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On Wings of Shadow

The tears of a friend

The rain had started a bit after midday. Dark clouds were hanging over the palace, as the sky washed the dust of the past days away. A fork of lightning flashed over the scene, followed by a distant thunder, that made the Kerennian horses in the stable whinny nervously.

Sirion sighed as the wind tugged at the fluttering curtains of the emperor's chamber. The day had started out so nicely, but now.. "I don't really like thunderstorms, you know?" He cuddled up to the black dragon, who lay on the bed next to him.

"It's just some rain sugartail. We had really nice weather during the last days, but if it was sunny all the time, the fields would dry out." Serath gave his lover a tender kiss. "It also gives you a nice reason to cuddle with the ones you love.."

The green dragon giggled happily. "As if I had ever needed a reason to cuddle with you; the only reason I need is that you're here and I love you." He laid his head on the chest of his mate, listening to his heartbeat as the thunder rolled in the distance. The rhythm didn't even change one bit. "I used to be scared of the thunder when I was younger. One time I was flying over the plains when the storm started, and there was no shelter to be found.. I had to land in the middle of nowhere, and I was so scared that I tried to hide under my own wings." He felt the paw of his lover stroking along his neck.

"I'm glad nothing happened to you back then." Serath planted a soft kiss on the top of his muzzle.

"The strange thing is; I'm still scared of thunderstorms, but right now.. I'm not scared.. not while you're here with me.." He smiled softly as his mate gave his neck a tender lick and another lightning flash lit up the room.

"Well, we're perfectly safe here."

"I know that I'm safe, because my mate wouldn't let anything happen to me.." He raised his head and smiled as he looked into the eyes of his lover. "You would protect me from the world itself if you had to."

Serath chuckled softly as his paw stroked Sirion's neck. "I hope that won't be necessary though."

"So do I.. I wouldn't want you to get hurt.. I love you Serath." He leaned forward and gave the black dragon an affectionate kiss.

"I love you too sugartail." Serath smiled knowingly as something poked at his side before he returned the kiss of his mate.

The green dragon blushed as he felt his dragonhood rubbing against Serath's black scales. "Oh.. um.. I guess I got a bit carried away there.." He gasped as he was rolled onto his back.

"I have know idea what you mean.." Serath's paw gently stroked over Sirion's belly as it slid down towards his..

The green dragon yelped as it made contact with his cock just when another lightning flash lit up the room, shortly followed by a loud clap of thunder.

"Shh.. It's okay sugartail, I'm right here." Serath sat up and began to massage his nervous lover with a paw, while the other one kept stroking his hard shaft. "Try to relax a bit."

"But.. I'm not.."

"I know. You're just tense." Sirion moaned as his mate leaned forward to kiss him. "I want you to enjoy this, so don't let the weather ruin it."

The green dragon nodded softly, before he let his head fall back onto the pillows, causing his mate to smirk.

"Just concentrate on the feeling that matters, everything out there is just a big show.." He licked his lips as a thick drop of precum emerged from the tip of his lover's cock, slowly gliding down his shaft until it made contact with his paw.

Sirion looked out the balcony door. The rain was literally streaming from the sky by now, it looked as if a curtain of water had been draped around the palace. A lightning flash illuminated the silhouette of the mountains in the distance and the sound of the rolling thunder made him shiver. It seemed to be a bit further away than before, maybe the storm was.. He gasped as his mate gently squeezed his knot.

"Relax sugartail.." Serath smiled as he began to gently stroke the hard length of his mate again. Most of it was already covered in Sirion's slick juices, but somehow he still managed to think of the storm instead.. A low knocking sound from the door caused him to turn his head, his paw still gently sliding up and down along the throbbing organ in his grasp. He sniffed the air to find out who wanted to disturb him and his lover in this deliciously intimate situation. The smell of sweet perfume met his nostrils, and.. He sniffed again, just to be sure. Yes.. a hint of a female canine.. He chuckled softly. "Come in Naissa."

The door opened and the raptoress giggled, as she looked at the scene in front of her. "I see you two are quite "busy" at the moment.. Serath, our Kerennian guests are about to leave and your sister wants you to bid them farewell." She smirked as the black dragon grinned at her, while his paw began to massage Sirion's balls.

"Sugartail, do you want me to stop? I could finish you off later if you want.. although that would probably mean, that all of our guests would get to see that wonderful hard cock of yours bouncing as you walk, spilling your delicious fluids onto the empress's beloved carpets.." He purred as Sirion whined in protest. So there was a way to push the storm from his thoughts after all..

"I can see what you're doing there Serath.. getting my attention by teasing your mate, telling me about the possibility of a situation, that would be very unpleasant for your sister.. you're such a smart dragon.. It's really a shame I don't get to play with you." She giggled as she walked over to the bed, her tail swishing seductively behind her back.

"Hmm.. Sirion already told me that you'd like a more.. active role the next time we mate." He grinned as the raptor hopped onto the bed.

"Oh did he? I wonder what your answer to that particular question could have been.." Her hand gently stroked along Sirion's twitching shaft, as she collected some of his precum with a finger and brought it close to her muzzle to lick it off. She gave the black dragon an innocent smile.

"I told him you could join us if you want, so maybe you'll get to play with me after all, if that's what you want.." He leaned forward, briefly sucking on the tip of his lover's cock, causing him to groan and writhe in lust.

Naissa licked her lips as she watched him. "Oh you have no idea just how much I want that.."

Serath slipped his muzzle off of Sirion's length and hungrily licked his lips, savoring the sweet taste of his mate. "How about you help me with this first..? We wouldn't want to keep our guests waiting too long now, or would we?"

"I guess not.. Do you want me to suck him off.. or maybe use my hands?" She giggled as the green dragon groaned in need.

Serath looked at his heavily panting mate. "Well actually I thought you might want to give him a special surprise.." He slipped a paw under one of the pillows and retrieved a ring.

"Is that what I think it is?" Naissa's eyes were captured by the delicate, glistening metal as it rested on the black dragon's paw.

Serath nodded. "You can be his first female, if you want."

The raptor purred seductively. "Not the first one he claims hm? I knew you would have taken that honor for yourself by now.."

Sirion whimpered lowly. He was beginning to feel neglected, although the paw of his lover was still working on his dragonhood.

With a knowing grin, Naissa took the ring from Serath's paw and brought it close to the tip of the green dragon's cock. "You want my attention hm? I bet you hunger for me by now.." She angled the ring slightly as she brought it down, leaving it to hang on the very tip of Sirion's throbbing length. "Hm.. looks like it doesn't want to fit around that magnificent tool of yours.. What a shame.."

Sirion whined and squirmed under her touch. His cock was throbbing madly, drenching the ring in a steady flow of precum in a futile attempt to make it slide down further.

The raptoress placed a claw on his knot and slid it upwards, all the way to the tip of his length until it almost made contact with the delicate tulain band resting there. "Maybe we should stop now, don't you think? It has to be so frustrating to see how close you are to your prize, yet unable to grasp it.." She laid her hand on his swollen knot and squeezed it gently, making him groan in lust and causing a thick drop of his fluid to run down his shaft.

Serath looked at his lover. "Naissa, I think that's enough teasing for one day." He bent forward and licked the green dragon's neck encouragingly. "Don't worry sugartail, you'll like this." Smiling he brought his paw close to the ring and gave it a gentle push, causing it to finally slip over the tip of Sirion's eager dragonhood and slide down his shaft.

Naissa rolled her eyes. "Fine.. I'm curious how that thing is supposed to fit into me though." She grinned as she climbed on top of Sirion and lined her slit up with his dragonhood. "Are you ready for me boy?"

Sirion moaned loudly when her slit parted around the tip of his cock, engulfing him in her slick pussy as she slid down further and further. It seemed impossible, but still she took all of it until he felt his knot pressing against her.

"Hm interesting.. mmhhh.. I haven't been filled like this for quite some time." She began to push herself up a bit. "Let's see how long you can last, shall we?"

The green dragon grunted and squirmed as the raptor began to ride him. She didn't allow him to thrust into her himself and she also didn't allow his cock to slide out of her for more than a couple of inches, before she thrust herself back down, but the feeling was incredible. The heat and the pressure of her soft walls around his throbbing shaft. He gasped as her slit rubbed against his knot.

Naissa grinned. It was good to see that she was able to tease him even know. Of course she couldn't allow him to sink his knot into her, but it was still wonderful to feel the eagerly swelling bulge rubbing against her pussy while she rode him. "I.. aaAah.. I can feel just how much you want to sink that knot into me.. mmmhh.. yeah keep squirming like that.." She licked her lips as his thick length coated her insides with precum. She hadn't ridden a dragon like this before. Normally they were pretty dominant creatures, but Sirion.. She groaned in lust as she sank down and began to rock her hips, eagerly rubbing his knot against her clit.

"Hng.. Naissa please.." Sirion squirmed as the raptor rode his knot, without granting him the satisfaction of feeling his shaft sliding deeper into her. "This is unfair.. I can't.. mrrr.. cum like this.." He groaned as his knot was being teased relentlessly by the raptors slit. He couldn't take this any longer, he had to..

Naissa yelped as the green dragon grabbed her waist and began to lift her upwards, until her pussy reached the tip of his cock before lowering her back down. "Whoa Sirion.. go aAahmm.. easy boy, I.. oh gods yes!" The pleasure that was suddenly shooting through her body was intense. She could feel his cock sliding in and out of her, as if it had no end, while her slit eagerly covered it in her juices to help and speed him up. If he kept going like this she would.. "Oh don't you dare stop now boy.. I.. aaAAaah.."

Sirion felt her walls clenching around him as she came; the wringing, sucking motion of her muscles that dragged his cock deeper into the moist heat of her soft nethers .. "Hrng.. I can't.." He pushed her down as far as he could, until her slit reached his knot.

Naissa moaned and hissed in pleasure when she suddenly felt a familiar bulge pressing insistently against her entrance. "Sirion, I.. aaaahh.. don't you.. oh daAamn.. just dOo it already!" She could feel the dragon pulling her body down harder until his knot squeezed through her slit and popped into her pussy.

The green dragon roared in lust and triumph as his orgasm hit him. He had finally claimed his female. He groaned loudly as his cock pulsed inside of her, filling her with his essence.

The raptor could feel his shaft throbbing inside of her. It was a divine feeling to be bred by such a powerful creature. "How.. mmmhh.. much more do you have in there boy?" She leaned back and began to massage his balls with her hand. "You wanted to cum in me, now give me all you've got.."

Sirion purred in satisfaction as the raptor's pussy milked the last spurts of cum from his balls, leaving him thoroughly drained. He let his head fall back onto the pillows, panting heavily.

Serath grinned as he leaned forward to kiss his exhausted mate. "Mmhh.. I'm glad you enjoyed it sugertail."

Naissa looked at the two lovebirds in front of her and purred. "Hmm.. that was pretty nice Sirion, thanks for the ride." After a couple of minutes, she tried to get up, but Sirion's knot kept her in place. "Um.. boys? I'm sorry to interrupt, but the empress is waiting for us, so.." She tried to push herself off the green dragon's cock with her legs, but to no use. "Hey! Why doesn't it go soft again?"

* * *

The guest quarters of Iskar were quite luxurious, and the chamber in which the king of Kerennya was currently residing, was by far the most impressive of them, as it was intended to accommodate royal visitors.

Ki'Jala looked out the window and across the courtyard, where the Kerennians were getting ready for their departure, while the rain did its best to sabotage their efforts. "Are you really sure about this Logan? I mean, you could at least wait until the rain stops.."

King Logan of Kerennya shook his head, as he watched while one of the soldiers slipped and fell face first into a puddle of water. "Time is of the essence milady; if we don't leave now, things will get complicated."

"Hmm.." Ki'Jala sighed as she turned her head towards the wolf. "Are you sure you want to leave your friend behind Logan?"

Logan looked down at the letter in his gloved hand. It felt heavy.. treacherous.. "I'm not leaving him behind; I'm leaving him with you, because I know he'll be safer here."

"He doesn't have any experience with this kind of work, don't you think you're asking too much of him?" Ki'jala walked back to the center of the room and sat down on a pile of pillows. "It doesn't feel right, you know?"

Logan groaned as he turned to face her again. "I know, but there's nothing I can do about it. Do you think I really want to leave him here and ride away? I have no choice." The soft carpet dampened the sound of his steps, as he crossed the room and sat down beside the empress. "Ki'Jala, I'm going to give this letter to one of my soldiers and tell him to give it to you.." He drooped his ears as he continued. "When it reaches you.. please.. don't give it to Tirran right away. Wait until we're.. out of sight."

"You're.. not even going to tell him yourself? Not even giving him a chance to say goodbye?" Ki'Jala stared at the ground in front of her as she spoke. This just didn't feel right.. It wasn't something you should do to a friend.

"I.. can't. I know he will understand it eventually.." Logan's hand stroked over the letter. It would be so easy to just tear it to pieces and forget about all of this, so.. relieving.. And yet he would ruin everything if he did that. "Ki'Jala, could you do that for me?"

As the wolf turned his head towards her, the dragoness could see pain and guilt in his expression. It had to be harder for him than she had thought.. "If that's what you want.. Of course."

"It's not something I want to do, but sometimes we don't have a choice if we want to protect those that we love."

Ki'Jala looked at the king in surprise. Had he just..

A low knocking sound echoed through the room. Logan got up and looked at the door. "Come in Kerras."

The door opened slowly and a black wolf stuck his head into the room. "I'm sorry milord, I didn't know you were busy."

"I'm not busy Kerras, we were just having a chat. Now come in, I have a task for you."

Ki'Jala flinched as general Talan walked into the room. Water was dripping from his cloak and fur and his boots were covered with mud and gravel. The king cleared his throat as he noticed her reaction. "That's far enough Kerras." He lowered his view to the general's boots and Kerras came to a halt just inches away from the carpet.

"I'm sorry milady, where I come from, we're not used to such luxury.." The black wolf took off his helmet and bowed shortly.

Logan sighed as he walked over to his general and held up the letter. "This here is for Tirran. I want you to give it to corporal Tares and tell him to pass it on."

Kerras stared at the letter, which the king laid into his hand. "But.. Tares is slower than a snail, and he's likely going to tell everybody he meets about.."

"I know Kerras. Just give him the letter and tell him to give it to the empress." Logan turned around and walked over to the window.

"But Tirran is still asleep.. maybe we should just go and wake him up so you can.. why do you send him a letter anyway, I mean he'll be with us soon and.."

"Tirran is not coming with us, Kerras. Just make sure to give the letter to Tares." Logan stared out the window.

"You mean he isn't.. Yes.. milord." The black wolf drooped his head as he turned around and left the room again.

Ki'Jala looked over at the king, who was still blankly staring at the clouds, while streams of water ran down the window. "My chambermaid seems to have a crush on one of your generals Logan.. I think her name was.. Silena? Maybe you could.. leave her with Tirran?"

The gray wolf shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I need her skills. Maybe I'll send her to Iskar if my campaign is successful."

"I understand." Ki'Jala got up. "I better go and find out why my brother isn't with us yet."

Logan nodded slowly as the dragoness left the room.

* * *

"Oww please stop pulling Naissa!" Sirion squirmed as the raptor tried to get off of him.

Naissa growled impatiently. "We've been stuck like this for too long now Sirion. If you don't go soft soon, we'll miss the opportunity to bid the king farewell!" And Silena, she thought to herself as she tried to push herself off the green dragon's knot.

Serath snarled as he saw his lover wincing in pain. "Naissa stop, you're hurting him!" He laid a paw on her shoulder and pushed the raptor back down. "Just wait a little longer; he has to go soft eventually." The black dragon leaned forward and gave his mate a tender kiss. "Don't worry sugartail, it's okay."

"I'm.. sorry Naissa. You're just too tight." Sirion tried not to look at her directly.

The raptor sighed as she sat down on top of him again. "I know it's not your fault Sirion, it's just.. sorry that I'm ruining this for you." She leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on the tip of his snout. "Your first time with a female and I turn it into such a miserable experience.." Naissa sighed deeply.

"It's not miserable.. actually I loved it, before you started trying to rip my dragonhood off.." The green dragon blushed as the female started to giggle.

"You're really sweet Sirion. I'll keep this in mind the next time I find myself in the mood to tease you..." She winked at him and began to rub his belly.

All of a sudden the door busted open and the empress walked into the room. Ki'Jala let her view wander of the scene in front of her. "I'm glad to see that you're all having fun, but I wanted you to come and bid the king farewell.."

Sirion blushed as he tried to hide his head under the pillows.

"I'm sorry Ki'Ja, it's my fault." Serath walked towards his sister.

"Oh I know exactly whose fault this is Serath; it's mine. I should have expected this to happen when I sent Naissa.." She sighed. "Looks like she's stuck hm?"

Serath turned his head towards the unlucky pair on his bed. "Well.. he knotted her and she's too tight to get off of him just yet.."

"Well, a dragon's knot is supposed to work like that, isn't it? It's supposed to keep his partner in check until he has blown his load inside of her.. or him." She walked over to the bed and sighed as she retrieved a vial from under it.

"Ki'Ja wait, how did you..?" Serath gave his sister a questioning look, as she uncorked the vial and poured the contents onto Sirion's tailhole.

"I knew you'd have to use this stuff, if you wanted to mate with Sirion without causing him too much pain." Sirion groaned in pleasure as one of her claws penetrated his tight backdoor. "Looks like you're enjoying this very much Sirion.." She smirked as she experimentally pumped her claw back and forth in a slow rhythm, causing the green male to squeal in pleasure. "Sometimes a female can get a male dragon so worked up, that a single orgasm simply isn't enough to allow his knot to deflate afterwards.. which means it could take hours until it slips out again." Much to Sirion's delight, she inserted a second claw into his tight orifice. "Luckily, there is an easy way out of such a situation.." The green dragon purred as her claws pressed against the sensitive spots inside of him. "Naissa, be a dear and give his knot a squeeze now."

"But I.. aaAaahh.. " Sirion's eyes rolled back as he came, flooding the raptor's insides with another tidal wave of his essence. This time though, the raptor's body wasn't able to hold all of his cum, causing it to splash out onto his scales.

"Hmm.." Ki'Jala waited until the green dragon's orgasm had ebbed before she withdrew her claws from his tailhole. "I'm surprised you didn't know about this Naissa." Sirion's knot was already starting to deflate by now, and she gave a pleased nod as it slipped out of her chambermaid, allowing the rest of his dragonhood to slide out as well and drop into a puddle of his still warm essence. "It would be nice if you got yourselves cleaned up, before you come to see the king." The empress chuckled silently as she winked at her brother, before she turned around and left the room.

"Well, that was.. unexpected.." Serath looked after his sister.

Naissa groaned as she turned around and presented her slit to the softly growling green dragon. "Sirion, be a good boy and clean me up." She moaned as he licked his scaly lips, before he sunk his tongue deep into her pussy with a pleased groan. "It's not too much of a surprise if you... mmmhhh you're such a good boy Sirion... if you keep in mind, that we're pretty close to the next mating cycle."

Serath watched as his mate cleaned up the raptor's slit with his tongue, greedily lapping at her folds. His view wandered over the green dragon's lower body.

The taste was wonderful.. Sirion purred as his tongue hungrily scooped the sweet mixture of his and her fluids into his maw. It was not as good as the combination of his and Serath's essences, but still.. He gasped as he felt something wet gliding across his softening member.

Serath winked at his mate, as he gave him a questioning look. "Don't worry love, I'm just making sure that your delicious essence doesn't go to waste.." His tongue dipped into the creamy liquid, that was coating Sirion's scales, causing the green dragon to groan in delight. "You're as tasty as ever sugartail." Serath grinned as he went back to work, hungrily devouring the spilled fluids of his mate until his scales were clean again.

Sirion groaned happily. "Thank you Serath, I know you don't have to share me, but this was just.. great. I wouldn't have done it if you hadn't stayed with us though.." He smiled as the black dragon turned his head towards him. "You're my mate.. I love you and I wouldn't want anybody else; male or female.."

Serath smiled. "I know sugartail. I love you too." He gave the knot of his lover a soft squeeze, causing a final spurt of cum to splash onto his scales. Sirion giggled as the black dragon licked it up affectionately.

"You missed a spot over there honeyscale.. come over here and let me help you.." He groaned playfully as Serath brought his muzzle closer to his own. Slowly, he extended his tongue and gently licked a spurt of his essence off his mate's snout.

"Thank you my love.." Serath leaned slightly forward and their muzzles united in a deep kiss.

Naissa watched them for a while. It was wonderful to see them making out with each other.. and it was a shame that they would have to stop eventually. She sighed. "As much as I want you to go on; you two lovebirds will have to quit kissing for now.."

Sirion whined softly as their lips parted, but stopped when he felt the paw of his lover stroking his neck.

"We're not done for today Sirion.."

"I'm so glad to hear you say that.." The green dragon giggled as he rubbed his muzzle against the side of Serath's neck.

"Come on sugartail, let's not keep the king waiting for too long." Serath smiled as his mate nodded happily and climbed off the bed. It was time to see the king again.

* * *

A couple of minutes later they were standing in front of the main hall. Serath groaned as the rain washed over his scales. Normally he loved the sensation of water on his scales, but the cold was still very unpleasant. "Why exactly do they insist on leaving, when they could have stayed warm and comfortable for another day?" His sister shrugged as she watched the soldiers forming ranks.

"It's.. complicated."

"I bet." Serath growled as a drop of rain fell into his eye. "Is that the last of them?" He looked at Naissa who was standing next to to a female doberman a bit aside from the others. He had seen that one before.. Of course, she was the one who had told them about their arrival.. Siren?.. Sindra?.. Silena! Right now, she seemed to be holding hands with Naissa..

"Are you sure you want to leave?" Naissa could feel the doberman shiver under her touch.

"No.. I mean yes, I.." Silena drooped her ears. "I have to, okay? You're.. really nice and we had a lot of.. fun together, but.." She turned her head and looked at the soldiers behind her, trying to find a particular female.

"I see.." The raptor laid a hand on Silena's shoulder. "I.. have a gift for you. It's nothing big, but.." Her hand disappeared into a small satchel and retrieved a delicate leather band with a silver plate at the front. "It's Karanthian leather.. it always feels warm, no matter how cold the rest of the world is.." She took one of Silena's hands and gently laid the soft collar on her palm.

Silena stared at it, as its warmth flowed over her body like a soft summer wind. "I.. thank you Naissa, I've never.." Her eyes found Naissa's. She felt so confused.. on one hand she wanted to leave, but a part of her just wanted to stay and hold that sweet female close.. "I don't have anything for.." She went silent as Naissa laid a finger on her lips.

"I know. Spending time with you has been the greatest gift I could have wished for." She gently closed Silena's hand around the collar. "There's something engraved in the backside.. please wait until you've left before you read it."

Silena nodded, as she felt the raptor softly pushing her away and towards her horse. "Naissa, I.."

"You have to go. Please don't just stay out of pity."

"But I wouldn't.. I'm not sure if.." She went silent as the raptor planted a kiss on her cheek.

"You're confused.. and that's okay; I can understand that. I'm not holding you back." The raptor started to slowly walk backwards. Silena grabbed her hand, holding it until her rain slick scales slipped out of her desperate grasp. "Naissa, I.."

"Goodbye Silena."

A couple of soldier's passed by in front of the doberman and she furiously pushed them aside, but the raptoress was gone.. Silena stood by her horse as the rain ran down her fur. Suddenly she felt only emptiness and cold. "Where did that feeling come from?", she asked herself as her grasp around the collar tightened until it began to hurt. She stared at her clenched fist and sighed as she mounted her horse.

"Your.. Ambassador?" Serath looked at the king, who had mounted his horse and was currently staring in the direction of the guest quarters.

"Yes.. I think the position is.. fitting." Logan sighed. "It was a pleasure to meet you Serath, but we have to leave now." He gave a short nod and general Talan led his horse towards the palace gates, followed by his soldiers. "Please.. take care of Tirran for me."

"Of course." The black dragon watched as the king bowed his head before them.

"Thank you. I bid you farewell my emperor and you too milady. " The wolf turned his horse as he began to catch up to his soldiers.

"Wolgar watch your steps my friend." Serath looked after them for a while, before he turned around and entered the shelter of the main hall with the others.

* * *

Tirran yawned as he stuffed another book into his bag. It was still raining outside, which meant his tail was going to get wet. He carefully stroked over the bushy appendage. Another day on the back of a horse, accompanied by the smell of wet fur.. That truly wasn't something he was looking forward to. The fox took his cloak off the bed and put it on, as he watched the rain outside. It was stupid to leave the safety of the palace in such bad weather, but if that was what Logan wanted, he wouldn't be the one to complain. This was probably just another one of those "demonstrations of strength", that everybody in Kerennya seemed to be expecting from their king. He smiled as his wandering hand found the familiar shape of his brush and his view shifted towards it. It was so simple and yet it was the most precious treasure he owned. His fingers glid over the smooth wood, tracing the carvings on the backside. It had been the first gift, that Logan had given to him. The wolf had carved the handle himself, which had taken him hours upon hours.. The candlelight glimmered on the polished surface. Tirran remembered that day perfectly well; the feeling of Logan's paw on his cheek, the second when their lips touched for the first time and the world froze around them.. It should have been so simple.. Just the two of them, united for all eternity.. but the moment had stopped, and the world had moved on. He looked at the carving and smiled weakly. To the one fox I love.. A single tear fell onto the bed, as he put the brush into his bag. "What can I do for you Emrin?"

His brother scratched his head uneasily. "How did you know it's me?"

"Emrin, you're my little brother and by now I just know when you're sneaking around behind my back." Tirran grinned as he turned around to face his brother, who was standing in the door of the room.

"Oh.." Emrin chuckled as he thought about all the times he had sneaked into Tirran's room. "You still remember that one time with the frogs hm?"

Tirran groaned. "How could I ever forget that.. I still check my bed every time before I go to sleep."

"Hehe, well I guess it is one of my favorite memories too." Emrin walked over to his brother and pulled up a chair.

"You're just unbelievable Emrin, I mean you knew that Logan wanted to come and visit me that night.. I got myself ready, slipped into my bed and suddenly I find myself covered in something cold and slimy and.." Tirran shuddered at the thought.

"You screamed like a vixen! Everybody thought one of the maids had encountered a rat or something like that, and our father ran all the way from the hall to his bedroom to check up on mom." Emrin laughed heartily as he patted Tirran on the back.

"That was not funny Emrin.." Tirran sat down next to his brother. "You embarrassed me in front of everybody."

"You're right, I'm sorry." Emrin tried to stifle his laughter, which was not too easy, because of the images in his mind. "It was just so ridiculous when you came running through the hallway, wearing nothing but a blanket."

"Ha ha Emrin.. That's exactly why I learned to notice you, even without looking or sniffing." Tirran sighed. "I'll still miss you though.. I mean, you're pretty much the only real family I have left."

"Well.. technically Sorram is still our brother, and cousin Mallon.."

"Sorram left us when I needed him, just because he wanted to serve the gods, and cousin Mallon would gladly see my head at the pointed end of a pike." Tirran growled as he thought about them.

Emrin laid a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Tirran.. I know you didn't want to become a lord, but.. it's not Sorram's fault.."

"But it IS Sorram's fault Emrin!" Tirran turned his head, his eyes burning with anger. "If I wasn't the lord of a province, do you think anybody would care, if Logan and I spent our time together?" He waited for an answer, but his brother remained silent. "No, I don't think so.. Maybe I'd have to share him with those political anchors they call "wives", but at least I could be with him."

"Look, I'm sorry. I just wanted to.."

"It's fine Emrin. Let's just not talk about this right now, okay?" Tirran sighed as he took up his bag. "We'll be leaving today and.." A low knocking sound caused him to turn his head towards the door. "The door is open, just come in."

The two foxes watched as the door opened and Naissa stepped into the room. Tirran noticed, that the raptor looked a bit uneasy today. "Naissa, it's nice to see you again, but I was just going to.."

"I hope I didn't disturb the two of you in the middle of.. something? I could hear you from the hallway." The raptoress gave them a short grin as Emrin blushed, before her expression became serious again. "I.. have a message for you, lord Tirran. It's from your king." She crossed the room and produced a small letter.

Tirran stared at it in confusion for a second, before he took it from her hand. It bore the seal of the king; Logan's seal and it was still unopened.. but why would he send him a letter if he was just a couple of rooms away from.. Tirran's eyes darted upwards as he stared at the raptor in front of him. His hand started to shiver slightly as he broke the seal, tearing into the dry paper without caring if he damaged it. The letter unfolded before him with a dry rustle, but he couldn't bring himself to look at it. "Emrin.. Why would he..?" He felt the hand of his brother comfortingly stroking his back, as his view finally fell onto the letter. "But.. why..?" The words were like daggers to him. "No.." The letter dropped onto the floor, followed by a single drop of salty water. Tirran wiped his cheek and took up his bag.

"Tirran, what did he..?" Emrin froze as he saw the expression in the eyes of his brother. They were full of confusion and pain and.. anger.

"No.. Not again.. I won't let him do this to me again.. I'm leaving." He slung his bag over his shoulder and grabbed his cloak, before he walked towards the door.

Naissa followed him. "Tirran, wait. You can't just.."

"People have been telling me what I can't do, ever since my heart started beating, but this ends now.." The fox opened the door. "I'll go and catch up with the others. Don't try to stop me." He turned his head and gave his brother a weak smile. "Goodbye Emrin."

Naissa and Emrin watched as he left the room. After a while the fox cleared his throat. "What did he mean?"

The raptor sighed deeply. "I guess he can tell you himself, after he has returned.."

* * *

The rain was hard and cold and as dense as the perfume of a whore. Logan shook his head in an effort to get rid of the water, which kept running down his back, but it was of no use. He sighed as he looked at the doberman riding next to him. "It's just not the same without him.."

Silena's answer was little more than a wordless grunt. She had had to leave two friends behind today. Her hand carefully stroked over the black collar around her neck. It was a gift from a very special friend.. Silena's name was engraved into the front of the silver plate in the center, and on the backside.. She smirked softly. No, she would never tell anybody what exactly the phrase on the backside was.

The sound of hoofsteps rapidly coming closer made Logan perk his ears.

General Talan looked back at his king. "Sire, do you want me to.."

"No. Just keep going, I'll catch up with you in a moment." Logan stopped his horse and let the soldiers pass by him. He could hear the confusion in their voices, but this was something he had to do himself. One by one, the Kerennians disappeared into the watery shroud, until he was all alone. He shivered as a trickle of cold water ran down his back. The sound of the other horse was close now.. "Tirran?" He had to shout against the rain and the wind that started to tear at his cloak, as if it was trying to drag him away. The neighing of a horse rang in his ears and suddenly, he was there with him. Clouds of steam were rising off his horse, like the aura of a divine being. The two riders sat on the backs of their horses while the rain hammered down on them. Logan noticed that his friend hadn't even tried to tuck his beautiful tail away; his usually so soft and graceful appendage was dripping wet and covered in leafs and mud. "Tirran.. your tail.."

"Why Logan?" Tirran stared at him with a blank expression.

"Tirran please, you have to understand.." The fox wouldn't let him finish.

"Understand? No, you are the one who doesn't understand, Logan. Wasn't it enough for you to leave me behind when you became a king?" The fox slowly lead his horse forward until it was standing right next Logan's. "Now you won't even allow me to live in the same country as you?"

"Tirran.. If I hadn't left you when I became king, we would both be dead now, and you know that. I am going to war and I don't want you to get hurt."

"If you don't want to hurt me, then why do you do this to me?" A tear ran down his cheek. Logan leaned forward to wipe it away, but the fox was out of his reach. "I loved you back then and I still love you today.." Tirran lowered his head. "And do you know what the saddest thing about this is, Logan? I know you love me too, although you'd never say it.."

Logan tried to get closer to his friend. "All I ever wanted was to keep you safe you silly fox. For Wolgar's sake, I lost an eye when I dragged you out from under that burning siege tower at Karanth."

Tirran sighed. The wind tore a single leaf from his tail, carrying it away through the rain. "Logan, what is the sense in protecting me, if it means that I'm losing you? Why didn't you just refuse to take the crown? We could have lived in the castle of my family together.."

"Your cousin would have had both of us murdered to get your title. The only one who is stopping him is me." He reached out and laid a hand on the fox's shoulder, noticing how Tirran shivered softly under his touch. "You will be safe in Iskar Tirran, and you're going to be my ambassador, not a prisoner."

The fox started to sob softly. "Logan.. you're breaking my heart.. again."

Logan acted without thinking, he grabbed the fox, pulling him off his horse and onto his own. "That's the last thing I'd want Tirran.." He looked into the tear filled eyes of his friend. "You never slept alone on our way here, not a single night.."

"I.. I'm sorry Logan.. it's just.. whenever you see me with somebody else, I can see something in your eye.. and then I know, that you still care about me.. I wish you could have just told me.. just one more time.." He gasped as the king leaned forward and pulled him into a deep kiss. There was not a single sound, but the soft pattering of the rain. Tirran's hands dug into the back of his friend, desperately holding him close while their tongues intertwined. After a while their lips parted again, and Tirran gave the wolf a questioning look.

"I.. love you Tirran. I want to see you happy, but I have to make sure that you're safe first, do you understand that?" The wolf's hand softly caressed Tirran's head.

"I.. yes Logan.." He sighed as he leaned his head against the wolf's chest.

"Don't be sad my love, I'll come back for you, once I've taken care of all threats and then.."

"You'll take me home?" Tirran's voice was filled with cautious hope.

"..then I'll make you mine." Logan smiled as the fox on his lap gasped and looked up at him.

"You mean.. you've been planning this all along? Why didn't you just tell me?"

"Do you trust all the soldiers in my army? They may be well paid and fed, but the glimmer of silver can loosen up even the stiffest tongue." The wolf smiled softly as he held his lover close. "Now everybody thinks, that I finally decided to get rid of you, which means that you're safe. I made sure the letter passed through a lot of hands before it reached you."

Tirran cuddled up to the wolf. How could he have possibly expected something like this.. He felt so dumb, so.. Something cold slid down one of his fingers. He raised his hand in front of his eyes and yelped silently. "Logan, I.. is this..?"

"It's a promise. If you still want to be with an old one-eyed wolf, that is.." Tirran's arms closed around his chest, almost pressing the air from his lungs.

"Yes! By the gods, yes! That's all I ever wanted, Logan.. you're all I ever wanted.."

The wolf could feel that Tirran was crying again, but this time he was crying tears of joy. He laid his hands on the fox's back and held him close, while the rain slowly started to stop. "You have to go Tirran.. they mustn't see us like this.."

Tirran nodded slowly. "I know, but.. I don't want to leave now.. I mean, my fur is soaked with mud and ice cold water and still you just made this the happiest moment of my life.. I'm so damn scared to let go.. I don't even want to close my eyes, because.. This is like a dream come true and now I'm afraid I might.. wake up and see it crumble into ashes.."

Logan took off his cloak and draped it around the fox's shoulders. "This is not a dream Tirran. You're awake and now the nightmares are over." He gave his friend a tender kiss. "Please.. go back to the palace and be safe."

"O.. okay, Logan.." Tirran whined softly as the wolf carefully lowered him to the ground. His boots sank into the mud as he made his way towards his horse, which had wandered off to find shelter beneath a lone tree.

"Tirran?"

The fox turned around and looked at his secret lover.

"I love you, but you can't start sleeping alone all of a sudden.. somebody would notice.." The wolf was literally soaked, thin streams of water were running down his exposed vest, but he didn't seem to care; his eye was fixed on Tirran.

"I know, Logan.. I love you too." He smiled softly at him before he turned around and mounted his horse. "I'll wait for you.. please don't leave me hanging.."

The wolf watched as the fox disappeared into the slowly dissolving shroud of water. "I won't.. my love." He sat there for a while, letting his view wander over the now empty road, that would take him away from the one he loved and towards an uncertain destiny.

"Milord, is everything alright?" Kerras Talan lead his horse towards the king, who just nodded silently in response. "I.. hope you didn't hurt him too badly.. he's a soft lad.." Logan didn't move. "Milord.. your cloak.."

"The wind took it." The gray wolf turned his horse around and looked at his general. "We should catch up to the others, before they get uneasy."

Kerras watched as the king rode past him, then he mounted his horse and followed him. "Poor Tirran.."

* * *

Emrin was sitting on Tirran's bed. Somehow he didn't think that his brother was going to return any time soon, he could be quite stubborn after all and.. His jaw dropped as the door opened and Tirran walked into the room, leaving watery footprints all over the floor. "By the gods Tirran, did you fall into a ditch?" He watched as a mixture of water and mud dripped from his brother's fur.

"Emrin, I um.. have to ask you for a favor." Tirran dropped his bag on the ground, where it landed with a wet sound. Water began to pour out of the top.

Emrin watched the scene in front of him in disbelief. "A favor?"

"You're.. going to sleep with me from now on." Tirran grinned as his brother stared at him in shock.

"What?! I.. um.. sorry Tirran, but I don't swing that way, I mean it's kind of.. flattering, but.."

"Oh don't try to talk yourself out of it.. I know exactly how you.. "swing".." Tirran walked towards his brother until he was standing right in front of him. "Surely you don't think, I wouldn't notice the way you're looking at some of the males around here.."

"But I.."

"I know, I know.. So you're bisexual, hm? What's the big deal with that anyway? We're not in Kerennya anymore." Tirran could see that Emrin was beginning to feel uncomfortable. The younger fox was practically squirming on his bed.

"Um.. maybe you are right, but you're not really my type, you know?" Emrin averted his view, trying not to look at his brother directly.

"Emrin, I'm not asking you to fuck me or anything; I just want you to sleep here with me, so everyone else thinks that you and me.. you know.." His brother perked his ears, causing Tirran to grin.

"You.. don't want me to..?"

"Well, maybe I'd let you try me, if you ask for it nicely, but I'm not going to force you to do that." He smirked as Emrin blushed.

"But.. why do you..?"

"Don't ask, because I won't tell you." He sniffed and his eyes wandered down his body. "Hng.. I guess I should take a bath before I show myself in public again.."

"Oh.. um.. I was going to leave anyway.. um.." He tried to get up, but Tirran grabbed his shoulder and pushed him down again.

"Oh no mister; you're going to stay right here and join me." Grinning seductively, Tirran began to strip out of his clothes in front of his brother. Emrin gulped.

A couple of minutes later, Tirran rested his upper body on the marble rim of the pool. Hot water was the second best thing to get rid of the tension in his muscles. "A bit to the left Emrin.." He groaned as the skilled hands of his brother continued to massage his back.

"You're awfully tense Tirran.." Emrin chuckled as his hands slid over the back of his brother.

"Mhm.. that's what you get for riding through the storm and drenching your fur in cold water.. hmm.. keep going.." He purred as the tension slowly fled from his body. It was just great to have a dragon size bathroom. Maybe he would have one of these installed in his own castle once he got back there. "Ahh.. that's divine Emrin, where did you learn that, hm?"

The younger fox grinned as he softly kneaded a knot in his brother's muscles. "Don't ask, because I won't tell you.."

"Spoilsport.." Tirran chuckled softly. "Hmm.. keep that up and I might even let you brush my tail afterwards.."

"A tempting offer.." Emrin turned his attention to another tense spot, drawing a pleased moan from his brother.

"Oh you have no idea just how tempting I can be.. Just wait until tonight.." With a sultry smile, he looked at Emrin over his shoulder and winked at him.

* * *

Naissa nervously eyed the door to Tirran's room. She knew he had come back; that was pretty obvious, because of the footprints on the floor. Well.. the poor fox had to be pretty devastated.. maybe he needed someone to talk to.. She raised her hand to knock on the door when she heard something from inside the room. Her hand fell down again and she leaned forward, pressing the side of her head against the smooth wood.

"Ahh.. damnit Emrin, not so hard!"

"I.. hng.. I told you it's stuck Tirran, just relax or bite a pillow or something."

"I.. hrr.. I'm trying, but.. aAahh.."

"Now look what you've done! You got me all wet! Why don't you watch where you're pointing that thing!"

Naissa grinned in amusement, as she turned around and walked away from the door. "I knew it.."

Tirran sighed as his brother finally managed to comb the last clump of dirt out of his tail. "Thank you.. I really needed that.. and um.. I'm sorry for slapping my wet tail into your face. Anything I can do for you in return?"

Emrin laid the comb aside. "Nah, I'm fine. Actually it's nice to finally be able to spend some time with you."

"Mhm.. I guess I might as well enjoy my stay here.." Tirran noticed his younger brother ogling him as he walked over to his bed with a delighted groan. "Are you.. sure you don't want to join me right now Emrin? I mean there's plenty of space in my bed.."

"Oh um.. I was just going to leave and.." Emrin's hand rested on the door, as he nervously tried to open it.

"Emrin.. you're still naked, and from my point of view I'd say, that there's at least one part of you that doesn't want to leave.."

The younger fox blushed and tried to cover his pride with his hands. "This is not um.."

"Emrin?" Tirran giggled as his brother looked at him nervously. "Get your sweet little tail over here, or I'm going to come and get you."

Emrin gulped as he started walking towards the bed. His brother could be very assertive..