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_ Forging Rust _

by Reserved Rodent

co-authored with AJH

Chapter _ Eleven _

I know what you lost

The mood in the camp was triumphant, yet tinged with sadness - friends were lost to battle today; the soldiers too tired to beat their shields.

Rust rode near the end of the procession of Knights and Squires as they passed through the wooden gates of the camp. Lord Chase rode beside the rat in silence, his muzzle darkened by blood.

The rat still kept a weary watch - as he had since the caravan started back - for trouble from any direction. His ears twitched at every new noise even as the camp welcomed the returning warriors back. Dried blood had soaked into the bandages around the rodent's right leg, but the field dressing had held, since no new blood had surfaced during the long ride back.

As the pair rode up the line of tents, Lord chase checked the bindings on his upper right arm, making a pained gasp.

The Squire looked over, ears and eyes focused on the feline. "What do you need, my lord?"

The Knight came to a halt outside his tent, chuckling softly. "A shower. But first, I need to redress these wounds."

Rust nodded, gritting his teeth as he swung his right leg over the back of the horse and dismounted awkwardly, making sure his left leg took the burden. "I'll get the supplies to do that for you, sir."

Chase dismounted, shaking his head and putting a paw on his Squire's shoulder. "No, you won't. Get in the tent and sit. I'll look after you first."

"Sir, I'm fine. I won't be doing any spectacular jumps, but..." The rat's objection came to a halt as he saw the stern look the Lynx was giving him. "Yes, Lord Chase. I obey."

Rust hobbled into the tent and sat on the bench by the big table.

The Knight padded in a moment later. "Get that armor off."

As the Squire began silently peeling off his armor, Chase opened a low box full of different colored bottles and wrapped packages. He pulled out a green-tinted bottle and four packages of bandages as well as a small sponge.

Still in his full plate, the Knight walked over and knelt, looking at the gash in his squire's leg. The feline began cleaning the wound. "What happened?"

"One of the barbarians - a raptor - made it up to us on the hill. None of us saw him until he was jumping at Ferrin. I got my fellow Squire out of the way, but got cut."

Rust winced as Chase finished cleaning and began rubbing a thick paste on the wound.

Ears flat, the rat sat patiently while the lynx bound the wound with a fresh bandage. "After we made sure he was dead, we both got back to keeping the enemy off your back as best we could..." Rust's gaze went over his lord's wounds. "I'm sorry I didn't do better."

"We won the battle and cleared the way for our advance, my Squire. That's a good day." The Lynx finished his work with a wince. "You'll need a good wash, but that should heal to a scar fast."

The Squire stood. "Your turn, sir. Sit and armor off."

Chase chuckled and winced as he took his seat. As he began removing his plates, he let out a low howl of pain as he discovered he couldn't remove the under-armor on his arm, thanks to the broken arrow haft sticking out of it. "Ahhnnnnggg! Damn..."

Rust's ears perked and his eyes widened. He couldn't help but let out an obscenity in the presence of his lord. "Fuck! How did I miss seeing that?" The rat carefully removed what armor he could without twisting the arrow, cutting a few straps where needed. "It's lodged in deep."

"Ow... damn..." the Knight laughed softly. "So that's what that was." Moaning softly, the lynx nodded to his Squire. "Snap the shaft and ease the head out."

Rust's ears were flat back against his skull and his brows furrowed as he concentrated on following the lynx's orders, getting the arrow free.

A little blood dribbled out of the wound as the Lynx finished removing the armor, the offending arrowhead falling to the dusty floor.

The Squire got to work cleaning the wound, applying some pressure to stop the bleeding before his tail handed him the paste to be applied. Once finished, the rat expertly wrapped the wound.

Through it all, Chase only winced occasionally, keeping quiet and watching the rat work.

Finished, Rust looked up. "We should redo it after you wash if the bandages get wet." The rat's whiskers shivered.

The lynx nodded and flexed his arm. "It's healing already... Good work..." Leaning down, the Knight cupped his Squire's jaw. "Are you doing okay?"

"I don't know, sir. I know we won. I am very thankful we survived and they won't ravage the lands we protect, but... I feel I failed the brothers who fell. I feel I didn't do enough. I didn't do my share."

Chase nodded gently, holding Rust's gaze. "This was your first major engagement, my Squire. It's normal to feel this way, but I saw you fighting and you've earned honor on the field today."

"Thank you, sir... Is it always this hard to lose Brothers?"

"Always." The lynx leaned in and rubbed noses with the rat. "But we are warriors. We live on and adapt. We inscribe their names on our armor and fight on in their stead."

His voice almost a soft squeak, Rust asked, "Permission to hug you sir?"

"You don't need my permission, Squire. Go ahead."

Slipping his left arm under the lynx's wounded right one, the rat hugged Chase tight. "Thank you sir."

Chase gently kissed Rust's neck. "You're going to make a fine Knight, my Squire."

"Even though I'm fighting off tears?"

Chase held Rust tightly. "Let it out if you must, my Squire. We're in private."

A few drops fell from the rat's eyes to hit the Knight's broad, tan shoulder as Rust held on tightly. "I... I wasn't fast enough... I couldn't keep all of them off Sir Garren. There were too many of them... I failed him."

"Did you try your hardest to bring them down? Did you do everything you possibly could?"

"Yes... and it wasn't enough..."

"Know this, my Squire. Sometimes, we will lose. You fought your hardest, and that's what counts in the end. Garren believed in our cause; he'd have been proud to die for it. Cast out shame. I'll not have it in a warrior like you."

Rust pulled back, wiping his eyes dry. "Yes sir."

Chase cupped the rat's jaw again before standing and smiling sadly. "You will lose friends again, so cherish what time you have. We're not the chattel of the fields or the bartenders in the cities. We're warriors, standing for the rights of freedom. Remember that and have pride."

"Yes sir. I will always do my best."

The Knight released his Squire's jaw and stepped forward to hug him of his own volition Pulling the rodent to his feet..

The rat hugged back. "Thank you, sir."

With a grin, the lynx patted Rust's back. "Now, go and get us some food from the mess tent. We'll take a wash after the wounds have knitted."

"Yes sir." The rat smiled and left the tent in only his loincloth. He moved a little slower than his normal walk, but managed it without the earlier limp. The Brotherhood's healing salves were of a remarkable potency when dealing with blade, claw, and arrow wounds.

With a loud cry of "RUSTY!" Sid suddenly ran over, the fox only pausing when he saw the rodent's bandaged leg. "Oh no!"

Smiling, Rust walked up and gave his fellow Squire a strong hug. "It's so good to see you, Sid."

The fox hugged back tightly. "Gods... are you okay?!"

"I'll live," the rat nodded. "It will slow me down a little until it's healed completely, but I earned the wound saving a brother Squire's life, so I'll happily bear the scar."

The fox whined gently and offered a shoulder to help Rust walk more easily to the mess tent. "Did you... You must have seen combat?"

"Yes. Luckily the raptor was the only one who got close to us. The other Squires and myself were on a ridge offering support with our bows. We did our best to support Knights opening the gates, and then all the Knights that got inside them."

Another soft whine escaped Sid. "I... I kept up bow fire. My Lord was impressed. But... I don't think I could do what you did."

Rust lightly patted his friend's back. "You never know what you're capable of in a situation until you face it. Stand with your brothers and watch each other's backs. Keep training and find your own style. As long as you do your best, you should be proud. That's what I've been told."

Sid nodded thoughtfully as a familiar fennic fox walked out of the mess tent and headed over to the pair.

Ferrin held out his paw to Rust, who reached out to grip it solidly.

"I owe you, Squire Rust." The fox enthusiastically shook the rat's paw. "On the ridge, that raptor would of gutted me... thank you..."

"I was happy to do it, and glad I was able to. I was very impressed with your archery, Squire Ferrin. Two killed with one arrow at least three times. Very nicely done."

Ears darkening slightly with a blush, the fox nodded and smiled as he released Rust's paw. "Thank you, Squire..."

As the fennic fox walked off, Sid looked up at Rust and smiled.

Rust returned the gaze, grinning happily. "I need to keep moving - I'm not sure how long I'll be sore once I stop. Lord Chase and I need food badly still."

With Sid's help, Rust got enough food for both himself and Chase. The two Squires then made their way back to the ally their Knights' tents were.

Pausing between the two tents, Rust's tail rubbed the small of the other Squire's back. "Thanks for the assistance, Sid. I meant to ask, how did your lord fare?"

The fox nodded to Lord Gunner's tent. "He's wounded, but resting inside. As usual, he led the charge. I'm very glad to see you." Sid's black-furred paw patted Rust's gray-furred chest.

Balancing both plates and mugs with one paw and his tail, Rust reached out to pat the fox's shoulder. "I'm glad I got to see you too."

Both Squires turned and went to their respective lord's tent.

Stepping inside Lord Gunner's tent, Sid paused to let his eyes adjust. He could hear the wheezing of the rhino Knight. The fox's black-furred ears flicked as he tried to decide if it sounded better than before.

Lord Gunner lay on his enormous bunk, snoring gently - chest rising and falling under the thick blanket stretched over his massive form.

Approaching quietly, the small fox looked over the sleeping form. Gunner snored and mumbled something softly in his sleep, but seemed to be resting fine, so Sid - ears perked to listen for any change - began picking up the scattered pieces of the rhino's armor. Sorting everything out that needed repairs, the fox worked as quietly as he could, struggling to move the largest parts of the huge male's heavy plate armor. Once everything was organized, he began cleaning up the few undamaged sections.

The rhino snarled in his sleep, sounding surprised. "Ow! Ow... bees..."

Ears perking up as he looked over, the fox could tell it was just a dream, but saw the large male groan and roll onto his side, causing the blanket to fall on the floor. Sid ran his eyes over the heavily scarred, nude body of his lord. His dimensions were huge, in every respect. The bloody chest wound on his thick pectoral muscle appeared to be healing slowly.

Muffling his soft whine of concern, Sid set the armor aside and padded over to check the wound a little closer, since it had no dressing covering it. It looked like it needed to be cleaned and dressed again with the healing poultice. Lord Gunner's gray hide looked a little pale. The fox reached out to touch the large warrior to see if he felt feverish or chilled.

Sid let out a "Yipe!" as the rhino's massive paw whipped out, grabbing the fox's black-furred wrist before his fingers touched the sleeping form.

Gunner's eyes snapped open and he growled, teeth bared - ready for battle. "NNNGH!"

"Easy, sir! You're safe in your tent, recovering after the battle."

Grunting, the rhino released his grip slowly and rolled onto his back, letting out a pained huff.

Whining softly, the Squire rubbed his wrist. "Is there anything I can do for you sir? I didn't mean to disturb your rest. You had tossed and turned and thrown the cover off and I'd seen your wound. I wanted to check on it and see if I could make you more comfortable."

The rhino pressed a paw to his chest and held it up - revealing he was still lightly bleeding. "More... salve."

With a quick nod, Sid scurried to gather the supplies from the medicine box. He grabbed a clean rag as well as bandages and the salve, returning quickly. The fox set everything but the rag down and began to carefully clean the wound.

The Knight groaned lowly. One big paw reached up to stroke the Squire's back over his jerkin - not the kind of touch the fox was used to from his brutish master. "Are... you... well?"

"Yes, sir. I'm a little worried about you, but I'm fine physically." Sid continued to efficiently clean the wound, making sure that was complete before setting the rag aside and beginning to apply the herbal paste.

"...survived... far... worse..." The rhino grunted, patting his Squire's back lightly - which still had the fox struggling to keep his balance and not fall forward.

The fox nodded, making sure a good layer of paste fully covered the wound. "I don't doubt you'll survive this one too. I just want to make sure you do so quickly. You'll heal better if you get it finished before we move camp." The Squire smiled weakly.

"Wise...boy..." The rhino lowered his paw, resting back. "Worst...worst... was in arena."

Sid's ears perked up as he applied the last of the paste and closed the container - Lord Gunner neer spoke of his past. "Oh? Can you sit up, please sir, so I can wrap the wound?" He wiped his hands clean and grabbed a new bandage, as if sure that the Knight would comply.

Lifting himself up at the waist - his massive body musky as hell - Gunner snorted in pain. "Mh... tigers... nearly killed me. My armor was the cheapest... my owner could buy... He could have bought... much better... but I had... little."

The fox's nose twitched at the musky scent of his lord as he wrapped the wound with quick, skilled movements. "I'm glad your armor is now supplied by the Brotherhood instead of someone concerned more about gold than your safety, sir." With a deft move, Sid secured the bandage and gave the Knight a smile.

"Did I ever..." the rhino lowered himself onto his back, "tell you of when I was sold?"

"No sir. You haven't shared that story yet."

The huge male rolled onto his side, facing Sid, and moved back on the bunk a little. "Come."

Ears and fluffy tail twitching, the fox climbed onto the bunk and stretched out. Gunner pulled the small male down so the rhino was spooning him - though it was not ideal since he was twice the size of Sid.

The fox shivered at the unexpected affection. The big brute has never shown too much interest in cuddling, or the needs of males for physical contact and comfort. He decided to enjoy it while it lasted.

As the Squire - mindful of the wound he just wrapped - snuggled back against his lord, a large, calloused paw wrapped around the entirety of the fox's chest. The rhino let out a happy sigh - a completely unfamiliar noise to Sid's ears.

Right ear twitching, Sid brought a black-furred paw up to rest against the back of Gunners larger paw. "What happened when you were sold?"

Chuckling sadly - a low, base rumble - Gunner began his tale.

"I was born a slave. Bastard child. I was sold from one owner to another." A sad grunt escaped the large male. "I never knew my parents."

Sid bit his lower lip to try and keep from interrupting his lord's tale with a whine.

Shifting his weight a little and making the bunk squeak loudly, Gunner continued, his voice unusually soft instead of the loud, curt, straightforward tone he was known for. "They put me to work. Lifting, carrying, building. I was six-ish, but so much bigger than the other boys."

The paw on the fox's chest started to stroke the jerkin clumsily. A deep, groaning whine escaped the smaller male despite his best efforts to remain silent. The rhino failed to notice, continuing to rub his Squire's chest in circles.

"At eight-ish... I was sold to Deymon... a slaver who owned an arena. Killed my first man at nine-ish." The rhino paused and huffed angrily. "I fought in that arena for five years..." Gunner tailed off, a low, pained rumble in his chest.

Sid whined again, his paw gripping one of the Knight's thick fingers. The larger male looked down at this, a broken smile crossing his muzzle.

Looking up and meeting his gaze, the fox smiled back. "But you survived - grew strong, and are free now. A Knight of the Brotherhood."

Gunner's smile faded slowly and he looked away again. "When... when the other gladiators rebelled... I... I joined them. I lost myself. Then the Brotherhood came, plate armor shining. Those... those who were too broken... in their minds... they didn't stop fighting... I..." The rhino chuckled. "I pulled a Knight down from his horse, and tried to kill him..."

Ears fully perked, the fox whined. "What... what stopped you?"

The rhino laughed softly. "The Knight did. Lord Taruvai. He..." The rhino's voice broke a little, but he shook his muzzle and continued. "He said, 'Go ahead, boy, kill me... be the thug the crowds want to see... If that's what you really are...'."

Eyes wide and shining, Sid squeezed his lord's finger tightly. "But you aren't - and weren't back then. Gruff, strong, fearsome in battle, but not a thug."

Holding the fox tightly, Gunner chuckled. "I... dropped the spear I was holding. I listened to the man who became my lord. Me, a bastard son of a whore, a worthless gladiator." The Knight shook his head.

"Birth... birth does not guarantee or prevent honor, sir. Individuals can rise above - or fall below - what they are born to."

Grunting softly, Gunner shook his head. "Maybe. But I'm still a killer. That's what I'm good for."

Sid tightened his grip on the rhino's thick finger, the digit was almost the size of his forearm. "Sometimes... sometimes that's the only answer. Sadly, in this world, there are many times when, if the enemy is not killed, then those you care for will be. Those who cannot defend themselves and have done no wrong need the Brotherhood to have Knights like you. You don't kill when other answers exist. You kill when that is the only option available."

After several minutes of silent contemplation, the rhino grunted softly and then, carefully, clumsily, he licked the fox's ears, left then right. "You are wise beyond your years, fox. So wise for a mere farmer's son." The rhino licked the fox's neck tenderly as the smaller male held tight to the Knight's paw.

Blushing, Sid shrugged. "I've met a lot of new folks and heard many points of view as a Squire. Had plenty of time to pick up some philosophy from the Brotherhood. A little fox gets lots of advice."

The brutish, huge male nodded gently and chuckled. His breathing sounded a lot clearer, and the gray pigment had thickened under his skin. The salves worked fast once correctly worked into the wound. Although they almost always left scars, it was doubtful Gunner would care.

"There have been many times I would have given anything to have your strength and ability, sir," Sid said, sadly.

The rhino stared at the back of his Squire's head for a moment then growled lowly. He gave a gentle push - which nearly knocked the smaller male to the floor. "Get your armor on."

Sid's ears crooked in confusion, but he didn't question the order - not wanting to anger the rhino who had seemed so open just moments before. He scooted off the bunk and started putting on his heavy armor as quickly as it was possible to do so correctly.

Lord Gunner stood and put on a loincloth to cover his modesty as he watched the fox. "Time for training."

The confused squire nodded as he fastened the last strap of his armor. "Yes, sir."

"Come. Bring no weapons."

The rhino grunted and headed out of the tent into the night, striding towards the training rings. Sid trotted after as fast as the heavy armor would allow him after the long day already passed.

The camp was quiet and the rings were empty. Breathing heavily, but not fully winded, Sid arrived soon after Gunner, who seemed to be fully recovered into his surly self. The bandages on his chest were white and unsullied. He didn't seem to notice them. The rhino fixed his Squire with his familiar stern gaze. "You will tell no one of what I told you, boy. Understand?"

The Squire nodded. "It was between us, sir. No one else."

"I've not been a good master to you, Sid. I'm sorry for that." The big, almost naked male folded his arms across his chest. "But... perhaps I learned something myself, tonight. And now you will learn too... You know I wear heavy armor, yes?" The rhino started circling the fox.

Turning to face the Knight as he stalked around him, Sid nodded. "Yes, sir."

"I can because I am powerful." Gunner darted in, and floored the fox with one big paw flat on his chest, sending him skidding backwards in the sand. "Ngh... but you - you are not strong."

The fox grunted when hit and quickly struggled back to his feet once he stopped sliding. Sid's tail was puffed out large and his breathing heavy as he watched his master with wide eyes. "Mmmmfff... I... I know I'm not strong..." He stuttered.

The rhino continued to circle his Squire. "You are too small." Gunner grunted and flexed his fists. "But you are something I am not. You are nimble. The heavy armor of the Brotherhood is not for you."

The Knight paused by the side of the ring and turned away from the young fox.

Sid - his black-furred ears flat - clenched his teeth and took controlled, heavy breaths. After everything he had done... to be told the armor he had worn today with such pride was not for him stung, but he wouldn't break down in front of the rhino because of it.

Removing a rolled suit of light armor common to Brotherhood warriors from a low table, the Knight tossed it to land at his Squire's feet. "Change."

Keeping his eyes on Gunner as the Knight continued to circle, Sid stripped out of his heavy plates as quickly as he could.

"I cannot teach you to fight as I do. You will not wield an axe, or use your body as I do. You are not a battering ram." The rhino's big footpads churned the sand. "But when you leave my service, you will be as good a Knight as any larger fur."

Happy he had paid attention to how Rust wore his scout armor, Sid rapidly slipped into the lighter set of protection at his feet. It would not be a perfect fit, even with quick strap adjustments, but the fox was determined to make it serviceable for now.

"I have been lax. No longer." Gunner turned to face the smaller male, raising his fists into a boxing stance, one footpaw forward in the dust, big toes digging in. "Do not trust your strength. You must instead find my weakness. I am big. I am slow. Exploit that. Strike my joints. My neck. My spine. You must attack, then withdraw."

The rhino lunged, bringing in a right hook at the fox's muzzle.

Reflexively, Sid jerked away from the attack, his gloved fist striking the rhino's thick belly. If not for the bulky male's thick skin and muscles, the kidney punch might have been impressive.

"Ngh... Good... Your skills have improved since I picked you, boy, but you have much to learn. Come... we -" The rhino slammed in suddenly with a three-punch maneuver.

The first glanced the fox's shoulder - he had not reacted quickly enough. The second punch missed, but the third one grazed him as Sid hadn't moved far enough out of range. The Squire tried to kick the rhino's other leg out from under him as the Knight attacked, but Gunner unbalanced him, tossing the fox to the sand.

"Get up, fox." The knight grinned as he watched Sid spring back up, noting that his Squire's ears were not folded submissively like they usually were. They were up and alert. "You cannot predict my actions. You must be ready for ANYTHING!"

Before the last word, Gunner started jabbing at Sid, but the fox dodged those attacks with ease, a low growl escaping his own throat - the noise unfamiliar to both Knight and Squire. The fox ducked under the follow-up hook to punch up at the rhino's sweaty armpit, hoping it was a softer target than the rhino's torso had been.

Grunting, the big male stepped back, rolling that arm to release the stinging pain of the blow. "Yes, boy! That's it. You can't take me head on. You must learn to trust your instincts. Pick your foes apart with bow and dagger and agility. STOP ME!"

The rhino attacked again, coming in hard - punches, kicks and jabs.

Sid dodged and weaved, even managing to land several blows in the flurry of the Rhino's attack. Most of Gunner's swings and kicks failed to connect, though a few did make glancing contact. Most of the fox's return attacks were just a little off mark in the mad rush of moving bodies. The Squire only managed to score solid blows where the Knight was heavily muscled and protected, causing the hits to have little to no effect.

Sid missed reading an incoming punch and took a solid blow to his snout, bloodying his nose and staggering the small fox back several steps.

Cracking his knuckles, the rhino growled. "Come, boy. Your turn. Attack. Land one blow on my muzzle, and we will consider tonight's lesson at an end."

Blinking rapidly and shaking his head to clear it, Sid looked suspiciously at the rhino before darting in, feinting a direct approach while planning to dart to the left of any counter moves to land an uppercut on his lord's chin.

The plan didn't go too well. Gunner defended, his paws and arms turning most of the blows. Though his size made him slow, the Knight landed another blow on his Squire's muzzle, followed by one on his chest. Gunner growled, eyes narrowing. "Attack! This is not a dance, fox! You're a Squire of the Brotherhood, show me why I chose you, of all the worthless boys who come to us. Attack!"

The fox's ears flattened, though his snarl was one of rage, not submission. The fox flew directly at the Rhino with a furry of attacks that knew no plan, just swinging punches and kicks full of hatred and hostility.

The rhino was momentarily taken aback, fending the fox off before grabbing him by one arm, slamming him into the ground, pinning his arms and placing a knee in his back. "What in blazes?!"

Head ringing from hitting the sand, Sid came back to himself. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I just..." the Squire shook his head. "I just... remembered when I... I wasn't able to stop them from taking everything. I... I'm sorry... I'm sorry!"

With a low growl , and keeping the fox pinned, the rhino leaned in close and whispered, "I know who you are. I know what you lost. I picked you because of it. Like me, you were young and powerless when you were forced from your home. Together, we will make you into someone who can stand up and fight for what is right. But lose yourself to your anger like that, and you will die. Understand?" The last word held a threat and warning in the same breath.

Sid's eyes widened as he heard that his secret was known, but he listened closely. As Gunner finished, he nodded. "Yes, sir. I understand."

The rhino got off the younger male, but didn't help him back to his feet. "Now. This session is not ended until you strike me, Squire. Begin."

The fox climbed back to his feet and took a deep breath. He crouched, feet wide, and started swinging punches, trying to slide close and get under the Knight's guard with every attack.

The rhino batted the paws away, unable to attack as his Squire's punches came too fast to retaliate. He growled lowly as the fox got close with a couple of blows, but Gunner's guard remained firm. "Fast....er... aim...your...blows!"

Muscles screaming from the exertion, Sid pushed them to go faster and be more accurate.

Finally, having a sudden idea, the fox's ears perked up and his tail wagged. "Sorry, sir."

The fox attempted to emulate Rusty's winning move at the duel the other day - he brought his knee up sharply into his lord's ample crotch, adding a small jump to give the move weight.

The rhino brought his own knee up to block the blow, but his paws unconsciously moved down too - and Sid landed a solid punch on his lord's thick lips.

Gunner stepped back, laughing, and beat his chest with his big paws, roaring.

After a moment, he grinned at his Squire. "GOOD! Good. Come..." With that, the rhino turned and left the ring, headed back to the tent.

Surprised, Sid scrambled to pick up all the armor he had worn and then stripped off. Once he gathered it, he trudged back to the tent, lugging the heavy metal pieces as he struggled to catch up.

Gunner waited at his tent, holding the flap open. As the Squire approached, the rhino gave a respectful nod. Bringing the armor back had been part of the fox's training, it seemed. The Knight felt that somehow, Sid - and he - had turned a corner as Lord and Squire.

Panting, the fox nodded back, tail wagging happily as he entered the tent.

Smiling softly, the Rhino followed his Squire in, lowering the flap and tugging his loincloth off.

Sweating, Sid began putting the heavy armor away, knowing there would be no rest until this was done. He was shocked into stillness, however, as Gunner stepped behind him and wrapped his massive arms around the small male from behind. The rhino leaned down to tenderly kiss the back of the young fox's neck.

The Squire relaxed, letting out a curious murr. This wasn't his lord's usual method to initiate the more carnal part of his role as Squire. He was far more used to simply being ordered to kneel.

Chuckling softly, the huge male released the smaller one. "Put the armor away." He patted the fox on the rump and walked to the bunk. "Then I have another lesson for you." The big rhino sat heavily on the massive bunk, which squeaked loudly in protest.

Placing his heavy armor onto the racks first, Sid watched the large male stare at him as he worked. The rhino lightly scratched his balls, making his thick member swell.

"Do I need to remain in my armor for this next lesson?" Sid assumed it was time to service his Knight's needs - but didn't feel the same need to be completely submissive. He felt energized and happy. He felt... keen.

"Or should I set it aside until it I can work on it to make it fit better?" the fox asked, a low, lusty growl escaping his throat at the sight of the massive, naked rhino, who was casually rubbing the tip of his cock with one huge thumb.

"I'll have the armorers prepare a suit of reinforced scout armor for you, boy. With my sigil." Gunner nodded, smiling as his Squire stripped out of the ill-fitting reinforced leather.

"Very well sir, and much appreciated."

The leggings and loincloth fell to the floor, leaving the fox as naked as the rhino. The smaller male turned to face his lord, letting the rhino take in his young body - and hard cock. The fox's eyes narrowed, and he let out a long, low, lusty growl. The rhino returned it.

Grinning, the fox ran a paw down his chest and gave his hard cock a light slap, which made it swing wildly. He grinned. "I think that perhaps in this next lesson, I might teach you a thing or two."

Sid, invigorated, pounced on Gunner.