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In The Mist Of The Erie Isles

By Mantrid Brizon

Episode Sixteen: New Wounds

Tossing and turning, Irzain struggles in his dream. He isn't assaulted by any man, but by a feeling of dread and panic. The terror is palpable, and sweat beads on his corporeal form.

“Cahl... Jus... We'll be al-..." He mumbles in his sleep.

“How can you say that after what we've learned?!" A young, human males askes him in a hushed but panicked voice.

“I just can, alright?"

“You know as well as I, what they're planning!"

“Shh! ... Keep your voice down." Irzain scolds the nervous man.

“Sorry."

“Don't succumb to fear; that's when you know you've lost." Irzain calmly speaks, resting a hand on his shoulder.

“That's so hard, though, when we know what we know..." The man murmurs.

“I know."

“Have you seen Bremen?"

“No..."

“So, what're we going to do?"

“I don't know, Harkel, but I'll think of something."

“We'd better. Some of us still have our families, and you have Naoma to consider." Harkel remarks.

“H-how do you know about her?!" Irzain gasps.

“Oh, please. It's the worst kept secret here, and that's saying something." Harkel chuckles.

Hearing the heavy footfalls of several men, accompanied by the clicking of plated greaves and boots, their hearts begin to race. The footsteps draw nearer, and fearing for their lives, both men duck into a storeroom. They hide in silence for a moment, listening to the men passing them by, unaware of their presence. Are they actively searching for them, or just another patrol?

“We need to do something." Harkel whispers.

“I know... I'll make the necessary arrangements. We can't wait here any longer." Irzain concedes, nearly overtaken by fear.

Gasping, Irzain opens his eyes and sits up in bed. Resting his face in his hands, he runs his fingers through his damp hair. Taking several deep breaths and rubbing his eyes, he shivers. What happened? What was he so afraid of? Why did the man in his dream share one of the names of his listed aliases? The questions build within his mind until he can feel the pressure within his skull. The weight of his curiosity grows with each dream; it forces his head to bow. Irzain takes slow, drawn-out breaths, trying to calm himself.

The Arona-Dahl bobs gently in the water, and the lapping of the ocean at her hull soothes his frazzled nerves. He turns his attention toward the porthole, seeing daylight outside. How long has he slept this time? Was it merely a few hours again, or did he actually manage to attain a full night's rest? Pulling the blanket away from his body, he swings his legs over the edge of the cot and rises to his feet, taking a moment to gain his balance. Reaching a covered basin, he removes the lid and retrieves a rag, soaking it in the clean water. Irzain washes the sweat from his body before donning his clothes.

Making his way through the hall of the ship, Irzain pauses and glances back. A now familiar sound draws his attention. Turning towards Valan's cabin door, he listens for a moment as the human and his Jaliscan lover, Merna, enjoy each other. They moan, grunt and groan, their carnal noises muffled by the wooden walls and the closed door, but only just. He can hear how vigorously the human works his lover, only for them to pause as the Jaliscan takes control. So often do they enjoy each other that most of the crew can discern the changes in their positions; everyone knows when Valan is on top, when Merna straddles and rides him, and when they imitate the beasts.

With an amused, little smile on his face, Irzain heads for the lounge. Entering through the archway, he finds Kirsta and Mairlynn playing a board game at the dining booth.

“Hey, Irzain!" Mairlynn chirps, waving wildly at him.

“Hi, girls. How're you two on this fine morning... Afternoon... Whatever it is."

“It's afternoon, and we're good." Mairlynn replies, checking the dial of her Leinehn egg.

“And I'm winning." Kirsta adds.

“Again?"

“She's always winning, the no-good, dirty cheater." Mairlynn pouts.

“Hey, you're almost twenty years older than me. If you can't win this game by now, that's only due to a distinct lack of skill." Kirsta boasts.

“Whatever..."

“At least you're getting practice." Irzain remarks, fixing himself a cheese sandwich in the adjoining galley.

“Speaking of practice, are they still going at it?"

“Who?" Irzain asks, taking a bite.

“You know who..." Mairlynn glances at him, a little grin on her face.

“Oh..." He swallows a mouthful of bread and cheese. “Yeah, they are."

“They've got a lot of stamina!"

“I think it's mostly him. It certainly sounds like he's doing most of the work, when I pass by his room." Kirsta casually remarks.

“If he has all of that energy, he could always-"

“Don't start, you little tramp." Kirsta swiftly interrupts the elf.

“What?! I didn't say anything!"

“You were about to. You know how I get when you talk about your sexual fantasies."

“I can't have a playful, girl-talk with you now?!" Mairlynn whimpers.

“You're just trying to piss me off so that I can't focus, you filthy, little whore." Kirsta smirks.

“It's the only trick I know." Mairlynn grins.

“Well, stop it. It won't save you." Kirsta retorts.

“I wasn't! If I really wanted to distract you, I'd be offering to warm Irzain's manhood with both sets of my lips." Mairlynn casually remarks.

Irzain coughs, choking on a bite of his sandwich.

“Damnit, Mairlynn!" Kirsta growls.

“That's an open offer, by the way." Mairlynn winks at him.

“You're getting on my nerves..." Kirsta snarls.

“Aren't I always?" Mairlynn giggles.

“Well... I'll leave you two to your game." Irzain backs away.

Exiting the lounge with what's left of his sandwich and a goblet of water, Irzain climbs the stairs to the main deck. Emerging to the warmth of the sun, he looks into the clear, blue sky, before scanning his surroundings. To his surprise, Steingar stands beside Trellan, inside of the pilothouse. The old Vizhek appears to teach him how to steer. Four days earlier, when they'd left Parak, Trellan promised to teach Steingar more about the controls of his ship. Similarly, he'd also promised to show an admittedly intrigued Valan how the Arona-Dahl functioned.

It was a logical choice, as Valan is one of the few aboard with the intellect and know-how to aid Trellan in any modifications and repairs. Until today, however, none have witnessed the old Vizhek making good on his promises. Turning his head, Irzain raises a hand to his brow, shielding his eyes from the blaring sun. In the distance is a tiny sliver of land. From the width he knows that it's substantial, at least compared to the previous few islands, but Trellan hasn't revealed the name of this island, if he even knows what it is. Could it be Bremen, or is this just another pit stop? They've been running low on supplies, especially food.

The merchant on Parak didn't have much wheat or cheese left, and after the hotel incident, they thought it best to leave before word spread of what they'd done. Taking the last bite of his sandwich, Irzain walks the deck. From the corner of his eye, he spots the last member of the crew. At the port-bow of the ship, Jarae watches the horizon, her head turned toward the speck of land. She looks as though she's lost in her own thoughts, and her expression isn't one of joy. Jarae seems perpetually melancholy, though only Irzain and Trellan appear to ever notice. Sipping some water from the large goblet, Irzain approaches her.

“Hello!" He chirps, standing beside her.

“Oh, hi..." She quietly replies.

“Enjoying the view?"

“Mmm..." She shrugs her shoulders.

“Then I guess you're excited about seeing land again." He remarks, trying to force a conversation.

“Not really..."

“Oh. Well, I'm pretty eager to-"

“What do you want?" She interrupts him.

“Why do I have to want something?"

“Men always want something. They never talk to me otherwise..." She murmurs.

“I'm sorry. You have to admit, though, you don't make it easy."

“Make what easy?"

“Talking to you." He clarifies.

“I didn't know I was supposed to." She snaps back.

“You just looked like you were contemplating something, and whatever it was didn't seem very pleasing. I don't want anything; I'm just a free set of ears, and unlike Mairlynn, I can keep a confidence." He explains.

Jarae turns her head, focusing her shimmering, pink eye on something other than the speck of land in the distance. They narrow as she looks the middle-aged human over. Her lips twist and curl around her short snout in a skeptical scowl.

“Yeah... Right..." She quietly scoffs.

“Listen, we've been stuck on this ship for over a week now. I don't know the first thing about you. I don't know who you are or what you're like, and when you look angry, which is pretty much all of the time, you won't talk about it. Everyone has found a way to fit in. Trellan and Steingar have some sort of sage and pupil relationship, Kirsta and Mairlynn seem to be getting along well enough to occupy themselves with board games, and Valan and Merna... Well, aside from their obvious relationship, Merna is nice to everyone, and Valan has given nearly all of his money and time to us and the ship. You, though... You're the odd one out."

“I know." Jarae sighs.

“I'm just trying to help you. I want you to fit in."

“Like those two, useless skin-tubes, Mairlynn and Kirsta?" Jarae snickers. “Or did you mean like that damned whore, Merna? That filthy bitch... Bending over for that human. Taking him into her body as if he owned every orifice. It seems as though I can hear them every day..." She snarls to herself.

“I, uh... I'm just trying to be nice to you."

“Well stop being nice to me!" She growls, turning toward him and stepping back. “I opened up once, and I didn't like it; I won't be vulnerable again."

“I hate to break it to you, but that's how you build trust." Irzain quips.

“It didn't make things better, and now they're only worse. I don't want to talk. Not to you, not to anyone. Get away from me, old man..."

“If you change your mind..." He murmurs.

“I won't."

Resting her forearms against the wooden railing, Jarae seems to calm down as she turns her attention back toward the horizon. Irzain can see the shift in her demeanor, unable to feel anger for her horrid attitude. He cocks his head, only more curious about her. She's clearly troubled, and he would love to know why.

“... Who did you open up to?" He can't help but ask.

“Just... Leave me alone. Please?" The Jaliscan sighs.

“Is this about Valan? You've been treating each other strangely since we'd rescued you two from that island."

“We... I... Forget it."

With a frustrated sigh, Jarae backs away from the railing and heads below deck. It's readily apparent to her that Irzain won't stop probing until he has something, and that's unacceptable. Moving around the staircase, she pauses as she stands between the lounge archway and the hallway opening, just out of view of both. Inside of the lounge, she can hear Mairlynn and Kirsta as they play another round of their board game. At the end of the hall, her superior hearing can detect the carnal passion of Valan and Merna. She can hear his sighs, and Merna's grunts as she rides him, using all of her strength, stamina and skill to pleasure the human as if she really was his slave.

From the sound of it, Merna wouldn't mind if she was; she's clearly enjoying herself. It drives Jarae insane with jealousy and rage. She lifts her clawed hands and covers her long, tapering ears, wincing from the mere sounds of the lover's passion. She storms back to the stairs and makes her way below deck, heading even lower, into the very bowels of the ship. The hum of the custom-built steam engine is the only thing that can fully drown out the sounds that rake her brain like razor-sharp claws. Only the lapping of the waves from the main deck comes close, and on calmer days, like today, she isn't granted a reprieve by the ocean.

Entering a coal storeroom, she sits in a corner, her front facing the pile of pitania infused coal, and her back toward the engine, near the heart of the ship. She pulls in her legs, wrapping her arms around her shins as her thighs push into her ample breasts. Jarae rests the chin of her snout atop her knees, staring at the coal for a moment. Her eyes swiftly adjust to the dim, amber light, which radiates from the strange plates that line the ceiling of every room. Pulling her head back, she tilts it far forward, resting her forehead against her knees.

The swaying of the ship, it's subtle rocking back and forth, side to side, slowly relaxes her. Her tail, curled around and resting on the floor beside her boot-clad feet, slowly shifts; the tip flicks slowly. With her eyes closed tightly, she's comforted by the Arona-Dahl. Drifting off to sleep, she allows herself to be taken away by her own thoughts. As she begins to dream, she can hear the lapping of the waves against the tiny, crippled fishing boat. The sun beams down on her as she finds herself sitting alone with Valan, on that fateful day.

“We're really lucky, you know." He remarks.

“Are you being funny?" She raises a brow.

“No. That grapeshot could've killed us, but the spread was too wide, and that cannonball only broke the mast. Had it hit one of us... Well, someone would have stew meat all ready to boil!" He chuckles.

“That's morbid." She murmurs.

“I'm sorry..."

Valan scoots closer to the Jaliscan woman, sitting with her on the rearmost bench seat of their crippled fishing boat.

“I'm just trying to lift your spirits."

Turning her shimmering, pink eyes toward him, Jarae can see his sadness. It's not the sadness of someone who's afraid of their own fate, but the melancholy of a person who genuinely worries for someone else's.

“I appreciate your effort. I'm just not in a mood to talk." She sighs.

“I get it. This is all my fault. I shouldn't have talked you into coming with us."

“No, you shouldn't have."

Stung by her words and the guilt that he feels, he turns away from her. He leans against the edge of the boat, peering into the horizon, watching the sun as it sinks on their first night together, out on the open sea. Jarae glances down at her boots, resting an elbow on the edge closest to her, sighing from boredom. As the wind flutters her dark pink hair, she's drawn to a glimmer of light. She raises her right arm, examining her clothes.

“Damn! That grapeshot put a hole through my cloak!" She whines.

“Are you hurt?!" Valan turns around, facing her.

“No. It just poked a hole beneath my right armpit."

“I'd say that's pretty lucky!"

“Yeah, I suppose, but I liked this cloak! It was a gift."

Grasping the bow knot that ties her cloak together, Jarae's red claws glint in the softening sunlight. Her thin fingers pull at the cordage, untying and releasing it from around her neck. She shifts her arms and shoulders backward, allowing the cloak to fall away from her body. It's the first time since they'd met that Valan had seen her without it on. Her C-cup breasts are on the large side, easily more than a handful a piece, and appear full and perky within her clothes. Her blouse is a faded green, like an emerald that's lost its shine, and stops just above her bust.

With only her upper arms covered, her garment doesn't shroud her shoulders, which is a common trait in the clothes of a tavern wench. To hold up her top, which also appears to button at the front, she wears a bodice of brown leather, which is equally worn. Black cordage is weaved through and around the brass ringlets, lacing it shut at the front and sides. Though faded, her bodice clings to her frame, revealing a wonderfully shaped figure; a sloping ribcage leads to a slender waist and broad hips, with a toned belly. She sits atop the bench on her perfectly formed buttocks, which is very noticeable, but not overly so.

Her athletic legs are shrouded in her tan trousers, which are well tailored, even being made with a notch and button closure that accommodates her long, slender tail. Even her boot-clad feet, which are nearly identical to a human's or Falmun's in shape, though with the addition of sharp claws, are perfectly proportioned for her body's size. She's the very image of feminine beauty, as Valan had always imagined it. He's struck be her appearance, left in awe by her very being. Taking her cloak from behind her, Jarae notices the human's stare. Is he interested in her?!

Most humans and Falmun don't regard her kind very well, treating them as little more than talking house pets. To mix races is heavily frowned upon, though experiencing them for personal pleasure is entirely another. It's what worried her when he first offered to help her; she'd been the possession of men in the past, by her own kind as well as non-Jaliscans. Jarae had always hated how it felt; objectification is not admiration. Which is he doing? Realizing that he's staring, he turns his eyes toward Jarae's. They lock, gazing at each other for a moment. Clearing his throat, he looks toward her cloak.

“T-that was a lucky shot though, huh?" He nervously chuckles.

“I guess."

“It easily could've been your arm or your side."

“I wonder if I can mend this?" She remarks, holding up her cloak and looking through the hole.

“Maybe a patch would do."

“I hate patches." She whimpers.

“Is that garment really that important to you?"

Setting the cloak atop her lap, the Jaliscan woman turns her head toward him, the ocean breeze fluttering her pink hair. Returning her attention to the cloak, a little smile crosses her lips.

“It was a gift, from someone close to me..."

With nothing left to say, the pair sit in silence for some time. As the sun sets, a darkness unlike any other shrouds the little fishing boat. The cycle of the moon isn't right, and so there's sparse light reflecting from it. Lying on the floor of the boat, the pair eventually manage to fall asleep, as the ocean mist envelops them. Neither is comfortable, only attaining what rest they can through a combination of sheer force of will and exhaustion. Sometime during the night, Valan awakens, sitting atop the floor of the boat. He looks to Jarae, who sleeps peacefully, if somewhat uncomfortably. He rises quietly to his feet, stands at the edge of the boat, and relieves himself into the water.

“Ahh... Been holding that in for too long." He sighs, whispering to himself.

“Nnn-no..."

He swiftly turns his head. Has she caught him? To his relief, Jarae is mumbling in her sleep again; she hasn't caught him. Quickly finishing, he slips his manhood back into his pants and takes a seat on the bench that separates himself and Jarae.

“Please... Nnn-no. I'll be good."

Looking down at her, Valan's heart aches. From her expression and tone, it's fairly obvious that she's having a nightmare, possibly of something that once was. He reaches out a hand, wondering if he could rest it upon her shoulder and give her a comforting grasp or stroke. He pauses, however. He'd hate to wake her up. Maybe she'll be angry with him? If she's been abused, touching her might make her upset. That aside, she might wake up, and he knows how difficult it is to sleep in the bottom of the little boat. He pulls his hand away, resting it on his leg and sitting silently atop the bench.

“Don't. I'll be..." She mumbles.

Unable to restrain himself, Valan slowly slips into the space beside her. He rests his hand on her arm and gives her a squeeze.

“Shh... It's alright." He whispers to her.

“Puh-please, stop. I'll be good." She whimpers.

“You're already good." He says, his eyes watering.

Stretching out, Valan rubs her arm, resting on his side just behind her. Jolting, Jarae opens her eyes. She rolls away from him, looking him over with visible fear.

“I'm sorry. You were talking in your sleep. I just wanted to comfort you." He explains, sitting up.

“I-I was?"

“Yeah... You were pleading again."

“Again?!"

“In the hotel..." He murmurs.

Jarae looks horrified. She turns her head away, her mouth agape as she seems to struggle with her own thoughts.

“You're not bad, Jarae."

She slowly turns her eyes toward him, then her head. Their eyes lock, and the Jaliscan can see something in him that she's never seen before. He's genuine; he doesn't appear to say what he's said because he wants something from her. He speaks from his heart. It soothes her more than she expected it would. Sliding closer, Jarae lies back, ever mindful of the human who sits beside her.

“You were only comforting me?" She asks.

“Yes. I promise. No touching." He grins.

“... Why?"

“Because I didn't want to see you that way... Sad, I mean."

Her breath catches in her throat and her heart skips a beat. Why has it done that? His expression is so soft, so real. For some inexplicable reason, she feels as though she can trust him. Rolling over and onto her side, Jarae's lips curl impulsively into a faint smile as Valan slithers up and against her. He drapes an arm around her, holding her close.

“You're going to be alright. We're both going to be alright." He assures her.

“Okay... I believe you."

For the first time in years, she's said that to a man and actually meant it. To Jarae's surprise, she falls asleep startlingly fast, comforted by the human's warm embrace. Jolting again, Jarae awakens from a dreamless sleep, only to see that the sun is up. A familiar sloshing sound draws her attention, pulling her from the uncomfortable floor. Looking around, she doesn't see Valan inside of the boat. Shooting up, she grabs the edge of the boat, sighing with relief when she sees Valan dragging the craft ashore.

“Oh! Hello! I hope you slept well."

“It was alright, but my bed was too hard." She quips.

“Well, maybe you'll like the next one."

“Where are we?"

“I have no idea. I woke up last night, and as the sun rose, I noticed this island in the distance. I was able to row us ashore."

Smiling warmly at her, Jarae smiles back at the human. She winces, and with a little yawn, her tongue curls. Jarae stretches her arms and back. Rising slowly, she stands to her feet, holds onto the edge of the boat, and climbs over. Splashing into the shallow water, she helps him drag the craft toward the nearby beach. Reaching dry land, they pull at the damaged boat, managing to draw it well away from the water and the tidal shifts. Leaning against the wooden hull, Jarae takes a few deep breaths. Her chest heaves. Jarae's spiced chocolate and pinkish-beige fur seems damp from her own sweat.

“Are you alright?"

“I'm not used to working that hard."

“Well, it's over now, and that's probably all the help I'll need anyway." He replies with a warm smile.

“Are you sure?!"

He nods his head. Climbing back into the boat, he opens his oaken chest and digs through the artifacts. The Jaliscan girl watches him curiously, crossing her arms and resting them on the edge of the craft; her breasts lay atop her arms. She leans far forward, her perfect buttocks visible behind her as her tail sways. Finding a few things inside that they can use, he turns toward her, pausing as he finds himself staring at her ample mounds, however clothed they might be. Looking past her, he takes in the rest of her form. Jarae can see his face flush as he turns his eyes away, and instead looks into her shimmering, pink spheres. She's just caught him looking, admiringly.

“Here." He says, handing her a crossbow pistol and a satchel of bolts. “You never know."

Returning to the chest, he digs through it for more tools. His demeanor seems to have changed, however. Jarae straightens her back, looking down at her own breasts. This is as much confirmation as she's ever had before. Usually, men who want her simply make their move, so why hasn't Valan? She finds herself perplexed by his unusual behavior. After collecting a few more tools, including his custom-built binoculars, Valan climbs out of the boat. Walking inland, they are struck by their island's lack of size. So small is the island that they can see from shore to shore from where they stand, atop a humble hill.

Walking around the little hill, Valan finds a patch of trees that look promising. He sets down his tools and rests his palms against the trunks. Pushing hard, he tries to sway the tree, attempting to judge its sturdiness. Grabbing a tall, thick branch, he hangs from the tree for a moment.

“I feel like I should be sitting on a bench and knitting." Jarae quips.

“I'm just making sure it isn't dead; I'd hate for it to crush us in our sleep." He retorts.

“If you say so."

“Does this look like fun to you?"

A little smile crosses his lips as he begins to swing back and forth from the branch. With a little giggle, she can't help but smile, watching him playing like a child.

“No, not at all."

“That's right." He says, dropping down from the branch. “This is very important, scientific work I'm doing."

With the beach in sight, and the island relatively void, the patch of trees is their only suitable protection. Near the trees, several older trunks lay dead on the ground, having toppled over years earlier. Using a hatchet that Valan had made, when he tested his first forge, he painstakingly cuts the trunks. He splits pieces from them and forms long sticks. Jarae, meanwhile, clears the land near their new campsite, pushing the dead and dying brush together for a central fire, and making sure that the ground is free of insect mounds, snakes, and other creeping, crawling things.

Returning to Valan, she watches as he cuts into the logs, breaking them down and fashioning the sticks. Sweat builds on his body, matting his long, flowing hair. It even begins to stain his dark purple shirt. Realizing this, he sets the hatchet aside and unbuttons his shirt, removing it and setting it aside. Jarae's eyes grow wider as she takes in his form. His flowing clothing conceal a modest but athletic build. His skin is pale, and free from blemishes or scars. He's like a doll, carved from the finest wood and carefully painted into a vision of masculine beauty.

Somehow, she finds him very appealing, even though he's a human; typically, she wouldn't be so fond of a male of his race. To her surprise, she finds herself even more curious about the kind human. Her eyes scan him further, and the Jaliscan finds herself looking toward his groin. She bites her bottom lip, wondering what he might have to offer her in carnal pleasure. Caught up in his work, he doesn't even notice how the Jaliscan stares at him, nor does he seem to realize he's partially disrobed in front of her. Building the pile of sticks, Jarae steps closer. Finally, Valan notices her presence.

“Woah! You startled me." He says through labored breaths.

“I-I'm sorry. I-is there a-anything I can d-do to help?" She nervously asks.

Jarae's body is warmed by her thoughts, her breathing hastening. Perhaps it was his previous, admiring looks? Maybe it was how gentle and kind he was, not just that night in the boat, but all of the time before; he'd paid a tidy sum to hire a healer to repair her wounds. Perhaps she overthinking, and it's merely a natural attraction to a healthy male? All she knows, whatever the reason, is that she finds herself desiring the human.

“Sure. You can set those by the camp if you want. I'm going to use them for our shelter."

“Okay!"

Their eyes lock. Valan kneels in the grass, one hand on the shattered log and the other holding his hatchet, while Jarae stands within arm's reach, watching him. At their angle, he doesn't seem to notice when her eyes shift, glancing at his pelvis. Turning back around and continuing his work, her focus shifts. She no longer yearns to see his manhood, but instead stares at the sweat beading upon his back as he exerts himself. She imagines her clawed hands raking his flesh. Remembering his race, she feels a strange sensation; guilt and disgust creep in, taunting her for her perverse desires.

She's never craved a human before; though she's been with them in the past, it was never by choice. He takes a freshly cut stick from the broken log and tosses it aside. To his surprise, she's still standing there. Looking over his shoulder at her, the expression on her face bothers him; she seems sad.

“Are you alright?"

“I-I just... I was wondering..." She hesitates.

“Wondering what?" He cocks his head.

“... It's nothing."

“Oh. Are you sure?" He looks deeply concerned.

“D-did you know a Jaliscan in the past?"

“Why do you ask?"

“You're just so nice to me. Most humans aren't." She answers.

“I'm sorry. Most humans are shit."

Her eyes widen as he casually insults his own kind.

“I wasn't raised like that... At least not by my mother."

Returning to his work, he cuts into the log, splitting off more wood.

“When I was a kid, I had a good mom. She raised me to believe in kindness, generosity, and compassion. She used to say, 'those are what's missing in this world, and that's why it's so dark'. My dad was the other side of the coin. A fat, cruel, spiteful son of a... Never mind. I guess he didn't like me much, because he never bothered to be there. It was always my mom and I. She even encouraged my hobbies, viewing all of my inventions. We were very close, and then she died." He sighs, briefly ceasing his work.

“I'm sorry."

“Don't be." He says, whittling down a piece of wood with his hatchet. “She was suffering, and while I do miss her, I'm glad that she doesn't have to put up with that grotesque monstrosity of a man."

“You really don't like your father..." Jarae murmurs.

“Nope! He's the one person I was glad to see dead. I have sympathy for a lot of people, even strangers, but him? ... Good riddance."

“I can relate... What about siblings?"

“Nope. I was an only child."

He cuts into the log, then pauses.

“Actually, that's probably why he hated me so much. The one thing he created, and I was nothing like what he wanted. He reminded me of that every chance he got. I guess he was the real failure." Valan snickers. “Rest in pieces, you cruel bastard."

He hacks into the log, taking his anger and pain out on the dead wood. Feeling an unusual wash of pity, Jarae reaches out a hand and rests it on his shoulder. Feeling her touch, he pauses mid-strike, and looks back at her. Taking his hand from the log, he rests it over hers.

“I'll be done soon, and then I'll get to building our shelter. I promise."

Flashing her a warm smile, Valan returns to his work. Jarae collects a bundle of sticks and heads for their campsite, pausing to watch him for a moment. Even in her moment of pity, she hasn't lost her respect for him as a man. If anything, his personality has only made her appreciate him more. Continuing on her way, Valan looks back, appreciating both her comfort, and the sight of her swaying buttocks as she walks with her graceful, feminine steps, toward their campsite. After several loads of sticks have been collected, Valan returns with Jarae, and with her help, he fashions a simple platform, keeping them from lying atop the cold ground.

Once the platform is constructed, he fashions a sloped roof, using two long and two short sticks as support beams. Using the hatchet, he cleaves living branches from the nearby trees, weaving them together and fashioning a roof. While he spends several hours fashioning these things, Jarae walks the beach, searching for supplies. To her surprise, she finds an old net, an undamaged, metal pot, and nearly a dozen, green shore crabs. With a careful hand and quick reflexes, she scoops them into the bucket before they know what's happening.

She returns late in the evening to see a finished campsite; Valan has been working since daybreak to give them their humble home. He sits before an elevated lean-to, rubbing two sticks together. A seashell rests in his palm and lets him push a stick against another, while a tiny bow, its' string wrapped around the vertical stick, is used to spin the upright stick and create friction. Smoke begins to billow as sweat drips from his forehead and into his eyes. By the time she reaches their campsite, he's blowing the ember into a flame. It bursts to life, the orange flames consuming the tinder bundle.

“Woo! Now that's how you do it!" He cheers, carefully starting their campfire with the small flame.

“Good work." She smiles.

“Thanks. Nice bucket!"

“Yeah, I picked it up along the beach. See what else I brought?!"

Peering inside, Valan grins from cheek to cheek at the crabs that climb over each other inside of the container. He tilts his head back, looking into her eyes.

“Good work. I'm proud of you, Jarae."

Perhaps it's his tone or how sincere he looks, but as their eyes lock and she hears those words, she feels a strange rush within her. She feels herself flush, though she can't understand why. The Jaliscan's heart burns with an unusual warmth that's quite foreign to her. Is this still desire? If so, it's the most powerful it's ever been.

“Th-thanks!"

Using salt water, Valan and Jarae wash and cook the crabs in the bucket, enjoying a considerable feast for two castaways. When Jarae worries about water, Valan is quick to quell her fears, assuring her that he has a plan. They sit by the fire and talk, eating crab meat and speaking for over an hour but saying very little. Neither of them learns what they want, while also revealing almost nothing about themselves. Feeling exhaustion creeping in, Jarae sits upon the platform, stretching out and relaxing. A breeze blows in from the west, exactly the direction of the opening of their lean-to. Shivering as she lay atop the elevated platform, Jarae glances back at Valan.

“Okay. Now I'm cold."

“Yeah. Me too." He replies.

After placing a large log into the fire, he rises from the ground and makes his way over to the platform. Sitting beside her for a moment, he watches her. He seems hesitant to climb onto the platform with her.

“Aren't you tired?"

“Yeah." He nods. “I was just..."

He never answers. Moving past her feet, Valan crawls into the empty space of the platform, lying beside her. Jarae turns her head, looking over her shoulder at him. Stretching out, he sighs as he tries to become comfortable. Rolling onto his side, she's quick to turn away, presenting the opportinuty. The Jaliscan expects his hands to slither over her and caress her, to confirm his interest with physical contact. As she'd expected, Valan slithers closer. He moves to within inches of her, but stops short. To her shock, he doesn't fondle or caress her, nor does he grind his manhood against her buttocks.

Is he not interested?! Has she misinterpreted his behavior? Perhaps he doesn't want her, because she's Jaliscan? Feeling a heaviness in her chest, a gentle gust of wind gives her an idea. Perhaps he is interested, but hasn't ever considered the possibility of someone of her race being a potential mate? Maybe he just needs a little push? She visibly shivers, hoping he'll notice. After a moment of feigned shivering, he speaks.

“Are you alright?"

“C-c-cold." She softly replies.

Valan moves closer, his body heat radiating over her, but they are still only barely touching. He looks her over, unable to resist his natural urges. Her scent isn't unlike a human or Falmun woman's; Kat and Vella, both women he'd intimately enjoyed at one point, had a similarly pleasing smell. His heart flutters. Unsatisfied, Jarae worms her body backward, pushing her back and buttocks into his chest and groin. Her eyes shoot open when she feels something very familiar against her body. Her lips curl at the corners into a sinister grin. Valan is very interested. Reaching back, she grabs his forearm and pulls him even closer.

“W-what're you doing?" He sheepishly asks.

“It's cold. We can share body heat."

“Oh. Right. Good idea." His voice subtly shakes from his nerves.

Lifting an arm, she pulls her cloak from between them, tossing an end over him. It barely covers the both of them.

“That should help us keep the heat in!" She chirps.

“Thanks."

To his silent relief, Jarae makes no mention of his throbbing erection, which so noticeably pushes itself through his trousers and against her perky buttocks. He smooshes their bodies together and rests his head on his other arm, which he curls beneath his head. It's all he can do to control himself. She feels him resting his lips against her shoulder, his long goatee brushing her soft coat of fur. His nose buries into her fur, near the nape of her neck. His breath gives her a pleasant shiver.

“You're still cold?"

“Huh?! O-oh, uh, y-yeah." She replies.

“We'll be alright." He assures her, slowly rubbing her arm with his hand. “We just need to last a night or two."

After rubbing her arm for a moment, the exceptionally relaxed Jaliscan woman struggles to control the swaying of her tail. She can feel him sliding his arm around her waist once more, tucking his hand beneath her and holding her close to him; he grips her like an oversized doll. She doesn't oppose him, and is surprised by the considerable comfort that she takes in his presence. He grinds against her and pulls her close as he shifts and wriggles behind it. It's as if he's trying to become comfortable. Then, however, she notices something else.

Her shimmering, pink eyes nearly roll back in her head from the sensation of his throbbing manhood pushing into her buttocks. Why is she so affected? This has never happened to her before. Jarae struggles to maintain any semblance of control Rolling over, she presses her ample chest against him and nuzzles his face with her short snout. The human trembles as he feels her warm and sweetly smelling fur rubbing against his skin. It's unbelievably comforting. Within moments, their hands explore the other's body, with reckless abandon.

Neither is sure who touched what first, but within a matter of moments, Valan massages her large breasts through her shirt, and Jarae nuzzles and licks his neck, while her hand rubs his stiffening member through his trousers. Kissing deeply and with tongues, she pushes his pants down just enough to pull out his manhood. Feeling his flesh in her hand, he fills her palm; she can barely touch her fingers together due to his girth. With a wide grin, she uses another hand to push down her own pants, exposing her hot loins to the air. She spins around, putting her back toward him as she continues to stroke him, now grinding her furry buttocks against his erection.

Jarae prepares to insert him as Valan holds her shoulders, as if she were a pack animal that he was riding. It bothers him how he's acting, but in his state, he simply can't help himself. Rubbing her nether lips against the top of his member, she pulls away. The Jaliscan's clawed hands carefully grasp his girthy shaft, pushing his manhood up and taking aim. She inches backward, teasing his tip with her hot and wet loins. With a soft push, she inches her womanhood over his impressive organ. Valan suddenly pushes forward, matching her and more; he inserts himself, feeling her burning hot loins enveloping him.

Jarae gasps, her eyes shooting open as she feels him filling her supple body. Deeper and deeper he goes, until he's buried his organ completely within her loins. Then, he does something that she never expected. Sliding further forward, Valan wraps his arms around her. He holds her as if they were sleeping, nuzzling and kissing her neck as he takes her from behind. His hands caress her with a passion that she's never felt before. Valan's kisses are soft, even loving. She feels herself melting at his touch, and he hasn't even begun. When he does, he sways slowly, moving in a methodical manner.

Valan's hands explore her, but not in the manner she's accustomed to; he doesn't grab roughly and indiscriminately, pinch or tug at her nipples, or smack her buttocks. Instead, he grasps and rubs her very tenderly, with great care. She trembles. He continues to sway his hip, giving her firm but careful thrusts while cradling her in his arms. Her chest burns even more. What's happening to her?

“Do you like that?" He asks in a whisper.

“Y-you c-... You care?"

She gasps, as much from the shock as from the sensation of their connection. Never has a male ever asked her that question, nor considered her pleasure during the act. Often, when she was with Radiz, he simply held her down and took her, sometimes even when she wasn't ready. Radiz was not an aberration; every lover from her past has treated her more like their property than their partner. She simply grew to believe that this was the proper male-female dynamic. Why is this human so different, and why does she like it so much?

“Of course, I care!" He says, before lovingly kissing her cheek. “Your feelings matter to me. You pleasure matters to me."

She turns her head, impulsively looking back at her human lover. He smiles, staring into her eyes before swiftly kissing her again. Their tongues entwine and he rests his hand over her toned belly. His passion is such that she no longer knows how to act. Whatever he expects of her, he'll have to tell her; she's entirely out of her element. To her recollection, Valan is the first man who's ever looked into her eyes while enjoying her body. Though a few have kissed her, none were so passionate. He pulls their lips apart, smiling warmly. He buries himself into her loins, then holds firm, giving her body a tender squeeze.

“Do you like this?" He asks again.

“I-I do." She answers with shaking breath.

“Good. If you ever dislike what I do, you can tell me."

Jarae shifts, overcome by a strange impulse to face him. Pulling away, Valan allows her to roll over. She pushes off her boots with her toes and kicks her trousers from her ankles, a hand tugging at him. He complies, removing his garments and carefully climbing over her. Valan rests on his forearms and knees, placing himself between her spread legs. He stares into her eyes before kissing her, the passion growing exponentially as he gently reinserts himself into her loins, pushing deeper and deeper. She throws her arms around him, her clawed hands pressing into his shoulder blades as she bites her quivering, bottom lip. Feeling him sheath himself to the hilt, her fingers and toes curl.

“Ahh!" She cries out from pleasure.

Startled awake, Jarae's head shoots up. A particularly strong wave has shifted the Arona-Dahl, causing her to fall against a nearby wall in the coal storeroom, where she'd hidden away. She winces and straightens out, feeling a stiffness in her neck. How long was she asleep? Furthermore, why does she keep dreaming about the island? The memories already torment her enough when she's awake; can't she get a reprieve in her dreams? Will she ever find peace? Sighing, she rises to her feet, arching her back and rolling her head in circles as she stretches. Her stomach grumbles.

She rests a clawed hand over her toned belly. Hopefully, the human and his Jaliscan whore have finished their perverse activities; Jarae wants nothing more than to eat something and lie down on her cot. Maybe she'll attain some quality sleep for a change? Leaving the lower deck and climbing the stairs, Jarae immediately pauses at the sound of voices coming from inside of the lounge. She leans closer, but does her best to remain quiet, listening in on the conversation.

“It's nice to see you finally coming out of the cave." Mairlynn says with a little giggle.

“Yeah. I needed some food and fresh air." Merna replies.

“As often as you two are in there, it's like you're starting a new clan." Kirsta quips.

“Hoping he'll seed your field, Merna?" Mairlynn teases.

“Maybe... I grew up on a farm." The Jaliscan sweetly retorts.

“They aren't vegetables." Kirsta mutters.

“I hope you have some Silphium tea, or you have him shoot it outside of you." Mairlynn interjects.

“No."

“No, to which?"

“Both."

“Uh-oh... I have some powdered Silphium. You can use that." Mairlynn offers.

“It'll never get used otherwise." Kirsta chuckles.

“Hey!" Mairlynn whimpers.

“What're you thinking, letting him finish inside you like that?" Kirsta scoffs.

“I'm a victim of circumstance." Merna coolly retorts.

“You make it sound like he's forcing you."

“Hardly! If anything, I'm forcing him! I mean, with a lover like Val, who's so talented and substantial, how could I not?"

“You know, I had the pleasure of grabbing him once. He felt... Big." Mairlynn comments.

“Yeah." Merna releases a delightful sigh, confirming Mairlynn's statement. “Sometimes, I have a hard time walking afterward."

“Wow..." Kirsta murmurs.

“That sounds amazing." Mairlynn wistfully sighs.

“It's half physical recovery, and half exhaustion from the intense pleasure. I'm often forced to nap for a while afterward, but I guess I'm adapting; I only needed to relax a little this time." Merna continues.

Listening to Merna's bragging and Mairlynn's enviousness, Jarae feels her anger swelling. The blood in her veins grows hotter and she closes her eyes.

“Are you alright?"

Spinning around, Steingar and Irzain were making their way down the stairs, pausing only because Jarae stands directly in their path. How long have they been watching her?

“Is everything-"

“I'm fine." She growls, interrupting Irzain.

Jarae storms off, passing the lounge archway. Turning her pink eyes toward the opening, she can see Merna standing inside. She glances over her shoulder, watching Jarae. Her eyelids narrow over her shimmering, blue orbs, and her lips curl into the most sinister of smiles. Merna tauntingly waves her fingertips. Feeling her blood boiling, Jarae hastens to her room, swiftly locking herself inside. After taking a moment to calm herself, she opens the middle drawer of her nightstand. Inside it, she's stashed some non-perishable foods, a slab of hardtack wrapped in cloth and a pouch of dried mushrooms.

It's a precaution she began taking as soon as Valan and Merna began their very audible relationship. With a capped jug of water and a wooden goblet, Jarae eats in the privacy of her cabin before sitting atop her cot. Forcing the painful thoughts of the couple from her mind, she lies down and stretches out, relaxing her muscles. With her eyes closed, her hunger and thirst satiated, and the gentle swaying of the ship rocking her, she finds herself once again drifting off to sleep.

“Ow!" Valan cries out. “You little bastards are going to get it now."

“Valan?" Jarae speaks softly, lifting her head as she lay atop the wooden platform. “Are you alright?"

“I'm fine! Just struggling with our breakfast. They really don't want to die!" He quips.

The sleepy Jarae leans against an arm, using her free hand to rub her tired eyes. Looking over, Valan can't help but gaze at her beauty. She'd slept in what clothes they left on, after their night together. He watches the alluring jiggle of her bare breasts as she moves, her furry mounds taunting him no differently than those of any human or Falmun. Taking her hand away from her eyes as she sits upright, Jarae looks to Valan, startled to see the way he gazes at her body. It's a look of desire but it holds a warmth that other men simply haven't had when admiring her body.

“Sleep well?"

“Mhm." She nods. “I was very exhausted."

“Me too." Valan flushes, bashfully bowing his head.

Turning his eyes up, the pair gaze at each other. Jarae's shimmering, pink spheres peer through his blue-green orbs; they stare as if they're looking at their very souls. Snapping out of his infatuated daze and clearing his throat, Valan's face flushes. It brings a little smile to her lips. Sliding across the ground, Valan presents the pot of crabs.

“How many did you want?"

Leaning over, she looks into the container, resting her breasts atop his shoulder. She waits for his reaction, her eyes staring intently at the side of his head. Setting the pot down, he slides an arm around her waist, his fingers coiling around her side. Her smile grows wider as Valan pulls her down to the ground. She's quick to place her crumpled trousers beneath her as she joins him, for her protection and comfort. He holds her close and rests his head against hers, giving the side of her snout a little kiss. Her heart skips a beat; this isn't what she was expecting. In fact, Jarae was almost hoping he'd be eager for another round.

Nuzzling her face, he closes his eyes and slides his other arm around her, holding her in a startlingly childlike manner. Her clawed hand rests against his cheek, her red painted nails raking his shaven flesh, before running through the forest of his long goatee.

“Mmm-your fur is soft." He remarks.

“And your skin is so warm." She coos.

She attempts to turn her head to kiss him, but he seems content to merely nuzzle her. Not once does his hand grasp her bare breasts, nor does he reach down and fondle her womanhood, which remains exposed to the open air.

“This is nice." He speaks softly.

Her heart beats faster and she can feel herself trembling.

“Are you alright?!"

“Yeah, I'm j-just a little c-cold." She stammers.

“We should get dressed. I'll get your cloak."

He drapes her cloak over her and hugs her, rubbing her arms and sides with his hands as he tries to warm her. His concern is alien to her, but she finds it endearing. Turning her head, she looks over his face before leaning in and kissing him. Attempting to initiate their previous passion, she's eager to express her growing interest in the only manner she knows how. Her hand grasps his manhood.

“Later." He says, pulling away from her kiss.

“Why?"

“I'd like to learn more about you; I want to know who Jarae really is. What better time to do that than dinner?" He speaks with a warm smile.

“It doesn't look like the right time."

“Will you settle for breakfast, then?"

“... Why do you want to know about me? What's the purpose?" She cocks her head.

“Because I like you." Valan looks perplexed. “I want us to bond."

“Then let's do that."

Still holding his flaccid manhood in her hand, she softly strokes him, trying to coax an erection.

“Woah, I meant by sharing!" He exclaims as he pulls away.

He rises to his feet and looks around the camp, searching for his clothes. Retrieving his trousers and boots, he begins to dress himself, covering his nude form. Jarae blinks, struggling to comprehend his motivations.

“Uh... Alright." She sighs.

“Pick out your breakfast and get dressed. I'll do the rest." He says with another warm smile.

Claiming a large crab, Valan chooses his own before stringing up the remaining crabs and using the pot and some salt water to boil them. As their food cooks, he uses a series of metal canisters and piping from the chest to construct a strange device. Placing a cannister filled with salt water beside the fire, he runs a narrow, copper pipe into the other cannister. She cocks her head as she watches him, curious about the strange device.

“What's that?"

“It's a still. I'm hoping to make fresh water with it."

“You're smart." She remarks.

“I have my rare moments."

With the crabs cooked to their liking, he sits beside her, his side against hers. The sit and eat in silence for a moment, then Valan takes a breath.

“I used to dream about adventure, when I was younger." Valan suddenly begins, looking toward the distant shoreline. “I'd imagine sailing the world and getting lost at sea."

“You wanted to become lost?!" She raises a brow.

“Well, no. I did want the adventure though! I'd always imagined coming home, eventually, after living on an island and meeting strange, new people. I'd come home, safe and sound, and write a book about my exploits. Maybe even become famous for it."

“That's a nice fantasy for a child to have."

“Yeah."

“When did you stop dreaming?"

“Last year." He grins.

“Oh." Jarae giggles.

“I ended up focusing on things that I actually could do; working on my inventions, for what little that's worth. I thought it'd be something to make my father proud... For once in my life."

“I thought you didn't like him?" She asks.

“I don't, the mean bastard that he was. It's odd, though. I hated him, yet all I ever wanted was for him to care about me. I always felt more like an heir than a son." He says with a melancholy sigh.

“Did you have other dreams like that?" She leans closer, listening intently.

“Not like that, but I had some. One of them almost came true, once."

“What was it?!"

“I wanted a family."

“That's a dream?!"

“It is to me. A wife, a home, some children... Stable, safe, loving; everything I've ever wanted." He speaks as if his admission is somehow a dark secret.

“Why couldn't you?" She finally asks.

“I could've! I should've..." He sighs, leaning against the platform. “I thought about that last night, actually."

“You did?!"

“Yeah, as I was holding you." A little smile crosses his lips.

Jarae feels herself flushing, and a shyness that she can hardly recall washes over her. She looks nervously down at her food, opting instead to sit quietly and listen.

“After we'd made love, I held you, smelled you, and felt your warmth. It was nice. It was like I hadn't made such a mess out of my life; I could pretend that I was living the life I wanted." He continues.

“H-how?"

“Hm?"

“How did you mess up your life?" She reiterates.

“I said that I wanted my dad to care about me. Well, making him care and having a family of my own pulled me in two different directions. The last time he was proud of me, I'd built him something. It was a circular sword rack that rotated on a spindle, to maximize the space in his armory. He seemed so surprised, so happy... After that, I spent twenty of my thirty years just... Making things. I built anything I thought was useful for our island. Weapons, tools, even furniture. The older I became, though, the less he cared, and my passion for creating things drove a wedge between Vella and I."

“You had a woman before?!"

“You sound surprised."

“A little." Jarae admits.

“Thanks!" He chuckles.

“You just seem so..."

With a little smile, Jarae shrugs her shoulders.

“So, what?"

“Never mind. You and Vella?"

“Right. Well, Vella was my first love. I'd known a few other girls, but most of them were in my teens, and I didn't know what it meant back then. We met when I was twenty-six and she was twenty. Her family moved to Widoval, my father's island, and within a few months, we were speaking daily. After a year, I was making love to her."

“A year?!" Jarae gasps, shocked by how long it took.

“Yeah. After a while, though, she was urging me to marry her. She told me that we should do it 'before it's too late'. I guess I waited too late, because after a while, I stopped seeing her..."

Valan pauses and his expression changes. He stares at the campfire with anger and resentment in his eyes. She's never seen this kind of anger and pain in the kindly human before.

“Why did you stop?" She softly asks.

“Because, she betrayed me... Two years into our relationship, I considered proposing... And then I found her... In bed with my father."

Jarae silently gasps, bringing a clawed hand to cover her gaping maw.

“It became a point of pride for him, and something that fat son of a bitch would often taunt me with. I can't believe she'd have chosen him. I hadn't ever hurt so much before. It was like someone stuck a gauntlet of ice into my chest and just... Crushed my heart."

Reaching out a hand, Jarae rests it upon his shoulder, giving him a comforting squeeze. He turns his head and looks back, smiling warmly, though his eyes appear glossy. It stings her heart even more, distressing the Jaliscan woman.

“When I was with you, last night, I was able to imagine how nice it would be if I hadn't failed. If I had a wife, and if not a family already, the chance to start one. It was nice." He rests his hand over hers.

“It was... Why do you think you failed?"

“I must have somehow."

“And why do you think that she betrayed you?" Jarae carefully prods.

“Maybe I didn't act fast enough; maybe I didn't claim her when I should've. She told me to marry her 'before it's too late', but then she rejected me, to be with my father..."

“Wasn't your father the Lord of Widoval?"

“Yes. How did you know?"

“The clothes, chest, and that silver goblet I've seen you coveting. It's all too elegant for even a wealthy merchant to have."

“Very observant."

“Hmm..." Jarae rubs her bottom lip with a finger. “Perhaps when she said 'before it's too late' you thought 'before I'm too old'."

“Well, what else would that mean?" He wonders.

“I think it really meant 'before your dad claims me for himself, and I can't say no, out of fear of death'. After all, as the Lord of your island, an island with a real castle, he must've had considerable wealth and power. He could've ordered her killed had she refused his advances; that's often how it works with even a lowly man. Women often can't say no, unless they're prepared to spill blood, and often we have to pay for it."

Valan's eyes grow wide. In an instant, Vella transforms in his mind, from an antagonistic wench of a woman, to a pure victim. His heart aches as he considers the possibility that every time she was with his father, it was tantamount to rape, and that she was never a truly willing partner. While he'd covered her body with a tapestry, showing her a modicum of respect, he now regrets not clothing and burying her properly, like she deserved. Jarae watches as Valan grows gloomy, and she realizes that her revelation has only caused him more pain.

“I-I'm sorry if I hurt you! I-I didn't mean-"

“It's alright." Valan murmurs. “I appreciate your insight; I'd never even considered that. I'm sorry if I burdened you."

“It wasn't a burden. I can understand, and even relate!"

Valan's brow rises in surprise, and he turns his head toward her.

“I know all too well what women must go through. I was once raped as well, when I was quite young."

“Oh, Jarae..."

“He bought me from my family, kept me and used me, often leaving me locked in his home."

Valan's heart aches for her, and he swiftly slides his arms around her slender waist. Embracing her, he softly massages her with his fingertips, resting his head on her shoulder. She smiles, reaching up and placing a clawed hand against his face.

“After a few months, I managed to escape him, but I quickly learned that this was simply the way things were for women. Every man was the same as him, to one degree or another. Jaliscan, Falmun, and human; they all claimed me as if I was property. When they tired of me or became too rough, I would flee to the next. Since I was fourteen, I've had two or three lovers each year; eleven years, and I don't remember most of their faces. I've never had a man who was so nice to me before! It was nice, when you kissed me so sweetly. When you were enjoying me last night and you looked into my eyes, it felt good. I've never had that before."

Valan is stunned by how casually she speaks of what can only be traumatic physical and sexual abuse. Though she doesn't sound at all upset, his arms pull tighter and he nuzzles her, hoping to comfort her and show his sympathy. He softly kisses her cheek, before rubbing his nose against the fur of her face.

“I'm so sorry that happened to you." He whispers into her large, tapering ear.

“It's alright. It's not your fault."

“I still feel bad. You never should've suffered like that; you're too good."

He gives her another little kiss, and her smile grows wider.

“So... Who gave you that cloak?"

“My father, not long before he sold me."

Troubled by her answer, he increases his affection. She sighs with delight, comforted by the human in ways she's never felt before. Her heart burns with a startling warmth. With his arms giving her a little squeeze, she turns her head and nuzzles his face. They cuddle, and share a kiss. It's tender, but not as passionate as those he'd given her when they had sex the previous night. She slips her tongue into his mouth as they kiss. In response, he rests his head against her and rubs her back. Shifting her body, she slips a leg past him, opening them as she scoots closer. Though they now wear clothes, she wishes they didn't as she moves in.

She straddles him, sitting atop his lap. Her clawed hand rests on his cheek, softly scratching him as she pushes him back. Why does he seem startled? With the beautiful, shapely Jaliscan pushing him back, he can see the lust in her eyes. As much as he enjoyed her, he feels tremendous guilt. She's been hurt, used by men and discarded like trash. How can he live with himself if he perpetuates this? Perhaps by being gentle and taking things slower, he can show her that he's not like those others, and then they can truly grow into their relationship. She begins opening her blouse as she grinds her pelvis against his.

“Wait." Valan suddenly pulls away, attempting to sit up. “Can I just hold you?"

Jarae feels her heart sinking. Does her previous history with men now make her undesirable to him? Was she wrong to trust him with such information? She'd never told anyone about her past before, even so vaguely. She'd heard that some men don't like women with so many previous lovers; is Valan one of them? She feels herself trembling. The thought of losing his affection makes her mildly ill.

“Y-you aren't m-mad at me... Are you?" She sheepishly asks.

“Of course not, Jarae. I care for you! I want you to know that I'm genuine." He says with a warm smile.

“O-okay..."

Sitting upright, she still straddles his lap. He closes her blouse, resisting the urge to grab her perfect, womanly mounds. Softly stroking her cheek, she closes her eyes and nuzzles into his palm. Valan leans in, kissing her lips so tenderly.

“I'm not like those others, Jarae."

“I know."

“I want to prove it."

“How?"

“... Let's spend the day together!"

Following his lead, Jarae and Valan spend their second day on the island walking the beach, talking, swimming and spear fishing. For some reason, the human seems more content to hold her hand than to show his affection with intimacy. As enjoyable as their time together is, she can't help but feel that his lack of physical intimacy is his way of slowly pulling away. It terrifies her. Perhaps she needs to act? After cooking her a fish dinner and snuggling up to her on the simple, wooden platform of their lean-to, Valan spoons with Jarae as he drifts off to sleep. Reaching back, Jarae rubs her palm gently against his limp manhood.

Waiting until he was drowsy, she knows that his body will react before his mind does. It's a little trick she's learned from several of her previous lovers. Feeling his arm pull tighter and his erection growing, she continues rubbing him. Rolling over, and being careful not to rouse him, she slides down his trousers, exposing his organ. Pushing off her boots and sliding her own pants off of her body, Valan starts to wake up, feeling her motions. As he opens his eyes, she pushes herself against him, forcing him onto his back and straddling him. She grinds her moist womanhood against his firm flesh, before preparing to insert him into her loins.

“Wait... Stop."

She doesn't stop. Leaning forward, she kisses him deeply, forcing her tongue into his mouth.

“Nnnn-ahh!" She gasps, throwing her head back.

Jarae pushes his endowment into her body, working him deeper and deeper as he groans from the sensation of her warm flesh. She looks down, staring with her shimmering, pink eyes, and grinning sinisterly at him. He looks up at her, seeing her faintly glowing orbs in the darkness, as she forces him inside of her, enjoying him at her leisure.

“Jarae, please. What're you doing?" He seems to plead.

Reaching up for her, she takes hold of his wrists, leans forward and pushes them firmly against the wooden platform, above his head. She rocks and swivels her hips, grunting as she rides him. He groans, but he also wriggles. Acting in a manner she's familiar with, she holds his wrists above his head with one hand, then grasps his throat with the other, her body at a steep angle as she enjoys the pleasure of his manhood. After a while, he doesn't try to stop her anymore, though she's certain that he could if he so desired. Feeling him flooding her body with his masculine expulsions, she enjoys another climax. As she stretches out, resting atop him, he wraps his weary arms around her.

“Mmm... That was fun." She coos.

“... Why'd you do that?" He softly asks.

“Didn't you want to?!"

“I wanted to prove that you're worth more; I wanted you to know that I want more from you than just sex. I let you finish what you started, but this wasn't what I wanted."

“... Why not?!" She asks.

“I want a relationship, Jarae. I'd like to have a life someday; I explained this to you already."

“Men don't want me for anything else. I'm not wife material."

“You don't give yourself enough credit."

Staring into his eyes, she can see a new pain looking back at her. It startles her; she sits upright on his lap, their bodies still connected, and rests her clawed hands on his chest. Why is he so upset? All men enjoy sex, and that's all she has to offer. Does he no longer value her body? Is he trying to push her away with his talk of a 'relationship' and 'family'? After all that she's shared, and all that she's done, he still hasn't come around. She expected him to be happy, to hold and kiss her until he was ready and then enjoy her once more, on his own accord.

Scanning his face, her eyes lock onto his. He looks so sincere, and so hurt. Maybe he's telling the truth? She swiftly shakes the thought from her mind; no one could possibly desire her in the way he describes.

“Don't be mean..." She growls, finally climbing off of him.

“I'm not being mean." He rests a hand over his member, as if shielding it. “I meant what I said."

“No, you don't. You can't."

“You don't know that!" He sits up, growing frustrated.

She turns her back to him, swinging her legs over the edge of the platform. Lowering her head and staring down, her human-like, plantigrade feet rest on the soft, cold sand. She ponders everything that he's said, and all that they've done in the past few days. Though she can't believe what he's said, Valan certainly seems to. He watches her for a moment, his anger subsiding and a wash of pity cascading over him.

“... What were you even trying to do, using me like that?" He softly asks.

“I wanted to show you my affection. I was worried you didn't like me anymore after what I told you." Jarae sheepishly admits.

“Jarae..." He turns to her, feeling a sorrow in his chest.

“I thought you'd realize that you liked me. I thought you'd want to have sex again, on your own, and prove to me that I'm still valuable to you." She sniffles.

Valan is flabbergasted. He doesn't know what to say or do, but he wants to prove that he cares. If that's what it takes, then so be it.

“Okay." He concedes. “We can make love again. I want to."

“Don't you pity me! Don't you dare!" She snarls, looking over her shoulder and glaring at him. “How can you mean it now, after I've already told you?!"

“... Look, Jarae, I don't know the magic words to convince you, but I do like you... A lot. I want a relationship, a future. It's all I've wanted for the past few years. I want you to be in that future, but for that to happen, you need to let me in."

“I just did!"

“... Not like that. You're not a bad girl, Jarae. You're good. I want to show you how good you are; I want to fix you. What I feel for you, it's... It's what I felt for Vella when we first became close. Please, trust me."

After a pause, Jarae slowly shakes her head. Rising to her feet, she collects her trousers and boots, slips them on, and heads off into the darkness.

“Where're you going?!"

“To think!" She growls.

That night, neither of them sleeps for long. Valan sits by the fire, waiting for her. When she fails to return, he walks the island, looking for her, only to see her faintly glowing eyes in the darkness; she actively avoids him. To give her space and allow for her comfort, he spends that night in the bottom of the crippled fishing boat. Meanwhile, Jarae returns to their camp, deep in thought. The dawn precedes the warm sun, but the day is cold and bleak. Finding Jarae at the campsite, Valan hopes that she'll be ready to talk. He'd spent much of his night imagining a myriad of conversations, trying to picture every possibility, good and bad.

“Hi, Jarae." He happily greets her.

“Hi, Valan." She murmurs.

“... Can we talk?"

“About?" She sighs.

“Last night? The night before? Everything that's been going on between us?"

“That's all?" She quips.

“Yeah." He smiles.

“Well, I was hoping we could. I've been thinking, and I want to be honest and open. I know how much you like that."

“Oh!"

“I... I was vulnerable before. Weak..."

“Jarae, I-"

“No. Let me finish." She swiftly interrupts him. “I was weak, and in my weakness, I mislead you. Many men have enjoyed me, Valan. Jaliscan, Falmun, and even humans. None of them have ever said the things that you've said to me. It caught me off guard, and confused me. In my confusion, I've done things that might've given you the wrong idea. In my confusion, I've said things, sharing things that I probably shouldn't have. I realize that now. I've never dealt with a man like you before. At first, I thought maybe you were tricking me, but I couldn't understand why; you and I are both attracted to each other, and I offered myself to you freely. You enjoyed me, and I didn't mind. I wanted you to take me; I enjoyed you, too. After dwelling on it, I realized that you'd have no reason to lie; we could enjoy each other indefinitely... And then I realized that you must actually mean all of those sweet things you say."

“I do!" He insists.

“And that's a problem."

“... What?" His heart sinks.

“You don't know much about me, Valan."

“But I want to!"

“No, you don't. You wouldn't like what you learn."

“I can handle it. You're not a bad person, Jarae."

“I know. There are no good or bad people. There are only people. But I've known a lot of people, of many races, and I know something about your kind."

“My kind?" He raises a brow.

“Yes. Humans; your kind... None of them see my kind as anything more than halfway intelligent animals, talking pets. Every human I've ever known only wanted to either hurt or enjoy me, and then leave. What you claim to want from me, what you're asking? It's just not in your nature." She explains.

“Heh..." He smirks, shaking his head.

“What?"

“The irony... You gave me that whole speech, but it's actually you who doesn't know anything about me. You think that because I'm human that I don't see you the way I see Kirsta or Mairlynn? You're not my pet, and I'm not going to treat you like the others did. I'd be a better man to you than any Jaliscan. I'd put Radiz to shame!"

“That wouldn't be hard." She softly chuckles.

“I care for you, Jarae. I'm only asking that you open yourself up to more, that you consider the possibility that there's a future beyond some petty, friends-with-benefits, sexual arrangement."

“On my eighteenth birthday, I ran away from my twelfth lover. He was just as bad as the men before him. I realized then, that what you want doesn't exist. Whatever we're feeling? That's just confusion. I only have one thing to give you, and that's my body. I've used it to my advantage for the past seven years, and at twenty-five years old, I still haven't met the man who could prove me wrong. You're human, and I'm Jaliscan, and this can never work. All we can do is enjoy each other, but to try for more? That's foolhardy and dangerous. If you truly believe that you could one day claim me, to make me your wife and live out our days in some childish fantasy, then you're not just naïve, your entirely disconnected from reality..."

Looking into her eyes, she appears to mean every word. She glares with a sternness that makes her sincerity unquestionable. It cuts him deeply, and Valan takes a step back. Taking a deep breath, he slowly exhales as he runs his fingers through his long, flowing hair. He turns away and hangs his head. The crushing weight of disappointment pales in comparison to Jarae's true offense. He'd hoped for something genuine ever since she saved his life when he was just a stranger, ever since he helped her escape Radiz and his goons, and ever since he paid for her treatment and allowed her to choose whether to leave or join him.

Her choosing to stay only confirmed in his mind what he saw in her eyes when she looked at him, but it was a lie. The beautiful Jaliscan woman lured him in, disregarded his feelings, used him for her own pleasure, and even forced herself on him. He allowed her to finish, thinking that cooperation would aid him in his quest for her heart. Was her affection an act, too? Did she see him as a way out of Radiz's gang? His heart stings as he begins to realize that she may only see him as an object, to be used for her own gains and gratification; she's perpetuating the pain that her previous lovers have given her, teaching the lessons she's learned.

It hurts, feeling your self-worth diminished by such a callous betrayal. Still, he cares for her. It's hard to hate her, even after all that she's said and done. Without saying another word, he walks away from her, returning to the crippled and beached fishing boat. He can't think of anywhere else to go, and at least it has some familiarity. Watching him walk away, Jarae's scowl softens, her long, tapering ears slumping forward.

“I'm sorry, Valan... I just don't want to hurt you with the inevitable. This is for the best." She whispers to herself.

Standing alone at the campsite that Valan had built for them, she sees the human disappearing behind the brush as he returns to the little boat. Sitting atop the platform, she sighs and sulks. The image of the saddened and scarred Valan is burned into her mind. That entire, sleepless night, she dwelt upon their situation; Jarae simply couldn't imagine a life other than the one she's known for so long. Turning her eyes toward where he'd gone, she finds herself missing his company. Why does she suddenly doubt herself? A voice in her head urges her to find him, apologize, and give in, but the rest of her stays put. She's too afraid of what might be, to seek out change.

“Jarae!!!" His distant voice calls out.

“Valan?!"

“Jarae!!!"

Her mind races as she jumps to her feet. Is he injured? Does he want to make another plea? The voice returns, telling her that if he still wishes to be with her, she should recant and accept him. Running across the grass and toward the beach, she stops when she sees Valan pointing. In the distance is a ship. Slowing her pace, she walks toward the beach and stands beside him.

“I guess now you won't have to be stuck with the human." He quips.

She looks at Valan, grateful to see the little smile he flashes. Though it appears forced, at least he's trying. Something about him tugs at her heartstrings. The Jaliscan is filled with foreign thoughts and desires, ranging from holding his hand, recanting her previous rebuttal, and even admitting her growing attachment to him. Opening her mouth to speak, she tries to come up with something to say.

“Thank the Seraphs." She softly replies.

His forced smile fades as he looks toward the horizon, watching as the distinct silhouette of the Arona-Dahl approaches. With his attention diverted, Jarae silently scolds herself. The last thing she wants to do is hurt him, yet she continues to do so. Every wound she's inflicted upon him hangs over her head, berating her in her mind.

“You don't have to stay..." Valan suddenly begins.

“What?"

“If that's them, you don't have to stay with us... But I'd like it if you did."

Jarae's heart skips a beat. Inside, she's elated by his words; at least he doesn't hate her. The voice returns, urging her to reconsider. As he flashes a little smile, this one far more genuine, she feels a strange warmth developing within her chest.

“We'll see..." She murmurs.

Opening her eyes, Jarae awakens on her cot, staring at the ceiling of the Arona-Dahl. Sitting up in bed, she's angered by yet another dream about the island. Why can't she just forget about it, and forget about Valan? Why does he torment her so often? Boots thump loudly through the hallway, likely the reason she's awoken. She can hear several voices, but her ears focus on two.

“Are you ready to go to shore?" Valan asks.

“Mhm! I can hardly wait, Val!" Merna's voice replies.

Jarae scowls, snarling at the closed door as the couple passes by. Knock, knock, knock.

“Jarae? Are you up?" Irzain asks.

“Yeah..."

“We're about to dock. This one looks promising!" He chirps.

“Alright, I'll be right out." Jarae replies.

Sitting up, she rests her feet on the floor and her forearms against her legs. She leans far forward, staring at her feet as her mind races. It shouldn't hurt, Valan being with Merna, but it does. Every day, Jarae regrets never giving him the chance to be with her, and yet she can't find the courage to confront him about it. Having slept in her clothes, she rises to her feet and heads for the door, before moving through the hall and climbing the staircase. Reaching the main deck, she finds that it's late evening, almost dusk. The sky glows a lovely shade of pinkish-orange.

To her surprise, Steingar runs the helm in the pilothouse, while Trellan appears to oversee him, guiding him as he steers the Arona-Dahl into the harbor. Within minutes, they've successfully docked, and Trellan pats the Helngar on the back, congratulating him on a job well done. With little daylight left, the crew decide that whatever errands they'd like to run, they'll need to do them now. Leaving the ship, everyone, even Trellan, makes their way along the docks. Nearing the end of the docks, Trellan, Steingar and Irzain make their way toward a marketplace, guided by signs along the cobblestone streets.

Kirsta, Mairlynn and Jarae, however, head another way. Mairlynn pauses, curious to watch Valan and Merna, who've stopped a distance behind them. Following her lead, Kirsta and Jarae watch the couple. Jarae balls a fist as the pair share a hug.

“I'm going to miss you, Merna." He says as he lets her go.

“Yeah, I'm going to miss you, too."

“You know, you don't have to leave."

“Yes, I do."

“You could stay."

“No, I couldn't. My place isn't here, Val. It never was and it never will be. I need to find my own way."

“Well, w-what if I went with you?"

“Oh, Val." She giggles. “You're so sweet."

“We could travel together, as a couple."

“And so naïve..." Merna reaches out, taking hold of his hands. “I'm Jaliscan, Val. You're not."

“So?! What does that matter? What do we care what anyone else thinks? They're our lives to live, not theirs."

“True, but I care what I think, and at the end of the day, you're still a human. If you were Jaliscan, like me, I'd claim you in a heartbeat. You're sweet, thoughtful, gentle and caring, but you're strong and protective too, and don't even get me started on your other talents."

Merna briefly glances downward, and Valan flushes.

“You're everything I've ever really wanted in a man, and if you were Jaliscan, we'd probably be feverishly working on our first child... But you're a human..."

“I don't know what to say to that."

“There's nothing to say. I'm just not really into humans. Not long-term, anyway."

“Wha-?! Then why would we ever make love?! Why would you allow us to do that?!"

“Aww, you called it 'making love'! That's so cute." Merna steps closer and kisses Valan. “I had sex with you because I knew it would get under her fur. Originally, that's what all of this was about; hurting Jarae. Believe me, I only meant for the sex to happen once, but you're so much more than I'd anticipated... I'll admit it, I just couldn't help myself! You seemed more than happy to indulge me, so I allowed it to continue; honestly, I don't know if I could've stopped on my own. It's a good thing I'm leaving, or I really would've been your slave!" She giggles.

“Oh..."

“I suspected you were getting too attached, but I wasn't certain until now. Those last five times are on me, and I'm sorry for that, but you're just as responsible for the first one."

“I just thought that we might've had something together..."

“And we do! Just not in the way that you were hoping... No hard feelings, okay?"

Valan doesn't answer, staring pensively at the scenery just behind her. Reaching out, Merna grabs hold of his long goatee, gently shaking it and gaining his attention.

“Okay?" She asks again.

“Yeah... Okay."

“Good!"

Merna gives him one last kiss.

“Maybe we'll meet again?"

“Maybe..."

Walking away from him, Merna leaves Valan standing alone at the end of the dock.

“Aww, he looks sad." Mairlynn remarks.

“Yeah." Jarae snickers.

“You sound happy about that." Kirsta comments, glancing at Jarae.

“He's the idiot who fell for a Jaliscan. Everyone knows those kinds of interracial relationships don't ever work."

“So, you're saying you aren't still interested?" Mairlynn subdues a little grin, eying Jarae.

“I'm not an idiot; I'd probably still sleep with him, but I wouldn't try for more. He and I would never work out. It's a little amusing to see him learning that truth the hard way."

“Hmm... Alright." Mairlynn shrugs.

Tapping Kirsta's arm, Mairlynn leads the human further down the street, heading for a particular part of town. Standing firmly in place, Jarae watches the sulking Valan. Though she pities the clearly distraught human, she can't help feeling joy with Merna now out of the picture. The golden-haired Jaliscan, her former associate, walks straight towards Jarae.

“Well... I guess this is goodbye. At least this time I don't have to watch you running away with a stranger." Merna remarks.

“What are you doing?" Jarae asks, watching her closely.

“Saying goodbye. What else?! I already saw Val, but you know that."

“You don't even like him, do you?"

“Since when did that ever matter?" Merna laughs.

“You hurt him..."

“You sound like you care!" Merna grins, flashing her pearly white teeth.

“N-no! I-I just..."

“Hey, you're the one who let him go! You could've just kept him, then he never would've ever looked my way; we did a lot of sharing and if it's one thing Val is, is loyal. I know him well enough already to vouch for that. You could've had him, but you let him fall... And I was there to catch him. All of him, and so very deeply."

“You little whore..."

“You know, I didn't let him spill a drop. How does it feel? Does it sting in your chest? Is your face burning? What about your hands. Are they shaking?" Merna taunts her.

“... I hate you."

“I said that same thing, when I saw you steal Radiz. Then I said it again, when I saw you running away, while you left us all to burn... I hate you, Jarae. I hate you so much."

“If I ever see you again, I think I'll kill you." Jarae growls.

“Then it's a good thing we're never going to meet again. My first plan is to steal enough for a ticket to the mainland. Enjoy this elven hell. I'm going home, to the vast lands of our ancestors."

Merna waves her clawed fingertips, taunting Jarae with her own femininity. She leaves, never once looking back at Valan. Jarae's narrowed eyes follow Merna, silently wishing her the most painful and humiliating of deaths as she turns a corner and disappears. Turning her attention back to the docks, she sees Valan, sitting against a post on the platform. He stares intently at his own feet, deep in thought; he likely wasn't even watching. His obvious suffering bothers Jarae, and she considers approaching and comforting him. She works up the nerve to take a single step toward him.

“Hey! Are you coming?!"

Jarae swiftly turns her head, startled by their call. Mairlynn and Kirsta have returned, looking for her.

“Yeah!" Jarae replies.

She glances at Valan one last time, before leaving to join the others.