Dedication and copyright

To avwolf; For being avwolf.

And to those who survived. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage and settle in.

Copyright © 2017 by amenon (key ID 267C5E47)

The world and the notable characters are originally from Twokinds (http://2kinds.com), by Thomas J. Fischbach, and were used under the auspices of Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 US licensing. No endorsement of this work by the licensor is implied.

This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

Castling

Natani woke up... in the sense that some part of him was no longer completely asleep, and trying to muggily understand why.

Keith wasn't there in his arms.

Well, that would do it.

Natani came a little more awake. He was tangled up in the blankets, but otherwise alone, in the bed, and, by his senses, in the room. The gentle swaying of the ship spoke of easy weather, and staying in bed, and being rocked back to sleep.

There was the sense of sunlight through his closed eyelids, making a different argument, but it was early. Half the world away, Zen was fast asleep.

Maybe Keith had just went to the bathroom or something.

... but this was the day they were supposed to arrive. Maybe in the afternoon, Kat had said. If the winds held.

With a groan, Natani untangled one arm and reached for his crystals. Nobody in the bathroom, or even below decks. On the deck, he found Kat, then Evals and Mike, and... at the very bow of the ship, Keith. Natani pushed his awareness out farther, past the bow, and found nothing but open ocean and some gulls.

He sighed. Still... he couldn't really blame Keith. He understood what it was like to go back to your people. The basitin maybe didn't have anyone trying to kill him, but... that had never been the scary part. Not really. And if he was only going to start fretting on the day, that was better than Natani himself had done.

And Keith never would have come back for himself.

Natani growled, defeated. Yeah, he was going to have to get up. He got his other arm free, and rubbed at his face, shading his eyes as he slowly opened them. It was just the one porthole providing light, and their cabin was on the side of the evening sun, but it was early, and his eyes stung with the light. He wrangled the blankets--and the sheets, as it turned out--off himself, and laid there on his back for a moment, buck naked and not particularly caring. The day wasn't quite hot yet, but even moving this much he was starting to feel the warmth.

And his fur was already a matted mess, from the previous evening and night.

Natani scratched at himself, smiling languidly at the memories. They'd retired early, skipping even their sparring, and the cabin had still been baking with the evening sun. That hadn't stopped them from making it even hotter. And Keith did like the heat... Natani scratched lower, as his mind wandered to much more pleasant thoughts than getting up. Lower still, across his stomach...

But Keith was standing up there, right now, waiting for sight of his homeland.

With a sigh that turned into a huge yawn, Natani levered himself up into a sitting position on the edge of the bed. On the chair, within reach, were the clothes they'd decided on for him--and on the back of the chair, his magical wrappings... as well as some entirely non-magical ones. Modesty aids, in the basitin sense. Natani hesitated for a moment--there was basically no way he was going ashore without a bath, so he'd take them off again for that if nothing else--then reached for the foot wrappings. Best get in the habit. To, from this morning, follow the laws.

At least in public.

Natani wrapped and bound his feet and ankles, sure in his motions. He'd been practicing, with Keith's help. And he'd kept practicing, long past where he'd needed it, because of what it was like for the basitin. As odd as the wrappings had felt at the start, he'd gotten to the point where he didn't mind them at all. One flash of them, and he could have Keith making bedroom eyes at him.

So maybe Natani was more about the letter of the law than the spirit of it.

He got up, stretching his entire body, muscles trembling as they came awake, flexing his shins to make sure the wrappings didn't impede him too much. They didn't. He yawned again, running his hands through his hair, getting it out of his face and into some semblance of order. He really did need that bath. Natani wrapped his chest, an action so practiced it required no thought at all. After that, he pulled on the loose-ish black pants, with the extra-modest tail-hole--the things these people worried about!--and then slipped into his trusty old vest. It fit like a glove, and it was still by far his most favorite piece of clothing. He didn't bother buttoning it up--that, apparently, wouldn't even raise an eyebrow. Basitins.

Natani wondered for a moment what kind of reaction he'd get in Kat's other outfit--the one he'd worn when he marched into Karnak.

He'd probably start a war.

Not that she almost hadn't in Karnak, if for rather different reasons.

Natani slotted a few crystals into some of the more easily accessible secret pockets in his vest, but left most of them. He did tuck the small leather pouch that held the flawless crystal in his pocket, though. After the time he'd spent charging the thing, he didn't want to let it out of his sight.

Natani stepped to the porthole for a look outside, and winced at the brightness of the day. But, better to acclimate his eyes now than to be blinded stepping on deck.

Blue ocean, blue sky, and not a wisp of cloud.

He yawned once more, then opened the door.

He still had to shade his eyes when he emerged on deck. So much light. Even the wood of the ship seemed to glow under the sun, and he didn't dare glance at the sails. The wind was strong, cutting the worst of the heat, full of the scent of sea and salt; ever-present on the ocean, but strong enough to register anew. Natani couldn't see clear to the bow, but off to the side Mike and Evals were doing sailory things. The fox waved to him, followed by a gruff nod from the dog. He nodded to them in response. The sun was barely a fourth of the way to its zenith. Keith had much to answer for.

"Morning."

Natani turned to look at Kat, and winced. She was wearing white. "You're way too bright."

The smaller keidran stepped into his shade, cutting a lot of the glare. In a blouse and pants, she too was properly dressed for their destination, up to and including wrapped feet. Only the hat wasn't white; a black leather tricorn.

Natani was pretty sure he'd never seen any of the clothes before today. "Nice outfit."

"Thanks. Thought I'd try my hand at tailoring again. To..." Kat shook her head, then smiled. Was it a little forced? "Keith's at the prow."

Was there something else she wanted to say? "Thanks. How long has he been up here?"

"Not long. Ten, fifteen minutes."

Kat seemed to expect him to go, but something told Natani not to just leave her standing there. He arched an eyebrow and gestured, and Kat followed him forward, to the side of the main mast. From there, Natani could get his eyes on Keith. The basitin was leaning against the railing, brown cloak furling in the wind. The pose didn't make his Keith-angst senses tingle, so he leaned against the mast with a yawn. He peered past Keith at the horizon, but there was nothing there, only endless shimmering ocean.

"We're still set for this afternoon?"

"Yup. Should be seeing land soon."

"Already?"

"It's the mountains. Not that tall in the greater scheme of things, but they do poke out."

"Ah." And Keith would know that, of course...

"About that..." Kat's tone became rather sardonic. "I take it that Zen is still under the weather, and won't be getting off?"

Natani grinned. "I'm afraid so."

"You're sure he didn't just get off at an earlier port?"

"We didn't stop anywhere."

"We could have."

Natani looked at Kat's deadpan expression, and smiled. She was a very good friend to have. "Thanks. But he will be disembarking... maybe tomorrow."

One way or another.

Kat nodded.

Hmm... could that be it? "Did you want to spend more time with him?"

Kat smiled. "Well, he is a lot of fun. And a completely shameless flirt."

Natani grinned. "I don't think he could turn it off if he tried. You should come visit us sometime, see him in his natural habitat."

"Oh, you know. It's hard to find the time."

And yet here she was, going months out of her way to personally take them on this trip.

Just like Eric had.

How had Natani not seen that? But... Kat was so... effective, so helpful, that it was easy to forget she could have worries of her own.

"Kat... is everything okay?"

A look of wide-eyed surprise, only partly mock. "Natani... are you starting girl talk?"

Natani stuck out her tongue with a smile. "Maybe I am. Times change."

"They... do, don't they." Kat looked at her for a long moment, and when she smiled, it didn't look forced at all. "Thank you for asking, but... I'll be fine. Go take care of your basitin."

Well, if she was okay... "Some other time?"

"I'd like that."

And maybe it wasn't just Zen that had been a little scarce during this trip. "Err, and sorry about the early night yesterday."

Kat waved a hand, dismissive. "I get it. And you're always welcome to come visit the ship if you need to... get away. Just make sure to forget something here."

A very good friend to have. Natani nodded to her. "We'll keep that in mind. Thanks."

Kat tipped her hat at Natani. "A good captain thinks of her passengers' needs."

"Then you're the best I've ever had."

Kat opened her mouth, then closed it again with a shake of her head. "We'll have that talk, okay? Some other day."

And with that, Kat turned with a wave and walked away, leaving Natani squinting after her and scratching his head.

Well. Some other day.

Natani left his spot in the shade of the mast and started toward Keith. Softly as he stepped, and even coming against the wind, he could still Keith's ears twitch when the basitin picked out his approach. But Keith didn't turn, letting Natani come right up to him. He plopped his muzzle on top of Keith's head, and slid his arms over the basitin's shoulders, embracing him. Keith relaxed into his touch.

It was the most natural thing in the world.

Keith swept one of his ears against the side of Natani's muzzle. "Hey."

"Mmmmmnh."

"Thanks for coming up."

Natani yawned, reaching a bit to make it more theatric. "We're going to watch for land, and then you're coming back down with me."

He could heard the smile in Keith's voice. "Deal."

Natani grinned, squeezing Keith a little tighter. "You bet your ass it is. I need my pillow."

Keith reached up with a hand to scratch him behind the ear, and Natani slumped against the basitin, pure indulgence. Keith took his weight without complaint, only scratching more vigorously, and for a few glorious moments Natani let his tail beat out the rhythm of the waves. But, this wasn't bed. He let up, keeping his arms around Keith but taking up his own weight again. Keith shifted against him and let his hand fall, giving Natani's cheek a stroke on the way.

There were no more words. None were necessary.

They stood there, waiting, Keith's hands on the railing, Natani's arms around Keith. They fit together, stable against the swaying of the ship as it sliced through the waves. The sun was hot, but the more annoying thing was how it lit up half his face, so Natani occupied himself with using the ambient mana to bend some of the light away, reducing the glare... until another yawn would shatter his concentration, scattering the shade and bringing laughter from Keith.

Not an awful way to spend a morning, if you couldn't be in bed.

Eventually, there was a polite clearing of throat from behind them. Natani turned to look and found Mike, smiling brightly and holding a tray with two mugs of coffee. "Compliments of the Captain."

Natani spotted Kat leaning on the railing on the upper deck, looking in their direction. Natani nodded his thanks, and got a wave in return. Off to the side, Evals kept glancing at them as he worked, or pretended to. Natani returned the fox's smile. "Thank you. Both of you."

"Oh, it's--" Natani raised his eyebrows, and Mike caught himself. "--That is, you're quite welcome."

Natani nodded with a grin, then passed the first mug to Keith, who called out a "Thanks!" and got his own "You're welcome" from the fox. Natani grabbed the other one, and Mike departed with a little bow.

Ah well. He was getting there.

With the coffee, too. Zen would have been proud. By the time Natani was done with the mug, he was starting to feel like maybe the day had already started, as unlikely as that seemed with the sun not even halfway up yet.

Suddenly, he felt Keith go tense. The basitin turned his head a little, and Natani could tell he'd seen something. But as hard as he squinted at the hazy horizon... "I don't see anything."

Keith's voice was quiet. "It's there."

Well, no reason to doubt him. But Keith stayed tense.

It had become real.

Natani shifted against Keith, to remind the basitin that he was still there. After a moment, Keith relaxed a little, but Natani could tell he was still elsewhere.

Well, it's not like he didn't understand. But... there was no point in worrying. When it would be time, it would be time. And until then...

Natani smiled to himself. "Keith?"

"Yeah?"

Natani nipped him lightly on one ear. "Remember what you did before we reached Karnak?"

*

Kat noticed as Natani and Keith left the railing, and headed below decks. Natani was messing with the basitin's ears as they went, and Keith was dodging him... but not well enough to actually get away. Even in her funk, Kat couldn't help but smile at the sight. Natani was a dear friend, and though she didn't know Keith quite as well as she knew the wolf, she liked him and respected him, both for what he'd done for Wreathwood, and for making Natani smile like that.

And maybe especially because--as Maddie liked to go on at great length about--he was constantly shirking from the one to do the other. That was just having your priorities straight, as far as Kat was concerned, though she wouldn't have dreamed of interrupting her friend's rants to say so. And as much as Maddie loved to complain... Kat was pretty sure she actually agreed. She did always come through for her boss, after all.

The two disappeared below deck, and Kat shifted her eyes to the horizon. She still couldn't see anything unaided, but after fishing out her spyglass it only took her a few moments to spot the distant peak of a mountain just barely peeking over the horizon.

Apparently, Keith had very good eyes. Or maybe Natani had done more than just play with shadows. If you can gather light with a glass, then why not with magic?

She was about to call out the 'Land ahoy!' when she noticed that Evals and Mike were, rather than seeing to their duties, talking. Or by their stances, arguing. Kat sighed. They were good workers, but sometimes it took a little prodding to keep them on the job. And these seas were a time to be on the job.

Just as she got close, the tone seemed to shift, Mike breaking into a smile. "Did you just...?"

Evals scratched at the back of his head, awkward. "So sue me. Like I said, I just... call 'em like I see 'em."

The fox grinned up at him. "I thought you also said that an old dog can't learn new tricks. But if you can..." Mike slid his arms around Evals' waist, the grin melting back into a smile as the fox's muzzle drew close to the dog's, Mike still maintaining eye contact. "Maybe I should try to teach you some more?"

"Oh? Err, um... what did you..."

"Well, what would you say about--"

Kat cleared her throat. "I would say that we've got land on the horizon, and I need at least one of you on deck at all times until we reach port."

They both snapped to attention. "Ma'am!"

"After we're secure, you can take the rest of the day off."

Mike was quicker on the draw. "We won't start unloading today?"

"No. I have a feeling our cargo might be worth more in a day or two." And little point in paying for shoreside storage, if they were going to be berthed anyway. She smiled. "Besides, I wouldn't want to overwork you two."

They both nodded, Mike smiling. "Ma'am."

"Now back to work. We'll be there soon enough."

"Yes, ma'am!"

They scampered, and Kat returned to the upper deck. When she glanced back, she saw Evals looking slightly dejected, then Mike sneaking up to him to whisper something into his ear, setting the dog's tail wagging. When the fox darted away again, Evals got back to work with renewed vigor. Kat shook her head, smiling. He was a curmudgeon, but for Mike...

And there was that feeling again. Kat lost herself for a moment, gazing out at the sea. Surrounded by people in love, seeing all the little ways in which they completed each other...

How long was she going to keep pining for a memory?

A memory of a man who, if she was really honest with herself, never was?

She thought of the people in her life, and suddenly wanted very badly indeed to be back on the mainland.

Maybe that was all there was to it.

But there was work to be done.

Kat got her spyglass out again, and found that the peak on the horizon had been joined by another, giving her a better fix. They were maybe a mite west of where they wanted to be... she got to work figuring out their exact approach.

But every once in a while, she would find herself looking out over the ocean, thinking about a certain someone, of how their smile lit up the room. How there was never a boring moment. And she would yearn for home.

*

Natani started shedding his clothes as soon as they got in their cabin, laying the pants and vest on the bed, leaving just the wrappings on his chest... and ankles. Keith was slower in getting undressed, leaving time for Natani to lead, probably unsure where exactly this was going. Natani grinned as he saw the basitin's eyes dart down to his still-wrapped ankles. The contrast of the white cloth against his brown fur was like a magnet for Keith. Which was funny, because it's not like he normally ogled Natani's ankles. Only when they were wrapped.

Natani went to rifle through the desk drawers, and decided to make a show of it, leaning down to bend over, then shifting his weight to just one leg so he could cross his ankles, resting one on top of the other, stretching his toes... he even raised his tail, just for good measure, though he couldn't guess if Keith even noticed at that point.

It would have been misdirection, anyway. He found what he was looking for, nestled amidst the books and books of basitin law; his trusty old dildo and harness.

It was only appropriate, really. They, too, were coming back home.

He turned back to face Keith, flourishing the toy and giving the basitin his best shit-eating grin.

Keith was still stuck on the last button of his shirt, blushing beautifully from Natani's little show. The basitin's lips parted in surprise, only to soon curve into a small smile. "So when you said 'What you did before we reached Karnak'..."

Natani dug deep and dialed the grin up even further. "What else? Any objections, soldier?"

It didn't have to be this... but Natani had clearly stuck a chord.

"No, sir."

The words might as well have been 'I love you', and the look Keith gave him said it all over again.

"Then lose the clothes."

The mock-command came out softer than he'd intended.

Keith conquered the button, and slipped out of his shirt as Natani slipped into the harness. The basitin glanced at him while folding his shirt, and Natani struck a pose, one hand on hip, inadvertently sending a shiver through himself as the toy shifted against his groin. It wasn't like having a dick, but it was its own thing, and always put him in a certain mood. Keith played to it, turning away almost fully before starting to remove his pants, quite sensuously, slowly sliding them off those wonderful hips of his, even glancing over his shoulder with a coy little smile as he worked them lower... until he bent down all the way, toes splayed to better hold his balance, and yes, lifted his tail.

It was tempting, but Natani had a better idea. He turned the heavy chair around to face Keith, and sat down, leaning back and raising one of his feet to present it to the basitin. "Unwrap me?"

So maybe it wasn't exactly like Karnak.

Keith quickly squared away his pants, now naked down to his own wrappings, then turned to face Natani, affording him a good look at the basitin's front. Turned out they were both hard. Keith stepped closer to take Natani's leg from out of the air, then knelt, guiding the leg down with him, the way he held it almost reverent. He set Natani's foot down on his knee, then teased out the end of the long strip of cloth wrapped around Natani's ankle and slowly started to unwind it, his fingers sure but ever gentle. He made it such an act of devotion. And every once in a while, he'd look up, straight into Natani's eyes, sharing the moment, and Natani couldn't help but be touched by the depth of feeling there.

Why hadn't they gotten into this years ago?

When Keith was finished, and Natani's ankle fully naked, the basitin took his foot in both hands, cupping his heel and his pad, and carefully lifted it up to place a soft kiss right on the ankle.

It made her feel like a bloody princess.

Maybe that was why.

Natani moved her leg, sliding her foot up the side of Keith's muzzle. Keith's hands fell away, and Natani turned her ankle to press the pad of his foot against the basitin's cheek, doing his best to give him a stroke with her toes. After a moment he moved the foot on, resting it on Keith's shoulder. The basitin turned his head to nuzzle against her ankle, near rapturous.

This felt like it might go on for a while.

After two whiles, Natani reached with her toes to give Keith a little tweak on the ear, and cleared her throat. "Do... the other one?"

She let Keith do his thing, lavishing her with attention that should have been humorous, but was so honest--so sincere--that she could only see it as the expression of love that it was. And so, every touch, every caress, every gentle act of devotion called for an answer, more and more and more, called for something every bit as honest and sincere and thorough and true.

Overflowing, Natani grasped the basitin's muzzle with her paws, getting Keith to look at him. "Come here."

Keith took her feet into his hands, and placed one last, tender kiss on each ankle before gently setting them down, then slid up between Natani's legs, nudging at the toy with his muzzle before looking up at him, a question in his eyes.

Natani stroked the basitin's ears, his hands speaking the language her toes weren't quite deft enough to. Maybe with some more practice. Keith smiled at his touch, beatific, but it wasn't enough; Natani nudged Keith onwards, and the basitin came, first straightening up on his knees, then raising up against the chair. Natani leaned down to meet him, and muzzle met smiling muzzle.

The kiss wasn't quite like Karnak, either. Keith didn't have to tease him, or coax it out of him; Natani was there from the start, cupping the basitin's face, not letting Keith get away as he kissed his ears stiff. Keith answered masterfully, welcoming, accepting, hinting at yielding... and when Natani wrapped his arms around the basitin's neck to better push against that yield, Keith responded by reaching out for the toy, grasping the shaft, stroking it slowly to make the base rub against Natani's clit, making his whole body tingle.

No question where this was going.

Natani let his hands roam down the basitin's back, grasping lightly at the base of his tail, eliciting an adorable little breathy moan from Keith before firmly grasping the basitin's ass with both hands and pulling him up. Keith rose, clambering onto the chair, sliding his knees over Natani's thighs to straddle him, suddenly above him; and for a brief moment, Keith was looking down at him, his hair framing his face, that coy little smile good enough to eat. Keith dipped down for another kiss, sliding his arms around Natani's neck, and Natani responded, pulling the basitin deeper into his lap, tight up against the toy. Keith started grinding against it with his hips.

Natani gave the basitin's ass one last loving squeeze before letting go, teasing at his tail with one hand, the other gathering up both the toy and Keith's hard dick, pushing them together. He gave them a few strokes, aided by small tugs at Keith's tail to spur him on, then when the basitin started really getting into it, Natani stopped, just holding so that every buck of Keith's hips had him thrusting into Natani's hand and up against the hard toy.

The kiss grew more frustrated, and after a moment, Keith's humping started to wind down, the basitin rising up to pout down at him, even his ears an accusation.

He was so adorable.

Natani flashed a grin. "Lube me up."

Keith clambered off, muttering in mock-indignation, quickly betrayed by the small smile and sidelong glance he did so well. He gave a few provoactive little swishes with his tail as he looked for a pot of lube among their belongings, then returned with it, handing Natani the pot and the lid to hold. Keith scooped up some of the salve, then leaned forward to kiss him, at the same time grasping the tip of the toy with a reverse grip, pushing it down and away from Natani's body, making the base push against his clit just so. Natani grunted, and Keith smiled, teasing, tantalizing him with the sensations as he lubed him up. Getting some payback.

For a moment, Natani just took it, but Keith kept pushing, stealing away with quick little kisses. And he'd left Natani holding the damn pot, too... Natani freed up one hand by replacing the lid, then brought it to the side of Keith's head, his thumb on the basitin's cheek, his fingers curling around the back of Keith's neck, tangling into his hair, holding him still. Natani pulled him into a kiss, hot and heavy, giving the basitin all the answer he could have hoped for, until Natani could feel Keith's hand on the toy slowing, ceasing its teasing, then coming up to Natani's shoulder for support as the basitin leaned into him, drawn in, lost.

That was more like it. Natani eased up, gradually, stroking Keith's cheek with his thumb, until he finally broke the kiss, leaving the basitin breathless and blushing to the tips of his ears. For a moment, Natani just looked at Keith, taking in the sight, before giving him one last, gentler, kiss.

"Take a seat, General."

Keith looked at him for two heartbeats, then burst out laughing. "Did you have to put it like that?"

Natani grinned. "No good?"

"No, it's... I'm not gonna get that out of my head for the rest of the day."

"Maybe that's what I wanted."

"You..." Keith sighed, but couldn't stop from smiling. He kissed Natani on the forehead, then pulled him into a loose hug, bringing Natani's head to his chest, catching him by surprise.

"Hm?"

Keith gave him a squeeze, and a small nip on the ear. "I love you."

Oh. Natani smiled to himself, as Keith gave the nipped ear a little lick, then nuzzled against it. Natani reached around the basitin with his free hand to return the hug, nuzzling into Keith's chest tuft. Change of plans, maybe? Would be a shame to waste a good erection, but that's how it goes, sometimes. He flicked his ear against Keith's muzzle. "Wanna do something else?"

"Mmm... no. I got you lubed and everything. And..." Keith popped back into his field of view, looking him straight in the eyes. "... you got me wanting it."

Natani grinned. "Oh? There are times when you don't?"

Keith nuzzled against his cheek, complete with a little sigh. "Really wanting it."

Yeah, Keith was trying to get his blood up.

Yeah, it worked. Natani nuzzled against Keith's throat... and nibbled, carefully, pinching the skin with his teeth before licking it better. He could feel a little tremble go through the basitin's body. "Then... take that seat."

He did leave the 'general' out this time, though. And he could tell that Keith had noticed, by the way the basitin smiled as he leaned away. Natani was still holding the pot, so Keith took the lid off for a moment to scoop up a bit more of the substance, then proceeded to make sure the lube job was complete. As he did, Natani leaned to the side and set the pot down on the floor, then straightened up in the chair, still sitting near the front but not leaning back.

Done with the lubing, Keith seemed to be considering how to tackle the toy. Natani grasped it by the now-slick base, pointing it toward the basitin and getting ready to hold it steady. Keith took it as a suggestion--or inspiration--and shot him another of his coy little smiles before turning around and backing up between Natani's legs, his tail raised, giving Natani a very good look at the basitin's beautiful rump. Natani reached out with his free hand to give it a solid grope, admiring the supple firmness, before guiding Keith by the tail to line him up. The basitin found his target, and Natani got to watch, to feel through the toy, as Keith stretched to accomodate him, the tip pressing against his tight opening, the resistance pressing back against Natani, sending tingles up his spine, until suddenly it was in and the basitin let out a shuddering sigh. Keith stayed still for a moment, and Natani could well imagine the sensations of Keith squeezing around the tip, getting the feel for it... and relishing in it. Keith started lowering himself, his hands going to Natani's knees for support, and Natani had to brace the toy hard with his hand to stop the stimulation from being too intense. Inch by slow inch Keith backed into Natani's lap, the toy sliding into him, filling him, until finally, the deed done, that cute ass came to rest on Natani's hips and against his hand, and all the rest of Keith against the rest of Natani, leaning a little to the side so they fit together, Natani's longer muzzle alongside Keith's.

The basitin was shaking a little, and already breathing pretty heavily. He really did really want it. The weight wasn't all on the toy anymore, so Natani slid both his arms around Keith's midriff, leaving nothing between them and hugging him close, giving him a moment to get settled. Keith put one arm on top of his, and the other came up to find Natani's muzzle, to stroke at his cheek. Natani smiled, rubbing the side of his muzzle against Keith's.

They couldn't have had this moment if Natani had been in Zen's body, not quite like this. The knot would have gotten in the way, except at the end, or with very great effort. And that... would have been a shame. Keith loved this kind of closeness. Natani wasn't quite sure if that was a basitin thing, or a Keith thing. Maybe it was both. But he did, and Natani loved giving it to him.

And giving it to him. Natani moved his hands to the insides of Keith's thighs, spreading the basitin's legs wider, then lifting them up while getting his own knees in between the basitin's, spreading his legs again to leave Keith sprawled on his lap, his feet dangling in the air. Everything lined up, and the basitin let out a cute little moan as he sunk some tiny measure deeper on the toy. Natani moved his hands again, to on top of Keith's hips, pushing down on him for juuuust a bit more depth. Natani felt Keith's tail give a twitch against his stomach, and the basitin's trembling grew more pronounced.

And holding Keith down--pressing the base of the dildo against his clit--was bringing Natani some very good sensations, too.

Keith's hands found his, making to shift them, clearly not serious, then settling on top. "Ah... How... how am I supposed to move like this?"

Natani grinned. "Oh, you're not." He nuzzled against Keith's neck, finding the right place, then gripped the fur there with his teeth as he flexed his hips, drawing a ragged moan from the basitin. Natani nibbled on Keith's neck, each playful bite resulting in a little jerk from the basitin that, joined as they were, went straight through both of them. Natani answered each with another miniscule thrust, and a heartbeat later, the next nibble. "Why would you?"

Keith moaned his name, but Natani didn't think it was a complaint. How to make it even better? Keith's ear was twitching, in Natani's field of view, in a way that was either an invitation or just a testament to how well he was doing. Natani craned his neck to lick along the broad side of it, and Keith pushed the ear back against his muzzle. Invitation, then. And they were such big ears... Natani licked his way to the tip, gathering the tuft there in his muzzle and holding it lightly with his teeth. Slowly, he leaned back in the chair, bringing the breathless Keith with him, until he was once again leaning against the backrest, Keith on his lap and against his chest, the basitin's head under his chin--but those convenient, adorable ears still in reach. He let go of the one he'd been holding, and gave it a little lick of apology, eliciting a strained sigh from Keith.

Then he went for the other one, nibbling along the back of it, feeling Keith shudder with every careful touch of his teeth.

They really were very sensitive.

He raked his teeth along for a bit, bringing a sharp gasp and a stronger tremble.

You had to know exactly what you were doing.

And Natani did. There was a soft, breathless moan from Keith as he found just the right spot.

Natani smiled to himself, easing up on the teeth, giving Keith a moment of relief and gentle licks... then switched back to the other ear and started again, but more slowly this time. As he did, he also began pushing on Keith's hips with his hands. Keith's weight was more evenly on him now, so Natani took advantage of that, rolling the basitin on the toy, grinding deep into him. Keith responded beautifully, a bundle of breathless moans and tight need in his arms. The basitin's dick jumped every time Natani got the angle just right, and with some of the more clever things he did with Keith's ears. It was mesmerizing, and Natani made a game of it, trying to get Keith into a good rhythm, pushing out more and more of his slick pre with every twitch.

The way the toy was rubbing against his clit, Natani could feel his own climax building, and could tell it would be one of those slow ones that went on forever and left him a complete mess. It would have been very easy for him to get there, and maybe his thrashing under Keith would have been just the thing to get the basitin off... but if not, the moment might be gone, the buildup lost. So he shifted a little, pushing his own pleasure further away. Subtler movements, teasing the basitin, focusing on his pleasure, Natani using every trick he knew to build it up.

Keith was a moaning, mewling wreck, his dick twitching almost constantly now, steadily dripping pre. Waves of tenseness went through the basitin, and Natani could see him splaying his toes to the same deep rhythm. Just a few more little pushes... Natani chomped on Keith's ear, right on the edge of too much, and the basitin cried out, his arms shooting up to wrap around Natani's neck, trying to somehow pull him even closer.

"Natani... I... I..." Keith's voice was as tense as the rest of him. Natani started chewing on his ear softly, ready to bring him home. "I want to kiss you."

Not the way he'd expected that sentence to go. Natani opened his mouth, freeing the basitin's ear, and Keith twisted against him, pressing his muzzle up against Natani's throat, wanting to reach, not able.

Not what he'd expected. But...

Natani stopped. "Can you get up?"

He couldn't. Natani pushed out of his recline and helped Keith get his feet back on the ground, and slowly the basitin was able to pull off him, off the toy, and stand. He was shaky on his feet, and when he turned to look at Natani, he had tears in his eyes.

It had been a long time since Natani had seen him that vulnerable. He smiled at Keith, gentle, lust completely forgotten for the moment. "Hey."

Keith leaned in to kiss him, needy, and Natani found his lust again. The basitin pushed closer, getting his knees up on the chair, straddling Natani once more. Natani leaned back under his onslaught and Keith pursued, never letting up, not for a moment. He was so hungry for it! The basitin went up on his knees, raising his hips above Natani's lap, and Natani pushed the tip of the toy under him, making Keith shudder as the tip nudged past his balls. A fresh dollop of the basitin's pre dropped onto Natani's stomach. The toy found its target, and Keith immediately lowered himself, but couldn't even get half of it in with the angle they had.

Natani nudged him out of the kiss. "Can you get your legs--" Keith was on the same page, first pushing his knees forward, then bracing with his hands against the armrests to try and lift himself. Natani straightened up and wrapped his arms around the basitin's rump, shivering as Keith's dick was pushed against his bound chest. He held Keith steady, taking some of his weight. "I've got you."

Keith got his legs up long enough to wrap them around Natani's back, ankles snug against the base of his tail, and Natani lowered the basitin into his lap, Keith's cock tracing a line down his chest to nestle against his abs, hot, hard and throbbing. As the toy slid home, and hips met hips once more, Keith's breath caught, then escaped in an almost soundless moan. The basitin drew a slow, ragged breath, a picture of need, and looked at him so, so...

Natani kissed him, and Keith wrapped his arms around Natani's neck, returning the kiss so fiercely that for a moment, Natani was lost in it. Slowly, he worked his own arms around the basitin's back, holding him tight, giving as good as he got until they were left looking at each other, panting, the moment so tight they could barely breathe for it.

Natani shifted his hands lower, grabbing Keith's ass and pulling him tight on the toy. The basitin gasped, his eyes falling closed, lost in the sensations. Natani tugged on his tail and Keith whimpered, his legs squeezing tighter around Natani. He let his tail wag against the basitin's ankles, not willing to let any part of Keith go unloved. The basitin dipped his muzzle against Natani's neck, nuzzling his throat, and Natani could reach his ears again, just licking this time, soothing his teethmarks out of the soft fur.

He started bouncing Keith slowly in his lap, and the basitin cried out, his short gasps and moans muffled against the side of Natani's throat.

The toy was off center, and the angle wasn't there for Natani, and he didn't care. He nuzzled the side of Keith's muzzle, the basitin rubbing back, almost frantic, love for love. They were each other's. Keith's panting quickly grew even louder. Between being filled and smearing a sticky mess all over Natani's stomach, his release was only moments away.

Natani nipped on Keith's ear. "Let me look at you."

Keith pulled away, his eyes still closed, holding his panting for a moment to bite at his lower lip, then releasing the breath, his eyes opening to gaze at Natani, teary, lost in love and lust.

It was the hottest thing in the world, and the loveliest.

Natani pulled him tight, filling him to the utmost, and Keith trembled, right on the edge. Natani kissed him, nothing but gentle this time, the most tender of touches. And it was enough, as he'd known it would be. Keith tensed around him, moaning into his mouth as the first of many waves of release broke on Natani's chest, the heat of it seeping through his wrappings. The basitin's jerks broke the kiss, and he buried his face against Natani's neck, too lost to do anything but hold on as Natani continued to slowly pump him on his lap. Natani stroked at his twitching tail and nuzzled his trembling ears as Keith rode out his pleasure, painting Natani's stomach white, the first great jets giving way to lesser ones, and then the last few just barely squeezed out against his abs as Natani wrung him dry.

Finally, Keith slumped against him, having nothing left to give, and Natani eased, shifting his arms around Keith to a gentle embrace. He leaned back with a sigh, settling against the backrest, a heavy creak bringing a flash of panic before he decided it would hold. Natani chuckled, and there was an answering hum of amusement from the basitin. Keith was breathing deep and steady, radiating pure contentment. Natani stroked his back slowly, then lifted one arm up to his head to caress his ears, smoothing his fur, speaking his love. Keith sighed into his neck, a sound of pure joy, and Natani almost thought he might--

Keith started purring, slowly building into a great deep rumble, and Natani smiled. He kept one hand at the basitin's ears, stoking his engine, but moved the other down to the basitin's rear to hold him close. Keith couldn't really slide off, wrapped around Natani as he was, but there were more comfortable and less comfortable--

Something shifted, and suddenly the angle was there again, the base of the toy finding its mark, joining them, bringing some of Keith's weight bearing straight down on Natani's clit, the toy transferring the vibrations from deep inside the basitin straight into Natani's most sensitive spot. He gasped, and kicked out involuntarily. Keith stirred, and the purring started to fade.

"No! Just... keep going."

Natani found Keith's ears again, and the basitin seemed to understand, settling back down, the rumbling beginning to deepen again. Kicking out had broken their connection, so he looked to find it again, shifting himself and the basitin. This time, he was expecting it and didn't kick out, but his breath still caught with the force of the stimulation, Keith's engine rubbing out a tight rhythm against him, the touch pure magic. He tried to keep the weight off, to make it a little less intense, to make it last--

Natani came, one of the hardest orgasms of his life, his whole body going tense, legs stretching out, then kicking the air, toes splayed--a keening moan escaped him as he lost all control of his body, his whole world bending around the point of their joining, clutching harder at Keith, making more of that impossible pressure.

The basitin responded, wrapping himself tighter around Natani, his purring growing stronger and stronger until it filled Natani's world to bursting.

"Can you stand?"

Natani became aware, of himself, sprawled in the chair, and of Keith, sitting in his lap, looking at him with a smile on his face. Natani had been looking at him, too, but now he found his arms and wrapped them around the basitin's neck, pulling him closer. Natani licked his cheek, then nuzzled into his hair, against the base of his ear, taking in his scent. It was a very good scent.

Keith laughed. "Can. You. Stand?"

Natani sighed happily. His legs felt distant. "Probably not."

"Well, can you help me get up?"

Natani let his hands roam across the basitin's back, settling into a loose embrace. "Why would you want to get up?"

Keith leaned away again, with some effort. His legs were still around Natani's lower back, and the toy probably still in him, though it felt like the harness had gotten loose. "Because this is getting uncomfortable."

Now that the idea existed, Natani woke to all the little and not-so-little complaints his body was making. But he just looked at Keith, and after a moment the basitin gave a little shake of his head, with that same beautiful smile, then leaned back in to give Natani a kiss, tender as only Keith could be. Natani lingered on the kiss, feeling his own smile, then licked Keith's other cheek, making him squirm and laugh.

But yeah, the bed would be much better. "Let's see what we can do."

With some difficulty, they managed to untangle themselves and Keith was able to get up, even if he was a little shaky on his wrapped feet. Natani watched as he stretched, not putting on a show this time, yet still utterly beautiful. And he was still at half-mast, even after how he'd blown earlier. He looked very lickable, and for a moment Natani thought about asking him to come closer, but he didn't want to start something he might not have the energy to finish. The early hour was catching up to him, big time.

Natani yawned, and Keith looked at him, amused. "Let's get you to bed."

"You, too." Natani smiled. "Pillow."

"Yeah, yeah..." Keith started clearing the bed, moving the clothes there over to the table. "Can use it, too, after that."

Natani fixed his posture in the chair, then leaned forward, elbows on knees, turning his head to look at Keith. He felt worn down. "Yeah. You were amazing."

"I was? Natani..." Keith came to his side, raising one hand to Natani's head, to his ears. Natani closed his eyes with a smile, and soon felt Keith's other hand joining in. The basitin's every touch was a gentle caress. Natani could have used a proper scratching, too, but complaining was the farthest thing from his mind. He understood. He felt Keith getting closer, and opened his eyes again. The basitin's expression was an echo of his touches, pure love. He came closer still, crouching down next to Natani, his hands shifting to Natani's cheeks, speaking the same message in a different language. Keith kissed him, and Natani smiled wider.

The basitin shook his head, smiling. "How can I still be falling in love with you?"

Natani didn't have a clever response, so he just spoke the truth. "Because I love you so much that it keeps pulling you in."

"That's... what it feels like."

Honesty felt like just the thing. "That's what it's like for me."

For a moment, no words were possible. Keith leaned his head against Natani's shoulder, his arms sliding around his neck. Natani nuzzled into his hair, rubbing one of the basitin's ears with the side of his muzzle.

Slowly, Natani started leaning more of his weight into Keith, until the basitin laughed. "Need a hand?"

"I'll take one."

Somewhere in there, Natani's chest wrappings had gotten mostly undone, and as Keith helped him up they slipped off and fell to the floor, releasing his breasts. He let them be. Keith offered his support, and Natani leaned on him, not necessarily because he needed to, but because he could. They made their way to the bed, and Natani sat down hard near the edge, a grunt turning into a satisfied sigh. Soft. Soft was good.

He lifted one knee into bed, half-turning to face that way, then looked up at Keith, smiling. He was tired, but there was one more thing he wanted to do. "Lie down and give me your feet."

By his expression, Keith fell just a bit more in love with him again.

And that was how it was supposed to be.

Keith scooted into bed, then turned over onto his back to put his feet into Natani's lap. Natani started unwrapping him, keeping an eye on Keith's reactions. He wasn't trying to entice the basitin, and wasn't looking to start anything--he just wanted to do this for Keith. Another gesture of love. Of course, if it did start something... but Keith remained calm, apparently still sated enough from before that the touch was just a touch. Natani got the wrappings off, then ruffled the fur on the basitin's ankles before throwing the strips of cloth onto the footboard of the bed.

One slipped off.

Ah well.

Natani clambered into bed, on his hands and knees. Keith reached out to him, and Natani snuck into the basitin's arms, settling down beside him, laying his head on Keith's chest. He had asked for a pillow, so why not? After a moment, one of Keith's hands found his head, running through his hair for a few strokes before settling on his ears. This time, there was a bit more of a scratch to it, and Natani smiled against Keith's chest, settling in for good, letting his tail wag lazily behind him.

He'd had the idea to wait for Keith to go to sleep first, but he was too tired, too content to worry that much. Keith wasn't about to sneak off, and he wasn't about to mope. Not with Natani there in his arms.

He still wrapped an arm around the basitin's midriff, holding him close. Just to make sure.

Just as Natani was drifting off, he felt a burst of elation from Zen, but his deep relaxation absorbed it, turning it into ripples that weren't enough to make him stir. Sleep called.

**

Zen was sitting on the couch, with a book in his lap, pretending to read. Occasionally, he even remembered to turn the page. But he spent more time looking at Maddie, sleeping curled up in the love-seat across from him. Somehow, he'd gotten a blanket on her without waking her up, so it was just the tip of her tail, a wrapped ankle, a sleeved arm--she was wearing civvies, for once--and her head poking out.

Zen just couldn't keep the smile off his face. She looked like an angel when she slept. And--

So what were you so happy about, earlier?

Zen sent his joy into the link. She made me breakfast in bed!

Ah. Natani's familiar amusement surrounded him. I thought that was a little early for you to be awake.

Agreement. Zen grew a little more serious. I think she wanted the company. She hasn't been showing it, but I think she's nervous.

More amusement, pointed at the sleeping figure. So I see.

Zen rolled his eyes. She dozed off after lunch. I don't think she got a lot of sleep last night.

Natani poked him for his memories of the day, and Zen gave him the overview. Natani absorbed them, then flashed to clarity in that way he had. Ah. You didn't sleep together.

No? Zen wouldn't have minded sharing a bed, but would Maddie really want to?

Oh, brother.... you should have made an excuse for her. Said you were feeling lonely in that big bed.

He hadn't been.

Okay, maybe a little.

She would have made so much fun of me.

But she would have come, and she would have slept better. And you wouldn't have had to spend an hour cleaning the kitchen.

Hey. I don't regret that breakfast.

Love. Of course you don't.

Would Maddie really have? Could it be that she had wanted to? Casting his mind back now, there had been a few threads of discussion throughout the previous days that could have been pointing in that direction. But they'd never shared a bed before, not just the two of them. It was only those rare times when Keith was out and Maddie was in, that they sometimes--or was it almost always? Zen furrowed his brow. Was it always always?--slept together in the big bed, all three of them. Like a family, if you didn't think too hard about it.

You really think she would have slept better?

She's sleeping right now, isn't she?

It was a good lunch.

There was a very tender feeling from Natani. And you got that blanket on her.

I... did, didn't I. Zen looked at the sleeping figure, and let just a bit of the love he felt flow into the link, acknowledging Natani's point, showing he wished he'd have realized it himself. Thanks.

Love, amusement. Hey, what are sisters for?

Making fun of their brothers, mostly.

That's how you know I love you.

Zen couldn't help but be touched by the sincerity. He smiled. I thought that was telling me how to be happy.

The amusement swelled. You must be confusing me with your brother.

Ah. How silly of me. I don't know how I could make that mistake.

Natani sent the idea of giving Zen a kiss on the forehead, complete with all the feelings behind it. It was impossible not to be caught and carried along with his mood, and Zen responded with ruffling his--her? Natani's--hair. For a few moments, the siblings tousled with each other in the link, pure enjoyment.

I take it the honeymoon is going well?

Natani's response was the purest, deepest happiness, scattered with images of Keith, some of which actually made Zen blush, and all of which made him yearn anew to see the basitin. To hold him close, to kiss him, to coax out some of those same expressions, and the ones that Keith made just for him... To team up with Natani, and pour out all their love, and to feel Keith respond...

Zen sighed, full of longing. But it was a longing made sweet by the promise of fulfillment. Not even hope, but certainty.

Natani was gentle. You sure you don't want a few minutes with him?

Of course he did. But he also wanted to wait. Unless... It's still today, right? How's he doing?

There was a moment of profound stillness, broken by a rueful sigh. Natani presented himself, making Zen fully aware of his appearance. He was immaculately groomed. Not a single strand of fur was out of place, and all of it had been brushed until he shone. Even his hair had been tamed, and was floating gently about his frame.

How on earth had Keith...

Natani still carried himself well, but there was just a tiny bit of awkwardness, of defiance, there. Daring Zen to say something. And sure, he could have teased. But Natani hadn't had to show him. That was worth honesty. You look good.

Natani looked for the barb in that, but there wasn't one. It's... not exactly me, is it.

No. But you can pull it off.

The feeling reverberated, and they could both feel something shifting; some old, buried, forgotten tangle between them had come loose, and was made right again, disappearing into smoothness. They shared their puzzlement; neither remembered what the cause had been.

But Natani stood easier now. Well. Thanks.

Zen had to be a little brotherly, though. Now we just need to do something about your fashion sense, and you'll be halfway presentable.

Natani grinned. Hey, I've got way more fans than you do.

And more than he wanted. Zen smiled. Is Mike still being adorably awkward?

Nah, he got over himself. Pause. Mostly. Sigh. It's so stupid. I even knew him. Not that we ever really talked or anything, but... y'know?

Zen liked the fox, not in small part because he was so taken with Natani. He's a good guy. Cares about people.

Yeah... Oh, you should ask him to make you some coffee. He's gotten pretty good.

Really? Nice. I thought he had the knack for it.

It seemed like Natani was about to say something else, but he abruptly halted, his expression slowly turning into a look of such tenderness that it had to have something to do with Keith. There were a few moments of love-filled distraction, and then Natani's attention returned to Zen. He was grinning. Keith says he still loves you, even though you've been neglecting him.

Zen laughed. Is that his way of telling me not to worry?

Natani's grin melted into a smile. Yeah.

Zen dipped into his love and longing to give his words more weight. Tell him I'm going to show him just how much I love him when I see him.

Natani relayed the message, coming back with a smile. Is that a promise?

It's a promise.

A few more moments, and then Natani returned fully, with a twinkle in his eye. He says he's looking forward to it.

Zen smiled. He's really handling it well, huh.

Yeah. He's a little nervous, but... Natani gestured at himself in all his groomed glory, then stuck his tongue out. Zen nodded. He knew how fine a line Keith must have walked, to get Natani to sit still for that. Tugging on his heartstrings in just the right ways. And if the basitin could do that, he was fine. It was only when he lost sight of himself that there was real cause for concern.

Hey, felt amazing, right? Keith really knew how to handle a brush.

Natani closed his eyes, sighing. Yeah. It's just... Natani showed Zen how it had felt for him, to just sit there and be taken care of. To be loved until his heart ached, and still do nothing. How the feeling built with every stroke of the brush, every look at Keith. Every look from Keith. And when it was finally done...

Zen's eyebrows rose. You held it in?

Yeah. And then he kissed me. And I just... That simple, gentle kiss had somehow been enough to sap all of that built-up charge, leaving Natani at ease, the relaxation leaving him loopy with Keith's love. The kiss had turned into playful nuzzling, muzzle to muzzle, Keith's smile matching Natani's, overjoyed. ...melted.

Keith had gotten all the way through to him. Zen released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, and with the breath came his own joy, joining with the memory of Natani's, celebrating it. With that, came Zen's feelings about Natani and Keith; how the two of them were together. And from there--

Zen's feelings for Natani begun to unspool into the link. His breath caught again, but he let it happen, watching Natani carefully, but with an open heart.

His brother.

The partner he could trust without a thought.

His little brother, whom he loved to tease--and to be teased by, even if it made him a little gruff.

Off came the layers.

The one Zen had looked after, when he'd needed looking after--and ever since, because Natani's happiness meant the world to him.

The only family he'd had left.

His strength; the one he had lived for, when for himself, Zen would have laid down and died.

And...

His little sister, whom he'd do anything--anything--to save, to protect, to keep from harm.

No matter what.

Natani drew a ragged breath, his mouth working for a moment, only to close again. There were tears in his eyes. Finally, he released the breath, a wavering smile coming to his face, and for a moment, he felt very young. You dork.

Zen could breathe again, and the flood of relief brought his own tears. I know that's not--

Natani embraced him, with all his strength, and the words fell away as love answered love, every bit accounted for. Finally, Natani drew away, wiping tears from his eyes, his smile still shaky. I swear. You two are going to turn me into mush.

Zen wiped his own tears, flashing a grin. I'm pretty sure that's what we want.

Oh, I should probably-- Natani ducked out for a moment to check on Keith, leaving Zen almost alone with his emotions. Slowly, he started packing them back into his heart... but not as tightly as before. Natani returned, smiling. He's very confused, but I'm holding him so tight he's got no room for complaints.

Zen laughed. He's...

Yeah.

Keith was why they could have this moment.

They recomposed themselves, sharing thoughts of the basitin. And the feeling of him in Natani's arms, even if that was cheating a bit. And Zen may have borrowed Natani's body just enough to give Keith a squeeze of his own, and a whispered 'I love you.'

But no more than that.

Except to hear Keith's response.

Natani hadn't even needed to give way. They were so close, in that moment, in that intention, that two could fit where only one should. Not since the first moments of the link had their connection been so complete, and never before had they felt so easy with each other.

The thought was shared, and they both smiled, then grinned at having both smiled.

Zen sought to break the mirror. When do you land?

Natani chased the thought, starting to untangle himself. Maybe two hours. But I don't know if anything will happen today. It's gonna be close to curfew, so maybe we're just going to get settled.

Already? Zen glanced at the window. The day was overcast and promising rain, but not much past halfway over.

No long evenings here, remember. The sun goes straight up, and straight down. Natani found his own brand of amusement. Very orderly like that.

Huh. Right. Zen stuck his tongue out. Think some old King of theirs sorted that?

Probably. A smile. Or maybe it was Adelaide. I could see that.

Zen's eyes were drawn to Maddie. She was shifting a little in her sleep. Are you worried at all?

Mmm... a little. I haven't been thinking about it.

You never did tell me what was in those letters.

A brilliant flash of amusement. Some of it is private. Some of it you wouldn't want to see. And what's left... Grin. ...would just confuse you more.

I'll take your word for it. I just hope...

Natani joined him in looking at the sleeping Maddie. It won't be for nothing. No matter what.

I guess you're right.

Just-- Natani suddenly smiled. Keith is starting to squirm. I think I should see to him. Any more messages?

Zen returned the smile. Nah. He knows.

Yeah. Natani nodded at Maddie. Take good care of her.

As good as she'll let me.

Natani answered with a very complicated sense of amusement that made Zen suddenly self-conscious. Natani followed it up by giving him a kiss on the forehead... then flashed to far simpler amusement, and grinned at him. She can't be very comfortable there, can she? You know how she sleeps.

Before Zen could react, Natani ruffled his hair, then disappeared, leaving only a lingering grin behind.

Dammit.

But... he was right. As cute as this was, a bed would be better.

Without thinking too much about it, Zen got up and went to Maddie's side, squatted down next to her, and started gently stroking her ears. After a while, her breathing changed, but she didn't open her eyes. Zen kept going.

Her ears were the softest thing.

Maddie let out a small sigh, then spoke, mumbly. "I'm not a baby."

Zen smiled, leaving her ears alone with one last touch. "No, but you were sleeping like one. Princess."

Now she opened her eyes, to give him a long-suffering look. Zen placed a kiss on her forehead. Maddie just looked at him for a moment, then laughed. "Okay, what's with the goofy look?"

"I... had a good talk with Natani."

Maddie's ears perked, and she shifted under the blanket, trying to stretch. "Did they get there?"

"No. Still a few hours out. Probably arriving too late for anything to happen today."

She settled back down. "Mm... I wouldn't be too sure. Mom will want to see them, so if there's nothing bigger going on, she will. And she moves fast. And then there's Alaric..."

Zen watched her disappear into her own world, figuring out all the odds and angles. She was wide awake now, so maybe he'd botched this. His legs were starting to get tired, too, squatting next to her. "Maddie?"

"Hm?"

"Coffee or sleep?"

Three heartbeats, and she yawned. "I guess another nap wouldn't hurt. There's still time."

"Good, coz I was just thinking that I could use one." Zen worked his hands under Maddie, then stood, lifting her up, blanket and all. She made it easy on him, without looking like she was doing any such thing. And she did not protest as he carried her out of the living room, or past the door to the guest room. Natani really had been right. On reaching the master bedroom, Zen didn't as much lay Maddie down as roll her out, helped along with a pull at the blanket she'd gotten wrapped in. She settled into a sprawl in the middle of the big bed, taking more space than seemed possible. Zen grinned. "That's more like it. You were looking a little cooped up."

Maddie flopped onto her stomach, stretching out all her limbs, not coming anywhere near any of the edges. "I don't think I need this much space."

"That's good. Leaves some for me."

Zen pulled the curtains closed, leaving the room dimly lit. He glanced at Maddie, and, seeing no objection, took off his shirt and hung it up before sitting down on the edge of the bed. He stretched a bit and yawned, making more time for her to say something. She didn't, so he got into bed, taking his normal place. As he did, Maddie reeled herself in to make room for him, but didn't otherwise move away.

Zen stared at the ceiling for a moment. Should he?

Yes. Yes, he should.

He turned to his side, facing her, and raised an arm, welcoming. "C'mere, Princess."

Maddie's answer was an arched eyebrow and a skeptically cocked ear.

Zen grinned. "I figure if your head is here, you probably won't kick me in the face. Seems to work for Natani."

Maddie laughed, and drew closer. Zen kept his arm up, and with a few halts and a look at him, she eventually came all the way, touching her muzzle to Zen's chest briefly before backing off just the tiniest bit, her breath still tickling his chest. Zen let his arm down, catching Maddie in a loose embrace, and she shifted a little, settling in by his side. He heard a small sound, and thought she might have been taking his scent.

Zen shifted his arm more comfortably around her. "Do you miss Natani?"

"Mmm... not really. I love her, and it's always nice to see her, but it's not like..." She trailed off for a moment. "It's the same for her, right?" There was a bit of a grin in her voice. "She hasn't fallen for me or anything?"

The specifics of Natani's feelings for Maddie were something Natani kept to Natani's self, but it sounded right. "Yeah."

A moment of silence. "Do you... miss Keith?"

"I do. Very much. It's the longest I haven't seen him in years."

"You can't switch when it's so far?"

"We could. But it was a good opportunity, so I wanted to give them some time to just be... them."

"Is this that thing that you do that Natani always complains about?"

Zen smiled. "Probably. But sometimes I'm right."

"Huh."

She didn't have to sound so surprised.

The silence stretched, and Zen got to wondering if he'd missed a beat again. Maybe Maddie would have liked to talk to Natani, after all.

"Zen?"

"Hm?"

"Since you miss Keith... the ear thing... I... wouldn't mind."

Zen's heart nearly burst, but he kept his voice even as he reached for Maddie's ears. "That's very thoughtful of you." He touched her, gentle as could be, stroking along the length of her ears. Softly, softly...

Maddie sighed. "I'm still not a baby."

Zen smiled. "I know." But he didn't change anything. Maddie sighed again, but the tone was more wistful. Zen kept it up, listening to her breathing grow calmer. He shifted a little to make himself more comfortable, and Maddie nuzzled into his chest, rubbing against him for a moment before settling down again. Zen could feel her relaxing against him, then feel the change as she slowly slipped away to sleep.

Still he kept stroking her ears.

Rain started pattering on the roof, the sound joining their breathing and the almost inaudible little noises Maddie made in her sleep.

He'd always liked the sound of rain on the roof, and now he would like it even more.

After a time, he could feel a deep rumble starting within Maddie.

She was purring.

Zen held her like she was the most precious thing in the world, because she was.

**

Outside, the last lines were tied, making the ship secure.

Far away, yet nearer than ever, Zen was sleeping, lightly, dreaming of guarding a treasure.

Natani found himself smiling. Good on them.

He opened his eyes and looked at Keith, sitting by him on the bed. Natani gave the basitin's hand a squeeze. "Let's go."

Keith got up, letting go of Natani's hand and taking a moment to adjust his clothing, and how his sword hung at his hip. The weight was not quite what he was used to. His outfit was as basic as the blade, unremarkable except for the insignia denoting his rank. No ostentions ambassadorial garb, not for the island. Nobody here would be impressed. And no armor, though he was dressed to fight. The only hindrance to speed was the brown cloak on his shoulders, and that could be shed in a hurry. At his best, he was too fast for Natani, and as he stood there, he looked at his best. The only thing ruining the prim and proper basitin look was the soft smile directed at him.

Natani returned the smile and stood, patting himself down one more time to make sure he had everything. He nodded at Keith, and the basitin opened the door, leading the way. In the corridor they met Evals and Mike, coming the other way, the smaller fox leading the very willing dog by the hand. Natani smiled at them both, recognizing what they were about, and, for a wonder, even Evals returned the smile. He exchanged nods with the dog, and as they passed each other he felt a strange sense of camaraderie. Had something changed, or was it just his own mood? Keith's gaze lingered on the passing couple, a smile playing at his lips. Natani caught his eye, and they shared a moment of understanding, silently wishing good on all the lovers of the world.

Just before they reached the deck, Natani reached out and put his hand on Keith's shoulder. The basitin stopped, turning to look at him.

Natani smiled. "You know how we agreed we'd behave while we're here?"

"Yeah?"

He stroked along Keith's muzzle with a finger, bringing it under the basitin's chin to tilt his head up for a kiss.

Tender.

Lingering.

Natani smiled again, letting all the love shine through. "I'm going to be on you every chance I get."

Keith was blushing a little, his ears raised. "The law..."

"I know."

Keith nodded slowly, a little wary, wavering between concern and trust. Trust won, and he let out a long exhalation, returning Natani's smile. "Natani..." Keith got up on tiptoes to press his muzzle against Natani's cheek, and a warm shiver passed through the wolf as the basitin gave him a lick. "Thank you." Keith held the contact for another moment, then lowered himself. He was looking up at Natani, but he stood tall. "Let's do this thing."

On the deck, the city rose up before them, climbing and dipping and winding its way up to the walls of the castle, and the towers rising up beyond. And much higher still, on the side of the mountain, the King's Keep gleamed in the evening sun. The gulls and other sea birds were making a racket, hounding the fishing boats coming in, and on the air was more than just the endless scents of salt and sea--earth and stone, smoke and food, countless people living their lives.

Natani looked at Keith, trying to gauge his expression. "Home?"

A wistful smile. "No. Just a place where I used to live. Though..." Keith looked at him, and the wistfulness went away. "Yes, because you're here."

In normal circumstances, that would have drawn at least a kiss. But not far off, at the head of the gangplank, Kat was talking with an officious-looking basitin--probably the harbormaster--and even if Natani maneuvered Keith to hide them behind the mast, they would probably still have eyes on them, from another boat or the shore. They were in public.

So instead, Natani made to fix Keith's cloak, which was absolutely fine to begin with, and surreptitiously stroked the basitin's cheek with his thumb. And by Keith's expression, it did the trick.

Keith touched the clasp of his cloak. "Thank you."

But his real response was in how he tilted his ears, just a bit, as he looked at Natani.

When the big gestures are off the table, the small ones grow to fill their place.

Keith looked at him for a moment longer before turning and approaching the gangplank. "Captain."

At Keith's interruption, the basitin official assumed a waiting position, expressive as a stone. Kat turned to look at Keith, amused at the formal tone. "Ah, Ambassador. Going ashore?"

Keith smiled. "As wonderful as your ship is, duty calls. But we'll be back. Zen is staying behind, and so are our belongings."

"I'll be sure to take good care of them."

"Please do."

Seizing the opening in the discussion, the presumed harbormaster cleared his throat. "General. The King's messenger is waiting for you."

He nodded to the pier, where a single basitin stood facing the foot of the gangplank, donned in the garb of a messenger, ears hanging low under his cap. If he was looking back at them, it wasn't obvious.

Keith's voice was neutral. "Then we'd best be off."

He shook hands with Kat, then went on to exchange nods with the basitin before moving on. Natani followed smoothly, first shaking Kat's hand--he would have rather hugged her, and the feeling was clearly mutual, so the weirdness of it became something fun--then nodding at the basitin and wishing him a good evening. In Basitin. The man's response came a second or two late, after Natani was already past, so he looked back and waved in acknowledgement. The basitin looked genuinely surprised.

When they were midway down the gangplank, Natani spoke to Keith under his breath. "That was the right phrase, right?"

"Yeah. A little friendly, but I think that's what you meant."

"Yeah."

They stepped on the dock--wood, but very solid--and the world stopped moving with the waves, jarring after so long on the sea. They took a moment to adjust. Theirs was the only ship moored here, and on the dock itself there was only the solitary messenger, but on land, some ways off, there was a small crowd. Some seemed like they were just going about their business, perhaps heading home near the end of the day, but others were clearly looking their way. Natani saw Keith take them in, and, with a sigh, adjust his sword on his hip before approaching the Messenger.

The Messenger was waiting politely, his hands folded before him, never quite looking up at them, radiating polite deference. So very unlike himself. Nickolai Alaric, hiding in plain sight. If Natani hadn't already known, his eyes might not have told him.

Keith betrayed little, and nothing to anyone who didn't know him intimately. "Messenger."

Alaric bowed. "General. I am Nickolai, messenger to the King. She requests your and your partners' presence. Today if convenient, first thing tomorrow if not."

"You share a name with the previous Master General."

"Yes. The King finds that quite amusing. Some have even said that we look alike, though I have never been able to see it myself."

Keith pretended to consider. "Well, he had the scar... but when he was younger, perhaps." He scrutinized Alaric for a moment longer. "Of course, one does not inquire about the lineage of a messenger."

Alaric bowed again. "Of course. Especially when one thinks one already knows."

Keith grimaced, then glanced at Natani, rueful. "I guess I had that coming."

Natani grinned. "Yeah, you did." And to Alaric, in Basitin. "Please do not mind my idiot husband."

Alaric looked at him, and Natani thought he saw a flash of genuine amusement, though it was quickly buried under the more obsequious sort. "Master Natani, I assume? I did not realize you spoke our language."

"Only a little, I'm afraid."

"Your pronounciation is quite good."

"Thank you."

Natani liked Basitin a lot more than he liked Human, but the language was completely unnecessary on the mainland. Hells, it wasn't even all that necessary on the island, since the average basitin knew the other languages well enough to get on. And of course, there was no such thing as a basitin book on magic.

So it wasn't the most useful of languages.

But it had been more than worth it, to be able to whisper 'I love you' to Keith in his mother tongue. And it had sort of... gone from there.

Keith was looking at him, and Natani could tell he was torn between being called an idiot, and a husband. "I'm not sure how to feel about you knowing that particular expression."

Natani grinned. "I asked Maddie to teach me anything she thought might come in handy."

Keith sighed. "Ah. Of course."

"You have a very good subordinate, husband dearest."

Keith's ears quivered. "... yes, I do."

Alaric cleared his throat. "Will you be answering the summons now?"

Keith rallied. "Ah, yes."

"And Master Zen?"

"He is... indisposed at the moment."

"Very well. If you have everything you need...?" An almost imperceptible glance at Natani's neck, where a mana necklace might have hung. But Natani's crystals were all secreted away in his vest, and the small leather pouch hung tight against the base of his tail under his clothes.

Alaric would have appreciated that.

"We do." Keith looked at the crowd milling about on land. It had gotten larger.

"Well then, if you will lead..."

Keith did, and Alaric and Natani fell in. When they started moving, there was a change in the crowd, some basitins rising to heightened attention, others falling back. Most proved to be spectators or hangers-on, but Natani still counted over a dozen who were now intently watching Keith, forming a loose semi-circle around the foot of the dock.

Prospective challengers. At least Ariana wasn't there. In fact, Natani saw nobody he recognized, either in the challengers or in the crowd.

Keith reached the end of the dock, then took a few more steps before coming to a stop, looking the challengers-to-be over, giving off his best air of I-don't-have-time-for-this-bullshit. The assembled combatants cast glances at each other, some clearly deferring, until only three still looked like they wanted to go first. A few more moments, and two of them grudgingly turned aside, leaving just the one. A sergeant, by his insignia, and maybe a decade older than Keith. He was half a head taller, too, and had a strong build. Heavy armor, worn with use, well cared for.

Just when it seemed decided, the Sergeant looked away for a moment, to somewhere in the crowd. Natani couldn't follow his gaze, but he soon turned back, stepping forward to face Keith.

"Keith Keiser!"

The language was formal, and went over Natani's head, but he recognized the set phrase 'strength befitting a general.' Coupled with the fact the the man hadn't given Keith his title... it was as Keith had expected. They didn't want his position; they wanted him to prove he was fit to hold it.

The full qualifications for the position of Ambassador General were rather complicated, and while fighting strength didn't quite directly figure into them--same as with the Intelligence General--strength also wasn't explicitly excluded from the requirements. And unlike the Intelligence General, the Ambassador represented their people to the world. Strength mattered to these people, and they had never seen Keith fight.

Keith would have been the first to agree that he hadn't deserved the position, for that reason and more. But that was then. Keith responded to the challenge, in what seemed to Natani less than polite terms. The Sergeant hunkered a little, though whether as a reaction or just to take his stance, Natani could not say. Keith drew first, but did not assume his position, instead turning his head to look at Natani.

It would have been nice if he'd been wrong about needing to fight.

Natani nodded to Keith, then moved aside with Alaric, leaving the duelists their customary ten paces. He sat down on the edge of a bollard to watch, keeping his back to the sea. The crowd was calm, with none of the rowdiness or hooting one might have expected from keidran or humans. Some chatted amongst themselves quietly, but all had their eyes on the combatants. As far as Natani could tell, nobody spared as much as a glance at him.

The Sergeant had drawn his weapon, electing to go with a single sword to match Keith, though he'd had options. Keith still hadn't taken a combat stance, not offering even that measure of respect, instead standing at ease, his sword pointing out to the side, looking at the man with clear disdain. Everything about him said that he held the challenge beneath contempt.

Natani sighed quietly to himself.

The Sergeant approached slowly, unfazed. He raised his sword, and as he made range, in what could only be a provocation of his own, he opened with the most basic thrust in all of Basitin Standard. Testing a new pupil. With a flash of grim amusement, Keith parried, then skipped ahead a few years in the curriculum and went from there, taking the offensive. The Sergeant acquited himself well, meeting every attack correctly, but Keith gave him no room to reverse the flow.

Natani let himself relax, and took a moment to scan the audience. The mood had shifted a bit, and there were some nods of appreciation.

Keith kept speeding up as he worked his way through the forms. By the time he was approaching mastery, the Sergeant was struggling to keep up. Keith went faster again, now leaving clear holes in his tempo, creating opening after opening that he could have used but did not. Provoking the man. Natani wasn't sure what he was working towards; the Sergeant's armor was formidable, but his helmet left his chin uncovered, so Natani kept expecting Keith to take his speed advantage and go in for a punch. One solid uppercut ought to do it, and it seemed like the cleanest way to end it without risking serious injury. But Keith just kept pushing, and finally the man took the bait, going for a big swing, all finesse forgotten, trusting in his strength and his armor.

Keith caught the swing with his sword, not giving an inch, and Natani could feel the steel strain through the web of the enchantment holding the blade together. They went crossguard to crossguard, and Keith dug his feet in, stopping his opponent's charge, then pushing him back a step. Another. The Sergeant rallied, not willing to lose on pure brawn, and pushed back with all his might--

Ah.

Keith let him come, then pushed his sword aside to get inside his guard, dipping down to get under him... and lifted, threw the man, with all his strength, lofting him clear into the harbor. As the Sergeant briefly hung in the air, Natani caught the look of unalloyed admiration on his face and thought he might rather like the man after all.

The Sergeant landed in the sea with a massive crash.

Keith stepped closer to the edge of the dock and stood there, face expressionless, eyes cold, gripping the hilt of his sword. But Natani knew that he was thinking about whether he needed to jump in after the guy, and how that would rather ruin the scene.

Thankfully, the Sergeant seemed to be a hell of a swimmer. After a moment, Natani saw Keith's hand relax, just a smidge.

The crowd was still silent. The duel was over, but not concluded. Natani looked at them, then at Keith. Somewhere behind him, the Sergeant broke the surface with a massive gasp.

Natani turned to Alaric, and spoke quietly. "You strike me as someone who's knowledgeable about the law. There's something I've been wondering about..."

A few minutes later, the Sergeant hauled himself up the side of the pier, still in his full armor, water streaming off of him. As soon as he got on level ground, he collapsed, panting raggedly. Still, it only took him a few moments to gather himself enough to force himself up on one knee, and remove his helmet. There was a fish in it. He didn't look up, so it was probably only Natani and Alaric who were close enough to see Keith's expression soften. For a moment.

The Sergeant tried to speak, went into a coughing fit, then tried again. "General."

Keith looked at him for a moment, then sheathed his sword. His expression thawed. "Sergeant. Someone else might have left the armor."

The Sergeant struggled to his feet, and Natani was rather impressed that he managed to stand at attention. "It's my father's armor, sir. Sooner let the fish have me."

Keith looked at him for a long moment. "Your strength honors him."

Natani was probably the only one who understood just how far that was from what Keith wanted to say.

"Thank you, sir."

Keith gave him a nod, and with that, it was done. The Sergeant, at ease, half-collapsed against the nearest bollard just as Natani got off the one he'd been leaning against. The other challengers had clearly lost interest, and while the crowd wasn't yet dispersing, some of its attention had turned inward. All eyes weren't on Keith anymore.

It was now or never.

Natani walked up to Keith, and put his hand on the basitin's shoulder. Keith just had time to realize what he was about to do as Natani repeated his gesture from the ship, stroking along Keith's muzzle to cup his chin and tilt his head up for a kiss.

Keith tensed, but Natani offered reassurance, and after a breathless moment Keith took it, letting himself be eased into the kiss. Natani used the opportunity to let his magic course through the basitin, looking for hurts to heal. He found none. Keith recognized the sensation and smiled, and Natani let that break the kiss. Murmuring from the crowd was starting to reach him, and, legal or not, he wasn't sure how far to push it.

Natani looked Keith in the eyes, but spoke loudly enough to be heard a ways off. "The kiss of victory."

Keith caught on, but his answer was quieter. "That's usually..."

Just a whisper, now. "I know."

Natani very deliberately didn't look at the crowd, though he kept all his senses peeled in case of trouble.

None seemed to be coming.

A demure clearing of a throat drew their attention to the Sergeant, who'd had a front-row seat from his bollard. The man was blushing. "I fear I was too modest an opponent for such a reward."

Natani smiled at him. "Oh, but that was a very modest kiss."

The blush reached all the way to his ears. "Ah, if you say so, sir."

Sir, even! Natani's position in the basitin hierarchy was a very nebulous thing, and doubtless this was just a reflection of the man's new esteem for Keith. But still... "Have you ever considered a tour at Wreathwood?"

"I... can't imagine the General would want me, sir."

Keith looked at Natani, then at the Sergeant. None of the Slighted General remained; this was the real Keith, now. "I... would, actually. You might be just the man we need to hold the kitchen."

"The... kitchen, sir?"

"The tactical situation gets pretty complicated around lunch." Keith smiled at the man's bafflement. "Wreathwood is a pretty unique posting. But... I think you might have what it takes, one way or another."

As the Sergeant was mulling that over, Natani shifted his footing to get a glance at the crowd. He was expecting to see residual awkwardness or disapproval, but the gathered basitins were all business again. Another challenger had stepped forward, and was waiting for Keith to finish with the Sergeant. A lieutenant, this time. Perhaps in his late thirties.

He was holding two spears.

Natani kept his tone neutral. "Can I take the next one?"

"Huh?" Keith turned to Natani, then saw the man.

Natani grinned. "I kinda wanna see which of us can throw farther."

Keith looked at Natani, and Natani could tell that the basitin saw straight through him, and how much the gesture meant to him. Keith still didn't miss a beat, but Natani could hear the love in his voice. "That's hardly fair. He isn't wearing heavy armor."

"He's a lieutenant, though. I figure it balances out."

"Well, maybe..." Keith looked at the Sergeant. "How strong is he?"

"In the Twenty, sir. Near the Ten."

Keith nodded, then looked again at the challenger. "Sorry, Natani. I think I should take this one."

"You just want another kiss."

Keith looked at him, and there was the love again. "I... do, actually."

Natani smiled. "So go kick his ass."

Keith returned the smile, and held it for a moment longer before growing serious again. He unfastened his cloak and handed it to Natani, then turned to meet the challenger. Natani folded the cloak in his arms, and watched Keith saunter forth, one hand resting on the pommel of his sword. This was the good-humored General, deigning to go along with a challenge.

Before the Lieutenant launched into his spiel, Keith pre-empted him. "So I suppose you want to see how I'm with a spear, now?"

"Yes, sir."

Well, at least he said 'sir'.

"In the Twenty, are you?"

"Yes, sir."

Keith scratched at his chin. "Well then, how about we make this a bit more even. Your spear against my sword."

The crowd went quiet. That handicap, to someone of the Lieutenant's strength, was bordering on an insult.

But of course, Keith was a general.

"Sir, I--"

"Or perhaps I should go unarmed?"

Good-humored, but with a layer of steel underneath.

The man looked at Keith, his face inscrutable, at least to Natani. "Very well, sir. My spear against your sword."

Keith nodded, and took a few more steps away from the water, the crowd shuffling around as he shifted their arena. Natani backed up to the water's edge, next to the Sergeant. The man made to vacate his seat on the bollard, but Natani shook his head and he settled back down. On Natani's other side was Alaric, an image of stolid patience, waiting with his arms folded. Nobody else was close enough to hear.

"So, is this who you looked at before you fought?"

"Ah, yes, sir."

The Sergeant didn't seem too startled. Natani nodded to himself. "Because it would be a bigger embarrassment to lose to a sergeant?"

"I... couldn't say, sir."

A few other possibilities came to mind. It could have been to try and wear Keith down a bit, or just to see how he'd react. Or even to better establish his strength. Losing to a high-ranked lieutenant might not even really be a problem...

At any rate, this was starting to feel like something someone had put thought into. Alaric would probably have a good idea who and why... and of course, it was possible he was the one behind it. He would certainly have an interest in who Keith fought. But... spears? Would Alaric do that?

Perhaps he would. Natani didn't look at him. There was no way to couch this as a legal question, and at any rate, Keith was about to fight. How strong was a top twenty lieutenant? The only trick they'd prepared was that broken old sword, held together with magic, that Natani could break at will. Time it right, and it would let Keith force the fight to continue unarmed. But they had only agreed on signals for an even fight, sword against sword, and none of them would really work if the opponent had a spear.

Keith had better know what he was doing.

The combatants had found their spacing, facing each other along the pier. The crowd formed something like a three-quarter circle around them, with Natani and his two companions at the center of the gap. He didn't know if that meant anything more than people being unwilling to stand where 'getting out of the way' meant 'going for a swim', but it worked for him.

All eyes were on the duelists. The Lieutenant was at the ready.

Keith drew; no flourish, but his sword caught the sun anyway. He took his stance, and two heartbeats later the Lieutenant lunged, driving a thrust at Keith's upper body. Keith deflected it, metal ringing on metal, and stepped in on the Lieutenant's backhand side. The man adjusted immediately, leaving no opening, and they were off, a fierce dance of sword and spear. The Lieutenant pushed hard, using every advantage of his reach, but Keith answered with his sword and his speed, forms meeting forms, weaving a defense that held the assault at bay. Natani could see Keith settling in, getting into the man's tempo, and released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The Lieutenant was strong--the strongest he'd ever seen with a spear--but he didn't have an edge.

Keith had gotten the Lieutenant's measure, and was adjusting to fighting him, his movements getting smaller and more precise as he honed his understanding of his opponent. It was the dirty secret of Basitin Standard that, despite the ideal, there were no Standard Basitins to practice it, and so at the higher levels things started becoming more fluid, based on the idiosyncracies of the individuals. And so, while a sword doesn't beat a spear as a rule, a specific sword may yet beat a specific spear in specific circumstances. Natani could see Keith trying, pushing his knowledge, searching for a sequence that ended in victory. But while he got advantage a few times, the opponent was too skilled, too aware of his own scant weaknesses, for Keith to overcome the weapon disadvantage. He could push the forms to make what should be a loss into a draw, but no farther.

But Basitin Standard wasn't all Keith had. Natani saw him smile, and knew it was about to end. Keith pushed his next advantage hard, to within half a step of victory, then farther, overextending--and as his opponent tried to punish, for just a moment, Keith went beyond the forms.

The shaft of the Lieutenant's spear hit the ground with a reverberating crack, then bounced back to clatter, the tip pinned down by Keith's foot. The Lieutenant crouched over his weapon, pulled down before he let go, Keith's sword at his throat.

Keith held the pose for a moment, then withdrew his sword, sheathing it in the same motion. He stepped off his opponent's spear. "Good fight, Lieutenant."

The man bowed his head. "General."

Still there was no cheering, but that was simply the basitin way. Natani scanned the crowd, and could not find a single pair of ears that didn't look impressed. General Keiser had just become real. Many, especially among those in uniform, were saluting. Keith was looking at the crowd as well, returning nods, acknowledging the salutes, putting people at ease. Still the general, but mellowing into himself. The Lieutenant picked up his weapon and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Keith alone at the center of attention.

Natani had been ready to go out there and give him that kiss, but now he hesitated. He knew what it was like to get the people behind you. And this was more than that. For Keith, this was like the homecoming he'd once dreamed of. That he might have had, if not for Templar plots and Alabaster's mad hatred.

Respect. Admiration. Recognition.

And if Natani went out there, that would change.

Should he really do that, when he could just wait until they were more private?

Keith turned to look at him, and Natani had his answer. He handed Keith's cloak to Alaric and started forward, setting his misgivings aside. Steady. Confident. If you're going to do a thing, you might as well do it right. The crowd's attention was drawn to him, and while he kept his eyes on Keith he could still pick out some looks of alarm, and of embarrassed expectation. The murmuring started before he even got to Keith. When he did, he could feel that all the eyes were either on them, or deliberately averted.

But he didn't pay it any mind. He just kissed his husband, as one does. And he had no intention of cutting it short this time. As long as he didn't break contact, it counted as a single kiss...

Keith was expecting it, this time, so there was no tension to overcome, but Natani soothed him anyway, just in case he was more nervous than he was showing. Keith's answer was gratitude, for the worry, and mischief, to say it was needless. Natani piled on the love in response. Keith made a small sound, and put his hand on Natani's chest, not to push him away, but to ask for more. Natani gave it, and again looked for injuries. There was nothing significant, but Keith had pushed himself, and Natani eased some of the strain, yielding more gratitude.

He wasn't so lost in the kiss that he'd forgotten his surroundings; he was just pretending he had. The murmuring had died down, but now he could hear steps approaching from behind. Probably Alaric, rather than the Sergeant. The steps stopped, and a throat was cleared. Very primly.

Natani waited for the second throat clear, then started to break the kiss, withdrawing slowly. For a brief moment, Keith drew on tiptoes after him, leaning against his chest, lingering.

Muzzle fell away from muzzle.

Natani cleared his throat. "The kiss of victory."

Keith let out a breath and opened his eyes, and it was pure Keith. No facade at all. Natani's heart caught at the sight. This wasn't really a time for Keith to be showing softness, and he didn't have to. Natani hadn't kissed him that thoroughly. No, this was for Natani's benefit, and the message was very clear. Anything this cost him wasn't worth having.

Natani nodded, and felt Keith give his chest one more brief press, right above the heart, before letting his arm drop.

"Your cloak, General."

Alaric was offering up the garment, poker-faced as ever, but Natani noted with some amusement that his hat was a little askew.

"Thank you."

Natani looked around for other reactions. The crowd had thinned a little, and he could see people moving away, but all around them was a sea of awkward and embbarrassed ears. They'd had quite an audience all the way to the end. He didn't find anyone he'd say looked approving, exactly, but it was far from the most hostile crowd he'd faced. Most were just uncomfortable and embarrassed, and Natani smiled at them, neither apologizing nor mocking. The ones that were purely flustered, like the Sergeant--again!--he blessed silently in his heart, as he did the rare few who looked thoughtful. Though perhaps they were just the scheming types, too busy for outrage. And then there were the angry ones; some near smoldering, some hard-faced and cold, men and women who had seen What Should Not Be. Natani nodded at them as he found them.

Yes, I see you.

No, I don't care.

He looked for the Lieutenant as well, but could not find him. People were starting to peel off in numbers now, as it became increasingly clear that there was nothing more left to see.

At the last, he looked back to Keith, still by his side, wearing his cloak again. They exchanged smiles. No regrets.

"Shall we?"

"Let's."

As they set off, Natani wondered briefly if linking arms would have been okay. He couldn't think of a specific prohibition to it... but it wasn't something they normally did, anyway, and he preferred to have both of his hands free. It had been a while now since anyone had tried to kill him in a crowd, but some habits die hard. Though, in a city with few or no mages, there wasn't much need to be alert.

And basitins weren't exactly known for shanking people, anyway.

He did draw eyes as they moved through the crowds, but it would have been odd not to, being a head taller than almost everyone else. And a different race. Mostly they paid him no mind, or quickly dismissed him. Some looked back after finding Keith by his side. A few blushed, and he grinned at them, friendly. After a while Keith got tired of the reactions the Ambassador General was getting, and hid his insignia. Quickly, nobody paid them much mind at all. People would notice Natani, see that he was with a basitin and a messenger, and their eyes would slide right off again. Natani was startled to realize that none of them recognized him. He was in a city full of people that had no idea who he was.

He rather liked that.

They were passing through a market square--some of the vendors were already packing it in, but it was still pretty busy--when one particular stall caught Natani's eye. Ice cream on a stick. One of the three great basitin inventions. He pulled Keith up short, and pointed.

Keith laughed. "One does not usually stop for ice cream when answering a summons."

Natani stuck his tongue out. "Who said anything about stopping? We can eat while we walk."

"Fine, fine. But I'm good."

They were at the stall now. "You sure?"

Keith nodded, so Natani just bought one for himself. He smiled at the vendor's surprise as he collected his change and the ice cream bar. People really didn't expect him to speak any basitin.

"Oh, this is really good."

Keith, already starting to move away, turned back with an amused look. "Oh?"

Natani took another lick. "Yeah, even better than in Wreathwood." He smiled, extending the bar towards Keith. "See for yourself."

Keith did, biting off a bit of the tip. "Oh, you're right." He licked his lips. "Maybe I'll get one after all."

Keith chatted up the now rather flustered vendor, and Natani's eyes went to Alaric. He was still deadpan, but he was looking at the ice cream in Natani's hand. "Oh, do you want one too?" Natani grinned. "A bar, I mean. Not a taste."

"One does not usually offer a messenger food."

"Well, this one does. Least we can do for your having to put up with our nonsense."

To Natani's considerable amusement, it looked like he had Alaric--or at least this persona of him--speechless.

He got an even better idea. "Actually, does the King like ice cream?"

"I... believe she does, yes?"

"It's settled, then."

As soon as Keith had his bar, Natani went again, this time buying two and giving the vendor a tip for the hassle. Natani handed one to Alaric, who reluctantly took it, then wrapped the other in a tight shell of air. That would let it keep its own temperature. He probably looked insane pocketing some ice cream, but ah well.

They started walking again. Keith took a small bite of his ice cream, then looked at Natani from the corner of his eye. "Mmm... yours was better."

"Oh? Wanna switch?"

They did, and Alaric muttered something under his breath.

"What was that?"

"I was just saying that it is quite a lot of nonsense, sir."

Natani just grinned, and Alaric took a very restrained lick of his ice cream. Somehow, he'd managed to make even that prim. Natani shook his head, then glanced back. It looked like the vendor might do quite a bit of business from people coming by to see what that all had been about.

The ice cream really did taste a little different; that part hadn't been a ruse. And watching Keith's expression as he ate his, Natani remembered how he'd seemed a little disappointed that first time they'd had some in Wreathwood. Natani smiled to himself, watching Keith reclaim a bit of his youth. Memory was a funny thing.

Even after all that was left of their ice creams was the stick that Natani was chewing on, there was still a change in Keith; in how he walked, how his eyes lingered on some of the buildings they passed, in the tilt of his ears... When they came to one particular crossroads, a smaller street branching off the thoroughfare they were on, Keith slowly came to a stop.

He spoke softly, looking down the street. "There's a park, not far from here. I used to play there, a long time ago. With a friend."

"Wanna go check it out?"

He shook his head. "We don't have the time."

They started moving again. "Tomorrow? I'm sure Zen would like to see it, too."

Keith looked at him, another one of those silent I-love-you's he was so good at. "You want to go sightseeing?"

"Yeah. Anything you want to show me." Natani grinned. "Maybe some of the stuff you don't." He let the grin fade. "And... the graveyard. I want to pay my respects to your parents."

Keith stopped dead in his tracks. "Natani..."

"Yeah."

He knew.

It wasn't a joke to him that they were married.

Even if they rarely took it seriously.

Keith's voice was quiet. "Zen too?"

"Of course."

Keith's smile was a wavering thing as he reached out to touch Natani's cheek. "You keep finding ways."

The whole display must have been quite indecent, but Alaric didn't even hem.

Keith's smile solidified into incredulous amusement. "What are my parents going to think?"

Natani grinned. "Wouldn't your mom be all for it? And what's your dad got to complain about, exactly?" He stuck his tongue out. "You outdoing him?"

Keith laughed, and they started moving again. The streets were mostly empty now, people having either made it home, or gotten past them heading outward.

It wasn't a bad looking city at all, and Keith's expression made it beautiful. Natani cleared his throat. "You know, I wouldn't mind spending some time here. Really get to know the place."

Keith looked at him, but didn't say anything. The slightly sad smile was enough.

Natani's smile wasn't sad at all. "The reception could have been a lot worse, you know. And I'm not saying I want to live here... though who knows, maybe that'd be worth a shot."

They were Keith's people, after all. And if flirting in public meant sitting with your ankles a little too close together... well, that was just charming, in a way. If they could make a place for themselves here, then maybe...

"Are you imagining you and me and Zen strolling throught the streets, arm in arm?"

"Well, you'd need one hand free for the ice cream, obviously."

Keith laughed again, and shook his head. "I was just thinking how I feel like having some of the Wreathwood stuff now, actually."

"So, what, you think you might be able to squeak by with one keidran husband, but two is just too much?" Natani grinned. "I think that might be just the thing, really, to push it over the edge and make people throw up their hands."

A quirky smile. "I can kinda see that, actually. But..."

Keith trailed off, and Natani let him think. He had that expression that said he knew how he felt, but wasn't sure why.

A few blocks later, Keith continued. "Even if that's true... even if we could get away with that, because I'm the Ambassador General, and we can both throw people in the harbor--"

"And Zen is charming."

Keith smiled. "--and Zen is charming, is that okay? Take that sergeant back there. Say he wants a keidran beau of his own--"

"Picked up on that, huh?"

"I'm not saying he does. But if he did, am I going to say to him, 'Become the Ambassador General'? Or am I going to say 'Come to Wreathwood'?--"

"Which you pretty much did."

"--which I pretty much did, yes." Keith sighed, but it was all theatrics. "Would you stop interrupting?"

Natani stuck his tongue out in response, complete with the thoroughly chewed ice cream stick.

"The point is, the answer can't be 'Be strong enough to beat others', because then, what happens to the others? And if the answer is Wreathwood for him... then it has to be Wreathwood for me, as well."

Natani nodded slowly. When he put it that way... maybe this never would be home for Keith again. Natani wouldn't have gone back to the wolves either, under the old ways. Still wouldn't, even if for rather different reasons. And did he miss it? No.

But something told him that this mattered. And while this was where Keith had been a child... maybe they weren't his only people. His mother had been a Western basitin. Maybe Keith had grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...

Maybe there was a place for him where those objections didn't hold. And if so...

A familiar building caught Natani's eye. "Is that the bathhouse from back then?"

"Ah... yeah."

Natani grinned. "You can add that to the places I want to visit."

Keith glanced at him sideways, his look full of quiet glee. "You want another bath? Already?"

Natani couldn't even scoff; he'd walked right into that one. And as his mind flashed back to Keith gently brushing his fur...

Maybe... maybe he really did.

Natani gave Keith her best smile. Let him wonder.

Keith nearly tripped over his feet, and Natani laughed. "Can we actually go in together?"

"I'm... not actually sure. That's a question for the legal scholars."

Alaric cleared his throat. "I have been briefed on the situation. You indeed could. Though if I may say so, sir, a private bath might be advisable. Especially if there is a chance that you might not... behave. And of course, you need not depend on a public bathhouse. Accommodations have been prepared for you at the castle."

A smile flickered on Keith's face, then faded. "Speaking of getting away with things..." He looked back at the bathhouse. "If you were a woman, basitin or otherwise, I wouldn't be able to go in there with you. We wouldn't even be able to live together." He smiled his sad little smile again, and looked at Natani. "So where does that leave almost everyone?"

Natani looked back down the street, and over the sea of roofs stretching toward the harbor.

He scratched at his chin.

"We might need a bigger city."

Keith laughed, and Natani loved that he did.

They started walking again, and Natani wondered if there was anything to the joke. There weren't really any basitins who lived in Wreathwood, at least officially. Was there any way to change that?

Keith smiled at him. "I know that look. Very few people would come. Maybe none."

"Why is that?"

"Because it would mean failing at being a basitin."

"And why is that?"

Keith looked toward the castle, not far now. "I'm still trying to figure that one out."

They walked the next while in silence. As the walls grew ever closer, Keith revealed his insignia again. Natani noticed his hand going to his sword a few times, adjusting how it hung at his hip.

When they came at last to the bridge connecting to the castle, Keith breathed a sigh of relief. "I was half-expecting someone to be waiting to challenge me here."

Ah. It was the middle bridge of the three. The same one Keith and Alaric had fought on. But there was nobody on it.

They started across, and Alaric spoke quietly, breaking character for the first time. "Ariana was thinking about it, but she's gone to the front. You should expect it when she returns."

Keith shook his head, not that they hadn't been expecting it. "Is she still looking for scars?"

"Alas, yes."

Basitins.

Alaric almost smiled. "That Lieutenant was one of hers, and what you did to him isn't going to make her any less interested in fighting you."

"Hers?"

"So to speak. She's officially the Arms General's First Lieutenant now, but widely considered strong enough to challenge. Including by the Arms General."

Keith nodded, as if that made sense. Ariana not challenging someone strong?

Natani raised his eyebrows. "So why doesn't she?"

They were nearing the castle gate, and it was Keith that answered. "Because her father is still the Master General. It's not quite law that a parent and child can't hold two of the seats, but... there's bad precedent."

Natani grinned. "So I guess you don't have to worry about her taking your position, even if she kicks your ass again."

Keith laughed. "Probably not. I doubt she wants to be anything other than Arms, anyway. Maybe Master."

They passed the guards, Natani trying out his Basitin again for a cheerful 'good evening', and entered the castle. Alaric took the lead, making a beeline through the yard and into a doorway. Natani had no memory of the layout; perhaps he'd never passed through these parts. A few turns along a corridor brought them to another door, opening into a grand hall. But it was empty, and they passed straight through, emerging into a covered walkway that periodically opened onto courtyards on both sides. Curiously, Keith seemed to be darting glances at each as they passed...

Keith froze, just for a heartbeat, and Natani followed his gaze.

Was that...?

With a huge grin, Natani strode into the courtyard. A beat later, he could hear the basitins trailing after him. At the very center of the open space, on a plinth, stood a statue of Keith, standing tall, one hand resting on the pommel of his sword as if it were a cane. The statue was naked--well, except for the ankles, which were exquisitely wrapped--and exceedingly anatomically correct.

Natani rounded on Keith, tail wagging, so full of mirth that he didn't even have a line; he just gestured at the statue as if he was presenting treasure. Keith was scratching at the back of his head, a radiant blush on his face as his eyes kept darting to the statue, but he managed a wavering smile at Natani's reaction.

Alaric interjected, still stonefaced, but with just a hint of a gleam in his eyes. "Ah, yes. A piece by the late General Alaric. I believe it is titled 'Standing Proud'."

Natani let out a long breath. "Well."

Keith cleared his throat. "Well."

Alaric went on. "There were some concerns, but as it was the only piece of statuary available of our new Ambassador General, the decision was eventually made to erect it here to commemorate his rise."

His rise. Natani could barely breathe for joy. "It's certainly a... monumental erection."

"Yes, sir. It's proven quite popular with the youths. I understand there's a custom of rubbing it for good luck."

It was taking everything Natani had not to laugh until he cried. His own voice sounded distant to him. "That would explain the shininess."

Alaric had apparently exhausted his fun facts for the moment, and Natani could only admire his poker face. Keith looked to be dying. Natani took a moment to compose himself, looking up at the darkening sky, taking in the unfamiliar fragnances in the air, unusually aware of everything, even of how solid the stone felt beneath his feet.

There was such beauty in the world.

He looked back at the statue, and let out a long breath. He spoke the words very precisely. "The penis is immaculately sculpted."

Keith groaned, and sunk into a squat.

"It's funny you should say that, sir. Apparently it was touched up some time ago, in the middle of the night. Quite mysterious."

What a world. There was that breathlessness again. "Well, it certainly wasn't touched down."

"It caused quite a stir."

Natani let out a happy little sigh. "It always does."

There was a whimpering sound from Keith.

"Yes, sir."

But for Alaric to have have gone that far... "Any idea who did it?"

"I believe the general assumption is that it was the dragon."

Of course. "Ah. Yes. Knowing Lady Nora..."

"Yes, sir."

"Is she around?"

"She has not been seen in a few weeks. It is thought that she has flown to the mainland."

But has she? If she took an interest, she could be a huge help... or a huge hindrance, and it was anybody's guess which it would be. It was a sobering enough thought that Natani was finally able to move past the magnificence of the statue.

At least for the moment. He grinned at Keith. "We should have lunch here sometime. See it under the daylight. I'm sure it casts an interesting shadow."

Keith looked up at him, his expression his own special blend of good-humored and long-suffering. Natani let propriety slip, trailing his fingers along one of his ears in a caress.

I love you.

Keith sighed. "Sure. Why not. I don't see how that could possibly be a bad idea."

Alaric sounded cheerful. "It's actually quite the popular spot. It's so easy to tell the time."

"Wonderful."

Natani laughed, and they moved on.

Except he came back, to give the statue a little rub.

For luck.

They made it all the way to the inner keep before the thought of meeting King Adelaide began to loom large in Natani's mind. The problem wasn't that she was the ruler of a powerful empire, or even how she might react to why they'd come. It was that Natani had slept with her daughter. Was still sleeping with her daughter, almost every time they met.

Maddie had wanted to be the one to tell her--of the two of them, anyway; what Alaric might have already said by then was anybody's guess--and Natani had respected that. The young basitin had written a long letter, and Natani knew only some of what had been in there. Maddie had had a lot to say to her mother, and to her King.

And that was enough, Maddie had said. There was no need for Natani to write as well.

But there was. So after Maddie's letter was well on its way, Natani had penned her own, explaining that, while she understood that it wasn't a typically basitin thing, she felt sure that it had been good for Maddie, as it had been good for her, and that she would continue to be there for Maddie, and do what she could to help her understand herself and be happy. As her friend. And--barely able to make herself write the words, but she had said she'd do it--P.S, could you please enclose with your reply a tool such as you provided me, except a little smaller. And yes, with all the accoutrements.

King Adelaide had replied, just a few lines, asking when she should be expecting grandchildren.

Natani had still been trying to figure out how to answer that when another letter had arrived, this one longer. The King had elaborated at length how she knew that Natani had her daughter's best interests at heart, and how she was sure she had nothing to worry about. It had been almost reassuring, except for the fact that the King had happened to casually mention both that she had a very large army, and that, generally speaking, she didn't even need it in dealing with any personal disagreements.

Natani had shown that letter to Maddie, later, and the basitin had gotten a little misty-eyed before giving Natani a kiss and telling her she had nothing to worry about.

With the letter had come a box. Instead of just the one toy, the King had sent a whole set, all various shapes and sizes.

They were monogrammed.

That hadn't been an awkward gift to make at all. But Maddie had certainly appreciated it.

... they both had.

Natani had written to thank the King, and that had been that.

Well, except for another note late in the fall, again inquiring about grandchildren.

Natani was almost certain she wasn't serious.

But either way, standing in the ante-chamber of the King's Quarters, Natani felt rather aware that while she had been pretty confident about being on good terms with the King when they'd had an ocean between them, right now, there was just a door.

Alaric knocked and, presumably hearing something, peeked inside. "Natani and Keith Keiser, your majesty."

A moment later, he pulled the door open, and gestured them in. It was a large, comfortable room, and looked well lived-in. Several other doors led away. King Adelaide was sitting in a large leather chair. A book lay open in her lap, but she was looking at the three of them. She had her legs up under her, and Natani suddenly recognized the pose as one she had often seen from Maddie.

The King was even larger than Natani remembered, and at a quick guess her strength had not diminished. The white fur might have been further along her ears now, but she still radiated that same quiet power. It had unnerved Natani when they had first met, but now...

Suddenly, he knew exactly what to do.

As soon as Alaric pulled the door closed behind them, Natani spoke. "Are we private?"

The King closed the book in her lap, and looked at him, amused, measuring. "Just the four of us."

Natani walked up to her, fishing out the ice cream bar from his pocket. He let the wrapping of air unravel and handed it to the King, who took it, intrigued. "For the tea. And--" Natani stepped closer. Even sitting down, she was barely shorter than him. He made to lean in, and saw no rejection... but some prudence wouldn't ruin this. "May I?"

The King smiled. "I don't recall asking you."

Natani smiled back. "But I'm not the King."

He kissed King Adelaide, regardless, giving his long-overdue answer to her challenge. Strength, without aggression. Confidence, without presumption. And more than anything else, appreciation and respect.

It wasn't the kiss the King had given him, even if it was similar.

It was his own answer.

And it didn't taste like tea, this time.

The King went along with it, and Natani thought to wonder if she ever got lonely, standing at the top. Then she met him in the kiss, really met him, just briefly, and he knew that she did.

They broke the kiss, on the edge of the chasm of that question. Natani had meant to finish with a '--for the rest', but he'd lost the tempo, and for a moment they just looked at each other in mutual recognition.

The King nodded. "You have grown up. My daughter has chosen well."

What was there to say? "Thank you."

The King smiled. "And perhaps she has been an influence, as well?" She looked past Natani. "Nickolai is feigning nonchalance, but you may have broken Keith."

Ah. Yes. Natani turned to Keith, and had to smile at his poleaxed expression. "Just paying an old debt."

Keith sounded a little faint. "Well it's... important to pay your debts."

The King stood, a towering presence next to Natani. "Well, gentlemen. You have arrived awkwardly close to curfew, and so a change of venue is in order. Natani, if you would accompany me; I would like to discuss with you the purpose of your visit."

"Just me?"

The King directed a smile at Alaric and Keith. "I'm sure these two have some catching up to do. And since it would not do to imply that I do not entirely trust my Ulterior General, I will state it outright: I do not entirely trust my Ulterior General."

It was rather in the name, wasn't it.

Alaric bowed. "Very wise, your majesty."

"You may join us when you judge the time to be right. But now, my ice cream has begun to melt."

*

Keith watched as the King led Natani to one of the doors. It opened into a stairwell, and he found himself suddenly relieved that it wasn't a bedroom, then blushed at having thought that, then blushed harder when his mind insisted they remain on the idea a while longer.

Natani and the King.

The thought made him a bit weak in the knees. Natani looked back at him before passing through, and Keith could see himself being read, and the wolf's amusement. Natani turned to whisper something to the King, then whisper again to answer the King's quizzical expression.

The King turned back to Keith. "Where are my manners? Have a seat, General."

And now he had to contend with the mental image of King Adelaide, wearing nothing except a strapon and maybe a cheeky grin. He managed some kind of probably-response, and the two left, though not before Natani sneaked in one last grin, complete with his tongue poking out.

That wolf...

He loved that wolf.

"The last time I saw you look anything like that... Natani had just left the room with an Adelaide, actually." Nick grinned at him, all hint of obsequiosness gone. "Go figure."

Keigh laughed. Nick had a way of drawing connections. "And just like then... I had no idea. Do you know anything?"

Nick shook his head, ears hanging low under that horrendous hat. "Well, I can surmise in general terms. I do know that the last time you two were here, they had a private audience. I do believe that's the only time they have met before now, so that gives us the when. And I think I know some of the what, since the meeting struck me as curious at the time. Why would the King want to speak privately with someone from your group, or Natani specifically? I looked through all the reports that she might have been acting on, and discovered a discrepancy; the medical records disagreed with the rest of the accounts on the number of males and females. But the records were never amended, and so I assumed I'd only uncovered an admittedly odd clerical error. Of course, later on word reached me--I dare say reached most of the world--that told me that 'clerical error' wasn't in the direction I'd expected. But why wouldn't the King have corrected it if she knew?"

Keith had to smile at Nick's excitement in puzzling it out. It was so good to see him again, and acting like himself. "So the King knew Natani's secret, when it was still a secret, and decided to keep it." Keith felt a new, more personal sort of appreciation for his King.

"And it has something to do with a kiss!"

"... I wonder if Maddie knows anything about this."

Nick went suspiciously stone-faced. "I would be happy to tell her."

Keith laughed. "Don't you dare. It's their business."

"Oh, very well."

Keith looked at his old friend, and... hell, this apparently wasn't any kind of day to be proper, anyway. He took Nick's hat off, and Nick's ears, freed, sprang up with the same surprise that showed on his face. As it should be. "That's much better. I didn't like seeing you like that."

Nick smiled, touched. "Keith..." And then, the smile turned teasing in an instant, just like old times. Nick kissed him, and Keith let him, even though his ears flushed with the thought of where they were.

But of course, that was the point. To be... well not kissing him, maybe, back then, but to be doing something illicit in the King's own quarters. Keith could well imagine how the idea would have tickled Nick. Still tickled him, clearly, as Nick worked those same feelings into the kiss.

It was odd that a kiss could be nostalgic for a time when there had been no kissing, but this one was. It was so very Nick, and on his own side, Keith found himself once again responding to his old friend's teasing, letting himself be a little awkward, because he always had been. Briefly, Keith found himself wondering what kind of trouble Nick would have eventually managed to talk him into if he'd stayed on the island. It wouldn't have been small. As soon as you gave him the tiniest opening, you were done for.

Without ever breaking the kiss, Nick had slowly backed him into a wall. When Keith could feel his ears flat against the wood paneling, Nick finally ended it. He grinned. "The kiss of victory."

Keith laughed. Of course. "Taking your cues from Natani now?"

"Why wouldn't I? They're very good cues."

That Natani had been able to do that, in front of a crowd, and not get them into trouble... mattered much more than it should have. Maybe the wolf was right that they could actually all three live here, and be... welcome enough, after a fashion. Accepted.

Not that they'd want to.

And even if they did, Keith's objections still stood.

So why was he so happy about it?

"What are you thinking about?"

"Just... the walk up here."

"Yeah, you looked like you were enjoying the sights."

"I was. It was so weird seeing some of the old places. Like a half-forgotten dream."

There was that teasing smile again. "And the statue?"

Keith narrowed his eyes. "More of a nightmare."

"Oh, come on. You know you liked it. Natani's reaction was amazing."

It... had been. "I still can't believe you did that."

Nick grinned. "My only regret is that you knew to expect it. If I had guessed you'd be coming here so soon, I never would have told you."

Keith shook his head. "I knew it was there, but I didn't expect it to be so... accurate."

"An artist must never compromise."

"Oh? Then maybe I should paint you wearing nothing but your wrappings and hang it up somewhere. Maybe gift it to the King."

Nick's ears perked up. "Oh, I'd like that. Well, not the King part necessarily, I think I'd rather keep it for myself... would you do that? I'd love to pose for you."

Keith sighed, defeated. "I should have known. Yeah, I guess... I would like to do that, if we're being serious. If we have the time."

Nick smiled. "That shouldn't be a problem, going forward." Keith hoped Nick was right to sound so certain. "There's a lot of things I'd like to... oh, how's Zen? Still cracking old wolf jokes?"

Keith grinned. "From 'things you'd like to do' to 'Zen'? He'll like that. He's doing great, but not so big on the jokes anymore. I think they stopped being funny when he got his first bits of gray." Nick's expression was... complicated, for a moment. Keith understood, though. "He's getting old like the King is getting old. And it's mostly just a bit of gray at his temples for now. He's quite dashing, and he knows it."

Nick nodded slowly, then smiled. "I'll remember to be impressed."

"I don't think you'd need to fake it."

When they'd left for Karnak, Nick had joined them on the road, just for the few days he could spare and still make his ship. They'd done plenty of catching up, of course, but Nick had spent almost as much time with Zen as he had with Keith. Keith hadn't minded; there was something about seeing his old friend and one of the loves of his life meshing together so well that had made him deeply happy.

And besides, Natani had still been a bit jittery about the part he'd--she'd?--chosen to play, and Keith had been more than happy to do all that he could to help the wolf relax.

It had been quite the trip, before they'd even gotten anywhere near the city.

"Okay, what are you thinking about now?"

Keith grinned. "The trip to Karnak."

"Ah." Nick looked at him for a moment, and then, there was that smile again. "That's a good thought..." Keith felt Nick's hands on his belt. "And I've still got one kiss of victory left."

Nick went down to his knees, and Keith's pants went with him.

"Am I the only one who thinks it's just a peck on the cheek?!"

*

They emerged onto a towertop, and a quick glance told Natani that it was the highest in the castle. There were chairs and a table there, but a glimpse of the ocean drew him to the parapets. The view over the city and harbor, cast in sunset hues, was breathtaking. He could pick out their ship at the docks, so small in the distance, and started to try and trace out the path they'd taken.

The King joined him, eating her ice cream. She was smiling. "Thank you for this. It's been a long time since anyone brought me ice cream."

Natani hesitated briefly, but the day carried him forward. He spoke quietly, even though he didn't think there was any risk of being overheard. "You... The King doesn't really have friends, does she?"

"Indeed not."

There was no hint of sadness or resentment in her voice, and Natani didn't get the feeling she was being deceptive, but there had been an inkling of something in that kiss. And Natani could somewhat imagine what it must be like, after his... or her... own sort of fame. "Ever feel like being just a woman?"

The King smiled at him, amused. "I do, and then I am. But by myself."

Natani blushed, shook his head, and looked away, smiling. He cleared his throat. "Thank you, by the way, for that first gift. I didn't quite understand to appreciate it at the time."

"You are quite welcome. I am glad it has proven useful."

For a moment, they were quiet. It was a comfortable silence. Natani could remember how wary, perhaps even intimidated he'd felt the first time he'd met the King, both by what she'd had over him, and if he was honest with himself... by what she was.

It had been a long road since then, through some strange places.

"Oh, I can see Keith's statue from here!"

"Ah, I was wondering if you'd seen it yet. Quite distinct, isn't it?"

And it was facing this way, too. Pointing this way, one could say. Natani shook his head, grinning. "How can he get away with stuff like that?"

"By being very, very clever. Though it helped him greatly that I found it amusing."

The King had finished her ice cream and was chewing on the stick, and it solidified for Natani the odd sense of kinship he felt for her. Out over the sea, the sun was about to hit the horizon. "So what's with the curfew?"

King Adelaide smiled. "It's an old trick." She gestured around. "We are in the castle, and as we are in the castle, we are not outside. And yet, we are also not in a room, so we cannot be in the same room. And so, there can be no problem."

Natani sighed. Basitins.

"There's a bit more to it than that, but I don't know if you'd be interested in the subtleties."

Natani considered it. "Something about this part of the castle being okay for both male and female habitation, because of the King's and Generals' quarters?"

The King raised her eyebrows. "Very good."

"I've been studying a bit, with Keith's help. It all makes a... sort of sense, after a while."

"That's quite wise. One easily forgets, but this is really not a place to act rashly." She smiled again. "Unless one has the law behind one's self, of course. I heard about your kisses of victory."

Ah. "Will that cause problems?"

She shook her head. "Not for you. If you started a fashion, then perhaps something will need to be done to curtail it. We shall see." The King looked at him. "I suspect your being here will make things quite interesting. I assume you came as a male on Nickolai's recommendation? I do not mean to imply anything, only that it is a change from your recent campaign, and a change that most would assume would lead to greater difficulty in coming here."

Natani nodded. "Yeah, it was on his advice. It's good for me, and it's good for Keith, and that's enough for me. I assume it also gives him some kind of precedent for male/male unions?"

"Correct again. I see you understand not only our legal system, but how his mind works. The latter is considerably more complicated."

Natani smiled. "Will it work, though? Seems like a flimsy argument."

"There's a few different ways to take it, but indeed, it will not work. Or I should say, it should not work. If he could trick the opposition into arguing in a certain way, then some possibilities would open up."

That sounded like something Alaric might be good at. "So you think it will happen?"

"No. If he tries, I will stop him."

Natani looked at her, just as the last light of day pulled past them. "Why?"

"It is far too big and unpredictable a change."

"And that's why they shouldn't be together?"

The King simply nodded. "Yes. Though I suspect they will find their own way. And I do not begrudge them that. Quite the opposite." She smiled at his confusion. "Come, sit. You were so good as to tell me about the wolves when we first met. Now, allow me to tell you about the basitins."

They sat down, and despite the chairs being wood Natani found it quite comfortable. Above, the sky was quickly deepening toward black, and he could already glimpse some of the brightest stars.

The King began to speak. "Basitins--and I speak here always of us as a race--have a very strong need to know our place. For us to have the civilization we have, requires the law. The law forms the structure within which a single basitin can find their place. This allows individuals to come together to form the whole that is our society, with the minimum amount of uncertainty. For uncertainty is very hard on us. You must have seen this yourself, in Wreathwood?"

He had.

"For a while, it was our best and brightest that took that assignment, because I told them it would be a challenge, and it is a very basitin thing to rise to a challenge. But they did not understand. What they faced wasn't tough competition, it was a lack of competition. A lack of structure."

And many fell apart. Some few--like Ariana--had weathered it fine, but most had been miserable.

"Of course, that beautiful bit of nonsense with the Western embassy has made it easier, but it is still a difficult place for one of us to be. Or I should say, for most of us to be. Over time, I hope for Wreathwood to become a place where those few who chafe here on the Isles can go. Like Lyn'knoll or the far north, but less final. Recognized, and admitting the possibility of return. For the advantage of all."

"I was just thinking about that earlier, whether it was possible to get more basitins there. That's the plan?"

"That is my intent, and I have Nickolai working towards it. But it is a complicated balance to strike, and may still take some time. I do not know how many will take that path when it exists, but some surely will."

They were quiet for a time, Natani thinking through--with his limited understanding of basitin law--some of the implications of expanding his own rather peculiar legal status wider. It would break some of the fundamental assumptions of the system... and if the law was indeed like a blueprint for basitin society, what would the results be?

Eventually, the King spoke again. "There has been much change in the world lately. And perhaps, in time, we too shall change. But we still feel Order's touch heavily on us, and it is the very nature of order to resist change."

"But you are making changes."

She nodded. "Yes. Many Kings have chosen to take the view that the law is perfect, but it is not. It can be improved. Indeed, since it can be improved, it must be improved. Because..." She smiled at Natani. "As you may have surmised, I am myself something of a free spirit, if perhaps not quite to the same extent as some of the others you know. But as King, it is my place to bear responsibility for all those who are not. The law serves those who follow it, and must only be changed to make things better for them. To make the gears run smoother, never to throw them into disarray."

"And Alaric feels differently?"

"Well, he is not King. A part of his duties is to look for changes that should be made, and how to make them, and then to propose them to me. And he has quite a mind for it. I do not think he intends to try what we discussed, but that is the scale he dreams at. In some instances, his ambitions are within a hair's breadth of treason."

Silent was the implication that those were the cases the King knew about. "So what is it that he wants?"

"This is supposition on my part, but... if there is anything I know, it is basitins. And while this basitin may be one of the most peculiar I have ever known, he is still a basitin. You know about Keith's parents, yes? How they lived and how they died?"

"Yes. His mother was a Westerner."

The King nodded. "And his father was one of my generals. The Arms General, after myself, and one of my Lieutenants before then. So I knew them about as well as I know anybody. Keith was... a sweet child."

Natani smiled. "A sweet man, now."

"Then I am glad. I feared we might have destroyed him. But for the purposes of this story, it matters most that that was how he was when young Nickolai met him." She smiled. "And that one was not a sweet child at all. He was rather more typically basitin. But he was drawn to Keith. And after the death of Keith's parents, and Keith's exile, he was warped by the injustice of it and dedicated himself to Keith's restoration. Yet when Keith did return, they clashed. For Keith was still not a typical basitin, and did not fall into the fold. Did not take the place that had been prepared for him. The Master General fell... and Nickolai decided that it wasn't Keith that was wrong, it was the rest of us. He saw past the law, to the purpose of the law. What we have been discussing."

"But Keith already has a place now, as the Ambassador."

"Yes. But I believe what Nickolai wants is a society that does not clash so with him, without sending him halfway across the world. A society with... well, more Keiths."

"... would that really be so bad?"

"Disastrous."

"Why?"

"Why did Cornelius marry Cathleen, even though it was prone to tragedy? Why did Albion help him, by forging her papers? Indeed, what in the end so twisted him that he killed her, and pursued an insane vengeance on her son? Why did Keith not kill you, when ordered to? Why did Nickolai Alaric... well, pick anything, really."

Natani furrowed his brows. He could guess the answer, but not the point behind the question. "... love?"

The King sighed. "Love. Every exile's downfall. Whenever you find a basitin breaking the law, it is for love. The one thing stronger than duty. I have long suspected it was a prank one of the other masks played on Order."

Natani was speechless for a moment, his mind rebelling against the idea. But there it was. "That's why you live apart. Why procreation is a duty. To... reduce love."

The King nodded.

"That's..." He finally fully understood why Maddie had said that she was never coming back. "That's horrible."

"I am sometimes inclined to agree, but it is how things have been for a very long time. It is what we know works."

And Keith... Keith didn't quite get it, not yet. Was that why Maddie had never explained herself? But then... "What about the Westerners?"

"They have struck their own balance. We could not imitate them any more than they could imitate us. Both need the other to survive." The King looked at him. "I know this does not sit very well with you, but it is what I wanted to talk to you about. While you and your brother are here, whatever else you are, you are also potential agents of change. I would ask you to be careful, and to discuss things with myself, or with Keith, before acting in ways that could prove consequential."

"But the kisses weren't a problem?"

"It was something any basitin could have done, had they thought to. Highlighting problems with the law isn't wrong, it may just result in them being fixed." She smiled. "Of course, the freer among us will not thank you for getting any of their favorite loopholes closed, so you may wish to be careful."

Natani nodded. "I wasn't planning on rocking the boat too much. I don't want to make things more difficult for Keith, either now or in the future. Though... I don't think there's much chance of him ever living here again."

Not after having heard it put like that.

"And yet, I do not think he hates this place."

"I... don't think so either. I think it's more that he's resigned to stay away."

"So for his sake as well, I would ask you to refrain from anything that might hurt us. And if Nickolai seems to be up to something, I would ask you to tell him to err on the side of caution."

"Tell him? Is this something you can't talk to him directly about?"

"There is that, too. But I would supplement my authority with yours, odd as that is for the King to say."

"My authority?"

"He defers to you, yes?"

"Well, initially, at least. I told him to knock it off. Maddie thought it had something to do with my magic, but since I'm pretty sure he's been talking to a--" The pieces clicked. "Keith. He defers to me on Keith."

The King smiled. "As I said, a most peculiar basitin, but a basitin still. To cast it in my frame, I suspect you are the Keith King to his Keith General--and that may be a higher office to him than mere King of the East Basitin Empire."

"Huh." It made that odd basitin sort of sense. Though... "You seem oddly calm about that."

"There may be things I cannot let him do, but there are many more things I would have his help in. I do not mislike his devotion, either to Keith or to his people. And if his goal is to bring the two together, then it is not in his interest to hurt either. I only worry that he may misjudge. Like I fear he may have in bringing you here."

"Ahhh... you have the wrong idea there. We aren't here because Alaric wanted us to come. He didn't. We're here because I wanted to come."

The King raised her eyebrows. "The magic detection system? It would be very useful, but I did not think that could possibly be your real motive."

"And it isn't. Though I do intend to make it. No, I'm here because... do you know about the Riftwalls?"

"Those ancient portals between distant places?"

"Yeah. I want to make a new one."

"You can... do such a thing?"

"The keidran have long since forgotten how to, but the humans have spent a lot of time studying them, and have pretty much figured them out. Only one snag... the method they came up with requires being in two places at once." Natani grinned. "I'm uniquely qualified."

"So your brother..."

"Isn't really with us, yeah. He set sail with us, and by all appearances he is currently holed up in our cabin. But he's actually back home."

"You wish to connect us to the mainland. The disruption of trade, the troop movement opportunities..."

"It will be well protected, and secret. I did think about putting the other end in Wreathwood, but Alaric said you would not like that. That having the sea in between is a good thing."

"But then... why are you telling me this? If it's just for their benefit, surely you could have done it without my knowledge."

"Because it isn't just for their benefit. It wasn't even the two of them that gave me the idea. Your daughter wants to see you." For the first time, Natani saw King Adelaide look shocked. "That's why I'm really here."

**

Maddie paced around the cellar, dodging the few crates that were there and keeping well clear of the ominous stone archway that hugged one wall. She wasn't bothering to hide her nervousness now. It was only Zen there with her, anyway. The wolf was sitting on the floor, cross-legged, facing the archway, draped in so many mana necklaces that they probably could have done without the lantern.

Zen turned his head to look at her. "About ready to start now."

"Anything you need me to do?"

"Come sit with me."

Maddie stopped, a little hesitantly. She still had a lot of pace left in her. But they probably didn't want the distraction. She sat down next to Zen, crossing her wrapped ankles under her. She'd had such a hard time deciding on whether to wear the wrappings, but ultimately had. To go without would have clashed with the substance of her rebellion. Even though she wouldn't have normally worn them here. She sighed.

The wolf tousled her hair, and when she gave him a long-suffering look, pulled her into a one-armed hug. "It'll be okay."

Maddie let her head rest against his shoulder for a moment. "You don't know that."

Zen grinned at her. "Yeah, I don't. But it'll be okay."

Maddie sighed again. But somehow, she did believe him. A little.

Zen rolled his shoulders and turned to face the portal-to-be head on. "Okay, it's time. I don't know how long this is going to take..."

One by one, the mana stones the wolf was wearing began to glow brighter, then fade. In the archway, something formless began to take shape. The crystals flared brighter, two by two now, and Zen grunted, closing his eyes. He swayed with forces Maddie could not see.

"Are you okay?"

"It's like... it's not like anything." The wolf quirked a grin, but it was part grimace. "But it's a little like he's shoving a stack of books at me and saying 'hold these', only it's an entire library." Three by three. Zen staggered, and Maddie put a hand on his shoulder. "He's like... a whirlpool. I can barely... stay..."

Maddie slid closer to the wolf, then went up on her knees behind him, resting her chin on top of Zen's head and putting her arms around him. Zen had sat with her like this any number of times, but it was a first for her. It always helped anchor her, so maybe...

Zen leaned back against her, just a little. "Thank you. That's..."

She squeezed him tighter, willing it to help.

It went on for some moments longer, faster and faster, until mana flared under her arms, impossibly bright, washing the world blue. Suddenly it blinked out, and for a moment she felt blind in the mundane light of the lantern. Inside the archway, a vague surface shimmered, like a gateway into fog.

Zen sagged against her, limp, and Maddie's heart jumped into her throat. She laid the wolf down on the floor, carefully, tamping down her panic. Zen was breathing, but it was shallow, and his pulse was slow. He looked haggard. Maddie clutched at his shoulder, but he didn't react.

Don't you dare die on me.

Blubber later. What should she try first? Water? Medicine? Going through the portal? Some of the mana crystals still held a charge, but she could do nothing with those.

Maddie heard something, felt the air move, spun, and saw her mother. There was no time to feel anything. "Zen collapsed. Is Natani okay? Did--" Maddie discovered to her muted surprise that her mother was an outsider "--he say anything?"

Her mother turned around and stepped into the shimmering gray, disappearing cleanly. After a few seconds, Alaric appeared... wearing a messenger's oufit? Maddie filed that away for later. Alaric crouched down next to Zen, looking at him, checking his pulse. As if Maddie already hadn't done that. He nodded to himself, and showed some relief, but didn't say anything.

Her mother returned, bringing Natani, supporting her. The wolf looked exhausted, but not as bad as Zen, and she was awake. Alaric made room, and Natani half-collapsed next to her brother. Keith had come through behind them, but Maddie stubbornly refused to leave her place, and he stayed standing, looking down at Zen.

Natani touched Zen's face and closed her eyes, and one of the crystals still glowing on Zen's chest brightened briefly. She opened her eyes, letting out a tired sigh. "He's going to be okay. Just got hit a little harder than I did. All that switching." She looked at Maddie and found a little smile for her--just how worried did she look?--then turned to Keith. "Bring some rum."

Keith raised his eyebrows, but didn't delay in obeying, making good time up the steps into the pantry, then back down with a bottle. He handed it to Natani, who uncorked it, took a sip, then froze for a moment, her fur standing on end, before going into a huge coughing fit. After she got herself under control, she took another sip, managing it better, then corked the bottle and set it by her side. She shook her whole body, like she would to shed water, then drew a deep breath and exhaled. "Okay, that's better."

Maddie looked at Zen, and her stomach lurched again at how weak he looked. "What happened?"

Natani cracked her neck. "Had to take the long way around. As the earth curves. Wasn't counting on that." She let out a huge sigh, then placed her hand on Zen's chest, closing her eyes. A blue glow, and his breathing got easier, his expression less strained. Not quite back to the happy goofy sleeping face Maddie had woken up to, but close enough that she could feel her heart unclench. He really would be okay. Natani sighed again, opening her eyes, and looked at her. "He's okay." The wolf gave her a look, and nodded her head towards her mother.

Maddie stood up, and Keith took her place at Zen's side, Alaric still hovering near. Maddie finally looked at her mother properly. She'd gotten older. Maddie had known that, but it was still a shock. And she was looking at her like she always had--well, when Maddie hadn't been causing trouble, anyway--with a small smile and a world of patience. Not really what she'd been expecting. Tears welled in Maddie's eyes. None of this was going to plan.

All of her speeches forgotten, she looked at her mother, and tried to remember that she was a woman now.

And she was. "I meant what I said. And I don't regret anything that I've done. But I'm..." her voice broke a little. "Mom, I'm sorry I let you down."

Her mother was taken aback, then gentle, so gentle. "Oh, little kitten..."--off to the side, Natani went into a coughing fit, drawing Keith's concern, then waving it away--"You haven't let me down, not at all. Just the opposite. I'm not the King because I like taking orders. You're my daughter, and you're forging your own path, a whole new one. I'm proud of you."

And she meant it.

It was too much, piled on top of the relief of Zen being okay. Speechless, Maddie hugged her, wrapping her arms tight around her mother's midriff. She smelled of home. A heartbeat later, she could feel her mother's arms around her, like she'd hoped, soothing her. As if she were still a child.

Maybe some of her still was. "I missed you. So much."

"I missed you too, little kitten. And you're all grown up now. We have a lot of catching up to do."

"Yeah. There's so much I want to tell you about."

Her mother gave her a squeeze. "And we'll have time now." Maddie felt her turn to the others. "Thank you, Natani. You have done me a great friendship in this. And Zen as well, though I don't suppose he can hear me?"

Maddie let go of her mother to look at the wolves, but she stayed by her side, and her mother kept one arm around her. Natani was grinning at Keith, still tired but regaining her usual humor. "You should try kissing him awake."

Keith looked at her and her mother, slightly awkward.

"We are quite outside the law here, and I am your guest. Please, don't hold back on my account."

Maddie just nodded at him, and Keith flashed her a smile in response. He leaned down over Zen, kissing him, very tenderly, and the wolf stirred a little. He did it again, and Zen began to return the kiss, then wrapped his arms around Keith and pulled him down, rolled him over on his back, and pinned him, then proceeded to kiss his ears stiff.

Maddie couldn't have stopped herself from smiling if she'd wanted to. Natani was laughing raucously.

After a few more moments of making Keith squirm, Zen lifted himself higher, smiling down at him. Keith smiled back, blushing up to his ears.

"Keith."

"Hey."

"Do you have any idea how much I missed you?"

"Well, you never checked up on me..." Keith caught himself. "But, uh, we've got company."

Zen looked around, saw her, and smiled. Then Maddie could see his gaze move on to her mother, next to her, starting from somewhere around her navel and trailing up to her face. The wolf stood, leaving Keith to scamper up after him, and stepped closer, looking up at her mother. "I... never knew I had a thing for taller women."

Maddie closed her eyes, mortified.

Her mother sounded amused. "You're quite sure he is fine?"

Natani sighed. "Yes."

"Thank you for your part in doing this. I am deeply grateful."

"It was my pleasure." Maddie thought he was going to go for some cheesy compliment, but it was even worse. "Anything for the Princess."

She opened her eyes. "I'm not a..." But she didn't even have the heart to finish the complaint.

Zen didn't wait for it, anyway. He'd found Alaric, and gave him a wide smile that Maddie only resented a little. "Nick."

"Zen. It's good to see you."

"Think you can find some time for me every so often, now that we've got this gate and everything?"

Alaric returned the smile, and it was weird to see him so open. "I'm sure I can fit you in my schedule."

Zen grinned. "Is that what you're calling it now?"

To Maddie's horror, her mother joined in. "Ah. It must be quite tight, then."

Alaric actually blushed! Zen gave her mother an appreciative nod. Keith looked surprised, but a smile was playing at his muzzle. Natani just had the smile.

There was a lull, and her mother filled it. "I suddenly find myself in a situation that offers unique and unexpected possibilities. I realize that I am a guest, but if I may set the agenda?"

Natani nodded at her, and there was a general murmur of assent.

Her mother took her diadem off, having to duck a little to get it past her ears. She held it in her hands for a moment, then set it down on a crate. "What I would like to do, is to sit down with all these clever young people and explain to them why what they want to do won't work. Basitin to basitin."

Maddie found a fragment of her rebellious spirit. "And if it would work?"

Her mother smiled at her. "Then we're all in for some interesting times."

And Maddie realized she would actually hear them out.

Huh.

Alaric looked conflicted. "Your majesty... there should always be a King. Even here, I'm not sure you can..."

Her mother nodded, amused, and picked the diadem back up. "I suppose you are right. Very well. It can't be any of the three of you..." She looked at Natani, then shook her head and smiled. "Let's not make things too difficult for young Nickolai." She turned to Zen, and handed him the diadem with very little ceremony. "Would you keep this warm for me? You look tall enough."

Zen took it, clearly intrigued, and put it on. It was a little big for him, but then, so was the title of King.

It still stayed on, though.

Alaric and Keith both snapped to attention, and Maddie wasn't quite sure how serious they were being. She certainly didn't feel inclined to accept Zen's authority after having rejected her mother's, but she played along and saluted anyway. Maybe it would make him uncomfortable. And if not, there was always insubordination.

Zen looked at the three of them, thoughtful, then at her mother. "... I suppose I shouldn't abuse this, huh?"

Her mother shrugged. "This lot won't obey you unless they want to, anyway. And something tells me that young Nickolai over there wouldn't mind being... subject to your royal prerogative."

The wolf looked at her with genuine admiration. "I do believe that is what I will call it now, yes."

Maddie suffered in silence.

"A good choice, your majesty. Scepter jokes are terribly overdone."

Zen nodded at her mother, smiling, then looked at his troops. His eyes met Maddie's, and there was... a flash of something there, an inkling that the wolf had gotten one of his more hare-brained ideas. But he turned away, to Alaric and Keith. "At ease, gentlemen."

They relaxed, but Maddie decided that she wasn't a gentleman and held her salute.

Zen turned to look at her, and there it was again. Then the wolf smiled, gentle, serious, open. "You too, Princess."

Maddie had a hard time deciding which objection to make, but dropped the salute anyway. "Look, if mom isn't even King--"

"I know."

The wolf's meaning hit her, and her eyes misted up. His daughter. She swallowed, and turned her head, blinking away tears. "Dammit, Zen."

A few moments, and he could hear Zen shift. "Please excuse my impropriety, ma'am."

Her mother sounded thoughtful. "I do not think she refused you, and so, you have nothing to apologize for. But you do realize there's sufficient precedent to construe that as a legally binding adoption, yes?"

"I don't think that's the important part."

"I do believe you're right."

Maddie was torn somewhere between hugging Zen and storming out.

Her mother continued. "But wait, what does that make Natani?"

Zen sighed. "A very naughty aunt."

"I'll say! She even kissed me earlier!"

What.

"It's a long story, okay!"

Her mother spoke again, all confidence, and Maddie could imagine her smiling at Natani. "Not that long. I would be happy to tell it if you don't want to."

Natani sighed. "Fine, fine, I'll..."

Maddie laughed, through the tears in her eyes, and looked at her mom, Natani, Zen... "You idiots."

They all smiled back at her, and Maddie finally broke, hugging Zen, but also her mom. They returned it one arm each, and after a moment she could hear Natani get up, then felt the wolf's hand on her shoulder, and a kiss at the top of her head.

She had never felt so loved.

Her mother sounded cheerful. "I seem to have acquired quite the extended family."

Maddie disentangled herself and wiped her eyes, but they were all still smiling at her, and she nearly welled up again.

Zen looked at her, gentle, but addressed her mother. "I think perhaps we should all go upstairs and sit down for a moment."

He led the way, but did not pull Maddie along, and she was grateful for that. She needed a moment to compose herself.

With an understanding glance at her, her mother followed Zen. "That sounds splendid. Perhaps the serious talk can wait a while. And I've heard good things about your coffee, your majesty..."

"You like coffee? It would be my pleasure."

"I'm usually more of a tea drinker, but I'm ready to be impressed."

"Oh, I can do tea, too."

"I'll have to try both, then."

Zen and her mother went up the stairs, trailed by Alaric, then Keith, who gave her a look and a smile before he went. Her boss. Her... father-in-law?

No. He wasn't that. Zen was Zen. Keith was Keith.

Natani remained, and when the others were gone, gave her a kiss. Just their hello. Maddie hugged her, and Natani returned the embrace, then freed up one arm to stroke her ears. Maddie burrowed her muzzle into the fur at the wolf's neck, and stayed there longer than she'd intended.

Natani let her be.

Finally, Maddie let out a long breath, then pulled away and went on tiptoes to give Natani a kiss of her own. "Thank you. You can go ahead, I'll be right behind you."

Natani nodded, and with one last touch at her ears, followed the others, collecting the bottle of rum on the way.

Maddie sighed in the center of the empty room. Upstairs, there was noise and light and warmth and... family.

She had her mother again. And Zen... that the wolf had done that...

Maddie sat down on a crate, to collect herself, and looked at the portal. It was pretty eery, but not in a foreboding way.

Something bumped her shin. It turned out to be a white cat, rubbing its cheek against her leg.

Maddie picked it up, holding it by the sides, and looked it in the face, serious. "I know you're secretly a dragon."

Oh? And how did you figure that out, little one?

Maddie grinned, delighted. "I didn't. I just say that to every cat."

Amusement filled her mind. You. I like you.