Finally all caught up! Back to this!

-HTTYD-

"Nea, take over for Heather."

Nea eyed Heather in surprise as she switched spots at the bar, so Heather could go over to where Eret was waiting.

"The four over there are waiting for the boar bowls happening out back."

"Got it. Are you really doing this? Elda won't make you yanno."

"I know. But... needs must."

Nea patted her arm as Heather swallowed heavily. At least Eret was kinda cute. It could be much worse. Eret also presently looked very confused.

"You said she doesn't do the job."

Griselda nodded, looking between the two of them.

"Correct. But my girls make their own decisions."

There was something very, very strange about standing there, knowing this guy intended to have sex with her and her boss was negotiating sex acts and prices.

"Do you just have a... I don't know, hourly rate? I don't want to rush her."

"I do, but it is more expensive. Especially when you're paying for a virgin."

Eret's eyebrows could raise quite high, Heather discovered.

"She's..." he actually looked at Heather then "you're a... wow. Ok. Uh, ok. How much extra?"

Heather suddenly had a realisation, tugging Griselda's sleeve to get her attention.

"One moment."

She came closer to Heather, usually severe eyes softened at the edges with concern.

"Changed your mind? Just let me know and I'll get rid of him."

"Thanks, but no. I just realised my room isn't exactly ready for company, I was making clothes when my shift started."

"Ah. Head on up, I'll bring him along in a few minutes. Open your door when you're ready."

Heather nodded, swallowing thickly as she scurried past to the door that led upstairs. Carefully folding measured fabrics up, Heather tidied up her sewing gear and straighened her bed up, then peered out into the hallway and headed to the bathroom. She always felt like she needed to go when she was nervous. Ensuring she cleaned herself up as thoroughly as possible, Heather took a few deep breaths.

Could she do this?

If she was ever going to, Eret seemed an ok place to start. He wasn't hard on the eye, and he did say he didn't want to rush Heather. He knew she was as inexperienced as it got. Straightening her shoulders, Heather focused on her end game.

Whatever it took.

When she opened the door, Griselda and Eret were standing outside her closed door. Eret was rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet, looking a little uncomfortable with the slightly scary woman stood next to him. When his eyes landed on her, he stood still.

"Is that a magic trick? I thought she was in there."

"You never enter a ladies room without permission. Everything alright Heather?"

Heather nodded, focusing on one step in front of the other toward her room. The door opened, admitting Eret and Heather. Griselda stayed on the other side of the door as it closed, leaving Heather and Eret alone.

"I get that you haven't done this before, and I'm not gonna just jump on you but could you look a little less scared of me?"

Right. She should probably at least be able to look at him.

"Sorry. I don't really know what I'm doing here."

Heather realised she probably ought to be learning to at least feign interest like the others could; customers wouldn't want to see her cringing in fear or revulsion. Thinking of Helga, Heather reckoned she could at least pull off shy but curious. Part of her was curious; what was it about sex that meant people would pay for it? Hel, some of the other girls had favourite repeat customers who were apparently actually good.

"Why me?"

Eret blinked, having been unstrapping a belt that held not one but two swords, one on his waist and the other a short, horizontal one hidden across the flat of his back. Clever.

"Oh. Guess I liked the look of you best?"

Heather found that somewhat difficult to believe - she was probably the least curvy and had the smallest breasts, the most average-not-attracting-customer outfit. Not to mention the least prowess in seduction. But then Eret had paid extra just to have Heather, even though it didn't seem like he was a virgin-hunter.

"Look. I have an idea to help you relax, but you'll need to trust me for a minute."

"O-ok."

Eret placed his hands on her waist, led her back toward her bed and had her sit up on the edge. Heather tried not to panic at the sudden shift, and rather than pin her to the pelts and rush her like he said he wouldn't, Eret dropped to kneel down and placed his hands on her knees. Of all the days she wasn't wearing leggings under her skirt.

"Breathe. I promise this won't hurt."

She was awkward and unhelpful as he reached for her underwear, tugging the fabric down until it came off, her boots slid off to prevent them from stopping Eret taking her pants off properly. Then he had to pry her legs open again, the shyness of being observed so closely making Heather almost shake.

Eret licked his lips, winked up at Heather and before she could ask exactly what he thought he was doing, his mouth was there and holy Hel Heather didn't know that was a thing. Thought only guys could want oral sex. But as it quickly transpired under a damp, eager tongue, Heather squirmed and whimpered at the heat he stoked between quivering thighs. It certainly beat self-serving, that much was certain; Eret's tongue felt much better than her fingers would on the sensitive areas.

Heather bit her lip, embarrassed by the sounds coming out of her mouth as she grew wet and messy with his saliva and her own arousal, body jumping in shock when Eret's hand left her thigh to slide a finger inside her. Oh that felt strange; Heather had never done that to herself, and she was pretty sure she regretted that now as Eret worked it deeper, curled it upward to press at a hidden spot and Heather convulsed.

"Atta girl, told you it wouldn't hurt."

"Y-yeah, you did."

Chuckling, Eret wiped his mouth and watched Heather pant and gasp. Her skin felt flushed hot, and the pulsing ache of him stopping before she came made itself known quite quickly. Shyness flared when Eret went for her clothes, but if it meant potentially slaking the hunger her body now had Heather would deal with it. She even helped him take off her jumper - it was new, she didn't want him ruining it.

His clothes were simple but heavy, obviously designed to insulate against cold weather. He was a sailor, after all. Before she knew it, both of them were naked. Eret's cock was hard, thick and hot beneath her inquisitive hand. He hissed when she touched him, reached to loosen her grip.

"Not so tight."

"Sorry."

When she got it right, Eret let out little huffing groans and Heather found she liked them, that they fed the embers burning low in her belly.

"O-ok, if you keep doing that I'm gonna come."

Oh. Right. He'd paid for more than her hand. Heather let him go, nervous again as he shuffled on the bed pelt, knelt between her thighs. Eret used his fingers first, stroking her until she was wet and squirming again.

"I can't guarantee that it won't be uncomfortable at first, but I'll be gentle. Promise."

Eret knew what he was being trusted with, was well aware he was shaping Heather's views on sex and despite knowing he could just hammer away until he was done, which was what Heather had expected, Eret did go slowly. It felt strange, someone was literally inside her body and the stretch was uncomfortable at best, painful at worst.

"Try not to tense up. Breathe."

Heather breathed, tried to relax herself a little as stocky hips sat between her thighs, unsure how this was supposed to feel good for her. Eret was big and she was worried he would crush her, but he lifted his weight onto his forearms and began to move slowly. At first it just seemed to ache, like her body denied the idea that they were supposed to fit together this way.

But Heather kept trying to calm herself, to stay loose and lax and slowly the pain faded, left room for her to feel the pleasure and when she started responding, Eret grinned.

"Good?"

"Uh-huh."

She didn't dare speak properly, scared of what might come out of her mouth but Eret didn't seem to mind, lengthening his thrusts now Heather wasn't rigid and terrified under him. Each time he came flush with her, his lower abdomen pressed down in a way that felt great and Heather encouraged him to move faster, chasing the sensation. His broad muscles rolled and tightened, firm beneath her hands when she dared explore him in return.

Eret snaked a hand between them, pressed against her burning flesh, inelegant but effective and she could have sworn he made a sound of triumph when Heather fell to pieces beneath him. Gods, now she understood why people chased this, fell into bed for reasons other than making children. She hadn't finished spasming when Eret pulled out, spilled onto her stomach with a low groan and fell onto his back next to her, grinning broadly.

"I needed that."

Heather wasn't sure what to say, considering covering her bare skin as she shivered without Eret's body heat pressed against her but for all she knew, he wasn't done yet. She sorta hoped so - she was sore. Thor, she wasn't sure she could stand but she wanted to clean the sticky mess drying on her belly.

"Hey, so, we ship out tomorrow and I doubt you'll be up to doing anything since this was your first time but we'll probably sail through again sometime soon... which week is your week off?"

"My what?"

Eret sat up, rolling his neck from side to side until a loud crack sound was audible.

"Yanno. Time of the month. Moon cycle. Whatever you call it."

"Oh. Uh" Heather hadn't considered that, that she couldn't work for a week each month "next week."

"Ok. I'm starving, so I'm just gonna get dressed while you uh, clean up."

He was clearly experienced in this, calmly getting up and getting dressed while Heather pulled a pelt over her nude form, grimacing as it stuck slightly to the puddle on her stomach but knowing it needed a wash anyway. Eret let himself out and closed the door behind him, no hint of awkwardness in his body language. Heather grabbed a small leftover cut of cloth, poured water from her jug for drinking on it and wiped her stomach, grabbed another to wipe the mess between her thighs.

It took her a while to get dressed, movement jarring the residual ache inside her. Heather knew how to move while stiff and injured though, suppressing the pain when she was redressed and not-quite-limping when she made it down the stairs. Griselda was lingering at the door, simultaneously looking Heather over and scanning her tavern with eagle eyes.

"Was he rough with you?"

"Oh. No. Not at all, he was real gentle."

A hint of a smile crossed the old woman's face, eyes flicking to where Eret had rejoined his crew with a bowl of yak broth.

"If you need to rest, that's ok."

"I'm ok. I mean, I don't think I can... again tonight but I can work the bar."

"Good girl. Oh, here" Griselda handed her a small pile of coins "for a job well done, judging by his smile anyway."

Heather put the money in her pouch - that one 'job' had earned her a week and a halfs bar pay - and thanked Griselda. Granted, she wouldn't get paid as much in future now she wasn't a virgin, but still.

The other girls ribbed her over breakfast about Heather finally 'taking the plunge', trading bowls containing bread and yak butter and jerky.

"Eret though? Damn lucky. That guys got a tongue from Odin himself."

Nea pouted, feigning jealousy as she bit into her bread. Heather scooped up her porridge, wanting something warm and satiating despite the bland taste. Helga laughed, spreading butter and jerky between two sliced pieces of bread.

"Yeah. But Elda is gonna dress you up now you're up for rent."

"Not tonight I hope."

The others spoke so candidly about sex, Heather figured she wasn't out of place to bring up the soreness.

"Ah yeah, you'll be smarting. That's a practice-makes-perfect thing, the more you do it the less it hurts. Elda knows that though, so unless you're a masochist she won't expect you to work tonight."

"Thank Odin for that. I was wondering how anyone worked twice in one week, never mind one night this morning."

"About half the guys only order oral. It's cheaper."

Oddly enough, that didn't settle Heather's nerves.

"I-I've never-"

Anna blinked, then laughed.

"Blimey, you are a novice. Us two aren't on shift til later, I'll swing by your room in a little while and give you some tips."

"T-thanks."

Swallowing thickly, Heather was helping with cleaning up after breakfast when Nea stuck her head round the door and reminded her of her new 'occupation'.

"Elda said come get your tea. It's easier to stomach before it cools."

And so Heather joined the line of girls getting their morning pregnancy-preventor. A bowl of water and scrap rags were also put into Heathers room, down the side of her bed ready for cleaning up without a rush for the bathroom or hunting for material. Anna, as promised, turned up at Heather's door an hour after breakfast and sat on the floor, watching Heather stitch with avid curiosity.

"Honestly, most guys can just stick it in your mouth and just do their own thing. It's your gag reflex you gotta watch out for there. Which is why I brought you this."

Anna tossed her a rounded, smoothed piece of wood that was clearly intended as a penis substitute.

"What is this for?"

"If you can put that on the back of your tongue and push back a bit without gagging, you'll be fine. If not, it'll help you learn. That's all it's for, promise. And while we're on the tips and tricks, I know you has Eret and he's great, but not all guys are like that. If you're struggling to get wet, you can use oil or give him a little oral while you play with yourself to help."

By the time Anna left, Heather had done zero sewing and had a head full of information she hadn't expected to ever need a month and a half ago.

"Heather?"

Griselda always knocked if the door was closed, and Heather called that she could come in.

"I have errands to run, I would like you to accompany me."

"Oh, ok. Let me just put my sewing away."

She had acquired a tossed out crate for storage, somewhere to keep her fabric and sewing while her satchel stayed tucked into the dresser. Ready to go a minute later, Heather was warily eyeing the travellers scattered around for any of Dagur's men. Griselda cut through crowds with ease, stopping at a cloth merchant who had some freshly tanned hides on display.

"Heather, would you stand in front of that yak hide for me?"

Bemused, Heather complied. It was big enough to go around her twice, with some left over.

"Lovely. I'll take it."

Heather carried the hide, only getting to put it down when they stopped for vegetables and got a borrowed wheelbarrow to transport them back. Griselda vanished into her office with a comment about only disturbing her if necessary, knowing her girls were fairly self-governing. Heather returned the wheelbarrow, then headed out the back of the tavern to chop up some firewood.

Anna was out back smoking, barred from doing it indoors as the smoke and smell lingered thickly. Heather dragged the felled trunk over, began chopping it into more manageable chunks suitable for tossing in the fireplace.

"Hey Heather?"

Wiping sweat from her face on her undertunic, which needed replacing anyway, Heather looked over at Anna.

"Yeah?"

"What changed your mind?"

"I can't stay here forever. The sooner I've saved up enough, the sooner I can... get on with things."

"Ah. Fair enough. You know there's no rush right?"

"Yeah, but... guess I just figured I was holding on to something that didn't matter, and I had the chance to get the scary part out of the way with a rare good one, from what I've heard."

"Hm. Makes sense. So you- ahh!"

Heather turned at the sharp squeal, saw Anna backing away from a curious green thing with wings.

"Relax Anna, it's just a Terrible Terror."

"It's a dragon!"

"Shh, you'll only agitate him by screaming. Hey little guy, c'mere."

Realising he was being addressed, the Terror turned his attention to Heather and chittered. She edged closer, hand held out in invitation and slowly, she got a scaly little snout pressed against her palm.

"There we go little guy, you're not scary at all are you? Anna, can you get me a fish?"

"What are you doing?"

"Just trust me."

Anna, looking very unsure, ducked in through the back door and came out holding a fish, followed by three of the other girls. Heather offered the fish to the dragon, who swallowed it whole, licked his lips and hopped onto Heather's shoulder with a happy chitter.

"Whoa. How did you do that?"

She made up a lie on the spot, not wanting to blabber about Berk and the dragon training.

"We uh, we had a couple living in my village. They kept our fires lit. Look, they don't even have teeth."

The Terror bared his gums helpfully, cooed when Heather tickled under his chin. She encouraged him down to her arms, then beckoned the girls closer.

"Come on, he won't bite."

Nea was the first to brave it, though she was very very hesitant right up until she had a hand on the dragons snout, realising he was sweet and affectionate.

"Huh. Guess he is kinda sweet."

"See, he's not scary at all are you?"

"Next you'll be naming him. Hey! We should call him Grizzly. Then there can be Griz and Elda."

"I bet she'll love that."

Anna commented sarcastically, taking another pull of smoke and blowing it out in tight rings. Grizzly was apparently quite cozy, opting to take a nap there in Heather's arms.

"What is going on that has you all abandoning- Heather, what in the name of Thor is that?"

"A dragon. He wanted to say hi to Anna but she got scared so I settled him before flames were spilled."

"Hmm. If he's sleeping, you may as well bring him along. Never tickle sleeping dragons and all. Nea, Anna, bring the wood in would you?"

Unsure what the woman was on about tickling for, Heather headed in behind Griselda, feeling very strange walking with the dragon curled up in her arms as she ended up in the office.

"Put him down for a minute and try this on."

Carefully putting Grizzly down, Heather took the leather vest Griselda was holding out and made to put it on.

"Without the first layer. Come now, I have seen it all in all my years Heather."

Supposing she was right, Heather pulled off her sweaty tunic and replaced it with the leather hide. It wasn't as snug a fit as she was expecting, and cool against her skin though it warmed to her quickly.

"Perfect. You'll notice it's slightly loose, but it means when you lean forward, it will expose your breast just enough to gain interest. And on the nights you aren't working, you have the room to wear something under it."

"Ah. Right. Thank you."

Griselda smiled, held up what was clearly a matching skirt.

"This will be a slightly more tight fit, and is just the right length to wear without your undergarments without exposing yourself easily."

Heather took it, hoping Griselda wasn't about to ask her to wear that for her now too, at least not until she'd had a wash.

"Thank you."

"And here" the woman stood, circled her desk and came to stand in front of Heather "these straps will slide down your arms when needed, like so."

Demonstrating, Heather felt the slightly loose vest fall down, leaving her top half bare. Griselda only appeared functional about the whole affair, handing Heather her tunic and letting her pick up the vest.

"So this is what I wear when I'm..."

"Intending to attract custom. I'm aware you must be feeling quite tender, I don't expect you to work tonight. If you pick up a customer, I take half of the fee, but this factors into things like food and board, your herbal tea and so on. The standard price list is up on the side of the bar, as I'm sure you have seen."

Heather nodded, rolling the vest and skirt up under her arm to take upstairs with her. Grizzly was still snoozing away, and she gestured toward him.

"Want me to take him outside?"

"Not just yet. He's harmless enough when not distressed, I'm sure."

Taking her leave, Heather headed up to her room, lying the new attire out on her bed with a sigh. Well, that was it. She was officially a working girl now. Still, she wasn't in the worst company; the other girls were pretty cool, and Griselda was a fair and surprisingly caring Madam. She left gor the bathroom, newly sewn jumper under her arm to put on after having a wipe down. Scrubbing sweat from her skin, she tossed dirty rag and dirty tunic into the wash pile - they took turns doing laundry - and pulled on her jumper.

She smiled when she got back to the bar, saw Grizzly curled around Griselda's shoulders fast asleep.

"Looks like someone made a friend."

Anna chuckled, hefting along a crate of recently rinsed flagons to serve ale with.

"Yeah. Told you they aren't so bad."

-HTTYD-

Would it be a HTTYD fic without a happy little dragon moment? I don't think so!