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Seeds of Divinity, Ch 11

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Raedryn usually wore a nightshirt to bed but, in recent days, he had slept naked; his time with Micah was no exception and there was something particularly freeing about being able to transition from bed to a warm bath without having to undress. The Molz held the young man against this thick, furry body for a moment longer before releasing him, but not without offering the Human a light smack on his bare ass with one paw. "You go ahead and get started, I'll join ya in a minute since you still owe me that washed back... Prophet."

The young man lingered by the bed, the Badger's large paw still resting against his rump. Raedryn reluctantly pulled away from the touch that lingered on him with hunger, turning away with a slight blush. "You... don't have to call me 'Prophet', Micah."

Still laying on the bed, head propped up by a paw whose arm rested against the mattress on its elbow, the Molz grinned, revealing his teeth. "Whatever ya say... kid."

The final word slid off the Badger's tongue as if it were slathered with the lubricant that they had lacked the previous night, echoing in the room as a hidden promise of all of the things the older Molz would do to his "flawless little Humme body" when they next had the chance. It made Raedryn shiver more than the early-morning cold and he quickly increased the distance between them, realizing that he wouldn't have a lot of time to shower and, even though a lot of it had dried, there was still a copious amount of fluids still seeking to escape his forcefully expanded nether region.

Pausing just long enough to grab his towel from the prior night, the Human emptied his dry clothes out of it and wrapped it around his waist. He popped open the door to peer out the hall and, noticing that it was empty, he nimbly crept his way down to the bathing chamber and showed himself in. Once again blessing his good fortune of having a serviceable place within the Bast Quarter to get clean, Raedryn turned on the water, holding is hand beneath it until the temperature warmed to his liking. After that, he plugged the drain and discarded his used towel on the floor where he could step onto it once his bath was done. He kept watch on the level of the water, quite pleased to see that the tub had apparently been cleaned since it was used the prior night.

Once it was filled half way Raedryn paused for just a moment; if Micah had been earnest about his interest in sharing a bath then their combined bodies would surely cause it to overflow. He turned off the flow and lingered for several seconds, wondering if the Molz was just toying with him or if the laborer really did intend to join him. On one hand, the salacious nature of sharing a bath in such a small tub was wrong in all proper ways but, as a smile split Raedryn's lips, the Human really did wish that Micah was serious and, with that thought on his mind, the Human stepped into the tub and let out a pleased exhale as he lowered himself down into the water.

Although the bath was only 2/3 full the Human was able to submerge the majority of his body, half-closing his eyes as he enjoyed the calming feel of the hot water sloshing around against him. The bathing chamber was warmer than the hallway had been, but there was still a distinct difference between the air and the water, meaning that he could appreciate the feel of the hot-versus-cold as it tickled his senses. He was just reaching for the scented bar soap when a reasonably soft rap on the door caught his attention, accompanied by a gruff call from Micah's unmistakable voice from the hallway beyond. "Ya decent... kid?"

Raedryn felt himself blush, feeling anything BUT decent, but not really minding. He called back, hopefully loud enough to be heard, but not too loud as to disrupt the house so early in the morning. "You may enter."

The Badger opened the door and a fresh breeze of cold air blew in through it, carrying a spiced, savory, mouth-watering flavor. Ray looked up from the soap, turning to regard Micah, who was managing to carry two plates in one of his huge paws. The Molz was bare chested but had his breeches on, sans belt and one side of the cloth had dropped low, revealing his thick hip. Micah set the two plates on the powder table, giving Raedryn a good look at what weighed them down; each plate had two eggs, a piece of toast with butter, half a roast tomato, and a large breakfast banger.

Letting the plates sit unattended, the Badger popped a single button above his broad, short tail and, with a quick suck-in of his gut, let his leggings fall to the ground. He gestured with a paw and Raedryn made room for him, allowing the thick-bodied Molz to climb in behind him. Micah slid his legs around either side of Ray but the thin tub meant that the Human was essentially sitting in the laborer's lap. Grinning right next to the young man's ear, suggestive words rumbled out of Micah's muzzle. "So... care to start th' mornin' with a big sausage between yer lips?"

Raedryn, despite the obvious double entrendre, decided it best to play coy since they didn't have a lot of time. "Breakfast smells wonderful... thank you, Micah."

The Badger dipped both his paws into the water, bringing them up to rest on either of the Human's shoulders. Micah's paw pads were rough, and served as amazing scrubbers as he rubbed Ray's bare flesh; before long the young man was letting out soft, quiet sounds of contentment. Micah wasted little time in getting the soap and, before long, Raedryn was being bathed far better than any of his servants had ever managed-- even if Micah was a laborer and not a man servant, the Molz certainly knew how to handle him. "Ohthatsgood..."

Micah grunted. "Wazzat?"

Raedryn felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment. "Oh... I.. uh... you're... just.... good with your paws."

The Molz's broad, blunt muzzle spread wider and his strong tongue lashed out to slide lasciviously against the Human's jaw line. "You've barely got a chance to feel how good I am with em, Humme... but we don't got a lotta time this mornin', so it'll have ta wait."

Feeling absolutely boorish and crass, the young man still couldn't deny the admission. "I'll wait... but hopefully not too long."

Letting out a grunt, Micah adjusted the way he was situated in the bath and Ray felt a tingle run up his back when the Badger's full sheath pressed against the small of his back. The Molz bit down on his earlobe with a slightly blunted fang and then easily lifted the young man up and off of him. "If we didn't have to leave so damn early I'd fuckin' play salmon with ya here an' now but, since we do, we better finish up."

Surprised and confused, the Human stood up with him, turning around to regard the Badger even as Micah moved to face the same direction, revealing his broad, stocky back. The gears finally clicked when the laborer picked up and offered a small tube of fur soap. Feeling his cheeks blush even harder, Raedryn accepted it. "Oh-- oh, right."

They were quiet in the bath for many long moments as the Human ran his shampoo-covered fingers through the Badger's coarse back fur, closing his eyes to revel in the feel of each strand and the firm muscles rolling beneath. He smiled when he heard the pleased rumble from his companion, and an occasional twitch when his nails hit just the right spot to elicit a response from the Molz. He waited for nearly a minute before his curiosity demanded an answer to the question he had chosen to reserve. "Micah?"

The pleased rumble stopped and the Badger's small, rounded furry ears rose. Micah didn't bother looking behind him to provide a response. "Kid?"

Raedryn realized that the only way he would learn would be to ask questions and, although he realized that the answer he received might be something base, tactless, and/or vulgar, he committed to asking anyway. "When you said 'play salmon' with me...?"

Micah let out a single, mirthful 'hah' before answering. "Well... y'know that salmon fuck underwater... right?"

The Human's entire face blazed with embarrassment. "I... uh... oh. Right."

The Molz chuckled deep in his chest, short tail thrashing and spraying water. "Yeah... now yer gettin' it, ain'cha?"

Although Raedryn liked the idea of more physical intimacy, he knew that they would both settle for getting clean together since they were on a schedule. Once he finished lathering up Micah's back he stepped back, letting the Badger dunk himself; Raedryn followed suit while the Molz stepped out. When the young man rose back up out of the water he was surprised to see Micah waiting for him with a fresh towel spread wide, a slightly sheepish smile on his usually-gruff muzzle. The Human smiled at the gesture. "Thanks."

Clearing his throat, Micah nodded, quickly stepping away once Raedryn was wrapped up. "Yeah. Sure."

The two toweled off quickly; since Raedryn had significantly less hair than the Badger had fur, it wasn't long before the Human turned to help dry the Molz. His attention met with mixed review. "Thanks fer the help, kid, but, gods, if you keep rubbing there I won't be able to fit my junk inta my trousers."

Raedryn was blushing enough just due to the statement but, as the young man looked up his eyes caught Micah's reflection staring back at him in the mirror. The Molz shot him a rakish grin, one paw encircling his massive sac and his mostly withdrawn sheath so he could waggle his half-firm erection for the young man to see. Feeling his own member start to firm up, the Human quickly disengaged and crossed the bathing chamber to see to his own clothing. "Oh... good point."

Micah chuckled confidently. "Don't worry, kid... keep bein' a good Humme and I'll let ya spend lots more time with it later."

The young man was the first to redress which gave him more time with his breakfast, which turned out to be helpful since he took almost ten minutes to eat while Micah, who spent at least eight minutes longer getting dry and dressed inhaled his own food using no utensils in less than two minutes. Literally licking his plate clean, the Molz set it down on the counter even as Raedryn finished his own breakfast. The Badger grinned. "Fuckin' precious... usin' a fork an' knife an' everythin'..."

Letting Micah have his little victory, Raedryn just smiled. "Yeah... thanks for bringing them for me."

He was surprised to see the laborer blush. "Sure... whatever."

In addition to breakfast, as it turned out, Micah had also collected their clothes which, just as Sterling had promised, were neatly laundered and pressed. While the service lacked the fine finish to which Raedryn was accustomed in his household he did have to admit that what he got was far finer than what he realized should have been available in the Beast Quarter so he couldn't bring himself to call attention to it. He also acknowledged that, on the road, he would have to be used to clothing that wasn't 'just so'.

Micah had his food polished off first but, rather then dress right away, he sat back with his head against the wall, slowly continuing to blot at his fur with a towel, eyes on Raedryn as much as himself. Ray shot him a glance every now and again, bemused to see an almost drunk smile on the usually dour Badger's broad muzzle. Eventually, however, the Human did complete his breakfast. "We should probably consider getting dressed."

The Molz let out a calm 'heh' followed by a flippant wave of a paw. "You can go ahead an' get started, kid... I got two things t' put on. Easy enough to do while you're still figurin' out your shoe-things."

It was certainly a true statement; in addition to his undergarments, trousers and shirt, the young man also had a vest, a traveling jacket, stockings and shoes. He got right to dressing, realizing as well that Micah was continuing to watch him and, even though Raedryn only caught occasional glimpses of the voyeuristic Badger every so often, he was fairly sure that his companion was sporting a semi-firm erection. Smiling to himself, he did his best to give the Molz a reverse strip show.

It worked apparently. "Fuck, kid... makes me wish we had more time. I'd bend ya over th' bath right now if we did. Damn early departure."

Despite the grumbling, Micah finally started to get dressed, starting with his shirt before pulling up his leggings, securing them around his ample waist by pulling a set of straps up and over his shoulder. Just as the Badger had foretold, despite starting much later than Ray, the laborer still did end up clothed first. The Human finished a short time later, letting out a long sigh. "This really wasn't that bad of a place to stay... I'll have to thank Sterling for the hospitality."

Micah grunted. "Sure thing, kid... three-to-one bet that he's waiting for us at the bottom of th' stairs."

The statement fit with everything else the Badger had suggested about the Rakken. "Really?"

The laborer headed for the bath room door. "Mm-hmm. No way he'd let you leave without gettin' a 'Oh, goodbye my gracious lord!' in an' all that."

Raedryn couldn't help but snicker at the Badger's imitation of the Rat's well-mannered tone; it seemed entirely out of character coming out of Micah's muzzle. "Well, if we're on our way it won't take too long to see if you're right."

Micah was indeed correct.

* * * * *

Although Sterling was there to see them off, the Rat remained courteous and polite; Micah, regardless, kept himself between the Rakkin and the young man. Sterling offered many versions of a courtly farewell (essentially confirming the laborer's earlier assessment of what would happen) and encouraged Raedryn to stop by again. The Molz only parted from the Human once Ray was out the door and then, only long enough to get called back to speak with their host for a brief moment. Whatever was said appeared to be at Micah's expense as the Badger ended up scowling deeply while the Rat smiled wide; the laborer didn't look Raedryn in the eye until they were well outside of Sterling's home.

Eventually, the Human couldn't help but ask. "What was that about?"

Micah grunted in response. "He just wanted ta poke fun. Don't worry 'bout it, kid."

Although Raedryn was curious, he could tell that, whatever it was, it had left his companion ill-at-ease so he was willing to let the discussion slide. "Alright... how far do we have to go? Do I have to get into that barrel again?"

Glancing up and down the boulevard, Micah immediately pivoted and, grabbing Raedryn by the shoulder, gave the Human a light push forward. "Nope. That alley there. We're not too far now... just stay to th' side streets."

It was a period of slow-to-quick-to-slow hops from one shadowy alleyway to the next, moving every time Micah directed and coming to a stop the moment the Badger told him to stay in place. Although Raedryn didn't catch any sight of church patrols he knew well enough that Beastfolk had far finer senses than Humans so he was willing to let his companion take the lead. Before long they left the Beastfolk Quarter and Raedryn began to recognize the architecture of the docks and, shortly after that, he was able to catch the scent of saltwater.

By the time the sun had crested the horizon the seagull cries were clearly audible. By Raedryn's estimate they were scarcely a block from the docks. "Almost there, right?"

Micah responded with a wry, sharp-toothed grin. "Yer ass is pressed up against a dockside warehouse, kid. We're where we need ta be."

Ray slowly about faced, looking at the tall, wooden building behind him. "A warehouse? That's not a ship though."

The Badger's grin widened, but there was a hint of an apology to it. "Well... we gotta get ya on a boat without bein' spotted."

The Human tried to put two and two together. "So... why are we going into a warehouse then, Micah?"

The Molz pulled out a collection of large, iron rings and flipped through them as he stepped up to a large, broad, double door in the warehouse wall. "Well... ya remember how you were wonderin' if ya were goin' back inta that barrel?"

The moment Micah opened the door Raedryn was pushed inside. The Molz followed a moment later and the two stood before a half dozen surprised longshoremen. Even as the Human tried to take stock of the various races in front of him, his companion gave him another light shove forward. "Hey boys... gotta get this one here onta th' Wayfairer... without bein' seen."

A large, tan-furred Kornos cocked his head to the side, his horns brushing across the top of the scaled head of the not-quite-as-tall Zardon standing next to him. "Youse wants we should puts him in with da cargo, Boss?"

Micah wasted no time bringing his dour attitude to bear. "Yeah, Manny, ya shit-fer-brains. That's what I said, ain't it?"

Raedryn soon learned what being a higher-up in the Laborer's Guild meant as the Molz was in complete charge of the warehouse team, gathering everyone up in search for the best way to get the Human onboard the ship. Memories of the cramped, smelly ale barrel flooded Ray's mind and, for a moment he was disheartened at how messy he would soon become after such a nice early morning of cleanliness. Fortunately, the warehouse crew had a different plan and they spread out, calling to one another on the lookout for a 'not too small thing to shove that Humme kid into."

An Orc raised a thick arm, corded with muscle from behind a large wooden crate. "Found one, Boss!"

The other workers joined the Orc and a brown furred Etamir used a pry bar to pop it open. The Human recoiled as the contents spilled out immediately, but he was relieved when he saw that they were just a collection of blankets and throw pillows. Grinning, Micah gave Raedryn a chiding elbow. "Looks like ya got it easy this time, kid. Alright, boys... load 'im up, an' make it quick! We got a ship ta catch!"

The workers did as requested without objection, but it was obvious that they were curious about the situation that led them into sealing up a Human into a cargo crate. Only once the panel was hammered back into place did any of them say anything and, by that point, their voices were muffled by the wood separating Raedryn from those around him. Although the collection of blankets and pillows left the crate feeling stuffy after only a minute or two, the young man couldn't deny how comfortable they were. With so little sleep the previous night, Ray didn't realize he'd fallen asleep unti he was awakened by a sudden jolt.

There were multiple voice shouting out to one another in the distance, all still muffled, but he got the sudden sensation of his stomach rising up into his throat; a few seconds later the entire crate shook and a loud wooden 'bang' echoed around the crate, thankfully muffled by the collection of cloth surrounding the young man. He remained silent, completely unsure of the situation or how best to proceed. Raedryn realized after what felt like forever that he would have to put his trust in Micah and hope that the Badger's plan was well thought-out. Forcing himself to remain calm, he resolved to wait.

Fortunately he didn't have to wait long before he heard muffled but still familiar voices speaking to one another beyond the crate. Although he couldn't make out what they were saying, the distinct tones of valor, incredulity, and gruffness suggested that his three companions had indeed found one another, and were in the process of seeking him out. Waiting until they sounded as close to him as possible, he adjusted his position within the bedding to hit the edge of the crate rhythmically with his elbow three times. Fortunately that seemed enough to catch their attention.

They found him quickly enough after that and with no great effort his companions managed to open the crate, leaving Raedryn to spill out amidst the blankets. Herald and Bird helped him up; the former tussled his hair amiably while Bird simply dropped all pretenses and pushed himself against the Human's chest, throwing his arms around Raedryn in a full-on hug. "Master, we got to you as soon as--"

The Sunfeili paused, drawing back as his nose wrinkled in distaste. Raedryn reached out to rest a hand on Bird's shoulder as Bird scowled, his expression darkening as his nose worked the air. The human pulled back. "Bird... what's wrong?"

The Spymaster immediately turned his head, eyes zeroing in on Micah with a death-gaze. The Molz simply responded by folding his arms across his chest, offering the Cat a shit-eating grin. "Yeah, kitty... somethin' up?"

Herald quickly reached out to replace Raedryn's hands with his own paws on Bird's shoulders, and the Varken gently eased the Sunfeili back. "We have discussed this already, Bird... The Light of Infinity, your Master Raedryn, He of the Eternal Call is tasked with collecting the Divine--"

Bird pulled free of Herald's grasp but, fortunately, didn't show any further aggression toward the laborer. "Enough. Yes, you've told me many times and I don't need to hear it again, Wolf. I understand, gods forgive me... but it doesn't mean I have to like it."

Raedryn took a step forward and offered Bird a gentle hug; the Cat didn't resist and, despite not reciprocating (seemingly more interested in pouting) did, nevertheless, begin to purr from the attention. Smiling a little more, the Human rubbed the Spymaster's back. "I'm alright, Bird... and I'm safe."

When the Sunfeili provided no response, the young man slowly disengaged, only to suddenly have the Cat's arms shoot out and surround him again, giving him a firm embrace. Bird's blunt muzzle pressed against his cheek in an intimate kiss and, before pulling away, his severe voice questioned "He did not harm you, did he, Master? Was he... at least... courteous?"

The Human offered another soft squeeze back. While Raedryn's eyes were opening up to the more carnal side of life, his sensibilities still remained relatively unchanged and discussing bedroom matters casually was not something he was interested in starting up. "I missed you too, Bird. I'm fine... honest."

Bird slowly pulled back, eyes lingering on his for several more moments until it was apparent that the Cat was satisfied with the ambiguous answer. After that, the Sunfeili disengaged, turning once more to glare at the Molz. "If I ever discover that you treat Master Raedryn with anything but the most abject respect and deference--"

Raedryn interjected. "I'm fine, Bird. Micah is a FRIEND, and he will be traveling with us. He is a bearer of a Divine Seed, and we need him."

Finally looking at their surroundings, the Human realized that the four of them were in a cargo hold. Taking note of it for the first time, he missed the comment that the Molz, leaning back against one of many crates, offered to the Sunfeili, but, based on the smirk the Badger wore, it was probably nothing calming. Fortunately, Bird was in much better control of his mood and simply turned away, pulling the hood of his cloak back up. He said a few quick words to Herald before disappearing into the shadows away from the light filtering in through the grate overhead. Herald's response was patient and courteous. "That is all I ask on behalf of our Lord."

Once Herald stepped up to give Raedryn a careful once-over the Human provided an overview of what happened after the two groups split up. He kept his intimate time with Micah until the end, summarizing it with "And, well... yeah... he's definitely a bearer of a Divine Seed. I had another vision and everything."

Herald nodded, turning to address the still-leaning Badger, looking at him critically. "When we were in the bar you had two brown eyes."

Reaching up to his face as if forgetting that he'd taken out the colored lens, the Molz sighed and shrugged. "Yeah... drawin' attention ta yerself ain't usually a good thing ta do when yer workin' as a laborer. Guess that life's on hold for awhile though while I'm travelin' with th' kid."

The Varkken clasped one of the Badger's shoulders with a paw. "What you do now, with us, my friend, is far greater a task than you may ever have known. It will be an honor to travel with you, just as it was an honor to travel with him."

Although Herald was not very specific when speaking of 'him', Raedryn immediately knew of whom the Wolf spoke-- it was that other Badger. Micah apparently also made the connection. "That was me... but wasn't really me. I don't exactly get how it all works."

Herald offered an amiable chuckle. "You said this vessel is heading for East Harbor? We will have time to discuss that in GREAT detail, Sir Micah."

The Badger raised a thick, furry eyebrow. "SIR Micah, is it? Now I KNOW yer just tryin' ta butter me up."

The Varkken's tail wagged easily. "It is a title you are well worthy of, good Molz. You are a member of our retinue... perhaps the most important gathering to be made in centuries. You are attending the Prophet, Master Raedryn. SIR Micah it shall be, my friend."

Micah huffed, grunting, apparently disinterested in the fanfare. "Micah's just fine, Varkken. I'm not much fer ceremony."

Herald's tail continued as he disengaged, moving back to Raedryn, smiling as he spoke. "Yes, Great Prophet... he is JUST like the last one."

Before the Human could respond a strong-yet-gentle paw came to rest on either of his shoulders and Herald leaned forward, curling his muzzle down so he could present his forehead. Some unknown inclination led Raedryn to lean forward as well so that the tops of their heads could touch. It was personal and intimate as they stood there together, and words came unbidden to the young man's lips. "Hngo oli, vi Mocre."

From off to one side, Micah spoke up. "Gods alive... a Humme that speaks Fylgish?"

Smiling even wider, Herald stepped back. A golden glint of the Wolf's eye revealed his herald's joy at being welcomed back into his presence, and being referred to as a Champion. The Varkken desended to one knee, lowering his head as he spoke with reverence in the same language which, somehow, Raedryn knew. "Eh ohm ir oli, vi Lom."

It took a second for Micah to catch up, voicing the translation aloud in the common tongue. "'It is good ta be back, Master.'?"