{Uta}

  Their master was still sleeping peacefully and as it was his day off, letting him sleep seemed like a good idea. The two beast women left the house with Gen and started for the shops. Lily had a whole gold and was itching to spend it. The bunny had brought along a coin purse so they could get change. The first stop was to the bank to get it broken down into silver and one of those broken into copper. The last thing Lily needed was to inconvenience the townsfolk or so she said. Uta turned to Lily with a question on her face.

  “Why is no one looking at us like we are, well us?” Uta asked. Lily giggled and seemed to skip in the sun.

  “Master. He is some big-time hero here and has changed this town a lot according to Gorloth. He told me that Master fixed the dam when it almost took out the town and then put a table of some kind in the inn that makes everyone really happy. That and the fridge things, hot tubs, and mana stoves that Orthonai was using this morning.” Lily said with a creepy smile. Uta just looked at her dumbfounded. Maybe she had been saved by a god in disguise.

  “How long has he been here?” Uta asked. Lily bit her lip, thinking.

  “I think only a few months, maybe late spring.” Lily said with a smile, clearly from the smell, the woman’s mind was going to some dirty places. Uta stopped looking at her.

  “Late spring and he did all this. Are we sure he is human?” Uta asked with an uncomfortable laugh.

  “After last night, no he is so much more.” She purred, making Gen look up at her. Uta saw the way she held Gen, and it was clear she wanted a child of her own. Maybe with the magic he held, he might be able to give her one. Uta questioned if she wanted her own child from him. He had saved her and Gen and she owed him more than she could ever dream, but would he love her like he clearly loved the bunny? She had doubts. They walked into the shop that smelled of clothing and perfume.

  “How can I help you ladies?” The old shop owner asked. Uta looked over to see a woman in her thirties. (39.45 earth years. Their year is 480 days long. Alex doesn’t know yet.)

  “Hi, this is Uta and Gen. I’m sure by now you know what happened?” Lily said with her normal sweet smile. Uta was growing attached to this woman and if she got on Master’s good side, she and Gen might be allowed to stay with them. The tailor just nodded and frowned,

  “I know, such a shame. Those thugs tried to kidnap our Alex and Henery told me about these two.” Uta looked at the older woman and saw the admiration in her eyes. Who was her new master?

  “Well, they need clothes, and you are the best tailor in town.” Lily said beaming at the older woman. The tailor beamed and put her hands on her hips in pride.

  “That is why Alex calls me Tailor. I am the best.” Tailor said and Uta had to laugh. She worried that she had offended the other woman, but Tailor seemed to be happy at her outburst. “Look around and pick out whatever you like.” She went back to sewing and let the women look around and try stuff on. Uta moved slowly to one of the racks and pulled out a simple brown linen shirt that seemed a little long. It would make for a good nightgown. As it only cost three copper it should be okay for her to get. "No," Tailor said in outrage as she got up. Uta feared she was about to be tossed out only to have the older woman push her to a rack of clothes that cost a silver each. "Now this one should match your eyes." Tailor said holding up a lovely orange dress that had a long slit in the side. Uta let her fingers run through the fabric and delighted in how soft and smooth it felt. For the past year she had been wearing rough burlap or worse as a slave. Now she was given food, treated like a person and given nice things to wear. It was a bit too much and she sunk to the floor. Gen came up and started hugging her, but Uta couldn't see it through the tears. It was all too much. She held the dress and wept into it. A hand was placed on her back, and she looked up at Tailor who had a sad smile. "If you like my clothes that much," She trailed off as her own eyes started watering.

  Lily and Tailor hugged her as the tears she couldn't shed before began to fall freely. She had been through hell and now she was in a place where she was loved. She ended up buying the dress, linen nightgown, a few pair of pants and a nice pair of boots. Gen fought them on wearing pants until Lily pointed out that Master wore pants. After that Fuzzball tried some on but complained about it hurting his tail. Tailor was nice enough to fix them and the three left the shop with bags, new clothes and Uta had a much lighter heart. How had she gotten so lucky, she thought as she walked around in the sunlight feeling free for the first time in years. The girls still had a fair bit of coin, so they kept shopping. Master had given them a gold to play with after all and they had only spent thirty silver and change on clothing. They went to almost every shop. "Well, Bunny where should we go now?" Uta asked the woman she was growing to love.

  "I saved the best for last." Lily said with a wink as she looked at Gen. Uta smiled and waved her hand.

  "Lead the way lovely Lily, Master's first love." She said with a giggle. Lily led them through town once her blush had subsided enough for her to be able to pull her ears free. A large two-story building stood on the edge of town near the road. Uta knew this place just from appearance. This was the inn. Why was Lily taking them there. Did she plan to drag Uta up to a room for some fun? Was Uta even ready for that? What about Gen? Would someone watch him or would he just have to wait outside. Her heart began to race as Lily held the door open for them. The inside was well lit and despite it being the middle of the day, the place was fairly busy. Uta had seen the inn in her hometown and afternoons were often a depressing sight. A large jolly man came up to them and bowed deeply making Uta feel uneasy.

  "Lady Lily. Welcome to my Inn. Would you like a table near the Dolls?" He asked with a smile. Lily nodded and he personally escorted them to a table near the back. Uta just looked around blinking. No one was harassing them, no one was making rude comments, if anything they seemed to be held in some form of honor. Gen let out a childish shriek as he saw a large metal table. Most of the barflies were gathered around it, but the strange part was two were sitting and somehow were moving toys across as they sparred with them. Lily picked Gen up so he could get a better look and Uta had to admit the joy on his face made it all worthwhile. She laughed as Gen bounced in Lilys arms as they sat down. "Now, what can I get such wonderful young ladies today?" The innkeeper asked.

  "Tea for me. Do you have the new stuff?" Lily asked as she looked up at the huge man.

  "Ah yes, we just got in a batch of Hunter's blend. I think you will like it and for you miss?" He said turning to Uta.

  "That sounds nice, please." Uta said feeling a little overwhelmed. He clapped his hands together and left quickly. Gen's eyes were solely on the table and Uta took the opportunity to pull Lily aside. "What the hell Bunny?" She asked, more than a little worried. Lily smiled and winked at Uta making her heart skip a beat.

  "I know, weird isn't it." She said sticking her tongue out at Uta. Uta laughed and went back to watching the match. It looked like the one in Master's and Gen's playroom, but was larger, more detailed and it was clear more people could play at it. Gen bounced and cheered, drawing people's eyes, but to Uta's shock, they smiled at the tiny boy. When the match was over, the winner came up to their table and gave Gen a handshake and thanked him for cheering. The innkeeper returned with two teacups, a tea pot and a rather large cinnamon roll on a plate with three forks.

  "This is on the house." He said setting the plate down. Gen eyed it, drool starting to form in the corner of his mouth.

  "Thank you, Master Innkeeper." Lily said with a bow. He nodded and sped off to take care of someone's drink. Uta looked at it in shock and wonder. What in all the hells was up with this town? Lily poured them both cups and passed one to Uta. "You have to try this, it's the best." Lily said lifting her own cup to her nose and taking a deep sniff that ended in a happy sigh. Uta shrugged and lifted her own cup, sniffing it carefully. The first thing that hit her was mint, but there was so much more, flowers, citrus and things she couldn't identify. The truly strange part was it didn't smell overpowering or complicated. It smelled like a high-class tea. She took a sip, and her eyes went wide.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  "I know right. This stuff is great. It's made by a local hunter who everyone just calls Hunter and that is why they call it Hunter's blend." The innkeeper said with a smile. Uta had to admit the tea was wonderful, not too sweet, not too bitter, with a complex flavor that seemed to relax her. "Try it with the cinnamon roll." He prompted as he pocketed a copper from the person at the table. Uta did and found it flavorful and sweet. It balanced nicely with the tea and made her happy on a new level. Lily was smiling as she fed Gen bits of the roll. The sweet boy refused to look away from the table as a new match started up. The women ate and drank as they got to know each other while Gen watched each match. One of the barflies came up to their table and bowed his head.

  "Excuse me. I was wondering if your little friend would like to give it a try." The strange muscular human asked. Gen looked at Uta and Lily with an excited expression on his cute face.

  "Sure." Lily said getting up and taking him to the table. Gen was still too small to sit at it by himself, but with a childish giggle, took the controls and closed his eyes.

  "Good lad, you know how it's done." Another barfly said clapping his hands. Gen opened his eyes as the toy raised its arms making everyone cheer for him.

  "That all I can do." Gen said and Uta could hear the sorrow in his voice.

  "Doing that is amazing, Kid." The first barfly said shaking Gen's hand. "Keep it up and you'll become a Commander in no time." Uta blinked not really understanding what he was saying. Gen as a Knight Commander, a beast commanding one of those things. Her brother just beamed and hugged the man's arm making him laugh. What the hell was this place?

  When the roll was gone and the tea drained, they made their way back home loaded down with their spoils. Uta was starting to think more and more that she had really died and found herself in heaven. That wouldn't be right though as her parents weren't here and she still had a collar on.

  Master was awake, clean and tinkering in his workshop when they got back. Gen wasted no time in telling him everything about their day. Master listened closely, smiling at the boy. He would make such a great father. Uta blushed and hid when that thought crossed her mind. What was she thinking, he was human. They couldn’t have kids. Could they? Uta thought as her tail waved.

  {Mayor Tonance Fos De Gorloala}

  He was in his office and trying to get some paperwork done when the town’s problem child burst in. Honseter Fes Vontonre was an old busybody who liked to cause trouble and snoop on people. “Can I help you?” Tonance asked with a sigh. This was a member of the community. Best to be nice to the old bat. He thought as he placed his normal smile on. She stormed in and he doubted that she saw anything past her own upturned nose.

  “I need to register a complaint against the constable.” She huffed, puffing herself up. “He failed to address my issue about the animals in this town.” She stood over his desk and seemed to look down her nose at him.

  “Animals?” He asked, already knowing what this was about. Bullock had warned him and he was grateful the man was so studious about his job.

  “Yes, the animals this Alex person brought into this town. Today I saw them walking the street. The least he could do is put them on a leash if not get rid of them outright.” She blustered. Tonance knew what all this was really about but had the courtesy not to voice it. The poor woman’s husband had run off with an elk woman that she had demanded he buy. “Today alone I saw two with a small child. Clearly they are breeding somehow and it is only a matter of time before we are overrun.” She continued. Tonance wanted to scream as this wasn’t the frist time she had been in his office doing crap like this. Last time was the boys stealing fruit from the free trees on the edge of the woods and the time before that it was the Golances leaving their wash out overnight.

  “Madam, you can’t expect people of this town to be on leashes?” He asked, looking up at her.

  “I do. You are the mayor. You can make it illegal. Make a law about animals being on leashes if not kick them out of town altogether.” She demanded.

  “I can’t and won’t do that.” He said with a sigh. Alex owned them and they didn’t hurt anyone. If anything, they kept him happy and if that mad man was happy, all the best.

  “If you can’t do that, at least, make a public bath for women. The last thing I want is to be in the bath with the same water as one of those thugs.” She said puffing herself up more.

  “Why not ask for your own bath to be built in your own home?” He asked, hoping to placate her. She blinked at him.

  “Yes, do that.” She said with a satisfied smile.

  “No, you pay for it.” He said hoping she would get the idea. She blustered and frowned at him.

  “I can’t afford it. The city should pay for it.” She demanded. Not going to happen. They were still paying off the dam, but it was cheaper than buying a new town.

  “Why not ask Alex to build you one?” He asked. He knew the young man was fairly friendly and might do it if she offered the proper compensation.

  “That animal lover?” She asked in outrage. “I would sooner walk through these streets naked.” He shuddered at her words.

  “Please don’t do that.” He said as he failed to think of the mental image. There was a knock at the door, and he accidentally gave a sigh of relief. “My appointment is here. We will talk about this later.” He said with a relieved smile. She huffed and tried to protest, but stopped as he opened the door to show the huge orc man standing there. On seeing him, she ran out a disgusted look on her face.

  “Gorloth, welcome. You had a matter you wished to discuss with me.” He said clearly grateful to the green man. He bowed to him.

  “My Common not good.” He said with an embarrassed bow.

  “Perhaps we should speak in orc.” Tonance said in perfect orc. Gorloth looked shocked and impressed as he smiled at the mayor.

  “Your orc is wonderful.” Gorloth said. Tonance bowed and offered him a traditional orc greeting.

  “I fought with the seventy-sixth during the war. I have respect for not only the green men of the swamp but also the wild king.” He said as he sat back down. Gorloth bowed to him and returned him the greeting.

  “May the Demon Lord’s dust never know the sun.” Gorloth said.

  “And may his bones never know the water.” Tonance replied, spitting on the ground. Spitting was a sign of honor when disgracing a common enemy in their culture. Gorloth took a seat and hung his head.

  “I have a request.” He said in a somber tone.

  “Blood blade, speak your mind here.” Tonance replied not sure where this was going.

  “I wish to name Runt chief.” Gorloth said sadly as though unsure if he would be scolded for the request. Mayor Tonance raised an eyebrow at him and smiled.

  “You have the three needed and a name for him?” He asked and Gorloth looked up at him shocked.

  “You are a wise man.”Gorloth said with an honest smile. “I plan to ask, but wanted to ask you first. Respect for those who command.” He said, bowing his head. Tonance smiled at the huge orc and took a breath.

  “When do you want to do this?” Tonance asked.

  “Maybe winter during winter celebration.” Gorloth replied, stroking his chin.

  “That might make for a wonderful winter treat. I approve. Find your three. Alex should not know.” Tonance added with a smile. Alex needed some payback for all the issues Tonance had to deal with. Gorloth nodded and stood. “Go with honor Blood Blade.”

  “Go with honor chief of Happy Valley.” Gorloth said as he stood and left the room. Tonance rubbed his eyes. What happened to his quiet town? It was Alex’s fault. He sighed and smiled. Maybe he would ask Alex to build his wife a tub to make up for it. He laughed and knew the young man wouldn’t argue so long as he provided the resources. Alex was a fire that not only this town needed but their world needed.

  {Alex}

  I woke up in the bed alone and cleaned myself up. I had hoped Lily was okay. She wasn’t here and I was mostly alone in the house. Orthonai was here and watching out the window with a sweet smile. When had she become so expressive? I blame Gorloth. “Did Lily seem okay today?” I asked, trying not to show worry.

  “Other than that bite mark on her neck?” Orthonai asked with a sly smile. I had hoped to be discreet, but that fell on its face. The woman had really bloomed. Must be Gorloth. I just rubbed the back of my neck and tried to give a satisfied smile.

  “I did get carried away last night. I was worried she was mad at me for that and well...” I trailed off. Orthonai raised one eyebrow and smiled.

  “The only thing she would ever be mad about is if that was a one time only thing.” I blushed. Yeah, that will happen again and a bit longer next time, I hope. Maybe next time I give her a proper rubdown like my muscle mommy. I briefly wondered how the tiger muscle goddess was. Would Yen and Lily get along? What would it be like to have all three women in my bed? Wait three? Uta was of age and had expressed interest in me. All three would be a bed I would never want to leave. I licked my chops and Orthonai set a plate in front of me. “Eat up. You need to rebuild your strength after running that hard and I don’t just mean in the bedroom.” She said with a sly smile. Fuck her. She had Gorloth and I knew he was working her at least that hard. I blushed and dug in.

  “I was meaning to ask.” I said around a mouthful “How is it you can speak common so well and Gorloth struggles with it.” I asked, hoping for a distraction. She looked away.

  “He didn’t want to learn it when he was little. Now he only knows enough to get by.” She said with a shrug.

  “So does that mean I can learn orc?” I asked, unsure if I would upset her or not. She looked at me with her one eye and raised that eyebrow. It was hard to tell with a woman with one eye, but I hoped it meant she could teach me. If I could talk to my friend in his one language it might make things easier.

  “Well, if he struggles with common, why not make it easier on him?” I asked hoping I put on an honest smile.

  “You want to learn orc?” She asked skeptically. I just nodded, “Start with Gul-Ton.” She said making her voice drop into a low growl,

  “Gu ten.” I tried and failed to mimic.

  “Say it again.” She demanded. We went back and forth until I had it down. Gul-Ton meant good morning in orc. I learned several other words and found it interesting as we went along. The language was a cross between Japanese and Russian if I had to guess. All and all it was a great way to spend a day off.