That Healing Touch
A lot of people have asked me if I do a lot of writing, and, of course, I answer yes. I'm also asked if I read, and, again, the answer is yes! In fact, I think it's safe to say that I read a lot more than I write and, if it weren't obvious, I also read WHAT I write.
Last month I made up my mind that I would do at least one reader contribution for The Lead Crown, a Reader Driven story that I'm presenting here on SF.https://www.sofurry.com/browse/folder/stories?by=66899&folder=27450
So, I took out my Dice-of-Decision-Making(tm) and ended up deciding that the main character in this short story is Tobias Severna, a character contributed by one of the readers: the amazing KateTheMarten.https://katethemarten.sofurry.com/
This tale is stand-alone and doesn't require reading the rest of The Lead Crown to appreciate. If you do enjoy this story go consider giving The Lead Crown a look! Warning: it's a pretty in-depth and lengthy tale... and it isn't even done yet!
Finally, please note that this post is NOT included in the story folder for The Lead Crown because it is a reader contribution and yes, even though I'm the author of The Lead Crown, I wanted to keep things separate.
Thanks for reading!
That Healing Touch
copyright 2015 comidacomida
Tobias Severna contributed by KateTheMarten
Tobias never much cared for his office at the University but some part of him was relieved to be back there after his unexpected journey. Usually the prong horn was far more content to be on the road than chained to his work at his desk, but he couldn't help but appreciate the calm silence of the orderly room.
Organizing his notes into a presentable form was something he used to loathe yet, with all of the changes in his life as of late it seemed to be more an exercise in patient meditation and he found that, when combined with the quiet ticking of his desktop clock it was both relaxing and centering. He had to admit that he'd felt his humors were horribly out of alignment for the longest time but the simple act of shuffling papers and organizing his findings gave him a chance to calm his nerves... that, and tea... tea helped immensely.
It was strange to think that, for him at least, tea was hit-and-miss. There were times when he found an amazing concoction of steeped herbs and, at other times he could scarcely stomach the bitter brews popular among the tea houses of Newport. He would, of course, enjoy the newest batch as it was provided to him by Dr. Brownell personally.
Tobias couldn't put his finger on it precisely but it had a slightly nutty flavor with a hint of lemon... and something strangely... familiar. The bitter note clung to his tongue like a half-forgotten memory... an important one-- A life changing-ly important one... but what was it?
A voice called to him from the doorway, interrupting the thought. "Do you like it?"
The scholar looked up, flinching in his chair with a start when he saw Dr. Brownell lingering on the threshold into his room. "I beg your pardon, Doctor?"
The Mouse smiled, maintaining perfect grace and refusing to lean against the doorway. As usual she wore her trousers-like-dress but she managed a clean, well-executed curtsey nevertheless. "The tea, Mr Severna... is it to your liking?"
The Prong Horn licked his lips, taking another taste of the errant drops that had gathered on his fur. "I can identify most of these herbs... some are more familiar than others, I must admit... but there is an aftertaste I can't place."
Dr. Brownell smiled, taking off the laced cap that sat neatly on the bundled hair atop her head. "Hmm... well, perhaps that can be a premise for your next journey out to the wilds beyond Vallara... I would not be opposed to having you visit if you find yourself in Vallara some time in the future."
Despite the courtesy with which she avoided saying it, Tobias suddenly realized that he had forced her to remain at the door awaiting his invitation to enter. "Oh! Doctor Brownell... won't you please come in?"
The Mouse's smile widened in that knowing way, proving to him once again that she had the capacity to be a proper lady even if it didn't always show. She stepped into his office and closed the door neatly behind herself. "Thank you, Mr. Severna, you are very kind."
In order to better show that he knew how to be a gentleman, Tobias stood to welcome her and motioned to the lone chair seated across from him at his desk. "Thank you again for the tea. Perhaps you would care to join me for some?"
Dr. Brownell sat down in the offered chair, "You are very welcome for the tea, Mr. Severna... it was the least I could do after you managed to get a visitor's pass into the University for me."
The Prong Horn smiled, pouring a serving of tea into a cup and placing it on a saucer before handing it across the desk to his guest. "I'm starting to see what you mean about the difficulties someone of your... ah... attributes would have."
It was, in fact, as clear as night and day for him. When they had approached the University Dr. Brownell had been turned away without the men at the front desk so much as asking to see her credentials. Tobias had been blind once to the limited tolerance among the University's most hardline benefactors, but he could no longer stand the thought that Dr. Brownell wouldn't be treated as an equal. He was so lost in his thoughts that it took him a moment to realize that she wasn't still seated across from him. "Dr Brow--"
The words suddenly got caught in his throat as he felt movement beneath his desk. Looking down, he saw a glint from the Mouse's eyes as she looked up at him from within. "Finally being here means so much to me."
Tobias was caught off guard by her sudden lack of decorum; perhaps little girls hid under furniture, but a fully grown woman? Why would she even think to-- His brain came to a sudden halt when her paw slid gently against the inside of his thigh. "I... ah... I'm glad you have... erm... enjoyed your visit thus far, but don't you think it would be a little more proper--"
The Mouse clicked her tongue condescendingly at him. "I am a woman, Tobias... you've said so yourself on many occasions... and belligerent and difficult. Why would you expect me to start being proper now?"
The Prong Horns palms slammed down atop the desk as he leaned back in his chair, gasping as her paws slid up to his groin. "There-- there is a certain level of... of DECORUM required at the university, Dr. Brownell, and I DO very much think--"
She silenced him with a quick flick of her fingers, loosening the draw strings on the front of his trousers. "Decorum is for the scholars and, unless I'm mistaken, I'm just a guest... YOUR guest, in fact."
Tobias would have argued the point further but, suddenly, every last objection he could think of and, in fact, his very grasp of debate completely left him as she started to use her tongue for more than just talking. The scholar let out a sound that was somewhere between a strangled cough and a wheezing groan and, as the warmth of her muzzle enveloped him, he could scarcely do more than squirm in his chair... and, no matter how wrong he knew it was he couldn't get himself to fully object.
She worked him with all the skill and surety she showed when acting in the capacity of a doctor... only what he was experiencing was more than some simple healing touch. He felt his heart beat picking up in his chest, and could even hear his pulse pounding in his ears. Tobias' entire body felt flush and he quivered beneath her ministrations, hips held taut as he fought the urge to thrust up from his chair and into her skilled lips.
The Prong Horn groaned, senses awash with everything about her... the feel of her... and the scent, so strong he could taste it-- his ears perked as he heard the slick sounds of her using her fingers to satisfy her own lust. It was too much and, despite his reluctance, gave fully into his body, planting his palms firmly against the desk as he set his jaw, and gave Dr Brownell everything she long to take from him. Groaning through his clenched teeth he felt all of his senses explode and, before he knew it---
Tobias bolted awake in Dr. Brownell's guest room. It was still dark, but it would be impossible for the scholar to get back to sleep.... not after that, anyway. Fumbling against the quilted comforter, he continued to experience the after-effects of his most ungentlemanly dream. His breath was coming quickly, heart fluttering from the lingering throes of ecstasy, and his mind was still awash with the sensations of such an illicit and improper union.
Groaning to himself, he also discovered that his underclothes had paid the shameful price of such a dream. He slipped out of bed, bow-legged as he suffered the sticky after-effects of a dilemma he should have outgrown long ago. Apparently, even from his dreams the good Doctor plagued his waking hours. They would be stuck in a carriage for hours on end together; he found himself troubled over just what kind of excitement he had at the prospect.