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On the outskirts of The Wood there are many dangers for a lone soul. Slimes, prowling beasts, dangerous elemental monsters, and even your average, run of the mill bandits can take their toll on even the healthiest travelers. Usually the Perch Guard would do a lot to keep things safe, but with everything going on near Alderheart, those towns on the outskirts had to do their best on their own.

Not that Beryl would know much about how the towns were doing. Clad in her leather outfit that covered the tall figure from head to toe, she was generally referred to as the Nightingale by those who met her in person or spoke of the "legend". Of course, with small, close knit communities, any outsiders would be seen of as an oddity, but the Nightingale drifted on the edges of civilization and clad herself in a heavy leather coat and bird beak mask for a reason.

Actually, for two reasons. First, to hide the true form beneath it with the appearance of something more friendly to the locals. The birdfolk and humblefolk of The Wood weren't exactly used to her usual appearance. Heck, her own mother, an outsider who'd abandoned her all those years ago, wasn't exactly used to her appearance. But that was the second purpose of the cloak: to carry on her mother's work and study the strange, toxic, and highly magic-infused slimes that had brought her mother to this land and, she assumed, had changed her own form to be this at birth. Between those and the great scar up north that was the Scorched Grove, this land was the best place to study magic that left lingering curses and tainted bloodlines.

Of course, all of that would only happen as quickly as she could make discoveries, and Beryl's intelligence and introverted nature, combined with the fearful looks she got in Meadowfenn, Ashbarrow, Marshview, and the Winnowing Reach, meant that long periods of time spent in the wild studying slimes and elementals were a wonderful distraction and well worth her time. Sure, she'd been studying things since she could read, walk, and tap into that inner well of power her form didn't belie, but every day was one step closer to the discovery of a lifetime.

It was also one more day spent helping those in need in the wilds. The aforementioned bandits had a habit of running friendlier folks off into the wilds, and there the slimes and elementals, whether hostile or just curious, could do a lot of damage to an unwary traveler. Most of the time, Beryl had a healing kit on her person, gathering herbs for potions and poultices and keeping an ear out for anyone in need. And this day, deep in the marshes of the Mokk Fields was no different. She'd been following a slime through the shallow waters, the sparks of magic and thrum of energy that exuded from it painting a rainbow in her mind. It had also, though likely unintentionally, led her to more than a few rare herbs and mushrooms growing in the darker parts of the bog.

As she leaned down for one such mushroom she heard the sound, the soft moaning gurgle of someone in pain. She tilted her head, holding up a gloved hand to listen closer. A deeper voice. Male? And from the shuddering gasps, in severe pain. With how long the breath was, possibly large as well... Hopefully she wasn't too late. She moved towards the sound, able to see the sparks of magic fluttering on the air where the slime was, only for them to mix with the tinge of rust red that cut a bright swathe through the musty marsh. Blood, unmistakably. He'd need to be tended to. She checked the mask on her face, ensuring he'd meet the Nightingale, then crested the last hill.

The glow of the slime illuminated the injured figure on the ground, though he weakly batted it off, a damaged sword wavering unsteadily. He coughed, the scent of iron sharp when he did, before he turned his head. Fur, dark, damp with water, mud, and worse. A sharp gasp as he saw her, gurgling lightly in his lungs. "Dear Kren, I didn't think you'd be for me so soon... or take this form. Or were those birds right, and Tyton was the one after all?" He laughed wryly, then collapsed, the last of his strength leaving him.

The slime was curious, and normally she'd shoo it away, but this was an emergency, and its magic was helping. The glow of its sticky sludge burned his shape into her mind, every length of fur, every injury, every piece of clothing on this large wolfish figure imprinting in a rainbow in her soul. She used her own magic, carefully checking on his vitals, looking for the worst wounds... Stabs, slashes, an arrow lodged in him... A fight, clearly, but on which side?

That would be a question for later. For now she worked quickly. Triage in the field would be needed, but this wasn't the place for injuries this bad. She gauged the air with her finger, the pale blue skin wet beneath the glove and perfect for catching the wind's direction. It would be a bit of a walk... hopefully he'd make it. She did her best to patch his wounds, then began the long work of finding her abode to help this injured soul.

******

The crackling of a fire and a soft humming perked William's ears. Or, rather, ear, as he felt the other one bandaged down against his head, a sticky wetness seeped into the fur. Every part of his body was in pain, but it wasn't the sharp, draining pangs he'd remembered before his vision went dark. The air was musty and damp, but had the scent of ash and smoke along with the ever-present clinging damp of the marsh. One sapphire blue eye crept open, even that much more energy than he thought he'd manage, to find himself in a very dark chamber, the flickering of a single fire on rough stone walls giving him pause.

He looked to the side, towards the source of the humming as well as the fire, and found a few details out immediately. One, that everything hurt, the sharp pain in his neck stabbing with the barest motion, forcing him to only look through his left eye. His right, it seemed, was also bandaged shut. He also found himself on a soft bed, with a down mattress and blankets and a comforter keeping him warm. Beyond the immediate space, a form was by the fire, bringing the bitter scent of cooking herbs to his nose as they hummed. Their voice was light and soft, but muffled. He tried to call out, but found it dry, his tongue clinging to the roof of his mouth.

For a moment, though, he was very glad he'd remained silent as the small form in front of the fire stood up, tall, thin, and imposing. The shadow rushed over the bed, made all the more menacing by the gleam of the firelight off the dark, skull-like shape of the face, the curved, menacing beak, and the long, thin fingers that gripped the bottle in its hand. He took in air to gasp, only for the pain in his ribs and his lungs to spark, stabbing through him, triggering a cough that only made things worse. Those glowing eyes turned towards him, the red of the fire within them, the humming silencing as it found the helpless wolf awake.

It stepped forward with those impossibly long, thin legs, and he reached for his sword, wincing in pain and finding himself stripped nearly bare, only his underclothes remaining, and even those removed where bandages wrapped around his fur. Helpless and in pain, he watched the figure approach, the very specter of death he'd seen as he'd passed out. What did it want with him? He grit his teeth, tasting the blood on his tongue, ready for the worst.

And then the figure knelt by his bed, and he could see the burning fires of its eyes to be reflections in the dark glass of the bird-like mask, a soft and gentle voice drifting from behind it. "Drink this," it said, offering the bottle of bubbling red fluid, then a small cup of a clear liquid next to it. "The potion should help with your inner wounds, while water is always good when you're ill."

William's panicking heart pounded in his chest, yet he hadn't expected the soft, feminine voice behind the mask. His throat was parched, so he couldn't speak still, so he nodded gently, then winced as he reached for the bottle. Seeing this, the cloaked figure brought it to his lips and, ever so gently, fed him the potion sip by sip. The warmth of the liquid surged through him, fresh from the fire and brimming with healing power. The liquid itself unstuck his tongue, but as it slid down his throat and made its way into his stomach he could feel the energy pushing through his body, knitting together wounds and making the aches disappear.

Things still hurt, particularly where he'd been shot and stabbed most deeply, but the surface layer of pain was gone, replaced instead with the normal aches of adventure. Slowly he sat up, wincing still from the injury on his side, but he pushed through, putting his paws to the cool stone of the room they were in. The figure offered the cup, which he took, the bitter taste of the potion strong now that its soothing effects had run their course, and he happily washed the taste from his mouth and breathed a deep sigh of relief. "Thank ya kindly! You saved my life, miss...?"

The cloaked figure stood, seemingly proud, though without being able to see the face, it was hard to tell. "I believe you'd know me as the Nightingale. And yes, I did, though you wouldn't be the first. Still, your injuries were severe. This house might not be much, but it is safe and warm, and I have food enough until you're able to be on your way."

The silver-grey wolf stood up, finding her figure less imposing now, though she was still a good foot taller than him. He offered a hand, which she looked at curiously, as though unsure what to do, before he took hers and shook it. "I can't believe it, and here people were talkin' 'bout you like a myth! Guess I was in the right place at the right time." He looked at the bandages on his side, remembering the deep gash there, and felt the stinging on his neck where the arrow had lodged. Yet he was up and moving. A blessing to be sure. "So, I guess it's true that you wander the marshes helping those in need."

The Nightingale laughed, then went over to the fire, where a few more herbs were drying and a bit of fish was cooking on the side. "Oh, not quite, though I'm glad to know that's what's being said. No, I was studying the slimes in the Mokk Fields and happened to come upon you. You're lucky, too. Just last week I'd been collecting ash from the Scorched Grove for a few tests and as a reagent. I actually spend much more time up there recently. It's pure chance I found you."

William stood up and stretched, though weakly. As amazing as instant healing from a potion was, things still hurt, and he wasn't at full capacity. Still, he was able to see his armor and weapons set to the side in a neat, clean pile. The only ones not were his undershirt, which it seemed had gone into many of his bandages. He tapped at his ear and head. "So... am I going to lose anything important up there, or just get a battle scar?"

The healer shrugged, continuing to monitor the food. "You shouldn't lose anything, but part of the tip of your ear was missing. And there will likely be a scar over your eye, but it and the lid seem mostly undamaged." She didn't look his way, and while she talked, one hand was on a book at her side, running over the blank pages carefully. "Was it beasts or bandits that did the damage?"

The wolf sat by the fire, holding his side as he did so, not forgetting the slash that had dug into it. "Bandits. Some 'aggressive negotiations,' vulpin to vulpin until he brought his goons in on me."

At this she tilted her head, though she didn't look towards him. "Vulpin? You're a rather large one at that. I didn't know vulpin got so strong or tall. I nearly took you for an outsider."

William laughed, then patted at the slight paunch around his stomach, though the toned muscles showed it was a more healthy holding of weight. "Yeah, well... I come from Alderheart initially. A bit of a rarity. And while the whole family looks this way, we're not your typical vulpin sort, no matter how clearly we trace the line." The silver furred wolf lay back, letting his feet warm by the fire as he looked at the natural waves in the rock of the ceiling. "Sort of made me an outsider everywhere else. Though a big one that's normally good in a fight. Those bandits are somethin' else though."

The Nightingale nodded sagely. "Indeed. They've been getting bolder. I have been trying to track them, mostly due to the amount of injured I have been coming across lately. If I may ask, where were you when you were accosted?"

"A little north of Marshview. I was taking a shortcut through the clearing heading back toward Alderheart. Didn't think anything would leave the woods, when I stumbled upon their camp. They'd kidnapped a strig and were messing with it and talking about ransom letters... I got through two of the little jerbeen thugs, but the next two were better fighters, and the vulpin was one heck of a shot." He groaned a little, feeling the gash at his side. "I knew I'd get into trouble with them one day. Kren warns you about these sorts of things. But the strig was a kid, I couldn't let the little guy come to harm. Hopefully he got out of there safe."

Still without looking at him she picked up one of the fish from the fire, then offered it to him. "Well, a hero's work should be rewarded. And a little recklessness in the face of banditry, I think, is admirable, even if I'm not as much of a fighter myself." Until it was before him he didn't realize how hungry he was, but he tore into it the second the scent reached his muzzle, making the Nightingale chuckle. "I admire your bravery and hope you'll rest well, hero, while you recover. If you wish to leave in the morning, feel free to do so. I won't stop you."

As the food entered him he felt the aches of the day and his body healing catch up, but he shook his head, then held out his hand once more. This time she met it in a shake, ready for the gesture. "Well, I appreciate it. And I hope I'm not a burden. I never introduced myself properly, miss Nightingale. I'm William Silverleaf, and I'll be paying you back for being the hero you are too." He looked at the bed, noting there only being one with all the comforts, a tiny cot in the corner serving for the other. "Would you like the bed? I am healin', but I don't want to be unkind to a lady."

The question seemed to stump the Nightingale for a moment, but she shook her head. "No, no, you rest on it. Thank you for the offer, though. Nobody usually does." There was a happiness to her voice behind the mask, before she focused back on the herbs and the blank book next to her, the fire reflecting in the glass of her mask. William shrugged, then eased himself into bed, where sleep rapidly overtook him.

********

Beryl found it hard to sleep with another person in her safe house, but she managed it eventually, resting comfortably to the restful, if occasionally sharp, sounds of William's breathing. The next morning she redid his bandages, then prepared for the usual reaction to helping an injured soul: the rapid escape from her oddity and rushing back home to spread rumors, both good and bad.

William, however, didn't seem to be the usual injured soul. He took an interest in her studies, the blank books and the various vials and materials she kept around, largely in a slightly oversized component pouch. As she went over one of the recipes for a potion to help with reducing scarring on his fur, she could feel his eyes following her fingers, watching the supple leather gloves drifting over the page. "So, uh... What are you doing with that book? Normally there's... ya know. Words on them. And you look at them to read."

She smiled, though it was hidden behind the mask. Nobody ever asked those questions. It was a pleasant surprise. "Well, my vision is significantly worse than most of those who study magic and its effects, but I learned a long time ago how to read and notate things in braille. It lets me read it properly and has the added effect of creating an air of mystery so suitable for the Nightingale to exude." She then got up, stretching, before she reached for her staff and walking stick. "Well, I do have some study I wish to do. If you would like to rest here, feel free. If you would prefer to leave, I wish your travels well."

The wolf-like vulpin with the silver markings and the noble jaw just smirked, starting to clothe himself in his gear, mended of most of its damage from the fight. "What are you studying? Must be hard if you can't see too well, wandering out here on your own."

She chuckled softly. "You get by. But if you're curious, I spend a lot of time examining the Scorched Grove and the elemental beasts that roam near it. I'd like to make sure the fires don't spread any further, or take root in further damage to the natural environment."

"And that's why ya came all the way to the marsh? If anywhere should be safe from the fire, it'd be the marshland." He started to buckle on the leather armor, making sure it fit, even with the battle damage, he soon enough was wearing it comfortably once more.

"Swamp gasses can ignite quickly, so fire isn't impossible," the Nightingale said, tilting the bird-shaped mask and looking out the entrance to the cave. "But no, my reasoning for being here is due to the thaumaturgical mutagenic properties of the slimes in the Mokk Caverns and Fields. Most are just sticky, but a rare few seem to take on magical prismatic properties that react to elements, and I was wondering if there was a tie between them and the elementals up north. I was actually heading there now, hoping to get a sample."

He chuckled, then laughed, before he stood up tall, placing his sword in his scabbard and affixing it to his belt. "Well, I only caught about half 'a that, but it sounded important. And while the dark probably won't bother ya, can't have someone with poor vision wandering around a swamp unguarded. Not with bandits around. I'll come along."

She shook her head, waving a gloved hand. "Oh, no, no, there's no need for that. Really. I've been tracking the movements of the bandits and they don't come this way. Besides, I might be blind, but when you have been all your life and you're as sensitive to magic as I am-"

Her hand was caught in his as he knelt down before her, looking up at the mask and peering directly into the eye holes, though he couldn't see past the tinted glass. "Madam Nightingale, you helped many folk out of the kindness of your heart, and through no small effort on your own. Allow this one to aid you in your endeavor." His voice was smooth, deep, and rich, as though it was comfortable speaking those words. And though the recipient was blind, she could see his outline in her magic, his expression and sincerity making her blush a little, her hand tightening around her staff.

After a long pause she took her hand away, heading towards the door, her tail, just as covered as the rest of her, flicking behind her restlessly. "Ah. Yes. Well. If you insist you are well enough to travel, then you can come along. But don't push yourself. I'd rather you not injure yourself, particularly on my behalf." She held her hand to her chest, taking in a deep breath to steady her heart rate before she pushed through the door, letting the bright sunlight flood the cave.

He blinked a few times at the sudden brightness, and the wince from it was compounded with the injuries twinging as his muscles moved, but he pressed forward, joining her outside. "I'm stronger than I look and don't leave a debt unpaid. Especially when it's a kindness. Lead the way."

She wasn't used to walking with someone behind her, but even though her steps weren't the epitome of grace, she seemed to have a way of always stepping in the right spot, minimizing the water that threatened to fill her leather boots or finding the one solid patch of ground. With William sloshing his way through the swamp behind her, he soon learned to follow in her footsteps more carefully, admiring her motions and her voice. Her discomfort seemed to come out in dialogue, prattling on about the things she had discovered and the theories she was working on. From the morphology of slimes to the paths of the Bandit Coalition to the history she had learned about the fires and the Grove, the Nightingale was rarely silent as she led the way to the caverns.

And on her end, Beryl was ecstatic to have someone to bounce ideas off of. Sure, he didn't seem to understand all the concepts nor know the area as well as she did, but he was showing genuine interest in her work and information, and the chivalry of accompanying a perfect stranger on an expedition was a refreshing novelty in her life. Plus, usually she'd wake up to a patient trying to sneak out and get home, or come back to a thank you note... at least, she assumed they were thank you notes. She couldn't read them, instead keeping them in a small bag until she had the right materials for a spell to help with that. Having someone to talk to was just a nice novelty.

It only took a few hours to trek through the mud into the proper entrances of the Mokk Caverns. As they traveled many pale blue orbs of slime slipped, sloshed, and slorped their way through the swamps, but they seemed to pay the pair no mind. Some collected moss, grass, and sticks along their form before they slowly slipped inside and disappeared into the goo, while others seemed content to float along the water. A few curious blobs got close to the wandering couple, but Beryl stopped William before he could draw his sword. "They're mostly curious. If any get aggressive or overly friendly take care of them, as most anything counts as food and thus will start to be digested, but while many are afraid of them, I don't believe the slimes a threat on their own."

"Well, fair enough, but aren't you tryin' to get a sample from the slimes?" He eyes one of the tendrils of a nearby slime that seemed to be tracing the outline of his boot print.

She shook her head. "Not these ones. They sometimes even make for good companions, with the right protection." She gestured to her leather gear, then stopped as she felt the sunlight diminishing, the main caverns opening in front of her. In the distance she could hardly make out anything, but thin trails lit up in her vision: high concentrations of magic sparking across her senses. "There, those slimes, and their residue... That is what I'm looking for."

William pulled his attention where she was pointing, whistling at the sight. Where she saw thin lines of magic, he could see the luminous prismatic trails that swirled and flowed with rainbow essence, lighting up the walls and floors they clung to. "I didn't even know slimes came so.... glowy. If it wasn't dripping, I'd almost think it was a gem."

"Oh, it glows?" she asked, reaching into her satchel for some glass vials as she entered into the caves. "Interesting. I could see the swirling magic, but I didn't think it was strong enough to have a bioluminescent reaction." She offered him a few vials. "If you could gather some it would be ideal. Though I'd also like to go a little deeper and see if we can get anything more fresh."

William nodded, taking the glass containers and starting into the darkness. Luckily his eyesight was prepared for low light, able to pick out the rocks and outlines in the faint glow of the slime. Touching it caused him to shudder, though, as the thick sludge clung to his fur and hardly moved its way into the vial. Once he had one full he wiped his hand on his armor, leaving a few glowing streaks, and decided that he better go for the next few more carefully. As he collected the liquid, shaking the container to watch the colors swirl and react, he looked her way. "So, do ya work for the Avium? Or sell your notes to any of those researchers in the Reach?"

She shook her head. "I have very little use for money in most circumstances, and I'd rather deliver my notes compiled and complete. I started on this research following in my mother's footsteps, but she abandoned it long ago. Many of the notes were in disarray: I was only able to really focus on this part again recently."

They continued further into the caves, the interwoven tunnels forming a strange and serpentine system beneath the ground with the constant drip of water from above. However, as they moved, the glow got brighter, suggesting they were getting closer to the source. "Your mother, hmm?" William continued as he gathered the more pliable, brighter goop into his last container. "Did she come from far away? Is she at the Avium."

Beryl sighed, placing away her samples in the pouch. "I'd rather not talk about her. Though, you must have folk worried about you. Anyone waiting for you ba-" she caught sight of him at the edge of her vision, the magical glow around him holding a finger to his muzzle and drawing his sword, his eyes locked beyond her. She couldn't sense anything back there, but he seemed focused, creeping closer. She took a step back, then heard the rocks moving behind her.

In a flash the bright glow rushed past her, barely missing her form for the quick reaction of William, his tug pulling her against his body as the large, luminous blob pounced through the air. It reeled up and began to glow red, tendrils forming to lash out at that duo. "What is it?" Beryl said, blind to the danger just in front of her.

"A slime, big one. Stay behind me." He stepped in front of her, his sword at the ready, and as the goo struck forward with a tendril, he slashed at it, rainbow ooze spraying along the stone as the slice cleanly struck through.

In her vision there was a spark of color, a new spray across the stone and clinging to his stone, while a circle hovered in the air, undulating in what she now identified as a void in her sight. "Do they absorb magic?" she muttered quietly. "Usually I can see them."

The beastly slime warbled angrily, pouncing forward once more, and William used a hand to guide Beryl, trying to keep himself between the slime and her. However, a moment later he saw a lance of glowing blue crystal spear past his head, embedding in the creature and calling it to make a burbling war of pain. From the tip of her staff magic essence swirled, Beryl standing calmly as her hand moved to coalesce the magic around her into physical form. He grinned, then looked at the large blob towering before them. "Do you want to fight it?"

"We scare it off, and grab that tendril on the way out. We entered its territory, of course it isn't happy." Another crystal rushed from her staff, sticking in the creature, and it slammed forward, only to be met by more magic and more blades. It was large and powerful from the way it crushed rocks with each hit, but William ensured that Beryl was moving in time, letting her focus on her spells until they backed into a corner.

William saw it lunge back, then rush forward before he felt the wall behind him. Swearing to himself he pushed Beryl to the side, bringing up his blade to catch the brunt of the hit. The slime started to ooze around the sword, its glowing aura menacing him, threatening to take the weapon from his hand, while he was pinned down by the weight of this liquid beast. "In Kren's jaws again." He growled through grit teeth, trying to keep his composure at the threat of being engulfed, when he heard her breathe in.

A bright blue twinkling filled the air, like light refracting through a winter frost, before the crashing and shattering of reality echoed in his ears. All around him erupted the same blue crystals from the Nightingale's staff, popping into existence and skewering the beast and the wall William was pinned against. The slime let out a warbling roar, slamming into the wall and sliding off with impressive speed as it slammed the walls and pillars, trying to extract the crystals in it. For a moment in their pale light he saw her face behind the mask, a pale blue alien to anything he knew, and his eyes went wide.

Then they heard the rumble and the shattering of crystals as rocks and dirt began to slide from above. "Nightingale, we've got to move!" he yelled as he stood, looking for the exit. Seeing her strength and her movement outside, he trusted her to follow as he made a beeline for a smaller tunnel, hoping it would prove a more stable refuge. It only took him a moment, but as he looked behind him, he saw her trip over the tendril that had swiped at her and she'd been unable to see, collapsing amid the crumbling terrain.

She called out his name as she tried to get up, one hand grasping this final, nearly living sample. "Kren you bitch, leave her out of this!" William yelled as he stood up, rushing back into the falling stones. He grabbed her arm, trying to shield her with his body as they moved, but the height difference proved too much, causing one of the rocks to find its mark on the back of her head. Beryl went limp, slumping over his shoulder, her feet dragging on the ground behind them.

Gritting his teeth he pushed forward through the gravel and the dirt, eyes singly locked on the cave he'd been in just moments before. He let out a howl as he rushed the last few feet, collapsing into the tunnel entrance as the cave behind them was buried as well as the trail to the slime they'd encountered. Catching his breath he looked over at her, unconscious on the ground, and sighed. "Let's get you to safety, Nightingale." Brushing himself off and being careful about sore spots on his leg after that final dive he lifted her onto his back. She was surprisingly light considering her size, but he hardly had time to thank the Amaranthine for that as he made his exit as quickly as his feet could take him.

********

The crackling warmth of the fire roused Beryl from her slumber, though her head throbbed and her lungs burned. She slowly brought her hand to her head, trying to figure out what had happened, only to feel the warm touch of skin on slimy, pale blue skin. She gasped, running her hand along her head, then the bandages wrapped around it, before she sat up in the comfort of a bed she knew well. She threw off the comforter on the bed, standing to feel the air, and realized how much she'd been stripped down: not all the way, but she was down to her undergarments, revealing her digitigrade claws.

She gripped her hand tightly, feeling the claws on her sensitive skin, and scanned the room, but didn't hear him anywhere or feel his presence. William was gone, and she was alone in her safe house. She sat back down, her eyeless draconic face falling into her hands. What all had he seen that had scared him off? The crystals growing from her neck, the glowing bulbs sprouting from her back, face, and arms like frills on a dragon, the curling horns, the thin, clear membranes of her angular, leathery wings? At least he'd bandaged up her head, though she could feel the red blood that was seeping into whatever material he'd used. At least he'd made sure she was stable before he ran off screaming. She could even see the spot on his armor marked with the glowing goop he'd collected sitting against the wall, meaning he'd been too scared to bother getting his stuff.

She sighed, starting towards the fire and the brewing materials near it to help with her injured head. This was why she always bundled herself up: the Nightingale at least was a figure they were used to seeing. Not some outsider even her own mother had been too horrified to take care of. It had been folly to entertain the idea William would be different, no matter how chivalrous he'd seemed. Her heart sank, but that was how it was. At least she could spend some time with her skin breathing before setting out to fish some dinner.

Just as she was finishing setting up the brewing stands for the potion and contemplating what the first move would be in studying the slime residue she heard the door creak open. She gasped, jumping up, only to have all the blood rush to her head and her balance fail her. She fell forward, landing in warm, fuzzy arms that caught her gently, her face pressing against a familiar, soft cheek and a strong jaw, able to feel it caressing her sensitive pale skin. She nearly melted into the comforting touch before she realized what she was feeling, apologizing profusely as she tried to stand up again and vainly reached for her outfit.

However William's deep voice soothed her, the strong but ever so slightly soft arms pulling her close as he calmed her, a paw gently running along her shoulder and upper arm. "Shhh! Shh. It's okay, Nightingale. You're okay. You just took a nasty spill, and I went out to get some food. Didn't think it'd take as long as it did." He moved his paw, rattling the pole that had fallen to the ground, the fish he'd caught also dropped to catch her. And yet his hands didn't hesitate on the thin layer of slime that clung to her body, the bulbs and crystals embedded in her mere features on the topography that was her shoulder as he tried to soothe her. "Didn't mean to scare you, nor undress you as much as I did, I just wanted to make sure you were okay once I got you back to safety."

Still she was uneasy in his grasp, fidgeting and awkward, her clawed hands pressing against his chest as she leaned back, trying to face him directly with her eyeless face. "If you want I can cover myself back up. I didn't mean to-"

He softly pulled her back into the embrace, silencing her mouth as it was pulled into the crook of his neck in the hug. "None of that. Sure, you're an odd one, and your mother definitely wasn't from around here, but that don't mean you should get treated any worse. Particularly not by this folk. I'm more curious about you. And how could I be scared when you did so much to help me already?" He chuckled, then helped her back up onto her feet carefully. "Now, I see you working on a potion, and I don't know much about that, but I do know how to cook. So I'll work on the fish and you just sit and either heal or rest or whatever you have to do, okay?"

She nodded slowly, then sat down next to the brewing stand again, taking the base of the potion she'd been working on for him and preparing the healing agents for it. As luck would have it, the final brewing process was relatively quick, and the rest of the bubbling it had been doing while they'd been exploring and she'd been unconscious meant that she'd have something usable about the same time he was done with the fish. After she finished preparing the potion and setting it to brew, though, she broke the silence of her work. "Beryl Everglean."

"Hmm?" He looked up from the fish, their aroma from being roasted over the fire filling the room and making her stomach rumble, but she couldn't feel that over the pounding of her heart as she opened her mouth to speak again.

"My name. It's not Nightingale, it's Beryl Everglean. I'm just the Nightingale when I have the leathers on so I don't scare folks." She hadn't told anyone her name... well, ever, really, she was pretty sure. When had she picked it out for herself? It was after she'd looked into her mother's work, that much she remembered. "So if you want, you can call me Beryl," she finished lamely, though she could feel the heat radiating off her face.

"Beryl... Nice name. And nice to meet you properly, Miss Everglean." William smiled as he looked Beryl over, still amazed at what he'd discovered hours ago when he'd been bandaging her up. She didn't have any fur, feathers, or even scales, just soft white skin that faded to a pale blue at the tips of her claws, feet, and the top of her neck. She had curves in all the right places for a female, rivaling a vulpin for how pronounced her breasts and hips were, though he hadn't explored any further. Otherwise the crystals embedded in her skin, much like those she'd conjured to save him, glowed a soft cyan, as did the strange, fleshy bulbs that grew from her like mushrooms on a tree, lining her tail and congregating at her joints. Right now, though, her face was flushed red, and he was happy for the fur hiding the heat his own cheeks were making. Not that she'd probably be able to see it. Her draconic face had no eyes, just smooth skin where they should be, and unlike any wings he'd seen on a birdfolk, hers didn't look suited for flight, just thin membranes with an almost crystal quality to them.

Sure, she was weird, unlike anything he'd ever seen before... But she was still a folk. Maybe an outsider. Maybe alien to anything he'd seen before, and nearly as slick and slimy as the substance he'd wiped off on his armor, but a folk nonetheless. He offered the first fish to her, seeing as it was cooked to perfection. "Well, hopefully this will be the start of a good friendship, Beryl. You're definitely a heroine worth knowing."

She took it, noticing the rush of color near his face as he glowed in her magic sense, a smile crawling across her muzzle. Her claws met his hand, lingering for a moment before she grabbed the stick and the fish from him. "And you, William, are an explorer I admire as well. To a long friendship." She took the vial off the brewing stand, then poured some into a small cup for him, before offering it as a toast. When he started to argue, she pointed to his feet. "You're injured too. Let's both fix ourselves up." She offered the vial in a toast. "To heroes?"

He laughed, then clinked his much smaller cup. "Heroes!" They shared the potion, the meal, and a lovely few hours chatting about adventure, wandering, injuries, healing, and how lonely it was to be on the road by yourself. After meals were done and as the night rolled on, Beryl yawned, looking towards the cot. As she headed that way, though, she was cut off by William quickly sliding into position to sit on it. "No you don't! You're the one that was bleeding, you get the bed, and I won't take no for an answer."

She looked at the wolfish vulpin sitting on the cot, his muscular, full frame barely able to fit side to side, even if he wasn't quite as tall as her. Still, she could see the determination in his playful scowl and shrugged, smiling as she sat down. "As you wish, Mister Silverleaf. Rest well." With a happy sigh she settled into her bed, and though he put up a good front, he was snoring before she even was fully comfortable. "I could get used to this," she said with a soft smile before drifting off to sleep.

********

Though there was much to do and much to research, the pair spent the next few days talking, laughing, and getting to know each other better. And, after many, many tests on the prismatic liquid they collected already, Beryl realized she needed more samples, wanting to risk one more venture into the cave. Afraid as they were of being ambushed once more, their fears were unfounded, with the creature's slime residue still around, but the blob itself nowhere to be seen.

After a few hours of marching and gathering slime, however, a patch of slippery moss caused first William, then Beryl attempting to help him, to slip into what looked to be a pool of luminous water, but proved to be a pool of aged, sticky, incredibly thick sludge. Dirt, damp, and slime congealing over a few days turned it into a paste that nearly ripped their clothes right off their body and caused every step to pick up rocks and hamper their movement.

After that, even if they wanted to, staying in the caverns was going to prove to be an issue, so they decided to make their way into the fields and try to find a river to clean off in. The many tributaries and stagnant pools of the marsh weren't the most appealing, but after about fifteen minutes of searching and many, many blades of grass clinging to their clothing, William came across a crystal clear pool bubbling up from an underground source.

The water was wickedly cold, but some clever applications of Beryl's magic helped with that, and once it reached a more pleasant temperature it became time for the most important part of this mission: the bath. "I just hope this is enough to break up the gunk," William said as he peeled off his leather armor, his hands slipping on the reeds and rocks that had stuck to it like an extra layer. "The last thing I need is to shave off my fur to get clean."

Beryl laughed as she tugged on her mask, the hardening slime trying to glue it to her coat, but it eventually freed with a loud pop. "Well, one advantage of my physiology is a lack of fur to get coated down. Though it does make it much easier to get cold at night." She then struggled with the ties for her cloak until the gloves stuck to the ropes and she hand to slip her claws free from inside them.

The wolf beside her growled as he tried to remove his pants, finding them sticking to his tail, his belt, his shirt... everything. With a roar followed by a whimper he pulled some fur free to make them move, however they were so glued to his undergarments that both moved at once, leaving him naked and swinging in the breeze. He growled in triumph over his clothing before realizing his situation and trying to cover his crotch with his hands. And then he stopped that, remembering that Beryl was blind anyway.

Except, due to her magic sensitivity, she wasn't really. She'd watched the whole thing, able to see the latent magic that poured off of every living being outlining his bulging sack in detail. Though, it hadn't even been hidden when his hands were over it, but the thick sheath and the heavy nuts that dangled beneath it like the clapper of a bell had her blushing as she fought with her leathers. Slowly her claws managed to work into the gunk and undo the knots, though she wasn't fully paying attention to herself, scanning over her naked adventuring companion with barely hidden curiosity. After all, when she wasn't healing them, she didn't have a lot of time with any bodies, let alone handsome wolves with powerful muscleguts and fur so warm and soft she could lose herself in it for hours.

Her distraction on her own clothes timed out perfectly, managing to finally peel off her protective leathers and drop them to the ground as William turned to her, about to offer assistance. Instead he got a full view of her from head to toe, including the perky cyan areola and the perky nipples that sat upon them. A quick glance down showed the glistening, both due to slime and her own arousal from scanning over him, lower lips of the draconic maiden. The lips themselves were the same white and smooth, but hints of glowing cyan peaked out of the top of her mound where the clit edged forward like the many bulbs growing from her, but much smaller.

William's jaw dropped, his words caught in his throat, and through his own embarrassment and the cool air blowing past him, he still felt his sheath swelling, the bright red, pointed tip of his cock starting to peek from its top. Once more breathed in deeply, confident that she couldn't see him, as he averted his eyes and coughed politely. "Umm... You seem to have taken off more than usual with your clothes. I think they were stuck together."

Beryl's face was flushed red, but her hands moved quickly to cover her shame, the tips of her claws glowing as she worked the necessary magic to move the clothes she had towards a smaller pool to the side. "Yes, well, I noticed the same for you. But we're both adults, right? And getting clean is priority one, while letting our clothes soak and, hopefully, separate, is priority two." She dropped her clothes in the pool with her magic, hoping the clean water would break apart the gunk, before she slowly stepped into the warm water of the main pond, the warmth breaking through the slime on her and soothing every ache of her sensitive skin. She uncovered herself as she did, the crystal clear water hiding nothing as she sat in it and soothed herself. Luckily there were clouds overhead, or she'd have to have hidden under the water to keep from burning in the light.

She was beautiful in the water, her breasts floating slightly on the surface, and at her motions he realized she was right. He could feel his cock growing, slipping free of his sheath inch by inch and even throbbing once lewdly once it was fully out, the hint of a knot at the base pulsing with his heartbeat. He moved his clothes to the same pond, then turned to her, only to realize what she'd said and feel heat rush to his face as he covered himself up once more. "Wait, can you see a little? Oh goodness, I'm so sorry, I'll-"

She waved a claw, laughing. "Don't worry. It's just you and me, and covering yourself doesn't help. I can see the magic that flows off of things. It's fuzzy unless I'm up close or really know the person, but... Well, let's just say I have a full reading of you." She blushed, sinking into the water and waving for him to join. "But there's no use for you to stand out there and shiver in the cold when the water is warm and we have to wait anyway." She shrugged. "There's nothing we can do."

He moved into the water quickly, unsure how to feel about what sight she did have, when his ears drooped. He slid deep into the water, letting it try to soak into the gunk on his fur, while he looked at her with embarrassed eyes. "So... Does that mean when I thought I was hidden from the crackling fire..."

Beryl blushed, but slowly nodded, remembering three nights ago. She couldn't hear him over the burbling potions, but his breathing had picked up, and with how small the cave was, she couldn't help but "see" his clothing come off, his muzzle clamping around his fingers as his cock slid free, his hand pumping it slowly at first, then faster and faster, his hips pushing into his hand and his lusty growls and whispers muffled on his hand.

"Though," she followed up, the blush on her face deepening and spreading. "I did... um... 'enjoy' the show." All the while his hand had pumped, the cot squeaking slightly as he thrust and jerked and imagined what he could, her claws had slid under the cover of the bed. Teasing her clit, slipping further down, and her tail snaking up her chest between her breasts only for her to bite onto the end, muffling her own whimpers of pleasure. She teased one of her nipples, imagining that rod in his hand working into her body... She was young and warm blooded, it was only natural.

Those hadn't been quiet enough not to be noticed, however, and the young, warm blooded male in the cot next to her added the scents and sounds to his imaginary lover, layering sound to the image in his mind. One of a smooth, scaleless dragoness, her bulbs rocking with every thrust, her crystals glowing with pleasure. Her name had been the last thing on his lips before he came, and, well, while they were being honest. "I, uh..." He chuckled nervously, but slid a little closer to her in the pool. "I was thinking of you. So kind and gentle, with your exotic beauty, I... Couldn't help myself." He sank a little lower in the water, feeling the burning shame on his face. "And I might have heard you too." He then went under the pond, only his nose up sticking out of the water.

She suddenly sank into the water as well, equally embarrassed at the words, though the pounding in her heart told her what she was actually feeling. That went to a gasp as his hand drifted to her thigh, resting on it suggestively close, but not moving on its own, as though testing the waters. She could see the rush of energy at his face, able to read some of the softer tells now, and she smiled as she lifted herself up a little. "Y-you know... I'm... um..." She blushed bright pink, but swallowed down the heart that had leaped into her throat, trying to focus on what she wanted to say. "I'm out here alone... studying and experimenting, and... Ummm." She leaned over, placing her head on the top of his, her breasts pressing against his neck. "Well, I might have some 'theories' that require an experienced 'aide'... Or at least a handsome one."

His ears popped up, tickling her neck, while he leaned into her body. A little cooler than his thanks to the slime that clung to her and coated his fur like a built-in lubricant, but he could hear her heart pounding. And at her words, his hand crawled up her thigh, sliding to the much warmer zone where it brushed against that bulb, seemingly searching for something, only to make her squeak at the sudden attention. He growled lustily, nuzzling into the bottom of her chin. "If you'll accept an inexperienced 'aide' I'll gladly help with your more... intimate experiments."

She moaned at the feeling of his fur gliding across her scales, every touch like lightning to the usually deprived dragoness. Her hips ground out at the brush of his fingers, the glowing bulb that was her clit peeking forward almost like it would pull in his hand, though it only gave more surface area for his fur to tickle. She moved her claws to his sheath, gently moving her hand up his warm, hard shaft before gripping it and softly beginning to pump.

He jumped at the grab, a new sensation to have anyone else touching it, but he calmed himself down, attempting to return the favor as he slipped in a finger, then two into her well-lubricated pussy. Her slime was no less prevalent here and only added to the wetness when her arousal joined the party. Her warm love tunnel clamped on his fingers, the clit rubbing along his knuckle and coating his finger fully in her lust.

Both were new to this sort of thing, however, and neither experienced in the other's equipment. As nice as it was, it was also awkward, a lot of fumbling and blushing, hard nails hitting the wrong place and awkward requests to move into a better position. After a few minutes of teasing they were both worked up and needing more, and William took the first move. "Beryl, you're beautiful, but if we're both sitting down, there's only so much I can do. What, umm... What position would you like to be in?"

She closed her legs, whining as his fingers pulled free as he asked the question, and her finger went to her muzzle for a moment as she thought before she smiled, then stood up and leaned over the side of the warm spring, her legs letting her ass be high in the air and showing off her divine pussy, while her tail flagged high, ready for loving, and her clit even glowing and providing a perfect target to aim for. "I'd say looking into your eyes, but... I feel this would better suit our ne~EAHN~!" Her claws gripped the rocks on the edge of the spring and her toes curled as his muzzle dove under her tail, his tongue lapping at her clit and gliding up to the clean pucker above it in one slow, sensual lick.

For a second her magic sense faded, the pure lust all she could focus on as all sensation of touch rushed to that warm tongue. "W-what are you~ooooooooOOOH~?!" she cried as his tongue swirled around her clit, pressing a little higher before it plunged into her depths. Her tail whipped down, nearly smashing him on the head, but she stopped it with it merely pressing his muzzle forward, the fur rubbing her lips and making her go wild.

For his part, William wasn't sure what he was doing, but he loved the sounds he was getting. She had a strange taste, not like it was ever described or picked up when walking through a crowded marketplace with folk in all states... Her lust tingled on his tongue, sparks of energy urging him forward, while the smell of magical ozone clung to his nose. He lowered his head, getting a full whiff of her muff while he sucked on her clit, only about an inch from her body, but more than enough to wrap his tongue around and make her sing the sweetest music. Or, as he pumped his cock and felt it throb, hopefully the second sweetest music. He pulled free from her ass, then pressed it a little lower with a dominant hand, his body knowing exactly what he wanted. "Now that you're ready, let's get this 'experiment' under way, hmm?"

He lowered her down enough to line up with his cock, which throbbed and pulsed in the air, before her clit nudged along the bottom of it, guiding it inside. He obliged the needy nub, wrapping his arm once in her tail and using it as a point to pull as he pushed forward, inch after inch of hard vulpin cock sinking into the furnace that was her heated pussy and popping both their cherries at once. He moved slowly, but deliberately, monitoring the reaction between her pleasure and her pain as she slowly stretched her more than anything she'd done before.

She whined, but at any hesitation she pushed backward, getting more of him inside her, until she felt the fuzzy tip of his sheath pressing against her lower lips, the slight bulge of his uninflated knot making her swoon as it pushed against her clit. It had hurt, for just a moment, something she hadn't known. Growing up alone from a young age, finding everything on her own... The only step she hadn't taken had been getting a toy or her tail in there, and his cock was far more than her fingers. And yet it felt so good. Her tail pulled, her clit teasing his sheath, ensuring he wouldn't move as she caught her breath and heaved a ragged, heavy sigh. "You okay Beryl? Should we stop?" She slowly moved her head, and though she had no eyes, he could see her face through the transparent wings practically glaring at him for even suggesting it.

"Keep going. I want to feel all of you. And don't hold back."

He had a moment of hesitation, but nodded, slowly pulling back and pressing forward, getting a hint of pain and a rumble of pleasure from the alien dragoness he found himself balls deep in. But he hadn't wanted to stop, his tail wagging rapidly behind him ever since their hips had met, and he was secretly incredibly happy she wanted to keep going. And at her moan when his hips slapped against hers he growled lustily, pulled a little on her tail like it was the bridle on a horse, and got his hips really pumping.

Warm water splashed around their legs as they moved in the warmed spring, but luckily it was hardly any resistance, particularly with her natural slime lubricating things. She was a sexual slip and slide, but tighter and hotter than he ever could've imagined, her pussy clamping like a vice only for the lube to let him slip through and make them both howl in pleasure. His tugging of her tail caused her to yelp, but it only enhanced her sensitivity, making the next thrust that much more powerful, causing Beryl's claws to begin scoring many grooves in the rocks in front of her as she braced herself for his pounding. The bulbs that grew from her and the crystals embedded in her flesh all glowed brightly with every thrust, humming in time with her crooning pleasure and letting him know without words just how well he was doing.

For her it was all sound and touch, her link to the magic overflowing with lust as he railed her. She could feel every tuft of hair on her tail as he pulled, every swell and pulse of his cock as he thrust to fit her pussy, almost form-fitted to him. And the deep rumbling growls and wet slap of their union painted such a lovely image in her mind, her pussy drooling thick arousal into the water, giving it a slight rainbow sheen around them, almost like an oil slick. "Ffffffff~aaaaaaHN! Ah! Fill me up! Make me your bitch, William! Mark me as yours!" she cried out from deep within, loving his roughness and wanting more.

His injured ear perked at that, and then he yanked on her tail as he slammed forward, matching the motion with a slap from his other hand that made her pussy clench around him hard, a miniature orgasm causing her muscles to flutter around his cock and his knot to slowly swell. He couldn't hold back after that, leaning over her back, and while he couldn't reach her neck, he pinned her body down with his heavier one and sunk his teeth into the collection of crystals at the base of her wing, feeling that rush of magical ozone sparking through his body and driving him further.

She submitted herself to him, drooling as his instinct took over, raw bestial growls and grunts joining every thrust, every pant, every rush of air on the joint of her wings. And with every motion she felt his knot growing, spreading her wider and wider, teasing her clit more and more. Unconsciously her knees drew together, tightening her passage further and causing them both to scream out their arousal to the sky before, with a wet pop, his knot locked inside her, pushing her to her brink.

Crystals formed in the air above her as she roared out her pleasure, causing the light to shimmer around them like rainbows in a snowstorm, while his cock pulsed, bounced, and finally fired off everything he had into her. The one point that her magic sense seemed to come back to was at her womb, practically able to see the rush of virile energy filling her up, the knot bulging her thin, almost frail looking stomach and every tensing of his nuts creating a small swell in her stomach. Her arms gave out, but his teeth and arms held her up, growling warmly, lustily, and lovingly into her wing joint as he pumped every last drop of seed he had into her body, filling her with an orgasmic warmth and glow both inside and out.

Eventually the orgasms and the aftershocks passed, devolving into him licking where he'd bit and her shuddering and moaning at every pulse of his cock, still locked deep inside her. Eventually he turned, letting her sit on his lap in the water as they cleaned up, then she lay against him, his hands gently playing with her breasts as she nuzzled into his fur. Words about how amazing it was were whispered, along with promises of love and a few tears of joy from both, but that moment of true connection while they were locked together... it made everything else a blur.

********

A month passed with the pair at each other's side each and every day. Exploring the Mokk Fields, heading up towards the Scorched Grove, helping travelers that were hurt by bandits. They seemed inseparable in heart, mind, and body, particularly at nights where they'd camp under the stars, her with her cuddly fur lover boy, him with his draconic constellation given form. That 'experiment' in the spring became a regular part of their theory, repeating nearly every night so long as neither of them were too tired or injured from the day's travels.

And yet, something bothered William, and Beryl could feel it. He was a restless sort, always on the move, wanting to be at the other safe house or see a new discovery, while she was focused on her studies, not wanting to venture too far. As close and inseparable as they were, there would be a breaking point. And it came in the middle of the night on the edge of the Scorched Grove.

The two of them shared a bed as a matter of course, but Beryl was aroused from her slumber by her partner missing, the entire cave empty of his presence. She stepped out, the warm air that constantly rose from the Grove keeping her from shivering as she stepped outside. There she could see William in his gear, his eyes gazing up at the moon, a sad and distant look in his eyes. Beryl sighed softly as she leaned against the door, her naked form silhouetted in the dim glow of the fire for warmth left smoldering inside. "You're going to leave soon, aren't you?"

His ears sank and he looked at her the tip of his right ear gone, like she'd said on the first day, as well as a thin scar that ran from the top of his right eye towards his ear. She'd tried everything to help heal it, but he wore it as a badge of honor, and with how well she knew it, she could even draw it at this distance, able to see his distress. And his determination. "Unfortunately, my love, I am. This has all been wonderful, but something is left undone. I don't know what, but it calls to me." The wind blew past quickly, a few flurries of ash whipping past his flowing tail, otherwise still in the air.

Her heart sank, a pain building up in it that she couldn't compare to anything else. And yet, it had been inevitable, as she looked. She knew their bond was still there, though, as she stepped forward, placing her hand on his cheek and feeling him nuzzle into it, then her chest. "I don't blame you, darling. You have something you have to do, and I must remain here for my research." More than once they'd talked about going to town together, or traveling in another direction, but she had her goals, and they needed her here right now.

He looked into her face, then leaned up to plant a loving kiss on the tip of her muzzle. One of countless score that had been shared between them. "Then I suppose this is goodbye." He started to move, but her arms and tail furled around him, grabbing him wholly and making him stop. He didn't argue, leaning into her grip, clearly fighting with himself on how much he needed to go.

"One last night," she whispered in his ear, her voice sad, but firm. "Give me a memory to hold on to while I wait for you, and let me give you a light to look for in the darkest times." She felt him tense for just a moment, like he might refuse or pull away, but his body sank into hers, knowing precisely what it wanted. She guided him into the safe house, slowly removing his clothes as he watched her with eyes full of sadness and love, taking in this last evening together.

As his pants and undergarments slipped away his cock was out, clearly excited for the idea, and Beryl couldn't help but indulge. She licked along his length, taking in his scent once more before plunging down onto his bone, her nose being tickled by the fur on his stomach. One hand caressed her cheek while the other grabbed her horn, immediately taking over like she always wanted. She purred around his cock, only for the sound to be cut off as he thrust into her muzzle, momentarily closing up her throat with his sheer girth.

She moaned as he pulled back, arms at her sides and letting him take charge as he thrust forward slowly once more, her tongue the perfect red carpet to slide his dick along. As loving as he was, he wasn't gentle, and she didn't want him to be, rapidly thrusting into her face hard enough his balls were slapping against her chin, her natural slime practically splattering over his crotch while hers leaked arousal into a puddle on the floor. The wet sounds of him claiming her face echoed in the small room, her loving moans cutting out as she was filled, his dominant growls burning into her mind, reminding her of all the reasons she loved him.

His knot began to batter the tip of her nose, threatening to lock into her jaw, though with practice she could breathe around it. She moaned, her body spasming as he took her to orgasm just through fucking her face, then he paused, letting her wild moans and panting catch her breath. When she had a deep inhale he finally slammed himself in, knotting her mouth and growling deeply as rope after rope of cum rushed down her throat, spilling from her nose and claiming her from the inside. She shuddered and moaned around his cock, able to smell only his arousal, his scent, claiming her as he released his load right where it belonged.

Eventually his cock stopped spurting, his balls resting against her chin, before he pulled back, letting her gasp in air past the cum in her nose, her lungs going from screaming for air to fine in an instant. She coughed around the cum threatening to enter her lungs, but held fast, knotted to him as he bent down, then suddenly lifted her up. She blushed and flailed for a second, not aware of JUST how strong he was, until her neck was craning backwards and he held her legs out in the splits, her tail wrapping around his neck as the silver wolf ate out his lover.

Her moans vibrated around his cock, her pussy sensitive from the orgasm his face fucking had brought her, and yet he didn't yield, his tongue lapping at her thick honey and swirling around her clit. She could do little more than brace herself against his legs, her breasts bouncing in front of her as she tried to hold steady, but her whole body rocked from his ministrations. His tongue was warm and soft, worming its way into every inch of her body like he was making a mental map. He knew all the best spots already, her clit throbbing from his breath from his nose while his tongue pushed against her sweet spots.

She shivered and moaned, gagging on his cock any time she lost focus and her hands slipped, until, with a sudden yank, he thrust his tongue fully into her and pulled her from his cock. "Williaaaaaaaaaa~mmmmmAH~!" she moaned out as she came, showering his face in her lust, squirting harder than she ever thought she could. It rained down over the bed as he placed her onto it, her chest heaving heavily while she drew in ragged breaths.

But clearly he wasn't done as he climbed over her, then kissed her deeply. His tongue swirled with hers, joining it in an erotic dance. Her mind was in a fog of bliss, but as they swapped spit and cum, both could feel the love the other had for them. This month hadn't just been flings, even if they had to part ways right now, and this was how he showed it without saying a word.

Eventually though the kiss had to end, and both of them panted, nose touching nose, his body pressed over hers. She giggled, nuzzling against his cheek, an airy smile on her face. "Promise me you'll be safe out there, okay darling?" She went to caress his face, only to find her hands had been tied to the top of the bed during the kiss, leaving her at his mercy.

He chuckled, then leaned down, his cock lining up with her pussy. "I will. And you too. Wouldn't do to have you hurt when your hero isn't here, love." He picked her legs up to be over his, thrusting forward and pressing down with his chest, meeting hers as she pressed up. As she gasped in a moan, though, his hands tightened around her neck, barely giving her the space to breathe.

If she had eyes, they'd be rolling in the back of her head as she clawed at the rope holding her there, her sensitive body going into overload as he indulged all her fantasies in one wild evening. Her body longed for him, clinging and pulling along his cock, her clit nearly threatening to be pinned under him as it almost reached out for more sensation. His thrusts rocked her very core, her whole body moving as his hips slapped against hers, immediately humping rapaciously, wanting to get right to the meat while the getting was good.

His dominant growls and moans as he thrust into her, her whole body rocking at his mercy, had her moaning with every gasp of air that could get past his hands. Her legs curled around his hips, clearly enjoying it as her whole body worked to pleasure him, sensation burning through her as the air grew thin and touch took the forefront. Her whole body sparked, pleasure rushing up and down her form, while he growled lustily, his breath washing over her face. "You shine so beautifully, my constellation. The stars do not compare." His knot slapped against her pussy, threatening to lock them together once more, uniting them and, possibly, tying him to her past the night. Maybe he'd even stay.

She clamped her legs harder, her tail wrapping around his leg weakly as even sensation started to leave, her lungs burning as she gasped for air, reaching the end of her rope. At the same time he slammed his cock into her, the knot uniting them once again, like it had oh so long ago in that pond, and any air left in her lungs went into the orgasmic scream as her whole body shook, taking every drop of his cum until she felt full to bursting. Finally his hands loosened and she gasped out her long moaning afterglow, clinging tightly to her warm fur, better than any blanket.

He lowered himself softly over her, pulling the blanket over them together as they shared the night in each other's arms, falling asleep locked in the most intimate of embraces.

********

But the morning met Beryl alone, a pool of dried cum between her legs and an emptiness and coldness where she'd fallen asleep so incredibly full of warmth. And she didn't go after him, nor did he come back in the weeks afterward, leaving like ships passing in the night. But around her neck was now a pendant, one of the two things he left her, bearing the mark of a wolf's face imposed upon a leaf. She couldn't see it, but she'd held it so tight and traced it so many times she could draw it by now perfectly.

The other thing he'd left her grew within her slowly growing belly, which she rubbed gently as she looked over her books of research. She'd be a better mom than hers had been... The question was, would he be there to be a dad?