The Order [2/?]
Story by Pawsroloc on SoFurry
The Order stands as a symbol of authority and equality across all of the Southern Kingdoms. How will this organization react when cultures clash once more?
The following story displays gay relations between furries... so... you've been warned.
WARNING! THERE IS NO PORN IN THIS CHAPTER. IF YOU ARE HERE FOR THE NAUGHTIES PLEASE SEARCH ELSEWHERE, OR READ AND WAIT PATIENTLY. VERY PATIENTLY. ALSO IF YOU ARE A MINOR ITS PROBABLY SAFER TO JUST STEER YOUR EYES IN ANOTHER DIRECTION.
So I've been writing a lot lately. In fact I've written more than this, but I feel like this part sums up nicely before I start messing with the pacing. So... thanks for reading?
The Order
Part Two: Interpretation
Corvan slowly opened his eyes, his mind still half asleep. The young man’s blurred vision made it hard to make out his surroundings. He was in a brightly lit room; the merchant could make out as much. The young man focused on his feet, noting that the massive bed was twice as long as he was. The light from the window on Corvan’s right felt like it was blinding him. He turned away, trying to make out the rest of the room.
Corvan frowned, trying to piece back together the events of the last few days. He remembered the hellish demon that had attacked his wagon. And then…
“Montihak.” Corvan whispered, the familiar name sparking memories back to life.
The gryphon had taken him to that cave… and now he was… here?
Corvan glanced around the room as his thoughts lingered on the warrior bird. Was this his room?
Towering bookcases lined the walls, each filled to the brim with countless books. Ornate tapestries hung from the room’s tall ceiling.
“Where am I?” The human inquired, peering through squinted eyes as he tried to adjust to the bright light. Soft linens fell to his waist as he pulled himself upright.
“You are in an inner chamber of the Order.” A voice to the human’s left spoke. The soft voice startled Corvan, and the young human couldn’t help but instinctively pull the sheets closer to his chest as he turned to his left.
The man standing in the doorway to Corvan’s room was not too unlike Montihak. The man was bestial in nature, but stood on two feet. It looked like this man was wearing the pelt of a cougar like it was his own skin. Resting on top of the bridge of his muzzle was a pair of thick glasses.
“You can… you speak Baelin?” Corvan asked, a thousand other questions filling his head.
The… cougar… nodded, closing the door behind him. “My name is Phamas. Monty told me to look after you while he… talks with the others.”
“Monty? You know Montihak? Where is he? Can I see him?” Corvan asked, sitting up in bed.
Phamas didn’t respond at first. The cougar walked over to a study in the corner of the room and placed a rather large bag on the wooden desk. Corvan couldn’t help but note the little amount of clothing that the cougar was currently wearing. It looked like Phamas had wrapped a white cloth with golden trim around his waist, as if he was wearing a short skirt. He also had a similar garment wrapped around his neck like a scarf. As the cougar drew closer to Corvan, he noted that Phamas also wore sandals with two pairs of golden bangles dangling from his wrists and ankles.
Phamas sat on the corner of Corvan’s spacious bed and turned toward Corvan. “I don’t know. The circumstances of your arrival are… difficult. You can ask me any questions, but I’m not sure I’m allowed to answer all of them.”
Corvan glanced out the window again, as he thought. His only view was of a large circular courtyard. It was empty, asides from a few scattered objects along its border. A row of wooden swords and dummies… large hay bales with tarps that had been painted with targets…
“Where am I?” Corvan asked, turning back to Phamas.
The Puma sighed again, taking his time to respond. “You are far away from home. You are currently deep within the Southernmost Kingdom, in a place humans haven’t been for over a millennium.”
A millennium? South? Corvan could hardly begin to fathom his current predicament. Never in his life had he heard of a human entering the Untamed Lands.
“What will happen to me? Have I broken a law?” Corvan said, deciding to confront the heart of the issue.
Phamas frowned. “We… don’t know. You haven’t broken a law… it is more like a tradition. In fact, if Montihak is correct, it is more than just a law or tradition that you have broken.”
“What do you mean, ‘if Montihak is correct’?” Corvan watched as the cougar tensed at the question, ear’s folding back.
Phamas slowly shook his head in dismay. “That is not something I can discuss with you. I’m sorry, but the Order demands it.”
“And what is… this ‘Order’?” Corvan pressed.
“The Order is a symbol of authority and equality across all of the Southern Kingdoms. Montihak is division four’s Captain here at Talrithia.” Phamas explained, puffing his chest out proudly.
“So then… what am I doing here? Why did Montihak bring me here?” Corvan asked, eyes wandering across the large room once more.
“To put it shortly… The Order is considering-“
Phamas stopped talking abruptly and turned his head towards the door. His ears twitched franticly as if he were about to pounce on some unseen prey. For some reason, the cougar relaxed, shaking his head and smiling to himself.
“The Order is considering raising you as a potential disciple. We’ll feed you and pay you. All that we ask is that you stay here in Talrithia for the time being.” Phamas began, the cougar’s body language relaxing as he stood back up.
“I have brought you some essentials.” Phamas said, walking over to his bag. The puma rummaged for a bit before pulling out a long and grey onesie.
He tossed it casually across the room, the fabric landing softly on Corvan’s lap.
“In our tongue, that is called a ‘fanulcrum’. Whether or not you are ‘teneme’, you are in our lands now, and should be considered as such for now. In our culture clothing is usually only made by family or loved ones, but I have a few favors to call in from a friend. Hopefully that fanulcrum will fit. It’s hard to find one in your size and shape.” The cougar explained, walking into the middle of the room.
Corvan nodded, suddenly realizing just how naked he was underneath the bedding. He slipped the onesie on and wormed the stretchy material up over himself. After pulling his arms through and buttoning up the front he stepped out of bed.
“How does it fit?” The cougar asked, examining the human closely.
To be honest, the clothing felt too loose in certain areas. For a material that was so stretchy, he felt like it would be far too easy for some of the folds on his arms to get caught on something.
“It fits fine.” Corvan lied, not wanting to dissuade Phama’s hospitality.
“Perfect!” The cougar exclaimed, clapping his paws together excitedly.
Montihak sighed, his mind racing with potential disasters. What if he was wrong? What if Corvan refused?
The gryphon shook his head and pulled himself upright, his hand on the door to his room. He couldn’t think about those things now. He had already set things in motion with the Order. He just hoped that Corvan would understand…
With that determination, Montihak opened the door to his room. He was almost surprised to see Corvan there, already dressed in a fanulcrum. Phama was there to, facing away from the door. They were speaking in Baelin just before Montihak had entered the room.
Corvan stood silent, staring up at Montihak with his mouth open.
Phama turned around and smiled at Montihak.
“You are back! I heard the news.” Phama said, beaming proudly at the warrior bird.
“Yes. Thank you for looking after him. How much does he know?” Montihak asked, motioning towards Corvan with one hand.
“Very little, sir. He knows that you are the Captain here at Talrithia’s Order. Other than that, he seems to be putting up little to no fight about staying here.” The cougar reported.
“So he doesn’t know…” Montihak began.
The puma shook his head firmly. “No, sir.”
“Good.” Montihak sighed, recalling when he had tried to explain Corvan’s unique circumstances to him on the journey back to Talrithia.
The Order had agreed to let Corvan stay due to his aforementioned ‘unique circumstances’, but the human was not allowed to leave the Order in Talrithia.
Montihak turned his attention away from Phama and back to Corvan. The human looked just as scared and lonely as he had been on his first day in the Order.
Montihak stepped towards his armor rack, unlatching his cuirass as he walked. “Inform Selt that my armor needs repairs. Do we have any major injuries that require my attention right now?”
“No injuries, sir. Selt has already been notified. I’ll send for your armor tomorrow.” Phama reported, eyes locked on the massive puncture wound in Montithak’s cuirass.
Montihak placed his gauntlets on his desk, noting the rather large bag of clothing and books that Phama had no doubt brought with him.
“Are those for the human?” Montihak asked, reattaching his faulds and pauldron to his cuirass.
“Yes. I can bring them to his room as soon as-“ Phama began.
“No need. They can stay here. As can he.” Montihak said.
“As you wish. Although… I think we should at least offer him his own room.”
“In due time, Phama. First nights are never easy, especially when your entire world has been flipped upside down. I’m sure if you asked him right now if he’d like his own room he’d take it in a heartbeat. But this will be good for him.” Montihak explained, bending down to unbuckle his grieves.
“At least let him stay with me, Monty. I’m sure someone that could speak his language would make for better-“ Phama began.
“I am not speaking of that kind of company, Phama. I know better than to leave you alone with another man, even if he is teneme.” The gryphon shot him a look from where he crouched.
“He is a human, Monty. I know of their customs. Besides, I don’t think our teneme here has his sights set on me.” Phama grinned, motioning back at Corvan.
Montihak stood back up and pulled off his loins in one single motion. The gryphon turned back towards the two men in his room, catching sight of Corvan quickly averting his gaze from the warrior bird’s body.
Montihak smirked. “I believe you’re right, Phama.”
“And I believe you’re making him uncomfortable, Monty.” Phama frowned.
“He’s going to have to get used to it. We can’t have him blushing and gawking at every breast he sees.” Montihak said, opening his dresser.
“At least put on a monta.” Phama offered.
Montihak smiled as he rummaged through his available clothing. Finding the cloth he was looking for, he began to wrap the long fabric around his waist.
“Corvan.” Montihak said.
Slowly, the human brought his attention back to the gryphon. He was relieved to find that the bird had tied a loincloth around his waist.
“Y-yes?” Corvan asked, looking between Montihak and Phamas. He had no doubt that the two had just been talking about him.
He watched as Montihak nodded to Phamas.
“You… will be staying here with Montihak for the time being, Corvan. I hope you don’t mind.” Phamas began. “For the time being, I’ll translate between the two of you.”
“So… I can speak with him?” Corvan asked, tugging idly at a loose sleeve.
“Yes, but not for long. I have other duties that I must tend to as well.” Phamas said, smiling at Corvan.
Corvan stood there for some time, wondering what he should say.
“I…” Corvan began, looking up at Montihak. The gryphon’s inquisitive gaze sent shivers down Corvan’s spine. There was so much he wanted to say, and yet…
“Can you teach me your language?” Corvan said, turning to Phamas.
“Morneren? Yes, but is there anything you’d like-“ Phamas began.
“No. There’s a lot I want to tell him… but I want to be the one to tell him.” Corvan stated boldly.
Phamas grinned. “(I like this one, Monty. He’s got spunk.)”
“(What did he say?)” Montithak asked quizzically.
Phamas waved his hand dismissively. “(It doesn’t matter. I’ll be back this afternoon so I can show him around the district. His language lessons will be late in the afternoon. I’ll send for food from the mess hall to be delivered here in the meantime).” As the cougar spoke, his ears began to rapidly flick and swivel atop his head.
”(Any other orders?)” Phamas asked, his ears slowly beginning to settle back down.
“(Tell Rullaine to be in the courtyard this afternoon as well. Corvan has to meet her.)” Montihak ordered.
“(Rue? Why her?)” Phamas said, taken aback by Montihak’s command.
“(She’s going to be Corvan’s physical instructor. I’m sure the two will get along just fine.)” Montihak said, smiling.
Phamas frowned, unsure of his Captain’s intentions. The puma’s ears swiveled and flicked madly atop his head as he made his leave.
Corvan regretted not taking advantage of Phamas’ ability to translate. While it was true that he wanted to speak to Montihak directly, there were still quite a few questions he had. Corvan bit his lip, glancing back at Montihak. The gryphon currently sat in a large chair, his hands cradling a hefty leather bound book. The two had spent the last thirty minutes in silence, and it was really starting to nag at Corvan.
Slowly, Corvan raised himself from the bed and walked past Montihak. Phama’s bag had not been moved from Montihak’s desk, and Corvan prayed that the cougar had left him something worthwhile. Inside were several similar colored fanulcrums, but below them Corvan found a book. It had no cover, and each page was filled to the brim with notes. It seemed like a very detailed translation of Morneren words to Baelin definitions. While the Morneren written word was unreadable to Corvan, he knew that this was his first step to understanding Montihak.
Corvan sighed, walking back towards the bed. At least now he had something to pass the time with.
Montihak could hardly pay attention to his book. Before he could even finish a page, he would find his attention turning back to Corvan. The small human was now lying on his bed, eyes pouring over the book Phama had given him.
Corvan had barely touched the food Phama had sent them. He had no doubt that the human was wracked with anxieties. Montihak couldn’t help but feel… helpless. Maybe it had been wrong to send Phamas away so soon?
Montihak chuckled to himself. Phamas found the human far too interesting. If he had left Corvan under Phamas’ care, Montihak had no doubt that the cougar would have started neglecting his duties.
Still… there wasn’t much Montihak could do for Corvan…
What was going through the human’s mind right now? Had he any idea the gravity of his situation?
Montihak found himself staring at Corvan. The time he had spent with him had been so short. Not only that, but the two had never shared a single word, asides from their names. Sometimes he caught Corvan’s brown eyes staring back at him. Montihak pondered if they felt the same way about each other.
When Montihak closed his book, it almost made Corvan jump. The gryphon had barely moved in the last few hours. He watched closely as the large male got to his feet and stretched, wings spreading out behind him as he sighed. Suddenly, Montihak was walking closer to Corvan. He sat upright on the bed as Montihak drew near, pondering what the warrior wanted with him.
“Corvan. Ti shu’ul haloose ma oroso.” Montihak said, gesturing at the bed.
Corvan frowned, looking between the bed and Montihak.
“I don’t… understand.” Corvan said, frowning.
“Shu’ul haloose. Tor reter on ner.” Montihak reiterated, placing a knew on the bed. The bird extended an open palm expectantly, his eyes darting between Corvan and his book.
Slowly, Corvan closed the dictionary and placed it in Montihak’s hand. The bird peered at it for a second, turning the pages casually.
“Phamas terena mor ne’lor, Corvan.” Montihak stated, setting the book down on a nearby dresser.
The gryphon turned back to Corvan. Was he frustrated? Montihak couldn’t tell.
Suddenly the large male had one hand cupped underneath Corvan’s back. He gripped the male’s forearm as he was lifted slightly off the bed. Montihak’s other hand swept behind him before quickly pulling a white sheet down from the top of the bed. As quickly as Corvan had been lifted off the bed he was placed back down.
Too startled to react, Corvan watched as Montihak pulled the white sheet over him.
“Shu’ul haloose.” Montihak repeated.
Corvan nodded slowly, realization sinking in. Was it really that late? Corvan rolled onto his side to look out the window. The courtyard was illuminated with rows of orange lights along the rim. Stars dotted the skyline overhead.
The bed lurched from beneath Corvan as he felt a warm body press up against him. Before he could turn around, he felt Montihak’s paw press against his side.
“T’al o haloose shella.” The bird spoke softly. “Freil or’ono, Corvan.”
Corvan hadn’t a clue what the bird was trying to say, but the tone in Montihak’s voice made it clear that Corvan should rest now. The human closed his eyes, pulling the sheets tighter around his body.
Sleep did not come easily. There were too many thoughts crowding the young man’s head. He tried to quiet his mind, only to find that they could not be stilled for long. He found himself fidgeting in place, his elbow or foot sometimes bumping against the large gryphon behind him.
“Haloose, Corvan.” Montihak repeated, his paw squeezing Corvan’s side. The smaller male froze as he felt the gryphon’s fur press up against him tightly, as if giving Corvan a hug.
Before Corvan could react to the physical contact, the gryphon began to hum. It was the same tune he had sung on their travels together, his deep voice sending vibrations through his chest. Corvan closed his eyes as he focused on the melody; the knot in his stomach slowly fading away as his thoughts dispersed.
Ruellaine crossed her arms, her expression nonplussed as she watched the three males approach her. Corvan stood in front of her, the human's cheeks flush with embarrassment. On either side of the young male stood Montithak and Phamas. The four stood at an entrance to one of the Order's many hallways, the sound of boots echoing further down the spacious halls.
"I had thought this meeting with the Captain would be private." Rue stated, eyes locked on Phamas.
"Phamas has business with the boy after this." Montihak said, placing a hand on Corvan's shoulder.
“So this is the runt, huh? I thought he'd be taller. And is that a fanulcrum?” Ruellaine said, her eyes travelling across the timid human’s body.
“I thought that the two of you had already met, Rue. In the Captain's report-” Phamas began.
"Shut it." Ruellaine ordered, shooting the puma a look of irritation as she stepped towards Corvan.
“He doesn’t look like much to me, Captain. I still don't know what you saw in him.” Rue continued, lowering herself to the human’s eye level. The human turned his head away from her, choosing instead to look at the ground.
“Why wont he look at me?” Ruellaine said, frowning.
“It probably has something to do with the way you are dressed, Rue.” Montihak chimed in, hand still placed on Corvan's shoulder.
“What’s wrong with the way I dress?” Ruellaine asked, pulling herself back up.
The panthress frowned, tightening the knot on her modest montas to illustrate her point.
“In human culture it is uh… uncommon for a woman to go out in public without covering her breasts.” Phamas chime in helpfully, hoping that his words would not upset the warrior.
Ruellaine scowled dismissively at Phamas once more.
“I’m not going to cover myself just so our human guest can feel at home.” The panther spat.
“And no one is asking you to, Rue.” Montihak pointed out, smiling at the blushing human. “He’s going to have to learn to live with us, and that means he needs someone to set an example.”
“What?!” Rue exclaimed, turning between Phamas and Montihak. “Are you pawning off this boy on me? No offense Captain, but the boy is your responsi-“
“He is the Order’s responsibility, Rue.” Montihak stated firmly.
Ruellaine withdrew at the authority in her Captain’s voice.
“But Captain-“
“I won’t always be able to look after him. I’m counting on you and Phamas to do your parts in training him.” Montihak continued, turning to look at the puma as well.
“Phamas here will be doing all he can to teach Corvan our language. Once he deems Corvan ready, I want you to begin lessons with him as well, Rue.”
“What am I going to be able to teach him about the Order?” She argued, her irritation barely contained.
“More than you think, Ruellaine. He needs someone to teach him how to fit in. Not only that, but he needs a trainer. I’m sure you remember your days training in the courtyard.”
The panther glanced up at her Captain in understanding. Montihak stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“I don’t care how much you kick him around, Rue. In fact I encourage it. The boy needs someone like you to help whip him into shape. I could have asked anyone in this order to train him, but I came to you because I knew you wouldn’t coddle him.”
Phamas shifted uncomfortably in place, knowing full well at what Montihak was implying.
Rue looked back at Corvan and sighed.
“Alright Captain. Have Phamas notify me when the _teneme's _lessons should begin.” The panther said before turning sharply back towards Phamas.
“And don’t notify me like that again, Phamas! I hate it when you pop into my head unannounced! Send me a courier next time.” Ruellaine growled, jabbing a finger into Phamas’ chest.
She didn’t wait for a reply, instead choosing to storm down the hall dramatically.
“Tok on hala for os me lo. Fo malanoro. Tos a wolo.” Corvan murmered.
Phamas chuckled at Corvan’s comment, returning a few words back to the human in Baelin.
“What did he say?” Montihak asked.
“He said that she reminded him of his mother. Loud and angry.” Phamas chuckled.
So the story that I wrote in two hours was super porn-centric and rolled in over double the crowd part one of The Order did, so I'll just give up on the notion that a lot of people are going to love this, or at least still be interested in the story by the time I start actually getting to the smut. Don't get me wrong I love this story, but in hindsight I probably shouldn't have started a project that would take me 40k words just to get to the porn, y'feel me?
Well I hope you've enjoyed it, and I hope you continue to enjoy it. As always, I appreciate all comments and messages that come my way. Feel free to ask me anything or give me critiques!
Pawsroloc