A/n heres the ruff!

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Ch.19 Roadtrip!!!! jk

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As we slowly plod along the road I’m finding plenty of time to think. Mora has been ignoring me and Walt… well, is Walt.

Camping out was fine, at least we had that tree line near the road to provide some cover.

Mostly all we've seen is farmland on these rolling hills which the large river snakes its way through.

I have plenty of time to just look around, my horse is basically just following Walt’s, and being military trained horses, nothing should scare them off the road.

The small crop fields have been long since harvested, what remains are hill after hill of wild flowers growing in the fertile soil. I wonder if Mora likes the scenery?

I look back, she's carefully polishing her shield… guess she isn’t a flower loving type.

It’s a small buckler of a shield, it is a blue tinted metal in a diamond shape that fits lengthwise along her forearm with a bit of chainmail lining the whole thing. It matches her armor at any rate.

A low rumbling noise echoes through the hills, I can feel the fur on my ears reacting excitedly.

I call forward to Walt, “A storm is heading our way.”

He shrugs before finally speaking, “Make it go around us.”

Can I do that?

An hour or so later the storm arrives and after sending a bit of my own cloud into it I do indeed get some measure of control, at least enough to make it part directly above us. Should we pass someone else along the way this would certainly attract attention.

Walt calls back, “Didn’t seem too difficult.”

“Not really,” As long as he’s feeling chatty, “Say, when and how did you learn how to turn into a wolf?”

He scratches his head while continuing to watch the road ahead, “Olga taught me, their bloodline is the same one from which I inherited mine.”

Oh so he was also training with those siblings, “And the full metal form?”

“Igor, he also can create any weapon from his own fur.”

I’m a bit jealous of that ability, “I assume the ice arrows were taught to you by Sassa?”

Walt nods but doesn’t speak.

Mora however does, without looking away from her work, “It wasn’t a bad display Walther, but I can tell ice isn’t your strongest trait. Instead, the wind you utilized to propel them as well as yourself later on was quite powerful for your age.”

He looks back and bows on his mount, “Thank you Miss Morana, Brother has his storm clouds, Akane has her fiery spirit, I have my speed. Um...If you don’t mind my asking, are you two fighting or something? I like the peace and quiet, but it is incredibly unsettling to have brother been so silent lately.”

She finally puts down the shield and casts a mean look my way before giving a sigh and looking at Walt, “It is entirely one sided on my part unfortunately. I forget, quite often it seems, how you beasts age.”

Mora looks at me, “There is no way someone barely older than two years could understand much more than what their instincts tell them.”

I might take offence there, “I’m not an idiot Mora.”

She laughs, “I’m aware, but I find it hard to believe when you pounce at every female that lifts their tail. While I’ve already been admonished by Ulfa for this since you have been tasked with refreshing your bloodline or whatever you beasts care about.”

I don't think I’m like that at all.

Mora finishes, “That doesn’t change that I don’t like to be ignored.”

Walt looks forward pretending to examine something in the distance, clearly sorry he even asked.

I think the ignoring part is what she’s really mad about, she herself is the child of a dragon who collected women.

Regardless, bringing that up won't help, so all I say is, “I’m sorry Mora.”

She raises an eyebrow as if she expected more, “Fine, I’ll just try to get over it this time, you’re only two years old anyway. I’ll just have to raise you to be a better partner; we’re stuck together for life after all whether we hate each other or... become mates.”

I could barely hear the last part, but I think I’m in the clear or least almost.

This is certainly better than when Lupa doesn’t even tell me what's bothering her for several days if not an entire month.

The storm passes and the day rolls by like the hills with nothing more happening outside of the occasional passing traveler or jumping fish.

As night begins to fall another storm can be heard in the distance, the small wagon is barely big enough for one person to sleep in. Last night Mora used it while Walt and I slept outside.

Tonight, in light of the rain, I set up a tent.

After eating the rabbits Walt caught, Mora moves towards the wagon.

I catch her arm and scoop her up, I call over to Walt, “You have the cart tonight little brother.”

Once in the tent I set down a rather angry looking Mora. While she stands there I remove my armor.

She spreads her feathery grey wings behind her in a bit of a display, “I’m not sure what you thought would happen but I have no intention of becoming your playmate for tonight.”

I scratch my ear, “No but I don’t like seeing you upset, even more so that it is my fault apparently. So I will say this, if you wish to be the one at my side, then be at my side and do not yield it to another.”

She places her hands at her hips and leans forward, “What exactly are you saying.”

I sit down cross legged, I don’t warn this to come across as an argument, “I’m saying of the two options you mentioned earlier, I’d be very happy if you did become my mate.”

How couldn’t I be, she’s stunningly gorgeous, even in the heat of fighting against her I have difficulty containing my excitement. She’s smart, loyal, and on plenty of occasions has brought a smile to my face despite my usually gruff demeanor. In fact, her displaying any measure of jealousy over me makes me quite happy.

As always her grey complexion easily gives away her embarrassment by way of a red flush.

Her tail slightly wags and her wings close as she sits on her knees in front of me.

She looks away and speaks, “I think I understand, would it be you are suggesting that I go ahead and try to take the position of your first wife?”

Might as well right? “I insist that you do and it would be my great pleasure if you did.”

She slides closer to me, “Say it better, and know you can never take back what you say next.”

You just had to put as much pressure on it as possible didn’t you?

I pull her in close against me, “Morana Zmaj, upon our return to Yoden, please marry me.”

She suddenly has a rather goofy smile on her blue lips despite her bright red face and gives a rather awkward giggle.

Mora bites her thumb finger nail then looks at me.

She strips down and tackles me to the ground, “No, and I will not be your plaything tonight either, or on the rest of this trip.”

Then why did she just tackle me down while naked?! That’s evil!

She presses up against me and taps my chest, “But I will lay with you, and we can talk about it again once we get back.”

My ear twitches, “When we get back?”

She nods, “Yes, at the point once your head isn’t a mess of dog instincts, if you ask me again I may say yes.”

Another twitch, “You may?”

What kind of answer is this?

She giggles and rests her head against me, “Maybe, now goodnight My Lord.”

As if I can sleep now!

Hours pass.

… She weighs nothing it seems, at some point her wings wrapped around us. Despite the cool feeling coming off her thighs and shoulders, it’s incredibly warm under her wings.

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Waking up this morning I’m unsure of when I actually did finally manage to fall asleep.

Thinking about yesterday I suddenly realize I may have just dumped oil on the fire that is Lupa’s determination to be my first wife. It’s almost so much of a hassle that I don’t want to think about it until the day it actually matters. In fact, I’d wager that I’m forced to marry Iris or Asta first.

I suppose the order doesn’t mean anything to me like it does them. But I don't have time for thoughts like this, not when I smell something cooking for breakfast!

I stumble out of the tent and sit by the campfire where Mora is cooking potatoes and Walt is cutting thin strips of a small wild pig.

Mora looks at me and immediately looks away.

Walt glances up then returns to his work, “Brother, pants.”

I glance down, “huh, why am I naked?”

Mora still keeps her head turned, she looks over towards the road to check for passersby, “Your pants were scratching me last night so I took them off, they’re in the corner of the tent.”

I sit down by the fire and grab some water from a pouch, “Whatever, as long as some critter didn’t run off with them. It’s definitely getting colder these days don’t you think.”

Mora’s face is turning red once more as she tries to continue working whilst I opt not to get dressed. My little revenge for her attitude over the last two days is working.

Walther nods in agreement.

Mora does her best to not look at me while working and talking, “It should warm slightly as we head south, but the first snow will be reaching Yoden during the next moon.”

The small clearing we camped in, just behind the tree line from the road is very charming. The grass is cold, dozens of birds can be heard. A tinge of melting frost can be seen dripping from the tree and bush leaves.

Mora finally drops the spoon into the pot and somewhat shouts, “Would you please go put on your pants!”

A few birds take flight in fright.

I look at her, “But I’m worried I’ll scratch you?”

A bit of frost encases her horns as she glares my way only to immediately avert her gaze again as I stretch my legs as I get up.

Returning to the tent, “Alright, alright, I’ll go get dressed before you make the air any colder and I really do get embarrassed.”

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Another day slowly rolling along the road. At some point the road begins to curve away from the river. The oak trees begin to tower higher and higher as the light of day begins to become nothing more than narrow shafts occasionally peeking through the branches.

I can smell rotting wood, the various bird noises have been replaced with the sounds of frogs.

Looking back to Mora, she is carefully examining a map.

Walt calls from the front, “This should be Karador Woods.”

Is that another random thing he knows from spending everyday looking at maps and ogling Olga?

Mora speaks up, “That would make sense, we’re a day away and this must be the large swamp on the map. We shouldn’t get lost or anything, the road just takes a large curve around the marsh.”

As she said the road is still wide and well maintained, I guess I’ll continue to enjoy the scenery.

Or I would be, but I can hear someone screaming up ahead.

We pick up the pace slightly.

As my horse picks up to canter in keeping up with Walt’s, I look back to check on Mora and spot her taking her covered spear from the weapon rack on the wagon.

She removes the cloth to reveal a black wood haft and spiked pommel, once the head is unveiled I can only compare it to a beast spine.

As she takes it in her hands, ice climbs up the shaft and clings to the spine. The end result is an icy blue spear blade that tightly hugs the animal spine and creates one hell of a pointy stick.

Looking forward, it is only a moment when a couple of overturned carts come into view.

I feel my saddle rock on the horse and feel wind pressure as Mora flies over my head and past Walt.

She almost looks like a real dragon as ice forms massive claws on her hands and legs.

She lands on the opposite side of the carts from our vision and briefly more screams are heard.

The sounds stop as we arrive and Walt calmly hops from his horse, I also don't bother grabbing my spear in assumption that Mora has already finished off whoever was causing issue.

As we walk around the carts, the smell of blood hits us first. Then the sight of an absolute slaughter meets us.

Blood is indeed splattered everywhere, not a clean patch of dirt or wood can be found.

Mora is using a cloth in attempt to remove the blood from her armor.

She is smiling and looks up at us as we approach, “I have to be honest, I feel much better now.”

Despite how charming she may look, she is in sharp contrast to the massacre all about.

What look to be three merchants are lying dead against their carts, goods spilled everywhere. Foods, clothes, cheap accessories. The merchants themselves appear to be human.

The bandits seem to number around five, every one of them looks to have been shredded like paper despite their blackened leather armor. Several of them have been relieved of various limbs which can be found scattered about the scene.

Walt begins picking through the scattered goods and equipment.

Before I can question him he states, “We’ll sell some of this in town, you never know when you may need some extra money, the rations are worth collecting too.”

Opting to leave him to it and instead look for some clue as to the raider’s identity, I examine what's left of them.

It ends up being pointless, all I can figure out is that they’re human and should have been rather well funded bandits considering they all have matching equipment. Not a spot of poor upkeep on their equipment either.

We’ll I suppose I can’t fault them for wanting to look professional in their chosen line of work.

I look back to Mora who is cleaning her still icy spear.

I ask, “So what is its name?”

She smiles, “Her name is Zviera.”

I know that one, it means beast. Well it suits it I guess.

There doesn’t seem to be any benefit to hanging around, the carts were headed towards Yoden. We’ll ask around once we reach town.

As we mount up to leave I notice that the moment Mora sets down Zviera, the ice melts away from the head.

I ask, “Mora, may I see it?”

She pouts, “Her, and yes I suppose it’s fine.”

When Mora picks the spear back up it once more becomes ice. Once she passes it to me however, the ice melts away and I feel as if something is tugging on my hand.

A small trail of sparks crawls from my hand up the haft and begin to arc along the animal spine until forming a steady flux at the tip of the spear. While I’m unsure if this thing would cut anything, I’m sure it would be incredibly painful should I poke someone with it.

Walt rides over and looks at Mora, she nods and says, “Go ahead.”

I pass him the spear, once more the sparks fizzle away and instead the spine shifts into a metal coat. He briefly points it at the nearest bush and it appears as though a strong wind is blowing the leaves, sending many of them flying.

He smiles and hands it back to Mora, it briefly returns to ice and then blank once she sets it down.

Walt compliments it as he rides ahead, “A very interesting weapon Miss Morana.”

She seems all smiles, “My Zviera is amazing.”

The rest of the day proves uneventful. Once we exit the south side of the marsh we see that the sun is beginning to set and make camp.

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Dawn comes, I smile at the heavenly body holding my arm against her chest. I rub my nose as I get up with a sigh.

As we break camp and set out on the road this whole time my thoughts are reflections of last night’s dreams.

Being finally free from Ulfa’s careful watch I decided to once more dive into the rabbit hole of my mind.

Nothing made any sense. One moment I was in a strange dark cathedral full of fog, frantic beams of light and incredibly loud sounds, the next I was on what I can only assume was some sort of iron ship, the scale of which should be impossible.

Another dream had me standing once more on a beach, this one different from previous ones in that several small islands dotted a crystal clear lagoon. From there I suddenly was placed on top of a snow covered mountain with a view of clouds and icy peaks as far as the eye could see.

The next placed me in what I believe was a desert, cheers came from human men all dresses in olive colored clothing. They surrounded me and another man standing in a pit of sand. As the other man advanced and threw a punch the dream faded.

The final dream, well not a dream in a sense. I was back in Freki’s woods. Maug In human form finished the punch the human male started.

He laughed, “Wake up already Fuzzy. I’ll not tell the mistress about this since I got to hit you.”

His annoying cackle was the last thing I heard. I guess that means Freki has my dreams monitored in case I try that sort of thing.

Is it really so bad for me to search for these odd dreams.

I look back to Mora who is lazily enjoying the scenery, “Hey, did Maug bother you in a dream last night?”

She leans forward interested, “No! Did he say something to you about our mission?”

I shake my head, “No he just wanted to play a joke. He punched me in the face and I woke up before I could return the favor.”

Mora sits back while smiling, “I think I like this Maug fellow.”

Hey! My twitching ear gives away my displeasure.

She giggles before looking at me again, “I also think I like the idea of you getting jealous over me. However I am slightly jealous that I can’t freely communicate with Miss Ulfa like you can.”

This brings up a point I never asked, “If you can’t then what exactly is an apprentice Valkyrie anyway?”

With another giggle she looks at me with a raised eyebrow, “You are only now finally asking this?”

I shrug and she continues, “Well as I’m sure Ulfa told you, whether you listened to her or not, we Valkyries are battle maidens. Until you die or I first, my job is to serve as your vanguard in whatever task the goddess charges you with.”

Mora starts playing with her ponytail while seeming to recite something she learned class, “Once you die, I will return to the bastion to aid in training of young girls until a new champion of Freki is born.”

“When I myself die, I will instead ascend to serve in the Goddess Freki’s court. I will then be tasked with guiding the souls of heroes whom worship her, and she deems worthy of receiving her blessing as they travel into the afterlife.”

“Should the time ever come when Freki is challenged by another god, I will serve her in battle against the opposing god’s servants.”

There is a small item she mentioned to which I take issue with, “So you would simply wait and serve the next champion, do you expect our life spans to be so different.”

She giggles and smiles that refreshing smile at me, “I think I could get used to this jealous expression you’re showing right now.”

I roll my eyes as I look forward once more.

As we come around another hill bordering the road against the river, the town of Sigdun finally comes into view.

Similar to the capitol and the fortress in Polatsk, a small castle rests atop an enormous hill overlooking the river.

This one is a menacing dark grey, and the river seems to fork right underneath the fortress.

The hill itself on which the fort sits actually slightly overhangs the river. The town rests under the hill against the river banks and endless grey rooftops can be seen wrapping from under the castle around the side and up the slope to the castle gates.

It’s certainly interesting, I can only wonder that the ground of the large hill does not collapse under the fort and crush the town beneath it.

I call out, “So either of your two learn anything about this odd town?”

Mora shakes her head, “I’ve only noted its location on maps, nothing more.”

Walt speaks from the lead, “I was told that Sigdun is the human capital of the center continent. Its ruler should be the descendant of a human general by the name of Vuk.”

I glance back at Mora who raises an eyebrow, “Well that much should be common knowledge… Nox, do pay attention in your studies, your ignorance is tiresome.”

Whatever, I bet she forgot too.

To Walt I ask, “Was this general so great to warrant being awarded a castle?”

Walt nods, “He was a half breed between human and warg by some dark ritualistic means.”

Can we not mate with humans? I've never even thought of this.

He continues, “General Vuk was renowned and feared for his unnatural strength and ferocity. Some writings claimed he could even breathe blue fire. Despite his wolf like features, he was more commonly compared to a dragonkin.”

Mora sighed, “Stretched tails I’m sure, the current, human, King Vuk is no one grand. He’s a pawn of the human empire and a kiss ass towards Yoden, by your standards Nox.”

We don cloaks as we pull into town, it was already decided this morning that tonight we would simply find an inn for the night and have a nice meal while collecting hearsay and rumors from the other patrons.

On Mora’s suggestion we head towards the docks district under the hill where we are more likely to find a lively establishment friendly towards travelers.

The town streets are paved with stones however humans don’t seem overly keen on maintaining them. Mud seeps through the stones and it appears they simply dump their waste into alleys which leak onto the main roads. The smell is unbearable to our beast race senses.

Fortunately as we reach the port, the smells of the river and draft from around the hill clears out the stink from the upper part of town.

After a couple of inns that service humans only we come to a large establishment where people of several races can be seen enjoying the bar.

The human Innkeeper doesn’t bat an eye towards offering us a modest pair of rooms.

Sitting at a table we order food.

I turn to Walt, “Now Little Brother, I think you should avoid any alcohol.”

He gives me look as if threatening to slam my face into the table for even bringing it up.

I chuckle a little bit, “I don’t expect you to exactly be the social one tonight so I’ll leave keeping a lookout for anyone suspicious to you.”

Walt nods before beginning to inspect the other patrons.

Among the people here I spot a race I haven’t seen yet, tall scaly men with lizard heads. They wear hardly any clothes and their tails are as thick as logs. I notice the barkeep serving them with oversized metal mugs.

Noticing my attention Mora speaks up, “Lizard men of the monster race.”

I ask as the cute waitress with black rabbit ears delivers our drinks, “Not beast race?”

Mora gives a sour look as the waitress gives Walt and I a rather extended look at her rear as she picks up a fork she clearly dropped on purpose.

Clear disdain in Mora’s voice, “No although it’s a thin line, like your charming lepori clansmen there, the beast race tend towards being very similar in looks with humans whilst the monsters are more exotic in appearance, often confused with demons...I’ve told you this before but clearly you’re thinking with a different head at the moment.”

I give Mora a hurt look, “Please Mora, no ass could compare to the perfection of yours! OUCH!”

A nearby weasel tribesman laughs having seen Mora kick my shin under the table with her pointed boots.

Trying not to laugh myself, “Remind me not to compliment you ever again.”

Mora leans back in the booth and whispers into my ear, “Remind me not to sleep in your bed naked again.”

Such a terrible thought, I raise my mug, “To Mora’s endless beauty and wisdom and charm and, um, cooking?”

Surprisingly the nearby other patrons cheer to my toast, welcome to any excuse to down another mug.

Mora turns bright red and lightly flicks my arm, “You damn idiot.”

She hides behind her own mug as she takes a large drink.

After a couple hours of simply having a good time and getting friendly with the locals Walt suddenly kicks my foot lightly under the table.

Before I can ask what’s up I notice the whole bar has gone silent. Walt is looking towards the entrance behind me.

Several armored men are standing in a group speaking to the inn keeper.

After a moment the men enter the bar area and need only look around before walking up to our table.

The man in front with his helmet removed has quite the serious expression.

He addresses me, “One black and one white lycan and some type of winged woman, I’ll ask once, did you arrive today from Yoden by way of the main road?”

So much for keeping a low profile.

Seeing as I doubt there are any other parties in town fitting such a description I can’t really deny his question. Might as well play polite, it’s a little early to stir up trouble.

I nod my head, “That would be one way to describe us I suppose, I’ve never been to Sigdun before however, is there something I can help you with sir?”

He arches his eyebrow, “Well if you are in a cooperative mood then I’ll ask you to accompany us, we are the city guard and we have some questions regarding an attack on some merchants that was discovered on the main road.”

The previously friendly patrons of the inn are now giving us rather hard looks as well.

Not good, “Of course Sir,” I stand up slowly, “We’d be happy to answer any questions you have.”

He gestures to the front door.

I sigh once we’re outside and free from the accusing gazes of the inn.

Next however the lead guard approaches me, “Place your arms out front together please.”

Other guards walk up to us holding chains.

Really, not good!

I look back at the man and follow instructions, “I’m sure there is some sort of misunderstanding, I’m aware of the incident in question and would be happy to provide you any information you need.”

Chains are clasped to my arms and legs, the man smiles, “Well this is just procedure, we like to run a tight ship here in Sigdun. Now please climb up onto the wagon and we’ll work this all out at the guard garrison.”

I don’t like his smile, thinking I better just have us make a break for it I try to fog shift the chains off.

Nothing… I look at the cuffs and see a red glowing rune. I think I may have made a mistake here.

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The wagon ride isn’t a short one, and the bare wooden bench is making my ass sore.

Night has fallen.

Walt stares at me most the way, as if I don’t know this is my fault.

I can only look away and mutter to him, “Shut up Walt.”

Mora is giving me the same stare, I knew this was going to be a fun adventure.

After a while the front gate of the castle comes into sight, so much for the garrison?

We are let off by a side tower and lead down into the castle.

The entire structure is built of large dark stones while some walls look to be carved out of the hill side.

If the entire hill is mostly composed of dense rock than I guess that is how it holds up a fortress.

We are ushered into what can only be described as what I think a dungeon should look like.

They place us in separate cells and leave us chained.

The man takes a last glance and calls out, “Do get along with your fellow inmates.”

Once he's gone I look around and smell what he was talking about. Shoved in a pile in one corner of my cell is a pile of bones from what must be several prisoners. Each skeleton is in some varying form of decay.

The floor of the cell is also cause for concern, a large grate takes the majority of the small space. I can see the lights of the docks district below us.

Nice view at least.

Mora and Walt are looking at me from across the hall in their own cells.

Walt speaks, “You know brother, I’m starting to think that fable of black tails being bad luck could have a bit of truth behind it.”

Mora nods silently.

I can only sit down on the bench and mutter, “I ever tell you that you talk too much Walther?”

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A/n woot ch19, one more chapter and i'll be editing a version of the story so far into a book format to submit for publishing.

from that statement, maybe you guessed that ch20 should be some sort of climax involving the grand plot.

any guesses on how this plays out, and what even is the grand plot?

hint, that interlude section many people skipped is actually super important, but theres been plenty of foreshadowing in every chapter if you can find it.

i'll also note that i kept chapter status updates up on meh twitter