Chapter 038:

Anton watched the roaring fire of the Kobold camp from the safety of the second Atros wall. Many of the soldiers, either side of him, were cheering and laughing at the spectacle but Anton only had a lingering sense of dread. He stared into the columns of smoke coming from the Kobold camp and became lost in the tumbling grey smoke.

Nithroel is not going to take this on the chin, I know I certainly wouldn't. We need to talk to her and sort this thing out. Now I'm not so sure that we should have set fire to the camp. But, what's done is done. And there's no way that I can revive all that have been killed.

It was not the only thing on fire in the immediate vicinity. On his return he had also set fire to the piles of bodies and pools of dried blood inside and outside of Atros. The stench emanating from those had been quite odd. The still active Kobold poison, mixed in with the piles of corpses, burned with a strange light green hue and had an odd metallic taste. The moment that he tasted it on his tongue he feared that the poison might have been travelling further down and straight into his lungs. Thankfully the fire had seemingly rendered it harmless, apart from a few villagers going into small coughing fits. They seemed more relieved that the piles of potential disease were gone than their own discomfort.

Verona, leaning against the wall next to him, was completely oblivious to his mental worries. Instead she scanned the burning and smouldering ruins with a detached and lonely expression. There were more terrifying things going on in her head than Anton's. Nobody liked not being in control of their own body. She looked incredibly relieved that the Kobold threat had been dealt with. For the moment. Though, now they were dealt with, it gave them time to discuss what was happening to her. Things that were literally etched onto her skin.

Kal stood beside her as well. She seemed very calm throughout the whole ordeal. A few of the soldiers were not so nervous to go near her now, some even had the courage to say 'hello'. It was a small but nice thing to see the beginning of a change.

Jeff and Avery sent the soldiers back home, provided they put their new armour into one of the new armoury barns. The other villagers wanted to know what happened from the soldiers as they disseminated throughout the village. That left the assembled council members, and Kal, at the gate.

To Anton it looked as if they had a great burden lifted from them. They had.

Zac was the first to greet Anton properly.

"Good to see you Anton!" He said, moving closer.

Before Anton could do anything he was stuck in a giant bear hug. It lasted only a second or two but it was more than sufficient to show off his strength. The others greeted him more gently after that.

"Glad to see that you're all alive." Anton said after they had all calmed down.

"Without Verona it would have been a very different story." Sybil proudly said.

Verona looked a little better at hearing that, but it was still a pained expression. She was being praised on her ability to kill with a power that irked her so much.

"The Kobolds are all dead?" Jonathan asked, his two children underneath both arm.

Anton nodded.

"Their camp is now a ruin, and so much damage had been inflicted upon them that they were barely a force when we arrived."

Verona grumbled something barely perceptible.

"For now, absolutely. Later..."

They, except Jeff, looked rather confused. Only he and Anton had seen what they recovered from the Kobold tent. Now was a good a time as any to reveal what they found.

"Are you saying they might come again?" Sam asked.

It was an unpleasant thought they all seemed to share.

"Jeff? Do you have it?"

Jeff nodded and pulled out the piece of paper. Everyone looked very confusingly at it. He looked at Anton to see if he was going to explain the finding but Anton nodded for him to continue. He could not always be the one to be the bearer of bad news.

"Yeah... Um." Jeff seemed to be struggling to find the words to begin. "After we killed off the Kobolds, we found this in one of their hands...claws.... If I'm honest I think it was about to throw it in the fire, or at least try and hide it."

Good point.

"Anyway, I'll show it to you and you can make your mind up."

He unrolled the piece of paper and held it so everybody could see. None recognised what the writing on the top half said, but they all knew what the drawing was of.

"How?" Kal whimpered.

A few things of what she thought she knew about the world was not proving to be true, as could be said of the villagers understanding of the world.

"We're not entirely sure." Anton replied, to Jeff's relief. "But the writing on the top looks very similar to the burnt piece of paper we found at the Kobold camp by the lake. We found out that writing..."

Anton looked to Bertram.

"Was from the Wood Elves. Probably."

Anton glanced at Kal.

"Who worship Nithroel, the Goddess of the Forest." Kal added.

"The same one we found at the camp." Verona said unhappily. "The one who's totems we just knocked down and who's followers camp is burning down just behind us."

Some glanced over at the still burning camp and then back to them.

"Was... Was this a wise decision then?" Sybil asked.

Anton could only shrug.

"I honestly don't know. Even if we left the camp as it was it would be pretty clear to a god what happened there. Also, we don't want something like Goblins or even more Kobolds to make it their home while we aren't paying close attention. Might as well finish it all off in one go."

Sybil nodded, as so to did most of the others. They did not want another ordeal like the one they had just suffered any time soon.

"I also don't want this to escall... make this situation any worse than it currently is," Anton continued, "So, I’ve tried to make contact with my gods to see if this Nithroel is in a talking mood. My mana went somewhere so I think it worked."

"When?" Verona asked.

"Hopefully tonight. The only other time I've been able to talk to them was after the final battle with the Yellow Goblins, and I was asleep that time as well."

Zac scratched his back roughly.

"With all this going on... Lad, we're all kind of worried. Really worried."

Many nods agreed with his sentiment.

"I know. I am to. But we must persevere on regardless. Every small problem that each of us can solve makes it easier for everyone else. But just to let you all know now, until we get this thing sorted, I won't be leaving. Anybody or anything will have a hard time cracking this place open."

Relief plastered over their faces as if it was a mighty wave crashing over them. They must have thought that he would just leave on another trip far away to gather more people and supplies, possibly bringing Verona as well.

"Speaking of small problems," Anton continued, "How are the new bondsmen finding it here?"

"We really haven't given them enough time to really settle in." Bertram said. "So it's difficult to tell how they'll deal with their new life."

"They were really curious, and a little bit scared, when they heard your lightning magic going off in the distance." Sybil continued. "I think that was the point that any lingering doubts, of you being a very powerful mage, were gone. Some even looked from the wall to see, and were terrified and curious about you. And we know that the little balls of lightning and fire are not the only things that you can do... Like those pillars and rings."

Anton smiled and nodded.

"I suppose that's a good thing that they are a little more aware of what is really going on."

"It's great that the new people are settling in," an otherwise quiet Avery began, "But back to what's happening out there...Is there anything we can do against this god?"

Anton shook his head.

"No, I'm afraid not. Not that I know of. All we can do is carry on like we are and work as hard as we can. Hopefully I can figure a way to deal with her gently. That way we might just get out of this without a scratch. Hopefully..."

Avery looked a little happier, mainly from Anton's belief that they could survive a gods attack. He was not so sure himself but he needed to keep up the appearance, at least, that they could come out on top.

“That's better than nothing...I suppose.” Bertram said.

The others looked not entirely convinced, but relieved that they knew the truth of the situation.

Anton took a deep breath, taking a quick glance at the burning remains of the Kobold corpses. It reminded him of what he needed to talk about with Verona.

"I know it's very soon after I've come back, but Verona and I need to leave, we've got to have a little chat about some things. I know that you guys can handle just about anything that could come up."

"Are you..." Sam started before realising what he meant. "I think that's a good idea. The rest of us should get on with our... stuff."

The others nodded in understanding. They must have known to some degree as to what was happening to one of their two mages.

"It's probably best if we all get back to work. Glad to have you back, Anton." Bertram said, starting to walk down the stairs.

Everyone gave a final goodbye, leaving Anton, Verona and Kal alone.

"I... I don't want to sound rude or... intrusive-" Kal looked quite awkward as she spoke, a slight sway to her hips as she stood nervously.

"It really depends on what you're asking." Anton said.

Kal calmed down a little, realising that Anton was trying to disarm some of her apprehension.

"But I do not want to be wandering around Atros when there are so many new people. Ones that might hate beast-kin and might try something when you aren't there. I'm... Uh... Also pretty tired, more than I usually get at this time of day."

"Maybe it was all that excitement from earlier? On the cart?" Verona jokingly teased.

Kal flushed lightly, smiling and chuckling as well.

"I guess it could be." Kal admitted. "But, I don't just want to disappear either. So I was just going to check first..."

"Of course you can," If Anton replied, a look of relief on her face. "But I'm glad you asked. We're heading that way too-"

"I don't want to intrude."

Verona shook her head.

"It's fine. Besides, it'll give us something else to talk to while we walk."

Verona scratched at the marks on her neck. They were the ones that gave her the most grief. A chilling thought arose, of those marks being capable of strangling her on her goddess's whims. Talking to Kal might help alleviate some stress.

"Okay." Kal sounded very unsure of herself.

Nevertheless, she followed them down the wooden ramp and towards their homes.

They walked together in silence, only the sound of the other villagers working around them punctuated their own silence. As they neared the central plaza Kal was the first to break it.

"I just wanted to say thank you again for letting me stay here." Kal said. "I can't imagine that it's easy for some of the villagers."

"It's fine. I'm glad that you're liking it." Anton said. "I bet it beats having to sleep out in the rain and... Winds."

Kal nodded, something in her eyes looked thankful that he had not mentioned storms.

"Actually, I haven't had to sleep outside like that for some time, even before coming here."

"So, caves or your own tent?" Verona asked.

"Both. Although it was a very small one...that I stole." Kal answered. "I became very good at reading the weather."

"Anything we should look out for?" Anton looked to the sky, blue with only a few clouds. Like it normally was.

Kal looked up and around before shaking her head.

"Nothing for today at least. But I can only guess for a day or so."

"That's nice to know." Verona offered.

Kal smiled and nodded back.

"But you don't have that to worry about now, with a roof over your head." Anton offered.

"It is very good to not have to worry about that."

"And you've got people that you can actually talk to, ones that aren't going to try something bad with you." Verona added.

Kal nodded again.

"I had almost forgotten what it means to have someone that could even be called a friend." Kal sounded very sad.

"Did you have any friends from before you started... travelling?" Verona asked as delicately as she could. "Since you're..."

Kal frowned but did not object to Verona dodging the term.

"I did." Kal answered, a strange sense of pride in her voice. "I will admit that it wasn't many, being what I am, but I guess I had about three or so... That was a long time ago though. I wonder if any of them are still alive. Seocuria is not a good place for a beast-kin if they want to live a long life."

"Were they like you?" Anton asked, "Or were they...full beast-kin?"

Kal scratched at her torn ear and looked very uncomfortable. She but down lightly on her lower lip.

"Um... I'd rather-"

"If you don't want to talk about it, then just say you don't want to." Anton said.

Kal remained quiet for some time.

"Maybe some other time." she said, taking a deep breath. "I'm not ready to go back to those memories yet."

Anton nodded in understanding, a huge sense of relief overcame her face.

"But...Would you still recognise them?" Anton asked.

Kal nodded.

"I think so. It has been quite a few winters since I escaped Seocuria."

"Perhaps if we find them, they could help us find your mother."

A spark of hope crept onto Kal's face while Verona looked rather confused.

"What? Find your mother?” Verona asked both of them. “Wouldn't that mean travelling to that nasty sounding slaver place?"

Kal hesitated to answer so Anton did.

"At Maxill the topic came up," Anton began to explain, "and we decided, that when Atros is stronger, to head over the the Seocuria Empire and start to 'buy' beast-kin slaves and bring them here so they can live like the bondsmen do now."

Verona rubbed the end of her chin before replying.

"Because not only will it save some people from slavery it will also make them very loyal to the city that freed them. And a really good reason for them to work hard so we can get even more money to free more slaves."

Anton nodded.

Kal pursed her lips.

"You are very manipulative and sneaky. Very sneaky." she spoke in barely audible whisper.

"And also so that Kal is not the only non-human here and is not looked down at, like she's some kind of token person." Verona added.

"It would be nice to see some of them free,” Kal looked up at the sun “and just be able to enjoy the sun without getting hit over the head for not working hard."

Both Anton and Verona looked quite sad at hearing that.

"I like the idea." Verona said proudly as she stuck out her chest. "Anything to make life a little easier around here and make someone's a lot better. By the way, how much does a... slave cost?"

"From what it cost us to get the bondsmen from Maxill, not a lot." Anton said. "The main problem is getting them back here."

"The... The city," Kal began, with a stifled cough, "That I was from is a port city. I remember there always being ships in the harbour and the smell of salt."

"There's our plan!" Anton said triumphantly, surprising both Verona and Kal. "After we have this whole Nithroel thing sorted out, hopefully tonight, we'll take a few days and then head to the Graterious Empire. We get ourselves established, maybe another way to bring more good people to Atros and a way to start making money-"

"We've got heaps of money from the mountain." Verona said offhandedly.

"But it will run out, and a lot faster than we think it will." Anton answered. "Better to use that money to and invest it to make more before it runs out. Otherwise we'll have to start from nothing and that will take time that we cannot afford."

Verona took a few seconds as the mathematics was solved in her head.

"I get you. Sorry, you were saying?"

"After we have done our preliminary business in Graterious, we find ourselves a boat and a captain, and sail to the port city that you came from."

Kal continued to look at him with searching eyes. The same ones that she had in Maxill when he said that he would rescue the beast-kin, if he could have seen them.

"Go in there, pretending to be buyers for a new plantation or whatever, scour the city for someone you recognise and find out from there where your mother is. I wonder if they will be more scrutinising than the Duchess...Anyway, find her and buy her into freedom, get back onto the ship and make for the closest port to Atros. And then come back here."

"Sounds simple enough." Verona said as she nodded.

"You think that plan is going to work?" Kal asked exasperated.

She looked utterly disbelieving at their attitude. Her jaw twitched uncontrollably.

"Yes."

"There's so many things that could go wrong." Kal added. "And if it goes wrong, that would be it. It...It's a very big risk."

"Yes it is." Anton replied. "But it's the only way the we can save your mother, and any other beast-kin quickly. Besides, when the plan is chopped up into little pieces like that it's a lot easier to deal with, tackling one piece at a time."

Kal stopped, not caring of whatever was happening around her. She looked at her hands, still wrapped in cloth, and took a deep breath.

How old is your mother? If you're nearly thirty, that would make your mother fifty or so. I don't think that slaves are allowed to get too old...You're running out of time, and I think you know it. That's another reason why you came here in the first place.

"Okay." she started to walk again. "I'll take the risk with your plan and I... I will see my mother freed."

"That's the spirit." Verona said, playfully punching Kal's arm. "We'll all be coming with you, I for one want to to see that happen.

Verona jogged infront of both of them and turned around, continuing to walk backwards.

"So when we do free your mother... Not your father?"

Kal shook her head angrily.

"No." was all she was prepared to say on the matter.

"Well, anyway," Verona tried her best to recover from her blunder, but could not convincingly, "After we get her on the ship, what's the first thing that you're going to say?"

Kal was stumped by the question. Her dark aqua brows furrowed as she thought deeply about it.

"I... I've never actually given it much thought. I honestly thought the day would never come."

"I know what I would do." Verona bent down low as she continued to walk backwards. "I wouldn't say anything. I would just hug them."

Kal looked a little confused.

"You've been apart as long as I have been alive. You don't need to say anything."

Kal smiled. So too did Anton. It was nice to hear Verona say something so sweet to her.

Kal's smile quickly turned into a frown as she started to look around. Both Anton or Verona had no idea what set her off. Part of him dreaded saying that she smelt another horde of Kobolds, or something worse, approaching.

"I understand that you don't have any parents here, Anton, as you... arrived here with no memory. But, Verona, I haven't seen anyone with your hair colour around. You're the only one with silver hair."

Verona sighed as she righted herself and continued to walk.

"They... Um...They died early on. During the first attack by the Yellow Goblins. This was well before Anton arrived."

Kal kept her head down, a deep sense of sadness and regret of her face.

"I'm sorry I asked so... Badly. I sometimes don't know the best way to ask about things like that."

Verona shrugged.

"It's okay." she tried to raise her spirits. "You didn't know, so you can't exactly be blamed. Just like how I almost grabbed the base of your tail."

Kal opened her mouth into an O. Verona had prodded around Kal's back, when she was talking to Anton, in the hopes of feeling her tail. It was something that not anybody should just touch, as it was still a part of Kal's body. Something that resulted in a slap for Verona.

"You did slap her away pretty hard." Anton teased.

Kal raised her chin and moved with a little more confidence.

"It's not something I'm going to let just anyone touch." She quickly glanced at him, a small unreadable expression flickered over her face before it disappeared, "All beast-kin, even someone like me, takes pride in it. The only one I would let touch it is my mother."

I really do want to see it. Just to know what it looks like.

He glanced at Verona, she had the same expression as well.

I guess that makes two of us.

Verona spun around, so she faced the same way as them, before slowing down and moving in between them.

"I will see it one day." she mumbled.

Kal smiled but did not answer. He wondered how long it would be before she would be able to walk freely, without a heavy cloak to hide her heritage.

---[]---

The rest of the journey they made in a pleasant silence. There was no sense of awkwardness, despite Kal's potential blunder into a difficult topic.

The villagers and bondsmen that they passed seemed to be quite happy. News that the Kobolds had been dealt a resounding defeat travelled very fast through the formerly besieged village. Their new home was safe and now they could relax without the fear of attack.

Quite a few gave Kal some questioning looks, still not able to make up their minds about whether it was appropriate for a beast-kin, which none of them had ever seen before in their lives, to live in the same city. Anton's presence made it clear that nothing was going to happen.

Finally they arrived at Kal's house, close to theirs.

"Thank you for making sure I got here safely." Kal bowed her head again.

Anton smiled and lightly bowed his head. "It's the least we could do. I think that there will be a big feast tonight in celebration of our victory, instead of just a normal dinner. Will you be coming?"

Kal hesitated a moment, before gripping her hands into fists and nodding.

"I will. I didn't make it the last time... So I will make sure I attend this one."

"Fantastic." Verona said, smiling wildly.

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"Right. I'm going to head in and get some sleep." Kal said as she opened her door. "I'm guessing that it's going to be at dusk?"

Anton nodded.

"I'm guessing that as well. We'll swing by before we go, just in case."

Kal mouthed a silent thanks as she headed inside.

"Oh, one more thing." Anton said just as the door was starting to close. "If anyone, and I mean anyone, tries to threaten or intimidate you because of your... Heritage, you have permission to defend yourself."

Kal looked a little confused, as she glanced at Verona.

Verona lightly shrugged.

"Just cut them with your daggers if they try to fight you since you're a beast-kin."

Kal nodded, a hand resting on the hilt of her blade.

'I just hope it does not come to that. But, I will remember it. Thank you."

Anton nodded. Kal gave one final nod to both of them before shutting the door completely. They waited a moment before hearing something heavy and wooden being dragged infront of the door.

"Well, she's safe." Verona said aloud, trying her best to hide her rapidly building nervousness. "Guess it's time for me then, huh?"

Anton held her hand as they walked back to their house. As they entered their house,Verona became even more stressed, which in turn made Anton feel stressed himself. Her hands opened and closed rapidly in an attempt to calm herself. Judging by the way she was breathing it was not working.

She opened the door to their bedroom and took a deep breath before turning to face him.

"So," her voice was quivering, "I guess that you know that I'm afraid of using my power."

Anton nodded.

It felt odd to talk about something serious while standing, Verona looked like she was putting most of her energy into keeping her legs straight. He sat down on the bed, Verona looked quite glad as she took a seat next to him. Normally he would have put his arm around her by now, but now was not the time.

"It started happening a few days after the Kobolds started attacking. I woke up and my body felt like it was burning. Not as bad as the night when I first got my power, but it was the same sensation. Then I realised that the marks covered most of my body. Only my face, and ears, are free. Sam was the only one I could talk to about it. We went somewhere private and she says they cover every part of my body, even underneath the hair on my head. Even my toes..."

Verona lowered her head.

"Can I see them?" Anton asked, Verona looking at him with confused eyes. "I want to see them. So I know what's happening to you..."

"Right. Okay." Verona took a very deep breath. "But it's not just my back, it covers my breasts, stomach and...you know. Everywhere."

Anton nodded and turned Verona side on so he could get to the clips that held her armour on. "Whatever it is, you know that I'll accept it and love you just as dearly?"

Verona took another deep breath and nodded. She removed the armour pieces on her limbs while Anton dealt with the chest piece.

"Ver, this seems to be a little easier to get off. Is this...Oil?"

Verona chuckled a little.

"Um, Yeah. It got a bit difficult to put this on by myself. Even though there weren't any battles it still helps with my breasts and back, so I asked Jonathan if he could do anything to make it easier to do it up myself. That was just before the Kobolds started to attack. That was all we had time for."

His mind remembered the enormity of her breasts, soon to be released.

"We really need to get you a bra. Might have to make it ourselves...A good sexy one too."

Verona frowned at that remark.

"I'm sorry if I offend-"

"No." Verona cut him of sharply. "I'm not offended in the slightest. I'm flattered. But it's not just the marks..."

Without telling Anton what she meant she wormed her way free from her armour. She stood up, took another deep breath and closed her eyes, taking the shirt of in one go.

The full splendour of her body came into view. Her breasts, each larger than he could hold in his hands, bounced as they caught on her shirt on the way up. She jiggled about to get it free, unintentionally seductively, and threw it on the bed.

He brought his mind away from grabbing her and pushing her down and focused on her body.

The red tribal marks covered nearly half of the skin on her body. There seemed to be only a vague pattern to them, in so far as that they focused onto certain important parts of her body. The most obvious swirls were around her nipples and her belly button. Other, slightly less obvious, swirls were focused over where he guessed where important organs were located underneath. Between these swirls were seemingly randomly connected red tribal tattoos.

It was an odd but alluring sight, especially when she was so nervous infront of him. Her body heaved with every breath as he looked at the marks. She most have felt like a specimen the way he stared. A few beads of sweat began to trickle down her face as she tried to stop herself from shaking.

He waved her closer, she moved closer with some trepidation. She did not care to cover herself as she walked. He had seen and felt them more than enough times to know how soft and good they felt underneath his fingers.

She stopped as he started running his hand over her stomach. It was far more well trained than when he left. Each muscle was clearly defined, quivering and twitching underneath his touch. He glanced up quickly and saw that she was bright red in the face, she was feeling very aroused but was fighting it down. He fought down his own instincts and focused.

"These new marks are smooth on your skin. Without the colour there would be no way for me to even know these were here." Anton looked up at her, her face less red from embarrassment. "Do they hurt at all?"

Verona shook her head.

"No."

Anton squeezed down on the side of her hips, a sweet moan escaping her mouth. It had been too long since he had enjoyed this body.

"But," Anton begin again, "You said there was something else."

Any hint of arousal and joy instantly drained from her face.

"There is." She pried Anton's hands free with some reluctance and grabbed her shirt off the bed. "I knew that if it was just the marks then you wouldn't have a problem with it. You didn't before."

Anton chuckled, so too did Verona as she put her shirt back on and sat next to him.

"So, it's not that..."

"When I use the power, when my body glows and my eyes turn red, Now I... Start to have... Urges."

Anton frowned lightly.

"What kind of urges?"

"Uh... The kind where I want to drink blood. Lots..."

"Oh." Anton remained silent, Verona looking very uncomfortable.

"But it's not that they bad. It's just like it's something at the back of my mind clawing away." She scratched dramatically at the back of her head to illustrate the sensation.

Verona looked down and clicked her tongue.

"Over the battle a few drops have entered my mouth, and I.... Well... My, legs and crotch...they went..."

"That's..." Anton didn't have anything clever to say.

"Yeah."

Verona's eyes widened in shock.

“I...I didn't seek it out. The first time it happened was on the first day of the Kobold attack. It happened two more times, on the third day when one managed to get too close and on the seventh day when I really wasn't worrying about covering my mouth when the Kobolds were all spilling over the wall. But each time it became...stronger.”

"I..."

Verona nodded, her face full of shame.

"That's why I didn't want to use my power. In case I lost myself and started to kill and rip apart the Kobolds just so I could drink their blood. Or to a person...So I could get more of that feeling. In case I did that infront of you. In front of everybody and looked like... Like... Some kind of freak."

Tears ran down her face, her nose started to run as well. She started to cry as she brought her hands up to wipe away the flowing tears.

He never wanted to see her like this.

While she was still crying he turned and pulled her tight. She tried to fight him off, forcing her arms against his chest and pushed hard but he refused to let her go. Her face scrunched up in anger as she tried to push him off with rapidly decreasing strength. Within a few seconds she started crying even louder. All the strength faded as she crumpled into his chest.

"I don't want to be like that! Someone that kills people and drinking their blood to get off! I don't want to be a berserker, murderer or... I..."

Nothing more came out of her mouth except cries verging on wails. Anton moved his hand and slowly stroked her from her head down to her back.

It was some time before she stopped.

With her strength returned she pushed herself upright and away but kept Anton's hands on her shoulder and back.

"I'm sorry-"

"Don't say sorry. You have nothing to apologise about. I told you, I'll love you no matter what. We'll figure this out together."

She wiped away the remains of her tears.

"You really do mean that? You're not just saying that?" her voice was trembling again, she must have thought that he might discard her.

He answered with a kiss, forceful and deep. She was surprised but quickly began to melt into him, her tongue wrestling with his own. When they broke they were both red in the face. Verona started laughing, so to did Anton. Given everything they had done this was not that embarrassing.

"Okay. I believe you." she smiled but it was no longer pained.

"I've got a question."

"Go on?" she asked playfully, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

"Do you feel the urge without your power on, like right now?"

She looked up before shaking her head.

"No. But that was why I didn't want to use my power... In case it started... Drifting to when I wasn't using it."

"Ah, now I understand." He said as he got off the bed and moved to his side. He took one quick glance back and saw a very embarrassed face.

"There are some tests that I would like to do sometime soon."

"Before or after we have sex?" she asked slyly, lying on her front along the bed.

"Well...No. Afterwards, definately. But, yes...presuming you still want to."

"Of course I still do.” She pretended to be shocked. “I haven't been able to relieve myself properly for quite some time. Maybe if my man had decided to stay..."

She chuckled and smiled. He knew that she was just teasing him, and doing a good job of it.

"Have you drunk blood without your powers on? More than just a drop?" He asked.

"No," she began dismissively, "I've... Are you serious. You mean, right now?"

"Of course not, just a question." Anton returned to the bed and picked her up, surprisingly light in his arms. "Not after we've just got you sorted out."

She chuckled as she rolled her eyes.

"That's a terrible thing to bring up."

She freed herself from his arms.

"What if I'm not feeling in the mood any more?"

She threw herself down, her breasts bouncing up and down from the force. As she turned on her side he could see a smirk forming on the corner of her mouth.

"I would just have to take it then, wouldn't I?" He lay down next to her and his hands began to creep over her stomach.

"I would like to see you try.” her face changed from playful to quite serious and worried. “Just, let's take it slow. I don't want things to get out of hand."

Anton nodded.

"I will, let me know if you feel uncomfortable with anything, or anything feels wrong, and we'll stop."

She answered by bringing him in for a deep kiss, wrapping her leg over his and started to pull their clothes off.

---[]---

The sun was beginning to set when they both had finished their tussle. It had been an exhausting but thrilling time, as if they were rediscovering each other after being separated for so long. Verona lay with her head resting on his chest while her fingers traced lazily over his side.

"I really don't want to be separate from you for this long again." she mumbled, "I don't want to go for that long without sex again."

"So that's why you want me back?"

Verona giggled as she crawled up his body. She smiled as she tried to bury her head into his chest.

"I suppose then you don't want your gifts then." Anton teased her back, looking away from her.

"Really!...Come on. What did you get?" Verona asked over and over, each time moving closer until her lips were brushing against his ear.

"Please?" It was a strange mix of a beg and a whimper that came from her mouth.

"Alright." Anton said, throwing off the fur covers himself and more onto Verona.

"Hurray!" Verona began clapping wildly as she held the fur covers close to her chest.

She seemed so much more confident now, and not just because of the physical pleasures. Knowing that he still accepted and desired her seemed to help the most. Anton made sure that she knew that he loved her no matter what. It seemed to take the edge off the mental anguish caused by the rapid growth of her marks, along with the disturbing side effect.

Anton recovered the small bag that Sam had left near the door, as he had asked. Verona looked like a child on their first Christmas, the way she bobbed around excitedly and her legs bounced up and down underneath the fur covers. He sat next to her as she crawled onto his shoulder.

"Right. I got you two things in Maxill. I'm not sure about your fashion tastes but I hope you like them."

"Stop making me wait and show me." Verona demanded childishly.

Anton chuckled and rubbed her hand. The desire to flinch away had gone, for now at least.

I just hope it can be controlled. I'm sure it can. We'll find it together.

He reached in and pulled out the metal chain. Verona tilted her head cutely as she looked intently at it.

"Is it a necklace?" The excitement was clear in her voice.

"Actually no." Anton replied.

Now she looked even more confused. He turned so he was facing her and ran his hand through her hair, producing a giggle.

"While I like you with long hair, having it loose like this means that in a fight it could get into your eyes or somebody could grab it."

"It did kind of get in the way during the fight." Verona admitted. "Though I was more worried about the enemy infront of me."

"This should allow you to keep your lovely long silver hair without it becoming too dangerous. Could you turn around?"

Verona hummed in agreement as she turned around. She kept the fur cover over her front, leaving everything of her behind exposed. The whole sight was very alluring. Nevertheless, he moved closer and ran his fingers through her hair and pulled it back. It was almost halfway to her shoulders now, a very good length for her.

He pulled it back into a pony tail, as best he could, and tied the metal chain around it. Almost all of the hair was taken up by the style, however it did allow a little bit of the red tribal marks to be seen on the front of her scalp. It was not a perfect attempt but he was sure that Verona would like it.

"I... We don't have a mirror in this village do we?"

"A mirror..." Verona ran her fingers back and touched the chain. "Is... Is that something that would allow me to see the back of my head?"

"In this instance, yes." Anton replied. "It's a reflective surface-"

"Like the lake, or some really clean water?"

"Yeah. Except this is solid. Like a really, really shiny piece of metal that you could hold. Everything looks as clear as you can see now."

"Huh. Your world is really strange."

She ran her hand through her hair after the chain. Judging by the way she smiled she really liked it.

"I love it. Nobody else has something like this."

She was right, in a sense. Most of the women he saw had short hair or had it tied up with a piece of string. Verona looked very lovely in it, but there was another gift still to come.

"That's not the only thing." he teased.

Verona turned around in surprise, the new pony tail swinging out as she did so.

"You serious? Awww... Now I feel kind of bad with all these gifts and I don't have anything for you."

Anton chuckled.

"I want to spoil you."

Verona rolled her eyes.

"Well, don't make a habit of it. Otherwise I might become a little spoiled brat."

She grinned wildly. He liked that she could make that face.

"So, what is it?" she asked happily, leaning on his shoulder again.

He pulled out the silver and red stared barrette. She was stunned, nothing came out of her mouth as she stared in disbelief.

"Is... Is... This for me?" she asked hesitantly, her hand reaching out delicately to the barrette.

"Of course."

Verona took it into her hands and studied it. She held it as if it would break under her touch. Slowly a smile drew on her face.

"It's beautiful." she spoke in a hushed whisper. "Can you help me...?"

He took the barrette back and slid it underneath the pulled back hair on her head. The barrette settled on the right side of her head. After making sure it secured properly and would not fall off, he lent back and admired the sight. In his mind she looked absolutely stunning.

"Wow." Anton let out.

Verona started to blush as she rubbed her hand over the barrette. She opened her mouth to speak but decided against it, instead choosing to answer with a kiss. It was not the maddened and lust filled ones they had shared quite recently, but rather gentle and delicate. When they parted Verona was not embarrassed. Rather she looked at him with a fiery determination. As she held his hands she looked out their small wooden slatted window.

"So...are we going to attend this dinner tonight?" she asked.

"I would love to stay here, but we kind of promised that we would. If we didn't turn up they would send someone. And that would ruin our fun even more."

Verona thought on it for a few seconds before nodding.

"Yeah. I really don't want someone knocking on the door demanding to see us when we are in the middle of it. That would take away the fun right there and then."

"We'd better find our clothes then." Anton said as he got off the bed.

---[]---

Outside was already filled with the distant sounds of revelling and celebration. Anton took one quick glance towards the central plaza, where most of the noise was coming from, and could already see the tell-tale signs of drunk villagers. Mainly in the form of stumbling and swaying bodies.

Verona, insisting on still wearing her chest armour, stretched out her limbs with accompanying cute squeaks.

“Do you think she went ahead already?” she asked, her eyes squinting tightly closed as she stretched out her back.

Anton took one quick look away from the central plaza and towards Kal's house.

“I don't think so.” he replied, receiving an odd look from Verona. “I think she's just waiting for us.”

He nodded towards Kal's house.

She was leaning against the door frame of her house, looking a little nervous, as she scanned her surroundings. She wore her usual clothes but now kept her hood down so her whole head was exposed. It was good to see her continuing to grow in confidence.

When she locked eye contact with Anton she smiled and began to walk towards them. Any sense of tiredness was gone. In fact she looked quite refreshed.

“Evening Kal.” Anton began once she was a few meters away. “You look like you've had a relaxing nap.”

“Thank-you Anton. I feel much better.” Kal replied with a smile. “You two look much better as well.”

Verona chuckled nervously as she scratched the back of her head. Neither of them really wanted to explain why they were looking more relaxed.

Kal's eyes drew towards Verona's barrette and new ponytail. Verona smirked as she touched the barrette.

“You like it?” she asked.

Kal took a moment before nodding. If anything, she looked rather jealous.

“I do.” she looked up at Anton and smiled. “It looks very good on you. Both of them do.”

That just made Verona smile even more.

“Thanks. Anton made a good choice.”

Kal nodded. Another loud clamour came from the central plaza, attracting their attention. If anything it sounded like a very loud and drunk party.

“Well...I think it's safe to say that the festivities have already started.” Anton nodded towards the central plaza.

As if on cue another particularly loud cheer rang out followed by copious amounts of laughter.

“Shall we go?” he offered.

Kal took another moment before answering, taking a deep breath before nodding.

“Yes...I'm not exactly sure what I'm meant to be doing at this...event.” Kal said with some hesitation.

She scratched her torn ear nervously, but stopped when she saw Anton looking. The story of how she lost it was probably a dark and terrible one. He coughed to distract his own mental wanderings. He started to walk towards the central plaza, he could only just hear their footsteps behind him. Kal always walked silently thanks to her clothed feet. He glanced back and saw that she was still a little nervous.

“I don't think it's going to be anything that you're going to have to worry about.” Anton said as he made sure that they were both following him. “It'll be just a couple of drinks and something to eat. Nothing scary or complicated.”

Kal still looked a little nervous but she was still determined to come along.

“You'll be fine.” Verona said, giving Kal a playful bump on her shoulder. “We're not going to just leave you there with a whole bunch of people that you don't know well.”

Kal smiled and nodded to Verona, glad that she was being looked out for.

They walked in silence towards the central plaza. Despite the sound coming from the area there were very few people there. It seemed that it was a quarter of the total population of Atros at most. Throughout the central plaza were dozens of large tables. Each had over a dozen people sitting around them, each in a varying state of inebriation. A few people walked between the tables carrying plates of food and large wooden mugs. Judging by the way those most inebriated looked at them, it was probably the source of their drunkenness.

“This...Where is everyone else?” Kal asked.

She sounded a little concerned but it felt like she was slightly relieved. Her first public dinner was not with over a thousand people there. Though, most present were quite drunk.

Anton looked towards the still setting sun. Quite a bit of light still came from it, so it was not as if the night had been going for very long and they just turned up late.

Maybe they started really early and are already in bed, recovering? Or, maybe they just decided to recover, this being the first night they can actually sleep in peace.

“I have no idea.” Anton answered. “I can't see anybody I really know very well...”

“Yeah.” Verona mumbled as she looked around. “Oh, there they are.”

Verona pointed towards a large table near the main hall. Anton could make out the shapes of a few members of the council, specifically Jeff and Sam. A quick scan over the rest of the plaza did not reveal the others.

“Come on. Let's find out what's happening.” Anton said as he led them through the crowds.

He could smell the alcohol on everyone's breath. There was no indication as to where the villagers were able to make and store such vast quantities that could be brought out at a moments notice. Most of the villagers, when they saw him, tried to act a little less drunk as he walked past. It was not terribly convincing, especially as they slumped back down and reverted to their shouting and laughing the moment they passed. None took any lingering notice of Kal. She seemed to appreciate that quite a bit.

“Hello Anton.” Jeff began with a bit of a drunken drawl.

There were several empty mugs on the table already, and those looked like they had been filled to the brim with something like Zac's liquid fire drink.

“Hello Jeff.” Anton took an empty seat, Verona sitting next to him and Kal taking the next seat.

Kal made sure that she did not have her back to the still revelling crowd and kept the chair next to her free. Anton was certain that something like that was not going to change any time soon.

“Where's everyone else?” Verona asked.

She took another wild glance around to see if the others were simply at another table, but it was clear they were not.

Sam shook her head as she took another swig.

“They've already gone to bed.” she answered, “Or, rather, haven't turned up. Most people are just so tired after the whole siege thing. They just want some good sleep. And don't want to wake up with a thumping head.”

Sam looked gingerly at Kal.

“I'm a bit surprised that you turned up, Kal. I thought you would not be that good with crowds.”

Kal shuffled uncomfortably and pursed her lips lightly.

“I...I am a little nervous about being near anyone, actually. But Anton said it would be a good idea for me to come to this. At the very least get me a bit more used to seeing lots of people at once, especially if there are going to be more in the future.”

“Good girl.” Sam said, handing Kal and Verona a mug full of the strange drink, Anton received one from Jeff.

“I take it that we haven't seen any more of those Kobolds?” Anton asked.

Jeff shook his head, an action he seemed to regret a second later.

“We've still got quite a few soldiers out on the wall.” he began. “Still don't feel very safe knowing that a god is directing the battle.”

“Neither do I.” Anton mumbled back.

“Don't you two go talking about all that depressing stuff right now.” Sam slammed the mug down. “We're celebrating a victory right now. Tomorrow, we can deal with that. But right now...”

“Fair enough.” Anton said, Verona confirming with a nod.

They all had a sip of the drink. It tasted just as powerful as it had the first time. More-so, as they had not drunk anything alcoholic for some time.

Nobody said anything for some time. They let the roar of those near them fill the air between them.

It did not take long before the drinking started to get heavy. Very few people arrived and quite a few left, it seemed that this was an impromptu celebration rather than something planned for the whole night.

---[]---

Sam and Jeff got even more drunk over the next half hour and decided that it was the perfect time and place to start singing. They both left the table, and after gathering a few dozen villagers and former bondsmen, they began to sing and dance. The words meant nothing to Anton, but they seemed to be having a good time.

Kal, having turned away from the spectacle, began to tap uncontrollably on her mug. Anton saw this and looked confusingly at her. She took several deep breaths before speaking.

"Anton, I... I know that I said that I was not ready to talk about Seocuria yet." Kal began, taking another swig of her drink. "But, I... The Graterious Empire is in-between Atros and Seocuria. It's a lot bigger than here to Maxill, and you can't just cross it without knowing what the Empire is like. I'm guessing that nobody here really knows anything about them?"

"Bertram might know something." Anton offered, turning his full attention to her. "But, that was some time ago, so things would have certainly changed since then."

"Same could be said for Sybil." Verona added. "She was in touch with the noble families, so she could know something as well, although it might not be right either."

Kal shuffled in her seat and sat more upright.

"The Graterious Empire is a very, very large place," she began, "There are a few small forests to the north, which get larger the further south you travel. Near where the Graterious Empire ends and...the wilderness begins, it's quite dense. Everywhere else is filled with grassland, which they use for grazing or for crops. It's a bit warmer during the summer and winter than it is around here. The people are...very different compared to here. Very rich in some places and extremely poor in others."

Sounds like it could be anywhere from earth.

“The Kar Kingdom fell over forty...winters, ago. So why haven't they taken over the old territory?” Anton asked.

Verona hummed in agreement.

Kal could only shrug.

"I'm not entirely sure...I could not visit large cities or talk to anyone for more than a few days before I had to move again.” she took another swig of her drink, “But, from what I was able to overhear from drunken villagers, it has something to do with the rulers. Four families run the Empire, with three supporting the Royal family. Those have smaller noble families which support them in the form of armies or money. Each one of the lesser Noble families has land and some source of income, which most of goes to the three major Noble families and the Royals."

"Okay." Anton lent back into his chair. "Sound simple enough so far. A Feudal sort of system..."

Kal shook her head.

"It would have been, about four or five winters ago when I left the Empire's territory. Two of the families, and I don't know their exact names, were almost in open rebellion against the Royals and the other noble family. From what I remember they were on the brink of war then. I think that's why they weren't expanding their territory. The other families might have thought they were trying to upset the balance. That was one of the reasons why I moved this way. I did not want to get caught in a war, where someone like me would have died just by being nearby."

Kal raised both of her clothed hands in apology. "But, that was some time ago. I don't know what might be happening now."

"It's a good start." Verona said. "But what about the people? Are they like those in Maxill or here?"

Kal looked away in thought.

"Different, I would say." she answered. "They don't have the... Bondsmen... system for most people. A few really bad criminals are basically in that system. The rest of the people are free to go wherever they choose instead of being locked to one area. Instead, they get paid money for their work."

Kal frowned.

"The actual workers, the ones that harvest and make things, don't earn a lot of money. Just enough to survive and not get any further in life. At least that's what I understood from what I could steal and what I managed to overhear. The people that own the places where they work... They have the money. I was never brave, or desperate, enough to steal from them."

A capitalist system, where the actual workers are paid a pittance and the rulers and owners of industry keep the money for themselves. Hardly original.

"This is probably the most important thing, Kal." Anton said. “And I know it might be a little difficult to you but we need to know.”

Kal tensed and took another swig of her drink. She was smart enough to guess what was coming.

"But, how do they treat beast-kin? I would rather you not have to wrap yourself up completely every day. Or if you are 'exposed', will we have to come make a run for it?"

Kal hesitated in answering, taking yet another swig of her drink. She had almost reached the bottom while Anton and Verona still were only a third of the way down.

"Not... Not like here.... Or in somewhere like Seocuria or Qaiviel. No, they're a bit better to... My... Kind. But that's not saying much."

She seemed loathed to have to even make the distinction.

"While they aren't beaten down slaves, or killed on sight, they are still slaves in a heavy and controlling form of bondage. They all have this iron collar on them that's basically impossible to get off." Kal began, rubbing her neck. “It has four loops around it where they can attach a chain to it. So …they can be led around. Displayed...to the other nobles.”

“These people...” Anton said offhandedly.

Kal raised an eyebrow but said nothing more about it.

“Most are bought from Seocuria and spend their lives as poor worker slaves, doing the worst and most dangerous activities. Ones that even the poor and desperate humans would not do by choice. The lucky ones, and if they can be called that, are servants for the household that owns them. Like those maids that were scurrying about in Duchess Belinda's mansion."

She held the mug up so it covered her mouth.

"Except they don't get raped or beaten to death on the whims of their owners."

"That's sick." Verona managed to say after an awkward pause.

Anton could not help but let out a sigh.

"It seems beast-kin have it pretty terrible everywhere." He said.

Kal lowered the mug and smiled. Smiled like she actually meant it, something that he was learning was quite rare.

"Here we don't. Here we won't."

She looked around to the still revelling villagers. Even now, when the alcohol would have loosened their inhibitions, they paid them no mind.

Perhaps this is something you wanted all along. Somewhere to call 'home'. Someone to just be able to talk to...Was that one of the things that Tethra would say you would find here?

"Do you think the other beast-kin will like it here?" Verona asked.

Kal nodded, though not as quickly as she did before. He caught a glimpse of her eyes as she looked up at him. While the horizontal can slit eyes did make it a little hard to tell what was happening, in his heart he had the suspicion that she was starting to become a little bit drunk. They moved with less certainty and the ever-present sharpness was dulled slightly.

"How are you feeling, Kal?" Anton asked.

It took her half a second to realise that he was talking to her. She hummed, letting him know that she did not hear.

"How are you feeling?" Anton asked again.

A light giggle came from Verona. She realised what he was getting at.

"Fine, I suppose." Kal replied, a look of confusion and nervousness on her face. "Actually... I do feel a little..."

"Tipsy?" Anton offered.

Kal frowned, but when Anton made a few motions to try and describe what she was feeling she instantly understood.

"Yeah. That." Kal smiled as she took another sip.

Anton reached over and titled the mug so he could get a look. There was nothing left, only a few drops in the corner and those were very lonely. She had drunk very hard and quickly.

"I think that's enough for now Kal."

She looked a little disappointed at the beginning, but as the seconds passed her attitude changed.

"I haven't drunk anything like that in some time." Kal scratched at her hair. "I don't think that I should have done that."

Verona laughed, taking a drink from her own mug.

"Don't worry, Kal." Verona began. "We'll make sure you get home safely."

Kal frowned and waited for Verona to continue. She folded her arms underneath her breasts and pressed them out further, closing her eyes as she spoke.

"My father said that it was bad manners to let a girl walk home alone."

Verona peered out of one eye at Kal, then to Anton.

"Especially if that person is drunk."

"I..." was all that Kal could manage.

She tried to stand, to prove that she was fine, but she knew that she was anything but. A slight stumble was all it took before she hurriedly sat back down. The longer she waited the more alcohol would enter her system and the more inebriated she would become.

Anton laughed, causing Kal to scowl and blush slightly at the same time.

“It's not a bad feeling, is it?”

Kal chuckled as she massaged her temple.

“We'll make sure you get back safely...It's probably about time for us to retire as well."

A quick glance around told him that most of the villagers were in a similar, or rapidly approaching, state as Kal. Catching Jeff's attention was not that easy, considering how drunk he was looking and that he was still laughing and dancing with over a dozen rowdy villagers.

"Jeff!” Anton said loudly to get his attention, which seemed to work. “We're off to bed. We've all got a big day tomorrow.”

Jeff, and quite a few others present, gave them nods of acknowledgement and returned to their drinking and singing.

"Great..." Anton sarcastically spoke about their level of care at the moment. "Oh well, let's get everyone back home safely."

Kal took a second, finally nodding without her usual certainty.

He glanced down at his own mug.

If anyone drunk that much in that short amount of time, you would be feeling it. Especially if you did not have any alcohol in over a decade.

Kal got to her feet with Anton and Verona. She took a few deep breaths to ready and balance herself before following them.

“You ready?” Anton asked.

Kal took a moment before nodding.

“It might just take me a bit longer....but I'll be fine.”

“We'll be right with you.” Verona said tenderly, though she was starting to get a little tipsy herself.

Anton moved to the other side and made sure that Kal knew that he was right there. It appeared to work as she relaxed and began to move more confidently.

Looking after the slightly swaying Kal distracted him from a gnawing realisation that was still eating away at the back of his mind.

None of using want to live in fear for the rest of our lives. We can't deal with the Demon threat, or whatever else might come our way if we are locked down in Atros through fear...I hope that we can actually meet you, Nithroel, and sort this out. Tonight.

 ---------------

Hello Everybody.

I hope you all had a good christmas & new year.

This chapter...Took quite some time to write. I think it was just one of those ones that I needed to get out and was a bit of a slog to get through. I think that may come through.

So everyone's very concerned about learning about Nithroel's involvment, Verona has a resolve to figure out what's happening to her, Kal is slowly getting better at socialising. Also a bit of information about the Graterious Empire, a noble family based empire that doesn't kill Beast-kin outright. So, there probably wasn't that much going on...oh well.

Next chapter is meeting Nithroel and finding out what a piece of work she is.

Thanks for reading and as always, thanks for any and all donations.