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Hejira: Crystalline Hall

By Mantrid Brizon

Episode 11: Trouble In Paradise

Gareth wakes the next morning; he slowly opens his eyes as a gently breeze flutters the sleeping bag which covers him. He lies flat on his back with his head resting on his makeshift clothes pillow. Kahlera sleeps peacefully, tucked underneath his arm with her head on his shoulder and her snout buried in his pectoral muscle. Her leg drapes over his, with her knee resting between his legs, while her tail stretches across her hips and over his pelvis. Her hand rests on his torso as she holds him close, like a child with a teddy bear. He looks down at her and smiles, watching the cat girl sleeping peacefully.

Sunlight beams down, warming his skin as Kahlera shifts. She slowly opens her eyes and yawns. Gareth reaches down and gently moves her bangs from in front of her eyes. She looks up at him and smiles, her golden eyes gleaming brightly. He reaches out and gently taps a finger onto her pink nose as she curls her fingers, gently scratching his bare chest with her claws. As they gaze at each other, she suddenly seems surprised, as though she has just awakened from a dream, and doesn’t know where she is or what she is doing.

She bolts up, tossing the sleeping bag off her body. Looking down, she realizes that she’s topless. Her full breasts show openly, covered in only the soft white fur of her body, matching her belly. She quickly covers her chest with her arms as she scrambles around, looking for her clothes. She finds her top and quickly covers her chest, tying the cordage behind her neck and mid-back. She stands, but isn’t wearing her skirt either. The white fur reaches down, covering her groin and inner thighs. She reaches down to cover herself with her hand while she looks for her skirt. She can’t find it anywhere.

“Over here.” Naomi calls out.

She holds up Kahlera’s skirt with one hand, pinched between her thumb and index finger. She sits with her back facing the lovers. Kahlera walks up and takes the skirt from the girl, wrapping it around her waist and tying it above and then below her tail. Gareth slips on his underwear and pants, buckling them before he slides his belt through the loops. He looks for his shirt, seeing it sitting far on the other side of camp. Perhaps the wind had blown it there? He gets up and puts on his boots before walking over to his shirt, sitting near Naomi. He reaches down and picks up the shirt.

“I am going to check the snares.” Kahlera says.

“I’ll go with you.” Gareth chirps.

“No… You stay here… I will be right back.” She quickly replies in a stern voice.

“Uh… Okay.” Gareth replies in surprise.

He’s quite confused. As Kahlera walks away from him, he can’t help but stare. He wonders why she is suddenly uninterested in spending time with him. He frowns and sighs. Naomi turns back to him, seeing the deep scratches on his back and shoulders. She blushes and quickly turns back away. Gareth slips on his orange t-shirt; he winces as the shirt slides over the red claw marks. He collects Vetra from near his sleeping bag. He sits down next to Naomi; they remain silent for a moment.

“Hey… I’m uh… I’m sorry you had to see any of that.” Gareth apologizes to Naomi.

“Copulation is natural and healthy.” Naomi replies.

“I just want to make sure that you’re alright. I don’t want to scar you for life.” Gareth smirks.

“Nothing that I cannot overcome, but are you alright?” Naomi asks as she turns to him.

“I don’t know… I guess.” Gareth begins.

“How do you not know?” She questions him.

He takes a deep breath and sighs.

“I think I was expecting this morning to play out a little differently…” He answers.

“What do you mean?” Naomi raises an eyebrow.

“You know… Happier, and less like she had made a mistake.” Gareth explains.

“Perhaps she is adjusting. I highly doubt it was purely impulsive behavior.” Naomi assures him.

Gareth drops his head and laughs.

“What’s so funny?” She tilts her head in confusion.

“Instinctive behavior dominates the subconscious; pure impulse is a damn powerful force. It often makes you do things that logic says you shouldn’t. You might be too logical to understand.”

“You think that I am wrong?” She asks, offended.

“Possibly.” He mutters.

“Possible, but improbable.” Naomi quips.

They sit there for a few more moments. Gareth unloads Vetra and seems to play with his sidearm, pointing at several trees and spinning the Glock on his left index finger. He notices his tactical light is dimming; he quickly swaps the batteries for a fresh set. After waiting a while for Kahlera, Naomi and Gareth begin cleaning up the campsite, leaving only enough supplies to cook breakfast. As they build a new fire, Kahlera appears from the woods, the snare wires bundled in one hand and a large hare in the other, already skinned and cleaned.

She sets the rabbit down and cuts off pieces, adding water to the small cook-set that Gareth owns. Kahlera makes a rabbit stew, adding bits of leftover deer jerky, wild berries and edible grasses. Gareth tries to talk to her, but she ignores him. She stares straight ahead like a shell-shocked veteran, as though she is very deep in thought. She makes a strange red tea from herbs and a dried mushroom cap that are stored in her medicine pouch. She mixes the tea in a wooden bowl and brings it up to her snout. She sniffs it, then blows on the tea to cool it down.

“What’s that for?” Naomi asks her.

“It prevents pregnancy.” Kahlera casually replies.

She brings the bowl to her lips; Naomi watches inquisitively, while Gareth’s face flushes as red as a stop light. They eat in silence before throwing dirt over their small fire and collecting their packs. Kahlera leads the way back to the road. Without a word, she begins walking, not even waiting for her companions. Naomi and Gareth both rush to catch up to her. Gareth walks close to Kahlera and leans in.

“Are you alright?” He quietly asks her.

“Fine. Why?” She replies in a dry monotone.

“Because I care about you.” He answers.

“Do you?” She murmurs.

Her words cut him deep inside. Her golden eyes glance at him. His concern is sincere, but she looks back to the road. They continue to walk in silence. Hours pass. They stop only for short breaks, and to fill their canteens near a small stream that appears beside the road. Sometime during the early afternoon, they see a figure lying alongside the path. They all stop as Gareth draws his sidearm. He holds Vetra before him, gripping her tightly with both hands. They slowly approach the motionless being.

Lying on the ground, and covered in bloody wounds, is an unconscious Sahvorai male. Gareth looks around, expecting an ambush at any moment. Kahlera looks over the Sahvorai, but doesn’t recognize him. He appears as a rabbit, with thick brown fur, long and wide ears that come to sharp points, and a short, fluffy tail. She rolls his body to check the extent of his injuries. The wounded Sahvorai groans, barely conscious as he slowly opens his eyes. Kahlera notes how his injuries have already started to fester.

“There is nothing I can do for him… We better keep going.” Kahlera says.

“What, and just leave him here?” Gareth asks, jarred by the suggestion.

“And what would you have me do?” Kahlera growls as she glares at him.

Gareth doesn’t have an answer for her. He looks down at the man and feels horrible; no one should die alone. He kneels down by the man and rests a hand on his shoulder. The man opens his eyes and begins to speak.

“Five… Humans… They…” He chokes out.

“It’s alright. Don’t talk.” Gareth says softly to the man. “Don’t you have anything to ease his pain?” He turns to Kahlera.

She stares silently back at him.

“Attacked me yesterday… Went south… Be careful.” The Sahvorai continues before passing out.

“It sounds like you took care of them already.” Kahlera comments.

Gareth looks at the Sahvorai. He can’t fathom what he has been through. He must have been laying there, bleeding and suffering, for nearly 24 hours.

“We should keep moving.” Kahlera says. “More raiders might be near.”

“We’re safe.” Gareth assures her.

“This man is going to die, no matter what we do.” She adds.

“Well he shouldn’t die here alone!” Gareth barks at her.

“Easing his pain would be a waste of resources.” Kahlera continues.

“Then let’s just stay with him until he passes.” Gareth poses.

“You cannot save everyone, Gareth.” Kahlera says.

“She’s right. We need to keep going.” Naomi agrees.

He is appalled by their coldness; Naomi especially surprises him. He realizes that they are correct, but can’t bring himself to simply walk away from the dying man. Gareth reaches out with his right hand, taking the man’s hand in his. He draws Vetra with his left hand and rests the barrel over his temple.

“I’m sorry.” He whispers before squeezing the trigger.

Naomi turns away, but Kahlera watches. He fires a single round into the man’s skull, ending his suffering in an instant. Gareth drops his limp hand, collects his spent shell casing, holsters Vetra, and slowly stands. He stares at Kahlera with fiery eyes. She is taken back by his furious glare, and quickly steps aside. Gareth moves past her and keeps walking down the road. The girls quickly follow. They walk until twilight, before gathering firewood and setting up camp just inside of the woods. Gareth sits at the edge of their camp and looks towards the road, keeping a vigilant watch.

Kahlera sits with Naomi as she stokes the fire, adding a few more logs. They crackle and snap as the fire grows taller and brighter. She leans close to Naomi, surprising her.

“Earlier today…” Kahlera pauses. “Is he always so passionate?”

Naomi simply nods. He returns to the campsite and sits down, taking out some deer jerky to eat. Naomi stands and moves to the other side of the fire, sitting with Gareth. Kahlera stays put, parallel to Gareth with the fire between them.

“What are your burial rituals?” Gareth suddenly asks.

“Sahvorai burn their dead atop alters of wood.” Kahlera answers.

“It’s a shame he can’t have a proper funeral.” Gareth laments.

“Sometimes that is just the way it is…” Kahlera begins. “I did not see you so eager to bury those raiders.”

“That was different. He was a victim. Aggressors get everything that they deserve, but innocents should be given the respect that was robbed from them.” Gareth solemnly replies.

She looks to the ground as though ashamed; Gareth is far more compassionate than males that she has previously known. He grows silent. They unpack their gear, setting up for the night. Gareth turns to Kahlera who lays out her bedroll across from him. She turns to see him watching her. He motions for her to come closer, but she refuses, shaking her head ‘no’. She lies down, her back facing him. He clenches a fist in silent fury; her rejection cuts deeply. He grabs his clothes pillow and tosses it over to her.

“Here.” He grumbles.

She sits up and looks at the pillow.

“No, thank you.” She replies in a cold monotone.

“Take the fucking pillow!” He yells, startling both girls.

He lies down, resting his head on his pack and looking up at the night sky. He thinks about Kahlera’s recent behavior; he liked how they were before, when she acted as though she enjoyed his company, and cared about him. In that moment, he briefly wishes that he could go back in time and not make love to her. He rolls over and gradually drifts off to sleep. He awakens during the night after having a nightmare; he was drowning in a sea of blood. He was reaching out for anyone to help him, but he sank beneath the waves where he drowned, alone. He can still taste the iron in his mouth. Sweat beads on his forehead as he rubs his eyes.

He looks over at the now dead campfire. He spots a few hot coals and takes some dried leaves, crunching them in his hands as he smashes them into powder. He leans forward and sets the powder near the hottest coal. Something catches his eye. He looks up to see gleaming orbs. He focuses his eyes and the orbs shift; Kahlera’s eyes glow as she watches him in the darkness. He blows gently on the hot coal, feeding it oxygen and quickly reviving it. It ignites the leaf powder, and an infantile flame grows.

He feeds it whole leaves, then small sticks and twigs, and finally large logs, rebuilding the fire. As it grows, it illuminates the campsite. Gareth can see Kahlera atop her bedroll, sitting upright in the fetal position, with her side facing him. Her knees are pulled close to her chest and her arms wrap around her knees, her hands holding each elbow.

“What’s wrong?” He asks her softly.

“Nothing…” She grumbles.

“Can’t sleep?”

She turns her eyes to him, but doesn’t answer. He sighs in frustration, before lying back down. He stares at the stars and struggles to return to sleep. He merely waits out the rest of the night until dawn returns. Naomi wakes to see both Kahlera and Gareth sitting away from each other, tired and already packed. They rush her from her sleeping bag and leave without eating. Naomi knows that something is very wrong with the both of them, but she doesn’t dare mention it. Her stomach growls as they march in relative silence.

“Here…” Gareth speaks.

Naomi turns to see him handing her a wad of the remaining deer jerky.

“You sound hungry.” He says with a smile.

“You heard that?” She replies in embarrassment.

“Who couldn’t?” He laughs.

Kahlera watches their exchange. Naomi takes the food, snacking as they walk. As the sun reaches its zenith, they crest a hill and see a village down below, camped directly over the road. The village is a little over one kilometer away. They crouch down as Gareth takes out his binoculars. The village is made up of yurts; they are clearly a nomadic tribe. He watches the inhabitants of the village, and breathes a sigh of relief.

“What is it?” Kahlera asks.

“They’re all Sahvorai.” He replies.

“That might not be a good thing.” Kahlera begins.

“Why not?” Naomi asks.

“Sahvorai and humans often do not get along. In my northern village, very few trust, or would be seen with a human.” Kahlera continues.

Suddenly, her behavior is beginning to make sense to him. They stay firmly planted as they look over the village. Gareth grows impertinent; taking a risk, he puts away his binoculars and starts walking down the road. He doesn’t wait for Kahlera or Naomi.

“Hey! Get back here!” Kahlera growls.

Gareth ignores her and continues walking. Soon, several Sahvorai seem to notice him and gather around the road. Some have spears, and one draws a sword. He sighs and raises his hands in surrender. Kahlera and Naomi stay put. As he approaches peacefully, the Sahvorai lower their weapons. One of them suddenly waves, then turns and walks away. They return seconds later with another Sahvorai who seems to be in charge; the others look to them for direction.

As he approaches the village, the Sahvorai comes into focus. They are a voluptuous female, standing roughly five feet and seven inches tall. She has a healthy, curvy build, and looks to be about one-hundred and twenty or thirty pounds. She crosses her arms, tucking them underneath her impressive bust, which easily competes with Faye’s D-cup. Her full white hair hangs loosely, fluttering in the gentle breeze as it reaches down to the top of her breasts. Shorter strands repeatedly cross over her black nose and vibrant blue eyes. She has the appearance of a wolf woman, and looks relatively young, like Kahlera.

Her fur is thick and shiny; it is grey, black and white in color. Black fur paints her inner thighs, which Gareth can see below her black cloth skirt, which is nearly identical in form to Kahlera’s, though considerably shorter. The black fur runs between her legs, up her toned belly, and over her breasts, which are covered by a black cloth top that ties together at her right shoulder. The black fur runs up her neck and over her snout, ending below her eyes. Her snout is rather long.

Black fur covers her digitigrade feet, just past the ankles, as well as her arms, covering up to her elbows. Her tail is bushy and thick, like a wolf’s, and is entirely black, with the exception of a thick grey spot at the tip, that stretches a few inches down her tail. White fur covers her eyelids and sockets like a mask, as well as her chin, bottom jaw, all of her fingers and toes, and both ears. The remainder of her body is a light, foggy grey.

“Well, you certainly are a brave human.” She says in a gentle but deep feminine voice.

Gareth can’t help but think that she sounds like Yoko Kanno from The Seatbelts.

“I have my moments.” Gareth shrugs.

“I see…” She stares at him.

“My name is Gareth, but you can call me ‘Sir’.” He continues.

“Hah! I am Sarvah, and this is my tribe, the Feather Fingers.” She greets him.

She extends her hands out, as though presenting the land to him.

“That’s a very pretty name you have.” He smiles.

“Flattering me already?” She chuckles.

“Well, when you meet a powerful leader, it’s best to get on their good side… Besides, compliments come easy when they aren’t lies.” He replies.

“Indeed…” She smiles back at him.

“Well, Sarvah… This is a lovely tribe.” He compliments.

“Thank you. So, what is a brash young human doing all alone in the wilderness? Are you lost?” She asks in an exceptionally sweet voice.

“I’m not alone. My companions and I are heading north and-” Gareth stops as he turns around to see that Kahlera and Naomi are not with him.

“What companions?” She tilts her head curiously.

“Seriously?!” Gareth yells, cupping his hands to his mouth. “Get down here!”

“You are not one of those crazy humans, are you?” Sarvah asks.

“Not today.” He smirks.

She chuckles; she is immediately captivated by his charismatic personality. He turns back to Sarvah, who visibly eyes him from feet to head, a strange grin spread across her face. She takes her time as she looks him over. She brings a hand to her chin and taps her bottom lip with the black claw of her index finger. She’s gazing up at him; she doesn’t bother to hide it. He blushes faintly as she stares at him. Even his physical form is fetching to her. Her icy blue eyes turn to the figures a considerable distance away.

“Should we wait for them?” Sarvah asks in a vaguely sensual tone.

“Only if you want too.” Gareth shrugs.

She wonders if he is being serious, or if he is merely teasing her. She briefly entertains the thought, but they wait for several minutes regardless. The two figures slowly come into focus.

“So Sarvah… Why is your tribe called the ‘Feather Fingers’. You aren’t pickpockets, are you?” He raises an eyebrow.

“No.” She answers.

“Good, because we’re poor as hell.” Gareth humbly jests.

Sarvah laughs and steps closer to Gareth, now within arms-reach of him.

“We were given our name by tribes that we have visited. We are very profitable. That is where the name comes from… I think…” Sarvah replies.

“Robbing them blind with shrewd business practices. I can respect that.” Gareth nods.

Sarvah giggles and eyes the human. She appreciates and admires his calm and confident attitude; few humans are so casual in her presence. They stand in silence for a few moments as they wait for his companions to make their way up the road.

“What the hell was that? You just let me walk off without backup?” Gareth asks as the girls come into focus.

“It was your choice.” Kahlera begins.

“We were not obliged to follow you.” Naomi finishes.

“Thanks for your support…” Gareth mordantly comments.

He shakes his head and turns back to Sarvah, who seems to glare at Kahlera.

“Anyway, these are my companions, who are apparently willing to let me walk right into a potentially hostile village alone… They are my true friends.” Gareth continues derisively.

“Lovely! Welcome!.” Sarvah says as she turns.

She looks back, smiling pleasantly as she motions for the three to follow her. Gareth walks close behind as Kahlera and Naomi tail him. Sarvah gives them a brief tour of the village, introducing the tradesmen and merchants by title. It is obvious that they have amassed considerable business with other local villages. Their knowledge of the terrain could be invaluable to their journey, Sarvah presents a small yurt and stands before it.

“This is often where we store excess supplies, such as yourself.” Sarvah teases. “You can stay here for the night.”

“It’s barely the afternoon.” Gareth comments, raising an eyebrow.

“We really should keep going.” Kahlera adds.

“Stay for the night… I insist.” Sarvah says in an eerie monotone.

Her blue eyes swing back to Gareth as she gazes at him.

“We are very friendly.” Sarvah coos.

“I never would have imagined…” Gareth quips.

Sarvah giggles as her eyes burn icy holes through Gareth; he suddenly becomes nervous. He wonders if this is how prey feels when they spot a predator raring to pounce upon them. Kahlera looks between the two and grumbles incoherently, brushing past them and entering the yurt.

“She is friendly.” Sarvah says facetiously.

“We should probably talk.” Gareth begins.

“An excellent idea.” Sarvah says, narrowing her eyes.

“I have some questions I’d like to ask you.” He continues.

Sarvah reaches out and grabs Gareth by the wrist rather tightly, leading him away. Her fur is quite soft, like Kahlera’s. Naomi watches them leave before entering the yurt. She looks around and sees Kahlera sitting down on the ground, facing a fabric wall with her head sunk low. Naomi walks over and reaches out, gently resting a hand on her shoulder.

“Go back to your bit-” Kahlera grumbles. “… Oh. It is you… Sorry…”

“If this is bothering you, you should probably tell him.” Naomi says.

“I cannot. I mean, it is not…” Kahlera replies.

Naomi sits beside her and watches silently. Kahlera seems to be struggling with her own thoughts.

“We should not have even… … It is not right, he and I. It was a mistake. I should not feel this territorial. He is not mine...” Kahlera thinks quietly aloud.

“Is it that hard to admit that you care for him?” Naomi asks her.

“Yes…” Kahlera replies.

Kahlera suddenly stands up and turns to the flap of the yurt. She pushes it open and steps out, walking away and leaving Naomi alone. Sarvah leads Gareth to a much larger yurt with a rather sophisticated and expensive looking patter woven into the fabric. She walks over to a thick rug, lined with pillows made of down and red silk, and stitched into cylinders. To Gareth, they have a strangely middle-eastern appearance. She sits down and motions to Gareth, who sits diagonally from her. He explains their journey and destination to Sarvah, who listens patiently.

She leans back as he talks, thrusting out her chest as though presenting herself to him. He flushes red, turning his head away as she giggles. Looking back, he can see her slide down onto the rug, lying flat on her back with her head resting on a pillow. As she lies back her short top doesn’t cover the underside of her full breasts. Trying to maintain his focus, he tries to discuss the nearby terrain.

“You must know this area very well. Do you-” He begins.

“I have a human fetish.” Sarvah suddenly interrupts him.

“I see… Uh… So…” He stammers.

He pulls his shirt away from his neck as he feels his temperature rise. He feels as though he is about to sweat, and hesitates to speak.

“I have a Sahvorai fetish.” He suddenly blurts out as he lowers his head.

“Really?!” She sits up, grinning wide. “I never mate with Sahvorai. Humans are my favorite.” She continues.

“Likewise. Sahvorai I mean…” He adds.

She looks down at him and stretches out a leg, resting here ankle atop his shin.

“Do you know a clear path to the north?” He asks.

“I love dealing with human villages.” She sighs lustfully, as she seems to reminisce.

She completely disregards his question, moving her leg along his. She slides her body ever closer to him.

“Yeah, I bet…” He mutters.

“You know, in the center of the continent, Sahvorai and humans deal with each other all of the time, and many pair together. I hear that some even have children together. I cannot figure out why the humans and Sahvorai on the furthest ends of the continent are so isolationist.” She says.

He remains silent, trying to resist her seduction. His heart beats faster as he attempts to remain focused.

“Would you marry a human?” He impulsively asks.

He closes his eyes in embarrassment, as he feels his willpower declining.

“Pair? I do not know.” She sets a claw against her bottom lip as she thinks. “I suppose I would, but he would have to be a very special human to make me want to be monogamous. Sweet but assertive, intelligent, and an excellent lover.” She winks.

“I see…” Gareth blushes. “Sounds like a fantasy to me.”

“That is why I am testing the waters. I will find him sooner or later… Until then, I will keep hunting…” She says as she leans closer.

Gareth leans back as Sarvah suddenly presses herself against him. He clenches a fist and tries to scoot away. He feels as though his strength is unavailing, when pit against her feminine wiles. Her every breath lures him in.

“What is wrong? I know that you really do like Sahvorai; I can smell that girl all over you. How many times have you mated with her? Just once?” She asks with a sinister grin.

Gareth looks down at her with a cold stare. Sarvah seems to have struck a nerve, exactly the way she likes it.

“She is not your mate, and she is not here.” She coos.

She leans harder against him as her large breasts seem to wrap around his arm. She touches his chest with her hand, gently scratching the cloth of his shirt with the claw of her index finger, slowly moving her hand lower. She rests her hand on his leg and squeezes gently. She brushes his chin with her snout as his long goatee crosses over her nose. She rests her cheek along his shoulder and licks his neck with the tip of her tongue. Gareth shifts as though to pull away.

Worried that she may lose him to his burgeoning willpower, she reaches over, grabbing his crotch and feeling his erection through his pants.

“Oh my…” She swoons. “What a pleasant surprise.”

She is genuinely taken back by the considerable size of his member, which she feels through his pants. Gareth backs away and quickly gets up, hastily moving away from her. She looks up at him as he stands before her, almost expectantly.

“Okay. No means no.” Gareth says sternly.

“I did not hear you say no.” She smiles.

“Well, I thought it.” Gareth replies.

“What else are you thinking?” She asks as she looks down.

Gareth looks down in turn, setting both hands over the noticeable bulge, his face turning bright red as she giggles.

“Okay, I’ll admit it. You are beautiful, and under different circumstances, we’d be a few minutes into an all-night session.” Gareth begins.

“Ooohh…” She coos.

“But I can’t do this. I can’t hurt Kahlera like that. It wouldn’t be right.” He explains.

“Well congratulations for being so honorable. You are a rare breed.” She smiles.

“Thanks.” He sighs.

“But I still want to mate with you… Repeatedly.” She winks.

He can’t help but smile as he backs away, chuckling as he approaches the flap of her yurt.

“Are you coming back?” She asks.

“We’ll see…” He replies as he looks over his shoulder to her.

He turns a corner and walks away from Sarvah’s yurt exactly as Kahlera walks by. She ducks behind the corner of another yurt as he passes. She sniffs the air and balls a fist as she becomes angry; she can smell Sarvah on him. Sarvah steps out from the yurt and watches him for a moment, her back toward Kahlera. She crosses her arms and sighs before heading back inside. Sarvah won’t be so easily deterred. Kahlera grits her teeth. She walks around the corner and towards Sarvah’s dwelling. She takes a deep breath and pushes the flap open, stepping inside unannounced.

“Well hello there!” Sarvah says in surprise as she stands in the middle her yurt.

“We have to talk…” Kahlera says, closing the flap behind her.

“Is this because I tried to mate with Gareth?” Sarvah ask in a condescending tone.

“Stay. Away.” Kahlera growls.

“I would rather not.” Sarvah smiles.

“I am not asking…” Kahlera clarifies.

“Oh? Well what does it matter to you anyway? You clearly do not want him.” Sarvah begins.

“It is not that… I… I am from the north.” Kahlera interjects.

“You northern Sahvorai and your human-hating ways. It is just as foolish as the humans of the south. You and I both know that there is no reason for it.” Sarvah continues.

“But my people…” Kahlera hesitates.

“You are not your people. You are you, and let me tell you something, you are really missing out if you do not have him as often you can. Humans and Sahvorai go together like a drunkard and ale, or a fat person and cake.” Sarvah laughs.

“Yet you did not mate with him?” Kahlera presses her.

“Oh, I certainly tried. Sadly, he turned me down. He has incredible willpower. I did everything but part the valley for him, if you know what I mean.” Sarvah winks.

Kaherla’s blood boils as a rage builds within her. She clenches her fist so tightly that it begins to shake. She steps up to Sarvah and lunges at her. Sarvah reaches out and the two girls simultaneously grab each other by their throats.

“I do not understand why you are so upset. You should be glad. He is far too concerned with your feelings to give into his own carnal urges. He said so himself; if he were not so worried about hurting your feelings, he would already be breeding me right now.” Sarvah laughs.

“You shut your mouth!” Kahlera yells.

“It really is a shame. I imagine him as being excellent in bed. Do you think our children will be pretty?” Sarvah taunts.

Kahlera roars and raises a hand. She grows her aura claws and swings, but Sarvah grabs her forearm. The stronger and larger wolf girl places a foot behind Kahlera’s ankle and pushes into her throat, tripping Kahlera and dropping her with a loud thud onto the rug.

“Do not test me, little girl.” Sarvah growls.

She clenches Kahlera’s throat tightly, her claws digging into her flesh.

“I will rip your head off and eat your pretty eyes right out of their sockets!”

Sarvah pauses as she holds Kahlera down, as though considering it.

“Actually, that is a good idea… Maybe then Gareth will mate with me!” She grins, bearing her teeth.

Kahlera swings a leg and slams it into Sarvah’s waist. Sarvah gasps as Kahlera knocks the wind out of her. She throws Sarvah off balance and flings her off. Kahlera quickly stands, the fingers of both hands tipped with golden, nine-inch long claws. Sarvah looks to her and smiles arrogantly. Kahlera breathes heavily as her body relaxes. Her claws fade away.

“He was very good.” Kahlera begins with a mocking grin. “As skilled, passionate, and large a lover as I have ever experienced, but you will never know that. I have already claimed him.” She says as she points her finger to Sarvah.

Sarvah smirks. She chuckles quietly, but soon cackles loudly.

“I underestimated you.” Sarvah begins. “But you are not paired, and until are, you should watch your back, and ‘your man’… Even when you are paired, watch him, because I will be waiting to pounce, and I do not lose…” She finishes as she opens the flap to her yurt, presenting Kahlera with the exit.

She walks up to the flap as though to leave, but stops. She looks over to Sarvah for a moment and glares at her.

“Try and seduce Gareth again, and I will not come this close. I will shoot you with a bow, right in your heart.” Kahlera warns her, tapping Sarvah’s chest gently with the claw of her right index finger.

Kahlera leaves the yurt and walks away. Sarvah watches her with a sinister grin. This could be much more fun than she had originally anticipated.

“I’d like to see you try…” She thinks aloud.