FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

This is a bit of a shortish one. Mostly just story development and character introduction, though there is a bit of... Eye candy, I suppose? :P

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The leopard wasn't used to wearing anything but a loincloth, and yet his master had requested he be given a gorgeous, purple silk robe with golden frills along the shoulders and the rims. To put it mildly, Rake felt a bit out of his element. Taking a deep breath, he gave a nodding gesture to one of the guards outside the guest's room. Ushered into the general's apartment, Rake took in the room. It wasn't as small as he'd expected. His master obviously couldn't fit in there, but it was still sizeable enough to accomodate a regent and his entourage. At the centre of the room, a circular and flat bed rested comfortably, silver silks draped over it, as well as hanging above it, like a frozen waterfall of mercury.

It was only when Rake stepped closer to the bed that he saw Hieronymous splayed out. His eyes drank in the view; the strong, muscular upper body, trained by years of combat and manual labour. The plump sheath with accompanying fuzzy orbs, and thick, muscular thighs. Rake had to struggle to not allow his mind to wander into a more erotic place from the sight, and to aid that he cleared his throat. "Sire," he said as the wolf turned his gaze to him. "I am told you requested my presence?"

Not making any effort to cover himself up, the general nodded. "I am told you are no native to these lands? That you hail from the valley of the rivers? Is this true?"

"Yes," the leopard blinked, averting his eyes as he felt his own sheath react to the general's presence. "I am - was - of the N'Khath. Though I have served my master for many years, I still recall my homeland before this one."

Now Hieronymous seemed to notice Rake's arousal, as the general smirked and stood up before wrapping a blanket around his waist. "I see. I am searching for a relic, said to rest in the valley of the rivers. I had only intended to stop by here to allow my troop a moment of respite, but your master told me of your heritage and suggested you may be of use," he paused and let out a hearty laugh. "No, I don't mean in the sexual sense. Rest assured, my interest in you is purely for business, master...?"

"No master," Rake quickly replied. "Please, do not attribute such respectful titles to me. Rake will do."

"Very well, Rake. His Divinity isn't fond of the idea of relinquishing you, but he has suggested that returning to your point of origin may be good for you." The wolf poured two goblets of a fine wine, handing one over to the leopard. "It would be foolish to assume you don't have any questions, so go ahead and ask them."

Rake stood for a moment before sitting down on his knees, taking a sip from the goblet. The wine was sweet, and he recognised it as being from the palace's vineyard. It was one of the many benefits of living under the roof of a god. "How long would we be gone?"

The general shrugged, adjusting the blanket slightly as he took a long, deep swig of his wine. "That's hard to say. The archives in Luxis pointed with confidence to the valley of the rivers as the resting place of what I seek, but someone may have absconded with it since they were written. We may have to go on a longer trek. Does that affect your willingness to come?"

It was a tempting offer. The leopard spent most of his day tending to the Arcane One, and didn't really get to see much of the world, aside from what news the travellers brought. That wasn't to say he was dissatisfied with his lot in life. Serving a divinity was the wish of many, but he couldn't turn down the chance to see what was beyond the walls of the palace. "No, sir. I fear I do not have any clothes for travel, so I need to purchase some?"

"Not at all necessary. We have furs and robes you can wear, should it be necessary. But we are entering the summer season, so I expect you'll be quite fine wearing your silks, if that is what you desire. On another note," the general snapped two of his claws before clapping his handpaws. "I do believe I should introduce you to the rest of the troop, or at least the officers."

Summoned by the clapping, five individuals emerged from behind a silk seperator in one of the corners of the room. They all wore different outfits, each more elaborate or foreign than the next. They each lined up, allowing the General to introduce them to the leopard one by one. First up was a wolf that was clearly a few years younger than the general and less scarred. He wore a chainmail and a leather skirt, with a quiver of bolts at his hip and a crossbow slung over his back. He was presented to Rake as Gaius Leonius.

Next to him stood a drake - essentially a wingless, two legged, short lived dragon - who wore a leather and fur outfit, his visible hide had been painted in intricate tribal patterns that the leopard couldn't recognise. His weapon appeared to be a spear and shield, each with their own elaborate decorations tied to them. He nodded with a toothy smile as the General introduced him as Chakar of the Sulfond.

Towering above all the others was Hjorno; a giant bull with a just as giant battleaxe. His horns had been sharpened, giving the already intimidating male an even more frightening air. Though all that was dispelled the moment he bowed down and opened his mouth, revealing a deep and elegant voice. "Pleasure to make your acquiantance," he said in a northern, elegant accent.

Hidden beneath plate, the third wolf of the outfit was well protected. Her heterochromia also set her apart from the rest; one eye green, the other a strange shape of red that Rake couldn't help but be oddly drawn in by. Though her outfit bore no visible weapons, he got the feeling she was quite capable of delivering deadly blows nonetheless. She gave a courteous nod as Hieronymous gave her name as Adeline Leonius - and pointed out she was the older sister of Gaius.

The final individual was another woman; a vixen armed with two serrated daggers and a wicked grin. She didn't just bow when presented, but performed a very intense dagger juggling stunt that caught Rake's breath in his throat. "Thyra, of clan Nordgard, at your humble service," she said with a joyful voice, bowing elegantly.

"These are your compatriots now, Rake. Your master mentioned that you have received no formal weapon training, so I implore you not be stupid should we run into danger along the way. Your brothers and sisters are more than capable and willing to protect you, so should you find yourself in a position where you are endangered, do not hesitate to seek one out."

Hjorno swept the smaller leopard up in a single armed hug. "Aye, listen to the old general! He's seen more action than any lot of us, and he's no pushover. We all like a good bit of action, besides. Would be a shame to rob us of the chance to defend you, no?"

If the leopard's muzzle hadn't been covered in fur, they'd most certainly have seen his cheeks turn pink. As he wiggled onto the floor again, he cast his gaze along the row of his new brethren, a sense of excitement and adventure welling in his chest. This was going to be a very interesting trip, he sensed.