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Oh he hated traveling. Xipilli's fingers dug tighter into the railing as the wagon bumped along the road. "I thought you said they'd fixed this road," he gulped out. The viper naga tried to pull his coils up tighter onto the top of the wagon. Only to fling them back out as the wagon rocked again. Gripping the sides of the wagon to keep himself that much more stable.

Without even looking, Juniper reached up and back to stroke his chin. The porcupine pushed her hood back with a smile. "It is better, the ruts used to be so deep I couldn't even get the wagon to turn." To emphasize her point, she tugged at the reins as if to swerve back and forth. Her horses merely snorted and kept walking along a straight path. Picking their way along the least ruined parts of the path. "Lazy bums," Juniper stuck her tongue out to the horses. "I'm sorry, we didn't have a lot of time to really pick up a naga-sized cart. Even if Her Ladyship was curious about..." she trailed off and rolled her hand, "things."

Juniper sighed quietly and reached up to brush some hair back. As she did, the hooded cloak slipped just enough to reveal a necklace of fine yellow scales. Except it wasn't a necklace. Xipilli knew that her fur was missing in a few choice parts, instead replaced with yellow scales. More accurately, yellow and brown striped scales. Though few spots were large enough to make out the striping. Mostly those that ran down her spine. If one thought about it a moment more. Well, then they're notice the resemblance to Xipilli's scales and coloring.

Only a few months ago, Juniper had come to visit Xipilli in his alchemy shop. They'd been friends for near on a year now, and lovers for... well that entire time as well. He'd saved her from an assault from a morally questionable hunter. She'd rewarded him with friendship, and then sex. All her own choosing. Then they'd formed a business partnership. He gave her some basic remedies. Potions and poultices to help with regular illnesses and injuries. Each one meticulously labeled and identified. She'd go out to sell them, come back to his shop with his share of the profits, and then they'd have sex.

A lot of sex.

Juniper loved sex, and he loved having it with her.

To be fully honest, he was certain that he loved her. Least he thought he did. Had never been in love before, so he didn't have much to compare it to. There had been infatuations and crushes and the like, but Juniper? She was at ease around him, and he around her. Even when she did love to tease him, it was always a playful teasing. Or the sexual kind.

Then a couple months ago, they'd gotten into some potions. Rather she had. He'd left something brewing on the stove next to lunch and didn't label them properly. Honestly, it was a rookie mistake, but easy enough to do when he was the only one in his shop most of the time. How was he to know that Juniper would sample the vibrantly purple and gold concoction; which was next to the rather ordinary brown stew?

The potion was an experiment meant for a dragoness. Something meant to replicate some great magic a grand druid had pulled off. As such, when Juniper sampled the half-done solution, it had turned her into something more draconic. Since it was also supposed to be a fertility elixir, it had made Juniper rather aroused. So she'd begun to have sex with him while he whipped up an antidote.

Between the distraction and the fact that the original brew had only been half-completed, it had altered both of them. Giving him legs and returning her to normal. Mostly normal. Though she'd still been rather worked up. So on to bed and some fun while he had legs she could play with.

And that's when things got weird.

He'd set out an oil to return his body to normal and retired. Wanting to help, she'd massaged it into his body. Not knowing that it would alter her once again. It had been a weird day. The naga-fied Juniper had curled up with him in bed. Woke him from his sleep by accident, and then... well things happened as things tended to around her. At some point he'd have to remember to ask her if she was this openly sexual with everyone, or if he was special. Nature had taken its course and they'd had a good tangle in bed. By morning the potions had wore off, and things were back to normal.

Until Juniper all but broke his door down a few weeks later, declaring she was pregnant.

And that he was the father.

Despite the fact that he was a naga and she a porcupine.

That had gotten some attention from the Lady Siksta. She was the rather fearful Lady that ruled the lands where Xipilli chose to live. He was one of the few who knew her secret. That she was a dragoness disguised as a mere mortal. More than that, he also knew that she had a desire for children. She had one that he knew of. A child she'd had with a grand druid. A druid which had gone missing soon after casting the spell. That is what he'd been trying to reproduce with his knowledge so she could... reproduce.

So when she found out that Juniper had somehow gotten pregnant, and he was somehow the father, she'd been more than interested. Personally, he'd been stunned by it all when Juniper came back with the Healer. Yes, she was pregnant. Yes, it was his. Now could he do something to help keep her stable?

"You're wits-wondering again." She reached into his mouth and tweaked his tongue.

Xipilli slid a bit closer, draping himself near her. "Just thinking about everything." He cast a sidelong glance, "Are you still feeling fine?"

Before he could reach for her hood, she was already pushing it back. Letting the naga alchemist examine the line of scales. "About as fine as I could be, all considered." Juniper sighed and closed her eyes a bit as his hands roamed against her. Just starting to pry a bit under her cloak. "Scales are feeling better since you'd started oiling them. Ankles still sore. Still getting weird food cravings." He cast a glance at her. "Pickled things, sweet things, a live vole."

He started, "A what?"

Juniper tapped his nose, "Got ya." She tapped her fingers against his nose, "How are you doing? Needing to hunt something down for a meal sometime soon?" She glanced along the roads, "We're making good enough time that we could stop a day or two while you convalesce and digest."

"I'm fine," he flicked his tongue at her. Only to snap it back as she tried to grab at it. It was getting closer to time for him to eat. Though even now, it wasn't a topic he liked to broach too often. Juniper was surprisingly okay with his eating habits. To the extend where she'd run his shop after he'd bagged a particularly fat boar once. Not that food made him terribly drowsy. Just a little... sluggish while he started to digest. "And I'll be fine for another few weeks yet."

She hummed, "You just don't want to meet the..." Juniper started, "oh. Oh..."

"Oh?" he blinked at her.

She grabbed his hand and nearly hauled him off the wagon's roof. Dragging him down so he could rest a hand on her stomach. "What am I..." He froze as something shifted. A bump against the palm of his hand. "Oh."

Juniper nodded, "Yeah oh."

"Is it supposed to do that?"

They shared a look. "I think so?" Juniper started slowly. "I mean, I'd felt my mother and aunts' stomachs when they were pregnant. Sisters' too. Why when Auntie Sherill had her triplets, you could see her dress move from across the room. Though this is new territory for me. Twice new, cause you know..." Juniper laughed, "Certainly wasn't expecting any of this. Not with you," she tapped his nose again, "Figured you were safe to pump load after load in me. Shows what I get for finding the cute snake that's just so much fun to tease." She let her hand fall to his, covering the swell of her stomach.

A flush spread over his cheeks, the tip of his tail twitched, and his tongue flicked towards her again. She looked at him, "I know that flick. You're worried."

"Well..." he mused slowly, "yes? Who wouldn't be. We're in all kinds of new territory here. You pregnant with my child. Shouldn't be possible. If it was, it should should be an egg, but now it's..." his tongue flicked again, "kicking. It's feeling so real. I mean, it already felt real, but now it feels more real. Realer than it did before. Should probably write this down and keep notes on it, but..."

Juniper gently pinched his lips shut, "Xip, breathe. You're starting to have a hissy fit again." He took a breath, but she kept her hand on his nose. "It will be okay. No one is going to attack you for what happened. Just as much my fault as yours." She thought a moment, "Well, more your fault. Not labeling your potions, no warning tags, and cooking things right next to food." She caught his look. Leaned in and kissed his nose, "I'm kidding, big guy. I assure you, my family is going to love you. They kept saying I should find a nice man I should open a business agreement with, and maybe have some kids." She cracked a wry grin, "Should have seen their faces when my brother married this sheep seamstress. They're going to flip when they see me with a naga." Her attention shifted to the road as the wagon rocked. "And they always said I was the normal one."

He flicked his tongue slowly, "You've.. never said how big your family is."

"You're right."

Silence. Xipilli shifted on the wagon, curling a bit tighter. "So..." he tried after a too-long moment. "How many are there?"

"Enough to make you panic. Don't worry though, I'll try to keep them off you." Juniper leaned up to kiss his cheek. Then his lips slowly, smiling in a way that made him smile back. She giggled quietly, nuzzling into his snout and breathing out a quiet hum. "You know, this pregnancy thing has been making me feel..." her fingers tickled along his neck, "a little frisky now and then."

His tongue flickered quickly as his eyes widened. She breathed out a giggle and glanced along the road. "You know, it's quiet enough out here. The two of us could..." she trailed off again as she leaned in. Kissing over his muzzle, then the heat pits on his snout.

That tongue flicked quicker, "Ah, should we?" He glanced around quickly. It had been hours since they'd seen anyone on the road. Not a single person was on the road as far as he could see. Knowing his luck, as soon as anything started to happen, then someone would come around the bend. Though knowing Juniper's luck, it'd be hours more before anyone else showed up. There were a lot of ways they could get away with it too. He was certainly long enough that they could...

Juniper wiggled on the driver's bench. She smirked towards her partner and shook her head. Xipilli was in another one of his thought cycles. He'd be thinking about this far longer than needed, if she let him. Plotting ways they could do this. Wondering if they should pull off the path. Who knew what all would be going through his head. Instead, she kept it nice and simple. Pull up her dress to just above her knees. Reach down to pull her undergarments aside.

"Fuck," she breathed out. Shivering as her fingers brushed over her pussy lips. Fuck, why was she this worked up? She'd heard her sisters talk about how horny they were while pregnant. Had it been this bad for them? To just get the urge and then be absolutely dripping wet in a matter of seconds?

"Nngh," she sighed as fingers danced over her folds. The slow, gentle massage revealing that her mons was swollen. Insides more than warm to the touch. She let her fingers dip in and toy with her walls. Biting back another moan and casting a glance at Xip. Yep, he was still lost in his own thoughts and starting to look around the road. She cast a look too and slipped her fingers further down. Masturbating on the road had been a favored pastime of hers. Plenty of stretches where you wouldn't see a soul for hours, days even. She couldn't count the times she'd been tempted to just ride naked. See how far she could go. Though that had always been tempered by the knowledge that someone would likely take advantage of her.

Or she'd come across some guards. Who would fine her. Then take advantage of her.

Her fingers slipped lower, the porcupine easing herself further down in the bench. She nudged a slick digit up between her cheeks. Around her backdoor. Oh so casually easing herself down on her fingers. Far from the first time something had been up there. Especially with as gifted as Xipilli was.

Speaking of which. She smiled wickedly and dipped two fingers into her pussy. Swirling them around with a breathy sigh. Then, "Hey, Xip."

"Yeagck!"

Got him every time. Juniper smiled and ran her slick fingers over his tongue. Letting him taste her, making sure to wiggle the fingers up and down to aerate her juices a bit. Really stir it around inside his cutely shocked face. "Quit thinking so much and get your tail over here."

"Yessumm," he muttered around her fingers. Resolving himself to in her, he brought his tail around. The naga's hemi-penis already starting to expose itself. It only took a moment of thought before he realized Juniper must have played with herself countless times on the road. Should really trust in her road smarts. If she thought it would be safe for the two of them to start a tryst on the road...

Juniper caught his tail and leaned in to lick his cocks, cutting off any other thought he might have had. "Mmm," she hummed, taking one of his hardening lengths into her mouth and suckling on it. The porcupine looped the reins over the bar in front of her. Kicking one foot up, she rocked herself down on her playing fingers. Her other cupped his tail and held the naga steady as she bobbed her head. Suckling quietly around his length and nuzzling the other. So casually and gladly getting him to full mast in a matter of seconds.

She came up with a pop and giggle, "Okay, so now..." Juniper stood up and adjusted her skirts, making the entire wagon rock. Xipilli grabbed onto the bar that ran around the roof and clung tight. He knew he was in no danger of sliding off, but it didn't stop his fear.

As such, he didn't see how Juniper rearranged his tail behind her, or how her skirts draped over it to hide his excitement. It wasn't until the merchant was settling herself back down that his attention returned. He could feel his tips nudging her privates. While the one she'd played with nestled against the familiar and tighter backdoor. The other slid smoothly against her slick entrance. She wiggled her hips just a little, adjusted her stance, and slowly sat down. Eyes rolling in her head as she breathed out a moan, "Oh I needed this..."

Xipilli hissed low in his throat and gripped the railing. Not out fear this time, but out of unspeakable pleasure. By now, he couldn't count the times he and Juniper had been intimate. Before meeting her, it had been a years-long drought. Each meeting was a veritable flood of sex. This trip hadn't been any different. Many where the mornings he'd wake with her teasing him. Not to mention the quick romps with her clinging to a tree. This was something new though.

She'd teased him in his shop. Finding joy in hiding under his counter to suck him off. Drag his tail to the backroom to ride. She had found a dozen ways to nearly expose him to the public at large. Nothing this open though. His eyes darted all over the road. Tongue flicked out. He could still taste her on his lips. That lingering taste-scent of arousal made his cocks twitch inside her. Which would draw a moan from her and a press of her hips. The merchant starting to ride him now. The bench creaked with each shift. Her movements mostly hidden under her garments.

"How's it feel?" she teased him. Leaning back against his tail as she reached up. Idly scratching his neck as she breathed out a moan. "Cause it's wonderful to me."

He gripped the railing tighter, "Really good." It was. She was so wet and warm inside it made him shiver. Both cocks twitched inside her, spilling more precum into the already drenched porcupine. Xipilli lay himself closer to the roof, the very tip of his tail twitching as he tried to thrust. Not that he could with Juniper practically sitting on him.

She kissed the corner of his mouth. "Don't tell me I'm turning you onto public play." A playful giggle them gasp. "Turning you into a naughty naga." The bench creaked as she start to ride him a little more. Each bounce gave him the barest hint of freedom. Let his tail start to twitch and rise, only to be driven back down as she drove her weight against him. Each bounce came faster, harder, than the last. Juniper starting to pant now.

"Come, fetch me some of your father's gold; and some of the mother's fee." A voice sang out, slightly off key yet bold enough that it didn't care. Xipilli's head shot up in a panic. Just making out the shape of a wagon through the trees ahead. Before he could hiss a warning, Juniper sat firmly on his tail and whipped a blanket over her lap.

"And two of the best nags out of the stable," the singer continued, heedless of their panic. An older merchant came into view. A rather plump badger dressed in plain riding clothes, a heavy cloak draped over his shoulders and an equally heavy blanket across his lap. He blinked as he rounded the corner, then grinned. "Where they stood thirty and three!" his voice rose in a joyous lilt. The older male waved, "Why is that Juniper I see? With the most unusual cargo I dare to have laid my eyes upon as well!"

She laughed, "Uncle Hugo! Long time no see. How have you been?" Juniper didn't have to tug at the reins to bring her horses to a stop. They slowed to a stop, coming up right where the two merchants could talk to each other without shouting. Which made Xipilli all that much more nervous. Doubly so as Juniper leaned over to hug the badger. All while still sitting rather firmly on his twin lengths.

The badger grinned, "Oh you know how it is, getting old."

"Pfft," Juniper razzed him, using the noise to hide a moan. "You've been old since I was a baby." She stuck her tongue out and wiggled back.

"Why I never heard such a thing! Not in the last..." he rolled his head to look at the sky, "half-day since I left home." As his gaze came back down, his sights landed on Xipilli. "Juni, I don't mean to alarm you or anything, but looks like you have a stowaway on your wagon."

Juniper turned and looked at Xipilli, who was still half-hanging his torso over the front edge. "Oh him? That's my new roof topper. Traveling apothecary, new and improved!" She waved her hand in a grand gesture. "Except this one keeps complaining about the roads."

Hugo hummed, "The roads are rougher than I remember. Can't be nice riding on top of a wagon either." He stood and balanced on the very edge of his seat, offering a hand, "Hugo Jarea, purveyor of all things outer ware. Hats, cloaks, and boots are my specialty." The badger glanced over Xipilli's hooded cloak and the fur lining. "Doesn't look like you'd need boots, or even a cloak. That is a rather fine one."

"Ah," Xipilli reached out to shake the badger's hand. Doing his best not to flush as Juniper rolled her hips. Her movements were subtle, hidden, and so minimal that she didn't even make the wagon rock. "Xipilli, formerly a not-traveling apothecary."

Bushy brows lifted, "Formerly? What made you change your mind?"

Juniper spoke up, "He's great at medicine. Talked him into letting a friend handle his shop for a few weeks while he went out with me." She grinned widely, "He's the one who made those medicines I brought through last time." Her voice dropped to a mock-whisper, "He's even done work for royalty, but I can't openly discuss that."

"Pfft," the badger sputtered, "Everyone has that angle. Worked for Royalty indeed. Why, I've sold many a hat to royals!" he coughed and under his breath, "Servants who work for nobles. Still though," he looked up at Xipilli, "If you're the one that made that joint medicine, you do have something going." He gave his leg a pat, "Old knee gives me all kinds of trouble on cold nights."

If he could sweat, Xipilli was certain he'd have it pouring from him right now. How was Juniper that good at getting him worked up? She was barely even moving! Yet his tail couldn't help but curl around her thigh, trying to send her a silent signal to slow down. Which only made her somehow speed up. "Ah, I'll have to get my hands on some herbs and fix you up a batch. It really isn't," the he swallowed nervously, "that hard."

Juniper stuck her tongue out, "Well the difference here is that his stuff can work miracles. Even if he is a bit of a nervous wreck around new people." Juniper reached back to stroke his chin, "Especially mean old merchants like you."

Hugo looked offended, "Me? I'm just a big ol' teddy bear. Though if you're going home and need herbs..." He rubbed his chin slowly, "Well, Jenna is back there and you know how she gets." He puffed out a breath, "Can't stand the woman myself."

"That's because she likes three things. Gossip, haggling, and making your life difficult with both."

Eyes rolled, "Ah she can talk my ears right off when the mood strikes her. Though her herbs are pretty good." The badger glanced up at Xipilli, "Should see what she gets fresh coming through her place. Absolutely divine."

It was getting harder to focus. Just where did Juniper learn to move her body like that? Was it just her or was it also the thrill of being caught? Of knowing that they were doing something so intimate, so primal, and this older badger didn't have any idea of what was happening? It was bringing Xipilli closer to the edge faster than he would have thought. "I'll make sure to talk to her. T-teach her a few tricks if I ca..." he had to swallow as Juniper clenched just right. "can."

Hugo narrowed his eyes ever so slightly, "Are you feeling alright?"

Juniper reached up to stroke Xipilli's muzzle, covering his mouth as she did. "He doesn't travel much. Nearly had to get an order from the local Lady-lord to get him to come along on this trip." She grinned and clenched around his cocks. The smooth, steady rolling of her hips hidden by her outfit and the blanket. "Even with that, I was certain I'd need a prybar to get him away from his flasks." She rolled her eyes and mimicked Xipilli's accept shockingly well, "I have medicines to make, Juni!" She blew a raspberry, "You made plenty to hold them off for a month or so. With extra in stores."

Xipilli muttered under his breath. Noises hidden by Juniper's hand that gripped his muzzle. He was losing focus quickly. Eyes narrowed in what he hoped would be something angry. It was just to hide how his eyes rolled back in his head as he felt it. That inevitable climax that was about to wash over him. Juniper knew how to read him well enough and chatted casually with Hugo as the naga erupted. Thick seed spilling into her body as his lengths twitched and leapt.

"Well," Hugo's voice broke through the orgasmic haze, "I should let you two get on." He tipped his hat and looked towards the skies, "Don't know how long this weather will hold off. Don't want you two riding along when it breaks. Will make riding even harder."

Juniper waved to him, "See you down the road, Hugo!"

He tipped his hat again, "Down the road, Juniper. Master Xipilli."

"Down the road, Master Hugo." He bobbed his head and draped over the edge of the roof again. Basking in that glow as Juniper cracked the reins and pulled her horses down the path once more. He barely waited until they were around the bend before hissing, "You... are horrible."

"I know," she grinned and leaned back. Barely looking at the road as she flicked the blanket aside and pulled up her skirts. "And you are a pervert. Look at the mess you made from that. In front of my uncle, no less!"

"Think he knew?"

"Nah, we were sneaky snakes about it."

A little further down the road, heading in the opposite way, Hugo leaned back with a chuckle. "They thought they were being all sneaky back there."

The blankets shifted and a bat poked her head out from under. "They were trying to be sneaky?" She smiled as she kissed Hugo's cock, working her way back up his shaft. "I could hear that naga's climax under all your blankets. That," she ran her long tongue around the badger's tip, "little quaver in his voice, right..." her wing-fingers teased his shaft, "as he..."

"Mmmhph..." came the low grunt as the male peaked. The bat happily letting his cum paint stripes on her brown fur. Mouth open wide to catch what she could before taking his tip back into her mouth. Suckling on him. "Well," Hugo panted, "They're still young, and Juniper has a lot to learn." He carefully ran a hand over the bat's ear. "Though I do wonder who got her pregnant."

Ears perked, "She was pregnant? Should we head back for the announcement?" She carefully cleaned the older male's length. "Or at least to watch the reaction."

"Mmmgh..." he grumbled, "Tempting, but no. I have some business that just can't wait."

A huff, "You always have business that can't wait." She leaned her cheek into Hugo's thigh, "Was he cute at least? Her riding partner?"

"Hmm, not bad for a naga."

Both ears shot up, "Oh we are turning around right now or I'm going to ride in the back. I don't care what business you have. I have got to see this!"

"Adoh..." Hugo started. Then stalled as she gave him a look and began to fasten his breeches back up. "Okay, but you are sending a message for me." Admittedly, he was curious as well. Juniper was among the last of he'd thought would come back pregnant. "Onward, to..."

"Home!" Juniper called out as she stood in the bench seat. "Asst," she hissed, "Ankle... Help me down?" She cast her eyes up at Xipilli. The naga curled his tail down and around, doing his best to help support the porcupine as she clambered down from the seat. Letting her get herself settled before he slid from the roof and landed with a rather solid thud.

He pulled his fur-lined hood a little higher, "I thought you said your home was this little family estate."

"Well, it is, kinda." Juniper ambled around to the back of the cart for hear clothes bag. Xipilli spared a glance up at the massive building they were parked outside. Huge, brick and wood building whose white-wash all but glowed in the afternoon sunlight. A sign creaked nearby, proudly proclaiming, Westerly Rose Merchant Guild.

Juniper started, "See, was raised in the guild. Picked up off the streets by a traveling merchant. They raised us up in a house out," she waved her hand towards the wall, "There. Then when I was old enough, they brought me here. Taught the trade, found what I liked to do, and earned my way into a wagon." She flashed a smile up at him as she slung her bag over her shoulder, "Done pretty well for myself, all told. Come on down and I'll show you around."

She stepped back as Xipilli slipped from the wagon's roof as gracefully as he could.

Which was not very.

Juniper winced as he slid off the wagon and landed with a rock solid thud. "How's that not hurt?" she asked for the dozenth time.

"It stings, but pretty solid." He gave his side a pat and grinned at her.

"What is this?" a rough, smoke-damaged voice rasped, "Who left this piece of garbage wagon in front of the guildhall? Hey!" A large tiger, dressed in sturdy wools in deep grays and blues, rounded the wagon. Sleeves were rolled up to show arms corded with muscle and his face was twisted into a scowl. "They will just let anyone pull anything up here, won't they?"

Juniper wheeled on him, her clothes flaring out as she spun. "Of course they will, they let your striped hide stay here." She stalked towards him, quills clattering with each step. The tiger let out a bone-shaking snarl as he stalked towards the much smaller porcupine.

Then swept her up in a hug. She squealed and kicked her feet up as the far larger male easily spun her around once and set her down. "Hey there, Juni," he chuffed with a grin. "What brings you back here?" Then his eyes lifted to Xipilli, who was just coming around the wagon with his bag, "And who is this?"

She waved him up, "This is Xipilli. The secret to my recent success." Juniper beamed as she threw an arm around the naga and pulled him down to her level. "I'd find out about a bit of health trouble, he'd fix up some medicines, and then I'd go out somewhere and sell it. At a reasonable price too."

"With a healthy markup?"

"When someone can afford it," she chittered. "Xip insisted that everyone get access, and I agree. Those that can pay, do."

The tiger chuffed, "And they pay well." He leaned back and looked over Xipilli. His intense gaze made the naga shrink back a bit. "So you're her mysterious partner?" He offered a heavy hand, "Edoal, merchant in fine metalwork."

Xipilli took his hand and shook it. "Xipilli, ah... herbalist."

"Oh you're far more than that." The new voice was smooth and slithered around the group. A tall rat woman slunk around the horses. She wore deeper colored wools and had a deep hood that hid her pale white fur and blood red eyes. The rat slid towards the trio and reached out to cup Xipilli's chin, "I've seen your wares. You are quite the skilled alchemist." She leaned in, "Lile, I specializes in... more clandestine gear. Exotic weapons, ones made for throwing, and..."

Edoal snorted, "All of them made of cheap metal and made to look far fancier than they are. Nothing she sells will last a moon."

Juniper waved her hand, "Stop it you two. Don't need Xip to hear you two hate-fucking in ten minutes."

The tiger snorted, "I would never..."

But Lile grinned, "Make me wait more than six." That earned her another glare from the tiger, but she only smiled sweetly back at him.

"Who the fuck is out here gabbing on." A new voice called out from the stables. A tall hare wandered around the wagon, "Oh, it's you." He adopted a wry grin, "Finally coming home, Juni?" The finely dressed male looked up and down, "And knocked up to boot? Always knew that would happen." Then he looked past her and almost jumped, "Ah, and you have a... friend."

"Calire," Juniper almost growled. "Good to see you too. Nice to see that your manners haven't improved. Florian have you on stable duty again?"

Lile sighed, "Not even back five minutes and you two are fighting." She rolled her eyes, "So tell me, Xipilli, are you..." she trailed off and reached up to rub her own lip. Pulling her lip back just enough to tap a finger on her teeth, "Intact? I might need something to end this if they start going at it."

"Imagine he would be," Calire sniffed, "excuse me, some of us have business to attend to." He turned and shoved his way past.

That made Xipilli draw back and almost cover his muzzle. Hand twitched towards his face, "Ah, yes, but..."

Juniper flicked a finger at the rat's nose, "Xip is very sensitive that. So drop it."

He flicked his tongue against Juniper's ear, "I'm not..." he sighed. "I don't like using my venom unless I have to. Very particular about being safe around people." Reaching into his shirt, he fished out a necklace, "Even carry a dose of antidote with me." He tugged the cap off and showed the fine needle. Modeled after his own fang and sealed with wax, "Just in case."

Lile angled her head, "Just in case you accidentally bite someone? Just 'whoops I tripped and my mouth fell on you?' That happen often?"

He played with the necklace, "Can never be too safe."

Juniper reached up to stroke his chin, "Lile is just giving you a hard time, Xip. Somebody just so happens to get off on getting people to hate-fuck her until she passes out."

The rat wore a too-innocent look, "Moi? When would I ever do such a thing as..."

"Last night," came Edoal's chuff. "Came into my workshop and tried to lift a couple things. Then you began to question my craftsmanship. Saying a dagger needed more spikes and should be styled to look like a dragon or scorpion."

"All I was saying is that they might sell better if they had a bit more style."

A lower growl, "They do not need style if you can call it that. They need to function and last."

Lile turned on him, "Oh but if they last just long enough, then you can sell more of them. Be a nice way to turn a little extra profit."

Edoal was bristling and looked like he was ready to bellow something when Juniper interrupted. "Get a room you two! Or at least get out of my way so I can get inside. Legs are hurting me." She grumbled, then pouted, reaching down to massage her own thigh. "Hope to the hells they don't put me in a room next to you two. Don't want to wake up in the middle of the night with Edoal worried he'd killed you. Again. Cause you thought it would be funny to feign dead after he got you off while cho..."

Lile swept in, her ivory cheeks just showing the barest hint of a flush. "Let me help you with your bags, Sister dear."

A heavy arm wrapped around Xipilli's shoulders, "Bet right now you are asking yourself. 'What have I gotten myself into?' Well, that's just life around here, my friend. Come," Edoal lifted Xipilli's pack, "let's get you settled in a room too. Then we can brace you for dinner."

"H-how bad is dinner?" Xipilli flicked his tongue.

Not as bad as he thought. Getting settled in hadn't been too bad. At first, he and Juniper had been in different rooms, then she'd just moved her stuff in with his. The manor seemed to have several guest rooms and revolving bedrooms. Name plates hung off a few doors. More hung off a board at the end of the hall. Merchants that were out traveling, it seemed. The bedrooms were simple, but clean and cozy. Just large enough for both of them. Only just. Which meant Juniper had sat on his coils as she picked out his dinner clothes.

Dinner was held in a grand hall. Teenagers roamed in and out of the kitchen, "Apprentices, earning their keep," Juniper whispered to him as she picked out a seat for herself. Then made room for Xipilli by simply shoving another chair against the wall with a, "Yeet."

"Did you have to do that?" He asked, quickly sliding into the open spot and fitting as much of himself under the table and around Juniper's chair as he could.

"Oh yeah. Everyone did. Kids get raised out at the manor until they're old enough for a trade. Those interested come here and work with as many older guild members as they can. Find something they like to sell, then see if someone is around to teach them. Not just how to sell it, but how to dress, act, so on and so forth. Until then, gotta clean the guild hall, help cook, serve, work in the guild stores, and all that. All to, 'help build character' or something like that. Load of hogwash."

Lile slid into a seat across from them, "You just say that because they saw through you trying to slip out of chores. Messing up the stews. Dropping plates."

"Poking holes in laundry," Edoal supplied as he dropped into a chair.

"Oh but she excelled at bookkeeping." Calire slid into a seat near them and poured himself some wine, "Getting to stay on a comfy chair, at a desk, warmed by a fire all winter."

Juniper gasped, "Et Tu, Hugo? Oh, Adoh!" Juniper hopped up, almost tripped on Xipilli's coils, but caught herself and threw her arms around the bat. "Auntie, you see how mean they're being to me?"

Adoh caught her up in a hug and squeezed, "Oh just use that sharp tongue of yours on them. Or threaten them with your partner here."

"Xipilli? He's a big ol-softie." Juniper danced around his coils and leaned against the bat, "Xip, this is Adoh. The one who taught me everything I know about trading and bartering. Rode with her all over the kingdoms."

The badger huffed, "And kicked me out of my own wagon while you did. I almost had to..." he pulled a face, "Almost..." he coughed into a handkerchief, "Almost had to set up a shop. The mere thought makes me ill and the word brings a bile to my throat."

Adoh wrapped her wing-arm around Juniper, "Oh you poor dear. You were invited along, but decided to stay behind after Juniper accidentally jabbed you with her quills."

"I told him that I wanted to be the big spoon. Warned him even."

Adoh smiled warmly, "Yes, but we both know how he likes to think he's in charge."

"Oh," a new voice lifted over the din, "Are my Master Merchants getting saucy in here?" A magpie swept into the room. "And we have a guest?"

Xipilli held out a hand as Juniper leaned over, "Guild Master Florian, this is Master Healer Xipilli. Xipilli, this is Florian, they've been the Guild Master for the last several seasons." Then, even lower she whispered, "Still don't know if Florian is a man or woman..."

Florian swept in, their fine gown swirling about their ankles, "My dear Juniper, I am whatever is called of me." Bright eyes swept over Xipilli as the magpie breathed a trill, "Or whatever a lovely guest might desire." Warm, feathered hand embraced Xipilli's and the bird seemed to look through the naga. "Though it seems you might be spoken for." A playful wink, "Sir or Madam, call me either. Call me both, just..."

Everyone chimed in, "Don't call me late for dinner."

Florian huffed, "Stealing my line. Thought we'd talked about stealing from your brethren." The elegant magpie swept around the table to the head and stood for a moment. Then waved and sat. Every other merchant in the room following the motion before digging into the meal before them.

It was a kind of organized chaos. Something Xipilli wasn't entirely used to. He'd been invited to courtly dinners a few times. Though he'd only attended when the invites were more direct. Conversations ranged around him. Some directed at him, others just about the weather, travel conditions, and trade prospects. Xipilli kept his hands close and nibbled at food that Juniper slipped onto his plate. Never much, but enough to keep him busy. She knew his eating habits, and when he'd last fed. Xipilli was happy to listen, nibble, and sip on the wine.

"So Juniper," Florian crooned as the meal began to wind down, "How have your travels been?"

Juniper swallowed, "Well, not as profitable as usual. Though I was..." she played with a roll, "delayed for a couple weeks. Had to back track at one point. I'll get you the books tomorrow. I just need to finish sorting them out."

A wave, "Dinner is hardly the time for that. Take your time. Though you had to turn around?" Feathers perked, "Bad roads? Bandits?"

"No, I..." Her cheeks colored a bit as she stood up and pulled her gown tighter around her body. The older merchants fell silent as they saw the curve of her stomach. "Well, I got a surprise."

"Oh!" Adoh cooed, "Who is the father?"

Juniper looked at Xipilli, then laid a hand on his shoulder.

You could have heard a pin drop. Everyone in the room looked poleaxed.

"How?" Florian asked after a very long moment. "Pardon my asking, but last I checked it would be quite difficult for," a wing waved, "this."

Juniper worried her lip, "Well..." she reached up and pulled back the collar of her shirt to reveal the almost necklace-like growth of scales. "There was an incident. I was at Xipilli's shop, discussing our latest batch of medicines. It was around lunch time, so I went into the back for some stew." She turned so the others could see the scales, "Which his kitchen is also his workshop."

"Oh my," piped up Palmer, a lemur merchant, "Don't tell me you ate something in his shop without knowing what it was." Palmer tittered, "I can't count the times Juniper did that in my workshop." He waved a fan towards Xipilli, "Turned her bright purple and spat bubbles for a week solid. Banned her from my store before anything excessive could happen."

Her cheeks colored, "Why don't you alchemists ever label your things?" She dropped to her chair and slouched into a play-pout.

"We know where everything is," Xipilli and Palmer said at almost the same time.

Palmer snorted, "You'll have to tell me what you were brewing up that caused..." he waved a hand at Juniper, "this."

"Pah, Alchemists..." Juniper huffed and chewed on a sweet roll. "So yeah. Thought I'd come back here and let everyone know what's going on. Let you get your shots in."

Adoh gave Juniper's hand a pat, "So what are you planning to do, Love?"

Juniper shrugged and Xipilli spoke quietly, "I came along with her to make sure everything is okay. After," he rubbed his head, "well, she is a better seller than I am." His tongue flicked, "far more of a people person."

Now that raised a few eyebrows. "Oh don't give me that look," Juniper huffed. "I might move my base of operations to his store. Might," she pointed at the others, "nothing set yet. Don't go pricing out my wagon just yet."

"Shame," Calire stood up, "Could finally be rid of you. If you'll excuse me." The hare gave a slight bow and left.

Juniper sighed, "Old boyfriends."

"Can't believe he's still pissy that you left him," Lile slid around the table, "May I?"

Juniper rolled her head to let the rat touch her scales, "Well, he was upset that I was making more than him. Can't imagine why with that sour grapes personality of his. Can't even remember why I flirted with him at first."

"Same age," Edoal hummed.

"Charming," Adoh supplied.

"Fucked like mad," Florian sipped their wine.

"Added new claw marks to your headboard," Hugo grinned.

Juniper stuck her tongue out, "Yeah, well he soured fast. All fine and good when he was the star, but once I started getting ahead."

"Mmm," Florian tapped a finger on the table, "Enough sour talk at the table. Has everyone had enough? Master Xipilli, you barely ate."

He flicked his tongue, "I'm fine. Should be good for another few days."

Feathers ruffled, "Just let me know when you hunger. I strive to attend to all my guests. Having fresh game brought in for you will be a simple matter. Can even provide you a place to eat in private if you wish." A smile, "I've dealt with your people in my time. It's refreshing to see one of you out and about. Especially since our Juniper seems so happy with you. Though if you hurt her," Florian leaned forward, "they'll never find your body."

Xipilli felt a cold chill roll down his spine as he tried to meet the merchant's eye. "I ah... Never..."

Florian cawed a laugh, "I am only joking my friend. I'd never delivered a death threat at the dinner table. Which is why I waited for the meal to be over." The magpie winked, "Well, I think I'll retire to my study for a bit of brandy and a book before bed."

Juniper leaned into Xipilli's side, "Bed does sound good." She smothered a yawn, "More tired than I thought I'd be..."

Adoh waved a wing at her, "Then go to bed. We don't need you wearing yourself out, Young mother. Especially not with your precious miracle." She waved at Xipilli, "You get her to bed. Shoo shoo."

Palmer rocked in his chair, "I'd like to borrow you in the morning, Master Xipilli. So rare to meet another in my trade." He spared a glance at Adoh, "Tomorrow though, at your leisure, wouldn't want this one getting angry."

Xipilli had to admit, bed sounded good. He slowly unwound and helped Juniper up. "Tomorrow sounds good." He flicked his tongue, "After lunch, if you're available. I sleep in after a long trip." The naga hissed a laugh, "I don't travel well. Especially not on top of wagons."

Sleep came easy for Xipilli. The room was warm, bedding soft, and Juniper readily curled into his body. True, the bed wasn't nearly as comfortable as his own arrangement at home. Most of his body lay coiled on the bedside rug. Juniper's familiar weight and warmth pressed him into the bed. Her nose pressed tight to his throat as she slept.

Even with all the comforting familiarity, he still found himself half-stirring now and then. Doors open and shut in the distance. Voices lifting and falling. Footsteps in the hall. Every little thing would almost wake up. Nearly register on his senses enough to stir him. Then it'd fade and he'd slip back. Tongue flicked and settled again. Juniper muttered in her sleep and nuzzled into his neck.

"That all you got?" the muffled voice slipped through the wall. Followed by a heavy thud that made him jump, an eye open. Then another thud. A sharp, pained gasp. Low snarl met more gasps and thuds.

He began to stir, the sound causing worry to roll through his spine.. Then memory. Lile's name on the door next to their room. It took a beat then he heard more gasps, and a steady rhythmic noise from the room next door. Some curses and a low crash. Heavens above. Juniper had muttered a warning about that, and the tease earlier. If he hadn't known better, he'd swear that Lile was being murdered next door. If not for those squeaks and gasped encouragements she could have been. Then a longer squeal, a low, grunting noise. Silence. Quiet words and a panting laugh. The sound of someone settling into bed.

Tongue flick.

He wiggled into his bedding and sighed.

Creak.

The sound was quiet, sliding right past the naga. It was only the bare shift of air and a new scent that prickled at his senses. Soft click of the door latch. A prickle of light from a lantern swept over his face. Then again. Floorboards creaked as the intruder moved closer. Then a snap of fingers by his ear, "Hey," a low voice. Then bolder, "Wake up!"

He lay there, tongue flicked then pulled back. "Good," came the oily voice. "Looks like that mix worked." Fingers pressed to Xipilli's maw and wiggled. "Fast asleep, aren't you?" Xipilli felt a shift, then thud as Juniper's arm fell against him. "Both of you. Such a grand alchemist, don't even recognize a bit of Knock Out slipped into your wine. Disappointing, really."

The bed creaked as the invader shifted onto the bed. "Not as disappointing as you, Dear." Fingers pried Xipilli's mouth open. He felt careful fingers pull at his fangs. "Getting knocked up by a naga? After everything they've done?" The voice tutted, "Would have been fine with anything but that." Xipilli felt Juniper's arm lift again. "Hells, even just dating this beast would have been acceptable, but carrying his spawn?" Juniper's familiar taste-scent washed over his mouth. The too-familiar feel of her fur tickled his lips, "Can't have that happen."

No. No no nononono. Xipilli struggled against his own body. Drug-heavy limbs refused to do more than twitch as he felt fur tickle his lips. Pressure against his jaw as something pushed to his fang.No, stop it! he screamed in silence. Heart tearing as he felt a press. Then pinch as his fang pushed through flesh. Muscles twitched, instinctively reacting. Venom sac squeezed and released.

"Just an accident in the night. Her arm slipped a bit too much and..."

Xipilli screamed in his mind, tears hot against his cheek. He could feel the low pulse of his venom sacs as they pumped into the sleeping Juniper. Knowing full well that she had to be feeling it. That burning ice from his venom as it coursed through her veins. It'd soon paralyze her. Freeze her body even more than it was already. Minutes would tick by, hours slither past. All while her breathing would slow. Heart freeze up.

_ BANG! _

The door crashed open, a new voice, "What the fuck are you doing?"

"What has to be done, don't you..."

A heavy body crashed into the room invader. Xipilli felt his fangs slip from Juniper's arm. The two invaders fought and rolled on top of him. Juniper, his thoughts railed against his body, have to save Juniper!

His finger twitched. Jaw rolled. It was almost nothing. Barely anything.

It was enough.

As the unseen pair rolled and fought something came within range. Fur brushed his lips. Xipilli managed to flex his jaw and strike!

"Shit!"

Xipilli forced all his willpower into biting down and holding. Everything,_he screamed at his venom sacs, _I don't care who I bit, give them everything!

"FUCK! HELP!" a fist banged on the wall, "HELP!" Another fist crashed against Xipilli's head. His victim strained and struggled as the venom sacs pulsed and throbbed. Emptying his entire load into their body. Squeezing even as they gave up everything they had. Trying to get the last fragments from him.

Startled noises. The sound of feet on floorboards. The scent of fear blended with sweat and sex as more people crashed into the room.

"What the fuck?"

"Who?"

"The bastard was trying to kill Juniper! Had her arm shoved in his mouth."

Lile rushed over, gasped at the sight of Juniper with blood leaking from her arm and Xipilli's mouth clamped hard on Palmer's shoulder.

Edoal, "You bastard!" The tiger rushed over and pried Xipilli's mouth off Palmer's shoulder, all but throwing the lemur away.

A sparkle of light caught Lile's eye. Xipilli's necklace! She ripped it off his neck and fumbled with it. Uncapping the vial then staring at it. "How do I..." she started and shook Xipilli, "How do I use this? Wake up!"

"I thought the wine tasted funny," Florian slurred from the door. "Only Knock Out that funk. Sent..." the magpie stumbled, "Johan out for some Wake powder." He stumbled again, "Didn't think he'd go that far... Should have known..." Another staggered step as he held out a bag.

Adoh swept in, calmly picking a pinch in her fingers, "We can't be omniscient, Love." She dusted the magpie's beak with it on her way to the bed. "Move."

Everyone cleared the bed, driven back by the force of her personality. A second later, Xipilli's mouth was forced open and something dry and burning coated his tongue and roof of his mouth. He stirred, coughed, and started to sit up, "Ju..."

The bat's hand stopped him, "Easy, take a moment. She's still breathing, young buck. How do we use this thing?"

He groped for Juniper, tried to sit up, but his body was sluggish. "Arm..." he managed after a moment, "vein..."

Lile ran her fingers over Juniper's arm as Xipilli writhed and rolled. "Where?" she slid the point of the necklace's fang over Juniper's arm. "Where?"

"Mmgh..." he blinked bleary eyes, "There... Squeeze."

The necklace's fang sunk home and she squeezed. Xipilli's tongue flicked as he watched Juniper, heart in his throat. She whimpered. Writhed. Then slowly lay back and breathed out.

Xipilli held his breath with her. Oh gods. Was it old? Had he had the vial too long? He should have made a fresh batch before they left his shop. Maybe he could work up another batch. If he was fast, and if they all helped, they could keep Juniper alive until.

Breathe.Cough.

Xipilli wrapped his arms around Juniper and pulled her tight. Ignoring the quills that dug into his arm. He just held her and rocked, sobbing with relief.

"Didn't think he'd actually do it," Calire's voice reached him. The hare was explaining to Florian. The hare trying not to touch what would soon be a black eye.

"Neither did we,' Florian sighed. "Thought we'd driven those... ideas from his head. One would think an alchemist like he would be a bit more liberated. Especially when it came to a fellow master, and an accident. Heavens know he had his fair share."

Edoal poked Palmer with a toe, "Is he dead?"

"Oh I don't think so. Not yet. Am I correct, Master Xipilli?"

He shook his head, "Paralyzed. If he isn't treated in a few hours, then he will die."

"So what do we do?" Lile sat at the edge of the bed, "He tried to kill Juniper."

Florian sighed, "You lot will get back to bed. Shoo shoo. We shall let the love birds rest a couple hours. Adoh?"

The bat gently touched Xipilli's arm, "Let me see her. Might not look it, but I was a healer before I got wrapped up in this. Not a half-bad hedge witch in my day. Edoal, can you and Hugo move her to another room? Lile, I'll need your help with a few things." Reluctantly, Xipilli released Juniper, watching as the merchants took her to another room.

"And you," Florian rounded on Calire, "You go tend to your wounds. Tomorrow I'll see about a bonus. Takes a lot to stand up to one's own partner. More when they're trying to kill your ex." Florian's tone was light, playful even as he usher the hare from the room.

Xipilli shifted on the bed slowly. Fingers tracing where Juniper had lay. He looked down at his arms and the quills that stood from his body. They barely registered under the anger that boiled within his body. Uncoiling, he moved to the edge of the bed and looked down. Saw Palmer laying on the ground. The lemur's eyes wide with fear, yet burning with a deep hatred. One that Xipilli found himself matching.

"Now you," Florian's voice was low. "What are you planning?"

Xipilli glanced at the magpie then back to the lemur. "He tried to kill Juniper. Drugged us so we couldn't move, then tried to..." he choked on his words. Balled his fists up and glared at the lemur. "I know it's wrong, but I want to kill him..."

"Then do it."

Xipilli's head snapped up in disbelieve. The magpie waved a wing slowly, "I told you no one would find the body if you hurt Juniper. The same goes for anyone in the guild. We don't have many rules. Don't steal from each other. Don't badmouth to the customers. Don't backstab. Simple rules." Florian waved a hand, "It will be a shame to lose him, but I believe we can come to an understanding. Can we not, Master Xipilli?"

He nodded slowly, "I think we can."

Florian swept into a bow, "Then I shall go check on Juniper."

"What are you going to tell the others?"

Florian paused at the door and thought. "I'll tell them that I took care of it. I do have the contacts to make that happen." The smile was charming and frightening, "Wouldn't be the first time. I protect my own." Xipilli felt a fear and respect for the magpie, "And Master Xipilli? Bon appetite."

The door clicked shut, leaving Xipilli alone with Palmer.

Xipilli flicked his tongue and looked down at Palmer. "You know, I don't like to kill. Don't like to eat people." Another tongue flick, "I do prefer getting a boar or deer or something like that." He breathed and leaned forward. Stared for a moment. "Then someone like you comes along. Someone who just does something so... so... reprehensible that I just can't..." he stopped and shook his head.

Then he laughed.

"You know, it's funny. When I first met Juniper, someone was going to rape her. They'd knocked her down and were going to do what they wanted. Then kill her. I knew the person. Real asshole." He stared down at his arm and idly plucked at a quill. Wincing as it jarred his whole arm. "I don't know you. Maybe I wish I would have. Maybe I won't. He looked towards the lantern. One of those with the metal iris that could be shut. He turned it down slowly, "I'll ask the others come morning."

The lantern went dark. Xipilli hissed and slithered off the bed. Palmer whimpered, jerked against the paralyzed muzzles. He could feel it. The viper sliding closer. Heard the scales rasping over the rug in the dark. Then...

"Goodbye."