{"sf1_id":1515446,"sf2_id":"ZmMv8ZWn","title":"In The Mist Of The Erie Isles - Episode 11","author":"Mantrid_Brizon","words":6096,"posted_at":"2019-11-22T02:06:10.000Z","tags":["Action","Adventure","Anthro","Ass","Bad Language","Big Boobs","Boobs","Breasts","Butt","Cabbit","Cat","Character Development","Comedy","Drama","Dream","Elf","Explicit","Fantasy","Feline","Female","Fondling","French Kissing","Furry","Groping","Human","Interracial","Interspecies","Kissing","Love","Lust","Male","Mystery","Pain","Romance","Sergal","Series","Ship","Stealing","Steampunk","Story","Story Series","Teasing","flirting","jealousy","thief"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1515446-in-the-mist-of-the-erie-isles-episode-11","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/ZmMv8ZWn","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/db/ea/dbea60fb-d88a-431c-8eb9-d2c5bf7ab4c7","description":"Episode 11: The crew make their way to Irzain's island, searching for answers, but others are searching for something else. As their pasts come back to haunt them, all is not well aboard the little ship.","content":"In The Mist Of The Erie Isles\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBy Mantrid Brizon\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nEpisode Eleven: All In The Past, Pt. 1\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe young Falmun's eyes scan the beings, looking over the group that stands before his desk. A startlingly small, lightly tanned Falmun woman, with golden hair and piercing red eyes smiles at him. At a glance, she could be mistaken for a child, but her features are certainly those of an adult. Beside her stands a cloaked Jaliscan woman. Her wild, dark pink hair, which is pulled into a high ponytail, and her shimmering pink eyes are in stark contrast to her two-toned fur, which is like spiced chocolate and beige, with a pinkish hue. She too smiles at the elven man with tanned skin, platinum blonde hair and jade green eyes.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBetween the females stands a human, a somewhat pale man, with a long goatee. His face is almost blank as he stares with expectation at the elf. To the elven bounty hunter, he has a rather unassuming build and average features for a human warrior. His hair, which stretches beyond his pectoral muscles, is the most impressive thing about him. If not for that, and his goatee, this man could blend into any crowd at will. Setting his papers aside, the elf leans back in his chair. He sighs, looking between the man and his women again, paying special attention to the pleasing form of the Jaliscan.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“... And you said you had the skills necessary?\" The elf asks.\n\n“We do.\" The human nods.\n\n“Uh-huh... What could _she_ possibly do?\" The elf snickers, glancing at the Falmun woman.\n\n“More than you think.\" She grumbles.\n\n“She's fond of pretending to be a child, luring her targets in before stabbing them in their kidneys and slashing their throats.\" The Jaliscan explains.\n\n“Is that a fact?\"\n\n“It is.\" The Falmun pulls out a Kris, revealing the wavy dagger.\n\n“And you two?\"\n\n“I'm a competent shot, and my weapons aren't the standard fair.\" The human smugly grins, flashing the grips of his holstered pistols.\n\n“And, I have certain skills.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Jaliscan rests her hands atop the desk, leaning closer. Her red painted claws dig into the wood as she sets her forearms down, inching slowly toward him. Her large, C-cup breasts are pushed up in her top, against the elf's desk, as she sways her buttocks behind her. Her tail swishes gracefully from side to side as she hypnotizes the Falmun man with her body's nearly perfect form. The human narrows his eyes, glaring at the Jaliscan.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I can get as close as I want... Before I strike.\" She coos.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWith her lips hovering over the elf's, the Jaliscan gives him a soft kiss.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“We get it...\" The human grumbles.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe reaches out and grabs her arm, pulling the woman back. To the Falmun's surprise, her right hand wields a small knife.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I wasn't done showing him!\" She whines.\n\n“You've made your point.\" The human growls.\n\n“You certainly have! Ahem... Well... I think we might have some use for you three!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nRising from his seat, the Falmun bounty hunter smacks a knee into a table leg. The five foot and four-inch-tall elf hobbles for a moment as he regains his composure, pulling his tunic outward, and trying to hide his growing erection. Looking over at her companions, the Jaliscan seems surprised by the look the human gives her. He appears angry.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Normally we don't recruit into the guild this way, but we've got a backlog here, and not enough people to make up for it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTaking them through a long hall, the trio are led into a locked room, one that contains the posters of those currently wanted by the crown, among various other authorities, many of them local to their islands.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Here we are!\" The elven man chirps. “These are all of the most recent posters. Our guildhall isn't the largest, so our only request is that if you see only one poster available, to bring it up and we'll have a duplicate made. Need to keep those records up to date, after all!\"\n\n“Understandable.\"\n\n“These are all local posters. Don't you have national criminals?\"\n\n“Of course! They're in that smaller room. Until you cut your teeth, though, I'd stick with local guys. Get your feet wet before going after the big fish!\" The elf chuckles. “Anyway, I have to watch my post. Sign out when you're done, er... I'm sorry. What were your names again?\"\n\n“Kobin.\" The human replies. “And this is Delia, and Boala.\"\n\n“I see. Well, I hope you bring us something nice! We could use some new blood in this chapter.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Falmun's eyes scan the Jaliscan woman's body as he speaks, clearly intrigued by her. She flashes a warm smile, appearing grateful for his attention. Clearing his throat, the human breaks their shared gaze. Without saying another word, the elven man takes his leave. No sooner than the door shuts behind him, he steps before the Jaliscan.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“What're you doing?\"\n\n“I'm just doing what we're supposed to do. I'm in character.\" She replies.\n\n“Is that what you called that?\" The Falmun giggles.\n\n“I didn't realize you'd take it so seriously...\"\n\n“Valan...\"\n\n“We're here for those posters, not to seduce the entire guildhall. He was already letting us in to see the posters, and that first guy at the gate? Totally unnecessary. They were nearly jumping at the chance to get us in here.\" He scolds her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJarae stands silently before him, an innocent, even oblivious look on her face. Pushing past the pair, Mairlynn makes her way toward the smaller room, eager to search through the national wanted posters and complete their mission.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I was just being thorough; I have an eye for detail.\" Jarae replies.\n\n“Yeah, I can see that.\" He scoffs.\n\n“Does it bother you that much?\" She steps closer to him.\n\n“I just don't think you need to be so...\"\n\n“So, what?\"\n\n“Jarae, I-\"\n\n“Hey, could you two possibly shut up and help me? The sooner we find these posters, the sooner we can leave.\" Mairlynn interrupts them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTurning their attention toward their elven companion, they find her standing inside of the room containing all of the posters for the guild of bounty hunter's national registry. The pair quickly join Mairlynn in the room, looking over all of the posters, which are mounted onto the wall. Beneath them are barrels with rolls of other scrolls, to be carried by the bounty hunters as refreshers.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I don't see Steingar in here.\" Mairlynn remarks.\n\n“Yeah. They must not have a poster of him yet. They probably will soon, though.\" Valan thinks aloud.\n\n“There isn't one of Trellan either. Maybe he's not as dangerous as he led us to believe?\" Jarae suggests.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nContinuing through the room, they noticed a highly detailed drawing of Irzain that seems to stand front and center. On their way toward Irzain's picture, their eyes scan the walls, examining the other portraits. Standing before Irzain's wanted poster, they take a moment to marvel at it. The other rogues in the gallery look the part, yet Irzain stands out, not from a gruff appearance or extensive criminal record, but a distinct lack of both. Something else stands out, as well...\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“That's a lot of numbers.\" Jarae remarks.\n\n“Yeah. His reward is big enough to buy your own island.\" Mairlynn comments.\n\n“What does it say he's wanted for?\" Jarae turns to Valan.\n\n“It just says, 'crimes against the crown'.\" Valan replies, running a finger along the appropriate text.\n\n“What does that mean? Is he a traitor?!\" Mairlynn asks in shock.\n\n“Hardly.\" Valan chuckles. “That's just a blanket term for 'we don't want to say why, but bring him to us and get paid'. I've heard of people insulting nobles and getting that charge.\"\n\n“But the amount they're paying for him...\" Mairlynn insists.\n\n“What if he's the one who killed King Euralian?\" Jarae poses.\n\n“To my knowledge, it's usually people in power who want to commit regicide. If Irzain was a noble and he had Euralian killed, then he'd probably be king right now.\" Valan replies.\n\n“Unless he was the assassin, and King Vashalak decided to get rid of him before he could talk.\" Jarae retorts.\n\n“That would imply that Vashalak had Euralian killed.\"\n\n“I know...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTurning their eyes away from the poster's impressive reward of one million vasariks, they examine the parchment for Irzain's real name.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“This criminal has gone by various names, including Korvan, Brekken, Jorash, Jazid, Harkel, and Bremen.\" Valan reads aloud. “Well... That's helpful.\"\n\n“Bremen?! Isn't that the island we're headed for?\" Mairlynn asks.\n\n“I'd call this a clue.\" Jarae grins.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nReaching into a barrel before Irzain's image, the Jaliscan's clawed, slender fingers grasp a roll of parchment, one of the few remaining. It's clear that Irzain is a high-level target for both the crown and the bounty hunters. With scroll in hand, they make their way back to the main hall. Before leaving the rogue's gallery, however, Mairlynn thinks to collect several of the local posters, so as not to arouse suspicion. Returning to the front desk, the Falmun man grins from cheek to cheek at the mere sight of Jarae, and her splendid form.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Posters?\" He asks.\n\n“These!\" Mairlynn chirps, dumping them onto the table.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLooking over the posters and keeping a careful record, the Falmun takes several glances toward Jarae and her perfect bust. He unrolls Irzain's poster.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Huh... Setting your sights a little high with this one, aren't you?\"\n\n“What better way to make a first impression?\" Mairlynn replies.\n\n“Yeah, but he's a big fish.\"\n\n“I like them nice and big.\" Jarae coos, winking at him.\n\n“I bet, gorgeous.\" The elf grins.\n\n“I feel so... Fulfilled... When I've caught one so large.\" She leans closer, pushing her bust together so innocently.\n\n“Yeah. I can imagine how happy a, uh, _big_ fish makes you. I imagine you look even better when you're so satisfied.\" The elf nearly drools on himself.\n\n“Mhm.\" She slowly nods.\n\n“Ahem... Excuse me, but we'd really like to get the hell out of here and be on our way. You two can catch up when we get back.\" Valan growls.\n\n“Of course!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nRolling the poster and setting it aside, the elven man continues to write in his logbook. He turns his eyes away from it, looking several times at the human and the Jaliscan. He can't ignore the growing tension between the lot of them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Look, I-I'm sorry if I stepped out of line!\" The bounty hunter begins. “I mean, I didn't intend to get between you and your Jaliscan.\"\n\n“_My_ Jaliscan?\" Valan raises a brow.\n\n“She's yours, right? I've seen people with their own Jaliscan before.\"\n\n“Slavery is illegal.\" Mairlynn interjects.\n\n“Yeah.\" The bounty hunter chuckles. “And so is theft, rape, and murder, but those _also_ happen every day. If they didn't, I'd be out of a job.\"\n\n“I don't own her. I would never own a person like that.\" Valan sternly replies.\n\n“Oh?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValan feels the disgust growing in the pit of his stomach as he sees the bounty hunter struggling to subdue an amused grin, brought on by referring to Jarae as a person. Jarae's smile fades as she witnesses this; her target might be physically attracted to her, but he clearly sees her as little more than an animal. The Falmun man returns to his scrolls, finishing his logs. Valan swiftly snatches them from the desk-bound bounty hunter.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Have a good day...\" Valan grumbles.\n\n“You too. Good luck.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWalking through the long hall and toward the front door, there are no other bounty hunters in sight. Looking with concern toward his Jaliscan companion, Valan can see her expression change; her face becomes somber. Reaching out, he rests his hand on her shoulder and gives her a little squeeze, hoping to comfort her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Get off of me!\" Jarae growls, pulling away from him.\n\n“I'm sorry.\"\n\n“That little bastard... Thought I was your slave. Ugh...\"\n\n“At least I corrected him.\" Valan remarks.\n\n“For what little that was worth.\" She snarls, glaring at him.\n\n“Hey, don't get mad at me! I not even the guilty party.\" He blurts out. “... I mean...\"\n\n“What are you saying?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJarae turns to face him, balling a fist in anger.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Look... You're the one who overreacted. When he thought he was crossing the line, I at least had the decency to not claim you like property. I could have, but I didn't.\"\n\n“It is what it is. During the last dynasty, the last race freed from slavery was yours.\" Mairlynn speaks to Jarae.\n\n“And that excuses him?\"\n\n“No, but you should at least be used to it by now.\" Mairlynn retorts.\n\n“Perhaps... Why would he think he was crossing the line?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJarae looks to Valan, whose face flushes. He turns away.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Never mind that. We need to get back. Come on.\" Mairlynn steps up, gaining their attention.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt's nearly evening as they exit the guildhall; it'd taken them most of the day to come up with their little plan. Walking past the gate guard, he waves and smiles at Jarae, who can see his lustful stare as she looks back. Only a few minutes earlier, she'd felt his tongue against hers, and groped his manhood through his trousers. It was her attempt to garner favor so that they'd be allowed into the guildhall. To her surprise, they were looking for new bounty hunters; she'd done it for nothing. As the gate guard smiles and waves at her, he never once looks at her face; his focus is entirely on her chest and her swaying buttocks. She stands, waving seductively back at the man.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Hey!\" Valan growls.\n\n“Huh?\" Jarae looks innocently at her perturbed companion.\n\n“We're leaving now...\"\n\n“I'm coming!\"\n\n“Good...\" He grumbles.\n\n“What are you so mad about?\" Jarae asks in a casual tone.\n\n“Nothing!\" He barks.\n\n“That doesn't sound like 'nothing' to me.\"\n\n“It's just... You didn't need to do any of that.\" He answers her.\n\n“Any of what?\" Jarae cocks her head.\n\n“That. What you did back there, with those guys.\"\n\n“Do you know why that desk monkey wondered if I was yours? He wanted me for himself. It was all over his face. It's quite a power to wield. I have what they want, and the skills to use it to my advantage. What's the problem?!\"\n\n“The problem is, it wasn't necessary or even the least bit helpful; you're really squandering that 'talent'.\" Valan snickers.\n\n“Why'd you say it like that?\" She asks, growing defensive.\n\n“Hey, forgive me for thinking you're better than that.\"\n\n“Just what are you implying?\" She stops in her tracks. “Do you think I'm a cheap whore or something?!\"\n\n“If it struts like a whore and gropes strangers like a whore...\" Mairlynn chuckles under her breath.\n\n“Don't act like you know everything about me, Valan, because you don't, and don't act like you can judge me either!\"\n\n“I wasn't juh-! ... Forget it...\" He murmurs.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWalking is silence, they return to the designated rendezvous, where Trellan and Steingar will meet them; Kirsta and Irzain have remained on the Arona-Dahl. Mairlynn looks back and forth between the human and the Jaliscan. The tension is so thick that she could almost cut it with her Kris. Reaching the crossroads, Jarae lifts her tail as she rests her perky buttocks atop a bench, placed beside a lamppost. Valan leans against the stalk of the unlit oil lamp, looking to and fro. As his eyes scan his surroundings, he sees something that catches his attention.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Be right back.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe abruptly begins walking away.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Hey, where're you going?!\" Mairlynn shouts at him.\n\n“Just into this shop. I'll won't even be five minutes. I promise!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs he disappears through the shop's front door, Mairlynn turns to Jarae, who's remained seated, her arms and legs crossed. Her head is turned away from him, ignoring the human as he leaves the pair to wait for the others.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Thanks for your help.\" The elf facetiously remarks.\n\n“He can do what he wants.\" Jarae coldly retorts, still averting her eyes.\n\n“Yeah, but he's clearly upset, and you're not helping.\"\n\n“I'm not his mother...\"\n\n“Don't you care at all?\" Mairlynn presses.\n\n“Nope!\" Jarae chirps.\n\n“... That's cold.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJarae's head slowly turns, her shimmering, pink eyes narrowed at her Falmun companion. They share a silent but intense stare. After waiting for a moment, Mairlynn shifts her focus back to the shop.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“The damn sentimental idiot... Judging me like that... Who does he think he is, anyway? He acts like I liked it or something... I just did what I thought he wanted... What the hell does he want from me?\" Jarae rambles quietly to herself.\n\n“There they are!\" A familiar voice chirps.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe women glance to their right to see Trellan and Steingar approaching. No longer wearing his uncomfortably undersized breeches, Steingar now wears fitted black trousers that reach his shins. Polished, brown leather boots, specially designed for the Helngar's digitigrade, three-toed feet, shine brightly in the weakening sunlight, and tuck beneath his trousers. His sturdy, triangular torso is covered with a white, flowing shirt made from quality linen, and with a black leather vest covering the shirt. The gray cloak that Valan had given him is draped over his broad shoulders and tied just before his throat. Steingar holds out his arms, presenting himself to the women.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Ooh! So handsome!\" Mairlynn coos.\n\n“You think so?\" He smiles.\n\n“Of course!\"\n\n“Better than that clown outfit you had on before.\" Trellan teases him.\n\n“Well, I certainly appreciated it.\" The dainty elf winks, glancing at his groin, which no longer shows his manly bulge. “This one's very nice, though.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nGlancing toward Jarae, Steingar is somewhat surprised when she looks over his form. She soon turns her head away, however, clearly disinterested. Jarae doesn't speak a word. As she keeps her face and snout straight ahead, she turns her eyes in their direction, and the Jaliscan woman's lips curl into a very subtle grin.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Hey, nice clothes!\" Valan exclaims, appearing from just behind Steingar and Trellan.\n\n“Thanks.\" Steingar nods.\n\n“If we're going to pass him off as anything other than a field hand, he was going to need them.\" Trellan remarks.\n\n“Indeed.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBrushing by the men, Valan approaches Jarae, whose faint smile has grown a little wider. Taking a hand out from behind his back, he presents her with a single, pink flower. It matches her hair. Her eyes grow wide as she looks at the solitary flower, which he sets gently atop her lap, after she fails to reach out and take it.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I'm sorry if I upset you earlier. It wasn't my intent.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nActing as though he'd done nothing of consequence, Valan removes himself from before her and approaches the two men and Mairlynn, who stand nearby and watch them. The expression on Jarae's face is unusual. It's not joy, shock or even confusion. Is she afraid? A trembling hand grasps the stem of the pink flower.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“So, now what's the plan?\" Valan asks Trellan.\n\n“We need fuel for Arona.\"\n\n“Fuel?\" Mairlynn cocks her head.\n\n“Yes. My propulsors use coal infused with pitania powder to power them.\"\n\n“Pitania infused coal?!\" Steingar gasps.\n\n“Isn't that the stuff they use to make Helngarian steel?\" Mairlynn asks.\n\n“Yes. Yes, it is.\" Trellan grins proudly. “It burns thrice as hot as regular coal!\"\n\n“That's fairly expensive stuff.\" Steingar remarks.\n\n“Unfortunately...\" The old Vizhek sighs. “We have enough vasariks to purchase a full hold, and we're going to need it, otherwise it's sails only.\"\n\n“Are we too slow without the propulsors or something?\" The human wonders.\n\n“Not exactly. We're slow, of course, but still faster than a typical galleon, just not by much. Maybe nine or ten knots? Other, smaller and less threatening craft could probably catch us. I'd just rather speed up our journey, instead of saving our fuel for emergencies; I have enough for us to outrun a patrol or two, but that's it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTaking a pouch from his belt, he tosses the satchel to Steingar, who catches it in mid-air.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“That's all we have. Buy as much as you can, and have it brought to the Arona-Dahl before nightfall. We don't have long, so hurry up! ... I don't like the feeling I get here.\" Trellan instructs.\n\n“Understood.\" Steingar nods. “Let's go, Valan.\"\n\n“Yeah, sure.\" Valan replies, glancing back at Jarae.\n\n“We'll meet you boys back at the ship.\" Trellan says.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe old, blue-skinned elf extends his arms to coral the women. Rising from the bench, Jarae gives the pink flower a little sniff, a warm smile crossing her quivering lips. With a single glance in Valan's direction, her expression shifts. With a new, blank and uncaring stare, she accompanies Trellan and Mairlynn. As they walk along the road, she tosses the flower away and into a nearby bush, in front of Valan, and to his displeasure. He stands frozen, caught by the icy, stinging sensation within his chest.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Valan... Hey! Are you coming or not?\" Steingar impatiently growls.\n\n“Huh? Oh, sorry.\"\n\n“Focus on the mission.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWalking down the cobblestone streets, they make their way deeper into town, heading for the local blacksmith's shop, the only place where they might be able to find any quantity of Pitania infused coal for sale. Steingar glances over at the human, watching him with his golden eyes. He looks troubled, staring downward, and looking only a few feet before them. Steingar had asked him along because of his twin pistols, custom built by Valan himself, and which the gunman often extols, alongside his supposed marksmanship skills. How will he help him protect the small fortune he's carrying if he isn't even watching?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Hey!\" He smacks the human's bicep.\n\n“Sorry, I'm... Sorry...\" Valan mutters.\n\n“What did I tell you about focusing? ... What the hell is bothering you, anyway?\"\n\n“Nothing...\"\n\n“It's definitely something. Is it about that girl? Jarae?\"\n\n“Jarae...\" Valan sighs.\n\n“I'm going to assume this has something to do with whatever happened to you two on that island. You've both been acting like angsty teenagers, and I'm hoping that isn't normal for either of you.\"\n\n“Her, too?\" Valan stops, a surprised look on his face.\n\n“Yeah. So, what happened?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe human seems to hesitate. Is he pondering his words, or debating whether or not he can trust the Helngar warrior who accompanies him? Before the human can open his mouth to speak, a cloaked figure leaps out from around a corner. Rushing by Steingar, they bump into his shoulder with considerable force, causing the large and imposing warrior to shift and the figure to stumble. Without saying a single word of apology, the figure swiftly dashes away.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Hey, asshole! I-\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSteingar's eyes grow wide as he sees something in the shadowy figure's grasp. It's a coin purse. Checking his belt, the pouch of vasariks are missing!\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Get back here!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe pair quickly give chase, running after the cloaked figure, who turns a corner. Valan draws a pistol and fully cocks the hammer. He takes aim, but a loose patch of stones shifts just as he pulls the trigger. Bang! The round whizzes harmlessly by the thief as the human topples over, falling onto the ground and slamming down hard onto a wrist and both knees. He cries out in pain, but Steingar doesn't stop. He's gaining on the fleeing crook, and has no intention of failing in his mission.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Yeah, I'm fine!\" Valan shouts at Steingar, who chases the figure around another, distant corner.\n\n“Get back here and I'll tear you in half! ... Won't! I _won't_ tear you in half!\" Steingar corrects, yelling at the thief.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nGrabbing a lamppost, the figure makes the bold and risky move of swinging around it, heading back from whence they'd come. Steingar, nearly close enough to reach out and grab their flowing garment, flies right by the pickpocket. He slams into an apple cart as he looks over his shoulder, behind him. The cart tips from the force of the crash, spilling the contents everywhere.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Hey! Watch it, you oaf!\" The Vizhek storekeeper snarls.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSnatching an apple, Steingar runs away, chasing after the crook.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Sorry!\" He shouts back at the vendor.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTurning another corner, he gains on the thief, taking a bite out of the stolen apple as he runs at full sprint.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Come back here! I'm serious!\" He shouts with his mouth full.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJumping atop a crate, the thief leaps onto a hanging storefront sign. Before Steingar can grab them, they pull themselves up and leap onto the store's roof, several feet away. The cloaked figure scrambles away, in a fashion not unlike a squirrel. Clearing the building in seconds, which is connected to the others nearby, Steingar is left speechless and without Trellan's currency. Staring up at the now empty rooftop, he takes another, methodical bite from his apple.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Steingar?! Steingar! ... Where are you?\" Valan sighs in frustration.\n\n“Valan?!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSpinning around, the human can see his Helngar companion nearby. He emerges from around a building, waving with a hand that holds a half-eaten apple. Lifting the fruit to his muzzle, he takes another bite.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Did you catch him? And where'd you get that apple?\"\n\n“No, and I stole it from a cart I ran into... What?\"\n\n“I didn't say anything.\"\n\n“I'm already wanted for treason!\"\n\n“Right, and how'd they get away from you?\" Valan raises a brow, looking over Steingar.\n\n“It wasn't my fault!\"\n\n“I mean, you were gone before I could even push myself up, so...\"\n\n“I think they were part monkey or something. Damndest thing I ever saw. Climbed up a rooftop in seconds!\"\n\n“Up a rooftop?!\" Valan asks in shock.\n\n“Yeah! They were all...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSteingar pantomimes the thief's strange, animalistic motions.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“... Are there any more of those apples lying around?\" Valan snickers.\n\n“Whatever. Don't believe me, then.\" Steingar grumbles. “... Oh... What're we going to tell Trellan?\"\n\n“I'll tell him the truth. After you left me, well... That part's on you.\"\n\n“You believe me, don't you?!\"\n\n“Whether I believe you isn't an issue. Let's just get back.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWalking along the cobblestone streets, empty handed and broke, Steingar grows increasingly nervous. Reaching the docks, the Arona-Dahl sits in wait. They reach the gangplank and the Helngar takes a moment, closing his eyes and breathing deeply, in and out. Looking back, Valan can see the fear on his face. He's surprised that the mighty warrior would be so fearful; he's a bloodforge, after all.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHowever, a brief pause to reflect clears up his confusion. Steingar is alone, wanted for treason, and with no currency to his name. He couldn't steal the ship if he wanted to; if Trellan so chooses, Steingar will find himself at the end of a sword or a rope, just by the old Vizhek turning his back on him. Opening his eyes, Steingar realizes that Valan is watching him. He swiftly shakes off his anxiety, putting on a strong facade.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“By the Seraphs.\" A disappointed Trellan sighs.\n\n“... And you say they did what?\" Kirsta raises a skeptical brow.\n\n“You heard me. Right up the wall, like a spider!\" Steingar insists.\n\n“Did you see that, Valan?\" Mairlynn slides closer to the human.\n\n“No. I saw a thief, and they did steal the vasariks, but I slipped on loose cobblestones during the chase and fell behind.\"\n\n“Aww. You poor thing. Maybe I could treat your wounds?\" She coos, slipping an arm around his waist.\n\n“Uh, I think I'll live.\" He replies, gently pulling away from the dainty elf.\n\n“Fine...\"\n\n“Do you really expect us to believe a story like that?\" Kirsta snickers.\n\n“I would. Some people can be surprisingly agile.\" Jarae remarks, off-the-cuff.\n\n“We're talking about thievery, not your sexual prowess.\" Kirsta snaps at the Jaliscan.\n\n“Don't be upset because you're no match for me.\" Jarae smirks.\n\n“I'm a match for any woman here, and I didn't need nearly as much practice.\" The blonde woman swiftly retorts.\n\n“Hey, back off!\" Valan points a finger in Kirsta's face.\n\n“Don't yell at me because your pet's a-\"\n\n“Alright, shut up!\" Trellan growls, interrupting them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe room falls silent.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I believe you, Steingar. I've seen far more incredible things in my time... We'll just have to rely on sail power. It's not like we're screwed; we have fuel for emergencies, but the trip to Bremen will just take a while longer. Sorry, Irzain.\"\n\n“That's alright...\" A disappointed Irzain murmurs.\n\n“And I'm sorry, too. I failed you.\" Steingar hangs his head in shame.\n\n“Hardly.\" Trellan softly chuckles. “All of that coin came from Valan's chest.\"\n\n“Wonderful!\" Valan sarcastically chirps.\n\n“I'd be far more upset if you'd lost my personal stash, what little of that there is.\" Trellan finishes. “Get some food and rest. We'll be leaving this place shortly.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDeparting Trellan's cabin, the crew make their way below deck. Walking at the rear of the group, Valan watches Jarae with a perturbed expression.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Uhm... Jarae?\"\n\n“Hm?\" She glances back at him.\n\n“What was she talking about earlier?\"\n\n“Who?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe pair stop in their tracks, facing each other as they stand beside the hatch that leads below deck.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Kirsta... What was she talking about earlier?\"\n\n“Ah... Well... On our first night aboard, after the island, I tried to bond with her and Mairlynn. I shared some things with them that I now wish I hadn't.\"\n\n“Oh.\"\n\n“I thought it would help us grow closer...\" Jarae murmurs.\n\n“If you wanted to talk, you could've always talked to me.\" He remarks with a warm smile.\n\n“Why?\" She cocks her head.\n\n“Because then we could get to know each other better... Spend more time together.\"\n\n“Oh! Well, if you want to spend time with me, I certainly don't mind.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nStepping closer to him, Jarae rests a hand on his chest, returning his smile. Her other hand gently but purposefully brushes against his groin as she leans in, as if to steal a kiss. Valan turns his head as he gently grabs her hands, slowly pulling away. He holds her extremities very carefully, as if she were made of glass.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“That's not what I meant, and you know it. Can't there be more than that?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAfter a silent pause, Jarae's smile fades. She shivers from nervousness before pulling her hands away and turning around. A silent moment passes before she simply walks away, leaving him alone. He stands on the main deck, watching as she descends the stairs and continues on, to her room. Sighing, the gunman follows behind at a snail's pace. He looks down at his belt as he nears his room, slowly unbuckling it as he prepares to disarm himself. As he turns toward his door, he pauses at the sight of Irzain peeking our and watching him from his own doorway.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe older human looks concerned, showing a worry for Valan's wellbeing that he wishes he could receive from Jarae. Without speaking a word, they share a subtle nod, then Valan heads into his room and closes the door. Leaning against the doorframe, Irzain looks back and forth between the closed bedroom doors of Valan and Jarae. It's obvious to him that the human likes the Jaliscan, and equally obvious that she's struggling with her own feelings, but he can't help but reflect.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe wonders to himself, if they'd met under different circumstances, would they have even given each other the light of day? Glancing toward Steingar's room, and the empty rooms of Kirsta and Mairlynn, who are both currently raiding the ship's galley for a snack, it's clear to him that his arrival is the sole catalyst for their current states. Merely imagining their futures had he not existed is mindboggling. The guilt of ruining their lives with his presence weighs heavily on his heart. Finally returning to his own room, Irzain sheds a tear.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTaking off his boots and lying atop his cot, he feels a sense of growing peace with the swaying of the ship; it's as if he's being rocked to sleep in Arona's loving arms. Closing his eyes, Irzain begins to dream. Seated in an elegantly decorated, cherry wood chair, with padding made of velvet and stuffed with feather fluff, he watches a sunset from the balcony of what appears to be a castle turret. The forest beyond the protective, stone walls is vast, a veritable abyss of greenery. A door opens and closes, drawing his attention.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLeaning over in his seat, Irzain smiles wide at the now familiar Helngar woman, whose presence soothes him in his sleep. Often, he spends his waking hours hoping that he'll see her in the night; it's the only true peace he ever feels these days. Her turquoise eyes glow in the dim light of the room, which appears to be a private office, with the addition of a moderately sized bed and a nightstand in one corner. Papers, quills and several inkwells of various levels of fullness litter the room.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nPushing himself from his seat, he moves through the stone doorway. He pulls closed the wooden barrier, as he makes his way inside. Before he can turn toward her, he can feel her arms wrapping around his body. Resting her chip atop his head, she nuzzles him and gives him a loving squeeze.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I've missed you.\" He says, turning and sliding his arms around her.\n\n“You always miss me.\" The Helngar woman giggles.\n\n“Of course, my love! You're my whole world!\"\n\n“And so are you.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWith a somber sigh, she draws his attention. Pulling back and looking up at her, he can see the anxiety on her face. Her fretful, glowing, turquoise spheres stare at him. Irzain feels his heart sinking.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“What's wrong, my love?!\"\n\n“We shouldn't be doing this.\" She replies, speaking softly.\n\n“Are you... You don't mean...\" He chokes on his words, his eyes welling up.\n\n“No! By the Seraphs, no! I could never leave you, darling! I can hardly bear us being apart, even for a day!\" She swiftly replies, hugging him tighter.\n\n“Oh!\" He breathes a sigh of relief.\n\n“I just meant that this land is so hostile to people like us. Centuries in a caste system, in a society as elitist as the Vizhek's, has taken a toll on the people who've chosen to live here. I've met emissaries and delegates from the mainland, and they find it odd that what we do, that the love we share, is so frowned upon. I'm told that humans and Helngar of the mainland don't see a divide between them, at least not the way they do here, in the Isles.\"\n\n“Do you want to leave, then?\" He asks, giving her a loving squeeze and nuzzling the soft, black fur on the nape of her neck.\n\n“I-I'd hate to ask that of you. Our positions are both quite prestigious; would we manage if we left them?\" She sheepishly asks.\n\n“I don't care.\" Irzain pulls away, tilting his head back and looking up and into her beautiful eyes. “As long as we're together, we could be pumpkin farmers for all I care. All of this?! It means nothing without you to share it with.\"\n\n“Oh, darling! ... I love pumpkins.\" She chokes out.\n\n“I know.\" He softly chuckles.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSmiling, Irzain and the purple and black Helngar stare into each other's eyes. Leaning in for a kiss, he can feel her soft lips. The Arona-Dahl jostles with a wave. The jolting rouses him from his slumber. Slowly opening his eyes, Irzain can see something unusual. Beside him is a pair of vivid blue eyes. They're glowing in the darkness, like the eyes of the Helngar woman from his dreams. Is he still asleep, and is this part of his dream? Rubbing closed eyelids with his palms, the drowsiness fade.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs he looks again, however, the being's glowing orbs do not. Instead, they glance back from the doorway before stumbling backward and out of his room. Fear overcomes him, and Irzain shoots upright, sitting atop his cot.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Wh-who's there?!\"","series":{"name":"Series: In The Mist Of The Erie Isles","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1513509-in-the-mist-of-the-erie-isles-episode-10.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1515680-in-the-mist-of-the-erie-isles-episode-12.json"}}