FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

A loud ring yanked the weary man's eyes from the road. Off in the distance, a proud spire rose above all the greenery. Near its top shone a bright gold bell that swayed rhythmically from side to side. It was almost like it was signaling the opening of the heavens, and to some, it might as well be. Its radiant sound meant new jobs were posted for several adventurers to take on. They had arrived at the outskirts Hull.

“Think I could break that thing?" Ava groaned, barely audible over the gong.

The group marched forward. Norton pressed on a little faster, eager to turn in his job and seek a properly cooked meal. A familiar grey wall and imposing gate came into view. Now they were welcoming sights that meant the end of a long trek. The man paid little attention to all the curious characters that now populated the road. Blindly he moved forward until he passed right through the gates and into the city proper.

“Hey! We're part of the job too!" Ava called out. The sentence barely glanced Norton's mind, but he slowed down all the same as he saw booming adventuring center. A large building dedicated to sending all sorts of people, big and small, to menial tasks and suicidal missions. It was large and rectangular. Long windows marked its front, adorned with columns on either side of them. Four knightly statues stood proudly on each corner of the building, though only two could be seen from Norton's perspective way down below. The colossal architecture seemed all the more imposing now that he had finished a job and found out how rigorous the ordeal was. It was like returning to a place of death.

A heavy hand gripped the apothecary's shoulder. “Relax," Lydia said. He sighed and nodded. “We would like to finish as much as you would." They walked into the building, dodging around the crowd of adventurers eager to receive another job. Heavy armor, light armor, no armor. Bows, staffs, sword, clubs. Muscular, wizened, nimble. It seemed like just about everyone within a mile was bungling into the building. Up until that point, it hadn't occurred to Norton that he didn't see a single beast-man anywhere in the crowd, although no one appeared to even mind the presence of his partners. Perhaps they were too focused on the prospect of another bag of gold.

The interior was massive and cavernous, as if stepping into a whole different world. The main floor was the general occupation area. On either side of the first floor was a row of tellers dealing with several adventurers. Swathes of people formed around them like a wild mob, all chattering wildly in vain to be heard. Few people took to waiting their turn in the center, where several seats and tables sat for any gatherings. Far above, the other floors could be seen through a large hole in each one, they were essentially rings stacked up on one another. “Well?" Ava asked, looking out at the crowd.

“I suppose we wait," Lydia said.

“I definitely don't want to go in there," Norton said. All the desperate energy evaporated as soon as he even considered trying to penetrate that mass. He rubbed his eyes. “I wouldn't mind taking a rest." Without even consulting his partners, Norton's legs carried him straight over to the seats, melting onto a couch as the last of his energy gave out. Ava took up a large armchair opposite him and began to lounge about in it. Lydia slid down next to Norton not long after, causing the cushion to quite visibly deform inwards. The concavity pulled the man slightly closer to the feline.

Lydia rummaged about in Norton's bag, pulling free a slab of meat. “You could have asked," the man said.

“Why?" Lydia bit into the bit of flesh without another word, tearing it in half cleanly. It was a plain reminder how inhuman they could be at times.

“Don't stare," Ava teased. “How about something for me?" Norton nodded and turned around, reaching into his backpack for a morsel of food. A sudden clatter and growl caused him to whip back around.

A curious sight greeted him. A short, black lizard creature stood atop the table in front of him. It must have been a kobold, based on a few familiar features, but a small hood covered its head. In its grubby hands was the half-eaten mess of meat Lydia had claimed. “I should take more than this," it hissed. Lydia's brow crinkled ever so slightly and she lunged at the creature with an audible swipe. Norton flinched and hugged the armrest next to him. The kobold effortlessly dodged the assault and gobbled up the meat.

“Now Lydia, let's not assault our business partners!" Ava said, somewhat worriedly. The feline grunted and leaned back into the couch. “Mehni, dear!" The lizard turned around. “What brings you here?" Norton relaxed once he recalled the familiar name.

“Payment." The creature pulled her hood down to reveal a cutesy face with bright amber eyes. Two smaller sets of horns were present just behind the main two, giving her a somewhat devilish look. A set of scales on her face glimmered a little brighter than the rest. She certainly looked like the little shopkeep he had seen before.

“We already paid you, my love." Ava smiled. Lydia retrieved another meal for herself. “Remember? Just after you took care of the - ahem - package?" She fluttered her eyes.

“That was before you brought your partner to my sister's store." She spat out the word 'partner' quite harshly. It was clear who she was talking about. “Did you buy that generic with your share?" Mehni gestured straight at Norton, much to his displeasure. He began to wonder if human slaves were a standard.

“If only we were so lucky." Ava shifted in her seat. “Now, we don't have much to spare, so I don't know what you expect from us. We didn't know Miriam would be there either."

“You're lucky you already paid Kunka. The meat will do."

“Then we are done. Leave us." Lydia shooed the kobold away.

Mehni spun around to face the felid. “Not yet, deserter." Lydia narrowed her eyes, causing Norton to scoot away from her. “I want payment from you." Her small digits did their best to appear imposing as they pointed at Lydia.

“With what?" The knight leaned forward, her mouth curling downward.

“I want you to speak with your father." Lydia froze on the spot. Her face blanked. In a flash, the feline clutched the kobold by her throat and stood erect. “The negotiations... begin," she sputtered. Her little limbs pathetically slapped against Lydia's hard shell of armor. A blue hue emanated from Mehni's arm. Norton fought the urge to slink back in his chair and try to hide. Ava merely watched the situation play out.

“Ms. Lydia," Norton said quietly. He stood up and placed a hand on the assaulting arm. It was cool to the touch, but his nerves screamed to get away, as if touching a burning fire. The knight relaxed and let Mehni drop back to the table. She took a moment to stare daggers into the feeble creature before dropping back onto the couch in a huff. Norton returned to his seat, shaking ever so slightly.

“So he does talk," Mehni said in-between coughs. “You're lucky your pet stopped me." She nodded at Norton. “Thank you." She reoriented herself on the table and stood up as if nothing had happened. “Now, as I was saying. You need to speak to your father. Before my whole clutch is crushed." Norton blinked. The fear slowly left him.

“He has nothing to do with this," Lydia said through grit teeth.

“He knows about our little arrangement with the head."

“And how exactly?" Lydia perked up. Another flash of anger breaking her cool facade.

“Who do you think arranged your ridiculous pardon? Who could possibly care enough to let criminals off free?" She let out a smug laugh.

“Friends in high places," Ava murmured.

“Exactly." Mehni nodded. “And now your friend wants me dead."

“If this is as you say, for what reason would you be slain?" Lydia asked. “And why would I want to stop you from being gutted? Rightfully so."

“Loose ends. Your father might want to protect his little girl, but he doesn't want any lizards talking about such an illicit arrangement. Strings and connections. Didn't expect you to contact outside help. I guess he puts more faith into you than he should. How nice."

Lydia leaned forward. “And why I shouldn't let it happen?"

“Because the strings only go so far. A few words here, a few words there, and you're back to being hunted. Officially, you pardoned yourselves with cold money. Unofficially, you were given a little test. I don't know why."

“Maybe we should hear the lizardling out," Ava said.

“Dealing with that man would only cause more issues."

“For us, or for you?" Ava stared at Lydia. “I don't think we have a choice. I'm already sick of this"

“Let us simply end this now, then." Lydia clenched her fist.

“Don't be stupid, cat," Mehni hissed. “Out in public like this?"

Norton started to feel completely out of place. He had suddenly been thrust into the depths of a familial connection that didn't even occur to him. It wasn't his place to barge in on anything like that. Unfortunately it tied directly to his own existence. It was a strangely amusing thought to think of Lydia, the strong titan, having a rousing disagreement with her father. The violent backdrop made it all the more surreal.

“Take your human's example and shut your maw," Mehni said. She snapped to Norton. “Aren't you the cutest thing?" He furrowed his brow in confusion, unsure how to react to such a sentence. It was baffling to think this one was related to the cutesy and kind shopkeep. Aside from maintaining some trademark endearing kobold features, she was a complete opposite. Mehni crooked her neck to look at Ava. “If she refuses, how about I take the flat face off your hands?"

“We don't deal with slaves. Norton is part of the group," Ava replied grimly.

“Oho! You didn't strike me as the human type." Mehni hopped onto Norton's lap, much to his surprise. He pushed back into the cushions in a vain attempt to get away. “What does he do?" She closely studied his features, and he did much of the same. It wasn't until that moment that he realized she was essentially naked, aside from her brooding cape and hood. The kobold wasn't particularly heavy, but her open nudity made her presence unbearably hefty. “Kunka does have a good eye. Good work, sister," she mumbled to herself.

“Ma'am, if you would," Norton said with a frown.

“Such nice manners." Mehni paid his objection no mind and continued to gawk at him. Her small digits prodded at his head and hair with amused fascination.

“I will talk. Pry yourself from my apothecary," Lydia said with a grunt.

“Until next time, little one," Mehni cooed. Norton watched her hop back onto her table platform in further confusion and annoyance. “Good choice. We both benefit now. I keep my life, you keep your servant."

“And where must we go?" Lydia asked. It seemed like a silly question to Norton, not knowing where one's own father was. Lydia was clearly a special case.

“Lucky you. He's in this very building." Mehni pointed down. Lydia straightened up and her face hardened. “I was just on my way to collect my last payment and skip town. Perhaps the continent. I'd much rather you save my hide. There's just too much good to exploit here." She rubbed her chin as her eyes scanned the crowd. “Go on." With that, she scampered off a little too quickly. She disappeared into the crowd and soon after the sound of her footsteps on the tiled floor faded away.

Ava watched the kobold vanish before turning her attention back to Norton and Lydia. “I suppose we'd better get going then." Lydia didn't budge. Her eyes burned into the table in front of them. “Lydia?"

“I would rather not." She stood up. “But we must."

“Where would we go? This is a pretty big building," Norton said. “He could be anywhere, right?"

“He is a military official. His responsibility can extend to seeing over some of the more... violent requests here." She looked up at the massive floors above. “He can be easily found."

Ava stood up. “Well then." She nodded to Norton, who promptly followed their lead, though unsure about this new obstacle. “One more bump on the road." Lydia walked toward a grand set of stairs at the far end of the massive room with Ava in tow. Norton took a moment to look back at the crowd that Mehni ran into. His eyes dragged across the chair Ava sat in. Claw marks were visible on its armrest.

_

The trek upward was like an ascent into heaven. The elaborate glass windows and the bright sunlight from the outside lit up the entire building. Sparse few chandeliers on each floor helped to make up for the small patches that the burning light could not touch. The rest of the floors were meeting areas and large libraries filled with books that Norton had, admittedly, never looked at. He had spent little time on any of the other floors, having no reason to.

Ava and Lydia continued to move forward, paying little mind to the grand scale of the building. Norton considered moving up alongside them, but he didn't want to approach Lydia. She didn't seem too pleased with Mehni. There would be little to stop her if she extended her anger once again.

Up, and up, and up, and up. The staircase went on forever. The floors became less and less populated, until only a scarce few were even visible on the entire plane. For all Norton knew, they were leaving reality behind as they knew it. Their journey stopped on the final floor. The man had already begun to curse the fact that they would have to go back down.

The last floor was far different from the others. It was far shorter, for one, nearing the very ceiling of the behemoth of a structure. It took on the appearance of a more subdued, regular building. It had its own lobby area with a selection of doors to choose from. One set stood out in particular, however. Large, brooding guards stood side by side in front of them. And they were not human. Indeed, they were felids. Their outfits were lurid, to say the least. Being dressed in bright red coatees with golden trimming. Similarly flashy swords hung from their belt with elaborate hilt designs.

Upon approach, the set of guards stomped to attention, fazing neither Lydia nor Ava. Norton subtly twitched. He was getting better at that. “Halt," they boomed in unison. “As a guard of the High Echelon, leaders of the Western Militarized forces, I ask you to state your business," one of them continued.

“We have business with Byron. Step aside," Lydia replied.

“Lord-" the guard started.

“Yes. Him. Move aside. He has to tend to his daughter's woes." Lydia grimaced. The guards appeared to be taken slightly aback, breaking their hard visage. After a moment of silence they robotically stepped aside, cleanly presenting the way. Lydia nodded and marched forward, straight through without another word. Ava and Norton filed after her. The man did his best to keep his eyes focused ahead and arms at his side, lest he somehow insult the bulky warriors.

The next room was a waiting area of sorts. More guards were inside, set against the walls. With their stillness and elaborate suits, one could mistake them for statues or mannequins. A severely imposing wooden door was on the other end of the room. Lydia spun around to face her partners. She gave a soft sigh. “I suggest you stay here," she said.

“We're always here for you, when needed," Ava replied. Norton was still disconcerted by the guards, giving only a nod in agreement. “I don't know what we can do, but the offer is there." Lydia nodded back with the slightest hint of a smile. In an instant the softness was gone and she turned back around, walking stiffly to the door. She disappeared behind it a second later.

Norton and Ava were left in the company of the ceremonial guardsmen. The apothecary wasn't sure what to do in the meantime. There were no chairs, no free spots anywhere on the walls, not a single thing he could lean on. The pair were left squarely in the middle, for them all to see. “You think these guys get out much?" Ava said casually. Norton grit his teeth as his eyes widened. “Oh come on. They've got no business with us, ease up." She bumped an elbow into his ribs.

“I hope Lydia's alright," Norton said quietly. He eyed the guards in the room. They paid him no mind, staring right past him.

“I've never met her father, but I'm certain she can handle anything." Ava paused. “Except her alcohol." She chortled. Norton smiled and shook his head.

The door in front of them suddenly opened to reveal another gaudy guard, this one dressed in blue. “Approach," he said simply. Norton was all too eager to accept his orders. Fear returning as quickly as it left. Ava kept up with his panicked pace into the next room. The door closed behind them, sealing them in.

It was dark. Few candles lit the room. Norton felt as though he stepped into a crypt. He could only make out a familiar feline, a desk, and a far larger creature sitting behind it. White and fat. “I see you still travel with the Lupine," it said with a grizzled voice. It nodded, or rather, he nodded. “And what's this? A new face in your pack." He coughed up a raspy laugh. “Come forward, new flesh, let me see what my offspring has picked out." Norton stepped forward. “A human! Interesting choice. Interesting choice indeed!" he roared cheerily.

Lydia's father was an impressively boisterous person, wide as he was jolly. He wore his own fancy set of fabrics that struggled to keep themselves around his rotund form. His fur, much like Lydia's, was a snow white. “If you stare at me, it's only fair that I stare at you. Lean forward," Byron said with a beckon. Norton uneasily shifted forward. Byron had an odd mane about his chin and sideburns, giving the appearance of fluffy mutton chops. “Male, yes? I've always found it hard to tell with your people." He nodded and leaned over to look at Lydia. “It's been quite some time since I've seen you interact with a male."

“Father," Lydia said seriously.

“A human isn't a miserable choice. Heart of civilization they are. Though I must remind you that conception is scarce between-"

“Father!" Norton began to slink back, embarrassed.

“Was I mistaken? Your mark lingers on him." Byron waved his hand. “No matter. What brings my daughter to my weary heart today?" He adjusted his coatee and folded his hands.

“Your arrangement." Lydia stepped forward to loom over the desk. “Why was I not made aware of this?"

“Not all intricacies of assignments are to be known to a warrior." His cheery demeanor lessened. “It was irrelevant. Convenience such as this is rarely afforded in our line of work. Do not bother with the details."

“This is not the academy." Lydia gripped the table. “My life and the lives of my allies were placed in danger due to your assignment."

“You accepted the challenge. Would it have made a difference who gave it? A thanks should be in order for pulling you out of your poor choices with such a simple task. Perhaps now you will return to something sensible. I would hope."

“Had I known you offered it, I would have accepted my fate. A band of roving criminals is our reward. Not much difference from the guard I would say. Did it turn out as planned?"

“I would much rather you be hunted by criminals than law enforcement. Clearly you do not agree." He sighed. “As you said, had you been told you would not agree to it. If I had the power to strike your crimes clean from records, I would. Perhaps hard to believe, but my reign only extends so far. A favor for a favor."

Norton wasn't sure how to respond to any of this. He found his eyes wandering about the room for something else to focus on, which was impossible with the feeble light. From what he could see of Ava, she appeared bored or annoyed. Whatever the case, while no one paid him any mind, he felt completely intrusive.

“Lydia. Mehni," Ava cut in. Lydia nodded and pried herself from the death grip she had on the table.

“The kobold. Are you truly here for it, and not me?" Byron gave a soft chuckle. “Heartbroken. It's so rare to get a visit these days."

“An arrangement," Lydia said. “Their silence in exchange for freedom."

“That seems fair enough. Consider it done." He shrugged and leaned back in his chair.

“Just like that?" Norton blurted out suddenly.

“Just like that," replied Byron. “I see no reason not to. I doubt the kobold will talk. For now, that is. I'm sure they'll be back with some poorly arranged blackmail." He rubbed his chin. “But we will be ready by then. Suppose I should begin the paperwork now, hm?" A smile tugged at his mouth. “Enough about the trivialities of work." He clapped loudly. Instantly a duo of guards emerged from the darkness with a bottle and some glasses. Norton wasn't entirely sure what it was, but if he had to wager a guess, it was wine.

“Now is not the time for this, Father." Lydia's tail stood on end, in tune with her rising voice.

“Nonsense! One of my youngest kittens visits me and I'm not to celebrate?" He beckoned for the guards. The glasses were carefully placed down on the desk without a sound. “Hm, it seems we are one short." Byron looked over at Ava and Norton. “Perhaps you two would be willing to share? I do hope you understand. Rarely do I get such a surprise visit."

“Of course, Sir," Ava replied. “I wouldn't dream of stealing away a glass from my dear friend Lydia. Neither would Norton." She pulled him close to her side with an arm and rubbed his shoulder. “Isn't that right?"

“Certainly," Norton said with an uneasy nod. “Thank you for the kind gesture, Mister ah-"

“Byron will do, I suppose. Seeing as how my dear little snowball is comfortable enough to call you an ally." He laughed as he poured himself a glass of murky fluid. Lydia's ears flattened as she glanced away from her father. “Come now, my love. Let me indulge in these pleasures before I meet my eventual end." He slid two full glasses forward. Lydia hadn't even raised her hand before Ava snatched one up and retreated back to Norton's side. She held it up to her nose and gave the glass a small swish.

“What is it?" Norton asked.

“Not a clue! Definitely smells good, though." She took a hefty swig and paused. Her hand came up to her snout. “That's spicy," she said hoarsely. “Care for a go?"

“I'm good, thank you." He looked back to Lydia. She had taken up her own glass. From this angle he could only make out a hint of doubt on her face.

“None of this makes up for anything," Lydia said with her eyes trained on the glass. Byron's expression soured some, but continued to enjoy his own drink. After having stared into the liquid for what seemed like forever, Lydia finally took a sip. Her tongue flicked out to dab at the little stain on her mouth. Slowly she brought up a paw to her mouth and let out a dainty cough. Norton couldn't help but smile at the display, which he poorly hid with a hand.

“Her mother doesn't handle alcohol well either. It's why I'm here and not at the homestead!" Byron roared with laughter. Ava tittered with him, much to Lydia's visible displeasure. “So!" he started, “Tell me Mr. Norton. What does a human such as yourself do for an occupation?" He picked up his bottle, glanced at it, then shook his head and set it back down.

Norton stood at attention, poorly mimicking a soldier's stance. “Apothecary, Sir. A medical practitioner of sorts."

“Ah, so it is true." Byron raised a beefy hand and wriggled his sausage-like digits. “Soft, delicate hands, perfect for tending to the wounded. Good to see my ruffian in excellent hands." His extended hand moved to his chin. “You don't seem awfully sure about your position."

“I can't say I've done much medical work during our travel. Mostly errand boy, you see."

“Well that should be a blessed sign, and of course, more relaxation for you. Praise be, hm?"

“Don't let Norton fool you, he's an excellent medic," Ava piped up. She stepped forward towards Byron's drinking table and presented her bandaged arm. “Fine handiwork, wouldn't you say?" Before the bulbous cat could respond, she turned to Lydia and knocked on her armor. “He personally helped dear Lydia as well."

“Ah! Then another drink is in order!"

“I'm fine, Sir, thank you. It's part of the job," Norton replied.

“Denied a drink. Hm. Well, I have no other way to thank you." He chortled. “Perhaps, when your employment is over, you would be willing to work as my personal physician. It pays very well!" One of the guards stepped from the darkness to whisper something into Byron's ear. “I'm aware, but we can make an exception." Lydia looked back at Norton, her eyes staring deep into his.

“I'm flattered, Sir. Perhaps in the future." He nodded. Lydia took another sip, keeping her eyes trained on Norton.

“I see why you travel with this one, snowball. I think it would be better if I let him tend to your care exclusively."

“He would be a far better choice than those you have given me previously." Lydia took one last hefty swig and slammed the glass on the desk. Norton was surprised it did not shatter into a million little pieces. “We are done. See to it that the family receives my regards. Whatever remains of it."

“Oh dear," Ava whispered. Norton cleared his throat and sidled up next to the wolfess.

“And what of me? Surely I get some warmth?" Byron asked somewhat solemnly.

“Tend to your alcohol," Lydia replied. She swiveled on the spot and stomped out of the room.

“Only natural, I suppose. Though it didn't turn out as well as I had hoped." The large cat poured himself another glass. “Do accept an apology from me on her behalf."

“I suppose we should be going, then," Ava responded.

“I suppose you should." The human and wolfess turned away. “Please, do keep taking care of her. I'll be watching to make certain you do. Good luck."

“We will!" Ava said over her shoulder. “Not to worry!" The duo hurried after Lydia, right past all the sentinels, and into the hall again. Lydia stood near the stairs, back turned to both of them. She stared straight into a nearby window. Norton was almost scared to approach her. Byron didn't appear as brutal as he expected a military official to be, but it was clear to him that something had to be off.

Before Ava or Norton could say anything, Lydia spun on the spot and lunged at the man, grabbing him by the shoulders. Panic immediately settled in as he felt the iron daggers dig into his flesh. “Don't you ever dare work for him. Do you understand me?" Her words were fierce, but reserved as always.

“Yes, ma'am! I was just being polite!" Norton said with a frantic nod. His heart went into overdrive, preparing his body to flee as quickly as possible. Lydia stared at him for a moment, as if considering whether or not she should atomize his skeleton.

“Lydia. Relax," Ava said. She gripped the feline's arm. Slowly, Lydia pulled away from Norton, though her eyes still pierced through him. “You know how nice Norton is, don't you? Imagine if he said otherwise. Wouldn't want to anger someone like him, would you?"

“No. No I would not." Lydia yanked her arm away from Ava. “I apologize."

“It's alright," Norton said with a nod. He tried to suppress his trembling with varying degrees of success. Deep in Norton's skin and bones, he could still feel where Lydia dug into him. “Should... Should we turn in now? The lines are probably shorter now." He looked down to the ground, a little scared that Lydia might snap again. A small part of him wanted to apologize in return, although he didn't know exactly what he would apologize for.

Lydia grimaced and looked away. “Might as well," Ava replied. “I'm eager for the payday. How about you, Lydia?" The feline, as expected, gave no answer. Instead, Lydia began marching down the stairs, back down into the awaiting gargantuan room below. “Eager, of course. C'mon then." Ava beckoned Norton, who continued to have doubts about following the knight.