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Paid in Full

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By: Thaine T. Stephens

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"So, as you see Mister Benalith," the portly badger said as he turned the pages in his ledger, "we have given you more than ample time to repay your loan. The bank was generous enough to give you two extensions already." The chair beneath him creaked in protest as he leaned forward and pushed the book across the table. "Is this not your mark to acknowledge the agreement?" A chipped claw stabbed at a scrawling signature accusingly until Richard nodded. "Then you see the bank is fully within its right to demand payment." Richard opened his mouth to object, but the banker dismissed him with the wave of a paw. "No more excuses, Benalith: payment is due in two days." The badger dipped his muzzle, his second chin pressing against his chest as his voice lowered. "Full payment, or ownership of your vessels transfers to the bank of Mirain." With the flick of a wrist, he slammed the ledger closed and pulled it back to his side of the table.

Richard did his best to keep his ears up: lowering them would give the impression that he was cowed. "If I may speak in my own defense, Rubio," he started despite the badger's growing scowl, "there has been word of storms breaking out between our ports and Dusskin. My ships carry enough goods to earn your money and then some. But until they arrive, I have nothing to pay you with. I need more time-" The banker growled and pushed his chair back away from the table ignoring Richard's explanation

"You have been given more than ample time. It is not the bank's fault that you are a poor businessman. We'll be expecting to see you in two days with our gold" he snapped, stuffing the the ledger under one blubberous arm and waddling out of the otter's office.

Sinking into his chair, Richard Benalith brought a paw to his eyes and pinched the bridge of his muzzle. He hated to admit it, but the fat banker was right: he had been given more than a respectable amount of time to repay his loan. But when his merchant ships had been delayed he found himself without the funds to repay the bank. He had put every bit of worth he could muster just to get the two galleys sea-worthy and crewed that there was nothing left to rely on. If even one of them failed to return his business was doomed.

"One week late, already," he grumbled, snatching up a letter from the table with his webbed paw. He unfolded the parchment and glanced over the words he'd read a dozen times already. The captain of the Maiden's Rose had sent him word once the ship had reached Dusskin, and the Broken Fang wasn't scheduled to reach her destination for another week. But since then he had been left without notice from either of them. The Maiden's Rose had been scheduled to return eight days prior, leaving Richard to hope it was just storms that had delayed it. His stomach churned at the thought that anything ill had happened to his ships. They were insured, but even that money wouldn't be enough to purchase and crew replacement vessels. "Let the bank try to seize it from the ocean's depths," he mused sourly, crumpling the paper in his paw. "If it doesn't return soon I hope the sea claims it."

The otter rose from his chair and moved to the window of his office. He could still glimpse the fat badger waddling down the street, the sun glinting off his sash made of bright green silk and trimmed with cloth of gold. Every member of Mirain's bank wore those sashes: it was a status symbol that most merchants dreaded to see coming their way. Richard sighed heavily as he watched Rubio until he disappeared into the throng of people on the streets. Mirain had been bustling with activity for the past couple of days as many merchant ships had been returning with hulls full of goods. Much to Richard's frustration, none of those ships were his, or carried any of his goods.

Through the window he could see a familiar raccoon making his way towards his office, but he made no move towards the door. Vincent would read too deeply into it if he thought Richard had been expectantly waiting for him, and the last thing he wanted to do was encourage the raccoon. He didn't even bother to knock as he opened the door and stepped inside. "I just saw Rubio leaving and thought I would come over and assess the damage. Did they agree to an extension?" Even when faced with the potential for bad news, Vincent's mood never dampened. He could always find an upside to any situation, even if he was the only one who saw it that way.

Richard let out an indignant snort and whirled on the raccoon, his tail thrashing slightly. "Oh yes, can't you see my utter joy? In fact, it went so well, they offered to forgive my debt completely!" His jaw tightened, teeth grinding as he waited for a retort, but none came. The raccoon just stared at him calmly leaning against the table. He waited, craving a biting response just so he could yell at someone, but none came. That was the thing he hated about Vincent: the raccoon could read him too well, and knew better than to fall into the trap. "I'm gonna lose my business, Vin..." the otter admitted with a sigh, his clenched fists uncurling at his sides. "I don't have the money, and they won't give me any more time. I've only got two days..." Taking a step back, Richard leaned against the sun-warmed glass of the window, letting the heat soak into his shoulders. It was a minor comfort, but helped ease some of his tension.

'Have you asked for an advance on the goods you intend to sell? Or even asking for half up front might be an agreeable solution. I'm more than willing to give you coin for the cloth that's on the way." Vincent was a tailor by trade, and when he heard of the prices that Richard was asking for silks and cotton, he was quick to become a customer. He was probably the most loyal customer that Richard had, and one of the few that he could call a friend. And he wasn't about to let a sour business deal cost him a friendship.

Richard shook his head sternly. "I've already asked Merrin, Hintle, and Sharn, and they all rejected the idea, claiming it was bad business. Not that I can blame them. Even if you paid me fully up front it wouldn't be enough to cover the loan. And then when they seized my ship the bank would claim all of the goods on board as well. It doesn't make sense for us both to lose out." He paused as an idea crept into his mind, making the fur on the back of his neck bristle. "Unless...you could pay the bank for me, and I repay you once my merchandise arrives." No sooner than the words were past his lips, Richard regretted them. Guilt settled over him as he could see Vincent mulling the thought over, and he let his head rest back against the glass. "Do us both a favor and forget I even asked, Vince. It was inappropriate."

A small chuckle came from the other side of the room as the raccoon's white teeth gleamed in a smile. "Don't worry, Rick. It's not like I could have said yes." The grin widened as the otter looked at him quizzically. "I'm a businessman first, a friend second, Richard. If by chance your ship doesn't arrive that leaves me out a decent amount of coin. And I need those materials before I can make any clothing, which would leave me with no source of income. And that would leave us both on the losing end." He crossed the room with a few long strides, his striped, bushy tail swaying behind him. A black furred paw came to rest on Richard's shoulder in support. "You've still got two days. There's still a chance it will show up in time to pay the bank."

Sighing softly Richard nodded. "It's a small chance, though, Vin. Too small. I need to find another way: I have to make sure that I have the gold when the time comes." Moving away from the window, and from the raccoon's paw, he strode back over to his chair and slipped into it. "I'm running out of options Vincent. If you have any suggestions..." he started, but paused when his friend opened his mouth. "Any suggestions besides that!" he snapped. Vincent knew him well, but he also knew the raccoon well enough to know where his mind would venture first.

"You're no fun, Ricky," he pouted, sticking out his tongue. "Besides, with a cute tail like yours, you could make more than enough money in two nights." The scowl that settled over the otter's face just encouraged him more, but Vincent knew not to push too far. "Alright, alright...so prostitution is out. Are there any more loan prospects? I mean, of course the bank is out, but what about a private lender?" Richard shook his head, and it was Vincent's turn to scowl. "I hate to mention it...but what about selling the title to one of your ships? The bank is threatening to take both, but your business could survive on one." Richard noticed he refrained from adding, 'not very well'.

"I thought about that. Sadly, neither one of the ships is worth what I've invested in them. I need them both out there trading just to keep the business alive." Richard slumped in his chair, closing his eyes and rubbing his temples slowly. The stress was making his head hurt again, a fairly common occurrence after taking over his father's failing business. "I'm not whoring myself," he added when he heard Vincent start to speak.

"You keep rejecting my most promising idea..." the raccoon teased, taking the seat that Rubio had occupied just a short while before. His nose wrinkled at the badger's scent but he didn't abandon the chair. "For the amount of gold you need, the options are few, Rick. How much do you have?" He could see the hesitation to admit how bad his finances were on the otter's face, but Richard told him four hundred golden scepters and eighty silver shields, less than a quarter of what he owed the bank. Vincent nodded and picked up a paper that had the bank's seal on it, and started to read. "Is this what you owe now?" Richard nodded, and the raccoon let out a low whistle. "Damn, your options are limited..."

A low growl formed in the back of Richard's throat as he snatched the parchment from his companion's fingers. "That's what I've been trying to make you understand..." He crushed the paper in his webbed paw and let it fall to the table top. It was starting to make him uncomfortable, just how familiar Vincent was getting with his finances, but he kept reminding himself that he did ask him for help. "I'm sorry, Vince, I didn't mean to snap-" he started, but the raccoon waved him off.

"Don't worry about it. You're under pressure, I understand." Vincent leaned back in his chair and stared up at the rafters. "There is another option. Though the chances of success may not be as great, any chance is better than none." Richard's doubt lingered so thick in the air that Vincent could actually feel it. "The gambling houses are still an option..."

The laugh burst forth from Richard's lips before he could stifle it. The raccoon glared at him but even that did not help him regain his composure. "The gambling houses? Honestly? Every Mirain citizen knows their games are rigged. They stay in business only from tourists, and only because the Magistrate gets his share." His shoulders were shaking with laughter by the time he managed to gather himself. "Seriously Vince, that's the best way to lose what little money I have left."

Vincent snorted and sat upright in his chair again, folding his arms across his chest. "That's the case with most of the games, the ones where you bet against the house. But there's one game that just puts you against other gamblers. And if you know what you are doing, you can make a lot of gold in one night. Does it still sound like a good way to throw your money away?"

"Yes, it still does. I'm not a gambler: I know nothing about winning at any of those games." The levity faded quickly once he realized that Vince was serious. "Me going in there with intent to win would be like...you entering a brothel with the intent of celibacy. It's nice to think about, but the odds of it happening are slim to none." Sighing, the otter reached for the crumpled paper and unfolded it, staring at the number that was written down. "I could always wait for the Maiden's Rose to return..." he said softly, defeat settling over him.

There was a dull 'thump' as the raccoon slammed a paw down on the table angrily. "Or you can grow a pair of balls and be proactive. You said yourself that your Maiden's Rose probably won't return in time, and the Broken Fang departed not long ago. So you can sit here and wallow in self pity and pray for a miracle, or," he said, rising from his chair and leaning over the table, "you can take a chance and try to solve the situation yourself." The raccoon moved around the table, never taking his eyes off the otter, and came to stand at his side. "And with me as your teacher, I'll make you the second best Arbalest player in Mirain."

Richard looked up at him, eyes wide from the sudden outburst of encouragement. "You can't be serious. You intend to teach me some game I've never played, and make me good enough to win the gold I need in just two days." Shaking his head the otter glanced at the crumpled bank note. "I must really be desperate to even consider it." He paused, looking up at the grinning raccoon before adding, "And what if you turn me into the second best player and I end at the table with the best player? What then?"

Vincent's grin grew even wider as he patted Richard's shoulder. "I can promise you that won't happen. You'll be learning from the best Arbalest player in the city. When I'm through with you, there won't be anyone who will be able to take your gold." The raccoon gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze before releasing him. "So what do you say?"

Mulling it over Richard really didn't see too many other options. If Richard was telling the truth then Arbalest was the safest way to gamble, but it was still a risk he dreaded. With a sigh of defeat he nodded his consent. "Alright, you win. But we need to get started today if you're going to make me good enough. And I don't have a deck of cards here." After his father had passed Richard had made it a point to remove any cards or dice from his residence; they would only serve as a cruel reminder to the financial mess his father had created in his last few years.

"I have one at my shop. Meet me at the Rusty Hook in about an hour, and we can start over dinner and some drinks. My treat," Vincent said with a smile, and was out the door before Richard could protest. He swore that he could see his tail wagging as the door closed behind it, but the otter was in no place to object. The thought of taking charity from a friend, even if that friend was Vincent Fertone, left a bitter taste in his mouth. He would find some way to repay him, if just to deny the raccoon from hanging his generosity over him later.

The Rusty Hook was a small establishment located near the docks, and not too far from Richard's warehouse. He knew of the place, but rarely visited; it was a tavern that catered more to sailors than anyone else. It was several hours before dusk when he arrived, and the place was relatively empty. Most of the sailors wouldn't be looking for lodging, or a place to drink,until dark. The strong scent of burning wood and cooking fish assaulted his nose as he stepped inside, as well as the expected scent of ale.

The Hook's owner, an otter about twenty years Richard's senior, gave him a gruff welcome from behind the bar. Richard gave him a brief nod as he looked around for Vincent. The raccoon was in the far corner of the room, sharing a table with a bottle of wine. He spied him quickly and motioned him over with a black furred paw. "Rather lackluster isn't it?" Richard commented as he took the seat across from Vincent. The raccoon just grinned and took a small sip of wine.

"All the better for learning. There won't be much to distract you." Pouring a second glass from his bottle, Vincent passed the glass to Richard, who sniffed it curiously. "It's not the best vintage, but it's better than their ale. Glover waters it down so much you may as well be drinking from the well." The grin spread when the otter took a taste and grimaced. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

"You did, but not nearly enough," Richard coughed, setting the cup aside. "I think I'll take my chances with the ale. Besides I'll need my wits about me to learn this silly game." He would be the first to admit that he knew little about games of chance, other than to avoid them when possible. When Vincent reached under the table and produced a stack of square playing cards, so worn that the pattern on the back was barely visible, a shadow fell over their table. Richard feared that even the simple appearance of the deck conjured up an opponent who was eager to take his money, but relief set in when he found it was just a serving girl.

She was an otter, probably a couple of years younger than Richard, and visibly related to the lutrine behind the bar. In a soft voice she asked them if they would care for more drink and anything from the kitchen. It was Vincent who took the liberty of ordering for them; two trenchers of fish stew and a pint of ale for Richard. But even it was the raccoon speaking, her gaze kept drifting back to Richard, even as she left their table and headed towards the kitchen.

"Well, I may have been wrong about something..." Vincent admitted, eying the otter across the table over the rim of his glass. Richard, who had been watching the serving girl's swaying tail looked back at the raccoon, puzzle. "It seems like there may be something here to distract you after all." He took another drink and grinned smugly as Richard's ears laid back in embarrassment "Hey, I'm not one to judge: I was checking out her brother before you got here." He tipped his nose towards the bar where a second otter had joined the older one. The family resemblance was very noticeable, and the younger male was very fit.

Richard snorted, his embarrassment quickly forgotten. "You're incorrigible, you know that? Do you even know what shame and modesty are?" Vincent just smiled back at him and drained his glass of wine. Before he could chide his companion further, the female otter returned with a half loaf of warm bread and a pint of ale. He thanked her and she promised to return with their meals quickly. This time he tried not to stare at her as she left, but he couldn't look at Vincent's smug face either. "We came here so you could teach me this game so let's get to it."

The raccoon chuckled and picked up the deck to shuffle it. "You don't know any card games?" Vincent asked, a tinge of dread in his voice. He sighed when Richard shook his head. "Tell me that you at least know what is in a deck, then."

"I'm not a complete idiot," the otter snapped, running one paw through his short cropped head fur "There are five suits, and the numbers two through ten for each suit. And a lord card for each suit that counts as eleven." He ran the images through his head to make sure he hadn't embarrassed himself by speaking so quickly When Vincent didn't mock him he knew that he'd answered correctly. "So how does Arbalest work?" he said, eying the approaching bar maid carrying their trenchers of fish stew. Richard hid his face in his pint when she approached, and Vincent thanked her for the both of them. This time he kept his eyes on the table when she left, mainly to deny the raccoon any fuel for teasing him.

The ale was so diluted that he guessed they filled at least half the pint with water. Richard grimaced, but drank it regardless as Vincent continued to shuffle the cards. "The premise is fairly simple: four of the same value or four of the same class in order. Get the highest value hand and you win." The raccoon flipped the deck over on the table and spread it out for Richard to see. The suits and values were just as he remembered, even though this deck was very simple with everything drawn in black ink. He could see coins, fishes, cups, staves, and daggers all represented with crude symbols, but all identifiable.

The stew was bland, but it was hot and had decent portions of fish in it, so Richard ate while Vincent explained the order of play. Even though it was watered down, he tried to avoid drinking the ale: he wanted to keep his wits about him so he could fully understand the game. Vincent, however, was not so restricted on his wine. He was working on a second bottle before he even dealt the cards. The more he explained, the more the otter's confidence shrank. "So, want to give it a try?" Vincent said, dealing out four cards to each of them.

"I'm not so sure about this..." Richard muttered under his breath as he picked up the cards, but the raccoon either didn't hear him or just ignored it. He tried to remember everything Vincent had just explained to him as he picked up a card from the deck and discarded one from his hand. The turn proceeded to the raccoon, who could pick up the last card discarded, or draw a new one from the deck. They went several rounds, Richard trying to line up four cards of the same suit while trying to make sure he didn't discard the same value card or suit that he had seen Vincent pick up. "I don't know if this would be easier or harder with more players," he grumbled, drawing another card from the deck.

"Depends on who the other players are," the raccoon chuckled, picking up the card Richard last discarded. "I'm loading my arbalest." He grinned when the otter looked at him quizzically. "That means you have one last draw before we reveal our hands. A hand has to use all four cards to win, remember?" Emptying his glass Vincent poured another while Richard drew his final card. "By the look on your face, I'd say you have nothing. Here, lay down your cards," he said, displaying his hand of sequential coins.

Richard's hand was a mix of two pairs, lords and sixes, but he needed four-of-a-kind to even contend for the win. "So I lost..." he commented, tossing his hand into the discard pile. With a sigh, he tore a chunk of stew-soaked bread from his trencher and chewed it pensively. "What did I do wrong? You're my mentor on this, so just tell me what I could have done differently."

Vincent laughed and raked in the cards, shuffling the deck again. "You actually did okay. The cards just didn't fall for you that time, and I started with half of my arbalest completed. Had the betting been in place, someone with my hand would have opened with a high amount. That's when you see if you think your hand is worth risking the money on. Let's go again." He dealt the cards again, taking time to down a few bites of his stew before they started the next hand.

More patrons of the Rusty Hook began to filter in as they practiced into the night. There were even a few people that approached them with intent to join, but Vincent was quick to decline. The more hands they played the better Richard became at the game and the more hopeful he became. "I think you might have some natural talent at this," the raccoon mused as he tossed down another losing hand. "That's good, you'll need it for tomorrow." By the end of the night Richard was winning more hands than he was losing, and Vincent was left speechless.

"You really think I stand a chance? If I can't win tomorrow, I'll lose it all..." The game was coming easier to him now, but still Richard wasn't confident. There were too many things that could go wrong: if he made one mistake it could cost him his last chance to save his business. Vincent grinned and reached out to the deck, flipping over the top card to reveal the lord of coins. A small shiver went down the otter's spine, part excitement part dread, as he stared at the card. "Okay, okay...I get it. Look, Vince...I really don't know how to thank you enough. If you hadn't taught me, I wouldn't stand a chance. Hell, I wouldn't even have considered this an option. If there's anyway I can repay you-" he stopped mid sentence when he felt a foot run up his shin.

"There are ways, Ricky. But only offer if you are serious..." Behind the raccoon's dark mask there was a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. His foot slowly traveled up the otter's thigh, until the lutrine stiffened and jerked back. Vincent frowned, an expression that Richard had seldom seen him make, and put his foot back on the floor. "Before tonight, I'd always assumed you had no appetite for company in your bed. But after seeing how you were undressing the bar wench with your eyes, I suppose I was wrong. So is it just for females, then?" The raccoon reached out and picked up the deck and began to shuffle the cards as he eyed Richard, waiting patiently for an explanation.

Richard cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck with one paw before nodding. "It's not that I never had an...appetite, as you put it. I've just never really had the time to pursue that path. Trying to keep the business from failing has been an exhausting, time consuming endeavor." He felt heat rise to his ears as the raccoon raised one eyebrow, and he could feel the impending question. "Well, I, uh, can't say I haven't had any time to fulfill those needs. Just not...a lot."

"And just with females?" Vincent added, his frown fading quickly when the otter nodded. "Well I suppose I can't blame you for that. Your tastes just haven't refined yet." He smirked when Richard started to protest, but failed to mount a response. "So...if you get the money you need, and manage to pay your loan...I want the opportunity to show you what you have been missing out on. Just one night," he added quickly when Richard started to speak, "and you can call us even. You asked if there was any way to repay me, remember?"

Flustered, Richard's mouth opened and closed a few times, but failed to produce any actual words. Vincent was attractive enough, for a raccoon, with a lean frame and an alluring smile. He never seemed to lack company from males that shared his...tastes, so Richard couldn't understand why the raccoon would want him. "Y-yeah...I did. But is that really what you want? You don't want a discount on your cloth? Or maybe one of the casks of wine?" He was dumbfounded when Vincent shook his head, chuckling. "Alright..." he said after a moment, defeated. "Only if this works and I get the money to pay my loan. If I lose what little gold I have left, your bed stays cold." Hesitantly he held out his paw, nearly jumping back when the raccoon took it in his. The black paw gripped his webbed fingers tightly and gave them a gentle shake.

"We have a deal. If you win, we both do," Vincent said with a smile. They played a couple of more hands, of which Richard won the majority, before departing from the tavern and going their separate ways. Richard noticed that the raccoon had more of a bounce in his step than usual and he couldn't help but imagine that it was due to their arrangement. A cold shiver went down his spine despite the warm night air as he imagined laying with another male. He didn't want to admit that the shiver was part excitement as he headed back to his office to bed down.

Sleep did not come easy for him. He woke several times during the night by nightmares about losing, and dreams about winning. Of course the latter meant that he would have to sleep with Vincent, and his aching erection was even more worrisome than the actual prospect He reached down and wrapped his webbed fingers around it, feeling the firmness and the heat, and imagined what it would be like if it were the raccoon that he was holding. Slowly he released his member: he wasn't going to give Vincent the satisfaction of being his vessel of relief, even if it had just been a dream.

He dressed quickly, tucking his offending appendage into his breeches and lacing them tightly. The blue tunic that slipped over his head was loose and comfortable, and he paired it with a simple brown vest. It was still far to early to meet Vincent at the gambling house and for that he was thankful. The more time he had to compose himself before seeing the raccoon, the better. Despite the growing lump in the pit of his stomach, Richard broke his fast with some hard cheese and fruit. Stepping into his office from the adjoining bedroom, the otter moved to his desk and unlocked the drawer. Inside was a small bag that contained what little gold he had left. His paw trembled as he reached for it, doubt creeping into the back of his mind. Slowly he picked up the bag containing his last four hundred golden scepters and sat it on the desk.

Staring at the bag, Richard began to pace his office furiously. If he lost, he was doomed. But if he won, even if it wasn't enough to pay the bank, it could be enough to help him get a new start. "I need to win four times what I have..." he muttered softly, going over the figures in his head. His feet carried him back and forth through the office, his eyes always on his coin purse as he tried to calculate. However the image of a striped tail, and the raccoon it was attached to, kept infiltrating his thoughts and distracting him. "Damn him," he growled, falling into his desk chair. He snatched up the bag of gold and put it back in the desk, locking it before heading to visit his clients one final time. It was worth another shot to see if he could persuade them, but the otter returned home with nothing but rejections.

Much to his chagrin Vincent was there waiting for him, leaning up against the door. "Thought you may want to practice a bit more..." the raccoon said, patting the deck pouch hanging from his belt. He was tall and lean, dressed in a brightly colored red vest over an orange tunic, both of which were trimmed in silver. It was no wonder he never lacked for a bed companion. With his body and his charisma, it was rare that Vincent had to spend a night alone. Richard knew this, of course, because the raccoon always felt the need to remind him.

"Yeah," Richard said as he opened the door, letting his companion enter first, "it certainly couldn't hurt." Taking the seats they had taken just the day before, the otter stacked all of his loose papers to the side and they played several rounds to pass the time. To his delight Richard won the majority of their games, bolstering his hopes greatly. If Vincent was as good a player as he claimed then his chances of winning seemed brighter.

"We should probably head to the gambling house, to find you a table," Vincent said, putting the deck away. "If you still want to proceed..." Richard thought about it, but only for a second. He was confident enough now that he at least could keep from losing all of his money, even if he didn't win enough to pay the loan. With a brief nod he stood and went to his desk to retrieve his purse. "Look, about last night," Vincent added as they stepped out through the door, "I was a little drunk, and probably a little out of line. You don't owe me anything for teaching you the game."

A smile crossed the otter's muzzle: this was the first time he'd seen Vincent apologetic about anything. "I do appreciate your help," Richard said, putting a paw on the raccoon's shoulder. "You don't have to apologize. Drunk, or not, you were right to expect some form of repayment. I...will hold to our agreement..." he said,, his ears laying back in embarrassment. Vincent's grin was sly and wicked, but Richard started walking before he could say whatever it was he was thinking.

They walked in silence to the Golden Dice, the nearest gambling house that Vincent would allow. Apparently, from his experiences, it was the least corrupt in their part of Mirain. Of course to Richard that was like comparing snakes and claiming that one was the least venomous. The Golden Dice was about the size of a small inn: it was two floors, the first being an open room with tables set up with various games of chance, while the second floor was divided into four smaller rooms for more private games. They were greeted at the door by a large bruin sporting a sword on his belt. Embroidered on his tunic was the symbol of the gambling house, two yellow dice, one showing a six and the other a one. "No weapons," he growled, standing between them and the door.

Richard paused and looked to Vincent, who seemed undeterred by the rude statement. "We know the rules. We carry none: we're just here for a game of sport." The raccoon made a show of spreading his arms out with open paws, gesturing for Richard to do the same. He did, and that seemed enough to satisfy the bear, who moved aside with a small grunt. Flashing a smile back at him, Vincent motioned for Richard to follow as he pushed the wooden door open and stepped inside.

Even early in the day the gambling house was busy. There were people at every table, playing cards or dice or tiles against the house staff, each of which bore the same embroidered dice on their breasts. "We need to get upstairs," Vincent told him, leaning in close so he wouldn't have to shout. A prycionid scent filed his nose, bringing memories of his dream to the surface. His fur bristled but Richard shoved the memories aside as he followed the raccoon towards the stairs. He glanced at a few of the other patrons as he passed, but none of them seemed to acknowledge him. From their dress he could guess that nearly all of them were not Mirain natives. Most gave the impression of sailors, or visiting merchants from either of the kingdoms that the sovereign city sat between.

The wooden planks creaked under their weight as the pair ascended the stairs. The noise faded behind them the further they went up, and nearly vanished all together once they reached the top. The second floor of the Golden Dice was separated into four large rooms with a central hall running down the center. Each room was designated to a different game, and was marked as such above its open door. "Which room is the one we want?" Richard asked, inspecting the door on his right that read 'siege tower'. Vincent pointed to the door near the end of the hall on his left. Richard nodded and started towards it, getting halfway there before realizing the raccoon wasn't following him. "What's wrong?"

"These rooms are for players only. They are set up to discourage spectators, so if I go in there with you, it'll give the wrong image and may get you accused of cheating." Vincent smiled reassuringly, walking up to Richard and putting a paw on his shoulder. "I'll be downstairs should you need me. If you plan to win all the money you need, you may be in there a while, but they do take occasional breaks. Play well, Ricky," he added, pulling him into a brief hug before spinning on his heels and descending the stairs quickly.

The gesture left the otter slightly stunned, his mind suddenly filled with the images from his dream. Shaking the thoughts from his head, Richard took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He gave the coin purse on his hip a reassuring pat before reaching for the door and opening it. As he stepped inside, Richard felt uneasy when six pairs of eyes fell upon him. Well, five pairs and one solitary eye.

Gathered around a polished wooden table were five gamblers, and one dealer, all of which were staring up at the otter in the doorway. "I, uh...I'm here to play Arbalest," he announced meekly as he looked them over. The dealer was a pronghorn buck, with each of his antlers tipped with a golden die, wearing a vest with the same embroidered dice as the other employees. To his right was a foppish dressed genet with mismatched eyes, one blue and the other amber. Also seated at the table were an opossum with a sour look on her face, a dusty brown hare that seemed either drunk or half asleep, a red panda that was impatiently rapping his claws on the table, and a gray and brown coyote who sported a black leather patch over his right eye.

"We have room for one more," the cervine said in a welcoming voice. He gestured to an open chair between the genet and the hare, and the two shifted enough to give him some room. Gathering up the cards, the dealer began to shuffle the deck while the players sat in stern silence. "I take it you are familiar with the game?" he asked Richard, who nodded. "Good. The ante is ten golden scepters. If you refrain from playing for more than three hands then you will be asked to vacate the seat. Ante's in players, good luck."

Richard shifted in his seat as he reached down into his coin purse and grabbed a paw full of coins. The other players were doing the same: no one seemed to have much money out on the table, he assumed so the others couldn't guess their limits. He counted out ten coins and set them at arms length in front him, just as the others were doing. The dealer began to pass the cards out one at a time, starting with the red panda and proceeding around the table. Trying his hardest to keep his paws from trembling, Richard reached out and picked up his hand of cards.

"Fifty," the red panda called out, his voice laden with a thick eastern accent, as he placed more gold on the table. The opossum tossed her cards in, shoving her coins to the center of the table, as did the coyote. Fifty gold scepters appeared in front of the genet, then it was Richards turn to decide. He glanced at his hand, half way to a mid-sized arbalest already, and he chose to play it. The fur of his neck bristled at the thought of putting so much money on a gamble. The hare to his left laid his cards on the table and used them to push his ante to the center.

The dealer retrieved all of the discarded cards, and pushed the forfeited gold into a small pile before setting the deck in the center of the table. He flipped over the top card of the deck and motioned to the red panda. And as simple as that, the game was underway. Richard was unfamiliar with playing the game against two opponents, but the general idea remained intact. He tried not to discard anything the panda seemed interested in while trying not to reveal his own interests to the genet.

After several rounds a smile crept over the red panda's lips as he said "Loading." Richard felt his throat tighten: he was still one card from having an arbalest completed. He glanced down at the gold in front of him and could see it floating away.

"You're getting better, Chen," the genet said as he drew his last card, "I didn't have a chance to build a hand to contest you." His mismatched eyes locked on the player across the table as he discarded a card: the card that Richard needed to complete his set. The genet pushed his gold forward and slid his cards to the dealer before Richard even started his last turn.

Chen, the red panda, was smiling before Richard picked up his card. It quickly faded once he realized that the otter wasn't going to admit defeat so quickly. As Richard discarded his final card Chen set out his hand, a set of sixes, and impatiently waited for him to show his hand. Looking up to the dealer, Richard laid his four cards out on the table, seven through ten of coins, and hoped that he had memorized the scoring correctly. Judging from the low growl Chen made, he had. "Twenty-nine to Chen, thirty-four to the winner-" he paused to get Richard's name, "Richard Benalith." Gathering up the cards again, the dealer pushed the gold towards the otter.

His heart felt like it leapt to his throat as Richard could hardly believe he'd won. One hand of cards put him one hundred and thirty scepters closer to saving his business. He could feel eyes on him as he put most of the gold into his purse, leaving enough out on the table for another hand of cards. Trying hard not to smile he looked over to the genet, who was locking eyes with Chen. When he realized Richard was looking at him, he returned the look with a smile and began to count out his ante. He was trying to help me win, he realized as the cards were dealt again. He didn't have a winning hand so he tried to help mine, hoping that I'd beat the panda. A game with more than two players was more complicated than he had imagined., but it could prove to be more lucrative. Especially if some of the players were holding grudges against others.

The next few hands did not seem to be in Richard's favor, however. He was dealt mixtures of suits and low values, nothing that he wanted to waste money on. The coyote and the hare seemed to be having similar luck, while Chen, the genet, and the female opossum bet aggressively against each other. When she had lost enough money to them, the opossum stood up from the table, kicking her chair back, and stormed from the room. No one else seemed bothered by her outburst, so Richard tried not to be either: after all, he wasn't the one who had taken her money.

They kept gambling, despite being one player short. Richard managed to win several small pots from the hare, who's tired expression never seemed to change. He wasn't losing money yet, but he still couldn't get comfortable winning small amounts. Every hand he played made his pulse race, and he just wished that he could win a few big pots and be done with it. He soon found his opportunity when Rafael, the genet, bet three hundred scepters. His hand was respectable, and the lure of the money was too great to resist, so Richard put his gold in.

The hare tossed in his cards and quietly stood from the table, his disinterested expression never wavering as he left the room. Chen was quick to enter: Richard had noticed that he was always eager to try to best the genet. Mirek, the stoic coyote with the eye patch, folded his hand as well. Out of all the gamblers, he had been the least active. His single brown eye looked each of them over as the hand played out.

This time, much to his dismay, Richard was not so fortunate. He had to keep switching suits throughout the hand, and when Rafael said he was loading, Richard only had half of an arbalest completed. His hand doomed, his heart grew heavy when he saw nearly half of his savings being taken. Chen was taking it even worse, biting off a hiss with several phrases in a foreign tongue that Richard could only assume were curses. "Vengeance, Rafael. You got lucky that hand."

"Hmm...but for what stakes?" the genet said, counting out a portion of his winnings, but leaving the majority on the table. Richard's confusion must have been apparent because Rafael explained that Chen was challenging him to play the hand again for greater stakes. "How about a week of hospitality at your brothel? Surely that is worth the chance to win your gold back?" He reached out and picked up a handful of coins, letting them fall to the table teasingly.

Chen bared his teeth and agreed, urging the dealer to begin. His enthusiasm waned quickly as the turns passed, and even faster than the last hand Rafael was loading his arbalest. The red panda swore again and threw his cards down, sinking down in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest."You shouldn't have called for vengeance, Chen. You should have known you would have gotten at least some of your money back if I had to pay for the brothel visit," the genet laughed as he raked in his winnings.

The four of them continued gambling, Richard becoming more desperate as he continued to lose small pots. After his loss to Rafael, Chen's betting was kept limited, and the coyote would fold when presented with a large bet. Until Richard put for a bet of two hundred golden scepters. It was almost all of what he had left, but he couldn't pass up his hand: three lords and a suited eight. He expected all of the other players to fold at such a large bet, but the coyote raised his bet. "Four hundred," he said, his voice just above a low growl.

Richard paused, running the numbers in his head. If he called the coyote's bet it would take everything he had left, but he couldn't fold and loose the two hundred he had already put forward. Removing his coin purse from his belt, Richard hesitantly tossed the bag onto the table. "Agreed," he said, trying to hide the insecurity in his voice. Both Chen and Rafael folded their hands and sat back to watch. Taking a deep breath, Richard exhaled slowly and drew his first card.

Mirek's single eye remained locked on Richard, pulling away only long enough to draw and discard. It increasingly made the otter uncomfortable with each round. He was searching for a fourth lord to complete his hand: if he found it the win was guaranteed, but the longer he searched the more time he was giving the coyote to build his own hand. With each unsuccessful draw the otter's frustration grew.

"I've waited long enough. Loading," the coyote growled, laying his cards face down in front of hm. Richard's fur bristled as he looked at his hand, which was no better than when he started. This time he couldn't keep his paw from shaking when he took his last card from the deck.

"Shit," he whispered, the back of his throat tightening reflexively. "Shit," he repeated, letting his failed hand fall to the table. He had lost every piece of gold he had to the one-eyed canine, who was leisurely pulling all the gold to him. It's all lost now...the bank is going to seize my ships and I'll have to close down the trading business... A webbed paw went to his face, fingers pressing to his eyes to keep any tears from wetting his fur.

"Have some dignity, lad," a deep voice called out from across the table. Richard lowered his paw and looked up, his gaze meeting the coyote's. "Only drunkards and fools weep over lost coin." Richard looked around the table for reassurance, but the dealer would not look at him, Rafael gave a simple shrug, and Chen was enjoying seeing someone other than himself lose. The smug look on the brothel owner's face made Richard's paws clench into fists, but it also gave him another idea.

Clearing his throat loudly, Richard stared into the coyote's eye with as much conviction as he could gather. "I want vengeance for that hand," he said slowly, trying to keep his voice from wavering. The canid stared at him, his eye narrowing slightly. "My hand was almost secured and I was close to winning. I want another chance to win that pot." All eyes were on him now, and the otter could feel his ears growing hot. "Go on, name your stakes. I won't lose again," he growled, trying to put on an air of confidence

For the first time since he had been there, Richard heard the coyote chuckle. It was a raspy sound, like gravel under wagon wheels, and made the otter's fur stand on end. "You're either a fool or just really desperate. You have no more gold to wager, so what's my incentive? Why should I accept your call for vengeance?"

"I import goods from across the Azure Sea. Clothing, wine, spices, even weapons. You can take your pick from my warehouse." He purposefully left out the fact that his warehouse was near empty, and that anything of value was on the ships he hadn't heard from in days. But it was all he could think of and he couldn't stand to see his entire savings go without trying to get it back.

The coyote stopped pulling the gold towards him and stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I have no need of such things." Richard's heart sank as the coyote piled the gold coins in front of him. "However," he said, flashing a muzzle full of sharp, white teeth as he grinned wickedly, "I could use someone to warm my bed tonight. You win, the pot is yours. If I win...you'll spend the night in my bed. Do we have a deal?"

The warmth in his ears quickly spread to his cheeks as all eyes fell on him again. His mouth gaped open for a moment as the realization of the offer settled over him. First Vincent, and now this coyote...win or lose he would be warming another male's bed tonight. The other gamblers chortled to themselves as Richard hesitated, stumbling over his own words trying to respond. "Just deal the damn cards," he blurted out at last, his ears and cheeks burning hot with embarrassment. He glared at the canine who was grinning smugly back at him as his cards were dealt, and when he picked them up to inspect them his heart sank. It was by far the worst hand he'd ever played, full of mixed suits and low values. But he didn't have the luxury of folding this time, so he held his breath and drew his card.

He tried frantically to assemble a hand out of his hodgepodge of cards, expecting the coyote to load with every turn. That didn't happen though, to Richard's relief, and he kept drawing, occasionally picking up a discarded card to throw the coyote false signals. Mirek didn't seem bothered at all, drawing only from the deck and discarding without any discernible pattern. It made Richard uneasy, but there wasn't anything he could do about it. They were halfway through the deck before he managed to build an arbalest, a small sequential hand of fish, but it was the best he had. "L-loading," he said softly, discarding his final card.

"It's about time," Mirek growled, his eye locked on the otter as he reached for the deck. Richard held his breath as the canine drew his final card, and an ominous shudder went down his spine as Mirek flipped it from the deck to the discard pile without even looking at it. There was a predatory glint in that single eye that made the otter squirm as he revealed his hand. "It was a valiant effort, Mr. Benalith, but I'm afraid you were wrong. You did lose again," the coyote said in a mocking tone, revealing his set of ten's.

Richard couldn't hear the dealer declare Mirek the winner over the sound of his heart beating in his ears. It was lost now: he had no money to continue gambling, and this was his last hope of repaying the bank. If my ship arrives tomorrow...there's still a chance. It was a small hope, but even that offered more comfort than none at all. "What?" he said, realizing that Mirek was speaking to him, but hadn't heard what the canid said.

The coyote grinned wickedly, taking the gold and tossing Richard his empty bag. "I said the hour is growing late and I'm in the mood to retire. Would you be kind as to accompany me, Mr. Benalith? I wouldn't want you to consider defaulting on your debt." Mirek chuckled and stood from the table, allowing Richard to see for the first time the sword on his belt. And when he stepped away from his chair, the otter nearly leapt from his when he saw the dark red cloak draped over it.

Oh shit...he's a Crimson Legionnaire... Richard realized suddenly. It was the only explanation for the cloak and the sword: impersonating a legionnaire was a grave offense, and all the weapons were collected at the door to the gambling house. Any thoughts he might have had about not fulfilling his end of the deal were instantly shattered. No one crossed one of the city's guard, and the Magistrate's personal army, and went unscathed. "Wh-where would you have me go?" he asked, trying not to let his fear show.

Hesitating, the coyote brought a paw up to scratch his chin thoughtfully. "Chen," he said turning to the red panda, who was taking a bit too much delight in the situation, "you wouldn't refuse me a room in your fine establishment, would you?" He shook the purse that hung opposite his sword so the sound jingling gold could resonate through the room. "You may well get some of your losses back." That quip made his smile fade slightly, but he still didn't hesitate to promise a room at the Wilting Lotus to Mirek and his guest. "Good man. I think we'll be on our way," he said, tossing a couple of golden scepters to the dealer before ushering Richard out the door.

In the hall they passed two more gamblers heading towards the arbalest room, a skunk and a rat, who barely paid them any attention. Silently Richard wished them better fortune than his as he descended the stairs with the one-eyed coyote at his heels. When they reached the bottom of the staircase he looked around for Vincent, hoping that his friend may hold some secret answer for the dilemma he had gotten himself in. But Mirek stayed on his heels, goading him to the door and into the street before Richard could even call out the raccoon's name. What a mess you've gotten yourself into this time...

Once they were outside Richard realized just how much time he had spent in the windowless room. It was already nearing dusk, and some of the street lanterns had already been lit in anticipation. The streets of Mirain weren't exactly bustling but they were far from empty Most of the people in the streets were retiring to their homes, or to inns and taverns to spend the rest of the evening. However, Richard found himself being escorted to a brothel by a coyote, who's intent he could only assume to be of the most lascivious nature. "Is there...any other way we could settle this debt? I'm a merchant by trade: surely there is something in my warehouse that might suit your interests..." It was a long shot, since his warehouse was practically empty, but he was still hopeful. "I mean, if it's a bed warmer you want, you've certainly earned more than enough gold to buy-"

"Why would I spend money on a whore when I've already won you?" the soldier interrupted, moving so close to Richard that their arms touched. "I have no use for your trinkets and wares. My coin goes towards whores and drink: if I can get one of those for free then that much the better." Mirek's arm tensed against the otter's, making his fur bristle again. "You aren't thinking of defaulting on your debt are you, Mr. Benalith? I have you on an oral contract, with three witnesses that would testify to it."

Richard swallowed hard and shook his head. The coyote had the truth of it. If he refused to fulfill his end of the agreement Mirek had full rights to take him before a judge. And no one in Mirain would ever win against a member of the Crimson Legion in the city's court. "I...am a man of my word," he said hesitantly. The smile that crept over Mirek's face made his heart sink that much more and his fur stand on end.

The Wilting Lotus wasn't far from the Golden Dice, but the silent journey felt longer than anything Richard had experienced. When they reached the slender, three story brothel they could already hear the sounds of music coming from within. "Chen likes to keep his guests entertained," Mirek told him as they stepped up to the door. "It also helps mask the noises so the neighbors don't complain too much," he added with a toothy grin as he held open the door for Richard.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Richard stepped into the establishment and was bombarded with a deluge of sounds and scents. The smell of male musk was strong, even in the common room. Even if there weren't half naked males roaming and lounging about the smell alone would be enough to reveal the Lotus's true nature. There was a small three-lemur band in the corner of the room, all playing instruments that Richard didn't recognize. He stood just inside the doorway, taking in the scene of alluded debauchery, until he was bumped from behind.

"What's wrong? Never been to a brothel before?" Mirek said as he nudged the otter inside. The coyote seemed more than comfortable in the lewd establishment as he strode up to the bar at the far end of the room. Richard followed, unnerved by all the stares he was getting from both patrons and employees. Behind the bar was a tall cougar sporting a series of golden necklaces that hung down over his bare chest. He and Mirek exchanged a few words that Richard could not overhear, followed by the exchanging of a key and several glints of gold. The coyote looked back at him and motioned for him to follow as he headed for the stairs.

As he passed by, the cougar looked him over hungrily and licked his lips. Richard's face grew hot again and he picked up his pace to escape the predatory feline's eyes. The stairs were narrow so he was forced to follow Mirek up to the second floor, the coyote's tail swaying in his face. He couldn't help but stare at the firm haunches in front of him, wondering what they would look like without the black leather breeches. When he inhaled he could catch wisps of the coyote's scent, which seemed overlaid with the smell of earth. That didn't surprise him much; it was common knowledge that soldiers would take dust baths to mask their natural scents.

They marched in silence to the top of the staircase which widened into a hall with doors on both sides. The smell of male musk was stronger here, assaulting Richard's nose with the obscene scent. "Just down here," Mirek said, inspecting his key with his single eye. Their room was at the far end of the hall, next to the stairs leading to the third floor. Richard's heart was pounding in his ears as Mirek unlocked the door, but even that could not completely block out the sounds coming from the next room. Mirek must have noticed his increasing uneasiness when he looked back, but the coyote just grinned and motioned him into the room.

The room was so saturated with the scent of male musk and sex that it took Richard's breath away. Mirek seemed less affected by it, which surprised the otter: he figured his sensitive canine nose would have been overpowered by it. He's probably used to it by now...he seemed to be on good terms with the renter. Richard mused. As he looked around, he realized just how small and sparsely furnished the room was. A bed, big enough to suit two comfortably, rested in one corner, and with it a small nightstand sporting a lit oil lantern. Aside from a small, shuttered window, the room lacked any other defining features aside from it's occupants. Oh gods...what am I doing? He asked himself when the sound of the door locking behind made him jump.

Mirek laughed at how skittish the otter was, as he removed his cloak and sword belt. He hung them both on pegs imbedded in the door and turned to Richard. "Do I frighten you that much?" he asked, noting how Richard shuffled uncomfortably. "Wearing the cloak comes with a reputation, I know, but you don't have to be afraid. If I wanted to hurt you I wouldn't put on such a facade by bringing you all the way here."

"I...uh...d-didn't think that," Richard stammered, losing his train of thought as the coyote strode near. "It's just...I have very little experience with males," he said. As he stepped closer Richard began to realize just how physically imposing the canine truly was. His chest was much broader than Richard's and he stood at least a head taller. His true scent was also becoming stronger, tinged with desire and lust. "And by very little...I mean none," he admitted, his ears laying back as he looked away.

A grin spread over Mirek's muzzle as he leaned in close to Richard. "Well, then you were either truly desperate," he said softly, reaching out and undoing the buttons of Richard's vest, "or the idea holds some appeal to you." He undid all of the buttons and put his palms on the otter's chest, pushing the vest back so it slid from his shoulders to the floor. His strong paws roved Richard's narrow frame, feeling the otter tremble slightly. "Either way I suspect you'll enjoy it." Without any warning besides the gleam in his eye, Mirek leaned forward and pressed his muzzle to Richard's.

Caught off guard, the otter started to pull back, but the coyote was fast. He stepped forward and wrapped one of his arms around Richard's torso, holding him tightly as their muzzles pressed together. Mirek's scent and warmth enveloped him as he was dipped backwards, and he instinctively gripped at the larger male's shoulders. The kiss was foreign and strange but not unpleasant as the canine lips pressed to his. He let his eyes drift shut as the warmth of Mirek's arms and chest seeped into him, causing a stirring in his loins. This might not be so bad... he thought, running one paw over the coyote's muscled shoulders.

As quickly as it had started the kiss ended, Mirek standing straight and pulling Richard with him. The corner of Mirek's lip curled back in a smirk as he slipped a paw down to the otter's crotch and grabbed him. Richard let out a squeak of surprise as his thickening sheath was groped but he didn't dare smack the paw away. He didn't think the coyote would get violent with him, but he was a soldier and the Crimson Legion wasn't known for its civility. "H-hey," he stuttered after a moment and the paw was still gripping him. Hesitantly he reached down and pushed it away, much to Mirek's amusement. "W-what was that for?"

"Just testing a theory. And by that bulge forming in your breeches my guess was right: the thought of laying with a male does hold some appeal to you." Richard's face grew hot but he still couldn't bring himself to admit it out loud. "It's time for you to show me my winnings, Mr. Benalith," the coyote growled lustfully as he stepped back. There was a hunger in his gaze as he looked the otter up and down, making the lutrine shiver as he pulled his tunic over his head. "Very good," Mirek crooned as Richard let his shirt join his vest, "now the rest."

With trembling paws Richard began to unlace the front of his breeches as the coyote looked on. Each second felt like an eternity as he fumbled with the laces, his heart pounding in his ears the whole time. When he finished unlacing them, he hesitated and looked up to the coyote who simply smiled and nodded. Taking a deep breath, Richard let his breeches slide down his hips to pool around his feet, leaving him standing naked in the middle of the room. Exposed and vulnerable, Richard felt uneasy under the coyote's unwavering stare. "N-now what?" he stammered, dropping one paw to half cover his crotch.

"Now you get on the bed," Mirek growled, motioning towards the bed. The otter complied hesitantly, feeling slightly better when he could turn his back to the canine. The mattress was composed mainly of straw, but with a thick layer of feathers on top of it covered in a thick blanket. It wasn't as uncomfortable as he had dreaded as Richard sat at the foot of the bed, pulling his tail into his lap to cover himself. He looked over at Mirek from the corner of his eye and watched as the coyote began to undress as well. His tunic came off first and Richard stifled a gasp at what he saw.

From his right collar bone to the middle of his chest was a large, thinly furred scar. And it wasn't the only one: Mirek's torso sported several smaller scars ranging from lines to circles. But it was the large one on his shoulder that kept drawing Richard's attention. The coyote cleared his throat loudly and Richard looked away, embarrassed that he'd been caught staring. "S-sorry..." he said softly, wringing his tail in his paws gently.

The coyote chuckled. "You think you're the first one to stare at my scars?" he asked, hanging his tunic on the peg over his sword belt. His breeches came next, and without the hesitance Richard had shown. Stepping out of his pants, Mirek grinned and walked over to the foot of the bed. Now that he was fully exposed, Richard was trying to look everywhere but at the coyote. "Go on, you don't have to deny yourself. You wouldn't be the first one to stare at my cock either." The words made Richard's back stiffen as his face flushed. He was curious to steal a glance, but also afraid to. Slowly he turned his head towards the naked canine and his pulse quickened.

The pointed tip of Mirek's member was already poking out from his sheath, glistening wetly in the dim light. The scent of aroused male grew stronger as the coyote took another step forward, his sheath level with Richard's nose. He let out a soft squeak as his wrist was grabbed and his paw brought to Mirek's sheath. "Go on, it doesn't bite," the soldier growled, his paw holding the otter's to his sheath. The fur was soft and warm, and Richard could feel the shaft inside swell slightly at his touch.

More of the pink tip emerged from the coyote's sheath as Richard massaged it timidly. His face was flush, but it wasn't all from embarrassment. It was foreign and at the same time familiar as he ran his fingers up to grip the other male's cock. A small rumble started in Mirek's chest, and when he realized it wasn't a growl, Richard took it as a sign of approval. Wrapped his webbed fingers around the canine shaft he began to stroke it up and down, even as more of the length escaped from it's confines. He brushed his finger across the pointed tip, amused that it came back slightly sticky, before working all the way down to the sheath. He could feel a bulbous swelling, what he could only assume was the knot, just past the sheath's opening. His curiosity peaked, Richard started to push the sheath down while still looking for any signs of disapproval. None came, and the slightly swollen knot sprung forth.

"Now I'm certain that it wasn't all in desperation," Mirek chuckled as he put a paw on the back Richard's head. The otter squirmed slightly as his muzzle was pulled towards the waiting shaft, unsure if he was ready to take that next step so quickly. Mirek sensed his hesitation and took another step closer, the tip of his cock brushing the lutrine nose. "Take my word for it, you'll be wanting to get that nice and wet." Richard shuddered at what that implied and stared at the male member in front of him. A clear drop of fluid clung to the tip, shining in the dim light.

Slowly Richard leaned forward and gave the tip a quick lick. I can't believe I'm doing this... he thought as his senses were flooded with male musk. The taste wasn't as bad as he had anticipated, but it was strong. The canine cock throbbed expectantly as he leaned in and placed his lips to it, letting it part them as it slid into his wide muzzle. Mirek gave a soft exhale above him and whispered a few words of encouragement as Richard flicked his tongue against the male member. Pre leaked into his tongue as it washed over the tapered tip, giving him a good taste of his first male. With a shaking paw Richard took the base of Mirek's cock in his paw, gripping it just behind the forming knot as he began to bob his head back and forth.

"Are you sure you weren't lying before about your lack of experience?" Mirek teased, resting one paw on the top of Richard's head lightly. Ignoring him the otter kept at his task, taking the member until it nudged at his throat before pulling back so it was just inside his lips. Claws stroked through his head fur and behind his ears lightly, a sign that he took as encouragement. His other paw moved up and cupped the coyote's sac, rolling the heavy orbs around in his palm as he continued to suckle his shaft. "Now I'm positive you were being untruthful." He ignored him again and continued tending to the canine's lust. A part of him hoped that he would only have to sate him with his muzzle. The other part tingled at the alternative.

He didn't have to wait long to find out. Richard was still bobbing his head on Mirek's cock when the coyote pulled his head away from it. "I just wanted you to slicken it, Mr. Benalith. Your muzzle isn't the only place I intend to explore tonight." A paw ran through his head fur making Richard dip his head into it reflexively. "Go on and lie back," Mirek crooned softly, placing his paw on the otter's chest and pushing him gently.

"This isn't...going to hurt...is it?" The coyote was well endowed, and his knot was growing at a slow but steady pace. Richard wondered if it would fit inside him, and he shivered at the thought. "I w-wasn't lying before," he added quickly when the coyote just grinned and pushed him onto his back. He scurried backwards on the bed, trying hard to keep covered with his tail, as he tried to find something to lean against. Lying flat on his back made him feel far too vulnerable, and he wouldn't doubt that was Mirek's intention. He let out a soft squeak when his tail was seized, revealing his arousal once again as he continued to shuffle backwards. He found the wall with his head and leaned his shoulders against it, watching as Mirek clambered onto the bed as well.

Crawling on all fours, the coyote approached him slowly, his one eye shining in the flickering light. "I'm not going to lie. It might hurt, but only for a little. But the pain is worth it for the trade off in pleasure..." His voice was a raspy hissed as he came closer, sliding up between Richard's legs. A canine paw came down and grabbed his lutrine cock suddenly, causing him to yelp before throwing his own paw over his muzzle in embarrassment. Mirek just grinned and chuckled as he started to stroke Richard's shaft slowly as he leaned over him.

Richard moaned softly despite his best efforts not to. It had been too long since he'd taken a lover, and the coyote's advances were taking advantage of that. Strong canine fingers stroked his cock, drawing out a small, uncontrollable squeaks. His tail slapped the bed between Mirek's knees, revealing his true excitement. "I, uh-ah!" he cried as Mirek pulled down his lutrine sheath to expose the entire length of his member.

"Well, well...you were holding out on me, Richard," the coyote crooned, wrapping a paw around his pulsing, nine inch cock. "You had a lot more to offer than you let on." Smiling down at him, Mirek moved his fingers up to Richard's tapered tip and wiped away a clear bead of fluid. "Your body is also admitting more than you want it to..." Shuffling on his knees, the coyote moved closer to Richard's hips, guiding his own member towards his tail hole. He jumped when he felt the warmth of it, but Mirek held onto him, limiting his movement. "Relax and it'll be easier..."

Nodding, Richard inhaled deeply and let it out in one slow breath. His face was flush and Mirek's teasing had him on the verge of panting, so relaxing was far easier said than done. The way the coyote's eye gleamed in the light sent chills up his spine, and they weren't all bad. He squirmed when the paw left his cock, his pulse racing when Mirek grabbed his own member and guided the tip under Richard's tail."Ah!" he cried out, gripping the sheets tightly as the pointed tip brushed his hole. Still wet from his earlier tongue treatment, it began to slide inside him, causing him to writhe under the canine. Mirek held onto his hip with one strong paw while the other guided more of the hot coyote member into his tight opening.

"Slow and steady. You're doing well," he crooned to Richard between soft hisses of pleasure. Once a third of his length was buried firmly within him, Mirek's paw returned to his lutrine cock and gave it a few moan-inducing strokes. Richard writhed on the bed as he was stretched and groped, surprised at how well his body was adjusting to the male intrusion. He was enjoying the coyote's warmth, both inside and out, and his paw was distracting him from any pain. It was a weird and alien sensation to have someone inside him, but not an unpleasant one. "Now the fun starts," Mirek growled over him and gave his hips a hard thrust forward.

"Ah, fuck!" Richard cried and arched his back as he was suddenly impaled. The cock was thicker towards the base, stretching his formerly virgin tail hole wider as it was buried deep inside him. "G-give me...some warning next time!" he panted as the coyote pushed him flat to the bed again with one paw. The coyote's tenderness was gone in a flash as he bucked his hips into Richard's, driving his canine member hard and deep into him. Moaning, the otter reached down and took his own member into his paw and began to stroke it vigorously. Mirek hadn't been lying about the pleasure, and the treatment his rear was getting was pushing him towards the edge.

Panting over him, Mirek looked down at him and smiled. "It's not so bad, eh?" he growled between ragged breathes. Richard shook his head and hooked his legs around the coyote's waist, just above his tail. His own lutrine tail was slapping against the bed hard in excitement as his orgasm neared. Mirek must have felt the signs in his body because he reached down and brushed Richard's paw away. "Let me empty your balls...before I fill you up," he panted, taking Richard's member in his paw and stroking him quickly.

The thought of the coyote filling him with his seed sent a warm tingle through Richard's body as his cock was pumped. Dammit, I can't hold back, he thought as his body tensed and he let out a squeak that turned into a moan. Hot, thick seed shot from the tapered tip of his cock to land heavily on his chest. His tail hole tightened around the intruding cock as the second spurt left his belly fur a mess, as well as the coyote's paw, but Mirek kept stroking him. He panted and squirmed as his cock was milked dry, his body tensing with each thrust from the coyote's member.

"What a sight," Mirek moaned, thrusting into him with a quickened pace. Richard clenched down on him again, noticing how it made the coyote squirm. After all, turnabout was fair play. "There's the spirit. Finally fighting back, heh..." Richard blushed and whimpered under the panting canine, reaching down between his legs until his fingers brushed Mirek's knot. The coyote froze for a second, then start thrusting again as his smile widened. "And...a quick learner..." he grunted giving one last hard thrust.

Richard cried out again as the large canine knot pressed against his tail hole, threatening to enter him. He gripped the knot tight with his paw and felt the tremors through Mirek's body as a warmth flooded his insides. The coyote leaned over him, his breath hard and ragged as he filled him with his seed. Stroking the knot lightly, Richard whimpered softly and gripped the bed with his free paw. Mirek was pressing into him so hard he was lifting his hips from the sheets. After a moment Mirek began to ease up, letting Richard lie flat on the bed again. He gave a few more teasing thrusts before pulling out with a long sigh, a flood of coyote seed trailing after him and soaking the fur around Richard's tail as well as the sheets. Richard laid on the bed panting, his body too exhausted to do much else, as Mirek stretched out next to him. Much to his surprise, the soldier wrap a strong arm around him and pulled him to his chest, resting his chin on top of his head.

"That...wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected," he admitted, enjoying the coyote's warm embrace. On the few occasions that he had taken a lover there had been little intimate contact afterward. It was something else he was unaccustomed to but found gratifying in itself. Richard pushed back against Mirek, soaking up his warmth as his tail leaked with every movement. "So..." he started, chewing his bottom lip, "does this settle our debt?" The coyote's laugh made his ears flatten in disappointment, but part of him was excited at the prospect of more to come.

Nuzzling his ears Mirek gave one a small nip. "Our agreement was for the whole night. It's still early and I intend to make good on our deal." He ran his fingers through Richard's chest fur, eliciting a shiver from the otter. "You have me curious about something though," he continued, propping himself up on one elbow. "Why were you so desperate to get that gold back that you'd agree to such conditions? It's just money, and you don't seem like the type to be addicted to the cards..." He rested his chin on Richards shoulder expectantly waiting for an answer.

Sighing softly, Richard ran his paw over Mirek's arm. His orgasmic high was waning and reality was returning. The banks were still going to seize his ships and now he was even further from paying back the loan. "My options were limited," he started, and explained his situation to the coyote, who listened silently. The silence lingered after he had finished, making him uneasy. He jumped slightly when Mirek asked him how much he owed, and he hesitantly relinquished that detail as well.

"I can pay the loan for you," he said after a long moment of silence. Richard started to protest that he couldn't take that much charity, but Mirek waived him off dismissively with a paw. "Fine, then let's consider it a loan. I told you before that my money goes towards wine and whores, and this sounds like a solid investment...when your ships finally return to port. I'll pay the bank and you can repay me when you sell your wares."

Richard felt his throat tighten and tears starting to well up behind his eyes. He turned his head and gave the coyote a soft kiss on the cheek as he squeezed his paw. "I-I don't know how to thank you. You w-would save my business?" His paw was starting to tremble when Mirek gave it a squeeze. "Thank you so much..." he whispered and kissed his cheek again.

A low chuckle started in the coyote's throat as he hugged him tightly. "So eager to thank me when you haven't even asked the terms of the deal...tsk-tsk." His smile spread when Richard looked at him concernedly. "Don't worry...it's nothing sinister." Untangling his paw from the otter's, Mirek reached down and grabbed the lutrine sheath firmly, drawing another squeak from Richard. "In lieu of interest...for every day that goes by without full repayment you will spend that night in my bed." He leaned in and licked the back of Richard's ear teasingly. "That's the only term I have. You can take it," he hissed, pulling the sheath down, "or leave it. But since you were willing to gamble your body just for a chance to win the money, this seems like a pretty good deal."

Moaning softly, Richard nodded and squirmed under the coyote's touch. "I...think those are terms I can agree to. Should we shake on it?" he said with a grin, reaching behind him to grab Mirek's hardening shaft. The coyote chuckled and gave the lutrine cock a teasing stroke before rolling over on top of him. "Or maybe we could cement it another way?" Richard squirmed as Mirek slid under his tail again and moaned into the coyote's muzzle when their lips met. There are definitely worse ways to work off a debt...

The End