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A low rumble shook from the dragon's throat as his eyes scanned the gathering. It was certainly a strange sight to behold. On one hand, his people were all in their finest clothes. Fine clothes made from exquisite pelts and finely woven silver and gold threads. More find metals and polished stones were woven into their manes. Each one had a hint of roughness that could not be removed from their presence. Turquoise Erdene smiled to himself and shifted, keenly aware of his own clothing. While it was still leather and furs, he'd been privy to a rather lovely tailor within the Capital City of Majalis.

While the tailor had been a little hesitant to work with his 'Larger than usual' frame. A handful of uncut gems and raw metals had changed their tune. Even if they were still a little hesitant about working with a Thorn. Or rather several Thorns. Once his Kin had seen the outfit made for him, they'd flocked to that tailor and made them very rich.

Ah yes, the Thorns. A name given to his kin by the Lilies. While they called themselves the Crystal Fangs of the Valley, the flowing words were too guttural for the Lilies' delicate tongues. Not that they called themselves the Lilies, but Turq didn't care too much for their 'proper name' either. So all's fair.

Needless to say their somewhat rough appearance did clash somewhat with their hosts' look. The Lilies were fine wools and silks, all dyed an array of colors. Though they tended to wear more blues and reds, with some yellows thrown in. All sticking to what they called... fashion? Strange idea if you asked him. Wearing only certain outfits when it was deemed in vogue?

Their bodies were different as well. Smother scales, some with horns some with frills. The Lilies were sleeker as well. Not just in build, but in their general form. No hair to speak of, smoother lines along their form. Meanwhile every Thorn had a thick mane and more squared muzzle. Their features more wolf-like or even bear-like than their hosts. Generally speaking. There were a few Lily here and there with more exotic features. Long whiskers here. A shock of hair there. Strange braids over there.

"Observing the masses?" the voice stumbled a little with his native tongue, but Turq knew that cadence well.

"Praying the peace holds, more like." He spoke slowly as the Lily's soft words slithered around his tongue. "Too many worked too hard for it, for some hotheads to ruin because of misplaced words."

He turned to face the speaker. A male Lily with a light red coloring that bordered on pink. The Lily male smiled towards him and tilted his head, showing off that creamy white under-throat. He wore deeper reds gilded with gold along the edges, which almost made his eyes glow with an inner fire. His shirt was cut in such a way to show off his chest. That creamy chest and belly on full display, showing off the drake's chiseled form. Muscled, but lean muscle. A bit of fur kissed his delicately arched neck. A new addition to his outfit, hinting at the Thorn style while still being wholly Lily.

Vernon DeLa Lys of House DeLa Lys smiled up at Turq as the male turned towards him. Vernon took in the sight of that taller dragon quickly. Turq's bluish-green scales that seemed to be shot with gold and silver caught and held the sunlight. Snowy mane carefully braided, woven with golden thread that seemed impossibly fine. River smoothed stones woven into the mane clacked gently as the larger male shifted. Everything accentuated by the immaculately tailored outfit that he made somehow look both fashionable and rugged at the same time.

"And which hotheads are you thinking about? Them?" Vernon tilted his head ever so slightly towards a group of Lily nobility. "Or them?" He peered towards a knot of Thorns.

Turq followed his gaze to each in turn and hummed. "More worried about them, Fern." He used his pet name, born of a mispronunciation of Vernon's name, for the Heir. Something that Vernon had found endearing and had adopted himself, among friends at least. Pointing with a thick finger where the noble had merely nodded. As the Heir turned, Turq's gaze dropped to his companion, friend really, and weighed him. Did he see what Turq saw?

Fern clicked his tongue quietly, "I hadn't even pondered that lot." The ones in question were rougher, older males from either side. High ranking soldiers and top hunters, both taking jabs at each other near a dueling area. The Lilies were keeping themselves busy with fencing practice, and the Thorns were preoccupied with talking about the light footwork and seemingly arbitrary rules. Both sides were taking jabs at the other. Fern found himself thankful that real weapons had been disallowed on the castle grounds. Though the Thorns were allowed to keep their personal blades. Daggers worn at either the hip or small of their back. Each one had sworn in turn not to draw the weapon in a fight. Fern would take that happily, but the guards had taken more convincing.

It was only natural that they were worked up, considering what they were here for. Peace talks had been going on for nearly a year. Then organizing this get together months. The two of them had been elected to be the leads in the talks. Vernon because he was the Heir, and Turq because he was the first one to talk to them.

So that had been the last couple years of his life. Talking with the outsider, trying to convince him and his people to stop attacking them. In return, they'd stop attacking them back. Boundaries were set, alliances were made, and now here they were, ready for a special ceremony. A very special ceremony which had taken a shockingly long time to convince Turq was real, and then wait for.

Which also lead into the issue for why so many were on edge.

They were here to breed.

Not that Fern would have fully agreed on that observation. "It's a bonding ceremony." The Heir had protested more than once. In short, now that the treaties were signed and agreed upon, the leaders of the groups would gather and ensure a bit of mutual trust was established. A celebration, which lasted about a week, during which there was cultural exchanges. Food, fashion, news, trade goods, and sex.

"_It's not just sex!"_Fern had huffed more than once. The lead males would be called in groups. Taken to a set of chambers set aside for just this occasion, and then they would lay with the Queen. Which was well enough for the Lilies, but the Thorns didn't exactly have a Queen. So they'd discussed and chosen Myo, the woman currently in charge of keeping the Home Estate in order. She'd laughed at the idea of having a line of 'Flower soft men' laying with her to sire heirs. Though she'd agreed that it would be better for both their people to settle the fighting before it got to full blown war.

Fern moved a bit closer, "So how would you suggest we disarm this?"

Turq swirled his drink, some sort of wine, and hummed. "Could join in the revelry. The old guard wouldn't dare start something if some of the young bucks are doing it in good fun."

"Perhaps, but..."

It was too late, Turq had downed his drink and started towards the group. Fern felt a bit of worry as he followed behind. He knew those by the dueling ground. They had very set ideas about honor and glory. Happily getting scars during little duel scuffs then trying to pass them off as tough. Meanwhile, the Thorn had lived a life hard enough to grind any of them to nothing. Fern knew that too well. He'd done his best to live like Turq during the negotiations. He'd managed a few weeks at least.

Blessed be, Turq slowed at he neared the edge of the dueling ring. He wasn't going to just march in there and bust some heads. Something that Fern had seen him do more than once. Though that had been with other Thorns. He'd mostly behaved himself within the kingdom's borders. Even after nearly two years, Fern still had trouble reading Turq at times. They'd rushed over here so fast, he was certain that the larger dragon was going to put someone on the ground. Now? Turq was just watching as two Lily noblemen sparred with practice blades. Pot metal ringing dully with each strike.

"Hit!"

"That was light!"

Of course it had to be Michel and Pas. Fern held back a groan as the two males grumbled at each other. It had been a light hit. Pas barely touched Michel and he knew it. Yet the auburn male was still grumbling. His gaze flicked past his green opponent to the small knot of Thorns, "What do you gents think? Light?" His gaze found Fern and Turq, "Light?" A laugh, then out of the side of his mouth, "Think they understand what I'm saying?"

One of the Thorns, a rather gruff looking male who was missing an eye, grumbled in his native tongue, "Oh we understand. I've had insects land on me with more force." Fern knew that one. Gan, one of Turq's friends and practically his right hand. Dusky scales, almost a rust color, blended with deeper colors along his arms and tail. Though strangely, his mane was a lighter, almost violet color with a shock of red racing from his temple back.

Turq rumbled back, "Gan, be nice. They must be gentle or they'll bruise." Before adopting a slight smile. Tongue rolling around the softer Lily words as he spoke slowly. "It looked light to me, Friend. You had..." he trailed off as he thought about it, "What is word?" he chuffed at Fern, "Too far back?" He stomped his foot and mimicked Pas' pose, "Not good?"

Fern knew Turq knew the word, so why was he playing like this? "Off balance?"

Turq snapped his fingers, "Yes, no balance. All wrong. No strength. Light hit."

Michel looked smug and started back to his side of the dueling circle. Pas was busy glaring towards Turq, "Perhaps you would like to try, Good Sir?"

Turq perked up, "Yes, good! I try with..." he waved towards a stand of practice sabers, "this?" He moved to the rack and tested the swing of one, "Am not good with it though."

Fern slipped up beside Turq and spoke in a stage whisper, "Careful, My friend, he's very good with a saber. He practiced it far more than he did his school work back at the Academy." He fixed Pas with a look. They both knew that the auburn dragon wouldn't have advanced if his father hadn't made a rather large donation to the Dean.

Now that made Pas prickle, but he didn't dare say anything about it. Just offered his best courtly smile, "Well, we were looking at some... risk of conflict. I thought it prudent to learn the blade more."

"Ah!" Turq had picked a saber and was moving to take Michel's spot. "You are skilled? You are fighter? Then will be happy to test against. Yes?" He adopted a far too easy smile and lifted the sword. Mimicking what he'd seen the fighters do before their last engagement.

Pas smirked and lifted his sword in a sloppy salute. "More than happy." He lunged before his salute was fully up.

Crash, Slash! Gasp...

Fern blinked, trying to process what he'd seen. Somehow, Turq had parried Pas' lunge so neatly and turned his blade. The blunted tip of the saber was tucked against the underside of Pas' chin. "Sloppy," Turq's voice took on a harder edge. "Disrespectful..."

Pas backed up slowly, "Ah, forgive me. I was just eager to cross my blades with a Thorn." He was shaken, but controlling it. His voice wavering ever so slightly. "I've heard so many stories about your people."

Another salute. Pas was watching Turq closer now. His focus honing in on the larger male. Turq's smile was gone now, his head tilted forward, eyes locked onto Pas. They held the salute for a moment that stretched out. Fern could feel the tension growing. Felt his own heart start to pound in his chest. He held his breath as the two stared each other down. Where they planning moves? It was said that a master could envision an entire fight in the blink of an eye. While Turq wasn't familiar with the rules of dueling, he knew how to use a blade. The Thorns used something very similar to the saber that he was holding. More curved, with a more weighted tip, but seemingly close enough.

Pas had been training most of his life. He was schooled and tutored and had won one competition after the other. He was the top of his age group with a sword. Better than some of his elders. Even Fern would be willing to admit that. Yet here he was, staring down Turq, blade starting to shake as he held it. Why? What had him this unnerved?

Turq took a slow step forward. Pas swallowed and swung. It was slower, but countless hours had driven the memory of route and routine into his muscles. Turq deflected, but Pas turned his blade back into another cut. Metal clanged as the two mustered a quick exchange.

"Light hit," Turq called as his blade whispered over Pas' sword arm. The polished pot metal flashed as it swept around.

"Light..." Pas started to call out before the sword danced past his guard and caught him across the chest. The blow caught him with enough force to drive him back a step, gasping for air. "Hit..." he managed to cough out.

"Hit," Turq confirmed. Watching as Pas dropped to a knee, holding his chest. He took a breath then offered his hand, "Sorry if I go rough, Friend." Now the Lily tongue poured smoothly out of Turq's mouth. Each word flavored by his tongue as it swirled them around, "Am not used to your rhythm. Will need lessons on how to do it right, Yes?" He offered a smile and practically yanked the other male to his feet, patting Pas on the back.

"Gan!" Turq bellowed, "Come, let us..." he dropped into a deeper rumble as he said a word that even Fern didn't fully recognize. Dance?

The dusky, one-eyed male moved forward. Gan picked through a few of the practice sabers, "The balance on these are off." He thumbed a blade, "Dull." A sigh, swing, and step forward, "Certainly Lily-soft..." He cast a glance to Fern, "No offense, Princeling." He snapped a smart salute and tapped the saber near his missing eye. Then to Turq, another salute, both stepping back. Tucking one arm behind their backs as they did.

Pas huffed, "Sloppy, look at their stances. Why they're wide open to..."

Sabers clashed, ringing dully off each other. The Thorns hummed, frowned, and walked a slow circle around each other before striking again. Followed by a hard stomp.

Michel chuffed a laugh, "Sloppy, but caught you off guard."

A low grumble and hiss under his breath from Pas, "You didn't see the way he stared at me. Thought he was going to rip my head off. I swear that... brute was ready to murder me where I stood. All for the sake of practice?" Another huff, then a wince, "think he might have brok..."

"Shh!"

Pas started to complain, then he heard it too.

Clash. Stomp. Stomp. Clash Stomp clash Clash.

The Thorn hunters were nearly dancing around each other. Feet came down in heavy stomps, scuffed back, swords flashing in to ring off each other. All while they began to hum and call out in a deep, throaty song. Hardly even words, just something deeper, natural, some might even call it primal. Fern stared, almost hypnotized as the pair began to pick up their pace. Their strange, rhythmic battle having a musical quality to it. Equal parts duel, dance, and musical performance. This was the Thorn War Dance.

A flash. Their hands whipped out from behind their backs, holding their daggers. Fangs they called them, or at least that was the nearest translation. Fern had seen them before. Something akin to a parrying dagger. Single edged, as long as a forearm, but made of crystal. Turq's seemed to be made of turquoise shot with gold and silver. Gan's was a duller, cloudy teal, but with a metallic sheen to it. He'd never seen any adult Thorn without these blades at hand. They were used for everything from fighting to hunting to simple utility work. Now? Now he heard them singing

Each time the blades met, they chimed with a song so pure it was almost... indescribable. He gasped and stared. Entranced by the song these two were weaving with their weapons and bodies.

_Now this was more like it._Turq felt warmth flowing through his limbs. Muscles he hadn't gotten to use in this stuffy place were getting used again. He and Gan were practically brothers. Born mere days apart, having hunted alongside each other from the time they could stalk. They fell into an easy rhythm in The Dance. There was no pattern or meaning to it. Just let their bodies find a pace and pattern that felt right in the moment. He stomped and called out. Voice mimicking the wind through the mountain passes. Gan slashed and rumbled. Speaking of the rocks in the valley.

The wind danced and whipped around the rocks. Boudlers held firm and pressed back. Denying passage here, while allowing it there. Catching the wind. Threatening to trap it, only to have it dart away before the trap could snap shut.

Fang met Saber in a flash. Turq caught Gan's eye and saw the glint there. He smirked and pushed through, his crystalline dagger carved through the pot metal and sent part of the blade sailing into the crowd. Gan mock-growled and lashed out with his own Fang. Turq danced back, protecting his saber while fending off the quick slashes. Turq backed up, saber spun and caught with a dull ring.

Deflecting Fern's blow as the Heir stepped in. Fern moved to stand beside Gan. Protecting the hunter's blindside and adding a new layer to the dueling song. His stomping wasn't as powerful, voice not as guttural, but he did add something to it. That lighter, whispery layer that carried it into something new. All while Turq danced and spun, proving to be rather agile despite his size. His skirt-like gown flaring out as he twirled under and over a twin strike from Gan and Fern.

Exhale.

Turq smirked from his kneeling position, blades lifted to catch Gan and Fern's blades. The trio stood, poised for a long moment. Staring at each other before slowly straightening. "Good session."

A smattering of applause from the crowd they'd unknowingly gathered. The Thorns whooped and called, while the Lilies merely applauded politely. Turq flashed a grin and swept shockingly low in a mock-bow, while Fern did his best to follow suit. Gan merely looked mildly annoyed, and amused, at the same time. Then bowed, "Owe you a," another word Fern didn't recognize. Then, muttering something about the poor metal in the blade, Gan put the saber back.

Fern let out the breath he'd been holding for... he didn't know how long. It took him a moment to recover before he smiled back, "Good cultural exchange." He snapped a salute with the saber. "Though I feel I'm ready for a bit of refreshment. I'm not in as good of shape as you two."

Fang flashed as Turq sheathed it behind his back. "Ah, will get you something to drink and a warm bath for those tender muscles, Princeling." He grinned and clapped Fern on the back. "Gan, drink?"

The hunter smirked, "Would, but..." he tapped the carved flower on his lapel, "Feels like they're calling me." The tip of his fang touched just under his eye in another salute before he turned and sauntered. Several other males were checking their lapels as they moving towards the keep proper.

"Wish him luck," Fern smirked, idly playing with his own carved flower. "Come, let's head to the keep and get something to drink and watch the entertainment."

"Gan will need it," Turq nodded towards Gan, then threw an arm around Fern, "As if you didn't enjoy the last bit. Had to join in yourself."

"Hardly fair, Gan with only one weapon and eye? You kept dancing to his blind side."

"Makes him better at watching there."

"You mock your elders like that?"

Turq blinked, "Elders? He's younger than me by four days." He caught the incredulous look. "He's just been an old man since he was Named."

A new voice, "Well, what was that all about?" Fern's smile brightened as he saw the Lily woman standing there. A lovely dragoness with vibrant violet scales. Hints of blue raced along her arms and under her clothing. She wore a dress that somehow bordered between elegant and practical. Though straying more to the elegant side. Bright, intelligent eyes peered out from under a hood that covered most of her head. Armored shoulder pads and gauntlets added to her look. Though the armoring was somewhat compromised by the fact that she wore a corset, and had her breasts on full display. As was customary, it seemed.

What drew attention was they winding of creamy silk, stitched with runes, that encircled her tail. Turq had not seen any other women wearing that. None of the scholars, priestesses, nobles, or servants. It had him curious, but he observed for now.

"Just Pas being a prig again. Kitty, this is the Thorn I told you about, Turq." Turq bowed his head low in a salute. "Turq, this is Musette, a long time friend of mine from the Academy."

She returned the bow with a smile, "Call me Kitty. Everyone does."

"Hello, Kitty," came the near-mocking Pas.

"I'll remind you to call me Musette, Pas. Lest I shame you before everyone again." The Lily huffed, glowered, and stomped off. Kitty watched him and huffed under her breath, "Prig. So, what are you two gents up to?"

"We were about to venture to the keep for refreshments. You?"

"I," she held up a broken blade, "have to repair this so the prigs can keep play fighting. Though, I must admit. Pretty impressed your dagger cut it so cleanly. Can I see it?"

Turq drew his Fang and offered it to her hilt first, "You may, though I would warn against using magic on it. The Fangs do not like that and might bite back."

Kitty leaned in, "Oh I can imagine. I feel it watching me right now." She reached towards it, but didn't quite touch it. "You are a lovely thing aren't you?" Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she carefully lifted it. "The balance... this is just..." Her eyes lit up as she spun it on a finger. "To say it's incredible would be an understatement. Would love to spend all day looking at it, but..." she trailed off as she spun it around again, offering the hilt back to Turq.

Turq rumbled gently, "Then find me later. Would gladly let you examine it at length."

Kitty flashed a smile, "That sounds fun. Later though. I know how grumpy Fern gets when he doesn't have his snackies." She flashed a sloppy salute and went to retrieve the saber's hilt.

"I do not get grumpy," Fern huffed. Which made Turq snort a quiet laugh. "Come on, before she decides to embarrass me more."

"She can do that?" Turq teased, "You are doing a good job yourself."

Up in the keep, they began to run into more people. Thorns and Lilies both. Some mingling while others stuck with their own people. Language was a barrier, but so was culture. Fern felt himself sigh as he looked over the groups. It was nice to see people mingling and talking. Though he did catch sight of some of his people trying to flirt with the Thorn women. Some would shoot them down, others seemed amiable. Though one Lily male was sporting a fresh cut along his cheek.

"Ah," Turq's voice dropped, "He must have angered some Lady."

"Not one of ours."

Tongue clicked, "Of course not, only one of us would mark him like that. It's a..." he trailed off and thought, "message. No reason to face scar otherwise."

"Message?" He found himself thinking back. He'd seen countless Thorn males and females over the last couple years. Now that he thought about it, he'd seen scars on torsos and limbs, even missing pieces of tails or Gan's missing eye. Yet even Gan's face was flawless. Only a few had a facial scar.

"Yes, it..." Turq trailed off as he tried to find the words. Finally dropping into his native tongue, "If a someone says no, and someone keeps trying anyway, she gives a warning. Then she cuts him. Painful, lots of blood. Gives a lesson." He swiped a thumb across his cheek. "Others now know, watch this one. As they learn and apologize," his thumb moved perpendicular to the first swipe. "He will get more. Once lesson is fully learned, then the scar is healed and gone." He flicked his fingers, "Fsst. He is unmarked again."

A blink, "Gone?"

"Yes gone, poof. No more."

"You can just heal a scar away?"

Some word he didn't know, but recognized as an exasperated exclamation, "Yes can heal scar away. If no story or lesson, then no need." He gave a pat on a scar that just peeked out of his sleeve, "The body tells stories. The face," he indicated his unscarred face, "tells truths."

Fern frowned a little in thought. "We have a lot of things to learn about your people. Doubly so since some Lilies see facial scars as a mark of manliness."

"Yes, we are weird to you. You are weird to us. Learning on both sides, make new weirdness." He motioned to the bleeding Lily noble, "Some more than others, yes? But then again, some need painful lesson to make it stick." He flashed a grin, "Otherwise what is point of learning if you forget?"

Fern looked at the noble then towards a table laden with food. "I know that one. Not sure if he will learn. Might see it as a badge of honor."

"Ah then he is fool. Can't teach fools, just watch them when their foolishness becomes entertainment." Turq straightened a little and scanned the crowd, "You are thirsty, yes? Peckish?" Fern rolled his eyes, Peckish had become a favored word since Turq learned it. The larger male made a shooing motion, "Go collect things and speak to your man." Fern looked and saw the Steward standing nearby, "I find myself peckish for entertainment."

"That's not... Alright, just don't stray too far."

Turq waved over his shoulder, "You can find me easy. Mountain among hills."

Fern sighed, smiled, and approached the silvery Steward, "Henri, what's the matter?"

"Matter? Nothing's the matter." He held his back firm for a moment before Fern's look made him breathe out, "Walk and talk, M'lord."

Turq hummed to himself as he wove among the group. The elite of the Lilies were here. Top nobles, soldiers, generals, and favored among them. He'd heard Fern's man grumble about it many times. Always under his breath, about how they'd had to match the Thorn's honored. It had taken some back and forth before he grasped what they were asking for. To be fair, he well understood the concept, but it was still unusual.

His pace slowed as he saw several males filter past. Each one chatting proudly with the other. Each smelling of a female. Gaze swept past them and down a hall. He could hear males in rooms near the end, waiting their turn. Ever so often a door would open and a male would leave. The one leaving always had a wiry grin or somewhat satisfied look. The Queen of the Lilies lay within one room, and the Head of the Homestead lay within another. The Thorns were being taken in to see the Queen and 'see to her needs', while the Lilies were being taken to see the Lady. By the time this whole thing was over, dozens of males would have been with both. New heirs would be born, mixed of the two kingdoms. Living symbols of their peace accords.

It made sense, but in that sideways way he was used to with the Lilies. Looking at it, he wondered about how it would feel, being one of a dozen males to take a female. Would they clean her up between rounds? Leave her a mess? He'd heard tale that the women were bound and blindfolded. Left for the males to take their waiting, fertile slits. Only the handmaids knew which males went when, but their duties seemed to be to keep the leader females comfortable. It was another one of those strange cultural things he didn't fully understand. Why have so many men with women? Especially when the women had little say in it. Not to mention no one would know who the fathers were. Made little sense to him.

Moving away from the halls, he ventured around the edges of the great rooms. Step growing lighter as he drifted. He didn't want to be seen or notice at the moment. Not much hope in that, since he stood head and shoulders above most of the Lilies. Even Fern barely came up to his neck. He'd joked with the Heir when they first measured each other up. Walking to the proud male and casually let his chin rest on top of Fern's head. That made the princeling blush something fierce.

There was countless knots of people. Thorns, Lilies, mixes of the two, and entertainment. Singers, musicians, acrobats, and mages. He paused at a Lily who was standing in a runic circle, juggling flaming spheres that it shot at him. All while caterwauling in the way they did. What a waste of magic, yet fascinating at the same time.

Stranger was the music that drifted through the halls. Deep, haunting music that sometimes piped like songbirds, and others threatened to shake the keep to the foundations. It took him a while, and asking some people, before he happened to find the room it came from. A Lily dressed in fine garb sat on a bench, hands and feet in motion as they worked across keys, pedals, switches, and levers. Some looked into the room, but few stayed long. Why bother when the music could be heard throughout the keep? Not to mention that the musician themselves wore a heavy head wrap to keep their hearing safe. Why just standing in the doorway was enough to leave Turq in awe. Shaking his head, he stepped away from the strange one.

His wandering brought him out onto a patio. An acting troupe had set up here, using their skills, outfits, and a touch of magic, to perform. The choice of today's performance confused Turq for a moment. Lilies of all sizes walked and strutted, speaking in a singing-like voice. Though some wore what looked like wigs. Wild bunches of hair that ranged from the top of their head down to the tip of their tail. Their softer colors had been painted and dyed, and they wore heavier furs and leathers.

It took him a moment to realize they were trying to mimic his people's look. More than that, they were trying to speak as his people did. Well, the cadence was there and intonation, but exaggerated. It felt wrong, but only because they were speaking in gibberish, then swapping to an exaggeratedly deep Lilian dialog.

Then he noticed a male with a too-familiar patterning. Bluish-green shot with silver and gold. He didn't even have to check his own arm to notice that the color and markings were meant to be him. Though the one playing him was a half-head shorter than the one posing as Fern. He didn't have a bad voice though, so perhaps that's why they picked him?

His attention was drawn to the edge of the crowd. A lady standing just apart from the rest of the group. She wore a fine dress and had a coloration similar to Fern's rosy red, though it bordered more towards the pink shade. Though she'd adjusted her outfit to resemble more what he wore. Furs edged the fine silks and soft wools. A hooded veil mostly hid her face, something common among the women here. Though where other Lily ladies had their breasts on display, hers were half-covered. Hinting at what lay beneath without fully revealing. Louisa stood just a shade shorter than Fern did. She'd been a delight since he'd come around. Showing a slight roughness that one expected to find in Thorn women. Often earning her an annoyed, yet amused, reprimand from her Queen Mother and brother.

He took a sniff, then shifted. Approaching the Louisa from downwind. Dipping his head nearer her level, the male did his best to imitate a Lily accent, "Pardon me, Madam, but what is this play about?"

She sighed, the motion and sound barely even noticeable. How many had approached her with the same question? Just because they were nobility and she the Queen Heir. So many nobles wanted to 'make a connection' with her. She put on her best courtly tone, "It's a theatrical recreation of the Peace Talks."

A low noise brushed her ear, "And that one talking to the Prince is their leader? I thought he would have been taller."

Louisa bit back another sigh, "Oh he is much taller, but Jean Acart was the bass who could most match his tone of voice. Though even then he can't quite capture the..." She turned her head to address the speaker and froze, finding herself nearly nose-to-nose with Turq. She bit back a squeak of surprise and instead swatted his nose with a fan, "What are you doing, sneaking up on me like that?!" Her voice lifted in a whisper, not wanting others to hear.

Turq chuckled, "You had said you could smell me before." He caught her look, "I walk into a room and you," he tilted his head and sniffed mimicked her sniffing. "Though I have bathed this morning." He made a show of turning to sniff at his furred vest, "Alas I have been wearing these for some days now before your people washed them for me."

She hid her muzzle behind the fan, but he could see her sniff at him. "If someone is offended by the way you smell, then their noses are far too tender." His smile made her cheeks flush. "I mean, ah. We're too used to perfumes and scents and oils and," she waved the fan again, "that sort of thing. You have a natural scent. Leathers, herbs, and the like."

"Ah yes. We rub ourselves with treated oils as well. Though ours is to keep our scales from drying when the wind comes across the steppes."

Their attention shifted back to the play as the actors strutted and started into another exaggerated ballad. Louisa sighed, "I hope you're not offended by this. Actors aren't known for their dedication to research. Though some..." She hid a giggle behind her fan, "Philippe had talked his way into Fern's entourage. Made him all self-conscious with his miming and posing as he tried to 'adopt the persona of our great heir.' Or something like that."

"Ah yes, Gan was ready to scare him good. Until Fern decided to step in and talk him down."

"Though it was close," Fern supplied as he stepped up beside the two of them. "Why did I know I'd find you two together?" The Prince spared his sister a look, "Trying to Wyatt a fashion revolution? Furs and covered breasts. The old coders will be most upset with you."

"Let them, it's my body." Louisa flicked her tail dangerously close to her brother's groin. A favored tactic of hers when he annoyed.

He glanced at the play actors and winced at the primal gibberish that they were using in place of the Thorn's language. "Should talk to them about that."

"It's all fun, isn't it?" Turq rumbled and caught their looks. "It is in the name, isn't it? Play?"

The royal siblings shared a quick look, "Yes," before Louisa gave a bare nod. She'd handle it. Turq caught the quick exchange, but didn't comment on it. Instead looking toward Fern, "No drink or nibbles?"

Fern stopped then tapped his lapel, "I was told we'd be coming up soon. So thought I might skip on that. At least until we're done with our..." he trailed off and tried to find a word.

"Rutting?"

Fern frowned at Louisa as she flashed a too-innocent smile towards him. "I was going to say Royal Duties, but you might try to laugh at that too."

Louisa snorted a laugh, "You said Royal."

Fern's frown deepened as Turq chuffed a laugh. "You're a bad influence for her."

Turq leaned back and adopted a wide-eyed look, "Me? I was thinking she is growing more civilized."

Before Fern could sigh more or grow further frustrated, his carved flower began to pulse with a low light. "Well... We will have to continue this later." He rubbed the bridge of his muzzle with a deep sigh, "After my duties are done and I have recovered."

Turq snorted, "Do not get broken in half, Princeling." Fern flashed a very un-royal gesture he'd learned from Turq. "Oh my, that is rather rude. Why Isa, it seems that the stick up his rear has begun to blossom."

She tittered behind her fan, "It is needed. He has gotten far better over the last couple years." She glanced up towards Turq coyly, "You have done a lot of good around here. Not just with the peace talks." Her cheeks colored some, "Turquoise, I..." she blinked then tapped his vest with her fan, "Ah, seems you are being summoned as well. Looks like you Thorns might last a little longer than us Lilies."

He reached to look at the pulsing flower. A smooth cut, pinkish rose gem. "Will not know until I get to see how they compare." The larger drake winked at him and churred. Louisa's cheeks colored brighter as she retreated behind her fan again.

Though her tail did brush his as he turned. It curled ever so slightly against his before releasing. The Thorn male smirked and started towards the keep and that hall. Again finding himself wondering what it would be like. Would the Queen Mother be cleaned? How would she be bound? Fern had talked to the Head Lady about it. Though he'd been fire-red as he tried to describe the various positions that would be available to her. Which had only amused Turq and the Lady more. She had coaxed the Prince into describing it in greater detail. Offering her arms and some cordage so he could 'demonstrate it properly.'

The positions that Fern had described did paint a rather vivid image. Especially now that he was walking towards his rendezvous with the Queen herself. He'd been with his fair share of females. Always Thorns. Had several children back home, each from a different Lady. At least he thought they were his. A couple shared similar markings, but he loved them all the same. No females had fully caught his eye, nor had they offered him a place by their Hearth for more than a short time.

Here in the Keep, he'd had his share of offers. Maids and visiting nobility had offered to let him warm their bed. Even now, he could see one of his fellow Thorns tucked in an alcove with a Maid. Her moans stifled with a deep kiss. Gown gathered up as their bodies meshed. No, that wasn't for Turq. He had been abstaining from the act for some weeks now. If it was this important that the Queen was going to allow a horde of strangers to bed her? Then the least he could do was go in cleaned and fresh. While he enjoyed a good bath, he'd spent far longer in one last night. Long enough that even Fern had teased him.

There were no other males in the hall as he walked down. Just the door and a rather bored looking guard. The guard glanced at him, at his carved flower, bowed slightly, and opened the door for him. "Wait in here, M'Lord Thorn."

Inside was a simple sitting room. A single maid waited with drinks and food. Both of which he turned down and merely paced the room a little. That eager energy building within him. He could hear lustful noises in the room beyond. Thick, wet noises and sharp moans. From the sound of it, they were just winding down. Strange that he'd get here so fast, with no one else waiting. Sideways Lily Logic.

A chime, the door swung open and the maid waved him in, "You may enter, M'Lord Thorn."

So formal. He padded into the room just in time to see another door shut. He'd heard something about that. There was the room for sitting and waiting. The room for where the 'bonding' happened. Then a third room for something Fern called 'Convalescing' but he was trying to be polite. He hadn't called Turq wrong when the Thorn had called it the bragging room.

The central focus of the chamber was the bed. A Lily woman was draped over the edge. Her limbs were bound with a dazzling array of ropes and leather harnesses. Arms bound behind her. Legs wrapped and held spread, tied to sturdy rings on the footboard. Her tail had been wrapped with a thick leather sleeve, then bound to her arms. Even her face had been bound. A heavy hood, not unlike a falconers hood, held her maw mostly shut and covered her eyes.

All this he took in an instant before his eyes locked onto her privates. Swollen with heat. Dripping with her fluids, and the semen of several men. Her thighs quaked as he looked at her. Another drop of cum trailed down her thighs as he looked. Then breathed a little sigh. This seemed so... impersonal. Yet, he found himself eager to step forward.

"Pardon me," the voice pulled Turq up short. It was a nearly golden female. One of the Queen's maids, if he wasn't mistaken.

"Yes?" Turq angled his head towards the maid.

She reached to touch his arm and batted her eyes at him. A light flush coloring her cheeks, "Would you care to accompany me?" She purred at him, her voice honey sweet and flavored with countless layers of suggestion. He started to pull away, but she started to purr some compliment. Yet in his ear, he could hear a whispered, "Trust me, Ereden."

His family name. Only a handful of people knew that, and among the Lilies even less. Eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he mused a light, "Alright."

"Wonderful," she cast a glance around conspiratorially and mock whispered, "We can find what you're looking for this way, Ser." Her hand swept up and touched the gem on his lapel. The light fading out on it. He arched a brow and followed behind the Lady. As she moved to a bookcase and pulled a hidden lever, revealing a staircase that spiraled down. She motioned him to follow her and stepped down. Her tail curling and swaying with each step as he followed.

Down and down they went. Passing heavy doors that opened into who knew what. The smell of age and disuse wafted from below. Where were they going? A cellar? Some root storage? His nerves started to flutter, but were quickly quelled. The weight of his Fang comforting against the small of his back.

Before he could question about where they were going, she pushed open a sturdy door and stepped aside, inviting him in.

At first glimpse, it seemed to be a parlor of some kind. Soft sanded flooring adorned with a thick, heavy rug. Several plush chairs stood near a warmly burning fireplace. Maids waited on chairs and padded benches. Their focus on him as he entered. There was a table with more food and drink. An open wardrobe with clothes. Strangely, a wooden leg he recognized. The limb made from woven vine that seemed to move as it sat there.

Central to the room was a large, low bed. Larger and lower than any he had seen. Several people were on the bed. His attention caught by the rose-red female who was lounge on her side. Her form softened with age and children. Cream colored belly showing just the barest paunch of soft living. Ample breasts free to hang naturally. She wore nothing more than jewelry and a soft leather harness that ran between her breasts, danced along her torso, and crossed her thighs. Her attention was largely on the other two.

The deep green form of the Head Lady of the Homestead was every bit as bare as the Queen. Where the Queen's body had a softness to it, the Lady's was firm. Muscles rippled under her deep green scales and mossy belly. Scars only added to her form, each one having a story of its own. Especially the scar that crowned the stump of one leg. Her left leg simply missing from the knee down with a ragged scar on what remained. Simple jewelry adorned her neck and wrists. Which paired nicely with the soft harness that crossed her body. A near match for the one the Queen wore. Her attention was fully on the third person on the bed.

A rather surprised looking Fern. His mouth agape in a silent gasp as The One-Legged Lady rode him. Her hands roamed up his body, stripping the shirt off his bare chest. He grabbed her harness and tried to hold on, attempted to keep up with her. Soft moans slipped from the Lady, accompanied by sharp grunts as she dropped her weight against Fern. "Warn me if I'm going to break something," she teased in a sing-song rumble. She tossed her head with a pleased gasp as Fern's thumb danced over her body, thighs quaking. "Oooh..." The Lady reached to brush hair from her eyes and grinned wider. "Hey there, Turq."

"Myo, no breaking him." He looked over the scene, curious, and growing both curiousier and somewhat aroused. Gaze dropping to Myo's body, watching how Fern's length spread her open with each bounce. "They might need him. So what is this?" He waved his hand at the gathering.

Myo flashed a wider grin, "Fine," she rumbled in her native tongue and pulled off Fern. Both shivered as he fell out of her dripping wet, swollen folds. The Lady Thorn moved to crouch on the bed, stretching out as she lifted her rear towards Fern, "Do you want to explain?" she sang in her native tongue. She hadn't learned the Lily language yet.

"I can explain," the Queen waved towards Fern, "You focus on her." She cast a look at her son as he slid up behind Myo. The Lady groaning as the male's ridged length pressed into her. A shiver raced down her body, mane bristling as he teased her engorged clit. Queen Isabella cleared her throat and looked at Turq, "This is the bonding. The real one." She motioned upward, "We have body doubles up there. High ranking still, well within the bonds of the agreement. Select males are brought down here to be with the real leaders."

Myo hissed as she drove back into Fern, claws digging into the bedding. "Healthy, strong, polite, talented, and..." she groaned, "Virile!"

Isabella smirked, "Very much so. The best of our people, each given a better chance at giving us offspring." She lowered her hand to touch a rune painted on her stomach. Some mark he couldn't hope to understand. A swirling, branching design that made him think of a tree with several fruit growing on it. "This practice is as old as the tradition is."

A groan from the Lady, "Yes, and here the males can rut properly." She curled her tail up and slammed her hips back. The sharp crack of her body off Fern's almost knocked the male off the bed. He grunted, snarled playfully, and responded by throwing himself against Myo's lifted backside. "Ahh yes! Good!" she sang even louder. Her mane bristling with excitement as her voice lifted in pleasure. Entire body shaking, "Ahh this is a good one here!"

There was amusement in Isabella's eyes, "Granted, I have only participated in a Bonding a couple times in my reign. Though this has been the most amusing one. Your Lady here is quite the company."

Myo's jaw chattered with her pleasure, "Your Highness isn't so bad yourself.... Oooh!" she arched and huffed, tail lashing. Fern had to grapple with it to keep from being thrown off. Eventually settling on lunging forward and biting Myo's shoulder. Which only made her call out that much louder.

Isabella tried not to giggle as she wrestled her attention from the pair. "So yes, if you are willing, then I am all yours." The Queen stretched and shifted on the bed. Lounging on her side and lifting a leg to show off her swollen mons. "If you would rather not, I am told you are very trustworthy and won't speak of this to others?" She looked at him, expecting a moment of hesitation. She knew this Thorn fairly well. Had spoken to her children about him, and had many long conversations of her own with the male. As smart and clever as he was, he was also that honorable. A part of her anticipated him turning this down. If his fellow Hunters couldn't partake, then it would be unfair. Which she could see the logic of it, yet...

"Alright," he rumbled deeply, "and I can see the..." he weighed the word carefully, "sense behind it."

She smiled, "The Lily Logic?"

"Practicality," he started towards her. The male leaned in and ran his trimmed nails over her thigh, drawing a slight gasp from the older female. As he leaned in to lick her bare lips, his hands began to remove his vest. Only to find the waiting maids sweeping in and helping him undress. "The strongest, smartest, and best mixing with each other. Making next line even better, one would hope."

"One hopes," Isabella's attention fell on the male. Hissing under her breath as rippling muscles were exposed. He was big, she knew that, and she'd been with other Thorns by now, but this one? Oh he was a specimen alright. She found herself staring at the few scars that marred his body. How had he gotten them? She could venture a guess, but her mind never lingered on one aspect of him too long. Not when the maids revealed something new for her to stare with each passing second. She gasped as his tongue found her lips again. They blazed with her heat, juices shimmering on her petals like dew drops.

She was clean, sparklingly so. Part of that was due to her attentive maids, the ones who were now helping Turq disrobe. Most of that was due to the rune that she'd placed on herself and Myo. It drew up each male's contribution and stored it. That was the fruit that grew on the runes. They would release the seed slowly over the next few months, giving her several clutches from this one Bonding. Some males might leave her with several donations.

"Ahh..." Isabella arched as his tongue swept over her folds and ran a circuit around her pearl. She bit her lip to keep from calling out as his rough fingers massaged her thighs. Cupping them and drawing her closer to the edge of the bed so he could feast on her peach. Oh he might have another go or three.

At least.

Turq had been raised better than to simply mount a female. Even if she was fertile and ready to be taken. Though it was strange. He could smell other males on her. It was faint, under the cleansing aroma of herbs. Yet his tongue couldn't' find even the barest hint of their flavor on her. It was almost as strange as the sensation of other people undressing him.

Feeling others hands on him had taken some getting used to. Those tailors had been handsy enough. Now these maids were busy tittering and chattering with each other as they stroked his body. Their hands explored every inch of his body as they exposed it for the Queen. His ear twitched as their whispered admiration and praises stoked his ego. Though not nearly as much as the way the Queen was moaning. Her fingers twined through his mane and pulled as his explored her depths with a finger.

"Oh wow..."

"Look at that..."

"Can you believe..."

"Jealous..."

Hushed whispered and mutters came from the maids as their hands found his manhood and stroked it. Flower light giggles slipped from the females as they felt his furred sheath. Drew it back to expose more of his length. Delicate, silky soft hands explored his girth. Feeling from the spade-like tip, down his shaft, curling over and around the barb-like bumps, and down to the base of what would be his knot. Then down to his sac, weighting them, rolling them. One maid even leaned in to give them a kiss. Tongues playfully tasting his flesh, tracing from his balls up to his shaft. More than ready to slide down over his shaft and get him ready for Isabella.

Other hands stilled at the sheath on his back. Seems they knew better than to try and remove that. Though they clearly wanted to. Turq saved them the trouble by standing and casually undoing the ties that held his sheathed Fang to his back. "Keep it sheathed," he rumbled as he handed it over. Offering the Queen a wink, "A Hunter only enters a Lady's bed with his spear."

"While she offers him the warmth of her company," the Queen purred back in near-perfect Thorn. Perfectly rolling the word for 'warmth' into safety as well as a more sexual connotation.

The maids seemed disappointed as they moved back. Though he saw several of them whispering and watching. Hands straying under their dresses, eyes darting from Turq to Fern, and back. He put them from his mind though. They'd have plenty of Thorns to compare him to. Not to mention the shows that would be put on over the next few days.

Breath caught in the Queen's throat as Turq slid over her. The larger male casually knelt on the bedside and reached down. She jumped with a quick breath as his cock thumped off her slit. Savoring the warmth that soaked into his tip as he nudged against her. Her hands gripped his biceps and body arched as he lined up. Biting her lip as she locked eyes with him. Giving the male the barest nod before arching with a breathy sigh. Her eyes lidding with pleasure as he slipped in.

Oh she was warm and inviting. While he hadn't been able to taste the males that had visited her, he could feel their presence. The way her walls fluttered, yet couldn't grip him as tightly as they might once have. Not that he minded, not with the sweet noises he was coaxing from her. Each rock of his hips sank his length deeper into her. Her thighs lifted and pressed to his body, inviting him in.

"Gaaah..." she breathed as he buried himself in her. Bodies lifted and pressed, rocking into each other. A light touch and press. He responded with a rock. Slowly finding a pace that made her bite her lip and whimper. Head rocking back to the bedding. Then a little harder, his gaze swept over her body and down. Admiring those mature breasts as they bounce with each thrust. Drawing his focus down until his lips found one. Teasing her nipple, licking and nibbling at it. Now that made her gasp and reach up to grab him. Drawing him closer to her. Wanting, needing to feel more of the Thorn.

A touch drew Isabella's head up. The Queen blinked spots from her eyes as the large, virile male took her so vigorously. Her entire body shook with each thrust. Not only was he skilled, but those bumps and barbs! Oh heavens, she hadn't been prepared for them with the first male. She wasn't prepared with the fourth! Between that and his tongue, he'd already drawn her to her peak. It was as she was still recovering that Myo moved in. The Lady Thorn's muzzle casually met hers in a kiss. Her tongue forcing its way into Isabella's muzzle. All while her hips casually rocked back into Fern's form. Her walls milking the tied male for all he could give her and more.

All this was happening as Turq kept his pace up. Eyes narrowed with pleasure as the Queen shuddered under him. The grip on his arms tightening as she pushed up. Shivered. Then relaxed. Her insides and thighs quaking around him. Whatever moans she might have made muffled by the deep kiss Myo held her in. His pace was starting to falter ever so slightly. The male's knot just starting to grow and pop at her slick folds. 'Don't tie with them,' Fern had warned him before. 'The..._hand maids there will'_then he'd tried to mime cupping a knot.

Yet Isabella's hands roamed down his body. Thighs curled about his waist even as her hands cupped his backside. Myo pulled away from the kiss, leaving the Queen panting. "Push all the way in, Turq," the Lady purred. "Here it doesn't matter. You have as long as you need to..." The One-Legged Lady grinned. He growled, nodded, and pushed forward.

She arched under him, almost lifting herself off the bed. His half-grown knot strained at her entrance. Plopping at it wetly with each push. Stretching her further with each push. They could both feel how her body wanted it, needed that, yet strained against the thickness.

Pop!

"AhhhHAAAA!"

"Grrrm!"

Turq snarled and Isabella screamed. Bodies pressed flush to each other. Her entrance clamped down behind his knot, walls milking his length as it twitched. He managed a handful more thrusts, rocking the Queen under him, before he joined her in bliss. Arching with a lower call as his seed erupted into her depths. Pressing his body tighter to hers, as if that would help his seed reach the waiting eggs faster.

"Oh... ha... that was... Mmmph..." Isabella breathed out, "You Thorn men sure know how to breed." She cast a sidelong look at Myo, "And you Thorn women are forward."

Myo gave a crooked grin, "Your Lily men aren't too bad either." She mimed drawing a line on her thigh with a claw, "Though your Fern here is rather good. Think he's set a new standard for your men." She looked back and reached, stroking Fern's cheek and drawing him into a kiss. "Feels like you're about ready."

Fern huffed, "Mhmm, almost..." he leaned back and let his hands rest on her hips. He glanced at Turq before averting his gaze, cheeks flushed as he pulled back. Myo ground her teeth and huffed, body jerking as his softening knot popped out. The large female casually rolling onto her back and running fingers through her folds as the others watched.

"Look at that mess. Where do you Lily men store it all?" She grinned and scooped some back into herself. Shivering as the rune on her stomach pulsed. Another fruit getting added to the branches. "And clean..." she lifted her fingers. "Mostly," she winked and licked her fingers clean."

The maids were already moving in with steaming, herb-scented bowls of water and fresh cloths. Myo grinned as she stretched on the bed, purring as the Ladies-in-waiting cleaned her and Fern up. "You know, could get used to this." She stretched off the bed with a groan as one particularly eager maid leaned in and added her tongue to the cloth. "Being pampered like this."

"You'll wind up Lily-soft, and fat." Isabella sang in the Thorn tongue.

Myo stuck out her tongue, "Already going to be round for a while." She ran her hands over her stomach and shivered. Purring to herself more than anything.

Turq casually shifted on the bed, letting Isabella settle herself comfortably. "So, if you are here. Who is where you should be?" He narrowed his eyes as the Queen lay atop him. Her hips twitching ever so slightly against him. Almost like she was trying to ride him, but didn't have the energy to.

The One-Legged Lady flashed a grin, "Serra. You know how she is. She jumped at the chance to have many males," she rumbled a noise not unlike Turq's orgasmic bellow.

Fern sighed, "She sounds like Melinna, Mother's body double. There are so many rumors about her..." he hissed. Then leaned back as the maid casually used her tongue to clean him up. Others bringing him clothes to put back on.

"Melinna knows what she likes, and she knows the rules for her being in her position."

"On her back?"

Isabella whipped a pillow at her son. The Heir laughed and ducked under it. "Though I suppose I should go, so the next male can have his pelvis crushed."

Myo stretched languidly, "I was going easy on you, Lily-boy. If I'd wanted, you'd be begging me to stop and wanting even more." She licked her lips with a low, dangerous growl. For a moment, Fern looked both intrigued and yet frightened for his life.

The Queen chuckled quietly and lay on Turq's body. She whispered, her voice barely carrying to his ear. "You know, my daughter has been wanting after you. If you treat her this well," she shivered and clenched around his throbbing knot, "then I will happily let her be with you." She turned her head to gaze up at him. Casually tracing the line of a scar on his chest.

Turq's eyes narrowed as if resting. His lips barely moved, "I would treat her like the Queen herself." His lips twitching into a slight smile.

"Even better than the Queen."

Eyes turned as a new Lily male was lead in. This one with rich burgundy scales that were just starting to go gray. He nodded a greeting to the Queen, tipped his hat to Turq, and gave Myo an appreciative look. "My My my, what a gorgeous ally we have."

Isabella snorted a whispered, "Shameless flirt. He's why Melinna needed the protective rune, else he'd have a dozen children..." Out loud she purred, "Bertrand, what a pleasure it is to see you. I think you might have met your match with this one here." She gave Myo's chin a slow stroke. Leaning in to whisper to Turq, "I will get a message to her. Just make sure to treat her properly, my Lad."

"I will, My Lady."

"Oh... oh Goddess... Oh Goddess!"

Isa grabbed the bed and pulled the covers tight, then released. Only to paw at the bedding again. She could barely breathe, barely focus. Her body hummed with pleasure she could barely process. Thighs shook and threatened to drop. Only Turq's gentle touch kept her body lifted. Her tail threatened to whip around, then coiled tighter about his hips. The light from a single candle shown on her, making her scales shine that brighter as she tried to keep herself focused.

"Are you ready, Princess?"

There was something about the way he purred that word that made her tremble. The Lily groaned and arched. Her entire form shuddered, longing to hear him call her that and more. "Yesssss," she hissed and arched into him. Hoping she was presenting herself properly. Only to have her hips dip again as her body shook with pure bliss.

His gentle touch drew her back. Bodies pressed flush together. Turq kept his thrusts short, slow, almost grinding into her more than thrusting. She gasped, arching into him, reaching up to grab his mane, only to drop her hand and grab a pillow. "Is it... Getting..." she huffed, "bigger? OH Goddess!" the dragoness cried out and drove back. Her hips jerking as if to pull away, before immediately slamming back into his lap. Every inch of her being shuddering with pleasure as she came and came again.

Turq had barely left the secretive chamber and made it back upstairs before a messenger from Louisa had found him. Would he want to meet her in his suite? He'd agreed and went up there. She'd taken longer to arrive, coming in to find him ready to pull her into his arms. The larger male wearing nothing more than what nature gave him. They'd kissed deeply, somehow stripped her down, and wound up in bed.

Eventually.

They'd spent some time in the sitting room, doing anything but. Like her mother, she had a runic mark on her stomach. Though she said hers was simply to make her receptive. Her voice quavered with nerves, and he'd taken things slow. Letting her explore his body and ask questions. Exploring hers in turn. Taking hours to get to where they were. Savoring the supreme warmth and tightness of her. Far tighter and warmer than any woman he'd been with. She'd been quivering and dripping by the time they'd made it to bed. Frustrated need growing more by the second. He'd been patient as he fed himself into her with such maddening slowness that she'd finally screamed at him to take her.

Now she was all but drooling under him. Body twitching as it pressed back into his body. Insides quaked, twitching around the thick girth that filled her. Quivered each time a barb or bump teased her. Grabbed him with such force, he was certain she was going to rip him off at the root. He gave her all and she craved more.

"Grrrrmmmm..."

He growled deep in his throat and pressed forward. Bare length twitching inside the Princess and giving her what she'd hungered for.

"Oh..." her hand reached back to cup his sac. Eyes rolling as she felt him twitch inside and out. Thick, rich seed painting her walls.

"Goddess?" he chuckled down at her.

Rosy cheeks flushed as the dragoness squirmed, "I did say that a lot, didn't I? Just..." she shivered and huffed. "I've never_needed_or _ wanted _it that much before."

"Have you ever?" he trailed the question off.

She nodded and blushed, "Yes, but... no? I've been with men before, but none have gone that deep." She shivered, "Or taken me while I was fertile..." Louisa looked back at him shyly, "You will be the first to..." she trailed off to find a word.

"Give you a child." Turq planted a kiss on her neck, then her cheek. "Onto your side."

"Mhmm," she purred, leaning back into him. His light touch guiding them both onto the bed. Isa happily curled back into the larger male as he draped an arm over her. Her fingers traced down to her belly. Blushing hotly as her finger tips traced his length through her sleek stomach, "Heavens, I can _feel_you." He flexed his hips, length growing that much thicker in her. The dragoness gasped and shivered, biting her lip.

His hand joined hers, "Careful, or you might coax another from me."

"That can happen?" she craned her head to look at him. He nodded and casually linked his fingers with her. "Oh," she purred, blushing as she thought about it. "Turq? Can I ask you about your people?"

"Of course."

She fidgeted and thought about how to phrase her question. "What's marriage like, in your culture?"

Marriage had been an interesting topic of discussion with Fern. It wasn't exactly something Fern could do, as the Prince. There were responsibilities he had planned. Of course Louisa would be the Queen, and would have to be part of the bonding ceremony, should that ever arise.

"For us," he thought about how to explain it in the Lily tongue. "A Lady will invite you to stay at her Hearth, and give you Home." He clicked his tongue against the smooth words. "She might invite for a short while, then change her mind, but she can invite to stay longer. 'Make your bed here anytime.' she could say. Ach, the words are hard to find."

"So, she invites you to stay with her? Its because the women stay in Homesteads and the men hunt?"

He thought a moment. "Yes. No. More or less. Though some women choose to Hunt, and some men choose to Homestead. Someone interested? They could invite you to warm by their fire." His hand dipped suggestively to stroke her stretched petals. Isa bit her lip and hissed, shivering at the feel of it. "But that is temporary. Can find warmth with friends, companions, or even yourself. Offering you Hearth is longer."

She thought on it a moment. "What if ones duties might draw others to their fire? Would someone be jealous then? If they were given a Hearth only to find someone else warming by the fire they were given?"

"Some might. Others might not." He idly traced some of her scales with the tip of his nails. "Among the Thorns, it isn't uncommon to have several Hearths to find warmth at. Many fires. As a Hunter, a winter storm is far easier to bear with friendship and a fire to warm at. So no. Would not be jealous if offered a Hearth to warm at, then find others warming by the fire. Though would have to go both ways."

"Mmm," she mused, eyes closed most of the way. "Wish I could stay here all night. Just curled up with you and..." she shivered and let out a low purr, "Stay warm." She craned her head back and nuzzled into his jaw. "My Maids will start to wonder, then talk..."

He chuckled quietly, "Ah, you sneak out, hmm?"

"With permission! But yes. More or less." She shifted her hips and tried to pull, gasping as his knot tugged at her, "Heavens above, how long is that up?"

"Longer if you keep squirming like that."

As it was, the sun had long set before Isa was able to slide off his cock. The princess gasped and felt her body with a whispered, "Heavens above..." looking at his cock with burning cheeks. Reaching towards it curiously.

"No temptation," he chided gently, "You need to get back before they fret. We have days still, yes?"

She bit her lip at the thought of being filled by him again and again, "Yes!" she breathed out. "Oh!" Isa sat up, "I had a gift for you. Something super special that you'll be the one and only person to have." She saw the leather tube and reached for it. Only to fall off the bed with a thud.

He lifted his head and peered down at her. "Isa?"

"I'm okay," she shot up, holding the tube. "Didn't expect my legs to be all jelly like that."

Turq smirked, "It happens, I'm told."

Louisa held up the tube. It was fine leather, dyed a rosy pink that matched her scales, fading to a lovely cream towards the opening. She let him look at it before opening it to show off what was inside. It was a silver cylinder about two handbreadths long, and nearly round as his fist. The surface was covered in fine runes, each inlaid with a different material. "This is a super special gift, just for you. It ah..." her cheeks were practically glowing. The blush spreading across her neck and belly, coloring the creamy scales a lovely pink. "J-just open the cap on the end and say my name. You can whisper it or say it louder. Then utter," she growled a word in a language he didn't recognize. "and..." she fidgeted, "You'll be nicely surprised."

"So I say..." he mimicked the word.

"No, more..." she tried again. It took a couple times before he was able to say it to her satisfaction. "I should go, but don't want to..." the dragoness worried her lip.

He gave her neck a kiss, "Go, can sneak back tomorrow."

It took her longer than it should have to get dressed, even with Turq helping. Mostly because of him helping. Lifting up on tippy-toes, she gave him a kiss. Giggled. Then uttered a word.

His skin crawled as the air around her shimmered, hiding the dragoness from sight. It was a curious thing to watch his door creak open, then shut quietly. The sound of footsteps muffled as she retreated to her chambers. Or at least close enough that the maids wouldn't question her appearance.

The Thorn stretched and sat back on his bed. Well, it had been an interesting day hadn't it? Shoulders rolled as the male yawned widely. His stomach grumbled, wishing for a bit of something to snack on. It had been hours since his lunch, and he'd been rather... active since then.

Knock knock Knock-kn-knock.

He perked his ears. He knew that rhythm. He'd taught it to Fern. Called it the 'Don't slit my throat because it's late' knock. Shoulders rolled as he stood and crossed the rooms. Ignoring the robe that hung by the bedroom door.

Fern perked as he opened the door. The larger male all but filling the doorway with shadow, "Ah, was worried you'd gone to sleep." He chuckled, "I had been poking around to see where you were. Gan had said you'd turned in early to rest. Not surprising after..." he trailed off and coughed, "The Bonding and all. Thought it might be nice to have some wine and foodstuffs and unwind together." He lifted the basket he'd carried, "Pilfered this from the kitchen."

His stomach grumbled, happy with the idea of a snack. "It sounds good. Come."

Fern stepped past Turq and ventured into the dark suite. "Out here? I can strike a couple candles."

"The bedroom, want to lay down and let body relax. Couches too small for that."

"You and your lounging about," Fern teased, navigating the room in the dark. He'd spent a lot of time in this room, talking with Turq and just relaxing. So he easily hooked a chair on his way into the bedroom and its single candle. "Not trying to seduce me with the one candle, are you?" He teased.

"Nah, only one I lit." There had been a couple more, but they'd either guttered or fallen during his and Isa's rather wild session. Her tail stated to whip rather wildly once he started to tease her.

"Ah..." Fern whispered something and flicked his fingers. Several more candles in sconces sprang to life. As did a couple that had fallen to the floor. The Lily blinked at those as he sat the basket on the room's table. Ear perking as it knocked a leather tube he didn't recognize. There was something strange going on here. All it took was a sniff to confirm what he thought. "Louisa was here wasn't she?"

"What makes you wonder that?" Turq followed him into the bedroom.

"Well, that," he nodded at the tube, "The stitching looks like her handiwork." He turned and stopped, eyes roaming over the bare Thorn. "Plus you're utterly naked." His gaze started to drop lower. Spying the male's half-hard length. Only to bob back up as his cheeks flushed. He'd gotten a very good look at it earlier. Even distracted as he had been with Myo, he couldn't help but look. "And," he took a sniff, "She keeps stealing my perfume."

Turq hummed, "She says it was hers first."

"Well... I wear it better. More than that, it was my idea for that blend first. She stole that."

The Thorn stepped in and sniffed. "Mm... Hard to say who smells better." He smiled, "You both smell delicious." Fingers brushed Fern's chin, tilting it up just enough to let Turq kiss him.

Fern's eyes went wide, then closed as his knees threatened to buckle. The Prince reached up and draped his arms around Turq's neck. His head tilting just so to meet his friend and deepen the kiss. A quiet moan slipped from his lips as he leaned in closer. Feeling Turq's warmth against him.

The kiss was over too soon. Leaving both males panting and gazing at the other. "The Queen said her daughter wanted me. Had wondered which she meant."

His cheeks burned warmly as he gave Turq's chest a swat, "I am not her daughter... But I have... I mean, when you said Hunters would..." he fumbled for the words. How could he be so eloquent everywhere but around the Thorn? "Be with each other. I... Fuck me, Turq."

"If you wish," the male chuckled and ran his hands down Fern's body. The Lily huffed and arched towards him. Rubbing over Turq's bare chest. He felt his friend's light touch trace the back of his tunic. Followed by the cool kiss of the Fang. _Clothes only, no flesh._Turq fed his intent through the crystal dagger and pulled. It happily slithered against scales and whispered through cloth.

Fern gasped, eyes wide as the dagger casually cut away his clothing. Where the crystal brushed his scales, hummed in a way that made his nerves tingle with pleasure. Fine cloth whispering to the ground. "I liked that shirt..." he huffed.

"You didn't want me to remove it?" Came the playful tease as Turq kissed his neck.

"Might have wanted you to rip it off me, you savage."

"Of course you would, Soft one."

Fern bit his lip and groaned as the Fang danced over his back. Cool and warm at the same time as it whispered down the back of his breeches. A swift tug easily dispatching belt and pants alike. His leg lifting to curl against the larger male's side as he gasped. "First you have your way with my mother. Then my sister, and now me?"

"You invited me to claim your mother, then you took y sister in front of me."

He blinked, "Your sister? You said she was your mother."

Turq paused, "No, I said she was my," he rumbled a word in his native tongue.

"Yes, your mother," Fern mimicked a word. "You told me yourself."

"No, no. I said she was my," Turq grumbled a second, "it translates to 'She who raised me' Which is different from 'She who birthed me."

Fern's nose wrinkled, "Your language is confusing sometimes. She's your sister?"

"Yes."

"And she raised you?"

"Yes."

"And you call her something that sounds like mother, but isn't mother?"

"Mhmm."

He wrinkled his nose and made a note to ask about that. Later. He had more pressing matters. Pressing right against his thigh. "Right, so where where we?"

Turq's hands swept over his back and cupped his rear, "Right here." In a swift motion, the Thorn easily lifted the Lily, making him gasp as he rocketed upwards. Only to throw him to the bed. The plush, feather-stuffed mattress thudding as he crashed down on it. His stunned look must have been amusing because Turq trilled a laugh at him. "What is the matter, Princeling? You said you wanted me to fuck you." The Thorn's words pressed down on him as the larger male crawled onto the bed. Using his presence alone to press Fern deeper into the bedding.

"I..." for the second time that night, and that had been the first time in years, he felt nervous in bed. Though last time it had been because of Myo's take-charge attitude. He'd never had a woman act like that with him before, and it was thrilling beyond belief. "Turq, I've..." He breathed in his partner's scent as the male leaned over him, "never... with another man..."

Turq leaned in and brushed Fern's lips with his. "Then I shall make it most memorable." He kissed Fern's lips. Then his neck. Gentle caresses that worked down his chest slowly. "Promised your mother I would make her daughter's first time good. Treat her properly." His gaze dropped, "This," his tongue flicked over the stretched lips of Fern's male slit, "is most interesting. A princess with a penis," came the sing-song tease.

Fern's blush was so fierce he was certain he would pass out. "I am not her... Ohh..." Turq's tongue bathed over his manhood. Across his sac, then further. He had to grab the bedding with a surprised gasp as the male's strong tongue dipped lower and circled his back door. That was not anything he'd ever experienced before. Lifting his head, he watched as Turq nuzzled his sac. The larger male smiled at him, licked around his rear, and leaned in. Tongue plunging right into Fern's backside.

It took all he had not to arch off the bed and gasp. That was not something he'd ever dreamed of feeling. The strange pressure. How Turq's tongue rolled inside him. Everything about it was just... intoxicating. If he hadn't already been hard, his manhood would have leapt into action. He gasped, breath catching in his throat as the Thorn teased him with quick, circling laps. Lights flashed before his eyes as Fern tried to keep from writhing on the bed. Air bursting from between clenched teeth each time Turq's tongue moved. Then his partner made matters worse by reaching up. The cool crystal of his Fang brushed Fern's cock.

And then the crystal began to hum.

The smooth edge whispered against him as it buzzed ever so slightly. In a way, it reminded him of that one escort who had offered him some oral attention; only to begin humming a tune as she went down on him. The buzzing shook through his body and along the curve of the blade. Turq rolled it expertly, letting the exceptionally smooth material glide over his flesh. A part of Fern felt he should be afraid, but he knew that the Fang only harmed what the wielder wanted.

"You know," Turq rumbled, "Many a Thorn has used their Fang to bring themselves to orgasm." He lay his broad muzzle on Fern's lap. Idly kissing his partner's sac as the crystalline blade danced up to tease around the Lily's pointed tip. "Is also a game with friends and partners. See who can make the other lose concentration first."

Fern tried to laugh between panted breaths, "So long as nothing gets damaged."

Turq snorted a laugh and drew his Fang back, licking Fern's precum from the marbled surface. "Ah, that rarely happens. Though I think you might be wanting something else." He casually slid over Fern and settled down. His hefty lance settling onto Fern's tail with a satisfying thump.

"Heavens above, you are... so much larger than me."

Turq rolled his head, "Am I?" the Thorn shifted atop him. A slow rub that ground his sheath against Fern's slit and member. "No," he mused slowly, nestling their sacs against each other. A light touch teased his tip and brought him up. The bellies of their manhoods nestling against each other as Turq measured them. "Seems we are nearly even in length, my friend." He stroked slowly, toying with Fern for a moment. "See?" He chuckled and let his hips slide back ever so slowly.

Fern felt his breath catch in his throat as the other male leaned forward, "Do you desire this?" Turq leaned in, using just the tips of his fingers to guide himself down. "If not, we can always cease. No hard feelings either way."

It felt supremely strange, yet somehow right, to slide his legs over Turq's. "Yes." Fern swallowed and reached up, mimicking how the women he'd been with had acted. Draping his arms around Turq's neck. "Just don't ruin me too badly, my friend."

"I will be most gentle, Princess." Turq teased.

Being penetrated was certainly a strange feeling. Where the male's tongue had been soft and gave somewhat, his flesh refused to yield. Turq's skilled fingers spread his own precum around his tip to make it easier. Though he still took it slow. Fern's breath caught in his throat. Each breath bursting into a shorter huff as the male pressed forward. He arched, grabbing mane and shoulder. Moaned. "Relax..." came the low rumble. The singular word making him pant and try to release the tension that was building.

Then Turq was against him.

Fern lifted his head and looked down. Finding his larger friend pressed flush to him. Rear stuffed to capacity, and the highly erotic feel of the male's sac against his rear only adding to everything. He could just make out the tip of his own cock. The twitching length pressed tight between their forms. Turq's harder scales providing a sharp contrast to his own oiled and lotioned belly.

The larger male leaned down. Kissed his neck. Licked it ever so gently before planting a playful bite. "Let me know when you're ready." Turq breathed into his neck.

Fern nodded, "I think... yes."

His thrusts came slow at first. Each one letting Fern grow used to the feel of the larger male inside him. Which he wasn't sure if he'd ever grow accustomed to that! It felt incredible! The way his cock was spreading him. How those bumps rubbed against him. So smooth on the way in only to hook and pluck gently on the way out. Turq seemed to know just how to roll his hips to strike something inside Fern. It was all he could do to gasp and hold on. Body shivering against his partner as he moaned. "Ah... Turq..."

Lips brushed his, "Yes, let me hear it."

So he did.

The next thrust drew a breathy moan from Fern. His fingers dug into Turq's mane and pulled. The male growled playfully and dug in a little harder. Fern replied with a gasp and push. Legs curled tighter about the larger dragon. His cock twitched with each thrust. Knot growing quicker than he would have thought possible. Fern groaned and rolled, torn between pulling away and wanting more.

A surprisingly soft hand curled around his manhood. Turq's skilled fingers danced over his ridged underside, "I bet these feel wondrous. No wonder Myo was so pleased." The ridges flared as the drake teased them. Light strokes matching his own thrusts. Fingers curled about him, popping over his tip, raced down the ridges, and teased his knot. Then back up as he drew out and gave Fern a little space. Only to repeat as he drove deep, tail curling tight about his partner's limb. Low moans breaking from both males as their pace grew.

"Turq... If you keep doing that... Gonna cum..." Fern could barely breathe. Lights flashed before his eyes as Fern drew himself into the larger male. Some instinct drove his hips back. He was both keenly aware of everything, yet oblivious to it all. His body hummed with pleasures that were alien and familiar all at once. Nostrils flared, picking up the scents of sex, wine, perfume, herbs, and so many things.

A kiss, "That's the idea, is it not?"

He pulled Turq into a deep kiss. Tongues met and wrestled as his body arched. Short, breathy moans exploded from Fern as he hit his finish. His rich, royal cream painting both their bellies. Climax made that much more intense by the thick flesh that pulsed inside his rear. The steady throbbing of Turq's knot pressed right against his prostate. Prolonging his finish and making it that much more blinding.

It was only as he was coming down that he felt it. The steady lift and drop of Turq's balls against his tail. He was distantly aware of the rich warmth painting his walls. His partner growling into his mouth as he emptied himself into the Prince. Knowing that only made Fern deepen the kiss and press that much more. _Yes,_he breathed to himself, _give me everything._All while Turq drew Fern against himself. The pair refusing to let the other have so much as an inch of space as they enjoyed their shared bliss.

The kiss broke all too soon. Fern fell back to the bed as Turq lifted himself. Their eyes locked, crooked grins on either maw. A hand swept over their bellies and lifted. Fern's seed glistened on Turq's bluish-green fingers as he casually licked it. Fern leaned up to lick as well, then frowned.

"Too much meat in your diet, Princeling. Salty, but not bad."

"I suppose yours is so much better?"

Turq rolled his shoulders, "Saltier now, but have been told it can be sweet. Speaking of which," he glanced towards the table, "I didn't have lunch."

"I did bring something to eat on." Fern looked and reached, but the table was further than arm's reach. Might as well have been in the other room. "I doubt I'll be able to get up and get it." He lifted his head and rolled his hips, gasping as Turq's knot tugged against his rear. A shiver raced through the rosy red male, his cock twitching as pleasure once again shot through him.

Turq chuckled, "You Lilies and your squirming. Hold a moment." He moved slowly. Gentle hand guided Fern onto his side as the Thorn slipped behind him. Each movement drew another gasp and pant from the royal male. That impossibly thick knot twisted inside him, rubbing his prostate the whole way. "There," Turq huffed and dropped back behind Fern. Both on their sides now. "Better."

Fern couldn't help but curl back into the larger male. "Better, but the food is still over there." As he pointed at the table, Turq whistled. The tone lifted and fell, rolling about inside the room. The table creaked, groaned, and the wooden legs began to wobble towards them. Dropping to a kneel beside the table to put the food and wine within each reach. Fern looked over his shoulder, "I bet you think you're so clever."

"I know I am so clever. Now, what did you bring?"

Fresh bread, cheeses, smoked meat, some fruit, and wine. Of course, all good staples of bedroom snacking. A part of Fern had wanted to try for something more romantic. If it had been anyone but the ride-hardened Turq, he might have. Turq was practical to a fault, and had teased Fern about the rich foods in the keep. Though he had yet to turn any dish down.

"I have been wondering," Fern sliced some of the foodstuffs and pulled the basket closer. Turq reached across once it was offered and took a bite of meat. "You said each scar had a story to it?" Fern reached and ran his fingers around an angry circle on Turq's leg. "What is this one?"

"Broken leg. Was being a fool and fell down a cliff. Older Hunter set the bone and healed it up. Left the scar as a lesson." Turq nibbled at some buttered bread. "This one?" his fingers found a ragged scar on Fern's arm.

"Ah, magic training. My fingers weren't quiet shaped as they should have been and the spell turned back on me." He craned with a bit of cheese and tapped a mark on Turq's ribs. "What about that?"

Turq chuckled, "A woman." He caught the look, "I didn't force myself on her. Would have marked my face. No, she was letting me know that she wasn't interested in what I was asking for." He took a bite of food, "Only a light reprimand. A 'No but you are still desirable."

"She gave you a scar because she didn't want you, but she wanted you?"

"Yes."

He whistled, "Sounds like a terrifying woman." Then dryly, "Can't wait to meet her."

Turq rumbled a laugh and gave Fern's neck a kiss. "This?"

"Riding accident. What about the marks on your back?"

He felt Turq stiffen slightly and started to apologize. "No, nothing wrong." The Thorn cut him off. "I just don't remember the story for that one." Turq blinked slowly and worried a bit of fruit. "My parents decided to start a homestead. Them and their children. There was..." he shook his head, "I was young. I remember smoke, flames, screaming, something... and Myo. That is when she," he motioned towards his leg. "Said she lost it protecting treasure." He chuckled quietly, "An older Hunter said she came in from a blizzard. Using me as a crutch as we limped into a greater Homestead. Old man said he'd never seen a tougher Thorn in his life."

"She sounds like it. No wonder she was picked as the Lady to represent your people."

"Mmm, it was put to discussion among the Homesteads. She'd threatened to plant her leg in the rear of any who challenge her."

Now that painted an interesting image for Fern. He yawned a bit and looked over the tube again. "Just to change the subject briefly. My sister gave you this?" An affirmative grunt. Fern looked over the leather and removed the fitted cap. The runes caught and seemed to hold onto the candlelight as he rolled the tube in his hand. Turq watched quietly. He knew if the Thorn didn't want him to examine it, then he'd stop him. So Fern opened the end and found the tube hollow. Not surprising since it was currently off, but he recognized the runes. "Where did Louisa learn this particular spell?"

"What is it?"

Fern sighed, "You know that portal I set up between our realms?"

Another grunt, "The one we had to ride two days to get to? In a secluded, secured cave? Then wait three more while you set it up? Costing us five days of riding time where we could have nearly been here?"

Fern wrinkled his nose at the Thorn, "Yes, that one. The 'great waste of time' that saved and will save a lot of travel time."

"Yes I remember."

He brandished the tube, "This is like that, but smaller."

Turq tilted his head, "It will take me to her?"

A blush. Cough. "Well, in a sense. It will take a part of you to a part of her." He saw the confused look. "Something that can fit into that opening." He motioned at the wider opening on one end of the tube. "When you activate it, it will open a portal to..." he trailed off, "A part of her." Another confused look. Fern gestured to his groin, "It will open a portal to _part of her_and you can put _part of yourself_into it. Directly into her."

Understanding dawned. "From anywhere? Anytime."

Fern sighed, "So long as she accepts the invitation, yes. Not sure how she has it set up, not without prying into it. Which I am not about to do. Especially not to my own sister." He closed the leather case back up and set it down. "Now, how about some more stories?"

---

Waking early was nothing unusual for Turq. Nor was feeling someone else in bed. Though waking in a bed this soft was something new to the drake. He was still getting used to these feathered mattresses. Though the quilts weren't quite as nice as the ones back home. They lacked that soft, herby, natural smell of the ones he enjoyed on the Homestead.

The bed creaked ever so quietly as Turq turned and looked. Somehow he and Fern had rearranged in their slumber. The rosy red Heir was tucked behind him, an arm draped over his side. He rumbled low in his throat and smiled. Settling back down, he found himself aware of his morning wood. Each shift made the soft bedding glide against his length. Turq lifted the covers ever so slightly and muttered, "Drained many times yesterday, and still you want more?" His cock twitched in response. Of course it wanted more.

He sighed and lay there, staring into the darkened room. Didn't want to move too much and wake Fern. No, the Princeling. needed his beauty sleep. He could certainly wait as well. Surprise the Lily with a hard treat come waking.

As he stared, his eyes lit upon something in the dark. A hint of something light colored on the table. Then a memory.

Moving slowly, he reached and picked up that leather tube. It was warm to the touch. Warmer than the room for certain. The leather felt strangely supple under his touch. Giving ever so slightly like flesh might. What had Isa crafted this from? He examined it as best he could in the dark. Touch, smell, even taste, none of these divulged much information to the drake.

Uncapping the tube revealed nothing more. The metal sleeve was warm as well, and the runes tingled against his fingers. Magic, but he already knew that. Well shielded, it took him touching them to actually feel anything. Though as he ran his finger around it, he found himself thinking on what Fern had told him the night before. A portal this size, and connected to Isa somehow? Most curious. The portal that Fern had set up was made from stone and metal. It too was circular, but it stood tall and wide enough for two to easily ride abreast. Certainly large enough for a wagon. Magic that size was easier to understand. Not something this small.

Only one way to find out.

Lifting the tube to his mouth, he whispered, "Isa..." and rumbled the word she'd told him. He wasn't sure what to expect. When Fern had opened the portal, there had been a great crackle of energy. Lightning had danced and leapt within the circle. Arcing between runes until it formed an infinitely complex web. Then, with a rip that felt like the world was going to come apart, it had opened to reveal a vast farmlands a half-day's ride from the keep.

Nothing like that happened here.

In fact, nothing happened.

Not for a very long moment at least. Seconds before he was going to put the tube back away, there was a slight tingle. The barest ripple of light inside the tube. Not even enough for him to notice if he looked at it straight on. The magical tingle was the barest of ripples across his fingertips and a whisper over his nose and lips.

He smelled it first. The same thing he'd scented last night. Rose fine perfume, soft soaps, and a waiting, fertile female.

Tilting the tube ever so slightly, he caught the glimmer of something. A hint of moonlight off the finest scales of a female's slit. He could feel the raw, welcoming heat from her radiating on his lips. All it took was a lick to confirm that, yes, it was Isa. He knew that taste. Her clean, pleasing taste, flavored ever so slightly by his lingering seed. Just that lick was enough to make the petals quiver. He was curious and explored more. A thumb parting the lips to reveal more of that scent. Next came his tongue, over the folds. Around the inner lips. Then in with a slow, slithering motion. Sampling the dragoness through this portal.

It was certainly strange, curious, and somewhat thrilling. He could readily imagine how Isa was squirming. Their fun from the night before painting a rather vivid image for him. He could imagine how she'd grab at him, the pillows, trying to decide on what to do as he teased her. Just a shame that he couldn't feel her. Couldn't hold her legs or press a hand to her belly and pin her down. Hear those cute complaints of 'That's not fair,' even as she bit her lip and smiled at him. Wanting more.

Oh you want more, Princess?_He thought silently. Stroking the swelling lips with a thumb as he slid the tube under the covers. _We both know I have plenty more to give you.

"Nnnghmmm..." Fern yawned, smacked his lips, then coughed and worked his tongue. He'd curled a bit too tight against Turq's back and had gotten a mouthful of the male's luxurious mane. "Turq? You awake?"

"Mhmm."

He yawned again and picked a long hair off his tongue, "Should have known. You're always up early." The next yawn got smothered into Turq's shoulder as he leaned in.

Just to realize that he had morning wood.

Which Turq's tail was sliding against.

"Ah... Sorry about..."

Turq reached back and stroked his morning wood with a chuckle. The larger male shifted ever so slightly. His tail curled up and over Fern's side and cupped the male's backside ever so gently. A light touch coaxed precum from the male, gathered it on his tip, and tucked it against his rear. At the same moment, he tucked his own tip against the portal that lead to the princess pussy. "Go on," came the deeper rumble.

Louisa woke far earlier than she was used to. As she clawed her way of confused sleep, she began to wonder what woke her. Then she felt the slow, pulsing warmth from her nethers.

Or rather, on her nethers.

Some weeks ago, she and Justine had finished up work on her portal. She'd heard about it in Magical Theories 348. Well, she'd heard some of the other girls talking about it. Theorizing, imagine that. It had taken a lot of talking around and discussing to get her teacher to even discuss it as well. Though they'd had to pull in the teacher of Sexual Magics 469 from another Academy. It had conceded that it could be possible, but the resources along would be incredible.

Good thing she was Royalty.

Weeks crafting, getting it smelted, formed, the leather made, and dyed. Then Justine, her most trusted maid and body double, had helped her assemble it. Carefully etching, inlaying metals, stitching, and even drawing on herself. The magically infused inks had been rather difficult to apply. That had largely been Justine's job. She did have to teach Justine the difference in a line and slash. Yes, they are very different. It's like calling a dot and a spot the same. It took some work, but they'd prevailed. Though keeping the maid from pleasing her while applying the ink had been a task in and of itself. They had to restart that so many times.

Then came the testing. Oh that had been an... experience. The runes had tattooed themselves onto her once the portal was active. A ring of gold and silver inked runes that circled her privates. A ring of magical markings that perfectly matched the opening of the tube. It had been painful as the inks etched themselves onto her very being. Though that faded within a moment and was only replaced with the feeling of being in the open.

It was a warm pulsing that had woke her. A low thrumming that vibrated through her senses. The equivalent of a magical knocking. Someone was trying to activate her portal, and there was only one person that could be.

A whispered word conjured a mage light. A soft yellow orb sprang to life within the confines of her bed. The heavy curtains were thankfully drawn, didn't want someone to know she was awake at this unholy hour. Nor did she want them to hear what was likely about to happen.

Butterflies danced in her stomach as she threw back the covers. Fingers slid over her smooth belly scales and traced the runic circle around her mons. A whispered word and she could feel the connection being made. Magic tingled across her lips and made her hips twitch. The barest hint of light sparked over her folds as she bit back a gasp.

Then warm breath against her. A slow puff followed by the feeling of someone spreading her. She lifted her head and looked. It was hard to see, but she had a mirror by her bedside. Daring to reach out, she grabbed the hand mirror and turned it on herself. Just in time to see a faint shimmer from before a tongue graced her.

It was impossible to tell where it came from. There was just part of a tongue against her. Slowly teasing her outer lips, then inside. Another puff of warm air as Turq explored her through the portal. "Nnngh," she breathed out, biting onto a knuckle. Eyes locked onto the mirror as she felt her body flushing with arousal. The fertility rune on her stomach pulsed, reacting to her growing excitement. It didn't matter that Turq had well and truly seeded her the night before. It would last for several days and ensure that he left her with a clutch.

A spark of magic. Something danced between the runes around her mons and the one on her stomach. A new tingle spread through her. Sharp, not at all unpleasant. It caressed her flesh light warm lighting and made her arch with a breathy gasp.

"My lady?"

Justine! She quickly threw the covers back in place. Her cheeks flushed with excitement as the maid pulled the curtains back just far enough to admit her muzzle. "Are you well?"

"I'm fiIIi..." Turq's tongue flicked just so inside her and made the Princess squeak. Isa cleared her throat, "Fine. Just woke up feeling... Flushed." Oh heavens above and hells below, Turq was teasing her so much with his thumb. She was trying her best not to squirm on the bed.

The curtains parted more, revealing Justine's face. Or rather, Louisa's face, since Justine was her body double. Magics had reshaped the Lily maid's body to match hers in almost every detail. There were times where it was a little unsettling, though she and the maid enjoyed each other's company and knew when to leave the other alone.

Most of the time.

"Do you need..." Justine slid her hand under the covers, "help?"

Isa couldn't answer as she felt Turq nestle against her. Her entire world sank to that single sensation. The feel of the Thorn's spade-like tip pressing her folds. Spreading her ever so slightly. Her body knew what it was and knew how badly it needed to feel him inside her. Isa grabbed at her own thigh, "N-no," came the stammer as she felt him pushing. Teasing her. Precum adding to the wetness that was already soaking her bed sheets.

"Nonsense, Lady." Justine rolled her shoulders and her nightclothes whispered off. "It is my duty, and pleasure..." The Maid arched her body with a seductive curl. Snaking under the covers and touching Isa's thighs and belly.

Her mouth worked, trying to find the words as everything built. The portal and fertility rune were thrumming in time with each other. Electricity jolted along her nerves and made her thighs quake. Her pussy quivered against Turq's tip, eager to feel it inside her. Yet no matter how her body rocked, his length didn't move. Then there was Justine's touch, the kisses, the delicate purrs as the maid slithered under the covers. Wound under a leg and up between them.

"Ju..."

_ Squlech! _

"AhhhhMNNNNGGGH!"

In a single, powerful thrust Turq buried himself into the portal, and thus into her. Her body shot off the bed, only tail, heels, and head touching the mattress as she nearly squealed. Only a quick hand clamping over her muzzle kept her silent. Eyes rolling in her head as_raw bliss_shot up her spine and lay siege to her senses. Lights flashed and danced before her eyes as her concentration shattered. The mage light exploding in a silent flash that left her blind.

Off came her covers and Justine sat up with wide eyes. "My Lady..." the body double gasped, "There's a penis inside you."

Turq drew back, those glorious, soft, supple barbs of his drew against her clenching walls. Only to lay flat and whisper against her as the male drove in again. That sheath barely appearing through the portal to kiss her folds, "I know..." she purred, eyes rolling in her head as breath came in sharp gasps.

Justine's hand fell to her belly and stroked, "It feels..." she ran her touch over Isa's body, around her stretched folds, and back up. "Oh my heavens, he's big..."

In for a copper...

"Justine... nnph... light..."

It took the maid a moment to pull away. The barest whisper of a word and flick of her painted nails lit the candle that lay on the headboard. Isa reached down to grasp her own thighs, trying to hold the mirror steady so she could look. "Mirror..."

Justine took it and angled it just so. Letting Isa have a near perfect view of how that length appeared from the portal and vanished into her own body. It dug so deep, so wonderfully, glistening with her honey as it plunged the depths of her peach. Her maid bit her bottom lip and squirmed as she watched. Bare thighs rubbing against each other. Entranced by watching her friend and mistress being taken by a male through the use of magic.

"Are you jealous?" Isa panted. "Turq is a big, strong male and... Mmff... so virile." She arched off the bedding as he dug deep into her and twisted the portal just a little. "Oh Goddess, he's so much larger than you. It feels AaaAAmazing!" A twitch of her tail let her feel Justine's cock. The length throbbed against her as the maid bit her lip and moans. Oh it was good, so incredible! Yet something was missing. What though?

Justine nodded, "Yes, my Lady..." her own excitement making itself none as she stared at the writhing form of Louisa.

"Pin me down."

The rosy pink body double lifted her head, "Lady?"

Isa grabbed her legs and pulled them up, "Pin me down, Justine. Throw your full weight onto my legs as Turq breeds me." Her words shook with something between a growl and a purr. Tongue rolling from Isa's mouth as she tried to catch her breath. Oh Goddess, even just this Turq was driving her mad with pleasure.

Then came Justine's weight. She leaned hard into Louisa's form and pressed her legs tight to the Princess' chest. "Like this?" came the low pant. Justine's nostrils flared wide as she breathed in the mixed scents of Louisa's heat and Turq's precum. "Or maybe..." she placed one of Louisa's legs on either shoulder and leaned in. Forcing the noble's ankles up around her ears. "This?"

"Oh Goddess yes..." Louisa panted. Her hand trailed down between her thighs. Past her slit, only straying to feel how wide Turq spread her. Then further. Not stopping until she felt Justine's need against her fingers. "Thrust."

The maid happily pressed her cock between the Princess' thighs. Shivered as the feel of the royal's heat soaked against her. Only just able to feel Turq's length as it spread her insides.

"Harder."

Justine bit her bottom lip and rocked her hips. Hesitant, slow. Louisa arched and almost cried, "Harder!"

She dug her feet into the bed and threw her weight against her majesty. Justine's magically altered form cracked off Louisa's and the princess cried out. Or would have if Justine didn't silence her again. Grabbing that pink muzzle and holding tight as she threw herself against the Princess. Doing her gods' blessed best to match the male's savage pace.

"Rrrmmmgh..." Turq arched and rocked his hips back into Fern's body. "Those ridges..." he growled, the noise shaking out of the Thorn. "No wonder you got Myo to moan." He arched and curled his tail over Fern's body. Reaching back to grab the Prince's neck as he breathed out a low moan of his own.

Fern growled playfully, "Isn't hurting that you're," he reached around and grabbed the tube. Twisting it as he drove it down over Turq's cock with each word, "Fucking my sister at the same time!"

Lips curled back into a playfully savage grin, "To be fair, I had started with her first." Turq reached back and grabbed a handful of Fern's rear. Jerking the rosy drake into him. "Then you started fucking my ass!" He arched with a low, playful growl. The arch turned into a full roll, shoving Fern onto his back. Legs drew up as he planted his hands.

Without missing a beat, Fern shifted his body to match. Planting both feet on the bed as he growled in return. Biting Turq's neck. One hand gripped the drake's hip, the other the portal tube. He dropped to the bed as Turq lifted. Hesitated a moment. Then pulled himself back up. Burying Turq into the portal as he threw his hips back up. Turq growled and slammed himself down. Hips shuddering as Fern's flaring ridges rippled across his prostate and Isa's walls gripped his cock. Back up with a deeper hiss and huff. Cock twitching as each ridge popped across his prostate.

Faster and faster the pair began to roll. Fern wrapped both arms around Turq and grabbed the portal. Throwing himself up into his partner faster. Harder. All while Turq slammed into him with just as much vigor. Their thrusts growing shorter and sharper as their knots grew thicker.

Turq was the first to peak. He lunged and grabbed the top of the tube, shoving it down as his knot flared nice and fat. Thicker than even the tube was. Yet, thanks to the portal, it stretched the princess wide enough it'd threaten to split her open. He jerked and heaved, body shuddering as his cock leapt. The tube twitched in their grip with each deep shot of his seed. Sac pulled tight against his form as he snarled low in his throat.

Fern pulled himself up into Turq. Grinding into the male as his eyes narrowed. The Thorn shuddered, legs shook, then simply dropped his full weight onto Fern's lap. Both males crashed to the bed. Fern's hips barely able to even move as his knot grew thicker. Stretching the male's backside and making Turq pump that much more seed into his wayward sibling.

"Gonna..." he managed to snarl before grabbing tight to Turq's hips and slamming into the other male. Absolutely erupting inside his partner. Finishing with a force that would have surprised the Thorn had he not already been in a post-orgasmic stupor. A trait of the Lilies that the Thorns had only just begun to discover. The shocking ferocity and volume of their climaxes.

Turq lay back. Portal tube occasionally lifting from his belly before falling back with each shot of his seed. He opened an eye and looked at it. "How long will this magic last?"

Fern rested his head on Turq's shoulder. "Until one of you turns it off and all... objects are removed." he chuckled, "Won't accidentally," he made a snipping motion. "The spell is pretty safe overall. Well, safe as it can be, sticking your dick in Isa."

Lips curled into a toothy grin, "Wonder what she looks like about now..."

"Haa... Oh..."

"Mmmmphss..."

Isa was all but limp on her bed, eyes mostly closed in pure bliss. Justine practically lay atop her. The maid's length twitched, spending its last bit across her belly and breasts. Leaving her scales striped from thighs all the way to her neck. The princess panted low in her throat and pulled slowly at her bindings.

"S-sorry, My Lady." Justine began to undo the ties. First her legs, unlooping the cord from behind her neck so Isa could lay her legs down again. Then her hands, and finally her muzzle.

"That was..." Isa rolled off into a lazy purr. Her eyes scanned over Justine, the curtains that hung loosely from her bed, over to the mess on her own body, and then down. Wincing as she rubbed her own stretched labia. Justine's hand joining hers as they felt Turq's buried length twitch. "Heavens..."

"Above," Justine finished. "He's going to tear you in half."

Isa purred, "I know, it's wonderful isn't it..." Her fingers trailed up and gathered some cum off her own scales. "It's a very good thing you can't get me pregnant." She grinned, "Though I wonder how you're going to resonate as I become gravid." That made Justine's cheeks flush hot, a hand falling to her own stomach as she thought about how it'd feel.

Justine hadn't always been her maid, or a female. She'd been born male, but had resonated with Louisa from a young age. That resonance lead to a friendship early on in the nursery days. Then, with the help of some royal magic, had altered her body into what it was now. A near perfect mirror of Louisa's regal form. It hadn't mattered to Justine that she looked and even sounded like Louisa. What had been most important was that she could finally feel beautiful and be seen as the woman she wanted to be.

Of course the same magics that altered her form had also rendered her safe to be with Isa. Which was good because they had been exploring each other's body for ages. Fern found them once and teased her. _Of course you'd enjoy fucking yourself._He'd joked. She'd flicked his nuts with her tail pretty good next time she'd walked past. Payback and all.

"Justine, my dear Justine..."

"Yes, Mistress?" the maid perked up.

Louisa ran her finger over the maid's chin gently and purred. "Can you fetch me a towel." She looked up at the curtains, "And we'll have to get those fixed..." Down to the torn and mangled sheets, "and those..." Her gaze drifted down to her privates again. "While dealing with this..."

"Right away, Mistress."

---

"Oh it's good to be home," Fern stretched slowly and winced. "Oh look at that, Isa's coming down to greet us." He squinted and stood up in the saddle. "Whose that with her?"

Turq rumbled low in his throat, "Our first." He looked sidelong at his riding companions with a smirk.

"And second plus. How did you manage that?" A female Thorn rode alongside the two males. Her blue scales almost shining in the sunlight as she glanced at them. A wry smirk on her muzzle. "That little toy you kept cuddling up with?" Her words rolled with a rich accent and near growl as she sang the words, "Warming yourself at distant fires. How very Lily of you."

That made Turq cast a sidelong frown at Huntress. Who only grinned that much wider in return. "Be nice to her, Aeya. She is special."

"And she is my sister." Fern supplied, guiding his mount closer to Aeya. "She's going to annoy the hell out of you. I'll make sure to tell her to stay back, but no telling if she'll remember."

"I promise not to stab your sister. Hard." She watched as Isa bounced and waved, then held onto her gravid stomach with a wince. "Or too often." Aeya turned to look at Fern again. Then smiled to him and leaned in, nuzzling at his nose. Then bit it gently. "Well, on to..." she made a shiver, "civilization."

"You'll tolerate it and maybe, just maybe enjoy it."

Turq rumbled, "And go soft." The Thorn Hunter hopped off his mount and covered the last few steps to Louisa. He scooped up the hatchling with one arm and Louisa with the other. Both squealed, giggled, and clung to him.

Isa's gaze swept past up to Fern. "Hey there, Brother mine. How went the wilderness?" She looked at the Huntress who was gazing down at her. Nudged her veiled hood back a little, "Heya, who is this?" Isa leaned in conspiratorialy and mock-whispered, "Did you knock up a Thorn?"

Fern flashed a grin, "Louisa, meet the Wilderness. Well... This is a long story."