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The halls of the palace were erupting in chaos. People shouting over each other to see their point stated before the man in white robes. He had called this meeting for something important, something far beyond their ability to handle alone.

The night was storming, thunder booming across the black night sky with brief flashes of light sparking in air. The city of Awari was still active, even as night had rolled in and the rain forced many indoors, they found things to keep themselves occupied. The bars stayed open, a small party going on at a hotel to celebrate new visitors, and deep within the capital meeting hall were 8 powerful figures, debating amongst themselves about future actions. Silence was a luxury in a city like this. No, in a place like Awari, there was always something happening.

“This is insane! How can you suggest such a thing?! Allying with the Wolves! Our greatest enemy!"

“Our greatest enemy is no longer the wolves, you simpleton! The Lions to our east have taken over so much of the continent! We have to be prepared to fight!"

“With the wolves at our side? The creatures who have been against us for centuries now? We can't just go and ask them for help! It would be against everything this republic stands for!"

“The republic will not stand if we do not make the wisest decision here!" On and on the debates went until the one in charge had stood up, forcing everyone to silence as they stood at attention.

“Let the meeting begin more properly," he said calmly. He was a man of average height, short white hair that reached to his shoulders. He wore a white robe underneath a black cape, wrapped around his body and clasped together at the right shoulder with an insignia of his family crest, a swirling snake biting its own tail. His name was Kaverik, Master Strategist and Diplomat of the Grand Council, First Senator and leader of the Republic. “What do we know so far?" A woman with long black, curly hair raised her hand before speaking.

“The wolves are being raided just as much as we are. They have actually been staying away from our mining operations and the villages near the forest since the Lions showed up," said Lady Oleri.

“Some sources say they tried to fight the Lions directly and got completely slaughtered," said another man, far younger than the others and laid back in his chair. The man behind him, an unassuming older gentleman named Silens with brown hair and grey eyes, came and touched the younger one's shoulder.

“The men patrol the east more which leaves the northern border with us undefended. The Lions are definitely eyeing their territory. Some of the wolves have even started playing nice with some traders. They really need those iron ores we have."

“They're desperate," Kav said. He took a deep breath and pushed some hair out of his face. “Anything else?"

“The Lions are the dominant group of the empire but they have many other beasts under their wing," said a blonde haired woman, twirling a pencil between her fingers. “Cheetah's, Hyena's, Leopards, even Jaguar's but they all rebel every few months or so. The empire is only able to hold itself together through military might. If we can push a few buttons and support enough revolts, we can take them down from the inside."

“That's money we don't have," spoke up an elderly gentleman, a scar across his left eye. “These Lions have taken over much of the gems and spices the rest of the midlands have to offer. They make an insane amount of money with those resources. Lady Amai is the only one of us lucky enough to be able to get some trading rights with them."

“Maybe because I can keep from cursing them out every five seconds, Lord Basil," she replied, glancing back at him. The old man rolled his eyes.

“I am not going to have this conversation with you again, Lady Amai."

“Good. Save us both the headache."

“Both of you stop it," said Kaverik, taking Amai's pencil. She frowned at him but let it slide. “Alright, here's the move. We will start with-" he began before someone had walked into the room, gently closing the door behind him. This didn't stop everyone present from looking right at them.

“Sorry everyone. Got held up with classes," he said with a smile.

“We've been waiting for hours," said the elder man.

“Only two," said the blue haired woman in the back of the room.

“Correct. Hourssss," he repeated, emphasizing the '“S".

“One of my students was asking about the difference between the mana stones. I had to explain the colors and the power they give and… hahaha! She even made a joke about-"

“Another time, Hep. We have more pressing matters. The Lions beat the Wolves in a battle the other day," the white haired man said, looking over the map. The map showed a large landmass stretching mostly horizontally across the paper. There were three main nations: Their home, the Human Republic of Everrain, based in the western peninsula of the continent and some islands off their coast.

To their east was the Satravid Lion Empire, rapidly expanding their way and conquering the lesser neighbors on its borders. They had only appeared on the world stage some three years ago and already had so much under their wing, blocking the people of Everrain from trading and communicating with the kingdoms and nations to the east.

Then there was the only other recognized nation, the Irikal Confederacy, a collection of six wolven tribes united to protect themselves from outsiders and invaders. It was originally the humans but now there was a new threat on the stage. Before they were simply disparate tribes fighting between themselves but with their unity, they became more difficult for the humans to deal with.

“We have three options: Option 1 is we work with the Lions and take out the wolves once and for all. Then we split the territory between the both of us."

“The trees there are very strong," said the blue haired woman. “A profitable lumber industry could be made there. If we can keep it."

“Are you implying we can't?" asked the old man.

“Yes," she said simply.

“Option 2: Neutrality. Let the Lions and Wolves sort out their own problems. It doesn't concern us so don't interfere."

“But what about when it does concern us?" Asked the young man in the chair. “Empires don't just stop. We know that first hand. They spread out as far as the eye can see and then further."

“The Satravids need slaves for their empire to thrive. They will turn towards us soon. Only a matter of time," said the grey eyed man.

“Option 3…. Is we help the wolves."

“Why would we do that?" The old man asked.

“Survival perhaps?" Lady Amai mentioned. “A show of strength if nothing else. The Lions have been toying with us for a while. Unfair trading agreements, not allowing us to speak with the other half of the continent, threatening us to stay neutral in their war with the Wolves, they've cut down a few of our ships in the Crescent Sea…"

“Is it wise to provoke their hand? The last battle we'd had with the Lions was a pyrrhic victory. I do not think we are able to fight them one on one like that again."

“But siding with them could buy us some time. Learn their tactics and fight on another day," Hep mentioned. Basil scoffed.

“As much as I hate to admit it, the Lions are very skilled in battle. Their formations and training is enough to be prepared for anything we can do. The best defense we have is our geography and weather. The only reason they haven't attacked us fully yet is because there hasn't been a good day for it."

“The Wolves on the other hand," spoke the youngest man in the chair. “They are very much in need of allies. If we help them, they will be indebted to us. The benefits of that could be very helpful."

“Or the Wolves can betray us and we lose everything," Basil brought up.

“The Lions are just as likely to. But better a devil you know than a devil you don't," the young man retorted. There was a bit of silence between everyone as Kaverik looked over the map. The wolves had lost quite a bit of land and Lions seemed hungry for more. But they struggled with breaking the forest line. They weren't used to the land so it left them vulnerable.

The Humans and the Wolves had fought since the first founding of the city of Awari. Their raids were destating and their sacrifices were cruel and horrific. Humans held land the Wolves found sacred and the tearing down of trees for their homes was not a positive either. While they fought regularly, desperate times called for desperate measures. The issue was how the people would react.

“We need to vote for action. Those in favor of aiding the Lions?" Lady Amai and her wife Oleri, the woman with curled hair, raised their hands.

“It is the best bet to stay on their good side. At least until we are more ready for war," Amai said.

“I admire their architecture. Perhaps we can learn more from them and in time they will see us as potential kin." Basil spoke up.

“Yeziix said she wants to aid the Lions too. They actually need metals so it helps business." Kav nodded.

“Votes for neutrality?" Basil and the two spies raised their hands.

“Beasts are untrustworthy. Let them destroy each other and we'll mop up the mess later," Basil said.

“I agree. No use making an enemy out of a potential ally," said Silens. The young Dreemur in the chair shrugged.

“I just don't want to have to sow my clothes again after the fight. They all got really sharp claws. Super annoying." Kaverik took a breath.

“Aiding the wolves?" He said as he raised his hand with Hep and Rimili joining him. They were deadlocked. They were going nowhere tonight. He groaned and looked over the map again.

“Should we… Try another vote?" Dreemur asked. Silens pet his head with a smile.

“Kav, we can't keep doing this. Another deadlocked day is not good. The sooner we make a decision the sooner we can stop us having to fight a war we aren't ready for," Silens said.

“I have an idea on how to change that. We'll reconvene tomorrow night. Basil, bring Yeziix. She needs to be here for that."

“What are you planning?" the old man asked. The white haired gentleman took a breath.

“Go home everyone. Get some sleep." And with that, the meeting was over. Everyone had left to go on to their respective homes with only Kaverik staying behind. He groaned. Another day doing nothing. It had to end. Quickly. He grabbed a sheet of paper and began drafting some ideas down.

*****

It was about midnight and while everyone was asleep, Hep was still awake, reading a book. A candle had remained lit while he was reading and he enjoyed sitting in the comfy chair beside the bed, the gentle patter of the rain on the window aiding his concentration. Wearing not a stitch of clothing on his body, he was perfectly warm and comfortable.

Knock knock knock

He jumped up and looked to the door, his steps quiet and slow. He leaned against the door, pressing his ear to it.

“Who is it?" he asked.

“Snow White," came the answer. Hep laughed lightly and quickly opened the door. Just as quickly, Kaverik had raced in, his robes immaculately dry after coming in from outside. Once the door was closed and locked, the two shared a hug.

“Come to visit me so late? I'm flattered," Hep said. Kav smiled and removed his black cape, placing it on the bed.

“Just to have a little talk. I hope I wasn't… interrupting anything," he said, making a show of clearly eyeing his naked friend. Hep grinned and uncrossed his legs before recrossing them, making a show of his genitals. Kav groaned and covered his eyes.

“Always were an exhibitionist."

“I think the term is 'Nudist'," Hep replied before returning to his book. “You just come to gawk or need to get something off your mind?" Kav had been used to the sight of his friend for a long time. The two grew up together but there was a secret no one knew about Hep. He was a wolf in disguise. Using mana crystals to channel his magic, he could perfectly transform into a human with no signs of issue as long as he wished though too long and he might suffer from bad headaches and dizziness.

Covered in white fur with a large fluffy tail, Hep had always been interested in seeing human culture up close and with his power of magic, he could do so with ease. He had been hiding here in secret for 10 years now and had known Kaverik for 9 of them. He was the only one who knew this secret and with the anti-wolven rhetoric going around the nation, right now, it was best he remained hidden.

“I want to introduce a new change to how we vote."

“How so?"

“I want to allow us to vote multiple times." Hep looked at his friend skeptically.

“Won't that just… let everyone vote for everything?"

“Not necessarily. For instance, I know Oleri doesn't like war. She wants to finish her projects. But she also likes the Lions. Or at least their organization. If she could choose to help them, she would. That would at least sway the vote." Hep closed his book and leaned back in his chair, thinking for a bit.

“Is there a limit to how many votes we can cast? Maybe only two?"

“No. You can vote for any of the choices you want."

“No repercussions either?"

“You know that's not how we work."

“I'm just worried. Multiple votes can break a republic with indecision."

“Our council is anything but indecisive," Kaverik chuckled. “We'll see how it works for the meeting tomorrow. If it works, it's a good plan. If it doesn't, it's a bad plan."

“A great creed to live by," Hep smiled and went to grab a drink, filling two glasses with a red wine and handing one to his friend. “Got time?"

“For you, always." Kav took the glass and took a sip from it. It was truly delicious. Hep had the most refined taste for alcohol of anyone. “So… who was the latest conquest?"

“Haha! What makes you think I've been with anyone?"

“It's you we're talking about here," Kav responded, taking another sip. “Man or woman?"

“Woman this time."

“Ah alright… So what was this one in charge of?"

“I can't say that. But I can say her husband banged some lioness so she's done with him and needed a distraction. I was that distraction." Hep took a big swig of his drink before laughing, his ears twitching.

“And you learned?" Kav asked.

“The Lions are playing nice. They are planning on encircling us. They are trying hard to not push us to fight yet, but they are preparing for it. They just want to finish the wolves off first."

“What? How does she know?"

“She learned some Satravid being at the border and in order to keep her quiet, they proposed keeping her city safe from a raid if they help her by letting them sneak in through the city a few times. She did. Many times."

“How is she still in charge of-"

“It was part of our deal. I gave her what she wanted and she gave me information on the condition that I don't get her into trouble. That's why I can't say where she's from." Kav sighed and took another drink.

“Fine. Fine. Why not share this at the meeting?"

“Basil."

“Oh. Right." Basil was all about honor and loyalty. Anyone not doing their job was to be removed from office and usually executed, especially if they are a governor of a city and with him in charge of the territory sharing a border with the Lions, any dissent would be harshly punished. He would do something about it if he knew. “That changes some things."

“Even if we bring that up, the people won't be happy about working with Wolves." Hep's tail twitched as he avoided eye contact.

“I'm not thrilled about it either. But desperate times…" he said, finishing his drink.

“Desperate measures," Hep finished for him, finishing his own drink. The two shared a moment of silence, the brief patter of the rain being the only noise in the room. “Kav?"

“Yeah?" The white haired man said, not looking at his friend.

“I need a favor."

“What did you do?" The wolf laughed.

“Come onnnnn, I didn't do anything!"

“Yet," Kaverik responded, taking a sip of his drink.

“Hahaha… yet," The wolf took a drink of his own. “I want to help the wolves. But the Council hasn't allowed it."

“Correct."

“I want to at least make sure some family back home are safe."

“How can I help with that?" The wolf set his glass down, taking a breath to gather his wits.

“Refugees."

“Absolutely not, the Council will never allow it."

“Only one other wolf! My cousin!"

“Can she shapeshift too?" Kav opened one of his eyes and saw his friend struggle to find words. “The Council will find out. They will not be happy with you housing an enemy. Then there's the Lions. Should they find out, it'll appear as though we're picking a side."

“But the Council will never agree to help them! They're all too scarred from the last few wars with the Wolves."

“We will see. But for now, I cannot do anything to help…… Except…"

“What?" Hep sat up, looking at the young man with full attention, his ears slightly twitching.

“Maybe… I can find a way to get you to go see her in the morning. And maybe you can bring her something to help the tribes."

“Like… weapons?"

“I didn't say that. I can't condone the unlicensed trading of weapons to enemies." He winked at his friend but kept a stoic face. Hep began to get the message.

“S-so… okay. Thank you. I'll be ready for the morning."

“Do whatever you can to hide your appearance. No Council robes or affiliated clothing. Be completely civilian. And be back by nightfall. We have our meeting. No one can miss it this time."

“Of course. Thanks Kav."

“No problem." With that, they changed the subject again but this time to something less heavy, sharing stories of their past, some old silly tales and people they used to know. It was a nice time for the two, definitely something needed after their hard week of work. But eventually the time came to an end and Kav stood to try and leave, slowly teetering before falling back into his chair.

“Hahaha! Had a little too much huh?" Hep asked, crawling into bed.

“Noooooo. Just… a little dizzy."

“Mhmmmmm." Hep laid on his back, splayed out across the bed, completely exposed. His white haired friend laughed and threw his cape over the exposed wolf before Hep took it brought it up to cover his face, leaving his lower half exposed.

“By Zati, I hate you." He was only met with laughter. “Freaking… cover that thing up. Ya show off."

“Noooooo," Hep responded.

“Yessssss," Kav said back, pulling the cape back down as Hep pulled it back up to his face.

“Stop looking at it if you're so upset by it."

“I'm not upset! Please! I've seen you naked more times than I can count. I'm used to the sight of your… your…"

“Ballllssss hehehehehehe", Hep sat up, the cape still on his head.

“Yeah. Those." Kav leaned on the bed next to his friend, trying to steady himself.

“Well then the sight should not be an issue. In fact, you should join me," the wolf said, lifting the cape so it uncovered one of his eyes. Kaverik scoffed.

“Absolutely not. Not now. I'm… too dizzy."

“I can help!"

“No you can't."

“Yes I can! It's easy. Just gotta…" he reached over to grab his friend's white robes, but Kav moved out of the way, resulting in the wolf plummeting off the bed and crashing to the floor. He groaned loudly at first, whimpering like an injured dog before laughing. He had fallen upside down with his feet grabbing onto the curtains and his tail covering between his legs.

“Much better," Kav said. He was met with silence as Hep looked to be dozing off, his eyes slowly closing. Knowing he couldn't leave him there like that, Kav picked his friend up and gently rested him in bed, though the wolf did his best to hold onto the man, not letting go until Kav pinched him.

Now comfy in bed, the covers were pulled up over his body and Kav took the crystal necklace around his neck and placed it in his friend's hand. The crystals glowed upon contact and slowly Hep's body had begun to morph from his wolf form to the human one before, his fur being replaced with skin and his tail and canine ears disappearing.

“Thank….. You….." he said quietly. Kav pet his friend's head and went to the door before realizing he was not ready to go home like this. He sat down in the chair nearby and got comfy, humming a tune to lul himself to sleep. It worked.