“Devin. Devin, wake up.” Devin cracked open an eye to catch Suvi standing at the base of the bed, shaking his foot. “What's wrong?” “Jeni needs your assistance,” She related in a low voice so as not to wake the others. “I’d help her, but I have to go to work, and I don’t know what to do for a harpy when they are… you know. See ya later tonight.” Without further explanation, she left. Devin yawned. He didn’t know. What hel...

“Where to now, Azalea?” “I want to buy some utensils and dishes in my size, so I don’t have to use sewing needles or my hands anymore.” “I should've bought you those things sooner.” “It's alright, Life-mate. It hasn’t been too much of a bother, but now that I have an opportunity, I want to buy some.” “Since you still have a fair amount left over, we should definitely find a quality silversmith. I know of one from hearsay,...

Azalea found herself awake quite early the next morning. Too excited to sleep in, she instead spent the extra time making herself look presentable for her auction appointment. ‘Hmm, what to wear?” Jeni had told her before going to bed last night that she’d be expected to stand on stage during the proceedings so the buyers could assess the producer – her. Flower dress or formal? Formal might be a little much. Flower dress...

Jeni greeted the returning Devin and Reina as she was flipping her door sign from open to closed. “Welcome back, Young Patron, friend Reina.” “Good evening, Jeni. You seem more… upbeat. Did something nice happen today?” asked Devin, kicking his boots clean of snow. “This one and industrious Azalea have been strengthening the bond between friends.” “Oh? Always good to hear. How so?” Azalea dove at Devin’s chest, hugging hi...

The snow had turned glassy and heavy flakes listlessly fell in the lamplight. Tired after a long, fun day in town, Azalea’s lungs stung, and she felt sluggish. Having a full belly after their dinner meeting with Mavis didn’t help matters. She hovered behind Devin and Reina, trying to blow warmth into her hands and rubbing them together. She soon gave up, landed on Reina’s back, and cozied into her fur. Her two loves were...

The temperature rapidly fell as the sun set behind the horizon. A light snow had begun to fall, muting the steady click-clack of the carriage as it meandered under garlands of holly leaves and colored lanterns. “Why’s it look so festive, Herd-mate?” asked Reina, poking her head in the window. “Hard to say. Depends on who’s celebrating what. There are holidays the whole city engages in around the winter solstice, but it's...

“Now to go get new clothes!” Azalea sang as they exited the goblin smith’s shop. She was happy and a bit amused, watching Chitchat walk unsteadily trying to acclimate to her new accessory. “Yes, we’ve had enough distractions for one day,” asserted Reina. “We have a bit of a walk,” groused Chitchat. “This way.” The job Chitchat had anticipated to be simple was proving more than she and her rear had bargained for. She rubbe...

The trio made their way back to the bustling ring of the shopping district, stopping in front of a statue of what must have been some iconic blacksmith when Devin turned to the girls. “I have a shop I want to visit. I thought of a few presents I wanted to buy the two of you. Do you mind getting a head start and finding a seamstress? Oh, and Azalea, can I borrow the drawing you did of… my… er… me?” Azalea gave him a quizzi...

More mountainous and nearly impassable compared to the eastern half of the kingdom, the western region of Lindone was a natural fortress fortified by the jagged peaks of the Snowsquall mountains to the south. This environment border, running the entire length of the country, was intersected only by the Frigid Fingers Peaks that curved northwestward. Along with three valleys that were the only feasible means of travel in t...

After dinner, Devin retired for the night. His footsteps faded up the stairs and left the girls alone with Ellyn and her father. Ellyn sat down after having finished cleaning up dinner, sewing kit in hand, and set to work mending some shirts. Without pausing, she asked Devin’s ladies, “So, how’d you two enjoy your day on the farm?” “It was so much fun! I'm sad we can’t stay longer,” Azalea replied as she unbraided her hai...

During the trek back to camp, Reina lagged behind. She felt a little awkward with her new family, but she was also giddy. ‘I can’t believe I finally found a herd-mate!’ she thought. ‘He’s not what I imagined he’d be; he’s not even a demi-human, but he didn’t mind my oddities or disfigurement, and he… he actually kissed them!’ She put her hands to her face, blushing at the memory. ‘Speaking of kisses, Azalea kissed me, as...

Author's Note: As it stands, this story is all alone in the world. No accompanying chapter two or three to latch onto its giving teat. No sequel to fuck into my hard drive. One day, I hope to continue this. Preferably before next year. For now, though, I've written this to work as both an opening chapter and as a stand-alone story. Mother Goose would be grim to see what I've made of her, a delicious pate for this fine sum...

Two hours later, Devin pulled the wagon to a stop next to a rotted log. Azalea was still snoozing on his lap and drooling. She had uncurled from a fetal position and into a tangle of blanket and limbs sprawled every which way. Chuckling, Devin estimated the accumulated time he had seen her naked now exceeded that for her clothed state. Untangling her limbs from the blanket, he took a peek at her crest, noting the energy g...

Along the king’s highway, among the edge of the tree line, a small fairy flitted her way between the scraggly firs and majestic spruce. At first glance, it appeared she had no particular destination in mind. She kept stopping every so often, perched on a branch and looked expectantly toward the road a few moments then then took off again. As she steadily made her way south, she soon spotted a dot moving toward her in the...