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Sorry for the delay! Real life got in the way for a bit. Hope you enjoy this next installment of Kobold Kissing Lessons.

2 weeks later

Myrka

Glinain's Hold

Harmond let out a heavy sigh from his seat beside the Kobold's bedside. Zroc was alive, but barely. The older male's head was completely wrapped in bandages. His wounds were cleaned three times a day by the clerics at the local temple. The worshippers of Shaadhaa had no presence here, but Harmond made sure to pray to the goddess every day. It had worked when he was in Zroc's position, and it was going to work this time. He didn't dare show a shred of doubt. The gods, much like mortals, could be vindictive and spiteful. Shaadhaa could very well punish the Dog for losing his faith.

The Golden Retriever only left the Kobold's side to eat, sleep, and attend to his friends' business. Ennrion was dead. There were no healers here that were skilled enough to bring him back from the icy grip of death. Harmond was now in charge. He sent off a letter to the Dragonborn's parents and reported back to Nohol with their findings. Much to Harmond's surprise, the Ermine thanked him profusely and even donated two guest rooms to himself and Zroc. The rest of the party was still lodged at the Gold Hammers. Their rooms were also taken care of, thanks to a very kind donation from the Mage's College. Boneclaw chunks must have been extremely valuable and hard to come by.

The Dog's ears twitched as the door to Zroc's room opened. His paw instinctively moved to his hip to clutch the absent handle of his sword. He had been on edge ever since they had returned to Myrka, even though the only Furs with weapons were Nohol's guards. The portly Ermine walked into the room with his head bowed. Once the Dog got to know the mustelid, his opinion had changed drastically. The baron was a bit of an airhead, but he had a generous heart. Harmond smiled softly and relaxed.

"Good afternoon," Nohol looked over the Kobold with a quiet sigh, "Still no change?"

The Dog nodded and rubbed over Zroc's hand softly. The show of affection made the Ermine smile and blush shyly. Harmond figured out the baron was gay shortly into their first one on one meeting. Unfortunately for the Ermine, duty to his noble position and need to maintain a strong bloodline kept him from living as freely as the Golden Retriever did.

"I like to think he's getting better each day," Harmond replied, "It seems like his pulse gets stronger every day."

He squeezed the Kobold's hand softly.

"It's just weird, you know," The Golden Retriever let out a quiet chuckle, "I'm supposed to be the quiet one. Normally you can't shut him up."

Nohol chuckled and sat down on the amethyst cushioned window seat behind the Dog's hard wooden chair.

"You have nothing to worry about," The baron smiled, "I'm sure in no time you're going to wish he'd shut up again."

Harmond shook his head.

"No way," The Golden Retriever smirked, "I'd make him talk till he went hoarse."

The Ermine nodded and reached into his pocket. Harmond's eyes went wide as he saw the necklace that Zroc had given him two weeks ago. The Golden Retriever's guilty conscience had got the better of him. He asked Warren to sneak in and replace the jewelry.

"I noticed that this was out of place," Nohol said as he lifted the jewelry up, "It's such a pretty thing. I have to ask. Did one of you take it? I know that it went missing for a little bit."

Harmond gulped. He wasn't sure what to say. The last thing he wanted was for him and Zroc to be thrown out. The only reason the Kobold wasn't dead was Nohol's generosity. The Golden Retriever whined and nodded.

"I'm not mad," The Ermine continued, "May I ask why? And who did it?"

The Golden Retriever rubbed his paws nervously. His gaze travelled down to the floor. He felt like a pup who had been caught with his paw in the cookie jaw.

"Zroc did," Harmond said softly, not able to look up at the Ermine, "We had a fight and he, well, wanted to apologize. He called it a wedding present from you."

Harmond looked over at the black-scaled Kobold and chuckled.

"He said you wouldn't notice," The Golden Retriever smirked, "Means he owes me a pint of ale."

Nohol chuckled and shook his head.

"All he had to do was tell me, and I would have given you something hand selected by myself," The Ermine smirked, "Normally, I'd have thrown the thief in jail, charged an exorbitant fine to get him out, maybe even push for execution."

The Ermine put the necklace between himself and the Golden Retriever. One of his eyes closed as he examined the silver jewelry and the Dog closely.

"But given the circumstances," He smirked and held out the necklace to the Dog, "As well as Zroc's exquisite taste. I think this would make a fine wedding present."

Harmond blushed hard and wagged his tail as the Ermine dropped the necklace back into his paws. Nohol smiled and leaned back in his chair as he watched the Dog drape the fine silver chain over his neck and reach back to clasp it. Grateful tears welled up in Harmond's eyes as he finally mustered the emotional fortitude to look Nohol in the eye.

"Thank you," Harmond began with a quiet sniffle, "Thank you for everything you've done."

Nohol leaned in and held both of the Dog's paws.

"You're very welcome," Nohol replied, "Now as much as I wish that was all the business I had. I have some, urm, bad news."

Harmond whined and squeezed Nohol's paws.

"What is it?" The Golden Retriever asked, "Is it about the boneclaw?"

The baron shook his head.

"It's about Ennrion," The Ermine began, "They sent a reply. You neglected to tell me that Ennrion's father was Th?mdaugh, The Dread Shadow."

Harmond shivered. Ennrion and Zroc had both neglected to mention that. Thumdaugh was infamous for his role in the devastating Siege of Nys. Nys was a cultural wonder, a place of scholarship and higher learning, that had been standing for as long as anyone could remember. It was half a world from Myrka, but Nys was well known throughout the world. Wars had been fought in the lands surrounding it, but no conqueror dared to encroach upon its borders. That all changed 200 years ago.

A mad Mole, Uthir the Blind, charmed an army of Goblins, Trolls, and fell abominations too horrible to be named from the deepest depths of the world. His 20 year conquest ravished the continent of Isurlis until finally, his army stood outside the walls of Nys. For 5 years they threw themselves against the white stone walls of the city, succumbing to arrow, spear, and age old enchantments. Time was beginning to take its toll. Food was running out and morale was dangerously low. The leaders of the city, desperate for a respite, called upon whatever great powers that would listen to break the siege. The gods fulfilled their wish, the siege was broken, but it cost Nys everything.

Th?mdaugh, Ennrion's father, had been coaxed to Uthir's side with the promise of gold, jewels, and a trove of priceless magical artifacts. The Dragon, old and powerful with scales as dark as night, flew into battle and destroyed the walls with one powerful blast of noxious acid. Uthir's army ran into the city and made short work of the guards. Not one survived. By all accounts, Uthir won the war, but did not live to enjoy his spoils.

Th?mdaugh was not pleased with the size of his share and, rather than renegotiate for more loot, decided to take the draconic route. He destroyed Uthir's army and as his Kobold slaves, among them Zroc's ancestors, looted the ruins, destroyed Nys. Thumdaugh earned his name and worldwide infamy in the course of a couple of days.

"He's coming here," Nohol frowned, "And he is not happy. What am I going to tell him? That I financed the venture that led to his son's death?"

Harmond whined and hung his head. Ennrion hadn't trained him to fight a threat like that.

"How much time do we have?" Harmond asked, "Can we come up with a plan?"

Nohol nodded.

"We have a week," The Ermine replied, "And you're going to come up with a plan. You were his travelling companion and it's quite clear that you are the leader of your little ragtag group now. That's your next quest. Keep Th?mdaugh from liquifying my city."

The Golden Retriever shuddered. He was sure Th?mdaugh would settle for liquifying him.

"I'll think of something," Harmond began, "Perhaps he's just coming as a grieving father."

The Ermine chuckled and shook his head.

"Maybe," Nohol replied, "Regardless, you should probably give Zroc the room. The healers will be here any minute now."

Nohol got up from the seat with a low groan and an audible crack.

"I'll send one of my guards to the inn this evening," The Ermine continued, "You really should unwind a little bit. There's a men's bath on the edge of the castle ward that I think you'd find most agreeable."

Harmond tensed up and blushed. Part of him wanted to stay right here with Zroc, but the smarter half knew that the baths was his best chance to make a substantial offering to Shaadhaa. The Golden Retriever knew that Zroc's activities at the brothel in Nizaraq helped his recovery immensely.

"Well sure," Harmond said with a soft smile, "I'd like that. Are they relaxing?"

Nohol winked at the Golden Retriever.

"They only hire the best," the noble replied, "My guard will personally ensure that you have the best time. You are an honored guest."

The Ermine walked towards the door but stopped in the entry.

"I really appreciate this by the way," He said softly, "Your loyalty to him. It warms my heart, gives me faith in love."

Harmond smiled as the Ermine walked away. His paw moved up to rub over the necklace. Now that it fully belonged to him, he could really appreciate it. He would wear it proudly every day. Soon, Zroc would be awake to appreciate it too. The Golden Retriever was sure of it.

"See you soon love," Harmond said softly as he got up to leave the room, "You owe me a pint of ale. None of that cheap shit either."

The Dog walked out into the hallway just as the first pair of healers came up the stairs. They wore white robes which covered their bodies entirely. Harmond wasn't quite sure what deity they represented, but if Nohol kept them around it had to be a good one. He nodded at them politely as he edged past the dozen hooded figures and made his way down the stairs. A bite to eat with the rest of the party would do him good. He hadn't spent as much time with them as he should have. Harmond was sure they understood, but their well being was his responsibility now.

The guest rooms were nestled against the front wall of the castle and separate from the main building that housed Nohol and his family. It was a short walk from the door to the main courtyard, a modest stone affair with little decoration. Nohol kept his wealth well hidden within, even if it was one of the worst kept secrets in Myrka. Harmond smiled at one of the gate guards, a young Mutt his age named Bragi.

"Slow day today?" The Golden Retriever asked, "You guys always look so bored standing out here."

Bragi chuckled and took off his helmet. He had short coffee-colored fur with some scruff around his muzzle and piercing eyes, one blue and one yellow. The Mutt was incredibly handsome. Harmond hoped this would be the guard to accompany him to the baths tonight.

"Slow days are good days," Bragi replied, "How is he? Any change?"

Harmond sighed and shook his head.

"Soon," The Golden Retriever said softly, "He'll wake up soon. I just know it."

The Mutt nodded.

"Of course," Bragi began, "Are you going back to the inn?"

"Yeah," The Dog chuckled, "Then I'm going off to the baths for the evening. I've been told they're quite nice."

Bragi smirked.

"Maybe I'll see you there," The Mutt replied, "Some of us guards are real fans of that place. Hard not to be with such a generous boss."

"Maybe," Harmond returned the smirk, "Enjoy the rest of your shift Bragi. Here's hoping it stays slow."

The Mutt nodded and put his helmet back on. Harmond walked to the main guardhouse, just off to the side of the gate and collected his weapons and armor. He had inherited Ennrion's armor and swords. By rights one of them should have gone to Zroc, but he was in no condition to take one. For now, they rested on his back, safe and sound. He left the guardhouse and walked down the slight incline to the stone district of town.

The Golden Hammers was only a short walk from the castle walls. The stone district was a beautiful part of town. The streets were lined with tall birch trees and the facades of all of the old stone buildings were carved with intricate designs. The Golden Hammers looked far more rough, but that was part of the inn's charm. Few adventurers wanted to stay at some prim and proper inn. This provided all of the comfort of a posh inn with none of the added frills.

He stepped into the inn and walked up to the innkeeper, a chubby Corgi named Ukran. Harmond had gotten to know the older Dog very well since the boneclaw incident. He was a retired adventurer who worked in Nohol's service. The Corgi got rich, bought the Golden Hammers, and parked himself here ever since. Ukran was always good for a laugh, a tale, or advice.

"Good afternoon," Harmond began, "Quiet in here today. Did my friends get too drunk to leave their rooms again?"

Ukran shook his head.

"Actually, two of them left early this morning," The Corgi chuckled, "Said they were browsing the markets today. Haven't seen much of that Wolf since you got here though."

Harmond frowned. Uvoc had taken Ennrion's death extremely hard. The Wolf had hardly spoken to anyone since the Dragonborn was slain, even Warren. It had put a lot of strain on the pair, even more so now that Harmond wasn't available to help.

"Yeah," Ukran continued, "He only comes down for drinks and some meager morsels of food. He seems to be in a bad way."

Harmond sighed and rested his paws on the counter.

"Any chance I could get two pints of ale?" Harmond asked, "And then some of your pheasant and biscuits if you still have it?"

Ukran rubbed the back of his neck.

"That's a yes to the ale," Ukran began, "All out of pheasant though, and we used the last of those biscuits to thicken up our breakfast porridge. Got turkey and potatoes though. Although that might be too heavy for lunch."

Harmond smiled widely.

"That would be perfect actually," The Golden Retriever replied, "Uvoc's favorite food is turkey. If that doesn't cheer him up then I don't know what would."

Ukran nodded and readied two large pewter mugs of ale. The innkeeper swore under his breath as foam bubbled out and over the rim of the mug. Harmond waited patiently for the Corgi to scrape off the excess foam and lift the heavy vessels onto the bar.

"I hope it works," The Corgi began, "It's bad business to have a lumbering depressed hulk lurking about. Ill natured monstrosities like that are bad news."

He slid the two mugs over and let out a quiet chuckle. Ukran's eyes went wide as he realized what he had said.

"No offense of course," Ukran continued with a nervous chuckle, "But you know what I mean."

Harmond gathered up the two mugs and shot the Corgi a wink.

"Of course I do," The Golden Retriever smirked, "But that doesn't mean he will."

Ukran's eyes went wide with shock. Harmond didn't like to play pranks on people, but it was always fun to watch the Corgi work himself up. The thought of an angry Wolf coming down to chew him out would definitely do that. He let out a quiet huff and started to clean up behind the bar. The Golden Retriever walked up the stairs to the rooms and stopped in front of Uvoc's door. The Wolf and Rat were closest to the stairs. Harmond tapped the door a few times with his foot and waited.

"No." Uvoc said from behind the door, "Go away."

Harmond let out a soft whine.

"Hey," He said softly, "It's Harmond. I've got beer. And turkey on the way. Can't I come in?"

There was a short pause. Harmond's ears perked up at the sound of paws thumping and shuffling against the wood floor. The footsteps stopped on the other side of the door.

"Friend Harmond?" The Wolf asked with a soft whine, "Okay."

Harmond waited for the door to open, but Uvoc kept his position. The Golden Retriever let out a soft chuckle.

"You'll have to get the door for me," Harmond began, "My paws are full of beer."

There was a mumbled reply as the Wolf pulled open the door. The white-furred canine looked horrible. His fur was matted and tangled, and the sunken, tired look in his eyes made it seem like the taller male had been trying and failing to cry himself to sleep every night. He was mostly naked, and only wore a tattered loincloth. Before Harmond could say anything, Uvoc pulled him into a bear hug with one arm while closing the door behind the Golden Retriever. Harmond didn't protest, even when one of the beer mugs tipped and coated the front of his shirt in ale. Uvoc pulled away with a whine.

"Sorry," Uvoc said with a quiet whine, "Accident."

Harmond let the mostly empty mug fall to the floor and extended the other mug out to the Wolf. His free paw moved up to rest on the Wolf's shoulder. Uvoc tensed, and then nuzzled softly into the Golden Retriever's paw with a whine.

"It's okay," He said with a soft smile, "You can have this one. We can order another when the food comes."

Uvoc nodded and took the offered mug. He turned away, set the full vessel on his nightstand, and flopped down onto his back on top of the mattress. Judging by the grooves in the mattress around him, Uvoc didn't move much from this spot. The Golden Retriever removed his soaking wet shirt and sat down at the Wolf's feet.

"Do you want to talk?" Harmond asked with a soft whine, "I'm worried about you Uvoc."

The Wolf shook his head.

"No worry," Uvoc began, "Not hurt. Just sad."

Harmond reached out and put his paw over the Wolf's.

"That's why I'm worried," Harmond replied, "We've all been taking what happened to Ennrion really hard. But it seems like you've been really struggling lately."

Uvoc didn't say anything.

"It's hard to move on," Harmond continued, "I know that, but sometimes that's all you can do."

The Wolf let out a heavy sigh and crossed his arms. Harmond slowly rubbed over the bigger male's arms and let his fingers work through the tangles within. Uvoc needed a bath, or at least a solid brushing.

"Ennrion didn't," Uvoc replied "He never move on."

Harmond whined.

"I know Uvoc," The Golden Retriever squeezed the Wolf's arm, "But Ennrion, he's... he's not coming back, we weren't able to get him back here in time. There was nothing anyone could do"

The Wolf sat up and gripped the Golden Retriever's wrist tightly. Harmond let out a quiet gasp of pain. Uvoc was strong, there was no doubt about it, but he had never been on the receiving end of this strength before. He let out a little whine and brought a paw up to brace against the white-furred Wolf's shaggy chest.

"I was like dead too," The Wolf growled, "No one care. Ennrion did. Ennrion didn't move on. Like others."

Harmond winced as the larger male's grip tightened on his wrist. Uvoc and Warren joined the group on practically the same day. While Ennrion didn't hide the fact that he found the Rat rotting in a jail cell, Uvoc's origin was passed over. Harmond remembered how wild eyed and paranoid the Wolf was at first. Was there something the normally stoic barbarian was hiding?

"Why don't..." Harmond grimaced as he pulled his paw back, "I give your fur a nice brushing, and you can tell me all about it."

Uvoc nodded.

"Brush good," Uvoc replied, "You have fur. More than Warren. You better at it."

The Golden Retriever chuckled as he reached over to open the Wolf's nightstand. Most of the assorted junk within was Warren's. Harmond reached into the back and pulled out the plain, but well crafted brush.

"So,," Harmond smirked as he took his position behind the mostly naked Wolf, "Have you guys been using that little gift I gave you?"

Uvoc smiled softly and pushed back against the Golden Retriever. The bigger male moaned softly as Harmond's gentle fingers teased through his thick white fur.

"A little," The Wolf blushed, "Warren wants to. Feel too bad. No mating in a long time."

The Wolf hung his head.

"Feel bad for Warren" Uvoc asked, "But he patient."

Harmond smiled. He was happy to hear that Warren was a good partner. Uvoc fully deserved that kind of happiness.

"That's good," Harmond began, "I'm sure he's worried about you. Be sure to let him help if you can Uvoc."

Uvoc paused and nodded slowly. He gripped the bed as Harmond started to brush. The Golden Retriever was quite good at this, having had lots of practice with his, at times, unruly fur. The Wolf shuddered and whined, making the Dog pause. Harmond's fur had never been in a state like this. He just hoped he wasn't going too rough.

"I'm not hurting you am I?" Harmond asked softly, " You can tell me if I am."

The bigger Wolf shook his head.

"No," Uvoc replied after a short pause, "Harmond never hurt."

The younger male nodded and continued to work over the Wolf's back. He worked in silence, brushing out a square of matted fur on Uvoc's upper back. It felt good to take care of someone like this. The healers did all the work when it came to Zroc, and Warren and Jaal were taking care of their issues themselves. This was a nice change of pace. The Golden Retriever moved the brush lower.

"Did you want to talk about it?" Harmond asked, "I had no idea the two of you were so close."

Uvoc tensed up even more. The Golden Retriever let out a soft whine and let the brush fall away from the Wolf's back. Harmond moved in close and hugged the bigger canine tightly. His head rested on the Wolf's shoulder.

"I'm sorry," Harmond continued, "I won't pry any more."

The Wolf gently squeezed the Golden Retriever's paws to his abdomen.

"I talk," Uvoc replied, "This secret. No tell."

Harmond nodded and reciprocated the squeeze. The Golden Retriever fell silent and waited for the other male to speak. He didn't have to wait long before the Wolf hung his head and took a deep breath.

"I from the north. Big tribe, many warriors," Uvoc began, "We fight big war with south. Bloody war, many battles, but we lose. Warriors turn to slaves, families separated, my pups dead... m-my mate dead. "

The Wolf whined. Harmond gasped and softly rubbed over the Wolf's back. He had no idea that Uvoc had a family.

"I work quarry, lift stones all day, all night," He continued, "One day. I get weak. I fall. Masters decide to kill me."

Uvoc looked back up and growled.

"No fight left. I ready to die," The Wolf's tone got louder and more intense, "But Ennrion find me. Stop them. Buy me... Free me. Make me warrior again."

Harmond nodded slowly as he digested the Wolf's story. Uvoc was very jumpy the first couple of weeks with the party. The Wolf had always seemed so strong and aloof. Harmond almost couldn't remember a time when he wasn't. The bigger male nuzzled back against the Golden Retriever.

"He save me," Uvoc whined, "I not save him. I fail him"

The Golden Retriever kissed the Wolf's cheek and sighed.

"None of us could," Harmond squeezed Uvoc's paw, "It's not your fault. It's whoever brought that thing into this world's fault."

The big Wolf growled.

"I killed it." Uvoc replied, "I kill them."

Harmond chuckled softly.

"I don't doubt that," The Golden Retriever began, "Until then. You gotta stop beating yourself up. We'll get to the bottom of this. I promise. We'll get revenge, for all of us."

Uvoc nodded and turned around to hug Harmond tightly.

"Harmond good leader," The Wolf said softly, "Thank you."

The Golden Retriever blushed and wagged his tail at the praise. Since Ennrion's death and Zroc's coma, Harmond had been insecure and anxious about his new role in the party. Now, he was finally able to see himself in the role. He had big shoes to fill and a long way to go before he got there, but those five words gave him hope that he'd make it. Uvoc blushed and looked back at the wagging Dog.

"Harmond finish brush now?" Uvoc asked, "At least the back?"

The Dog chuckled and nodded as the Wolf sprawled out on his belly in front of him. He started to brush again, his mind wandering with thoughts of the future. The simple task put him at ease. Instead of thinking about Zroc, he thought of where they would go next, what adventures lay ahead, and, most urgently, what would happen at the baths tonight.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Later that night

The Golden Retriever sighed and put his head back against the stone wall of the baths. Nohol was considerate enough to send Brago to go with him, but the Mutt had other plans than fooling around with the other Dog. He was immediately swooped up by a pair of attractive Fox tods and ushered to a room in the back. Harmond found himself a steam room and relaxed. He had to step out into the cool hallway every couple of minutes for a break, but the heat was nice while he could handle it.

He stood up with a groan and walked back to the door. The Golden Retriever had been alone for most of the night. Anyone who came in only stayed for a minute or so before leaving with a male or female on their arm. Harmond closed the door behind him and stood in the hallway panting. A female Collie walked up to him and put a paw on his arm.

"Someone has been asking for you," She began, "She says you've had her before."

Harmond raised an eyebrow and let out a confused whine. The only female he had ever been with had to be a thousand miles away. There was no way that Hadiya made it all the way to Myrka. The Golden Retriever nodded.

"Well uh, sure," Harmond rubbed the back of his neck, "Lead the way I suppose."

The Collie took his paw and led the Golden Retriever through the winding hallways of the baths. Moans and orgasmic groans echoed through the stone halls. Harmond blushed hard and did his best not to peek in on anyone. Most of the rooms did not have doors and were totally open to passers by. The Collie stopped in front of a large wooden door.

"She's in there," The other Dog began, "Just come out if you need anything."

As the Collie turned to walk away, a dim green light flashed in her eyes. Harmond opened his mouth to say something, but shook the strange feeling off. He pushed open the door and stepped inside. The door closed behind him with a loud thud, startling the white-furred female Wolf who sat naked on the bed. It was a modestly sized room lit with torches with nothing but a bed in the center of it. Harmond looked over the Wolf with a blush.

"I'm sorry," He said with a nervous chuckle, "But I don't know how I know you."

The female smirked and looked the naked Golden Retriever over from head to toe.

"Really?" She said with a naughty grin, "Cause I sure remember you. Where did we meet again? A little town far from here?"

Harmond looked down as the naked Wolf got up off the bed and walked towards the shy male. She was taller than Harmond, her trim muscles rippling underneath her short fur. The Golden Retriever's tail wagged behind him in spite of himself. Something about the other canine was magnetic, and transcended her sex. The female lifted the Dog's head up and stroked underneath his chin.

"Look at me Harmond," The Wolf began, "Look me in the eyes."

The Golden Retriever looked up to see green fire dancing in the female's eyes. He gasped and let his jaw drop.

"Shahaada?" Harmond asked, "But, but how?"

The Wolf chuckled.

"You've been asking for my help haven't you?" She chuckled, "It's okay. I am in a different body. One more suited for our current climate. What do you think?"

Harmond let out a soft chuckle.

"It's hard to look away from you," Harmond blushed, "I didn't know they made girls like you. Makes a Dog wish he wasn't so gay."

The Wolf licked Harmond's nose with a chuckle.

"That's why I like you Harmond," Shahaada replied, "You mean your flattery. Most flatter me because they want something."

Her fingers teased the Golden Retriever's ears, making the male's tail wag and leg tremble beneath him.

"They pray and beg, praise my beauty, praise my kindness," She cooed, "But the second they get what they want... Nothing... It's like I never existed. But with you, you give me your prayers every time you can."

Harmond blushed hard. Ever since the battle at the oasis, he made sure to at least think of the goddess before bed. While it wasn't a full prayer each night, it still must have counted for something.

"How could I not?" The Golden Retriever asked, "It feels like I'm making love to a part of you every time Zroc and I make love."

Shahaada raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe I'll have to stop by," She chuckled, "Normally I don't care to inhabit the bodies of males. But the two of you, well, your worship is enough to make any deity weak in the knees."

The Golden Retriever smiled and nuzzled into the Wolf's paw.

"What do you need from me goddess?" Harmond asked, "I'm here to serve you as best as I can."

Harmond let out a soft gasp as the Wolf's soft lips pressed against his. His tail wagged wildly as her arms wrapped around his lower body.

"I'm not going to ask for an offering Harmond," Shahaada explained, "I know how you have been feeling. It wouldn't be right."

The Dog whined and nodded, planting a soft kiss on the Wolf's cheek in reply. Her arms embraced him and held him tightly.

"You miss him," She continued, "Don't fret. I only came to offer you some comfort. To reward your faith."

The Golden Retriever chuckled and nodded, some tears starting to well at the corners of his eyes. Shahaada's vessel leaned back and gently wiped them away from his eyes. He took the Wolf's paw and kissed it softly.

"Thank you," Harmond said softly, his breath teasing the Wolf's fingers, "Thank you so much."

"Your trials are nearly over," Shahaada replied, "Trust me. Everything will work out before you know it."

The Golden Retriever looked up at the Wolf and chuckled softly.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do it myself," Harmond began, "I'm not much of a healer. They told me I almost died doing what little I could. Such wounds were beyond me."

He looked down at the naked Wolf's paws sheepishly.

"I'm sure you aren't too happy," Harmond continued, "Those healers probably aren't fans of you."

The female chuckled loudly.

"Just because they serve a different god doesn't make them enemies," She replied, "They understand the power of the gods. Even if they aren't their own."

Harmond smiled and nodded.

"Well," Harmond asked, "Now what?"

The Wolf smirked and let her paws rub down the Golden Retriever's chest. Harmond tensed as they dipped below his navel and breathed a quiet gasp as they retreated. Now he wasn't too sure what he wanted.

"Anything you want," Shahaada's vessel began, "I am here to reward you."

Harmond thought a moment.

"Come home with me?" Harmond asked, "To bed for the night?"

The Wolf paused before breaking into good-natured laughter. She squeezed the Dog's paw and looked over her shoulder at the pre-made bed behind her.

"And what's wrong with taking me to bed here?" She replied with a grin, "Then we wouldn't have to get dressed."

Harmond blushed and looked down at his paws.

"Not for that," He said softly, "More because it's been a while since I've had someone to share a bed with."

The Wolf's face softened as she noticed the Golden Retriever's reaction.

"I uh," Harmond began, "I got used to it... Would be nice to have a warm body to curl up with."

Shahaada's vessel looked over the Dog and then back over the room. She thought good and hard for a few moments before leaning in and kissing the Golden Retriever softly on the lips.

"Let me get my coat."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Next Morning

Harmond woke up alone. It had been a good night, even if nothing sexual happened between the two of them. He stretched and slowly sat up, letting the covers fall from his naked form. The sun was coming up now, which meant it was time for him to start his morning ritual. The first thing he did in the morning was go to check on Zroc. He stood up, still naked and walked to the door. Normally, he would dress, splash some water on his face, and go on his way. He did this every morning without fail, even though he knew there wasn't another living soul that walked down this hallway till midday.

He opened the heavy wood door with a creak and poked his head out the opening. True to routine, there was no one around. The nude Dog hurried across the stone hallway and slid into Zroc's room with a giggle. He closed the door behind him and turned to lean up against it, making eye contact with a very awake Zroc. The Kobold still wore the bandage covering his missing eye, but had removed the other wraps around his head.

"By the gods," The Kobold smirked with a twinkle in his uncovered eye, "I must have died and gone to heaven."

Harmond gasped and looked over the Kobold with a slowly growing smile. Zroc opened his arms and beckoned for the Golden Retriever to come in for an embrace. Harmond was all too happy to comply. He let out an excited whoop and lept into the Kobold's bed. His tail wagged behind him as his lips met Zroc's in a tender, overdue kiss. Harmond leaned in close and rested his head against the Kobold's chest.

"I was so worried about you," He whined, "How are you feeling?"

Zroc squeezed the Golden Retriever tightly.

"Better now that I have you in my arms," Zroc chuckled, "I hope things weren't too bad with me out of things."

Harmond shook his head and squeezed the Kobold back in return.

"I suppose they weren't, except for the going to bed alone thing every night," The Golden Retriever chuckled, "That was pretty tough."

Zroc smirked.

"Not every night," The Kobold began, "I heard about the Wolf you took home last night."

Harmond rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"She woke me up, told me what happened," Zroc continued, "What kinds of things did you get up to?"

The Golden Retriever looked up at the Kobold with a grin. There was no reason why he couldn't tell the story. He could probably even embellish the details enough to make the naughty older male blush. Shahaada would be equally amused by both outcomes. Instead, he decided to tease the older male. He had to make up for lost time.

"Wouldn't you like to know," Harmond chuckled, "I'm not one to besmirch a lady's honor."

Zroc rolled his eyes.

"I'll get it out of you," He chuckled and licked his lips, "One way or another."

Harmond smirked and rubbed over the Kobold's black-scaled chest.

"I hope you do," The Golden Retriever let out a happy sigh, "I'm happy you're back Zroc."

The Kobold softly kissed the top of the Dog's head.

"Happy to be back my love," Zroc began with a chuckle, "How's Ennrion doing? Is he awake yet?"

Harmond looked up at the Kobold's face with whine. Zroc's eye twinkled and furrowed, a tear starting to form at the corner. His fingers curled into the Golden Retriever's fur and held on tightly.

"I'm sorry," Harmond whined, "But I almost died trying to fix you. By the time we got Ennrion back... it was just too late. There wasn't anyone around here who could do it."

Zroc sniffled and nodded. Harmond was sure that deep down, the Kobold had known the second he woke up. He looked at Harmond with a quiet vulnerability, one that the Dog had never seen in his lover's gaze before.

"What now?" Zroc asked, "What's in store for all of us?"

Harmond sighed and straightened up, his paw still rubbing over the Kobold's bare chest.

"I guess we continue to work for Nohol," Harmond replied, "We do like we planned."

The Golden Retriever nodded.

"The two of us can handle the group," He continued, "Once Ennrion's father comes to collect the body."

Zroc let out a strangled gasp.

"No..." Zroc let out a groan, "He can't come here. Don't you know who he is? What he can do? He'll kill you Harmond, he'll kill you so dead that the gods themselves couldn't bring you back."

The Dog sighed.

"I didn't know until yesterday," Harmond began, "We'll think of how to deal with it when you're up on your feet again. Let me get dressed, and I can get you some breakfast."

The Kobold sighed and shook his head.

"I don't think I'll be able to keep anything down after hearing that," Zroc replied, "How about some booze?"

Harmond frowned as he stood up from the bed.

"Only if you eat something first," The Golden Retriever replied as he walked back to the door, "Then maybe, maybe, I'll let you have a drink."

The Golden Retriever opened the door and stopped in front of Nohol. The portly Ermine looked deeply troubled and shook nervously with each of his quick trembling breaths. He looked into Harmond's eyes and let out a whine.

"We're in serious trouble."