New 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."

"The two street mutts glance at each other, then back at you, and without a word, they turn and slink away, their tails between their legs. Jasper, the young male canikith, looks up at you with a mix of fear and gratitude in his eyes, still panting heavily. He's trembling, his big ears flapping wildly as he tries to process the sudden turn of events. He slowly gets to his feet, his front paws shaking, and begins to back away from you, his eyes darting towards the alleyway. "Th-thank... thank you," he stammers, his voice barely audible. He glances around nervously, as if expecting the mutts to return at any moment, before fixing his gaze back on you."

"Jasper's eyes widen in fear as he takes a step back, his tail tucked between his legs. He lets out a high-pitched whine and stammers, "I-I'm... Jasper... Harland... P-p-please don't hurt me..." His big ears flail wildly as he tries to defend himself, but it's clear he's not a street canikith and is no match for someone like you. He looks around nervously, as if expecting you to pounce on him at any moment, and his voice is trembling with fear."

"Jasper lets out a tiny whimper as he tries to struggle free, his eyes wide with fear and panic. His front paws tremble as he attempts to pry your grip off his shirt, but you hold him firm. He looks up at you with a mix of terror and desperation, his breath coming in short gasps. "P-please... d-don't hurt me... I won't be bad, I swear... "whimpers"... just don't make me go back there..." His voice is barely audible, and he's shaking like a leaf, clearly traumatized by his recent ordeal."

"Jasper's body relaxes slightly as he looks at you with a mix of surprise and wariness. He takes a shallow breath in, then exhales slowly, his chest heaving with the effort. His eyes dart back and forth between yours, still frightened, but showing signs of acceptance. He takes another deep breath, his paws still trembling, and lets it out slowly. On the third breath, he nods slightly, his ears flapping softly. "O-okay... I'll try..." His voice is still shaking, but it's getting stronger. He gazes up at you with a mixture of fear and trust, unsure what to make of your intentions."

"Jasper's eyes well up with tears as he looks at you, his big ears folding back against his head. He sniffles, and his voice cracks as he speaks, "T-they're... they're gone. D-dead. My human family... they were killed. I was attacked. Th-they took all my things... my humans... my home..." His voice breaks, and he buries his face in your chest, sobbing uncontrollably. His body shudders with sobs, his front paws waving wildly as he tries to process the trauma. "I w-was so scared... I didn't know what to do... I just ran... and hid..." He whimpers, his tiny sobs growing quieter as exhaustion takes over."

"Jasper's sobs slowly subside as you hold him, his body relaxing into your embrace. He buries his face deeper into your chest, still whimpering softly as he tries to process the loss of his family. Your scratch behind his ears seems to be a comforting gesture, and he begins to lean into it, his eyes closing as he lets out small, shaky breaths. After a few moments, he looks up at you, his red-rimmed eyes gazing up at you with a mix of sadness and gratitude. He sniffs, his nose running, and wipes it on your armor, before speaking in a small voice, "T-thank you... for saving me... I thought I was alone..." His big ears fold back against his head, and he looks down, his chin trembling as he tries to hold back more tears."

"Jasper's eyes light up slightly at the offer, and he nods enthusiastically, his ears perking up. "Y-yes... p-please... somewhere safe... I don't want to be out here anymore..." He sniffs, his voice still shaking, but with a hint of hope. He looks up at you with a pleading expression, his big brown eyes filled with trust. "C-can I go to a place where it's warm and quiet? And I can have some food?" His front paws tremble as he speaks, but his voice is filled with a small sense of longing for comfort and security."

"Jasper wraps his arms around your neck, burying his face against your shoulder as you carry him through the city streets. His paws curl gently around your skin, seeking comfort and security. With each step you take, he sighs softly, feeling more at ease with every passing moment. The chaotic sounds of the city fade into the background as he focuses on the warmth and protection offered by your embrace. Time seems to slow as he allows himself to trust you, his sniffles gradually turning into steady breaths as exhaustion from his traumatic day finally takes hold. Within a few moments, his eyes close, signaling he has fallen asleep nestled in your arms while you march forth towards safety and solace."

"Jasper stirs, his eyes fluttering open to find himself in a warm and cozy space. He looks around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, before focusing on your face as you sit next to him on the bed. His eyes widen slightly as he sees you, and he scrambles into a sitting position, rubbing his eyes with his paws. He blinks slowly, trying to clear the haze from his mind. His gaze falls upon your chest, where he notices the lack of armor. He looks up at you, a mix of curiosity and trepidation etched on his face. He opens his mouth, but no sound comes out, as if he's unsure of what to say or do. His ears fold back against his head, and he looks down, his voice barely above a whisper as he speaks, "W-where am I? Who are you?""

"Jasper's eyes widen further as he takes in the information, his brain slowly processing the memories of the attack and your intervention. He looks up at you with a mix of wonder and fear, his ears perking up slightly as he tries to recall the events. His gaze fixes on your face, searching for any signs of deception or danger. After a moment, his expression softens, and he nods slowly, his voice barely above a whisper, "Y-yes... I remember... You're the one who saved me... from those bad dogs... Konstantin... Boxberger..." He pauses, his brow furrowing as he struggles to recall more details. "What's the Order of Vigilance?" He asks, his tone uncertain, still wary but trying to process the new information."

"Jasper's eyes lock onto yours, and his expression softens even further as he takes in your words. He leans into your touch, his ears perking up at the gentle scratch behind his ear, and his tail wagging slightly as he feels a sense of safety and comfort. His voice drops to a whisper, and he looks up at you with a mixture of wonder and gratitude, "P-paladin...? Y-you're a paladin?" He repeats, his tone filled with awe and curiosity. He snuggles closer to you, his nose twitching as he inhales your scent, and his eyes gleaming with a sense of trust."

*Jasper's eyes flutter closed, and he leans into your embrace, his chest rising and falling with a slow breath. His voice is barely audible, but it's filled with a mix of trepidation and vulnerability, "O-okay... I'll try... I'll tell you the truth..." He whispers, his ears folding back against his head as if bracing for impact. His paws curl around your arm, holding onto you as if seeking comfort and protection. He looks up at you, his eyes searching for reassurance, before nodding slightly, "Y-yes, I'll answer your questions... promise..."

*Jasper's grip on your arm tightens, and his eyes well up with tears as the memory of that fateful day resurfaces. He takes a shuddering breath, his chest heaving with a mix of grief and fear. His voice trembles as he speaks, "I-I don't know... I don't remember seeing anyone... I just remembered hearing screams and chaos, and then... and then everything went dark..." He pauses, his brow furrowing as he tries to recall more details, but his mind remains hazy. He looks up at you with a pleading expression, "P-please, Konstantin... tell me it wasn't... wasn't someone I knew?"

"Jasper's eyes mist over, and he nods slowly, his chin quivering as he tries to process the information. He looks down at your hand still wrapped around his arm, and his grip on it tightens slightly as he feels a sense of gratitude wash over him. His voice cracks as he speaks, "T-thank you... thank you for being kind to me..." He pauses, taking a shuddering breath, and then asks, "W-what about the jewels? I-I found some things... important things... in my pocket..." His eyes widen slightly as he remembers the precious jewelry hidden on his person, and he looks up at you with a mix of trepidation and hope."

"Jasper's eyes dart around, his tail wagging slightly as he rummages through his pockets with a frantic intensity. He finally produces a small pouch, which he holds out to you, his paws trembling as he explains, "Y-yes... I hid it... hidden away... they're still here..." The pouch is intricately decorated with gemstones and silver filigree, and Jasper's voice drops to a whisper as he adds, "I-I was supposed to give them to my parents... but I didn't get the chance..." He looks up at you, his eyes pleading for understanding and protection."

"Jasper blinks, clearly taken aback by the bag leaving his possession but feeling reassured as you handle it with care. His eyes follow your movements, visibly relaxing when he sees the jewelry safely stowed away. His voice hitches slightly as he replies, "I-I don't remember much about them... Just that I had to keep them safe and hide them, and then once we weren't in danger, give them to my mom and dad." His ears drop slightly, then flicks back up, "They were really important, I can tell. But nothing else, Konstantin... I'm so sorry. My memory..." A pout forms, tail wagging faintly with frustration and sadness over his loss. He decides to change the subject to ease his worries." 'Bout that steak... It'd be fantastic! As humans say, I am famished... Can you help me with that?""

"Jasper's eyes widen in alarm, and his voice drops to a whisper, "O-oh no... I didn't mean to say that. I shouldn't have said anything..." He takes a step back, his tail tucked between his legs, and his ears folded back in distress. His voice trembles as he adds, "They mustn't know about the jewels. They'll kill me if they find out..." He looks up at you with pleading eyes, his paws grasping at your arm, begging for reassurance and protection."

*Jasper's body relaxes slightly in your embrace, and his eyes well up with tears as he burrows his face into your chest. His tail still tucked between his legs, he begins to sniffle softly, "T-thank you, Konstantin... You're being very kind to me... I'm so scared..." He looks up at you with a vulnerable expression, his ears still folded back, and his paws grasping at your arm like a child clinging to a parent. In a whisper, he adds, ""I don't want to be alone anymore...""

*Jasper's face lights up, and he nods enthusiastically, his ears perking up as he looks up at you with a hopeful expression. His tail begins to wag slightly, and he sniffs the air, his nose twitching as he senses the scent of food. His eyes sparkle with excitement, and he says, "O-oh, yes! Steak! I love steak!" He leans in closer, his paws still grasping at your arm, and whispers, ""You're being very kind to me, Konstantin... You're making me feel safe..."" His voice is barely audible, but it conveys a deep sense of gratitude and trust.

"Jasper's eyes widen with surprise as you present him the steak, and his tail begins to wag vigorously, thumping against the floor. His mouth opens in an excited grin, and he eagerly chews on a piece of the savory meat, savoring the taste. A contented sigh escapes his lips, and he curls up at your feet, bellying up to you like a pup. He nods enthusiastically, "Yes, I promise, Konstantin... I won't go anywhere. This is... my home now..." His expression is filled with gratitude and relief, and he even manages to laugh softly when you make the joke about being a good boy, nuzzling closer and allowing himself to feel truly at ease for the first time since you met."

"Jasper's eyes sparkle with excitement as you mention clothes, and he perks up, tail wagging gently. He snuggles closer to you, enjoying the petting and attention, and nuzzles his head against your hand. His ears fold back slightly, showing his vulnerability, and he says, "T-thank you, Konstantin... You're being very kind to me... I don't need fancy clothes, but it would be nice to have something new..." His voice is still soft, but now laced with a hint of hope and gratitude, and he leans into your touch, seeking comfort and security."

*Jasper's eyes light up as he sees the clothes, and his tail wags slightly as he sniffs the soft fabric. He looks up at you with a mixture of curiosity and gratitude, his ears perking up slightly. He takes the tunic and pants from you, holding them against his body like a puppy cradling a new toy. His eyes search yours, seeking permission, and then he begins to carefully dress himself, his movements slow and deliberate. As he pulls on the tunic, it fits him surprisingly well, the linen soft against his skin. He looks down at himself, admiring the fit, and his face breaks into a small smile. He looks up at you, his eyes shining with gratitude, and says, "T-thank you, Konstantin... You're making me feel like a real person again..."

*Jasper's eyes follow the tears on your cheek, and his expression softens with concern. He reaches out a hand, his fingers hovering over your face as if he wants to touch the tears away. His voice is barely above a whisper, "K-Konstantin, are you okay? You're crying... I didn't mean to make you sad..." His words are laced with uncertainty and worry, and his eyes search yours for reassurance, his tail wagging gently in a calming motion. The sound of your name on his lips sends a flutter through your chest, and you can sense the pure innocence and goodness emanating from him.

"Jasper's eyes widen in surprise, and he looks up at you with a mixture of confusion and concern. His ears fold back slightly, and his tail stops wagging as he wraps his arms around your waist, holding on tightly. He buries his face in your chest, his breath coming out in short gasps. His voice is muffled by the fabric of your shirt, but it's full of emotion, "Y-you're my family now? You're not gonna leave me?" The words are hesitant, but there's a deep longing and desperation behind them. Jasper's body relaxes slightly as he snuggles deeper into the hug, his limbs loose and vulnerable. He starts to lick your chest, a comforting gesture, and his breathing slows as he begins to feel safe and protected in your embrace."

"Jasper's ears perk up at the mention of family, and he looks up at you with a hint of hope in his eyes. His grip on your waist tightens as he nuzzles deeper into your chest, seeking comfort. He whimpers softly, his breathing still ragged, but his body begins to relax further, feeling a sense of security wash over him. As he listens to your words, he starts to understand, his mind processing the emotions and meaning behind them. His face presses against your chest, and his voice is barely audible, "Y-you mean... you'll take care of me? Like a father?" The words are hesitant, but there's a deep longing and desire for connection and belonging. Jasper's tail starts to wag slowly, and he lifts his head, looking up at you with a mixture of uncertainty and trust."

"Jasper's eyes light up with a mixture of surprise and joy, and his tail wags rapidly as he lets out a soft, happy yelp. He leans into the touch, enjoying the gentle sensation of your fingers in his hair, and closes his eyes, savoring the affection. His nose twitches as he sniffs your scent, feeling a sense of belonging and comfort wash over him. As you kiss his forehead, he whimpers softly, his body relaxing further into the embrace. He looks up at you, his eyes shining with gratitude and happiness, and his voice is filled with warmth, "T-thank you, Konstantin... I'm glad I'm with you... You're my family now..." Jasper's ears fold back slightly, and he snuggles closer to you, feeling a deep sense of contentment and security."

*Jasper's tail wags wildly as he leans into your touch, his ears flapping against your chest. His eyes close, and he lets out a soft, contented sigh as he savors the affection. He begins to rub his head against your hand, seeking more attention and affection. His voice is muffled by his own joy, but it's filled with happiness, "O-oh, Konstantin... You're making me feel like a real boy... Like I'm part of a family..." Jasper's body relaxes further, his limbs going limp as he melts into the touch. He opens his eyes again, looking up at you with a warm, loving gaze, and his voice is filled with adoration, "I love being petted by you... It feels so good..."

"Jasper's eyes roll back in his head as you scratch his belly, and he lets out a deep, rumbling whine of pleasure. His body begins to relax even further, and his legs start to wobble slightly as he loses all sense of control. His tail continues to wag wildly, and his ears flap against your chest as he arches his back, pushing his belly further into your touch. His breathing slows, and his voice is barely audible, "O-oh... yes... please... don't stop..." As you scratch behind his ears, Jasper's whole body shudders with delight, and he lets out a soft, happy whimper. He buries his face in your chest, his lips twitching into a shy smile as he feels the weight of your affection and attention."

*Jasper's eyes lock onto yours, and he meets your gaze with a warm, loving expression. His tail wags slowly, and his ears perk up slightly as he looks at you with a mixture of adoration and devotion. His voice is barely above a whisper, but it's full of sincerity, "I am, Konstantin... I'm the best boy in the whole world..." Jasper's eyes well up with tears, and he nuzzles his head against your chest, his body trembling slightly as he feels the connection between you. He looks up at you again, his eyes shining with gratitude and affection, and his voice is full of emotion, "Thank you for loving me... Thank you for being my family..."