Tacked- Part One
This is my first story, so please be gentle (: I'm normally a human writer, and this is my first time delving into the world of furries. Please bear with me as I learn the rights and wrongs of furry-writing, and please don't be too harsh as I'm still trying to figure out the different terms and occasionally slip back into the human mind frame. Please enjoy my story, and be sure to give me feedback on how I can make it better. Otherwise I'll probably lose inspiration, darn it.
_Name pronunciations - _
Tak'eran- (Tock-ehr-ahn)
Aeros- (Ei-roce)
Welcome to the world of Tarn...
There were three moons in the sky, hovering just out of reach. Only one was full tonight, the silver one, and also the largest. It dwarfed the other too, bathing the grass in a silvery light. It's name, Ma'ena, meant "large" in the Original Tongue. Just beside it was the next largest, a considerably smaller red moon, called Faera, for "fire". It wasn't full like the silver moon, and was actually close to disappearing. It's light was much weaker, and only warped color perception slightly. Last of the three was a small black moon, known as "Tashin" to those who acknowledged it. In the sky, it was all but invisible. The only clue to it's existence was the small circle where stars were supposed to be, but were not. It was a weaker moon, as some called it. It was out for only about an hour each night. Many people denied it's existence, for deaths, famine, and plagues were associated with it. They believed that if they denied it existed, it would eventually disappear. Weak hope.
It was under these three moons that Tak'eran Kilda entered the Little Pony Tavern for the first time.
Pushing through the doors, his first experience was that of scent. It smelled homey, that was for sure. He spotted a lone man in the corner, and made his way to him. He grabbed his shoulder, jumping back with a laugh as the man turned, swiping at him with a dagger.
"Slow down, there. Are you Aeros, my Contactor?" Tak'eran asked, his amiable grin revealing sizeable canines. The wolf held out a paw to the man, friendliness radiating from him despite their rocky start. He was tall for his race, almost 6'4, but he was still young, resulting in a tall and lanky form that was not yet completely filled out. His pelt, a near solid black dusted with silver, was neatly groomed, probably done so right before this meeting. His eyes were green, unlike the majority of his kind, who frequently had amber. He wore a two-toned cloak, black on one side and navy blue on the other, with the black facing the outside. The cloak matched his livery, black and silver. He wore knee-high boots, scuffed and worn from hard work. To pull the look together a silver sword hung at his side, and he walked with a confidence that suggested he knew full-well how to use it. He just screamed "mercenary", or "pirate" , and that was how he liked it. In each ear were three earrings, one hoop, the other two studs. All were silver. Around his neck he wore a small, pink, and square stone, and a small, silvery feather. He never removed those.
He held his paw out to a man that could be considered his exact opposite. He was a clouded leopard, fully grown at 6'1. He regarded the proffered hand with disdainful hostility. His wide golden-brown eyes held a simmering emotion, perhaps hatred, though Tak'eran had no idea why he'd be so angry already. Their outfits were similar, but nearly reversed. Aeros wore a white and black cloak, white facing the outside. He, too, wore a black and silver livery, but silver was the dominant color, completed with black etchings. Similar about them were their boots, though Aeros' were pinched and obviously new. Tak'eran winced for him, it would be Hell to break those puppies in. Last of all, Aeros also had a sword, though he was considerably less at ease with it, his paw constantly upon it in a clumsy attempt to reassure himself it was still there. He lacked jewelry of any kind, and eyed Tak'eran's with obvious contempt.
As Aeros continued to refuse his hand, Tak'eran shrugged, pulling it back with a small, and perhaps mocking, grin. What could have become an awkward situation didn't bother him. He had dealt with aggressive Contracts before. Still, he asked again, "Are you my Contractor?"
Tak'eran was a mercenary, fulfilling "Contracts", as he called them, such as protection, fighting, and escorting. This was his first time taking on a Contract on his own, but he was determined not to let it be ruined by the moodiness of his Contractor.
At long last, Aeros nodded stiffly, putting away the dagger he had so quickly pulled out. Tak'eran noticed with interest that the dagger disappeared into his sleeve, and the Contractor had much more skill with it than the sword. So he knew how to fight, at least.
"Good," the wolf replied, rocking back on his heels, slightly. "So... what are my terms exactly?" Even to himself he sounded a bit sheepish.
Aeros eyed him with something akin to shock. "You mean... you don't know?" It was the first time he'd spoken, and he spoke in the clipped, proper tone of a Noble. That would explain the hostility. All Nobles that came down to the docks where the Little Pony Tavern was immediately assumed they were going to get attacked. They were probably right, of course, but that was beside the point.
"Nope... not really," Tak'eran replied, voice bright with relative uncaring. He was a mercenary, the job description was the last thing looked at. Pay was the most important. That wasn't his problem this time, though. "I was signed up without a description. Pretty confusing, but the pay was good." There was the money issue, finally showing itself.
Aeros must've been unused to such blatant honesty, for his face was confused for a moment, before he haughtily drew himself up. "We're bringing an... artifact to the War in Asteron." There was a huge amount of pride in his voice, and Tak'eran's eyebrows raised slightly. What was the secrecy was for?
"Why hire a mercenary, though?" he asked cautiously, trying to word himself so that his questions weren't too probing. In a topic like this, with a cat like this, things could get out of hand quickly.
Evidently, though, this was a weak point for Aeros, for his body heated up and he looked away. "I need a bodyguard," he muttered. "I was assured that your Team was the best, and the least likely to double-cross." He paused, then went on nastily, "I just didn't think they'd give me the youngest fighter. I should ask for my money back."
Tak'eran stepped back a step, running a paw through his mane in worry. This was starting off badly. He studied the hostile Contractor. The leopard appeared to be about two years older than him, but he acted like a child! With an aggrieved sigh, Tak'eran tried again. "If it helps, I'm Lieutenant in the Squad. I've been in the squad since I was 12 years old, leaving me six years of fighting experience. I'm considered the best, the one who'll take over when the Captain retires. I have a long list of past Contractors who were content with my skills, although I will admit this is my first time working alone." He winced as he said it, realizing he came off proud, perhaps vain. When said aloud, six years wasn't really that long of a time.
It seemed to do the work, though, as Aeros eased a bit. This time the young leopard studied Tak'eran carefully, eyeing him like a man would a horse, or a slice of meat. It made the young wolf tense slightly, biting his lip uncomfortably. He was used to the men in his squad making lewd jokes about his beauty, but... this was different.
Finally, Aeros turned away, tossing a silver to the barkeep. The badger's eyes widened when he saw what it was he held, and he shouted a thanks to the leaving Noble.
Tak'eran followed uneasily, unsure if he was even supposed to.
Apparently, following was good. Aeros led them to the small camp, completely empty except for a single tent. Tak'eran's eyebrows raised even higher, if it was at all possible.
"Wait, wait," he said quietly, grabbing onto the leopard's shoulder. Immediately the Noble jerked away, glaring furiously. Tak'eran held up his hands in a defeat. Fine, no touching. He just had to ask, "Are you out here alone? With no one else?"
"It's a secret mission," came the stiff reply, obviously hostile once more.
Tak'eran sighed. "I'll be back in about a turn," he said quietly, rolling his eyes.
He was stopped by Aeros', was it possible?, hesitant question. "Turn?"
It was a shock for the mercenary to realize that he'd been thinking of the leopard as a mercenary, despite the obviously Nobility of the cat. "Hour, sorry. I forgot. I'll be back in about an hour." The word tasted foreign on his tongue, and he left the site mouthing it with distaste.
He was about fifteen minutes down the trail when Aeros loped up to him, obviously uncomfortable. Once again Tak'eran's eyebrows raised, they were getting a workout tonight, but he said nothing. Whatever floated the Noble's boat. Any more questions would likely draw the stinging replies he was coming to associated with the clouded leopard.
They walked on for about 10 minutes in the ever growing awkwardness of the silence. Tak'eran opened his mouth a couple of times to try to start conversation, would remember just who he was walking with, and would close his jaws with a snap.
Along with him, Aeros' jaw seemed to work occasionally, as if he was going to speak. Always, though, he fell silent, the scent of embarrassment radiating from him. He might as well have worn a sign signaling his fear. Tak'eran did not mock him for his fear. The forests they walked in were dark, causing fear and panic to those unprepared to walk under their groping branches. Once or twice their thorny branches snatched at Tak'eran's cloak, and only gentle tugging freed him. Aeros had less of a problem, as the branches slid off of the silk of his cloak. There was another difference, then, one that Tak'eran had not noted right away. Aeros wore silks, and Tak'eran wore sturdy cotton. Noble and commoner. It was easy to tell who was who.
Aeros caught Tak'eran's look, and smirked. The wolf looked away, and this time it was he who radiated embarrassment.
Above, the silver moon seemed to be laughing.
Tak'eran and Aeros reached his small camp after a 45 minute walk. It was small, deserted, and almost invisible. He had taken great care to hide his things, he had no desire to part with them.
A whicker met him, and he greeted his stallion with a soft murmur and a loving hand. It had taken years of careful breeding to produce a horse who did not fear the stench of predators. It had taken years more to breed a horse that knew the difference between the intelligent and non-intelligent predators. He was a top-quality animal, trained to follow him and him alone. His name was Kaiton, a gift from a particularly pleased Contractor. Tak'eran knew he would never again own a horse at the level of his stallion, and he was content with that.
Turning away reluctantly, he quickly gathered up camp, unable to ignore the obviously uncomfortable form of Aeros. What could he do? Moving was a dirty chore, and there was no where to sit down.
He loaded up Kaiton, then brought the stallion over to Aeros. At first the leopard looked at him uncomprehendingly, then shook his head quickly, eyes bright with a sudden fear. So, he hadn't ever ridden a horse. Not surprising. Nobles rarely left their cities, and these horses... they were rare, even among Nobility. They were fighting horses, and usually restricted to those who needed them most.
"It'll be fine," Tak'eran said gently, patting Kaiton's neck. The horse whuffed happily, leaning into the stroke. Then the horse turned his head, looking at the leopard. He took an step forward, to which the Noble took three steps back. They continue this until Aeros was pressed up against a tree, quite obviously terrified. It was probably rare that he met a non-fur animal. Hunting had nearly wiped them away from this continent before the furs had arrived. When the horse had Aeros exactly where he wanted him, he reached out and gently ruffled his pelt, chewing on the fur that crowned the top of his head. Aeros slowly lost his fear, hesitantly reaching out a paw to the horse. Kaiton moved a bit, presenting his neck to the man.
Together, the two began to trust each other. Tak'eran smiled, sinking back into the darkness, easily hiding his black body. Let them bond. Soon they'd be riding together.
After twenty minutes, Tak'eran returned. With him he carried rabbits, still warm. The blood scent on his muzzle told that the meal hadn't come easily, though he loathed to admit it. The original owners of this continent had been Men first, and they had enslaved the first furs to make their journey over. Not humans, they were called. Animals, they were called. It had been a thousand years of slavery before the furs finally won their independence, but even still they got antsy when compared to their non-intelligent counterparts. How could Tak'eran tell a human he was more than just a wolf when he killed with his mouth?
Aeros looked up as the black wolf returned, but the leopard grimaced in distaste, obviously smelling the blood on Tak'eran. His eyes were dark with disdain. A Noble would rather go hungry than stoop to the level of an animal. Tak'eran's lip curled.
"You ready?" he asked, nodding at the horse. Clearly, he was determined that Aeros would ride. The cat, though, had no such intention.
"He's yours," the clouded leopard replied sullenly, though it was clear to Tak'eran that he wanted to ride Kaiton.
"He may be mine, but I'm a wolf," Tak'eran replied easily, tying the rabbits onto Kaiton. The stallion, used to it, just gave him a look of irritation.
"So?" came the reply. Tak'eran sighed. Nobles. Blasted fools, every one of them.
"So, I can keep up with Kaiton easily. You can't."
It was a simple, logical answer, but Aeros didn't like it. He growled softly, eyes flashing gold as the light from the silver moon caught them, reflecting back. Tak'eran held his ground. He had the sword here, and as bodyguard, power.
Finally the leopard gave a defeated snarl, leaping onto the stallion. The horse let out a whinny of surprise at the different weight, but a comforting pat from Tak'eran stilled him. Then Tak'eran was loping ahead, followed by the two. The journey that had taken 45 minutes should now only take about 10.
He began to sprint.