Catastrophes and Other Trifles

Basil the Turquoise Dragon

My eyes fluttered open with the buzzing of my horn. Ingot’s leg kicked to silence the alarm. He was behind me, holding me like a stuffed animal, so I had to extricate myself carefully from the unconsciously possessive silver dragon. Then, after quietly stepping over Velvet, I was standing in the middle of my bedroom. I took the buzzing gem off my horn and squeezed it, silencing the alarm, and sat it on the built in stone desk by the bed.

A shiver ran through me; I was no longer surrounded by warm dragons. After blinking the blur of sleep from my eyes, I stretched out - first pushing my hips to the ground - then my chest. I’m sure either of these two would have appreciated the visual of me with my rear in the air, but they had quickly fallen back to sleep.

The swish of blankets drew my attention, and when I looked over, I saw Ingot had pulled Velvet into my former position, using the ruby dragon as a body pillow. My heart swelled with love for the two as I watched them sleep for a moment. Muted voices in the main den area reminded me I had work, so with a contented smile I turned, grabbed my cloak, and left.

The only dragons up at this hour were athletes exercising or workers who held positions around the school as part of an agreement for admission or just for some extra spending money.

Then there were the culinary students. The school built our program around management, with the goal of producing sous and executive chefs right out the door. And so, every semester, the professors assigned students to be sous chefs, executive chefs, and the various other positions of a fine kitchen. This semester, I was the sous chef. Whatever days I was in class, another student filled the role, but on the off days - except every other weekend - I was here.

I stepped into the large kitchen. It smelled clean, having been scrubbed within an inch of its life by the dinner crew. Along the walls were various knives, spoons, ladles, and cutting boards for ingredient prep, and from the racks bolted into the cool silvery walls hung pots, pans, and skillets. Arriving first meant that I was counting the shipment.

I sighed, tossed my cloak into the break room, and got to work.

***

A little under an hour later, I stood with my foreclaws on a prep table. Small dragons, like yours truly, have to resort to tricks to look the entire staff in the eye. Our executive chef is of similar stature, and instructed me well in the taming of larger dragons.

“Alright team.” I said to the gathered. “Today is bug and pig day, so I’m going to need Mum and Leaf peeling shrimp.”

“Aww, come on man. Why us?” Chrysanthemum complained.

“Maybe, if y’all stopped showing up hungover and missing shifts you wouldn’t be on bitch work.” I retorted. The real Sous chef behind me laughed gregariously, and patted me on the shoulder.

“For the rest of the team, you know your positions. Our loose porters today are Obal and Reed. You two are going to be manning the fires for the smokers and pots. Everybody clear?”

“Yes, chef!” resounded from the gathered.

I turned to the staff Sous chef, Cliff, as he nodded approvingly. Cliff, a deeply brown wooden dragon, was every stereotype of a chef I had ever heard. He was pleasantly portly; had a loud, deep laugh; and loved his wine, brandy, and bubbly.

“And we’re going to be doing the veggie substitutes?” I asked.

“Indeed we are. Mushrooms, beans, and Collard greens.” He said with the heavy vowel-loving accent of the Northern reaches.

“On it, chef.”

I rushed to the storeroom, where boxes of various goods sat in the deliberately cool and dark room. A box sitting in the corner was actively chirping. Live game insects. I wasn’t a huge fan myself, but there were those who loved the crunch. We typically smoked them in the box they came in and then seasoned them with spices and flavored oils. Velvet loved making them as hot as he could stand with cayenne and other dried peppers. The insects were for tomorrow’s meal. Today was crawfish and shrimp, so I happily took the lead on one of my favorite meals.

The town I was from frequently hosted big boils of crawfish in particular. The loud crunching of those too lazy to pick the meat would fill the streets, and the pleasant scent of herbs and spices would linger until the next morning. I could almost smell the bay leaves… Sometimes, I missed home, but never enough to return. To choose between Ingot and Velvet would be like choosing which wing to cut off.

The crates of mushrooms were front and center, so I brought them out to the prep tables. After a few more trips to retrieve the rest of the supplies, Cliff joined me.

“Okay, my friend. Tell me about these mushrooms.”

He knew I knew, but he still made me recite the information as practice.

“These are a batch of mushrooms cultivated by the Elves to be a meat replacement for typically carnivorous species.” I took a pine cone shaped mushroom out of the box and held it up as I spoke. “They superficially resemble porta bella, morels, and shiitake, but are raised to taste like beef, chicken, and pork respectively.”

“Very good. Dragon diet, go.”

I groaned but complied. “Omnivorous leaning carnivorous. Higher mineral requirements than other species, and we can only process basic sugars from breads and starches.”

“So when serving in mixed species settings?”

“This isn’t a mixed species setting, though, chef”. I said.

He responded sternly. “Ahh, so you are planning on only serving this group of dragons for your entire career? Do you mean to tell me I am spending my precious breath teaching a dragon who is only going to be in the kitchen until graduation?”

“No, chef. Sorry. Meals need to be balanced when serving dragons and bipedal species. Bread is fiber to us, and sugar to them.”

“Very well.” A smile returned to his face. “The beans are going to take a few hours, so go ahead and get those started as you tell me what you are doing with the Mushrooms.”

I began by washing the several pounds of beans and checked with Reed to make sure an additional pot of water was boiling for the sub-meals.

“For the portabellas we are making beef tartare, uh… stuffed grilled bell peppers for the morels, and a smoked pork pate for the shiitake.”

“And the collard greens?” He asked.

“We’re cooking those with some of the broth from the ‘chicken’, and some of the ‘pork’ for texture and flavor.”

“Very good, Basil. It sounds like you have everything in claw. I’ll be around if you need me.”

***

“You know you don’t have to do all the sub meals yourself?” Velvet said, fanning me with a wing. We sat on the balcony across from the kitchen. Velvet and Ingot had brought me lunch.

I kissed all over his face and drowned him in my thanks. After a moment, Ingot pulled me off and spoke in his cool, low voice. “I’m here too.” I had to jump a little to give him a peck on the cheek, which caused that lovely baritone laugh to emanate from his chest. I wanted to just press my face to his collarbone and feel it, but we were in public, so my ears would have to do.

Velvet, using his breath, was fantastic at anything requiring flame. The delicate seared tuna mixed with the firm charred vegetables beautifully.

“You two are staying in Velvet’s room tonight?” Ingot asked. Velvet answered for us, as I had a maw full of broccoli.

“Yeah. He’s all mine tonight… unless you’ve changed your mind on sharing?” Velvet finished with a hopeful, leading tone.

“I’m working up to it.” Ingot said. “I may come by to watch.”

Velvet’s eyes shot up at that. “Oh?”

“Yeah, I like my one-on-one time with both of you, but I have been curious about it for a few months now.” He said.

Velvet stood and embraced Ingot. I finished the last scraps of my lunch, then quickly gave both of them a kiss.

“Thank you two for being here for my lunch break.” Then to Velvet in particular. “I’ll see you tonight.” I ran the tip of my tail along his jawline, producing a confident smirk.

“See you then, love.” He winked at me as I departed.

***

As I walked back to the kitchen, a sinking feeling gripped my gut. The noise coming from inside was not the commotion of productivity. It was the cacophony of panic.

I turned the corner into the main prep area, and a grasshopper landed on my nose. I went cross-eyed looking at it, and it stared back with its geometric jet-black eyes. After a breath, it jumped, rejoining its brethren in the chaos that had swallowed the kitchen.

Grasshoppers, cicadas, and crickets bounced and flew around the room in enormous numbers. The student staff were impotently rushing around, trying to catch as many in their claws as possible. I looked at the fires, which were dwindling, and the large smokers, which were open and pouring their precious wood smoke into the open air of the kitchen.

“What in every hell is going on!” I shouted.

The staff froze, but unfortunately, the swarm did not. Mum spoke up.

“We got done with peeling the shrimp, and figured we’d start on the rest of the insects.”

“Who in Greyhaven said anything about insects?!” I nearly screamed.

“You did, you said it was bug and pig day.”

I put my face in my claws. “Gods. I didn’t think I had to explain…” I realized my particular draconic dialect had gotten in the way. Everything in me just wanted to shut my brain off and give myself over to Velvet and his plans. I looked up at the guilty pair. “Bugs means shrimp and crawfish.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“Oooooooh.” Leaf said. “Yeah, that makes way more sense.”

The smoke billowing from the ovens had grown thin. I sprung into action.

“Reed, Obal, damn the insects. You two get those fires back up.”

“Yes, chef.”

“Pig team. Oxblood, did your team get the pigs seasoned?”

“No chef.”

“Do it. Use the seasoning mop and coat them in paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, and the rest of that seasoning mix in the store room. Use vinegar and wine as the base.”

“Yes, chef.”

“Bug team. Or, damnit. Seafood team. Bay, do you have the corn and potatoes prepped?”

“Yes, chef.” Bay said.

“Good, have you gotten the water ready?”

“No. We were putting together the mix when the nepo twins opened the crates of insects.”

“Hey, now. Keep it professional Bay.”

“Sorry, chef.” He said.

“Alright. These insects are all sterile and safe for consumption, but since most of them have touched the ground now, keep them from the ingredients you are working on and rewash everything before it goes in.”

“Yes, chef.” Bay said and started instructing his team.

Cliff finally appeared, and horror marked his face.

“World mother… what soft shelled, soon-to-be-flightless opened idiot those damn boxes?”

“Mum and Leaf, chef. I’ve got everyone back on task.”

“Good, Basil. Where are you going?” He asked.

“I’m going to find a mage to handle these damned bugs. Do you need anything before I go?” I asked.

“Do we still have that bottle of grain alcohol around somewhere?”

I laughed and darted off.

I knew the mage students had facilities specifically dedicated to them, given this was a school of magic first and foremost. I recalled they had their own library nearby, and ran to it.

As I arrived at the room, I paused briefly to catch my breath, then walked in.

I immediately spotted three dragons. A lithe, long silver dragon in mage robes. A tall, muscular ruby dragon in a simple cloak, and finally a small opal dragon, all snout deep in books.

“Pardon me. I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need help.”

They all looked at me. The silver dragon made a dismissive gesture. The opal dragon stood and walked to me as the ruby dragon simply watched. The small white dragon was wearing what appeared to be a black enclosed cloak with a pocket in the front, but unlike a cloak, it only went to their belly.

“What’s going on, what’s wrong?” They said,

“Can we walk and talk?” I asked.

I filled them in as we hurriedly walked back to the kitchens. Arriving, the white dragon surveyed the catastrophe and chuckled.

“This should be pretty simple. Is ash a safety concern?”

“Shouldn’t be. One second.” I said.

“Everyone, put lids on everything!” I shouted.

“Good.”

I finally remembered his name. Moonstone. Moonstone from Amateur Theater.

Moonstone lifted a claw, and strange sigils appeared just beyond his claw tips. He made precise changes to the angles of each of his talons, and the symbols changed. I watched in awe. Looking up, he closed his fist, causing the glyph and all insects in the room to turn to ash.

“Woah.” I said.

Moonstone stumbled slightly and shook his head - righting himself.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Oh, I’m fine. That just used more mana than I expected.” He said, blinking his eyes back into focus.

“I can’t thank you enough. Can I get you some food? Doesn’t that help with mana?” I asked.

“I’d really appreciate that.” He said.

A few moments later, we were sitting in the supply room, and Moonstone was munching on some cheese and preserved meats.

“You’re Moonstone, right?” I asked.

“Yes. You recognize me?”

“I’ve been a big fan of amateur theater for a while. I really loved Tyrannicide, you and that brass dragon did it so well.” I said.

“His name is Sprocket.” The opal dragon blushed. It was a pinkish blush, which I had never seen before. Like most other dragons, my facial scales just darkened. It was quite cute.

“If you don’t mind a bit of a personal question. I’ve heard some rumors…”

He swallowed the last of a hunk of cheese and spoke. “Which rumor in particular?”

“Well, that last showing with how Sprocket tackled you on stage for that kiss… a lot of folks assumed y’all got together before that last show.”

He chuckled and smiled dreamily. “Yes, Sprocket and I are together. But people have the cause and effect wrong. We kinda got together because of that kiss, and I fell. He didn’t tackle me.”

“Oh, wow. I’m happy for you two.”

“Thanks. I can’t wait to see him later.”

“Yeah, me too.” I said, thinking back to Velvet’s words of “he’s mine tonight.”.

“You don’t mean Sprocket, right?” He said teasingly.

“Oh, no. I’m sorry, I mean my partners.”

“Plural?”

“Yeah, oh I’m sorry… I don’t mean to - “

“I didn’t take it that way.” He bit into some more cheese. “If you don’t mind: How does that work?” He asked.

I gave him a wry smile. “Scheduling.”

***

Upon my return, the regular staff, and my student staff, were frantically making up for lost time. Lunch was upon us, and it looked like the student body was going to be getting their meals exceptionally fresh. Thanking whatever gods may be, I rolled the waxed fabric out across the tables of the dining room. A few of the students using the dining room as an impromptu study hall moved so we could continue setup.

There were a dozen stone tables stretching out to the college’s most impressive view. Enormous pillars separated an inside and outside eating area, and beyond the balcony was a breathtaking view of the three other talons of the Silver Talon mountains.

The dining room sat almost a thousand dragons at one time, and was decorated with year round flora that added lovely splashes of color to the silvery carved stone.

I re-focused on the task at claw and was glad this was such a simple meal. Instead of having to prep plates, which would have pushed us far beyond the lunch hour, we served this meal directly on the tables.

After placing each table cloth, the commis chefs came behind me and dumped the wonderful smelling fruit-of-the-sea on the tables.

Once we had finished, Cliff met me at the entrance of the kitchen.

“Where did you disappear to about an hour ago?” He asked. His voice was friendly, and he wore his signature satisfied smile.

“That mage I got needed a snack after using that much mana, chef.”

“That was incredibly clever of you, Basil. You made the staff and the executive chef proud today.”

“Thank you, chef.” I said, bashfulness entering my voice. I quoted him, “The plates must always get to the tables.”

“Well, I for one cannot wait to dine at La Maison de Basile.”

At this, I deeply blushed and could only stammer out another “Thank you, chef.”

“Alright, look alive. Your subs are going to start showing up soon.” He said, and with a nod, I rushed back into the kitchen.

***

The heat of the baths soothed tension in parts of my body I didn’t even realize could be tense. I stretched out each limb under the water and sighed in satisfaction. The sensitive membranes of my wings enjoyed the steamy warmth. I had already gotten clean and prepped for tonight, so this part was just for the simple enjoyment of it.

The baths were always hot, and double corners prevented the steam from making the entire floor too humid. Students often washed clothing here, and unlike most dragon communities, you'd see drying lines set up in the rooms of students who opted to not, or could not, use magic to wick the water out.

I eyed some oils sitting in the carved out shelves. An idea occurred to me… Velvet absolutely loved lavender.

***

I walked into Velvet’s room and dramatically collapsed on the floor. He glanced up from his book.

“Rough day?” He asked.

“I need to not be in charge anymore.” I said.

“Very well.”

Velvet tossed a length of silk rope to the floor in front of me. I grinned.

“How are you always exactly what I need?” I asked.

He sat his book down and stood, lazily stretching, as I stood and walked up to meet him.

“Oh, you know me, Basil. I live to serve.” he purred. I kissed the top of his snout, and he responded by licking the front of mine. I giggled.

“Did you have a good day?” I asked.

“It was fine, thank you. Ingot and I had that ‘brutal’ species and diet test everyone is always complaining about.”

With gentle claws, Velvet guided me to lie on my belly in the center of his room.

“I had that one earlier this week. It wasn’t too bad.”

He tied my wrists together, and then bound them to the leg post of his desk. My hind legs were still under me, and I sighed in satisfaction as I felt his claw trace my side and the outside of my thigh.

“Yeah, I didn’t really get the complaints either. It was pretty easy.”

He grabbed my hind claws and suddenly pulled me to lie flat. I gasped.

“That’s better.”

He stepped over me, straddling my tail, and ran his snout along my spine. “Hmmm, lavender.” He purred.

“Just for you, sir.”

“Oh, ‘sir’ you say? You think ‘sir’ is going to make me any nicer?”

He trailed his snout down my spine again, this time using his tongue to tease me. I groaned into my arms.

“It may just work.” He said. “You’re prepped and everything?”

“Yes, sir.” I said.

“Good boy.” He stood and walked over to one of his shelves, leaving me whimpering on the floor. Glasses tinked, and once he returned, he put a cloth over my eyes.

“Yes or no?”

“Gods, yes.”

He tied the cloth behind my horns, then his claw traced another line down my back, over my haunches, and finally under my tail. Glasses tinked again, and I heard a cork pop. Then his oiled talon teased my tailhole, and I groaned into the floor of his room.

“I’m going to make sure you are plenty ready for what I am about to do to you.”

A master of anticipation, Velvet continued teasing me by tracing the curves of my body every time he touched me. Slowly, he got me ready to receive him. I whined in needful agony for him to hurry, but he did not, choosing instead to take his sweet time at every step of the process. Eventually, finally, he guided my rear into the air and caressed my painfully stiff member.

“Hmm… I’m not sure if I’ve gotten you eager enough.”

I quivered and almost shouted my reply. “No, please. I’m ready. Please.”

His self-satisfied chuckle sounded behind me. I was in no position to feel embarrassed by my desperate plea. He stood and finally grabbed my hips.

“Yeeeeees.” I groaned. “Please Velvet. I need you.”

His patient machinations continued here as well. Ever so gently, he guided his cock into position, and finally entered me. I cried aloud at the sensation and pushed back into him as hard as I could. Slow introductions were unnecessary at this point, because of his careful, thorough preparations.

“Everything feel right?” He asked,

I growled a guttural affirmation, and he rocked his hips back and forth, driving a deep moan from my throat.

“Velvet, Basil?” I heard from the den. It was Ingot’s voice.

“We’re in here.” Velvet said. I heard the swish of the entry curtain.

“Oh!” Ingot sounded surprised.

“You’re just in time.” Velvet throbbed in me, and I gasped.

The larger dragon walked to Velvet’s nest and sat. I felt his eyes all over me, and it sent shivers down my spine.

Velvet whispered in my ear with a deep, husky tone. “Ready, my dear?”

Language was utterly beyond me. Whatever I said, it was enough to get Velvet started again, and nothing in me held back the sounds coming from my throat. I didn’t usually cum first, but even before Velvet started grunting, I was well on my way.

“Gods” I heard Ingot gasp. Him watching made the experience so much more intense, and knowing he enjoyed it fed my confidence to an egomaniacal degree.

“Velvet!” I cried.

“That’s it, Basil. Let it all out.”

I came all over the floor as the waves of an intense orgasm crashed into me. Velvet timed his pumps to be in sync with them, deliberately pressing into my prostate with each thrust. It felt like he was controlling even this, and I burned for him. A few pumps later, I felt Velvet withdraw, leaving hot streaks on my legs and back. My legs then failed me, and I collapsed. We panted in a heap on his floor, with Velvet nuzzling me as we were washed in the afterglow.

“I love you so much.” I mewed from under him.

“I love you too Basil. I'm going to go handle the big guy.”

A few moments later, Velvet stood and pulled the blindfold off of my eyes.

“Basil, watch.” Velvet said lasciviously, sauntering towards Ingot. Velvet kissed all down Ingot’s chest, and a moment later I heard gentle sucking sounds. Breathing heavily, I eventually caught my breath and drifted off to sleep, lulled away by the lovely sounds Velvet caused Ingot to make.