FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Ashryn-

Ashryn spent three wonderful days out at the cabin with Luka. When they did return she felt like she had gained years back on her soul. Happy, free, and proud of her life. Amazing was not the word for what she felt. He was so sweet and such a good man it really was confusing how their race was seen as animals.

Weighing on her mind beside the happiness was a question. Why was Brecken buying Lycans? And also how many did he have already? Deciding she would get to the bottom of this immediately once she returned.

Waking early in the morning after she returned, she made her way to find Arnold and Kiara. They awaited her in the throne room as usual. As she approached Arnold smiled at her.

"Hello M'lady. Good to have you back where you belong. How was your trip?"

"Wonderful. The cabin still stands perfectly."

Ashryn replied with a smile. She took Kiara's book from her and asked.

"How is the Keep?"

"Running smoothly my Queen."

Kiara said with a bow of her head. Ashryn studied her notes, nodding with approval.

"I can always count on you two to maintain the high standards we have set here. But, I have found some new information out that needs to be discussed."

"I am assuming this is about those three Lycans we took in a few days ago?"

Arnold crossed his arms, a look of disappointment on his face.

"Where did you find them?"

"In our travels. How are they?"

"Integrating well with the others. Even found some of their family here. I believe an uncle and aunt as well a few cousins."

Kiara seemed happier than normal with this news. Ashryn looked to her and asked.

"Any of them becoming Guru?"

"They all are trying out next month. They still have some pounds to pack on and mage to clear up. The oldest one had a nasty infection in his throat. Poor thing's voice will never be the same. Beta Rouge has tested them a bit and he seems hopeful."

"Good news. Well I found them being transported to King Frost's hold."

Ashryn looked right at Arnold. Watching his face drop, his mouth slightly open.

"What?"

"Yes, I don't know how many he already has if any. I will not trade with a place that keeps my people as slaves."

Ashryn handed Kiara's book to her and continued.

"I want you to get with Borgan and our Betas to send a few...friends...to visit Brecken's grounds. Take a peak around and report back as soon as possible."

"Spies?"

Arnold mused. Ashryn thought he may have had an issue with this.

"Not spies. We don't want to take his money or his weapons or anything of value. We will not harm any of his people or his land. I want information. That's all."

"Yes M'lady."

Kiara bowed her head and went off to find Borgan. Ashryn turned back to Arnold and said.

"It's for the good of our people."

"Agreed. Shame too, King Frost seemed admirable. Like you always say, actions speak louder than words. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Yes actually. Get with those new Lycans and their families. Make sure they are housed close together and getting the treatment they need. I will await your report by dinner."

"Of course M'lady."

><

Luka-

Nearing afternoon Luka was busy speaking with his three new Lycans. Rouge stood with him assessing their for Guru training. Clay, Paxton, and Sam Downs found family within these walls. Luka was happy he could help bring a family back together. He stood with the Healer of the Guru and spoke to Rouge.

"What do you think Beta?"

"Thin, fur falling out, hungry look in their eyes."

Rouge crossed his arms but smiled.

"Perfect for Guru. Although I want a month of health treatments before they can actually try out. You all need to relax and lick your wounds before heading into battle again."

"We want to work for this place."

Paxton rasped. He stepped forward looking right at Luka.

"This place means everything to us."

"And you will."

Rouge assured him patting his shoulder.

"But you cannot defend if you are not healthy. Let this place fix you so you can defend it."

Luka watched Sam and Clay agree with a nod of their heads. Paxton let out a sigh then said.

"I am just so grateful..."

"We all understand."

Luka came over and caught his eye.

"Most of us here came from slave camps or wandering sales. Even I understand the want to protect this place. That is why I work so hard for my brethren. To show you it can be done. We can be free. But your Beta is right. You must heal before you defend. Relax and let us help you."

"Yes Alpha."

Paxton bowed his head and let out a smile.

"It is nice to be part of a pack again. It has been too long."

"I agree. Rouge you have them until the Healer is finished. I am off to find our queen. We have other things to deal with."

"Yes Alpha."

><

Luka met with Ashryn in the throne room well after lunch time. She looked busy with Kiara at her side so he wandered over to wait his turn.

"Good. Send them to Crystal Keep tomorrow morning."

"Of course M'lady."

Ashryn noticed him and he watched her whole demeanor change. Her eyes lit up and she smiled her beautiful smile at him.

"Luka! There you are. Busy this morning?"

"I was. We were gone for more than ten minutes."

Luka came over to her side and nuzzled her cheek.

"You know my people fall apart without us here to hold their hands."

Kiara let out a small snort into her hand then turned away quickly. Ashryn laughed and then patted Luka's back. Not often Kiara broke her reserve, it made Luka trust her a bit more.

"Everything is taken care of now M'lady. How goes things on your end?"

"Good. I am sending two Humans and an Elf to visit Crystal Keep. I want to know if anymore future Guru are being kept away from their home."

Ashryn smiled to him. She always seemed to care about his race just as much as he did.

"If they are I am sending your best Guru to retrieve them. By force if need be."

"I will go."

Luka let out a soft growl. Kiara grew a surprised expression then looked quickly to Ashryn.

"I will lead my brothers to save others."

"A king normally doesn't leave the castle to fight."

Ashryn spoke softly staring him right in the eyes. He went to speak but she cut him off.

"However you are an Alpha first and then a king. I also know that I could not stop you even if I tried."

She smirked then and crossed her arms.

"My fierce Draug."

Luka growled again and moved to put his muzzle in the crook of her neck.

"I knew I picked correctly when I asked you to be my mate. You are closer to my kind then your own sometimes."

Ashryn ran her fingers through his fur to his ears and pecked his cheek.

"You are not the first to tell me that. On to other news. Summer is coming and I was thinking with the new income we have gathered that a lake could be built within the grounds."

Luka drifted out of the conversation as Ashryn spoke with Kiara. He did adore her even if she was an Elf. How could his mate be of a different race? He thought it ironic he had to go outside his people to find hisperson. Strange.

"What do you think Draug?"

He turned to gaze at her and smiled.

"Anything for you M'lady."

"Good answer...even if I know you weren't listening."

She teased with a smile. Luka chuckled and kissed her cheek.

"I love you."

"Oh don't start going all mushy now."

Ashryn nudged him playfully then turned back to Kiara.

Luka stood by as Ashryn dealt with a few other things with the Keep. He did enjoy watching her work. She always held herself high and with pride. Made him happy to stand beside her.

After she finished Ashryn came right up to him and took his paw in her hand. Kiara disappearing for the night down the hall caught Luka's attention.

"I am finished for today. I want to be with you now. Let us go watch the Guru spar. Maybe join in a bit."

Luka chuckled and pulled her into his arms, moving to gaze at her.

"Is that your idea of relaxing?"

"Very much so."

She looked up at him and smiled.

"Especially watching you spar. My big bad wolf. So strong. Gives me chills."

"I could say the same. Watching you knock down my brothers gives me chills. Shows me that my mate can and will protect herself."

Luka glanced around the room then ever so gently pushed her hand down his torso.

"I know if you ever had to fight one of my kind one on one you would win. You would rip their throat out. Gives me chills..."

Ashryn bit her lip and tucked her fingers into the strap of his loin cloth.

"I know something else I can do that would give you chills. Maybe even weak in the knees."

Luka rumbled as his tongue ran up her neck to just behind her ear.

"Oh? We just had three days of that. Sure you want more?"

"Draug, if I could I would spend an entire day tied to you."

"You never let my knot go down early. Always drawing it out..."

"You like it."

She hissed then tugged at his loin cloth.

"And so do I. Come to our room with me. Even though we have claimed each other in the throne room it's bad for business."

"I prefer it at night. Harks back to our time of sneaking around."

Luka joked smiling at her. Ashryn giggled then pecked his cheek.

"I did enjoy that time. Maybe we can relive some memories tonight. But as for now, let's go to our room."

><

Ashryn-

Late that night Ashryn laid in bed with Luka. The two giant full moons bathed their room is a bright light as a soft and gentle breeze fluttered the curtains. They were still tied together from their eventful night. Luka laid out on his back and Ashryn on top of him. She ran her nails up and down his muzzle. Moving from his ears to his neck every now and then she would kiss him sweetly. She lived for these moments with him.

At first being as how he was just so large, being locked to him would sometimes be slightly painful. Now that they had joined like this so many times it was beyond pleasurable. Having him a part of her so deeply made her feel a whole different kind of connection with someone. It was perfection, just her then him. No wasted space between them.

He stirred beneath her then took in a sharp breath.

"You are putting me to sleep."

Ashryn smiled and lifted her head to look at him. His eyes were closed and his facial muscles relaxed. His big canines slightly exposed by her rubbing his face.

"Guess I better stop. Your knot goes down much faster when you are asleep."

She watched his lips pull into a smile as he laughed. Ashryn could feel his knot pulse as he laughed. Every movement he made seemed to remind her of their connection. Running her nails back up to his ears she kissed him again, making sure to squeeze her thighs around his waist. A soft growl vibrated his chest as his eyes opened.

"Are you trying to prolong it?"

Ashryn smiled down at him folding her arms under her chest.

"I always try. Even for a little bit."

"You enjoy this much more then you let on."

"What other mated pair can say they knot almost every night?"

He laughed again and moved his hands behind his head.

"Not any I know. I will say it is a great ego boost for me to be able to do this a lot. Many males wish they could do what I do."

"Glad I am helpful for your imagine."

Ashryn joked. She petted his whiskers then ran her fingers down his chest.

"An Alpha must be in his prime at all times. Show those other males who's boss."

"No one will fight me for my Alpha spot. We have bigger things on our plate right now."

"I know, it's just nice."

She laid her head back down on his chest running her hand up behind his head to his paw.

"I adore you Luka...you are my soul mate. Promise you will never leave me?"

His other paw ran up and down her back as his other closed around her hand.

"I promise. We are in this together."

Ashryn let her eyes close as his paw ran up her bare back. Falling under his spell of love and devotion, it was blissful.

As time went by Ashryn slowly felt his knot finally reach a size to dislodge. He let out a grunt and Ashryn felt his claws dig into her skin slightly.

"We can break apart now..."

He spoke softly. He always seemed to get a bit awkward when it was time to split. Ashryn always reassured him that anything that happened was fine and natural. Obviously it always left them both quiet messy. She did not mind at all and liked the fact actually.

"I know."

She lifted her head and smiled at him.

"Sadly."

His golden eyes met hers as he spoke.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes and do not worry Draug. We've done this a few times now and have I ever been grossed out or disgusted by you?"

"Never."

"Ever. Let's go bathe together then get to sleep. I ache to dream with you."

Luka helped her break them apart. Her body shivered. The emptying of the space that just joined them was always a slight shock to her. Landing to the bed beside him she flopped to her back and let out a whoosh of air. Her body hummed for a bit and she could feel her body relaxing back to normal. She looked over to Luka who was panting softly.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, always a bit sad to break apart."

He smiled over at her then moved to hold her hand.

"Old animal trait I'm sure. We should bathe before we make a mess on the bed."

She laughed then turned over into his furry body.

"You know we've made bigger messes before. I do not envy the person who washes our bedding."

She heard Luka laugh as he hugged her tight into his body.

"I agree. Let's bathe together."

"Always Draug. Always."

><

Luka-

Three days went by without any word from Brecken's Keep. Ashryn went along with her days as usual but Luka was on edge. He wanted to know if any more of his people were enslaved and yearned to rip the throats out of the men whole held them.

He followed Ashryn around while she tended to her duties. With the new Betas aiding the Guru there was not much for Luka to do himself.

"You have become more of a shadow in these last few days."

Ashryn commented. He followed her towards the town center. On her way to check on the development of homes. He just let out a grunt as his answer. She turned to look back at him and smiled.

"Not that I mind. I do like having a stalker as handsome as you."

She always knew how to make him feel better. Did not matter what mood he was in. Ashryn could always make him happy. Luka nudged her shoulder as they walked and then said.

"It took a while but I beat out your last stalker."

She let out a light giggle.

"Think you will outlast the old one?"

"I know I will."

He said confidently.

Arnold met them at the base of the construction site. He stood with a few bigger Lycans and smiled as Ashryn approached.

"M'lady. Come to check our progress?"

"Yes, I know you like to draw out the planning phase."

Ashryn replied smartly. Luka greeted his brethren as Ashryn asked.

"How far along are we?"

"We just started foundations."

Arnold answered.

"With all the extra Guru we have now, building is going smoothly."

Luka went over to the Lycans and asked.

"How are the new arrivals doing?"

"Healing nicely Alpha. I'm sure they will be ready to try out next month. They have moved in with family and have started working in the fields."

"Good."

"Luka?"

Ashryn called to him and he returned to her side.

"We will need a few more of your Guru to help get our lake started for next month. Do we have enough to spare?"

"Yes, the wall remains covered always. Our reserves are holding fine."

"Oh good. I am excited about this lake idea."

Ashryn said with a smile.

"I know the puppies will adore it. Thirty or so should cover it but I am always up for volunteers."

"Of course."

Kiara suddenly appeared, out of breath.

"Majesties...King Frost is at our front gate with Jackson and the others we sent. Borgan is there now but I'd strongly suggest the both of you join him."

Luka let out a growl as Ashryn quickly climbed up onto his back.

"Kiara debrief Arnold then join us with a few Guru. Take no chances."

"Yes M'lady."

With that Luka took off towards their front gate. Readying himself for whatever was about to happen.

><

Ashryn-

Luka's paws thundered over their grounds as he raced towards their guests. Borgan was very trustworthy and Ashryn had no issues with him handling things like this, but he was brass and quick to anger.

Luka loped across the farmlands, running on all fours allowed Ashryn to settle into the curve of his back. Easy to cover ground quickly like this. As they approached the gate, Borgan's big body came into view. As Ashryn thudded over with Luka Brecken's eyes narrowed on her. He looked more than upset. Her people's hands tied to a long rope he held in his hand.

"First you steal my delivery and now you send spies to my land?"

"I did not steal from you. People cannot be bought or traded like that. And they are not spies. I know they announced what Keep they were from when they arrived. I am nothing but clear with my intentions."

Brecken ground his teeth together glaring at her. She was not afraid of him at all and stood her ground.

"You come to my land with my people in chains when all they wanted was to visit you. Doesn't bode well for our relationship as neighbors."

"Neither does stealing."

"I already told you. I stole nothing."

Ashryn slid off Luka's back and stood in front of Brecken.

"I freed slaves that were on their way to you."

"What I do in my land is my business."

"Keeping people as slaves is my business."

Ashryn hissed back at him.

"How many more do you have?"

"You are not the only Keep who have thought to use Lycans are guard dogs."

Brecken looked to Luka then back down to Ashryn. She was furious.

"They are strong and willing to protect if persuaded correctly. Much like what you do."

"They are free here!"

"Are they? They serve you, do all your bidding, never question you. Does that not sound like slavery?"

Brecken snapped.

"You call yourself so high and mighty by pretending to give them a choice. But this is not the point. You took six hundred gold from me."

Ashryn went over to Borgan and snatched his bag off his back. Turning back to Brecken she threw it at him and socked him directly in the stomach.

"There. Take your gold if that is what you are really mad about. Trading lives for this simple, shiny, piece of stone. I want your others too."

"If you pay me for them."

Brecken's voice was full of distain. He did have more. Ashryn closed her fists gritting her teeth.

"I don't buy people like you do. I can and will take them by force."

Brecken straightened his robes then tossed the rope he held to her.

"I would like to see you try. Six hundred gold per head is my offer, and I have quite a few."

"No."

Ashryn hissed out her reply. She gave the rope to Luka who moved quickly to untie her people.

"This Keep does not trade people for gold. Like I said, you give them up or I will come take them."

"And like I said."

Brecken let out an evil smile.

"I would like to see you try."

><

Ashryn-

The Keep was locked down that night. Guru roaming the streets as well as the great wall. A deathly loud silence encased the whole grounds. Guru posted at every entrance with a small pack to back them up. The only sounds were occasional check-in howls and the crackle of fires for light.

Ashryn sat at the window of her bedroom watching the roving packs beneath her. The air chilled the tips of her ears as another check-in howl rang through the grounds.

"Ash..."

Luka called to her from their bed. She turned slowly and looked over to him. He sat up putting his book away.

"I can smell your pain..."

She sighed and looked back out the window. Her heart hurt.

"How many Luka? How many other places have your people enslaved?"

He instantly came over and sat on the bench beside her.

"I do not know, and it pains me sometimes. But I just focus on the ones I can save."

Ashryn felt tears start to well in her eyes.

"It's so unfair and I can only do so much...it feels like I am always fighting uphill. Against everything and everyone."

She gave a heavy sigh and wiped her eyes.

"It's like my father used to say...we will fight this fight until the end of time...I never thought to take it literally."

"You have to remember the ones we have saved. We bring families back together, yes they may be smaller now but they are still family."

Luka lifted her head to look at him.

"This place is still a haven."

"It just feels like no matter what I do or how much I preach no one listens."

She closed her eyes as he held her head in his paw.

"My family was blessed by the goddess herself for choosing to fight this fight...how can everyone else deny her words? Clearly she wants the Lycans freed but..."

"Ash..."

His big thumb rubbed her cheek and she opened her eyes to look at him.

"You have done much for our race, do not deny yourself that truth. Every day we get at least one lost soul who now has a place to call home. Yes there are a great many of us who still suffer but for just as many there is now hope. We are continuing family names, reclaiming a pack structure, and reuniting long lost family members. This alone is amazing."

Ashryn moved out of his grasp and looked down to the streets.

"Do you think I am enslaving your race as well?"

She heard him make a soft surprised sound then shake his head.

"No, not at all. You give every Lycan a choice. Run free or join us. Not one has wanted to run free."

"Is that because they feel they owe me or because they want this? You always say Lycans are loyal to the hand that feeds..."

Wiping her eyes again she blinked away tears.

"Brecken made a lot of sense today."

"No he did not."

Luka growled suddenly. He gripped up her arm and turned her to face him.

"Nothing he said should stick in your head. We all choose to be here, all of the Guru choose to try out, and every single Lycan here adores this place. We all are ready and willing to give our lives for this place. Does that not mean that we want it? Does that not mean we are free to make the choice to fight for our home?"

Ashryn stared at him, unsure of what to say. Luka shook his head slowly, his eyes never wavering from hers.

"You have done so much for us...for me. I found my mate...I am not enslaved to you...I am in love with you."

Ashryn let out a soft sob then threw herself into his arms. Losing herself to him. He held her so tightly and so sweetly it nearly broke her. She clung to him while she struggled to regain herself and he just waited silently. A protective shield.

After a while Ashryn pulled away and Luka helped her clean her face up a bit. He smiled as he wiped her cheeks dry then said.

"You do wonderful things Ash. Keep your head held high, you deserve to."

She gave a soft sigh but returned his smile.

"Thank you Luka...I guess being as old as you are...wise words come naturally."

"I have learned a few things, yes."

He replied reaching to hold her hand.

"Trust my words, you are doing great."

"I will. Thank you again. You are so sweet."

Ashryn patted his chest then turned to gaze back out the window.

"Did I ruin your reading time?"

"It's alright, I was mostly done anyways. Awaiting for when you are ready to have a plan of action discussed."

Luka shrugged his shoulders and smiled at her.

"Hoping you will keep your word about sending me."

"I was."

She laughed and leaned on the window sill.

"I was actually giving it a lot of thought today. Should I send you everywhere? Freeing everyone at once or just focus on Crystal Keep?"

"Circling all the Keeps within our area is a two month trip..."

Luka sounded surprised as he spoke.

"Not to mention the time it will take to save my people."

"I was just thinking Draug...my emotions getting the best of me. This is why I don't plan while I am upset."

Ashryn smiled back at him.

"I was ready to have you kill Brecken at our gate today but that would not be wise and I am not one for senseless violence. But the want was still there and I know you would have if I asked you to."

"You'd be correct."

Luka growled out his words. She nodded and moved to sit facing him.

"Let me relax with you tonight and tomorrow we will plan. I need to know I am doing the right thing and having you beside me so willing to love me makes everything better. Then I have my own deep love for you and it's like...everyone is wrong and this is so right."

He smiled and leaned in to kiss her. She smiled and let out a laugh as his fur tickled her nose.

"I adore you...this cannot be wrong. Goddess be praised this is so right."

><

Luka-

Luka was furious. After Brecken's departure he took Borgan back to the Guru and held and emergency meeting. Every single Guru in the entire Keep stood before their Alpha, awaiting his words. Luka spoke with his father and his Betas first.

"We will be called to arms soon. I know Ash too well. She won't stand for this and neither will we."

Rouge and Roger growled in approval.

"Yes Alpha."

Borgan looked to his son and asked.

"Will our Alpha be joining us in battle?"

"As I should."

Luka replied with a nod.

"No question, I am an Alpha first."

Borgan nodded and Luka looked to his Betas.

"Betas...why do you stay here?"

They looked to each other and then back to their Alpha.

"Alpha?"

"Why do you two decide to stay here?"

Luka reworded studying them. Roger still looked confused but Rouge spoke.

"Because I enjoy my freedom here. I serve under my Alpha as a Lycan should. My family is here...including..."

He paused to glance over to the castle.

"Including the person I may one day grow to love..."

"Kiara?"

Luka mused. Rouge nodded and let out a smile.

"She is kind to me...in ways I had not known before. I stay because for the first time...in a long time...I am happy."

Roger nodded and smiled himself.

"I stay for my grandmother. I was always her favorite and she is so proud of me becoming a Beta. I fight for this place because this place fights for me."

Borgan chuckled and crossed his arms.

"We all stay because we love this place. I've been here longer than you Luka and I can tell you with full strength that I am not leaving. Ever. Don't let Brecken's words bother you. We are not enslaved here...we thrive here."

Luka let out a sigh but did agree. Brecken had shaken him slightly but hearing his people's words made those thoughts disappear.

"Understood. Let's begin."

><