FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Threat level : 1 crew

Description : casual goblin population control

Reward : ¼ Re.

Location : North, Rocky Mound…

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Paul adjusted his heavy backpack and squinted at the bounty board nailed to the side of the local tavern. His eyes immediately landed on a prominently displayed notice that was larger and bolder than the others, practically shouting for attention. It was a run-of-the-mill task: easy, always relevant, and with a paycheck that barely warranted a second glance. Nothing different from the last time he’d passed through this town.

The board was more cluttered now, though, with jobs plastered haphazardly below the main notice, a mix of low-effort gigs and mundane requests. He scanned the list with a discerning eye, dismissing the usual petty thefts and minor disputes that wouldn’t cover even a fraction of his needs. Paul needed the big scores, the kind that paid enough to fund a month or even two of supplies. As the midday sun glared overhead, offering a clear view of the mess, his gaze caught on a new posting. A fresh notice stood out from the rest. This one was different.

---

Urgent!

Threat level: More than 3 crew

Description: Orc threat removal

Reward: 8 Tarri

Location: East, exact location unknown

Ask staff for further details

---

Paul raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar handwriting. It was much neater than what he was used to seeing. Usually, the bounties were scribbled out by the tavern worker, a man Paul knew well. He didn’t dwell on it long, however. With a quick tug, he pulled the notice off the board and headed for the tavern’s entrance.

As he pushed open the heavy oak door, he was greeted by the warm yet slightly stuffy hum of chatter. The place was lively, packed with both humans and wolfkin, their mingled voices and laughter stirring a sense of nostalgia in Paul. He hadn’t realized just how much he’d missed this place. Making his way to the counter, he spotted a tall wolfkin woman behind the till. She wore a simple white dress, her snout adorned with a pair of cute glasses that gave her an unexpectedly bookish look. She had her back turned, busy with something, so Paul cleared his throat to get her attention.

“Excuse me, miss. I’m here about a job.” He placed the notice on the counter, tapping it lightly.

She turned, her eyes briefly scanning the paper before meeting his with a skeptical look. “Am I speaking with the team’s leader?” She spoke in a sterile voice, her tone suggesting she had asked this question too many times before.

Paul hesitated with the answer, not expecting her to be so direct. “Uh, kind of but not exactly,” he admitted, scratching the back of his neck. “It’s complicated.”

The wolfkin woman raised an eyebrow as she eyed him up and down. In his worn, light armor, Paul wasn’t exactly an imposing figure. Lean, with more wiry strength than brute force, he often relied on speed and strategy rather than sheer might. Still, he wasn’t the first solo adventurer to wander through these parts, and he wouldn’t be the last.

“So you don’t have one.” She glanced at the notice again, tapping the part that read, ‘Threat level: More than 3 crew.’ “You do realize what this means, right? This isn’t a solo job.”

Paul shrugged, keeping his expression neutral. “I’ve seen plenty of these things; I know. But as I said, I’m not exactly solo,” Paul added, his tone careful but confident. “I’ve got… unusually good options.”

The wolfkin woman's eyes narrowed as she studied Paul more intently, her skepticism clearly not waning. "I can’t take just your word for it. Sorry for the comments, but you don’t exactly look like a leader of a capable squad." she finished, her tail flicking slightly as she glanced at the crossbow hanging at his side, unimpressed. "Do yourself a favor. This isn't just some goblin scuffle, you know. Orcs aren't stupid, and they're a hell of a lot tougher."

Paul nodded. He’d dealt with orcs before. Brutally strong, and a large variety in height from a goblin’s to even two stories tall. But the pay was good, and that meant they were expecting a serious threat. He didn’t want to show his hand too early though, so he had to find other means to be more convincing or speak with someone else. On that note, he knew exactly who might give him this job.

Before he could respond however, the wolfkin’s ears twitched, catching something behind him. Her attention shifted to a small table nearby. “I’ll be back in a minute," she said, her tone softening slightly. "Think about what I’ve said." With a curt nod, she grabbed two mugs then turned and moved toward the beer tap, leaving Paul standing at the counter with growing impatience. Fighting for a job wasn’t on his already long to-do list today.

Paul exhaled slowly, leaning against the counter as he scanned the room. His gaze fell on the two figures at the table, the same ones that had drawn the wolfkin’s attention. They were slouched in their seats, clearly deep into their drinks, their conversation loud and unintentionally broadcast to anyone within earshot. When the wolfkin woman delivered their order of two beers, the two humans didn’t so much as glance up at her, let alone thank her. Although, one’s eyes wandered to her backside after she went towards another table to collect the mugs, much to the other’s annoyance.

"I’m telling ya, Baren, settling among the wolfkin even for a short time is a major mistake. You don't want to be living anywhere near them," the slimmer of the two said, his tone slightly slurred as he took another long swig.

"Oh yeah? And why's that, Jeb?" The second man, Baren, replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"C'mon, man, you don't have to be an expert to know. I just don't like the fact that if I take a shit, both my neighbors can tell what I ate that day. I don't need that kind of closeness. Fuck that." Jeb let out a loud belch.

Paul rolled his eyes at the overheard conversation, resisting the urge to groan. He forcibly turned his attention away from the two fools, and back to the room. He wasn’t here for idle banter or to get tangled up in drunken prejudices. His focus had to stay on the job at hand.

His eyes scanned the tavern, taking in the layout and the people. The air was thick with the scent of ale and the hum of casual conversation. A handful of adventurers dotted the room, though none seemed immediately approachable or eager to engage. They sat in their own groups, chatting, sharing stories, and comparing gear. If Paul was forced to form a placebo crew, he’d need to be selective. He needed people who can sell themselves, not just someone from the streets.

His gaze shifted back to the wolfkin woman, who had now returned to the counter. She was wiping a glass, her sharp eyes occasionally darting over to him, clearly waiting to see what he’d do next. There was something predatory in her observation; not entirely unwelcoming, just cautious.

Paul stepped forward, lowering his voice just enough to keep the conversation private. “I get it. I don’t look like much. But I’ve handled worse than orcs. Look, I was a Peacekeeper trained since youth.” He looked left and right to make sure no one’s looking before lifting his frayed scarf to reveal an even more worn Peacekeeper emblem clad to his armor, placed above his heart.

The wolfkin paused, considering his words. She set the glass down and crossed her arms again. “I still can’t be sure it’s not just bought or a copy. But even if it's real, I’m not going to send you out there alone just to get yourself killed. I’ve seen that happen too many times, even with the best.”

Paul's frustration flared, stiffening his posture as he struggled to rein in his irritation. He fought to control the surge of impatience rising within him, but it slipped into his words despite his best effort. "Is there any damn way I can convince you my emblem’s real?" His tone came out harsher than intended, and he winced inwardly as the wolfkin recoiled slightly at his outburst. Shame flushed through him, and he quickly softened his stance. "I... I'm sorry. I didn’t mean-"

“My boss was a Peacekeeper. I’ll call him here.” She said coldly, not leaving him time to apologize. With that, she turned to enter a small door behind the counter, giving him a glare and shutting the door after.

“Great. Nice one, Paul.” He muttered to himself, rubbing his temples as frustration continued to bubble beneath the surface. The tavern's warmth pressed in around him, and he forced himself to breathe deeply, focusing on the familiar clamor of voices and clinking mugs. It was significantly quieter now, wasn’t it?

Even better. He had pissed off the bartender, and now half the room was stealing looks of him.

Glancing around, Paul assessed the situation. A few patrons had turned their heads, casting sidelong glances in his direction. Judging looks, some muttering under their breath. His slip-up hadn’t gone unnoticed. The two drunks from before were now staring at him, too. Not good. He was considering a quiet leave and was lucky he didn’t get his ass kicked out of the place yet. Maybe she was bringing the boss here to put him outside? She said he was a Peacekeeper too. Paul furrowed his eyebrows. A Peacekeeper? He only knew of one in this town. And not just any Peacekeeper.

The back door creaked open. In walked a bald man of average height with a graying beard, a stern look chiseled into his features. Paul’s heart skipped a beat as the man’s figure came into full view. It was Keln. His former mentor. The man who had once been a second father to him, a leader who had guided Paul through the better part of his adult life. The man Paul hadn’t seen in over two long years.

Keln’s eyes swept the room before locking onto Paul, his hand resting casually on the hilt of a short dagger, sheathed in a leather scabbard at his belt. For a moment, his face was unreadable, a hard mask of wariness. Then recognition flickered, spreading into a wide, toothy grin that sent a rush of both relief and unease through Paul’s chest.

Keln’s wide smile quickly faded into something more controlled as he approached Paul, his eyes narrowing as if weighing the right words to start with. The stern lines on his face hadn't softened much with age, and the grief of two years past still lingered in his posture.

“Well, well,” Keln said in a low, gravelly voice, tucking his hands into his belt as he stopped a few feet from Paul. “Look what the wind dragged in. I never thought I’d see the likes of you again. I believed she swallowed you whole for good.”

Paul managed a half a smile, though his heart still raced. "Keln... It's good to see you. And yeah, nearly did." He offered his hand, unsure whether to expect a handshake or a fist to the gut.

Keln looked at the hand for a moment, then let out a short, dry laugh that broke the tension. He pulled Paul in for a hug, slapping his back harder than necessary. “Two years, you bloody idiot. Two years and I didn’t even hear a thing about you two.”

The warmth of Keln’s grip brought a lump to Paul’s throat. It was rough and heavy, just like old times. “We... had things to deal with.” Paul pulled back slightly, looking around awkwardly, not knowing what to say. He noticed that the suspicious gazes slowly subsided, like blood flowing to a numb limb, then a topic finally broke to surface in his mind. “Didn’t know you’d taken over this place.”

Keln grunted, stepping back and gesturing to the bustling tavern with a sweep of his arm. “Hikyak’s mine now. Been running it since… well, since things changed.” His voice caught for a moment, but he recovered quickly. “It’s a simpler life. Suits me fine these days.”

Paul nodded, absorbing the weight of Keln’s words. Keln was the single most lively man he encountered in his whole life, with his trademark wit and endless humor that sometimes even Paul had enough of. If only Thali didn’t copy his annoying way of probing.

The whole team fell apart two years ago, when his smile went away with his adopted son. It broke him in ways no one could have imagined, robbing him of the joy and spirit that once defined him. Seeing him sporting a friendly smile again was a stark contrast to the barely alive look on his face etched into Paul’s brain the day after when the horrible news arrived. But after all, seeing a reminder of who he was gave Paul more than enough reasons to return that smile.

“Well, you’ve done a damn good job with the place,” Paul said, gesturing around. “Feels alive here.”

Keln grunted again, though his expression softened a little. “Yeah, plenty of people come through. Travelers, adventurers, mercenaries. You know the type. Life goes on.” He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “Though it has its challenges. Anyway, care to sit? I’ll have a word with Ryla, then I’ll join you.”

Paul moved to a corner table away from the main crowd, the noise of the tavern dulling to a low hum. He took his seat, watching as the wolfkin listened to whatever Keln was saying to her with a surprised expression for some reason.

When done, Keln came over and grabbed a chair across Paul, who was studying the man’s weathered face. Time hadn’t been kind to him; the lines of age and grief had deepened.

Paul’s thoughts drifted back to their last mission as a team. Nothing extraordinary, just a peaceful affair that marked the end of something greater. All the others, Keln included, resigned due to their old age, leaving him the only active member. Paul requested indefinite leave, and approval came without surprise.

Keln leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms and giving Paul a scrutinizing look. “You didn’t come here just to drink, did you? Ryla told me about an angry fool who wanted to bite off more than he could chew.” His eyes flicked briefly to the wolfkin woman behind the counter.

Paul followed his gaze. She stared them down with a still confused face, she clearly was not expecting such turn of events, or Keln said something she still didn’t believe. “Yeah, I was having a hard time convincing her to give me the orc job. But uh, I may have overdone the convincing part.” He wanted to show the bounty to his old friend, so he moved his hand towards the pocket on his right, only to remember that he left the piece of paper on the counter.

Keln raised an eyebrow, the amusement in his eyes turning to concern. “Orc job, huh? Which one?”

Paul scratched his chin, then answered. “The hefty one. Eight tarri.”

Keln’s brow shot up, his eyes narrowing as he processed the number. “Eight tarri? Didn’t even know we had one that high. Let me see it.”

Paul started to stand up to get the paper, looking back to Ryla again, who was already holding said paper with an accusatory look. He found himself sporting a sheepish smile as she strode toward their table, the notice crumpled slightly in her grip. Keln’s eyes followed her approach, his face reflecting curiosity. Paul couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty for putting her on the spot earlier as he noticed another larger paper in her left paw, which was probably holding the forementioned ‘futher details’. Ryla placed the papers down in front of him without a word, her gaze lingering on Paul before she crossed her arms, waiting for Keln's reaction.

Keln held the notice up, his brow furrowing as he read the details carefully. “8 tarri…” he murmured under his breath, then whistled low as he checked the other. “One orc. A real nasty one at that. I should’ve been informed, Ryla.”

Ryla huffed, looking between Keln and Paul with annoyance. “It only came in this morning, Keln. I didn’t even get to log it before this one,” she nodded toward Paul, “came barging in asking about the job.”

Keln let out a deep sigh, rubbing his temples. “Morning, huh? They’re not wasting any time with this bounty.” His gaze moved back to Paul, scanning him from head to toe, the lines on his face deepening with concern. “Paul, this orc is no joke. And a three-parter means they’re expecting bodies, not just scratches. You sure you two can survive this?” he said, eyeing the heavy crossbow attached to Paul’s backpack. "Looks like you’re taking good care of her still, but I’m afraid she’s not enough to get you two home safely."

"I learned from the best, Keln. Appreciation for your things was the first lesson he taught me before… that day.” He trailed off, his eyes dropping to the table, the memories of that fateful day with the goblins still vivid. The man who discovered Paul’s talent, who was responsible for his training, also was the first causality he witnessed. “Anyway, there’s no place I can call home, just the woods.”

Keln's mouth tightened into a grim line. “Well, people dying left and right is what you get when you get teamed up with some old fucks. At least you keep your word, taking care of his crossbow and all.” the barkeeper paused to look at Ryla then back, then continued after an uncomfortable silence, “But enough of that. Tell me, how is she.”

Paul leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he stared down at the wood surface. Keln might trust Ryla with keeping a secret, but he was not so sure yet. “About that,” he began, choosing his words carefully to not reveal too much, “there’s been... a development. She’s gone through something of a growth spurt since you last saw her.”

Ryla was about to go to tend to other patrons, but her pointed ears tilted back to their tablle as she caught the words. With a raised brow, she turned her piercing gaze toward them. "A growth spurt?" she echoed, her tone laced with disbelief as she eyed the crossbow, then Paul, and finally Keln. Clearly, she was waiting for the punchline to what she assumed was some elaborate joke. But when neither man so much as smirked, her patience snapped. She huffed, throwing her hands up in exasperation, and walked off to deal with another table.

Paul glanced at her retreating form before leaning in closer to Keln, lowering his voice just enough that it wouldn’t carry across the room. "She’s grown, Keln. Stronger, more... mature. She’s not the same person you knew two years ago." His words were cryptic, laced with meaning. "I’ll explain more, but not here. Some things are best said when ears aren’t listening."

Keln raised an eyebrow, skepticism flickering in his eyes as he studied Paul. It was the same scrutinizing look he used to give him during their training sessions, the one that meant he wasn’t buying the story. After a long, thoughtful pause, Keln leaned back, crossing his arms. "You were always one for secrets, kid. Fine. I’ll bite. But if you’re bluffing, this job will chew you up and spit you both out. And where will you be then?"

Paul didn’t flinch. He leaned forward just enough to hold Keln's gaze. "You know I wouldn’t risk her. Not for anything."

Keln’s hard gaze softened, if only slightly. The concern in his eyes remained, but there was a flicker of trust beneath it. "Well, that’s new. Good. I’ll hold you to that." He looked over his shoulder and called out, holding the papers. "Ryla!"

The wolfkin woman snapped to attention, her ears flicking as she turned back from her duties, clearly still annoyed but listening.

"Get the paperwork ready for the bounty. I’ll take care of things from here," Keln instructed and gave her the paperwork, before turning back to Paul with a nod. "While we wait, let’s talk about something else. You have a room for the night?"

Paul shook his head, his hand resting absently on the hilt of the crossbow strapped to his back. "No, wasn’t planning on it. Came into town for supplies, grabbed the job, and was planning to head out to Ghar before midday to send a letter, then making my way back into the woods. Didn’t see the need for a room."

Keln leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the table, and fixed Paul with a look that he just couldn’t recognize. "What? Did I say something?" Paul asked, his voice tentative, thrown off by the sudden shift.

His former mentor gave Paul a long, measured look, his brows furrowed in a way that spoke more of consideration than irritation. “No you didn’t, Paul,” Keln began, his voice quiet but laced with that familiar tone he used when he was about to say something serious. “But I’m starting to wonder about you. Two years, no word, and now here you are... Still playing the lone parent, aren’t you?”

Paul blinked, "Parent?" he asked, feigning confusion, though now he knew exactly where Keln was heading with this. The last argument they had before parting ways.

“Look,” Keln interrupted, his tone dropping further. “For example, here’s Ryla. She’s about your age, and she’s a real catch. Bright as a torch, capable, and let’s be honest, she’s not exactly the best at putting up with people but she can treat any open wound, like her father did. It wouldn’t hurt to show her a little interest.” He gave Paul a pointed look, his meaning clear. “I mean, you don’t have to go through life completely alone. And you actually know Ryla, because she’s…” Paul stopped listening, busy with fighting the sudden anger spike, trying to find where it came from. He was annoyed, but not to the amount that could justify the impulse. Finally, he focused on some other feeling, sensing the anger go away as quickly as it came.

Paul succeeded, even his cheeks flushed slightly more out of discomfort than embarrassment. After collecting his thoughts, he reasoned, “Keln, I don’t think... I mean, Ryla’s nice, but I don’t think you fully understood what I meant when I said Thali stands on her own. I’m not alone.”

“No, Paul, you know what I mean. You need to meet with people too, not just go in-and-out of villages and just do shop talk. After everything, you can afford some peace, especially if she can ‘stand on her own’ and you have coin to spare. At least after this mission, please find a way to stay here for a while.”

Keln wasn’t wrong, at least not entirely. He really did nothing else other than watch over Thali. Keln was just trying to help in his blunt, gruff way. He might mean well, but Paul had his reasons. Sure, keeping themselves afloat was a chore, but he felt like it was more of a cooperation nowadays. Finally, he nodded, more to keep the peace than out of agreement, but his thoughts had already shifted elsewhere anyway.

Glancing down, Paul tugged the edge of his cloak aside and checked his pocket watch, its brass surface dulled by the number of missions it was taken on. Noon was fast approaching, and with it, the time he had to make his way to Ghar. He clenched his jaw in frustration. The conversation had eaten more time than he anticipated.

"Maybe after this mission," Paul said quietly, not committing but offering a compromise, more for the elder’s sake than his own. "But I’ve got things to finish first."

Keln grunted, seemingly satisfied for now. "Fair enough," he muttered. "Just don’t let it all pass you by, kid. Remember my words."

Paul stood up and offered a brief nod in farewell. Turning on his heel, Paul sought to spare Ryla the trouble of walking back to their table again. Yet, as he strode toward the bar, Keln's parting words burrowed deeper into his thoughts than he'd have liked, lingering longer. He had wrestled with those very thoughts before, but somehow, Keln's comment sharpened their edge, transforming vague unease into a tangible weight he couldn’t just shrug off.

By the time Paul reached Ryla, the distraction was plain on his face. He could feel the tension in his own features, the slight furrow of his brow that gave away far more than he intended. Ryla didn’t miss the shift. Her gaze lingered on him, calculating and perceptive, as if she could see right through the thin veil of composure he’d barely managed to maintain. She didn't speak at first, letting the silence stretch between them. Instead, she handed him the bounty papers, her fingers brushing the parchment in a slow, deliberate motion that felt both casual and probing.

"Here," she said, her tone softer than usual, the edge muted but not gone. Her amber eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing him as if she debated whether to voice whatever lay behind that watchful stare. "Everything’s in order. You just need to sign."

Paul hesitated, his hand hovering above the quill for a moment longer than necessary. The contract was straightforward, like all the others he had signed in his time, but something about the moment lingered uncomfortably. With a sharp motion, he scrawled his name across the parchment, the quill scratching against the paper as though trying to expel the frustration coiling inside him.

When the last stroke of ink dried, Paul slid the papers back to her, his grip still tight on the quill for a heartbeat too long before he released it. A thick silence fell between them, the remnants of their earlier tension thickening the air like a storm cloud neither had fully addressed.

Ryla’s tail flicked behind her. "You know," she began, her voice low but measured, "just because Keln trusts you doesn’t mean I do."

Paul’s brow furrowed further, his eyes narrowing in return. "I never asked for your trust."

"No, you didn’t," Ryla shot back, her tone sharper now, "but you sure act like you expect it."

Paul’s grip on the counter tightened, his knuckles turning pale. He considered walking away, ending the argument before it went any further. But something about the way she looked at him—stubborn, almost hurt—kept him there. He sighed, realizing that his own frustration probably hadn’t helped the situation. If only she tried making things easier.

“And what exactly do you think I expect?” Paul’s voice was low, carefully measured, though there still was an unmistakable edge to it.

Her tail flicked again, more sharply this time, and her eyes flashed with an intensity that bordered on a challenge. “You expect me to stand back, nod, and let you walk out of here like some hero who thinks too much about himself. But I’m not some ginger-furred girl who’s impressed by tough talk, human.”

Paul’s jaw clenched. He hadn’t come here to impress anyone, least of all Ryla. "I don't consider myself a hero," he said finally, the words slipping out with more softness that would have matched his anger, with more truth than he was willing to admit. But his posture stiffened, refusing to back down. "I’m just trying to survive. Same as anyone. I’m not looking for trouble, things have just… gotten complicated."

Ryla’s gaze remained steady, though the tension in her shoulders eased slightly. Her stance softened, but her expression remained guarded, as if she wasn’t quite ready to let go of her skepticism. Paul could sense the questions bubbling beneath the surface, but she held them back, choosing to let silence fill the space instead where words might have stirred deeper wounds.

"Look," Paul said, his tone gentler now, a quiet attempt at reconciliation. "I appreciate the concern, I do. But I’ve got people depending on me. I don’t have the luxury of second-guessing every step."

A sharp snort escaped her, though it lacked the bite of her earlier words. "People depending on you? Like who? You’ve barely been in town long enough to know where the tavern is, and you act like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. I know my father’s old team was fierce, but clearly not because of you.”

Paul blinked, taken aback by the last words. Her father? His mind scrambled to make sense of it, piecing together fragments of memory, all while Ryla’s fierce gaze bore into him, daring him to deny it.

It suddenly clicked, her sharp, no-nonsense attitude, that careful, observant stare. She wasn’t just any bartender; she was the daughter of Torrik, the team’s old medic and the only wolfkin among them. Paul’s throat tightened as recognition settled in.

“I didn’t realize,” Paul said after a pause, his voice quieter now.

“What? Keln didn’t tell you?” Ryla’s tone was clipped, her tail still swishing behind her, though the fire in her gaze dimmed ever so slightly.

“That you were Torrik’s daughter,” Paul admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “He... He spoke about you sometimes. Said you were sharp as a blade even as a kid. Guess he wasn’t exaggerating.”

The compliment didn’t seem to land the way he intended. Ryla’s lips pressed into a thin line, her expression unreadable.

“He said that, did he?” she muttered, her fingers drumming lightly against the bar counter. “He didn’t really knew me, always was with his team. With you. After his little adventure team split up, he went to teach at a fucking university in Debbercen. I didn’t see him since.”

Paul opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out. Any defense he might have offered felt hollow, like trying to patch a sinking ship with paper. He let the moment hang there, the tension between them thick enough to taste, before finally exhaling and rubbing the back of his neck again.

"Ryla, I…" He hesitated, the words slipping away before he could string them together into something meaningful. "I didn’t know. I’m sorry."

Her eyes flickered, softening for the briefest moment, but the guarded expression returned almost immediately, her shoulders lifting in a subtle shrug. "Not much to know. Doesn’t matter now."

Paul felt the sting of her words, though they weren’t aimed at him directly. They still hit home. Torrik had always been one to brag about his family when the campfires burned low and the night dragged on, but Paul had never questioned why the wolf man never returned to them.

“I don’t think it’s my place to say anything more,” Paul offered, keeping his tone measured. “But for what it’s worth, I think he’d want you to know he was proud.”

Ryla shook her head. "Too little, too late. Anyway…" She pushed the signed contract back across the bar, her movements brisk and efficient, as though she wanted to put the whole conversation behind her. "I can’t stop you. Good luck."

Paul picked up the contract and slipped it into the inner pocket of his coat, his fingers brushing against the worn fabric. He hesitated for a fraction of a second, half-considering one last attempt to smooth things over with Ryla. But the stiffness in her shoulders and the way her gaze darted away told him everything he needed to know. This was a battle he wouldn’t win, not today.

“Thanks,” he said, his voice subdued but genuine. He gave her a brief nod before turning on his heel and heading toward the door.

Paul laid prone on the forest floor, his crossbow nestled firmly in his hands. His breath came in measured, controlled intervals. The tension was palpable as his finger hovered over the trigger, poised for action. The wind whispered gently against his back, carrying his scent away from his quarry, granting him precious invisibility. Each second stretched into an eternity; though he felt as if he’d been waiting for hours, only ten minutes had passed.

At last, his gaze flicked to the loaded dart’s tip in his trusty weapon. The poison, meticulously measured, was potent enough to bring down a large creature. He shuddered at the thought of its effects on a human -lethal, no doubt- but thankfully, humans hadn't seen the crossbow primed in some time.

Just then came the sound he was waiting for: Hooves on gravel, followed by a carriage. His eyes snapped back to the road before him, the carriage still blocked by a tree which was hanging in the road a little too much, providing a perfect cover. He held his breath while looking down the crossbow’s tried and tested sights, the mission’s responsibility weighing heavy on his shoulders. He shouldn’t miss; he had to reserve as many darts as possible for the official bounty he planned on claiming.

The horse came into sight first, then the black carriage, its windows blocked by curtains. He stirred a little, fixing his aim at the six-legged horse then pulled the trigger. The familiar sound of the satisfying clang hit his ears as the light dart hissed through the air with speed, penetrating the poor horse’s skin at the first hip. It stuck in just enough to release the toxin at the right rate, causing the animal to stumble and whinny in pain. It lurched forward, dragging the carriage in a wild, erratic sprint down the road.

Paul caught a glimpse of the coachman’s face: a young wolfkin, wide-eyed and alarmed. He fumbled for his own weapon, but the speeding carriage left him no chance to retaliate. Paul exhaled slowly, his heart pounding, and glanced at his pocket watch. Two minutes is all it would take to incapacitate the horse. He stood, brushing off the forest debris, and began to trail the rapidly dissipating dust cloud of the carriage. He’d done his part, but the real action was just beginning.

Paul moved swiftly, but the carriage was much faster. Its contour shrunk; he had to obscure the afternoon sun with his hand to keep an eye on it. As it reached the bend in the road, the carriage slowed, the horse staggering under the poison's effects. Glancing at his watch, Paul noted it had mere seconds left to immobility, another to unconsciousness. He lost sight of it when it completed the corner, but clearly heard its clattering halt as expected.

Loading a fresh dart, Paul cautiously walked up to the bend. Once he came closer, he spotted the now motionless carriage but saw no sign of the wolfkin. Pausing at a safe distance, his eyes scanned the scene, muscles coiled for action.

The outline of the wolfkin appeared from the carriage’s side, as did a satisfied smile on his face. Now.

A rustle broke the silence. From the trees near the cart, a massive brown dragon pounced, its scales glinting in the dappled sunlight. The wolfkin let out a terrified yelp, silenced as the dragon’s jaws grabbed him, dragging him effortlessly to the ground.

Paul, panting from the chase, approached the scene with a wry smile. “Stealing carriages, are we?” he called out.

The wolfkin, trembling and wide-eyed, looked up from his perilous position beneath the dragon’s grasp, tears brimming in his eyes.

Paul knelt beside the trembling boy, the dragon’s jaws still firmly holding his torso. ”What’s your name, if I may ask?” he inquired, his tone a blend of curiosity and menace.

The wolfkin gasped, his chest rising and falling in erratic tremors as the dragon's iron grip held him fast. His ears were flattened against his skull, and his mouth opened as if to speak, but only a choked whimper emerged. Fear had rendered him mute, his golden eyes darting between Paul and the creature that pinned him to the dirt.

Paul sighed, tilting his head as he studied the young wolfkin. "Cat got your tongue? Or perhaps the dragon did?" He didn’t break eye contact with the wolf, but he got his desired reaction in the form of a snort from the beast.

The boy gave another shuddering breath, trying to push against the dragon’s hold, but it was futile. He was trapped, his limbs trembling in helpless defiance. His claws dug into the earth, but his voice remained lost, locked behind the raw panic painted across his face.

Paul crouched down, resting his crossbow on his knee. "Now, don't make this more difficult than necessary. If you can’t speak, nod. Are you alone?" He watched for any hint of response, but the wolfkin merely trembled harder.

Paul rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his dust-matted hair. "Look, if I wanted you dead, you wouldn’t be breathing anymore. The fact that you aren’t dragon food means that I’m in a talking mood, something you should yearn for."

Still no answer. The wolfkin's breathing hitched, his tail curled close to his body in a protective reflex. He was young, perhaps too young to be tangled up in this mess. His clothes were plain but travel-worn, and there was no visible insignia to tie him to any known groups. Just who was he?

Paul tapped his fingers against his crossbow impatiently. He had other business to attend to, and dragging this out wasn’t helping. "Alright, fine. Blink twice if you can understand me."

A long, painful pause followed. Then, hesitantly, the wolfkin blinked once. Then, again.

"Good," Paul muttered. "Now we’re getting somewhere."

The dragon shifted slightly, its grip loosening just enough to allow the wolfkin to breathe easier but not enough for escape. "Now, let me repeat my question." Paul pressed. "Got a name?”

Finally, the wolfkin replied with a whisper, “Rolf… Rolf Mirdan.”

“Well, Rolf,” Paul said, his eyes narrowing, “It seems you’re in quite a predicament. You see, you fucked up two times. One, you stole something in front of its owner, and two, that owner is a friend of mine. That gray fur worked hard for his things.”

Rolf's eyes darted to the dragon towering over him, its maw wrapped around him with a low growl rumbling deep within its throat. Still, his breath came in short, panicked bursts, and his mind raced, searching for a way out of tall, clearly signaling that he wasn’t the dire kind of his species.

Paul watched him closely, his stern expression softening slightly as he saw the genuine fear and desperation in Rolf's eyes. He took a deep breath, the hard edge in his voice easing. "Now say, what made you hop behind the horse?" he asked, his tone more curious than accusatory by now.

“I… I didn’t know!” Rolf stammered, his voice cracking with fear. “I was just…”

”Kid, stop. There’s no reason for this kind of stealing. Unless you got tangled with the mafia, of course. Are you?” Paul crossed his hands in front of his chest.

Rolf shook his head violently, tears streaming down his muzzle. "No! No, I swear! I just needed the money, sir..." His voice broke completely, his breaths quickening.

“So, no mafia. Good,” he replied, brushing sweat from his forehead. “Better if it stays that way.”

Despite his efforts, a stray drop of sweat found its way into his eye. He quickly brushed it away with an annoyed grunt. ”Damned heatwaves. Even that won’t give me a break this week.” After some excessive blinking, he turned back to the thief. “Anyway, you thought stealing would be the best option? A carriage parked on the main square, no less?” Paul's eyes returned to the wolf, sensing an obviously deeper story. “I ask again, why did you need the money so desperately?”

Rolf hesitated, his muzzle tightening, lips drawing back slightly as if tasting the bitterness of his memories. He gasped, holding in a small breath before speaking. “My sister... she became very sick. We can’t afford the medicine she needs. I thought...”

”We’ll see if you speak the truth.” Paul's gaze shifted to the massive brown dragon, its nostrils flaring as it caught Paul's scent. The dragon's presence was a powerful deterrent to the eye of the unknowing, its fierce eyes gleaming with intelligence and hunger. ”Good job, by the way.”

”I ih onein wh yu oona ay a.” The dragon’s maw moved, but didn’t release its grip on Rolf.

Paul frowned. ”What now?”

The dragon rolled its eyes before finally releasing the terrified wolfkin. “I said; I was wondering when you’d say that,” she repeated, a bit of drool still clinging to Rolf’s fur. Her voice was deep, but there was some feminine undertone to it.

Now it was Paul’s turn to roll his eyes. ”Sorry, you know I was occupied with being intimidating, Thali.”

Thali snorted. ”Oh, I thought that was long gone with your weather report.”

Paul shook his head, letting a dry sigh escape his lips. “Can’t blame me,” he said as he readjusted his armor to allow some fresh air in. His eyes shifted to Rolf, shakily rising to his feet. He was already a head taller than Paul, all wolfkin were with those long legs. ”So, do you think he’s sincere?”

”I dunno,” Thali chirped, ”But I can smell his fear, aside from your human sweat.”

Paul ignored her teasing and eyed Rolf carefully, weighing his words and the intentions behind them. The wolfkin’s trembling figure and desperate eyes told a tale of hardship, but Paul knew better than to trust appearances alone. He looked back at Thali, who was settling back on her haunches, her scales catching the light in a mesmerizing pattern of browns and golds, then returned his attention to the boy.

Rolf swallowed hard, his voice a rasping whisper. “I’m not lying, sir. I swear on my sister’s life.”

Paul’s eyes narrowed, assessing the wolfkin. ”Listen, kid. Whom did you learn that this is a good idea?”

”My… Probably my father.” The thief’s canine nose was shining from wetness as he spoke with flattened ears.

Paul sighed as he dedocked his crossbow, then attached it to his backpack. ”That changes some things,” he said while turning back to the poor horse in front of the carriage. Retrieving his dart, he noticed some poison still remaining on its tip and wiped it off on the saddle. He had shot the six-legged creature in the flesh, where it could do the least damage. ”It will recover after an hour. You will return both the car and the horse to Ghar, and you will offer your services to him. Understand?”

The boy hesitantly nodded, seeing no other option. “Yes, sir,” he murmured, his ears straightening with a little hope.

”If you run off, I’ll hunt you down.” Thali bared her fangs, immediately extinguishing the look from the wolfkin’s face again. He tucked his fluffy tail between his legs, and he whined quietly.

”Thali, we’ve been over this.” Paul glared at the dragon as he cleaned the arrowhead and tucked it away in the carrier on his hip. ”You know the rules.”

”And so do I. C’mon, you are just jealous!” Thali pouted, her wings flapping lazily.

Paul rolled his eyes with a dramatic flair. “No, I’m not jealous. But seriously, you can’t just eat people when they annoy you. Basic public relations. Also, jealous of what, exactly?”

Thali huffed but reluctantly lowered her head, giving poor Rolf a break from her very toothy glare. “Ugh, fine. But if he so much as sneezes suspiciously, I’m making a sandwich.”

“I- yes! Understood!” Rolf stammered, his voice trembling with real, unfiltered fear. He dared a fleeting glance between the dragon and the crossbowman, before fixing on the carriage like it might offer sanctuary if he stared hard enough. The tremor in his shoulders suggested he wasn’t optimistic.

Paul crossed his arms and gave the kid a long look. This was not how he'd intended to assert authority. He’d been aiming for “cool, intimidating bounty hunter,” not “guy with unhinged pet dragon.” Still, fear was fear, and fear got results. “She’s not kidding,” Paul said casually, gesturing toward Thali like she was part of the scenery. “Hasn’t eaten all week. You’re basically walking jerky at this point. And yes, she could swallow that horse in one bite. She’s done worse.”

Thali raised her head and looked at Paul, the same glint of hope in her eyes that were in Rolf’s moments ago.

”Absolutely not.” He said with a stern voice.

Thali directed her gaze at the ground in defeat.

Rolf nodded fervently, his tail still tucked between his legs. “I won’t, I promise. I'll return the carriage and horse right away.”

"Speaking of the horse," Paul muttered, turning his attention to the creature. The six-legged mare stirred weakly, lifting its head to survey its surroundings. Upon spotting Thali, it let out a feeble whinny and collapsed back to the ground, unconscious once more. Paul shook his head. "The new batch of poison doesn't hold out as long. Noted." He glanced at the sky, the sight of the sun urged him to check the time. "It's getting late in the afternoon, Thali. We should be looking for that orc from our bounty if we want some money."

Thali gave a sigh of disappointment but stood up, stretching her wings. "Fine," she grumbled. ”I’ll have a quick lookaround to see if he is somewhere close.” She walked to the road, and with a flex of her thick hind legs, she jumped towards the sky. She flapped her wings several times to gain altitude, and within seconds her otherwise sleek body disappeared above the trees.

Rolf watched her, jaw dropped, unable to hide his awe at the dragon's impressive flight. Paul couldn't help but smile at the young wolfkin's reaction. "She's something, isn't she?" he remarked, adjusting his gear and preparing to move out.

Rolf nodded, still wide-eyed. "I've never seen a dragon up close before," he admitted, his voice filled with a mixture of fear and admiration. "She's... incredible."

"Yeah, she is," Paul agreed, a hint of pride in his voice. "But you don’t want to deal with her after she ate something."

As the sun lowered in the sky, not yet dripping down the horizon, Paul turned to Rolf with a serious expression. "Remember what I said. Return the carriage and the horse, and offer your services to Ghar. Prove that you're more than just a thief. He’s got a golden heart and a few golds to spare, so if you play your cards right, he will even help your sister."

Rolf swallowed hard, nodding with renewed determination. "I will. Thank you, sir," he said, his voice steadying.

Paul studied the young wolfkin for a moment, then nodded in approval. "Good."

He leaned against a tree, glancing up at the darkening sky. "Considering it already opened its eyes, I think we got ten minutes for the horse to recover now and for Thali to come back. Anything you want to add?"

The wolfkin closed his eyes. "I... I just really want to thank you, sir. For the offer. And... thank you for not... killing me." The wolf's ears now stood normally, making him seem even taller. "Me and my sister will reward you. We don't really have anything, so if you want, you can... get familiar with her after she recovers. She'd be honored, I'm sure."

Paul raised an eyebrow at his offer, caught wholly off guard by the question. He remembered Keln’s words from today about going into the villages more often to have social interactions, building relationships and maybe finding the one. But not like this, both his father and Keln had taught him better. And then, there was Thali… "I'll have to decline. This kind of arranged relationship is not my cup of tea. I know you're serious, but what would your father say to this?"

There was a sorrow look on the young man's face. "He's jailed for good, and my mother died years ago. There's just me and my sister.”

Paul’s heart sank at Rolf’s confession. Despite the tough exterior he had developed over years of mercenary work, the plight of family always hit him hard. He took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said quietly. "Family's everything. I really hope you won’t steal anymore, for the sake of your sister."

The wolfkin’s ears perked up slightly at Paul's words, a glimmer of hope rekindled in his eyes. Paul looked back at the six-legged horse, still unconscious but starting to stir. "Let's focus on getting this horse and carriage back to Ghar. You'll figure out the rest afterward."

Rolf gave a determined nod, clearly eager to make amends. Paul’s gaze shifted back to the road, watching for Thali’s return. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden hue over the forest. The shadows grew longer, and the forest took on a serene yet eerie atmosphere while Paul adjusted his crossbow, preparing for the next phase of their journey.

Just then, a gust of wind signaled Thali’s arrival. Spreading her wings out, she landed gracefully, then folded them neatly against her sides to step closer to them. “No sign of the orc,” she reported, her voice carrying a note of frustration as she looked down on the two. “He’s probably moved on.”

Paul sighed, the promise of a hefty bounty slipping away further. “Figures,” he muttered. “We’ll have to pick up his trail later. Maybe even ask around for some roumors.”

Thali nodded, her gaze shifting to Rolf. “What about him?” she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

When noticing some of the distress returning in the gaze of the boy, Paul decided that it was best to give him some time. "Just like you heard before."

Thali’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded in agreement. “Alright.”

Rolf nodded fervently, his eyes darting nervously between Paul and Thali. “I promise,” he said earnestly. “I won’t let you down.”

With that, Paul turned his attention back to the horse. The creature was slowly regaining consciousness, its movements tentative and unsteady.

Before he could approach, he glanced over his shoulder at Thali, standing nearby, her large form impossible to miss. “Thali,” he hissed under his breath, waving a hand toward the trees. “Get out of sight before it sees you.”

She flicked her tail, clearly amused. “Oh yes, because nothing soothes an injured horse like waking up to a dragon looming over it.”

“Exactly,” Paul muttered, gesturing more urgently.

With an exaggerated sigh, Thali slunk back into the trees, her brown scales blending into the shadows. “If it faints again, I’m not taking the blame,” she called softly before disappearing from view.

Paul rolled his eyes and turned back to the horse. He approached cautiously, offering soothing words as he checked the wound. “You’ll be alright,” he murmured, stroking the horse’s neck gently. “Just need to get you back to your owner.”

Paul's gentle words seemed to have a calming effect on the six-legged horse. It let out a soft, confused hurr, its ears flicking back and forth as it began to shake off the effects of the poison. Rolf, still trembling but with a newfound determination, moved closer to help steady the animal.

As the horse regained its strength, Paul helped Rolf attach it back to the carriage. The young wolfkin’s hands shook slightly, but he managed to secure the harness with a firm tug. Paul stepped back, inspecting their work with a critical eye. “Good,” he said, giving a nod of approval. “Let’s get you moving.”

Rolf climbed onto the driver’s seat, clutching the reins tightly. His tail twitched nervously, but there was a newfound resolve in his eyes. "Thank you again," he said, his voice firmer. "I won’t forget this."

Paul smiled up at him, a reassuring glint in his eye. “Stay out of trouble, kid.”

As Rolf urged the horse forward, the carriage creaked into motion, heading back down the road. Paul watched it go, a mixture of satisfaction and concern etched on his face. He hoped the young wolfkin would find a better path.

Thali emerged from the trees, her mocking grin caught his eye. “What?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You call him a kid!” Thali’s tone was dripping with amusement.

Paul snorted, forming a cone with his hands and yelling after Rolf, "Hey! How old are you?"

Rolf paused, glancing over his shoulder with a sheepish smile. “Twenty!” he called back, his voice echoing down the road.

Paul blinked in mild disbelief. “Twenty? Thought he was fifteen at most.” He shook his head as Rolf disappeared around the bend, Thali’s laughter rumbling across the clearing.

“Twenty,” Paul muttered, shaking his head. “Guess I’ve been out here too long if I can’t even tell someone’s age anymore. He’s just four years younger than me.”

Thali nudged him gently with her snout, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Or you’re just getting old,” she teased. “Maybe it’s time you settled down somewhere, found a nice village to protect.”

Paul sighed. There it is again. “You know me better than that. There’s too much out here that needs to be done. Besides,” he added, glancing at Thali with a smirk, “who would keep you afloat?”

Thali huffed, her tail swishing behind her. “I manage just fine,” she retorted, but the warmth in her eyes betrayed her affection. “I could really live without your over-complicated plans. I still don’t understand why I couldn’t just simply catch the moving wagon.”

“Hey, don’t mock my plans. Especially when they work wonders. If that horse saw your attack, we would have had to write it off. Now that carriage can be returned on its own, saving us time.” Paul said with a satisfied grin. Clearly, nothing made him feel better that his plans turning out great.

Thali rolled her eyes, her wings fluttering slightly in exasperation. “You and your plans,” she muttered. “Sometimes I think you like them more than tarri.”

Paul chuckled, “Not more than tarri, but they’ve kept us alive this long. You can’t argue with results.”

She let out a noncommittal grunt, the tone of it clearly dismissive. “Now, where to next?”

Paul turned, facing the setting sun, a smile still tugging at his lips. “Yeah, sure, change the topic.” He checked the time on his watch. “Anything interesting you saw while you were in the air?”

Thali’s wings unfurled slightly as she pointed with one. “There’s a human trade caravan settled near the road that way,” she said. “A goblin cave a little farther, and a clearing near a lake we could set camp in not too far from here.”

Paul nodded, his gaze following her directions. “Let’s head to the clearing. A campfire sounds good right about now.”

A low rumble woke Paul, with the responseless feeling from his body he experienced every other day. Couldn’t move a muscle or even open his eyes, just the uncertain feeling that he was laying on his back. He exhaled, or at least remembered how exhaling should feel as his chest did not respond. He’d learned long ago not to fight it. Fighting only made the minutes stretch into hours, so he waited.

After some attempts to check if it was over or not, his legs finally stirred and his other body parts were quick to follow. He opened his eyes and sat up, greeted by a sight of a burnt out campfire. He looked to his left, and saw the brown scaled dragoness beside him, laying on her side. Her distened belly was pointed towards him and once he saw the slow movement he couldn’t help but guess what sorry creature found its way into her stomach overnight.

After all the years together, he still didn’t quite get used to it. He pondered if he should just ignore it like before or do something about it. If he does the latter, what should he do exactly? Force himself to like it? Make her sleep a bit farther away from the camp? No, that would be unfair…

Moving his gaze onto her strong wing muscles, he inevitably started reflecting on how much her body had grown over the past years. When he first found her, she was scarcely larger than him, held captive by the bandits he had been tasked to take down. She was emaciated and weak, fed probably only once a week, and barely alive. Her once frail frame had changed dramatically, her mass two years ago was twice of his. And now, it was scratching ten.

Still sleepily, he sighed, running a hand through his hair as memories of his own past surfaced. Paul had joined the local Peacekeeper organization after his family had suffered at the hands of the same mafia that the said bandits were in contact with. From the age of sixteen, he had been trained, following his father's wishes, and this training had led him to a life of fighting and survival.

As he shifted to shake the sleep from his limbs, he felt a tingle in his left arm, prompting him to adjust his position for better bloodflow. He went back to thinking about his history with Thali. He was nineteen when the raid happened, and when he freed her, she didn’t even have the strength to lift herself. He took her back to his squad’s camp to feed her and give her a chance to recover, although she was terrified of everything, even him. He has the scars on his hands to prove it.

He checked the time on his watch, noting that he had some spare time to redo the fire, and then some. Paul enjoyed the few moments of silence, which would be otherwise broken by the chatty dragoness. Ever since she learned human speech, right after the ’I eat everything’ phase, her huge mouth just didn’t shut. And oh, that phase. He had to move to a deep forest far away from any village just to protect the villagers’ livestock from her insatiable hunger.

Standing up, Paul glanced at the sleeping dragoness, noticing a trickle of drool escaping from her slightly agape mouth. Shaking his head with a fond smile, he set off to gather wood to rekindle the campfire.

Returning with an armful of dry branches, he arranged them carefully around the blackened remains. The sound of a muffled burp caught his attention, and he turned to see Thali’s sleepy brown eyes watching him with casual interest.

“ ’Scuse me,” she yawned, her tail giving a lazy wag.

”Please say it was just a deer or something." Paul muttered, trying to keep the worry out of his voice. He shuddered, then turned back to stack the logs in a more ignitable way.

"Nah, no humans, just some goblins." she replied with a satisfied grin, licking her chops.

Paul let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Goblins, huh? Not so bad."

A teasing smile appeared on her maw. “Nasty little things. There were four males and one female. Had to eat the whole bunch.”

With the setup for the fire now done, Paul shook his head again and turned to her, preparing for the inevitable.

"Swallowed four of the males, and I let the last male witness how I shoved the female up…”

”Hey, hey.” He said as he held out his hand. ”I’m gonna stop you right there…”

”Oh come on Paul, that’s the best part! I gave the last one quite the show." she continued cheerily, ignoring his protest, ”I think I ambushed them after an orgy. And oh, I probably I did a great job at showing off, ’cause that last goblin didn’t even resist joining the three others in my stomach.”

Paul buried his face in his hands, defeated. “Damn it, Thali! You know I picture everything I hear, why do you always have to tell me every detail?!”

Thali’s grin widened. ”I know you love it. By the way, she’s still alive in there.” She slowly gave her behind a suggestive swing, while maintaining eye contact. ”Want to see her ass? It’s very nice for a goblin!”

Paul groaned in exasperation, but he had to suppress a smile. "You are absolutely disgusting, and it was a mistake leaving you with Keln and his friends back then.” he muttered under his breath before blowing on the kindling. "Just after I thought I could bring you back to the village. And you know what? I love you too. Now please, give me some other topic while I make my coffee.”

Thali's scaled ears perked up. "Coffee? You had some coffee in your backpack this whole time?!” She sat up, her huge belly touching the ground below her. "And you didn’t even tell me?”

”I bought it with the money we claimed from our last bounty.” Paul said with a smirk, giving a challenging look to the dragon with his green eyes. "It was supposed to be a surprise for you, but since you don’t know how to keep your mouth shut, I guess I will just use it up for myself now. And I want you to behave while I do so.”

She lowered her head, and complained, ”Hey! Not fair! I want coffee!” Thali's voice had a plaintive note as her large eyes widened, attempting a pout that might have been more effective if she wasn’t a dragon. Her tail thumped the ground, betraying her eagerness.

Paul looked at her with a not-so-amused look. ”Khm,” he cleared his throat, clearly wanting something.

”...Please.” She paused, her eyes softening. "Please can I have some coffee too?"

He gestured for her to continue.

Thali rolled her eyes, and said in defeat, ”I’ll do everything you ask for a day. Just… coffee.”

Paul smiled, but his expression remained expectant.

”Fine!” She huffed, her voice a touch angrier. ”Three days!”

"Then so be it," Paul nodded, but the serious look didn’t leave his face. "But don’t get hooked. I don’t want to have to explain to the next village why their coffee supplies have suddenly disappeared."

Finally, Paul began preparing the beverage, expertly balancing the metal pot over the newly kindled flames. The crackle of the fire and the bubbling water fit in the quiet woodland morning, creating a sense of tranquility that was increasingly rare for the duo. He pulled a small bag of coffee beans out from his backpack and started grinding them with a hand-crank grinder. As the earthy aroma wafted through the camp, Thali’s nostrils flared to take in the scent.

“Smells amazing,” she murmured, her voice a soft rumble of contentment. She repositioned herself, her massive form curling slightly so she could keep a closer watch on Paul’s actions.

He huffed. “Don’t get too excited. I still remember how you reacted to that spicy stew the last time. I had to calm down an entire village.”

Thali's eyes narrowed, her wings twitching in indignation. “Well, how was I supposed to know it was lava in a bowl? No one warned me it was spicy!”

Paul snorted and rolled his eyes. “That doesn’t mean you chug the whole pot like it’s your birthright. They were being so nice to you since they never saw large lizards, remember? Pretty sure half of them thought you were some kind of majestic, fire-breathing goddess.” He paused, then added with a smirk, “Now they probably just think you’re a really dramatic kettle with poor decision-making.”

She flicked her tail pointedly. “Poor decision-making? Says the man who thought wearing wool in this weather was a smart move.”

Paul shot her a glare as he adjusted his now-sweaty collar. "Wool is durable. And stylish."

Thali snorted, "Oh yes, very stylish. Nothing says ‘bounty hunter extraordinaire’ like smelling like a wet sheep in summer."

Paul opened his mouth to retort, but a sharp hiss from the coffee pot cut him off.

Next time, I’ll just let my taste buds die with dignity.”

As the coffee pot began to hiss and steam, Paul poured a small amount into a cup and handed it over to Thali. She took the tiny vessel delicately between two claws, sniffing it suspiciously before giving it a tentative lick. Her eyes widened almost immediately, and she quickly took a larger sip, letting out a pleased growl.

“So good.” she exclaimed, her hind paws curling and flexing in delight, Her belly gurgling loudly in agreement.

Paul watched her enjoy the coffee, a question forming in his mind. ”So, you say that one goblin is still alive?”

Thali gave a nod, licking the remnants of the coffee from her lips. "Yup, she's still squirming in there. Goblins are pretty hardy little creatures." She patted her belly, and it gave a sympathetic growl in response, a faint movement visible under her scaled skin.

”In the tavern, I’ve heard that they are massively overpopulated and increasingly aggressive around here, so you basically did pest control. But that still doesn’t mean torturing them is okay. If I had even a tiny bit of respect towards them, I’d tell you to let her out.” Paul said while pouring his own cup of coffee.

Thali shrugged, her wings rustling softly. “Well, it's not like they don’t deserve it. And besides, she won't last much longer. Goblins may be hardy, but my stomach is harder.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she winked at Paul. “Never knew you hated goblins this much.”

Paul, swirling his drink in his cup, glanced up at her. “I don’t hate them,” he explained slowly, as if weighing each word. ”I just don’t like creatures who would do worse if they had power over us.” He took a measured sip, savoring the warmth that spread through him. “Also, there are a lot of things you don’t know about me.” His gaze met hers, and for a moment, he saw her expression soften before returning to its familiar teasing look.

“But I do know that you still are a tiny little virgin~” Thali said with a broad, toothy grin, her tone light but her eyes watching him closely for a reaction.

Paul almost choked on his drink, his eyes widening in genuine surprise. “What? W-who told you?”

Thali laughed heartily, her deep chest rumbling with mirth. “Keln, years ago. He couldn’t keep his mouth shut when he was drunk, and you know how chatty he can get.” Finally. This is my chance.

Paul's face flushed crimson. "I'll make sure to have a talk with him later."

"Or," Thali said, leaning closer, her breath warm on his ear, "you could let me take care of that little problem of yours."

Paul recoiled instinctively, nearly spilling his drink. The suddenness of her proposition left him momentarily speechless. “For fuck’s sake, Thali!” he blurted out, barely regaining his composure. “Here you go being horny after eating; again! And didn’t I tell you to not be like this while I drink!?”

There was a glint of hurt in Thali’s eyes for a moment, but she set her expression back into a mischievous one. “You told me that before I agreed that I’d do anything. Not after.”

Paul sighed heavily, rubbing his temples with frustration. "You're really pushing it today." He muttered under his breath before emptying his cup. "Don’t joke with this, please. Also, do you even know what sex even is besides what the drunk idiots told y...”

He paused immediately when he realized he fucked up. He looked up in her eyes, and with a sour taste in his mouth, but it was too late. Her eyes watered and he froze for some seconds as he felt a horrible feeling creep up his spine, then carefully raised his voice again.

“Look, Thali, I’m so sorry…” He spoke weakly, unsure of how to mend the situation.

“ ’s fine.” Thali stiffened, fighting a losing battle against her tears. “I barely even remember the bandits. I-it’s not like they… did anything to me really.”

Paul looked at Thali, his guilt growing heavier by the moment. He knew what she said wasn’t true, he had a strong feeling that they had used her as a sex doll of sorts while captive. He wanted to say something more, to make it better, but again, he didn't know how. Instead, he set his mug down, then approached her, placing his hand on her snout. The moment stretched, the forest sounds dimming as he focused on her. The weight of her past lingered between them, a shadow cast by the conversation.

“Want to talk about it?”

Thali’s face remained rigid, her eyes hard, but the bitterness in her voice betrayed her turmoil. “Talk about what? You already know everything.”

He reached out for her snout gently, feeling the warmth of her scales beneath his hand, her heartbeat picking up pace. He was aware of what happened, but not for how long it was going on. "I know," he said softly, looking into her large, expressive eyes. "But it might help to get it out. Or we can just sit here quietly. Whatever you need."

Thali's eyes softened slightly at his touch. She let out a long breath, her warm exhale rustling Paul's hair. "I just hate remembering how helpless I was," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "And yeah, some sitting with you does sound good.” She leaned into his touch, her eyes closing.

Paul settled himself on the ground next to her massive form, resting his back against her belly. The sun climbed higher, causing him to feel a little hot in his tough winter clothes. The sounds of the forest, the cracking campfire and the sounds of her steady breathing provided a soothing backdrop, occasionally broken by the loud gurgles of her digestion. Paul found himself lost in thought, and caught himself finding even the sounds coming from her belly strangely calming.

Thali shifted slightly, causing Paul to adjust his position. Her large, amber eyes opened slowly, watching him with both affection and curiosity. "You know, you’re a lot more sensitive than you let on," she murmured.

Paul smirked, trying to hide his relief to see some of her usual spirit returning. "Don't let that get around. I have a reputation to uphold."

Thali's tail gave a gentle wag, brushing against the grass. ”Sure. I won’t tell to the trees that you are actually a softie.”

”Thanks.” He said while he put his hands behind his nape and crossed his legs, the smirk remaining on his lips.

A comfortable silence settled over them again, their attention shifted to the clouds on the blue sky above as the shadow of the trees shifted around them. Paul noticed a few birds flying overhead and idly wondered about their species. He was always up to see them at the bird feeder next to their house before he went to join the Peacekeepers, but he had sadly never learned how the different ones were called.

“You know,” Paul mused aloud, as his thoughts returned to the present, his gaze following a particularly fluffy cloud, “it’d be cool to be able to fly. It must make moving between villages a breeze.”

Thali’s pupils narrowed playfully. “You think flying is all fun and no work? Try catching thermals with a full belly,” she added, her wings spreading slightly, casting a playful shadow over him.

Paul chuckled, the sound light and easy. “I guess it’s more complicated than it looks. But still, it’s good to see that a complicated being like you can manage.”

Thali’s grin softened, her eyes reflecting a tender affection. “I’m not that complicated,” she said softly. “I just have simple needs. Food, a place to sleep, and... well, maybe the occasional inappropriate joke.” Her wings fluttered, creating a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves around them.

Paul sighed, shifting uncomfortably as his leg began to fall asleep. “You know, your jokes do sometimes hit the mark, even if I don’t laugh.”

She smiled and wanted to thank him, but as she opened her mouth, a sudden thought jammed her tongue. This fact has been on her mind many times, there just wasn’t a good opportunity to play it out. But now, maybe she could...

She steeled herself, and decided to shoot. ”Actually, the last one before we laid down wasn’t really a joke.” she said quietly, her eyes searching his face.

Paul blinked in confusion, noting the displayed swarm of emotions on her muzzle. ”Huh? Which one?”

Thali let out some air in defeat, her wings pressing tightly against her body as she looked away. ”You know, uh, about helping you… with the sex.” She rubbed her hind legs together, uncertainty tainting every bit of her expression.

Paul’s mouth parted slightly, the realization dawning on him. The silence that followed was thick with tension, punctuated only by the soft sounds of her digestion.

Thali quickly apologized, her voice tinged with panic. ”I’m sorry! I felt that you were frustrated after you came back** , **** and **** I could smell a little arousal while we were talking, **** so **** I thought... maybe you **** wanted to ***…”*

”No, no, stop.” Paul interrupted, looking down at the ground. His face was unreadable. ”I want to make things clear. You are saying that because I became… in that state, maybe I want to fuck you?” He looked up, his green eyes meeting hers with a serious expression.

Thali’s head drooped, her wings pressing even tighter against her body. “Just… pretend I didn’t say anything,” she muttered, her voice barely audible.

Paul sighed, frustration and confusion mingling in his thoughts. “Thali, you don’t have to… please me.”

”But… But I want to! I want to anyway!” Her eyes watered again, her voice cracking. ”Not because of that.”

The silence that followed was nerve-wracking for Thali. She could hear her heart pounding in her chest, while she felt the air refuseing to enter her lungs. She felt like she was an idiot, wishing desperately she could disappear or that the ground would swallow her whole. But then, a sound broke the tense quiet, making her eyes snap open.

“Oh.” The almost inaudible word escaped Paul, and he awkwardly patted her belly behind him, his touch hesitant and unsure. “Then I really was blind the whole time. And I snapped at you after that...” He ran a hand through his hair, “I feel bad. Really bad.”

Thali’s pupils became slits, and she stared at him, her mouth opening but failing to form words. “Wha…?”

“Maybe.” He stood up, turning fully to face her, his expression a mix of regret and determination. “I’ll have to get used to this first. Not sure that I’ll even be able to.”

“...sssure?” she muttered slowly, hardly believing her ears. Her mind raced with the implications of his words, her massive form trembling slightly, and her wings quivering as she struggled to hold back her emotions. “But why would you say…?” Her voice trailed off, her thoughts jumbled. “So, what do you mean?”

Paul took a deep breath. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him, every second stretching out. “Look, I don’t want to screw things up by jumping in too fast or by not being on the same page as you. You mean a lot to me, and I don’t want to risk that by rushing or getting it wrong.” He paused, searching her face for any sign of understanding. “So, I’m saying that time will tell.”

Thali stared at him, her mind racing as she tried to process his words. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The man who had saved her from the bandits, who has been her company for years, who had always been there for her, was standing there, hinting at that he wants to be with her. And yet, it was so surreal that she couldn’t trust her own senses. Is he… softly means that when the time comes, he expects her to do this? He just frames it as his weakness, because he believes she’d agree that way? Well...

”...okay,” she said softly, her voice barely weak. Her eyes were unreadable, and she nodded slowly, trying to steady herself. “That’s what you want. Got it.”

Paul smiled, hope etched on his face. He reached out, gently brushing a stray tear from her cheek from before with his thumb. “I’ll try to wrap my head around this,” he said, his voice low and sincere.

Thali sniffled, her heart swelling with uncertain emotions. “I, uh, believe you,” she whispered, her eyes searching his for reassurance. “And I promise not to be too...dragonish.”

He stepped closer, his expression a blend of confusion and determination. His hands reached out, wrapping around Thali’s neck with a touch that was both tentative and firm. He could feel the warmth of her scales under his fingers, and the subtle tremor in her body. “I won’t kiss you right now,” he said quietly, his voice laden with emotion. “Because it still feels a bit weird, and honestly, I don’t know how to do it. But I want you to know you can be… that way with me.”

Thali’s eyes widened in surprise, her large form going still. So, he even gives her time to get used to kissing? Or is he meaning it literally? No, can’t be. It wouldn’t be this easy. The unexpected embrace felt surreal, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to react. Slowly, she allowed herself to lean into the hug, her wings unfurling slightly, trembling with the intensity of her emotions.

Behind her, Paul felt her rapid heartbeat as he shed a single tear in secret. Overwhelmed by guilt, he regretted not recognizing her advances even once. He couldn’t quite understand why he was crying, but he allowed that one tear to flow. It had been so long since he had let ** his eyes water ***, let alone be comfortable doing it.*

--page break--

After a while, Paul and Thali just wordlessly separated and headed towards the lake to drink and wash away the dirt of the previous days. The water was surprisingly clear, reflecting the blue sky and the surrounding trees. Paul splashed some water on his face, the coolness invigorating. Thali lowered her head, lapping up the water with her long, forked tongue, her belly occasionally brushing against the pebbled shore.

Paul watched her, a thoughtful expression on his face. "So, about our bounty," he said, breaking the silence with the rustling as he reached for a piece of paper from one of his pockets, then started reading it. "We have a tough job ahead of us. A huge orc has been terrorizing two villages recently. He killed or injured everyone who challenged him and... uh, apparently fucked the horses to death. We need to find him and take him down. No body needed to prove the kill."

Thali lifted her head, water dripping from her snout. "Finally, something that sounds like a challenge. But nothing we can't handle, right?" Her eyes gleamed with a hint of something unusual Paul couldn’t really catch.

He nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah. But we need to be careful. This one’s different. Stronger, probably smarter. We can't afford any mistakes."

Thali's gaze softened momentarily, concern evident despite her attempt to mask it. "I know you're tough, Paul. But don’t go playing the hero and get yourself squashed like a bug. I don't want to have to deal with a flat and crispy version of you."

Paul exhaled, appreciating her effort to lighten the mood. The sudden caring tone surprised him, but he guessed the discussions before had some impact on her. "Don't worry. Do I look like a man who takes unnecessary risks?"

Thali's tail flicked, her eyes narrowing playfully. "You mean besides jumping into a bandit camp alone to save a dragoness? Or the time you decided to wrestle a bear because it stole your breakfast?"

Paul rolled his eyes, a small smile forming on his lips. "Point taken. But you have to admit, that bear had it coming. Besides, it wasn’t that big and I had to just scare it a little."

Thali shook her head, amusement twinkling in her eyes. "Just... try not to be too reckless, okay? I have nobody else to talk to, and I’d hate to lose my favorite coffee-brewing human."

Paul’s grin widened. "I'll keep that in mind. Can’t have you going without coffee, can we?"

Thali's eyes softened further, her tone becoming more earnest despite the jest. "Yeah, who would I annoy if you're not around? I'd have to start talking to the trees. And trust me, they’re terrible listeners."

Paul cracked a small laugh, still feeling a little weird from before. Somehow laughing at her jokes was a bit harder than before. Probably because he had that knot in his stomach. "I’ll do my best to stick around, if only to save the trees from your rambling. Any chance you don’t just smell coffee but some orcs too?”

Thali sniffed the air, her nostrils flaring as she focused. "Hmm," she said, her eye ridges furrowing slightly. "Not from here. But if we get closer to the villages, I might be able to pick up something." She turned her head back towards him, her eyes gleaming with excitement, but it felt a little fake to Paul. "Should we pack up and get moving?"

Paul nodded, choosing to believe that his nerves are just playing with him as he stretched his limbs. "Yeah, let’s head out. The sooner we get on the orc's trail, the better. Coffee costs a fuck ton."

They went back to the clearing and packed their belongings, efficiently stowing away the camping gear. Paul took pride in that his training was evident in the precise way he handled each item. Thali assisted by blowing the fire away and packing. Her strength, even in such mundane tasks, never ceased to amaze Paul.

As they began their journey through the forest, the landscape around them came alive with the sights and sounds of nature. The sun, now higher in the sky and shining with full force, filtered through the dense canopy above, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. Paul started to sweat heavily again, but his pace never slowed.

Thali walked alongside him, her massive form moving with a grace that belied her size. She occasionally glanced down at him, her expression thoughtful. "So, what’s the plan once we reach the village? I think I can just go in and ask." Clearly, she wasn’t just thinking about the next settlement. She wanted him to go on about his adorable plans. Maybe because it would make it easier for her to truly accept his request.

Paul adjusted his pack, the straps creaking slightly under the weight. "No, that’s a bad idea. First, I go in and gather information. Find out where the orc was last seen and any patterns in his attacks. Then we can come up with a strategy to corner him." He reached up to wipe his forehead. ”And maybe ask around for some lighter clothes. I feel like I’m in a stew.”

Thali nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings as they walked. "Sounds like a solid plan. And yes, I agree with the lighter clothes idea. You look and smell like you're about to melt." She hesitated for a bit, and when she made sure he wasn’t looking, she leaned a bit closer, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Maybe he wants this. ”But… I don’t really mind your smell, and…” She suddenly gave a slow lick on the left side of his face, much to his annoyance, ”...Your taste.”

Paul jumped back, rubbing his coated cheek while glaring at her. “Damnit, I know we are… something more now, but at least give me a heads up!” He complained, but a slight red appeared on his face alongside his furrowed eyebrows.

“Fine, fine,” Thali said with a satisfied voice as her mouth curved into a honest smile. “I’ll save the licking for later.” She winked at him, her eyes filled with playful mirth. “But you know, you did taste pretty good.”

Paul shook his head, trying to hide the smile that tugged at his lips. "Just... give me a little time to adjust, okay?"

Thali nodded, her playful demeanor softening. "Of course. I’ll try to keep my tongue to myself for now."

As they pressed on, the forest gradually thinned, revealing a more open landscape. The path widened, and Paul caught sight of the first village on their route. Nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and dense woodland, the small settlement was fortified by a thick stone wall. Smoke spiraled lazily from chimneys, while faint murmurs of activity drifted on the cool breeze.

They paused at the edge of the forest, taking in the scene. "A human settlement. Looks peaceful enough," Paul remarked, his eyes scanning the village for any signs of trouble. "But we can't let our guard down."

Thali tilted her head back, her nostrils flaring as she caught the scent on the wind. “There’s smoke and rot,” she murmured, her voice low and edged with unease. “Which means…”

“…They’re burning their dead,” Paul finished grimly. His expression soured. “And I have a good idea why.”

Descending toward the village, Paul took the lead. Thali meanwhile, mindful of the attention her presence might attract, melted into the shadows of the forest, her keen eyes scanning for threats.

The sight that greeted Paul was as grim as he’d feared. Villagers moved through the streets with heavy steps, their faces etched with exhaustion and sorrow. Some tended to smoldering pyres, while others labored to repair crumbled walls and collapsed rooftops. The acrid smell of burning wood and flesh hung heavy in the air, mixing with the damp, earthy scent of the forest.

Paul approached a cluster of villagers gathered near the remnants of a damaged building. “Excuse me,” he called, drawing their attention. His tone was calm but commanding, while he made the Peacekeeper insignia visible on his chest. An older man turned to face him, his shoulders stooped under the weight of loss.

“We’re here about the orc attack,” Paul continued, his voice steady. “Can you tell me what happened?”

The man’s gaze lingered on Paul’s emblem before he nodded wearily. “Aye, three nights ago,” he began, his voice thick with fatigue. “The orc tore through our defenses like they were nothing. Killed many, including the blacksmith’s family. Took livestock too. We’re still finding the dead.”

Paul's jaw tightened as he struggled to decide whether his anger at the orc's escape or his pity for the villagers' suffering weighed heavier on him. "I’m sorry for your losses. Any idea where he went after the attack?" Paul asked, maintaining his calm looks.

The man shook his head slowly. “Not exactly. He left in the dead of night. Some say he headed east, towards the river. That’s where our trails end.”

A younger woman stepped forward, her voice firm despite the tremor beneath it. “He’s stronger than any orc we’ve ever seen,” she said. “Huge. Carries this monstrous axe and seems to relish the destruction. Gods willing, the river will stop him before he reaches the next village.”

Paul nodded, filing away the information. “Anything else? Any pattern to his attacks? What’s he after?”

The older man hesitated, his voice lowering. ”The horses. Male or female, he just fucks them to death, then leaves.” He answered, then a frustrated anger appeared in his voice. ”My poor Vector…” The elder shook his head. ”Sorry for my language, but it’s the truth. When we challenged him he just swung that axe real hard. There’s no technique in that.”

Paul suppressed a shudder, focusing on the task at hand. “Thank you. Stay vigilant. If he comes back, do not engage. We’ll handle this.” He turned to leave but hesitated, feeling the weight of the villagers’ distrust. He looked back. “I’m not alone in this. I have a partner.” He would have asked for some light discarded clothes, but with that much people dead, it would be probably inappropriate.

The young woman frowned. “Partner? You’re alone now, and Peacekeepers don’t usually come with less than a squad.”

Paul smiled reassuringly. "I've got backup, trust me. My partner is... unconventional but more than capable.”

“Unconventional?” the woman frowned, glancing towards the forest where Thali hid.

Paul hesitated, unsure of how to approach the situation. The villagers were scared and distrustful, clinging to what little hope they had left. Thali might make them even more uneasy, but she was his partner, and he needed their trust. After a moment, he decided to tell the truth. "She’s a dragoness," he said simply, keeping his tone calm and measured.

The two villagers exchanged uneasy glances. The older man folded his arms, his gaze narrowing as he studied Paul. “Don’t tell lies here, lad.” His voice was almost threatening.

“A dragon?” she echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief. “You expect us to trust one of those beasts?”

"I know it sounds hard to believe," Paul said evenly, his patience tested but holding. "but she’s saved my life more times than I can count. And she’s the best chance we have at stopping this orc."

“Dragons are the king’s pets, or weapons of only the strongest armies. Savage animals at best. And you ask us to believe you… one’s your… ally?” The woman sounded hurt and hopeless. Without goodbye, she turned around and walked away.

Paul took a deep breath, turning back to the skeptical man. “I understand your doubts, but Thali isn’t like the dragons you fear. I’ll prove it, if you wish.” His patience began to fray, irritation creeping in.

The older man shook his head, his face a mask of disbelief. “We’ve had too many false hopes. Don’t waste my time. If you want to play the jester, try the cities or the wolfkin villages. Now leave us to mourn.”

Paul nodded, his expression cold as he turned to leave. His fists clenched as hostile stares followed him, driving him to quicken his pace.

As Paul climbed back toward the forest edge, each step seemed heavier than the last, his frustration bubbling closer to the surface. The scent of smoke and decay lingered in his nostrils, but it wasn’t the stench that rankled him: it was the cold dismissal, the hollow accusations of the villagers. After all they’d endured, he couldn’t entirely blame them, but their rejection gnawed at his pride and his sense of duty.

The path narrowed as he ascended into the shadows of the trees, and with each stride, his anger burned brighter. “A jester...” He clenched his fists, the Peacekeeper emblem catching the light briefly before the forest swallowed it whole. "They’ll know soon enough," he muttered to himself.

When he reached the edge of the glade where Thali had been waiting, he found her perched atop a mossy boulder, her amber eyes gleaming in the dim light. Her agile, brown-scaled tail curled around her legs as she watched him approach, her head tilting at the sight of his taut expression.

“What did you learn?” she asked, her voice calm but edged with curiosity. The faint flicker of her forked tongue further betrayed her keen attention.

Paul didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he strode up to her, his boots crunching on the dry leaves that covered the ground. "I need you to come out and show the villagers that you're real."

Thali raised an eyebrow ridge, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "They don't really believe in dragons, huh? This should be fun. What about your plan, though?"

Paul crossed his arms, glaring up at her. “They don’t believe me. Nobody believes me, and I’ve had enough. I can’t just smile while they insult me and call me a liar. I think it’s time they learn about us.”

Thali tilted her head, her scaled lips losing a bit of their curl. “So you want me to make an entrance? Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Paul replied firmly, “They’re on edge. They need to see we’re their best chance. I need them to believe.”

Thali slid down from the boulder with effortless grace, her claws leaving faint impressions in the soft earth. She moved closer, her tail sweeping behind her in a slow, deliberate arc. “Careful, Paul,” she said, her tone teasing but measured. “You’re starting to sound like you care what they think.”

Paul scowled, running a hand through his hair. “I care about stopping that orc before it kills anyone else. If that means letting them gawk at you, so be it.”

The dragoness let out a soft hum, her eyes glinting with amusement as her tail swayed lazily behind her. “Gawk? Oh, they’ll do more than gawk,” she said with a playful smirk, the confidence in her voice opposed what she really felt. She was excited to show herself, but was uncertain about Paul. So he now wants to show me off? I guess because… he wants some public opinions? Not sure, she thought. Her wings shifted slightly, the faint rustle of leathery membranes filling the silence between them. “Fine. But don’t blame me if they start naming festivals after me.”

“Just… keep it simple, don’t scare them.” Paul muttered. “Show them you’re real, not a threat. They’ve had enough of those.”

Thali's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Scare them? Me? I would never." She winked, then slowly emerged from the shadows, her massive body moving with grace. “Just watch."

As she approached the village, her scales shimmered in the sunlight, and her presence commanded immediate attention. Her wings, large and leathery, were tucked neatly against her sides, their membranes a slightly lighter brown that caught the light and revealed an intricate pattern of veins like the filigree of ancient maps. The long, sinuous tail of the dragoness trailed behind her, moving in a gentle, undulating motion that mirrored her magnificent steps. The villagers who had been repairing the damage on the taller buildings stopped in their tracks, their eyes wide with awe and fear.

As they reached the gate of the village, though, Paul stopped for a moment, a sense of uncertainty knotting in his stomach. The expressions on the villagers' faces who were on the outside of the wall ranged from disbelief to sheer terror now that Thali’s form became fully visible. Most of them ran away. Not what he had expected.

On the other hand, Thali didn’t seem to mind the reactions. She had a little spring in her step by now, having decided that she wanted to feel good about this, regardless. Eager to meet new people, her eyes glanced back to figure out why Paul stopped.

Paul swallowed hard, pushing down his lingering uncertainty which he blamed on the sum of all the happenings since he woke up. He straightened his shoulders and stepped forward, his voice firm. "I’ll go front."

His heart pounded as he met the gaze of the remaining villagers. He felt a cold sweat form on his brow, each step towards them carrying the weight of uncertainty. Despite his composed exterior, the tension was palpable. Thali’s towering presence behind him added a layer of complexity that he struggled to manage.

"Everyone," Paul began, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "I know this is unexpected, but please stay calm. Thali is here to help us with the orc threat. She’s on our side."

The initial reactions were filled of shock and awe. The villagers, previously wearied by their recent ordeal, now had their attention firmly fixed on the dragoness. An elderly man with a stooped back and weary eyes seemed frozen in place, his gaze locked on Thali as if seeing a ghost from his childhood tales. A group of children peeked from behind their mothers' skirts, their eyes wide and curious, too young to fully comprehend the magnitude of what they were witnessing but old enough to sense the adults' fear and wonder.

After stepping through the gates, Thali prepared a foolproof speech that would dissolve any doubts in the crowd. But as Paul started speaking, an otherwise pleasurable but now ominous feeling emerged from her guts. Oh no.

Just as Paul thought he might have a chance to change the crowd’s initial impression, an embarrassingly loud growl echoed from Thali’s stomach, breaking the fragile tension in the air. A young mother, clutching her infant close to her chest, shrieked in despair from a nearby house, her face contorted with terror. "A dragon! A dragon’s going to eat us!" she yelled, her voice high and hysterical. Her eyes were wide with panic, darting between Thali, herself and her child as if weighing which was more likely to be devoured first.

The mother’s scream acted as a catalyst, igniting the simmering fear in the crowd. Pandemonium erupted as villagers scattered in every direction, their cries and shouts filling the air with a cacophony of chaos. Paul watched in dismay as the fragile thread of control he had tried to weave unraveled before his eyes. The elderly man stumbled back, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste to retreat. The children, who had been watching with wide-eyed curiosity, now shouted for their mothers, their expressions mirroring the terror etched on their parents' faces.

“Please, listen!” Paul shouted, his voice straining to rise above the din. “She’s not here to harm anyone! Thali’s here to help us, not hurt us!” But his words were lost in the tumult, swallowed by the rising tide of panic.

Thali clutched her belly in embarrassment as she watched the humans run. Her initial excitement to meet new people faded into confusion then concern. Her massive form cast a long shadow over the retreating villagers, and she shifted her weight uneasily, her tail tucking in between her hind legs slightly as if she feared from herself, too.

Paul’s heart sank as he watched Thali's reaction. He decided to not stretch this moment unnecessarily and called out to her. “We leave. Now.”

Thali nodded silently, her gleaming eyes now dulled with disappointment. She turned to follow Paul, her head slightly lowered. The heavy sound of her footsteps blended with the echo of villagers’ screams, creating a haunting symphony that lingered long after they left the gates behind.