FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Spera dropped the box onto the desk, before slipping into a valley green crop top, jeans and black leather jacket giving her a punk, biker girl kind of vibe. She accepted a hitless black short sword and hung it above her hip. While Connor dressed in a simple jeans and abysmal blue, decorated with black reflective printing of an underwater city surrounded by fish. When he got his phone back he took the picture of the signature and sent it to Banavi like he promised, before lifting the shirt to look at the writing on his groin, “Do you have anything to remove the this marker stuff, Mistress?"

Spera slipped a small black purse over shoulder, before hoisting the box up to cover the strap, “I have some at home. Now come along kid." Spera pushed, taking the lead this time as they left through the magical hallway. Spera had a distinct intimidating stiffness to her presence as if she was trying to ward off conversation with her gaze, and the crowd parted around them as they walked towards Sanctuary Hills. The dominatrix personality she had didn't seem like a mask she at the Cavern, but an actual aspect of her personality. Her steps demanded silence, and they said nothing the entire time trip to her apartment underground, but this time Connor got to Marvel at the magical stone elevators that propelled them up several stories and away from the loud bustling crowds of the streets below.

They walked around a vine cloaked patio just a few stories beneath the hanging silver line crystals that made the dark interior glow with a rainbow of dotted light that stirred in a soft flora wind. Connor enjoyed the scent and breathed it in deeply as they rounded a corner and came to a sliding stone panel, that didn't creak or grind as it was smoothly rolled into the recess of the wall.

The front door opened up to a dark hallways that lit with a sliding light switch that turned on the silver line crystal lights that were embedded in the ceiling, exposing the clean stone brick walls, that didn't make the dark interior feel so plane as every part of the apartment was made of stone except for the furniture. To right was a closet, and an open door that lead into a spotless bathroom, the left opened up into a box kitchen with a bar counter that opened up into the dinning room, and flowed into the living room. It reminded Connor of Lilen's apartment partially, the layout of the floor plan was pretty much the same. So that probably mean the door next to the entertainment unit lead into the master bedroom.

The Apartment was decorated lightly with art of landscapes, and trophies from battles, shattered armor plating, dented helms, and broken swords. “I haven't done a lot of shopping lately, so I don't have much, do you want some water? I got Lemon Mist if you want that instead." Spera offered as she dropped the box in the living room.

“Water will be fine Mistress," Connor accepted as he sat down on couch and flipped open the box to find it packed with dossiers. Connor pulled one out at Random and opened it up to see a copied Red Rock ID for a Rhino, Qunam Trithallow, a knight from Leggala with several notes pointing out updated facts in his biography talking about how he was transferred to Las Vegas to oversee Silver Line crystal mining and processing operations. “You know sometimes I think how creepy it is for Master Ravinith to have such detailed folders on everyone, like these folders even talk about insecurities."

“You and me both," Spera agreed as she handed a cold glass of water to Connor before sitting down diagonally to Connor on another couch, before sipping on her cup, crossing her legs she leaned back on the stiff green couch, “Connor, I know we talked about this before in Ravinith's office but what really bother's you about being around so many nobles? Like what do you truly feel like your missing?"

Connor closed the folder and leaned back and exhaled his anxiety, “I don't know Mistress," he answered shaking his head, “I just… I kind of don't feel worthy enough. I originally became a slave to Banavi because it was fun, I loved how he toyed with me, degraded and mocked me; and when I moved in I hated the training at first but I do love learning new things… But the problem feels like… it's just a giant step forward, and there is a huge difference in being a slave for fun, and entertaining a prince from a royal family… I feel inadequate." He explained as he stirred the water in his glass with his magic.

“So you're just not confident you can preform your duties?" Spera clarified and Connor nodded, saying nothing, “but it also doesn't help that I don't know anything about the etiquette required to act around them."

“Really?" Spera questioned with analytical doubt, sipping on her cup before pointing to Connor, “Do you remember what I said earlier; that I saw how talented you were? I didn't say that to stroke your ego, we've had hundreds of Mincridarins walk in and out of the Cavern. More so than humans, but I watched you work, and I saw you blend in with professionals and previously owned concubines. That's why I trusted you to entertain Prince Romulus, you're more talented than you think you are."

This time it was Connor's turn to say, “Really?" and Spera nodded, “We Mincridarins are trained fighters and warriors, we strive to be the best in combat so we can protect everyone we care about, so when that power is striped from us it makes us feel empty and powerless. We live to resist so we hate being bound, tied down and forced to bend over, so it's very hard to train a Mincridarn accept their position. Even with humans, I watched the few that dared to try, struggle with obeying perverted orders, they kicked and fought and back talked at times. But you, at a mere demand to kiss that stallion's dick you dropped to your knees and went for it as if it was the muzzle of your mate. When you were being punished for biting his balls, you took your punishment without a struggle, and accepted it silently as a slave is supposed to do; you showed respect at every instance… if anything, I'm jealous." Spera finished in a reluctant whisper before sipping on her drink.

“You're jealous?" Connor asked and Spera nodded.

“I wish, I had your strength of will and passion for the art. So, hearing you talk about how you don't think you ready, or inadequate actually pisses me off… Because you're better than me, and I've been working there for the past two years, and I was trained to be a concubine in Mincara." Spera admitted spitefully, spiting bitter words under her breath before taking a breath to scratch the median between her ears. “So, stop thinking that you're in not worthy, because that isn't the problem, you're already talented; instead, focus on continuing your training to perfect your duties."

Connor's heart felt shy under the praise because it almost didn't feel real, something deep inside still consumed his confidence and left him nervous, but he still tried to accept it, and tug his confidence out of the abyss and breathe in the Spera's forceful reassurance. He nodded, “Ok, I get it, thank you Mistress." Spera shook her head, “You're welcome, now let's go over the party."

“Yes Ma'am," Connor quickly answered, and Spera rolled her eyes, but smiled as she put down her cup and picked up the smallest folder to examine it's contents, when she seemed satifised with contents she pushed away the box and laid it flat twisting it towards Connor, “This is the layout of the Private Event Room, the main entrance is right next to Ravinith's office, just walk past it and take a left and go through the double doors, that is the only access point to the room. There is a private escape tunnel for emergencies that lead into the locker room from right here." Spera lectured as if she was coming up with an infiltration plan, her military back ground coming out in her intense dictation, and stiff gestures. The change of pace dragged Connor into the moment and he got a little giddy because he loved how Spera explaining things; if only she was uniform. “There is two primary parts to it, the meeting chambers, and the hall. We and all Concubines will have posts at every table, serving food and drink at our Master's command, no concubine will be allowed in the meeting hall unless there is lethal emergency, especially if there is a meeting going on."

“Each Noble is allowed one armed guard and is allowed to bring one other guest and rent one personal concubine. We are expecting about twenty guests, about twelve primary nobles and eight guests. The Guards will take defensive positions around their nobles and will be either in their line of sight or ear shot. The nobles will most likely be sitting in the booths along the far wall, and speaking freely. It's possible that you will hear sensitive information, which, you. will. not. share. Do you understand?" Spera finished with a stabbing question, that demanded Connor's obedience.

“Yes Mistress," Connor agreed with a nod, Spera turned attention back towards the floor plan. “Prince Romulus has personally rented you, so you will be his personal attendant, no other slave is allowed to encroach on that position, take orders or serve the prince. You will be the Prince's sole provider, so you will most likely roam around the room or be serving him in the booth. When the Prince is attending the meeting, which will cut about an hour into the party; so late guests can still attend, your job will to help all staff clean up the hall and when that is done, wait. The meeting can last hours or the rest of the event, we will not know. However if the Prince leaves his guest, which we assume will be Lord Tana behind, your job will to be serve her as if she was the prince. Understand?"

Connor nodded, which allowed Spera to continue her debriefing, “There will be Menus hanging on the dividing walls between each booth and under the bar counter-“

“I though you said Mincridarins don't drink alcohol?" Connor questioned and Spera glared at him, “That doesn't mean we don't have our own mixed drinks, and we do serve enchanted mixes and potions." Connor shot Spera a questioning glance, and she took a breath, and pulled back from the coffee table to lean on her knees.

“We don't drink alcohol, but to compensate for the lack what you humans would consider the Pizzazz of alcohol we have learned to mix alchemical ingredients with our drinks to give them unique flavors and appealing flairs." Spera explained with annoyed jazz hands, “Some times these ingredients give the drinks magical qualities, like they can change colors, or take on unique flavors that change with every sip. But beyond mixed drinks we do offer potions that offer a vast array of benefits, from aphrodisiacs that can change the amount of seed one might produce, how it tastes, or consistency all the way to just a mild fur growth. We don't serve potions that can drastically change one's appearance or make someone look like another, and those do exist."

“What about gender swapping potions." Connor asked and Spera flicked her finger to scold Connor, “No, those are illegal, after consuming such a potion, if you are a male and become a female you will experience your first heat cycle almost immediately, and if a male has sex with you, plants his seed in your womb. If the fertilization causes the creation of a child, the transformation can be permanent. So, we don't serve those for safety purposes, and for the most part they are banned across Ecorein by the council of seven, and that most likely won't change until the permanent nature of the female transformation can be removed.

“Do you have growth potions?" Spera narrowed her gaze, “For what?"

“You know bodies?"

“Illegal, as well, when you use a potion like that, it stretches the muscles of the body and commonly tears them, while also thinning down bones and making them brittle. A full body growth potion is normally a death sentence. Which is why the Council of Seven banned their creation and consumption. But if your talking about a small appendage, like just to add a few lengths to your blade, that's fine and completely legal, to an extent of course." Spera explained with a tamer attitude, before leaning back on the couch.

“And you serve these potions to everyone, like you can just order them off the menu?" Connor asked and Spera nodded, “As long as we have them in stock or the ingredients of course, I personally enjoy an aphrodisiac that increases sensitivity, or numbs it depending on the circumstance. Sometimes clients like long private sessions, so I'll drink the numbing potion to help drag out my climax. We are one of the few places on Earth that makes and sells high quality potions, which also attracts it's own patrons, and just so you know all the potions we make you can buy in 'Night's Armory' we have a wall of vials that you can buy that vary in intensity and amount."

“I didn't know that, that's kind of cool." Connor admitted and Spera nodded, “I should show you how to use them, because sometimes clients will ask you take one before they meet, or you can use them to help conform to the wishes of your client. And please Connor since your just learning about potions, never buy them from sources you don't trust or appear dishonest, potions can be unbelievably dangerous if you don't make them right; one of the most common medical emergencies in Ecorein is from Potion Corruption. Which is why people come to us for potion needs, because they trust us to keep everything clean and pure. But we're getting off topic, do you have any questions about the event?" Spera digressed, as she leaned forward on her knees before tapping the map with splayed fingers.

Connor nodded, “If client buys food where does it come?" Spera circled a part of the bar closest to the door with her finger, “All food will be left here and marked with a number, not for table, but for staff members, that's important difference. Everyone attending the event will have a specific number that identifies them on the order. So, when the food arrive you know it's your order and not someone else's. The food will be brought in by human kitchen staff, and if you need condiments they'll be in the counter in this area. If you need drinks, you'll have to ask the bar tenders, when your client is done eating there will be a bin for dishes that kitchen staff will pick up at the bar as well." Spera flipped the map over and pulled out a small packet of papers, and handed them to Connor, “Here, this is the menu, as well as the drink menu, and the list of all the potions we offer, their prices and effects. If you do anything you should try and memorize at least the food and drink menu to the best of your ability, you can memorize the potions as we go along with your training."

Connor flipped through the pages skimming them, nodding as he listened, before flipping it all closed, “Yeah, of course Mistress," and with that agreement the smallest folder was closed, “If you want to know who your working with you can find it in this folder," Spera fanned the folder back and forth before tucking it back in the box and dragging out a set of dossiers and slamming them down on the table. “I've already read everything, so here have at it, if you have questions just ask." Spera finished as she got up from the couch.

“Are you going somewhere, ma'am?" Connor asked and Spera shook her head and chuckled under her breath as she dropped her jacket and pulled off her shirt, “Of course not, but I'm not going to sit here and do nothing."

“Then what are you going to do Mistress?" Connor asked as he watched Spera opened a cabinet on the entertainment unit and drag out a set of intimidating weights. “I'm going to work out and build up a sweat before dinner." Spera answered as she opened the patio door before starting her lifts which she looked like she was doing with complete ease, probably more of an endurance work out rather than anything. Connor turned his attention back to the dossiers in front of him and pulled the first one into his lap and curled up with like a book as he started to read it in its entirety.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Connor had teetered off into docile conversation to avoid reading anymore, after reading for seven plus hours, eventually giving up just a little bit past four; his brain fried and exhausted. He wanted to nearly throw a dossier over his head in defeat but had the decency to block the thought and set it on the table before slumping on the couch completely. “I need to pass out for a bit," Connor groaned, yawning as he covered his eyes with his arm.

Spera, jumped into stop his and dragged his body off the couch, “Nope, you might as well get used to staying away for a full shift, some come on, get to your feet." She ordered much to Connor grumbling protest, “Yes Mistress." She threw a punch forward and Connor barely had enough time to flinch, his adrenal pissing itself in shock as he dodged the blow barely. Spera through another, and another, pushing Connor backwards, forced to dodge for his life. Only when Connor found himself pinned to the front door did Spera stop and drop her fists, “You hungry?"

“I didn't eat lunch, so, yes ma'am." Connor answered and Spera smiled and brushed the sweat from her brow. “Alright, I'll take a shower and slip into something a bit more comfortable, I know this nice Matra restaurant we can hit… and you better not fall asleep when I turn my back." Spera warned before flicking on the light to the bathroom.

Connor exhaled, but nodded gathering himself and calming his heart, “Yes Mistress." Spera disappeared as she shut the door to the bathroom, the sound of raining water echoed through the sliding stone door, while Connor walked back into the living room. Trying to stay awake, he stretched his body and rolled his joints, it wasn't much but enough to help him relax as he walked out to the patio and leaned on the railing, to look out at the city through a veil of vines he barely parted to see swimming spirits drift right on by, jutting away when they realized they were being watched.

Though the apartment felt like a cave it had it's charm it's own complex life, it was relaxing, simple… enough… enough to live, but alone and in isolation; it felt like a familiar cage, because it felt like his room back home with his parents. He exhaled the memory knowing he was free and that he wasn't trapped by the past, and smiled as he stroked the Aranium around his neck, knowing Banavi would always be there holding him close. He dropped the curtain and watched as the light danced around him like iridescent water. Connor spun around and found a familiar face staring back at him in the glass of the sliding door; the Quartermaster, she was leaning back against the railing beside him, “Finally figured out enough about how your brain works, so I can talk to you like this."

Connor leaned against the railing and stared into the glass, “Why would you need to talk to me like this?" he whispered glancing only at the bathroom door to make sure Spera was still taking a shower.

“Our work might demand a more instantaneous conversation, and you don't have to say anything I can feel your thoughts." The Quarter Master answered though she didn't move her lips, but her words still echoed in Connor's mind.

“You mean the soul sword thing?" Connor projected, keeping his own lips still and the catfish nodded. “I thought you said the soul sword would come to me, that it's fate."

“Well, we can't make a move until it activates, I can't sense it when it's sheathed." The quartermaster explained as she turned around to look through the vines. “Plus, when I'm like this I can see through your senses… and I'd rather not just stay trapped in your soul."

“It's beautiful isn't it?" Connor asked and the catfish bobbed her head as she leaned on the railing. “I have seen the true nature of galaxies, into the heart of time and the birth of creation I've lost my ability to be awestruck, but I feel the energy of this cavern and it's peaceful and that alone is pleasant enough."

“So did you ever figure out who stole the soul sword for that place?" Connor asked and the quartermaster shook her head. “Who ever did it knew what they were doing, it was an in and out Job, that blade was specifically chosen for a reason; which means who ever stole it knows someone it can be bound to."

“What do you mean?" Connor asked and the catfish turned around to look into Connor's eyes.

“All Soul swords have personalities that are derived from those trapped inside, Lo-Loun, the blade that escaped the Dark Armory, is filled with a narcissistic pride. Which means it can only be bound to someone who shares the same narcissistic belief. All blades bind to people because something in their soul mimics the souls trapped in the weapons. Sooo, either the person who stole it is a narcissist or they stole it for someone that is a narcissist. But there has been no news in the shadow markets about someone selling a soul sword, so I'm just completely lost in the mystery." The Quartermaster exhaled tapping the railing with her fingers.

“Aren't you some all powerful immortal?" Connor questioned and the catfish bore down angrily. “I'm not a god, I'm not all powerful or all knowing, I have just seen and learned a lot; it's still entirely possible for something to evade my sight and senses. So until something unleashes the power of Lo-Loun I won't know where to start looking, so we wait, we have no other choice."

Connor exhaled before nodding, “Alright, I get it. Sorry, I'm sure you're doing everything you can." The Quartermaster's anger subsided, and with it her visual presence.

Spera flicked her leather jacket over her shoulders, it matched the black Kevlar cargo pants she put on and framed the green camo sports bra that tightly bound her breasts. She hung a modern tactical short sword above her tail, before nodding Connor to follow her. “It's still early and I'd rather get there before the dinner rush." Spera pushed both verbally and physically as she guided Connor out the front door.

“Do you always bring sword with you?" Connor asked as he followed closely behind Spera.

“Trust me Connor when I say this, no Mincridarn walks the streets unarmed, we always carry something even if you don't see it, and if you don't see them with anything, they are the weapon." Spera chuckled as she called the elevator, though her words made Connor wonder about some of the people he knew, if she was right and not just making some stereotypical generalization; that said something both towards Lilen's and Banavi's abilities, Connor had never seen either with weapons, and Connor had seen Lilen's wrath, a walking bomb shell…But what about Banavi? Either he was hiding his real abilities, or he just didn't feel like he need to carry a weapon.

“Something wrong Connor?" Spera asked as she watched the Elevator rise from the railing.

“Yeah… I just know a couple of people who don't walk around with weapons." Connor admitted and Spera, smiled, chuckled, “Then I'd be terrified of them, we carry around weapons to protect ourselves from spontaneous threats, if there not carrying weapons… I'd hate to piss them off."

“Yeah, I get what you mean… there both mages." Connor added and Spera raised her brows in surprise, “A lot of mages still carry swords and spears, they serve as amplifiers for magic; if they don't carry weapons that probably means they exceptionally talented at directing their magic through their body, so they specialize in some kind of martial arts."

Connor found himself only quietly agreeing, before changing the topic, “This Matra place were going to, what's it like Mistress?" Spera only smiled, “You'll see." The doe was giddy which strongly conflicted with her heavy demeanor, and it made Connor wonder who she was really? Sergeant Stiff, or a giddy daisy. Either way Connor let the thought fade as he stepped on to the elevator and just tucked his hands into his pockets as they walked down bustling streets and to a dark shadowed plaza between four towers. Taking a set of stairs down into hollow beneath one of the towers, Connor found him sniffing starch, noodles, and warm broths. Spera took the lead and stepped up to the restaurant's podium, staffed by a heron, “Lee, how are you doing tonight? Busy?"

The Heron nodded, “As usual, what do you want Spera?"

“Do you have any tables?" Spera asked and the Heron sighed, “One, it's in the back."

“Thank you Lee," Spera praised as she waved Connor to follow, before dragging him inside by the upper arm, and exposing him to a strange eastern themed restaurant with dark wood mats, and screen dividing walls, separating low laying tables for privacy, each surrounded by ornately sewn pillows. The tables served as makeshift grills, that Mincridarins were using to cook meet, while some used the small boarder to eat what looked like Ramen.

Connor stepped up on to the raised platform that served as the base for the sitting area, before kneeling next to the hot table, and across from Spera, “This place feels Japanese… or chinese… something eastern."

“That's what I've heard a lot of Humans say, apparently Matra's design style is similar to Earth's eastern cultures." Spera agreed as she accepted a menu from Lee. “I'll order for you Connor, you won't be able to read the Menu anyways."

“Thank you Mistress." Connor answered and Lee analyzed Connor, “Mistress? Who is this human Spera?"

“He's my apprentice, he started working at the Cavern today, and has already made a name for himself." Spera introduced, and Lee looked at Connor in disbelief, “This human works at the Cavern?"

Connor exposed his arm, and Lee looked at the signature, “Am I supposed to be Impressed human?"

“You should, That's Prince Romulus signature." Spera answered and Lee's eyes opened up with surprise but most disbelief, “Alright, you got my attention." Lee admitted as he knelt down beside the table before taking Connor's arm to examine the signature. “How did you get this?"

“I served him, and I asked for his signature as proof; that's as much as I should say." Connor answered vaguely keeping in mind that he had signed an NDA, and it was also about the Prince of Mincara he didn't want to say the wrong thing. Lee seemed the ever doubtful, but relented, “If that's real you must have really impressed him, I doubt he would just give you his signature if he didn't enjoy what ever you did."

“I hope he did too." Connor agreed, as he set his hands in his lap. “Is a pleasure to me you Lee, my name is Connor Mason."

Lee smiled, “You're that human…" He waved a feather fingers towards Connor, “I should have known, I heard about you, their was an article about in the 'Miners' a couple weeks ago."

“Miners?" Connor questioned looking at Spera, “They're a Mincridarn news agency stationed here. I read it too, was an article on your Tribunal hearing. You were front page news, 'Mate or Slave'," Spera emphasized with hand, “It was a complete review of the Tribunal's decision with a competent debate for both sides. It was actually an interesting read."

Connor crumpled in embarrassment, “Did they write anything about my fetishes?" he dared to ask, and Spera dropped the Menu for a moment, “We had a riot reading the list in the locker room, they must have had several writers in the hall because they quoted some interesting explanations." Spera smiled at Connor's plight, who had finally realized how far his name had really spread.

“We'll take two Tathia plates…" Spera ordered and Lee nodded as he took back the menu, “I'll get you both some waters." Lee added before leaving.

“What is Tathia, Mistress?"

Spera leaned against the hot table, “It's special cut of meat from Manabas, what we would consider a cow on Ecorein. It's a type of Earth Dragon."

“Dragon?" Connor questioned shamefully.

“Something wrong?" Spera asked and Connor shook his head, “It feels wrong to eat dragon."

Spera chuckled and shook her head, “Connor it's not an actual dragon it's more akin to lizards than dragon, if anything it's a branch species you aren't actually eating an Earth Dragon. That illegal and an executable offense. Feral Dragon's are a protected race on Ecorein. The Manabas is a domesticated beast that we raise for labor or slaughter." Spera assured and her quiet conversation helped ease his mood. “Oh… so it's like a cow with scales?"

“Kind of, a Manabas is the size of a human truck, and had huge battering horns. They eat everything that isn't tied down, have a rudimentary ability to cast magic which makes them distinctly dangerous to handle when there angry or horny." Spera explained, seeming personally familiar with them.

“Did you handle them or something?" Connor asked and Spera nodded, “I used to live in a small farming village, we'd use them to turn the soil when I was a cub. My father tried breeding them, he ended up losing his hand, and after that we only raised castrated males."

“You know, I was always curious, there isn't a lot of information that comes out about Ecorein, other than political stuff, I've always wanted to learn about your world." Connor admitted as Spera baked her hands over the fire, “Well, it's regulated so we can sell it. We don't have much to offer in the way of technology to help you fight the monsters and beasts that are coming to Earth, all we have are our skills and resources; so our governments try to keep it close to enforce cooperation between Earth and Ecorein. If all we did was give everything we knew over, you humans would kick us to the side, but we need the trade deals, and to learn about your Earth technologies so we can protect our homes and cities from the wild monsters that still plague our lands. But they are books if you kind find them that define our world and way of life, but they tend to be closely guarded."

“Well, I was hoping you could tell me about it Mistress." Connor quietly pushed, and Spera breathed, “What do you want to know?"

“What other kind of animals or beasts do you keep, do Mincridarins have pets like dogs and cats?" Connor asked and Spera shook her head. “We don't have beasts small enough for such things, and it's not like we have much use for them anyways, our sense of smell and hearing already allow us to hunt fairly well. At most we just have a handful of animals that we use for easy meat."

“Like the Manabas?"

Spera nodded, “Next to Manabas, there are the Bonu, magical birds with bone plated bodies that we collect eggs from. There dangerously territorial and live in large flocks, and they have a keen magical sense making it nearly impossible to sneak up on them, so you have to trick them to get there eggs, or dominate them. Then there is the Mogu, which produces the human equivalent to milk, which you humans would probably describe as Elk and Horse with scales, you normally can't keep any of them near each other because they'll tend to hunt each other if they get hungry."

Lee returned with glasses of water and laid them on the tables edge with wood plate coasters, “Thank you sir," Connor accepted before sipping on the water. “I see why Master Ravinith hired him," Lee approved with a hush whisper before walking away.

“What's that mean?" Connor asked and Spera picked up her water and leaned on the back before kicking up her right leg, “You're too polite, it's nice, but it's his job you don't need to thank him."

“Oh… sorry, I just know waiters tend to have hard time, so I try to be a polite as possible… it's how I wanted to be treated when I'm working after all."

'Slavery is a thankless job Connor; you're going to have to learn that very quickly." Spera sipped on her own glass.

“You know, I was curious Mistress, were you in the military before you became a Concubine?" Connor asked once again changing the flow of the conversation. Spera sighed sounding partially defeated, before nodding, “I was." She kicked up her other knee and leaned on her legs, “After I turned sixteen, I joined Mincara's guard and served for four years, I used to gamble my money away and well I dug myself a pit with debt that I couldn't pay back. So I was forced to leave and work off my debt as a concubine. I paid it off in about two years and moved here to America… I tired applying to be a guard here at Red Rock, but I didn't pass the exams…So I started working at the Cavern, I don't mind what I do, but it doesn't feel as satisfying; sometimes I just struggle to get out of bed." Spera's words fell away as she looked so dejected.

“I get what you mean, when I learned I could use magic I wanted to become a mage. I did everything I could to learn about it, and train; but then I realized there is a hard limit that I can't change. That's the one thing I wanted more than anything, but I'll never be able to get the title." Connor admitted with a heavy exhale before drinking the water, “But I'm content because I love what I do, and I have Banavi… Do you do anything else but train and work Spera?"

“I bought console a couple weeks ago, I've been trying to play 'Torment' but the character doesn't move how I want them too." Spera answered with stressed tone that she kept quiet; Connor smiled, “Yeah I can see why that be frustrating. That game can be pretty intense, a lot of people say it's difficulty is set to “Go fuck yourself", I was playing it for a bit awhile back."

“The map is so confusing, and the third boss keeps killing me." Spera groaned, dropping her knees and crossing her legs as she leaned on the table again. “Farm some paralysis talismans from the black eyes, they should make it easier, the third boss can be easy to stun lock." Connor directed before looking up at Lee who came back to the table with two brown platters painted with simple woven designs. The platters were separated into halves, one half dedicated to a thin fillets of bright red bacon sized strips of meat and mushrooms and steamed vegetables. Lee also left a flash of deep green liquid at the edge of the table as well as napkins and chopsticks. “Please enjoy." Lee finished before walking away, Connor barely adding a “thank you," before he was out of ear shot.

Connor picked up the chopsticks, “So what do I do Mistress?"

Spera tore the chopsticks of her own wrapper before pulling the platter in front of her. “Lay out your strips of meat on the grill and let them cook for a moment." She answered before swiping the flask, and pouring a portion of it's contents over the meat.

“What is that Mistress?" Connor asked pointing to the flask with his chopsticks.

“It's a marinade made from the Gogen fruit in Matra." Spera offered it to Connor, “Go ahead and try it."

Connor accepted the flask and poured some of the marinade into his palm before sniffing it and tasting it, it had a bitter scent, but it's taste was more than surprising, tart apples mixed with sharp ginger and the bitterness of a lemon, but also a deeper woods flavor that countered the sweetness of the apple flavor. “It's not bad," Connor uttered mostly to himself.

“Well it tastes better the longer it sits on the meat, ahead and pour some on." Spera pushed as she laid a strip of meat on the hot metal, it instantly started sizzling and filling the air with a warm scent of roasting meat; before grazing on a what looked like a piece of vine. It crunched like celery and hung like a cigar from the end of her muzzle. Connor mimicked Spera as best he could but found himself just trying to figure out which of the vegetables to eat, nothing on the plate looked terrestrial, thin vine stalks, star shaped slices of what felt like carrots or thinly sliced radishes, or maybe beats, as well as multicolored mushrooms, while bushy herbs divided a place and soaked up the juices from the marinade.

Connor glanced up at Spera when the sizzling ceased and watched her drag her meat back onto her platter before rolling the vine stalk in the meat along with some of the herbs before sweeping it through the excess of marinade. Chomping down on the personally made meal she smiled and happily chewed, softly moaning her enjoyment before picking up her glass to push everything down with a gulp of water.

“What are these Mistress?" Connor asked as he gestured to the vegetable half of the plate.

“Well there are laurels; the mushrooms." She clarified seeing Connor's confusion, “There flavors change based on how they grow, purple ones are sweet, the green ones are lemony, I think that's what you call it, and the red ones are kind of blank, they just take the flavor of the marinade. The green stalk stuff is called via, it's the stock of the Gogen fruit and has a dull sweet flavor, that hides in the flavor of the marinade. The Purple stuff is call Koram, you eat it between bites, and it absorbs the flavor and kind of cleans the tongue so each bite tastes like it's the first. The herbs are called Fuma, it's a moss that grows on the bark of Iron Tower trees, it has a distinct woodsy taste and smell that helps gives the fillets a new life." Spera scooped up his cooking meat and sat it on this plate, “There thin cuts and burn easily, you shouldn't see char marks on it if you do it right" She scolded before going back to her own platter.

“Thank you Mistress." Connor softly spoke before wrapping the meat up like Spera had the first time and took a bite, and found himself distinctly surprised as all the flavors blended well together, and the smell alone was heavenly, he could feel the warmth fill his lungs and sinuses; and he just wanted more, so he flipped out another strip to wait for it to cook. “This tastes amazing Mistress, thank you for bringing me here."

Spera smiled, “You're welcome Connor.'

Connor dipped out his phone as he waited and took a picture of his meal, so he could show how adventurous he was being to Banavi, as well as update him before he needed to ask. “What are you doing?"

“Texting my Owner, we have this thing, that when were not together he'll ask for updates, and if I fail to update him when he asks, he'll punish me. I'm just texting him before he feels like he has to ask. Sorry," Connor apologized before hiding his phone back into his pocket when he was finished.

“It's fine, but your owner really keeps you in line doesn't he?"

Connor smiled, “He tries, sometimes I just like making him angry, he looks so cute when he's mad."

“You purposely get punished because you like watching him get angry?" Spera questioned mostly out of shock and disbelief, Connor nodded, “My owner knows my limits, so he doesn't punish me excessively, I mainly just do it to shake things up and give him a reason to take control. Mainly it's just small things, not putting away dishes correctly, playing with his ears or tail, or just teasing him."

Spera shook her head, “You really are something else, I don't know any concubine that would dare break the rules or tease their owners."

“That's what Lord Tana said, she thought I was feisty." Connor proudly added, and Spera nodded, “I know Connor, I just don't understand how you can just do something like that. You should always obey your owners first and fore most."

“I do Mistress, I know when to stay in line with my owner's wishes, but I also try to step across them when things are right and quiet; but do you really think a race of warriors and fighters like complete and utter obedience? I've learned more than enough to know that Mincridarins and most beings like a challenge, they like enforcing their wills and strengths, you just have to give them the chance too. The hardest part is just trying to not piss them off, by going to far." Connor explained as he dipped his head in for another bite of meat and stalk. “You have to know your owners limits before you go pushing their buttons."

Spera stopped mid bite before looking at Connor analytically, “did you bite that client's balls on purpose?"

“A little," Connor chuckled as he bite into makeshift roll, the satisfying crunch vibrating along his jawline, “Snowflake…" Spera shook her head, but sighed, “That was dangerous, and your lucky he didn't beat you for it."

“I've read through the rules, and the most he could have done is spank me… and I'd be fine with that… you'd be surprised how fun it is to be spanked and then fucked from behind. Pain and pleasure." Connor fantasized, and Spera rolled her eyes, “Plus I could feel that he had some fun punishing me, you should have seen him, I think he loved forcing me to drink his seed."

“I just don't understand how you like being pushed and ordered around." Spera fumed, stabbing the air with her chopsticks.

“I've lived pretty much in a prison cell my entire life, my father beat me and trained me as if he was dying the next day. I could never admit what I was really feeling, I always had to be a good boy, be silent and obey. Though it wasn't always that bad, I didn't really have a voice, and when I wasn't out working, I felt locked in my room. So when I left home to go to college, I was finally able do anything and everything I wanted to do… I was a little bit of a whore, bending over what ever male asked and only when they wore a condom." Connor distinctly ended with before taking a breath, “Studying magic and mating are the only things that make me feel really free, and funny enough being a slave… a concubine is a blessing, it makes me feel free because I can finally live how I always wanted to… I enjoy being a slave, even though it can be hard sometimes." Connor finished before going back to his meal while Spera's internal anger faded away, and she exhaled her tension.

“I think that's what I sensed, what made you different. You didn't resist when you were given orders, in fact it was almost like you charged into it. You enjoy it…while for me it's just a job, something I'm forced to do."

“I think you just have to look at your position differently Mistress, because you're amazing, and if you were any less than that do your really think Master Ravinith would keep you around? The Son they head of Matra's Slave market, I think if you really looked at what turned you on, made you smile, cum, and changed your preferences maybe you'd enjoy your position more. Like you said, “You do have a right to say no," You're not a real slave just a concubine with a false title, you don't have to force yourself to do something you don't want to do." Connor praised, and Spera was silently glancing up Connor and down at her food, her muzzle moving to speak, but in the end she just smiled, “Thank you Connor."

“You're welcome Mistress," Connor answered knowing Spera didn't use his name lightly.

A soft thud tapped the end of the and Connor, watched a cat sized spider started to crawl up onto the table, it's legs avoiding the hot coals, and by sheer reactive instinct, Connor pulled the water from the cups and snapped it under the table and threw it at the wall, with a huge thud that he rolled away from, before jumping to his feet and stealing broth from a patron's nearby bowl to create a spear that he was about to throw at the spider that crawled out of the ashy aftermath, but his for arm was bared by a thick coarse hand.

Connor was hyperventilating as he looked at the Panda who glared at him, “My soup is not your weapon." He firmly clarified as Spera put herself between Connor and the spider, “Connor, breathe, it's not going to hurt you."

Connor relented shamefully and poured the broth back into the Panda's bowl as Lee jogged up to see the mess, “What happened?"

The Spider crawled out into view with Connor's mushroom in its mandiables and raised it's arms in defensive scare tactic, that pushed Connor against the wall, while everyone else barely flinched. Except for Lee who stamped his talon feet on the ground to push it out of the dinning area before squawking at it to appear intimidating to make it run out of the restaurant. Spera leaned into Connor's side to keep him steady, “What was that?!" Connor begged to understand.

“An Archnem, it's actually one of most peaceful beasts in Ecorein, it wouldn't have hurt you." Spera assured, before Lee looked at them both shaking his head. “I hope one of is a dimen mage because I'm not cleaning that up."

“You won't sir, I promise to take care of it. I'm sorry for causing you any trouble." Connor apologized with a submissive bow. Lee's annoyance quickly phased away, “You don't need to go that far, just clean it up."

But the racket seemed to have a delayed reaction as door leading to the kitchen slammed open, and dooming aura burst out of a slender tigress who stepped out with an intimidating silent step that made her appear to almost float across the floor. Her muzzled squinted in anger, and all of the staff kept their head low as she passed by, and a silence crushed the entire restaurant; but Connor recognized her from one of the dossiers for the private event.

Bellea Arwin, a noble in one of the most prominent families, and a relative of the Queen. Her orange eyes glanced at the mess Connor caused, and she snarled, “Who caused this."

“Please forgive me Ma'am it's my fault," Connor bowed crumpling to the ground at her feet as nervous apology as remembered reading how much she detested males. “I'm sorry for disturbing you, I promise to clean it up."

Her heavy foot pushed Connor's head into the floor, “What in all creation is this human doing in my restaurant?"

“I brought him, we didn't mean to cause any trouble, Connor just got scared of an Archnem that dropped on our table." Bellea rolled Connor's head to the side, “An Aranium, who gave you that human?"

“My mate, Mistress Arwin." Connor answered swiftly, but that answer wasn't enough, “I said who." She repeated stiffly.

“Banavi Newport, Mistress Arwin," Connor replied as ordered and the foot retracted from his head. “Your Connor Mason, the human slave."

“Yes Mistress, I'm honored to hear you know who I am." Connor continued formally keeping his head low. Bellea barely a noise as she seemed content with the apology before waving to Lee, “Get me some medicine I have a headache."

Lee bobbed his head quickly, “Of course," he retreated rushing into the kitchen ahead of Bellea.

Connor kept his head low until he heard the collective sigh from the staff, and sat up looking up at Spera who helped pull him up off the ground. “You ok?"

“Yes Mistress, thank you. Sorry about the mess." Spera shook her head, “Let me take care of it Connor."

Connor nodded, as Spera left him with a reassuring back rub before returning to the flatform and flexing her wrists, the area magically dragging itself into position, while the soot, ash and coals rolled back into the grill. The Food danced back on to their platters, and seeing the wet stains caused by the marinade he stepped forward to drag them out of the floor and walls, before pouring it all back into the flask. Thirty seconds and no one would have could have guessed the booth had been trashed.

But to finish it off, Spera rolled over her wrist and exposed her inner arm, before dragging her nails across her fur, “Konomen." A spell in dragon dialect by the sound of it, and as she scratched her inner arm, the coals in the grill started to glow as the turned over, and burned once again.

“You can use kenlon… but don't you use the Dimen?" Connor questioned after seeing Spera expertly clean the mess us with her magic.

“It's mixed magic, don't you have someone training you on how to use magic?" Spera answered before digging into her pocket to pulled out what looked like small leaves trimmed with metal, “yeah." Connor softly answered, watching her toss the leaves onto the rim of the table by the flask, “Well ask them about it, they'll know more about it then I do… but that should be enough, we should get going." Spera finished as she wrapped an arm around Connor's shoulders sheltering him from the heavy gaze of the patrons as they left, they stepped into the dark plaza and Spera nodded for him to follow, letting Connor go so they could freely walk.

“Did you really pay with those leaves Mistress?"

Spera nodded, “It's our currency back in Ecorein, it's like our version of paper money… like the American dollar… some vendors and restaurants will only take leaves. Here, let's go find some where else to eat, I could use something sweat."

“Yeah… ok… but what was that spider thing though?" Connor asked, somewhat hating the fact that he had been the reason they'd been forced to leave; he had really liked the food.

“It's called an Archnem, they are the most docile of all the beasts, if anything you could compare them to the pigeons or rats. They're herbivores that primarily feed on Gogen fruit in Matra. There silk is farmed to make the fabric commonly used in clothes. Their introduction into Earth's market has created a huge upset in the fabric market as silk has lost about a third of it's value because of how plentiful it is in Matra." Spera lectured looking around at the stalls that surrounded them.

“I must have looked like an idiot back there." Connor cringed and Spera pulled Connor under her arm, “Hey it's fine, at least you stood up and tried to fight what you thought was threat… But yeah… just a little." Spera added just to tease Connor.

“Do you want a funnel cake?" Spera offered leaning towards a sweet smelling stall.

“They sell funnel cakes down here?" Connor questioned more out of surprise than doubt because he could see the stall, and the cakes on display.

“Why are you surprised, they're delicious?" Spera probed but Connor just shook his head.

“It's nothing… sure. I'll take anything with chocolate." Connor agreed as Spera dragged him towards the stall before dragging out her wallet, “Hey it's meet again can I get one powdered and chocolate?" she ordered the vendor only accepting payment first, before he got to work frying the batter.

“What time is?" Spera asked and Connor dragged out his phone to check the time, “Five-thirty."

“We have plenty of time then." Spera waved off before tucking her wallet away.

“Time for what?"

“You're client was scheduled for the end of your shift, so we have to be back before eight to get you prepared, and you'll be with your client until they leave or till nine. He paid for an hour." Spera answered as she leaned her hands on the sheath and hilt of her short sword.

“You know, I never really talked to Master Ravinith about pay or hours, a lot of the documents I signed just dealt with privacy, medical stuff and so on." Connor asked and Spera nodded, “That's because it's not disputable, all apprentices get paid and work the same hours, if you can't accept either then your out. But there should have been some kind of mention of it contracts you signed."

“Maybe Mistress, it's possible I glazed over it, or Banavi read it and didn't tell me… he helped me go through it all." Connor admitted and Spera sighed shaking her head.

“You really need to make sure you take care of that, you should never take a job with out at least understanding the pay and hours. You could have screwed yourself with any other place."

“Yes Mistress," Connor accepted the scolding, but the conversation was paused as they were handed their warm funnel cakes. Connor had expected cholate on the funnel cake not the funnel cake to be made up of chocolate, but he didn't argue, he enjoyed it regardless. Spera took a bite of hers before ushing Connor away, “Lets start heading to the Cavern, we can eat and talk."

Connor said nothing as he bit into his own funnel cake, and watched as Spera dusted her muzzle before speaking, “But regardless, all apprentices take the standard twelve, day or night shift, and minimum wage starts at sixteen fifty per hour, plus tips." Connor coughed on his funnel cake and capped his mouth before spitting it up by accident, swallowing the funnel cake properly he took a breath.

“Sixteen fifty… fuck…me." Spera chuckled at his shock, “You ok?" she questioned, and Connor nodded, “I've just never been paid that much, that's a manager's salary right there." But Connor paused as he remembers what Spera had said in Ravinith's office about doubling the prices as a deterrent. “That stallion I met this morning Mistress, the four forty you the falcon was talking about, that was money right? How does that work?"

“That money is yours, the client asked for you specifically and you completed his request." Connor coughed again, and took a moment to focus as he looked up at Spera, “Are you saying that stud paid me four hundred and forty dollars to suck his dick and swallow."

“Yes Connor."

Connor flung up his arms in excitement, “I love this job!"

Spera for the first time broke out into a fit of laughter, and clutched her stomach as she struggled to stand up, she dusted her brow with powdered sugar as she tried to restrain herself before taking a moment to lean up on a nearby column supporting the roof between two stalls. “Gods above Connor, you were born to serve weren't you?"

“I don't know, maybe Mistress." Connor shrugged as he pulled Spera back onto the road so they could keep walking, Spera's smile wouldn't leave her lips as she shook her head.

“Ok, so we get paid standard hours, tips, and mating with clients, but how does renting work? I get the gist, the client buys my time for an hour and serve them and preform their requests, but I feel like it's not that simple." Connor continued to question, as he munched quietly.

“Because your right, when clients are selecting concubines to rent, they can choose benefits from three package details. Right now, because your apprentice and your ready to mate with clients, those renting you can only choose from the first two packages. The first one is kind of like a one on one with the client where they can make just about any request as long as it confines within the rules and the package deals. Like kissing, fondling, hugging, as well as what type of equipment they make you wear or use on you. The second package involves allows the client to make more intimate requests kind of what you did this morning, with the stallion, as well as create a detailed order for what they want you to wear, and offers more tools and equipment. The third involves the private rooms, and allows a client to mate with you, which you can't do right now regardless." Spera explained and Connor nodded, following along until she finished.

“But these packages aren't cheap, or else why you make them?"

“Well, with out the packages we would have to count everything we did, from kisses to fondling. Which I was required to do for time and I hated it, the clients hated it too because they felt like they were being over charged. So the package deals start around three hundred, and end right around thousand depending on what they pick and choose fetish wise or how intricate the outfit is. This can also change depending on how much time the want to spend with you." Spera explained, and Connor nodded, “So are there any kind of pay cuts that are taken out of our paychecks?"

Spera shook her head, “All the money we earn from clients and requests goes directly to us, the only pay cut we take is for medical benefits that are offered to everyone the day they start. Which is about four hundred per month, so that's about two hundred every two weeks, and it's completely doable, and that's not covering tips, requests or clients."

“What about Income tax, don't you take those out of the paychecks too?"

“No… The Lounge as strange as it is, is consider an embassy for Matra here in Red Rock, therefore, it's considered foreign soil and thus is allowed to follow the tax laws of that foreign power. One of the previous humans mention income tax before, and I had no idea what they were talking about, so I asked Varis about it and he explained it to me." Spera explained and Connor balked at the freedom from such a simple tax.

“But no one at the Cavern pays with cash everything is done wirelessly, because no carries their wallets with them. So, you never have anything physical on hand if you want to go shopping." Spera added as they came to the Elevator. “But you should get a banking app on your phone, because one of the benefits of working at the Cavern is that money earned by tips, requests and clients are pushed through in about a few hours after everything clears. So that four forty you got this morning is probably already sitting in your account right now, plus the sixty dollars you gained because of the punishment, and the tips your got from Prince Romulus."

“Prince Romulus gave me tips?" Connor asked in a whisper feeling that even mentioning the prince in passing publicly was a bad idea.

“That's what I'm guessing, after all he really liked you." Spera assured as she finished her funnel cake and tossed the napkin away after cleaning her muzzle. Connor finished his not to long after the elevator settled, and moved in beside Spera, who laid a hand on his shoulder to keep him close.