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Times were difficult. This was something Audris had learned from a young age, picking up odd jobs around her village, sweeping streets or selling papers. It wasn't so strange or unheard of- the lord of the region was a powerful dragon, overseeing his lands as fairly as he could, but lean times came for all... even someone with such powerful magic. Magic, everyone knew, could not change a drought.

Skills Audris had relied on during wealthier times no longer brought guilders to her purse. She painted, she sang... but few people sought such luxuries now. She had other offers, of course. There were always the other offers. She was not an unattractive feline, with her full figure and soft, serene face. Though her hair was long, she more often than not kept it twisted at the back of her head in a tight bun, just to keep it out of the way. With the work she was doing these days, she no longer had any need to be pretty for her bread.

To be that desperate was something she wished she never had to endure.

For now, she found herself cleaning tables at a small tavern near the end of the village, deftly dodging the attentions of men who passed through. She was sick to death of it, fully ready to quit and find something more suitable to her interests... perhaps even traveling to nearby lands, where the times were not so hard and the men not quite so foul.

That morning, however, saw her staring down a possibility she never could have foreseen. There was a crowd gathered at the front of the tavern when she arrived, and she blinked a few times as her ears turned forward, tail swaying in curiosity as she tried to get a better look. A fantastic carriage, so massive it required the biggest of elk to pull it, sat near the entrance, and everyone staring was in a loose but respectable semicircle near its center: the lord himself, standing two heads over nearly everyone else, his midnight black scales gleaming in the dawning light, accenting the highlights of blue along his horns. He appeared to be in a conversation with the owner, who was babbling what sounded like profuse thanks, and when the canine's eyes caught hers, he quickly waved her over.

"Lord Valdimar- a thousand apologies, on top of my thanks. The girl you seek is here- Audris, be smart about it! Here she is." Audris blinked when Kei shoved her forward, holding tight to one of her arms with a trembling paw. "The finest artist and singer in the whole village. I may daresay even the finest in the whole kingdom. Times have been difficult for all of us, milord-"

"As I am aware." The dragon turned his head slightly, watching Audris with those bright gold eyes. He seemed keenly interested, but the moment passed and he nodded. "The sages have said rain will come again within the month. Until then, we are releasing taxes. Feed yourselves- the nobility can feed themselves, and those who complain can answer to me. I, however, have been seeking this one for some time. The castle is in need of a painter, to paint the fields of grain. This is also as the sages have told me: there is magic in painting and song."

The words caught Audris by surprise, and she knew it must have done the same for others. Murmurs of confusion passed through the crowd, and she couldn't resist speaking up, a puzzled lilt to her voice. "Lord Valdimar, please forgive me, but... how can painting and music bring rain back? We've been in drought for months."

The dragon lifted his shoulders in a nonchalant shrug. "I'm not one to question the will of the sages, dear girl. I only know what I'm told... and I can only hope that you will do this, for the good of the people of this land. They need the rain for crops and livestock, for cleaning, for cooking. If even one small, simple thing can tip the scales... isn't that enough?"

She hesitated, watching him for a moment before looking around at the gathered villagers. There were so many here now, all watching her, anxious and expectant. They were thirsty and hungry, cursed with failing crops and ailing elk. What else could she do? Her ears turned back for a moment, and the girl let out a soft, slow sigh, twisting her hands in front of her as she turned to gaze back up at him. "How could I refuse, my lord? Of course... for the good of the village."

The dragon's solemn expression gave way to a smile, showing off his vicious sharp teeth. She knew she had nothing to fear from him- he was a good ruler, just and kind, so what would she worry about? But something about that look sent a thrill of nerves up her spine, even as he took a few steps back, gesturing at the carriage. "After you, then, Lady Audris. To the future prosperity of our lands."

Audris took in a deep breath, letting it out a moment later as she stepped past him towards the waiting coachman. This was what the kingdom needed: they needed her, to paint, to sing. To do whatever it took to bring prosperity back to their lands again. Letting the cheering of the hopeful villagefolk wash from her, she held her head high, taking one step up into her new life.

---

The carriage ride was mostly quiet for the first half, with Audris watching quietly out the window at the barren fields as they passed. Valdimar watched her quietly through this, until finally he gestured with his talons, offering a softer variant of the smile he'd flashed in the village. More... welcoming. Far less predatory. "I hope you will enjoy your stay with me, Lady Audris. I know this is a very sudden change, but I'm sure you know we have been seeking remedy for the tragedy that has befallen our lands. Imagine my surprise when the answer I'd been seeking was residing in this village all the while. Have you lived here long?"

"My whole life," Audris answered, turning her head back to look up at him, keeping her tone as neutral as possible, even as her heart was hammering in her chest. "My parents were also painters. My father painted the portrait of your father that hangs in the keep."

He blinked a few times, and then he sat up straight, recognition dawning in his eyes. "Aha! I knew your name sounded familiar. You came with him a few times as a child, didn't you? I was never allowed to speak with you- too many classes, too much to learn, my father told me. It wasn't for lack of trying, of course. I found you fascinating even then, with those brilliant red eyes. An unusual color in the kingdom. Some say that color comes with powerful magic."

Audris couldn't help but actually laugh a little at that, ducking her head as she fidgeted, hands twisting in her lap. "Oh, I have no magic, my lord. I only have my paints and my song. Simple things, things I never expected to be what could help us in all of this."

"Oh, the arts hold powerful magic indeed, even if you can't always see them. You capture the soul on canvas, shift emotion with a chord. Surely you must see the value of that." He again offered that warm smile. His talons flicked again and he sat back, his massive wings draped across his side of the carriage like a leathery cape. "I do hope you find the keep to your liking. Of course, you won't be expected to begin right away. First, a meal, and a bath if you would like it. Then I would have you begin to paint. A light lunch will be brought to you by the servants, but I would expect you to dine with me at the end of the day. A small compromise, of course. It is a lonely life in the keep, and I wouldn't mind company. Your song is required as well, after all, and what better to help pass a good meal than beautiful music after. And of course, your own quarters will be provided, which is also where you will take your breakfast and have access to the baths."

It was impossible for Audris not to feel a touch overwhelmed. The lordship always brought food to the village, of course, but it was easy to forget so far away that despite what they did, they still had access to more than the common folk did on account of having to spread supplies so thinly. Swallowing, she nodded a few times, twisting her hands together, trembling still. "Of course, my lord. That sounds perfectly agreeable. You are a gracious host."

He chuckled again, leaning his head back to gaze at the ceiling of the carriage. "I only do my best, my dear. I wouldn't expect you to live on scraps while doing the work that will hopefully save the people. You are the key to our survival, Lady Audris, as daunting as that sounds. I am excited to see your work."

Valdimar fell silent again after that, leaving Audris to turn her head and gaze out the window again. It was so early when she left that she almost was surprised when they finally stopped within the massive keep, its stone walls as imposing as they were safe. The dragon even permitted her out first, watching thoughtfully as she lifted her skirts with shaking hands, shifting her paws on the cobblestones to look around her fully. "...it's beautiful."

"It is but a ruin these days, Lady Audris. We fare better than the villages, but only by my magic, and that can't spread past the lands surrounding. Which, of course, is why you're here." He turned his head, glancing in the direction of a small mouse, who was watching her with quiet, scrutinizing eyes. "Lady Audris, my head maid Talia. She is the daughter of my mother's most beloved lady-in-waiting Irena, so I hope she can provide the same assistance to you. Talia, please see Lady Audris to her room. Lady Audris... I will see you in the painting hall."

Talia dipped herself forward in a bow, and her harsh look softened as she gestured to Audris, motioning her to follow along. It wasn't until they were well out of the lord's earshot that the little mouse looked up at her, offering a faint smile. "Welcome to Keep Feregos, Lady Audris. Lord Valdimar has been seeking someone of your talents for some time. I think he was seeking your father, at least at first... but he did keep his visits with the sages fairly secretive. All the same, I do hope you enjoy your time with us. You'll want for nothing at all here."

It was still so much for her to take in. She walked in silence along behind Talia after that, listening as she gave directions on where to go, pointed out servants who could be the most helpful, asked gently if she had any questions. It wasn't until they were nearing what would be Audris's room for the foreseeable future that she finally found her tongue again, gently clearing her throat before looking to her new confidante. "Do you really believe it? That... what I can do can save these lands?"

Talia blinked at that, looking up at the feline with a thoughtful expression, her own ears twitching as her whiskers tipped just slightly forward. "...I have to hope that it can. I have family in the neighboring village to yours, you know. My sister owns a tavern, and my brother keeps the elk most preferred by the royal stables. Their livelihoods are threatened too. So... if Lord Valdimar thinks that a painter and singer has enough magic in her eyes to bring our lands back to some sense of peace, well... who am I to question how it's done?" She gave the feline a warm smile, then shifted her weight slightly, pushing open a door to gesture inside. "This will be your room, Lady Audris. There are clothes laid out for you, and the bath is prepared. It's constantly cycling from a natural spring, so it will be warm. I'll have food laid out for you and you can indulge whenever you're prepared. Ring the bell when you're dressed and fed and we can take you to the painting room."

"Thank you, Talia." Her comment was genuine, overwhelmed as she was. "Will you...?"

"I'll be your lady-in-waiting if you so desire, so if you need any assistance with the clothing Lord Valdimar provided, ring the bell and I'll be there for you. I'm here for anything you need." Another smile and a short bow. "I'll leave you to it, Lady Audris. Enjoy your stay."

She didn't say another word, whisking off down the hall, as Audris slipped into the room and closed the door behind her. It was far more fine than she anticipated it to be, with a four post bed and a separate room for bathing. Her ears went back slightly as she glanced around and disrobed, carefully unwinding the uncomfortable wrap she used to contain her full breasts. A hot bath sounded better than the option of breakfast on such a strange morning, and it felt good to step across the stone floors, cool against her paw pads. The tub itself was hewn directly into stone, fed by some unknown system with steaming hot water.

Sinking into the water felt heavenly, and Audris let out an audible sigh as she allowed herself to settle, letting free her hair to wash it and her fur as well. Though she knew she couldn't spend long here, she wanted nothing more than to stay here forever. Still, though, she knew better, letting out a long, slow sigh after what felt like an age.

It took some time to dry her fur, pulling on a plush wrap as she went to dine from an assortment of cheese and meats laid out for her. It was almost too much, and she felt a pang of guilt in her belly at having access to such fine foods when so many were struggling in the lands beyond. But that was why she was here, wasn't it? Sighing heavily, she picked up a goblet to pour herself water from the nearby pitcher, pacing back and forth as the natural warmth of the keep dried her soft fur... and once she was ready, she moved to the bed to dress.

The outfit laid out for her was a beautiful silk affair, long and flowing in a deep, rich blue. There were underthings laid out as well, and a lovely clasp to hold up her long, thick hair. She wasted no time getting dressed, admiring herself in a floor length mirror, appreciating how it clung to her curves, glad for the lack of stays. It felt more natural, and more comfortable, than anything she had worn in the last year.

Satisfied with her appearance, she sucked in a breath and rang the bell.

---

The painting room was far from what she had expected. It was a large room with a roaring fireplace, many windows allowing natural light in from all angles, with canvases and paints and comfortable seats. Her heart swelled at the sight of it. She hadn't painted, really, since the drought started and her parents had passed. The joy that lit up her features clearly affected Lord Valdimar as well, as he smiled warmly at her where he stood waiting when Talia led her into the room. "I take it everything has been to your liking."

"More than you could ever imagine, my lord," Audris murmured in reply, clasping her hands together as she gave a full spin to admire the room around her, red eyes dancing in the light. "Is this where you'll have me paint?"

"It is. The sages tell me you must paint lush fields, warm rain, and full streams. These must, obviously, be from your mind. I hope you're up to the challenge."

It was daunting. She was experienced in many kinds of painting, but this was still frightening in many ways. What if she failed him... failed the people? What would they do? Would she be killed, imprisoned? She let out a breath, trying to keep her tail from lashing in order to hide her nerves. "I will certainly do my best, Lord Valdimar. Shall I start right away?"

He laughed a bit at the eager note her voice took, gesturing to the easels and canvases laid out for her. "Of course, my lady. Talia will bring you lunch here, and then I will see you for your supper. I look forward to seeing your work."

The lord bowed to her, and startled she bowed in return, flustered when he laughed at her actions. He had a full, rich laugh, one that shook her to her core, and she could feel her cheeks flushing further at the mere thought. He was her lord! She had to show some amount of decorum. So it was that when she rose, she immediately moved herself to work, only picking at the food Talia eventually brought her. The painting came natural, as if she'd never stopped... a gentle stream running through a field of thick grasses. Elk hazy in the back against a faint morning mist, clouds rolling in the distance as if to summon in the rain they so desperately needed. It was still only a framework, of course. There was much work to do that would take her months, but she was up to the task.

The faster and more efficiently she worked, after all, the more likely their lands would rebound and become fruitful once more.

"Oh, you really are remarkable, aren't you?" The sound of Talia's voice startled Audris out of her focus, her head jerking around to blink wide eyes at the mouse, who tittered at her expression. "Oh dear- I am so sorry, my lady. I didn't mean to startle you. You barely touched your lunch, and I must admit, I was enthralled watching you work. You've a steady hand, and even as a sketch with the faintest color, the piece looks remarkable. How many will you be asked to produce for Lord Valdimar?"

"I'm not really sure," was the honest reply, and Audris looked back to the painting, only now noticing that the light from the windows was beginning to fade. She would be asked to supper soon. "I'm hoping the magic will take hold sooner rather than later... not that I don't appreciate your hospitality! I just worry for the villages."

Talia gave a faint smile, walking over to help her begin putting away the paints. "I don't blame you, Lady Audris. It's scary, thinking of how the people have suffered through this awful drought. But don't worry... the sages pointed Lord Valdimar to you, and so you are the one who will make everything work out. I know it seems like a huge order for you but I trust that you'll do wonderfully. I believe in you. We all do."

That drew a smile to Audris's face, and she smiled as she ducked her head, her ears turning back in her embarrassment. "Thank you for saying so. It feels like so much. I hadn't even realized how hard I was working on this... I want so much for it to work that I didn't even notice I've barely eaten today."

"Then let's get you to supper. Wild deer is on the menu for tonight, which I hope you won't mind. Lord Valdimar enjoys hunting when he can, to provide for us here in the keep." She offered a hand to help Audris to her feet, smiling when it was accepted. "The dress looks lovely on you, you know. It was a perfect choice. I do like to think I have an eye for color myself."

Laughing, Audris moved to walk beside her as they headed for the kitchen, her ears turning forward again. "You did make a wonderful choice. I've never worn anything so fine... or so soft. It feels almost like nothing against my fur."

"Good silks will never fail you." Talia wagged a finger in the air, her nose turned upwards. "You'll have many more if you succeed. My lord is a generous man, and he'll want to ensure you and yours are well taken care of for bringing back the rain and the fruit of the land. You'll never know hardship again in your life."

It was a wonderful thought. Living as a royal painter, perhaps? Or even a musician... or both! Her heart swelled. She could marry, have children, and live in peace and prosperity, the artist who painted back the seasons. The thought swam in her head, consuming her up until Talia saw her into the dining hall. It was a vast room, warm but dimly lit, and at the end of the table she could see Lord Valdimar himself, the light dancing off his black and blue scales, highlighting the flecks of gold that could just be seen. Somehow, the fire made him look even more intimidating, and Audris had to fight the feelings that rose in her chest.

"Lord Valdimar. I'm sorry I'm late."

"Not at all! My best guess is that you were working hard on your craft. I'll require no music of you tonight... you must be tired, after all." He gave her a look over, rumbling just faintly, before gesturing her to a seat. "Talia's choices continue to impress. You look lovely."

Audris felt her cheeks heat up beneath her fur as Talia helped her to her feet before slipping quietly out of the room. "You flatter me, my lord. Though it is a lovely dress- Talia has a fantastic eye for color."

Valdimar's head tipped in a faint nod. "She does. I'm always impressed, I must say. I look forward to seeing what else she's found for you- ah, here we are. I am famished, and I would assume you are as well." As servants laid out trays laden with food, he gestured down the table to her, and smiled. "Enjoy your meal, my lady."

As it was, Audris could only eat out of courtesy, her stomach churning. The compliment had hit her harder than she expected, and she was almost relieved when he allowed her to be dismissed to her chambers for the night. The feline smiled softly, ducking herself in a bow before hurrying off, closing the door to change into the nightgown laid out for her. Surely she was reading too much into things, though the heat in her cheeks and warmth in her belly were far more than she expected.

Maybe... maybe a good night's sleep would do her some good.

---

She wasn't sure if she was dreaming. Something about the dream she came to during felt so real. Audris had never known the touch of a man, but when she felt herself waking, she was not in her bed. She still found herself in her room, but her now nude back was pressed against the stone wall, and something hot, thick, and ridged was thrusting deep inside her. She was blinded, barely conscious of a blindfold wrapped around her head, and hot breath on her neck as her assailant continued to pound hard into her folds.

What surprised her more was that despite the fact that it seemed she had been manipulated in her sleep, she felt... amazing. The cock sliding in and out of her tunnel was massive and thick, slamming the entrance to her womb with every powerful inward thrust, and the ridges dragged along every sensitive part inside her. Instead of demanding to be freed, she heard herself moaning, gasping as her mystery lover stopped with his length deep inside her, grinding against her so that the scales of his belly rubbed against her clit, sending electric shocks through her small frame.

Why had he stopped? Why had this mystery man ceased in his attentions. Her head thrashed from side to side, whimpering as she tried to grind her hips against the invader, but he stilled her with one hand, and in a deep, rumbling voice, whispered "beg" into her ear, breath tickling the inside. When Audris whimpered, he ground against her hard and she shrieked, sobbing with pleasure before she hear her voice break.

"Please..." she whimpered. "Please, please..."

"Please what? What do wish me to do to you?"

"Please keep moving-"

Another grind and she cried out. "Moving? Tell me what you really want, Audris of Brightdale."

"Fuck me!" She couldn't believe those words had come out of her mouth. "Please fuck me! Please fuck me hard!"

Her assailant chuckled, and the chuckle felt so familiar, before he began his assault anew. Holding her hands above her head with one hand, the other steadied her hips, slamming his cock so hard into her with every thrust that she felt her body quiver. Audris found herself gasping and moaning, her head tossed from side to side until the mysterious man tipped his head close enough to nip at her neck.

The orgasm that hit her caused her body to go rigid as she shrieked, pussy clenching hard around the impossibly thick rod splitting her open. And though she climaxed, he didn't stop moving, causing her to shriek and moan as her sensitive body was battered and used. The pleasure was immense, and she couldn't focus. It couldn't be who she thought it was, could it? She gasped when he slammed home again, hard, whining as he held her to the wall, freeing one of her hands to move it to her belly.

Oh gods. He was so deep inside her that her belly was bulging around his shape. How was he so massive? His freed hand removed to her hip now, and Audris found herself moaning loudly again as he increased the speed and intensity of his thrusts. She could feel his cock moving under her hand, stretching her insides around his massive length. He had taken her virginity when she had still been deep in sleep, but she felt no pain. Only immense pleasure and desire as he continued to ravish her, using her trembling, pleasure-wracked body for his own twisted intentions.

His thrusts grew ever harder then, slamming so deep inside her that she swore his tip found purchase into her womb, and she felt herself coming again, shrieking as he fucked her mercilessly, and at the height of her climax he hilted himself fully, shooting ropes of hot cum deep into her womb, filling her up. There was so much of it that she swore she felt her belly swell with the intensity of it, her eyes rolling up in her head as she twitched, gasping and moaning as he thrust shallowly, the force of his own climax drawing out her own, until she was left limp in his arms, moaning and whimpering softly as his cock twitched inside her.

How was he still hard?

"Don't faint now, my dear Audris." Slowly he drew back, a mixture of her juices and his cum dripping from her used pussy. "The night is young... and I'm not done with you yet."

---

The force of his next thrust was what jolted Audris awake, and she was startled to find herself not pinned against the wall but laying in her own bed. There were no telltale aches in her body to indicate the violation she'd received the night before, though her folds were soaked, and there was a damp spot beneath her on the bed. What sort of dream had that been?

Shaking herself a bit, she forced herself out of bed and disrobed, pulling off the sheets to bunch them for cleaning. She needed a bath and breakfast and to work. Tomorrow night would be different, she assured herself. She was just becoming accustomed to a new place. The dreams would stop, she was certain.

Lord Valdimar was still on her thoughts, and she spoke little as she worked that day. It was nothing... nothing more than a fantasy.

She just had to convince herself of that. But dinner still loomed, and embarrassment and lust flooded her at the thought of sharing a meal with him again. This place... whatever was happening here, she needed to stay strong. The kingdom depended on it.