"Out!" The gruff bark, both literal and figurative from the lupine guard, echoed through the drab stone cell prompting the occupant within to rise up form the shadowy depths. "Come on, moons know we don't have all day." Stepping aside the guard let the man stride forward and into the hallway.

Holding shackled wrists up to block some of the harsh light from the nearby crystal lamp out of his hazel eyes, the human frowned slightly. "Those new? The Empire can afford new light fixtures in the jail but still can't do anything about those things you pass for cots?" Stripped down to nothing more than re-stitched undergarments he only wore a grin on his face, already pre-emptively raising arms to block a raised club strike for his comment. He was around six foot even according to old human as things were understood, or twelves hands according to local measurements, built and carried with the same mien as the city guard; decently muscled, baring a few bodily scars aside from two particularly across the face, and closely shaved sides of his head culminating in the shorter stripe of the stuff along the top.

"I don't know whose balls you got in a vice to get you out all the damn time but please stop making things harder on us. Do you have any idea how bad it looks on the guard hauling in a human? Half the damn city is ready to rise up thinking we're putting down your whole endangered species or something." Grabbing the shackles the canid guard tugged them about into the light and unlocked the heavy thing with a solid crash to the stone floor.

Rubbing wrists at that the man, still wearing that idiotic grin at this point, shrugged shoulders. "What, and deny you lot the grace of my presence?" When his response was a sharp toothed frown and low toned growl he instead just nod down the hall with a mock sigh. "Yeah yeah.. out sign, I know. Let's get this over with." Giving a small shove forward the duo made their way down and out the jails holding areas into all too familiar territory. Sat down, with the crisp bronzing parchment unfurled before him and ink pen set aside he knew what to do from here as his items were pulled from storage.

The human signed his named at the bottom, Enek, no surname, not that anyone outside of the noble families or royals themselves had those at least anymore. Old stories said that had been a very different fact once in the long past but they were nothing more than dusty old stories now, and Enek himself part of a dying, dusty old race on the way out the door of this world with them. He figured even if he hadn't the connections or pull to get out of these little 'visits', the local monarchy probably would have ordered him out anyway by days end. "Praise be.." He tossed a mock salute of sorts to the nearby painting of the current sitting emperor and national flag as the rest of the form was filled out and passed over to the officer. His items were unceremoniously dropped onto the table; from boots, to clothes, to the blade he worse on hip.

Dressed once more, shifting and adjusting to get it all just right once again he was escorted from the halls with a renewed pep in his step. "Same time next week?" Enek couldn't help one last jab at the local guard as the sharp grip on his arm from the tusk bearing porcine guard shoved him through the doors in a stumble. *Two smiles, one laugh, and a head shake.. we're getting better!* Enek thought to himself as hands shade his eyes in that early morning light stepping out of the guard house and back into the expansive citystate of Golden Meadow.

Tiered high to low, with the absolute apex being that shimmering crystalline spire of a castle that sat at the top. The largest of the population resides in the middle or lower tiers, spread far and wide out. Hells every time new districts get added they just push them out into the wilderness and leave the old walls up, slowly swallowing more and more of the land between them and the farms. This habit of walling off each new district however had given birth to a particular practice in the Commons, in self insulating each new territory added it gave rises to District Bosses. Somewhere between a gang leader or organized crime head with that of a community leader the military and guard conducted all kinds of trades and deals with the districts to help police the ever expanding network that the Empire was becoming.

Shifting the pack over his shoulders as he walked the large emblazoned [88] was worn proudly across the back of Enek's jacket as he strode through the street lanes, accepting wordlessly in the exchange of hands, a cigar from an elderly avian man in the middle of a board game. Enek took a deep puff in and blowing the sweet smelling smoke out through his nose without skipping a beat as the old bird croaked out a simple line. "Good to have you back, Boss."

===

"And at 11:40 we have a meeting with your courtly graces teacher. This will carry on until thirteen bells for lunch. And after that we-" The voice was a slow droning and day in, day out from her chamberlain. The words varied sometimes but the activities did not. It was boredom, plain and simple. Huffing softly through her nose to blow the almost cotton candy like pink and blue toned hair from her face, the pastel colored furred dragoness cast her gaze to the nearby window as the only source of escape she had. Fingers gently played with one of her barbels much to the constant dismay of attendants as tail idly flicked and thumped to the richly carpeted floor in annoyance.

How she envied those birds flitting and darting about outside, free as could be to dance on the skies. Her own sky blues watched them, envying yes but now plotting as well. She'd studied the patrol patterns, the gaps in schedules, and in particular the lax in behavior during festival times. If it was going to be ever, it'd be soon; a test first and hopefully more to come.

"Lady Dracomare? Your choice?" The old goat of a chamberlain was adjusting his spectacles while staring at her from over his scrolls. At some point two maids had entered in as well, each holding up yet more stuffy looking formal dresses clad in more layers than the barracks walls likely had at this point.

"Wha- huh? Oh, the pink and white one." It only took a moments glance to pick. If she was going to be stuck in one of them the least it could be were her favored colors. That gaze swiftly returned to the window however and all the activity of the city below. So many of them coming and going as the districts transformed during these seasonal times. "What are they doing down there?" She voiced the question out loud, catching the attention of her attendant who strode to the window to investigate now as well.

"Ah, the citizenry are preparing themselves for a festival. It's based on ancient human practices though the meaning is lost in the current age." With a dismissive gesture he turned as swiftly away from it as he'd gone to look. "Back on matters at home we need to speak about the suitor conventions as well."

"It looks nice.." She murmured to herself, watching as the first flecks of snow drift in past the window outside.

===

Nightlife in "The Infinite" as his district had been named was one of the few gems of the lower city. Sanctioned for brewing, whoring, and gambling it didn't matter high or lower citizen, they all found their way there eventually equally unable to resist the siren's call; along with their coin. Feet up on the old, refurbished desk set up in what might affectionately be called an office space, Enek flipped through the collection of scrolls for the day as he spoke without looking up to the large minotauren man occupying the space with him. "...And Manny made it home after they picked me up? The guards asked me several times who it was, so I figured he must have gotten clear without any trail."

Nodding his large horned head the beastman crossed huge and muscled arms across his chest. "Made it in just a bit after The Spears took you. 'Momma' saw to his punishment, 20 lashes. Said if he gets caught again it'll be 40 next time."

Scowling a bit as he ground out the remainder of the cigar in a nearby tray, Enek blew out that last bit of fragrant smoke and tossed the sheath of papers onto the desk. "He's lucky he got out at all. Guards not going to accept taking me in instead forever. How many times have I told them not to touch Empire caravans? We tip that scale too much and we're all liable to end up on a butchers block or slave auction noose." Knitting fingers together and resting them across his eyes Enek sat back in the seat as it groaned a bit. "Make an example out of him. Kids barred from all halls for the next year, and I mean.. all. If they come knocking again during that time for him no protection either."

The minotaur nod, turning and leaving the office at that to carry out the order already, leaving the lone human to grapple with his thoughts. "At least it's Winter Festival time.."

===

Nineteen bells rang out as dusk had cast over the city, the districts all individually illuminated but none more so than the 88th. The city always felt like it was bracing for a war whenever festival time rolled around, but instead of the tension and stress it was an entirely different kind of atmosphere as shops decorated storefronts, workers hung streamers, luminous glow lamps and crystals about. Snow drift in on the wind but never touched fully down on ground, not here in the city, a fact that was more than fine for plenty however as the chill was enough for most. Adapted from an ancient human celebration or so the scholarly types say Winterfest was treated as a time for morale these days. Harvest season has come and passed, and with spring some ways off yet still it was a good way to boost the people through the cold with a week long event during the winter equinox.

Packed shoulder to shoulder that evening, opening nights during event time were always sights to behold no matter the destination in the district as Enek kept watch from a balcony level above. It was such a rare time when the city felt even remotely like an actual community at whole; seeing noble and commoner alike even if somewhat begrudgingly. He'd already greet a half dozen other district bosses, and decline just as many offers to drink at their chosen club tables or brothel seats as he watched over this place he called home. It was entirely different kind of intoxication as he drank it all in, catching the stand outs every so often just to keep his own eye on things. Never anything his own enforcers couldn't handle, nor needed to in this case as bumbling through the crowds was the most curious of figures.

Enek couldn't explain why that even at this distance something about them caught his interest so, but it did. The way they moved clearly said 'tourist', staring practically slack jawed at every little thing they very nearly walked into. No, he just couldn't place his finger on why they stood out to him as the figure stopped to browse a street vendor. Making his way down the steps from the balcony and onto street level the human felt the slow tingle of what could only be described as the danger of adventure as he cut through the crowd carefully to approach the cloaked individual to investigate closer.

"These turquoise bands would go so lovely with yours eyes! A modest 40 gold coins and such a lovely piece is yours madam!" The vendor was trying his hardest to close the sale on a stammering individual already backing away from the cart as she turned and stepped right into Enek's own chest with a slight bump and back step.

Before she could fall from her feet to the cobblestones below however the man's hand grabbed her own and kept her upright long enough to steady feet under her. "Careful there, wouldn't want a flower like yourself getting hurt." The charm was immediately switched on as he spied up close what was beneath the cloak. Streaks of black had been hastily applied to an otherwise soft palette of white fur and scales as well into a pulled back mane of hair on what he'd easily call a beautiful mostly draconic face. 

Her gorgeous blue eyes went wide as they met with his, locked in a timeless moment as the hustle and bustle all around droned out but not in the usual disinterested way it usually did. "You're.. a human?!" Her voice like an angel's chorus as her hand suddenly recoiled from his in shock, or maybe fear? "L-let go.. I'm.. a dragon." Playing up her station of being, pressing into the haughty territory. No dragon in the city was anything less than a baronet, and that sort of threat alone was worth plenty in the city.

Before her grip could fully slip from his own he pulled her in close and whispered in under that cloak just for her. "Half.. dragon, milady.." His hand released though in a half step away, those wide and confused eyes stared at him as he locked gaze with his own and stared back.

"How..?" She started in a stammering as his finger came up and pressed to her lips, hushing the question any further.

"Have you eaten? Please allow this humble servant to escort you." Clearing his throat he dug back in deep remembering a right proper bow at the waist, before rising up and offering his arm. That winning smile on his face with an almost glint in his eyes as he met that confused but curious stare of hers. "I promise it'll be fun."

The audacity, the indignity, the.. no.. that wasn't her thoughts at all the dragon girl realized as she stared at this strange man. This human was certainly odd but, those traitorous thoughts were her fathers, not her own. Everything about it was the excitement of danger now, and as the human wait with a slightly questioning tilt of his head and arm presented, that tail of hers gave an involuntary flick beneath the cloak. Fun, that was the sealing word for her as she fixed him with something a cross between a frown and smile. "No arm holding.. but, having someone to show me around.. might not be so bad?" The heat blossomed under her cheeks as the words left her mouth.

Smiling even wider as he'd gotten his foot in the door, he swept his arm to encompass the entirety of the lane they were on. "Perfect, come on you look like a girl that could use a kebab."

She blinked at that for a moment before taking her first tentative steps to follow after him. "What's a kebab..?"

===

Twenty Two bells sound out across the empire, heralding the evening hour as the boisterous laughter filled the upper floor table at The Flagon Wagon where the pair sat. "So by that point I'm left clutching my pants over my lap wearing my damn birthday suit, creeping out of the manor when I turn right into the damn lantern light of Viscount Hilcordt." Slightly red in the face, down two mugs of ale by that point, Enek was mid-retelling of a terrible escapade.

More than just a little red under her almost powder white cheek fluff, the dragon girl wobbled just a bit back and forth in her seat while clutching a half filled mug. "Noooo. Well clearly he didn't flay you on the spot, so go on!" Her guard much like the cloaks hood had lowered over her time with her host over the evening. The streaks of obvious black dye had run in a few places revealing more of her natural color where it had. Ears flicked this way and that while tail was all a flutter in excitable tip taps across the floor.

Bringing mug to his lip and polishing off the rest in a final gulping and sigh, he dropped the mug to the table. "Well being the cocky idiot I was, I looked him square in the face and said... well I'm lost naturally, could you direct me to Madame Hilcordt's bedchambers?" It earned him an immediate snorting with that muzzle of hers nose deep in the mug and a fresh round of laughter.

As she slowly caught her breath, hand to chest and tail hugging around herself, the dragoness looked at him with an openly worn smile. "Was.. he says! You sir are by far the most insane sane individual I have encountered in my life. And you want to know how I know?" Properly emboldened now by drink, she took sat forward pointing an accusatory finger at him but did so with that smile. Hands up in mock surrender he motioned her to go on of course to that. Leaning the rest of the way forward as she'd never done so in her life, breaking so many different posture rules that'd been hammered into her, the girl crossed and laid arms on the table before topping her generous bosom over them. It gave quite the window down that mix of soft scaled and fluff cleavage that begged the eyes to follow. "Because, 'sir', I've lost time just how long I've been here now and never once did we even exchange names before getting to stories about your wandering cock finding it's way into places it shouldn't."

"Ah.." He was caught off guard by that, simply because she was right of course. That pointing finger upturned however and it was her turn to hush his response with that self satisfied smile of hers. "It's Eyvindr... my name that is. And I know yours already, I've heard enough people say it now but unless it's a human custom to be obtuse.. let's try to at least act like semi-functioning adults shall we?"

Damn if he didn't love a little spice.. "Enek, and I'd love to tell you about human custom but I didn't exactly come with a handbook. Best I can do is tell you about the Lanes or myself, which I've been doing a fair bit of this evening now with barely a peep about yourself until now."

Her buzz took a bit of hit at that as she mulled it over for a moment, playing with the mug between her hands. "I'm a.. complicated topic is all. It's better to just leave it at that. But you seem like a discerning individual so I'll give you at least something if you can keep it to yourself?" Eyv stared him in the face with a deadly serious expression that he met and slowly nod to. Glancing down to her mug and swirling the mead within she reached a finger in. A wave of cold, nothing more than a momentary flash of temperature that was gone as quick as it came, emanate out from their table before the she dragon glanced around cautiously for prying eyes. Determining it to be safe enough she turned over her mug to the table as Enek watched the solid chunk of ice slide free and drop to the tables surface.

"Magic.." He muttered under his breath as he stared down at the block of frozen mead, then up to her with wonderment. "I'd heard enough stories about dragons but.."

Gathering himself over that initial shock Enek shift in his seat to something more comfortable. That cocksure smile returned slowly as the charisma took over for this mouth, relaying what his ale drunken mind attempted to formulate. "Me? I was hopping to hit on a cute half dragon girl some more in the attempts she might help me warm my bed tonight."

Her so far receptive responses turned sour to that as the smile dropped and she looked away from him. "I.. I can't, not that.." Rejection was fine and fairly expected of course, but something in her reaction spoke of a deeper reasoning, as she was watched carefully by her companion for a moment. Hands pulled at her cloak to close it again as the dragoness remembered just where she was. She wanted to curl up a bit right then, it was late.. maybe too late. "I.. should go actually. I shouldn't have been here this long as is.."

"I'll start smaller then. Can I see you again after tonight Eyvindr?" Those sparkling blues of hers caught in the soft glow of the taverns lights as she met his gaze and slowly after a moment nod. They widened as he rose up from his chair and crossed the table to her side. When that hand was offered she took it assuming the simple gesture to be nothing more than the courtesy but as he helped her to her feet it continued just a bit further than that. One hand rest at her hip, holding it lightly, helping to keep her steady on her feet at the very least while the other slid up and beneath that rim  of the hood to brush over her cheek.

Heart beat strong and begun to race in her chest at his nearest. His warmth, his scent, his touch alone.. she was being touch not just by another that wasn't one of her staff, but a man, this strange human man. "What are you doing..?" Her voice felt miles away as she softly uttered the question, feeling that touch pull her deeper into the embrace. It took a lot of restraint to not follow the idle demands of her own body in that moment and just nuzzle into that hand on her face, and yet little by little did it leak out in a small cheek rubbing. Her question hung between them unanswered at least by word, but by deed it became clear as he closed that gap to the smaller female and brought his lips to her own.

A kiss, so unlike any other experience in life, and in that so very different from any other kiss be it mother or maid as a child. That allure in the back of her mind had been nothing more than a spark at first, but this fanning roared it into a blaze as Eyv slowly dipped eyes closed and not only didn't refuse the affection, but began to return it. Inexperienced as she may be in this particular field she followed the subtle queues from her own body as hands reached back and grabbed onto Enek like a lifeline. Some part of her didn't want to let go, it ached in wanting to cry out to be saved, in him she'd gotten to experience an entirely new culture whether he believed so or not and now it was ending.

She gasped softly as their lips slowly part, Enek panting a frost breath as that hold on her loosened. "Tomorrow?"

Nodding once more as Eyv collected her cloak tighter around herself, she gazed up to him in response. "Tomorrow." A small squeak left her as he overshadowed her once more, but this time it was just for a quick kiss on the nose. The dragoness was feeling drunk on something and it wasn't the ale at that point. Enek walked her downstairs and out to the cool air of the evening district where the pair begrudging part arms from one another.