FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter III

The autumn equinox festival was about enjoying the prosperous summer, and maintaining a vibrant life despite the oncoming cooler weather. All sorts of harvests were being reaped and their winter fur coats were developing fast. The weather was still warm, but it was a lingering sensation. Cooler weather would begin to peep into the days and weeks ahead. With the final warm days ahead, there was a lot of work to prepare for winter. However, for this bright and sunny day, it was going to be spent in celebration.

"Your breasts are well rounded and desirable for any young lady wishing for motherhood." Falara commented as she dipped two fingers in her dwindling amount of red paint.

"You aren't the only one to say that." Okhotna half grinned at the compliment she had heard many times over the years.

The older wolf was seated before the golden archer outside her own home, painting a pair of red circles around the younger wolf's breasts. Since she was a female wolf, the painted lines and patterns were meant to highlight her femininity and womanhood. The archer's cheeks wore two fresh curved red lines, and a long line snaked down from her chin and throat to her navel. Her slim belly had a large swirl pattern that mimicked a target connected to other red lines along her hips and sides. Lastly, a pair of red lines curved from her inner thighs to her outer leg resembling bows.

Falara was already painted with dark blue designs, primarily with crescent shapes and dots along her breasts, shoulders, torso, and thighs.

"There..." The older female slowly said as she finished the other red circle. "You're all done, and you look great." She grinned. Okhotna looked herself over and liked the red patterns in her fur.

"Thank you. I always like the patterns you create." She touched the elder's shoulder rather than hug her and possibly smear their painted bodies.

"You're welcome." She flashed a smile. "I wanted to accentuate your natural beauty, but it's no easy task since you are already very beautiful."

"Thanks again." Okhotna said before turning away. Everyone in the village was gathering along the narrow section of grass between the village and the creek. So many furry bodies decorated with multiple colors of paints resembled an odd living version of the colorful autumn foliage yet to come. Reds, oranges, and yellows were popular; but grey, black, blue, and green were also visible. Most of the pups running around and playing were a smattering of self painted colors. For them it was another day to have fun and enjoy the occasion. It was a much needed atmosphere of happiness and celebration for Okhotna who had felt bitter since the recent event in the ancient forest.

"Mmm..." The wolf hummed and felt her tail swish behind her as she smelled the delightful aromas of cooked food in the air. 'I can't wait to eat.' She thought to herself.

"Hi Okhotna. I like the swirl pattern on your belly." Laima walked up to the archer.

"Hey Laima. You look great too." The wolf looked over her friend's painted body. The border collie was painted with rich oranges and yellows, a nice touch for the season of autumn. Since her cheeks, ears, and neck were very fluffy only a pair of yellow and orange dots were painted below her eyes. Orange arrow designs were painted on the lower half of her small breasts, pointing down. Her white furred torso had parallel yellow zig zag designs that ran from side to side.

"Thanks. Omic painted me." She looked herself over. "He painted my parents too, but I can't see where they are right now." She scanned the crowd of painted furry bodies.

"What about your mate, Caerwyn?"

"I think Falara painted him. He has a wavy zig zag pattern that goes up from his legs and groin, but his upper body has straight lines like the horizon."

"Sounds nice."

"I wanted to ask you something, if it's alright." Laima admitted while tapping her fingers together.

"Sure. What is it?" Okhotna tilted her head slightly to the side.

"Arias has been very quiet lately. I heard he tried following you when you left the village. Did something happen between you two?" She asked. Okhotna frowned as she thought about it.

"He..." The wolf began only to pause. "I'd rather not talk about it now." She murmured and glanced around the crowd. It was personal stuff, and not the public's in her view.

"Hey you two!" A familiar voice called out from the crowd. Persephone quickly walked up to them with a cheerful smile.

"Hey Persephone!" Laima waved. The mountain lioness was decorated with light blue paint. Her white furred breasts had swirled patterns, and her torso had wavy blue lines with dots resembling plentiful grapevines.

"Hey, how are you?" Okhotna greeted her.

"I'm doing great and looking forward to autumn." She said before her smile faded. "But I'm sorry for telling Arias where you went hunting the other day." The feline preemptively apologized to the wolf. "If I hadn't told him, then he wouldn't have followed you into the forest."

"Oh... So that's what happened." The border collie realized.

"It's not your fault, Persephone." Okhotna calmed her worried friend. "He would've tried following me anyway."

"But still-"

"It's fine." She reassured her. "Anyway, I like your blue paint." The wolf changed the subject.

"Thank you." Persephone grinned. "Omic painted me, and he always has interesting designs. I like your red swirl designs. Did Falara paint you?"

"Yep, she painted me. I like the designs too." Okhotna smiled and lifted her elbows up to show off the swirls and target patterns. "Ah! Hey!" She jumped as a finger prodded her backside. Standing behind her was her sister, painted in dark blue lines arcs and circles.

"Did I spook you?" Aisling smiled while carrying her son in her arms. The pup had a yellow dot placed on his forehead and a circle drawn on his belly.

"Aww. He's so cute." Okhotna, Laima, and Persephone fawned over the wriggling infant.

"Thank you. He's been a fussy pup this morning. I'm surprised Falara could draw a neat circle on his belly."

"Someone's cranky." Laima cooed as the dark furred pup garbled out a few words.

"He never likes to sit still."

"Hello everybody!" Persephone's mother joined them. The older female was painted with a mixture of small green circles and arrow shapes in the center of her body, and stripes along her breasts and outer torso.

"Hey Lucia."

"Hi mom." Persephone turned around.

"Your dad is looking for you." She placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Ah, of course." She rolled her eyes, but maintained a carefree smile.

"You'll have to visit us soon Okhotna. I know you cannot hunt every day." She kindly smiled.

"I promise that I will." The cream furred wolf agreed.

"I'll meet back up with you later." Persephone said before leaving.

"I need to get Aonghas." Aisling mentioned as well. "Are you going to eat here?"

"Yeah, I don't think I'm going to get pulled around too much."

"I'll come back with him and eat with you." Aisling hugged her sister.

"Can't wait." Okhotna hugged Aisling and nuzzled Tomas before they walked away into the crowd.

"Tomas is growing up so fast." Laima remarked. "I remember when he was born, and I can easily imagine your sister with a large belly."

"Yeah, the summer went by so fast." Okhotna wistfully thought. "I guess we haven't changed though, right?"

"Not unless you count the paint." They giggled.

"Elder Eriu is going to start the fire ceremony very soon." They overheard someone nearby say.

"Oh. I need to tell you... Elder Eriu doesn't know much about dragons." Okhotna whispered to Laima.

"What do you mean?"

"I talked to her about it, but she admitted that she didn't know a lot about them."

"Oh." Laima's ears fell back for a moment. "That's not good. What are you going to do about the baby dragon?"

"Well, Eriu did tell me about a library in the town of Aramog." Okhotna revealed with a grin. "She said there could be a book about dragons there that could help me."

"Ah. That's a good plan." She nodded. "At least it's better than trying to blindly figure something out."

"Right." Okhotna firmly spoke. "But I wanted to know if you could come with me to Aramog, and help me look."

"Of course!" The collie's tail wagged at the idea. "I love Aramog. There's always something interesting going on there."

"Thanks. We can spend the whole day there if you want."

"Great! And I don't have to make up a story to be there." She whispered. A call from elsewhere in the crowd caught their attention. They watched as all of the villagers gradually made their way to the creek that snaked around their homes.

"It must be time to wash in the creek." Laima guessed. Splashes erupted into the air as the first groups entered the water first. Everyone else crowded around the embankment. Countless hellos and quick chats were given as Okhotna and Laima made their way to the creek in turn. Splashes were heard from all around as some villagers took a plunge whereas others took a more cautious approach to the cool waters. Only a handful or single splash was sufficient enough though. Several pups jumped and splashed into the creek, and a few others sat down and stretched their paws into the cool waters. Everyone else either took their time, or splashed themselves a few times before leaving so another could wash.

"The water is chilly!" Laima shuddered when she waded up to her knees with Okhotna behind her.

"It'll be much colder in a month." The wolf giggled despite feeling the same chill. Gritting her teeth, she crouched down and felt the mud squish between her toes. Waist deep, she cupped water into her hands and splashed herself twice. Glancing over, Laima was doing the same. With a little grin curled into the corner of her mouth, Okhotna splashed the collie.

"Ah! That's cold!" Laima splashed her back before they ran out of the water altogether. Water dripped from their naked bodies into the grass, but they left their paw prints in the silty mud behind them.

"I think my paint is still on me." Okhotna looked herself over and noticed the red lines had hardly faded in her cream fur.

"Everyone will have to bathe a few times to wash it all out." Laima paused to smell the air.

Food was being brought out as they walked through the crowd and returned to the grass. The wide range of foods included many loaves of bread, venison, potatoes, grapes, and fish. It was a little bit of everything that the village had grown or produced the entire summer. The practice of eating in the grass with the entire community, amongst friends and family, harkened back to the village's tribal heritage. Bodies were painted and blessed with a fresh source of water; then everyone ate the foods of a bountiful summer; and lastly Eriu would perform a fire ceremony for the entire village commencing a celebration lasting into the night.

"Hungry?" Okhotna lightly elbowed her friend.

"Yes!" She smiled.

"You two could use something to eat." Suwen, the elder white and brown furred male wolf approached them with a full tray in hand.

"Yes please!" Okhotna gladly accepted the tray.

"I expect to share a few hunting stories with you before the night is over." He said.

"Of course. Of course." The cream furred wolf agreed. "Thank you for the food." She thanked him before he left.

"Seems like you will be busy spinning long yarns tonight." Laima grabbed a roll as they sat down in the grass together.

"Elders can talk forever." Okhotna nodded and ate a bite of the lamb.

"Hey!" Persephone reappeared with spiky wet fur, and most of her blue paint had disappeared or faded significantly.

"You took a full plunge." Okhotna smiled.

"Yep! It felt refreshing." She excitedly spoke. "What do you two have to eat?"

"Everything. Come sit and eat with us." Okhotna patted the grass. "My sister and her mate will be back soon." The mountain lioness gladly joined them just as Aonghas and Aisling returned with Tomas fussing in her arms.

"Aww. Is he upset?" Okhotna cooed at the infant.

"He started crying when I dipped him into the creek." Aisling coddled him closely.

"The water's a little cold for him." Aonghas grinned.

"I can hold him if he fusses too much." Okhotna readily opened her arms.

"Ah, ah. No more teasing him with your breasts." Aisling teased with a grin. "He's already caught onto that."

"Come sit down with us and eat then." Okhotna offered. "There's plenty of food."

"We'd be glad to!" They sat down.

"Those apples look familiar." Aonghas plucked one and nudged his wife.

"Considering that we picked them, they do!" Aisling playfully stuck her tongue out at him. Tomas reached up and tried grabbing her chin while chewing on his own hand. "You get to eat too, Tomas." Aisling held a breast for him to nurse.

"I forgot to mention, Okhotna." Aonghas spoke up. "A human from the village of Ip-Shah came by looking for you when you were hunting the other day."

"Oh?" The wolf tilted her head. "Was he here to look at the golden pelt?"

"I think he mentioned that." Aonghas scratched his head. "But he was really nervous, and ended up leaving after a little while."

"Probably an eccentric suitor." She shrugged. "Why are those humans always so nervous?"

"No idea." He wasn't sure.

"They're always shy around us." Persephone spoke up.

"Why?"

"Because we don't wear clothing. It's taboo to them." The feline explained.

"That's ridiculous." Laima wiggled her nose.

"That's just like the town through the southern portal." Okhotna said. "They wear dresses and other clothes that cover most of their bodies; everything except their heads, tails, hands, and paws; just like those humans."

"That industrial town is fairly strict." Aonghas nodded.

"Mmhm. You have to wear a rain cape really tight to walk around without a lot of suspicion."

"By the way Okhotna, the rabbit traps are working much better now with your help." Aonghas added with a grin.

"Glad I could help! They're tricky just like deer."

"Now we just need something to trap the turtles that ate the hyacinth..."

"I don't think I've built a turtle trap before." Ohkotna held back a laugh.

"Turtles are slow, but sneaky too." Persephone agreed. "Just like when we were little."

"Oh yeah. We were always up to no good during season festivals." Okhotna rubbed her ear. "You, me, and Laima would run around pretending we were spies or something."

"I remember always wanting to tag along with you, and then we'd both get into trouble." Aisling grinned.

"You used to grab my tail to keep up because I was only a year older than you." Persephone held her long tail in hand.

"Why does none of this surprise me?" Aonghas laughed.

"Hey Okhotna." An adolescent grey wolf named Utenza approached the group with something in hand. Until recently, the cream furred wolf only knew him as a boisterous pup playing in the fields and hills, but now as an adolescent he was taking on more responsibilities. Green colored swirls and wavy lines had been painted all over his body for the autumn festival.

"Hi Utenza." Everyone smiled, however, the smoke emitting bowl he held in his hands had their attention.

"What's in the bowl?" They peered over as a delightful aroma reached their noses.

"It's incense. Do you want to sit at the front of the fire with it Okhotna?" He asked. "Everyone is getting ready for Elder Eriu."

"Sure! Thank you." She gladly accepted the bowl of burning incense. "Do I look spooky?" Okhotna said in a low voice as the smoke wafted and curled around her.

"A little bit." Laima grinned as she stood up. "I'm going to find my husband and my parents to watch everything with them, okay?"

"Okay. What about y'all?" Okhotna looked at her sister, Aonghas, and Persephone.

"We'll come closer as soon as it starts." Aisling said. "Or whenever Tomas is finished eating." The others gave affirmative nods as they ate.

"Okay. I'll be close to the fire then." Okhotna stood up and disappeared into the crowd of painted furry bodies. She walked over to the fire with the burning incense in hand. It appeared like any ordinary bonfire with crackling orange and yellow flames. However, in a short while it would dramatically change. The cream furred wolf sat down and looked around, but wasn't the only person holding something special around the fire pit. Others held burning incense, freshly cut vines, or twigs with green leaves still attached. She sat down and watched the flames crackle and dance as the entire village gradually gathered around it.

From the crowd Okhotna spotted Eriu talking with several villagers. The elder white wolf's body was painted as well, but her painted lines were somewhat comical, accentuating her age. Two lines of green trailed down on both of her aged breasts in a straight line, rather than wrapping around in more fertile circles. Her wide black areolae and stout nipples resembled angry eyes at the right angle.

'I wonder if I will get the same patterns when I'm her age.' She half grinned. The chattering of the crowd quieted and ultimately became silent as the old white wolf approached the large fire. Okhotna noticed the white furred wolf wore two leather gauntlets around her wrists, tied tightly with leather string. Two amber colored gems were bound to the center of each. They were imbued with a special magic that only certain people like Eriu could tame and wield fire with. Utilizing magic was difficult, and Eriu's abilities were highly admired in the village because of this.

The entire village grew silent as the naked white furred wolf stood before the yellow and orange flames. The gems in her possession twinkled from the light as if they were alive and conscious. Eriu's arms slowly rose up until her hands reached towards the sky and faced palms up. The fire built up higher, nearly reaching twice her height. And then the white wolf suddenly threw her arms down before moving her hands outward, and then retracting them inward to her navel. The fire roared higher into the sky before following the motion of her arms. The flames split in two and crashed into each other like roaring waves.

The elder began dancing and moving around the fire. Her body trembled in an exotic shake as her moving hands manipulated the flames. Her breasts, belly, and thighs constantly shuddered and jiggled as she gave the entire village a unique shamanic dance to give the flames life. The fire bent and moved like a snake arching towards her, and then flaring away on command. The nearly silent whooshing roars dulled the sound of the crackling wood below.

Okhotna felt herself shifting and leaning with Eriu's dancing rhythm. She could feel the heat from the fire on her face when the flames moved in her direction. Every few moments many of the villagers gasped, oohed, and aahed at the pyro spectacle before them in broad daylight. The elder wolf calmed the flames once she had circled the fire four times. Everyone began cheering, but she slipped in the grass. There was a quick silence from the entire village as she stumbled.

"Ahahaha!" She laughed aloud as two other villagers caught her from completely falling onto her back. Eriu rose to her paws with their aid and threw her hands into the air.

"Let us usher in a new season! The autumn!" She cheered before the entire village erupted into a series of howls and hollering yells that would last well into the evening.

Eager to erase her bad luck from hunting in the northern forest, Okhotna gathered her hunting equipment to try again. Fastening her quiver tightly, she grasped her bow confidently in hand.

"Ready to go-?" As soon as the wolf exited her home, she was greeted by a strong breeze. She looked up at the sky feeling her hair blow behind her and fur ruffle. The grey overcast had arrived in the early morning hours, and was here to stay.

'It might rain.' She hesitated for a moment before making a decision. 'A little rain won't stop me.' Okhotna didn't think much about it. The quietness of the village stood out to her. Few people were outside, likely expecting a storm to pass through soon. The only person she passed along the way was Anampa, a male red wolf carpenter who also fished downriver.

"Hi Okhotna. Are you going to hunt?" He scratched his head in confusion.

"Yep! I want to head out before it starts raining."

"You should stay in the village." He called out as the wind blew by them. "It looks like it will rain the rest of the day."

"I'll be fine." She reassured him.

"Be careful then!" The red wolf warned her a final time. "It could downpour any minute!" However, Okhotna continued on her way and left the village. A few other villagers were quickly returning from the fields earlier than usual, but Okhotna didn't turn around or change her mind. The wolf's eager blue eyes were set on the eastern fields and patchy forests. Her confidence was unmatched despite the storm brewing overhead.

***

The rain began with a pattering drizzle, barely enough to make one's ear flicker. However, that was only the beginning of the archer's troubles. The storm quickly bared down on the countryside producing roaring heavy rain bands. Her hunt eventually became a search for shelter, but the rain and winds exhausted her search. Hoping to wade out the storm didn't work either. The rain was unending through the late morning and early afternoon, but that never deterred the golden archer from hunting all day. However, as time progressed, the air became cooler. What the archer hadn't expected was a cold early autumn rain. Suddenly, Anampa's advice sounded like a premonition.

Okhotna slowly emerged from a patch of woods along the edge of a moor. The cream furred wolf appeared ragged with spiky fur and wet hair. She shook her head, sending a shower of rain droplets all around her, but her fur was throughly soaked. Paws splashed through growing puddles of water, but she lacked a spring in her youthful steps. The cold rain had steadily sapped her strength and warmth until she was cold to the bone. A subtle breeze felt like a chilled knife plunging into her body.

'I should've worn my rain cape.' She realized her error and wondered if trying to hunt today was a good idea. Gritting her teeth, Okhotna walked through the fields through the rain. Rainfall collected in the low points of grass creating numerous temporary creeks for her to cross. Much of the lowlands appeared submerged from all of the water.

The grey backdrop of rainfall casted the village in a hazy grey that blurred into the backdrop of hills and homes. The wolf trudged onwards as she began to shiver. She couldn't wait to curl up beside a fire and warm herself.

A familiar male wolf was standing just outside the village wearing a rain cape. He almost appeared like a ghost in the hazy rainfall.

"Okhotna! You're back!" He ran up to her.

"A-Arias?" The cream furred wolf was surprised to see him.

"You're soaking wet!" He fretted and touched her shoulder. "And you're cold."

"Yeah. Th-thanks for pointing out th-the obvious." She grumbled through chattering teeth.

"You need to get inside now." He tugged Okhotna's arm and ran through the muddy puddles with her. She didn't complain and felt relieved once she stepped back inside her home. Her house was dimly lit from the storm, and the pattering of rain echoed inside like a drum. Okhotna set her bow aside, but Arias removed her quiver for her.

"Start a f-f-fire!" She managed to speak despite her teeth chattering.

"Hold on. You need to dry off first." He explained. Okhotna quickly found herself wrapped up in a blanket to dry her fur. A puddle had accumulated on the floor from all the water dripping off her body.

"Why were you out there?" He asked, and began rubbing her back to warm her.

"I w-was h-hunting." Ohkotna found it difficult to speak. He switched her wet blanket for another dry one. "Why were you?" She managed to say without shivering too much.

"Someone said that you went hunting, but it didn't feel right once it started raining, so I waited for you to come back."

"Why?" She didn't understand.

"I still feel guilty about following you into the northern forest. I'm sorry." He told her. Okhotna found it odd that he was apologizing to her, but the wolf was too busy shivering to dwell on the thought. "It was incredible you made that shot from a tree branch though." Arias grinned. "I thought to myself, who else could do something so amazing?" She wasn't sure if it was the cold chills from the rain or her imagination, but it sounded like he was praising her.

"You're not shivering too hard now... Are you feeling better?" He stepped over to face her. The wolf still appeared ragged with her spiky fur and wet hair.

"I feel sick." She admitted and coughed.

"I'll start a fire. Sit over here on these pelts." He walked with her. "I'm going to get your sister and tell elder Eriu as soon as this rain stops."

Okhotna felt miserable as she sat idly inside her home. Despite the room feeling warm from a fire, the wolf felt chilled under the blanket. The slightest hint of cold air made her shiver feebly. Her body felt achy and weak. She coughed and scrunched her nose from the uncomfortable hot air she exhaled. Aisling was seated across from her, but could only help her sister in the smallest ways.

"Do you need more cool water?" Aisling asked.

"Yes, please." Okhotna's voice sounded funny as she barely nodded. The bitter taste of morning medicine still lingered on her tongue.

"I should've known you'd need more water after eating your medicine." Aisling told herself aloud. "When Eriu gave it to you earlier I could hear you say 'yuck' from outside."

"Mmhmm." Her throat sounded raspy and croaked like that of a frog's. She gladly accepted the cup of cool water from her sister and drank it slowly. "Thanks." Okhotna sighed with a little relief.

"Your beautiful hair is such a mess." She sympathetically looked at her sister's disheveled appearance. "I'll get your comb, and straighten it for you." She rose up from her seat.

"I tried brushing it earlier, but she started grumbling." Arias spoke up from the other side of the house. The mottled grey male wolf was inside her home as well, tending to a pot inside the hearth. Okhotna started to object, but her sister spoke first.

"Sometimes my elder sister can be hardheaded." Aisling grinned faithfully at the pouting light cream furred wolf. She sat down behind her and began running her fingers to untangle the long strands. Okhotna exhaled through her nose and closed her eyes as her sister gently combed her long hair.

"There. That's much better." Aisling admired her handiwork once she was done. "Do you want me to get your fur brush?" She scooted over to sit beside her sister.

"No thanks." She shook her head, and clung to her blanket tightly to stave off a chill.

"I'm going outside." Arias stood up and quietly padded to the home's entrance. "The stew needs to cook longer, but I'll be back in a while."

"Thanks." Aisling quickly said before he left. "It's very kind of Arias to continue looking after you." Aisling mentioned, but her sister remained silent. "The least you can say is 'thank you' when he comes back."

"I know, but I feel awful." Okhotna sighed.

"He's taken care of you like family. I don't see why you brush him off so easily."

"He followed me into the northern forest and nearly got himself killed by a boar..." Okhotna explained through her scratchy voice.

"Thankfully no one was hurt."

"It could have happened. I wouldn't have been able to do anything if I hadn't shot it from the tree. They were walking towards each other."

"It was an accident. You don't need to hold a grudge against him for that, especially when he helped you get home during that horrible rainstorm. What were you thinking trying to hunt in the rain?" Aisling asked.

"Ugh." The archer grumbled.

"That's what I'm thinking." Her sister answered. "You're the smartest person I know, but I'm glad that Arias was here to help you get inside. At least be nice and give him a chance."

"A chance? I saved his life."

"He might as well have saved yours." Aisling retorted. "You always talk about wanting to get married, and Arias isn't chasing after your tail or your golden pelt." She pointed out.

"I want to raise a family, not marry someone." Okhotna frowned feeling anger cloud her thoughts only to regret what she had said.

"Wait. You want to raise a family, but now you're not interested in marriage?" Aisling looked at her sister incredulously. The archer rubbed her forehead with a visible frown, wishing she had chosen her words better.

"No... That's not... I don't mean... He's a suitor like the others."

"If there's no marriage then stop calling them all suitors." Her sister retorted. Okhotna sighed out of frustration and hung her head low, too tired from her sickness to argue.

"Please get some sleep and rest." Aisling placed a hand on her shoulder. "That should help you more than anything else right now." She said before standing up and heading outside. Okhotna curled up on her pelts without a word, and pulled a second blanket over her shivering body. She drew her knees up to her chin and felt her breasts pressed to the tops of her legs. The archer closed her eyes and sought sleep, hoping that the whole episode would quickly become a faint memory.

Okhotna was sitting upright on a pair of pelts, and the blankets were off her shoulders scattered behind her. The once drained look on her face had returned to its healthy alert state. Her blue eyes were bright and awake as well. However, the archer was not alone in her home.

"And you're sure that you feel better?" Falara the sturdy middle aged silver and dark grey wolf was on her knees, practically looming over Okhotna to check her over.

"Yes Falara, I am feeling much better." The archer sought a little more space and held up an arm as fingers prodded her head, ears, shoulders, and neck.

"Eriu gave you medicine, correct?" She sat back.

"Yes, and I took all of it."

"You didn't eat too quickly this morning, did you?" She asked.

"No Falara, I'm not eating too fast." Okhotna did her best to reassure the doting female wolf; but it was more humorous than annoying.

"I'm happy to hear that, and I hope you are feeling better." The middle aged wolf repeated herself. "I will get you anything if you need it." She gave Okhotna a hug.

"I am." The cream furred wolf insisted. "But I will rest another day before doing anything difficult. You don't have to worry about me."

"I will worry for you anyway." Falara grinned and stood up. "If you need anything then let me know." She offered again before leaving.

"Thank you for visiting me." Okhotna modestly grinned as Falara slipped outside. The archer's ear flickered as she heard voices chatter outside her home for a minute. Then someone else walked through the entryway to visit.

"Good morning." An elder white wolf stepped towards her.

"Hello Eriu." Okhotna was glad to see her.

"How many visitors have you had today?"

"Several. Suwen and Powena visited this morning after my sister's mate came by. I'm sure you ran into Falara as she left. Everyone has been kind and wishing me well the past few days."

"That's good. That's good." It took the elder a moment to sit down beside her. Okhotna's ear moved hearing at least two popping sounds come from the elder's joints.

"Ahh." Eriu sighed and relaxed. "Getting old is no fun." She chuckled.

"I've heard." The archer grinned and rubbed an ear.

"So I take it you've been feeling much better." Eriu noticed the younger wolf's happier demeanor. "You look perky compared to me today." She winked and touched her own sagging chest.

"Yes, I'm feeling much better." Okhotna softly giggled.

"You're not having chills anymore?" She placed a hand over her forehead.

"No."

"That's good. You don't feel warm either." The elder wolf contently noted and retracted her hand.

"I should say it's thanks to the medicine you gave me the other day. You're as skilled at healing as you are with magic."

"I'm afraid medicine and magic aren't the same." She offered an empathetic smile. "But I'm glad that I could help. I wondered what was going through your mind when you decided to hunt in the downpour."

"Nothing but my own overconfidence." Okhotna's smile faded noticeably.

"Care to talk about it?" Eriu's gaze became curious as she placed her chin into her hand. "It is why you became sick." She pointed out.

"I headed out despite knowing a storm was brewing because I wanted to shake off a feeling of bad luck from before the autumn equinox." She kept the details hidden.

"Ah, does this have something to do with Arias following you into the northern ancient forest?" She presumed. The cream furred wolf blinked in surprised silence before speaking.

"How did you know that?"

"A boiling cauldron is obvious, but even a simmering pot rattles when covered." She wisely spoke.

"Events travel fast in small villages..." Okhotna mumbled to herself. "I have enough embarrassment from being hotheaded that day." She rubbed her head and ears shamefully.

"Being young is eventful." Eriu smiled sympathetically. Okhotna wiggled her nose, but her face lit up as she remembered something entirely different.

"I forgot to tell you a few days ago about something that I found in the Dragon Ravine." She spoke up.

"Oh? And what might that be?" Eriu's eyes lifted with intrigue.

"I went exploring with the dragon on my shoulder, and I found a small section of ruins with a partial wall. There's another portal inside the ravine, but it's broken."

"Another portal?" The elder was surprised.

"Yeah." The cream furred wolf nodded. "It's the same as the one towards the south in the field of tall grass. Does that mean they were once connected?"

"I'm not sure." Eriu's expression became very focused. "I'll have to go to the Dragon Ravine one day to look at it. Can you tell me exactly where it is?"

"Mmhm." Ohkotna nodded. "It's near the dragon's cave. If you follow the bottom of the cliffs, it's just beyond a small patch of trees in a grassy clearing."

"Thank you for telling me this." Eriu kindly nodded. "I will go inspect it as soon as I can." She began get up, but it took the elder a moment to stand up. Okhotna started to get up to help, but the elder wolf waved a hand.

"I'm fine. You're the one who needs rest." She explained and smoothed her ruffled fur.

"You're the elder." Okhotna stated with a half grin.

"Bah. I just look old." Eriu smiled and walked over to the home's entrance. She peeped outside before leaving.

"It looks like you have another visitor after me." The white wolf grinned over her shoulder and then departed. After a moment, the door covering was still before someone else came inside.

"Hi Laima." Okhotna greeted the border collie carrying a bowl in hand.

"Hey. Your nose and breasts aren't hanging so low this morning." Laima joked and sat down with her.

"You sound like an old woman." Okhotna raised one brow at her friend, but couldn't help herself from grinning at the silly comment. The border collie released a quick laugh.

"I'm glad that you're feeling better." She smiled. "I was worried when I heard you were sick, and from hunting in a downpour of all things."

"Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking..." She admitted. "I didn't even bring my rain cape."

"I don't think a rain cape would've helped. It poured like a waterfall out there." Her friend explained. "You can see along the creek how high up the water flooded." Okhotna grumbled quietly at her mistake, but didn't mention it.

"What's that?" She curiously looked at the covered bowl Laima had. Her nose flared as she smelled something tasty.

"Since you're feeling better, I wanted to make you some soup that you can taste." Laima placed it in front of her.

"Aww. Thank you." Okhotna smiled. "It smells great... It's nice to smell again." She sighed gratefully.

"A hunter can't be without her nose." The collie giggled.

"That's true." She grinned and tapped her nose. "How has herding been since the rainstorm?"

"It's the same, although the ground is very soggy and there's many more puddles to splash through." She grinned.

"That's good to hear. Did the rain damage any crops?"

"Not that I know of. Most of the fields and orchards have been harvested, but we didn't get any hail either. I'd say we were pretty lucky." She concluded.

"Having luck doesn't hurt." Okhotna agreed. "Before I forget, can you still go with me to Aramog?"

"Are you sure that you're feeling well enough to go all the way there?" The border collie looked at her skeptically.

"Yeah. I wasted enough time being sick." She placed an arm on her raised knee. "I need to go back to the Dragon Ravine soon anyway, and I wanted to know a little bit more about dragons before I return."

"If you're feeling well enough, then I can go with you." Laima agreed.

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

"I'll let you rest then." She crept forward and gave the wolf a hug. "Please rest for one more day." Laima patted her back.

"I will. You don't have to worry." Okhotna grinned. The border collie stood up and walked back to the entryway. "Hey. Is there anyone else out there?"

"Nope." Laima peeked outside. "Take it easy. I'll see you in the morning." She smiled before slipping away.

"Thanks." Okhotna mumbled gratefully. "Having so many visitors is tiring when you're sick." She laid down and closed her eyes.

Two pairs of paws leisurely strolled over the dirt and patches of grass before them. Okhotna and Laima had just passed through the field of tall grass by the ruins, and started following the dirt road. Despite the wide twin dirt lines in the ground, the area was seldom traveled by carts. They entered a much wider field of gentle rolling hills under the watch of the southern mountains. Short grasses and plenty of wild flowers grew in their midst. Trees were sparse, often growing together in little clumps. Patches of dirt and weeds were common, but they merely resembled islands in an ocean of green grass around them. Everything appeared bright and pristine under the sunshine.

The cream furred wolf and border collie were in good spirits as they passed a long row of lingering wooden posts to their left.

"Looks like parts of this old fence are still standing." Laima reached out and brushed her hand over one of the posts. "I remember seeing cows grazing behind this several years ago."

"Yeah, I remember that." Okhotna gazed out past the posts and into the field. "But that was a long time ago. Do you know what happened to whoever used this pasture?"

"I don't know." The collie shrugged. "But there were plenty of places to graze."

"That's true." The wolf grinned. "Maybe he found another place for his cattle." She guessed as they walked along the road. After crossing several more gentle sloping hills dotted with wildflowers, a wooden landmark came into view at the center of the road.

"There's the road sign." Laima pointed ahead. "We're close." Several other wooden arrows pointed in different directions along other dirt roads or fainter trails snaking away. To its east was Ren-Shah, a human village known for its bogs and treeless moors. To its west was Oggerby, a modest village nestled close to the southern mountains. To its south was a small city named Taocleigh, notable for its exotic harbors along the southern coast.

"We're almost there." Okhotna glanced over her shoulder to see how far they had walked so far. The looming southern mountains were still visible, but faint in the distance behind them. Southeast of their village, Aramog was connected to several other towns and settlements, making it a vital trading town for the region. Different people mingled and resided there, giving a modest metropolitan feeling to the important town.

The first buildings they saw and passed along the dirt road were large farms and pastures with grazing cattle or goats. Well kept fences established property lines and separated fields of different crops. Several figures were busily harvesting what they had grown in the distance. Small birds flocked behind them to scavenge lingering seeds.

Upon reaching the top of a gently sloping hill, the town of Aramog finally came into view. The entire town was nestled along the border of a large forest rising to the east, and spanned out to a wide lazy flowing river to the west. The town center boasted larger structures and towers of ornate masonry not seen in modest villages.

The countless buildings sprawled out from its urban center, only gradually lessening in grandeur. Two stone buildings, simpler brick houses, and shanties, all mingled together along various streets. Plenty of trees were even dotted amongst various sections of the town, allowing the yellowing of leaves to brighten the town.

"Caw! Caw!" A crow flying overhead appeared to beckon them down the rest of the road. Laima was first to jump ahead.

"I love this town!" The border collie could hardly contain the excitement in her voice. The energetic bounce in her step was already evident enough. "There's always something interesting to find no matter where you look. Where should we start?" She turned to the wolf. "We have all day to be here, so we can do whatever you want." Laima happily spoke.

"The only place I ever go to when I come here is the marketplace." Okhotna pointed to the side of the village closest to the forest. "I have a few friends there, and I'm sure one of them knows where the library is."

"Sounds good." They set out alongside each other. The gentle thrum of an urban setting greeted their ears: pinging from a forge, tweeting from little local birds, the hums of idle chatter all around, and the occasional shout. Few people wore travel capes due to the sunny weather. The only ones wearing standard clothes were humans. Anyone with natural fur simply didn't need any except for severe weather.

Most of the marketplace was bustling with activity. All kinds of people were bartering, buying, and selling for what they needed or desired. Different stalls and tables held various items and livestock for sale; ranging from beads and rope to cattle, spices, and grain. Pungent odors like salted meats and hides mingled in the air with sweeter lavenders and herbs. However, vegetables and foods from outlying farms were the most prevalent and sought after.

Okhotna led Laima towards a lonely table manned by a strong red wolf. His long red hair was braided and he wore a single necklace that had a small tusk on its loop. A heavy crossbow sat on the side of the table, his preferred weapon, along with an idle bolt. Unlike the archer, the rugged male hunted large beasts, especially boars that destroyed crops in surrounding farms. He bore a few noticeable scars from past encounters and hunts, and wasn't shy to talk about them.

"Good morning Argus." The cream furred wolf greeted the red wolf.

"Ah, the famed golden archer of the golden pelt!" He smiled and greeted Okhotna. "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing alright. How about yourself?"

"Can't complain... The autumn equinox was barely a few days ago. Are you here to sell a wide array of pelts?"

"No, not today." Okhotna grinned.

"Phew!" He blew a sigh of relief. "I was worried for a second there. If you had already caught that much to sell now, then I am far behind!" He laughed.

"What are you selling?" The wolf gazed at his table with a look of uncertainty. A few pelts and tusks caught her eyes.

"A few boars that I hunted. This one," he held up a dark pelt with spots, "was digging through a cornfield and even chased the farmer when he tried scaring it away."

"They're pests at best, and dangerous at their worst." Laima spoke up.

"That's exactly right." Argus agreed and set the pelt down. "Are you two in the marketplace to buy something special?" He tilted his head questioningly.

"Well... Not exactly." Okhotna said. "We wanted to know where the library was located."

"The library?" He looked at her in surprise. "What are you reading books now for?"

"It's for a friend." She discreetly pointed to Laima, hoping that he wouldn't pry for more information.

"Okay then... You'll go past Harper and Folly's Inn. There's a large hanging sign with a steaming cup painted on it, so you can't miss it. The library is the largest building after that. If you're not sure, just stand round and watch any owls flying by carrying books." He explained to them.

"Sounds easy enough. Thanks for the directions." Okhotna waved and started to turn away.

"If you're looking to buy something exotic then I would advise you two to avoid the mink down there selling fireballs." He nodded towards his left. "He claims they'll let you breathe fire for an hour, but the last person foolish enough to try blew smoke out of his mouth like a sick chimney." He dryly chuckled.

"Thanks. We'll make sure to pass him." Okhotna grinned as she left with Laima.

"He seems like a person with a lot of stories." Laima mentioned as soon as they were out of earshot.

"Argus has plenty if you're willing to listen, although I'm not sure how many of them are true." She swished her tail.

"Why don't you try dating him. You're both hunters after all." The collie suggested.

"Pfftt!" Okhotna barely contained a much louder laugh.

"What's funny?" She cocked her head to the side. "I thought it was a good idea."

"I appreciate the suggestion." The wolf collected herself. "But I am not here to date anyone. I know most of the hunters who come here, and they're aggressive when seeking exotic things. I have dated someone who was a hunter, but like everyone else, he was interested in the golden deer pelt."

"Oh well. I just wanted to help." Laima quietly spoke.

"You're more than helping by being here with me." She reassured her friend with a warm smile. Walking across the cobblestone street, both ladies were quick to avoid bumping into people while they searched for the large inn. A passing little rag doll feline was carrying a large glass ball with a blue flame bouncing around inside. Each hit inside the surface of glass created a little sparking pinging sound.

"That looks really interesting." Laima watched the feline walk by.

"Do you see the sign?" Okhotna asked.

"Not yet." Looking around, their eyes scanned the buildings until they spotted the aforementioned hanging sign.

"Harper and Folly's Inn... Found it! We're on the right track." Okhotna smiled. Seated outside of the building was a charcoal furred female wolf smoking a cigar. She seemed lost in thought with the hazy smoke above her head, but had visible abs underneath her dark fur. Despite her youthfully toned muscles, her breasts visibly sagged.

'She looks strong...' Okhotna thought to herself as they walked past her. The adjacent building had several posters messily posted onto its brick wall; of which had a wanted poster of a gruesome looking male wolf. Okhotna wrinkled her muzzle but didn't pay any attention to it. Neither of the villagers knew which building was the largest as they meandered along the street. None of them had discernible signs hanging outside their doors.

"Hmm..." Okhotna hummed as they stood around idly. Townspeople and travelers alike were walking through the area, but the smell of food cooking in a nearby bakery pleasantly distracted her nose. They looked overhead as an owl carrying something in its talons flew to a window across the street.

"Hey, that owl is carrying a book." Laima noticed.

"Really?" The cream furred wolf covered her eyes with a hand and looked. The window opened up as a hand reached out and to the book from the owl. The bird was given a treat before the window closed altogether. Laima and Okhotna looked at each other.

"I think we found the library." The cream furred wolf mentioned.

"Let's take a look inside." The collie took the lead.

"Have you ever been to a library before?" Okhotna looked over and asked Laima.

"No." The collie shook her head. "Have you?"

"No." She wasn't sure what to expect. They walked up to the front door and opened it. A small little bell rang as it closed behind them. Laima and Okhotna stopped and stared at the sight before them. The walls were covered in books from the floor almost to the ceiling. Neither of them could see far down the adjacent hallway. A winding staircase to their left ascended to a second floor where even more books were likely stored. Okhotna's nose wrinkled from the noticeable musty smell lingering in the air.

"Wow. There's a lot of books in here..." She stared at the tall piles on the tables before her.

"Can you imagine if each one was a sheep?" Laima wondered aloud.

"That would be a lot of herding to do."

"Hello." A soft spoken voice caught their attention. Looking over, an old tabby feline was seated by a tall desk behind the nearest tables. He wore long black robes that were closed giving a mysterious feeling to him. "Is there anything that I can help you two find?" The old feline politely asked.

"Oh uh, no thanks." Okhotna smiled. "We're just browsing."

"Okay. If you need any help, just ask." He grinned.

"Thank you." The wolf and collie walked to one of the narrow halls. A trio of adolescents chattering amongst themselves brushed past them with books in their hands.

"Guess we're not the only ones looking for books." Okhotna whispered to Laima. The collie nodded as they stopped to look at the first bookcases. The rows and stacks of books appeared endless in every direction.

"Any idea where we should start?" Laima rubbed her ear.

"Uh... You can start here at the wall, and I will start on this bookcase so we can cover more ground." Okhotna suggested. Laima nodded and started searching. The archer cautiously stepped between the bookcases, looking at the numerous volumes stacked high. Unsure of where to begin, she reached out and pulled one at random.

"The Essentials of Latin..." The wolf read the old gold colored letters. She put the book back, and ran her fingertips along several more spines before picking another one. This one was a light beige, almost yellow, and appeared worn along its corners.

"The Histories and Principles of Legalism." The next title wasn't what she wanted either. "Hmm..." Okhotna looked around, but the titles she could read had nothing relating to dragons. "Any luck Laima?" The wolf peered over and found her border collie friend looking through a stack of books on the floor.

"No." She stood up. "Any ideas where we should look?"

"Eh. Nothing yet." The wolf walked over beside a large bookcase and picked up an odd looking book. Its dark cover had a leather strap and buckle keeping it shut. 'Why would a book have this?' She unfastened it.

"Huh-?" Okhotna blinked as the book moved in her hands on its own. Her blue eyes widened as the entire text jumped up and began viciously biting at her face with its pages like a wide set of jaws.

"Aahh!" The wolf yelled as a flurry of pages flew into the air.

"What the-?!" Laima nearly screamed as the floating text attacked Okhotna. The wolf kicked the biting book, sending it to the ground where Laima began beating it.

"Move!" The cream furred wolf quickly jumped and sat on the attacking book. She felt the book squirm underneath her to no avail. It stopped moving as the last pages settled on the wooden floor around them. Breathing hard, the two canines looked at each other in disbelief.

"You okay?"

"Yeah... I think so."

"Is everything alright?" A meek and mild elderly voice broke through the silence. Still breathing audibly, Laima and Okhotna looked over their shoulders and found the old feline librarian standing a few steps away.

"One of your books just attacked us!" Okhotna barked at the cat.

"Pages flew everywhere!" Laima added. The librarian motioned with a hand for Okhotna to move without a word. The wolf hesitated before immediately jumping off the book. The feline quickly murmured something and the book levitated through the air towards him. He felt over the cover for a second before nodding with a little grin.

"Oh. A child must've placed a spell on this book." He kindly mused and held a hand out over the front cover. A ball of light passed through the pages like a ghost before fizzling out. "There. Sorry for any trouble." He closed the book's cover with ease.

'I think hunting in the rain was easier.' She wiggled her nose in thought as the librarian turned around.

"Oh, wait." Okhotna stopped him.

"Yes?" The feline paused and slowly turned back around.

"Can you tell us which books are located in each aisle?" She asked. "We have no idea where to start searching."

"All you need to do is follow the signs." He smiled and pointed up. Okhotna and Laima looked at the librarian in confusion, but their gazes lifted up out of curiosity. Their facial expressions changed as they blinked. Dangling above them from the ceiling were several signs, just like on a crossroad. Each one had a different subject or topic of interest pointing to various aisles.

"Oh..." They said in unison. "Thank you." Laima and Okhotna said before following the different signs. After wandering around, the last three aisles were under a "Magical Studies" sign.

"Okay, we can start looking here." Laima suggested.

"Don't grab any books with buckles or straps holding themselves closed." Okhotna warned.

"I'll hand those to you." The collie joked as they began searching through the numerous titles. Okhotna combed through several books before finding one with an interesting cover.

"The Study of Magical Herbs and Related Plants." She read the title aloud and examined the numerous plants on the front. The wolf's curiosity encouraged her to open the book. "Hey, maybe we could learn to cast a spell if Eriu teaches us."

"We're not trifling with magic." The collie nudged her friend so they could stay focused, but the task ahead of them was tedious with no end in sight.

'Enchantments and Recreations...' Okhotna fought off a yawn as she set aside what must have been the hundredth book she had looked over. 'Charm enhancement spells for light users... 45 Best Spells for Housekeepers and Mothers... Crystal Purification II... Advanced Potions for Medicine...' As interesting as the titles were, the archer had no use for them. The next book she picked up was a dull red, not by design, but from its apparent age. The worn hardcover had clearly seen better days long ago. Faded letters spelled out a title that excited her.

"A Guidebook to the Species of Dragons." She quietly read aloud the title, and ran her fingers over the cover where a faded outline of dragon had been imprinted. Okhotna eagerly opened the cover and flipped through a few pages. The book was short but thick, and had some weight in her hand.

"Historical observations and accounts..." Her blue eyes scanned ahead to a table of contents. "I think I found what I wanted, Laima." The wolf felt her tail wag.

"You did?" The border collie set down the pair of books she was looking through.

"Yep! It has species, accounts, and pictures." She flipped through a lot of pages.

"Perfect! Are you fine with just one book, or did you want to keep looking for another?"

"I think I'm good with one book." Okhotna held it up. "It's heavier than it looks, and I don't want to dig through this cramped space anymore." She looked around. They slipped away and returned to the front of the library.

"We'd like to take this one home with us." Okhotna approached the librarian behind the desk.

"Find everything you were looking for?" The old feline asked.

"Yep. Thank you for your help." Okhotna handed him the book. The old feline librarian examined the book before placing a small red seal with special writing on the inside of the front cover. The paper immediately stuck to the book with the string laying innocently outside the pages.

"What's that?"

"If you don't want to walk all the way into town to return this book then you can simply pull the string and remove the red tag. The book will instantly reappear in my library." He kindly told them. Okhotna and Laima glanced at each other.

"That's very neat."

"How does that work?" Okhotna asked.

"It's a little bit of magic that I learned how to perform." He kindly smiled and handed the book over with the little string dangling out. With a brief shrug there was no complaint from either lady.

"Thank you!" They bid the feline librarian farewell before leaving.

"We've had a successful day, and it's barely the afternoon." Laima remarked as they left the library.

"I was worried that we wouldn't find the right book." Okhotna grinned and breathed the fresh outdoor air. "But it was worth digging through all of those musty dusty books."

"I was getting chills from the cramped spaces." The collie agreed and rubbed her arms, happy to be outside again.

"So what do you wanna do now?" Okhotna looked around. The clacking of a hay cart slowly passed them by in the street. The charcoal female wolf who was smoking a cigar was gone, but owls were still flying overhead to and from the library.

"Let's sit over there." Laima pointed to an empty table across the open square by the edge of the street. It was close to a modest stone building, and out of the everyone's path to observe the daily interactions of the townspeople. Okhotna and Laima sat down at the small wooden table for two and made themselves comfortable in the sunshine. The town square offered a wide range of sights for them. Plenty of interesting buildings lined each street, and several trees were beginning to show their pretty autumn colors.

"They're practicing magic." Laima pointed towards a teacher and two young students not far away. Okhotna watched as they tried lifting small rocks without touching them. After a few attempts, one of the students jumped as his fur began turning green in color.

"You know, anyone who shows potential for magic at a young age comes to Aramog to learn how to use it."

"Do you think it's too late for us?"

"Yeah, I think so." Laima chuckled. Despite the hints and scenes of magic, there were more regular activities going on around them. Kits and pups were playing at a fountain emitting bubbling spouts of water up into the air. Okhotna wasn't sure how internal plumbing and pipes worked, but the sensation was like standing in a warm downpour or tiny waterfall. Unlike the library owls carrying books, messenger birds were more common in the sky through the town. A pair of bakers were unloading sacks of flour from a horse drawn cart. A large breasted grandmother leopard was washing a wriggling toddler in her arms. As cute as the sight was, the feline had her work cut out for her. The leopard's distended breasts smacked into each other whenever she had to lean forward, creating more opportunities for the toddler to enact mischief.

'The baths would have been easier for her.' The archer thought to herself before her gaze dropped down to the book in her possession.

"I can't believe I have a book about dragons now." Okhotna stared at the faded letters on the red cover. Her hands curiously felt over the spine and thumbed through a few pages.

"It's really exciting-." Laima paused as a human walking by caught their attention. He was wearing a long cloak and tall straw hat that was common in the human villages of Ip-shah and Ren-shah. Their gazes cut away as the human glanced towards them, but didn't stop walking.

"Why do humans dress in strange garments?" Okhotna whispered once he had passed by.

"I don't know, but they need to wear something to keep their skin warm." Laima shrugged. "You know, they grow hair like normal, but they also grow hair under their arms when they become adults."

"That's so weird." Okhotna remarked with a wrinkled muzzle. "I can't imagine growing fur in certain spots." She lifted an arm and felt over the cream fur hiding there.

"It would be funny to see." The collie giggled.

"My winter fur coat is coming in, and pretty soon I'll look fluffier." Okhotna happily remarked and lowered her arm. "I'll get to cover my nips soon." She winked. Laima giggled at the idea.

"There's a lot of skin to cover first." She teased. "Then they can't watch you walk."

"Yeah, I guess not." The cream furred wolf chuckled. "Oh. How's your twin sister Angie been? She hasn't visited the village in a few months."

"She's still herding for the farmers outside of the town through the southern portal, and very much in love with the field hand that works with her. While we are here, we can stop by the mail office to see... Wait. That wouldn't help, because the message would go through the portal to our village anyway." She realized.

"So I take it we are not going by there?" Okhotna mused.

"Eh. I guess not." Laima shrugged. "I'm expecting her to send me a message any day now that she is finally going to marry him. And when that happens, you'll finally find someone to marry."

"You've been saying that for over a year..."

"I know, but I mean it!" She grinned. "You are my only friend who wants to marry. Persephone doesn't seem to care either way."

"She has her hands full from maintaining her vineyard, dealing with her brothers, and helping her parents." Okhotna shrugged.

"Has your romantic life improved at all?" She asked.

"Eh. It's mostly the same, but not too many are chasing after me right now."

"That's better, right?"

"I think so."

"Was Yenusha trying to date you before he left the village for Taocleigh several weeks ago?"

"He was." The wolf emphasized the last word. "But he gave up after I didn't show any interest. He thought it would be nice to date a hunter."

"What about Towarta?"

"I finally told him I wasn't interested at the end of spring, but he didn't understand that until mid summer."

"Urusa?"

"No." Okhotna shook her head. "He was only interested in the golden pelt."

"Let's see if there's anyone else left." She mumbled comically with a half grin. "Hmm... What about Arias?" The border collie questioned. "He's become closer to you, and he also took care of you when you were foolish enough to hunt during a cold downpour." Those last words stung the archer as she remembered how much he had helped her.

"Yeah, but he nearly got himself killed when he followed me into the northern forest."

"It sounds like an honest mistake." She shook her head. "He apologized for it, and what else could he do at that point?"

"You don't understand what it's like being chased after." She frowned.

"You're right, I don't understand what it's like being famous in our village for hunting a golden animal." Laima conceded. "But I've always tried my best helping find someone who you will like."

"I know, and I'm really grateful for your help." Okhotna spoke earnestly.

"I think you should give Arias a second chance." The black and white furred canine seriously spoke. "You'll have to let that go at some point, and he hasn't hounded you like a buck during rut." The collie pointed out. "He's a good person, and means well."

"Well..." The wolf stopped herself and wiggled her nose in thought. "Do you think I'm being hateful towards guys now?"

"Eh... A little." Her friend winced a little. "You brush people off very quickly." She admitted.

"I have been pushing people away too much, haven't I?" Okhotna sighed and slumped her shoulders.

"Don't feel sad about it. You've had a lot of bad experiences, way more than anyone I know of, so it's understandable." Laima consoled her friend. "Besides, you now have the book you were looking for." She nodded towards the book in the wolf's hand. "That's something to be happy about."

"Mmhm." Okhotna nodded and gazed at the cover. Her thumb traced over the faint imprint of the dragon silhouette in thought. It felt weird for the archer to consider opening up to anyone in particular. She equated it to a deer surrendering to her on the hunt, and every one of her instincts disagreed with the idea. However, things weren't always as they seemed.

'I didn't expect to see a dragon in my lifetime until a few weeks ago.' She told herself. If one part of her life had changed, why wouldn't another?

"I suppose you're right..." The archer finally spoke in a firm voice after a long silence. The collie's ears perked up in mild surprise as the archer's gaze met hers once again. "It's just that... I don't know. Having to deal with people chasing after you for years can sour the mind like grapes or wine..." Okhotna said. "It can be tiring and annoying."

"Your greatest strength is that you don't give up easily." Laima added. "I'm sure Arias will understand." Her tail wagged visibly behind her.

"I suppose that's true." The wolf thought about how she went hunting in the rain. A moment of silence passed between them.

"I like that birdbath." The collie's gaze drifted away to several birds chirping noisily in its shallow waters. Okhotna glanced over and saw little birds taking turns to wash their feathers in the stone basin before hopping away. The cream furred wolf wiggled her ears and listened to the sounds of the town. She could hear the grandmother leopard laughing as she dried off her kit nearby.

"You're such a handful little Duniu." The older leopard chuckled. Elsewhere the more whimsical sounds of a lyre being strummed matched the quiet bubbling fountain water.

'How am I going to apologize to him?' Okhotna wondered.