Submission of a Plainsman: Ch. 1 and Prologue

Story by KPFoxPaw on SoFurry

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#1 of Submission of a Plainsman

This is the first chapter to a series that I hope to complete before too long. For more information, please see below. FAIR WARNING Though the first two chapters are NO YIFF chapters, the rest of the chapters, or at least most of them, will contain heavy gay sex between a smaller rodent and a group of larger felines. There will be descriptions of blood, non-consensual sex, torture, lots of musk, and even rape. These are descriptions used for specific chapters and are not indicative of every chapter. Most will be fairly vanilla by comparison. However, I wanted to give everyone a warning in case any of these things are not your cup of tea. I will be using the appropriate tags when the chapter utilizes such activities. Thank you. :D


Hello everyone! Welcome to what will hopefully be my first complete story. While not the first thing I've ever written, I haven't had a lot of luck completing a whole lot of things so here's hoping I actually get this finished. I just wanted to give a little interesting tidbit of information unrelated to the story itself, so if you want to get straight to the story, you can skip this.

I just wanted to say that the idea for this story came to me during one of my frequent bouts of insomnia. I was having trouble sleeping and started thinking about what happens in chapter 1 and for some reason I didn't let it go, continuing to put together a story about the trials and tribulations of this mouse character who can't afford to pay tribute to the felines that protect him and because they are a horny and kinky group of people, they offer him a rather sultry proposition. I spent the next several hours in bed, imagining the scenarios the mouse must endure and how the time spent with the felines affects him and his relationship with his wife. I could've relieved myself, or taken a sleeping pill, or done something that would allow me to get some sleep, but I was just too enthralled with this story in my head that I couldn't stop. And after I got up the next morning having gotten literally zero minutes of sleep, I knew I had to write a story about it. And so here it is.

I've got several more chapters planned and I intend to write them all, but I am curious to see what everyone thinks so please, if you will, take the time to read through the first few chapters and let me know what you think. The first two chapters contain no yiff. They are basically setup for what comes in later chapters. I included the prologue to provide a general history about why the felines are occupying the area, even though a good deal of information is given in the story, but I wanted to make it a bit more clear. However, certain events that are referenced in the story will be explained at later points, so I will not reveal specifics right now. But anyways, those are my thoughts. I hope you enjoy the story.

Oh... one last thing. The story was partly inspired by the rat farm scene from episode 24 of season 4 of Family Guy. Thank you Seth MacFarlane for inspiring my frivilous, furry fetishes of frisky fornicating felines of fine family forebears. ENJOY! ^.^

PROLOGUE

The Darreen Plains: a valley of green surrounded by mountains to the north and to the east, forest hills to the south, and the ocean to the west. The Plains were home to a group of small animals: rodents, rabbits, raccoons, red pandas, and the like. They lived off the land, farming whatever crops would grow, breeding livestock, trading peacefully between each other or the cities to the north and south. The land had never been claimed by either the north or the south and they knew peaceful lives, never knowing war, famine, disease, or even politics. Minor quarrels were handled without a fist or voice ever being raised, but such days are long since over.

Tension had mounted between the canines of the Feroche Nation to the south and the felines of the Identine Nation to the north. Part of the growing animosity involved a dispute over which nation could claim the Darreen Plains. The Ferochens believed it should belong to them while the Identines believed it was neutral ground. An unspoken agreement had been reached that while the area was in dispute, neither side could claim the area, but that agreement would be broken before long. A large detachment of canine warriors from Feroche had invaded Darreen, mercilessly destroying farms and rounding up and capturing natives. Some natives lost their lives under canine occupation and the rest that were left alive were claimed as property of the Ferochens. The felines counted the breaking of their agreement as an act of war and after two weeks of occupation, the Felis Army of Identine invaded the canine-held Darreen Plains. A long and bloody battle was fought, but the felines prevailed and those canines still alive were forced to surrender. Having now taken the conquered land away from the canines, the Darreen Plains were now considered property of the Identine Nation. The locals were freed, but had little to celebrate. Some of their friends had died and part of their home destroyed. In addition, it was unclear whether or not their liberators were going to allow them to stay and keep their land. As the land was now claimed by Identine, many locals worried that they'd want to populate the land with Identine citizens, which they were not, and would result with their expulsion from their homes. The result would be removal from the Plains and left at the mercy of the wild lands.

However, Prince Harrow Ackott, first in line for succession to the throne, visited the Plains and saw the conditions of the rodents, the rabbits, and other small animals and the results from their occupation by the canines. He felt pity for the natives and couldn't bear to watch them give up their homes after what their enemy did to them. So he went back to his father and spoke on behalf of the locals of the Darreen Plains and begged him to let them stay. The king felt it unnecessary to allow the locals to stay, but he considered it and discussing the matter further with his advisers he saw the benefit of having local animals remain in Darreen as subjects for the Identine felines. For one thing, the natives were already seasoned farmers, experts at cultivating crops and livestock and needed little in the ways of coin and other necessities, making it cheaper and more profitable. For another, it would be difficult to find citizens willing to take land so close to Feroche territory during a war. So they allowed the people of the Darreen Plains to stay. They would keep the lands they owned and continue their normal lives in peace. For those who didn't wish to stay or whose homes were too badly damaged, they were offered free passage to the north.

The war continued on for a year before hostilities ended with the decree that the Darreen Plains were officially recognized as part of the Identine Nation. A large detachment of troops were sent to guard the area and a small group of high-ranking officers from the Felis Royal Court was stationed in the center of the Plains. A wall was erected around the perimeter of the Plains to defend against roaming canines, who kept a constant vigilance over the forest looking for any stragglers that wander into their territory. For the lands of the locals that were killed by the canines or who decided to leave, they were sold to Identine citizens, many of whom were families of troops that were stationed in the Plains. The native animals were frightened, but as long as they remained within the boundary of the Plains, they were guaranteed protection. Their ability to remain within the boundary, however, was not guaranteed.

They were subjects of the Identine Nation, but not recognized citizens, so if they wished to remain under the protection of its army, they had to give something in return. First, they were required once a month to pay a reasonable tax on their homes. Second, since the area was under Identine control which was at war with Feroche, they were no longer allowed to sell goods to the south; only to the north. Finally, under an amendment dictated by the Royal Court itself, if the natives wished to enjoy the comforts and protection offered by the Identine felines and the Felis Army, they were required, once a week, to make a small offering of their labors to the officers and soldiers keeping them safe from harm. What was asked of them was a small price to pay, small enough that it wouldn't interfere with their profits from trades made with the northern cities or keep them from going hungry. Also, with the number of natives still alive to farm and make offerings, they never failed to secure enough stock. And since most of the animals capable of providing more than just a single farmed product, they were always able to rotate their offerings so they could amass their supplies or concentrate their stock so their offerings were varied. And for most of the natives, it was fair and never any trouble. For one unlucky mouse, this was not the case.

CHAPTER 1:

Indecent Proposal

The Felis Royal Court: the highest ranking officers of the Felis Army of the feline race of the Identine Nation to the north. A small detachment composed of four royal guards and a high lord were stationed in the center of the Darreen Plains. The war between the felines of Identine and the canines of the Feroche Nation to the south was still fresh in the minds of the soldiers who fought in it and for many of those canines, their loss at the battle for the Plains was a bitter humiliation and made them vicious and vindictive. They now harbor resentment towards the native animals - mice, rats, rabbits, raccoons, pigs, and the like - despite the fact that they had nothing to do with the feline's victory.

To maintain their lands and the protection provided by the Felis Army regiment stationed in the Plains, it was decreed that local animals could only sell their wares to cities of the Identine region to the north, never to the south. In addition, they were required to make weekly tributes to the Royal Court members personally, though the required tributes were minor, as the number of local families still alive after captivity by the canines was large enough that their tributes could be small enough that they wouldn't interfere with sales toward the cities or trade between each other.

The High Court, meeting hall and housing unit for the Royal Court members, which stood at the crossroads to all points in Darreen, saw a line of animals of various races from different families and communities with carts and barrels of various goods waiting to make their offerings to the royal members. Feral chickens, pigs, cows, milk, cheese, rice, fruits, clothing, arms... one by one, the various denizens of the plains made their way inside the giant building to secure their place as subjects of the Identine felines. The building was large and construction began nearly two years ago, just after the felines managed to take the land from the canines. It was finished the following year and has been used by the Royal Court to conduct business matters, act as housing for the Royal Court members or visiting dignitaries, and word has it that there are training grounds located in one of the building's various rooms. However, outside of the officers and a select number of army soldiers, no one has actually seen inside the other rooms. Most business is carried out in the main hallway, directly down the middle of the building. The entrance led directly into the main hallway, which was roughly 50 feet across and 125 feet long. The hallway extended outward for 50 feet to a set of curved stairs that led upward. At the top of the stairs was the Lord's Seat where the ruler of the Plains listened to requests, comments, and updates from the natives and Identine citizens. It's also where he accepted the tributes from the natives. Directly behind that were two long tables for royal business. The top of the stairs had the officers' living quarters and guest quarters. Several doors aligned the left and right side of the building, but their insides were a bit of a mystery.

It was the day of tributes and his lordship sat comfortably in his seat as he accepted the natives' offerings. Lord Roland Allon was his name. A General of the Felis Army and a first cousin to the feline prince himself, he was a cougar and at 35 years of age a particularly young one at that for someone of his rank. He was also rather large for someone of his breed. At six and a half feet tall, he stood taller than most members of the army. He was large, bulky, and toned in muscle. During battle, he would adorn himself with proper armor of the Felis Army and during formal meetings, he wore proper dress attire. Every other time, however, he was a minimalist and since this was neither a battle nor a formal meeting, his attire was quite minimal. He had arm and leg bands that depicted symbols of an ancient tribe that his family once belonged to and a royal sash draped across his shoulder worn over his torso with his rank, the family crest of the feline king, and the symbol of the Identine Nation on the front. Besides that, his only covering was a loincloth with a beautiful design on the flaps that covered both his crotch and backside with a cotton cloth that supported and covered his privates. Some of the locals were a bit unnerved by the general's lack of attire as the nature was indicative of wild peoples who still hunted small animals such as themselves.

The four other officers were not as free-going as their lord was. They each wore attire of royal officers, which consisted of a royal blue doublet tied at the waist with a solid gold belt and a pair of dark blue velvet pants and a black cape. They used to deck themselves with armor during these ceremonies, but Lord Allon decided it was unnecessary. They had a similar royal sash across their torso and each held a halberd off to the side, standing up lengthwise so that the blade reached just above their own heads. Two were stationed at the base of the stairs. To the left was a lion, slightly small for such at six foot three, but still larger than the locals and taller than most other officers. He was also the oldest of the royal guards. To the right was a tiger, about an inch shorter than the lion and younger as well. Stationed at the top of the stairs next to the lord were the other two officers. To the left was a lynx who stood about five foot eight and sported a large gash over his left eye. To the right was a cheetah, roughly two inches taller than the lynx, but thinner and obviously the youngest of the four guards. They all stood proud and professionally and were fairly muscular, but none of them held a candle to the physique of their lord.

The lion and tiger fixed their gaze as a four and a half foot tall male white rabbit carried a basket stocked with food to the base of the stairs. He placed the basket down and knelt before the lord and bowed respectively. "My lord," he said in a calm, quiet voice. The sound echoed off the walls. "I present to you my tribute for this cycle." He spoke the words as if he'd said them a hundred times.

The lord sat hunched back in his chair, the front flap of his loincloth hanging dawn across his crotch. His tail hung off the arm rest to his right with the tip twitching anxiously. Both hands rested lazily on the arm rests. His left index finger was tapping against the wood, claw extended, deep in thought as always. "And what have you brought for us today, good sir?" His voice was deep, but smooth. Intimidating even though it was calm and respectful.

"Several large cheese wedges, a bushel of lettuce heads, and a small basket of eggs from my chicken coop, my lord." He kept his head bowed as he spoke.

After a moment, the cougar sighed with disappointment. "Why do you do this to us, Gregorious?"

The rabbit lifted his head and stared back at the cougar nervously. "My lord?"

"Your offering last week was several jugs of the most delicious cream my men and I have ever tasted. You tease us with such a treat just to deny us any further satisfaction." He leaned forward and narrowed his eyes, his irises constricted and the rabbit could see it. "Are you insulting us?" He spoke with a menacing tone.

The rabbit's nerves shot up and he started to shake. "M- my lord. We have to prepare stock for trade with the Identines. We already have several orders that need to go out tomorrow. We've made agreements with several venders-"

The cougar's face unclenched as a huge grin appeared on his face and he started laughing as he sat back once again. The rabbit stopped speaking as he realized he'd just been mocked by the lord of the Plains. His heart lifted, though seeing those teeth flash in the lord's maw was still an unsettling sight.

The cougar turned to the lynx. "They're so cute when they're scared aren't they?"

"Yes Lord Allon," the lynx had a high-pitched voice, almost feminine.

His lordship stared back at the rabbit and smiled, trying to calm him down. "It's OK Gregorious. Your cream and milk are delicious, but if you kept bringing it in as an offering, we'd all wind up getting fat." He patted his uncovered belly, a washboard stomach covered in golden fur. "Besides, I don't want to be the Lord of the Felis Army who denies such delicious food to the citizens of Identine. We, officers and soldiers of the Felis Army of the Identine Nation, thank you for your offering. You honor us greatly. My men and I will feast well thanks to you."

The rabbit smiled wide and bowed his head over-enthusiastically. "Thank you my lord. Please, enjoy. Thank you." He was still nervous and anxious as he spoke. The puma simply smiled back at him and Gregorious bowed to the lion and the tiger as he backed away from the basket. He turned sharply and exhaled deeply, still shaking from the uncomfortable exchange.

As he began his walk towards the exit, the lion took the basket towards a stockroom off to the side where they were storing all the tributes. Inside were piles of food, drinks, clothing, and even weapons the natives had forged for the army. Allon smiled happily as his new subjects showed their respect towards their race.

The rabbit reached the exit and opened the doors. As he exited, he turned to look towards the left and gave a rather snide expression towards someone. He moved along and a mouse entered the door frame with a cougar soldier behind him leading him inside. The cougar had on traditional armor of the Felis Army consisting of a breastplate, tasset belt, pauldrons with a cougar bust on both sides, a pair of gauntlets, and leg armor. The standard issue helmet which covers the top, sides, and back of the head was missing, most likely removed for comfort. With that, the lord's smile faded to an expression of disappointment. The cougar soldier was forced to push the mouse forward towards the foot of the steps. He was small, roughly 4 feet tall with white fur and a light brown blotch over his right ear. He was incredibly thin and wore a pair of gray linen pants and a clean white tunic tied together with a brown leather belt and buckle. He also wore a brown leather vest over his tunic. Unlike the other natives before him, he did not bring a cart, a basket, or a barrel. He carried nothing with him for the week's tribute. He walked slowly towards the cougar, arms out in front with one paw holding the other. He was visibly shaking and kept his eyes towards the ground the whole time.

He stopped just at the base of the steps and slowly looked up towards the towering feline. The high lord stared back at him, judging him, his brow furrowed in annoyance. His tail barely moved as he stood there shaking, waiting for his ruler to break the ice. Eventually he did as he waved a paw at the soldier dismissing him. The soldier bowed and quickly turned and exited the building, closing the doors behind him. The room went dead silent and no one spoke or made a sound, standing or sitting motionless.

The mouse, getting only more and more nervous every second that went by, couldn't take it anymore. "My lord, please-"

"You are addressing General Roland Allon!" interrupted the lion guard standing mere feet from the mouse. The lion's outburst made him stumble and almost lose his footing as he took a step back, a frightful expression on his face. "Lord of the Darreen Plains and cousin to our great Prince Ackott! Is that how you greet such an esteemed member of the Royal Court?!" His voice was gruff and experienced.

The mouse, gone from visibly shaking to trembling uncontrollably, slowly knelt down on both knees, his hands on the ground to steady him, and bowed in respect. "P-p-please f-f-forgive me m-my lord." His voice was light and it shook when he shook.

The cougar simply made a gesture with his right paw ordering him to his feet.

"Rise," the lion spoke, still firm, but calmer and at a lower volume.

The mouse steadied himself as he slowly rose, so ashamed and embarrassed that he still couldn't meet with the lord's eyes. After a moment, Lord Allon gave a heavy sigh and finally spoke. "You know, I am truly disappointed, Rishi." The mouse, Rishi, looked back into his lordship's eyes. "Before we began receiving tributes, I had sent out two soldiers to ensure that you arrived here today to make your tribute. I was hoping that they would be back after exiting the building to inform me that you were already waiting in line, but much to my dismay, they had to travel all the way to your home to retrieve you. Tell me Rishi, why? This is the third week in a row that you have failed to present a tribute to your lord and those who give you protection. Why, again, do you not only come empty-handed, but also why did I have to send armed men just to make sure you even show up?" He leaned forward, vexation across his face and no intent for mockery this time. "Why are you insulting us like this?"

Rishi was breathing heavily and seemed to stumble with his thoughts about how to answer him. After a long moment of silence, the cougar's expression became more and more impatient and the mouse, not wanting to be yelled at anymore, finally spoke up. "Please, my lord, you have to understand. After the canines came, they destroyed my farm and it hasn't recovered yet. We barely grow enough crops to sell to the cities and keep ourselves fed. None of the other locals will trade with us a-a-a-and my wife is with child and we just can't afford to lose anymore of our yield." The cougar merely slumped back in his chair, rolling his eyes and rubbing his forehead in annoyance. "My lord, if... if we just had another plot of land, one that could-"

His lordship slammed one paw on the arm of his chair and held up the other to silence the mouse. "Whoa, whoa, wait! Hold on." He once again leaned forward. "Are you asking me to redistribute one of the other land plots that were purchased by citizens of my home?" The mouse meekly gave a light nod. "Out of the question. That land was purchased by Identine citizens and is rightfully their property. I will not rob them of that right in order to serve the convenience of an undeserving rodent such as yourself."

"B-but my lord. I have nothing else to offer you."

The expression on Allon's face changed drastically at that statement to a piercing glare. "Nothing else to offer?" The stare, the tone in his voice, the mouse could barely move from fear. All he could do was gulp, though it did little to help the dryness of his throat. Allon gripped the arm rests of his chair and slowly rose to his feet. His large, muscular stature towering over the skinny, diminutive rodent. "Nothing else to offer?" he repeated.

"I think you pissed him off rodent," Rishi heard the lion say.

At that moment, the mouse began to fear for his life. He took a step back, assuming he may have to run for it, though he knew it would do little good. "Sire..." The cougar stared back with a primal urge, his tail twitching behind him. There was no doubt in the mouse's mind. He was going to attack. "My lord..." he held up his paws defensively, but it was useless.

Rishi had heard of the leaping abilities of cougars, but he'd never seen Lord Allon attack before, nor had he ever wished to. In the blink of an eye, he closed the 30 foot gap between himself and the mouse, pouncing him to the ground, his right paw wrapping around the mouse's throat and pinning him to the ground with his own body. His muzzle was mere inches away from his face, fangs bared and growling loudly with his ears splayed back. Rishi panicked, but had no strength to do anything. He didn't fight back. All he could muster was a stunned cry and gripped the floor beneath him. The Royal Guards did nothing to intervene. They each smiled elatedly at the sight with no concern for what happened to the local villager.

Rishi cried uncontrollably, tears flowing freely down the sides of his face. The cougar lord held him down tight, his paw gripping his throat with due force to make breathing difficult, claws extended and digging into his skin beneath his white fur. His body was pinned beneath the cougar's body, which hovered only inches away from him. He straddled the minuscule rodent, the crotch flap of his loincloth was resting between the mouse's legs. He balanced himself with his left paw right next to the mouse's head. His own face was still mere inches away from Rishi's, his upper lip contorted into a vicious snarl. Rishi could do nothing but stare back at the predator's large, frightening teeth as he growled at him with his hot breath hitting him with the smell of meat hitting his nostrils. Small streaks of saliva dripping down and landing on Rishi's muzzle with a single strip hitting his lower lip, of which he made no movement to wipe up. Ages seemed to go by in that moment as Lord Allon did nothing but hover over the mouse, gripping his throat and growling. Rishi did nothing- could do nothing but lie there crying and hope that whenever he chose to strike, it would be quick.

Instead, Allon relaxed his face and closed his muzzle, licking the saliva off his lips. He continued to hold onto the mouse's throat, but in a less threatening manner. His ears relaxed as well. He sniffed the air a few times and turned to the lion guard. "You smell that, Amarro?"

The lion, in turn, sniffed the air. "Yes my lord. It smells like a mouse that just pissed himself."

Embarrassment crept up on Rishi, though not to a high degree. "My lord, I-"

"Ssssshhhhhh. Be quiet." He kept his voice low, but stern. The mouse shut his muzzle quickly and swallowed what little he could to keep his throat lubricated. The cougar turned his head to the side and started tapping his fingers on the floor in rhythm: 1, 2, 3, 4. 1, 2, 3, 4. 1, 2, 3, 4. Over and over again, eyes closed, pondering how to address the issue, or perhaps feigning the appearance of thought so as to draw out his subject's discomfort. He finally turned back to address the mouse, his muzzle hovering uncomfortably close to Rishi's.

"You know, when we took these lands from the canines and let the natives stay, we didn't do it because we believe you had an inherent right to the plains because you were here first. We fought for these lands, we bled and some of our people died for them. Your people gave up. You allowed yourselves to be captured by the enemy and if it weren't for us, you'd be spit roasted by now... or worse. The only reason you people are still here is because my cousin has such a kind heart and didn't want to see the locals misplaced after what our enemy did to you. That and the king saw the potential use of you people. So we made a deal. You people could stay and enjoy the benefits of protection offered by our army and in return, you honor Identine by offering services only to us and once a week you offer a small tribute to the local army personally.

"And for the most part, it's worked out perfectly. This loincloth..." he gestured downward to his crotch, Rishi keeping his eyes pointed upwards at the man on top of him. "... it was one of several gifts by Orroyo, that wonderful raccoon that lives on the beach. Last week, Gregorious gave us a batch of the most delicious cream that we've ever had." He lifted his head back and smiled wide. "Mmmmmmm, so good." He turned and stared at the tiger. "Would've been able to enjoy it more if someone hadn't horded the stuff."

The tiger looked back, a somewhat nervous and guilty expression upon him. "My lord, I- I don't know what the others said-"

"Don't try to deny it, Kish. You're like a little kitten when it comes to the stuff." The tiger's posture slumped over with guilt. "But it's still been good. Everyone in town has done their part." Rishi had started to relax, but just as quickly, Allon's face was once again right next to his. "Except for you." That last line was spoken slowly, menacingly, with his brow furrowed in anger and Rishi was about ready to wet himself again.

"For the past few weeks we have gotten nothing from you except for excuses as to why we have gotten nothing. And what really infuriates me is that you come here and tell me you have nothing to offer, which is an outright lie." Rishi's terrified expression held a hint of confusion at that statement, clearly believing he had nothing to offer him but his crops, but he said nothing and listened intently.

"If you wish to hold back on me and my men, then that's your choice and I won't stop you, but you will force my hand on the issue. I will have to seize your land and remove you from it. I'll have to expel you from Darreen where you will have to take your chances out in the wild and I can tell you it won't be easy. Canines control the forests to the south and packs have been spotted wandering the mountains to the east. You can try to make your way north, but bandits are a certain threat and there's no telling what they could do to you or your wife and many of them have no concern or patience for children. So tell me, would you like to take your chance braving the dangers of the wild?" Rishi merely shook his head no. "Then do you wish to continue living in the Plains, growing crops on your farm, protected by the forces of the Felis Army?" Rishi nodded yes, tears still flowing slowly.

"Then here's what I'm gonna do. I will give you one more week to consider your options. One week from today you will return here and you will offer me and my men a tribute. And the way I see it, you have three options. First, you will get lucky and your land will yield enough crops to feed your family, make money to pay your taxes, and have enough left over to present as a tribute. However, I don't see that as a likely option.

"Second..." he paused, "... you offer me your life." Rishi gasped in surprise and his heart began to race. He made a slight movement and Allon reacted accordingly, tightening his grip on the mouse's throat and holding him steady. Rishi felt the pressure and calmed himself, halting his movements. Allon loosed up a bit, but kept a firm grip. "It's a pretty noble sacrifice I'd say. You're life for the protection of your family's. You give your life and in return your wife and children enjoy security. Of course, what is your life worth anyway?" More tears fell from him, the words stabbing him harder than the claws on his skin. "Honestly, not much. I'd say about a month's worth of protection is about all it's worth. That's not very long indeed."

"Not to mention..." Amarro interjected, "... he'll be three weeks behind in his tributes, so he'll owe us for all that time too."

"That's true... Well I guess that means that your family will have about a week's worth of protection and then another tribute will be required." Rishi was in disbelief. He knew they'd be mad coming in, but couldn't have dreamt he'd be making this kind of offer for the rodent. He was shaking uncontrollably now. "Then the only other option I can see is if your wife makes herself the tribute. That's another month of protection for your kids, but after that, then it's over. Maybe your neighbors will take them in and raise them, but knowing the relationship between you and the other locals, I doubt they would and then your kids will be left homeless. Not a very entertaining prospect, is it?" Rishi shut his eyes and began to sob. This was torture for him. As much as he prepared to face his lordship, he couldn't handle the images the cougar lord was conjuring up for the frightened mouse.

"Then there's the third option." Rishi quieted his sobs and opened his eyes again, staring pleadingly back at his tormentor. "I know there have been rumors circulating around the area about why I haven't taken a wife or sired any children. Don't try to tell me otherwise. I know what they are and I know that they exist. Well let me put those rumors to rest." He moved his paw up and gripped the base of his chin and slowly, but forcefully, turned it to the side so his right ear was facing him. Allon then slowly leaned forward and held his muzzle right next to his ear and in a hushed voice, he slowly revealed, "They're absolutely true."

Rishi's eyes went wide at the revelation. He stared back at Allon in disbelief. He started to get thoughts in his head as to why the cougar might reveal that information, but he was hoping he was wrong. Allon then lowered himself so his body was no longer hovering over the mouse, but resting on it. He balanced himself to keep from putting his full weight on him. Rishi could do nothing but squeak in terror, mortified, but he never moved to fight back, figuring there was nothing he could do to stop it and even if he tried, it would probably just make things worse. Allon's muzzle simply hovered over Rishi's, smiling sadistically and always speaking in a low voice.

"I was never really into females. I figured maybe, once the fighting is over and there's not a war or the threat of war to worry about, I might return home and take a female to give me a son to become my heir. But I've never felt inclined towards them. Not that I have anything against them, OK? I love the company of females and some of them make great soldiers. I've just never been attracted to them. There's something about the male figure and the package it contains. The way they look..." He stroked the rodent's neck fur with his claws. "The way they feel..." He leaned forward and took a whiff of Rishi's neck fur, making him gasp. Allon began to purr loudly. "The way they smell..." He paused and just stared at Rishi, whose eyes at this point couldn't bear to lock on to Allon's. The cougar leaned forward and slowly lapped at the mouse's face, licking upwards along the trail of tears leading to his eye, cleaning up the salty liquid. Rishi grimaced instinctively. "The way they taste... it just gets me... Ooooh... so excited!"

He seemed to be getting a lot of enjoyment from the mouse's suffering and from what Rishi could tell, so was everybody else. The lion guard stood professional with his right hand at his side and left hand holding the halberd, but he sported a very obvious erection under his trousers and a huge grin on his face. His breathing had quickened as well. He was the only guard that Rishi could see, but he figured all the other guards were sporting an erection as well. "If it hadn't been for my faithful guards here, I would've gone crazy. Fortunately, they all share my interests." His purring continued as he ogled his victim. He removed his right hand from Rishi's neck and moved it slowly down to his thigh, his thumb rubbing dangerously close the the mouse's penis. The cougar was enjoying himself, but the mouse, despite the fact that he didn't have a feline's claws around his throat anymore, was still extremely uncomfortable.

"Here's your third option. You come back next week and as a tribute, you offer yourself, your body, to me... and my men. You'll give yourself to us one night a week, to do with as we please. Pleasure us, make us happy, without resistance or reservations. That will be your tribute. Do that, and you will be guaranteed protection by our army and you won't have to sacrifice any of your crops. I know it's probably a displeasing proposition, but at least this way your family will be safe and you'll be able to pay your tribute every week from here on out. And all you have to do is endure the love of a few felines."

Rishi almost scoffed at the phrasing.Love? The tears had stopped flowing, partly due to not having many more to lose, but his pure fear had changed to a mixture of sickness and embarrassment. He continued to shake, unable to move any other way under the weight of the massive male's musculature.

"Sire," Allon heard the lynx in the back call for him and he turned and looked back at him.

"Yes, Jarai."

"There's still the issue of the rodent's backlog with his tributes. How would his lordship use this to satisfy his debt?"

Allon gave a faint nod. "That's true." He turned and stared back at Rishi, rubbing his leg with his claw. Rishi kept still, worrying what the feline might have planned for him to deal with the issue. "Four weeks, five men to pleasure in a week's time, that's gonna require a lot of stamina from all of us, don't you think rodent?" Rishi swallowed the saliva building up inside his muzzle and kept silent, unable to come up with a response. Allon slowly slid his paw around Rishi's leg to his backside and cupped his rump, causing Rishi to whimper with discomfort. "Tell me young man, have you ever allowed another man to mate you before?" Rishi closed his eyes with embarrassment and shook his head quickly. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. What did you say?"

Rishi, keeping his eyes closed, gave a very sad and weak reply. "No."

"So then you've never had anyone penetrate your ass before, I take it?"

"No," he said, his voice breaking and his head shaking.

The cougar brought his paw back to his hip and started rubbing it slowly. He smiled wide, baring his teeth. "Well, in that case, since you'd be giving me your virginity, so to speak, I guess I could consider that an honorable gift. I'd say that's worth a month's tribute."

For the first time since coming, rather than feeling his heart sink further and further, Rishi actually felt it lift in spirit, considering. Everything the cougar was offering was making him sick, but this was the first time he felt like the lord was actually doing something nice for him. It actually made him consider his proposal as something other than a disgusting display of sexual dominance. The minor bright spot of the day faded then and Allon leaned forward, pressing his muzzle up against the side of Rishi's head. His purring was so loud next to the rodent's ear and got louder as he sniffed at his facial fur. His heart beat quickened again and he was about ready to piss his pants. He shut his eyes and increased his breathing, unable to predict what would happen next.

And in an instant, Lord Allon lifted himself off the rodent and stood up, turning away from him and starting up the stairs. "Those are your three options."

Rishi opened his eyes to see the feline walking away from him. He lifted himself up onto his elbows. Allon turned around and at this point Rishi could tell he was sporting a rather impressive-looking hard on. He probably didn't feel it between his legs given the cougar's large stature and his own respectively diminutive size. For that matter, as he had assumed, all the other guards were sporting their own erections.

"You have one week to think it over and then you must return to make your decision." He sat down once again in his chair. "The way I see it, option number two doesn't benefit anybody and option number one is unlikely to happen. Option number three may be unpleasant for you, but it requires little except your obedience. And I guarantee you it is certainly a desirable choice for all of us. Right Amarro?" he asked turning towards the lion

"Right sire," he responded.

"Right Kish?" he turned to the tiger.

"Right sire,"

"Right Jarai?" he turned to the lynx.

"Right sire,"

Allon turned towards the cheetah, but before he could ask anything, the cheetah quickly and eagerly interrupted. "Absolutely sire!"

Allon cocked an eyebrow in surprise. "Awfully eager, aren't we Dubois?"

"Sorry Roland. I'm just so excited at the thought of dominating this little mouse." The cheetah stared straight at Rishi when he spoke, ensuring that the mouse's discomfort remained high.

"Oh, that's right," Jarai responded. "You haven't had the chance yet to experience what it's like to be a top, have you Dubois." The lynx had a mocking expression on his face to which the cheetah merely glared back in annoyance.

Allon merely smiled in response. "Well, hopefully you'll have the chance." He once again directed his attention towards the mouse. "I've given you these options Rishi. Consider them my offering to you. You're only other choice is to pack up your belongings and leave. You do what you think is best for your family." He leaned forward, a blank expression on his face. "Do you understand?"

Rishi, still lying on his back too nervous to change positions, took a gulp and nodded nervously.

"The lord asked you a question, mouse," said Amarro sternly. "You don't respond with a mere head nod."

"Y- yes my lord." His voice was quiet and shaky, but it was enough.

Allon leaned back into his chair and with a flick of his wrist, dismissed the poor, frightened rodent. "Then you may go."

Rishi finally got off his back and, not wanting to offend anyone anymore, got on his knees and bowed respectfully to the Royal Court. "Thank you, my lord."

Allon casually waved him away and Rishi stood up, his legs rubber and his knees gellatin. He turned and very slowly walked towards the doorway, still shaking violently. He approached the door and with some effort managed to get it open. He stepped out and away as a guard standing watch outside closed it for him.

Jarai chuckled as the situation had finally ended, having thoroughly enjoyed the transpiration. "Hahaha, well that was fun. Wow! Roland, you really scared the piss out of the little guy, didn't ya?"

Allon merely smiled at the question, unfortunate as it was. "Why didn't you just kick him out, like the others who refused to tribute?" asked Kish as he made his way up the steps slowly, halberd in hand.

"The others were defiant. This one's just unlucky. The others left me no choice, else I appear weak to the others. With Rishi, I actually feel sympathy for him and wanted to give him another option. At least this way, whether or not he likes it, he has a way to keep his home and make his tribute."

Dubois spoke up, the eagerness in his voice apparent. "And you really think he'll go for it? I mean... you honestly think a little mouse like him is gonna let a bunch of felines mate him?"

Allon turned to stare back at the cheetah. "Bandit raiders have increased their activity in the area while hostilities between Identine and Feroche continue. And the Ferochen dogs have become so blood-thirsty for anyone from Identine who cross into their borders. Rishi and his family wouldn't stand a chance outside these borders and he knows it." Dubois smiled at his friend's assurances. "Trust me, he'll be back... and you'll have your chance with him."

Dubois licked his lips, anticipating the day when he would get to bed the rodent. The other three cats at the top of the steps shared his enthusiasm, but Amarro stood back at the bottom of the stairs, a look of uncertainty and worry on his face.

"Amarro," Kish called down to the lion. "You OK?"

"I'm fine," he responded.