Tales Of Morveria: Loyalty 3, The Other Woman

Amael's Past Returns Sooner Than Expected

 

By Mantrid Brizon

(Written 11/14/2022)

 

Leaning back in his chair, Amael's eyes scan the darkened room of the saloon. Laughter and raucous voices fill the establishment as thoroughly as the putrid fog from the many smoking patrons. It's a loud, rambunctious and somewhat dirty establishment, and he cannot help but feel on edge. Unlike many of the tavern inns where they routinely find themselves, this establishment is unusual; it is nothing more than a place to drink and have a meal, or at least something that the proprietor claims to be a meal. There are no beds or rooms for rent, and the people reveling in drink are of the lowest kind. In many ways, he feels at home!

 

Mistrustful of the patrons, Amael turns to Vashai, his tall and strong beast man, a Zesharii with a mixture of wolf-kin, bear-kin and horse-kin blood. Perhaps his companion, who has spent several years traveling with him as low-budget mercenaries, is equally concerned? The black and gray-furred beast man pays no attention to his surroundings and instead flashes a toothy grin at a young and attractive barmaid who pours a drink at a nearby table. She is also one of the beast folk; a Korutan, the hoofed ones, and from her roughly human size appears to be pony-kin. Her equine features are prominent, but unlike the horse-kin, she doesn't dwarf the average human.

 

Amael rolls his eyes. Is that all his companion thinks about?! With a little wink, Vashai elicits a giggle from the dainty humanoid mare. She was initially unsettled by his massive, bear-like fangs, as most are, but he has only ever been gentle and downright charming. She eyes his collar and tag, which he impulsively fondles; with his fingers curling around the front, he rubs little circles on the back of the bronze disc with his thumb. She thinks to approach but glances at Amael, as if seeking his permission. Amael's eyes turn away from her, focusing instead of the rather chaotic scenes of the room. Two men begin to argue.

 

Taking this as a sign of disapproval, she turns back to her own master, her tag and a little bell jingling as she returns to the bar to continue her work. Amael watches as she passes several more patrons, humans as well as their beast folk slaves, many of them eyeing her voluptuous form. She pays them little attention, in stark contrast to how she treats Vashai; she's perpetually curious about the hybrid. The beast man turns to his human companion, his master, and lets out a heavy sigh.

 

“She [was] interested! Why [do] you always scare away [the] females?!"

“She could've come up here if she really wanted." Amael murmurs, resting his hand on his single-shot pistol as a fight breaks out in a far corner.

“But you [are] my master. You decide." The beast man complains.

“That's never stopped you before."

“They [did] not know you my master, and some [did] not care. If not for you, I would have many more mates."

“You sound like you resent me..." Amael murmurs.

“WHAT?! NEVER!" Vashai insists, leaning closer and grabbing Amael's forearm. “You [are] my master, and [a] very good man!"

“Thank you. You almost sounded sincere." Amael teases.

“I have been practicing." Vashai smirks as he leans back.

“Ass..."

“What if I share her?" Vashai suddenly asks.

“... No thanks..."

“[Are] you tell[ing] me [that] you [would] not want to mate with her?!" He asks rather loudly.

“Vashai..." Amael grumbles, growing frustrated with his companion.

“Sorry." The beast man bows his head. “I ask because I [do] not understand."

“Understand what?"

“You."

 

A different barmaid approaches, a human. She is the daughter of the Saloon's owner, and had introduced herself before, after they took a job by her father to scare away some local beggars disrupting his business. They've spent more than a month in this particular village at the southwestern edge of Vokeem. Few towns interest them enough to stay longer than a week; this particular town, though as dusty and arid as the rest in the region, has proven to be a boon for the duo. Their presence clearly interests the young and rather buxom woman, who uses the back of her hand to flick her brown hair over a bare shoulder.

 

“Well, well, Amael..." She coos, leaning rather close to him and giving the young man a peek down her blouse. “It's always so nice to see you. Have you decided to stay?" She asks, pouring him another drink.

“Actually, we're-"

“We [are] not certain." Vashai quickly interjects, holding out his tankard to her.

“Oh! Then I might get to see you again?!" She coos, looking at Amael as she uses her little pitcher to refill Vashai's cup.

 

Amael opens his mouth to speak.

 

“Yes." Vashai answers for him.

“Mmm... That's good to hear." She leans even closer to Amael.

 

With a little wink, she brushes his arm before gently caressing him with her fingertips. Touching a man unprovoked is the least subtle gesture a woman can make but nothing else has worked. After flashing her a modest smile, Amael cannot help but glance at her chest. He acts on instinct. She notices and flushes, nibbling on her pouty bottom lip as she slowly walks away from the table to continue her work. She finds the mare, her pet and best friend, only to whisper to her. The girls look back, each staring at their prospective targets. Vashai waves to them, his eyes focused on the Korutan girl as he wiggles his clawed fingertips.

 

“She like[s] you." He remarks as he takes a sip of his drink.

“I know." Amael remarks.

“So?"

“So, what?" The human raises an eyebrow.

“This [is] what I mean!" Vashai exclaims, jumping back in his seat as if struck by lightning. “You never chase females! Even when they throw themselves to you, you ignore them! ... Do you not like females?" He asks, cocking his head.

“Of course I do! Did you see her big b-! ... Never mind." Amael exclaims only to catch himself, his cheeks turning red as he looks away.

“Oh-ho! Then you [did] notice her!"

“Of course I did..."

“Then why not take her? She [is] offering."

“Well..." Amael nervously rubs the back of his neck.

“How many females [have] I mate[d] with?

“Many..." Amael grumbles, a distinct look of jealousy on his face.

“And how many females [have] you mate[d] with?"

“..."

“If you like them, why [do] you not show [any] interest?"

“Who says I don't entertain myself after dark, when you're fast asleep?"

“I [have] never hear[d] you leave our room at night." The beast man scoffs.

“Maybe I'd rather not abandon you for hours at a time to have my fun with some woman I'll never see after the sunrise?" He retorts. “Besides, you sleep like the dead, Vashai."

 

Vashai gives him the most stern of looks only to reach up and pinch his own large, wolf-like ears. He wiggles them about, the tips flopping back and forth.

 

“Alright..." Amael sighs, conceding to his best friend. “I have a very good reason why I don't jump into bed with every woman who offers it."

“Why?"

“Because I fear that if I use them like that, it won't be for the right reasons."

“..."

“See! You think I'm stupid!" Amael pouts, crossing his arms and slumping back in his chair.

“No! I [am] just... Surprised... ... What [are the] wrong reasons? Why [would] it not be good?"

“It's a long story..." Amael sighs and hangs his head.

“How many years we [are] together? I will be your friend for many years, Amael. I have time to listen." Vashai insists.

“Alright... When we met, there was someone in my village that I cared for. I felt something, but I wasn't entirely sure what it was I felt until after we left. I often think about her, wondering how her life has been these past three years... Have things settled down? Is she happy? Does she have a good life? ... Is she with someone?"

“You miss her."

“Yes... I fear that if I were to take a woman into bed as freely as some people..." Amael pauses to glare at Vashai. “That I wouldn't be with her because I want to be with her. Instead, I'd be with her because she's merely a substitute for... ... Does that sound stupid?"

“... Yes." Vashai reluctantly admits.

“Ugh!" Amael grumbles and shakes his head. “I should've known you'd say that..."

 

He stares at the wall for a time, ignoring Vashai who realizes very quickly that he has upset his best friend and master. He tries to think of something to say to cheer up the human, but after a long period of silence, they're still simmering in an awkward silence.

 

“I wonder what she's doing right now..." Amael murmurs to himself.

 

Running through the brush, the big leaves and whip-like branches smack them in the face. Barreling through the forest, she pants for air, her body covered in beads of sweat. Her companion runs a distance behind her, trying to catch up to the older girl.

 

“Kassy! Wait up!" The thirteen-year-old boy exclaims.

“Shut up 'Little Poke,' and keep moving!" Kassara growls.

“Slow down! ... And stop calling me that!"

“Do you want to go back to jail?!" She snarls, looking back at her companion.

“No!"

“Then work your feet and not your mouth! No one wants to hear you talk, anyway..."

 

After running for another mile or two, they finally stop to catch their breath. With their muscles aching, their feet sore and their knees weak, the blonde-haired teenagers rest atop a nearby log. Fifteen-year-old Kassara, often called “Kassy" by her friends, what few of them she has, takes a moment to remove her frilled blouse and adjust her breast wrap. She struggles with the wrappings, grumbling as she tries to wrangle her own bust. Her not-so-endearingly nicknamed accomplice cannot help but glance at her with his bright blue eyes; the youthful and curious boy is eager to glimpse the womanly form sitting so close to him.

 

“What're you lookin' at?!?!" She snarls at the youth, making him recoil and cower.

“Sorry..." He whimpers, his head bowed in submission.

“Hmph..."

 

She carries on as if he wasn't even there, having beaten him down many times before. Kassara finally binds her ample chest properly, making it that much easier to run through the dense forests of Vetosk, the dry temperate region that has been her home for all of her life. She pulls on her blouse and adjusts her clothes, then runs her hands over her sandy blonde hair. She reties her hair into a high ponytail, her preferred style, her big, sapphire eyes staring down at her elegant and womanly form as she ties the black ribbon tightly. She drops her arms to her sides and continues to stare at her body, only to eventually let out a long and heavy sigh.

 

“A-are you okay, Kassy?" Little Poke sheepishly asks.

“Shut up..." She murmurs and lets out another sigh.

 

She'd always been a scrawny and unassuming girl, a tomboy if there ever was one, albeit a dainty one. That had always bothered her. Around the time she turned thirteen, a few months after her father abandoned the family in the dead of night, her body began to change. Though still very much a child, she grew rapidly, in more ways than one. The fifteen-year-old is voluptuous, busty, and quite tall for her age; she easily passes for a female in her twenties. She'd always hoped she would begin to look as feminine as she felt and she initially welcomed the change.

 

The excitement of becoming a proper woman didn't last long. Unfortunately, when criminals are placed into jails without regard for age or gender segregation, femininity of her caliber can become a problem. After being caught burglarizing houses, Kassara found herself in a jail with scores of men much older, stronger, and more worldly than her. The attention she garnered was of the worst type, and being young and very inexperienced in those matters, she had no idea how to handle it; her skittishness around grown men only made this problem worse.

 

In only three days of incarceration, she began devising any method of escape, however bold and desperate. By the ninth day, she could hardly stand it any longer and secured her escape. She managed to con an older guard into abandoning his keys by offering him something she'd been saving for another, something she could never take back. By that point, it might've even been worth it just to escape that dank prison. As he prepared himself for the deed, removing his armor and clothes in full view of a half dozen cells with many men watching and cheering him on, Little Poke reached in and stole the keys from the guard's belt.

 

Before anything could happen that Kassara would regret, the unusually small boy of thirteen had unlocked the cells. A riot ensued, as they were more eager for revenge on the cruel guards than they were to claim the beautiful “woman." The defenseless guard was pulled away from Kassara and beaten. More guards came at the sound of the fighting only to be swarmed by scores of angry prisoners. In the chaos, Kassara grabbed her clothes and the duo rushed to safety. They escaped without any trouble, though she was curious to know just how many of those putrid guards and those perverse, unwashed and uncouth prisoners were injured or died as a result of their actions.

 

They made it out of the courtyard and into the forest before anyone knew they were gone, and as they stopped to collect themselves it was Little Poke who gave them a destination. While in the cell next to hers, Little Poke listened to the plight of three men about to face a hanging for horse theft. They lamented their misfortune and wished they could escape and return to their cave behind a waterfall, a hiding place where they'd stashed their loot from previous robberies. Their adjoining cells were opposite Kassara's, with Little Poke in between.

 

He knew the area well enough, as Kassara was a newcomer to his village. He was drawn to the stranger, for obvious reasons, but found himself enamored with her skills as a thief, skills which she'd perfected throughout the years. After all, it was his fault they were arrested in the first place. His skittish nature in the face of uncertainty made him take too long, and when the homeowner caught him in the act, he shouted for Kassara to run, drawing the attention of nearby town guards. If they could find this hidden cave and claim the loot behind the waterfall, perhaps she'd forgive him?!

 

“Kassy?" Little Poke begins, turning to the somber looking girl.

“What?" She speaks in a near whisper as she glances at him.

“We should probably keep going. I don't think we're very far from that cave." He speaks softly.

 

With a little nod, she slides off the log and follows the youth as he takes her deeper into the forest. The canopy of leaves shields them from the sun, whilst aged pine needles litter the ground and give them a soft cushion to walk on. It's a long hike, and with no supplies to speak of the pair are desperate. Hopefully, they can make use of this cave hideout. Kassara could use the time for formulate a proper plan; at the moment she's simply winging it, though she'd never admit it to her meek little companion, whose diminutive size and equally feeble personality betrays his age.

 

They forage for food along the way, picking only the handful of plants they know to be edible. It isn't much but it keeps them going. It isn't until early in the evening when they finally hear the sounds of rushing water, though it's rather faint. Little Poke no longer leads her; Kassara would never allow it unless she had to. As they push through the brush, the wind blows toward them, drying their sweat and cooling their weary bodies. By now, both of them are more eager to drink from the water and wash than they are to find any hidden loot. Perhaps the pool will be large and the shoreline warm and sandy?

 

Peeking through the brush, the pair stop when they see the waterfall. It's not very large, perhaps only eight or nine-feet-tall. The river that feeds it could almost be considered a stream or a deep creek, and so the water cascades in a thin stream barely wider than a man's shoulders. The pool is also rather small, about fifteen feet in diameter, and it doesn't appear to be very deep. The shore is muddy with fresh grass growing a few feet from the edge. It looks like it was once much larger but has begun to dry. It's a disappointment to Kassara, who has grown tired of all the muck.

 

Suddenly, a figure emerges from behind the waterfall! The figure stands behind the rippling white only to step through it slowly, rinsing themselves. As the stranger emerges, they become clear. It's a female, and she's not a human! The beast woman steps through the aqua sheet, her paw-like feet in the water. It rises past her inhuman ankles and covers her lower legs. The pool is deeper than Kassara thought. She is a Vostii of the cat-kin, and a stunning creature at that! With her eyes closed, she leans back and runs her claws through her hair, only to bring her head out of the water and reveal that she doesn't have hair at all but a mane!

 

There are four distinct appearances for beast folk, beyond their race and breed. Some races and breeds have all appearances, and some have one or two. Beast folk might have human-like hair. This is the most common. Beast folk might also have no hair, their heads instead being covered in the same fur, fluff, feathers or hide that adorns the rest of their body. This is also common. Some beast folk, like the stranger, have thick fur that runs along the backs of their heads and necks, and sometimes around their necks, like the mane of horses or the four-legged lions. Finally, some beast folk have quills or enlarged feathers adorning their heads like crests. Theses forms are uncommon, and the Vostii and Korutan come in all but the final type.

 

The starving teens watch the stranger brush out her mane with her claws. As a female, her mane does not reach around her neck or covers the sides. It runs from the crown of her head and down the back of her neck and looks like very thick, toffee-colored hair blowing in a wind. Longer strands drape over her shoulders, which she brushes away in an appropriately girly manner. Her fur coloration is a combination of dry wheat, caramel and dark brown sugar. The light fur covers her front, from her pink feline nose, over her neck, chest, belly and groin, before ending at her inner thighs. Caramel fur covers the rest of her and is adorned with dark stripes along her arms, legs and back.

 

Her colors make their minds think of sweets and their stomachs grumble, but she cannot hear it over the waterfall. Her slender cat-like tail has dark rings and a dark tip, and a dark crescent wraps each of her large, cat-like ears. She stands a little shorter than Kassara, about five-foot-five. Her body is sleek, toned and healthy. She has an elegance to her. Her bust is obvious and full, though her breasts are not quite as large as Kassara's. Her waist is trim and her hips are broad. Even at a glance the duo know that she cannot possibly weight more than one-hundred-and-twenty-five pounds, even soaking wet.

 

She sniffs the air but cannot smell them do to the direction of the wind, nor does she appear to be wary of strangers lurking about the forest. Beautiful bright blue eyes look toward the sky, like turquoise beads gleaming perfection. Her claws are as white as her sharp teeth, which she exposes as she lets out a delighted sigh. Her hands caress her own body as if wiping away the filth with the water. She takes a step back and leans, placing her mane into the waterfall whilst jutting out her belly and bust. That's when Kassara hears a faint crunching to her left. She turns, startled, and finds the boy creeping closer.

 

“Ooh-yeah..." Little Poke coos, ogling the Vostii's form.

“DON'T STARE AT HER, YOU LITTLE PERVERT!!!" An infuriated Kassara roars.

“HMM?!" The Vostii turns her head toward the voices.

“Uh-oh..."

“Uhm!"

 

Kassara pops her head out from behind the bushes, then pushes her way through. Little Poke quickly follows her, looking to her for direction.

 

“We not dangerous... Uh... How do you say that again? Oh! Uh, 'mii'ya ru'zhai!'" She tries speaking in Ancient Hitrosii, the language spoken by the vast majority of beast folk.

 

The Vostii cocks her head and furls her brow. She turns toward them without covering herself, as if she had no concept of modesty. It's behavior commonly seen amongst the beast folk; both tamed and untamed are often quite shameless. Little Poke coos as he leans closer, eyeing the female only for Kassara to hastily reach down and cover his eyes.

 

“Stop that!" She snarls at him.

“Hey! I wasn't lookin'!" He proclaims.

“Yes..." The Vostii suddenly speaks in their language!

“HUH?!" The teens both gasp.

“Yes, you [are] look[ing]."

“Whoa..." Little Poke croaks.

“You speak our tongue?!" Kassara asks the obvious.

“Yes." The Vostii nods.

 

Being creatures of simpler minds than humans, there is no way should could've memorized enough human words to fake her comprehension; they learn one language or the other during their formative years and there is no capacity for learning a second, or even skillful mimicry.

 

“How?! I mean, who are you?!?!" Kassara asks in awe of the creature, whom she casually approaches.

 

The Vostii sighs and turns toward a rock. She wades through the water, rests a clawed hand atop it and bends over, revealing herself to the pair. Once again, Kassara grabs Little Poke by the back of his neck and covers his eyes while the scrawny teen tries to move her hand away.

 

“Aww, come on! I don't think she cares!" He whines.

 

By the time she pulls her hand away, the Vostii has collected a rather ornate gown which she'd hidden behind the rock and has pulled it over her slender form. Is it made of silk?! It's clear to both youths that she isn't a typical beast woman; her comprehension of human language was surprising enough, but her gown could be worth five silver zakians, and not the small ones, either!

 

“It is [a] long story..." The Vostii sighs, taking a seat upon the rock, leaning to one side and wringing out the longer strands of her mane.

“We've got nothing better to do!" Kassara chirps.

 

She stands before the beast woman and rests her hands on her hips, peering down and smiling rather confidently. The Vostii furls her brow and casually examines the woman, looking her up and down. She's at first perplexed by her bold nature only to find herself admiring her womanly figure.

 

“You [are] very pretty." The Vostii remarks.

“Uh... Thanks?" Kassara raises an eyebrow.

“I [do] not like being pretty..." The Vostii sighs, resting her chin in her palms, her elbows on her knees as she slouches. “I [was] always worry[ing] about who I would be sold to."

“Wait... You're a Companion?!?!" Little Poke gasps.

“Yes."

“Oh, wow! A Companion! Standing in front of me! I'm so lucky!" He gushes, sitting on the ground near her legs.

“What are you doing way out here?" Kassara asks.

“I escape[d]... Who [are] you? Why [are] you out here?"

“I'm Kassara, but my friends call me 'Kassy.'"

“What friends?" The boy quietly snickers.

“... And this is Little Poke." Kassara glares at him.

“Stop calling me that! I hate that nickname! My name is-!"

“Shut up, Little Poke. No one cares." Kassara casually dismisses him.

“Oh... I [am] Zhiera." The Vostii introduces herself.

“That's a pretty name." Kassara smiles at the Vostii.

“Thank you." She smiles back and bows her head.

“Hello, Zhiera! Nice to meet you!" Little Poke chirps, holding out a hand.

 

Zhiera looks him over, a strange little grimace on her face. She looks quite apprehensive and concerned by the pair, who've appeared out of nowhere. She had no idea that anyone else knew about this spot, which is not only several miles into the forest but which she'd happened upon purely by chance. She turns to the woman, who looks toward the young boy and rolls her eyes. Is she his mother or perhaps his adult sister?

 

“Why [are] you out here?" Zhiera finally repeats her question.

“Oh, well... We're uh... Camp-"

“We escaped from jail." Kassara casually replies.

“Yeah, that..." Little Poke places a hand over his eyes.

“Jail?!" Zhiera gasps.

“Yeah. We got arrested for breaking into houses a few days ago. We just escaped. Started a riot to do it, too!" Kassara continues, coolly examining her surroundings before taking a seat beside the Vostii.

“Oh... And [is] he your son or brother?" Zhiera looks to the boy.

“Neither! I'm fifteen!" Kassara snaps at her.

“Fifteen?!" Zhiera gasps.

“And I'm thirteen!" Little Poke chirps with the exuberance of a much younger boy.

“Oh! But you look..." Zhiera's eyes grow wide as she briefly scans the girl's deceptively adult figure.

“Yeah, I know..." Kassara grumbles and crosses her arms, inadvertently pushing up her ample bust.

“Then [is] he your boyfriend?" Zhiera wonders.

“HAH! ... No..."

“That might be a good cover story, though." He winks at Kassara.

“Shut up, Little Poke." She rolls her eyes again.

“Why [are] you out here?!" Zhiera asks with a little more urgency.

“Well, when we broke out of jail, we already knew about this cave. We thought it might be a good place to go for some supplies and a night's sleep." Kassara finally answers.

“Cave?" Zhiera appears quite confused.

“I'd heard some horse thieves talking about it!" Little Poke chirps.

“The idiots were lamenting how they couldn't come back to their loot 'cause they were gonna get hanged." Kassara flashes a sinister grin. “Kind'a wish I could've seen that..." She sighs.

“What cave?"

“The cave behind the waterfall you were just bathing in. You didn't see it?" Kassara raises an eyebrow.

 

Turning toward the waterfall, the trio make their way around the rocky outcrop before finally moving behind the rippling pool. Hidden behind the cascading water, they find a rather minuscule cave, hardly big enough for a small child to crawl into. No wonder Zhiera didn't see it! It leaves Kassara wanting; she was imagining something much more substantial. As the smallest of the trio, Little Poke searches the 'cave' only to find a single leather pouch and a wooden box with some dry oatcakes blending in with the damp soil. The worn bag is hardly even a satchel but it's weighted down with something heavy. Upon opening the pouch, they find it filled with copper and silver zakians of both the large and small variety.

 

“What the-?! THIS is their loot?!" Kassara growls.

“Well, it's something." Little Poke remarks.

 

Kassara smacks the pouch and knocks it over before crossing her arms and pouting.

 

“Waste. Of. My. Time..."

“Kassy, look!"

“Hmm?!"

 

Glancing over to the pile of coins, which are admittedly worth a considerable sum, both Little Poke and Zhiera pick up a handful of gold zakians hidden at the bottom. All six of these coins are large, and worth more than all the copper and silver combined!

 

“Now that's what I'm talking about!" She chirps, her eyes wild as she nearly salivates over the treasure.

“This [is] what they [were going to] sell me for?" Zhiera murmurs, her lips sagging at the corners of her snout in an obvious frown.

 

To Little Poke's shock, Kassara reaches out a hand and rests it on the Vostii's shoulder, giving her a comforting squeeze. She turns her head and the pair lock eyes. If he didn't know better, he'd swear they were having a conversation without ever opening their mouths. Zhiera's posture softens and she even cracks a smile. With only the oatcakes for a meal, the trio make a modest camp, starting a fire at the edge of the pond and sharing their only food. The girls immediately begin to speak and they're both surprisingly honest, sharing their backgrounds with each other. The only other thing to talk about is the weather, and who really wants to talk about the weather?

 

Zhiera's past is startling. At seventeen-years-old, she had since come of age and was ripe for sale at the 'Temple of the Companions.' Owned by the Bennett family, the wealthiest family in all of Morveria, the Temple of the Companions is not a religious temple but a private enterprise who specialize in training beast women. They buy them from birth or breed them in-house and groom them to become premier entertainers. They memorize songs and poetry, learn how to sing, play instruments, dance and perform acrobatics. They're taught how to give sensual massages and, late in their training, they even take lessons on intimacy.

 

It takes a lot of time and money to create a Companion, and when they finally reach the age where beast folk are eager and even desperate for mates, they sell their virginal products to whoever has the coin. Wealthy merchants, nobles, generals and kings are the company's typical clientele. Zhiera, however, was different from her peers. She was not eager to jump into bed with her soon-to-be master, figuratively or literally. It's no secret that, despite their rigorous training, most Companions become little more than concubines; they often sing the same song during the night, and play only one instrument.

 

This typically isn't a concern for the Companions, given the primal nature of the beast folk. In fact, her peers yearned for the opportunity for a male of high-status and value to claim them. They were aching for a powerful and influential mate to enjoy them and give them offspring, should he be so inclined. Zhiera was not. She was fearful of who might buy her, as the thought of giving her body to someone she didn't care deeply for makes her physically ill. Even a handsome master would've been a stranger, and if he'd made demands before she was ready, and she refused him, there would be hell to pay.

 

She also sought adventure, to see the world beyond the walls of the Temple's compound, where she spent her entire life. She knew that there was more to life than serving a master, more than taking a mate and breeding, as her biology demands. There are sights to see and people to meet! Not just posh and snooty nobles or cunning but brutish generals; there are ordinary people and even scoundrels! Oh, what exciting stories the lower classes could share! There is also treasure to be had through either noble or nefarious means, and all of these things she yearned for, far more than being sold to whoever.

 

In the dead of night, she made her escape, and as few Companions want to leave without a master, she found it startlingly easy. Now she makes her own way, eager to explore the world. The only problem she neglected to consider is her upbringing; she only speaks the human's language, and would therefore only fit in with humans, making her eventual capture all but a guarantee. She could never hide amongst the untamed beast folk or even lower-class humans. One recitation of a poem or song and everyone would know the truth.

 

It's a story that neither Little Poke nor Kassara had ever heard before. It's a depth that most beast folk never attain. Kassara smiles as she listens and even scoots closer, quick to comfort the young beast woman when her own story upsets her. Little Poke has never seen her behave like this with anyone else. More often than not, she's a fuming ball of hostility.

 

“I guess I [was] born different." A gloomy Zhiera whines, resting her head on Kassara's shoulder.

“Aww, don't be like that. 'Different' doesn't always mean 'wrong' or 'bad!' I like the way you are! You're far more interesting than most!" Kassara chirps.

“Really?" Zhiera sniffles and looks up at her.

“Uh-huh. You're just as 'The One' made you."

“Y-you... [Do] not think I [am] strange?"

“Well, who isn't a little strange?!" Kassara giggles.

 

Little Poke's jaw nearly drops. That's the first time he'd ever heard her giggle!

 

“Besides, we have our reasons for being out here, and they aren't nearly as glamorous as yours." She continues.

 

Eager to build upon the foundation that Zhiera had laid, Kassara shares her own story, a story that not even Little Poke was expecting. She ran away shortly after her father abandoned her and her family, and though he had assumed that's who she was searching for, to gain closure and comfort from the father who left, Little Poke was flabbergasted when Kassara made an admission to Zhiera.

 

“I liked him more than I was ready to admit, and being three years younger than him didn't do me any favors. I was twelve-years-old and very immature, so I showed my feelings by teasing and taunting him." Kassara explains, her expression as heavy as her heart.

“Is that like me?" A wide-eyed Little Poke asks.

“NO!!! IT'S NOT LIKE YOU!!! SHUT UP!!!" She growls, making the boy flinch. “Anyway, when he left town with that strange beast man who came and stirred up trouble, I was angry. So very angry. And sad... I wished he'd taken me with him... I wished I wasn't so mean to him. I wished I had a chance to tell him that he was the only person in my whole life who was nice to me, and who didn't want something for it... I just... I want to see him again... Then he left..." Kassara sniffles, her eyes watering as she anxiously chews on her bottom lip.

“Your father?" Zhiera asks.

“Yeah. Once he ran away, I knew my family was done for. My mom could only do one job and I wasn't going to stoop to her level just to make ends meet. All my reasons for staying were gone. I took what I needed from the house, stole the rest from neighbors and strangers and then ran. I've been going from town to town in search of him, the boy who left me behind... Amael... That beautiful, dark-haired jerk! When I finally find him I'll kill him! Or I would, if I didn't love him so much!!!" She exclaims with balled fists and tear-filled eyes.

 

Zhiera is just as quick to comfort her, leaving Little Poke to sit by and watch, feeling like a third wheel as the two girls embrace. After having a good cry, Kassara shoots the boy a glare to ensure his silence, then they sit back until the emotional fog settles.

 

“Where [are] you go[ing]? Where will he be?" Zhiera asks.

“Zhanai... I think... Amael wanted to go to Zhanai, where he never had to endure another snowfall. He used to talk about it all the time. It always annoyed the hell out of me! I guess because I was afraid he'd go without me..."

“Ooh! I hear Zhanai [is] very beautiful!" Zhiera coos.

“D-did you want to come with us?" Little Poke sheepishly asks, then covers his head with his arms.

“I was just going to ask her that!" Kassara chirps.

“... Really?!" His eyes widen as his arms fall to his sides.

“Yeah! ... YOU STOLE MY QUESTION!!!" She roars.

“I'm sorry!" He shields himself again.

“Heh... It's okay. So, wanna come?!" She turns to Zhiera.

 

Zhiera looks between the two. The tall and deceptively well-built Kassara, who oozes strength and charisma, and the shy and meek boy who follows her. What wondrous things could she see in the service of Kassara? What fun and exciting places might these two take her?! It takes Zhiera all of a millisecond to make her decision.

 

“Yes!" She exclaims, happily leaping to her feet.

“Well, alright! We'll leave tomorrow morning." Kassara smiles, her hands on her hips as she stands to her feet. “Little Poke, is there another town near here?" She looks to him.

“Uhm, yeah?"

“... Is that a question?" Her expression turns cold.

“No? I mean-!" He shakes his head as he tries to focus. “No. There is a town near here."

“Filled with thieves?" She grins.

“Like fleas on a hound."

“Good!" Kassara excitedly exclaims. “When we get there, I'll get you a cover story, and then we can make our way to those sandy beaches." She turns to Zhiera.

“Alright." Zhiera smiles, already so excited to travel with them.

“But first, I need to wash. I smell like a dead dog!" Kassara laughs.

“Yeah. Me, too."

“Don't you dare drop those pants where I can see, Little Poke." Kassara glares.

“Why [do] you call him that? [Is] it because...?" Zhiera briefly scans the youth.

“Huh?" A perplexed Little Poke scratches his head.

“... Oh! Hehe! No." Kassara giggles. “I met him after he tried picking my pocket, so rather than snap off those twigs he calls arms, I made him do a job with me. We broke into a house but he was too scared to search for anything. He just poked around a few drawers while I did all the work. Little feeble pokes."

“I never broken into a house before! I was nervous! I didn't know what I was doing!" He proclaims in his defense.

“Boys never do the first time." Kassara sighs, shaking her head. “It's like they don't know how to get in there! Like they're scared of what's inside!"

“What if I accidentally grabbed dirty underwear?!" Little Poke whimpers.

“Shut up." Kassara grumbles, shaking her head.

 

Little Poke is forced to stay dressed as they bathe, and earns a growl and a glare whenever he dares to even glimpse the shadows of the undressed ladies. They struggle to sleep that night as they're too eager to start their adventure. After a long day of hiking, they find themselves in another town. The scoundrels and rogues abound and eye the two women like hungry dogs. It's a new experience for Zhiera, who'd been sheltered inside of the Temple for her entire life. In a strange way, the countless eyes on her feels kind of nice! Kassara simultaneously handles it better and worse than the Vostii of the cat-kin, growling at some men while ignoring others and sashaying past them all with a feminine walk that demands a second glance.

 

They find a blacksmith's shop and Kassara feeds him a lie, telling him that she's the boy's big sister and that Zhiera is their new pet and nanny, as their mother had recently passed. Little Poke uses his least favorite skill and cries on cue, though Kassara still refuses to hug him. She claims to have adopted Zhiera from 'The Order of The One,' who often raise unwanted beast folk from infancy to become servants of their deity, Adonai, 'The One.' They're the only other large-scale source of beast folk who speak the human's language, and they routinely relinquish them when they've found good homes.

 

What reason would he have for visiting the local temple to verify her story? After all, The Order's beast folk often become helpers in shops and families; they likely would've given the boy's “sister" access to Zhiera for free upon hearing her heartbreaking story. Kassara tries not to grin as the blacksmith buys her lie, hook, line and sinker. She speaks with such confidence and with such a casual demeanor that it enthralls Zhiera. What a strong leader! It can be nothing short of fate that's brought them together!

 

Wiping a tear from his eye, the blacksmith doesn't hesitate to offer a discount for even the finest of collars and tags. They peruse the selection and Kassara quickly picks out the perfect set. Zhiera's eyes widen as the girl pays for an expensive, pink, braided silk-rope collar and a golden, disc-shaped tag with a small, gilded jingle bell hanging beneath it from a short, golden chain. After paying the discounted rate, the blacksmith stamps Kassara's information into the back of the tag and Zhiera's real name on the front. He's about to fasten it around the Vostii's neck but Kassara insists she do it herself, snatching the collar and tag from the blacksmith's hands.

 

“Give me that!"

“Whatever you say, ma'am." He remarks.

“That's right..." She murmurs, pulling the collar around Zhiera's neck. “And... There! How does that feel?"

 

As soon as the fancy clasp clicks closed, Zhiera feels a change in her. She turns to Kassara, smiles, and bows her head, then shifts her eyes upward in casual submission. Kassara smiles back and pets the Vostii's head as though she were an oversized housecat, running her fingers through her mane. It warms her up to her new master, who has shown her nothing but kindness for who was otherwise a total stranger. With the paperwork drafted, Kassara leads her “pet" and Little Poke to the city clerk's office. As he leaves to draft a copy and file the papers, Kassara's eyes bulge.

 

“I have an idea! Quick! Look for a map!" She whispers rather loudly to Little Poke.

“A map of what?"

“The city, you idiot... See if you can find something with houses on it. Get a good look! And hurry!"

 

Little Poke does as he's told and wriggles through the large slot at the bottom of the barred window that separates the clerk's office from the empty waiting room. He digs around for a moment before returning through the window. Before jumping down, he reaches back inside and brings a scroll with him.

 

“Here you go!" He chirps.

“What the-?! I wanted you to tell me about the houses!"

“But I-! You didn't say that!"

“It was implied..." She covers her face with her hands. “Put that back before-!"

“Here you are, ma'am!"

 

Little Poke turns around, hiding the scroll behind his back as the clerk stands at the barred window.

 

“A clean and dry copy. That'll be one zakian, please."

“Here you are." Kassara pays the clerk with a single, small copper coin as her eyes examine the parchment. “Oh, no!" She exclaims, placing her dainty hands on her cheeks.

“What?"

“By The One!"

“What? What's wrong?!" The clerk asks with great concern.

“I think you misspelled her name!"

“Did I? I'm certain I copied what was wrote on the original document." He calmly insists, sounding rather offended as he adjusts his bifocals.

“Are you sure?"

“Yes..."

“Could you go back and check, please?"

“But I just filed-"

“Pleeeaaaase?!" She whines, leaning closer to the bars and squeezing her bust between her upper arms.

“Ahem... S-sure... Let me just... Get those. That! Let me get that! I'll, uhm... ..."

 

He nearly trips over the leg of his own desk, his eyes staring at her chest as he attempts to walk away. After waiting a moment, Kassara snatches the map from behind Little Poke's back, unrolls it, gives it a quick glance, and then pushes it against his chest.

 

“Now put it back!"

“Okay, okay!" He grumbles, crawling back inside.

“Good help is so hard to find..." She murmurs, glancing at Zhiera.

 

The young beast woman happily plays with her tag, tapping it with her claw to make the little bell jingle. After only a brief wait, Little Poke returns without the map, crawling through just in time.

 

“Alright, I have the copy right here." The clerk says as he returns. “See? It's the same on both papers."

“Oh... Silly me. I guess I misread." Kassara coos, leaning close to the bars.

“It's alright. Heh... These things happen!" He nervously chuckles, his cheeks flushing.

“Thanks so much, mister. I really appreciate you."

 

Her sultry tone unsettles Little Poke. Why isn't she that nice to him, even for pretend?! After the clerk nervously stumbles away, the trio make their way outside and rent a room before being drawn to a shop in the nearby market bazaar. Though her nose is superior to the humans', Zhiera finds herself following theirs; they all but float toward the chef's stand. It's the first proper meal the young thieves have had in days; prison food hardly counts. Sitting around a fountain near the middle of town, they munch on kebabs and drink citrus water, a Horabian classic, while planning their next move.

 

“So, did you see a good house?" Little Poke talks with his mouth full and cheeks puffed.

“I certainly did, Little Poke!" Kassara chirps.

“Please stop calling me that." He whimpers and bows his head.

“It was big and fat, probably like the rich scumbag who owns it." She snickers, elbowing a confused Zhiera.

“Fat people like big houses?" She asks, resting a claw on her chin.

“No, what I meant was... Never mind..." Kassara sighs. “Anyway, we just need to learn a bit about the place... We'll have to find a fence. I'm sure there's one around here."

“Fence?" A perplexed Zhiera looks toward an old picket fence in front of a someone's house.

“A 'fence' is a person who will buy all the swag we take out of there. A dealer in the finest stolen merchandise. There's one in every town." Kassara politely explains.

“Oh!" Zhiera grins.

“Did I hear you say 'fence?'"

 

Looking back, a dirty, middle-aged man with several teeth missing sits beside Kassara and leans in. With flushing cheeks and wide eyes, she leans as far back as she can, unable to hide her grimace.

 

“Yes." Zhiera nods.

“Oh! Look at that!" He looks to her with surprise. “Got yourself one of them maidens of The Order! Well, I believe I can be of service..."

“Goodie!" Little Poke chirps.

“But what will you give me?" The filthy crook eyes Kassara's form, paying close attention to her chest and waist.

“Ugh..."

“What was that?"

“I said 'oh.' I suppose I could pay you." She instantly replies.

“With what, darling?"

 

Reaching out a hand to her, he nearly strokes her side only for her to smack it away. He straightens his back and looks thoroughly surprised.

 

“If you want to keep those fingers, I wouldn't even think about doing that again..." She growls, staring daggers at the man.

“Aren't we frigid! And I thought it was summer!" He teases her.

“Don't get cute. You want some coin?"

“Does vicars relieve themselves in the woods?" He shoots back.

“You're talking like a man who doesn't want to earn his keep. Tisk-tisk... How unbecoming!" She shakes her head in disappointment.

“You got quite a mouth on you, lady. Maybe I should sh-"

“Finish that sentence and one of us will find themselves with murder charges..." She narrows her eyes. “Do you want silver or not?"

“Silver?! Now you're talking my language!"

 

Zhiera and Little Poke sit in awe of Kassara as she bribes the filthy and dangerous looking crook without an ounce of fear. It isn't naivety that drives her behavior but confidence. She knew from the start that the grubby man was anything but dangerous. With a shiny new coin in his filthy pocket, he tells her everything she needs to know and even apologizes for his earlier rudeness, perhaps hoping to build a lasting relationship with the beautiful but sinister young woman. With the man's information, they find the local fence in a most conspicuous place; he's a merchant of jewelry, gems and precious metals. The merchant appears ready for them before they set foot inside his shop. He doesn't hide his knowledge.

 

“Well, well! I was wondering how long before you'd arrive!" He chirps.

“Huh? W-what do you mean?" Little Poke sheepishly asks.

“He told you, already?" Kassara smirks.

“Oh, yes! He's a very loyal customer. Even if he hadn't, I'd have heard of you eventually..." The merchant eyes the girl, unaware of her true age. “Not many women look quite so..."

“Pretty? Attractive? Beautiful? ... Buxom?" Kassara guesses, crossing her arms and scowling.

“Troublesome."

“..."

“Well? Did you come to purchase something stolen from you? I can offer you a discount for your trouble; I'll sell whatever it is for what I paid."

“We're here about the house on the hill. You know the one." Kassara begins, casually approaching the counter.

“Oh? No one's sold me anything from that place."

“I know, but they will... We're going to rob it!"

 

The merchant blinks, his eyes growing wide. He looks between the trio as if expecting them to laugh but they're deadly serious, or at least the leader is. After ensuring that he isn't being ensnared or pranked, he offers them a premium for any items they're able to swipe from Lord Verle's manor. Kassara is unphased when she learns that the owner is the wealthier of the two noble families; the patriarch is not only the town's richest man but the Regent! Little Poke gulps at the thought of robbing the town's leader, installed to rule in service of the King. Even Zhiera knows better, but Kassara is nothing but enthusiastic and confident.

 

With the merchant's help, they acquire a maid's outfit and three dark, hooded cloaks from a seamstress who dislikes the Regent. She rambles endlessly about how he'd wronged her father or something along those lines. Kassara wasn't paying attention, her mind racing at the prospect of real wealth. All she needs is one good score and she can buy passage all the way to Zhanai, and perhaps even to Amael's front door! She'll be so happy to see him, she may just give him what she's been saving right there on his front porch. Hopefully, he won't already have someone else; that could get messy.

 

With their outfits ready, they wait until nightfall before making their way to the manor. To their surprise and Kassara's elation, there are no patrols outside. Has no one ever tried to rob the town's Regent before? Unfortunately, all the ground floor windows are locked. It can never be too easy, but in many ways that's how she prefers it. They walk around the mansion while remaining cloaked in shadow, looking for any way inside. A turret at the rear of the manor has a window open. It's near the town's stone wall, which gives them some cover, but the turret juts out from the second and third floor.

 

“Alright, Zhiera. This is your part." Kassara turns to her and removes her hooded cloak, revealing the maid's outfit underneath.

“Mmm-mmm."

 

Little Poke smiles as he scans Zhiera's figure, only for Kassara to turn her head in the blink of an eye and glare at him.

 

“... Watch for patrols..."

“Yes, Kassy." He bows his head and turns away.

“Are you ready?" She turns to Zhiera.

“Ready for what?"

“You're trained in acrobatics, right?"

“Yes, for advanced dancing."

“Good. Can you climb up to that window and slip inside, preferably unnoticed?" Kassara points above their heads.

“M-maybe." Zhiera whimpers, staring fearfully at the window.

“Of course you can, Zhiera. You're a beast woman. Have some confidence." Kassara rests her hands on the Vostii's shoulders and gives her a squeeze. “Climb up there, act natural and then make your way down to the front door and let us in. If something happens, just wing it."

“Wing it?" She nibbles on the claw of her index finger.

“Make a new plan as you go. That's what I always do. Once we're in, we'll rob him blind and get out before anyone notices."

 

Zhiera turns toward the manor and stares up at the window, taking a few deep breaths as she prepares herself. Kassara takes her collar off, pocketing it but assuring her she'll have it back soon.  That's when Zhiera makes her move. To her shock and awe, she leaps more than six feet into the air, grabbing the wooden supports of the overhanging turret! With strength that she didn't even know she had, she pulls herself up and hooks her paw-like feet behind the supports, then crawls her way toward the edge.

 

With her legs holding her and her core muscles clenched, she easily works her way around the bottom of the turret like a spider and grabs the windowsill above her. She peeks over the edge and scans the room with her bright blue eyes. It's empty. With her tail extended and a little push with her feet, Zhiera swings herself backward and around the windowsill before leaping into the room, feet first. Even Kassara is amazed by the slender and beautiful beast woman's feat of strength and dexterity.

 

“Wow... Why don't they just conquer us?!" She whispers to herself.

“What [did] you say?" Zhiera peeks out of the window, her blue eyes glowing in the darkness.

“I said, 'wow, you're really good at that.'"

“Thank you!" She chirps.

“Shh!"

“Sorry!" An embarrassed Zhiera's head pulls toward her shoulders.

“Just work your way down."

“I will, Kassy."

 

The human cannot help but crack a little smile. It's the first time she'd called her that. Is she earning the beast woman's trust and respect? If so, it feels nice. Shaking it off and focusing on the present, she creeps toward the front door, taking Little Poke with her. They wait for some time, and just when they're about to worry, a window opens near the corner of the house.

 

“Psst... Psst!"

“Huh?" They turn to find Zhiera leaning out the window.

“Here... Hurry." She motions to them.

 

Kassara climbs inside of the window and finds herself in a sitting room.

 

“Sorry. [A] guard [is] sleep[ing] beside [the] front door." Zhiera whispers.

“Hey, uhm... A little help?" Little Poke asks, peeking over the windowsill, which is a bit too tall for him to easily climb through.

“Look at this furniture... Ebony wood. Red velvet. Gold leaf. This guy is loaded!" Kassara whispers.

“Hey, I can't climb up." Little Poke jumps up and down, his old shoes scraping against the stones as he tries to get inside.

“I bet he keeps the real loot in an office." Kassara ignores him.

“I saw [an] office upstairs." Zhiera replies.

“Kassy?" He calls out to her.

 

Zhiera turns back and sees that the boy is so short he isn't able to get a grip on the ledge with his arms. His little hands hold on as he dangles like an ornament. She turns to Kassara who walks away, ostensibly to find the stairs.

 

“Please? It's cold out here." Little Poke whimpers.

 

Zhiera leans outside, grabs Little Poke by the back of his shirt and pulls him inside.

 

“Thank y-ahh!" He yelps as the Vostii nearly throws him across the room.

“SHH!!!" Kassara whirls around and glares at them, Little Poke lying face down in the middle of the floor.

“Sorry." Zhiera bows her head with embarrassment, then closes the window.

 

Somehow, the guard in the foyer hasn't awoken. He stirs as if he's about to but snores even louder and mumbles something in his sleep. He seems to be speaking to a woman named 'Celia,' that compliments her in a way that makes Little Poke flush, Zhiera envious and Kassara grumble.

 

“Stupid men... Always thinking about one thing. Big, dumb, filthy, brutish oafs... Rrrr!"

 

As Little Poke listens, he cannot help but wonder why Kassara dislikes the male gaze, even when they pay it to women other than her. Why is she always so offended by something so simple and commonplace as attraction? What made her so bitter about men? What if that woman the guard is dreaming about is his sweetheart or wife? How can she hate men so much while also searching for a man whom she claims stole her heart?! Though dumbfounded by these contradictions, he doesn't dare question her. She's frightening enough when she yells but she's even worse when she raises her hand.

 

“Look at this place?!" Kassara whispers. “This jerk lives like a king!"

“He sort of is the king here." Little Poke remarks.

“Shut up, and look for loot." Kassara growls at him.

 

They move from room to room, avoiding a handful of surprisingly inept guards as they make their way toward the Regent's office. Passing a room with a closed door, Kassara peeks into the keyhole only to gasp.

 

“No..." She shakes her head as she pulls away.

“What?"

“That can't be the Regent. He's too thin... And handsome!" Kassara remarks, taking a second look.

“Ooh! May I see?!" Zhiera leans closer, eager to look.

 

Kassara moves away from the door, visible shocked by her discovery. Leaning against the door and all but shoving her eyeball into the keyhole, Zhiera coos. A slim, shirtless man prepares for bed, pulling on a humble nightly robe before brushing back his long, flowing hair with the backs of his hands. He's about to climb into bed but pauses, glancing toward the door.

 

“Huh... That's a strange feeling. It's almost like someone's watching me..." He murmurs to himself, then shrugs and crawls into bed.

“Ooh... He has [a] very nice butt." Zhiera quietly coos, her eye glued to the keyhole.

“You're drooling." Kassara teases her.

“And strong arms... And very pretty eyes!" Zhiera ogles the man.

“Alright, come on. We have stuff to steal." Kassara pulls at the reluctant Vostii, whom she all but drags away from the door.

 

Little Poke crawls a short distance behind them only to pause and briefly peek inside the room.

 

“What's the big deal? It's just a guy lying in bed..." He murmurs.

 

A hushed voice calls out to him and he turns to see the girls poking their heads out of a room, one over the other. Making his way inside his eyes widen at the many treasures decorating the office. Kassara ignores them all and pulls out a strangely bent piece of metal, using it to pick the lock of the drawers. Zhiera pokes around the books, wishing that her primitive mind could learn to read them, and Little Poke gravitates toward a large cube on a bottom shelf. The solid block of light blue sapphire must be worth a fortune, and it just sits there like a paperweight. Looking closer, Little Poke picks up the heavy cube only to find letters underneath. It is a paperweight!

 

“Rich people..." He shakes his head.

“Hey, put that back!" Kassara angrily whispers.

“Huh?!" He turns to her.

“That's too obvious. He'll notice that's gone before we can get back to the fence. Look for coins, a silver letter opener, a golden pen, medals, stuff like that." She explains.

 

Kassara calls Zhiera over and gives her the lockpick, coaching the Vostii in a startlingly motherly fashion. With a little frown and a disappointed sigh, Little Poke returns the sapphire cube to its rightful place. He browses the shelves and admires the valuables, only to turn when he hears a loud click.

 

“[Is] it open, now?" Zhiera leans back, unsure of herself.

“Uh-huh. See? I knew you could do it!" Kassara congratulates her pet, who bows her head quite bashfully.

 

Pulling open the drawer, the girls' eyes widen. Moving around the desk, Little Poke finds them staring at a box full of rock samples, but these rocks have flakes of gold in them. One looks like it was chipped from a rich vein! They pull the samples from the little wooden box and a letter inside falls over. It was wedged between the samples and the crate. Little Poke stands beside the girls, admiring their find. Zhiera picks up the letter and opens it but cannot make heads or tails of the human's strange text. Kassara looks over and sees the upside-down letter and takes it from Zhiera, turning it over as she begins to read.

 

“What [does] it say?" Zhiera asks, peering over her master's shoulder.

“Hmm... It says-"

“Ow!" Little Poke cries out as Kassara drops a gold nugget on his foot, getting both of her hands on the letter.

“SHH!!!" She briefly glares at him. “It says the samples came from the dig sites marked with a star... There must be a map here, somewhere! Find it!"

 

Zhiera and the hobbled Little Poke scour the room for a map. When they don't find it, Little Poke turns toward the sapphire paperweight. He picks it up, unfolds the letters and finds that they are a series of small maps. He turns to Kassara, who races up to him and snatches the maps away. She grins from cheek to cheek, her eyes as wild as when she's witnessing chaos.

 

“This is what we want..." She coos.

“Maps?" Zhiera cocks her head and furls her brow.

“Are we gonna dig for gold or something?" Little Poke jests.

“No, you idiot!" Kassara growls at the boy. “These dig sites are new; there's no mines here, yet. We're going to make copies of these maps and sell the information to other rich jerks and make them fight over the rights."

“Oh!"

 

Zhiera smiles, admiring Kassara's wit. What a clever master she has! She reaches up to touch her tag, a tangible reminder of her subservience, only to frown when she finds it missing. Eager to be out of the manor, she tugs at Kassara's arm, gaining her attention. Without uttering a word, they share a gaze and a nod. The girls use their pockets and a small satchel that Kassara had long been carrying to steal the samples, while Kassara folds the maps and the letter and stuffs it down her blouse, tucking them into the wrappings that support her ample chest.

 

They make their way into the hall while Little Poke takes a moment to debate whether or not to steal the sapphire paperweight. As he ponders the possibilities, the girls leave him behind. He doesn't even realize it until it's almost too late. He hears the footsteps of a guard on patrol, tiptoes toward the door and waits for him to pass before making his way down the stairs. It isn't until he's almost at the bottom that he realizes he's still carrying the sapphire paperweight! Looks like there's no turning back, now. Finding the front door open, Little Poke creeps past the still-sleeping guard only to see the backs of Kassara and Zhiera as they run away from the manor.

 

He wants to call out to them but fears waking the guard, so he makes his way outside and begins to close the door only for footfalls on the staircase to send him scrambling away.

 

“Hey!"

 

The Lord's voice makes Little Poke throw his back against the wall and hide in the shadows, his treasure pulled close to his scrawny chest. In a panic, he covers it with his arms, as if shielding it from the light of the twin moons.

 

“H-huh?! W-what?!" The foyer guard groggily asks, stumbling to his feet.

“Why is that door unlocked?" Lord Verle asks.

“Oh, I apologize! I must not have shut it all the way!" The guard says, closing the door and locking it.

 

Little Poke stares at the door, which is within arm's reach of him. He takes a moment to collect himself, closing his eyes and taking slow, deep breaths. Meanwhile, he listens to the town's Regent speaking with his guard.

 

“Please don't leave it open. It allows the cold air inside."

“I'm sorry, sir."

“You fell asleep again, didn't you?"

“... Yes."

“Dreaming of Celia?" The Regent chuckles.

“How did you know?!"

“Your wife is always on your mind."

“That she is, sir." The guard admits.

“I don't blame you. If I had a wife so beautiful, she'd be on mine, too..." Lord Verle speaks with a strangely somber tone.

“It's even worse now that we know she's pregnant with our firstborn." The guard add.

“... Go home and get some sleep, next to your beloved. I'll be fine for the night."

 

Little Poke cannot believe his ears! Apparently, neither can the guard.

 

“Are you certain?!" He gasps.

“Would you rather stay here, with me and Torval?" The Regent laughs.

“Since you put it that way, have a good night, sir!!!"

 

Little Poke slithers into shadow to avoid being seen by the guard as he bursts from the house and dashes home to the woman of his dreams. With a little chuckle and a kind remark, the Regent closes and locks the door again. For a moment, Little Poke feels tremendous guilt over stealing from such a nice man, even if he is rich. One glance at the glimmering sapphire cube in his arms and he has a change of heart. He scrambles to his feet and races to catch up to the girls, who mustn't have noticed that he fell behind. He finds them at the room they'd rented earlier that day. Before stepping inside, he hides the sapphire cube at the bottom of a coal bin, for the guests' stoves.

 

“They taught you how to draw, too?!" Kassara exclaims, watching the beast woman sitting at the little table.

“Yes. I learn[ed] many skills." Zhiera replies, holding a pencil and glancing between the map and blank parchment.

“Wow! I didn't know your kind could be trained like that!" She chirps, finally noticing the boy in the room. “Oh... Hey."

“Hi... Uhm... Didn't you notice I wasn't behind you?"

“Huh? Oh, uh... Yeah, sure..." Kassara dismissively waves a hand. “Glad you're back."

“You... You did notice, right?!" He whimpers.

“I said I did! I knew you'd be fine!" She says, giving him a small but forced grin.

“Please, shush! I [am] creating!" Zhiera growls at them, twirling her pencil like a magic wand.

 

To Little Poke's shock, Kassara concedes and sits atop the bed, waiting and watching as Zhiera makes a nearly perfect copy of the maps on cheap parchment. She finishes one map and promptly draws another, making several copies of each in only a few hours. With three sets of copies made and her hand beginning to cramp, she flexes her clawed fingers, stretches, and then yawns. Her ears fold back and her tongue curls as she flashes her sharp teeth. Kassara can hardly contain her excitement as she checks the maps and sets them aside, already planning on whom to sell them to in the morning.

 

Zhiera heads for the bed and sits on the side closest to her, bouncing on it and testing the softness. Kassara joins her on the other side, while Little Poke glances around to see no other places to sleep.

 

“So, how is this going to-?"

“Figure something out. I'd offer the foot of the bed, but we're both too tall. We'd probably kick you off." Kassara interrupts him.

“How about I take the middle?" He teases.

“..."

 

Kassara turns to him with the coldest expression he's ever seen. It isn't even a glare but a blank stare, as if she had no soul, no feeling whatsoever. With a nervous gulp, he pulls his head close to his chest, looking like a whipped dog, and begins to stammer.

 

“I-I was j-just kidding! Heh... I could take a far side."

“..."

“O-or I'll just... Sleep on the floor." He sighs.

“Whatever."

 

After an awkward pause, Little Poke feels the anger building within him. It bubbles to the service but he's so small and so meek for his age. That's what happens when you struggle every day for even one meal. He turns toward the door and storms off without a word. A part of him hopes that Kassara will feel bad and apologize to him or even claim that it was an exceptionally convincing but cruel joke. As he stands by the door in the hallway, however, he's sorely disappointed.

 

“Why [are] you mean to your friend?" Zhiera asks.

“He's not my friend. I just work with him. He's useful for getting into tight spaces." Kassara coldly replies.

“Oh... But you [are] not kind. [Do] you not like him?"

“I've only ever liked one man. The rest of them are dirt. They can all take a long walk off a short pier, if you know what I mean."

“Oh... No."

 

Kassara sighs.

 

“Don't trouble yourself over it. Men are easy; we can get another if he doesn't work out." Kassara explains.

 

Little Poke can't stand it any longer. He turns to the coal bin and digs out the sapphire cube. What does he need them for, anyway?! He has enough wealth in his scrawny arms to live a comfortable life for decades! He dashes away with his treasure before Zhiera can open the door to find him. She stands in the hallway, looking to and fro, but Little Poke is nowhere to be found. She heard his footsteps only a moment ago and knows he must've heard their conversation, her heart weighing heavy. She sniffs the air and is about to follow his scent when Kassara calls out to her.

 

“Hey, Zee!" She chirps.

“Yes, Kassy?"

“Come here. We need to work out our game plan for tomorrow... Also, you're letting the warm air out!"

“Sorry."

 

Zhiera return to her new master, but that doesn't mean she doesn't feel regret. She cannot help but glance at the door, her mind only able to think of the poor, mistreated boy. Would it hurt Kassara to be a little nicer to him, even for pretend? Meanwhile, Little Poke runs as fast as his little legs will carry him and barges into the front door of the fence's shop just as he's about to lock up for the night. He jumps back and gasps as the boy darts inside.

 

“Who's after you?!" The fence asks, closing the door and peeking through the cheap, translucent window.

“No one." Little Poke replies, panting for air.

“Then why are you running like tha-... What are you holding?!"

“Loot, from Lord Verle's manor!" He chirps, presenting the sapphire cube to the merchant.

“And you ran down the street with that in your arms?!?!"

“Uh..." Little Poke's face turns red as he slumps forward in shame.

“By The One! Get that thing out of here before-!"

 

BANG! Before either of them can say another word, the front door flies open, kicked by a strong, boot-clad foot! The windows shatter and three town guards step forward. One is about to speak, his mouth opened and lungs filling with air only for him to catch a glimpse of the sapphire cube.

 

“Looks like we got our thief..."

“AHH!!!"

 

Little Poke is slammed against a wall, the cube thumping loudly as it falls from his arms. The guard lifts him up with ease, while his two cohorts, wearing helmets that cover their whole faces, stand on either side of him. One man grabs the fence by an arm and pulls him closer.

 

“Th-this little boy tried to sell me that b-but I knew it was stolen!" He proclaims.

“Shut your mouth! We've known about your “business" for years! It was never a problem until you targeted the Regent!" The guard growls, his voice echoing through the vertical slits in his black-painted, bucket-shaped helmet. “How long has this little rat been stealing for you?! SPEAK!!!"

“Alright, alright! I just met him the other day!" The fence quakes in his boots.

“Where are my letters?"

 

Everything stops and Little Poke's heart races. They all turn to the Regent, standing in surprisingly humble clothes as he slowly kneels to pick up the sapphire cube. He turns to the merchant and then looks to the young boy whose feet dangle above the ground, barely reaching to the guard's knees.

 

“Where are his letters!" The guard without a helmet roars.

 

Little Poke trembles like a leaf in a strong breeze, cowering from the grown man. Another guard twists the arm of the merchant, who to his credit lies almost as well as Kassara. He claims to have only met the boy that day, says nothing of Kassara or Zhiera, and denies having any letters. He is rather convincing in the face of danger, but Little Poke isn't so strong. The Regent looks him over with a solemn gaze, then nods to the guard who slams the boy's back against the wall. His mind flashes all the cruel things Kassara had ever said to him, all the times she'd yelled at him and made him feel bad. He especially dwells on what she'd said to Zhiera only minutes earlier.

 

He tells them everything, earning himself and the merchant a long stay in a jail cell. As they're dragged outside, nearly a dozen guards are told where to find the girls. They promptly march toward their target like loyal goons.

 

“You're going to feel the rope for this..." The lead guard growls at the fence. “And you, you little rat! You'll be lucky if you ever see daylight! Why, we ought to-!"

 

A hand on his shoulder distracts him, and one look from the Regent softens the guard. He loosens his grip on the boy, who can barely stand from the shaking in his legs.

 

“What's your name?"

“Everyone calls me 'Little Poke.'"

“No..." The Regent takes a knee to be eye-level with the youth. “I want to know your name."

“K-Korvis..." He stammers, cowering before the man.

“Korvis... I'm Verle." The Regent smiles and pats the boy on the head. “Thank you for being honest."

“What do you want us to do with him, sir?"

“How old are you, Korvis?" Verle asks.

“Th-thirteen, sir."

“Thirteen?!" Verle jumps to his feet. “You could pass for nine!"

 

The Regent scans the youth up and down for a moment, a most horrified expression on his face.

 

“You're so small and thin! What a harsh life you must've lived..."

“You want us to put him in a jail cell, sir?"

“With men thrice his size?! No..."

“The Temple might take him."

“... Bring him with me."

“WHAT?!" Several guards gasp.

“Are you certain, sir?!" The lead guard asks.

“You aren't a bad kid, are you, Korvis?" Verle take a knee once again.

“N-no, sir!"

“You've just had a hard life... How would you like to work with me?" Verle asks with a warm smile.

 

They all stare in shock and the boy has no idea how to respond. His mind briefly returns to the girls, who sleep peacefully, unaware of the danger about to befall them.

 

“Hmm?!" Zhiera sits up in bed, her ears twitching and jingle bell jingling. “Kassy! Kassy, wake up!"

“Mmrrmm... No more apple pie, mama." Kassara murmurs, hugging a pillow.

“... WAKE UP!!!" Zhiera shoves her out of bed.

“AHH!!!" She lands with a thud on the hardwood floor. “WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!?!" She growls, rubbing her shoulder.

“I hear people coming!"

 

Kassy has slept fully dressed for years. As a street urchin, there's no other way; you always have to be ready to move at a moment's notice. Gathering their belongings and the maps in a matter of seconds, they race into the hall and duck into another open room just in time. Town guards surround their room and kick down the door only to find it empty. They call to the girls by name. Zhiera holds her tag and jingle bell in her hand to keep them from making noise while Kassara opens a window at the other end of the room. They slip out and close the window just as a guard enters, searching the other guests' room to see if they're hiding inside. Finding it empty, he returns to his companions.

 

“That little idiot must've got himself caught and struck a deal." Kassara growls. “Stupid backstabbing men... Can't trust any of them!" She whispers loudly in her rage.

“Perhaps he [was] angry?"

“For what?!" She turns to her.

“Perhaps he want[ed] to punish you for-"

“..."

“Forget it." The Vostii sighs.

“We're going to have to hasten our plan. Let's go."

 

With Kassara leading them, the girls make their way through the town as guards begin searching high and low. They creep toward another manor, the home of the next wealthiest noble and Lord Verle's competitor. Zhiera once again uses her acrobatics to slip into a second-floor window and let Kassara inside, but rather than steal anything the girls make their way through the manor. This one has no guards whatsoever, and Zhiera stands in horror as Kassara knocks on the bedchamber door.

 

“Who in Adonai's holy name are you?!" The man growls, standing in a nightly robe.

 

His expression changes when he sees two young females standing in front of him, both rather busty but especially the blonde-haired and blue-eyed human.

 

“Er... Hello... How did you get in here?"

“Don't you worry about that. We're your new friends, and we have a proposition for you!" Kassara chirps, placing a hand on his chest and guiding him back into his bedchamber.

“Is that so?" He smirks.

 

Before he can get any funny ideas, Kassara shows him the maps. His eyes widen as she sets out the samples, adding substance to her claims.

 

“Oh, my! This is much better than what I thought you were going to offer me! Making money is the best feeling in this world!" He exclaims, fondling a golden nugget and rubbing it against his puffy cheek.

“Truly?!" Zhiera gasps.

“You haven't learned, yet." He smirks. “So, what do you want for this?"

“Five-thousands zakians."

 

The nobleman's brow raises and his eyes grow wide.

 

“Fifty large gold for some paper and a few nuggets?!"

“It's worth it, and you know it. Get the mining rights before Lord Verle does and you could make that back ten-fold before the end of the year."

“Hmm... And what would stop me from taking them? Why should I pay you and not just..." He asks, slowly scanning Kassara's figure in a familiar manner.

“Because Zhiera will do bad things to you if you try anything funny... And not like that, either."

“I will?!" Zhiera turns to her.

 

With a startled expression and a hand on her cheek, she reveals her sharp teeth and claws. Everyone knows the hidden strength of the beast folk. Even the sweetest female could potentially rip a grown man to shreds. She may be a slender and attractive female, but she could still best him in a fight. Who knows just how dangerous the Vostii of the cat-kin is, except her master!

 

“So? Do we have a deal?"

 

The beautiful, buxom young woman holds out a hand and the nobleman cannot help but smile.

 

“Alright." He chuckles. “It's a deal, but I take all of the maps."

“You're smarter than you look!" She giggles.

“I certainly didn't get to where I am by being handsome and charming!" The nobleman jests.

 

The man is true to his word, paying the hefty sum for all of Kassara's maps and the mining samples. With a satchel full of coin, the girls make their way outside and avoid the guards as they head into the forest. They walk for hours, guided by Zhiera's night vision, and they don't stop until dawn is peeking over the horizon. They sit to rest by a stream, exhausted and hungry but wealthy. Zhiera leans against her master, the girls sitting almost back-to-back.

 

“What [is] our plan, now?" She asks, tapping her tag with a claw and making the little bell jingle.

“We'll find another town soon. With money like this, we can buy passage all the way to Zhanai. We could even have The Unfettered guard us the whole way! No sleepless nights, no fears, just a relaxing trip to the tropics!" Kassara sighs, bouncing the heavy bag with both hands and making the coins clank.

“And after we [are] there?"

“Then I keep searching for him..." Kassara murmurs, staring into the horizon.

“I mean[t], how will we survive?"

“Oh... I've been thinking about that all night... We made good money selling information. Maybe that could be our trade?"

“What [do] you mean?" Zhiera peers over her shoulder at her.

“We use our talents to gather information, and trade it. Information is obviously worth a lot of coin! Maybe even sen'kamen! I bet we could earn a chest of those beautiful elven gems with the right secrets..."

“That sound[s] safe!" Zhiera sighs with relief.

“And easy! Well... Easier."

“I [am] very eager to see Zhanai!"

“Me, too."

“Nice weather and sunny days." Zhiera grins, looking toward the rising sun. “I hope [that] we reach it soon!"

“Yeah... It'll be so nice to see him again." Kassara sighs, a little smile gracing her face.

 

Amael groans and slowly pushes himself up, his head pounding and his muscles sore.

 

“Ow, my head... How much did I drink last night?" He grumbles as he sits up.

 

He opens his eyes to find himself in a bedchamber that he doesn't recognize. Instantly alert, his eyes scan the room and he vaguely recognizes a door leading to a hall that in turn leads into the saloon. Feeling a stirring and hearing a soft groan, he slowly turns his head and stares in shock at the beautiful woman sleeping beside him. It's the barkeep's daughter! Her body is covered in a linen bedsheet but her shoulder and upper back are visible, and bare...

 

“Uh-oh... Oh, no... I didn't! ... Did I?!"

“Yes." Vashai replies.

 

Amael turns to see his Zesharii companion grinning from cheek-to-cheek as he watches from across the room, sitting atop another bed next to his own. The mare girl is lying beside him and her body is also shrouded in a very ruffled and musty sheet.

 

“Oh, by The One!" Amael whimpers, placing his head in his hands.

“I [am] glad to see you [are] normal after all!" Vashai laughs.

“..."