Valley of the Beasts, Chapter 2
** The Valley of the Beasts, Chapter 2**
** By William W. Kelso**
Vark moved stealthily through the thick brush, his sleek scaled body allowed him to move without making a sound, and he seldom even caused a limb or bush to move. He and Rupert made a deadly team; with both being reptiles they instinctively worked well together, only a few calls or hand signals being necessary. That was what made it so strange when Vark pushed through a screen of saplings without moving a leaf, to find Rupert running up and down the edges of a creek bank, before suddenly turning with a shrill hiss and taking off at a run along the bank. Vark gave a "come here" hiss, but Rupert ignored him and disappeared around a bend farther up the creek bed, still at a run. Stanger and stranger, thought Vark, he's really excited about something. He put the spear at trail arms and followed the smaller lizard at a swift lope, effortlessly bounding over fallen trees and other obstacles, his digitigrades legs giving him tremendous power. He gave a "where are you" call, and received a reply from some distance ahead.
Cruk approached the tribute altar and could see a woman; nude of course, stretched out upon it next to the supply cart. He left the cart he'd brought with him next to the other one, and then turned to face the woman. She was turning her head side to side, but didn't seem to see him.
"Please, she called, is anyone there? Please?"
Cruk walked over to the altar, the thick grass muffling his hooves, but she heard him and turned her head in his direction. He looked down at her, flaring his nostrils at her scent. She was a fairly well endowed and healthy young woman. In spite of himself the sight of her large full breasts and the pink lips of her spread sex aroused him, but he controlled himself. It was much easier now that he had a mate.
"Please, oh please, who is it?" she asked in a frightened voice.
Cruk grunted as he saw her milky eyes, and waved a hand in front of her face, and grunted again when there was no reaction. By the Gods, he realized, she's blind!"
Mira knew someone was there, she could hear them moving around, and was aware someone, or something, was standing nearby as she could hear breathing, and smelled a strong animal musk. Oh Gods, she thought, it's the beasts!
"Please, she sobbed, please don't hurt me!"
She was surprised with a deep mellow voice said, "Do not worry girl, I will not harm you."
*She started as she felt hands undoing her bindings, and then felt cloth being put into her hands. She examined the offering, and found it was a robe of some kind. Quickly she slipped it on to hide her nudity. It felt like it was silk, and had a fur collar. *
"Thank you kind sir, Mira said, still frightened. Who are you?"
"I?, replied Crux, I am a beast, but as I said I will not harm you. We are all not so bad as you have been told. Now we have to hurry if we are to reach the keep before nightfall. The woods are not safe at night."
As Crux guided the still very frightened girl to the cart; and helped her get in and get settled, he thought to himself in anger, what kind of craven bastards would sacrifice a blind girl? By the Gods, not even a beast would do such a thing! Well, maybe when the Warlock still ruled, but not now. He hitched himself to the cart, and with a grunt began hauling it down the road.
*When Vark finally caught up with Rupert the lizard was crouched beside a kind of cave that had been formed as the creek had washed out the bank under a huge old tree. During low water a deep dark opening was revealed. Rupert was looking intently into the opening, and was hissing at something. Vark took one look at the narrow opening and realized there was no way HE was going to try and find out what Rupert had cornered. There would be no room to maneuver in that narrow opening. *
"Come Rupert, he hissed, we will find sssome other game."
Rupert's response was to sit back on his tail and stare at Vark. Vark knew that stare and posture, it meant the stubborn little creature wasn't going to budge, period. Not being one to waste his time; and being impatient as well, Vark said,
*"Very well Rupert, jussst come back when you have tired of your ssssilly game." *
Turning Vark moved off into the forest to see if he could find game that was possibly less dangerous and/or hard to get at.
*Rupert watched as Vark left, giving a plaintive hiss. He knew he was supposed to help the other lizard hunt, but he could smell the female. He had crossed her tail earlier, followed it, and knew she was in the cave. He stuck his snout into the narrow entrances, and was rewarded with a very loud warning hiss, it clearly said "Stick your snout in here and I'll rip it off." With a snort Rupert backed out and sat down again. This was all so confusing; he just wanted to be friendly. Maybe if he brought an offering?? With a determined hiss he jumped up and sped off into the woods. *
*The male was gone, she thought in relief. She had been surprised to encounter one of her own "kind" as this was not the climate they preferred; the cold winters were hard on reptiles. She had also been concerned when the other larger lizard had shown up, another reptile but of a different kind, but he had showed no interest and had moved on. She had only been here a short while, and had made this hole her temporary den. Hearing the male move off she cautiously stuck her head out of the entrance and looked around. She knew what she was, and the larger male was like her, another changeling of the same species. But unlike the others of her "kind" she retained her human memories though her form was entirely that of an animal. She even knew what kind she was, a medium sized saurian predator called a Riptor, found mostly in the warmer Southern reaches and swamps. The Warlock had used them as sentries and trackers. *
*She had been the daughter of a minor noble who had resisted the Warlock, and when their castle had fallen the evil monster had delighted in transforming her and her siblings into different kinds of animals while her father and mother had watched in horror, and to make it worse the Warlock had explained how he had left their human minds intact to live in the bodies of the animals they became so they would remember they had once been human, and that they would be used to breed more animals. Then the Warlock had had his great dragon mount swallow her mother alive and nude, and then had tortured her father to death while his children watched. Trapped in the body of a reptile she had watched this horror, unable to do anything as she was still too traumatized by the horrible change, unable to believe she was no longer human. Her brother had become a donkey, her sister a large bird of some kind, and she had never seen them again. She had been put to work in the breeding pens laying clutches of eggs as she was bred by males like herself, but unlike her they had the minds of animals as well even though many had once been human as well. She had lived as an animal in pens with other female lizards, and had come to wish she had the simple mind of an animal was well, it would have made her existence more bearable. And living with animals, and being treated as one, she had instinctively acted like one until the lines between human and animal had become blurred. At times she almost believed she really was just as much an animal, the same as the others who had shared her fate. *
When the Warlock was destroyed she had been freed, and still unable to accept what she was despite all the years that had passed she had lived in the wilds like an animal ever since, moving from one place to another, never stopping for very long. Any time she had encountered humans or beasts she had always fled fearing being enslaved again, or killed. And now it was time to move again as she had been discovered. She had wished she could have stayed longer as she was very hungry and had not yet had a chance to hunt, and the den was a good one. She suddenly scented the male again, and with an angry hiss turned and reentered the den. Why wouldn't he just leave her alone!
*Rupert padded back into the creek bed carrying the large rabbit he had brought down. As he did he saw a flash of the female's tail as she went back into her den. He dropped the fresh kill at the entrance to the den, and called softly. Then he moved to the other side of the creek and waited politely to see if his offer of friendship was accepted. *
She could smell the fresh blood, and Gods she was hungry! Her only experience with others of her kind had been in the pens. She had lived with several other females, but that had been in captivity, and her only experience with males had been when she was in heat, and then she was put in a mounting brace strapped down with her snout tied shut so they could service her easily. At first she had hated the unwanted pleasure the males gave her, helplessly responding to their weight on her back and their dominance. The Warlock had kept her and the other females in constant heat, and gradually she had come to welcome the attentions of the males as they mated with her and helped to at least temporarily slake her horrible need. But since she had been released the rutting spell had faded and she had entered the normal cycle for her kind. She was unsure as to what the male wanted as she was not currently in heat, but he seemed friendly and was offering her food. She flared her nostrils and smelled the prey again, and her hunger winning out she cautiously approached the entrance, and then with a quick lunge of her head snapped up the prey and dragged it back into the den. Hissing she tore into the still warm rabbit, a nice big one, and devoured it just like any other animal would. In that way she was no different than the others of her kind.
Rupert had watched intently as the female stuck her snout out of the den and accepted his offering. He wasn't really sure why he had brought it; it had just seemed the right thing to do. His only experience with females had been those brief, but very enjoyable, visits to the breeding pits. He had mated with the females offered for his services, but had wanted more than just that pleasure. He had felt the urge to stay with the females he'd mated with, but it wasn't allowed which he had accepted, but never understood. He had not seen another like himself for years, and being a social animal he was very lonely. His instincts were kicking in, and though he might not yet realize it he was courting the female, his gift of food telling her he was a good provider. Hopefully she would make the next move, so he settled down patiently to wait, his gaze never leaving the mouth of the cave containing the object of his hope for a companion, and maybe something more. He gave a soft hopeful hiss, he was so lonely.
*Cruk pulled the cart through the portal in to the keep, and called for Bridget in a not quite bellowing voice. *
Bridget was messing around by the fireplace getting the stew fixings ready, and looked up when she heard Cruk yell for her. She stood up; wiped her hands, and went to see what he wanted. As she left the keep she said,
"You don't have to be so loud, I'm not deaf you know!" Then she froze when she saw the woman in the cart. Oh, right, the sacrifice! Cruk gestured at the cart, and said,
"Bridget, she needs help, she can't see."
Bridget had recognized the girl instantly, everyone knew the bakers youngest daughter Mira. She could remember when the girl wasn't blind, before the fever took her sight. She used to sit under a tree on the common green and visit with anyone who would spend some time with her. Considering her plight her cheerful demeanor had always made her well liked. Bridget was stunned, how could they even consider sacrificing the poor girl, had she already not been cursed enough by the Gods?
Cruk waved at the cart again, seemingly at a loss. "Bridget, I don't know what to do he said, will you help her?"
Bridget walked over to the cart, and said,
"Hello Mira, it's Bridget, do you remember me?"
Mira looked in the direction of Bridget's voice, and said, "Oh my, Bridget? Of course I remember you. I'm so glad you're alive! I thought it was horrible what they did."
Bridget replied, "I don't understand Mira, how could they do this to you too?"
Mira gave a little smile, and said, "It was the lottery, what else? I insisted they add my name when I found out my father had paid to have me exempted. I felt it was only fair. When my name was picked they had to club my father unconscious. But at least I spared another girl from being chosen, and being blind I figured it would not be as bad for me. But I don't understand? The beast who brought me here, he has not touched me yet, and was kind. I don't understand."
"The beasts name is Cruk, replied Bridget, and he is, my, well....husband. And he is kind, and most handsome." Cruk snorted at that, but she could tell he was pleased.
"Indeed, replied Mira. Well, your husband has my thanks. I think there is much I do not understand. Was it all lies? The raping, killing, pillaging? Are we truly safe?"
"Yes, said Cruk, you are safe here. Once we did all of those things while slaves of the Warlock, but we are free now, and though still beasts are no longer animals. You will not be harmed, not while I live."
"It's true, said Bridget, I know it's hard to believe, but they really aren't the same anymore. Cruk has been so kind to me, and I, I love him. And there is another beast here as well, his name is Vark, and you need not fear him either. He is...special."
Bridget helped Mira get down from the cart; and leading her into the keep helped her get comfortable by the fire. The blind girl clutched her robe around her body and shivered as she stared sightlessly into the fire whose heat she could feel. She had no idea what to think about her current situation.
Her belly full she used her long sharp claws to pick pieces of raw flesh from between her fangs, and reassessed her situation. The food had been very welcome, she hadn't eaten in days. She got up and moved towards the entrance to the den, but only to where she would remain in the shadow as she examined the male. He knew she was there of course. He was crouched under a large bush, his attention riveted on the den. She could tell he was young and healthy, and was fairly large. He's handsome, she thought, he has nice markings. He was green on top with darker green wavy stripes and splotches, fading to a dark tan on his chest and felly. The main difference between the males and females was the males were larger; but not by that much, but he was pretty big even for a male. From her vantage point she could see his hands with the three long fingers tipped with deadly claws, and like her he had no thumbs. Their hands were not made for gripping or handling, but for tearing and rending. Their legs ended in three toed paws with long wicked claws; the inner one raised and hooked, and smaller heel spurs. Their long powerful snouts contained truly horrible fangs, and even closed a few protruded. They were predators and carnivores, period, their only food meat. She turned her head and looked at her own long sharp claws and flexed her long thick clumsy fingers, the claws clicking together. She had once been an accomplished writer and knitter, and had loved to paint and draw. She clicked her claws again, well, no longer. The only purpose her once dainty and feminine hands now served was to help hold onto prey while she tore it apart. She heard a soft hiss, and looking saw the male had stood up and was waving his tail slowly back and forth, and he seemed, well, hopeful. She decided to accept his offer of friendship; even though he was only an animal at least she wouldn't be alone anymore. Shyly she stepped out into the light, slowly waving her own tail. He really is quite handsome, she thought.
Rupert watched eagerly as the female slowly left the den, but held his position as he didn't want to be spook her. He turned his head from side to side as she stepped out into the light. She was smaller than he was, her coloring and markings lighter, and he thought she was quite pretty. Her hide was sleek and healthy, though she was a bit thin and her ribs showed. They examined one another for a while longer, then Rupert made the first move and slowly approached her, head down and arms tucked to show he wasn't aggressive. She turned her head and watched him carefully, but didn't run back into the den. She has pretty eyes, thought Rupert. He crouched and sat back on his tail in front of her and waited, it was up to her now. Somehow he knew she would have to make the next move. If she turned and left she had found him unsatisfactory for a companion, but he hoped, he hoped... When she leaned forward and bumped her snout gently against his he hissed in relief, she liked him! He bumped her back, and then gently rubbed his snout against hers. He could smell the fresh blood, and licked a few stray drops off her nose. She hissed and licked him back. He stood back up and they slowly circled one another taking a better look, their tails slowly whipping back and forth, and each liked what they saw.
She stood her ground as he approached; his stance submissive and friendly. She flared her nostrils at his scent, male and healthy. He was well fed, he must be a good hunter, and she found that quite attractive. She examined him closely, seeing nothing to change her early impression that he was handsome. He was, very much so. He stopped, and then sat back on his tail and crouched, looking at her with his bright eyes. While most would consider their eyes to be emotionless, to another reptile they could say a lot. His eyes were curious, friendly, and...interested. She felt strangely shy, and something told her the next move was hers. He had made an offering; let his interest be known, and was waiting for her decision. It was already a forgone conclusion; she liked what she saw very much, both her reptile and human minds. She leaned forward and lightly bumped his snout, and he hissed in pleasure. He bumped her back and they rubbed snouts, and when he licked her she licked him back. He's gentle and sweet she thought, and a good hunter, as his offering had proven. She didn't know it yet; at least her human mind didn't, that she had just been courted, and that by accepting his "proposal" had found a mate. Rupert knew it though, and was happier then he could ever remember being before. All she knew was she wouldn't be alone anymore as she rubbed and stroked the male's snout with her own, both hissing in pleasure. She had never felt this way about another of her kind before, and she liked the feeling of acceptance. And he was so handsome, and smelled so nice. She rubbed her snout against him again looking him in the eye and could see and scent his happiness, and felt strangely happy herself.
*When Rupert finally turned to leave he had looked over his shoulder, and gave a hiss of delight when she followed him. She instinctively fell in behind; and slightly to one side, of the male. Neither he nor she realized it was instinct, their kind were pack hunters and seldom traveled in straight lines, but spread out to the sides so they could swarm any threat or prey from different directions at the same time. She watched his strong hind legs and sleek pebbled hide as he moved, and he turned his head so he could look at her quite often, keeping his other eye on the trail. She flared her nostrils at his strong musk, and suddenly it occurred to her she had found much more than just a friend, but a mate as well, and she knew her life had changed forever. She thought about that, and found she didn't have a problem with it. As with humans Riptors were social animals and had a deep need to be with others of their kind, both for mutual benefit and companionship. So she followed her new mate closely, comforted by his presence. *
Vark had brought down a nice fat doe about an hour after he left Rupert cornering whatever had taken refuge in the cave. When he got back to the cave Rupert was gone, and catching a whiff of another reptilian scent, he crouched and took a closer look at the signs, flaring his nostrils. Yes, another reptile, and...female! Rupert, he thought, what have you found you sly old lizard? No wonder he had been so excited! From the scent it was another Riptor.
Rupert broke through the tree line and padded up the path towards the old keep, the female following. But then when he looked back he was surprised to see she had stopped at the edge of the trees and was hanging back in the shadows.
*She paused when she saw the old fortress, and the spiral of smoke rising from a chimney. That could only mean humans and/or beasts. It was one thing to take up with another animal like herself, but humans or beasts were another thing entirely. She wasn't sure about this. She turned and started to go back into the trees, but a plaintive hiss from the male stopped her. She turned to look at him again. He bobbed his head and slowly wagged his tail, obliviously wanting her to keep following him, then approached her again. *
Rupert didn't understand why his mate wasn't following him, had she seen; or scented danger? He reared up and looked around flaring his nostrils, straining his acute senses, but could detect nothing. When he looked at her again she had turned and it looked like she was leaving! He called to her with a soft questioning hiss. Then when she turned around he ran to her and bumped his snout against hers, licking her snout and neck concernedly. Had had he done something wrong? Was she upset for some reason? If he had he wanted her to know he was sorry.
She licked the male back as he tried to reassure her, tried to understand why she hadn't followed him. How could she tell him she didn't like humans or beasts, didn't trust them? As she licked him back and smelled his male musk again she decided she'd follow him after all, if he trusted them maybe they weren't so bad. He certainly didn't look mistreated and was well fed. Some humans and beasts took good care of their animals, so maybe she'd be OK too. She certainly wouldn't let them know she had a human mind in her reptile head, and could always leave again later if she didn't like her new "masters". If it came to that hopefully the male would come with her. In the short time she had been with him she had already bonded and accepted him as her mate, and it would be hard to leave him. She would hate to be lonely again, and he was so handsome and sweet. She nuzzled him back, licking his snout tenderly, and when he started towards the Keep again she followed.
Bridget handed Mira a large bowl of stew and some bread; then gave her a mug full of well water. The blind girl eagerly devoured the food, and gave it high praise which made Bridget blush, even more so when Cruk agreed. Then she took Mira by the hand and led her to the chests of clothes, and helped her pick out a dress and other items that fit, and also color coordinated it for her. Mira was a big well endowed girl and filled out a dress quite nicely. Bridget actually felt a little jealous, but then was ashamed of herself when she remembered the girls handicap. Still, she wished she had breast that large and firm.
*Mira felt so much better after a good meal, and even more so after she had some decent clothes on as well. Bridget guided her back over to the fire and then sat with her and asked questions and she told Bridget the news from the village. The biggest was that a recruiter had come looking for young men to join the Royal Army for a campaign against the stronghold of the beasts and any others who served the dragon. The baron had booted him out, but not before several young men had snuck off in search of fame and glory. But most of the townsfolk wanted nothing more to do with the endless wars and fighting. Almost every family had lost a loved one; many several, and were heartily sick of the carnage. They would much prefer just to be left alone. *
*Bridget had seen Cruk's head snap up and ears swivel in their direction at the mention of a "campaign against the beasts", she knew that was most unwelcome news. She told Mira about how Cruk had treated her, but held back telling her Vark was her lover and mate as well. She knew hearing she had one beast for a mate was bad enough, but Mira would think her truly depraved if she admitted to having two. It was really none of the blind girls business anyway, but she was a guest and had already been traumatized enough as it was, no need to overdo it. If she stayed with them for very long she'd come to understand; or so Bridget hoped. And it was so nice to have another woman to talk to. Mira was had a friendly open personality, and had always been nice to Bridget, even giving her day old bread from her father's bakery on more than one occasion. She had been the closest thing to a real friend Bridget had. *
Rupert turned and headed for the Keep again, and to his great relief his mate followed him this time. If she hadn't he really didn't know what he would have done, and was glad he hadn't had to find out. He stayed close to her, brushing her with is body to reassure her it was safe, and she rubbed her snout against his flank every now and then much to his delight, she smelled so nice. He slowed as they neared the gatehouse, and walking closer to her led her through the portal. There was no one in the courtyard, but he could smell that the large male beast who took care of him; and his mate, were both there. The other bigger lizard was not there. Plus there was a new scent, a female human. How interesting. With an eager hiss he ran to the door to the tower and disappeared through it. His mate hesitated, and then approached more cautiously, and climbing the steps stuck her head through the door and looked around the dim interior. She blinked a few times to help her eyes adjust. She could smell humans and a beast, maybe more.
*"Rupert! Bridget said, come here boy. Where have you been, where's Vark?" *
When the big lizard ran over to her she scratched his head, and he hissed in pleasure. Then she looked up and saw a long snouted head poke through the door and look around with big curious eyes. Well, what have we here? Bridget thought. She got Cruk's attention, and softly said,
"Cruk, look, in the doorway. Rupert's brought a friend."
*At the sound of his name Rupert ran over to Cruk and rubbed his head against the Minotaur's legs, and Cruk crouched and gave the happy lizard a hug. He looked at the other lizard in the doorway, careful not to make any sudden moves. He could tell it was a female, and most likely feral. It looked like Rupert had indeed found a friend, but that might not be good if she was vicious. Rupert was domesticated, but a feral Riptor would be an entirely different matter. They were formidable predators, very intelligent and deadly, and a pack could bring down even the largest prey or foe, and even alone were vicious killers. Those fangs and claws were deadly. He had seen Riptors bring down well armed soldiers with ease. *
*Rupert hissed for Cruk's attention, and looked up hopefully. Was it OK, could she stay? Please, she likes me! Rupert accepted Cruk as his pack leader, and was looking for approval. And in his own way he also loved the large beast, for as long as he could remember Cruk had taken care of him. So his approval was very important to Rupert. *
Slowly Bridget to her feet and the new lizard hissed softly and backed up, so she sat down again. Speaking softly, she said,
"Hey, it's OK, we won't hurt you". Bridget picked up a large bone from the carcass she'd been carving up for dinner, and held it out to the shy lizard. "You hungry? Here you go!", and threw the meaty bone in the direction of the watching lizard.
She backed up a little as the woman started to get up, but stopped when the woman sat down again. Her main concern was the huge Minotaur; she would be no match for him if he was hostile, but could easily outrun him if it came to that. She switched her attention back to the young woman when she spoke in a gentle voice, and then she picked up a large bone and threw it in her direction. The male ran to the bone, picked it up and brought it to her, then ran back to the Minotaur. It was obvious the male had no fear of the Minotaur, and even had affection for the huge beast. She watched the way the bull man held her mate and scratched his snout and felt reassured, the beast obviously liked her mate as well. She sniffed the bone, nice and fresh, and looked at the Minotaur as he hugged the male again. It was her mates obvious trust and affection for the beast that won her over. Plus the two women; there was something wrong with one, were certainly not threatening, and one had spoken to her in a kind voice, and offered her food. She picked up the nice meaty bone, and settling down by the door started chewing on it, keeping her eyes on everybody. After a short while the male came over and settled down beside her, and she shared the large bone with him, him chewing on one end while she chewed on the other, stopping every now and then to lick one another's snouts.
"Well, said Bridget, it looks like our little lizard had found himself a friend."
"And a mate, added Cruk, she's female. Poor thing, she's half starved. They certainly seem to like each other. I wonder what she was doing here, usually their kind stay farther down south where it's warm all year round."
"Please, said Mira, what's going on, and who's Rupert?"
"I'm so sorry" said Bridget, and explained everything. She told Mira about Vark too, so she wouldn't be worried whenever he showed up, and speaking of a certain lizard.
Vark stopped in the door to the keep and took in the scene. Well, he thought, Rupert had indeed found a friend, a very pretty lady lizard, and it looks like we have other company as well. The female lizard had stood up and was backing away hissing in warning, so Vark kept his arms at his side and gave a softer "I don't want to fight" hiss of his own, and slowly walked into the room in a non-threatening posture. After he had passed the female settled back down, Rupert nuzzling her reassuringly.
She smelled the larger lizard before she saw him, and remembered him from the forest. It was too late to make a dash for the door, so hissing she stood up and backed into a corner. She recognized his kind, a hybrid version of another saurian predator, and gave a warning hiss. But he gave a non-threatening neutral hiss, and walked past without making a threatening move of any kind, so she settled back down, the presence of the male; evidently his name was Rupert, helping to calm her. He seemed to trust the other reptile, so that was good enough for her. But as she went back to gnawing on the lovely bone she kept one eye on them, her other eye on her mate.
*Vark had already dressed the deer, so he put the fresh meat in their "larder". He was very hungry, so went to the fire for a helping of stew. He paused and gave Bridget an affectionate nuzzle with his snout, and she kissed him back. He looked curiously at the new human female, but she didn't look at him. At first he thought she was being rude and just didn't want to look at him, he'd encountered that attitude plenty of times and was used to it. He was about to turn away when Bridget pulled him over and whispered in his ear. Blind?? Vark thought, how could they sacrifice a blind woman! The very thought enraged him. *
When Vark had still been human he had fallen in love with a blind beggar girl his own age even though she hadn't paid much attention to him. She had died of a fever while he held her in his arms and begged her not to leave him, and right at the end had told him she loved him too. Then a few days later he had been captured and sold to the Warlock. Seeing the blind woman had brought back memories he had thought buried for good, and he got up and left the tower as they welled up in his mind; and climbing to the top of the old gatehouse stood and stared into the night, tears running down his snout.
*Cruk watched as Vark and Bridget talked in low tones; and felt concerned when Vark put his meal down untouched and left the tower. His opinion of Vark had changed completely over the last few weeks as he realized he was seeing the real Vark for the first time. The human part of the selfish reclusive thief had slowly surfaced, and Cruk could relate to what he was going through as could any other beast. He had gone from being a tolerated nuisance to being a true friend. Plus he was also Bridget's mate as well. *
Bridget had been concerned when Vark had set his bowl down on the table without touching his food and left. Cruk had motioned for her to follow him, so she got up and went after Vark. Rupert and the other lizard had looked at her with their eyes reflecting the firelight as she followed. At first she didn't see him, but then realized he was at the top of the old gatehouse tower. She climbed up after him, but he didn't seem to notice her at first. He was hunched over and his shoulders were shaking and she realized he was crying with great silent heaves. She went to him and touched his arm, and he pulled her into a tight hug and started talking between hissing sobs.
*"I've only ever loved one other, Vark hissed. Her name wasss Midge, and she wasss a blind beggar girl in the city I lived in. She wasss sskinny as she never had enough to eat like mossst of usss sstreet urchins. But she wass pretty, ssso very pretty. She wass a good sssoul and took care of some younger then hersself as besst she could. We all liked her, and none dared to acossst her by order of the Thieve'sss Guild. I tried for sso long to get her to notice me. I left coinsss and food for her and her little oness, but she never ssseemed to notice. Then one day she wassn't at her corner. I went to the abandoned building she lived in and she was burning with fever, and we could do nothing for her. We had no money for doctorsss. I bought; and stole, medicinesss I thought would help, I held her in my armsss to keep her warm. At the end she woke up, and, and told me she had alwayss loved me just before she died. I held her for hoursss after not wanting to let her go, she wass all I had. I hated the world after that, and roamed aimlesssly. I ssstole whatever I wanted, often blatantly with little precaution, which isss how I ended up being captured and sssold to the Warlock. When he made me a beassst I took out my hatred on the Warlock's enemiesss, reveling in my power. I wass cruel and without mercy, I felt the whole world wass like that, that there wass no goodnesss. *
Bridget held the grieving beast tightly, her own sobs mingling with his as he shared his inner most grief with her, baring his soul.
"Then I met you, and you...you cared for me even after the horrible thing I did. Then you took me as your lover and mate, sssomething I neither expected or desserved. Midge once told me there are truly good people in the world, but after she died I no longer believed her. Now I sssee she wasss right, and sseeing the blind woman brought back that memory, and I, I, I....still love Midge ssso much, and I misss her soo terribly. I would give anything to hear her tell me she loved me again, anything."
Bridget kept hugging her mate as his tears soaked her blouse, no wonder he had been such a bitter and cruel creature, to have suffered so much when he had nothing to start with. Why fate was so cruel remained a mystery to her, but she knew he'd never be alone again, not for so long as she lived. She said softly,
"I love you Vark", and he hugged her even more tightly as a light misting drizzle began to fall, but neither of them noticed for a very long time.
*Finally Vark's vision cleared and he regained some of his composure, but kept holding Bridget's warm body awhile longer, marveling at his good fortune. He had thought he could never feel love again, but was glad he had been so very wrong. He knew he didn't deserve her, but as long as she wanted him he was hers. As the rain started to get heavier he shielded her from it as best he could, and they returned to the keep. *
Between the two of them she and Rupert had pretty much demolished the bone, cracking it for the sweet marrow inside, scooping it out with their long muscular tongues. It had been a delicious treat. It was getting cooler in the keep, and with a soft grunt Rupert stood up and walked over to the fireplace. He stopped and curiously sniffed the blind woman. The woman, a little startled at first, soon realized the unseen animal was friendly, and finding Rupert's snout scratched it, much to Rupert's delight. Having made friends with the new lady he came back over to his mate and lowering his head licked her snout, and then moved back towards the fire looking over his shoulder at her. There was a messy pile of old blankets at one end of the hearth and he settled down there and waited for her to join him. It's where he sleeps, she realized. Being cold blooded now she felt the cooling night air and the floor was cold. She didn't like it as it made her sluggish and dull feeling, so she got up and moved over next to the fire and settled down by the male who hissed in greeting. He had left her the spot nearest the fire, and his consideration touched her. It was much warmer by the fire and she hissed in contentment. This was much better than a cold den. She looked up as the larger lizard and the smaller woman entered the old tower and shut the door behind them.
Cruk looked up as Bridget and Vark entered the tower. Bridget gave him a smile as Vark shut and bolted the heavy door. He could tell; smell, that they'd both been crying and was concerned, but their scents also told him both were sad but happy so he just grunted a greeting. Vark hissed back and seemed to have reached some sort of release as some of his usual reserved; almost feral, attitude was gone now. Whatever had happened had been good for him Cruk realized, pleased for his friend.
*It had been a long day, for everyone, so things began to settle down. Bridget introduced Vark to Mira, and he was most courteous to her approval. He took Mira's hand and complimented her hair, which made Mira blush. Then Bridget put together a bedroll for Mira, and to help keep her warm and reassured she slid in next to her. Cruk took off his kilt and got into his own bedding; and pulling several blankets over himself was soon asleep, gently snoring. He wished Bridget was with him, he loved the feeling of her nude body next to his even if they were just sleeping, but he approved of her decision to sleep with Mira. *
Vark sat by the fire for awhile staring into the flickering flames as they slowly died down, then he banked the fire to keep the coals alive. He started to go to his own bedroll, and then hesitated. Turning he approached Rupert and his mate, his head down and arms at his sides in an unthreatening posture, both lizards watching him intently. He crouched down and gently scratched Rupert's snout, much to the lizards surprise as Vark normally did not show him any affection, but Rupert responded with a soft hiss of pleasure. The female was a little unsure at first, but then hissed in pleasure as well when he tentatively scratched her snout as well. She realized the big lizard was going out of his way to be friendly, so accepted the offer.
"Rupert, hissed Vark softly, am I very happy for you and your mate my little friends. I hope you have long happy lives together."
*As he left Vark pulled a blanket over the two slightly confused, but happy lizards. As he settled down in his bedroll he thought about what had happened on the guard tower roof. He felt like a festering sore in his heart had been drained, and though it hurt he felt much better now. He hadn't thought about Midge in years, and realized his love for her was as strong now as it had ever been even though she had been gone now for over thirty years. And now he had someone else to love as well, and amazingly she loved him as well. He thought about Mira, how sweet her long silky black hair had smelled, how she had blushed when he complimented her. How could anyone take advantage of a blind woman like that? It enraged him as nothing else could. Well, no one would take advantage of her again as long as he was around, no one! Finally he shut his emotionless eyes and fell asleep, strangely happy. *
*As she watched the large lizard man get into his own bedroll she realized she had finally found a home, and she curled up next to Rupert and tucked her snout under her tail. She kept her eyes open for awhile and Rupert stared back at her until he fell asleep, then she snuggled up closer to him, and feeling safe and content for the first time in years soon joined him in slumber. *
*The fire slowly burned down and the room got darker, the only sounds soft snores and an occasional soft hiss. *
** The End**
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