FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

“Silver... this is really mild. What are you talking about?" Alduin tilted her head, confused, watching Silver who was now panting heavily, her face flushed and her expression knitted with confusion. “Wh- what do you mean mild?! I'm dying over here! Tanvi, you gave her the same dish, right?" She pointed her fork at the crow like vendor who nodded vehemently, looking just as perplexed as Silver. Her star filled eyes glimmering.

“Yes, it is the same. I didn't change anything in the recipe at all.. I actually added more spice than usual for my new customer" Tanvi handed Silver a bottle of water, which she drained in seconds. “May I try your meal? Maybe I made a mistake" Alduin nodded and handed her plate back to Tanvi, who tore off a chunk and tossed it into her mouth. After chewing for a few moments her eyes widened as she began to sputter and cough."Wh-what *cough* I overdid the *gasp* spices! You are- ack- fine? Alduin nodded softly while Tanvi guzzled down a bottle of water and would fan her face with her hands.

“I-I just don't feel it." Alduin crossed her arms and leaned back, pushing the plate back toward Tanvi. “I'm full anyway. Thanks." She sat back and watched as Silver scarfed down the rest of her meal, revelling in the spice that she could not taste. Once Silver finished, she pulled yet more of those crystals from her pouch and paid for their meals.

The two bid their farewells to Tanvi and walk back to Tasha, who presented them with three outfits. A shirt and loose pants that complimented Alduin's black scales and green eyes with some grey accents and reds that popped out, a long loose flowing robe, primarily brown leather with black and green accents that fit her to a T, and finally her jacket, repaired flawlessly. She ran her hand over the back, fingers brushing the freshly restored logo of her favourite band — a cyborg skeleton peering through a jagged crack. Once faded by time, it now looked vivid, almost alive

“Well, I worked my magic, whattaya think?" Tasha asked, her face smirking as she admired her handiwork. Alduin would pick it up and slide on her jacket, feeling the familiar expensive faux leather against her scales made her want to jump with joy. She shook her hands quickly in front of her and let out a high pitched squeak of joy. “Aaah! I love it! Tasha, it's great, I never thought it would look so good again. I was always too afraid to throw it out and now I get to keep it!" She barely restrained herself from hugging Tasha.

Silver would pat her shoulder and hand a dozen red crystals to Tasha, who tossed them in a sack with a clink. Alduin, remembering her reward, dug in her pocket and held the red crystals she was given out to Tasha. Who raised an eyebrow and closed Alduins hand around them. “Nah Hun, No need, I also don't think ya realize how much that is, that's about 30 credits, love. way more than a tip."

“I insist, I love the jacket. And the techwear looks great. Please?"

“Nope, get yourself a treat with that. Gods know ya need it." Alduin let out a resigned sigh and pocketed them again.

“Okay.. T-Thank you anyway, I love all of the clothes."

Tasha snorted and put her hands on her hips, “Ya better or all my work would'a been for nothin."

Alduin chuckled softly, hugging herself tightly. Still filled with glee from her jacket's nearly new state. She let out a yelp as a loud bell ringing was heard, coming from a nearby tower. As it was rung Tasha let out a satisfied sigh and began to put what equipment she had set up into a satchel or attached to a backpack, she folded up her mannequins and pulled on a heavy, equipment and crystal filled pack. “And that's where mah work day ends, mind if I come with ya? Been needin to catch up with Oct recently."

Silver nodded “Of course! It's getting late anyway." It was only now that Alduin noted the time, she didn't have exact numbers but the sky was orange and was getting dark quickly. The Market as a whole seemed to be closing up as other stalls around were cleaning up. The three of them would begin their walk back to Silver's home. They chatted idly as the strolled at a leisurely pace, the sky getting darker and darker yet the streets didn't calm down or empty out.

The streets remained just as active during the day, however those walking it were different. Where there once was people that resembled horses, foxes, goats and trees. There are now people matching bats, owls, people with pale skin and red eyes. Noticing Alduin's wandering gaze, Tasha would smirk and give her a nudge on the shoulder. “Can't keep your eyes to yourself huh? The night life here is just as active as the day and all that. It's a bit harder for some to go out during the day so they can get things done at night. Thankfully, enough changed to nocturnal things to keep it pretty much equal." She chuckled again as Alduin blushed at her comment before nodding in understanding.

“I saw someone who looked like a vampire.. That must be horrible.. to burn up during the day.." Tasha paused for a moment before letting out a quick burst of laughter . The question even got a chuckle from Silver, who tapped Tasha on the arm to quieten her down.

“She's new, stop laughing! uhh, No they don't. At most they get more sensitive to the sun, but there's no burning and turning to ash. Heh… They do drink blood though~" Silver waggled here fingers dramatically before patting Alduin on the back.

“Oh… okay then. Sorry– "

Her apology was cut off when a familiar voice was heard from the dark.

Alduin had to squint her eyes to make out who was approaching, Octavius, wearing something similar to a toga. “Fancy running into you three! Making friends, Alduin?" He asked, his gaze shifting to Tasha. The two approached each other, glaring and almost sizing each other up. Octavius was shorter than her but his muscles were toned and more refined than Tashas. Tension was held in the air, before their serious expressions cracked and they started to laugh.

“It's good to see you again, Tasha! How is the business doing?"

“It's doing well! No thanks to you, ya scaly little runt! Those dexterity classes ya offered didn't do squat! Frankly, I'd like mah money back." Tasha crossed her arms, an amused smirk on her face

“Sorry no refunds and what, it's been a year? A bit late for it, don't you think?" He chuckled and turned back to Alduin and gave her a wide smile as he saw what she was carrying.

“I see you've gotten yourself some clothes, may I?" Alduin nodded and handed him the robe, he ran his thumb over the material and looked it over, before nodding approvingly and handing it back to Alduin, folded. “Very nice, you're going to get a lot of use out of that one I imagine. " He turned to Silver and gave her a hug that lifted her off the ground “I'm going to work, there should be some food in the fridge if your hungry, you know where to find me if you ever need something"

Silver scoffed and wiggled out of the hug before brushing down her cloak. “I'm not a baby, Tavius. I can take care of myself. We'll be fine. We are grown women for the gods sakes!"

“I can't help it, you'll always be little Silver who needs her big brother's help to tie her shoelaces." He gave her a pet on the head as she let out a long groan as he did. Alduin turned from the display, meeting eyes with Tasha. Both of them dissolved into a fit of giggles at the display between the siblings.

“Alright I'll be off. Talk to you tomorrow." Octavius said as he brushed past the three, giving them a small wave as his walk gave way into a jog. Apparently he was growing late to wherever he was going. The three continued on home. Alduin and Silver recounted the day's events to Tasha. The doctor, the thief and the Idelnain food stall. In return, Tasha regaled them with stories of the more unusual customers she had that day.

They eventually arrived at Silver's home, Tasha parted ways with them there and kept walking to her home. The inside of the house was warm and there were only a few lights on. Silver would flick them off as they both headed upstairs, their limbs heavy from the tiring day behind them. Alduin was brought into the room she had woken up in with Silver informing her it was her room now and that they could get decorations later.

Alduin walked in and sat herself down on the bed, removing her new jacket and hanging it off the end. “The Doctor was really nice.. I really can't thank you two enough for all this. T-Thank you so much–" Alduin felt her eyes start to water and her breathing hitch as everything finally started to hit her. She was never going to go home. The foam mattress next to her sank down. She might never see her parents again. She felt a hand on her shoulder. Her old friends will think she abandoned them. A tear rolled down her cheek, then another, and another. She found herself pulled into someone, a hug, pressed into Silvers chest, words being whispered into her ear.

“I know.. I know exactly how you feel.. It will be alright.. I promise it will."

Silver held Alduin as she sobbed. Gently rubbing her head and comforting her. The memory of her first days in Kulvinar came floating back, but she pushed them away to focus on Alduin. Alduin sobbed and wept, clutching onto Silver, months of tension and fear being released all at once. Eventually her sobs quieted down to whimpers and gasps, then eventually back to steady breathing. Silver gently pushed her back onto the bed, Alduin had fallen asleep while being held. Silver pulled the blankets over her and quietly stepped away.

“I will protect you." she whispered. Turning off the lights and returning to her room. What wonders would happen tomorrow.