Chapter 7: Heart to heart.

As Hans mug refilled with more bubbly fluid, Kothek continued his venting. "With the way the bigger keeps are increasing taxes, Dwarfen families won't be able to afford anything better or bigger than what those Raki slaves have!"

"Ay, I hear that's what it's like in reikland now as well."

"How can they expect us to fight well if we have nowhere to return to?"

"These fees are almost as bad as the things they fail to protect us from."

"Yessir indeed."

As the Dwarf tries to refill, the tap is jammed, annoyed grumbles follow as he tries to unbugger it. "Speakin of, when you think you'll sell the property?"

A sneer would be seen on Han's face if his mug wasn't tilted up to his lips. With the drink down on the table now, the mood changes as he gets a tad defensive. "When I feel the time is right."

"You should get your clock checked; I feel that time is passing Han's." This argument was had every few months, the points always being similar as the night came to a closing.

"I'm sure I can stay a little longer, just until I can pocket enough to get as far away from here as possible." With a loud smack, the dwarf fixed the keg through violent means, looking back at the young man with skepticism.

"You don't have enough squirreled away? If you don't have it now, you never will. The town's only growing smaller and frailer, pockets are getting lighter as the folks with eyes get going."

"I'm sure I can still make a killing with my oh so freshest of goods."

The poor attempt at humor did little to persuade the pestering Dwarf. "Well, what do you suggest? I don't really have anywhere I could go safely you know. The folks in the city don't take kindly to those out in the rough, money can only get me so far."

His statements came out aggressive, but from a place of uncertainty. "How much you got boyo?" He didn't enjoy discussing funds, but Kothek was one of the few he felt would be trustworthy with some level of this information. Though he could still only bear it enough to respond to him with, "Enough. Why do you need to know?"

"Han's, I want you to relax." In a slow and deliberate move, he refills the young man's mug for him, trying to ease the nerves.

"Well, if you NEED somewhere to go, and have the gold, you could move into my home keep." Now that was a new piece to this recurring act. He had never gotten a straight answer to where Kothek hails from, the conversation had much greater weight now that the Dwarf put a card like that on the table.

"Where has this offer been hiding?"

"Well, ya never asked and you seemed content. But I can't say for how long that will last."

Fair point. "Which keep might that be by the way?"

"You let me worry about that, you just know that you are welcome in me and my wife's home if things become too much for you out here. The gold would be the fee the king takes to allow you inside, but from there you can bunk with us."

This plethora of information and an offer such as that is a lot to take in for Han's. But one thing among all that stole his attention. "You have a wife?!" Though his face was a mix of shock and slight terror, Kothek miraculously was not offended at what that would imply, instead offering some details.

"Yes, my darling gem through and through. It's as if my sweet were Valaya's incarnate, she would give you the warmest welcome with the sweetest of mead." He felt a little weirded by the fantasizing expression of the now known husband. Though, with a quick bump to the keg, he could feel it down to around a third, his bodily warmness telling him the deal had been completely satisfied, allowing him to leave.

Breaking the Dwarfen daydreamer, he excuses himself from the table. "I sincerely appreciate the offer, but we will see what happens. I have a lot of baggage I must handle."

"Trust me boyo, Dwarfs are all about living in the past, you know that." He Looks back, Kothek ready to part his wisdom before Han's can leave.

"If you can't let go of that house and the memories of it, tomorrow won't be coming anytime soon." The smile returning to the bearded face.

"Which means you won't get to experience a true celebration with the Dawi!" With a raised mug, he wishes Han's the best on his trip back, offering his own smile in return to the dwarf. The offer was enticing, but also sad since his drinking buddy didn't know the current situation. Though memories and fear of somewhere new were an issue, Nathiqe was a large part of what was guiding his decisions now.

Would she go back to the wild? He didn't have the heart to force her to leave, though he doubted it would get violent. It still made him uneasy knowing how it felt with the world changing around him like this. If she did leave, he'd be nearly helpless if the hordes of chaos came, aside from the other downside of missing someone in his home again. With a shake of his head, his thoughts clear enough to keep him steady enough to mount his horse, giving it a rub through its luscious mane. Giddying up, he trots along the path at a moderate pace, keeping his sauced self-steady so as not to flop off his mount. Trotting along, he sees the streets are near empty, vague shapes of people passing him by as his steed takes him home. But one person he does notice is Jurgen.

The priest glares as usual, must still be sore about the eggs he thought. It didn't matter, he just had to get home and check up on things. With that, he disappeared onto the trail home, unaware of what had happened in his absence.

Nathiqe

There she sat by the fire once more, her head hurting from trying to think of the words she would use. She had loosened her armor ever so slightly to allow for the warmth of the fire to stay pleasant but not overheating as she gave herself more breathing room to think. The sounds of tapping claws filled the room as she clicked her nails to her horns, trying to structure her explanation in a way that would hopefully make Hans sympathetic to what happened.

But the more she thought about it, the more she realized that he should be happy she rid those who want to hurt him from this world. If someone tore apart her potential assassin, she would be grateful, why wouldn't he? Though she liked a lot of the ideals his race held, the aversion to violence against someone who wronged you left her wondering what the right thing is to believe. Lords know she wouldn't be able to call guards to help if she were targeted for anything really.

Though, lying to him is still on the table, for however long she could keep those up. The man's trusting nature so far made it easy for her to net enough sympathy to get back on her "feet", but should she risk possibly putting further holes in her narrative? As she mulled it over, her ears perked up once more, picking up the faint clopping of hooves approaching the property.

She peaked out again once the sound drew close, a sigh of relief escaping when she realized it was Hans this time. She rested by the fire again, intent on easing her mind as much as possible before the confrontation that would inevitably happen, the embers' warmth did little to soothe at this point.

Hearing the shuffling feet come towards the entrance, she tried to feel ready. The door opened, quickly shutting behind as he entered. She looks back as he nears, his face looking a little red on the cheeks and his posture loose. The scent of ale was ever present, giving her an idea of where he'd been. "You're awake?"

The expression he held was a tired one, not showing much emotion. "Yes, was waiting for you to come back." Though she didn't show it, her stress was pooling as the time had run out for thinking.

*hic* "You hungry or anything? If not, I can show you around."

"I'm fine, I had so- "

"Is that the jam?" Gesturing to the floor bound emptied jar. She raised it up to inspect the glass once more.

"Is that what it is? I thought it was great."

"Well, made yourself at home haven't ya, stealing my jam and all." Though he was trying to be playfully over critical, she seemed to take it to heart.

"Sorry, I'll make sure to ask then, I di- "

"No you're fine, just save some jars for me, I don't mind if you treat yourself some." She picked herself up, now looking down at him as he swayed back and forth.

"Are you alright?" She was readying to catch him should he fall.

"Yeah, just, had a few too many to drink, I think." With a wobble, he drops onto one of the table chairs, letting his eyes roll around his head before setting them on Nathiqe, now sat across from him.

"I'll give ya the tour soon, just gotta get my bearings. Horse ride shook my head a bit the wrong way."

"I think I understand the layout, you don't have to."

"Well if your mind changes, I'll be ready." *hic*

It was strange seeing him so relaxed, there wasn't a moment that went by where he didn't look on some level of edge when she was around, but it looks like a little inebriation is just what he needed to de-stress. "So, any cool dreams while you were sleeping? Any activities happen while I was out?"

Her posture becomes ridged, her gaze averting him as she looks anywhere but in front of her. "Dreams aren't important right now, but as for activities goes…" Trailing off as she gets the answer straight in her head, a cocked brow from Hans as his attention is regained onto her.

"Oh? You managed to find something to do?"

"Hans, do you know anyone who you may want you gone?" Blunt, but should hopefully ease into her confession. He looked more confused than concerned, scratching his head literally at the question.

"Beats me, some folks in town don't like me, but I can't imagine any of them wanting me gone. Except for Jurgen. Where's this coming from anyway?"

A deep breath, followed by a small sigh, she looks to him once more. "We had a break in." Hans squinted, his delayed mind putting the words together ever so slowly.

"Who wa- wait did they see you?! Are you okay?!" The booze must have made his internal feelings more present, as he immediately jumps to make sure she was unharmed above all else.

It was somewhat sweet, being put at the top of the worry list. "I'm fine, thanks for the concern, you can sit back down." Hans hadn't even realized that he had made his way over to her side of the table, sheepishly sitting back down as anxiety rose.

"I hid upstairs before they got in, they were looking for money to leave town apparently."

"Fucking scum lowlife." His head takes a few more seconds to load.

"They?! More than one person couldn't help but invade my house?"

"Afraid so."

"Did you hear their names? A look at them?! Maybe I could still report to the guards in town!"

He stands back up on wobbly legs, slowly dashing upstairs. "Where are you going? I'm not done yet!"

"I have to see what they took!" Catching up to the stumbling man with ease, her grip of his shoulders locked him in place, turning him around to gaze back up into her eyes.

"They didn't take anything Hans; your things are safe."

"Huh? But did-"

"Please let me finish, I haven't gotten to the hard part yet." He stood, dumbfounded and waiting for an explanation.

"They couldn't find much and wanted to interrogate you for your supposedly hidden treasure. Something about payback on a dwarf you know." His features scrunch in disgust, thinking of the culprits with shockingly quick clarity.

"Probably those dirty fucking goons, grossest thorns in my side. Did you happen to hear the names Kurt or Ben?"

"One of those names at least."

"Of course it was them, why wouldn't it be."

"And well… they were planning to kill you after."

"Bleeding hell, really?" She gave a simple nod, Han's features twisting into every negative emotion imaginable. The expression was nearly as gross as the intruders prior.

"So I… took care of them." His gaze focuses onto Her's again, his brain connecting the last few dots as her eyes darted away.

"Sigmar be damned, I don't mean to slander or accuse, but did you kill them?!" The tension in his muscles could be felt against her hands, his face plastered in a mix of nervousness, confusion and even a hint of fear. Her grip weakened, allowing him the chance to back away. Though she was surprised he didn't immediately flee, instead opting to hear her out.

So far, the better outcome was happening, relief seeping in. "Yes, I did. I couldn't let them do as they pleased and dispose of you, Hans." His head was swiveling, trying to see where the conflict had happened, his head settling on the staircase.

"Oh gods, the mess is upstairs, isn't it?"

"No, no mess. I disposed of them."

"Don't tell me you ate them."

Her nostrils start flaring, teeth clenching ever so lightly as her nerves get struck. She couldn't fully blame him, considering she did have a thought about it, but alas she is still left frustrated he thinks of her in that light. "No Hans, I am better than that." She spoke though lightly gritted teeth.

"They are buried far, far away from here, so rest easy, please."

How in all the hells could so much happen while he was gone in one night of drinking?! Thoughts of the one-sided slaughter raced through his mind, although a fate that horrible didn't exactly land on ones who were undeserving of it. As disgusted as he wants to be with the "crime" committed, should he? His life and belongings were at stake to the least deserving group he could conjure up.

"Hans, please don't hold this against me, it wa-"

"It's fine, long as it's taken care of. As long as you're alright." Her head almost audibly snapping down to make sure it was him who said such a thing.

"Are you sure?! I thought humans tried to avert from this sort of thing?" Though his feelings were mixed to say the least, it was the perfect storm of circumstance to think, (Yeah that feels justified and possible to move past, if massively dubious.).

"Nathiqe, the fact you're worrying this much about it tells me it wasn't your first instinct. You didn't do it out of blood lust as far as I can tell. Hell, I can think of a couple of people close to me who wouldn't have been as hesitant to violence." His arms find their way around the width of her torso, closing in for a hug to further shock the stunned beast kin.

"Besides, you just wanted to protect me from the sounds of it. Why, you could of just not told me and I'd been none the wiser from the looks of the cleanup you did." His head finds its rest against her fur, the warmth of his face bringing a heat to her own chops.

"Yes, what happened isn't great, but I think you did what you could. I don't think I can blame you for that."

What can she even say? This was one of the last scenarios she had imagined, one she even dreamed of in the back of her head having been so accepted by him. She looks down, arms stiffly to her sides as relief of this burden washes over her. "Are you sure?" She could barely get the words out, unsure what's happening.

"Sure as I can be right now."

And what a strange gesture to follow it with. It felt so… intimate, despite seeming like a poor grapple to her instinctively. Her own arms slowly wrap themselves around the man's back as well, her upper body craning down slightly to reach comfortably. She hadn't felt this connected to another sentient being really, her thoughts ebbing as she focused on the moment. It was, by all accounts, a comfort. One that she was unsure she earned. Just, a gentle sharing of warmth that she's never felt from prized hides or even the bed she was offered.

Unfamiliar with such an act, her body tried to comfort him with what little experience she had of this sort of thing. One large hand raking its gentle claws through Han's hair, much like her poultry pal from the other day. "You, you petting me?" He couldn't help but laugh at being treated like a dog by a beast kin. The irony, though delayed was not lost on him.

"S-sorry, I'll stop." Her own stutter surprised her.

"Nah it's fine, feels kinda nice actually." And with that, the claws latched back in before they could leave, further massaging the scalp as they both savored this moment of what felt to be true rest. Time was slowed and the fire was drowned out by the deafening silence of this shared act, her thoughts all honed onto this moment.

But as they stood in the mutually pleasing embrace, his booze riddled body was urging him to rest before it decided for him. With regret, he began to pry himself off, Nathiqe's rigid posture giving him trouble departing.

"We'll probably have more to talk about tomorrow, I doubt anyone will be looking for them, but can't be too sure." With a grunt of effort, he is pried from the she beast, nearly stumbling to the floor.

"Need help to your room?"

"Nah, I'm, fiiine." But as he shambled and reached the stairs, his blurred vision made him view it as an insurmountable peak. Taking the first step slowly, she watched carefully, coming up behind just in case. His foot landing on the first step, he laughs.

"Ha, still got i- "*Thump* "SHIT!" Though he mastered getting one foot up the stairs, the second one was a different story as it got caught coming up. His body swayed trying not to slam forward, instead flopping back and falling off his one step of progress.

Somehow knowing such a thing could happen, she was already closing in behind, grabbing him and trying to steady the flailing drunk.

"Here, jus- quit squirm- just take my ar-"*grope* "HAN'S!" Trying to avoid the fall, his arms went every which way, attempting to find purchase. But as he ended up beside her, his arm wrapped around and had found their purchase. Feeling something with some heft to anchor onto, his grip tightened swiftly, steadying himself as the beast woman went stiff as a board.

"There we go, just had to grab your shoulder. Thanks Nathie."

She did not speak; she did not wish to speak now. Instead, opting to try and walk him up the stairs as swiftly but gently as possible. Each step felt like an eternity as they ascended the staircase.

"You have such soft shoulders, you know that? So soft, but still firm." While the young man thought his hand was locked to the far shoulder, and his head laying on the near shoulder, he could not have been further off if he tried. Simply nodding off and rubbing these surfaces gently.

Out of everywhere for him to grip and rest his head upon, why did it have to be her breasts?! How his hand managed to slip right into the gap of plate and flesh is, beyond her. She was terrified of dropping him now, a readjustment would be tricky midway up the steps. All she had to do was endure and ignore the heat her face was giving off! Just a little further and she could put the man to rest, and she can forget this ever happened.

The part driving her the most insane is that it is not as horrible as she imagined. The thought and few experiences she had of beasts gripping her tender bits always set her off in the most violent ways. But this? It was not unbearable, but she didn't like it?! It's one of the few times she can confidently say embarrassment was what she was experiencing in full. Any feelings of anger simmered back down when she saw that sleepy face.

No way is he conscious enough to be taking advantage of her, just another poor circumstance of the day. Though this one is filling her with much, much different feelings. Her heart sinking and beating in a strange way that made her own legs weaken almost as much as the man's legs. It did not help that those hands felt so warm, almost scorching against one of her few truly soft spots.

Being lost in her own thoughts and emotions, she barely registered their arrival at his room entrance, quickly flinging the door open and shuffling the final stretch to that comfy looking bed of his. "Come on, few more steps and were done. Please just, go smoothly." His eyes were fully sealed at this point, his body moving freely of his checked-out mind.

Slowly prying off his hand with a shudder of her own, Hans begins his plummet to the cushioned surface. However, one last misfortune decided it MUST fall upon Nathiqe this night, as his unconscious body registered the fall. To save himself from peril instinctual, he gripped what was nearest, being one of the large horns of the furred savior that brought him here.

"WHA- LET GO!" *THUMP*

There she lay, once more flushing with self-shame as they were splayed over each other in his bed. Panicked, her body swings trying to untangle herself from the mess of limbs and bedding to little avail. Every moment got her closer and closer to freedom, freedom to go back to her room and forget this was a thing at all!

But with every second, that little voice in the back of her head was pointing out how soft this bed was. How warm it will be with him in it. How maybe she could sleep wi-

"DAMMIT, get, off, of, ME!"

Managing to push him to the far side of the bed with his covers, Han's unconscious form was oblivious to all that happened in his own room. Lying there flustered, she took every moment to gather her bearings, gathering the strength to leave this room.

As she felt the heat of her face flee, and the beating of her heart simmering down, her head turned to gaze at the owner of this bed beside her. His features were relaxed, though his body was restless as it endlessly shifted, trying to find the spot best for rest. His dreary face held an at peace expression that gave her comfort after the chain of struggles she had to endure tonight. That soft look aimed at her made that strange beating in her heart start one last time, pushing her to make a choice. As she pondered, thoughts of his deeds plagued her mind, pushing her towards a choice out of passion.

After several minutes of ceiling staring, trying to decide with the clearest mind possible, her will faltered and gave in. As much as she would rather bury all these thoughts and developments, her curiosity and desire for more of that earlier intimacy on the ground level spurred her forward.

She pulled him into her embrace, his back to her front as her arms snared themselves around his torso. Every second that she kept going filled her with more heat, more hunger for these sensations of closeness, she couldn't help herself! Legs gently entangled and her head placed firmly atop his, they fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. Though the one thing she missed about the old bed was that it was big enough for her legs to stretch, this new one forcing her to bend them to avoid hanging hooves.

Laying there, his body ceased its restlessness, a deep, satisfied sigh leaving him as what little rigidness he had left was gone. He pushed back against her, sinking deeper into the mass of warm, furry muscle. Despite the armored bits, it was the comfiest either party could ever remember feeling. Even out cold and unaware, Hans knew in his core that what was felt right now, was utter bliss. Throwing the covers over them both only made the comfort more cripplingly sweet.

Nathiqe released a pleased sigh of her own, mind drifting as the warmth of their bodies was shared. The slow beating of hearts filled her sensitive ears as the calmness was almost overwhelming. Though there is worry of looking perverted when he wakes up, she's more than willing to take another chance here to experience such simple joy in physical contact. Her eyes lids heaved, shutting tight as she lets true rest take over, her hands pulling the man into the embrace one last time as she starts to snooze.

Authors note.

HI EVERYONE, SORRY TO KEEP YOU WAITING!

Thank you all for your patience thus far, I have been slacking as of late from a buncha things going on in my life. I am fine and am appreciative of messages I got from certain users to make sure everything was alright!

In recent times I've felt super burnt out trying to attempt writing, feeling as though it won't be good enough and to do something else. That and work are just super overwhelming, but I have gotten over it mostly.

Also, I do have some other story ideas I would like to start sometime soon if any of you are interested in some more interspecies romance hoo ha! I have a few ideas: An x-com one, another series in this universe with some skaven this time around (Some more wonderfully fuzzy ladies in the setting) and possibly one of ark survival evolved, though that one I'm still only partially considering. Please let me know your thoughts on these ideas!

Another reason I have been getting back into the saddle is some inspiration from a recent author I have been really fond of for the past couple years. If you haven't already checked out SCBM, he makes some really good stuff that helped push me from my stupor, please give his stuff a visit if you have the time!

Anyways, I am so glad to any of you who have stuck around despite the wait, and I hope you enjoy this newest chapter! Thoughts and feedback are greatly appreciated, and I hope you look forward to the next one!

P.S, the next chapter will be more about the characters around town and other ghastly places in the setting, so I hope you all can enjoy a chapter without our main 2 characters for a bit. Thank you all so much and I hope to keep releasing pleasing content!

P.P.S, if anyone wishes to reach out but does not wanna bother with the wonky DM system of this site, my discord is Remnault1 if you have any questions or concerns. Stay safe and have a great day! I appreciate you all!