Story and characters are (c) Lars E Hellberg

A Shelter from the Rain

Pearl sighed deeply, leaning on the bar counter. The heavy rain outside showed no sign of letting up, which meant that there wouldn’t be many customers that night. He was a social wolf, and didn’t look forward to spending the night alone. All the glasses, plates and cutlery had been washed and cleared away, he had swept the floor and wiped the tables. Everything that could possibly be done. For a while, he considered cleaning the windows, but decided to leave them. Maybe he would do that later. The tavern was to close two hours after midnight, no sooner, no later; Mr Casden had been very specific. Sighing again, he reached for a bowl of teshia nuts, and began juggling some of them. Tiring quickly, he started munching one, putting the rest back. No overnight customers, no drinkers, no eaters. People seemed hell-bent on staying home, and Pearl didn’t really blame them. He wouldn’t go out in this weather, either. As the old wall clock behind the counter ticked its way past five, he started yawning, absent-mindedly scratching his jet black chin fur. Might as well get some shut-eye, he thought, wandering over to lock the front door. Not daring to leave the main hall, he pulled off his cotton apron and his shirt, curling up on a table with his head on the make-shift pillow. Characteristically for a canine, he fell asleep almost instantly.

It took several knocks on the heavy wooden door before the black fur bundle stirred, but once he was awake, Pearl hurried to open. A quick glance at the clock said half eight. He had slept for over two hours. As he unbolted the door, the knocking returned, and he opened somewhat impatiently, almost hitting the cloaked figure outside.
"Whoa! Take it easy, there, my friend. Nearly took my head with you. This establishment is open, isn’t it?"
"Y-yes," Pearl stammered. "Yes, of course it is, come on in! I’m sorry I was late, but I had me a bit of an inventory trip to the store rooms."
"Yes, I can see that." The figure pulled back the hood of his cloak, revealing himself as a tall roe buck. Pearl guessed his age at mid-twenties. He grinned impishly. "I can see that. You’re half-naked, your clothes are in a heap, on a table, and your fur is flattened. Either you’ve been asleep, good sir, or I interrupted you at a really bad moment."
Blushing, Pearl hurried to get dressed, feeling the buck’s eyes on his back as he took his place behind the counter. The stranger sat down on a bar stool, still smiling.
"Beer, please. Not the strongest, but if you have something a bit lighter."
"Naturally."
"You were asleep, weren’t you?"
"Y-yes. There were no customers, and I got tired." He laid back his ears, defensively. "I thought I’d get a few minutes, but I didn’t wake up until you knocked."
"And knocked again. You sure I didn’t interrupt anything... intimate?"
"Quite positive, sir," Pearl said, blushing again. "I’m all alone here."
"Well, the weather is not one for travellers. Sir, pardon me for asking, but don’t you look a bit young to manage such a place? Hmm?"
"I’m twenty, sir. Mr Casden, the owner, left me in charge while he’s away on business."
"Ah. Could you serve me dinner, do you think?"
"Gladly! It would take me a while, though. I have nothing prepared. What would you like?"
"Oh, nothing fancy, anything quick and hot will do. A bowl of soup would be nice."
"Beef or fish?"
"Beef, please. I would have breakfast in the morning, if you please."
"You’re staying the night, sir?"
"Were you hoping to close early and go home, Mr Wolf? In this weather?"
"Wolf? Oh, I forgot to introduce myself! Many pardons, kind sir, my name is Pearl."
"A pleasure. I am Cheven. On my way to catch a ship at Keel’s Rest. To answer your question, Pearl, I will spend the night. This weather has me soaked."
"Room will be four markers and a half, five with a hot bath."
"That I’ll have." Cheven placed a ten markers silver coin on the counter. "This covers the meals as well, I think, and anything I may drink during the night. Might even be some change, then that’s tip."
"Most generous, Mr Cheven."

They kept talking while Pearl peeled vegetables, preparing the meal. He found Cheven a pleasurable company, and the half-hour it took to make the soup seemed to fly by. The buck told about his journey overseas, to claim a house he had inherited after his uncle, a house which he planned to make his home. Pearl, in turn, told about how he had failed to graduate from the soldiering academy, and now made his way from work to work. Taking care of the tavern paid well, but was hard and stressful. Still, it was a splendid opportunity to meet new and interesting people.
"Yes," Cheven said. "I can tell you’re sociable. Bet you love it when the tavern is crowded, and everybody is vying for your attention, to have their drinks refilled, or just to chat."
"Mhm. Those nights are the best." For a brief moment, Pearl’s gaze turned inwards, a smile playing on his muzzle. "It gets lonely when there’s nobody around."
"Why did you leave soldiering? You look healthy enough."
"Well, I..." Pearl began, unsure as to whether or not to continue. "Excuse me, but I think the soup is ready."
"Aah, dinner! Would you join me?"
"Gladly. Free meals come with the job."
They ate in silence, occasionally looking up at each other. Pearl knew that he was a good cook, and with the tavern’s first class foodstuff, the soup turned out nothing short of delicious. But as the bowls were emptied, the wolf grew nervous. He really didn’t want to talk about the academy, but how would he find a polite way to avoid it? The buck was a nice person, and Pearl didn’t want to upset him. As Cheven leaned back in his chair, sighing and stroking his belly contentedly, Pearl hurried out into the kitchen with the dishes. He was just about to start cleaning them, when his guest called for him.
"Dear Pearl, would you mind heating my bath water, while I relax with my pipe?" As the wolf brought a large iron pot to the fireplace, the buck winked at him. "By the way, you were in such a hurry I had no time to compliment on the meal. You’re really an excellent cook."
"Th-thank you, Mr Cheven. That’s nice of you to say." He blushed slightly.
"Please, my friend, no titles. Tonight, I’m Cheven, and you’re Pearl. Both trapped underneath a warm ceiling in a cold rainstorm." Cheven smiled warmly, and Pearl couldn’t help grinning back. "That’s better. Now, don’t mind the dishes, I’m sure they can wait. Join me for a smoke and a chat."
"Thanks, Mr Ch... I mean, Cheven, but I don’t smoke."
"Try some. It’s a really mild tobacco, goes down smoothly."
Sitting down by the fire, right next to the buck, Pearl accepted the freshly lit pipe. He took a while to admire the object, which seemed to be carved out of some fine wood. Taking the mouthpiece between his lips, he sucked lightly, feeling the warm smoke filling his mouth. His first urge was to cough, but he resisted it, and drew breath. The taste was just about the foulest he had ever experienced, and it felt as if his lungs were scorched from the inside. Doubling over in a fit of coughing, he managed to barely miss falling into the fireplace. Rolling on the floor, he tried to breathe in deeply between the coughs, but found it hard. Slowly, though, the attack passed, and he sat up again, a sheepish look on his face as he handed back the pipe.
"I suppose it is an acquired taste," Cheven said, giving Pearl a concerned look. "Are you all right?"
"Not yet," Pearl rasped, "but I will be. I hope. Thanks for not laughing at me."
"Not at all. I looked just about the same when I had my first pipe, although that was stronger stuff than this."
"Ergh! I think my nose will never be the same."
"Of course. Canine smelling. No wonder you can’t stand it. Now that I think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smoking canine."
"Well, try feeding me that again, and you’ll see a fuming one." Pearl grinned, and Cheven laughed loudly.
"Ha! Well said, my friend. And if you get so mad you kill me, you won’t have to cook me, because I’m..."
"...already smoked!" they both finished, laughing again. The buck was the first to find voice. "I’m glad I came here on such a night. I like your company, my wolf-friend." Pearl laid his ears back, accepting the compliment. "I’m so tired of the poorly veiled contempt that stands for politeness today. Really friendly people are rare, and a treat."
"I, I guess I never thought about that before," Pearl said, looking down. "I guess I don’t see much politeness in those veils."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, nothing," Pearl said, realising he had said too much. "Just that people aren’t even polite, most of the time."
"Hmm. There’s something on your mind, my friend. Well, I shan’t pry." He looked away, sucking his pipe again. "You really are going to eat me, aren’t you?"
"Of course not! Why?"
"Then why is my bath water boiling?"
"Oh no! I forgot the pot!"

The third pot of steaming water was just enough to fill the large wooden tub, that rested by the smaller fireplace in Cheven’s bedroom for the night. To save himself some trouble, Pearl had given him a room right next to the main hall, a fact that the buck had seen through to immediately, commenting on this with a wry smile. As Pearl put the pot down, he tossed some herbs and a grab of bath salt into the tub, and soon the steam filling the room had a fragrance of flowers to it. Cheven sniffed, sighing contentedly as he began taking off his clothes.
"Mmm, that smells so good. Like spring, if you could smell a season. What did you put in?"
"A couple of sweetberry leaves, rose petals and a little bit of thyme?"
"Thyme? Then you..."
"I’m not going to cook you. It leaves your fur smelling nice." Pearl picked up the pot, moving towards the door. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll see about those dirty dishes."
"Aren’t you going to wash my back?" Cheven asked, stepping out of his breeches. "The tip I left you was quite generous, I’d say. Why don’t you get a sponge and grab the soap, and start earning it."
"But I..." Pearl thought for a moment. His tip would be a little under three markers. As Cheven said, very generous. But to stay would be... difficult. The sight of the naked buck already had him unsettled. Then again, most of him would be under water. Relenting, he put the pot down. "Oh, all right. Just step in, and I’ll get a sponge."

When he came back, Cheven had sat down in the tub, and was humming contentedly, his pipe lit once more. Thankfully, Pearl noticed, he did his best to blow the smoke away from the sensitive wolf nose. Slipping out of his apron and shirt, Pearl reached into the water to soak the sponge, then began rubbing it across the buck’s neck. Cheven leaned forward, and Pearl had to steel himself in order not to let his eyes wander very far down the muscular back. Grabbing the bar of soap, he lathered up, and started applying a generous amount of suds. He used his hands to rub it in, then rinsed the buck’s short, dense fur with the sponge. As he finished, Cheven suddenly put his pipe down, standing up. Pearl couldn’t keep in a short gasp, as the buck turned to face him. His body was mostly covered by foam from the soapy water, but what could be seen was seen all the more, the fur flattened to the skin. Swallowing hard, Pearl forced himself to look the buck in the eyes.
"Might as well do a thorough job," Cheven said, winking. "Those hands of yours are really skilled. You could easily find work at a bath house."
"Th-thank you. I... I’ll just go and get some more hot water."
"Just don’t keep me freezing."
Bringing another potful of steaming water, Pearl set to work, gritting his teeth to stay professional. I’m earning my tips, being a good host, he thought. Nothing more. Using the sponge, as well as his hands, he lathered the buck up thoroughly, then used a ladle to wash him off with hot water. Like an artist admiring his canvas, he stepped back, nodding.
"There. Fur’s all shining, now."
Grinning, the buck stroked his arms. "Indeed. My thanks, Pearl. I haven’t felt this clean for days."
"Would you like some clean water, for a good, hot soak?"
"That would be lovely." He looked down into the tub. "This doesn’t look like something to sit back down in."
Pearl laughed. "It’s thicker than the soup I made. Mr Cheven, you really need to take care of yourself, when you travel." Fetching a bath robe he felt certain would fit the buck, the wolf took a slight bow. "If you’d like to step out, you could keep warm by the fire while I change your water."
"I think you’ll need a hand with that," Cheven said, tying the robe as Pearl strained to move the heavy tub. "Don’t sprain yourself."
"Usually, we’re at least two when we move this thing," Pearl said, wiping sweat from his brow. Combining their efforts, they managed to empty and put back the wooden tub. "I hope you didn’t get sweaty again."
"Not at all."
"Sit down, now, and relax, while I fill it up again."
Shortly, new clouds of steam made their way to the ceiling, accompanied by the smell of fresh herbs. Pearl checked the water, dipping his pinky and proclaiming perfect temperature.
"One could almost drink this as tea," Cheven mused, as he began untying his bath robe. Pearl quietly made his way to the door, but this time, too, the buck’s voice stopped him. "Wouldn’t you stay? I really like your company."
"Th-that’s nice of you to say, but I..."
"Please, Pearl. It’s so good to have someone friendly to talk to."
The slight plead in his voice made Pearl relent, but he pretended to hesitate until he heard splashing. When he turned around, Cheven was already sitting down, grinning broadly as he enjoyed the warmth. Pearl put a couple of more logs on the fire, then grabbed a chair and sat down. They kept a polite conversation for a while, until the dreaded question arose once more.
"By the way," Cheven said. "You never told me why you quit soldiering."
"Pearl lowered his gaze, laying his ears back. "I’m not all that comfortable, talking about it. I didn’t leave, I was thrown out."
"Oh. Maybe you’re right. If it’s painful for you, then we could talk about other things." Cheven placed a hand on Pearl’s arm, soothingly, but withdrew it quickly. "Pearl, you’re soaked with sweat!"
"Well, it is kind of hot in here," the wolf answered, smiling weakly. "And I’ve been carrying that heavy pot to and fro..."
"Won’t you join me?" Cheven asked, moving to one side of the tub. "You could use some water."
Pearl froze. Whatever he had intended to say, stuck in his mind. True, the tub was well large enough for two. True, he could use a bath himself. But...
"What if I get a customer?"
"I’m sure you won’t. Not in this weather, and it’s dark already, too. Even the highwaymen stay at home tonight. Come on in, while it’s still hot."
"I’m not sure it would..."
"It’s a wonderful idea, Pearl. Don’t be a fuss."
Relenting, part of his mind screaming at him to stop, Pearl untied his breeches, while stepping out of his shoes. As he was ready to get in, Cheven pointed to a perfectly round, white patch of fur on Pearl’s stomach.
"I didn’t notice that before. Is it a birth mark?"
"I guess you could say that. It gave me my name."
"It’s pretty," Cheven said, as Pearl stepped into the tub, sitting down with a sigh, opposite him, their legs becoming entangled. The buck waited until he had settled in, before catching his eyes. "So are you."
"Thank you."
Pearl’s voice felt flat, and he lowered his gaze, blushing feverishly. Looking down was a mistake, he realised, as the clear water gave him a good view of Cheven’s naked body. Was this for real? Was the buck really flirting with him? Or had he just made a comment, and Pearl was misinterpreting it? The latter had happened before. But Cheven seemed so nice, so genuinely honest... Within Pearl, walls of resistance he had been building for the last few years began giving way. And I promised myself, he thought, never to let anybody get to me again. Gathering his courage, he did his best to find voice.
"You... you look very nice, too."
"I should think so, modesty forbids." Cheven laughed, a warm, hearty laughter. "You have been looking at me for most of the night, haven’t you?"
"I tried not to, Mr Cheven. I’m sorry if I’ve offended you."
"Not at all! And please, lay off with that Mister, Pearl. Actually, it feels good to be appreciated, especially by someone so strikingly handsome."
Cheven leaned forward, a firm hand lifting Pearl’s still lowered muzzle, gentle eyes meeting his. Whatever doubts Pearl still held regarding the buck’s honesty vanished, as he saw the want in those eyes. The wolf did not resist him, but allowed himself to be pulled into a short kiss. When they broke apart, however, a tear ran down Pearl’s cheek, pain rippling across his face.
"This... this was what got me thrown out of the academy." His breath broke into a sob, and he cried quietly as Cheven moved closer, hugging him gently. With his chin resting on the buck’s shoulder, Pearl began talking. "There was a boy at the academy, almost a year younger than me. We fell in love when we first met, and we used to sneak away to... play. As you can guess, one day we were caught kissing, inside a store room. Normally, it’s severe punishment detail for disciples fooling around, but he got scared they would throw him out, so he blamed me. Said I’d pulled him into the store room, then forced myself upon him."
"And they believed this?"
Pearl nodded, still shivering with sobs. "My father is one of the most respected teachers at the academy. He was furious. Not only had I disgraced him, breaking the rules, but I had also shown him that our blood-line would break with me. I guess that’s what hurt him the most. He didn’t even let me defend myself, but saw to it that I was thrown out, without honours."
"That’s harsh." Cheven stroked the wolf’s black hair, trying to give him comfort. "A terrible thing to do."
"Of course, I wasn’t welcome at home anymore, and of course, soon everybody knew about this. I thought about leaving town, but I’m too stubborn. I wanted to prove I’m still worth something. So, that’s why I’m here. Mr Casden, he let me work for him, not caring when someone asked why he’d hired one who had disgraced himself so."
"What about the other one? The boy who betrayed you?"
"From what I’ve heard, he’s well on his way to officerhood, one of my father’s favourite students."
"Now I understand why you didn’t want to talk about it."
"I had told myself not to let myself feel attracted to someone again, but..."
"Yes?" Cheven tilted his head, smiling.
"But... you make me feel so good. Make me feel attractive."
"You are, Pearl. Very much so."
"So are you, Cheven. I..."
"Shh, no need to speak."
Once more, they met in a kiss, this time more passionate. Pearl’s tears had dried away, despite the moist air in the room, and he started responding to the other’s caresses. He opened his mouth to greet the buck’s questing tongue, while he moved closer, making their embrace a tight one. Feeling light-headed, Pearl couldn’t suppress a gasp as Cheven’s hands grew bolder, his caresses more intimate.

Later, the tub gone and the two of them dry, Pearl went to hang up the ‘Closed’ sign, locking the front door a couple of hours early. It’s like he said, there will be no more customers tonight, he thought. He was still naked, and starting to shiver as he made his way back to Cheven’s bedroom. The buck had re-built the fire, which was now blazing hotly, lighting up the room as it chased the last of the moisture away. He met the wolf with a hug, kissing his forehead. Pearl let out a giggle, the light touch tickling him, then allowed himself to be swept off his feet, as Cheven placed him on the bed. They kissed again, eyes closed, hands roaming all over each other as the buck settled down beside him. Cheven’s hand moved down Pearl’s chest, down his stomach, then further. The wolf mimicked the touch, both soon moaning into the kiss, passion sending their minds soaring.

Dawn found them cuddled together, sleeping heavily. The smell of male arousal was heavy inside the room, and the fire had slowly died out. They had made love, over and over again, during the night, only allowing themselves the briefest of rests in between. Waking up slowly, Pearl remembered every kiss, every movement, every ecstatic moment of bliss. He knew he always would. As the night had passed, their loving growing ever more intense, he had felt his fondness for the buck deepen, and now he stroked the dozing face next to him, touching it lightly with love shining from his eyes. It’s already morning. The thought brought him out of the still-smouldering afterglow. I’ll have to open again in a couple of hours, and Cheven... Cheven has his boat to catch. Feeling detached, Pearl got dressed. He started heating more water, so that the buck could make himself presentable, then he went to prepare breakfast. While he busied himself with frying sausages and eggs, the kitchen door opened behind him. He felt soft lips touch his temple in a fleeting kiss, and for a second, he couldn’t help smiling. But he moved away, returning to his stove while he could hear Cheven taking a seat. The buck said nothing, and Pearl felt grateful for it. Things were easier this way. Serving them breakfast, he sat down across the table from Cheven, and they ate in silence. After the meal, he moved to clear the table, when Cheven’s hand grabbed his, pulling him back down onto his chair.
"Won’t you talk to me, Pearl? It was no wrong, what we did."
"No. No, it wasn’t. I just... I just thought it would be better if you left, without saying anything. That it would be easier to bear."
"I’m not going to leave just like that," Cheven said, trying to meet the wolf’s evading gaze. "I really enjoyed this night, Pearl. Really enjoyed being with you. I don’t want this to end."
"Neither do I, but you’re going away! Even if you visit, now and then, it would be..." Pearl’s voice broke, and he felt his eyes brimming with tears. "I’ve fallen in love with you, Cheven."
"I know, Pearl." He laughed softly at the wolf’s confused looks. "You talk in your sleep, my little one. I... I certainly hadn’t expected this, but I love you, too, Pearl. The rain last night was a good thing."
"Yes, it was." Hesitantly, Pearl leaned across the table and kissed his new-found love. It didn’t take long until he was sitting in the buck’s lap, the two of them sharing a long, warm embrace. "But it can’t last, can it? I mean, our love? If you’re leaving..."
"But I’ll come back, Pearl. Unless... you want to come with me."
"The tavern..." He looked around. "Mr Casden isn’t due for almost a week. Could you take a later boat?"
"No." Cheven’s voice was pained. "Not if I’m to make my claim. It... well, matters were rushed. There are others, standing in line to claim that house, and all that’s inside it."
"Then you should leave, Cheven."
"But, I..."
"It will be months before you’re back, to wait that long... it’s too much to ask. I don’t even know if I’ll still be around town by then."
"Pearl, please..."
"Just go." Pearl got up, avoiding the other’s eyes. "Please, just go."

Cheven leaned against the railing, watching as the crew made the ship ready to cast away. He kept stealing glances towards the city, still hoping. Several times, he had almost made up his mind to give up his claim to the inheritance, to get off the ship and head back to the tavern. But Pearl’s words had been so... final. The wolf had decided for them to break up, almost before they had got together. Still, he nursed the hope. If Pearl had changed his mind... Cheven knew that if the wolf was to appear, down on the docks, he would just leap ashore, letting all else go. Then the harbour mate gave his call, and the drawbridge was raised. Slowly, sails caught wind, and the ship laid out. Sighing, tears appearing in the corner of his eyes, he looked back at the shrinking harbour, until the entire town had vanished beneath the horizon. When there was nothing more to see, he went back to his cabin, sitting down heavily on the bunk. So, now what? For the first time in his life, he had fallen in love, and for the first time in his life, he was heart-broken. The first soft knock on the door passed him by, brooding as he was, but the second time, he heard it.
"Who is it?"
"Room service."
"I ordered nothing. Please go."
"Sir, it comes with the captain’s compliments."
Muttering, Cheven went up to open the door, letting the white-clad steward in. Eyeing the newcomer, he felt his mouth open, refusing to close. Placing a tray of tea and cookies on the bedside table, Pearl reached out and pushed his muzzle closed.
"Don’t drool on the floor, please, sir." Giggling, he hugged the dumb-struck buck tightly. "Hello, Cheven."
"Hello, Pearl." Slowly, the truth dawned upon the buck, and he returned the hug, fiercely, whooping with joy. "Pearl! What the hell are you doing here!"
"Only my duty, sir. Now, don’t look so shocked. I’ve got a trustworthy friend looking after the tavern for me, it’s well off in her hands. But my savings weren’t anywhere near enough to buy me a ticket, so I signed up."
"You silly wolf!" Tears of happiness and joy were streaming down their faces, and into their kiss. "I’ll see to it that you’re fired. I’m paying your fare!"
"But there are no available cabins..."
"This one’s a bit tight, but I think we’ll manage."
"You think so, eh? It looks very tight." Pearl frowned, acting concerned. "That bunk’s far too tight for two."
"It’s not."
"Yes it is!"
"Let’s try it out, and you’ll see, wolfie." Cheven kissed him again. "If you get out of that uniform, the fit will be easier."
"And you get out of your travelling clothes! Those smell!"
Once their clothes were off, they shared one more long, deep, intense kiss, this one their most passionate by far. Cheven gasped as Pearl grabbed his buttocks, pulling him closer. Slowly, they eased their way down on the bunk, all the while showering each other with affection. Like Cheven had said, they fit in, and although it was a tight fit, there was room enough for the movements that followed.

Dawn found them cuddled together, sleeping heavily. Both men had contented looks on their faces, smiling slightly as they twitched and moved while they dreamt. Slowly, Pearl began to wake up, and he stretched his neck to reach and kiss his lover. Come what may, he would have no fears. No fears at all.