The snow was beginning to melt, with spring ready to flourish as more days began to pass. Flowers began to bloom as the land unleashed an emerald luster of dancing colors.
One day, Luna was about to return to Ragnar for another visit. She arrived at the hideaway settlement to notice that he was nowhere in sight.
Until..
She caught his scent, which was followed by a splash of water. Ragnar was completely naked in the small body of water, washing himself. She glanced his way and panicked with her face flushed.
"Hm?" His attention turned with a look of indifference. "Oh? Luna. Apologies if this upsets you. Give me a moment and I'll be finished."
Luna shielded her eyes, struggling to form a proper sentence. "N-no! I mean - y-yes! I'll be back in a bit!" Luna rushed away behind a tree, facing away with her heart pounding like a jackhammer.
"What's going on with me.." She wondered, thinking about his body with intrigue. "No.. I needn't think that way.." she thought as his voice fell from behind her. "You okay?" Ragnar asked as Luna jumped to her feet, wiping away her discomfort. "Oh yeah! I'm fine!" She said with exuberance as she approached. "Very well." Ragnar mumbled as he followed up. "You said you wanted to go hunting today, right?"
Luna stopped and realized that's what they planned today. Grabbing her bow from her back, she nodded. "Y-yeah! You were gonna show me more of your Lycan hunting techniques today, huh?"
Ragnar folded his arms with a smile and a nod. "That's right."
Every now and then, Ragnar and Luna hunt together. Ragnar insists they hunt the lycan way. No words are uttered between each other, and all forms of communication are done through body language. Luna has grown to this way of hunting. Something about it seems.. tranquil. She can hear the sound of the streams and the rustle of the leaves. Amidst the peacefulness, they coordinated their movements with precision and swiftness. Luna is discovering something about herself as she undertook these exercises. She realized she's a lot faster and stronger than your average woman. She's nowhere as strong as Ragnar, though. His strength and speed are a terrifying thing to behold, nearly superhuman.
It's hard to imagine he was considered weak compared to his tribesmen. It goes to show that the beastmen of the wilds are truly frightening creatures. Although.. he has displayed nothing but gentle gestures towards Luna..
Her thoughts wandered as they ran through the woods. Rushing over and along fallen trees and boulders of the lush forest floor. This is the start of the hunt. They track and cover distance to get to the prey in question. They hunt creatures called Ketin, mid sized prey that weights 500 plus pounds. They are as quick as they can be dangerous. They can act in self-defense if feeling threatened or cornered.
They are a good supply of both meat and valuable parts. They possess towering horns that fetch a good price in markets as well as their pelts, amongst other parts.
Reaching the hunt location, Luna stops along with Ragnar. Their movements become slow and silent as Ragnar looked her way with a look of caution. Luna picked this up as a signal to ready a flanking maneuver. She slowly and silently moved into position as Ragnar watched her, cracking a soft smile. He turned his attention back at a small clearing where a lone Ketin eventually revealed itself.
With a thick body and grand set of sharp horns, it approached and began to knaw on some lush foliage, unbeknownst to the threats eyeing it. Lunna waited patently for Ragnar to make the first move. She spotted him through the thicket, looking at her. He gave a look that she understood was the order to attack since she was already in an ideal kill shot position. She just had to strike the heart that was just in her sights.
She slowly drew her arrow at her prey..
However.. something was hunting her as well..
The sound of movement from behind her fell as she abandoned the killing shot to address the ambush unfolding behind her. With fangs and claws closing in on her, she jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. The Ketin became startled as it ran away. Ragnar noticed the attack as he abandoned the hunt and rushed to Luna's aid.
She stared down the beast, and a stand-off ensued. A beast is the size of a bear but is far more fearsome due to it possessing long dagger sized claws on its forelegs. Luna recognized it as a Ravenger, a fearsome carnivore that really shouldn't be in these parts. However.. she realized that due to the rising population of Ketin in this area, that might've drawn this one's attention to here..
Suddenly, its muscles flexed and lunged forward at her once more.
blocking its fangs was Ragnar with one of his hand axes. He followed up with his other axe in the other hand, slashing towards the beast. Recognizing the danger, the beast dodged and jumped back. Luna was still in shock as Ragnar's voice fell. "Luna! Focus!"
His words snapped her out of her stupor as she grabbed her bow from the ground and readied to fire at the Ravenger. Ragnar remained steadfast, ready to anticipate the beast's next action. Luna loosened, and arrow, and it stuck into the Ravenger's side abdomen.
Regardless of the puncture wound, it seemed unfazed as it continued to attack. Ravengers are known for fighting to the death, so this comes to no surprise to either of them. One of its claws grazed Ragnar's forearm, causing blood to soak his pure white body, but also, damaging the coat Luna made for him.
This caused him to lose his composure as he rushed the beast with disregard. Luna watched as Ragnar tangled with the monsters and was growing terrified. The two siluetes carved and slashed with reckless abandon until Ragnar delivered the final blow, spitting the head of the Ravenger in half.
Ragnar huffed with a crazed look in his eyes, struggling to catch his breath as he stood there, covered in blood. Luna was afraid to approach him. She's never seen this side of Ragnar before. He turned his attention to her as she looked back fear in her eyes. Ragnar steadied his breathing and gathered his composure. He hid his face, apologizing. "Sorry Luna, the gift you made for me got damaged.."
He held up his blood-soaked forearm, revealing the torn and stained sleeve. Luna approached and reassured him. "Don't be silly, Ragnar.. I'm more concerned about your wounds than just a silly coat.."
Luna then quickly tended to Ragnar's wounds by wrapping his arm in a bandage as he quietly observed her. Her hands are so small compared to his.. this was something he realized as he watched her treat his wounds. "In fact.. she seems so small compared to me.." He thought as he zoned out. "Okay.." She muttered after finishing with a knot. "That should do for now. I'll have to properly clean the cuts once we get back home."
"Home.." he thought, realizing something that never occurred to him. He didn't even think about it until now.. He realized his heart felt warm when he thought about it. He looked at his arm and glanced back at Luna, who was skinning the slayed Ravenger. "How did I not realize it until now.. Could it be that I feel truly at peace with this life.."
After gathering, they returned back to the hideaway. "Hmph!.." He grunted slightly as Luna sterilized his cuts. "That should do it, tough guy. Just take it easy until I come back later tomorrow."
Ragnar quickly raised his gaze. "Ah? Are you leaving?"
Luna looked at Ragnar with an odd look. "Well, yeah. Noon is always when I head home, right?"
Ragnar lowered his snout, almost with a look of sadness on his face. This was odd to Luna.. Ragnar never usually expresses emotions like sadness often. Although.. she never saw him lose his cool like he did today. She stood in the doorway and asked. "Do you wanna talk about what happened today?"
Ragnar slowly shook his head. Luna could tell Ragnar was holding something back. Regardless, she tried to lift his mood with a gentle voice. "I'll be back tomorrow. Hopefully, by then, you'll be more willing to share. So take your time.."
Tomorrow indeed came as Luna stood on the balcony, waiting for her father to come out of the house. She was fashioned in a hooded cloak and concealed her beauty.
He indeed did and leaned on the banister with her. "Are you sure about this, Luna?" He asked with concern in his voice. "Yeah." She answered as Luke gave her a warning. "Okay.. but remember, be absolutely careful and watch your back.. you never know what people might try to do to a charming girl like you."
Luna smiled softly, reassuring her father. "Don't worry, Father. You know me, I won't do anything stupid."
"Hm.." He mumbled. "Okay.. Don't go disappearing now.. Your mother'll kill me."
Luna hoped on Vesper, who was saddled with side bags. Luna glanced back at her father and rode the feathery being towards the city of Juno. "Ah.. the stench of death.." she muttered at the smell of the city closed in on her, and the rotting corpses enter sight.
Upon entering the walls, Luna made her way to the market and fetched some goods that the family needed. However, that's not the only reason she volunteered to come here on her family's behalf.
"Plumbwood cider?" The merchant asked inquisitivly at Luna as she responded back, seeing his look of confusion on his face. "Is that an odd request?"
"Kinda.." He answered. "Plumbwood cider is a beverage that only beastmen enjoy. Tried it once, tastes like aged piss, but the beastmen seem to love the stuff."
Luna stepped forward. "So, can I buy a bottle?"
"Woah, easy there!" He responded, gesturing his hands up. "Who said I'd stock such nasty shit. You better try the lowtown slums where the creatures themselves might have it. But.. a girl like you should be careful going to a place like that."
Luna lowered her head, thanking the merchant as she turned and was about to make her way to lowertown. A deep voice lingered behind her abruptly. "Did I overhear that you're going to low town?"
"That scent.." she thought as she turned her attention at the figure standing before her. In leather armor was a beastmen clad in jet black fur. He had emerald sharp eyes with white whiskers and a long black tail. He seemed to have a mercenary look about him as he was armed with duel swords sheathed on his back. He seemed middle-aged with a gruff exterior to show for it.
He opened his mouth to speak. "If you intend to go to lowertown, you'll need a body guard." Luna questioned the six foot tall beastmen. "I take it you're gonna charge me for your service?"
"Naturally." He answered with a sharp grin, then followed up with. "Truth be told, you'll need a guide to navigate the slums. Things won't end well if you're by yourself, not to mention a woman as fetching as you." The beastmen spoke with rougish charm, leaning against at wall as he spoke.
Luna, however, wasn't swayed by his charms and politely declined his offer. She made her way down the alley to a dark dismal area. Buildings were so snug together that it was hard to navigate between them. Many shanties were built by the locals who were most entirely beastmen origin. She carefully kept her wits about her as well as her hand on her dagger sheath. Eventually, she found herself in the heart of lowtown's market, which was fully comprised of beastmen milling about.
Lycan's, Grimalkins, and many more filled the streets. Some of them took notice of Luna's presence and looked at her with dirty eyes. Luna eventually tried one of the vendors at the stalles, and he snubbed his nose. "Plumbwood cider!? No deal! What would a human want with such a thing anyway!?"
She tried to convince him, but he wasn't budging. She tried other vendors, and the result was the same. At some point, a group of three Grimalkins approached Luna. With whiskers, sharp eyes, and claws ready, they questioned the girl in an imposing manner. "Hey girl! Couldn't help but notice you were going around asking for Plumbwood cider. We could get ya some.. for a price." As his words fell, the others chuckled mischievously with dirty expressions written on their faces. Their intentions were clear as they approached Luna, who gripped the knife in her pocket.
One of them rested their hand on her shoulder as she was about to strike like a snake. "I wouldn't do that." A familiar voice fell from behind her. The Grimalkin from midtown stood behind her, glaring at the beastmen who reeled back in fear. "D-Donzo!?"
The other Grimalkin thugs heard the name utter and retreated somewhat. The Grimalkin known as Donzo spoke openly to nobody in particular. "I would refrain from restoring to such acts for it holds a certain level of.. consequence.." He veered his eyes at Luna, who loosened the grip on her dagger.
The Grimalkin thugs backed away, shouting in forgiveness. "L-look, Donzo.. we weren't looking to start any trouble.."
"Run along." Donzo murmured as the thugs immediately disbursed. Alone, Donzo spoke once more. "You sure you don't need my assistance?" He said with a smirk, continuing his words shortly after. "I take it the merchants didn't even give ya the time of day?"
Luna begrudgingly nodded and was about to speak when Donzo beat her to it. "I'll give ya a discount, considering what you already went through to get here. Come along, we'll get you your cider."
Donzo began to walk away, waving his hand over his head nonchalantly. Luna spoke up, saying. "I-I didn't agree to your offer!"
Regardless, Donzo continued his way to the merchant quarter with Luna rushing behind him, insisting she didn't wanna employ him. He got to a stand with the merchant reeling at the sight of Donzo. Not long after, Donzo presented Luna a bottle of Plumbwood cider. "Here, my service is the price of this bottle of Plumbwood cider."
Luna looked up at the grizzled feline creature with a look of discretion. "Why are you helping me?" She asked with nervous skepticism. Donzo extended his finger to his eyes, saying, "Your eyes remind me of someone I once knew.."
Luna then became curious, lowering her guard. "Someone.. you knew?"
"Yeah." He answered. "She was an albino golden eyes lycan. They were rare beastmen who were often hunted for those eyes.. despite being human, your eyes reminded me of hers, so I felt compelled to help you. She was an old friend of mine who died 20 years ago."
Luna's eyes sunk as Donzo lamented. "God.. I can't help but feel old.. It feels like a lifetime ago."
"Do you remember her name?" Luna asked with a sad expression gracing her face. Donzo glanced over and let out a huff. "I can't remember!" He said in a mocking manner. Luna shifted to a look of appreciation. "Wha? Didn't you just say?"
Donzo followed up by saying with a rougish smirk. "That information costs more than a bottle of cider! Maybe when you hire me next time, I'll share more! Hehe!" Donzo then took his leave without even looking back. Luna wished to know more but was afraid it may be a bit dangerous to reveal her origins to a stranger.
Luna just watched him leave without uttering a word. She then retreated from the lowtown district with haste, returning to Vesper and exiting the city after getting what she needed.
Upon returning home, Luna stashed the Plumbwood cider just outside the property in a downed log. Luna then rode up to the workshop on Vesper, greeting her father and turning in the goods. Most of it was parts for weapon assembly and medicine. "You returned a bit later than expected.." Luke said, as he hammered red hot steel. Luna's response. "I had some issues in town with the locals. Thankfully, I got out without shedding blood."
"Hmm.." Luke mumbled as he continued with slight irritation in his motions. Luna joined him at work until they shut down the shop for the day. Small blue fireflies sparked about in the shadows as the full moon loomed overhead.
Around midnight, Luna got up and looked outside at the stars above. She couldn't wait until tomorrow. She felt like she had to meet Ragnar tonight. She fetched the Plumbwood cider from the hollow log and made her way to the hideaway in only her white night gown. "What am I doing?" She thought. Maybe it was the full moon? Maybe it was something else entirely? Something caused her to become eager to see him at this hour because her mind won't relax.
As Ragnar slept, his pointed ear twitched, hearing her movements just outside. "Luna?" He said as she pulled aside the cloth entryway. "Look what I got." She said with a flushed face, holding the bottle of cider. "Is that?" Ragnar said with disbelief with many questions in his breath. "But, most importantly, what are you doing at this hour?"
Luna admits. "I can't help but visit tonight. I just couldn't sleep because of the full moon." Ragnar completely understood as she popped open the body, willing to pour him a glass. Ragnar was grateful as he accepted the glass and took a deep swig. "Ah.. it's been a while since I tasted sping.."
He said as Luna poured herself a glass. Ragnar warned her. "Uh, you sure? This doesn't taste good for humans."
Luna shook her head after giving a sniff. "Nah, it actually doesn't smell that bad." She gave a swig and felt a mild burning sensation, but it wasn't a bad sensation. "Hm.. It was not as bad as the merchant said it would be."
Ragnar silently looked at her with an aloof look. Luna stopped for a moment and lowered her head, thinking to herself before speaking. "Actually.. I kinda have something to confess.."
Ragnar listened intently as Luna continued as she sat on the ground before him. "You were right about me.. I'm not fully a human.. My.. my parents told me the truth. I'm half lycan.."
Ragnar took a moment and let out a soft chuckle. "Heh.. so you finally admit it."
Luna raised her eyes, as Ragnar explained. "I knew this whole time you were a demi-human. The way you adapt to our hunting, your movements, your sense of smell, and your ability to stomach Plumbwood cider without vomiting." He spoke softly as Luna's face became flushed even more.
"Also.. When under the first full moon of spring, it's not your mind under a trance. it's your body, you're in heat.." His words fell as Luna clenched herself. "What am I doing here?" She cried, unable to understand her situation. Ragnar rested his hand on her shoulder. "You should return home, Luna. I can't let you do something you'll regret later."
Luna shook her head vigorously. "No! No! No! This is.. something I want! Don't you.. want it?" Ragnar's heart skipped a beat when she asked that question. Nevertheless, he tried to push her away. "No.. not like this, Luna.."
"!!"
Refusing to take no for an answer, Luna threw herself at Ragnar, kissing him as he kissed back. His body became hot, and as withheld his primal urges, he knew if he gave into it, he might hurt her. He huffed heavily, struggling to hold back.
However, Luna reassured him with a smile. "Don't worry.. I've always wanted this, Ragnar.."
"Damn it.." He couldn't hold back anymore, pushing her on her back. He savagely peeled off her gown, exposing her, licking everything part of her body as she huffed uncontrollably, losing herself to the euphoria.
"This whole time.." She thought as he entered her body, and his massive hands pinned hers down. "I wanted this from him this whole time. It wasn't just your words or the way you look at me.. but it is because we are both trapped in a world that refuses our love.. and we can not escape it. I was holding it back this whole time.."
Ragnar's movements became wilder. He became intoxicated by her scent, her moans, her quiverings.. He couldn't get enough of it. Everything felt too perfect as he began to drool with pleasure. Luna's legs were wide, accepting his sexual aggression fully as he pressed her to the ground. She felt all his weight pin her with animalistic aggression and loved every second of it.
"M-more.." Though she struggled to utter her true intentions, Ragnar understood completely and continued his aggressive motions until his body went stiff and he became spent with a gasp. "Gah.." she moaned as she clenched him tightly with no intention of letting got of his pure white pelt.
Afterward, his body fell limp, and he stopped to catch his breath. He looked into her tired but satisfied amber eyes, and she looked back into his with a giggle. He nuzzled her neck with his nose, and they both drifted off shortly after.
"Luna.." A voice called out from the void of her mind. She didn't recognize it, but it somehow gave her warmth upon hearing it.
Sunlight touched her face suddenly, and she awoke with her hand closed by a big fuzzy and sharp hand. It was both rough but gentle as she turned her gaze at the spring outside.
Partially resting on Ragnar's chest, she mumbled. "Hmm.. it's morning?.." Both of them were still a bit in a stupor as Ragnar mumbled back. "Yeah.. it's probably been morning for a while now.."
Luna's half closed eye opened with a fearful realization as her voice peaked as well. "Oh shit! My parents are gonna kill me! They have no idea where I am!" Her firm but pale naked body jumped out from the blanket as she rushed to put her night gown back on. "Oh god!" She realized. "What are they gonna think about me being in nothing but my night gown overnight!"
She stopped and tried to come up with a solution as Ragnar tried to comfort her. "If you want.. I could come with you.."
Luna dismissed the idea completely, waving her hand through the air. "And what!? Admit I fucked a lycan in the middle of the woods last night!? That's not gonna fly in the human world, Ragnar!"
He returned some mildly upset words at her. "So you intend to keep this a secret forever?" He continued with passion in his voice. "I felt something, and you did too, Luna. It was more than just sex. It was something that we lycan's feel, beyond words. You felt it, right?"
Luna didn't want to admit it right there and now. But his words were indeed correct. However, she knew things like this would absolutely not fly with her father.
Luna begrudgingly stood up and spoke sternly. "We'll discuss this another time.. I have to go!"
Luna went rushing off in the morning sun, back to the lonely cabin in the woods. She looked and saw nobody outside the cabin. "Maybe everyone's still asleep?" Her eyes were hopeful as she ran toward in a fearful frenzy.
Until.. her father stood on the balcony.. as if.. waiting for Luna..