Fred's Orientation

Alicia crosses her arms. "I need to pee, you oaf. That's the waste stream behind you."

Fred blushes (Would it show?)and heads up the path away from the stram.

Alicia joins him in a few minutes.

"We're gonna head off to the city first. The library has a 'So You're a Morph' introductory course. It'll teach you how to fight fleas, tangles, ticks and all sorts of cool information."

"City?" said Fred, running to keep up with her.

"We found it when we got here. Pretty useful, if I do say so myself. Holds about fifty thousand and there's only ten thousand of us."

Fred's eyes widen. Ten thousand? What had been going on?

"Does anyone know about this land?" he said, as they started up a steep path.

"Not really, know. Olestrius, our astronomer, figures we're nearly on the other side of the earth from, what's your place called, the Great Kingdom. We do get the occasinal human by but it's usually through extraordinary circumstances."

The path leveled out and the trees thinned. The two were standing on a high ridge, perfect for winter sledding. Long past the stopping point was a tall stone wall, easily the height of seven men. Past that was the city, sprawling in all directions, but mainly up the nearly flat slope of the small mountain chain this ridge was part of. The windows of the gray black buildings sparkled in the high noon sunshine, making it look as if a noblewoman had spilled her jewel case halfway up the hill. Fred spotted dozens of shapes moving through the streets and buildings. He was amazed at the detail he could see but it was probably a side effect of his transformation.

The buildings were aesthitically displeasing but no...one four story dome was being painted a bright green.

A few stone walkways streched to the east, merging into a hanful of tunnels going through a smaller series of hills. Past them Fred could see the occasinal glint of water.

"I am impressed."

"Knew you would." said Alicia and sprinted on down the hill. She made her way to the pathways. Fred followed, eating up distance at an amazing rate.

They came to the main gates. These were mighty slabs of oak, five stories tall. They were cracked open a tad, allowing for four people to walk abreast.

Ten gaurds stood in formation by the gates. Three badgers, two jayhawks and five wolves. All had armor and sharp weapons.

"Armor?" Fred whispered.

"Well, metal clothing's okay. But who the heck ever heard of a metal bra? Heats up too much during the day." The tallest wolf, a silvery gray hulk, stepped forward.

And cracked a smile.

"Found another one, Alicia?" he said. "What's that make you, third best in the city?" He turned his attention to Fred. "Watch out for her. She's a killer. Grrr." He chuckled, sounding like a rockfall, and stepped back into place.

Alicia thumbed her nose at him and headed through the gates.

1. Minutes later...at the library.
2. The gates catch afire.

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