《The Broken Family》 Chapter 1 The broken Toy and the unwanted child. Dry your eyes, you little bunny babe. Dry your eyes, you little bunny babe. Cant you see that I am here, Theres nothing for you to fear. So, dry your eyes you little bunny babe. Lullaby of the bunny Beast- Folk. {Fastos Gon Vestos. Quick} Dying is easy. People do it every day across every world I ever heard of. Seems to be the one thing we all have in common. Ive seen more than my share of it and have chosen to do my best not to do it as long as I can. Downside is dealing with folks. I dont what them to die, but I know the hearts of people and would rather not some be in this world. That being said, I still have to do something to break my lonely spell. That is why I made the month and a half trek into town. Winter had just passed, and I needed supplies and someone to talk to, but everyone in town only seemed interested in my coins. That didnt seem right. With a sigh I did the last thing I wanted to ever do and went to the slave market. Owning someone didnt seem right, but maybe if I did and treated them right, it would ease my heart a little. I moved to the building and was greeted by a portly fella who looked like he did not shy away from the dinner table. He smiled at me in a way that made my coin purse cry. Welcome, Sir. How can I help you? This fella asked. He seemed nice enough, but most people do when they hope to drain you of everything you have. I was looking for someone to talk to for the long term if you understand me? I replied. Had a wanderer fella I knew back during the war who liked the way I talked. Said I had a back woods Tennessee accent. I didnt know where that was or if that was good or not, but Keven seemed nice enough, so I took it as something good. My dear Mr.? Fastos, but all my friends called me Quick. Mr. Quick. What type of budget do you have? He asked rubbing his hands together. I frowned slightly. No man rubs his hands like that unless he is wanting something. I was hoping for trade. I do have healing magic, I said, a particle of hope in my voice. Healing can work. He said moving to a desk and pulled out a book. I took the time to look him over and around the room. He was dressed in a robe that was lightly stained and warn, but still had some life left in it. Short bald hair was mostly hidden under a strange cone hat and his face was as clean as a babys back door. The room was clean, but a smell of dust and dirt clung to it. The whole city smelled dirty like too many folks living too close together. It reminded me of the tents in the war. Careful Quick, going down that rabbit hole wont do you any good. Remember your breathing. A breath in for the count of four, hold for four and let it out for four. Good, again. Best to leave those shadows in the past. Can you read? The bald feller asked. I nodded and smiled at him. Why did that make him frown? Had he hoped to get one over on me? Aint right. Good, how about an exchange. You heal seven slaves of my choosing and I will give you one of my choosing. Seven and iffen I cant heal them, you pick someon else. I added. This seemed to annoy him. Good and if you can get it done in one day, I will throw in an extra slave. He handed me a paper that said roughly that and after I corrected a minor mistake, I signed it. My new friend took me to a room where several human women were kept. All looked worse for the wear, but nothing I couldnt fix. He pointed at three. Id like you to fix, He pointed to his own crotch. You want me to make them pure again? I asked a worried and cold frown on my face. He smiled and nodded. Yes, good. Can you do that? I swallowed my rage and did as he asked. He was asking me to heal them just so he could sell them as untouched women. The tricky part was acting weak after and asking for a minute to rest. I could easily heal the room without issue, but that would put a target on my back. That was something to avoid. He seemed happy and had me heal two others. That brought me up to five and I made sure to point that out. The next stop was an orc man with a mangled right hand. This would be simple, but not as fun for me. Mister orc seemed happy with me, and I gave him a pat on the back. I had to pretend to be beat, but this was turning out to be too easy. Last one he brought me to was a human man. Not a slave. I held up my hands. Our deal was for slaves; he is not one so I cant. This made the bald man upset and he pulled me to another tent. This one held a tiger man who had a bad infection in his lungs. I nodded and got to work. Moments later I turned to my friend pretending to be really bushed. That makes seven. You offered me two remember. I said smiling at him. He nodded and looked like he had just bitten into a jack root. I wanted to laugh, but held it in. Mama told me only a fool gloats in the face of someone giving you something. Best to hold your tongue. He had me wait in an office while he got the first. I looked around not taking the tea he offered. Pop always said never take anything a slaver offers. That goes double if they offer it for free. He came back with the orc man I had healed holding a bundle. It was placed on the desk and my jaw tightened. In front of me was a bunny woman or what had once been a bunny woman. She was missing all her limbs, her right eye and left ear. That what I could see was covered in scars. Her remaining eye was blank, and she looked to be on the edge of death. You cheated me. I said looking up at the lying bastard. Then my eyes went back to her. She was broken, inside and out, maybe healing her was what I needed. Maybe healing her could heal what was broken in me. I tried to hide my hope. Show me the next one. I said with a slight growl. Iffen this bastard pulled this trick again; I would take his eyes. He took me to a large orc man who was playing with a small wolf or dog girl. The girl seemed happy and full of energy. He told me that the girl was the other and inwardly I sighed. She would work. After talking with the orc man for bit, I took my two new women to my sled. It took me a month and a half to get here and would take half that to get back. The wolf girl was a ball of energy and questions, and I was happy to have her along. The bundle of what had been a rabbit didnt talk at all, just looked out. Near sunset as I pulled my sled, the wolf riding on it, I was stopped by five men. It was clear they were bandits, and I knew what they wanted. Give us all you have and put this collar on. The leader said. He had a nasty scar across his face. I turned to the little wolf and smiled. Darlin, close your eyes and cover your ears and I want you to hum until you cant hear anythin. She nodded and her collar glowed. I put the bunny down and smiled at these men. Smart man not wanting her to see what we do to you. Leader said through missing teeth. You do to me? I said with a slight smile. I reached out and aimed a small blast at the closest. He was smiling up until the point he tried to move. His feet wouldnt work. Fused bones in the feet. Not life threatenin. He looked around at the others worried as I stepped to the middle of them. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Just do as we say old man and we wont rape the little one in front of you. The leader said. I stopped smiling. Im sorry. Goin to have nightmares tonight. For that you will have to pay. I held a handout to him and watched his mouth fade from view. Iffen you cant use it right, best not to have it. I took his mouth by healing the hole that he used so impolitely. The others looked around worried as he pointed at me and raised his knife. One charged me from behind and I side stepped him kicking hard at his leg. Broken tibia and fibula, iffen you dont move you should be fine. He tried to jump back. Femoral artery rupture, five minutes twelve seconds. The next two tried to flank me, but these were just thugs and nothing to me. I slapped ones hand fusing all the bones in his arm. Fused bones not life threatenin. The other I slapped his chest. Fused chest bones, light risk, but should hurt like a bitch. I bit my tongue as there were ladies in the area. Best not to use that language. That left one more. Mr, fused bone feet werent moving anywhere. The last one had gone for the bunny. He held a knife to her neck and looked at me with wide eyes. You fix my friends, or I fix her. he said spraying spit all over her. That wasnt nice. I raised my hand and sent a beam of healing at him. It was like someone wiped his face clean. No eyes, no nose, mouth and no fingers. It was a trick I picked up in the war. Healing magic used the way it shouldnt it was called Flesh Sculpting. I took away everything from this man and he fell to the ground clawing at his face with flipper like hands. Stupidity Fatal. No chance of healin that nine minutes forty-three seconds to three minutes five seconds. I turned back to the four-left alive. The one with the leg would be dead soon. Now lets mop this up. I made quick work of them. Iffen they act like that, best not to have them around. As I said dying is easy. I put them in a shallow pit near the side of the path after cleaning their bodies and went back to my wolf and bunny. You can stop Darlin. I said to the wolf who was still hummin. She did so and looked around. I asked the bad men to leave, and they did. I said with a smile. She beamed up at me and her belly growled. Hang in there Darlin and I will get you some food when we stop for the night. This made her do the cutest happy dance. I should have done this long ago. Most of my kind have an issue with beasts, but I fought alongside a lot of them and found them to be nice folks. They die like we do; live like we do and love like we do. As far as I care, theyre good people. We stopped for camp, and I noticed that the bunny had soiled herself. It was easy to clean up and I tried to do so with all respect to her. Healing that one would have to wait until we get back home. I needed my mana just in case something comes up. Once done, I started supper. I had to feed the bunny, but she did eat. That was a good sign. Good Darlin, eat and live. Talk iffen you feel like, dont iffen you dont. Im just happy you are around and alive. I said patting her head. What about me? The little wolf asked. You got food. I said with a slight smile. No, I mean are you happy Im here too? I pet her head and ruffled her hair. This made that broom like tail wag. I am very happy to have you too, Darling. You got a name? I asked her. No, but you give me one and I give you one. She said putting her hands on her hips. No wonder that orc feller was smiling as I left. She brightened every day she was a part of. I got a name, Quick. As for you, most wolf folk go by the names of trees, how about Willow? She rammed into my side hugging me hard. If Im Willow then you are Daddy. I ruffled her hair again and smiled down at her. Its a pleasure to meet you, Willow. She had to be all of three or four winters old. How did she become a slave at that age. Sometimes this world aint right. She is Mama. The newly named Willow said pointing at the bunny. I want to wait and see iffen she has a name before I give her one. This made my little dark haired wolf smile. Now that I had time, I looked closely at the two. The bunny had short badly trimmed white hair and her one eye was red. Her skin was pale, and I knew that I would have to make something to make sure she didnt bake in the sun. As far as Willow went though, she was a normal wolf girl. Long dark brown hair, a smattering of freckles and the cutest nose any Daddy would want on his new daughter. Maybe a bit early to call her that, but she had become mine. Both of them had, but I didnt see the bunny that way. It didnt feel right to view a grown woman one just met in that way. I set up camp and stood watch. My healing magic could easily keep me going for several months so a single month without sleep wouldnt hurt me. I let the women sleep and made sure both were safe covered up. I used a bit of healing magic on the two and made sure they were warm enough to last the night. The morning came quickly, and I packed them both up and made my way to home. Willow slept though the morning and the bunny just looked out at the world. About an hour later the bunny started grunting and I checked on her. She needed to use the bathroom and I helped her without making it too awkward. I was still a man it would be awkward no matter what I did. I cleaned her and made a mental note to listen for her grunting. The miles passed quickly, and it didnt take me too long to make it home. I was able to find enough game to keep me and the women happy or at least as happy as I could along the trail. It still took us three weeks. When I saw my cabin, a large dire wolf came out running up to me. Willow screamed and I scolded. Now Betty, play nice. I called to the overgrown puppy. She stopped and bowed to me. Betty was as big as a horse and had become my only friend for a long time. I had found her as a puppy and raised her into the oversized watchdog that she had become. Gotten the name from Keven, he talked about a dog he left behind. He would go on and on about her before. Deep breath in for the count of four, hold four and let go for four. Dont need those thoughts right now. I shook and looked at my big puppy. Betty this is Willow and the other. Both are our family. You behave now. The puppy in question had rolled over and Willow was scratching her belly. It made me smile in a way that made things feel a bit better. I showed them around and took them to my basement. Here are premade long-term meals. I think they are better than Mamas cookin, but the spicy cheese are the best. Willow took a sniff and pulled away. I hope Mama can cook? She said boldly. It made me laugh. It was at least better than army rations, maybe. I wasnt quite sure. I would have to let the women use Bettys bed and make the puppy a new one. Past that everything was set. All but one thing. Now, Willow, this device is not to be touched. I pointed out the artifact that was keeping us safe. It put up a barrier that made sure smaller monsters would stay away. Betty had a collar that would let this barrier know she was mine. I knew Knights, big honking metal men that people commanded could get through, along with normal people and larger monsters. I knew how to avoid them all. Who would care about me in this backwater nowhere. Not worth anything. Best place to hide and be forgotten. Willow looked up at me and smiled. I like it here. Can I have one of these Mama meals? I pulled one out and handed it to her. She opened the plane pine wood box and sniffed. Can I have something else? She handed the box back to me making me laugh. I took the box up to the kitchen and cooked it handed it back to her. She frowned, sniffed and ate it with a strange look on her face. Gal needed to try hard tack and tell me that her Mama Meal was bad. I liked the name. Mama meals. Seems easier than meal ration pack or as Keven called them MRE meals. I fixed my own Mama Meal and one for the bunny. I had the time and energy after I unpacked and turned to Willow. You take Betty and go outside to play. I need to start work on your Mama to try to heal her. Can I watch? She asked, all the brightness of a child in her eyes. No, healin is not fun and hurts a lot. Pray you dont need it. Once she was gone, I pulled out the knife and looked at the bunny. Im sorry bunny, but this will hurt a little, but it is needed to heal you. Ill start with your ear as it is the easiest. She just looked at me blankly. With a sigh, I reached up and cut the end of her stunted ear off. It blead a little and I quickly stopped it before pouring my magic into her. Soon there was a branch of nerves and then blood tubes. Lastly the meat followed by skin. I saw a tear flow down from her good eye and I wiped it away. Sorry Darlin, I know it hurts. It will help you though. I pulled out a plate to show her that her ear was back, now healing that did drain me proper, and I was tired. It would take a long time to heal her. I cleaned her up, I went out to see Willow and Betty playing in the grass around the cabin. Betty was on her back with Willow on top of her scratching her big belly. It made me smile. Willow come look at your Mama. I called out to her. She hopped off, ran inside, and gasped. You healed Mamas ear. I plan to heal all of her, but it will take time. How about supper? I asked. So long as it isnt Mama Meals. She said with a frown. It made me laugh hard and I knew adding these two to my life was worth everything I had. Chapter 2 The tarnished tin soldier Sweeter than honey, high in the treetops. Sweeter than flowers, down in the valley. Sweeter than the berries that you offered me. You are the sweetest my baby bear. Lullaby of the Bear Beast- Folk. {Fastos Gon Vestos. Quick} The next day I started my crops. It was late in the season, but I should be able to make enough to keep us in Mama Meals through the winter. It made me smile every time I thought of that. If only I could tell Keven, Matfa or any of the others from my unit. Thinking about them didnt do me any favors. I had to stop and look around as I counted to four and breathed. Best let those thoughts stay in the past. Thinking too much about them would give me nightmares. I felt something tug at my pant leg and looked down to see Willow. She was pointing at my hoe. My turn. She said proudly. I leaned back and laughed hard. Little one was worth every copper. I didnt know how much I would have paid, but healing like I did would cost seventy silver. They both didnt cost that much, but to me they were worth a lot. Willow was able to help with the small gardening shovel thing. I needed to learn the names of things if I was to use them. My family were not famers. About halfway through the day, I fix lunch for the four of us. I was tired so we had Mama Meals and Willow got the spicy cheese one. She liked it up until the point when the spice hit her. It made me laugh. The spice wouldnt hurt her, but she swore she didnt want that one again. When she and Betty were fed and happy, I sent them out. Moving the bunny to the edge of the bed, I put a bucket under her. Darlin, Im sorry for this one. It will hurt. I will try to make it quick. I took a good sharp knife and cut the shoulder where her arm had been until it was ready, doing my best to control the blood and pain. Some did slide down and the bunny was crying. It broke my heart but needed to be done. My magic went into her, and the arm began to grow. I stopped the bone at the elbow. Didnt think I had the mana to fix the whole arm. That would take the mana of a dragon and at least three or more healers. This healing would have to be done in stages. Next the nerves and veins, then the muscle and flesh. It took me far too long and I nearly passed out doing that. I would have to go slower with the others. Didnt think I had lost that much of my knack. Well, it had been some time since the war. Making sure the cloth was warm, I cleaned the bunny and covered her back up, putting her back in the bed. I moved the pillows and her body so she could sit up and look out of the window. Hope this would make her happy. You are doing good Darlin. Just keep fightin. I said brushing her cheek. Maybe Willow would like to brush the bunnys hair tonight? I lay in my own bed feeling weak as a kitten. It would take two days before I could work on her some more. Doing ears is easy, but bones, thick muscle and all the things in an arm takes a lot of mana. Willow came in near sunset and I fixed us all a stew and fed the bunny. Willow was happy to brush the bunny and I hoped this made both of them smile. Tonight, would be slightly cold, but Betty would keep the women warm. The big puppy had claimed Willow. It warmed my heart. About a month passed and my crops were coming in nicely. Betty and Willow had become best of friends and Willow had been learning to ride Betty. I had healed to the knees and elbows on the bunny, but she had not said anything or moved. Iffen she didnt cry, Id worry she wasnt in there. That being said, she was looking healthier. Her and Willow had both put on some meat. I swear those slavers were allergic to feeding people. The monsters kept away, and I didnt have to do much more than hunt, plant and heal. Willow asked to come along, and I agreed so long as she stayed on Betty. She was riding on Betty now, her long hair tied back and wearing a rough dress of animal hide. It should help hide her scent, but little ones like her needed softer stuff. Maybe when things get better, I could make a run into town for some proper clothes for the women. Willow stayed quiet as we moved and turned her head with Betty. It was almost like the girl could talk with the dire wolf. We moved around and I looked at the tracks on the trail. Large winter elk about an hour ago. I whispered. Both wolf and girl nodded. No clue who was mimicking whom. Betty turned her head and Willow pointed. About a hundred yards out was a nice big buck. Fur white as winter, long yellow antlers with a blue nose. Frost gathered around his hooves as he leaned over to eat the grass. I put a finger to my lips as we slowly stocked forward. Willow and Betty behind me. Just a bit closer and I could try with my bow. The elk kept eating and we moved even closer. Fifty yards and still not a sign that he had seen us. We were down wind and to my joy Betty was taking commands better than she ever had before. Willows eyes were wide as she watched the buck. Sorry darling, this may be hard to watch. I raised the bow and aimed. Still no response from the elk. I looked up just as my arrow flew. Just behind its Betty ran with all she had, Willow clinging to her, a huge smile on both wolf and girl''s faces. My arrow hit true to its heart followed by Betty who grabbed it around the neck and shook hard making sure the beast didnt suffer. I expected Willow to be sad or upset, but she was happy. Darlin, you know why we had to do this? I asked. She turned to me and beamed. We kill, we eat. She said happy, the elk still in Bettys jaws. Right, all life demands death, that is the order of things. That being said, dont go lookin to kill. You kill, you eat. Got it. I may have been slightly harsh with that, but the girl needed to learn. Right. she said still smiling. Do we eat people? I asked. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. No, but if they are bad, we can stop them. I reached up and ruffled the girl''s hair making her giggle. What about monsters? She asked. Iffen you can get away, get away. Iffen it is you or them, Id rather you be the one alive. My eyes may have been a bit dark as I counted to four and tried to breathe. Into the count of four, hold for four and breathe out to the count of four. Maybe I was the one not ready for today. Does this mean I can hunt with Betty? No, not until you are older. I want to make sure you come back safe every time. I love you, Daddy. she said jumping into my arms. I love you too Darlin. Her tail was wagging, and I noticed Betty was looking over at me, the buck still in her jaws. And I love you, you overgrown puppy. This made Bettys tail wag nearly sweeping me off my feet when it hit me. Smack me with that tail all you like, but dont lose that buck. That is supper. I growled. We took it back and I cleaned, skinned and chopped it up. It was a lot of work to make something like that easy to eat and I wished I had help, but that would come in time. {Willow Vestos} She was lying in bed holding Mama. It had been a long time since her and Daddy had gone hunting. The smell of something had woken her, but she wasnt sure what. She looked around and saw that Betty was awake. Betty was telling her to stay, her fur was up and eyes on Daddys bed. He was tossing and turning. She could smell the fear coming off him. What was he scared of? Was he having a bad dream? Then the thunder clapped, and Willow tucked into Mama. She hated thunderstorms. Did Daddy hate thunderstorms too? She had been here for a long time, but this was the first time she had seen Daddy like this. She wanted to go to him and give him a big hug to make the nightmare go away. It helped her when he did that. She got up and walked to the edge of the bed. Betty growled at her putting her back to Willow. It was like the big wolf was saying Not safe, stay. Willow trusted Betty and went back to Mama. The thunder clapped again and again. Willows ears were back, and her tail puffed up. She didnt like this. Daddy was scared, Mama was frozen and even Betty wouldnt leave her spot. Betty had told Willow that Daddy was not safe right now. He tossed and let out a muffled scream in his sleep. Willow started to cry not sure what else to do. She just wished Daddy would wake up so he could stop hurting. Something moved and started petting her head and she looked up to see Mama. Her eye was open, and she looked blankly out but blinked. Then there was a strange sound. It was like the bathroom noise Mama would make, but this time softer. It changed into a hum, and it made Willow feel better as she moved up to hug Mamas chest. Papa had healed Mama to the point where Mama now had one hand. The other arm was still a stump ending at the wrist and looked weird. The stump hugged Willow and she sighed. Mama was hugging her for the first time. It made her want to cry and as only Betty was looking, she let herself cry. Mamas hum got stronger, and words started to come out. Willow couldnt make them out but was just happy that Mama cared about her. The smell coming from Daddy changed and his thrashing slowed. Dry your eyes. Mama said weakly. It was like her voice wasnt working right. Maybe Daddy could heal that in the morning. My little bunny babe. Willow wasnt a bunny but didnt care. She was just happy Mama was here with her. Little bunny babe. Mamas scent told Willow that she was happy, and this made Willow very happy. Mama pulled her into a big hug and stroked her hair until she fell asleep. {Fastos Gon Vestos. Quick} We had been ordered to attack the third outpost of the demon army. This was going to be an easy win, but people would die. Keven was by my side, and I looked around at the other troops and smiled. Then the ground shook. My eyes went wide as I saw a mountain move. What we thought had been an outpost started to rise up. It was a behemoth pretending to be an outpost. Not sure how the demons had gotten it here or talked it into working with them, but I didnt care. It rose up, one hundred feet in the air. Like a huge turtle walking on six legs as larger than any building I had ever seen. Our seven Knights ran forward and started hacking at its legs and Richordous started using his knives to climb up the side of one leg. The monster didnt even see them It was like an ant attacking a cow. If Knights were like ants standing thirty-five feet tall, what was I to it at only six feet off the ground. Then it turned to look at us. Six eyes turned to focus on me. Bright glowing red with orange flecks making it look like the pits of all the hells there could ever be. Iffen I had my senses, I may have needed a change of pants, but my mind was too far gone just looking into the eyes of death itself. Then it leaned back and roared at us. I was blown back by its breath alone and that may have been the only thing that saved me as spikes of molten stone flew over my head. Some of my friends didnt make it, missing bits of arms, legs and even a head rolled past me. It was Matfa. He had been smiling just a moment ago and now his lifeless head just looked up at me. How could we win? Then I heard the sound of ballista''s twang. Maybe one could land a lucky shot. I looked over the lip of my hiding hole and saw them bounce off the shell. One flew towards me, and Keven pushed me hard to the side. I looked back to thank him and inwardly screamed. Keven. I called out. A ballista bolt had pinned him to the ground taking a large chunk of his chest. Heart gone, lungs gone, spine severed. Fatal thirty-two seconds. I said coldly, my training kicking in. Keven just looked at me and smiled. He was trying to say something, but I couldnt understand him. I looked around for others to heal. Davos was there and he was missing an arm. Missin arm. Blood loss in five minutes thirteen seconds. I put a hand on it and sealed everything off. Fixed, move on. Next to him was Godos. Missin lower half. Fatal, five seconds. Move on. It went on and on like this, heal who you can and keep moving. Another roar sounded and I had to see what was happening. The ground shook and I looked up to see Richordous dive into the side of the monster. He had used his Knight to carve into the side of the monster and had started working his way in. It wouldnt work, they couldnt take on something like this. It was all so hopeless. I started crying and I didnt know if Id ever stop. Then a sound came to me. It was a soft humming. The battlefield froze and I looked around at all my dead friends. Each one faded before my eyes. The humming got stronger, and I turned. I was no longer at Forge Rock; I was in a field. The bunny was there, and she was whole, sitting under a tree. Willow was sleeping at her side. The bunny patted her lap and I walked to her. Dry your eyes. Her soft voice seemed to chase the battle from my mind. It was just so beautiful. My little bunny babe. It was the song that the bunnies would sing to their children at night in the camps. I lay down, resting my head in her lap and she reached up stoking my face the way I had done to her so many times to let her know I was done. The pain would stop here. My heart slowed and I sighed fading into a better sleep. Chapter 3 Nice to meet you Clover Cottontail. Do not fear the storms or sun. Do not fear the winds that run. I will keep you safe and hold you tight. As long as you are in my wings tonight. Lullaby of the Black Wing Harpy. {Clover Cottontail} She was in a cabin somewhere. It was dark and a strange child was laying on her. The child had been crying and Clover couldnt help but feel bad for the little one. Something called to her from the deep shadows she had been hiding in, and she was suddenly in this strange room holding a child and singing the same lullaby her mother would sing to her when she was a kit. It made the child calm down and go to sleep. There were two others in the dark room. One sounded like a man who was having a bad nightmare, but that seemed to stop when she started singing. The other was some type of monster. It didnt seem hostel, so she just let it be for now. She moved her body and found she was missing one hand and both feet. Her ears still worked, but only one eye opened. What had happened to her? Last thing she remembered, she was, her head hurt, and her one remaining eye started to cry. It was something bad she didnt want to think about. Her own mind was fighting with her. The image of her sister chained up and crying. Horror and fear was all over her face. Clover started shaking as she cried. She didnt hurt, but this was the memory of some great pain she had suffered. She just lay there until the sun brought light to the room. She gasped as she saw the head of a huge dire wolf using the foot of the bed as a pillow. It had long black fur and looked over at her and nodded. Clover just nodded back worried. The child in her arms yawned and hugged her tightly. Mama, too early. The child said in a sleepy voice. Clover looked at the child and saw dog like ears, long black hair and a broom like tail. That tail started to sway as the child woke slowly. Mama is awake? She said looking into Clovers eyes. Can you sing again? It was pretty. Clover wasnt sure why this made her smile and warmed her heart. This wasnt her child, but somehow it felt like this dog girl was closer than Clover thought. Clover started petting the dog girl''s hair and her tail wagged more. Where am I? Clover whispered. She hoped the man wouldnt wake up. She didnt trust men at the moment. You are here with Daddy. The dog whispered back. Now that the room had gotten slightly brighter, she could see the size of the ears and how bushy the tail was. Large yellow slightly glowing eyes looked up at Clover. This one was a wolf not a dog. Who is Daddy? Clover asked, her heart beating faster. Clovers mother had warned her about wolves and how they could easily hurt bunnies. The little wolf girl pushed up and pointed at the other bed where the man was sleeping. There is Daddy. He is sleeping and we shouldnt wake him. Her bright yellow eyes shined back at Clover. Does Daddy get mad when he is woken? The wolf shook her head and smiled. My old Daddy did, but my new Daddy is nice. He had nightmares and he needs to be happy now. How long have you been here? Clover asked slightly worried. A long time. That seemed useless. Clover said inwardly frowning. Has winter come and gone? No. It gets hot now, but not too bad. So, it had to be summer maybe even late summer. How did I get here? Daddy carried you here. You were hurt, the wolf said with a frown. How was I hurt? Clover started to get worried. The wolf shook her head and looked sad. No know. Someone took your arms and legs and ear, but Daddy grew you new ones. Clover inwardly shook. If she was that badly hurt, why was she not killed? Have I been here a long time? Yep, you came here with me. So why didnt Clover remember anything? Have I been sleeping? The wolf smiled at her. No, you were sad. Daddy said you got really sad when someone hurt you. Clover had heard about that happening to some of the slaves. What had brought her out of it? She remembered the wolf girl crying. Was that it? What is your name little one? Clover asked sweetly. This made the wolf smile and lean in close. Im Willow. Daddy gave me my name. Do you like it? She looked up with a slightly sad and worried look in her eyes. It made Clover smile, and she kissed the young girl''s forehead making her give out a whispered yep and hug Clover hard. I think Willow is a beautiful name. Does Daddy do anything mean to you or me? She wasnt done interrogating Willow. She wrinkled her nose and frowned. He does have me eat Mama Meals. They dont taste good. Were they made from the bodies of women he chopped up? Her heart began to beat faster. What is in the Mama Meals? She asked worried about what she would soon learn. Veg ables, old dry dear, dry meat, dry old cheese and other things. He said they are good, but they arent. Can you cook, Mama? So, they didnt sound like something bad. Just sounded like poor winter rations. Clover sniffed and realized that the house didnt smell. He liked to keep things clean. Who was this man? Willow, Mama is going to play a game with Daddy. Can you play with me? This made Willow smile and hug her. I am going to pretend to be sad like I was before. Can you play along? Can you sing for me again if I do? Clover smiled and kissed her head. The man grunted and rolled over. Clover froze, her heart beating so fast. Willow got up and ran to the huge dire wolf who had been watching them. Why was the child acting so friendly with the huge animal? The man rolled over and rubbed his eyes, his feet hanging off the side of the bed. He looked over at Clover and Willow and smiled. Mornin Darlin. Did you sleep well? He had a low deep voice and spoke with a Vosran accent. Willow ran over to him and gave him a huge hug as he picked her up and kissed her cheek. He was being so nice despite the fact that he was a human. No wonder the little wolf girl called him Daddy. I did, Im happy your nightmare went away. She said boldly. Me too. Did you try to wake me? he said a frown on his face. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. No, Betty said it wasnt safe. This made the man smile. That is good. Iffen Daddy is having a nightmare, dont come close. Her collar glowed and Clover noticed that the little one was his slave. Why did he treat her like that then? What do you want for breakfast? Eggs and milk. she said smiling. I still have some goats milk, but Id have to check to see if we have any new eggs. Wait here. He said putting on boots. Why didnt he send his slave out to fetch the eggs? Willow came back over to look at Clover. Am I playing right Mama? She asked beaming at Clover. You are, but we need to keep this game going for a little longer. Willow kissed her cheek and jumped down, that broom like tail wagging with joy. The dire wolf stood and walked to the door. Willow got up and skipped to it patting the huge wolf on its back. Betty says she needs to go to the bathroom. Willow said opening the door. Now that the issue had been brought up, Clover had to pee too. How did she do it before? Should she just wet the bed or wait for something to happen. The man returned and smiled at the girl and wolf. You two play outside. I need to help Mama. He said happily. Once the door was closed again, his face fell into a sad frown. Eyebrows furrowed he walked to Clover. Sorry I almost forgot you, Darlin." He helped her sit up and moved something out from under the bed. Clover noticed that she was only dressed in one of his huge shirts. He moved her onto a stool that had a hole cut in it and moved the shirt aside exposing her to the room. The way he did it implied that this was a common action. Clover tried not to give it away and inwardly wept as she let go. The sound if it splashing into a bucket could be heard and she risked a look up to see him looking out the window, a slight blush on his face. He had a neatly kept blonde beard and long blonde hair. Deep blue eyes looked out the window not focusing on her as she did her duty. Once she was done, he pulled out a rag and cleaned her up before she could even protest. Much to her embarrassment and joy the rag was warm and damp. He didnt waste a movement or linger, just cleaned her and put her back in bed. He shifted the pillows and blankets, so Clover was sitting up and looking out the window before taking the bucket outside. She could see Willow and the wolf playing. He came back and started cooking. Halfway through, Clover could hear him start to hum. It was the bunnys lullaby. How did he know that? His low gruff voice seemed to fill the room. Dry your eyes my little bunny babe. Clover just watched his back as he sung and swayed working over the stove. He looked normal for a human. Large body that seemed to be carved out of stone, big hands that moved smoothly over the tools. The smell was okay, but he was no cook. Soon he had three plates and set them down on a table he had hidden in the wall. Two stools were brought out and he leaned out calling to the girl. Come and get it. Coming Daddy. She replied and Clover could hear the joy even at this range. Clover had to pretend to look out the window to avoid suspicion. Come on now, you know Betty stays outside when we eat, or shell be goin after my plate. He said with that huge belly laugh. Willow sat and started drinking the milk. You need me to cut it up again? He was just so fatherly to the young girl. No, I got it. Willow said beaming. You make a mess, and I will be mad. Somehow Clover knew he was joking, and this was an every morning thing between them. The huge man walked over to her bed and sat on the stool that Clover had just used. Setting a plate on the bed, he cut the eggs into small chunks and scooped them onto a crude wooden spoon. You ready for breakfast, Darlin? He asked. Should Clover open her mouth? He reached up and tugged lightly at her chin, scooping the eggs in. They were small enough she could just swallow, and she did that. They were mostly tasteless needing seasoning, but it was food. Humming the lullaby, he fed her. Did he do this every morning? Once she was done, he lightly touched her cheek with the back of his hand and smiled. Good Darlin, stay with us. Why was he acting this way? He returned and ate his own food. Now Willow, today is a Mama day so you have to play outside for a little. You understand? Willow nodded and looked over at Clover, worry clear on her face. What did that mean? What was a Mama day? Fear ran through Clover as she sat there. When everything was clean, he let the girl out and walked to Clover. He pulled out the cleaned bucket and set it on the side of the bed. Sorry Darlin. We only have three of these left to go. Why did he seem sad? He brought out a huge knife and her heart fluttered. Was he going to hurt her? He pulled her arm that ended in a stump and brought the knife up. Clover couldnt help herself and pulled back shaking and crying. The knife clanged on the floor as she hid behind her hand and stump. I didnt mean to scare you. Forgive me. She peeked out and looked at the big man who sat there watching her, a sad look in his eyes. Itssss o, she gulped, Okay. How long have you been awake? He asked his voice wavering. L l la lassssst, last, ummm night. she was just so scared, and he was just so big. Would he be mad? "Was it you I heard last night?" He looked up at her with those deep blue eyes. Her heart wouldn''t stop thumping against her chest. She just nodded and tried to crawl away from him. "Thank you, Darlin, I was in a bad place, and you brought me out of it." Why was he being so nice to her? Humans don''t act like this. "Can I ask your name?" She stopped once she was sure he wouldn''t come after her. "Clo," she swallowed again, "Clover cot, ummm, Cottontail." her voice was just so small. "It''s nice to meet you Clover Cottontail. My name is Fastos Von Vastos, but all my friends called me Quick." He still sat there just watching her. "Can I get you anythin?" She just shook her head. "It may hurt, but do you want me to give you your other hand back?" Was he a healer? That would explain why Willow had said Colver was missing limbs. She wasn''t sure, but having both hands would be nice even if it hurt. She took a deep breath and nodded holding out the stump. With a nod, he fetched the wooden spoon from breakfast. "Umm, I ummm can''t pay," she said, looking at the ground. "Never asked you to. This is helping me." He said with a sad smile. "You ever seen a limb regrown?" she shook her head slightly scared. "I have to cut the stump away so I can grow on a clean wound to work on. that will hurt, but not as much as the hand itself. When the nerves hit air, they burn like all the hells and you may pass out." She just nodded looking up at him. Holding the handle of the spoon to her mouth, she took it biting into the wood. "Good, this will help with the pain. I will try to go as quick as I can." He moved the stump to the bucket now on her lap and wiped the knife clean before shielding her with his large body. "Best you don''t see this part. Now this is cruel, but I order you to hold still." Her collar glowed and she froze. "I''m going to start." White pain shot from her stump as he carved into her then that pain became a deep burning itch. She could see a green light filling the room, but all she could do is cry and bite down on the spoon. "Good Darlin, pass out if you need to. I have the bones in place now. This part will hurt." She screamed around the spoon as the pain rocketed up her arm and filled her mind. Suddenly she was lying flat on a table while her old master laughed and cursed at her sister. Lily was chained to a wall and wept. Clover felt a hand brush her cheek and opened her eyes to see Quick standing there. She looked down at her hand as he wiped the blood from around the wrist. She tried to move it and the fingers twitched. It was hard to control, but it was back. He took the spoon after brushing her cheek again. "Good Darlin, you held up nicely." Why had he brushed her cheek like that? It felt nice, but he didn''t have to be nice to her. "Thank, ummm, thank you." She whispered, her voice low and horse from screaming. "I''ll get you some water Darlin." He said with a sad smile. she looked at the new hand and moved it slowly. "Your brain will get used to it as you go along. That will take about a week or two and the pain should fade in a year." He spoke with the authority of someone who had done this many times before. Who was he? He held the water to her lips and tilted it slowly. She reached up and grabbed the tin cup. "Sorry Darlin, had forgotten you could do it now." Why did he have a sheepish expression on his face? She sipped the cup and he moved to the other bed, laying down. "Healin like that and that quickly takes a bit out of me. I need a while before I can move proper." He took off his boots and made sure they were by his side and in line with the edge of the bed. Was he in the army? She had known men who acted like that even after being out for years. "What," she took a breath, "Are Mama Meals?" she asked. This made him laugh hard as he lay there. She liked the sound but wasn''t sure about him. They talked for a while, and she liked the way he talked openly to her like she was an equal. He was her master, but for some reason, he treated her like a friend. Around noon there was a knock on the door, and he opened it to see Willow who bolted in and tackled Clover. This made both the human and bunny laugh and Willow joined in. "Sorry Darlin, didn''t mean to leave you out." He said ruffling the wolf girl''s hair. "What do you want for lunch?" "I want to try the spicy cheese, Mama Meal. Clover said calmly." Willow wrinkled her nose and frowned. "That is spicy. Not good." He stomped down to the basement and Clover looked at Willow. "Your Daddy is a good man." Clover combed the girl''s hair using the fingers on her new hand. It still wasn''t working right, but he said it would get easier the more she used it. "Told you so. You should meet Betty, but Betty can''t be in the house when Daddy is cooking." Chapter 4. In the words of Courage, “The things I do for love.” Meow meow hold me tight. Meow meow safe inside. Meow meow you are loved tonight. You are safe in here, by my side. You are loved tonight. Lullaby of the Common Cat Beast- Folk. {Fastos Gon Vestos. Quick} It was a huge shock to me that Clover was awake. She turned out to be a lovely woman like most of the bunny folk I knew. There were a few in the war, but most were timid and agreeable, and she was an outstanding example of her people. That and she had a cute laugh. The next few days we got to know each other, and I was able to heal her feet and she was starting to learn to walk again. This did make things a bit more awkward between us when I had to help her clean up or use the bathroom. She still needed help until she got stronger. Little bunny was a fighter and worked her tiny ass off every day. Now that she was healed, I spent more time working on the farm and started working on an expansion to the cabin. The girls needed their own room. That and I bet Betty wanted her bed back. I should have it done by the end of fall if not sooner. Willow had the idea of having Betty drag the logs I cut and that made things easier. It was the start of fall and I had just brought one log back to the house and Clover was standing by the door looking out at me. Why did she bite her lip? Was she okay? Maybe she felt awkward by the fact that I took off my shirt. It was still slightly hot, and I didnt want to stain it. You okay, Darlin? I put the log down and walked up to her wiping my brow with a bit of cloth I had in my back pocket. She just looked up and down at me slowly. Was she going to faint? Darlin? I asked her. She shook and her eyes jumped up to mine, a slight blush on her face. You feelin okay? I was getting worried. Ya, ya, yes. She said shaking lightly. We need to, ummm talk? She had raised up the last word making it sound like a question. Let me put a shirt on and wash up and we can talk all you like. I said with a well-meaning smile. Her eyes dipped down my body and she quickly turned to go inside. Poor lass had only been walking for a few weeks. Walking in, clean and feeling a bit fresher, I turned to see her sitting on the bed, she was still wearing one of my shirts as a gown. Lets have it out. What do you need? I said sitting on a stool. Her face still looked red, and she looked at the ground. I umm know its not my place, Her voice was so soft I struggled to hear her. We need clothes. I could ummm, turn some of your shirts into something, but it may ummm be rude? I leaned back and laughed hard making her jump. If that is what you need, why dont I run into town and get you some cloth. I would get you clothes, but I may get the wrong size. I said frowning at the last part. Womens clothes were not easy to tell at a glance. Could you also get supplies we need? She said hiding behind her fingers. It was like she wanted to pull down her ears, but her hands werent working fully yet. Make me a list and Ill do what you need. It will take a month and a half to make the walk though. Will you both be safe that long? Can you, ummm read? Why did she look embarrassed as she asked? Yes maam. I said with pride. She nodded and looked out the window smiling. Two days later, I had my sled packed up with furs and extra things. Willow was hugging me hard. Now Willow, you follow any orders Mama gives you, got me? Her collar glowed and she nodded giving me a kiss on the cheek. Betty keep them safe. I said to the dire wolf. She nodded and jumped up licking my other cheek. I growled as I wiped my face. Then I turned to Clover who had a red face. Maybe she was pushing herself too hard. You stay safe Darlin. I said ducking my head. She bowed to me and nearly fell. I caught her and she looked up at me turning even more red almost reaching the tips of her ears. Did I need to help her back to bed? Come back to us, please. She said looking at the ground. Will do Darlin. I said touching her cheek like I did anytime I worked on her. Three weeks later I was in town selling furs and some medical herbs I found along the path. It was a nice trip and I only dealt with a pack of goblins who ran away when I took the leaders eyes. I did have to put the poor lad out if his suffering, but it was mostly a safe trip. The leather shop trying to swindle me did sour my mood. I may have to heal some to make up the loss. I ended up replacing two of his missing fingers to get a fair price. Pass that I loaded up on spices and sugar that Clover had asked for before heading to the tailor shop. Now I was dealing with a stern older woman who crowed about the quality of her cloth. My bolts are clearly worth seven silver each. She said tilting her nose up at me. Seven silver? You know it aint worth five coppers. I turned to leave hoping to find someone honest. I could go as low as one sliver a bolt and not a copper less. I stopped and turned to her with a smile. And iffen I take away those wrinkles, how much then? She looked at me stunned. You can do that? Iffen I can? She was an older woman and had crow''s feet and a few wrinkles gathered around her face and hands. She looked at me closely and frowned before leaning into whisper. Fifteen copper, but not unless Im happy. I smiled and soon left with a much younger looking tailor and a few bolts of fabric under a tarp made of a fur I didnt want to sell. I made a few more stops and made my way back home, a slight smile on my face. Hopefully I picked out some good things for the women. {Clover Cottontail} She had been waiting for him. This place was safe but didnt feel right without him here. He was just so big that it made her feel safe. They had been alone for the past month and a half, and he should be home soon. That big brute of a dog liked to steal Clovers cane every time she put it down and tried to walk without it. This made Willow laugh and despite how much Clover disliked it, it made her laugh too. She had taken to swiping at the wolf whenever it ran by. She swore the wolf smiled every time she missed. Clover had taken to caring for the crops and checking them daily. She was walking through them now looking over a fresh batch of tomatoes that had come in. In just a few more days, they should be ready to pick. Betty barked and Willow called out running past the farm on Bettys back. Daddys home. She called out, joy filling Clovers heart. He was back and the day suddenly felt brighter. She would never say it, but she missed him on a deep level. Most of all she missed the way he stroked her cheek. He waved at them, calling out. She used the cane and walked up to him, leaning on it slightly. Her legs werent strong enough yet and still hurt at times. Daddy, youre home, Willow said, jumping off Betty and into his huge arms. She kissed his cheek and he chuckled. Clover had missed that laugh and wondered if he would laugh if she did that. She had to shake her head as she walked up to him. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Im happy to see you too, Darlin, he said, giving Willow a big hug. Clover took a deep breath and swallowed a lump in her throat. Do I, ummm get a, She was losing her nerve, and her voice was so soft. Hug too? She nearly passed out, her was heart beating so fast. He laughed and pulled her into a hug with Willow and him. He needed to clean up, but still this felt so nice. She reached as far as she could around his huge frame and inwardly hummed. Then she realized what she was doing and quickly jumped back blushing madly. You okay Darlin? He said raising his hand and a light green glow fell over her. You seem fine. She just looked at the ground and nodded. He smiled and pulled the sled to the cabin as Willow ride on his shoulder and Betty ran around yipping. It looked like all three were happy to have him home. He stood proudly and pulled back the fur over the bundle. Willow and Betty didnt look impressed, but clover was very happy. Spices, bolts of cloth and a strange bundle wrapped in burlap. He grabbed the bundle and opened it slowly. Willow, I got somethin for you, he said, pulling out a cloth doll of a little human girl. Willow took it and smiled hugging it close. Clover, can you add ears and a tail to it? Clover just nodded and kept blushing. Why was he being so nice to them? It made her want to cry, kiss him, or both. I have somethin for you too. He said looking down at Clover. He pulled in a large white hat. You may need to cut holes for the ears, but this should keep the sun off your face. She reached up and took it. It was made of a stiff starched cloth and had a blue ribbon around the brim giving it a slight tail. Inside was soft fabric and could easily be warn. He always seemed to be thinking of them. I also have a bottle of red wine for the cold nights. He held up a bottle and Willow wrinkled her nose. No angry juice. Her ears were down and lay back as her tail stiffened. No Darlin, this is not angry juice. This is for adults like angry juice, but it will just turn my face slightly red and make me laugh. It should do the same for your Mama. He looked over at Clover uncertain. Im ummm, a happy drunk, she said, her voice low as she blushed madly. Could she trust herself or him if she drank that? She leaned down and touched the fabric to distract herself. The fabric was common, but there was enough for her to make several outfits for her and Willow. She would need to spend time working on them. One bolt stood out and it was a soft white. It was a fine linen, almost silk like. This is, ummm nice? she said pinching the fabric and running her other hand under it. I thought you and this little one could use some night clothes. He said scratching his chin and blushing slightly. Was he hoping she would make something risqu for her to wear? Her face went beet red all the way to her ears. For now, she would have to make something modest. She might be able to use this fabric to make some underwear for the two of them. Why did the thought of standing in front of him dressed only in that come to her mind? She never acted like this before. {Fastos Gon Vestos. Quick} The weeks passed and fall turned into winter. I had added a room onto the house and Willow and Betty took it over. Clover asked to stay in the same room as me and I made sure the wolf and wolf girl had their own bed. On my bad nights, I would sometimes wake to hear Clover singing to me. It made those nights a lot easier. The spices I bought made Mama Meals a lot better too. No clue why I never added spices before, maybe my time in the army numbed me and made it to where food was just food. Get it down, get it in and keep moving. I didnt tell them about that time and never would. It was something that needed to stay in the past. Willow was now going out with me every day to hunt and had a thick coat of furs to match mine. The wildlife in the area was easier to track in the snow and the sled moved better. Clover asked to stay inside and worked hard to make blankets and clothes for all three of us. She liked to keep busy and loved to see us trying on the new clothes. I had a large number of hides curing in a small smoke house I had made along with some of the meat I was turning into jerky. Willow and Betty loved the jerky, and I often found the wolf girl sneaking in to steal some of the hanging meat. I would half heartily scold her. She would cheat and hug me, tears in her eyes. I was a push over for that little girl. We were out hunting, and Willow looked up, her ears were up and twisting this way and that. No game, storm coming. We were a ways away from the house and would need to make our way back soon. I know Darlin. We should call it. Suddenly I stopped as my life skill triggered. Stop. Hide. I growled as I looked around. Something was coming and it was big. The ground shook and I looked over to see Willow and Betty dig into the snow. I scooped it over them and rolled around in it, letting it stick to my furs before laying around a tree. If I was lucky, I would just look like a bush. It came closer and I saw a huge giant elk stomp around the forest. Each leg was the size of a redwood, and it towered above us. Thank all the gods that it was an elk. Tree like antlers branched up and each point turned into a tree. It was like the animal was part tree. I looked up to see black eyes looking around. It had to be close to fifty feet tall and just slowly moved through the area. If we didnt do anything we should be safe. I watched it pass and moved to Willow. She was shaking and cold. I pumped magic into her and opened my coat hugging her close. We got lucky, we got so lucky. She clawed at my chest and started crying. I know Darlin, that was scary. You did a good job though. You did right and you are here with me. Betty dug her way out and shook off the snow. She whimpered and put her nose to my chest where Willow was. She will be okay, just a bit scared. The wolf nodded and I took them both back home. Clover ran to me and took Willow who was still shaking and crying. What happened? Elk Lord came through the area. He was a big feller too. She took Willow to Clovers bed and just held her rocking slightly. My poor darling, you must have been so scared. Willows sobs slowed as she clung to clover. Daddy couldnt bury himself. she sobbed. I sat on the bed next to Clover and reached out wrapping both in a hug. I almost pulled away as Clover stiffened but leaned into me quickly. I rocked with them and started humming the bunny lullaby. Clover joined in and started singing and I joined her. Dry your eyes my little bunny babe. we sung together. Dry your eyes my little bunny babe. Clover rested her head on my shoulder and Willow closed her eyes. Betty jumped on the bed and lay behind me making this a big family hug. Cant you see that I am here, theres nothing for you to fear. So, dry your eyes my little bunny babe. I couldnt help myself and leaned over and kissed the top of Willows head and turned to Clover. Willow had fallen asleep in her arms, and I smiled as I looked into Clovers eyes. Without warning, she leaned forward and kissed me softly. I gave her a squeeze around the middle and she sighed as she went back to singing. After a long while, she stood, putting Willow against Betty, pulling a blanket over the sleeping girl. She had become the young girls mother. It warmed my heart and soul. I will sleep in her room tonight. Clover said. I can sleep in there; you take my bed. I whispered back getting to my feet. Clover bit her lip, looked at the ground, and nodded. I kissed the top of her head softly and removed my boots. I made sure the fire was going and would last the night before heading to bed. Chapter 5 A night of lullabies and wine. You are strong and you are brave. The lightning should be afraid. So, dry your tears and close your eyes. You are the love this world will need. Lullaby of the Boar Beast-Folk {Fastos Gon Vestos Quick} The next few days we stayed inside as a large snowstorm rolled through. The only time we went outside was to use the restroom or for me to fetch firewood. Clover was keeping her distance and I wondered if she was embarrassed by the kiss she stole. Willow didn''t want to go outside and any time she did, she would look around everywhere. Maybe that elk lord scared the poor girl too much. I would have to do something tonight to help her but didn''t know what would work. I asked Clover to make something nice for us tonight and I put the bottle of wine outside in the snow. It shouldn''t freeze. With a light hum, I stocked the cabin and made sure the frozen crops were brought into thaw. Past that I didn''t have anything to do but wait. Waiting was always hard for me. I sat by the fire and pulled out a stick and a long knife. If I aimed the knife just right, I could fling the shavings into the fire. Clover moved a stool over and sat by my side. Maybe she was just cold, the poor girl was still just skin and bones. She pulled a shawl around herself as she moved closer, I put down the stick and knife so I wouldn''t risk hurting her. Willow was playing in her room with Betty. the girl would use a knotted rope to tug with the much larger wolf. They would go like this for hours until both would fall asleep on the bed. I''d give it another five minutes until they would be sleeping again. I was fairly sure Betty wasn''t napping but liked being close to the girl. It was like she was her pack mate. "Can I, ummm, ask," Clover said moving slightly closer. She must be really cold given how red her face was. "How did you, ummm meet Betty?" I leaned back and smiled. "A few years ago, I was attacked by her mother. I won and tracked her back to her den for the pelt. Inside the den was a small pup. It wouldn''t have been right to end it or leave it there. The only reason she didn''t have a mother was because of me. Only right thing to do was to take her home and make her a part of my family." Something brushed against me, and I looked down to see Clover pressed against my side. She was looking into the fire and those long ears fell across my back. With a sigh, I moved and pulled her into a hug. Iffen she was cold, body heat was the best answer. She squeaked and weakly struggled, but stopped the moment I lifted my arm. I could hear soft snoring coming from Willow''s room and knew that the girl was out. She would be up in about an hour so until then, we had the house to ourselves. Suddenly I realized how close we were and started blushing. Why was I blushing? I had women in the past, but this felt more real somehow. Like there was something building between us. I was no idiot, but I felt like a fool now. "Clover?" Why did my voice come out so high and wavey. It was like I was a lad again wanting to sneak off to the barn. I cleared my throat and looked down into that huge red eye. "Yes, Quick." My heart skipped a beat. That was the first time she called me that. "I have feelins for you." I said dropping it out there like a log in a frozen lake. No taking that back now. She just kept looking up at me, that huge eye watering. Had I hurt her feelings or jumped too soon? Fastos you may have put your clopper in your mouth now. I wished she would say something or do something, just sitting there frozen was killing me. Instead of saying something, she stood quickly and kissed my lips wrapping those thin arms around my neck in a hug. My big clumsy hands wrapped around her middle, and I just held her enjoying the quick chased kiss. She pulled back looking into my eyes and blushed madly. "Does this mean you feel the same?" I asked, worry filling my foolish heart. She laughed and something inside me broke. Was she making fun of me? Instead of answering, she nodded and kissed me softly again. I didn''t let her go this time. It may be wrong, but I loved this woman and wanted to show her that. I expected her to slap me or try to pull away. She pressed into me and hummed into my lips deepening the kiss between us. Did this mean she liked me back? I broke the kiss and leaned up kissing her softly on the forehead. This was rewarded by the cutest giggle. I felt like running around the cabin, pulling her into the bed and half a dozen other things. "Am I right in thinkin you have feelins for me too?" What was wrong with me? She just nodded and tucked her head under my chin and held me tightly. I pulled her onto my lap and just held her happy as a boar man in a watering hole. A few hours later the stew was done, and we started the party. I didn''t want to break our embrace, but Willow had woken, and the stew needed to be portioned out. We ate and talked around the table about what we liked about each other, but I couldn''t meet Clover''s eye and her voice seemed softer than normal. It was like we were kids caught kissing in the temple. Willow just looked between us and smiled. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. "Daddy, smells like love." I coughed and had to try not to fall out of my chair. Then she turned to clover with an evil smile. "Mama smells like love too." Then the little hellyen burst into laughter and nearly fell out of her own chair. We soon joined in, and it ended in a nice hug and more than a bit of blushing from Clover and I. Somehow, I had found my family. I didn''t know how it had happened, but right here and now, I didn''t remember the war, my friends, the years. Here and now all I wanted was to keep these two close and safe. When the table was clear I put out a blanket in front of the fire and lay down. Clover lay on my other side making a basket with our bodies. Willow didn''t need to be told what was going on and climbed between us. Betty took her place at our back, laying her head on my leg. The wolf was just too damn big. "Mama, can you sing for me?" Willow asked. The little one was always asking her or me to sing to her. "Dry your eyes," "That''s a bunny song. Do you know a wolf one?" She asked interrupting Clover. "Sorry, little one but I only know the bunny lullaby." Clover said sadly. I smiled and let out a long low soft howl. The two women and wolf turned to me. I did it again and started. "The wind may howl; the moon will sing. The storms will rage and fires burn." I let out another low howl. It was a mostly sad sweet-sounding song. "The pack will keep you safe and hold you tight. Because you''re a wolf in every way. Yes, you''re a wolf in every way." Both women just lay there looking at me, tears flowing down their faces. Had I done something wrong? "How do you know that song, Daddy?" Willow asked. "Your Daddy, was around a lot of beast people and heard them singin to their little ones." "That was beautiful. Do you know any others?" Clover asked. I stood, upsetting Betty and walked to a shelf where I kept some of my things and pulled out an old badly stained book. A few flecks of blood were on the cover and lightly stained some of the pages. The war came back, and I stood there for a long while. I could almost hear the screams and see the faces. Keven came to my mind, his mouth moving, but nothing coming out. Something tapped my leg, and I looked down to see Willow looking up at me. That large cute lower lip quivered. I Smiled and picked her up into a huge hug. Opening the book, I showed it to her. "I would write them down every time I heard one so I would have them later." "Can you read me some?" She asked chasing the memory of Keven from my mind. I flipped to a page and lay back down, still holding her. "This one is a lullaby from the common cat folk." I said clearing my throat. It went on and on like this for a while. Willow started to get tired and asked me to sing her the wolf one again. I did so and didn''t stop until she was fast asleep. I lifted the little one, Gods she was just so small, and Clover and I tucked her into bed. Betty joined her and would keep her warm through the night, that wolf loved her. I shut the door and turned to Clover. The awkwardness between us came slamming back. She turned to her bed and back to me. I stomped outside and grabbed the now ice-cold bottle, bringing it in. Clover had changed and was now wearing a pure white nightgown. It had thin stapps and should be cold with how sheer it was, but I couldn''t think of that. My mind was just lost in how beautiful she was. She had taken to wear her hair over her missing eye and somehow this made it look like I was peeking into a hidden secret when I looked into that red eye. Swallowing hard, I walked to the shelfs and pulled out two cups. She put her shawl back on and walked over to me, putting a slender hand on my shoulder. Soon two cups were filled with the red liquid, and I took her cup holding it out taking her hands making sure she didn''t spill it. She took it and moved to my bed. Wasn''t sure where this was going, but I had hopes. I took my own glass and joined her. We didn''t talk, just sat there. Clover tilted her cup up, draining it quickly and looked up at me. "Finish yours." She commanded. I didn''t have to be told twice. I took her cup and put it on the shelf near the bed, then took my boots off. She just sat there watching me closely. "Darlin, not goin to tell you do anythin." She nodded at me; her one eye huge. I took off my shirt and looked over at her. Why was she biting her lip? I could feel the wine hitting me and knew it would knock her over. She stood and nearly fell down. I caught her and held her for a moment. She shook her head, slapping me with those long ears a healthy flush on her face. All I could do was laugh lightly. She pulled back and pushed me on the bed. I slid back and rolled under the covers. I looked up her with hope in my eyes as I held them up for her. She looked between her bed and me before nodding and biting her finger with a slight smile. I held my breath as she crawled into my bed and my arms. She looked up into my eyes as she leaned forward to kiss me softly before rolling over facing away from me. Without saying a word, she brought my hand up to stroke her cheek before kissing the back and pulling it down to her stomach. We wouldn''t be making love tonight, but I was more than okay with that. I just held my little bunny woman and rubbed that slender stomach. She smelled so nice and something about having her this close helped me drift off to sleep. The next morning was a bit awkward, but still nice. Willow woke us and Clover leapt from my arms and ran to hide behind the sheet that I had put up between our beds. "Mama is happy." she said to me as I blushed in my bed. "Darlin, give us a minute to get ready iffen you please." I said trying not to jump up myself. The little wolf girl nodded at me and turned, her long broom like tail wagging happily. I saw the huge wolf looking around the edge of the door and I swear that puppy winked at me. I got dressed and got my day started. Chapter 6 Shadows of the past. Sleep little one. You are my life, love and pride. Don''t fear the night, storms or things that creep. You are safe and sound so sleep tonight. My little brave one. Lullaby of the orc folk. {Midna the former assassin Shadow} Her Mistress''s master had given her a quest and offered the sweetest pay out if she did this one job. She didn''t even have to kill someone, all she had to do was track down a bunny who may be her Mistress''s sister. She had to stop drooling over the idea of the coming reward. She had made a copy of the bracelet Alex used long ago, having extra mana like that at hand was just too useful and it helped her move over long distances. Stop one, see her Mistress, get an idea about the tracks. "Mistress, I have to go away for a while." she said to the small bunny woman. long white hair, cute red eyes and soft pale skin. Midna had stolen one kiss and wanted so much more. Focus Midna, she inwardly scolded herself. "Okay, is there anything I can help you with?" Mistress asked. Midna felt so lucky and loved. She had found a family that cared about her and not just saw her as a tool. "Can I get a hug before I go" Midna asked. She needed this for the tracks but could have used anything that Mistress owned. The small bunny pressed into her, and Midna delighted in the feeling. She pulled away and quickly slid into the nearest shadow. She needed to get this over with quickly so she could come back to that cute bunny. She was soon standing in her shack going through her things. Standing in front of a mirror she looked at her traveling outfit. Looking back was a tall thin dark-skinned woman with green eyes, triangular cat like ears and a long cat like tail. Her short hair was tight to her head framing her face. She had put on a long bright green dress that matched her slit eyes. Now that she was allowed to be a woman, she delighted in wearing dresses and looking as cute as she could. She had short, heeled boots and used a black belt to tie the outfit together. Grabbing her travel pack, she triggered her tracking skill and looked around. to the south was a thin white thread. She took a deep breath and jumped into the shadow under her bed. Moving through shadows took skill and there was always a risk that something may follow her through. She knew how to avoid those things now and for her it was mostly safe. She had been trained from a young age to move through them, use them, and even kill from the shadows. It was the reason her name was Shadow. That all changed when she lost a game of Kings to Alex and became a slave. That was the best day of her life. Hours later she was in a small town having lunch. Alex had demanded that all of his friends and family eat three times a day and she was bound to those orders. It felt strange having someone who cared that much about her. He had even demanded she do everything she could to stay safe and return home. She wasn''t sure how she felt about him, but feeling like someone cared made her smile. She had to wait for her mana to recharge and having lunch seemed like a way to kill two birds with one thread. She took a sip of the dirty water they called tea and looked around the town. It was poor and the people were rude, disrespectful and treated her like an animal. She had spent too much time in Happy Valley and forgotten how the rest of the world was. Paying the bill, she went to a shop and bought a cloak. It would suck to cover up this lovely dress, but hiding her animal side would draw less attention. The shop was nice and had a cute pair of boots that she slid into her pack. once she paid for them, she looked for the thread and jumped into the shadow in the shop. It made her laugh thinking of the look on the shop keeper''s face watching the cat woman vanish in front of her. Three stops later, she had to rest in an inn. Three days later, she was in the Hentergolt mansion looking for one of the bunnies. She found one sitting sadly in a room stitching a blanket. This woman looked a lot like the Mistress but was older and looked worried. "Good evening." Midna said walking out of the closet and into the room. The bunny nearly fainted and looked worried as she grabbed at her small chest. Those red eyes were so huge. "Don''t worry, I won''t hurt you." Midna said brightly. "What do you want?" the bunny asked, the smell of fear filling the room. She was dressed in a maid outfit and tried to back away. "I just want information. Contract magic. For the time of our meeting, you will be unable to lie, in exchange I will not hurt you or anyone here and I will offer you something nice. Agree?" "I aaaa agree." The bunny stammered. Midna knelt to look the bunny in the eye and smiled sweetly. "Good, I was sent to track a bunny who was hurt badly." Her words made the poor bunny whimper and Midna wanted to hug her, but that wouldn''t be right at this time. Her time as Midna had changed her on a deep level. It made her feel more like a person. "I take it, I have to be more specific." Midna said with a sigh. "I am looking for one who is missing all her limbs, one eye and one ear. Do you know this bunny?" The little bunny woman started crying and nodded. "My mmmmmmaster, umm did that." she started crying openly, Midna couldn''t help herself and wrapped her arms around the small woman. The bunny jumped at first, but just sat there sobbing. "There, there, it will be okay. What is your name?" She asked, pulling away to look into the bunny''s red eyes. they looked so much like her mistress''s. The bunny wiped the tears way and swallowed. "Gardenia." Midna patted her head and smiled. "Well Gardena, wait here and I will be right back." Midna said breaking the hug and jumped into the dark closet. Lords like this always hid their coins in the same spot. It was too easy, and soon she was standing in an armored room looking around at a small stack of coins, gems, monster cores and other shiny things. the way they sparkled in night the made her tail wave in delight. She had to focus though. On one wall were pegs and wooden plate above each control coin. She found the one with the bunny''s name and pulled it free. Soon she was back in the room and saw the bunny hiding under the covers crying. "Stand up please." Midna said with a smile. Gardenia did so, her collar glowing. "Good, come with me." She pulled the bunny into the closet and was soon standing in a dark room in a bad part of town. She knew the people here and knew what she wanted to do. the bunny was openly crying, maybe she thought Midna was going to kill her. "No need for tears, this is something good." She said smiling down at the small woman." Midna frowned to herself and pulled out her mask. Shadow would be needed for this meeting. She hated this mask and the person she would have to pretend to be. She knocked on the door and it slid open. "Master Shadow." The huge thug said as he threw open the door and fell to the ground before Midna. "Is Foshod in?" Midna asked sounding exactly like a man who was on the edge of laughter. "Yes, Master." He said getting up quickly as he ran into the building. Sweat and fear clung to him. Soon a small fat man was kneeling before Midna and the bunny. "Master Shadow, how can I help you?" his eyes were full of fear, and she swore he might pee himself if this meeting lasted too long. "I have a bunny here who needs to go to the town Happy Valley. Can you make that happen?" She asked with a slight chuckle. "Yes Master." "Good and if anything happens to this bunny, you know what will happen to you and your family." He gulped and started to shake. "Yes Master. Not one hair on her head will be touched." Midna held open her hand and a small mithril clanked to the floor. "Make sure she is fed and happy," Midna said, turning and walking out through the open door. It only took a moment, but she wanted to help this bunny, who looked so much like her mistress. "Gardenia, when you get there, find someone named Tailor and tell her about me." Midna jumped into the shadow and removed her mask. Soon she was back in the mansion and moving through the room until she found a basement that smelled of blood and fear. this must be where the pig liked to play. She clenched her jaw and moved through the room until she found what she was looking for, hanging high on a wall was a single bunny ear. He had kept a trophy. She touched it and triggered her skill. This should help her find this lost bunny. It led back the same direction she had come. It would make sense that he took them away together. She went to an inn for the night and tried to relax. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. A week later she was at a harbor town with a standing slave market. She hated towns like this one. At least she didn''t have to hide her features or collar, they would just assume that she was just another slave. Some of the beast men made some rude comments, but even that was mostly normal. As soon as she had eaten and had a restful night, she took off after the thread leading out of town and into the woods. It took her about two days to find the end of the thread. It led to a small cottage in a clearing. A small field of vegetables grew in the sun. It looked okay from the outside and she moved through the shadows to the interior, peeking out from under a short bed. Her prey was standing at a stove talking with a man in the room. Midna turned to him and quickly fled from the house getting as far as she could. Why was HE here? Why did this world have so many freakishly strong people? She stepped out of a shadow and leaned against a tree shaking and trying to catch her breath. She wiggled her fingers and toes and touched her face. She still had her ears, eyes, nose and mouth. All her fingers and toes were still there. Right now, she just wanted to run as far as she could. Faceless of all people was with the bunny. This was so not fair. It was supposed to be an easy job. She sat there shaking for a while trying to think of what to do. She had to talk to the target, but she didn''t even want to get close to THAT man. She heard a sound and didn''t move, had he tracked her down? She looked up slowly shaking to see a huge dire wolf. "Hi, what''s your name?" The wolf said, panting. How could a wolf talk? Then something moved on its back, and she saw a small child riding on the back of the wolf. It was a small wolf girl in a dress made of furs. long black hair fell over her face, and she pulled it back smiling at Midna. her long tail was wagging as she smiled down. "Can you hear me?" It reminded Midna of Gen, and she started laughing. "I am Midna. What is yours?" "Daddy calls me Willow," she said, jumping off the wolf''s back as soon as the wolf lay down. "And who is your big friend?" talking with this little one was helping Midna calm down. She loved children and was missing the boy back home. The little girl beamed up at Midna and said proudly. "This is Betty." The wolf nodded and lowered its head to its huge paws. Willow rocked on her toes and that tail swished behind her in a way that made Midna smile. "Do you know the people who live in the house over there?" Midna asked trying to be as polite as possible. The girl smiled and danced slightly. "That is my house. Mama and Daddy live there with me." Well crap, this little one was the daughter of Faceless. "I want to talk to your Daddy; can you help me with that?" The little girl hopped back up on the wolf who stood. "Yeah." she shouted and took off. Midna took off her pack, undid her cloak and walked to the edge of the clearing. The wolf and girl were already in the house. Faceless came out, his hands glowing green. Midna took a deep breath and stepped out into the open, her hands high in the air. "Faceless, I am coming out. Please don''t kill me." She walked out slowly. "Shadow have you come to kill me?" He growled at her, rage filling his eyes. "No, I am only here to talk. I am tossing you a Mana Nullifier. Check it out and toss it back to me so I can put it on." He nodded and she tossed it making sure every movement was slow and in the open. He checked it and tossed it back. "Can I lean down so I can put it on?" He nodded watching her closely. She did so and stood back up slowly, her arms were starting to go numb. "Can I put my arms down?" "You make one step towards me, and I will end you." She nodded and slowly lowered her arms. "Why are you here, Shadow?" "Contract Magic, for the time of our meeting, I will be unable to lie, hurt anyone or do anything that could threating to you or anyone. In exchange I ask that you hear me out and let me talk to the bunny inside. Do you agree?" "Are you here to hurt her?" "No. I am only here to talk." "Then I agree." Midna smiled at him. "Faceless, you have a lovely daughter and I mean that." "Clover, please come out." He said over his shoulder before turning back to Midna. "Let''s get this over with." Midna sat in the grass her arms open and in clear view. The bunny came out and put a hand on the shoulder of Faceless. "Quick, what is going on?" The bunny had her arms, legs and ear back. Her right eye was still missing and covered by short silver hair. She wore a long yellow dress that fit her well. She looked happy and healthy. "Darlin, I hate to do this, but I order you to be unable to lie for the next ten minutes. Now go talk to that one." He growled. "Can this be a private talk?" Midna asked. Faceless just growled at her. The bunny walked to her slowly not sure what was going on, she knelt in front of Midna, putting her hands on her lap. She looked so much like her mistress. Midna wanted this to be over with quickly. "Hello, I''m Midna." The bunny smiled and replied. Gods she even sounded like her mistress. "My name is Clover. What is this about?" she asked tilting her head. It made one ear flop down and Midna had to fight not to laugh. "I was asked to find you and make sure you are happy and healthy. " Midna''s heart began to slow, and her hands stopped shaking. This was going easier. "I am. I found someone I love and a happy family." Midna sighed. It looked like her trip was almost over. "Is there anything you need or want?" She asked, hope filling her voice. The bunny sighed and leaned forward whispering. "I want sex with him, but I can''t." Midna blushed and laughed slightly. "Sorry, I know you can''t lie. Why can''t you have sex?" Midna asked Clover. "The things I went through, ummm, they come up every time we try. He says it''s okay, but I want to make him happy. I want to be with him so bad, but I can''t." Clover said starting to cry. Midna inwardly groaned and knew of one way to help her. "I can take away your memory. You will keep your ability to talk and skills, but you will be starting fresh as a person." The bunny was suddenly hugging her tight and crying. "You can take away my nightmares and let me be with him? Thank you so much." Inwardly Midna was shaking with fear again. Would Faceless kill her for this? "How long will it take?" "I need a day to set things up. Can you talk to Face, umm Quick and make sure he doesn''t kill me?" Midna said with a wince. Faceless was growling at her hatred in his eyes. The bunny got up and went back to him. "Go inside Darlin. I need to have words with Shadow." He growled. Midna just sat there frozen not sure what to do. "Now Shadow, what is all this about?" He said scowling down at her. Midna touched her collar and gave him a nervous smile. "I was asked by my mistress''s lover to find her and make sure she was happy." She blurted out quickly as she was shaking down to her core. "That makes no sense. You better start making sense soon or else." He knelt his hands glowing. She gulped. This is it; this is where she died and before she could ever have a chance to be with the one, she loved. She saw her mistress''s face, Alex, Gen and the others. Her mind went to Fisher, an old bald man who taught her how to fish. She missed her fishing hole, the town and her shack. "Lily is her sister and my master. She is in a relationship with a man who makes you look like a puppy, and I was offered a chance to join them if I found her and made sure she was happy and healthy and right now I just really want to be back home fishing because I am scared out of my mind." She blurted out. Her heart was hammering in her chest as she tried to catch her breath. "You fish now?" "Yes, and I love the hells out of it. I don''t have to kill people; I don''t have to wear a mask and get a to wear pretty dresses and be myself." He laughed and she looked up at him. "Sounds like you put down the sword too." He said sitting beside her. "Is she happy?" He asked a sad look in his eyes. "No, her past is bothering her and has asked me to remove it." He sighed and frowned. This not lying thing sucked. "Iffen that is what she wants, I''ll make it happen somehow." Midna relaxed slightly and tried not to pass out. He wouldn''t kill her. "Look, Quick, can I call you Quick? Faceless doesn''t seem to match you anymore." He looked over at her, the murderous look back in his eyes. "Would you like me to remove your memory too?" He thought for a moment. "No, I need to keep them safe. Once I know that those two are safe, I may come to you. I like Quick more as a name." "Good, my name is Midna now. Shadow is dead and I want to keep it that way." He stood and held out a hand. Midna shook as she held her own up to him. He pulled her to her feet and smiled weakly. "Nice to meet you, Midna. Let me get you a cup of tea." He said waving her into his house. The little girl ran up to her holding up a doll that looked like a wolf woman. It was just too cute. Who knew the great Faceless would be here and a father to a loving family. Midna allowed herself to hope that someday she could be like him. Midna spent the night with the family and even had something called a spicy cheese Mama Meal. It tasted like one of the good rations from the war. She found out that Willow had be sold for pocket change and a bottle of booze and her blood boiled at that. In the morning she left to get things set up and handle something. In a far-off town, she found a wolf man in a back ally. He had been drinking despite it being early morning. "Hay there kitty, care to spend the night with me?" He slurred and burped. Midna smiled like Alex and flicked her fingers. "No, but I will spend the rest of your life with you." He blinked and looked puzzled up to the point that his head rolled away. Her mind was on her own mother. She was a tiny girl being given to a scary man dressed all in black and in exchange her mother was given a small pouch of dried herbs. She was sold so her mother could get stoned. This was her way of getting back at this world, getting back at her mother. She left the mask at his feet and stepped on it hard shattering the clay. Today Shadow would be dead. She was Midna now and forever. Chapter 7 I Love you, Clover Vestos. Close your eyes, my little bunny babe. Close your eyes, my little bunny babe. The storms have pasted and you are secure. So, take my hand and hold me close. For you are my little bunny babe. Lullaby from the Bunny Beast-Folk by Quick Vestos. {????} She woke in a strange cabin and looked around. She was sitting in a bed and looked down to see pale skin a strand of silver hair came into view, and she pulled at it. She liked the look, but wished it was longer. It would look prettier if she had long hair. something flopped down and she reached up. It looked like she had strange animal ears on the top of her head. Touching it felt nice and she liked them. They were long and round at the top. She pulled the floppy one down and covered her one eye. She wasn''t sure why she did that, but it made her feel safe. Someone coughed and she jumped looking around the room. A pretty dark-skinned woman was sitting by the bed in a nice green dress. "Hello." she said politely, tilting her head. The dark-skinned woman smiled but looked tired. "Do you need this bed?" She asked politely. "No sweetheart. I will be fine. My name is Midna, what is yours" Midna sounded like a nice name, but she frowned. What was her name? "I don''t know, do you know?" She asked tilting her head to the other side, smiling. "It worked. Your name is Clover, but I''ll let you explain things." Midna said handing her a strange orb. She looked inside and saw a bunny girl with one red eye and silver hair like she had. one ear flopped down and it made her smile. Midna touched the orb and the woman in the orb started moving. "Hi there Clover." The bunny woman said waving. The Clover in the bed waved back. Midna giggled and covered her mouth. "We went through a lot of really bad things, and it kept us from the man we love. For that reason, I asked Midna to take my memory away." So, was she Clover? The in the bed Clover thought tilting her head to the other side. "You may be confused so let me explain things." The Clover in the bed listened closely. She had a child she loved who was a wolf girl, a man she loved who was a human and she was a bunny. They all lived in a cabin in the woods where Quick, the human, took care of them. Beast people aren''t liked and enslaved most beast people. "You are his slave, but he treats you more like a wife. He is big, loveable, a great kisser, okay singer, and talks funny." This made the Clover in the bed smile. She listened to all the other her had to say and thought she liked the woman she was. Her last master was mean and hurt her over a silly reason, but she was found by Quick. He had been through some bad things and just wanted to be left alone to live in peace. The Clover in the orb stopped and smiled at her. "Live your life and love your man, Clover Vastos." This made the Clover in the bed smile and her eye leaked. It felt like this woman had died so she could live, and her heart went out to the other woman. Midna took the orb and Clover reached out to the cat woman. She pulled her into a big hug. She felt like she needed one and smiled when she felt Midna pet her head. Midna opened the door and then jumped under the bed. Clover looked after her and only saw a dark empty space. She heard large footsteps and looked to the front door seeing a huge blonde man with shocking blue eyes look in at her. He had a cute face, but his brow was furrowed showing he was worried about something. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Hay there Darlin," he said, his voice was low, deep, and it made Clover''s heart skip a beat. She stood from the bed and walked to him. "Are you Quick Vestos?" She asked tilting her head to the right." This made her left ear flop into view. He smiled sadly at her. "I am, Darlin." Clover jumped into his arms and liked how he caught her a cute blush on his face. "That must make me your wife." She said nodding and lightly slapping his face with her ears. He laughed and she liked the way it rumbled through her. He spun her around making her laugh hard. They stopped when the sound of claws slapping on the porch outside came closer. The cutest wolf girl peeked around the doorframe and looked in at them. Quick put her down and she ran to the door. "You must be my daughter, Willow and our beloved Betty." She kissed the girl and wolf''s cheeks before turning back to Quick. "Don''t think you are left out." she said proudly. He smiled not sure what she was talking about and came closer. She waved her finger demanding that huge bear of a man lean down to her and then kissed him quick on the lips and blushed hiding her eye with her floppy ear. The little girl laughed making them smile. She fixed them a lovely dinner and that night after Willow was tucked in with Betty, Clover went to the main room. She loved all three of them, but each in a different way. He had fixed a glass of wine for Clover and himself draining the bottle. "I was told you sing; can you sing something for me?" Clover asked taking the wine. He smiled and took a sip. She moved to his bed and sat down. "Close your eyes my little bunny babe." she loved the deep rumble in his voice and felt her heart flutter. "Close your eyes my little bunny babe. Can''t you see that I am here. There''s nothin for you to fear. So, close your eyes my little bunny babe." It sounded like a lullaby sung to children. Clover loved it and wanted to learn it as much as she wanted to know everything about the people in her life. "I was told that I love you, now I know that I do. Do you love me?" She asked, worry filling her heart. "Clover Cottontail, I love you with all my heart." He said with a bold smile. "That''s not my name. My name is Clover Vestos. Get it right." He laughed softly, drained his cup and moved to her. He knelt and looked into her eye. "I love you, Clover Vestos." he said tilting her chin up to kiss her softly. She wrapped her arms around that huge neck and pulled him into bed. Her heart was happy, and she wanted to live with this man for the rest of her life. Epilogue {Willow Vastos} She was laying in the antlers of the queen of the forest. It was hard to believe that she and Daddy were once afraid of this gentle giant. Now her and the queen had become good friends. Her Daddy had taught her to use magic and one of her skills let her talk to beast or at least feel their feelings. Willow was high in the antlers where the queen''s young were growing. In just a few seasons, she would help the queen lower one to the ground to grow into a forest elk. If it lived long enough, it may become a queen or lord too. Willow would have loved to see a herd of Elk Lords, but so many didn''t make it to the queen''s height. Her wolf friend Betty was laying at the queen''s hooves sleeping in the sun. It was just a lazy mid-summer day and Willow was a bit bored. She loved her life in the woods, loved Mama and Daddy, but like most women her age she wanted more. She had been living here for nearly twelve winters and longed to see the world. She was on the edge of falling asleep when something caught her eye. Something sparkled in the distance, and she needed to know what that was. Quickly, she made her way down careful not to rip her hide dress. it hid her scent and helped her tan skin blend into the shadows of the woods. Long black hair flowed wildly behind her as her long wolf ears were focused on the direction of the shiny thing. Betty stood as Willow made her way down the body of the queen. She sent the queen a beam of love and affection to show her thanks for letting her rest on the queen. {What} Betty asked. "Somethin new." She replied to the huge wolf, hopping on Betty''s back. Willow was an adult by all that she knew and longing to see the world. This was an excuse she would happily use. The wolf and wolf woman made their way through the forest to where she had seen the shiny thing. She knew there was a clear watering hole that was just up ahead. It was a nice place to cool off when Daddy was being mean or needed time with Mama. Mama changed ten winters ago and became nice but lost all her memories thanks to a cat lady that visited them. Willow would have liked to meet the cat lady again. She dismounted Betty and made her way through the brush. There were two of the large creatures sitting by the watering hole and she moved slowly making sure not to be seen. A sound of something splashing in the water came to her. It didn''t sound like an animal or anything she knew of. If anything, it was the sounds she would make when she went for a swim. Moving like the wind she made her way to the edge and saw something that made her heart stop and her breath catch in her throat. Moving through the water was a large male humanoid. Daddy called her a beast because she had animal like tail and ears. This person had to be a beast, but it was a man. He swam through the water, and she could see he wasn''t wearing any clothing. It was so scandalous; she couldn''t help but lean closer and watch every movement every of muscle. It made her belly feel funny and she licked her lips. She wondered what he smelled like, what every part of him looked like, and what his lips tasted like. She would often see Mama and Daddy kissing and wondered what it would be like to have a man of her own. Suddenly there was a sharp blade at her neck. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. "He is mine. You got me. I have waited ten winters, and I won''t let you have him." It was the voice of another woman. Why was she acting like this? "Ten winters and I had to fight tooth and claw, so I didn''t have to wait longer. He is mine, got that?" Willow smiled. "And what will you do about her?" Willow asked as Betty moved to put her jaws around the woman''s neck. The man in the water stopped moving and stood in the shallows. She heard the other woman let out a low growl of delight and she fully agreed. That man looked tasty in a way that made her belly tingle. He pulled his wet hair back making his flat chest flex in a strange way that made Willow feel weak. He turned to them and smiled showing white teeth. Large dog like ears lifted showing cute white tufts of fur angling them to the women and wolf. "I can hear you and if you three will please move away, I can get out and get dressed. Then we can have a talk like normal people." He wore a collar like Willow did and she knew he was a slave too. He had a strong jaw that didn''t look like anyone Willow could remember. "I''m okay watching you get out from here." The woman still holding the blade to Willow''s throat said. "I don''t mind either, iffen you don''t." Willow added in the country twang she had picked up from Daddy. The woman behind her yelped and then Willow joined her in protesting as Betty grabbed the two by their shirts. "Betty, not fair. I was likin the show." The wolf sniffed and Willow looked over before her blood went cold. The woman next to her looked just like Mama. "Why do you look like Mama?" Willow asked. "Sounds like we found our target." The man called out.