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Chapter XIX - The Moon Tribe

Even though their descent into the uncharted swamp had begun suddenly and romantically, surviving was very difficult. The foul water was undrinkable and staying dry was a difficult task. Their cherished bag of supplies wouldn't last forever either, and hunger started gnawing at their bellies for fuller meals. Navigating the wet terrain was even more arduous with Chiba's injured wrist. Shrubs, ferns, and vines showed no signs of a pathway among the trees. The human and lioness were completely out of their element, and the sense of being utterly lost was overwhelming.

Water sloshed noisily as a pair of mud stained legs waded through knee deep murky water. Golden and light cream colored fur was faded beneath a layer of mud and dirt. A other pair of legs without fur quietly trekked behind the first pair. Their immediate destination was a large dry spot of land. The lioness padded onto the dry soil and shook her legs of excess water.

"I need to rest." Chiba paused to lean on a twisted oak tree. Emerging out of the water next, Joseph took a much needed break beside her.

"This is a pretty big piece of dry land." He looked around. "We might be close to getting out of this swamp."

"Good. I'll try to take a nap." She huffed and laid on her side. Joseph nodded mutely and looked around. The wide variety of trees and bushes, as well as ferns and reeds, made seeing far in any direction impossible. Moreover, the insects and frogs were loud like a busy city but unceasingly noisy. The only reprieve of their blaring natural music was the peaceful sound of rain, which caused enough trouble for the pair already. It was already late in the afternoon, and they had been walking since mid morning. Trying to conserve energy and find a way out of the labyrinth of the wet terrain was difficult.

'Are we ever going to get out of this place?' Joseph wondered as his gaze returned to Chiba. He watched her closely, feeling admiration. Despite her current state, the lioness was as strong as ever. Her determination and physical prowess continued leading them through the worst terrain. The thought of dying in some abysmal swamp horrified him, but being alongside her made it a little less terrible. Caked mud and dirt was visible everywhere in her fur. The beautiful golden hues were dulled almost beyond recognition. Peering over, he could see that her eyes were open, either from a brief nap or not being able to take one in the first place.

"You need a bath." He brushed her arm.

"I'd want nothing more than to take a bath right now." Chiba admitted and looked over herself. They were both dirty beyond belief. Her golden eyes looked back at him. "You could use one too."

"Yeah, I definitely could." Joseph felt the wetness and caked dirt on his skin. Imagining when they last bathed together felt like a pleasant distant dream. The sound of Chiba humming delighted his thoughts.

"Hmm. Ha-hmm..." A distant voice through the brush made their eyes widen. Above the quiet frogs, they could hear it.

"Did you hear that?" Chiba asked him.

"Yeah." He whispered. "That wasn't you?"

"No."

"Hm. Hmm!" The voice returned again.

"Is that singing?" He asked. Chiba shrugged and crept towards the sound. They parted a bush and peered through. Beyond the brush, there was grass, sunshine, and a wide stream flowing steadily. They spotted a male tiger bathing in the stream, beneath a steep rock cliff where some water was noisily pouring out. A tiny waterfall for one or maybe two. The loquacious hums continued as he turned around and let the water pour down his back. Their eyes met and for a second, nobody moved. Only the water continued its journey into the pool below. The tiger stared at them blankly before hastily covering himself.

"Why are you two watching me bathe?!" He shouted in embarrassment.

"Sorry." Joseph apologized. The striped feline was shocked to see the disheveled pair crawl out of the underbrush. Their wet clothes were covered with mud and dirt, and torn beyond recognition. The tiger tensed and backed away from them, as if they had something contagious.

"Please, can you help us?" Chiba managed to ask through clenched teeth. The local feline noticed Chiba holding her wrist and eased up.

"We need your help." Joseph added. "We've been wandering in this swamp for two days. The male looked between the pair before deciding that there was no danger.

"What happened?" He pointed to Chiba's arm.

"Chiba hurt her wrist. It's painful when she tries moving it."

"We've been lost in this swamp for days." The lioness added.

"I can take you two to my village." He quickly offered to help.

"Thank you!" Joseph felt relief as the tiger waded onto dry land and retrieved a garment hanging on a branch.

"Let's go." He slung the item over his shoulder.

"What about you?"

"I can dry off while I walk." The naked tiger insisted and showed them to a dry pathway beside the water. Chiba and Joseph glanced at each other before following the tiger. They weren't going to second guess any help they could receive now. The pathway they walked along bordered the immense swamp to their immediate right. All of the foliage and trees made it impossible to see through. To their left greener patches of grass and sparse trees covered the hilly and occasionally rocky landscape. Lakes, ponds, and streams were prevalent all the way to the backdrop of hills in the distance. It was a beautiful landscape.

"Where are you two from?" The tiger looked over his shoulder at the ragged pair. Chiba and Joseph looked at each other.

"It's a long story." Joseph began. "But we crossed the mountains and fell below into the swamp by accident. Then we wandered through until we found you."

"You two came through the swamp?" He looked at them in mild surprise. "That means you are from the desert, but I have never heard of anyone crossing by land. It's extremely dangerous."

'We found that out...' Joseph thought to himself. A strong hand grabbed his elbow.

"Don't say too much!" Chiba whispered a growl at him. "We don't know who he is, or where we are."

"He is helping us." Joseph kept his voice low. "You don't need to worry." Chiba silently accepted but didn't lower her guard. As they continued walking, the streams and ponds became more organized. A large expanse of shallow water held organized rows of cultivated plants.

"Is all of this water fresh?" Joseph couldn't help but ask the tiger.

"Yes! Of course it it." He found the question funny. "We cannot grow most plants where there the water is not fresh." The land beside them interchanged between wet and dry farms, but the crop was predominantly wet.

Several buildings emerged at the end of the long path bordering the wet fields. Houses were clustered sporadically on a small flat expanse of dirt. They were very simple dwellings made from wood, mud brick, reeds, or anything else readily available. Nothing appeared extravagant, but it was a village full of tigers with a few leopards and servals. Males typically wore loincloths that wrapped around their waists, or modest pants with tunic styled shirts. Females wore robe like garments that were shorter, revealing their arms and legs more. Little feline kids ran about the rural community, playing as their high squeals burst into the air.

"Where exactly are we?" Joseph asked.

"A small Qahtani farming village." The tiger answered as he paused to dress himself. "We are a small group of farming villages along these little rivers in the Land of Hot Lakes." Joseph looked at Chiba but the lioness was just as bewildered as him. "Come. I will take you both to someone who can look at your wrist." He finished tying the loincloth around his waist.

'I haven't seen a village like this before.' Joseph didn't see any walls or tall buildings in the Qahtani village. The only defensive structure he saw was a short palisade fence keeping several chickens corralled in a single space beside one house. Their means of living was obviously by farming; but the presence of domesticated goats, hand woven baskets, and handcarts indicated there was more to their rural lifestyle than agriculture. An older female hanging out clothes and linens to dry stopped her work to watch Joseph, Chiba, and the tiger enter the village. Her look of surprise was self evident. All of the feline villagers stopped what they were doing and gawked at the human and lioness. Even the youngsters halted in mid game, and females paused weaving to see Joseph and Chiba. The tiger brought them to a particular hut made of adobe and thatch

"Elder Awra, we have a visitor who needs your help." Tonsu called out before entering the humble abode with Chiba and Joseph in tow. Glancing over his shoulder, the human could see a small crowd gathering by adjacent houses. The wide entrance allowed plenty of light inside the medicine hut. Sitting amongst small baskets, jars, a wide array of medicinal plants, and personal trinkets was an old male leopard. His clothes were plain simple short length colored robes, but he also wore various decorative necklaces.

"A human and lioness?" The old leopard blinked with surprise.

"Yes. They were in the swamp and her hand is hurt. We need you to look at it." He gestured to Chiba. "I will go and let our other elders know that you're here." Tonsu explained before quickly departing.

"Can you hold your hand out?" The leopard asked Chiba.

"I think so." She clenched her teeth. "But it hurts when I move my wrist." She kept still as he felt over and inspected her hand.

"No pain here, or here?" He pressed his thumb in several places.

"No." Chiba answered each time.

"There is no inflammation... I think you only strained it." The older leopard carefully rubbed the feline's wrist.

"What's the difference?" She demanded.

"It shouldn't take too long to fully heal. I'd say after ten days you'll forget anything was hurting before at all." He whimsically grinned and retracted his hands.

"Thank goodness." Joseph sighed with relief. "I was afraid that you had really hurt yourself."

"It will take more than a fall to hurt me." Chiba frowned and looked at her hand with contempt.

"Water?" The leopard offered the pair two large wooden cups. Chiba and Joseph readily accepted. Chiba didn't hesitate to guzzle the water, but Joseph wasn't far behind. Rushing past his lips, the water was cool and refreshing.

"Thanks for your help." Joseph wiped his mouth and set his empty cup down.

"Sure." The feline humbly nodded as two elders entered the medicine hut behind them, a tigress and tiger. Both were dressed in very plain robes that bore visible stains from a life of laboring in their village.

"Hello." They kindly smiled and joined them. "We heard that one of you is injured. Is everything okay?" The female elder asked.

"The lioness only has a strained wrist. She should be fine." The old leopard explained.

"Good. if that is taken care of, we'd like to welcome both of you to our village properly." They offered. "You can come with us to the hot spring beside the village.

"Well, thank you." Joseph gladly smiled. "We'd like that." After being on the run for so long, and traversing the most difficult terrain, a warm welcome was a much needed change.

"I think you two could use a bath." The elder male politely grinned.

"A bath sounds great." Joseph flashed a smile. 'We smell and look like carcasses.' He thought to himself humorously.

"You can follow us." Joseph and Chiba left the medicine hut with the elder tiger pair. Outside, the small crowd had dwindled to a few bystanders. The lingering evening light wasn't going to last longer than an hour, but it was still easy to see.

'Everyone is gone?' The human noticed. However, it was obvious where they had went as they approached the edge of the village. More than one dozen were already in the hot spring and another dozen, including Tonsu, were ready to join them. The pools were wide enough for several people, but it was still tightly packed. Villagers were nearly shoulder to shoulder, and the water hid very little. Males didn't see the need to cover themselves under or above the water, and females of various body types were equally open about their nudity.

"Eh?" Joseph felt nervous.

"It's a tradition." The female placed a hand on the hesitant human's back. Joseph looked over and saw that she was already being disrobed by her husband. An aged body covered with white fur, and then orange fur with black stripes came into view. Drooping breasts that were flat as pancakes greeted the air. The naked tigress then did the same for her counterpart before approaching the hot spring.

"Don't be scared." Chiba whispered as she removed her garment with a single hand. "No one will see your back."

"Easy for you to say..." He spoke but the lioness merely shrugged and waited for him. His back was the least of his worries. For the human, bathing in public was an entirely new experience. 'Don't worry Joseph.' He told himself and se tether supplies down. 'You've stared down intimidating figures.' Joseph pulled his still damp clothes off and left them on the ground. Many pairs of glowing feline eyes were patiently waiting, and watching him. It felt like a public display. 'Is everyone in the village here?' Joseph wondered. There were still a few ready to get in the already crowded hot spring. A mother tigress was talking to a little tiger.

"Go play with grandma. We're with visitors." The tigress shooed away her young son.

"But she's here too." The kit whined and pointed at the older tigress sitting nearby.

"Hello!" The older feline chuckled. The mother tigress eyed the elder before quietly sighing.

"Fine. You can join us, but be respectful to the human and lioness."

"Yay!" He jumped into her arms.

'I think the entire village really is here.' Joseph concluded to himself. He walked beside Chiba to the gathering of felines. The lioness dipped in first.

"The water feels nice." Chiba reassured him. Shaking the last bit of anxiety from the village that saved them, he quickly slipped in and sat down between Chiba and the elder tigress.

"Ah, the water is warm." He relaxed as several smiles formed in front of him.

"We'd like to welcome these two to our village... Although, Tonsu did not tell us your names." The elder male tiger scratched his chin.

"I am Joseph."

"I'm Chiba." They answered.

"Where are you two from?" A tigress with narrow hanging breasts leaned forward with intrigue.

"Is it true that you both emerged from the swamp?" A male serval asked.

"Um. Yes." Joseph answered to their excitement. A brief round of murmurs passed.

"Please let him speak." The elder male spoke, ending the little side conversations.

"Well, Chiba can explain it better." He looked at the lioness beside him. She thought for a moment before answering.

"We were crossing the desert when a group of bandits drove us into the mountains. Without our camels, we had to cross them instead of returning to the desert. After a few days we saw the ridge line end, but we were surprised to see a forest of trees below us. We attempted to scale down the mountainside where it wasn't so steep, but we fell down into the swamp. Until today I thought we were going to be stuck there forever, but thankfully we paused to rest and heard someone singing." Chiba looked at the tiger responsible for bringing them to the village. Several knowingly looked at the tiger named Tonsu.

"The past few days have been very unlucky for us." Joseph concluded.

"The crescent moon is a favorable sign." The older leopard spoke while pointing at the rising moon while the sun was starting to set behind them. The sharp C shape was nestled between a few faint stars in the sky. "Maybe your fortunes are changing." Joseph wanted nothing more than for that to be true.

"Where exactly are we?" He asked. "There was nothing beyond the mountains on our map."

"This is the Land of Hot Lakes." The elder female tigress happily told him. "The area is humid and there are many hot springs and streams here. We receive so much rain during the wet season because the clouds are blocked by the mountains."

"Do you mind if we stay here? I'll work until Chiba's wrist is healed." Joseph offered.

"I don't mind at all." The tiger happily agreed. "A helping hand in the fields is always needed." The others agreed.

"Please stay as long as you two want." The elder male offered.

"At least a few days for Chiba's wrist to heal." The elder female added.

"Thank you."

"Who were the bandits chasing you?"

"Where in the desert are you two from?"

"How long have you two been together?" The flurry of eagerly curious questions overwhelmed the duo.

"Alright. Let them rest easy tonight. They have been through a tough journey." The elder male decided with a raised hand. The small crowd of villagers quietly departed from the hot spring, gathering their clothes as they sought to dry off elsewhere. Tonsu was the only one to return and patiently wait nearby. Chiba wiped her face with the warm water.

"I haven't had a bath for so long..." She sank to her shoulders and closed her eyes with a content sigh.

"Yeah, you used to take one almost every day back in the city." Joseph recalled.

"Can you bathe me?" The lioness turned her head.

"Sure." He felt under the water and pulled a leg into his lap.

"I meant my back. I can still get my own legs." She told him.

"Don't worry, you're fine." He reassured her.

"Mm. Thank you." Her arm rested gently over his shoulder while his hands combed along her leg. Joseph carefully cleaned her fur thoroughly, enjoying the sensations of intimately touching the lioness. The feline's muscles were strong but undoubtedly feminine. Once her first leg was finished, her other was next. Her strong body relaxed as a purr developed, letting him have no limits. Next he gently rubbed her tummy and sides before venturing further up to her chest and shoulders. The lioness's purring only deepened as he tenderly catered to her. Without a word Chiba stood up causing the water to quietly slosh, and turned her back to him. Joseph rubbed her firm rump and upper legs with tender care. Eventually he stood up and began washing her back. The elder couple quietly watched them while holding hands.

"There. You should be clean now." Joseph finished to their satisfaction. Her golden coat of fur was freed from the dirt and grime.

"Thank you." She softly spoke. They sat back down, but when he started cleaning himself a damp sensation touched his forehead. Joseph paused only to feel a warm prickly tongue wash over his forehead.

"Should I even ask what you're doing?" He found himself smiling at her tender affection.

"That's a big smile on your face." Chiba hummed but didn't cease loving on him.

"I guess our wish to bathe again came true." Joseph said. The lioness smiled and held him close while he washed himself clean.

"It is easy to see that you two are in love." The elder tigress couldn't help but interrupt.

"I forgot that you two were still there." Joseph half grinned.

"It's getting late." Chiba whispered.

"Tonsu, please fetch something for them to dry with." The elder tigress requested.

"Yes ma'am." The tiger was quick to depart and then return with thicker cloths to dry with. Stepping out of the hot springs, Joseph and Chiba were quick to dry off. The air was cooler and it was completely dark, except for the faint light provided by the crescent moon.

"Thank you for everything." Once dressed, they thanked the elder tiger pair. The lioness and human were very gracious for their kindness.

"Enjoy your stay here." The elders bade them a peaceful night's sleep.

"I can take you to a spare home that we have." Tonsu offered and led them by the quiet village huts. Like many of the others it was made of adobe brick and had a roof of thatch. "Is one bed enough?" He stopped by an empty dwelling.

"Yes." They answered in unison.

"Great. If you need anything else, I live in the hut behind this one. I'll come by after sunrise and we will get to work." The tiger told them. "Goodnight."

"Thank you, Tonsu." Joseph called out and ducked inside the low entrance. Inside was a very plain and basic home. The floor was dirt except for a makeshift bed of blankets and a meager rug in the center of the living space. There was little else within the empty hut, except for an old structure of bamboo strung together to hang out clothes to dry.

"Much better than any swamp I have been in." Chiba's tail swayed as she picked at her clothes. "Can you help me undress? I don't know why I bothered to put my robes back on." She tried wriggling out of them without much success.

"Sure." Joseph stepped behind Chiba and helped her disrobe. The lioness grumbled and even hissed when she had to slip her arm out.

"Thanks." She sighed with relief and sat down on the blankets. "I know I'm sitting on the dirt floor." She mused at the poor sight. "Would they grab more blankets to make another bed?"

"Probably." He guessed and set their pack of belongings aside. "I can ask."

"It doesn't matter." She waved away her question.

"Is it comfortable?" Joseph asked as he disrobed next.

"It's better than bare ground." She murmured and rolled onto her side. A hand patted the space in front of her for him to join her. Joseph was more than happy to lay down with her.

"I feel safer when you're at my back now." He mentioned. "You're like a furry wall."

"You should feel lucky that I only have one good hand right now." She gave a throaty growl, and hooked an arm and a leg over him. Her hot body pressed against his back without a single gap between them. Joseph felt her head nuzzle up to his neck and cheek.

"You feel nice..." He placed his arm over hers. The warm sensations of her body and added softness of her fur were something he enjoyed. The lioness purred contently.

"I know why she wanted to sleep with you." Chiba softly spoke. Her warm breath wafted over his ear and cheek.

"Who?" Joseph's face twisted into confusion.

"That fennec in Al Lishbunah." The lioness rubbed his front with a hand. "You're kind and gentle."

"What do you mean?"

"You want to love and be loved." She purred. "You're not like the ruffians at a brothel she constantly deals with who only seek pleasure. You care about who you love."

"Well, I love you." He softly spoke.

"I know that." She happily replied.

"You're not planning on something intimate tonight, are you?"

"No, just talk." She reassured him with a lick to his shoulder. The human couldn't help but feel a little relief.

"I am too tired anyway." He half joked. The lioness contained a chuckle.

"You go to sleep. I'll talk." Chiba told him. Joseph closed his eyes and relaxed his weary body. He liked the sensation of her fuzzy chine brushing over his skin while she spoke. "When I was little I followed my mom back from a well. I kept pestering her about a story I had heard, and I am sure it annoyed her. She told me if the stars and moon talked as much as I did, then it would be too loud for everything in the desert to sleep..." Chiba quietly told him a story. Joseph's eyes closed feeling sleep quickly fall over him. He couldn't believe that they were laying together with a roof over their heads.

"Hello? Hello?" A calling voice from outside stirred the sleeping pair.

'Huh?' Joseph's eyes opened with delay. The morning sun was shining outside their shady house. The earthen browns of the dirt floor looked alien to him at first.

"Joseph? Are you awake?" The familiar voice finally registered with the human.

"It's Tonsu." He remembered and rubbed his eyes. "I'm awake!" He called out, but felt seeming holding him down. Trying to sit up, he noticed a golden furred arm wrapped around his torso.

"Chiba." He tried freeing himself, but her arm held onto him in response.

"Mmm... Who is it?" Her voice was half asleep. As much as he didn't want to leave her warm side, he had to. Chiba sleepily grumbled but wouldn't let go of him.

"Chiba, it's Tonsu."

"What?" Her mouth opened in a wide yawn revealing an impressive set of teeth.

"I have to go."

"Oh... Ok." The lioness rolled onto her back and let him go. Joseph rose from her cozy warmth and grabbed his clothes. He stole a quick glance back at the sleeping feline beauty. The human quickly dressed himself and walked outside the hut's entrance.

"Good morning." Standing outside was Tonsu the tiger wearing only a single unusual garment. Wrapped around his groin and waist was an old loincloth.

"Uh. Morning..." Joseph averted his eyes from the odd garment that the big cat was wearing. It seemed very demeaning to him, almost like only the lowliest of slaves would wear it in a city. But he was no longer in a city anymore.

"Here's your loincloth." The tiger held up a long white garment for Joseph to wear.

"I have to wear that?" Joseph was less than enthused.

"Unless you want your clothes muddy and wet again." He proposed. Joseph took the garment and looked over it before turning around and taking a few steps. Tonsu gave the human some privacy while he disrobed. The lengthy garment in his hands reminded him of a turban, but he shrugged it off. Joseph tied it around his waist and under his legs until it resembled the tiger's completely.

'This is odd...' He turned around and approached the awaiting tiger. "Okay. I'm ready." Joseph set his clothes by the hut's entrance.

"Your legs are hairier than I thought!" Tonsu remarked.

"I look ridiculous." Joseph thought aloud.

"No different than me and every other male out here." His tail flicked. "C'mon. I'll show you to the fields." Tonsu led him with a wave. Passing by the hot springs, where he and Chiba were "properly greeted" by the village, Joseph noticed a three generational family. A mother tigress and an older grandmother were bathing a young tiger kit who was interested in everything except taking a bath.

"Hold him still!" The grandmother tigress laughed as water splashed into the air.

"I am! I am!" The mother couldn't help herself from laughing as well. The small scene made Joseph smile as they walked onto a narrow strip of dry land. Bordered by patches of grass, the pathway acted like a raised bridge between a sea of wet fields.

"We have a small wall of packed earth and a canal to help divert extra water during the rainy season." Tonsu pointed over to one spot between two cultivated fields. Nearby Joseph could see a few other males, and a leopardess in the wet fields wearing the same garment. Although the female was talking to her male counterpart while nursing an infant in her arms.

"Hey, Tonsu."

"Yeah?" The tiger called out without pausing his work.

"Do females not work in the fields?" Joseph watched the leopardess wade back to the dry ground and return to the village.

"Not unless a husband is ill, or they are the sole owner of a field. Females typically stay in the village taking care of the home, the young, and other things like that." He explained. "Besides, it's considered bad luck for an adult female, especially a pregnant one, if unclean water to touch the entrance of her womb."

"Will they become ill?" Joseph guessed.

"I don't know... My sister helped me out here at night two years ago when our father was ill so no one would know. Nothing bad happened." Tonsu led him along the path before pausing at the edge of another wet field. Plants that Joseph had never seen before yesterday were organized into rows in the water. They resembled bundled clumps of bright green grasses.

"What are you growing?"

"Rice. It grows very well in the area, but it takes a decent amount of care. I'll show you what we need to so." He motioned for the human to follow and began wading into the water. Joseph followed, wading into the water behind the tiger. Feeling the humid air around him and the sun above him, the human knew that there was a long day of work ahead of him.

***

The sun traced a hidden arc through the sky beyond the clouds. From morning to evening, its journey was the same across the continent. The giant disk's direct heat was no longer a grave danger as it had been in the deserts, but the humid air created equally difficult conditions to work under. Two pairs of legs sloshed through the still and muddy waters.

"Do you work in the fields every day?" Joseph rubbed his back feeling tender muscles ache in response.

"It depends on the season." Tonsu explained. "Most days we do, however, after harvesting we have a period to stay at home with all the women, young, and elders. The back breaking work is worth every moment."

'I hope you're right about that.' Joseph couldn't imagine being a farmer his entire life without developing a hunchback. They waded out of the wet field and onto the dirt path bordering the swamp. Tonsu led the human up the trail to where they first met. The soft roar of the small waterfall descending the moss covered rock wall echoed out to the path. The insects and frogs were more distant and quiet in comparison.

"Do we have to bring something back?" Joseph looked around.

"Nope." The tiger began untying and loosening the mud stained loincloth. "Let's rinse off." That brought relief to the human.

"Why not use the hot springs beside the village?"

"Typically, most of the guys use the hot springs to wash off and clean themselves after working, but I prefer some peace and quiet where the water is cooler after a hard days work." He explained as he set his mud stained garment aside. "Especially from onlookers." He peeked back at Joseph.

"Hey! It was an accident." Joseph insisted as he discarded his mud stained loincloth as well. He stepped forward to the edge of the clear water. "Now you're the one staring at me." Joseph mused at the feline's lingering eye. Tonsu sheepishly grinned.

"Do all humans have a patch of fur on their groin?" He pointed at Joseph.

"Yes. All humans do. Have you never seen a human before? We aren't that rare where I am from."

"I haven't seen a human male before, but I have seen a female." He admitted and rubbed the back of his neck.

"When have you seen a human female?"

"A year or two ago when a woman visited from the coast to help barter for rice." The striped feline recalled. "Not having any fur was odd to me, but she had pretty brown eyes and a beautiful dress. She stayed long enough to have a traditional greeting, so that's how I know."

"She must've felt nervous." Joseph easily imagined how she felt.

"It's just a friendly tradition that we have for visitors." Tonsu shrugged obliviously.

"I've seen so many people from so many different tribes and customs that I'm not phased by differences anymore." Joseph admitted.

"Except for the hot spring." Tonsu mused.

"Hey! I've never been... naked in front of an entire village." His flustered expression made the tiger laugh.

"What made you and your friend decide to come here? Traveling by land through the harsh mountains and then the swamp is unheard of."

"We didn't travel by choice." Joseph admitted.

"The scars?" Tonsu finally mentioned the obvious markings on the human's back.

"Yeah..." He shifted his weight in the sand. "Can we go in yet?" The human suddenly felt a little self conscious standing naked beside the tiger.

"Yes!" He laughed. "I didn't mean to keep you waiting!" The large feline quickly waded to the little waterfall. Joseph followed through the knee deep water to where the tiger was standing. The water spilling over the rocks showered onto him. It was one of the most freeing sensations he had ever felt.

"Ah. This is nice." Joseph rinsed off in the tepid water. The tiger chuckled and washed over his furry front. Both took moment to rinse themselves under the little waterfall.

"Where do you and Chiba plan on going after her wrist heals?" Tonsu asked.

"I'm not sure..." He admitted. "Are there only farming villages around the Land of Hot Lakes?"

"There's a small city called Sur downriver on the coast." The tiger mentioned. "That is, if you don't want to stay in the village for the rest of the wet season."

"A city named Sur..." Joseph had never heard of it. "What is it like there? Do you know if it has been under attack?"

"I haven't heard of it being attacked, but it's full of people. I have been there a few times with my father as an adolescent before he passed away. There should be many opportunities for you there if you're looking for a new start." The scenario reminded Joseph a lot of when he lived in Fez. The promise of a better life in the city tantalized his dreams as an adolescent and then young adult.

"I'll talk to Chiba about going there when her wrist heals."

"You can always come back here and help in the fields if you like, or maybe just visit..." The tiger laughed as he stepped out of the waterfall and waded back to shore. Joseph remained underneath the little waterfall. The falling water cascading down his body released the soreness and tension within his muscles.

'It's very peaceful here.' His half lidded gaze stared at the water rippling ashore. He could barely hear the swamp across the dirt path. Just imagining that he and Chiba were climbing through mountains and then wading through murky water for days made him all the more thankful to be where he was today. Joseph soaked in the cool water for a moment longer before deciding he was finished. He waded out to the water's edge where his tiger friend was laying back to dry off. Tonsu lounged peacefully without a care in the world. His cloth was hanging out to dry behind him. By most standards he was a poor farmer in a rural village, but here beside a swamp he was happy.

"You remind me of a friend I had to leave in a city." The tiger's ear flickered at the sound of the human's voice. An eye opened curiously as Joseph sat down beside Tonsu.

"City?" The tiger was curious. "Was your friend a tiger?"

"No. He is a leopard who enjoys lounging surrounded by nature like you."

"Then he is a good person." Tonsu simply grinned. The human nodded.

'I hope the Emir is alive and well.' He wondered to himself.

"Is it alright if I ask you what happened?" The tiger cautiously spoke. Joseph could feel the tiger's gaze on his back. He pursed his lips in thought. Faint images of Bulus and wicked guards came to mind. For a moment his blood felt cold.

"I... I don't think I'm ready to talk about it." He blinked several times. "But I was beaten badly with a whip." Joseph summed up the tragic encounter. The tiger appeared to understand and have a slow nod.

"Do you want our village elder to check over the scars?"

"Sure... If it isn't any trouble." They listened to the waterfall and swamp as they dried off.

***

Returning to the old leopard's hut, Joseph and Tonsu found the spotted feline sitting on a shaggy mat of woven reeds. Despite the elder leopard wearing only a basic set of clothes, the human felt underdressed wearing a mere loincloth wrapped around his groin and waist.

"What can I help you two with?" He asked.

"Can you take a look at his back, elder?" Tonsu requested. "There are... scars he needs to have looked at." He explained the best he could. The old feline curiously looked at Joseph who turned around. Sitting back down his hands tightly held onto his knees while the feline silently looked over his back.

"This was from a whip?" He guessed.

"Yeah." Joseph nodded.

"Hm. Your back has healed very well from what you have described to me." The old leopard's raspy voice spoke.

"A wet nurse gave me a special ointment to rub on my back. I don't have any left."

"Well there isn't much that I can do to help." He scratched his chin. "I can see the scarring, but your skin isn't damaged like I would've imagined." The human felt some relief upon hearing that.

"Will it heal back to normal?"

"It won't be the same. A scar is permanent." The leopard wasn't flowery about his assessment. "In a year or two I think they will become faint lines. Consider yourself lucky to have good friends."

"Thank you." Joseph turned to say to the feline villager. 'I do have good friends.' The human thought to himself.

"The sun is setting very soon. I can take you back to your hut." Tonsu offered. Joseph nodded and they left the old leopard's hut together. The rest of the village was quiet like the previous night. A few kids were lingering by their homes, drawing into the dirt with sticks or discussing what to do next morning before chores. Lingering garments on clotheslines were taken down and promptly folded; chickens were returned to their coops; and cooking fires were left to smolder themselves out.

"It looks like it might rain tomorrow. If it does then I can come by with some food." He said as they approached his temporary home.

"Thanks. I appreciate it." Joseph smiled.

"You're welcome. Rest well and sleep in." They shook hands before Tonsu departed. Joseph looked at the somber little hut. It was dark and plain by every standard to his old house in the city.

'I guess it is home for now.' He half grinned. It was by far better than nothing, and he was thankful to have it. Joseph found his clothes folded by the door and came inside. In their makeshift bed, he could see a figure laid back and resting. The feline's ears perked up hearing him enter.

"You're back." Chiba's face lit up, but her eyes settled on his loincloth. "What are you wearing?" The lioness held back a laugh.

"Oh. Uh..." Joseph forgot that the funny garment was the only thing covering his body. "I had to wear it so my clothes wouldn't get dirty." He defended the odd Qahtani wear and set his good clothes beside the bed.

"I thought I saw a few males wearing something like that, but I didn't think you would wear it." The lioness wiggled her nose. "Did you get your clothes by the entrance? One of the ladies washed them for you."

"Yep. I'll have to thank whoever she was."

"How was working in the wet fields?" She asked next.

"Back breaking." He admitted and knelt at her bedside with a deep sigh. "How's the wrist?" He rested a hand on her white furred tummy.

"The same." She glanced at the afflicted limb. "It's hard trying not to move the darn thing." The lioness sighed as his hand consoling rubbed over her front. Waiting a week for it to heal would be a lot easier than roughing it in the swamp.

"So what did you do today?" He asked.

"I stayed with a few mothers in the middle of the village. I helped look after a few rowdy kids since I couldn't weave. My roar is intimidating though... It reminded me of home when I was little." She half grinned. Joseph nodded while his hand aimlessly wandered over her front. "My breasts are tender." She frowned when he bumped into one.

"How's this?" He carefully rubbed her nipple and areola instead.

"Mm..." She purred contently. "Much better." Her tail's tip tapped him. Joseph felt the feline's fleshy nub harden under his touch. The lioness softly hummed to herself. "Ahh. That feels nice." She hummed and shifted as his other hand tended to her other breast as well. The lion's breaths became heavier.

"Remember what we did in the swamp?" Chiba turned her head and looked at him.

"Yeah..." He traced circles on her sensitive skin. Her arm reached around his back with her good hand, and pulled him a little closer.

"I want to do that again." Her breath teased his skin. The human quietly agreed. "But I can't do much with my wrist." She started to sit up, but a hand stopped her.

"Then allow me." He kindly offered and slipped into the bed. Chiba grinned and spread her legs as the human situated himself between them. Joseph suddenly grumbled and pried at the temporary loincloth that he wore for the day.

"What's wrong?" Chiba looked at him with concern. Joseph sighed when he finally yanked the tight fitting garment off and let his member spring into view.

"I'm already hard as a rock." He half grinned feeling his member twitch. She gave a predatory grin seeing his prominent arousal.

"Hmmmrrr." The lioness purred. "That's because you're with me." Chiba gently brought a hand around his back. Their mouths joined in a sensual kiss while the crickets chirred in their vibrant melodies outside. The human and lioness had their own melodies to create for the night.

Chapter XX - A New Beginning

The early morning sun shined warmly across the little farming village. Joseph was patiently standing outside of a hut. Puddles were scattered throughout the village, resembling tiny lakes.

'They don't call it the rainy season for nothing...' Joseph thought to himself and stretched his back. A hint of soreness still lingered. The rain provided a long break from the had labor that the fields required. But despite the excessive amount of rainfall the past few days, the sky was free of clouds today. Not too far away, the human could see a few male tigers heading into the fields, accompanied by their sons. An old mother was singing a song as her young adult son left to go work.

My son, you have grown up!

No longer an infant,

you stroll to the fields.

I feel tears reach my cheeks...

A closer sound drew his attention away from them. Chiba emerged from the simple dwelling, dressed in clean robes. "You have our pack?" Joseph asked.

"Yep." The lioness lifted it with ease using her hand. The Qahtani doctor was correct. In a mere week Chiba's wrist was perfectly healed, as if nothing had happened to her.

"I'm sad to see you both leave!" Tonsu approached them. "We will miss your work in the fields Joseph."

"My back begs to differ." Joseph mentioned, receiving a laugh from the tiger.

"And all of the ladies, young and old will miss your company Chiba." Tonsu added.

"Their stories were fun to listen to."

"And the children were very wary of you." The tiger added. She grinned with a little hint of pride.

"It won't take long to reach the city, right?" Joseph asked.

"That's right. Even if it rains you should get there in a few days. Sur is a good place. There are more opportunities than a farming village like ours."

"Will it rain a lot there?" Joseph asked.

"Not as much as it does here." The tiger reassured him before offering a hand. "The whole village will miss you two. Please return if fate allows you."

"Thanks for everything." Joseph accepted and nodded with a smile.

"Thank you for helping us." Chiba shook his hand.

"Take care!" As soon as they turned to leave, Tonsu patted their backs. "At least you two won't keep me up at night again." He chuckled.

"Oh." Joseph felt his face turn a shade of red, but Chiba kept a happy smile.

"Thank you for all of your help." The lioness said once more.

"Look out for that puddle." Chiba warned.

"Oh?" Joseph paused in mid step. Looking down, he stared at a watery image of himself, barely the size of a plate. "Ah. Thank you." He sidestepped the little trap. Rain wasn't as constant as it had been in the Qahtani village, but it was still very surprising for the desert born pair. The creeks and small waterways they had followed since departing from the village had grown and merged into a small river, eventually emptying into a lake. The body of fresh water stretched out beside them, surrounded completely by greenery. Small cottage homes dotted the visible lakeside. The vines and orderly trees of orchards dominated much of the landscape, but they weren't very busy yet. Lightly dressed workers were scrounging around the roots, picking pesky weeds, or inspecting vines and branches. The harvest was a while away, but the budding fruits of the farmers' labors was already visible. Farms of wheat and pastureland took up any remaining space that was leftover.It seemed that every inch of ground that could be cultivated was in use, and Joseph loved the sights.

'A plentiful land like this is something used to dream about.' He thought to himself.

"Stop staring." A rough tug brought Joseph back to the dirt road he was on. "We're almost there." Chiba told him.

"You're right. You're right." Joseph said as they continued along the dirt road, ascending a low hill. They approached a stone building not far ahead. The structure appeared to be an old, run down tower with the entire top missing. Rubble littered patches of green grass in the ground. However, its former purpose had been completely lost. A little tiger kid was playing around one side, pretending to attack one wall with a stick. Another young kid was playing in the dirt while an adolescent took a nap in the tower's shadow.

'Playing with no care in the world.' Joseph thought to himself as one of the tiger children watched them walk by. Turning his head, he was greeted by an entirely new sight. Laid out before them, a vast amount of buildings covered the low lying plain. They had reached Sur! Their latest journey had only lasted three days. It was the shortest and easiest, but not without inconveniences. Sleeping in the open wasn't something they could always do, because the weather wasn't cooperative.

"Let's go." Chiba waved at Joseph. She was already several steps ahead of the human. Holding onto their small pack of supplies, he quickly crusher up with the lioness. Excitement passed through his veins as they reached the first buildings and larger groups of people. The port town was small compared to the massive city of Al Lishbunah, but plenty of buildings were vertical in height. Houses where more than one family loved were commonly built as two or even three storied buildings. Minarets reached above the rooftops towards the sky. Madrasahs were not as grand as Al Lishbunah, nor were they as plentiful. Public wells were in use, and colorful awnings created shade alongside buildings.

Passing through the lightly crowded streets, all of the sights felt old and new at the same time. A small group of farmers were arguing with a merchant over the sale of valuable sugarcane. The bickering was starting to attract a few cheetah guards armed at their hips with scimitars. Across the incident, a group of ladies dressed in shawls were carrying jugs and buckets of water on the ends of long poles, chattering as they walked. Further away, he could see a pair of camels blindfolded and attached to a mill. Walking in a circle, they powered the large grinding machine. Many sacks of grain had yet to be pulverized. Joseph looked around, but didn't see a raised platform.

"I am half expecting to buy you again." He admitted.

"Don't count on that." She replied as they walked down a narrow street. The street held several vendors under the shade of a tall building. Bright fabrics were neatly folded and stacked. Straw mats, pottery, and other goods ranging from spoons to spices were also being sold. Vendors who weren't catching any buyers for the moment were seated in entryway's reading books or playing with dice. The playful and relaxed moods were a welcome sight to the lioness and human. At the end of the narrow market street some people were plainly clothed, guarding doorways with spears. They could've been slaves, servants, or hired to protect someone. Cutting across another street, they entered a different market.

"The smells are different." Joseph covered his nose. Fishmongers were cutting fresh catches with bulky knives while others waved tasseled rags to prevent numerous buzzing flies from landing on their fish. The incessant buzzing created a different noise above the chatter of voices around them. They quickly passed through only for Joseph to stop.

"What's wrong?" Chiba asked. Between a pair of two story houses, he could see a shaded walkway of stone leading to a wall of palm trees. A sandy pathway was evident, leading through the trees. He inched closer and looked at the thick cluster, unable to see through it.

"Look at all of those trees." Joseph remarked.

"If you're going down that pathway, then just say so." Chiba plainly spoke. The human gave her a look before going down the empty alley. Both houses appeared rich, but Joseph entered the pathway and followed the dappled sunlight. The sand felt familiar beneath his steps. They suddenly emerged from the little trail of palm trees and onto a short stretch of sandy beach. Directly before them was a vast body of water stretching to the eastern horizon. The deep blue glistened with distant boats fishing in its waters, maritime birds circling overheard. Directly before them, the soft roar of the sea's salty waves quietly crashed ashore. The frothy white lingered in the wet sand until another wave washed ashore. Tiny crabs scurried into their burrows as the pair approached.

"It's beautiful." The human finally said with a bright smile.

"You would say that." Chiba's tail swaying behind her. "But you are right." her golden faze stared alongside his. Leaving only their steps behind in the sand, they walked back through the pathway of palm trees. Returning to the streets, neither said a word. They paused by a corner of a building along a busy street, and watched people going about their day.

"We made it to the city... again." Joseph said with a little disbelief. Chiba folded her arms and gave a nod.

"Now what should we-" They spoke in unison and turned to face each other. Chiba half grinned and looked at him.

"We're on the correct path to another chance." Joseph looked forward to it.

"Then please lead us down this path." Chiba folded her arms expectedly.

"I can't guarantee anything. Let's see..." Joseph looked around the not too busy street where a figure standing nearby caught his immediate attention. Wearing light blue and white robes was a feline of high stature. "Uh oh. Chiba, it's a lion." Joseph easily identified a bushy mane. For a brief moment neither moved, unsure of what they should do. But the lion's familiarity dumbfounded him.

"What the... Nehru?" Joseph recognized the whiter furred lion who was a veteran member of the Emir's Safaviyya. The lion's ear flickered at the human's voice. His gaze rested on Joseph.

"Joseph!" The lion's mouth gaped open in shock

"You're alive!" The human motioned his hands, unable to say anything more.

"You're alive!" He replied with equal excitement. They grasped each other by the arms and for a short moment both were excited smiles.

"Why is there so much yelling out here?" A familiar female voice interrupted the reunion. Looking behind the lion, Joseph recognized the Emir's wife, the buxom white tigress Bashira. The translucent green silk she was wearing barely contained her busty chest.

"Joseph!" She gawked at the human.

"Why are you two here?!"

"We should be asking you the same!" Bashira couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"This is unbelievable." He rubbed his eyes as if to wake himself from a dream, but the two felines were still standing before him. "Where's your husband? Is he still locked up in Al Lishbunah?" He realized that the leopard was nowhere to be seen.

"Thankfully no. He managed to flee with some help." She gave an elated smile. "I received a few letters, and I know that he is safe."

"That is a relief. What about the city?" He asked, but the feline's smile faded.

"The city and much of the coast is still under crusader and Kakuyid occupation. There are still small areas not under their control."

"Who exactly are the crusaders?" Joseph hadn't been able to ask the question since fleeing the city of Al Lishbunah. "I asked a merchant and he told me that they are from across the sea, but did they just conquer a city for no reason?"

"Maybe." Nehru shrugged.

"It is hard for us to understand, because we know so little about what was going on beforehand." Bashira tried to explain. "Most of the cities and towns where the merchants are from are fiercely independent."

"Yes. I have heard that." Joseph nodded.

"By comparison, the Emir ruled over a large area with alliances, so each area had a large degree of autonomy. However, the land where the crusaders are from is controlled by one person, a king. That person controls everything through advisors."

"So that person decided to invade the city and coastline?" Joseph guessed.

"I wish I had a better answer, but yes." Bashira gave a nod.

"Enough talk about all them." Nehru ruffled his mane. "How long have you two been here?"

"An hour? We just arrived from a village in the Land of Hot Lakes."

"We..." The lion blinked."Ah, my apologies ma'am." Nehru noticed Chiba quietly standing by herself. "It's good to see that you are alive and well, although I am not surprised to see that you're still with Joseph."

"Thank you. It would've been impossible for either of us to survive alone."

"It's true." Joseph quickly agreed. "I'm very lucky to have Chiba." He took ahold of the lioness's hand. "But we need work of some sort... We've been through a lot."

"And a place to stay." Chiba added.

"Let's start with a home." Nehru grinned.

"That's easy." Bashira waved a hand. "We have a floor of a multi story building that you two can share."

"An entire building?" Joseph and Chiba were surprised.

"Sure." The tigress smiled.

"Is there any work for me that either of you know about?" Joseph asked next.

"Hmm..." Bashira hummed in thought. "I'll see if I can find something a little more decent for you." She promised and placed a hand on his shoulder. "First, come eat with us. Then we can talk about everything."

"Thank you." Chiba grinned.

"We appreciate it." Joseph agreed.

"Follow me." She waved with a hand. "Nehru has never cooked before. He thinks a loaf of bread grows on trees." The tigress looked over her shoulder.

"That's a slight exaggeration." The lion didn't find it as humorous. They entered a street where entry of food vendors resided. Delicious smells delighted the human's nose. All sorts of various foods were being prepared by the street vendors. A bowyer was sitting underneath an awning, busily working amongst the noise and cooks.

'I wonder if all this noise and cooking is making him hungry too.' Joseph watched Bashira and Nehru pick out several things to eat.

"Joseph." There was a tug on his robe. "I recognize Nehru, but who is the white tigress?"

"That's Bashira. She is the Emir's wife."

"Oh." The lioness realized.

"Please follow us." They heard Bashira waved for two cooks to follow them. "Come on. They are delivering the food to my home." Chiba and Joseph eagerly followed the two cooks catering for them. Bashira and Nehru took them to a three story building constructed of heavy brick. "Place the trays in the main carpet." The tigress ushered everyone inside. The home was basic with a large enough main room connecting to two other rooms, likely a place to cook and a place to sleep. There were no luxury items decorating the humble space.

"Thank you." Nehru paid both cooks.

"Welcome to my little home away from home." Bashira smiled. It was very. It was modest compared to the palace she once inhabited. "But let's eat first." They all gathered at the main carpet. There was a wide array of foods for them to eat, and he didn't know where to start. Once seated, Joseph had plenty of questions to ask them. His curiosity rivaled his appetite.

"How did you two manage to escape?" Joseph blurted out. "We last saw you," he pointed at Nehru, "at the gate being taken away from Chiba and me."

"I remember that! The Kakuyids treated me roughly, but they they realized that I was a member of the Emir's Safaviyya, they escorted me to my house."

"The same thing happened to us." Joseph eagerly nodded.

"I knew that it would be a bad idea to go to the palace, so I had Marin distract the Kakuyid guard watching over my residence. I escaped my home with what belongings I had left, and met up with Marin by a guarded west gate. I crossed through the gate without question because I was a lion. Although, the human and badger guards were drunk on wine stolen from a cellar." Nehru mused. "I traveled to the small coastal town of Ribat, the same beautiful place that I wanted you to go to after your term expired." The lion remembered. "The crusaders had passed through the town without even leaving a small garrison. I was fortunate enough to pay a fisherman a handsome sum of money to sail me along the entire coast to Sur. that's how I made it here."

"Where is Marin?" He didn't see the black furred domestic cat.

"I sent him to the fish market earlier, but he just might be enjoying some peace and quiet by the docks or beach." The lion didn't seem upset in the slightest.

"What about you?" Joseph looked at Bashira.

"When the crusaders were invading from the sea, I managed to board a small vessel and sail westward. I wanted to stay with my husband but we both knew that terrible things would happen to me if I did. I would wait in smaller coastal cities until word of approaching armies reached where I was. After running out of places nearby to hide I sailed for Sur."

"I wish I was smart and brave enough to leave early like you two did." Joseph admitted. "You wouldn't believe how we managed to travel from Al Lishbunah to here." Both felines looked at them, curiosity clearly piqued.

"You might believe we are ghosts." Chiba offhandedly mused.

"Well, know I want to know what happened." Nehru admitted.

"Basically, Bulus is acting as Emir right now." Joseph said much to their disgust. "He controls the city with the crusaders."

"That's a shaky alliance." Bashira spoke up.

"I don't imagine that lasting very long, but that means more fighting within the city." Nehru nodded.

"Yeah. He required all members of the Safaviyya to assemble for a council, and basically agree to whatever he demanded. There were always plenty of lions standing around. Day by day people began disappearing, either to escape or they had already been banished. I snuck through the palace one day and found a caracal guarding an odd door, so I bribed him to take me to the Emir."

"I cannot believe that you bribed someone." Nehru blew a surprised sigh.

"I found him locked away in a makeshift cell, and he told me to flee as soon as I could to the land of Sa. When I was asking around a few old friends for help, one of Bulus's guards brought me to the palace alone. He tried to..." Joseph felt his throat and mouth shut dry. "He... eventually beat me and threw me into the street." He managed to say. All here felines looked at him sympathetically. "Chiba found me and brought me back home. We stayed inside for a day before hiding at the wet nurse and midwife building. After a few days we managed to escape through a gate because the Ghisolfi family bribed a guard."

"Wow. All of that just to escape." Nehru could hardly believe it.

"I can't believe that coward, Bulus, beat you." Bashira frowned. Joseph merely nodded.

"I hope everyone there is still okay." He thought about Sahabah, Rebecca, and their friends as well as the merchants and others he had met.

"After that," Chiba resumed the story after Joseph's traumatic event, "we traveled westward through the desert a few miles from the coast, greener fields, and orchards. We encountered bandits, nomads, and even Bulus's half brother Naran." The lioness told them.

"His half brother?" Bashira was shocked.

"He was in a happy mood and didn't seem to care who we were, so he allowed us to leave. I was scared to death for both of us." Chiba explained. "However, when we reached the land of Sa with a band of nomadic sand cats, the local ruler was stationed in a crowded oasis town. We were taken by guards because I happened to be a lion, and everyone thought I was a spy for the Kakuyids." Chiba crossly spoke. "We could've been executed if Joseph hadn't explained who we were. However, there wasn't much help there for us so we continued our travel westward until we reached the mountains. Several bandits drove us above the foothills, so we had no choice but to cross. We eventually reached the other side and fell into the swamplands... literally." The lioness could easily remember the wet environment.

"From desert to water, huh?" Nehru half grinned.

"We were able to find a villager after wandering around. We stayed in the village, Joseph worked in the fields, for several days before departing for Sur." Chiba concluded their lengthy journey.

"That's impressive." Bashira could only shake her head.

"That's two incredible journeys only months apart." Nehru remarked.

"No more wandering!" Joseph exclaimed and everyone laughed.

"How do you like Sur? It's not as crowded as Al Lishbunah, but it's very beautiful." Bashira asked.

"It is very nice. We came through and saw the beach before walking back here. It's exactly like a smaller version of Al Lishbunah, but are there any wars going on? And will the crusaders come here?"

"Not right now, and the crusaders will not come here." Bashira reassured him.

"What do you mean, not right now?"

"He recently warred with the small city of Qadis to the north. From what I gather it was an easy victory, but no territory changed hands."

"So Sur is a strong country?" Chiba folded her arms.

"Yes. Yes." Bashira nodded. "He has an army that's well trained. If there were any invasions planned the entire country wild be well prepared, especially from what happened to our city."

"But how do you know this?" Chiba pressed the white tigress for an answer.

"Bashira has good relations with the ruling family. That's how she ended up with a three story building to live in." Nehru told them.

"You know the ruling family?" Joseph stared at the tigress.

"Yes." Bashira nodded. "The ruling family here are the Dawla. The leader of the country is Nasir, a fennec, so do not confuse them with any Harsusi from our deserts." She smiled.

"Why aren't you living in his palace if you have good relations with them?"

"That will create trouble, especially if it looks like the Dawla are my refuge. Then the crusaders may have a pretext to attack this city... So you should say that I am technically in hiding."

"This is a good place to... 'hide'." Joseph agreed. Things were always more complex than they seemed.

"Thanks to Bashira, I can live on the second floor." Nehru smiled.

"You have this entire building to use then?" Chiba asked.

"Basically, yes." The tigress nodded. "We are given what else we need by the ruling family. In the meantime we are tying our best to communicate with people back home."

"Has there been any good news since your stay here?"

"Well, my husband escaped. That's good." Bashira acknowledged.

"Even with messages it is difficult to understand what is going on, especially when we can't see or experience it."

"I guess we will wait and see." Joseph nodded and stared at the now empty plates of food. "Oh. And thanks for the meal. It's been a long time since we've eaten anything this good." He thanked them. Chiba nodded in agreement.

"Of course! This has turned into an exciting day." The tigress spoke.

"It has been a long day..." Nehru yawned.

"Don't yawn like that." Bashira frowned. "You haven't done anything today."

"Sorry." He covered his mouth. "Marin is probably wandering around, searching for me." Nehru stretched and stood up. "I need to go find him."

"I'm glad that we ran into each other again." Joseph rose from his seat.

"I'm happy that both of you are safe." The lion shook his hand.

"I should say the same thing about you." Joseph remarked.

"We'll talk again shortly." Nehru said before leaving.

"Now, about a place for your two to stay..." The tigress waved them over to a door by the room's corner. Opening it revealed a wall and an ascending narrow stairway. Bashira led them upstairs and past a door that led to Nehru's home on the second floor. "It isn't much, but it is better than living in the street." She climbed another flight of stairs to the third floor. They paused at the top floor.

"I can't believe that you're the first person Joseph bought at the slave market." Bashira remarked about the lioness. "There was another, a mouse you told me about."

"I was shocked." Chiba grinned at Joseph.

"Yes. The mouse is Sahabah, and I did buy Chiba. I don't think I ever explained the whole story about her."

"You don't have to." Bashira waved a hand. "You're very beautiful Chiba. I'm glad Joseph has someone like you to rely on."

"Thank you. His eyes tend to wander..." She plainly spoke much to the tigress's amusement.

"Hey-!" Joseph didn't like it.

"But, he saved my life and sleeps better in my arms than anyone else's." Chiba promised.

"That should keep him by your side." Bashira remarked teasingly. "Oh, Joseph... I'm so sorry to hear what happened to you." She softly sighed and hugged him. "Well, both of you, really. I never would've imagined seeing you again... after all that's happened."

"Thank you." He appreciated the warmth and empathy she showed him.

"And it's finally nice to meet you Chiba. If you need anything then Nehru is on the second floor, but if you really need something then you know that I am on the first floor." The tigress smiled.

"Thank you."

"You two take care. Sleep well tonight." Bashira bade them farewell for the day. Joseph and Chiba entered the third floor home. The late evening sunlight illuminated the simple, yet sturdy third floor. The main room was empty except for a pair of reed woven mats on the floor. Starting from nothing wasn't a big concern for the pair this time.

"You have good friends, Joseph." Chiba mentioned.

"I am glad they are my friends... Here's what we have left from the city." Joseph set their meager pack of supplies that endured the entire journey across the desert with them. He set aside the food they had remaining, Chiba's knife, and other small items. The last trick was revealing a hidden stash of silver coins tightly packed within brought a sense of relief to the pair.

"You did much better arriving in this city." Chiba mentioned.

"We did." He agreed as the lioness patted his back. "This is much better than sleeping under a bush." Joseph walked around, touching the adobe walls. A partial dividing wall separated the main front room from the bedroom. There was also a small space to walk onto outside to cook or hang laundry. Inside the other room, a bed similar to one they had in Al Lishbunah rested against the wall. But this time, two people would be sleeping in it together. Chiba quietly sat on the edge of the bed, staring out a window. The side of a tall building was close, and blocked some of their view. However, they could see part of the sea stretching out to the horizon through the scenic high view.

"I am willing to bet we have beautiful sunrises." Joseph guessed as he sat beside the quiet lioness. Her gaze didn't waver from the open window. "Is something wrong?" He noticed her unusual silence.

"I'm wondering how we survived such a journey." Chiba told him. "It was much farther and more dangerous than traveling from Fez to Al Lishbunah." Joseph reached over and took ahold of her hand. The warm pads felt nice against his skin.

"I think it is because we were together. We didn't travel together to Al Lishbunah." He remembered very clearly. "It took me several weeks, and I had to spend time at La Selva working."

"I'm sorry for leaving you like that." She closed her eyes and tightly held his hand. The anger he once held against her had long been extinguished like a candle.

"I forgive you." He quietly spoke. "Just promise that you won't leave me a second time."

"Mhm." The lioness nodded firmly and rubbed her eyes. Joseph patted and rubbed her arm while she collected her thoughts. "But still, even after everything we have been through, it doesn't seem possible that we should have survived to this city." She had a point, but neither had much time to dwell on the matter.

"Who knows? Nothing is certain, so maybe all of this is fate." The human guessed and looked out the window alongside her.

The bright late morning sunshine wasn't marred by a single cloud in the blue sky. Bright and sunny, the afternoon heat was hours from settling upon the city of Sur. even then, an ocean breeze could keep the heat at bay. The scenes a lot he street were typical for a city. Servants and youngsters were fetching water from local wells. Activity inside homes was easy to hear for a passerby from an open window. Among the wider streets shop owners were setting up their wares and goods for sale beneath colorful awnings. The distant sounds of a ship being loaded and a creaking mast were quiet as they echoed to more distant streets of the city. Despite the activity it wasn't crowded at all. There was enough space for a mounted guard carrying a long spear to ease down the street.

After passing under a large stone archway, Joseph stopped and looked around. To his left were a row of tall buildings nestled along several palm trees. The tops of two minarets reaching higher were visible behind them. To his immediate right was a small building constructed of stone. Plants were growing all around in a neat little urban garden. Trailing vines of deep green ivy crept up the building's walls, shaded by tall palms. Under the sun various flowers of many colors grew along orderly rows. Just behind the building was the beginning of the royal family's palace complex that bordered the sea.

'That's the place.' Joseph concluded. He approached the small stone building where a male jackal was present. Likely a slave or servant, he was plainly dressed in red and cream colored robes, as well as a red pair of baggy pants. Cradling a jar in his hands like an infant, he was carefully watering the two rows of flowers bordering each side of the clean brick pathway. A pair of little birds hopping along the brick were quick to evade the approaching human. The jackal took notice.

"Hello. Who are you?" The canine quietly asked.

"My name is Joseph. A tigress by the name of Bashira told me that there would be work for me here."

"Follow me." The quiet jackal set aside his water pitcher and wiped his hands dry on his robes. Joseph followed him through the garden's brick pathway and around the house. In the back was a small pond, but they walked past it. The jackal took him to a guarded archway hidden from the street where two armed guards, a leopard and tiger, stood watch. Joseph noticed a third sleeping against a wall. They didn't say a word as Joseph and the gardener passed through. They were entering a courtyard inside the royal family's palace complex. Surrounded by lavish living quarters, halls, and other buildings, the courtyard was a large garden completely devoted to nature. Various trees, herbs, and flowers were organized with ponds and low stone walls. However, the peaceful area was closely guarded. A short tower with crenellations stood mightily behind a simple wall connecting two large buildings. Joseph could see a pair of archers perched above, keeping watch.

The human was taken to a red door with an iron handle. He was promptly led inside to a short hallway where noisy echoes filled his ears. The jackal paid no attention to the sudden lack of quietness. The floor of heavy stones was warm, and after entering the first large room it was easy to see why. They passed through a large kitchen bustling with activity. Pattering feet on the large tiled floors was scarcely heard above the cooking.

Large cauldrons of broth and stew were simmering above fires. A female mouse and a male rat were stirring one apiece with a large wooden pole. Some were hand washing fruits and vegetables, while others cleaned and prepped large plates.

After crossing am open hall, Joseph and the jackal ascended the steps to a higher level within the palace. Quietness returned as the kitchen's noisy echoes dissipated below them. They passed a short mouse servant carrying an empty tray before reaching a wall with a tall door. Beyond the fine door was a beautiful room fit for royalty. Plush cushions rested atop small round carpets on the floor. Scrolls rested on a shelf, and a large wooden table rested in the center of the room. Several colorful headscarves were folded neatly atop it. An entryway to a balcony was concealed by long, bright red colored curtains.

'This makes the old house in Al Lishbunah seem modest.' Joseph thought to himself. He was brought before a leopardess standing patiently beside a final door.

"Fazara." The jackal servant bowed. "This young man is willing to work. He's traveled across many deserts, escaping many dangers, before arriving in this city." The jackal explained.

'How does he know that?' Joseph wondered as he continued talking.

"He was also educated in Al Lishbunah."

"Thank you. You may go Ishad." The female waved him away. He quickly bowed and exited the room, leaving Joseph with the feline. Her sharp eyes settled on the human. "I have been expecting you. What is your name?" She asked.

"It is Joseph."

"I am Fazara." She curtly nodded.

"What work will you consider for me?"

"You will not be working for me." The leopardess told Joseph, much to his surprise. "You will be working for the Lady Xhosa, daughter of our ruler, Nasir Dawla." She opened the door behind her. Stepping through the doorway, the inside was even more magnificent than the previous room. Round cushions we're stacked against one wall, beside a small reclining seat. Long, beautifully crafted carpets were stretched out alongside one another, covering the floors. A large washing bowl of silver was beside a large open screen window that was temporarily covered by large silk drapes. Burning incense gave the entire room a rich smell or luxury. A canopy bed full of rich silks, thin cotton sheets, and specially made pillows was situated against the back wall. Rich red silk blinds long enough to graced the cooler floor were wide open. Within the little palace of comfort rested a vulpine figure. The youthful petite fennec was sprawled out in her luxurious bed, sheets ruffled messily, not even covering her beautiful naked form. Large ears perked up hearing unexpected visitors. She gave a long, accentuated stretch and sat up. Her muzzle cracked open in a rejuvenated yawn.

"Good morning. Good morning." She spoke politely despite her very casual appearance. The feline at Joseph's side stiffened in shock.

"My lady!" The leopardess rushed to the beside. "You should cover yourself in front of a strange male!" She pulled a sheet to hide the fennec's entire front, but it fell into the fennec's lap leaving her petite chest completely visible in the late morning sun.

"Don't worry, he seems like a nice person." She looked at Joseph as her muzzle curled into a cute grin.

"Um... Hello." He managed to wave and curtly nod.

"What is your name?"

"It's Joseph, miss." Joseph answered. The leopardess whipped around to face him. Her eyes possessed the heated anger of a dozen suns.

"Outside. Now." The leopardess walked towards him and growled. Joseph was quick to leave the fennec's bedroom. As soon as the door was shut behind him, the human found himself face to face with an angry feline. "Listen." The leopardess pushed him against the stone wall. She bared her teeth at him. "First, you address her as Lady Xhosa respectfully. Second, if you try anything funny with Lady Xhosa, I will personally see to your expulsion." Her growl was a direct threat.

"Ok! I understand!" He quickly spoke, knowing that it would be best to avoid fighting back. Thankfully, she released him and stepped back.

"Wait right here. I will tell you when you can enter." The leopardess retreated into the bedroom and closed the door. After the soft thud, Joseph found himself alone.

'She is worse than Chiba.' He sighed and dusted his back. The lioness was normally stern, but she rarely used her strength at all unless it was absolutely necessary. After several moments of idly standing the door opened once again.

"You may come inside again." She politely held the door open for him. The human quickly stepped inside once more and found the fennec standing up. This time she was completely dressed in a lavish long sleeve shirt, a dress likely made of silk, and a bright orange sash tied around her waist.

"Hello again." The fennec vixen smiled.

"Ahem." The leopardess cleared her throat. "Lady Xhosa, this is Joseph, and he will be working for us."

"Hmm... What will he do?"

"I haven't decided yet." Fazara answered. The fennec lightly swung her feet in thought for a minute.

"Since Joseph is going to be working with us, I want you to spend the afternoon with him, miss." The fennec requested. "Hmm... I think the bathhouse will be nice for you two."

"A bathhouse?" Joseph questioned. The leopardess whipped her head around. The human held his breath as she briefly glared at him.

"Thank you, my lady. We will go right now." The feline bowed. Joseph quickly found himself being led through the palace complex and onto the streets. The human didn't say anything as he followed Fazara through the wide streets.

'She isn't going to take me there, is she?' He wondered and glanced around the buildings that they passed. There were plenty of places in his mind that they could go to: the docks, beachside, or even the garden he walked through earlier. The leopardess took him to a particular large building that stood out among the taller, narrow buildings. There were several people outside, usually in pairs or little groups talking. Whether it was friends meeting to chat, or merchants discussing recent news, everyone desired to socialize.

"Haha!" A boisterous laugh echoed nearby. "You would think he could gamble without a loss!" A pair of humans joked about a recent game of betting.

"If I can't get enough grain on a vessel next spring, I'll be ruined." Nearby, a male leopard held his head in two hands. The grim look on his face spoke volumes of his troubles as a friend tried consoling him.

"This is the bathhouse?" Joseph was still unsure about going inside with her.

"Yes. A bathhouse." The leopardess concluded with an equal lack of enthusiasm. "Follow me."

"Are we both going in?" He was hesitant to follow her at first.

"Yes. Our port town is small and crowded, so our only large bathhouse accepts both males and females at all times of day." Fazara quickly led him through the entryway. Two large checkered screens of wood prevented onlookers from seeing inside; but beyond that, the small space was humid and crowded. In a large open room directly beside the bath, males and females alike were half naked or completely naked, seated or standing while talking as if they were still dressed. Despite the obvious nudity, the bathhouse resembled the atmosphere of a normal city street. Many adults were gossiping with family or friends; adolescents were flirting; and children sought to play games despite the ever watching eyes of parents or caretakers. Standing at the walls, a handful of slaves or personal servants were watching after belongings so their masters may bathe without worry of thieves.

"I'll find us a spot..." Fazara weaved through the scattered groups of people with Joseph in tow. A fully dressed male red fox was talking to a naked female lynx seated on a bench, possibly his wife but more likely a female caretaker, wearing only a towel cross her lap. Her arms were protectively holding a young fox child standing between her legs.

"Make sure Danahu doesn't skip going to his lessons anymore."

"Yes, sir." The lynx nodded. Joseph caught the tidbit of their conversations as they passed by. Fazara walked with him to one of the empty niches in the wall closest to the water where it was a little less crowded. Privacy was valuable in a tightly packed urban environment where strangers could see every intimate detail of one's body. In one of the baths, Joseph saw an odd sight towards the back wall. A dhole servant, still clothed, was holding a lengthy pole with rings attached to a curtain that reached the water with plenty of length to spare. Underwater he could make out paws of an unknown figure whose shady silhouette was visible behind the curtain. A female red vixen servant was patiently kneeling within reach, towelettes and aromatic smelling items in hand.

"What is that?" The Fez native human couldn't understand what he was looking at. Merely glancing over, Fazara knew the answer immediately.

"That's a wealthy person bathing behind a silk screen." She answered. "They do that for privacy."

'I understand why Chiba preferred taking a bath at the house now.' Joseph thought to himself. Fazara didn't pay much attention to the human's observant eyes and began disrobing. The leopardess pulled her clothes over her head without much bravado, revealing a pair of nicely rounded breasts. The spots on her sides encroached over much of her creamy white front. She untied the lengthy dress piece around her waist and stepped away cleanly naked with the garment in hand. The pretty spotty feline build was very sleek and balanced, but sensually feminine from her well rounded chest. Setting her clothes aside, she noticed his eyes were on her.

"Stare all you want." She quietly mocked him. "It's better than your eyes prying through the fur of my lady's." Fazara turned around flicked her tail at him. Her pretty spotted back waited for him to undress. Quickly following suit, Joseph followed her into the bath. The warm water reminded him of the hot spring in the Qahtani village.

"I've seen plenty of naked ladies before. I'm not interested in staring at you or 'your fair lady'." Joseph sank to his neck in the warm water. The hot steam relaxed him.

"Sure..." The feline tersely replied and washed over her arms and chest.

"You remind me of someone I know..." He instantly thought about Chiba.

"What kind of person are you?" The leopardess asked with a glaring eye.

"I don't know." He shrugged. "But I am basically married to someone who is a lot like you." Joseph admitted before washing his face. His fingers preened and rubbed throughout his skin. Feeling the greasy and dirty sensations leave his nose and cheeks first brought a sense of humble satisfaction to the human. "You're very protective, but keep things to yourself. You're suspicious before trusting someone you don't know." The leopardess didn't say anything. A spotted arm emerged from the water and rested on the floor. Propping her head on a hand, she concentrated silently. Joseph glanced around at the busy baths, waiting for what she would say.

'She might just turn me away.' The human didn't think that they would get along very well, let alone with Lady Xhosa. The noises within the bathhouse never ceased during their pause.

"I think you can teach her as a personal tutor." She finally said.

"A tutor?" Joseph wasn't sure if the watery noises around them caused him to mishear.

"Not an elementary teacher on the street who works another job, but a private tutor who can give her an education beyond the basics." The leopardess explained. "You've traveled to many different places, so I believe you have many valuables lessons to teach."

"Aren't you her tutor in some way?"

"Hah. I am not her tutor." For the first time, the feline lady smiled, albeit briefly. "I make sure everything runs smoothly for her, whether it's cooking the foods she wants, housekeeping, arranging a trip through town, preparing her for specific duties, or anything else. I don't have the means to teach her, but you seem easy going like Lady Xhosa."

"What exactly do you want me to teach her?"

"Where are all of the places you have been?" She asked.

"Hm..." The human thought of where to start. "Well, I grew up in a semi arid, but poor area called Fez. About one year ago I traveled north through various oasis towns before reaching the coastal city of Al Lishbunah. I managed to work as one of the Emir's Safaviyya for six months before the city was overtaken by crusaders and a tribal group known as the Kakuyids."

"You were part of an Emir's council?"

"Yes. I was more surprised than you are right now." He admitted. "I studied over several scrolls and had help learning all that I could. It paid off just when I ran out of money to eat."

"You could've become a gardener." She mentioned. "Or something like that."

"I don't know much about plants."

"You're very lucky."

"There was clearly some luck, but there was hard work... After the city was overtaken, I fled with someone across the deserts. We crossed mountains and a great marsh before ending up here." He finished telling his recent journeys. The leopardess thought a moment while washing her arms and face.

"So what do you think about being Lady Xhosa's tutor?" She pressed the issue.

"I have not tutored anyone before, but I like the idea. I prefer it to gardening."

"Good." She stated and washed over the rest of her body. After a few minutes, the leopardess stood up. Water dripping from her body, she didn't bother to cover herself. "I'm done. I'll go dry off." She said. Joseph quickly waded after the beautifully spotted leopard, and out of the bath water. They dried off alongside each other with provided towels without any qualms. Without the initial nervousness, the human could look around at the baths decorations.

'This place is much bigger than I expected.' He could see an adjoining outdoor space through a wide opening. Surrounded by tall walls to avoid onlookers, Joseph could glimpse plenty of people in the sunny grass, lounging back as they dried off. Others were playing games, especially the adolescents and kids. Much closer within his sights old statues, centuries old, lined a back wall. Some were worn away from time, but they resembled several species. Columns supporting the entire structure had graffiti written over each surface. At the base of a particular column beside the water he could see a middle aged human woman seated in the baths. Her skin was clean with a faint tan, but without much of its youth. She was beside a fennec of similar age, distinguished by a muzzle ticked with silver. Their breasts were heavy with signs of age, hanging just above the water, but neither seemed to care about their visible signs of aging in the slightest. They were discreetly pointing to a younger female across the baths, whispering with intrigue and interest.

'Gossip.' He thought to himself. 'It is more common than people.' He reached for his clothes. Joseph happened to look over and caught Fazara's gaze darting away. Joseph slipped on his clothes without a word. 'She just saw my back...' He immediately knew. 'I completely forgot about it!' The medicine had healed his skin very well, but the lack of pain made him forgetful of the physical scars. Fazara crossed her arms over her chest and faced him, but didn't meet his gaze.

"My fur needs to dry in the open air. Can you wait for me outside the entrance while I go out here?" She pointed to the side space outdoors.

"Yes." Joseph nodded and they parted ways. Standing outside, the human wondered alone in his thoughts. Despite being refreshed and clean from the bath, he felt vulnerable. 'Fazara saw my back... What did she think?' He worried. Just remembering what happened to him made his skin crawl. The minutes slowly passed by as many people entered and exited the bathhouse. The chatter from groups standing around was mere background noise to him.

"I'm ready." A female voice called out. His head turned and he spotted the leopardess exiting the bathhouse, dried off and fully dressed. Without saying anything, they left the bathhouse together. Walking with her along the streets, there were plenty of urban sights to see, but he wasn't very interested in any of them. Glancing over, he could see her expression deep in thought. He couldn't guess what the stern feline was thinking of.

"Joseph..." She quietly spoke as they walked.

"Yes?" He hesitantly asked

"When Ishad introduced you to me, and spoke of you escaping many dangers, I thought he was exaggerating... but he wasn't..."

"I wish he had been." Joseph frowned. Taking a right, the leopardess walked up a private road and towards a door guarded by an armed Egyptian Mau servant. The palace interior and its grand buildings were plainly visible behind him. Fazara stopped and turned to face him.

"Come here every other day, two hours before noon." She instructed. "Stay with my lady until each lesson is completed. If it is nightfall and you must sleep over, then we will provide a room, clothing, bed, and food for you." Fazara curtly nodded. "Thank you." She turned and walked up to the brick pathway. The Egyptian Mau servant readily opened the door for her. She entered and quickly disappeared. The human felt relief wash over him like a pouring waterfall. A growling stomach made Joseph blink.

'I am hungry.' He quickly returned home.

***

Entering through the door of his third floor home, a warm aroma in the air seized his attention.

"Mmm..." Looking ahead, he spotted Chiba sitting on the floor. There was a nice spread of food laid out in the carpet before her.

"I've been waiting for you." The lioness looked over her shoulder and beckoned him to join her.

"Wow Chiba. This looks very delicious... Did you prepare and cook all of this?" He was suspicious.

"Bashira and Nehru went with me to buy food." She explained. "Or I can eat it all myself if the royal family fed you."

"Nonsense. I'm starving!" The human readily sat down on the woven mat provided.

You weren't gone very long." Chiba mentioned.

"Well, I was gone for the whole afternoon." He shrugged and ate.

"Do you think the royal family will employ you?"

"I believe so." He nodded.

"That's good news. Tell me everything that happened." The lioness was eager to listen.

"I went to a building where a jackal was gardening. I was brought through the garden area, and then a courtyard." He recalled. "It was very beautiful but there was plenty of walls, towers, and guards to keep watch over everything."

"That makes sense." Chiba nodded.

"He took me into a large building where a lot of people were cooking, and then we ended up in a beautiful room that connected to a bedroom. A leopardess was guarding it... She is a lot like you." His eyes briefly widened at the fact.

"How so?"

"Fazara is very protective and not afraid to act. She is stern and detached. Thankfully, she is nowhere near as strong as you are." He sighed with relief.

"You should get along with her very well." Chiba purred.

"Yeah..." Joseph's doubting voice wasn't very confident. "Anyway, she took me into the bedroom of Lady Xhosa."

"Who is that?"

"The princess. The daughter of the ruler, Lady Xhosa... You have to address her as a lady or Fazara will choke you." He informed his wife, much to her amusement. "She was just sitting in bed naked, without a care in the world."

"Sounds like me." Chiba smiled.

"Well, she decided that I had to go to a bathhouse with Fazara, so we could talk and spend time together." He plainly spoke, but hinted at discomfort. Chiba half grinned at what he told her.

"I hope you weren't bashful around her. You've bathed with me before." Chiba purred.

"I wish I was bathing with you instead." He smiled. "But I understand why you don't like bathhouses. The water is relaxing, but there's too many people around."

"We're not from any city. We grew up in arid lands, so bathing in crowded places seems odd to us."

"You're right about that."

"So what happened? Is that it?"

"Well, she wants me to be a tutor for Lady Xhosa."

"That sounds good. Does it pay well?"

"She didn't mention pay yet, but I would imagine so. I have to show up two hours before noon every other day. I should be able to return here after a few hours."

"Good. Anything else happen?"

"Fazara saw my back." He mentioned.

"Oh." The lioness's ears fell back temporarily as her gaze lowered to the food. "What did she say about it?"

"Nothing." Joseph stared at the carpet as well. The silence was brief as his gaze returned to the beautiful lioness seated across from him. "You know... You're as beautiful as when I first met you." He quietly spoke.

"I was laying in front of you, naked." The lioness looked down with a little smile.

"I should've stared at you more." His words are the lion begin to purr.

"Let's clean this up, and then I'll lay naked for you." Chiba promised.

"Deal." He readily agreed.

Chapter XXI - Heaven and Earth

"No."

"Hmm. Was it something else?"

"Yes..." Joseph sighed.

"Can we learn about something else?" Lady Xhosa asked.

"Let me go over this one more time." After more a month of his new work, one thing was clear. Some days were more productive than others. Today was not one of those days. Lady Xhosa had no interest in today's lesson. She was laying on several cushions, idly playing with a half eaten pomegranate and a fig in a silver tray. It was easy to tell that his lesson was boring her.

"Are you listening to me?" Joseph asked.

"What? I am listening." She quickly sat up, only to feel over one of her large ears.

'Right...' He internally sighed. A knock at the door drew their attentions away. The door opened and a young female sand cat entered. Dressed in clean robes, the short feline wasn't poor despite her work position.

"Lady Xhosa, your bath is ready." The servant proclaimed.

"It's time for my bath!" The fennec's mood entirely changed as she excitedly hopped to her paws. She hurried to the door, ending the lesson. The sand cat entered to clean up the food tray.

'At least Fazara approved of my lessons.' He reflected. The leopardess sat with them while he taught Lady Xhosa during the first lessons. Lady Xhosa paused in the doorway and looked back.

"Joseph! You can come with me." She decided, much to his surprise.

"Me? Are you sure?" He gave her a quizzical look.

"Yes! Now hurry up." She darted away. Joseph rose to his feet and brought two wax tablets with him in case.

"She is like a child sometimes..." His words amused the sand cat servant. He followed the fennec across the corridor and then down a flight of stairs. She took him to a separate open courtyard, but it was a large and expansive place. A wide walkway separated two bathing pools, both of which were large enough to swim in. A fountain was in the center of each, spraying water into the air so it could splash quietly back down. The entire space was surrounded by arches and pillars first, and then simple walls which created a roofed walkway around the perimeter. At least two dozen females of different species were lounging around in the nude, bathing, or even swimming. Gossiping in small groups or relaxing alone was common as well. There were Ethiopian wolves, sand cats, Egyptian Maus, fennecs, cheetahs, and even female humans. Carpets were sprawled out to sit on, trays of food were spaced around, servants tended to their every whim, and a musician was playing a lute for their enjoyment. A pair of slaves armed with sturdy poles kept watch in case anything went awry between the females.

"You have a big place to bathe. Who are all of these ladies?" Joseph asked the fennec.

"This isn't where I bathe." She swished her bushy tail. "I have my own bath, and the women here are some of my father's harem. They spend a lot of time here or in the garden." She explained.

'Wow...' He could hardly believe that the ruler had his attentions devoted to each lady during at one moment or another. A particular raccoon lady caught his attention. Sitting alone at the far end of a pool, she was bathing her legs. Her body had a very motherly appearance. She wasn't thin, but healthily thick instead. Her breasts were distended and had a full appearance.

'No. That can't be the same raccoon lady who helped Sahabah.' He thought to himself. The raccoon glanced up at the human, but without a change in expression resumed washing her legs.

"Come on Joseph!" Lady Xhosa called out. The fennec had walked further ahead. Joseph waved for her to slow down and hurried towards her.

"You're fast!"

"Yep." She smiled and went through an open doorway with the human in tow. Joseph emerged into a more private building. Large wooden windows checkered with numerous holes allowed plenty of filtered light inside without allowing any onlookers a single peep. The walls were constructed of soft red colored stone, thick enough to completely block outside noises. In the center was a modestly sized circular bathing pool surrounded by a ring of marble flooring. The amount of work that was required to build the single bathing room, let alone the entire royal complex, was immense.

"Hello, Lady Xhosa." They were greeted by a white furred rat lady who was naked except for a towel in hand. She was tall with slender legs, but wide at the hips and well endowed with a youthful, busty chest.

"Who are you?!" The rat lady hastily covered herself.

"Uh. Joseph." He didn't know what to say.

"It's okay Iulia." The fennec explained. "He's here to teach me." Before anything else was said, Lady Xhosa was already disrobed and wading into the knee deep water.

"You shouldn't bathe in front of a male like this, my lady." The female rat apprehensively kept herself covered.

"Sorry for surprising you like this, miss." He tidied the fennec's piled clothes.

"Who are you?" She demanded to know.

"I am Lady Xhosa's tutor." He explained. The rat lady eyed Joseph for a moment. Seeing that the fennec was ok with Joseph's presence, Iulia set her towel aside and waded into the waist deep water. 'At least she can handle the rambunctious fennec right now for me.' Joseph patiently waited on the stool while the rat lady bathed Lady Xhosa.

'This is much nicer than that bathhouse.' He glanced around the private room. The walls kept echoes to a minimum, and the only noises were from soft splashes and dips of water. The pleasant aromas of oils and fragrances filled the air. Several bars of different colored soaps were organized in a dish close by. The dish itself was made from bronze, and appeared to glow.

'This bench must be made of an expensive foreign wood.' Joseph touched the dark surface. 'I can't even imagine growing up this wealthy.' He thought to himself and returned his gaze to the pair of females. The white furred rat was bent forward, but still standing while she washed the fennec's shoulders and nape. Clearly bored, Lady Xhosa found interest in what was in front of her.

"Why can't I have larger breasts like yours Iulia?" The fennec lightly touched one of the breasts hanging beside her face. Her well endowed chest was more than a handful for the smaller fennec's hands.

"I think I have told you this a dozen times before." The rat playfully chided the fennec, even as her breasts were touched. "It depends on the person. I'm larger and older than you, so they're larger."

"Hmm..." She wiggled her nose with dissatisfaction and returned her hands to her naked lap. Unceasingly curiosity wandering around the room while she was bathed with care. The fennec eyed the human mischievously as an idea formed. A sudden kick from her leg sent water towards Joseph.

"Hey!" The human leaned away, managing to avoid getting wet.

"Come play with me Joseph!" The young fennec cheerfully called out without leaving her seat.

"No thanks!" Joseph couldn't help but smile as he narrowly evaded more splashes by the wall.

"Lady Xhosa, please." Iulia lightly shook her head and returned to the fennec's side.

"I just want him to join us." Her large ears fell back.

"A male bathing with you in here?" The rat eyed Xhosa. "That wouldn't be acceptable." She knelt down in front of the fennec and began washing her legs with the lather of scented oils.

"You should listen to Iulia, Lady Xhosa." Joseph spoke up from his seat along the wall. The fennec stuck her tongue out and sat patiently while the rat lady bathed her legs. 'I am running out of dry places to sit anyway.' The human breathed a sigh of relief. But the peaceful quiet was short lived as Iulia finished bathing Xhosa.

"What are you going to teach me now, Joseph?" The fennec stood up, eager to listen with her big attentive ears. Her fur was still very wet, but she didn't care in the slightest.

"Let's see here..." Joseph looked over the pair of wax tablets he had brought with him. 'Today's lesson didn't work out very well...' He thought.

"Oh!" Lady Xhosa's voice piped up. "Can you tell me a story about your travels across the desert?"

"Well-"

"Please, my lady, let him teach you something more than a simple story." Iulia spoke while she dried the royal fennec. Joseph had to hold back a smile. It was humorous watching the fennec impatiently stand while Iulia, still dripping wet herself, did her best to dry the fennec's fur.

"Tell me one of your stories, Joseph! Please." The fennec pleaded as the white furred rat finished and retrieved another dry towel for herself. In seconds Lady Xhosa was seated before the human on a folded towel.

"Ok. I will think of one." He said, instantly drawing a large smile from the fennec lady. "Let me think for a moment... Hmm... How about a short tale that I heard about fennec women in the desert?"

"Fennec women in the desert?" Lady Xhosa's ears perked up with intrigue. It was the first time all day that her large ears were intently listening to him.

"Yes, I was told by a fennec. The caravan she belonged to saved my life when I was left to die in the desert." He told her about Leila.

"Oh my..." She held her muzzle.

"Listen while I brush you.." Iulia retrieved a pair of finely made combs and sat behind Xhosa. While Joseph spoke, the fennec was brushed and groomed.

"The lady told me that at certain sand dunes there were lost fennec spirits. As ghosts they resided within the dunes, waiting for unsuspecting travelers. When someone came upon them, they would appear like a mirage. Beautiful and naked, they wore sparkling jewelry, little chains with gems attached to their nipples." The fennec's ears and the rat's ears tilted at the sudden change in the story. "When the traveler caught sight of the ghost fennec, she would sway her upper body so the little gems would put him in a trance. Then she would take him into her dune forever..." He finished.

"Iulia! You have to try that." The fennec looked over at the naked rat and laughed.

"I am not attaching jewelry to my nipples to I can lure men with my breasts." She held her breasts and chuckled at the thought. "I'm not living in a sand dune either." She returned to brushing the fennec's fur, which had become very soft and pretty under her care.

"But you only have to sway body." Xhosa tried moving side to side.

"Hold still. Hold still." Iulia dressed the fennec in a fresh set of clothes that had been folded neatly on a nearby stand. Lady Xhosa ran over to another door as soon as Iulia's hands were off her.

"Tell me another story in the garden, Joseph!" The fennec hopped and retrieved a little key from atop an inconspicuous stone ledge.

'She knows where the key to the locked door is...' Joseph wondered how much sneaking around she did.

"Hurry up, Joseph!" She stood by the open door impatiently.

"You two can go." Iulia covered herself behind the door as they left. "I'll lock it again and join you two outside." She promised before closing the door. Joseph heard the mechanism lock behind them. Looking forward, Lady Xhosa was already several steps ahead, reaching up at the branches of a young cork oak tree.

"Don't run ahead of me." Joseph caught up with the eager fennec.

"Do you know any stories about thieves and robbers?" Lady Xhosa crept around a flower bush next.

"Thieves and robbers...?" He thought aloud and followed her into a section of the garden where herbs and small bushes grew. Looking around, he noticed that they weren't the only ones in the area. Beside a row of tall rosemary bushes, Joseph spotted someone sitting in a grassy area. He didn't think much if it, but a lack of fur caught his immediate attention.

'A human.' He caught sight of a woman seated amongst the growth of ferns and herbs. Her skin was a milky white. She was wearing green and golden colored robes, but they were loosened around her arms revealing her stomach and chest. The fact that she was a human didn't surprise him very much, but her age did. 'She is older...' Joseph couldn't guess an exact age, but he assumed that the woman couldn't have children anymore. Her skin did not possess the supple sheen of youthfulness. Faint age spots and blemishes were visible as well. Wrinkles were present along her face while she grinned. Her breasts had a fair amount of sag, and her pale belly was a little pudgy. Her hands were not youthful in appearance, and fingers and arms were plumped from age. Her hair was short and wavy, containing an odd mix of grey and blonde. Behind the woman a younger, fully clothed female cheetah was sitting and rubbing the pudgier human's back. They quietly whispered back and forth to each other. Pretty earrings and bracelets revealed their high status of wealth.

'They must be accustomed to onlookers.' He guessed that they were likely part of the harem too.

"What are you staring at?" Lady Xhosa eagerly peered beside Joseph's shoulder.

"Who are they?" He asked. "Who is the older human lady?" He specifically asked.

"That is Aka. She was one of my wet nurses when I was a little kit."

"A wet nurse? What is she doing here?"

"My father liked her so much that he brought her into his harem." The fennec plainly spoke.

'He likes older women too.' The human kept to himself.

"She also used to tell me a lot of stories when I was little, and Aka tells wonderful tales. The cheetah is a younger harem lady, or a servant... I do not know." She shrugged without much interest.

"I see you over there Lady Xhosa." Aka called from her seat in the short grass. The older woman was looking directly at the pair.

"Hello Aka!" The fennec quickly approached her with Joseph in tow.

"Hi!" The older woman brightly replied with a wave, not at all caring that she was half naked. The cheetah behind her didn't take much notice to them, except for a brief grin. She continued to rub the older woman's bare back with tender care. "I don't see you very often anymore. How have you been?"

'Not often?' Joseph thought to himself. 'The palace is so big that you can't see each other often.' He found the realization surprising.

"I'm okay. We just saw you from over there." The fennec pointed by the flowering bushes.

"Yes, I saw you as well... but who are you with?" Her blue eyes curiously looked at Joseph.

"He is Joseph, my tutor. I'm trying to make him tell me another story." The fennec cutely frowned at him.

"Oh? So you're listening to another storyteller?" She grinned at Joseph, who was staring at her. "I should feel some embarrassment for being half naked in front of strangers," she laughed at the fact that her clothes were in her lap, "but I'm used to it." The woman politely played it off.

"She's very eager to hear a story before anything else." He kindly remarked. "Are you not from Sur?" Joseph guessed. He noticed her pale, milky white skin wasn't typical of most humans living in the warm, usually arid regions.

"No, I'm not." She replied.

"She's from across the sea!" Lady Xhosa interrupted.

"My real name in Anita, but it was changed to Aka when I arrived here. It's a long story if you have the time for it someday." She grinned. "I enjoy telling it."

"Oh! She was a stow away on a ship, gambled with pirates, escaped traps, and hid on a farm too." Lady Xhosa rambled off several things quickly. It sounded like a journey that rivaled his own.

"You seem very happy here." Joseph couldn't help but say.

"Haha, well that's because I am." Anita laughed with a bright smile. "I enjoy being in the gardens, especially when someone is tending to me." She glanced over her shoulder at the female cheetah rubbing her back. "Ah. How time has passed me so quickly." The woman sighed and looked up at Lady Xhosa fondly. "It seems like only yesterday you were here all day." Anita touched one of her hanging breasts. "But you're all grown up into a beautiful young lady now." Her words made the fennec's large ears fall back bashfully. "I hope that you're done growing up! I don't want to think that I'm shrinking." She laughed heartily.

"Haha, I'm done growing Aka." The fennec laughed cheerily.

"I don't want to interrupt your lesions." She reached up and they held hands for a moment. "You take care."

"Mhm. Thank you, Aka!" Lady Xhosa nodded.

"It was nice to meet you Joseph." She held a hand up to him. He reached out and touched her. The woman's hand was soft and warm, but also smooth like a pebble worn by many decades of flowing water.

"It was nice meeting you too." He bade the woman farewell. Walking alongside Lady Xhosa, they went down a pathway bordered by grass, flowering plants and a small pond dotted with lily pads.

'This garden is even more magnificent than the Emir's.' Joseph recalled the leopard's private garden space. 'He would love this place... You wouldn't be the only person enjoying this place in the nude.' He thought about Aka. The entire garden was massive and stretched between every important building within the palace complex. The bright natural colors were everywhere, drawing his eyes to every corner and every leaf of the garden. There were so many, flowers, herbs, grasses, bushes, vines, mosses, and trees everywhere. Everything was naturally beautiful, but the tall trees were used strategically to give the illusion of being in a forest rather than the heart of a crowded urban environment. The trees bordering the building were within arm's reach of several windows and balconies. There were many places to sit and admire the peaceful scenery. It was easy to imagine spending several days within the palace garden.

"Hello? Are you listening to me?" Lady Xhosa caught his attention.

"Ah, sorry. I was looking around." Joseph admitted.

"You were staring at Aka." The fennec giggled.

"Ok..." He felt a hint of embarrassment. "But you like Aka a lot." He mentioned.

"Yes. She's very nice to me." The fennec hummed. "She used to always play with me when I was little."

"I found you two." Iulia appeared from a corner of flowers.

"You appeared like a spirit!" Lady Xhosa laughed.

"Lucky for you I can't lock either if you in a sand dune." She smiled.

"Soooo..." She began. "Are you going to tell me another story?" The fennec turned around and politely asked Joseph.

"Since you keep reminding me... yes." Joseph relented.

"Her whims are her desires, but her desires are also her whims." The rat spoke thoughtfully. The trio walked together between a patch of azaleas and wildflowers.

"Let's see... There was one time when I was with someone in the desert." He started. "We traveled through the desert for days, evading strange loners, marauding lions, and encountering sandstorms. But one day we met a group of Toba felines."

"Toba?"

"Yes. They're a tribe of nomadic sand cats who live in the desert." He explained. "They're very proud of their heritage, and welcomed us to stay with them until we arrived at the next town in the land of Sa." All of the new places and people excited the young fennec. "During nightfall we had settled down together. There was cooking and other normal things going on, but they were also celebrating."

"How do they celebrate?" The fennec's ears dialed out.

"They danced around a fire, sang songs, and beat drums. They can dance very well too. Most of them would dance naked or tie a sash around their waist to trail in the air as they moved. The entire night was fun even as we laid out on blankets to see the stars above. There's nothing like spending a night with friends, even if you're in the desert." Emerging between two old brick walls covered in ivy, they found themselves at the one of the palace buildings.

"The Toba! Tobaaaa." Lady Xhosa skipped and jumped all the way back to her room. Iulia and Joseph were quick to follow her, envying her carefree nature and youthful energy.

'Geography, politics, philosophy, and money.' Joseph thought of a list. 'What is left that I can teach her? Poetry?' He wondered as they found themselves back in the main room.

"I want to go on adventures like Joseph has!" Lady Xhosa beamed a toothy smile of excitement.

"Maybe another day." Iulia said and sat down on a cushion.

"She's full of energy..." Joseph watched her dance.

"The tribal people dance naked!" The fennec's clothes were tossed into the air as she skipped across the room. Joseph and Iulia's eyes widened when she went for the open window overlooking a busy street. The rat lady sprung to her feet, but Joseph was by Xhosa's side first.

"Woah!" He picked up the fennec.

"Hey-!" She protested. "I'm just telling your story."

"I only told you my story, and no one else." He pulled the feisty fennec away from the open balcony.

"Thank you." Iulia whispered a sigh of relief and reclined back. The fennec pouted and clothed herself. Joseph walked around the large table in the center of the room to sit down.

"What is this table for? It's huge." He remarked about the sturdy build.

"It is a valuable table." Iulia pointed at the old wooden surface. "There are tales that it once belonged to king Solomon."

"It must be worth a lot." Joseph was surprised that it was in the young fennec's possession. However, their interest wasn't shared.

"My family and their stupid table..." Lady Xhosa huffed without paying any attention to the old piece of furniture. The fennec's ears dialed in thought.

"You know that table is important to the tradition of your family." Iulia spoke.

"All my dad cares about is tradition." She huffed. "My entire family is like that."

"Everyone is looking out for your best interest." Joseph reassured the fennec.

"I want to have fun! I'm stuck inside this castle palace place all the time." Joseph could only imagine how many times Iulia, Fazara, and the entire palace had heard those complaints.

"I am going to take a nap before dinner." She gave a final dejected sigh and headed into her room. It was an odd sense of calm without having the rambunctious fennec to watch. Looking to his left, he found the rat lady staring at him. She was much more relaxed around the human now. Her robe had completely fallen around her, leaving the female naked for him to see. She was fairly buxom with a slim tummy covered completely in white fur. Her skin was a visibly soft pink that appeared delicate but sensual to the touch. She was very pretty. Joseph caught himself staring and averted his eyes.

"You're nice to help look after and teach Lady Xhosa." Iulia spoke.

"Well, I'm no saint, but thank you." He admitted. "I am being paid."

"Still, you don't have an eye for her like I would expect any male." A grin emerged on her muzzle. "You treat her like a young lady, whether naked or clothed. That's impressive to me."

"Thank you for the praise." Joseph humbly nodded.

"And you treated me that way too." She kindly added. "Do you live within the fortress or palace complex?" Iulia inquired. "I enjoy your company, and I liked the stories you told Lady Xhosa." The white furred rat smiled at him.

"Uh, no. I live in a small home nearby."

"So you come by every day, or something?" She leaned forward with interest. The main door suddenly opened and both looked up as a familiar leopardess walked into the room. The rat folded her arms and composed herself.

"Fazara, you're back." Iulia humbly spoke. The leopardess glanced at the naked rat and the human.

"Iulia, the human is married." She paused by the bedroom's door.

"Are you going to bed?" The rat guessed.

"Yes, but if you two are staying here for a while please don't wake Lady Xhosa." The feline requested before entering the princess's bedroom. The door closed with a quiet clack.

"She sleeps with Lady Xhosa?" Joseph remarked with surprise.

"Yes." Iulia was amused at his reaction. "Fazara will massage Lady Xhosa's arms and legs with perfume before sleeping. She doesn't get out of this palace very much like me since we both serve Lady Xhosa." The rat explained. "From all the time she spends with Lady Xhosa, I wouldn't be surprised if there was something intimate going on." That did make Joseph wonder about how protective the leopardess was towards Xhosa. Maybe they were secretly lovers?

"I don't get to see many people because we are always inside the palace or by Lady Xhosa's side." The white furred rat continued. "Well, other than guards or members of the family, we typically only see a few ladies who clean and prepare food... I don't ever think I've seen a strange male accompanying Lady Xhosa such as yourself."

"I'm only her tutor."

"She said that you were married." Iulia wasn't sure what to make of it.

"I am."

"So... What she meant was-"

"I deeply love someone, but I appreciate you being nice to me." He explained. The rat lady looked away half embarrassed.

"I thought it was too good to be true that Lady Xhosa would have a handsome tutor who is very nice." The female rat admitted with a light blush.

"You're very beautiful, and good natured." Joseph had to admit.

"If you ever wish to touch me while I am bathing, then don't hesitate." She chuckled to herself with a little smile, hinting that it was a promise she wanted to fulfill. "Oh well..." Iulia covered herself with her robes. "I understand. I feel stupid for acting this way."

"No worries. And thank you." Joseph stood up and left the palace room. "Have a good night."

***

Joseph entered his third story home only to find an upset lioness standing before him. The lioness was wearing a thin robe that was more translucent than opaque.

"You were gone all day." Chiba folded her arms. "You know I never assume the best when you work around a lot of women." She couldn't help but admit.

"Sorry. Sorry." He began. "I was gone for a while, but I'm not letting anyone crawl on me... like you do." That made both of them smile.

"As long as you are here safe, then it's alright if a few manage to crawl on you." She softly sighed and unfolded her arms, letting her garment open up a little more. Joseph's head glanced back. He noticed that her breasts and nipples looked a little larger, just enough to catch his attention after a second look. "What are you staring at me for?" Chiba caught his gaze and firmly placed her hands on her hips, but kept her stance open to keep it. The human's brow furrowed.

"I don't know... Something is different?" He wasn't sure.

"What's different?" The lioness feigned innocence, parted her thin robe, and looked herself over. Joseph approached her and stared at the somewhat thicker bud of flesh.

"Here." He pointed. "Are they darker?"

"Mhm." She happily hummed. "Only a little though." Her cheerful answer perplexed the human. He blinked and studied her.

"You're... Fatter?" Joseph blinked in disbelief as his eyes scanned over her naked body again. The changes were so faint, that he wasn't sure if his eyes were playing tricks on him. "But that's not right, it's just here... and your breasts." His hands parted her thin veiled robe, much to her delight. He touched the lioness's small rounded tummy before venturing up to both breasts. She was fairly flat chested, but his hand cupped over each small breast nicely. Both nipples poked against his palms. Her smile only widened as he felt her over.

"I knew you loved touching me there." She gingerly spoke. Joseph eyed her and retracted his hands from the soft mammaries before settling on her hips. Her hands settled atop his own and sweetly held him. He stared at the white furred front in question. The lion's tummy was barely rounder...

'What is she trying to tel me...?' Joseph's mouth parted as his expression blanked. He looked up at Chiba only to find himself at a loss for words.

"You figured it out, didn't you?" A sly grin emerged along her face.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" He contained an ecstatic yell before colliding into her arms for a hug. She embraced him tightly in return. "This is great news!" Joseph smiled and nuzzled her golden furred shoulder. A moment of silence passed between them as the news sunk into his thoughts. "I am so proud... I do want to let go of you." He whispered.

"I wasn't even sure that it was possible since you are a human, and I am a lioness." She shrugged.

"Joseph! What are you yelling about?" A voice interrupted them. It was Bashira's voice from the other side of the front door. The human partially stepped out of their embrace to answer.

"Chiba's pregnant!" His voice boomed. Silence prevailed for a moment.

"Yeah! Joseph!" They heard Nehru roar proudly. Chiba pulled him back into her arms again and licked his cheek.

The early morning sunshine casted it's golden rays and life granting warmth. The golden rays filtered through an open window and into a bedroom where a human and lioness were laying together.

"Hmm..." Joseph began to stir. He breathed deeply and exhaled, smelling only his wife in his arms. Joseph was virtually intertwined together with his wife, Chiba. They were still in bed, having slept in through the early morning. 'Warm.' His eyes blinked awake and found the golden fur of her head and nape. He always relished waking up beside her. His hand traced over the swell of her belly. Several months had passed and Chiba was expecting to give birth soon. The roundness was subtle, reminding Joseph of a full moon. His hand trailed up to her chest, which had changed as well during her pregnancy. He cupped one breast and simply held the soft mass. Her breasts were so soft now, and a little larger. The once light brown rings and nubs of flesh on each had darkened and become more prominent. Both nipples seemed to seek his attention while he lightly played with one.

"Mmm..." A deep female hum stirred awake. A padded hand stretched along Joseph's leg, splaying all of its fingers.

"Morning... Ouch." He felt her claws unsheathed and poke his skin. The lioness grinned and watched his hand lightly play with her.

"Morning." Chiba turned her head to him. "You have that goofy grin on your face." She touched her nose to his. He stared into her golden feline eyes as they shared a sensual kiss. Joseph loved the fuzzy sensation of her lips against his own.

"I have a goofy grin?" He looked at the delighted smile on the feline's face.

"It is because you're rubbing me again while I wake up?" A padded hand brushed over his cheek before resting on his shoulder.

"Of course." Their lips drew together in a second soft kiss. The entangled pair had no desire to separate as hands trailed over skin and fur. "I love you." He pet her ear when their lips finally parted again.

"I love you too." She gazed at him with her golden eyes, wearing a soft heartfelt smile. Joseph sat up and scooted down. "Hmm?" Chiba felt him touch her hips and down her legs to her paws.

"I don't rub you very much down here." Joseph pet over the tops of her paws. "I'm sure they become sore from carrying a child."

"Mm." She grumbled.

"They're a lovely dark chocolate color..." He traced over the main pad.

"Just rub them already!" Chiba shoved both into his lap.

'Sharp as a claw.' Joseph mused and fulfilled her wish. Deep purring filled the quaint room in moments.

"Mmmm." Chiba hummed and purred while his hands diligently, and tenderly worked her stresses away. Her face peeked around her distended belly to watch him.

"I know you like this so much."

"Yes... But... My favorite place is somewhere else." She lifted a leg and showed him her womanhood.

"I'm sure of that." He grinned and continued the relaxing rub on her tired paws. She softly chuckled and watched Joseph until he finished. She sat forward on the edge of the bed. Her distended belly was fully pronounced, as if she had tried smuggling a melon out of Kefir's jail when they first met. Joseph smiled and ran his hand along her front, especially her new curves. He enjoyed the new roundness of her breasts and belly. They gave Chiba a much softer touch, physically and visually. "Are you going to rub my entire body?" She mused with the flick of her tail.

"Hmm... I wouldn't mind that, but I will dress you instead." He offered and immediately jumped out of bed. Chiba watched him pick out a long translucent white silk scarf and return to her. She held her arms up as he tied the long garment behind her neck and criss-crossed it over her chest before securing it around her neck from her back. "There." He grinned at his handiwork.

"It's nice, but what about down here?" She opened her legs.

"Oh." He slyly grinned and retrieved an ankle length blue dress piece. "You can stand up and be seen in public now." He teased as he wrapped it around the lioness's waist

"Thank you." She stood up with his help. The revealing clothing was comfortable for the Kakuyid, and her large belly was open to see. "I'm glad the custom here is to show that you're pregnant like my home." Chiba placed a hand on her tummy. No matter the woman's status, being pregnant deserved some special treatment in Sur.

"Al Lishbunah wasn't much different."

"There, no one cared if you were carrying a child, because there were so many young females who could carry children." Chiba explained. "In Sham a pregnant lady was treated very well."

"I think you're right." He remembered motherhood almost being sacred in some way when he grew up. Joseph took a step back and stared at the lioness perched at the bedside. She was illuminated by sunlight making her fur radiate aglow with golden hues.

"Admiring me?" She half grinned.

"I think motherhood has made you softer." Joseph finally spoke. Chiba bashfully looked away for a brief moment.

"I'm still the same lioness." She curled her fingers, looking at them.

"Are you sure?" He gave her a funny look.

"Yes!" She looked up and laughed, but there was a certain gleam in her eye. "Come here." She tempted him with finger. As soon as he stepped forward, she slipped off the bed and crouched down on the floor. For a split second he thought she was going to pounce and grapple with him. Despite being well into her pregnancy, the lioness was very much as strong as she ever had been, and wasn't afraid to use it. He felt hands rest on his waist. Joseph suddenly realized he hadn't dressed himself yet.

"Ready so soon?" She grinned at the fact he was already half erect.

"Well, I was trying not to poke you when I woke up." He admitted.

"Right in my backside." She knew and leaned forward. Her mouth invitingly opened. In seconds the light roughness of her feline tongue slowly danced and swirled across his flesh, coaxing pure pleasure from him. With a light gasp, his legs tensed. The wet warmth of her lips wrapped around his flesh contrasted from her fuzzy chin; but neither made his nerves fire like her tongue.

During the intimate moment, all he wanted to do was to love her as much as she loved him. Joseph stood still and pet her bobbing head lovingly, and even scratching behind her ears. He shuddered feeling her ease back a little.

"Usually you're not so gentle-!" He gruntled only to feel both sets of claws prick his rear. His hips lurched forward but she followed his rhythm without stopping. Her golden eyes briefly looked up. It was her way of telling him to be quiet and enjoy himself. The beautiful moment he wanted to last forever seemed over in a second. A shudder and sigh escaped him as she drew forth his essence, only to be left with his withering member. Chiba leaned back with a proud smile of accomplishment. Joseph took a deep breath as the wonderful feelings coursed through his entire body. He sat down and leaned on her.

"That's a nice way to wake up and spend the morning." He contently sighed.

"Mm. You and me both." Chiba smiled and nuzzled against him.

"Usually you're very loud."

"I couldn't yell... This time." She hinted. "And with you gone to tutor a royal fennec, there's only so many days I can treat you, and myself."

"Give me some warning next time..."

"Okay." She softly chuckled as her gaze moved to the open window. Luckily, no one outside could see them. "It's beautiful outside." She hummed contently.

"It is." He agreed. The sky was clear with only lingering clouds. The surface of the sea was a bright blue, rivaling the luster of sapphires. It was moments like these that Joseph cherished most now. After everything they had been through together, nothing could compare to the peaceful moments they spent together.

"I need to get dressed." He hated leaving her side, and as if on cue an arm protectively held onto his side.

"Soon I'll have to protect another person." She sighed happily. Joseph glanced down at the lioness's protruding belly.

"You're right." He kissed her on the cheek before being allowed to leave her warm embrace. The lioness licked her lips and watched him dress. "I will be back in a little while." He said before giving one last look to the lioness beauty sitting behind him. Chiba waved for him to head on. Joseph quickly descended the stairs. The sensual morning had the human in high spirits.

On the street there were a few people walking about. There was a short line to the closest well; a few females and children waiting with large empty jugs and pots in hand. Up above the red, blue, and green striped awnings of an adjacent building, Joseph spotted a pudgy female reaching out of a window to hang up laundry.

'A typical day.' One thing he liked about Sur was that it was less noisy and frantic than Al Lishbunah. Not too many people were in a hurry, and even during the busiest hours the streets were still navigable. Every day felt like a time of leisure.

"Hey Joseph!" A familiar voice caught his attention.

"Oh, hello Nehru!" Joseph turned and found a lion fast approaching.

"I was just coming to talk to you." The lion happily smiled.

"You don't want to play dice again, do you?" The human questioned.

"Ha! No! This is important and exciting." Nehru explained. "We've received a message about the crusaders."

"Really? What is it?"

"A small army that the Emir helped raise defeated them in a battle. He's taken two cities along the coast."

"That's great to hear!" He couldn't believe it. There was so much relief that the crusaders could be driven back to the sea.

"It's only the first step." The lion had to caution the human. "Bulus is still residing in the city, and he can slip away into the desert better than any nomad." His mentioning of the Kakuyid stung Joseph. "But if this keeps going, then I will be optimistic."

"Good. I'm glad that there is good news to hear."

"We might be leaving in a month or two." He surprised Joseph.

"What? Leaving?"

"If the Emir and his allies can take back most of the coast, and even Al Lishbunah then Bashira and I would like to return." He explained. "Wouldn't you?" Joseph instantly thought about seeing the traveling merchant Giuseppe Acciaioli, all of the other merchant families, Nizam the Tuareg, Sahabah the wet nurse, Khoja the raccoon slave, the Emir, and so many others. The human was understandably at a loss for words.

"I... I just don't know if I can go back now." Joseph admitted to the lion's surprise. "We've settled down again, Chiba is expecting a child... I'm going to be a father. It's not just about me anymore..." His voice trailed away, but Nehru waited as the human gathered his thoughts. "I don't think I can risk everything again. I'm happy where I am now." He found the words difficult to say.

"I understand." The lion's eyes were still smiling brightly. "You've changed a lot since we first met. It will be your first born, and you will hold him or her to a higher light than anything else." The lion told him. "I know I've said this a lot, but congratulations." Nehru smiled and shook the human's hand.

"Thank you." He deeply nodded. "You're a wonderful friend."

"We'll talk again soon. Take care!" The lion said before departing.

"Yeah..." Joseph watched the lion disappear around a corner. 'What should I do?' He thought over the good news. 'The Emir will retake Al Lishbunah if all goes well.' That excited him the most. But anything could happen, and receiving news via messengers from such a far away distance was bound to have its own issues. With his mind in a flurry, he wandered down the streets.

"Two threes! Two threes!" He heard a voice yell inside one building.

"No! Give him seven!" Another yelled. Through an open window he could see several seated figures cheering jovially. The loud noises were part of an exciting game of dice, popular wherever Joseph had been. There were no gambling halls in the city, as it was frowned upon, but that didn't stop anyone from hosting high stakes in their own homes. Another roar of excited yells cheered as one of them finally tossed another round. Joseph's meandering led him past another building with certain attraction.

"A brothel?" He recognized the writing on the building, and the type of patrons lingering by windows along the street. They were awaiting their turns to enter at the next opportunity. They joked over past experiences and who their favorites were.

"Be careful! Don't stand in the street." A bulky tiger heading towards the building nearly bumped into Joseph.

"Sorry..." He stepped over, only to see an eerily familiar sight. A scantily clad beauty was luring a figure inside with sensual promises. Joseph noticed a human man, like himself, trailing after the lynx like a bee seeking a flower. The disappeared inside, much to the envy of the awaiting onlookers. Joseph approached the side of the brothel where there were several closed shutters. Unsure why they were there, he paused to think about what Nehru said.

'Does this mean the crusaders are going to leave? Will the Emir only have to fight Bulus?' He blinked in surprise as the shutter before him suddenly opened. A naked domestic cat was on the other side, completely oblivious to his presence as she looked over her shoulder. She was heavy breasted, plump, and curvaceous.

"I need a breath of fresh air, ma'am!" She called inside. A wave of strong odor of perfume assaulted Joseph's nose. He coughed, startling the brothel maid.

"Humph!" She quickly covered her chest, and frowned at Joseph for peering at her. The human paid no attention to her and continued walking down the street. Passing the salt and fish markets, a few turns and crossing led him to one area he wanted to be again. Emerging from a right alleyway, he found himself at Sur's docks.

The smell of sea salt in the air reminded him of heavy cargo being unloaded, shouts of sailors, and calls from keen eyed inspectors. Sur's docks were much quieter than the human's memories and imagination. Small sailing vessels were docked for the afternoon and evening. Despite the time of day, it was peaceful. A trio of sailors were seated on one of the docked fishing vessels, taking a break from repairing a torn sail. But the laughter and boisterous voices were at ease without worry. It was the only noise on the waterfront aside from a stray gull or wet slap of a wave.

"Should I go back?" Joseph mumbled to himself. "Do I want to go back?" The next question was equally important. The large city on the coast was tempting in many ways, but he felt conflicted. There was obvious danger in going back, even if the city was recaptured and liberated. The desire to return to an important position at the busiest harbor along the sea where many cultures and people collided in a splendor of wealth was there. It was his dream after all, for so many years while saving and hiding every coin he possibly could for years.

'I have to think about others instead of myself.' He thought about Chiba and the child they were expecting. Unlike Al Lishbunah, he was part of a family in Sur. He couldn't decide on his own whims or ambitions without thinking of others. The same was true about Fez where only thought about leaving after his mother died. Now, however, Joseph wasn't alone. Walking down the edge of the street, he noticed a serval father and a son pair fishing from the end of a dock. They were poor and dressed in shabby clothes.

"You see, Mashad." Joseph overheard the older serval say. "The rod is like a diviner's tool. It connects our world to another." He pointed to the rod next. The son stared at the water with concentration. "If heaven and earth could meet anywhere, then it would be right here on the water's surface." The father told him. Joseph resumed his stroll down the docks.

'Will that be me in a few years?' He wondered with hope beating in his chest. The day was still young, but it felt as if sunset was looming behind him.

***

Darkness had fallen over the coastal town of Sur. Joseph and Chiba had gone to bed, and there wasn't a single gap between them. She was in his arms, and the lioness was so warm to hold that he couldn't imagine letting go. This time, he wasn't "prodding" her backside, but sleep was eluding him this night. He blinked hearing cool breeze from the open window ruffled a curtain they had recently bought. The third floor dwelling was beginning to feel like a home. They had purchased better rugs, cushions, and wares over the months since they arrived in Sur. Chiba had found her favorite marketplaces to buy from and other places to spend time while Joseph was away. Quietly turning his head, Joseph stared up for a long moment. His thoughts refused to let him feel at ease.

"Go to sleep." Chiba mumbled to his surprise.

"How did you know I was awake?"

"I can tell." She knew. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know what to do." He admitted after a deep breath.

"About what?"

"I thought about working at the docks again. I watched the ships for a while, and it seemed like I was in Al Lishbunah again."

"We're not there."

"I know that... Nehru talked to me earlier about it."

"What did he say?"

"There was some news about the coast near Al Lishbunah." He began. "The Emir might be able to retake Al Lishbunah. Nehru and Bashira want to return if that happens..." His voice trailed off at the possibilities that could happen afterwords.

"I'll do whatever you choose to do." Chiba bluntly told him. "But I don't want to put our child in any danger that we have been in."

"I don't want to put our child in any danger either." He rubbed her well rounded tummy. "We're more than lucky to be alive."

"Then please to to sleep." She mumbled. "We can discuss this in the morning again."

"Ok. Goodnight... Again." He kissed her neck and held onto her, hoping to find sleep once again.

The normally quiet three story building was filled with loud moans and wails. The smell of calming lavender was strong, but barely noticed.

'Is she ok?' Joseph worried as he watched Chiba. The lioness was naked and reclined back. Contortions of pain were etched into her typically stoic feline face.

"Aaahhh! Nnngghh!" Her moans and cries worried him, but the presence of two experienced mid wives kept him from butting in. An older, pudgy female raccoon was prepared between the lioness's legs while a female wolf sat within arm's reach in case of an emergency. Wiping sweat from his brow, all Joseph could do was watch and pray.

"Another push. Just another." The raccoon's firm voice commanded. The strains and painful cries continued. With a final push, the birth was at last complete.

"Here she comes." The wolf was prepared. A sudden crying sound erupted into the room.

'It's done...' Joseph closed his eyes and sighed with relief.

"It is a girl!" The raccoon exclaimed at the whining infant. Joseph peeked and saw a little lioness in the mid wife's arms.

"She's beautiful." He whispered.

"Cut the cord. I will wash her." The raccoon directed the other midwife. The wolf nodded and produced a clean blade. Joseph quickly looked over at Chiba. She looked completely exhausted. He sat down beside his wife and kissed her forehead.

"Are you alright?" Joseph asked. The lioness nodded with a breathy exhale.

"I think so." Her voice was tired. "Where is she?"

"She's all clean, and in good health." One cue, the raccoon carefully handed over the wriggling infant lion kit. Chiba extended her arms and cradled the newborn. Once on her chest, the little feline settled down.

"We'll clean you too." The wolf knelt down between Chiba's legs with a cloth in hand.

"Gently, please." Chiba winced. Joseph kissed the top of her head consolingly. "How do I look down there?"

"Nothing like a hyena." He smirked. Chiba didn't have the energy to slap his arm and focused on the little newborn laying on her chest.

"She's beautiful." Chiba smiled. Her golden gaze didn't waver from the little one in her arms.

"She is a fighter, just like you." He smiled.

"Nasiba." Chiba whispered.

"What?"

"That's what I want her name to be." Chiba said. "Nasiba."

"Nasiba..." Joseph said the word.

"I like that name." The wolf midwife said aloud.

"Thank you two so much for your help." Joseph said to the older ladies.

"You're very welcome sir." The wolf smiled as she finished cleaning Chiba and the floor. "We love delivering infants." The infant began to whine and move in Chiba's arms.

"Aww. Sh." The lioness tried hushing her.

"Is she hungry?" Joseph guessed.

"Do you want to nurse her or do you want someone else to?" The raccoon asked after washing her hands.

"I want to." Chiba decided with a smile. "If it isn't too difficult."

"You're a first time mother." The female wolf acknowledged.

"We will make sure everything is fine." The female raccoon reiterated.

"How do I nurse her?" Chiba asked.

"I can show you how." The pudgy raccoon undid part of her robe and freed her right breast. "Here's how you get her to latch on." The raccoon held up her larger breast and demonstrated. "Brush your nipple over her mouth just above her lip, but below her nose." The fat bud of pink flesh teased the little lion's upper lip until her mouth opened wide.

'It's like fishing for a hungry mouth.' Joseph thought to himself.

"Here. Cradle her to you and try. Make sure all of your skin is in her mouth." The raccoon eased the infant back into Chiba's arms. The lioness mimicked what she was shown, and was soon rewarded.

"I feel her latching onto me." Chiba smiled as hungry suckles began in a hurry.

"Good. You're doing this perfectly." The raccoon smiled.

"It feels nice." She breathed a relaxed sigh.

"So cute." The wolf midwife smiled at the sight. Everyone grew quiet as they watched the infant. The world felt so much smaller in an instant. Joseph placed his hands over Chiba's. The faint memories of him being taken care of by his mother returned to him and filled him with a powerful warmth. Now he was a father of a beautiful daughter.

'Was all of this planned from the start?' He couldn't help but wonder. Crossing deserts, mountains, and swamps seemed like an extraordinary tale. Yet, all of it happened as if decidedly planned by fate.

"You've been through so many adventures already..." He whispered.

"Are you talking to me or her?" Chiba asked.

"Both of you." Joseph's smile couldn't lessen. The sun shined brightly on the new family. Their story had only just begun, entering a new chapter.

END