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A Heart Felt Pain

"Hmm... I'm not sure if it'll fit." Mortimer said softly, licking his lips as his gaze swept over the female badger in front of him. She was small, slender, and if she were a human she would have definitely had a blush on her face.

"I...I'm pretty sure it will sir. Though you are quite, well..." The female badger's nose twitched as their gaze met, causing her breath to hitch.

"Well?" Mortimer cocked his head and smirked.

The badger's eyes dropped down to his waistline, and when she spoke her voice held a shudder to it. "You're quite...large..."

"Heh, I get that a lot."

"By the gods, can you just pick a pair of pants and let's go?" Noah rubbed his muzzle and tried his best to bury the urge to run out the door. It was bad enough just standing next to him while he was blatantly flirting with the shopkeeper, but he couldn't handle the heated gaze of every passing stranger who walked past the store. Sure, Mortimer had placed an illusion on himself to look, smell, and feel like a wolf; an outrageous seven-foot-tall wolf, but that only made people look.

It was the damn loincloths that he wore proudly on the streets that kept everyone's gaze locked on him!

Aw, are you embarrassed? Mortimer's thoughts rang through Noah's mind.

Of you constantly flirting, yes. Now hurry up. Noah shot back and looked at the badger, who had turned her gaze away from both of them to look her selection of clothing.

"I think I might have something that'll fit you. Might be a bit tight though."

I'm going to scream. Noah rolled his eyes at the smirk plastered on the dragon's big scaly muzzle. His illusion was extremely well done, but because of their pact Noah could easily see through it.

"I'd prefer something more flexible, if you don't mind." Mortimer said. "If need be, we can commission a piece from you--"

"Just get something, anything. We can think about that later." Noah sighed. "Ma'am what were the pants you thought might work?"

"Well we had a bull in town that would come often to get slacks from me from time to time. So I still have some that I had made for him before he left. I'm sure they'll fit fine. Since you're both new to town, I'll give you a discount. Fifteen copper coins for two pairs."

Noah felt the air escape his lungs as his ears dropped. "Fifteen coppers? You can't be serious."

The badger cocked her brow as her chest puffed up. "You realize for the size and material I normally charge twenty five for two pairs. If you want I can have you pay that instead."

Twenty five? This old badger must have been off her rocker if she thought he was going to pay her that much! "Come on Mortimer, I'm sure we can find somewhere cheaper than this."

"Oh, you think so, do you? Well good luck finding another tailor that specializes in beastmen in Mossely." The old badger waved them away.

Noah's nose wrinkled up, but he ignored the look of disdain the old badger gave him before walking out of the shop. "That crazy loon of a badger. Thinking she could swindle us out of so much money."

A wave of amusement washed over from Mortimer into Noah, which did not help his patience at all. "I don't see the problem. It's just fifteen copper." Mortimer said.

"Just fifteen? Mortimer, we only have a silver coin to our name. How long do you think that coin will last us if we buy something that should at most be ten coppers for two slacks?" That was double what he'd paid in Crescent Lake, and that wasn't even including the discount old Marlin gave him.

"I suppose that makes sense. Not that I mind the attention." Mortimer smirked at a pair of women that quickened their pace as they walked past.

"It's because you grab too much attention that we're getting you pants..." Noah rubbed his eyes at the approaching headache. Getting lost constantly and having to deal with Mortimer for the past two weeks had worn Noah out. He already wasn't the most sociable person in the world; hell, even the old women in Crescent Valley used to force him to partake in their gossip. However, having Mortimer around, who had obviously had enough of solitude over the countless years, made the concept of peace and quiet a novelty.

Not even Rowan could drive me this insane. Then again, he didn't try to get into my pants as much as this overgrown lizard. Blood boiled up towards the tips of Noah's ears as he felt a piercing gaze on him. Looking up, his nose wrinkled up at the smile in Mortimer's eyes. Great, he must have left himself open enough for his feelings to be notice by the dragon.

You're really too restrained, you know that? Mortimer thought.

Noah ignored him. There were two things he needed right now: a peaceful night's sleep off the ground, and to be away from Mortimer and his sadistic training. Just the thought sent stabs of pain up Noah's legs, arms, and chest, and made him shudder.

Being a beastman gave Noah advantages that normal humans wouldn't have, such as a higher sense of smell, hearing, strength, and even stamina. However, even with that there should have been no reason for them to have to run straight for several hours on end!

At first Noah could only run for two hours at a time before having to rest a good hour so he could get back up and continue running nonstop for another two hours. After every three days, Mortimer would change things up and increase the time they would run, and even added having Noah carry both of their travel sacks in both hands with rocks inside of them. If the dragon wasn't trying to fuck him, he was making him do these ridiculous "training" regimens without telling him the purpose of them.

I swear he just wants to watch me suffer! He bit his lip. Even someone who was training to become a knight shouldn't go through such hell! If he couldn't use spiritual energy to help sooth the aches in his body and strengthen his muscles with each run, he wouldn't be able to keep up. Even then, that still didn't compare to him having to run next to a naked Mortimer.

Since Mossely was the first town they had come across, Noah had no way of buying Mortimer any clothes. And he had no talent with sewing; he could only make a horrible attempt at a loin cloth. That way he didn't have to catch himself before glancing down further than he should.

Not that it helped.

Uh-oh. You're having one of your rebellious moments again. Mortimer chuckled .

Noah elbowed the dragon in his ribs. Which Mortimer shrugged off, like usual. You know, some peace and quiet isn't too much to ask for. Especially in my own mind.

True, though it's not like I'm going to let you have it. Mortimer said as he moved out of the way of two kids running past them. So what do you think of your first time in an actual "town"?

Noah huffed softly, as he looked around. Compared to Mossely, Crescent Lake was a miniature little country bumpkin town. There were actual brick roads that covered every part of the town, along with carriages and fine stallions that would make any man in Crescent Lake envious. Noah had also never expected to see so many stores. Back home there were a lot of stalls that sold wares and food, but here there were more stores than there were stalls. Though he shouldn't be too surprised; just from a glance, the amount of residents in Mossely had to be more than twenty times the amount Crescent Lake had.

Other than being noisier than Crescent Lake? It's not bad, but I feel out of place here. Noah's eyes glanced over the crowd. It had been bothering him to no end having so many people staring at them, especially when most of them had an obvious look of disgust plastered on their faces. Granted, Noah would most likely act the same way if he saw someone blatantly walking around in a loincloth in public. Though, what truly made him feel out of place was that he had noticed that there were very few beastmen in town. In fact, outside of the badger, he only noticed a family of wolves and a Doe and her fawn walking around.

Not surprising, really. Mortimer's voice sounded nonchalant.

I take it you know something and you're not going to tell me? Noah asked. Just the simple smirk Mortimer gave him said it all. Figures. We really need to get you some pants. If any more of these people stare at us I'm going to go insane.

Not that I mind. I seen a few lasses and lads that I wouldn't mind giving my attention too. Mortimer chuckled as his gaze shifted from Noah towards a building.

A twinge of annoyance pricked Noah in the chest at that statement, and his tail dropped. Do you think about anything else outside of the next warmest thing that can wrap around your cock?

Of course. Mortimer looked back at Noah. A pint of ale or shot of whisky doesn't sound too bad at this point of time.

Never mind, you're a lost cause. Noah rubbed the bridges between his eyes again. Let's get you some pants and find an inn.

What about saving money?

An inn is a necessary expense from time to time. Besides, Owen always told me that inns were great places to go to when you're in need of information and to find work.

The smirk on Mortimer's face dropped as did his shoulders. Wait, you're not expecting to put me to work? When he notice the corners of Noah's lips perk up, the dragon shook his head. I think not! I'm a dragon. A king amongst Mystics. I'll be damned if you think you're putting me to work like some mortal!

Fine then. You sleep outside on the cold ground.

Now you're just being an ass.

And you're just whining again like usual. Noah shot back which made Mortimer flinch, but smile nonetheless. Anyway, you had suggested we get a room so you can teach me how to become a "real" druid.

Mortimer nodded and crossed his arms. That's right. The way shamans work with the elements and how a Druid should is as different as day and night.

Noah rolled his eyes, which must have been what Mortimer was aiming for, because the dragon started snickering like he had won a bet. The past two weeks, Mortimer had been hinting at teaching him how to control the elements in ways that he could only dream.

Which Noah was starting to believe was horse shit.

Looking off to the side, Noah's ears perked at two women across the street who he heard discussing clothes. "Hello, ma'am." Noah walked over. "I was hoping if you might know of a tailor in town that'll be able to fashion some pants for my friend. One that has a decent price to their wares would be beneficial."

Nice way to sound cheap. Mortimer said.

Shut it!

Both woman flinched and turned around. The first thing Noah caught was the plump lady who wore a plain grey dress wrinkled her nose at the sight of them, while the skinnier one seemed more startled, as her eyes stayed locked on Mortimer as if he was going to eat her. "The badger down the street is most likely the only one here that tailors to you beastmen" the plump woman said with a sneer.

The fur on the back of Noah's neck bristled, but he pretended he didn't notice the woman's attitude. "Surely that's not the case. We had just been there and didn't find anything to our liking so was hoping there might be another that can fashion some clothes for us."

"Well then I guess you'll have to find another town then. Mossely doesn't have anyone else that'll service your kind."

Noah felt his shoulders tense up at the comment Mrs. Porker made. "What is your problem?" he asked, holding back the growl that clawed at his throat.

Mrs. Porker simply snorted. "Nothing is wrong with my attitude. What's wrong is that a mangy mutt like you thinks you have the right to talk to me like I'm your friend."

"Look, I'm not sure what I did to upset you, however all I'm asking is--"

"Why in god's name are you still talking to me? Don't you see I don't want to be bothered by your kind?"

Noah smacked his lips as the last strand of restraint he had instantly burned. "You know, I'm not sure why you keep saying 'my kind' when you look like a pretty big bitch to me."

"Excuse me?" Mrs. Porker's brows slanted.

"Oh, I didn't think you were deaf also. But I guess that fits the depiction of someone who is worth less than the dirt between my paw pads." Noah shook his head.

"Who do you think you are?!" Mrs. Porker shouted as her chest puffed up.

"Lola..." The skinny pale woman touched Mrs. Porker's shoulder. "Why do you have to get angry over something a beastman says? Just let it go."

"Hell no! I'm not going to let some mangy mutt talk to me like that, and no decent human should!"

"I'm not sure about you, but you look like anything other than decent. In fact, I'm pretty sure the reason you were talking about getting a new dress for the town's festivities is because you know you're no looker and need the extra help." Noah crossed his arms and met Mrs. Porker's glare. "Sadly, all it'll do is make you look like a dressed up swine."

There was an inferno raging in Mrs. Porker's eyes, and her face matched the color. "A mangy mutt who comes up here has no right to talk this way to me. Why don't all you beastmen leave our town! Better yet, why don't you get burned on the stakes with your brethren mystics?"

Ouch, now that's a low blow. Mortimer said.

Noah's eyes narrowed and his fur stood up. "And a tramp like you should be where you belong: in a whorehouse contracting every disease under the sun, and dying a worse death than I would on the stake. Actually no, you wouldn't even have any. Because you wouldn't even get a single client that would want to fuck with that wet sloppy mess."

Okay, I can be pretty vicious, but that was cruel! Mortimer playfully shuddered.

"You...you...." Mrs. Porker looked like a plump tomato as she squeezed her fist and stepped up to Noah, who also took a step forward, stopping her in her tracks.

"What? You don't have a single thing to say, because you know I'm right? I'm glad you noticed! Now why don't you get out of my face and find a butcher that actually wants you." Noah said as he flashed his teeth which made Mrs. Porker lose the tomato look and turn into a ghost.

The small skinny woman was already shaking as if she was ready to run, however Mrs. Plump didn't move one bit as she kept her eyes locked on Noah's. "What in the hell is going on here?"

Noah's ears perked and the hair on the back of his neck dropped along with his tail. Oh lovely. One thing he did not want turn around and see was a bright silver shiny armor with a plaque on his chest and walking around with a hand on his sword.

"Guard, this mangy dog has been threatening me this entire time! You should take him and throw him behind bars." Mrs. Porker said, pointing her chubby little finger at Noah.

Which only made Noah want to reach over and snap it. "Says the bitch who started degrading me when I only asked for a tailor."

"Enough!" Noah's ear twitched as he turned to look at the guard. "Ma'am you don't need to worry about a thing, I'll handle things from here, you and your friend can go."

"Excuse me? What kind of bullshit is this?" Noah cocked his brow then met Mrs. Porker's glare before she stormed off like she had something important to do, all while the skinny woman quickly followed after her.

"You really got a mouth on you, pup." The guard turned and his nose crinkled up. "Where are you from? I haven't seen you in town before. Nor your...friend."

Oh, this is not happening. Noah clicked his tongue against his teeth as he couldn't ignore the ignorant distortion of disgust in the guard's face as he glanced over at Mortimer. "Yeah, we're new to the area and were busy looking for a tailor for my friend here. As you can see he is lacking some pants and we're trying to remedy that." Noah said as nicely as he could with fire dancing in his muzzle. "Sadly when we asked those two, that you just let walk away, for help, we were assaulted."

"Watch what you say, pup. I'm not sure what little village you pop up from, but you best learn how to respect your betters." The guard's hands squeezed around the blade's hilt, making Noah bite his lip. "Good boy. Now, I don't give a rat's ass who started what, but Mossely is not a place where you can walk around being indecent and starting trouble. If I catch you two causing a scene again, I'll personally drag your asses out of town and toss you in the river. Do I make myself clear?"

The guard's tone made it obvious that he didn't want to hear anything else from them. Which Noah was one step from disregarding, but from the grace of Mortimer's relaxed demeanor seeping into him, he was able to take the reins of the inferno inside of him. "Yes...sir..."

"Good. Now then go get some damn pants. There's the badger who specializes in making clothing for your kind that's down the street. Old man Toto also takes requests from anyone and he's just around the corner. Now get a move on, and again, no more issues else I'll kick you out." he said before storming down the street.

Noah spit on the street and shoved his paws into his pants pockets. What in the living hell did he do to deserve that kind of treatment?! All Noah wanted was a tailor, not to eat them out of house and home! Mortimer, let's go. I don't want to be in this town any longer than we have to. Noah adjusted his travel pack on his back before pushing through the crowd of people that was watching the show.

I'm still finding it hard how it is that you have more of a connection to the earth and not the flames, because pup, your temper is up there with my cousin. Mind you he is a lava dragon that tends to blow his top, literally.

Mortimer. Noah shot the dragon a glare, who simply smiled as if staring at a kitten. I don't have time for your jokes.

I'm partially joking. I'm also being serious. This isn't Crescent Lake. Remember, humans are the children of the gods, beastmen were the children of Pangea, the mother of the gods, who also gave birth to the majority of mystics. In fact, the treatment you received is a lot better than what your race experienced back in my day. You'd have been filled with arrows before you even gotten close to the gate.

Noah wrinkled his nose, but said nothing. He wasn't an idiot and knew that Mortimer wasn't wrong. Even Owen used to tell him when he was a pup that people could be judgmental. He just didn't truly believe it would be this bad. He glanced off to the side and saw a group of men watching them as they walked down the street. They had the same flicker of disgust that matched Mrs. Porker, the guards, and everyone he noticed that stared at them since they walked into town.

So, this entire time, they weren't looking at us because of you but because we're beastmen?

Mortimer shrugged as they turned the corner. Partially. They were looking because of me, but also because of what we are. Granted, this is just how Haven is. Hedge Holt should be more accommodating.

How would you know? You've been in hiding for centuries.

Try Millenniums. Also, your mother is a well of information, Mortimer said simply before pointing at a building across the street. Also I think I found our Toto.

Good, at least now I can hopefully get one thing accomplished. Hopefully this time I don't get the same experience as earlier or else I'll most likely leave town immediately, Noah thought to himself before turning to face where Mortimer was pointing.

His steps faltered and his cane dropped out of his paw. Mr. ToTo Armor Shop was plastered up right in front of them. The shop was old, and that was putting it nicely. Noah could clearly see the splits and cracks in the wooden shop from years under the weather and the rust on the door handle. There was a wooden plank that blocked off a hole in the window, and the wooden mannequins on display looked like they needed to be polished forty years ago.

This isn't a clothing store! Noah wanted to scream. That damned guard knew exactly what Mr. Toto sold, and still sent them here! Besides, it was obvious the old man didn't get any sales, else his shop wouldn't be in such a cruddy state. Which meant two things: either he'd be desperate in working out a deal where he can tailor up some pants for Mortimer at whatever price they asked for, which was ideal or he'd play on the fact that they were beastmen and that no one in town wanted to sell to them and rack the prices up. The thought alone made Noah's heart drop.

Well, you never know. He might be an okay kind of guy. Mortimer said.

I can only hope. Let me do the talking with this one. Noah walked up to the door. The moment he stepped inside, his nose was assaulted by the smell of mold and mildew, mixed with rot from the wood. He wanted to curse as Mortimer closed the door behind him. With a place in this horrible of a condition, there was no way a man wouldn't take advantage of them. Even Noah wouldn't pass up on an opportunity that walked in the door.

Damn it! Okay, I should be able to wiggle my way out of this. Noah coughed and straightened to attention as he heard someone coming from the back. "Hello?"

"Aye, aye, I hear ya! Here I come, here I come!" An old man's voice creaked from the back as the sound of stumbled footsteps got closer, before pushing through the door that led to the back. The fresh smell of leather, hinted with sweat and musk covered the old skinny man. He wore a pair of glasses, and his long wiry white hair looked in better upkeep than Noah would have expected. "Oh! A pair of beastman, and a new pair at that. Haven't seen you two in these parts."

Hearing the genuine joy in the old man's voice, Noah's tail naturally bounced a bit at the much more acceptable reception. Maybe he could escape this tribulation and come out with plenty to spare! "Yes sir, we're new in town, and was told you would be able to help us out."

"I can see that." He eyed Mortimer before looking back to Noah. "Got yourselves into a bit of a fight and lost your pants in the mix, eh? Hope the lass's husband didn't cause you too much grief."

"Trust me, it was worth it." Mortimer smirked down at the old man, making Noah's cheeks grow warm. "So was hoping you had a pair of slacks that you might have for us."

"Slacks? That's it?" Mr. Toto frowned. "If you want that you might as well hit up old Jeraldin down the road. I work on armor and not just bland ol' clothes."

"We know that it's a bit out of the normal but--"

"How much do you sell a set of leather armor for?" Mortimer interrupted as he looked at Toto with a cocked brow.

"What?!" Noah's head snapped towards Mortimer.

"Fifty copper. For a size that fits you."

Fifty copper? He must be kidding, because that was way too much money and there was no way he was going to spend half of what they had on some armor. Especially when Mortimer had scales that could protect him just fine.

"Hm, fifty eh? How about thirty-five for your cheapest pair?" Mortimer smiled.

Noah flinched. "Huh?"

"Hmmm fifty was the cheapest one I have, so forty-five."

"Come now old man, you know you can lower the price a tad bit more. Let's go with thirty-nine."

A grin perked up on Mr. Toto face as he crossed his arm. "Aren't you trying to take too much advantage of an old man? The lowest I'll go is forty-two. Take it or leave it."

"We'll lea--"

"We'll take it." Mortimer held out his paw and took hold of Mr. Toto's hand and shook firmly.

No! Wait! My money!