Nouks huffed, “You’re as bad as ever, Kloy.”

“I have no idea what you could mean,” the doctor smiled in his kindly way.

The blacksmith shook his head, pulling out a tray from under the desk.

“What do you mean,” Jurao asked, truly not understanding the man’s meaning.

Nouks flinched at the question.

“Please do not mind the King’s tone, Nouks,” Kloy said, “He is not upset with you. My lord, he means that I enjoy causing others harmless distress – like making him nervous about showing the King his wares.”

“Ah,” Jurao nodded, “I still forget my station makes most merchants I have not met nervous.”

“I… see,” Nouks cleared his throat, setting the tray down, “These are some of our samples – they show off all our available materials.”

Five similarly sized objects sat on the tray – all shaped like a small version of a demon single-pronged penis. The first was made of polished metal; the second was glazed clay; the third was polished stone; and the fourth and fifth were leather – one fish, the other hide.

“Maenscul did mention many toys are made to emulate a penis,” Jurao said, studying them, “Are they usually this small.”

Nouks blinked, then snorted, “You… really haven’t seen them before, your highness?”

“I have never experienced an interest in sexual activity before meeting my partner,” Jurao replied, tilting his head, “And I do not think we are as active as others, either.”

“Neither the King nor his partner have any experience outside each other,” Kloy elaborated.

“Besides the gardens,” Jurao hummed, still considering the objects. He picked up the two leather samples, noting the hide leather was softer than the fish leather. Not by touch, but by the texturing he could still see on the fish leather. As cloacal flesh was softer and more sensitive than skin, he wondered if the difference was more obvious when in use.

“The what?” Nouks asked.

“These sample sizes are the smallest Nouks and his partners make,” Kloy said, answering Jurao’s earlier question, “But they do have larger sizes – anything above a natural demon size would require a commission, however. Are you considering purchasing one, your highness?”

“Not today,” Jurao replied, setting the samples down, “Does the texture of the fish leather not hurt.”

“Not if one is well lubricated,” Kloy replied, “Though some prefer a little pain. Nouks even has more… creative designs for different experiences.”

Jurao considered, and asked, “Does anyone make toys from plant materials.”

Kloy made a mild choked sound in the back of his throat – waving a hand as he appeared to hold back laughter.

“Humans use wood, your highness,” Nouks replied, giving the doctor a concerned look while obligingly bringing out a second sample tray, “And some use elaborate rope knots. Elves have been known to use glass.”

The samples on this tray did indeed have different textures – bumps and rings that were absent from the smooth demon penis. Some took different shapes, as well.

“Elves and fae also use magic to create toys that vibrate or generate heat,” Kloy added, mastering himself. The doctor seemed to consider before asking, “I know the two of you don’t have sex, but would you know if Feyl has any… preferences?”

“Lace,” Jurao replied easily, intrigued by the different shapes.

Nouks gave the doctor a questioning look.

“My gieuls,” Kloy explained, before asking, “Lace, my lord?”

“Feyl has said he enjoys seeing his partners wear lace, but rarely gets the opportunity because of the cost,” Jurao elaborated.

“Since when do you have a gieuls?” Nouks asked.

“A little under a month,” Kloy replied, “Any recommendations for where to find lace? I thought to make it a surprise, my lord. For the Feast.”

“Ah,” Jurao said, “I am sure he’ll appreciate the effort.”

Kloy chuckled a bit darkly, “Well, if he’s going to go so far as to think I could be Maenscul’s Beloved, I thought to do something nice in return.”

Nouks shook his head again, “I know he’s got to be as into rough play as you are for you to make that look, but part of me still pities the man. You’d have more luck with lace from a beastkin boutique – I think there’s one or two in the fabric quarter of the market. Don’t know anyone personally, though.”

“I appreciate the recommendation,” Kloy chuckled, clearly considering possibilities.

Jurao thought to ask about the roughplay armband system Imena had mentioned before, but was interrupted by Eweylona and Ebener emerging from the back of the shop. A wolf beastly demon with high curved ram horns followed them out – presumably Ejil.

“Oh, your highness, I thought we were meeting you at the temple,” Eweylona said, tail swaying languidly behind her.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“I believe I saddened Maenscul, so they ended our meeting early,” Jurao replied, “Did you find what you were looking for.”

Ebener cleared his throat lightly, “We did. Shall we continue to other stores, then?”

“Where do you intend to go first, my lord?” Kloy asked, “I have some business to finish with Nouks, but I can catch up with you shortly.”

“There is a jeweler with a shop near the front of this quarter Forvi recommended,” Jurao replied, checking the measurements were still safely tucked away in his belt purse, “So that I might put in a commission for the Feast as well. The Gnarled Shoe.”

“I know the one,” Kloy said.

Jurao nodded, leading the way outside, “We will meet you there, then.”

“Highness?” Ejil asked softly, as the King ducked a bit through the entrance.

“Ebener and Eweylona are the parents of the King’s human partner,” Kloy replied, “Did I forget to mention it?”

The reply was lost to the noise of the crowd as Jurao led the way back to the ‘front’ of the smithing quarter – meaning the portion closest to the central market round. The rain was light enough that few were avoiding it, and Jurao wondered how long it would last.

“Is the rain why you believe you saddened your deity?” Eweylona asked, creating a shield of ice over herself and her husband.

“Yes,” Jurao replied, “Maenscul and Carmesso share the skies, but only because they allow her influence – Maenscul’s influence must have waned enough for her power to fill the void.”

“What made them sad?” Ebener asked, observing the streets with interest.

Jurao hummed, “A question I asked, but as they did not wish to answer it, I think I should keep it to myself.”

Eweylona chuckled, “I would agree. At least they were not offended.”

“I do not think they are offended often,” Jurao replied, “Ah – but they did confirm that demon patronage is a Blessing.”

“A minor one, then,” Eweylona considered, then grinned as she asked, “And did they also confirm if their patronage affects sexual prowess?”

Ebener sighed with a smile of his own.

Jurao repeated what Maenscul had told him regarding mortal souls affecting how the Blessing of Patronage manifested in an individual, which Eweylona thought made sense for a blessing with no specific purpose.

The jeweler greeted them warmly – Forvi had told the man to expect Jurao’s visit. Eweylona and Ebener browsed the shop as Jurao placed his commission for matching necklaces for himself and Braelin. A torque was a traditional style, which was why he had his partner’s neck measurement along with his own. While the jeweler tried to steer him towards a few more ornate examples, Jurao spotted one torque bracelet with kissing mud-eel heads on the ends. He was quite pleased with the design of it, given his choice of endearment, though he allowed the jeweler freedom to create a more embellished band.

Kloy joined them as Jurao finished his commission, the jeweler seeming oddly defeated.

“Mud-eel heads?” Kloy asked, appearing amused, “I know they are romantic motifs, my lord – but why these specifically?”

“It’s his endearment for Braelin,” Eweylona answered with a chuckle, “I think it’s a sweet gesture to match.”

“I see,” Kloy snorted, “No wonder Urru looks so disappointed.”

“It’s my own fault,” the jeweler sighed from a back room, “Prince Forvi told me to expect the King would pick something simple, but I was so sure of my salesmanship…”

“I’ll make it up to you with a new set for myself,” Kloy replied.

Urru emerged from the back with a snort, “You haven’t gotten a new set in at least a century – trying to impress someone at the Feast?”

“His highness will be hosting the Royal Orgy for the first time,” Kloy chuckled, “I’m attending with my gieuls to show my support.”

“So, two reasons for a new set!” Urru said, grinning, “And did either of you wish to purchase something? Before I forget my manners entirely.”

Eweylona and Ebener joined them at the counter – the former queen purchasing an entire set of jewelry as a present for Ayelma.

“I still have a traditional bone set I’ve been working on in the Elven Realm to give her,” Eweylona purred, pleased by the almost floral design of the iridescent red gemstones in the copper set. She went on, “I could have finished it years ago, but thinking of being able to give my daughter our traditional jewelry gave me hope that I would see her again. But a noblewoman always needs more than one set.”

“That’s a fine choice for such a sentiment,” Urru said, carefully packaging the pieces, “Those are firestones – they represent parental love. The pattern is to match the eruptions of Gevonar, the mortal haunt of Cegae, our God of Fire. One of his other domains is parental love, which is where the association comes from.”

“I see,” Eweylona grinned, “I do have excellent instincts, you know.”

“I don’t doubt it, my lady,” Urru chuckled. He glanced at Ebener before venturing, “And would you and your…”

“Husband,” Ebener supplied, studying a pendulum-style timekeeper with interest.

“Would you and your husband need jewelry for the Golden Sun feast as well?” Urru asked, “As you are here with the King and a Major Noble serving the Crown.”

“They are my romantic partner’s parents,” Jurao explained.

“I see,” Urru nodded.

“Necklaces denote only wishing to… participate with your partner, yes?” Eweylona asked, purring as she tugged her husband against her side.

“Indeed they do,” Urru chuckled, “Do any designs catch your fancy? There is no particular style required, and most order by commission.”

Ebener pushed up on his toe tips to kiss his wife’s cheek before saying, “I am fine with whatever you wish, my dear – you know I have a poor eye for jewelry.”

“I do know,” Eweylona grinned, returning the gesture before placing a commission of her own.

Jurao paid for the majority of the purchases – as he had already offered to do so. As King, he had a sizable salary and little to spend it on, so did not mind using it for his partner’s family. It felt more like a waste to do otherwise. Kloy had been writing down the details of his commission as the rest of their party made their purchases, handing it over as the King finished paying.

“Imena mentioned an armband system denoting rough play preferences,” Jurao remarked, noting Kloy had written details for several pieces.

“Did fae?” Kloy chuckled, “Well, I can certainly explain the general ideas, if you wish, my lord.”

“I do,” Jurao replied, as he would likely forget again otherwise.

“Bands on the upper arms denote a preference to perform penetration,” Kloy replied, “While bands on the upper legs denote a preference to be penetrated. Anklets denote a preference for non-penetrative acts. Bands on the left side of the body show you wish to be the dominant partner, while bands on the right denote a desire to be a submissive partner.”

Eweylona chuckled, looking to her husband.

“I don’t think our clever children need to know that much about us,” Ebener replied mildly.

His wife laughed, “No, probably not! Though I fear we will likely be learning more about Malson.”

“Yes,” Ebener sighed, “I doubt he will consider that aspect.”

Kloy snorted, but continued, “More specific acts are denoted by band styles – even I could not tell you what all of them mean, but those interested know which bands mark acts they wish to participate in.”

“I see,” Jurao nodded. He hummed, then said, “It seemed you were getting bands for multiple locations.”

He could not recall if Feyl did the same – he did not pay much attention to his best friend’s attire during previous Royal Orgies. Though he supposed it was not as though all the preferences of two or more partners aligned, so long as enough did.

“I am,” Kloy agreed, “One may prefer to be dominant in one set of circumstances and submissive in others – or simply enjoy the same acts from either position.”

Jurao frowned, “There is much I have not considered.”

Kloy laughed, “My lord, most people that do not participate in rough play have not considered its systems before – even those that have had plenty of sexual relations.”

“I see,” Jurao said – resolving to ask Feyl some of his more specific questions later.