FSE

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---

"Alright! Let's take a breather!"

At the command, the exhausted jackal crashed to the grassy ground. In huffs, he let go of the wooden shield and mock sword he had been using for training. Closed eyes and head aloft, the sun of the last day of spring intensified the sweat on his fur and tunic.

Daylight blocked by a sudden shadow and a helping hand.

"Good work," said Pyrrhos.

Alexis took the calling and rose to his feet with ease.

As both walked to the tree, where they would always find shade between training sessions, the youth reflected on his new life. The sun shone on the beads on his bracelet. Despite enjoying the changes the accessory brought, the object felt heavier than armor.

Pyrrhos had not chosen a victorious young man from the tournament, but a jackal of low nobility and no glory. To convince the General, and the other members of the Band of the Sacred Beads, the wolf pledged to train him for an entire season in an isolated location.

For that spring, the youth traded his parent's home for a hut on the hill-laden outskirts of Aolia. In the clearing where the shack sat, he found a full view of the Holy Mountain; the alp decorated with the buildings of his hometown. His dull routine became days filled with intense exercise. His restless nights of lustful fantasies replaced by the warm company of his Ward.

As that morning progressed into afternoon, the duo rested beneath a tree. Set beside the red wolf, he reminisced the moments they had together.

Training the jackal was a bittersweet task. Pyrrhos was right to once consider him fresh and delicate. But the trials the older canine put him through hardened the lad into a warrior. He mastered the spear in no time; his aim with a bow, which Alexis had never touched before, became sharp before mid-season; even his spontaneous decision making enhanced.

Not all was struggle. In between the mock battles, he found respite in conversations with his idol turned partner.

Throughout spring, underneath the verdant shade, Pyrrhos had introduced the jackal to his life. Stories of his wife, son, friends and family, all flowed with tinges of melancholy and nostalgia from the red wolf's mouth. That day, he had spared a special, last story to tell his Lancer.

"You have heard me being called a bastard, haven't you, Alexis? They are... not wholly incorrect." The wolf sorrowfully looked away from the jackal, at the sky, or perhaps at nothing. "I don't carry the blood of Adam, my father. I'm not even an Aolian. I am... I am adopted, Alexis."

In those times, disgraceful was the life of a bastard, but the adopted would rarely see any respect; much less an adopted foreigner. The news did not weaken Alexis' esteem for the wolf, but was surprising enough for a look of shock to develop on his face. After a quick glance at his trainee, the wolf's ears dropped.

"Oh, forgive me! I don't think any less of you, Pyrrhos..."

"I know." The wolf's arm hugged the jackal around the shoulder. "Thank you, Alexis."

After a lengthy exchange of glances, the red wolf sighed and returned to his story and empty stare.

"My father accumulated many victories in war; his most famous was in Scilla, to the east. There used to be a village there whose inhabitants caused trouble to smaller cities allied with Aolia. Unfortunately, they could not come to any agreement. And so they..."

With a grunt and eyes of sadness, Pyrrhos turned silent again. He was beyond distressed, and the young man knew.

"You don't have to tell me anything more. I understand."

"No, Alexis. I have delayed this enough."

"Take your time, then..."

The jackal's tone carried his dissatisfaction; alas, the wolf was obstinate to continue.

"They attacked the village, thanks to father's strategy it was a massacre. No resident of that town remains. Except for me." Pyrrhos shook between his words. "Adam found me in a house; a bloody knife in my hand, the corpse of an Aolian soldier before me. My red fur, or my mettle; father saw something in me to bring me to Aolia. He presented me as his legitimate son; my pelt a gift from the Goddess."

The jackal had, of course, heard of the miraculous offspring of General Adam that was said to have been trained in secrecy, only being unveiled at age five. Thirty years prior, no one would challenge the esteemed leader of the warriors. After the general's passing, Pyrrhos had earned enough prestige to never be questioned himself.

"I do not remember any of that. Father told me all about it on his deathbed..."

"And are you alright with calling him 'father'? Without resentment?"

Only after a light chuckle did the wolf answer.

"Well... it's strange, but I forgave him."

"How? When?"

The wolf's sight returned to the jackal with a smile. He provided the youth with a quick peck on his forehead.

"Let's save that for later. Now, back to training!"

They spent the rest of that day practicing.

---

That evening came as quickly as any other. As Alexis freshened himself up for the night with a damp towel, he once again thought about that spring. They trained, ate, and slept together every day for three months. The youth could not ask for more.

The art of warfare was not the only thing the red canine taught the young man. Many nights the wolf would lead him into lessons on pleasure. To the youth's surprise, his superior proved much more flexible in lovemaking. He hoped to become acquainted with the older man's desire and body; but his own wishes and pleasures never went unfulfilled.

Once he was clean enough, he walked to the bed where the older canine waited for him.

"Well now, Alexis. I'm glad you finally feel that comfortable around me."

Though confused at first, the chilly wind blowing from the shack's only window onto his exposed body would reveal what Pyrrhos meant. A yelp of surprise and the youth was covering himself.

"Sorry..."

"Don't be silly."

The wolf chucked his perizoma, his only clothing.

"Nothing to be ashamed of, dear Alexis. Come join me."

Those words did little to calm the jackal's embarrassment, but he proceeded anyway. Not long after he laid his head on the pillow, he was embraced by brawny arms, cuddled by a furry belly, kissed repeatedly by a muzzle.

After settling down in a spooning position, Pyrrhos addressed Alexis in murmurs.

"Tomorrow we'll return to Aolia. You'll be in my house, meet my family. And be together every day, train too! Are you excited?"

The red wolf sensed his retainer's heart pounding; but excitement was not the reason. The family was a reminder to him that he was an adulterer. They had their planning to make the relationship work in secrecy, but the guilt remained.

His hesitation spoke louder than any answer he could provide. Pyrrhos needed to turn the situation around somehow. Luckily, a plan came into his mind.

"It will be some time until we get privacy like this again." The wolf leaned into the young man's ear and whispered.

"Is there anything you want to do?"

That dispelled the jackal's daze. He had a response, but uttering it was impossible.

"Do you have an answer for me, dear?"

Pyrrhos nibbled and licked the back of his Lancer's neck. Teased so relentlessly, the lad grunted in anticipation. As a result, his reply came out slurred.

The wolf turned the youth so that their eyes would meet. At the sight of the golden-furred face, he could not help but smile and caress that muzzle again.

"Oh, Alexis, I know your answer. And that you might have your doubts but-" The wolf's hand moved to the jackal's chest and abs, sliding up and down. "You've grown so much. You're stronger, more virile. You can bear it."

The youth remained in lustful silence, his face turned boiling hot; and his body followed suit. Being read so easily, being understood so deeply, had its own charm.

"However, dear Alexis." That muscular hand caressed the youth's hair. "I won't do anything that will hurt you, or that you don't want." The wolf adjusted his frame on the bed. "So, I need you to answer me."

What he had been once so eager to ask, what only his dreams and digits could once offer, was a few words away. He needed strength, a single push, to cast his doubts for a second.

With a sigh, he freed himself of confusion.

"I want you inside me, Pyrrhos."

With two hands, the wolf brought the muzzles together, letting them trade the wetness within them; a lengthy and hot kiss. Anticipation made both bodies ready for that occasion. Once their tongues let go, they locked eyes for minutes.

"I'm so glad you trust me, dear." The older man rose, moving away from the bed. "A moment, Alexis."

Perhaps hypnotized by the stiff member that bounced in the dim hut, the young jackal's gaze followed Pyrrhos. The canine crouched before he lifted a jar.

"Wrestling oil," said the wolf. "We did little wrestling, but we can still make good use of it."

Alexis' sight fled to the ceiling. He understood very well the meaning of Pyrrhos words. He grabbed his chest, his heart beating to the rhythm of an army. All his feelings flowed to his painfully stiff manhood.

Alas, there was a problem. As proficient as he had become in loving another man, he was still no smarter on what they were about to do. Doubt and awkwardness escaped the youth's mouth.

"Pyrrhos..." He hugged his torso, ears drooped, and mouth trembling. "What... How..."

"It's okay, Alexis." The wolf laid the oil vessel by the bed as he caressed one of the jackal's thighs. "It's your first time. It's scary. I know." His hand dragged until he was petting the young man's stomach. "But, I'm right here. Follow my lead, alright?"

"Alright..."

With a smile, Pyrrhos smooched the youth's muzzle before moving with the jar to the foot of the bed. The wolf enjoyed the view between the young man's legs before addressing him.

"Get on all fours. Calmly."

Even with the usual tenderness of his words, receiving a command excited the youth further. He obeyed, his rear lifted, presented to the older man. Feelings now flowed to his tail; thrashing around enough to make noise.

"Easy, Alexis. It'll be okay."

Containing his tail used all his concentration. So focused was he, that when the wolf put his hand on one of the lad's cheeks, Alexis released a sharp yelp. A sudden, awful feeling; each strand of fur raised to the limit. Shame took over shortly after the screech, his face burning and tail drooping.

Despite his wishes, apologies did not leave his mouth. Embarrassment left the young man trembling and babbling instead. He did not notice the wolf wrap his arms around his torso and hoist him into a hug.

Alexis kneeled, hugged by muscle and fat. The embrace was comfort without regret, understanding without judgement. A myriad words could be said. Instead, in silence, they lingered.

Pyrrhos broke the eternity of the hug by whispering into the jackal's long ears.

"Let us rest, Alexis. We have a long day tomorrow."

Soon they were both under the covers. Touching, but not in an embrace. On one side, absolute shame and distress flowed silently from the young man's eyes. On the other, the fear of being so forceful as far as causing harm raged a storm in the older man's mind.

Both took hours to fall asleep that night.

Dawn barely lit the hut on the hill when the jackal awoke. A mild wetness grazed his forehead and a virile voice soon followed.

"Good morning, Alexis."

"Good morning..."

The smile in front of the young man was the sun, blinding and beautiful. What a disservice he did to his partner. The wolf had protected and believed in him, and he could not even apologize. After a sigh, Alexis forsook control of his mouth; his feelings spilling as words.

"Pyrrhos, I'm so sorry... You put your faith in me and I failed you."

"No, dear, no." The back of the red canine's hand took to caressing the jackal's muzzle. "I am the one who is sorry. Forcing you into the situation you were not ready for yet."

Alexis nuzzled against the digits, taking in the warm touch. And what a touch it was. Somehow the youth had forgotten the sheer relief the wolf's presence gave. He had failed to display his trust, but would not do so again.

It may have been the grogginess of his lack of sleep, his neglected libido from the previous night, or even the stiffness of morning, but nothing came to stop Alexis' words.

"I'm... I'm ready now, Pyrrhos. I trust you completely."

"Alexis..." The older man's smile turned into a concerned look and slumped ears. "You don't have to prove anything. I believe you."

"But I want to. Please, give me another chance."

Only after the jackal reassured the wolf with a sloppy kiss, did Pyrrhos yield to the request.

"Very well... But remember, we can stop at any time. I won't hurt you, alright?"

"Alright."

Pyrrhos propped his body off the bed, going to fetch the jar again. Alexis' heart was restless, but happy. In the fog of panic of the previous night, he had forgotten how much he longed for that moment.

"In position, Alexis."

There was that command again. The youth eagerly obeyed, of course, presenting his ass to his wolf. He had no more need for shame or chastity.

From the foot of the bed, the canine's hesitating hand met the jackal's butt. Nothing stopped him; he went from meekly touching to lovingly fondling. As the contact still bore a trace of shyness, the youth incited his partner by rubbing his rear against the palm.

"Hey!" The wolf responded in surprise. "Aren't you eager!"

Pyrrhos had retribution in mind. He squeezed it with power, eliciting a loud moan from the jackal. The young man only had himself to blame; he asked for it.

"Oh, Pyrrhos..."

"Did you like that?"

The wolf's other hand joined. Each fondled a cheek; groped them in circles, spread them and let them clash over and over; the sounds only adding to the excitement.

The jackal enjoyed every second. His arms gone from supporting his body to clenching and grunting on the pillows beneath him. Bliss lasted until the wolf provided a weak slap.

"Are you ready for the next step, Alexis?"

Daze and lust prevented a proper confirmation. The wolf took the cheerful hum from the jackal as a sign to continue.

The older man took his hands off the jackal entirely, leaving him needy. He satisfied that need as the greasy substance coated the space between those cheeks. At first, the lad flinched as the cold slime spread on his intimate parts, but soon, a manly, warm hand came in to balance it out. His thumb lubricated the outside of Alexis' puckered hole.

"Alexis," said the wolf between hums of pleasure, "I said I won't hurt you but, since it's your first time..."

"I know. I understand, Pyrrhos. Just... go slowly, alright?"

"I will."

Once the ooze covered all of that ass, the lad was ready. Pyrrhos' brawny thumb entered Alexis' body with an easy cadence. The jackal couldn't help but moan. It was not the first time a digit had gone into his rear, but the wolf's finger proved already bigger than anything he had tried.

"Are you well?"

"Oh, Pyrrhos... So good."

Then, more of the man's finger entered his ass. That was the moment he lost it. His mouth was agape and huffing, his member leaking, and his hole being explored by a curious digit. The lad was in bliss.

From his point of view, the wolf took the youth's reaction as a sign of doing a proper job and so proceeded. He twisted his finger, felt up the sweetly tender insides and finished with a few stretches. When he was done, the young man's ass was as slick as his pre-cum-covered cock. The older canine finally removed his digit from the hole; a popping sound followed.

Pyrrhos released a grunt of approval before speaking to the lustful youth.

"That was great... Are you ready for the main event?"

"Yes... Please..."

The wolf chuckled at the jackal's newfound eagerness; an act of happiness and pride. The canine laid his hard penis over the spread crack; dribbled more of the oil over it, coating cock and ass at once.

Desire that had taken the lad's mind slightly scattered; he just had to feel the next part with clarity.

The wolf teased the young man a final time, addressing him as his pelvic moves made the thick member move up and down the crack.

"All ready now. Remember, we can stop at any point."

A confirmation from the youth's mouth; and one from the wolf's. Pyrrhos readjusted himself and found his target with a single thrust.

He was in; all in. All that oil caused the rod to slide perfectly. As expected, Alexis' muzzle released a sharp screech as pain shot up from his insides.

"Wait! Wait! Stop!"

"Oh, Goddess!" The wolf spoke in stutters. "Are you alright? Should I take it off?"

"No! Just... Wait, please."

The sensation was indeed pain, but right beneath it, pleasure, like the jackal had never enjoyed before. Such a strong sensation, he would have cum on the spot. Instead, they waited. Alexis' insides slowly adapted to the new guest.

Pain fell away, and sensitivity remained. The lad recognized even the smallest details of the dick penetrating him; the throbbing veins, the bulky head, all deep inside him.

"Pyrrhos... Continue... Please..."

The wolf, on the edge of orgasm himself, could not muster a vocal response. Thrusts, slow and controlled, showed his desires. Holding onto the ass, his movements made the fit, youthful body bob.

No longer painful; but delightful instead. The young man was still sensitive, but in a good way. That manly presence giving him exactly what he wanted, over and over. He craved more and more.

By that point, Pyrrhos' mind wholly belonged to his lust. The way the youth grunted and moaned only made the wolf want to go faster and faster.

Both huffing; both jiggling to the same rhythm; both ready to burst.

First to release was the young jackal. With a single cry of the name of his partner, his cum covered the bed beneath him. The wolf did not stop pounding, so his cock shook wildly as he shot all his spunk.

Noticing his companion's orgasm, clicked something within the wolf; feral craving, the brutal desire to mate. His pace reached its peak, he grabbed the lad by the torso and relentlessly forced him into his crotch. At that momentum, he came in no time. The tight ass welcomed the flow of seed; for a first timer, the jackal had proved able to endure all the wolf's lust.

It was done. Alexis' "purity" disappeared. His first was his idol, and he wanted no alternative.

Pyrrhos used utmost care when removing his penis. In tow, the youth fell into the bed almost instantly. It wasn't long before the wolf joined him. They were both spent. No one should do such an intense workout right after rousing.

The exhausted couple looked into each other's eyes for seconds before they started a rough, wild kiss. Wet and hot, their tongues danced between chaos and affection. After they broke away, the tiredness claimed their minds.

"Pyrrhos... I'm so glad..."

"Me too... And also quite tired."

"Yes..." The jackal forced his heavy eyelids open again and again. "But we must leave..."

The wolf used the last of his energy to hug the youth and to place a quick peck on his forehead.

"We'll be late... But it's alright. Rest, Alexis."

The young man lacked strength, or will to contest. He was soon asleep in the warm embrace of the red canine.

---

Their plan was to arrive back at the polis by noon; that was the time they left the shack instead. They had missed their appointment with the wagon, so carried the load to the city themselves. The walk took even longer, thanks to Alexis' odd pace.

They made it to Aolia in one piece, welcomed by soldiers. It just dawned then on the young jackal that he had become of higher rank than most troopers he ever met. His sudden transition would brew a storm of feelings within him.

They traversed the mountain-bound city together. Commercial quarters decorated the foot of the Holy Mountain, those and the dwellings of the poor and foreign. Above that, the housing of Aolian lower nobility; where Alexis had spent most of his life up to that point. And finally, higher still, their destination: the upper noble neighborhoods; reserved mostly for councilmen and army members. From the pristine streets, the lad could see the final districts near the peak, political buildings and sacred sites.

The orange sky of late afternoon above him, the jackal stood in front of the gates of the wolf's home; which he would share with the older man's family. Barely had the duo taken a step into the foyer, slaves came to relieve the couple of their load. Finally disencumbered, Alexis inspected the mansion.

Corridors decorated by marble pillars and floral design tiles. Walls were simple, save for the occasional, intricate torch-holder. What really drew the youth's eyes was the peristyle which the entire house revolved around.

A well-kept, open garden bearing a statue of the Goddess in the center, a flight of stairs to the second floor on its farthest end, and a handful of wooden chairs.

A canine woman rested in one of those seats, a slave poured her a dark drink into her metallic cup.

The she-wolf was poise incarnate. Fur in a mix of golden and grey; her light-brown hair in a bun over her head. All her movements were as if she posed for a statue. Her himation dress, spotless white, save for a single purple streak. Ianthe, Pyrrhos' wife.

She had been posed to marry Pyrrhos since he came to Aolia. They were good childhood friends and shared many interests. A skillful florist, always perfumed as flowers. Another high noble, her late father was a shrewd merchant, her older brother was a councilman.

The wolf did not lie when he said Alexis' would be dazed during their first encounter. She demanded attention through her presence alone; almost supernaturally so. Barely he noticed her change in demeanour or her approach.

She dismissed the servant with a wave and a whisper and, with a hug, welcomed the older canine.

"Oh! Dearest!"

Along with the embrace, she gave her husband a smooch on the muzzle.

The lad flinched at the sight. The youth held back, as he reminded himself of the circumstances. Officially, at least, that was the wolf's one and only lover.

He was again too lost in thought to notice the she-wolf approaching him.

"And you must be Alexis." Ianthe spoke in an almost saccharine tone. "Welcome."

"Ah!" The high pitches of the wolf's voice brought the young man to reality. "Yes, Lady Ianthe." The youth knelt in front of her. After drawing her hand, he gave it a kiss. "It is my pleasure to be welcomed in your household."

"Nonsense!" She beckoned the jackal to rise. "No need for such formalities here. I hope we can make you feel welcome."

Before the man could respond, energetic, irregular steps echoed through the garden. A youthful, also high-pitched voice reverberated with it.

"Father! Father!"

A young canine boy, with a happy tail behind him, dashed to the foyer and jumped into Pyrrhos' chest. The older wolf automatically put his arms out to catch the child.

The twelve-year-old beamed with happiness, exceptional even among children. He wore a long tunic, mimicking his father's. Describing his fur as brown would be correct, but unfair. His pelt shone like metal; he was worthy of the name, copper-furred.

"Chalkinos!" Said the wolf, tail imitating his child's. "I've missed you!"

The older wolf let his child go with a kiss to his forehead.

Pyrrhos revealed many things about his young son. His aptitude for philosophy, buoyancy, distaste for filth; and a secret not even the boy knew.

"Son," called Ianthe, "greet your father's new apprentice. His name is Alexis."

The jackal wasn't the best with children. In an awkward bit, the youth had tried to prepare in his mind, he squatted to the boy's eye level and beckoned him into a handshake.

"Hello, Chalkinos. Your father told me many things about you."

At first the child recoiled into his father's shoulder. After a glance at his mother, the young canine responded to Alexis' request.

"Welcome!"

His shy demeanour shifted into an overly sweet one. None of his parents seemed to have noticed the change, so the jackal attributed the strangeness to his own imagination.

"Come, Alexis," said the wolf. "We must show you the house."

On the first floor, there were six rooms. To the west: a green room that doubled as a shop for Ianthe's plants, a storage, and a sizable kitchen. Eastward: a dining room as big as the kitchen, the bath, and an office where Pyrrhos kept his armaments. There were also steps that led underground to the slaves' quarters.

On the very back, a flight of stairs connected to a large balcony that overlooked the sea of hills behind the Holy Mountain. It served for the family's recreation and would then be employed for training the golden jackal.

Lastly, the second floor. Composed entirely of bedrooms, each one was sizable and bore their own decor. To the west, a room for the parents, another for the child. There used to be two guest rooms to the east, but the one facing the hills had just become Alexis'. And that was where their tour ended, mother and son bidding the jackal a good evening as Pyrrhos stayed to speak in private.

The jackal's family had many of his belongings delivered beforehand and servants had already organized the items in their proper places. Exhausted, body and mind, the jackal only checked the bed, where he dropped his frame. The furniture, bearing red blankets, fitted two people and handled a good amount of stress.

Limbs splayed, his gaze at the ceiling. In his fatigue, he did not stop the wolf from crawling over him; not that he would have stopped him, anyway.

"How are you feeling?"

He had spoken in a tone Alexis had not heard since that morning. Indeed, outside their private moments, Pyrrhos would not speak to the jackal that way. The heaven that spring had been, came to a close that day.

The lad did not show any of that, though; partially because he could not. Instead, only a sigh left his mouth before he spoke.

"Tired..."

"I see..."

The wolf lowered his muzzle until they touched, and soon they burst into a damp kiss. It lasted for minutes, Alexis hugged the older man, caressed his muscular back, and toyed with his hair. Pyrrhos concentrated on leading the embrace of tongues. When they broke off, the lad was left puffing quietly.

"Better?" Said the wolf with a teasing tone and grin.

"A lot better."

"You know I'd love to stay here," the red canine rousted off the bed with a grunt, "but I want to spend some time with them."

"Of course," the jackal himself raised to a sitting position.

"Rest well, Alexis. Tomorrow we start in earnest."

"Yes, Pyrrhos."

Before the wolf left the room, he turned his face to the lad.

"Thank you, Alexis."

The older man took off before the youth could interrogate him on the meaning of those words. Even if he had stayed, the jackal lacked the proper wits to process the situation. He resigned himself to just falling asleep.

---

It was as Pyrrhos said; after that night, Alexis' routine changed yet again. Aside from a free day in the week, he would spend most of his time in the barracks reserved for the members of the Band. He would spar with his fellow Lancers and other Wards would instruct him. His training over spring did not make him into a matchless warrior, but the jackal took on his peers, and even won many times.

That barely mattered to the jackal, however. The facilities where Wards and Lancers used in private interested him much more. Many days the young man and his superior spent embraced, talking, and, of course, giving and receiving pleasure.

Though welcomed by the warriors, at Pyrrhos' home he would find a strange sense of disdain emanating from the wolf's family. Whenever the red wolf was not around, they would meet Alexis with unfamiliar tones and looks; from the adolescent especially.

A handful of months after being accepted into the household, the wolf made a request involving his child. A simple inquiry, really. Guide Chalkinos to the cemetery on the outskirts of town. Though the clear animosity from the young canine bothered him, his wish to serve Pyrrhos rang far louder in his head.

Outfitted with his usual armor, he led the boy through the marble-white city. The visit to that graveyard was a monthly occurrence. And usually the older wolf would fulfill the role of guide, but an exceptional situation prevented him from doing so.

They arrived at the field where the dead rested. Cylindrical grave markers sprung from the soil like a forest of cut trees. Few were there for a simple trip; such was not customary at the time. The bronze-furred youth made a hasty beeline to the resting soul they were there to visit. The jackal went all but ignored.

Once Alexis caught up with the child, he knelt by a gravestone, tending to a light purple flower which sprouted from its soil-covered top. It took a while for the youth to read the name engraved in the stone.

"SOPHRON," said the grave marker along with a date; not two years prior. More interestingly, the rock also bore characters Alexis did not recognise. His surprise was so, he could not contain a soft exclamation.

"Foreigner..."

He had reason to be astonished. It was rare for foreigners to receive Aolian-style burials; much less to be buried among other Aolians.

Chalkinos' ears flickered toward the man. For what felt like the first time that day, the young boy noticed the golden jackal.

"Sorry," said Alexis, "I meant no offense."

"You are right. Sophron, my teacher, was not from Aolia. Father had him buried here... I requested it." The boy rose, cleaned his robes and continued talking after a sigh. "I miss him. His presence was..."

After he ceased talking, Alexis noticed how differently he had been treated that time. Aloofness or disdain, replaced by the teary words of a grieving child.

The jackal's mouth hesitated to urge him to continue. When he finally found the strength to spur the boy, he was stopped as the young canine turned to face him. The kid's eyes had a mix of anger and sadness Alexis had yet to see. All those feelings being directed at him.

"Let us return," said Chalkinos in a monotone voice.

Alexis obeyed. He made no progress in amending their relationship, instead the jackal found himself even farther from that boy. Their entire trip back passed in silence.

How scary his new life had become. Dealing with the rift between Pyrrhos' family frightened him more than any foe. If the feelings breeding inside him were not enough, his inability to reach the wolves presented as the ultimate proof that was not his place.

That assertion manifested even in private moments with the red wolf. Many times, he would act in detachment towards some of their more affectionate interactions; whenever he entertained the canine, he would find his guilt growing afterwards.

Pyrrhos, for his part, seldom remarked on the gradual change; the fear of pushing or forcing the jackal became another rift.

The combination was a perfect storm, their relationship going from feeling like lovers to superior and junior.

Despite everything, they still cared for each other; feelings that never went soiled.

---

Months passed. Even without the wolf's embrace, Alexis' life was not devoid of happiness. Yet, every lonely moment his mind would wander into the unworth of his existence.

The afternoon sky grew orange as the jackal entered the mansion. That day, they sent Lancers home before their Wards; he begrudgingly breached into the foyer alone.

The peristyle, as usual, caught his attention. That time, however, it was not the wind blowing, or the fresh smell of grass that attracted him; instead, a pair of wolfesses sat in chairs. Ianthe consoled her sobbing confidant. The visitor buried her face between her hands and supported her elbows on her thighs.

Alexis looked at the situation in a mix of shock and confusion. His expression remained frozen, his body did not. Once he approached them, both she-wolves shifted to the young jackal.

"What is the matter?" Said the youth in a worry-filled tone.

The unknown canine tried to explain, instead only uncontrollable sobbing came through. Ianthe petted, comforted the woman before addressing the jackal.

"It was awful, Alexis! We were out on the shopping district, when a pair of bandits attempted to mug us!"

Confusion became shock. That aloof mother had never shown herself so emotional in his eyes as she did right then.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

"We are fine, thank the Goddess. But my friend here you see..." Ianthe turned her worrying look to face the visiting wolfess. "They took her necklace; a family heirloom. And now she's distraught..."

The other wolf cried louder at the end of Ianthe's words.

"Have you reported it to the soldiers? They must be able to do something!"

"We have, but they all claimed to be too busy to handle such a petty crime..."

A sorry situation that was. The jackal's solidarity only grew as the wolfess kept crying. Once it peaked, he got a terrible idea.

Members of the Band could easily carry their own weapons and deliver their own judgement. Many before had, of course, misused that public trust; but the young man would harness it for good.

"Can you tell me any details on the culprits?"

The resident wolf's head turned back to the Lancer.

"I could but... No, you mustn't, Alexis."

"Please entrust me this chance! I can... I must bring honor to your household!"

The she-wolf remained in hesitating silence for seconds; a sigh broke that quietness.

"Very well."

They talked about the situation until the stolen item and supposed criminals became discernible. Even the crying visitor calmed herself enough to add her own account.

Outfitted with his armor, a sword, and the house's shield, he made through the front door with determination. That night, The lad would find his redemption, earn the life forced unto him.

Hours later, the jackal burst again into that foyer. His mind was as obstinate as when he left, his body barely carried him to the higher district. Bruises, scratches and small wounds decorated the stubborn Lancer.

Servants tried to help the youth off the ground, he just waved them off. He stumbled, almost automatically, to the garden.

There, a red wolf thrashed his tail in concern, another canine cowered at the harsh words thrown at her. Both gawked at the sight of the lad. Pyrrhos screamed the jackal's name in worry, but Alexis hardly gave him attention. Instead, he dragged his body towards the wife, whose face of horror he had never seen.

Once he was close enough to her, he reached for a leather pouch stashed between his armor and tunic. After the small package clashed into the wolfess' palms, revealing the trinket he had recovered, he collapsed onto the grassy floor of the garden.

"Alexis!" The Ward hoisted his limping Lancer. "Talk to me! Are you alright!"

Hugged to the red-furred chest, only the agitated heartbeat kept him conscious. With what felt like his entire strength, he finally whispered.

"Necklace..."

"What!" Pyrrhos' attention briefly shifted to his wife for a moment; he clearly noticed the jewelry in her hands. "Is that your necklace, Ianthe?" The red canine used his might to raise the lad to his feet. After a grunt, he spoke again. "That was very irresponsible... But we'll speak of it later."

The wolf ordered a servant to bring healing items to the jackal's room. With difficulty, he carried Alexis there.

Two faces caught the youth's attention on the way to his rest. On the peristyle, a frustrated frown followed his moves. On the second floor, behind a half-closed door, a teary glare.

The wolf had meticulously gone through the entire body of the young canine. His knowledge of war medicine was more than enough to treat the many shallow wounds of his junior.

With a sigh, he landed on a chair beside the laid down undergarment-wearing lad.

"I've done all that I could, now just rest. Alexis... How are you feeling?"

The jackal had been completely quiet through the procedure because of a mix of pain, tiredness and confusion. By that time, he had mustered the force to utter a response to the older canine.

"Better..."

"Curses! How careless of her to ask you to do that! However," the wolf sighed, "it was quite irresponsible of you as well. What were you thinking?"

"Forgive me... I do not know..."

The red canine looked with sympathy at the jackal, but also relief. While he argued with his wife, his mind conjured the worst scenarios. Even in such a sorry state, Pyrrhos was glad to see his Lancer laid before him.

"No, forgive me, Alexis." His muscular hand petted the youth's hair. "You are in enough pain as is."

The ache the young jackal had experienced that evening was feeble compared to what that touch did to him. Warm and comfortable, but guilt-ridden. He winced and quivered as the digits combed his pelt. Pyrrhos retracted his hand once he noticed it.

"I... I must go. We do not want them to get suspicious of us."

The wolf punctuated the sentence by rising to his feet. Indeed, that their relation did not become obvious was far more important than whatever storm raged inside them. And yet...

"Pyrrhos..." Meekly, Alexis' hand grabbed the older man by the wrist. "Stay..."

Hesitation within the wolf only lasted a couple of seconds. Without words, he undid his sandals and laid himself beside Alexis.

Even with his pained body, he embraced the wolf. He put his head between Pyrrhos' pectorals and inhaled that scent. The older canine indulged him back, not out of obligation, but will.

It had been ages since they last were in a position remotely resembling that one. Both had craved and wanted it so badly. Then why did it hurt? Why did the embrace feel so good and comfortable, but so wrong and painful?

Tears flowed from Alexis' eyes into Pyrrhos' chest. It did not take long for teardrops to become sobs and for sobs to become loud cries. The older canine matched the intensity of the sorrow with the tightness of his grasp. Not to snuff it, but as an extension of his own pain.

They traded no further words that night. After minutes, the jackal calmed down to the point of silence. An hour after that, and he was asleep. The sluggish wolf sneaked out of the room during the slumber.

---

Further weeks passed, their relationship never improving. Both minds provided fertile soil for the seeds of doubt.

Once more duty called the red wolf away from his home. That time, he and Ianthe would attend a wedding far from the polis over the weekend. The couple entrusted Chalkinos to the care of the youth. Despite his fears, the jackal had little strength or chance to resist.

They left just before the weekend started. Since Alexis had already requested a leave so that he could tend to the young canine, they spent much of their days together. Though they shared a physical presence, the space between them was a chasm.

The Lancer tried to distract himself by training on the balcony. The boy's gaze always followed him, which led to many mistakes and further frustration. Around the house, Chalkinos' more unpleasant remarks towards the jackal barely registered as words; feeling like daggers to his skull.

Through much of the two days, the same situations repeated; the lad found no rest. He did not believe himself deserving of it, anyway. He put himself in that situation, after all.

The night of the second day, after dinner, Alexis awaited for the young canine to sleep as he had done the previous nights of that upsetting weekend. Despite his more recent interactions with his Ward being awkward, the knowledge that he would return soon lit a comfortable hearth in the darkness.

"Alexis? Could you come here?"

Chalkinos had called from inside his quarters. The usual tone of distrust, replaced by one of anxiety. The jackal did not deliberate before he threw his preconceptions aside and burst through the door.

"Chalkinos, are you alright!"

A quick scan of the moonlit room showed no oddity, except for the child's absence. The jackal dove deeper into the dark, looking for him.

"Chalkinos? Are you there?"

Alexis continued to inspect the room, careful to make little sound.

He had been briefly inside that bedroom before. His attentive gaze slowly revealed many minutiae. For one, much of the furniture bore scratches; it was impossible then to tell the origin of those notches, so the youth discarded that thought.

The layers of darkness obscured many details Alexis could usually gather; it also concealed something else.

The jackal's inspection was put to an abrupt end when a loud thud crashed against his head. His vision went blank as he crumbled to the floor. Through the pain, he only heard a wooden object hit the floor, followed by steps.

As he coddled where he had been damaged, he found it hurting but thankfully not bleeding. His sight finally returned enough for him to see his assailant. Before he did, however, a childish voice spoke full of anger.

"That didn't knock you out, did it?"

Though his vision returned, what met his ears was enough for him to distinguish the attacker. Chalkinos, Pyrrhos' son, stood above him with a murderous gaze. In sheer shock, the jackal did not respond or even react.

"That doesn't matter," said the young canine. "This'll do the trick just fine."

Alexis' eyes followed the child. A strange force, beyond pain, impeded his movements. Was it a lack of strength? A lack of will? The terrible storm in his mind prevented any coherent thought.

The jackal remained barely struggling on the floor as the boy straddled him. From his belt he pulled out a short, flat object. When Chalkinos unsheathed it, through sound alone, the youth could tell the child brandished a knife.

"You deserve this, you know?" The lad toyed with the dagger in his hands. "Thinking you can take father away from us."

So that was the reason for that. It was true: he did not earn the life he had gained; even if he did not carry the malicious intentions the child accused him of having. Was he worthy of capital punishment? That mattered little. All so painful, Alexis would accept any castigation.

"Don't worry," Chalkinos raised the blade, "I'll tell father you died protecting me from an assassin."

Living twenty-five years by that point, he could have dedicated his final thoughts to many people and events; but his mind wandered to Pyrrhos. How cruel, one last bit of pain before he was delivered from this world.

All of his memories of the red wolf played within the instant the knife flew towards him. The first time Alexis had seen him in an exhibition match, the encounter in the backrooms of the arena, their first romantic night, that delightful spring. All culminating in what would be their last embrace.

Pyrrhos had healed him, watched over him until he would rest in his grasp. Then, something sparked in the middle of the tempest in the jackal's mind. Alexis was drowsy when the older canine left for his own room, but distinguished the words he had whispered before leaving.

"Alexis, your pain is mine too. How I wish I could just whisk you away, free you from the life I've forced upon you. I am a cruel, selfish captor. May you forgive me someday. I love you, Alexis."

Captor, he had called himself. Even in his daze of anguish and guilt, he wanted to yell at the wolf about how wrong he was. He saw him as no wicked jailer but as a gracious liberator. His warmth, his kindness, his love freed Alexis.

And what shelter he found in the word "love." I dispelled all problems in his mind in a flash. The jackal had done nothing reprehensible, or profane. They loved each other. Even if the situation of their lives was improper, they bore no fault.

How much comfort he felt, being cherished and loving. All he needed to fight back.

His eyes shot open. The dagger was already dangerously close to his chest, yet his hand moved to catch it.

With a shriek, his palm stopped the blade. Thank the Goddess, he caught the sharp weapon between his digits; blood flowing from a minor cut he received. Right after his move, he felt his attacker shiver above him.

His warrior physique proved more than enough to overpower the child. A single flick of his fingers and the weapon flew across the room, in a second, just as sudden move, his upper body raised, his hands grabbed Chalkinos by the wrists.

His face, full of determination, looked at the boy. The once cruel assailer above him had become a quivering child. He was a kid. Barely an adolescent, overflowing with fear and anxiety. Soon, Chalkinos broke down crying.

"Why? Why do you want to take my dad away? It's not fair..."

From determination to sympathy. The young man had been lost in his own storm for so long; he didn't consider the tempests that lurked within others.

With a hug, the jackal lept above the abyssal gap between them. He held the weepy kid in his arms. He would have to be the one to offer warmth; and he was ready. His feelings reached the target. Chalkinos hugged him back and let the golden fur and snuff his tears.

They stayed like that for minutes.

Later, Chalkinos was in his bed, Alexis squatted beside him, looking him in the eyes. They had been talking, gradually understanding each other. Many times the child apologized for the actions that night.

"You really like dad, don't you?"

"I do."

"And... he likes you too?"

Alexis nodded.

"And," Chalkinos cowered in the sheets, "you won't take dad away?"

"No," the jackal chuckled. "Your father loves you. I couldn't do that if I tried."

The jackal moved to pet the boy's hair. For once, Chalkinos welcomed the approach; Alexis messed and adjusted the fur on that head again and again. They traded genuine smiles for the first time.

As the young man peered into the blue marbles, he once again remembered that last day of spring. Under the green shade, they spoke during a break.

"You asked when did I forgive my father, right Alexis? That was when I held Chalkinos in my arms. Much like I don't bear Adam's blood, Chalkinos doesn't bear mine."

What a shock he had. A thousand exclamations would have left his mouth; all at once, too. Pyrrhos proceeded before any left his muzzle, however.

"The night we were to consummate our marriage, I just... couldn't do it. It felt wrong to force myself onto Ianthe like that... So, we made an arrangement. Ianthe 'procured' a mate with a fur like mine, so no one would suspect. And, well... Chalkinos was born from them."

Pyrrhos pondered in silence, but not in sadness or resentment. Alexis finally had an opening to speak up.

"And you love him. And you were afraid you wouldn't..."

"Sure was!" The red wolf released a guffaw. "But it was love at first sight, Alexis. When I cradled that kid, I realized father had gone through something similar. Even though our origins weren't ideal... I can believe my father loved me all the same."

Alexis stroked Chalkinos' ear, much like he had petted his father's. After he retracted his hand, the child released a sigh.

"You must tell father about this. All of it."

"Are you sure? Aren't you afraid?"

"A bit, yes. But... he deserves to know."

"Very well, then." The jackal rose to his feet. "But you must sleep now. It is far too late."

"It is... Good night, Alexis. And... thank you."

Strangely, despite one almost becoming a murder and the other nearly dying, both slept soundly.

---

Ianthe and Pyrrhos returned that morning. The difference in the boys' demeanor towards the red wolf and each other felt tangible. Only the wolfess was left out of the enthusiasm.

The following day, at the Band's barracks, Alexis was the one to invite Pyrrhos to the private quarters. The time for doubt and fear was past the jackal.

"Something you wish to talk about?" Said the red wolf, as he came into the room minutes after the young man.

"Indeed." Alexis tapped the space beside him on the bench. "Sit here, please."

Pyrrhos obeyed, and spoke right after that, releasing a weary sigh before he did.

"Is it about the weekend? You both seemed in higher spirits..."

"That's part of it, yes. But first..."

Alexis forced Pyrrhos' muzzle to face him. They were inches away again. It startled the wolf at first, but the jackal spoke before he could question anything.

"You're not my captor, Pyrrhos. You've done nothing wrong."

"Ah! So you heard that?"

"Yes, I did." Alexis brought their mouths together until their noses touched. "All of it."

With his tongue, the jackal started the kiss. The red wolf was hesitant to proceed, but the jackal invited him out of his shell. For once, he did not beg for domination, only requested company. And of course, the wolf complied.

They locked eyes with smiles after they broke the kiss.

"I love you too, Pyrrhos."

The wolf went from an honest, albeit worried smile to a childish grin. The wolf beamed, and Alexis heard the tail wagging behind the older man.

"You do? You really do?"

"Yes... Yes! I love you!"

The older wolf became an excited puppy. After a hearty, but short smooch on Alexis' muzzle, he delivered many other small pecks all over the jackal's face.

"Hey, now!" Said the passionate youth.

"Sorry it's just..." The wolf led his eyes to meet the jackal's. "You've made me so happy, dear. I love you too, Alexis."

The couple spent minutes just there, looking at each other.

A heavy sigh from the jackal broke their respite.

"Pyrrhos. There's something we must talk about..."