The City of Monuments rose before them. Sprawling slate rooftops clustered over marble roadways, exuding a richness Arlo was almost certain was unearned.
Sounds of a waking city clamoured in his ears as they grew steadily closer to the gates. Alabaster walls rose high to the right of the road, blocking off the richest part of town from the common rabble. Even the Naos District, the section the caravan entered, was richly appointed, well maintained, with teams of mages combing the streets to discard of trash while other servants flitted about to do their masters’ biddings.
A pair of guards stopped each wagon before it could pass, checking the contents. One stabbed through a crate with a spear.
“MY CABBAGES!!!”
Arlo snickered. Coradiel looked aghast.
“You’re good to go,” the guard grumbled at the cabbage merchant. “Ah, Lord Foxglove, Lord Arthien.” Checking their papers, the man smiled at the two. “Doing a spot of adventuring, my lords?”
“Yes,” Aldern said magnanimously. “I found it quite enjoyable myself.”
“You would, napping it up in the wagons,” Arlo muttered under his breath.
“I trust you’ll bring no nefarious business into our fine city,” the guard said over Arlo’s grumble. “You’re free to pass. As is your friend.”
“I’ll take responsibility for him, Sergeant,” Coradiel promised.
As they moved into the city, the caravan broke up. One or two continued moving through the Naos, the rest headed south, peeling off into the other, poorer, districts.
Arlo stuck with Coradiel for now. The half-elf had made the deal with Olmur; he’d see them get paid for their trip so far. What happened after that was anyone’s guess. Once again, Arlo was left without a quest, without an immediate path. With nothing more than a vague directive to “find a spellbook”.
Oh well, at least the pay was good. 250 gold would put a nice weight in his pocket. Maybe he could get a wand; it would be nice to have some spells that didn’t need preparing.
They stopped beside a stall. A halfling stepped up to Coradiel, pressing a hefty bag to his hands with a beaming smile.
“If you’re planning on sticking around for a while, we could use your service on the way back.”
“I’m not sure, Master Olmur,” Coradiel said. “We need to see about a will at the temple of Abadar. But come by 20 Starsilver Plaza when you’re ready to leave. If I’m still in the city, it’ll be there.”
“Understood,” Olmur said, tossing another bag to Arlo. The catfolk caught it with wide eyes, feeling the heft of gold. “Will your companion be joining you, then?”
“I believe I am stuck with him, at least for now,” Coradiel said, glancing back at Arlo. “We have an engagement at Aldern Foxglove’s residence tonight; you may find us there if your business is that easily concluded.”
“I doubt it will be, but I appreciate you letting me know,” Olmur replied. “I believe we’ll be setting out again in two or three days, hopefully with fresh goods. I hope the two of you will join us — it is such a relief to have a wizard travelling with us.”
“I will see what I can do,” Arlo said, tucking his purse away. “Thanks for the gold.”
“Thanks for your help with those cougars.”
The two watched the halfling drive off, the rumble of his wagon quickly vanishing into the hubbub of the city. Arlo whirled on Coradiel.
“An engagement with Foxglove?!” he hissed.
“That’s right, and I will have you looking the part. We have four hours to get to the temple then get you into decent clothing.” Coradiel smirked at the catfolk. “Tonight, you’re a noble.”
Eighty gold for a single outfit. It was the most extravagant, utterly wasteful, expense of money he’d seen since… well, ever.
And Coradiel paid for it all.
Arlo tapped at his freshly pierced ear, toying with the small earring. He’d been utterly against it, but Coradiel had won that argument — among others. Many magic items could come in the form of earrings; did he really want to lose out on such an item just because it looked “gay”?
His emerald green waistcoat and burgundy cravat only made him feel more gaudy. Arlo had to trust Coradiel’s fashion sense here — he had no idea how to even fit most of the clothes on, let alone what might look good. Coradiel looked good. His usual sapphire gown had been replaced with a red dress — yes, a full on dress! — and earrings to match. His amulet had vanished, but was replaced with a massive polished citrine embossed in a ring. Arlo could just make out Taldane letterings on the ring, with an eagle engraved around them. How the jeweller managed to put that into a gemstone was beyond him, but Arlo had a feeling that the ring cost more than all their outfits combined.
It didn’t help his view of the half-elf.
Another nail in Coradiel’s coffin was his location — he lived only three doors down from Aldern. Sure, Aldern’s townhouse had been boarded up for most his life, but that didn’t excuse his perceived crimes.
…Okay, maybe Arlo was being a little unfair. The place certainly looked like it had been boarded up until recently. He could smell the mustiness of a freshly opened building even as far away as Coradiel’s home, and a few mages coming and going throughout the afternoon confirmed that there was at least some cleaning going on. Coradiel wasn’t trying to hide anything with a lie.
Coradiel rang the doorbell at precisely six bells — they could hear the town bells tolling in the distance, counting out their melancholic time. The door opened way too fast.
“-last chance, your lordship. Do what is right.”
An elf turned and froze at the sight of the visitors. Arlo gave a small wave, but that did nothing to ease the severe countenance glaring at him. At least the elf’s partner — another elf that even Arlo wouldn’t mind getting into bed with — had a much lighter smile on her face.
“Oh, my apologies,” Coradiel said. “Are we early?”
“No no,” Aldern said, rushing between the two elves. “Justice, Jane, these are my friends, the Lord Arthien and… forgive me, I never quite caught your name,” he scowled at Arlo.
“Arlo. Silverpaw,” Arlo added unnecessarily.
“Coradiel, you already know Justice Ironbriar, I’m sure,” Aldern said almost before Arlo could finish. “This is his partner, Lady Jane.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you both,” Jane said with a wide smile.
“Quite,” Justice Ironbriar said. “Please, excuse us. We must be going. The city isn’t going to run itself.”
Forcing Arlo aside, the two headed out of the townhouse, and to a carriage Arlo hadn’t noticed before. The catfolk shivered — he could feel eyes staring at him as he turned away from the carriage.
Fuck… cops or nobles? Couldn’t Arlo just be happy that they were attacking each other? He didn’t have to pick a side; he could just enjoy the show from the side. At least, as long as Coradiel didn’t drag him into the middle of it all.
“I apologise for the inconvenience,” Aldern said as soon as the justice was gone. “You look… startlingly good. Even Arlo seems to clean up well.”
Arlo rolled his eyes. Like he couldn’t dress up when the circumstances demanded it. The amurrun bit his tongue though; Coradiel was already side-eying him.
His eyes widened as Aldern dipped and kissed Coradiel’s hand. Coradiel was gay; that was no surprise. But Aldern too?
“I hope you don’t mind,” the man murmured. “In that dress, you look remarkably similar to my late wife, Iesha.”
“I don’t mind.”
Arlo did. Very much so. But he bit his tongue again. Why should he care if Coradiel wanted to go off with some sort of criminal? Or had the half-elf completely missed the presence of the justice?
Well, Arlo hadn’t missed it. He’d make sure Aldern didn’t hurt Coradiel. Even if that meant he’d spend the whole night as a third wheel.
“I’m telling you, you don’t know rain until you’re in a storm at sea. By the time we reached dry land, Iesha and I were soaked.”
Arlo swirled a red wine in a large glass. He took another gulp, marvelling at how the glass was refilled almost the second he set it down. Now that was service….
“I remember a training exercise I was on, I had to ferret out a blue dragon wyrmling during a storm. Scariest day of my life so far,” Coradiel chuckled. “I was dodging lightning while running for my life, praying that the older paladins were nearby because there was no way I could have beaten that beast on my own.”
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Another gulp of wine. Arlo grimaced at the taste. He was sure it was top-notch wine, but the flavour was just… ugh. Where was the whisky?
And Aldern was going again, almost as though he was desperately trying to one up the paladin. But how could he compare to playing bait for dragon hunters?
Arlo just tuned out the rest of the conversation. Aldern wasn’t interested in anything except seeming tough. Coradiel didn’t seem smart enough to realise that. Or he was trying to make Aldern feel better. Either way, Arlo wasn’t interested.
His eyes swept the room idly. There weren’t any portraits to speak of. No potted plants… everything was very barebones. How long had this place been empty for? Why had it been empty? Where was Aldern from? He’d been disconcertingly quiet about his past, despite his contest with Coradiel. And the dead wife… no, none of this was adding up to anything good.
Arlo stood up, swaying heavily.
“I think… I think I’ve… had too much to drink,” he slurred. “Gotta go… gotta go home.”
Aldern stared at him, visible disgust on his face. Arlo didn’t care. They needed to get out of here, even if that meant the nobles loathed him.
“Forgive me, Aldern,” Coradiel said, dabbing at his face before rising to his feet. “It is getting late, and I must see to the caravan come morning. I hope we can do this again before I leave?”
“Unfortunately, I will be leaving for Foxglove Manor on the morrow,” Aldern said petulantly. “I would invite you to visit, but I’m afraid your… friend… would be a hindrance to your journey.”
Ouch. Arlo tried not to let the hurt show on his face. Sure, he hated Aldern, but Aldern didn’t have to be an ass about it.
Farewells said, the three parted ways. Coradiel helped the catfolk down a flight of stairs and outside.
“You really have impressive timing,” he groused, guiding Arlo toward his own home.
“Sorry, but I couldn’t stand being in there one more second. He’s seriously creeping me out.”
“Me too, but I couldn’t figure out how to beg out.” Coradiel admitted. “Thank you. It was uncouth, but you got us out of there, and I feel we are free of him at least for the foreseeable future.” The noble grinned slyly. “Of course, if he asks, you’re a louse and I loathe you to the depths of my soul.”
“Aw, me too.” Arlo hiccoughed as Coradiel fought a key into his door.
The door swung open silently, and a snap of his fingers brought a light to Arlo’s hand.
“I thought you couldn’t cast that spell?”
“You inspired me to look into it.”
The door closed, and Coradiel grabbed the lit hand. Suddenly, Arlo was pinned against the solid oak. His eyes widened as his head tilted to look at the half-elf.
“I’m sorry about tonight. Lord Foxglove was a most inconsiderate host, excluding you from much of the conversations.”
“Don’t you get all flowery with me,” Arlo grumbled.
“Well, I want to give you something to make up for the way you were treated tonight.”
“I don’t nee-!”
Soft lips pressed to his. Tugging lightly at the catfolk’s fuzzy lower lip, Coradiel’s mouth toyed with Arlo, teasing, nibbling him. Arlo’s hands came up, pressing against the half-elf’s chest… but he didn’t push.
Coradiel was the first to pull away. A soft smile lifted puffy lips, a satisfied smirk set his face aglow.
“You like men,” he noted quietly. “No matter how you deny it, you enjoy my attention. And that’s okay. But I know you by now. You’ll deny it to your dying breath. It’s okay. It’s just us here, right now. You can admit it.”
“No-”
“My bed is open to you,” Coradiel interrupted. “Third floor, first door on the right. I would love the company. But I leave the choice to you, always. If you can find it in your heart to be brave, join me. If not… well, I hope one day you can be happy.”
“But Aldern,” Arlo protested.
“Aldern was flattering. But he sees me as Iesha. And he’s way too possessive. Didn’t you see how he refused to let us talk, keeping my attention on him?” Coradiel shook his head firmly. “I prefer my freedom to being a trophy husband.”
“Makes sense. I could have sworn foxglove was a toxic flower,” Arlo chuckled breathlessly.
“So… can I expect you in my bed tonight?”
“What about your parents?”
“My father is dead.” Coradiel sighed, glancing away. “My mother is… I don’t know where she is. She dropped me off when I was five years old, and vanished. It caused some… difficulties for my father. He tried to disavow me, but closer to the end of his life, he realised I was the only child he had, so he named me his heir instead.”
The half-elf pulled away, heading toward the stairs. Arlo caught his arm before he could ascend.
“You got me into these clothes. I don’t know how to get out of them, so I kinda have to come with you.”
“You mean you don’t mind that I’m a bastard?”
“Mind?” Arlo scoffed. “My father raised me on his own. Said something about my mother being an alcoholic wastrel. I might as well be a bastard, if I’m not already.”
“Then, if you know what’s coming should we ascend those stairs together-”
“Ugh, again with the flowery language? ‘Arlo, I am going to fuck you.’ Why is that so hard to say?”
“Because I’m afraid if I say it, you’ll run screaming from the house,” Coradiel said with a laugh.
“That defeats the whole purpose of discreet,” Arlo pointed out.
“Besides,” Coradiel continued, “who says I’m going to fuck you?” He grabbed Arlo’s hand, tugging the confused catfolk toward the stairs. “Now, let’s get you out of these clothes.”
Coradiel collapsed shirtless onto an expansive bed. Above him, Arlo licked his lips. Every ounce of restraint, every argument made, all evaporated at the lustful buffet before him. And Coradiel was going to let him feast.
Arlo refused to have it any other way.
“Look at you, taking what you want-”
“Shush.” Arlo crawled over Coradiel, taking in the dusky skin, the sun-soaked shoulders, the slight mounds of his breasts. “You look so… feminine?”
“Permission to speak?” Coradiel smirked up at him. “Many of Arshea’s disciples go through some experimentation. I was born a woman, but decided I preferred a more masculine form. Arshea’s clergy granted me a potion to sculpt my body the way I saw myself. It is a blessing few are afforded.”
“You mean… you’ve been a girl this whole time?!” Arlo was offended. Here he was agonising over his lust for-
“No. I’ve been a man this whole time. Just one who is more than comfortable dressing as a woman. I don’t care how people see me, but I’m still a man.”
Well… there went that last shred of hope. Arlo wanted to fuck a man. And he was going to do it too.
Straddling Coradiel, Arlo hooked his thumbs into the tight cotton breeches Coradiel had forced him into hours before. Before he could tug his cock out, the half-elf set a hand on his bare stomach.
“Before we go that far, let me appreciate this feast before me,” Coradiel grinned.
“Funny. I had the same thought myself. Any reason you couldn’t enjoy my body while you suck on my cock?” Arlo asked, motioning toward his tented pants. “It is very eager to make your acquaintance,” he added with a sly grin.
“Oh, now who’s being all flowery?” Coradiel shook his head, hooking his own thumbs into Arlo’s pants. With tiny tugs, he slowly peeled the fabric down, until Arlo’s dick sprang free from its confinement.
Arlo hadn’t taken the time to study himself since he’d arrived on this world. His cock was… weird, to put it mildly. Slender, tapered at the tip, with tiny barbs that angled downward… fuck, he had a cat dick!
It made sense, he supposed; he was a catfolk, after all. Didn’t mean he was exactly happy about it — being a furry was one thing. He loved being a furry, and not just for the art.
Having an animal dick was completely different.
“Are you okay?” Coradiel asked slowly. “You look like you just saw a dick for the first time ever.”
“Yeah… yeah, I’m fine,” Arlo said, wriggling free of his pants. “Just wondering if I have to do everything myself here.”
Coradiel snorted. His hands clapped onto Arlo’s hips, raising the catfolk slightly. Arlo sucked in a breath as he was pulled forward. He slid up Coradiel’s tight abs, helpless against the force of the paladin’s strong arms.
Until he wasn’t.
“Praise Arshea,” Coradiel breathed, studying Arlo’s body. “These hips, so perfect to hold, bring joy to my heart. This rear, plump and ripe, offer a grip so dear.”
“What are you doing?” Arlo asked, his heart pounding.
“Whenever I have sex, I make a point to praise my partner.” Coradiel smiled up at Arlo. “Their beautiful eyes… their well-groomed fur… even their gentle scowl-mmf!”
Arlo pushed his cock into Coradiel’s mouth, grinning down at the paladin. His grin evaporated instantly. Eyes rolled back as Coradiel’s hands gripped roughly across his ass. The paladin’s tongue ran over Arlo’s length. Suction built instantly, as Coradiel immediately started sucking for all he was worth, bobbing his head, twisting slightly with every downstroke.
“Oh fuck…!” Arlo couldn’t hold back his cry. He grabbed the paladin’s head, forcing his cock even deeper. “Fuck… your mouth… holy shit!”
He felt Coradiel chuckle, still clearly in control despite Arlo’s thrusting. The catfolk growled, shoving harder and harder, trying to knock Coradiel off that smug pedestal of his.
And yet, the half-elf’s feathery lips, satiny mouth, his warmth, his hums of pleasure… it was all too much. Arlo yowled as he slammed his hips into Coradiel’s face. Muffle slaps echoed his desperation as a volcano filled deep within him, until….
“Fucking take it…!”
Hot seed shot from his cock, smothering Coradiel’s mouth even as Arlo continued his almost maniacal thrusting. It couldn’t have taken longer than a minute for him to shoot, and as the post-nut haze died down, the catfolk fell back with a choked cry, falling free of the paladin.
“Fuck…”
Coradiel swallowed heavily, catching Arlo as he dropped. Those strong arms pulled the amurrun up again, until Arlo had no choice but to lay across Coradiel’s chest.
“Good boy,” Coradiel murmured. “I’m glad we waited until we were alone; your yowls are enough to wake the dead. Did you enjoy yourself?”
“I… Fuck… I can’t believe I just… Did I…?” Arlo stared at Coradiel. “I… I want you… wanted to….”
“Shut me up? Control me?” Coradiel’s lips turned up slightly. “Make me feel helpless? Try ropes next time.”
“Next time?”
“Yeah. I mean, if you want there to be a next time. I assume you do; you didn’t get long to enjoy me this time. But I don’t mind.”
Coradiel licked his lips slowly, before pressing them to Arlo’s. Arlo mrffed, his eyes widening as a salty glob pushed into his mouth. He yanked back quickly.
“What the fuck was that?”
“Just sharing the bounty,” Coradiel said.
Arlo shook his head in disgust.
“Ropes,” he agreed.
“Ropes,” Coradiel chuckled. “Wouldn’t be my first time. As long as you stop when I tell you to.”
“I think…” Arlo swallowed tightly, collapsing into the paladin’s cuddle. “I think that can be arranged.”