《Impure》


 Chapter One

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    Chapter One


    *****


    Snow swirled around Rivi. The cheetah had never known such cold. The frigid wind sliced through any patches of exposed fur, prickling the skin beneath with icy needles. His breath froze upon his whiskers. The feline¡¯s nose was numb. The mingling scents of the crowd all around him were muted, and the only thing he could smell now was the oppressive cold. Rivi rubbed his arms and shivered, wishing there was more he could do to stay warm.


    Already, the cheetah was dressed in an uncomfortable number of woolen layers, top and bottom. Rivi had long undergarments on beneath his padded sweater, and winter trousers. He wore thick socks beneath his insulated boots, so tight he couldn¡¯t extend his toe claws. All the many gold buttons down the front of his long, indigo overcoat were fastened tight. A purple cap lined with down smothered Rivi¡¯s ears against his head. And yet, somehow, he was still cold.


    Another gust of freezing wind struck Rivi, plastering fat snowflakes against his spectacles. The cheetah reached for his glasses, intent on removing them long enough to wipe them clean. But he paused with his golden-dyed leather gloving hovering in front of his muzzle. Rivi¡¯s spectacles were currently held in place with a headband buried beneath his hat. If he pulled it off now, he feared he might end up with frost-bitten ears. Rivi sighed, conceding to himself that cheetahs were simply not meant for such arctic climates.


    ¡°Soon,¡± Rivi said, lashing his spotted, half-numb tail against the snow. ¡°Soon, we¡¯ll be warm again, Rivi.¡±


    ¡°Who the fuck is we, Cat?¡± The gray fox in line behind him folded his arms, growling. ¡°I ain¡¯t yer fuckin¡¯ bunk mate.¡±


    Rivi grimaced at the fox¡¯s language. He¡¯d have splayed his ears in dismay, if only they weren¡¯t already wedged against his head, thanks to his hat. ¡°Yes, you¡¯ve made that abundantly clear.¡± He glanced over his shoulder, trying to offer his shorter, gruffer queue companion a friendly smile. ¡°You know, you needn¡¯t use such strong language. Your point is clear enough.¡±


    ¡°And the fuck is Rivi?¡± The fox glared at him, amber eyes shining amidst the snow that crusted his thick fur. Ice wiggled on his whiskers. ¡°Cause that sure ain¡¯t my name.¡±


    ¡°Well, no¡­¡± The cheetah wrong his hands. ¡°Rivi is my name.¡± He tapped his chest. ¡°I¡¯m Rivi.¡±


    The fox narrowed his eyes, his snow-smothered tail swishing. ¡°Then why the hell you talking about yourself like that? That some kinda royal ¡®we¡¯ or something?¡±


    The cheetah huffed, his breath rising in a cloud. ¡°No. Just a habit.¡±


    The fox stared at him, his ears slowly flattening. ¡°You¡¯re a weird cat.¡±


    Rivi turned away. ¡°So I¡¯m told.¡± He tugged his hat down, half-wishing he could just pull it over his face and hide inside it.


    Just his luck, Rivi thought, to find himself stuck in line next to another unfriendly face. For at least the last few weeks, the whole world seemed full of them. That this one was vulpine was not lost on Rivi, either. Up until recently, he¡¯d been traveling this frozen continent with a highly paid fox, an experienced porter hired by Rivi¡¯s benefactors to help him navigate unfamiliar lands and customs. Everything had been going swimmingly and right on schedule, up until the morning the civil unrest started. The protests and riots and armed patrols were tricky enough to navigate even before the waves of brutal winter storms swept across the land. And let alone before that volcano erupted, somewhere in the distance.


    In hindsight, Rivi thought, was it any wonder that morning he awoke to find himself abandoned? His guide had simply vanished. With everything going on in his homeland, Rivi couldn¡¯t blame the white-furred fox for wanting to cut his journey short, and make his way back home before things grew even more difficult. What Rivi could blame the little traitor for was leaving his poor client alone and afraid in a strange land. Rivi had never gotten the sense that his porter liked him, but that was no excuse for leaving him to fend for himself, without so much as a goodbye.


    ¡°At least we didn¡¯t get robbed, Rivi,¡± the cheetah said.


    ¡°Speak for yourself.¡± The gray fox behind him shook snow off his coat. ¡°I been robbed, before.¡±


    Rivi grimaced, glancing over his shoulder. ¡°My apologies, but I wasn¡¯t speaking to you.¡±


    The fox snorted. ¡°Then stop sayin¡¯ we, weirdo.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit late for that.¡± Rivi crossed his arms tightly, his tail tip twitching. ¡°Since I¡¯ve been doing it my whole life. You know, Fafren thought I was weird, too.¡± He looked back at the shorter fox. ¡°He was never very friendly, either.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± The fox blinked, perking a single, rust-feared ear. ¡°Are you actually talking to me now?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Rivi threw his hands up. ¡°Was that not obvious?¡±


    The fox shook his head. ¡°You ain¡¯t real good at communicating¡¯, are ya?¡±


    Rivi winced, looking away. His ears would have drooped, had they been free. He swallowed, looking down at his feet. Snow was slowly accumulating on his fur-lined boots. ¡°Not especially, no. Particularly with strangers. Or when I¡¯m anxious.¡± He nudged the boardwork with his foot, pushing snow around. ¡°Or when I¡¯m anxious about trying to communicate with strangers.¡±


    The gray fox scratched at thick fur around his neck. If only for a moment, a hint of contrition crept into his voice. ¡°Yeah, well, you got a long journey to try and get better at it.¡±


    A hint of a smile crept across Rivi¡¯s muzzle. ¡°So, I do.¡±


    Rivi turned attention back to his eventual destination. The cheetah¡¯s heartbeat spiked in fresh excitement. Anticipation swirled in cold spirals in his belly. In the distance, looming above the frozen streets was the greatest and most monumental airship Rivi had ever set eyes upon. Called The Worldstrider, it may as well have been a city unto itself. Long rows of porthole windows and enclosed balconies at least a dozen stories tall lined its long, silver-painted sides. Larger swaths of floor to ceiling glass lined its upper bridge, its promenades, restaurants, and other areas. Monolithic, crimson-hued smokestacks atop it, and along its sides at the back belched dark smoke into the swirling, low-hanging clouds. Massive propulsion turbines adorned it in multiple locations. If it had traditional gasbags, they were all internalized, like those of an armored warship. The whole incredible ship was done up in a beautiful livery of shining silver and deep red. The crimson hues ran along the top and bottom quarters of the ship, while the middle half was resplendently mercurial. The ship¡¯s moniker was scrawled in elegant black script across the silver portions of the bow.


    Rivi stared up at the gargantuan vessel, heedless of the dopey grin plastered across his muzzle. For at least a few moments, Rivi didn¡¯t care if he looked like a tourist, or some backwater yokel setting eyes upon a flying ship for the first time. After all, while the felines of his homeland had plenty of airships, they had nothing like this. Rivi imagined he could fit every other airship he¡¯d ever ridden on inside The Worldstrider all at once, and still had room for more passengers than he could count. And to think, he¡¯d almost been on a different vessel. If Fafren hadn¡¯t abandoned him, he¡¯d have been here weeks earlier, and departed aboard The Bridgehead. Another fine vessel, he was sure, but it was half the size and twice the age of The Worldstrider. To the best of Rivi¡¯s knowledge, The Worldstrider was by far the largest intercontinental airship in all the world. Rivi absolutely could not wait to be aboard, and not simply because he was freezing his-


    ¡°I¡¯m freezing my damn nuts off here,¡± said the fox standing behind him, rubbing his arms.


    Yes, Rivi thought, those. The cheetah was fairly certain his had vanished hours ago. Unfortunately, the only thing preventing Rivi from boarding the world¡¯s largest airship and reconstituting his anatomy was the fact he was stuck standing in the world¡¯s longest line. When Rivi first arrived to join the boarding party, dawn had not yet even broken across the bustling city-state of Tavosa. Even then, there were already hundreds of people trudging through the cascading snow to get a place in line beneath the blue-white glow of the electric streetlamps.


    At first, city workers did everything they could to keep the snow from piling up. They dutifully shoveled off the boardwalks, sidewalks, walkways, and other walkable lanes. But as the crowds grew, and the snow continued to fall, there was less and less the workers could do to make a difference. Eventually, most of them gave up on dealing with the snow, and focused on directing the crowds.


    Rivi wished a few more of them had kept shoveling snow. As helpful as it was to have knowledge people directing him on which line was which, he had an awful lot of luggage. Rivi thanked the Divine Weaver he had been able to purchase a sturdy, wheeled luggage wagon after Fafren abandoned him. As much as Rivi¡¯s poor back and shoulders ached after a day spent pulling a heavily loaded cart by hand, the cheetah knew he¡¯d otherwise never have been able to move all his luggage alone. Still, while the wagon was a boon, Rivi struggled to pull it through piles of snow and over icy, uneven boardwalks.


    To make matters worse, the continuing slow-scale eruption of the distant Mount Narris meant there was an element of ash mixed into the clouds. There was just enough of it to give the snow a bitter, acrid taste and ever so slightly gritty texture. Rivi just wished it had warmed the damn snow a little, too. Then again, Rivi supposed that warm snow would simply be cold rain, and then he¡¯d be even more miserable.


    At least the snow helped muffle the cacophonous din of so many voices. Rivi was not especially comfortable all alone and surrounded by so many people. Until his travels, the cheetah had spent much of his admittedly short adult life in quieter places, wrapped up in his scholarly duties. In his free time, Rivi was as apt to stay in his quarters, reading or drawing as he was to go out and have a drink. Even in the smaller vessels he¡¯d traveled upon to this point, he did not think he¡¯d ever been surrounded by so many people. Thankfully, between the naturally silencing qualities of heavy snow, and the way his hat covered up his ears, the roar of the crowd had been reduced to an angry sort of whisper.


    Rivi shielded his eyes and glanced up at the sky, wondering just how long he¡¯d been in line. His aching feet told him he¡¯d been there hours, at least. His rumbling belly and parched tongue agreed. The cheetah had eaten only a light snack for breakfast, along a single cup of coffee, and something generously called ¡®juice¡¯. Rivi couldn¡¯t even tell what kind of fruit it was supposed to be from, let alone where they got fruit here, in the middle of the winter. He suspected it was something preserved and rehydrated. At least going hungry and thirsty meant he didn¡¯t have risk trekking to the public latrines. Rivi could only imagine what sort of foul condition those must be in. Worse, he had a sneaking suspicion if he left his spot in line, he wouldn¡¯t get it back.


    ¡°Hey, hold my spot, will ya?¡± The fox behind him slapped Rivi¡¯s arm. ¡°I gotta piss.¡±


    The cheetah sighed, his shoulders sagging. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Cat.¡± The fox pointed to a single, battered suitcase in a faded orange and brown checker pattern. ¡°Watch my shit, too. It better be here when I get back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep it safe for you,¡± Rivi said, trying to keep the frustration out of his voice. He could not help but wonder if the foul-mouth fox would extend him the same courtesy, should he be the one in desperate need of relief. ¡°Be sure not to forget what section of the line you¡¯re in! With all the snow, everyone¡¯s clothing is starting blend together.¡±


    The fox hurried off, giving Rivi a dismissive wave. ¡°I¡¯ll just look for the cat hauling the mountain of bullshit!¡±


    Rivi scrunched his muzzle. ¡°My luggage is not¡­¡± He trailed off, lashing his tail. It wasn¡¯t in Rivi¡¯s nature to swear. ¡°Nevermind.¡±


    The cheetah brushed snow off his gloves, then reached into his coat. He retrieved an elegant, locket-style pocket watch. The front of its golden exterior was inlaid with pearl and silver, depicting stylized images of scrolls and books. On the back side was an etched likeness of his own smiling face. It was a gift from his parents, on the day he was officially accepted as a scholar and archivist by the Church of the Divine Weaving. On the inside, he kept a small silvery-gray photograph of his parents. The numbers of the clockface were inscribed into the metal, with the clock¡¯s hands and gears kept beneath glass.


    Rivi scowled when he saw it was already nearly noon. Though the line he was in had made steady progress, he still had a long way to go. Rivi looked towards the ship again. More people than he could count milled about in several long lines. Each line led towards a different security platform. Each platform in turn had its own set of workers checking tickets and luggage, then directing passengers onto boarding gangways. The gangways then led through the maze of docking scaffolds that crawled across The Worldstrider like the rickety skeletons of long dead serpents.


    Rivi just hoped he was in the right line. The worker he asked for help didn¡¯t entirely seem to understand his quandary. They¡¯d looked at his paperwork, given him a very confused look, and eventually ushered Rivi to the line nearest the front of the ship. The cheetah hoped that meant something good. After all, Rivi¡¯s original reservation was for a cabin aboard The Bridgehead, not The Worldstrider. Thanks to Fafren¡¯s abandonment, he had missed his chance to board that ship entirely. Luckily, he was eventually able to make contact with the transit company¡¯s local representatives. After he explained the situation, they assured Rivi that The Worldstrider would be able to accommodate him. However, they¡¯d also made two things very clear. One, due to the advent of the stormy winter season, the eruption of Mount Narris, and the increasingly unstable civil climate, this would be the very last vessel departing to cross the Sundered Sea until at least the end of spring. Two, for those same reasons, the vessel was also going to be overbooked with all the people trying to leave while they still could.


    Rivi scanned the other lines. Best he could tell, there were two primary boarding lines for those who already had passage booked. The remaining lines were filled with people still hoping to purchase their way aboard. Guards in dark green military coats, and with rifles slung across their shoulders patrolled those lines heavily. No one waiting in line even dared to meet the guards¡¯ eyes. Rivi swallowed, wondering just how bad things had really gotten. Fafren hadn¡¯t exactly been forth coming about the state of local affairs. And few of the other people he¡¯d talked too seemed especially willing to discuss potentially dangerous matters with a foreign traveler, either. Whatever the case, Rivi had a sinking feeling that some of the people trying to flee were not going to make it onto the ship.


    The people ahead of Rivi suddenly moved forward. Rivi looked around, but saw no sign of the fox. The cheetah growled under his breath, half-tempted to just kick the fox¡¯s suitcase out of the way, and continue in line without him. Yet he knew he could never forgive himself for being so brazenly coldhearted, even to someone who was clearly taking advantage of his good nature. Rivi picked up the fox¡¯s suitcase. It was heavy, surprisingly so. With a grunt, he hefted it up onto his luggage, piled high on the cart nearby.


    Rivi pulled the wagon down the boardwalk for a little while, until the line stopped moving again. The cart kept sliding across the icy ground, forcing Rivi to put his shoulder into it to bring it to a stop. The effort left his shoulder throbbing. The cheetah winced, working his arm in a circle. He glanced towards the ship again. Rivi was not looking forward to dragging his luggage cart up the inclined gangway that led into the ship itself. Still, it would be well worth the discomfort to finally be on board. At this rate, Rivi imagined it would be all he could do to avoid just flopping into bed and sleeping for the next two days. But he did not want to miss the excitement of their unmooring and departure.


    The cycle of start and stop continued for at least another hour with no sign of the gray fox. At one point, a guard walking the line paused and stared at Rivi¡¯s mountainous heap of belongings. Rivi¡¯s belly lurched, and for a moment, his blood ran as cold as the snow swirling around him. What if that fox had tricked him? What if his suitcase was full of contraband? What if they were about to throw him in jail, for someone else¡¯s crimes?


    ¡°Oh, Rivi,¡± he said, looking away from the guard. ¡°We¡¯ve done it now.¡±


    ¡°Check your bag, sir.¡± The guard, a dark-furred wolf, pointed towards the cart.


    ¡°M-my bag?¡± Rivi turned towards his luggage, struggling to act calm. He dared not think about what manner of vile illicit substances and weaponry that little fox must be smuggling. ¡°Actually, that one is-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about to fall off.¡± The wolf turned away and continued walking down the line.


    Rivi blinked. The checker-patterned suitcase was wobbling in the winds, about to topple over. It threatened to bring several of Rivi¡¯s bags down with it. The cheetah quickly grasped the suitcase, then resituated it. Once it was steady again, he glanced after the departing lupine guard.


    ¡°Th-thank you, sir!¡±


    The wolf gave a half-hearted wave and continued on his way.


    Rivi sighed, his shoulders slumping. ¡°That was close, Rivi.¡± He rested a gloved hand against the top-most case. ¡°Or was it?¡±


    He glanced at the fox¡¯s suitcase. It didn¡¯t even have a lock. Rivi was half-tempted to open it up and see what was inside. If the fox had anything illegal, he could bring it to the guards attention. Then again, Rivi thought, he didn¡¯t exactly know what was illegal, within the boundaries of the city-state. What was contraband in some lands was perfectly allowable in others. Unless the fox had a severed head in his suitcase, Rivi was unlikely to know the legal status of his belongings. Rivi blinked, fighting back a nervous whimper. What if the fox did have a severed head in his bag?


    ¡°Move up, cat.¡± A tall, female, white-furred bear in a crimson overcoat pointed forward, drawing Rivi¡¯s attention back to the fact the line had moved again.


    ¡°Y-yes, thank you.¡± Rivi grasped his cart, and tugged it. The front wheels bumped against a hardened lump of icy snow, refusing to budge any further. He glanced back at the female bear. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you could help push¡­¡± She only stared at him, and Rivi sighed. ¡°No, nevermind.¡±


    Rivi grit his teeth, putting his back into. Finally, the cart wheels bumped up over the hardened, packed snow. His luggage rattled, but nothing fell over or toppled out of the cart. The cheetah ignored his sore shoulders and aching back best he could, pulling the cart up the boardwalk until the queue stopped moving once again. Once again the cheetah had to put his shoulder against the wagon to slow its momentum before it rolled too far and inadvertently assaulted those in line ahead of him.


    The fox remained absent as the boarding process continued its slow, stop-start grind. Anxious knots tied themselves in Rivi¡¯s belly as he kept an eye out for his not-so-friendly queue companion. He hoped the little vulpine wasn¡¯t trying to use him as some kind of mule for illicit substances. Or counterfeit money. Or stolen goods. Or illegal firearms. Or smuggled antiquities.


    ¡°Alright, Rivi,¡± the cheetah said, wiping freshly accumulated ice from his thin whispers. ¡°We get the point.¡±Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    At least the bear who stood behind him now didn¡¯t bother him about his embarrassing habits. Rivi wasn¡¯t even sure when he¡¯d started talking to himself that way. Or why he referred to himself as ¡®we¡¯ when he did so. As far as he could remember, he¡¯d been doing it ever since he was a kitten. If he truly wished to psychoanalyze himself, Rivi assumed it probably had something to do with his relatively isolated youth.


    His family was admittedly well-off, and had placed Rivi and his older sister into a very well respected religious school. As a student, Rivi¡¯s marks were always excellent, even as he struggled socially. Communication was never his strong suit, and what few friends he had made were often those with shared interests in reading, and drawing. While he¡¯d enjoyed the outdoors as a youth, he was more likely to sit in the shade under a tree, reading a some pulpy adventure novel than he was to kick a ball around with the others his age. In the end, at least his intellectual leanings had paid off. Between his scholastic successes, and his aptitude for the written word, he¡¯d eventually been offered his scholar¡¯s position with the church. It paid well, kept him busy, and eventually presented Rivi with a far more prestigious opportunity, that of the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage.


    In times long past, it was common for members of The Church of the Divine Weave to undertake a journey as far as they could muster, to see what the world was like beyond their homes. It was a rare chance to see how people lived beyond the rules and tenets of the Church. The luckiest of them might even glimpse one of the great Fractures, where once the gods had woven the shattered world back together. But such a journey was expensive, and arduous, especially for those who wished to journey further than the edges of their own continent. And even as the advent of airships had made intercontinental travel a more realistic proposition, events at home and abroad both had left Rivi¡¯s beloved homeland increasingly isolated. Fewer and fewer of his people were able to undertake any such travels.


    So, several generations ago, the Church instituted The Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage. One promising young scholar was chosen to travel the world, and document everything they witnessed. Upon their return, their findings were detailed in a great tome, filled with their writings and photographs and more. That tome was then published across the land, so that all those could not make the pilgrimage themselves could live vicariously through the Wandering Scholar.


    Being asked to undertake the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage was perhaps the biggest honor of Rivi¡¯s life. It was also the most terrifying prospect he¡¯d ever imagined, and the most exhilarating task he¡¯d ever undertaken, all at once. Though the Church covered all costs, The Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage was meant to be a relatively lonely affair. Porters, guides, and travel were all arranged ahead of time, but that was it. There was no great convoy, no contingent of bodyguards, church officials, or even family members. The pilgrimage had to be a pure experience, undistilled by the warming familiarity of friends and loved ones. Anything more might taint the authenticity of the eventual travel chronicles.


    The line moved again, and Rivi moved with it. By now, he was near enough to see the countless workers preparing the ship for departure. Teams of engineers with winter coats awkwardly pulled on over drab jumpsuits scrutinized turbines, exhaust vents, propellers and more. Dockworkers loaded everything from fuels and cargo pallets, to food and water, to supplies for the ship¡¯s shopping areas. Flight staff scrambled around the docking scaffolds, assessing every inch of the ship¡¯s outer hull. Supervisors shorted orders and signed off on long reams of documentation. Rivi could scarcely imagine the sheer magnitude of tasks that had to be completed before a vessel of such enormity was cleared for departure.


    Actually, Rivi thought, he should probably document that. While the line was stalled, he turned to his luggage cart. One of his topmost cases contained some of his photography equipment. He fetched a key from his coat pocket, then quickly unlocked the case. Rivi popped it open, removed a smaller case, and closed it up again to protect the contents from the snow. The second case held a Black Sky 147, perhaps the most rugged and durable camera that Rivi had with him. It was the only one he dared take out in this weather.


    Rivi quickly unlatched the hardened case, and retrieved the camera. The Black Sky 147 was a boxy, metallic model, with leather accents and a fold-out lens. It shot on rolled film, and could take a number of pictures in succession. It was already loaded, as Rivi had taken a few images earlier in the day. Though Rivi did possess a few brand new, and expensive color-film devices, the Black Sky still took silvergraphs, so named for their silvery-gray hues. In return for pictures lacking color, though, the camera was so sturdy Rivi could drop it down a staircase, and it would still shoot just fine. Which was good, because that was exactly what Rivi did a few days earlier.


    Rivi checked the camera over, ensured the film was properly loaded, and peered through the viewfinder. Given the curtains of wind-driven snow cascading across everything, Rivi knew these would not be the clearest photographs from his pilgrimage. But at least they¡¯d be accurate to his experiences. The cheetah worked swiftly, taking several silvergraphs of the monstrous airship looming above snaking lines of people. Then he pivoted, and took a few more, trying to squeeze in the rest of the impossibly long queues that wound through the docking area, and into the brick-paved streets of Tavosa.


    ¡°Hey Cat.¡± The bear tapped his shoulder. ¡°Get my good side, huh?¡±


    Rivi blinked, glancing up at the taller female. ¡°Um, yes ma¡¯am.¡± He turned towards the bear, then carefully backed up a few steps, until he was able to fit her in frame. She turned sideways, shaking snow off coat. The contrast between her deep red overcoat and her snowy fur made Rivi wish he was taking color images. He decided not to tell her he wasn¡¯t. He snapped a picture, and then offered her a little bow. ¡°Thank you, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    The cheetah decided to make that do for additional photography. He didn¡¯t want to risk pressing his luck exposing his cameras to the elements. He quickly packed away the Black Sky, and returned it to its place nestled amongst its brethren. His decision proved savvy, as only a few moments later the line moved forward again. Rivi lugged his cart further along the boardwalk.


    When next they came to a stop, Rivi glanced back the way they¡¯d come. The entire docking station plaza was filled with more people waiting to board than the entire population of Rivi¡¯s hometown. Lines of hopeful passengers stretched as far as he could see, all the way beyond the plaza and back into the city itself. The heavy snows made it difficult to see very far beyond the squat, stone-wrought residential buildings that enclosed the nearby streets, but the cheetah imagined the lines extended much further than that. He scowled, wondering how many of those people were fleeing something? And how many of them would actually make it aboard? The cheetah brushed snow off his hat, sighing. His homeland was not without its faults, but at least they¡¯d known stability of rule longer than most nations.


    By the Rivi was nearing the security platform, the gray fox still hadn¡¯t returned. Rivi decided to hand over the fox¡¯s suitcase to the authorities. That was, if there was something illegal inside, they could take care of. And if there wasn¡¯t, then they could hold onto it in case the fox finally showed up again. Rivi was certain that as long as he told the truth, no troubles would befall him.


    While he waited his turn, Rivi watched the security workers. To his surprise, most of them were kobolds. Rivi stared at them, his tail tip flicking and swishing as if nearly as curious as he was. The lizard-like people were only half Rivi¡¯s height, their scaled muzzles protruding from within fur-lined hoods. Back home, people without fur were quite rare. Hell, Rivi thought, back home, it was unusual to see anyone but other felines. Yet the world was filled with myriad disparate kinds of people, and Rivi found them all equally fascinating.


    The kobolds, as far as he knew, were from far across the Sundered Seas. Originally, they hailed from the same distant continent the strangely flat-faced, furless humans did. In fact, the company that operated The Worldstrider was in large part human-owned. Rivi supposed it should be no surprise that they would employ a great number of the other peoples from their own far flung homeland. Gazing around, he also spotted several towering gnolls working as security officers, along with a horned minotaur. Each officer carried a number of firearms, along with additional ammunition, handcuffs, and what Rivi nervously guessed were some kind of explosive fragmentation devices. The cheetah wondered if the ship¡¯s security was always so heavily armed, or if they were worried what would happen, should the gathered crowds be denied passage.


    ¡°Cheetah!¡± A sharp, stern voice called out. ¡°Bring your luggage over here, cheetah, and present your boarding papers.¡±


    Rivi snapped his attention towards the speak. A trio of kobold workers perched on stepladders awaited him behind a long, empty table. One of them waved him over, while the other two worked to keep the table free of snow. Rivi grabbed the handle of his cart, and hauled it up the short inclined ramp onto the security platform. Then he pulled it towards the table, going over his explanation in his head.


    Greetings, Sirs and or Madams! Before I present my documents, I must inform you that a fellow passenger stowed his suitcase with me, and has yet to return. As I do know not his whereabouts, nor the contents of his belongings, I am hereby presenting them to you, to do with as you sit fit.


    Yes, Rivi thought, that should do nicely.


    As he pulled his luggage wagon up to the inspection table, Rivi cleared his throat. ¡°Greetings, Sirs and-¡±


    ¡°Gotta search your bags, sir.¡± In a flash, one of the kobolds scrambled across the table and snatched up the fox¡¯s suitcase. He dropped it onto the table, flipped open one of the latches, then paused to glance at Rivi. ¡°Do I got permission to search it?¡±


    Rivi blinked, staring in silence at the green-scaled worker. ¡°Well, no, that¡¯s actually-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have permission to search it?¡± The kobold glanced back at the other two. ¡°He says no.¡±


    The little lizard who¡¯d waved him over, a female with bronze scales, leaned across the table, her hands pressed against its surface. ¡°Sir, we gotta search your belongings. Company policy. Do we have your permission?¡±


    ¡°No, no, it¡¯s not that,¡± Rivi said, quickly shaking his head. ¡°No, wait¡­¡± He held his hands up. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean literally no, but it¡¯s not mine, so¡­¡±


    The three kobolds all looked at each other. The female cleared her throat with an especially suspicious sounding growl. ¡°So, you¡¯re denying permission to search it, but also, it¡¯s not your bag?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­well...¡± Rivi¡¯s stomach dropped into his boots. His tongue went dry, and he struggled just to form words. ¡°It isn¡¯t, but if you want, you can look? But if there¡¯s a bomb or something in it-¡±


    ¡°Bomb?¡± The third kobold, with bright red scales, leapt onto the table, hissing. ¡°Step away from the bag immediately!¡± He jumped in place a few times, waving for the guards attention. ¡°We got a problem here! Suspicious individual, possible bomb in his bag!¡±


    A frightened murmur rolled through the nearby line. The bear who¡¯d been standing behind him gasped, backing away, forcing others to do to the same. Workers at other tables turned around to stare at him. Others moved to keep the nearest queue orderly, and usher people further away. The armed guards all pivoted towards Rivi, some of them hurrying around tables towards him, whilst others blocked off the platform¡¯s access points.


    ¡°No, no, no!¡± Rivi stumbled backwards, his heart hammering his sternum. ¡°It¡¯s not even my bag! A fox gave it to me!¡±


    The green kobold carefully examined the beat up, orange and brown case. ¡°A fox gave you the bomb?¡±


    Rivi shook his head again. ¡°Well, he gave me the bag, and then he left, and I haven¡¯t seen him since and¡­and¡­¡± He swallowed, his belly lurching. ¡°Oh, Rivi, that¡¯s exactly what a bomber would do¡­¡±


    Several tall, burly gnolls converged on Rivi from different angles. Each of them towered over him, glaring down with piercing eyes, their muzzles set into sharp-teethed snarls. One of them already had a pistol in his hand, another had unslung her rifle. The third¡¯s hands were empty, but only until he grasped Rivi¡¯s shoulder in an iron grip.


    ¡°This the suspicious individual?¡± The gnoll spun Rivi towards the kobolds.


    ¡°That¡¯s him.¡± The green kobold slowly up from the table, pointing at the suitcase. ¡°He said a fox gave him a bomb.¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t!¡± Fear and exasperation stretched Rivi¡¯s voice taut. His breath came in fevered pants, his tongue flicking against his teeth. ¡°I was just trying to explain¡­¡±


    The gnoll whirled him around so quickly it left Rivi¡¯s arms flailing. Rivi had rarely seen gnolls in person, and he could scarcely imagine a more frightening introduction. All three of them easily outweighed him by at least double. They were taller even than wolves, with beige-brown fur mottled with black. None of them bothered to wear hats, despite the snow. A bristly ruff of black fur ran from roughly between their pointed ears, down the backs of their necks. Rivi was fairly certain the gnoll gripping his shoulder could have crushed his bones if he but made a fist.


    ¡°Who gave you the bomb?¡± The gnoll¡¯s voice was calm, collected, and entirely too serious.


    Rivi slowly lifted trembling hands. ¡°A gray fox. He was behind me in line.¡± He took a quick breath, amending himself. ¡°I never said it had a bomb, I said-¡±


    ¡°He definitely said bomb!¡± The red kobold folded his arms, his tail swishing where it protruded from his coat.


    The green kobold nodded several times. ¡°Yeah, I heard bomb too.¡±


    ¡°And he refused permission to search his bags.¡± The bronze one waved at Rivi¡¯s luggage cart.


    ¡°I did not!¡± Rivi hissed, his frustration rising. ¡°You never gave me a chance to explain!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, cause you said you had a damn bomb!¡± The green-scaled kobold glared at Rivi. ¡°That kinda explains itself, don¡¯t it cat?¡±


    ¡°I did not!¡± Rivi balled up his fists. ¡°You misunderstood me!¡±


    ¡°Alright, cheetah.¡± The gnoll slowly relaxed his grip. ¡°Explain.¡±


    Rivi drew in a slow, shaking breath, hoping and praying that the Divine Weavers had sent him someone willing to listen to reason. ¡°I was standing in line, and there was a gray fox behind me. He was there all morning. He said he had to visit the latrine, and asked me to watch his bag for him.¡± Rivi pointed to the suitcase. ¡°That¡¯s his bag. I have no idea what¡¯s in it. I was just using the idea of a bomb as an admittedly bad example, which I immediately realized was a terrible idea. Especially considering the fox still hasn¡¯t returned. So¡­¡± Rivi swallowed. ¡°Please, search it, but be careful, just in case.¡±


    The red kobold moved closer to the bag, holding his hand up to the others. ¡°Better get the crowds moved back, first. Could be set to blow as soon as it opens.¡±


    ¡°Hold on.¡± The gnoll glanced between Rivi and the kobold, then back to Rivi again. ¡°You said a gray fox gave you that bag? Describe him.¡±


    Rivi wiped his muzzle. ¡°He¡¯s about this tall¡­¡± He held his hand out. ¡°Gray fur on his face, rusty red ears. Black coat. No hat. Swears a lot.¡±


    The gnolls exchanged glances. The one holding his shoulder released him, turning to his companions. ¡°Sound familiar?¡±


    ¡°Very.¡± The female gnoll slung her rifle back over her shoulder. ¡°Sounds like that little shit who got arrested for fighting in the latrine line.¡±


    ¡°Feisty little bastard, though.¡± The third gnoll slowly holstered his side arm. ¡°Held his own against all those wolves.¡±


    Rivi blinked, staring up at the taller guard. ¡°He was arrested?¡±


    The gnoll grunted, brushing snow out of his ruff. ¡°Detained, more like. Probably just get a fine, then be allowed to board. Pretty sure the wolves started it, he just didn¡¯t know when to quit.¡± He glanced at the female. ¡°You get a description of his bag?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Brown and orange, checker pattern.¡± She jerked her thumb at the suitcase. ¡°I¡¯d say that matches. Fox wanted it back.¡± The female gnoll walked towards the table, gesturing for the kobolds to return. ¡°Examine it, Kallo.¡±


    Kallo, the kobold with red scales, hoped up onto the table again. He crouched down, and slowly turned the bag around, analyzing it closely. He checked the hinges, then the latches. Kallo ran a finger around the seam. He even sniffed at it, his tail tip twitching in the snow. ¡°So far, so not gonna kill us. No gunpowder scent, but there¡¯s ways to hide that, not to mention other explosives-¡±


    ¡°Just open it.¡± The gnoll held an arm across Rivi¡¯s chest, gently pushing him back.


    The kobold glanced at his companions, then hesitantly undid the second latch. The other two lizards put their hands over their sides of their hooded heads, covering up their earholes. Rivi doubted it would do them much good to protect their hearing if a bomb exploded a short distance away. And yet, as Kallo slowly opened the case, Rivi found himself instinctively covering his own ears. Please don¡¯t explode, Rivi thought, repeating the mantra in his head. Please don¡¯t explode, please don¡¯t explode, please don¡¯t explode.


    It didn¡¯t explode. The hinges creaked, but it popped open easily enough. Kallo leaned forward, staring into it. His companions slowly uncovered their ears. Rivi did the same as Kallo dug through the suitcase¡¯s contents. He lifted up a folded shirt, then sniffed at it. Kallo put it on the table, then pulled out a pair of dark brown trousers. The folded legs unraveled as the kobold held them aloft.


    ¡°It¡¯s just clothes, and shit.¡± Kallo dropped the pants atop the shirt. ¡°Toiletries bag.¡± The kobold opened it, peering inside. ¡°Just regular stuff.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank the Divines for that.¡± Rivi put his golden-gloved hands around his muzzle, breathing a long sigh. ¡°We¡¯re not getting arrested, Rivi. Or exploded.¡±


    The gnoll waved at the fox¡¯s belongings. ¡°Get that packed up. And get a runner to take it over to the detention center. Get it back to that fox before they¡¯re done with all his paperwork.¡± Then he clapped Rivi on the back, hard enough to leave him stumbling. ¡°You¡¯re free to board, cheetah. Sorry for the mix up.¡±


    Rivi staggered a few paces before he caught his balance. ¡°A-apology accepted.¡±


    The gnoll leveled a smoldering glare at the kobolds. ¡°You owe him one, too.¡±


    Rivi glanced back at the gnoll, a thankful smile on his muzzle. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s alright, they¡¯re just doing-¡±


    ¡°Little cat nearly pissed his trousers,¡± the gnoll said, jerking his thumb at Rivi. ¡°Get the poor bastard boarded already.¡±


    The cheetah¡¯s smile faded slightly. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go that far.¡± Rivi rubbed his arms, brushing aside freshly accumulated snow from his coat sleeves. ¡°But yes, I¡¯d ever so much like to be out of this cold.¡±


    ¡°Sorry we thought you had a bomb.¡± Kallo tossed the fox¡¯s clothes back into his suitcase, then latched it shut.


    Rivi managed a smile, approaching the table again. ¡°That¡¯s alright. I know you have a job to do.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t be too careful with the rebellion, and all.¡± He passed the suitcase down to the bronze-scaled female, who hurried off with it.


    The cheetah scowled. ¡°Rebellion? Is it that bad?¡±


    ¡°Not to mention all those feline religious nut-jobs.¡± He snatched one of Rivi¡¯s cases off the cargo cart, and tossed it onto the table with a clatter. ¡°No offense.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s scowl deepened, his tail tip flicking. ¡°Only mild offense taken.¡±


    ¡°Had one of those crazies threaten to blow us just a few days ago!¡± The little kobold snapped his jaws, then patted Rivi¡¯s suitcase. ¡°Do I got permission to look through your stuff?¡±


    ¡°You had¡­¡± Rivi sucked in a breath, his eyes widening. Suddenly, he didn¡¯t so offended. ¡°Someone actually threatened that?¡±


    The gnoll guard cleared his throat with a loud, grating growl. ¡°That ain¡¯t the kinda thing you tell the public. Just get him boarded, got it?¡±


    ¡°Right, right, right.¡± Kallo opened up the suitcase, and quickly searched through some of Rivi¡¯s clothing. He closed it and passed it along, then pulled another from the cart. ¡°Do I have permission to search this bag, too?¡±


    Rivi held his hands up. ¡°You have permission to search all of my belongings.¡± He turned, watching the gnolls return to their patrol. The cheetah grit his teeth, wondering how much they weren¡¯t telling the passengers. Rivi dusted snow off his hat, trying to keep from thinking too hard about what might happen if bombs exploded aboard a packed airship, high in the air. ¡°Dare I ask if you get that sort of threat a lot?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah.¡± Kallo inspected Rivi¡¯s photography gear. The kobold glanced into cases, and examined a few cameras. ¡°All the time.¡± Rivi was pleased the lizard took pains to avoid exposing any delicate equipment to the elements for long. He sniffed a few things, then closed them back up and passed them along to the green scaled kobold. ¡°Just been worse lately, with all the shit going on. And you never know with the felines from¡­¡± He trailed off, glancing up at Rivi. ¡°Well, they ain¡¯t all been as polite as you.¡±


    Rivi scrunched his muzzle, unsure how to take that. ¡°I¡¯m not entirely certain what you¡¯re implying.¡±


    ¡°Boarding papers, sir?¡± The green kobold shot Kallo a glare that silenced him immediately.


    ¡°Oh, right.¡± Rivi opened the top buttons of his coat, then slipped a gloved hand into an inner pocket. He retrieved a small pouch containing his identification and travel documents. Rivi popped the latch, but then paused, glancing at the kobold. ¡°I should first make you aware my original ticketed reservation was for The Bridgehead. However-¡±


    ¡°That ship left weeks ago.¡± The two remaining kobolds looked at each other.


    ¡°However,¡± Rivi said again, sharpening his voice. Despite his discomfort with confrontation, Rivi was starting to doubt the workers would listen to him without his becoming more insistent. ¡°I also have a signed attestation from your local company representatives that assures me of passage on The Worldstrider, instead.¡±


    The green scaled kobold shrugged. ¡°Alright. Let me see it.¡±


    Rivi fought to keep his hands from shaking as he retrieved his identification from within its safekeeping pouch. He also removed his official travel permits and allowance of free passage documents from his homeland, and the other nations he¡¯d visited thus far. He passed those to the kobold, and then removed his ticket and reservation paperwork. Rivi held onto those to keep them from blowing away while the kobold reviewed his papers.


    The kobold looked between Rivi and his documentation a few times. ¡°River Mango Less?¡±


    Rivi¡¯s shoulders slumped, just a little, at the mispronunciation of his full name. ¡°Rivimiralous, actually.¡±


    The kobold blink. ¡°Say again?¡±


    The cheetah tried to speak his name more slowly. ¡°Rivi¡­mira¡­lous.¡± He shifted his weight, tail flicking. ¡°Rivi is what I go by.¡±


    ¡°Rivi, right, right.¡± The kobold flipped through his paperwork. ¡°Do you all you cats gotta get permission from Cat Church before they let you leave?¡± He turned a small, blue and gold booklet over, then opened it and glanced through it. ¡°Never seen an identity book like this, before. You must be pretty well connected, huh?¡±


    The cheetah drew himself up straight, furrowing his brows. ¡°I¡¯m undertaking the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage, so yes, I was granted special status.¡± He wiped snow from his spectacles, irritability starting to smolder inside him. ¡°And please don¡¯t call it, Cat Church. The Church of the Divine Weavers-¡±


    ¡°Rules over a country full of cats.¡± The kobold slapped his documentation down, producing a stamp from a hidden pocket. ¡°Therefor, cat church.¡± The lizard stamped things in several places, then handed them back to Rivi. ¡°Seen a few of these passes already, but none of them had an identity book as fancy as this.¡± The kobold waggled it, then handed it back to Rivi. ¡°Tickets and attestation?¡±


    Rivi sighed, deciding not to argue with the kobold. As frustrated as he was, he knew he¡¯d only get himself in trouble. It had become increasingly clear throughout his travels that few outside his homeland really understood much about his homeland, let alone about The Church of the Divine Weavers. He gave an irritable hiss, handing over the requested information.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Rivi said, stuffing his documents back into their pouch. ¡°I¡¯m a cat from the cat church. Can I get on the damn ship now?¡±


    The green-scaled kobold studied his ticket. He checked the name, the date, and then read over the attestation papers. Then he stamped it too, and handed it back to Rivi. ¡°Of course.¡± He glanced over at Kalla. ¡°We good?¡±


    Kalla finished inspecting the cheetah¡¯s belongings. He latched the last suitcase shut again, then tossed it back onto the cart. ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s clear.¡± Kalla swept his hand towards the ship. ¡°Welcome aboard The Worldstrider, sir.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank the Divines.¡± Rivi took a deep breath, then let out a long sigh. He grasped the handle of his cart, then paused, staring at the gangway that lead through the docking scaffold. While he was thankful to see little more in the way of a line, the boardwalk itself was long, and entirely uphill. He glanced between the inclined path and his cart, grimacing. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose there¡¯s a porter available I could hire to take this up there, for me?¡±


    The green-scaled kobold shook his head. ¡°Afraid not. In case you hadn¡¯t noticed, there¡¯s a refugee crisis. Most of our usual services are temporarily suspended, while the crew works elsewhere.¡±


    Rivi sighed, handing his head. ¡°Of course, they are.¡± The cheetah pulled his cart forward and up the incline, his aching arms screaming for mercy. ¡°We didn¡¯t need shoulders anyway, did we, Rivi? Look at it this way. At least we¡¯re almost there.¡±

 Chapter Two

    *****


    Chapter Two


    *****


    Argos sat at the elegant, brass and polished wood bar of the first-class lounge overlooking one of The Worldstrider¡¯s check in areas. The coyote ran his hand back and forth across the smooth, burled-walnut surface, idling tracing a few dark swirls. Electric lights in graceful crystalline fixtures buzzed just above him. Their yellow-white light glowed across the bar¡¯s brass accents and glittered on the many ornate liquor bottles and fanciful glassware stacked artistically against the back wall. Strains of brassy, up-tempo music from a hidden record player helped cover up the din of voices from the floor below. A pleasant, vaguely spicy incense scented the air with hints of cinnamon, clove, and a whiff of tobacco. Mahogany fans hanging from the ceiling gently stirred the air.


    The coyote watched as the bartender, a human male in a crisp black and white uniform fetched the top glass off an impressively tall pyramid of drinking vessels. With a pair of silver tongs, he retrieved a large, perfectly square shaped cube of ice from within a refrigerated compartment. He dropped the ice into the glass, and then poured two measure of golden brown liquid from a teardrop shaped bottle, with a red and gold label. The human then walked down the bar to Argos.


    ¡°Avalin Twenty-One, Sir.¡± The bartender set the glass in front of Argos. ¡°Enjoy.¡±


    Argos picked it up, and toasted the man with it. ¡°I will! And thank you.¡± The coyote took a sip, savoring the rich toffee and spice notes, along with its long, caramel and fruit finish. ¡°Oh, fuck, that¡¯s good whisky.¡± He took another sip, and set the glass down. Then he slipped a hand into one of the many hidden pockets of his maroon and gold vest, retrieving his billfold. He removed a five-note, and slid it across the counter. ¡°For you.¡±


    The bartender picked it up, and tucked away with a smile. ¡°Thank you, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t you supposed to be watching for trouble?¡± A female gray fox sat on the seat next to him, sipping a drink from a fluted glass. A preserved cherry and a slice of dried orange floated atop the red-tinted liquid.


    Argos swiveled his plushly-cushioned bar stool towards her. ¡°Ain¡¯t you supposed to be springing your idiot brother oughta jail?¡±


    The vixen smirked, her bushy, black-peppered tail swishing. ¡°A port detention cell is hardly jail.¡± She took another sip, then sat the glass down. ¡°Besides, they told me they were gonna let him go with a fine, anyway. But you¡­¡± She leaned forward, poking Argos in the chest. ¡°Are on duty.¡±


    Argos snorted, crossing his tan-furred arms over his vest. ¡°Volunteer duty. That hardly counts.¡±


    The vixen perked her rust-furred ears, setting her elbow against the bar. ¡°Shall we tell them that, then?¡± She rested her muzzle against her palm, staring at Argos. Her ears slowly splayed into a far too smug position. ¡°That you don¡¯t really consider yourself to be working, right now?¡±


    Argos merely shrugged. ¡°Tell them whatever you want, Iosa.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± Iosa straightened up, pivoting towards the bartender. ¡°He¡¯s slacking off, you know.¡± She waved at Argos. ¡°Drinking on the job. Wasting your employers time, and money.¡±


    The bartender chuckled, glancing up from his inspection of several pricy liquor bottles. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to pass the word along, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°See that you do.¡± Iosa turned back towards Argos. She picked up her drink, and took another little sip. ¡°Now you¡¯re in trouble.¡±


    ¡°Uh huh.¡± Argos picked up his glass, turning it back and forth. The vessel was as square shaped as the ice cube inside. A trio of stars was etched into one side, with a stylized bridge spanning the space between silhouetted continents on the other. ¡°Are these new? They got the company logo, and the bridge on them.¡±


    The bartender filled a tall glass with water, and a little more ice. ¡°Yes, Sir, relatively so.¡± He set the glass in front of Iosa, then filled a second. ¡°We just got them on our voyage over here.¡± The human put the second glass before Argos. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not sure about the Worldstrider¡¯s emblem, yet. Looks too much like The Bridgehead.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I was thinking!¡± Argos slapped his palm against the counter. ¡°It looks like they just slapped the bridge logo on a map, or something.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re still tweaking it.¡± The bartender idly adjusted his uniform. ¡°That¡¯s why some things still only have the company logo. The rest might get replaced if they change the ship¡¯s emblem. Seems like a waste of money, to me.¡± He shook his head, chortling. ¡°But what do I know?¡±


    Argos grinned at him, his ears perked. ¡°Ain¡¯t your money, right?¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± The bartender smiled, leaning forward. ¡°Get you two anything else?¡±


    The coyote glanced at Iosa. She shook her head, and Argos gestured with his glass. ¡°Not yet. But we¡¯ll circle back when I¡¯m finished with this.¡±


    ¡°Certainly, sir.¡± The bartender returned to inspecting his stocks. ¡°Let me know if you need anything.¡±


    Iosa took a drink. ¡°You spend way too much time here, if you can tell the glasses have changed.¡±


    Argos flattened back a single ear. He sipped his whiskey, then slowly set his glass back down. ¡°You know I gotta go wherever the job takes me.¡±


    The vixen¡¯s smirk returned, twisting up the corners of her muzzle. ¡°I meant the bar, not the ship.¡±


    The coyote turned towards her again, a lopsided grin on his snout. ¡°Where the hell else am I gonna spend months in the air?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know¡­¡± The vixen smoothed out the sleeves of her lilac blouse. Swirls of black threading trailed from a diamond pattern across the shoulders. ¡°Doing your job, maybe?¡±


    Argos waved her off. ¡°They¡¯ll send me where they need me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, they will.¡± Iosa swept her hand towards the decorative brass railing that ringed the overhanging balcony lounge. ¡°Which is why they sent you here. So you can keep an eye on all those people downstairs.¡±


    ¡°I am keeping an eye on them.¡± Argos very slowly spun his stool around until he was facing the balcony¡¯s rail. ¡°See?¡±


    ¡°I see, alright.¡± The vixen yipped giggly laughter. ¡°The only thing you¡¯re keeping an eye on is your drink.¡±


    Argos spun his seat back around, picking up his glass. ¡°It is the most important thing in this bar, right now.¡±


    Iosa gasped, her muzzle hanging open in faux shock. She put a rust-furred hand to her chest. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    Argos made a show of looking the female fox over. Iosa¡¯s lilac dress made for a pleasant contrast against the soft, gray fur that covered much of her body. The black diamonds on the shoulders of her blouse, and the hem of skirt matched the dark tear-streaks that from her eyes, down the base of her muzzle to the cream-hued fur across her chin. Several purple bows adorned her tail. Argos was more accustomed to seeing her in gun belts and hooded coats than he was in elegant dresses, but it was a beautiful look on her.


    ¡°You look stunning,¡± Argos said, toasting her with his glass.


    ¡°Damn right I do.¡± Iosa drained the last of her drink, signaling the bartender for another one.


    ¡°And yet¡­¡± Argos sipped his whiskey, then gave an exaggerated sight. ¡°Compared to an Avalin Twenty-One, even my favorite fox can only ever be second best.¡±


    Iosa just laughed, shaking her head. ¡°You¡¯re such an ass.¡± While the human prepared her cocktail, the vixen twisted around, gazing through the empty bar. She pointed towards a table with two chairs set up against the railing. ¡°Seriously though, shouldn¡¯t we be over there, so you can actually keep watch?¡±


    Argos scowled, his ears flattening. ¡°And spoil the ambiance? I can barely hear the music over all that noise from below as it is.¡±


    Iosa rolled her eyes. ¡°Fine. Then I¡¯ll do your job.¡± She took her drink the bartender, thanked him, and then stood up. She crossed the empty lounge, then stuck her tongue out at Argos before settling into a chair alongside the elegant railing. ¡°Well, what do you know, I can actually look for trouble, from here. Imagine that.¡±


    The coyote grimaced. He downed the last of his whiskey, then pushed the glass across the counter. ¡°May as well give me another.¡±


    ¡°Certainly, Sir.¡± The bartender took the glass away, then fetched a fresh one. He deposited an ice cube, and poured another double measure of rare, aged whiskey across it.


    By the time the drink ready, Argos had already retrieved another 5-note bill. He glanced at, making sure he was tipping the man with the right currency. Though the coyote kept a number of different monies on hand, he preferred to offer his tips in whatever form would be most appreciated. The human head with a funny, tall hat on it told Argos it was the right bill. He passed it across the counter, and the smiling bartender swept it away and stashed it in his pocket.


    Argos stood up, carrying his whiskey. He turned around and gazed across the lounge. A few dozen tables of different sizes occupied the semi-circular rotunda that overhung one of The Worldstrider¡¯s check in lobbies. Each table had its own ornate, crystalline light fixture, with gracefully designed chairs of dark wood and plush, gold-patterned cushions. Some of the chairs were meant for humans, with fully enclosed backs. Others notched openings meant for the comfort of those with tails. Several tall-backed booths occupied the areas on either side of the bar itself. Bookcases carved like scalloped shells offered books, magazines, and local newspapers for perusal before departure. Several radiators kept the lounge warm, even as cold air spilled in through the boarding doors.


    Normally, the lounge was reserved for first-class guests, only. It was a place for those who boarded first to relax and enjoy a drink while the rest of the ship gradually filtered in, or a quieter place to relax in the evenings, when the more popular taverns were raucous and full. Today, however, with the influx of refugees fleeing cascading crises, and travelers trying to make it home while they still could, the usual boarding process was long-since suspended. Now, every boarding area was open to all passengers, regardless of class. The lounges were closed, for now, both because the staff was needed elsewhere, and because alcohol might turn irritable passengers into dangerous irate ones. The bartender was present to finish preparing the lounge for its delayed, but eventual, opening. Normally, he wouldn¡¯t have served Argos and Iosa, but the coyote had special status aboard the ship. That, and a billfold full of money he was happy to slip the bartender for his discretion.


    Argos walked through the empty lounge, towards the brass barricade that encircled the balcony. Beneath the waist-high rail was an intricate metal latticework of ivy and roses. Argos stood alongside the table Iosa chose, and leaned against the barrier. The coyote peered down at the ocean of people milling about on the lower floor. Normally, the check-in areas were relatively calm, and their surrounding dark wood paneled lobbies a peaceful place to have a seat and relax while you waited your turn. The ship possessed an army of porters and waitstaff ready to whisk luggage away, and guide passengers to the cabins.


    Today, though, it was anything but calm. Snow blew in through open doors, swirling across long lines of tired, angry people. There were piles of luggage everywhere. Every available chair, bench, recliner, and open space was already occupied. Others sat on the floor, leaning against suitcases, or huddled with their families near the radiators that struggled to overcome the flow of frigid air. Parents tried to comfort crying children. Armed guards kept close watch on everyone as porters and staff members struggled to direct people to the right places, or to answer shouted questions. Leaning over the rail, the cacophony of so many voices was almost uncomfortably loud.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Well, fuck.¡± Argos took a drink of whiskey, then set his glass down on the table. He sighed, turning his attention to the chaotic scene below. ¡°I guess I am on duty.¡±


    Iosa smiled at him. ¡°About time.¡± She leaned over, gazing down. ¡°Gray coat, white hat. Left of the flower-pattern sofa.¡±


    Argos¡¯s eyes snapped to the individual in question. ¡°The tiger?¡±


    Iosa nodded once. ¡°Picking pockets.¡±


    The coyote snorted. ¡°Bit beneath us, ain¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Iosa said, sipping her drink. ¡°Was your job only to look for murderers, or should you be helping them stop all the criminals taking advantage of their passengers?¡±


    Argos turned towards her, leaning his elbow over the rail. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right coming from you.¡±


    Iosa simply smiled. ¡°The job it what it is.¡± The vixen shrugged, swirling her drink. ¡°You know that better than I do.¡± She glanced to the lower floor again. ¡°He took a refugee¡¯s billfold, by the way.¡±


    ¡°That shit-fucker.¡± Argos growled, his fangs bared.


    He shifted his attention to a blue-scaled kobold in a security uniform, standing atop a counter. Argos gave a single, course barking sound, just loud enough to be made out above all the voices. The kobold glanced up, and Argos flashed him a few hand signals, used by security officer. Suspect, thief, interdict. Then he pointed towards the tiger in the gray coat, and white hat. The kobold nodded once, then scurried over to whisper into the ear of a particular tall, dark furred-gnoll with a rifle slung across his shoulder. The gnoll nodded in turn, then spoke into the radio transmitter positioned at his shoulder. A few moments later, and security officers were cutting through the crowd, closing in on the tiger.


    Argos glanced over at Iosa. ¡°You better be right about him.¡±


    ¡°Have I ever been wrong?¡± The vixen flashed him a playful smile, which quickly faded. ¡°Not about that, I mean, just about-¡±


    ¡°Nevermind.¡± Argos watched as the guards took the tiger in custody, quickly searching him. ¡°You know who he stole from?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± Iosa stood up. As the guards retrieved purloined goods, the vixen pointed the security staff towards the proper owners. ¡°There, see? We¡¯re already making someone¡¯s day better.¡±


    Argos took a drink of whiskey. ¡°Still think this a bit beneath us.¡±


    ¡°If it makes it more fun, we could take bets.¡± Iosa scanned the crowd again, her ribbon-adorned tail swishing. ¡°You know, put money down on who¡¯s gonna robbed or arrested next? Who¡¯s most likely to get themselves killed?¡±


    Argos chuckled. ¡°I ain¡¯t bettin¡¯ on who¡¯s gonna get killed.¡±


    ¡°Only cause you know I¡¯d win.¡± Iosa drummed her fingers against the railing. ¡°Just be glad you don¡¯t have any real trouble to deal with.¡±


    ¡°Be more exciting if we did.¡± Argos took a second sip, then set his glass back down.


    ¡°Is that what you¡¯d rather be doing?¡± Iosa glanced at the coyote. ¡°Getting into fights?¡± She waved at him, gesturing at the pistols strapped against his sides. ¡°Putting bullets into people?¡± Her lips curled into a smug grin across her muzzle. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right. You¡¯d rather I pull the trigger.¡±


    Argos chuckled, gazing across the crowds as the tiger was hustled away. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you keep trying to get a rise out of me with that. I¡¯ve no trouble at all admitting that you¡¯re a better shot than I am at range. I¡¯m happy to be your spotter, if it means the job gets done.¡±


    Iosa splayed her hands, imitating something exploding. ¡°It sure as hell did.¡± She made a playful snarl. ¡°I don¡¯t think even their precious Weaver¡¯s gonna put that poor cat¡¯s head back together again.¡±


    The coyote scrunched his muzzle, a bitter chuckle escaping him. ¡°That¡¯s dark, Iosa. Even for you.¡±


    The vixen smiled, though her mirth soon faded. Iosa¡¯s ears drooped, and something unsettled drifted behind her eyes before she looked away. ¡°I just hope it actually makes a difference, this time.¡±


    Argos¡¯s lip curled, a fang exposed. ¡°Me too.¡± He drummed his fingers against the railing. ¡°Not really our place to speculate, I guess.¡±


    Iosa swished her tail a few times in silence before turning her eyes back to Argos. ¡°The hell it isn¡¯t. We¡¯re allowed to speculate and question, entirely because they want us to think about the jobs we take. The things we do. They don¡¯t want us to end up as mindless and brainwashed as all those poor cats.¡±


    ¡°I guess.¡± Argos straightened up, folding his arms. ¡°Speaking of, check out the luggage cart on this one.¡±


    Down on the lower floor, a scrawny little cheetah in an oversized blue coat hauled an entire city¡¯s worth of suitcases behind him. Most of the cheetah¡¯s head was buried beneath a bright purple hat, save for his blunt feline muzzle, and the massive set of spectacles perched upon it. Snow clung to his overcoat, his hat, and even his golden gloves. He struggled to pull the cart through the open boarding door, tugging, heaving, and fighting it every step of the way. Argos was certain if not for the clamor of so many voices, he could have heard the poor little cheetah¡¯s tendons straining as he pulled the thing.


    Iosa followed his gaze, then gave a low yowl of mock appreciation. ¡°Damn, look at that little guy. Did he pack for every cat on the ship?¡±


    ¡°With that much baggage,¡± Argos said. ¡°He might have packed for everyone else on the ship, too.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he was just afraid he¡¯d be lonely out there, away from home.¡± Iosa waved at the cart. ¡°So, he packed up the whole cat church to keep him company.¡±


    ¡°Nah.¡± Argos shook his head. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t have needed that many bags. Oh, I know!¡± He thumped his hand against the brass railing. ¡°The rest are probably filled with extra pairs of novelty spectacles, in case he loses those telescope lenses he¡¯s got strapped to his face.¡±


    The vixen laughed, snatching up her drink. ¡°Do you think he see through time, with those?¡±


    ¡°See through time?¡± Argos tilted his head, a single ear raised. ¡°I think if he held them up to the sun, he¡¯d burn a damn hole through time.¡±


    Iosa laughed harder, gesturing with her glass. ¡°Hell of a way for the universe to end, though.¡±


    ¡°Probably couldn¡¯t be too much worse than the way things were going, though.¡± Argos sipped his whiskey, looking away from the cheetah to scan the crowd again for any fresh signs of trouble.


    ¡°Speak for yourself!¡± Iosa plucked the preserved cherry from her cocktail, and popped it into her muzzle. ¡°Even if you believe all that dying sun nonsense-¡±


    ¡°Scientific measurements are hardly nonsense.¡± Argos swirled the ice cube around in his whiskey.


    Iosa worked her thumb and fingers together, like a talking puppet. ¡°Yip, yip, yap, yap, I¡¯m a coyote who knows science!¡±


    Argos rested his arm across the railing, grinning. ¡°I think everything knows-¡±


    ¡°Even if,¡± Iosa said, raising her voice over his. ¡°You believe it, it¡¯s not gonna be our lifetimes, or even our kids¡¯ lifetimes, so-¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Argos¡¯s ears shot up in feigned shock. ¡°You have kids?¡±


    The vixen rolled her eyes. ¡°Shut up, jackass.¡±


    Argos did no such thing. ¡°Aw, you¡¯re gonna make such a great mom. Reading stories to them, knitting them sweaters, brushing their fur¡­¡± He sipped his whiskey, continuing as casually as he could. ¡°Teaching them how to a load a magazine for a Rangemaster 45, showing them the best way to wire an improvised explosive device, taking them out for sweets¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget showing them how to break every bone in someone¡¯s body.¡± Iosa finished off her drink, and set the empty glass down on the table. ¡°Also, brushing their fur?¡±


    The coyote shrugged. ¡°I dunno what people do with kids. I assume someone¡¯s gotta brush their fur.¡±


    The vixen waved for the bartenders attention, then pointed at her glass. ¡°Oh yeah? And who brushed your fur when you were a pup?¡±


    ¡°No one!¡± Argos took another sip, tempted to order a third as well. ¡°That¡¯s why it always looked so shitty.¡±


    ¡°Still does.¡± The vixen gave him a sidelong glance. ¡°You just cover it up with fancier clothes these days.¡±


    Argos smiled, opening up his maroon vest. Golden threading edged every seam with intricate patterns and circled each ebony button. Beneath it, he wore a buttoned up silken gray shirt, nearly the same hue as much of his fur. The black straps of his holsters crisscrossed his chest. His trousers were black, with a silver stripe down the outside of each leg, and complimented by a woven leather belt. The coyote¡¯s shoes were black as well, as highly polished as they were highly uncomfortable.


    ¡°You like it?¡± Argos spun in place, his bushy, gray and tan tail swishing through the air.


    ¡°I do.¡± Iosa leaned up against the railing, watching him. ¡°Especially the waistcoat.¡±


    Argos scowled, buttoning it back up. ¡°It¡¯s a vest. Waistcoats are for bouncers, and bankers.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely a waistcoat.¡± Iosa only giggled. ¡°And you¡¯re practically a bouncer, today. Besides, it looks good on you. You should wear brighter colors more often.¡±


    Argos chuckled. ¡°Maybe. Harder to blend in that way. But I like the look, at least.¡± He stretched his arms. The sleeves rode up, ruffling the tan fur of his arms in uncomfortably ways. ¡°Think my tailor needs to make some adjustments on this shirt, though.¡± He rolled the sleeves back on themselves, leaving them up. ¡°May as well just keep them like that. Whatcha think?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re trying to look less like a bouncer, it¡¯s not working.¡± She turned around as the bartender approached with her drink, accepting it from him with a smile. ¡°Thank you.¡± She gestured at Argos. ¡°Doesn¡¯t he look like he¡¯s about to start a barroom brawl now?¡±


    The bartender appraised the coyote, a grin tugging at his lips. ¡°I dunno, ma¡¯am. Your companion seems more the sort to finish fights, than start them.¡±


    ¡°Awww!¡± Argos put a hand over his chest, cooing. ¡°He gets me!¡±


    ¡°Still sounds like a bouncer, to me. Besides, he¡¯s only saying that because you¡¯re armed to the teeth.¡± Iosa sipped her drink, then stared at Argos. ¡°Well? Tip the man.¡±


    Argos sighed, and retrieved his billfold. ¡°Two pistols in plain site is hardly armed to the teeth.¡±


    Iosa snorted. ¡°And that¡¯s hardly all you¡¯ve got strapped to your body.¡±


    The coyote retrieved a bank note, larger this time, and passed it to the bartender. ¡°For pretending to ignore our conversations.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to think my discretion is always as good as my mixology.¡± He tucked the bill away, then turned towards Iosa. ¡°Speaking of which, how¡¯s your Sunfire Passion?¡±


    ¡°Delicious, as always.¡± Iosa took another drink, before setting the glass down. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Certainly, ma¡¯am.¡± The bartender offered a little bow, then swept his hand towards the counter. ¡°Would you like me to bring your water over, as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please.¡± Iosa pointed at Argos. ¡°His too. Perhaps he¡¯d rather wake up with a raging hangover tomorrow, but we can at least try and prevent it.¡±


    The bartender quickly brought two glasses of water over, and set them on the table. ¡°Another Avalin Twenty-One, Sir?¡±


    Argos shook his head, holding up his half-empty glass. ¡°Not quite yet. Trying to make this one last. But I¡¯ll let you know.¡±


    ¡°Certainly, Sir.¡± The bartender turned on his heel, walking to the bar.


    When they were alone again, Iosa moved closer to the coyote, then leaned out over the rail, watching the crowds. ¡°What the hell were we talking about a minute ago?¡±


    ¡°When?¡± Argos took a sip of whiskey, then set the glass down.


    ¡°Something about a hole in time?¡± Iosa scrunched her face, ears splayed. ¡°How the hell did that come up?¡±


    Argos studied the crowd until he spotted the cheetah with the giant luggage counter. He¡¯d reached one of several wraparound style check in desks, and was now having an animated conversation with the clerk. ¡°Glasses McSuitcase down there.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right.¡± Iosa smirked at Argos. ¡°Spots McLuggagecart.¡±


    ¡°Cat McTooMuchShit.¡± Argos swept his eyes across the crowd again, only to find them drawn back towards the cheetah.


    ¡°That one¡¯s a stretch.¡± Iosa folded her arms. ¡°Anyway, you said a hole burning through time itself wouldn¡¯t be any worse than what¡¯s happening nowadays. I posit¡­¡± She bumped her glass against Argos¡¯ arm. ¡°It would be much worse. I¡¯ll even grant you the whole dying sun theory without argument. But that¡¯s at least hundreds of years away, right? If the cat incinerated time with his glasses, I¡¯m pretty sure that would effect both of us, in the here and now.¡± She tilted her head when Argos didn¡¯t reply. ¡°Are you listening to me?¡±


    ¡°Not really.¡± He pointed down to the cheetah, who was now pacing back and forth in front of the counter. ¡°Whaddya see there?¡±


    Iosa¡¯s posture straightened, her tone sharpened. ¡°The cat¡¯s angry. Guards are giving him the eyeball.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re looking the wrong direction.¡± Argos snatched up his whiskey, and drained the last of it.


    ¡°Distraction, you think?¡± Iosa pinned her ears back. ¡°Hell, even we spent a lotta time making jokes about all that luggage.¡±


    Argos quickly studied the rest of the crowd. Quite a few people were watching the cheetah, but only those near him. The room was too noisy and there were too many others already shouting for his antics to really draw that much attention. Yet, to the coyote, something still felt off.


    ¡°Nah. That ain¡¯t it.¡±


    He focused his attention on those around the cheetah. The check in clerk, a human male, was doing all he could to remain patient in a trying day. The people behind the cheetah were shaking their heads, annoyed he was taking so long. Several of the gnolls and the kobold working security kept an eye on the cheetah, but they were unlikely to intervene unless he grew violent, or the clerk called for assistance. Similar scenes had been playing out all day long, so what was it about this one that put him ill at ease? Argos swiveled his ears forward, trying to pick out the cheetah¡¯s voice.


    ¡°If it¡¯s a question of finances¡­¡± The cheetah¡¯s voice held a unique tone, a lilt that helped it stand out slightly above all the other voices. Yet even then, Argos could only make out bits and pieces of what the agitated feline was saying. ¡°Extensive monetary grants!¡± The cheetah dug into his coat, and retrieved a pouch made for keeping documents safe. He slapped a pile of bank notes down on the counter, followed by what looked like some kind of deposit slips. ¡°The Church authorized as much payment as is required!¡±


    Nearby, a tall wolf slowly made his way through the crowd. He gently nudged people aside, excusing himself, heading for the front desk. The wolf held ticketing documentation in his hand, but Argos could tell in an instant he was not interested in checking in. Instead, the wolf¡¯s eyes were fixed on the cheetah. His pointed ears were swiveled towards the cheetah, twitching and flicking. The wolf was listening to every word the cat said, watching every new monetary document that hit the counter. When he finally reached the cheetah, the wolf leaned against the counter, casual as could be. He spoke quietly to the feline, then waved his hand towards a quieter hallway. The cheetah looked between the lupine and the check in clerk, then slowly began to pack up his documents.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Argos said, his ears flat. ¡°You seeing this?¡±


    ¡°I sure am.¡± Iosa straightened up. ¡°We really should have taken bets, cause that cat¡¯s definitely getting robbed.¡±


    ¡°Robbed if he¡¯s lucky.¡± Argos eased away from the railing. ¡°Killed if he ain¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Damn.¡± Iosa slapped the railing. ¡°That woulda paid double!¡±


    ¡°Guess you¡¯re outta luck then.¡± Argos waved for the spotter kobold, but the little lizard¡¯s attention was elsewhere, where a scuffle had broken out. ¡°Damn it.¡±


    Iosa leaned forward, scowling. ¡°That fucker¡¯s working fast, too.¡±


    Argos glanced down again. The wolf was already leading the cheetah into the crowds, and away from the guards. ¡°Guess I gotta do this myself.¡± He walked away from Iosa, adjusting his vest. ¡°Watch the cat¡¯s luggage, will ya? Make sure no one steals his shit while I¡¯m busy saving his ass.¡±

 Chapter Three

    *****


    Chapter Three


    *****


    Rivimiralous stood before the check-in desk of The Worldstrider at last. After countless hours spent wrenching his shoulders and standing in the freezing cold, the cheetah had finally reached not only warmth, but the ship¡¯s concierge. For a few beautiful, exciting moments, Rivi knew the joyful exhilaration of a hard day¡¯s end, at last. He smiled, stood tall, introduced himself, and handed the concierge his ticket and attestation. And then, Rivi waited as patiently as he could as the man scanned his information.


    ¡°Soon, Rivi,¡± the cheetah said, muttering to himself. ¡°Soon, this will all be over, and we can relax in our room.¡±


    And then, once again, everything fell apart all around him.


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m sorry, but¡­¡± The human looked up, his face set in worried lines. ¡°This cabin is not available.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s empty belly plummeted into his boots. ¡°What?¡±


    The man turned the ticket around, pointing to the cabin number. ¡°Your reservation was for cabin 1151.¡± He tapped the paper. ¡°On the Bridgehead.¡±


    ¡°Well, yes¡­¡± Rivi wrung his hands, ice trickling into his fingers. ¡°But I have an attestation that-¡±


    ¡°The Bridgehead departed nearly a month ago, sir.¡± The man set the ticket down. ¡°This is a different ship. The cabin assignments are different. And they¡¯re all-¡±


    ¡°But you have more of them, right?¡± Rivi braced his arms against the counter, trying to lean across it to see if he could catch a glimpse of the schematics papers laid out before the concierge. ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be in the same location.¡±


    ¡°Sir¡­¡± The human held up a hand. ¡°You let to listen, and let me finish. While we do have significantly more cabin space than The Bridgehead, in case you haven¡¯t noticed¡­¡± He waved towards the crowd. ¡°We¡¯re also dealing with significantly more passengers. Every cabin is already booked, Sir. In fact, they were all booked weeks, if not months ago. Long before we ever reached port, and long before the captain decided to accept an influx of refugees on top of our already full bookings. I simply do not have cabin space to spare for you.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s ears would have drooped, if he¡¯d taken his hat off. ¡°But¡­¡± He picked up the attestation, trying anew to offer it to the human in trembling hands. ¡°I have a signed attestation, from your company. I went to the local Black Star Intercontinental offices to explain my situation. My porter abandoned me! I didn¡¯t know where to go, or how to get there, and¡­¡± Rivi¡¯s breath came in stuttering pants. His heart accelerated. Knots tied themselves around his bowels. ¡°It¡¯s honestly a miracle from the Divine Weavers I even made it here in time for this ship.¡±


    The human held his hands up again, his voice firm, but calm. ¡°Sir, I understand and sympathize with your hardship. But I do not have a cabin available for you.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Rivi whimpered, the document shaking in his hands. ¡°The attestation¡­¡±


    The concierge gently took the paperwork from Rivi¡¯s hands, and set it back down. ¡°It promises your reservation will be accepted, I know. But I physically do not have the space to offer you. All our cabins are booked, and most of them are now double, and triple booked. I can offer you space in steerage, along with the other refugees. But that¡¯s-¡±


    Rivi sucked in a breath. ¡°But I¡¯m not a refugee! I have a cabin reservation, paid in full, by the Church of the Divine Weaver.¡±


    ¡°No, you had a cabin reserved.¡± The man sharpened his tone, ever so slightly. ¡°On a different ship. While I understand your hardships, it is not our fault you missed your scheduled departure. Nor is it our responsibility to ensure you are provided matching accommodation on a later vessel. Now¡­¡± He gestured at Rivi¡¯s reservation information. ¡°If we had space available, I would happily book you into a different cabin. But the simple fact is, we have no more space.¡± He leaned forward, looking at all the people in line. ¡°Everyone here either has a cabin already booked on this flight, or have made arrangements to stay with someone who does. Or, they¡¯re going to be housed in steerage.¡±


    Rivi rubbed his muzzle with both hands. ¡°This is a nightmare, Rivi. Why can¡¯t we just wake up?¡± He took a deep breath, trying to calm his pacing heart. ¡°Are there at least private bunks in steerage?¡±


    The human¡¯s flat face scrunched up. ¡°Unfortunately, sir, most, if not all of the private bunks and sleeping cots in steerage have already been spoken for. We¡¯ll be struggling just to scrounge up enough pillows and blankets for people stuck sleeping on the floor.¡±


    Rivi gasped, his eyes widening, fur bristling. ¡°The floor? In steerage?¡± Then he leaned in closer, whispering. ¡°Isn¡¯t that where the criminals go?¡± He glanced towards his luggage, his tail flicking swiftly in an agitated, off time rhythm. ¡°I have very expensive equipment with me. I¡¯m undertaking the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage, you know.¡±


    ¡°Sir¡­¡± The human beckoned for Rivi to lean in close, then whispered to him. ¡°Under ordinary circumstances, I make take umbrage at your assertion that those who can only afford steerage are criminals.¡±


    Rivi blinked when he realized how he sounded. He gave a little whimper. ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t mean it like that. Anyone can fall on hard times, I realize that, it¡¯s just-¡±


    The man held up a finger, silencing the cheetah. ¡°Under the current circumstances, given the plethora of unsavory individuals out there trying to take advantage of the desperate, I¡¯d advise you to keep your voice down when speaking about the value of your belongings. I only just saw a pickpocket taken away a few minutes prior to your arrival.¡±


    The cheetah wrung his hands again, whining. He turned towards his cart, looking his belongings over. He had thousands worth of equipment, clothing, and other possessions with him. ¡°Do you at least have a secure safe I could store things in?¡±


    The concierge gave a very long, put upon sigh. ¡°Not that¡¯s available, no. We¡¯re looking into alternate arrangements, but you may as well operate under the assumption that you will be responsible for looking after your own belongings.¡±


    ¡°But¡­but¡­steerage?¡± Rivi¡¯s voice rose to a frightened squeak. ¡°What if ruffians accost me, and steal my photography equipment? No!¡± The feline paced back and forth before the wraparound desk, hissing to himself. ¡°No, no, no, Rivi! We have a responsibility to the Church! Even if I¡¯m relegated to steerage, my belongings cannot be! The Church placed their trust in us, Rivi! We have a responsibility. We cannot let them down!¡±


    ¡°Sir¡­¡± The human¡¯s voice remained even, if not exactly gentle. ¡°Try to calm down, Sir. Take a few breaths.¡±


    Rivi spun towards him, his tail flicking faster still. ¡°There has to be somewhere I can store my things safely. Or¡­or¡­¡± He licked his nose, grasping for answers like a drowning cat reaching for a lifeline. ¡°Or perhaps you could arrange for me to stay in someone else¡¯s cabin. I can even pay them!¡±


    The human¡¯s face twisted up. ¡°As I explained previously, many of our cabins are already at least double booked. Those that aren¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s a question of finances, then it¡¯s no question at all!¡± Rivi stepped up to the desk again, opening his jacket. He retrieved his documents pouch, and unbuttoned it. ¡°I¡¯ve been provided with extensive monetary grants.¡± He pulled free a stack of bills held together with a clip, then set it on the counter. Then he removed a set of banking slips that allowed him to sign over funds from a specific Church account accessible to worldwide institutions. ¡°In fact, they prepared me for situations like this. You see, the Church has authorized as much payment as is required.¡±


    The concierge looked at the money, and then pushed it back towards Rivi. ¡°Again, Mister Rivimiralous, it¡¯s not specifically a matter of payment, but a matter of space. While we¡¯re still waiting to make contact with several of our suite holders, there¡¯s already a waiting list for any extra space that becomes available.¡± He scowled, gazing at the doors. ¡°If I may be blunt, Sir? You should be thankful you made it here in time to be admitted to steerage. There are hundreds of people out there, thousands perhaps, who will not be so lucky. There are families out there, children.¡± He swallowed, sighing. ¡°Who will not be let aboard, because we¡¯ll be out of room. As much as we¡¯d like to take everyone fleeing this catastrophe, we simply cannot. There is, after all, a firm limit to how much weight we can take aboard and still fly. We¡¯ll likely be rationing water supplies as it is. I know this situation is far from ideal, Sir. But be glad you were in line early enough to make it onto the ship at all.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s shoulders slumped. He fell silent, staring at his own reservation ticket. That was it, then, he thought. It was steerage or nothing. Months spent in a cramped, overcrowded crawlspace, sleeping on a dirty floor, struggling to protect his belongings. Probably sharing a latrine and a shower with half the ship. Hoping he wasn¡¯t knifed for his photography equipment in his uncomfortable slumber. He took a whimpering breath, then managed a weak nod.


    ¡°Alright. If that¡¯s the only option¡­¡± Rivi steeled himself for the worst. ¡°Then steerage it is. I¡¯m sorry to be such a bother.¡±


    The human offered him a smile. Rivi wasn¡¯t sure, but he thought he saw genuine regret in the human¡¯s eyes. ¡°You¡¯re not a bother, sir. Like I said, I understand how difficult this is. I wish there was more I could do.¡± He scribbled down some information. ¡°Now, I will put you on the wait list, just in case.¡± He glanced at Rivi¡¯s goods. ¡°Steerage does not usually have porter service, but in your case-¡±


    ¡°Excuse me a moment.¡± A tall, dark-furred wolf sidled up to the counter. ¡°If I might have a word with my feline friend here?¡±


    Rivi turned towards the newcomer. The wolf was at least a head taller than him, and a great deal heavier, as well. Between the long, dark duster he wore, and the stylish, pointed hat that perched between his ears, Rivi thought the wolf looked like the hero right out of an old novel, or a gunslinger radio drama. He managed a smile, peering up at the taller lupine.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Rivi said. ¡°Do I know you?¡±


    ¡°Well, not yet.¡± The wolf¡¯s voice was smooth as melted butter. ¡°But you will. You say, I couldn¡¯t help, as they say¡­¡± The wolf leaned against the counter, offering the cheetah an easy going smile. ¡°Overhearing. It sounds to me like you¡¯ve got a housing problem.¡±


    Rivi scowled, fidgeting with the sleeves of his coat. ¡°I have a reservation, but it was for the previous ship. They say they don¡¯t have any room left.¡±


    ¡°My, but that is a problem.¡± The wolf tilted his head, glancing at all the money on the counter. ¡°I hope that¡¯s money you¡¯re being refunded, at least.¡±


    The cheetah shook his head. ¡°Afraid not. I thought perhaps I could pay for someone else¡¯s room, in return for sharing it with them, but¡­¡± He trailed off, sighing.


    ¡°But they¡¯re already booked up, right?¡± The wolf gave a bark of laughter. ¡°Well, my feline friend, this might be your lucky day. You see, I was on my way up here to add my reservation to the list available for an extra booking.¡± He held up his ticket, idly shaking it. ¡°I don¡¯t mind sharing a room, y¡¯see, and I could use the extra money.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Rivi blinked, then sucked in a breath. ¡°Oh!¡± He quickly scooped up his bank notes and payment slips, and returned them to his pouch. ¡°How much is your room? I could easily split it with you, I¡¯m certain. Hell, at this point, I¡¯d be happy to cover the whole thing, just to be done with this mess.¡± He tucked his pouch into his coat pocket, then glanced at the human. ¡°How much is his room?¡±


    The human gave the wolf an odd, and not entirely friendly look. At least, Rivi thought it wasn¡¯t entirely friendly. He still wasn¡¯t used to reading their flat-faced expressions. But something about the way he watched the wolf through narrowed eyes read like suspicion, from any of the world¡¯s peoples. The human held a hand out. ¡°May I see your reservation sir?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t trouble yourself, good sir.¡± The wolf put the slip back into his pocket, turning away from the concierge. ¡°Let me hash out the details with this fine feline here, and we¡¯ll be back to make it official.¡± He swept an arm towards the other side of the room. ¡°Whaddya say, cat? There¡¯s a little alcove bar near here we can go and have a seat. Maybe a drink, or a smoke. Whatever your poison is.¡±


    Rivi licked his nose. ¡°I don¡¯t smoke, and I shouldn¡¯t consume alcohol on an empty stomach, but-¡±


    ¡°Empty stomach?¡± The wolf gave a whimpering, sympathetic coo. ¡°Well, we can¡¯t have that. Change of plans. I¡¯ll buy your meal, and we¡¯ll figure out the fairest way to split the cost of a room together. How¡¯s that sound?¡±


    ¡°Practically miraculous, after all I¡¯ve been through lately.¡± Rivi moved to join the wolf, then paused, glancing back at his belongings. He didn¡¯t really want to drag them all the way to a caf¨¦ and back. ¡°What do you suppose I should do with my luggage?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m certain our friend here behind the desk will keep a good eye on it, for you.¡± He ushered Rivi forward, into the crowd. ¡°Hell, I can fetch for you myself later.¡±


    ¡°That would be ever so kind of you!¡± Rivi smiled up at the taller wolf, walking along at his side. He rolled one of his arms, his shoulder aching. ¡°My shoulders are so terribly sore as it is.¡±


    The human leaned across the counter behind him. ¡°Mister Rivimiralous! I cannot advise that you-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about my new friend, here.¡± The wolf draped his arm around Rivi¡¯s shoulders, guiding him along. ¡°I¡¯ll take real good care of him.¡±


    Rivi followed the wolf through the teeming crowd. He wasn¡¯t entirely comfortable with having the wolf¡¯s arm around him, though it seemed like a friendly enough gesture. It was just that among Rivi¡¯s people, physical contact with strangers was highly unusual. Hugs and such were fine among friends and family, but it was rare for those who didn¡¯t know each other well to intentionally touch one another so casually and intimately. Being jostled in lines and crowds was one thing, but draping an arm around someone unknown was something else entirely.


    The cheetah wasn¡¯t sure he liked it. The wolf was holding him a little too tightly. Something about it left Rivi¡¯s skin feeling odd and prickly beneath his fur, but he brushed the unpleasantness aside. After all, Rivi told himself, this was not his homeland, and these were not his people. He was on this journey to see the world beyond his borders, to experience life as they experienced it. And if this was how the locals displayed their friendliness, then who he was to shrug off the wolf¡¯s arm? Then again, given how firmly the lupine was grasping him, Rivi wasn¡¯t sure he could have wriggled free even if he wanted too.


    ¡°You could relax your grip a little, if you like.¡± Rivi glanced up at the taller wolf. ¡°It¡¯s not as if I¡¯m going to wander off, or anything.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry about that, friend.¡± The wolf relaxed his grasp slightly, but his arm remained heavy and vaguely constraining against the cheetah¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I just don¡¯t want you to get jostled about by this big, unfriendly crowd. They see a little cat like you, all by himself, and they might think to take advantage.¡± The wolf made a show of pushing someone out of Rivi¡¯s way, then ushering him through the resulting space. ¡°Did I hear right, that your name¡¯s Rivi?¡±


    Rivi smiled at the wolf, nodding. ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± He glanced up over all the people. Signage hung above adjoining corridors, illuminated by electric lights. Black lettering and arrows on white backgrounds pointed the way to lifts, lounges, offices, cabin berths, shops, and cafes. Rivi¡¯s head swam just trying to imagine the sheer amount of things to see on the ship. He¡¯d been through towns on his travels that were leagues smaller than this vessel. ¡°Where is it we¡¯re going for this meal again?¡± He tried to twist around to look back at his belongings, but already the crowds had closed in behind him. There were too many people milling about for him to even catch a glimpse of his things. ¡°And do you really think it¡¯s wise for me to leave my-¡±


    ¡°You worry too much, friend.¡± The wolf nudged a few more people aside, making for a corridor with signs pointing towards an eatery, among other things. ¡°Like I said, the clerk¡¯ll watch your stuff, and I¡¯ll get it for you later.¡± He glanced at a colorful poster plastered upon the wall, depicting an immense, fried meat sandwich. ¡°That¡¯s where we¡¯re headed. Colvo¡¯s Cutlets. You ever had a sandwich like that, cat? What kinda meat you like? I bet they got it all.¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Rivi licked his muzzle, staring at the poster as they walked past it. ¡°That does look good. And, all kinds, I suppose. Back home, we eat a lot of fish, and fowl. But the other day, I had roasted goat, and it was delicious!¡± His belly rumbled, as ominous as it was uncomfortable. ¡°Honestly at this point, I¡¯ll happily devour whatever they have.¡±


    ¡°There ya go.¡± The wolf guided him into a long corridor.


    Rivi gazed around as they walked a little deeper into the ship. The hallway was paneled with dark wood. Benches with red cushions sat at even intervals. Overhead lights buzzed faintly, shading their blue-white light. Decorative plants in ornate planters sat at intersections. A few paintings hung on the walls, alongside additional advertisements for the ship¡¯s many eateries and shops. The crowds were thinner here, and the further they went, the less people there were around them.


    ¡°See, it¡¯s getting nice and quiet, now.¡± The wolf chuckled. ¡°That¡¯ll make it easier to discuss our deal, for the room. Now, I believe I overheard you say you had some kind of authorization for payment, from your church?¡±


    Rivi nodded, looking as they walked. ¡°That¡¯s correct. I¡¯m undertaking the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage, you see.¡±


    ¡°Oh, are you then?¡± The wolf smiled down at him, his pointed ears perked around his hat. ¡°That sounds like it must be an expensive journey. They must have given you all kinds of money, for that.¡±


    The cheetah pulled his head off his head. His ears sprung up, finally free from their warm but uncomfortable confines. ¡°They did, yes. And I have access to a special account, that allows me to withdraw and transfer as much money as is required, for emergency situations.¡± He rubbed his ears with his free hand. ¡°Well, so long as they participate in one of the major, intercontinental banking systems.¡±


    ¡°Uh huh.¡± The wolf pulled him closer again as they walked past a pair of kobolds in porter uniforms. ¡°That¡¯s good to know. And, those just need your signature, right?¡±


    Rivi wrung his hand between his hands. ¡°Well, yes. I also have a signet stamp to imprint upon them.¡±


    ¡°I see!¡± The wolf murmured to himself in thought. He turned down a smaller hall, guiding Rivi along. ¡°You know, now that I think about it, it might easiest to have you sign and stamp one of them slips over to me. You can keep your bank notes, and I can run out real quick, and make the transfer before we depart. I do believe there¡¯s a banking institution right outside the port.¡±


    The cheetah flattened his ears, his face scrunched. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s one way to do it. But wouldn¡¯t you risk missing our departure? There¡¯s still an enormous crowd out there.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t you worry about that.¡± The wolf took another turn, following the signs that pointed towards Colvo¡¯s Cutlets. ¡°I already got my cabin, remember? I¡¯ll just have the concierge stamp my paperwork so that I can skip the line and get right back onto the ship, as soon as I¡¯ve got the money transferred.¡±


    ¡°I suppose that would work.¡± Rivi twisted his hat. ¡°It seems like it would be easier to give my bank notes for now, and I could just withdraw more for myself later, as needed. I¡¯m sure the ship has some kind of monetary access system.¡±


    The wolf pulled Rivi along. ¡°Well, if you wanted, you could give me your cash first. As a deposit. That way, if there¡¯s trouble with the banking slip, you¡¯ll still have already paid me. And if all goes as planned, I can give you your cash back, after I¡¯ve got mine.¡± He clucked his tongue, a smile curling across his muzzle. ¡°Yeah, that sounds like the most sensible thing. Then, once I¡¯m back, I¡¯ll add you to the room, and get your belongings sent right up.¡±


    Rivi scowled, his ears still back. ¡°That sounds like an awful lot of extra work.¡±


    The wolf shrugged. ¡°Up to you, my friend. But legally speaking, they won¡¯t let me add your name to the room, until payment¡¯s been made. If you only give me the banking slip, and there¡¯s a delay? It¡¯ll be that much longer before you get to flop down in a warm bed, or sink into a hot bath. But if you give my your cash too, then worst case, you¡¯ll already be paid up.¡±


    Rivi blinked, trying to follow the wolf¡¯s logic. ¡°That sounds like an awfully unusual law.¡±


    ¡°And a frustrating one, too. But like I said, the choice is yours. I¡¯m just trying to make your life easier.¡± The wolf stopped before a set of crimson-painted doors, set with several diamond shaped windows. A sign nearby indicated that there were eateries inside. ¡°Well, here we are I believe. You ready for the best sandwich of your life?¡±


    Rivi smiled, his ears perked. ¡°Oh, absolutely so. I haven¡¯t eaten since before dawn!¡± Excitement bubbled up inside him. At long last, things were finally going Rivi¡¯s way. The hardest part of his journey was over, he wasn¡¯t going to have to stay in steerage, he¡¯d made a helpful new friend, and he was about to eat a good meal. ¡°I¡¯m so lucky I ran into you!¡±


    ¡°That you are, my friend, that you are.¡± The wolf pushed the doors open, and walked inside, pulling Rivi with him.


    They entered a seating area with a few dozen simple tables. Several brass light fixtures hung from the ceiling, their blue-white bulbs glowing. Wooden fans whirred above them, stirring the air. At the far end of the room, a long countertop was located beneath a wooden menu board. Pots, pans, knives, cutting boards, and other cooking equipment hung on the far wall. But the food preparation area beneath them was dark. Instead of cooks behind the counter, there were only stacks of unopened crates. A half-open door lead to a darkened, empty kitchen. Another door led Chairs were piled atop each other alongside each table.


    Rivi¡¯s heart sank. ¡°They¡¯re not open yet.¡±


    ¡°No, it appears they are not.¡± The wolf gazed around, his thick tail swishing. It bumped against Rivi. ¡°That¡¯s disappointing. But I tell you what, friend.¡± The wolf gestured towards an empty table. ¡°Why don¡¯t we go ahead and sort out this room business, so at least you¡¯ve got that off your mind? Then when I run out to the bank, you can find yourself something to eat. Once you¡¯ve got your name on my cabin, you can charge to our room.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s shoulders slumped, and his ears drooped with them. ¡°Oh, very well.¡± He trudged to the nearest table. ¡°How much is it going to be?¡±


    ¡°Well, now I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t know that, exactly.¡± The wolf finally released him, only to pull a chair from the stack. He set it before Rivi, smiling. ¡°Have a seat, friend. Take a load of those aching feet.¡±


    Rivi sank into the chair, and gave a low groan of satisfaction. Even without filling his belly, simply sitting down was an immense relief. After standing all day long, the stiff chair and its thinly padded cushion may as well have been a luxury recliner. Only as he settled in did Rivi truly realize just how much his feet ached, and his back hurt, and his shoulders throbbed. He tossed his hat onto the table, then stretched out, splayed his gloved hands up over his head.


    ¡°Oh, by the Divines, that¡¯s better.¡± The cheetah slowly relaxed, sitting half limp in his chair. ¡°Did you know, I haven¡¯t even been able to unsheathe my toe claws, in these boots!¡± He tapped a foot against the floor. ¡°Not that I need too, but they¡¯re just so¡­confining!¡± Rivi weakly gestured with a hand. ¡°We cheetahs are not meant for the cold.¡±


    ¡°Lucky for you, then, you got a nice warm room waiting.¡± The wolf pulled free a chair for himself, though he did not yet settle into it. Instead, he loomed over Rivi, offering him a constantly, toothy smile. ¡°So why don¡¯t we go ahead and get you set up? If you sign a banking slip over to me, I can go by the concierge, and discuss exactly what the cost is going to be, on your end.¡± He slapped the table. ¡°In fact, if you give me the cash as well, I can pay your portion while I¡¯m visiting the clerk. Then you can go ahead and get settled into our room, while I make that run to the bank.¡±


    Rivi blinked. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure what, but something didn¡¯t sit right with him. The cheetah straightened up a moment, one ear splayed in thought. ¡°Wait. If I pay my portion in cash, directly to the concierge, why do you also need to go to the bank?¡±


    The wolf¡¯s left ear twitched, ever so slightly. ¡°Oh, you wouldn¡¯t believe the crazy, backwards laws they got around here.¡± Unseen gears turned behind his eyes. ¡°Legally, you¡¯re required to pay up front when you check in. I¡¯ve already done so. You haven¡¯t. So, technically speaking, your payment goes to the ship, not to me. Now¡­¡± He held up a hand, tail swishing. ¡°Due to the current situation, the ship is not offering any kind of refund. Which means, for me to get my half of the payment, I gotta get it from you. So, we use your cash, to get you registered to the cabin, then while you settle in, I head down to the bank to get my portion of the fund.¡± The wolf flashed him another smiles. ¡°Makes perfect sense that way, right?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Rivi rubbed his head. ¡°Not really? Doesn¡¯t that mean I¡¯ll be paying twice?¡±


    The wolf gave a put upon sigh, sadly shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s the situation that the ship¡¯s put you in. That¡¯s why I wanted to come somewhere quiet, and explain it to you in person.¡± He waved his hand. ¡°Didn¡¯t that that smarmy concierge to try and lie to you, or shift the blame. The thing of it is, they¡¯re taking advantage of everyone. Now, I suppose¡­¡± He straightened up, crossing his arms. ¡°We could just pay your fees with cash, and I¡¯ll forget the banking slip. But¡­¡± He scowled, staring down at his own boots. ¡°Then I¡¯d be out all the fees I paid to secure a suite all to myself. And I¡¯d be paying double, and you¡¯d only be paying half. Doesn¡¯t really seem fair, but¡­well, you¡¯re the one in need, so I suppose I oughta just be glad I¡¯m able to help.¡±


    Rivi sighed, and reached into his coat. ¡°No, that wouldn¡¯t be fair to you.¡± The wolf¡¯s logic still didn¡¯t fully add up to Rivi, but the cheetah was too exhausted to puzzle his way through it. ¡°If the easiest, fairest thing to do is to give you cash, and a banking slip, that¡¯s what I¡¯ll do.¡± He pulled out his documents pouch and set it on the table. ¡°I¡¯m going to need a receipt, though.¡±


    ¡°Of course, my friend, of course.¡± The wolf loomed over him again. ¡°Don¡¯t you worry about the costs, either. As soon as you get that slip signed and stamped, I¡¯ll run it down to the concierge, determine the fees, and head out to the bank. You can just relax, and find yourself a nice meal.¡±


    Rivi pulled out a banking slip, and set it on the table. He retrieved a pen, then hesitated. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I at least come with you, to the concierge? I¡¯m sure they have things I need to sign, as well. And how will I know where my room is, otherwise?¡±


    His new friend waved at the withdrawal papers. ¡°I¡¯ll just show him this, give him your name. They already had your old reservations on file, right? Don¡¯t trouble yourself, you¡¯ve earned a break. Once I¡¯m back, I¡¯ll come find you in whatever restaurant or lounge you may be in, and take to the room. Now, why don¡¯t you go ahead and sign right there?¡± He tapped the paperwork.


    Just as Rivi put pen to paper, the lights in the kitchen area flickered to buzzing life. He paused, looking up. A solitary figure stood silhouetted in the kitchen doorway, like a watchful shadow come to life.


    Rivi slowly lifted his hand, waving to whoever it was. ¡°H-hello¡­¡± When the figure did not respond, he lowered his arm. ¡°Are you here to open the kitchen?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s here to make you a sandwich, Cat.¡± The wolf put a hand on Rivi¡¯s shoulder, squeezing a little too hard. ¡°Greetings, friend. Now, whatever purpose you have in here, hiding out in some empty kitchen? Well, that ain¡¯t mine to question. But my cheetah friend here and I are just finishing up a little business.¡± Some of the friendliness dropped out of the wolf¡¯s voice, replaced with something darker. ¡°Private business. So, whatever you were plannin¡¯ to do in here, all by your lonesome? I¡¯m happy to let you do it, so long as you give us our privacy, first.¡± The wolf pointed through the kitchen door with his friend. ¡°Right back in that kitchen¡¯d be just fine. Maybe crawl back into whatever servant¡¯s corridor you wriggled out of. You ain¡¯t seen your face yet, you ain¡¯t seen mine. We understand each other?¡±


    Rivi swallowed, glancing from the wolf to the shadowed figure. ¡°Wh-what does that mean?¡±


    ¡°Hold on a minute, friend.¡± The wolf tightened his grip on Rivi¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Just let me take care of-¡±


    ¡°Step away from the cat.¡± The voice was cold, even, and commanding.


    ¡°I ain¡¯t planning to do that.¡± A growl crept into the wolf¡¯s voice. His fingers dug into Rivi¡¯s shoulder until the cheetah hissed in pain.


    ¡°And I ain¡¯t asking.¡± The silhouetted form stepped out of the doorway. Light cascaded across him, revealing the slender muzzle and sharply pointed ears of a coyote. The coyote strode forward with slow, measured steps. His eyes were fixed upon the wolf. As he walked, he flicked open the buttons of the beautiful maroon and gold waistcoat he wore across his gray shirt. Straps crisscrossed his chest beneath it. Pistols were holstered beneath his arms. ¡°Step. Away. From the cat.¡±


    Rivi gasped, shooting up out of his seat, despite the wolf¡¯s grip. ¡°He has guns.¡± His heart leapt into his throat, his belly clenched. ¡°He has guns!¡± Panic squeezed everything inside him.


    ¡°Yes, he does.¡± The wolf barred Rivi¡¯s chest with arm, pushing him back. ¡°I reckon he¡¯s here for all the money he heard you talking about.¡± The wolf gave a low, menacing snarl. ¡°But I ain¡¯t lettin¡¯ you rob this poor feline, you no-good scavenger! He¡¯s under my protection now, you hear? You best be warned, you ain¡¯t the only one here who brought a couple noisy friends aboard.¡± The wolf slowly eased his duster back, flashing the pearl-handled revolver buckled at his own waist.


    The coyote continued his calm, steady advance. ¡°You lay one finger on that thing, and you¡¯re gonna lose the use of that arm.¡±


    The wolf¡¯s ear twitched again. His hand hovered near the grip of his revolver. ¡°Get behind me cheetah. I¡¯ll keep you safe from this criminal scum.¡±


    Rivi scrambled around behind the larger wolf, peeking out around him. ¡°S-stay back! I¡¯ll call for security!¡±


    ¡°I am security, Cat!¡± The coyote¡¯s eyes never left the wolf as he drew near him. ¡°And I ain¡¯t playin¡¯ these games. That wolf ain¡¯t your friend, you¡¯re his mark. And I don¡¯t care if you believe me or not, so long as-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite the accusation there, little coyote.¡± The wolf clucked his tongue, shaking his head. ¡°And I don¡¯t think I like it. In fact, I think maybe oughta-¡±


    ¡°You can leave here under your own power,¡± the coyote said, coming to a sudden stop just before the wolf. ¡°Or you can leave here on a stretcher.¡± He flourished his waistcoat, holding the left side open. Something caught the light, some kind of badge of shining silver and deepest black. When the wolf glanced down at it, the coyote repeated the wolf¡¯s earlier words in a mocking accent. ¡°Do we understand each other?¡±


    The wolf stared down at the unusual emblem. ¡°You¡¯re¡­¡± His breath caught in his throat. ¡°You¡¯re a ghost?¡±


    ¡°Seems that way, don¡¯t it.¡± The coyote let his waistcoat fall closed again. ¡°You know where the exit is. I suggest you find it in the next five minutes. I don¡¯t wanna see you on this ship, again.¡±


    The wolf swallowed audibly. He stepped back, easing away from Rivi. Then he tipped his hat to the cheetah. ¡°You have a nice day, sir.¡± Then the wolf turned, and walked away. He already was out the doors before Rivi even knew what was happening.


    When the wolf was gone, the coyote buttoned his waistcoat back up. ¡°You alright, cat?¡±


    ¡°I¡­um¡­¡± Rivi backed away from the coyote, his eyes darting around. If not for the fact he¡¯d left his documents pouch upon the table, he might have turned and ran as well. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Are¡­¡± He swallowed, easing closer to the table. Maybe if he quick enough, he thought, he could grab his stuff and run. ¡°Are you going to rob me?¡±


    ¡°Nah, cat, I ain¡¯t gonna rob you.¡± The coyote gestured to the bag. ¡°Put your stuff away. Let¡¯s get you back to the check in area, figure out what¡¯s going on.¡±


    Rivi shuffled back to the table, his mind whirling. Between the sudden turn of frightening events, and the heavy pall of fatigue slowly smothering him, he struggled to process things. He put his banking slips and pen away, and then stuffed the pouch back into the deep pocket inside his overcoat. Suddenly, the coat felt unbearably hot. His skin flushed beneath his fur. His ears burned. Rivi slowly turned towards the doors, where the wolf had so swiftly fled. If the coyote was telling the truth, then that meant¡­


    ¡°Was¡­¡± Rivi stared at the red painted doors, as his sleep deprived, half-frozen brain slowly caught up with the reality. ¡°Was¡­he going to rob me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Cheetah.¡± The coyote folded his arms, irritability creeping into his voice. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what he was going to do. Why the hell else do you think he¡¯d go so far out of his way to sneak you away from the guards, and take you all the way to an empty restaurant? This place doesn¡¯t even open till tomorrow.¡± The coyote glanced at the doors. ¡°Those were supposed to be locked. Fucker probably broke in earlier, then went to find a mark.¡± The coyote snorted. ¡°Hell, you¡¯d have been lucky if all he did was rob you.¡±


    Rivi picked up his purple hat. He clutched it to his chest as if clutching a life buoy while adrift in a cold, unforgiving sea. ¡°I¡­I was?¡± His hands shook.


    ¡°You¡¯re damn right, you¡¯d have been lucky.¡± The coyote looked around the empty caf¨¦. ¡°Hell, for all I know, he mighta been planning to bend you over that table, and fuck you, too. Or kill you, after you signed that paper for him. Or one, then the other!¡±


    Rivi gasped, squeezing his hat in trembling hands. ¡°Oh, oh Rivi¡­we¡­we were almost¡­¡±


    ¡°At the very least,¡± the coyote said, walking closer. ¡°He woulda taken every last bit of money you¡¯ve got, and drained that special account you were braggin¡¯ about for all it¡¯s worth. Assuming he didn¡¯t leave your body locked up in a meat freezer, you¡¯d have never seen him again. You¡¯d be high and dry on this ship without a single monetary asset left to your name. Fuckin¡¯ lucky for you, I read that fucker from the start. Once he took you down that hall, I figured he was coming here¡­¡±


    The coyote continued talking, but Rivi scarcely heard him. Rising horror and humiliation left his ears ringing. His knees wobbled. When the coyote laid it out all, it was far too obvious. He¡¯d been so desperate for a helping hand that he¡¯d walked willingly into the wolf¡¯s trap. The Church had warned him that outside its borders, the world was cruel, unscrupulous place. Rivi thought he¡¯d listened, thought he¡¯d prepared himself. And yet, so eager was he to believe in another¡¯s golden heart that he¡¯d allowed himself to be lured away from safety, and into the den of wickedness.


    ¡°Oh, Rivi¡­¡± He flopped back onto the chair, whimpering.


    ¡°How could we be so stupid?¡± Rivi¡¯s burning throat tightened. ¡°How could we be so naive? Stupid, stupid, Rivi!¡± Tears brimmed in the cheetah¡¯s eyes. Rivi struggled against his emotions, but they were a dark, rising tide that could not be stopped. The more the realization sunk in, the harder the cold waves of horror crashed over him. ¡°He was going to kill you!¡± Rivi grabbed at his ears, a single, pained sob escaping him. ¡°We¡¯re so stupid, Rivi! We could have died!¡± A few wet streaks ran down the fur of his face.


    ¡°Hey, Cat¡­¡± The coyote¡¯s hand gently brushed his shoulder. His voice was different, now, softened ever so slightly with concern. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Just take a breath.¡±


    Somehow, that only deepened Rivi¡¯s regret. He must have looked like such a fool. A poor, pitiful, na?ve, lonely fool. Far from home, all alone, and with no real idea how to survive in the world beyond the Church¡¯s laws. That he¡¯d made it this far after being abandoned was a minor miracle all on its own. And yet, he¡¯d been so close to going no further. To having his pilgrimage end in a violent, terrifying death, in a meat locker. And now, the person who¡¯d saved him from that fate was watching him break down and cry.


    In that moment, a cold, humiliating loneliness smothered Rivi. He wanted to stand up, to put on a brave face, and shake the coyote¡¯s hand. To thank him for saving his foolish life. But Rivi lacked the strength even to stand. No smile would break through the pain etched upon his face. And no courage could erase the embarrassment of being such a¡­ a¡­


    ¡°A waste of space.¡± Rivi hissed at himself, squeezing his own ears. ¡°We¡¯re a waste of space, Rivi! Why would they ever entrust us with the pilgrimage?¡±


    ¡°Hey, now.¡± The coyote pulled up a chair alongside the cheetah. He gently set a hand against Rivi¡¯s back, his voice softer still. ¡°You¡¯re safe, and that¡¯s what matters. Everyone gets played for a fool, eventually. You¡¯ll learn from it, right? It ain¡¯t worth all that hardship, Cat.¡±


    How Rivi wished he could simply take the coyote¡¯s words to heart, and move on. How he wished he could dry his eyes, and offer the coyote a thankful smile. How he wished he wasn¡¯t an anxious wreck left wondering just how he¡¯d ever complete this journey alone. But he wasn¡¯t, was he? Not if he couldn¡¯t even tell a genuine friend from a cold-hearted killer. Not if he was willing to hand everything over to a stranger, for nothing more than a smile and a promise. By the Divine Weavers, he was a fool.


    ¡°We¡¯re¡­¡± Rivi put his head in his hands, another sob breaking free. In that moment, it was all too much for Rivi. He was abandoned in a foreign land. He was helplessly na?ve. He was sobbing in front of his savior. He was on a ship, about to depart for a months long voyage, with nowhere to sleep, and no one to turn to. All at once, Rivi had never felt so completely alone. ¡°We¡¯re never going to complete the Pilgrimage, Rivi. Never!¡±


    ¡°Easy, now.¡± The coyote slowly rubbed Rivi¡¯s back. ¡°It¡¯ll be alright, Cat. It¡¯ll be alright.¡±


    That a complete stranger would not only save his life, but seek to comfort him in his moment of weakness only made Rivi feel worse. Rivi could scarcely imagine how pathetic he must have looked, cowering and sobbing. But he couldn¡¯t stop it, now.


    Rivimiralous buried his head in his arms, and cried.

 Chapter Four

    *****


    Chapter Four


    *****


    Argos had not expected this. Truthfully, he wasn¡¯t sure what he expected. He didn¡¯t know if the cat would be grateful or angry, frightened or embarrassed. Were Argos in the cheetah¡¯s place, he would have embarrassed to learn of his own naivety, but then also furious with the person who¡¯d tricked him. The coyote was prepared for screaming and rage, for confusion and gratitude, for embarrassed mutterings and admittances of foolishness. But he wasn¡¯t ready for this. Not for the cat to break down completely. Not for the cheetah to excoriate himself. Not for him to collapse into an inconsolable, sobbing heap.


    Helplessness smothered the coyote. It was a rare feeling for him. Given the life he lived, and the ways he was raised, and trained, Argos had scarcely faced a situation he could not find a way through. Every problem had a solution, even if that solution was not always easy to find. But this? This mentally broken, emotionally anguished feline, crying his eyes out in an empty restaurant aboard an airship, so very far from wherever he called home?


    Argos simply did not know what to do for him.


    He thought to offer comfort, best he could, but that only made things worse. Why, he did not understand. Argos had guesses, but that was all they were. The coyote scooted his chair closer, till he was nearly bumping up against the sobbing cheetah. He put a hand on the feline¡¯s shaking shoulders, gently squeezing. The cat did not pull away, but nor did he really seem to acknowledge Argos¡¯ proximity. Instead, the feline took the purple hat that was scrunched up in his hands, and pulled it over his head, as if trying to hide himself from Argos¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°How could¡­¡± The cheetah¡¯s voice was muffled against the table as he wrenched his hat down across his eyes, all the way to his muzzle. ¡°We be so stupid, Rivi? It should have been¡­¡± He wrapped his arms around his head. ¡°So obvious! Of course he didn¡¯t really want to help! Why would anyone help us!¡±


    Argos went back to rubbing the cheetah¡¯s back. At this point, he doubted there was anything he could do or say to ease the cat¡¯s pain. ¡°It¡¯s alright, cat. Just let it out. You cry it all out, I won¡¯t tell nobody. Hell, you can tell people you scared the wolf off yourself before I got here, if you want. I don¡¯t care.¡±


    A long, tortured sob escaped the feline. ¡°We must look¡­¡± He rubbed his muzzle through his hat. ¡°So pathetic!¡±


    The coyote sighed. He leaned back in his chair, his hand still gently rubbing the cheetah¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Not really the word I¡¯d use.¡± At least, Argos thought, not to the cat¡¯s face. ¡°Overwhelmed, more like. But, honestly¡­¡± Argos shrugged. ¡°Who cares how you look?¡±


    The cheetah lifted his head, just enough to rest his half-hidden muzzle against his arm. ¡°Everyone. I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m supposed to represent¡­¡± He sniffled, draping his other arm out across the table. ¡°The Church. But I¡¯m just¡­¡± He whimpered, balling his hands up into fists. ¡°Worthless! Useless! Pathetic! Too na?ve and stupid to-¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Argos snarled and snatched the cheetah¡¯s hat off his head. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±


    The cat jerked his head up from his arm, his eyes wide. For the first time, Argos had a good look at the cat¡¯s face. Behind his thick, brass-rimmed spectacles, the cheetah¡¯s bleary, tear-filled eyes shone a brilliant reddish gold. His golden-beige fur stuck out at odd angles. A myriad of tiny black spots mottled his face. Ebony tear streaks ran from the inside of his eyes down along the back of his blunt, feline muzzle, eventually vanishing into the paler fur of his throat.  Smaller tear marks started from the outside corners of his eyes, trailing off into mottled markings across his cheeks. The cat stared at him, his sobs quieted into pained whimpers. Argos couldn¡¯t tell if the cheetah had just been startled into silence, or if he feared he was about to be slapped across the muzzle.


    Argos¡¯s heart sank. He hadn¡¯t meant to scare the poor feline worse. He just didn¡¯t want the damn cat to keep badmouthing himself for something that wasn¡¯t his fault. Was the cheetah too na?ve for his own good? Obviously. But did he deserve to keep suffering for it, to keep belittling himself, to drag his own heart through a field of broken glass? Well, actually, Argos didn¡¯t know what the cat deserved. But the cheetah sure as hell didn¡¯t seem like he¡¯d earned all the extra pain he was putting himself through.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to scare you.¡± Argos held his hand up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I did. But listen, Cat. I might not know shit about you, I¡¯ll admit. But it seems to me¡­¡± He shook the cheetah¡¯s hat at him. ¡°That your problem is you¡¯re just cursed with too kind a heart.¡±


    The cheetah blinked at him. He lifted a trembling hand, wiping at the wet fur beneath his spectacles. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Argos grimaced, wondering how best to explain that. He kneaded the cat¡¯s damp hat between his hands. He hoped the wetness was just melted snow, and not tears and cat drool. ¡°You know why you let that wolf take you here? It wasn¡¯t because you were stupid.¡±


    Slowly, the cat straightened up. Another little sob wracked him. He undid the band wrapped around the back of his head, and pulled his glasses off to rub his eyes. ¡°It wasn¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°Nah, Cat.¡± Argos shook his head. ¡°You let him bring you here, because you thought you saw goodness in him. Because you wanted to see goodness in him. Because, somewhere in that scrawny little chest¡­¡± He lightly slapped the lilac hat against the feline¡¯s chest. ¡°You got a heart that must be overflowing with kindness. So much of it, that¡¯s all you can see in everyone else. He offered you help, and your heart smiled, to think there was someone good out there, trying to do right.¡±


    The feline rubbed his chest, swallowing. His voice was breathy, and wounded, but the sobs were easing, at least. ¡°It did seem miraculous, at first. Even once something seemed off, I¡­I wanted to believe he was just trying to help me.¡± He looked away, his ears drooping. Pain and bitterness crept back into his voice. ¡°We¡¯re so stupid, Rivi.¡±


    ¡°You ain¡¯t stupid.¡± Argos tossed the cat¡¯s hat down on the table. ¡°Quit sayin¡¯ that.¡± He folded his arms, grimacing. ¡°You¡¯re na?ve as hell, that I¡¯ll grant you. But that don¡¯t make you stupid. It makes you¡­¡± Argos grit his teeth, staring across the room. His tail lashed twice. ¡°A better fuckin¡¯ person that me, at least. I knew that wolf was looking to do you harm from the moment I spotted him. I just¡­¡± Argos shrugged. ¡°I saw the darkness, in him. But I see that in a lotta people. My line of work, it¡¯s hard not to. But you?¡± He turned his eyes back towards the cat. ¡°You looked at someone who meant you only harm, and you thought you saw the goodness in him. That ain¡¯t stupidity, cat. That¡¯s optimism. That¡¯s the goodness in you, trying to see the same in everyone else.¡± Argos splayed his ears, heaving a sigh. ¡°Shit, Cat. I wish more only saw the good, in others. World would be a better fuckin¡¯ place.¡±


    The cheetah slowly reached out and collected his hat, pulling it back to clutch it to his chest. ¡°You really don¡¯t think I¡¯m¡­¡± He sniffed a few times, his ears lifted. ¡°Stupid? Or pathetic?¡±


    ¡°Nah.¡± Argos shrugged. ¡°Just hopeful, and kind, I guess. To a fault, for sure, but not stupid. That kinda sweet-hearted naivety might get you killed, but it sure as hell ain¡¯t worth being ashamed of. If anything, you oughta be proud of it.¡±


    ¡°You really think so?¡± The cheetah wiped his eyes again. ¡°My father used to say I was too¡­¡± His muzzle scrunched. ¡°Tender-hearted.¡± For the first time, something ever so slightly bitter crept into the feline¡¯s voice. ¡°Like it was a bad thing. He thought the Pilgrimage would¡­¡± The cat glanced down. ¡°Nevermind.¡±


    Argos held his hands up. ¡°You don¡¯t gotta say nothing you don¡¯t want to. And I don¡¯t care what your father told you. I say you oughta be proud After all, as a total stranger, my opinions are far more valid.¡± He smirked. ¡°That¡¯s a joke, cat.¡±


    The feline glanced up, a hint of a smile crossing his muzzle. ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Look, Cat,¡± the coyote said. ¡°The point is, there¡¯s way too many goddamn cold hearts out there in the world.¡± He splayed his ears, glancing away. ¡°Mine included. But I get the feeling yours is like a warm hearth. It¡¯s bright, and comforting, and it¡¯s inviting to everyone, good intentioned and bad alike. And that might be dangerous to you, but I still think it¡¯s worth being proud of.¡±


    The cheetah wrung his hands, his smile ever so slightly growing. ¡°Alright. Thank you, Mister Security Guard.¡±


    Argos barked laughter, the sound echoing around the empty room. ¡°I ain¡¯t a security guard, Cat. I¡¯m working security on this voyage, but only as a volunteer.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± The feline¡¯s eyes drifted down towards Argos¡¯s vest. ¡°But, you have a badge inside your waistcoat.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a vest,¡± Argos said, his ears flattening. ¡°But yes, I do have a badge. Not a security badge, though. It¡¯s different.¡±


    ¡°Actually, a vest wouldn¡¯t have¡­¡± The feline trailed off, licking his nose. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t argue with you. May I ask what your badge is? Are you a police officer?¡±


    The coyote drummed his fingers against the table, then offered the feline an easygoing smile. ¡°Something like that.¡±


    The cheetah scratched at one of his ears. ¡°That wolf called you¡­¡± His muzzle scrunched up in thought. ¡°A ghost, I think?¡±


    Argos nodded once. ¡°He did.¡± If the cheetah didn¡¯t what that meant, he sure as hell wasn¡¯t about to tell him the truth now. Not when he was only just recovering from a breakdown. ¡°That mean anything to you?¡±


    ¡°Not really.¡± The cheetah set his hands back in his lap. ¡°Are you some kind of special services officer? Like¡­¡± He lowered his voice to a whisper. ¡°Like the secret police?¡±


    Argos merely shrugged. ¡°Again, something like that. Suffice it to say, people like that wolf see a badge like mine, and know I ain¡¯t someone to fuck with. Better when I can just scare ¡®em off, instead of getting violent.¡±


    The cat tilted his head. ¡°Do you think you should have arrested him? What if he tries to rob someone else?¡±


    The coyote held his hands up. ¡°Again, I ain¡¯t the police. At least, not like you¡¯re thinking. Let¡¯s say, more a private security contractor. Since the ship¡¯s so crowded, I volunteered to help out. Normally, I¡¯d just point out the troublemakers to the guards, but since Mister Wolf whisked you off so fast, I figured I better just handle things myself.¡± He leaned forward, putting his hand on the cheetah¡¯s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. ¡°Enough about me. Your name¡¯s Rivi, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± The cheetah gaze down at his golden-gloved hands. ¡°It¡¯s short for Rivimiralous.¡±


    Argos grunted, his ears splayed. ¡°I better stick with Rivi, so I don¡¯t butcher that.¡±


    ¡°Most people outside the Church do.¡± Rivi rubbed one hand with the other. ¡°I suppose you heard the way I talk to myself, then.¡±


    Argos chuckled. ¡°I noticed, yeah.¡± He crooked an arm over the back of his chair. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think I¡¯m weird, for¡­¡± Rivi glanced up again. ¡°Talking¡­the way I do, sometimes?¡±


    ¡°Who the hell cares how you talk?¡± The coyote splayed his ears.


    ¡°Lots of people, apparently.¡± Rivi huffed, throwing up a gloved hand. ¡°This fox kept calling me weird, in line earlier today.¡±


    Argos sneered. ¡°Fuck ¡®em.¡±


    Rivi managed a giggle, an ever so slightly mischievous sound. ¡°He wasn¡¯t particularly my type.¡±


    The coyote laughed with him. ¡°See? There you go. Feeling a little better?¡±


    The cheetah rubbed his muzzle. ¡°A little, I suppose.¡± He dropped his hand back down. ¡°You certainly use a lot of harsh language, Mr. Security Guard, Secret Policeman, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡± Argos idly waved a tan-furred hand. ¡°I sure do. You talk how you talk, I talk how I talk. And my name is Argos, by the way.¡±


    Rivi smiled again, nodding once. ¡°That¡¯s fair, Mister Argos, Sir.¡±


    Argos held a hand up. ¡°Just Argos. I ain¡¯t your boss.¡±


    ¡°Just Argos, then.¡± Rivi smoothed down the fur across his head. ¡°I¡¯ll try to remember that, but no promises.¡± The cheetah took slow, deep breath. He held it, then let it out in a long sigh, looking around the empty caf¨¦. ¡°I¡­I should thank, formally.¡±


    Argos shook his head. ¡°Nah, you don¡¯t need to do that.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do. It¡¯s important, to me.¡± The cheetah pulled at his gold-dyed leather gloves, loosening them up a finger at a time before removing them. Rivi tossed his gloves onto the table, then worked his black-spotted hands, curling his fingers into fists a few times. ¡°By the divines, I¡¯ve had those things on since before the sun rose!¡± Rivi rubbed the black pads of his palms and fingers together, then splayed out his hands, and curled his fingers. Sharp, curved white claws sprang free, and he wriggled his fingers a bit. ¡°That¡¯s so much better.¡±


    The coyote glanced down at Rivi¡¯s hands. ¡°Hey, those look like fun in a fight. Wish my claws did that.¡± He held up his own hand, pretending to show off his own dull claw tips.


    Rivi retracted his claws, then looked towards the outlines of Argos¡¯s sidearms beneath his vest. ¡°I daresay your weaponry is bigger than mine, anyway.¡±


    A wry grin parted Argos¡¯s muzzle. ¡°Well, they do say canines are bigger than felines.¡±


    Rivi gave him a blank look. ¡°Bigger what?¡± He tilted his head. ¡°Guns?¡±


    Argos snorted, still grinning. ¡°Never mind, Cat.¡±


    The cheetah shrugged. ¡°Very well.¡± He straightened up, turned his chair towards Argos, then held an arm out towards the coyote. ¡°May I hold your hand?¡±


    Argos blinked, his ears splaying. ¡°Do what now?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a ritual of gratitude.¡± The cheetah looked from his own hand to Argos¡¯s face, then back down. ¡°An exchange of intimate contact, so you know I speak the truth, when I offer you my thanks.¡±


    ¡°Not sure shaking hands is exactly what I¡¯d call intimate, but, yeah, alright.¡± Argos set his hand atop the cheetah¡¯s. The cheetah¡¯s palm pad was soft, and pleasantly warm against his own. ¡°Like that?¡±


    ¡°The intentional touching of pads is generally considered intimate, for strangers.¡± Rivi put his other hand atop Argos¡¯s, enclosing the coyote¡¯s fingers in warmth. Then, holding Argos¡¯s hand firmly between his own, Rivi took a deliberate breath. He bowed his head deeply, till his muzzle hovered not far from their arms. ¡°Thank you, Mister Argos, for saving my life. I offer you my deepest, sincerest, most heartfelt gratitude. May the Divine Weavers bless you with fortunes, keep you safe from harm, and weave for you a beautiful life, from this moment forward. Thank you, Mister Argos. Thank you.¡±


    Argos shifted his weight. It was a touching gesture for the cat to make, if slightly uncomfortable for someone like Argos. But it was also clearly important to the feline, and so Argos was happy to let him offer it. When Rivi kept his head down, Argos finally cleared his throat, and forced himself to respond. ¡°Yeah, well, uh, you¡¯re welcome.¡±


    Rivi slowly lifted his head, smiling. ¡°I know you¡¯re unlikely to ascribe to my beliefs, and likely unfamiliar with our ways. So I thank you as well for allowing me to express my gratitude properly.¡± He slowly withdrew his hands. ¡°And now, with formalities aside, I shall attempt to refer to you only as Argos.¡± Rivi looked at his hands, turning them over a few times as if expecting to them changed somehow after making contact with the coyote.


    Argos hooked his arm over the back of his chair, grinning. ¡°I ain¡¯t got fleas, yanno.¡±


    Rivi jerked his head up, his eyes wide. ¡°Oh! N-no, of course not. I didn¡¯t think you did! I was just¡­never really touched a canine, before. At least, not like that. Your pads were nowhere near as coarse as I¡¯d heard.¡±


    Argos perked an ear, chuckling. ¡°You really know how to charm someone, don¡¯t you.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Rivi said, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t. I¡¯m actually quite bad at interpersonal interactions.¡±


    The coyote¡¯s smile grew. ¡°You don¡¯t say.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s true.¡± Rivi picked his gloves back up, but then simply held them between his hands. ¡°This is probably the longest conversation I¡¯ve had in weeks without someone getting annoyed with me, or calling me weird, or¡­¡± He wrinkled his nose, ears back. ¡°Trying to rob me. Honestly, the fact he was being so nice to me without being visibly annoyed should have been my first clue.¡±


    ¡°Nah,¡± Argos said. ¡°Your first clue should have been the fact he didn¡¯t show up offering to help till you started flashing your money around.¡±


    Rivi leaned back in his chair, hands in his lap. ¡°I hadn¡¯t realized I was flashing anything around. I just wanted to explain that if there was any possible monetary solution to my housing difficulties, I was happy to pay whatever was required.¡±


    The coyote eased forward, giving the feline a hard look. ¡°Then you do so quietly, without announcing to half the ship that you got a giant banking account, just begging to be emptied, or flashing a stack of money around.¡± He waggled a finger at Rivi. ¡°And if someone you don¡¯t know does offer to help, don¡¯t let them walk you away from the guards and the concierge, no matter how believable a reason they give you.¡±


    ¡°That makes perfect sense, of course¡­¡± Rivi twisted his gloves back and forth. ¡°It really was incredibly foolish of me to think-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t start that again.¡± Argos pushed himself up out of the chair. ¡°Just learn from it, alright?¡±


    Rivi offered him a little smile. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best. Are you leaving?¡±


    Argos tucked his hands into the pockets of his trousers. ¡°Not until you¡¯re ready. I¡¯ll walk you back to the check in lounge.¡± He swished his tail. The coyote feared if he left the cheetah unsupervised now, he¡¯d be just as likely to get himself in more trouble as he would to find his way back to the boarding area. ¡°I dunno what the problem was in the first place, but I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re taken care of.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very kind of you.¡± Rivi stood, his legs wobbling a little. The cheetah smoothed back the fur on his face. ¡°Don¡¯t you have duties to return to, though?¡±


    ¡°I got someone covering for me.¡± Argos glanced at the cheetah¡¯s purple hat and golden gloves. ¡°Don¡¯t forget your stuff.¡±


    ¡°Right, thank you.¡± Rivi picked up his hat, staring at it. After a moment¡¯s consideration, he folded it up and tucked it into one of the squarish, exterior pockets of his indigo overcoat. He did the same with his gloves, slipping them into another pocket. ¡°Suppose I can go without those, for now.¡±


    Argos chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you didn¡¯t take them off, earlier. Ain¡¯t you hot in that coat?¡±


    Rivi shrugged, straightening his overcoat. ¡°I¡¯m a little warm, but I spent all morning freezing my¡­¡± He trailed off, rubbing his muzzle. ¡°Well, everything off. I don¡¯t mind being a little too warm right now.¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself.¡± Argos pulled a hand from his pocket, then swept it towards the crimson doors that led back to the hallway. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± Rivi took two steps, only to stop again. ¡°Let me just¡­¡± He pulled his documents pouch out of his coat, and quickly surveyed its contents. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Rivi, we¡¯ve got everything.¡± He tucked his bag away again, took two more steps, and then froze once more. ¡°Oh, no!¡± Rivi¡¯s eyes widened, his ears jolting upright. ¡°I left my whole cart back by the concierge! That wolf might have snatched my goods on his way out! I have so many valuable things-¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Argos held his hand up, silencing the feline. ¡°Spots McPanic Attack. You¡¯re stuff¡¯s fine. I got someone watching it for you. So take a deep breath.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank the¡­wait, that¡¯s not my name.¡± Rivi blinked at the coyote, confusion whirling in his reddish gold eyes. ¡°Oh, of course it¡¯s not. You¡¯re teasing me.¡± His ears drooped, and he looked away, shoulders sagging. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just¡­¡± He worked his muzzle wordlessly, until a sigh escaped him. ¡°I worry. All the time, really.¡±


    The cat¡¯s wounded expression was a cold feline claw, deep in Argos¡¯s heart. He stepped closer, and gently put his hand on the cheetah¡¯s arm. ¡°Sorry, Rivi. I didn¡¯t mean nothin¡¯ by it. Just something I do. Meant it playfully enough. But if hurt you, then I apologize.¡±


    The cheetah glanced down at Argos¡¯s hand, giving it a quizzical look. His ears lifted, only to splay back, as if the cheetah struggled to parse the meaning of so soft a touch. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I know you didn¡¯t mean it cruelly. And you¡¯re right. I do panic too easily, and¡­¡± He tilted his head. ¡°Is there a reason you¡¯re touching me?¡±


    Argos pulled his hand back, then held them both up in acquiescence. ¡°Right, you cats from the Weaver Church don¡¯t like being touched.¡± Argos scratched at the thick fur around his neck. ¡°Guess I¡¯m sorry about that, too. Hope you didn¡¯t mind me rubbing your back, earlier. Was just trying to comfort you. Ain¡¯t really used to trying to console people. Let alone people who don¡¯t want to be touched.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°No, I¡­¡± Rivi shifted his weight, wringing his hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t mind it. It¡­¡± He glanced from his own arm, back to Argos¡¯s hands. ¡°It was nice, in fact. I¡¯m just not used to it. We don¡¯t often even do things like hug others outside of our direct family, or dearest friends. I¡¯m still growing accustomed to how things are done, elsewhere.¡±


    ¡°Nothing wrong with that, Cat.¡± Argos pushed his hands back into his pockets. ¡°I¡¯ll try to keep my hands to myself, then.¡±


    Rivi smiled, a small, shy smile. ¡°You don¡¯t have to.¡± The cheetah¡¯s smile was gone as quickly as it had appeared. ¡°That sounds weird, Rivi, stop saying weird things.¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t weird.¡± Argos took a few steps towards the door again, then waited for Rivi to follow him. ¡°I knew what you meant. And I¡¯ll try to watch what I say, at least. You¡¯ve been through enough today without me kicking your emotions in the balls, too.¡±


    The cheetah giggled, just a little. His ears lifted slightly. ¡°That¡¯s quite the expression. You¡¯re just filled with colorful language, aren¡¯t you.¡±


    Argos pushed the door open, then held it for the cheetah. ¡°That I am. After you, Mister Rivimiralous.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s jaw dropped. He stared at Argos in silence, then a grin spread across his muzzle, much larger than before. ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± He slipped through the door, and waited in the hallway. ¡°Your pronunciation was incredibly accurate. Most people from outside my homeland struggle to enunciate the correct syllables. I thought you were afraid you¡¯d butcher it?


    ¡°I may have exaggerated.¡± Argos followed the cheetah. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, I¡¯ve spent a little time down where you¡¯re from.¡± He pulled the door closed behind them. ¡°Hopefully that makes up for calling you Spots McSo-and-So.¡±


    ¡°It does!¡± Rivi kept smiling at him, his spotted tail swishing. ¡°And it was Spots McPanic Attack, not¡­¡± Rivi blinked. ¡°Oh, you were trying to avoid saying it again, weren¡¯t you.¡±


    Argos chuckles, walking down the empty corridor. He strolled along at an easy pace, making sure the cheetah kept up. ¡°I was, yeah. I tend to give people nicknames, in my head. Sometimes they bleed out onto my tongue, too. Probably shouldn¡¯t be calling you Cat, either.¡±


    Rivi looked away, fidgeting with his coat buttons. ¡°Well, I would prefer to be called by my name. But, if you must ascribe me some other playful moniker, I suppose I could think of several possibilities.¡±


    Argos stopped when Rivi turned the wrong way down an adjoining corridor. The cheetah kept walking off on his own, listing a number of possible variations of his own name and titles. Riv. Mira. That Rivi Cheetah. The Scholar. Scholar Rivi. Argos watched the cat watch further and further away, still muttering to himself. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure the cheetah understood the purpose of a nickname. Eventually, Rivi reached an dead end intersection, and Rivi turned onto another hallway, inadvertently following the signs that led to a public latrine.


    ¡°Hey, Rivi!¡± Argos called after him, his voice echoing down the mostly empty, dark wooden hallway. When the cheetah didn¡¯t seem to hear, he lifted his voice. ¡°Rivi!¡± Again, the cheetah did not return. Argos cupped his hands around his muzzle. ¡°Rivimiralous!¡±


    Finally, the cheetah reemerged, looking around in confusion. ¡°Have I gone the wrong way?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Spots.¡± Argos pointed out the nearby signs, illuminated beneath a blue-white light. ¡°Unless you gotta take a piss. In which case, have at it. I¡¯ll wait here.¡±


    ¡°N-no, I don¡¯t need the washroom.¡± Rivi hurried back towards the coyote. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I was just thinking about nicknames, and¡­¡± He stopped in front of Argos. ¡°You keep calling me Spots.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± The coyote held his hands up. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ll drop it.¡±


    Rivi pushed his spectacles further up his muzzle. ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t hate that one, by itself. It seems a friendly enough sort of nickname. Certainly better than some of the things the other students called me when I was in school.¡± He stretched his arms out, looking at his own spotted hands. ¡°And I do have spots on my fur.¡± Rivi gave the coyote a sidelong glance. ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s better than Cat.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± Argos ushered Rivi back down the correct direction. ¡°So, listen Spots.¡± He watched the cheetah out of the corner of his eye, trying to gauge his reaction. The cat didn¡¯t grimace or pin his ears. If anything, he looked vaguely pleased with the nickname. ¡°You got an awful lot of luggage. Who are you traveling with, and where were they when you needed help?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not traveling with anyone,¡± Rivi said. ¡°I had a porter, but¡­¡± The cheetah scrunched up his muzzle. ¡°He abandoned me, after the volcano erupted. And the unrest started. And the snows set in.¡±


    Argos¡¯s fur bristled. A grow escaped him, unbidden. ¡°That fucker.¡±


    The coyote bared his fangs, his ears pinned. Anger gripped him, a visceral, spiteful sort of thing. Whoever the cheetah¡¯s porter had been was a real sleazy piece of shit, he thought. While Argos could only imagine how frustrating the cheetah might be as a travel partner, that was no excuse. A porter¡¯s very responsibility was to get their client safely to their destination. He had to have noticed how na?ve and unprepared for the world Rivi was, and yet he¡¯d still chosen to leave the cheetah to fend for himself.


    Rivi swallowed, capturing his tail in his hands. ¡°Yes, that was about how I felt about him, too. Well, after the initial panic and terror-nausea faded. After that, I was of half a mind to punch him right in the snout! Not that I¡¯m ever going to see him again.¡± He dropped his tail. ¡°Or be able to stop him from pummeling me right after. But for those five seconds or so beforehand, I¡¯d feel quite the victorious, satisfied thrill, I¡¯m certain.¡±


    Argos barked laughter, a little of his sudden fury melting away. ¡°Tell you what, Rivi. You tell me who he is, and if I ever see him, I¡¯ll punch him for you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll certainly give you his information.¡± Rivi tugged at his coat sleeves. ¡°Anyway, all the luggage I¡¯m carrying is mine.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a hell of a lot of shit to haul around, even for a trip across The Sundered Seas.¡± Argos smoothed his hands back over his ears. That cat¡¯s porter was lucky Argos had business elsewhere. ¡°You moving, or something?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m¡­¡± The cheetah¡¯s eyes lit up. Pride flooded his voice. ¡°I¡¯m undertaking the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± The coyote perked a single ear. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    Rivi tilted his head, making a thoughtful, mewling sound. ¡°The simplest way to explain it is that I¡¯m traveling around the world, documenting everything I see, and experience. It¡¯s actually a very prestigious position at the Church.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going around the whole world?¡± Argos¡¯s other ear shot up to join its tan-furred sibling. He gave a low, slightly worried whining. ¡°That¡¯s a pretty serious journey for¡­¡± Argos trailed off. He¡¯d almost said, someone like you. But the last thing he wanted to do right now was further batter whatever might have remained of the cat¡¯s nebulous self-confidence. ¡°For anyone to undertake, let alone someone who got ditched by their porter.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s¡­¡± Rivi scratched his muzzle, chirping to himself. ¡°Significantly more arduous a journey than it was intended to be. And it wasn¡¯t meant to be easy, to begin with.¡±


    Argos gestured for Rivi to turn down another hall. There were more people around them now. The din of voices from the overcrowded lobby area was soon smothering the buzzing of all the electric lights. ¡°I can¡¯t help but think that seems like the kind of expedition you shouldn¡¯t be taking with just a porter, anyway. Seems to me your Church shoulda sent dozens of people with you.¡±


    Rivi licked his nose. ¡°If only! Unfortunately, that would be against both the spirit, and the purpose of the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage.¡± The cheetah¡¯s ears shifted back against his head as entered the lobby. He raised his voice to compete with the noise. ¡°It¡¯s a rather complicated undertaking, actually. But, I¡¯d be delighted to tell you more about it sometime! That is, if¡­¡± The cheetah¡¯s voice slowly grew quieter and quieter, and his eyes shifted, lingering anywhere but on Argos. ¡°You have time, and we can find one another again, and, you don¡¯t think I¡¯m too terribly annoying to converse with¡­¡± He swallowed hard, glancing at his own boots. ¡°I do realize you¡¯re just babysitting me, but¡­if you did want to talk¡­¡±


    ¡°You asking me out for a drink, Spots?¡± Argos flashed the cheetah a playful smile.


    The cheetah lifted his eyes again, confusion etched across his face. ¡°Well, I am allowed to consume alcohol, though I¡¯m not terribly experienced at doing so. I thought perhaps a quiet caf¨¦ might be a better place for conversation, but¡­¡± He tapped a finger to his muzzle. ¡°I¡¯m not against the idea of discussions taking place over libations.¡±


    Argos swept a hand over his head. ¡°And there it goes.¡±


    Rivi blinked at him. ¡°There what goes?¡±


    The coyote just laughed. ¡°Nevermind.¡± He guided Rivi through the crowd, gently moving people aside as needed. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯d be alright with having a drink with you, sometime.¡±


    If nothing else, Argos thought, it might give him a chance to give the cat some pointers to help keep him safe. Argos also got the feeling that Rivi wasn¡¯t exactly likely to make many friends, on this trip. Getting to spend a night or two chatting with someone who wasn¡¯t calling him weird might go a long way to making the lonely trip a little less lonely. Besides, it wasn¡¯t as if he was gonna be stuck babysitting the cheetah the whole voyage.


    As they made their way through the crowds, Argos kept Rivi close. The cheetah stared at everyone with wide eyes, his ears splayed at odd angles. Argos wasn¡¯t sure if he was more awed, or overwhelmed. Either way, he wasn¡¯t watching where he was going. Nor was he keeping an eye on anyone else who might seek to slip a hand into his pockets, or otherwise do him harm. So, Argos kept watch for him. Now and then he gave the feline a gentle push in the right direction, or a little tug on his coat sleeves. When they finally neared the concierge area, long lines still stretched out the boarding doors.


    ¡°Oh, dear.¡± Rivi rubbed his arms, as if just being near the doors left him chilly again. ¡°We¡¯re not going to have to get back in line, are we?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± Argos gestured at the feline¡¯s coat. ¡°Get your ticket and identification out. And only that.¡±


    While Rivi dug for his things, Argos turned his gaze upward, towards the lounge. Iosa remained in roughly the same place he¡¯d left. The gray-furred vixen leaned over the railing, staring down at him. She made a shrugging, questioning gesture. Argos flashed her a few quick hand signals. Interdict. Threat. Save. Cat. He glanced at Rivi, then back at Iosa, adding a few more. Baby. Help. Cat.


    Iosa splayed her ears. Baby. Help. Cat?


    Argos scowled. He wasn¡¯t sure how to say ¡®babysit¡¯. He tapped his chest, then flashed a few more hand signals. I. Help. Cat.


    Iosa nodded, replying with a few more gestures. Yes. Argos. Baby.


    The coyote made one last, particularly rude hand signal before turning his attention back to the feline. ¡°What exactly was your problem, earlier?¡±


    Rivi held his documents in one hand, tucking his pouch back into his coat with the other. ¡°They don¡¯t have my cabin! Or, anywhere for me to sleep! Or store my things.¡± He shook a letter at the coyote. ¡°Even though I have a signed attestation!¡±


    Argos held a hand out. ¡°Let me see that.¡±


    Rivi looked at his things. ¡°The attestation or the ticket? Because, the ticket was for the previous flight, aboard The Bridgehead! But as I told you, I was abandoned by the porter who was supposed to get me here on time! It¡¯s honestly quite miraculous that I made it here in time for ship, all on my own. I went to the local Black Star Intercontinental office, and explained myself.¡± He held the letter out to the coyote. ¡°And they promised me that under the circumstances, they¡¯d honor my first-class reservation with similar accommodations on this vessel! But when I got here-¡±


    Argos held up a hand, silencing the cat. He took the letter, and quickly skimmed through it. As he read, the coyote¡¯s scowl deepened. ¡°Rivi, this doesn¡¯t say you¡¯ll get matching accommodations. It just says they¡¯ll let you aboard without a new ticket.¡±


    The feline quickly shook his head. ¡°No, look at the third paragraph.¡±


    ¡°I did.¡± Argos scrunched his muzzle, turning the letter towards the cat. He pointed to the statement in question. ¡°It says, boarding will be allowed without further ticketing, and that matching accommodations will be made available, if circumstances allow.¡± He swept a hand around at the crowds, then glanced out the distant doors. Snow swirled in through them. Long lines and restless crowds still lingered deep into the plaza. ¡°Does this look like circumstances are going to allow them to find you a first-class cabin?¡±


    The cheetah¡¯s ears fell. His shoulders slumped. ¡°No.¡± He slowly shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s what the concierge told me, too. So, I was offering to pay someone to share their cabin, or even just hire some storage space!¡± The cheetah gave a half-hearted wave towards his luggage. ¡°I have very expensive things with me. I¡­¡± He swallowed, his tail flicking. ¡°I could survive a journey spent sleeping on the floor, but what stops someone from walking off with my photography equipment if I¡¯ve no where to stow it?¡±


    Argos grit his teeth. He wasn¡¯t sure what the concierge actually told Rivi, but sleeping on the floor didn¡¯t sound promising. ¡°Lemme see what I can do. Give me the rest of your papers. I¡¯m going to take them to the concierge, and see if we can figure something out for you.¡±


    Rivi started to offer his ticket, and his identity booklet, then paused, his hands hovering between the two of them. ¡°Is this a trick question? If I give them to you, are you going to whack me on the head with my identification, and tell me not to give important things to strangers?¡±


    A smirk tugged at the coyote¡¯s lips. ¡°That¡¯s good thinking, Spots. Maybe you can be taught. If I hadn¡¯t just saved you, you¡¯d be rightly suspicious. And if you¡¯re not comfortable handing them over, then you can come up to the counter with me. That¡¯s totally fine.¡± He rubbed his neck. ¡°I just thought it might be easier for me to do all the talking. Yanno, by myself. You were looking pretty worked up earlier, even before the wolf showed up.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s¡­¡± Rivi glanced between his documents, and the coyote. ¡°That¡¯s fair. I¡¯m not exactly an experienced traveler, yet. I¡¯m more likely to get in my own way, than contribute anything helpful.¡± He offered his things to the coyote. ¡°If you can make any progress on my behalf, I¡¯d be ever so grateful. Should I wait here?¡±


    Argos took the paperwork, then gestured with it towards Rivi¡¯s luggage cart. ¡°Why don¡¯t you wait over there, by your stuff?¡± Then he pointed to the upper level balcony, where Iosa was keeping an eye on things. ¡°See her? That¡¯s my friend Iosa. She¡¯s been making sure no one messes with your belongings.¡±


    Rivi looked up, and waved a hand up over his head when Iosa looked there way. ¡°Thank you!¡±


    Iosa waved back, and then offered an exaggerated bow.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to hear anyone over the crowd, but I¡¯d say she heard you.¡± Argos slapped the papers against his palm. ¡°I¡¯m gonna go see if I can straighten anything out.¡± Then he lightly tapped Rivi¡¯s nose with the identity booklet. ¡°Do not wander off. Wait right next to your cart, no matter who asks you to go where. Got it?¡±


    Rivi nodded. ¡°Yes, Mister Argos.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Argos ignored the title. ¡°I¡¯ll send one of the gnolls over to make sure no one else messes with you. I¡¯ll come get you when I¡¯m done.¡±


    Argos watched Rivi long enough to make sure the cheetah successfully made it through the crowd and reached his luggage. Then he turned away, and approached one of the nearby guards. He opened his vest far enough to show the guard his badge, and then explain the situation. The gnoll ushered him to the head of the line, and then waved him up to the counter where the same concierge who attended Rivi was working. Then the guard followed after the cheetah, positioning himself nearby to Rivi.


    Argos walked up to the counter. Though the guard had allowed him to skip the line, the concierge was still busy with another passenger. Argos decided not to interrupt. While he waited, he flipped through Rivi¡¯s identity booklet, glancing at his travel permit information. These days, the Church that ran Rivi¡¯s nation maintained tight control over which of their people got to travel where. It was rare for someone Rivi¡¯s age to be given such freedom, even for the pilgrimage he purported to be on. Then again, given the classifications he saw listed, Rivi must have been well connected to the Church¡¯s hierarchy.


    Argos glanced at the feline. Rivi was busy manually inspecting his bags, as if worried someone had opened them up and rifled through his things, despite Iosa¡¯s watchful eye. When a kobold worker walked by, Rivi paused to stare at them, wide-eyed. Argos snorted. If the cat was especially well connected, it was probably through a family member. Rivi struck Argos as the sort of blindly optimistic, and impressively sheltered sort who probably didn¡¯t even realize he was so well off, let alone that there were multitudes in his country toiling in poverty while their beloved rulers in the Church-


    ¡°Can I help you, Sir?¡± The concierge¡¯s voice drew Argos from his thoughts.


    The coyote turned towards the human. It was the man that had attended Iosa and him when the first boarded. He¡¯d helped set up their special status and accommodations. Argos liked him, as he seemed honest, and genuinely helpful. Now, he just hoped he could find some way to help out the cheetah. Well-to-do Church cat or not, Rivi wasn¡¯t likely to do well on this voyage without someone looking out for him.


    ¡°Hello, Sir.¡± Argos flashed the human his friendliest, most charming smile.


    At least, the coyote hoped it looked friendly. His teeth were a lot sharper and more threatening than a human¡¯s. Argos was never quite sure if the humans appreciated it when the toothier races smiled at them, or if it put them ill-at-ease. Then again, he imagined working on a ship like this meant the concierge had long since learned all the various body language cues and expressions of the world¡¯s many speaking peoples.


    ¡°Ah, Mister Argos!¡± The human offered a matching smile. ¡°My apologies for not recognizing you sooner. How may I help you?¡±


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m just happy you remembered me at all.¡± Argos swished his tail in a single, happy wag. ¡°I know you get a lot of customers with gray fur, coyotes and otherwise.¡±


    ¡°That we do.¡± The concierge leaned forward, grinning. ¡°But it¡¯s hard to forget someone of your status. While I¡¯d love to regale you with tales of my ability to remember each and every guest, I¡¯m sure you already know why I remember you and your vixen friend in particular.¡±


    The coyote chuckled, patting his badge through his vest. ¡°Imagine it¡¯s got something to do with this.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± The human nodded. ¡°It¡¯s rather important the ship¡¯s staff remember the names and likenesses of our esteemed Guild member guests. So, how can I help you? Are your lodgings to your liking? Is there anything else we can do to make your stay more pleasant?¡±


    ¡°Everything¡¯s great, thanks.¡± Argos turned and pointed to Rivi. ¡°I¡¯m actually here about him.¡± Rivi was busy digging through another suitcase. ¡°The cheetah that was making a fuss up here a little while ago.¡±


    ¡°Ah, him.¡± The human¡¯s smile twisted into a frown. ¡°I hope he¡¯s alright. Something about the suspiciously timed arrival of his companion put me off, but I couldn¡¯t get through to him before they¡¯d vanished into the crowd.¡±


    ¡°Your instincts were right.¡± Argos turned back to the human. ¡°That wolf was definitely not his companion. I dealt with the situation, but if I hadn¡¯t have gotten there when I did?¡± He jerked his thumb at Rivi. ¡°Some poor kitchen worker might have found that cat¡¯s body in a sandwich shop meat locker. If you see that particular wolf again, have him arrested. Otherwise¡­¡± Argos gave an angry little snarl. ¡°If I happen to see him again, I¡¯m likely as not to throw him off the ship. Literally. Especially if we¡¯re in the air at the time.¡±


    ¡°Understood, sir.¡± The concierge scribbled down a note. He waved over one of the kobold spotters, then passed it to the little lizard. ¡°Take that to Master-of-Arms Ravga. He¡¯ll want to disseminate it among his people.¡±


    The kobold nodded. ¡°On it.¡±


    Argos watched the smaller security worker scurry off. ¡°Probably won¡¯t be an issue. I showed him my Guild badge, and he got the hell out of there pretty quick. But, never hurts, just in case.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± The concierge scribbled down another note, then stashed it inside a folder nearby. He turned his attention back to the coyote. ¡°Moving on, you¡¯re here on the cheetah¡¯s behalf now?¡± He watched for a moment. ¡°Remind me of his name?¡±


    ¡°Rivi.¡± Argos passed the human all of Rivi¡¯s documents. ¡°Possibly booked under Rivimiralous.¡± He held a hand up. ¡°Just don¡¯t ask me to spell it. Pronouncing it was hard enough.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that was it.¡± The concierge glanced through Rivi¡¯s information again, then retrieved another document from a set of leather-bound folders. ¡°I did take everything down, after he left with the wolf. What is it you¡¯d like me to do for him?¡±


    ¡°Give him somewhere to sleep that ain¡¯t the floor, for starters.¡± Argos leaned against the corner, his ears slightly back. ¡°I¡¯m guessing that means you told him he¡¯d be in steerage, yeah?¡±


    The human pulled out a few charts, skimming them. ¡°I¡¯m afraid so.¡± He made a show of cross-referencing a list of reservations, with charts showing the ship¡¯s myriad cabins in each class. Argos could already the human knew he wasn¡¯t going to find anything available. He knew the concierge was only even looking again because of who was asking. ¡°There¡¯s definitely nothing available in first class. I¡¯ll look through second, and third, but-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need the performance.¡± Argos tapped a single finger against the counter. ¡°If you say its full, then it¡¯s full. You don¡¯t got any reason to lie to me, of all people.¡± He tilted his head, his eyes boring holes into the man¡¯s skull. Something sharp and dangerous crept into his voice, like a bullet slowly being chambered. ¡°Right?¡±


    The human¡¯s face paled. ¡°C-certainly, Mister Argos. If I had anything at all available, I¡¯d happily offer it to your friend.¡± He swallowed, reaching for the first-class chart again. He lifted it up with shaking hands. ¡°Perhaps we could see about offering monetary compensation in return for giving the cheetah their reservation. We could evict someone, but we¡¯d have to pay for them to spend the winter here.¡±


    Argos sighed, hanging his head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t want anyone else kicked out.¡± He licked his muzzle, and then offered the human an apologetic smile, his ears half raised. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to scare. I shouldn¡¯t do that, just¡­¡± Argos shrugged, tail swishing. ¡°A bad habit. Comes with the territory.¡±


    The human set the chart back down, forcing a smile back to his face. ¡°I understand, Sir. For whatever it¡¯s worth, I would genuinely like to help the cheetah.¡± He glanced at Rivi again, his countenance darkening. ¡°He does not strike me as the sort person who would do particularly well being relegated to steerage under normal circumstances.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Argos watched the cat for a moment. ¡°He does not. He¡¯s as liable to say the wrong thing to the wrong person and get his muzzle busted as he is to get shanked for whatever fancy, expensive thing he flashes around next.¡± Argos blinked as the cat retrieved a personal camera from within one of his bags. The coyote recognized the black leather and shining silver design immediately. ¡°Speak of the devil. That¡¯s a Crystal Colormaster 7-5! That thing¡¯s worth more than my sidearms!¡± He glanced at the human. ¡°He could buy stakes in your company with that.¡±


    The human gave a long, put upon sigh. ¡°He could, if no one takes it from. Somehow, I doubt you¡¯re the only person to recognize it¡¯s value.¡±


    As they both watched, Rivi took several photos of the immense crowd filling the lobby area. Between each, he adjusted a few knobs and dials, and wound the film forward. He leaned back, and snapped a photo of the balcony lounge as viewed from below. Iosa casually turned away just beforehand, keeping her face out of the photo. Then Rivi looked around, and spotted a calico-furred rabbit wearing a thick, green coat. He stared at her, as if he¡¯d never seen a person without sharp teeth before. Then he took her picture. If she noticed, she was polite enough not to react. He twisted a few knobs, then approached her and offered her the camera.


    Argos rubbed his muzzle, groaning. ¡°And now he¡¯s handing his incredibly expensive, delicate photography equipment to a complete stranger.¡±


    Rivi showed her how to hold the camera, and what to push to take the photo. Then he backed up and stood alongside his baggage. He smiled, and lifted his hand as if waving to the camera, then posed that way while the rabbit took his photograph. When it was done, he took the camera back, offered her a bow, and then looked around. When he saw Argos, he lifted the camera again, pointing it towards the coyote.


    Argos turned away, leaning sideways on the counter. Much like Iosa, he had reasons for not wanting to appear in any color photographs that might tie him to this particular ship, at this particular time. But he didn¡¯t want to hurt Rivi¡¯s feelings, either, so he simply pretended he hadn¡¯t noticed. After a few moments, the concierge informed him that Rivi had put the camera away.


    The coyote turned back towards the human. ¡°You can¡¯t put him in steerage. Not on a trip as crowded as this. He¡¯ll be lucky if the only thing he loses is that camera.¡±


    ¡°I agree, Sir.¡± The human scowled at his assortment of charts, and passenger manifests. ¡°Unfortunately, as I told him, it¡¯s simply a question of space. I cannot make room for him without evicting someone else.¡±


    ¡°What about double booking someone?¡± Argos stretched up onto his tip toes, peering over the counter. ¡°The cat could pay ¡®em for the room.¡±


    The concierge turned a cabin chart towards the coyote. Already, many of the rooms shown had multiple names ascribed to them. ¡°I suggested as much. However, by the time he reached, most of our cabins had already been double-booked, and there was a long waiting list for the rest, pending contact with those passengers. And even if I moved him to the top of the list¡­¡± He lifted his hands palms up, a helpless gesture. ¡°There¡¯s no guarantee I could get anyone who would be willing to¡­¡± He pursed his lips. ¡°Well, you know.¡±


    Argos grunted, glancing at Rivi again. He circled a finger in the air as if drawing an invisible line around the cat. ¡°No one who¡¯s still got space is gonna deal with all of that, even for money.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my estimation, yes.¡± He tapped the charts. ¡°Plus, consider that I¡¯m but one of dozens of staffers working across multiple boarding lobbies. At this point, it¡¯s entirely likely that all remaining passengers across all classes that hadn¡¯t been double booked, have already been made an offer by someone else.¡±


    The coyote sighed, running his hands back across his ears. ¡°So, there¡¯s literally nowhere else for him to go, but down into the depths.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not, sir.¡± He pushed aside his manifests, then retrieved a small, thin, black folder. Silver lines edged it, with a silver clasp holding it shot. He undid the clasp, then pulled out a document marked with the Black Star Intercontinental log, and several stamps indicating secrecy. ¡°I hesitate to say this, but¡­¡± The human swallowed. ¡°We do still have a few cabins with space available for an additional occupant. They¡¯re set aside for our passengers of special status, like yourself. Thus, they are not offered to the general public, even for emergency use. However¡­¡± The human trailed off, clearing his throat.


    ¡°However,¡± Argos said, his shoulders sagging. His tail drooped. ¡°I can make the call myself.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct, Sir.¡± The human glanced from the coyote down to his document, then back again. ¡°At this time, I cannot see any other way to room him anywhere but steerage, short of physically evicting another passenger.¡±


    Argos put his elbows on the counter, then dropped his head into his hands. He groaned, ears going flat. ¡°Oh, goddamn it. This is a nightmare.¡±


    The human opened the folder, sliding the document back into it. ¡°Forget I brought it up, Sir. Perhaps he could hire a team of bodyguards to keep him and his belongings safe, down in steerage.¡±


    Argos turned his head, watching Rivi for a moment. The cat paced back and forth, talking to himself. Other, nearby passengers stared at him. Some of them muttered about him to each other. When Rivi turned back towards him, he noticed Argos watching him. The cheetah¡¯s face brightened immediately; his expression lit up by a bright smile. His ears perked. He gave Argos an exaggerated wave, the gesture comically exuberant. It was if the Cheetah was overwhelmingly excited just to have someone genuinely trying to help him. It almost seemed like Rivi thought they were friends, already.


    Maybe in the cheetah¡¯s mind, they were. He wondered, if only for a moment, how many people had taken advantage of the cheetah¡¯s kindness already. How many people had used him for their own ends? How many people down in steerage would try to hurt him, or rob him, or twist him around their fingers and wring everything they could out of him?


    How many real friends had Rivi ever had?


    Argos sighed, straightening up. ¡°Alright, fuck it. I know I¡¯m gonna regret this, but¡­¡± He waved at the black and silver manifest folder. ¡°Go ahead and do it.¡±


    The human retrieved the document again, smiling. ¡°For legal purposes, I need you to be specific.¡±


    Argos folded his arms, grimacing. ¡°Just put the damn cheetah in my room.¡±

 Chapter Five

    *****


    Chapter Five


    *****


    Rivi busied himself best he could while Argos spoke to the concierge on his behalf. He inspected his belongings, pleased to see nothing had moved about, or rifled through. Rivi decided to document the great crowds that swelled inside the grand vessel. Now that he was out of the worst of the elements, it was a good a time as any to take a few color photographs. He retrieved his Crystal Colormaster 7-5, and took a number of images with it. The Crystal Colormaster was among the newest, most valuable piece of equipment Rivi had with him. As the name implied, it took full color photographs. It shot on highly specialized, carefully rolled film, that alone already cost more than most of his other cameras did. Despite that, Rivi had an entire bag filled with it, all precisely packed to protect it from the elements and from excess light. Once he had enough new pictures, he returned the camera to its protective case.


    The cheetah looked over Argos again. The human looked grim, yet the coyote looked grimmer still. Rivi flattened his ears. Things did not look as if they were going well. Not that he was surprised. The concierge had made it quite clear to him that steerage was his only option. Still, he held out hope that his new friend Mister Secret Policeman might be able to find a loophole or some other means through which to help Rivi out. Even if he was able to find him secure storage space of his luggage, that would have been a weight off Rivi¡¯s chest. And, if Argos was able to pull some strings, and find him a bed to sleep in, instead of the floor? That would have been even better. Hell, he¡¯d settle for a bench in a quiet room, at this rate.


    ¡°Wait, Rivi¡­¡± The cheetah turned away, his tail lashing. ¡°What is it we¡¯re hoping for? If he¡¯s part of the secret police¡­¡± Rivi paced alongside his luggage case, his face twisting. ¡°Then do we really want him to pull strings? No, no, no! We don¡¯t want him to evict anyone, Rivi. That wouldn¡¯t be fair at all. Oh¡­¡± The cheetah whined, wringing his hands. ¡°We never should have asked for his help, Rivi. Not with this, anyway. Maybe¡­¡± He paused, tilting his head. ¡°Maybe we should go make it clear, we don¡¯t want to steal someone¡¯s room.¡±


    Rivi turned back towards the coyote, and the human. From his vantage, he could not see past the counter, but the human was writing something down. Argos didn¡¯t look happy. The coyote¡¯s ears were set to irritable angles, his lips curled slightly around his muzzle. His bushy, gray and tan tail stuck out behind him, as if starched by its own indignancy. Rivi swallowed. Whatever was going on, he hoped he had not angered Argos. Or the concierge. Or that Argos hadn¡¯t insisted someone be removed, just for Rivi to get a room. If that was the case, he¡¯d have to go back to the concierge himself, and request an annulment.


    ¡°Yes, Rivi,¡± the cheetah said, pacing again. ¡°As terrible as steerage is, taking it instead of someone else¡¯s rightful cabin would be the moral, pure-hearted thing to do.¡± He licked his nose. ¡°Surely steerage won¡¯t be that bad. Perhaps we¡¯ll even make some friends down there. Yes.¡± Rivi straightened, and spun around, squaring his shoulders. ¡°We¡¯ll make right over there and tell the concierge¡­¡± Then another thought hit him. ¡°Wait, is concierge even the right word? Or would it be purser¡­¡± He rubbed his muzzle. ¡°No, that would be a higher level staffer, I think. Perhaps a junior assistant purser?¡± He padded back and forth alongside his luggage cart, ignoring the confused stares of those in line. ¡°It might be purser¡¯s clerk, perhaps. Although¡­¡± He flicked his ears back. ¡°We definitely heard someone else call him the concierge¡­¡±


    The cheetah turned back, staring at the human. Rivi racked his memory, trying to recall if the human ever appeared agitated or annoyed at being called a concierge. Then again, had Rivi even called him that directly? He wasn¡¯t sure. Sometimes he couldn¡¯t remember exactly what word or phrase he¡¯d spoken to who. After all, some of the verbiage used here was still new to Rivi, even with his extensive knowledge of world linguistics.


    Rivi had been taught from birth to think and speak in not only his people¡¯s native, archaic tongue, but also the modern languages spoken throughout the world¡¯s centers of commerce and population. Over the last few generations, the Church¡¯s leaders sought to modernize certain aspects of both their rulership, and of people¡¯s lives. Ensuring that their members could easily converse with those from outside their borders was part of that effort. So too, Rivi imagined, was the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage.


    In school, Rivi had studied a great deal more languages as well. The cheetah always had a talent for words, both spoke and written. Nowadays he was fluent in a great many languages, both archaic and commonly used. Rivi was certain that was one of the reasons he was chosen for the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage. Even the other scholars of his rank could scarcely claim to be able to conversate with nearly anyone they might encounter around the world. Rivi, however, could.


    For whatever reasons, learning other languages was almost as natural for Rivi was his own breathing. Well, his normal breathing, anyway. Not his panicked panting when things went awry. In fact, even Rivi had not truly realized how talented he was with linguistics until he¡¯d undertaken this journey. But the first time he found himself immersed by those speaking a language that was not his own, it was not long before Rivi too, was speaking it. Only when he realized that his usual mutterings and thoughts had switched from Elder Feline to Northern Canine did he realize exactly how fluent he was. Now, after many months of travel, he¡¯d have to actually stop and think about just what language he was speaking at any given time.


    ¡°Actually,¡± Rivi said, pacing again. ¡°We language are we speaking here?¡±


    ¡°Rivi?¡± Argos¡¯s already-familiar voice spoke his name from nearby.


    Rivimirous whirled around to the coyote, a big smile on his muzzle. ¡°Hello, Mister Argos! How did things go?¡±


    Argos held his hands up. ¡°It¡¯s just Argos, remember?¡±


    ¡°Right, of course.¡± Rivi clasped his hands. ¡°Argos. Do you have any news, for good or for ill?¡±


    ¡°I got both.¡± Argos offered him back his ticketing information, and his identity booklet. ¡°You want the good news, or the bad news?¡±


    Rivi scrunched his muzzle as he took his things, his heart hammering. ¡°The good news, please.¡±


    ¡°The good news.¡± Argos said, pointing at him. ¡°A certain cheetah we both know won¡¯t have to sleep on the floor. And you won¡¯t have to worry about your stuff being stolen.¡±


    Rivi gasped, clutching his documents to his chest. ¡°Oh, thank the Divines!¡± Then he froze, blinking. ¡°Wait, that¡¯s the good news? Then what¡¯s the bad? Oh, please don¡¯t tell me I¡¯m kicked off the ship, and spending the winter in an inn.¡±


    Argos shook his head. ¡°No, Cat, why would¡­nevermind. No, the bad news is that you¡¯re gonna have to share a cabin with someone, and there¡¯s only one bed in that cabin. Which means you¡¯ll have to sleep on a sofa.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Rivi retrieved his document pouch with his free hand. Excitement swelled in cheetah¡¯s chest. Fresh optimism blossomed inside him as he slipped his belongings inside his travel bag, then tucked it away in his coat. ¡°That¡¯s perfectly fine! Sure, it¡¯s no first-class bed, but it¡¯s leagues better than the hard, cold floor.¡± A smile started to curl across his muzzle, only for tempered caution to halt its progress. ¡°Wait, is that all the bad news?¡± He buttoned his coat shut again, warding the swirling winter air that occasionally gusted in through the opening boarding doors. ¡°Am I to be rooming with someone who dislikes felines?¡± Rivi crinkled up his muzzle. ¡°Or holds a grudge against the Church of the Divine Weavers?¡±


    ¡°Neither,¡± said the coyote. Argos glanced away, and ran a hand back over his ears, smoothing them. ¡°You¡¯re gonna be rooming with me. Hope that¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°With¡­¡± Rivi blinked. ¡°You?¡±


    ¡°Try not to sound so excited about it.¡± Argos combed his fingers through the thick grey fur around his neck. ¡°I ain¡¯t thrilled about having to share my quarters, either. I was really looking forward to a nice, peaceful, relaxing trip, with a place all to myself. But¡­¡± He sighed, dropping his hand back down. ¡°I couldn¡¯t just throw you to the damn sharks in steerage. Not that there¡¯s anything wrong with having to travel that way, mind you.¡± The coyote looked Rivi up and down. ¡°You just ain¡¯t got the fortitude for it. No offense.¡±


    Rivi shook his head, his smile slowly returning. ¡°None taken! I would readily admit I was vastly unprepared to attempt to spend the coming months huddled in the ship¡¯s bowels, desperately attempting to protect my worldly possessions from the thronging hordes of ruffians and scalawags!¡±


    Argos perked a single ear. ¡°Ruffians and scalawags, huh? Well, I hate to break it to you, Cat. But you¡¯re about to be stuck with someone who¡¯s been called far worse things than that.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t care what people call you!¡± Rivi chirped happy, feline laughter. ¡°I¡¯m delighted to room with you!¡± The cheetah fussed with his jacket, suddenly finding himself wanting to look presentable for his new bunkmate. ¡°You¡¯re a lifesaver! I mean¡­¡± He flicked his ears back. ¡°You literally saved my life! And you¡¯ve tolerated my inane babbling for at least five minutes, which might be a record for a stranger.¡±


    ¡°Delighted, huh?¡± The coyote crossed his arms. ¡°Not the reaction I was expecting. You don¡¯t really seem the sort to wanna spend a lot of time cooped up with someone like me.¡±


    Rivi waved him off. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve seen guns before. And any additional anxieties I might have about sharing a room with a secret policeman is ameliorated by just how nice you¡¯ve been to me, already. I just¡­¡± The cheetah clasped his hands before himself. ¡°I just hope I don¡¯t prove too obnoxious a roommate myself! I promise, I¡¯m tidy, and clean, and helpful, and¡­well, I¡¯m clean, but perhaps I shouldn¡¯t profess tidiness. I do sometimes strew my belongings about a little too much! But I swear, I¡¯ll run a tighter ship for as long as we¡¯re together. And I don¡¯t think that I snore, but-¡±


    ¡°Rivi,¡± Argos said, forcefully enough to cut the cheetah off. ¡°It¡¯s alright. You don¡¯t gotta sell me on your qualities as a cabin mate. It¡¯s already done.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank you, Argos!¡± Rivi tucked his arms across his belly, and bowed deeply, his spotted tail sticking straight out behind him. ¡°Thank you! I¡¯d shake your hand, or hug you, or whatever other rituals canines do, but I don¡¯t have my gloves on, and I hardly know you¡­¡± He straightened back up, turning his hands over to look at his black pads. ¡°Though on that note, I could hold your hand in gratitude again, if that helps. Pad to pad contact with a stranger twice in the same day is a stretch, but these are extenuating circumstances.¡± He held one of his hands out towards Argos. ¡°Give me your hand, then.¡± Rivi glanced down at the ground. ¡°Oh, do you think I should kneel?¡±


    Argos stared at him, not moving. ¡°Do I think you should kneel before me, and ceremoniously take my hand, in front of all these people?¡± Argos glanced at the long lines of people, a few of whom were already giving them odd looks. ¡°No, Rivi, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s necessary.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re certain.¡± Rivi retracted his arm, still beaming. ¡°There must be some way I can express my gratitude, though.¡± He glanced around, his eyes soon falling on the concierge¡¯s desk. ¡°Let me pay for the room!¡±


    Argos shook his head. ¡°Nuh uh. I ain¡¯t making you pay for a suite-¡±


    Rivi gasped. ¡°You have a suite? How delightful!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes too high,¡± Argos said. ¡°It¡¯s more like a junior suite. Just the one bed, like I said. But it¡¯s got a living area, and a private bathroom. Point is, it costs even more than your reservation, and I ain¡¯t making you pay that kinda money just to sleep on a couch.¡±


    ¡°At least allow me to split it with you, then.¡± Rivi reached into his coat, starting to pull out his travel pouch. ¡°I can hand you the funds-¡±


    Argos stepped closer, lowering his voice to a harsh growl. ¡°Keep your damn money tucked away. Ain¡¯t you learned nothing?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­r-right.¡± Chastised, Rivi put his pouch away, his ears drooping. ¡°I already forgot. At least let me pay you half the costs later.¡±


    ¡°Look, Spots.¡± Argos held a hand up, his voice still soft. ¡°If you really gotta know, I¡¯m not even paying for the room. Iosa and me, we got special status here.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s voice dropped to an excited whisper. ¡°Because you¡¯re secret police?¡±


    Argos made a face, his whole muzzle contorting. ¡°Not exactly. But, something like that, I guess. Let¡¯s just say, people like us got agrees with Black Star. The company lets us ride their ships for free, in nice cabins, without officially acknowledging our presence. And in return, we help reinforce their security team. If there¡¯s any trouble on the ship, say a mutiny, or a hijacking, we¡¯re expected to step in and help put a stop to it.¡±


    Rivi clapped a hand to his muzzle, wide-eyed. He spread his fingers just enough for his whispers to slip free. ¡°You are the secret police!¡±


    Argos rolled his eyes. ¡°We aren¡¯t, Cat. We¡¯re something else.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s voice picked up speed, excitement hurrying it along. ¡°But that¡¯s secret police behavior! Just like in the famous radio serial, Shadow Justice!¡±


    The coyote made a dismissive grunt. ¡°Shadow Justice is pure shlock.¡±


    Rivi nearly bounced in excitement. ¡°You know Shadow Justice? Ooh, do you listen? We could talk about it! Do you suppose the ship¡¯s aerials are powerful enough to pick up the next broadcast in a few days?¡±


    Argos rubbed his head, just between his ears. ¡°Wait, you actually listen to that shit?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± This time, the cat really did bounce on his toes. ¡°It¡¯s so much fun, that I don¡¯t even care how stupid it is!¡±


    Shadow Justice, and other serials like it, were one of Rivi¡¯s great guilty pleasures. The cheetah knew all too well they were big, broad, overwritten pieces of brain-rotting foolishness designed to elicit hoots and hollers from the masses. And yet, he found them so exciting and so entertaining that he didn¡¯t even care. Now, to think that luck had thrust him into the company of a real agent of the secret police.


    Argos chuckled. ¡°Stupid is right. And it¡¯s all wrong, anyway. They stole bits and pieces of reality from a couple agencies around the world, and they made the rest of it up. It¡¯s just big, dumb, showy shit to entertain the easily amused.¡±


    The cheetah kept his hand over his muzzle, speaking softly through his fingers. ¡°Only a real secret policeman would be able to tell the difference! But don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t tell anyone your secret identity.¡±


    The coyote snorted. ¡°Gee, thanks, Spots.¡±


    Rivi tilted his head, gradually uncovering his face. His voice remained hushed. ¡°I¡¯m assuming you don¡¯t work for our secret police. They¡¯re pretty strict about Church membership, but they do recruit a few outside agents. Although, you¡¯d probably have to speak Elder Feline, so-¡±


    ¡°I suppose I could always learn to speak your people¡¯s tongue,¡± Argos said, slipping into a near perfectly-accented rendition of the ancient feline language. ¡°If I ever felt that studying something so archaic could be beneficial.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°You speak Elder Feline?¡±


    Argos held his thumb and finger a short distance apart, dull claw tips nearly touching. ¡°A little bit.¡± The coyote slipped back into the more commonly spoken local language. ¡°Like I said, I¡¯ve spent a little bit of time in your lands.¡±


    ¡°More than a little, I should think.¡± Rivi straightened his coat, smiling. ¡°No wonder you pronounced my name right, earlier. You know, ironically, I was just thinking about linguistics, when you were with the concierge. Or¡­¡± He furrowed his brows. ¡°Perhaps you can tell me. Is concierge the right word? Or is he purser? Junior Purser?¡±


    The coyote only shrugged. ¡°Fuck if I know. I always call them the concierge, and if I¡¯ve been wrong, they haven¡¯t corrected me.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Rivi rubbed the back of his hand. ¡°I was racking my brain earlier, trying ascertain the proper term. And then I found myself wondering what language I¡¯d been speaking lately.¡± He brightened, smiling at the coyote. ¡°And then you arrived, before I¡¯d come to a conclusion.¡±


    Argos blinked at him. ¡°You were wondering what language you were speaking?¡±


    Rivi quickly nodded. ¡°That¡¯s correct! You see, I¡¯m quite fluent in a number of them. Too fluent, in fact. When I¡¯m immersed in one, it¡¯s as if my brain rapidly adapts.¡± He tapped his temple. ¡°Before long, I don¡¯t even realize I¡¯m speaking a foreign tongue, anymore. It just feels normal, to me. So sometimes it takes me a moment¡¯s thought to remember what it is I¡¯m speaking at any given time.¡± Stolen novel; please report.


    Argos lifted his ears, his sharp golden eyes widening. ¡°Damn, Spots. That sounds helpful. I have to actively think about other languages to speak them.¡±


    The cheetah smiled. ¡°How many languages do you speak, Argos?¡±


    The coyote only shrugged, stuffing his hands into his pockets. ¡°Not as many as you, I¡¯m guessing. Now I kinda wish my brain worked like yours does. Might make it easier to pick a few more of them up.¡±


    Rivi chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s a blessing and a curse, I suppose.¡± His tail flicked about. ¡°Makes it easier to talk with people while I travel, but it also leads to awkward moments where I have to stop and ask people what language I¡¯m speaking. They give me very strange looks. Oh!¡± He clapped his hands together. ¡°Gilded! That¡¯s what I¡¯m speaking now. Tavosa¡¯s an intercontinental travel hub after all, so course it¡¯s Gilded.¡±


    Argos smirked, watching him closely. ¡°There¡¯s one mystery solved.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Rivi glanced down at his boots, nudging his toe against the hardwood floor. ¡°Do you know why they call it Gilded?¡± He looked up at the coyote, ears lifted, only to look away again just as quickly. ¡°Of course you do.¡± Rivi turned, staring at his luggage. He must have sounded like a fool. ¡°Everyone knows that. It was a dumb question.¡±


    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t.¡± Argos moved a little closer, resting a hand on the rail of Rivi¡¯s luggage cart. ¡°Assume I don¡¯t know. Enlighten me, Spots.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Rivi ran his fingers back and forth against the name tag on one of his suitcases. ¡°It¡¯s short for The Gilded Familiar Tongue. A long, long time ago, after the world and cosmos alike were fractured, and the Divines wove existence back together¡­¡± Rivi waved his free hand in a grand gesture. ¡°We were faced with new continents, and new peoples. And there was war, and conflict, and eventually, truces. And so, in the name of advancing peaceful interests, our ancestors began to develop a common language. It was intended for shared diplomatic meetings, banking, and trade, and so on. A commonly familiar language. It took bits and pieces of this and that, and then it modified them. Formalized them, so to speak. People thought it sounded as if they¡¯d ¡®gilded¡¯ it. More and more of them started calling it the Gilded Familiar tongue. Eventually, it just became Gilded.¡±


    To Rivi¡¯s surprised delight, Argos listened intently to his every word. He leaned up against Rivi¡¯s luggage cart, his ears swiveled forward and fixed on the cheetah¡¯s voice. Only when Rivi had finished did Argos reply. ¡°You got an awful lot of fancy, interesting knowledge in that brain, don¡¯t you.¡±


    The cheetah slowly turned back towards him. ¡°Knowledge is about the only thing in my brain. Well, that and crippling anxiety.¡±


    To Rivi¡¯s unexpected delight, Argos actually laughed at his joke. ¡°Nothing a good drink won¡¯t help with. Shit, right about now, I imagine we could both use a stiff one.¡±


    Rivi stared at him, tilting his head. ¡°A stiff what?¡±


    ¡°A drink, Cat.¡± A suave sort of smile spread across the Coyote¡¯s muzzle. ¡°At least to start. After that, we¡¯ll see. But a few too many drinks, and ain¡¯t nothing gettin¡¯ stiff anymore.¡±


    Rivi wasn¡¯t entirely sure what he meant, at first. But something about the way the coyote smiled at him warmed him far more than his coat ever had. He tried to match the easy-going way in which Argos leaned upon the cart, shifting his weight to rest against his piled suitcases. While he tried to parse what he assumed was some manner of dirty humored joke, he studied Argos¡¯s smiling face.


    The coyote¡¯s eyes were a brilliant golden hue, a striking contrast to the light gray fur that covered most of his face. Sandy hues comprised the velvet looking fur of his pointed ears. It deepened to a darker tan across the back of Argos¡¯s head, and down his neck. More tan fur marked the top of his muzzle, almost like a stripe that ran from beneath his eyes all the way to his black nose. His whiskers twitched on either side of it. Up close, and without the shackles of his earlier self-pity and sorrow, Rivi thought Argos to be especially handsome for a canine. Not that he would ever dare tell anyone so shameful and impure a thought had ever crossed his mind.


    Then the joke clicked into his head, and Rivi burst into chirping giggles. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re saying that if you drink too much alcohol, you can no longer achieve¡­¡± He trailed off, giggling even harder. ¡°I¡¯m not used to bawdy humor!¡±


    Argos only kept grinning at him. ¡°That¡¯s what I was saying. More or less.¡±


    Rivi smiled back as his giggles faded. ¡°You¡¯re really quite¡­¡± Funny. Funny was the word Rivi meant to say. Funny was the word Rivi wanted to say. But it was not the word that actually came out of Rivi¡¯s mouth. ¡°Handsome.¡±


    Argos blinked, his ears shooting up. ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Somehow, the coyote kept smiling. ¡°Well, thanks Spots. Can¡¯t say a feline¡¯s ever called me that, before.¡±


    Horrified shock erupted deep inside Rivi, like a volcano spewing pour humiliation. His face burned beneath his fur, his ears flat against his head. ¡°Funny!¡± He amended himself as quickly as he could, nearly babbling. ¡°I meant funny! Not handsome! Funny, definitely funny! You¡¯re definitely not handsome, who would say that?¡±


    Argos canted his head, slowly twisting a single ear back. ¡°Hopefully someone who thinks I¡¯m handsome, I guess. So now you¡¯re saying I¡¯m ugly, instead?¡±


    Rivi shook his head so hard and fast his neck ached. ¡°N-no, not at all! I¡¯m sure to a female, you¡¯re handsome. But to me, a male, you¡¯re just, uh¡­¡± Rivi¡¯s mind whirled, searching for an excuse, for an escape from the self-laid snare he¡¯d stepped in. ¡°A fine modern gentleman, I am certain. With a great sense of humor!¡± As Rivi spoke, his voice rose higher in pitch, words tumbling off his tongue faster and faster until they collided with each other. ¡°But, as a male, I¡¯m certainly not qualified to judge your appearance by any metrics related to your attractiveness.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no?¡± Argos shrugged, his tail swishing. ¡°That¡¯s a shame. Guess it¡¯s back to being a mangy old non-descript coyote, cause I sure as hell ain¡¯t no gentlemen.¡±


    Rivi cleared his throat, leaning a little harder against his luggage. ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure to the females, you¡¯re incredible handsome. But, obviously, as a male, I can¡¯t¡­¡± He licked his nose, his throat suddenly dry. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t, and¡­it wouldn¡¯t be proper, and¡­say, do you know any more jokes?¡±


    ¡°Jokes?¡± Argos rubbed his chin, faking deep thought. ¡°Well, I suppose the cruel tricks the universe constantly pulls upon us could be considered jokes. Of a sort.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Rivi swallowed, taking a shaky breath. ¡°Not really the sort of joke I had in mind.¡±


    Argos chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s what made it a joke, Spots.¡± He tilted his head, his smile fading into something more serious. ¡°Just to be clear, were a cheetah to call me handsome? I wouldn¡¯t care what they got between their legs. I¡¯d take it as a compliment, just the same.¡±


    Rivi rubbed his face with both hands, wishing he could climb inside one of his suitcases and shut it around himself. He was absolute certain that Argos was only trying to make him feel better about his humiliating slip of the tongue. And yet, at least the coyote didn¡¯t seem angry with him. Or worse, revulsed by him.


    ¡°In fact,¡± Argos said, his smile returning. ¡°I might even tell that the cheetah they weren¡¯t bad looking, themselves. Might even say they were kinda cute, with their giant spectacles and their nervous smile.¡±


    Rivi bolted upright, nearly choking on his tongue. Something cracked in his brain. There was no way in all the Fractured World that he heard Argos correctly. He couldn¡¯t recall anyone ever calling him cute, aside from his mother, when he was a little more than a kitten. Certainly no one had ever said to him in a way that suggested attractively, and doubly certain, no one male. He worked his muzzle in a slow, open and closed motion, like a dying fish gasping for oxygen. Rivi wanted to say something, to say anything. Yet no matter how his tongue grasped for words, it found only silence.


    After several long, silence moments, Argos looked away, his smile slowly dissipating. This time, it did not so quickly return. ¡°Sorry, Cat. Maybe that was too much. I know your people are¡­¡± He waved his hand. ¡°Not as open, as mine. I didn¡¯t mean to offend you, or make you uncomfortable, or nothing.¡±


    Oh Divines, Rivi thought. Now he was making it worse. Do something, Rivi, he told himself. Say something. Don¡¯t just stand there and let the person who saved us, think he¡¯d offended us. This was our mistake, not his. Rivi continued to work his mouth in silence, while his mind screamed at him. Quick, you stupid cheetah, say something funny! Diffuse the tension! Make a joke and smile at him like he smiled at us!


    Rivi forced himself to do just that. ¡°So¡­¡± He leaned against his luggage again, resting his arm across the topmost suitcase in the most casual position he could think of. ¡°Know any more dirty jokes¡­¡± Rivi knew that he should have stopped right there, and yet, somehow, the rest of what popped into his mind, also popped out of his muzzle. ¡°About penile functions?¡±


    Argos jerked his head back around in instant, staring at Rivi with wide eyes. ¡°Do I know any jokes¡­¡± A barking sort of cackle erupted from the coyote. ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°S-sorry!¡± Rivi¡¯s voice was an anxious squeak. ¡°Just trying to break the tension. Dunno why I said anything about penises¡­¡± He sucked a breath, clapping a hand over his muzzle. Argos laughed harder, and Rivi slowly lowered his head. ¡°I¡¯m just gonna shut my muzzle, and lean against my luggage, and pretend I didn¡¯t say-¡±


    Rivi¡¯s luggage collapsed out from under him, toppling off the cart. The cheetah gave a startled cry, falling over with it. He flopped down atop his scattered suitcases, sending some of them tumbling across the floor. A few cases bounced up against an unoccupied counter, while others tumbled into people in line, sending them dancing out of the way. Pain jolted through Rivi as he found himself staring at the ceiling. Sporadic laughter rang out from those in line. Out of the corners of his vision, he saw Iosa staring down at him, a worried expression on her muzzle.


    In an instant, Argos was standing over him. The coyote¡¯s ears were low. He offered Rivi his hand, his voice heavy with concern. ¡°Rivi, you alright? You hurt?¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± Rivi gave a low whimper. His back ached, and something throbbed inside him where he¡¯d jarred one organ or another. But nothing felt injured. ¡°My pride, mostly. Not that I had much to begin with.¡± He glanced at Argos¡¯s hand, reached for it, then hesitated. ¡°I¡­I don¡¯t have my gloves on¡­¡± He stared at his own hand. ¡°Though I suppose we did already touch pads¡­¡±


    ¡°You guys really take that contact thing seriously, huh?¡± Argos leaned down, reaching for Rivi¡¯s coat. ¡°How about I just lift you up by your coat and get it over with so you don¡¯t have to agonize over it?¡±


    Rivi nodded, and Argos grasped the front of his coat in both hands. He grunted, hauling Rivi back up to his feet. Rivi clutched at Argos¡¯s arms in turn, but the coyote had no trouble lifting him. Argos nudged a few suitcases aside, making room for Rivi to stand. Rivi got his footing, and Argos released him, stepping back to give the cheetah some space.


    ¡°Th-thank you, Mister Argos.¡± Rivi dusted himself off. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about-¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± A gnoll standing line called out. ¡°You see that fucking cat fall over?¡± He reached down, picking up one of Rivi¡¯s cases. ¡°You think we can call finders, keepers?¡±


    ¡°You shut the fuck up!¡± Argos pivoted away from Rivi, stalking towards the significantly taller gnoll. ¡°You stop laughin¡¯ at him, and give him his shit back right now, or you ain¡¯t gonna be worried about cabin space, cause you¡¯ll be in the fuckin¡¯ infirmary.¡± He tilted his head back, snarling up at the gnoll, his fangs bared. ¡°You get me?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes, sir.¡± The gnoll hurried over and put Rivi¡¯s suitcase back on the cart. ¡°S-sorry, Cat.¡±


    Argos glared at the gnoll all the way until he was back in line. Then he turned his simmering gaze on everyone else near one of Rivi¡¯s cases. He pointed at them. ¡°Pick ¡®em up. Help your fellow traveler.¡±


    The others glanced at each other, but no one seemed to dare deny Argos¡¯s firm request. They picked the cases and brought them back to Rivi. Some of them put them on the cart, others on the ground near the cheetah. Then they shuffled back into line, not daring to meet Argos¡¯s fiery glare.


    ¡°Th-thank you, everyone.¡± Rivi gave them a wave, but no one waved back.


    Argos soon returned to the cheetah, and began to place Rivi¡¯s remaining suitcases back on the cart. ¡°Sorry, Rivi. I hope I didn¡¯t embarrass you just now.¡± He glanced at the cheetah for a moment, before loading another case. ¡°I probably overreacted. You just¡­¡± He flicked an ear back. ¡°Some people oughta be laughed at, but you ain¡¯t one of ¡®em. You been through enough today.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Rivi worked with the coyote, quickly restacking all his belongings. ¡°Under other circumstances, I can admit, that probably would have been quite comical. Like¡­¡± He placed the camera case atop the stack. ¡°Like something from a radio play.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, something like that.¡± Argos set one last bag alongside the rest. ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t make that gnoll piss himself.¡± He patted the case with Rivi¡¯s photography equipment in it. ¡°You wanna check these, and make sure they¡¯re okay? That Colormaster¡¯s awfully rare. And valuable.¡±


    Rivi sucked in a breath. ¡°You know about cameras?¡±


    ¡°Sure do,¡± Argos said. ¡°Not exactly a hobby, but I do enjoy taking pictures.¡±


    ¡°Me too!¡± A smile quickly returned to Rivi¡¯s muzzle. ¡°Definitely a hobby of mine, but also, I¡¯m required to document my travels as much as possible. Even so, not many people would recognize a Crystal Colormaster so easily.¡±


    Argos idly patted the carrying case it was in. ¡°I¡¯ve used one, actually. On a job. Had to secure some photographic evidence, and color was important. Wasn¡¯t my camera, but I did get to use it for a few days. Also got a long lecture about how valuable it was, and how if anything happened to it¡­¡± The coyote scrunched his muzzle. ¡°It¡¯d be coming out of my pay.¡±


    ¡°That would be quite the salary reduction.¡± Rivi made a face, one rounded ear flattened back. He flicked the latches open. ¡°I guess I should check it. It¡¯s probably fine, both the suitcase, and the camera¡¯s case itself are hardened to protect against just such an accident.¡±


    ¡°Oh really?¡± Argos stood alongside the cheetah, his tail idly swishing. ¡°I didn¡¯t know they made anything designed to withstand a cheetah falling on them when he was trying to act casual.¡±


    Rivi managed little more than self-conscious laugh, his other ear flattened back alongside its twin. ¡°They may as well have been. I¡¯m not exactly known for my gracefulness.¡± He opened armored travel bag. ¡°I managed to drop this one down the stairs of a hotel, last week.¡± Rivi quickly examined its contents. As soon as Rivi was sure that everything was fine, he gave a little sigh of relief, and locked it shut again. ¡°Thankfully, nothing damaged then, and nothing damaged now.¡±


    ¡°Down the stairs, huh?¡± Argos moved a few of the suitcases around. ¡°Better your cameras than you, at least.¡± He tested the stability of the stacked luggage, then stepped back. ¡°That¡¯s about as stable as they¡¯re gonna get. Just try not to lean against them, huh?¡±


    The cheetah rubbed his muzzle, fighting a losing war against an embarrassed smile. ¡°I¡±ll try to keep that in mind. Thank you for your help, Argos.¡± Rivi licked his nose, glancing at Argos¡¯s palm pads, gray-black amidst the tan fur. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I was hesitate to take your hand, a moment ago. It¡¯s just¡­¡± Rivi traced the outline of a ebony spot in his fur, ruffling it. ¡°The intimacy of touching pads isn¡¯t something we usually engage in with strangers. Our ritual earlier notwithstanding, of course. We do make exceptions as needed.¡±


    Argos only shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You gotta stand by your beliefs, right?¡±


    Rivi straightened up. He gave up on battling against his smile, and it parted his muzzle so swiftly he half-feared his tongue would fall out. ¡°Thank you, Argos! Most people outside the Church just tell me our ways are weird, or¡­¡± He rolled his eyes. ¡°Or even prudish! Imagine that! Prudish, just because we don¡¯t want to hold bare hands with strangers.¡±


    Argos¡¯s ears twitched. His lips curled, as if he too was fighting a smile. Or laughter. ¡°Yeah, imagine that. Holding hands? Now, that¡¯s just lascivious.¡±


    The cheetah blinked, then scratched at his cheek. ¡°Well, when you put it that way, it does sound a little prudish.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± Argos leaned up against the cart again. ¡°Who cares? Ain¡¯t their business, and it ain¡¯t their place to judge for you it.¡±


    Rivi tried to emulate the coyote¡¯s casual posture again. This time, though, he made sure to lean his weight against the cart itself, and not the luggage stacked within it. ¡°That¡¯s very open minded of you.¡±


    The coyote¡¯s suave, disarming smile returned, his ears up. ¡°I¡¯m an open-minded person.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯ve noticed.¡± Rivi crossed his arms, attempting to look as nonchalant as Argos. ¡°Just the same, I¡­¡± The cheetah swallowed, glancing away. Something still weighed on his mind. He¡¯d slipped up, earlier, and though Argos had brushed it off with playful banter, Rivi knew he still owed the coyote an apology. ¡°There¡¯s something I need say to you.¡±


    Argos tilted his head. ¡°Oh yeah? Go on, then.¡±


    Rivi pressed his hands together, hesitant. If he was to speak an apology, then he had to look at the coyote to deliver it with weight. It was important he face, and accept the coyote¡¯s judgement, or forgiveness. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I called you handsome. It was weird, and improper. And I apologize.¡±


    Argos flicked his tail once. The coyote gazed back at him, his blank expression betraying nothing. His voice was steady, and even. ¡°That wasn¡¯t improper. It was a compliment. You don¡¯t gotta apologize for that.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡± Rivi wrung his hands his hands till his knuckles ached. His belly flipped over, twisting in on itself. He wanted to look anywhere but into Argos¡¯s eyes. Hell, he wanted to pull his coat up over his head, and squeak out his muffled plea for forgiveness from inside the safe confines of the warm, woolen garment. But an apology was worth nothing, if the one proffering it lacked the courage and conviction required to look into the eyes of the offended. ¡°I called you handsome, and¡­¡± Rivi swallowed. Each word spoken was a larger struggle than the last. He steeled himself, and forced himself to continue. ¡°It was highly inappropriate, and improper. It was but a single, stray impure thought, that¡­¡± The cheetah took a shaking breath. ¡°I did not even mean to acknowledge, let alone to speak aloud. So, I sincerely apologize. I hope that you can forgive-¡±


    ¡°Stop.¡± Argos held his hand up. The coyote¡¯s voice was soft as silk, and yet somehow struck Rivi like a hammer to the heart. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare apologize for your thoughts. Not to me¡­¡± Argos shook his head. Something cold and hurt shone in his golden eyes. His ears drooped, just a little. ¡°Not to anyone.¡± He stepped closer, reaching out to gently clasp Rivi¡¯s upper arm. ¡°You don¡¯t ever need to ask forgiveness, for who you are. Not from me, not from your people, not from your Divines. Not from anyone.¡± He stared into Rivi¡¯s eyes, urgency heating his words. ¡°Anyone who thinks they ought to be entitled to forgive you, for being the person you were born to be?¡± Argos sneered, his fangs bared. ¡°They ain¡¯t worthy of your company, your time, or even a single, passing thought. You understand?¡±


    Rivi worked his jaws, struggling to string together a reply. In the end, he only managed a single. ¡°No?¡± Argos sighed, a strangely wounded sound that left Rivi¡¯s heart aching for reasons he struggled to comprehend. It was as if all the things he feared would offend Argos hadn¡¯t bothered him at all, only for his apology to prove itself a dagger in the coyote¡¯s back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Rivi said, his throat constricting till his voice was little more than a strangled mew. ¡°I just¡­didn¡¯t want you to think me¡­¡± He swallowed, his gaze finally falling away from Argos¡¯s shining golden eyes. ¡°Impure.¡±


    Argos¡¯s released Rivi¡¯s arm. ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re anything, but who you are. And I sure as hell ain¡¯t gonna think one iota less of you, for that.¡± The coyote held his hands up. ¡°Look, Spots. I get it. I know how your people can be. You gotta keep some things locked up in here for your own safety.¡± He gently tapped Rivi¡¯s head, between his ears. ¡°But you need to understand something else, in here.¡± Argos lowered his hand, poking the coyote¡¯s chest. ¡°You are, who you are. And who you are, is exactly who you were meant to be. Doesn¡¯t matter what anyone else thinks. You don¡¯t ever owe anyone an apology for being the person you were born to be. And they sure as hell don¡¯t owe you no forgiveness. The only thing they owe you, Spots?¡± Argos flashed his teeth in a snarl. ¡°Is acceptance. And if they ain¡¯t offering you that, then fuck ¡®em.¡±


    All Rivi could do was stare at Argos in quiet, confused awe. In all his life, he had never felt so simultaneously exposed, and yet so understood. It was as if Argos could somehow peer through his layers of mental armor and apologies, to glimpse his darkest thoughts, to hear the whispering voices of impurity. And somehow, instead of shame, and disgrace, the coyote offered only¡­


    Acceptance.


    Rivi struggled to parse the very concept. He almost feared it was a trap, that the moment he agreed with Argos, or admitted to all the feelings he fought to deny even to himself, was the moment the coyote would call him out. Would shame him. Cast him aside, like he surely deserved, should he ever give into his improper feelings.


    But there was no trap. Instead, Argos only turned away. His bushy, gray and tan tail brushed Rivi¡¯s leg. ¡°Come on, Spots. Ain¡¯t gonna do you no good to stand there starin¡¯ at me all slack-jawed. We may as well go get you settled into our cabin.¡± Argos grasped the handle of Rivi¡¯s luggage cart, pulling it forward. ¡°I¡¯ll get your shit for you. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    And that was that. Rivi stared at Argos¡¯s back for a few moments. A gnoll guard came over, and made a lane through the crowd to give Argos room to pull Rivi¡¯s luggage. The coyote glanced over his shoulder to make sure Rivi was following him, then made his way through the teeming masses. Rivi hurried after him, still struggling to comprehend what just happened. A million thoughts swirled around in his head, stars wheeling about in a dark, confused sky. Many of them were terrifying. A few were oddly hopeful. But as Rivi squeezed through the crowd, trying to keep up with the coyote, his mind returned time and again to that single word.


    Acceptance.


    Rivi liked the sound of that.

 Chapter Six

    *****


    Chapter Six


    *****


    Impure. That was what they called it. A form of deviant thought, and behavior, relating to an unnatural attraction to one¡¯s own sex. Left unchecked, impurity was the sort of deep, and abiding sin that spread a taint so dark it could damage even the very soul. For the good of the people, and for the safety of their souls, impure acts were wholly outlawed by The Church of the Divine Weavers. Impure thoughts were harder to police, but not impossible to notice. Those known to suffer from recurring impure thoughts were highly encouraged to seek out help, in order to eliminate them, lest their wicked thoughts turn to carnal misdeeds that endangered their souls.


    Rivi had suffered such thoughts for much of his life. The cheetah did not know why he endured such poisoned whispers, only that they would never quite go away. He first battled them in his youth. When the other males his age first turned their eyes towards their female companions, Rivi found his eyes drifting elsewhere. Once, when caught staring at the wrong person, at the wrong time, they sought to cure him. They shamed him, scolded him, even struck him. Until the thoughts were gone. Or so he led them to believe.


    His father never used the word ¡®impure.¡¯ After all, to use the official term for such deviance, would have made it all to real. No, Rivi¡¯s father preferred to use softer phrases. Father called him gentle, and tender-hearted. While Rivi knew his father loved him dearly, so to did Rivi know his impurity shamed his father. If anything, Rivi was certain his father hoped that the rigors and ardor of the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage would toughen Rivi up, as if strength and toughness alone would ward off his soul-threatening thoughts. For all Rivi knew, his Father might have hoped Rivi would end up sharing a room with some attractive female feline. Though pre-marital dalliances were also considered highly improper, such a sin paled in comparison to the iniquity of impurity. Doubly so, should said vice cure him of being impure.


    Rivi snorted at the thought, following Argos in silence towards the lifts. As if impurity were something truly curable, like a disease. If it was, all the shame and scorn would have surely cured him of it ages ago. Instead, Rivi just folded everything inwards. He wrapped himself in that very shame, like a wall to keep him safe. So long as he remained keenly aware of how deeply shameful such thoughts were, it was all the easier to keep them to himself. After all, why would he ever speak of something so disgraceful? Let alone something that could get him hurt, should the wrong people discover his impurity.


    For years now, Rivi had been mostly successful in bottling up such thoughts. In his adult life, it helped him to keep to his studies and working during the day, and his hobbies in the evenings, and days off. Rivi often listened to radio serials and dramas, along with owning a small collection of musical records. He enjoyed books of all kinds, from fanciful novels, to historical chronicles, to religious texts and analysis. The cheetah also enjoyed all manner of artistic pursuits. His wrote his own tales, though as far as he was concerned, his work scarcely rose above derivative, at best. He roamed the streets and parks of the city, taking countless photographs. Rivi even enjoyed painting, and drawing.


    Once in a while, he even went for a drink with some his scholarly colleagues, from the Church archives where he worked. Rivi wasn¡¯t entirely sure they were truly his friends, per se, but they were friendly. They went out of their way to invite him along, and so Rivi felt it only right to go out of his way to join them. Though he never knew whether or not they actually liked him, or merely wished to find themselves in his father¡¯s good graces, Rivi appreciated being included, just the same.


    Yet, he tried to keep himself guarded. He never wished to stare at the wrong person, or look at the handsome lion behind the bar the wrong way. And he worked even harder to ensure he never actually referred to him, as the handsome lion behind the bar. He stared into his cup, made small talk, laughed at their jokes, and tried to make a few of his own. More often than not, their laughter sounded forced. Rivi was never quite sure if he was truly annoying and weird as he imagined himself, or if it was just in his head.


    In any case, the walls he¡¯d long ago built from his own great shame had kept him safe well into his adulthood. He doubted that few of his colleagues truly realized that Scholar Rivi still suffered from the occasional impure thought. After all, if they did, he¡¯d never have been selected to make the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage. Rivi had successfully hidden away that frightening, disgraceful part of himself, and built a life of which to be proud. Rivi could not remember slipping up in front of anyone in years.


    At least, not until he met Argos.


    Rivi had never met anyone quite like the coyote. Argos was as suave as he was menacing, gentle and ferocious, mysterious and open, all at the same time. Most importantly, despite his playful jests and jibes, Rivi never got the sense that Argos was looking down on him, or judging him. No matter what foolish thing Rivi said, or what oddball mannerism Argos caught him displaying, the coyote just didn¡¯t seem to care. And if he didn¡¯t know better, he¡¯d have sworn Argos was almost flirting with him. Then again, Rivi could not recall anyone ever flirting with him before. He wasn¡¯t sure he¡¯d recognize truly flirtatious behavior if it poked him in both eyes.


    Perhaps, Rivi thought, that unfamiliarity was what left him reeling, and so very off-guard. He¡¯d known the coyote for a scant few hours, at most, and already he¡¯d blurted out something that inadvertently betrayed his impure thoughts. Not that Argos wasn¡¯t handsome, of course. Humiliated as Rivi was to think such things about another male, he had long accepted that such thoughts would occasionally intrude upon his mind, unwarranted and unwanted. Denying them only ever seemed to make them grow stronger. Rivi found it easier to admit them, and then push them aside until they faded away for a while. Thus, in his heart, to himself, Rivi was willing to admit that yes, Argos was handsome.


    But he damn sure never meant to say as much to Argos himself. Now that he had, Rivi was just glad that Argos hadn¡¯t immediately retracted his offer to share his cabin. While the cheetah could only imagine how much more awkward and uncomfortable his humiliating outburst would make things, at least he still had a place to sleep. Then again, if anything, Argos seemed to take his comment as a compliment. At first, Rivi thought the coyote was only being polite, but the more Rivi thought about it, the more he wasn¡¯t sure. Maybe Argos really had appreciated it. That might have explained some of his more seemingly flirtatious teasing.


    For the briefest of moments, Rivi allowed himself to entertain a dangerous question.


    Did Argos also suffer impure thoughts?


    The cheetah licked his nose, watching the to-and-fro sway of the coyote¡¯s tail as he walked. Argos¡¯s tail was nothing like his own sleek, slender feline tail. It was thickly furred with layers of gray and tan. It darkened towards its tip, as if Argos had dipped the end of his tail in ink. Rivi allowed a second dangerous thought to linger for several heartbeats. He wondered just how soft the coyote¡¯s fur would feel, against his pads. Then Rivi lifted his eyes, and forced himself to banish both thoughts as quickly as they came.


    It was just as well. Rivi dragged himself from the murky depths of his own mind just in time to see a long line of people waiting for a lift. They stretched well down the wood-paneled corridors, grumbling and milling about. Many of them had their own piles of luggage, though none carried near as much as Rivi. Far ahead of them, a circular chamber served as a lift bank. A bronze chandelier shone yellowy light around the room. There were three elevators on either side. Crystalline dials above each set of closed doors indicated which floor the lifts were currently on. Several gnolls stood guard while a single human directed people into the lifts.


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re back to waiting, hmm?¡± Rivi took a place at the end of the line. They hadn¡¯t spoken much in the short time since they¡¯d left the lobby, but Rivi was happy to break the silence. It made it easier to keep his thoughts from drifting. ¡°We¡¯re getting quite good at queuing up, aren¡¯t we Rivi?¡±


    Argos grabbed Rivi¡¯s coat sleeve, tugging him out of the queue. ¡°Nope. No line, Spots.¡± Argos pulled him forward a few steps, then released him and went back to pulling Rivi¡¯s luggage. ¡°We¡¯re VIPs.¡±


    ¡°We are?¡± Rivi hurried after the canine. Somehow, Argos walked faster than Rivi even while hauling his heavy cart along. ¡°You mean, because you¡¯re¡­¡± He trailed off, realizing Argos wouldn¡¯t want him to blabbing about his special policeman status. ¡°Badged?¡±


    ¡°Badged?¡± Argos perked one ear, chuckling. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go with that.¡±


    ¡°Well, I wasn¡¯t sure what else to call it.¡± Rivi rubbed his hands together as they walked. Some of the people in line shot them dirty looks. A few pointed out that there was, in fact, a line. A few more cursed. Argos pointedly ignored them entirely, but Rivi couldn¡¯t quite bring himself to do the same. Instead, he muttered little apologies every few paces. ¡°Sorry. I¡¯m sorry. V-VIPs. Sorry. My apologies.¡±


    Near the front of the line, the human directing traffic walked towards Argos, holding his hand up. This time, rather than flash his badge, Argos gave the human a name and what Rivi thought sounded like some code phrase. The human gestured at one of the gnolls, who brought forward a clipboard with a manifest upon it. The human flipped through it, then nodded, and then directed Argos to the front of the line.


    Argos thanked him, then jerked his thumb at Rivi. ¡°The cat¡¯s with me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, hello.¡± Rivi smiled at the human. ¡°My name is Rivi. It might be under Rivimiralous. That¡¯s spelled-¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t need your name, Spots.¡± Argos pulled the cart to the front of the line, ignoring the frustrated sigh from the person he cut in front of. ¡°You¡¯re booked in my room now, anyway.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Rivi padded up alongside Argos. ¡°Right, of course.¡± He glanced over his shoulder at the person behind them, an older wolf with a graying muzzle. ¡°Terribly sorry to inconvenience you, Sir. We¡¯re VIPs.¡±


    The wolf glared at him. ¡°I noticed.¡±


    A bell chimed, and the gold-painted doors of one of the lifts opened. The human directed Argos towards it. Argos pulled Rivi¡¯s cart forward, then pushed it back into the lift. Rivi hurried in after him. The inside of the lift was mirrored, and accented with crimson and brass. A single light glowed within a yellow, crystalline fixture. A kobold in a red and silver uniform stood on a step ladder, working as lift operator. When he saw no one else was joining them, the kobold closed the doors.


    ¡°Floor, Sirs?¡± The lizard looked up, waiting.


    ¡°VIP Suites.¡± Argos glanced at Rivi, rubbing his muzzle. ¡°We¡¯re on Deck Thirty, Spots, but this bank takes you right to the suites section.¡±


    ¡°Deck thirty?¡± Rivi¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°The largest airship I¡¯ve been on before now only had ten decks. And that was some bloated old sky-crawler I was afraid was going to fall right out of the sky!¡±


    The kobold gave them a toothy smile. ¡°Oh, then lemme give you the official thing.¡± The small lizard cleared his throat. ¡°Black Star Intercontinental proudly welcomes you aboard The Worldstrider, the world¡¯s largest and most technically advanced airship. We hope you enjoy your voyage. Going up!¡±


    Rivi swallowed as the kobold pushed the lever forward, and the lift lurched upwards. Though he¡¯d ridden plenty of lifts at this point, they never failed to leave his stomach tumbling about. As they rose, Rivi could have sworn his belly was sinking into his boots. ¡°Ooh, lifts always make me feel so strange, inside. I can never decide if I find the feeling exhilarating, or vomit-inducing.¡±


    Argos chuckled. ¡°Wait till this big girl actually takes off, then.¡±


    ¡°You know,¡± Rivi said, glancing towards the coyote. ¡°Thus far, I haven¡¯t actually found the motion of airships to be near as jarring to my poor stomach as riding lifts up and down. I think it¡¯s because it¡¯s a smoother ascent.¡±


    Rivi gripped the brass rail as the lift continued its climb. He pressed his other hand to his stomach, his eyes darting around. An uncountable number of other Rivis stared back at him, reflected over and over in the car¡¯s mirrored interior. The disorienting reflections gave Rivi the impression he was lost, and wandering some cheap carnival funhouse. At least when Rivi smiled, his other selves all smiled back at him. If only his own mind was so easily swayed away from darker thoughts and self-pitying sorrow. Rivi looked up, watching the ebony arrow slowly turn within the numbered silver dial. As it neared deck thirty, the kobold pulled back on the control lever, and the lift slowed to a crawl.


    The cheetah¡¯s stomach wobbled when the lift came to a stop. He breathed a little sigh of relief as the doors opened. Rivi thanked the operator, and then grasped the cart handle at the opposite end of Argos to help him pull the luggage out of the lift. The effort left his shoulder aching, and his ears flat in pained grimace. Argos pushed it from the other end, and soon the doors closed behind them.


    The lift bank spilled into an extravagent lobby area, where the dark, recessed wood paneling was adorned with golden filigree, and decorated with beautiful paintings of exotic landscapes. Life-sized statues of popular historical persona from around the world sat on pedestals in each corner. Each figure was carved from white marble, and ribboned with red and black. Miniature spotlights illuminated each of them with yellowy electric light. Plush, silver-gray carpets adorned the hardwood floors.


    To Rivi¡¯s surprise, he found himself in the midst of a work zone. Maintenance staff scurried around, all in drab jumpsuits with Black Star Intercontinental logo embossed upon the bag. They were mostly gnolls and kobolds, working in teams. The gnolls carried the heavier tools, and were busy securing thick straps around the statues. The smaller lizards had a bevy of smaller, finer equipment. Some of them worked on the wiring of the spotlights, while others undid the myriad assortment of bolts affixing the pedestals to the floor. A single sign that simply read CAUTION was displayed near the elevators. Some of the workers spared Rivi and Argos a glance, but most ignored them, focused on their job.


    Rivi moved closer to Argos, lowering his voice. ¡°What are they doing?¡±


    ¡°Removing the statues, I think.¡± Argos carefully turned the cart, positioning it so that he could pull it between the work staff.


    Rivi helped the coyote get the cart clear of the workers, holding his tongue despite his burning follow up question. His ears swiveled about, listening to the workers. They all spoke a form of the old gnoll tongue. Rivi knew it, but he would not consider himself especially fluently. It was not at all a commonly spoken language where he was from. The cheetah was a little surprised to hear the kobolds also speaking it, and wondered if perhaps the language¡¯s common name was a misnomer. After all, both peoples came from the same continent, and it was entirely possible they once spoke a shared language. Or perhaps it had become a shared language after countless generations working together to survive, along with the humans, after the great fractures. Whatever the case, he picked up bits and pieces of conversations. Mostly playful insults, instructions, and the urging of both speed, and caution.


    Once they were clear of the construction, Argos paused to look back at Rivi. ¡°I got it from here, Spots. You¡¯ve hauled this thing around enough, today.¡±


    ¡°If you insist.¡± Rivi worked his aching shoulder in a circle, rubbing it until the worst of the pain eased. ¡°I just feel like I¡¯m being spectacularly unhelpful.¡±


    ¡°If it makes you feel better,¡± Argos said, taking the lead again. ¡°I can¡¯t gonna be your butler all trip. But I figured you could use the break. You¡¯ve been through a lot today.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡± Rivi bowed his head, then followed after the coyote.


    Argos led the way into a wide, richly appointed corridor. It shared the same dark wood aesthetic as the rest of the ship, but much like the atrium everything here was far more ornate than below. Portraits in gaudy, golden frames dotted both sides of the hallway. Silver chandeliers with elaborate, blue-white lights hung at even intervals. Glass displays showcased pieces of Black Star Intercontinental¡¯s history. There were photographs and name plates taken from one of their first airships, tickets from the maiden voyage of another, ornamental tableware from an especially famous vessel now retired, and so on. Now and then, another statue also decorated the hall. Doors outlined in gold led into countless suites.


    When they were alone in the hallway, Rivi glanced over his shoulder. ¡°Why were they taking out those statues? They¡¯re quite beautiful.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re also quite heavy.¡± Argos walked at a swift pace, despite the additional effort required to pull the oversized luggage cart. ¡°My guess is, the captain¡¯s decided to do the right thing while he has the chance.¡±


    Rivi scrunched his muzzle, his brow furred. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t know what you mean.¡±


    ¡°Ship¡¯s got a maximum takeoff weight, right?¡± Argos gestured at another statue decorating the hallway as they walked. ¡°And these things weigh a shit ton. Now, obviously, they¡¯ve all been accounted for. But think about it, spots. How many people do you think it would take to match that thing¡¯s weight?¡±


    Rivi stopped and looked the statue up and down. It was smaller than some of the others, depicting former vulpine explorer name Riardo Montari. The fox was almost as well known for his infamous love of alcohol and abrasive attitude as he was for being one of the first known people to successfully circumvent the Fractured World. The statue depicted the little fox standing tall and proud, pointing at the sky, and adorned in a old-fashioned, long sleeved captain¡¯s jacket. A barely visible flask peeking out of the jacket pocket hinted at his less than savory side. Like those in the atrium, it was cut from white marble, with crimson and ebony swirls.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯d guess at least four or five people.¡± Rivi hurried to catch up with Argos. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Because, assuming you¡¯re right?¡± Argos waved at another such stone figure ahead of them. ¡°For everyone of these they take out, that¡¯s four or five more refugees who ain¡¯t sleeping out in the cold, tonight.¡±


    Rivi gasped, his ears lifting. ¡°So, they¡¯re making room for more people?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my guess,¡± Argos said. ¡°Black Star¡¯s got facilities here where they can store all their useless, extravagant bullshit over the winter. Assuming it don¡¯t get ransacked if the city falls. But if it does¡­¡± The coyote grunted, staring down the hallway. For a moment, Argos¡¯s gaze grew distant, as if he was looking not towards their destination, but all the huddled masses down in the plaza, desperately hoping for a reprieve from the cold, and from their uncertain fates. ¡°Every person he can squeeze aboard the ship might be another life saved.¡±


    The cheetah gave a little whine, quickening his pace to walk alongside Argos. ¡°Is it really that bad, for them?¡±


    Argos shrugged. ¡°Dunno, Spots. A whole lotta bad¡¯s befalling a whole lotta people, all at once. Locals are playing down the volcano¡¯s eruption, and the violence alike, but that ain¡¯t what I¡¯m hearing.¡± The coyote clenched his jaws. ¡°Whatever the case, this ship¡¯s the last chance for anyone to leave here till spring, probably. Seems like the captain¡¯s decided to take as many people outta here as he can.¡±


    ¡°That sounds like a wonderful idea,¡± Rivi said, smiling. Then his ears fell. ¡°But, I thought they were out of space.¡±


    ¡°Sleeping berths and cabins, yeah.¡± Argos paused at an intersection to glance at a sign that listed room numbers, then pulled the cart around the corner. ¡°But you¡¯d be shocked to see how many people they can cram into steerage. And as unpleasant as it¡¯s gonna be, still better than freezing in some alley, or¡­¡± He trailed off, then made a displeased, growling sound. ¡°Look, Spots, you don¡¯t wanna know the kinda shit that¡¯s gonna happen if this city gets sacked.¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Rivi wrung his hands, his tail flicking. ¡°I probably don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°The important thing is, it looks like they¡¯re squeeze in as many people as they can.¡± Argos glanced at another sign as he walked. ¡°They¡¯ll probably have to keep some of the facilities closed for the duration of the trip, to squeeze people in there, instead. It¡¯s probably gonna mean water rationing, too.¡± He grinned at the cheetah. ¡°Hope you don¡¯t mind short showers.¡±


    Rivi returned his smile with a casual shrug. ¡°I¡¯d prefer a nice, hot relaxing bath, but given what I imagine conditions will be like in steerage, I¡¯ll be happy to take what I can get.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit.¡± Argos pulled the cart up to a door painted with a stylized golden sun, rising above a series of jagged spires, jutting from a roiling sea. ¡°Here we are, Sunrise Suite Number Three.¡± Argos produced a key from within his waistcoat, and unlocked the door. ¡°Don¡¯t let the fancy door get your hopes up too high. The fact there¡¯s at least three Sunrise Suites oughta tell you they ain¡¯t that grand.¡± He pushed the door open. ¡°Can you hold this while I pull the cart in?¡±


    ¡°Certainly.¡± Rivi squeezed around Argos and into the suite. He pushed the door open as far as it would go, then held it there.


    ¡°Thanks, Spots.¡± Argos pulled through the cart inside, and past the cheetah. ¡°You can close it up after me. Come on in. Don¡¯t mind all my shit strewn everywhere.¡±


    Rivi closed the door, and followed the coyote inside. Just inside the door was a cloakroom, with a tiled floor. Several coats and jackets hung on a rack off to the side, while a few more were visible through the open door of an adjoining closet. A few pairs of shoes and boots sat in mismatched pairs upon the floor. A mirror lined the wall opposite the closet, with a single glowing light fixture on the ceiling.


    The cloakroom opened into the suite¡¯s main living area. Rivi made an awed, mewling noise. The living area alone was larger even than the entire first cabin he¡¯d been expecting to stay in. A mahogany dining table occupied the middle of it, inlaid with diamond patterns of lighter ash, and cherry. Four chairs surrounded it, with padded cushions and backs with openings designed for the comfort of tailed people. A vase filled with beautiful flowers in every hue served as centerpiece. Multiple baskets filled with dried and candied fruits, nuts, breads and jams, cured meats, and other welcoming but expensive snacks were arranged all around the vase. Two ceiling fans rested idle above the living area.


    A large, overstuffed sofa sat at one of side of the room, along with a trio of equally plush looking recliners. They all shared the same gold and green floral pattern. Throw pillows in darker hues decorated the sofa. A low table sat between the recliners, while a small dresser was located next to the couch. A radiator peeked out from behind the sofa. Currently, a few shirts and waistcoats were tossed the sofa, while several pairs of trousers were draped over the matching chairs. A pair of black and silver pistols rested on the table, along with an assortment of magazines and stacked cartridges.


    At the opposite side, a sophisticated desk was stood up against the wall. It had plenty of space for laying out documents and books. Stacks of small drawers rose on either side of it, with a large, oval-shaped mirror at the back. Writing utensils of several kinds jutted upright from ornamental jade containers, designed to look like the mouths of dragons. A reading lamp sat at one side of the mirror, while a brand new typewriter sat at the center of the desk.


    Near the desk was a small countertop bar. It was complete with a collection of wine and liquor bottles, glassware, and even jars of garnishes for making cocktails. Pitchers of drinking water also adorned it. Yet another welcome basket filled with bites to eat sat at one end of the bar, with a pile of rolled cloth napkins at the other. Four stools were set up alongside the bar. From the looks of one of the open bottles, along a single glass sitting by itself, Argos had already been sampling the wares.


    Floor to ceiling curtains in dark green hung across the back of the room. Golden fringes and tassels decorated them. Rivi imagined they covered up large windows, or perhaps even a balcony. A few more comfortable looking chairs and another small table sat before the curtains. Several additional doors, currently closed, led to other parts of the sweet.


    Away from the crowds, and with his nose long since properly warmed, it was easier for Rivi to detect all the individual scents in the room. The flower bouquet lent the air a pleasant sweetness. Rivi wondered if the ship even had its own greenhouse to grow such things in winter, just to offer them to their highest paying guests. The myriad treats on offer added their own tantalizing aromas, mingling with the flowers and unseen incense. Then there was the acrid smell of gunpowder, and the pleasantly sharp tang of whiskey.


    For the first time, Rivi was also able to discern Argos¡¯s unique scent. Earlier, when Argos first saved him, he¡¯d been too worked up to notice it. After that, there were so many other unfamiliar people it was hard to pick out which scent was his. But alone in Argos¡¯ cabin, it was easy to perceive. Canines, he found, often had scents that reminded him of the rich earth, and the deep forests, while felines made him more of vast plains, or humid jungles, depending on the individual. Hints of spicy-sweet fur cologne mingled with Argos¡¯s otherwise mountainous, forested scent.


    Argos pulled the cart up near the sofa. ¡°I¡¯ll let you work out where you wanna put everything. I¡¯ll get my shit out of your way, though.¡± Argos sat down on the couch, pulling out a storage case from beneath the table. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind carrying my clothes to the bedroom, I¡¯ll take the important things.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be happy to.¡± Rivi¡¯s eyes soon lingered on the pitchers of water, and the baskets of snacks. ¡°Do you mind if I have some of your water? I¡¯ve scarcely had a drop since before dawn.¡±


    Argos waved his hand. ¡°Help yourself, Spots. This is your cabin too, now.¡± He quickly loaded spare cartridges into silvery magazines. ¡°Make yourself at home. You can have whatever you want. You¡¯re welcome to use my stuff, too.¡± Argos picked the pistols up off the table. ¡°Just not the firearms, obviously. Gotta keep your hands off those, for safety reasons.¡±


    ¡°Certainly.¡± Rivi walked to the bar, and poured himself a glass of water. He¡¯d been parched so long, he¡¯d almost forgotten there was any other state of being. Rivi downed the water in several long gulps, then sighed in deep satisfaction. It was cool, refreshing, and eased a dryness of his throat he¡¯d grown far too accustomed to. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s so much better.¡±


    The sudden influx of water into his stomach left it rumbling uncomfortably, a reminder that he hadn¡¯t eaten since before dawn, either. Tempting as the assorted edible morsels looked, Rivi decided to forgo food a little longer. He didn¡¯t want to get his hands messy right before handling the coyote¡¯s clean clothing. Instead, he made due with a few more glasses of water, each finished as quickly as the last.


    Argos waggled an empty magazine at him. ¡°You know, Rivi, you can take your coat off. You know, if you want to.¡±


    Rivi looked himself over. ¡°Yes, I suppose I could. I feel like I¡¯ve been wearing it so long, it¡¯s almost become a part of me.¡± He set the glass down, and undid the golden buttons on the front of the deep blue overcoat. ¡°Is it alright if I hang it in the cloakroom?¡±


    ¡°What did I just tell you about making yourself at home?¡± Argos packed things away into the padded, hardened case. ¡°Put your stuff wherever you want.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Rivi emptied his pockets out onto the bar, stacking his gloves atop his hat, and his documents pouch alongside them. He set his pocket watch next to everything else. ¡°Is there anywhere secure for me to store my travel permits and such?¡±


    Argos pointed towards the cupboards built into the bar counter. ¡°There¡¯s a safe under the bar, but I gotta find the combination for that one. There¡¯s another in the bedroom, but it¡¯s got stuff in it that I ain¡¯t supposed to let civilians see.¡±


    Rivi made an amused, mewling sound. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s not get either of us in trouble. I¡¯ll leave my documents pouch here then, until I¡¯ve learned the safe combination.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± Argos snapped his case shut, locking it. ¡°I got a spare key for you somewhere, too.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Rivi slowly wriggled out of his overcoat. Even without its warming embrace, the many layers he wore beneath it prevented a sudden rush of cold air from breeching his fur. ¡°I don¡¯t believe I¡¯ve ever worn so many strata of clothing just to stay warm as I have the last few days. Today, in particular.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, winters up here are rough.¡± Argos looked the cheetah over, grinning. ¡°You cats really like your colors, don¡¯t you. Iosa would love that sweater.¡±


    Rivi peered down at himself. His long-sleeved, padded sweater was a rich, royal purple, with bright golden stripes running diagonally down its sleeves. ¡°We do enjoy presenting ourselves in colorful clothing, it¡¯s true. My winter clothes are actually rather muted compared to some of my wardrobe. Sadly, I was unable to find any insulted trousers available in the sort of colors I might otherwise like.¡± Rivi folded his coat across his arm, smiling at Argos. ¡°I like your waistcoat, by the way. It¡¯s a lovely sort of, red-wine hue.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Argos adjusted it, then glanced away, muttering something about a vest. ¡°Get your coat hung up, and help me make some room for you.¡±


    Rivi returned to the cloakroom. Thanks to the snow that had long since melted upon it, his overcoat remained a little damp on the outside. The cheetah decided to hang it up on a wall hook, to give it time to dry. He didn¡¯t want to risk putting it into the closest and getting any of Argos¡¯s garments wet as well. The cheetah returned to the living room to find Argos folding up the shirts and waistcoats that had been draped across the furniture.


    ¡°Let me help with that.¡± Rivi quickly busied himself gathering up the rest of Argos¡¯s spare clothing. He folded shirts and trousers neatly, draping each across his arm. Then he held his arms out, and Argos passed him the rest. ¡°Where would you like this?¡±


    ¡°We can put it in the bedroom.¡± Argos picked up the armored crate, carrying it across the suite. ¡°My guns ain¡¯t makin¡¯ you uncomfortable, are they? I can keep things out of sight, if you want.¡±


    Rivi shook his head, padding after the coyote. ¡°No, not in the least. I have seen firearms before, you know.¡± His eyes shifted towards the faintly visible bulges beneath Argos¡¯s waistcoat. ¡°Can¡¯t say as I¡¯ve ever been menaced by someone with them, though.¡±


    Argos flattened his ears. ¡°Sorry about that. Couldn¡¯t really scare that wolf off without scaring you, too.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Rivi said. ¡°I am curious, though. Does the ship allow anyone to carry such weaponry, or just people like you?¡±


    ¡°Mostly just security.¡± Argos carried the case towards a door near the back of the living space. ¡°That wolf probably forged some kinda carry permit, or had connections on board.¡± He tilted his head towards the deep green curtains. ¡°There¡¯s an enclosed balcony, out there. Pulled the curtains over the windows cause I was trying to have a nap, earlier.¡± The coyote set the case down next to the closed door. ¡°Bedroom¡¯s through here.¡± He pointed to another door nearby. ¡°Washroom¡¯s in there.¡± Argos grasped the doorhandle, then paused. ¡°I hope you ain¡¯t kiddin¡¯ about being okay around guns, cause you¡¯re about to see a lot of ¡®em.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got more?¡± Rivi¡¯s ears rose, and his voice rose with them.


    ¡°Sure do.¡± Argos pushed the door open, then picked up his case again. ¡°Iosa and I are sorta in transit between jobs, right now. So, we got damn near an armory to transport.¡±


    ¡°How exciting,¡± Rivi said, his belly twisting up in nervous anticipation. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a secret policeman¡¯s arsenal, before. Are you certain it¡¯s allowable for me to do so?¡±


    Argos only laughed, carrying his crate inside. ¡°Most of it ain¡¯t even getting unpacked. We¡¯re transporting it, not fightin¡¯ a war. Some of it¡¯s out, though. Been doing some maintenance in my free time.¡±


    Rivi followed Argos into the bedroom. It alone was larger than he imagined most of the ship¡¯s cabins to be. An immense, four poster bed occupied one side of it. A spread of fluffy, powder blue blankets covered the bed, along with a host of matching pillows. A few more pillows colored like sunshine mingled with the rest. A wraparound desk was built into the corner of the room. Argos had scattered an assortment of tools and documents across it, with a deconstructed pistol. Nearby was a tall cherrywood radio cabinet with a single, large speaker, and an attached phonograph for playing recorded music. More pistols of various makes and sizes were littered across the bedspread. Mixed in amidst them was a single, extremely large revolver. A repeating rifle rested up against the pillows, its silver-gray metals and richly grained wood shining as if freshly polished.


    ¡°Oh, wow¡­¡± Rivi stared at the weaponry on display. ¡°You have so many guns.¡±


    Argos barked canine laughter. ¡°You should see what Iosa brought.¡± He walked into the room, beckoning Rivi after him.


    Rivi followed along, finding the display somehow both frightening, and exhilarating. He was quite certain he¡¯d heard at least one radio serial in which the main character laid out his own weaponry on a hotel bed, in much the same way. Now, to think he was staying in the same cabin as an actual secret policeman, who must have been on some kind of equally secret mission to be so well armed. The cheetah clicked his tongue. If only his Father could see him now. Rooming with a gun-collecting canine. A handsome gun-collecting canine, Rivi allowed himself to think. If his father knew that part, he might not have been so eager to see Rivi off onto his pilgrimage.


    Argos set the crate down near the foot of his bed, then turned towards Rivi. ¡°Gimme that stuff.¡±


    The cheetah passed Argos his clothing, then moved to the edge of the bed, looking over all of Argos¡¯s assembled firearms. ¡°Do you actually use all these?¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily.¡± Argos walked into the voluminous closet attached to the bedroom. He quickly put folded clothing onto shelves, and hangers. ¡°But it¡¯s important for people in my line of work to be prepared for any eventuality. You never know what the next assignment is gonna call for.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Rivi studied the immense revolver on the center of the bed. Most of it was silvery-gray, but the grip was black, and inlaid with pearl in the shape of a stylized canine skull. ¡°This one¡¯s huge.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I get that a lot.¡± Argos joined Rivi alongside the bed. ¡°You ever held one, before?¡±


    Rivi nodded, his spotted tail swishing. ¡°A few times, believe it or not. My father¡¯s taken me shooting. He even took me hunting once, but I was a terrible, terrible shot.¡± Rivi waved his hand at the ceiling, as if illustrating an entire flock of birds. ¡°There must have been a dozen ducks in the sky, and somehow I missed them all.¡± He scrunched his muzzle. ¡°With a scattergun.¡±


    Argos only smiled at him, the same, all-too-easy going smile that Rivi was quickly growing to enjoy. ¡°Yeah, well, first times are always a little disappointing.¡± He reached out, and picked up the grand revolver. ¡°You ever handled a canine¡¯s weapon, before?¡± The coyote¡¯s tail swished, bumping against Rivi¡¯s.


    Scattered goosebumps broke out beneath Rivi¡¯s fur at the touch. He splayed his ears, swallowing. The cheetah was unsure if Argos was intentionally teasing him with a tawdry double meaning, or if it was merely an impure thought creeping in, and twisting the coyote¡¯s words. He shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve only held feline firearms, before. Are they different?¡±


    ¡°They are from what I hear. Haven¡¯t had much practicing handling feline equipment myself, though.¡± He snapped the revolver¡¯s cylinder open, displaying the empty chambers. ¡°Now, I ain¡¯t supposed to hand these to no civilian, but as you can see, it¡¯s empty.¡± Argos flicked his wrist, snapping it closed it again. ¡°Which means you¡¯re welcome to hold it, if you want.¡± He held a finger up. ¡°However, that¡¯s probably the one rule I gotta lay down between us. No touching my firearms without permission. You ain¡¯t likely to know what¡¯s loaded, and what ain¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, don¡¯t worry.¡± Rivi held his hands up. ¡°I¡¯d never touch anything of yours without your permission.¡±


    Argos¡¯s smile grew wider still. ¡°That¡¯s good. Consent¡¯s important. Question is¡­¡± The coyote¡¯s tail swished, this time bumping against Rivi¡¯s leg. ¡°Do you want to touch something of mine?¡±


    Rivi worked his muzzle, unable to find words. Now, even he was sure the canine was teasing him. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure Argos was flirting, so much as simply applying a double entendre. Or, Rivi thought, was that flirting? His ears heated, surely flushing red inside. If this kept up, Rivi worried steam would somehow erupt from them like in some silly newspaper cartoon. Silence lingered between them, and Rivi screamed at himself to say something. To say anything. We¡¯re letting it happen again, Rivi! Quick, say something! Anything! Just don¡¯t embarrass yourself, this time!


    The cheetah forced himself to speak, trying to mimic Argos¡¯s smooth, easy banter. ¡°Why, yes, Mister Secret Policeman, I¡¯d love to touch you.¡± Rivi blinked when Argos¡¯s ears lifted. The feline made a horrified chirping noise, then desperately struggled to amend himself without giving away his sudden internal panic. ¡°I mean, I¡¯d love to touch yours.¡± Damn it, Rivi, that¡¯s worse! ¡°Your gun! I meant your gun. I¡¯d love to hold your gun. By which, I mean, your actual firearm, and nothing else!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t know what else you¡¯d be referring to.¡± Argos¡¯s grin remained, his voice smooth and even. He held the revolver out, keeping it pointed away from the two of them. ¡°Before you take it, keep in mind it¡¯s heavy, so don¡¯t drop it. And even though it¡¯s not loaded, always keep it pointed away from people. Safety starts with careful habits.¡±


    Rivi breathed a little sigh of relief that Argos didn¡¯t tease him over his slip of the tongue. After the coyote¡¯s talk of acceptance, Rivi was willing to allow himself to believe Argos wouldn¡¯t think too ill of him for his impure thoughts. But it remained a refreshing and pleasant surprise not to be teased or mocked over his strange mannerisms, or his foolish babbling, either.


    The cheetah nodded, his tail flicking. This time, it was Rivi¡¯s tail that bumped Argos, and Rivi did not mind at all. ¡°Anything else I need to know?¡±


    ¡°Not yet.¡± Argos laid his hands flat, supporting the gun against his palms. ¡°There. Now you can take it by the grip without worrying about touching my pads.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Rivi smiled at him, warmed by his thoughtfulness. He carefully wrapped his fingers around the ebony and pearl grip, then lifted the weapon away from Argos¡¯s hands. As promised, it was quite heavy. Just hefting it was enough to leave his sore shoulders aching a little. ¡°You weren¡¯t lying about its weightiness.¡±


    ¡°Canines make sturdy shit.¡± Argos braced a finger underneath the barrel, raising it. ¡°Hold it up about here. When you look down the sights, you want to line up the one at the end, between the two at the back. Use the little black mark to help you.¡±


    Rivi lifted the gun to eye level. He squinted, staring down the length of the barrel. He tried to do as Argos instructed, but the soreness of his arms left the revolver wobbling. ¡°I¡¯m afraid my poor shoulders may be a bit too worn out for this.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s alright.¡± Argos reached towards him, then hesitated. ¡°Can I adjust your hands a little? I gotta touch you to do so.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Rivi said. ¡°Your pads against the back of my hands is alright. Thank you for asking.¡±


    ¡°No problem, Spots.¡± Argos cradled Rivi¡¯s hands in his. ¡°Shift your fingers up a little, here.¡± His arm brushed across Rivi¡¯s.


    Rivi did as Argos instructed. The coyote¡¯s hands were incredibly warm against his own, and almost shockingly gentle. ¡°Like that?¡±


    ¡°Perfect.¡± Argos guided Rivi¡¯s other hand further down. ¡°Now, use this hand to brace the other, beneath the grip. Almost like you¡¯re resting it against your palm.¡±


    Once again, Rivi followed the coyote¡¯s guidance. When he adjusted the way he held the gun, Rivi found it a little easier to hold it steady. The sights aligned, and though the barrel still wobbled, it was nowhere near as unsteady. ¡°That¡¯s much better. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± Argos kept his hands against Rivi¡¯s a few moments longer. ¡°You want me to cock the hammer, so you can wanna pull the trigger?¡±


    Rivi glanced at the coyote, then back at the gun. He did, but more so, he didn¡¯t want Argos to remove his hands. ¡°Yes, please.¡±


    Argos kept one hand against Rivi¡¯s, and used the other to slowly cock back the hammer. Then he adjusted Rivi¡¯s grasp again, nudging a single finger up towards the trigger. ¡°Put your finger around it. When you¡¯re ready, squeeze it back real slow. It¡¯s gonna take some pressure, but you wanna resist the urge to just pull it hard and fast. All that¡¯ll do is mess with your aim. Slow, and steady. When the hammer strikes, you almost want it to startle you.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s heart thundered in his chest. Argos was close enough now he could feel the warmth of the coyote¡¯s body, even through his layered winter clothing. His arm brushed Rivi. Had the cheetah wished it, he could have leaned his head onto Argo¡¯s shoulder. Queues and the like notwithstanding, it was rare for the cheetah to be so physically close with another person. Rivi¡¯s breathing picked up, slightly. He hoped Argos could not hear the way his heart was hammering against his sternum. Slowly, he squeezed the trigger. At first, it opposed him with a stiffness that practically dared him just to jerk his finger back. But he did as the coyote suggested, and forced himself to maintain a slow, but steadily increasing pressure until-


    CLICK!


    Rivi jumped when the hammer struck home, his tail fluffing out. ¡°Ahh!¡± He chittered nervous, feline laughter. ¡°You weren¡¯t kidding.¡±


    Argos laughed with him. ¡°That was great, Spots!¡± He glanced behind the cheetah, grinning. ¡°I think your tail just doubled in size.¡±


    ¡°It does that, from time to time.¡± Rivi offered the coyote a sheepish smile, his ears halfway perked.


    ¡°Yeah, I bet it does.¡± Argos kept his hands in place around Rivi¡¯s. ¡°You wanna go again, or is once enough for now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve probably frightened myself enough for one day.¡± Hesitant as Rivi was to remove himself from the coyote¡¯s steady grasp, and warm touch, he feared to continue, lest all manner of impure thoughts and temptation continue to creep into his fatigue-addled mind. ¡°That was fun, though.¡±


    ¡°Glad to hear it.¡± Argos carefully took the firearm back, and then returned it to the bed. ¡°You know, Spots, they got a shooting gallery on the ship. I¡¯d be happy to take you shooting sometime, if you¡¯re interested.¡±


    Rivi rubbed the back of a hand, ruffling his spotted fur. His hands felt oddly cold without Argos holding them. ¡°That sounds exciting! Although¡­¡± He twisted up his muzzle, forcing himself to stare at Argos¡¯s guns. ¡°You don¡¯t need to babysit me, you know. You¡¯ve already gone so far out of your way, just to share your cabin with me. I don¡¯t want you to feel obligated to spend time with me, or watch out for me, or-¡±


    ¡°Someone¡¯s gotta watch out for you, Cat.¡± Argos held a hand up. ¡°And I don¡¯t want you to take no offense to that. But it¡¯s a cruel world out there, and it¡¯s awful clear to me you ain¡¯t got a cruel bone in your body.¡± Argos ushered Rivi back out of his bedroom, still talking. ¡°It¡¯s why I was willing to let you stay here. ¡°We talked about it earlier, I know. You got a heart full of goodness, and a mind full of confusion. But you ain¡¯t cut out for the rigors of traveling the world by yourself. You shouldn¡¯t have to doing all this on your own.¡±


    Rivi stared down at the plush, golden carpeting. ¡°But the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage is meant to be a mostly solitary sojurn.¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t what I¡¯m talking about.¡± Argos closed the door behind himself, then turned back to Rivi. ¡°You had a guide, right? Till he ditched you?¡±


    The cheetah gave an irritable growl. ¡°Yes. His name was Fafren. And if I ever see him again, I¡¯m liable to give him a smoldering piece of my mind.¡±


    Argos snorted, walking to the bar. ¡°I think he¡¯d be more deserving of a punch in the snout. But that¡¯s what I meant.¡± The coyote poured himself a measure of whiskey. ¡°You drink, Spots?¡±


    Rivi padded after him. ¡°I¡¯m allowed to consume alcohol, yes.¡±


    Argos gave a single, amused canine yap. ¡°I meant, do you want a drink?¡±


    The cheetah shook his head. ¡°No thank you. Not on an empty stomach.¡±


    ¡°Oh shit, that¡¯s right.¡± Argos slapped the counter. ¡°Let¡¯s go get you fed.¡± Then he splayed his ears, and took a sip of whiskey. ¡°First, though, let¡¯s get one thing straight. As long as you¡¯re sharing my room, in my mind, that makes me accountable to you. So, from now on, I¡¯m gonna do what your guide was supposed to, and keep you outta trouble. Maybe I can even teach you a few things¡­¡± Argos took another drink, a smirk twitching at his lips. ¡°Like not to trust strangers who only show up when you flash your money around.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s ears drooped. ¡°Certainly not my wisest decision.¡±


    ¡°And I ain¡¯t bringing it up to make you feel bad.¡± Argos sat the glass down. ¡°Just making the point that right now, on this ship, you need someone watching your back.¡± He held a hand up. ¡°Ain¡¯t no shame in that, Spots, so don¡¯t you start feeling none. Everyone needs help sometimes, we just need it in different ways. So, I¡¯m starting to figure¡­¡± Argos approached him. ¡°That for the duration of this trip, I¡¯m gonna be your new guide. And when it¡¯s over, before we part ways, I¡¯ll help you arrange a qualified replacement. Someone who sure as hell ain¡¯t gonna abandon you in the middle of fuckin¡¯ nowhere.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Rivi swallowed, his tail flicking in nervous agitation. The last thing he wanted to do was prove an inconvenience to Argos. ¡°You don¡¯t need to do that.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡± Argos shook his head. ¡°But I¡¯m starting to think I want to. So again, for the rest of the trip. I¡¯m¡­¡± He poked his chest. ¡°Gonna watch your back.¡± He gently jabbed his finger into Rivi¡¯s chest, his voice somehow both firm, and playful all at once. ¡°We have an understanding, Spots?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Argos.¡± Rivi lifted his eyes, unable to stop a smile from spreading across his muzzle. For the first time since Rivi woke to find himself alone, he felt safe. ¡°We have an understanding.¡±

 Chapter Seven

    *****


    Chapter Seven


    *****


    Argos led Rivi back through The Worldstrider, towards one of the few dining halls already open. Between the extended boarding process, and the growing swirl of confusion around what was being removed from the ship and what wasn¡¯t, most of the vessels shops and eateries remained closed. Normally, most of them would be open for business in time for departure, but Argos doubted that was going to be the case this time.


    Before he¡¯d met the cat, Argos and Iosa already had dinner plans. Though they¡¯d volunteered as overwatch to help during the unusually chaotic embarking, that was only temporary. The ship had arranged for replacements to take over in the evening, so that the coyote and fox could go eat, and eventually retire to their rooms. Argos expected Iosa to already be in the dining hall, awaiting his arrival. He hoped the vixen wouldn¡¯t mind that he was bringing company.


    Before they¡¯d left the room, Argos located his spare key, and the safe combination. He gave the to Rivi, with instructions to keep it safely hidden on his person along with his billfold and enough cash to pay for food and other expenditures. Everything else, he told the cheetah, could be kept in the room safe. Argos had Rivi memorize the combination, and then store the rest of his valuable documents in the safe. Rivi wasn¡¯t likely to need his identity booklet, or his travel permits, or his banking slips for the duration of the voyage. And on the off-chance he did, so long as they were in the safe, it would be a simple matter of locating and presenting them.


    During their travels, Argos pointed things out to Rivi, giving the cheetah a very basic lesson on the ship¡¯s layout. He showed him which decks held shopping promenades, which had dining halls and saloons, where to find things like first aid and security stations, where some of the viewing decks were, and so on. Argos also told Rivi which decks included which classes, in hopes of preventing the cheetah from inadvertently finding himself wandering around in steerage, unaccompanied.


    Not that Argos planned to let the cheetah wander around on his lonesome very often. It was all too clear to the coyote that left to his own devices, it just as likely Rivi would get robbed and stabbed as it was he¡¯d get his head stuck in a porthole, or end up buried under his own luggage. Something about that cat just screamed trouble, though it was for no fault of Rivi¡¯s own.


    When he¡¯d first gone to save the cat, he¡¯d assumed Rivi to be some entitled rich brat, traveling the world on someone else¡¯s dime. And to be fair, Rivi was at least some of those things. Argos knew a whole hell of a lot more about Rivi¡¯s homeland, and his people, then he¡¯d ever let on. And one thing was certain, a whole lot of unfortunate, dirt-poor felines couldn¡¯t afford to travel in their own country, let alone throughout the world. And even if they could, their damn Church would have to relax its iron grip on their throats. And lately, that grip had only gotten tighter. Their current rulers had ensured that travel permits were not easily obtained by anyone below a certain class.


    Rivi, though, damn sure wasn¡¯t lower class. Hell, Argos had glanced at his information. Even his damn travel permit status was listed as Diplomatic/Governmental. Argos wasn¡¯t real sure he wanted to pry too hard into the cat¡¯s family, but it was pretty clear that Rivi was connected to someone important, or wealthy. Probably both.


    Argos had guessed as much as soon as he first saw Rivi pacing around, waving about his money as if he expected it to solve all his problems. He¡¯d gone to save the cat just the same, cause entitled brat or not, he still didn¡¯t deserve to end up broke, or in a meat locker. But he¡¯d been wrong about the rest of it. Rivi wasn¡¯t entitled, at least not in the traditional sense. The cat probably didn¡¯t know how good he had it, especially living the sheltered life Argos imagined for him. But it wasn¡¯t a malicious sort of entitlement, just a spectacular naivety. And where Argos expected to be saving an ungrateful brat, he found something else entirely.


    In Rivi, Argos saw innocence.


    In the coyote¡¯s line of work, innocence was a quality he rarely encountered. He¡¯d done terrible things, in his life, things he hoped would make the world a better place in the long run. But whether for the greater good or not, Argos was far from innocent. And the people he worked with, the people he cared for, they were the same. Theirs was a dangerous, bloody existence, perpetrated in the hopes of making changes for the better.


    It took Argos only a few minutes with the cat to realize that Rivi was in many ways, a better person than Argos would ever be. The cat was all heart, with big feelings, and an uncontrollable desire to see the best in everyone. It was foolish, to be sure, but it was a beautiful sort of foolishness. Rivi had a head full of fear, and a heart full of kindness. Best Argos could tell, he had no one to share either of them with. Hell, Argos was pretty sure the only thing Rivi was ever given in return for his kindness, was cruelty.


    Rivi struck Argos as the sort who wouldn¡¯t even fight back if someone was hittin¡¯ him. And given the horrified look in the poor cheetah¡¯s eyes when he¡¯d accidentally called Argos handsome, the coyote was pretty sure someone had hit Rivi, in the past. Rivi had mentioned something about ¡®impure¡¯ thoughts. Argos had spent enough time in Rivi¡¯s homeland to know what that meant. As soon as those words came out of Rivi¡¯s mouth, Argos knew they were one and the same. Only, no one ever tried beat the impurity out of Argos.


    Poor Rivi, though, was cursed with kindness. That was what Argos called it when a person was so filled up with decency, they damn near choked on it. If someone belittled Argos over his sexuality, he¡¯d tell them to fuck off. And if someone tried to hit him for it, the coyote would put them through a damn window. But Rivi was too sweet for that. He¡¯d probably put on a brave face, and smile, and thank them for trying to help him. And if they hit him, somehow Argos doubted Rivi would have fought back. Hell, even if he did, what good would it have done the cheetah? Argos imagined Rivi would have struggled to win a fight with a pillow, let alone with an angry bigot. No, the coyote feared Rivi would have just taken the insults, taken the punches, and then somehow, blamed himself for the pain.


    It didn¡¯t help that where Rivi came from, they called it a damn sin. Taught people like Rivi that all it took to stain your soul was to think the wrong way about another male. The Church¡¯s followers believed it a sort of sickness, something to be cured by any means necessary. Argos had the sinking suspicious that they¡¯d probably tried to cure Rivi. Whatever horrible things they¡¯d done to him, Rivi probably pretended it worked, for his own safety. Hell, he probably told himself it worked, if only to make it easier to maintain the lie that kept him safe.


    Well, Argos told himself. Rivi didn¡¯t have to lie, anymore. He had Argos to keep him safe, now.


    Argos meant what he said to Rivi, in the suite. He¡¯d watch the cat¡¯s back like a fucking hawk, for as long as they were on this ship together. And before they parted, Argos would hire someone he trusted, to keep Rivi safe in his stead. With any luck, by the end of the cat¡¯s pilgrimage, he¡¯d have learned just enough that he wouldn¡¯t need protecting, anymore. Then again, at the end of his pilgrimage, he¡¯d be back to whatever safe, cozy, sheltered life he was living before all this.


    The coyote scowled to himself, as they waited for a lift. Rivi¡¯s life might have been sheltered, but it sure as hell wasn¡¯t safe. Most of the cats in Rivi¡¯s homeland were anything but tolerant of those they deemed impure. Rivi was just lucky he seemed to be connected to someone important, and wealthy. At least that way, he was a lot less likely to end up jailed by the Church¡¯s vice police. Or worse.


    Rivi was cursed by kindness. Argos was sure of it. Born with a kind and open heart, in a society that spat on him just for being different. Hell, given everything Rivi¡¯s own people probably put him through, it was a miracle that all that innocent kindness still shone so brightly in his red-gold eyes. But shine it did, even as Rivi tumbled through life in a cloud of bad luck, and the ill intentions of others. There was strength in that, Argos was sure.


    Argos glanced at Rivi, just as the lift doors opened. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than you think, Spot.¡±


    Rivi gave him a confused look, ears flattened. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. The coyote lead Rivi into the elevator. ¡°Nothing. Just wandering thoughts, sneaking out across my tongue when I wasn¡¯t looking.¡±


    Rivi chuckled, his tail flicking. ¡°I certainly know how that goes.¡±


    Argos gave the lift operator their destination, and the car lurched downwards. Rivi gripped the brass railing that ran around the inside of the mirrored lift cab. Argos considered putting a steadying hand on the cat¡¯s other arm, but he wasn¡¯t sure Rivi would appreciate it. Though he¡¯d touched the feline in support before, he did not wish to make Rivi uncomfortable. Best he could tell, physical contact was alright, so long as there was fur between them, or better yet, clothing. But he also did not wish to push too hard against any of Rivi¡¯s personal boundaries.


    ¡°Hope you don¡¯t mind that we¡¯re meeting Iosa.¡± Argos reached into his waistcoat for his billfold. He withdrew a bank note, and when the lift came to a stop, passed it to the operator.


    ¡°Thank you, Sir.¡± The kobold running the lift tucked the bill away inside his uniform.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Rivi said, following Argos into a busy atrium. ¡°I just hope she doesn¡¯t mind that I¡¯m there. I hope I¡¯m not intruding on anything.¡±


    Argos flicked an ear back. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. If she ain¡¯t happy about extra company, I¡¯ll just buy her a few more drinks. That¡¯ll brighten her mood.¡± The lift doors open, and Argos led Rivi out. ¡°Besides, I think she¡¯ll be happy to have someone to talk to other than just me.¡± Argos left it unsaid that he was also planning to recruit Iosa to help him watch out for the cheetah.


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯m happy to talk with her!¡± Rivi looked back as the lift doors closed. ¡°Is tipping the attendant customary?¡±


    The coyote shrugged. ¡°You don¡¯t gotta. Especially given how many trips you¡¯re gonna take with ¡®em. But if you got a little extra cash now and then, it¡¯s a nice gesture.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Rivi rubbed his hands together. ¡°Then I can tip them, next time. I did bring an assortment of various denominations with me.¡±


    ¡°Various denominations, huh?¡± Argos smirked. ¡°You scholars sure got a way with words.¡± He paused to get his bearings, glancing at the signs. ¡°Alright, we¡¯re heading to Common Dining Hall One.¡± Argos pointed to the signs. ¡°Ship¡¯s got signs everywhere to help you figure out where you are, and where you¡¯re going. You just gotta pay attention to them.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Rivi walked along at Argos¡¯s side as they turned onto a wide corridor. Already, there were more people walking about than there were on the upper levels of the ship. Rivi gazed at them, his eyes wide behind his oversized spectacles, as if still growing accustomed to seeing so many non-felines. ¡°Argos, do you really think your friend will enjoy talking to me?¡±


    The coyote stuck his hands into his trouser pockets. ¡°Don¡¯t see why not. She¡¯s probably getting sick of hearing me blather on about whiskey, anyway.¡±


    Rivi scratched one of his ears. ¡°I just hope I don¡¯t talk too much. Believe it or not, I can be quite the chatterbox when you get me going.¡±


    Argos glanced over at the coyote, fighting back a grin. ¡°You don¡¯t say.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true!¡± Rivi looked at Argos, his eyes dropping down to the coyote¡¯s hidden hands. The cheetah then shoved his own hands into his pockets. ¡°Why, I could discuss the many works of Illustra Omnus all day!¡±


    The coyote blinked, glancing over at Rivi. ¡°Who or what is an Illustra Omnus?¡±


    Rivi brightened immediately, his ears perked. ¡°Illustra Omnus was a renowned feline author and poet, from the immediate Post Fracture Period. Her works are considered highly influential on nearly all modern feline literary pursuits.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Argos paused at an intersection, glancing at the signs. While the growing din of boisterous voices told him which direction the dining hall was, he was trying to set an example for Rivi. ¡°Okay, Spots, which way are we going?¡±


    Rivi, meanwhile, was lost in his own little world. ¡°And, I should like to point out,¡± Rivi said, pulling a hand from his pocket just to waggle a finger in the air. He continued down the hall, going the wrong way, oblivious to the fact that Argos had paused. ¡°That Illustra was a cheetah! Which, I can assure you, is no small source of pride for my people, and myself.¡±


    ¡°Rivi¡­¡± Argos took a few steps after him.


    ¡°I studied her works extensively in university. Took a number of courses on her life, and the three eras her writing is commonly divided into.¡± Rivi adjusted his spectacles, pushing them further up his blunt, feline muzzle. ¡°I¡¯d even tried to incorporate some of stylistic flourishes into my own written compositions, but I¡¯m afraid it only ever came across as derivative.¡±


    Argos hurried after the coyote, sharpening his voice. ¡°Rivimiralous!¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Rivi looked over his shoulder, without ever continuing his forward momentum. ¡°How did you get behind me? Oh, am I walking too fast?¡±


    Just ahead of Rivi, a trio of disgruntled looking felines stood alongside a pile of crimson-accented luggage. Argos realized that in about two heartbeats, Rivi was going to stumble over their suitcases. The coyote lunged forward, snatching the golden-striped sleeve of Rivi¡¯s purple sweater. He pulled Rivi sideways, just far enough to ensure Rivi didn¡¯t trip over the other feline¡¯s belongings. Rivi gave a startled noise, half-mewl and half-squeak, staggering. Argos grasped his arm, just to steady him.


    ¡°Sorry, Spots.¡± Argos waited till Rivi had his balance before releasing him. ¡°But you gotta watch where you were going.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right, yes.¡± Rivi swallowed, his ears flat. ¡°Sorry, I was thinking about literature.¡±


    ¡°I noticed.¡± Argos gestured at the felines. ¡°I¡¯m just glad you didn¡¯t bump into them, or hurt yourself trippin¡¯ over their stuff.¡±


    Rivi turned towards the three darker-furred felines, a horrified look on his face. He quickly bowed his head. ¡°My deepest apologies for inconveniencing you.¡±


    The other felines glanced at him. A lion with a reddish, unkempt mane a frustrated growl, while a dark-furred panther gave an appreciative nod. The third feline was a tiger, who simply waved him off dismissively. They returned to their own conversation, and Argos gently turned Rivi back the way they¡¯d come.


    ¡°You really gotta work on your situational awareness, Spots.¡± Argos guided Rivi back towards the intersection. ¡°Now, look at the signs, and tell me which way-¡±


    ¡°Hey, Cheetah!¡± One of the panthers called out. ¡°Are you him?¡±


    Rivi spun back around again. ¡°Him who?¡±


    ¡°The Wandering Scholar!¡± The panther glanced between his friends. ¡°I saw his picture in the newspaper!¡± He looked to Rivi again. ¡°You were in the newspaper, right?¡±


    Rivi rubbed the back of his head, a sheepish grin creeping across his muzzle. ¡°I¡¯ve probably been in a lot of newspapers. At least back home.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s definitely him!¡± The panther grinned, nudging the tiger with an elbow. ¡°He¡¯s going around the world, or something.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Rivi clasped his hands, his grin widening. ¡°It¡¯s called The Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage. I¡¯m going to be writing a book about my experiences, and the Church will distribute it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, that¡¯s right.¡± The panther waggled his finger. ¡°I ain¡¯t lived there in years, but my mother sends me newspaper clippings. You were in some.¡±


    The lion slowly turned away from his conversation with the tiger, and slowly looked Rivi over. ¡°Yeah¡­¡± He snorted. ¡°He does look kinda familiar.¡± Then his gaze shifted to Argos, his voice twisting into a dismissive sneer. ¡°Who¡¯re you? His porter, or something?¡±


    Argos wasn¡¯t sure why, but something about the lion rubbed him the wrong way. He didn¡¯t care about being so easily dismissed, but there was something almost contemptuous in the way the lion looked at him. And the way he looked at Rivi wasn¡¯t much better. It was almost as though he recognized the cheetah on a different level than the panther did. Recognized, and did not like him. Though it was probably nothing, in the back of his mind Argos marked that lion as someone to keep an eye on, and keep Rivi away from.


    For now, though, he played dumb. ¡°That¡¯s right, Sir.¡± Argos softened his voice, shifting into feigned subservience. If the lion already thought him some hired servant, then it was all the easier to play that role. ¡°I¡¯m the good Scholar¡¯s trusted porter and guide on this vessel. And while I¡¯m sure the Scholar would love to regal you tales of his adventures and exploits, I¡¯m afraid he¡¯s a pressing dinner engagement he¡¯s already late for. A pleasure to meet you, gentlemen.¡± Argos turned and swept his arm down the hall, back the way they¡¯d come. ¡°After you, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Oh, um¡­¡± Confusion washed across Rivi¡¯s face. His muzzle twisted up, his ears splayed. ¡°Right. Of-of course.¡± He gave the three other felines a little bow and wave. ¡°The pleasure was mine. Have a lovely journey.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you two.¡± The panther waved back. ¡°Hope everything goes well!¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Rivi bowed again, before turning away and walking down the hall.


    Argos followed after him, maintaining a subservient position until they¡¯d rounded the corner towards the dining hall. Then he caught up with the cheetah, glancing over. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me you were in newspapers, and shit.¡±


    Rivi stared back at him, blank look on his spotted face. ¡°You didn¡¯t ask.¡±


    Argos grit his teeth. ¡°Got me there, I guess.¡± He stepped to the side of the hall with Rivi, out of the way of people walking the corridor. ¡°Alright, I got a question for you, if you¡¯re willing.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Rivi said, swishing his tail. ¡°I¡¯ve one for you as well, now.¡±


    Argos inclined his head. ¡°You first, then.¡±


    ¡°Why did you pretend to be my porter?¡± Rivi made a frustrated chuffing noise, a few sharp teeth flashed. ¡°I¡¯d have just as soon told those fellows that Fafren abandoned me, and they¡¯d chivalrously stepped in, in his stead.¡± He scrunched his snout. ¡°Well, perhaps not chivalrously, for that tends to have slightly different implications.¡±


    ¡°For one,¡± Argos said, ticking off a finger. ¡°They don¡¯t need to know your business. For another, they sure as hell don¡¯t need to know my business. And for three, there¡¯s something off about that lion. Like a bully, kinda. But the sort who¡¯s got in his head that somehow, everyone else thinks they¡¯re better than him. Like he¡¯s looking for a flaw to pick at, just to make himself feel better. He was looking at me like I oughta be scraping shit off his shoe.¡±


    Rivi crinkled up his muzzle. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I hadn¡¯t noticed that. I¡¯m sorry, Argos, some of my countrymen still cling to grudges and biases that were unwarranted before the Fractures, let alone after them.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Spots,¡± Argos said. He was well aware of the misplaced hatred that lingered between the more bigoted members of their people.


    Rivi canted his head. ¡°Very well. That¡¯s not entirely what I meant, though. I don¡¯t understand why you acted like a servant instead of¡­well¡­¡± He scratched at his cheek, ruffling the thin fur. ¡°If you were worried the lion might cause trouble, why didn¡¯t you just flash your secret policeman badge? You could have told them the Church assigned you to be my bodyguard.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    ¡°Tailor the action, to the expected reaction,¡± Argos said. He nudged his shoe against the carpeted floor. ¡°Something I was taught, you see. Intimidation works against people like that wolf because they can tell, just look at me, that I ain¡¯t to be fucked with. Danger recognizes danger. Predator recognizes predator. That¡¯s how it was in the old days, in the darker times of blood and fear. In the pre-histories. But people like that lion?¡± Argos sneered. ¡°They think they¡¯re the only predator out there. They wouldn¡¯t recognize real danger if it shoved a pistol up their ass. If I tried to intimate him, he¡¯d probably take a swing at me.¡± He grimaced, his ears back. ¡°And then I¡¯d have to hurt him.¡±


    The cheetah listened intently, his ears swiveled forward, his attention solely focused on Argos this time. ¡°You say that as though you hadn¡¯t threatened to hurt people before.¡±


    ¡°See, Spots, that¡¯s just it. I don¡¯t take hurtin¡¯ people anymore lightly than I take usin¡¯ these.¡± Argos patted one of the pistols hidden beneath his waistcoat. ¡°Believe it or not, I ain¡¯t real fond of having to resort to either one. Now, some people out there deserve to take a beating, but it ain¡¯t my preference. You give me a choice between defending myself with violence, and scaring someone off, I¡¯m gonna choose intimidation, every time. Intimidate, to deescalate. They taught me that, too. But that goes back to what I just said. Tailoring the action, to the expected reaction.¡± He waved his hand. ¡°If you expect them to react to intimidation by taking a swing at you, you try something else, instead. In this case, the lion thought I was your servant, so I let him believe it. It was the quickest way to get you out of there.¡±


    Rivi rubbed his muzzle with both hands, murmuring into his palms. Eventually, he dropped his hands back down. ¡°That actually makes a lot of sense. But wait, why did you want to get me out of there, if you feared he was going to hurt you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, he wasn¡¯t gonna hurt me, Spots,¡± Argos said, a smirk on his snout. ¡°I¡¯d have fucked him up down one side of the ship, and back up the other.¡±


    Rivi giggled a little, his shoulders shaking. ¡°You¡¯re quite confident, aren¡¯t you.¡±


    ¡°I am.¡± Argos glanced away, one ear flat. ¡°Got too much experience fucking people up to be any other way about it. Ain¡¯t trying to brag, either. Just stating the facts.¡±


    ¡°I suppose the secret police don¡¯t really have a choice, sometimes.¡± Rivi turned in place, looking back towards the intersection. ¡°Why did you want to get me out of there, then?¡±


    ¡°That lion looked like he thought he knew you from somewhere.¡± Argos scrunched his nose in concerned thought. ¡°I just got the feeling I didn¡¯t want him to remember where. When I get a hunch like that, I find it¡¯s best to listen, just in case.¡± The coyote folded his arms. ¡°Which brings me to my question. Are you famous or something back home, Rivi?¡±


    ¡°Famous? Me?¡± The cheetah gave a chittering laugh. ¡°Hardly! Though, as I explained to my fellows, after being selected for The Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage, I have been featured in a number of newspapers. And several magazines! And they interviewed on the radio! I probably sounded like a stuttering fool, though. I was terribly nervous.¡± Rivi splayed his ears back as if just the memory was enough to leave his poor belly bubbling with anxiety. ¡°But I wouldn¡¯t call that famous, exactly.¡±


    The coyote folded his arms, grimacing. ¡°It ain¡¯t not famous, either. I¡¯m starting to get the feeling this Pilgrimage is a bigger deal than I realized.¡±


    ¡°Well, yes.¡± Rivi wrung his hands together. ¡°It¡¯s a very prestigious position.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you mentioned that part.¡± Argos leaned his head back against the dark wooden paneling covering the wall. ¡°I think I just sort of assumed you meant prestigious as in, they pay you lots of money. Not as in, they plaster your photograph everywhere.¡±


    ¡°Not everywhere,¡± Rivi said, his tail flicking in uneven time. ¡°But it does make the national headlines, and thus, so does The Wandering Scholar.¡± He licked his nose. ¡°That¡¯s the title of the person undertaking the pilgrimage.¡± Rivi shifted his weight back and forth, tail swishing faster. ¡°The Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage is a point of national pride, in fact.¡± He looked down at his feet. ¡°I did attempt to offer to tell you about it, you know. I¡¯m sure it seemed quite unimportant, though.¡±


    ¡°Hey¡­¡± Argos reached towards the cat¡¯s face, intent on gently lifting his chin. But he stopped, unsure how appropriate Rivi would consider such a gesture. ¡°Look up, Spots.¡± Rivi slowly did so, and Argos smiled at him. ¡°It¡¯s plenty important. And I remember, cause I teased you about asking me out on a date, for a drink.¡±


    Rivi blinked.  ¡°You did?¡± Then his eyes widened. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s what you meant¡­¡± The cheetah looked away again, swallowing hard. The faintest hint of a shy, happy sort of grin tugged at the corners of his muzzle. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it that way, but¡­¡± He stared down the hallway, speaking slowly, his words chosen with care. ¡°If you are interested in hearing more about The Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage, I would not be averse to explaining about it, whilst enjoying an alcoholic beverage in your company.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very specifically worded,¡± Argos said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Rivi fidgeted with his clothes, his eyes darting everywhere but the canine. ¡°It is.¡±


    Argos reached for Rivi¡¯s shoulder, then paused. ¡°May I put my hand on your shoulder?¡±


    The cheetah nodded, silent.


    Argos gently rested his hand on the cheetah. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna embarrass you, Spots. Or scare you. Or make you talk about things you ain¡¯t comfortable talking about. And seeing as how this might not be a ¡®public hallway¡¯ type conversation anyway¡­¡± Argos squeezed Rivi¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Lemme just say, I¡¯d be happy to enjoy an alcoholic beverage in your company too, while you tell me all about your pilgrimage.¡±


    Rivi swallowed audibly. His eyes returned to the coyote¡¯s, if only momentarily. For but a breath, the cheetah¡¯s eyes met Argos¡¯s. Rivi¡¯s red-gold eyes pierced him, as if searching Argos¡¯s very soul for the answer to a puzzle he¡¯d been desperately trying to solve, all his life. He tensed under the coyote¡¯s touch, then just as swiftly, Rivi¡¯s gaze broke away, and he stared down at his own feet again. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t tease me with dangerous ideas.¡±


    ¡°I ain¡¯t teasin¡¯, Spots.¡± Argos squeezed his shoulder a little harder. ¡°And the only thing dangerous here is me.¡±


    ¡°More than you realize, I think.¡± Rivi wrung his hands together, his breath shaking. ¡°I probably shouldn¡¯t even suggested it. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Argos flattened his ears. Maybe, he feared, he was pushing the cheetah a little too far. If the cat was dead set on overcoming his own so-called impurity, then Argos did not wish to make things more difficult for him. Nor did he want to make Rivi profoundly uncomfortable. Hell, he didn¡¯t want to make Rivi feel anything but accepted for whoever he was. The coyote decided there was something else he had best discuss with Rivi before the evening continued.


    ¡°Rivi, you mind if stop and talk about¡­¡± He gestured between them. ¡°Whatever this is? I don¡¯t wanna be making things difficult, on you, but¡­¡± Argos gazed, his eyes settling on an empty storage alcove with its door propped up. ¡°How about in there? Give us a little bit of privacy, at least.¡±


    Rivi looked towards the alcove, his ears slowly going back. ¡°A-alright, Argos.¡±


    Argos led Rivi to the alcove. He went inside, and waited as the cheetah shuffled in behind him. Rivi muttered to himself again, but it was so low under his breath Argos couldn¡¯t make out the words. Once he was inside, Argos closed the door, and turned towards the cheetah. Rivi had already taken up pacing, and hissing at himself. Pain squeezed Argos¡¯s heart. It was as though Rivi was already blaming himself for whatever he imagined Argos was about to say. As if the cheetah thought he¡¯d done something wrong, somehow.


    ¡°Rivimiralous.¡± Argos spoke his full name to make sure he had Rivi¡¯s attention. ¡°You ain¡¯t in trouble, and I ain¡¯t mad at you. I wanna make that clear right now, if it ain¡¯t.¡±


    Rivi turned towards him, worry etched across his face, and his slanted ears. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Now, what we do need to talk about probably ain¡¯t gonna be comfortable. Especially for you.¡± Argos scratched at the thick fur around his neck. ¡°And you can probably guess what it¡¯s about. But I¡¯m only gonna bring it up with your permission. May I do so?¡±


    The cheetah whimpered. ¡°G-go ahead.¡± His eyes sunk, fixated on the floor.


    ¡°Thank you, Rivi.¡± Argos reached out, his finger hovering just under Rivi¡¯s chin. ¡°And may I touch your chin?¡±


    Rivi licked his nose. Even with his face downcast, Argos could see the uncertainty washing across him. His ears twisted, his lips curled into a worried grimace. But just as Argos was about to pull his hand back, Rivi answered. ¡°You may.¡±


    With the absolute utmost gentleness, Argos touched a single finger to Rivi¡¯s chin. The cream-beige fur there was impossibly soft, and ever so warm. Argos lifted Rivi¡¯s muzzle until the cheetah¡¯s eyes were upon him once again. ¡°I want you to keep your eyes on me, if you can. If it¡¯s too uncomfortable, you can look away. But I want you to try, alright?¡±


    Rivi¡¯s ears trembled, almost imperceptibly. ¡°Yes, Mister Argos.¡± He swallowed. ¡°I mean Argos.¡±


    Argos withered, deep inside. The poor cheetah suddenly seemed as though he feared he was about to be screamed at. Or hit. ¡°You ain¡¯t in trouble, Spots. As far from it as possible. In fact, I¡¯m starting to think maybe you ain¡¯t ready for this conversation.¡± He sighed, his ears drooping. ¡°Rivi, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m honestly trying to put you at ease, and I think I¡¯m just fucking it up. Why don¡¯t we just go to dinner, and-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Rivi straightened, squaring his shoulders. ¡°If you think it¡¯s important for me to hear it, then¡­¡± He balled his hands up at his sides, his tail swishing. ¡°Then it¡¯s important I let you say it. Just¡­please, don¡¯t yell at me. I don¡¯t like it when people yell at me.¡±


    Argos¡¯ heart cracked. Even now, when Rivi finally flashed a glimpse of the strength Argos knew was somewhere in his soul, the fears that filled him still shone brighter. If Argos ever met the people who instilled the poor cheetah with so much internalized terror and self-loathing, he was going to do terrible things to them.


    ¡°I ain¡¯t gonna yell at you, Spots.¡± Argos rubbed his face, grimacing. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine why anyone would ever wanna yell at you.¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m impure.¡± Rivi¡¯s voice was all too quiet, and all too certain.


    Argos breath caught in his throat. That was it, then. The cat finally said it out loud. Not that he was suffering impure thoughts, not that he¡¯d accidentally slipped up. But that he was impure. Argos hadn¡¯t expected Rivi to be the one to just¡­come out and say it. He wasn¡¯t sure if that was a good thing, or not. He feared it was less because Rivi believed Argos accepted him, and more because the cheetah felt cornered.


    ¡°You ain¡¯t impure, Spots.¡± Argos reached out to grasp Rivi¡¯s arm, only to hesitate, fearful his touch would only make the cat more uncomfortable.


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡± The cheetah wrung his hands so tightly, his knuckles stood out against the silken, beige-gold fur. ¡°I suffer impure thoughts, Argos. I know you¡¯ve already guessed as much, but I didn¡¯t call you handsome by mistake. The mistake was saying it out loud, but¡­¡± He took a slow breath, his throat clenching. ¡°I do think you¡¯re handsome, and it shames me greatly.¡±


    Argos, for the first time in years, found himself speechless. All his instincts screamed at him to do two things. To deflect the cat¡¯s shame with a joke, to tell Rivi he must have thought Argos was ugly then, if being attracted to him was shameful. And two, to pull the cat into the tightest, most smothering hug he could, to whisper into his ear that he had nothing to be ashamed of, that he was impure just because he was different.


    But he couldn¡¯t. A joke wouldn¡¯t help someone like Rivi. And the cat didn¡¯t even want their paw pads to touch, let alone the rest of their bodies.


    ¡°Rivi, I¡­¡± Argos took a slow breath, gathering his thoughts. He had to proceed carefully. The last thing he wanted to do now was make things harder on Rivi.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you wanted to talk to me about, right?¡± Rivi¡¯s whole body trembled, a shaking that showed itself even through his layers of clothing. The cheetah sounded as though he was on the verge of tears, soldiering on and speaking evenly through sheer force of will alone. It was almost as if his words were rehearsed, and only by the power of repetition was able to spit them out. Maybe, Argos thought, some of them were exactly that, even if they weren¡¯t initially meant for him. ¡°My impure thoughts? My impurity?¡±


    Argos¡¯s shoulders slumped. ¡°Yeah, Spots. But only if you¡¯re comfortable, and willing. We don¡¯t gotta.¡±


    Rivi shook his head. ¡°Well, it¡¯s out there now.¡± Bitterness tainted his words, and he spat them a little too fast. ¡°So, you may as well say whatever you have to say, and be done with it.¡± Then, just as quickly, the resentment was gone, replaced with stark regret. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, Argos. I didn¡¯t mean it to sound that way.¡±


    ¡°You ain¡¯t got nothing to be sorry for, Rivi.¡± All at once, it was Argos who struggled to keep his voice from breaking. There were so many painful, mixed up feelings in the poor cheetah¡¯s head, Argos didn¡¯t even know where to start. ¡°And you sure as hell ain¡¯t get nothing to be ashamed of.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡± Rivi sniffled, his ears drooping. He looked down at his feet. His tail, so often twitching, went limp behind him. ¡°Impurity is shameful. Impurity is sinful. And impurity is-¡±


    ¡°Impurity ain¡¯t real.¡± Argos growled, his own ears flat. ¡°Being different don¡¯t make you impure. It don¡¯t make you evil, and it don¡¯t make you no sinner. You are who you were born to be, no more and no less.¡± He took a slow breath, and when Rivi¡¯s ears swiveled towards him, he continued. ¡°Rivi, I know you¡¯re genuinely frightened by the thoughts you¡¯re having. And I don¡¯t wanna get preachy on you. It ain¡¯t my place to argue your lifelong beliefs. Instead¡­¡± Argos ran a hand back over his ears, trying to navigate what suddenly felt like a minefield laden with nothing but pain and humiliation, waiting to be inflicted on an all too innocent feline. ¡°I wanna tell you what I believe. Is that alright?¡±


    Rivi nodded once, his eyes still downcast.


    ¡°Firstly, Mister Rivamiralous¡­¡± Argos gently tapped a finger between Rivi¡¯s ears. They twitched, but Rivi did not duck away. ¡°It is my belief that there ain¡¯t nothing impure up here. Your thoughts are just thoughts. Ain¡¯t nothing at all wrong with who you think about, or what you think about them. And there sure as hell ain¡¯t nothing impure¡­¡± He gently poked the cheetah¡¯s chest, just over his heart. ¡°In here. Hell, Spots, I like to think I can see what¡¯s truly inside people, pretty well. And I don¡¯t see nothing in you but light, and sweetness.¡± He sneered, a low, disgusted growl escaping him. ¡°Only thing dark I see in your soul was put there by others, who don¡¯t like that you¡¯re different.¡±


    Rivi sniffled, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.


    ¡°But there ain¡¯t nothing with being different.¡± Argos gently grasped the feline¡¯s shoulder, squeezing it. ¡°Nothing. No matter what your Church says, about people like us.¡±


    Rivi stiffened, sucking in a breath. He slowly lifted his head, staring at Argos, his red-gold eyes full of tears and uncertainty.


    ¡°Yeah, Spots, I said us. So, if you¡¯ve been wondering about that, then wonder no longer.¡± The coyote let out a long, slow breath. ¡°Your people woulda called me impure, too. Probably call me worse than that, given half a chance. Believe it or not, I know what it¡¯s like where you come from. The way your kin talk about people like us. All the terrible ways you musta been treated, before you learned to hide it. All the worries, and all the fears they musta put into you..¡± Argos clenched his jaw, his throat tightening. ¡°I ain¡¯t known you but hours, but I can tell you¡¯ve been wearing a mask for years now. And there probably ain¡¯t nothing that scares you more, than when that masks slips.¡± The coyote paused, blinking back a few of his own sudden tears. ¡°Am I about right so far, Rivamiralous?¡±


    Rivi opened his muzzle, but the only sound that came from him was a faint whimper. A few stray tears ran down the back of his muzzle, soaking into his fur. He nodded once, and quickly wiped his eyes again.


    Argos did the same. ¡°Look, Spots. I pulled you back here, cause you said something that made me realize maybe I¡¯m pulling at threads you don¡¯t want unraveled. You said I shouldn¡¯t tease you, with dangerous ideas, and here am was, practically asking you out on a date.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Rivi sucked in a long, shuddering breath. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if you were teasing me, or serious. Or if it was just my impure thoughts, creeping in once again.¡±


    Argos managed a smile. ¡°I suppose it¡¯s as serious as you want it to be.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly the problem.¡± Rivi dug the heel of his palm into one of his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s dangerous. I¡¯m terrified that I would accept your offer. And I¡¯m¡­¡± He shook his head, gritting his teeth. ¡°Terrified of what would become of me, if I did. The temptations that might befall me.¡±


    ¡°I know you are, Spots,¡± the coyote said. ¡°Hell, that¡¯s what I first wanted to talk to you about, before we got even more serious.¡± Argos rubbed his forehead. ¡°At this point, I¡¯m just gonna be blunt. Do you want me to stop flirtin¡¯ with you?¡±


    Rivi blinked, confusion whirling in his eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve been flirting with me?¡± The cheetah¡¯s tail swished twice, his muzzle scrunching and brow furrowing in thought. ¡°So it wasn¡¯t my imagination.¡±


    Argos gave a single, incredulous bark of amusement. ¡°Nah, Spots. Hell, if anything, I been laying it on extra thick just to see if you¡¯d notice.¡±


    ¡°I noticed,¡± Rivi said, looking away again. ¡°S-sometimes. But I thought it was just my impurity, causing me to misinterpret things.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t.¡± Argos sniffed, brushing his hands down the front of his vest. ¡°I was flirtin¡¯. And, now that I think about it, I owe you an apology.¡±


    Rivi turned his gaze back to the coyote. ¡°No, you don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Spots, I do.¡± Argos fidgeted with a button, undoing it and closing it up again. ¡°Like I said, I know how your kin view people like us. Soon as you called me handsome, I shoulda stopped flirtin¡¯ and teasing you. I guess I thought maybe it would help you feel more accepted around me, but¡­¡± The coyote sighed, laying a single ear back. ¡°I shoulda known it¡¯d just brought out all kinds of turmoil. Hell of a lot harder for you to ignore being interested in other males, when you got one flirtin¡¯ with you.¡±


    The cheetah swallowed, a tiny smile twitching at his lips. ¡°Especially a handsome one.¡±


    Argos lifted his ear again. ¡°You sayin¡¯ it¡¯d be easier if I was ugly?¡±


    ¡°Might be a little easier,¡± Rivi said, shrugging. His smile grew ever so slightly.


    Argos laughed, a playful, tension breaking sort of laughter. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, Spots.¡± He made a show of looking around the alcove. ¡°I don¡¯t see anything I could mess myself up with too bad, but I could always smash my face into the wall a few times, try and rearrange my muzzle.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Rivi rubbed his chin, following Argos¡¯s gaze. ¡°If you were hideously disfigured, I probably wouldn¡¯t find you quite so¡­¡± The feline paused, clearing his throat. ¡°Intriguing. Let¡¯s pretend I was just going to say intriguing.¡±


    ¡°Works for me.¡± Argos rubbed his arm. ¡°Seriously though, Spots. Do you want me stop with the teasing, and the dirty jokes? Say the word and it¡¯ll end, just like that.¡± He snapped his fingers. ¡°We got a long voyage ahead of us, and I don¡¯t want to spend the whole trip making you feel uncomfortable, around me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just it, though.¡± Rivi knit his hands together, idly stroking one thumb with the other. ¡°Most of the time, it¡¯s me making other people uncomfortable. Because I¡¯m weird, and talking to myself, or getting in their way, or just being a useless, na?ve fool, who doesn¡¯t understand how things work.¡±


    ¡°Rivi, you ain¡¯t a fool, you¡¯re-¡±


    ¡°I almost gave wrote my bank account over a criminal, Argos.¡± Rivi offered him a embarrassed smile. ¡°I am a fool. That¡¯s part of my point, though. You¡¯re maybe the only person I¡¯ve met in months who¡¯s treated me like¡­¡± His ears fell. ¡°Like a person should be treated. Which, is ironic, considering as far as I know, you¡¯re also the only person who realized I was impure. So¡­¡± Rivi shook his head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t want you to stop teasing me. To stop flirting with me, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re doing. It¡¯s terribly dangerous, and I know, logically, I should ask you to stop it, here and now. But I think¡­¡± Rivi wrung his hands, staring down at them as if looking for answers in the tiny black spots of his fur. ¡°I think I like it, and I¡¯d be terribly saddened if you stopped. The way you treat me, the way you speak to me? It sounds foolish to say, but it makes me feel¡­¡± The cheetah grimaced, his ears down. ¡°Normal.¡±


    ¡°Normal is overrated, anyway.¡± Argos reached out, resting his hand on the cat¡¯s arm. ¡°You are who you are, Rivi, and that¡¯s beautiful.¡±


    Rivi whimpered, looking down at Argos¡¯s hand. With his other arm, he quickly wiped his eyes again. ¡°Th-thank, Argos.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± He rubbed Rivi¡¯s arm. ¡°And if anyone tries to tell you otherwise-¡±


    ¡°Fuck them, right?¡± Rivi giggled through his tears, his ears perked.


    Argos burst into incredulous, yapping laughter. ¡°Damn right, Spots!¡± He released the cat¡¯s arm, playfully thumping his fist into the cheetah¡¯s shoulder instead. ¡°Not literally, though. They don¡¯t deserve you.¡±


    Rivi winced and rubbed his shoulder. ¡°Perhaps not.¡±


    ¡°I mean it,¡± Argos said. He tilted his head, smirking. ¡°You ain¡¯t gonna be sent straight to hell for swearing now, are you?¡±


    ¡°Probably not.¡± Rivi dropped his hand back down. ¡°I rather imagine the impure thoughts would send me there, first.¡± His eyes wandered the room for a few moments, before settling back on Argos. ¡°That¡¯s a joke, by the way.¡±


    Argos leaned back against the door, grinning. ¡°I figured.¡± His expression turned serious. ¡°So you really don¡¯t want me to stop flirting with you?¡±


    Rivi quickly shook his head. ¡°No. It¡¯s nice, to feel normal for a little while.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, Spots.¡± Argos smirked. ¡°Still, I¡¯ll try not to call you cute, too often.¡±


    Rivi put a hand over his muzzle, trying and failing to stifle a sudden bout of musical, chirping giggles. ¡°You¡¯re quite likely the only person who ever has, as it is.¡±


    Argos shared his laughter, happy just to hear the cheetah laugh. He was worried for a time, there, that he¡¯d pulled Rivi aside for a talk like that far too early. Hell, he¡¯d known the cat for less than a full day, and already they were having a heart to heart. Maybe that meant something, he thought. Or maybe it didn¡¯t. Argos wasn¡¯t even entirely sure what had possessed him to broach the subject. It simply suddenly occurred to him, that all his playful flirtatiousness might be doing more harm than good. He only intended to make sure he wasn¡¯t making the cat uncomfortable, and to let Rivi know that he was¡­


    Wait.


    There was one other thing he meant to tell the cat. For all Rivi¡¯s talk of dangerous ideas, and all his fears of damnation, Argos wanted him to know one thing.


    ¡°Rivi¡­¡± Argos waited for Rivi¡¯s laughter to stop.


    The cheetah slowly ceased giggling, his attention fixed once more on the coyote. ¡°Yes, Argos?¡±


    ¡°This might sound foolish, but¡­¡± Argos rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°You¡¯re safe, with me. To be who you are, I mean. I know it scares you, deep inside, in ways it never scared me. And maybe I¡¯m the lucky one, for that. I¡¯ve always been okay, with who I am. But I never had anyone try to fill my brain with bullshit that said otherwise, either. So I just want you to know, whatever mask you like to keep up around your kin, around strangers, you don¡¯t need to wear it around me. You can, if you want. That¡¯s fine.¡± Argos slowly shook his head. ¡°But you don¡¯t got to. If I can promise you one thing, Spots, it¡¯s that you¡¯re safe, around me. I ain¡¯t never gonna call you impure. I ain¡¯t never gonna look down on you for who you love, or who you want to be with. I ain¡¯t ever gonna judge for your thoughts, or your feelings. I will only ever see you as a person.¡±


    Rivi stared back at him, wide-eyed. ¡°I¡­¡± He worked his jaws, struggling for words. ¡°I don¡¯t¡­¡± The cheetah scrunched his face. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ve ever just¡­been myself, around other people. At least, not since¡­¡± Rivi winced, looking away. ¡°I¡¯m not even sure if I can do that around you. At least¡­not the way you do.¡±


    ¡°And you don¡¯t go to.¡± Argos eased away from the door, moving closer to the cheetah. ¡°I just wanted you to know, you¡¯d be safe doing so, if you were ever so inclined. That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Rivi said, rubbing his blunt, feline snout. ¡°Do you know what¡¯s saddest, about that?¡±


    Argos dreaded even to ask. ¡°What¡¯s that, Rivi?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve only known you half a day, and you¡¯ve already shown me more kindness and compassion than my own fa-¡± Rivi snapped his jaws shut in an instant, but it was heartbreaking clear to Argos just what he¡¯d almost said.


    Everything good inside Argos away into sorrow, and anger. ¡°Oh, Rivi¡­¡± He took a slow, steady breath, and stepped closer to the feline. ¡°I know this probably goes against everything you believe, given how short a time you¡¯ve known me, but¡­¡± Argos slowly opened his arms. ¡°I¡¯d very much like to hug you right now, if you¡¯d allow me.¡±


    Rivi sniffled, fighting back a fresh round of tears. He stared at his boots for a few moments, nudging one against the ground. ¡°I¡­¡± He took shuddering breath, only for it to escape him in a sad little mewl. ¡°I think I¡¯d like that.¡±


    Argos threw his arms around the cheetah, and pulled him into the tightest hug he could. He squeezed the cat against his body, holding him firmly. Rivi hesitantly hugged Argos back, stiff and uncertain at first. But after only a few heartbeats, the cheetah melted into Argos¡¯s touch. His whole body went half-limp, his weight resting against the coyote. It was as if Rivi had waited his whole damn life just for someone to hold him, and now that the moment was here, he didn¡¯t want it to end. Then cheetah¡¯s shoulders shook. Another strangled mew escaped him.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Rivi.¡± Argos gently rubbed his back. ¡°Let it out.¡±


    Rivi squeezed him tighter, a sob wracking him. He pushed his spectacles out of the way, and then buried his face in Argos¡¯s shoulder. For the second time in the same day, Rivimiralous broke down crying in front of Argos. This time, at least, Argos was ready for it.


    ¡°You¡¯re alright, Rivi.¡± Argos held the cheetah in his arms, gently stroking the back of his head. ¡°I got you, now. You¡¯re alright.¡±

 Chapter Eight

    *****


    Chapter Eight


    *****


    Argos cradled the sobbing cheetah until Rivi had cried out his all his tears. Until today, it had been a long damn time since he¡¯d tried console someone so overwhelmed with their own emotions. And now, he¡¯d done so twice in a matter of hours, and for the same person. Argos wondered if Rivi was always so quick to tears, or whether this was a rarity for him, too. The coyote got the feeling was the sort who wore most of his emotions on his sleeve. It was probably harder to hide them when he was so busy hiding who he really was, just to keep himself safe.


    Not that the cheetah hadn¡¯t earned a good cry. It sure sounded like Rivi had been through a whole hell of a lot lately, even before he set foot on the ship. His wounded mental state was probably still healing from the trauma of being abandoned on foreign soil, only for that damn wolf to take advantage of him. And before that was even fully behind him, here was Argos, picking at scars that were older still. Argos hoped at least that by reopening some of the old wounds on Rivi¡¯s soul, they might finally have a chance to heal.


    For now, Argos just let the cheetah cry. He was certain that sobbing against the coyote¡¯s shoulder was just about the last thing Rivi wanted to do, now. During their talk, it was all too clear that Rivi was struggling to resist the urge to run away and hide. Or at the very least, to pull his coat up over his head, and wait for his embarrassment to fade. Still, the cat had shown surprising strength, at times. He¡¯d squared up and faced down the coyote, even knowing the painful subject to come. Even fearing the coyote¡¯s reaction to his admission of impurity.


    Twisted up as Rivi¡¯s mind was, there was a beautiful strength to owning up to what he saw as his deepest sin. To throwing it out there like a spiteful challenge to the coyote, daring him to say something Rivi hadn¡¯t heard before. Whether it was only because Rivi felt cornered, or because he just wanted to get it over with, Argos didn¡¯t know. Either way, there was an inspiring resilience in standing up to your greatest fears, and facing them down with spite on your tongue, and anger in your eyes.


    Argos wondered exactly who that spite was really meant for. Rivi¡¯s last little clipped outburst gave him an awfully big clue, Argos imagined there was a lot more to it than that. What worried him the most right now was not whatever Rivi¡¯s family might think of him, but what their lack of empathy must have left feeling about himself. It was all too likely that if someone roughed up Rivi in his youth, just for being ¡®impure¡¯, someone in his family might have convinced the poor cheetah it was his fault.


    There was probably so much pain bottled up inside that cheetah that one or two good cries wasn¡¯t gonna be near enough to make things right. Hell, Argos knew crying about it wasn¡¯t ever gonna make it right, but he hoped at least it would help Rivi. That was all he wanted to do right now.


    Help Rivi.


    Argos stroked the cheetah¡¯s head as Rivi cried. If the feline didn¡¯t appreciate being touched that way, he certainly didn¡¯t show it. Rivi gripped him tightly in return, squeezing him. Now and then his fingers dug into Argos¡¯s back, or gripped his vest, pulling rougher than Argos would have liked, normally. But at least the feline didn¡¯t use his claws. Besides, a vest could always be restitched. Putting Rivi¡¯s shredded soul back together was going to be a harder task.


    The coyote knew he sure as hell couldn¡¯t do it all by himself. Especially not in a few short months. But when he¡¯d offered to share his cabin with the cat, that made Rivi his responsibility. At the time, he only thought he was protecting him from thieves and cutthroats. It seemed the logical, and the kind thing to do. Argos hadn¡¯t always done a lot of kind things, in his life, and it seemed past time he was due for one. Now, though, their conversation made it clear that the demons prowling Rivi¡¯s soul were every bit as dangerous as the worst folks on the ship.


    Other than maybe Argos himself.


    Just the same, for all the ways Argos knew how to hurt someone, or how to end a person, none of them were going to help put Rivi back together. He¡¯d have to figure that part out as he went along. He¡¯d have a couple of months with the cheetah, and that was it. Then the cat was back on his pilgrimage, and Argos and Iosa were off on their next assignment. There were certainly ways for them to stay in touch, after that, but none of them were a realistic expectation. Argos wasn¡¯t exactly the sort of person to stay in touch, long term. After all, the job didn¡¯t really allow for it. Besides, Argos knew it would be better for Rivi, if the cheetah never saw him again after this voyage.


    The last thing Rivi needed was to be associated with an agent of the Guild of Ghosts and Shadows.


    That gave Argos roughly a couple of months to work, once the voyage was under way. He sure as hell wouldn¡¯t be able to fix all the things that were broken inside Rivi, but at least there was one thing he believed he could do for the cat. He could try his damnedest to get the cheetah to not only understand, but truly internalize that there was nothing impure about him. That it didn¡¯t matter who he found himself attracted to, regardless of what they kept in their trousers. That Rivi was a person worthy of, and deserving not only acceptance, but the same goddamn respect as anyone else.


    Still, the coyote knew that was a short time frame to work with, given how deeply held Rivi¡¯s beliefs were. And Argos did not wish to cast doubt or aspersions on the cheetah¡¯s belief system in general. Rivi was free and welcome to believe whatever he wished to believe, and Argos wouldn¡¯t so much as express a healthy amount of skepticism. Rivi¡¯s beliefs were his own, and the cheetah was as entitled to them as he was to Argos¡¯s respect.


    Save, of course, for that bit about being sinful just because he liked other males. That shit had to go, Argos was certain. Yet it would not be an easy process, made harder still by the fact that single thread of self-hating thought was likely tangled and entwined with a whole host of other things Rivi held dear. The trick, then, was to snip away the threads that were slowly strangling Rivi, without cutting anything important.


    The cheetah had wreathed his very identity in an prison of shame. One way or another, Argos wished to tear that prison down, and set poor Rivi free.


    Eventually, Rivi¡¯s tears were utterly spent. The cheetah¡¯s sobs eased, and his body stopped quaking. As his breathing evened out, the only lingering sign of the emotional maelstrom whirling around inside him was the off-time flicking of his tail. Rivi gradually eased his grip on the coyote, and eased back. Argos freed Rivi from his arms, straightening up and stepping back to give the cheetah his space again. Rivi backed up a few paces, wiping his eyes. He took a shaking breath, and readjusted his spectacles. Rivi held his arms out, staring at them as if only now realizing they¡¯d been wrapped around another person.


    Rivi looked back up at Argos. Confused disbelief etched itself across his half-open muzzle, his furrowed brow, and splayed ears. ¡°You¡­held me¡­¡±


    Argos blinked, rubbing his muzzle. He hoped Rivi wasn¡¯t suddenly regretting the extended hug. ¡°I did ask, first, Spots.¡±


    The cheetah quickly shook his head. ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. It¡¯s just¡­¡± He looked down at himself, adjusting the golden-striped sleeves of his purple sweater. ¡°You barely even know me, and you still¡­¡± Rivi licked his nose. ¡°Held me.¡± He let out a long, slow sigh, bowing his head. ¡°Thank you, Argos. For your kind words, and for your comfort.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± The coyote shrugged. ¡°Hell, Rivi, you were bawling your eyes out. That was the least I could do.¡±


    ¡°If you say so.¡± The cheetah made a frustrated, mewling sound. ¡°It¡¯s very much appreciated, even if not fully understood. That sort of contact isn¡¯t something we¡¯d normally do, with a stranger. Not even a new cabin mate. Which must sound like some kind of foolish prude.¡±


    Argos shook his head. ¡°Just someone who¡¯s got different beliefs than me. Ain¡¯t nothing wrong with that. I¡¯m just glad you let me hug you. Wasn¡¯t sure you would at first, but the way you melted into my arms, it was pretty clear you needed that hug even more than I thought.¡±


    Rivi looked away, a shy smile upon his muzzle. ¡°It has been a while. And I¡¯m not sure anyone but my mother¡¯s ever hugged me that tightly. Do you know¡­¡± He slowly turned his face back towards Argos. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever met someone else who was¡­¡± Impure. That was what the cheetah was going to say. The word was practically inscribed upon his eyes. ¡°A kindred spirit, before.¡±This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    ¡°You probably have, even if you don¡¯t know it.¡± Argos adjusted his vest, smoothing it out. ¡°There¡¯s more of us out there than you think.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Rivi¡¯s eyes shifted to Argos¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Oh, I got your clothes all damp. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± The cheetah retrieved a handkerchief from within a pocket, dabbing at the lingering tearstains upon Argos¡¯s clothing. ¡°I hope this does not across the wrong way, but it was¡­¡± He paused, considering his words carefully. ¡°Nice, being held by you. Knowing that you suffer with the same struggles I do, and still you wished to comfort me in mine.¡± Rivi looked up, his muzzle precariously close to Argos¡¯s. ¡°You¡¯re a very kind person, Argos.¡±


    The coyote swallowed, looking away. ¡°No, I ain¡¯t, Spots. And it¡¯s only a struggle if you try and fight it. It¡¯s no struggle at all, for me. I am who I am, and that¡¯s that.¡± He gently brushed away the cheetah¡¯s handkerchief. ¡°You don¡¯t gotta do that. It¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure.¡± Rivi backed up, tucking his handkerchief back into his pocket. ¡°And I don¡¯t know why you¡¯d say that about yourself. You¡¯ve been very kind to me, after all.¡±


    ¡°Musta caught me on a good day,¡± Argos said, staring at the blank, unadorned wall. ¡°My line of work, I gotta do a lot of very unkind things.¡±


    ¡°I can only imagine.¡± Rivi reached for Argo¡¯s shoulder again, his hand trembling. Then he gave the coyote a few, awkward pats. ¡°And yet you must have a good heart, to show such compassion for someone like me. You¡¯d do well, to remember that, when you feel unkind.¡±


    Argos slowly turned his head back to watch the cheetah patting his shoulder. ¡°Are you trying to comfort me now, Rivi?¡±


    Rivi¡¯s hand stilled. ¡°I was attempting it, yes. Is it working?¡±


    Argos gave a soft yip of laughter. ¡°Yeah, Rivi, it¡¯s working. It¡¯s usually more like this, though.¡± He stroked Rivi¡¯s upper arm with a slow, gentle motion.


    Rivi looked down at Argos¡¯s hand. ¡°Yes, that does feel nice.¡±


    Argos paused. ¡°Sorry, I shoulda asked. This okay? Just tell me, if you don¡¯t want me touching you anymore.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± A little smile graced Rivi¡¯s blunt, feline snout. ¡°I¡¯m not used to so much physical contact, but it¡¯s nice.¡± He slowly pulled his hand back. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to stop doing anything you¡¯ve been doing, so far.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Argos rubbed his shoulder a little more, then released him. ¡°Just tell me if that changes. I push up too hard on any of your boundaries, you just let me know, so I can back off. Fair?¡±


    ¡°Exceedingly so.¡± Rivi offered him a little bow, his spotted tail twitching. ¡°And thank you for your thoughtfulness.¡± Then he lifted his eyes to the coyote¡¯s face. ¡°The same goes for you, however. If during our stay together I should do anything that bothers you, or annoys you, or¡­¡± He ticked off a few fingers. ¡°That you find obnoxious, or aggravating, or-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you,¡± Argos said, grinning. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    The cheetah pinned his ears. ¡°Case in point, excessive rambling.¡±


    The coyote chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re fine, Rivi. You feeling any better, by the way?¡±


    ¡°A little.¡± Rivi¡¯s ears lifted. ¡°I¡¯ve got a lot to process. But at least for the moment, I¡¯m better now than I was a few minutes ago, thanks to you.¡±


    Argos grimaced. ¡°Kinda my fault your mood took a turn, anyway. This whole¡­¡± He waved his hand between them. ¡°Conversation probably coulda waited for a better time. Or at least, somewhere that wasn¡¯t a supply closet.¡±


    Rivi chirped soft, feline laughter. ¡°Perhaps so. But, under the circumstances, maybe it¡¯s good to have things out in the open between us, before we spend months together.¡±


    ¡°I agree, Spots.¡± Argos tucked his hands into his trouser pockets, grinning. ¡°And now you know you don¡¯t gotta spend your whole voyage thinking you gotta hide who you are, from me.¡±


    ¡°I suppose so¡­¡± Rivi blinked, glancing down at himself. A hint of happy excitement bubbled in his voice. ¡°We¡¯ve never not needed to hide our impurity, Rivi.¡± Then he caught himself, looking up again. ¡°Sorry. I shouldn¡¯t speak to myself in the midst of a conversation with someone else.¡±


    Argos shook his head. ¡°Nothing to be sorry for. It don¡¯t bother me none. In fact¡­¡± The coyote tilted his head. ¡°Can I be honest with you?¡±


    Rivi nodded. ¡°I hope that you would be.¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s kinda cute the way you talk to yourself,¡± Argos said.


    ¡°You¡­what?¡± Rivi¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That¡¯s, uh¡­¡± The cheetah wrung his hands, struggling for words. ¡°A new descriptor for that particular habit.¡±


    Argos only smiled, swishing his tail. Truth be told, he also thought the way the cheetah was so easily flustered was kind of cute, as well. But Argos doubted Rivi could handle more than one brain-breaking compliment at once. ¡°It¡¯s true. Besides, lots of people talk to themselves. Ain¡¯t that unusual.¡±


    The cheetah wrung his hands. ¡°Not the way we do. Every else says it¡¯s weird.¡±


    ¡°Who cares?¡± Argos leaned against the wall of the little room, his swishing tail batting against it. ¡°It makes you unique. And there ain¡¯t nothing wrong with that.¡±


    ¡°I shall take your word for it.¡± Rivi tugged one of his sleeves up, then scratched at his spotted, beige-gold fur. His gaze wandered, distant and nervous as if suddenly imagining a crowd of people all leering at them. ¡°You know, Argos, today was the first time I¡¯ve slipped up and uttered an impure thought out loud in¡­¡± His lip curled, exposing a single, feline fang. ¡°Years, probably. And I don¡¯t even know what it is about you that brought it out.¡±


    The coyote cocked his head, smirking. ¡°Probably cause I¡¯m so ruggedly attractively.¡±


    Rivi chirped another little feline giggle. His eyes ever so slowly returned to the coyote, roaming across Argos. ¡°Well¡­¡± He rubbed the back of his hand. ¡°You aren¡¯t not that.¡± Rivi¡¯s gaze darted away again. ¡°I think my brain was just¡­¡± He took a deep breath, then let it back out in a long sigh. ¡°Broken. More than usual, I mean. I¡¯ve been through a lot, lately, and I think it all just kept piling on, today. Until I didn¡¯t even know what I was saying, anymore.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s understandable,¡± Argos said. ¡°It sounds like you¡¯ve been through hell and back, even before you woke up today. Whatever walls you try to keep up, they can¡¯t have been holding up well lately.¡±


    The cheetah shook his head. ¡°They were not. Hell, I¡¯m just thankful when they finally gave way, it was you, I was talking too. And not one of my people.¡± Rivi licked his snout. ¡°You know, I meant to call you funny, not handsome.¡±


    The coyote¡¯s ears lifted. ¡°Is too much to hope for to be both?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re definitely both.¡± Rivi¡¯s words tumbled out of his muzzle a little fast. He clapped a hand to his snout when he realized what he said. At least this time the feline didn¡¯t panic. ¡°And now I¡¯ve done it again.¡±


    Argos chuckled. ¡°I dunno, I kinda think you did it on purpose that time.¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± Rivi straightened up. ¡°If I was going to say those things on purpose, I¡¯d do so like this.¡± He folded his hands, staring at Argos. ¡°Mister Argos, I find you both comical, and attractive.¡± Almost immediately, the inside of the feline¡¯s ears flushed deep scarlet. Rivi whirled around, his tail whipping through the air. ¡°I can¡¯t believe we said that to him, Rivi!¡±


    ¡°Aww, thanks, Rivi.¡± Argos forced himself to keep his reply as tame as possible, lest the poor cheetah¡¯s head literally explode from embarrassment alone. ¡°You gonna be okay if I call you the same?¡±


    ¡°Honestly?¡± Rivi¡¯s voice rose to squeaky heights. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t even know how to take that.¡±


    ¡°In that case, I better not tell you how cute you are,¡± Argos said.


    Rivi made another odd noise, a cross between strangled laughter and a chittering mewl. ¡°Now you¡¯re just teasing me.¡±


    ¡°Nah, I mean it.¡± Argos eased away from the wall to gently put a hand on Rivi¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I like the glasses. They look good on you.¡±


    Rivi slowly turned back around. The thick, brass-rimmed spectacles in question perched upon his muzzle, magnifying his red-gold eyes. ¡°Thank you. They¡¯re prescriptive.¡±


    Argos grinned. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sure they are.¡± He give Rivi¡¯s shoulder a squeeze, then pulled his hand back. ¡°I ain¡¯t trying to embarrass you, or nothing. Just returning your compliment.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± A shy smile crept across Rivi¡¯s snout. ¡°At least there¡¯s no luggage for me to topple over, like the last time you called me that.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah¡­¡± Argos flicked an ear back. ¡°I did call you cute earlier, didn¡¯t I. Kinda forgot about that, what with worrying you¡¯d broke something.¡±


    The cheetah looked down at his own hands. ¡°Certainly not my finest moment.¡± Rivi¡¯s ears shot up, his tail stuck out straight. ¡°Oh!¡± He lifted his face, his eyes wide. ¡°Not to change the subject, but aren¡¯t we keeping your friend waiting?¡±


    ¡°Aw, fuck,¡± Argos said. ¡°Iosa¡¯s probably done eating by now.¡± He glanced at the door. ¡°You still wanna go? If you¡¯re not up to it anymore, I can take you back to the room, and then bring something back for you.¡±


    Rivi quickly shook his head. ¡°Oh, no, I¡¯m absolutely starved. And, after the discussion we¡¯ve just had, I think I¡¯m more than ready for a serving of alcohol. Perhaps even two servings!¡±


    ¡°Whoa there, you lush, take it easy.¡± Argos laughed. ¡°Come on, then.¡± He put his hand on the door handle, then paused to look back at Rivi again. ¡°While it¡¯s still just you and me, can I ask you something else?¡±


    The cheetah tugged his sweater sleeve back down. ¡°Certainly, Argos.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you ain¡¯t never even had the chance to say something like that to another male before, right?¡± Argos smoothed his hands back over his ears. ¡°To call him things like handsome, and attractive? To do so without fear of repercussions?¡±


    Rivi slowly nodded. ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±


    ¡°So, how¡¯d it feel?¡±


    The cheetah¡¯s ears slowly splayed out as he considered the question. ¡°Liberating, I think. Dangerously so, in fact. Almost as if, I want to say it again, sometime. Just to hear my secret thoughts given voice, at last. Even though I know they¡¯re wrong, part of me still wants to hear them spoken aloud. To someone else who understands, I think.¡±


    Argos only smiled at him. ¡°Ain¡¯t nothing wrong with your thoughts, Spots. And you can say them to me as often as you like. Hell, you can tell about all the cute males you¡¯ve seen on your trip, so far, if you want.¡±


    Rivi ran his hands down the front the front his sweater, clearing his throat with a little growl. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I should indulge in that sort of gossip, even in private.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t got to,¡± Argos said. ¡°But it¡¯s an open offer. If you¡¯ve ever wished you had a chance to just¡­¡± He waved his hand. ¡°Talk about this stuff, as innocently as everyone else does, now¡¯s your chance. Hell, I bet there¡¯s some hot cat back home you used to wonder about.¡±


    ¡°A bartender, actually.¡± Rivi looked away, his eyes downcast. ¡°A lion. With a dark mane. I used like the way he smiled at me.¡±


    ¡°See, there ya go, Spots.¡± Argos playfully thumped a fist into Rivi¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Feels good to talk about it, right?¡±


    Rivi winced, rubbing his arm. ¡°It did until you struck me.¡±


    Argos grimaced, chuckling. ¡°Sorry about that. I¡¯ll try to be more gentle, next time. Now, if you¡¯re ready, we should go find Iosa. You can tell me about that sexy lion later, if you want.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Rivi dropped his hands, swallowing. ¡°I think I¡¯d like that.¡±


    ¡°Me too, Spots. Me too.¡±

 Chapter Nine

    *****


    Chapter Nine


    *****


    Argos smiled at the cheetah. ¡°Well then, shall we finally head to dinner?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please! I¡¯m ever so hungry.¡± Rivi hesitated, flattening his ears. ¡°But wait. What if someone sees us coming out of the closet together?¡±


    The coyote stared at Rivi, unsure if he was joking or not. When it became clear the cheetah was serious, he cracked the door open to peek into the hallway. A few people walked passed in either direction. Argos didn¡¯t care who saw him, or what they assumed he¡¯d been doing with the cheetah. But Rivi clearly felt otherwise. The last thing Argos wanted to do was give the scholarly feline something else to fret over. He waited until the way was clear, then slipped out and beckoned for Rivi to follow him.


    ¡°Pretty sure no one saw us.¡± Argos closed the door behind the feline. ¡°But if anyone asks, just tell them we¡¯re off duty janitors looking for some bleach.¡±


    ¡°Y-yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Rivi said, lifting his voice. ¡°Just two maintenance workers, not yet in uniform!¡± He glanced around, staring at a random group of humans dressed in fine dining attire as they strolled by. ¡°We were looking for bleach! For¡­bleaching things!¡±


    ¡°Now you¡¯re just making it sound suspect.¡± Argos ushered Rivi down the hall, away from the increasingly confused looking humans. ¡°If you wanna avoid suspicion, you damn sure don¡¯t wanna draw attention to yourself. If no one¡¯s looking, don¡¯t give them a reason to. If they are looking, just act like you belong there. Remain calm, and just go about your business. Most people aren¡¯t gonna bother looking real close, or questioning what you¡¯re doing unless you give them a reason to. If you see people looking your way, just give them a casual greeting.¡±


    As Argos walked, he tucked his hands into his trouser pockets. He made a show of turning his head and offering a polite smile to a female wolf looking their way, as she passed the other direction. ¡°Evening, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Good evening.¡± The wolf returned the smile and greeting with a little nod of her head.


    Argos soon glanced at Rivi again. ¡°See, Spots? Like that. I coulda been strangling someone with a piano wire in that closet, and she woulda never known the difference. But if I¡¯d been running around all panicked, or telling people not to look in the closet, what do you think they¡¯re gonna do?¡±


    Rivi scrunched up his face. ¡°That¡¯s quite the unpleasant example.¡±


    Argos shrugged, walking along at a leisurely pace. ¡°Point is, people are apt to believe whatever they¡¯re presented with. Same goes if they did decide to stop and ask you what you were doing in there.¡± Argos cleared his throat, then flicked his ears back into a slightly irritable expression. He pulled a hand from his pocket, waving it dismissively. ¡°Ah, I was just lookin¡¯ for some bleach.¡±


    Rivi nodded. ¡°Won¡¯t they question why you¡¯re not in uniform? Or what you need the bleach for?¡±


    ¡°Not usually.¡± Argos returned his hand to his pocket. ¡°Firstly, it ain¡¯t really their business. And even if they¡¯re feeling nosy, people are less likely to bother if they think you¡¯re already irritated about something. If they really wanna push it, keep your answers vague, but believable. Ask me why I was looking for bleach.¡±


    The cheetah fidgeted with his sleeves. ¡°Why were you looking for bleach?¡±


    Argos grunted, rolling his eyes. ¡°Some bratty kitten ate too many sweets and puked all over the shitter.¡±


    ¡°Ew.¡± Rivi made a face, his nose crinkled up. He tilted his head, still playing along. ¡°So you¡¯re a janitor? Where¡¯s your uniform?¡±


    ¡°Just got here.¡± Argos curled his lip, ears set in feigned frustration. ¡°Ain¡¯t even been assigned a bunk yet, and they already put me to work. Damn dirty refugees are gonna be the death of me yet.¡±


    Rivi gave a little gasp. ¡°Argos, that¡¯s a terrible thing to say about¡­¡± Then he trailed off, blinking. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re still playing your janitor character, right?¡±


    The coyote chuckled. ¡°Yeah, Rivi. If someone won¡¯t stop pushing, you can always try throwing them off your trail by getting them riled up about something else.¡±


    ¡°Right, right¡­¡± Rivi rubbed his hands together, pitching his voice into something skeptical and pompous. ¡°I do say, you mangy scavenging coyote, if you¡¯re a janitor, why were you in the with that finely-appointed feline?¡± Then he lowered his voice to a whisper. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about the insults! I¡¯m pretending to be a racist, suspicious aristocrat!¡±


    ¡°Very convincing, Spots.¡± He pulled a hand free from his pocket again, then jerked a thumb towards the cheetah. ¡°Oh, this little bastard? He¡¯s still in training. Dumber than he looks, after all. He¡¯s about to get a trial by puke, though. Say, you got any more questions, or can I get back to finding the damn bleach? Cause that first class shitter ain¡¯t gonna reopen again till I get it cleaned up. But don¡¯t worry, steerage is still open, if you gotta go. Might get piss on your shoes, but it¡¯s better than nothing.¡±


    Rivi crossed his arms. ¡°I suppose I deserved that line about my intelligence, given what I said about your people.¡±


    Argos waved his hand. ¡°Nah, I was talking about some other, totally theoretically feline. If I was talking about you, I¡¯d have said you were my supervisor. Cause you clearly look like the smart one between us.¡±


    A smile brightened Rivi¡¯s face. ¡°Looks can be deceiving, I suppose. You clearly know vastly more about most things than I do.¡±


    ¡°Nah, not my most things.¡± Argos shook his head. ¡°Staying alive in the world? Sure. Firearms, whiskey, and kickin¡¯ ass? Definitely. But there¡¯s a whole hell of a lot of stuff you know that I sure as shit don¡¯t, too.¡±


    Rivi shoved his hands into his pockets, the same way Argos had. ¡°Such as?¡±


    Argos clenched his jaw to keep from laughing at Rivi¡¯s latest attempts to emulate his mannerisms and posture. ¡°Think about it, Rivi. You¡¯re a scholar, right? That would you did for a living, prior to this pilgrimage?¡±


    The cheetah nodded. ¡°Yes, I held a high-ranking archivist position at the Church¡¯s most acclaimed library. I also worked as a scribe, and librarian. And I sometimes was required to give small lectures on literary works, and well-known scriptures to various groups of university students.¡±


    ¡°See,¡± Argos said. ¡°You¡¯re smart as shit, Rivi. No way I know half as much as you when it comes to literature of¡­¡± The coyote snorted. ¡°Well, any kind. I read pulp garbage now and then, and that¡¯s about it.¡±


    Rivi shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with enjoying pulpy fictious works. As I mentioned earlier¡­¡± He put a hand to his chest. ¡°I myself consider radio serial adventures to one of my guilty pleasures! The more outlandish, the better. And novels can be the same. It just so happens that literature is one of my primary specialties.¡± He ticked off a few fingers. ¡°Along with scriptural interpretation, and of course linguistics. Then I suppose, artistic pursuits, and photography, and so on. And I¡¯m quite good with arithmetic, I just find it insidiously boring compared to the untold adventures of literature.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, don¡¯t get me started!¡± Argos tossed his hands up. ¡°You should hear Iosa, when we¡¯re prepping for an assignment.¡± He lifted his voice to a whiny pitch. ¡°Argos, how many rounds did you bring? Argos, how many grams of powder are packing in those explosives? Argos, don¡¯t you know that ratio is going to be wildly unstable?¡± He snapped his teeth. ¡°What am I, made of fucking numbers?¡±


    The cheetah chirped musical, feline giggles. ¡°I should hope at least you¡¯d measure for something so dangerous.¡±


    The coyote smirked, glancing at Rivi. ¡°I eyeballed it well enough.¡±


    As they walked together, the corridors gradually grew busier. Soon, the din of distant voices told Argos they had nearly reached their destination. Around another corner, a long, amorphous line of people filled up the hallway. It stretched on for ages, and eventually reached the entryway to a large dining hall. A small lounge operated nearby, selling drinks and snacks. Its limited seats were already packed, but a separate counter allowed customers to purchase a beverage to drink whilst waiting in line for the restaurant. A single, extremely busy fox with white fur and a waiters uniform hurried up and down the line, delivering drinks to those stuck waiting for a table. Voices roiled and bubbled, bouncing off the wood-paneled walls. The mingling scents of so many varied peoples couldn¡¯t quite cover up the tantalizing aroma of roasted meats and vegetables, or the tempting, sharp and sweet smells of alcohol.


    Argos grit his teeth. He¡¯d hoped to beat the worst of the crowds, but their detour for a heart-to-heart chat delayed them longer than he¡¯d anticipated. With any luck, Iosa was still here, and holding a table for them. While Argos could throw around his special status, he didn¡¯t really want to be the asshole seen cutting in front of starving people who¡¯d only just gotten in out of the snow. At least joining someone else who was already here gave him a reasonable excuse.


    ¡°This looks awfully busy.¡± Rivi gazed across the crowd. ¡°Do you think your friend is still here?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope so. She¡¯ll be inside, if she is.¡± Argos started forward, pushing past people. ¡°Stick close, Spots. And keep your billfold and anything else valuable in an interior pocket. With your hand on it, if possible.¡±


    Argos shepherded Rivi through the masses. He kept a close eye on the feline, ensuring not only that Rivi did not stumble into anyone, but no one unsavory bumped into him, either. Despite his advice, he wasn¡¯t sure the cat would notice a pickpocket even if he literally saw them carrying off his own billfold. As they made their way towards the front, Rivi muttered apologies and attempted to explain that they were VIPs, meeting another VIP who was already present. Argos decided against telling Rivi that would only make people feel as if he was rubbing their faces in his status. He could try to explain all that to the cheetah in the future, after Rivi had enjoyed an easier day.


    They eventually reached the entrance to the restaurant, where several sets of glass paneled double doors were all fixed wide open. A kobold stood on an elevated platform, behind a an attendant¡¯s podium. Nearby, a single gnoll in a security officer¡¯s uniform and with a rifle slung over his shoulder kept watch on the crowd. A few more unarmed gnolls conversed on the side of the doors. A large, stylized sign with glowing blue electric letters above the doors proclaimed, COMMON DINING HALL ONE.


    ¡°Know why they call it that?¡± Argos gestured at the sign.


    ¡°I¡¯m assuming it¡¯s because there are no class restrictions here?¡± The cheetah peered up at it.


    ¡°Correct, Spots,¡± Argos said. ¡°Lots of places on the ship are only for this class, or that class, but anyone from First class to steerage is allowed into the Common Halls. Now, that don¡¯t mean it¡¯s free, and if you¡¯re paying with the vouchers that come with a ticket¡­¡± The coyote glanced back. ¡°Then what you¡¯ll get for a steerage voucher ain¡¯t the same as what you¡¯ll get with a first class voucher, generally. But you¡¯ll get something to fill your belly.¡± He paused, looking back across the long line. ¡°As least, you usually would. Most of the refugees probably aren¡¯t gonna have the sort of purchased-in-advance ticket that comes with meal vouchers. They¡¯ll have to figure something out.¡± He grimaced, flicking an ear back. ¡°Come on.¡±


    Argos walked up to the attendant, and offered the kobold his friendliest smile. ¡°Hello, my friend.¡± He opened his waistcoat, making sure the shorter lizard caught a glimpse of the ebony and silver badge pinned inside. Argos retrieved his billfold, and passed the kobold a valuable note. ¡°I¡¯m hoping my friend is still here. A female gray fox, purple dress. Got a badge like mine.¡±


    The kobold tucked the money away. He returned Argos¡¯s smile, flashing countless small, sharp teeth. ¡°Ms. Iosa has a table in the back. A corner booth, near the piano.¡± He swept a clawed hand towards the doorway. ¡°Enjoy your meal.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Argos breathed a sigh of relief, ushering Rivi inside. ¡°That makes things way easier. But I bet you she stole my favorite seat.¡±


    ¡°You already have a favorite seat in here?¡± Rivi stuck close to Argos¡¯s side.


    ¡°Not literally, Spots. I just like to sit at the back, with a view of the entrances and exits.¡± He gave the gnolls a friendly wave as they walked past. ¡°Iosa likes the same thing, for the same reasons. Whoever gets here first usually claims the seat, and then we tease each other about it.¡±


    The inside of the hall was even busier than the outside. Several lines of square shaped tables stretched on for dozens of rows. Each of them was packed with people. Waiters in crisp, white and gold uniforms rushed about, serving drinks and plates of food. Busboys cleared away tableware and poured drinking water. On either side of the hall, long murals were painted all across the walls. One depicted wildlife roaming a vast plain. The other held illustrations of famous landmarks glimpsed along their journey, from the ocean-dashed cliffs around Tavosa, to the fortified island city-states rising above fog and sea. Several large, illuminated clocks depicted the current time of a day in Tavosa, and the wildly different time zone of their eventual destination. Blue-white lights in long lines. Ceiling fans spun, stirring the air, and mingling the countless scents of people, and food.


    Towards the back, a familiar, gray-furred vixen in a lilac dress stood up from a table in a corner. As a waiter deposited a fresh drink before her, Iosa waved an arm over her head, and Argos waved back. The coyote hurried to join her, glancing back now and then to make sure Rivi didn¡¯t accidentally bowl over some poor waiter. When they reached the table, Iosa stared at the two of them with an all too familiar smirk upon her muzzle.


    ¡°Well,¡± Iosa said, smugness even thicker in her voice than in her smile. ¡°If it isn¡¯t the ship¡¯s babysitter, and his newest charge! No wonder you¡¯re late.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± Argos started to pull out a chair. ¡°Obviously, things didn¡¯t go as-¡±


    ¡°Allow me, Mister Argos.¡± Rivi pulled the chair out, then stepped back. ¡°It¡¯s the least I can do.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Spots.¡± Argos settled down, then gestured at another chair. ¡°Have a seat, cat. I¡¯ll tell Iosa what¡¯s going on.¡±


    ¡°Um, actually¡­¡± Rivi scrunched his muzzle, glancing between the seated coyote, and the still standing vixen. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we wait for Ms. Iosa to seat herself, first?¡± Then he looked at her chair, now well out behind her. ¡°Would you like for me to get your chair for you, ma¡¯am?¡±


    Iosa put a hand to her chest. ¡°Chivalry? In this day and age?¡± She smiled at Rivi. ¡°Maybe you oughta be the one babysitting him.¡± Iosa waved at Argos. ¡°He might learn a thing or two. But no, cheetah, I can get my chair. Thank you, though.¡± She turned back to Argos, giving him a pointed glare. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to introduce me to your charge, Mister Babysitter?¡±


    Argos sighed as he scooted his chair up. ¡°Iosa, this is Rivi. Rivi, that¡¯s Iosa. There, now you¡¯re introduced. Do you wanna hear what happened, or not?¡±


    Iosa ignored him entirely. ¡°A pleasure to meet you, Rivi.¡± She glanced at his hands. ¡°I¡¯ll not offer to shake your hand, as I see you¡¯re not wearing your gloves this evening.¡±


    A bright smile stretched across Rivi¡¯s muzzle. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re familiar with our ways! I thank you for your thoughtfulness. And I¡¯m delighted to make your acquaintance.¡± He bowed his head, hands folded. ¡°I do hope you don¡¯t mind me intruding on your dinner plans with Mister Argos.¡±


    ¡°Rivi¡­¡± Argos held up a hand. ¡°I keep telling you, it¡¯s just Argos.¡±


    The cheetah nodded. ¡°I remember, but upon meeting a new acquaintance, initial formality is important. It¡¯s just the polite thing to do.¡±


    ¡°My, this one¡¯s just made of manners.¡± Iosa settled into her chair, glancing at the cheetah. ¡°Do be seated, please.¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Thank you, Ms. Iosa.¡± Rivi sat down, and eased up to the table.


    ¡°You know, Argos,¡± Iosa said, scooting her chair forward. ¡°If you play porter for this one long enough, you might learn something about being mannerly.¡±


    Argos rested his elbow on the table, and put his muzzle against his hand. ¡°Like what? I¡¯m already Mister Fuckin¡¯ Mannerly.¡±


    Rivi giggled, folding his hands in his lap. ¡°Yes, as evidenced by your frequent use of colorful language.¡±


    ¡°If you think that¡¯s colorful,¡± Iosa said, leaning closer to Rivi. ¡°You should hear him when he¡¯s upset. Or courting someone.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my god.¡± Argos put his hand in his hands, groaning. ¡°Where¡¯s the fucking waiter?¡±


    ¡°Aww, sounds like someone hasn¡¯t had his evening whiskey.¡± Iosa reached across the table, passing Argos thin, leather bound booklet. ¡°There¡¯s the bar¡¯s listings. They¡¯re low on dinner menus, but they¡¯ll bring something around when they¡¯re free.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry about him, Ms. Iosa.¡± Rivi smiled, his tail flicking. ¡°He had plenty of whiskey back in our room.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, did you say our room?¡± Iosa¡¯s eyes widened, and she gave a little vulpine yip of laughter. ¡°Is that why I saw you carting off the cat¡¯s luggage?¡± The vixen smirked, glancing at Rivi. ¡°You must be even richer than you look if you¡¯ve got the funds to bribe him to share his suite.¡±


    Argos glared at her, then forced himself to look down at the liquor list. ¡°It¡¯s complicated, Iosa. Rivi is-¡±


    ¡°Actually, thus far Mister Argos has rebuffed all my attempts at remittance.¡± He perked his ears, and gave a happy little chirp. ¡°Despite his coarse tongue and general lack of manners-¡±


    Argos looked up, his ears back. ¡°Alright, Rivi, why don¡¯t you let me-¡±


    ¡°And overall menacing demeanor,¡± Rivi said, ignoring Argos¡¯s attempts to quell him. ¡°Mister Argos has proven to be quite sweet-natured, and kindhearted.¡±


    Iosa burst into raucous vulpine laughter, slapping the table. ¡°Aww, sweet little baby Argos!¡±


    Argos slapped the menu down. ¡°I am fuckin¡¯ not!¡±


    ¡°Such a sweet little pup,¡± Iosa said, twisting her voice into a cooing mockery. ¡°Sharing his room with his new friend, because he¡¯s scared to be alone.¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up, Iosa.¡± Argos growled at her. ¡°Keep it up, and I won¡¯t even bother telling you why the cat¡¯s rooming with me.¡±


    Iosa tilted her head. ¡°Is it because he brought you a nightlight?¡±


    Argos drummed his fingers against the bar menu. ¡°One more, and I¡¯m gonna whip this at your head.¡± He scooted the edge of the leather booklet off the table.


    The vixen only sat up straighter, making herself an even more inviting target. Then she glanced at Rivi, her ears half-back in vulpine smugness. ¡°Did you bring him a teddy bear, too? He likes teddy bears.¡±


    Argos his fingertips down against the edge of the book, flipping it up into the air. Then a single smooth motion, the coyote caught it and whipped across the table, aiming it straight for Iosa¡¯s face. Without even blinking, Iosa snatched it out of the air, just before it hit her muzzle. She set it back down on the table, her hands atop it.


    ¡°And now you¡¯re not getting it back.¡± Iosa smiled at him. ¡°So I hope you¡¯re happy with-¡±


    At the same time, Argos lunged across the table himself, grabbing Iosa¡¯s drink. ¡°Distraction ploy!¡± Before she could react, he was already back in his seat with her cocktail. ¡°Don¡¯t need the menu, anyway.¡±


    ¡°How¡­¡± Rivi gaped at Iosa. ¡°How did you¡­¡± Then he turned to Argos. ¡°And why did you¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Spots. We always do this shit.¡± He lifted the glass in a mocking toast. ¡°To victory.¡± Then he took a long sip.


    ¡°Well played, Argos. Well played.¡± Iosa splayed her ears. ¡°I hope you like ginger.¡±


    Argos fought back a cough as the cocktail¡¯s heavy ginger and spice flavor washed over his tongue, and down his throat. ¡°Fuckin¡¯¡­¡± His voice was hoarse. ¡°Love it.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t.¡± Iosa pushed the drinks list over to Rivi. ¡°Here, cat. Find yourself something good to drink. It¡¯s on me. Dinner, too, whenever I can get a waiter back.¡± She raised her hand, signaling for a server¡¯s attention.


    ¡°I have money¡­¡± Rivi scowled, glancing between the other two. His ears slowly went back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, just for my own clarification¡­¡± He swallowed, licking his muzzle. ¡°Are you two angry, now? Did I say the wrong thing, Argos?¡± Rivi shifted in his seat, squirming as if suddenly unable to get comfortable. ¡°I was attempting to be complimentary to your good nature.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fine, Spots. This is just how we are.¡± Argos took another sip, grimacing at the overpowering flavor of sugared ginger. At least the second sip wasn¡¯t as harsh as the first. He set the glass down. ¡°And I appreciate the thought, just¡­¡± He waved his hand. ¡°Maybe next time, don¡¯t start out by telling my partner I¡¯m secretly a big softie.¡±


    Rivi rubbed his muzzle. ¡°Why not? Oh, is it because¡­¡± He lowered his voice to a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s not considered a beneficial quality among the secret police?¡±


    ¡°No, Rivi.¡± Argos twisted the glass back and forth on the table. ¡°It¡¯s because Iosa and I are always looking for new knives to shank each other with.¡± He tapped a finger against the glassware stem. ¡°Metaphorically speaking.¡±


    Iosa picked up a steak knife from atop a folded napkin, staring at. ¡°Mostly metaphorically.¡± Then the vixen blinked, setting her knife back down and turning to Rivi. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, did you say secret police?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Rivi nodded a few times, his voice still hushed. ¡°But don¡¯t, I won¡¯t tell anyone your secret.¡± He put a hand to his muzzle, trying to fight back a fresh round of chirruping, feline giggles. ¡°Your¡­secret police¡­secret!¡±


    Argos stared at him, an amused grin creeping across the coyote¡¯s muzzle. ¡°This is you sober, huh?¡±


    Rivi kept going, his giggles getting louder. ¡°The secret¡­of the secret policeman¡¯s¡­secret!¡± Then his ears perked up. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s like the alliterative titles of Shadow Justice episodes!¡± Rivi lowered his voice into something deeper, like brassy voiced radio announcer, compressed down into a raspy murmur. ¡°The Socially Sobering, Society Scarring Secret of the Secretive Policeman¡¯s Secretive Secret!¡±


    Iosa stared at Rivi the same way before turning her eyes to Argos. ¡°You know, Argos, if you and your new friend were going to smoke something special together, you could have invited me.¡±


    Argos chuckled, taking another drink of Iosa¡¯s ginger-bomb. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure Rivi¡¯s never smoked anything in his life. Though, I¡¯m kinda wishing we had, right now. I think he¡¯s having more fun than we are.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Rivi kept giggling. He shook his head, trying to wave the two of them off, as if embarrassed by their stares. ¡°I¡¯m just¡­¡± He sighed as his cackling mirth finally wound down. ¡°I¡¯m very tired.¡±


    ¡°I know, Spots.¡± Argos reached over to pat Rivi¡¯s arm. ¡°I know. Let¡¯s get some food, and then you can get to bed.¡±


    Rivi smiled, opening up the drinks booklet to peruse it. ¡°That sounds nice.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you really are babysitting him, aren¡¯t you?¡± Iosa leaned back, folding her arms. ¡°I think I see what¡¯s going on here.¡±


    Argos groaned, rubbing his head, just beneath an ear. ¡°Iosa, please don¡¯t start.¡±


    The vixen smiled, leaning closer to Rivi. ¡°You¡¯re right about Argos, by the way. He is a big softie. He likes to project menace on the outside, but inside, he¡¯s all kindness and idealism. He just hates it when people point it out.¡±


    ¡°Cause I¡¯ve done way too many bad things, to ever be anything other than a bad person.¡± Argos rested his arm over the back of his chair, looking away. ¡°Besides, I got a reputation, for shit¡¯s sake. I¡¯m a fuckin¡¯ Orphan.¡±


    Rivi lifted his head from the menu, his brows knitted, ears back. ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re a bad person, Argos. And whatever unpleasantness the secret police have forced you to engage in, the divines will always offer forgiveness, if you express genuine remorse for your actions.¡± Rivi glanced between the two of them. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t inject my beliefs. But¡­¡± He reached out, gently brushing his hand across Argos¡¯s arm. ¡°And I feel I must tell you, that your parentage or lack thereof has no bearing whatsoever on the character of your heart.¡±


    A grin crept across Argos¡¯s muzzle. The cat¡¯s attempts at comfort were genuinely touching, if misplaced. ¡°Thanks, Spots. I appreciate the thought, at least. Not that kinda orphan, though. I mean, technically, I¡¯m that kind of orphan, too, but¡­¡± He trialed off, looking up at Iosa.


    The vixen held her hands up. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me. You already said it.¡±


    Argos grimaced, turning his attention back to Rivi. ¡°Orphan, in this case, is kind of like a name. Think of it as the unit that Iosa and I belong to.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± Rivi sucked in a breath. ¡°You mean your¡­¡± He lowered his voice again. ¡°Secret police unit?¡±


    Iosa signaled for a server again. ¡°What did you tell him we do?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell him nothing.¡± Argos twisted around, looking for the server Iosa was trying to attract. He cleared his throat, and then gave a single, loud, howl. The sound echoed around the restaurant, louder even than all the many, rumbling voices. People pinned ears back, or clapped hands across them. Others turned to stare at their table. When the server looked as well, Argos waved him over. ¡°And that¡¯s how you do it.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s how you make a server angry.¡± Iosa rolled her eyes. ¡°And end up with someone spitting in your food.¡±


    ¡°I was tired of waiting.¡± Argos turned back to the others. ¡°Besides, he ain¡¯t gonna be so irritable when I slip him a big tip to go with our drink orders.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better.¡± Iosa clenched her jaw, her head tilted. ¡°And if you didn¡¯t tell the cat anything, then why does he think¡­¡± She glanced over at Rivi. ¡°What he clearly thinks?¡±


    Rivi tapped the side of his muzzle with a single finger, then winked.


    Argos did his best to ignore the feline. ¡°I had to flash my badge to scare off that wolf. He¡¯s just kind put his own little narrative together in his head.¡±


    ¡°It certainly put a scare into that malevolent miscreant,¡± Rivi said. Then he wrinkled up his nose. ¡°Come to think of it though, didn¡¯t he refer to you as a ghost?¡±


    Argos scratched one of his ears. ¡°Ghost is kinda like the broader division. Orphan is a unit of that division. Make sense?¡±


    ¡°I suppose so.¡± Rivi leaned back in his chair, his tail swishing through the opening behind him. ¡°I probably shouldn¡¯t be asking these questions, should I?¡±


    ¡°Those terms aren¡¯t always widely known, but they¡¯re not exactly state secrets,¡± Iosa said. ¡°Though, you probably don¡¯t want to ask too many more questions, about what we do.¡±


    Before anyone else could reply, the server approached. He was a tired looking human, with short, slightly graying hair, and a crisply pressed uniform. The server set printed menus down in front of Argos, and Rivi. ¡°Good evening, Sirs. I do apologize for the wait.¡± A hint of irritation crept into his voice. ¡°As you can see, we¡¯re quite busy this evening.¡± He retrieved a writing pad from a pocket, along with a pen. ¡°May I take your drink orders while you peruse the dinner options? Please note, the hare is no longer available.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have a Black Mountain.¡± Argos offered the waiter his most charming, human-approved smile. Just a few teeth, and his ears perked in friendly display. ¡°The lady, I assume, will have another one of these.¡± He tapped the glass he¡¯d stolen from Iosa.


    ¡°You assume correctly.¡± She gave the human a very similar smile. ¡°I do apologize for my embarrassingly uncouth friend, here. It¡¯s his first time out in public.¡±


    Argos dug his billfold out. ¡°I also apologize for the noise.¡± He retrieved an especially large note, folded it twice, and discretely passed it up to the server. ¡°And so does my friend here.¡±


    The server tucked it away, his smile swiftly turning genuinely. ¡°Think nothing of it, Sir.¡± He turned towards Rivi. ¡°For the other gentlemen?¡±


    Rivi lifted the menu, pointing to an item on it. ¡°This Crystal River lager. It¡¯s not too effervescent, is it? I¡¯ve not eaten all day, and too much effervescence can wreak havoc on my empty stomach.¡±


    ¡°No, sir. It¡¯s not especially heavily carbonated.¡± The server waved his pen. ¡°Further more, it¡¯s brewed locally here in Tavosa. Given the current circumstances unfolding, it might be your last time to try it.¡±


    The cheetah looked down at the menu again. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s true. Very well, I¡¯ll have one of those, please.¡±


    ¡°Certainly, sir.¡± The server wrote down the order, and then backed away, smiling. ¡°I¡¯ll return momentarily with your drinks, and take your food orders then.¡±


    Argos picked up the menu, scanning it. Unlike the leatherbound drinks list, it was block printed in black lettering on a single, thick sheet of paper. A few little stains and fingerprints spoke of heavy use already. The offerings were divided into three sections, for first class and VIP passengers at the top, another for steerage passengers at the bottom, and everyone else in the middle. Each section had several options for courses, along with prices listed for those without meal vouchers.


    The first class section listed three possible entrees, including a roasted hare with red wine sauce, baked whitefish with a lemon cream sauce, and a dish of sliced duck with cranberries and orange. In addition, each course was presented with its own set of accompaniments and side dishes, plus a soup, and a dessert. The listing of hare had been lazily scratched out with a pencil. Further down the menu, lower tier offerings were the same way, but with simpler dishes like meat loafs and mashed potatoes, or a chopped meat sandwich.


    ¡°Do you suppose they¡¯re actually out of hare, or just saving a few of them?¡± Argos licked his muzzle. ¡°Cause I ain¡¯t had hare in ages.¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t hurt to ask.¡± Iosa gazed at the menu. ¡°That¡¯s what I had, while I was waiting for you to show up. It was excellent. I think the waiter said they saut¨¦ed the heart and liver with red wine, shallots, and garlic, for the sauce.¡± The vixen gave a happy sigh. ¡°I¡¯m getting hungry again just thinking about it.¡±


    Rivi studied the menu, speaking without looking up. ¡°Do you ever find it odd, that we eat hares?¡±


    Argos glanced over at him. ¡°Can¡¯t say as I find it odd to eat any animal. Why?¡±


    The cheetah looked up, his head quizzically tilted. ¡°It¡¯s just that some animals bare a more striking resemblance to certain peoples than others. For example, if you were seated at a table with a rabbit, and you ordered hare, do you think they¡¯d take offense?¡±


    The coyote gave a little bark of laughter. ¡°Don¡¯t know, don¡¯t care. They ain¡¯t the only thing that looks like something else, after all. I¡¯ve eaten snake, and lizard. You think the kobolds get offended? They both got scales.¡±


    Rivi flicked his ears back. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s a good point. But then again, it wasn¡¯t as if our two peoples were terrorizing the kobolds, in the barbaric eras. We didn¡¯t even know of kobolds, before the fractures. I should imagine it¡¯s different for the rabbits, and antelope, and the like.¡±


    The coyote finished off Iosa¡¯s drink. ¡°Maybe. Can¡¯t say as I ever really think about it. The way I see it, it don¡¯t really matter what an animal looks like. As long as it don¡¯t think and speak like we do, it ain¡¯t people. And if ain¡¯t people, we can eat it.¡±


    ¡°I imagine that¡¯s how most of the world looks at it.¡± Rivi looked at the menu again, only to lift his eyes a moment later. ¡°What about birds, though? They tweet and talk and communicate, don¡¯t they? For that matter, animals can bark and howl and chatter and communicate together, in their own way. And we can make some of those noises. Doesn¡¯t that make it harder to draw the line?¡±


    Iosa reached over and pointed to Rivi¡¯s menu. ¡°If you just want the salad, that¡¯s fine. No one¡¯s going to care. They even have a legume soup.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Rivi gave her a confused look, before recognition dawned upon him. ¡°Oh, no, no. I¡¯m going to have the duck. I¡¯m just making conversation.¡± He folded his hands in his lap. ¡°Or at least, trying to. I have a tendency to say the wrong things to the wrong people, though.¡±


    ¡°Spots here is a scholar.¡± Argos waved at him. ¡°Got a head full of all the world¡¯s knowledge, and not near enough people to share it with. I figure, asking those scholarly sorts of questions is just what he does to pass the time.¡±


    ¡°Something like that.¡± Rivi glanced between the two of them. ¡°I can just be quiet, if you prefer. I know you two probably have things to discuss.¡±


    Iosa clicked her teeth, shaking her head. ¡°Nonsense, Rivi. You¡¯re already far more interesting than the scruffy old bore sitting across from me.¡± She held a finger up. ¡°Hold that thought, though, our server is returning.¡±


    The human carried a tray with three drinks upon it, along with a pitcher of water and a trio of glasses. He set the tray upon the table, then placed the pitcher of water at the table¡¯s center, and passed out the glasses, and the drinks. Argos¡¯s whiskey cocktail was served in a short, square glass with an equally square ice cube, while Iosa¡¯s ginger-flavored concoction came in a taller, curvy vessel. Rivi¡¯s lager was presented in a large, glass mug with a handle. All three pieces of glassware were engraved with the familiar three-star logo of Black Star Intercontinental. The server placed the empty glass back on the try, and then retrieved his writing pad and pen.


    ¡°Are you ready to place your food orders?¡± The human smiled, his expression warmer than before, as if Argos¡¯s generous donation had improved his whole day. ¡°Or would you like a few more minutes to decide?¡±


    ¡°Question, actually.¡± Argos pointed to the hare listing. ¡°Is the hare actually off the menu, or is it possible the chef might be able to find one, should say, a few more bank notes fall out of my wallet and into his hands? Along with another that might end up in yours.¡±


    The server chuckled, glancing around. He lowered his voice. ¡°We¡¯re out of hares, but we do have enough sauce left for a few more servings. And I believe Common Hall Two still has a few hares left, should someone from the kitchen be inclined to run across the ship and purloin one.¡±


    Argos smiled, his ears up. He quickly retrieved a few more valuable bills, and passed them to the server. ¡°See that they¡¯re so inclined.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The server stashed the money away, then turned to Iosa. ¡°Would the lady care to place any additional orders?¡±


    Iosa glanced at the menu, twisting up her muzzle in thought. ¡°I¡¯m still full, but I suspect the more alcohol I consume while they¡¯re eating, the more I¡¯m going to want something else. Could you bring me one those meat and cheese plates I saw? And some fried potatoes.¡± She gestured at Rivi. ¡°But just bring them with his order, I don¡¯t need them yet. The other two will help me, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Very good, ma¡¯am.¡± The waiter turned his attention to the cheetah next. ¡°And for the feline gentlemen?¡±


    ¡°The duck, please.¡± Rivi skimmed the menu again. ¡°Are the courses all inclusive, or can we swap items around?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re the chefs recommended pairings, however¡­¡± The server wrote down Rivi¡¯s order. ¡°You¡¯re welcome to order as you like. However, I should note that due to the current circumstances, all the courses save for dessert are being served together, for expediency¡¯s sake.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. Dessert is actually what I¡¯d like to change. I should rather the blueberry cr¨¨me brulee, than the vanilla trifle, please.¡± Rivi set his menu on the waiter¡¯s tray. ¡°The soup and everything else are fine.¡±


    ¡°Certainly, sir.¡± The waiter made the change, and then scooped up the tray. ¡°Will the two gentlemen be paying separately? If you have meal vouchers, I¡¯ll need your room numbers for confirmation.¡±


    ¡°Just put everything on my tab,¡± Iosa said, passing the waiter the menu.


    Argos handed up his menu, too. ¡°And bring their food as soon as it¡¯s ready. I know mine¡¯s gonna take longer, so no need to keep them waiting.¡±


    ¡°Very good, sir.¡± The waiter took a step back, his smile ever present. ¡°Please let me know if there¡¯s anything else I can do for you in the meantime.¡±


    As the server walked off, Argos turned towards the cheetah. ¡°Well, Cat, I know it¡¯s been a long fuckin¡¯ day for you. And a difficult one, too.¡±


    Rivi fidgeted with his tableware. ¡°In more ways than one, yes. And I must thank you again, for your kindness.¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t nothin¡¯, but you¡¯re welcome just the same.¡± Argos picked up his glass. ¡°So, here¡¯s to finally-¡±


    ¡°Are you ever going to tell me why you¡¯ve invited Rivi into your room?¡± Iosa sipped her drink, grinning smugly at the coyote.


    Argos grunted, setting his glass back down. ¡°Did you wait until I was about to make a toast, on purpose?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Iosa took another drink. ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s actually quite a long story,¡± Rivi said. ¡°You see, a little over a month ago-¡±


    ¡°Spots.¡± Argos held his hand up. ¡°Lemme give her the short version for now, if you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Rivi blinked, tracing his finger along his beer mug¡¯s handle. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s probably for the best.¡±


    ¡°You can always correct me if I get anything wrong.¡± The coyote turned his attention back to Iosa. ¡°Rivi here is a religious scholar, on a pilgrimage. He hired a guide, only for the piece of shit to abandon him when things went bad everywhere. Poor Rivi¡¯s struggling to travel on his own the last month, or so. Was supposed to be traveling on The Bridgehead, but missed his voyage. Only place they could fit him on this one was steerage. Which, I think you¡¯ll agree¡­¡± Argos trailed off, gesturing at Rivi.


    Iosa scrunched her muzzle. ¡°Would eat him alive. Yes, I see why you¡¯ve taken in another stray.¡± She glanced at Rivi, offering him a smile. ¡°No offense, cheetah.¡±


    Rivi gave a slightly frustrated sigh. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that a lot, today. But I know you¡¯re both right. I¡¯m not exactly¡­¡± He scowled, ears back. ¡°Worldly.¡±


    ¡°No, you ain¡¯t, Spots,¡± Argos said, smiling. ¡°No, you ain¡¯t. But by the end of this voyage, maybe you will be. You got me lookin¡¯ after you now, and I got a hell of a lot to teach you. With any luck, the worst of it¡¯s all behind you, now. So¡­¡± Argos picked up his glass, glancing at Iosa to make sure she wasn¡¯t planning to interrupt him again. ¡°Here¡¯s to finally being able to relax.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes!¡± Rivi lifted his mug. ¡°To relaxing. And¡­¡± He licked his muzzle. ¡°And for the first time in far too long¡­¡± A shy smile brightened his face. ¡°To feeling welcome.¡±

 Chapter Ten

    *****


    Chapter Ten


    *****


    Argos sipped his drink at the completion of their toast. The coyote gave a happy little groan. A hint of sugary sweetness and tart cherry juice balanced out the stronger oak and vanilla notes of the base whiskey. ¡°Damn, that¡¯s good.¡± He took another sit, and set the glass down. ¡°How about you, Spots? How¡¯s your beer?¡±


    Rivi tasted his beer, and gave a happy mewing noise. ¡°Quite good, thank you!¡± The cheetah took a longer drink, and then wiped his muzzle with his napkin. ¡°I do enjoy a nice, refreshing lager.¡± He glanced around. ¡°I do hope my comments about hares and rabbits didn¡¯t put anyone off their meals.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t bother me none,¡± Argos said. ¡°You ain¡¯t wrong, after all. They do bare a resemblance.¡± He gestured with his glass. ¡°But eating a food animal, with a faint resemblance to a people, don¡¯t equate to eatin¡¯ said people.¡± The coyote took another sip. ¡°Now, whether the rabbits themselves feel ill at ease around someone partaking of a hare dinner, that I can¡¯t say. I imagine it depends on the individual rabbit.¡±


    ¡°Most likely.¡± Rivi traced a finger along the handle of his glass mug. ¡°It¡¯s just one of those weird things I think about. If they ever feel as though we¡¯re feasting on their kin, or something.¡±


    Argos shook his head. ¡°They ain¡¯t no more kin to hares, than Iosa and I are kin to those hounds, the humans train. I wouldn¡¯t think it would bother them none, but then again¡­¡± He sipped his drink, and set his glass down. ¡°I ain¡¯t no rabbit, so I can¡¯t say as to speak for ¡®em, either. I can tell you, if I saw a human eatin¡¯ one of their hounds, I wouldn¡¯t feel no kinship with the animal, just cause our heads and muzzles may vaguely look alike.¡± Argos held up a finger. ¡°I would, however, have all sorta ugly feelings about someone eating their pet, but that¡¯s a different topic of discussion entirely.¡±


    Iosa leaned towards the feline. ¡°Argos has strong feelings about taking care of strays. Which might explain you.¡±


    ¡°Hilarious, Iosa.¡± The coyote leaned back, folding his arms. ¡°Hilarious.¡±


    Rivi smiled, then picked up his mug. ¡°I posit it might be different, though.¡±


    Argos canted his head, watching the feline. ¡°Different how, exactly?¡±


    Rivi took another drink before setting the mug back down. ¡°You¡¯re making the comparison to hounds humans train, right? While I¡¯m comparing rabbits, to hares.¡± He leaned forward, steepling his fingers. ¡°The difference is, hounds are hunters, correct?¡±


    Argos nodded. ¡°Correct.¡±


    ¡°Your people are also hunters, as are Iosa¡¯s.¡± Rivi waved at the gray fox. ¡°Historically, of course. The rabbits, meanwhile, were gatherers, farmers. They foraged and grew their own food, whilst your two peoples hunted all their food.¡± Rivi put a hand to his chest. ¡°As did mine. Again, historically speaking. But the rabbits were not, and have never been, hunters.¡± Rivi made a face his muzzle twisting up. ¡°On the contrary, they were hunted.¡±


    The coyote grimaced. ¡°Yeah, I see where you¡¯re going with this, Spots.¡±


    ¡°I would simply theorize that due to the terrible way their people were treated, during the Age of Barbarism, that even now rabbits might view a coyote, feasting upon a hare, in a vastly differently light than the coyote himself does.¡± Rivi smiled, looking between the two of them. ¡°That¡¯s all.¡± The cheetah¡¯s smile faltered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I hope that doesn¡¯t come across as insulting. Or offensive. Or-¡±


    ¡°It don¡¯t, Spots.¡± Argos held a hand up, afraid the cheetah would dig himself into fresh hole of self-doubt, if he didn¡¯t step in. ¡°It¡¯s a well-reasoned theory, actually. Kinda makes me wish I¡¯d ordered something else.¡± Argos pivoted in his chair, glancing around for anyone nearby who might take offense to his dinner order. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m in the clear, at least.¡±


    Rivi giggled to himself. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to put you off your food. These are just the strange thoughts that wander through my head, sometimes. When I see hare served, sometimes I cannot help but wonder. After all, they¡¯re one of the few food animals that bares a striking resemblance to a people who were once themselves¡­¡± He trailed off, his ears drooping. ¡°Well, you know.¡±


    ¡°Food.¡± Iosa cooly sipped her cocktail. ¡°You can say it, Rivi. All three of our peoples¡¯ once saw the rabbits and their ilk as food. None of us are proud of it, but no one in their right mind is.¡± She flicked an ear back. ¡°What was it you called that time period?¡±


    ¡°The Age of Barbarism.¡± Rivi flourished a spotted hand. ¡°There are several known such eras in my people¡¯s history, but the Age of Barbarism is what we call the worst such period in our history.¡± He flattened his ears. ¡°Pre-history, really. When our continent was ruled by tribes of hunters, at war with one another. Fighting other felines, hunting down the¡­¡± He trailed off, disgust watching across his face. ¡°I don¡¯t even want to use that word.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Spots.¡± Argos reached over to pat the cat¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We all know what predators hunt.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Rivi gave Argos a thankful smile, but revulsion edged his voice. ¡°I hate it when people still use that word to describe them. It tells me an awful lot about who those people are, deep inside.¡± The cheetah made an odd noise, a frustrated, growling sort of mewl. ¡°Anyway, we call most of that period now, the Age of Barbarism.¡± He looked between the other two. ¡°You don¡¯t call it that?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t dress it up quite the same.¡± Argos picked up his drink, staring into it. The blue-white electric light above him glittered off the ice cube. The cherry juice stained it ever so slightly red. ¡°Maybe history professors and the like call it something like that. Most of us just call it what it was. The Times of Blood and Fear.¡±


    Rivi swallowed, his ears drooping. ¡°Certainly more poetic than our name for it.¡±


    Argos took a drink, then set his glass back down. ¡°Unfortunately, more accurate, too. When our people did terrible, unspeakable things to theirs, until they learned to do terrible, unspeakable things in return.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I suppose they did.¡± Rivi drank some lager, then wiped his muzzle with the back of a hand. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve certainly put a damper on our evening. My apologies.¡±


    Argos gave a little, and shook his head. ¡°Spots, you gotta stop apologizing for every little thing you do. You ain¡¯t put no damper on nothing. We¡¯re just having a talk. History is just that, history. It¡¯s behind us. You ain¡¯t ruining the mood just by reminding us that the world was a shitty place back then.¡±


    ¡°The coyote¡¯s right.¡± Iosa swirled her drink. ¡°Besides, if you ask me, history is but a series of lessons to learn from. We can only hope that the right lessons were learned. Case in point¡­¡± She gestured between Argos and herself. ¡°Our people learned that rabbits are not to be fucked with.¡±


    Rivi giggled a little bit, smiling. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s my understanding, and please correct me if I¡¯m wrong¡­¡± He adjusted his spectacles. ¡°But on your continent, what you called the Times of Blood and Fear gradually came to an end only because your victims rose up against you.¡± He quickly held up his hands. ¡°Historically speaking.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t gotta add that every time, Rivi.¡± Argos crooked his arm over the back of his chair. ¡°But you¡¯re right. Turned out that just cause you don¡¯t hunt down your food, don¡¯t mean you can¡¯t learn to hunt down your enemies. Pacifism, as an ideal, don¡¯t last long when someone¡¯s trying to eat your family. Those rabbits and the like started arming themselves, and coming after us.¡±


    Iosa rubbed her hand against the table. ¡°A few unlucky generations on both sides really only ever knew blood, and fear. Hence the name. Wasn¡¯t ever really any one, big war or anything. No great armies amassed. Just countless tribes and villages, all trying to use violence, to end violence. Till eventually, the survivors started realizing it wasn¡¯t working.¡±


    ¡°And thus began¡­¡± Rivi waved his hand in the air, as if illustrating a grand banner. He deepened his voice, returning to his radio announcer tone. ¡°The Age of Reconciliation.¡± The cheetah dropped his hand back down. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ve jumped ahead.¡±


    Iosa chuckled, taking a drink. ¡°Think nothing of it. That¡¯s what your people call it, I assume?¡±


    ¡°Correct!¡± Rivi sipped his beer. ¡°That¡¯s the first major historical era to follow the Age of Barbarism. The Age of Reconciliation, when morality finally blossomed across the young world, and it¡¯s dark-hearted peoples.¡±


    Argos curled his lip, his ears back. ¡°Wasn¡¯t morality, Spots. It was survival. It was the realization that you either learn to see your enemy as your friend, or you kill each other to protect your children. And then the burden¡¯s on them. Die as enemies, or live as friends. People started making that choice, so their children didn¡¯t have to. Survival, not morality.¡±


    ¡°I posit,¡± Rivi said, waggling his finger. ¡°That it was morality. You chose to see your ancestral enemies, a people you had only ever known as your¡­¡± He scrunched his face. ¡°And I¡¯m using this word only in the historical sense. Your prey¡­¡± His muzzle twisted further. ¡°And you chose to see them as your friend. Not for yourself, but for your children. That is, and of itself, a kind of morality.¡±


    ¡°And I posit,¡± Iosa said, punctuating her words by gesturing with her glass. ¡°That it was both. We didn¡¯t want to keep wiping each other, but that required negotiations. Truces. And truces¡­¡± She shook her glass. ¡°Required communication. And the more you communicate with your enemy, the more you start to see them as people. Not predators, or prey, or enemies. And then you don¡¯t want to kill them anymore.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s eyes lit up, his ears up. ¡°Yes, exactly! That¡¯s the sort of critical thinking and argumentative analysis we scholars engage in. As I said, we call that era the Age of Reconciliation. It¡¯s the time period in which we felines not only stopped fighting amongst ourselves, but also stopped hunting the other peoples. When morality took hold, and we realized what a grievous sin it is, to consume another thinking person. As that realization grew and spread across our scattered tribes, we began to turn from hunting peoples like the antelope, to trading with them, to forging alliances, and so on. Reconciliation.¡±


    Argos crossed his arms, wondering just how accurately Rivi¡¯s people had taught him their own bloody histories. He wouldn¡¯t have been surprised if the Church had dressed everything up in fancy flowers and ribbons, and convinced him they¡¯d brought religious enlightenment and happiness to all the heathens. Argos also wouldn¡¯t put it past them to conceal the bloodier side of the current regime¡¯s suppressive tactics. But he knew that topic really would put a damper on the mood. Poor Rivi had been through enough today without being questioned about the sort of things his own people probably kept him blindfolded too.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t quite like that for us, I don¡¯t think.¡± Argos took another drink. ¡°Pretty gradual changes, but we got there in the end. Fast forward a bit, though, and those rabbits made for incredible warriors. Back before powder, in the days of swords and spears, rabbit warriors were among the best you¡¯d ever see. Quick, agile, and with enough natural balance for a blade in each hand.¡± He sighed, tilting his head back. ¡°Musta been glorious to fight alongside one. Or just fight one.¡±


    Iosa waved her free hand. ¡°Yes, yes, we¡¯re all well aware you¡¯ve got a thing for Linha.¡± She glanced at Rivi, grinning. ¡°Linha¡¯s a rabbit we work with sometimes. Fancies blades, over guns.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Rivi said. ¡°What exciting lives you must live.¡± He took a drink, staring into his beer. ¡°I haven¡¯t ever really known many rabbits in person. Come to think of it, until I left on my pilgrimage, I hadn¡¯t really known anyone but felines. I¡¯d met other peoples, of course, but only ever briefly.¡±


    ¡°If I may, Spots?¡± Argos gave Rivi a long look, choosing his words carefully. ¡°Your homeland is a very insular place. So I¡¯m not really surprised.¡±


    The cheetah took another drink. ¡°I suppose it is, yes.¡± He set the mug back down. ¡°If I might circle our conversation back around, slightly¡­¡± Rivi wiped his mouth with a napkin. ¡°It¡¯s also my belief that you could draw a line from the Age of Reconciliation, all the way up until the Post Fracture Ages, and the development of Gilded Familiar. It was our collective experiences learning to communicate with one another at the end of the Age of Barbarism, that gave us the wisdom to learn to do so all over again, after the Fractures.¡±


    Argos rubbed his muzzle. ¡°That¡¯s a theory, anyway. But those two periods were so far apart, I ain¡¯t so sure one really influenced the other.¡± He shrugged. ¡°Though, I guess some of them might have said something like, let¡¯s not kill all these newly arrived strangers this time, just cause they don¡¯t speak the same language we do.¡±


    Iosa leaned forward. ¡°But isn¡¯t bloodshed exactly what happened, immediately after the Fractures?¡±


    ¡°Fear begets violence, sadly.¡± Rivi held his hands out. ¡°But thankfully, this it was far shorter lived. In large part because both survival¡­¡± He gestured at Argos. ¡°And morality¡­¡± Rivi indicated Iosa. ¡°Won out once again, when the world as a whole realized that whatever had happened, it was a calamity we were all suffering together. And that we¡¯d be better suited to survive our reborn world if we worked together. Thus, eventually¡­¡± He brought his hands back together.  ¡°The Gilded Familiar Tongue. A commonly familiar language, to facilitate communication with all the newly integrated peoples of the Fractured World. Based upon the experiences of¡­¡± He waved his hand towards Argos. ¡°Hunters, and gatherers coming together, in ages long past.¡±


    Rivi poured himself a glass of water. ¡°It¡¯s only a theory, anyway.¡± He took a drink, then smiled to himself, his ears perked in smug feline display. ¡°A theory around which I wrote a thesis in university. That paper not only attained the highest marks, but was also subsequently published in an acclaimed interpretative historical journal.¡±


    ¡°No shit?¡± Argos helped himself to the water pitcher as well. ¡°Great job, Spots. See? Told you, you know a lot more than I do.¡±


    ¡°Yes, well¡­¡± Rivi made a thrumming noise, something that sounded suspiciously like a self-satisfied purr. He pushed his spectacles further up his muzzle. ¡°I may know a thing or two. Now, I should specify that it wasn¡¯t centered specifically on that theory, but I did propose that if not for the progress made with regards to truces and shared languages between enemies during the Age of Reconciliation, we¡¯d never have collectively come together to ensure our communal survival in the post-Fracture period, let alone see civilizations thriving across the shattered pieces of the Broken World.¡±


    Iosa perked her ears. ¡°Guess he wasn¡¯t kidding about you being a scholar.¡±


    ¡°No, he was not.¡± Rivi drank some more water, and then refilled his glass. ¡°That is my actual profession. In fact, I was most recently named the newest Wandering Scholar! So titled because it means I¡¯m undertaking the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage.¡± Pride glimmered in Rivi¡¯s eyes, and in the open-muzzle breadth of his smile. ¡°It¡¯s a very prestigious position.¡±


    The vixen straightened up, her ears swiveled towards Rivi. All at once, her attention was sharply focused on the feline. ¡°Is it possible I¡¯ve seen you in a publication, somewhere? Argos and I were in your homeland, earlier in the year.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s entirely possible, yes!¡± Rivi gave a happy little mew. ¡°So, you¡¯ve actually heard of the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage?¡±


    ¡°I have, yes.¡± She waved her hand, as if dismissing any implied importance to her knowledge. ¡°Probably just about it while we were in Church lands.¡±


    Rivi nodded, smiling. ¡°That could be. After all, most people outside my homeland don¡¯t seem to know about it. I keep trying to explain what I¡¯m doing, and only getting blank stares in return. But, back home, I suppose I¡¯m at least mildly famous¡­¡± He glanced back at Argos. ¡°In fact, I was actually recognized by another feline here on the ship, wasn¡¯t I Argos?¡±


    ¡°Sure were, Spots.¡± Argos flashed the feline a smile.


    Worrisome thoughts resurfaced in Argos¡¯s head, even as he kept them hidden behind a veil of excitement on Rivi¡¯s behalf. The felines from Rivi¡¯s homeland recognizing him was one thing. Iosa seemingly doing the same was something else entirely. It was rare for her to suddenly show so much interest in anyone or anything without proper reason. And all too often, trouble followed whatever that reason was.


    The cheetah was clearly proud of his academic fame, and Argos did not wish to dampen his sudden good mood. Rivi had every right to be proud of being recognized by that panther. But if Iosa had also seen his picture, it was possible the cat might be more famous than he¡¯d let on, even after meeting the other felines. Then again, it was just as likely that Rivi¡¯s potential fame had flown right over his own head. And their earlier talk about Rivi¡¯s potential notoriety had quickly been derailed in favor of a less comfortable subject they discussed in the closet. Argos knew he needed to revisit that talk with Rivi, when the circumstances allowed.


    If nothing else, the way that lion had been grasping for recognition still didn¡¯t sit right with the coyote. It might have been nothing. Maybe the lion had just seen Rivi¡¯s picture in the paper. Or maybe he¡¯d grown up in Rivi¡¯s neighborhood. Maybe he used to bully the poor cheetah in school. Or maybe it was something worse. Maybe Rivi¡¯s family owned him money. Argos swallowed back a frustrated growl. It might be something worse, too. Depending on well connected Rivi¡¯s family really was to the higher ups of the Church hierarchy¡­ Rivi might make a hell of a hostage for one of their enemies. Or even just someone hoping to score an immense ransom.


    Argos slammed the rest of his cocktail, then thumped the glass down. There were just too many damn unknowns. It was entirely possible that there was nothing nefarious at all afoot. Hell, for all Argos knew, the lion might have just been wondering what a cute cheetah like Rivi was doing with a scruffy coyote like Argos. He snorted. Somehow, Argos doubted it was that simple. But he also knew that now was not the best time to run down each and every possibility in his head.


    ¡°I do believe our food is coming!¡± Excitement bubbled in Rivi¡¯s voice. He moved his silverware and drinks aside to make room.


    Rivi¡¯s excited reaction pushed aside most of Argos¡¯s sudden uncertainty. Argos looked over his shoulder to see their server approaching with a tray covered in heavily laden plates of food. He did not want to dampen Rivi¡¯s happiness over finally getting to fill his belly. Instead, Argos resolved to talk to Iosa about the cat in private, when circumstances allowed.


    The server quickly set plates out in front of Rivi and Iosa. Rivi¡¯s duck was presented as two whole sliced breasts, roasted until the skin was golden and crisp, while the fat beneath melted and succulent, and the meat still slightly pink. An orange-hued sauce was ladled all around it, with a curl of artfully sliced orange peel on either side of the plate. It was served alongside potatoes roasted in the duck¡¯s fat, peas with mint, brown bread with butter, and small bowl of spicy legume soup. Iosa was presented a much larger portion of sliced and roasted potatoes, seasoned with salt, pepper, and then lightly spiced. Finally, a wooden platter laden with hunks and spreads of cheeses, curled up slices of cured meats, dried fruits, honeys and mustards was added to the table. Pieces of toasted bread ringed the rest of it.


    Iosa stared at the food she¡¯d ordered, her ears back. ¡°I have made a serious mistake.¡± The vixen glanced up at Argos. ¡°You¡¯d better help me with this. You too, cat.¡±


    ¡°Anything unfinished can easily be boxed up and taken to your room, as well.¡± The server smiled, then looked down at the coyote. ¡°Yours will be out shortly, Sir. The hare is already in the kitchen and being prepared. Would anyone like another drink?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please.¡± Argos passed the water his empty cup.


    Iosa finished hers off, then handed up her glass as well. ¡°I¡¯ll have another, too.¡±


    Rivi stared at his beer mug, still two thirds full. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m not quite the experienced drinker my companions are.¡±


    Argos chuckled. ¡°Ain¡¯t no need to keep up with us, Spots. In fact, please don¡¯t. You don¡¯t wanna make yourself sick.¡±


    The server smiled, placing the glasses on his tray. ¡°I¡¯ll be back shortly with those drinks, then. Enjoy.¡±


    Rivi picked up his utensils as soon as the water turned away, then paused. ¡°Do you want us to wait for you, Argos? I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Hell, no.¡± Argos plucked a slice of cured pork off the tray. ¡°I ate lunch, Spots. You ain¡¯t eaten since¡­¡± He popped the morsel into his mouth, happily murmuring at the rich, slightly spicy flavor. ¡°Hell, did you even have breakfast?¡±


    ¡°A very small, and very quickly consumed pastry, at my hotel.¡± Rivi cut a piece of duck in half, then dragged it through the sauce. ¡°Long before the sun had even risen.¡± He stared at his duck, whispered a prayer in the old feline tongue, and ate it. Rivi gave a long, low groan as he chewed it. ¡°Oh, Divines¡­¡± The cheetah¡¯s eyes rolled, and he sagged back against his chair after swallowing. ¡°That¡¯s so good.¡±


    Iosa laughed as she helped herself to roasted potato. ¡°I think he¡¯s going to melt.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure they got a bucket we can scoop him into, later.¡± Argos went for a slice of cheese next, savoring sharp, slightly nutty flavor. ¡°This shit¡¯s pretty good.¡± An angry hunger pang rumbled through his stomach. ¡°I shoulda ordered one of these for myself and just destroyed the thing. Lunch or not, I don¡¯t think my belly¡¯s in the mood for food foreplay.¡±


    Rivi giggled, his whole face twisted up. ¡°You say the most colorfully inappropriate things, Argos.¡± He ate another piece of duck, and gave a happy whimper.


    ¡°This is him being behaved.¡± Iosa pushed the plate of roasted potatoes closer to the coyote. ¡°Have some of these, Argos. They¡¯re little more filling.¡±


    Argos picked up a potato with his fingers, then used a knife to spread one of the soft cheeses across it. ¡°You know, Spots, as much as you¡¯re into manners and formalities and shit, I¡¯m surprised you went straight for the duck.¡± He stuck it into his muzzle, speaking around his food. ¡°Soup¡¯s the first course.¡±


    ¡°Ordinarily you¡¯d be right,¡± Rivi said, slicing up another piece of duck. ¡°But I¡¯m far too hungry to start with legume soup, no matter how delicious it may be. Don¡¯t you know?¡± He grinned at the coyote, waggling a piece of meat at him. ¡°Cheetahs are voracious carnivores! Or at least, we¡¯re descended from them, as previously discussed.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re a real badass hunter type, Rivi.¡± Argos returned his smile, trying a different kind of preserved meat. ¡°Actually, that¡¯s made me curious. You mind if I ask you a religious type question?¡±


    Rivi shook his head, scooping up some peas. ¡°Not at all. I know our beliefs are not exactly widespread beyond our borders, outside some of our colony states. And I never want to be preachy to anyone, but I¡¯m certainly happy to talk about the Church of the Divine Weavers, and what we believe in.¡±


    Argos gave a casual shrug, making a little sandwich with some toasted bread, a few slices of meats, and some cheese. ¡°This ain¡¯t a real deep question, or nothing. It¡¯s just that I always kinda thought your Church believes that all the original peoples of our world were created by your divines.¡± He took a bite, chewing it thoughtfully. ¡°As we are now, I mean. But you mentioned being descended from hunters. Which¡­¡± He ate the second half of his little sandwich. ¡°Potentially implies a belief in something else. The gradual change, I mean. Or am I just readin¡¯ too much into it?¡±


    ¡°Oh, lord.¡± Iosa put her head in her hands, sighing. ¡°The alcohol¡¯s making him get all deep and thoughtful. I think we need to cut him off before he becomes obnoxious.¡±


    ¡°On the contrary,¡± Rivi said. ¡°It¡¯s quite refreshing.¡± He picked up the soup spoon, brandishing it like a pointer. ¡°Do you want a real answer, Argos, or a basic summation?¡±


    Argos scratched one of his ears, then flicked it. ¡°Real answer. Not like we¡¯re doing anything else, right?¡±


    Rivi waggled the spoon again. ¡°Very well! So, to begin, The Church of the Divine Weavers do believe that the divine entities created everything. From the world and its peoples, to the star-strewn cosmos and all that inhabits it.¡± He ate a spoonful of soup, and gave another happy little purr. ¡°Oh, this is quite good, too. Spicier than I expected.¡± Rivi licked his muzzle. ¡°But delicious.¡± He ate another spoonful, then gave Argos a sheepish smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to interrupt my own story. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m quite hungry.¡±


    The coyote only laughed, snacking on a few more of Iosa¡¯s potatoes. ¡°It¡¯s fine, Spots. Talk at your own pace.¡±


    The cheetah ate a few more bites of soup, then paused to drink half a glass of water. He wiped his muzzle with his napkin. ¡°As a whole, The Church believes and teaches that the divines created multiple strata of life. We occupy the topmost strata.¡± He gestured at Argos and Iosa. ¡°All the world¡¯s peoples. Those who think, and speak.¡± He waggled his knife, then resumed slicing up his duck. ¡°Language, true language, is generally considered the dividing point. The next strata down are the major animals. Mammals, reptiles, and so on. It continues onwards from there, down to your insects, your plant life, and on and on.¡± He chewed on a piece of duck, sighing through his nose. ¡°It¡¯s believed that each order of life was created to serve and support the next. We serve and support the divines. The major animals serve and support us, whether that be by nourishing us, or plowing our fields, or what have you. The next serves them in turn, and so on. A carefully constructed, thoughtfully balanced network of life.¡±


    Their server swept in, setting fresh drinks down before Argo and Iosa. He smiled at the coyote. ¡°You hare will be here momentarily, sir.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful, thank you.¡± Argos picked up his glass as the server returned to the kitchen.


    ¡°Now, you mentioned the theory of gradual change, yes?¡± Rivi ate a few bites of potatoes before continuing. ¡°Officially, the Church does not believe in it, nor support its teachings. However¡­¡± He shook his utensil. ¡°Unofficially, there are plenty of religious scholars within the confines of the Church who are open to branching beliefs. Case in point, I once read a paper theorizing that if the thinking peoples had gradually descended from animals¡­¡± Rivi jabbed his knife in the air, punctuating his words. ¡°And the author did emphasize the word if, to avoid straying too far from Church doctrine.¡± He put a particularly large piece of duck into his muzzle, his eyes widening. Rivi held up a finger, asking for patience.


    ¡°Bigger than expected,¡± Iosa said, chuckling.


    ¡°That¡¯s what he said.¡± Argos tasted his drink, grinning.


    Iosa giggled. She glanced at Rivi, who only gave the coyote a confused, quizzical look. ¡°I don¡¯t think your friend gets it.¡±


    Argos rubbed his neck, ruffling the thick fur there. ¡°Yeah, that stuff goes over his head. Probably for the best.¡±


    Rivi finally swallowed his food, offering an embarrassed smile. ¡°Sorry about that. I should have been more careful. I don¡¯t usually put anything that big in my muzzle.¡±


    Argos snickered. ¡°Way too easy.¡± He glanced back at the cheetah, speaking up before Rivi could question him. ¡°So you were saying? Something about branching beliefs?¡±


    ¡°Right, yes.¡± Rivi sliced up his remaining duck, carefully proportioning it this time. ¡°This particular scholar posited that our beliefs are not necessarily incompatible with others, including the theory of gradual change. He suggested that if any of the thinking peoples had descended from animals over time, then it was clearly because the divines themselves shepherded such a change. And that they chose to allow our kind to develop so gradually, to ensure that all their layered systems of life were properly functioning together.¡±


    The coyote took another sip. The combination of tart cherry juice and sweet sugar still mixed well with stronger, oak and vanilla flavors of the whiskey. Whoever the bartender was, Argos liked their style. He rattled his glass, considering Rivi¡¯s words. ¡°I ain¡¯t especially religious, and I don¡¯t spend a lotta time thinking about where we all came from. But¡­¡± He took another drink, then set his glass down as the server approached with his food. ¡°That sort of, mixed theory don¡¯t sound totally crazy. I guess I tend to think we probably did just¡­¡± He shrugged. ¡°Evolve, or whatever. But that don¡¯t mean some kinda god didn¡¯t decide to let that happen.¡±


    ¡°The theory of gradual change tends to be more accepted in certain scientific circles, than those of the religious studies.¡± Rivi returned to his soup, eating another mouthful. ¡°In my nation, there was certainly a great deal of pushback against that particular paper, despite the lengths the author went to maintain its theoretical nature. Most of the Church just believes the divines made us as we are, and that¡¯s that. But¡­¡± He tapped his spoon against his bowl. ¡°In company such as yours, I¡¯m not averse to admitting I do believe that gradual change, guided by the divines, is certainly a possibility.¡±


    The server then returned with Argos¡¯s meal. ¡°Your hare, Sir.¡± He offered the coyote a smirk. ¡°If anyone asks, you¡¯d pre-ordered it, and it was simply being held for you.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Argos smiled at the human, his ears perked. ¡°And thank you again.¡±


    ¡°My pleasure, Sir.¡± The server set a few plates down in front of the coyote. ¡°Enjoy.¡±


    Argos licked his muzzle, his belly rumbling again as the server retreated. His roasted hare was presented nearly whole, half-curled around the plate. All the fur was expertly removed, while the remaining skin was browned and slightly crispy. It was stuffed with garlic, celery, onion, and apple, and surrounded with a pool of deep red sauce. A pyramid of glazed carrots sat nearby. The meal was also served with accompanying course of toast points heavily laden with a pate made from the hare¡¯s liver, along with sauteed oyster mushrooms.


    Rivi leaned over, inspecting Argos¡¯s meal. ¡°It really does look like a rabbit, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    Argos flattened back his ears. ¡°That ain¡¯t helping, Spots.¡±


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Iosa whimpered, fixing the coyote with a wide-eyed, pleading look. ¡°Don¡¯t eat poor Linha!¡±


    Rivi returned to his own food, a sheepish grin on his muzzle. ¡°My apologies, Argos. If it helps¡­¡± His smile grew, ever so slightly. ¡°Your friend looks delicious.¡±


    Argos picked up his utensils. ¡°Yeah, yeah, you¡¯re both hilarious¡­¡± He started to cut a hunk of hare meat, then paused. ¡°Wait, Spots, are you teasing me, too?¡±


    The cheetah forked some peas, focusing on his food. ¡°Perhaps a little bit. Was it too much?¡±


    ¡°Hell no!¡± Argos wagged his tail. ¡°I¡¯m proud of ya, cat.¡±


    Argos ate his first bite, and discovered the sauce¡¯s gentle red wine tartness and faint minerally tang of the hare¡¯s heart complimented the richness of its meat exceptionally well. ¡°Oh, yeah. That¡¯s good.¡± He sighed, licking his muzzle. ¡°That¡¯s real good.¡±


    Iosa picked up a slice of cheese, pointing with it. ¡°Tell me, Argos, just how does Linha taste?¡±


    Argos froze just after impaling another piece of hair upon his fork. It hovered halfway to his muzzle. ¡°No comment.¡± He quickly put the food into his mouth.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Rivi giggled, a musical, chirping noise. ¡°I¡¯ve never been partial to such tawdry, innuendo-laden dinner talk before.¡±


    ¡°Well, I hope you¡¯re enjoying yourself,¡± Iosa said, just before devouring her cheese. ¡°Because this is about as tame as we get.¡±


    The cheetah returned to his soup, spooning up the last few mouthfuls. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve never heard of anyone actually dying of embarrassment, so I¡¯m certainly I¡¯ll persevere somehow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, Spots.¡± Argos used his fork to tear meat off the hare¡¯s haunch. ¡°Embrace wallowing in the mud, with the common folk.¡±


    Rivi pushed his soup bowl away. ¡°I rather get the feeling you two are anything but common folk.¡± He glanced at Argos¡¯s plate. ¡°It is fascinating how closely some creatures resemble others. But do you know what I find more fascinating still?¡±


    Argos tried the carrots next. They were roasted still soft, and with a sweet, orange-flavored glaze. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Humans.¡± Rivi took a drink of his beer, his eyes wandering to the servers. Most of them were human. ¡°They¡¯re the only people I can think of who don¡¯t resemble some other creature.¡±


    Argos popped a slice of toast topped with hare¡¯s liver pate into his muzzle. ¡°You mean cause they ain¡¯t got muzzles?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more than that, really.¡± Rivi set his mug back down. ¡°I¡¯d never really met many humans, before my pilgrimage. There aren¡¯t many of them in my homeland. And now that I¡¯ve met a good number of them, something has become ever so clear to me.¡±


    Argos ran a piece of hare back and forth through the sauce. ¡°Which is?¡±


    ¡°Of all the world¡¯s peoples,¡± Rivi said, lowering his voice. ¡°They¡¯re the only ones who look as though they don¡¯t belong.¡± He quickly held up both hands. ¡°And I don¡¯t mean that offensively. Thus far, I¡¯ve found them to be lovely, friendly people. But¡­¡± He slowly lowered his hands, then idly traced a finger up and down the handle of his mug. ¡°There¡¯s nothing else that looks like them. The other speaking peoples of the world often resemble one another. For example, you and Iosa. On the broad sense, coyotes resemble foxes.¡± Rivi put a hand on his chest. ¡°Cheetahs resemble leopards. Other people may resemble an animal, as we¡¯ve discussed. But humans¡­¡± Rivi splayed his ears, his blunt feline snout crinkled up in thought. ¡°Don¡¯t remember anything save other humans. They¡¯re the only people with a near complete lack of fur, and who look as though the divines forgot to sculp their muzzles.¡± He giggled to himself. ¡°They¡¯re like a children¡¯s drawing of a person, come to life.¡± Then the cheetah gasped, clapping a hand to his muzzle. ¡°Oh, my, that sounded terribly offensive. That was not my intent.¡±


    Argos reached out to pat the cheetah¡¯s arm. ¡°It¡¯s fine, Spots. I know what you mean.¡±


    ¡°You know why that is, don¡¯t you Rivi?¡± Iosa scraped a slice of cured pork through some grainy mustard. ¡°Why humans don¡¯t look like anyone else?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Rivi turned to the vixen, his ears perked. ¡°Because the Fractures brought them here, from another world. And now they¡¯re our permanent guests. Along with all the other peoples and creatures who came with them.¡±


    ¡°Guests, huh?¡± Argos glanced at the cheetah, one ear slowly splaying back. ¡°Is that what the Church teaches you?¡±


    Rivi nodded. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. We believe that all the refugee peoples that the Fractures left us with should be treated as our guests.¡±


    Argos grimaced, then rubbed his muzzle. ¡°Don¡¯t that kinda imply that the Church thinks the world belongs to them?¡±


    ¡°Well, no¡­¡± Rivi scowled, looking away. His brows furrowed, and his tail lashed, as if the idea had never before occurred to him. ¡°It just means we should treat them nicely.¡±


    ¡°Which is correct.¡± Argos speared a piece of hare. ¡°But saying that an entire people are your guests has a certain¡­¡± He waved his fork around. ¡°Connotation. Your people might like to think your divines built this world for you, but the world belongs to all of us. Humans included, now. They ain¡¯t our guests, Spots. They¡¯re our neighbors, our equals. They got their own continent, with their own cities, industries¡­¡± Argos popped the food into his mouth, then gestured with his fork in a grand arc. ¡°Hell, look around you, Spots. They built this thing. Humans may as well have brought us modern intercontinental travel. This world¡¯s as much theirs as ours, whether your Church likes it or not.¡±


    Rivi stared down at his hands, his ears drooping. ¡°You¡¯re right, of course. I¡­I didn¡¯t mean to imply I thought any less of them, just because they¡¯re different.¡±


    ¡°I know, Spots.¡± Argos reached over to gently rub Rivi¡¯s upper arm. ¡°And I didn¡¯t mean to sound like I was yelling at you. It¡¯s just¡­¡± He trailed off, flicking back his ears. There was no need to rehash things. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t mean to speak bad of your beliefs, or your Church. I hope you understand what I meant.¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± Rivi looked up again, a little smile returning to his muzzle. ¡°But thank you for your clarification, just the same. ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, the term guest is a loose translation of an old feline term, with a connotation you might consider friendly. It indicates a stranger, that requires your assistance. And when humans, and the other peoples from their plane of existence were first encountered in ours¡­¡± Rivi shrugged, picking his fork back up. ¡°They were absolutely strangers, who needed our assistance. Just as everyone did, after the Fractures.¡±


    ¡°There, see?¡± Argos returned the feline¡¯s smile. ¡°I like that connotation a lot more.¡±


    ¡°Oh, gods.¡± Iosa put her hand in her hands, groaning in mock frustration. ¡°Get a room, you two!¡±


    Rivi gave her a confused look. ¡°We already have a room.¡±


    Iosa burst into yipping, vulpine laughter.


    The cheetah glanced back at Argos. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why that¡¯s funny.¡±


    Argos waved him off. He wasn¡¯t about to explain that joke to Rivi just yet, especially not in public. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Spots.¡±


    The cheetah shrugged, and returned to his meal. ¡°Very well. Anyway, I just found it fascinating that one people in particular looks so wildly different from the rest. Even some of the other peoples who arrived with the humans¡­¡± He circled his fork in the air, a piece of duck impaled upon it. ¡°Gnolls for example, more closely resemble us than the humans.¡± Rivi ate the piece of meat, thoughtfully chewing it. ¡°Kobolds could be considered another exception, but even they look like lizards.¡±


    ¡°You know what I¡¯ve heard, Rivi?¡± Iosa idly swirled her drink. ¡°That long ago, the humans considered gnolls and kobolds to be their enemies, and vice versa. It wasn¡¯t until the Fractures that they started working together. Now, they¡¯re practically inseparable.¡±


    Rivi smiled at her. ¡°I¡¯ve heard the same. Almost like they had their own little Age of Reconciliation.¡±  He finished off the last of peas. ¡°I can only imagine what being stranded together somewhere so unfamiliar, and so seemingly broken, must have done to their collective psyches. They probably decided to stick together because suddenly they were the only familiar thing around. Like Argos indicated earlier, the need for survival makes friends of the staunchest enemies.¡±


    ¡°No shit.¡± Argos popped another hare-pate canape into his muzzle. ¡°I¡¯d start cozying up to my foes too, in their place. They make a hell of a team, though. Companies like Black Star have sure as hell taken the airship and intercontinental travel industries by the throat.¡±


    Rivi finished the last of his food, spearing the final piece of duck with his fork. ¡°Did you know, I¡¯ve read that one of their top engineers is a kobold.¡±


    Argos nodded. ¡°Yeah, I think that¡¯s right. Kobolds got a real mind for engineering, and mechanical shit. Black Star pays extremely well, too. And they got patents popping out their asses.¡±


    Rivi scrunched up his face. ¡°That¡¯s quite the colloquialism.¡± He lifted his fork, staring longingly at the last bite of food. ¡°This meal has been so satisfying, I¡¯m almost averse to finishing it.¡±


    Argos chuckled, pulling more meat from his hare carcass. ¡°Well, you got plenty more meals to come, Spots. Don¡¯t feel too bad.¡±


    ¡°True enough.¡± Rivi ate the last piece, sighing. He pushed his plate away, and then slumped back into his chair. ¡°That was an exceedingly satisfying meal. Made all the more satisfying by good company! I do hope you don¡¯t fatigue of my ramblings, but please let me know if you do.¡± He gestured at Argos. ¡°As I mentioned to him, I can be quite the chatterbox.¡±


    ¡°Can you?¡± Iosa lifted her ears in mock surprise. ¡°I hadn¡¯t noticed.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Rivi said, his tail swishing behind his chair. ¡°Especially on a subject I find particularly interesting, or when I¡¯m feeling unusually comfortable in my surroundings. Which¡­¡± He glanced at Argos, a shy smile gracing his muzzle once more. ¡°Thanks to Argos, I am.¡±


    Argos reached over to pat his shoulder. ¡°Glad to hear it, Spots. On that note, you know that stuff we talked about earlier? Iosa knows all about the special club we¡¯re both in, so it¡¯s okay to talk about it around here, too.¡±


    Rivi blinked, his ears splayed in confusion. ¡°Club? I don¡¯t recall discussing a club. I was in a photography club, when I was younger. And a poetry club¡­¡± He tilted his head. ¡°I don¡¯t think we talked about that, did we?¡±


    The coyote chuckled. ¡°Nevermind, Spots. I¡¯ll explain later, when you¡¯re not dead tired.¡±


    ¡°That would probably be for the best.¡± Rivi took a long drink of beer. ¡°As it is, I fear as my food settles, and the alcohol hits me, it won¡¯t be long before I¡¯m dozing off in my chair.¡±


    ¡°Given how long you¡¯ve been up,¡± Argos said, savoring a bite of hare with plenty of sauce. ¡°I¡¯m impressed you haven¡¯t dropped off already. We¡¯ll get you up to bed, as soon as I¡¯m done eating.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t cut your evening short on my account.¡± Rivi sat up a little straighter, scowling. ¡°I can always order some coffee, or something.¡±


    Argos gestured with his knife. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. After I get you settled, I can always head back out into the ship, and let Iosa drink me under the table.¡±


    The vixen giggled, crossing her arms. ¡°As usual.¡± She turned to the cheetah. ¡°By the way, Rivi. I adore that sweater. Purple and gold is one of my favorite combinations.


    ¡°Oh, thank you.¡± Rivi perked up, holding his arm out for Iosa to inspect the golden-striped, dark-purple sleeve. ¡°They¡¯re some of my favorite colors, as well. I think half my wardrobe might be purple.¡±


    Iosa reached out, and with Rivi¡¯s permission, gently felt the material. ¡°Mine as well! I haven¡¯t seen a sweater like this before, though. It¡¯s quite lovely.¡±


    ¡°I thought so too! It was surprisingly different to find a sweater that wasn¡¯t in a drab color. I also found a nice red one.¡± Rivi looked down at his own clothing. ¡°Did you know that the term ¡®sweater¡¯ was a human contribution to Gilded Familiar?¡±


    Argos smirked to himself as he continued eating. ¡°Can¡¯t say as I did, Spots.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± Rivi tugged the garment in question out a little. ¡°After all, our various peoples don¡¯t really sweat, at least not the way they do. In old feline, we would just call this sort of thing a mid-coat, or a lesser coat. But thanks to Gilded Familiar, we all call them sweaters, now.¡±


    ¡°Well, whatever you call it, it¡¯s beautiful.¡± Iosa settled back in her chair.


    The cheetah offered her a big grin. ¡°Your dress is lovely as well, Iosa.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Rivi.¡± She waved at Argos. ¡°Maybe you can help me get this one to wear brighter colors, more often.¡±


    Rivi turned to look Argos over, his tail twitching through the seat¡¯s opening. ¡°I did tell him I liked his waistcoat.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Iosa slapped the table. ¡°Told you it was a waistcoat.¡±


    Argos gave a deep sigh. ¡°It¡¯s a vest.¡±


    ¡°Technically,¡± Rivi said, reaching out to brush a finger across the front of Argos¡¯s maroon clothing. ¡°These lapels make it a waistcoat.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Argos said. ¡°It¡¯s a waistcoat. I¡¯m wearing a waistcoat.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Iosa grinned at him. ¡°I know.¡± She tilted her head, ears shifting back in thought. ¡°You do look a bit like a seedy saloon bouncer, come to think of it.¡±


    Rivi glanced between the two of them. ¡°Well, I think he looks dashing in it.¡±


    Argos smiled, returning to his meal. ¡°Thanks, Spots.¡±


    ¡°Oh, he does,¡± Iosa said. ¡°He makes a very dashing bouncer.¡±


    Argos snorted, his tail flicking against the opening in the back of his chair. ¡°At least you admit I look good.¡± He ate the last of his carrots, and glanced over at the cheetah. ¡°You got room left for dessert, Spots? You can always take it back to the room.¡±


    Rivi blinked, sitting up straighter. ¡°I¡¯d already forgotten I had dessert coming.¡± The feline perked his ears. ¡°But now I¡¯m excited! I can always squeeze in a bit of cr¨¨me brulee.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡± Argos ate one of his last bites of hare. ¡°I love that stuff. The trifle¡¯s probably good too, though.¡± He chewed his food, gesturing with his knife. ¡°You know, we¡¯re gonna be on this thing long enough, we can definitely visit all the restaurants, if you want. There¡¯s fancier ones than this, if that¡¯s your thing. And there¡¯s all kinds of down and dirty, greasy spoon places on the lower decks, especially third class and steerage.¡±


    The cheetah scrunched his muzzle. ¡°I don¡¯t want to dine in any dirty eateries, with grimy cutlery.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only an expression,¡± Iosa said. ¡°At least, most of the time.¡± She popped a fried potato into her mouth. ¡°While Argos here cleans up well, and had a penchant for expensive alcohol, he also has a fondness for the sort of cheap food you¡¯d find at a street corner stall, in the slums.¡±


    The coyote grunted, finishing off the sauteed mushrooms. ¡°I like food, alright? Doesn¡¯t matter to me if it¡¯s expensive or not, as long as it¡¯s good. And food stalls make some really good stuff.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t disagree with you there.¡± Rivi took a sip of beer. ¡°Though I can¡¯t say I¡¯ve much experiencing dining in the slums.¡± He set his mug back down. ¡°But I have been to a few less than reputable restaurants, frequented by unsavory sorts. And sure enough, they did have excellent food.¡± The cheetah flattened his ears. ¡°Then again, I was warned by my companions at the time not to look in the kitchen, or I might lose my appetite.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how you know it¡¯s gonna be good,¡± Argos said, slicing up the last portions of hare. ¡°It¡¯s like sausage. The less you wanna see how it¡¯s made, the better it¡¯s gonna taste.¡±


    Rivi scratched one of his ears. ¡°If you say so. I do enjoy sausage, after all. When I was younger, my mother used to buy this spicy boar sausage from the local butcher¡¯s shop. It had apples ground into it, along with two varieties of hot peppers, and a little of the boar¡¯s blood and liver.¡± The cheetah licked his muzzle, sighing. ¡°If I wasn¡¯t so full already, just thinking about it would make me hungry.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that quite so literally, but that does sound good.¡± Argos nudged a morsel of hare to the edge of his place. ¡°You wanna try this, Spots? It¡¯s really tasty.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s gaze flicked to the coyote¡¯s plate. ¡°I¡¯d love to, but I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t have any of my meal left to offer you in return.¡±


    Argos pushed the plate towards the cheetah. ¡°Wasn¡¯t looking for a trade.¡±


    The cheetah used his fork to pluck the piece of meat from the plate. ¡°Thank you, then.¡± He popped it into his muzzle, then groaned happily. ¡°Oh, yes, that is exceptional.¡±


    ¡°You can have one of these last two canapes too, if you want.¡± Argos glanced at the vixen across the table. ¡°This is what you ordered, right? You can still have some, if you want.¡±


    Iosa waved him off. ¡°Appreciated, but yes, that¡¯s the meal I ordered. And I¡¯m already far too full to keep picking at these snacks the way I am.¡±


    Rivi helped himself to one of Argos¡¯s hare pate canapes. ¡°Thank you!¡± He bit it in half, then murmured in delight. ¡°Everything is so good.¡± Rivi swallowed it, staring at the other half as if worried it wouldn¡¯t fit in his belly. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I¡¯d want to visit the other eateries. They might not be as good as this one.¡±


    Argos popped the last piece of pate-covered toast into his muzzle. He chewed it slowly, speaking around it. ¡°Then you might miss one that¡¯s even better.¡±


    Rivi scowled. ¡°Yes, I suppose that¡¯s true.¡± He ate the second half, then leaned back in his chair with a long, satisfied sigh. ¡°Just how many restaurants are there on this ship?¡±


    ¡°Not sure off the top of my head.¡± Argos pushed his plates away to make room for his impending dessert. ¡°Quite a few, though. Some of them are run by the ship¡¯s staff, like this one. They also run dining halls that are exclusively for first class, second class, and so on.¡± The coyote sipped his cocktail. ¡°But the ship¡¯s kinda like a big, slow-flying city. It¡¯s got a lot of facilities that are run independently. That includes restaurants, shops, bars, various services, and so on.¡±


    Rivi pushed his spectacles further up his muzzle. ¡°You know, I¡¯d heard that Black Star ships were referred to as cities in the sky, but I suppose I hadn¡¯t realized just how accurate that was.¡±


    ¡°Most people don¡¯t, unless they¡¯ve ridden one.¡± Argos swirled his drink. ¡°The Eclipse class, in particular. That includes the Worldstrider, and the Bridgehead. They¡¯re basically cities run by Black Star Intercontinental, that just so happen to fly. The captain¡¯s like the mayor. Whatever he says, goes. And once you¡¯re outside of any other nation or city¡¯s jurisdiction, Black Star¡¯s ships have their own laws to follow.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Rivi lifted his mug, contemplating how much beer he had left. ¡°I assumed they operated under the laws of whatever country they were registered in.¡±


    Argos shook his head. ¡°Nope. They have, and enforce, their own laws.¡± He sipped his drink again, then set it back down. ¡°Now, most of the time, they¡¯re not far from the laws of their home country, anyway. But it¡¯s worth noting that legally speaking, once we¡¯re out away from land, their rules are binding. They got their own armed police force, as you probably noticed.¡±


    Rivi rubbed the back of his hand, grimacing. ¡°I did, yes. Before I boarded, I said the wrong thing to the kobolds checking luggage. Before I knew it, they thought I had a bomb! Thankfully, when the guards intervened, they were more willing to listen to common sense.¡±


    Iosa straightened up. Her eyes widened, and she pivoted towards Rivi. ¡°Wait, that was you?¡±


    Rivi sank down into his chair, as if trying to shrink into his clothing. ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve heard about that, have you? I suppose I shouldn¡¯t be surprised, given your occupation.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not why I heard about it,¡± Iosa said, a smirk upon her muzzle. ¡°They thought your bomb was in someone else¡¯s bag, right?¡±


    ¡°Well, yes.¡± Rivi wrung his hands. ¡°A gray fox¡¯s bag, actually. I heard he was arrested!¡±


    ¡°He was.¡± Iosa paused for dramatic effect, sipping her drink. ¡°That¡¯s my brother.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s ears shot up. ¡°That was your sibling in line behind me?¡± His face twisted up, and he lowered his voice. ¡°Is he also in the secret police?¡±


    The vixen shook her head. ¡°Nah, he don¡¯t do what we do. And thank the gods, for that. I love my brother, but¡­¡±


    Argos picked up for her when she trailed off. ¡°He¡¯s kind of a dipshit.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Iosa jabbed a rusty-red furred finger in the air. ¡°That.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Rivi said, giggling to himself. ¡°I suppose I did rather get that feeling, from him. He wasn¡¯t especially friendly, either.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a bit gruff.¡± The vixen paired a slice of cured meat with a piece of cheese. ¡°He also has a tendency to think I should use my¡­¡± She ate her food, then made quotes with her fingers. ¡°Connections, as he puts it, to get him out of trouble.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which.¡± Argos leaned forward. ¡°Did you get him out of jail yet?¡±


    Iosa gave a mock gasp. ¡°Oh no! I¡¯ve been so busy keeping the ship safe, I forgot all about him!¡± She slapped the table. ¡°What a shame. Now he¡¯ll be forced to suffer the consequences of his actions.¡± The vixen splayed her ears, grunting. ¡°At least for one night. I¡¯ll make sure he¡¯s actually been released before departure in the morning.¡±


    Rivi rubbed the side of his muzzle. ¡°I do believe I recall hearing the guards saying they¡¯d allow him to board with only a fine.¡± His hand froze. ¡°Wait, did you say morning? I thought we were due to depart this evening.¡±


    ¡°That was before the captain decided to see how many more people he could squeeze on board.¡± Iosa glanced at Argos, grinning. ¡°Oh, by the way, departure¡¯s been delayed until morning.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the heads up.¡± Argos drummed his fingers against his glass. ¡°You know your brother¡¯s gonna think you pulled some strings to spring him out of jail anyway, right?¡±


    ¡°Fine with me.¡± Iosa smeared some soft cheese onto toasted bread. ¡°He can add it to the long list of favors he thinks he owes me.¡± She pointed with her toast. ¡°Here come your desserts.¡±


    The server approached, and soon deposited elegant, scalloped porcelain bowls in front of Argos and Rivi. ¡°Your blueberry cr¨¨me brulees, sirs.¡± He quickly scooped up empty plates onto a tray. ¡°Can I get you anything else?¡±


    ¡°Normally I might consider an after-dinner coffee,¡± Rivi said, smiling at the server. ¡°But I¡¯m quite ready for bed, so that might not be the wisest idea. Thank you, though.¡±


    Argos shook his head when the server turned his attention to the coyote. ¡°Nothing more for me, either. I¡¯m gonna take Mister Sleepy Cat back to his room, so he doesn¡¯t get lost.¡±


    Rivi looked over at him, ears shifting to odd, bemused angles. ¡°I appreciate the effort more than I appreciate being referred to as Mister Sleepy Cat.¡±


    ¡°Trust me,¡± Iosa said, finishing off the soft cheese with another piece of toast. ¡°There are worse things he could call you. Argos loves his silly pet names.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve noticed.¡± Rivi picked up the spoon that came with his dessert. ¡°After he rescued me from that disingenuous wolf, he called me Spots McPanic Attack!¡±


    Argos punched his own spoon through the crystalized sugar crust atop the sweet custard. ¡°You liked the Spots part, right?¡± He scooped up a spoonful of custard. Whole blueberries studded it. ¡°I can stop calling you that, if you don¡¯t like it.¡± He ate his spoonful, resisting the urge to moan in delight. The tartness of the berries cut through the creamy sweetness of the custard perfectly.


    Rivi followed Argos¡¯s lead, cracking through the burnt sugar. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. I do rather like being called Spots, though¡­¡± He stared at his dessert. ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure why. Perhaps it¡¯s just the simple satisfaction of being called an affectionate pet name. Never really had one of those, other than perhaps from my immediate family.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe,¡± Argos said, waving his spoon at the feline. ¡°You just like being called Spots. Not everything has to be explained in detail.¡±


    Rivi only smiled at him. ¡°Of course it does. I¡¯m a scholar, Argos. Explaining things is what I do.¡±


    ¡°Just be glad he doesn¡¯t call you something like¡­¡± Iosa flourished her hand. ¡°Shitsy Stinkass.¡±


    Argos gave a little bark of laughter. ¡°Oh, I remember him. Worst week I ever spent dragging someone across the country.¡±


    The cheetah splayed his ears, scowling. ¡°That was a real person?¡±


    ¡°Iosa and I got sent on this¡­¡± Argos ate a scoop of cr¨¨me brulee, considering how best to explain the story to an unaffiliated feline civilian. ¡°Apprehension mission.¡± He circled his spoon in the air. ¡°Had to capture this bear alive, and bring him back for questioning.¡± Argos scooped up more dessert. ¡°Across some pretty wild terrain, outside civilization. Away from prying eyes, you see. Gonna be a week-long trek, at best. And no sooner is he in custody, then the fucker shits himself!¡±


    ¡°Oh, dear¡­¡± Rivi giggled up a musical, chirping storm. He ate his dessert as he listened, wide-eyed. ¡°Was he in some sort of medical distress?¡±


    ¡°He was in distress, alright,¡± Iosa said. ¡°Argos told him if he tried to fight us, he was gonna break both his elbows. And if he tried to run, then he¡¯d break both his knees. Bear took him so seriously he shat himself and started crying.¡±


    Argos chewed a few blueberries. ¡°This particular individual had escaped a few other attempts at forced extraction before. I just wanted to let him know if he tried that shit with me, he was gonna regret it. I guess he wasn¡¯t much used to anything but being coddled by his daddy¡¯s goons.¡±


    Rivi scraped his spoon around his bowl. ¡°Who was he?¡± He paused, spoon hovering halfway to his muzzle. ¡°I¡¯m not allowed to ask that, am I?¡±


    ¡°You can ask whatever you want,¡± Argos said, eating the last scoop of custard. ¡°But I ain¡¯t allowed to answer. I can randomly drop some keywords, though.¡± He set his spoon down on the bowl. ¡°One of the is ¡®organized¡¯, and the other is ¡®crime¡¯. Whether or not those two words are related, I¡¯ll leave it to you to do decide.¡±


    Iosa traced circles on the table with her finger. ¡°You could probably also add in words like ¡®cult¡¯, and ¡®brainwashing¡¯, as well. Part of the reason we had to drag him through the wilderness for a week was because all the local cities and towns were likely to have people who¡¯d make the job more difficult.¡±


    ¡°Which meant we were stuck with a bear who shit his trousers for damn week.¡± The coyote grimaced, folding back his ears. ¡°We tossed him and his clothes in a river and made him wash up best we could, but it didn¡¯t help much. I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ve ever been so glad to be done with a job.¡±


    The vixen waved at Argos. ¡°Pretty sure Argos went home and huffed some ammonia just to try and burn the smell out of his nostrils.¡±


    ¡°Pretty damn close.¡± Argos poured himself a fresh glass of water. ¡°You gonna want anything else here, Spots?¡±


    Rivi shook his head, dropping his utensil into his bowl. ¡°No, thank you. I couldn¡¯t possibly fit anything else. Dessert was pushing things as it was¡­¡± He sighed, leaning back into his chair, a contented smile upon his muzzle. ¡°But oh, so worth it.¡±


    ¡°Glad to hear it.¡± Argos took a drink of water. ¡°We should probably get you up to bed, then.¡± He glanced at the feline. Rivi¡¯s eyelids drooped a little. ¡°Unless you¡¯d rather sleep here.¡±


    Rivi forced himself to sit back up, rubbing his eyes. ¡°Tempting. However, I imagine my spine would prefer the sofa in our cabin.¡± He drained the last of his beer, then set his mug down. ¡°Do you mind if visit the washroom, first? I can wait, if you¡¯d rather.¡±


    Argos finished off his cocktail. ¡°Have at it. I¡¯ll meet you at the entryway, near the attendant. Don¡¯t wander off, okay?¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Rivi stood up, and then turned towards Iosa. He offered her awkward, but well-intentioned bow. ¡°Thank you for a wonderful evening, and stimulating conversation. Please let me repay you for my meals, at the very least.¡±


    Iosa waved him off, clicking her teeth. ¡°Not on your life, cat. It was my pleasure. Argos and I are pretty well set on this particular voyage. You got a whole world¡¯s worth of travel to pay for.¡±


    Rivi slowly straightened up, his tail lashing. ¡°If you¡¯re certain.¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± Iosa said. ¡°But it¡¯s been a delight meeting and chatting with you, Mister Rivi. And I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll do so again soon. Have a good evening.¡±


    ¡°Thank you again for your generosity, then.¡± Rivi bowed a second time, a shorter, stiffer motion. ¡°It was wonderful to meet you, and I¡¯ll see you later.¡± The cheetah straightened up, and turned away. He walked three steps, then paused, staring out across the crowded dining hall. ¡°Um, which way is the gentlemen¡¯s washroom?¡±


    Iosa chuckled, pointing. ¡°Towards the front. Take a right before the exit. They¡¯re just past the bar. Give Argos a few minutes to catch up, though. I¡¯ve got to talk business with him for a moment.¡±


    Argos grimaced inwardly. He knew all too well what was about to happen. Outwardly, he smiled, and turned towards the feline. ¡°Just wait for me next to the attendant. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, got it!¡± Rivi pushed into the crowd, making his way between tables jammed with people.


    Argos watched Rivi until he was out of sight, beyond the bar. Then he turned towards Iosa, holding his hands up. ¡°Look, I know what you¡¯re gonna say, and-¡±


    ¡°Are you fucking insane?¡± Iosa¡¯s voice was a snarl. All pretenses of friendliness and charm were gone in an instant. ¡°Because even you cannot possibly be stupid enough to offer to share your room with anyone, let alone him! So you must be losing your mind, right?¡±


    The coyote grit his teeth, crossing his arms. ¡°I¡¯m just gonna let you say what you gotta say, and-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re goddamn right, you are!¡± Iosa slapped the table, growling, her ears flattened and teeth bared. ¡°Only I can¡¯t even do that, because we¡¯re in public! So I can¡¯t say half the shit we both know I ought to say to you, right now.¡±


    Argos squirmed in his chair. She was angrier than he¡¯d expected, though he certainly could not blame her. ¡°Look, I get it. After I get the cat to bed, we can go somewhere private, and you can yell at me all night long, if you want.¡±


    ¡°Of course I want to yell at you!¡± She jabbed a finger at his muzzle. ¡°Not that it ever does any fucking good! This ain¡¯t even the first time we¡¯ve had this conversation. When are you gonna learn that you can¡¯t save the whole fucking world? Hell, half the shit we do might well burn it all down some day, so they can build something better.¡±


    Something cold, and angry awoke in Argos. It gnashed teeth in his heart, and hissed in his soul. He leaned forward, fixing his eyes on Iosa¡¯s. ¡°And maybe I¡¯m tired of watching the world burn. Maybe I¡¯d rather pull someone out of the flames, for once.¡±


    Iosa sighed, looking away. ¡°They don¡¯t send us in to save people, Argos. They send us¡­¡± She trailed off, glancing around at all the other people in the dining hall. Though their table was isolated, the vixen still chose not to finish her sentence. Instead, she took a slow breath, then let out a long sigh. ¡°We both know the job is harder on the soul, than the body. Sometimes, you just have to look at the greater good. Everyone they send us to¡­¡± She ground her teeth, bushy tail lashing. ¡°Hell, look at the last one. You know how much damn suffering he was responsible for? And that was just his own people. Fucker was so rotten, even his own Church high-ups wanted him gone. Try to think about all the people who¡¯ll be safer now, because of us.¡±


    ¡°It ain¡¯t that.¡± Argos¡¯s voice softened. He fixed his gaze on his empty glass, staring at the cube of ice. Argos knew if he watched it long enough, it would slowly melt away. Some days, he felt like the life he lived was slowly melting down his soul the same way. ¡°It ain¡¯t the job, Iosa. It¡¯s the goddamn apathy it breeds. There was a part of me that was angry I had to share my room with that cat.¡±


    Iosa leaned forward, a soft growl in her voice. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡± Argos lifted his eyes, glaring at his partner. ¡°That¡¯s the point. No one else was gonna fucking do it. And we both know he¡¯d have never survived steerage. Not on this ship, not with all those people down there. He¡¯d have said the wrong thing to the wrong person, and gotten his goddamn throat cut.¡± He thumped a finger against the table. ¡°And that¡¯s a fucking fact.¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Iosa brushed her hand across the table, snorting. ¡°Maybe not. You don¡¯t know for sure. And besides, it ain¡¯t your place to save everyone in the goddamn world who-¡±


    ¡°And another thing!¡± Argos threw a hand up. Far too many unpleasant thoughts swirled in his mind like angry phantoms, howling and clashing with one another. ¡°Does Rivi seem like the kinda person who oughta be traveling the whole world on his own? A person like him oughta have an entire ocean of escorts with him, not just one shady guide who abandons him in the middle of the night. Shit, if this pilgrimage is half the big deal he makes it out to be, why send someone like him? And if you are gonna send someone like Rivi, why not send a dozen bodyguards with him?¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Iosa snapped her fingers in front of Argos. ¡°We can contemplate the intricacies and failures of feline traditions and tribulations later. Let¡¯s stay focused on us, and how you and your soft fucking heart may have single-handedly compromised us!¡±


    Argos snarled, baring his fangs. ¡°We ain¡¯t compromised! And my heart ain¡¯t soft. That ain¡¯t fair to say. You¡¯ve met him. Talked to him. Tell me you¡¯d have thrown him to the fucking sharks in steerage, knowing in your heart someone¡¯s gonna shank him for his money. Go on.¡± Argos snapped his teeth. ¡°Tell me!¡±


    ¡°Oh, you want to know what I¡¯d do? I¡­¡± Iosa sneered and elongated the syllable, pointing at herself with her thumb. ¡°Would have talked to my fucking partner first!¡±


    Some of the fire fled Argos just as quickly as it arrived. His shoulders slumped, and his tail went limp. ¡°Alright, yeah. That¡¯s on me. I fucked that up. I shoulda talked to you, first. But I had to make a decision, and I-¡±


    ¡°The fuck you did!¡± Iosa slapped the table again. ¡°You know perfectly well if you¡¯d have told that concierge to wait, he¡¯d have fucking waited. And¡­¡± She pointed towards the ceiling. ¡°I was right above you. You could have taken ten goddamn minutes to come and talk to me, so we could figure out a solution together. Instead, you just¡­¡± Iosa waved her hand. ¡°Argos¡¯d your way into trouble, as usual. You¡¯re like a goddamn force of nature. You might well be the single most dangerous person on this entire ship, but that includes the dangers to pose to us! To me! To yourself!¡±


    Argos allowed himself a small smile. ¡°I know what ¡®us¡¯ means, Iosa.¡±


    The vixen thrust a clawed finger towards his muzzle. ¡°Real fucking funny, coyote. You always do this shit! You make a snap decision, and then we¡¯re both stuck living with the outcome. Once, just once, I wish you¡¯d stop and take time to think things through, and then make up your fucking mind. But time and again, you do exactly the opposite. And now, here we are, doing it all again. And I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t have to tell you this, but I¡¯m going to anyway!¡± She pressed her hands to the table, leaning in. The vixen¡¯s voice dropped to a whispered, menacing growl. ¡°If you¡¯ve compromised us-¡±


    ¡°We ain¡¯t compromised,¡± Argos muttered, folding his arms and looking away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking look away from me.¡± Iosa smacked the table. ¡°You look at me and you hear what I¡¯m gonna say.¡±


    Argos took a deep breath, forcing himself to meet Iosa¡¯s gaze. ¡°You don¡¯t gotta say it.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯ve compromised us,¡± Iosa said, snarling through grit teeth. ¡°There will be consequences. For us¡­¡± She slowly lifted her hand, pointing towards the cheetah now making his way towards the attendant¡¯s stand. ¡°And for him.¡±


    Argos winced, his tail flicking. ¡°That ain¡¯t funny.¡±


    Iosa¡¯s expression softened. Her snarl died away, and her ears fell. ¡°It ain¡¯t a joke, either. What do you think happens if he figures out who we really are, and what we¡¯ve been doing in his country?¡±


    Argos grumbled to himself, shrugging. ¡°Give us a medal, maybe? You said it yourself, that bishop was a real piece-¡±


    ¡°That bishop might well have been his boss!¡± Anger flickered anew in her eyes. ¡°They don¡¯t send nobodies on the Scholar¡¯s Pilgrimage! At the very least, that¡¯s cat¡¯s probably rich as hell. And it¡¯s more likely he¡¯s connected to someone important. You manage to sneak a peek at his travel documents?¡±


    The coyote squeezed his hands into fists. He hated that Iosa was right about this. ¡°Of course. I ain¡¯t a fucking amateur.¡±


    The vixen tilted her head. ¡°And?¡±


    Argos glanced at Iosa, then away again. ¡°Diplomatic/Governmental.¡±


    ¡°I fucking knew it.¡± She flopped back into her chair, groaning. ¡°The moment he mentioned that stupid pilgrimage, I fucking knew it. He works for the fucking Church, Argos!¡±


    ¡°So what!¡± Argos jerked his head back around, growling again. ¡°Ain¡¯t his fault where he was born, or what kinda brainwashing he¡¯s been through. Hell, Iosa, that fucking Church has put him through the goddamn ringer.¡± He tapped the side of his head. ¡°Poor cat¡¯s so fucked up in the attic from all that brainwashing-¡±


    ¡°Argos!¡± Iosa leaned towards him, grabbing his muzzle in her hand. ¡°Focus! This ain¡¯t about what the cat¡¯s been through, or what kinda person he is. This is about who he fucking works for, and who he¡¯s fucking connected to.¡± Still gripping his snout, she whispered into his ear. Her voice, soft and sweet like poisoned honey, sent a shudder throughout the coyote. ¡°What happens when a potentially high-ranking member of the Church, realizes he¡¯s staying with the person who killed his arch-bishop?¡±


    The coyote pulled away as soon Iosa released him. He rubbed his muzzle, sighing. ¡°Technically, you pulled the trigger.¡±


    ¡°Always another fucking joke.¡± Iosa sat back down, crossing her arms. ¡°You make me wanna strangle you, some days.¡±


    ¡°Rivi ain¡¯t gonna find out.¡± Argos set his hands in his lap. ¡°He thinks we¡¯re secret police, and he¡¯s gonna keep thinking that.¡±


    Iosa closed her eyes, her head lolling. ¡°You have to at least acknowledge-¡±


    ¡°Worst case,¡± Argos said, his voice low. ¡°He tries to get us arrested. We both know Black Star¡¯s arrangement with the Guild means we¡¯re safe on their ships. Even when we dock somewhere and deboard, ain¡¯t many nations out there on friendly enough terms with the cat Church to try and detain a couple orphans on their behalf. And even if they are, we just vanish as soon as we¡¯re off the ship. But he ain¡¯t gonna find out, anyway. I¡¯m gonna keep him safe this whole trip, I¡¯m gonna teach him how to survive on his own, and then he¡¯ll never see me again. Win, win.¡±


    The vixen rubbed her muzzle, sighing. ¡°I sincerely wish I had your sense of optimism.¡±


    Argos glanced over his shoulder. Rivi was busy inspecting a liquor list, alongside the bar. Argos grunted. ¡°He ain¡¯t even waiting where I told him to.¡±


    ¡°Color me shocked.¡± Iosa stared at the coyote.


    Argos turned back towards her. ¡°Look, Iosa. I know I fucked up. But, I also know I¡¯m doing the right thing. However¡­¡± He lifted a hand. ¡°I ain¡¯t doing the right thing by you. So, lemme at least apologize.¡±


    Iosa perked a single ear. ¡°Go on.¡±


    Argos cleared his throat. He sat up straight, looking Iosa in the eyes. ¡°I am deeply sorry, that I¡¯m such a fucking idiot sometimes.¡±


    The vixen lifted her other ear. ¡°Sometimes?¡±


    A smirk broke out across the coyote¡¯s muzzle. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m always a fucking idiot.¡± Argos¡¯s grin faded a moment later. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t talk to you about this first. I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m jeopardizing us. I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m always dragging you into my messes. You¡¯re completely right. I should have discussed the situation with you, before making a decision. And I¡¯d love to tell you that next time, I¡¯ll do exactly that. But I ain¡¯t gonna lie to my partner. We both know that next time, I¡¯ll probably just Argos it up again. So, I¡¯m sorry for whatever dipshit thing I¡¯m liable to do next.¡± Argos lowered his head until his muzzle was brushing the table, an old coyote gesture of apologetic regret. ¡°You have my deepest, most genuine apologies.¡± After a few moments passed, he lifted his head just enough to glance up at her. ¡°And I ain¡¯t just saying that so you don¡¯t ¡®accidentally¡¯ punch me in the throat next time we spar, either.¡±


    Iosa glowered down at him for what seemed an eternity. Finally, the hottest of the fires faded from her eyes. Her expression softened. ¡°Oh, goddamn it, Coyote. Apology accepted. Now stop licking the table, it¡¯s beneath you.¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t lickin¡¯ it.¡± Argos sat back up, adjusting his vest. ¡°Although, maybe I should be. I think the server spilled a little of my last cocktail when he sent it down. Can¡¯t let that go to waste.¡±


    Iosa rolled her eyes. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t put it past you.¡±


    ¡°You never answered my question, you know.¡± Argos looked across the dining hall. Rivi was now engaged in an animated conversation with a bartender, who looked to be doing his best to disengage and slink away. ¡°Partner talk aside, would you have let them stick that cat and all his expensive bullshit into steerage?¡±


    The vixen rubbed her hands together. ¡°No, Argos. But I¡¯d have tried to pay off someone else to take him in, instead.¡±


    The coyote shrugged. ¡°No one left to do that. Only cabins left with room were ours, Iosa. I wasn¡¯t gonna stick him with you, so that really only left me.¡±


    The vixen grimaced. ¡°I would have asked them about removing someone, then. There¡¯s got to be someone on board they don¡¯t like.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t wanna be that asshole.¡± Argos waved his hand. ¡°Besides, whoever got kicked out would be stuck in Tavosa, and who knows what¡¯s gonna happen there. If the city falls, I mighta been condemning them just as much as I¡¯d have been condemning Rivi to let him end up in steerage.¡± Argos swallowed, his ears down. ¡°I picked the least bad option I could think of at the time, alright? And the more I talk with the cheetah, the more I know I did the right thing. He needs to know the world ain¡¯t what the Church tells him it is. That he ain¡¯t what the Church tells him he is.¡± He slowly turned back towards Iosa. ¡°He¡¯s like us, you know. In the same club.¡±


    Iosa scrunched her face. ¡°The club? What club?¡±


    ¡°You know¡­¡± Argos flourished a hand. ¡°The Club for Respectable Individuals¡­¡±


    ¡°Who Like Other Respectable Individuals.¡± Iosa glanced down at her hands. ¡°That¡¯s a dangerous membership to claim, where he¡¯s from.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Argos swallowed, his eyes wandering aimlessly around the dining hall. ¡°He¡¯s pretty guarded about it, and¡­pretty ashamed of himself, for it. Truth be told, I got that feeling from him right off the bat. Good at readin¡¯ people, and all. But I wasn¡¯t sure till he let it slip. Figure I oughta at least get it into his head, that it¡¯s okay to be who he is. Ain¡¯t nothing sinful or impure about it, no matter he¡¯s been told.¡±


    ¡°Seems a reasonable goal.¡± Iosa took a slow breath. ¡°This is going to be just like her, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Argos jerked his head up, his ears flat. ¡°Ain¡¯t gonna be nothing like that.¡± He pushed himself out of his chair. ¡°We done, for now? You can yell at me more, later on.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Argos.¡± Iosa made a dismissive motion. ¡°We¡¯re done, for now. Meet me in the VIP lounge in an hour? We had things to discuss even before the cat, let alone now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I¡¯ll be there.¡± Argos pushed his chair in, then paused. ¡°Listen, Iosa. I really am sorry. But, now that things are as they are, I gotta ask you-¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Iosa said.


    Argos blinked. ¡°Yes, what?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll help you keep Rivi safe.¡± She picked up her knife, and idly spun it across her fingers. ¡°Because while I remain infuriated by your potentially compromising decisions, I do agree that¡­¡± She grimaced, as if pained by her own words. ¡°Helping him is the right thing to do. However dangerous doing so may be for us. Just¡­¡± Iosa stood up, and went to Argos. ¡°Promise me, something.¡±


    Argos looked away, afraid of what she was going to say. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Iosa gently grasped his muzzle, turning his face back towards her. ¡°Please, Argos. Don¡¯t let this one break your heart.¡±

 Chapter Eleven

    *****


    Chapter Eleven


    *****


    Rivimiralous awoke in unfamiliar surroundings. The cheetah lay on his side, half-curled under soft, green and gold blankets. A thick pillow in matching colors, and with a lacy fringe propped up his head. Bleary-eyed from deep slumber, and without his spectacles, the cheetah could scarcely see past his own muzzle even after he pulled the blankets down from his head. He felt around beneath the covers, and found the edge of his bed perilously close. Rivi tried to roll away from it, only to bump up against a high, padded back.


    ¡°What an odd bed we¡¯re in, Rivi.¡± The feline slowly sat up. Cool air rushed over his arms, trying to infiltrate his nightshirt as the blankets fell away. ¡°Now where did we put our spectacles?¡±


    Rivi swung his feet over the side of the bed. He rubbed his eyes, then squinted and looked around. The room was dimly lit. The electric lights were all turned off, and the curtains drawn across the far windows. Only a sliver of pale, silvery light shone through a crack between the drapes. A few empty recliners sat nearby, along with several small end tables. A larger table rested in front of him. Rivi vaguely made out the familiar twin-oval shapes of his brass-rimmed spectacles sitting on the table. He leaned forward to pick them up, then reclined against the oddly placed padded headboard. The cheetah carefully placed his spectacles upon his muzzle, then worked the band around his head, just below his ears.


    As the dark room came into focus, Rivi realized his bed was so strange, because it was not a bed at all. It was a sofa. Nor was he slumbering in a bedroom, but the living area of a grand suite. The realization helped to drag some of the cobwebs away from his sleep-addled brain. Memories from the day before filtered back into his mind. Given everything that happened, it felt like an entire year had passed between the time he first queued up in the snow to board the ship, and the time he finally flopped down onto the sofa, to go to sleep.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right, Rivi.¡± The cheetah stood up, stretching his arms over his head. A deep yawn split his muzzle wide, his tongue curling. When his yawn ended, he ran his hands over his head, smoothing down his spotted fur. ¡°We¡¯re indebted to a secret policeman, now. A secret coyote policeman.¡± With no sign of Argos, Rivi allowed himself to amend his statement further. ¡°A handsome coyote policeman.¡± Though it shamed Rivi deeply to admit he found the coyote so handsome, he was also willing to grant himself that there was liberation in saying as much aloud. ¡°Argos is a handsome coyote.¡± The cheetah giggled to himself, shaking his head. ¡°Oh, Rivi, we shouldn¡¯t say these things. Not even in our head! We¡¯re going to get ourselves in trouble.¡±


    Speaking made Rivi all too aware of his morning thirst. His tongue and throat were both unpleasantly dry, and yet somehow sticky, as well. He sought out the nearest light switch, and flicked it on. The cheetah grimaced as the yellowy-blue bulb in a nearby lamp flickered to buzzing life. The sudden brightness left his eyes aching as he padded towards the bar.


    Rivi poured himself a glass of water, glancing towards the door to Argos¡¯s room. ¡°Argos?¡± He lifted his voice louder. ¡°Argos! Are you still here?¡± Rivi gulped down some water, deciding he¡¯d better stop shouting. For all he knew, the coyote might well still be asleep. ¡°We¡¯d better be quiet, Rivi, we don¡¯t want to wake him.¡± He drank the rest of his water, then smiled to himself, whispering. ¡°And we certainly don¡¯t want him to hear us talking about how handsome he is. That¡¯s far too embarrassing.¡±


    The cheetah refilled his water glass, then turned away from the bar. He looked around for a clock, and saw it was already mid-morning. Rivi scowled, flicking his tail. He was certain he¡¯d gone to be quite early. Had he really slept that long? After a lovely dinner with Argos and Iosa, the coyote led Rivi back to their room, and helped him turn the sofa into a bed. Argos had planned to meet Iosa again after that, and promised to do his best not to wake Rivi upon his return. After that, Rivi remembered little more than getting comfortable in bed, and then waking just now.


    ¡°We were very tired, Rivi.¡± The cheetah sipped his water, wandering the suite. With no idea what time Argos returned, he had no way of knowing whether the coyote was still asleep, or already out of the suite for the morning. ¡°We¡¯d best be quiet, until we¡¯re sure.¡±


    Rivi went to the dining table, intent on helping himself to a snack. Platters of dried and candied fruits, cured meats, bread and jars of jam, and more still surrounded the centerpiece bouquet. Just as Rivi picked up a few slices of dried apple, he spotted a note scrawled upon parchment, resting in front of a basket of goodies. An inkwell sat atop it, holding it in place. Rivi picked it up, and quickly read through the note, written in Gilded Familiar.


    Spots,


    Went for breakfast with Iosa. Had some shit to get done. Departure is set for noon. I got you admittance to the VIP Viewing Deck, and I left you a map near the door. If you¡¯re up in time, I¡¯ll meet you there. If you need more sleep, that¡¯s fine too. I¡¯ll see you back in the room. Water restrictions start after departure, so enjoy a long shower or bath while you can.


    Argos


    Rivi set the note back down, smiling. ¡°That answers that question, Rivi. Or, should we say Spots?¡± He scrunched his muzzle, then shook his head. ¡°No, we shouldn¡¯t use that. It sounds wrong in our voice. It¡¯s nice when Argos says it, though.¡± Rivi picked up a handful of dried fruit, and walked towards the door. ¡°Why do you think that is? Probably because a handsome coyote has given us a cute nickname?¡± He popped a few slices of dried apple into his muzzle, speaking as he chewed. ¡°A handsome coyote who also suffers from impurity?¡± A few incredibly forbidden, dangerous thoughts wandered into his mind, unbidden. The cheetah shivered, and then forced the images away. ¡°Oh, by the Divines, Rivi. We¡¯re going to get ourselves in so much trouble.¡±


    As promised, a map hung from a clip alongside the door. It was hand-drawn, but surprisingly detailed. Arrows indicated which direction Rivi should travel when he left the room, which corridors to follow, and which lifts to take. Numbers instructed him on which decks to travel to, both to reach the viewing area, and to return to the room should he do so on his own. Argos had also scribbled a list of decks where Rivi could go to buy food, or supplies for his room. Beneath the map was another short note from the coyote.


    Spots,


    Drew you this cause it¡¯ll be easier for you to read than a full set of ship¡¯s maps. However, those are in the closet, if you want them. The decks listed on my map should be safe for you to travel alone, but remember your lessons learned from the wolf, just in case. For now, don¡¯t go to any other decks unless I¡¯m with you.


    Rivi smiled at Argos¡¯s thoughtfulness. He returned the map to its clip, to ensure he¡¯d not forget it when he left the room. Then he turned away, munching a few more apple slices. ¡°Argos is so considerate, isn¡¯t he Rivi? So considerate and handsome.¡± The cheetah laughed to himself. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s like the new toy we just can¡¯t get tired of yet. Getting to call a male handsome, out in the open! Just remember, Rivi, only in private. And don¡¯t say it around Argos, it¡¯s embarrassing. It¡¯s surely embarrassing for him, too. Now, quit acting like a schoolboy with a crush, and get ready for the day.¡±


    The cheetah went back to the table. Rivi made a quick breakfast from some of the other welcome basket treats. He made a sandwich of brown bread and blackberry jam, alongside an assortment of cured sausages and some dried, smoked fish. When the food was gone, he drank another glass of water to wash it all down. Then he returned his glass to the bar, and cleaned up the table, sweeping up crumbs and depositing them into a wastebasket.


    Rivi went to the windows at the back of the room. He pulled the curtains aside, revealing a wide balcony, partly enclosed in glass. Sun-loungers, tables, and cushioned chairs were arranged inside the glass-walled section. Beyond it, another portion of balcony was left exposed to the elements, with a high railing encircling it. Snow smothered everything there. The sky was still white, and fresh snow continued to fall.


    The cheetah unlocked the balcony, and stepped out into the glass enclosed area. Frigid air immediately bite into him, infiltrating his nightclothes and fur. Rivi shivered, rubbing his arms. He walked the balcony a little, to look down the length of the ship. In the distance, a few kobold workers in thick coats and safety harnesses dangled from long ropes, clearing snow off the ship. Rivi imagined they were doing so for weight limit purposes, as well as to clear out vents, turbine intakes, and other essential flight functions.


    Rivi returned to his room, and locked the balcony doors behind him. He left the curtains open, as he preferred the snow-muffled light to the unnatural brightness of the electric lamps. Still shivering from the cold exterior air, the cheetah went to his luggage. Everything was neatly piled near the sofa where he slept. Later, he¡¯d unpack, and move clothing and other items into the closets.


    For now, he moved one of his suitcases onto the sofa, then popped it open. An assortment of clothes was neatly folded and packed inside. Rivi selected his garments for the day, then closed the suitcase up and returned it to the stack. He decided to forgo the additional long, woolen undergarments in the hopes he would not need them. Though he¡¯d be outside on a viewing deck, the cheetah hoped other warm clothes and his overcoat would suffice. After all, once departure was concluded, he¡¯d been returning to the ship¡¯s far warmer embrace.


    The feline carried his clothing into the washroom. He turned the lights on, and looked around. Though he¡¯d used the facilities the previous day, before they went to dinner, he¡¯d done so quickly and had not realized how extravagant everything was. The washroom alone was larger than Rivi imagined some of the ship¡¯s cabins to be. It featured both a spacious shower enclosed in glass, and an oversized bathtub, sunken into the marble floor. Everything was done up in silvery hues, from the faucets, to the sink basin and the silver-framed mirror above it. Even the latrine¡¯s tank and pull chain were embossed with silver.


    Rivi went to the shower, and opened the glass door. Instead, two knobs shaped like flowers were labeled for hot, and cold. The cheetah wondered if the washroom had its own enclosed heater or boiler system, or if it drew from a larger pool of heated water. He turned the knob, and water sprayed from the nozzle, also flower shaped. The water was cold at first, but swiftly heated. Rivi looked inside an adjoining cabinet, and found soaps, fur shampoos, washcloths, towels and more. He laid a few towels out, then fetched soap, shampoo, and a washcloth.


    The cheetah removed his spectacles, stripped off his nightclothes, and carried his personal cleaning products into the shower. The water was hot, almost uncomfortably so at first. But Rivi¡¯s body quickly adjusted it. The feline sighed in contentment as he turned back and forth in the water, allowing the heat to chase away the last of the lingering chill. Once he was nice and warm, Rivi lathered up his fur from head to tail and beyond. The cheetah was all too happy to wash away the trials and tribulations of the last month or so.


    Despite the impending water rationing protocols, Rivi was also happy knowing he now had access to a daily shower, however short it may be. After long, hard weeks spent traveling through areas that often lacked indoor plumbing, even a few moments a day spent rinsing his fur in hot water would be like a gift sent by the divines themselves. For now, though, he did as Argos suggested and took advantage of having all the water he could use. The cheetah stayed in the shower, savoring the simple relaxation of hot water until at last his pads began to wrinkle up. Rivi idly wondered why water was still freely available now, but after departure. He assumed that filling up their water tanks must be one of the last things done.


    Rivi turned the water off and stepped out of the shower. He used a fresh towel to vigorously rub his fur, drying off best he could. As his fur dried, it stuck out at all angles. He wiped fog off the mirror, and put his spectacles on. His drying fur looked so fluffy, he almost looked as if he¡¯d doubled his body weight. Rivi fetched a brush, and quickly worked it through his fur, brushing it out and smoothing it down. When he was dry enough for clothing, he quickly dressed.


    The cheetah had selected a pair of warm, golden-hued trousers, and a long-sleeved shirt in bright silver. Each garment also bore highlights of the other color, with silver diamond patterns down the outside of his gold trousers, and golden swirls threaded along the collar, sleeves, and hem of his silver shirt. Rivi liked the way the two bright colors played off each other. It was a shame, he thought, that they¡¯d soon be smothered under his overcoat.


    Once dressed, Rivi took a few moments to adjust his clothing. The compressing feel of warm, winter clothes against freshly washed and brushed fur was sometimes uncomfortable until everything was properly settled. He brushed the fur of his head once more, and smoothed his hands back over his ears. Then he rinsed his spectacles, carefully cleaning them with a bit of soap. So long as he was gentle, and the glass lenses were free of debris, they were safe to wash without scratching them. Just the same, Rivi had purchased and packed plenty of back up pairs in case of loss or damage. After all, it would be very difficult for him to accurately document his journey without being able to see.


    Rivi returned to the living area of the suite. He retrieved a pair of woolen socks from another suitcase, then sat in a recliner to put them on. Before doing so, Rivi waggled his toes, and unsheathed his toe claws. Like all his people, Rivi¡¯s claws were both sharp, and fully retractable. He kept them trimmed, and rarely extended them in polite company. After all, in many circumstances, casually extending one¡¯s claws could be considered impolite, or worse, a threat. Despite that, spending endless days confined to gloves and boots left Rivi with vaguely uncomfortable urge to unsheathe his claws more often. It was almost like an itch he wasn¡¯t allowed to scratch. Still, Rivi knew a bit of daily discomfort was far preferable to frostbitten digits.


    The feline retracted his toe claws, and pulled his woolen socks up over his feet. Even after so much time spent in the cold lately, the smothering feeling of such thick garments remained hard to get used to. Back home, in the warmer climes, Rivi rarely wore socks, or the sort of boots and shoes humans did. More often, he wore something closer to sandals, or other simple footwear more designed to protect his pads from cobblestones burns thanks to summer¡¯s scorching heat. Even in the winter, when snow occasionally dusted the city, Rivi spent so much time indoors he rarely had need of anything more enclosing than simple footwarmers.


    In this part of the world, however, winter boots were a must. Before Frafren abandoned him, the little white-furred fox told Rivi a story about another feline client he¡¯d once served as porter for. That particular tiger had apparently ignored the fox¡¯s advice, and worn only the most basic of footwear, even in the snow. If the story was true, it wasn¡¯t terribly long before the tiger was laid up in some foreign hospital, having several of his now-blackened toes removed. Rivi shuddered at the thought, stepping into his boots. He laced them up as tight as he dared. Uncomfortable as they may be, at least he still had all his toes.


    Rivi returned to his stacked suitcases, and moved one to the table. Inside were several of his prized cameras, each housed within its own carrying case. Rivi selected one referred to as the Snowblind 77. The model was so named because of its rugged construction, and ability to take clear images in a variety of lighting conditions. As much as Rivi wished he could take vibrant, color photographs during the ship¡¯s official launch, he dared not take his Colormaster out into the snow. The Snowblind made for a suitable alternative. Rivi took the camera out, inspected it, ensured the film was loaded and prepared, and then put it back in the case.


    The cheetah grabbed his room key and his billfold, and then shoved them both into his trouser pockets. Then he retrieved his overcoat, contemplating whether he should wear it through the ship, or simply carry it. He decided to wear it, but leave it unbuttoned for now. That way he¡¯d have one less thing to carry. Next, Rivi put his warm, golden-hued gloves on. Though also prohibited the use of his claws, at least they did not feel as restrictive as his boots. Finally, Rivi took the map that Argos left him, tucked it under his arm, and let himself out of the room.


    ¡°And, we forgot the camera.¡± Rivi went back into the grab, fetched the camera case, and left once more. ¡°At least we remembered it before we made it to the viewing deck, Rivi.¡±


    Rivi locked the door, and then set the camera down to study his map. ¡°Let¡¯s see, Rivi. Which way do we go?¡± He glanced down the corridor. ¡°Looks like left.¡± He picked up the camera again, then paused. ¡°Wait, we are holding the map correctly?¡±


    The feline set the camera back down. He lifted the map, turning it over a few times. ¡°The arrow is clearly pointing left, from our door.¡± He twisted it, tilting his head. ¡°Or is that right?¡± Rivi spun around to face the door. ¡°No, it can¡¯t be right, unless the door was on the other side of the hall.¡± He pivoted again, flipping the map over. ¡°The numbers are upside down. So this can¡¯t be right, either.¡± Rivi upended the map again, until the numbers Argos had written were right-side up once more. ¡°It has to be this way. So, coming from our room¡­¡± He pressed his back to the door. ¡°This arrow must pointing left.¡± Rivi looked down to the left again. Towards the junction at the end of the corridor, illuminated signs glowed beneath electric lights. ¡°And there¡¯s the signs for the lift stack. Well done, Rivi! We figured out the map all by ourselves.¡± Rivi padded down the corridor, tucking the map under his arm again. ¡°We should be very proud of ourselves.¡± Rivi took a few more steps, and then promptly spun back around. ¡°And, we forgot the camera again.¡±


    Soon enough, the cheetah was well underway, with camera in tow. He followed the map closer, following the outlined corridors, and taking lifts only to the indicated decks. The ship was noticeably busier even than the day before. Before long, Rivi did up a few buttons on his overcoat, not because he was already cold, but rather to help keep wandering fingers further away from billfold. He also clutched his photography equipment close, lest anyone should attempt to grab it and run. Rivi pinned his ears back against the rattling din of so many voices. The myriad scents of countless peoples of all kinds mingled everywhere he went. Rivi wondered if it was possible for a nose to ever few confused. If so, his was likely to be disoriented for the duration of the voyage.


    Eventually, the wash of colder air and more acrid scents indicated he had nearly reached his destination on the upper reaches of the ship. Rivi followed the scents and the faint tint of smoke in the air towards the VIP Viewing deck. Soon, a grand array of floor to ceiling windows lay before him. Beyond it stretched a vast outdoor area, akin to a gigantic balcony. Workers did the best to shovel away freshly fallen snow, while passengers milled about. A short line awaited him before he could venture outside. Rivi took his place in the queue, and waited patiently. The line moved quickly, with a tall gnoll in a crisp uniform checking peoples names and identification against a list held upon a clipboard.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Rivi said, once it was his turn. He offered the gnoll a smile. ¡°My name is-¡±


    ¡°Name?¡± The gnoll glanced down, his boredom evident in his droll, monotone voice.


    Rivi blinked. ¡°Yes, well, I was about to tell you that.¡± He adjusted his hold on his map, and camera case. ¡°My name is Rivimiralous, although I might be listed under Argos? Perhaps first you should check-¡±


    ¡°River what now?¡± The gnoll flipped through a few pages of information. ¡°I don¡¯t see a River. Are you first class? This deck is for first class and above, only.¡±


    Rivi grit his teeth. He took a slow breath. The cheetah knew all too well that frustration, and snippy answers would only make the situation worse. ¡°No, it¡¯s Rivi. My full name is Rivimiralous. However¡­¡± He made sure the gnoll was actually paying attention before continuing. ¡°I may be listed under the name of cabin mate, Argos.¡±


    ¡°Are Ghost, Are Ghost¡­¡± The gnoll skimmed his list again. ¡°I don¡¯t see any Are Ghost or River¡­oh, wait.¡± He glanced up. ¡°Did you mean Argos?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Rivi said, forcing himself to bite back all the many things he wanted to say. ¡°That¡¯s the one.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right here.¡± The gnoll tapped his list. ¡°Argos, plus one. Riv¡­ah¡­mirror¡­less. That you?¡±


    Rivi feigned a smile. ¡°Yes, Sir. That¡¯s me. River Mirror Less.¡±


    ¡°Alright, go ahead.¡± The gnoll jerked his thumb towards the door, his attention already shifting to the person behind Rivi. ¡°Next.¡±


    The cheetah picked up his camera, and hurried through the exit, lest the gnoll chance his mind. Bracing cold air assaulted him the moment he stepped outside. Icy winds bit into his nose, and the inside of his ears. The sudden sting made it painfully clear that Rivi had forgotten his hat. He grimaced, forging on against the biting wind. If he went back for it now, he feared he wouldn¡¯t return in time to document their official moment of departure.


    Rivi pinned his ears against the cold and soldiered on. The viewing deck stretched on alongside the ship almost as far as he could see, slowly vanishing into the snow. A long line of loungers was up against the wall that separated the exterior deck from the interior. Rivi imagined that on a warm, sunny day they¡¯d make for a lovely place to relax and watch the world glide by beneath the ship. Today, though, snow piled atop them. Rivi walked further, looking around for Argos, or at least a place to squeeze in near the railing and taking some photographs once they began to ascend.


    The viewing area was busy, but not outrageously so. Rivi was thankful for Argos¡¯s thoughtfulness. He could only imagine how dangerous overcrowded the steerage viewing area would be. Then again, Rivi wondered, were the passengers in steerage even given access to any exterior areas? For all he knew, they might be stuck in the ship¡¯s cramped and dingy bowels without so much as a porthole to peek through, let alone fresh air.


    By contrast, the VIP deck was positively festive. Strings of bright, crimson banners emblazoned with the Black Star Intercontinental logo hung overwhere, whipping in the icy breeze. A small brass band atop a small stage played uplifting, inspirational music. Vendors sold snack foods and hot drinks through windows. A stall offered alcoholic beverages, despite the early hour. Pursuers in brightly hued coats and with three black stars upon their backs made their way through the crowd, telling jokes, warning people about icy patches, and handing out little stuffed toys to those with children. Somewhere in the distance, another purser announced departure would commend within ten minutes.


    ¡°Hey, Spots!¡±


    Rivi turned towards the sound of a familiar voice. A coyote waved at him from alongside the safety railing, in the distance. Rivi waved his map at the coyote, happy excitement bubbling inside him. ¡°Argos!¡± His delighted exclamation came out as little more than a joyful, feline chirp. Rivi quickly cleared his throat with the deepest growl he could manage, weaving his way through the crowd. He tried to keep his jubilance under control, and his voice lower. ¡°Argos, I made it!¡±


    Argos wore a drab gray coat that hung nearly to his shoes. Only a few of the buttons were done up, revealing hints of a black waistcoat swirled with silver floral patterns. Despite the frigid chill, the coyote wore neither hat, nor gloves. Snow dusted his clothing and fur alike. He periodically swished his tail, scattering the snow that had accumulated over it. As Rivi neared him, Argos brushed snow off his head and ears, seemingly unbothered by the cold. Rivi found himself slightly jealous of just how well insulated coyote fur seemed to be. The cheetah also found himself once again wondering what Argos¡¯s fur would feel like, against his bare pads.


    As Rivi joined the coyote, he realized Argos was the only person standing alongside the rail who had a conspicuous amount of open space alongside him. Everywhere else, people were jammed shoulder to shoulder along the barricade. The cheetah hoped that no one had been too put out by his late arrival. He also wondered just how Argos managed to keep the space so wide open, without anyone else insisting on squeezing in next to him. Rivi decided that much like the details of Argos¡¯s line of work, those were probably questions he shouldn¡¯t bother asking.


    ¡°You¡¯re just in time, Rivi.¡± Argos swept snow off the railing near where he stood. ¡°Wasn¡¯t sure you were going to make it, but I saved you a spot, just in case.¡±


    ¡°Aww, thank you!¡± Rivi set his camera case down next to the coyote. He folded up his map, and gave Argos a smile as he tucked it away inside his coat. ¡°And thank you for the map. It was most helpful.¡±


    ¡°No problem, Spots.¡± Argos turned towards him, leaning against the banister. ¡°How¡¯d you sleep?¡±


    ¡°Like the dead, apparently.¡± Rivi crouched down to open up his camera case. He worked quickly to retrieve his Snowblind 77, and close the case up once again. While the camera itself was made to withstand the elements, not everything was. ¡°I scarcely even remembered getting into bed, much less anything throughout the night.¡± He straightened up, looking the coyote over. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s safe to lean against the railing, like that?¡±


    Argos merely shrugged, flashing the cheetah a familiar, easygoing grin. ¡°If it ain¡¯t, at least I won¡¯t have long to regret it.¡±


    Rivi scrunched up his muzzle. ¡°You won¡¯t have long to¡­¡± Then it came to him, and his ears lifted. He peered over the railing. His stomach immediately lurched, then flipped over and tumbled into his boots. Most of the docking scaffolds were long since retracted, and even in port, the ground was an awfully long ways down from the ship¡¯s upper reaches. ¡°Oooh, because you¡¯d fall to your death.¡± He gulped and took a step back.


    ¡°Yes, Spots,¡± Argos said, still grinning at him. ¡°That¡¯s the joke.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve such a morbid sense of humor.¡± Rivi turned around, lifting his camera. He snapped a silvergraph of the crowd, then wound his film forward. ¡°And so¡­well, perhaps it¡¯s not exactly brave to lean against a railing, but¡­¡± He took another photo, this time of a rabbit child sitting atop her father¡¯s shoulders, bopping him in the head with her new toy. ¡°I¡¯m nervous just standing so near it.¡±


    Argos eased away from the banister, moving to stand behind Rivi. ¡°There. Now you got a buffer zone.¡±


    The cheetah swallowed again, glancing back. ¡°Thank you.¡± His tail swished, bumping Argos¡¯s leg.


    ¡°No problem, Spots.¡± Argos tilted his head, one ear lifted. ¡°You picked a hell of a way to travel if you¡¯re afraid of heights, though.¡±


    Rivi managed a giggle. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not afraid of being up high. I¡¯m afraid of falling.¡± Rivi snapped a few more pictures, capturing the band, and a fox snuggling together in warm coats and clutching hot chocolates. ¡°There¡¯s a very important difference.¡± He turned and took another, trying to squeeze in as much of the viewing deck as he could, along with the rest of the ship looming beyond. ¡°You see, I¡¯m far more afraid of falling from the airship, than I am the airship itself falling out of the sky. There¡¯s plenty of safety statistics I can cite to myself to remind me that we¡¯re extremely unlikely to experience a catastrophic and fatal crash.¡±


    A few people nearby shot him dirty looks. Others muttered under their breath. Rivi ignored them. The feline was so used to people looking at him in confusion or irritation that he could never quite tell for sure when he was committing a faux pau, and when people just didn¡¯t like him because of his unusual mannerisms. Instead, the cheetah leaned back, and took a silvergraph of the striking crimson smokestack looming overhead. Black smoke drifted from it, mixing with the swirling snow and hints of ash.


    ¡°Speaking of falling from airships, lemme just keep you steady while you¡¯re doing that.¡±  Argos gently put a hand on the cheetah¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You don¡¯t wanna topple back out here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you, Argos.¡± Rivi shot another photograph, trying to compare the smokestack to the people below in order to show off the immense scale of the ship. He soon straightened up, and the coyote removed his hand. Part of Rivi was appreciative of how respectful Argos was of feline customs, as far as minimizing physical contact. Another part of him missed the coyote¡¯s touch the moment it was gone. ¡°I¡¯ll try to remember not to lean back that way.¡±


    ¡°Good cat.¡± Argos looked at Rivi¡¯s camera when the cheetah turned back towards the railing. ¡°Oh, hey, you brought a Snowblind. What is that, a 67?¡±


    ¡°A 77, actually.¡± Rivi showed Argos the model number engraved on the bottom. ¡°It has an increased range of aperture and shutter speeds, to allow for clearer images in a variety of lighting conditions.¡±


    Argos made a happy little howling noise. ¡°Oh, the brand new model. Very nice. Still silvergraphs, though?¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Rivi tapped the film compartment. ¡°However, it utilizes rolled film, for protective purposes, and to make it far more expedient to take multiple images in a short period of time.¡± Rivi offered it to the coyote. ¡°Would you like to take a few shots?¡±


    ¡°Love too!¡± Argos took the camera, looking around. ¡°Want me to take a few of the plaza for you? That way you don¡¯t have to lean over the railing.¡±


    ¡°That would be wonderful, yes.¡± Rivi walked up to the railing, hesitantly peeking across it. ¡°I still plan to watch the world fall away when we ascend, but I¡¯d be ever so anxious about dropping my camera.¡±


    Argos eased up alongside him. ¡°I¡¯ll take some shots for you, then.¡± His body brushed up against Rivi¡¯s, his tail bumping the cheetah¡¯s. ¡°I got real steady hands.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m certain you do,¡± Rivi said, realizing a little too late just how unintentionally innuendo-laden that sounded. ¡°Because you handle a lot of pistols, I mean.¡± The cheetah blinked, his ears burning, cheeks heating beneath his fur. ¡°Guns, that is. Actual guns. N-not anything else.¡± Rivi cleared his throat, and forced himself to rest against the banister, peering down at the world below. Again, his stomach flip-flopped, but he held his ground. ¡°M-my what a view.¡±


    ¡°It sure is.¡± Argos leaned against the barricade, lifting the camera. He twisted a few knobs, altering the aperture. ¡°Lemme get a few shots of that, for you.¡±This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Rivi glanced over, watching as the coyote made his adjustments. ¡°I see you know what you¡¯re doing with that.¡±


    Argos smirked, peering through the viewfinder. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m pretty good at handling sensitive equipment.¡±


    The cheetah nearly choked on his tongue. Rivi coughed hard a few times, then swallowed. ¡°Yes,¡± Rivi said, stealing a glance at the coyote. He permitted himself a tiny, playful smile, albeit a short-lived one. ¡°I can imagine that you are.¡±


    Argos looked over at him, his smirk growing. ¡°Oh, hey, you caught on that time.¡±


    Rivi allowed his eyes to meet Argos¡¯s, and linger there, if only for a moment. ¡°Oh, I manage to successfully identify at least one out of ten or so bawdy innuendos that get bandied about.¡± He looked away again, lest he found himself drowning in the golden oceans of Argos¡¯s beautiful eyes. ¡°Not to rehash our private conservations from the day before, but would it offend you, if I were offer you a compliment?¡±


    The coyote turned his attention back to the plaza below. He scanned it in silence for a few moments, then lifted the camera. ¡°Not in the least, Spots.¡±


    Rivi swallowed again. ¡°I might like to, in the knowledge that you and I¡­¡± The cheetah rubbed his gloved hands together. ¡°Share an affliction, as it were.¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t an affliction,¡± Argos said, taking a picture. ¡°And you can compliment me as much you¡¯re comfortable with.¡±


    ¡°This is already past the limits of my comfort.¡± Rivi gave nervous laugh, his tail swishing. Now and then it brushed Argos¡¯s, and each time Rivi shivered, ever so slightly. ¡°But given what we know about one another, I should simply like to verbalize what is admittedly an impure thought. A minor one, but impure just the same. Though, I¡¯d not like for anyone else to hear.¡±


    Argos took another shot, then offered the feline a sidelong glance. ¡°Whisper it to me, then.¡±


    Rivi glanced around. He did not immediately see any other felines in earshot. For that matter, he did not see anyone else paying them much attention at all. He rose to his tiptoes, and put his muzzle as near to Argos¡¯s ear as he dared. ¡°You have beautiful eyes.¡±


    ¡°Aww, thank you, Spots.¡± Argos smiled at him, a larger, more genuine grin than before. Something unidentifiably joyful sparkled in his dazzling golden eyes. ¡°So do you, Cat.¡±


    Rivi chittered nervous feline laughter. He could hardly believe what he¡¯d dared just say aloud to another male, let alone that said other male actually appreciated it. ¡°I feel so naughty now! I¡­¡± It took a moment for Argos¡¯s returned compliment to settle in. Rivi¡¯s eyes widened behind his spectacles. ¡°Wait, what?¡±


    ¡°You heard me.¡± Argos peered through the camera¡¯s viewfinder, snapping a picture. ¡°You got fucking gorgeous eyes, Spots.¡±


    ¡°I do not!¡± Rivi was caught so off-guard he wasn¡¯t even sure how to take the coyote¡¯s words. ¡°They¡¯re all bleary and semi-functional and weirdly magnified by my spectacles and anything but gorgeous and¡­¡± His voice dropped back into a whisper. ¡°Should we really be having this conversation in public?¡±


    ¡°Just exchanging compliments.¡± Argos gave the cheetah a sidelong glance. ¡°I got way more flowery words I can offer you in private, if you want.¡±


    ¡°I¡­um¡­¡± Rivi wrung his hands, another little bubbling giggle soon escaping him. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t not like being complimented, but¡­¡± He ran his gloved hands back over his ears, brushing melting snow from his head. ¡°Perhaps a conversation for another time.¡±


    ¡°Only if you¡¯re comfortable.¡± Argos lowered the camera, turning towards Rivi. He lifted his ears, earnestness replacing his usual playfulness and sarcasm. ¡°Thank you, though. I really do appreciate it.¡± He waved towards the smokestack looming in the distance. ¡°You want me to get a picture of you up here? If you stand by that drink stand, I think I can one of you, with the smokestack in the background.¡±


    ¡°Certainly,¡± the cheetah said, struggling to control his happy giggles.


    The cheetah crossed the deck, weaving around other people. He wasn¡¯t sure anyone, save his mother, had ever complimented his eyes before. It wasn¡¯t as if Rivi didn¡¯t appreciate the red-gold color of his own eyes. It was simply that he disliked the way they looked behind his spectacles. Not to mention the fact that without said spectacles, his eyes scarcely even functioned properly. And, Argos suggested he had even compliments to offer? Rivi was somehow both excited and terrified at the same time. He may as well have been sharing a cabin with sinful temptation itself.


    ¡°How¡¯s this?¡± Rivi glanced up at the smokestack looming over head, then took a few steps sideways, moving closer to the drink stand. He didn¡¯t want to interfere with the short line of people waiting to order beverages. ¡°I can move to the other side of the line, if need be.¡±


    Argos shooed a few people out of the way, then peered through the viewfinder. ¡°Nah, that should be okay.¡± The coyote crouched down, turning the camera sideways, and pointing it upwards. ¡°I can get all of it. This is gonna give a great sense of scale, but it might look kinda artsy. That okay?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± Rivi held a hand up as if waving to the camera. ¡°Go ahead and take it.¡±


    Argos took the picture, then stood back up. ¡°Okay, got it.¡±


    Rivi returned to the coyote, shaking snow from his coat. ¡°Thank you, for that.¡±


    ¡°No problem, Spots.¡± Argos quickly wound the film forward. ¡°You want it back, or you want me to take a few more?¡±


    ¡°You seem to be doing a fine job, so far.¡± Rivi stepped closer to the railing, marshalling his courage. ¡°If you¡¯re able to get a few more of the plaza below us, and the city beyond, I¡¯d appreciate it.¡± He gazed into the snow-shrouded distance, where the world vanished into a swirling white haze. ¡°As much as you can see of it, anyway.¡±


    ¡°I can do that.¡± Argos turned towards the rail, and took another silvergraph. ¡°How many do you want?¡±


    ¡°Three or four, perhaps?¡± Rivi rested his arms against the banister. ¡°That will bring us roughly halfway through the film I put in. I want to make sure I also get some pictures of the world falling away beneath us as we ascend.¡± Rivi crinked up his muzzle when a fat snowflake landed directly on his nose. ¡°Though I realize the snow¡¯s going to make that a bit difficult.¡±


    Argos scanned the world through the viewfinder. ¡°Just have to make do with what you can get. They¡¯ll be accurate, at least.¡±


    ¡°That they will.¡± Rivi shifted closer to the coyote, till their bodies were nearly brushing one another. ¡°And my last intercontinental airship departure happened on a lovely, sunny day. So I¡¯ve already gotten plenty of photographs of the world growing smaller and smaller.¡±


    The coyote snapped a picture, then cranked the film dial. ¡°How long you been traveling, anyway?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve no idea, at this point,¡± Rivi said, chittering laughter. ¡°A number of months, at least. This was only the second continent I¡¯ve been to, after leaving my homeland. And they¡¯ve both been relatively small, compared to home, and those ahead of me. The pilgrimage is generally expected to take roughly two years to complete, give or take¡­¡± The cheetah scowled, flattening his ears. ¡°Well, another year or so.¡±


    Argos lowered the camera, turning towards the feline. ¡°That¡¯s a long time for you to be traveling alone.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a long journey.¡± Rivi brushed snow off his head, his tail flicking. ¡°Hell, even this trip is going to take months, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, two at the least.¡± Argos leaned up against the barricade. ¡°Three is more common. But it depends a lot on weather, winds, how long we spend in ports along the way, if we gotta try to avoid major storms and hazards, all that shit. It¡¯s a long, long way across the Sundered Seas, skirting around things like The Emptiness, and the Writhing Chasms. This is of the longer intercontinental routes in the world, actually.¡±


    Rivi scratched one of his ears. ¡°Yes, and I think I¡¯m booked on all of them. Part of the Pilgrimage¡¯s intent is to experience things like that, after all. I¡¯m really still near the start of my journey.¡±


    The coyote grunted, his ears splaying. ¡°That fucker who was supposed to be guiding you gave up awful quick, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    Rivi sneered, a single fang exposed. ¡°That he did. When all is said and done, I shall write a very sternly worded letter to his employment agency!¡± He slapped the railing. ¡°And furthermore, I shall recommend both in my writings and to the relevant Ministries that they never be hired again.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you do that.¡± Argos returned to staring through the camera¡¯s viewfinder. ¡°That sack of shit¡¯s just lucky I ain¡¯t got time to go find him myself.¡± The camera clicked as he took another image. ¡°But like I said¡­¡± Argos wound the film. ¡°When we reach our destination, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re set up with someone trustworthy before Iosa and I move on. The kinda folk who¡¯ll make sure you not only finish your pilgrimage, but make it home safe.¡±


    Rivi smiled, bowing his head in gratitude to the coyote. ¡°Thank you, Argos. Your help in that matter will be very much appreciated. And I¡¯m sure the certain the Church would be happy to cover the additional expenses. After all, they¡¯ll surely be looking to get their funding back from the previous agency.¡±


    A loud, brassy horn sounded. A moment later, a trio of shorter horns followed. The ship rumbled somewhere deep inside, and the deck trembled slightly beneath Rivi. A faint whooshing sound rose in the distance. At first it was muffled by the snow, but the sound grew steadily louder and more urgent, until urgency turned to anger, and the whooshing to a constant, buzzing whumpwhump. Rivi twisted around, trying to spot the nearest set of propulsion turbines. Already they were spinning faster than his eyes could follow, just a black blur that sent snow whirling away in twisting vortexes.


    Excitement flooded Rivi¡¯s belly in churning waves, temporarily overwhelming the lingering anxiety. ¡°Oh, we¡¯re finally launching!¡± The cheetah bounced on his toes. ¡°This is so exciting!¡±


    ¡°Careful, Spots.¡± Argos tucked the camera under an arm, grasping Rivi¡¯s sleeve. ¡°As soon as the first anchors come free, it¡¯s probably gonna lurch around a bit. One section¡¯s gonna try to rise while the rest is still held down. I¡¯m expecting a rougher de-anchoring than usual cause they¡¯re gonna try and do it real quick.¡±


    ¡°Right, thank you.¡± Rivi steadied himself, grasping the handrail tightly. ¡°Is that because of the refugees?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Argos kept his grip on the cheetah¡¯s sleeve. ¡°They got a hell of a lot of them on board, but they couldn¡¯t get everyone. Once they see the ship starting to leave, some of them might panic and do something stupid like, try to scramble up the scaffolds. Or worse, climb the anchoring chairs or something. The faster the ship launches, the safer it¡¯ll be not just for the dock workers, but for all the poor bastards still down there.¡±


    Rivi forced himself to peer over the railing. Through the swirling snow, he vaguely made out crowds of people huddled in the plaza. Several long lines of armed Tavosan soldiers stood between the remaining refugees and the ship. Behind the soldiers, local port workers scurried around in groups. Some of them detached and wheeled away the last of the docking scaffolds that held the ship steady while it was in port, and allowed the engineers to access every inch of its exterior. Others prepared to detach the countless heavy chains anchoring the vessel.


    Though Rivi did not know the particulars of this vessel, many smaller passenger airships were often technically floating even when they were docked. Great gasbags filled with lifting gasses gave the ships their buoyancy, while the engines and turbines propelled them forward. While the Worldstrider had no obvious, external airbags, Rivi imagined it had immense internal ones that ran the length of the ship, hidden away and armored like those on a military vessel.


    The cheetah returned his attention to the refugees. He was certain those remaining already knew they would not be allowed to board. Yet seeing the final departure preparations underway surely hammered home the harsh reality that they were stuck here, come what may. Just as Argos predicted, some of them started to try and force their way to the vessel, only to be repulsed by the soldiers. That in turn caused fresh unrest to roll through the crowd. Rivi could not hear anything above the increasingly noisy propellers and rumbling turbines, but he could imagine the angry calls from the frightened crowd, and the shouted orders from those tasked with keeping order, and the dockworkers safe.


    ¡°Can you get a picture of that, please?¡± Rivi lifted a hand from the faintly vibrating rail long enough to point to the plaza. ¡°I think it¡¯s important to document everything in the world, even its sorrows.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing, Spots.¡± Argos lifted the camera again, taking a few pictures of the scrum below. ¡°Look, Rivi.¡± He glanced over at the cheetah. ¡°If I think it¡¯s about to get ugly down there, you want me to pull you away, before you see something you ain¡¯t gonna want too?¡±


    Rivi glanced over at the cheetah, his ears splayed. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Argos grimaced, brushing snow off his head. ¡°The soldiers ain¡¯t carrying those rifles for show, Spots.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Rivi¡¯s stomach twisted in on itself. ¡°That sort of ugliness. You can warn me, but¡­¡± The cheetah scowled, his tail swishing swiftly. ¡°You should take photos, if it does. As terrible as it would be to witness such atrocities, it would be far more terrible to ignore them. To forget them.¡±


    ¡°As you wish.¡± Argos snapped another photo. ¡°So far, doesn¡¯t look like anyone¡¯s quite desperate enough to risk taking a bullet, let alone falling to their deaths. But that¡¯s why they¡¯re gonna launch as quick as they can. The sooner we¡¯re out of reach, the sooner the temptation to do something stupid goes away.¡±


    Rivi sighed, his ears drooping. How he pitied all those poor people down there. He could scarcely imagine how cold and hungry they must be. How frightened they must be. The cheetah was glad at least that the crowds were vastly diminished compared to the previous day. It pleased Rivi to see that captain¡¯s gambit to reduce the ship¡¯s unnecessary weight in exchange for more passengers had paid off, as much as possible. Now, he could only hope that those who hadn¡¯t made the cut would make it through whatever hardships were yet to come.


    The ship suddenly lurched upwards as several nearby anchoring chains were detached all at once. Rivi¡¯s knees buckled, his stomach flipped over. He squeezed the railing tightly, his arms aching as he struggled not just for balance, but to avoid following over entirely. Behind him, those without a handhold stumbled above, many of them bumping into others. A few toppled to the deck. Meanwhile, Argos rode it out like a lifelong sailor, swaying in time to the waves.


    ¡°You want any help, Spots?¡± Argos held his free arm out towards the feline, camera cradled in the other. ¡°I can keep you steady, if you want, but I gotta put my arm around you.¡±


    The ship lurched again, straining Rivi¡¯s arms as he struggled to keep hold of the barrister. ¡°G-go ahead.¡±


    Argos pressed himself against the cheetah¡¯s side, then put his arm around Rivi¡¯s shoulder. He squeezed the cheetah up against his body, holding him stable even as the ship went through another seismic lurch. For a moment, Rivi¡¯s mind went blank. In place of thoughts, there were only sensations. The warmth, of Argos¡¯s body, pressed against his own. The firmness of the coyote¡¯s grip against his shoulder. The security of being held so close, and so safe. It was all Rivi could do just to keep from melting into the coyote¡¯s grasp, and laying his head against Argos¡¯s shoulder. Even without impurity as a contributing factor, the cheetah knew that to do so would be an enormous breach of etiquette, and of the coyote¡¯s personal space. And yet, something about the idea just felt right. Nonetheless, Rivi resisted the impure urge, even as he savored the warm comfort of having Argos holding him close, and keeping him safe.


    When next the ship¡¯s deck heaved beneath him, Argos held him tight. Rivi leaned against the coyote¡¯s side, telling himself it was merely to maintain his balance. He forced himself to stare down at the plaza far below, if only because he feared losing himself in the coyote¡¯s eyes, should he look at Argos right now. Argos only held him tighter still, as if to encourage Rivi to rest against the coyote¡¯s frame.


    Even through his coat, Rivi could not help but notice how powerful Argos¡¯s body felt. Though outwardly the coyote seemed to possess the same lean, wiry build common to most of his people, pressed so firmly against the cheetah, Argos¡¯s form felt far more statuesque. Rivi could only imagine the sort of training regimen that secret policemen must impose upon themselves in order to remain in proper shape for such a dangerous line of work.


    The ship rolled beneath them a few more times as each set of anchoring chains was released. With every movement, people stumbled or wobbled, or desperately clutched at railings and handholds for balance. Rivi, though, stayed as steady and upright in Argos¡¯s embrace as he would be on solid ground. The cheetah imagined he could have released the banister, and still remained stable.


    ¡°You must ride airships a lot,¡± Rivi said. He splayed his ears in dismay at the sound of his own voice. It came out far softer, and breathier than intended. He tried to force some strength into it. ¡°You handle it like a lifelong sailor.¡±


    ¡°Been on my fair share, yeah.¡± Argos kept his arm firmly around Rivi¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I gotta travel the world a lot, for work. Probably more the training, though. You¡¯d be shocked by how much of learning to fight is actually learning how to keep your balance and shit.¡±


    ¡°I can imagine that would be important, yes.¡± Rivi allowed himself to learn a little harder against Argos. The ship gradually evened out, floating in place above the docks. ¡°Have you had to use that sort of training very often?¡±


    The coyote yipped bittersweet laughter. ¡°More times than you could count, Spots.¡±


    Rivi turned his head slightly to stare at Argos¡¯s hand against his arm. Snow dusted the coyote¡¯s tan-furred fingers, but he scarcely even seemed to notice. ¡°I¡¯ve never even been in a fight.¡± He crinkled his muzzle. ¡°I¡¯ve been struck, but¡­¡±


    Rivi fell silent as memories of pain, humiliation, and shame washed through his mind. The cheetah¡¯s ears drooped, and a little whine escaped him. Most days, those memories were hidden in the deepest, darkest crevices he could find within his mind. But now and then they bubbled back up, and each time, they left Rivi aching a little inside. A fresh wave of humiliation washed through him, and he looked down at his boots. Snow smothered the deck beneath them.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± the cheetah said, barely audible above the engines. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have brought that up. We aren¡¯t to talk about that, anyway.¡±


    ¡°You got nothing to be sorry for, Rivi.¡± Pain left Argos¡¯s every word trembling and taut. ¡°You ain¡¯t ever got to apologize for the cruelty of others. And you damn sure don¡¯t got to apologize for talking about it.¡± Argos gulped audibly, his hand roaming up and down Rivi¡¯s upper arm in a comforting caress. ¡°I got a pretty good idea of what you¡¯re talking about. And I know it hurts, down in your soul, so I ain¡¯t gonna ask you about it. But I am gonna let you know that if you ever wanna talk about it? Then I¡¯ll always be happy to listen.¡±


    The cheetah sniffled a little, blinking back a few unshed tears. His throat burned, threatening to clench up. ¡°Thank you, Argos.¡± Rivi appreciated the coyote¡¯s offer, but Argos was right. He did not want to talk about those days. ¡°Anyway, those¡­¡± Rivi considered his words, choosing them carefully. ¡°Incidents wouldn¡¯t count as being in a fight, anyway. It wasn¡¯t my place to try and strike them back. After all, they were only trying to fix-¡±


    ¡°Fuck that.¡± Argos snarled, turning Rivi towards him. He fixed his golden eyes upon the cheetah. ¡°Ain¡¯t no part of you needs fixing. You¡¯re exactly who you¡¯re supposed to be. And no matter what anyone believes, that don¡¯t give them any right to hurt you. You understand?¡±


    Rivi stammered, adrift in Argos¡¯s endlessly golden eyes. ¡°I-I suppose, but if I was acting impurely in public, then-¡±


    ¡°Noone,¡± Argos said, jabbing a finger into Rivi¡¯s chest. ¡°Has a right.¡± He poked the cheetah again. ¡°To hurt you.¡± Argos softened his voice, if only slightly. ¡°This is important, Rivi. I know your Church has some¡­¡± He paused, then grimaced as if painfully forcing himself to use gentler language than he wished for Rivi¡¯s benefit. ¡°Extremely negative beliefs about people like us. But there ain¡¯t no belief in the world that gives someone the right to hurt those who ain¡¯t done nothing to deserve it. So, Spots.¡± Argos took a small step back, holding Rivi¡¯s camera in both hands. ¡°If you wanna get this back, then I want to hear you tell yourself¡­¡± He cleared his throat, then lifted his voice, feigning a feline accent. ¡°No one has a right to hurt us, Rivi.¡±


    Rivi blinked, glancing around. By now, the earlier fire in Argos¡¯s voice had drawn the attention of some of the other bystanders. A few of them openly stared at the cheetah and coyote, while others poorly disguised their attempts at eavesdropping. Rivi wrung his hands, stepping closer to Argos.


    The cheetah lowered his voice to a worried whisper. ¡°Argos, people are looking at us!¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± The coyote, by contrast, spoke loudly and sharply enough to convince a few of the eavesdroppers to swiftly turn away. ¡°Fuck ¡®em. This is important, Spots. There¡¯s a few things I wanna teach you, while we¡¯re traveling together. And one of them is that just because you might be a little different, don¡¯t mean you deserve to be treated different. And you sure as hell don¡¯t deserve nobody hittin¡¯ you just because they mighta caught you makin¡¯ eyes at a lion, instead of a lioness.¡±


    ¡°Argos,¡± Rivi said, his voice twisting into a nervous whimper. ¡°People can hear you.¡±


    ¡°And again, fuck em.¡± The coyote took another step back. People moved out of his way. ¡°That¡¯s another thing I¡¯m hoping you learn. That it don¡¯t matter one tiny bit what other people think of you. But one lesson at a time.¡± Argos waggled the camera. ¡°You want this back, or you want me to keep it?¡±


    Rivi gazed around. This time, anyone who¡¯d been listening in earlier made a point not to meet his gaze. Many occupied themselves by making unrelated small talk with their neighbors. The cheetah took a deep breath, turning his eyes back to the coyote. Perhaps, he thought, if he feigned a little more courage, and a little more indifference to people¡¯s disgust long enough, he might start to feel it. He forced a smile to his muzzle. ¡°I suppose that depends on how willing you are to continue serving as my photographer.¡±


    Argos gave a little bark of laughter. ¡°I like the spirit at least, Spots. But this is important. I think you need to hear yourself say it.¡± He glanced down at the camera, grinning. ¡°If false threats ain¡¯t gonna work, I ain¡¯t too proud to resort to beggin¡¯. You want me on my knees for you, is that it? Cause I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    Rivi rolled his eyes. ¡°You certainly don¡¯t have too¡­¡±


    The cheetah trailed off when he saw the smirk spread across Argos¡¯s muzzle. Only then did he realize the coyote¡¯s double entendre. Rivi¡¯s ears suddenly burned white hot, surely flushing scarlet beneath his fur. He opened and closed his muzzle, torn between embarrassed horror and bawdy amusement. The cheetah clenched his jaw, trying to hold back the burst of giggles suddenly threatening to spill across his tongue.


    Somehow, Argos always seemed to have something witty to say. Dirty, and often impure, but witty just the same. And so often, the coyote seemed to know just when to make such an improper jest in order to diffuse the tension, or brighten the mood. Rivi wished his own backwards brain could come up with discomfort diffusing witticisms as quickly as Argos did. Hell, the best retort Rivi could think of was¡­Rivi sucked in a little breath when something actually popped into his head. Every instinct he had screamed at him not to say it. We¡¯ll screw it up, Rivi, just like last time. Better to say nothing! It¡¯s terribly impure!


    ¡°Oh, we¡¯re impure, Rivi!¡± The cheetah snapped his jaws, hissing at himself. ¡°We may as well get to say impure things once in a while!¡± Rivi clamped his jaws shut as soon as he realized he¡¯d said that last part aloud. ¡°And, we ruined it.¡± His shoulders sagged. ¡°We had a funny riposte about you kneeling, Argos.¡± He looked away. ¡°But we botched it. As usual.¡±


    Argos smirk only grew. ¡°You didn¡¯t botch nothing, Spots. You want me to say my line again?¡±


    Rivi glanced up, shrugging. ¡°I fear the moment has passed, but¡­¡± Rivi gave a little snort, shaking himself. ¡°Oh, Rivi, how often do we get to make impure jokes to someone who¡¯ll appreciate them?¡± He straightened himself up, smiling. ¡°Yes! Please say the part about being on your knees again.¡± Rivi glanced around, hoping no one else was still paying them too much attention.


    Argos cleared his throat with a little growl. When he spoke again, his words were smooth and sweet, like velvet and honey. ¡°You want me on my knees for you, Spots?¡± Argos¡¯s voice caressed Rivi¡¯s ears and imagination alike. ¡°Cause I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    Rivi shivered, his fur bristling and body tingling in forbidden excitement. ¡°Well,¡± he said, stepping closer to the coyote again. ¡°Not in public, at least.¡±


    Argos stared at him in silence just long enough for dread to creep into the back of Rivi¡¯s mind. Had he overstepped his boundaries? Had he made too dirty, an entendre? Just as he opened his muzzle, intent on apologizing, Argos erupted into happy, barking laughter. It quickly proved contagious, washing away Rivi¡¯s worried uncertainty in a tide of mewling, chirping feline giggles.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Argos said, still laughing. ¡°That¡¯s pretty good, Spots! I¡¯m proud of you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Rivi continued giggling, savoring the mirth dancing in the coyote¡¯s eyes. He focused on Argos, doing what he could do ignore what were surely expressions of disgust and offense all around him. ¡°You get it, right? Because you couldn¡¯t do something so lascivious in public!¡±


    The coyote laughed harder. ¡°Yes, Spots, I get it. And you know¡­¡± His voice returned to the dangerous silken tone. ¡°We do have a private cabin.¡± If Argos was a feline, Rivi was certain he would have purred those words.


    ¡°W-we do.¡± Rivi¡¯s face grew white hot under his fur. The rest of his body soon followed suit, flushing all too warm beneath his clothing. He turned away, brushing snow off his head with both hands lest it should melt and pour icy trickles down his body. ¡°I uh, hadn¡¯t¡­¡± He licked his muzzle, his tail flicking swiftly in broken, off time rhythms. ¡°Considered that when I made my remark. Now I¡¯m struggling to un-consider it!¡±


    Argos put a hand against Rivi¡¯s back. ¡°Sorry, too much?¡±


    ¡°No, no.¡± Rivi shook his head, managing a smile. ¡°I¡¯m enjoying these moments of tawdry banter betwixt us. They¡¯re simply¡­¡± He flourished a golden-gloved hand. ¡°A lot. Much more than I¡¯m used to.¡±


    ¡°One step at a time then, huh?¡± Argos swept more snow off of Rivi¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Alright, Spots. You collect yourself, cause you still got something important to say.¡±


    Rivi flicked an ear back. ¡°You really want me to say that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I really do.¡± Argos gently turned the cheetah back towards him, Rivi¡¯s camera still cradled in one arm. ¡°More importantly, you need to hear yourself say it.¡± A flicker of concern crossed his face, his ears shifting back. ¡°I hope you didn¡¯t take no offense, when I spoke like you a few minutes ago. I just thought that¡¯s how you oughta say it, since that¡¯s how you speak to yourself otherwise.¡±


    ¡°From you?¡± Rivi smiled. ¡°No offense was taken. And I suppose if that¡¯s how I disparage myself, it may as well be how I lift myself up.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Argos squeezed his shoulder, smiling. ¡°Go on, then Spots. No one has the right to hurt you. Lemme hear it.¡±


    Rivi drew himself up, taking a breath. He had every intention of speaking loud and strong, and yet, when he actually forced the words across his tongue, they came out as little more than a mumbling. ¡°No one has the right to hurt us, Rivi.¡± He looked away. ¡°It feels weird to say that, Argos.¡±


    ¡°I know, Spots. But I want you to try again.¡± He held a hand out. ¡°If it helps, you can hold my hand. You got your gloves on after all, right?¡±


    ¡°I do, but¡­¡± Rivi peered down at Argos¡¯s hand. Snowflakes melted against his soft, gray palm pad. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I figure this is painful, for you.¡± Argos shrugged. ¡°And sometimes, people hold each other¡¯s hands, to help them get through painful things.¡±


    Rivi slowly lifted his face. ¡°They do?¡±


    ¡°They do where I¡¯m from, anyway.¡± Argos kept his arm outstretched towards the feline. ¡°It¡¯s only an offer. You don¡¯t gotta take my hand if you don¡¯t want.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Rivi slowly lifted up his own hand. ¡°I do have my gloves on. But isn¡¯t that sort of thing for children? I don¡¯t think anyone¡¯s held my hand since I was a little school-kitten. And¡­people will see. And hear me say it¡­¡±


    The coyote tilted his head. ¡°Do I gotta tell you again that everyone else can fuck right off? Cause I will, if I need to. And if no one ain¡¯t held your hand in that long, I¡¯d say it¡¯s about damn time someone does.¡±


    Rivi stared at his own hand. He waggled his gloved fingers. How long had it been since someone else held his hand, in a trying time? Probably since his mother gave him her own hand to squeeze, while he had a few stitches put into his ear, after a youthful accident. ¡°I suppose it couldn¡¯t hurt.¡±


    ¡°Go on then,¡± Argos said. ¡°I¡¯ll let you do the honors, so you can move at your own pace.¡±


    Rivi forced himself to focus only on Argos, and ignore everyone else. He slowly reached for the coyote¡¯s hand, unsure exactly how to go about grasping it. He laid his fingers over Argos¡¯s palm. The way Argos chuckled to himself left Rivi thinking he must not be doing it right. He shifted his hand until more of his palm rested against Argos¡¯s. Rivi was thankful for the layers and leather and insulation that separated their pads. Argos slowly closed his fingers around Rivi¡¯s hand, and gently squeezed it.


    ¡°Alright, Spots.¡± Argos smiled at him, his grip gentle yet encouraging. ¡°You can do it. Say it loudly, say it clearly, and believe the words you speak.¡±


    Rivi stared down at their enjoined hands. ¡°No one has the right to hurt us, Rivi.¡±


    Argos tightened his grip. ¡°Nah, come on, Spots. Stand up straight. Squeeze my hand. Say it like it¡¯s scripture from your Divines themselves, because if you ask me, it damn sure oughta be.¡±


    Rivi straightened up, and squared his shoulders. He squeezed Argos¡¯s hand. ¡°No one has the right to hurt us, Rivi!¡± This time, a little snarl crept into his voice, unbidden but welcome. ¡°No one has the right to hurt us!¡±


    ¡°Good, cat.¡± Argos pulled him closer. ¡°One more time. Say it, like you¡¯re telling it to someone you care about. Someone whose heart breaks every time you come home bloodied and cryin¡¯. Someone who only wishes you¡¯d realize you don¡¯t deserve to suffer for someone else¡¯s beliefs. Say it, Rivi.¡±


    In his mind, Rivi saw his mother, smiling at him. A smile that belied the pain in her eyes, while she cleaned the blood from his fur. His jaw trembled. He took a slow, shivering breath, and when he spoke, his voice was a hiss that became a snarl, speaking the words he knew she longed to tell him, yet was not allowed. ¡°No one has the right to hurt us, Rivi! No one has the right to hurt us!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Spots.¡± Argos squeezed his hand tightly. ¡°That¡¯s goddamn right. And don¡¯t you forget it.¡±


    Rivi smiled, slowly withdrawing his hand from Argos¡¯s grasp. He had to admit, saying that out loud felt good. The cheetah was not sure he actually believed it, but it felt right to say. The idea warmed him more than countless layers of clothing ever could. Maybe he didn¡¯t deserve to be slapped across the muzzle, just for doing something impure. Maybe he didn¡¯t deserve to be hit, and struck, and beaten just for his sinful nature. Maybe he didn¡¯t deserve pain, just for being different.


    ¡°Here.¡± Argos offered the feline his camera back. ¡°We¡¯re gonna be moving any second now, so you might wanna get some pictures of the city sliding away beneath us.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right, yes.¡± Rivi was so wrapped up in his thoughts he¡¯d almost forgotten his need to document their departure. He checked the film, adjusted a few settings, then stepped closer to the rail. ¡°Thank you, Argos.¡± Rivi glanced over at the coyote. ¡°For convincing me to say that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome, Spots.¡± The coyote stepped up to the barricade, standing alongside him. ¡°Saying it¡¯s the easy part. The hard part¡­¡± He gently tapped Rivi¡¯s head, between his ears. ¡°Is convincing you to believe it in here.¡± Then he tapped the feline¡¯s chest. ¡°And in here. But saying it¡¯s the first step.¡±


    ¡°I suppose that¡¯s true.¡± Rivi peered through the view finder, down at the plaza. They were noticeably floating now, the anchoring chains nearly finished retracting. Rivi couldn¡¯t see anyone clinging to them, but that didn¡¯t mean people hadn¡¯t tried. Some in the crowd still clashed with the guards, trying to push past them. A few threw stones, and bottles. Others had drifted away from the boarding area, and now sat forlornly upon the cold, snowy ground. Others huddled together, their shoulders sagging as the weight of their situation finally came to bear upon them. ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll be alright?¡±


    Argos leaned against the banister, bracing his arms against it. ¡°I dunno, Spots. The captain helped as many people as he could, and¡­¡± The coyote sighed, shaking his head. ¡°I guess we gotta look at that way. Iosa likes to tell me shit like, I can¡¯t save everyone, or I can¡¯t save the world. And I hate it, but she¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°I just¡­¡± Rivi sighed, taking a picture of a wolf dressed in a tattered coat, waving to the ship. He wondered if the wolf was waving farewell to his family. Perhaps he¡¯d given up his own chance to escape on the ship, in order to ensure his child was aboard, instead. ¡°Wish we could do something.¡±


    ¡°Me too, Spots.¡± Argos gave a frustrated sounding growl. ¡°But the world¡¯s a real shitty place, sometimes. I already spread some money around, paid to make sure some of ¡®em them will get food, at least. A bed. Ain¡¯t much more the two of us, as individuals, can do. We could give up our cabin, let them squeeze in another few people. But then we¡¯d be down there, wondering if we were gonna survive till spring. And my missions would go incomplete, and your pilgrimage would go unfinished. Someone¡¯s always gonna suffer, so¡­¡± He glanced over at the cheetah. ¡°Sometimes, the best you can do, is try to make the world a little less shitty, one day at a time. One person at time. I figure, I can¡¯t help those poor bastards anymore, but¡­¡± Argos fell silent, staring at the cheetah for a little while. ¡°Maybe at least I can help this poor bastard, for a while.¡±


    Rivi splayed his ears, looking around. ¡°Which poor bastard?¡± After a moment, it clicked. ¡°Oh. You mean me.¡±


    ¡°I mean you.¡± Argos raised a hand. ¡°I mean to drill as much self-worth, and survival instincts into that sheltered head of yours as I can. In the hopes that when we part, I may have improved your life in some small, but meaningful way. At the very least, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re better prepared for the rest of this pilgrimage when you step off this ship, than you were when you stepped onto it.¡±


    Rivi stared down at the ground as the roar of the propulsion turbines grew. Ever so slowly, the ship inched forward, and the city below began to slide past beneath them. People across the deck applauded and cheered the belated arrival of the vessel¡¯s launch. ¡°I appreciate that, Argos. Probably more than you realize.¡±


    The cheetah swallowed. It dismayed him to think that Argos already seemed more invested in his success than his hired guide ever had. Hell, even his own people hadn¡¯t exactly filled his head with the sort of worldly knowledge required to undertake such a journey. Tradition dictated that he learn the ways of the foreign realms by experiencing them firsthand, and yet, tradition wasn¡¯t going to keep his billfold safe, or his throat uncut.


    Rivi sighed as the plaza gradually slipped away. People continued to cheer and clap and holler, but Rivi found himself sharing their exuberance far less than he¡¯d anticipated. He took a photograph of the docking scaffolds that were now behind them, just before they vanished into the snow. Then he turned around and snapped a few more pictures of the impromptu celebrations stretching across the viewing area.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯re finally departing, and¡­¡± Rivi lowered his camera. ¡°I don¡¯t feel half as jubilant as they do. Which is unfortunate, because I was ever so excited for this moment, not all that long ago.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Spots.¡± Argos hung his head, his ears drooping. ¡°That¡¯s probably my fault. I shoulda just kept my snout shut, and let you enjoy the moment. I plenty of time to teach you shit later.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps, but¡­¡± Rivi fidgeted with the lens of the camera. ¡°Please don¡¯t feel bad. I¡¯m honestly grateful you¡¯re looking out for me, this way. I¡¯m¡­¡± He shifted a little closer, until his body brushed against Argos. ¡°I¡¯m happy to be here, just the same. In this important milestone on my pilgrimage. In this moment¡­¡± He cast a shy, sidelong glance at the coyote. ¡°With you.¡±


    A smile slowly broke out across Argos¡¯s muzzle. He lifted his head, straightening up. ¡°Yeah. Me too.¡± Argos¡¯s tail swished, bumping against Rivi¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯m glad we met, Spots.¡±


    ¡°As am I,¡± Rivi said. He tucked his camera beneath his arm, wishing simply to savor the moment. ¡°And not simply because I might dead, if you hadn¡¯t saved me.¡±


    Argos laughed a little. ¡°Yeah, that too.¡± He glanced over, one ear lifted. ¡°You know, once we¡¯re outside the city, we¡¯re gonna pass over some pretty craggy cliffs as we reach the sea. It might get a little turbulent. If you wanted¡­¡± Argos brushed some snow off Rivi¡¯s coat. ¡°I could put my arm around you, again. You know. Just to keep you steady.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Rivi swallowed.


    He took a few nervous, panting breaths, considering the implications of both the offer, and its acceptance. A million voices screamed at him to turn Argos down, that the coyote was offering more than just an arm to keep him steady. He was offering temptation, a pathway to impurity far more tainted than mere stray thoughts. Turn him down, Rivi. We can¡¯t give into this sort of thing. Normally, Rivi would listen to those voices. Normally, he¡¯d shrug off the coyote¡¯s touch, and politely decline. But what had that ever gotten him, besides loneliness? Forget what we should do, Rivi, what do we want?


    Rivi wanted to be held.


    The cheetah eased closer to Argos, daring to allow their bodies to touch. He glanced at Argos, an ever so shy smile upon his muzzle. ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡±


    Argos put his arm around Rivi, and pulled him close. All at once, Rivi¡¯s worries faded away. The frigid cold was forgotten. He relaxed against Argos until his weight was resting against the coyote. In return, Argos held him tighter still, rubbing his arm. Heartbeat by heartbeat, everything in Rivi melted away into warm contentment.


    Together, they watched the world dissolve into swirling snow.

 Chapter Twelve

    *****


    Chapter Twelve


    *****


    Rivi had rarely felt so impure, and yet so completely at peace. In his head, he knew what he was doing was wrong. That Argos was not simply keeping him steady, but holding him. Rivi was not quite so na?ve as to view it in any romantic sort of context, given that he¡¯d only known Argos since the previous day. Yet, neither was it a purely platonic gesture. Argos held Rivi against his body as he might cradle someone he was courting. Rivi knew that was wrong. Rivi knew it was terribly impure for one male to hold another that way. But Rivi, for perhaps the first time in all his life, did not care.


    For in his heart, in his very soul, Rivi was happy.


    Rivi was uncertain when last he¡¯d allowed himself to indulge in such open, defiant, impurity. Back home, such things were strictly forbidden. Those who suffered such thoughts and urges did everything they could to keep them secret, and avoid acting upon them. It was simply safer that way. The Church had developed entire sets of laws and correctional methodologies developed to contain the soul-corrupting taint of impurity.


    Thoughts were just that, an ephemeral moment of corruption. Those were atoneable with prayer alone. Minor impure acts such as a slip of the tongue, a lingering glance, usually only required a humble, if humiliating, apology. However, repeated offenses may require stricter penance. Physical acts of contrition were designed to correct the impure individual¡¯s behavior, and eliminate the tainted urges from within them. The more intimate the act, the more severe the punishment.


    Rivi, in his youth, struggled to communicate as openly and easily as others did. In the same way, he struggled to hide the way he might look at some one, or talk to someone. His thoughts often sped across his tongue, forming themselves into words before he could even parse exactly what it was he was thinking. In his university days, Rivi had been made to take penance a number of times. Eventually, he had better learned how to suppress and hide his impurity more often than not.


    Nowadays, it had been years since Rivi¡¯s last correctional penance, after the lion, in the bar. That time, and that time only, Rivi had flashed defiance instead of shame, and contrition. And in return, they had fetched his father. The cheetah¡¯s breath caught in his throat. He grit his teeth, forcing the painful, humiliating memories aside. Now was not the time to dwell on the darkest moments of his shameful life. No, Rivi told himself. Now was the time to revel in the warm embrace of a kindred soul.


    In all Rivi¡¯s life, Argos was the first person he¡¯d ever met who so openly admitted his own impurity. Hell, Argos didn¡¯t just admit it, Argos embraced it. The very concept both terrified and exhilarated Rivi. The Church might well jail a citizen who refused correctional penance in favor of reveling in their own unnatural urges. Rivi never would have let another male hold him this way in public, back home. And yet, it seemed to be completely normal for Argos. How wonderful it must be, Rivi thought, how freeing, to simply be allowed to be yourself.


    Rivi wondered just how many more people like Argos were out there, somewhere. Living as their true selves, without fear or care for what others may think of them. Was that normal amongst Argos¡¯s people? Or was it because of Argos¡¯s job? Who would dare attempt to enforce vice laws against an actual secret policeman? Or was it more than that? Was it possible that impure acts were simply allowed in whatever land Argos called home? Rivi had never even considered there might be nations out there in which displays of impurity were not outlawed.


    He glanced up at the Coyote. Argos stared out into the snowstorm, watching the white-blanketed ground slowly fall away beneath them. Fresh snow dusted the coyote¡¯s head and ears. Argos seemed as oblivious to the snow against his fur as he was to the dirty looks Rivi imagined they were getting. What must it be like, Rivi wondered, to be so unmoved by the opinions of others? Was it now terrifying, to stand before a world that hated those like you, and demand instead their acceptance? Rivi doubted he would ever find the strength to accept himself that completely, much less the courage and conviction to demand others do the same.


    The cheetah smiled, still looking at Argos¡¯s face. ¡°He¡¯s so courageous, Rivi.¡±


    ¡°Aww, thanks, Spots.¡± A grin spread over the coyote¡¯s muzzle. ¡°I¡¯ve been on lots of airships, though. I¡¯m pretty used to the ascent.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s ears went back. ¡°That¡¯s not¡­¡± He swallowed, struggling to keep from choking on his own tongue. ¡°I mean, I didn¡¯t¡­¡± The cheetah¡¯s eyes darted around. None of the other revelers celebrating the ship¡¯s departure paid them any attention. ¡°I hadn¡¯t meant to say that out loud!¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m gonna take it as a compliment, anyway.¡± Argos rubbed Rivi¡¯s arm. ¡°But I¡¯ll pretend I didn¡¯t hear you, if it makes you feel better.¡±


    Rivi brushed snow off his muzzle, shaking his head. ¡°N-no, it¡¯s alright. I wasn¡¯t referring to the airship, either.¡±


    Argos looked down at him, his head tilted. ¡°You don¡¯t gotta explain, especially if I wasn¡¯t supposed to hear.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Rivi shifted slightly, freeing up his hands to wring them together, even as he continued leaning against the coyote. ¡°But I feel I should tell you, just the same.¡± He took a slow, steadying breath. ¡°I think you¡¯re incredibly courageous, for¡­¡± The cheetah trailed off, unsure how to phrase it without sounding offensive. ¡°Allowing yourself to be who you are, no matter who knows, or what they think of you.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that kinda courage.¡± Argos fell silent for several long moments. His bushy tail swished, shedding snow. It bumped Rivi a few times, and each little touch made the cheetah shiver, ever so slightly. ¡°Suppose that¡¯s a complicated subject. I know it¡¯s easier for someone like me, living a life like mine, than someone in your place. But thanks, Spots.¡± Argos squeezed the cheetah against him. ¡°I appreciate it just the same.¡±


    Rivi managed a little smile. ¡°I was just thinking about that, actually. I fear even if such things were not punished, back home, I would still lack the courage to ever admit to such impure feelings.¡±


    Argos shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t be so hard on yourself, Spots. You¡¯re being open about it with me, right?¡±


    Rivi mewled in bittersweet amusement. ¡°Only because I blurted out the wrong thing, and you¡­¡± He waggled his fingers. ¡°Secret policeman detected your way into sussing me out.¡± He splayed his ears. ¡°You don¡¯t work for a vice squad, do you?¡±


    ¡°Fuck, no.¡± Argos growled, gnashing his teeth. ¡°People I work for don¡¯t give two shits about that kinda thing. Hell, if I was in that line of work, I¡¯d be on the other side. I¡¯d be the guy smuggling so-called impure folks away from your Church, and off to somewhere safe.¡± Argos breathed in, slow and deep, then let it all back out in a long sigh. His breath drifted away in a vast cloud. ¡°Point I was trying to make is¡­¡± He squeezed Rivi against his body, smiling. ¡°Look what you¡¯re doing right now. For you? This is courage.¡±


    Rivi glanced down at his boots. Snow smothered them. He nudged one against the deck, scraping little lines through the freshly fallen powder. ¡°More sin, than courage, I should think. A pleasant, comfortable sort of sin, but sin just the same.¡±


    ¡°Listen, Spots.¡± Argos gently rubbed Rivi¡¯s arm. ¡°I can only imagine the ocean of turmoil that musta been roiling in your head, when I held my hand out for you. When I offered¡­¡± He squeezed the cheetah again. ¡°This. And you gazed into what musta felt like an abyss of temptation¡­¡± The coyote waved his free hand at the snow. ¡°And what I¡¯m sure your people taught you was the road to damnation, and you said¡­¡± Argos grinned down at him. ¡°Bring it the fuck on. I wanna cuddle with that coyote. And that¡¯s courage, Spots. To stare down your fears, and bare your fuckin¡¯ teeth.¡±


    Rivi rubbed his golden gloves together. His tail tip flicked back and forth, and a smile slowly crept across his muzzle. ¡°I don¡¯t think those were exactly the words I used.¡±


    Argos yapped canine laughter. ¡°Yeah, I know. You woulda said ¡®fuck¡¯ a few more times, right?¡±


    Rivi¡¯s smile grew. ¡°Oh, at least three or four more, yes. As I¡¯m certain you¡¯ve noticed, I¡¯m notorious for my foul mouth. Why, I might have even included a reference to a lascivious act.¡±


    ¡°Right, how could I forget?¡± Argos released Rivi from his grasp, only to turn towards him. He clasped his hands together in imitation of Rivi¡¯s frequent hand-wringing. Then he scowled, his ears swiveled to odd angles, looking somehow both annoyed and anxious at the same time. When Argos spoke again, he took on a pretentiously lilting accent. ¡°Now, you listen here, Fear, you fucking rapscallion! I daresay, I¡¯ll give you what fucking for! And if you don¡¯t fucking like it, then I hereby invite you to fellate me!¡±


    Rivi stared at Argos in silence, his eyes wide behind his snow-flecked speckles. The cheetah¡¯s jaw hung open. Then a single, chirping giggle escaped him. Another soon followed it, and another, until an entire landslide of musical, feline giggles erupted from the cheetah. He put a hand over his muzzle, as if to hold into his own laughter. Yet all he managed was to giggle into his pads.


    ¡°I do not sound like that!¡± Rivi gave Argos a playful shove, still giggling.


    The coyote barely even shifted, grinning. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right. I shoulda used way more swearing.¡±


    Rivi rolled his eyes, swatting at Argos¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what would have made it more accurate.¡± He gave the coyote¡¯s arm another playful smack, then looked away, trying to wipe the smile off his muzzle. ¡°Actually, I must admit, that was quite good. Though, I daresay I¡¯ve never actually used the word¡­¡± He lowered his voice to a whisper. ¡°Fellate, before.¡±


    Argos folded his arms, smirking. ¡°Now you have.¡±


    Rivi giggled again, leaning up against the railing. ¡°I suppose I have. Though, I certainly haven¡¯t ever invited anyone to do¡­¡± He straightened up, clearing his throat. ¡°That.¡±


    ¡°Not even as an insult?¡± Argos finally brushed the snow off his head, running both hands over his ears.


    Rivi considered it, his smile twisting into a thoughtful scowl. ¡°Not in my memory, anyway. Perhaps in my rebellious youth, back when I might have first heard such lascivious phrases back in school.¡± He perked his ears, waggling a finger. ¡°Oh, but I did once tell someone to¡­¡± He lowered his voice again. ¡°To kiss my ass.¡±


    Argos lifted a single ear. ¡°You did?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Rivi nodded a few times, then glanced away, his ears falling. ¡°Well, I believe I told them to press their muzzle to my posterior, but close enough!¡±


    Argos gave a bark of laughter. ¡°You know, putting it that way might actually be more insulting.¡± He turned back towards the railing, then held his arm open again. ¡°So, you wanna stand out there in the cold, or you wanna cuddle again?¡±


    Rivi gave a mock gasp. ¡°Certainly not! First you tease me about an invitation to fellatio, and then you suggest we were cuddling? How very uncouth, Sir!¡± Rivi turned away, smiling to himself.


    ¡°Speaking of uncouth,¡± Argos said, his tail wagging and bumping the railing. ¡°When you say it like that, it kinda sounds like you¡¯re inviting me-¡±


    ¡°You shush right there, you foul-mouthed ruffian!¡± Rivi tossed his head back in the haughtiest expression he could manage. ¡°I have issued no such invitation, nor do I appreciate the implications there of! You insult me, sir!¡± He glanced over his shoulder, still grinning. ¡°Therefor, my wounded honor demands recompense.¡± Rivi slowly backed up until he bumped up against the coyote. ¡°And seeing as it is dangerous frigid out, and we stand upon an unsteady vessel, I demand that you see to my warmth, and stability.¡±


    Argos slowly wrapped his arm around the cheetah again. ¡°Very well, then, Sir.¡± The coyote pulled him close. ¡°But only for safety¡¯s sake.¡±


    ¡°As it should be.¡± Rivi pressed himself against the coyote, savoring the comfort of having his arm draped around him, and the return of Argos¡¯s warmth. ¡°And remember, if I fall over or develop frostbite, I shall hold you to account.¡±


    ¡°Oh, well, I wouldn¡¯t want that.¡± Argos rubbed Rivi¡¯s arm. ¡°You might get angry, and insult me¡­¡± A smirk crept across his muzzle. ¡°By inviting me to fellate you.¡±


    Rivi giggled again, the inside of his ears heating despite the falling snow. ¡°I fear you¡¯d take it as an actual invitation.¡±


    Argos shrugged, pulling the cat closer still. ¡°Well, we are sharing a room.¡±


    The cheetah gulped hard, trying not to visualize that particular scenario. ¡°May I ask you something?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Argos¡¯s hand drifted lower down Rivi¡¯s arm, nearly brushing his gloved fingers. ¡°And please, Rivi, teasing aside. Tell me if anything I do makes you uncomfortable. I promise you, I¡¯ll stop immediately. I just gotta know where the boundaries are, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m wondering that myself, right now.¡± Rivi lifted his fingers just enough to brush Argos¡¯s, then let his arm fall back against his side. ¡°Are you always this openly flirty and¡­¡± He gestured between them. ¡°Physically affectionate with new companions?¡±


    The coyote¡¯s hand stilled against Rivi¡¯s arm. ¡°Kind of a complicated question. Might be worth talking about in detail in private, if you¡¯re interested.¡±


    Rivi looked up at him, smiling. ¡°I¡¯m interested in anything you have to say.¡±


    Argos returned the feline¡¯s smile, his ears perked. ¡°Kinda feeling the same way, Spots. The short answer to your question is, yes, though I ain¡¯t always so quick to say, cuddle someone. I¡¯m pretty quick to flirt, unless someone don¡¯t like it. But hell, I dunno, Spots. There¡¯s just something about you. Like there¡¯s a part me that knows you need this, even if you ain¡¯t realized it. And sometimes, people just¡­¡± He shrugged. ¡°Connect. Right off the bat. Can¡¯t really explain it. Life don¡¯t always make sense, and matters of the heart and soul make a lot less sense. You want me to stop?¡±


    The cheetah quickly shook his head. ¡°N-no. I was just¡­¡± He licked his nose, tasting snow. ¡°Curious. I¡¯m very unused to this sort of thing, and¡­I don¡¯t know if this is even the normal pace for such relation-¡± He cut himself off, ears flat, then swiftly amended himself. ¡°Friendships.¡±


    ¡°Every¡­¡± Argos flourished his free hand. ¡°Friendship is different. But I have been accused of jumping into things a little too quickly. Getting attached a little too quickly.¡± He grimaced. ¡°Mostly by Iosa. She¡¯s right, of course. And you¡¯re right too, by the way.¡± He dusted snow from the cheetah¡¯s ears. ¡°Friends is what we are. Even with¡­¡± The coyote hugged Rivi. ¡°This, right now. We only just met, after all. But, I ain¡¯t gonna lie to you, neither.¡± Argos resumed gently stroking Rivi¡¯s arm. ¡°This is the sort thing that might lead a person to start wondering if there¡¯s room there for more than friendship.¡±


    Rivi swallowed, staring over the railing. They were outside the city¡¯s walls, now. Glimpses of ramshackle slums and refugee tents mixed in amidst rocky hills and stone spires. ¡°I¡¯ve never actually¡­¡± Rivi cleared his throat, ears flat. ¡°N-nevermind.¡±


    Argos flashed him his usual, easygoing grin. ¡°You don¡¯t gotta say nothing you¡¯re not comfortable with, Spots. And, on that note¡­¡± The coyote took a slow breath. ¡°This is as good a time as any to tell you that¡­¡± He tilted his head, chewing on his tongue as if struggling to find the right words. ¡°If anything more than friendship were to develop?¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Rivi forced himself to stare into the snowstorm. ¡°I¡­I couldn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°I know, Spots.¡± Argos idly brushed his free hand back and forth across the barrister. ¡°I know. And I¡¯m only bringing this up, cause of¡­¡± He squeezed the coyote against his body. ¡°This. Which just sorta happened. And sometimes, that¡¯s how it goes. Things just sorta¡­happen, between two people. So, just in case, there¡¯s something I gotta tell you. You okay with that?¡±


    The cheetah slowly nodded. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°This little friendship we seem to have struck up, here.¡± He gestured between them. ¡°Whatever this is, whatever it may become? It can only last until this voyage ends. Cause after that, you got your pilgrimage, and I got my work. And we¡¯re both gonna be carried in different directions, whether we like it or not.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s stomach twisted. His mouth went dry. The cheetah worked his tongue around in his muzzle, struggling to moisten it. Why, he wondered, was that particularly obvious truth so difficult to hear? He told himself it was simply because so few people had ever treated him so kindly as Argos. And no one had ever shown him such simple, wholehearted acceptance. If nothing else, Rivi would miss that.


    ¡°I-I know,¡± Rivi said, his voice little more than a hoarse whisper.


    ¡°Now, I realize that¡­¡± He indicated the two of them again. ¡°This right here is probably as far as it¡¯s gonna go. I just¡­¡± Argos sighed, and looked away. ¡°I figured it wouldn¡¯t be right, to give you the wrong idea about how long it might last. Yanno, just in case.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Argos.¡± Rivi forced himself to look up at the coyote¡¯s face, even as Argos continued to stare off into the snow. ¡°I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I¡¯m certain that by the time we say farewell, I shall miss your kindness and acceptance, if nothing else. Perhaps¡­¡± Rivi licked his nose again. ¡°Perhaps we could write one another letters, now and then?¡±


    Argos only chuckled. ¡°Yeah, maybe Spots.¡± He cleared his throat with a very canine sounding growl. ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s outta the way. May as well enjoy getting to know one another while we can, huh?¡±


    Rivi managed a small nod. ¡°Yes, I like that idea.¡± His gaze lingered on Argos¡¯s face for a few moments longer before he took, peered out into the swirling storm. ¡°You¡¯re probably the kindest person I¡¯ve met on my pilgrimage so far, Argos.¡±


    The coyote stilled. His body tensed against Rivi. ¡°No, I ain¡¯t.¡± Argos¡¯s free hand clenched the banister. ¡°I keep trying to tell you, I ain¡¯t a good person.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s ears fell. Fresh snow already crusted them. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. Did I say something wrong?¡± He hissed under his breath. ¡°We have to be more careful with what we say, Rivi!¡±


    ¡°No, Spots,¡± Argos said. ¡°It ain¡¯t that.¡± He looked down at himself, as if only now noticing all the snow that clung to his drab gray coat. He brushed it off with one hand, the other arm still encircled around Rivi. ¡°It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t really think ¡®kind¡¯ is a good descriptor for me.¡±


    Rivi rested his gloved hands against the railing. ¡°I meant it as a compliment.¡±


    ¡°I know you did.¡± Argos sighed, his shoulders slumping beneath his overcoat. ¡°Look, Spots. I¡¯ve done a lot of bad things. And I¡¯m gonna do a lot more. I sure as hell ain¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been kind to me,¡± Rivi said, turning towards the canine. The cheetah gently placed his arm on Argos¡¯s arm. ¡°I know a job like yours must force you into all sorts of unpleasantries. But¡­¡± He trailed off, struggling to wrangle the right words, in the right order, from the maelstrom swirling in his head. ¡°We are not solely defined¡­¡± When Argos glanced down at him, Rivi forced himself to smile up at the canine. ¡°By the worst things we do. Your kindness towards me?¡± He waved over the banister, towards the city they¡¯d left behind. ¡°Your desire to help those refugees? To stand up for those who struggle to stand up for themselves? Those things define you ever bit as much as the terrible deeds you may have done.¡±


    Argos stared down at him for a moment. Something dark and uncertain roiled behind Argos¡¯s golden eyes. It was so unlike what Rivi normally saw in Argos¡¯s eyes, that it took him a moment to realize what it was. Fear. What Argos could possibly be afraid of, Rivi did not know. Perhaps, Rivi thought, Argos was worried that Rivi might be revulsed by the coyote, if he ever learned the horrifying details of Argos¡¯s work. Why the coyote would about that of all things, Rivi did not know. He told himself he was surely wrong. But just in case¡­


    Rivi glanced at his hands, reminding himself he wore his gloves. Then, gently as he could, he took Argos¡¯s hand between his own. Rivi spoke slowly, choosing each word with care. ¡°A soldier who goes to war, to fight for his country, is not defined only by the lives he¡¯s forced to take, Argos. But by the lives he saves. The lives he touches, his comrades on the front, his family back home. The good deeds he does, to atone for the acts that haunt him. We are all a complex tapestry, woven by the divines. A single thread will never define us. You are every bit as much the kindness you¡¯ve shown me, as you are the cruelties you¡¯ve been forced to inflict.¡±


    Argos took a shaking breath. He blinked a few times, then looked away and wiped his eyes. ¡°Goddamn, Spots.¡±


    Rivi squeezed Argos¡¯s hand, smiling just a little. ¡°I hope your blasphemy means my words have merit.¡±


    ¡°More than you realize, I imagine.¡± The coyote turned his face back towards the cheetah. Snow alighted on his gray and tan fur. ¡°Thank you, Rivi.¡± Argos bowed his head. ¡°I genuinely appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°You are quite welcome, Argos.¡± Rivi patted the coyote¡¯s hand, then released it. ¡°I just¡­¡± The cheetah scowled. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to feel as though you aren¡¯t kind. Or that there isn¡¯t goodness, in you. Because there is. Even if you feel like it¡¯s all been smothered by darkness.¡± Rivi rubbed his hands together. ¡°You know, it¡¯s said that even the Divine who wove our world together, after the Fracturing, once did terrible things. That he stood in opposition to other Divines, and pitted their children against one another. But when the Cosmos shattered, he chose to stitch it back together, regardless of the cost to himself. And just like him? No one thing, good or ill, will wholly define any of us.¡±


    Argos gave a little sigh. He reached out and swept snow from Rivi¡¯s head and ears. ¡°You¡¯re awfully damn eloquent when you wanna be, Spots.¡±


    The feline chirruped nervous laughter, resisting the urge to lean his head into Argos¡¯s warm touch. ¡°You¡¯ve no idea how much effort that eloquence took. I¡¯m usually far more articulate in my writings. And thank the divines for that, or I¡¯d never have made it through University, let alone attained any of my scholar¡¯s positions.¡± Rivi paused, splaying his ears again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m starting to ramble again. Case in point, I suppose.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry.¡± Argos tapped Rivi¡¯s head. ¡°You got a lotta interesting shit rattling around in there. I think sometimes it just all wants to come out at once.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s actually quite accurate.¡± Rivi shoved his hands into the pockets of his indigo overcoat. ¡°Usually, the wrong things tumble out first. I sometimes find I must really focus to put my words in the proper order, let alone to prevent the wrong thoughts from slipping free. Like when I called you¡­¡± He glanced away, whispering. ¡°Handsome.¡± A tiny smile flitted across his muzzle. ¡°Which you are.¡±


    ¡°So are you, Cat.¡± Argos dusted more snow off the back of Rivi¡¯s overcoat.


    ¡°Liar,¡± Rivi said, his smile widening.


    ¡°Am not.¡± Argos brushed off Rivi¡¯s sleeves, then tilted his head. ¡°Ain¡¯t you getting cold without a hat?¡±


    Rivi scowled. All at once, his ears stung a little in the wind, even a gentle numbness crept across them. It was as if ever since Argos put his arm around the cheetah, Rivi hadn¡¯t even noticed the chill settling in beneath his fur. Only now when Rivi actively thought about it did the feline realize just how cold his face and head were getting. He rubbed one of his ears, just to bring some feeling back into it.


    ¡°Now that you mention it,¡± Rivi said, rubbing his other ear. ¡°Yes. Aren¡¯t you cold, as well? You don¡¯t even have gloves.¡±


    Argos merely shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Fingers are a little cold, I guess. But I think my fur¡¯s better suited to the cold than yours.¡±


    ¡°Probably true.¡± Rivi shoved his hands back into his pockets. ¡°I was hoping to stay out long enough to photograph the landscape outside the city. The jagged cliffs plunging into the sea are supposed to be spectacular. Yet the higher we get, the more the snowstorm obscures the view, anyway.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Argos leaned over the railing, peering down. ¡°Not much to see now, I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    Rivi peered down as well. Very little could be seen now aside from whirls of blinding snow. Occasionally, glimpses of towering cliffs loomed through the snow, gray walls shrouded by white veils. Somewhere out there, Rivi knew the waves of the Tavosan Sea were ever-pounding against sheer cliffsides and jagged rocks. Somewhere, further south, Tavosa possessed a sheltered harbor, where freight vessels and fisherman alike were surely moored. The cheetah doubted anyone was likely to venture out to sea in this weather.


    With a sigh, Rivi straightened up and glanced at his camera case nearby. ¡°I suppose I should at least attempt to get a shot of the shoreline through the snow.¡±


    ¡°Lemme help.¡± Argos crouched down and opened the case. He retrieved the camera, and passed it to the feline. ¡°You want me to try? I probably get steadier hands than you, and I don¡¯t mind leaning over the railing.¡±


    ¡°Be my guest,¡± Rivi said.


    Rivi scanned the world beneath the ship. Down below, a long, narrow, elevated peninsula appeared through the snow. Sheer cliffs surrounded it on all sides, their normally gray faces painted white. Angry, frothing waves lashed against the stony shore. A lighthouse with vibrant crimson and gold striping tipped the peninsula. Beyond it, the land fell away into a series of ragged spires, like sharp, broken steps leading down into the roiling sea. The cheetah doubted the view would remain for long.


    ¡°Over there!¡± Rivi pointed towards it. ¡°See if you can get a shot of that.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing.¡± Argos located the lighthouse, then snapped a photo. He cranked the film forward, and took another. The Coyote had time to for just one more image, and then the churning clouds of snow closed back in. ¡°That¡¯s that, I think.¡± Argos lowered the camera. ¡°Hopefully those turn out well. Good timing on deciding to take the Snowblind back out.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that worked out well.¡± Rivi took it back from Argos. He peered through the viewfinder, gazing around the deck. The crowd had already thinned a bit, no doubt chased inside by the frigid cold. He snapped a picture. ¡°Shame about the weather. I should imagine people might linger out here all afternoon, otherwise.¡±


    ¡°Some of them would, yeah.¡± Argos leaned back against the railing. ¡°Speaking of which, we should probably get you inside before your ears get frostbite.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯re quite that cold,¡± Rivi said. He took another photograph, trying to match one he¡¯d taken earlier to illustrate how much more snow had fallen since he¡¯d been outside. ¡°Then again, I¡¯m not entirely sure what getting frostbite feels like.¡±


    Argos rubbed his muzzle. ¡°Pretty sure it¡¯s one of those things where if you wait until you feel it, you¡¯ve already got it. You don¡¯t want your ears to shrivel up, and fall off, do you?¡±


    Rivi¡¯s eyes widened. He lowered the camera, turning back to the coyote. ¡°Is that what happens?¡±


    ¡°Nah, they don¡¯t actually fall off on their own.¡± Argos smirked. ¡°They get amputated.¡±


    The cheetah gulped. ¡°That isn¡¯t much better.¡± He blew snow off the Snowblind, then returned it to its case. ¡°Perhaps I should venture back inside, just to be safe.¡±


    ¡°Probably a good idea.¡± Argos tilted his head. ¡°Have you eaten yet?¡±


    ¡°I had a late breakfast in the room.¡± Rivi hooked the camera case over his shoulder. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind something light, though. Oh, and a hot beverage, perhaps.¡±


    Argos waved at the drink vendors nearby. ¡°You want something here? Or you wanna go find a coffee shop inside the ship? If you don¡¯t drink coffee, they¡¯ve got tea and things too.¡±


    ¡°I enjoy tea and coffee alike.¡± Rivi padded across the deck. He paused to scan the drinks menu set up outside a beverage vendor. ¡°I think I should like a hot cider, but I¡¯d certainly enjoy sitting with you in a coffee shop, if that¡¯s also an option.¡±


    ¡°It is.¡± Argos walked along at his side. He flashed the vendor two fingers. ¡°Couple ciders, please.¡±


    Rivi set his camera case down near the booth, then stepped in front of Argos. ¡°Let me pay.¡± He unbuttoned his coat just enough to retrieve his billfold from within. Cold air slipped inside, trying to infiltrate through his sweater. ¡°You and Iosa paid for literally everything else yesterday.¡±


    ¡°One meal.¡± Argos folded his arms, but did not argue. ¡°We paid for one meal. You make it sound like-¡±


    ¡°And all the tips for the service staff,¡± Rivi said, digging out a bank note. ¡°And far more importantly, you¡¯re paying for the room!¡±


    Argos held his hands up. ¡°I keep telling you, Spots. The room¡¯s comped. It ain¡¯t costing me nothing.¡±


    Rivi ignored him, passing money to the human man working the stall. ¡°Keep the change, please.¡± He tucked his wallet away again, then buttoned his coat back up.


    ¡°Thank you, Sir!¡± The human man working the stall offered Rivi a thankful smile. He stashed the money in the till, and then poured steaming hot cider into two large paper cups. Steam wafted from them as he passed them across the counter. ¡°Here you are. Enjoy.¡±


    Rivi took the cups, glancing at them. The Worldstrider¡¯s logo was printed upon them in black. ¡°They really do brand everything on this vessel, don¡¯t they.¡± He passed one of them to Argos.


    ¡°Yeah, all the big intercontinental ships do that.¡± Argos sipped the drink, then scrunched his muzzle, his ears flat. ¡°Ow, Ow! Hot! Too hot! Don¡¯t drink it yet.¡±


    Rivi flattened his ears. ¡°I won¡¯t. Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°I dunno.¡± Argos worked his tongue around in his snout. ¡°Hard to tell with a mouthful of seared flesh.¡±


    Rivi fought back a giggle. ¡°You should eat some snow. That might help.¡±


    ¡°It might, actually.¡± Argos scooped up a handful of snow from an untouched chair. He stuffed it into his muzzle, and let it melt in his mouth. ¡°Well, now I¡¯ve gone from burned, to frozen.¡±


    ¡°Hopefully numbness has eased the pain, at least.¡± Rivi dug his gloved fingers through a pile of fresh snow. ¡°I think I¡¯ll put a little snow into mine, to cool it down.¡±


    ¡°Smart.¡± Argos held his cup in both hands. ¡°I¡¯m just gonna wait, and let it bring some feeling back into my fingers.¡±


    Rivi dropped a little snow into the golden liquid, watching as it quickly vanished. ¡°And here I thought you were impervious to the cold. We can go inside right away, if you want.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Argos lifted his cider up to his muzzle, blowing on it. Steam swirled around his face. ¡°It¡¯ll cool down faster out here. Just need to make sure it doesn¡¯t burn the rest of my face off.¡±


    Rivi grinned at the coyote. ¡°Do you want me to add some snow to yours, too?¡±


    ¡°Might as well.¡± Argos offered his cider to the cheetah.


    The feline scooped up another handful of frigid powder. He added half of it to Argos¡¯s, then the rest to his own.  ¡°Hopefully this won¡¯t dilute it too badly. I didn¡¯t add much.¡±


    ¡°Should be fine.¡± Argos blew on his drink again as the snow melted away.


    Rivi sniffed at his. The scents of dried apples and spices wafted from it. He took a cautious drink, and found the temperature just about perfect. It was still hot, but pleasantly so, warming him down to his belly. The taste was similar to the scent, but stronger, with a richer apple flavor backed by cinnamon and nutmeg. Rivi took a long drink, and then gave a happy little sigh.


    ¡°This is quite good.¡± He glanced up at Argos. ¡°If yours is still too hot, put a little more snow in.¡±


    Argos sipped it again, then smiled, his snow-dusted tail wagging. ¡°Nah, it¡¯s fine now. And yeah, that¡¯s good cider.¡±


    Rivi sipped a little more. ¡°It¡¯s not alcoholic, is it?¡± He looked over his shoulder at the booth. The sign indicated that hard cider was available, but did not specify if it was standard. ¡°Or is it?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think so.¡± Argos drank a little deeper, then licked his nose. ¡°Doesn¡¯t taste like it. I think you gotta ask for that. Why, is this not what you wanted? As much as you tipped that guy, he¡¯ll probably give you a boozy one for free.¡±


    The cheetah shook his head. ¡°No, it¡¯s still a bit early in the day for alcohol.¡± A little grin parted his muzzle. ¡°At least for me.¡±


    Argos chuckled, working his cup back and forth, warming his fingers. ¡°I ain¡¯t had a drop yet today.¡± He paused, tilting his head. ¡°Well, I guess technically I was drinking after midnight, but you know what I mean.¡±


    Rivi shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m not the vice police. Besides¡­¡± He took a slow drink. ¡°I somehow suspect your tolerance is significantly higher than mine. Why, I fear I was starting to make a drunken fool of myself last night, when only halfway through my lager!¡±


    ¡°Hardly a fool, Spots,¡± Argos said. ¡°And I don¡¯t think half a mug of lager is enough to get even you drunk.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Rivi flicked his tail. ¡°Enjoyably tipsy, at the least.¡± He lifted his cup, pressing it against one of his chilly, half-numb ears. The warmth was almost uncomfortably intense. ¡°Since yours has reached a drinkable temperature, perhaps we should head inside.¡±


    ¡°Oh, shit, right.¡± Argos walked towards the entryway back into the ship. Snow crunched beneath his shoes. ¡°Don¡¯t forget your camera.¡± The coyote paused to look back. ¡°Actually, you want me to carry it?¡±


    ¡°No, thank you.¡± Rivi picked it back up, and hooked the strap over his shoulder. He caught up with Argos, and then walked at his side, sipping his cider. ¡°I believe you made mention of a coffee shop?¡±


    ¡°I did.¡± Argos slipped around a few groups of people still braving the cold and snow. ¡°They got a few that sell newspapers and magazines and the like, too. That might be best, cause they usually have extra seating. We can get a table for a while.¡±


    ¡°That sounds perfect,¡± Rivi said. ¡°I should like to purchase a few periodicals, actually. Are you certain you don¡¯t have any secret policeman business to attend?¡±


    Argos flicked his ears back. ¡°Nope. Iosa and I are off-duty most of the voyage, unless the ship requests our help with anything.¡± A scowl twisted his muzzle. ¡°Granted, with all the extra passengers, they¡¯ll probably request it more than usual, but¡­¡± He sipped his cider, and then flashed the feline his usual, easy-going smile. ¡°For now, I¡¯m all yours.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m heartened to hear it.¡± Rivi returned his smile. ¡°I shall try not to prove too boring a companion.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think that¡¯s gonna be a problem.¡± Argos turned back towards the doors, still grinning. ¡°I¡¯d tell you to lead the way, but pretty sure I¡¯m the only one who knows where we¡¯re going.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± Rivi followed after Argos. ¡°I only found my way here, with the help of your map.¡±


    Argos stopped just outside the entryway to shake snow from his coat. He stomped his boots a few times, then dusted off his head and tail. Rivi set his camera case back down long enough to follow the coyote¡¯s lead. He shook out his coat, brushed off his head and tail, and stomped as much of the packed snow off his boots as he could manage. Then he followed the coyote through the doorways embedded in the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that lined the back edge of the VIP viewing deck.


    Warm air washed across Rivi as soon as he stepped inside. He gave a happy sigh, relief rolling through him as feeling returned to his ears. The gnoll checking names remained, though most of the line to enter the viewing deck had long since diminished. Only a few stragglers remained, queued up to go out and see the snow and cold. Argos cut around them, walking swiftly down the corridor.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Argos said, without looking back. ¡°So we got a few options. We can take the second lift bank, down to deck five. That¡¯s a common-use deck, so it¡¯s probably jammed with people. But it¡¯s also got the largest coffee shops, and newsstands. Or, we can take the first set of lifts, and go up to deck thirty. That¡¯s a first-class deck. It¡¯ll probably be less crowded, but the selections at the news sellers might not be as expansive. Whatcha think, Spots?¡±


    Rivi splayed his ears, sipping his cider. ¡°I think I¡¯m glad I have you here to navigate for me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll get the hang of it.¡± Argos paused as they neared the initial set of lifts. ¡°Actually, how about we try the common deck, first? If we can¡¯t find a table, you can always buy whatever reading material you want, and then we can take it to first class.¡±


    ¡°That sounds perfect,¡± Rivi said, following the coyote past the elevators.


    Truth be told, Rivi thought, he didn¡¯t care where they ended up. Right now, anything sounded perfect, as long as Argos was there too.

 Chapter Thirteen

    *****


    Chapter Thirteen


    *****


    Argos had never seen someone so excited about newspapers. Rivi scurried back and forth between long rows of racks displaying papers from around the world. He wove in and out of other, less excited browsers, pausing now and then to mutter to himself about some particularly exciting newspaper title, or location of origin. Sometimes he lifted one partway up, scanned the headlines, and then set it back down the moment another caught his eye. Argos, for his part, simply stood nearby and watched. As long as no one was messing with Rivi, the coyote was happy just to let the cheetah enjoy himself.


    They stood in the midst of an immense, rectangular caf¨¦ named The Fine Morning. The caf¨¦ was full of guests, and the bustling din of voices filled the air. Despite that, the atmosphere remained pleasantly relaxed. The air smelt of a mixture of roasted coffee, tea leaves, sweet pastries, mingling with the scents of freshly printed and inked paper. On one side, The Fine Morning served coffees, teas, pastries, breakfast items, and small snacks. On the other, they sold what they claimed to be the ship¡¯s largest selection of news, and periodicals. While Argos did not know if that was true, their selection had enchanted the feline from the moment Rivi first set eyes on it.


    ¡°Look, Argos!¡± Rivi picked up another paper. ¡°They have the Hathahall Herald!¡± He studied it a moment, then spotted another one. Rivi replaced the paper only to pull another up from the rack. ¡°And the Tillamar Times!¡± He chuckled to himself. ¡°So many newspaper founders really do love their alliteration, don¡¯t they.¡±


    ¡°Sure seems that way.¡± Argos glanced down at the paper. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re excited, Spots. But I wouldn¡¯t know one of these from the next.¡±


    Rivi glanced over, a coy smile on his muzzle. ¡°Well, you see¡­¡± He ran his finger across the top of the page. ¡°They put the name right here.¡±


    Argos yipped a little canine laughter. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s not bad.¡±


    The cheetah set the paper back down. ¡°Thank you.¡± He quickly chose another. ¡°Oh, the Mundarra Mural.¡± Rivi scanned it, murmuring to himself. Then he glanced at the coyote again as he returned it to the rack. ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m excited for any paper in particular, mind you. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m excited to see the news from so many places, all at once. Believe it or not, even in our largest cities, we don¡¯t get a very extensive selection of news or periodicals from around the world.¡±


    Argos grunted, folding his arms. ¡°Oh, I definitely believe it. Don¡¯t take this the wrong way, Spots, but your Church is pretty restrictive about what they let your people see.¡±


    Rivi stilled, his muzzle twisting into a scowl. ¡°I¡¯m all too aware, unfortunately. Why, I¡¯m certain that even my chronicles of my pilgrimage will have edits and redactions that are out of my control. My goal is to document so many things from around the world, that even after the Church removes anything they consider to be against the civil good, that my people will still have many wonderful experiences to read about, and see pictures of.¡±


    Argos flicked an ear back. ¡°Against the civil good, huh? Is that what they call it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s one of the things they call it.¡± Rivi picked up another paper, looking it over. ¡°Against the civil good is usually a term for something they¡¯re afraid might stir up unrest, or cause ill sentiment towards the authorities.¡± He turned the paper towards Argos. ¡°Like this, actually.¡±


    Argos skimmed the headlines. Protests Escalate Across Vitorn, Despite Martial Law. The coyote grimaced. He was all too familiar with that situation. ¡°Only two ways that¡¯s gonna go. And it¡¯s gonna take a lotta bloodshed, either way.¡±


    Rivi tilted his head. ¡°You sound as if you¡¯re familiar with the riots that have been overwhelming Vitorn.¡±


    Argos rubbed his muzzle. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, the Guild has teams in Vitorn.¡± Then again, the Guild had teams nearly everywhere. ¡°Not sure I¡¯d call them riots, by the way. That¡¯s a full blown revolution. That dipshit in charge had his troops open fire, back when it was just an isolated protest, a year or so ago. That turned it into a series of riots, which got more people killed. And month by month, it¡¯s building steam. And now it¡¯s at his doorstep.  if he¡¯s smart? He¡¯ll step down, and let his people elect a new leader.¡±


    Rivi scrunched his face. ¡°That¡¯s not how it¡¯s been reported back home.¡±


    The coyote smirked. ¡°Does that surprise you? Vitorn¡¯s one of your people¡¯s only major external allies, right? Your Church is gonna do all it can to make the people getting shot just for protesting inequality into the bad guys. Until¡­¡± He held up a finger. ¡°The president gets deposed. Then your newspapers and radio broadcasters will do a hard swerve into exactly the opposite. They¡¯ll start talking about the people of Vitorn winning their freedom, and how your Church was behind them the whole time. Cause they won¡¯t wanna lose their alliances, or their foreign navy ports, or their trade. Make sense?¡±


    Rivi sighed, tucking the paper under his arm. ¡°Unfortunately, far too much sense.¡±


    ¡°You actually gonna buy that one?¡± Argos gestured at the newspaper.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Rivi¡¯s excitement quickly returned. ¡°While it might be difficult reading, I¡¯m ever so eager to get to read another perspective on things. That¡¯s another thing that makes this so exhilarating for me! It¡¯s a chance to read not only outside perspectives, but also to discover news and happenings from around the world I¡¯d otherwise never get to experience.¡±


    Argos laughed again, shrugging. ¡°Ain¡¯t never seen someone so happy to buy a newspaper, but I¡¯m glad for you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m going to buy lots of newspapers.¡± Rivi turned around, surveying the rack on the otherside. ¡°The Willamin Dispatch. I¡¯ve never even heard of this one.¡± He glanced at Argos. ¡°Where¡¯s Willamin?¡±


    Argos rubbed his ear. ¡°I think it¡¯s in Lostara, but I¡¯m not totally sure.¡±


    ¡°Well, wherever it is,¡± Rivi said, giggling bubbly feline laughter to himself. ¡°Their local sports team just won a championship! For a sport I don¡¯t even recognize.¡±


    Argos peered over Rivi¡¯s shoulder. The front page headline simply read, CHAMPIONS! Beneath it was a black and white photograph of a bunch of canines wearing leathery helmets, and holding large, curved sticks. The wolf at the front was hoisting up a gigantic trophy. A towering ring of wooden bench seats rose up all around them in the background. Confetti decorated the ground all around them.


    ¡°Oh, I think that¡¯s run-down.¡± Argos pointed to one of the wooden implements. ¡°You run back and forth, knocking this leather ball around with those. You gotta try and knock it into the other team¡¯s basket.¡±


    Rivi put the paper under his arm to join the first. ¡°And it¡¯s called Run-down? That doesn¡¯t sound like a very official name for what seems to be an important sport in¡­wherever Willamin might be.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not.¡± Argos followed Rivi along as the cheetah examined more periodicals. ¡°And I could be wrong about the name. When I was a pup, we played something like that in the orphanage. We called it run-down, anyway. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s got a more official name in Lostara.¡±


    Rivi paused, looking back. ¡°So, you really were in an orphanage? I know you¡¯d mentioned you were that kind of orphan too, as opposed to¡­¡± He gestured to where Argos kept his badge. ¡°That kind. But I wasn¡¯t sure how literally you meant it. And I didn¡¯t want to pry.¡±


    The coyote flattened his ears. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I don¡¯t really wanna get into it in public, but if you¡¯re curious, we can talk about it later. But yeah, I spent some time living in an actual orphanage. Along with Iosa, and my sister.¡±


    ¡°You have a sister?¡± Rivi perked up, smiling. ¡°I have a sister too! She¡¯s older than me, so used to push me around when we were young, but only in the playful sense. Honestly, she¡¯s probably the only one I wouldn¡¯t expect to think less of me for being¡­¡± He licked his nose. ¡°You know.¡±


    ¡°I know, Rivi.¡± Argos squeezed the cat¡¯s shoulder. ¡°And if that¡¯s the case, then she sounds great.¡±


    ¡°I suppose that¡¯s unfair of me to say.¡± Rivi smiled again, but it was a forced smile. Something hurt shone behind his eyes, like some old bruise that suddenly caught the light. ¡°I know for a fact my mother would love me just the same. In fact, I suspect she already knows. She just doesn¡¯t mention it, because¡­it could be extremely problematic for her, if others knew. And they¡¯d expect her to look into having me¡­¡± Rivi¡¯s muzzle twisted. ¡°Corrected. So it¡¯s better kept a secret, whether she knows the truth or not.¡±


    Argos grunted. The Church¡¯s hierarchy would likely ostracize Rivi¡¯s mother, and his sibling, if his so-called impurity ever became public knowledge. They certainly had the power to make the lives of his family miserable, simply for not trying to change who Rivi was, and for loving him just the same. He imagined Rivi was right, and that the cheetah¡¯s mother knew her son better than Rivi realized. Argos liked to think that meant she¡¯d accepted Rivi in her own way, even if it was unsafe for her to say so.


    The coyote tapped Rivi¡¯s chest. ¡°You know she loves you, and right now, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Rivi said, smiling. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± The cheetah cleared his throat. ¡°So, what about your sister, if you don¡¯t mind my asking. Is she older, or younger? And is she in the same¡­¡± He waved towards the pistols strapped beneath Argos¡¯s clothes. ¡°Line of work as you?¡±


    ¡°Kora¡¯s younger than me.¡± Argos tucked his hands into his coat pockets. ¡°We kinda grew up on the street, together, with me looking out for her. Before we ended up in the orphanage, together. And yeah, she¡¯s in the same line of work.¡± He smirked at the feline. ¡°At least in the general sense. But let¡¯s leave it at that, for now.¡±


    Rivi bowed his head. ¡°Certainly.¡± He giggled to himself again as he returned to browsing countless newspapers. ¡°I suppose she must have been less of a¡­¡± Rivi tapped a finger to his muzzle. ¡°What was it you called Iosa¡¯s brother again?¡±


    ¡°A dipshit,¡± Argos said, laughing. ¡°Yeah, Kora¡¯s a lot less of a dipshit than Calix. And speaking of, I gotta make him buy you a beer or three for hauling his damn suitcase around.¡±


    Rivi rubbed his hands together. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s not necessarily. Though, the thought is certainly appreciated.¡±


    ¡°At the very least, he owes you some damn thanks.¡± Argos flattened his ears, crossing his ears. ¡°For nearly getting you arrested, if nothing else.¡±


    Rivi rubbed his head, his tail lashing. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that was mostly due to my own jumbled, panicked words, rather than his actions.¡±


    ¡°You only panicked cause you realized you didn¡¯t know what was in his damn case.¡± Argos shook his head. ¡°He¡¯s apologizing, and thanking you, and buying you a damn beer.¡± His ears lifted again as his smile returned. ¡°And if you don¡¯t want the beer, you can just accept the platitudes, and he can buy me a beer.¡±


    ¡°That is acceptable.¡± Rivi skimmed a few more papers. ¡°You know, most of these are very recent editions. Some are even dated today. How do they get so many up-to-date newspapers on this vessel? Surely Tovasa doesn¡¯t have that wide a distribution of daily news.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d be surprised what a port like Tovasa gets. The more travelers from around the world, the more you want to cater to them all. Plus, a lot of them have local offices and printing presses in intercontinental travel hubs. Some of them use aerials for radio communications these days, and I imagine they can transmit news stories over those, as well.¡± He patted the wall behind the rack. ¡°Hell, a big ship like this has radio aerials, too. Probably got their own printing presses. Some of these might well have been printed on board, this morning.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s actually quite impressive.¡± Rivi tapped one of the papers. ¡°In that case, do you suppose this version of, say, The Garlavel Gazette is exactly the same as they¡¯d be buying in Garlavel today?¡±


    ¡°Hard to say. If it is¡­¡± Argos rubbed his muzzle in thought. ¡°They probably transmit the original to their various regional offices via radiophoto, and then those offices copy and print it locally.¡±


    ¡°Fascinating.¡± Rivi stuck that paper under his arm as well. ¡°I should love to discuss it with whoever runs this place. Or anyone else in charge of acquiring news and periodicals for the vessel. They might be able to give me a few more answers.¡± He lifted his ears. ¡°Perhaps they¡¯d even like to answer a few questions officially, for the pilgrimage. I¡¯m sure my eventual readers would love to know how daily newspapers end up on a flying ship.¡±


    Argos sincerely doubted that, but he smiled at the cheetah just the same. ¡°Sure, Spots.¡± He waved at the increasingly thick stack of paper beneath Rivi¡¯s arm. ¡°You want me to see if they got a basket or something you could put those in?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t mind carrying them.¡± He stuck a fourth one with the others. ¡°Though I daresay, I am going to run out of room soon.¡± The cheetah¡¯s tail tip flicked back and forth a few times. ¡°Do you suppose they offer delivery? I could have them send one of everything to the room!¡±


    The coyote¡¯s ears shot up. ¡°Everything? There¡¯s gotta be a hundred papers here, and you haven¡¯t even gotten to the magazines and shit, yet. You¡¯d need a few more suitcases just to fit them all.¡±


    Rivi shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m sure they sell luggage on board.¡±


    Argos stared at him in silence, genuinely unsure if the cheetah was joking or not. Finally, he gave a little sigh. ¡°Hey, I think a few tables have opened up. You gonna be okay here for a few minutes? I¡¯ll go get us some drinks and grab the table.¡±


    ¡°That sounds wonderful, thank you.¡± Rivi smiled at him. ¡°I won¡¯t be much longer.¡±


    ¡°I find that increasingly hard to believe.¡± Argos looked towards the caf¨¦ across the room. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°A large coffee, please? A little milk, a little sugar?¡± Rivi turned around, squinting at the menu. ¡°I can¡¯t read it well from here, but if they have any pastries with fruit, or cream, I¡¯d love one of those as well.¡±


    Argos nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll see what they got.¡± He pointed towards a cluster of empty tables. ¡°I¡¯ll drop my coat over one of those seats to claim it before I place our order.¡±


    ¡°Very well!¡± Rivi flashed him a quick smile before turning back to the papers. ¡°I¡¯ll join you in a moment.¡±


    ¡°Or an hour,¡± Argos said, as much to himself as to Rivi.


    Argos turned away as the cheetah was absorbed back into the wide world of foreign headlines. He grinned to himself, happy to see Rivi enraptured by something so simple. He unbuttoned his coat as he walked through the news stand, approaching the seating area for the caf¨¦. Most of the tables were already occupied, but a few newly vacated ones remained open. Argos removed his coat, and draped it across a chair that would provide him the greatest vantage point of entrances and exits. Beneath his coat, the coyote wore an ebony waistcoat, swirled through with intricate, silvery floral patterns. Under the waistcoat, Argos also wore a long sleeved collared shirt in midnight blue. His pistols were strapped between his shirt, and waistcoat.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡± Argos turned towards a trio of human women seated nearby. He offered them his friendliest, least-toothy smile. ¡°Would you mind watching my coat for me, while I order?¡±


    The ladies all smiled back at him, with the oldest amongst them nodding. ¡°Certainly, young man.¡±


    Argos gave a hearty, barking laugh. ¡°Oh, no one¡¯s called me young in a long time. You just made my day. And thank you. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    The coyote made his way through the bustling, murmuring crowd with his ears perked, and his tail swishing. People like those humans were one of the reasons he enjoyed traveling on those long, intercontinental voyages. Argos often found that world-travelers tended to be less likely to hold onto any lingering bias amongst the species. It certainly was not always the case, of course. The lion who¡¯d been glaring at him the day before made that all too clear. And there were always going to be people like that wolf, looking to prey on those weaker than themselves. But often enough, Argos met just as many people willing to respect and assist their fellow travelers, no matter what species they were, or where they came from.


    It just made Argos wish he felt more deserving of their kindness. While the coyote understood well enough his actions had purpose, somedays the burdens of bloodshed weighed heavier upon him than others. Argos sought to balance the cruelest parts of his life with kindness, when he could. He spread money amongst the desperate, he sheltered those in need, and he protected those who could not protect themselves. He¡¯d saved lives. But in the end, Argos knew he''d taken more lives than he¡¯d saved. In the end, Argos knew he was.


    Argos was a killer.


    And he would always be a killer.


    Argos glanced back at Rivi as he stepped in the queue for ordering. While Argos waited his turn, his mind wandered. With any luck, he hoped that the cheetah would never find out exactly what Argos really did for a living. The coyote was happy to let Rivi continue assuming that Argos was part of some secretive police force, and not something darker. It wasn¡¯t as if the cheetah was completely wrong, either.


    The Guild of Ghosts and Shadows did operate as a sort of covert, intercontinental military force. And they did often act against dangerous criminals, warlords, and far more. But while they were allied with certain nations, they served no government directly, and their mission was not law enforcement. The Guild¡¯s members served around the world, on a wide variety of missions. Sometimes those missions had a deeper purpose. Other times, that purpose was money. The Guild had extremely deep coffers, but sometimes it took blood to keep them full. Each unit had a specialty, and some of them resulted in far more bloodshed than others. But the Orphans like Argos and Iosa, they probably shed more blood than any other. After all, the Orphans¡¯ primary functions were-


    ¡°Sir?¡± The worker behind the counter called out to Argos. ¡°Sir, I can take your order now.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry.¡± Argos approached the counter, offering his usual smile to the young human with short brown hair. ¡°Lost in thought here.¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± The worker returned his smile, likely just to be polite. ¡°What can I get you?¡±


    ¡°Let me get two large coffees, please. One with a little milk and a little sugar, and one black but with lots of sugar. And, uh¡­¡± Argos glanced at the menu, but decided it was probably easier just to ask. ¡°Do you have any pastries with fruit, or cream? Or both?¡±


    ¡°We do.¡± The human scribbled down Argos¡¯ order on a note pad. ¡°What kind of fruit are you looking for?¡±


    ¡°Good question.¡± He looked over his shoulder. Rivi was engrossed in magazines now, and Argos doubted he could draw the feline¡¯s attention without screaming his name. He turned back to the vendor. ¡°I guess just give me whatever you¡¯re got with the most fruit. If he doesn¡¯t like it, I¡¯ll eat it.¡±


    The human chuckled. ¡°Very good sir. That¡¯ll be five-fifty two.¡±


    Argos took out his billfold, with drew a ten note, and passed it across the counter. ¡°Keep the change.¡±


    The worker¡¯s eyes lit up. This time, his smile was far more genuine. ¡°Thank you very much, sir!¡± He quickly wrote up a receipt, then passed it to the coyote. ¡°They¡¯ll call order number seventy-six when it¡¯s ready.¡±


    The coyote took the receipt and thanked the man, then moved out of the way for the next person. He took a look back at his coat. It remained where he¡¯d left it. One of the woman watching over it saw him looking, and gave him a cheerful wave. Argos returned it, then walked to the end of the counter to await his order.


    Two kobolds with matching bronze scales and little green aprons scurried around, preparing drinks. One of them took a carafe of freshly brewed coffee, and poured it into two large mugs. The other took the mugs, adding milk and sugar to one, then twice as much sugar to the other. The first kobold scrambled along the counter to the pastry case, where he plated an immense, multi-layered delight. Tiers of fluffy pastry and creamy custard were stacked atop one another, interspersed with layers of colorful, wild berries. It was large and messy enough that it even came with utensils. When everything was ready, they placed it all onto a small tray and pushed it over the counter.


    ¡°Seventy-six!¡± The kobold hopped up onto a stool, looking around. ¡°Seventy-six!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s me.¡± Argos showed the small lizard his receipt, then picked up the tray. ¡°Thanks, guys.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing, buddy.¡± The kobold gave him an odd little saluting gesture, then went right back to work.


    Argos carried the tray back to his table. He set it down, glancing over at the three woman. ¡°Thanks for watching my coat.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s no trouble at all.¡± The eldest woman pointed towards the pastry. ¡°Good choice! Those are absolutely out of this world.¡±


    Argos chuckled, moving the plated treat to the seat across from him. ¡°Glad to hear it. It¡¯s for my cabin-mate, but I¡¯m sure he¡¯d be glad to know.¡± Argos set Rivi¡¯s coffee down alongside his pastry. ¡°And with any luck, he¡¯ll actually make it over here before his coffee gets cold.¡±


    The coyote set his own coffee in front of his chair, then took the tray to a nearby collection point, next to the trash bins. He returned and sank into the chair with a happy sigh. Argos felt as though he¡¯d been on his feet all day long. Not to mention that after getting Rivi settled in for the night, he¡¯d met with Iosa to discuss a few matters of importance. By the time he finally got to bed, he slept like the dead, if only until his internal clock decided it was time for him to be awake again. Argos often found it difficult to genuinely sleep in well into the morning, no matter how late the hour was when he finally flopped into the bed. Only when he was utterly exhausted was he likely to sleep through the early morning hours. Tonight, perhaps he¡¯d actually get to bed in time to get a full night¡¯s sleep.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Argos picked up his mug, sniffing it. The coffee¡¯s aroma was rich and earthy, with hints of pleasant bitterness. He tasted it as carefully as he could, not wanting to burn his tongue a second time. The temperature was just about perfect, though, hot enough to warm him, without aggravating his already angry tongue. At least the pain from his earlier burn hadn¡¯t lasted long. Rivi¡¯s suggestion to eat a little snow certainly helped. Argos took a bigger sip, and found the earthy flavors even richer than the aroma. There were hints of roasted cacao, bittersweet chocolate burnt cherries, and with a few bright, acidic notes, almost like tart berries. It was so good that Argos almost wished he hadn¡¯t added the sugar.


    He took another sip, then set it back down, looking for Rivi. The cheetah now stood at the far end of the news-stand. He¡¯d added a few more papers to his ever-growing collection, as well as several magazines. Argos feared that at any moment, Rivi would lose his increasingly difficult grip on everything and drop them all over the floor. The thought made him scowl. Poor Rivi would be terribly embarrassed by such a display, even if it was his own fault.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ladies,¡± Argos said as he sighed and stood back up. ¡°Would you mind watching my stuff one more time? I need to go save my cabin-mate from himself.¡±


    As soon as they agreed, Argos made for Rivi. He snatched up a large shopping basket on the way, carrying it towards the cheetah. Rivi was now at the far end of the news-stand. He stared, perplexed, at a shelf displaying magazines entirely covered up by black barriers. Only the very tops of each magazine peeked out, not even enough to see their titles. He reshuffled his possessions, reached for one of the hidden periodicals, and then paused, as if unsure if he was even allowed to touch them.


    ¡°Here.¡± Argos held the basket out to Rivi. ¡°Just put your stuff in here before you drop it.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Rivi glanced between the basket, and his unstable armful of periodicals several times before offering the coyote a sheepish smile. ¡°Thank you, Argos.¡± Rivi deposited everything into the basket.


    Argos grunted at the weight of it. Rivi¡¯s many selections nearly filled the entire basket. ¡°I¡¯m amazed you were carrying all this, already.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all the practice hauling luggage, I suppose.¡± Rivi turned his attention back to the magazines. ¡°Argos, why are these particular periodicals hidden? Are they not available for sale, yet?¡±


    The coyote lifted an ear. ¡°Are you¡­¡± He glanced at the viewing barriers, then back at the cheetah. ¡°Are you genuinely asking that, or making a joke?¡±


    Rivi splayed his ears. ¡°I¡¯m genuinely asking.¡± He tapped one of the black screens. ¡°Are these forbidden from sale in Tovasa, or something? I suppose they could uncover them once we were outside Tovasan airspace.¡±


    A grin crept across Argos¡¯s muzzle. ¡°You really don¡¯t know what those are?¡±


    Rivi tilted his head. ¡°You say that as though you¡¯re surprised.¡±


    ¡°I am, but¡­¡± The coyote chuckled, swishing his tail. ¡°I probably shouldn¡¯t be. Those aren¡¯t the sort of magazines I imagine your Church allows to be sold back home.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Rivi¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What are they?¡± He put a hand across his muzzle. ¡°Political critiques?¡± He lowered his voice. ¡°Anti-Church of the Divine Weavers propaganda?¡±


    ¡°No, Rivi.¡± Argos shook his head, his smile widening. ¡°They¡¯re pornography.¡±


    The cheetah gasped. His jaw hung open. He stared for a long moment at all the black screens hiding the magazine covers from view, then turned back to the coyote, his ears flat as could be. ¡°Real pornography?!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Spots, real pornography.¡± Argos thumped the back of his free hand against one of the black dividers. ¡°These are here to make sure children don¡¯t see ¡®em.¡±


    Rivi went right back to staring at the forbidden collection. ¡°Real pornography¡­¡± He licked his nose, his tail twitching in an off-time rhythm. ¡°With¡­¡± He swallowed. ¡°Naked pictures, and everything.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what pornography is, yeah.¡± Argos set the basket down. ¡°Why, you wanna peek at someone¡¯s bits?¡± He reached for a magazine at random, and lifted it just enough to reveal the title. ¡°Ooh, Feline Frolics. That sounds right up your alley.¡±


    ¡°Put that back!¡± Rivi¡¯s voice was little more than a squeak. He spun away, shielding his eyes. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be looking at such things.¡±


    Argos laughed and pushed the magazine back down. ¡°Alright, alright. I won¡¯t embarrass you anymore.¡± He picked up the basket, and then gently nudged Rivi away from the pornography section. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get you out of here before temptation overwhelms you.¡±


    Rivi glowered at him, but followed along at his side. ¡°There¡¯s no temptation, I assure you.¡±


    Argos led him back towards the table, grinning. ¡°None at all, huh? Not even a temptation to take just the smallest, quickest peek?¡± He whispered to the cheetah. ¡°Some of those naked felines in there are gonna be male, after all.¡±


    Rivi gave a single, harsh cough, as if he¡¯d nearly swallowed his tongue. ¡°Certainly not!¡±


    Argos set the basket down on their table. ¡°None that you¡¯d admit to, anyway, right?¡±


    As the cheetah unbuttoned his coat, he flashed Argos the briefest little smile. ¡°That¡¯s precisely right. It¡¯s far beneath my dignity as the Wandering Scholar to ever admit to even the meagerest of curiosities to such things.¡±


    ¡°But,¡± Argos said, pulling Rivi¡¯s chair out for him. ¡°If you say, happened to find it laying open-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d close it immediately.¡± Rivi removed his indigo overcoat, and folded it several times. Beneath his coat, the cheetah was dressed in bright silvers and golds. Argos could only imagine how garish such clothing would look on him, but on Rivi, it just looked right. Rivi settled into his chair. ¡°However¡­¡± Rivi draped his coat across the back of his chair. ¡°If I happened to see something I shouldn¡¯t while closing it, I wouldn¡¯t chastise myself too harshly.¡± He settled down into his chair, then picked up his coffee mug and used it to hide his impish grin. ¡°It would be an accident, after all.¡±


    ¡°That it would.¡± Argos took his own seat. ¡°How¡¯s the coffee?¡±


    Rivi sipped it, and gave a happy little groan. ¡°Excellent! Thank you for it, and for getting my chair, for me.¡±


    ¡°My pleasure, Spots.¡± Argos took a drink of his own coffee. ¡°So, I¡¯m guessing publications like Feline Frolics aren¡¯t exactly legal where you come from.¡±


    ¡°Oh, certainly not.¡± Rivi took another drink. ¡°At least, not the actual thing. Certain vendors of ill repute do sell dirty periodicals featuring the scantily dressed, but genuine¡­¡± He lowered his voice to a whisper. ¡°Nudey picture magazines are quite illegal. Let alone those with images of lascivious acts.¡±


    Argos yipped playful canine laughter. ¡°Never heard anyone call them nudey pictures, before.¡±


    Rivi mewled nervous laughter, looking away. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I must sound quite prudish right now. I just¡­¡± He stole a look over his shoulder towards the periodicals again. ¡°I suppose I hadn¡¯t realized that sort of thing was so readily available in some parts of the world.¡±


    Argos reached across the table to pat Rivi¡¯s gloved hand. ¡°Nothing to be sorry for, Spots. It¡¯s just not something you¡¯ve experienced before, that¡¯s all. I don¡¯t mean to embarrass you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Rivi turned his head back around to look down at Argos¡¯s tan-furred hand. He smiled again. ¡°Thank you, though.¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± Argos took a drink of coffee, then stood up. ¡°Now that you¡¯re here to watch the table, lemme go pay for this giant pile of reading material you¡¯ve picked out.¡±


    Rivi opened his coat to retrieve his billfold. He took a few notes and passed them to the coyote. ¡°Here, use my money. Please. They¡¯re my purchases, after all.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, alright.¡± Argos took the bills, and folded them in his hand. ¡°Did you really want to inquire about getting the rest of them delivered to your room? Cause I can ask, if you want.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Oh, yes please! I¡¯d love a full collection of the newspapers available today. Some of them are actually special Worldstrider Departure Day editions.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see what they can do.¡± Argos picked up the basket, and turned away.


    The coyote carried the heavy, overfull basket across the caf¨¦, and towards the sales counter of the newsstand. There was no one else in line, so he walked straight up and deposited the basket atop the polished wooden countertop. A young gnoll with light brown fur, a few black spots, and a crisp green uniform approached him. The gnoll give him a friendly smile, then glanced down at the basket. His eyes widened, and his ears slowly swiveled back.


    ¡°Yanno,¡± the gnoll said, looking up. ¡°You can come back tomorrow to buy more. You don¡¯t gotta run us out of stock.¡±


    Argos chuckled, and jerked his thumb back in the direction of Rivi. ¡°It¡¯s my cabin-mate¡¯s idea. First¡­¡± He waved his hand over the basket. ¡°He wants all of these. Then, he¡¯s got a special request.¡±


    The gnoll shrugged, and started pulling out papers and magazines to tally them up on the cash register. ¡°What kinda request?¡±


    ¡°The kind that I¡¯m pretty sure you¡¯re gonna deny, and that I¡¯m going to bribe you with an exorbitant amount of money to make it happen anyway.¡± Argos chuckled. ¡°He also wants to have one of every other newspaper delivered to our room.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± the gnoll said, shaking his head. ¡°We don¡¯t do deliveries. Let alone mass deliveries.¡±


    ¡°Hence,¡± Argos said, making a grand show of retrieving his billfold. ¡°The exorbitant bribe I mentioned.¡±


    The gnoll paused. ¡°How exorbitant, exactly?¡±


    Argos pulled out a few hundred-note bills. ¡°Double or so your weekly pay.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty exorbitant.¡± The gnoll glanced at the money, then continued tallying up the basket items. ¡°But I gotta deduct the cost of all those papers, too. And I got work all day, so I¡¯m probably gonna have to pay someone else to-¡±


    Argos held a hand up, silencing the worker. ¡°Triple, then.¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡± The gnoll grinned, his short but bushy tail wagging behind him. ¡°Your boyfriend must really like newspapers.¡±


    ¡°He ain¡¯t my boyfriend,¡± Argos said, chuckling. He folded up the money offered, and then passed it discretely across the counter to the gnoll. ¡°Just my cabin-mate.¡±


    ¡°Awfully generous of you for just a friend.¡± The gnoll counted the money below the counter, then stuffed it into his pocket. ¡°Not that it¡¯s my business.¡±


    ¡°It ain¡¯t.¡± Argos folded his arms, grinning. ¡°You¡¯re right about the newspaper thing, though. Ain¡¯t never seen someone so happy just to see a big newsstand.¡±


    ¡°Everyone likes something.¡± The gnoll retrieved a pen and a sheet of paper, and started scribbling down all the names of the newspapers Rivi had already selected. ¡°Unless he wants double copies, I¡¯m skip the ones you¡¯re already buying.¡±


    Argos gazed around at the selection of magazines on display on shelves just below the countertop. ¡°That¡¯s fine, yeah.¡± His eyes soon landed on a cover photograph featuring a wolf in an elegantly tailored suit and tie, brandishing a gold-plated, richly engraved pistol. Argos couldn¡¯t help a wag of his tail when he recognized the model. ¡°Oh, shit.¡± He picked the magazine up. ¡°Never seen a custom Starpiercer 50 like that, before.¡± Argos tossed the magazine onto the pile. ¡°That, too.¡±


    The gnoll worker tilted his head, staring down at the magazine. ¡°Oh, yeah. Fashion and Firearms. That one¡¯s right up your alley.¡± He smirked at the coyote. ¡°You oughta model for them.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Argos gave a single bark of laughter. ¡°Maybe when I¡¯m retired. I ain¡¯t really in a line of work that lends itself to havin¡¯ my picture splashed across an intercontinental magazine cover.¡±


    The worker added the new magazine to the running tally. ¡°Well, just the same, if I ever see you on there, I¡¯ll tell people it was my idea.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you do that.¡± Argos picked the magazine back up when the worker was done with it. He flipped through it quickly. It was equally full of articles on the latest swanky fashion trends, and the newest developments in gunsmithing and weaponry. ¡°Oh, hey. Ederro¡¯s putting out a new line of jackets. I kinda like that double breast.¡± He flipped a few more pages, and an excited little gasp escaped him. ¡°A new Silver Eruption? They discontinued those a decade ago. Ooh, and a new model Rangemaster? Iosa¡¯s gonna shit!¡±


    The gnoll yipped laughter. ¡°I think you like guns as much as your friend likes newspapers.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you may have a point.¡± Argos dropped the magazine back into the pile. ¡°May as well save that for later.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± The gnoll punched in a few more numbers on the register, then patted the stack of periodicals. ¡°That¡¯ll be forty-two seventeen, all together.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Argos handed him a few of Rivi¡¯s bank notes. ¡°Normally, I¡¯d tell you to keep the change, but it¡¯s his money, so¡­¡± He waved at Rivi. ¡°I¡¯m actually gonna need it. Plus, pretty sure I gave you enough extra money already.¡±


    ¡°That you did.¡± The gnoll rang it up, and then passed Argos a few notes and a handful of coins. ¡°Here you go. I¡¯m also gonna need your room number for the delivery.¡± He pushed the list of papers to skip across the counter, and handed Argos a pen. ¡°I¡¯ll try to get it to you by this evening. Slight chance it won¡¯t happen till we close up shop, but it¡¯ll get there.¡±


    Argos wrote down their room number and passed it back. ¡°No hurry. I think he¡¯s got more than enough to read already. Thanks for your help.¡±


    ¡°My pleasure.¡± The gnoll patted the money in his pocket, then loaded everything back into the basket. ¡°You may as well keep this to carry these.¡±


    ¡°Appreciate it.¡± Argos hefted the basket and returned to the table where Rivi waited at him. ¡°Alright, good news, and bad news. Well, for you, just good news.¡± He set the basket on the side of the table, and sat back down.


    Rivi looked up from his pastry. Half of it was gone, now, and bits of custard dotted his muzzle. The cheetah pinned his ears. ¡°There¡¯s bad news? Oh, have I caused them trouble? I should go straighten it out!¡± He started to rise.


    Argos quickly waved for him to sit back down. ¡°No, no, nothing like that. Sit your spotted ass back down.¡±


    Rivi did so, even as the hint of a smile crept across his blunt, feline muzzle. ¡°You don¡¯t know if my posterior is spotted or not.¡±


    ¡°Guess that¡¯s true,¡± Argos said, taking a drink of coffee. It had cooled enough now, he no longer had to sip it. ¡°Though, if I had to guess, I¡¯d wager there ain¡¯t much of you that isn¡¯t spotted.¡± He waved at the cheetah¡¯s face. ¡°Though right now, your face is spotted with custard.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Rivi picked up a napkin, wiping his muzzle with it. ¡°Thank you. So, was there really bad news?¡±


    ¡°The bad news was that they don¡¯t normally do mass deliveries.¡± Argos took another drink. ¡°The good news is that all it took to change their policy was a quick bribe.¡±


    Rivi sucked in a breath, dropping his napkin. ¡°You had to break the law? Oh, that¡¯s terrible! We should go and cancel it immediately before someone gets into trouble.¡±


    ¡°No, Spots,¡± Argos said, setting his mug down. ¡°It ain¡¯t the illegal sort of bribe. Hell, it ain¡¯t really even a bribe, at all. I just paid the worker a bunch of money to get things delivered for us.¡±


    The cheetah scowled. ¡°How much did it cost you?¡±


    Argos waved him off. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± He dug Rivi¡¯s change out of his pocket, and passed it across the table. ¡°Here¡¯s what you got back for that basket.¡±


    Rivi scooped up the money. He placed the bills into his billfold, and tucked the coins into his pocket. ¡°I¡¯ve got to worry about it! It sounds like an awful lot of money.¡± He placed a hand over his chest. ¡°And it¡¯s for my benefit. Please let me pay you back.¡±


    ¡°You already did.¡± Argos plucked his new magazine out of the basket, and dropped it onto the table. ¡°You bought me this.¡±


    The cheetah glanced at it as he put his wallet away. ¡°I sincerely doubt one periodical will cover the cost, no matter how expensive a publication it may be. You¡¯re going to make me uncomfortable if you keep paying for everything.¡± Rivi sat up straighter. ¡°I do have quite an extensive grant from-¡±


    ¡°So, I hear.¡± Argos opened his magazine, scanning the inside cover. ¡°Oh, hey. I know one of their firearms editors. Good guy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Argos.¡± Rivi slapped the table. ¡°I really must insist on paying you back for this.¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine.¡± Argos rolled his eyes. ¡°It was fifty, okay? Just buy me a nice dinner or something.¡±


    Rivi snorted, crossing his arms. ¡°I find myself doubting that fifty would even cover the cost of all the newspapers, let alone the delivery fees you mentioned.¡±


    Argos glanced up, smirking. ¡°Fine. A nice dinner, and a couple drinks. We¡¯ll call it even.¡±


    The cheetah heaved a sigh. ¡°You¡¯re quite impossible.¡± He picked up his fork, nudging around a blackberry. ¡°You know that, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡± Argos turned the page again. ¡°Iosa tells me that all the time. How¡¯s that pastry, anyway?¡±


    A happier look returned to the cheetah¡¯s face. ¡°It¡¯s excellent.¡± He scooped up the berry with a bit of custard, and popped it into his muzzle. ¡°As is the coffee.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I thought so, too.¡± Argos took a long drink. He waved his cup at the basket. ¡°So, you add anything else of interest? I wasn¡¯t really paying attention to what I was paying for.¡±


    A playful smirk crossed the feline¡¯s muzzle. ¡°That seems to be a common recurrence, with you. And yes!¡± He pushed his plate aside to make room. ¡°Since I was hoping to get one of everything else anyway, I only grabbed a few more that really caught my eye.¡± Rivi dug through the basket, and then pulled a few newspapers out. He stacked them up on the table. ¡°Look at this one!¡± He tapped it. ¡°It¡¯s from Alimos.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah, one of the big human cities.¡± Argos turned the paper around. ¡°Black Star has a shipbuilding facility there.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Rivi swept his hand across the headline, reading it aloud. ¡°Black Star announces plans for new ship!¡±


    Argos skimmed the top of the article. ¡°The Cosmos, huh? And a new class even bigger than the Worldstrider? Damn.¡± The coyote clucked his tongue. ¡°This poor girl won¡¯t get to hold the record for long, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Well, relatively speaking, anyway.¡± Rivi set the paper aside. ¡°It¡¯ll take decades to actually be built, and tested, and so on. And look at this!¡± He showed the next newspaper to the coyote. ¡°The Herald of Wings!¡±


    Argos looked down at it. ¡°Oh, yeah, from the Gryphon Isles.¡± The picture on the front cover depicted three large, winged creatures standing before an immense construction project of some kind. ¡°Navaria breaks ground on new airship port.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going there, right?¡± Rivi leaned forward, excitement burbling in his voice. ¡°To both the major Winged Islands?¡±


    ¡°Far as I know, yeah.¡± Argos drank some more coffee. ¡°The ship usually makes stops at both major ports to refuel, and resupply.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful!¡± Rivi nearly bounced in his seat. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen any of the winged peoples in person, before.¡± He leaned closer still, lowering his voice. ¡°But is it true that those ports feature dens of iniquity?¡±


    Argos shrugged. ¡°Guess that depends who you ask, and what you consider iniquity.¡±


    Rivi cocked his head, one ear splayed. ¡°I¡¯m asking you.¡±


    ¡°In that case, yes.¡± Argos barked laughter. ¡°Gryphon laws are pretty lax, especially when it comes to stuff they¡¯re willing to let visitors buy, or engage in.¡± He set his coffee mug down, pushing the paper back towards Rivi. ¡°Some of those places are a lot of fun. You want me to take you to one?¡±


    ¡°Certainly not.¡± Rivi stacked the papers atop each other, then paused. ¡°Although. If I was to witness some semi-illegal gambling, or the smoking of illicit substances? Or even bawdy public carousing? I suppose it would be an experience I¡¯m unlikely to get at home. While I certainly wouldn¡¯t partake in such things¡­¡± He drummed his fingers against the stacked newsprints. ¡°It might make for a highly entertaining article in the chronical of my pilgrimage. Even if I had to censor it a bit.¡±


    Argos crooked his arm over the back of his chair. ¡°Rivi, if you wanna see gambling, groping, and drugs being smoked, I¡¯ll just take you down to a party in steerage.¡±


    Rivi blinked a few times. ¡°That happens down there?¡± When Argos nodded, he glanced down at the paper from the Gryphon Isles. ¡°Then what happens in such places there?¡±


    ¡°Last time I was in a¡­¡± He smirked. ¡°Den of Iniquity, as you called it. I saw someone get stabbed in the hand for cheating at a card game, someone passed out being robbed, and a male gnoll bending a human woman over a table in plain sight while a few more human women placed bets on how long it was gonna take him to finish.¡±


    The inside of Rivi¡¯s ears flushed scarlet. ¡°Oh. Oh, my.¡± He quickly picked up his coffee and took a long drink. ¡°Perhaps a bit less iniquitous than all that, then.¡± He took another drink, then cleared his throat, gesturing with his mug at Argos¡¯s magazine. ¡°So, um, what did you purchase for yourself?¡±


    Argos closed it again to show Rivi the cover. ¡°Fashion and Firearms. The name kinda says it all.¡±


    Rivi reached out and turned it around. ¡°Oh, yes, that does seem like your sort of reading material. I¡¯d wager you¡¯d more interested in the firearms portion than the fashion, but¡­¡± He looked up, his red-gold eyes tracing some of the intricate silver patterns of Argos¡¯ waistcoat. ¡°Perhaps only just.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re probably right.¡± Argos flipped through it, letting Rivi see a few of the pictures and article titles. ¡°I figure it¡¯ll give me something to read in the room later, while you¡¯re absorbed in the entire mountain of newspapers you¡¯re about to have.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a wise idea,¡± Rivi said, giggling to himself. ¡°I might very well end up lost in news stories for days on end.¡± He pointed a picture of a fox in a dark gold ensemble with black highlights. ¡°Oh, you¡¯d look stunning in that.¡±


    Argos twisted up his muzzle. ¡°I dunno. Might be a bit flashy for me. Looks like something Iosa would want me to wear.¡±


    Rivi shook his head. ¡°No, I think it¡¯s just a dark enough golden hue that it wouldn¡¯t be too bright for your fur.¡± He shrugged. ¡°But then again, felines are partial to vibrant colors. Myself in particular.¡±


    ¡°So I noticed.¡± Argos waved at Rivi¡¯s fanciful, silver shirt and golden trousers. ¡°They look quite sharp on you, though.¡±


    Rivi beamed. ¡°Thank you!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re quite welcome.¡± Argos took his magazine back. ¡°I¡¯ve probably embarrassed you enough, today, so I¡¯ll refrain from other complaints. But feel free to imagine them.¡±


    ¡°Very well, I shall.¡± Rivi kept smiling, patting the last of the papers he¡¯d selected. ¡°Did you wish to see this last one, or have I bored you enough with my scholarly interests?¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t nothing boring about you, Spots.¡± Argos returned his own magazine to the basket, to ensure he didn¡¯t leave it behind. ¡°Whatcha got there?¡±


    ¡°The Rigarda Herald!¡± Rivi spun it around towards the coyote. ¡°That¡¯s where I¡¯m from! I didn¡¯t think they¡¯d have our newspapers here, too.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure your Church¡¯s media folks like to get their perspective out there as much as anyone else.¡± Argos crossed his arms, regarding Rivi. ¡°So, you¡¯re from the Sacred City, huh? I probably shoulda guessed.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s ears went up, and his smile grew wider still. ¡°You know about The Sacred City? Even on my pilgrimage, I¡¯ve hardly ever heard it called that outsiders.¡± He faltered a little. ¡°I don¡¯t mean that as an offensive term, of course.¡±


    Argos held a hand up. ¡°Nah, I know what you mean. And yeah. I know it¡¯s a sacred site for your Church.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s where the Weavers walked¡­¡± Rivi glanced at the paper, then back up at Argos. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t get too scriptural.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I already told you, I¡¯d be happy to hear you talk more about your beliefs, and all that sometime.¡± Argos pulled the paper closer. ¡°So, this one got any fun headlines? You guys have any sports championships going on?¡±


    Rivi chuckled a little. ¡°No, but they have finally arrested some suspects in the assassination of the Archbishop.¡±


    Argos¡¯s blood went cold. It took every ounce of experience and training in him to avoid betraying any kind of reaction. He did not go still. His ears did not shift. His tail did not twitch. Instead, he simply gave the paper a casual glance, and sipped his coffee. A photo depicted a trio of shackled felines under armed guard being led into a monolith stone building. Across the top of the paper, the headline was emblazoned in enormous block letters.


    MINISTRY OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCES ARRESTS IN ARCHBISHOP ASSASSINATION!


    ¡°Oh, yeah!¡± Argos feigned slight excitement. ¡°Look at that. They¡¯ve been investigating that a while now, haven¡¯t they?¡±


    Rivi nodded. ¡°Months, at least. The killing was a big shock to the entire nation. I should imagine it might have been big enough news to be heard about around the world.¡± He waved his hand at the paper. ¡°Well, I mean, it¡¯s right here on the Worldstrider even now, after all.¡±


    Argos forced himself to chortle. ¡°Yeah, people definitely heard about it. Hell, Iosa and I were in your land when it happened. You can imagine all the shock and ripple effects rolling through the people I work with. Think some of our teams may have been hired away to consult with your people on the investigation and manhunt, actually.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Rivi lifted his ears, helping himself to another bite of pastry. He wiped his muzzle with a napkin. ¡°I can imagine those with your sort of expertise would be very helpful in that sort of investigation.¡±


    Argos sipped his coffee again, then set his mug back down. ¡°Not to talk about my work, but that sort of consultation and contracting is one of the Guild¡¯s functions.¡±


    ¡°I guessed as much.¡± Rivi read through the top portion of the article. ¡°It says here, the three suspects are believed to have been rebel agents, working as moles within the Ministry the Archbishop lead.¡±


    Argos grunted, baring a single fang in a performative scowl. ¡°That checks out. I¡¯m sure your people are gonna have to go on a pretty extensive, shall we say, interior cleaning.¡±


    Rivi idly bobbed his head in response, as he read a little further. Argos sipped his coffee, letting the cat read. At least the article made it sound like everything was going smoothly. The three felines were pre-planned scapegoats. They weren¡¯t rebel moles at all. Rather, they were radical zealots whose loyalty was to the dead Archbishop. They helped his vice police perpetrate cruelty and even death upon far too many innocent felines in the name of their religion. Long before the fatal bullet was ever fired, plans were made and actions undertaken to ensure his minions would be held accountable, too.


    ¡°It sounds like the investigation is ongoing, but¡­¡± Rivi lifted his head again, tapping the paper. ¡°The Ministry of Justice seems confident those are the assassins.¡±


    Argos smiled at him, his ears up. ¡°That¡¯s good, right?¡±


    ¡°Certainly.¡± Rivi finished off the last of his pastry, speaking again after swallowing it. ¡°It¡¯ll help bring closure, at least. And a sense of security. My people don¡¯t much like the idea of unknown assassins running amok.¡±


    Argos laughed again, a more genuine sound this time. ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone does, Spots.¡±


    The cheetah wrung his hands. ¡°May I be honest?¡±


    ¡°Always,¡± Argos said.


    ¡°This is admittedly blasphemous of me to say, but¡­¡± A disgusted sneer twisted up Rivi¡¯s blunt muzzle. ¡°I cannot say there isn¡¯t at least a small part of me that¡¯s glad he¡¯s gone. The things he always said about¡­¡± He waved between them. ¡°People like you and I. A bishop should spend his teaches preaching the gospel, and spreading kindness, not¡­¡± His sneer deepened. ¡°Stirring up hatred against the impure. And against those who believe differently than we. He gave entire speeches about how felines who don¡¯t belong to the Church are heathens, worthy only of scorn.¡± Rivi snarled, his ears back and fur bristling. ¡°It seemed every time he opened his mouth, they only thing he ever preached was hate. A leader of the Church should hold himself to a higher standard, not¡­¡± The cheetah¡¯s shoulders sagged. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve said too much, already.¡±


    Argos reached across the table and gently squeezed Rivi¡¯s gloved hand. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Rivi. I know what you mean. And since you don¡¯t wanna blaspheme, lemme do it for you.¡± He glanced at the picture, then made a vulgar, retching noise, an insult among many canines. ¡°That guy was a piece of shit, who ran the kinda prison camps people don¡¯t always come back from. Fuck him. Your people are better off without that entire mountain of filth running one of your ministries.¡±


    Rivi chuckled, just a little. ¡°Those are¡­¡± He licked his nose, flicking an ear. ¡°Certainly not the words I would have used. But, I daresay, even amidst the Church, there are certainly those who would tacitly agree with them.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I bet that¡¯s right.¡± Argos knew it was. After all, there was a reason Iosa and he had gotten into, and out of, the country so easily. ¡°So, hey. Hopefully whoever they pick as his replacement will be a better person.¡±


    ¡°Hopefully.¡± Rivi glanced away, an odd, haunted look in his eyes. That, Argos hadn¡¯t expected. But before he could think too much about it, Rivi blinked, and it was gone. The cheetah returned his gaze to Argos. ¡°You said you and Iosa were working there when it happened, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Argos swirled the last of his coffee around inside his mug. ¡°And then we headed north, did some work in a few other stops on the way up to Tovasa. Hell, Spots. You and I mighta even crossed paths before, and just not known it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s certainly possible.¡± A playful smile parted Rivi¡¯s muzzle. His eyes shifted to mischievous angles. He lowered his voice to a whisper, waving at the headline. ¡°That wasn¡¯t you, was it?¡±


    Argos knew the cheetah was only joking. Rivi had no real reason to suspect the truth. Just the same, hearing that question from Rivi of all people nearly drew out a visceral reaction from the coyote. But Argos had years of training and a lifetime¡¯s experience with the deceptions and lies required to survive his work to draw upon. He could have ever so easily lied to the cheetah. Argos could have just said no, and moved on. He could have fed Rivi a story light on details and impossible to verify.


    But Argos did not want to lie to Rivi.


    Besides, Argos thought, sometimes the truth made for the best deception.


    ¡°Nah, Spots,¡± Argos said, flashing Rivi his usual, easygoing smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t kill him. I was just the spotter.¡± He finished off his coffee, yipping casual laughter. ¡°Iosa pulled the trigger.¡±


    Rivi laughed with him, returning his attention to the newspaper. ¡°Yes, that sounds about right.¡±


    Argos smiled at the cheetah, even as he withered, deep inside. That hurt more than he¡¯d expected. But it had to be done. And now, if Rivi ever learned the truth?


    At least Argos hadn¡¯t lied to him.

 Chapter Fourteen

    *****


    Chapter Fourteen


    *****


    Argos sat in a padded, gold and green floral pattern chair, back in the cabin. Not long after they¡¯d finished their coffee, Argos took Rivi back to the cabin so the cheetah could put his camera equipment away. Now, Argos watched Rivi as the cheetah agonized over which of his many suitcases to begin unpacking first. Rivi took one hardened case down, opened it, then closed it again and returned it to the overstuffed luggage cart. He removed another and carried it to the table. Then he opened it and dug through it, only to shake his head and put it back with the others again.


    ¡°You looking for something in particular, Spots?¡± Argos drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair.


    Rivi glanced over, his ears set at uncertain angles. ¡°Not entirely. I have an order to which I¡¯d like to unpack certain things, but¡­¡± He moved a few cases around, studying the tags affixed to them. ¡°I think some of those I¡¯d normally want to unpack first are all down on the bottom.¡±


    Argos pointed to a bag holding some of Rivi¡¯s clothing. ¡°You already took clean clothes out of that this morning, right? Why not start with it?¡±


    ¡°Because those are clothes I¡¯ll wear on a daily basis.¡± Rivi shook his head. ¡°Those should be hung in the front of the closet, not the back. It makes more sense if I take out my dress clothing that I may only wear occasionally, and place that towards the back. Or, rather¡­¡± He licked his muzzle, his spotted tail twitching. ¡°I should put my summer clothes at the very back, since I¡¯m unlikely to wear any of those during this winter voyage.¡±


    Argos scowled, his ears flat. ¡°If you ain¡¯t gonna wear them, why even unpack them?¡±


    ¡°Well, because¡­¡± Rivi trailed off. He looked back and forth from his piled luggage to the closet a few times. ¡°Isn¡¯t it rather uncouth to leave your clothes packed away for months at a time?¡±


    Argos blinked. ¡°I dunno. Is it?¡±


    ¡°Not to mention, everything is folded in such a way as to conserve space.¡± Rivi unstacked a few suitcases. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t want anything to end up with a permanent crease.¡±


    Argos leaned his head back against the chair. ¡°They got irons on board, Rivi.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m certain that they do,¡± Rivi said, popping open a case. He studied the neatly folded clothing inside. ¡°But if I leave this packed up all voyage, then the iron in our cabin won¡¯t do me any good, will it.¡±


    Argos held his hands up, chuckling. ¡°You do things however you want, Rivi. I¡¯m just trying to save you a little extra work, and a little extra closet space.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± Rivi smiled at the coyote. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m so fastidious.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry,¡± Argos said. ¡°That¡¯s just who you are. Lemme know if you need any help, though.¡±


    Rivi pushed the open case aside, then set another next to it. ¡°If you want, you could begin unpacking some of my scrapbooks from my trip, so far.¡± The cheetah set his hands on his hips, scanning the giant pile of baggage. ¡°I think those are in numbers fourteen through seventeen.¡±


    Argos¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You have four entire cases full of scrapbooks already?¡±


    ¡°Not only scrapbooks.¡± Rivi removed a few other cases, setting them aside. ¡°Here¡¯s number fourteen. It has most of my journey¡¯s documentation, so far, along with number fifteen. Sixteen and seventeen have a lot of empty books and blank documents, for now. I suspect I shall have to purchase even more cases in the future, however.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m shocked.¡± Argos stood up, and joined the cheetah. ¡°Just to be clear¡­¡± He pointed at the case labeled as number fourteen. ¡°You want me to unpack that for you?¡±


    Rivi grunted, hefting the heavy case. ¡°Only if you¡¯d like.¡± He turned towards Argos, holding the case in both arms. ¡°Mostly because I thought¡­¡± The cheetah licked his muzzle, glancing aside. ¡°Perhaps you¡¯d enjoy sharing in some of my experiences, so far.¡± He swallowed. ¡°Of course, my journey will surely seem ever so boring to someone with your worldly experiences.¡± He cleared his throat, tail swishing. ¡°It was probably a foolish idea.¡±


    ¡°Not at all, Spots.¡± Argos gently took the heavy case from the cheetah. ¡°I¡¯d love to hear about your pilgrimage.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s ears perked up, and a smile slowly returned to his blunt, feline muzzle. ¡°You would?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be delighted.¡± He turned away, carrying to the center of the room. ¡°You want me to just unpack this stuff onto the table, for now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that would work.¡± Rivi removed a few more numbered cases, and put them aside. ¡°We won¡¯t go through all of it tonight, but I can show you a few of the highlights.¡± He glanced at the coyote over his shoulder. ¡°Do you suppose this vessel has darkroom facilities?¡±


    Argos put the suitcase on the table. Then he pushed the welcome basket and other edible items aside, making a little more room. ¡°They definitely do. They can develop your film for you, if you want. Or they¡¯ll give you access to their darkrooms if you¡¯d rather do it yourself.¡±


    ¡°As much as I enjoy developing my own photographs,¡± Rivi said, carrying a second case over to the table. ¡°For convenience¡¯s sake I should probably hire them to do so for me.¡± He placed the hardened bag next to its companion, then patted it with a gloved hand. ¡°This one contains some of my more recent misadventures.¡± Rivi flicked an ear back. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I should share my more contemporary ramblings, given how angst-ridden I was, after my abandonment.¡±


    Argos only smiled at the cheetah. ¡°Share whatever you¡¯re comfortable with, Spots.¡± He gestured at the cheetah¡¯s golden gloves. ¡°And speaking of comfort, you can take those off, you know. I promise not to do anything lascivious, like hold your ungloved hand.¡±


    Rivi blinked, lifting up his hands. He stared at his gloves with his head tilted and a slightly confused expression on his face. It was as if he¡¯d only just realized his gloves were even there. ¡°Oh. Yes, I suppose that would be more comfortable.¡± The cheetah tugged at the fingers of his gloves, loosening them. ¡°I¡¯m so used to wearing them in public lately, I tend to forget I can remove them in private.¡±


    Argos chuckled, his tail swishing. ¡°Yeah, the last thing you gotta be with me is formal. But¡­¡± He held a hand up. ¡°Whatever makes you comfortable. You wear those in public back home, too?¡±


    ¡°Often, but not always.¡± Rivi pulled off one of his gloves, and set it on the table. Then he loosened up the fingers on the other. ¡°When we¡¯re strictly amongst felines of the Church, we¡¯re far less likely to experience unexpected physical contact, or the need to touch a stranger. Gloves are considered part of polite attire in general, but if you¡¯re, say¡­¡± He pulled his second glove free, flexing his spotted hand. ¡°Strolling about in the park, you certainly needn¡¯t wear them.¡±


    ¡°Makes sense.¡± Argos gestured at Rivi¡¯s hands. ¡°They probably make it hard for you felines to use your claws, too. I¡¯d wager that¡¯s the idea, right?¡±


    Rivi nodded. ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± Rivi rubbed his thumb into his other palm pad. ¡°It¡¯s generally considered quite impolite to unsheathe one¡¯s claws in public.¡±


    A smirk twitched at the corners of Argos¡¯s mouth. ¡°Yeah, being unsheathed in public is generally frowned upon in most societies, actually.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Rivi glanced up, his ears splayed. ¡°But canine ones don¡¯t have sheaths, do they?¡±


    Argos fought back laughter. ¡°Oh, they definitely do. Our claws aren¡¯t retractable, though.¡±


    Rivi blinked. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. Yours don¡¯t unsheathe¡­¡± He trailed off, then quickly spun away, the inside of his ears flushing crimson. A bubbling giggle escaped him, tail twitching in frantic, off-time rhythm. ¡°Were you making a bawdy innuendo?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Spots,¡± Argos said, grinning. ¡°I was.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so bad!¡± Rivi spun back around, swatting Argos¡¯s arm. ¡°You¡¯re going to get me in so much trouble.¡±


    ¡°Only if you want me to.¡± Argos just smiled, folding his arms.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what I want, when I¡¯m around you.¡± Rivi sighed, a sound as full of scarcely-hidden longing as it was deep uncertainty. ¡°Half the things you say, and the kind way with which you treat me? It upends everything in my head.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay.¡± Argos gently squeezed the cheetah¡¯s arm. ¡°You got plenty of time to sort things out¡­¡± He lifted his hand higher, and held his hand towards Rivi¡¯s head. When the cheetah did not pull away, Argos smoothed back one of his ears. The feline¡¯s fur was short, but soft as silk. ¡°I know you¡¯re a jumble of confusion up here, Spots. And it ain¡¯t my intention to step on your beliefs, or tell you your people are wrong. You take all the time you need to try and work things out. And if I can help you do that, just let me know.¡±


    Rivi ever so slightly leaned his head into Argos¡¯s touch. It was an almost imperceptible motion, as if the cheetah were afraid to allow himself to enjoy even the slightest bit of affection. ¡°Thank you, Argos. You¡­¡± He swallowed. ¡°You¡¯ve already helped, actually.¡±


    ¡°Glad to hear it.¡± Argos stroked Rivi¡¯s head again, enjoying the warmth and softness of the cheetah¡¯s fur. Eventually, he pulled his hand back. ¡°And don¡¯t worry about your claws around me, either. I ain¡¯t gonna take offense or nothin¡¯, if you start waving them around. It was kinda fun getting to see them earlier. Usually if I see a feline¡¯s claws come out, it¡¯s cause I¡¯m in a fight.¡±


    Rivi sighed again when Argos retracted his arm, but the sound was happier now, and more content. ¡°Do you want to see them again? I don¡¯t mind unsheathing, for you.¡± Rivi paused a beat before he realized what he¡¯d said. He gasped, his eyes wide. ¡°My claws! Unsheathe my claws, I meant. J-just my claws!¡± He hissed at himself, balling up his fists. ¡°Stupid Rivi! Why can¡¯t you ever just say the right thing? We sound like a boozed up drunkard who can¡¯t stop thinking with his crotch!¡±


    ¡°Spots¡­¡± Argos grasped Rivi¡¯s arm again, trying not to laugh. ¡°You definitely don¡¯t sound like that. Besides, I knew what you meant.¡±


    Rivi huffed, his shoulders sagging. ¡°I just¡­hate it when I can¡¯t get my words right. Especially around you.¡±


    ¡°We all say the wrong thing, sometimes.¡± He rubbed the cheetah¡¯s upper arm. ¡°It¡¯s not worth beating yourself up, over. And to answer your question, yes.¡± The coyote¡¯s smirk returned. ¡°I do want to see you unsheathe¡­¡± He paused a breath. ¡°Your claws.¡±


    The cheetah gulped audibly. A fresh crimson waved washed across the inside of his ears. Rivi stared up at Argos, his jaws working in silence. It was clear the cheetah wanted to offer a witty retort, to tease Argos the same way Argos teased him. Argos could nearly see the words forming behind his eyes. Just my claws? But try as the cheetah might, he couldn¡¯t quite seem to force those same words across his tongue.


    Instead, Rivi soon gave up trying to speak. He closed his muzzle, and made a show of slowly raising his spotted hands. Rivi held them up with his black pads facing the coyote. He waggled his fingers in a slow, waving motion, then gradually released his claws from within their hidden confines. The cheetah¡¯s sharp white claws slide free at a glacial pace, progressively revealing more and more of their curved forms. If Argos didn¡¯t know better, he¡¯d think Rivi was using his claws to tease the coyote in ways he couldn¡¯t quite bring himself to do with words. Then again, Argos thought, given the way Rivi had started catching onto some of his dirtier jokes, perhaps he wasn¡¯t entirely off base.


    A lopsided grin stretched over the coyote¡¯s muzzle. ¡°That¡¯s a pretty sensual way to show off your claws, Spots.¡±


    ¡°Was it?¡± Rivi tilted his head, returning an all-too-innocent smile. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m sure you wouldn¡¯t.¡± Argos eased slightly closer, till Rivi¡¯s hands were nearly touching him. ¡°Look at those gorgeous little knives.¡± He lifted his hand hand, extending a single finger towards one of Rivi¡¯s claws. ¡°May I?¡±


    The cheetah nodded. ¡°Just be careful.¡± Something shivery crept into Rivi¡¯s voice. ¡°They¡¯re ever so sharp.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful.¡± Argos pressed a single finger pad against the tip of Rivi¡¯s forefinger claw. As promised, the feline¡¯s claw was incredibly sharp. ¡°Oh yeah, that really is like a little knife. Wish my claws did this.¡±


    Rivi¡¯s smile faded. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t let you toy with them too much. It could be dangerous.¡±


    Argos set his jaw. He knew Rivi wasn¡¯t really talking about his claws, now. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Spots. Ain¡¯t no one ever gonna hurt you while I¡¯m around.¡±


    The cheetah swallowed. His eyes shifted away from Argos. ¡°It¡¯s not just that. Some of my people wouldn¡¯t appreciate you tempting the Wandering Scholar with impurity the way you do.¡±


    The coyote stilled. His breath caught in his throat. Rivi was worried about him? All the scorn, and shame, and pain the cheetah¡¯s people had heaped upon him, and yet it wasn¡¯t another sadistic salvation ceremony that Rivi feared. It was that they¡¯d try to harm Argos for tempting the cheetah in the first place. Argos whimpered, his arms dropping to his sides. That was so damn selfless it almost hurt.


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    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry,¡± Rivi said, quickly pulling his claws back. ¡°Did I say the wrong thing? I didn¡¯t mean to offend you! I only meant-¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say nothing wrong, Spots.¡± Argos swallowed, taking a steadying breath. ¡°Nothing at all. It¡¯s just¡­¡± The coyote barked incredulous laughter. ¡°Somehow, your soul just keeps getting¡¯ sweeter. You might be the kindest-hearted goddamn person I ever met.¡±


    ¡°Hardly.¡± Rivi rubbed his arm, his tail flicking in an agitated pace. ¡°I just wouldn¡¯t want anyone to get the wrong idea, and try to hurt you, thinking they were protecting me.¡±


    ¡°Lemme make something clear, Spots.¡± Argos held up a single finger, shaking it at the cheetah. ¡°Anyone who tries to hurt me, is gonna end up in the infirmary.¡±


    Rivi wrung his hands. ¡°What about that lion? The one you didn¡¯t like the way he was looking at me. What if he thought you were leading the Wandering Scholar astray, and decided to bring a few dozen of his biggest friends to put a stop to it?¡±


    ¡°Then the infirmary¡¯s gonna need more beds.¡± Argos¡¯s voice was flat. He reached for Rivi¡¯s hand, only to remember he wasn¡¯t supposed to touch the cat¡¯s pads. Instead, he clasped Rivi¡¯s forearm, staring into his eyes. Behind the cheetah¡¯s thick spectacles, fear and uncertainty swirled inside his gorgeous, red-gold eyes. ¡°Listen, Spots. I know your head¡¯s trying to lead you off into all the worst-case scenarios. And I know how hard it can be to break free of that cycle. And it ain¡¯t fair for so pure a soul as you, to be so afflicted with all that worry and doubt. You deserve better than that, Rivi, and I aim to help you find it, for as long as we¡¯re on this ship together.¡±


    Rivi managed a little smile. ¡°Thank you, Argos.¡±


    ¡°Least I can do.¡± He rubbed the cheetah¡¯s arm again. ¡°Now, I appreciate you worryin¡¯ for my wellbeing. But please, Spots, don¡¯t trouble yourself about me. I promise you, I ain¡¯t in danger here.¡± Argos took a slow breath. ¡°I¡¯m gonna tell you something, I wouldn¡¯t normally say. It sounds arrogant, and I try not to come across that way too often. But I want you to believe me when I tell you this, alright?¡±


    Rivi nodded. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Argos leaned in closer, his voice dropping into a menacing whisper. ¡°Ain¡¯t no one on this ship I¡¯m afraid of, Spots. Not the guards, not the soldiers, not even Iosa. And I sure as shit ain¡¯t scared of your people. If anything, your people¡­¡± A growl twisted Argos¡¯s words. ¡°Should be scared of me.¡±


    The cheetah shivered, his eyes wide and ears flattened. ¡°When you say it like that, I believe it.¡±


    Argos straightened up. ¡°Sorry if that was too much.¡±


    Rivi held his thumb and finger a tiny distance apart. ¡°Perhaps just an iota too much. It was sort of frightening, but also exhilarating. You can be quite intimidating, when you wish to be.¡±


    ¡°Comes with the territory,¡± Argos said. He held his hands up, his tail tucked low. ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t scare ya, Spots. I apologize if I did. Just trying to make it clear you don¡¯t gotta worry about me.¡±


    ¡°No, no, I understand.¡± Rivi swallowed, shifting his weight. ¡°I do hope you¡¯re right. And no, you didn¡¯t frighten me. I just didn¡¯t expect to be growled at by a menacing coyote.¡± The cheetah rubbed the back of his neck, ruffling his spotted fur. He muttered under his breath. ¡°We didn¡¯t wholly dislike it though, did we Rivi?¡±


    Argos lifted a single ear. ¡°Oh, really?¡±


    Rivi froze. ¡°Please tell me I didn¡¯t say that last part out loud.¡±


    The coyote shrugged. ¡°Didn¡¯t hear anything.¡± He made a show of turning away from Rivi, and focusing his attention on the suitcases. ¡°On an unrelated note, if you ever want a ¡®menacing coyote¡¯ to growl into your ear some night, just lemme know. I¡¯d be happy to oblige.¡±


    Rivi coughed sharply, then followed Argos¡¯s lead, and turned towards the table. ¡°I¡¯ve certainly no idea what you¡¯re suggesting.¡±


    ¡°Just like you had no idea how unsheathing your claws so slowly and teasingly was gonna come across, right?¡± Argos undid the latches of the suitcase in front of him.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Rivi said, smiling at no one in particular. ¡°Precisely that.¡± He looked over his shoulder towards the piles of luggage. ¡°I haven¡¯t gotten very far on my unpacking, have I?¡±


    Argos laughed, turning back towards the cheetah. ¡°Save it for tomorrow. You wanted to show me some of your scrapbooks, right?¡±


    Rivi undid the second suitcases¡¯s latches, excitement rising anew in his voice. ¡°Oh, certainly! At least until you get bored to tears with my dry and overly wordy narration.¡±


    ¡°That ain¡¯t gonna happen.¡± Argos crossed his arms. ¡°Why don¡¯t we do that tonight? As rough as your last month has been, I figure you could use some time to just relax in the room, and decompress. We gotta hang around and wait for all your newspapers to show up, anyway. We may as well make a night of it.¡±


    Rivi scratched at his chin. ¡°You mean, the entire evening?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why not?¡± Argos swished his tail, bumping it up against the table¡¯s leg. ¡°We could order some room service, have a few drinks, look through your scrapbooks. You can tell me about that bartender lion, if you want.¡±


    Rivi made a happy mewling noise. ¡°That does sound like a pleasant way to relax. Very well, I accept.¡± He bounced on his toes. ¡°It¡¯s a date!¡± Then the cheetah blinked, his ears splaying. ¡°I mean, as in an appointment. Not as in¡­¡± Rivi cleared his throat a few times. ¡°The other sort of date.¡±


    Argos only smiled. ¡°Not like anyone would know if it was both, anyway.¡±


    ¡°I-I suppose not,¡± Rivi said. He snatched up his tail, wringing it in his hands. ¡°Though, I don¡¯t think I should be indulging in¡­well¡­¡±


    ¡°Relax, Spots.¡± Argos eased away from the table, and walked towards the nearby desk. ¡°I¡¯m only teasing you.¡± He glanced back over his shoulder. ¡°We¡¯ve only known each other two days, after all. We oughta give it at least a week before we start dating.¡±


    Rivi nearly swallowed his tongue. He coughed sharply, staggering backwards a few paces before he caught his balance. His words came out as little more than an embarrassed squeak. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind!¡±


    Argos laughed as he dug through the desk drawers. All sorts of brochures and information filled them. Eventually, he located a first-class room service menu, and carried it back to Rivi. ¡°I think this orders from the primary first-class dining hall, but I¡¯m not sure. Some of the other dining halls and restaurants will also deliver food to rooms, but we¡¯ll have to fetch menus from them on our own.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m certain this shall suffice, for now.¡± Rivi took the menu, looking it over. ¡°I¡¯ll try to remember to pick up other bills of fare when I¡¯m out and about on the ship.¡± He scanned it for a few moments, his swiveling with his thoughts. ¡°Oh, roasted ocean bream sounds nice. Though, I¡¯m not yet especially hungry.¡±


    ¡°No hurry.¡± Argos opened up the hard-shell case labeled number fourteen. Inside were neatly arranged books of various sizes, some thick and hardbound, others smaller and wrapped in leather. There were also stacks of envelopes, postcards, newspaper articles, photographs, and other documents. ¡°Is there any particular order to this stuff?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Rivi glanced over at the open case. ¡°Everything is arranged in order of ascertainment, and chronological¡­¡± He trailed off, scrunching his muzzle. ¡°Actually, for our purposes, you can just take out the two largest books, along with the associated journals.¡± Rivi pointed to some of the smaller, leatherbound tomes. ¡°That¡¯s those.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Argos removed the items in question, and set them out on the table. He pushed the case out of the way, then took the other one from Rivi. ¡°Same thing in here?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please.¡± Rivi opened up the case, then indicated its contents. ¡°The two large scrapbooks, and the two journals next to them. There¡¯s a host of other things I¡¯ve collected, travel vouchers, bills of clean health, permits, newspaper headlines I found fascinating, and so on. But these¡­¡± He patted one of the hardcover books. ¡°Contain the majority of the photographs of my journey so far. The journals continue the fine details of my daily trials and tribulations, though I fear most of my entries for the last month might not be suitable for good company.¡±


    Argos removed the photo albums and set them with the others. ¡°I can only imagine. If I was in your place and abandoned by my guide, I¡¯d write some pretty salty journal entries too.¡±


    Rivi chuckled. ¡°Well, considering that my superiors in the church may someday wish to read my notes, I did try to keep the foul language to a minimum. But I certainly made my displeasure alone. Honestly¡­¡± He flicked his ears back. ¡°It¡¯s more the morose entries I¡¯d not want you to read.¡± Rivi cleared his throat, then adopted a dramatic, theatrical tone. ¡°Still traveling alone. Afraid I¡¯m lost. Worried I may never finish my pilgrimage. Curse that cowardly Fafren evermore!¡±


    Argos scratched his neck, ruffling the thick gray and tan fur. ¡°That¡¯s hardly morose. If anything, it¡¯s stoic. Morose would be more like¡­¡± Argos turned towards Rivi, shifting his voice into something whinier, and more melodramatic. ¡°Oh, dreadful day! I remain lost amidst the endless snow! Surely, I shall perish here, but not until I¡¯ve lost my toes, one by one. I fear my tail, too, shall be taken by the frost before I draw my final breath. That damnable Fafren has doomed me to a lonely end, and I have but to await the cold embrace of the inevitable!¡±


    Rivi stared at him, wide-eyed behind his spectacles. ¡°That was actually quite good, Argos! And, if I¡¯m honest¡­¡± The cheetah rubbed his pads together. ¡°Probably more in line with my actual thoughts at the time than some of the words I put to page.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I kinda figured.¡± Argos took Rivi¡¯s journals out of his luggage, and then set them with his other unpacked belongings. Then he closed up the case, and piled it atop the first. ¡°Speaking of Fafren, you happen to have any photographs of him?¡±


    ¡°A good few, at least.¡± Rivi pointed to the first two scrapbooks. ¡°In there. Why do you ask?¡±


    Argos snorted, his tail swishing. ¡°Just curious. Don¡¯t suppose you¡¯d mind if I happened to, say, have a facsimile of one made, would you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not, as long as¡­¡± Rivi trailed off, then sucked in a little breath. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re not going to¡­¡± He waggled his fingers. ¡°Secret policeman him, are you?¡±


    The coyote lifted an ear. ¡°Is that a verb, now?¡±


    ¡°I get the feeling it is when you¡¯re involved.¡± Rivi scowled, his tail tip twitching. ¡°I dread to think what might befall Fafren should you stumble upon him.¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t think about it.¡± Argos ran a hand back over his ears, smoothing them. ¡°He ain¡¯t gonna get nothing he don¡¯t deserve.¡±


    The cheetah gave a nervous mewl. ¡°As much as I dislike him, I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m comfortable with you and your people pursuing some sort of vendetta against him, either. Besides, I¡¯ve already dispatched letters to the Church, who I¡¯m sure will pursue legal actions.¡±


    ¡°Legal actions, huh?¡± Argos adjusted his sleeves. ¡°I dunno, Spots. Kinda seems like your people would either give him a slap on the wrist, or make him wish I¡¯d found him first. I¡¯d just knock him around for a while. Depending on your Church sends, he might just vanish.¡±


    Rivi nodded. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m certainly he¡¯ll never be offered guide services employment again when my fellows are through with him.¡±


    Argos clenched his jaw. After a moment¡¯s consideration, he decided against clarifying what he meant. The coyote saw no reason to crush Rivi¡¯s delusions of his own people¡¯s merciful nature. But if Rivi was as connected to the church¡¯s hierarchy as Argos assumed, he doubted they would let his abandonment slide. Fafren was as likely to end up in the bottom of a lake with an anchor around his body and a bullet in his head as he was to languish in some feline dungeon.


    Something about that whole situation still didn¡¯t add up to Argos. If the pilgrimage was as important as Rivi¡¯s words and minor fame made it seem, then surely they would have taken more precautions to ensure it was completed. Granted, the Church could not have foreseen the various cavalcade of disasters that led to Fafren¡¯s abandonment of Rivi. And yet he could only imagine they would have had other safety protocols in place. Or at the very least, hired the sort of person they knew would never leave Rivi behind, no matter the hardships they faced.


    Argos could not help but wonder if someone else had betrayed Rivi, and instructed Fafren to abandon him. While he had no intention of suggesting such to the cheetah, Argos couldn¡¯t help but consider the idea. Why they might do such a thing he did not know, but they were certainly plenty of possibilities. Perhaps it was a test, unknown to the Scholar, in which he was secretly expected to complete the journal entirely on his own. Then when he returned home, he¡¯d be all the more beacon of feline strength and perseverance, a powerful propaganda tool for his Church.


    Then again, if this was about propaganda, there were far more disconcerting possibilities. Perhaps someone wanted their Wandering Scholar to fail. Then they could rage and proselytize to their captive people all the more about the evils of the cold, cruel world beyond their borders. If the scholar were secretly intended to fail their pilgrimage, it would help explain why they¡¯d sent someone as openly na?ve as Rivi. Perhaps he¡¯d already surpassed their expectations just by making it this far. Despite the situation he¡¯d first saved the cheetah from, Rivi had already proven to possess a powerful determination, just by making it this far on his own. If that was the case, when Rivi made it home, they¡¯d probably have Fafren eliminated just to tie up loose ends and ensure Rivi never discovered the truth.


    Argos wished he had more to go on than simple speculation and suspicious circumstances. The coyote knew all too well it was entirely possible that Rivi was correct. And that the pilgrimage was simply meant for a lone scholar, assisted only by a singular porter. Fafren might have just turned out to be the wrong hire, and nothing more. It grated on Argos that he might never know, one way or another. He needed to talk to Iosa about it. Hell, Argos might well send a message to the Guild to have them look into things on his behalf, before he parted ways with Rivi. If it seemed like the cheetah would be in danger without him, then Argos would ensure he was properly protected before they separated.


    ¡°Are you alright, Argos?¡± Rivi tilted his head, his ears splayed to odd angles. ¡°You¡¯re giving me quite a look.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Spots.¡± Argos took the menu back and busied himself looking it over. ¡°Was just thinking about how much it pisses me off that Fafren left you behind.¡±


    Rivi made a little growling noise, his tail flicking again. ¡°Yes, my anger was also quite roused for a good, long while. But it¡¯s all in the past now, Argos.¡± Rivi gently brushed his fingers over Argos¡¯s arm. ¡°You needn¡¯t worry yourself about it.¡±


    ¡°I ain¡¯t worried, just¡­¡± Argos gripped the menu a little too tightly, crumpling its edges. ¡°Nevermind, Spots. We could probably put an order in for food ahead of time, and have it delivered in a couple hours. How¡¯s that sound?¡±


    ¡°That would be just about perfect, yes.¡± Rivi moved closer to peer at the menu. ¡°Do you suppose they also deliver alcohol? I wouldn¡¯t mind a bottle of lager or two.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡± Argos offered the cheetah the menu again. ¡°You want anything else besides some beers and the ocean bream?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps some of those fried potatoes we had last night?¡± Rivi pointed to them on the menu. ¡°Those were quite good.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that sounds good.¡± Argos glanced at the offerings. ¡°I think I¡¯m gonna have the goose. You want anything for dessert?¡±


    Rivi ran his finger down the menu, then indicated one of the desserts. ¡°The cream cake, I think.¡± Then he lifted his eyes back to the coyote. ¡°How do we order?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you.¡± Argos waved for Rivi to follow him, walking towards the desk built into the wall. He opened one of the larger drawers, revealing an ebony-hued telephone kept inside. Pearl inlay marked its receiver, handset, and the rotary dial. ¡°You can call just about anywhere in the ship, with this. The numbers are in this.¡± He tapped a small red book sitting next to the telephone. ¡°Room service number for us is also on our menu.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite ingenious!¡± Rivi picked up the handset, turning it over. ¡°I¡¯ve never been on an airship with a telephone in every room!¡±


    ¡°Probably not every room,¡± Argos said. ¡°But every first class room, at least.¡± He opened the book, and pointed to the number to dial for room service orders. ¡°You wanna call it in?¡±


    ¡°Oh, certainly.¡± Rivi started to dial the number, then paused. ¡°What do I tell them?¡±


    ¡°Give them the room number, and tell them you¡¯d like to place an order to be delivered two hours from now.¡± Argos set the menu in front of the cheetah for reference. ¡°Goose for me, and whatever you want.¡±


    Rivi finished dialing. As the phone rang, he bounced on his toes a few times. Argos had never seen someone so excited just to use a telephone. Between that, and Rivi¡¯s excitement over newspapers, he was starting to wonder just what the felines did have access too. Someone soon answered, and as Rivi spoke, he beamed so widely it was as if he felt himself in the middle of some historic communication, and not just ordering dinner. He gave them his name and room number, his words nearly running into one another in his enthusiasm. Rivi ordered their entrees and drinks, and then the potatoes, but nearly forgot his own dessert entirely. Argos tapped it on the menu to remind him. Then he held up two fingers to remind the cheetah they didn¡¯t want an immediate delivery.


    Finally, the cheetah hung up. He turned towards the coyote, a silly grin still plastered across his muzzle. ¡°How did I do, Argos?¡±


    Argos couldn¡¯t help but laugh a little. ¡°You ordered dinner like a champion, Spots.¡±


    Rivi pushed the phone back into its space. ¡°Thank you! I suppose while we wait, I could unpack more clothing, and things.¡±


    ¡°Or,¡± Argos said, sweeping his hand towards the sofa. ¡°We could flop down on the couch together, and you could walk me through that first photo album.¡±


    Rivi gulped, glancing across the room. ¡°Both of us? Together? On the sofa? N-next to each other?¡±


    ¡°That was my thought, yeah.¡± Argos gently ushered Rivi back towards the table. ¡°Easier to look at a book together that way, after all.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I, um¡­¡± Rivi rubbed the back of his neck, ruffling the fur across several spots. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°Unless you¡¯re not comfortable sitting next to me in private.¡± Argos held his hands up. ¡°I¡¯m happy to sit in one of the chairs, instead.¡±


    Rivi quickly shook his head. ¡°No, that¡¯s alright. The sofa would be¡­¡± Rivi glanced between the couch and Argos a few times, a shy smile slowly parting his muzzle. ¡°Acceptable.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Argos picked up the first photo album, and tucked it under his arm. ¡°Well then¡­¡± He swept his other hand towards the sofa. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Rivi said, his smile growing. ¡°We shall.¡±

 Chapter Fifteen

    *****


    Chapter Fifteen


    *****


    Rivi¡¯s heart fluttered as he carried a heavy photo album to the sofa. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, one of the many little voices that so often chided him was screaming at him not to do this. That to sit next to Argos was to invite temptation. And temptation was dangerous, both for his future, and for his very soul. But when the ever-so-handsome coyote already seated patted the cushion next to him, Rivi¡¯s countless fears were washed away by the tide of happy excitement emanating from his heart.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never done this before,¡± Rivi said. Even his voice sounded embarrassingly fluttery. He sat down on the padded, green and gold floral patterned cushions, then reclined against the back of the sofa with thick scrapbook on his lap. ¡°You¡¯ll forgive me if I sound a little nervous.¡±


    Argos rested his arm over the back of the sofa. ¡°You¡¯ve never shared those books?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡­¡± Rivi scrunched his muzzle. ¡°Well, I haven¡¯t, but that isn¡¯t what I meant.¡± He looked away. ¡°Nevermind, Argos. I don¡¯t want to sound like an prude, or a fool.¡±


    ¡°Nah, go ahead, Spots,¡± the coyote said. ¡°I ain¡¯t gonna judge you. What ain¡¯t you done before?¡±


    ¡°Sit with someone, like this.¡± Rivi glanced at Argos again, but found himself unable to meet the canine¡¯s gaze for long. His eyes soon wandered the room. ¡°Alongside another impure male, in private. It would be¡­¡± He waggled his fingers. ¡°Terribly frowned upon, by some parties.¡±


    ¡°And if I only liked females?¡± The coyote tilted his head. ¡°They¡¯d be okay with it, then?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Rivi drummed his fingers on the cover of the photo album. ¡°Given my previously brushes with purification, they¡¯d probably still be uneasy about me being alone with someone from outside our Church.¡± He managed a little chuckle. ¡°Albeit, less so, if you were well known for chasing after every female you set your eyes upon.¡±


    Argos grinned, his ears perked. ¡°Who says I ain¡¯t known that way in some places?¡±


    Rivi slowly turned his face back towards the coyote. ¡°Are you?¡±


    ¡°I may have a reputation, here and there.¡± The coyote leaned forward to pick up his whiskey glass from the table. ¡°Granted, it ain¡¯t always girls I¡¯m chasing.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve noticed.¡± Rivi circled his fingers across the book cover. ¡°I do occasionally pick up that you¡¯ve been flirting with me, after all.¡±


    Argos sipped his whiskey, but held his other hand up as if to shield himself. ¡°Only as long as you¡¯re comfortable with it. I keep trying to tell you, if it bothers you, just lemme know. I don¡¯t wanna do nothing you ain¡¯t comfortable with, Spots.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate that, sincerely.¡± Rivi leaned his head back against the sofa, staring up at the cream-colored ceiling. ¡°It¡¯s strange, actually. It does sometimes make me uncomfortable, and yet¡­¡± Rivi swished his tail against the sofa. ¡°It¡¯s a discomfort I find myself enjoying.¡±


    ¡°I imagine it¡¯s the first time you¡¯ve been able to enjoy that sort of thing.¡± The coyote took another sip, then set his glass back down. ¡°I know I sure as hell couldn¡¯t have put my arm around you in public back in your homeland.¡±


    Rivi shook his head. ¡°Not without arousing all sorts of suspicions.¡±


    A smirk parted the canine¡¯s muzzle. ¡°Anything else end up aroused earlier today?¡±


    The cheetah gasped, his eyes wide and ears raised. That was especially bold word play, even for Argos. ¡°Certainly not!¡± He swatted the coyote¡¯s knee, even as he struggled to fight back a happy, musical giggle. ¡°At least nothing that I¡¯ll admit to, in polite company.¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t nothing polite about me, Spots,¡± Argos said, scooting a little closer. ¡°That was probably a bit much though. Sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± The cheetah glanced at the distance between them. It was smaller than ever, now. ¡°I¡¯m just not used to such bawdy jokes.¡±


    Argos looked down as well. ¡°Am I too close? I¡¯ll give you some space, if you want.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t,¡± Rivi said, swallowing. His gaze wandered the room again, looking anywhere but at Argos. ¡°I like it when you¡¯re near me.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡± Argos¡¯s tail wagged as if of its own accord, thumping against the back of the sofa. ¡°I can get closer, if you prefer. Could even put my arm around you, again.¡±


    The cheetah cleared his throat. Again, the little voice in the back of his head screamed at him to resist temptation. To tell Argos to move further away, not closer. That this was courting behavior, and thus, absolutely forbidden amongst two males. But Rivi didn¡¯t care. Rivi wanted Argos near him. Rivi had a taste now, of being held by another, and Rivi wanted more.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Rivi¡¯s voice trembled. His tail tip flicked in nervous excitement. His stomach bubbled. For the moment, he moved the photo album out of the way, and placed it upon the table. ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡±


    Argos scooted closer, until their bodies brushed. Rivi¡¯s heart thundered as Argos draped his arm around Rivi¡¯s shoulders, and gently pulled the cheetah against his warmth. Rivi melted inside, going half-limp against the coyote. He heaved a happy little sigh, his slender form trembling slightly, nearly overwhelmed by the simple, forbidden delight of taking comfort in another male¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°How¡¯s that?¡± Argos said, stroking Rivi¡¯s upper arm through his shirt.


    ¡°Q-quite nice,¡± Rivi said, eyes half-lidded in contentment.


    ¡°Good.¡± Argos smiled, his slender canine muzzle hovering perilously close to Rivi¡¯s ears. ¡°Let me know if you get uncomfortable, and I¡¯ll give you space, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Rivi nodded once. He turned his head to offer the coyote a grateful smile, and found their muzzles mere inches apart. Now, a new and less familiar voice popped up into the back of his mind. A voice that told him he could probably kiss Argos right now, and the coyote would almost certainly kiss him back. Rivi allowed himself to enjoy the thought for a heartbeat or two before swiftly pushing it aside. ¡°Certainly not, Rivi. We¡¯ve hardly known him long enough to¡­¡± He clamped his muzzle shut when he realized his thoughts were spilling across his tongue again. ¡°S-sorry, Argos.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be.¡± Argos gave him an affectionate squeeze. If the coyote knew what Rivi was talking about, he was kind enough not to bring it up. ¡°You want me to keep my hand on your arm above your elbow, since you don¡¯t have your gloves on?¡±


    Rivi forced himself to swallow, trying to moisten his suddenly dry throat. ¡°That might be best.¡± He watched Argos¡¯s tan-furred fingers gliding across his arm. The coyote¡¯s simple affection was already more physical touch than he¡¯d known for most of his adulthood. ¡°You can probably touch the back of my hand, if you wanted. Just don¡¯t touch my bare pads, alright?¡±


    The coyote nodded, his own hand drifting lower. ¡°Whatever you¡¯re comfortable with.¡± He smirked, a single ear perked up. ¡°I¡¯ll try not to arouse anything other than your suspicions.¡±


    Rivi erupted into wicked, musical giggles. ¡°You¡¯re so bad, Argos.¡±


    Argos bumped his muzzle into the side of Rivi¡¯s neck. ¡°You got no idea, Spots.¡±


    The cheetah shivered as the warmth of Argos¡¯s breath infiltrated beneath his thin fur. ¡°I suspect I have some idea.¡± Before he could stop himself, he tilted his head away from the coyote, giving him a little more room. ¡°May I ask you a question I absolutely should not?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Argos rubbed his snout into Rivi¡¯s neck, in the gentlest nuzzle Rivi could imagine.


    The intimacy of it left him Rivi tingling in ways he knew he shouldn¡¯t. He shivered, and took a slow breath. ¡°Are you genuinely interested in me?¡± He swallowed again, his whole body shuddering. ¡°In that particular manner, I mean?¡±


    Argos slowly eased his head back to regard the cheetah. The sudden absence of his muzzle was almost disappointing. ¡°You want the honest answer, or the Church-approved answer?¡±


    Rivi shifted himself, turning to look back at Argos. ¡°Honest answer. It¡¯s probably for the best that I hear it bluntly.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Spots.¡± Argos removed his arm from the cheetah¡¯s shoulders, and instead tenderly smoothed down the cheetah¡¯s ears with both hands. ¡°I¡¯m extremely interested in you¡­¡± A lopsided smirk half-parted his muzzle. ¡°In that manner.¡±


    The cheetah shivered again, leaning his head into Argos¡¯s touch. ¡°I¡­I wondered, but I wasn¡¯t sure. I¡¯m not used to being flirted with.¡±


    ¡°Lemme put it this way, Mister Rivimiralous.¡± Argos cradled Rivi¡¯s head between his hands. ¡°If you were, say, a canine, from where I¡¯m from? I¡¯d probably have kissed you already. And that probably would have lead us to other things, too. But¡­¡± He smiled, lifting a hand. ¡°I wanna be respectful of you, and your beliefs.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Argos.¡± Rivi pressed his spotted hand to his chest. ¡°I appreciate that. I certainly don¡¯t mind your interest. If anything, I find it¡­¡± He furrowed his brows, his ears splayed. ¡°Exhilarating. Which, honestly terrifies me. May I ask you another question, about your courting habits?¡±


    Argos yapped coyote laughter. ¡°That¡¯s one way to put it, I guess. And of course you can. You ask me about anything that isn¡¯t work-related.¡±


    Rivi nodded a few times. ¡°You say if I were a canine, you¡¯d have already¡­¡± Rivi couldn¡¯t quite bring himself to say, ¡®kissed me¡¯. ¡°Engaged in a more physical sort of affection.¡± He tilted his head. ¡°Do you always jump into relationships so quickly? We¡¯ve really only known one another a couple days.¡±


    Argos grunted, leaning back against the sofa. ¡°They ain¡¯t all relationships, Spots. Sometimes it¡¯s just physical, it¡¯s just fun with someone I click with. I¡¯m probably gonna sound like some kind of hornball pervert, to your way of thinking, but¡­¡± Argos laughed to himself. ¡°Yeah, sometimes I do jump into things that quickly. People like Iosa and me, we don¡¯t even stay in one place for long. It¡¯s pretty rare for me to stay in one location for more than a few months at most, let alone years. So, a deeper, longer-term relationship¡­¡± Argos set his jaws, looking away. For only a heartbeat, something deeply hurt drifted behind the coyote¡¯s golden eyes. ¡°Can be challenging.¡±


    ¡°Painful.¡± Rivi reached out and set his hand atop Argos¡¯s. The coyote¡¯s fur was ever so warm against his pads. Rivi was careful to keep his palm pad and fingers against the back of Argos¡¯s hand. ¡°I think the word you were looking for was, painful.¡±


    A bittersweet smile twitched at the corner¡¯s of Argos¡¯s mouth. ¡°You ain¡¯t wrong, Spots. Iosa tends to worry about me gettin¡¯ my heart broken. But, I don¡¯t wanna break no one else¡¯s heart, either.¡± Argos stared across the room, at the snow-strewn balcony beyond the floor to ceiling windows. ¡°That¡¯s why I tried to warn you, earlier. That whatever we seem to have going here, it can only last as long this voyage.¡±


    Rivi squeezed Argos¡¯s hand, again careful not to let their pads touch. ¡°I think I understand that warning a little better, now. So thank you for telling me. And for whatever it¡¯s worth, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re a pervert just for making love with people you¡¯ve only recently met. While The Church might frown on such behavior, it isn¡¯t as if our people have never indulged in short-lived trysts. More importantly, your courting life is your own private business.¡±


    ¡°My courting life, huh?¡± Argos turned his head back towards Rivi. He glanced down at the cheetah¡¯s hand upon his, but didn¡¯t say anything about. ¡°Thanks, Spots. I appreciate the sentiment.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± Rivi patted Argos¡¯s hand, then turned to recline against the coyote again. He leaned his head back, offering the coyote a playful smile. ¡°So, I suppose were I also a coyote who was similarly open about my proclivities, we might have already jumped into bed together.¡±


    Argos yipped his amusement, his tail thumping against the sofa. ¡°Certainly possible. Then again, if you were anything more like me, I probably wouldn¡¯t have offered you space in my room. If I thought you¡¯d have been safe down in steerage, none of this might have started.¡±


    ¡°I suppose that¡¯s true.¡± Rivi scowled, his tail swishing against the sofa. ¡°Then we¡¯d not have gotten to know each other, at all. Never thought my own naivety would work out in my favor.¡±


    ¡°Life never leads us where we expect it to.¡± Argos put his arm around the cheetah again. ¡°For the record, Spots. I don¡¯t expect nothin¡¯ to happen between us. You got your ways, and I got mine. I know you said you ¡®appreciate¡¯ my interest in you, but I don¡¯t wanna make it sound like I got expectations.¡±


    The cheetah nodded, allowing himself the forbidden comfort of snuggling up against Argos¡¯s warmth. ¡°I appreciate that, as well. I don¡¯t entirely know how to proceed, if I¡¯m honest. There are a million voices in my head, and all of them are quite loudly arguing about whether or not I¡¯ve already damned myself just by¡­¡± He looked them over, then mewled bittersweet feline laugh. ¡°Well, I suppose I¡¯m cuddling you, aren¡¯t I.¡±


    ¡°You are.¡± Argos rubbed Rivi¡¯s shoulder. ¡°If I were you, I¡¯d tell those negative voices to fuck right off. If your divines created you, then they created you exactly as you are. It ain¡¯t some impure taint you¡¯re afflicted with. It ain¡¯t some curse. It¡¯s just who you are.¡± Argos grunted through grit teeth, his ears back. ¡°That¡¯s what I believe, anyway. But I ain¡¯t gonna argue your beliefs with you. Just tell you I don¡¯t agree.¡±


    Rivi smiled, reclining his head. His ear brushed Argos¡¯s shoulder. ¡°If only it were that easy.¡±


    ¡°I know, Spots, I know.¡± Argos hugged the cheetah against him. ¡°Not to offer further illicit temptation, but you can rest your head on my shoulder, if you want.¡±


    The cheetah swallowed, his heart thumping. Surely, such an act could not be any more impure or soul-tainting than what the were already doing together. ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡±


    Rivi slowly rested his head against Argos¡¯s shoulder. Something about that simple, comfortable act left everything inside him melting into warm contentment all over again. He sighed, a happy, satisfied sound. Argos rubbed his arm with gentle motions, and all the angry voices in his head gradually quieted. In their silence, Rivi could almost tell himself that this was okay. That this was acceptable. That it wasn¡¯t sinful.


    Almost.


    ¡°This is nice,¡± Rivi said, his voice a breathless murmur. ¡°I¡¯ve never done this, before.¡±


    ¡°I kinda gathered that, Spots.¡± Argos chuckled, offering the cheetah a gentle squeeze. ¡°I get the feeling you ain¡¯t had near the affection you deserve, in your life.¡±


    Rivi flicked his ears back. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s one way to look at it. When I was little, I got plenty of it from my mother, but¡­¡± He blinked, scowling. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s different. I haven¡¯t really had a¡­¡± The feline trailed off, not exactly sure what the appropriate word would be. ¡°Significant other, before.¡±


    Argos made a little discontented murmuring noise. ¡°I figured. You weren¡¯t exactly free to have a boyfriend, back home.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Rivi shook his head against Argos¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I don¡¯t believe that anyone has ever really desired me, anyway.¡±


    ¡°I find that impossible to believe.¡± Argos reached over to stroke Rivi¡¯s ears with his free hand. ¡°What about that lion bartender you mentioned?¡±


    A smile parted Rivi¡¯s muzzle. ¡°He was probably just angling for a larger tip.¡± Rivi scrunched his nose. ¡°Although, I will admit it is possible that others have attempted to express an interest in me, and I simply haven¡¯t noticed. I think when most people look at me, they only see awkwardness and intellectualism. And then I open my muzzle, and they add weirdness and oddity to the list.¡± He swallowed again, turning his face away from the coyote. ¡°And no one wants to be with the weird, awkward, bespectacled scholar who talks himself the way we do, Rivi.¡±


    Argos crooked a single finger under the cheetah¡¯s muzzle, guiding him to look at the coyote again. ¡°I do. But only if Rivi¡¯s ever comfortable with that.¡±


    Rivi chittered shy laughter, pressing his face to Argos¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Rivi¡­might be, someday. Thank you, though.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Spots.¡± Argos ran a hand over Rivi¡¯s ears, then combed his fingers through the fur of the cheetah¡¯s neck. ¡°Besides, I like your quirks. Ain¡¯t nothing wrong with being unique.¡±


    ¡°If you say so.¡± Rivi shivered at the feel of Argos¡¯s dull claw tips teasing his skin. He soon relaxed again, laying his head against Argos¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°I do.¡± Argos worked his fingers through Rivi¡¯s fur a few more times. ¡°And I think you¡¯re probably right. I¡¯d wager plenty of people have shown interest in you, and you were just too full of self-doubt to realize it.¡± He waggled a finger in front of Rivi¡¯s muzzle. ¡°And that ain¡¯t to demean you, or make you regret what mighta been. Just pointing it out. You deserve to feel wanted, just like anyone else does. And a year from now, long after you and I say our goodbyes, someone else is gonna look at you, and think all kinds of desirous thoughts. And when they do¡­¡± Argos tapped Rivi¡¯s nose. ¡°I want you to remember the way I looked at you, the way I talked to you, and I want to recognize when someone else feels the same way.¡±


    Rivi blinked, eyes half-crossed as he stared at Argos¡¯s finger. ¡°I shall do my best.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Argos tapped his nose again. ¡°And after that, if they don¡¯t treat you like a fuckin¡¯ gentleman, they ain¡¯t worth your time. You understand me?¡±


    ¡°I suppose so.¡± Rivi glanced at the coyote¡¯s face.


    Argos stared down at him. ¡°Respect is a two way street, Spots. Now, you already know I don¡¯t care who someone wants to fuck. Gender don¡¯t matter much, as I see it. What does matter is treatin¡¯ your lover properly. I already know you¡¯re practically made out of respect, and politeness. So whoever you¡¯re with, whether it¡¯s a one night fling, or a lifetime of marriage, you deserve the same respect you give them. If some big, handsome lion with a ebony mane wants to take you to his bed, but he treats you like shit? You tell him to fuck right off.¡±


    Rivi chirruped a few giggles. ¡°If those were his intentions for me, perhaps that wouldn¡¯t be the best word choice to use. But your point is taken, and agreed with.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Argos resumed petting Rivi¡¯s head. ¡°The way I see it, I got a precious few months to try and get you ready to face the world anew. If I can hammer even a few important lessons into your head before this voyage is over, you¡¯ll be safer and happier the rest of your days.¡±


    ¡°I like the sound of that, even if I doubt it¡¯s efficacy.¡± Rivi sighed, shifting his head slightly. It drifted towards the coyote¡¯s chest. Argos¡¯s steady heartbeat was faintly audible. ¡°But I shall attempt to absorb whatever lessons you see fit to teach me.¡±


    ¡°I hope you do.¡± Argos circled his fingers around one of Rivi¡¯s ears. ¡°So far we¡¯ve got, don¡¯t flash your money around, don¡¯t be ashamed of who you are, and don¡¯t allow anyone to disrespect you, even your lovers.¡±


    Rivi shivered, his ear folding back under the gentle attention. ¡°Those all seem like reasonable lessons. Any others you might like to offer, in the moment?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Argos teased the other ear the same way. ¡°This is more like general life advice, but¡­¡± He smoothed down Rivi¡¯s fur. ¡°You¡¯re spending a few years traveling, right? If I were you, I¡¯d try to experience everything you won¡¯t be allowed to do or enjoy back home.¡±


    A lopsided smile appeared on Rivi¡¯s muzzle. ¡°You mean like indulging in my impurity, and snuggling a handsome coyote in private?¡±


    Argos gave a bark of laughter. ¡°Okay, I guess you¡¯ve already got started on that one. But yeah, that kind of thing. Now, I ain¡¯t saying go out there and fuck everyone that smiles at ya without so much as usin¡¯ protection, or nothing. But in general, if you get a chance to explore things safely, I say go for it.¡±


    Rivi canted his head, a witty, slightly bawdy retort forming in his brain. Are you only saying that because you hope I¡¯ll reciprocate your interest, someday? Rivi grinned, attempting to look coy. At least, he hoped he looked coy, rather say, constipated. Or addled in the brain.


    ¡°Are you¡­¡± Rivi forced his smile to widen. But not too wide and toothy, he thought. He wanted to tease the coyote, not threaten him. ¡°Only saying that because you¡¯re hoping to explore me?¡±


    His smile vanished in an instant. Rivi bolted upright on the sofa, hot embarrassment surging through him and heating his ears. He stared at Argos, eyes wide and horrified behind his spectacles. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m terribly sorry!¡± Rivi put his hands over his muzzle, muffling his voice. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to say something so lascivious and explicit!¡±


    Argos visibly fought back laughter, his muzzle tensing and shoulders trembling. The coyote¡¯s tail wagged against the sofa¡¯s back. He reached out and gently pulled Rivi¡¯s hands down away from his face. ¡°Spots, relax. That was funny.¡±


    Rivi let his hands drop away. ¡°It-it was?¡± His ears went flat, and his tail coiled in on itself, as if it too was embarrassed for him. ¡°I meant to make a far politer joke.¡±


    ¡°Well, the one you did make was good.¡± Argos eased Rivi¡¯s hands back to the cheetah¡¯s lap. ¡°Only reason I ain¡¯t laughing is because I didn¡¯t want you to think I was laughing at you.¡± He patted Rivi¡¯s hands. ¡°I¡¯d think by now you should realize you could say the dirtiest, filthiest things, and you still ain¡¯t gonna offend me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d think so, and yet¡­¡± Rivi slowly relaxed again, sighing to himself. ¡°Whenever I blurt out something so embarrassing or libidinous, I cannot help but be horrified by my own foolish impulsive words.¡±


    Argos perked a single ear. ¡°Libidinous? That¡¯s a new one to me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, libidinous.¡± Rivi scrunched up his face. ¡°Like the other day, right before I toppled over the luggage cart. And I asked you if you knew any more dirty jokes about¡­¡± Even though they were alone, he still lowered his voice to a whisper. ¡°Penile functions.¡±


    Argos yapped laughter. ¡°Oh, yeah. I almost forgot that, cause I was so worried about you fallin¡¯ over.¡±


    Rivi snorted. ¡°You¡¯d forgotten? Well, in that case, I regret bringing it up. But that¡¯s half my problem, I fear.¡± He idly waved his hand. ¡°Half the time, there¡¯s a disconnect between what¡¯s in my brain, and what comes across my tongue. And the other half is exactly the opposite problem. I know I shouldn¡¯t say something, and yet I cannot stop myself. And each time, I end up ever so embarrassed. I fear I can¡¯t escape some manner of personal humiliation no matter what I say.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t gotta feel that way around me, Spots.¡± Argos squeezed the cheetah¡¯s hand, careful to keep his fingers from straying too far. ¡°As far as I¡¯m concerned, you ain¡¯t got nothing to be embarrassed for. Everyone has a slip of the tongue, now and then. You just have a few more than average. Nothing else to it.¡±


    Rivi peered down at the coyote¡¯s tan-furred hand atop his own. He was thankful for Argos¡¯s care to avoid his pads. ¡°I appreciate that, though I fear it will do little to quell my long-ingrained feelings.¡±


    ¡°I know, Spots.¡± Argos patted his hand again, then pulled his arm back. ¡°I just wanted you to hear it.¡± He hooked his elbow over the back of the sofa, grinning. ¡°Anyway, it was a good joke. I had a reply all lined up, but in the interests of saving you further embarrassment, I¡¯ll keep it to myself.¡±


    Rivi rubbed his hands together, glancing at his unopened photo album. ¡°That¡¯s probably for the best. Would I be correct in assuming it involved a positive answer to my lascivious query?¡±


    Argos only shrugged, and smiled. ¡°Again, in the interest of saving you embarrassment, I can neither confirm nor deny the content, and context, of my follow up joke.¡±


    The cheetah chuckled. ¡°Now you sound like you¡¯re speaking to the press on behalf of some important but secretive ministry. Is that something you¡¯ve had to do, in your role?¡±


    Argos shook his head. ¡°Nope. The Guild has people for that sort of thing, but the actual operatives like Iosa and me? They don¡¯t much like our faces showing up in anything public.¡± His muzzle twisted into a scowl. ¡°On that note, I might have to ask you not to feature any pictures of me in your eventual book about your pilgrimage. At least, not any with clear shots of my face.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Rivi glanced towards his camera cases. ¡°I¡¯m not entirely certainly I haven¡¯t already taken some of you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay,¡± Argos said. ¡°You¡¯re welcome to have them for personal use, just¡­¡± The coyote scratched at his neck, ruffling the thick gray and tan fur. ¡°Keep them to yourself, huh? And when you talk about this journey, you might wanna consider using a fake name for the coyote you roomed with. Just in case.¡±


    Rivi slowly nodded. ¡°I certainly wouldn¡¯t want to get you into any sort of trouble.¡± He turned his gaze back to Argos. ¡°You really are quite secretive, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a Guild requirement. It¡¯s a lot easier for people like Iosa and me to get in and out of wherever we need to, when no one out there really knows our names, or faces. Harder to track where we¡¯ve been, too.¡± Argos smiled, though a hint of tension shone through beneath his usual, easy-going facade. ¡°You understand, right Spots?¡±


    Rivi returned his smile. ¡°Certainly. While your secret police guild might not be the same as ours, I am¡­¡± Rivi paused, trying to parse his words carefully. ¡°Acquainted with their needs for secrecy, just the same.¡± The cheetah glanced away, suddenly eager to shift the subject even if it lead to further embarrassment on his behalf. ¡°Anyway, given your earlier desirous statements, I suspect I know your answer to my personally exploratory query, already.¡±


    Argos perked his ears. ¡°Personally exploratory, huh? Now I¡¯m imagining a couple of well to-do Church cats on their wedding night¡­¡± He sat up, pretending to nervously unbutton his waistcoast. ¡°I daresay, shall we attempt some personally exploratory behavior?¡± Then he shifted his voice higher. ¡°Certainly not! It¡¯s still light outside! We cannot procreate in the daytime!¡±


    Rivi giggled, swatting Argos¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Oh, shush. We aren¡¯t that bad.¡±


    Argos laughed with him, leaning back against the sofa. ¡°Probably a good thing, too. Otherwise there might not be many cats left before long.¡±


    Rivi rubbed at the back of his head. ¡°That¡¯s never really been a problem. The Church does encourage married couples to have children, after all. To that end, after the conclusion of my pilgrimage, I imagine it shall be firmly suggested to me, that I¡­¡± He scrunched his muzzle. ¡°Find someone to marry, eventually. Perhaps I¡¯ll even be set up with someone of importance, and encouraged to pursue a relationship, for the betterment of¡­¡± He trailed off, then snorted, waving his hand. ¡°Well, I shouldn¡¯t bore you with that manner of political theater, anyway. And besides, that¡¯s a worry for future Rivi.¡±


    The coyote sneered, a few fangs revealed beneath his curled lip. ¡°If you ask me, future Rivi oughta tell them to fuck off, and ¡®pursue a relationship¡¯ with whoever the hell he wants.¡± He held his hands up. ¡°I know, I know. It ain¡¯t that easy, for you.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Rivi said, slowly shaking his head. ¡°It isn¡¯t. If only I hadn¡¯t been so burdened with impurity throughout my schooling, I might have already met a female I fancied in university. At least that way I could be with someone I cared about.¡± The cheetah flattened his ears. ¡°Then again, as troublesome as it often was for me to talk to and connect with other people, it probably wouldn¡¯t have worked out anyway.¡±


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Argos grabbed the cheetah¡¯s shoulder, squeezing a little too firmly. ¡°You ain¡¯t burdened with nothing, Rivi, save all the shame and self-doubt your people heaped upon you. You shouldn¡¯t have to change who you are inside, just cause someone else don¡¯t like it, and don¡¯t understand it. That¡¯s on them. That ain¡¯t on you. At least, it damn sure shouldn¡¯t be.¡±


    Rivi smiled at the coyote¡¯s words, even as his shoulder ached from the fervency of Argos¡¯s grip. ¡°I appreciate that. Though I don¡¯t suppose you could come home with me, and explain that to the rest of the Church, as convincingly as you have to me.¡±


    The coyote gave a little bark of bittersweet amusement. ¡°I wish, Spots. I get the feeling most of your people ain¡¯t gonna listen. I suppose they might listen to my fists, but even I ain¡¯t gonna be able to fight your whole damn country.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps not.¡± Rivi glanced at the coyote¡¯s still-tight grip. ¡°Could you at least squeeze my shoulder a little less tightly?¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry.¡± Argos released the cheetah. ¡°That I can do.¡±


    Rivi rubbed his shoulder a little. ¡°That¡¯s alright. I realize I¡¯m likely far more fragile than most of the people you¡¯re used to interacting with.¡±


    Argos shrugged. ¡°Just means I gotta be extra gentle around you.¡± A smirk slowly returned to his muzzle. ¡°Believe it or not, I can be quite good at handling delicate equipment.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Rivi said, fidgeting with his sleeves. ¡°I¡¯m quite certain of it.¡± He gave the coyote a sidelong glance. ¡°Might I ask you another personal question, along those lines?¡±


    ¡°Always.¡± Argos leaned against the sofa, resting his arm over the back of it again.


    ¡°You¡¯ve¡­¡± He flourished his hand a few times, taking a moment to choose his words carefully. ¡°You¡¯ve been with other males before, I assume?¡±


    Argos nodded. ¡°I have, yes.¡±


    ¡°And¡­¡± Rivi rubbed his hands together. ¡°Only males? I rather had the feeling that you and Iosa might be ex-lovers, but I did not wish to presume.¡± He blinked, his eyes widening. ¡°And now I¡¯m presuming! I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have-¡±


    ¡°Spots.¡± Argos held a hand up, silencing. ¡°Relax. Lemme make this easy for you. Yeah, Iosa and I have fucked. No, we¡¯re not currently fucking. She¡¯s got this girl she fancies, right now.¡±


    The coyote¡¯s bluntness left Rivi¡¯s ears heated, his whiskers twitching. ¡°That answers one of my questions, then.¡± He watched Argos for a moment, his head tilted. ¡°And she fancies a girl, you say? So, Iosa also deals with impure thoughts. And both prefer¡­¡± He knit his fingers together, murmuring to himself. ¡°Or rather, you don¡¯t prefer¡­¡±


    ¡°We call it The Club.¡± Argos drummed his fingers against the back of the couch. ¡°The Club for Respectable Individuals Who Like Other Respectable Individuals. There aren¡¯t a lot of words out there in Gilded for sexualities like ours, that aren¡¯t demeaning. So, among some of those circles, we¡¯ve come out with our own words and phrases for it. Iosa and I always liked to call it being in The Club. Which means that you, Mister Rivimiralous.¡± Argos gently poked Rivi¡¯s chest. ¡°Are now an official member of the Club along with respectable individuals such as Iosa and myself.¡±


    Rivi adjusted his spectacles. He racked his brain, trying to remember if he¡¯d heard anyone using that particular code-phrase before. It was hard to say. He very well might, and yet he wouldn¡¯t have given it a second thought at the time. Which, Rivi supposed, was entirely the point. ¡°I do think I like the sound of that better than being called impure.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, me too.¡± Argos cocked his head, flicking a single ear back. ¡°As far as who we prefer, to save you the trouble of asking¡­¡± The coyote chuckled. ¡°We both like everyone. However, Iosa leans a bit further towards other females, whereas I¡¯m basically right down the middle. I¡¯m less concerned about what you got down there¡­¡± Argos playfully towards the cheetah¡¯s crotch. ¡°And more interested in what you got up here¡­¡± Then he tapped Rivi¡¯s head, and chest. ¡°And in here.¡±


    Rivi scrunched up his muzzle. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, more or less.¡± Argos traced a finger around one side of Rivi¡¯s spectacles. ¡°That, and cute glasses. Those don¡¯t hurt, either.¡±


    The cheetah mewled chiming laughter. ¡°I don¡¯t believe anyone has ever referred to my spectacles as cute, until you.¡±


    ¡°Well, they are.¡± Argos leaned back and made a show of looking Rivi over. ¡°Now, all that ain¡¯t to say that I wouldn¡¯t enjoy seeing you in nothing but your spectacles. Cause I sure as hell would. Just to say that I¡¯d feel the same way about you, if you were female. Make sense?¡±


    ¡°I-I think so,¡± Rivi said, wide-eyed. Truth be told, the cheetah scarcely heard anything after Argos suggested seeing him nude. Rivi was fairly certain his brain had suffered a serious and immediate malfunction. He feared he might have even ruptured an important vessel. All at once, all he could picture was himself posing in front of Argos, completely nude save for his spectacles. ¡°M-makes s-sense, yes!¡±


    Argos¡¯s smile returned. ¡°You okay there, Spots?¡±


    Perfectly fine. That was what Rivi meant to say. Perfectly fine, Argos, and that¡¯s a very open-minded attitude you have. But a torrent of words bubbled in Rivi¡¯s brain, and try as he might, he couldn¡¯t quite grasp the right ones. ¡°Yes, Argos, I¡¯m perfectly naked!¡± Horror filled him. ¡°I mean, n-not naked!¡± Unbidden, he found himself wondering if Argos would also be unclothed in this mysterious and illicit scenario. Which did not make his attempts to amend himself any easier. ¡°Perfectly naked Argos is perfectly fine!¡±


    Argos burst into raucous, yapping laughter. ¡°Oh yeah? I dunno, might be a little chilly to just walk around naked. We better turn the radiator up before I take my clothes off.¡±


    Rivi clapped a hand to his muzzle. He forced himself to stop speaking, lest he dig himself even deeper into the mire of embarrassment in which he steadily sank. He turned away from Argos, not because he ashamed, but simply because the longer he stared at the coyote, the more he feared he¡¯d blurt out something even more humiliating. Especially as now in his mind, Rivi could not help but picture himself lounging in the nude on the sofa, whilst Argos strode the cabin naked, save for his pistols strapped against his gray-furred body. At least, Rivi assumed that area of Argos was as gray as the fur upon his throat.


    ¡°Spots?¡± Argos set a hand on Rivi¡¯s shoulder. This time, his touch was far more gentle. Concern hung in his voice. ¡°Too much?¡±


    The cheetah slowly shook his head. He took a slow breath through his nose, held it, then let it out just as gradually. Rivi lowered his hand. ¡°N-no. Just trying to shut myself up before I say something even more humiliating.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Argos patted the cheetah¡¯s back. ¡°You just gotta try and laugh that shit off. Especially when it¡¯s just me.¡±


    ¡°A welcome thought, though not as easy as you make it sound.¡± Rivi pressed into Argos¡¯s stilled before he could think better of it. ¡°Especially when I was struggling not to picture the two of us¡­¡± He swallowed. ¡°In the nude.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Argos¡¯s rubbed Rivi¡¯s back in a little circle. ¡°How¡¯d that work out?¡±


    ¡°It didn¡¯t.¡± Rivi glanced back over his shoulder, poking his tongue out at the coyote. ¡°You still had your guns on, though.¡±


    Argos grinned. ¡°Yeah, that sounds like me.¡± His hand still. ¡°Sorry, you okay with me touching you this way?¡±


    Rivi considered the question. To his surprise, he did not feel especially uncomfortable with the idea of Argos tender, but steady touch upon him. ¡°It¡¯s fine, but thank you for asking.¡± He swallowed, his tail flicking against the coyote¡¯s leg. ¡°I should imagine you keeping your guns on whilst nude is the only detail my brain put together correctly.¡± His gaze drifted around the room. ¡°Given my lack of experience with¡­¡± He waved a hand. ¡°Everything else.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you got the important stuff.¡± Argos¡¯s other hand joined the first, and Rivi found himself melting into the coyote¡¯s attention. ¡°Even if your mind put cheetah bits on a coyote body. But hell, you can always go buy one of those magazines behind the dividers if you want to fill in the blanks properly.¡±


    ¡°Oh, divines have mercy!¡± Rivi went right back to covering his face with his hands. ¡°I¡¯m a respectable scholar on an important pilgrimage! I can¡¯t be purchasing pornographic magazines.¡±


    Argos stroked Rivi¡¯s shoulder. ¡°So, you want me to buy one and accidentally leave it open to a picture of some naked canine?¡±


    ¡°Certainly not!¡± Rivi dropped his hands away from his muzzle to slap the couch cushion. ¡°Why, I would slam it shut and throw it into the wastebin immediately. Or¡­¡± Without looking directly at Argos, he found it little easier to word his reciprocal joke. ¡°At least after I¡¯d given the periodical a brief but thorough inspection to confirm that it was, indeed, filthy trash.¡±


    ¡°There ya go, Spots.¡± Argos worked his hands up and down the feline¡¯s back. ¡°You wanna turn back around someday, or are you just gonna face away from me the rest of the trip?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m rather enjoying what you¡¯re doing, at the moment.¡± Rivi wriggled into Argos¡¯s caress, sighing. It was a struggle to fight back the soft purr that threatened to rise in his throat, but Rivi kept it tamped down. ¡°Before I forcibly wrench us away from this particular line of discussion, might you permit me one more personal question?¡±


    The coyote chuckled, his hands stilling for a moment. ¡°What do I keep telling you?¡± He patted Rivi¡¯s shoulder, then resumed rubbing his back. ¡°You don¡¯t gotta get my permission to ask me a question. Just ask it.¡±


    Rivi flattened his ears back. What seemed so simple for Argos was so contradictory to his upbringing. ¡°I shall try, but I make no promises.¡± He glanced back at the coyote¡¯s face. ¡°Have you ever¡­¡± Rivi looked away again, waving his hand. ¡°You know. With a feline?¡±


    Argos flashed him a crooked smile, then shook his head. ¡°Nope. Mostly just canines, and foxes. Plus one rabbit, and one human.¡±


    ¡°Linha, right?¡± Rivi ran his hands back and forth across his knees. ¡°The rabbit, I mean. I recall Iosa teasing you about a rabbit who liked knives.¡±


    ¡°Yup, that¡¯s Linha. She¡¯s one of us.¡± Argos worked his hands up to Rivi¡¯s shoulders, massaging them for a moment before easing back down. ¡°An Orphan, I mean. Iosa and I worked a three person team with her, for a while. She¡¯s on a different assignment now, though. And I think ¡®likes knives¡¯ is an understatement. She gets even more excited for sharp things than I do for fancy firearms.¡±


    Rivi looked back over his shoulder again, his ears swiveled to mischievous angles. ¡°Well, she sounds fun, then. And terrifying.¡±


    ¡°Those are two words that accurately describe Linha, yes.¡± The coyote chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s the first person you wanna have a drink with, and the last person you wanna piss off. Being with her for a while was a whole¡­¡± Argos lifted a hand to flourish it in the air. ¡°Experience, lemme tell ya.¡±


    ¡°I should imagine so,¡± Rivi said. He¡¯d met scarce few rabbits thus far, and most of them had been as mild-mannered and polite as he was. A rabbit in the secret police, possessed of the same brash attitude as Argos¡¯s and armed with a plethora of knives did indeed seem like an entire experience. Rivi wasn¡¯t entirely sure if he hoped to meet the mysterious rabbit someday, or wished to never set eyes upon her. ¡°Perhaps you¡¯ll have to share stories involving her, someday.¡±


    Argos grunted, patting the coyote¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re ready for Linha stories, Spots. Let¡¯s get you a little more adjusted to spending time with Iosa and me first. Wouldn¡¯t wanna traumatize your mind too badly.¡±


    The cheetah chuckled. ¡°Perhaps that¡¯s for the best.¡± He leaned into Argos¡¯s hands, sighing. ¡°That feels far nicer than I should admit.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Argos caressed the cheetah from his shoulders, to his lower back. ¡°You know, Spots. As long as we¡¯re on this ship together¡­¡± The coyote¡¯s hands roamed upwards again, leaving Rivi happily wriggling into the gentle kneading. ¡°Maybe getting you used to someone else¡¯s affectionate touch oughta be another of our goals. Whether like this, or having you relaxing against me. Or even just things like hugs.¡± His hands stilled. ¡°Only as much as you¡¯re comfortable with, of course.¡±


    The cheetah canted his head. ¡°I suppose that isn¡¯t a terrible idea. I¡¯m surprisingly comfortable with this, right now. Probably because it feels so pleasant.¡± He scowled, his ears flattening. ¡°And because I¡¯m trying not to think too hard about it.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes that¡¯s for the best.¡± Argos¡¯s hands roamed up and down Rivi¡¯s body, gently working the tension out of stiff muscles. ¡°The heart knows what it wants. The brain just complicates things.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps so.¡± Rivi¡¯s gaze wandered around the room again, soon falling on the photo album still resting upon the table, along with Argos¡¯s scarcely touched whiskey glass. ¡°It strikes me that all my questions have derailed us from our original purpose in coming over here.¡±


    Argos only shrugged. ¡°My original purpose was just to spend time with you. Seeing your photos and such are just a bonus. And like I said earlier, we got all night.¡± He gestured towards the thick scrapbook. ¡°We could get started now, if you want. Take a break when dinner shows up.¡± He laughed to himself. ¡°Or your army of newspapers. Whichever comes first.¡±


    ¡°That sounds nice.¡± Rivi reluctantly pulled away from Argos¡¯s hands in order to lean forward and fetch the book from the table. Then he settled back against the sofa with the photo album on his lap. ¡°You¡¯re certain this won¡¯t be too boring for you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about you, Spots.¡± Argos stood up, stretching his arms over his head. ¡°How could it be boring?¡±


    Rivi¡¯s ears heated, his cheeks the same beneath his fur. ¡°I daresay most people would use that fact as evidence of why it would be boring.¡±


    ¡°Well, in case you ain¡¯t noticed,¡± Argos said, before starting across the cabin. ¡°I ain¡¯t most people. I¡¯m getting some water, you want anything?¡±


    ¡°Some water as well, please.¡± Rivi watched the coyote walk away. Argos¡¯s bushy tail swished back and forth with every step. Rivi still found the canine¡¯s tail fascinating. Compared to most feline tails, its long gray and tan fur peppered with black looked exceedingly lush, and luxurious. He wondered how many times a day Argos had to brush it to keep it looking so magnificent. ¡°I¡¯ve already ordered a few bottles of lager to come up with my tail.¡± The cheetah blinked, sucked in a breath, and swiftly attempted to amend himself. ¡°With your tail. Dinner! With my dinner.¡± He coughed, and forcibly turned his attention to the furniture around him. ¡°My, just look at the beautiful patterns on those cushions. Handstitched, I¡¯m certain.¡±


    Argos laughed, but it was a happy sound, not a demeaning one. ¡°You¡¯re a treat, Rivi.¡± He poured two glasses of water, then returned to the cheetah. He set the glasses down, then turned away, leaving his back facing Rivi and his tail before the feline. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Rivi blinked a few times, trying not to stare. ¡°E-Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°You think I ain¡¯t noticed you eyeballing my tail since we first met?¡± Argos smirked over his shoulder. ¡°Canine tails different than yours, I know. Go on, you can run your fingers through my fur.¡±


    Rivi swallowed. He reached towards the coyote¡¯s tail, then hesitated, his hand hovering near it. ¡°Is that not¡­¡± The cheetah glanced up. ¡°Intimate?¡±


    Argos shrugged. ¡°Kinda depends on how you do it, I guess. But I don¡¯t mind. Worst case, I gotta adjust my trousers a bit till the issue resolves itself.¡±


    Rivi giggled under his breath. ¡°At least you¡¯re not in public.¡± He brushed his hand over the top of Argos¡¯s tail. The fur was just as soft as it looked, plush and silken despite its thickness. ¡°Oooh. I don¡¯t often get to feel someone else¡¯s fur against my pads. Let alone fur this thick.¡±


    The coyote turned his face away, but his grin was evident in his voice. ¡°Well, if you end up havin¡¯ to fidget with your trousers, I¡¯ll pretend not to notice.¡±


    ¡°I shall be grateful for your discretion.¡± Rivi combed his fingers through Argos¡¯s tail. He¡¯d never felt fur quite so thick and lush. He worked his hand through it again, and this time the coyote¡¯s tail twitched against his touch. Argos shifted his weight slightly, but otherwise betrayed no discernable reaction. Rivi was tempted to see just what it took to earn a more noticeable response. In the interests of avoiding further embarrassment for both of them, however, he decided against it. He ran his fingers through it one last time, savoring the feel of such soft fur against his sensitive pads. Then he leaned back into the sofa, smiling up at the coyote. ¡°I shall cease there, to save us both the awkwardness of trouser adjustment. Thank you, though.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± Argos turned around and sat down alongside the cheetah again. ¡°Hopefully that satisfies at least a little of curiosity.¡± He picked up his cup and took a drink of water. ¡°However temporarily.¡±


    ¡°It does.¡± Rivi followed the coyote¡¯s lead, and drank some of his water. ¡°Your fur is very soft. It felt quite nice against my pads.¡±


    ¡°Felt nice for me, too.¡± Argos took another drink, then swapped his water for his whiskey glass. ¡°And I do try to take care of it, when I can. Only so much I can do with it when I gotta spend a few weeks tromping through the woods.¡±


    Rivi checked his cup to ensure it was dry, then rested it atop the photo album on his lap. ¡°Like when you captured that bear, you told me about? I can imagine that would be quite frustrating. It could be worse, of course.¡± He grinned at the coyote. ¡°At least you weren¡¯t the one who soiled yourself.¡±


    ¡°True!¡± Argos laughed, waggling a finger. Then he turned his attention to the album. ¡°Alright, Spots, let¡¯s have a look at these photos, huh?¡±


    ¡°Certainly.¡± Rivi took another drink of cool water, then moved the glass to the table. He opened up the album. On the first page, a newpaper clipping proclaimed in bold letters, Wandering Scholar Chosen. ¡°So, it¡¯s in large part photographs, as I¡¯ve been taken my notes elsewhere, but as you can see, I¡¯ve also retained pertinent newspaper clippings and other paraphernalia.¡± He brushed his fingers over the newspaper. ¡°You needn¡¯t read the article, but there was an ongoing selection process, after the Ministry of Truth and Information announced it was time to anoint a new scholar to the position. As soon as I heard the news, I went to the Ministry to request an application!¡±


    Argos sipped his whiskey. ¡°So there¡¯s a whole application process?¡±


    ¡°There is, but you have to meet certain qualifications.¡± Rivi turned the page, revealing a large, color photograph. ¡°They wanted a pious scholar who actively works for the Church, and who not only excelled in university, but also possesses a wide range of linguistic fluencies. And you had to write a number of essays explaining why you¡¯d be fit for the position, what it would mean to you, and so on. And!¡± Rivi tapped the first photo. It depicted him seated at a table, dressed in formal attire, before a panel of felines in robes. ¡°You had to interview with ministry officials!¡± The cheetah shivered. ¡°It was so nervewracking. I must have stumbled over my words horribly, and yet somehow, I impressed them enough to earn the title. I suspect upon the strength of my essays.¡±


    ¡°Must have been it,¡± Argos said. He stared at the photo, an odd look on his face, his ears half-splayed as if in confusion. ¡°So, they had a whole, long process, including interviews, which they photographed, and then they chose you?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Rivi beamed, quickly nodding. ¡°I was shocked, quite honestly. But ever so proud of myself.¡± His smile faded, slightly, when Argos didn¡¯t seem to share his enthusiasm. ¡°Why did you say it like that?¡±


    Argos glanced up, his uncertainty evaporating into his usual, easy-going smile. ¡°Don¡¯t make nothing of it, Spots. You absolutely should be proud of yourself! Hell, you might be the most qualified scholar they ever sent in this journey. It¡¯s just that¡­¡± He grunted, his tail flicking. ¡°Where you¡¯re one hell of a smart person, you¡¯re a lot less qualified to survive¡­¡± He waved a hand at the ship. ¡°All this. Let alone the rest of your trip. Don¡¯t take no offense at this, but I think we¡¯ve established you weren¡¯t quite ready to take on the world by yourself. It seems to me they shoulda picked up on that during your interviews, and done more to actually prepare you for the journey. At the very damn least, they coulda hired you more than one lousy porter.¡±


    Rivi scowled, glancing down at the photo of himself. ¡°That would be been nice, yes. Unfortunately, it would have been breaking with the traditions and spirit of the Wandering Scholar, in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Rivi.¡± Argos nodded once. ¡°I said my piece, and I ain¡¯t gonna argue with your people¡¯s traditions. Whatever the circumstances, you oughta be very proud.¡±


    ¡°I am!¡± Rivi wasn¡¯t entirely certainly Argos didn¡¯t have deeper opinions on the matter, but the coyote was nearly unreadable, at best. He was sure Argos would have made a hell of a card player. He moved on to the next photograph. ¡°Here I am, accepting my new title.¡±


    In the photo, Rivi was shown in an elegant, formal dress ensemble, replete with a collared golden shirt with ebony buttons, a purple scarf, black leather gloves, and a matching pair of trousers, along with boxy dress shoes. He stood upon a dias, surrounded by ministry officials, some wearing robes of office, while others wore even more formal dress attire. One of them was handing Rivi a framed certificate in both hands, while Rivi received it the same way. Banners hung above him, with flower arrangements decorating the dias.


    Argos examined the photo. ¡°Looks like quite the ceremony.¡±


    ¡°It was!¡± Rivi chuckled to himself. ¡°Though if I¡¯m honest, most of it was ever so boring. I spent over an hour sitting with my family in silence while Minister This and Deputy Minister That gave their own speeches.¡± He waved a hand. ¡°Ostensibly about the historical importance of the position, but mostly just bloviating about what a good job they¡¯d done as ministers, themselves.¡±


    Argos barked laughter. ¡°Yeah, that sounds right. I think politicians are gonna act like politicians no matter where you¡¯re from.¡±


    Rivi grinned, nodding. ¡°I¡¯m quite certain that¡¯s the truth.¡± He turned the page again, revealing a new photograph. ¡°Here I am with my family, after receiving the title.¡±


    The next image showed Rivi standing amidst other cheetahs. His father stood just behind Rivi. The older cheetah had one arm around Rivi¡¯s mother, whilst his other hand was placed upon Rivi¡¯s shoulder. His stern expression was broken up by a rare, genuine smile. Father wore dark, highly formal clothing, with deep blue and silver vestments of office across his shoulders. Ministry emblems were pinned to them. Rivi¡¯s mother wore a layered dress in shades of lilac and silver, her hands clasped, a demure smile slightly parting her muzzle. Alongside Rivi stood his sister, roughly the same height as her sibling. She too, wore a formal dress, but her beaming smile outshone the rest of them entirely.


    ¡°Nice looking family.¡± Argos sipped his whiskey. ¡°Your father looks almost as surly as I imagined him.¡±


    Rivi snickered. ¡°It was certainly not¡­¡± He grimaced, unsure exactly how to describe it. ¡°Common to see him smile, like that. Especially after he first learned of my¡­¡±


    Argos tensed. ¡°You don¡¯t gotta say it, Spots.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Rivi smiled, brushing his fingers over his father¡¯s face in the photo. ¡°You know, ever since he learned about¡­¡± He licked his muzzle. ¡°The real me. That was one of the few times I remember him being genuinely proud of me, just the same.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad for that, but¡­¡± A low growl emanated from somewhere deep inside the coyote. ¡°If I ever meet your father, Spots? I¡¯ll probably knock him the fuck out.¡±


    Rivi laughed at that, somehow both amused and horrified. ¡°Oh, you would be in an absolute world of trouble, if you did. No, an entire universe of it.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Argos leaned over, scrutinizing the photo. He sucked in a breath. ¡°Oh, shit. Are those indigo sashes? Photo¡¯s a little too blurry to see the emblems well, but-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Rivi said, swiftly turning the page. ¡°I¡¯ve said more than I should. I¡¯m not really supposed to talk about my father, or what he does.¡±


    Argos held his hands up, whiskey wishing in his glass. ¡°No problem, Spots. I gotta keep my secrets, you gotta keep yours.¡±


    Rivi swallowed, nodding. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    In the back of Rivi¡¯s mind, he worried it was already too late. That particular photo wasn¡¯t really meant to be shown publicly. Not the least of which to people who might actually recognize the rank and meaning of his father¡¯s various accoutrements of office. He hadn¡¯t really thought about it until Argos asked, but now it seemed all too obvious that a secret policeman like Argos would know all about the intricacies of his people¡¯s governance. Though Rivi hated to think of as such, he was all too aware that his father was a very important person. Rivi suspected some people would also add the words powerful, and dangerous to his descriptors. And if anything, Rivi thought, his father might be all the more important and powerful now.


    If Argos had discerned more than he should have, the coyote did not betray it. Instead, he just smiled at the cheetah. ¡°So, what¡¯s next?¡±


    The following pages had a few more newspaper clippings, a photograph of Rivi from a news periodical, and a printed transcript of a radio. ¡°These are just from some of my media appearances, before my pilgrimage began.¡±


    ¡°That must have been exciting.¡± Argos sipped his whiskey. ¡°And probably nerve-wracking.¡±


    ¡°It was absolutely both, yes.¡± Rivi flipped another page. ¡°I¡¯m sorry none of these are photographs I¡¯ve taken, yet. But they gave me copies of all the officially photographed events, and I thought it important to include them, as well.¡±


    ¡°Nah, they¡¯re great, Rivi.¡± Argos stretched his arm out, holding it over the cheetah¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Do you mind?¡±


    Rivi shook his head. ¡°Not in the least.¡±


    Argos draped his arm around the cheetah, gently pulling him closer. ¡°How¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Lovely.¡± Rivi leaned up against the coyote. ¡°Especially now that we¡¯ve moved beyond my father and his disapproving stare.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m tellin¡¯ ya, Spots.¡± Argos set his whiskey glass down, only to make a fist. ¡°Knocked the fuck out.¡±


    Rivi held his thumb and finger a short distance apart. ¡°That might be a bit harsh.¡± He smirked up at the coyote. ¡°Perhaps just slapped around a few times.¡± Then his grin faded as quickly as it had come. ¡°No, he¡¯s still my father, and I should still love and respect him enough not to advocate for that.¡±


    Argos grunted. ¡°You¡¯re a bigger person than me, Spots. Tell you what. If it ever happens, I just won¡¯t bother to tell you about it, then you won¡¯t have to feel guilty about enjoying his comeuppance.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that will work.¡± Rivi flipped through a few more photos of official events, none of which he found particularly interesting in the moment. ¡°These are all variations of the same thing. I¡¯m looking for one from my last night in Rigarda, before I officially started my pilgrimage. I was taken to the First Temple, where our scriptures say our worship of the Divine Weaver first began.¡±


    Argos held up a hand. ¡°Random question about your Church, if that¡¯s okay.¡±


    Rivi smiled. ¡°Certainly.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard it called several different ways.¡± Argos tilted his head. ¡°Church of the Divine Weaver, Weavers, and Weaving. Which one¡¯s accurate?¡±


    ¡°Technically, they all are.¡± Rivi waggled his hands. ¡°The ¡®Weave¡¯ part is generally interchangeable, they all refer to the same worship. However, to discuss scriptural specifics.¡± Rivi cleared his throat, adopting what he imagined as a more scholarly, professional tone. ¡°Weavers, plural, refers to the entirety of the pantheon of Divines, from the Singing Stars of the Cosmos, to the Divine of Sand and Smoke who bound our fractured world together. And every one in between.¡± Rivi lifted a single finger, shaking it. ¡°Whereas, Weaver, singular, refers just to the Divine of Sand and Smoke. As it was he who wove our existence out of our shattered, cosmic brethren. Furthermore, the Divine Weaving, as a verb, refers to that act itself. When he wove our world back together.¡±


    ¡°Huh.¡± Argos rubbed one of his ears, then gave a single incredulous bark of laughter. ¡°And here I was thinking people just got the name wrong.¡±


    ¡°It can be confusing to outsiders, I realize.¡± Rivi smiled, and turned his attention back to the album, flipping a few more pages. ¡°Ah! Here it is. Regardless of scriptural accuracy, The First Temple is one of our oldest, and holiest sites. It contains some of our most sacred relics, as well. Now, this photograph was staged, of course, but I quite like it as well. And after it was taken, I was allowed some time to myself to reflect, and pray.¡±


    In the picture, Rivi rested on his knees in the midst of a gargantuan chamber. Fluted columns rose high above the cheetah at the edges of the photo. A gilded alter sat before him, with an assortment of ritual vessels and prayerbooks placed upon it. The cheetah himself wore a plain, cream colored robe, with none of the usual vibrant colors his people often preferred. To dress so meekly when in holy places was considered a mark of respect towards the divines they worshiped. His hands were upon his knees, and his head was bowed deeply. Even his tail, poking out through an opening in the back of his robe, was curled around him as if to avoid showing itself off.


    An enormous sculpture towered over both Rivi and the altar. At the center of it, was the mortal incarnation of the Divine Weaver himself. It was carved from gray marble, depicting an entity of slender build, with unusually large ears, and short pair of horns set towards the front of his head. The Weaver¡¯s muzzle was longer than a feline, yet not so narrow as the average canine. He was nude, save for a golden sash around his waist for modesty. A bushy tail stuck behind him. The Weaver¡¯s arms were upraised, and depicted to be dissolving away into sand on one side, and smoke on the other. Gold dust was used for the sand, whilst silver made up the smoke. All around the Divine were carvings of the world¡¯s myriad disparate continents and islands. The smoke and sand stretched to each of them, pulling them closer, and weaving their damaged reality back together.


    ¡°Whoa¡­¡± Argos leaned in, staring at the picture. ¡°That¡¯s beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡± Rivi brushed his fingers across the statue in the photo. ¡°It¡¯s actually quite old, too. Though admittedly, it has been recently renovated. The various continents are suspended via carefully hidden supports, and wires. And the gold and silver had to be retouched, along with the painting on the sash.¡± He gave the coyote a smile. ¡°Very few outsiders get to see this, you know.¡±


    ¡°Well, in that case I¡¯m honored.¡± Argos took a drink of whiskey, then set his cup down. He returned his attention to the photograph. ¡°You know, I think I assumed your divines would be feline.¡±


    Rivi smiled and shook his head. ¡°They aren¡¯t. Though, we don¡¯t often depict their mortal vessels, either. But, they actually took the form of urd¡¯thin. That¡¯s why we call the urd¡¯thin, the divine people. Because not only did the gods once choose their forms? But much like our very world, the urd¡¯thin were once first woven from disparate pieces of others.¡±


    Argos blinked, staring at the cheetah. ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯d appreciate you saying that.¡±


    The cheetah scowled. ¡°Perhaps not. I¡¯ve never actually met one of the divine people, before. I¡¯d certainly love to, though. My understanding is that they came to be in our world around the same time the humans, gnolls, and kobolds did. Yet in far fewer numbers. Do you suppose they¡¯d rather be referred to as the descendants of the divines?¡±


    ¡°Hard to say. They¡¯d probably just look at you like you were crazy.¡± Argos looked at the photo again. ¡°So that¡¯s him, weaving the world back together, huh?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s him, yes.¡± Rivi stared at the photo, a soft smile upon his muzzle. ¡°He of Many Names. He Who They Turned Their Backs Upon. He Who Rose Against the Singing Stars. He of Sand And Smoke. I could speak at great length about him, and what we believe he did, but¡­¡± He glanced at Argos, hoping to wasn¡¯t boring the coyote. To his pleasant surprise, Argos listened intently, his ears swiveled towards the cheetah. ¡°The Scriptural basis of our beliefs say that long before our world existed as we know it, many others existed throughout the cosmos. Each was woven by another divine. Over time, the Divine Weavers, as they came to be known to us, ascended to the greater cosmos, and became like stars. Guiding lights, to shepherd each of their worlds through its eons of existence. It is said their guidance came as song, a music unheard, and a force unseen to most. And for a time, their song brought balance throughout existence.¡±


    Rivi paused to take a drink. He half-expected Argos to ask him to get to the point. Instead, the coyote only sipped his whiskey, and smiled at Rivi. His tail flicked.


    The cheetah set his glass back down, and went on. ¡°Eventually, as the Laws of Entropy tell us, all things must one day begin to degrade. So to, holds true for the Cosmos, and even the divines. Lights and stars begin to fade. Chaos begins to replace order. And thus, did a divine begin to sing not of balance, but of chaos. A song of dissonance that clashed with the others, and set them about a path of conflict.¡± Rivi tapped the statue. ¡°Some of the Scriptures tell us that this Divine suffered great loss, at the behest of his brethren. That in their striving for balance, they took away his world, and that which he loved. And so, with no world to call his own, he set about to undue the laws that the Singing Stars had set to govern existence. Where they believed that some must die, merely to make room for others, he believed that all deserved a chance to survive.¡± Rivi quieted a little. ¡°Even if it meant bloodshed. And so, he went to war against the other divines, even though it meant pitting their children against one another.¡±


    Argos rubbed his muzzle, grimacing. ¡°Kinda makes me think of the Times of Blood and Fear.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Rivi leaned back against the coyote, his tail twitching. ¡°Some do believe that when the world¡¯s many peoples first met, that we were meant to fight one another, to determine who most deserved to inherit this newly-woven world. I prefer a different branch of the beliefs, though. That it was a test. To prove we deserved our collective second chances not by slaying one another, but by learning to live together.¡± He blinked, splaying his ears. ¡°I¡¯ve skipped ahead a bit, haven¡¯t I.¡±


    Argos chuckled and shrugged. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Rivi rubbed the back of his neck, grinning. ¡°To both backtrack, and fast forward, when the Great Fracturing happened, and parts of the Cosmos itself shattered, the Divine Weaver chose the greater good. He chose to give up his war, and use his divine powers to save as many people as he could, from as many worlds as he could. Thus, he brought forth continents from countless disparate worlds, each with their own unique peoples, and he wove them together, into this¡­¡± Rivi waved his hand in a sweeping gesture. ¡°Into our home. The Fractured World.¡± He turned his eyes back to the picture. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just our world he wove back together, but all of them.¡±


    ¡°Damn, Spots.¡± Argos stared at the image for a few moments, then lifted his face to grin at Rivi. ¡°Never thought I¡¯d be so interested in hearing someone talk about religious stuff.¡±


    The cheetah beamed. ¡°I¡¯m ever so heartened to hear that! I could prattle on endlessly about all things scriptural and philosophical, given half a chance.¡± He tilted his head. ¡°I¡¯m curious, though. Do our beliefs sound ridiculous to outsiders? It¡¯s alright to be honest. I¡¯ve certainly heard worse from others, I am sure.¡±


    ¡°Yanno, Spots,¡± Argos said, rubbing Rivi¡¯s arm. ¡°I¡¯m not really the one to ask. It ain¡¯t the most believable explanation for our world I¡¯ve ever heard, but it ain¡¯t near the least believable, either. Something caused the Fractures, and something brought the humans and all the other peoples we share this world with, now. I¡¯d say it¡¯s just as likely it was your Divine Weaver as it was some kinda tear in the fabric between planes, or whatever else people say.¡± The coyote flashed him a toothy smile. ¡°You know, Spots, after hearing all that? You are positively going to shit when you actually get to see a Fracture in a few days.¡±


    Rivi giggled. ¡°I certainly hope not, since I¡¯ll be standing outside at the time!¡±


    ¡°True.¡± The coyote chuckled. ¡°Maybe just make sure you go before we head to the viewing deck, just in case.¡±


    Rivi shifted, resting a little more against the coyote. ¡°Are they as magnificent as I¡¯ve heard?¡±


    ¡°Better. Ain¡¯t much phases me, and¡­¡± Argos sighed, laying his head against the back of the sofa. ¡°They¡¯re pretty awe-inspiring.¡± He stared at the ceiling in silence for a moment, then gestured at the photo album. ¡°You know what this thing really makes me think, right now?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Rivi hesitantly set his hand atop Argos¡¯s. When the coyote did not pull away, the cheetah slowly stroked his fur, savoring its softness beneath his pads.


    ¡°It just kinda makes me wish I had photographs of memorable shit from my life.¡± Argos¡¯s tail flicked twice, but he continued staring at the ceiling. Dark clouds drifted behind the brilliance of his golden eyes. ¡°I ain¡¯t got nothing like that. Got a few pictures of my sister with Iosa and me when we were all pups, but that¡¯s about it. Few pictures of beautiful landmarks and stuff, couple of friends, but¡­I ain¡¯t really even supposed to keep those.¡±


    Rivi scowled, and gently squeezed Argos¡¯s hand.  ¡°I suppose pictures from your life would conflict with the ¡®secret¡¯ part of the secret police.¡±


    ¡°That they do.¡± Argos flicked his tail again. He blinked, and the darkness in his eyes was gone once more. The coyote lifted his head. ¡°But that¡¯s life, huh? No sense cryin¡¯ over it. Besides, that¡¯s what memories are for.¡±


    ¡°Even so,¡± Rivi said, idly flipping the page back and forth a few times. ¡°It seems a great shame not to have at least a few mementos of your travels, and friendships. If you¡¯d like¡­¡± He gestured towards his suitcases filled with photography equipment. ¡°I¡¯d be happy to take a few particularly non-descript photos of you. Why, we could even take one of the two of us.¡± Rivi gave the Coyote a playful smile. ¡°Assuming you felt I was memorable enough. Then, I could give you all the copies, or even the negatives. That way, you wouldn¡¯t have to worry about anyone else seeing them. At least then, you¡¯d have some small record of your time aboard this vessel.¡± Rivi licked his nose, and looked away. ¡°And with me.¡±


    ¡°You know what, Spots?¡± Argos reached out and gently turned Rivi¡¯s muzzle back towards him, to offer the feline a warm smile. ¡°I would love that.¡±


    Something in Argos¡¯s smile melted Rivi¡¯s heart. Whatever it was, it left him warm, through and through. ¡°Me too, Argos.¡±