Howling Thunder CH:2.4

--------------------------------

Walther grimaces at the over excited woman’s words but then looks at the map being rolled up and then over to me.

Oh, come on give me more to go on than that brother.

I raise a questioning eyebrow and he nods to father.

Hmm let's go with this, “Father, is there nothing more Walt needs to know as far as the war goes?”

The Fenrir shakes his head, “No, the Generals at the front will have the most recent information and possible plans.”

His one eye looks to Walt and he sighs, “You two just need to relax. Walther, keep your wits on the field and show those damn sea snakes the power of a Fenrir. Nox…try not to piss off everyone you meet.”

I do not...okay, “You couldn’t of asked for something easier?”

Father lets out a hearty laugh and stands up, “Most could manage without even trying. Now, come Walt, let's take a walk to make some plans for your tower before you leave, can’t lose to your little brother now can you.”

He grabs Walt by the shoulder and leads him out, followed by the others.

Mother stands and hands back Tess, “See you later little darling. Akane, let's go fetch Iris before Emese cuddles her to death.”

Akane, who has been strangely silent the entire time gets up from her seat. She moves towards the door but as she passes me she gives a solid punch to my arm. Unfortunately for her it harmlessly passes through a black cloud and she nearly face slams the door frame.

I laugh, “Ah, how on Terra could I not see that coming.”

She pouts and then commands, “Don’t do that this time.”

Despite her firm tone I can see slight tears forming in her eyes, and so this time I don't fog shift.

The red girl walks up and simply hugs me, which feels weird honestly, mostly because she is still a head taller than me.

Unable to hold it in, “Flat as ever eh sister? Guess there's no helping it anymore.”

Once more a black swirl of fog reforms behind a rather violent redhead.

She stomps her foot and heads towards the door, “Just come back in once piece you ass.”

Only Mora and I remain in the room when Mother’s voice whispers in my mind, “Take the letter on the desk, open it only for the Baron. Stay safe Fuzzy.”

Sure enough, a roll of parchment was left out on the desk. A wax seal protecting it’s contents. While I may be curious, I’m no cat. I pluck it up and drop it into my tail.

Mora looks about to ask but I cut her off, “You didn’t see that. Let's go.”

Outside the tower we find Patra stomping away from her mother, Klea, who has that perpetual smug grin.

When she gets closer I ask, “I guess she had something to say as usual?”

My Anubi mate sneers as we head towards the wagon, a large trunk is being loaded onto the back as we get in.

“I realized last month that I wasn’t going to finish in time so I asked Mother to cover two sets of armor. She felt the need to point out that ‘someone blessed by three gods should be able to finish a simple army order.’ Oh, and did you see your brother’s armor? Mother clearly meddled with it!”

Nodding, “I only handed it to a guard in his tower while he was training, I would bet the guard had instructions to take it to my grandmother first.”

The wagon wheels lurch forward and we begin our trip down the plateau. This ride is fairly new, like everything else I own it’s made from the black wood. Patra added some curved metal strips to the wheel axles to make the ride smoother.

Little Tess is ogling everything that passes by through the curtained window. I think it is now or never for an unpleasant talk.

I look Patra in the eyes, “You don’t need to be like your mother, Patra.”

Her brows lift in shock, her voice clearly even more angered, “What are you talking about?! I would never be like that prideful bit…”

Patra spots Tesla’s tail wagging as the little blue girl looks out the window and sighs, “She’s bigger than I thought. I was starting a dress, can’t have Lupa making all her clothes.”

She pulls out a new toy from her jacket pocket, some metal rings linked together, “Tess darling come here, I made you something.”

Tesla looks over but ignores her and goes back to the window.

I ask, “How long those been in your pocket, seems a bit too simple for her.”

Staring down at the floorboards she answers, “Two weeks I think,” She looks up at me, “How am I going to do this? Tesla has yet to even speak to me.”

Pulling my daughter from the window, I put her in Patra’s lap, of course she starts crying.

Speaking over the little girl, “No more than one order a week, and no armors until I get back.”

Patra’s eyes go wide, “Armor is my best seller, we only sell a couple weapons a month!”

I roll my eyes, “That's because you keep making stuff no one can afford while your armors aren't nearly the same quality. Restock on the low end gear till I’m back, you’ll have more down time and get more customers in the door. They’ll buy what they can use while checking out your nicer stuff, maybe they’ll set goals for themselves to come back.”

Pointing at the noise maker in her arms, “Use that downtime for her, no more late nights at the forge. Ulfa is staying to help you, and the Inari will be happy if you come up for dinners at the castle. Just sit with Aka, I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”

She jumps a little as Tesla shocks her, I take the dangerous bundle of tears back. I give a small growl which gets me a slight giggle from Tess. Apparently she finds my angry face funny.

Patra stares at the toy left in her arms, “I won’t be like my mother.” Looking back at me, “You better come right back!”

Wait, this is my 'go have fun' time, “Three months.”

Shaking her head, “A week.”

As if, “I don’t know if that's even possible! Two months.”

I hop over and sit beside her.

She leans on my shoulder and looks up with cheating green eyes through black and blonde bangs, “One month, can you really bare to be away from Tess and I that long?”

Nope. And now theres a gulty prang in my mind knowing this woman is just under twice my age. She must have turned down quite a few men while waiting for me to come of age. Even when we accepted eachother she must have known I'd long out live her. I should atleast be by her side as much as I can.

Tearing my gaze away, “I guess if I’m gone longer than a month you’ll kill your cousin.”

Patra smiles then tries once more to entice Tesla with the toy.

The smell of the river and fish gets stronger as we enter the docks area.

We can hear the sounds of men hard at work in the shipyard and fishmongers shouting to sell the remnants of their morning catch.

When the wagon pulls to a stop I lightly hop out before turning around and picking up Tesla waiting at the door.

A few dozen men of various races are finishing loading up a large river boat under the watch of Olga and Igor. Walt is standing behind them, probably trying to be learn as always.

Over a hundred fresh soldiers are giving their last goodbyes to their families and women and boarding the boat. A few men come over to unload my wagon including a lad that looks somewhat familiar.

An old voice calls over, “Here ye are Lord Nox,” I turn to see the old otterman in charge of my fishing boat, “I’ll have to ask ye ter look after me grandson, Eddy.”

The boy in question is struggling to lift a case containing a full set of armor, I don’t see a tail.

Old Otter raises his cane and shouts, “Put that down ya damn half breed, ya ain't got the strength. You're just in the way, grab something small.”

He sighs, “Apologies Lord, his mother is human. Aint got our born strength but he’s a sharp lad, got himself on as navigator for the boat.”

Well why not, “I don’t mind old timer but you know I’ll be separating only two days down river. I’ll make sure my brother steers him clear of trouble.”

He nods, “More than enough meh Lord.”

With that the old man returns to shaking his cane at the young sailors.

Looking around at the workers I spot Copper, who should be accounting for the equipment inventory. Instead, the rascal is drooling over the young ladies their best dresses seeing off their mates with teary eyes.

He’s just asking for a bad day.

I turn towards Patra, “You cousin should go with you to the castle, maybe he’ll find a nice noble girl looking for trouble. Save him a death by returning soldier. Shouldn’t have a mate by his age?”

Patra frowns at her slacking employee, “Actually it's not just because he’s an idiot. That Ailu cat still comes by twice a month hoping to by one of Lupa’s dresses. Of course I won’t sell, but her leaving empty handed started the rumor she’s just there to play with Copper.”

Ah, I see, “Well, introduce him to some stupid rich girls and have him give Hevel a hand with keeping my tower clean.”

She laughs, “I’m sure your tree will enjoy a new playmate while you're gone.”

-----------------------