Year of the Rat Chapter two. Soup.

Story by FlyntWolfwing on SoFurry

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The second chapter to my novel 'Year of the Rat.' again as with the first one it took some courage to put it up here, and I am both nervouse and eager to know what you readers think of my work. I hope y'all like it. please enjoy!. chapter 3 coming soon!.


Chapter two

Soup

Bitter cold, that is what was going through Flynt's mind It was bitter and cold outside.he rolled a crimson orb up to peer at the looming moon.The rains had finally stopped an hour ago and the dark streets glistened wetly as the Minotaur snuck around alleys, and bends. The powerful bovine slowed to a stop leaning against a building's wall behind a stack of barrels the bovine would sneak a look around them.peering at the gate just within view.The towering wooden structure was closed and barred shut, two guards posted at either of its sides armed with massive claymores and spears. Briar grunted and slunk back into the alley looking down at his 'package',firmly curled up in his powerful arm."Not good, their are to many at that gate to heavily armed.I just know if I try attacking the whole city will be on top of us." the minotaur thought for a moment slowly sneaking along the alley and peeking around the oposite corner into the mangy adjoining alley full of garbage, old rotten crates and barrels, a small creek of brakish rainwater in the middle of it all.The Minotaur looked down one end, then the other making sure no humans would come and blow his cover.thats when the Bovine's brain produced an idea, perhaps not a great one but it was an idea for escape and it was fool proof.

"Alright Flynt your going to have to trust me,there is probably a tree or some bushes on the other side of that wall." the rat still held firmly in the cows arms squeaked looking up at him,"I'm gonna get you over the wall so be ready alright?" the rat squeaked again looking at the Minotaur for a moment in confusion ears half erect,"w..what are you saying?" Briar didn't bother to explain himself instead the Minotaur stepped out into the alley and with a heavy grunt he rolled Flynt into a ball of fluff, and with both heavy paws one holding the rats back the other firmly gripped the robbed creatures butt the Minotaur spun on his hooves.The rat wailing in surprise and shock when those heavy hands released him, the Minotaur hurtled the rodent up into the air and over that tall thirty foot high wall of stone.the rodent wailing all the way flailing his arms and legs cleared it and tumbled towards the ground on the other side. The Black rat landed safely in a unkempt overgrown line of brush along the cities wall, he sustained superficial wounds. a few scratches and some minor tears in his clothing.

Flynt grunted and rolled out of the foliage onto the damp grass pushing himself up on to his shaking his knees the rodents glistening whiskered snout pointed at the hilly plains land the city had been built upon. shakily the rat rose to his feet only to yell in surprise when his pack landed in front of him with a heavy thud. The distant shouts and thwang like resonance of bows and the whistle of arrows echoed behind the towering wall of stone followed by a whooping holler caused Flynt to gaze upward at the mass of black lunging from the top of that wall.

Squeaking loudly the rat fell back when the Minotaur Briar landed on his hooves barely two feet in front of the rodent. the rattle of his metallic pauldrons and sturdy cloak were like war trumpets.the rat lay there gazing up at the towering bovine the moon's light cast an almost heroic glow over the Minotaur, his breath turned to fog thrust from his naris and lips. His massive battle axe in hand dripping with the crimson essence of several humans. he looked down at the rodent he was charged with cowering in front of the bushes,those red eyes reflecting the light of the moon full of admiration and fear.with a huff the bovine slung his axe into a holster made of chain and leather,"Geeze Rat, your lucky your dad is an old shield brother of mine else I'da left ya behind." the rat gave a huff of his own at those harsh words only to yelp and nearly reel back when the cow reached down to grab his bag only to sling its strap over the haft of his battle axe,"Oh I am just joking little rat, but I aint carrying ya anymore y'all gonna use them legs the Great Dragon gave ya, now c'mon fer ya become a pin cushion!." with those last words the Minotaur whipped around grinding the soil beneath his cloven hooves and trotted off,Flynt was taken aback by the sudden change in vocabulary and the rough words themselves. but he wouldn't stay there to let the human men slay him. he rose to his feet and ran.He ran behind that massive Minotaur heels following his hooves, the rats leather laced sandals smacking his bare soles with each footfall as the rain wet grass soaked them.

The duo ran into the night, the light from the moon suspended high in the midnight sky lighting their way turning the grass and trees rising on the hill top the Bovine and rodent traversed into glistening Chrystal's of their former selves. the clouds whisped and floated away the last remnants of the thunderstorm usherd along by the wind revealing the star lit sky.

The Minotaur huffed and leaned against a tree for a long moment, he gazed over at his charge. Flynt was panting but was not as worn as the Minotaur was from the run,instead of collapsing in a heap of exhaustion the rodent turned around to gaze down the hill and across the grassy field and dirt road to the mighty Cobble wall of his former home, torches lit the battlements here and there while others in the grips of guards slowly marched along the wall.a loud snap and hiss like crackling drew the rodents red eyes to the Minotaur the contours of his face taking on an eerie glow from the match. His staring eyes peering into the bundle of tobaco in his pipe that slowly caught flame and emberd reflected the strips of burning weed. waving the match and fliking it aside the cow drew a deep inhale off his pipe the bovines lips pursed over the maple stock of his pipe. Briar's horned head leaned back against the tree and those same wet lips billowed forth a stream of grey smoke that bulged out and dissipated into the atmosphere. Briar stared at the rat standing there peering back at him quizidly,taking another draw on his pipe the bovine spoke."For a mum there, I had thought you were a runt,another bit of dead weight on me shoulders." the minotaur puffed on his pipe again."But I see ye got the flight of rodent to yer feet." Flynt blinked and looked to his pink paws hidden in the leather studded sandles.

"I only Ran as you had told me to do sir." spoke the rodentian in such a soft tone of voice it caused the bovine to couph on his pipe.the Minotaur nodded with a soft laugh,"Aye you did indeed little Flynt,you didn't stumble, nor pant in exhaustion .there is hope for ya yet boy." Briar smiled to the rat who merely stood there hands folded over his front, those large ears pinned back as he gave a gaze back at the city.The Minotaur pushed off the tree and took a final drag off his pipe before tapping it on his metal vambrace to dump out the tobacco leaves.He then slipped the thing back in its pouch. Briar frowned at the small charge he knew he was raised proper, educated and likely boasting skills that yet to surface, but what got to Briar was that sad look on his face, the rat was going to miss the family that reared him, there was no doubt about it, and Briar Knew it. he cleared his throat breaking the rodents mournful gaze. "Come on lad,we got to meet up with the others." the rat squeaked throwing his hands up to catch his pack, The Minotaur tossed it to the rodent who caught it with a small grunt.Flynt smiled both nervousely and and half heartidly as he slung the pack over his shoulder.giving a final look to his former home the rodent began following the towering minotaur down the other side of the hill those red eyes never left the turrets of the wall until the grassy hill obscured his view of them. he looekd down at the muddy and wet ground drawing in a breath and loosing it in a quiet sigh.

Twas an easier trek down the hill than up the hill,with his pink tail swishing side to side the rodent followed close beside the Minotaur warrior the moment both hoof and sandaled feet set onto the road the duo paused,the Minotaur arm out stopping the rat as the Soldier sniffed the air and peered about with caution.the rats red eyes watched the bovines actions and he did the same,catching a caledescope of scents.Soil,rain,the Minotaur and traces of his tobacco,when the wind blew over them the rodents pink nose twitched and caught the scent of boiling red cabbage,basil,rabbit meat,carved wood, musk,the stench of metallic armors,blood,and lizardfolk, even the whisps of voices on the wind.the Minotaur scratched his head not sure where to go,"Well dammit, I forgot where the damn caravan was." A tug on the minotaurs arm caused him to gaze down to the small rodent,Briars eyes went wide watching as the rats arm outstretched and pointed due east."Their over there, behind the bend and trees."

Briar blinked a few times in surprise, then looked up along the rats aim,"Well damn, you got a rats nose to don't ya." Flynt tilted his head peering up at the minotaur for a moment,"I..I am a Rat Sir." briar bellowed laughter that rattled Flynts very bones.The Minotaur slapped the rats back throwing him sprawling forth with a yelp, the rat laneded on his knees and paws looked back to Briar eyes wide,"Aye that you are boy,I like ya Flynt." the minotaur clopped over next to the rat as he rose to his feet brushing the wet soil and blades of lose grass off his robes bottom.before the black rodent could speak another word the Minotaur warrior wrapped an arm around his waist and heaved him up off those sandled feet and slung him over that pauldroned shoulder like a sack of flour,"Give them pink giblets of yours a rest, your easy and fun to carry!.''the bovine chuckled heartily as he trotted along the dirt wagon path turned muddy. he nearly skipped as he turned the bend and made his way towards the trio of wagons parked alongside the road, a large campfire in the middle surrounded by refugees. Flynt simply let the larger mammal carry him like some form of luggage, he bounced with each of the massive males steps, his eyes staring down that long cloak and over to the axe jingling in its holster. Flynt was surprised at how the minotaur treated him, it was a kind of generosity and regard, but honestly being carried like a sack felt a bit odd for the rodent, he was eager to be set back down.The black rat didn't have long to wait, he couldn't see where he was going because the minotaurs bulky arm holding him in place, forced to stare behind him.But the voices and crackle of fire grew ever closer and louder until the rat swore he could feel the heat from a camp fire on his rump and tail. Briar waved a heavy hand at the collection of orc,human, and lizardfolk gathered at the trio of large wagons,"Oy!,I got us another refugee fresh from the human city, i think he be the last one!."

A gravely voice responded to the minotaur,"Good job Briar bring him here so i can get a look at em,is it a lizard?" the rat squeaked in surprise as he was slung from the bovine warriors shoulder and spun around before his pads hit the ground, the rat stumbled forward and smashed into an immovable wall of scale and leather,Flynt went wide eyed looking at what that wall was,a belly, a somewhat bloated belly belonging to a white and sea green lizard easily four feet taller than the rat,his nose looked up at the towering seven foot tall Saurus donned in leather spaulders, and kilt.the ridgy scaley snout aimed right back at him, those yellow eyes wide in surprise,"Its a rat!." Flynt winced at that, what was it about him being a damn rat that was so surprising to everyone?.

"Aye?." contested Briar with a raised bow and heavy hand on the rodents shoulder.

"Fine he'll be lonely though, he'll be the only rat in the caravan." The saurus spoke to the minotaur, poor fFynt was between the two large creatures his head barely gut level to them both, and both wearing simple cloth flaps over their undoubtedly large malehood.both males gave the small rodent hardly any space between their musky scented bodies, the minotaur stunk of sweat,tobacco, blood, metal and leather.the Saurus reaked of a herb the rat couldn't place, a small hint of leather and an unmistakable stench that indicated the saurus had either mated recently or was horny.The black hooded rat simply shrunk into himself holding the strap to his pack as the two large males spoke between one another.

"-bout twenty three folk,a handful of orcs,two humans and course a bundle of scalefolks an some others, I think the rats are traveling in their tunnel system."The minotaurs arms were crossed listening to the apparent caravans leader.

"Aye, well is there room for this lil mouse?" the saurus shrugged.

"I would think so, he is small nuff i bet we could actually fit him in a crate or maby that old cauldron Thrisha uses, that prolly be best for him the beds,floors and hammocks in the wagons are all taken up by souls,none keen to sharin i wager."

"Aye seems legit, he shant be any trouble lil mouse is pretty quiet, i think he may be shy, I say let him peruse the camp an wagons.just make sure he taint in that cauldron for ya cook anything." the two males laughed heartily,the Saurus finaly looked down at the rat, finally recognizing his presence."Why dont you go have a seat by the fire hmm?, the wagon with the cauldron in it is right there." the reptile pointed at a cart sitting with its ass end facing the camp fire, the red wooden door was wide open the wagons bulbose wooden structure was painted yellow with a red roof. As Flynt gazed at the wooden house with wheels a very unnerving yet interesting creature slitherd from its confines holding a bowl.

"Now its sparse nuff for ya to lay in, i'd ask Thrisha if she gots any pillows or a spare quilt." Flynt stared at the saurus then back to the wagon and the fire trying to find the serpent with no success his gaze went back up to the minotaur,"B..but i want to stay with Briar." the reptile blinked a few times then looked to the equally surprised bovine, Briar knelt in front of little Flynt and smiled placing a bulky hand on his shoulder,"Ya cant come with me lad, i told yur pa id keep you from harm and where i'm heading theres bound to be plenty of that, i wont be able to keep ya safe." the rats lip quivered a little and he tried hugging the minotaur, but he held the rat in place,"Now don't go gettin mushy with me again lil guy,I like ya yur cute an all but you gotta be strong now, I know you just got yanked from your nest but you gotta be tough,Like Rinshin here." the reptile rolled his eyes and frowned a bit as the rodent nodded gently to Briar's words, the fur around his eyes wet from tears and rain,Briar pulled a necklace from around his thick throat and lay the heavy bead,bone and iron hammer pendant over the rats head."Here you go,you wear this for luck." the minotaur looked into the rats eyes as he fiddled with the pendants hammer then stood back to his full heigt."Right Im off,gonna meet up with some of my mates up the way." the rat looked up and watched as the minotaur shook the saurus hand,"Good luck Briar we will keep a spot open for you." the bull shook his head at Rinshin,"Dont bother, I will meet y'all at port if I Don't go ahead to the highlands." ruffling the rats head fur the minotaur clopped off down the road his hand wrapping around the haft of his axe as his silhuette dissapeared into the darkness of the forest.

the clap of a pair of heavy hands made Flynt squeak and jump in shock, he looked up to see the Saurus hands were together rubbing one another.

"Right,you go get settled now, get some of yur aunti Thrishas stew in ya." the rat tried to ask who Thrisha was, but the saurus had already turned tail and was wandering over towards a sandy tan wagon where a group of orc and reptiles were lounging about, the gravely voice of Rhinshin shouted something inaudible to the rats ears,which was odd,perhaps it was in orcish?.with a sigh and a tug on the strap of his pack the rat bravely took a step forward towards the camp fire. the blaze was sizable not to large but not to small. Flynt subconciousely measured the campfire to be around four feet across borderd by river rocks.over it a hung a large black pot who's belly the flames lapped over hungrily.The rodents crimson eyes glanced shyly over at a trio of folk sitting on a log,he slowly inched passed them. Two were focused on their food while one looked up for a moment then went back to his book,Flynt found a bench and sighed gently dropping his leather pack next to it then settling on the wooden seat, he reached down to rub at his damp ankels,the fur and linen wraps were matted with rain water.he unclipped the toggle holding his sandal and splayed those pink furless toes towards the fire, its radiating warmth helping his shaking chill to dissipate.the voices of the other refugees swam around the rat as he stared at the dancing flames beneath the iron belly of the cauldron, its contents of bubbling soup only half full, the flames reddening its underside and glowing eerily off of the rodents black and grey furred face. where the glow was, there was warmth and the rat soon found the need for his cloak unnecessary. a decent distraction from his thoughts that dared to rise up and pull him beneath the surface of sorrow.He fumbled with the tie then successfully removed the linen cape letting it slide down his back and settle around his rump and thighs.He was about to get to his feet and find Rinshin to ask where he could get a bowl for the soup when the rats eyes glanced up to peer at his own reflection in a set of amber eyes set in sockets on the serpentine head of a Naga. the very Naga he saw slithering from the wagon he was to sleep in, she was smiling at him kindness in her predatory eyes. smiling and holding out a bowl of soup."here little one you look like you need it, may want to let it cool off first it is very hot" her voice!, her voice caused the rats mind to spin, to level and calm down, focused only on her, he held out his hands as if they were not under his control and accepted the bowl. it was of simple wooden make a spoon sitting within. Flynt looked down into the broth,a watery steaming soup of rice and sausedge slices floated in its brakish waters with burgs of potatoes and islands of red leaves that gave it an earthy aroma.the rodent stared at the meat slices knowing he could not digest them but he dare not turn away free food. Young Flynt's red eyes looked up as the Naga settled herself on the bench the tan brushd wood creaking beneath her weight.she sat awkwardly her coils running from where a pair of legs should be lazily sliding back behind and under the bench into a neat, tight coil of scales. her body coloration was a gorgeouse garnet red with white borders on the dirt brown diamonds along her body. the under belly scales were a beige, her head was without a hood in its stead a headband decorated her brow.

Her bousm was covered by what could have been a silk dress but upon her serpentine body appeared as if a mere tunic.She held a bowl of the food in her hands, her clawed hands.she looked at the rat and smiled brightly,"So your the last one we plucked from that hell hole of pink skins?" her accent was thick, exotic and thick.The rodent simply nodded, the serpentesses eyes narrowed for a moment then she smiled,"Your a rat, do not fret I do not plan to send you with this brew." she smiled holding the bowl to her lips and drank. Flynt swallowed hard, was she just making a pun on him being a rat?.

"Have you never seen a Naga before little one?" Inquired the serpent looking the rodent in the eyes,he slowly shook his head remaining silent his eyes wide in disbelief, admiration,and fear.a pair of hands pressed on both of his shoulders making him squeak loudly and jump knocking the bowl held in his hands into his chest, spilling the piping hot soup all over his robe."Aiyee!." the rat shouted drawing the gaze of the others sitting around the fire, a few stood to get a better look at the source of commotion. had those hands not been on his shoulders he would of fallen back into the dirt, but instead he was held in place squeaking and wincing as the searing pain of the soup soaked through both his robes. the heat burned into the fur underneath, acting swiftly Sjinel quickly picked the rat up and slithered towards the large yellow wagon leaving Thrisha behind to follow at her own pace.The male Naga slithered quickly up the wooden ramp and inside the confines of the round top wagon.The small rodent squirming, filled with both shock and surprise at the sudden actions of the Naga and his footfall-less movements. Flynt never saw the face of his 'captor'. The Naga closed the door with the end of his long tail and sat the rodent down on his feet.Giving him no time to react, the serpents hands were at Flynts belt and off it came with a single graceful move of skilled scaled fingers. once the blade burdend belt hit the wooden floor of the gypsy wagon turned hostle the Naga male pulled both robes off of the rodent in one swift movement tossing the wet things aside and quickly took up a random article of cloth. Spinning the rat around on his feet letting him fall on his butt on a bed set against the wagons wall the Naga held a hand on his back and the other went to work drying off the hot liquid, the white cloth easily soaked up the broth. Flynt stared up at the Naga, he was male, wearing a form of tunic over his chest that barely came down to his belly, over his groin another cloth of pure white held by two large rings of steel.his scaley hide boasted a beautiful red orange spot pattern on a black base, the serpents hood was huge. A proud male two spots with tan borders appearing as if extra eyes on the folds of the hood. yellow eyes stared at the rat full of sincere concern,though the large male serpent was blushing,"Y..you okay little guy, i didnt mean to whisk you away so suddenly, but I had to get you cleaned." Flynt sat completely nude on the bed hands folded over his front, no doubt the source for the Nagas blush.The bed was lousy with blankets and pillows of kinds he had never seen and silks, silks like the ones the female Naga was wearing,'This is her bed!.' thought the rodent.Gulping he nodded gently up at his apparent savior laying his tail over his furless hands keeping his sheath veiled.Despite the elegant scaled patterns on the Naga Flynt was a darker pallet. whole face ashen grey with pink flesh slighty showing around his nose and lips, his body was mostly a midnight black, but his throat,chest, belly, inner thighs, and groin area was an ash grey.the rodentians red eyes peered up at the snake, the massive serpent who's sleek body was akin to a painting."Y..your beautiful." Flynt whisperd never meaning to speak it, it was a thought,a slipped out thought as the rats eyes gazed up into the Naga's face, the rodent had never in his life seen such beauty, not even in his books.Sjinel blinked then chuckled softly,"Why thank you dear Rodent,your not so bad looking yourself. a little scrawny but that dosen't necessarily answer my question.Are you alright?" the rodent thought about that question for a moment,was he alright?,was he truly okay?, mental he was destroyed but physicaly, a few scratches, sore feet, hunger pains, and mild burns on his chest. All superficial, nothing serious. with closed eyes biting back tears the rofent noded sofly to the reptile rubbing a paw over his chest where the damp fur was a bit warmer than the rest of his body. the burning sensation had gone though a slyte numbing lingerd.

"Good, for a moment there I was afraid you were going to get some bad burns on you,I just wanted to say help." the Naga held out a hand to the rat,setting the cloth aside.Flynt lay his furless pink hand into the Nagas scaled hand,it was an exotic feeling, the scales were so smooth and dry, yet warm.the Red spotted Naga gently tugged the rat to his feet and with a flick of his forked tongue he looked the rat up and down in a quick motion not wanting to be caught staring at a young mammals 'assets'. The serpent bent over to pick up the wet robes and removed the satchel,sword belt and hammer pendant offering the articles to the small rat then set the clothes on a divider leaning against the wall oposite the bed."I'll have these cleaned in the morning,if what I heard from Rinshin is correct you will be sleeping in here?" the rat nodded and took a glance around the large wagon,the roof was high, curved and ribbed,cloth hung from the ceiling like veils,two dressers laden with decorative throws of sewn art casually draped over them, a mirror stood upon one dresser amidst brass and Chrystal accessories, candle holders with tall green wax candles, their wiks alight, an incense bowl billowed scented smoke, in a set of hammocks some other refugees the rat had not seen before now slumbered, on a bed roll on the floor more up front of the wagon a couple slept,there was a chest sitting ontop of another chest,pictures hung from hooks on the walls,a single window gave a view outside into the forest, the shadows of horses moving around grazing were easily spotted by the rat.then looking down, right between those chests,and the bed he sat on was a large round bottom iron cauldron it was huge,with a wide mouth and a belly width of at least three feet and three feet high maybe more.The rodent stared at the thing for a long moment then looked up to the Naga"Y-yes." the reptile smiled brightly and clasped his hands together in joy."Splendid its always a joy to have one of your kind with me and Thrisha." the rodent stared at the Naga for a moment leaning against the cauldron, or more so sitting on its edge, the rat absent midedly leaned his sword against the wall and set the satchel on the floor next to it, the necklace though went right back around his neck, that tail never uncoverign his sheath."M-my kind?" the Naga smiled brightly boasting a joy that threatened to unnerve the rodentian,those scaled lips parted to speak when the door swung open and that sandal brown and garnet red Naga female glided inside holding the rodents pack a smile on her face as she spotted her mate and the small rodent wearing nothing but an amulate. she hurriedly entered the wagon and closed the door tossing the leather pack on the bed she slithered up to the male and embraced him,a tender loving kiss later both Nagas were eyeing the rodent causing him to fidget and look towards the couple sleeping on the bed roll.The vermins eyes narrowed at the sight of two nude figures intertwined with one another in slumber, 'their both male?'. Sjinel cleared his throat and spoke in a voice a tad above a whisper."This is Thrisha my wife,this is our wagon and yes, your kind little Flynt, we love your species. so exotic and always so exubrant and happy to trade anything for anything." the wife smiled and slithered up to Flynt and patted his shoulder then her hand went over his chest, fingers spreading the fur a tad to peek at the skin beneath,"good you weren't burned to bad, id hate to see this lovely coat of yours ruined by my cooking." the Naga pair chuckled and even Flynt's little adam's apple bounced with laughter. Thrisha with motions like calm fog scooted up onto the bed curling her long bodies length into a loose circle her upper body laying back against the wall, a pillow already up against it her eyes looked to her husband then to the rodent.she drew her maw into a great mighty yawn. Flynt's curious eyes peered directly into that mouth of hers.was salmon pink with a short row of pearl white teeth lining the roof of her maw, and the sheath that hid her tongue. but what drew his attention most were those fangs, those long fangs glistening with shimmering saliva in the dimly lit wagon.The male Naga could not help but do the exact same as his lover, his jaws stretched far wider than hers his fangs longer,he smiled and simply flopped on his back on that large bed set against the corner wall of the wagon he lay there his lower bodies length haphazardly sprawled on the floor right in front of the doorway."So Flynt darling, are you going to sleep on the floor?" the rodent shook his head and was about to speak before his own little jaws stretched in a mighty yawn as well both scaled creatures chuckled.

"I..I'm going to sleep in this." he placed a soft sinew paw on the cauldron,"M-may i have a blanket?" the rat asked in such a soft tone it was a wonder the Naga couple heard him.the female awwed softly and nodded to him before she tugged a small felt blanket from under her lover, who at first refused to let it go, then finaly after a push to his upper gut the Naga released the brown blanket, Thrisha smiled and tossed it to the rat,"I dont know why you want to sleep in that old thing dear one, you could come up here with me and my lump here." she playfully elbowed the male Naga.The rat blinked softly as he wrapped the large blanket around himself like a robe, it was a material he had never felt before, of course heard of and seen in the market place but never had he ever dreamed of wrapping his entire body in it, the shy little rat simply nodded to the Naga,"I..i will be fine,it suits me I think." the little rat without another word to the Naga pair, not for a replacement bowl of soup nor explanation of why he did not wish to lay with them, simply clambered into the black wrought iron cooking pot head first and curled into a small ball dragging the blanket inside with him,tucking his feet under himself and his arms and hands over his chest the little rat made a small ball of brown and black cloth and fur, under him the rat was surprise to find a bundle of fur pelts and washing rags, they made the bottom of the vessel that much more comfortable for him,he coverd his head with the blanket and closed his eyes shaking slytly,he let the moment come, feeling the enclosure of the cauldron was soothing, he felt safe here.his pink velvety ears twitched as the exotic voice of that Naga female spoke in a hushed tone to her partner.

"I'm concerned."

"Why?" asked Sjinel

"The ratboy,he seems distant, sad even."Responded the female.

"Well love he did just lose his family, didn't you hear what Rhinshin said?"

"No" Thrisha shook her head at her mate.

"Rhinshin heard this from that Minotaur warrior, Flynt was raised from a cub to what he is now by humans,they kept him indoors most of the time but they were good people, and he lost them."explained Sjinel, the female sighed and shook her head as she lay over the male Nagas gut and chest."Well i guess its a good thing this happened."

Sjinel looked at his mate with a raised eyebrow,"What do you mean?"She smiled softly,"I know he prolly is hurting right now,but he would never of gotten out of there if not for that woman's edict.'' the males hand was caressing Thrishas head."I suppose your right love." the female slowly nodded her head, those brilliant eyes closed,"I just don't like seeing such a gentle creature in such pain." the male consoled his wife with his hands caressing along her scaled head and neck."Ratfolk are tough, he will learn to understand why this happened." the Naga male gently nuzzled into the females head and whisperd something the rodents ears did not pick up,"Besides, if he wants to, he will have us to keep him safe." Thrisha liked that but did not respond she simply stretched her jaws agape with a yawn. The two lay with one another in a half entangle, their coil's slowly wrapped around each other and the duo began to drift off to sleep.

the sounds of voices outside slowly flowed into the wagon,mixing with the snores of an orc and the occasional fart from the Kitsune laying in the hammock above that green man.the men outside were drinking and talking over the fire most of them merchants or stable workers from the city,they found the forced eviction profitable as now traveling in a large group to the far eastern coast city they would sell all they had acquired, or stolen from the city. eventually one by one the gruff fellows retreated to their wagon, or tent for the night, a single watch was up and stoking the fire with the end of a spear.the sky was clear over head and the moon light shone down over the forest and the wagons. Rhinshin himself wandered over and relieved the watch guard letting the Skunk go get some rest.

Those lunar rays of light shone through a glass skylight in the yellow wagon, beaming through the seven foot height of its interior and casting a glow in the cauldron. little shimmers of crystal danced from a droplet of a tear that slid down the cheek of its owner. The eyes of ruby red were hidden behind lids of ash grey. Soft painful choked back whimpers danced a chorus of agony from within the iron cauldrons belly, Flynt was crying.

He was not stupid, he knew what had transpired, the Queen of Pirerpoint took her fathers crown and throne.Her xenophobic hatred for all non humans forced him to leave all he knew and loved.and because of her,now here he lay in a wagon inside a cooking pot crying his woes, there was nothing else he could do but cry.He didn't know where the caravan was going to go all he knew was its destination was Eastward.what scared him the most was he did not know what would happen to him when they got there. The rodent was scared, would he see is family again or not?. how would he know wich way to get back to the city, and would he be killed like those men Briar slew?,those men who tried to kill the minotaur for not being human.the rat softly huffed before his eyes opend up and tears dredged from his eyes. The rodents ruby orbs with an Onyx gem in the middle darted up at the sudden shadow being cast over him. he stared into the glistening eyes of Thrisha,she was leaning over the pot staring at the rodent he face one of pity. Without words she reached in and brushed away the felt blanket and slid her arms under the rats lithe frame and pulled him from the cooking pot. She held him in a cradle against her bare bousm. Carefuly and quietly she coiled up on her bed with a fully awake Sjinel. His eyes staring at the rat full of the same pity and care in Thrishas eyes.The female softly set the youth down not on the bed, but in the arms of the male Naga. Thrisha tugged the blankets up and over themselves. not saying a word or making a sound she tugged the fur quilt over the male and herself. Sjinel smiled wrapping his arms around young Flynt holding him close to his chest. Thrisha lay down oposite the male with the rat between them she gently reached out to take Flynt from the Sjinjel. Flynt made no effort to resist or hide his genitalia wich to his surprise were touched by Sjinjel. His clawed fingers were slowly caressing over that small sheath, then between the cleft of his soft orbs. the female held little Flynt against her breast, his back against her chest his rump against her belly, the male Naga slid closer until the rat was softly squished between them, Sjinel stopped fondling the rats male hood and instead let his hand slide over and rest on his thigh the male hissing softly down to the rat,the serpent's eyes wide and intense. the Rodents tearful eyes peered up at those deserts of Citrin.he knew what the Naga was saying,without words the male was asking Flynt to cry into his chest, begging the rat to allow the Naga male to comfort him.and that's exactly what the black rat did, he buried his head into the males chest and bawled, quietly crying his eyes out. the two Nagas wrapped their coils around him their hands all over his small quivering frame, lacing their fingers through his fur and hair. The rodent felt the lips of both Naga pressing into his head over and over again. Sjinjels voice and breath humid and quiet whispered soothing words of encouragement, soothing comforting nothings.

Eventually the tears stopped flowing, the rodents mind weak and tired, his small body restrained by a pair of serpent coils and arms. He had no energy left, the warmth of the serpents, the feeling of belonging and security was all he needed to ebb and coast off to the blissful world of dreamland.