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Gaul was a pretty place, Krater decided, where it wasn't profaned by warcamps. At least the mages tended to keep organized, but most of the army was comprised of raucous soldiers. Cookfires provided sparse, uneven light in the late evening shadows, and the brown-furred bearoo nearly tripped several times over the various equipment strewn about by the legionaries on his way through, once snapping at a group of leering soldiers. "Shut your jaws or I'll do it for you!" he growled.

"Oh no," a fox said, mocking fear. "The scary mage is going to cast a spell on us! Whatever can we do?" The mixed group of six soldiers laughed, especially annoying from the horse's large frame. "Are you going to make some flashing lights, or just spout nonsense from one of your books? Tell me so I'm prepared to make fun of you properly."

Krater clenched his teeth. Rising up on his tail for extra height, he managed to match even the horse eye to eye. Purple runes formed in the air around him, binding into mage armor: bands of pure magic around his arms, legs, and tail, held together by the runes and bars running all over his body. "Perhaps that's what your typical Roman mage can do," Krater said, eyes glowing as purple as the magic wrapped around him. "I, however, am not Roman, and you'd best thank Mars for your fortune that I was pressed into this rabble of an army."

The fox looked back at the others, raising an eyebrow and turning back. "Oh? I should be grateful for another wise-ass mage?" He shook his head with a sneer. "Better if you just went back where you came from, and take all those robed freaks with you."

"And who would protect you from this?" More bands of magic appeared, snapping around the fox's muzzle and paws, hoisting him up. "Half the Gallic army can do this with their eyes shut. Do you really want to face that without magic of your own?"

"Mage Krater!" The shout would have been a bark from a canine, but it came from none other than Captain Saelus, a lion that stood half a foot higher than Krater even on his tail as he was. "Stop harassing my soldiers and get to my tent. I've been waiting nearly half an hour!" His cape billowed in the wind, hooked to one shoulder of his red tunic.

The bearoo dropped to his feet and released his magic, eyes fading to brown as the purple runes and bands vanished. "Captain. My apologies, I would have been by sooner had it not been for the horrible disarray around here. Among other distractions." He shot a look at the now-silent group.

With a sniff of disdain, Saelus spun around toward his tent. "We meet the Gallic force tomorrow, there is no time for... Distractions." That last sounded almost wistful. "In my tent, now! I want that report on our mages' progress. And you," he said, pointing to the group of soldiers. "All of you get to scrub pots tomorrow morning." His heavy footfalls were a one-man march to his tent. Krater glanced at the soldiers and followed.

"Report?" Saelus asked as soon as the bearoo entered the tent. Krater removed a couple sheets of notes from his robe and handed one over. The lion glanced at it and set it on his table. "No time for that. Just sum up. How are we on removing snares?"

Krater sighed. "They're getting better. Not fast enough." Taking another look at his notes in the light afforded from a single candle, he organized the information in his head. "Setting them is going better, though. Most can create a magic wall, so we shouldn't have any more difficulty from arrow runes."

"And morale?" Saelus' deep voice rumbled through the tent.

"Holding." Perhaps not very well, but the lion didn't need to hear that right then. "I don't think they've acknowledged the fact that they might die, and that'll be a devastating realization. How do the infantrymen manage?"

Saelus looked down, shaking his head. "Just that, mage. They don't think of death. Don't accept the possibility. Even when they face it head on, stare it in the jaws."

Krater rolled up his notes and put them back in his robe. "They can't avoid it all the time. How often do they hold the body of a friend after a battle?"

"That line of thinking is what breaks a good soldier, mage. It is all we can do to press on. Weep over the dead later." Saelus sighed. "We certainly can't weep over them now. That group that was pestering you, I'd be surprised if half are standing this time tomorrow. I get to send them in the first charge, right up front."

A silence hung in the air as Krater thought of the rude group lying dead on the ground after how he'd treated them. "And you're making them scrub pots in the morning. Are they tools to be used as much as possible until they break, then?"

Saelus growled. "Those are my boys, mage. Discipline is their only hope of survival, and I will bring as many home as I possibly can. Not because they have use, but because..." The lion trailed off. "I love my boys. They trust me, and I'm going to get them killed." His voice firmed. "That's just the way it is."

"Not if I can help it," Krater said. "That's why we're training mages in the first place. We can't save them all, but I'm confident in our ability."

"Confident in your ability to kill only a few of us?" Saelus slumped in his chair, a massive piece that was almost small next to him. Krater walked beside him, stepping lightly. He almost jumped when the lion looked at him, his stare was so intense. "Can they do it, Krater? Can your mages protect my boys?"

However much Krater wanted to say "Undoubtedly, yes," he couldn't lie to Saelus. "They will do what they can, Captain. Not everyone will make it." He unconsciously raised his arm to place on the lion's shoulder, catching himself and rubbing the back of his neck to cover the action. "I can have a couple keep a wall around you, Captain. Nothing would get through to you."

Saelus pounded the table sharply, nearly causing the candle to tip over. "If anything, I should have less cover than my boys! Don't you dare protect me at their expense. Can I truly value my own life above theirs?"

"Do you want the official answer, or my own?" Krater sighed. "You know what Legate Galba would say. Leaders are necessary for the legions to function." The expression on Saelus' face grew downcast. "Damn him," Krater said, earning a look of shock. "Damn him, damn his advice, and damn this war. Do what you know is right. We all die, eventually, but denying others the right to grow, to enjoy their own lives. That isn't a decision we can make in good conscience."

Saelus nodded wearily. "I could die tomorrow, then."

This time Krater didn't keep himself from resting his paw on the lion's shoulder. "You won't if I can help it."

Saelus didn't react to the bearoo's grip on his shoulder. "But I could." Krater didn't reply. "Tomorrow, we face an enemy with a firm grasp on magic. Their steel cannot match ours, perhaps, but magic is a force I cannot understand. Far as our mages have come, they cannot prevent all harm. You said it yourself. But... Krater, I don't want to die."

"Few do. You aren't a selfish lion, Saelus. You have something to live for, new experiences waiting around each bend in the road." Krater looked into those amber eyes, feeling his heart beat a little faster. "This battle, it's one bend. On the other side, you'll be a new person. I rather like to think this talk is another." He placed his other paw on Saelus' cheek. "Saelus... Would you- Well, would you like to have a new experience tonight?"

The lion's eyes shot wide open. He scrambled back, knocking his chair over. "You don't mean that," he said, one arm righting the chair shakily. "It's a joke, isn't it?"

Krater sighed, looking down. "No, Captain. But I understand. I..." He took a glance at the lion's massive frame. "Sleep well, tomorrow's an important day." He turned and crossed the tent, feeling Saelus' eyes boring into his back. Lifting the tent flap, he stepped into the cool night air. A pretty place indeed, particularly with the tent somewhat separated from all the others. The rich grass was soft under his paws, an earthy aroma filling the air. Only crickets and the lingering sounds of soldiers preparing for bed broke the night's serene calm. He took one last look at the tent's entrance and walked off.

"I didn't refuse, Krater." The bearoo turned at Saelus' voice. Sure enough, the lion stood halfway out of the tent, stooping low in the entrance. "Spend the night with me?" A chill wind blew past, but Krater felt nothing but warmth as he jogged back with an odd, half hopping gait. "You're right, Krater. I need new experiences." He awkwardly tried to hold the flap open for the mage to step through, but getting past was difficult.

Krater managed to stumble inside, smiling. "You're sure?"

"If I die tomorrow, I know I would regret turning you down." Saelus gave a little cough. "Not that I really know... what to do, ah, in bed. Would you show me, perhaps?" Krater sprung up on his tail and wrapped his arms around that wide chest, unable to make his paws meet in the back. He buried his face in the bit of Saelus' mane that hung out of his tunic as the lion hugged him back, powerful arms holding him gently.

Saelus bent down for a kiss, gripping the bearoo tighter and lifting him off his tail as the two wrestled tongues. Krater gave a tight squeeze and slid his paws back to the front, removing the cape hanging from the lion's shoulder and letting it drop to the floor. A low growl erupted from Saelus' chest - no, a purr. Spurred on by the big cat's enthusiasm, Krater unbuckled the baldric, setting it down more gently.

The kiss was warm and pleasant, and Krater was disappointed when Saelus broke it. "If I could undress you without letting you go, I'd do it," he said. "Unfortunately, that isn't the case." He set Krater on the chair, now righted. Krater grinned as those vast paws rubbed him through the robe, moving downward and gripping the fabric, lifting it over the mage's head to reveal a simple tunic and trousers.

"We can get back to that soon enough," Krater said, grabbing the hem of Saelus' tunic. He lifted it slowly, brushing his paws over the lion's creamy belly fur. Saelus was clearly a man of dedication, powerful muscles filling out his huge body. Krater had difficulty pulling the tunic over his arms, but soon the red garment fell to the floor with the rest. Wasting no time, the lion reciprocated and the two stood bare to the waist, staring each other in the eyes. Mostly.

It wasn't until their muzzles were touching that Krater realized they were hugging again, chest to chest. Saelus picked him up and carried him to the bedroll in the back of the tent, though the thing was hardly large enough for the both of them. It barely held Saelus alone. "Sorry, Krater," he said. "It's the best I have to offer."

"That's fine," Krater replied with a smirk. "I have a better idea." He winked one of his purple eyes as runes appeared beneath them, making them rise slowly into the air, stopping a couple feet above the ground. "How's this?"

Eyes wide, Saelus glanced at the ground falling away from him. "Strange. Very strange." His chest expanded and fell with a deep breath. "Comfortable though. I approve." He gave a tight squeeze and moved one of his paws downward, slipping his thumb beneath Krater's trousers. The bearoo smiled and let him pull his last remaining clothing free from his body, dropping it to the ground beneath them. "You look wonderful, Krater."

Krater chuckled and shifted his body downward, face-to-bulge with Saelus' trousers. "Not something you could tell with my trousers still on?" He grinned as the lion blushed. "Don't worry, I'll take the compliment. Shall we see how you look?" Giving the firm ass a good squeeze, he pulled on the cloth, running it over Saelus' body. The hem popped over his thick sheath, the sight nearly pulling a moan out of Krater's chest right then. He didn't take so long pulling the trousers off all the way after that.

"N-now what?" Saelus asked. He was tense, too tense. Krater brought himself back up to the lion's chest and massaged the fur with a smile.

"Shhh... Just relax." He pressed deeper, working the lion's powerful chest muscles. "What happens next is entirely up to you. If you're not comfortable with something, we'll try something else."

Saelus shook his head. "No, the whole point was to try something new." He swallowed hard. "I think... I might like it if you were to, well, take me."

"I would be glad to, Saelus," Krater said, still massaging. "But if you truly want to expand your scope, there's so much more to do."

"I do. Show me, please." The lion's purr vibrated through Krater's paws as he nodded with a warm smile.

The bearoo lowered himself onto Saelus' body, head resting between the lion's pecs and toes just beneath his waist. "Let me know if you want me to stop," Krater whispered. With a sly grin, he snapped his fingers, producing purple cuffs around Saelus' wrists and ankles. "And don't forget to relax. I intend this to be fun for both of us." The cuffs pulled apart in four directions, stretching Saelus' limbs out and holding them steady.

"Wh-what is this?"

"Don't worry, just relax." Krater knelt on the lion's belly, taking full advantage of the weightless state his magic held them in. "Try something new, see how you like it." He dragged his tail across Saelus' sheath, chuckling as the lion's purrs mixed with low moans. Saelus struggled lightly against his bonds, but didn't asked to be released, so Krater left them and shifted himself downward, pressing his own sheath to the lion's significantly larger package. But then, everything about Saelus was larger. More to enjoy, Krater thought as he wrapped both paws around the fuzzy container.

Saelus moaned when Krater squeezed, taking deep breaths. "What if somebody hears us?" he asked, concern fighting with lust in his eyes.

"They won't," Krater said. "A bit of magic, and nothing escapes the tent." His eyes glowed more brightly for a brief flash, matched by the tent's thin leather walls. "Don't worry about a thing, Saelus." He worked his paws around the lion's ample sheath, soon revealing the pink member stored within.

Krater slid back and lowered his muzzle into the lion's groin, giving it a tender lick. Saelus groaned, pulling harder on the restraints. The bearoo couldn't help but chuckle, seeing the lion's jaw hanging open with his eyes screwed shut. He licked again, savoring the pleased shudder he got out of it. In almost no time at all the full length was out, hard, thick, and dribbling pre. "How are you liking it?" Krater asked, smiling coyly.

"Mmmm," Saelus replied, breathing heavily. "K-keep going. No, wait. Let me return the favor."

"You want to try giving me a lick?" Krater asked, giving the lion's huge orbs a light squeeze.

"More than one." His cock throbbed in Krater's paw, clearly pent up. The bearoo was eager to see what he could get out of it, but there was plenty of time. A wave of his arm dropped Saelus' restraints.

"You're in charge, handsome." He gave the thick meat in front of him another long lick before sitting upright. The lion grabbed him about the waist and pulled him forward onto his chest. Tentatively leaning his head forward, he held his tongue out and dragged it across Krater's sheath, eliciting a soft murr. "That's good. Take it as far as you like." Krater teased the lion's cock with his tail, ensuring it wouldn't go soft.

Smiling, Saelus licked again, then again, his rough tongue particularly arousing on Krater's sheath. His pointed member poked up, steadily rising out as that warm tongue slid over his growing length. He let out moans of his own, driven on by the deep rumble of the big cat's purr coming through him from below. Soon his knot popped free of its confines, exposing his full shaft to the lion's tongue. He closed his eyes and leaned back, letting that pleasure wash over him while he continued to brush his tail against the lion's hefty dick.

Krater stiffened in surprise when he felt Saelus' lips close over him, murring enthusiastically. "Oh, that feels great. Just... be careful with your teeth." With happy moans, the bearoo rubbed Saelus' shoulders as the lion pulled him closer still. More of Krater's length vanished into the warm muzzle, a moist haven of pleasure. With deep breaths, the bearoo leaned back, grasping Saelus' cock and pumping it slowly behind his back. The slick warmth of pre greeted his paw, having nearly coated his shaft already.

Feeling himself heading toward orgasm, Krater smiled and pulled out of Saelus' mouth. "Sorry, but if you keep that up we'll be finished all too soon." He bent down, scooting back to give the lion another quick kiss.

"Mm, that was good, though. I didn't expect it would taste... pleasant." He chuckled. "I'm not saying I'd want a meal like that, but it's good." He licked the bearoo's nose softly and grinned. "I'm eager to continue, Krater. Would you show me what it's like, being taken under the tail?"

Face splitting to match his lover's, Krater hugged the lion tight. "Of course, Saelus. We'll want some cooking oil, though. Trust me." He let go and rolled off, falling out of the floating runes to land lightly on the ground. "Do you have any in here, or shall I quickly raid the supply area?"

"Naked?" Saelus laughed, still hovering in the air. "Don't you have some magic for this? Check my trunk, there may be something suitable there."

Krater opened the small chest. "I've seen your trunk," he said, gesturing to the thick rod between the lion's legs, "and while it's very impressive, I don't know how much it will help." He quickly located a wrapped bit of thick fat, holding it up with a raised eyebrow. "This will work, once I warm it up. But what do you have it for?"

"It makes for good energy. And... sometimes I use it for release." Saelus blushed. "Just get it warm and come back up here. We don't have all night, and I do want to make use of the time we have." Grinning, Krater held the lump of fat over the candle for a moment before walking back to the field of runes and hopping back up to the lion's level. He slathered a healthy amount over his cock before scooping more on his finger and pressing it lightly beneath Saelus' tail. "Oh, that's nice."

Rubbing the fat into the lion's tailhole, Krater chuckled. "Just wait, it gets better." He grabbed Saelus' cock with his free paw and gave it a wet kiss on the tip as he pressed the last of the fat into him. "Let me know if it's too much for you," Krater said, stretching himself onto Saelus' belly.

"I will." He took a swallow as Krater lined his cock up with his hole. The bearoo circled the opening several times, smiling up at the lion.

"Don't worry, this will feel incredible." He pushed his tip into the warm hole, earning a loud murr, coupled with his own pleased sounds. Checking to be sure his partner seemed to be alright, he slid deeper and made a few small thrusts. The moans coming from the lion's huge chest grew louder, encouraging Krater to go on.

"Ooh, Krater," Saelus moaned. "Bind me again. Hold me still. Aah!" He threw his head back as the cock in his ass plunged deeper still.

"You liked that, did you?" Krater laughed and stopped thrusting long enough to concentrate on his magic, quickly forming the cuffs back over the lion's limbs. For fun, he added another on his cock, behind the balls. Pulling the cuffs away from each other, he resumed his motions, pounding harder and receiving louder moans in turn.

The bearoo soon found his knot pressing against his lover's hole, surprised at how well the tight passage accepted him. Unable to go deeper without tying the lion, Krater rammed more intensely, faster. Saelus groaned, but he was still clearly enjoying himself thoroughly, judging by the amount of pre spilling from his tip and the way he started bucking back into Krater's thrusts.

Orgasm couldn't be avoided even if Krater wanted to. He forced his knot past Saelus' entrance with one powerful thrust, spilling his load deep inside his lover. The yowl that erupted from the lion was full of pleasure, with some pain from stretching so suddenly around that knot. Thick white seed spurted from Saelus' cock, landing all over his chest and belly. His hole clenched tightly around Krater's cock with each shot, milking the cum out of his shaft.

The two remained panting together like dogs for a moment, low murrs still escaping the both of them. "Mm," Saelus groaned. "Divine."

"Wonderful," Krater agreed. "How are you feeling?"

The lion relaxed visibly, slacking in his bonds and letting his head droop back. "I don't even know how to describe it. But I know I like it. I like having you in me, Krater. I... Thank you." He took a deep breath. "When do you pull out?"

"Most men will be out immediately after. I have a knot, meaning I'm locked inside you until I start getting soft. Could take up to fifteen minutes, if I don't get hard again."

Saelus grinned. "I don't care about most men, Krater. I care about you. And I'm happy to have you there. Can you remove my bonds?" A half hearted wave dismissed the purple cuffs, allowing the lion to bend down for an awkward hug. "Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to get my seed on you."

"Leave it." Krater carefully positioned himself on his lover's belly, cuddling into his fur without pulling too hard on his knot. "I can clean it in the morning. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Saelus."

The lion chuckled softly, resting an arm on Krater's back. "I might have to risk my life every day if this is what I get for it." He squeezed the bearoo tightly and sighed. "Thank you, Krater. You will keep my boys safe tomorrow?"

"As many as I can. All of them, if at all I can make it happen."

"And myself?"

"I'd never allow you to come to harm, Saelus."

"And you?"

Krater went silent for a moment. "I will protect myself. Don't worry overmuch about me."

Saelus gently stroked the bearoo's back. "I outrank you. I can worry about whoever I please. I do please you, don't I?"

"You'll have to ask me tomorrow night, Saelus. I'll be here, will you?"

The lion grabbed Krater in a tight hug. "To be with you? Count on it." He continued holding his lover, eventually able to bring him up close to his chest after removing the knot. Together, they drifted off to sleep, floating over the cold ground until the trumpet sounded in the morning.