FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The sounds of a village in the evening can be described as calming, at least for the figure making their way through the light crowd. Standing below eyeline for most, the cloaked figure quietly perused the few shops still open in the market. Stopping at a stall filled with a variety of produce, a scaled hand reached out. Deep purple scales almost seem to meld into the shadows under the figure's cloak, contrasting the yellow fruits they pick up. Holding them up, a quiet exchange is made, before a few coins are handed to the older dragon running the stall.The fruit quietly tucked into a side pouch on the figure's pack, before the figure slips back into the crowd. The dragon gives a slight chuckle at the sight, shrugging some as he slips the coins into his pocket.

As the evening progressed and the market died down, merchants started packing things up. Routine patrols of guards picked up as goods were carted out. The older dragon had a single box that he was loading the remainder of his produce into. Taking his time, he'd smile and converse with some of the others as they were heading out. Noting the patrol heading down the main row, he shifted his box a bit. Nodding to the other few left packing up stalls, the older dragon knocked the box over with a shout.

Hart & Hearth inn sat in the heart of the village. The smell of freshly cooked food mixed well with the boisterous laughter and conversation that filled the common area. The buck at the front counter smiled as nodded to the wolves who stepped away from the counter, key in their paws. "You gents have a wonderful stay, if you need anything remember to find the Hart at the Hearth." He didn't immediately notice the figure move up to the counter after the wolves. Blinking, he leaned forward a bit to look over the counter. "Evening there young'n, something I can help you with?"

"I need a room for a couple nights," the figure responded, hood being pulled back to reveal the purple scaled reptilian underneath. Sharp emerald eyes shooting a bit of a glare up at the buck. "And I'm probably the same age as you." He nearly chirped at him. Hand reaching into the pouch at his side, before he stretched up to set an assortment of coins on the counter. "Believe this is enough for a couple nights with meals?" Brow raised, the buck took the coins.

"Don't get many reptiles up this way this time of year, first snow's on the horizon," the buck stated, counting and checking the coins. "What's your business up here?"

"Traveling and seeing the world. Plus I can't pass up a real bed for a couple of nights." A small smile spreads across the reptile's snout. "One of the nicer inns I've been to, can definitely tell the hart has a good heart."

"Yea, well that's mostly 'cause of the boss in the back," Giving the small reptile a stern glance. "Any funny business and you're out of here." The warning accompanied the key being handed over. "Room's at the top of the stairs, second on the right."

"Shouldn't even know I'm here. When should I be down for dinner?"

"Probably half an hour or so."

With a nod and a thanks, the reptile headed off to his room, his smile fading a bit as he noted a lack of friendly reminder that the wolves before him had gotten. Returning to the common area a short while later, the reptile had changed to something less road traveled. The simple brown and gray clothes let the purple of his scales stand out a bit more. Making sure that the innkeeper saw him, he found a seat at a lone table near the middle of the room. Needing to sit on his tail to get enough height to sit properly at the table, he was focused on getting it in a comfortable position, not noticing the feline sitting across from him.

"Don't get many kobolds in these parts," a deep, rumbling voice said, startling the small reptilian.

"No, I imagine not," the kobold responded, turning to look at his new company. Taking in the sight of the tan furred feline sitting across from him. "What can I do for you, mister puma?" Emerald eyes watching the feline cautiously, though the scaled snout bore a smile.

"Really aren't from around here, are ya?" The feline chuckled, "Wish more people would say puma, cougar just doesn't sound as kind." Leaning back a bit, the feline smiled at the kobold. "Just curious what brings you here. Not much here for someone seeing the world."

The kobold sat quietly for a couple minutes, thinking about the question. "Still quite nice here. Never been one for big cities, too much packed into too little area."

"I can imagine," The feline takes a quick sip of his drink. "Though where are my manners? My name is Gavren, friends call me Gav."

"Tet," a soft nod, "or Tetz, usually pending the level of anger saying the name."

"You get a lot of anger saying your name?"

"Depends on how they perceive small reptiles from out of town." Sharing a few more words, the duo are interrupted by a wolfess carrying a mug and a bowl.

"Gavren, are you bothering our guests again?" She remarked, giving Tet a smile as she set the food down.

"He's being rather nonbothersome, Ma'am," Tet said, "And thank you." He let out a soft chitter-like noise as he looked in the bowl, smelling the fresh stew.

"Hope this is alright, not quite sure what your diet would be, but most of our reptilian guests eat meat. If not, I can get you something more appropriate."

"This will be excellent, thank you."

"Thank you, Heather." Gav said, getting a chuckle from the wolfess.

"Just make sure to keep out of trouble Gav," she said, giving the feline a stern look. "We don't need your father coming in here to yell at us again, because you got yourself in trouble again." Before he could respond, she turned to Tet and smiled. "If you need anything, let me or my husband know." She quietly padded off, heading to check on other guests.

"Get into trouble often?" Tet asked, noting the feline's friendlier attitude gone, the feline staring at his drink, ears lowered some.

"Think I'll leave you be, let you enjoy your food."

"More than welcome to stay," Tet remarks, "from one friendly troublemaker to another, you're pretty good company." Smiling as he saw a slight raise from the feline's ears. "Smaller towns and villages like this usually have work more to my abilities. Usually stay a day or two, do some work where I can, then head out."

"So, you're a mercenary?" Gav asked, slowly turning to sit back down.

"Not really, I try to avoid fighting as much as I can."

"Shame, we could use the help of some. Been some bandits causing problems in the area."

"Bit too cowardly to help with that." Tet smiled some, "Though I do know some that might be able and willing to help. Can get a message sent out to them."

"That's understandable," Gavren sighed, "I wish I could help but fath.."

The sound of shouting and a clash of metal outside cut off all conversation in the inn. Some of the patrons got up, going to the windows to look outside. "Shit, they've got Willard." A voice spoke above the crowd of murmurs.

"Father?" Gavren quickly got up and made for the door. Anger and fear melting to just fear at the sight he beheld. An older puma held by his throat, feet off the ground, sword held to his chest. The older feeling squirming and doing his best to break free. The one holding him, the older dragon, chuckling as he watches the feline squirm. As soon as they saw movement from the inn, their attention turned.

"Gavren, Run!" The older feline coughed out.

Stood frozen in fear, Gav trembled, trying to process what was happening. Seeing guards at a standoff with others, weapons clashing, the fear in his father's eyes, and the glee on the dragon's face, he let out an angry snarl. He ran, putting as much fury and anger as he could into charging the dragon. "Let him go!" As he lept, fist punching forward, a loud crack could be heard, as the flat of the dragon's sword hit the feline in the side of the head, sending him backwards, crumpling to the ground.

"Any other brave ones?" The dragon asked, rumbling a chuckle. "Hopefully the rest of them aren't as stupid as that one." He glances at the older feline, listening to him wheezing as that grip tightens. "You, boy." He says, pointing his sword at the figure of Tet emerging in the doorway. "Get that rope over there and tie the kid up. Bet he'll be worth a good ransom."

Shivering, Tet's eyes were on Gav, the feline motionless on the ground, save for the labored breathing, blood running down from his temple. Feeling the eyes of everyone in the tavern on him, he stepped forward.

"What are you waiting for? Do it!"

Tet quietly grabbed the rope that he was told to grab, before stepping out onto the street. Those emerald eyes meeting a fearful blue pair as he approached Gav. A single tear slid down the kobolds snout as fear filled him.

"I told you, Willard," The dragon snarled, looking back at the older feline "this is what happens when you cross us. " The older dragon chuckled as he watched the feline squirm more, though his eyes were not on the dragon. A flash of blue, followed by the loud crackling boom filled the square. The dragon, knocked back with a cry of pain dropping the older feline, looked to see the angry kobold electricity bouncing between his fingers before his head hit the ground, sending the world into darkness.