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Description
AAAA has arrived!
Arnilo's Animal Anthro August is small, self-imposed challenge. In upcoming month (or rather for next five weeks, starting now) I will daily start drawing of an anthro character and upload it. As a rule, if I'm dissatisfied with the result, once per week I'll give myself a wild card, so that I can skip a day for whatever reason (fingers crossed that won't be needed).
As for your role in this thing, well, first and foremost, I invite you to join me. Maybe not daily, maybe not with anthros, but whip out your tablets, pencils, keyboards and/or any other weapon of choice and start creating! Let's make 'A' in August stand for active!
If that's not your thing, though, no worries. How about you'd lend me a hand? If you have interesting ideas, share away. I'll definitely look into those, cause I can already see myself running out of ideas v_v
As a final note, more info here AAAA
___________________________________________________________________________

Today's pic, hopefully, marks start of a series that will follow short story about Mord Tumult and Helikon Otawar.

It will be a really brief look into one of my fantasy worlds, which originally revolved around Julla, an incidental bearfolk hero, who during her chase after thieves got involved in intrigue beyond her comprehension... though by the time of Mord's story Julla is already an esteemed dragon huntress.

I hope you'll enjoy the story, ladybugs! Shout out to Walt-Marsters for his suggestions and help with writing!
___________________________________________________________________________

The surrounding mountains made for breathtaking view. On their side of the range, which was an easier approach, dense forests were replaced by fields and pastures, letting their sight reach the city walls and, earlier that day, before fog ascended from sea, even the distant southern shore. In front of them bone-white peaks grew out of lush green, hiding the border and the kingdom behind it. Mord tucked at his shirt, letting the breeze in. He couldn't be more glad that before leaving they replaced the rich doublets with plain shirts. Late summer here was so much different than back in home, in County of Czerno. Helikon, his companion, apparently decided to voice Mord's thoughts
- Storms already started back in home he looked towards the, now invisible, Cross Sea - much calmer and warmer than one they were used to.
- Aha. Back in home Mord sighed, causing his friend to grin.
- Oh, do I see you being homesick? I thought you were excited to travel.
- Well... I was, I mean, I am he shrugged. I don't know, I think I expected more.
It was pretty boring, that thought hit him when Helikon woke him up early to watch the distant shore in the morning. Their own, rocky cliffs created a western border of the kingdom, Czerno itself being part of north-most Duchy, but ever since they left the County they had just been marching through same-ish, flat landscape toward mountains that had appeared after first week and a half, with last four days being spent walking up and down the hills. Their funds forced them to avoid bigger towns and stay at inns, but Mord was actually grateful for that. His father took him once to the capital and the large city was annoying, had foul smell and, though he would never loudly admitted it, intimidated him. Now they were at south-east border and were slugging uphill, every now and then being forced off the road by caravan moving down the only viable crossing through mountain range toward eastern kingdoms.
- I bet you'll have enough to take in real soon, Mord.
- I hope you're right.
They both looked toward their destination, right now barely a trail of smoke at the mouth of the valley they were climbing toward.

***

County of Czerno was a thin strip of land, part of Duchy of Cai and at the same time its western shore. It lacked any bigger cities, most people living either in multiple fishing villages or one of three manors belonging to County's noble families. There was also a castle belonging to Count Vidun Tumult, father of Mord, who was his second son. Vidun was tough man, a soldier through and through, who got his County carved out of Duke's land by the Queen herself as a reward for his deeds during wartime.
Mord's older brother lived at the Queen's court to receive proper education, but his sibling had no such luck, staying with his father. Under the eyes of old soldiers he grew up to become a skilled warrior, but lacked refinement, which made him prefer staying on the walls and playing cards with guards to attending balls and parties thrown by his mother. Vidun turned blind eye on his son's antics, especially since they consisted mostly of him traveling alone across the Duchy.
Helikon on the other hand, was the son to one of Count's five, faithful knights and war companions. With his father spending whole months at Vidun's castle and surrounding hunting grounds, Helikon's education was taken care of by his mother, who taught him love for knowledge and especially fascination with poetry. Young Helikon took up writing and wandered around testing and honing his skills, getting him involved in romances both allowed and highly inappropriate for a dogman, leaving Czerno's villages full of young, strapping boys and girls sighing to him.
Their fathers, drunk on mead and headbutting wild hogs, or whatever old veterans were doing to keep their hearts pumping during peacetime, came up with an easy solution to their mutual problems. Vidun was afraid that Mord, who had earned respect among guards and grew up to be quite a boor, would have a hard time accepting his brother's reign, so he needed a companion who would introduce him to life beyond a flask of piss-quality wine and cards in gatehouse. His friend was quite adamant that his son needed to man up, something healthy rivalry should fix right away. Laughing at own ingenuity, they yelled for another flask and arranged a hunting party that would change Mord and Helikon's lives forever.

The boys initially felt awkward in each other's presence, Mord quite obviously unaccustomed to using more than two syllables per word too often, Helikon simply intimidated by someone who seemed like impersonation of all the heroic stories he used to read, attributing his companion's silence to some mythical vows he had taken. Allowed by their plotting parents to ride alone, they weren't really aware of where or what to hunt, so they wandered aimlessly for remainder of the day. Mord woke up on Helikon's watch that night to hear his companion sing and, when he stopped in embarrassment, urged him to continue. Still suspecting incoming mockery, weaker dogman continued and when he was finally done stronger one showered him with questions. As their fathers expected, the two became close friends, each of them trying their best to teach other what they excelled at.

***

Here they were, the Moulting Dragon. To say that tavern was massive was an understatement. It was easily the size of his father's keep, the lowest floor, where the tables and most guests were, was made entirely out of stone, with massive beams supporting the ceiling. There were two more floors with available rooms and separate housing for servants above the massive kitchen. There were also stables along a square pattern, the tavern being one of its sides, creating a nice courtyard for staying caravans. Above them there was an attic which could house less demanding guests, such as Mord and Helikon.
The two were sitting in the main hall, occupying one of the small, central tables. It was brimming with people of all shapes and kinds, but the most eye-catching were the ones they had come over here for. Dragon hunters stood out of the crowd like sore thumbs, especially because most of the crowd were meek merchants and their servants, trying to hire them for the journey. It was the Even Year, not so long after the dragon breeding season, and mountain roads were full of drakes looking for easy prey. That meant an easy coin for anyone skilled enough to wrangle little buggers or scare them away - hunting down drakes and destroying nests was looked down upon by Queen. Dragons might been a menace for a kingdom, but they were also a source of its income, Royal University having even a couple of half-tamed specimens which they used to harvest ingredients, old scales and teeth. This was the future of the kingdom, for sure, but the present was descending upon Czerno in the form of three sea dragons that were scaring away fishermen and breaking nets. The local nobility were eager to fight them but quite inept in a fight against someone who doesn't want to meet on even ground to fence or joust.

First they approached a group of dogmen like they were themselves, but those quickly proved to be typical eastern nobility, with soft accent and open disdain for rough 'western fish-monkeys'. One of them tried to mock Helikon by pouring wine onto him, but Mord covered him and then punched the offender square in the jaw. This would without a doubt cause a bigger fight, but, somehow, instead provoked cascades of laughter, which started with a giant mastiff sitting in a corner and quickly caught up with other hunters, even among the group they approached. Encouraged by this, they abandoned the impolite knights and approached the amused dogman. After listening to their problem, he shook his head.
- Tuff luck, bois he said, his massive teeth muffling his voice maybe I'd consider if the monei is good, mind you. But I'm already hired, won't be around for three more months.
Disappointed, they said their goodbyes. Mastiff patted their backs and wished them luck.

As a second try, they approached the group of bovines so tall that the tips of their horns easily reached the high ceiling. Helikon casually talked his way into the group of half-naked giants - because of course he did, Mord thought - but he just stood awkwardly nearby, trying really hard to not look at the only female in the group, who wore a thin stripe of material definitely not to cover anything, but for convenience of not having her voluptuous bosom bounce around. The thinner dogman quickly noticed that Mord's blush, threatening his pointy ears to burst into flames any moment now, charmed the thug-woman, so he grabbed his arm and pulled him to the table.
- You have to excuse me for not introducing my companion, Sir Mord Tumult, second son to our beloved Count.
- Oh? Helikon was impressed. She managed to pump so much lust in two letters that they hit the ears all sticky and sweeter than sugar.
- Hello Mord's squeak caused the largest of dragon hunters to shake with laughter, spitting his beer onto the table.
- I like you two, little guys giant, brown bull growled I really do. And I hope you two won't be strangers, yes? But there's really no way we can go to Cai right now. But you know what? Ask around for Julla.
- Julla? Is that Julla Something or just Julla? Helikon asked, keeping wary eye on Mord being slowly creeped upon by the muscly cow. But his friend was slowly taking the reins, trying to go for small-talk with minimal stutter and only slightly awkward pauses. He felt proud of his buddy.
- Only Julla. She needs no nickname, you'll get it once you'll see her.
- Oh, so she's not around?
- No, no the cow suddenly barged into their discussion but she's on the route. She'll be here in... a couple of days she winked at them.
Helikon said their thanks and, much to her disappointment, dragged his friend back to their table, seeing as Mord was at the verge of a stroke. Once they were back to their beers and cooled off a bit, the two had a good and boisterous laugh about it.

***

It was the early morning of the third day and the two dogmen were almost alone down at the main hall, so they decided to stretch their legs on the courtyard. Hearing the approaching caravan, they decided to help with the carts... and then they saw her. Helikon nodded at Mord, but his friend didn't even notice. Instead, with his mouth agape, he was staring at the largest bearlady he had ever seen, the ones that rarely came to their markets bleaked in comparison. Instead of black fur, she was covered with coat of living gold, darkening only at her paws and belly. The giantess marched behind the caravan, absent-mindedly pulling strings on a lute she carried under her arm, with a sword on a belt that she swung over shoulder. Said belt was only piece of clothing she wore, thick fur doing poor job at covering all of her and almost sparkling over her curves in the morning sun. Despite being elbowed by his friend in all possible ways, Mord didn't come to his senses until said sun got covered by her massive shape.
- You losht shomthing there, shtranger? her lips flapped around freely, revealing rows of sharp teeth.
- I... I... Yes. No. I...
- Excuse us, lady...
- Lady? Ohohoho, a joker! I like jokesh! she swatted at Helikon's back, making him stumble forward.
- ...uhm... are you Julla? Mord asked, feeling absolutely ridiculous.
- Oh! Oh! I'm famoush! she grinned Sho you're not jusht random knightsh preying on innoshent flowersh! Yesh?
- Yes! I meant, no! I meant... no preying.
- You're funny, shtrangersh. Come on, I need drink and itsh not good to drink alone.

Description
AAAA has arrived!
Arnilo's Animal Anthro August is small, self-imposed challenge. In upcoming month (or rather for next five weeks, starting now) I will daily start drawing of an anthro character and upload it. As a rule, if I'm dissatisfied with the result, once per week I'll give myself a wild card, so that I can skip a day for whatever reason (fingers crossed that won't be needed).
As for your role in this thing, well, first and foremost, I invite you to join me. Maybe not daily, maybe not with anthros, but whip out your tablets, pencils, keyboards and/or any other weapon of choice and start creating! Let's make 'A' in August stand for active!
If that's not your thing, though, no worries. How about you'd lend me a hand? If you have interesting ideas, share away. I'll definitely look into those, cause I can already see myself running out of ideas v_v
As a final note, more info here AAAA
___________________________________________________________________________

Today's pic, hopefully, marks start of a series that will follow short story about Mord Tumult and Helikon Otawar.

It will be a really brief look into one of my fantasy worlds, which originally revolved around Julla, an incidental bearfolk hero, who during her chase after thieves got involved in intrigue beyond her comprehension... though by the time of Mord's story Julla is already an esteemed dragon huntress.

I hope you'll enjoy the story, ladybugs! Shout out to Walt-Marsters for his suggestions and help with writing!
___________________________________________________________________________

The surrounding mountains made for breathtaking view. On their side of the range, which was an easier approach, dense forests were replaced by fields and pastures, letting their sight reach the city walls and, earlier that day, before fog ascended from sea, even the distant southern shore. In front of them bone-white peaks grew out of lush green, hiding the border and the kingdom behind it. Mord tucked at his shirt, letting the breeze in. He couldn't be more glad that before leaving they replaced the rich doublets with plain shirts. Late summer here was so much different than back in home, in County of Czerno. Helikon, his companion, apparently decided to voice Mord's thoughts
- Storms already started back in home he looked towards the, now invisible, Cross Sea - much calmer and warmer than one they were used to.
- Aha. Back in home Mord sighed, causing his friend to grin.
- Oh, do I see you being homesick? I thought you were excited to travel.
- Well... I was, I mean, I am he shrugged. I don't know, I think I expected more.
It was pretty boring, that thought hit him when Helikon woke him up early to watch the distant shore in the morning. Their own, rocky cliffs created a western border of the kingdom, Czerno itself being part of north-most Duchy, but ever since they left the County they had just been marching through same-ish, flat landscape toward mountains that had appeared after first week and a half, with last four days being spent walking up and down the hills. Their funds forced them to avoid bigger towns and stay at inns, but Mord was actually grateful for that. His father took him once to the capital and the large city was annoying, had foul smell and, though he would never loudly admitted it, intimidated him. Now they were at south-east border and were slugging uphill, every now and then being forced off the road by caravan moving down the only viable crossing through mountain range toward eastern kingdoms.
- I bet you'll have enough to take in real soon, Mord.
- I hope you're right.
They both looked toward their destination, right now barely a trail of smoke at the mouth of the valley they were climbing toward.

***

County of Czerno was a thin strip of land, part of Duchy of Cai and at the same time its western shore. It lacked any bigger cities, most people living either in multiple fishing villages or one of three manors belonging to County's noble families. There was also a castle belonging to Count Vidun Tumult, father of Mord, who was his second son. Vidun was tough man, a soldier through and through, who got his County carved out of Duke's land by the Queen herself as a reward for his deeds during wartime.
Mord's older brother lived at the Queen's court to receive proper education, but his sibling had no such luck, staying with his father. Under the eyes of old soldiers he grew up to become a skilled warrior, but lacked refinement, which made him prefer staying on the walls and playing cards with guards to attending balls and parties thrown by his mother. Vidun turned blind eye on his son's antics, especially since they consisted mostly of him traveling alone across the Duchy.
Helikon on the other hand, was the son to one of Count's five, faithful knights and war companions. With his father spending whole months at Vidun's castle and surrounding hunting grounds, Helikon's education was taken care of by his mother, who taught him love for knowledge and especially fascination with poetry. Young Helikon took up writing and wandered around testing and honing his skills, getting him involved in romances both allowed and highly inappropriate for a dogman, leaving Czerno's villages full of young, strapping boys and girls sighing to him.
Their fathers, drunk on mead and headbutting wild hogs, or whatever old veterans were doing to keep their hearts pumping during peacetime, came up with an easy solution to their mutual problems. Vidun was afraid that Mord, who had earned respect among guards and grew up to be quite a boor, would have a hard time accepting his brother's reign, so he needed a companion who would introduce him to life beyond a flask of piss-quality wine and cards in gatehouse. His friend was quite adamant that his son needed to man up, something healthy rivalry should fix right away. Laughing at own ingenuity, they yelled for another flask and arranged a hunting party that would change Mord and Helikon's lives forever.

The boys initially felt awkward in each other's presence, Mord quite obviously unaccustomed to using more than two syllables per word too often, Helikon simply intimidated by someone who seemed like impersonation of all the heroic stories he used to read, attributing his companion's silence to some mythical vows he had taken. Allowed by their plotting parents to ride alone, they weren't really aware of where or what to hunt, so they wandered aimlessly for remainder of the day. Mord woke up on Helikon's watch that night to hear his companion sing and, when he stopped in embarrassment, urged him to continue. Still suspecting incoming mockery, weaker dogman continued and when he was finally done stronger one showered him with questions. As their fathers expected, the two became close friends, each of them trying their best to teach other what they excelled at.

***

Here they were, the Moulting Dragon. To say that tavern was massive was an understatement. It was easily the size of his father's keep, the lowest floor, where the tables and most guests were, was made entirely out of stone, with massive beams supporting the ceiling. There were two more floors with available rooms and separate housing for servants above the massive kitchen. There were also stables along a square pattern, the tavern being one of its sides, creating a nice courtyard for staying caravans. Above them there was an attic which could house less demanding guests, such as Mord and Helikon.
The two were sitting in the main hall, occupying one of the small, central tables. It was brimming with people of all shapes and kinds, but the most eye-catching were the ones they had come over here for. Dragon hunters stood out of the crowd like sore thumbs, especially because most of the crowd were meek merchants and their servants, trying to hire them for the journey. It was the Even Year, not so long after the dragon breeding season, and mountain roads were full of drakes looking for easy prey. That meant an easy coin for anyone skilled enough to wrangle little buggers or scare them away - hunting down drakes and destroying nests was looked down upon by Queen. Dragons might been a menace for a kingdom, but they were also a source of its income, Royal University having even a couple of half-tamed specimens which they used to harvest ingredients, old scales and teeth. This was the future of the kingdom, for sure, but the present was descending upon Czerno in the form of three sea dragons that were scaring away fishermen and breaking nets. The local nobility were eager to fight them but quite inept in a fight against someone who doesn't want to meet on even ground to fence or joust.

First they approached a group of dogmen like they were themselves, but those quickly proved to be typical eastern nobility, with soft accent and open disdain for rough 'western fish-monkeys'. One of them tried to mock Helikon by pouring wine onto him, but Mord covered him and then punched the offender square in the jaw. This would without a doubt cause a bigger fight, but, somehow, instead provoked cascades of laughter, which started with a giant mastiff sitting in a corner and quickly caught up with other hunters, even among the group they approached. Encouraged by this, they abandoned the impolite knights and approached the amused dogman. After listening to their problem, he shook his head.
- Tuff luck, bois he said, his massive teeth muffling his voice maybe I'd consider if the monei is good, mind you. But I'm already hired, won't be around for three more months.
Disappointed, they said their goodbyes. Mastiff patted their backs and wished them luck.

As a second try, they approached the group of bovines so tall that the tips of their horns easily reached the high ceiling. Helikon casually talked his way into the group of half-naked giants - because of course he did, Mord thought - but he just stood awkwardly nearby, trying really hard to not look at the only female in the group, who wore a thin stripe of material definitely not to cover anything, but for convenience of not having her voluptuous bosom bounce around. The thinner dogman quickly noticed that Mord's blush, threatening his pointy ears to burst into flames any moment now, charmed the thug-woman, so he grabbed his arm and pulled him to the table.
- You have to excuse me for not introducing my companion, Sir Mord Tumult, second son to our beloved Count.
- Oh? Helikon was impressed. She managed to pump so much lust in two letters that they hit the ears all sticky and sweeter than sugar.
- Hello Mord's squeak caused the largest of dragon hunters to shake with laughter, spitting his beer onto the table.
- I like you two, little guys giant, brown bull growled I really do. And I hope you two won't be strangers, yes? But there's really no way we can go to Cai right now. But you know what? Ask around for Julla.
- Julla? Is that Julla Something or just Julla? Helikon asked, keeping wary eye on Mord being slowly creeped upon by the muscly cow. But his friend was slowly taking the reins, trying to go for small-talk with minimal stutter and only slightly awkward pauses. He felt proud of his buddy.
- Only Julla. She needs no nickname, you'll get it once you'll see her.
- Oh, so she's not around?
- No, no the cow suddenly barged into their discussion but she's on the route. She'll be here in... a couple of days she winked at them.
Helikon said their thanks and, much to her disappointment, dragged his friend back to their table, seeing as Mord was at the verge of a stroke. Once they were back to their beers and cooled off a bit, the two had a good and boisterous laugh about it.

***

It was the early morning of the third day and the two dogmen were almost alone down at the main hall, so they decided to stretch their legs on the courtyard. Hearing the approaching caravan, they decided to help with the carts... and then they saw her. Helikon nodded at Mord, but his friend didn't even notice. Instead, with his mouth agape, he was staring at the largest bearlady he had ever seen, the ones that rarely came to their markets bleaked in comparison. Instead of black fur, she was covered with coat of living gold, darkening only at her paws and belly. The giantess marched behind the caravan, absent-mindedly pulling strings on a lute she carried under her arm, with a sword on a belt that she swung over shoulder. Said belt was only piece of clothing she wore, thick fur doing poor job at covering all of her and almost sparkling over her curves in the morning sun. Despite being elbowed by his friend in all possible ways, Mord didn't come to his senses until said sun got covered by her massive shape.
- You losht shomthing there, shtranger? her lips flapped around freely, revealing rows of sharp teeth.
- I... I... Yes. No. I...
- Excuse us, lady...
- Lady? Ohohoho, a joker! I like jokesh! she swatted at Helikon's back, making him stumble forward.
- ...uhm... are you Julla? Mord asked, feeling absolutely ridiculous.
- Oh! Oh! I'm famoush! she grinned Sho you're not jusht random knightsh preying on innoshent flowersh! Yesh?
- Yes! I meant, no! I meant... no preying.
- You're funny, shtrangersh. Come on, I need drink and itsh not good to drink alone.