FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

“Loose.” A thirteen year old wolf firmly spoke as he slowly paced. A young fennec let loose the string of his bow, sending an arrow whistling through the air. The steel head easily found its mark on the target’s bull’s-eye.

“Impressive.” The wolf complimented as he continued walking. The fennec looked down the line, smirking at the rest of the archers. The wolf never broke stride as he walked behind the next archer. “Loose.” A normal fox about the wolf’s age let fly his arrow, striking the ring just next to the center.

“Good.”

The wolf’s boots crunched on the thin fragile layer of ice that had formed in the early morning chill. A light cloud of vapor formed with each exhale from his lungs, the sun having not yet warmed the air.

“Loose.” Another air sailed through the air, finding the mark on one of the inner target rings. The wolf complimented the young archer as he continued on past. The teenage wolf went by each archer giving the similar command every time it as their turn arrived. It wasn’t until the wolf reached a much younger archer that he stopped in his tracks.

“Loose.” He spoke a little softer this time. After all it was his younger brother’s first time firing an arrow along with a group. Ben exhaled as he let loose his string. The arrow briefly traveled down the range until it fell short of the target, not even hitting the wooden circle. Young Ben let his eyes fall to the ground as a few chuckles were heard down the line of archers.

“Colten I…” The ten year old wolf started but stopped as he let out a dejected sigh. The older wolf frowned as some of the other archers quietly laughed amongst themselves.

“You all have something to say?” Colten suddenly yelled in a burst of anger. Instantly any words that were being spoken were silenced by the commanding voice. Colten stared down the young line of archers with a stern look.

“I’m sure you all were master archers when you first started?” Many of the faces looked away from the older wolf. “Well what about you Julian?” Colten stepped close an older red wolf that had been caught laughing.

“I bet you slid right out of your mother’s womb bow in hand didn’t you?” The red wolf turned his head away from Colten. Colten huffed as he looked at everyone once more before returning to Ben.

“That was unnecessary.” Ben murmured as Colten hunched down to Ben’s level. The wolf positioned himself on the opposite side of Ben’s drawing hand.

“Nonsense I’m your brother. Now nock another arrow.” Colten’s eyes were peering down the range at the wooden target. Ben hesitantly withdrew another arrow from his quiver, readily placing it in his bow.

“Now remember everything I taught you.” Ben drew his string back as he aimed at the target. “Aim for the target, right in the middle of the circle. The bull’s-eye.” Ben inhaled as he stared down the target.

“Exhale slowly as you let loose the arrow and let it fly.” Time slowed for a brief second as Ben slowly let the air out from his lungs and let go of the string. The two wolves watched as the arrow struck one of the inner rings of the circle with a satisfying thud. Ben smiled seeing where the arrow landed, turning his head to his brother. Colten gave a warm smile in return, giving him a light pat on the back before returning to his regular duties.

“Loose.” Colten repeated as he continued down the row of archers.

**

Any sounds that came from the small cave behind the waterfall were drowned out by the rushing water. The forbidden lovers were able to escape their royal duties for a few hours to meet in the spot where it all started. The canine’s were back in the feline town of Accorra, a month and a half after their first night together, to celebrate the birth of the new year. A few days of celebration and parties, one of the few times a year where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves. The two had meticulously planned out their meeting. Each coming up with an excuse to leave their family for a few hours.

As soon as the two had found each other and made their way into the cave their clothes were quick to come off. Making sure to make the most of the little time they had together.

“That’s it Ben.” Sophia huffed as the canine thrust in and out of her. The feline was bent over a rock, using her hands to brace herself. Ben let out a primal growl as his groin clapped against Sophia’s ass. The two had already been going at it for a few minutes. Ben wrapped his large canine hands around Sophia’s breasts and pulled her close to him. His face became close to hers as he continued to slide in and out of her. Sophia reached up and caressed his cheek with a hand as his breathing quickened.

“Sophia I’m gonna-”

“Don’t hold back Ben.” Sophia was able to turn her head and plant a kiss on his lips. “Give it to me.” Ben grunted as the last few thrusts brought him to orgasm. Burying his rod inside the tight feline Ben let loose a torrent of cum into Sophia. He squeezed her close to him as his balls twitched with each rope of seamen he sent into her. The feline’s legs wobbled as she felt the warm fluid fill her depths. Ben’s cock pulsed a few more times, letting out the last dribbles of his sticky fluid into the feline. Without his knot in her his cum seeped out making a puddle on the rocky ground. With a content sigh Ben’s cock slid out of Sophia, the puddle on the ground grew as the canine’s fluid spilled out of her.

“That was one of your bigger ones.” Sophia huffed as she felt his warm cum drip out of her. The feline took a moment to steady her still shaking legs.

“Yeah I’ve been saving it just for you.” Ben said with a cheeky grin.

“Hopefully not since last time.” Sophia looked down between her legs at the sheer amount that had gathered on the floor.

“I don’t think any man can save himself for more than a few weeks.”Ben said referring to three weeks ago when he travelled to Sophia to meet up with her for a few days; hiding his travel to the feline lands as a hunting trip. Entrusting a few of his closest royal guards to keep it a secret as to where he was actually going. This was only the third time the two were able to spend quality time together.

Ben laid out some soft hides and blankets on a flatter portion of the cave floor. Patting the blanket he tested how comfy it was. Satisfied he laid down beckoning his lover. Sophia, satisfied that she had stopped dripping, made her way over to Ben. Laying down with him she rested her head on his chest. The two laid in silence just enjoying the comfort of one another and the natural sound of the waterfall.

“Ben?” Sophia finally said after a few moments of silence.

“Hmm?”

“What attracts you to me?” Sophia asked as she turned her head to face him.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Sophia huffed resting her chin on the wolf’s chest, “You are royalty. You have the pick of all the canines in your kingdom and could find someone absolutely beautiful to be by your side. Why do you want me? I’m not even of your species?”

“You’re different.” Ben simply said.

“Different how?” Sophia pried.

Ben sighed as he rested his eyes on the cave ceiling, looking over the patterns the rocky surface made.

“When we were eleven your family was visiting our capital to discuss politics.” Ben spoke in a soft voice. Soft enough that the sound of the rushing water could easily overtake it if Sophia wasn’t so close. “I don’t remember what it was exactly, at the time I wasn’t worried about those types of things.”

The wolf scratched a nail along the fur blanket.

“I still remember everything about that day. Everything from what I had for breakfast to the clothes I was wearing.” Ben paused for a split second. “I was sitting next to mother and father as were you as I’m sure you recall.” Ben chuckled to himself at the comment. Of course Sophia remembered she was there after all. “Our parents were discussing, whatever it was they were discussing, I was more worried about the stories I had built in my head.”

Ben rubbed his forehead taking a moment.

“A few guards came in asking to speak with them. My father tried to brush them away but they said it was urgent.” Sophia listened intently, remembering the day as well the more he spoke. “Our parents excused me and you, telling us to go wait outside the door. But of course once we were out I just had to press my ear to the door and eavesdrop.”

The canine sighed as he continues to recount the story.

“Of course that was the day my family learned my brother went missing at sea.”

Ben paused again, all sense of feeling draining from his body.

“I remember my mother’s wails to this day. Begging to send an armada to search for him. But the generals had already done their due diligence. They sent almost our entire navy looking for him, but they surmised that his ship was torn apart in a storm. They sent ships out looking and even sent messages to the neighboring species asking if any wreckage or bodies had washed ashore. They waited a week to tell them to ensure they had done all they could. Of course my mother didn’t take too kindly to that. My father was more understanding and had to practically pull my mother away from the soldiers.”

Sophia reassuringly stroked the hair atop his head.

“I remember just running. I was so upset that I didn’t know where I was really running to. Eventually I just collapsed in the hallway and started crying. I felt so ashamed in doing so. We wolves are brought up being taught that we are to be strong and not show weakness. I remember being teased once for crying when I was younger. Which is why when you somehow found me I was initially scared. I thought you would make fun of me.”

Ben turned his head towards Sophia and smiled.

“But you instead just sat next to me and comforted me while I cried. You treated me as the young, scared boy I was and not a wolf prince. Your kindness is genuine.”

Ben kissed Sophia atop her head.

“That is why I love you.”

Sophia looked upon Ben with one of love, one that Ben could only expect from Sophia. The two shared a passionate kiss, feeling comfort in each other’s embrace.

**

Back in the town of Accorra a male feline in his late teens heavily slept in one of the royal rooms; a small bit of drool hanging from the feline’s agape mouth. The only bit of light entering the room came from the wooden shutters that were slightly open. The door to the room slowly opened as an elderly feline entered. Her fur grey colored with specks of white on her face and wrinkles that showed her age. She peered over at the feline before making her way to the window. The feline was not gentle in opening the shutters. Swinging open the wooden frames letting all the light in at once the sleeping feline was quick to wake. The feline snorted awake with squinting eyes as the light blinded him. He was quick to shield the light with a hand as he glared at the elder.

“Malina…” The male groaned as he flipped the covers over his head. “Leave me to sleep.”

“I’m sorry young Arlen, but today you’re meant to address public concerns.” The older feline spoke softly as she made her way to Arlen’s wardrobe.

“Can’t we move it to tomorrow?” Arlen annoyingly flipped the sheets off his head knowing he wasn’t going to go back to sleep.

“We already have.” Malina spoke gently but firm. “You were supposed to address them yesterday but postponed it to today so you could go off drinking.” The older feline dug through the shirts hanging on a rack. “You don’t have much of royal clothing yet so this will have to do.” Melina said as she took out a nicer form fitting tunic for the feline.

“What’s the harm in having them wait another day?” Arlen asked as he sluggishly swung his legs over the bedside.

“Arlen I’ve served the feline royal family for most of my life now.” Malina was quick to find a set of trousers that matched the tunic. “You will be a part of that soon. And while I might not be a diplomat or an advisor I have still seen enough during my time to know a thing or two.” The old feline shuffled over to a nearby mirror. As she hung the clothes on the side of the mirror she continued to speak.

“I’ve found that princes and kings that treat their citizens as people and not like subjects tend to fare better in the long run. I know that the king has handed you one of the least glamorous parts of the job, but it is a good opportunity for you to leave a memorable first impression.”

As a groggy Arlen stood up Malina hoped that her words didn’t fall on deaf ears.

“Thank you for your words of wisdom.” Alren spoke as he shed his undergarments. Malina could not tell if they were sincere or not, but the feline felt she said all that she could at the moment.

“Is there anything else I can do for you?” Malina softly asked.

“Yes.” Arlen said as he fashioned the blue tunic around his torso. The piece of fabric covered his white underbelly, only leaving his primary brown fur showing. “I would prefer if you would start referring to me as your grace. It is only fitting after all.” Arlen ran his hand through his dark brown hair as he pushed it to the side.

“Of course, your grace.” Malina said with a smile as she bowed her head down slightly.

“Leave me be for a minute, I will be out in a moment.”

Malina nodded and exited the door leaving Arlen alone in his room. The feline stood, staring into the reflection of his own face.

*

“Your grace, we have had issues with wild feral boar coming into our lands. The boars tear up and eat our crops and even kill our livestock at times.” A middle aged soldier spoke passionately as he looked up at Arlen.

The feline prince was sat in a chair atop a small flight of stairs. Surrounding him was a couple of royal guards, advisors, and other important council members.

“And why have you brought that issue to the capital?” Arlen replied. “You have a local militia do you not?”

“Yes your grace.” The male spoke. “But we have only close weapons. We’ve had soldiers attacked by these boars as they try to exterminate them, leaving terrible gashes. We’ve even had a man lose a leg to one.”

“Your local militia can’t even handle a few pigs?” Arlen replied slightly disgusted. “Even so why not fashion your own bows and arrows?”

“The woods near are town aren’t suited for bow making. They snap in half as soon as you draw a string back far enough.” The soldier spoke.

“Your grace.” A feline general muttered as he leaned close to the soon to be prince. Arlen turned his head to face the general. “We have plenty of war supplies to spare including bows and arrows. Our garrison would not miss some of our older equipment, should you decide to lend it to them.” The general stepped to the side after finishing speaking. Arlen turned his attention back to the soldier who looked longingly at Arlen.

“How many do you require?” Arlen asked as he pointed at his bookkeeper. The feline was quick to put his quill to the paper. The soldier fixed his stance, seemingly straightening up at the response.

“A dozen bows.” The soldier responded. “And enough arrows to take down thirty boars.”

“I will send with you fourteen bows and fifty arrows.” Arlen said as he pointed at his bookkeeper. “As I’m sure a town like yours will need the extra.” The soldier chuckled along with a few others in the hall.

“Many thanks your grace.” The soldier bowed his head before turning around and heading out the door. Arlen tuned his head to the side to peer out a nearby glass window, letting out a small sigh in the process.

“And next we have Serene from the Eastern town of Cardend.”

“Your grace.” A soft feminine voice turned Arlen’s attention back to his duty. His eyes fell upon two blue spheres surrounded by white fur. A young snow leopard dressed in traditional eastern attire stood before him. It was obvious to anyone in the room that she was a thing of beauty. Arlen lost himself in her for a brief second before nodding his head to continue.

“Your grace, our town of Cardend has not yet received its shipment of winter food supplies from the town of Bekon yet. We need that food to survive the coming winter your grace.” Arlen sat up straighter in his chair as his eyes never left the young snow leopard.

“Cardend huh?” Was the first thing the feline said. “I have yet to travel there. I have heard the view of the mountains is something to behold.”

“It is your grace.” Serene politely smiled. “We would be honored to have you visit our town.”

“Well if the town is as beautiful as its people then I should definitely put it in my plans to make a visit.” Arlen said as he smiled.

“So you say that your shipment of winter food supplies has yet to arrive?”

“That is right your grace.”

“Well that isn’t right now is it?” Arlen asked to particularly no one as he looked around at his council. “Now Miss…” Arlen lingered on the last word.

“Serene.”

“Serene!” Arlen snapped his fingers. “We will have that fixed up for you. If you would be so kind as to step off to the side we can look over the books and get this fixed after I have my discussions with the rest of today’s people. Is that alright with you?”

“Of course your grace.” Serene politely responded as she made her way off to the side.

Arlen watched each step the leopard made as she walked off to the side as the next citizen was brought forward.

*

“Okay now Miss. I am terribly sorry for having you wait so long.” It took Arlen another two hours before he finished with today’s batch of people. Serene was one of the first people to be addressed meaning she waited until everyone else had their problems heard.

“It really is no issue at all your grace.” Her, Arlen, two royal guards, and a council member entered into a room. At the center of it was a rectangular table surround by eight chairs.

Arlen found his spot at the head of the table as the royal guards stood behind his chair. Serene took a seat in one of the middle three seats on the long side of the table. One of his council members carried with him a large leather bound book with writing scribbled on the front. Arlen sat comfortably in his seat as Serene sat more modestly, sitting with her legs closed and hands resting in her lap.

“Now your grace here we have our A through G book of town transactions that have occurred in the last twenty years. We do have books that go back even further but I believe that this deal should have been drawn up no longer than twenty years ago.” The council member set the book down in front of Arlen who didn’t even look at the book, instead keeping his eyes on the young snow leopard. “Now transactions and deals that deal with the town of Cardend should begin on page ninety-seven-”

“Thank you council member Fera.” Arlen interrupted holding up a hand. The council member looked at him confusingly. “That will be all that I need from you all. I would like to speak with our guest alone please.”

The council member looked at the royal guard who returned the confused expression.

“Your grace.” One of the guards spoke as he turned his attention to Arlen. “By oath we are not to leave your side. Let alone leave you with a stranger.” Arlen turned to look at the guard.

“If it were to come to that I think I could handle myself against a woman.” Arlen smiled as he shooed everyone away with his hand. The council member and guard looked worryingly amongst themselves.

“I won’t ask again.” Arlen said, this time speaking more sternly. The three shared more glances before finally deciding to exit the room. Arlen sighed with relief when the door closed behind them leaving him alone with Serene.

Arlen tapped two of his fingers on the table as he quietly smiled at Serene. The snow leopard did her best to be polite and return the smile, but the prolonged eye contact caused her to look away a few times.

“So… Tell me Serene, who are you?” Arlen simply asked as the tapping on the desk ceased.

“I’m sorry?” The leopard was taken back a bit at the question.

“I thought it was a pretty simple question.” Arlen sat up a little in his chair. “Who are you? For example, you aren’t the town mayor are you?”

“I-no?” Serene answered seemingly unsure of her reply.

“Of course not. As if a woman could hold that position.” Arlen let out a prolonged sigh as he stared at the snow leopard. “So you aren’t the town mayor, you sure as hell aren’t a soldier, and you aren’t some sort of village elder...” Arlen folded his hands atop the table. “So I ask again. Who. Are. You.” Arlen wasn’t asking this time.

“I… I’m a seamstress.” Serene replied finally understanding what he was asking for.

“A seamstress!” Arlen belted out slightly startling the leopard. Arlen leaned back in his chair again, a smile still plastered across his face.

“You see Serene. While this may have been my first time doing one of these I still know how it works. These little gatherings the royal family does to hear about your towns little problems… Normally you send someone of importance to relay these issues. So we know that we can take you seriously. It’s a sign of courtesy.” Arlen spoke dryly and to the point. “So it baffles me that in what seems like a serious issue in your town that they would send… A seamstress.” As Arlen spoke those last few words the smile faded from his lips.

Serene opened her mouth to speak but was quickly cut off.

“And you see here is the other issue I have.” Arlen pointed his finger to a line in the open book. “This deal that was enacted between you and Bekon has existed for ten years now.” Arlen’s finger jabbed the book so hard Serene was surprised he didn’t break his finger.

“A town just doesn’t forget about a deal like that. Especially if it’s been around for ten years.” Arlen closed the book, sliding it off to the side. “You know what I think?” Arlen turned his head away from the leopard for what felt like the first time during the whole conversation.

“I think that your town thinks of me as a fool.” Arlen’s head whipped back around, his eyes now piercing into Serene’s.

“I think that you already got your shipment of food. I think your town caught wind that I would be doing the town address now and you all would take advantage of that. You all assumed that I have no idea what I’m doing, and that you all would send your cutest little citizen over to the capital to prance and look pretty for the dumb new prince and get a second shipment of food out of me.”

“Arlen I-”

“Your grace!” Arlen slammed his fist into the table startling Serene.

“Your grace…” Serene corrected as her voice wavered. “The deal was that at first sign of snow Bekon would send their shipment to us. But the snow fell earlier this year, and our town has grown ever since the deal was struck! These last two years the shipment has been barely enough for us to get by. We need more or we will have felines die this winter.” Serene no longer had the nice demeanor about her and was now pleading with the prince.

Arlen cocked his head and turned it away from Serene. He dragged a claw along the armchair, bringing up small strands of wood with it. Arlen rubbed his chin as Serene watched nervously. Finally after a few tense minutes Arlen turned his head back to the leopard, his smile back.

“Do me a favor and stand up for me.” Arlen gestured with his hand for her to stand up. Serene sat for a few moments before standing up hesitantly as she looked away from the feline. Arlen looked up and down the feline’s figure.

“Lift up your dress.”

Serene’s attention snapped back to Arlen. “Excuse me?”

“I thought I was pretty clear. Lift your dress up.” Arlen encouraged.

Serene stood with arms firmly at her side. Her mouth slightly agape from what she was being asked of.

“Look if you want your extra shipment I need so see all of what Cardend has to offer.” Arlen said smugly.

Serene clenched her hands so tight her hands began to shake. When she realized that the feline was not going to change his mind Serene let out a sigh. Her hands grasped the sides of her dress as she turned her head away from Arlen. Arlen’s smile grew a little wider as the dress was slowly lifted above her waist, revealing her slit.

“You know you have my favorite type of pussy.” Arlen leaned forward a little to get a closer look. “No folds or extra stuff hanging off it.”

Serene closed her eyes as she continued to look away from the feline.

“While the view is nice I’m going to need a little bit more.” Serene’s attention was drawn to the sound of metal clanking. Arlen was sat back in his chair undoing the belt around his waist. The leopard looked on with unease as Arlen slid his pants down, letting them drop to his ankles. The feline’s rod hung between his legs. He sat there comfortably with legs splayed out giving Serene full view of his genitals.

“Well?” Arlen simply asked. “You do want your rations, don’t you?”

“I…” Serene trailed off not finding the right words. Realizing she was left with no other options Serene let her dress fall back down over her waist. With a feeling of dejection Serene made her way to the feline avoiding eye contact. Arlen was smiling bright as the snow leopard walked up to him.

“Good.” Arlen said as the leopard went to her knees in between his legs. “Let’s see how you Cardend girls are.” The feline grinned as Serene tentatively looked up at him. Serene reached out and took a hold of the flaccid member, gently rubbing it with her hand. Arlen purred as her hand stroked his cock to its full five inches in length. With soft strokes Serene did her best to pleasure the cat.

“Go on then,” Arlen encouraged, “don’t just use your hands.”

Serene closed her eyes letting out a long exhale. Keeping her eyes closed she brought her head towards his groin. Though she hated the idea of it, the sooner it was over the better. The snow leopard wasted no time, quickly swallowing the entire length of his cock. Arlen moaned as Serene bobbed her head on his cock.

“Look at you go.” Arlen ran his hand through the leopard’s long hair. “You’re a natural cock sucker.”

Serene looked up at the feline with hate in her eyes.

“Aww don’t look at me like that. You look less cute.” Arlen grinned maliciously as he shoved her head down with his hand. Her nose scrunched up against his groin as she was suddenly forced down the length of his shaft. The suddenness caused the leopard to choke on his cock. Serene pushed back against the force of his hand and began coughing from his member hitting the back of her throat.

“Come on I’m not finished yet.” Arlen snapped his fingers at the leopard.

“Fuck you.” Serene groaned as she rubbed her throat. Immediately Arlen’s demeanor changed, sitting up with a frown on his face. Instantly realizing her mistake Serene opened her mouth to speak but was silenced by Arlen’s hand grabbing her face.

“That’s no way to speak to royalty.” Arlen murmured as he peered into her eyes. “Guess I’ll have to teach you a lesson in respect.”

Grabbing her by the neck Arlen forced the leopard to her feet. Serene barely had time to react as she soon found herself being pushed onto the table by Arlen. The feline bent Serene over the table, placing a hand in the middle of her back keeping her there. Serene suddenly felt fearful as she felt Arlen lifting her dress up.

“No, your grace-”

“Shh, shh.” Arlen gently whispered as he leaned over the leopard, bringing his lips close to her ears. “Don’t worry, I’ll make this quick. I am after all a busy man.”

Serene gasped as she felt his member press against her. All she could do was grit her teeth as the feline’s member slid all the way inside her. The leopard bit into her forearm to help with the sudden intrusion.

“Nice and tight.” Arlen said as he patted the snow leopard on the ass. Serene whimpered at the sudden stretching of her pussy. The leopard let out a yelp as she felt Arlen start to thrust in and out of her at a quick pace.

“Fuck you feel good.” Arlen grunted. Placing his hands on the Serene’s shoulders, he used his strength to pin her to the table. His groined clapped against the leopard’s rump as he went rough. With bared teeth and balls swinging he never let up on the helpless leopard. Serene closed her eyes as she prayed for the ordeal to be over.

“So tight, I’m not going to last much longer.” Arlen hunched over her as his thrusting became shorter.

“Just not inside.” Serene whimpered.

“I’ll cum wherever I please.” Arlen pressed harder against the leopard keeping her in place.

‘No!” Serene cried out as Arlen buried his member inside of her, releasing his seed deep inside. His cum coated the inside of the leopard as he emptied his balls into Serene. Arlen panted as he pushed as deep as he could making sure no drop was wasted.

“Ah, I needed that.” Arlen sighed as he slowly let his member fall out of the leopard’s entrance. His cum seeped out of Serene and splattered on the floor. “Better hope my seed doesn’t take. Not many men will wed a young whore with a child.” Arlen pulled his pants back up around his waist as Serene gathered herself, still bent over the table. Arlen plopped back down in his chair as Serene was slow to stand up.

“My town’s supplies?” Serene quietly asked ignoring the previous comment.

“Well a deals a deal.” Arlen pulled his trouser back up and fed his belt through the loops. “I’ll have Bekon send three quarters of another shipment.”

“Three quarters?” Serene bewilderedly asked.

“Be lucky I’m sending anything your way at all after this stunt you pulled.” Arlen replied furrowing his brows. “I could just as easily send nothing your way.” With just a few words Arlen not only threatened Serene, but her entire town as well. Defeated, Serene solemnly nodded her head and proceeded to the door.

“Serene?” Arlen called out as her hand touched the door. The leopard turned her head towards him. “Don’t forget to thank me for my generosity.”

“Thank you…” Serene said after a moment’s pause, “for your generosity.” With those last words Serene exited the room as Arlen sat in his chair.

**

“Colten?” A young Ben grabbed the attention of his older brother.

_“Hmm?” The teenage wolf replied not taking his attention off the game board in between the two of them. The two were engaged in a game of Capitals. A popular war game that teaches patience and strategy, popular with young wolfs. _

“Why do species stay away from the forest?” The young wolf curiously asked.

“The forest?” Colten repeated his eyes still fixated on the board. Reaching out the wolf cautiously moved one of his wooden pieces on the board.

“The forest between us and the equines.” Ben said looking up at his brother.

“Ah the malignant forest.” Colten said with realization. The wolf’s eyes never parted from the board. “Take your turn Ben.”

The young wolf glanced quickly over the board. Without much thought Ben moved one of his garrisons forward then returned to curiously looking at his brother. Colten sighed at the move, his eyes flicking to his younger brother before returning to the board.

“Why is it named so?” The young wolf asked.

Tilting his head in thought Colten looked over the pieces on the board.

“I’m surprised mother hasn’t told you the story yet.” Colten looked over the board a few more moments before moving a piece.

“Can you tell me?” Ben excitedly asked.

“I don’t see why not. You’re old enough to know.” Colten placed his elbow on the table, resting his chin on his hand. “Your turn Ben.”

Ben scanned the board with his eyes looking for a move.

“Patience Ben.” Colten suddenly said. “Pick your moves carefully.” With those words Ben seemed to calm down as he made his next move. As Ben reached out to move his piece Colten spoke.

“It was about two-hundred years ago, sometime during the Equine Lagomorphs war.” Colten pondered for a moment as he looked over the board. “At some stage in the war during the pillaging of a lagomorph town near the border of the forest, a section of the equine units that were attacking broke off. Seemingly sickened by the atrocities occurring in the town they stopped the attack by turning on their fellow soldiers.”

Colten moved a piece into an attacking position on the board. In response Ben pulled back a cavalry unit in a defensive maneuver. The older brother smiled at the move.

“Of course a small section of soldiers stood no match against the rest of the garrison.”

Ben picked up a six sided die and began rolling it around in his hand. In response Colten picked up an eight sided die, simply holding it between two of his fingers.

“Left with no other options, the soldiers and the remaining Lagomorph townsfolk fled into the woods.”

Ben paused with the dice in his hand. Gently placing it back onto the table Ben pulled back the wooden horse figurine. With a smile on his face Colten moved his garrison onto Ben’s land.

“Of course the garrison was smart not to follow them into the woods. The dire wolves and other vicious beasts in the forest would take care of them.”

Ben looked over the board, analyzing the situation before making his next move.

“The equine empire paid no attention of course to the runaways. After all they were more focused on the bigger picture. Fifty years later the equines had nearly driven the lagomorphs into the sea when a sudden treaty was made between the two species. Of course everyone was shocked by the news. The equines had them on the run then suddenly they made peace with them?” Colten shook his head in confusion as he told the story.

“Does anyone know why they did?” Ben curiously asked.

“That’s for another day.” Colten waved him off as he moved a piece across the board. “Anyways. It’s fifty years later now. The treaty has just been signed. But the equines thirst for more. More land, more glory, more resources.”

The game continued as Colten spoke.

“To the East were the Taurs, separated by miles of wetland. A foolish move to move across harsh terrain to face a warrior race with six limbs. To the northeast were the Ursidae. The Urside as we know were close allies with their neighbors the Avians. So they were out of the question as well. Cervids had nothing to worry about of course being on an island. Equines had no navy and it would take years to build one large enough to take on the Cervids, leaving the Equines with one option.” Colten looked at his younger brother.

“North?” Ben replied as if unsure of his answer.

“North.” Colten reiterated. “North was the only option for the equines. But towards whom? Sure they could march forward towards both Canines and Feline. But that poses the risk of enemies uniting against a common foe.”

“We were enemies?” Ben interjected.

“At the time yes.” Colten nodded his head. “The Canines and the Felines had just settled a border dispute over an iron mine after a month long war. But back to the Equines.”

Colten removed one of Ben’s pieces from the board after a successful attack.

“So you’re the king of the Equines. Who do you attack?” Colten directed the question towards Ben. The young wolf sat silently, pondering for a few moments.

“The canines.”

“And why is that?” Colten moved a piece along the board.

“Our southern border along the forest is smaller than that of the felines. I wouldn’t have to spread my soldiers out over a larger area and could concentrate my attack.” Colten smiled proudly at his younger brother.

“You are exactly right.” Colten reaffirmed. “You march your troops north towards the canines.”

“So what happened?” Ben asked. “There’s nothing in our history about an Equine Canine war.”

Colten nodded at the board indicating it was Ben’s turn. The young wolf made his move, moving the last of his cavalry in an attacking position.

“That’s the thing. The Equines never even made it close to our borders.” Ben looked quizzically at his brother. “The Equines began marching their troops through the forest, close to the ocean cliffs. But the Equines didn’t even make it half way into the forest before they were attacked.”

“Attacked?” Ben sat up in his chair. “By whom?”

“Well…” Colten paused momentarily. “No one can be certain except for those who were there. But from stories that have been told throughout the years the army was attacked from the old Equine troops and Lagomorphs that ran in there fifty years ago.”

“They were alive?” Ben incredulously asked.

“Yes.” Colten bluntly replied. “The forest had somehow corrupted and changed them. They had turned into unrecognizable amalgamations. Forced to live a life among the trees as cursed shells of what they once were. And with them they brought what seemed like every dire wolf in the forest.”

Ben listened on with curious wonder.

“They descended upon the army of equines, dire wolf teeth tearing them apart and beings spearing them with wooden weapons made from the trees. They sent the army into full retreat, screams so loud they could be heard for miles.”

Colten sat back in his chair.

“An army of fifteen thousand Equines; sent fleeing back to their lands by the beings of the forest.”

“Is all that true?” Ben asked with some skepticism. Colten let out a sigh.

“The Equines never took down any written records of the incident. The tale I tell you is all that we have of the account. Word of mouth that has travelled the lands and passed down by generations. If you have any doubts know this...”

Colten leaned forward in his chair, Ben following his lead. The teen wolf spoke in a low voice, as if sharing a secret.

“Something made those soldiers retreat. Tough, battle hardened, men.”

The seriousness in Colten’s eyes was enough to convince the young Ben.

“That is why it has its name. And that is why we do not go there.”

Colten looked down at the board. Picking up a piece the wolf placed it down onto the board and stood up from his seat.

“I have taken your capital.” Ben looked down incredulously at the board. Indeed he had lost. As Ben looked back up to say something to his brother the wolf was already out the door.

**

Sophia was awoken early in the morning, the sun barely beginning to paint away the night sky. Again a churning feeling in her stomach being the cause of her early awakening.

“No…” Sophia groaned as she rolled over onto her side. The feline pulled her blanket up to her chin fighting the feeling that was building inside her. She focused on her breathing trying to relax her stomach but to no avail.

“Shit.” Sophia reached for the empty bucket that she had set by her bedside the previous night. Immediately the feline began to retch as soon as the bucket was near her face. The feline spent a good few minutes with the bucket before an elderly voice interrupted.

“Sophia?” Malina softy asked as she peeked her head in the door. “The guards sent for me. Still feeling unwell?”

Sophia could only groan in response, her noises echoing in the bucket.

“How long has this lasted?”

“A week.” Sophia meekly responded into the bucket.

“Poor girl.” Malina entered the room. “Let me help you clean up. Guards!” Malina poked her head back through the door. “Please fetch me some water. Thank you.” The elderly feline gently closed the door and made her way towards a nearby dresser. Sifting through the drawers Malina was able to find a small hand towel.

“Malina please.” Sophia raised her head out from the bucket. “You do not need to care for me.”

“Nonsense.” Malina rustled through one of the pouches in her dress, retrieving a vial. “I have helped cared for you since you were a baby. And I will continue to do so until I am gone.”

Malina popped the cork on the vial and held it up to Sophia’s lips.

“Now drink. It will help with the nausea.”

“Malina we all know that will never happen. Everyone already knows your secret.” Sophia said before drinking the liquid. The taste was bitter, causing Sophia to make an unappealing face.

“My secret?” Malina tilted her head in confusion. Sophia wiped away the excess liquid sitting on her lip.

“We all know you’re immortal.”

Malina let out a hearty chuckle at the comment. Sophia smiled in return.

“Oh how I wish dear. What I wouldn’t give to see you grow into a beautiful queen.” Malina patted Sophia’s thigh with her aged hands.

“Your grace.” A guard entered the room holding a large tin cup filled with water.

“Oh!” Malina stood up from the bed and shuffled over to the guard. “Thank you dear.” The elderly feline retrieved the cup and shooed the guard out the door. Malina poured a little of the water over the cloth towel, making sure to get it nice and damp.

“Here you go Sophia.” Malina held the towel up to the young feline’s head. “Dab your forehead with this. It will help a little.”

“Thank you Malina.” Sophia took the cloth from the feline and began spotting her forehead with the cloth. The two sat there while Sophia calmly breathed and pressed the cloth against her head. Malina fidgeted with her hands as she looked back towards the door.

“Sophia?” The old feline said after a few minutes of silence.

“Yes Malina?”

“I’m going to ask you something. And please don’t think I am insinuating anything or trying to insult you.”

“Malina,” Sophia closed her eyes as she kept the cloth to her forehead, “nothing you can say would cause me to ever be upset with you.”

The old feline scratched the top of her hand as she thought over her question.

“When was the last time you bled?”

“I bled?” Sophia repeated not understanding the question. “Oh!” Sophia removed the damp towel from her head, wiping the wet fur with her other hand. “The last time I bled was…”

Sophia froze in sudden realization. As internal panic began to set in the feline quickly ran through the last few months in her head.

I haven’t bled since…

“I had a hunch when you first started showing symptoms. After seeing so many births I’ve come to recognize when someone becomes pregnant.”

It can’t be.

“I’ll admit to you Sophia I had my doubts about Arlen at first. But if you can’t stay away from him then he must be treating you right!”

Can felines and canines even…

“Malina!” Sophia suddenly shouted. The look on the old feline’s face told Sophia she had came off a little harsher than expected. Sophia carefully stood up from her spot on the bed, quickly changing her tone.

“This has to stay between us.”

“Why’s that?” Malina asked with a look of confusion.

“Oh, well, you know my parents and how traditional they are.” Sophia held her emotions in check as she spoke. “If they found out that I fell pregnant before the wedding… Well you of all people would know how poorly they would react.”

“You make a good point dear.” Malina reached out and took Sophia by the hands. “The wedding is nearing soon, I’m sure we can keep it hidden until then.” A warm smile from the old feline relaxed Sophia. “What about Arlen?”

“No!” Sophia was quick to respond, squeezing Malina’s hands. Sophia was quick to change her attitude though, putting on a false smile.

“I want to be the one to tell him. I want to make sure the time is right when I tell him. You know how stressed he’s been lately with everything going on.”

Malina smiled at the young feline. The old feline gently squeezed her hands as she looked at the youthful princess. She had helped raised this child from birth. It wasn’t hard for the old feline to tell when there was something wrong with her.

“Ok well,” Malina let out a small sigh, “whatever it is that’s going on I won’t pry. And I promise I won’t bring up anything to Arlen. I will let you do that on your own.”

She is too sweet for this world.

“Thank you Malina.” Sophia hugged the feline tight. The old feline was more than happy to return the warm embrace.

“Now then,” Malina said as the two separated, “I’ll leave you to rest. I will let everyone know that while you are sick you are doing just fine.” The old feline shuffled out the door leaving Sophia in her room alone. As soon as the door to her room closed behind Malina the smile faded from her face. Sophia sat back down on the edge of the bed, placing her head in her hands.