Man Among Dogs

*Section written by Silver*

“So you’ve been all over the place haven’t you?” a young man I learned earlier on in the night was named Conner, a son of a traveling merchant who he was currently traveling for while his father was ill.

I gave a soft laugh, “I guess that is true, but there are still many places I haven’t seen on my journeys.” I drank the last of my honey mead, my go to drink whenever I was in town at the Iron Hearth. Conner had come up earlier in the night inquiring on about my equipment and line of work. I happily told him a few of my tales that have taken to a few unique parts of the known world.

“Here, let me get you another honey mead, it’s only fair since you’ve been kind enough to share your stories with me.” Conner said, standing up from the table that we’ve been occupying. I could have told him that I pretty much get them free now from Hunter, but he seemed eager to pay me back.

“Sure, that would be great.” I smiled at him, which he quickly returned while grabbing my empty mug and moving towards the bar counter. I relaxed back into my chair and took a deep breath, been awhile since I last talked to someone other than Hunter at such lengths. Conner seemed like a good kid though, not the smartest of the bunch but full of spirit. My eyes scanned the surrounding tables filled with a few customers here and there having their own conversations and laughs.

“Here we are, one honey mead for the wonderful Silver.” Conner declared, setting the now full mug in front of me while taking his own seat.

“Thank you kindly.” I laughed before taking a sip of the honey mead, that tasted a bit sweeter than normal.

“That’s odd, it’s a bit sweeter than normal, must be a new batch.” I mumbled with a shrug and took another sip before setting it down.

“So, any other stories you have for me?” Conner asked, leaning forward onto his elbows resting on the table, “or maybe you can tell me a little bit more about yourself? Do you have any siblings? Or maybe where you’re fun?” a small chuckle escaping his smile.

I shrugged a bit uncomfortable with such person questions out of nowhere, I reach down taking a long drink of my mead to fill the gap while I thought of a reply, relaxing me as I felt a warmth settle around me. Hunter must have stocked up the fire a bit.

“Not really, I was an only child, wasn’t very close to my parents before I left home.” I said plainly, hoping to deter him from other similar questions. Finishing off the last of my drink, the relaxing warmth spreading to my lower stomach igniting an itch I hadn’t felt in a while, almost causing a blush to appear. I need to get away before I do something I regret. I stood from my chair, pushing it back a bit more forceful than needed.

“I had a lovely time talking with you Conner, but it’s about time I retire for the night.” I spur quickly and turn to leave, but Conner’s hand on my wrist stops me.

“Come now it’s still earlier, hear I’ll even go get you another drink.” Conner spurred quickly.

“No, thank you, I really must go.” I reply, pulling my wrist away and hurry towards the stairs, the warmth spreading further. By gods what is wrong with me? I hurry up the stairs but am stopped at a figure at the top of the stairs.

“Oh Silver? Where are you rushing off to so suddenly? A bit early for your normal time to go to bed.” Hunter chuckled, looking down at me.

“Actually, I was looking for you.” I half purred, stepping up to the same level as him, my body only inches from him. Hunter’s gaze widening in surprise at my response. What am I doing? I thought anxiously. Why did I say that?

“Oh? Did…did you need me for something?” Hunter asked unsure. I stepped closer causing Hunter to wrap his hand around my waist least we both fall over. My face buried in his neck.

“S-silver what are you doing?” Hunter asked, his grip around me tightens, yet shakes at the same time. “T-this is very inappropriate.”

“Come now Hunter, you don’t have to play dumb. I know you want me, just like all those dogs down stairs disguised as men.” I purred, softly gliding my lips up his neck to his ear. I felt the shaking in his hand suddenly stop at my words to an almost eerie stillness, causing myself to falter.”

“Hunter?” I asked, a bit of my normal self, coming through. Hunter’s grip suddenly tightened as he quickly turned us both and hurried us into his bedroom. A surprise gasp escaping from my lips as he forces me onto the bed, before turning and heading back out the door.

“D-did I do something wrong?” I asked afraid of Hunter’s silence. He stopped with the door half closed and refused to look at me.

“The mistake you made was to think I was a dog disguised as a man. For the truth is I am but just a man disguised as a man.” He said, finally looking into my eyes, disappointment filled his, completely turning the warmth in me to cold. Hunter closed the door behind him leaving nothing but silence and regret to fill me as I curled up on Hunter’s bed and quickly fell into a restless sleep.

Author's Note

WARNING: Neither this chapter nor any of the future ones have been or will be edited as they are purely made for fun and are made with no stops or rereading or forethought. Thus we are aware there are spelling and grammar errors.