FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

A carriage thumped and rattled as it slowly traveled up a dirt road. It was a typical bulky carriage used for transporting cargo, including slaves. Inside, a coyote solemnly stared at the little window at the top of the thick wooden doors. The faint image of the evening sky or an overhanging branch of a pine tree. He moved his arm only to hear the hideous sound of the chain attached to him drag over the floor. The coyote scowled at the barely visible chain.

'Maybe I should stop praying.' A disheartening sigh blew past his lips. The last thing he wanted to forego was his faith, but even that seemed so out of reach at the moment. He recently became a slave from mounting debt and was purchased the other day. It was nightmarish being showcased before a crowd willing to buy you like a piece of property. He looked up hearing the carriage stop. 'Are they stopping for another break?' He wondered. The coyote had been transported from location to location so many times before he was bought that the canine didn't have the slightest clue as to where he was. His ears perked up, able to detect voices cheerfully talking. 'The ones who bought me.' He recognized the voices.

"Do you have the key?" A luscious female voice asked outside of the carriage.

"Yes ma'am." The male voice replied. In a moment the rattling sound of a key at the back doors. With a loud clink they opened. Cayuga shielded his golden brown eyes from the incoming light. He lifted a hand and made out two feline figures standing before him outside. As his eyes adjusted he could see a female snow leopard wearing a richly made dress, and a far more modest light grey male domestic cat. The male was short and thin. The female was a little taller and had a healthy amount of meat on her bones.

"Come forward." The female beckoned. Cayuga hesitated for a moment before reaching out. He crept forward and the chain dragged across the floor, following his every move. The canine nearly fell out of the carriage but was helped to his paws by four steady hands.

"Ugh." A moment of dizziness passed as he managed to stand on his own paws in the dirt. His body ached from the past weeks. Nimbler hands grabbed his wrists and the soft slinking of metal tickled his ears. A smaller key unlocked the heavy cuffs and chains from his wrists. They fell with a heavy thud before the canine's paws. The coyote rubbed his wrists gratefully for the release from his bonds.

"Do you wish to keep your chains?" The snow leopardess asked. He shook his head, and they were immediately thrown back into the carriage with a loud thump. "Tell Cayuga his duties and requirements Chancellor, then leave him in peace at the stable." The lady instructed the thin feline before walking away to the manor house.

"Yes ma'am." He curtly nodded and motioned for the coyote to follow. There were few things more degrading to him than being born free and subsequently becoming a slave. He was someone's property now. Cayuga was taken up the road bordering the garden to his right and a field to his left. The field was fairly large and untamed with tall grass. It wasn't hard to imagine the landscape full of wheat or another cereal crop. Across the garden was a large house. Closer up the road was a different building.

'This must be a stable.' Cayuga looked at the large building that they were approaching. He had never been a stablehand, and he didn't want to become one either.

"Your meals will usually be placed here." The feline placed a hand on the high shelf beside the building's large entrance. "You may eat wherever you want, but always make sure your plate ends up in here..." The chancellor led him inside the stable. "On that table." He pointed a claw at a wooden picnic table. The interior smelled a little bit like hay, but was surprisingly fresh scented. There wasn't any sign of horses. "You are to work around the estate wearing only a loincloth. It will be delivered to you tomorrow morning in person outside the stable's entrance. From then on, you will leave your loincloth here every night." The feline tapped the small wooden shelf sticking out from the wall at eye level. "Or the shelf outside one of the shower stalls." He pointed down the corridor. Cayuga bit his tongue from saying a spiteful remark.

"Come, and I will show you some of the stable." The Chancellor led him down the main corridor. Each stall was roughly a twelve foot square with a dirt floor. There were about eight stalls on each side, and most of stalls were empty except for a bale of hay. The exception was the shower stall. None of them had doors, not even the shower stall. The Chancellor took his around to a smaller corridor with the same number of stalls before returning to the main entrance. "There is another corridor over there with the same layout as this one." The light grey feline pointed out.

"Your work lies with the estate itself. The estate is comprised of five other areas: the manor, the northern garden, the southern garden, the western field, and the eastern field. Your first task tomorrow will be to begin cleaning and tidying the western field by this stable." He motioned with a hand to each respectively. "The day after that you will begin weeding the southern garden. Those are your two duties for the next two weeks unless stated otherwise." The feline explained. "You will work from morning to evening, unless you are ill." He rambled off the last set of rules. The feline turned around to face the coyote. "Any questions?" He finally asked. The canine's mind was buzzing from all he was told.

"Who exactly is my owner? You or the leopardess?"

"The leopardess and her mate. The legal owner of this entire estate is a tall tiger." He added.

"Where will I sleep?"

"This will be your stall." He pointed to the top of the corridor closest to the entrance and showed Cayuga. The canine looked inside and scanned the former horse stall. The wooden walls were clean, but spider webs remained high up in the corners of the ceiling. It was crude, but effective

"What about the other stalls?"

"There are only two other slaves living with you: Mary and Roger." He added. "The sun will set in about an hour so I recommend getting a good sleep before your first day of work tomorrow." The Chancellor flashed a grin before abruptly leaving the stable. Cayuga scuffed a paw over the dirt floor before looking around the quiet stable. The walls appeared fairly new, and the floor wasn't dusty despite being complete dirt. The canine walked around the main corridor and sat down at the small wooden table.

'I guess this will be my new home indefinitely.' He drew a claw over the table's wooden surface. A dark grey and silver wolf taller and older than Cayuga appeared from the smaller corridor at the end of the stalls. 'That must be Roger.' Cayuga would've looked back down without a second thought, but his head snapped back up. 'What the-' To his surprise the male wolf was walking up the main corridor naked. Cayuga blinked but his vision didn't fail him. The middle aged silver and grey wolf was strutting in the nude up the corridor. His masculinity lightly jiggled with each exaggerated step taken. The wolf's stout sheath, as with all non-human males like himself, wasn't attached to his lower belly but instead hung down at an angle.

"I'm just walking around before I go to bed." The wolf reassured him. Cayuga blatantly stared while the middle aged male leisurely strolled up the main corridor before walking back down. Roger wasn't as lean as Cayuga, but his body retained much of its former youth. The wolf's torso held faint lines of definition and the rest of his body appeared "softer" than the coyote's. Cayuga blinked when the wolf's bushy tail slipped around the distant corner.

"What?" The coyote's ears dialed backwards, unsure of what to make of what he just saw. Seeing how darkness was quickly settling in, Cayuga opted to retire to bed as well. 'When he said loincloth, did he mean only a loincloth?' He pulled the ragged short over his head. The coyote stripped everything else down and placed his clothes on the shelf outside his stall. He looked at the bedding of hay in front of his paws and reluctantly laid down. The bedding rustled as he settled in. He folded his arms hearing a breeze pass outside.

"Naked... In a pile of hay." He muttered and turned onto his side. Every little move he made caused the hay to crunch noisily. He closed his eyes anyway and hoped for a decent night of sleep.

The early morning was a touch cool for the coyote, after all, he was from a much warmer climate in the southeast. Cayuga sat up in the hay and rubbed his arms to warm up faster. He looked around his room that was once a stall for a horse.

'At least the hay is warm enough.' His nose wiggled at the smell. The hard dirt beneath his paw pads was cool as well. The converted stable was a good place to stay cool for the summer, and hopefully warm during the winter. He stood up and looked for his clothes only to remember what the Chancellor told him yesterday. Cayuga peeked around the empty main corridor before tiptoeing in the buff to the stable's entrance. 'I hope my clothes are out there.' He recalled what the chancellor told him, although it was an overstatement to call a simple loincloth a set of clothes. The coyote disliked being in the nude around anyone else. He stepped outside into the fresh morning air and found himself standing before a tall male tiger. He wore an elaborate set of expensive clothes, his fur was well groomed, and the pads on his hands smelled fresh of a fragrant oil.

"Good morning." He plainly spoke.

"Oh uh hello." He nervously greeted the tiger. The master gave a light nod.

"You must be Cayuga." His deep voice rumbled like thunder.

"Yes.... Yes sir." He hoped that was a proper way to address the tiger. He gave a quick look over and handed the coyote his loincloth to work in.

"You're welcome. Breakfast should be delivered shortly." He stated before turning back.

"Thanks." Cayuga accepted the small fabric only to cover himself with his hands. 'Ah! I'm naked in front of him! Of all the people-!' The coyote stumbled back into the stable and spuriously tied the garment on. Cayuga looked at the tied underwear styled loincloth and felt as if he hadn't put on anything. Some of his downier cream fur was still visible. The cloth only served to cover his masculinity, and it barely did from the base of his sheath. The bulge was clearly visible for all to see. 'This is it?' The coyote found it hard to believe. He expected an actual undergarment or pair of loose shorts. He peered around the entrance and watched the tiger walk back to the large house. 'Remember... you're a slave now-'

"Morning! A male voice from behind made the coyote spin around. Cayuga unconsciously covered himself seeing the male wolf, Roger, standing behind him. The middle aged wolf chuckled at the younger canine's shyness.

"Why the hell are you standing there!" Cayuga barked.

"I was about to ask you the same thing." He innocently replied. Cayuga gritted his teeth and bunched his fists only to hear someone else approaching. He watched as the chancellor entered and delivered a tray of three bowls to the wooden table before immediately leaving. Mary entered the main corridor as the feline left. The older woman was wearing a plain dress without any footwear. Remnants of auburn marked her greying long hair. Streaks of white were noticeable as well.

"Good to see you up this morning beautiful." Roger greeted Mary.

"Morning Roger." She half grinned at the wolf's overdone compliment. "You must be Cayuga. I am Mary." She smiled at the coyote. The canine nervously covered himself again in the woman's presence.

"Uhh. Hello." He nervously stated.

"Come on. Let's eat." The wolf nudged a reluctant Cayuga to the table. All three sat down. "Don't worry." He placed an arm around the coyote's shoulder. "Mary and I have seen each other naked plenty of times."

"Sheesh." Mary rolled her eyes in amusement. "You practically flaunt yourself to everyone Roger." The wolf merely smiled happily.

"I don't flaunt." He said. "Ah, don't let us stop you from eating Cayuga." The wolf nudged him to the bench. Everyone sat down and grabbed a bowl.

'Oatmeal.' Roger looked at the unappetizing meal before him.

"A warm breakfast." Roger blew on his and ate. "Normally breakfast arrives right at the crack of dawn." Roger added. "But it's your first day here." The coyote sniffed the spoonful and ate it. The taste was plain and almost bitter on his tongue. Cayuga roughly swallowed it anyway. He looked at the wolf and woman, noticing that they were already dressed. "How did you two get your clothes delivered? The big tiger had mine."

"They're delivered to our stall's shelf before dawn." Mary answered.

"Yours will be too from now on." Roger added. "The master probably wanted to see you for the first time without being too awkward."

"It was awkward..." He mumbled and downed another spoonful of bland oats. 'And this food is disgusting!' Unable to gag down anymore, the coyote abruptly stood up.

"You don't want to skip breakfast." Roger watched the coyote leave. Mary held the wolf's arm from getting up.

"I'll manage." Cayuga held up a hand and left the stable. He walked out of the stable and towards the shed. Luckily, the tall tiger wasn't anywhere to be seen. "My first job is to start clearing the west field of any debris and to cut the weeds and grass down to knee level." He rummaged through the shed and retrieved some necessary tools. The stubborn young canine walked to the field only to stop. The western field was a lot larger than he remembered from yesterday. "Ugh..." Cayuga's shoulders slumped forward at the daunting task. He only had a rake, a sickle, and a lot of time.

***

When the sun reached its evening position in the clear sky, Cayuga dragged his paws back to the large stable. His muscles ached. If he wasn't bent over cutting weeds with a sickle, then he was raking debris into small piles. The chancellor would watch him from time to time, but never interrupted him. With a lousy breakfast and a little lunch, his stomach was growling hungrily for food. The coyote could hardly see straight as he walked into the stable. Mary and Roger were already talking amongst themselves and eating at the little table. His ears ignored their idle talk until he sat down across from them. They had already eaten. He looked down at the plate of cornbread, squash, and a piece of cod set before him with contempt. It was more than he should've expected, but the coyote wasn't in the mood to be thankful.

"Breakfasts are a little tough compared to other meals, but everything else should be better." Roger tried thinking positively for him. Cayuga didn't reply and ate. He was famished. The human and wolf looked at each other with concern.

"Are you ok Cayuga?" Mary asked. "You're quiet."

"No. I'm a slave." He bit back harsher words.

"You're in a better place than most to be a slave." Roger suddenly spoke up. A little red lightning bolt of anger sparked through the coyote's tired head.

"How?" Cayuga snapped. Roger looked at the coyote in confusion. "How can you be so happy here? As a slave of all things!" The coyote's hackles began to raise in anger, but the silence from Mary and Roger chilled his anger. Before he had a chance to walk back on his angry words the older woman stood up.

"Goodnight." She simply stated before departing for her room at the opposing corridor. Cayuga's ears fell back as Roger quietly did the same. He was alone at the table. His stomach chilled, and the remaining food on his plate no longer appeared appetizing.

'Why couldn't I just shut my stupid muzzle!' He covered his eyes. Cayuga couldn't believe that he had the outburst at someone who didn't deserve it. He took a few minutes to cool his frustration. The sounds of paw steps made his ears perk up. He looked up and spotted Roger strutting naked up the main corridor with his clothes in hand.

"I almost forgot to put these out." The wolf grinned as he set his clothes on the shower stall's shelf. The older male stood by for a moment. Cayuga remained silent, unsure if he should say anything back. "Anyway, sleep well Cayuga." The wolf gave a brief grin before retiring for the night.

"You too." Cayuga meekly replied and stood up from his seat. The coyote walked across the cool dirt to his room with his tail tucked between his legs.

Light brown paws quietly padded over a cobblestone designed walkway. The stone path led around the large manor house to one of its large gardens. Cayuga was carrying a spade with him. It was the coyote's second day as a working slave, and this day's tasks had him working in the garden. The only article of clothing on him was the loincloth that revealed more than a pair of underwear. True to what Roger had told him, it was delivered to his stall's shelf before he woke up. Breakfast was delivered earlier as well. Cayuga continued walking and spotted Mary hanging laundry out on a line. The older woman was wearing a long plain dress that reached her ankles. Her bare white feet were standing in the sunny grass.

"Hi Cayuga." The older fair skinned woman flashed him a quick grin.

"Hello." He quietly waved and turned a corner into the south garden. His paws halted. Cayuga gripped the shovel and looked over his shoulder. After a moment of fidgeting, he set the shovel down and decided to make amends. "Hey, Mary." He approached the older woman. She set the folded sheet down and turned to face the coyote.

"Is something wrong?" She noticed the anxious look in his canine face.

"Well..." His gaze dropped to her bare feet before mustering the courage to look in her in the eyes. "I'm sorry for getting angry last night. I wasn't thinking clearly so I turned into an ass."

"It's alright, but I appreciate the apology." She smiled. "Try not to stress yourself too much. It's not healthy."

"I won't." He reassured her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." She nodded and returned to her work. "I'll probably see you in the stable late this evening if you aren't working too long."

"I'll see you then." He trekked back to the walkway and into the garden. Cayuga passed by small trees, various flower bushes, vines, and garden beds. The stone pathway would split up or a tall hedge would prevent an onlooker from seeing too much. The whole area was so green and colorful! 'Mm.' He lifted his nose and smelled herbs somewhere nearby. The cobblestone pathway branched off into brick lain pathways that circled small areas and disappeared behind bushes or hedges. However, plenty of weeds and bare patches needed to be emptied and filled respectively. The coyote knelt down and went to work on the first garden bed. A small pile of picked weeds steadily grew beside him.

Cayuga found the work tranquil, but the image of Roger strutting up and down the main corridor suddenly returned to his mind. The coyote shook his head, but the thought lingered. 'What's wrong with me?' He stood up and ran a hand through his head fur. There was definitely something peculiar about the wolf that interested him though. His ears perked up hearing a voice nearby. Cayuga looked around but no one was around him. "Am I going insane?" He wondered, but the voice persisted. Nagged by curiosity, the coyote approached a tall section of hedges where the voice was coming from. He leaned a curious ear to the bush and listened.

"But the country of Sazalia became a republic-"

'That's Roger!' Cayuga's face lit up. The coyote quietly parted the bush. He peeked through the tall hedge and spotted the middle aged wolf sitting on a stone bench beside a young male tiger listening intently to him.

"Their process of government is different too. As a republic they elect their leaders."

"Don't they have nobles and merchants of high standing?" The young adult tiger asked.

"They do, but they do not have the same authority as they would in our country. The republic has a small set of common laws that everyone must obey, regardless of status."

"How odd..." The tiger pondered.

"Perhaps it is because the republic is along the coast and controls many islands. If it was a land country with a large farming population then thing stay have developed differently." Roger explained.

"Aren't they a rich country?"

"Yes. They are known for their vast merchant fleets and ships."

"Are they rich because of the laws they have to abide by?"

"That probably plays a small part."

"Then why don't they have many laws?"

"I suppose having too much of one thing may not be good." Roger grinned.

"It's certainly more complex than your geometry lessons." The tiger ruffled his head fur and stood up. "I'll be sure to remember both for tomorrow's lesson."

"You're welcome young master." Roger stood up as well and gave a deep nod.

"Thanks. We can meet in the dining room again tomorrow. Hopefully mom and dad are done renovating the space."

"Sure thing. Same time mid morning." The wolf nodded and walked down a different path. Cayuga backed away as they finished and hurried back to weed infested patch of dirt.

'Roger sure does know a lot.' He remarked and returned to pulling.

"Hello Cayuga." A male voice startled the coyote. Cayuga jumped to his paws and turned around.

"Oh! Hey Roger." He relaxed seeing the wolf approach him. "I heard someone talking back there. Was that you?"

"Yeah. I was tutoring the young master where the stone benches are." He pointed back over his shoulder. "Everything going alright?"

"Yeah, better. Thanks for talking to me last night. I'm sorry for acting so stupid." He apologized. The wolf surprisingly stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on Cayuga's shoulder.

"Don't worry about it." He reassured him. "I know how frustrating it is. You're trying to live life peacefully and then you end up here of all places." His caring tone was sympathetic.

"Thanks." He modestly grinned.

"So what are you doing here? Gardening?" Roger looked around the unkempt space.

"Yeah." Cayuga shrugged. "I have a lot work to do here."

"It doesn't look as tough as the fields." The older wolf grinned. "You'll have to work a little bit on the field for a month so you don't overwork yourself."

"It's a lot nicer here too." He nodded.

"The flowers smell nice." Roger bent down to sample one. "When there's a strong breeze the whole area smells fragrant."

"I can imagine that." Cayuga spoke up.

"The master and his wife love gardens." Roger acknowledged as he stood back up. "But not the gardening." He grinned.

"I wish they didn't have me working out here with only a loincloth to cover myself." Cayuga mustered a half grin.

"They probably did that so you could move around easily and not overheat in something heavier." The older male picked at his shirt. "Besides, it's less for them to clean every night."

"I suppose..." He shrugged. It seemed so demeaning.

"You look good in a loincloth." Roger glanced over the coyote.

"Huh?" Cayuga blinked. "I do?"

"Sure." Roger grinned.

"Oh. Thanks." Cayuga scratched his head and found that his ears were pinned back. 'Did I really just like his compliment?'

"Well. I'll see you around then." Roger started walking away.

"Hey. What are you doing now?" He asked.

"I finished the young master's lessons for today so I'm heading back to the stable. I'll see you there later." He said before continuing along the winding stone path.

'Back at the stable...' His eyes fell to the wolf's rear. Roger's pants were typically plain and reached his digitigrade ankles, but the coyote found himself staring anyway. The bushy dark grey tail swayed obliviously until the wolf disappeared from sight. Cayuga closed his slightly ajar mouth and looked back at the ground where the fragrant flowers were. He bent forward and smelled the aromatic petals His nose wiggled before he returned to pulling weeds.

***

"Done for the day." Roger gave a satisfied sigh and placed the shovel and spade in the shed. He walked into the the stable's main corridor where Mary and Roger were eating together at the wooden bench table.

"Just in time." Roger looked up. "Your food was starting to get cold."

"Hello." Mary greeted the coyote.

"Hey. Thanks for keeping an eye on it." Cayuga sat down to a plate of cornbread, fish, beans, and a small apple.

"The flies can be pesky." The wolf grinned while the younger coyote dug in. The food wasn't as bad as he expected despite being cool.

"How did gardening go?" Mary asked.

"Compared to yesterday... Relaxing." He replied. "I'm still a little sore from yesterday, but it was alright."

"Mm. Never overwork yourself." Mary set her fork down. "You'll never have a problem if you do your work thoroughly rather than in a hurry."

"Yeah. I wish I was in the mood to listen." He rubbed his muzzle.

"All in the past now." She grinned. "I think it's time for me to shower." Mary stood up from her empty plate.

"Don't burn your skin with hot water." Roger teased.

"Don't freeze your fur off in yours." She teased right back and walked to the other smaller corridor.

"Mary has a sharp mind." Cayuga mentioned.

"No kidding. Sometimes I think she can tutor me about anything." Roger picked at his teeth with a claw. The wolf's gaze wandered outside. "I think I'll take a shower as well before the sun goes any lower." Roger stood up from the bench. Cayuga nodded and finished eating. The wolf walked over to the shower's entrance and stripped down. When Cayuga set his fork down he noticed that the naked wolf was watching him from the wall with folded arms. "I haven't heard you in the shower yet." Roger mentioned. "Why don't you come and take one?"

"Aren't you taking one?"

"It's the same size as one of our rooms." He pointed over his shoulder. Cayuga looked at his dirty hands before looking back up at the naked. wolf. "I don't bite." He flashed a toothy smile in good thought. Compelled by the need to clean himself, and a little curiosity, the coyote stood up and walked towards him.

"Why isn't there a door?" He asked only to remember that the whole building was once a stable.

"Who's watching?" The wolf chuckled and entered the large shower stall. "It's just us."

'Good point.' Cayuga untied his loincloth and set it on top of Roger's clothes. 'Im practically naked all the time now.' The coyote looked around the main corridor before walking into the large shower stall. The floor beneath his paws acted like a large drain in the center where countless gaps led the water beneath the stable to a gulley far away. The coyote stood in the center while the wolf approached the shower controls. He felt a little nervous about being naked around someone else, but Roger's politeness helped him feel comfortable about it.

"A nice cool shower after a warm day." Roger turned the handle on. Cayuga stared up at the large shower head and a cool downpour greeted him.

"This is nice." He hastily sighed and let his fur soak.

"Not too cold, right?" The wolf stood beside Cayuga and rubbed his silver grey fur down.

"No. Just right." He could feel the stress melting away.

"Good. I like a cool shower, but some days the handle has a mind of its own." The wolf chuckled. The coyote simply stared at the wall ahead. "Are you feeling alright?" A concerned voice asked.

"Huh?" Cayuga stiffened up noticing a hand resting on his shoulder. "Oh. Yeah, I'm just thinking." The coyote shrugged. Roger seemed to understand and handed over a bar of soap. "Thanks." He clutched the slick bar in his hand.

"You're welcome." The wolf rinsed his fur thoroughly before grabbing the second bar of soap. "It's normal to be frustrated as a slave, especially if you're a new one." Roger lifted an arm to rub down his side. "The shyness is expected too, but you're warming up just fine." His words made the coyote feel better.

"How did you become a slave and end up here?" Cayuga asked.

"When I was about your age... Well I'm guessing you're in the mid twenties."

"I'm twenty eight."

"I was close!" Roger grinned. "But when I was twenty five I was finishing up my studies at a university. There were some protests going around the university about how the tariffs on foreign goods weren't fair. One night it escalated into a riot and an armed guard was called in to suppress it. Over a dozen were caught and jailed. Some were sold into slavery. I wasn't participating in the riot but no questions were asked when I was shackled and sold to make an example of disobedience."

"Weren't you allowed to petition for your release?"

"Sadly, no. When you become a slave, whether by accident or not, your rights vanish." The wolf snapped his fingers. "I was within grasp of becoming a teacher, but then my dream was seized right from underneath my paws. To keep the story short, I was bought by the master and became a tutor for his son. It's such an ironic twist of fate, but I became the teacher I always wanted to be. Now I'm forty and still teaching the young master." He shrugged with a pleased grin.

"That's really unfortunate, but the ending wasn't too bad." Cayuga found the silver lining a cause for hope.

"I'm not complaining one bit today." He folded his arms. "What's your story Cayuga?"

"Debt." Cayuga found the word of foul taste in his mouth.

"Ah, that's never a delicate subject." The wolf nodded understandingly and lifted an arm to wash his side. Cayuga's eyes dropped to the plump sheath and furry pouch dangling between the wolf's thighs. He could see a sliver of pink hidden behind the opening of black fur. Roger's hand abruptly came into view as fingertips brushed over the base causing the entire phallus to roll. Cayuga held his breath and quickly returned his gaze up. Roger put a paw on the wooden ledge and quickly washed his leg. Cayuga took a deep breath and followed suit to clear his thoughts.

"Yeah. I did everything I could think of to make money, but in the end it just didn't work out."

"How much did you accumulate?"

"Over 2,300 shillings." Cayuga switched legs. The wincing face Roger gave didn't make light of the staggering figure. "It's well over the 1,000 shillings minimum for indentured servitude, and higher than the 2,000 shillings threshold for being sold into slavery to forgive the debt."

"At least you don't have that hanging above your head every day anymore." Roger thought of something positive. The coyote shrugged. Roger finished washing himself and rinsed. "I'm done." The wolf nonchalantly sat on the wooden ledge out of the shower's spray. The coyote felt a little conscious washing in front of Roger and quickly rinsed.

"I think I'm finished too." Cayuga tried turning the handle, but it didn't budge. The wolf quickly came to his aide.

"The trick is to push the handle in a little when you're turning it." Roger demonstrated and the water shut off completely without trouble.

"Heh. Funny thing." The two canines sat down on opposite ledges.

"It took me weeks to figure this thing out, even with Mary's help." He stretched his legs out. Cayuga's eyes were instantly drawn to the older male's spread legs. He quickly returned his haze up to the wolf's face and did his best to hide his nervousness. The coyote had never showered with anyone before, and everything was a new experience for him.

"So what else do you normally teach the young master?" He crossed his legs protectively and mustered a question.

"Anything... Geometry, history, you name it as long as the Chancellor doesn't but it." He added. "That feline always gets his hackles raised over anything, and I mean anything! One time he butted in during a lesson and disagreed with me."

"What would he disagree about? You're the tutor, not him." Cayuga surmised.

"I know! His hackles stand and tail poofs out." He stopped to chuckle. "I swear that cat is one big ball of fluff."

"What does the Chancellor actually do? He isn't a slave, right?"

"He's definitely not a slave. That cat is paid to help organize the master's finance and manage us. Although he manages us with annoyance." The coyote nodded scratched his damp neck. A few minutes of quiet passed. "So... What do you think of the stable?" Roger asked.

"It's better than what I thought it would be."

"What did you expect?"

"Living in a musty shed with a dozen others." He shrugged.

"I thought that too before I came here." The middle aged wolf half grinned. "Especially the shower stall. I doubt many other slaves have a fully equipped place to rinse off, unless you count brothels as slave quarters." He chuckled.

"Yeah. I wouldn't have expected a shower to stay clean." Cayuga admitted.

"It probably cost a good amount of shillings." Roger looked up and down the walls and floor.

"I like the space and place to sit too."

"Yeah, it's certainly nice to shower off. I'm always in here every other day."

"What about Mary?"

"She uses the other shower in that corridor." He pointed across the main corridor. "We have some differences on water temperature." The tips of his white teeth flashed in a silly grin. The idle chat continued for another twenty minutes or so, and Cayuga gradually loosened up. He even started joking to the warm hearted wolf.

"Alright." Roger stood up in a less than elegant stretch. "I think I'm good." His grey hands ruffled the fur along his sides. Cayuga stood up as well.

"My fur is a little damp in some spots." He felt over his tan furred rear.

"If you wait too long then you'll be drying off in cooler air at night." Roger pointed out. Cayuga conceded and followed the wolf into the corridor. Cayuga stood in the buff beside the wolf and looked at the main corridor from the new perspective, the wolf's perspective.

"How is everything so... prepared?" Cayuga cautiously asked.

"Someone will take the dishes, and our clothes back inside to be washed." Roger explained. "Any other beginner questions on your mind?"

"No." He lightly shook his head. "I think you and Mary covered them all."

"Good." His grey and silver tail briefly wagged only to be interrupted by an early yawn. "Goodnight." Roger bade the coyote before softly trekking down the stable's main corridor.

"Goodnight." The coyote walked back down the dirt floor of the main corridor. He glanced over his shoulder to watch the wolf for a moment and stepped into his stall. There wasn't much daylight left so Cayuga laid down in his bedding of hay and stared up at the top of the wall still illuminated by bolden rays. The faint curl of a grin was etched into the corners of his lips. He felt excited about taking the shower with Roger. He furrowed his brow and paused to think.

'I like him.' He froze in shock that he even had the thought, but deep inside it was true. Cayuga intently stared at his stall's ceiling. "What is it?" He asked himself in a whisper and lightly shook his head. The hay underneath quietly rustled. "What is it about him that I like so much?" It wasn't just the nudity. No, that was only the first attention grabber. He was so easy going, considerate, and helpful. 'Handsome...' Cayuga frowned that he added the compliment. He crossed his legs. It was more than curiosity. The closeness... The nudity... The trust... Cayuga surprisingly liked all of it with the middle aged wolf. "What would dad think?" An image of his old, now deceased, canine dad came to mind wearing a disappointed frown. His hands grasped fistfuls of hay at the thought.

Cayuga walked into the stable and wiped his forehead. The indoor shade and cool dirt beneath his paws was a welcome relief to the sunny weather outside. The coyote had been working in the field more and started working on repairing part of the fence bordering it.

"Now for the posts..." Cayuga glanced down the main corridor and walked to the adjacent smaller corridor where they were kept in a stall. He glanced around seeing that no one else was in the stable. After all, it was the mid afternoon. Mary would be working inside for another hour or so, and Roger was supposed to be tutoring the young master. He walked across the cool dirt floor and stopped. 'That's Roger's stall.' The coyote stared at the entrance. He double checked the corridors before approaching the wolf's room. He peered inside. It was nearly identical to his stall. Roughly half of the square layout was covered with a thick bedding of hay. There was an imprint from where the wolf slept during the night. Two old books were neatly placed in a corner, and a lantern sat on its side by the entrance. 'It looks homely.' He craned his neck and took a deep breath. The room definitely smelled like the wolf.

"Hello Cayuga!" Roger's voice started the coyote.

"Ah! What are you doing here?" His fur nearly jumped off his skin.

"I was just walking by and I saw you looking around... Are you looking for something?"

"I was about to get more posts for the fence, but I don't know where they're kept." The flustered canine searched for an excuse.

"I'll help you look for them." The wolf offered.

"Oh! Sure!" He walked to the next stall while Roger started on the other side. 'They're in the stall down there...' Cayuga remembered where they were and wiped his jade with a hand.

"I found them!" Roger stood by the certain stall.

"Thanks." Cayuga quickly went in and picked up two long wooden posts.

"How many do you need?"

"Just one more." Cayuga lifted the two in his arms up to his chest. He watched the wolf drag one more post out.

"Well I'm not doing much of anything because the young master is away." Roger took his shirt off and picked up a piece.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I am." The wolf huffed and followed the coyote into the field. They walked across the field to the edge of the pine forest where the old fence was.

"Just set it wherever." Cayuga dropped his two. The wolf gladly did.

"So are you replacing part of the fence?" Roger asked.

"Yeah. The Chancellor told me to replace this spot first and worry about anything else later." Cayuga retrieved an axe propped up within reach.

"What do you want me to do?"

"I'll hack these two old pieces up and you can toss them into the woods." He gripped the axe and swung. A few swings, chops, and an angry curse later both were taken care of. Roger gathered the old pieces of wood.

"How deep is that post?" The wolf tossed the old hunks into the woods.

"I'd say this much." Cayuga guessed and held up his hands about two feet apart. He grabbed a shovel and started digging. After removing enough dirt, Cayuga grabbed the post and pulled. Roger grabbed the post beside him and tugged as well. The canines growled and managed to yank the old post from its spot.

"This brute was stuck in the ground like a tree!" Roger tossed it into the woods. Cayuga caught his breath and wiped the red dirt off his fur.

"Let's put the other one in." He dragged the last post to be used as a crossing piece. They funneled the wooden shaft into the ground.

"I got it." Roger held the new wood post up while Cayuga filled the base with dirt. With a little teamwork, the project was finished in good time.

"That should do it." Cayuga stamped the earth down with a paw. "Thanks for all the help." He wiped his hands on his sides. For work he typically did alone, it was nice to have someone helping.

"No problem at all." He grinned. "I wish I was your age again to keep up." The middle aged wolf sat down in the grassy hill looking over the field.

"You'll have to work a lot just to maintain it." Cayuga sat down beside him.

"In that case I'll just stick to tutoring." He mused.

"I don't blame you." Cayuga stretched his legs out.

"It's such a nice place." The wolf admired the scenic setting. "Especially since you're here to clean it up.' Cayuga looked around with a little sense of pride. The large manor house was situated between two large gardens to the north and south. The fields to the east and west were flat and somewhat tidied compared to when he first arrived weeks ago. Cayuga leaned back beside the wolf. One hand accidentally rested on top of the wolf's.

"Whoops." He nervously grinned and moved his hand. The grey and silver wolf only smiled and returned his gaze out to the field. Cayuga's ears pinned back, but he couldn't stop a grin forming on the corners of his mouth.

Cayuga anxiously looked out into the main corridor before ducking back into his room. His ears were perked on high alert waiting for the sounds of paw steps, whistling, or anything indicating that Roger was strolling up the main corridor. For over a week the coyote avoided showering with the wolf, but he enjoyed spending every minute with him. Roger even helped him with his outdoor work for the past few days. Without him, he would have had a difficult time transitioning to life on the estate.

'I can hear him!' The coyote's ears perked up hearing whistling. He brushed himself free of hay and walked into the main corridor. Sure enough, the grey and silver male wolf was walking leisurely to the shower stall by himself. "Hey." Cayuga smiled and gave a little wave.

"Hi Cayuga." Roger flashed a toothy grin of his own. "Taking a nap with a little spare time?"

"I am trying to." He shrugged. "Are you sleeping more while the young master is still away?" Cayuga slipped his only garment off.

"Not too much." Roger chuckled and pulled the shirt over his head. "He'll be back in a day or two. What about you?" He asked and started undoing his pants.

"Me neither." The coyote felt his gaze drawn towards the wolf's naked body as it was revealed to him.

"I guess you can't since you're always working outside and all." Roger stepped out of his pants and effortlessly pulled his undergarment off. Cayuga could feel his cheeks lightly blush seeing the wolf's furry pouch and plump sheath hanging freely in their full glory. The wolf bent over and set all his garments on the shelf. Cayuga entered the shower room with Roger behind him.

"I think I can get it to turn on now." The coyote approached the metal handle. Cayuga turned it to the left. Nothing happened. "Eh..." Roger watched over his shoulder in amusement. The coyote's ears fell back in frustration.

"Remember." A silver and grey hand rested over top his own. "Sometimes it has a mind of its own." He applied some pressure and turned it on. Water sprayed out with a wet hiss.

"Thanks." They stepped over and rinsed off together. Soap was passed out and they washed their own fur. Cayuga eyes gravitated to the middle aged wolf showering beside him. The sight of Roger's naked body was too tempting one for the coyote to ignore. Cayuga stole a few glances while he washed before looking away. The open nudity wasn't the only thing on his mind. The wolf's fur looked so soft when it was wet. He wanted to run his hands through it and caress him...

"So..." Roger tried putting an end to the silence between them. "Did you have any special skills that would've made the master purchase you?"

"What do you mean?" Cayuga scratched his neck.

"The master has rarely purchased someone without any skills. I guess my specialty is being a tutor. There aren't many slaves that can give a good education."

"Hm. I've done plenty of odd jobs for the last few years when things were getting bad. I worked as a field hand on a farm for one summer."

"I take it that you didn't like it enough for the next summer?"

"The heat and humidity during the summer made it unbearable." Cayuga lifted his face up at the shower and rinsed. Roger followed suit.

"Done rinsing?" The wolf asked.

"Yep." Cayuga answered and the water was promptly shut off. The two canines shook their fur and sat by the corner of the shower stall. "Let's see what else... I worked in a little market shop cutting fish before. My nose has never forgiven me since." He added with a wry smile.

"Yuck! That's one job I would never do." Roger wrinkled his nose.

"And there's one more." Cayuga folded his arms and lifted a finer.

"It can't be any worse than the ones you already described." Roger half grinned.

"Sometimes it had its perks." The coyote looked into the main corridor and chuckled. "I was a masseuse for over a year in a wealthier part of my town."

"A masseuse!" Roger was astonished.

"Yeah." Cayuga chuckled at the wolf's slack jaw. "Sometimes it was downright degrading, especially when when someone started groping." Roger held back a laugh at the thought of the coyote beating a sneaky hand back. "But the pay was pretty decent."

"Why aren't you in the big manor house massaging the mistress's paws right now?"

"I didn't tell anyone at the auction house. Besides, her paws don't look too appealing with those sharp retractable claws." Cayuga smiled.

"I suppose not." Roger chuckled. "Would you consider giving me one instead?" He sat up attentively. Cayuga noticed that the wolf's tail was wagging a little.

"What? Give you a massage?" He dumbly asked. His stomach felt a little flutter at the idea.

"Sure. If you don't want to-"

"No. It's alright." Cayuga interrupted. "Um. When do you want one?"

"Why not now?" He extended his leg.

"Now?" Cayuga swallowed.

"Yeah! We're dry enough." Rogers's enthusiasm urged the coyote to his paws. "We can go to my stall." Cayuga couldn't say no to the offer, and found himself walking into Roger's room in moments. "How do you want me to lay down? Front, back, or side?" The wolf seemed to be enjoying it already.

"Back will be fine." Cayuga quickly answered. Roger quickly obliged and made himself comfortable in the crunchy hay. He had to consciously stop his tail from wagging. The coyote eyed the smiling wolf's body and knelt down at his paws. He glanced around the rustic room and something he hadn't seen before caught his golden brown eye. "What are those chains for?" Cayuga pointed up at the wall. Held up by study nails, two long chains hung above the tall entrance.

"Oh. Those were the chains I was held in as a slave. I'll never forget how heavy they are."

"How long have you been here as a slave?" Cayuga noticed the faint rust and the old grunge coating the metal.

"More than ten years, but I like to think of myself as a tutor than a slave." He grinned.

"A tutor?"

"You know I felt wronged in every way." He mused as he stared up at his former chains. "But when I was unchained here, I felt free. I could actually teach." The wolf stated with a toothy smile. Cayuga found himself inspired by the wolf's words.

"Does your book have anything to do with your education at the university?" He turned and pointed to the book in the corner of the wolf's stall.

"Book?" He looked up. "Oh, no that's a book I've been reading for a while now."

"It looks old."

"I'm a slow reader." The wolf settled back down in the hay.

"What's it about?"

"I could tell you if I had read it, but I wouldn't want to spoil the story either." The wolf teased. "It's called Legacy. Do you want to borrow it?"

"I'm not the best at reading." The coyote admitted.

"I'll read it to you then." He grinned.

"Thanks." Cayuga nodded. He and looked back down at Roger's body sprawled out in the hay.

"So uh-"

"Start wherever you like." Roger flashed a grin. "My claws are dull." The coyote looked up the naked wolf's body on full display. A little thrill bolted up his spine. He certainly wanted to work over every inch. The coyote shrugged off the fact that they were naked on a bed of hay and edged towards the wolf's paws. Cayuga picked up a paw and placed it on the edge of his lap. The lightly dusted black pads and dark grey fur looked back at him expectedly. His thumbs generously went to work. The pads were cool to the touch but leathery and smooth. The longer he kneaded the wolf's paw the warmer it became, and the more relaxed the wolf became. "Mmmm. That feels really nice Cayuga." Roger hummed the satisfied remark when the coyote moved to cradle his other paw.

"Thanks." He sheepishly grinned and continued.

"Mmhm!" Roger happily splayed his toes. When the other paw was thoroughly tended to, Cayuga moved up the wolf's legs and scooted forward to massage his torso. His hands reveled at how soft the wolf's fur was. The coyote had to bend forward to reach higher along Roger's chest. The wolf unconsciously spread his leg for room.

'I'm so close to him!' He nervously edged closer. Cayuga could feel the edges of their hairs touching. The faint sensation of body heat tantalized him as well. Everything was working perfectly for the two canines. Cayuga scarcely felt something else touch. He looked down and his eyes widened seeing their genitals touching. His eyes darted back to see Roger's reaction, or lack thereof. The wolf's eyes were closed, oblivious to what was going on below. Cayuga breathed deeply to control his thundering heart. He slowed down to control his hands on the handsome male. Rather than sit up or move, the coyote settled down so that he was practically straddling the wolf's leg. His package was resting completely on top of the wolf's. Cayuga looked up at the wolf whose eyes were closed. A dreamy smile was firmly curled onto his silver and grey muzzle.

"You're doing great." Roger rumbled a satisfied hum. Cayuga slowed his motions to remain intimately connected longer. He wished the wolf would fall asleep so he could continue the tender massage, but it only lasted for another minute before he finally backed off. "Mm." The wolf shut his parted mouth. The exhilarating high quickly faded from the masseuse. Cayuga suddenly stood up, feeling flustered and conflicted.

'I-I couldn't stop myself!' He feared a bad reaction as a rush of nervousness and anxiety overcame him. Roger opened his eyes and stretched in the hay wearing an impeccable smile across his muzzle.

"Talk about rocking someone to sleep-" He noticed the coyote backing away nervously to the door. The older wolf rose to his elbows. "Where are you going?"

"Uh. To bed! Yeah, uh the chancellor told me I have a lot of work for tomorrow so I'm going to bed early."

"Oh. Okay." His ears folded back watching Cayuga hastily leave. "Thank you for the rub." The coyote cursed himself in the small corridor for being so nervous around the wolf.

The stable was calm and quiet. The coyote was reclined in his bedding of hay listening to the faint sounds of rain hitting the roof. Cayuga had a light day of work. It started raining before noon and he wasn't required to work outside in the rain. The lingering showers turned into a drizzle by the late afternoon, and the coyote remained in the stable. For most of his unexpected time of leisure he came accept his growing feelings for Roger, but now he was wondering what to do about them. Walking around the corridors and staring into the rain didn't help.

'I wonder if Mary is back.' Cayuga stood up and brushed the hay off himself. "She's been here for a long time." He wanted to talk to her about Roger, and now seemed to be the perfect time. Roger wouldn't be back from tutoring for a while so he could talk uninterrupted. The coyote walked across the main corridor to the adjacent corridor that she lived at. His nose picked up her scent as he turned a corner. "Mary?" He called out and found her a few steps away. She was naked while folding up her clothing to neatly rest on the shelf outside her shower stall. The older woman didn't seem bothered to be in the nude. Her large milk-white breasts sagged from age and heaviness. In fact, most of her torso, thighs, nether regions, and arms were a pale white compared to the tanner extremities. Her torso and thighs were fatty from aging. He was surprised to see that the bush of fur on her groin was the same as the grey in her hair.

"Hi Cayuga. How are you?" Mary glanced up while she finished folding the dress she had worn during her day's work.

"I'm doing alright. Uh. Are you busy? I can come back later."

"No. I'm about to take a shower. You can take yours with me if you want." She offered.

"Are you sure? I mean... I can wait till later."

"It's fine. Just take a shower with me so we can talk." She kindly waved a hand for him to join her and stepped inside. Cayuga wiggled his nose and slipped off his only garment. The coyote joined her just as the hot water began to pour.

"Why don't you use the other shower?" He asked as they rinsed.

"This one is closer to my room, and besides, Roger prefers a colder shower than I can tolerate." Mary passed a bar of soap to Cayuga.

"You're right about that." He grinned as she retrieved a bar of soap for herself.

"Alright. Let's talk." Mary turned her back to the water and faced Cayuga. "What's on your mind?" She seemed to know it was something important.

"Roger." He simply answered.

"What about Roger?"

"Everything." He fidgeted.

"Ok." She found the request amusing. "You'll have to start me off somewhere." The coyote thought for a moment.

"Why does he leave his clothes by the shower stall every night?"

"That's where they're collected." She shrugged.

"I know, but why does he walk around the corridor naked every night? If it's not before a shower, then it's before he goes to bed." Cayuga explained. Mary grinned.

"Roger has always liked strutting around in the buff before bed. At first I was shocked to see a naked male canine, but after eating with him every evening I became used to seeing his sheath." Cayuga grinned remembering how surprised he was to see Roger flamboyantly walking around in the buff. "He says it's to air out his fur, but I think he likes swinging his stuff around." They both laughed at that.

"I think you're right." Cayuga chuckled and washed his legs. "Roger mentioned that he has been here for more than ten years." Cayuga added.

"That wolf has been here since around your age." Mary nodded. "I remember I had just finished being a wet nurse to the young master as he was growing older." A smile grew on her face as she recounted the days long ago. "The feeling of the young master's downy fur against my skin while he suckled was so heartwarming." She smiled. "If you were a female, then you would know that nursing is the most relaxing thing you can experience. I always wanted to raise a family of my own when I was nursing." The older woman folded her arms and fondly remembered. Cayuga nodded and listened closely. "You know, that sweet little tiger is an adult now and still gives me a hug whenever he sees me inside." The woman chuckled.

"How were you a wet nurse at that age if you've never given birth?"

"I've been a wet nurse for most of my life since I had breasts." She stated with a hint of pride in her voice. "It came naturally for me."

"What did you do after nursing?"

"I helped babysit the young master and gradually moved over to help with sewing and other wives' duties." She washed the soap off her front. "What else do you want to know?"

"What does Roger like to do for fun?"

"Other than teaching..." She thought aloud. "The wolf likes the little things in life. I've seen him walking leisurely through the gardens before. He's talked to me about dreams he had the previous night. Other times he simply enjoys being with good company."

'Little things in life.' Cayuga made a mental note. 'Maybe talking to him in the garden more-?'

"Now, for answering all of those questions I'd like for you to wash my back for me please." Mary asked.

"I definitely owe you one." Cayuga gladly approached while she turned around.

"Ooh! Those pads are leathery and warm!" Mary lightly shook her shoulders at the pleasant sensation.

"I'm not the only one with padded hands." He teased. "And your skin is very smooth." He liked the texture. The old woman enjoyed the soapy back rub while the warm water poured over her body.

"You know... Roger talks about you a lot." Mary mentioned while he rubbed her back.

"He does?" Cayuga paused, holding onto her shoulders.

"Mmhm." She nodded and turned around to face him. "Let me get your back, and I'll tell you." She immediately offered and motioned a hand for him to turn around. Cayuga obliged and felt her delicate hands rubbing through his fur soon enough. "That wolf always has something to say about you when we're eating."

"Like what?" The coyote eagerly asked.

"Oh small things like how you were feeling during the day, or what you talked to him about during the evening." Mary paused to scratch the canine's lower back. "He's always happy to talk about you. It's kind of funny because I'm pretty confident that Roger is gay." His heart suddenly leapt and face flushed at the woman's words. The coyote would have never believed his heart could leap at the phrase before. "Goodness you're excited!" Mary suddenly laughed.

"Huh?" He froze and looked over his shoulder.

"Your tail was tickling my thighs because it was wagging." She giggled and moved the canine's tail.

"Sorry!" He bashfully tucked it between his legs instead.

"Canines wagging their tails..." The human mused with a half grin and finished washing Cayuga's back. "There. Your fur is all done hon."

"Thank you Mary." He turned to rinse off for a final time.

"My pleasure." Mary leaned forward and cut the water off when he finished. Cayuga shook his body free of excess water and sat down on the wooden ledge. "I'm surprised that you haven't asked him all of these questions before. You two shower together regularly now, right?" She wrung the excess water from her hair and sat down across from him to dry off.

"Every other day." Cayuga shrugged.

"That says a lot." Mary quietly tittered. They both stretched their limbs out to help dry faster.

"What will Roger do when the young master leaves? I think he is of age to marry and start his own path in the world."

"Yes the young master is already nineteen, but I don't see Roger going anywhere after all the time he has spent here."

"Really? Who will he tutor after that?"

"Probably us." Mary chuckled.

"Our heads would burst from all his knowledge." They both laughed.

"Goodness." Mary lightly shook her head as the giggles died down. "What we do with all of those smarts?"

"I'd find out why humans' hair and fur always turn colors as they age." Cayuga crossed his legs.

"Ah, I've wondered that myself." Mary ran her fingers through her wet hair. "We have it in oddest of places too." Cayuga leaned back and ruffled the damp fur on his front. There wasn't a noticeable draft like the other shower stall to help air out his fur. They quietly tended to themselves for a few minutes.

"Alright. I'm heading back to my stall." Mary stretched her legs.

"You're leaving already?" His brow raised as the woman stood up from her seat.

"My skin dries faster than your fur." She teased even though her hair was damp.

"Brag all you want when it's winter." Cayuga teased and folded his arms. The older woman couldn't help but laugh at that.

"I don't think either of us will be showering out here during the winter." She stepped over the floor's drainage section. "If you need to talk about anything else, then stop by my stall. I'll stay awake until the sun sets." Mary offered before leaving.

"Thanks." Cayuga grinned. He showered with her and got to ask some questions. 'Maybe Roger likes me.' He felt giddy at the thought.

The sound of a spade digging quietly echoed through the center of the northern garden. A flower plant was placed in the new hole and delicately patted down with dirt. A dirt covered hand picked up the spade and resumed the task for the remaining flowers. Cayuga looked across the weeded garden bed of freshly tilled earth.

"Better." He grinned at his hard work. Both vast gardens were virtually weed free now after a month. His mood changed looking back down at the flower he had just planted. Most of his recent work was used to think about his love, or at least hope to forget about it for a while. He cupped the little white flower and touched the delicate petals. The coyote looked up at the clear blue sky. "Is it immoral?" He wondered aloud. The coyote had grown up in a religious family. Although he was never deeply religious himself, his values were derived from the religion. Being gay was never something to be made public where he was from, but any brothel would tell you otherwise from preference.

"I need an answer!" He screwed his eyes shut to think. An idea suddenly burst into his mind. 'That's it!' The canine jumped to his paws. 'I need to talk to a priest.' A priest would know the answer to his ethical dilemma. But how to get to a church when you were a slave on a manor? The coyote left his tools and the north garden and searched for the Chancellor. He would have some authority to help, and the feline was never too far away when he was working. Cayuga took a hard right around the corner of the manor and bumped into someone.

"Sorry-!" His jaw fell seeing who he ran into. The master tiger's wife, the snow leopardess, was standing before him dusting off her richly made blue dress. "Ah! I'm sorry ma'am, are you alright?" He was afraid to touch and dirty her fur or clothes.

"Hello Cayuga." The leopardess smiled. "Yes I am fine, but I was looking for you." She chuckled.

"Me?" His brow raised.

"Yea. I wanted to thank you." Her words perplexed him. "I love what you have done with the garden." She reached out and held the coyote's hands. "Your hands have a great talent for gardening."

"Uh... it's one of my jobs." Cayuga was surprised to hear such praise from one of his owners.

"Well I am glad that I bought you to do it." She thanked him. "I can actually enjoy the gardens like I used to."

"Thanks." He wasn't sure what else to say.

"You're welcome. We're you going somewhere?" She asked. The coyote blinked.

"Oh, yes! Do you know where the Chancellor is?" He eagerly asked.

"He should be in the south garden." She told him. "Probably the spot where there are two stone benches.

"Thank you ma'am." He side stepped her. "And thank you for the compliment." Cayuga hurried down the cobblestone path. The female watched him with a soft grin until he disappeared around the corner. Just as the snow leopardess told him, the Chancellor was sitting on a stone bench writing something down. "Chancellor." Cayuga approached him.

"Yes?" He said without lifting his gaze from the paper.

"Are you leaving for the nearest town anytime soon?"

"I'm going to town in three days for a quick errand and shopping." The feline told him. "Why do you ask?" He set his pencil down.

"I'd like to go to town with you if that's possible."

"That can be arranged. What are you going to do in town?"

"I want to visit the church there. There is a church, correct?"

"Yes, there is one." He answered. "Why do you want to visit a church? I cannot guarantee that you will be allowed in during a service."

"I do not want to be in a service. I want to go and talk to the church's priest."

"Even though you may not find him?"

"Yes!" The coyote didn't want to beg. He wouldn't have many opportunities to do so.

"Alright. Be prepared to leave at dawn in two days." The feline conceded and returned to writing. Cayuga held in a cheering howl.

The carriage rattled uncomfortably along a dirt road leading south. The scenic rolling hills and impressive oaks were lazily passed. Cayuga folded his arms and took an uneasy breath in the seat beside the chancellor. The coyote was thinking of what to say to the priest when he reached town while half listening to the chancellor. His tan furred paws shifted anxiously. He didn't even know if a slave would be allowed to enter a church and talk to a priest.

"It's so funny that even though there's a converted stable back home, we still rent horses and carriage rides into town." The chancellor found the fact amusing. Cayuga's left ear was dialed to hear the feline's words, but his mind was clearly elsewhere. "But horses are so time consuming to take care of." He rambled on.

"Uh-huh." Cayuga pretended to listen while they climbed up a low hill. When they reached the top, the rooftops and buildings became visible a mere half mile away. A few youngsters playing in the sloped field darted around the slow moving carriage and disappeared into a thicket. The coyote's brow furrowed seeing a small outpost on both sides of the dirt road. A small regiment of a dozen or so soldiers were stationed along the road. As all men of the country's military, they were a rough looking bunch. He remained silent as the Chancellor cordially waved and passed by. "What are those posts for?" Cayuga looked back at the two small buildings behind them.

"It's a military town." Chancellor explained. "Those who aren't on duty are probably working on the dock on the river." The carriage entered the town. The clopping of hooves and rattling wheels trekked over the cobblestone street. "I'll park the carriage here." He eased the horses to the edge of the sidewalk. "Alright. I will be shopping in two stores down this street. You won't be gone long right?"

"No." Cayuga hastily jumped down.

"Wait. Before you run off, I need you to put this on." The feline held out something that the coyote despised. Cayuga growled noticing that it was a metal collar to signify ownership of living property.

"Why would I put that on for you?" He held back a larger threat.

"It's for your own good." The Chancellor insisted. "It has your master's insignia on the front so no one will mess with you. If they are stupid enough to touch you, then your master can sue them into oblivion at a small claims court." Cayuga swallowed his pride and grabbed the metal collar. "I won't lock it, so just keep it snapped on, ok?"

"Alright, alright." He put it around his neck. "Where is the church from here?" Cayuga looked around the road and nearby plaza.

"It should be a good walk that way." The feline pointed to his right. "You can't miss it. It's a big church for a modest port town."

"Thanks Chancellor." The coyote embarked onto the sidewalk. The town didn't have too many people walking about, but a slave like Cayuga didn't go unnoticed. The coyote felt conscious about being the only person in town wearing a loincloth for clothing. 'Who cares?' He shrugged it off and walked across the dirt street and onto another sidewalk. A leopard butcher was sweeping the dirt out of his shop. Two females in dresses were on a stroll together. A group of kids were running down to the docks, laughing and squealing amongst themselves. It was a normal little quaint town. For a brief moment Cayuga thought he was back in his home as a free person, but he was quickly reminded of his status. He spotted a small group smoking outside a cigar shop up the sidewalk. All wore raincoats over their regular clothes. They were likely merchants on a small stopping point from the frigid northern sea route. Cayuga's ears fell back at the looks he received.

"Look at this boys..." A panther purred.

"A slave without his owner?" The deep voiced Samoyed dog grinned at the approaching coyote. Cayuga clenched his teeth at the odd taunts.

"You're not lost from the last town's brothel, are you?" A small mink winked at him.

"Tight cloth too." A broad shouldered badger pointed with a black claw and snickered. A small genet whistled causing the others to laugh.

'Ignore them.' Cayuga remembered what he was told and held his tongue. The round of laughs and taunts behind him faded as he continued. "God..." The canine wrinkled his muzzle in anger at their petty insults. 'Roger would have a good comeback-" He froze hearing the sudden ringing of a large bell nearby. "I'm close!" He hurried up the street. After two more blocks he spotted a large building to his right that was easily three stories higher than the neighboring homes and shops. The stone church was fairly elaborate, especially in comparison to the smaller shanty buildings around it. The center of three large arched doorways was opened. A dozen or so people were quietly chatting as they left the front stone steps.

'I hope I'm not too late.' Cayuga passed through the little crowd. Looks were given at the slave ascending the steps to the church, but nothing was spoken. 'I wonder if I'm allowed here.' Cayuga went inside anyway. He never remembered seeing a slave in a church before in his life. His thoughts were immediately drawn to the building's elaborate interior. 'This is a big place.' The coyote looked up at the high vaulted ceiling above. The light passing through the stained glass from the top gave a colorful glow to the upper air, as if one was gazing up at heaven. Cayuga looked around the open chamber for an elaborately robed priest with several helpers. He spotted a male orange tabby cat in a plain black robe putting a rather large book away.

"Hello." He approached the cat. "I'm looking for the priest named Zhu Qi, and I heard this is his church. Can you help me find him?"

"Well, I would say that this is a house of God, and not my own." The green eyes cat humbly replied. "And I am Zhu Qi, the priest of this church. What can I help you with?" The coyote blinked in surprise that this cat was the priest.

"Well, uh. I am in a dilemma, and I need some guidance."

"Let's take a seat." He motioned to the back pew.

"Are you sure that's alright?"

"Why wouldn't it be?" The cat asked.

"Well... I'm a slave." He pointed out his loincloth and metal collar.

"All people, regardless of social standing, and equal in the eyes of God." The priest insisted and motioned to the pew. Cayuga obliged and sat down on the hard wooden seat with Zhu. The coyote looked ahead at the altar and stained glass scenes in the apse. The amount of time and resources poured into this small town church was amazing. "So tell me what kind guidance you are seeking." The feline priest inquired. Cayuga took a deep breath and curled his fingers through the fur on his legs.

"I'm afraid that I love someone I shouldn't love." He admitted. The next breath he took felt as if an iron weight had been lifted from his chest, allowing his heart to breathe.

"Who is this person?" Zhu quietly asked.

"A canine and a slave like me. Not married, but older... A good teacher of life too." Cayuga added with a grin. Zhu looked ahead wearing a smile of his own.

"God loves his children so much that he gave them free will, even if it means doing the wrong thing." The feline priest explained.

"Isn't it still wrong?" Cayuga was confused.

"That isn't for me to decide." Zhu gently shook his head. "Your love for this person isn't at fault, and God will still love you." Cayuga leaned back in the pew.

"What should I do?"

"Do what you feel is right. Only you can decide what is right versus what is wrong." He told the coyote. The priest's subjective answer sat uneasily with Cayuga.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. You have the free will, and no one can take that away from you."

"I have free will... I'm free to love." Cayuga spoke under his breath. The orange tabby stood up and offered a hand to the coyote. "Thank you." Cayuga clasped the priest's hand.

"You're welcome." His eyes were amused with the coyote's demeanor. Cayuga walked out of the church with slack arms. It felt as if he had tossed a great weight off his chest. The coyote trotted down the church's stone steps. He took one more look at the large building before hurrying down the road.

'I hope the Chancellor isn't waiting for me.' He couldn't help but smile. His heart had been set free on its own accord. Now all that remained was talking to Roger. The Chancellor was in the driver's seat of the carriage, ready to depart.

"Hello Cayuga." He mildly nodded.

"I'm back!" Cayuga climbed up into the adjacent seat.

"Did everything go well?" The chancellor inquired while thumbing through a few papers.

"I'm ready for a new day." Cayuga confidently replied.

Wispy cirrus clouds slowly traveled across the blue evening sky. The large manor house and its beautiful layout, gardens, and slave quarters dominated the expansive fields which it was built on. Leaves sharply crunched to the sound of a swift rake hard at work, or rather, the coyote holding the rake. The last little pile of leaves and sticks was scraped into the large pile beside the line of pine trees.

"Done." He plucked the rake's teeth clean of debris. Cayuga wiped his forehead and looked around the area with a sense of accomplishment. The entire left side of the large field was now tidied after days of strenuous work. However, the real hard work was about to begin. The coyote wanted to tell Roger how he felt, and he couldn't wait any longer. Paws walked at a fast pace across the field with his eyes set on the converted stable complex. The thought about the perfect place to approach Roger came to his mind at least a dozen times while he worked. 'The garden? No. The field? No.' His golden brown eyes scanned the horizon while he walked. Each time the answer was the same. "The shower..." His lips tingled at the word. It was a comfortable place for the nude savvy wolf, although Cayuga couldn't guarantee his own comfort. The rake was quickly stowed away in the appropriate shed along the way.

His breathing quickened as he walked by the front wall. Palms clamming clenched into fists. Cayuga paused outside the stable's entrance and nibbled his lip. The coyote was incredibly nervous. 'What if he doesn't feel the same way?' He worried. A few breaths were taken to calm himself. He couldn't let negative thoughts like that ruin his mind, especially when there was a good chance that Roger had feelings for him. He entered and found Roger finishing up his dinner at the bench. His dinner was beside the wolf's, and most likely no longer hot. The older canine looked up and smiled at the approaching coyote.

"Hey! You're finally done." Roger acknowledged his friend's late entrance with a friendly greeting. "Tough day out there in the field?" He noticed the coyote's somewhat disheveled cream and brown fur.

"You have no idea." Cayuga rubbed the back of his neck and paused to catch his breath. "Where is Mary?" He noticed the human was absent.

"I do not know." Roger shrugged. "She was complaining of a headache earlier. Maybe she went to bed early." The wolf left his plate and approached the shower stall. He began to disrobe while Cayuga sat down to eat. The coyote felt more confident knowing that the evening was between themselves. Roger walked around the stable in the buff to air out his fur while the coyote ate. "Finished eating?" The silver and grey furred wolf finally turned to the coyote, fully nude.

"Almost!" Cayuga flashed a smile. He didn't want to give himself a stomach ache this evening of all days!

"Take your time. I don't mind." The wolf grinned and leaned back against a wall. When Cayuga finally set his plate aside, he was ready. "I'll get the shower ready for you." Roger gave a thumbs up and slipped inside. The coyote hastily shucked his loincloth off and joined him. The steamy hiss of the shower head sent water down onto them. After a quick rinse, they grabbed a little soap apiece and started scrubbing themselves. The older wolf looked over at the coyote tending to himself somewhat absentmindedly.

"You're a little quiet." Roger mentioned. A little nod seemed to be enough reassurance for him though. Cayuga had showered with him countless times, and the wolf could tell something was on the coyote's mind. Cayuga watched the shower water trickled down the male's back. It have him an idea.

"Do you mind if I wash your back?" He asked.

"Not at all." A grin sprouted along his muzzle. Rather than stepping around the wolf, Cayuga directly faced the male and reached around. His hands hesitantly rubbed up and down before deepening the motion. The wolf's grin didn't fade in the slightest much to the coyote's delight. In fact, he held his arms up and behind his head. Cayuga took precious time going over the wolf's back that was partially flexed. His hands ran along the smooth muscles and wet fur, cherishing the intimate touch. His nose inhaled Roger's damp scent.

'I'm ready.' He told himself. The coyote's hands rested on the small of the wolf's back when he finished. "Roger?" He whispered. Their muzzles were almost touching.

"Yes?" He softly replied and started lowering his arms. Their eyes met. The deep caring brown eyes melted Cayuga's heart.

"Roger... I... I love you." The words barely came out at the level of a whisper. Roger's little grin didn't fade. His warm lips pressed against the coyote's. The wolf's hands trailed over the coyote's shoulders and pulled him close. Their wet fronts touched as the kiss deepened. A rush of emotions ran through the breathless Cayuga when they parted. Roger leaned closer.

"I love you too Cayuga." His breath tickled the sensitive hairs in the coyote's ear. Cayuga could hardly believe his ears and hugged the wolf. Nearly a full minute passed before the two undid their embrace under the shower of water. "Let's finish washing each other." The smile on the wolf's muzzle was more than contagious. Hands lightly groped through soapy fur while bodies were pressed together. No words were spoken. Nothing more needed to be said while they explored each other with tender touches. After rinsing, the shower was cut off and the two canines shook their fur free of excess droplets. They sat own together on the wooden ledge to dry off. Cayuga could scarcely describe the elated happiness running through his system. He stared at their laps in disbelief wearing an uncanny, yet nervous grin. "Feeling ok?" Roger half grinned. "You're quiet again." His voice lightly teased.

"Yeah!" Cayuga looked up and smiled. "I'm not holding anything back anymore." The wolf chuckled and placed a hand on Cayuga's shoulder.

"Wanna go to my room." His hand trailed down to the coyote's inner thigh. "For some privacy?"

"I'd like that." Cayuga agreed, and they both stood up. The canines walked together down the dirt floored corridor and around the following corner. Cayuga could feel his member slipping out as he approached the wolf's stall.

"It's not exactly the most romantic place." Roger motioned for Cayuga to enter first. "But the phrase 'A romp in the hay' sounds appropriate." The wolf grinned.

"You're definitely right about that." The coyote brushed his body over the wolf's. Roger grabbed the coyote's rear and gave a playful squeeze before letting him go.

"Have a seat wherever you want." He turned on a lantern. The little yellow-orange flame inside lit the hay bedded stall in a cozy glow. Cayuga settled down in the middle of the hay bed and watched Roger. The wolf set the source of light in the dirt to avoid a fire hazard. "You're certainly ready." Roger smiled and sat down in front of Cayuga.

"Mmhm." He flashed his teeth in a silly grin. The coyote's member was stiff as a rock, saluting prominently between his legs. His knot was fully formed which only added to the masculine display. Their muzzle leaned closer and shared a brief kiss. Cayuga licked his nose as they parted.

"You know..." Roger's hand gently wrapped around the coyote's throbbing pink flesh and slowly stroked. "I still owe you for that massage." Cayuga blew out a heated sigh and clutched some of the hay below. His gentle hands felt so gentle, yet firm!

"Ohh. Roger..." His ears pinned back as he softly moaned. His member throbbed in the wolf's leathery palm pad. The coyote whined feeling his hand suddenly let go.

"I don't want you to finish off so quickly when you have all night to empty these." He rubbed Cayuga's pouch below.

"Don't make me beg." The coyote's tail wagged across the hay.

"I would never." Roger craned forward and parted his lips. Cayuga watched as the wolf's muzzle enveloped his erection. Lips sealed and an unseen tongue lathered the coyote's member liberally while he sucked. He shuddered and moaned under the bobbing muzzle. Roger keenly watched the coyote above for any reaction, and he received plenty! Cayuga squirmed to sit still while that smooth tongue graciously pleasures him in the wolf's hot muzzle. Both knew that he couldn't hold on very long. A strong tingling sensation quickly overcame the younger canine.

"I'm close Roger!" The coyote gritted his teeth and arched his back. In a moment of pure bliss Cayuga released his seed. Heated seconds passed for the coyote before a warm glow enveloped his body. He shuddered and looked down at the wolf between his legs. The remaining spurts of white weakly trickled down his shaft only to be lapped up by the wolf. Cayuga breathed deeply while Roger licked his softening member clean. "Wow." Cayuga managed to breathlessly speak. His reaction made the older wolf smile.

"I knew that wouldn't take long." Roger hummed and patted the coyote's dormant sheath as it reclaimed the tapered tip. Cayuga sheepishly grinned and found the strength to sit up. His hand traced over the wolf's thigh while their muzzles brushed together.

"Are you ready for your turn?" Cayuga looked down but was surprised to find the wolf's member still hiding in its sheath, save for a pink sliver. The wolf found the coyote's expression amusing.

"When you're my age, things aren't so quick to jump up." Roger half grinned parting a leg.

"I can be of some help." Cayuga grinned and eased down to his elbows. The older male propped himself up with an arm, and parted his legs, but remained sitting upright. He fondly looked at the plump grey and silver furred sheath resting atop the grey furred sack in the hay before him. The canine's nose flared detecting a hint of a more intimate scent.

"Enjoying the view?" Roger grinned and ruffled the fur on his lower belly. Cayuga cradled the masculine package and grinned up at the older wolf. He didn't hesitate and softly lapped at the plump sheath dangling in front of his nose like a tasty treat. The organ pulsed and slowly lifted up. The tapered tip peeked out, only to be bathed by Cayuga's smooth tongue. "Aahhh." Roger's toes clenched. The first relaxed exhale was a strong cue that he was doing great. He focused on the emerging length until the silver grey wolf was sporting a fully fledged erection. Cayuga stared at the healthy pink spire, throbbing attentively in front of his nose.

"Ready?" He flicked his tongue over the tip causing the whole member to twitch.

"Yes." The wolf hissed through clenched teeth. The coyote attacked the erection with gusto. "Ease up." Roger grunted feeling Cayuga repeatedly and roughly licking his member. Cayuga slowed down until he was gently lapping and kissing instead. "There. That's good." The wolf sighed. The coyote grinned and took his time pleasing Roger. He wanted the older wolf to enjoy the moment as much as he was. Cayuga switched between sucking, licking, nuzzling, and rubbing. His hands alternated between rolling the furry pouch while tenderly working over the wolf hood. He liked the pleasures moans and sighs coming from his lover above. Cayuga didn't rush and gradually brought the wolf to a sensual finale.

"Ohh." Roger placed his hand on Cayuga's head, signaling the approaching climax. Lips sealed around the middle of the wolf's shaft just as it pulsated. The coyote's eyes widened feeling hot splashes fill his muzzle. Cayuga gagged and backed off to spit into the hay. The wolf's length continued to jerk, sending milky white drops to the hay below. He caught his breath and felt embarrassed for the folly. The wolf was quietly panting above him with satisfied breaths, and that made the coyote proud. Cayuga contently rested his head on the wolf's thigh and watched as the furry sheath slowly started reclaiming his mate's tapered length. The hand on his neck appreciatively rubbed him.

"Sorry about coughing." He apologized.

"I don't blame you." Roger grabbed the spot of hay and tossed it aside. "I had a big load ready for you." His lips cracked into a grin.

"You did." The coyote rubbed the wolf's furry pouch before sitting up again. Cayuga wielded a reemerged erection.

"You're quick to spring back up." Roger softly chuckled and gently pulled the coyote's hardening length down with a finger. Cayuga watched his healthy member spring back up as it was released.

"Need a minute?" He glanced at the wolf's dormant sheath.

"Yeah." His voice rumbled. "Let's take a quick break." Roger leaned back and pulled the coyote on top of him. The two canines snuggled close, nose to nose, wearing hearty smiles.

"You have that soft look in your big brown eyes, handsome wolf." Cayuga teased and licked Roger's black nose. The wolf found the compliment heartwarming.

"If I'm handsome then you're gorgeous." Roger parted his lips. They locked muzzles and shared a kiss. Their hands groped each while tongues sparred and licked. They parted silently and snuggled close. The musky scent in the air was an intoxicating love perfume for both damp noses breathing it all in. Sharing body heat snuggled in a bedding of hay was oddly a serene moment for the coyote.

"You have no idea how much I was worried about this." Cayuga confessed.

"I can imagine." The wolf had a strong clue. "I felt a little nervous about someone new coming here, but I liked you despite that first outburst you had." He paused and hummed to himself. "You still felt the chains around your arms, and I knew you were a different person." Roger caressed the coyote's arm. Cayuga liked the intimate touch. "Later on I noticed you acted awkward and shy at times when we were close." He softly spoke.

"Yeah. At first I didn't know why I was so curious about you. When I figured it out I was frustrated and uncertain." Cayuga admitted. "I remember waiting in my room for you to take a shower rather than ask you."

"I wanted to be closer to you, but a few doubts came into my mind." Roger shifted beneath is mate in the hay. "I didn't know if an athletically built person like yourself would love someone older like me." The wolf admitted.

"You're not out of shape." Cayuga rubbed the older male's side. "Sure there's a little pudge in your belly, but I know you have plenty of muscle underneath that soft fur."

"You sure know how to compliment someone." Roger smiled and licked the coyote's muzzle. "Maybe I'll have a leaner build if I start working in the field with you." Roger placed a hand on the coyote's lower back. Cayuga hummed and flicked his tail feeling him rub tenderly. He grinned his hips in appreciation and the wolf happily continued. It didn't take long before he felt something hard prodding underneath him. The younger canine lifted his tail invitingly. "Ready for another go?" Cayuga leaned back and rubbed his rear over the wolf's erect member. The wolf flashed his fangs and grabbed the coyote's rear. Cayuga felt a strong squeeze in response.

"Just one second..." Roger looked up and reached for the lantern. The bright flame reduced to a mere ember, casting the stall into darkness. Cayuga blinked and adjusted his eyes. The moonlight above didn't penetrate to the bottom of the stall, but the hay quietly rustled in good nature. What was shrouded from sight was clearly not hidden from their hearts.

Warmth. That was the first sensation that greeted the wakening coyote. It was far better than waking alone in the hay, or anywhere else. Cayuga was snuggled up close to Roger with few gaps between them. The mingling fur and body heat from tangled arms and legs was equally intimate. Golden brown eyes opened at last to a wall of charcoal grey and silver fur. The wolf's chin was tucked high up resembling a capsized ship. His downy furred throat was exposed to the air, revealing wavy light grey curls. Cayuga took a deep inhale, cherishing the wolf's warm masculine scent. He ran a hand down the male's dark grey and silver front before gradually untangling himself. The hay quietly rustled as he rolled onto his back. He stared at The sunlight shining on the beige wood above. He folded his arms behind his head and happily sighed. Eyes closed once again, enjoying the peace and quiet. The sound of hay softly rustling next to him told that Roger was waking up.

'I can't think of a better way to wake up.' He silently thought, wondering if Roger was saying the same thing to himself. The hay rustled closer before stopping. The coyote's golden grey ears perked up feeling something softly probe his armpit. Cayuga opened his eyes and chuckled feeling it continue. He looked to his right and chuckled seeing a black claw running up and down in his armpit. A little further away Roger was warmly smiling at him. "Heheh. Careful with those claws!" He laughed. The wolf finally retracted his hand.

"I like hearing your laugh." Roger smiled.

"My huh?" Cayuga's ears perked up as he gave the wolf a questioning look.

"You have a good laugh." The wolf chuckled.

"I'd rather save it for a joke or something, not for your claws."

"I couldn't help myself." He shrugged. Cayuga grinned and returned his gaze to the ceiling. A soft growling from the canines' stomachs reminded them it wasn't the early morning. They looked at each other and laughed. "I'll get our breakfast." The coyote offered and sat up. Roger kindly brushed bits of hay off his back with a gentle hand. "Thank you." Cayuga stood up and his joints crackled as he stretched.

"I'm stuffed from last night." Roger chuckled, eyeing the set of male equipment dangling at his eye level.

"Yeah, you and me both." Cayuga snickered as he left the wolf's room. The coyote was greeted with slightly cooler air in the stable's secondary corridor. 'Brr! Chilly!' He rubbed his arms and stepped quickly over the cooler ground. Cayuga reached the main corridor and spotted Mary by the table. Unlike him, she was already dressed and had eaten. "Good morning Mary!" He cheerfully greeted the human.

"You're up late." She noticed that he was still undressed. "Where is Roger?"

"The wolf is still in bed."

"Still in bed huh." She grinned seeing how happy Cayuga was.

"We were busy-"

"I don't need to hear about any of that now." She shook her head in amusement and rolled her eyes. He merely shrugged and walked to the stable's entrance. "Both meals will be cold." Mary watched the naked coyote grab the two bowls beside their respective clothes. "You may want to run to the kitchen for something hot."

"Better than no meal at all." He replied and hurried back to the wolf's room. Roger was seated in the middle of the hay waiting for Cayuga. One leg was tucked in, and the other stretched out with its paw sticking up. "Here is your gourmet meal." The coyote handed a bowl over and sat down beside Roger.

"Gourmet is a strange word to use." The wolf mused and stirred the thick contents of the bowl. They quietly ate the cold meal together. Roger set his bowl down to the side when he finished. "You have to have a certain amount of hunger to eat a bowl of that." He licked his lips.

"It doesn't taste so bad this morning." Cayuga remarked and shoveled the last spoonful into his half full muzzle. The sound of chops being licks lasted for only another half minute.

"So what do you have to do today?" Roger tucked his legs up.

"Hmm. Let's see..." The coyote wondered aloud. "I have to tend to the garden by the road approaching the house, clean out that long ditch, and hopefully take down the rest of that old rotten fence by the woods. What about you? More tutoring?"

"You know my schedule all too well." Roger grinned. "Today it's a little bit of political science, geometry, and history. If I finish the young master's lessons early, then I'll give you a helping hand." The older wolf placed a hand around Cayuga's waist.

"I appreciate the offer." Cayuga placed his arm around Roger's shoulder. "But I want to finish early too." He grinned.

"You and me both." The wolf swiped his tongue over the side of Cayuga's muzzle. The coyote brightly grinned and hummed a pleasant tune. The two sat snuggled together for another minute, not quite ready to start working for the day. Cayuga looked up at Roger's old chains hanging on the wall, and admired them. He didn't feel like a slave anymore, even though he was clearly one. The well rusted links of metal served as a powerful message to not be held back. The coyote wished he had kept his chains to hang on the wall too.