FSE

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“Sorry, but I don't sail, and I won't go through a swamp even if someone pays me." A grey haired man told Nathan.

“Thank you for your time then." Nathan gave a dejected sigh and walked away. 'That's the fourth person who declined to take me.' The human paused to think for a moment.

'Who else can I ask?' He cast his sight like a wide net across the dirt plaza of the trading post. The sights were nothing new or unusual. Different sorts of people were present ranging from tribal to more modern.

A male coyote from a nearby village only wore a simple loincloth, a pair of armbands, and necklace of a certain style that identified his specific village. Likely a courier from the leather bag he carried, the canine was talking quietly with a tribal red wolf from another distant village.

A pair of sailors at the recently constructed docks were unloading a heavy barrel from a ship while an older gentleman barked at the from above. However, the last brash captain he had asked to sail south, became far more timid at the prospect.

Close by, two men and a lynx were sawing part of a large tree trunk for a house under construction. A fourth person nearby was splitting wood to use in a fire. There was always something happening, whether it was a meeting, business, or construction. It wasn't a place for families to settle yet.

It was an odd zone that no one claimed. No tribe or village held the land, nor old world colonial group, and yet where so many peoples met and interacted.

'I wish I hadn't been given this assignment.' Nathan grumbled, wanting to spend more time with the Kwokwachai otter village, but it couldn't be helped since the trading company's officer left the previous day on official business.

'I am not asking them for help…' He watched as a rough looking pair of individuals passed close by him. A pine marten bearing a notable scar on his backside carried a hand axe; and a female rat whose clothes looked filthier than most rags.

'How should I handle this?' Nathan looked away and thought about what he should do. The human was left in difficult situation. Having reached surprising success with the Kwokwachai village, he had been given a new assignment. The human was to travel to the land south of the trading hub to an area that hadn't been properly explored for the forestry company. They had a monopoly on timber in the region, but it was difficult to exploit in unknown areas. He couldn't take a boat down the coast due to the rocky shoreline. Navigating in any vessel would've been difficult, if not dangerous. The thought crossed his mind to ask the Kwokwachai villagers he had just befriended for assistance.

'I don't want to ask for favors from her village like that, and it isn't their territory either.' He thought to himself. Traveling overland would've been the easier route, despite the wild terrain, but there was a sizable swamp between the town and stretch of land he had to reach. Even fewer knew how to properly navigate through the wetlands than the rocky shore for obvious reasons. The murky waters had a bad reputation for ghost sightings, dangerous animals, and hideaways for thieves. Nathan wasn't worried about the supernatural, but held caution for approaching unsafe areas.

'Is there anyone I can find who will take me down the coast or through the swamp?' Nathan thought to himself.

“Hey, I overheard you needed a guide to cross the swamp." A female voice spoke up from over his shoulder. Turning around, Nathan was greeted by someone who he had never seen before. Standing just a hair short than him was a female raccoon who wasn't wearing much at all above the belt.

He wasn't entirely shocked by the raccoon's dress or lack thereof since that was common in the area. However, she wore a unique hybrid of human clothing with anthropomorphic casualness. She wore a pair of rugged shorts held together by a sturdy leather belt which also carried a well sized machete. The only items on her entire upper body was a wide brimmed hat with holes for her ears, and a necklace with menacing teeth as decorations.

Her chest was completely bare leaving her fluffy light grey furred breasts in plain view, but she wasn't bashful in the slightest. If anything, baring them made her more confident judging by that tight grin she wore.

“Eyes up here." She gave more of a squint than a wink with her eye.

“Uh, um. Yes, I need to cross the swamp to the land on the other side." He was taken aback but kept his eyes level with hers for the most part. “I work for the commercial lumber company that has timber rights to this entire region for export."

“Sure, I can ferry you through the wetlands." The raccoon readily offered. “Of course, it'll cost a small fee."

“How much?" Nathan was almost ready to agree after having no offers at all. “I will need you to ferry me back as well."

“We can haggle as I take you to my dock." She waved for him to follow. He readily walked alongside her and left the plaza. They passed by a few smaller buildings and cabins along a dirt road that gradually winnowed down to a wide pathway. Once money was exchanged, she remained casual and didn't display any formalities like a seaworthy businessman.

“And your name is?"

“It's Tosca." She introduced herself and shook his hand. “Yours?"

“Nathan." The light grey furred hand and leathery pads felt subtly different than those of an otter.

“Nice to do business with you, Nathan." She grinned.

“Let me put a few things away before I go with you." Nathan quickly spoke. “I'm using a small cabin."

“Sure. I'll be down this way by the fence." She pointed. Nathan hurried back to his cabin and stowed away most of his extra belongings before leaving the trading post.

'This is perfect!' He remarked in his thoughts. 'I found someone who can take me, take notes of the land, and return by nightfall.' The human was eager to get through the swamp as soon as possible to complete his work for the next couple of weeks. Nathan followed the dirt path that had wheeled tracks from hand carts. The sound of birds chirping quickly drowned out the noises of manmade activity behind him.

'I think there was a little dock down here.' He looked around the forest with a vague sense of familiarity. There were very few docks along the wetland's waters for people wanting to catch some catfish or other aquatic life not found along the coast.

Nathan found the raccoon standing in the middle of the pathway with a hand on her machete wearing hip, and another resting on the fence post. The daring grin in her eyes and along her muzzle almost told its own adventure. Looming behind her were towering oaks decorated with Spanish moss, and other flora that created the dense interior forests. It almost seemed like she was gatekeeping an entirely untouched world.

'She is definitely the adventurous type.' Nathan noted to himself.

“So are you ready?" Tosca asked with a hint of enthusiasm.

“I believe so. Is your boat down this trail?"

“Yep. I've used the little dock down here several times before." She waved a hand for him to follow along the bend in the path. Sure enough, a little wooden dock stretched out from the overgrown sedge to where a small canoe was tied. A pair of dragonflies flew away as they walked onto the dock. The wooden boards didn't creak as their steps softly thudded over them.

“Hop on in, and I'll get it ready." She held out an arm. Nathan nodded and climbed down into the small canoe. He swatted away gnats as she knelt down and untied the rope, however, his gaze made contact with her naked chest more than once. She caught him looking with a single glance, but didn't object as the canoe was freed.

“Um. Are all of those alligator teeth." He looked at her necklace dangling along with her bare breasts.

“Yep." The topless raccoon grinned and touched a tooth. “They're all from the same gator." She jumped into the canoe, causing it to rock a little.

“Did you fight the alligator?" He looked at her skeptically.

“Yeah, but I had a friend help me some." She told him and grabbed her paddle. “It's dangerous to go through these waters alone." Tosca mentioned. “I know of someone who disappeared in this swamp not too long ago." Nathan frowned and didn't want to think about that, especially when he was going right through it! The raccoon's paddle glided through the surface of the calm waters with ease, allowing them to coast over at a good pace. Nathan looked over his shoulder.

In such a short amount of time the faint signs of civilization like the tiny dock disappeared entirely. Bald cypress trees towered high above blocking some of the sunlight from reaching the water level. It was difficult to tell where the forest had ended and the swamp began. It almost appeared as if both had merged together. Spanish moss draped from tree limbs of giant twisted oaks like clotheslines of shrouds or blankets.

The brackish water was dark with the exception of green algae resting on its surface. Whatever laid hidden below; reptilian monsters, various fish, or maybe just dead branches remained hidden from sight. Nathan preferred not to stare too long lest his imagination fill in the gaps.

The open waterways narrowed and widened constantly as she guided him through the swamp. What looked like a turn they could've taken may in fact have been a dead end. Fallen brush and tree limbs down to sticks occasionally obscured some areas or poked up from the water.

They passed by a blue heron standing perfectly still at the edge of shallower water, hoping to catch an unsuspecting fish. Wildlife was not always visible wherever he looked, but his ears were full of various bird calls, insects, and amphibians making their own choruses all at once. The gnats occasionally swarming around him weren't shy at all. He saw a ripple not too far away near some dense brush hanging over the water. However, the dark water became still once more as if nothing had been there all along.

“Are there a lot of alligators here?"

“You'll see one or two, but they're always in the water." Her answer didn't grant the human any relief.

'I'm glad she's guiding me through this place.' Nathan feared he would've been in greater danger trying to explore it on his own.

“Out of curiosity, are you a native?" Nathan asked. “There aren't any raccoons where I'm from, but I have heard of a village either inland or along the southern coast where some live in villages."

“I'm not interested in my family tree." Tosca stated. “From what I know, I am mixed. I never knew either of my parents very well." She explained. Nathan felt saddened knowing that she likely had a very difficult upbringing.

“Sorry for asking."

“You're fine. It doesn't bother me." She fell silent for a moment before turning and looking over her shoulder at him. “We will be landing up ahead right there." The raccoon pointed to a cleared spot.

“Perfect." He grinned excitedly. 'That couldn't have taken more than a single hour.' Nathan thought to himself as the canoe bumped into the muddy soil. He clamored out to jump into the dry land whereas the raccoon had no issue simply jumping into the water first.

“I'll stay with you so you don't get lost." Tosca offered and pulled her canoe ashore.

“Thank you. I appreciate it." He sauntered around the area and observed the trees in the immediate area. “The trees here are tall and healthy, but it is difficult reaching this area through the swamp." He thought aloud.

“How familiar are you with the area, Tosca?" Nathan turned and asked the raccoon lady.

“I know this small area fairly well." She motioned with a hand. “I can take you along a small trail."

“That'll work nicely." He agreed with a nod. “Thank you."

“Sure, no problem." The raccoon left the waterside and took him into the forest proper. The dappled sunshine that reached the forest floor glittered onto mossy tree trunks, small saplings and the like. The birds were largely quiet giving a more peaceful and tranquil atmosphere than the dark and mysterious swamp itself.

'There is a lot of good timber here, and no villages to haggle or be diplomatic with.' Nathan observed the towering trees above them. However, the sunshine unexpectedly opened up more as they walked. A fallen tree partially obstructed their view, but the large tree hadn't fallen naturally.

Nathan noticed it had been cleanly cut at its base, something only a metal two man saw could accomplish. A decent amount of sawdust was still visible on the ground too. It wasn't the only tree that had recently been felled either. Another large tree was also resting on the ground, cleanly cut like the first. Something felt very wrong to the human. There were no natives in the area that he knew of, so who could've done this?

“What is it?" Tosca noticed that he was observing the fallen tree carefully.

“We don't have logging camps in this region. We are contracting wood from the locals." He realized the lumber camp was illegal. Nathan looked over at Tosca, but the raccoon wasn't surprised by his realization in the slightest.

“Well I suppose you're the smart type who'd figure out what was going on at some point." She shrugged as a few people emerged from the surrounding thicket and trees. Nathan's gut tensed as a female rat, male leopard, and male pine marten approached them. The pine marten wielded a hand axe, the leopard carried a bayoneted musket, and the rat had a pair of pistols and a knife.

“You two… are from the trading post." He recognized the pine marten and female rat as the two rough looking individuals who had passed by him earlier in the day.

“He remembers us." The scarred pine marten grinned at his compatriots. Nathan froze up as a sinking sensation developed in his stomach.

“You'll be staying with us for a while." The female rat approached him. The human was taken down a worn pathway and into the proper camp where a pair of tents stood adjacent to a small bench alongside a fire pit that had been made.

“So he works for a company chartered to acquire lumber?" The leopard asked.

“That's what he told me." Tosca mentioned.

“Hmm. If I heard correctly, the agent who oversees that left recently by ship." The female rat mentioned.

“It may take a week or two before we hear anything back from them." Tosca forewarned her partners. “I can leave a note with an offer for his safe return early tomorrow morning."

“Yep, that'll be fine. He can stay here for the time being." The female rat nodded.

'I'm being taken prisoner for ransom?' Nathan remained wide eyed in disbelief.

“Should we tie him up?"

“No, he doesn't know how to navigate through the swamp." Tosca wasn't concerned. “He'd be lost without any of us."

“What about the cage we made? Do you honestly want him running around and potentially getting lost or killed?"

“I didn't suggest letting him roam freely, did I?" Tosca questioned.

“Duck or you'll have a tough time." The leopard grabbed ahold of the human's shoulder. He was forced into a wooden cage and sat down in the center. Looking up at them all, he glared at the raccoon.

“You bitch." Nathan murmured.

“I've heard that before." Tosca remarked causing the pine marten to chuckle. The rest of the group meandered away, but the raccoon lingered by the cage for another moment. She knelt down and looked directly at the human. Nathan didn't know what else to say with his stomach tightening up with knots. Not even her bare breasts or toothed necklace distracted him at the moment. He secretly wished she would just let him out and escape, or simply tell him it was a cruel joke. But she did neither.

“Sorry." She quietly told him so no one else could hear. “It's nothing personal." Tosca told him before leaving. Nathan felt his shoulders slump as he was left alone and completely empty. The sense of betrayal by Tosca made his blood boil, but there was nothing he could do about it. He was trapped with no escape in sight.

***

The minutes ticked by and then so did the hours into the evening as the shadows began to stretch long towards the east. Nathan stared ahead through the wooden bars hopelessly. He had tested the strength of the ropes binding the shabby cage together, but found that they were tight and unyielding. The bandits occasionally crossed his sight, but paid him no attention, and weren't seen again as the daylight began to fade. The forest around him might as well have been burnt entirely to ash.

'I shouldn't have been so eager…' The flickers of doubt and regret simmered in his mind, but it was pointless. A beetle mindlessly buzzed through his cage only to land on a blade of grass just outside the bars. The human only pursed his lips at the insects freedom of movement. It was the first time in his life he contemplated switching places with an insect.

Nathan blinked as he heard a couple of loud yells echo by. At first he was oblivious. Maybe one of them was bitten by a snake or had an argument. He knew that no one was rescuing him. Either way, he didn't care until the shouts grew closer.

'What is going on out there?' Nathan was alert as the argument became audible.

“Shut up!"

“You thought you'd slip away at night with what you've already pocketed?!" A female voice yelled. “And retrieve whatever you've hidden in a tree hole somewhere?!"

“That's a load of garbage and you know it!" Tosca shouted back at her accuser.

“You had a few nice coins in your pocket with-."

“Get off me you-!" Tosca fought back as soon as a hand grabbed her. His eyes widened in shock as the raccoon was restrained by the bandits. The raccoon struggled and spat many curses at her former friends, but Nathan watched as Tosca's hands were ultimately tied. Restrained, she was then taken to the cage where Nathan sat. The cage door flung open as the raccoon was pushed inside. They threw her hat and belt at her before leaving. However, her machete was missing. Nathan felt jarred as the bandits said a few more insults before walking away.

Tosca managed to sit up on her own after a moment. Bits of grass and dirt were lodged in her now disheveled fur. She was breathing heavily with a frustrated scowl across her masked face. In that moment he could have mistaken her for a beastly ghost or raging monster. However, she remained silent in her rage. Nathan didn't know what to make of what just happened.

'Now I'm stuck with her.' He closed his eyes and sighed.

***

It was almost pitch black, save for a distant fire the bandits kept alight in camp. However, the flames were low and small, only giving a faint glow against the blackest of shadows. The moonlight above was just as scarce as the silvery body hid behind still cloud cover. The endless chirps and croaks of crickets and frogs echoed all around them into the early night. Toads, bats, owls, and other aquatic life made the swamp a disorganized symphony of various voices. On top of all that was the soft pattering of a light rain.

Nathan's mind had been blank for much of the evening and night. He couldn't think partly out of disbelief, but also from the constant noise around him. The numbness kept him from despair and anger for the time being, but the anxiety kept him awake. Nathan looked at Tosca, laid on her side, possibly still awake. In a weird sense, Justice had been delivered since she brought him into the swamp, but it would've been better had the human avoided the encounter entirely.

'I wish I had known better, and stayed in the settlement.' He gritted his teeth knowing he couldn't undo the day's events. Nathan felt helpless.

'I was too confident after everything went so well the first time.' He started to fear this mistake could cost him far more than having to work for a chartered company as a 'commercial observer.' With an uneasy sigh, Nathan did his best to close his eyes and find some sleep. However, the soft sound of someone stepping onto soft grass and damp leaves caught his ear. A few seconds passed before it happened again. He looked around with wide eyes despite not being able to see very much. Turning his head, it came from the shadows, more closely now.

“Nathan?" A female voice softly whispered.

“Wh-what?" He barely whispered. 'Am I hearing things?' He didn't know what to believe at the moment. Another soft footstep sounded much closer before he knew someone was definitely there. Heart racing, he didn't know if it was a bandit playing tricks on him, or possibly even an alligator creeping towards him.

“Nathan?" He heard the voice more clearly and looked over to the side of the cage. A figure was kneeling beside him, pressed against the wooden bars. He turned and huddled to the side of the cage. A hand reached through the bars and touched him. Nathan quickly grasped back and felt a leather palm and short sleek fur.

“Talulla? Wait. You're not… Talulla." Nathan realized it was someone else.

“No. I'm her friend, Kisha. I followed you two from the trading village. You know how well otters can swim." She grinned in the darkness. “But I had to hide and wait. I saw what happened to you." Her gaze rested on the tied up raccoon close by who had begun to stir. Sitting up, Tosca looked at them both but remained silent.

“Thank you for following me." Nathan felt a wave of relief despite still being trapped in the cage.

“You'll be free in a moment. I will cut the ropes." She gripped his hand tightly before letting go. Kisha pulled a knife from the sheath on her lower leg and began sawing through the tightly knitted rope.

'Thank goodness. I can't believe it!' Nathan couldn't believe his luck. He was almost shaking from relief flowing through his entire body.

“So your friend is here to save you?" Tosca whispered from her corner of the cage.

“Huh?" Nathan had almost forgotten about the dubious raccoon.

“From an otter village?"

“Yes." He told her. The wooden cage shuddered as the first set of ropes were cut. The side bent away only slightly, but remained standing as Kisha worked on cutting the next section of rope. Nathan remembered that the raccoon's hands were still tied, and she wasn't the one being rescued. Yet, even as the second rope was cut, and the cage's side wall leaned more, she didn't sabotage their effort to escape. Tosca was the one responsible for this whole mess, and yet the situation didn't sit well with the human. He had to make a difficult choice.

“One more to go." Kisha whispered quickly and cut the third rope. It easily gave way within moments. The entire side of the cage suddenly fell down, freeing him.

“Come on." She grabbed his arm, but Nathan hesitated and looked at Tosca's bound wrists.

“Can you free her too?"

“What? She is not known for being an honest person." The otter didn't like his reasoning, but cut the rope around Tosca's hands anyway. This was no time to argue.

“Ah." The raccoon grumbled and rubbed her wrists. “Thank you." She exited the open cage with Nathan and stood up.

“Thank you." Nathan embraced Kisha.

“We need to leave-“ Her voice was cut off. They heard someone calling out in one of the tents.

“Check that…" Nathan heard those two words, but couldn't make out what else was being said. Adrenaline flooded his body, washing away any sense of relief he had felt mere moments ago. All three of them froze, but they only had a split moment to make a decision.

“I will stay back and distract them if I need to." She decided. “Go ahead."

“Thank you. If we get separated then meet up back at the trading post." Nathan suggested.

“Mmhm." The otter nodded before they split up.

“Follow me." Tosca hurried ahead of him. “My canoe should be where I left it." They walked as quickly into the darkness as they could. The light behind them had completely dissipated, but several moments later they heard a shout. The loud voices behind them were mostly drowned out by the loud insects and amphibians buzzing, chirping, and croaking all around them.

'I hope Kisha will be okay.' Nathan silently thought to himself but kept close to Tosca. Rushing past wet ferns and low branches, their steps softly squished in the soft soil below. It was impossible to run in the near total darkness without hitting something or potentially falling over. Nathan suddenly bumped into Tosca, and found that they had reached the water.

“Where's your canoe?" He looked at the edge of the dark waters.

“They must've moved it." She growled and looked around distraught for a moment. “We need to go this way then." The raccoon veered left and retreated away from the water's edge. Nathan followed her closely, but shortly thereafter the glow of a light caught his eye. Looking further back in the forest, he glimpsed two figures carrying lanterns. The glow from the lights flickered and moved, casting dancing shadows and silhouettes that distorted his perception.

“Tosca?" In the rush of fear, he had lost sight of Tosca.

'Where is she?!' He stepped ahead only for an arm to roughly grab him and pull him over behind a tree.

“Shh!" Tosca hushed the human and hugged him tightly to her front. He could feel her bare breasts and furry front pressed against his back, but now wasn't the time to feel bashful. Nathan clenched his teeth and silenced his breathing the best he could in such a tense moment. The insects and amphibians were loud, but his ears were nearly deafened by the pounding of his heart.

Nathan stood still with Tosca standing between him and the tree, unable to do anything except watch the lantern lights approach, bending and twisting the shadows around them. He looked down at their shadow, and realized that the bandits were gradually approaching them. Their voices were becoming audible as they neared.

“We can keep the human since he is worth a ransom, but I'm not keeping Tosca around even if Anya wants us to."

“Do you think they went through the water?"

“I don't know. She doesn't have her canoe. They could've split up."

“Maybe the alligators already found them?"

“There would've been screams and splashes." The male grumbled. “I think they're hiding around here." He reasoned. Nathan's heart sank as he watched the bright ray of light beside him. He made a silent prayer that hiding was their best option. They couldn't move now or else they'd be found instantly.

“I'm not sure…" A twig snapped as the two bandits came closer, and closer. Nathan held his breath as the light became brighter right beside him.

“I'll check every-." The male's voice was cut off as a loud snap of a tree branch far away broke through the humid air. Nathan's eyes darted around as the lights quickly moved around causing the shadows to distort.

'Was that Kisha?' Nathan silently wondered. The lights moved away and dimmed as the shadows twisted and returned. Gradually, darkness came back entirely and the sounds of their pursuers became silent once again. Nathan and Tosca waited a solid agonizing minute before releasing their pent up breaths. The raccoon loosened her tight hold around Nathan and cautiously looked around the tree.

“They're gone?" Nathan asked with a shaky voice, too panicked to check for himself.

“Yeah." Tosca was a little shaken as well, but remained firm. “But I can still see their lantern light far away. Let's keep going this way." She walked around him and carefully eased forward.

“Do you know where you're going?"

“Not exactly." She admitted. “But once daylight returns I'll have a better idea." Nathan was too jittery to complain, and said nothing. Heart still pounding, his focus was on returning to the trading post free and in one piece with her.

“If we get back to town alive then I will repay you." She admitted. “I owe you one."

“I'll keep your word." He intended to make the dubious raccoon keep her promise, although he wasn't sure how. Meandering around the foliage and careful to not to make any unnecessary noise, the pair moved farther away from the camp. They nearly had to feel their way through every step to avoid low limbs, spider webs, and wet soil.

“Let's rest here."

“Here?" Nathan glanced over his shoulder. “We're not far enough away. What if they come back?"

“Then we will have to hide. We're not getting outta this place in one night." She told him. “Besides, alligators are more active at night."

“What?" Her last words caused Nathan to freeze completely. He suddenly didn't feel very concerned towards the bandits, who at least wanted to keep him alive.

“Just sit down unless you're going to stand watch for them or the alligators." Tosca took a seat at the base of a tree.

“Okay." He sat down beside her on the gnarled tree roots with his damp clothes sticking to his skin. It was no less comfortable than sitting in a cage. Heart still racing, he found it difficult to relax even though he was utterly exhausted. Barely able to make out the outline of his own body in the darkness, the only way he knew the raccoon was still beside him was that their shoulders were touching.

“When will we move again?" He asked.

“I'll wake you early in the morning." Tosca told him. “Just be quiet so I can sleep. Nathan nodded and closed his eyes. It took a while simply to calm his own breathing. He wasn't sure how many times he listened for a suspicious sound through the darkness of buzzes, hoots, and croaks, but he managed to find sleep despite everything that had happened to him in a single day.

“Hey, wake up." A voice beside him spoke. Nathan's eyes opened almost painfully as he woke up from a short uncomfortable sleep. The human looked up and found Tosca standing over him. The raccoon's naturally masked eyes were looking directly at him. There was enough daylight to see her clearly, but it was very early in the morning.

“Wh-Huh?" He felt a little disoriented and wiped his face.

“We need to move. The sun is rising." She tapped him.

“Where's Kisha?" Nathan looked around but didn't see the otter anywhere.

“The otter? I don't know." She wasn't bothered by the fact. “But we need to get moving. It's early and they should be resting."

“Yeah, it is very early." He rose to his feet. The swamp was quieter than last night with the calls of birds overcoming those of insects and amphibians for the time being. The sound of a woodpecker drumming again tree bark echoed past them. It almost gave a peaceful atmosphere compared to the chaotic night. There was no sign of the bandits either.

“Come on." Tosca did not wait and led him through the forest. Everything from the trees to the ground had a darker appearance from the light rainfall. The humid smell of soil and wood made the forest feel very much alive in a sense.

“Did you sleep well?" Nathan asked and ducked around a spider web.

“Yeah, sorta." She didn't say anything more about it. They weaved around the trees, saplings, and occasional fallen log before soon reaching water, where the true wetland began. To their left was a somewhat wider stretch of water with a grove of towering cypress trees. The golden sunlight reflected off the misty surface, obscuring how far they could see. To their right, back towards the illegal lumber camp, the still watered strait was a little narrower.

Tosca waded to her ankles and peered around some dead brush along the water's edge. Her breasts naturally hung as if to check the water too. It would've been comical had their situation not become so difficult.

“It looks safe." The raccoon waded back to him. Nathan nodded and felt hopeful. However, Tosca unfastened her belt and pulled her pants down.

“What are you doing?" He watched as she folded her pants neatly in hand.

“We'll need to wade through the water and swim to make it outta here." The raccoon stood before him completely naked without any sense of modesty. Nathan was taken aback for a moment.

“I'm not going back to their camp just for a canoe, especially after what I heard last night." She spoke matter of factly.

“B-but, isn't there a way to walk-."

“No. Like I said, we will need to wade and swim. There's no strip of dry land leading back through." She was able to put her single garment under her hat and wear it normally without any problem. “Unless you want wet clothes and sickness, you'll need to hurry up and do the same." She turned to face the water, ready with or without him. Nathan didn't need to think his choice over and quickly disrobed.

“Where are we swimming to?" He folded up his damp garments.

“Straight across." She pointed to a flat space with a dense thicket and waded into the water. The waterway wasn't very wide, maybe fifteen meters or so.

“How deep is it?" Balancing his garments and shoes in one hand, Nathan nervously entered the dark water behind her.

“I don't know. Maybe chest or neck deep." She moved forward anyway. The water slowly rose as they quickly sloshed deeper through the soft muddy silt with every step. The water was warm but chills still crept up his body not knowing where he was exactly stepping below. His gaze kept looking to the right, wary of the bandits reappearing. He made a hasty sigh once the water reached his chest.

“There's a branch here." Tosca quietly mentioned as she went. Nathan felt it next and then they began to emerge on the other side. Tosca's once light grey and fluffy fur now appeared darker and clung tightly to her body. They kept their splashes as quiet as possible, but she quickly walked into the cover of the underbrush with Nathan following right behind.

'That wasn't too difficult.' Nathan breathed a sigh of relief and held his clothes close.

“Just one moment before we keep going." Tosca gathered some leaves and a few sticks. Nathan watched as the naked raccoon covered their tracks emerging from the water.

“Oh, good idea."

“In case they look for us this way."

“So there was no point in leaving a false trail?"

“Exactly. They know we have to escape by the water, and there wasn't enough time to do otherwise last night." Tosca explained. “Maybe that would've worked if you were escaping alone, but they know I'm gone so they won't fall for that. The best thing we can do right now is move and hide when needed."

“I don't have a problem with that." He stated.

“Good. Let's keep going." She stepped ahead into a patch of mud and short green plants. The cool mud squished under their steps with little wet slaps. They carefully avoided stepping on dead twigs and branches. They also maneuvered around saplings to avoid rustling leaves. A beetle buzzed overhead as they leaned forward and climbed over an old fallen tree.

'I can't see anything clearly.' He thought to himself despite the morning sun shining more brightly now. The thickets and trees all around kept them hidden very well, but it made spotting their captors and any other dangers just as hard to spot. Tosca led him to another waterway. As they emerged at the edge of the muddy shore, a small turtle entered the water and swam away. The reptile disappeared in a mere second. Tosca didn't waste any time and looked around for activity.

“Alright. We are crossing here as well." She decided despite the area being wider than than before.

“Okay." He carried his belongings above his head and waded behind her. Nathan sucked in his breath as they quickly sunk to their hips, and then their chests. A thin layer of green algae covered some of the still water's surface. He had to follow Tosca closely and feel ahead with every step through the silty muddy bottom. Glancing to the right, there were no signs of the bandits. Wading through neck deep water, he bit back a surge of fear that ran up his spine as Tosca swam a short ways ahead of him. The thought of drowning, being discovered by bandits, or attacked by an alligator.

“Don't go too far." With a shaky breath he kept going despite not knowing if she had heard him or not. There was some sense of relief as he saw her begin to emerge up ahead. Tosca quietly emerged on the other side, dripping wet, and he shortly followed suit. Nathan gave a sigh of relief and lowered his clothes to his torso. His arms had started to ache from holding them up. The raccoon looked over her shoulder at him only to give a second glance.

“What?" He noticed her eyes focus below his waistline, only to see her reach with a hand and pluck something off him. His brow furrowed as she held up a little leech before tossing it aside.

“Is that a-." He blinked in surprise. Nathan seized up as he saw another dark little leech stuck to him. Tosca quickly pulled it off without any trouble.

“Careful!" He hissed between clenched teeth and embarrassment. His face flashed red as Tosca had to look him over for any lingering leeches.

“You're fine." She reassured him. “Let me know if you get more of them. You don't want any blood in the water, or to get an infection."

“Thanks." He mumbled and followed her through the next section of dry land. Nathan followed the raccoon's cues and made sure not to step outside of where she had stepped. Ducking around low branches and stepping around fallen sticks was more difficult when his hands were full. The constant buzzing of insects and bird calls echoing around them helped to silence any noises that they made. The strip of land was bumpy but very narrow, and they soon reached the next section of brackish water.

However, the raccoon stopped before reaching the water. Tosca held out an arm, but Nathan didn't need any explanation why. His eyes stared unwaveringly at a scaly shape meandering through the dark water. A long snout, back, and undulating tail eased through the water. It was an alligator of unknown size, but it was bigger than both of them put together. Looking down at the ground where they stood, there was a combination of tracks leading into the water. Nathan felt a chill as he imagined the alligator entering the water moments before they had arrived.

“We can wait back up here." Tosca reckoned. “There's no need to chance this right now." The raccoon stepped back several paces where they could still glimpse some of the water from above. Nathan looked at the still water before easing back as well. They sat down at the base of a tree. Tosca took her hat off and set it aside for the time being. He watched a dragonfly fly around before landing on a small stone in the sunlight. A noisy wren made several calls above them before flying away to another spot.

Nathan used the brief moment of rest to look at himself and reflect on the situation. He was completely naked, half wet, dirty, and sitting on a strip of mostly dry land. Glancing to his side, he was also stuck with a raccoon lady who was in similar shape. Roughly mid thigh down her fur was still wet, but above it was half dry and spiked messily. She did not seem to mind in the slightest being so disheveled or naked in front of him. Moreover, Nathan couldn't entirely trust her, but he would have to rely on her to get back to town. They had become the unlikeliest of partners in a matter of hours. It was complicated to say the least.

'She's not like the otters from the village, but she's not quite like the people venturing from the seas.' Nathan couldn't help but think she would be much better at his job than him. The human's mind wandered to his experiences with the Kwokwachai otter village and the trading post. The thought of resting in a cozy little cabin within a short distance of the docks was more like having a pleasant dream at the moment. He ignored his growling stomach, but felt something crawling over his leg.

'Huh?' Glancing down, he found a few dozen black ants crawling on him. “Ah!" He jumped up and starting dancing around to shake the little insects off him.

“Hush!" Tosca stood up and started brushing his bare legs. Nathan calmed down and stepped away from the tree. He stayed quiet as she removed them from his backside as well.

“What's wrong with you? They're just ants." The raccoon gave him a funny look.

“I'm completely naked and if I feel something crawling on me…" He made an excuse but the look in her eyes didn't care in the slightest. “It could've been a snake…" Nathan breathed.

“You would've been petrified then." Tosca huffed and placed a hand on her hip. “I think enough time has passed. We will cross if the alligator is gone." She told him and walked back to the edge of the brackish water.

“Although if an alligator attacks, you might be able to run across the water." She half joked.

“I'm never coming back to this place…" Nathan muttered under his breath. His feet stopped just shy of the water. The steam from the early morning had dissipated and the sunlight was much clearer and brighter as well. They both scanned the water, but no suspicious ripples other than a few water insects caught their attention. There were no sights or sounds of anyone looking for them either.

“Okay." Tosca whispered and waded into the water first. Nathan followed directly behind her into a thin patch of reeds and lily pads. Once they were waist deep, there was a noticeable drop in the muddy bed below. Nathan carefully shuffled through the muddy silt only for something to bump into his shin with a fair amount of force.

“Gah!" He clenched his teeth to stay quiet.

“What?" Tosca stopped and looked over her shoulder.

“Something hit my-." He didn't finish as it hit again, nearly knocking him to the side. Nathan almost dropped his clothes, but a swift hand grabbed ahold of his arm. Tosca pulled him along and waded faster, not caring about the subtle splashes they made. The raccoon stumbled next, but Nathan helped push her forward. They emerged quickly with a few loud splashes, but in one piece. Nathan looked over his dripping wet body, but didn't see any cuts, leeches, or bites.

“It wasn't an alligator." Nathan realized, but was still confused.

“It was probably just a big catfish." Tosca guessed.

“Even the fish attack people here?" He was ready to believe anything.

“Sure, if you step in their nest."

“How do you know we stepped in a fish's nest?"

“When we walked into that dip about waist deep." She held a hand up to her wet side. “You can feel it once you notice it." Tosca explained before heading up the small embankment. Nathan followed her, thankful to still have dry clothes in hand despite dripping wet. The humid air became more present as mid morning transitioned to late morning. The sun had risen higher in the sky and brought warmer temperatures. Wading into water to cool off wasn't such an unpleasant idea.

They had been walking through the swamp for some time now, avoiding open spaces and large reptiles alike. Bending over, they ducked under a partly fallen tree. A small snake slithered away from them as they passed through.

'We must be more than halfway back.' Nathan thought to himself. The swamp looked the same wherever they went in his eyes. Although, he would've been completely lost without Tosca. The raccoon hadn't said much to him over the past hour or however much time had passed.

Entering a small thicket, Tosca glanced to her right and immediately dropped down onto a crouching position. Nathan followed suit.

“Stay down." She placed a hand on his shoulder. He didn't move and watched her eyes. The raccoon's masked gaze looked concerned, and her ears were attentive. Several seconds of silence ticked between them, but Nathan couldn't hear anything suspicious.

“Did you see them?" He whispered.

“I'm not sure. I thought I did." She lifted her head slightly to check again. “I can't tell. Stay still." She whispered. Nathan felt his heart begin to race. Whether or not someone was just out of sight, looking for them, it was a tense moment. The possibility was more than enough to scare him. There was no guarantee of safety even if they kept him for ransom. Knowing that something far worse would happen to Tosca made his skin crawl. Seconds ticked by before the raccoon relaxed somewhat. Moving carefully and slowly, she rose up enough to peek ahead.

“Okay." She sat down. “No one is there now."

“Thank-." Tosca and Nathan fell silent as they heard a rustling sound in front of them. Their eyes met once again, but both of them were confused. It didn't sound like footsteps, but something was very close to them.

“It's not your otter friend, is it?" She whispered. Nathan carefully leaned forward and peered through the gap in the brush.

'Is it Kisha looking for us?' The human hoped. Movement caught his eyes, but it wasn't an otter. A sudden noise erupted and an ibis flew directly overhead, startling them both.

“I guess not." He exhaled as they looked at each other. Tosca wiggled her nose only to half grin and look away.

“You had me worried for a second." Tosca admitted and rested an arm across her knee.

“I never thought you were the type to worry."

“Because I normally know what I'm doing out here."

'You never thought you'd be double crossed.' Nathan kept his thoughts to himself.

“How do you survive out here?" He asked.

“I told you yesterday that I have lived out here for a few years." She reminded him. “You adapt or give up."

“How did you end up working with those other four illegally selling lumber. I'm not surprised given everything that has happened, but why would you work with them?" He asked. The raccoon wiggled her nose before answering.

“It isn't easy making a living, or staying alive out here. Unlike the forest, the wetlands are completely untamed. It's a hostile place and there's few nomadic natives who live here. There aren't a lot of opportunities for me to choose between." She reminded him.

“That doesn't exactly answer my question."

“Eh. I feel accomplished being able to live on my own in the wild, but I know not everything I do is legal or good." There wasn't any pride in her voice, rather just a factly tone to it. “I'm not going to roll over just so a stranger can say that I was a good person." She wrinkled her nose at the idea.

“If anything else, you're an excellent survivor in the swamps. I don't know what I would've done without your help."

“We're not outta the swamp just yet." She stated and stood up before helping him up as well. The raccoon led him through more thickets on the leaf littered dry land, avoiding the main waterway just in case the bandits were prowling the area. Tosca often made winding paths that snaked along the ground to avoid making too much noise; it each step was one more closer to safety.

“Ah." Tosca suddenly halted as the next area of water became visible through the tree branches.

“What's wrong?" Nathan looked around.

“Nothing. Do you see that huge tree with the carpets of green hanging from its branches?" Tosca pointed up.

“Yes." Nathan nodded.

“That's an oak tree, and I use it to mark how far I am from my dock." She explained.

“How far away are we?"

“We are close." The raccoon faintly grinned. “We will make it back to the trading post this afternoon."

“Wow." Nathan breathed a content sigh. “How do we get back without a canoe?" He remembered the water ways being much wider.

“I have another way to get back." She told him. “We won't have to swim as much either." Tosca took him along the embankment towards their left. They walked carefully through the soft soil before wading through knee deep water. Up ahead, Nathan saw a stretch of reeds and sedge grasses covering much of the water's surface and muddy land.

“Are we going through there?" He asked.

“Yes."

“It's hard to see far ahead." He noted.

“That's true just about anywhere in the swamp." Tosca half joked as she waded through the water. “Hold up." She paused causing Nathan to nearly bump into her.

“What?" Nathan peeked over her shoulder. The raccoon pointed at a rippling shape in the water not far from them. The human looked closely and realized it was a snake gliding through the water. Whether it was poisonous or not made little difference to him. They remained still as it went by and disappeared from sight.

“Alright. Let's go." She told him.

'At least it wasn't an alligator.' Nathan thought to himself as they entered the dense reeds. Visibility dropped to only two or three meters at most despite the sun shining brightly above. The water was only knee deep or ankle deep most of the time, but the reeds, lily pads, and mud made it an effort to walk through.

“Are there any alligators in here?"

“Hopefully not, but look out for snakes." Tosca told him.

“Okay…" Nathan felt the tall blades of grass and leaves touching his bare skin and brushing around him as they carefully treaded forward.

'At least we can crouch down and hide easily here.' He kept that thought in the back of his mind as their footsteps continued making messy splotching sounds. The loud cawing of several crows called out above them, but Tosca didn't pay them any attention.

“We made it." Tosca suddenly told him.

“This is it?" Nathan blinked in confusion.

“Yep. We made it through the swamp." She emerged from the reed and tall grasses with him. Trees stretched out before them as they left the mud. The buzzing insects were mostly behind them and the chorus of chirping birds were more prevalent around them.

“But we are in the forest." He looked around and realized what she meant.

“We made it through the swamp." Tosca paused and turned to look at him.

“Are you certain?"

“Yeah. We are safe." Tosca reassured him. “This is a secret path that only I know about." The raccoon pointed at the leaf littered ground at the faintly worn trail. “It leads right to the trading post. The trees open up a short walk ahead." Her hand pointed ahead. Nathan looked over his shoulder at the tall grasses in partial disbelief. His mind was still trapped in the swamp.

“No more water to wade through?"

“No." She subtly grinned and shook her head.

“No more alligators, bandits, or poisonous snakes?"

“No."

“Can you wait for just a moment?" He used his shirt to dry his legs and waistline thoroughly.

“Sure." Tosca patiently waited with her hands on her bare hips as the human put on his undergarment, pants, and lastly his footwear. The raccoon remained naked since her fur would take a little while longer to thoroughly dry.

“Thanks." He resumed walking alongside her. Nathan felt reserved about the fact they had made it through the swamp in less than a day, because he didn't want to give himself unnecessary hope. Finding Tosca to guide him through the swamp; her sudden betrayal; the bandits betraying her; being rescued; and escaping the swamp had exhausted his spirit completely.

The trees were quiet as they crunched over last year's fallen leaves. The sounds of woodpeckers, chirping wrens, and the occasional cawing crow filled the air. But after a few twists and turns in the path, Nathan heard the sounds of someone chopping wood. Then the first buildings became visible. He really had returned!

“Thank you for guiding me out of the swamp." Nathan found it odd to say, but Tosca had ironically helped guide him to and from the swamp as originally promised.

“I guess we will part ways here." Tosca spoke.

“Not quite yet." His eyes cut towards her.

“Are you going to turn me in?" She calmly asked.

“Yes. You put me in this whole ordeal after all." Nathan pointed out.

“I should've guessed." She gave him a toothy grin. “But I was double crossed too, ya know."

“Yeah, I know what that feels like."

“Why did you bother freeing me too then?"

“I wasn't sure if you would scream out of spite so we would be captured again." He admitted. “There just wasn't enough time to think, but who knows what those thugs would've done to you had they captured you with tied hands."

“I'm not sure if I would've made it out by myself unable to free my hands." She thought aloud. “I'll repay you. You don't need to worry about that."

“You-“

“Nathan?!" A voice called out excitedly. The human's attention snapped ahead where a small group of four otters were standing at the edge of the plaza together.

“Talulla!" His eyes lit up upon seeing the familiar otter once again. They ran up to each other. The sleek naked otter only wore her usual thin necklaces and sheathed knife around her left calf. Three others ran over with her, but he recognized the second female.

“And Kisha!" He was equally surprised to see the otter who had rescued him. “You made it out of the swamp!"

“I made it out in the early morning since I couldn't find you." She quickly spoke. “I was afraid you had become lost." Her little round ears fell back guiltily.

“I was lucky to have Tosca lead me out…" He looked over, but the naked raccoon lady was no longer by his side. In fact, during all of the excitement, she had vanished entirely!

“Where did she go?!" They all looked around, but the cunning raccoon had truly disappeared.

“She's the one who led you into the swamp and turned you over to the bandits." Kisha added.

“Yeah, and then the bandits threw her in the cage as well." Nathan thought about it all but truthfully, he didn't care at the moment. If the deceptive raccoon never crossed paths with him again then that was just fine. He was happy just to be back in the trading post, safe and well.

“At least you're alright." Talulla placed a hand on his chest and smiled.

“I could use a good night's sleep." Nathan grinned. “I haven't slept much." He breathed a sigh only for his stomach to grumble loudly.

“You're hungry too." Kisha smiled.

“First, you will need a bath." She wrinkled her nose and stepped back. “Kisha, you and Chusi bring him some food. Hotah, you can help me prepare a bath for him."

“Thank you." Nathan embraced the kind otter who held onto him tightly in turn while, the rest smiled.

The typical darkness of night was countered by a clear sky and bright full moon. The silver glow of moonlight shined through the open window and into a cabin's small bedroom. The floorboards and bedside were illuminated by the celestial body. The croaking of frogs and soft chirping of insects hadn't changed in the past hours, but a pair of sleepy eyes pulled themselves half open.

Nathan had been stirred from his peaceful sleep after a few very stressful and eventful days. His body was exhausted still despite reaching a half night's sleep. A very subtle breeze made the curtains sway in a slow dance, playing shadows against the opposing wall.

'Did I leave the curtains and window open?' A blank thought rolled through his tired mind. He didn't recall leaving them open when he had gone to bed, but the human had been absolutely tired from his past ordeal. Traveling into the wetlands with a guide who double crossed him had proved to be one of the costliest mistakes he could've made in his young life.

'Thank goodness I'm in my bed.' He briefly closed his eyes and blew a sigh of relief. Nathan wanted the wild memories to feel like a distant dream than anything else. In the dark coziness of the cabin, he felt as though he had achieved some peace.

A floorboard suddenly creaked and movement at the foot of the bed caught his full attention. Movement made him give a second glance. He realized that it wasn't the curtain and instinctively remained still. Nathan began to wake up more and take in his surroundings. There was plenty of darkness of course, but the bright moonlight caused him to double guess. A living shape discerned itself. His heart quickened as he strained to see clearly. A light grey furred front was bathed by moonlight, giving its figure a silver glow. A “masked" face of black fur and alligator toothed necklace gave away the individual's identity immediately.

“Tosca?!" Nathan couldn't believe it was her.

“It's me, Nathan." The raccoon lady revealed herself and stepped fully into the moonlight. He started to move only to realize that one of his hands had been tied to the bed.

“What the!"

“I didn't want to risk you jumping up and fighting me." She admitted and stepped up to his side.

“When did you-?" Nathan was completely shocked.

“I've been here for a little while." The sultry raccoon calmly told him. “You really don't need to lock your door if your window can be opened from the outside." The gleam in her eye seemed to shine like the full moon. “I didn't want to wake you up either. You look peaceful when you sleep." Her voice softened up.

“How did you escape and why are you here?" Nathan demanded to know, but the raccoon wasn't quick to answer.

“You're asking a lot of unnecessary questions." Tosca huffed and placed her hands on her hips. “But do you think any man can keep me down?" She asked instead, but Nathan didn't have an answer for her. He glanced over her and realized that the lady was topless as usual. He watched as she bent forward some, letting her well sized breasts hang naturally in front of him in the moonlight. Her hands reached out and began grasping the covers.

“What are you doing?!" He felt her tug and reached down with his only hand to stop her.

“I'm repaying you." She swatted him away. “Just like I said I would when we left the wetlands."

“W-What?" He gawked at her in fear. Nathan thought back to how she double crossed him, and then she was betrayed by the bandits. They escaped together only for her to elude the authorities as well. It didn't exactly make sense given everything they had been through.

“You don't sleep with pants on?" She pulled the covers down and looked at him with mild surprise.

“Hey! What's wrong with you?!" He couldn't believe what she was saying and doing. “You don't even wear a top!"

“You never complained about that."

“Let me go!"

“Stop squirming. You'll hurt yourself." Tosca chided him. She stood upright once again and reached for her waist. Nathan tensed and wondered if she had obtained a new knife. Heart pounding, he couldn't see clearly enough. However, rather than pull out a weapon, the raccoon pulled her shorts down and slipped them off her legs. Surprised and confused, Nathan's mouth opened but no words came forth.

Tosca climbed onto the bed causing it to shift. Her bare breasts jiggled and shook from all the movement as she finally sat over his legs. Nathan worried as he was effectively pinned down. Tosca wasn't a heavyset woman, but she was tough.

“I've got you all to myself now." She whispered so softly that he could barely hear. Both warm hands settled on his rising and falling chest. A mixture of fright and impulse made him act.

“What are you doing to me?!" He grabbed one of her hands and demanded an answer. Tosca paused for a moment.

“Hard headed…" She blew a testy sigh past her lips. “Here's a hint." The free leathery palmed hand trailed down his naked front and into the path of curly hairs further below. Nathan squirmed to no avail. A grumbling hiss escaped his lips as she reached more delicate and sensitive flesh. His entire body tensed feeling her pet his flaccid length.

“What? You've never felt a woman's gentle touch before?" She teased without stopping.

“N-not this way." He breathed and felt his length start to grow between her dextrous fingers. Nathan wiggled his hips as a jolt of pleasure shot up his back.

“You'd buck like a wild animal if you weren't kept down some." Tosca grinned.

“You're not exactly a-a gentle woman either." He huffed and felt his entire length pulsate in her warm grasp.

“Hmm. Your body begs to differ." She half grinned and released him to look at her handiwork. His length was standing up straight, hard and firm, throbbing in time to his excited heartbeat. Nathan expected her gaze to be lustful, oblivious, or even crazy; but the raccoon lady had an atypical softness in her eyes. It was almost caring and loving, catching him completely off guard. He let go of her other hand, and allowed her to do what she wished. If she wanted to harm him, then there was no way he'd be able to stop her.

“I can't believe you broke in to do…“

“You?"

“Eh. Well… this." He mumbled only to shudder as both of her hands lightly stroked the top side of his erect length. It was difficult to focus when he had been jolted awake, and now effectively pinned with a busty raccoon sitting atop him.

“Don't act all modest after everything we've been through. Just relax and enjoy yourself." She told him.

“Ngh. Is this how you always repay your debts? Like a hussy harlot?" Nathan challenged.

“This is the first time I have been in debt." She reassured him. “And I'm not one to loosely handle money either."

“Maybe a money debt would've been easier to pay back." He grunted.

“You better enjoy this. I've never offered myself to anyone before." She gripped the base of his length and gave a tight squeeze.

“That's sounds like a warning." He grunted.

“It is." She stated and rose up onto her knees. “Don't take it lightly." Nathan glimpsed the subtle dampness of her sex in the moonlight. The thought that she was enjoying herself simultaneously frightened and excitement him. Scooting forward slightly, Tosca positioned herself above, and Nathan braced himself as his length throbbed heatedly in anticipation. She slowly lowered her hips, but her soft downy fur brushed against his sensitive skin causing his length to jump in front of her.

“Help guide me." She grunted. “I can't see." Tosca moved a leg for moonlight to briefly shine into his groin.

“Alright." He held the base of his member. “I guess I'm guiding you now."

“Pff. Just this once," She huffed and steadied herself before lowering down once more. A kiss of heat brushed against his tip causing his length to twitch, but then the slick heat enveloped him. Pushing down with ease, every inch glided inside her.

“Oohh." They said in unison as their hips snuggled together. Her weight settled on him, but it wasn't overbearing. Nathan was trapped with a beauty atop him. He silently bit his lip as Tosca shifted her hips. Even the subtlest of movements felt very pleasurable.

“Feel nice?" She asked.

“Y-yeah." He closed his dry mouth. Nathan could feel his entire length pulsating inside her hot sex.

“Good. I'm going to enjoy myself tonight, so don't make me feel alone up here."

“What does that even mean?"

“Look. There's a reason I only tied up one of your hands." She gave him an almost nervous smile and shook her upper body temptingly at him. Nathan felt himself blush from her words and the lovely shake of her bare breasts. Joined together at the hilt, he certainly wasn't going to buck her off anytime soon… although there'd be a lot of bucking to come. He gave in to her lustful words and reached up to the first spot he wanted to explore, those lovely breasts of hers.

“Every man eyes them." Tosca hummed jokingly as Nathan brushed the bottom of both, causing the soft masts to gently squish and move.

“How many get to touch them?"

“Only the ones who want their hands cut off by my machete." Her words chilled him, and it wasn't simply the passing breeze ruffling the curtains.

“Guess I'm lucky you didn't bring it."

“I'd say you are." She softly sighed and watched him softly grope the left and then the right. Tosca knew just how much he was enjoying it by how he was throbbing inside of her. Given the position he was in, Nathan didn't feel rushed and savored the moment he had to touch the rowdy woman. Both of her lovely breasts covered in light grey fur was soft and warm to the touch. Her nipples were already taut and impossible to miss as his palms liberally rubbed over them as well.

However the human's focus wasn't in one particular spot. His hand wandered from the softness of her chest and traced down her side. His fingers ruffled through the soft darker grey fur before trailing back up. Her bushy ringed tail curled up beside a leg.

“You know how to caress a woman well enough." She hummed appreciatively and arched her back for him to explore her lovely curves.

“I can do better with both my hands." He mentioned.

“Nice try." She grinned and made no move to free his bound wrist.

“It was worth a try." He mumbled and took his time feeling over her hips and then a thigh. After giving a few rubs, his hand brushed over her groin. Hidden from the direct moonlight between her thighs was where their sexes were intimately joined together. Her labia was open, and wrapped around the base of his length in a deep “kiss." It was a subtle pass, but Tosca clearly felt it.

“Mmm." She hummed and gave a brief yet noticeable shudder. “I might actually pay you if you rubbed down my whole body like this." She spoke with a hasty sigh.

“In your dreams." He targeted the spot at the top of her sex and received another response from her.

“Ahh!" She sang like an angel. Using his thumb, Nathan stimulated the spot by rubbing in tight circles.

“Uuuggh. Yeah." Tosca groaned in delight and tilted her head back. Seeing the normally tough raccoon so enthralled from such simple touches and caresses aroused him. She rolled her hips and leaned back onto her hands while he continued pleasuring her.

“Ooooh. Mm!" She struggled to stay still as her hips rotated. It felt just as good to Nathan as she squirmed and slowly twisted on top of him.

“Oh! Right there!!" Her voice nearly yelled as she pulled forward and tightly gripped his upper arm. “Mmmm!" Her fingertips dung into his skin, giving the human a sharp dose of pain. Her claws weren't simply pretty and just for looks. Nathan stopped and pulled his arm away.

“Careful with your claws, or I'll buck you off." He warned, but the raccoon wasn't in the mood for threats. Deeply breathing, she was hot and bothered with her ears splayed out.

“I'd like to see you try." She challenged with her lips parted in a wide grin. Nathan blinked in surprise as she began rocking her hips, gently grinding herself onto him. The gliding motion of her walls against his length felt sinfully good. He met her grinding rhythm with quick rolling thrusts of his own. Otherwise, all Nathan could do was hold on tight. Panting filled the small room and the bed creaked to the tune of their combined movements. A slick wet slapping sound was muffled between them, but the pleasure rose with every move.

Throaty growls and cries suddenly erupted from her like a banshee. Tosca fell forward and gripped his pillow tightly. Even in the moonlight the passion was etched firmly into her face. Her heavy breasts bounced and shook above until Nathan grabbed ahold of them.

“I'm so close!" She hissed through clenched teeth. Nathan barely heard the raccoon through his own heavy breaths, creaking of the bed, and motions of their bodies.

“Ah… Ah!" Her voice rose in orgasmic agony. Short little gasps pierced the heated air as her body slowly shuddered. Through the blur of it all they both came with equal force, sending them both into a blissful haze together. Her head hug low, nearly touching noses with the human. Nathan felt her hot breath all over his face like steam. However, he was hardly in a different state. His own body was spent and jittery after everything, but the feeling was indescribably wonderful.

“I… ugh…" Tosca lifted her rear up for him to slip out, but her arms didn't budge. It was almost as if she was stuck now, but from pure bliss.

“Just lay down already." He pulled her rear down, and she finally relented. Fur collided with skin as the busty raccoon laid halfway on top of him. The sheets beneath him felt hot like coals in a dying fire, but it didn't matter. Everything felt too nice to complain. Her fur was very soft, and he brought a hand around her to rub her back. The body warmth between them felt cozy and well earned. Tosca caught her breath and nuzzled her shoulder.

“N-not bad for your first time." She breathed and made herself a little more comfortable, but didn't roll off him.

“Who said-?"

“Your first time with me." The raccoon clarified. Nathan blinked without a retort and closed his eyes. For some unknown reason, after everything they had been through, it just felt right. He felt one of her hands hold onto him loosely while another traced over his chest.

“I have a lot of questions to ask you." He breathed.

“They can wait till morning." She whispered and patted him before laying still. “That was great, and I'm tired now." All of the energy he spent making love to her took its toll, and the human felt completely worn out all over again. It was too difficult for Nathan to keep his tired eyes open. Loosely holding onto the buxom raccoon lady, he fell back asleep.

“Ugh…" Nathan's eyes squinted tightly shut as a bird loudly chirped near the open window. The echo of a woodpecker farther away rang loudly in succession. The human started to turn onto his side, but his muscles gently ached as soreness afflicted some of his joints. His hips in particular gave him a wince of pain.

“Hmm." His eyes peeked awake as he remained on his back for the moment. Resting both hands on his chest, he breathed a satisfied sigh only to quickly realize something was out of place.

'My hand!' He grabbed his freed wrist. The rope had been cut and the raccoon was nowhere to be found. The space beside him was open with faint strands of fur as the only evidence of an unexpected late night guest. Nathan felt the covers beside him and found that a little warmth still lingered on the surface.

'She's gone.' He blinked and thought over last night, knowing full well that it wasn't a nightmare or hallucination. The human's cheeks warmed slightly at how she had approached him and been so matter of factly about it all. She was daring even in the middle of the night.

'I wish she had stayed for the morning.' Nathan rose to his feet slowly as joints crackled and popped like wood in a fire. Soreness flared up only to settle down as he stretched a little bit. Another bird chirped loudly outside his window, drawing his attention outside. Out of curiosity, he crept towards the window and pulled the curtains open. He peered outside and saw a small bird fly away, but didn't see a soul lingering by the cabin.

'I suppose she really left.' Disappointed that she hadn't stayed for the morning, he sauntered back to get dressed.

“Why am I feeling sorry? She double crossed me for ransom and then tied my hand up…" Nathan's voice trailed off. He wasn't sure what to feel anymore after last night.

'She'd make fun of me for all this.' He thought to himself and made the bed before finding his clothes folded up on a small stool like usual.

“What's this?" He found a folded piece of paper underneath his pants along with a few coins that had once been his. A note had been scrawled out onto a wrinkled piece of paper, but it was legible.

'It wasn't easy leaving money or a warm and loving bed so early in the morning, but I had to be somewhere else.' It began with a sad sounding tone.

“That doesn't sound like Tosca at all." Nathan whispered quietly under his breath, but continued reading.

'I regret putting you through everything, but I had a good time in the end. And if you want to meet again in a neutral place and talk things over or say a proper farewell, then I'd oblige your request. I'll return the rest of your money too. You know where to find me: downriver on the right bank's path naturally.' Her initials were marked at the bottom. He read the note again with his clothes in hand, his mind wandering how she truly felt while writing it. Whenever Nathan met her, it was always trouble, but at least it had ended well on each occasion.

'Is it worth getting tangled up with her again?' He looked back at the bed and asked himself. The image of the buxom raccoon wearing only a wide hat, alligator tooth necklace, and pair of khakis came to mind. There were several questions that he wanted to ask her, and there was only one way to find out…