FSE

Furry search engine

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2

The fire was nice. Out on the outskirts of the town, near the border of the plains but within the cover of the Direwood, it became cold--fast. Darkness was approaching, and the warmth would be much appreciated when the night reached its peak. Fire also kept prowling predators at bay. Let it die and, well, you die, too. But Ranza always kept the flames stoked high. Being so close to the Tundra meant that the sun was nearly always obscured by snow-latent clouds as well, so the ever-present pyre insured his campsite remained both light and dry no matter the hour.

He'd toppled a few Iron pine on the way back to camp, chopping them quickly and efficiently and hefting them into a pile close by while Gid watched on in awe. Each split piece weighed a ridiculous amount, and Ranza grunted as he hefted an infant-sized chunk into the flames before him. Ashy remnants of the last burnt log puffed up and clouded the air, the coals at the bottom of the pit popping and glowing brighter as they were tossed something fresh to devour. The steely wood would take a while to catch, but once it got going it'd burn for days if not doused; the heat it put off would be like a furnace, too. The wait would be worth it. And there was plenty of kindling, too--lots of snow to melt for water. He'd even managed to barter for some bread, cheese, and Direboar meat when leaving the town; picking some wild onion and cabbage didn't take long either. The little cauldron wavering on a hook above the flame was already steaming in anticipation of a stew. He scratched his muscled chest, having removed his jerkin, and turned to pull the log he was sitting on closer to the warmth and light of the fire.

Gid sat opposite to him at the pit. His wiry arms were outstretched so that his snow-soaked clothing and fur could dry; Ranza had even bought him a nice, heavy cloak before leaving town so he wouldn't get too cold and he'd have it for the winter. The fox had packed the extra layer away when the fire got going, and now he sat ragged and stooped on his log without making a sound. He was still sulking from his earlier confrontation at the inn. He hadn't gotten injured--physically that is--but his pride had sure taken a beating. The poor thing...Ranza had tried to get him to rethink going in after that damn shield, but...

"Why can't I do that yet?" Gid asked. His amber eyes were bright and glimmering from where he squatted on the other side of the fire as he nodded toward the pyramid-stack of kindling next to Ranza. "Why can't I bust it? Knock the trees down?" Dejectedly, he dropped his little head to peer at the ground beneath his boots. "I'm strong. I could do it."

Ranza purred a soft chuckle as he peered into the heart of the flames. He rubbed his battle-hardened paws thoughtfully, popping one knuckle after the other until all of his fingers were limber. "You are strong, little Lord--undoubtedly. However..."

He glanced at the boy whose ears were perked in his direction, his eyes wide. The fox was so eager to prove himself, Ranza knew, especially after being made a fool of today. There was no doubt that he'd grown since the tiger found him half-dead and orphaned in an alley of Lanfell two seasons ago. He felt he owed the big cat for saving his life and wished to do everything he could to make up for the trouble he'd been, but...well, the sentiment was moot--futile. Ranza already owed his life to someone else, his own savior, so--according to the tiger's eastern customs--Gid owed his life to that savior as well.

Ruik: the black wolf--with burning blue eyes and blood of cold-fire--who'd saved the big cat seasons ago when he'd been ambushed by raiders in some godforsaken stretch of the western mountains. Ranza scratched the wide scar over his heart absentmindedly where he'd been stabbed...and where the spell-mark from Ruik's healing spell was etched into his fur and skin. That day the tiger had vowed to stand beside the wolf until he'd repaid his goodwill or until he was killed protecting him. So they journeyed together for a time--three seasons in fact--becoming very close while searching every nook and cranny of the Continent for...something. Ranza never figured out what Ruik so adamantly craved to find, and he often asked, but the wolf would never give him a straight answer. And then, before winter set in two seasons ago, Ruik left the tiger in Lanfell saying, "Where I'm going...you cannot follow." The words had cut deeper than any knife, but Ranza trusted the wolf...with all of his heart. And when Ruik said he'd return Ranza knew he would. One day. The wolf left, and Ranza wandered Lanfell with a hole in his being...only to find a young fox-child--not ten seasons old--dying in a backstreet...

"Ránat?" Gid asked sharply, using the formal eastern name for "master" which Ranza had taught him. His ragged, bushy tail flopped about on the ground behind him, and he frowned slightly; a sharp tooth protruded over his bottom lip.

Ranza shook his head to clear his thoughts. "What now, young one?"

"However?" he replied. "You said 'however' and then spaced out. However what?"

The tiger chuckled and gazed softly at the young boy. "However, you still have much to learn before you gain the skill to topple the wood of iron." Gid scowled and hissed in childish angst, looking off into the dark. Ranza smirked. "Patience, more than anything."

"I am patient," the fox grumbled. "I waited like you told me to, but that damn innkeeper..."

Ranza's fur hackled and his half-tail popped sharply against the log he sat on. Gid winced, and he risked a glance at the tiger staring daggers at him. "Watch your mouth, young one."

"Sorry," the boy said immediately, his voice quivering.

Ranza continued to burn his gaze into the fox until the child had all but tucked his tail between his legs, and then he grabbed a stick and prodded the pulsating embers of the fire. "You did wait--that is true. But, had you listened to my words carefully, you would have understood what I truly meant."

A white-hot coal popped and sent sparks skittering across the hard ground. One bounced atop Ranza's bare foot, singeing the fur and smoking a tiny bit, but he paid it no mind. A little pain every once and a while wasn't a bad thing.

"You just told me to be patient and wait," Gid said as he grabbed a stick of his own to poke the fire with. "And that once things had died down I'd be able to..."

A deep laugh from Ranza cut the fox off. "No--that wasn't what I told you."

"But it was!"

The black tiger shook his head. He tossed his stick into the growing fire and pushed himself up, motioning for Gid to come over to him.

The fox rolled his eyes and groaned. "Not another lesson."

Ranza cocked an eyebrow. "Can you look me square in the eye, swear by the blood of your heart, and say you know everything there is to know about this world?"

Gid rose, his shoulders drooping. "No..."

"Then come," the tiger said, nodding toward the Direwood. "I wish to teach you something."

"Okay."

They walked together into the forest until the light of the fire was swallowed by the thick darkness churning amongst the skeletal trees. Being nocturnal, Ranza had no trouble seeing through the shadows, but soon his ears flicked to the unsure, shuffling gait of Gid as he struggled to blindly follow behind.

The tiger chuckled softly, stepping high onto a fallen tree trunk--his claws scratching against the rough bark--before leaping over it and turning back to watch the boy. His feet struck the ground soft on the other side, but the snow still crunched. Gid's ears flicked to the sound as he stared about blindly.

"When one sense fails you," Ranza said.

"Rely on the ones that remain," the fox replied. He then came to the tree trunk but--instead of colliding with it--he bounded nimbly over it without missing a step.

"Good, little Lord," the tiger said. A small cluster of tall Iron pine, their limbs heavy with icicles and brittle cones, lay just ahead. Ranza slipped amongst them and took a breath, balling his fists and focusing his energies into them; he waited for Gid to cross into the trees.

"And when your surroundings betray you..." The power stored in his paws flared, and he delivered a series of silent, blindingly fast punches that sank deep into the steely trunks and rippled both up the wood and down through the roots. Snow billowed from the high branches as icicles and cones broke free of the limbs and rained down in a clattering, tinkling cascade. They struck the ground all around and continued to fall--bouncing off Ranza and Gid as well. The fox winced every time he was struck, and Ranza circled behind him and watched as he stiffened, the tumult throwing his bearings off.

Then the noise died as the trees settled. Gid stood motionless--tense--except for his ears swiveling atop his head, but then he relaxed and let his arms go limp by his sides. Ranza smiled and picked up a large cone that had fallen close by. A brisk wind blew against the tiger's back and rattled through the forest. The fox turned--his nose twitching--as he caught the tiger's scent.

"When your surroundings betray you, know that they hold no allegiance," Gid muttered. "And they will just as surely betray your enemy." He then darted toward Ranza like a red flash.

Ranza then tossed the heavy cone he held off to the side. It clattered against a rock and bounced into a dry bush, rustling as it went. Gid's ears flicked toward the sound, and then he paused--just briefly--unsurely. That gave the tiger an opening. He rushed forward swiftly, his feet barely brushing against the snow.

Come on, little Lord, the tiger thought as he closed in. Surely you grasp this concept.

The tiger's right fist whistled through the air. Gid caught the sound and--instinctively--he flung up his left arm and knocked the blow aside. Ranza planted his feet and threw a left hook; Gid ducked under it, spinning around to the right and getting behind the tiger. Ranza bounded forward into a roll as the fox's fist shot toward his exposed back, grunting and skidding to a stop before rising quickly to his feet.

He turned back and Gid was gone. His half-tail flicked energetically behind him; his eyes skimmed over everything surrounding him; his stomach fluttered excitedly; he was breathing hard. He couldn't sense the fox anywhere.

Good boy, he thought.

There was a heavy thud to his right. He thought to turn that way but went against his instinct and shifted left instead, thinking the sound had been a distraction like the cone he'd thrown. But, instead of meeting a body, his fist struck hard against another tree. He hadn't been focusing his energy into the blow like before, but--thanks to years of numbing training--the strike didn't hurt...much.

Then he felt a sharp jab beneath the ribs of his left side--right on his scar--and froze.

"And when your enemy is too focused," he said panting.

"Then wait for the perfect opportunity to strike," Gid replied heatedly, his clenched fist still digging into Ranza's ribcage.

The tiger chuckled. "Or make the opportunity." The fox dropped his hand and Ranza patted the boy's face lovingly. "Good job, young one. Now do you understand what I meant?"

Gid sighed and nodded, his ears fluttering. "Yeah. The time wasn't right. I needed to wait for the perfect opportunity...or make it apparently."

"Mmhmm," Ranza purred, throwing his sinewy arm over the boy's shoulders and turning him back toward their camp. "And it'll come. You just have to..."

"Be patient," the fox replied cheekily. "I know."

Ranza's chest bounced in laughter. "So, lesson learned, correct?"

"Lesson learned," Gid chuckled.

"Good boy."

Once back in sight of the fire's glow, Gid bounded ahead. Ranza smiled at the boy's light-footedness as he shot through a cluster of low conifers without making a sound. He reminded the tiger of himself when he was young and had boundless spirit and energy. One day the fox would make a decent Vasharcós--an Iron warrior--also much like the tiger.

As a means of protecting himself, Ranza had taught the fundamentals of self-defense to the boy once he was well enough...only to be surprised by his eagerness to fight. Not only that, but...he possessed ample control of his O'rku--his inner strength and energy--from the start; something that only a select few are capable of doing at such a young age. Ranza himself wasn't able to focus his energy into his fists until he was nearly sixteen.

But soon after teaching him basic pins and throws, Ranza was already instructing Gid on focusing his energy into specific parts of his body. A month went by and--much like Ranza had done with the Iron pines--Gid could sink his fists wrist-deep into the trunks of normal trees without much effort at all. To a normal being the child would seem harmless enough, but--honestly--he could kill an adult male of any non-magical species with one deft strike. However, to control that..._risk..._Ranza had also taught him the code of the Vasharcós:

He couldn't abuse his strength for selfish reasons; he had to keep control of his power at all times, only using it when absolutely necessary; he was to uphold the virtues of the Iron warrior by protecting those weaker than himself from atrocity; and he was to harden his body and will to malevolent influence and be an upholder of righteousness. There were many more principles to teach, of course, but--Gid being so young and easily distracted--the tiger chose to give him the most crucial to follow for the time being. And there was also a vow of celibacy which the tiger chose not to mention, but that was the one and only aspect of the Vasharcós Order that Ranza heartily disagreed with. He hadn't taken the vow (that being one of the reasons why his tail was...shorter..._and he wasn't still a monk in Völfoy) and he wasn't going to force it onto anyone else. Bodily pleasure, to him, was just another gift from the gods that was to be enjoyed. And he did enjoy it when he got the opportunity. He enjoyed it a _lot. Not that Gid was old enough to understand that kind of thing yet.

Bowing through the conifers, the spicy aroma wafting from the branches, Ranza's stomach gave a loud rumble. He chuffed and patted his toned belly, knowing that Gid was probably hungry as well. It was past time for supper anyway.

The light from the fire quivered across the bare ground as the tiger drew close, and a shadow loomed long as it was cast from the blaze--from Gid standing too close more than likely. "Go ahead and pull the meat and greens from my pack, little Lord," he called. "It shouldn't take long to boil up some broth and..."

A strange scent on the air made Ranza freeze...but only for a split-second as another shadow joined the first one that he'd seen, then another. A feral growl broke from his chest as his skin prickled with anxiety, and he rushed into the campsite with his fists rippling with energy to find Gid standing before two hooded figures. The fox appeared frozen. One figure raised its arms. Ranza sensed a powerful essence within the being...a dangerous essence...no--a familiar essence; and that scent...

He knew that scent.

Ranza slowed to a shuffling trot, his legs suddenly weak, as he tried his best not to break down. Gid still didn't move, but he turned and stared oddly at the tiger as if wondering what was wrong with him all of a sudden. Then the figure that had raised its arms simply pulled off the hood shrouding its face...but Ranza already knew who it was.

Ruik.

Coal-black fur glistened like the night sky as the cloth fell; blue eyes pierced the distance and locked with Ranza's, bringing him to a halt as though he'd been shot with an arrow. He stared at the wolf who, in turn, stared right back. His heart began to beat a maddening rhythm against his ribs. His mind went blank. Ruik smiled with his tail wagging and swatting the back of his cloak.

"He says he knows you, Ránat," Gid said, his tail swaying lazily.

"Yes," Ranza stammered. He wanted to smile, but his lips were quivering as if he were about to weep instead so he couldn't manage.

"Ránat, 'eh?" Ruik asked brightly. He looked at Ranza--in surprise almost. "Taken on an apprentice, have we?" He then smiled at Gid and patted the boy's shoulder. "You have an exceptional teacher, then."

The fox beamed and nodded. "Yes I do, my lord. My name's Gideon--Gid for short." He held his paw out and Ruik shook it happily.

"It's wonderful to meet you, Gid," the wolf said. "I'm..."

"Ruik," Ranza stammered. Gid gasped as his master shuffled forward a few steps and then fell to his knees before the wolf, looking up at him. "I...I..."

Ruik stared wide-eyed for a moment, but then he shook his head and smiled; he knelt and patted the tiger's face affectionately. Ranza quivered at the gentle touch and started purring without thinking, pressing his cheek into the wolf's palm "I told you I'd return," Ruik whispered. "Why are you so surprised?"

Ranza's eyes began to water. "I...I missed you, s'zere," he whimpered.

"And I you, s'zere..."

Gurdan blushed in the darkness of his hood at his brother's blatant disregard for subtlety when it came to affection. Not that he cared that his younger sibling was attracted to males--but, honestly--it was still awkward. He just hoped they didn't kiss.

Gid stared fixatedly between Ranza and Ruik as the two rose, and then he turned to Gurdan who'd refrained from speaking. He set his jaw and perked his ears. "Hi."

The shadow-filled hood shifted in his direction. "Hello, young one," Gurdan said, glad to have his attention drawn away from the stalwart lovers. He looked the boy up and down. "I'm glad to see you aren't injured from that bought with Roosker the innkeeper. You put up a decent fight," he said. "It was quite the show."

"Indeed," Ruik added with a wink.

Gid grinned.

Ruik chuffed and rolled his eyes. "Forgive me. This is my brother, Con..." He cleared his throat. "_Gurdan..._Gurdan, uh..."

"Just Gurdan," the hooded wolf said, crossing his arms.

Gid snickered. "Hello, Just Gurdan."

Gurdan's tail flicked sharply about and rustled beneath his cloak. Ranza scowled at the boy who shrank under his master's hard glare, and then he softened and bowed to the elder wolf. "It's an honor to finally meet you...uh...Gurdan," he purred. "I've heard much about you."

"The honor's all mine," Gurdan replied, bowing as well. "And I've likewise heard much about you, Ranza of Völfoy. Your...exploits...with my brother are worthy of bard-song."

Ruik gawked at his brother. The tiger smiled widely and chuckled. "You flatter me, friend." He then gestured toward the logs around the fire. "Come and sit--share our fire. We were just about to cook some food if you would care to..."

"Actually," Gurdan interrupted. "We w..."

"We would love to join you," Ruik cut in. Gurdan frowned at his brother from the shadows of his hood. The black wolf shot him a look and he remained silent. Turning down hospitality from an easterner was as bad as cursing to their faces; Ruik learned that lesson the hard way. Besides--even though he'd avoided the tiger before (remorsefully)--he couldn't do so again. He wished to catch up. He bowed to Ranza and Gid. "Thank you. We have some questions for the young one anyhow."

Everyone sat but Ranza who went about chopping vegetables and meat and plopping them into his cauldron. Gid held his head in his paws, resting his elbows on his knees, and looked over Ruik and Gurdan with a slightly bemused grin.

The black wolf was relaxed and level-headed; his brother was stiff and focused on obscurity. Ruik was friendly, and affectionate; Gurdan was...well--stoic. Yet, as uptight as the hooded brother was, for some reason Gid felt that the forward brother was hiding something. The fox's ears twitched as he listened to his master speaking happily with him. The tiger had fondly mentioned the wolf many times over the past two seasons--retelling their adventures together and teaching the fox from their own experiences--but Gid only gathered that the two were sword-brothers. Close, yes, but clearly there was more to their relationship. Gid was shocked at how the tiger's demeanor had shifted at once upon seeing Ruik. It was odd. Ranza had always been jubilant, but now he was just plain...bubbly.

A coal in the fire hissed shrilly and then popped; the flames lurched higher but settled just as quickly. Ranza hummed a little to himself and dropped some meat into the cauldron, his half-tail flicking excitedly.

Gid shrugged. He'd bug his master about his relationship with the wolf later. In the meantime..."So what did you want to ask me?" Gid asked, nodding toward the two visitors.

"Oh, that's right," Ruik mumbled after taking his eyes off of the black tiger hunched before the fire. Gurdan didn't say anything, but his shoulders rose and fell huffily. Ruik looked to the fox and scratched the back of his head. "I heard the rumor of Borren Lyrandis coming through town here, how he disappeared onto the plains, and..." Ranza had risen upon hearing Borren's name; Gid's fur had visibly stood on end. Ruik stared at them for a moment before continuing. "Well, I was curious to know if it was you, Gid, who'd gone out in search of him and returned with his bulwark?"

The fox swallowed the knot that had risen in his throat, and he looked to Ranza as if seeking confirmation to speak. Ruik watched the two carefully. Gurdan shifted on the log next to his brother. Something had happened out there, the black wolf guessed--something they didn't wish to speak of. And if Ranza was holding something from Ruik...well, it must have been traumatizing for that to occur.

Ranza broke his gaze away from the fox and squinted toward Ruik. "Forgive me, s'zere, but why is it you wish to know?" His voice was sharp and otherworldly almost, eyes focused and glowing slightly, ears perked. Ruik chuckled in surprise; he'd felt the tingle of magic settle over him as the tiger spoke.

He'd tried to charm the truth out.

Ranza had grown in his use of the arcane since the last time they'd seen one another, it seemed. Still, if done correctly, charms shouldn't be able to be sensed--unless the one being charmed is protected...or too powerful to be influenced. Or maybe Ranza's focus was elsewhere; maybe he didn't feel comfortable with casting a truth charm on someone he felt he should be able to trust.

"There's no need for that, Ranza," Ruik said smiling.

Ranza seemed abashed and he blushed heavily. The wolf waved his embarrassment aside. He felt hurt in knowing the tiger had lost some trust in him, but--well--he had been gone for a while. Though, the fact that Ranza remained in Lanfell, patiently awaiting his return, overshadowed that strife. "Steadfast faith--Ironclad loyalty," says the Vasharcós pledge, and no truer words could ever describe Ranza's confidence in those he cared for.

Ruik cleared his throat. "You know what I am, Ranza," he said. "The plains are calling to me at last. That, and...Borren was a good friend of my brother's. We're concerned about him. We've heard the rumors about what happened--discovered some truth behind it all--but we still need answers." The black wolf smiled. "That's all. We're not here to hurt you or your apprentice. But you knew that already."

Gid and Gurdan just stared in confusion as the tiger bowed his head. "I am...sorry." He looked back up and his eyes were heavy with concern. "It's just...I had to be sure. This place--it's ripe with treachery. I...we've...been living amongst it for so long that we assume everyone that approaches has the worst intentions...no matter their words..." He frowned. "No matter who they may be."

Ruik frowned as well, but he understood. Gurdan--for the first time--spoke freely; he even chuckled. "You're wise, then. It's only right to have faith in your fellows, but too much faith can get you killed when it's placed freely without discretion. It's always best to be weary; especially here in Lanfell."

Ranza nodded. "Indeed." He then smirked at Gurdan. "You're quite prophetic, my friend. There is both light and bitterness to your words. You've learned that lesson the hard way, I believe."

Gurdan shrugged. "I'm from Luphastos, you know. The place is overrun with power-hungry Lords and Ladies, vile politicians and backstabbing merchant-kings. You learn not to put your trust in anyone really quick if you wish to climb the social-ladder...or stay alive."

Gid brightened. His voice rang with curiosity. "You're from the capitol of the wolf kingdom? What of Ròkaföl? Has the..."

"Fox lord managed to quell any further rebellion from their southlands? Yes--the last time I heard." Gurdan shifted toward the boy and nodded his hooded head. "But that was three months ago. The lord's brother, the Duke of Ashénrock, was a damn fool to try and..."

"Ahem," Ruik muttered. Both Gid and Gurdan jerked to stare at him. The black wolf gazed expectantly at the fox.

"Oh," the boy stuttered. "Well, yes, it was me. I heard the horn coming from the Tundra calling me..."

"The carnyx? You heard it, too?" Ruik gasped, glancing at his brother who just shrugged.

Gid had jumped at the outburst but nodded. "Y...yes. I heard it, I went out there and...and found him, and he gave me the shield. But..." He looked unsurely to Ranza; fear was etched all over his tiny form. "I...I..."

"I know, little Lord," the tiger said. Gid immediately relaxed. Ranza then straightened himself, his half-tail softly smacking the backs of his legs, and he peered at Ruik. "I was there as well--I wouldn't dare let Gid go out onto the plains alone. But, still, the things we saw..." Gid shivered on his log. Ranza's ears drooped. "He doesn't like to recall them. They frighten him."

Ruik sighed. "I see."

"But," the tiger said. "I'll tell you what I can. I saw and heard the same as the child, and I believe I already know what you wish to hear."

"Thank you," Ruik said. He nodded to Gurdan. "Keep the young one company, brother. I believe I interrupted a heated discussion before. We'll be back shortly." He nodded toward the black tiger and beamed. "Come, Ranza."

Once they'd gotten far enough away, Gid scooted closer to Gurdan and whispered behind his paw while glancing off in the direction his master had gone. "What's 's'zere' mean?"

The hooded wolf chuffed. "It means 'love' in the eastern tongue. You didn't know?"

Gid just shook his head; his eyes bugged a little.

"Oh," Gurdan said flatly. "Well, now you do. But about that damned fool, the duke..."

The tiger and the wolf drifted quietly through a thin thicket of trees with only the crunch of snow announcing their presences. Ranza was ahead of Ruik and didn't turn to face him until they'd reached the border of the plains--a visible line slicing across the land where plant-life abruptly ended and the snow became deep and icy.

The two just stood and silently surveyed one another warmly with their arms limp by their sides.

"You're still a scrawny thing, s'zere," Ranza said smirking, his eyes roving over Ruik.

The black wolf crossed his arms and grinned sarcastically. "And you're still perfect in every way."

"Indeed," the tiger chuckled as he stepped nearer to the wolf. He stopped with but a hands-gap between them, his ears fluttering. He smirked as Ruik tensed expectantly, but he didn't move any closer. "I trust you found what you were looking for? In that 'place I could not follow?'

Ruik frowned dejectedly but nodded. "I did. And I'm..."

"I know, Ruik," the tiger whispered. "It's alright. I would've waited as many seasons as it took for you to return, but..."

"Here I am," the wolf sighed warmly.

"Here you are."

They peered long into one another's eyes with the wind ribboning off of the Tundra the only sound as it rattled through the trees and whistled over snow-rises. Ranza took a pensive step forward, which Ruik mirrored. The wolf's blue eyes churned like lighted sapphires as the black tiger raised a hand and stroked his cheek. He felt his inner-fire burn hot and passionate from the pit of his stomach, and Ranza laughed and flared his nostrils as blue smoke whisked out from between the wolf's teeth as he smiled.

"That still happens?" the tiger asked, waving a hand in front of his face to clear the air.

Ruik blushed. "Yeah--still happens."

"I missed it...the smoky aftertaste."

The wolf grunted as Ranza closed the distance between them and pulled him into a kiss, both of the tiger's hands holding fast to the back of the Ruik's head and twining in his black curls. Ranza moaned as the wolf's--his wolf's--hot breath filled him up; his eyes were alight as he clenched them tight while savoring the slickness of Ruik's tongue against his much courser muscle. Ranza's arms fell and wrapped around the wolf's waist, pulling him in tighter--the cat's pants growing tighter as well. He'd been so lonely...

Ruik pulled his mouth free of Ranza's and gasped a jittery laugh. "Easy, tiger," he said, his face flushed and ears jumping. "There'll be time to...catch up. I won't be going anywhere without you this time."

Ranza's eyes squinted sweetly as he touched noses with the wolf. "You sure?"

"Quite."

"Then why do I get the feeling that you're lying?"

Ruik pulled back and stared. "What?"

Ranza let his hands fall from the wolf's midsection; his lips pressed into a flat line. "You saw Gid get tossed out of the inn, did you?"

Try as he may, Ruik couldn't stop his shock from streaking across his face as he realized what he'd said at the fire. He immediately regretted not going to see the tiger first thing upon realizing he was still in town. "Ranza, I..."

"Why?" the tiger asked woundedly. He ducked his head closer to Ruik's, his eyes swimming. "I was right there! Why were you avoiding me!?"

Ruik groaned and stepped toward the plains. The wind was cold against his front, but Ranza's glare at his back was much more frigid. Still, the wolf found his reasoning understandable. "I'm being called, Ranza--you heard me when I said it earlier." He turned and shrugged. "You know I have to go, and you also know that no walkers ever come back once they set out." He shuffled back toward the cat whose mangled tail was twitching in aggravation. "I thought you would've gone somewhere more hospitable instead of staying here, so when I saw you--knowing that I was going out onto the plains--I..."

"Knew that I'd follow you, correct?" the tiger said, smirking now.

Ruik nodded. "And I didn't want to put you in danger."

"Do you think me weak, Ruik?"

The black wolf jerked, furiously shaking his head. "No! Of course not! I just..."

Ranza crossed his arms again; his half-tail whipped angrily behind him now. "Just what?"

Snow crunched loudly as Ruik slipped back and kissed the tiger again, the big cat melting at once. The wolf broke it off quickly with a wet smack. "Just that," he huffed. He nuzzled the tiger's cheek. "I don't want you hurt because of me."

"I can take care of myself--do not worry."

"I still will..."

"I know, but I don't want you hurt either," the tiger whispered. "And it is why I am bound to go with you--to protect you. It is what I vowed to do."

Ruik sighed and held tight to Ranza; the tiger's warmth was incredible. "My brother pretty much said the same thing."

"It's because he loves you..."

"But you an have apprentice now!" Ruik said, and then he cocked his head to the side. "For how long, by the way?"

Ranza's chest expanded as he sucked in a breath which he released into a heavy sigh. "About a month after you left I found him dying of exposure, starvation, and dehydration."

"And he's skilled?"

The tiger grinned proudly. "He's like no child I've ever seen, Ruik--so unbelievably strong for his age. He can fight men five times his size and not receive a single scratch. But..."

He paused and Ruik cocked an eyebrow. "But what?"

"But," Ranza sighed. "Like most Iron warriors--he's as stubborn as a mule. I do not like the idea of him going someplace we have no idea of, but he would not stay behind. If I go, he will go. That is certain."

Ruik chuffed. "And I know I'm not going to be able to talk you out of following me..."

The tiger gave his head one sharp shake "no."

"I figured as much," Ruik groaned. He then smiled, though, and pressed his head beneath the tiger's stubbly chin. "But I'm glad you're safe and healthy and that we'll be out on another adventure together."

"Me too, s'zere," Ranza muttered into the wolf's hair. "And speaking of adventures...you said you found what you were looking for?"

"Oh," Ruik gasped. He grew excited and stepped away from Ranza, bouncing slightly from where he stood with his tail wagging; the sight of him made the big cat snicker through his nose. "I did!" he gasped, his eyes bright. "It's amazing, Ranza! It took me a season to discover and another season to master, but I did it! The whole thing! No one else has ever accomplished such a thing, but I did!"

Ranza's brow furrowed as he grinned at his lover. "Did what, Ruik?"

"The Book of Gyógytüz!" the wolf exclaimed.

Ranza winced at the name--it held a weighty power...the air had shuddered. "But...I thought that was just a myth? I didn't think it existed?"

"It does!" Ruik said, his giddiness all but rippling off of him in torrents. "And I found it! You wouldn't believe what I've learned, Ranza!"

The tiger frowned, regardless of Ruik's excitement, as he recalled stories from the east that involved the Book...and none of them were particularly pleasant. There was much death that revolved around the tales, as a matter of fact. He eyed the black wolf gingerly. "Good things I hope," he risked, nodding toward the white expanse of the plains at Ruik's back. "To help us out there."

That caused Ruik to abruptly pause his merriment--still, he nodded. "Yes--wonderful things in fact. But, getting back to why we left the warmth of the fire," he said as he walked back to Ranza's side. He then turned around and joined the tiger as he peered bitterly out across the white wilderness. "What is out there? I have an idea, but...you saw. What should we expect to find?"

Ranza snuffed; his tail thwacked against the back of Ruik's legs.

"Death," he rumbled darkly.