“I won't let them take you.”
Those words echoed in Stathos's head as he made his way through the busy streets, the hood of his brown cloak folded over his head to obscure his face from the crowd. He had to keep moving, he had to get away. The last words his father spoke to him before getting arrested were echoing in his head.
“I won't let them take you.”
Not even a few minutes ago, he was helping his father brew a new potion recipe. Next thing he knew there was a loud knock at the door, his father softly whispered for him to exit out a back window while his father answered the door... and was promptly arrested. Stathos watched through the window as they ransacked his house, destroying some equipment and snatching up anything else. The lynx had to dash off quickly before he was discovered. As he ran, his father's last words echoed in his head.
“I won't let them take you.”
All at once, his thoughts were lost. His hood kept his vision narrow, in his haste and blindness he crashed into a fruit stand. He collapsed tripping over the falling and rolling produce, and landed flat on his back. The stand owner, a rather thin fox, his hair tied back, ran up to him.
“Oh my goodness! Are you OK, Stathos?!” He asked in concern.
The lynx gasped in shock at being recognized, quickly reaching up at his hood... only to discover that it got thrown off of his head. Sure enough, some guards nearby heard the name, and started coming over.
“There he is!”
The lynx quickly shot up and pushed the fox aside as he made off in a hurry. Stathos bobbed and weaved his way through the crowd, scared for his life as he knew the knights were fast on his heels. He jumped over the stone railing of a set of stairs that lead to a lower street, hoping to escape the guards through his quick parkour... but he wound up face to face with another detachment. Surrounded by knights, the lynx knew he would soon meet his end if he didn't think of a way out.
“Nowhere else to run, scum!” One of the guards barked out.
Terrified, Stathos realized they were right... so he reached into his pocket, the lynx pulled out a small glass vial, filled to the stopper with a bright green liquid.
“Let me go!” He yelled, “This compound will sear your armor to your flesh! All you will most likely die from the burns! That is, if you’re lucky!”
The guards glanced at each other. It seemed that they were shaken by Stathos's claim, but they still tightened their grips on their weapons.
“You're lying!” Another one called out.
Stathos grinned and placed a thumb on the side of the cork stopper. “Wanna bet on that?”
It seemed they did not. The guards immediately started backing up. The lynx chuckled and slipped the vial back into the bag that he had slung around his shoulder. Then he ran again, straight past them. It seemed Stathos was going to be in the clear after all, but then he smacked right into another knight. A taller one than him, his red tabard and cloak adorned with the golden trimming that signified him as a Royal Guardian. Although the face was obscured by the helmet he wore, Stathos could tell this guy was a wolf by the length of his muzzle. He tried to run from him too, but was forcibly pulled closer to the wolf, making Stathos gasp in horror, the grip too tight to get away from.
“Let me go!” Stathos growled.
The helmeted wolf had his gaze locked hard on the lynx he caught, before his eyes drifted upward, towards the guards who were arriving. The knights stopped in their tracks and stood at attention in front of their higher ranking comrade.
“Sir, what brings you away from the Palace?” One asked.
“I'm here,” The Royal Guardsman started, using his free hand to grab onto his helmet, “To see why it takes so many of you to arrest one young man.”
Stathos kept his eyes fierce on the knight who grabbed him, an audible growl on his lips. All that bravado vanished, however, when he saw the royal knight remove his helmet. The wolf had black hair of a decent length, swept back, but matted due to the helmet. His eyes were a rich brown in color, which further complimented the gray fur he had. The wolf noticed the lynx's reaction and smiled slightly. When the street level knights started to speak again, the wolf's expression hardened as he looked back up.
“He wasn't at the house, Sir. The City Watch was put on high alert.”
“For a twenty year old?” The Royal Guardsman asked.
The Watchmen present all looked at each other with worried looks. One of the four cleared his throat and stepped forward.
“With all due respect, Sir, how do you know that?” he asked.
The wolf smirked and pulled Stathos closer to him. “First off, my name is Sir Ysak Lerren. Second off, I've been friends with Stathos Kerrigan since we were children.”
The incompetent City Watch was being put through the wringer right now. Stathos couldn't help but smirk at their expense. One of the four Watchmen present, a stout bear, cleared his throat as he stepped forward.
“He might be your friend, Sir Ysak, but you risk losing your position if you try to defend him.” He stated flatly, capping his sentence with a glare in Stathos's direction.
Ysak was undaunted, and he made that clear by the way he started to talk the brave bear down. “We have proof that his father was doing illicit activities, yes... but no actual proof points to Stathos being involved. All we have is conjecture, and the belief that he could be.”
The bear tried to interject, but the wolf cut him off before he could even speak again.
“So the question is, do we arrest Stathos as well, based off belief and flimsy accusations?”
None of the Watchmen were able to answer Ysak. He took pride in that, and put his helmet back on, so that he could grab Stathos with both hands.
“I will take Stathos under my protection.” Ysak stated. “He will live under my roof, with my eyes on him, until either solid evidence to convict him comes up, or King Garruman demands it.”
“You can't do that, Sir Ysak!” Another of the City Watch blurted out.
“Don't presume to tell me what I can or cannot do.” Ysak barked, annoyed. “This is what I am doing. Now, go tell your Lord Commander of what happened here,” He commanded.
Clearly having lost, the four knights of the City Watch glanced at each other briefly, before saluting Ysak and walking off. The wolf, proud of himself, nudged Stathos to walk with him. As the two friends made their way through the city, Stathos kept trying to find something to say about the situation, but kept clamping his mouth shut every time. It was Ysak who finally broke the tension.
“You were smart to keep quiet back there, Stathos.” The wolf said.
The lynx looked to his taller friend and nodded slowly. He let out a heavy sigh and looked back to the stone street beneath them.
“So... Royal Guard, huh?” Stathos asked.
Ysak nodded, rubbing the back of his head. “I didn't tell you, because I'm pretty sure you'd hate me even more.”
Stathos rolled his eyes and muttered. “Well, you're not wrong.”
The wolf playfully punched his friend's arm, making the lynx stagger a bit. “Come on, be happy for me. Youngest Royal Guard in three hundred years. Exciting!”
Stathos stopped dead in his tracks and shot his friend a cold glare. “Yeah, guarding the king who arrested my father!”
Ysak visibly recoiled at the outburst. His eyes glanced away from Stathos for a brief moment as he tried to gather up an answer. When he came up with one, his eyes returned to his friend.
“I didn't even know your father was accused of anything until I saw him get brought to the keep! I still don't even know what he's accused of!” The wolf explained.
Stathos growled and huffed, clenching his fists tight as the moment replayed in his head. “I was watching from the window. He was accused of making a strong poison, a blight that would melt flesh and bone into nothing but liquid mess...”
Ysak looked mortified at the thought of such a compound. Before he could ask about it, he heard Stathos gasp. The lynx was crying as he continued, his fists shaking.
“I knew it was crap. He knew it was crap... but they found a vial of the stuff, in a container that only had his fingerprints on it!”
By this point Stathos was completely broken down, just crying in the middle of the street. Ysak stood there, unsure of what to do for seconds straight, before he pulled his dear friend into an embrace. Stathos cried into the wolf's breastplate, pounding weakly on it as he continued to cry about the situation. The wolf said nothing still, and just pet his friend's back reassuringly. It took a minute for Stathos to finally stop, after which Yask looked down at his friend.
“Did that help?” The wolf asked.
Stathos nodded slowly, causing Ysak to smile. The wolf continued on his way, Stathos following close behind. Stathos recognized where they were now and bit his lip: The inner ring of the city.
The capital city of the kingdom wasn't built to any specific pattern, rather sprawling out as the years went on. However, as more and more knights were named, and the city grew, it was decided that the main residence section that shared the hill the castle was built atop would be turned into housing for the nobles of the city, as well as the knights, both City Watch and Royal Guard alike.
“I can't be here...” Stathos muttered under his breath.
The wolf chuckled a bit and shook his head. “You are. So, until further notice, get used to it.”
Ysak smacked Stathos's back reassuringly as they stepped towards one particular residence. It was a limestone house, with columns lining the door, and metal inlays for the windows. On the top of the door frame was the insignia of the Royal Guard. Ysak walked up and opened the door, ushering Stathos in.
“Welcome to my barracks.” Ysak joked.
The house itself, from what Stathos could tell, was a decent size for one floor. Upon walking in, he was greeted to a dining table and oven, with doors on each side of the room. The rug on the floor was ornate, and the floor it was on, as well as the room itself, was astonishingly clean.
“It's... nice.” Stathos said, shrugging. He didn't want to admit how nice it actually was.
Ysak chuckled a bit and walked left. “This is the eating area. Where I'm going are the bedrooms... I have two of those. My armor and weapon room is also this way.”
Stathos looked towards the other door. “What's in here?”
“Oh, that's the, uhh... chamber.” Ysak answered. “Make yourself comfortable, I'm going to change out of my armor.”
As Ysak disappeared behind one of the doors, Stathos started to pace around the room, examining everything carefully. The thoughts started driving Stathos mad. While Ysak moved up in rank and status within the city, Stathos and his father continued to be trapped by the system. While his friend received honors, he received scorn. The lynx responded to the realizations by slamming his fist onto the wall, a low growl on his voice.
“It's not fair...” He whispered.
Ysak returned to the main chamber just in time to see Stathos continue to pound on his wall, his head pressed against it. The wolf sighed and walked over, a gentle paw resting on the feline's shoulder.
“What's not fair?” He asked.
Stathos pushed Ysak's paw away, the lynx growling as he started to speak. “This. You. I just... why did you have to go and be a knight?!”
The wolf wasn't sure how to respond to that. He pulled his paw away and darted his eyes around the room as he thought up a response.
“Everyone wants a better life, Stathos.” Ysak started explaining. “I send mother and father whatever money I can to help them out.”
“Yeah, well, that 'better life' of yours is built on treating people like me and my father like garbage!” Stathos replied.
“That's not true and you know it.” Ysak replied.
“Then why is my father imprisoned?!” Stathos yelled.
The silence was deafening after that. Ysak actually stepped back, looking down at the floor in shame. Stathos realized that he'd gone too far, and his expression fell.
“I'm sorry, Stathos. I didn't mean to-”
“Whatever.” Stathos cut him off.
The wolf stood there still, his head hung low as Stathos walked past him, towards the bedrooms.
“I'm going to check out my room...” The lynx muttered.
“I'll... start dinner.” Ysak replied.
Stathos walked off without another word. He passed through the etched wooden door that Ysak went through just before. This lead into a corridor that had three doors in it. The one right in front of Stathos, at the end of the hall, had the sigil of the kingdom etched into it. That must have been the wolf's armory. He instinctively bared his teeth and growled at it, then looked to either side.
The door on the right had a nameplate on it, signaling it as Ysak's room. Which meant to his left was the guest room, and for the time being, the lynx's new home. He sighed and threw the door open to look inside. It was a simple room, with quilted sheets atop the bed, and a small wooden table at the bedside. On said table was a gas lamp, of all things. When Stathos saw it, he couldn't help but let out a small chuckle and smile.
“Figures...” He said, shaking his head.
The lynx walked over to the bed and, without even removing his boots, collapsed onto it. He turned to lay on his back, so that he could stare at the ceiling. The lynx heaved a heavy sigh, and punched the sheets beneath him.
“I don't belong here... not like this... not with dad still...”
Stathos sighed and turned over, grumbling to himself as he felt his eyes starting to droop. The events from earlier exhausted him, emotional and physically. A quick rest seemed in order, and Stathos’s mind happily obliged, drifting into sleep...
He woke up to see Ysak standing over him, a warm smile on the wolf's muzzle. Stathos groaned and slowly pushed himself up, rubbing his eyes.
“How long was I out?” He asked.
The wolf chuckled and shrugged. “Long enough for me to have to come wake you. Dinner's ready.”
Stathos grumbled and picked himself up. Ysak opened the door to usher his lynx friend out. As the two walked back into the main area together, the wolf couldn't help but notice that Stathos's eyes were focused on the floor. Ysak sighed and threw the door to the main hall open. Stathos's head perked up immediately as the smell of warm food caught his nose.
“That... smells good.” Stathos said.
Ysak chuckled and walked over to the table, taking his seat. “It should... I taught myself. Come, eat.”
Stathos walked over to the table, his eyes curiously looking towards the large wooden bowl in the middle of the table. It was filled to the brim with thin noodles, still steaming. Ysak was spooning some onto his plate. He noticed his friend eyeing the food and rushed to the chair.
“You act like you've never had noodles before, Stathos!” He teased.
“I... not ones that looked like... this.” Stathos replied, taking a seat.
Ysak laughed at the comment. Spoon in hand, he scooped some of the fresh noodles onto Stathos's plate. The lynx picked up his fork and started to idly poke at the heap of pasta on his plate. After determining it was safe to eat, he took a nice forkful into his mouth... and took more. While he started to scarf down the food, Ysak watched him, slightly amused.
“By the way, you never told me. What was that vial you were threatening to throw earlier?” Ysak asked, curiously.
Stathos looked up and gave a big, food-filled smirk. “Healing potion!”
The wolf couldn't help but laugh at that. The mood throughout the rest of dinner was rather nice and friendly. After both of them had finished their dinner, Stathos helped Ysak clear the table up. It was during this time, after the initial shock and wonder of eating good food, that Stathos's spirits declined again. Ysak was quick to notice, as always.
“What's wrong?” He asked his friend.
Stathos sighed and looked up, towards his taller friend. “Do you think father would be ashamed of me?”
Ysak cocked a curious brow at the question. “Why do you say that?”
The lynx let out a small whimper and sat back down at the table. “I just... while he rots in jail... I'm here, eating and staying among the nobles, instead of fighting for his freedom.”
The wolf smacked a paw to his face and dragged it down in reaction. Then, however, he pulled Stathos close, patting his shoulder.
“Stathos, I'm sure he's happy knowing that you weren't captured too...” The wolf gave a playful smirk and chuckled. “Not through lack of trying, mind.”
Stathos stayed silent, merely blinking at Ysak for a few seconds, before giving a small chuckle as response to Ysak's comment. His good mood didn't last, though, as he quickly fell back into depression and worry.
“You think you can petition for his freedom?” The lynx asked.
Ysak grumbled and rubbed the back of his head upon hearing the question. He was a Royal Guard, which did mean he constantly spoke directly to the royal family, but even he knew there were some things that were difficult to talk about with them. He knew Stathos wouldn't want to hear it, but it needed to be said.
“I'm sorry, but... I don't know, Stathos. Treason is a hard charge to fight, especially with zero evidence to prove his innocence.” Ysak explained.
The lynx sighed and looked away. He noticed, tucked in the corner, a small little bookshelf. He walked over to it, and produced a simple, blue book.
“A History of Bladed Weaponry... I suppose this works.”
“Gonna... do some reading there?” Ysak asked.
Stathos nodded, heading towards the door for the bedrooms. “Until I feel like going to sleep... don't bother me, please.”
Before the lynx could open the door, he felt a gentle paw on his shoulder. He looked up, and saw the wolf giving a warm smile, full of genuine care.
“We're gonna get your father back... I promise.” Ysak said.
Stathos couldn't muster a reply for a few seconds after that. When he finally did, he gave a brief smile and brushed Ysak's paw away.
“I know. I just... wanna focus a bit. Thank you.” He replied warmly.
Ysak nodded and let Stathos pass. While Ysak sat in his chair in front of the fireplace sipping liquor and thinking, Stathos made his way into his chamber. He turned the lamp on and removed his clothing, folding them neatly and putting them on the floor at the foot of the bed. Down to his tunic and leotard, he lynx made himself comfortable on the bed before cracking the book open.
“He really did read this... I'm glad.” He said.
On the back of the cover, was a small engraving that read “Happy 16th Birthday, Ysak. -Stathos.” The book itself felt well read, and that made Stathos smile as he set out to read it for the first time, losing hours to it...
------------------------------------------THE NEXT MORNING------------------------------------------
Stathos was woken up by commotion coming from another room, audible enough for him to hear. He sat up, and the book that was resting on his face, open with quite a few pages in, slid onto his lap. The lynx chuckled slightly and closed it up, setting it on the nightstand. He noticed the lamp was already off as well. Stathos got himself out of bed and walked out of the room. He saw that the door to Ysak's armory was open, and he could hear voices from the other end. He walked over to it and slowly pushed the door open.
Ysak was being tended to by a young, spry looking mouse, his squire no doubt. The mouse was helping Ysak get armored up, fastening locks and clasps wherever Ysak could not reach. The wolf already had his legplates on, and was getting his breastplate adjusted when he noticed Stathos walk in.
“Well, well... look who's up.” Ysak teased. The wolf then turned to his squire. “Stathos can help me from here, Conrel. Do me a favor and do some shopping for me, please.”
The mouse squeaked and crossed his arms as he scowled at Stathos. “But he's just a-”
“Just a what?” Ysak prodded, looking annoyed.
“N-nothing, Sir Lerren!” Conrel replied.
Ysak nodded slowly and motioned to the door. “Figured... now go on, shop.”
The mouse nodded and ran straight out the door. Throughout that entire conversation, Stathos remained silent. When the mouse left the room, Stathos finally spoke up.
“Ok... what're you getting dressed up for this early?” The lynx asked.
Ysak chuckled a bit as he responded. “Aside from it being my job? The royal family is taking a tour around the city before he makes a pronouncement to the populace... he wants as many Royal Guardsmen on hand as possible.”
Stathos's face went completely blank. He honestly couldn't believe what he was wearing. The King, in the open? Ysak realized what he said and immediately started to backpedal.
“I know what you're thinking, Stathos. Don't even-”
“Mind if I see your sword?” Stathos asked quickly.
“What? Why?”
“Look, I just wish to hold it.” the lynx replied.
“No.” The wolf's reply was curt.
“Look, after all I've been through, I want to see if I can even hold the damn thing, let me see your stupid sword!” Stathos started speaking rapidly.
“...Fine.”
Ysak took the sword, still in its scabbard, and gave it to Stathos. Upon taking it into his paws, the lynx let out a mewl in surprise as the weight nearly made him drop it immediately. Stathos smiled upon righting himself.
“See? Nothing nefarious. I just wanted to inspect the craftsmanship.” Stathos started. The lynx pulled the sword out a bit to examine the blade. “Admire the temper...” The lynx then turned to the door and made to run. “Test its edge out on the King that fucking son of a-!”
Stathos made it to the front door of the house, opening it up... when he was pulled away from it rather suddenly. Before Stathos could do anything, he was slammed against the wall, with a very angry Ysak staring him down, fangs bared.
“Have you lost your mind?!” The wolf barked.
The lynx tried to struggle to get free from his friend's pinning arm. He was nowhere near as strong as the wolf, however, and his struggles quickly stopped. This did not save him from his friend's rather... heated lecturing.
“If we weren't friends, I'd have you brought to the prison block right now for conspiracy to commit regicide! Is that really worth it to you?!”
Stathos was quick to come up with a reply of his own, despite his precarious position.
“Yes! The nobles and royals get away with stepping on us because of their power!” He growled. “Why shouldn't we show them that we aren't weak? They need to learn no to take us for granted!”
Ysak stared daggers at Stathos for a few seconds more. With a low grunt, he sharply pulled his arm away, making his friend fall to his knees, coughing from the sudden pressure release.
“By all means, Stathos. Go ahead and show the Royal Court that you aren't afraid of them. I'm sure they'll get that message when you're slaughtered by the other Guardsmen the second you make a charge at His Grace.”
Stathos growled as he stood up, still clenching the sword tightly. He stared quite sharply at Ysak as he asked:
“What, are you telling me that justice for my father... for everyone, is a lost cause?”
“I'm telling you that you're an idiot, Stathos.” Ysak replied, direct and blunt.
“Ysak...”
The lynx tried to come up with a reply, but he knew that the wolf was right. He was risking everything on a sure and swift death, might as well have been suicide with how much he would have achieved. He resigned himself to the fact and closed the door, making sure to bar it. Ysak's face contorted into confusion, as his normally quick-tempered housemate relented.
“Did... I actually get through to you for once?” He asked in disbelief.
Stathos let out the faint hint of a chuckle and leaned against the door. “If I did go out there, and I did gut the bastard, I wouldn't live long enough to enjoy it... if I didn't get cut down before even making it that far.”
The knight nodded solemnly, his sword getting returned to its spot against his wall. He sighed, crossing his arms as he addressed his guest.
“So then, what will you do?” He asked.
Stathos shrugged. “I'll stay here.” His eyes became locked on the wolf. “With you.”
Ysak was taken aback by the words. “Come again?”
The lynx walked over, taking his friends paws in his, and holding them tight as he spoke. “You always looked out for me when we were growing up. You were my closest friend. I never told you I appreciated it, but... I do. Honestly, I actually kind of...”
“Admire me?” Ysak finished, in joking tone.
“Yes!” Stathos replied, rather quickly.
The wolf blinked. That was not what he was expecting, but... it's what came out of his friend's mouth. Ysak chuckled nervously and gave a small shrug.
“I suppose I can send word that they’ll need another guard for today due to a disturbance that I had to deal with on my own, Conrel has yet to leave so I’ll ask him to let them know.” Ysak said as he went to find his squire. He returned shortly after to see Stathos with his head in his hands.
“So... now what, then?” He asked.
Stathos bit his lip, hesitating briefly before answering Ysak's question. “Well... I want you to lay with me.”
“...What.”
A simple reply, a blunt reply, but it was all that the wolf could muster in response. Stathos noted the reaction and stepped back, a blush forming on his face as he looked to the ground.
“I was too direct, wasn't I?” Stathos asked.
“A bit, yes.” Ysak replied.
The lynx sighed heavily and shook his head, turning to face away from his friend. “Forget I said anything then.” He said in shame.
Ysak let Stathos take a few steps to walk away before reaching out to grab him. Stathos gasped and turned around. This was the same grab as before, when Ysak rescued him from the guards. The lynx was unsure of what his friend planned to do, but unlike that time, he didn't fight.
“Did I say you could leave?” He asked, a slightly jovial tone in his voice.
The lynx just stared up at the wolf, unsure of what was going on. It seemed he got his answer when the wolf leaned in and planted a kiss on Stathos's lips, the two muzzles touching firmly. The action caught the lynx off guard... he didn't ever expect Ysak to return his feelings. The wolf pulled away from the gesture of affection and smiled.
“I didn't say no, Stathos. I was just surprised to hear you ask that.” The wolf explained.
“So then...” Stathos said, his voice quiet with anticipation.
“I'll do this... if only to know what it feels like.” Ysak said with an exasperated sigh.
Stathos threw himself onto his friend, hugging him tightly. Ysak blinked at the hug, but shook it off and smiled, returning it. The lynx looked up and blushed in nervousness.
“S-so then... my room, or yours?” He asked.
Ysak gulped and looked around the house for a moment. He responded with a nervous chuckle.
“Y-yours, I guess.”
Stathos nodded slowly, breaking the hug and looking his friend over. It was then that his face fell at a sudden realization.
“Uhhh... the armor...”
Ysak looked down at himself, the wolf letting out a small chuckle. He couldn't exactly do any sort of sexual activity with that heavy gear on. He put a paw on his friend's shoulder and nodded.
“Wait for me. I'm going to get this stuff off.” Ysak said.
Stathos nodded, and they both made their way through the door to the hall. Stathos gave Ysak a sheepish little smile as they parted ways, with Ysak going into the armory. Stathos left the door to his bedroom open, to make it easier for Ysak. Stathos laid back on his bed and tugged at his tunic, wondering if he should undress now, or leave the honors for the wolf. He decided to stay clothed, and instead to lay on his stomach on the bed, kicking his legs as he waited for Ysak to finish up. Soon enough, though, the door swung open, Ysak strolling in. Stathos looked at his friend and blushed.
“My oh my...” He said, low in voice.
Ysak had come in wearing nothing but the leggings he wore under his armor, along with a small belt to keep them up. This allowed Ysak's upper body to be put on display. His physique was taut, not overly muscular, but not scrawny either, it was clear he worked to keep in top shape. His fur had a slight shine to it as well, further proving Ysak's health.
“I would have taken everything off... but I figured you'd want the honor.” the wolf said.
Stathos blushed heavily, his only response being a slow, heavy nod. He got up and walked over to his friend, wrapping his arms around him.
“I thought the same thing... thank you.” Stathos said.
Ysak chuckled a bit and grabbed onto the Stathos' tunic. The lynx had not tightened the collar of the shirt yet that morning, allowing the wolf to easily slide it off. When Stathos felt the cloth moving, he blushed and lifted his arms, letting the tunic come off entirely, his small, slender chest exposed. Ysak threw it aside and stepped back.
Now it was Stathos's turn. The lynx's paws reached out and cupped the wolf's pectorals, lightly squeezing them. His paws began to trace down the knight's sides, feeling the muscular curves and crevices of his body through the fur. When he reached the pants that covered the wolf's lower body, Stathos was quick. With a simple motion, the buckle of the belt was undone, and Stathos' fingers worked to undo the buttons that kept said pants closed.
“You seem experienced in this already.” Ysak teased, commenting on his speed.
“Shut it.” Stathos replied, chuckling a bit.
With a satisfying motion, the pants sagged completely, allowing Stathos to push them down forcefully. The wolf smirked and kicked them off, leaving him completely naked. Stathos blushed as he looked down at his friend. The wolf, legs were as muscular as the rest of him, perhaps a tad thinner. But the real prize was between the legs.
Ysak's cock was already starting to harden now that it was free. It seemed pretty sizable already at five inches with the cockhead slightly exposed.Stathos could only imagine how big it was when fully erect. The lynx reached forward, his paw moving lightly as he poked his friend's member with a finger, making it twitch and perk up a bit. Ysak blushed and brushed the paw away.
“Easy there... I still have to undress you, remember?” The wolf said.
Stathos blinked and pulled his paw back, laughing and shaking his head.
“R-right, sorry.”
The lynx stretched his arms out to his side, making sure not to block anything for Ysak. The wolf's tail wagged behind him as he grabbed onto the hem of the wolf's tight clothing, peeling it down. Stathos squirmed and shivered a bit, giving off a goofy smile as his tights came off. Ysak got a good look at his friend's body as he finished the undressing. Stathos was a lithe boy, with his brown fur shining in the light. The brown stripes that framed his chest and thighs curved ever so slightly, and his entire figure, while not muscular was Ysak, was healthy and kept, if not on the thin side. Stathos’s member was quickly starting to get erect already at four inches in length but his foreskin still covering his cockhead, which for some reason the wolf found humorous.
“Excited, are we?” He teased with a small laugh.
Stathos blushed heavily and looked down, stepping out of his leotard and twidling his digits. “M-maybe.”
Ysak chuckled and grabbed Stathos's paws gently, walking him over to the bed. He pulled them both onto it and smiled, petting his friend's head gingerly.
“So, my little alchemist, do you know how you're going to get me erect enough for this?” Ysak asked.
Stathos looked down at his friend's lions and gave a brief little nod. “I have an idea... read it in a book once.”
Ysak chuckled. “Clearly not from one of my shelves.”
The lynx stuck his tongue out in response. “Just sit up and lean back, ok?”
Ysak did as he was asked like any dutiful knight. He rolled to sit up on the bed, and pushed his way over so that he could comfortably lean back, his head resting against the backboard of the bed. Seeing the wolf in his desired position, Stathos smirked and slid between his friend's legs. With gentle fingers, he clutched the wolf's thickness in his paw, and looked down at it. Ysak's brow was curious, but only for a second, as he knew what was going on.
Stathos's tongue lashed out of his mouth. It connected with the tip of his friend's wolfhood, and slowly dragged. Ysak huffed and fluttered his eyelids as he felt the motion. A paw reached down, rubbing on Stathos's ear in reponse to his actions. Stathos chuckled a bit and continued, his tongue eager on his friend's cock.
“What kind of book did you read...?” Ysak asked under his breath.
The wolf could feel himself start to harden as his member continued to get tongue-assaulted. For a first timer, Stathos clearly had good tongue work, that much was certain. Stathos shifted his position a bit, using his other paw to gently caress the wolf's abdomen. However, he stopped his licks, an idea forming in his head.
“I wonder...”
Before Ysak could ask about what he meant, Stathos was moving his muzzle back down... and further still. Ysak gasped, his body lurching up as the lynx took the head of his friend's cock into his muzzle, making a loud slurping noise as it went in. That alone caused Ysak to completely harden, his member twitching inside his friend's warm mouth. Stathos took notice of this and blushed more, his eyes closing as his head started to bob, slathering Ysak's length in his spit with each movement of his head, the lynx taking more of his friend into him with each time he bobbed down.
“S-Stathos, when did you- mmfff...” was all the wolf could muster out.
The lynx continued still. He seemed to be getting into it now, with his muzzle movements picking up speed. Ysak took both paws to the lynx's head, running them through his hair as he worked the wolf's shaft pumping it up and down and running his tongue against the bare tip when he peeled back his friend’s foreskin. Feeling his friend's reaction, Stathos got bold, and decided to try taking the entire length into his muzzle...
Ysak let out a sharp gasp as he felt his member sink further into his friend's mouth. He seemed hungry. Too hungry. Ysak didn't want to be finished now, and made that known.
“Ahh!! S-Stathos stop!” He yelled as he felt a familiar pressure building extremely quickly, much faster than any time before.
Stathos looked up and slowly slid himself off of his friend. “What's wrong?”
“N-nothing. It's just... I don't want it to be over, not now... understand?”
Stathos nodded in response. “So now what?” He asked.
Ysak chuckled a bit, still panting from the blowjob he just received. He pointed behind him, to the backboard.
“Now, it's your turn... lay back, and lift your legs for me.”
Stathos nodded slowly, crawling over to the head of the bed, while Ysak went back behind the lynx. When Stathos got into position, he grabbed onto his legs, hitching them by the knees and pulling them into the air. This position caused his rear to spread, which made it easy for Ysak. The wolf smiled and knelt up, getting himself right behind Stathos, with his cock prodding ever so slightly against his friend's tailhole.
“This way, we can look at each other while... you know.” Ysak explained.
Stathos nodded and let go of his legs, letting them prop up on his friend's body. His paws dropped to either side of him, resting on the bed. Ysak took both of Stathos' legs in his paws and looked down.
“Well then... I trust you're ready?” Ysak asked.
Stathos nodded slowly, his ears folding back just so slightly. “Y-yes... I suppose so.” He relied sheepishly.
Ysak nodded. He gave Stathos' legs a tight squeeze, and slowly pushed himself forward. The lynx gasped as he felt his friend's length start to spread his tailhole, the fleshy ring expanding as it got stretched. Stathos winced and gripped the sheets under him. Ysak noticed this and stopped immediately, his member halfway into his friend's passage.
“Crap, Stathos, am I hurting you?” He asked.
Stathos shook his head, looking up at Ysak with warm eyes.
“I'm... fine, don't worry. Just... new to this.” The lynx replied.
The wolf nodded slowly and looked down. Biting his bottom lip slightly, he continued to push himself forward, his cock vanishing into his friend. Stathos grit his teeth and squeezed his fists, adjusting to the new feeling of having something being inserted into him and the slight sting as his tailhole widened to accommodate his friend’s thick cock. Ysak let out a small grunt and completely slid himself in. Stathos gasped out, his body aching up a bit from the motion. The wolf panted and looked down at his friend, brushing a paw against the lynx's cheek.
“Well... this is... different... you're holding up, though?”
Stathos nodded, his body shifting as he tried to adjust to the force inside of him. He was blushing heavily, his brown cheeks flushed a deep red.
“Y-yeah... I think I'm ready to... k-keep going...” The lynx relied, between sharp pants.
Ysak huffed and gently squeezed Stathos's legs, and wrapped them around his waist. The wolf chuckled and smirked.
“Well... I'm letting you know now... I'm no stranger to this.” He said.
Stathos's eyes went wide. Those weren't words he was expecting to hear. Sure enough, he started to feel his body shake, the feeling started oddly behind his bits and radiated throughout his body. It was strange, but almost nice as Ysak slowly moved his hips. Stathos could see the wolf’s well defined stomach contracting with each pulse, in time with the thick cock inside him.
The lynx’s cock had stiffened as Ysak pushed in and out of him. The wolf tipped forward, pressing Stathos’s knees against his chest. The position was a little bit awkward for Stathos, but Ysak seemed to be using it to his benefit. The wolf then quickly split Stathos’s legs to gain better access to him. Stathos was relieved that he could breathe again, with his legs no longer at his chest. Ysak continued to grunt rhythmically as he fucked the lynx. ; Stathos had gotten used to Ysak’s invading cock and his previously soft member perked up little by little as the wolf thrusted into him.
Ysak kept his eyes shut as he continued to plow the tight ass. He dared not open them to, to see Stathos taking his member. He instead continued to wildly hammer away. Stathos had noticed that the wolf was in his own trance, fixated on just continuing to pound him. The lynx did not mind, his own inexperience led him not to question what Ysak was doing, he was overjoyed that Ysak had even agreed to it.
The wolf was primal, bestial as he quickened his pace, bucking against the smaller male, causing the bed to rock along with the lynx. He whimpered as the wolf used him, it was a little more rough that he had imagined on those cold nights. thinking about his friend on him. His tailhole was a little sore but his obvious discomfort caused the wolf to notice and he pulled out of him quickly. causingThis caused Stathos to wince and gasp.
HeYsak pursed his lips and dropped some spit in Stathos’s slightly opened hole to lube it up and spit some more on his bare head quickly sliding his foreskin up and down to coat it completely he then replaced his cock. It slid in much easier than the first time as the lynx accepted Ysak’s thickness.
“O-oh Y-ysak, tha-nk you for this~...” Stathos moaned in a low whisper punctuated with a sharp yip as he felt the wolf press inside.
Ysak balanced himself by pressing down on Stathos’s shoulders still keeping his eyes closed. The lynx could hardly concentrate as the wolf continued his relentless assault. Stathos watched his cock bounce along with the wolf’s thrusts. It had stiffened to a point he’d never before felt. His cockhead nearly fully visible. The lynx grabbed it and peeled the rest back watching his cockhead glint in contrast to the wolf’s fur.
Ysak opened his eyes just a bit to see Stathos playing with his own cock as the wolf fucked himhe was getting fucked. His eyes lingered on the lynx’s six inch uncut member before a pang of realization hit him. He was doing this for Stathos, nothing more…
mBut maybe there was something more.
He put the thought at the back of his mind and continued to please himself with the lynx. Ysak peered once more to see his friend’s chest heaving as his breath was short.
“A-are you e-enjoying yourself there Stathos?” Ysak managed to say in between his grunts and short gasps.
“Y-yip! Yes, yes I-I am!” The lynx moaned and exclaimed. He continued to wriggle around in pleasure. Ysak couldn’t help but admire his handiwork.
Stathos pushed back against Ysak who reacted in surprise at the sudden assertiveness of his friend, but he was not about to reject it.
“Deeper, I can take it~” he moaned as he wrapped his legs around Ysak’s hips and drew him in closer to punctuate his demand.
The wolf obliged and drew himself up enough to hilt into Stathos. Ysak stopped for a short second as he realized he was now totally inside his friend. He was inside another male for the first time. He’d always assumed he only enjoyed women. T; the thought of another man had never crossed his mind. Yet here he was with his male friend. He had given his childhood friend his cock. At that thought, Stathos perked up and tightened his grip around Ysak’s hips signaling him to continue again. Ysak’s wolfhood throbbed upon the touch. Even if this was his friend, even if he was male, he was enjoying it and that was something he could not deny.
“I aim to please.”
Ysak pumped his hips harder than ever, but something was different. His thrusts were not as wild or as untrained. There was a slight… passion behind his new rhythm. He could not last much longer. The newfound pace had gotten him so close to release. He couldn’t yet, not before Stathos.
Ysak looked down and saw the lynx’s sac had drawn tight. He decided he should finish this quickly. The wolf squeezed the lynx’s pouch causing the boy on the bottom to moan deeply. The lynx squirmed around, gripping at the sheets of the bed for some stability. Unable to contain himself, Stathos loudly vocalized his pleasure.
“Ahhhh! Mmm Y-Ysak! Pl-please!” He cried out. He was close, but this was unlike any orgasm he’d ever felt before. The pressure was building and he felt it travel up from the base of his cock. As it travelled along the shaft he let out an embarrassed moan. He’d not even been touching himself. His cock stood stiffly with the foreskin fully pulled back, throbbing and dripping.
The sensations were too much and Ysak’s pace was too fast, Stathos was sent over the edge. He squeaked as his cock jolted in the wolf’s paw. Foreskin drawn back as he thrusted into the air he fired off 6 long shots across his face and body as his cock wildly spasmed. The lynx was coated in thick white semen. His last release, he could not remember, but this one was special… he’d gotten it totally from Ysak.
The wolf watched as the lynx was covered by the twitching cock. He was a bit surprised at how he’d managed to accomplish that. But his own wolfhood begged for a release of its own. He pumped a few more times and quickly withdrew causing Stathos to shudder and one more glob of semen to drip out. Ysak finished himself off rather quickly; his thick cock made slick sounds as he drew the foreskin back and fired his load on the lynx.
“Arrrghhh… ahhh-hhh!” Ysak grunted but could not suppress the little moan that escaped as he came.
Ysak collapsed next to the lynx who now had two loads haphazardly strewn across his body. Ysak’s shots were thinner but they travelled all the way up his chest. They complimented nicely with his own shots.
“Ah-h, we-well…” Ysak could barely form words in his afterglow.
“We ce-certainly did make a mess…” Stathos began to throw his arm around Ysak before the wolf withdrew.
“We have to wash up.” Ysak said curtly as he knew he’d denied his friend something he’d clearly wanted. Something that he himself might have wanted.
Ysak grabbed a robe and headed out of the room; he was unable to turn back around to face Stathos after that.
Stathos’s heart sank, he couldn’t even reply to Ysak as he quickly turned away and laid down on the bed sighing heavily.
“Ysak did say that he only did it for me…” he quietly said to himself as he felt his matted fur, the semen still marking him.
Ysak cleaned himself off in the washbasin and splashed some water on his face to gain his bearings. He’d rejected Stathos’s advances after giving in so much. He sat on the stool in contemplation; his mind ran through how he’d gotten to the point of spilling his seed over his childhood friend.
“I did it for him…”
He tried to convince himself that it was a one off action to indulge his friend’s desire and it certainly did not detest what he’d done. He quite enjoyed having sex with Stathos, but he tried to rationalize it. He tried to make it completely about helping Stathos… even then Ysak could not deny something had arisen in him during.
The wolf knew he had to go explain himself before the Royal Guard for his actions over the past few hours. The procession would already be well underway. At the very least he could go to take his mind off of what had happened. Still the pang of guilt hung on him, he couldn’t leave Stathos like that. He quickly prepared some lunch and left a note saying where he’d gone for Stathos to find. Ysak then quickly donned his chain armor, there was no need for the ceremonial heavy plate, and left toward the Guardhouse.
Stathos turned back around after what could have been an hour. He felt like he’d really made a mistake in asking Ysak to indulge him. He got up out of the bed to at least find his friend. The lynx was about to open the door but he realized he was covered in semen still and he grabbed his tunic from the pile on the floor. Its hem came down low enough, though if he moved to swiftly he could easily expose himself. Stathos walked out and immediately met Conrel’s gaze. The mouse quickly looked away and went back to catalogue the armory for the day.
“Do you know where Ysak went?” Stathos asked timidly.
“I saw him rush out and his chain is missing so I assume he went on to his duty. He did leave something in the main hall. It was left for you.” Conrel may not have cared for Stathos, but he always took his squire duties seriously.
Stathos muttered a thank you and proceeded to the hall, on the counter there was a plate with fresh fruits and a small butter cake. The lynx drooled as he gazed at the small, but extremely delicious snack. Alongside it was a note folded up with Stathos’s name written on it.
I’m sorry for my unceremonious exit, there are just some things that need to be thought through. There is nothing that you did wrong. I left to go clear my head and thought it best to do that while working. My duty to the king would be breached if I were to abandon my post. Though I did enjoy our time together, its deeper meanings to me are elusive. I do know one thing, what we did was not just something to get our minds off the situation. There was something more, of what I am not sure. I hope I did not hurt you as that was the last thing I wanted to do.
Ysak Lerren
Stathos smiled and his heart was filled again; Ysak had not abandoned him, nor will he. Stathos had no idea that his request could have elicited any feelings. He was just hoping that Ysak would say yes. He grabbed the little cake and topped it with a slice of strawberry before his eyes widened. Not only was it a delicious cake but it was filled with cream.
Stathos wandered around Ysak’s home and perused his books in his study. Most were history or military related. He did find one that could occupy his time, Alchemical Philosophy and Practice.
The lynx laid back on the sofa and started reading. Again he was engrossed in reading, the different ways of alchemy were so much different than what his father had practiced. The author had collected many traditions from far away lands. He could still see common things with what he knew. But as he read more he thought more of his father. Treason was indeed a terrible crime and he had no idea why his father was targeted. He practiced legal alchemical magic. As his apprentice, Stathos knew what went on in their day to day business. They were little more than local apothecaries, but knew the pharmacopeia well. Stathos had dispensed many potions himself and not once before that fateful time had he even suspected wrongdoing. He decided to grab another book off the shelf, The Magicks of Other Lands. This one held his interest better and he pumped some cold water to sip on the couch.
Ysak returned from his rounds and saw Stathos was not anywherewhere to be found. He searched the rooms, the hall, the study, he was gone.
“Are you home, Ysak?” the wolf heard coming from beyond the hall.
“Yes, Stathos. yYou had me worried for a second there.” Ysak called back.
“Oh I just decided I’d cook dinner for you since you’ve done so much for me.” Stathos smiled as Ysak walked into the kitchen.
“I’ll cook you Making something that I don’t get to make often on our meager income.” The lynx sliced some green onions to finish off a plate of chopped seared beef on rice.
“This looks great, just give me a chance to get changed.” the wolf replied.
YYsak was about to turn away when he noticed that Stathos was not wearing his leggings. The tunic barely covered anything, every time the slender feline bent over or reached for something it would reveal his tender butt and his bits. The hem of that tunic barely made it to his balls. Ysak was very happy to see that sight.
“One thing,: I’m guessing you read my note.” Ysak felt a twinge of regret, the contents of that letter were personal. He hardly had the time to think it over before he left.
“Yes... thank you for those words and also thank you for that very nice snack.” Stathos said while still stirring.
Ysak turned to change and it was not long before the two ate dinner. They talked and talked about memories and their current interests.
“Well that was amazing, you’re not a bad cook either and I’m glad I didn’t have to be the one cooking it for once.” Ysak chuckled and helped wash dishes.
Not long after they retired to their chambers, Ysak removed his shirt and laid there in his breeches. He closed his eyes and thought of Stathos. His cock immediately responded and saw it poked over the top of his pants.
“I was too hard on him…” Ysak said under his breath and he got up to go talk with Stathos.
“He’s coming around, I know he will.” Stathos told himself as he got comfortable in bed.
Ysak knocked at the door, “are you doing okay in there Stathos?”
“Yeah, come in!” The lynx replied.
Ysak found Stathos laying down flat on his back. The tunic was unable to cover him properly in this positon.
“I was thinking about what I said in the note. I want to tell you I really do mean it. My word is my bond.” Ysak said sheepishly.
“Quite the knight with such a phrase. Good night Ysak.” Stathos curled up and laid on his side. Ysak was about to turn and go when he slipped his pants off. He decided instead he’d give Stathos anything he wanted. He had wanted to hold and be held earlier. This time is as good as any.
Ysak climbed onto the bed and quickly wrapped his arms around his friend. He squeezed them together as a show of affection.
“I do want you to be very happy” Ysak cuddled Stathos and both drifted off into sleep feeling so very good from the events of the day.
------------------------------------------THE NEXT MORNING------------------------------------------
Conrel had begun his duties and knocked on Ysak’s door, the knocking was so loud as to rouse the wolf and the lynx.
“I’m in here Conrel, I can hear you!” Ysak growled.
.
“Sir Lerren your presence is requested at the Watch to take your statement on the events of the day!” his squire, Conrel, yelled.
“Ready yourself in the armory, I wish to enjoy breakfast with my guest before I start off.” Ysak growled back realizing he’d have to deal with reports and testimonies thanks to some watchman mouthing off about what had happened.
“As you please, Sir Lerren!” Conrel did as he was told.
“Well how do you feel about some bread and jam with a sausage?” Ysak turned his attention to the lynx.
“I’ll be right there!” Stathos said as he struggled with his tights. He finished getting them on and donned his tunic. He walked into the kitchen and saw Ysak preparing breakfast. They ate a much more modest meal than their grand dinner last night but it was still a very nice meal that Stathos enjoyed.
The two talked as though they’d never skipped a beat in their friendship. Throughout the day Ysak took Stathos to enjoy the sights of the inner city.
The assizes do not convene until the next week begins and so Stathos’s father will have to bear at least two nights in the dungeons. But Ysak managed to get Stathos’s mind off of it. He knew from now on he’d protect that lynx from whatever harm could befall him and vowed he’d make his friend as happy as he could no matter what. Stathos felt safe, he knew he needed to rescue his father but was assured Ysak would find a way.
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