Winter, 1430

It was winter, the land was cold, the trees were bare and the snow was about to fall. The cozy months had arrived.

Tar Hollow had changed a lot in the span of this single year. Despite facing two sequential invasions that had threatened its very existence, the cynocephalis of this small buffer state had managed to defeat all enemies-including a massive human army- to end up with control over the vital Southern Range passes. Factions throughout Nalbin saw the rise of Tar Hollow with interest, and diplomats with calls for alliances and trade deals began to appear. The wars had been devastating and costly, but the home of the cynos appeared to finally be safe.

Meanwhile the larders were full, the hunters and warriors and freed prisoners had returned home, and outdoor work was too difficult to perform. Everyone could rest and recover and prepare for the new year.

Including Oevcn.

The young military commander had shot up in fame and popularity like a waterspout, acclaimed by all cynos for twice saving Tar Hollow. Folks who once accused Oevcn of nepotism now heralded his leadership, and conservatives who attacked him for abandoning traditions and even thinking himself human quietly admitted the effectiveness of his technologies. The overall mood among the denizens of the state had switched from fear and worry to that of relief at their deliverance mixed with pride and satisfaction at their accomplishments, all led by their favored son.

Oevcn himself was generally satisfied by the year; despite unexpectedly coming to command and facing some costly mistakes, the dark cyno felt that he had proved himself a leader. His new army had also fought well, and his now-veterans remained eager to defend their homeland and were quickly learning how to utilize the powerful Arcadian gonnes. Soon, Oevcn’s Raiders would be put to the test again, but now there was still time to prepare.

Now instead Oevcn would surprise Beimcu.

The male cyno had been attracted to his tan, brown and gray agouti companion ever since he had passed his Rites, and he had also noticed her shy, longing glances at him. So the young hero decided to do something about it.

After all, he was brave.

&Where are you taking me, Oevcn?&

Holding Beimcu's hand, the dark cyno led her through a brambly hillside under the late afternoon sun. A clear spring erupted from a fern-covered cliff face nearby, creating a network of small streams underfoot.

&I want to show you a secret spot.& The young commander replied with a smile. &Do you trust me?&

The painter-turned warrior nodded eagerly.

&Oh I trust you, great hero Oevcn Burntfeet, savior of Tar Hollow. The question is, should YOU trust you, Oevcn the Brave?&

&It’s nothing dangerous.&

&Is it romantic?&

Oevcn stopped and went red, searching for words. &Um…&

Beimcu laughed.

&Lead on, hero. You have my attention.&

***

After an hour of scrambling as the dark of twilight began to descend, the cyno pair came upon a small clearing filled with large, smooth, round stones, with moss and grass sprouting upon the edges. The shallow water channels flowed around the stones, creating a shallow island just big enough for two figures to recline comfortably. Kept away by the waters, the pines of the surrounding thicket instead loomed overhead, extending towards the clearing but not quite covering it completely to create a dome with an oculus reaching up to the night sky. Oevcn had added to the little shelter by stringing up small lanterns filled with pitch.

&A nice personal den, almost a cave.& He smiled. &My private little spot.&

&It’s beautiful.&

Oevcn leaped onto the island and began lighting the lanterns, illuminating the shelter, before sitting down and pulling out some pemmican, cattail meal, honey and a drinking bag of ale from under a boulder.

&I come here when I need some personal time, to rest, to unwind, to think-Tar Hollow is fine, but you know how busy, and nosy our people are. And now I want to share it with you.&

&You want me to be your mate?& Beimcu asked.

Oevcn scratched his neck. &Well, I was hoping…&

&Yes!&

The tan, brown and gray agouti cyno replied immediately, almost a bit too quickly to her companion's surprise. Beimcu turned beet red.

&Sorry, I had dreamed of this day coming.& She laughed. &I never expected it to actually occur.&

The female cyno joined her companion on the island, and sat cross-legged, facing him.

&Let's make it official. Start over. Ask me from the beginning. &

The dark cyno obliged. &Beimcu, do you want to be my mate-&

&Do I, great hero?&

&-because I want to be yours.&

Beimcu beamed.

&Yes, Oevcn the Brave, Burntfeet, Son of Favcn and Numen. I would like to be your mate.&

They both laughed.

&I guess that's settled then.& Oevcn replied, uncorking his bota bag and taking a swig, before offering it to his new mate.

The tan, brown and gray agouti cyno accepted and also took a drink, as well as the offered sweet grain and meat. Together the two enjoyed this small, private meal under the stars, away from the incessant hubbub of Tar Hollow.

&I'm glad you like me, Beimcu.& Oevcn stated after a bit. &Part of me was worried you would reject my advance.&

&Do you know why I set aside my paints and joined your Raiders to fight with the human rebels two years ago?& The female cyno replied as she took another bite of dried meat.

&Because you thought I was cute and liked my song?&

&Well, those too. But because I liked that you had a cause, and a plan. I think you will do some great things.&

Finishing his supper Oevcn leaned over to wash his hands, then crossed his arms over his head and leaned back, staring up at the stars. &What kinds of great things do you think I’ll do?&

Beimcu likewise cleaned up and laid on her back beside her mate.

&I don’t know, but it is reassuring in this chaotic world. There is so much pain and suffering out there, and it feels like no one cares. You do.&

&I hope.&

The two fell silent, watching the stars slowly rotate across the sky.

&What comes with the new year?& The tan, brown and gray agouti cyno finally asked.

&More strife, chaos and struggle probably. But potential too. Perhaps we can make things better.&

Beimcu purred, before leaning over and sitting up again. &Perhaps we can.&

Oevcn looked over to his mate curiously.

&Oh?&

&Do you want cubs?&

Oevcn paused. &I would love them. You?&

&Great! The world outside can be nasty and cruel and it can stay away for a while. Let's enjoy ourselves a little.& Beimcu smirked. &Or is the great hero distracted trying to save us all?&

Oevcn sat up as well and chuckled. &The great hero is brave enough to face all challenges, including the desires of his mate. I can focus on you for a change.&

The two cynos embraced. Oevcn grabbed Beimcu and gently pulled her closer to his lap, before leaning over to give his mate a nuzzle, then a tender lick on the snout. Beimcu giggled and smooched him back.

&Happy new year. Whatever comes, we can face it together.&

&Happy new year. Whatever comes.&

---

Alec Holowka - Lost Lake

From  Chickenzaur!