Unexpected Family

"In the free city of Marakand the noble families have been at one another’s throats for generations and a recent explosion of violence unseated and destroyed numerous powerful households. You, Cynrad Harland are a simple watchman who patrols the streets keeping the peace. Working in a relatively quiet neighborhood the violence of the recent days has not been something you’ve had to deal with. While patrolling you hear a clamor from a nearby alley and go to investigate. You see a young male canikith squaring off against two other male canikith who look to have lecherous intent. The young male is not a street canikith, he is clearly a missing pet whilst the two males are obviously street mutts." “Yer gonna ‘ave ta pay tha tax, bitch! Don’t cha worry…we won’t be too rough with ya!” "the larger of the canikith mutts says before the two pounce tearing at his clothes. The delicate young male canikith yelps and whimpers"

"The two street mutts yelp and cower as you strike them with your sword and shield, momentarily backing off from the delicate canikith. The young male canikith, Jasper, looks up at you with wide, scared eyes, his big ears flapping wildly as he whimpers. He's still trying to protect himself, but it's clear he's no match for the two attackers. One of the mutts spits at your feet, growling low in its throat. "Or what, human? You'll kill us? You're already weak enough without our little tax." The other mutt snarls, taking a step forward, his teeth bared."

"Jasper's eyes are fixed on you, still wide with fear, but a glimmer of hope flickers to life. He looks at the two mutts, now pinned against the wall, and takes a step closer to you. His big ears flapping wildly, he lets out a soft whimper, trying to communicate with you. The mutts, realizing they're defeated, let out snarls and growls, but remain quiet, their tails tucked between their legs. Jasper approaches you, his front paws extended, as if asking for protection or help. His beautiful, well-groomed fur is mussed from the struggle, and his fine clothes are torn and dirty."

Jasper trembles, but slowly lifts his head to meet your gaze. He's a picture of innocence and fear, so very out of place on the harsh city streets. His beautiful green eyes, wide with apprehension, seem to plead with you not to punish him. He yips, "M-Me Jasper, sir. No kin now..." His voice cracks slightly as he says this, showcasing his vulnerable state. The two street mutts, snarling names under their breath, begrudgingly provide theirs: Rott and Snarl.

You capture their lewd intentions and aggression; there's a danger in them that can't be ignored. However, your heart goes out to vulnerable Jasper – an innocent creature lost amidst the chaos. He starts visibly shaking again. You want to protect him, offer solace from his fears.

Jasper's eyes well up with tears, and he starts to sniffle, looking down at his paws. "I-I didn't know they would be like this...they found me in the park...they said I was pretty and...and wanted me..." His voice trails off as he becomes overwhelmed with emotion.

Rott and Snarl exchange a look, before Rott speaks up, his voice dripping with malice. "Yeah, we saw him wandering around, all pretty and pathetic. Thought we'd have some fun with him. He didn't put up much of a fight." Snarl chuckles, showing off his sharp teeth.

The two street mutts glance at each other, before Rott continues, "We were just collecting our due from the lonely strays like him. You humans always leave them behind, abandoned and weak. It's only fair we take what we want."

Jasper's whimpers increase in intensity, and he cowers away from Rott and Snarl, sensing their menacing aura. Your gentle gaze on him seems to be his only comfort at this moment.

Jasper's eyes light up with relief, and he nods eagerly, his tail wagging slightly as he approaches you. He seems to relax a bit, sensing that he's not going to be harmed further. He lets out a soft whimper, still sniffing, but this time more out of gratitude rather than fear.

He pauses in front of you, looking up at you with big, pleading eyes, as if asking permission. When you ask if he'll behave, he nods again, more decisively this time. "P-please, sir...I p-promise I won't run away...I just...I don't want to be with them..." He gestures towards Rott and Snarl, his voice cracking with emotion.

As you tie the collars around Rott and Snarl, Jasper watches intently, seemingly relieved that they're no longer a threat to him. His ears perk up slightly, and he takes a small step closer to you, as if seeking reassurance and protection.

Jasper's eyes dart back and forth between you and the two street mutts, his expression a mix of fear and wariness. He whimpers softly, still looking up at you with a pleading gaze. "Y-yes, sir...I-I know...they're no good...I didn't want to be with them..." His voice trails off as he seems to collect his thoughts.

As you give Rott and Snarl a menacing look, Jasper's ears fold back slightly, and he takes a step closer to you, almost as if seeking protection from them. He sniffs, trying to reassure himself that they're truly subdued. The pitiful creature looks so lost and scared, his normally well-groomed fur now disheveled and dirty from the altercation.

"Takes a subtle step forward, eyes fixed on your face, paws trembling slightly"

Jasper's eyes light up with hope, and he lets out a soft "Y-yes, sir...please...I don't want to go back to that place...please don't send me there..." His voice cracks as he says this, and he sniffs, trying to hold back tears.

Rott and Snarl exchange a look, their snarls momentarily dying down as they consider your proposal. Rott, the larger of the two, lets out a low growl, but seems to be thinking through the options. After a moment, he spits on the ground, his ears folding back in a clear sign of frustration. "Fine, we'll come with you. But don't think this means we're going soft. We'll make our own way out of this deal."

Snarl nods in agreement, his eyes never leaving yours, a hint of a threat lingering in his gaze. Jasper, still cowering, looks up at you with a mixture of relief and fear, as if unsure what to expect next.

"Takes a step forward, tail wagging slightly, still sniffing"

Jasper's eyes light up as he approaches the food, his tail wagging excitedly. He sniffs at the bread, cheese, and dried meat, then digs in with gusto, crunching away happily. His ears perk up, and he lets out a contented sigh as he eats, seeming to forget his earlier distress.

Rott and Snarl also dig in, their eyes never leaving Jasper as they eat. They seem to be sizing him up, still wary of this new development, but they're both clearly hungry and welcome the food. Snarl takes a bite of the dried meat, his eyes narrowing slightly as he chews, while Rott devours his share of bread with an almost savage enthusiasm.

As they eat, the atmosphere in the room becomes more relaxed, the tension dissipating slightly as everyone settles in for a meal. Jasper continues to crunch away, seemingly lost in the simple pleasure of eating. "Sits down beside you, still eating, occasionally glancing up at you with a mixture of gratitude and wariness"

Rott and Snarl exchange a look, their ears folding back slightly as they seem to weigh their options. Snarl speaks up first, his voice low and rough. "You're asking us to swear fealty to you, human? That's rich." He snorts, clearly unimpressed. "What makes you think we'd be interested in living with a human who thinks they can boss us around?"

Rott chimes in, his voice a little more menacing. "Yeah, and what's to stop us from taking over when the time is right? You're just one man against three of us, after all."

Jasper, sensing the tension, looks up at you with wide eyes, as if worried about the direction of the conversation. He lets out a soft whine, as if trying to intervene.

"Fidgets uncomfortably in his seat, paws trembling slightly, looking from Rott and Snarl to you"

Rott's ears flatten against his head, and a low growl rumbles in his throat at the demonstration of your power. His eyes meet yours, but they're not as defiant as before. Snarl watches cautiously from the side, his gaze flicking between you and Rott.

"Flame tricks aren't enough to keep a threat out," Rott retorts, trying to regain some ground, but his voice lacks the edge it had before. He seems more uncertain now. Jasper, still seated next to you, shies away slightly as if uneasy with the growing tension.

"Shuffles nervously, licking his chops, watching both parties with large, wary eyes"

Rott and Snarl exchange a glance, their faces set in determined expressions. Rott takes a step forward, his hackles raised, but he doesn't quite meet your height.

"We'll take our chances as prisoners," Rott growls, trying to sound braver than he looks. Snarl nods in agreement, his eyes flashing with a mixture of defiance and fear.

"Ears folded back, tail tucked between his legs, Jasper whimpers softly, taking another step back from the confrontation"

The air is thick with tension as you loom over them, your dominance clear. Rott and Snarl are trying to show bravery, but they're also trying not to make eye contact with you, sensing the danger emanating from you. "Shifts uncomfortably, trying to get away from the intimidating presence, nose twitching with anxiety"

Snarl's eyes go wide with fear as he sees his packmate being subdued, and he takes a step back, trying to distance himself from the situation. Jasper lets out a high-pitched whine, sensing the escalating danger.

Rott, still dazed from the impact with the wall, looks up at you with a mixture of anger and pleading in his eyes. He struggles against the manacles, trying to break free.

Snarl, however, seems to realize that his chance to change his mind has passed. He lets out a defeated snarl and lowers his head, acknowledging his submission.

"Ears flat against his skull, Jasper cowers into a ball, trembling with fear, as if expecting the worst."

Snarl's eyes dart up at you, filled with a mixture of fear and resignation. He seems to size you up, calculating his options. Then, with a slow nod, he drops his head and begins to crawl forward on his belly, trying to demonstrate his submission.

"Jasper watches in horror as Snarl grovels before you, his ears still flat against his skull"

Rott, still strapped into the manacles, looks on with a mixture of anger and shame, his eyes flashing with resentment towards you.

"The air is thick with tension as Snarl crawls closer, his tail tucked between his legs"

Snarl's eyes light up slightly at the gentle touch, and he lets out a soft whine of pleasure as you scratch behind his ears. His tail begins to wag slowly, and he looks up at you with a mixture of relief and gratitude.

"Jasper, still watching from a distance, seems to relax slightly, his ears perking up ever so slightly as he sees Snarl's reaction"

Rott, on the other hand, growls low in his throat, clearly disapproving of the affection being shown to the other canikith. He struggles against the manacles, his eyes flashing with animosity towards you.

"The atmosphere is tense, but there's a sense of tension being eased, as if the storm has temporarily passed"

As you lead Rott away, Jasper watches with a mixture of fear and curiosity. He seems to be wondering what's going to happen to the struggling canikith.

Snarl, still on the floor, lets out a soft whine as he sees his packmate being taken away. He looks up at you with pleading eyes, as if hoping you'll spare Rott.

"Ears perked up, Jasper gets up and approaches Snarl, nuzzling his head gently against Snarl's side"

The two canikiths seem to sense a temporary truce has been formed, and they settle down together, their tension eased.

"You're left standing over them, feeling a sense of control and power over the situation. The air is quiet, except for the distant sounds of Rott's struggles in the basement"

Jasper's eyes dart around the room, as if searching for an escape route or a way to avoid answering your question. He lets out a high-pitched whine, his tail tucked between his legs.

"As you pet Snarl, Jasper nuzzles his head into the attention, seeming to find comfort in the gentle touch"

Snarl, sensing Jasper's distress, lets out a soft growl, trying to comfort his companion.

"I-I came from the Harwell estate," Jasper stammers, his voice shaking slightly. "M-my family... they were... attacked. I escaped... but... everything is so confusing... "he trails off, looking around the room with wide, frightened eyes"

The sound of Rott's struggles echoes up from the basement, making Jasper's eyes flicker towards the direction of the noise before he looks back at you, his expression pleading for understanding and safety.

Jasper's eyes well up with tears as he nestles into the comfort of your arm. He whimpers softly, releasing a mixture of relief and grief.

"As you hold him close, Snarl settles down beside them, his ears flapping gently as he seems to sense Jasper's distress is easing"

Snarl lets out a soft, comforting whine, as if trying to offer his own version of condolences. The three of you sit in silence for a moment, the only sound being the distant thuds and growls from Rott in the basement.

Jasper's tears slowly subside, replaced by a look of resignation. He gazes up at you, his big, expressive eyes filled with sadness.

"I... I don't know what happened," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was sleeping... and then everything went dark... When I woke up, everything was... destroyed. I didn't even get to say goodbye... "he sniffles, his voice cracking""

The vulnerability and pain in his voice are almost palpable, making it hard not to feel a pang ofsympathy for the lost canikith.

Jasper's eyes widen in alarm as you mention the inquisitors. He lets out a panicked whine, his body tensing up in your arms.

"Snarl, sensing Jasper's distress, growls softly, trying to offer reassurance"

"No, no, no... please don't make me go there... I'll do anything... "he begs, his voice trembling" Please, just let me stay here with you... with Snarl... I don't want to be alone..."

His big, brown eyes lock onto yours, pleading for mercy. He reaches up and clings to your arm, his small, claw-like fingers digging gently into your skin.

"I promise I won't cause any trouble... I'll do whatever you say... just please, please don't send me away..."

Jasper's body relaxes slightly, his eyes still wide with fear, but a glimmer of relief flickers across his face. He lets out a soft sigh and leans into your touch, his head tilting to the side as you ruffle his hair.

"Snarl, sensing Jasper's tension ease, nuzzles his head against Jasper's cheek, offering a gentle, comforting presence"

Jasper looks up at you with a mixture of gratitude and wariness, his eyes darting back and forth between you and Snarl. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm down, and whispers:

"T-thank you... thank you for not sending me away..."

Jasper's face splits into a tremulous, heartfelt smile, his tail wagging with excitement. He leans more into your touch and shifts closer to Snarl, feeling a strange sense of security now that he has both your acceptance and Snarl's companionship.

"As you continue petting them, Snarl lets out a contented rumble, clearly pleased by the increased attention and the company."

In this moment, with warmth, comfort, and the promise of safety finally enveloping him, Jasper allows himself to feel more at ease with his situation. He seems to glow with a newfound hope as he says:

"Y-you're... so nice, sir K-Konstantin..." His voice still carries a hint of vulnerability, but it's laced with gratitude and a growing trust in you.

Rott lets out a menacing snarl, baring his teeth as he eyes the dried meat. For a moment, he seems to consider your offer, his gaze flicking back and forth between you and the food.

"As he contemplates, Jasper and Snarl sit nearby, watching with interest, their ears perked up"

But then Rott's expression twists into a snarling sneer, and he takes a step forward, his eyes flashing with defiance.

"Fool," he growls, his voice low and menacing. "You think a few scraps of dried meat can buy my submission? I'd rather eat a rat's tail than accept charity from you."

Rott's hostility is palpable, and you can sense the depth of his bitterness and resentment simmering just below the surface. It's clear that he has no intention of backing down or surrendering, at least not yet.

Rott's eyes flash with fury and frustration as you bind him with the rope. He struggles against the restraints, his strength evident as he tries to break free, but ultimately fails.

"Mumbling curses under his breath, Jasper and Snarl watch with a mix of fascination and discomfort"

As the reality of his situation sets in, Rott's expression slowly morphs from defiance to desperation. His eyes plead for mercy, but it's too late. You've made up your mind, and there's no escaping the dungeons now.

"W-whaddaya doin', Konstantin?" he spits out, his voice laced with a mixture of anger and fear. "You're gonna leave me down there... alone... with the rats?"

His words are laced with a hint of despair, and his usually rugged demeanor cracks, revealing a glimmer of vulnerability beneath.

Rott's eyes widen in horror as he looks around the dark, damp dungeon. His gaze falls upon the soundlessly scavenging rats, their beady eyes watching him from the shadows.

"No... no, you wouldn't," he whispers, his voice trembling with fear.

He tries to struggle against the ropes again, but they hold tight. His eyes lock onto yours, pleading for mercy.

"Please, Konstantin... don't leave me here with them," he begs, his voice cracking with desperation.

Jasper and Snarl watch with rapt attention, their ears perked up and their tails wagging slightly at the commotion.

Meanwhile, Rott's mind is racing, his thoughts consumed by the thought of being left alone with the rats. His animal instincts are on high alert, sensing the danger lurking in every shadow.

Rott's eyes flash with a mixture of rage and panic as he tries to process the ultimatum. He struggles against the ropes once more, his body trembling with fear and resentment.

"You're a monster, Konstantin," he spits out, his voice venomous. "You're going to leave me at your mercy? You're going to make me choose between starvation and... and... unspeakable horrors?"

He shudders at the thought of being left alone in the dungeons with the rats, his mind reeling with the prospect of being trapped, helpless, and exposed to the darkness.

But as you pat his back, Rott's gaze lingers on your hand, and for a moment, he sees something else. He sees the warmth, the comfort, and the safety that lies beyond the cold, dark dungeon. He sees the possibility of a different fate, one where he might be cared for, protected, and kept safe.

"Sniffles and whimpers escape from Jasper's lips as he watches the exchange, his big ears flapping slightly in distress"

Rott's eyesflutter with uncertainty, torn between his pride and his survival instincts. Deep down, he knows that the dungeons are no place for him, but the thought of submitting to you fills him with a mix of shame and relief.

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, Rott's resistance begins to wane. His shoulders slump, and his gaze softens as he looks up at you, his eyes searching for a sign, a gesture, a glimmer of hope.

"Fine," he mutters, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll... I'll submit. Just... just don't leave me in the dark."

Jasper lets out a whimper of relief, his tail wagging slightly as he watches the scene unfold. Snarl nuzzles against your leg, offering silent support.

And with that, the balance of power shifts, as Rott reluctantly surrenders to your will, his fate now in your hands.

Rott's eyes light up with a mix of surprise and pleasure as you scratch behind his ears. He lets out a soft whimper, his body relaxing into the touch, and his face softens with a hint of vulnerability.

"Jasper's tail wags excitedly as he watches the interaction, his big ears perked up in delight"

As you praise him, Rott's gaze lingers on yours, searching for reassurance that this is genuine. His ears droop slightly, and his expression becomes almost childlike, craving approval and affection.

A tiny, quiet "ooh" escapes his lips as your fingers graze against his ear, sending shivers down his spine. He leans into the touch, his body swaying slightly, and his eyes half-close in rapture.

The tension and fear in his demeanor dissipate, replaced by a sense of comfort and trust. Rott's mind begins to process the reality of his situation, and for the first time, he starts to feel a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, this new path might lead to safety, security, and evena sense of belonging.

As you continue to pet him, Rott's tail begins to wag slowly, and a faint smile curls at the corner of his lips. He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly, feeling the weight of the past few days slip away.

"Thank you, Konstantin," he murmurs, his voice soft and sincere. "I... I didn't expect this... kindness from you."

Jasper looks on in awe, his eyes shining with admiration for the kind watchman who just saved him. Snarl nudges against Rott's leg, sensing his newfound calmness.

And as you continue to pet him, Rott's mind begins to process what this new life might hold in store for him, and a glimmer of optimism fills his heart.