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Matthias found himself regularly making the trip down the cold stone halls to Flamma's chamber's in the days and months that followed their first meeting. He learned that the big bull was expected to fight in several tournaments throughout the year, and the most recent had been quite the success. Flamma had gained favor from his Patron and earned himself an upgrade to new lodging. It was the very reason their paths had crossed in the first place, as Matthias' work in the kitchen would not have otherwise seen him visiting other wings of the building.

The young rat found himself spending more and more time in the bull's presence, both due to duty and camaraderie. While Flamma's requests would only be tolerated so far, he frequently asked for companionship after training and evening meals. Matthias would politely excuse himself mid-day, as he had found that the kitchen's master would not tolerate his absence during normal hours, but after evening meals, there was little reason for him to return in haste. He made sure to accomplish his tasks prior to taking his leave, and Flamma came to expect a late meal to accommodate; he did not mind taking his meals in the late evening if it meant he did not have to be alone in his chambers.

Matthias busied himself in the kitchen, scrubbing bowls and platters in preparation for his final duties for the evening. While he worked, he could hear the sizzle and pop of various meats over open flame. These were meals he would not have access to, in fact, he wasn't actually sure where those dishes were destined. There were others who had access to such food, and maybe one day he might be trusted to carry such plates, but for now he was content with his job.

He felt a stiff jab to his ribs before another pair of paws set themselves to work beside him.

"Gonna spend another evening in the company of your new bull friend, Matthias?" There was another prod, more gentle this time, as Felix worked languidly next to the rat. The weasel had a slight smirk on his face and had emphasized friend in a way that was meant to tease. Matthias didn't fall for the bait, instead keeping his head forward and working quickly, determined to finish his tasks before making his final delivery.

"It's certainly more interesting than beating the guards at dice." Matthias quipped. "They've lost to me too many times anyways and have started cheating more, but I can't say anything or I might lose a finger instead of a fig."

The two kept their whiskers down and scrubbed silently for a few moments as the kitchen master strode by. There would be no punishment for talking while working, they were fortunate in that regard, but it didn't mean they were willing to draw his ire. When he had passed in silence, both Matthias and Felix did the same. The rat finished his work quickly and made one last mental check to make sure he had nothing else to do before giving Felix a nod of farewell and collecting one final platter on his way out of the kitchen. It would be his final task for the night and he looked forward to it.

He padded down the corridor at a quick pace, absentmindedly noting that the tray was heavier than usual. His pockets were empty and had been so on recent trips, as there was no reason to save a snack for later when Flamma frequently shared his meal anyways. The guard that had originally been placed at Flamma's door had been elsewhere recently; the bull had gained enough trust and favor to be left to his own devices and had never betrayed that trust. Strangely though, the cougar had returned and was standing in his former post. His posture suggested vigilance, but the rat knew he felt nothing but boredom. As he approached, the guard brightened slightly and held out his paw in a practiced gesture, but Matthias simply shook his head. There was no one in the corridor with them, but he still spoke quietly.

"Pockets are empty." He drew his gaze from the guard and moved it down instead to a stray fig on the outer edge of the plate. The guard frowned ever so slightly looked to either end of the hallway before snatching payment.

"Care to throw the dice later? You've been absent of late."

Matthias shook his head once more. "Not tonight, I'm afraid." The cougar cocked an eyebrow but said no more, instead leaning over and knocking on the door.

As it opened, Matthias heard an exasperated voice he didn't recognize, one that was more baritone than the contrasting bass of the bull he was expecting.

"Finally."

The door opened and Matthias was greeted by a wall of muscle wearing a gigantic smile and little else besides a loincloth about his waist. The rat was used to seeing his friend in next to nothing, as the fighter had little care for modesty and infrequent visitors. The platter was lifted from his paws and placed quickly on a table next to the door by Flamma who then turned and embraced the rat in a large hug, pulling him into the room. The cougar reached in, again with a cocked eyebrow at the sight of the two of them, and closed the door quickly.

"Little mouse! You are here and I am happy. Marcus is hungry..." He turned to a young wildebeest in the corner who stood quickly, making his way to the dinner tray. "...and loud."

Matthias pulled himself away from the bull and stood near the door, unsure what to make of the new roommate. He now realized why the tray had more food than normal and couldn't help but wonder if this was a permanent change.

The wildebeest spoke in between bites of food. "Took ya long enough, kitchen boy. What are we, last on the list? Obviously someone needs to explain to you who he is." He nodded a set of sanded-down horns toward Flamma but continued to shovel food in his muzzle.

Matthias looked to the bull with a slight smile. Flamma returned it with a wink then stepped toward the tray and gathered several handfuls of food, passing some to Matthias on the way back to his side of the room. He spoke in his usual methodical way, one that Matthias had become accustomed to over time. His deep voice rumbled out an explanation.

"Marcus stays with me. We train." The bull threw a handful of food into his mouth and chewed. Matthias waited patiently, well acquainted with this pattern. "Our patron sees..." Flamma thought for a moment. "...promise?" The statement ended as a question, and the rat nodded, indicating it was the correct use of the word. Flamma snorted lightly and continued. "Bold, but young. We prepare for next fight at end of summer, little mouse."

Flamma knew that Matthias was a rat, but after their first meeting the name had stuck, and the "little mouse" didn't mind. If it had been anyone else, he would have objected, but behind this closed door it was simply another thing he looked forward to, something only they shared.

Marcus turned away from the food. "Little mouse? You're a rat, right?" A slightly confused look passed over the wildebeest's brow, but he shook it off. Suddenly, he was in front of Matthias, snatching away the food and lifting him by the scruff of his collar.

"Get outta of here, rat, or mouse, or whatever you are. Scurry back to the kitchen and don't be late tomorrow." Matthias breath caught in his throat as he was lifted off the ground and he fumbled at the arm that held him. In the next moment, Flamma was beside them, and he was furious.

"Release him, Marcus."

Despite the size difference between the two, Marcus didn't seem phased. He scoffed and easily tossed the rat sideways, sending Matthias through the air into the large wooden door with a crash. Instantly, the bull had Marcus by the throat and slammed him against the stone wall of their chambers. The wildebeest struggled for air and fought helplessly against the single arm that held him there. Matthias could see a scar across the limb, the same one that had been stitched up during their first meeting.

Flamma spoke slowly as the rat stood and dusted himself off. He wasn't sure if the bull was doing it intentionally, or simply moving at his own pace, but he watched as the young fighter under his hand fought weakly while Flamma scolded him.

"Matthias is guest, calf. You are also guest. He has shown me kindness, but you must learn place. Kindness is not weakness. If you cause harm, I will send you away. Our patron will decide fate for you."

With that, he released his hold and Marcus fell to his rear coughing and sputtering. After finally catching his breath, he gathered himself slowly and Flamma towered over him. The bull's arms were crossed and he stood poised as an imposing figure between the two. Marcus turned his head away.

"My apologies, Flamma. It won't happen again."

The bull snorted and turned his body, providing Marcus a view of their guest.

"And Matthias?"

The wildebeest looked up and their gaze met. He bowed his head and offered a quick apology, still rubbing at his neck.

"I'm sorry, Matthias."

Satisfied with that, Flamma turned and made his way over to the rat, inspecting him closely and putting a large arm around his shoulders, guiding him back over to his side of the room.

"You have time to stay tonight, little mouse?"

Matthias smiled again at the big bull. Despite the new addition to the room, he couldn't help it. "For you, Flamma, I will stay."