“(Whoa. That’s a tree?)” said Ifrit in awe of the size of the first tree he saw.

“(Yup),” said Arnulfe. “(That’s a giant mangrove. It grows so big that you can carve into them and make a good living space without killing the tree. Avicelis’s one of those ancient cities built in and around trees).”

“(I really wish I can see them),” said Anubis. “(I’ve never seen a tree before. Still, the smell and the air are fresh here. Aushagen smells like fish).”

“(I’m glad you like it, Ani),” said Ifrit. “(It’s sure is a change of pace).”

The three reached the An’ah region after rowing through the lake for 5 hours, during which the dawn came on the lake. Due to the morning fog, they did not notice anything until they saw the outline of giant mangrove trees on the other side of the lake. On their left, Ifrit noticed the lake opened into a bigger body of water with no apparent end. The water stretched towards the horizon where they could see the yellow sun rising from the water. Rhynsa said the lake opened towards the eastern sea, which was still unexplored compared to the western sea.

“(Nobody’s planning a circumnavigation journey),” said Rhynsa. “(Not with the situation on both continents).”

As Ifrit had never seen the sea, Rhynsa told Ifrit to taste the water, which he did. The water was salty, unlike fresh rivers and stream.

“(You call it salty, but it’s not that much saltier than seawater),” said Rhynsa. “(This lake is an estuary where the sea and the river meet).”

“(What do you call that in Tragoria?)” asked Ifrit.

“Brackish water. (Perfect for mangroves. They have roots over the water and out of the soil for breathing. Can’t let themselves drown, right?)”

As Ifrit and Rhynsa talked, Anubis could only enjoy the fresh, slightly salty, air that was so different from the stale air reeked of alcohol that he was forced to endure during his captivity. In fact, the fresh air seemed to make his mind clearer and improving his mood, which also returned his senses to normal. He couldn’t help but smile.

This was noticed by Arnulfe, who prodded the Jackal’s back and said, “(You like it here?)”

“(Yes, I do),” said Anubis, still looking forward. “(Again, I…wish I can see it with my own eyes).”

“(Nah, don’t be like that, Ani. In fact, I bet that your imagination’s gonna cover it for ya).”

“(I’m sure it will, Arnulfe).”

As they approached Avicelis’s port, Anubis could hear people talking and some even yelling in Hordo towards Rhynsa. He could hear some hellhounds calling others that they found the ‘Jackal Prince’, which did not really make him comfortable since it was the thing his captors and tormenters said to mock him. The things he suffered in that castle cracked his spirit and traumatized him enough to be wary around strangers. But the strangers who helped him escape the stink hole deserved to be trusted. All three tried their best to be worried by his well-being. Their treatment of him was already millions of times better than what he experienced for the past 5 years.

As the Jackal listened to the noises of the people living in Avicelis, he felt someone prodding him on his shoulder. He could feel Ifrit touching his arm and said, “(We’re here. Come on. Let me help you out).”

Ifrit helped Anubis get off the boat by gently lifting his lithe body out. The sensation of being carried by someone else made him flustered. He was never treated this way before. Ifrit was gentle and kind, and so did Rhynsa with his witty remarks and Arnulfe with his cheery, friendly attitude. After years on the run, their kindness was the first honest thing Anubis ever had.

With everything that had happened to Anubis and Ifrit, all they wanted to do was to get a nice long bath and a sleep. Both were exhausted and covered in mud, dirt, and dried blood. Anubis was shivering as he only wore a cloak over his otherwise naked body. The hellhounds of An’ah, as directed by Rhynsa, then accompanied them towards a collection of bungalows that served as guest houses, which circled something that let out steam. The hellhound accompanying them explained that it was a hot spring, and it was a public bath. They, however, would want privacy, so they were given a bungalow with a semi-private hot spring behind it. Ifrit decided that it wasn’t so bad as the bath spring was small and quaint, not to mention private. Anubis wasn’t as sure and at first refused to bath together, but Ifrit gave a good reason to get the Jackal in the bath with him.

“(It’s not that bad if you can’t see who’s with you),” said Ifrit. “(And besides, I don’t think you’re fit enough to walk around unaided yet).”

They took off their clothes and decided to clean themselves up first using the cold-water tub near the hot springs, with Ifrit helping Anubis clean himself. The Jackal could not do anything but sit on the wooden stool while Ifrit scrubbed his back. Throughout this, Anubis could only fluster as Ifrit spoke kind words to him, even being concerned with his well-being. He never had a stranger assist him before, especially a male stranger. In fact, this was the first time he had ever bathed with someone else, both naked. However, the shyness was one-sided, especially since Anubis could not see what Ifrit looked like. He did not notice Ifrit’s unusual appearance.

After they both cleaned themselves up and got comfortable in the hot bath, Anubis, still shy and wary around Ifrit, said, “(Why…are you so kind to me? Is it because of my blindness?)”

“(Well, to be honest with you, that’s part of the reason why),” said Ifrit, being blunt. “(And because you look miserable. You’ve been through a lot more than I did).”

“(I…really must thank you for everything. I really wish I have something to give you as thanks).”

“(Just recover and have a good rest. It’s enough to know that I helped someone. At least I know I’m not the selfish hound that I was).”

Anubis was surprised that Ifrit considered himself selfish. From how he acted, it was far from being selfish. If he was, Ifrit would just leave Anubis to his fate, or rescued by Rhynsa since apparently Ifrit wasn’t part of the plan. Then again, the hellhound did eat a whole turkey without even considering him.

His kindness and gentleness made Anubis even more flustered, and his heart racing. He never thought Ifrit’s presence would made his heart race like that. Maybe it was the hot water that pumped his blood. He also imagined Ifrit, based on his sweet but gruff voice, as this hunky hellhound with a thick fur, but with a very kind heart.

Anubis’s tense body was noticed by Ifrit, who patted his shoulder and said, “(Hey, relax. The water’s not that bad. Just take a deep breath and exhale. Come on, try).”

The Jackal did so, and he felt lighter already. He soon relaxed as he felt the mineral-rich water soothe the bruises and cuts from the recent torment he endured. It felt so great, he almost wanted to doze off.

Yet, Anubis did not want to, especially when Ifrit started a conversation.

“(So, Ani…how long have you been out here? Did you lose your home 20 years ago?)”

“(You did, too, huh?)”

“(I didn’t remember it much. I was still a newborn cub when it happened. Someone reminded me of it).”

“(I still remembered being raised with my family until one day, everything went wrong. My father’s court was massacred, and my relatives were scattered. I could not do anything but run blindly, without help, and without a guide. Can you imagine how scary it is running in the dark?)”

“(Did you get any help?)”

“(A family raised me),” said Anubis. “(I learned survival skills from them. I honed my senses, learn how to kill efficiently, and soon enough, I became independent. Then, everything changed when someone said he’s a friend…and then the rest is history).”

“(So, did you manage to kill him? Was it the hound you used the heart-wrenching technique on?)”

Anubis, upon hearing Ifrit’s emphasis on ‘heart-wrenching’, couldn’t help but laugh at the unintentional pun. Ifrit chuckled as he saw how happy the Jackal looked, glad that he could find a way to raise the Jackal’s mood even further. The blind Jackal seemed so different than the first time they met. It was as if all the torments and abuse he suffered was gone with a simple talk and satisfying bath.

They soon talked to the point Anubis could regard Ifrit as someone trustworthy. He had already lost five years of his life running, with one in captivity. Ifrit, Rhynsa, and Arnulfe were the peopl he implicitly trusted ever since he was freed. Ifrit was kind and rather down to Earth, Rhynsa was witty, sarcastic, and good-natured, and Arnulfe was friendly, cheerful, and chatty. Then, it soon became clear that Anubis realized that maybe…maybe he could ask Ifrit about something more personal. He wasn’t sure about it, but somehow, he felt he could tell him about his feelings and why he was so tense and flustered around him.

“(Uh, Ifrit),” asked Anubis. “(May I ask you something?)”

“(Sure, ask away),” said Ifrit.

“(It’s about my apprehension earlier. I told you that I did not like public baths, but the thing is…I had this funny feeling, you know? Your touch is so soft and careful, as if I’m a delicate piece of work. I know you need to, but…I feel different about it).”

“(About what?)”

“(About your touch, but especially about your voice. There is a sense of urgency and rage beneath your calming voice. Rhynsa and Arnulfe, too. Rhynsa had this…cynical tone, as if his life is powered by sarcasm and wit. Arnulfe was more like a comic relief, but he is nevertheless friendly and sounded very optimistic, not to mention blunt and to the point. But, the three of you also had something you want to hide, like a dark past or a trauma. I can sense it).”

“(Ah, well, you see, both me and Rhynsa have a history together. It’s not great. He didn’t show it, but I know he blamed himself for what happened to me three years ago. Now that I’m alive, I guess he felt a little relieved, but not that happy, since it’s me. Can’t say the same about Arnulfe, but I have a feeling he affected Rhynsa in some way).”

“(You two were enemies?)”

“(It’s a little complex relationship from even before I met him. You’ll find out about it, eventually. But I’m impressed. You can read people just by listening to their voice. I heard of people reading expressions, but yours is more impressive).”

“(Well, you see…males are much easier to read than females. Which is part of the reason why I’m…drawn into them?)”

“(Drawn?)”

“(Like…a male companion?)” Anubis’ voice trailed off when he said ‘male companion’. “(You know…).”

“(Oh…I get it),” said Ifrit after much deliberation. “(Well, there’s nothing wrong with that. Hellhounds can be open about love. Not sure how the surface look at it, though).”

“(And do you think…)?”

Ifrit wondered what Anubis was trying to say before he became too embarrassed about it. He looked at his general direction with his eyes wide with anticipation. Again, Ifrit was smart enough to understand what the Jackal was trying to say. Unfortunately, he could only give him disappointment.

“(I know what you mean, Ani, but I’m sorry),” said Ifrit, apologetic. “(I’m not into guys).”

“(Oh),” said Anubis, disappointed. “(Sorry. I was being too direct. Forget I asked).”

“(No, wait, Ani. I’m not disgusted or anything. You just asked the wrong hound, that’s all).”

“(It’s fine).” Anubis sighed. “(I know you’re fine around me. It’s just…you’re the first kind hellhound I’ve ever met in a long time. Not just kind, but honest, too. I can’t help but wonder about it, so I have to ask).”

“(Yeah, I know).”

“(Then, let me ask you some question. Do you have someone you’re fancy?)”

“(I do. She’s pretty, and like what you think of me, she’s the first kind person I met on the surface. She was a Lycan, but…I caused an accident).”

Anubis, who quickly realized that Ifrit was talking about sex, exclaimed, “(You knocked her up?!)”

“(No! We were being careful not to! But I must admit. We’re this close of having a cub out of wedlock).”

“(So, was the sex, uh…too rough for anyone’s liking? Like...a lot of ropes, leathers, and bites?)”

“(I’m not into that stuff),” dismissed Ifrit. “(No, it’s something stupid. Her precaution worked, but mine’s not designed to withstand a hellhound. But, uh, considering how it broke, I guess you’re right. It might be a little too rough for her first time).”

“(And then, what happened?)”

“(She changed. She’s still a Lycan, but she lost her ability to transform and is stuck in here werewolf form, even though she looks a bit more like a hellhound with no horns. We called this a pseudo-hellhound form).”

“(And is she alright with it?)”

“(She took it rather well. I really wish I had more time to spend with her in that form before…shit happened. Then, I woke up, and three years had passed. I wonder if she found someone else. I’d be really upset if that is the case, but I don’t mind).”

“(You start to sound like a possessive boyfriend).”

“(I would if I have been around for three years. It doesn’t feel like three years for me. I’ll keep hoping that she’s…well, still available. If not, I’ll congratulate her. This isn’t the first time I’ve been rejected, too).”

“(At least it’s an amicable one).”

“(How about yours? Did he…?)”

Anubis’s reaction, which was an anguished face, told Ifrit enough. His first time did not work well. Rather, it was a disaster that started his whole traumatic experience. Out of respect of the damaged, blind Jackal, Ifrit chose not to pursue that line of question and quickly change the subject.

“(I…do hope you enjoy the hot springs),” said Ifrit. “(Can you feel your body freshen up?)”

“(Yeah, uh…I never thought the weird-tasting water can do that).”

“(Maybe it’s not a good idea drinking this water, Ani).”

Anubis was aware that Ifrit was trying not to cause him more distress. Personally, he was surprised there was someone who cared, unlike the monster who mocked him to no end and forced him to do his bidding, essentially becoming his slave. Again, he became grateful with Ifrit and hoped to know him more. It was a shame that he might not be able to go further with the relationship, but he was okay with becoming best friends with the kind hellhound.

They soaked themselves in the spring for a while before Ifrit decided to finish for the day and get a well-deserved rest. His body had recovered from the sores and cramps due to the hot spring, but it made him very exhausted. Anubis had a similar idea, too, mostly because he needed a guide until he got a walking stick.

The spring was a private place with its own bungalow, so all Ifrit and Anubis had to do was go out of the hot spring and dry themselves up. Ifrit quickly noticed a neatly folded bathrobe on one of the cabinets as they walked towards the door, with a note written in Hordo. Ifrit took it and read it.

“(I’ll ask for some new clothes tomorrow. For now, wear these. It’s proper inn etiquette. Have a good sleep. R).”

Ifrit smiled before he put the note away. He started taking the clothes and examine it. It was a one-piece garment that looked like a bathrobe, but thinner. It had no buttons like a shirt, but instead, the only thing to fasten the garment appeared to be a sash around the waist, with the rest allowed to flow over the body, much like a bathrobe.

After getting it on him, Ifrit proceeded to help Anubis wear the garment, which was simple enough for the blind Jackal to wear and fasten. The comfortable garment, along with how less constricting it was, made them feel like sleeping. Ifrit soon find the bedroom, which have one queen-sized bed. Considering that Rhynsa did not expect to find Ifrit, the room must have been intended for maximum comfort.

Then it became clear that they had to share the bed. While Ifrit was alright sleeping with someone else, he wasn’t so sure after knowing Anubis’s attraction. He tried not to think too much about it since it was improper, but he did not need to worry much after Anubis slumped onto the bed and quickly dozed off, completely exhausted. With years of torment and abuse he endured, a comfortable bed with soft sheets would feel like sleeping on a soft cloud.

The same was true for Ifrit, who never realized that his body was sore after apparently ‘sleeping’ on a cold, hard stone slab for quite a while. Like Anubis, the soft bed felt heavenly, and before long, he dozed off, with all his worries gone.