The Southwestern Star

	High on the connecting bridges of Karhu, Llen limped hopelessly back to his float-house on the southern side of the elevated town. With every step the fox's ears twitched at the creaking moans the wooden stilts gave as they supported the weight of its citizens, and protected them from the salty tides below. Cold gusts and the shifting gangways prompted Llen to grasp the edge of his coat, decorated in patches. Shivering slightly he looked back to the broken metal and spilled water, now diluting the sea below as it seeped through the cracks of the dock. 

	At this time, Llen's work as a dock-laborer couldn't get much worse. Aside from being paid a fraction of what he deserved on a weekly basis, the heavy barrels of freshwater that were to be delivered had proven more difficult than expected by the middle-aged fox. Making matters worse, his back was already strained from this repetitive business. It was for this reason that the barrel had slipped from his grasp after a shooting pain entered his spine. Needless to say his employer was less than pleased, and beckoned insults and promises of extra labor should and when he return the next day.

	Arriving at the door to his home, tired orange eyes set themselves on blue as the door swung open, revealing another fox, slightly taller with clementine fur. “Home early,” the fox said to Llen as he entered, throwing off his coat, revealing dark gray fur underneath a stained tank-top. 
	“I can't keep doing this Alu – my back can't handle this type of work anymore.”
	Alu closed the door, “You're just getting old honey; not much can be done about it.” The orange fox placed a paw on Llen's shoulder, and sat him down on a bedraggled couch. “Take off your shirt and lie down hon' tell me about it.”
	Llen obeyed, throwing his tank-top onto the floor, and lying on his stomach as Alu positioned himself overtop. “Mrrrr..” The gray fox groaned blissfully as Alu sank his paws into Llen's fur. 

	As Alu went to work easing Llen's tension, a strange aroma filled the room. “Mmm what is that?” Llen said, lifting his nose to the air.
	“It's coat-oil” Alu said, “I got a bottle after servicing a sailor who just docked – he didn't have any coin to pay, so he traded me this, – lovely isn't it?”
	“Yeah... what's it called?” 
	“Forest Sheen, I think its made from pine,” he answered, running his knuckles along Llen's shoulder blades.
	Llen's ears perked back in interest. “Pine? You mean like-- Oh!” A series of pops cut him off as Alu ran his palms along his vertebrae. “Like from the west?”
	“I'd guess so honey,” Alu said as he leaned down and kissed the space between Llen's ears.
	“Hmm?” Llen turned over to face the young fox, his playful gaze meeting the gray fox's upraised brow.
	“When was the last time you had any fun?”
	“Not interested,” Llen said, sitting up. “Besides, I'd hate to ruin my back after you just fixed it.”

	Llen picked up his shirt and walked lazily back to his room, grabbing the door frame briefly as the floating house rocked against a small wave. “Laying down so soon? Why not visit the pub?” Alu said, leaning back at the entrance room with crossed arms.
	“I'll pass – have fun.” 
	Alu rolled his eyes and slipped on a thin sweater, “If you say so hon'.”
	Llen watched as the young fox waltzed out the door without so much as a wave goodbye, and made his way past a window towards the pub. Llen only hoped that he wouldn't be too loud when he inevitably came home with someone – more so he hoped that Alu would come back with someone who paid. 

	Llen knew Alu's prostitution wasn't the most glamorous way to earn money – but Llen was humble enough to admit that Alu made more money showing a bit of skin and an orgasm than Llen did doing honest work in a week, and he was the sole reason they could afford to eat. Moving himself from the doorway, Llen slipped off his pants, preferring to sleep in his undergarments as he crawled into his rope-hammock. He knew he could sleep on the couch if he wanted – but he also knew Alu would have a difficult time 'servicing' people in a hammock – and didn't want to risk the potential displeasure of a client.

	With fading wakefulness, Llen's eyelids became too heavy to remain open, and slid shut, leaving only the sound of passing waves and the blissful smell of pine to lull him. As the night grew thick, Llen found himself deep in a large forest, far to the west. The smell of petrichor and the musk of nature enveloped him as winged insects and soft leaves brushed against him. He ran his paws against trees, and tasted the sweetness of freshwater, lapping ceaselessly as the cool ran down his throat, and into his stomach. It was then that he noticed Alu beside him, wearing nothing but his smooth orange fur. His face carried the same playful look as he did on the couch - beckoning Llen into the cool water. 'When was the last time you ever had fun old man?' Alu said seductively, 'Those clothes must be awfully restricting– why don't you disrobe and relax a spell? Let me take care of you...'

	It was then that Llen found himself tossing his clothes aside, and coming to a warm embrace with the other fox, kissing passionately along his neck as Alu's free paw reached around and groped Llen's rear. 'Is it everything you hoped it would be?' 
	'Oh yes...' Llen heard himself mutter as Alu began to kiss his pecs, lowering himself to Llen's pelvis 'Ohhh, Alu – don't stop.'
	'You have to get up,' Alu said.
	'What?' Llen said in slight surprise.
	'Get up, you're going to be late!'
	'I... I don't understand.'  Llen said shaking his head.

	“Llenni! – Get up hon', boss'll whip you if you're late!” Jolting awake, Llen lay staring into blue eyes as Alu sat over top him, holding his shoulders – presumably from having to shake him out of his slumber. 
	“Hrm... What time is it...?” Llen said, putting a paw up to his head.
	“The bronze bell hon'” 
	Alu moved off the hammock, and threw a pair of brown pants onto Llen's chest, followed by a tattered shirt. “Uh, thanks.” He slipped on his pants and shirt quickly, knowing that the bronze bell meant he was ten minutes late – which would reflect another heated discussion with his employer by the time he got there. Buckling his belt he stood up, moving past Alu and into the entrance room, grabbing his shoes.

	On the couch, he slid the leather through the buckles on his shoes and pulled them snug.
	“How long do you think he'll work you for today?” Alu said as he entered the room.
	“I'll probably need another massage after,” Llen replied as he stood to get his coat.
	Alu moved to Llen and embraced him, “Alright, well don't let him upset you. You're a good fox – we've all got our place, even if it's the bottom of the barrel.”
	“We're the foundation of better things, I know” Llen said finishing the quote, “And, Alu...”
	“Yes honey?”
	“Thanks for... letting us eat, I appreciate that,” he said awkwardly, not sure how to properly thank someone in Alu's line of work.
	“Welcome Llenni. Now, go on, get out there and be a big strong man for me – and I'll be waiting here ready to take the day away for you.” 

	Alu released Llen from his embrace and waved as he passed by the window, the gray fox's pace escalating into a light jog as he made his way along the planks – looking down from time to time at the stilts that held the town above the water, and swayed with the soft morning waves. low creaks echoed after his footfalls as the ambient sounds of sailors became present. Along the planks were workers of all ilk carrying great drums of purified water from the docks, and into warehouses, to be distributed amongst the townsfolk. 
	Making his way up to the docks, Llen took a moment to gaze upon the newly docked ship that seemed to be the centerpiece of the workers' concentration. The ship was decently sized, but wasn't the largest he'd seen. Still, it had clean white sails and a polished deck – definitely a recent addition to the distilled water trade. However, it was uncommon to see such a majestic vessel for the sole purpose of transporting freshwater, but Llen didn't think to hard on it – he didn't have time.

	“Checking in sir,” Llen said to his superior as he walked to the end of a bridge, situated in-between the regal ship and another more common boat. 
	“Croen...” the bear growled, “Again you disappoint me. First you waste a drum of water, and then you arrive ten minutes behind schedule – So what, you just expect me to do your work for you?!”
	“No, sir,” Llen said as his tail fell between his legs.
	The bear's brown fur was puffed out as he fumed, “You pull this shit one more time, and you'll be lucky if I fire you – otherwise I'm throwing you off this dock, and I'll let the Bloodfins sort you out – Am I clear?”
	“Crystal sir.”
	“Good,” he said, seeming to calm slightly. “Hemry needs you on dock three, he's unloading a few shipments of water – don't screw this up.”

	Llen quickly made his way to the third dock, not looking forward to lugging eighty-pound barrels for the next five-or-so hours, but he knew complaining could put him out of a job, and so he remained silent. The grueling work began as it always did; One would pass a barrel from the ship back to Hemry, then to Llen – and from Llen it spend the next two minutes straining his back before he was able to set it down in front of a warehouse, and start the process over again. It was times like this that he couldn't help but distance his mind. He often thought of the distant lands on the water – wishing that one day he could be free of Karhu and its rickety gangways, and spend an evening among green leaves and good food. He remembered the pine oil, and what joy it brought him to be able to smell something he'd never heard of before – to know it in much more detail than any photo. The scent allowed him to be right there with the tree if he closed his eyes – and gave a sense of belonging whenever the pleasant aroma entered his nostrils.

	On his fifth trip, he found himself staring long into the sea, gazing into the golden horizon. As he walked to the warehouse, his eyes strained as they spied a small, black pockmark in the distance. He wondered if it was the pine island; unable to stop his mind from racing from thought to thought, he found himself amongst the tall green needles, and back inside setting in his dream. He felt the breeze sway as it took him away to the pleasantry his mind offered, and gave into temptation. 

	Running his hand along the rough bark, Llen smiled. Above him, small pine needles dangled and tickled his nose as he raised his snout upwards, and gently nuzzled the branch, inhaling the musky scent deeply. The sounds of crickets and frogs echoed from deep in the woods, and the sound of running water could be heard from behind him. Slowly he turned, eager to take another dip in the cool liquid like he had in his dream – moreover though, he wanted to see Alu again. Not a moment after, a  paw could be felt on Llen's shoulder. He cocked his head slightly, waiting for the soft orange fur to graze his cheek. “Alu...?”
	“Not even close.” 
	The familiar, commanding voice sent Llen's world crashing around him as his mind was torn back to the present, and he was standing face-to-face with the corpulent bear. “Uh, I-I...”
	The bear walked forward, forcing Llen to backpedal. His movement continued so that Llen's heels hung off the docks, causing him to lose balance and begin falling backwards. “Close,” the bear said as he caught Llen's collar in his large paw, “Definitely close to losing my patience with you.” The bear reeled back, pulling Llen with him, releasing the fox mid pull, and sending him crashing to his paws on the dock.
	Llen hissed at the sting of his paws, now riddled with wood-splinters as he stood up, gut filled with butterflies. “Sir, I'm sorry – I just tend to--”
	“Don't. Talk. Only do, understand?” The bear dusted his paws off on his shirt with a disgusted look and pointed towards the regal ship. “They've got some small crates to unload – probably some kinda fruit shipment based on the smell. Get over there and help them unload. Now.”
	“Yes, sir.”

	Llen jogged to the regal ship, picking out the sharp pieces of wood buried in his fingers as he neared the ship's gangway. “Uh, hello fellas, I was told you need help unloading?”
	On the ship's deck, a feline caught wind of Llen, and raised an eyebrow patronizingly, “We don't need help, but we'd rather not do it ourselves.”
	“Of course, I understand.” Llen said, realizing he'd be handling the shipment alone. One by one, the ship mates brought the small wooden crates out to the docks, arranging them in a neat stack. Llen leaned down to pick one up, being careful to lift with his legs to prevent straining his back – even though the water had already done sufficient damage – and became entranced by a sugary aroma. The strange scent intrigued Llen to say the least, and he wondered what type of fruit could have such an earthy sweetness. He knew it was unique – never once had he smelled such a thing; the gray fox was only familiar with much more basic produce such as apples, limes and pears.

	All this thought of food was making Llen hungry; he hadn't eaten in at least 24 hours. As he picked up the crate, he contemplated stopping by the pub for a meal, seeing as he didn't possess the supplies or know-how to cook anything at home, but he knew the pub would run through his earnings. Llen set the crate down, giving a huff of relief as his back got a moment to rest. As the crate touched down, Llen's ears perked at the sound of something unexpected. Inside the crate, the sound of glass clinking together was all too evident, and warranted further inspection. Taking a once-over of his surroundings, Llen concluded that the sailors were too busy talking to notice, and his employer was engaged in berating another worker to notice Llen sliding the lid of the crate open, and peering inside.

	Arranged together in small rows were clear vials filled with amber liquid, each topped with a small cork and decorated with a brown label. Llen nervously slid his paw inside the crate, shuddering when he felt the cool glass make contact with his paw pads. Gripping gently on the head of one of the bottles, he removed it from the wooden crate and held it up to his face. As he read the label, the strange scent was stronger than ever. 'Maple-scented Coat-Oil' read the label. “Oh gods,” Llen muttered, knowing this must have come from the pine island. 

	In a spur of the moment, Llen pocketed the small vial and closed the crate's lid hastily. He turned himself around, and headed nervously back to the other boxes, no doubt also containing Coat-Oil. Llen didn't make eye contact. It wasn't in his nature to remain composed, and his stomach was more twisted than ever before. The sailors, however, didn't seem to have a clue why the grey fox had returned from his previous run in a cold sweat – nor did they appear to care, as they gave cat-calls to some of the wealthier women who had come down to get first pick of some imported linens. Taking another box, Llen continued his arduous cycle, distancing his mind from current events as he pleaded to the gods in his mind that no-one should find the shipments any different. 

	When the crates were moved, Llen's superior moved him back to water kegs, which remained his duty for the next five hours. Sweaty and exhausted, Llen sat himself on a small railing after finishing his last barrel. The fact that he was given no breaks left his back in agony – the fiery sensation in his spine begging for Alu's soothing paws. Llen's tail wagged as he thought of home, the minutes he would spend on the couch to ease the dull aches of the day – and time where he could talk to someone willing to listen – even if it was just feigned interest. The fox slid himself off the railing and made a slow, rhythmic walk home, thinking only of Alu, and the sweet-scented oil in his pocket.

	As Llen made it to the door, he placed a paw in his pocket, feeling the thin cold vial as he turned the knob. Inside, Alu waited on the couch. The orange fox was sprawled out lazily, with his paw hanging limply over the side, blue eyes gazing at Llen upside-down. “Hi honey.” 
	“Evening Alu,” Llen hung his coat on the handle as he clicked the door shut, “Hope your hands are good.”
	“Of course,” Alu said, getting himself off the couch. “Just lie down and let me take care of all those pains.”
	Llen smiled, and eagerly took off his shirt before reaching into his pocket. “I have a little something.” He pulled out the maple-oil, presenting it to Alu.
	“Oh Llen – where did you find this? Boss' new excuse for not paying you?”
	“No,” Llen started, noticing the irony of Alu's question. “Actually, I took it from one of the delivery crates, thought I might see where it was imported from.”
	Alu's face lit up in cunning delight. “Oh, you poor, poor man.” Alu began, making his way around Llen and putting his paws on his shoulders, and rubbing gently. “Has your life really dulled so? I always imagined you'd turn to thievery. What next, a night with yours truly?”
	“No, nothing like that.” Llen said abruptly, brushing Alu's paws off him. “I just wanted to talk a few things over during a massage if you don't mind.”
	“Of course hon', lay down n' pass me that oil if you would be so kind.”
	Placing the oil in Alu's paw, Llen laid on his front once more and subjected himself to the scent of warm maple and the soothing paws that melted his pains away, as Alu placed himself so that his knees were on either side of Llen's hips. “So, what's on your mind honey?”
	Llen exhaled deeply in relaxation, and turned his muzzle to the side, facing the floor. “I don't want to live here anymore Alu, I'm tired of slaving my days away on this garbage heap with no real reward.”
	“I know hon', but it's not like we can afford to go on a fancy adventure, and even if we could – we don't know any other lives than what we've got.” Alu leaned down, and added gentle pressure to Llen's lower back as he placed his muzzle to the gray fox's ear. “We're the foundation of better things.” he said in a whisper.
	“That's bullshit and you know it.”
	“Llenni, I know our lives aren't the most exciting, or profitable, but you have to understand--”
	“No, you need to understand!” Llen said angrily, lifting himself into a sitting position, and sliding his legs out from under Alu. “Tell me Alu, when was the last time you knew someone loved you – or was appreciative of what you do?”
	“Llen, calm down--”
	“Answer the question!”
	“That's not important. What's important is that we're all part of the machine.” Alu said, “Think about it Llen, where would the town be without you to deliver water, hmm?”
	“Don't do this to me Alu...” Llen said pleadingly, “Haven't you ever wanted to live better – be able to eat when you pleased, or lie in bed with someone who actually loves you?”
	Alu swallowed, taking in a breath of air with watery eyes. “I wouldn't know what that feels like. - Goodnight Llen.”

	With a smooth motion, Alu pulled himself up and grabbed his sweater before heading out the door, and slamming it shut, leaving Llen flustered, unsure of what to make of the situation. Now, with the sounds of creaking wood and waves splashing the sides of the dimly-lit boat-house, Llen was forced to wonder if what he did was right. Was it too much to bring Alu's personal feelings into his own? He was sure it must have been, if only a little. Llen sighed looking at a small knot in the woodwork absently as he scolded himself – how he had risen his voice to a man much younger than him, who only wished to help Llen live a little easier in a place with diminutive forgiveness.

	Shifting in place, Llen noticed the small bottle of maple-oil stuffed in a small hole in the arm of the couch. Even in his somber mood, the gray fox was still curious about where it had been imported. Leaning over to take the vial in his paws, his orange eyes scanned the label earnestly. 

'Made in Tophess – Import courtesy of the Southwestern Star.' 

	“The Southwestern Star...” Llen muttered as a look of astonishment sat plastered on his face. He knew that ship had been to the pine island, and that given the recent demand of scented fur oils, the ship would frequently visit the island for the next few months. It only took Llen a few moments to fall into himself – visualizing being on the bow of the ship – the cool ocean spraying him, as the scent of maple and pine grew ever closer. The ship rocked gently as it neared the cobblestone harbor – cultural styling of the buildings much different than that of Karhu.

	With fleeting thought, Llen forced himself back to reality as his muzzle opened in a long yawn. Fatigue evident, back still sore. He stood from the couch and lumbered to his hammock, kicking his pants over the side, before tossing his belt on top of them, and leaning into the rough hemp. It seemed like hours that Llen lay in his hammock, restlessly tossing and turning as he forced his eyes closed, trying desperately to rest as the thoughts of the pine-island were still rampant in his mind. What kept him more awake, was the thick pine mixed with cordial maple that had seeped in between the fibers of his hammock.

	Grunting in irritation to his scent-induced insomnia, Llen twisted his legs out of the hammock and dropped to the floor. Dragging his feet, he made his way back into the entrance room, and glanced between the couch and the door, torn between finding Alu and lying down somewhere more comfortable. Reasoning with the fact that the couch most likely held the scent of maple, and the fact that leaving Alu to spend his time in the rough hammock when he returned seemed too nasty in Llen's mind, so instead he picked up his jacket.

	Exiting the boat-house without buttoning up, Llen made purposeful steps towards the Pub; the only place Alu would be at this time. As he neared the Pub, he could see the orange fox inside sitting across from some dark-furred feline. Llen pulled his coat tight as he came to the door, and pushing it open, jingling a small bell on the other side. “Evenin'” the squeaky voice came from a petite mouse. She had light sandy fur and brown eyes. “You lookin' for a drink?”
	“No actually, I'm just here looking for a friend.” The mouse shot a dissatisfied look at him. “I'll get a bottle of Rice-Ale.”
	“Comin' right up!”

	Llen watched as she sauntered off, her thin pink tail curled as she rounded a corner into the back of the bar, as the gray fox made his way over to Alu's table, and pulled up a chair. Llen spun the chair and faced it backwards as he hopped onto it, Alu not so much as glancing in his direction as the orange fox chewed on a bit of fish. “Hello Alu, thought I'd stop in for a bit, see how things were going.”
	The feline looked with a bit of confusion at Alu as Llen spoke, forcing Alu to give a response. “One moment.” Alu said, putting up a finger to the cat before grabbing Llen's shoulder and moving him away from the table. “Honey, this isn't a good time...”
	“I wanted to apologize for earlier , it wasn't right of me to say that.” Llen said, his gray ears folded back in sincerity.
	Alu gave a forgiving smile back and nodded. “I know – you're just a little stressed right now, but still, this isn't a good time – I'm trying to work here...”
	Llen's eyes widened. “Oh, y-you're... Right now? - Gods, I'm sorry!” he said, lowering his voice.
	“Tis' alright hon', How's about I get you something to eat? You can sit down on a nearby table.”

	The achromatic fox accepted Alu's offer before jumping in slight surprise at the small mouse that had returned with a bottle of semi-transparent liquid. “Five Knicks” she stated, paw outstretched. 
	Instantly, Alu's orange paw met with hers, handing over eleven hollow coins, each slightly rusted from age, as Llen intercepted momentarily to grab his drink.  “I'd also like to order a bowl of stew for my friend here.”
	“Of course, what kind?”
	Alu turned to Llen as the mouse posed the question, waiting for an answer. “Stew? Alu we can't afford--”
	“He'll have a dish of fowl – with a slice of rye-bread on the side, no two!-- Three!” Alu was practically yelling in excitement as his paw was outstretched, looking as if he was attempting to grab the mouse and pull her back so he could order more, but Llen slapped his paw down.
	“What are you doing? We can't afford that!”
	“Oh honey, but we can...” Signaling down with his eyes, Alu slipped a large disc made of jade out of his pocket, letting it fall silently into the palm of his paw. 
	“A-a Denn?! Where did you get that?” Llen stammered, muzzle agape.
	Alu shook his head, “Tsk, tsk – I thought I promised not to share my intimate encounters with you.” Llen shot an unamused expression at him, “I'll tell you in the mornin' sweet - for now enjoy your meal.”

	Llen nodded as he turned away from Alu, and sitting himself down on a table a few chairs away, he lifted the bottle to his lips, and took a generous swig. Immediately his nose curled in disgust as the bitter taste reached his tongue, and instantly took over and other flavors his mouth might have had before, forcing Llen to place a paw on his chest to avoid gagging. He had never been one to drink, mostly because he couldn’t afford it, and because drinking was for socializing; Alu's trade. As the burning in his throat worsened, warmth filled his belly. Soon after the mouse returned with a steaming bowl of stew and the three slices of rye, placing them neatly in front of him with an affirmative nod, “There you are sir,” the mouse said politely before gazing down at his bottle, only a quarter empty, “Should I expect another order of ale sir?” 
	“No!... No thank you...” Llen practically barked at the woman in disbelief. He couldn't imagine anyone drinking this for any other purpose than to induce vomiting. That is to say that he had little enjoyment for the substance.

	He blew gently on the steaming bits of meat, a plethora of saliva filling his jaws as he set into his meal. For the first time in three days Llen scooped voraciously at the wooden bowl, sodding every last scrap of crust he had as he cleaned out the dish. The middle-aged fox rubbed his stomach gently, unfamiliar with the feeling of fullness as he gazed about the room, suddenly remembering Alu a couple tables down. As Llen looked about he paid little attention to the mouse snatching up his dishware, though he did reply absently with “Wonderful, thank you,” when she posed a question – which he assumed was an inquiry about the quality of the food, but he couldn't remember.  What had his attention more was that Alu was nowhere to be seen. Had he run back to the boat-house? Surely Alu would've let him know he was leaving, Llen thought as he got up from his chair, still scanning the tables of the pub.

	With no luck finding Alu at the pub, Llen decided to head home, expecting to find the fox there with the feline. He picked up the bottle of Rice-Ale, admitting that saving it was still better than leaving it to waste, no matter how foul it was. Perhaps Alu would like it? Llen doubted it. The small bell rang as Llen made his way outside, walking along the planks, the stilted city of Karhu bathed in blue as the moon shone down on the wooden settlement. Clutching the sides of his jacket the colorless fox shivered. The wind had picked up more than expected, carrying the icy ocean air through the crannies of Llen's coat as he made his way to the front door.

	The knob rattled as his chilled paw twisted it, and pushed the door open. Inside, sitting on the couch quietly was Alu, holding a small cup of heated water in both paws. “Where did you go?” Llen said hanging his coat on the doorknob.
	Alu looked at him innocently before taking a careful sip of his water. “I told you – I was working.” 
	“Of course.” He started as he made heavy strides to the couch, before collapsing into it, knocking the mug from Alu's grip and onto the floor. The pair gasped in unison as the sound of shattering glass bounced off the hollow wooden walls, sharp fragments of the former mug coating the floor near the base of the cushions. “Apologies...” 
	Alu tapped Llen's nose in mock-anger and proceeded to make his way to the kitchen, and grabbed a shoddy straw broom. “Accidents happen – especially when they come from one as clumsy as you,” he replied as he began sweeping.

	Llen responded with a playful hiss as he watched Alu push the shards out the door, letting them fall between the cracks of the dock, small splashes echoing into the boat-house as a cool breeze floated in. After all the pieces had been safely discarded, Alu moved himself back to the couch, letting the broom fall out if his grasp as he slumped into the couch and watched the wooden broom-handle clatter against the rough floorboards. “So, how did you get your paws on a Denn?”
	Alu's ear shot back, as the vibrant fox seemed surprised. “Oh, yes I had told you I would hadn't I?” Alu said tensely as he shifted in his seat, “In the end though, the how's and why's are irrelevant – the main thing is that we can sleep knowing we can eat tomorrow, both of us.”
	“I suppose.” Llen grumbled, not satisfied with Alu's answer, but still content in knowing that he could look forward to another hot meal after work in the near future. 
	“Anyways, you look tired. Give yourself some time to digest the food, and get some sleep honey, goodness knows you'll need it.” Alu stated as he leaned over a kissed Llen's cheek.
	“Don't forget to get those paws ready when I get back,” Llen replied with a warm smile as he lifted himself from the couch and began moving to his room.
	“Absolutely Llenni – goodnight.”
	“Goodnight,” Llen said as he passed through the doorway into his room, and took off his shirt once more and dropped his pants, crawling into bed in his underwear as he often did, and drifted off to sleep.

*****
	Awoken by the smell of cooking fish, Llen sat up with a smile and dropped off his hammock, eagerly making his way to the curious smell, not bothering to clothe himself; muzzle raised as he entered the kitchen. “Mornin' beautiful – sleep well?” In front of the small coal-oven was Alu, flipping a small length of fish in a cast-iron pan. 
	“Beautiful?” Llen said, a look of slight confusion on his face.
	Alu waved him off with a paw as he spun around, holding a small fork in his left paw as a large grin was evident across his muzzle. “Hungry? Some sailors let me take some 'undesirables' from their last catch.”
	“Really? How long have you been out?” Llen said, now concerned with the time. 
	“Second small bell Llen – sun hasn't come up yet.”
	“Well in that case I'd appreciate some breakfast. I didn't know you could cook,” Llen said jokingly as he walked over to Alu and gazed over his shoulder at the sizzling fish.
	“Get away you, you'll drool all over the meat!” Alu said as he playfully swatted Llen away with the fork, “Besides, what more is there to know? Just leave it over the heat until it's cooked, and don't let it stick – easy.”
	“I'll leave that to you then,” Llen commented, “For now I think I'll hone my eating skills – they've been waning as of late.”
	“That makes two of us then.”

	A few more minutes passed and the fish had completed cooking. Llen had already moved himself to the couch as Alu brought the pan and a small wooden dish as he sat himself next to the gray fox. “Mmm – This is amazing Alu!” Llen exclaimed though a mouthful of fish as he continued to stuff his muzzle.
	“I'm happy you like it... Oh...” Alu gazed down with uncertainty at Llen's paws, the gray fur now dirtied with small bits of fish.
	“Did you put anything on it?”
	“No, just plain fish – Let me get you a cloth honey.” Llen paid little attention as Alu moved into the kitchen, returning soon after with a small rag. “Here let me clean that up.” Alu said as he grabbed Llen's paws and began wiping them off.
	“Mmm, you could've – could've let me finish first,” Llen mumbled, chewed bits of fish exiting his muzzle.
	“There, all better!” Alu stated as he released Llen's paws and tickled his nose with the rag before scooping up Llen's dish and dropped it off in the kitchen along with the now-dirtied rag.

	As the orange fox returned once more Llen gave a bemused chuckle at Alu's apparent restlessness. “You going to eat your fish?” he said.
	“Oh – you can have it,” Alu said, placing the pan on Llen's lap.
	Llen gazed at the small fillet of fish. He knew he was still hungry, but it didn't seem right to accept seeing as Alu hadn't even bothered to eat anything for himself. “No that's not what I meant... here take it back.” Llen slid the pan off his lap and pointed it towards Alu.
	“No really, eat up – you've got a big day ahead of you.” The orange fox placed a finger on the edge of the pan and pushed it towards Llen. “Eat,” he said more sternly this time, prompting the gray fox to move the pan back onto his lap and proceed to eat, albeit with a slight confused expression. “Love you,” Alu said quietly as he stood up and moved for the coat -rack.
	“What?” Llen said, ears shooting forward.
	Alu grabbed his sweater and pulled open the door. “Nothing, eat your fish.” With that, he was gone. 

	For the next few moments Llen sat in silence, nibbling on his fish and contemplating Alu's words. Despite what he had said earlier, he knew exactly what Alu had said, and replied more from shock than anything else. With all the years he had been with Alu it was no surprise they had grown close. But Llen discounted that Alu actually shared anything more than a deep friendship on grounds of age difference and the fact that Llen found himself to be less-than-attractive. It was no surprise that Llen found himself feeling the same way as he remembered his previous dreams and fantasies about the orange fox, inciting movement in his trousers – giving Llen the warning signal he needed to stand from the couch, and make his way into the cool breeze outside his home.

	For what seemed like the millionth time, Llen walked back towards his place of work; he could already feel his back crying in pain. At the docks, the scene was no different than yesterday. Boats delivering freshwater, the same gritty coworkers, and the same regal vessel standing a lonely vigil on the right end of the docks. “Reporting Sir,” Llen said, tempted to give a salute as he approached the bear. The ursine's strong scent – it magnified Llen's anxiety, making it quite clear that something had the bear on edge, and the fox could think of only one thing he could be mad at – the only thing the bear was ever mad at.
	“Croen... You smell unique this morning,” the bear said turning around.
	Llen's ears folded back, despite his efforts to remain stoic. He had discounted the bear's sensitive nose, and the oils that no-doubt followed him. “What do you mean sir?” His voice was shaky.
	“What is that scent Llen? Obviously imported, probably expensive too.”
	He already knew, Llen affirmed in his head. He's just waiting for me to spill it for him, lord more power over me.' “You sure you're not just catching something down-wind? There is a breeze today.” Llen knew that wouldn't get him more than a few seconds – you can't fool a bear's nose. On top of that – there was a breeze everyday.
	“No,” the bear said taking a step forward. “I'll cut it to you, the guys in the warehouse counted the crates, apparently one of them was short a bottle.”
	“Maybe they miscounted.”
	“They didn't.”
	“Maybe the sailors misplaced it.”
	“They're better than that Croen.”
	“What are you getting at then?” Llen was practically shaking in his boots. He couldn't believe he was challenging this man in something he knew he would lose, but he couldn't help but push farther. “If you're implying I stole it you're out of your mind.”
	“Maybe you didn't – but your pretty-boy fox could've.”
	“Alu? Leave him out of this.” Llen's nervousness changed to defensiveness as Alu was brought into the picture.
	“Town's small, Croen, there isn't a man I know who hasn't paid for a little attention from him.” His words were simple, but Llen could feel the underlying bitterness. Everything the bear said was sardonic and pompous, as if he held some greater importance over anyone else trying to make a living.
	“Your sense of morality and equality is vile.”
	“Such fine words from someone used to living in dirt.” The bear shifted, before placing a large paw on Llen's shoulder, and reeling him in. “Listen, I know you stole a bottle of that coat-oil – the sooner you confess, the sooner I can write this off.”
	“You mean write me off?!” Llen said, trying to avoid raising his voice as he spoke on the edge of a whisper. “The bottle was broken in the crate, I figured they wouldn't want damaged merchandise, so I took it off their paws.”
	“Broken or not Croen, that's still twelve Knicks we lost on that shipment due to inconvenience and wasted time I have to spend talking with you.” The bear rotated himself three-hundred-sixty-degrees, giving himself a moment to cool his blood, but it did little, the fur on his neck standing straight. “Llen, you're fired – be happy I didn't throw you to the fish.” He leaned in closer. “And if I ever see you on this dock again, I will rip your throat out with my teeth. Understand?”
	“Yes sir.”

	Llen's heart thumped heavily in his chest; the gray fox felt ill to his stomach, anxiety and the realization that his curiosity had destroyed any hope for living. He had failed himself, and he had failed Alu. What a bastard he was, leaving Alu to sell himself to feed them both – now more than ever. Llen sobbed silently as he shambled limply back home, tail between his legs, as he pondered his life, and what he was worth. He considered suicide. It was a great economic choice, and would open up his room for some other person who would surely do better than himself – but he couldn't fathom his weak, pitiful self even amounting to suicide properly – he would just cling to his useless life and remain a burden to those around him. 

	He wished the bear really had thrown him to the fish. There would be no second thought, only a quick instant of fear and the desperate need to evade the razor-sharp fins aiming for his jugular, before his throat was inevitably slit, and he drifted into death's warm embrace. He would even provide food for other fish, which he imagined also had their own forms of poverty – and his corpse would prove to be bountiful and possibly help the less fortunate fish prosper. But that was his imagination again, always taking time away when he could be making something of himself. Anything else for that matter.

	Wiping his tears, he placed a hand on the knob to the boat-house and twisted the handle. As the door creaked open, sounds of heavy breathing and passionate yelps echoed from inside. Llen closed the door. Looking through the dust-caked window, Llen watched as one of the sailors he had worked for yesterday pumped his hips into Alu. Keeping his paws on the fox's shoulders, Alu retained an emotionless expression, staring onto some unseen object on the wall, as he distanced himself from the situation. Llen sighed.

	He leaned along the ropes connecting the boat-house and the docks as he waited patiently outside, staring at his shoes any time someone came within viewing distance. Ten more minutes passed and Llen heard the door creak. The smell of fox and sex emanated from the doorway as the sailor gave a quick glance over to Llen, prior to making a quick walk back to the docks as he smoothed out his shirt. At the same time, Llen caught the door midway through closing and took heavy steps inside. Laying on the couch naked was Alu, with hazy eyes, his clothes still at the foot of the couch. “Sorry you had to see that hon'” Alu said distantly.
	“It's okay.”
	“Home... early?”
	“Yeah.”
	“You've been crying.”
	“We both have.”

	Llen wormed his arms out from the coat, letting it drop to the floor before moving into his room. Beside his hammock on a rough wooden nightstand was the bottle of rice-ale. Llen took it into his paw and gazed at it with contempt, but raised it to his lips anyways. He guzzled it down without a second thought, letting the fiery sensation work its way down his throat and into his gullet forcing him to double over. He slammed the bottle onto the nightstand as he gave several dry heaves from the bitterness, barely saving himself from vomiting as he swallowed deeply, eyes watering, neck muscles sore. Despite all this, he swigged the contents twice more, belching loudly before collapsing into his hammock, the world around him in a slight distortion. 'Just gotta drink until I forget who I am,' he thought. He was pitiful, he had to be. He was scum, too focused on his own stupid desires to accept his situation – his place in life.

	Feeling something graze his tail, Llen raised his head, uncertain how long he lay there, staring at the ceiling and hating himself. “Llenni – what happened?”
	“Just let me drink Alu, let me drink until I die.”
	“I won't let you do that. Get up.” Alu's voice was assertive, commanding Llen to follow his whim, and lift himself onto the edge of the hammock. “That's it, now  - what happened?”
	“I got fired.” Llen said, “Why is my life so pointless Alu?”
	“Why are any of our lives pointless Llen?”  Alu moved a paw to Llen's cheek and rubbing the soft fur with the side of his finger
	“I thought you said we were all part of something bigger.” Llen asked questioningly, “Even if its the bottom of the barrel--”
	“That's bullshit, and we both know it.”  
	“Yes, we do.”
	Alu sat down beside Llen on the hammock, rubbing his headfur lightly. “What is it you want Llenni? Money, Love?”
		“I want to leave,” he said. “I want to live among trees and smell something other than salt and sweat in my lifetime.” A small tear rolled down his cheek.
	“Ok, I think I can help you.”

	Llen's ears perked up as his head snapped to look at Alu with surprise. “How?”
	Alu's lips curved into a sweet smile as he wrapped his arms around Llen and whispered into his ear, “You saw that sailor earlier, yes?”
	“I did.”
	“He was a shipmate of the Southwestern Star.”
	The name put a toothy grin on Llen's face, “And?”
	“They're stuck here for repairs,” he said, “The sailors will probably want to get some use out of me before they leave; I could... convince the captain to take an extra passenger?”
	“You'd do that for me?”
	Alu released Llen, looking into his hopeful, amber-gaze, “I'll do anything for you.”