Howling Thunder Ch20: New Beast in Town

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Throwing caution to the wind I slowly shift into a black fog cloud, drifting right through the table and coming to a stop in front of the line of nobles, drink still in hand.

Ulfa and Grandmother Hyndla walk around their ends of the table and join me on either side.

Both look annoyed, Grandma leans over, “tell me you little black rascal, how serious are you right now? Your mother wouldn’t raise a total fool.”

Sneaking a grin I use the fancy cloud whisper magic mother taught me to transmit my voice, “Ah why thank you for the confidence, actually I’ve already chosen the Nico girl who looks as happy to be here as me, any objections?”

She raises an eyebrow at my little trick before passively pretending to examine the lineup while whispering, “Hmmf, that is one of the few girls up here who isn’t a waste of our bloodline...do be mindful of that trash father of hers.”

On with the show.

First up is a well dressed girl with a reddish brown tail so long she’s using it as a scarf, the stoat girl.

I loudly speak back to Ulfa, “Miss Ulfa, please tell me all about the stoat’s recent achievements, hold nothing back.”

Both Ulfa and Hyndla seems surprised but a twisted grin slowly creeps across Ulfa’s face, “The Stoats are weasels to the bone. Riding past success as scouts during the war they have since made their riches in business, whether by trading fine furs with the humans or by knife point in dim back rooms at the throats of small business start ups.”

As a fury builds on the nobleman's face I cut of his words, putting my hand on the girl’s chin, “Tell me dear, what is the exact cost of all the fine silks and jewelry you’re wearing tonight.”

Confusion, panic, lastly anger to match her father’s ,”What on Terra does that matter?!”

Smiling I let her go and step back, “Grandmother your thoughts.”

Hyndla scowls, not even putting the man in her eyes, “A Stoat girl will surely cause endless headaches for the family financial advisors.”

She looks right at the poor girl, “Greed darling, an exorbitant lifestyle will only cause ill rumors and feelings to spread, very unfit for a woman of Yoden.”  

Giving them no more time to speak I step to the next girl. She's tall, almost my height, brown hair hides her ears, and no tail. Rather than looking at me she seems distracted by the front table. Her eyes are brimming with challenging spirit, locked on Akane, she seems to want a fight.

As I admire the practicalness of her outfit that borders on being considered a fur lined leather armor, Ulfa speaks up, “The Ursa Major Tribe, chief tribe of the bear clan, strong warriors who get their starts early, often found bullying other children due to their fast muscle growth.”

The man behind her is actually wearing an aged suit of armor.

He has a prideful look as he Introduces himself, “This one is General Otso, retired, this young lady is my grand niece, Artio.”

Ulfa leans in and whispers, “There is a faint heavenly aura on this girl, she may be a reborn minor goddess. You don’t need to mind her but do not carelessly offend her. Her father and grandfather are captain and general in the war effort to the south.”

Such a thing… why are the gods so determined to spoil my fun, “Miss could you tell me, if a scout of your patrol suddenly returns claiming an enemy patrol of twentyfour men as split evenly into three groups to ambush you, what should you expect, what do you do.”

The sudden call to attention and question startle her and she seems lost in thoughts…

I sigh, “Time is slipping miss bear, your men are about to come under attack.”

She looks back to her great uncle for help causing a quick flicker of disappointment to appear on his face.

Raise my hand to signal stop, “Perhaps becoming a playmate for my sister would do you some good, I expected more from an officer’s daughter.”

I look to grandmother, she also seems disappointed, “The bears grow wise with age, but their young are often too coddled. Dear, a strong woman is admirable but the same could be said for a large rock, too often their intelligence is also comparable.”

However… “Grandmother, strong rocks make solid foundations, perhaps this girl would do well under Walt in the future?”

A hopeful look can be seen in the old man.

Hyndla nods, “Otso, have her attend officer’s training with Walther from time to time.”

Next up is actually the black kitten Miss Ailu, “Miss, I don’t believe becoming a concubine or third wife really suits you does it?”

She smiles teasingly, “Of Course not, being leashed would be a sin against the goddess who blessed these lands with my beauty,  I just didn’t want you to forget about little me.”

Everything about the way her voice purrs to how she stands would entice an average man's vigor.

Ulfa cuts in before I can politely decline, “Dear, do remember where you are and return to your father or someone else’s father already… there are plenty of such rumors.”

A sharp eye can easily catch a few noblemen shifting uncomfortably in their seats, even the fellow down the line standing behind the Nico girl seems to find something on the ceiling incredibly interesting.

Grandmother scowls but says nothing.

Ailu smiles yet if her eyes could murder, Ulfa would be in trouble. She slowly turns and walks in away in a manner which forces your eyes to drift towards her hips.

Next is a very gorgeous girl with sharp features...and a snake tail instead of feet?

I look back at Ulfa for explanation, she sighs, “Lamia are a denizen of the monster race… highly secretive actually, they somehow escape even the mistress’ augury.”

The girl in soft blue silks with matching long hair smiles at Ulfa. Seemingly hearing what was just said, she shakes her head as if to say that is incorrect.

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From behind her father speaks, “We are of the Jade to the east, this is my daughter Aquila.”

He’s dressed in silks as well, a blue robe, both his style and Aquila’s seem to have similarities to Mother’s gowns.

At the front table mother stands, “Why are the Jade here?”

He glances over at the Inari, “Goddess Doji requested we come and let it be known that should the young champion require aide in the future, his great aunt would be happy to meet him. That is all, now we will no longer impose uninvited.”

They both bow towards her and turn to leave.

I scratch my chin, “Either way thanks for coming, have a safe journey home.”

Aquila looks back, another simple smile as if that's all she needs to say.

For god’s sake you people have voices don’t you? My little show has quickly become without focus and I’m finding it hard to remain enthusiastic towards the dwindling row of girls from various beast tribes. Grandmother seems to be running short on patience as well.

Quickly moving down the line I no longer bother stopping at each girl, “Too old, too chubby, there's an awful bit of food in your teeth miss, your right eye is a bit stray, too short, there’s a stain on your dress, not into hooves honestly, showing that much skin won't help you find a good husband miss.”

Surprisingly Grandmother seems to agree with everything and Ulfa doesn’t bother to hide her laughter.

Finally come to the Nico girl, her soft cream hair forms a large crest in the center of her head like a rooster before falling in braids on the sides going down to her hips. Her white dress hides her neck but splits above her rather massive chest before reconnecting up underneath her breasts and ending there, leaving her tight abdomen completely exposed. Her hips are loosely wrapped in countless white straps weaving down to just above her feet in heeled sandals. From the chest piece comes white silk sleeves that go past her hands, several golden hoops in her ears. The gold aside the ensemble actually doesn’t come off as overly extravagant, as expected from a tailoring family I guess.

Her golden eyes finally lock onto mine, a silent fury as if daring me to insult her in the same manner as the other girls.

I smirk, “Your name?”

She frowns even more as a bulky man behind her speaks up excitedly, ”My Daughter’s name is Lupa young Lord Alpha!”

Ulfa chuckles, “So quick to dirty your knees General Ivan?”

He boisterously laughs, “Madam jests, how could this soldier not dream of his prized daughter becoming a princess of Yoden.”

This man sure seems eager to kiss ass, “Well general, this time it seems your dream comes true.”

Lupa seems shocked but before she can protest, Grandmother announces, “A fine choice, the rest of you return to your seats.”

Not allowing any refusal I hook the girl by the arm and turn to Ulfa, “Mind my place for the night will you, we’ll meet in the morning before the library visit.”

No one stops me as I have a guard lead me out, Lupa in tow.

She seems to be properly holding in her dissatisfaction publicly while we are lead through several halls a stair ways before finally ascending a tower. Atop the landing, only one door is found.

The guard explains, “Each Young Lord has been built a tower in separate areas of the castle as per instructions of the Inari. Lord Walther’s tower is in the military wing, Miss Akane’s is in the royal wing, yours is here on the southeast corner overlooking the craft and guild districts of the city. The castle library, gardens, and laboratories are in this wing as well as the dungeons. Lord Hevel can be found in the next tower over, on the other side you’ll find Madam Klea’s royal workshop.”

He bows and leaves, as soon as he rounds the stairs down out of side I slam open the door to the room and lead the way inside while locking the door behind us. I spot the black sheeted, canopy bed to one side and easily fling Lupa over on top of it.

I shift into a black fog and reform on top of her, pinning her arms and legs.

Finally she yells, furious with a new tinge of fear, “What the hell is wrong with you?! Why did you even pick me you rotten monster?!”

Pulling her arms together above head I hold them with on hand and bring the other to hold her chin as I look into her golden eyes, “Angry?”

“Of Course!”

I slowly lower my head, “Mad at your parents for forcing you to come to the castle tonight?”

She shakes her hair defiantly from her face, “I’ll castrate that bastard father!”

As I lean further down I see tears forming in the corners of her eyes. I bring my head to her cream furred ear, fighting the temptation to bite it, and whisper, “Scared and confused about what comes next, like your life is suddenly out of your control?”

She silently nods as she fights her own emotions, refusing to show any weakness.

With a sigh I roll off of her, “Then as I expected you understand a bit of how I feel.”

I grab one of the pillows and spare blanket from a side table and toss them at her before pointing to a couch across the room, “You can sleep over there, the bed is mine. Have a goodnight Miss Lupa, I’d hate to waste a good drunken haze by not passing out like a champion, sweet dreams.”

Ignoring her lost expression I lay down facing away and close my eyes, Ulfa should be here soon to watch the door.

Barely a moment passes before I pass out.

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A/n lol fun chapter to write, hope ya enjoyed it. thanks for the nice votes those who have, and i look forward to the comments this week again. if anyones interested im enjoying my new job, night shift minimal hours but it pays the bills.

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for Lupa's visual look I combined Harribel from Bleach with lulu from FFX witha massive rack and mowhawk, give the dress a greek white theme