This is part 4 of a story I've been trying to write when I have free time.
Given how long it took to get this part out, obviously I don't have much free time.
This will, however, be the second-to-last installment of this story. The next 'chapter' will be the finale.

This stars Codex Browne who belongs to  Quiet_Codes who is a dear friend of mine.
I hope she likes it.

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When the two women descended the stairs, they were cleaned up and wore equal pieces, black and gold, satin lining the smooth jacket that held to her frame as she followed the lady of the house down to the awaiting gentlemen who had also cleaned up quite nicely. Codex looked at the large black and grey ram who stood proudly beside his father, both men looked smart in suits similar to her own, though hers had a larger part in the coat tails to allow for her tail to swing cautiously behind them. It gently bounced on each step until they reached the marble, Aspen’s hooves clicking softly.

“Shall we?” Lord Tyrsblut offered an arm to his daughter, nodding to his guest before beginning to walk towards the side room. Nex looked at the wolf, a huff of air colder than north winds frosted his nostrils before he motioed for her to follow them. He did not offer his arm, having learned previously that she would deny it. Codex could hear the two ahead of them talking, she heard something from her companion about refusing somebody, though it was rude to listen to others’ conversations.

“Miss Browne, I understand you and I need to talk about my sister.” The large ram did not look at her, but readjusted his glasses. “You know what I mean. She’s not yours to have.”

“Pardon? Mr Tyrsblut, I think you misunderstand our relationship. Aspen is more than free to do as she pleases with whom she pleases. I have no prospects to offer a husband, let alone a wife.” ‘Dex sighed, glancing to the goat trotting next to her father, “Besides, I am married to my job, and she is already in love with someone.”

Nex seemed taken aback that his baby sister had expressed such to a wolf. It was nearly laughable the look on his face, his glasses slipping back down his face to rest at the end of his nose. Dex tried to hide her small smirk, knowing she knew more than the supposed beta in their family.

Dinner was served and eaten in near silence, the penguin and blue wolf who served were both meticulous about serving her last, it was very unwelcoming. At the table sat six other gentlemen, all eyeing the women as either a prize or an adversary. When Lord Tyrsblut finally stood for a toast after the meal, she gladly stood, puffing her chest up to express she felt no fear towards these men. They all seemed to simultaneously scowl at her actions and form of dress.

“Friends, colleagues, honored guests, tonight we are here to celebrate and announce a wonderful occasion!” His smile was more than gleeful, it was cruel and as he spoke, every word made Dex’s fur stand on end. Silver tongued was the Blood Goat who watched with vibrantly gold and red eyes the surrounding men, evading her at seemingly any cost.

“Father, don’t.” Aspen wore a similar scowl as the men, though hers was directed at her father as she spoke in a hushed tone that did nothing to quell the anger she displayed.

“Hush child.” He turned his attention back to the guests. “My daughter has received a proposal from a number of houses, including some of you fine gentlemen here.”
A soft chuckle flowed around the table, the eldest of the men, a stout bear with a bald spot between his ears stood proudly. He must have felt her dear friend was to be his bride. Highly unlikely, given Aspen’s reaction to the whole situation.

“Thus, one of the reasons you are all here tonight is to display reason and value to my daughter. Before the night is out, we will have an answer, and a reason to celebrate the engagement!” A resounding shout of excitement erupted around them, the gentlemen seemed to need such a game to liven their pallets, bringing their goblets to their mouths as the lord of the house did the same. Knowing the brilliant chemist, Dex put her goblet down, letting it sit gently on the large mahogany table, noticing Aspen took not a sip of her wine.

A strong sense of foreboding doom ran the length of her spine, making her lift her gaze to the head of the table. A pair of emerald eyes matched a pair of blazing garnet stones that stared at her with something between horror and exhaustion. They both watched her leave her wine untouched, letting her sit back down with a smirk. Moments passed until the obvious signs began to show that the men were all much more intoxicated than should have been possible off the thin wine they had indulged in.

After coffee, they retreated to the parlor to bid favours to the lord of the house, both Aspen and Codex watching the madness the drunkards caused.

“Cry havoc, and release the hounds of war.” the soft whisper touched the sensitive hairs that ran the length inside the wolf’s ear, causing it to twitch.

“What did you do to them?” an equally soft voice responded, leaning toward her friend.

“Just a slight blood thinner that enhanced the effect of the alcohol. Can’t have them at anything less than their best.” The goat beside her grinned maliciously, baring a striking resemblance to both her father and brother who stood within the throng of wavering men. Not even an hour had passed before a brawl began, the smug bear having nearly pummelled a younger otter to death before being picked up by Nex and tossed out the front door.

“Gentlemen! Please! This is my home. Let us all sit down and discuss this like men.” The thunderous voice stopping each man in his tracks, save his son who reentered the room. “If by the end of this night my daughter will not give a decision, then I will decide for her.”

“What!? No!” She jumped to her hooves, outraged and distraught, ‘Dex watched her best friend run from the room, fuming, and very carefully followed her out of the parlor. “What am I going to do?!”

“I... I think I have a plan...” Codex wasn’t sure, but they had to try.