The Lion Tamer

A Semi-historical Furry Story

Author's Note: So I mentioned there would be a new story I wanted to do after Wolford that I'd been planning for a while and this is it. As I actually write gay historical fiction for publication as well as writing straight ones for practice in fanfiction, I've found some of these I have a knack for, so I wanted to give it a go in a Furry setting. Don't worry too much for accuracy of course, but I hope you will find it interesting all the same. Now, here's some basic things I should tell you...

The Roman elite are your big animals used symbolically like eagles, lions, wolves and bulls. Your soldiers, entertainment, athletes and gladiators (non-slave ones) are animals like horses, elephants, boar, bear, peacocks, antelope and that sort, your taxmen and admin that of course aren't senators, are your foxes, rabbits, badgers, weasels and that sort. The peasant class are domesticated species like cats, dogs, sheep, goats and rodents like mice and rats. Slaves depend on circumstance, but I hope this will help you understand a little of this situation and you may enjoy it.

One: Politics

The family were sitting in the box beside the emperor's, but their patriarch was with it, guffawing and crooning like he was serenading a lover for the chance the emperor would give him the time of day. After paying for these games to honour the emperor's second year in position, it should be welcomed and yet, the old golden eagle stated on at the leopard and warthog battling each other in boredom.

"I can't watch mother, what if he dies? I couldn't dare look his son in the face anymore!" One of the young lion cubs in the box whimpered, his mane barely showing and his face a mess of tears and dismay. His mother kept throwing one of her neat scarves before his face so the crowd might not see his cowardice, especially as his sister was gleaming at the chance of gore.

"If this were really a fair fight, they wouldn't be fighting with swords but eating each other. Why can't we see claws being used!" Hortensia spat in frustration, folding her arms across her chest and then lifting her head up to the sky. She was refusing to watch the rest of the battle, purely because it did not suit her tastes and it made her uncle chuckle softly in amusement beside her whilst his son was suddenly staring at her as if she were unwell mentally. Uncle Livius though stretched out his big paw to pat her shoulder, knocking her necklace slightly as he leant in.

"Now Hortensia, you're upsetting your fiancé, Postumus can hardly imagine his future wife to be so blood-thirsty, it wouldn't suit when you're marrying a patrician, not a soldier." Livius chortled softly as he then sat back, looking to his broad and rather portly son who was just trying not to look embarrassed by Hortensia's desire to lunge out and cause trouble. But Hortensia just scoffed at them and turned her head around to look at Tacitus, who was still looking as if he were about to faint and had been well-named since birth.

"At least I have a stomach... considering you're best friends with that gladiator's son and he and his companions are all training to be gladiators, not to mention you train with them, I can't believe you're such a coward Tacitus! Even Severina has more balls and she's your twin!" Hortensia scoffed, looking beside her mother to where the youngest member of the family was almost leaping up in her seat, her tail twitching and wiggling wildly in excitement as if copying the moves in the battle. Their mother was quick to grasp the back of her daughter's dress and yank her down onto her backside, making Severina give a grunt as she elbowed Tacitus beside her as he gave a grunt.

"How would you feel if it were Uncle Livius there fighting for his life just to entertain the emperor?" Tacitus began, only to have his mouth smothered as the piercing eyes from the imperial booth flicked towards him. In that moment there was the sudden screech of pain from the leopard and everyone turned to witness the more experienced gladiator holding a sword in his stomach but jerking it forward. As the boar fell forward, the leopard's blade thrust forward, skewering the warthog in the gut in a spray of blood that made Tacitus faint into Severina's arms as the young lioness threw her brother off her lap, almost dropping him hard onto the floor but for the stork servant beside them grasping him as Severina launched onto the edge of the seat.

"Valens! I'll avenge you!" Severina yelped, almost flying off the wall but thankfully one of the elephant bodyguards for the family stretched out his trunk and wrapped it about her body, pulling her back into her seat as she wrestled within his grip. Prisca, their poor mother, almost fainted too, she could not believe that her children were embarrassing her like this and right in front of the imperial box as Hortensia clapped her paws and insisted to her little sister that Valens was already avenged as the pig was dead already and he might still be saved! The crowd was roaring in delight all the same for such close combat and yet it was clear to the oldest brother, who'd remained quiet throughout it all, that this was not a pleasant situation at all.

"We've owned the gladiator training schools in the region, its practically what our Praeliator name is all about, providing the best fighters for the entertainment of the highest and the lowest in society. Getting to have your trained fighters featured in the Circus Maximus is the height of fame around here and something I do wish my sons would get into their heads. Domitius, are you actually listening, this is what you will inherit... its our family legacy and has been since our training of Carthaginian slaves after its collapse!" Maxentius Quintus Praeliator was grimacing as he sat in his office with his many servants and slaves, one of the little greyhounds holding up a fan to not only keep him cool but beat away the flies that were common in the Roman summer when the marshes exploded with life. The great lion with his scarred muzzle a bi-colour mane of rich bronze and black was pressing his head into his paws as he tried to get his sons to pay as much attention as his brother-in-law's son did to his lessons.

"The complaint I'm raising is that you're 'breeding' fighters, you're not buying slaves to train into it anymore, you're pairing them up and barely letting out best fighters have the chance to enter fights where their freedom is on offer. Instead, when they've got a chance of winning money you take it all and put it into the expense of their livelihood, improving their meals and bedding but not by enough to make it worth it. This is not the Roman way!" Domitius growled at his father, unlike his father who had gained his black mane through his military service like most when dealing with the troubles of barbarians surrounding them, Domitius had been born with a black tail and his mane was as black as ebony and his fur the brilliant rich golden-honey colour of his siblings. Domitius was already attracting the eyes of many noble-ladies but it was not clear what would happen to him now he was old enough to start taking an interest in politics, position and the legacy of the family. "Don't you agree with me Tacitus?"

"Well... Valens died of his wound, he was our best and our trainer, his son's had to take on the role straightaway, but you've booked him to go in as a Murmillo when he trained initially as a Secutor! We're actually very low on decent trainers and we haven't got half the muscle or excitement we used to have. I think brother's right, we shouldn't be breeding them, we should focus on just the Noxii for the down season." Tacitus whimpered and his father was suddenly staring at him in disbelief, just as Domitius was when they realised that all of the young male's schooling was paying dividends as he seemed to understand the situation better than before. But then his father chuckles, Maxentius knew very well why Tacitus had such a good head in this matter, especially as Valens' eldest son, Rabidus, was very fond of the young lion.

"Alright... you've both made your points. I would suggest that we get you two into the business now and actually choosing our fighters. I've got some prisoner and slave markets on, there is always a chance to pick out some good fighters and I can leave it to you both to decide. My purse is your purse, thankfully, the emperor was very gracious about us losing one of our best and that he could witness the best taking each other out... seems he was wise not to bet on either and that meant anyone who did put money into his purse!" The big lion chuckled thoughtfully, though he was glad that both of them were starting to sound like they could actually handle the job, even though the incident at the arena had been rather upsetting for them both. As he then waved his hand to dismiss them away, both young males stepped out and paced down the hall together, Tacitus lowering his head submissively although Domitius was amused.

"Your mane will come in time you know, you're only fourteen, most lions don't grow their full one out until sixteen. I was just an oddball, I'm eighteen with a full-blown mane to rival father's... I hit the mane-growing gene there. Look at Hortensia, she's sixteen and practically bald, she has to wear a wig out, thankfully they're fashionable!" Domitius stated, trying to help his brother out somewhat before they strolled down to where the older gladiators were sitting down and eating in their seeming hall. The female slaves were busy cooking and keeping them fed, but everyone was on the same ration for the morning, porridge before their first work out and yet as they arrived, Rabidus had just finished his food when he approached and Tacitus suddenly looked excited as Domitius gave a snort. "I thought you'd be going straight to the youngsters, you heading off to talk to him already?"

"I have to know he's ready for the fight..." Tacitus stated and Rabidus waved him over, the big leopard's back covered in knotting muscles as he strolled about comfortably in his leather pants and patted the young lion's back. It made Domitius paused for a moment, watching after them go before the old trainer Ferox appeared beside the young master with a soft snort. It was enough for Domitius to turn to him thoughtfully as he watched his little brother go.

"Before you ask that question... I'm quite sure it's harmless between them both. Rabidus has known little Tati since he was a cub, he thinks of him as his little brother as well. Valens always made sure that no matter what, all the kids here were safe... your family has always ensured that the kind of dangers in over gladiator schools don't happen here." Ferox grunted, but it only made Domitius grimace slightly as he thought it over, he recalled that it was not the case in some areas and his lips curled, making Ferox squeeze his shoulder. "Its alright... we haven't got anyone like that tiger here, we never have had... what those reptiles do with their fighters is not our way."

"I know but... when I see my brother so quiet and nervous, I see too how he's perfect and 'delicate' enough until his mane grows. Its not supposed to be done to Roman boys... but there's scum in every quarter." Domitius grunted, but he walked past his sister Severina who had once again snuck into the training grounds and was hurrying to join Rabidus. Domitius spun around, ready to snatch her by the scruff until Ferox lifted a paw with a soft cackle of amusement.

"She'd never let something happen to Tacitus so don't threat... in the mean time we need to talk about the next set of rewards for the big battle and consider putting on a show here to draw the crowds and remind them of our good name." Ferox chortled softly and the young lion beside him nodded his head. Being so used to it all, Ferox was a good tutor to the young master, but also a very good businessman as he knew that sweat and blood from a good gladiator were worth their salt and the old bull certainly knew how to get the fighters into any battle without too much trouble. "We've lost a lot of slave girls lately... your mother keeps pulling them out the moment she thinks one might be pregnant and then setting them up to work for her. I heard your father's been selling the kids off in secret without even letting you know..."

"He's probably selling them to the wrong sorts, he knows I have a very strong distaste for selling children. Its best they learn a skill in their parent's household and learn from good masters what respect is about, not to mention if you put the effort in they can sell for much more!" Domitius waved a hand about, trying not to focus on his concerns before Ferox led him over to a room where they could sit and talk more. As they settled inside, one of the young vixen slave girls came in, water in a jug and glasses that she placed between them before insisting she would fetch them some bread and meat if wanted, but Domitius swung a paw about her waist and pulled her onto his lap. "You're looking a bit off-colour Sabina... something up with you and your husband?"

"Oh... well, master... is it permitted for me to speak openly to you both?" The vixen questioned, she was about the same age as Ferox and she'd produced cubs over the year with her fox mate Fabian who worked as one of the night watchmen, both were slaves from birth but treated as freed beasts in this household, their loyalty firm and their cubs worked the household or moved at will to other businesses, but Sabina was very careful whenever she spoke. Of course, her experience and knowledge was important and both Ferox and Domitius nodded their heads to her as she gave a soft sigh. "My job is to check our fighters are still... virile... but there seems to be an issue with one them and I did not want to say it aloud because of what I witnessed...."

"What did you witness?" Ferox was the one to speak frankly first, but it was clear that Domitius was getting very anxious as the vixen took a deep breath and then recounted it as carefully as she could....

I was due to check on Rabidus as he would be going out soon, you know how it is... get a little bit to sell before a battle to see if he's victorious and sell it to balding beasts to make the fur grow back more lush... but he was just not reacting to anything I said or did for him. Then, I thought to myself that I should ask one of the others to talk to him, one of the males because he's known me since he was a cub so maybe he would be embarrassed. I found the younger male Gabinus... you know he's just turned eighteen, he's the lynx that's been prepped for wrestling and I asked him to talk to Rabidus and see what he could do.

They were taking a little longer than I thought and then I heard Gabinus making funny sounds... so I peeped through the door and was shocked by what I saw! The young lynx was bent over the bed, grimacing and looking uncomfortable, but holding the bowl beneath him with one paw. I could see the leopard over him, but where I thought he was putting it within the youngster... I spotted that he was using the male's thighs! I was shocked, it was the kind of thing that would not leave a mark upon the other if you did not know to look and Rabidus seemed well practiced in it!

As I watched, I listened too and the leopard was groaning about how Gabinus was the 'right size' for him and he liked how delicate he felt in his big paws! I thought to myself... but he's around the youth so much... have I been missing something all this time? Gabinus got the sample for me by sacrificing his pride and his thighs, but he came out and said that its just how it is with cats... they 'understand' the needs of one another....

I went in and confronted him, Rabidus said that I just couldn't interest him and he was still stroking himself... still quite hard and grimacing. I asked him straight what was wrong with him and he said to me, just so blatantly 'I don't want to be with someone who wants to wrestle with me... I want someone that trembles when they see me...' and I was terrified!

"Yet you waited until now to tell us... uh, Domitius... at least let us talk to Gabinus first... Domitius!" Ferox grunted, he was quite sure that the vixen was getting it out of context, Sabina could be oddly proud of herself and took anyone not accepting her actions as something sinister. It was certainly something that could explain the situation and yet Domitius was rushing over to the room, desperately furious that there might be something going on with his younger siblings and willing to kill for it. But, as Ferox hurried up to him, Gabinus happened to be walking in the same direction and paused to bow to his master, only to be grabbed at the shoulders and shaken roughly.

"Tell me lynx... what happened between you and Rabidus... what did he say to you?" Domitius' huge canines were practically at the cat's throat and he wanted to pull away in anxiety, utterly fearful that he was going to be killed by the lion for no reason, when Ferox reached his side. The bull quickly waved his hooves, telling him what they'd been told and then Gabinus' eyes widened and he quickly patted his master's sides down, almost smiling.

"No master... not youth or delicate like that... he only finds the livestock attractive... its not uncommon amongst the predators that battle like us, there's a desire to hunt even in our bed chambers. You mustn't worry, Rabidus is a brother to us all and would never put anyone in danger, especially not the young master and mistress!" Gabinus beamed softly, only for Domitus to breathe a huge sigh of relief before slumping back against the wall and shivering in relief.

All he could see in that moment when he'd run off had been the memory of the tiger's weight upon him, that striped fur brushing into his face, the weight holding him down as his legs were pulled apart. He could remember the scent of blood, the sting of the tear and the horrid breath of that grunting bastard before the disgusting sensation of that hot fluid staining every part of him! The young lion would murder anyone who dared to attempt such a thing with any of his siblings and yet, the sudden thought his dearest and most trusted childhood friend might have been the same rocked him to the core.

Maybe Domitius was not good enough for this job when he couldn't put the past behind him or trust the merchandise....