The rain was making Kie miserable. A heavy and monotonous drone on the roof and windows hammering in the fact that he had innumerable chores to do, outside. 
	He had finished all the housework he had neglected during his recent trip to the city market the day prior, and this bastard of a storm had come while the kitten slept.
 	 “Nothing to do today but stare out the windows I guess.” The snow leopard lamented to no one in particular. 
	Aiki was busy in his study, writing letters to various agents in his employ. Kie hadn't seen him since breakfast and was just beginning to feel lonely when the bell for the front gate rang.
	“You must be joking.” He grumbled as he went to look out the recessed window in the front door. It very much resembled a porthole, and the trio of heavily dressed figures standing huddled under the overhang of the empty gatehouse looked to the leopard like refugees on a life boat.
	Kiessu debated whether to inform his master or to bite the bullet and head out into the wet, a debate cut short by his master's voice bellowing down the hall from his study. “Kiessu? Attend the gate.”
	With a sigh for his ill fortune and a curse for the unwanted visitors, the young slave (as he thought of himself only when it was particularly naughty, or when he was made to do something as repugnant as this) pulled on a pair of over sized boots and a hooded coat that was unfashionably large on Aiki.
	The wind was blowing hard enough to noticeably increase the weight of the door, and he struggled to open it enough to egress.
	 Kie's first thoughts of how horrible this storm was were obliterated by the cold, stinging wall of rain that struck him in the face the very moment he turned from the door. 
	His hood blew back, leaving the boy's hair immediately soaked as he fumbled to cover his head again, cinching the drawstring tight.
	The short walk from the house to the front gate was made ponderous by mud and slick cobbles in the walkway. The reconciliation he could take from the experience was that the people watching him (in his mind) wade his way to the gate were likely colder and wetter than he was.
	 When he got to the wrought iron gates, Kie could see the faces of the trio of interlopers. Red foxes, man, woman, and child stood shoulder to shoulder, seeking what little shelter was to be had from the downpour.
	The relatively stout man called out as the waterlogged cat approached, “Hello! We've come for an audience with Lord Ven!” 
	Kiessu could hear him just fine, there was no reason to shout. 
	“Do you have an appointment?” He asked sarcastically, then bit his tongue to avoid saying anything more that may get him in trouble.
	Apparently the fox didn't mind or was too miserable to take offence. 
	“No sir, But we were told he was the one to help us. May we have an audience? It is rather daunting to have come all this way, in this marvellous weather don't you think?”
	Kiessu couldn't argue with his logic, and figured if they meant him ill, they'd have attacked the moment he got close enough to reach through the bars.
	“Well then sir fox, a messenger would have sufficed.” Kie added as he fumbled with the lock.
	The man laughed loud enough to startle the kitten into nearly dropping the weighty, oversized key that Aiki found amusing enough to still use.
	“If'n I had the coin for that I would have taken a coach and STILL come myself.”
	As the lock and chain came free, a large paw swung the gate open.
	“Let me help you there sir.”
	Kiessu wasn't used to titles other than slave, and bristled every time the fox had called him sir.“I am not a sir, just a slave. If it pleases you to follow me I'll grant you entry to House Ven.”
	The trio of foxes shot through the gate rather too quickly for the kitten's taste but to their credit they waited only a few paces away while he re affixed the chain to the gate.
	Kie led the way silently to the house.
	The wind hadn't let up any and the door was harder to open from the outside. He pulled with all his strength to get it to come free with a massive groan from the hinges. They'd need oiling Kie thought.
	In the time he was struggling with the door, the visitors had removed their mud caked boots and were standing barefoot on the wet stone porch. The female of the group smiled when she saw Kie take notice. 
	“We don't want to track in mud. Country habit you see.”
	At least he wouldn't have to scrub mud from the carpets tonight.
	They proceeded into the front foyer where they began to remove their waterlogged coats and hang them on the rack by the door.
	Kiessu was mildly annoyed that he was being denied his job but they were trying to be courteous, so he couldn't fault them.
	The male was strongly muscled but less large than his overcoat had made him seem. He was dressed in well made but simple clothing, bought from a travelling merchant if Kie had to bet. The style was northern and not often found in the towns and cities they would have had to hail from to have walked. 
	The woman wore a man's clothes, but wore them well. She had a simple grace to her movements that most city dwellers would never have seen. She worked for a living but was the sort to make work into dance. 
	The final member of the fox cadre was not really a child now that the leopard could see him better. A youth, pubescent for sure, but likely younger than Kie was. He was lithe and his eyes darted about taking in his surroundings with a keen intellect. The boy was short, abnormally so, but apparently developed physically. Kie's mental assessment of “not a dwarf” seemed apt.
	He was dressed in what could pass for finery in the countryside, thick leather belt with a oversized silver buckle, hand tooled patterned suspenders over a white silk shirt. All horribly damp.
	Kiessu took off his boots while sitting in a worn wooden chair by the door.
	“Might I enquire your names and purpose?”
	The head of the family smiled warmly.
	“I am Victor Rensler, and this is my wife Alexandra and son Christopher.”
	The young fox piped up, “Trick.”.	
	Victor looked nonplussed at this. “Enough of that Chris, mind your manners.”
	Christopher looked equally unhappy for a moment until he noticed a painting that banished the thought.
	Kiessu stood up and straightened his soggy clothes as best he could.
	“I shall inform Lord Ven of your arrival. Please remain here.”
	Kie walked to the study door in his practised manner. 
	Aiki was waiting just out of sight of the foyer for Kie.
	“So who are they and what do they want kitten?”
	Kiessu felt himself blush a little.
	“The Rensler family. Victor, Alexandra, and Christopher or Trick. They wouldn't say the nature of their visit beyond an audience. I think it must be important to come out in this wretched storm.”
	 Aikidu grinned. 
	“Tell me how you really feel. Do you think a grand display is required or should a simple affair do?”
	Kie hadn't been asked his opinion on greeting guests before but was too inconvenienced to think much of it.
	“They are commoners and resolute enough to brave a storm to visit, simple should suffice.”
	Aiki shrugged.
	“Show them to the dining room and I'll put on the kettle. Warmth should make this more pleasant for our bold guests.”
	The white furred fox went towards the kitchen as Kie went to retrieve the trio from the front hall.
	When the leopard returned, Alexandra was holding a struggling Chistopher's head still and was smoothing out his medium length hair into an unwanted shape on the youth's head.
	“Lord Ven will receive you in the dining room. If you'll follow me please.”
	They filed in behind the snow leopard and did as they were asked.
	The dining room stood open and the non upholstered chairs had been set out by Aiki.
	“Please take a seat, Lord Ven is preparing tea and will join you shortly.”
	The Renslers filed into the chairs and sat dripping quietly on the rug for a few silent minutes before the kitchen door swung open and Aikidu backed the rolling tea cart into the room.
	Victor stood up and gestured frantically to the others to follow suit, bowing in a fashion so over dramatic as to be comedic.
	Aiki smiled warmly at the obviously nervous family standing before him. 
	“No need for that. I am Lord Aikidu of House Ven. You have sought me out, now please be seated and relax. Kiessu will serve tea and you can tell me what brings you here.”
	Chris flopped into his chair and looked at the silver serving tray expectantly, apparently uninterested in Aiki.
	Victor and Alexandra looked relieved and sat more casually than they had before.
	Aiki crossed the room and sat in his customary position at the head of the table.
	As Kie set out the places for each guest and his master, Aiki felt out his guests' emotions.
	Victor felt optimistic, Alexandra hesitant and worried, while young Christopher felt a mixture of excited, and confused. Aiki got the feeling the boy didn't want to be cooped up in a room when he could be off exploring a noble's house.
	“Well then after Kiessu pours the tea, he and young Christopher...” 
	“Trick.” The young red interjected, much to his father's dismay.
	“...Trick will take their tea and a tour of the House so that we may speak at our leisure.”
	Aiki was pleased to see Trick's ears perk up as Kie started pouring.
	Victor seemed to steel himself slightly before speaking.
	“Thank you for seeing us unannounced. You are very kind.”
	The arctic fox sipped at his tea. 
	“Your arrival intrigues me. So think little of it. Entertainment on such a dreary day is a valuable commodity to me.”
	Alexandra gave a quizzical look.
	“My Lord, if I may?”
	Aikidu felt her uneasiness at speaking.
	“Aikidu or Aiki please. I find forcing overstuffed pleasantries and a stoic demeanour to be counter-productive when speaking to those who aren't comfortable with it.”
	She looked even more confused now but seemed to accept his request without reservation.
	“Aikidu, we have come to ask your help, and I fear it no small task.”
	Aiki looked pointedly at Kie.
	“Well, I shall only promise to listen but there are two boys who should be taking their leave of us first. Wouldn't you agree?”
	Victor looked at Chris and nodded his head.
	“Go with sir Kiessu. And behave yourself.” The last words a warning and a plea.
	Kie held a cup in each paw.
	“Come now, I'll show you Aiki's gallery.”
	Trick practically leaped out of his chair.
	“Do you have any pictures of famous battles?”
	He plucked the china cup from Kie quickly enough to make him gasp and set it empty on the saucer within moments before heading for the door.
	Kiessu sighed and set his tea down untouched.
 	“Yes, but you'll have to follow me to see it.”
	Kie's annoyance amused Aiki slightly. 
	When the two were out of ear shot he asked, “Now, what is it that you wanted to ask me?”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
	Kiessu wasn't used to entertaining children, and Trick's actions had cemented him as such in the kitten's mind.
	“Would you slow down?” He pleaded to the red fox dancing about halfway up the marble staircase ahead of him.
	Trick whirled around and grinned. “But I've never been in a noble's house before, there is so much to see!”
	The snow leopard frowned a little. 
	“You can see anything you want if you slow down.”
	Much to the kitten's amazement, the fox stopped and smiled at him.
	“Promise?”
	Kie had seen that look before on his master's face, and possibly Lappy's. It usually meant trouble but he had no real choice if he wanted Chris to stop running him ragged.
	“Sure, if you slow down and behave. Do we have a deal Christopher?”
	The young fox nearly fell down the stairs when he sprang down to shake Kie's hand.
	“Only if you call me Trick from now on.”
	Kie shook his hand, sure that he had won, but at what price?
	“Agreed, Trick. The gallery is this way, follow me.”
	Kiessu took the lead again and walked the short distance to the small room that linked the two upper corridors together. This was a widened hallway that Aiki had filled with paintings he acquired at an estate sale a few years ago, and was one of Kie's favourite quiet places in the house.
	He turned the key in the lock with an audible click.
	He swung the door wide and allowed Trick to proceed ahead of him.
	“These are great! This one of the horses is really accurate.”
	The spirit lanterns hanging in the room offered ample light for viewing, and Kie was impressed at the fox's innate need to critique each painting as he looked at them.
	“This battle painting is kinda bad actually. Look at how sloppy the characters in the background are.”
	Kie looked at it a little more closely. Trick was correct in a sense.
	“Well Trick, they aren't the focus of the painting. The man on the horse with the yellow and green banner there, he was the man who commissioned the piece. I should assume the artist was trying to make him the focus of the piece.”
	The fox looked at the painting again.
 	“I guess. But they are doing all the fighting, and this ponce is just waving a flag. Seems kind of stupid to me.”     
	Kiessu laughed.
	“I met the man once, and he was a bit of a ponce. Though you shouldn't speak ill of nobles, it gets you in all sorts of trouble.”
	Trick gave Kie a sidelong glance.
	“Really? What sort of trouble?”
	Kiessu knew the cruelty of noblemen well, but didn't want to scare him too much.
	“Well you could be flogged for starters.”
	The fox grinned at him.
	“So its kind of like what happens when a slave disobeys a free man?”
	Kie hadn't thought of it like that before.
	“Yes actually. Unless his words were seditious or caused monetary harm. In which case the punishment would be greater.”
	Trick sat down on one of the marble topped benches off in an alcove. His tail gave a swish before he beckoned Kie to join him.
	The leopard sat down at the other end of the bench and wondered what the little fox was up to.
	Trick scratched at his ear nervously for a moment.
	“So uh, you said you were a slave earlier right? What's that like?”
	Kie thought for a moment about how to answer.
	“Well, you have little to no freedom. And must obey any order given to you, and have only as much value as your master places on you.”
	Trick looked at his feet and mumbled to himself for a moment.
	“Any order?”
	Kiessu knew where he was going with this line of conversation.
	“Yes, any order. I am a harem slave after all. That is what you are asking is it not?”
	Trick fidgeted uncomfortably.
	“Yeah, it was. So... what is that like?”
	Kiessu was rapidly becoming uncomfortable with the conversation.
	"I would rather not speak about it with you. Suffice to say not everything was enjoyable, but since I became the property of Master Aiki, my life has gotten better.”
	Trick's ears were laid back and he had an expression that could melt a heart of stone on his face.
 	“I didn't mean to... I meant what was it like to be with someone?”
	The slave's turn to be shocked and embarrassed came.
	“You mean you haven't? How old are you anyway?”
	Trick seemed angry at the implication.
	“I'm old enough!”
	Kiessu couldn't understand what he was hearing.
	“You have to be almost my age, and you haven't yet?”
	Trick growled softly at Kie.
	“Well its not for lack of trying damn it! How many boys have you been with then?”
	He spat out in frustration.
	Kiessu couldn't understand why he was mad, and had to think of a satisfactory answer to appease Trick's temper.
	“I haven't slept with a boy in many years, not since my training.”
	The fox was fuming now, his mixed colour eyes shining with emotion.
 	“Years? You mean to tell me you had sex years ago? When was the last time you had sex?”
	Kiessu sighed.
	“Yes, I was trained before I was pubescent, and that is all you need to know on the subject. And if you must know I had sex last around breakfast this morning. I don't know why you are so upset with me.”
	Trick stood up and looked Kiessu in the eye.
	“Its not fair, that's why!”
	Kiessu set his jaw, getting angry himself.
 	“What isn't fair is being a slave to be abused or worse and having no choice in your life!”
	The angry fox leaned over into Kiessu's face, almost touching nose to nose.
 	“No choice? Then kiss me slave!”
 	The look on Trick's face and in his eyes said he meant what he was saying, but Kie wasn't about  to have any part of this.
 	“You have no authority to order me boy. I am Lord Ven's slave, and if you presume to usurp his authority, you will be made sorry I assure you.”
	The snow leopard pushed the fox boy aside as he stood up and moved across the hall from him without looking back.
	Kiessu seethed at the youth's audacity for a moment until he heard the quiet sobbing coming from behind him.
	Trick sat on the bench hiding his muzzle in his paws, trying not to be heard.
	Kiessu immediately regretted his actions. He only meant to set the fox straight, not this.
	“Are...you okay?”
	Trick looked up at the leopard slave's pitying expression and sobbed loudly before returning to hiding his face.
	“Leave...me...alone.” He mournfully choked out between sobs.
	Kiessu sat down beside him again and rubbed his back carefully, so as to not startle him.
	After a few moments he stopped his hysterics and just sat and cried while looking at Kie.
	“Why are you so upset Trick?” Kie ventured to ask gingerly.
	Trick sighed loudly.
	“Because it always ends up like this.”
	Kie was confused again.
	“Like what?” said Kie, trying to keep his voice comforting.
	Trick wiped his tears on the back of his sleeve and looked ahead unblinking for a moment before turning to Kiessu and smiling sadly.
	“I find a boy I like, and he turns me down then hurts me. Not always in that order.”
	Kiessu thought he understood how the fox felt, and decided to try and comfort both his emotions and ego.
	“Oh, is that it?” 
	He waited for Trick to bluster before he continued.
	“You know something though? Its not you Trick. I quite like your appearance and you have a refreshing personality.”
	Kie gave the fox his most heartwarming smile.
	“I...uh...thanks...I think?” was all Trick could manage to say.
 	“You're welcome. You just came on too strongly and I have not been given leave to interact with you that way. Had I been, let us just say you wouldn't have any reason at all to be upset right now.”
	Kiessu honeyed the words, but not as much as he had expected to. The fox was endearing in his own way.
	Trick smiled in an uncontrollable wide breach. 
	“You really mean that?”	
	Kie didn't have to think about his reply, he had meant it.
	The snow leopard responded in his best approximation of country parlance, “Yup I reckon I do!”
	Trick snorted out a small laugh. 
	“Don't talk like that, you sound ridiculous.”
	Kiessu was laughing now as well.
	“Well we have killed a great deal of time, shall I see if my master is finished speaking with your parents? Perhaps get us more tea?”
	Trick sat with stars in his eyes that left Kie both worried and a little pleased.
	“Sure, Kiessu, I'll wait right here.”

 	The boys had been gone only a few moments before Alexandra rather pointedly said, “Its  Christopher. We are at our wits end over the boy.”
	Victor adjusted himself in the chair and leaned forward for emphasis.
 	“He is an, unusual child for where he lives. And it gets him into a lot of trouble.”
	Aiki didn't like this beating around the bush, it seemed unnecessary.
	“Unusual how?” he said, trying to cut to the heart of the matter.
	Victor set his cup down on the saucer with a clink.
	“We mean no offence Lord Ven.”
	Aiki interrupted him to prove his point.
	“Then speak plainly and don't waste our time. I am not an easy man to offend.”
	Victor looked at his wife for reassurance before he continued.
	“Well we know you haven't got a wife, and you have that slave leopard, so we assumed your counsel would be best in this matter.”
	Alexandra shot a look of annoyance at her husband.
	“Christopher is only interested in men. We are sorry if it seems rude, but before it just got us strange looks and whispers. Now though...”
	Victor took over, seemingly unable to contain himself.
	“He cost our winery the arrangement we had with our supplier.”
	Aiki finished his cup of tea and set it down.
	“How was he able to accomplish this feat?” Aiki wasn't surprised by their reluctance to speak plainly now. He was all too aware of countryside prejudices.
	Victor continued, looking relieved to tell his side of the story.
	“Well, we had decided that he was old enough to start thinking of his future. So we arranged for him to be able to meet with the daughters of the Pennbrooke family. They own the largest vineyards aside from your own in the area, and have been our sole supplier for years. We figured his interest in men was because he didn't like any of the girls in town.”   
	Aikidu remembered eavesdropping on a similar conversation between his parents and the headmaster where he studied magic when he was about Christopher's age. It made his face hot but he kept his emotions in check. There was a chance to do good here, and he wouldn't ruin it for the boy.
	“So then what happened?” He replied coolly.
	Victor was shaking a little now, obviously upset. It was Alexandra who continued.
	“Victor was chatting with Mathias Pennbrooke, and didn't see what happened. I was chaperone for the girls and saw from a distance. Chris, tried to kiss Joshua Pennbrooke, and it started a fight.”
	She collected herself before continuing.
	“Now Christopher may be wilful and small of frame, but he is strong from working at the winery. So when Josh hit him he fought back, and broke the boy's jaw in three places before I could get his father involved.”
	Victor took over now, to let his wife calm down.
	“Mathias was furious, and threatened my son's life. So I gave him a very strong reason to reconsider his words. I may not understand my son fully, but I love him, dearly. So as we left, Mathias terminated our arrangement and swore that we'd never get another grape from anyone he knew again. As it turns out, he knows practically everyone.”
	Aiki thought for a few moments before he spoke. “I am aware of the Pennbrooke family's reach. Were my own grapes not the lifeblood of both my estate and several nearby villages, I would offer to supply you, but I cannot.”
	Victor sighed mournfully.
	“It isn't our winery we have come seeking advice for. We are afraid for our son.”
	Aiki stood and then quietly refilled the cups before sitting and speaking. “What do you expect me to do for you? Telling a parent how to raise their child is the height of fallacy. Does he have any interests or talents?”
	Alexandra drank a hasty gulp of her tea and answered. “We need to find him a place in the world where he can be happy and not hurt our business or get hurt himself. We had heard that you were resourceful and kind, so Victor and I came to beg your help.”
	Aikidu could feel their pain and worry washing out in waves.
	“You need not beg, nor would I accept it.”
	Victor smiled warmly.
	“Thank you my lord. The stories of your kindness were true, but they sell you short.”
	“Oh stop that! You won't get anywhere with flattery!” Alexandra scolded.
	“You asked about Christopher's interests? Well he seems to like all the things boys like at his age. Battles, knights, stories and the like, but he also likes cooking and brewing. He has a real knack for fine tuning recipes.”
	The wheels were turning in Aiki's mind. “Do you think he would enjoy brewing alchemical draughts?”
	Alexandra and victor looked puzzled, but the boy's father was the one who spoke.
	“We, well... we don't know anything about magic, so I can't rightly say.”
	Aiki had figured as much.
	“If not for his common birth I could call a favour and have him enrolled as an adept.”
	The fox had a plan for this too, but wanted to gauge their reactions.
	A shared glance, and wave of sorrow filled doubt.
	“Victor and I ... we couldn't afford that even if we were noble. Is there anything else you can suss out Lord Ven?”
	Aikidu was sure they were genuine, and felt it cruel to draw this out any longer.
	“Well I have a solution to the trouble with his birth. Though it is unorthodox, and will require some legal obfuscation.”
	 Victor became rather animated at the words.
	“We'll do anything to make our boy happy. What will you have us do?”
	The arctic fox drained his tea and cleared his throat softly.
	“Well, you have lost a great deal of money from his actions have you not?”
	Victor faltered in his excitement briefly when he responded.
	“Yes, I suppose we have.”
	Aiki continued, “Then you shall have to ask me to compensate you for the loss incurred. By doing this his debt to you becomes mine, and he will be legally become my indentured servant. While in this legal state I will grant him the title of 'ward' and others will be obligated to treat him as a member of my house. He will receive training as an adept, and then young Christopher will work until the sum I give you is repaid.”
	Alexandra was stunned and Victor seemed to be thinking it over.
	“How long will my son be in your care?” Victor said cautiously.
	The noble responded immediately.
	“A year's supply of grapes that are of any quality would cost you about fourteen thousand and change not to mention that I will have to employ agents to obtain and deliver them in my name. The Pennbrooke's may be mighty, but they are common and of my lands. They can't stand against me openly and anyone who did so on their behalf would be a damned fool. So I am going to say a loan of twenty thousand should cover it and leave you enough to pay salary on a worker to replace Christopher. Now with the talents a recently graduated adept should possess, he can expect to make anywhere from six to twelve thousand a year. At that rate he can be free of his indentured status in eighteen to twenty four months after graduation. His schooling should take three to five years as well. A grand total of five to seven years depending on his dedication. And before you worry, I will incur the cost of his training, and it will not factor into this arrangement.”
	 Alexandra was quietly weeping and Victor was doing the math in his head for a few minutes.
	He asked for time to speak with his wife alone just as Kiessu entered fetching his tea cup.
	Aikidu stepped into the hallway with the leopard after refilling his cup.
	“They need some time to talk. So Kie, how do you like young Trick?”
	The kitten was guarded in his emotions and Aiki felt it.
	“Well master, he is very spirited. A bright kit to be sure. Though why do you ask?”
	Aiki responded in a half distracted manner. 
	“Oh, I just think he'll be staying with us for a while.”
	Kiessu coughed on his tea.
	“What? Why?”
	His reaction brought the white fox from his thoughts and fully into the conversation.
	“Because Kiessu, he is in need. And he reminds me of myself at his age.”
	Kie was puzzling over this internally when Aiki put his paw on his shoulder.
	“He is like us, in a place that hates those like us. He needs support, and I aim to give it. When I was young I was sent to the city after something near identical happened. It changed me, and I want to be there to help. Don't you?”
	Aiki had pulled him broken from the fiery rubble of his former life and made him something he never could have been before. His master was caring in his own way, and if Trick were in trouble enough to catch Aiki's eye, then he couldn't object.
	“I suppose so master. Though what will we do with him?”
	Aiki squeezed the leopard's shoulder and looked into his eyes.
	“We'll make an adept out of him.”
	Kiessu wasn't sure how this would be accomplished, but knew better than to doubt the fox.
	“Go to my study and fetch quill and ink, parchment, and my house seal and wax. I have a feeling I will need them shortly.”
	Kie left as he was bidden as Victor opened the door to the dining room.
	“Lord Ven, We are nearly decided. Though we should like some insurance from you before we sign our son into your care.”
	Aikidu was not surprised by this. The foxes were intelligent for country folk, or they would have never approached him. 
	“Let us sit and speak on the matter while Kiessu returns with the proper materials.”
	They returned to their seats and sat quietly for a moment before Alexandra spoke up.
	“We need assurance from you that he can return to us if he is unhappy. We understand the amount of money you are offering is generous, but we have said before that his happiness and safety is what's important.”
	Aiki considered this for half an instant before he found his solution.
	“Well then, I will put in your contract that if he leaves of his own accord for any reason, you will assume the burden of the debt again. Thereby working for me until the entire sum is repaid. Say by producing and distributing for my vineyard? This way your business can recover as well as grow if for some reason young Christopher cannot pay his debt. ”
	Victor smiled wide.
	“Sounds like a decent solution to me. We will want a few copies of the contract, and one for Christopher as well. So he knows he isn't stuck here.”
	Aiki chimed in.
	“As well as what it will mean if he fails in his end of the bargain. Though I want it to be plain that this is not a punishment for him. I will explain everything while the proper documents are readied for his enrolment. He will stay as a member of my house until the next semester begins, and I will teach him etiquette and the like to aid in his education.”
 	The slave boy carried in the required things and gave them to his master.
	“Thank you Kiessu.” The fox said. “Would you go and speak with young Christopher and ask him his opinions on being trained as an adept and if he would like to stay with us for a while? His consent is not required for this arrangement, but I would feel wrong not obtaining it.”
	Kiessu liked the idea of being the one to offer Trick a place here. The look on his face would be worth a laugh for sure.
	“I thought one had to be noble to train as an adept?”
	Aiki was amused at how clever Kie was, and always right to the point.	
	“If he agrees, he will be my ward and live as a member of House Ven until I dismiss him. That will allow him to go to the academy.”
	Kiessu was slightly upset that Trick would get to have a place in House Ven that he never could but the kitten knew better than to let it fester. Slaves held no titles, nor could they.
	“I shall ask his opinion on the matter then return to you.”
	Kie left for the small gallery as Aiki began writing the documents.
	Trick had grown bored of sitting and had paced around the makeshift gallery about a dozen times.
	“Where is he?” the young fox grumbled as he began tracing his paw along the edge of a picture frame.
	“Don't touch that.”
	Trick jumped and nearly knocked the painting off of the wall.
	“Shit Kie! I didn't hear you come in.”
	The cat smiled like he had caught the proverbial canary.
	“I didn't intend you to. I have to ask you a few things and then we are returning to Lord Ven.”
	Trick was confused. 	
	“Ask me? Like what? I had enough tea before.”
	Kie snorted while trying to suppress a laugh.
	“No this is something Lord Ven enquired.”
	He watched the kit get even more confused looking.
	“He would like to know if you would enjoy learning to be an Adept and if you wished to stay with us for a while?”
	The confusion turned to delight rather quickly.
	“Magic! I love that stuff! Can I pull a rabbit out of my pants?”
	Kie laughed loudly this time.
	“I can think of better uses for magic for a boy your age. Like getting one into your pants. Don't you think?”
	Trick felt his face get warm.
	“Yeah I guess so. And I get to stay here? With you?”
	Kiessu saw the look in his eyes, it was hope.
	“Well I suppose for a while. Though we should return to your parents and master Aiki. Should I tell them you wish to stay and learn magic?”
	Trick was already at the door and turning the glass knob.
	“Sure can! Let's go Kie!” He exclaimed before grabbing the leopard's sleeve and pulling him through the door.
	The boys came into the dining hall out of breath and the thumps of their feet on the floors made Aiki happy.
	“I take it from this exuberance you wish to accept the offer?”
	Trick could barely contain himself and blurted out, “Sure!” before looking at his parents for their opinions.
	Aiki spoke directly to Trick now, blocking everyone else out of his empathic sense. He had to be sure the boy was genuinely willing and understanding of the situation before he let Victor and Alexandra sign.
	“Now Christopher, Trick rather, for this plan to work you must be willing to play your part perfectly. You will be here for a few months to learn etiquette and the like before you are enrolled as an adept. But to be an adept you must have a noble name or bestowed title. So I have come up with a way to make you my ward. As a ward you will be treated as a member of my house, and will reflect upon me. So I must be able to trust you with my good name. Do you follow?”
	Trick nodded in agreement and Aikidu felt no misgivings or confusion from the boy.
	“Now then, in order to name you my ward I must have claim to you either as family or by legal representation. To represent you I am going to buy the damages you have caused you family's brewery with your actions at the Pennbrooke estate, making you my indentured servant until you repay me the sum. This should take no more than two years work. So you will be in my care for quite some time.”
	Trick felt a little separation anxiety and looked to his mother for support.
	She just nodded her head and sipped at the last of her tea.
	“All in all young Trick, I expect you to be at academy for three years and to work for a further two before you are free of your obligation. If you find this unacceptable now, you and your family may leave. If you find the agreement unacceptable after it is signed, you family will inherit your debt and work for my vineyards until it is re payed. Do you understand the responsibility expected of you?”
	He was scared now, not for himself but for his family. 
	“I...I believe so.”
	Aiki softened his voice considerably. 
	“Now that the scary part is out of the way, I want you to know this is not a punishment. The only reason for all this is to make your enrolment at the academy legal. Your parents want you to have a better life, and asked for my help.”
	Trick was suddenly feeling distrustful.
	“But sir, why would you help us? You owe us nothing.”
	The white fox, with no honey in his voice, replied, “Because I had something like that happen to me too. It nearly ruined my life and I cannot bear to think of it happening to you. You were not graced with noble birth and I dare say that the hardships you would meet would be greater than mine. Does this answer your question adequately?” 
	The distrust was melting out of the kit in front of him.
	“I think so, yeah.”
	 The noble fox sat upright and cleared his throat slightly.
	“Then you wish to proceed and become my ward? By doing so to train as an adept?”
	Trick looked at his father and mother and saw the expectant hope on their faces and filled with a pride you didn't have to be empathic to feel.
	“Yes, I would like that very much.”
	Lord Ven smiled at him.
	“Then I proclaim you my ward and member of House Ven! I shall have these papers signed and we can begin your lessons in the morning. For now though, go with Kiessu to the guest bedroom and get settled in. I shall check on you after the documents are signed and a coach is summoned to take your parents home.”
	Kie lead the now positively excited fox towards the second floor and the biggest of the guest rooms.
	“I can't believe this is happening Kie. I never thought I'd see the inside of a place like this much less stay here. Is this my room?”
	Kiessu grinned.
	“No, I am afraid that is a linen closet.”
	The leopard boy walked past the fox and swung the large oak door open. He used a alchemical device to light the oil lamp on the bedside table, filling the room with a warm yellow light as he adjusted the flame.
	“This is your room. There are an assortment of dry clothes in the wardrobe. I believe you will find something in your size if you look. There is a bath and dressing room through that door.”
	Trick seemed disinterested in his room now that he had seen it.
	“Yeah, this is half the size of my house. So uh, where do you sleep?'
	Kiessu opened the drawer in the bedside table, removing a rather large brass bell.
	“Just down the hall, in the master's quarters. Though if you require anything ring this bell and I'll attend.”
	Trick had a wicked grin on his face for the split second Kie saw him before he bolted through the open door.
	The slave was stunned for a second before he realized what was happening.
	“Oh shit!” He swore despite himself and followed suit. 
	When he saw Trick, he was turning the knobs on the master bedroom doors, and there were several standing open that he had tried before Kie had reacted.
	“Trick! Wait!”
	The fox smiled, “Wait? Do I look like a waiter?” 
	The white tip of his red tail disappeared before Kiessu had taken his fourth step.
	When the snow leopard rounded the corner he saw Trick standing in front of his dressing table fiddling with something.
	“Hey! Now you aren't supposed to be in here without Aiki's permission.”
	Kie straightened his clothes out before crossing over to see what the fox was up to.
	Trick turned around with a downright sinister glint in his eye.
 	“What is this?” He asked holding out a leather wrapped paddle that Kie had forgotten to put away this morning.
	The leopard saw the way the fox was feeling out the teeth marks he had left on it so very recently and flushed a little. 
	“It is a paddle.” 
	Just then he figured he'd try and use this to his advantage.
	“The one master Aiki uses on those who disobey him or venture where they aren't allowed.”
	The young red fox stopped grinning and turned the paddle over in his hand before handing it, handle first to Kiessu.
	“You promise? I don't get spanked anymore.”
	Trick's tone went from playful to slightly disappointed over the course of five words.
	Kie took the paddle and gently set it down on the dressing table. 
	Something was bothering the boy, and he was surprised how much he wanted to find out what it was. To help if he was able.
	Kiessu took Trick's paw and led him to the bed, sitting down before speaking.
	“Why should that bother you?”
	The little fox sighed.
	“You'll laugh at me. I don't want to tell you.”
	Kie tried to not let the boy know he was actually worried, lest he bottle himself up.
	“I highly doubt that Trick. I just think its a strange thing to be sad about. If you don't want to tell me you should retire to your room.”
	The leopard feigned standing up.
	“No. Kie, I'll tell you if you don't laugh. Okay?”
	The fox sighed again.
	“Well its like this, I used to play jokes on people at the winery a lot. Like, enough that they went and told father.”
	Kie rubbed the back of the fox's paw. Trick smiled without noticing he was doing so.
	“Father was never one to punish me and I could outrun mother. So he decided that any workers who I played pranks on could whup me without losing their jobs.”
	Kie nodded.
	“Well that didn't stop me. Especially since one of the workers was a...” Trick grew quiet for a moment and his paw grew sweaty. “... an older man I liked. He was nice, strong, and big. I mean really big. He could carry a barrel under each arm and cross the storage building without breaking a sweat. So I...um used to pick on him a lot.”
	Kie could see Trick's emotions on his face as he told his tale. Not pain, just fondness, and a little bit of loss. As if he had gotten over the loss long ago but was feeling it again however mildly.
	“He was very patient with me at first. He even laughed a few times. But when I saw him kiss one of the other men working for dad I got jealous and threw pulp from a pressing vat at them. The other man ran away when I caught them but he stayed. He wiped the stuff of his face with a rag and started to come after me. Not fast mind you, just slow and deliberate, I knew I couldn't outrun him and he did too.”
	The red fox fidgeted slightly and crossed his legs. He looked at Kiessu for a moment with a look of sincere relief at being able to tell someone his story before he continued.
	“I stood there too scared to move. He just pointed at the tables where the men usually sat while on break. Now I've never felt scared of anyone before in my life but he was so mad I was petrified. He half sat half leaned on the table and just said 'Take off your belt and give it to me.' I did what he told me. I couldn't do anything else.”
	Trick looked really uncomfortable for a moment but kept spinning his tale.
 	“Now this was a big man, a wolf, so I thought he was gonna kill me, but he just grabbed my wrist and bent me over his lap. My pants fell down on their own, and he yanked my tail up and belted me harder than I had ever gotten before. I cried and he did it again, and again. He must have done it ten or fifteen times while I held onto his torso and hid my face in the fur on his belly. But he just stopped and stood up. I fell on my bruised butt. He had the most scared look on his face, and I didn't know why until I looked at his pants and saw the wet spot. I mean I didn't know what it was, I thought he'd beaten the piss out of me but really...I'd come from him spanking me with that belt. I didn't really know what had happened. I was feeling good but sore and sitting in the dirt looking at my dick all sticky and him looking like I'd stabbed him, and I just started to cry. He tried to give me back my belt. So I asked him 'What happened?' Well looked even more scared and he just dropped my belt and ran out.”
	Kie smelled musk as the boy uncrossed and recrossed his legs, obviously trying to hide his arousal at the memory.
	“What did you do Trick?” He asked, pretending not to notice.
	The fox let go of his paw and scratched his ear.
	“I pulled up my pants and went to the creek for a bath. I didn't want mother to see me dirty or I'd get in trouble. I was scrubbing the dirt off my butt when the other man showed up, the one I hit with the stuff, and he started calling me names and threw a rock at me, he threatened to tell my father if I told anyone what I saw. I guess the wolf told him.”
	Trick shrugged.
	“Well after he had his piece and left I was laying in some grass I had flattened to dry myself when the wolf showed up. He sat down and tried to say he was sorry. I just asked him his name.”
	Kiessu put his paw on Trick's shoulder and smiled when he looked over.
	“And what was his name?”
	Trick smiled now.
	“Rannolf. I was scared to death of him but you'd think he was scared of me talking to him. I told him I was sorry for throwing that stuff at them and for messing up his pants. He looked like he was gonna run away again when I said that but he just said it was fine and not to worry about it.”
 	The boy was opening up to him more than he ever could have hoped for, and Kie really felt for  him listening to his story.
	“So then what happened Trick?”
	Trick looked into Kie's eyes.
	“We talked some more. He asked me if that was really the first time I'd ever had an orgasm. I asked him what an orgasm was. You can imagine the conversation and how awkward it was for both of us. After a while I asked him if he'd do it again.”
	The fox was silent for a little while.
	“He said it was inappropriate, that I was too young. So I threatened to tell my father. He got mad and told me he'd lose everything and be an outcast if I did that. He told me he'd have to leave and that I couldn't tell anyone what happened. I knew he told that other man but I didn't care. I begged him to do it again but he said no. I started to cry, I mean I didn't know what I was asking, I was just a kid.”
	Kiessu didn't have such an experience in his life, he was bred for his role, but seeing Trick's face as he told the tale was heartbreaking.
	“It wasn't your fault Trick.”
	The fox looked a bit irritated.
	“I just said that. Anyway, I wouldn't stop crying and I kept asking him why he wouldn't do it to me again. I guess he didn't like to see me like that or maybe he didn't want to get caught with his bosses crying, naked child begging him to be spanked.”
	Trick laughed a little after saying it.
	“So anyway he told me he'd show me something that would help if I promised not to tell anyone where I learned it. Though he also added no pranks on the workers or begging him to belt me to the deal. He took off his pants and walked over next to me. He told me to do what he did, so he sat down and showed me how to touch myself. I was shocked at how much bigger than me he was and the way his balls moved when he did it. I was doing what he said, and it didn't take very long for me to get off again. He had is eyes closed and must have been concentrating pretty hard because I just sat and watched him for a minute before, well I tried to help him and he jumped and said I couldn't. He wanted to leave after that but I told him to stay, that I wanted to see him do it. He must have figured I'd cry again because he lie down in the reeds next to where I sat and finished a few minutes later. He covered  most of his chest Kie, it was everywhere. He was breathing pretty heavy, and so he told me not to do it where people would see and not to talk about it because people get mad when you do.”
	Kie just patted Trick on top of his head. 
	“He was a kind man for helping you and not taking advantage of you. There are many who would have.”
	Trick looked happy for the pat. 
	“He did that to me too, right before he went to wash off in the creek. He was so big and wet and I couldn't help myself Kie. I touched myself again while he bathed, nothing came of it but he saw and didn't say anything or seem to mind. When he was done he dressed and went home damp. I got dressed and went home too, hoping that there was some supper left for me. My father was really quiet that night but I was so distracted that I didn't realize. The next day Rannolf wasn't at work. I did my chores and looked for him until dark. The other workers seemed to walk around me and it was months before any of them talked to me again. I later found out that the other man had told my father and he had fired Rannolf, and he threatened to do the same to anyone who touched me. The other man told every single employee what Rannolf had told him, so no one wanted anything to do with me. He left the brewery a few weeks later after another worker and he got into a fight, I think they were sticking up for me but I can't be sure. Anyway, I haven't been spanked since, and it just sort of all came back to me. It was a few years ago, so its not a big deal.”
	 Kie stood up so he could lean over and hug the fox. Trick jumped a little at first but reciprocated after the initial shock of contact wore off.
 	“Thank you for sharing that with me Trick. I don't know why you thought I'd laugh at you for  that but I think you were very young and too eager, like everyone that age.”
	Trick let go of Kie.
	“Yeah that was the only time with anyone, ever. Every other time I find a boy my age he tries to hurt me and calls me names or if I find a man I'm interested in I'm too scared of what might happen. I just wish I could find someone who wouldn't be horrible to me. I just want to be accepted you know?”
	Kie smiled down at him.
	“You needn't worry about being accepted here. You would not be staying if we weren't willing to accept you.”
	Trick smiled softly up at Kie before the smile turned into a devilish grin.
	“Thanks Kie. But if you accept me, why not show me?”
	Trick stuck his tongue out and reached for Kie's waistband. 
	The snow leopard jumped back a little.
	“This again Trick? Neither of us have permission. You still don't have the right.”
	The little fox had him cornered now, and thought made him giggle.
 	“But Kie, you said yourself you wanted to, and I am the ward of house Ven now.”
	The leopard was speechless, and utterly confused as to what he should do.
	“I...I don't think that is what Master Aiki had in mind when he granted you that title. You haven't had it an hour and now you're trying... you are worthy of your name fox!”
	Trick beamed.
	“Yup! And it still doesn't change my mind. I am a guest and the ward of house Ven, so I am going to have to insist you show me you accept me by showing me what I ask.”
	Kie knew what was expected of him legally but had no idea what his master would say. What he would want.
	“I am almost afraid to ask, but what do you want me to show you?”
	The fox chirped up immediately.
	“Show me your penis! I've never seen a leopard's before.”
	Kie had expected this but it was still jarring.
	“You've only seen yours and Rannolf's before. What makes you think you need to see mine?”
	Trick scooted to the edge of the bed and sat up straight looking rather inquisitive.
	“That part is easy. I asked you to and as my title dictates you should obey.”
	The little fox was having too much fun with this thought Kie. But he was right, partially... he thought. 
	“Then lets get this over with quickly shall we?”
	Trick looked startled as if he hadn't expected Kie to actually do it. Kiessu thought him a bit foolish in this as he unceremoniously pulled his work trousers down to almost his knees.
	“Happy now? Can I pull my pants up?”
	The fox went wide eyed, and stared at the leopard boy's sheath and balls.
	“Um, not yet. Can I touch them?”
	Kiessu almost laughed.
 	“I don't know my lord you ordered me to disrobe, I did not receive any further instructions.”
	The sarcasm seemed to embolden the young fox who thrust his paw out and clumsily fondled the slave's sack for a moment before squeezing gently at his sheath. 
	Kie thought that he must have ample practice at this to get a reaction so quickly, and thought about taunting him with this line of reason when he gasped. Trick had licked the tip of his cock.
	“Your instructions are to stay here and let me do as I wish.” He added with a playfully exaggerated nod.
	It only took a few more strokes of the fox's tongue before he was erect enough for the young red to take him into his mouth.
 	The snow leopard gasped again and adjusted his feet for better balance as Trick reached up to  fondle his balls with one paw while the other served as a guide. 
	While the kit was clumsy, he was eager and Kie couldn't help but feel happy for him, as well as himself. Sure, he'd been ordered to do this against his better judgement but the boy deserved his companionship as much as anyone. It was a small thing to make him happy and Kiessu let himself enjoy it. 
	The sounds coming from his crotch drew the leopard's attention and he placed a paw gently on top of Trick's head to stroke his hair.
	The two youths were so involved with what they were doing that they didn't hear Lord Aikidu enter the room. 
	Having closing all the other doors along the way to his bedroom Aiki had expected to find the boys here. He however did not expect to see them engaged as they were. 
	The lord of house Ven knew his slave was territorial after the incident with the journalist but he hadn't thought he would go so far as to abuse Trick like this. His anger flared and he neglected to read their emotions before he spoke.
	  “Kiessu!” He barked rather loudly, his voice stern.
	The kitten jumped and made a small squeaking noise while the ward of the house spat him out in surprise.
	“Just what do you think you are doing to my ward? In my own bed no less.”
	Kie had just enough time to register a look of terror on the young red's face before he had to meet his master's gaze.
	The snow leopard stood straight but didn't meet Aiki's eyes. He was still erect, with large strings of saliva trailing to his thigh.
	Aikidu could see the shame welling up in Kie's face despite the slave's attempts to keep it hidden. 
	“I am waiting for my answer Kiessu.” His voice cool yet menacing.
	The leopard stammered his response without motion or hesitation.
	“I...but he....I don't....”
	Aiki had enough of this. He knew he'd have to punish Kiessu for betraying his trust and the honour of their guest. 
	The fox glanced about the room quickly, looking for a rapid solution as to exactly how to punish the audacity of Kie's actions. Aiki's eyes fell on the dressing table and its paddle.
	“No excuses. Disrobe now and fetch the paddle from the table.”
	The leopard slave looked at his master for an instant, seeing the anger and disappointment on his visage before stripping as he was bidden. 
	Trick still had his mouth open and seemed oblivious to the fact as Kiessu quickly crossed the room to fetch his punishment. 
	Trick knew it was his fault the lord was angry. It was his punishment to take. Regardless of the fact that he had dreamed of receiving Kiessu's punishment himself.
	The younger fox saw the fear and pain on Kie's face as he walked towards his master and he knew he couldn't let the leopard be beaten for his actions.
	Trick stood up and spoke in one swift motion.
	“Wait.”
	Swallowing hard the moment Aiki looked him in the eye.
	“It was...it was my fault. I sort of told him to do it.”
	The arctic fox didn't blink. He just studied Trick for a moment that lasted two eternities to the boy.
	Even though he had spoken, even though he was terrified, Trick couldn't help but think about his past, and how the situation was so similar. 
	The young fox had become fully aroused subconsciously, and had a sticky spot forming on his pants.
	Aiki saw his ward stand and speak, heard his words and pondered their meaning. 
	The boy surely wouldn't lie about this, there was nothing to gain here. 
	Aiki had to use the one tool at his disposal that would clear this up immediately.
	He felt out with his mind and read his ward's feelings.
	The young red fox was awash in fear, with a core of new found loyalty. 
	The fear he expected, not the loyalty, or the arousal. 
	Admittedly Aiki was shocked, but he had far too much practice with his emotions to ever show that. The arousal also came paired with strong memory echoes of experiences long past for Trick.
	Aiki sorted the boy's thoughts from his own and absorbed them as best he could. 
	He understood now. Trick had coerced Kie, after his story had left him yearning. 
	Kie's loyalty was intact but his duty to law had forced him to submit.
	It was a shrewd tactic to employ, and he was mildly impressed. 
	Kie stood with his expression unchanged but he was terrified for Trick to have spoken up on his behalf. He was confused and scared. 
	Aiki knew that Kie had done nothing wrong. He also knew that Trick, while manipulative, hadn't done anything any other member of his house wouldn't be able to do within their rights. Neither boy had not wanted it to occur. These facts left Aiki with a decision.
	He looked at his harem boy and let the barest hint of a smile play at the corners of his mouth.
	“Is what he says true Kie?”
	 To the boy's credit, Kie almost said he was lying but the loyalty he had for his new friend was out shined by his love for Aiki.
	“Y...yes master. It is true.”
	Aiki grinned at them both, trying to look cruel to keep them off guard a moment longer.
	“Well then, I have to deal with this transgression to my hospitality and property done by my ward. Trick!”
	The volume of he said the red fox's name seemed to startle both boys.
	“Yes Lord Ven. Uh, what do you mean?”
	Aiki looked back to Kie.
	“Kiessu, sit on the bed next to Trick. Trick you are to stand and disrobe. Since it was you who took advantage of Kiessu, since it was you who spoke up, it is you who will take his punishment.”
	Aiki read the elation mixed with fear swirl within the boy's head.
	“Well Trick, what are you waiting for? I told you to disrobe.”
	The red fox stood up, his legs quaking with nervousness and undid his suspenders, letting his pants fall.
	 They caught on his member as they slid down.
	Aiki smiled.
	“Does this excite you Trick? Do you want to be paddled?”
	A new wave of excitement flooded the boy's emotions.
	“I...uh...yes. I think I do.”
	He said, removing his shirt after dislodging and stepping out of his pants.
	Aiki crossed the short distance from the doorway to his bed and sat a few feet apart from Kiessu, and took the paddle from the slave's paw.
	“This I knew already. You are my ward now, and have given Kiessu an order. I see no reason why he cannot obey it. You however elected to take his punishment upon you. Come here Trick.”
	The youth walked gingerly over to his elder and lord.
	Aikidu reached slowly up and grasped the boy's wrist firmly before pulling him over his lap, facing Kiessu.
	Kie looked the younger fox in the eye and then his master. 
	“Go on Kie, ready yourself.”
	The leopard boy nodded and stroked at his sheath a few times until he started to protrude from it.
	Trick watched, rapt attention for a moment until Kie's cock appeared. Only then did he look over his shoulder at Aiki.
	Aiki waited until the young red fox had made eye contact to strike.
	 The paddle made a loud slap and the boy shrieked out.  
	Aiki smiled at him.
	“Well then, where did I interrupt you two?”
	Trick nodded in understanding and looked at Kie one more time, only leaning down after Kie nodded in confirmation.
	There was no teasing, no restraint. Trick had been given leave to do as he wished and more. 
	The young red eagerly engulfed the pink shaft offered to him, rubbing his tongue over the new sensation of Kie's nubby protrusions.
	Kiessu breathed in with a moan for an exhale and leaned ever so slightly back into Aiki's crimson bedspread, supporting himself with one arm and adjusting his cock to rub just the tip on the ridges of Trick's mouth for an instant before letting the fox take the lead.
	Aiki stroked the boy's buttocks with the paddle slowly but firmly as he watched both their expressions with a keen interest. He'd not expected the country fox to be so forward, assertive, or resourceful. It was only proper to reward him and make him feel welcome.
	Aiki didn't usually take partners so young, Kiessu being the only exception until now, but he read the excitement of discovery and the relief at not having been accosted in Trick and he knew disallowing him this would make for many uncomfortable days. 
	Without notice, Aikidu struck with the paddle again. 
	Trick moaned loudly around Kie as Aiki felt a throb on his lap where the red fox was leaned over him.
	“I see you liked that boy. Would you like another?”
	The little red fox wiggled his rear back and forth slightly and stopped sucking at the slave cock in his mouth just long enough to pleadingly moan out “please”.
	The arctic fox responded with two more firm strikes to the boy's ass, taking in his moans of pleasure and becoming aroused himself.
	Kiessu was stroking at Tricks ear with his paw while the boy glided up and down the kitten's shaft with the sound of occasional wet suction. 
	 The leopard bit his lip and looked at his master.
	“He is good at this for being his first time.”
	Lord Ven cocked an eyebrow at Kiessu.
	“His first time? Then should we not make it special?”
	Kie instinctively knew what his master was implying and was considering it before he had mentioned.
	“I am not sure master. He seems eager but I would really like to know what he has to offer before I commit to such a thing.” Said Kie, his tone full of mock skepticism. 
	Aiki paddled him one more time before releasing the boy's tail.
	“That is enough for the moment. Stand up Trick.”
	Trick pretended to be too distracted to hear and continued assaulting Kie's groin with his tongue until the leopard gave him a playful pat on the head. 
	“I think you'd better do as he says fox.”
	Trick gave a look equal parts wounded and pleading to Kie before spitting him out.
	“I don't wanna.” He protested as he slid off of Aiki's lap and stood up between the two, his flesh bright red and dripping.
	Aiki laughed, causing both of the boys to look at him. While he had been distracted Trick had undone his pants and had almost undone his belt.
	“I think we should keep an eye on this one Kiessu. Look.” He said as he pointed to his fly, amused.
	Trick turned and looked Aiki in the eyes when he spoke.
	“Well I didn't think you'd want to be left out.”
	The lord's mask dropped and he genuinely smiled.
	“No, no I did not. Turn around and let Kie do his inspection if you would.”
	By the time Trick turned back around Kie had silently slid from the bed to his knees and surprised the red by licking his sac.
	The red fox gasped and started to stumble backwards only to back into Aiki's bulging crotch.
	“Relax Trick, Kie will take care of you. I'll just assist.”
	The white fox undid his belt and let his pants fall to the floor. As Kiessu sucked hard on the boy's shaft, Aikidu pressed his between his cheeks.
	The young red fox gasped and moaned politely as he could when confronted by this level of attention but failed miserably and whined out a desperate “yes”.
	Lord Ven ground his dick between the boy's cheeks as he leaned over and kissed his neck, before biting it and lewdly running his tongue over the flesh between his jaws.
	Trick yelped as the arctic fox held him firm to his hips and jaws. 
	Kiessu let Trick spring out from between his lips and stood up to look the boy in his eye before kissing him rather aggressively.
	“I think he is wet enough master. Lets see if he can fill me properly.”
	Trick blinked confused for a moment as Kie bent himself over the bed and slid his feet apart, making himself comfortable and available.
	Aiki unclasped his jaws  from the boy's neck. 
	“Look Trick, he is ready for you.” Aiki cooed in his ear as Kie reached both paws back and spread his cheeks apart for the boy fox to see.
	The red fox suddenly looked pensive.
	“I've never done that. I won't hurt you will I?”
	Aiki reached around the lithe red torso and gripped the fox's slick shaft.
	“I'll help you then. Just take it slow and he'll do the hard part.”
	Aikidu could feel the boy's pulse between his pads as he guided the tip of his bright red cock to Kiessu's waiting tail hole. 
	“Relax a little Trick, slow and shallow thrusts so you don't hurt poor Kie.” Aiki said, knowing full well the Snow leopard could take much more than what Trick could give him. 
	Kie felt the pointed end of his friend's knot brush his ring. He sucked air through his teeth to stifle a small but telling moan. 
	No use making the boy too excited he thought to himself before wiggling his hips side to side as he slid backwards onto the throbbing erection slowly enough to be pleasant yet quickly enough to elicit a surprised gasp from the fox that was penetrating him. 
	“See Trick, nothing to worry about. Just slow and shallow thrusts until they come freely.” 
	The farm boy nodded his comprehension and turned his attention to the cat purring at the end of his dick. 
	Kie had been slowly rocking his butt over Trick's cock and had eased his way down the boy's length enough to have bumped Aiki's paw with his cheeks.
	“You can let go of him now master. I think I can safely take...” pushing back fully onto him. 
	“... everything he has to offer.”
	Trick half gasped half moaned, and Kiessu felt a definite swell in the boy's knot as he slid back forward towards the tip.
	Aiki removed his length from between the red cheeks, seeing a patch of matted, sticky fur at the base of Trick's tail where he had been rubbing himself. He gripped the young farmhand's ass tightly and growled in a quiet yet assertive voice.
	“Take him Trick. Give him what he wants and I'll reward you.”
	The noble fox hadn't gotten this excited over a new lover in a long while and was beside himself with anticipation. Aikidu wanted the fox, badly, but was in control of himself just enough to hold off and mark the occasion with something special for Trick.
	Young Trick however was aware of none of this, being much more focused on fucking the slave boy bent over the bed in front of him. Without Aiki's paw to guide or any directions from the leopard, he was a little lost feeling. He clumsily tried to thrust on his own while standing, only to receive a grunt and soft curse from Kiessu.
	The harem slave was used to rough treatment, but clumsiness was something else entirely and he did not want his words and demeanour to dissuade the boy from enjoying his first real experience.
	“Trick, just grab my hips or lay on top of me but please, fuck me.” 
	Kiessu knew how to use his voice to great effect in the bedroom and was rewarded for his sultry tone with a surprising slap on his rump before the red fox boy leaned over his back and bit the nape of his neck.
	Lord Ven chuckled to himself quietly as he slathered his prick with oil from his nightstand, giving it a few teasing strokes as Trick's tail flicked about with each rapid thrust.
	Trick had come into his own pace and was humping the now pinned slave with vigour that could only come from the desire to lose one's virginity. 
	The fox let go of Kie's nape and whispered in his ear between panting thrusts.
	“Is it....okay.....like....this?”
	Both boys could feel Trick's knot beginning to pop in and out of the snow leopard's ass making lewd noises and evoking excited mews from him. 
	Kiessu didn't respond to the fox verbally, but instead grinned evilly to himself and clamped down with his ring, catching the boy firm.
	Trick thrusting a few times, proclaimed with a shocked expression on his face, “I'm stuck!” 
	Aiki laughed as Kie rocked his hips in order to stimulate his now stuck friend.
	The lord fox prowled up behind the confused farm boy and put his paws on the red fox's shoulders. 
	He leaned in and whispered in a quiet and reassuring as he could muster tone, “Did you come?”
	Trick could feel the warm inside of Kie's rear flexing at every word he spoke.
	“No sir. But I'm close.”
	He drove the point home with a quivering lip and a whine.
	The white fox let go of his shoulders before whispering, “Then relax and take a deep breath.”
	The new ward of House Ven did as he was told, and in response to the intake of breath Lord Ven pushed the tip of his cock to the boy's tail hole.
	“Now slowly let the breath out and don't force it.” he commanded.
	Aiki didn't have to read his emotions to know the boy was scared and excited for what was happening, but he didn't betray this as the eldest fox pushed himself past the boy's oil slicked threshold.
	Trick whined out with a mixture of pain and excitement.
	“It...doesn't hurt my lord.”
	He lied, but Aiki expected him to.
	“It's okay Christopher, it always hurts a little the first time. Just relax and breathe slowly.”
	The arctic fox began a slow series of almost imperceptibly small thrusts. Trick whined or gasped with each, feeling every sensation for the first time.
	Aiki read the boy's feelings to know when to move, how to react, so that he didn't hurt him in any sort of truly unpleasant way.
	It didn't take long before Aiki was able to slide in and out a few inches into his young ward. The boy to his own credit was trying to clench and wiggle for him but was too inexperienced to do much more than push himself over the edge  the first time Aiki's knot pushed on his tail hole.
	He almost screamed as he climaxed inside of the prone slave boy under him, and involuntarily bucked his hips.
	Aikidu held himself inside until he felt the boy calm down. Gingerly he eased himself free of Trick's grip, though he remained standing behind him. 
	As he spoke, Lord Ven rubbed himself between his ward's cheeks.
	“Now then Trick, did you find your punishment suitable?”
	The firmly stuck fox swished his tail aside to offer his lord better access to himself.
	“I think so, yeah.” His words failing to convey the emotion Aiki was reading from him like an open book. The boy wanted him to finish he felt, but was unsure how to proceed.
	“Well then, when I finish, and you unseat yourself from Kiessu you are free to go.”
	The farm boy craned his head to gently kiss the leopard boy below him as the fox he now served rubbed his knot at the base of his tail stroking himself vigorously. 
	It was not long before Aiki climaxed himself and left a sticky mess across the little red fox rump in front of him.
	Trick felt the urgency before the wetness and reached back with his paw to steal a taste, much to Aiki's amusement.
	“It doesn't taste at all like I thought it would. I mean, I've only tasted my own.”
	Kiessu laughed at Trick and his peculiar brand of perverse curiosity for a moment until he felt the fox pop free of him.
	“Oh!” was all Trick could manage before standing up at the side of the bed. Sweaty, sticky, and for the first time feeling mildly embarrassed  for not knowing what was expected of him.
	Kiessu pulled himself off the bed and to his feet, and with practised composure began to pick up after them. 
	“Not bad little fox.” He quipped at Trick when he saw his uncertain expression.
	Aiki added, “Not bad indeed.” before going to fill his bath. 
	Trick began to pick up and fold his clothes clumsily but didn't have a clue what he was going to do with them afterwards when Aiki shouted over the sound of running water.
	“You boys should go bathe before retiring to the guest room. Kiessu has my leave to do as he wishes tonight.”
	Kie smiled and tossed his and Aiki's clothes in a hamper before doing the same to Trick's.
	Lord Ven stuck his head out of the bathroom and regarded their giddiness before pointedly looking at Kie.
	“Kie, go be a child for once. Just make sure you two get some sleep before tomorrow. I believe we'll have to show master Trick his new domain.”
	The words had barely left his mouth before the two took off down the hall towards the guest bath, laughing the entire way.