A/n the long overdue ch13, have at it!

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Chapter 13

The brown feathered, bird woman wakes to an unfamiliar night sky. No moon, strange stars, nothing blocking her view of the vast display.

The sound of a splash and a sinking feeling forces her to realize that she is floating in inky dark water.

She attempts to stand up but can only flounder and begin to panic as she finds nothing under her feet.

The water getting in her mouth is salty, it burns her nose and eyes.

She isn't aware that the more she flaps her winged arms in panic, the faster she loses any air in her feathers, making her struggle to stay afloat that much more dire.

Suddenly the sound of sloshing water nearby.

She freezes in fear just in time to feel the full force of the wake of something incredibly large having past her.

Making as small of movements as she dares to barely keep her head above the water, she waits for what must feel like eternity for something to happen.

The only sound to come is the pounding of her heart in her chest, beating in pure terror causing her blood to rush.

As the exhaustion begins to take hold she screams out in desperation.

“Is anyone out there? Some one save me!.....Hello?”

Nothing, silence, her movements slow further as she almost resigns to her fate.

The water smooths out like glass, the strange stars begin to reflect on the surface like a mirror.

Now she sees it, the large black shadow in the sea of stars, slowly circling around her.

With each rotation the doom creeps closer, but just staying above water is becoming impossible.

The sound of the shadow diving is the last thing she hears as she too slips below the starlit surface.

Looking above her in longing wishing the light from the sky wasn’t quickly losing to the pitch black.

Her last hope fades with the light, as her air is all but used up a voice enters her mind.

“Was it worth it? What was the goal? Whose stupid idea was it anyway?”

She feels movement in the water as she sees the shadow pass above her.

It moves in now, the current it creates wraps her like a blanket on her death bed.

Slamming her eyes shut ready for the end, she waits.

A push against her leg, she jerks her eyes open in response.

It’s a cat… a small golden cat with blue tipped ears.

She is standing on white stone floor but she can still hear the sound of water.

The cat wanders off; her eyes follow it in utter confusion as she slowly takes in her surroundings.

It’s the castle throne room!

“Ahem” the sound comes from the platform over the central font.

A hooded figure stands above her, he seems to dare not sit upon the wolf’s head throne. The other two seats are missing.

He does however, play with the giant black axe that can always be found at the Fenrir’s side.

The assassin woman takes a knee and waits for him to address her once more.

The hooded man steps forward to the edge and removes his hood. He's an older man with short feathery black hair.

“We’ve won but you failed in your task. The Alpha pups yet live and will no doubt return to avenge their father.”

Jumping from the platform, he lands beside her.

She falls to her side in fear. He stands, towering over her.

He slowly lowers the edge of the axe against the side of her leg, she can already feel the blood begin to trickle.

Through tears she cries “I swear Lord Miklos there was no way of knowing how capable the pups were.”

The axe sinks deeper into her calf, she passes out, the scene fades.

I exit the dream.

“A bit soft for an assassin isn't she?” I ask mother.

“Quite ...good job by the way.” she seems distracted in deep thought.

Ulfa unties the rope I had asked her to wrap around the woman’s right calf and tosses it to the floor.

Then turning to me she asks, “How did you place her in the ocean, you’ve never seen more than a river let alone a shark.”

Huh, “Is that what the shadow was called? I was using bits from one of my own dreams.”

Ulfa too, looks away in contemplation, “The mistress might not be happy to hear this.”

Mora steps forward with a look of worry, she being the only one who was unable to see what happened in the assassin's nightmare.

“Is something wrong?” she is looking from me to Mother and Ulfa.

Akane speaks up, a slight quiver to her voice, “Was doing it that way really necessary? I feel like we didn't get anything more than the man’s name at the end. Not to mention that awful beginning, you called it the ocean? I’m never going near that place.”

I chuckle a little although I'm not sure why, Ulfa just nods in response.

Mother turns to Akane, “While I’m surprised Nox performed this rather professionally, he did indeed use a rather extreme yet effective method. Also, there was quite a bit in there that was useful.”

Ulfa chimes in, “Right? I was expecting a naked torture scene or something incredibly vulgar.”

Sparing Ulfa a scowl, “The throne room scene is where I let the woman fill in the blanks. I can't take much from this past the obvious name of the man. The rest is for mother to mull over.”

While nodding, Mother steps forward and takes Akane’s shoulders, “Dear, never underestimate the power of fear,” looking over to me, “but don't get carried away with it as well.”

Mora suddenly fakes a yawn and takes me by the arm while blushing, “Since were done shall we head back to bed? Our room is perfectly fine in comparison to the other two’s.”

With an approving dismissal from mother I make to leave with Mora and Ulfa. Akane looks to be in complete outrage over Mora.

Hevel is nowhere in sight within his office as we pass through.

Ulfa pokes Mora’s side who jumps and lets go of my arm, the red is still visible in her face.

The wargress laughs, “Nice read on the mood back there little missy, and awful bold by the way.”

While staring at her hands playing with her fingers, Mora stammers, “I just thought things were serious enough for one night.”

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Breakfast has been something unpleasant so far here in Yoden so today I decide to change things up a bit.

I let Mora take my seat at the head table between Akane and the twins. Walt seats himself at the far end in hopes of having a quiet meal for once in which he isn’t pestered.

While initially Akane was incredibly upset, it only took a moment of encouraging her to get to know the new girl who will probably be stuck by my side for life. Monty the carbuncle trying to steal her breakfast helped me get away.

I myself am headed over to the Nico tribe’s table. It’s a small table with only a few blonde nobles seated along it. One man, with a rather unkempt tail that would otherwise match Lupa’s perfectly, is being particularly boisterous this morning.

He is seated at the end of the table closest to the head table of my family. This must be Lupa’s father.

A woman I recognize as Lupa’s mother is seated across from him, her breasts seriously must be the largest in this room save for maybe Queen Emese… I bet she can't even fly with those testaments of glory.

Like if I was to line up these two with mot...ya know, never before have I felt so threatened in my life as I do right now by the spoon mother is playing with while looking at me as if fascinated.

As I turn away I feel a slight thud against my back. Looking back I spot Ulfa dutifully handing mother a new spoon and the entire hall acting as if they saw nothing.

Ulfa quickly exits a side door leading to the kitchens and there is no way everyone cannot hear her laughing.

Anyway… back to the moment.

I’m slightly embarrassed I can't remember Lupa ever mentioning her parent’s actual names. I’ll just skirt around the issue. This would be easier if Lupa and I actually spent more time together aside from training and fooling around.

The man saves me from any awkward hesitation however as I approach the table.

With what looks like a mug of mead sloshing in his hands already this morning he hails me over, “Young Alpha! Get your fuzzy black ass over here! OUCH! Lighten up bitch he’s screwing our daughter already, no need to kiss his ass!”

The man has his hair roughly laid back and his strong facial features would be rather handsome if not for the bit of stubble and the stench of alcohol coming from him.

The woman across from him looks ready to remove his head where he sits… I won’t stop her. As for his implications of me and Lupa, I’ll just leave that subject alone.

Walking up I arch an eyebrow at the poncy looking man seated next to Lupa’s father, the wimp quickly slides down to make room.

The woman cracks a grin at my action before speaking, “It’s nice to finally speak with you Lord Nox.”

Waving my hand, “Never mind the lord business, we are likely to be family someday and you’ve never used it before, it feels odd to hear it now.”

Grinning once more she continues, “Oh but that wouldn’t do in the middle of the castle dining hall, respect is the mortar that holds this city together.”

The father burst out in laughter, “Lest we forget the Reaper’s Axe!”

Sparing a glance to the Fenrir, even now while eating his porridge and eggs, the giant black axe is at his side.

The mother kicks him under the table invoking a rolling of eyes and the father sourly returning to his meal.

She turns back to me, “Mortar is applied with tools.”

I hear the man mutter, “Like you’ve ever touched a tool aside from the one between my legs. AH knock it off Kira!”

“Just shut up Ivan, you worthless trash.”

He is vigorously rubbing his shin.

Interrupting this lovely couple I ask, “Where is Lupa? I’ve not seen her since the night we arrived.”

The mother, Kira replies, “She is currently in study of how to manage the family business and holdings. She is not permitted to leave the manor for a while.”

Ivan taps my side with his elbow, “While she's busy with that you have some free time meet more girls! Like them kitties of Phix. I hope you’ve gotten to spend some quality time with them, especially Ailu, she seems feisty, and her color matches you.”

Lupa’s mother now looks particularly unhappy yet remains oddly silent.

He spares a smirk for his wife before looking to me for response.

Carefully picking my words here, I feel a lot of weight is riding on this conversation now.

Faking a friendly smile, I’m sure Kira sees through it having known me, “I haven’t actually had any time for that yet, I’m not even sure where I can find them.”

Kira is looking at me as if reserving judgment, still not interrupting.

Ivan hardly pays my horrible expression mind, or anything really aside from his drink, “Oh I’m sure they are around here somewhere. Phixy boy won't be leaving the city before the festival.”

Wait, “Festival?”

Ivan laughs, “Ha, no one gave you the details of next week yet Little Black Pup?”

My ear twitches, a red spark flits in my tail, and I see the grin return to Kira’s face.

I should receive some type of reward for my patience as I wait for Ivan to continue.

Kira begins first, likely to save her husband's fur from being burned away by me, “As you were told on our way to the capitol you will be fighting alongside your brother in the amphitheater next week. Along with that, the whole week is a festival held every year to welcome the youth of the noble families and promote trade from the nearby regions.”

Ivan pounds his mug down on the table, “It’s a battle for trade supremacy!”

Kira clicks her tongue, “What dip shit here means is that several events are staged during this week to give merchants and craftsmen a chance to declare themselves as the leads of their respective industries for the next year. It is quite the spectacle and one which Lupa will be participating in as well. Our family owns shops specializing in items ranging from combat accessories, healer’s staffs, clothing, to even home furnishings.”

Ivan takes a fresh mug from a castle maid and slaps her ass as she passes him.

Ignoring Kira’s scowl he adds in, “We won’t let the damned weasels control all the markets. Of course this wouldn’t be an issue if we could get to the resources in our tribe’s homeland. Pup, you wouldn’t believe the pearls found even just laying on the beaches.”

I’m beginning to care less and less about anything this ass has to say.

Turning back to Kira, “Well regardless I hope to be able to spend some time with Lupa before I am to be sent to your precious homeland.”

Ivan stops his idiocy for a moment to nod at Kira; he then scratches his chin in thought before continuing to drink.

She seems to hesitate, “Of course… if you really feel that way then it shouldn’t be too large an issue to let her have some extra free time.”

Saying, “I’d appreciate that.” I get up to return to the head table.

Ivan had nothing more to say as I left.

I do however catch Kira, “Husband dear, if you could clear up some time in your pathetic cock’s schedule, the sooner I’m pregnant and back in the den the better.”

I swear Ivan’s response was, “Its free now, bend over.”

Possibly not the best role model…

I lift Mora up by the hand and take my seat, then I gracefully guide her to my lap and share her meal.

Mora is bright red, Akane can’t help but ask, “What is the meaning of this behavior brother dear.”

I focus on eating and whisper to her, “just putting on a slight show sister.”

She leaves me alone with that.

Ivan had a couple interesting things to say considering the rumors father mentioned. As well I can't help but find Kira’s actions at points rather contradictory.

Down the table I spot mother smiling at me before whispering to the Fenrir. While I can only guess what she told him, father gives me an approving nod.

After a moment, my self control gives way and I signal Ulfa over, she had just reentered.

Leaning over my armrest, “Hey can you write up a schedule for my penis?”

Not missing a beat she responds, “I’ll delegate that to Mora, I’m sure she’ll fill it out completely.”

Even Mora’s horns turn a shade of red. Akane kicks me under the table.

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The morning’s training turned into Mora and Ulfa’s revenge for the little joke at breakfast.

At least I thought it was a little joke, had I known it would result in an endless beating in two verses one training I would have kept my mouth shut…..

No I wouldn’t have.

Anyway, we’re now headed back up to the room to get a change of clothes before lunch.

Leading the way I open my door to find a pleasant surprise of Lupa inspecting my new chair.

I call out to her, “Your parents sure were quick about it huh?”

She turns to me with a smile, “Yes, I’m so glad you got them to let me leave that prison of a house….”

The smile fades as she sees Ulfa step up behind me, “Get out of the damn doorway pup I want to hurry. Oh, hello...Lupi?

Lupa sits at the bed with a scowl, “LupA, and hello Miss Ulfa.”

From out in the hall, “Um Lord Nox, we really should hurry if we don't want to be late to lunch.”

Right, no time to waste with pointless awkward moments, “You’ll join us for a bath since you’re here. We finally have one just between us and Walt.”

Lupa does seem slightly happy to hear that as she hops up with a bounce, “fine we’ll save the other introduction for when we get in.”

………..

Once we get in the bath tower Lupa pauses at the sight of the other two women undressing as well.

“Has this already become an everyday thing?” she looks ready to strangle me if I say yes.

Mora stutters a response, “T,this is my second time in here, it is quite nice don't you think.”

Lupa obviously didn’t get the answer she wanted, “So what was your name and what is your relation to my mate?”

Bowing immediately, Mora declares, “I am Morana Zmaj, apprentice Valkyrie to the goddess Freki and eventual wife of Lord Nox.”

She’s standing tall but completely red in the face as she realized she dropped her towel mid-sentence.

It’s at this moment I get a perfect comparison between Lupa’s massive breasts compared to Mora’s. Honestly here, Mora’s are much, much smaller and yet I might prefer them...ouch.

Ulfa smacked the side of my head, “Sit down already remember were in a hurry!”

Once again Lupa speaks up noticing Ulfa begin to soap up my hair, “Have you been doing this since you joined us?”

As if to say it's obvious, “Of course, it’s my duty as his attendant to ensure he looks his best and doesn’t embarrass himself and there for our goddess as well. Before I leave his side I will train Miss Mora here to do the same.”

Lupa cuts in grabbing the washcloth from Ulfa, “Allow me to do it this time then, I’m not at all pleased with this situation.”

I think I noticed, she’s ruining the peaceful sanctuary of my bath time.

Ulfa clicks her tongue, “Very well, do remember to mind the sparks, wouldn’t want you all frizzy before court.”

With a haughty laugh, “He wouldn’t dare-”

Think again! I loose a slight discharge. I normally do this anyway in the bath now, just so my tail does not attract so much attention.

“Ouch! You ass, what was that about?” yup she's right angry now, but so am I.

I rinse off and hop in the pool for a moment; I know we’re about out of time.

“You dared me, in any case hurry and join me. I’ll apologize once you’re in here.”

While half pouting, half fuming, she cleans up and gets in. After swimming to my side she allows me to pull her onto my lap.

I hold her close and rest my chin on her shoulder, giving her neck a slight nibble and a lick.

I whisper into her ear now that she’s cooled off, “Just as much as you think me yours, you are mine twice fold. I’m not happy at all about your parents locking you away at home. When I leave this city for the south I’m taking you with me and I’ll fry your drunkard father in full view of the court if they object.”

She wiggles in closer in attempt to make as much contact as possible in the water, “You better keep that promise.”

Out of the corner of my eye I can see Ulfa flick Mora who was sneaking glances over at us while once more turning red.

Lupa completely forgot we aren’t alone. She won't look up from the floor once we get out when the other two girls are finished bathing.

Given how enthusiastically she was having her way with me for the last little while I understand her embarrassment.

Not helping the situation, Mora approaches Lupa and takes her hand in both of hers, “Please teach me everything you know!”

Her whip like tail is standing completely upright and wagging while she wiggles her butt where she stands.

At a slight loss for words, Lupa responds, “Just approach him like that and he’ll do all the work.”

Oops, guess she noticed where I was looking.

Interestingly I now realize why all Mora’s boots have heels, she has a rather dangerous looking, small, black talon on the back of her foot to match the three in front.

…………..

The dining hall is packed once more, this time Lupa sits at my side while Mora is being instructed by Ulfa.

My mind is wandering about as it pleases, Ulfa, Lupa, Mora, Asta, doesn’t really say much for our culture’s naming sense. Although I guess Mora’s full name is Morana so it doesn't count.

“Ahem”

Oh it’s Lupa’s father, Ivan.

“So young lord, I’m happy to see my daughter was able to meet with you today.” gods he has the most disgusting grin on his face, does he want a reward or something? His name on a trophy?

Not really in the mood, “Yes thank you, today's boar is delicious, you should go eat yours.”

If only I could simply say piss off.

He persists however, “Yes the castle cooks are marvelous. Now I know it is a bit early to question marriage but you do intend to marry my Lupa here yes? I will quite look forward to our families future.”

Before I can really make an ass of myself Ulfa steps up beside me, “Archduke Ivan, I feel compelled to inform you that as the Champion of the Goddess Freki, the young Lord Alpha Nox is duty bound to make every attempt at restoring the faded bloodline of the goddess and must therefore attain as many wives or mates as possible. Showing any particular level of favoritism based on the mate’s family or politics may harm the success of that divine mission.”

I am? It does? Since when?!

While I’m lost in a slight stupor along with Ivan, Lupa looks like she already figured as much and Mother is hiding her laughter behind her hand.

At this time Father laughs, “Well this seems as good of time as any. Asta, Sassa, front and center.”

Ivan returns to his table.

The twins gracefully get up in an almost practiced looking way and move around the table to stand before the Fenrir.

Father scratches his beard, “Despite what you have been playing at in the den, your mother, grandmother, and I have come to an agreement that only one of you will be allowed to marry Walther, the other will go to Nox. You must decide which of you will go to whom before the two pups leave next week for the war front.”

Walt immediately stands with a low growl, clearly in outrage. However with a look from Sassa he sits back down, ever silent once more.

I am also not allowed to voice an objection by Ulfa firmly squeezing my shoulder.

She whispers, “You did just hear me about your duty, did you not?”

Sassa speaks up, “The decision is simple Lord Alpha. Asta will go to Nox; I will remain at Walther’s side.”

Father sits back in his throne, “Do you agree with your sister, Asta?”

Asta sighs, “Always, Uncle Fenrir.”

The Lord Fenrir looks to Walt and I, “This acceptable to you two?”

My ear flicks, “As long as the girls are accepting then I cannot say otherwise.”

Walt simply nods before getting up and leaving the hall. Sassa bows to father and chases after him.

Asta likewise bows but instead comes up and takes a seat next to Lupa.

She speaks only loud enough so that we can hear her, “Looks like you get more than just a tease from now on Fuzzy.”

Lupa in a rare showing of concern, “Are you sure you’re alright with this?”

Asta chuckles, “It’s not like I have a choice. Besides, Sassa is completely devoted to Walty while I will admit I’ve had a small flame for Fuzzy for quite a while.”

After a pause, “Best guard that alpha mate position carefully Miss Stick, or I’ll take it right from under you.” Asta says so with a quick wink to me.

Freki...you’re doing this to torture me aren’t you.

I ask Lupa, “I get that you might be upset at this as well now so is there anything I can do that would cheer you up?”

Lupa glares at me, now having completely lost her place as the only female at my side, “The festival fight, win in a way that makes me the envy of every female in Yoden, no, the entire middle continent.”

“Ha! Was already planning on it. Ulfa, Mora, back to training.”

With that I get up and leave the same way as Walt.

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We trained every day leading up to the day before the opening day of the festival. Walther still has said nothing to me since losing Asta.

Asta herself has joined in training as well along with Sassa. It turns out the females fight separately before the males. Asta, Sassa, and Akane will all be in the same fight.

Lupa’s tribe does not participate. There is a risk of death in this final ritual for the new pups. As the primary tribe responsible for the city’s guard they dare not risk their numbers.

This morning Patra met with us after breakfast and told us to come with her to the crafting district.

On the way the way she is introduced to Mora for the first time and learns about Asta.

Patra is ecstatic to meet a Valkyrie, “You absolutely must let me see your armor soon, and I heard every Valkyrie is bestowed a new personal weapon upon leaving the Bastion to serve a pantheon!”

Mora seems excited, “Oh yes my Ledenica, she’s a beautiful spear. I’ll definitely let you see her sometime.”

Asta is bouncing her crossed legs looking out the window; she wasn’t with us last time we went to the crafting district.

She’s changed her white hair finally, as if no longer intending to be the mirror of her sister. While on one side it still has a sharp, layered, bob cut, the other has been trimmed nearly completely off. She still has the slender long braid in the back, the look is quite appealing to me actually.

Patra catching me staring, “Fuzzy doesn’t seem at all disappointed with being gifted Asta.”

Asta finally turns and actually looks at me with smile, “I should hope so, I make a fantastic present if I do say so myself.”

I have to ask, “You’re really not upset over all this?”

She sighs, “really enough of that, I like Walty, I really do, he's charming, handsome, strong, all that shit… but if you're asking me if I loved him then not really any more than I love clothes. Nox here on the other hand has genuinely had my interest and this is a great opportunity to finally break free of my sister and chase after what I want for myself. It’s practically my grandmother telling me Go! You’re Free!” she looks back out the window, “It's all quite refreshing.”

Patra seems in full support, “Well I’ll be happy to make you some new outfits, although I will admit I had been hoping to make a couple matching sets for you twins at some point.”

Asta Laughs, “I won’t stop you, it’s not as if I’m running away from home or something.”

Mora on the other hand seems frustrated, “Now what number will I be?!”

As Ulfa chuckles with Patra the carriage stops.

We get out in front of an immaculate new open workshop with attached store. Everything is built with large, white granite bricks. The forge, the anvil stand, the shop walls are all a clean white.

Above the store is two floors, one should be storage while the other must be Patra’s living space or Akane’s future getaway.

In the area in front of the workshop connected to the side of the store is a fountain that looks like a small pond with strange leafy plants. Above the storefront hangs a sign. Patra Announces before I can read it.

“Welcome to Patra’s Oasis!” she giggles, “Mother hates the name, but Aka loves it!”

She grabs my hand and quickly leads me inside the store, “Over here are a few ideas for your new weapon I’ve been playing with.”

There are extravagant looking ...things lined up in a rack each already with a price tag on them.

She explains, “I’ve been both working on your stuff while creating stock to open the store tomorrow after the fight. I should get fantastic business as the smith of the royal pups. You’ll no doubt make quite a show tomorrow. Now tell me which ones you like most and I'll work from there.”

There are already over ten made, some spears, some glaives, a couple tridents, and one bident. I move to the ones I have no idea what to call.

Patra chimes in, “Those are halberds technically I suppose. Oh, and the last is a dual sword!”

The last item is indeed two sleek swords joined in the middle with a long hilt. This thing is a little out of my area of expertise. I look back to the halberds.

The axe blades on them range from ornate to an almost barbarian look with ragged edges, each also has a spear tip of different design. I’m reminded of the giant, black axe at my father's side.

I look at the bident, this is probably the most useful in terms of channeling my lightning accurately.

I say to Patra, “Hey, can you combine the halberd and the bident?”

She looks excited, “Of course, that would be perfect! Make sure you win tomorrow, I want my shop to have the biggest and best showing in the festival.”

Asta steps forward and whispers in my ear, “Prove to my parents and sister they just handed me the better man and I’ll show you I’m a better trophy than any of these toys.”

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A/n thanks for your patience, i really hope to have these back to rolling out once a week. i'll be working on 14 this weekend as i've already started typing the postable ruff. ill try to put a lot more work in the info page and more editing this next week. just in case anyone didnt realize, even durring the long breaks i do read every comment and check every day. hopefuly this story starts moving back up in the rankings, its always motivating to see. and thanks to all the support. some have guessed at where the plot is going, the biggest hints are if you can figure out the origins of the characters names and the stories related to them.

please pm any editing you think the chapter needs, imma work on it tomorro morning and i always appreciate help.