushing mildly as she turned her sights away.

"You... didn't say what I was really doing there, did you?", Hetroth asked in whisper towards Varik.

"Well... she pried.", Varik admitted with a guilty smile.

"Gods under, Varik.", Het said in exasperation, palming his brow. He could feel his face assume a glowing red tint.

***

They arrived in Tertium a couple hours past dawn, with the sun now sturdily beating down on their carriage. Though the heat of summer morning hardly troubled them within the confines of their transport, the speedwinds bringing much needed relief as it fluttered haphazardly through their opened windows. They were now riding through the relatively busy streets of Tertium, its people seemingly unburdened and oblivious to what'd transpired but a couple miles away.

"You look nervous.", Varik noted, looking at Het, who suddenly seemed even more timid than ever before.

"I am, Varik.", Hetroth said, sounding somewhat irate at how the stag continued to trivialize the consequences of their unsanctioned escapade. "It feels as though there's a price to pay for all this, and I've just been racking up interest for the past 3 weeks.", he went on.

"Worry not, you've friends and more at your side.", Varik said.

"Not sure what you mean by 'more'.", Hetroth said with a raised brow.

"Talent.", Varik said with a smirk that suggested he yet withheld something.

"Egh.", Het grunted dismissively. There was little point to fretting about whatever it was that'd happen next considering it was now well out of his hands. Although he did wonder what he'd tell them of the things he'd seen during his stay within the halls of the All Knowing.

***

"Reluctance serves you naught, boy.", Eigeroth said, leaning heavily into the table they sat at. It was the room normally used for evaluation, although now the committee consisted of but one angry mutt.

"Nonetheless, it is a subject I'd rather not broach.", Het said, recalling how it'd been Fithrik himself who'd advised against it.

"It is something you will have to speak of if you do not seek expulsion.", Eigeroth advised.

"It... but it'd threaten the very order of the world.", Het said, no longer as confident about holding his tongue with the prospect of expulsion looming over him. The canine raised a brow at this and hesitated in thought.

"You can be certain the details of this conversation will be kept to those that know how to keep certain things to themselves.", Eigeroth said, even as he seemed to contemplate something. Then it was Het's turn to consider his options.

He neither wished to seem mad nor to put the order of the world at risk, lest Tertium were to suffer the same fate as Primum, even if he himself had never learned the extent of damage their showing of the fertility god had caused. On the other hand, he yet wished to remain an Artificer. Though the prospects of being part of the All Knowing were a tempting alternative, mostly on account of Varik being there, he felt like he would never quite fit in, unable to follow their ideals of spreading knowledge at costs most would consider tremendously disproportionate.

It was at that point that a foreign, yet mildly familiar face entered the room unbeckoned. A female black cat, dressed in robes of white with a line of red running down the front. The seer who'd likewise taken part in his prior evaluation.

"What is it?", Eigeroth asked, looking somewhat irate.

"Don't mind me.", she said and sat down next to Eigeroth, then began to stare quite intently at Het. It was somewhat off-putting, to say the least. Hetroth couldn't help but consider it a sign they'd already seen everything there was to see, even if the more rational part of his mind suggested that was impossible. Eigeroth shrugged and turned back towards the now even more nervous hyena.

"Come now, boy. We've not the time in the day to be sitting over this.", Eigeroth said, crossing his arms.

"Are we still among ears discreet?", Het asked hesitantly.

"No less than the ears you were withholding from two minutes ago.", Eigeroth said humourlessly. "Now come, out with it.", he goaded.

"Very well.", Hetroth said, mulling over the words in his mind. "I've been to the damned realm.", he began, gauging the reactions of his audience. So far they seemed unimpressed.

***

It'd felt like the longest hour of his life, retelling all that'd happened, sparing only the most intimate of details from the very beginning of their journey down to his return. He'd tripped and stammered over his retelling multiple times, jumping back and forth in an attempt to transfer all significant aspect of his tale, but his two listeners patiently awaited him to finish, only occasionally bringing in questions of details unknown to them. He could feel himself sweating, blushing and shivering all at the same time, the cup of water they'd provided him now firmly grasped in his palms as though to steady himself.

"And you are quite certain you were not intoxicated during your stay?", Sarien asked quite sincerely.

"Quite. I did not partake in anything.", Het said.

"Could've slipped you something. A second time.", Sarien suggested curiously.

"I... I don't know.", Het said, thinking back to everything that'd happened. "I don't think so.", he said. Eigeroth, meanwhile, seemed lost in contemplation following what he'd heard.

"But were it true, it sounds like a lifetime of adventure.", Sarien said with a mild smile.

"I suppose?", Het said uncertainly, raising a brow. It wasn't quite the kind of adventure he'd have preferred.

"And where do you see yourself in the world now?", Sarien asked.

"Uh... here? Preferably not expelled.", Het joked nervously, even if he didn't know for certain what awaited. Sarien smiled more widely.

"We'll think about it.", Eigeroth said humourlessly.

"Ege, give us a moment in private.", Sarien said. Eigeroth raised a brow at the chipper-looking cat.

"Really?", Eigeroth asked, glancing towards the hyena questioningly. Sarien nodded, at which the dog shrugged and got up. "Alright. Have everything you need?", he asked.

"Yes.", Sarien assured. "And make sure we're not disturbed.", she added as the mutt left.

As he disappeared out the door, an uneasy silence fell between them, with the black cat now staring at him with a mild smile. Het found it troubling to maintain eye contact with the feline's rather intense gaze staring right back at him.

"Hetroth. I've heard you've been having some unusual dreams of late.", Sarien suddenly said.

"I... suppose so.", Het said, wondering where she'd learned this.

"Can you describe them for me?", Sarien asked, looking quite intrigued.

"Oh. Uh. Well...", Hetroth began thinking back to the first time he'd noticed something off about his dreams. "First I dreamt of a cityscape, ruined and burning, among the rubble only a hall of the Artificers. Albeit under a different banner. From within came out a wolf of purest white. He faced a great monstrosity, a great plague beast.", Het said.

"Sounds like the story of Afrius the Flame.", Sarien quipped.

"I suppose so. As he approached the beast, he lit up in startling white light. But that is when my dream came to an end.", Hetroth said.

"Interesting.", Sarien said, rubbing her chin. "What else?", she then asked.

"Uh. Somewhat similarly I dreamt of a ferret, masked and covered in runic writing. In some forest settlement. I didn't get to see what he faced before I woke, but I heard something great moving through the woods.", Het said.

"Tale of Merrus the sage.", Sarien said.

"Can't say I've heard of it.", Het said, raising a brow.

"Go on.", Sarien said, seemingly ignoring his comment.

"Uh. Well...", Het thought back some more. "I dreamt of a blackness in the night sky enveloping the world.", he said.

"A darkness, you say?", Sarien asked, now leaning forward in wonder.

"Yes. Somewhat as though... compressing everything around till it occupied the entirety of the world.", Hetroth said.

The cat seemed less pleased by this for some reason, and now just waved him on to continue.

"Uh. I suppose there was the time in the damned realm. I dreamt of something happening back in the guild hall of the All Knowing.", Het said. "Seemed somewhat... vague. Just Varik and Ivid talking.", he said.

"And you heard what they spoke of?", Sarien asked with a raised brow.

"Something about clearing charges.", Het said, suddenly wondering how the matter might've entered his head before he'd actually known of the troubles they'd faced at the time. His eyes widened in a realization he felt should've come much sooner. "You... you think I'm...?", Het stammered in question.

"Past, future and present.", Sarien said, shaking her head. "Truly no justice in the world.", she said with some resentment.

"Pardon?", Het asked, confused as to what she'd meant.

She then pulled out a small, black ball, not unlike what he'd seen within the halls of the All Knowing in the hands of the fox. She placed it upon the table before him.

"Go on. Place your hands upon it.", Sarien said. Hetroth tentatively brought his hands over the orb, fearing something strange might happen as soon as he touched it. As he laid his hands upon the black pearl, however, nothing happened. He looked towards the cat with some confusion.

"Is... is something supposed to happen?", Het asked.

"Feel anything?", Sarien asked.

"Uh. No.", Het said, looking on in confusion, as though he'd unwittingly failed some test.

"Good.", Sarien said with a mild smile. "Close your eyes.", she instructed. Het complied. Then he realized he was having trouble doing so. "Now... what is it?", she broke off and asked.

"I... I can't close my eyes.", Het said, even as he tried to squint his eyes shut, yet his sight would not go dark.

"Calm yourself. Your eyes are closed.", Sarien said in a pleased tone.

"What?", Het asked, now looking towards the feline.

"Let go now.", Sarien said, at which Hetroth unleashed the orb. At that point his sight went dark as expected, yet he realized his eyelids had moved no further downward. He reopened his eyes, a sense of mild vertigo washing over him.

"What happened?", Het asked, feeling somewhat nauseous and disoriented.

"What happened is you're your mother's son. And I suppose the son of your father as well, at least the part of his family line with subdued abilities.", Sarien explained in a manner as vague as possible. "Normally this would be something we noticed by the time you hit puberty, but apparently something else had to stir your particular talents.", she went on.

"So... I'm a seer?", Het asked.

"Not yet you're not. But you've the capacity to become one.", Sarien explained. "Question is do you want to be one.", she said.

"Huh.", Het said, trailing off into thought.

"This is a matter you'll require some time to decide on. No use seeking an answer immediately.", Sarien said and got up, moving off towards the door. "Though it would be a waste were you to just remain a club swinger like the rest of them.", she added with a dismissive tone, then went out the door.

Now alone, Hetroth stared at the little black ball he'd been left with. His own, skewed self reflected right back at him, staring wide-eyed and dumbfounded. Curiosity was a powerful compulsion, he realized as he reached forth for the orb, and as he took it in hand and closed his eyes, once more did he begin to see the world in a new way.

Just sitting there and staring, however, he began to try and actually move his sight. Attempting to do so by twisting and turning gave no effect other than making him feel slightly nauseous. He attempted various thoughts and straining more subtle muscles, yet no effect came of that either. He eventually decided to try and sound out something subtly, going through all the vowels, but that yielded no results either.

He sat there for a while in thought, when he opened his eyes and realized there'd been a disorienting shift in vision. Something he'd done had in fact yielded results, subtle as they may've been.

He released the orb as he heard someone enter again. The two higher ranking artificers had returned, apparently having reached something of a consensus.

"Little else for us to ask you, boy. You're dismissed.", Eigeroth said, not even bothering to sit back down.

"Wh-... what of my standing?", Het asked, even as he rose from his seat.

"Nothing to be done for now. At least until you decide on how you wish to proceed.", Eigeroth said.

"Return to your room, rest, and consider your options.", Sarien chimed in and opened the door, beckoning the hyena to take his leave.

Hetroth followed the suggestion, entering the corridor to a small group of awaiting people, consisting of his three travelling companions, as well as one of his recently absent friends, a black wolf called Onrin, looking quite intimidated by present company. Though he would've wanted to direct the subject of conversation towards the wolf's returned presence, he would yet have to wait a while for a better opportunity.

"How'd it go?", Ivid was the first to ask, looking quite eager to possibly intervene at his behest. Though thankfully that was quite unnecessary.

"Alright, I suppose.", Het said, eyeing their two superiors as they walked past.

"What does that mean?", Ivid asked.

"I'm... I can become a seer if I choose to.", Het said.

"A seer?", Onrin chimed in, looking quite surprised.

"Yes.", Hetroth said in stupor. "You knew of this, didn't you?", he asked, now turning towards Varik, who was already smiling in a way that told all.

"I did. For quite a while now.", Varik said.

"And you told nothing.", Het said in a disgruntled manner.

"Thought you'd be more convincing if you remained ignorant of such matters. Your superiors seem to prefer you that way.", Varik said.

"Oh? And how did you know?", now Ivid asked.

"Just something Het told me once.", Varik said with a playful smile. "Had you known anything of such matters you would've noticed yourselves.", he said.

"Right.", Ivid said humourlessly, irate at having received no concrete answer.

"So going to choose seership?", Varik asked.

"I... I don't know yet. I wasn't trained for it. Normally they pick out seers at younger ages.", Het said contemplatively. "Seers don't do a whole lot of what I'd been doing.", he added, realizing it'd additionally mean abandoning the skill set he felt more comfortable with.

"Well, consider that it'd be safer, for one thing.", Varik suggested.

"I'll think on it.", Hetroth said with some displeasure. Just when he thought his troubles might be at an end, more seemed to have sprung up.

***

"So this is your room, eh?", Varik asked half-heartedly, looking over the rather dim and cramped interior.

"Doesn't compare much to that of a king, I know.", Het said and sat upon his humble bed.

"You've yet to see my current quarters.", Varik said with a smirk and walked towards the rather small window.

"No telling when I'll get to either.", Het said.

"Doubt your guild would imprison you like this. You've quite a bit of leverage now.", Varik said.

"They keep the goings on of seers quite secretive, so I'm not so sure. Not to mention seers are few in number, and there's no shortage of demand for their work.", Het said.

"Still, no keeping you here against your will, and they wouldn't expel a seer.", Varik noted. "Bigger issue that might keep us apart is me travelling to Primum.", he said.

"Oh. You're leaving?", Het asked suddenly quite concerned for their future together.

"Not permanently. Wouldn't leave you here. But guild duties are likely to whisk me away from time to time. No need for heartbreak.", Varik said, smiling reassuringly.

"I see.", Het said, still considering his options. "How often do you think we'll get to see each other?", he asked.

"As often as they permit you to leave your guild hall, I suppose.", Varik said. "Our doors are always open to you.", he added.

"You could come visit as well.", Het suggested.

"Not sure your people will be as welcoming.", Varik said with a somewhat morose look upon his face. "Not to mention your bed does not look fit to house two.", he added with a smile.

"Perhaps the neutral ground of a tavern then?", Het suggested on.

"Is the All Knowing guild hall really so bad?", Varik asked with a raised brow, even as he continued to smile.

"No. Just... might raise suspicions if we continue to hide from our seers.", Het said.

"I understand. We can arrange a tavern rendezvous from time to time.", Varik conceded.

A moment of silence washed over them, the full weight of the last couple week's events slowly settling down on Het. It felt like a strange and troubling dream, and yet now that it was coming to a close, he somehow felt sorrowful.

"I'll miss you.", Het said.

"We'll be no more than a mile apart.", Varik said and approached the hyena, once again smiling reassuringly. He sat down and placed a hand on Het's shoulder. "Why so concerned all of a sudden?", he asked.

"Just... I suppose I'd want you close in the coming days.", Het said.

"Well, the offer of joining us still stands.", Varik said with a coy smile. "Don't see myself within your ranks.", he added.

"I know. And I don't see myself within yours.", Het said, still feeling a sense of guilt at the edge of his mind over what'd happened in Primum.

"Then there is nothing left but to part ways for the time being.", Varik said. "But worry not. I will return to you, no matter what.", he went on and hugged the hyena close. His embrace was comforting and pleasant, although all Het could think of was how he would soon miss it. "And fret not as to your path. Whatever you choose, we will find a way to be together.", he assured.

"I suppose. Although our journey has made me put doubt into all plans you lay out for us.", Het said.

"I guess I haven't been the most reliable organizer.", Varik said with a guilty chuckle.

"You have not.", Het said with a smile.

Another bout of silence ensued.

"Well, suppose I need to get going. My guild needs me.", Varik said in a joking tone. He then gave Het a peck on the cheek and rose up to his hooves. "Get some sleep. Troubles seem worst when you're tired.", he said, patting Het atop his head.

"I suppose. I hadn't slept much during our journey.", Het admitted and stretched somewhat.

"Sleep well.", Varik said and left out the door, giving Het one last smile and wink.

Now alone, Hetroth sighed and yawned, feeling quite fatigued after what must've been a whole 24 hours without sleep. He slipped off his boots and scooted back onto his less comfortable but familiar place of rest, the reddish, cracked ceiling above him a strangely welcome sight after the turmoil of his last couple dozen days. Though he felt the creeping terror of future decisions and past mistakes make its way into his conscious, it was no match for the weariness weighing over his eyes, and he soon found peace in deep slumber.

***

"So where have you been?", Hetroth asked before taking a bite of his breakfast buttered bread.

"Oh. Here and there.", Onrin said with some sense of unease.

"Anywhere but near, you mean.", Ivid said humourlessly.

"Honestly, it was Nolth's idea to steer clear.", Onrin insisted.

"And where is Nolth?", Ivid asked on.

"Steering clear.", Onrin said with a shrug. "I'd decided it's pointless since the joke's already stuck to us. Though Nolth seems to think it might actually rub off on him.", he went on.

"Great.", Het said somewhat dismissively. Nolthus had always seemed the least afraid of being physically close to others. So much so that Het could almost swear they had something in common in that regard. Current circumstances suggested otherwise, though his was a reaction Het had feared and expected from more people.

"Sorry. It's just... weird.", Onrin said with another shrug.

"It is, isn't it?", Het said, thinking back to how strange everything had been. "Years spent training to be a fighter, and suddenly I'm to be a seer after cohorting with an All Knowing.", he said, pulling his water cup up to his lips contemplatively.

"Wouldn't be as weird without... you know.", Onrin said, tentatively trying to broach certain subject.

"Onrin.", Ivid said with a roll of her eyes.

"What? You have to agree it's not a thing you'd expect. Between rival guilds at that.", Onrin said.

"You're right.", Het said. "Were it not me, I'd likely find it peculiar too.", he said.

"So you'll still be, uh, seeing him?", Onrin asked, making an active effort to downplay how odd it seemed to him.

"Yes.", Het said with a mild smile. "Although it remains to be seen when we'll get the chance.", he said.

"Should've found someone closer to home.", Onrin said, at which Ivid shot him a dirty look.

"Wasn't exactly up to me.", Het said with a roll of his eyes. "Besides, whom would that be? Are you keeping a secret?", he asked with a sly smile.

"Don't even go there. I've heard my fill of such implications.", Onrin said humourlessly. "And I don't know. What this has taught me is that you never know who's what until something like this happens completely by chance.", he added.

"You talk like you were betrayed.", Het said with a raised brow.

"Just... completely unprepared.", Onrin said. "Could've at least hinted at it.", he said.

"I wasn't planning on making it known... ever.", Het said.

"Oh? So you would've married a girl despite everything?", Ivid asked with some wonder.

"That was the plan. Though it always seemed a distant prospect.", Het said, thinking back to his thoughts on such matters from before it'd all started. "Wasn't sure what it'd be like once we actually... you know.", he said.

"The makings of a happy marriage.", Onrin said with a chuckle. Ivid didn't seem as amused.

"And now you think otherwise?", Ivid asked.

"My experiences suggest I have a strong preference for one, and not as much for the other.", Het said, taking a sip with a mild blush as he remembered his misadventures with Niridith and within the damned realm.

"Not tried it with a girl, though, have you?", Ivid asked on inquisitively.

"No.", Het said with a raised brow, feeling the questions were getting oddly personal.

"Anyway.", Onrin interjected. "I'm getting an assignment this month.", he announced. "Something about serving as escort to someone higher ranking.", he added, then took a sip of his own drink.

"Oh. Congratulations.", Het said, somewhat surprised and taken aback.

"Don't congratulate me yet. Might turn out I abscond and marry a man.", Onrin joked. Het chuckled.

"So far it looks as though I may soon become the only one who ceases to rise in rank.", Het said.

"Oh. Not so. Tilith and Denrik had retrievals this and last week that didn't go as planned.", Onrin said.

"Well, only one among our... three?", Het said, uncertain if Nolth still counted.

"You'll get your chance again. Or become a seer and just go a different track.", Ivid assured. "Which are you currently considering, by the way?", she asked.

"Uh. Leaning towards the seering path right now.", Het said.

"So quick to abandon us?", Ivid asked half-jokingly.

"Just... seems like I'd be of more use there. Not that many seers in our guild. Less accusations of treachery that way too.", Het said. "And I think I've had my fill of violence for a lifetime, honestly.", he added.

"Huh. Best among us with a sword and doesn't have the stomach for it.", Onrin said.

"We'll see how you fare once you've had to put blade to flesh.", Het countered.

"Little alternative in the matter. Not a seer.", Onrin said with a roll of his eyes.

"Well, it is an opportunity I'm planning to use.", Het said.

"Just don't use your seer powers to spy on us.", Onrin said with a smile.

"No promises.", Het said and finished off his cup of water.

"Have you considered the downsides?", Ivid asked.

"Somewhat. Having to retrain to be a seer seems a trial in itself.", Het said.

"But once you are a seer. Have you considered you'll only be able to observe while others risk their lives?", Ivid asked. This gave Hetroth some pause. "To me the worst thing is to be unable to do anything, Het. To watch friends and family injured or killed. I think I'd rather take a knife to the thigh than suffer that.", she went on.

"I see.", Het said with some contemplation. He hadn't in fact considered how it would affect his ability to act, particularly in a situation where he would be most compelled to do so. "Guess I need to think this through a considerable bit more.", he mused

"In the meantime, what say you to a spar?", Onrin offered.

"Sounds good. But I first need to break words with someone.", Hetroth said.

***

"Oh. You.", Hermund noted as Het entered his office. The mid-aged brown wolf was sitting behind his desk, looking only mildly displeased to be stirred from whatever he'd been doing with the papers orderly arranged before him. "Well, what do you want?", he asked with seeming disinterest.

"Wanted to know why you sent me off to a deathtrap.", Het asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"What do you think?", Hermund asked back.

"I'd rather not make assumptions.", Het said, even if he had an idea of his own as to why that might've been.

"Thought it best if you were culled from the herd to prevent your taint from spreading.", Hermund said without a hint of irony. "You're a disruptive presence within these walls, and I thought it the will of Tavat that you disappear.", he added.

"So just because of that you tried to kill me?", Het asked.

"Not quite. I'd been hoping to get rid of you from the guild. As luck would have it, you came with a proposition of your own for how to do it. I considered it the will of Tavat that you go and do it yourself.", Hermund explained begrudgingly.

"And you still look to be rid of me somehow?", Hetroth asked.

"Not that I'd get the chance again, but no. That you yet stand there is testament that Tavat has other purpose for you.", Hermund said.

"So you were wrong to assume he'd want me gone?", Het asked, somewhat in disbelief at how the wolf's convictions swayed.

"God doesn't necessarily desire what we think he does. Seeing you come out alive, I'd be a fool to remain convinced my idea of his will was correct.", Hermund said.

Hetroth decided against challenging the lupine's idea of just how much sway the gods hold over their world, nor mentioning how irrelevant their lives were to Tavat in particular.

"Do you seek vengeance, or are we done here? I've acolytes to tutor, if you don't mind.", Hermund said.

"Do you truly hold no regret in sending me to my death?", Hetroth asked.

"I did then. I do no longer. I thought you were to be a necessary sacrifice for the sake of order. But Tavat has shown that needn't be so and has delivered you from such fate.", Hermund said, looking thoroughly convinced he'd done no wrong.

Hetroth looked back at the wolf with a sense of pity. Rather than any need for vengeance, he felt disappointment, at how believers within the guild were ready to venture to their deaths under the pretense of fulfilling God's will. Not to mention the wolf's idea of following the will of Tavat seemed oddly frivolous, likely the root cause of why he always seemed so permissive compared to their other superiors.

"I simply hope you never repeat that mistake. On others as well as myself.", Hetroth said.

"I will do what's necessary. Ours is not a profession for the long-lived and complacent. Sometimes Tavat demands determination.", Hermund said.

"Somehow I doubt Tavat's will is all that drove you.", Het said, crossing his arms over his chest once more.

"I'll admit, treachery and deviancy I care little for. But those are merely telltale signs of chaos brewing within our sense of order.", Hermund insisted.

"I always thought of you as one who cared for his pupils. It seems quite uncharacteristic for you to find death an acceptable fate for one.", Hetroth countered.

"I do care. And much like the Damned, I know to isolate and remove those tainted from among those yet unharmed.", Hermund said.

Hetroth cringed at the mention of the Damned. The Damned had been a band of fighters that'd taken to drastic measures during the plague years. Against all else they burned and sacked entire settlements to keep the plague beasts at bay. Though at the time they had to flee before armies of kings, they were now regarded as heroes who'd done what was necessary when the rest of the world was reluctant.

"And would you put all of us to the blade as they had done to whole cities?", Het asked critically.

"I would consider it a personal failure were that necessary.", Hermund said, then turned his head back towards his papers. "Now off with you. You've said yours and I've said mine.", he said waving Het away dismissively.

Hetroth backed out of the room with a sense of disappointment. It almost made the All Knowing's actions seem justified with the level of ignorance he'd just faced. Not to mention the blind zeal in something understood so poorly.

***

Hetroth sat upon his bed with a heavy sigh, the weight of his coming decision bearing down on him heavily. He still had no idea what he wanted, and his talks with Ivid and Onrin had merely muddled his prior conviction. Being a tool to people like Hermund while people he knew more personally risked life and wellbeing for the sake of some self-absorbed god seemed a poor lot in life to him. Though he'd nurtured a sense of disdain for violence these past few days, he couldn't help but wonder if it wasn't an unfortunate necessity.

Seeking something to divert his thoughts away from matters less pleasant, he pulled his pack towards himself and began to rummage through its contents. A lot of it had proven quite unnecessary, he noted. Many a trail ration and even his armour lingered there in disuse.

One particular glint of metal caught his eye, however. He pulled the item out of the bag, his mind momentarily assailed by memories largely unpleasant, yet somehow significant. For a while he turned the trophy of his questionable victory in his hands, light glimmering off of what was once Ketronius' weapon of choice. Though the warhammer was hardly non-lethal, it did seem a step below compared to his sword. He got up and gave it a wide swing, getting a feel for its weight. It wasn't as comfortable to use as his sword, its heft located closer to the head of the weapon than in the case of his sword, but as odd as it was, it did grant him an idea as to what he wanted to do next.

***

"Both?", Eigeroth asked with a tilt of his head.

"Yes. I would like to train my abilities as a seer while also maintaining my current position within the guild.", Hetroth said.

"Not to dissuade you from remaining a fighter, but people who don't focus on one thing end up being worse skilled in all fields.", Eigeroth said.

"I understand.", Het said. "I also understand my innate abilities are in high demand. But I do not wish to leave all the risks to others while I only watch. I've been trained to take action, not observe.", he said.

"Suppose I can sympathize.", Eigeroth said, leaning back in his chair and scratching his chin. "Though know this. You live long enough, you'll become someone too important to send out into the field. One way or another, you'll eventually become one who can only observe.", he said.

"And at that time, I would have a say in who gets sent where, would I not?", Het asked.

"Suppose so.", Eigeroth said with a shrug. "Dream of changing the world, eh?", he asked back.

"To some extent.", Het admitted, though even to him it seemed a feeble wish.

"Well, best of luck with that.", Eigeroth said dismissively. "You'll get your training in both. Though I suspect you'll eventually tire of it and pick one.", he said.

"I... also wish to train to use a different weapon.", Het added with some uncertainty.

"Huh.", Eigeroth said with a furrowed brow. "Well, can't fault you for lack of ambition.", he said. "So what is it you wish to train with?", he asked.

"Hammer or mace. Perhaps blunt polearm.", Hetroth said.

"For future encounters against armoured opponents?", Eigeroth asked.

"More so to keep my opponents alive and whole.", Hetroth admitted, even as he feared the mutt's response.

"Curses, boy. When you fight, you do it to survive!", Eigeroth said. "Have those book-humpers made you go soft in the head?", he asked critically.

"This is not their doing. Rather it's the result of my own encounters.", Hetroth said.

"Agh... you're looking to get yourself killed.", Eigeroth said with a dismissive wave of his arm. "Worse yet, you might get others killed trying to be merciful to your enemies.", he went on.

"I understand. Yet I've realized I cannot hold enough disdain to maim, even for my foes.", Hetroth said.

"Of course you can't.", Eigeroth said in exasperation. "I'll allow it. Though this'll likely postpone any prospects for advancement, I trust you understand.", he said.

"I do.", Hetroth said.

"Be on your way, then. I need to consult your decision with the others.", Eigeroth said.

***

Hetroth collapsed down onto his bed, the day's events weighing upon his mind overbearingly. Though it was but late afternoon yet, he felt fatigued as though he'd run a marathon. Tomorrow he would become indoctrinated in the ways of the Artificer seers, all the while attempting to continue his prior training regiment, which he'd all but postponed up until that point.

Despite the tiredness he felt, he found it difficult to find sleep just yet, his mind eager to ponder on matters of stark importance, even if they were quite beyond his ability to alter.

He was all but certain what he'd thought to be gods were no more than deceptive, mad daemons, the promise of a peaceful afterlife likely nothing more than a carrot dangled upon a stick before them to lead them towards the ideal world of some false god. On the other hand, he felt drawn back towards that familiar comfort of faith. Towards a belief that Tavat truly watches over them and will grant them peace everlasting after death. Though what he'd learned suggested otherwise, the lack of definite proof or answer permitted him to hope life didn't end as definitely as he feared. And be they gods or daemons, their deities held undeniable sway upon their world, for better and worse.

Following that line of thought, he began to ponder the fate of those he'd encountered. Most notably, whereas his and Varik's adventure had come to a close, that of Kapria and Cossian had just begun. He dreaded to think of what awaited them among the entourage of the fertility god-thing, he himself having just barely evaded the worst of it while still experiencing some things that'd left him shaken and bewildered. It was a fate of their own doing, however, and they knew what awaited based on his tales. There was little point in dwelling on it, though he decided he would pray for their return. As questionable in value as it was, it wouldn't hurt. And it'd make him feel slightly better.

More close to home, he wondered what Ivid and Roeterik would make of their experiences. Ivid had somewhat of a crisis of faith to contend with, not much unlike Hetroth in fact, while Rette now had a brand new outlook on life that involved getting settled. Or at least finding someone willing to ease his needs.

He rolled over onto his side, now looking towards his small, gloomy window where light yet shone through. It reminded him of the glowing flames of Primum, and how they'd permitted that to happen. It seemed as though it'd take many a night before he could look back at those events without severe, gut-churning guilt. Though he'd become somewhat less convinced that what the All Knowing did was completely unnecessary, he could seldom picture himself ever again trusting them in matters of arcane nature.

Shivering at the memories of what'd transpired within Primum, he curled up into a ball and closed his eyes. Against all reason, he still wished Varik could be near him at times like this, if only to calm and reassure him that everything will turn out for the better. Yet with their disparate allegiances, that was hardly possible, and for the moment he could only turn to the few pleasant memories he had of him. But even that was enough to help him drift off into a pleasant slumber.

***

Hetroth awoke with somewhat of a start, a deep sense of disorientation gripping him as he realized he was yet engulfed in the dark. Steadily his senses adapted to what was before him, when he realized he felt a deep warmth enveloping him from behind, most of all an arm wrapped over his side and clutching at his waist. Though at first he feared it to be someone quite unknown to him, the familiarity of the embrace quickly reassured him as to whom it actually was.

"Varik?", Het murmured behind, even as he felt a pleasant nuzzling of his neck.

"Expecting someone else?", Varik asked teasingly.

"How are you here?", Het asked in disbelief, ignoring the playful question.

"Sorry it took so long.", Varik said, likewise ignoring the question. "Turns out when you're branch head people expect you to administrate and fulfil some formalities.", he went on.

"Feels like I'm dreaming.", Hetroth said drearily.

"Does this feel like a dream?", Varik asked and reached down for Het's manhood.

"How'd you get here?", Het repeated his question.

"Through the door.", Varik said teasingly. Hetroth frowned. "I can be pretty convincing.", he said.

"Convincing enough to get in my room?", Het asked, turning towards the buck, who took the opportunity to nuzzle Het's own muzzle.

"I may've promised your guild a thing or two in return.", Varik admitted sheepishly.

"Really? For my sake?", Het asked. "Sounds like you're really trying to follow in Kapria's footsteps.", he said with a grimace, fearing Varik newfound position might prove short-lived.

"Nothing too wild. Something of a ceasefire.", Varik said. "Promised we wouldn't lead to further conflict over artefacts.", he said.

"That still seems a large decision to be basing off of bedding arrangements.", Het said, even as he truly appreciated their current position.

"Well, it's more of a thing the guild agreed upon and I made sound like a deal to be sealed by way of marriage.", Varik admitted in a playfully guilty tone.

"We're to be married now?", Het asked sarcastically.

"No. But we are the closest thing to a marriage between our guilds.", Varik said. "Would you hate it if we married?", he asked on.

"I would hate the public attention. Seems like one more thing you might do to embarrass me.", Het said with a mild sense of irritation.

"I would only do it out of love. And I do love you.", Varik said. At this point Hetroth froze in realization. This was the first time the buck had said he loved him. "Though you would look adorable in a wedding dress.", he then said.

"Love you too.", Het said with a smile and pressed himself deeper into the stag's embrace.

"I know.", Varik said and hugged the hyena tightly.