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Chapter 32 - Order

With the limited time until breakfast, Hess decides to make something small, especially considering they will be having lunch early to avoid feeding the temporary staff. Going off of Ember's suggestion yesterday, he prepares some homemade baked beans with sauce and grated cheese to top, and lots of toast with softened butter. While stirring the pot, he turns to Ember who's busy grating a block of cheese.

“Hey, by the way," he says casually, turning back to the soup, “I wanted to ask you something, and it's OK if you don't want to."

“Oh? Sure, what's up?" Ember peers over to the side without moving his head, thinking about his recent conversation with Cal.

“Do you want to join my D&D campaign? We've only done the session zero so far so you'd have no trouble catching up"

Ember looks over, blankly. “Uhh …"

“You've no idea what it is do you? That was really stupid of me, of course you don't." He stops stirring and turns down the gas looking enthusiastic to explain further. “It's a role playing game. You design a character and you pretend to play as that character while I, the dungeon master, describe a world for you to explore. It's all verbal and you roll the dice to add chance to combat and skill-based checks and stuff, it's really fun."

“So is it like a board game?" Ember asks, confused.

“Sort of, but the board is imaginary. It's more like group story telling."

“Right … I guess that sound kinda fun, but I wouldn't know what I was doing." Ember quickly stops grating, realising he'd filed away half the block.

“That's ok, you'll pick up the basics really quick. I have three players and they come here for the sessions. All humans of course"

“Oh, I assumed it was online. Is the master ok with them coming here?" Ember asks, surprised that the master would allow strangers off the internet into his home.

“It took some convincing, and a little bit of background checking, but yeah he was fine with it in the end."

“Are these the ones from the drawing you did? Are they err … furry?"

“Yes they're furries. So, I'll have to give you plenty of fair warning that they're probably gonna get pretty horny when they see you."

Ember recoils a little, still shocked by the notion of a human being aroused by a werewolf. “You're kidding."

“Nope!" Hess laughs, thinking back on how they reacted when they first saw him. “One of them is also my Warhammer friend. Know him for a while so he's much more used to it all."

“This sounds like it's gonna be pretty weird," Ember says, scratching his head thoughtfully.

“At the end of the day, they're here to play D&D, so when we get started they should be less pervy." Hess goes back to stirring his pot. “So if you're curious, I'll have you sit in for the first session and you can get a feel for it. If you then wanna join, I'll help you make a character and you can give it a go on session two."

“Heh, alright, I'll see what it's like." Ember nods and wraps up the cheese to put away. “So what did the master think of them?"

“He's always a bit protective over us and his work. When I invited them over for the first time, he was there to invite them in and scope them out. He just wanted to make sure they were who they said they were, but after we'd got stuck into the game he left to go to his study."

“Guess he figured they were harmless." He thinks about how unusual it would be for a bad actor to infiltrate the house using D&D.

“Yeah, when they left he gave me permission to invite them over again, with enough notice."

“That's cool. I'm almost surprised he didn't make them put on collars," the black wolf laughs.

“You know … I like that idea actually." Hess smirks, visibly contemplating it. “I mean, rules of the house and all, they should be naked too," he adds, grinning wider and toothier.

“Huh … I was not expecting you to say that. Now I think about it, were you naked?"

“Heh, yeah. They said they didn't want me or the other wolves to put clothes on just for them, but I knew they were being lewd. Plus, it's not like it was the first time they'd seen me naked anyway," Hess admits with a coy confidence.

“Oh?" Ember raises an eyebrow.

“I might have sent them pictures in the past … who can really say?" He smiles cheekily. “So yeah, knowing them like I do, I actually think they'd be into wearing the collars."

“Heh, are they a bit like you then?" Ember leans on the counter, curious to know more about these horny, wolf-loving humans.

“Heh, yeah, they are. The fandom is full of 'em, or the parts I've seen are at least. If the master finishes that hot-swapping collar thing by the next session …" he ponders out loud and trails off. “Oooh I really love this idea, and I bet the master would totally be up for it too."

“Ha ha, well, you know him and them better than me. But they aren't werewolves though, will the collars even work? I'd assume they'd need ones to be specially made."

“Ah yeah, maybe; I'll have to talk to him about it. Anyway, go put that cheese back we need to get all this ready," Hess commands, switching back to the duty at hand.

“Yes chef," Ember replies, grabbing the wrapped-up block of cheddar to take back to the larder.

The rest of the cooking flows on as it usually does, ending with the call to the master. Everyone takes their place around the table, Voigt still rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and start chatting amongst themselves about the final arrangements before the banquet. Ember listens to Cal as he takes the lead, having a plan for all scenarios and a solution to every problem. He reels off the events in order and gets confirmations from the other two on their individual tasks. The master comes in, they all take their seats.

“So Hess, how are we doing lunch today considering the time frame?" Alek asks, sprinkling cheese over his beans.

“Yeah I only realised after I'd started that we're going to be a bit short for time this morning. So I'm just gonna make sandwich baguettes. They're quick to make and you can take them away if you're busy."

“That's fine. Just remember that the staff could arrive anytime after 11:30."

“Yes master," Hess nods, looking nervous about the new time constraint, thinking about how he should have made a bigger breakfast and served it later in the morning.

“Anyway, Cal, any interruptions to our plans?" Alek asks, turning to his left and steering the conversation onward.

“No master. Ember's suit should arrive in half an hour, which I'll help him with. Then I'm going to spend my time cleaning the house and going over the roster," Cal explains firmly.

“Very good. Voigt? Anything to report for me?" Alek turns again, lifting a strip of toast carrying some beans. As expected, the grey wolf sets down his cutlery and turns his full attention to the head of the table.

“No master. I will just be tending the garden until the staff arrive, then I'll go over their security routine with them all."

“Good good. Now, you three know this so I only say it for Ember's benefit," Alek says, turning to face the black wolf. “Just like yesterday, you will need to be dressed appropriately and serve your function to the best of your ability. My boys already have their chastity collars, but I have yet to issue yours, so please come up to my study once you've finished putting on your suit."

“Yes, master," Ember confirms. “Um … these chastity collars," he shifts his eyes nervously, “what do they do?"

“They are in all respects the same as the one around your neck, the only difference is that you can't get hard. Which is why I'm putting so much effort into modifying them to add and remove effects more easily. Having to have a separate collar just for this one situation bothers me."

“Oh … so it doesn't stop you being horny?"

“Not at all!" Cal answers for him, and smiles.

“It's very frustrating," Hess adds.

“Remember," Alek says, drawing the directive back, “I need you on good behaviour if I'm going to prove you can be rehabilitated, especially since it's barely been three days since you killed that Hunter."

Ember dips his head and nods.

“Will any of them be aware of that?" Cal asks, forking a couple of beans individually.

“Some do, so I'll assume all of them do. Word spreads very quickly in these circles. Colonel Hamish Wright for example -" the name alone makes the other wolves sneer or roll their eyes “- as you know is the biggest benefactor of the Venatoriat and is quick to speak out against your kind whenever they do wrong."

“The what?" Ember asks curiously.

“The Hunters are just the police;" Alek explains further, “they need a governing body to manage them, and that's where the Venators come in. They serve as the head council to which all Hunter sects report, and the Venatoriat is their head office, in France." He sees a collection of disapproving faces at the mere mention of them. “You turn your noses up, but be glad it's no longer controlled by the church." He puffs a laugh and shakes his head, scooping up some food.

“So why is this Hamish coming to the party if he hates werewolves?" Ember pipes up again, innocently.

“He doesn't 'hate' us," Hess butts in, sarcastically air-quoting, “he just helps fund the organisation that criminally executes wild shifters."

“Hess," Alek says in a commanding tone.

“If we got half the money he gave to them we'd be able to rehabilitate all of England," the brown wolf adds and immediately bites his tongue when he hears a threatening growl from the elder beside him.

“That's enough," Alek chides, and calms his voice to continue. “I fight for my work and the meagre grant money it provides, but if it weren't for my … alternate methods of income from you guys, I doubt I'd still be afloat. Im grateful, however, that times are slowly changing. The Hunters are much better organised and only kill when they determine it to be absolutely necessary." Hess is about to talk again and thinks better of it. “Twenty years ago, when I was still in my teens and dreaming of werewolf boyfriends, there were some sects that would just slaughter any werewolf they found. It wasn't until my father's foundation that things started being done about it. Order was forced into the chaos, and I do my best to make sure it stays that way."

The table drifts into silence as they eat, all of them smelling the anger on Alek, despite his lowered voice. The wolves stay quiet, knowing to be cautious whenever politics came up. Eventually he speaks again, lightening the mood.

“If only he knew what I was doing with his legacy," he laughs again, looking down at his plate. “Selling werewolf cum."

“I'm sorry, master," Hess says, “I just get -"

“Don't be silly, pup. I know." Alek interrupts holding up his hand. “You all have the right to be angry. You and your parents suffered plenty of grief growing up."

“Yeah but they always made it worse," he mutters, guiltily lowering his head.

“If not for them you wouldn't have got the education you got. You're hireable despite your lycanthropy and despite me. You should be proud, few werewolves can say that."

“It didn't make it any easier at school."

“I know pup. Just like it was for you, and even now for others like you who are born into it and want to live a normal life, changes needed to be made. But these things take time and they have to be done very carefully and very slowly, so I can only ask that you be patient. You all do such good work and I'm endlessly grateful to have you all. My good boys."

The wolves at the table all collectively wag their tails and look amongst each other with subtle smiles.

“Having these dinner parties and the meetings I have with these people all help toward adding validity to my endeavours. When they see you out there, being model citizens, they have no ammunition to throw back at me."

Ember nods, having a clearer understanding of his role. He clears his throat and speaks again. “Master?"

“Yes pet?" Alek responds calmly.

“I was just curious about what sort of people will be showing up," he says timidly.

“A variety. Some benefactors of my work and some potentials. A few representatives of governing bodies, including one from wildlife preserve which I always find quite humorous." He scoffs and slips his juice. “There aren't nearly enough werewolves to pose a threat to the wildlife; but while officially being more neutral, she is an ally. Then there are two Hunter benefactors and a representative of the Venators to debate."

“This sounds like a really dangerous place to be a werewolf." Ember says half-jokingly.

“That's why we have security, and why we have so many neutral or unassociated parties like the staff, to help act as a witness. If something goes awry on either side, it cannot be covered up. There's a safety in that."

“So is this going to just be some debate? I don't really see the point," Ember persists curiously and addends “master" quickly when he sees Voigt's face.

“This is first and foremost a dinner party to show there's no bad blood. It's a way for me to show there's validity to my work, and provide a safe place for debate to happen. I don't tolerate heated arguments. My staff have the right to escort anyone off the premises if anyone become unruly, and this is all agreed upon and set up as standard by my father. As soon as they enter my domain, they're under strict diplomatic ruling."

“That's certainly more comforting to hear." Ember nods.

“Just because they can't get heated, doesn't mean they can't cut you where it hurts, my boy." Alek adds, leaning on the table. “You will likely be on the receiving end of some verbal abuse at some point and I just need you to take it, alright? Cal will likely give you a talking to about this anyway, but I want you to hear it from me too. Do not aggravate them. Do not talk back. Be courteous, even if they are truly rotten to you. All they need is for one of you to get violent and they could shut me down."

“Even if they're violent to us?"

“Especially." Alek sighs and looks meaningfully at the black wolf. “Take the moral high ground, just for today. If you feel like you need to let some anger out afterwards, I can let you go on a hunt with Cal or Voigt in the woods out back, if you want."

“Yes, master … thank you." Ember dips his head, very nervous now about the idea that someone at the banquet could end up tormenting him into getting angry.

“Remember, if it is absolutely necessary, you can excuse yourself. But please make sure not to do it as a response to the bullying, as it will seem like a weakness."

“It's ok, master. I took a lot of abuse from my family. I … should be alright." Ember smiles weakly and plays with his food.

“Thankfully it's not very often we do these sorts of functions," Alek says in an attempt to comfort the wolf.

“Every silver cloud has a grey lining I suppose." He gives an awkward titter.

“What?" Alek laughs, confused by the statement.

“Well, like … being here is the silver cloud, because it's all good, and the grey bit is stuff like this," he explains sheepishly.

“Aww, he's such a sweetheart. Can we keep him?" Cal says cutely, tilting his head at the master.

“Hmm, I don't know, will you feed him and take him walks and clean up after him?" Alek grins back at the white wolf playing along with the silly narrative.

Clearly very embarrassed, Ember flusters and tries not to make eye contact. Cal scoops his arm around him and pulls him into a side hug to give him a kiss, which only makes the embarrassment worse. They continue their meal in shorter conversations, usually finding some way to concern and then reassure the new wolf until eventually they stop talking about the banquet altogether. Alek finishes first and stands up.

“Right, thanks for breakfast Hess. I'll have my sandwiches in the study, so just have Cal bring them up when they're ready."

“Yes master," Hess confirms, following the rest to his feet.

Alek takes his leave and the wolves get back to clearing their plates. Hess immediately starts talking again about the D&D campaign when Voigt chimes in.

“Trying to introduce him to your pervert human friends huh?" He laughs, adding an extra slice of densely buttered toast onto Hess's plate.

“Hey they aren't that bad," Hess harrumphs, taking the extra food without thinking and chomps on it.

“They couldn't keep their eyes off my sheath when I watched for a bit."

“Well, who could blame them, honestly." Hess grins and turns to look across the table, “Right Ember?"

“R-right," he replies, startled to have been brought back into the conversation, but ultimately agreeing.

“You should let them have a go," Hess suggests, winking back at Voigt.

“I'd break them," he says gruffly, sounding almost disappointed.

“I'll loosen them up for you."

“I wouldn't be surprised if you already have." Voigt raises an eyebrow accusatorially and Hess looks back down at his food, mopping up the sauce with his last slice. “Yeah that's what I thought."

“Right, I'd best go too," Cal interrupts, standing up, having finished his food a while ago but happy to stick around for the chatter. “I'll come and collect you when your suit shows up."

“Ok, thanks." Ember nods and shovels the last of his meal in.

“Thanks for the food, boys."

Cal leaves the table and Voigt follows suit not long after, leaving Hess and Ember to start packing away all the dishes and start washing them. Any chance for silence to interject itself into a conversation, it takes it, which allows the black wolf start daydreaming. He thinks of all the verbal abuse he got back at the tribe and imagines how different it will sound coming from a human. He tries to not let himself think about it and focuses on his tasks as they come. He's thankful that Hess is so keen to talk about his game to keep his mind occupied on something that isn't the banquet.

While in the middle of being explained the different classes in D&D, Cal interrupts them again. Eager to try on a suit for the very first time, Ember says goodbye to his chef and hurries after the white wolf.