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Chapter 3: The White Wolf

Lumara was said to have the harshest of winters, where when the wind's howl clove through protective garments like a blade and child you to the marrow of your bones. Snow would pile in the height of men, drowning each speck of land in a sea of white. Fire's would be nursed for all their warmth, only the foolish seeking to leave their seductive embrace. Yet all of this seemed like tall tales as Nivra, the future queen of Lumara strolled down the streets of Struport, clutching tightly at her cloak.

With chattering teeth, the mage cursed the wicked winds that whistled and dragged icy claws along her limbs. It felt as though it was assaulting her bones with icy tendrils, slowly eroding her senses to none. With the wind came a near blinding battering of snowflakes, all but blotting out the orb of light she held within her trembling palm.

What she wouldn't give to be near a warming hearth, cuddled close with the warm feathers and fur of her gryphon love. Her mind only whispered reasons for her to return to their quarters. What could be gained in such frigid weather? She powered through such thoughts, trying to take on the stature of her minotaur companion. Somehow despite the galling weather, he was a picture perfect example of composure. How he managed it, she hardly knew.

His muscles hardly shook with his powerful stride, easily kicking aside snow that fell under his onyx hooves. Stoic as ever he set his sights forward, his blackened goatee thick with snow. The fur line cloak fluttered violently behind him, begging him to give in. Yet the cleric of Korde was an unrelenting wall that didn't bend. He tilted his white horned head to check on her, eyes like a storm's eye. He nodded with a misty snort, and gesturing to her to follow. Either the clerics of Korde instilled ice into the veins of their followers, or he simply didn't feel the wind's bite.

Or minotaurs were made for this weather.

They rounded a corner of the sprawling city, deserted city. Not a soul to be seen lingering on street corners or near shops, the storm had clearly chased them away. On any other night she'd have been thankful, no crime was being committed. Yet if this was the trade off, she hardly considered it any better.

“What we looking for again?" Came the bitter hiss of their usually happy kobold companion. Feku was leaping along through the gathering snow, chittering and spitting with every bounce she made. It already looked as though a white beard was wrapped around her red scaled snout.

“Heading to the docks." Nivra shivered, gesturing outward to the all but hidden masts of ships. “Hole in the wall Lyndis said. Looking for a place called the wet bitch." She rolled her eyes at the name. Leave it up to the ruffians to call it that, it was like they had no semblance of class. Yet she'd have to lower herself if what she intended needed to be done. She was left with far little choices in the matter.

“But why. The wind bring cold, it sting face. Lets go inside and wait for the warm."

How she wished she could, just wait a few months for this to be over. Yet the lingering look of her elven mentor weighed heavily on her mind. That utter shock, the wide eyes filled with accusations abound. Then the flash of green as she crumbled away to dust before her eyes. Nivra's eyes closed as she released a mournful sigh. “We can't. Not with the dragon moping about. The others busy with their own endeavors. It falls to me to continue our noble adventure, and free my country from the reliance on the soul stones. Hopefully the dragon will feel our arrangement is fulfilled."

Even if he did very little of the fulfilling.

Besides the problem with idle hands, it kept her mind off of the lack of her body guard. To her dismay each night he'd been away had been more taxing than she'd like to admit. She'd stare up from her magical books, long fully gazing to his empty spot. True Asterion was fulfilling the same role, but it was hardly the same.

“How much further, my scales freeze." Feku pipped up, nearly tugging at the mage's robes, her voice nearly lost to the night's howl. The red of her scales had been whipped away to their usual grey.

“Not further." Asterion grunted, pausing to let them catch up to his unhindered stride. “It was the wet bitch that the rogue said?"

Nivra nodded, “Gauling name I know, but were else would you find these ruffians?"

“Why do quest now in Diil Diin?" Feku whined, “Get inside, find fire. Wait until Frien Hemdah, when thaw come."

Nivra sighed as she repeated herself. Though the reason for her haste lay in days of Drenedarian investigations. How they pumped her for information after the metallic dragon showed it's shiny hide. Hard to think her people had even constructed a monstrosity. Worse enough it had been Veledar's mother trapped within a soul stone at it's heart. Part of her ached to not apologize for such a slight against him, yet each time she tried hesitation would rear it's ugly head and she'd not find the strength.

“Plus for the fact the guard have been watching our movements ever since. I tire from being hounded throughout the day like a child. This way they get what they want. My departure, and we get to continue the quest.

“Why not bring others? Why we come alone? Strength in number!" Feku scurried ahead, leaping onto Asterion's leg as a particularly strong gust nearly whisked her away. “Curse wind! Go to heck!"

“Its because they have yet to trust me."

“Do not worry little human." Asterion regarded her with a curious eye. “Give them some time. Trust must be a thing earned. They are burned, wait for the salve to cure the wound."

How could they though? She'd been so willing to trade the location of her brother's prison for Veledar's life. Even when her former master revealed himself to be a lich. She knew the magics required were forbidden and dark, and yet she'd listened. Hesitated and cost Shandalar her life. If given the same choice would she do it again?

Anyone would have made the same call for a loved one.

She repeated it to herself as she hugged her robes, following as if guided by a chord. Yet as they rounded the next corner she wasn't so sure. If she was so adamant in her conviction to not make the same trade again, why had she avoided Nigel's cell. Part of her knew it was not to draw further suspicion and make her city wide capture a more building centric one. Yet the darker side of her whispered that it was because she'd side with him. Help him if it meant the return of her long thought dead brother.

Before her thoughts could drift to far darker places, Asterion's resounding bark and thrust of his finger was more than enough to quicken her pace. They'd arrived, and thankfully before Feku had been reduced to a chattering popsicle.

It was not far from what Lyndis had said, an alleyway that ran between a tavern called the laughing wolven and a general shop. It lay dark, boxes filled the in-between, long shadows thrown from the flickering lanterns from the street. The longer she stared at this however she couldn't help but look away. She tried again, getting the same result. It was like the spot itself wished not to be observed.

“You blind. Nothing there." Feku shook her snout, “Wild geese hunt."

“Its there." Nivra pointed to the edge of the ally, towards the closest stone. “You can tell by the perception filter they have up. It doesn't want to be observed by any living eye."

“Wise for them to ward it." Asterion snorted. “These wretches might actually be smart."

“How we find if we can't look?" Feku crossed her arms, narrowing her gaze. “Unfair."

“But we know it's there. That might be enough to will ourselves closer. Though it's going to be quite difficult." Averting her gaze she began the arduous task of crossing the street. One by one her limbs grew heavier, like steel had swirled inside and settled in her feet. Muscles began to ache and moan as every breath brought new exertion she was not used to. She managed to inch all the way to alley's opening, catching the brief shimmer of a resting viewport.

Was this the door?

Her arm rose with rocks tied around it, the princess biting her lip as all her strength went into lifting her fist to knock. She rapped three times, her arm slumped in defeat as the vision slit flung open, and twin yellow lupine eyes greeted them.

“Who goes there?" A deep male voice barked, suspicion swirling within his eyes. They traveled between the mage and the cleric, resting with a piercing gaze. “Cat got ya tongue? Speak up girlie, we ain't got a tenday ya know."

Composing herself with a straightened back she recited the password with reddening cheeks. “When the knot sinks in, the wolf howls."

The eyes laughed, a deep bellied thing. “Isn't that the truth pretty thing. Well pinky you can come in. You and your friend to."

“Friends." She gestured downward, drawing the wolf's eye. “Little ones on the shorter size of things."

Feku leaped up, forcing a smile as she waved, “Quick, let in! Cold sinking in scales!"

“Hold your horses little one." The wolf slid back the slit, undoing tumbler after tumbler with extended thumps. Out of thin air a door appeared, lined with glowing runes of wolven origin that swirled like the wind around them. It creaked upon its silvery hinges, allowing the bustling sound of numerous patrons to come wafting along the air.

Barring the doorway was a black furred wolven, his muscles practically bursting the seams of his leather armor. He crossed his arms, eyes traveling from foot to hoof to take them in. He stepped aside, pulling back a black curtain, revealing the establishment inside. “Welcome to the wet bitch gents and misses. The white wolf will be with ya soon enough. No need to go searching mind you. She'll come get ya when she's good and ready."

The sounds of the tavern swept away the closing of the door behind them. Multitude of voices and good cheer blending into a haze of revelry and song. Tables sat low to the ground with bright yellow cushions instead of chairs to seat their patrons. Golden hookahs rested upon each table, surrounded by thick bushels of multicolored flowers. Everywhere she looked food and drink seemed to run in excess, some even dripping down the many chins or jaws that flapped away. Despite the suffering and shortage outside, this place seemed to be doing well. Beams overhead crisscrossed like a highroad, wrapped in thin layers of white flowered vines, all leading to long bar at the end. This was where Asterion was headed.

“Don't be gawking away." He roughly grabbed her shoulder, tugging the startled princess towards the bar. “You're supposed to be blending in."

“Could you not be so aggressive? You're grip is like iron!" She slipped away, brushing off her shoulder as she tried to avoid the less than pristine conditions around her. Drinks lay spilled upon the chipped and scratched floor, soaking into the timbers like numerous other concoctions before it. Stains were everywhere the longer she looked, some clearly from ale or wine, yet others possibly the telltale signs of dried blood. She kept close to Asterion, minding her step, and trying her best to not appear startled as a man bent over a barrel and started puking his guts out into it.

Its all for the adventure. But why the seedy underbelly again? Surely a ship would take me away for a decent amount of coin.

“Relax friend!" Asterion gave her the most forced smile she'd ever seen. His eyes gestured to the bar. “Let's go get a drink shall we?"

She nodded silently, remembering the why. The best way to get out of the city was to go through the underbelly. Smugglers as Lyndis had put it. Yet did the princess have her best interest at heart? Doubts fluttered around her skull like butterflies as Asterion brought her to the long bar. She scowled and puffed out her chest.

“We'd like to inquire about a drink." She glared daggers at the aging wolf behind the bar. She gestured to her companions without skipping a beat. “Myself and the others are rather parched and would like to go about purchasing one. Well I mean each of us. Not that we're going to share one drink!"

The grey tinted wolf gave her an inquisitive look, yet chuckled in the back of his throat. “Aren't ya a green one. Sure miss. I can do ya three for a drink. What would ya like? We got a special on the house for pretty girlies like yerself."

In a flash they'd agreed and the rather nimble wolven turned, whistling as he filled tankards with horn handled tankards full of grainy smelling ale. He returned, clinking them together the froth. “And a special addition for the ladies." The wolf winked, doing a little flourish over her and Feku's drink.

The browning, frothy liquid began to shimmer and dance. Color started to swirl and spin, shooting up stray rays of light as a magical rainbow bubbled beneath. Fruity flavors spread with every burst, enchanting their nostrils with each breath.

“Enjoy." He winked, rolling his tongue until the mage's cheeks went full crimson.

“Special for them huh?" Asterion was quick to interject, taking her drink for his own. “Guess you wouldn't mind me sampling a taste?"

The bartender seemed unphased, but she could see the glint of annoyance on his snout. But this wasn't the first time, if anything Asterion had seen it his personal duty to ensure her safety. Every meal he had to taste, each drink he had to sip. It was amazing if she were to do something first.

“Bottoms up bull. Though you might find your particular tongue doesn't have a taste for it."

“I'll be the judge of that." The bull's nose dipped into the frothy drink as he loudly slurped with narrowed eyes. He gulped it down, a harsh flick of his tail his only sound.

“Well?" She leaned forward, miming that he had some of the multicolored froth still clinging to his beard.

“It was." He cleaned himself, settling the barkeep with a steeled stare. “Good. I desire one when I'm finished with my drink."

“Of course, whenever you-“ The wolf began, only to watch on with wide eyes as Asterion downed his drink in a matter of seconds.

“Now." The cleric burped, slamming his tankard down. “That was good."

With their drinks in tow they plopped down into a trio of crimson cushions. The fabric seemed to mold beneath her, seduce her into relaxing. She just put the tankard to her lips when Feku leapt onto the cushion next to her, scales turning green.

“Mmmmmmm." Feku's tail wiggled like lightning, dipping her snout into the tankard. “I like." One drink beget a second and third, leaving the kobold without sound except happy rumbles.

“I can tell." Asterion snorted, as he tentatively sipped his own, his fur color changing colors right before Nivra's eyes. First it was white as the snow outside, then red as if it'd been lit a flame. He wiggled his nose, rubbing at it as his fur shifted to a neon green. “I feel funny." He peered down, fire flaring to his eyes as he shifted a deep pink.

“What is the meaning of this?" He stood, holding up his beard and locking furious eyes with the bartender.

“I said the drink was for ladies did I not my friend?" The wolf hollard back with a laugh as the rest of the tavern joined him.

The cleric was left grumbling into his tankard, torn between his pride and the deliciousness of the drink he was holding.

“I like your hair blue." Feku wiggled, giving the cleric an honest smile.

He sighed and held it up, “Gods damnt it it's blue now."

The kobold gasped and happily bounced as her own scales started to shift into overdrive, changing to nearly every color she'd ever transformed.

Nivra joined in on trying to salvage the cleric's pride, but he put an end to it with a tap upon the table and a solitary command.

“It has already been done. Lets try to blend in." He eyed several patrons that passed them, snorting them away if they returned it. “No doubt this white wolf is watching. We best be prepared for battle."

Channeling the practiced grace since her youth, Nivra composed herself with but a taste of her grape flavored ale. “Battle does not lurk in every corner you know." She rested her hands on her lap, ignoring the hardened look he was giving her. “And if it seeks to find us, there are alternatives to fighting."

“Spoken like the soft fingered princess of our country, you'd not last long as an acolyte of Korde." He sipped his drink, “But I am not mad, I speak from experience. The last time we found Lyndis' friends, she ended up bound and gagged. If any try, their lives will end."

Her heart skipped a beat, surely Lyndis wouldn't have set them intentionally to a trap. Would she? The Drenedarian princess was one of the group that still spoke to her. With each passing second she was whisked into a new world of worry, her fingers prepared to loose any spell she'd prepared.

To calm herself she stared at the shifting colors of her drink, the froth all but gone. Yet like a mirror had formed she only saw the blackened feather face of her gryphon reflected below. His silver striped beak was open and laughing, ears twitching in delight. His eyes were like bright suns, tugging at her heartstrings. How she ached to hold him, caress that jaw until he couldn't help but chirp in delight. She sighed, wondering how long she'd have to wait without an answer, at least a month had already passed since his departure. Doubt started to fester in her thoughts. Sure he was skilled, but had he run into trouble? The world was filled with danger after all, beasties that would eat a gryphon up given the chance! No matter how she pulled away, she could only see his pained face in her thoughts. His beautiful onyx feathers marred with blood and dirt.

“The face you make." Asterion grunted, rubbing the back of his neck. “It looks as though a knife stabbed your gut, why do you make it?" When she didn't answer right away he was swift to lean forward, “It's not dishonorable to admit faults or weaknesses. I for one enjoy knitting cute little animals or blankets."

An eavesdropping patron started to snicker into his fist, instantly silenced as the bull cast him with a fiery glare. “Mind your ears, or the wrath of Korde will be set upon you."

The princess sighed, shaking her drink till Voidwing dissipated. “Its Softpaws…Voidwing." She composed herself, “I feel like a maiden at port, anxiously waiting for the return of her love. As the days turn to weeks, I can't help but think something terrible has befallen them."

“Worry not of such things. Voidwing may be a gryphon but he's strong and quick. Danger may hunt them down, but it will prove a fruitless task. For with him is that dwarven ranger. Though she may worship the inferior of our two gods of battle, her skill has gone unmatched that I have seen. Just you watch." He chuckled with a satisfied smirk. “They will return with stories of their great battles, and revel in their earned glory."

While he spoke in length in about his time at battle, the cold slowly was massaged away. Perhaps it was just something else to think about? Or in the confidence in which he spoke? Either way, it was far more appealing to picture her love, besting those that stood in his way, serenaded by Merlia's battle laugh.

“Mage. You sit too dignified." Asterion growled, pulling her from her thoughts. “Such dignity and practiced grace will serve you ill here." He slouched, hardening his eyes till they were like steel. “Now you do as I." He rolled his hand.

She tried to do as he said, putting on the most cross look she could manage. Though it manage to make her look like she was squinting to try and read something. “How about this? Does this suit you?" She tried to growl with a lower voice, even adding spitting on the floor.

“Lose the spitting and change the way you talk. This is a seedy bar, not some dinner party in which you frequent."

“When do I frequent dinner parties?"

“Nivra!"

“Fine. If it is required, then so shall it be." She shifted in the cushions, years of practice rebelling within her soul. She cleared her throat, “Listen here you focken bull. I'll not be talked down to in such a manner. Keep it up and I'll blast your ass to the next kingdom!" She'd stood without meaning to, brandishing her finger like a sword.

“Little overboard." Asterion chuckled with a tilt of his head, gesturing to the dozen or so eyes staring right at them. “Unless you like being the center of attention."

“Apologies." She sat, “Though its hard to not notice you were shouting mere minutes ago."

“True." The minotaur mumbled into his drink, “But that was mere minutes ago. This is now."

“Don't worry!" Feku slammed down her drink, “I help!" She dashed from her seat to a performer's stool upon a risen section of floor beside a crackling fireplace. Her scales shifted three different colors by the time she'd started making demands for people to take their seats and pay attention. Before they could stop her, music was flowing from the violin she pulled right out of thin air. It flowed and spread through the air like the morning light, pulling every head that heard it.

“Have I been struck with silence?" Asterion snorted, winding his arms around his chest. “Or is it that my suggestions fall on deaf ears? What part of blending in did she not understand?"

“Clearly the blending in part mate." Nivra beamed from ear to ear as the cleric pouted, “Though I think this lack of judgement can be blamed on intoxication rather than the ears. Besides, look around everyone is loving it!" She gestured to all the tapping feet and happy faces on display. Every wolven, human, and elven face couldn't get enough of their prancing bard. All save a fellow minotaur in the corner, a muscled female with onyx and white fur, chewing silently on the end of her pipe.

Smoke curled around the muscled frame of this amazon of a woman, her leather armor close to bursting off her. Viridian spheres rested like specters in her black horned head, intently focusing not on their prancing kobold, but that of Nivra and Asterion.

Down Nivra's spine a tingle crawled, raising all sorts of red flags within. What did this woman want? To avoid staring she tried to hide her interest, pretending to laugh at the next thing Asterion said, but the black and white furred cow didn't stir, casually flicking her attention between the two of them with the hardest look she'd ever seen. One solitary snort left her pink nose, almost like a threat on the air.

“Something is really wrong." She grabbed Asterion's hand, leaning in close with a harsh whisper. “There's a minotaur watching us. Female, large. The one with the pipe. Looks like she could bend me in half."

Amusement flickered in the cleric's eyes as he peeked. “Her?" Asterion sipped his drink, not even flinching a hair. “That took you quite some time. That cow has been watching the entire time. If I didn't know better, I'd say she was smitten with me."

“How can you be sure she isn't working against us?" Nivra eyed up the cow from hoof to horn, she couldn't see any outwardly displayed weapons, but that hardly meant anything. “Think she's some sort of mercenary? A rogue? Pirate?"

“All are possible save the rogue. The ways of stealth and hiding are not our path. I've seen that look far too many times on a cow. She's sizing you up, gaging if she can best you in a fight."

Fight her? Nivra's back hairs stood on end. Had she done something wrong without meaning to? Had she insulted her by being here with Asterion? Was that a rule? “Why would she want to do that?" She quickly hissed, “Is it because of you being clan-less?" She started listing spells she might need to stop this ruffian. “Or is it because you're always looking for a fight?"

“Yes, but this is not for that. This is for a more…personal reason you might say." He gave a single snort, letting his words linger.

“And that is."

“How can you not see?" He couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head. “And you read so many books."

“No. What could I be missing?"

He rolled his hand to his chest, “She finds me attractive. She sees you here with me. She things we are together, and how the best to take me away from you."

“Us?" The princess almost burst out laughing with crimson cheeks. “Not to say you're particularly ugly, but I've never seen the minotaur people as my type."

“No offence taken princess. Put it bluntly you're not my type either."

“What? How could you say something like that?" She squirmed in her seat, not admitting how her cheeks burned.

He gave her an amused chuckle, “You've not enough meat on the bones for my liking. I like some cushion for when things get carnal."

Without warning half a dozen muscled wolven of various fur colors strode over, eyes like sharpened blades finding them. “Boss wants to see you now." The lead wolven growled, gesturing for her to follow and tapping the rapier at his hip. “Not really a request."

So, she went to stand, but when Asterion did they interrupted with a chorus of barks.

“Only the woman. You stay."

“He is my bodyguard." Nivra growled, “Unless you're not aware how they function?"

“And if you think I'd left her out of my sight you'd be quite mistaken_."_ Asterion stood, crossing his thick arms across his barrel of a chest. He stared down, easily a foot taller than the rest of the wolves. “Pups."

The wolf shied away for a moment, composing himself with a quick peer back to his pack. “And if you'd like to see the boss you do as she says cow. Otherwise you can get the fock out."

What to do. Her mind was racing, they needed this group to continue, or at least that's what Lyndis had implied. All the others were thrown out of town or too dangerous to do business with. She sighed, disarming Asterion's bluster with a risen palm. “Fine, we'll agree to your rules for now." She eyed her escorts with daggers, “Though any attacks upon me will be met with a fire and cold you've not seen before. I can assure you that fur burns just like everything else."

The lead wolf snapped to her hands, clearly rattled as he took a step back. “We get it mage. Don't go brandishing your spells around."

She nodded, and gently brushed away Asterion's defensive hand that'd found it's way to her shoulder. His eyes were a storm of trouble and concern that she did her best to right with a tap of his hand, and a recitation that she was to be fine. “If you hear my spells, then come running with your own."

“He's a bloody caster too?" One wolf in the back burst out, getting the hardened looks of his pack.

Asterion weighed her words heavily, peering up to cast threatening glares to her new escorts. He gave them a snort, and without words a promise. He'd be there if she needed.

“Well then boys." She spun as if on a coin, steeling her nerves for what was to come. “Show me to your boss. I'm sure we have quite the yarns to spin to one another."

*They ended up bringing her to a solitary white wolfess, reclining on a section of purple cushions. Not a soul was crowding her, nor was anyone attempting to get close. Those that strolled around made sure to give her quite the berth. Her blackened leathers were tight, a tricorn hat placed softly upon her head. Piercing yellow eyes gleamed with mischief back at her as the wolf swished a gilded goblet of red wine.

“So, what's this I hear of you thinking we want to do business with a Lumarian? Especially one with only Lumarian coin to do business?" The woman's voice flowed like a twisted stream as she laughed and took a hearty swig. “Tis a swollen head I think ya have."

Though her voice bounced with good cheer, Nivra could see the danger lurking within, ready to pounce at the drop of a hat. She approached, taking a seat when the wolf offered, patting the cushion next to her with another laugh."

“How you shiver. You shouldn't worry about me, I don't bite that hard." She gave a wink, gesturing to one of her muscle clad wolfs to fetch her guest a drink. “That's what I pay them for. Dreadful business getting the claws dirty you know." She dusted off a paw, “So who sent you my way child?"

“Lyndis Kuxion." She said, trying her best to keep a level head, stop the adrenaline softly pulsing through her veins from the predatory like look.

“LYNDIS? The laughter screeched to a halt, her ears twitched like crazy. “Did my ears deceive me? That it was LYNDIS that sent such a naïve girl into my clutches?" The female leaned inward, flashing sharpened fangs. “So the two faced bitch be back in town?"

Uh-oh

She leaned casually back, trying to hide the unconscious reach for her many pouches full of reagents. Spells that could set this wolf's crackling like a bonfire swiftly came to mind. “Yes." She said tentatively, “Is there a problem?"

“None at all actually!" The white wolf slumped back, cackling like a woman possessed. “The look on your face! Positively priceless!"

With but a look she was joining in with her laughter, eventually dying down as her me returned with a goblet similar to their bosses' own.

“Ah smart lass that half-elf be. Quite the ways we go back to when she just was getting started. Ponders the mind why she didn't come herself though, what's so important she forgot the ole white wolf?"

Nivra shrugged, “She was helping the refugees."

“Bah. Bleedin heart the girl was. Always thinkin about where to go, what to see, but always lending an ear to those in need." The white wolf rolled her eyes, “Not good for business."

“Yet she seemed to think it was you and your connections that could ferry me to the Canary Islands to the north. She claimed you had the fastest ships, bravest crew, and better still, you didn't mind avoiding any run ins with the guard."

The wolf's ears perked up, brushing against the felt of her hat. “Here I thought a respectable friend of Lyndis would feel right at home with the law." A smirk formed on her muzzle, “Means ya be in trouble. What kind are we talkin about?"

“They've been watching me ever since that metallic dragon flew over old town."

“Aye, heard about that. Lots of unlucky folks. Lucky for me that red dragon killed it eh?"

“Of course." Nivra winced, recalling just who that dragon was. “So they won't let me leave. Which as you can imagine puts quite the damper on my adventure."

“Adventure you say? Terrible time for one of those! What could be so interesting that you'd leave such delightful weather?" She chuckled into her drink, flashing seductive flashes in Nivra's direction to tell her more.“

“My business is my own as you would say." Nivra leaned back, trying to gain some control of this exchange. “Lyndis claimed you didn't ask this many question."

“Did she now?" The wolf tapped her goblet, intently gazing over the tiny gems that spread across it. “But why should we risk a crew on so many unknowns. Especially with an adventure at stake. Seems you don't have many optio-“

“How about this?" She tossed a bag of coin to the table with a heavy jingly thud. “I can pay you these for now, and once your crew have me back safe, they can have whatever other coins we find. Just when we find what I seek, it's mine for the taking."

“Oh lass…this." The wolf peaked an inquisitive eye inside the purse, a greed glossing over her eye only rivaled by dragons. “Is more than enough for a ship. Probably the fastest one we got you know." She pocketed it with a slimy grin, “So what be the mission where you care not for coin?"

“The submerged temple of Kitu. What's contained there is far more valuable to me than paltry coins."

“That so eh?" The white wolf gestured to her guards with a low growl. “So, its just you and the bull out there?"

She nodded.

“True enough, but what's to say keep me from swiping this map of yours off ya?"

“You must think I'm defenseless to suggest such a thing." She scoffed, already stretching her fingers. “But what I can offer you is the gratitude of a Lumarian queen. Surely you can appreciate the weight of such a proposition.

“Treasure you say, and royal favors to boot. Adventures could always be a risk. Could be a chance no treasure to be found.

“I can pay you regardless." She countered without a thought.

“One problem solved then." The wolf whistled in delight. “Yet we have another. If ya be who I think you are, then the sapphire guard be watching you closer than a hawk. Will be quite the task to get you out unseen." The wolf rose, a glass filled with wine pressed to her lips. You could see the risks being weighed against the reward bouncing between the felt of her hat. “We have an accord miss Nivra. In the morn seek out the ship called the bloody mermaid. Find the ilbir captain Biyu. She will be seeing you to this adventure of yours."

What luck! She paid her respect with a bow, almost bounding on her heels as the wolf escorts started to bring her back to her friends.

“And Queenie!" The white wolf called after her. “Trickery upon my men or ship will have you ended faster than you can blink." She winked, “Survive and you'll regret making an enemy of the white wolf, you understand?"

“Understood." She nodded, “And here I thought things were going so swimmingly."

“Never trust a Lumarian they always say. Doubly so for the royalty. Keep yer word and I see plenty of business opportunities ahead of us."

What those could be, were left up to Nivra's running imagination as she was returned to her waiting companions. They arrived as their table was broken with a thunderous crack, Asterion being hurled straight through it.

Patrons shouted and burst in jubilant roars, hooting for the victorious female minotaur that stood proudly over her bovine companion. The smirk on her face was only sullied by a thin trace of blood running down her snout. Her clothing was tattered and scared, clearly a battle had been fought.

“Are you ok?" Nivra ran to Asterion's side, checking over his course fur for any signs of damage. The bull pushed her away with a love stricken look on his face.

“I think I found the perfect woman." He murmured.

“What?" She tilted her head. “Did you hit your head or something?"

“Minotaur way." He brushed himself off as he stood, wiping the blood from his mouth. Without hiding his interest he watched the swaying tail of the lady minotaur as she sauntered to the bar, ordering herself a pair of victory tankards. “She is quite the combatant."

“Need a room there?"

He shook his head with a laugh. “We might destroy it in the process. Human lands have…such fragile things, perfect reflection of them I suppose." He clapped her on the shoulder. “Enough of me, how did your meeting go with the wolf?"

“Fantastic. We found a ship to deliver us to the islands come morning."

“We're going on adventure?" Feku slipped over, a smile spreading to her snout. She practically was bouncing in excitement when Nivra nodded to her.

“Just don't tell the others. It will be our little secret."

The kobold nodded with a swish of her tail, scales burning green.

“And you might be needing your hat."

“Yay!"