A Dragon's Tale Ch. 33

He came.

With a long groan, he came and she gently sucked as he released into her waiting mouth. Her cheeks puffed out slightly, but she caught everything and he even felt her swallow.

The entire time, she looked him in the eyes.

When he'd finished, he took a moment to recover. When he had, he let out a low whistle. "Damn Rachel, you weren't kidding about the 'proper use of the tongue'."

She grinned sheepishly as she slid her mouth of his cock. Her lips followed the contours so there was no 'pop' sound. Instead, she slid off, hesitated a few millimeters from the head, and then gave him a tiny, little tender kiss.

It was really sweet.

"I kind of enjoyed that." She said looking very embarrassed, but also quite pleased with herself.

"I can tell." He replied, and gently stroked her cheek. "I did too by the way."

"I can tell." She echoed.

He offered her his hand, which she took and he helped her to her feet.

"Being married to you is nothing like what I thought it would be." She said with a small smile.

"Worse?"

She shook her head. "Better. Way better. Thank you for being a wonderful husband, and for being patient with me."

"Thank you for being a wonderful wife, and tolerating my dragon side."

"It's my pleasure." She grinned, then glanced at the three other women in the room. "Speaking of pleasure..."

"Are you going to join us?" He asked indicating the bed.

"Yes, but not today." Rachel replied. "I might watch, but I'm not sure I'm ready for..." She paused for a moment as she touched her dress. "...for that. Not now anyway. Is that okay my lord?"

"Of course it is." He smiled. "I'll look forward to the day when you are ready though."

He could've sworn that her eyes flicked towards Alana for a micro-second before she replied. "Me too."

* * *

It had taken Kendra about a week to reach Arcanum from her former position. The wind had been good, otherwise it would've taken another day or two and she was grateful. She lashed her ship to the Arcanum docks, pulled out the satchel in which she'd stashed the dragon scales, and then went to pay for her berth. The dockmaster smiled when he saw her, no doubt hoping for another gold coin like the first time.

She rolled her eyes.

Men.

Graflex's shop wasn't too hard to find. It was just south of the Boar's Head Tavern, and she saw a tiny sign for a blacksmith's shop about a block south of it. Curiously, there was someone wearing an official Arcanum messenger outfit sitting across the street looking very bored.

She walked up to the shop, surprised to find it looking almost abandoned. It certainly had seen better days. The sign was faded and the chains on which it hung on were rusty. The windows were so filthy that she couldn't make out much inside by looking through them. She opened the door to discover the hinges made a creaking noise that sounded like they would fall off with much more use.

The inside of the shop wasn't much better.

Given the state of the windows, it was fairly dark with no other lights supplementing the daylight. Even in the dim light, she could see racks of weapons lining the small shop. She couldn't tell their quality in the low light though because her eyes hadn't adjusted yet. His reputation was stellar, though you'd never guess it by the look of his shop.

"Who's there?" A slightly grumpy voice came from the back of the shop. She heard the sound of him sniffing the air, then he spoke again. "You brought dragon steel."

"I did." She nodded.

A grizzled Dwarf with salt and pepper hair and an even grayer beard shuffled out from the back room. Like most dwarves, he was about four feet tall and powerfully built. This one seemed stronger than most though, and he looked like he could out-wrestle an ox. He eyed her and seemed to contemplate something.

He glanced at her sword. "Dragon steel there too, unless I miss my guess."

She nodded.

"You lookin' to get some things made for a fellow called Ethan?"

Kendra didn't let her surprise and alarm show on her face, but did casually lower her hand to rest near the hilt of her sword. "How did you know?"

"Some woman named Gabriella came in here to place an order for pickin' up by someone that Ethan had sent."

"Gabriella?" The dragon huntress raised an eyebrow.

"Yup." He shrugged. "Gimme them there dragon scales and I'll get started."

"You don't even know what he wants."

"Nope, but I know what he's going to get." Graflex replied.

"What's that?"

"These." The dwarf pulled out a roll of parchment and rolled it out for her to see.

She looked at it. "He didn't ask for those, and definitely not the war hammer head. He wanted a spear."

"He'll get a spear; damn near two." He indicated the center design and then pointed to the rear end.

"Huh. That looks like a normal..." She cocked her head to the side. "That's pretty clever. That one addition pretty much changes everything." She cocked her head to the other side. "Huh. And you say that someone named Gabriella brought these designs in?"

Graflex harrumphed in answer, which she took to mean 'yes'.

"Could you describe her?"

"Human, twiggy, blonde or white hair, and she made me feel a bit less grumpy."

"That sounds like her." Kendra conceded.

If Gabriella was bringing designs for weapons, then it was a pretty good bet that Ethan would need them. The only other people who knew that she was coming to see Graflex were on the Argo anyway, so clearly this was either from Gabriella or Ethan. Either way, that was fine with her.

"Here you go." She handed him the satchel of dragon scales. "What's this going to cost?"

"Whatever dragon scales are leftover when I'm done making these three will suffice." Graflex said as he hefted the satchel in his hand as if measuring it. "Come back the day after tomorrow, around noon, and I'll be done."

"That fast?" She asked skeptically.

"I've had days to set everything up in advance." Graflex replied grumpily. "Why in Illuminar's name should it take longer?"

"Okay, I'll see you the day after tomorrow." Kendra nodded.

Graflex harrumphed and headed towards the forge without another word. She shrugged and headed outside, not sure where to go next. Maybe an inn for a few nights, or maybe a tavern to listen in on the latest news? That probably wasn't the best idea though. Magistrate Haglath was still probably pissed at her, so maybe she should keep a low profile.

"Excuse me, is your name Kendra?" Someone asked. It was the man wearing an official Arcanum messenger outfit, but you could never be too sure.

"Who's asking?"

"I have a message from Elder Goman for the raven-haired woman who drops something off to Graflex's shop. However, you must answer the challenge question first: who is number four?"

"Number four?" Kendra thought for a moment, then realized. "Oh, Rachel?"

The man nodded and then handed her a letter that was sealed with wax. It read:

+ + +

Kendra,

We were forced to leave Nalatia early. Elder Goman volunteered to use his own personal portal to send you and your airship to our location when Graflex has finished. If you're not comfortable with that, please meet us twenty miles due west of Gralden as soon as possible. Either way, send a message to Elder Goman so we know, and he'll get it to us.

Thanks in advance,

Ethan

+ + +

Kendra grimaced.

If Ethan was going to Gralden, then... she shook her head slowly. She well remembered the conversation that she'd had with Lord Borden. He'd been extremely displeased to learn that Ethan had married other women after Beth. Very displeased indeed. She doubted that he would need his weapons in Gralden, but he might if Lord Borden was angry enough.

It was unlikely, but possible.

The messenger spoke again. "Elder Goman also wishes you to know that he has prepared a small apartment for you to use during your stay here."

She considered.

Sleeping in her airship wasn't exactly uncomfortable, but it wasn't luxury living either. An inn would be more comfortable, but it more likely she might be noticed and reported to Magistrate Haglath. Frankly, the hammock on the Argo would be her preferred option.

Hmm.

She looked at the letter again. Portalling would allow her to get back to the Argo much sooner. It beat sailing another week to meet them near Gralden anyway. And it looked like he could use the portal to move her airship too. That was probably only possible because her masts folded, but still; it was a good offer.

She suppressed a smile at the thought of being back aboard the Argo.

Sure, Ethan being affectionate with his wives made her stomach roil, but everything else was really nice. The company, the comradery, plus the lessening of the crushing burden of loneliness she always felt. Plus, hugs from Taloni...

"Okay, lead on." She told the courier.

* * *

Ethan leaned on the forward railing of the Argo, looking out over the bow of the ship and trying not to make every breath come out as a growl. It had been four days since they'd left Nalatia, and his dragon half had gotten ever more prominent and annoying. He could feel it seething at Kendra's absence, and the fact that his testicle for her had never been emptied.

Ever.

It was a travesty. She was his. She belonged to him and--

He shook his head, trying to clear it. This was becoming a serious issue and there was no end in sight. He took a deep breath and let it slowly.

It came out as a growl.

It felt like the dragon was straining against some invisible bonds that tied him down, and winning. It had been so close to the surface, especially the last few days. Even sleeping with his four current wives didn't help; the dragon wanted Kendra. Even sleeping with Rachel didn't help, which reminded him... He made a mental note to bring up what they'd discovered about the redhead's birthmark and possible draconic lineage to her. She had kept herself pretty covered when his other wives were around, so he kept forgetting to bring it up.

Kendra.

He scowled, or maybe it was the dragon. Either way, that dragon huntress really needed--

Someone cleared their throat behind him.

"What!" Ethan nearly snarled as he whipped around to see who it was... and then he froze.

It was Taloni

She was standing there frozen, looking shell-shocked at his tone.

Fuck.

Oh fuck.

"I'm sorry Taloni, I didn't mean to snap like that." He said feeling like a complete idiot; an absolute and unmitigated moron.

"I forgive you master." She said, but still looked shocked and a bit hurt.

He wanted to kick himself. She had done absolutely nothing to deserve the snap and now she looked... He didn't know what to do. He wanted to hold and comfort her, but since he had caused the hurt...

The Fey teen looked at him for several moments and then took a deep breath. "I'm okay master, really I am. I know your dragon side is showing up more."

"I'm really, really sorry." He said hanging his head.

She came up to him and gave him a hug. Oddly, that made him feel worse. She was being so incredibly nice and he had just been... he mentally kicked himself again.

"I forgive you master, and I know you weren't mad at me."

"Thank you." He said, but he didn't feel like he deserved to be forgiven. She'd done absolutely nothing wrong. She'd been a perfect angel the entire time that he'd known her. Damnit, why couldn't he keep his dragon side in check?

He let his shoulders slump.

"Master, you're heavy." Taloni grunted under his weight.

"Sorry." He stood up again.

"I just came to tell you two things." The Fey said. "First, Elder Goman sent a letter this morning. Kendra arrived in Arcanum yesterday and it looks like she will be able to portal directly to the Argo when Graflex is done, which apparently will be tomorrow." She smiled. "We'll see Kendra tomorrow."

"Thanks." He said as kindly as he could. "What's the second thing?"

"We're about twenty miles from the inn that Selene wanted to visit, so we've struck the sails."

"Okay." He nodded, remembering that he'd promised to fly her there when they were this close.

"I'm going back to the quarterdeck master; you'll be okay, right?"

"You're worried about me?"

"Always master." She smiled.

"Thanks." He gave her a half smile. "It's nice to be cared for."

Taloni gave him a pointed look. "I know exactly how that feels." The Fey gave him one last smile and then headed back towards the quarterdeck.

He was still kicking himself.

* * *

Selene took the bit of leather cord that Alana offered. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." The wood elf replied. "I thought you'd like to know because my hair was a rat's nest after the first time I rode Ethan."

Selene quickly braided her hair into a French braid and tied the bottom with the leather cord. She could've done a regular braid, but she thought the French would be more secure and besides, she thought that it looked better on her.

"That looks really nice." Beth said examining it. "How'd you do it?"

"It's called a French braid; I'll teach you sometime." The Brazilian woman replied while snugging the knot.

"What's a 'French'?" The blonde replied.

"It's a nation on Earth." Selene chuckled as she snugged up the knot a bit more. Apparently, the inn might be being watched by Lord Delmar, Lord Farbrottan, or that Lady Ekthros person since the Argo had been there before. So Rachel had suggested that only she and Ethan fly in, just in case it was being watched. And speaking of...

"Hey, where's Ethan?" She asked.

"He coming." Beth said, though she looked a little down.

"Is he okay?"

"He's having trouble with his dragon side again." Alana explained. "He snapped at Taloni and is still kicking himself for it."

"Oh." Selene sighed. She definitely noticed him becoming a bit more draconic over the previous four days since they left Nalatia. "Are they both okay?"

"Taloni was a bit shaken for a moment, but she says that she'll be fine." Beth said. "But Ethan will be kicking himself for the next few days unless someone can snap him out of it."

"Speaking of, I need to show him something." Alana said, then headed towards the door to the lower decks. She returned a minute later with something that looked like a flat backpack. It had thick leather on the part which touches the back, and grey canvas on the other side. It looked like it was packed with some white leather or something like that.

"What's that?" Selene asked.

"A way for Ethan to carry his armor with him in case he needs it." The wood elf replied. "It's a bit crude for now, but should work well enough until we can find something better. If the inn really is being watched, I'd hate for him to be without it." She turned towards the Argo's bow and her eyes went slightly unfocused for a moment.

A few moments later, Ethan turned and started walking towards them.

He looked tired.

World-weary.

"What's up?" He asked when he arrived.

"I made this for you." Alana showed him the backpack and explained what it was for.

"Cool." He said, though there wasn't much conviction in his voice.

"I have a sticking enchantment on it." The wood elf continued. "You'll need to enchant a small part of your shoulder for it to stick to, and then probably drop it when you summon your armor so it doesn't get in the way."

"It might even make a good saddle." Selene said wryly.

"Fair." He shrugged, then closed his eyes for a minute before attaching it to his shoulders. It hung there snuggly, but she could still see his wings, so it looked like he would still be able to get them out and fly.

He turned to the Brazilian woman, shoulders still slumped and tone still lethargic. "You ready to go?"

"Don't forget your war hammer." Beth suggested, then took a few steps and opened the captain's cabin door.

Ethan summoned his war hammer to his hand, dropped it in the canvas backpack with all the armor pieces, and then turned to Selene. "I figure I'll fly low once we get close, and we can walk the last half mile or so. I'll be disguised, so hopefully we won't attract any undue attention."

"Sounds good." She replied.

"Okay, let's ride." He sighed, getting down on all fours.

Selene put on the weight reduction necklace that Alana had previously handed to her and went to climb onto Ethan's back. It was strange, and rather like trying to climb onto a large dog given his height when on all fours. She managed to get semi-comfortable and then wrapped her arms around his chest.

"Just make sure you don't choke him." Alana said. "And you'll be more secure if you hook your feet under his tail."

The Brazilian woman did so.

"Here we go." Ethan said, then crouched and leapt into the air, spreading his wings as he did so. For as spry as he was, it didn't look like he felt any better.

* * *

Ethan touched down on the road about a half mile away from the inn that Selene had indicated. He landed much more gently than usual owing to his passenger, who slid off as soon as he landed.

"Thank you." She said, standing up and straightening her dress.

"No problem." He shrugged, also standing up. He couldn't get his mind off of Taloni though.

That girl was so incredibly wonderful and he couldn't believe that he'd snapped at her. His dragon side was starting to get out of hand, and the only solution that he knew of wasn't a realistic possibility, or even one he was interested in. He trusted that Kendra wouldn't try to kill him again, but there was a large difference between that and sharing a bed with someone.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Selene asked.

"I snapped at Taloni." He said with a sigh. "I feel like such an ass for it."

"I understand that, but it seems like she's okay."

"Yes, but she shouldn't need to be 'okay'." He countered. "I'm her husband and she's done absolutely nothing to deserve being snapped at."

"It seems like your dragon side has been getting out of hand lately." The ex-FBI agent observed. "Any idea why?"

"Yeah, but there's no real solution." He replied because he didn't feel like going into it. "Come on, we should start walking."

He double checked that he had switched his disguise gem from an eagle to a man and set off, Selene right behind him.

* * *

They fell silent as they walked, and Selene couldn't tell if they weren't clicking or he was just absorbed in thought. They had walked almost all the way to the outpost before Selene had a thought.

"You know, it's about noon and Sarah likes checking on her herb garden around this time because there's never anyone staying at the inn during the day. I think I'll cut through the woods here and surprise her."

"Okay." He nodded and looked around. "I suppose I can just wait here."

"You could go into the inn too." She suggested. "I know she'd love to meet you and then I won't need to track you down."

"Yeah well, I really don't want to meet anyone right now."

Selene frowned. "It might do you some good to hear how people see the 'prophet of Illuminar'. Seriously, I couldn't believe how much the people here in Ivernia love you."

"Easy to love a celebrity that you don't know." He pointed out.

"It's up to you, but Sarah has had a rough go of it, and I think you could really help her, or at least brighten her day." She'd heard that he simply couldn't resist rushing off to help people, and thought him meeting Sarah could do him some good. Besides, she wanted to see if it was true that he couldn't resist.

"Fine, whatever." He shrugged. "I'll meet you at the inn."

Selene suppressed a smile as she saw that it was indeed true. "Okay, I'll see you there and I'll bring her."

He shrugged, his mind clearly elsewhere.

* * *

Ethan pushed the inn's the slightly worn door open and surveyed the inside. It looked much like the rest of the outpost. It wasn't dirty, unkempt, or seedy; but it certainly had seen better days. The hearth fire was burning low, the rugs were a bit threadbare, and everything looked like it was being kept in service slightly past its prime. There was a man with a peg-leg sitting at a nearby table, and he looked to be on the verge of falling asleep sitting in his chair.