A/n: We take a peek at some other goings on, away from Nox.

Howling Thunder 11.5 An Unpleasant Evening

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Valhalla

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“Maug are you listening?!”

Freki is looking at me with her emerald eyes, perfectly highlighted against her snow white skin and silk black hair. Her hands are on her slim hips as she leans towards me as if to show off her cleavage in her black, cold weather gown.

However, none of this distracts me from my nervousness.

We’re walking up a mountain path between jagged grey rocks, the peak should be near.

I try reign in myself, my legs don't want to stop shaking, my tail, firmly tucked between my legs. I don’t care if it’s an embarrassing sight, the narrowed eyes from Ulfa tell me as such.

We are, for the first time, about to enter the home of the Great Woden.

Freki snaps her fingers, “You will remain silent unless spoken too, at which point you will speak the minimum possible, and above all, mention nothing of my activities.”

What does that even mean?!

Freki turns into her warg form, massive yet elegant. She is at least triple my size and yet the very sight of her is calming. Her smooth black fur hugs close to her figure, even Ulfa seems enchanted.

She leads us through the light snow flurry coming from the cloudless sky.

Far more stars than I had ever imagined glitter the pitch dark. Various constellations and celestial bodies seem almost highlighted amongst the breathtaking void.

Reaching the top, we approach a vast cabin made of logs and stone, easily passable as a small yet unique castle. The wood still seems like it was cut yesterday.

A warmth radiates from the building and I can smell what must surely be a grand feast cooking over open fire. I can see smoke rising from the roof in several places.

As we approach the front steps the large double doors open in the presence of our mistress. The light from many an antler chandelier almost blinds me.

The sounds of roaring fires, merry people feasting, and cheerful music of flutes and drums doesn’t stop at all to recognize our arrival.

Bonfires are ablaze throughout the grand hall, their smoke rising through open roofs and into the night sky. Casting shadows that seem to dance playfully along the many intricately carved pillars, each one seeming to show a grand battle or hunt.

Ulfa and I follow our mistress at her flanks until she suddenly stops and bows, I quickly follow suit.

“Ah! My long mopeful pet finally returns from her stump in the woods. Welcome Freki, it’s been too long since you’ve been home to enjoy a drink at my side!”

He is a giant of a man, how did I miss him walking in here?! Head nearly reaching the rafters of the log house. His beard, grey and down to his waist, his hair grey to match. His clothing, brown furs, simple, but warm looking. He has one piercing black eye, the other hidden by a black leather patch.

A simple north man, giant yet surprisingly plain. Surely a welcoming presence rather than a frightful one.

Mistress replies in a cheerful tone, “It is indeed a warm home worth returning to Father.”

He sits back in his massive chair, I now see it seems to be made of alce antlers.

A jolly laugh that shakes the ground, “Of course, now, introduce me to your healthy pups.”

The mistress’ tail flicks my nose, “This is Maug, and this, is Ulfa.”

I finally lift my head and quickly spout, “It is an honor! Lord Woden!”

He smiles at me and scratches his beard, “I had almost forgotten the Terran realm uses that name. I could never decide if I liked it or the Earth realm’s Odin more… regardless, welcome to my home pups! Tonight you’ll surely fill your bellies.”

Now Woden stares hard at our mistress, “Freki.”

“Yes Father.”

“Stop acting like a mere dog and report.”

The hall goes silent, she shifts in fog and appears on one knee in her normal form. With a glance back from her, Ulfa and I also shift.

Freki’s voice practically monotone, “The Terran realm is currently hanging on a thread between total war or a continued peace. The darkness of the Olympians works to destroy the balance they created themselves.”

Woden sighs and takes a drink of his mug… I think I could fit in it.

“Stand my pet, that world was meant to be in constant conflict between you lesser gods. Should the great Ragnarok ever occur it would be shameful for you to be inexperienced.”

Constant war?!

He goes on, “Yet all I hear is that braggart Zeus prattle on about his precious little girl and that damn cheating axe.”

I’m sensing some pent up frustration...oooh I’ll just not think that again, he just gave me a look, right, greater gods and their omni...whatever.

Woden laughs that great belly chuckle, “A fine pup my dear, he suits you well. Indeed, Zeus has been bothersome.”

Freki speaks up, “Is that why you gave away two of my pups?”

“Hmm, yes, a deal was made, but you forget who their mother was. The Shinto had equal right to your pups. I don’t think you should feel upset over Vilia either, she has done well to ascend and join our ranks. It’s only natural she be rewarded with a high born ward at some point.”

Woden takes another drink, “The axe… while it does indeed hold absurd power, it is just an object that can be broken, lost, or stolen. I have been receiving complaints about your prized pup. What gave you reason to breed a mortal capable of rivaling yourself and other lesser gods? After centuries of pouting no less, and it was a young soul at that.”

...Nox? True he certainly doesn’t lack potential... but to rival a god?

She looks fearless, “A Fenrir born of a Raijin, and the most prodigious Inari to date. Gifted the perfect soul from Earth realm, I will take all of Terra for Valhalla.”

Woden shakes his head, “Don’t waste words with me, I know your only target is revenge against your brother. While you squabble, other gods will take advantage of the chaos. At the very least, Zeus doesn’t look to be staying on top of this little game much longer.”

Freki remains silent. What is the lord talking about?

The ancient giant of a man smiles spreads his arms, “Come my darling pet, enough worries about children squabbling. Let us feast, we’ll speak more of this later.”

We bow and move to a table near Lord Woden.

Sitting to Freki’s side I watch her angrily stab her fork at a sausage and viciously chomp half of it away… I think it's a sausage... it’s not a sausage… I just lost my appetite.

Freki, “Maug, bring the Hildy girl to the hollow tonight.”

“Yes mistress...Um…”

She looks at me, the meat lifted on her fork, “What is it?”

“Are you sure you want to eat that?”

So much charm emanating from a woman could only be possible from a god, “Maugy darling, here, eat a dick.”

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Black Sheep

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All I see below me is trees, tall trees, short trees, weird trees. This campaign has lasted so long I’ve nearly lost all memory of home. I miss the oasis, the simple tufts of grass, the small trees, the clear blue pools of water. I tire of jungles and swamps.

The wind causes a small shift in our heading.

I yell back, “Helmsman, wake up!”

The poor squirrel girl spins the wheel with a start.

Thankfully our course is clear of clouds tonight, I’d feel sorry for her if she was stuck navigating through the damp air. The day heat is sweltering enough for those that have come from the north. Hence why we’re traveling at night, the stealth is an added bonus.

I wouldn’t mind being able to look at the stars if not for this stupid sack of gas holding us up. If someone had asked me if I approved of these ships I would behead them on the spot. Floating in the sky at the mercy of the wind and weather is something for idiot males to enjoy.

A cute little fox bat girl runs up, nearly tripping, “Mistress Fala, your oracle stone is glowing!”

I pat her on her orange head as I walk towards the bridge.

Inside I catch the squirrel girl nodding off at the wheel again, she should have been relieved hours ago.

“Hey, get your ass below and wake up your relief. You, take the helm for a moment.”

The bat girl takes over while the other one nearly misses the doorway in her hurry to obey.

I take seat in the back on my new red leather chair. It goes well with the red patterns in my black fur if I do say so myself, and I love how it matches my horns and new red velvet suit.

Now if there is one thing to destroy the slight semblance of a good mood I’m in tonight, its this damn stone next to my chair. Barely larger than my fist, a perfect sphere and mounted in an intricate gold holder. Its pulsing blue hue indicates someone is contacting me, and there is only one person who would at this time.

With a wave of my right hand I put energy in it to activate it.

A haughty voice rings out, “About time Fala, it’s rude to make your aunty wait.”

I roll my eyes, “Do you never tire of referring to yourself as my aunt, doesn't that imply you being related to my poor slave of a mother, rest her soul?”

If it’s possible, she speaks with even more arrogance, “Don't make me laugh girl, I think of your dear father as a darling little brother. You should be proud of his ascent as Bahamut, and don't you dare imply my relation to a slave or I’ll shave your entire body bald.”

That would take hours considering my fine, short, black fur covers me almost completely thanks to my demon and beast blood.

“As you wish master, but do tell, how many slave women did my father go through in his whim to sire an offspring before I was the first to survive.” I have always wondered.

“Hundreds.” that almost sounds like a threat, “Anyway, I still have use of you before I gift your soon to be able body to a promising young lord.”

Thinking of the other demon lords I’ve met so far, “If you offer me to Phix I’ll kill him before I let him put a finger on me.”

She chuckles, “Don’t worry, your half-blood body is suited for far stronger than he.” no, I will definitely worry, “How far east have you made in your subjugation?”

I’m no better off than my slave mother, maybe I’ll die giving birth to some monster’s child like her.

“The air fleet has nearly made it to the west side of the southern horn, I expect the Garuda Tribe will soon confront us.”

“Good, once we have them under our wing the few human kingdoms in the east continent will simply surrender upon your arrival.”

Where on Terra is someone to plug up this horrible woman’s mouth before she makes another lame pun.

I sigh, “Does that mean you expect me to stop at every mud brick village between here and the orient?”

She scoffs, “Like you have better things to do, or are you so distracted by your harem of orphan girls. Perhaps I should have assigned a crew for you? Maybe a bunch of male imps who would only listen to orders after you’ve satisfied them.”

Holding back my bile at the idea, “And ruin me for your so called, promising, strong, young, demon lord?”

Her voice is sour once more, “Few are that picky. Crush the garuda, make sure there’s plenty left to join your army, be they woman or child. I’ll contact you in a few weeks my darling little behemoth.”

The stone fades, I’m tempted to throw it over the side if not for my certainty that none of her threats were empty.

Looking up to the Lemur Tribe girl at the helm, “At first light signal for battle stations.”

Moving to retire to my cabin, sprawled out on my huge and round red bed is the prize of my little collection of conquests. My Malta Tribe, tiger girl, Nila.

I do my best not to wake her as I crawl into bed and wrap her against me with my tail. As I slowly drift off I can only hope for dreams of escape for me and these girls.

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Deadly Curiosity

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“Go south they said, have an adventure they said, find yourself a strong man they said..”

“Hey shut up.”

“You’ll love the weather, the sea is beautiful, YOU’LL HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE THEY SAID!”

“I said shut the hells up!” the lone female guard bangs on the cell door.

This damn cell, not tall enough to stand, not wide enough to lay down, I’m half tempted to eat the rats that scurry in and out of the small holes lining the corners. The glyph carved into the floor keeps me from using any magic.

A small hole in the center of the door opens up.

“Eat you annoying bitch.” she passes a bit of meat wrapped in bread, it’s probably rat.

Before I can grab it the guard grabs my arm and pulls it through the hole, I feel the sharp cut of an iron dagger.

I bite my lip, this isn't the first time she’s done this, always cutting in the same spot to hide her doings. The scars from this place will never fade.

I ask over the sound of her sucking on my arm, “You know I should mention this to your master, how would he feel about you stealing bits of his meal? He’s being so careful to keep me from death of too much blood loss. Rather considerate for a monster, of course it’s only out of selfishness."

She stops to take a breath, “Shut up”

“You defy him now little guard woman, but I bet at a single word, you’d suck his dick on command.”

“I said shut up before I slit your throat!” she yanks my arm, slamming me against the door.

I wince, “But we’re having such a charming dialog. Tell me how do I taste, like a cat, like anything else, or is a witch’s blood really that special?”

“Like shit!” she slams the meal into my outstretched hand and I quickly withdraw it into my cell.

“Come on, you’re just being mean now. How rude to say your master’s favorite food is shit.”

A second voice, the deep drawl of a man, “Actually, I’ve never had the pleasure of tasting shit.”

There is only a slight gasp before I hear the sound of something heavy hitting the floor, a pool of black blood slips under my door. The rats begin to lick at the fresh puddle.

“Um my cell is going to smell after this, you don't want me to stink do you?”

My door opens for the first time in several days, the light from the torches feels blinding. I didn’t mind the dark really, it helped hide my situation.

The man in a fancy black suit looks down at me from the stone hallway, his red eyes examine my every inch. Despite his white hair and slightly aged look he is rather handsome. Hells, am I becoming attracted to this monster? I’d have taken care of my urges if I wasn't concerned the smell would attract more rats.

He has his attendant girl pick me up, she’s quite plain looking. I’m sure that she, just like the now headless guard, would tear into me the moment the master’s back was turned.

He reels his head back a bit, “Yes, you are indeed in need of a bath, and it seems my treat for today has been spoiled. Clean her up, and chain her to the throne like a pet until you finish washing this cell. And kill the damn rats, I don't want my meal contracting plague.”

He turns to walk away but in that instant I touch the blood dripping from my arm and turn it into a red crystal needle piercing into the maid’s eye and out the back of her head.

He looks at me as if the whole thing was amusing. I wipe the remaining blood from my arm.

“I can wash myself thanks, and if it’s all the same to you I’ll be taking her room.” I point to the still twitching creature on the floor, it slowly turns to a pile of ash.

He smiles, “I don’t mind, but you get her job as well. Try to get along with the other staff, little black kitty.”

“No promises.”

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Frozen Stick

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“Ulfa, how long does it take to fetch one woman? Maugy better move his tail, you both have much to do in the morning.”

I look at Freki sitting on her wooden throne, impatiently bouncing her snow white legs, “I’m sure my darling is simply doing his utmost to avoid detection within the palace.”

Another hour passes before the goddess suddenly checks her own appearance, even going so far as to adjust her breasts in her leather, corset like armor.

She grins at me, “Do think my toy is old enough to appreciate these yet? Anyway, Maugy will arrive shortly prepare some fog, I bet he’ll do something fun to that ice hearted bitch.”

As I create a large bog I can’t help but pity Nox a little. On the other hand, the mistress has been a great deal more cheerful ever since his soul arrived.

The ravens swoop from our stump over to a small clearing within the fog. Maug in his warg form appears as a wisp of black cloud rising from the forest floor.

His paw is on the back of an unconscious woman, he cracks an evil grin in my direction before backing out of sight into the bog behind her.

She begins to stir, her shoulder length grey hair falls messily as she unsteadily stands up. Her grey, fur lined robes haphazardly worn, they almost slip off as she nervously attempts to pull herself together.

She’s a fine woman appearing to be no more than thirty, fear apparent in her cold blue eyes as she tries to figure out where she is. No doubt she only remembers falling asleep in her own bed.

Suddenly she yelps, “KYAaa!”

Clutching her rear she quickly turns around to find Maugy cackling with a small branch in his mouth.

The fog bellows away as Freki laughs on her throne, seated sideways with her legs kicking over the armrest she manages to catch her breath.

“I’m so glad Maugy was able to get that stick out your ass Hildy.” She breaks back into laughter.

Trying not to laugh myself, I bring forth a small stool I prepared before hand along with a cup of tea.

Handing the cup to the woman, “Please, take a seat Madam Winter.”

The Winter Elder Hyndla, nervously accepts and sits before Freki. An awkward mix of fear and hatred begins to cloud her face.

She straightens her robe as she sits on the stool that one could only think was meant for a small child. Her silver furred ears are on full alert and she takes care not to allow anymore dirt onto her carefully groomed grey tail.

Hyndla eyes Maug with a scowl as he walks past her, he makes a slight feint towards her with a growl but she doesn’t flinch.

He walks over and takes a seat beside our mistress, I stand off to the side as a servant would.

Frowning towards our goddess, “To what do I owe the displeasure of being dragged out of my bed to meet you monsters?”

This impudent bitch!

Maug growls but Freki pets him, “Maugy dear, the stick didn’t do the trick did you by chance smell a dead animal up her ass?”

He cackles, “I assume that is what the stick was for.”

Hyndla angrily shouts, “Speak your purpose you mongrels! I’ve no doubt this has something to do with that bit of trash the fox witch gave birth to. I refuse to acknowledge such a cursed thing as my grandchild.”

Freki sits up in her chair, a black chain forms from the mist and hooks to a black collar materializing around Hyndla’s neck. With a tug, she’s forced to her knees in the dirt as the stool and tea cup fade into the surrounding fog.

The goddess walks over to the elder and places her boot on Hyndla’s pridefully brushed tail, pulling the chain tight.

With an eerily bright smile, “Oh Hildy darling, I know you’re smart. Surely you are aware of the truth of your tribe’s history, so how about he have a nice chat about the future. I promise it won't ….no, it might hurt little… okay, a lot, but I’m sure we’ll be the best of friends once this is all sorted out!”

The childlike giggle of Freki echoes in the hollow.

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Back in the mortal plane of terra.

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Far to the North West, at the edge of a village buried in snow, a girl hides behind a tree. She bites her lip so hard she draws a small bit of blood, praying to all the gods her breath doesn’t make a sound. Her dress is burned at the sleeves, small red stains can be found on her boots. She has clamped shut her eyes, and covered her ears. Despite all this, the sounds and images of this night will haunt her forever.

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