m - mentions of abuse, rape, neglect, etc possible

The least they could've done was left him in the shade.

That morning slavers left him here, tied up and left to succumb to the elements after their sale ended. If he were lucky, someone would find him and save him, but as the heat of the day was rolling in he accepted that his luck had simply run out and that this was what he deserved anyway. It didn't matter what he wanted, just what he deserved. Had he been better, made less mistakes even, perhaps things would be different and he'd at least be somewhere safer, less hungry, and only partially sunburned. Instead, the boy was absolutely dehydrated and his pale flesh now bright red from it's unprotected extended exposure to the sun all that morning. With his mouth bound shut and his ankles tied loosely together, enough that he can walk, but not run, by the ropes used to shackle them, he was tied to a smaller runestone, given only enough slack on his ropes to lay down.

Blood stained his fur among other things from dirt to bodily fluids from the punishments he had received the night before their departure, his fresh wounds only minor but left untreated through the night and allowed to clot into his filthy coat. He looked like he crawled straight out of a grave, and honestly he didn't smell much different either. Curled into the tightest ball in front of the runestone he was shackled to, he did his best to hide as much of his painful flesh from the burning rays as he could, his whines soft and pained as he waited for the inevitable.

"Speech."

Erystotle had been hesitant to return to the borders after he’d been attacked those weeks ago. He was fully recovered physically but not so much internally. Chimera had detected his hesitance and obvious nerves when they neared the edges of Fenmyre or if had to go near them. Erys was blessed to have a King who was so attentive and intuitive to him. Besides his adopted mother there hadn’t been anyone so concerned for his well being in his life.

That was one reason Chimera had so easily become a cornerstone in Erys’ life. The man encouraged Erys out into the world and encouraged him to lead them wherever his feet would take him. They’d eventually make it to the runestones, though Erys felt more distracted by Chimera by the day, walking in a straight rhythmic line didn’t always happen.

It was hard not to let the runestones capture his attention, and pearlescent paws carried him from Chimera’s monochrome side. Curiously he strode further, more confidence in his gait than there had ever been. He had Chimera at his side and there was nothing to fear. A scent that was all too familiar filled his senses, and horror overtook his expression as he was forced to pause.

Ghostly silver gaze landed on the battered, broken form before him. The smell made him believe for a moment that he had found a dead man. One who had been tortured in many of the same ways Erys had been. Then he heard the pitiful whines and sounds of a death soon to come, his jaw had already dropped but the glint of the sun off bindings. "He’s still alive.” He spoke unbelievably as he rushed forward, he knew a little about healing, but he didn't have anything on him. This man was close to death, and he didn't know if he could really do much.


"Erystotle Atlas"

Chimera didn't mind accompanying Erystotle out of the territory. Who could protect the man better than himself? Leaving Dalila in charge, the two-toned man planned to wander for as long as the former slave wished to. He needed to enjoy his newfound freedom and if this was the way that he wanted to do it, Chimera wouldn't keep him from it.

Keeping his strides slow, he kept pace with the smaller man. They walked in relative silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Each man was likely lost in their own thoughts. Chimera surely was. He was enjoying his time out with the alabaster brute, but his mind was always churning, thinking about things that needed to be done.

Having been lost in thought, Chimera hadn't noticed Erystotle peel away from him until an acrid stench struck his nose. Blinking, the big wolf stopped in his tracks, pink eye roaming until it landed on the panicked form of his companion. Words met his ears and he didn't quite understand them at first, but taking a step closer brought him in sight of the bound wolf."I suppose you'd better untie it then."

"Chimera Klein"

Although he had only been there since the morning, it already felt like days. This wasn't much different than what he was used to traveling around anyway. Kept in horrible conditions and only cleaned up to sell, shackled together unless given a job. The only thing different now was that he was alone. For once it was quiet, something he wasn't sure he knew about anymore even being partially deaf. There were always the sounds of pain, anger, or sadness around and that wasn't even including the sound of the caravan in general.

The quiet that surrounded him now was refreshing and scary. He'd never been alone before, not like this. Left alone to do a chore or a job, sure, but never alone. His nights were spent with the other slaves or his master, his days spent working. Loneliness was something he felt of course, but never like this. But that didn't mean he was excited when he did hear someone approach. He flinched and curled in on himself tighter, his whines fading away to be quiet but his body still visibly trembling.

"Speech."

Chimera had been lost in his own thoughts when Erys noticed the wolf ahead. He wasn’t ever the one to lead or break away before, but he was already changing under Chimera’s care. His movements were more bold than ever and he moved with a confidence recently acquired. The pearlescent man had a long way to go, but he felt empowered while he was at Chimera’s side. None of that was at the forefront of his mind as he raced to the tied up wolf.

The scene was hauntingly familiar and Erys repressed the terrible feelings the sight and smells created in his mind. He’d come a long way only to feel himself regress as he approached timidly. Chimera egged him on, telling him to untie what he had found. His movements were clumsy, his expression was worried, and he felt like for a moment he was tightening the knots and not loosening them.

Then all at once the poor man before him as free, and Erys realized he didn’t know what to do next, he stood frozen for a long moment as he watched the wolf that had been left for dead.

"Erystotle Atlas"

Mismatched ears swiveled and shifted as Chimera watched Erystotle frantically untie the bound wolf. He wasn't exactly the caring sort. Would he have left the small wolf to die? Possibly. Especially if it looked dead upon passing. There wasn't enough care within him to check and be certain. Erystotle was built of different stuff, however. The man was selfless and caring. That attitude was surely the reason that the bound wolf would live.

As Erystotle stood there, not knowing what to do next, Chimera moved up. If the pearlescent man cared, then the least Chimera could do was help. Leaning down to the stinking pile of wolf flesh, the giant brute carefully wrapped his jaws around the man's emaciated neck. With barely any effort, he lifted the sun sizzled wolf like a pup. Sure, sturdy steps brought the wolves into a shaded patch of grass, the overhanging trees keeping the blades nice and cool. Gently, he deposited the man into the shade, then stepped back and motioned for Erys to do what he needed to. "I'll find some water," the brute rumbled before turning and peeling away from the group.

"Chimera Klein"

Flinching with every touch, he didn't understand what was happening until the ropes were untied and he was free. As if they were holding him still, his body quivered more with fear than he already had been. If his jaw wasn't clenched tight his teeth would be chattering, rattling away in his head. He curled in even tighter on himself if it was possible after the ropes fell and his limbs folded up under himself in a way that looked borderline painful.

There was a silent pause then before he felt teeth in his nape, lifting him suddenly and causing a frightened yelp. He retained his curled position as much as he could with the gravity, softly whining as he was carried like a child with pointed teeth poking at old and fresh wounds. Although he was gently placed on the ground, much to his surprise, he refused to move from the spot he was placed and curled in on himself again. He deducted that these men weren't from the traders, but it hardly brought him any ease. Strangers were no better, a gamble that he was taught to never take.

Whatever they wanted with him, he wouldn't object. Old masters told him to stay, but if the new masters wanted otherwise then it was their call. He had no say in the matter.

"Speech."

There were whimpers and whines, flinching and trembling as Erys loosened and struggled to remove the binding around the man at his paws. Erys had never been treated quite like this while he was considered property. He’d never been bound, he hadn’t been left for dead. Part of him worried there would be no salvation for the pale wolf, his skills weren’t great. Erys wasn’t sure if he had the skill to pull him from the brink, but that didn’t mean he was going to give up.

As he debated what he could do next Chimera swooped in like he could read Erys mind. The pearlescent man stepped back to allow the King access to the bound man’s broken body. The shade would bring relief in its own right but as he was nestled into the grass he curled further into himself. Unfortunately Erys knew far too well what he was going through, and he just tried to be quiet and resist the urge to move suddenly.

Chimera relinquished him to Erys’ caer and excused himself to find water for them. Erys offered a sweet and appreciative smile before he could turn to go. "Thank you, Chimera.” He spoke softly so he didn’t startle his patient too hard. He found himself watching the massive King walk away, but a soft whimper quickly returned his attention to the mess of a man in front of him.

"It’s alright.” He whispered as he lowered his thin frame in front of the beaten man. Ghostly white eyes traveled over his scabbed and dirty form, deciding where he needed to start. "You’re safe now, relax.” He tried to soothe him with his own soft vocals. He knew the man wasn’t likely to believe him, if their roles were changed Erys’ wouldn’t have. Still, he’d have felt good hearing a gentle voice instead of the scolding ones of his master.

He was thankful for the supplies he brought just in case he or Chimera ran into trouble, it wasn’t exactly perfect for the task at hand but they were better than nothing. He had a little bit of pain relief, some soap to clean him when Chi returned with water, and his anti infection salve. "I’ll take care of you.” Erys promised as he hesitantly began to clean the man’s coat with a dry fur turned to cleaning cloth.

"Erystotle Atlas"

The shade was much nicer on his burnt skin, allowing allowing his eyes to focus better despite the sunburn around them causing him to squint and resist blinking. He could barely see what was happening around him from the bright lights, but at least now the shade would offer him some relief in a few ways.

The softer spoken man tried to soothe him with words, beckoning him to relax with the promise of being safe. What had he done to deserve being safe? These men owed him nothing, though he knew better than to assume a life-saving service to be free. If they saved his life, he would owe it to them. Living the rest of his life in servitude when he was content to it ending as the traders had. If they wanted to heal him, he wouldn't object. Punishment always followed after objection. So, as the man wished, he did his best to relax. He took a deep breath despite the pain and allowed himself to shift somewhat onto his side with his legs curled a bit looser against his scraped up underside as the other man began to clean his coat.

"Speech."

Erys wished hard that he had brought some aloe with him, he knew the shade would be relief from burned skin, but the plant’s properties would have pulled the rest of the pain from inflamed skin. After they returned to the compound there would be plenty of salve to soothe him. For now, he needed to see to his open wounds, hydrate him, and maybe relieve a bit of his pain. It seemed that at the very least he was receptive to his voice, even if it was only because he was trained to follow any and every command. Erys felt his chest tighten, he wasn’t nearly far enough removed from the situation to not put himself exactly where this man was. How much longer would he have lasted on the ship before he was in this man’s position? Used, beated, and left to bake to death in the sun.

The pale mane uncurled himself just slightly, revealing his wounds and relaxing as much as he could. Erys tried to keep his own emotions at bay, blocking how he really felt was a well formed habit. For now, his patient needed relief. "Here, if you can eat this…” Erys offered the pain paste near his nose. "It will help relieve your pain.” He promised quietly. It might even knock him out. If he was sleeping Erys figured fixing him up would be a little easier. Softly Erys went back to clearing the dirt and debris from his tattered fur.

"Erystotle Atlas"

Relaxing was difficult but he managed to a point, his skin stinging and burning from stretching and pulling across the ground and his sharp bones from his fresh sunburn and injuries. The shade was much nicer than the bright sun with the heat radiating off the rock and ground, though the grass wasn't exactly pleasant either it was at least better than before. He would have been content with them just moving him to the shade and leaving him, but instead a paste was put before his nose and they suggested that he eat it. Relieving his pain did sound nice and as much as he did believe that he deserved everything that had happened, he wouldn't ignore the request to eat the paste, whether it be a suggestion or demand.

Slowly he reached out and ate the paste, swallowing the bitter medicine reluctantly while holding back a look of disgust. Once downed, the weak man laid his head back on the ground with a weak sigh. His lids were already heavy, but as the pain medicine started to work it wasn't long before he was allowed to sleep.

permission given to kat and resin to pp luce~

"Speech."

Chimera discovered a stream not too far from where Erys and his foundling were situated. He stopped to take a drink before heading back. The water was clean, but the sun had warmed it somewhat, so it hadn't been very refreshing. At least it wouldn't shock the sunburnt wolf's skin if they threw him in it, he supposed. Making his way back to the pair, Chi furrowed his brow as he noted the emaciated brute was asleep. Coming up beside Erystotle, he nosed the pearlescent man's cheek lightly. "There's a stream not far. Do you want me to carry him there?" Given the affirmation from Erys, Chi nodded and set to work, though he was loathe to put the dirty wolf in his mouth again.

Gently, Chimera wrapped his jaws around the back of the burnt wolf's neck. Again, lifting him like a pup, the dire giant held his head high to keep the smaller wolf from dragging the ground. He then led the way through the trees surrounding the standing stones until they came to the little body of running water. The man's pink eye searched until he found a spot with a large, overhanging tree. It would afford them all some shade even while the small man was being cleansed. Padding towards the shady spot, Chi placed the wolf on the cool grass at the edge of the water then stepped back to let Erys do his thing. The man then moved upstream a bit and washed his mouth out. Chimera was a stickler for oral hygiene and the stinking man was filthy.

"Chimera Klein"

As much as the man struggled he did try to do as he was asked. Obviously he ached to much to think about relaxing too much. Erys just wanted him to know that he wasn’t going to hurt him. He paused for a moment to offer the pre mixed concoction. It wasn’t much, and he’d had to ask Siren to help him, but it was enough to tide him over until they could.. Get back to Fenmyre? As the once bound man took the prescription Erys’ ghostly eyes lifted to the horizon, wondering what the next step was. Did Chimera want to take him home? Could they leave him here? He’d die.

He tried to push the thought away for now as he went over his coat gently and before long he was asleep. Exhausted, near death… Erys hoped he wasn’t going into shock. Before he could do much more he heard Chimera through the brush, and he leaned into the affection the King offered. Despite the situation at hand he put a grin on Erys’ pale features. There was a stream nearby, and he’d carry him. It was better than what he was doing now. Erys nodded and stepped back.

He followed Chimera and his… charge, as they made it to the clear spring. Chi set him down near the water and move off quickly. Erys had been surprised th eKing had carried him a second time with how filthy he was. Again and again Chimera showed who he really was in his actions. Of course, Erys really only knew this softer side of him. It's what he had fallen in… It was what attracted him to Chimera.

Erys didn’t hesitate and swiftly got to work bathing the poor man. He’d use his fur cloth, wetting it before running it over his coat. Erystotle was careful not to aggravate his sunburns or disturb shallow scabs. He was gentle as could be while carefully cleaning his ivory and silver coat.

"Erystotle Atlas"

Having placed the man down by the water, Chimera did his thing, allowing Erys to clean the small brute and do whatever else he needed to do. The gargantuan man took the opportunity to rest in the shade while the wounds of the tied man were tended. A lot of digging needed to be done once the wolf was well and awake. Why had he been left there? Who left him there? Was there something wrong with him? Chimera would see him locked in a room somewhere until all of these questions were answered.

Once Erystotle had tended to the unconscious wolf, they worked together to sling the sleeping man over the dire wolf's back. It would be much easier to get him back to Fenmyre this way rather than carrying him by the scruff the whole way. Chimera's teeth weren't exactly soft. Once the brute was settled upon his back, the trio set off. It appeared that his time with Erystotle was going to be cut short.

"Chimera Klein"