Bonds of Trust: The Outlander
Beneath the arching branches of the Dyrnis Forest, a figure could occasionally be seen, furtively moving from shadow to shadow and trying to not make too much noise. All that could be discerned, were one looking, was that it was large and of stocky build, though its height was hard to determine crouched low as it was. One could see it had a tail, and broad ears that came to a point, and a predatory muzzle as well. A quick sprint through an open patch of sunlight streaming through an opening in the branches above revealed a grey furred pelt with a dappling of irregular black spots, and a mane of black hair. The underside of its neck was a pale white color.
It was a gnoll, dressed in a leather jerkin; with leggings of some beast's fur, gloves that appeared fit for an archer, and tough leather boots that helped muffle his sound and yet left openings for his toes and claws for superior grip. There was a quiver across his back and a crude bow as well. At his side was fastened a rusty dagger. Whether it had become that way because it had been scavenged or simply uncared for was impossible to tell. The gnoll did not appear to be attempting to evade anyone, for he was not looking behind himself and his mane was not raised in fear. From his careful searching and sniffing he appeared to be hunting. As he moved about looking for something to take down and eat he occasionally would pluck a few leaves from a plant, or a mushroom, or various other things, and deposit them into a satchel on his right side, opposite of his dagger.
He suddenly stopped, sniffing the air intently, closing his green eyes and letting his sensitive nose point him toward its source. His ears flattened back slightly in worry. The gnoll, Avereth- though he normally went simply by Reth, as it was easier to say, grumbled to himself in worry. He had picked up the smell of smoke coming from a direction he knew that no gnoll clans currently resided in. That meant it could be something bad. Reth didn't like bad things. It couldn't be the elf-things, for they did not burn things. That was good; he didn't like pulling their arrows out of himself. But it could be the short bearded-things that would drive them out of their holes in the hills and dig for the shiny rocks, and sometimes force them to dig too. Or it could be the human-things with their axes who cut down tree and gnoll alike without hesitation. It had been a few generations since any of them had appeared, but gnolls did not forget such things easily.
He would have to worry about his belly later; finding out what it was was important! Reth followed the scent of smoke grumbling to himself at the misfortune of having probably found the scent first, no longer attempting to avoid the notice of any prey animals that may have been in the area, instead only focusing ahead of himself. While not the fastest of creatures, gnolls had quite a bit of endurance. He only paused once to bury his muzzle in the waters of a stream, and then to snatch a frog he had seen attempt to escape, which was gulped down quickly before he went on his way, ignoring the feelings of movement inside of himself that would be entertaining in other circumstances. While he was no longer hunting, no gnoll would ignore an opportunity to eat something, even if it was small.
As the gnoll drew closer to the scent of smoke he made out another smell and slowed to take it in. He growled worriedly as it was not familiar to him. "Hrrng..could be human-smell. Not good. But Reth not hear shouting and axes like they supposed to make." He cocked his head in confusion. Elf-things often came alone to make sport of tormenting gnolls, but human-things always came together. What could it mean? The gnoll decided he would just have to get closer until he figured out what they were doing. Only as close as he had to, for he did not like their axes if they were anything like those of the short and angry bearded-things!
It wasn't the best beginning to the long weekend. Bannor had planned for this camping trip with his two friends for a few months, really feeling the need to get away from the city and job and the basic crap of life. So when one friend got sick and the other bailed with some lame excuse, Bannor decided to go anyway, even if he'd be alone. He was used to camping alone, along with other outdoor excursions since his job required him to head to weird islands and strange forests to study odd animals or get samples of some goo for his scientist employer. But the past few months had been all lab time, and Bannor was feeling cabin fever bad! That's why he had planned this trip with his friends; partly just to get away again, and also to teach his buddies about the great outdoors.
Wimps, Bannor thought. He had three days to himself now, and maybe it was better his friends didn't come because they'd probably be whining about something by now. After getting his tent set up and other campsite chores done, he got a small fire going, even though it wasn't really cold yet. But he knew the forest would cool down when the sun dropped behind the trees, and he'd need it later for cooking. Stretching lazily and breathing in the fresh forest air, he striped off his shirt and tossed it towards the tent. It landed in the dirt but Bannor didn't care. He never wore a shirt unless he had to, and he didn't see any reason for one out here. The little forest creatures couldn't care if he was clothed or naked. Trying to remember where he had set his cooler, he rubbed his stomach, thinking that he needed to do more crunches to keep the abs he'd been working on. Recalling that the cooler was in the tent, he sauntered over and grabbed a beer. Then he sat by the fire, letting his mind wander and listening to the sounds of the forest.
As Reth grew closer and closer to the source of the smoke he continued to smell only one maybe human-thing scent. What if there was only one? What would he do then? Could he eat it? He finally saw a hint of smoke rising into the air in the distance, but as it was at a location higher up the gnoll could discern nothing. Reth didn't like this one bit and grimaced, but nevertheless he very carefully crept along the ground up the incline on all fours with his dagger drawn. He worked his way behind a rock with a tree next to it to keep himself out of sight and just listened. He could hear the fire burning, birds, rustling leaves, his nearly empty stomach, and what sounded like someone drinking something.
He waited a few more moments, not hearing anything that seemed to indicate there was more than one. If there was only one... Reth had never eaten a human before, but he had no problems with eating one if the opportunity presented itself. Or he could keep it as a pet and get it to do things for him! At least until he got really hungry, perhaps. But was it armed? He needed to see the layout of its camp before he tried to get it. The gnoll was about to peer around the side of the tree when a loud buzzing sound went just past his ear and something landed on his shoulder. Reth stiffened and carefully diverted his gaze very slowly to his right shoulder, only to see it was a rather large beetle, folding its wings under its shell as two small antennae waved around.
His opposite paw moved slowly toward his shoulder while staying out of the beetle's sight before suddenly clapping down over it and pinning its wings before they could open. He couldn't let his cover be blown by a noisy bug being startled by his movement! A sentry would notice the sudden noise and wonder what made the insect move so suddenly! But what should he do with the squirming thing? If he let it go it would make more noise... The gnoll decided to take the easiest course of action and thrust the beetle into his mouth, his thick saliva coating its wings before they could attempt to buzz. He made a face as the beetle seemed to turn into nothing but hard prickly legs scraping the sensitive lining of his tongue and quietly crunched it up with his teeth until it stopped moving. It still felt a little prickly going down, but his stomach didn't seem to mind the small addition to its contents. He might have to eat more of those...they tasted good...
Reth shook his head, remembering he was supposed to be finding out if the maybe human was dangerous to him or not. He carefully edged an eye around the tree and peered into the camp. There was a tent with some things inside, a fire, and one of what must have to have been a human-thing, drinking something. It was more uncovered than human-things usually were from the stories, lacking any sort of leather coverings or metal casing, and this one appeared somewhat muscular. The gnoll's eyes froze on the intruder's navel, unable to look at anything else when he had such an obsession with them. Reth suddenly wrenched himself back to back with the tree, common sense telling him that the human-thing would eventually see him if he kept staring at it.
He carefully drew his bow and an arrow, positioning it on the rock horizontally like a crossbow and pointing it towards the human, drawing it back. He held it like that for several long seconds while the human appeared still oblivious to his presence. But rather than adjusting his aim he was staring at its navel again. His paw twitched with an urge to touch it, and the gnoll decided he would capture the human-thing alive if he could as it seemed like it was entirely oblivious to its surroundings. He wanted to look closer at its belly now, and he might be able to take liberties with it he couldn't get away with with another gnoll because they just found his interests funny... Reth lunged on top of the rock with his bow still drawn and pointed, letting out a deep growl, slowly advancing toward the evidently shocked human-thing and getting close to it before commanding it in a loud voice. "You Reth's now, human-thing. No make Reth do bad things to you by fighting." He waited to see what it would do.
Bannor was trying to remember who had told him about this forest so he could thank him later. He liked it, and really liked that fact that no one else was around! Too many times had gone out to get away from people in the middle of a forest he thought would be deserted, only to have a family of noisy, whiney urbanites invade and destroy the quiet and trash the place. Keeping nature the way he found it was important to him. He was really beginning to think that his friends not coming was a blessing in disguise as this would be much more relaxing. Sitting by the fire, sipping his beer slowly, he continued to listen to the faint sounds of birds and bugs. His hand unconsciously rubbed against his abs again, his fingers fiddling with the trail of dark hair that led from his deep innie down into his shorts.
He paused when he thought he heard something - closer than the other forest sounds. But, then nothing. Another sip, and he considered that he might need to find more wood before it got too dark. Then everything suddenly changed! The quiet was broken by a huge animal, dressed in leather and skins, aiming a bow at Bannor and yelling something! Where the hell did that thing come from?! Completely caught off guard, Bannor dropped his beer and instinctively scrambled backwards away from the sudden threat! His mind was racing, as the shock hadn't allowed time for him to evaluate his situation! There's an animal in clothes aiming an arrow at him! "Shit! Shit! Shit!" was all he could think to say as he scrambled backwards, trying to make it to the tent.
Right, canvas would surely shield him from this monster and its arrows! All that was in there was his sleeping bag and a Coleman lantern. And a hunting knife! He has a knife! But he also has an arrow aimed at him and even if he could reach the knife, still in the tent, what chance would he have to use it? The animal was yelling at him! It TALKS, too?! Bannor was too freaked to understand anything the beast was saying. His eyes must've grown to saucers that he was unable to take off the intruder. Finally, his mouth went on the instincts that most humans have when weapons are aimed at them, and he yelled back, "Don't shoot!"
Reth had been worried when the human-thing appeared to be attempting to get into its shelter because he would have had to shoot it before it could find something to chase after him with. Human-things always did that when they hid in their shelters like that, he had been told so! But then it ordered him not to shoot! The gnoll growled in annoyance that it would dare to tell him what to do. "It Reth's choice if he shoot human-thing or not! Human-thing not give orders to Reth! Human-thing will be quiet and submit to Reth or Reth make human-thing submit hard way!"
He tilted his head sideways slightly to make it obvious he was asking a question next. "You submit to Reth?" The gnoll's bow stayed taut and pointed towards the human-thing, but Reth's eyes were anything but steady, glancing this way and that, trying to examine the camp and surroundings even as they watched his target. Were there any disturbances in the brush that indicated there were others who were away right now? The gnoll wanted to see if there were things he could use here or trade for things that he did need from other clan members. He was a little calmer than earlier but still tensed, ready to take action if he had to. He really wanted the human-thing alive, but he would not hesitate to turn it into lifeless meat with an arrow if he had to.
The words were making a bit of sense to Bannor now, at least in the sense that he understood what some of the words were. It was the meaning he was having a hard time grasping! He had stopped about a yard in front of the tent because the way this animal was looking all over made him think that any more movements might set it off. If this had been a person, Bannor would've assumed he was seriously disturbed - but whatever this was, it was far from human! Bannor kind of got that the beast didn't like being yelled at, and it called itself .. Reth? Reth? He also made out 'submit' a few times. Submit? What does that even mean? Bannor figured that if he didn't want an arrow through him, he had better agree to whatever this beast was asking. At least until he could figure out something else. But, survival first. "I.. I.. " he couldn't help stuttering from the fear, but tried to get control to save his life. "I submit! I submit! Please don't kill me!"
When the gnoll finally heard the human-thing submit he couldn't help but grin toothily in excitement while a jolt of excitement shot through him. It seemed like it spoke too fast, and it used too many words to say what it wanted to. He hoped it didn't talk very much if it would mean trying to rearrange words until they made more sense to him. "Good. No move, or Reth get angry. You no want Reth get angry at you." Reth slowly lowered his bow and removed the arrow, the tenseness leaving him as much as it did the bowstring.
They went back to their appropriate places on his back. "Human-thing be good now. Reth put bow away but he still has knife!" He patted the rusty implement as if to make sure his captive actually saw it. He still needed to search the camp but a question was in order first. "You sit still now and be good. You only human-thing here, or more human-things nearby? And what your name? If you good maybe I stop calling you human-thing!" The gnoll cackled to himself, finding the idea funny that he might keep calling it human-thing even if he knew its name.
The extreme sense of panic dropped down to simple fear in Bannor as Reth lowered his bow. The beast was making more sense now, but Bannor wasn't liking what he was hearing! But he did understand that he didn't want to make the intruder angry, so he stayed still and watched as the large animal seemed to be showing off its knife. "Great." Bannor thought to himself. "If this thing pulls out a gun next I'm gonna shit myself." A series of questions came next and Bannor considered proclaiming that an army of Marines was just over the hill, but didn't know which direction the animal had come from, and didn't want to get caught in a lie. "I'm Bannor, and I'm alone." He really started to wonder if he should be cooperating this much. But, he's still alive at the moment. Maybe this creature will just mess up his camp and leave.
Reth's paws twitched slightly at hearing the human-thing named Bannor say it was alone. This was turning out better than he had hoped so far! Maybe he didn't need to go tell anyone about the human after all... Surely Reth could deal with this one human by himself however he saw fit. He just might keep it around for a while. As long as it ended up in his belly sooner or later what did it matter if he amused himself with it for a while first? He didn't like its name though; it was too long to say easily. "Name too long. Reth shorten it so it easy to say like Reth's shortened to be easy to say." The gnoll thought for a moment, before pointing at the human-thing. Your name Bann now."
The gnoll nodded as if the situation was settled. He moved just in front of Bann and loomed over him, looking him over with a hungry eye, appraising him... He licked his muzzle before he started drooling and stole a glance at the navel again. Not yet...there were still other things to do... The gnoll kept an eye on Bann as he picked up the previously dropped can of beer. It had landed on its side and some of it had spilled out onto the ground. The gnoll looked at the colors and words on the sides with curiosity and felt the coolness of the metal with interest. He sniffed the opened lid repeatedly and decided to drink whatever it was Bann had been drinking. Reth tipped the can into his muzzle and was surprised how cool the liquid was. It tasted strange to him. It was not like water or juices made from fruits at all!
He quickly gulped it down noisily though he couldn't help but make a face, and he could feel it inside of him. It felt funny, but it felt kind of good too. And he felt less hungry too. He coughed slightly, the drink strong in some way he didn't understand. Bann looked like he thought it was funny. He hadn't heard Bann cough from the drink, and felt a little embarrassed. If there was more he would show him he could drink it without coughing too! The gnoll licked his muzzle again and patted his belly at the warm feeling inside. "Strange drink feel good inside Reth. Bann keep more inside shelter? Reth wants more! These all Reth's things now, so no lie or Reth get angry!"
This was too good to be true, Bannor thought! I can get him drunk and escape! Figuring he would need to be careful how he handled this, he smiled politely at Reth. "Oh, yes, sir! There's a lot more of the drink in the tent. And it's all yours, if you want it. Would you like me to get you another can?" He shifted in preparation to get up, but felt it better to wait until the beast told him it was okay. Bannor didn't want to make any quick moves at this point. A few beers in the animal and then it would probably fall asleep!
Reth shook his head and held a paw out indicating he didn't want Bann to move. "Reth find himself. Bann no move yet. Reth not trust Bann enough to let him move." The gnoll went around into the tent, rummaging around while keeping an eye on his captive at the same time. There were not many things to look through, but when he came upon the hunting knife he gasped at the quality, holding it up and seeing his reflection on the sleek metal. He grinned at Bann. "See! Reth know all about human-things! They always keep sharp things in shelter! Always! This good knife, very good! Reth will hunt much better with it!" He pulled his comparatively dull knife out of its holder and dropped it into the pack on his other side, putting the new knife in place happily.
He came upon the cooler and opened it, immediately recognizing the cans of beer. He eagerly tore one free and looked at it. It didn't have the little hole! There was a shape like the little hole but it was filled with metal! The gnoll began to get frustrated, hearing the liquid inside and yet unable to get it as he turned the can about in his paws. He finally growled and bit into the can with his teeth, dropping the can and lurching back when it began to spray on him. Once the fizzing had died down and nothing bad had happened Reth shot Bann a dark look and then licked what he could off of himself before picking up the can and upending it in his muzzle, gradually draining the majority that had not sprayed out down his throat. This time he managed to not cough, if only barely, and his belly felt a little fuller and a little warmer. The gnoll examined the other things in the cooler briefly, feeling the hard cold things that felt like ice but weren't, and peering briefly at various food items as well. He could eat those later. Another beer was torn free and Reth carried it with him back out of the tent and crouched in front of Bann. "How you get inside these without loud noise and mess? Biting not work. Show Reth trick."
This possible reversal of fortune allowed Bannor to calm down significantly and evaluate his situation. Being somewhat experienced in remote areas and seeking out new species of animals for his employer, he felt momentarily ashamed for his initial response to this large intruder. But in his own defense, the animals he usually looked for were much smaller, didn't talk, and certainly never pointed weapons at him. His wits re-gathered, Bannor was now scrutinizing Reth and considered that the beast was indeed dangerous, but not the brightest of creatures - even if it could talk: still an anomaly Bannor couldn't totally wrap his mind around.
Judging from the clothing and weapons it carried, he figured the large beast was either a lone hunter or part of a small clan. Both options allowed Bannor to hope that Reth would simply ransack his campsite and move on. If his intention was to kill, that should've already happened, Bannor figured - basing his assumption on animals he was used to seeing. He remained sitting at Reth's command, and watched as the intruder entered his tent, rummaging through his things before finding the cooler. Inwardly smiling that the beast was doing exactly what Bannor was hoping for, he stifled a laugh when the can Reth punctured sprayed his fur with beer.
Catching the menacing look directed at him immediately after let Bannor know he was right to not laugh. The plan now was to be as accommodating as possible and let this creature get drunk enough to pass out. Not considering the other implications of it, Bannor hoped that Reth hadn't eaten so the alcohol would pass into his system faster and allow Bannor to escape. So far, it was looking good but he had to make sure the huge beast drank enough, and not just a few beers, which could leave Bannor with a tipsy, and possibly more dangerous Reth to deal with. And, as amusing as he thought it was watching Reth squirt himself with beer, he was worried that the beast would waste more than he drank, foiling the plan.
So, it was another blessing when Reth brought an unopened can to Bannor, asking to know the trick to get into it. He cautiously raised his hand to accept the can, being careful to not make any sudden moves, especially now that Reth was this close to him. Bannor got a better idea of the beast's size - taller than his own 5'9" frame, and much more solid in build. The jerkin covered too much of the animal's torso for Bannor to see its musculature, but he assumed that a hunter like this would be in good shape, so attempting to overpower it was not an option. Holding the can upright in front of him so that Reth could clearly see, Bannor wanted to make sure he didn't sound too patronizing and accidentally insult the large beast, instead giving the impression that Reth was indeed in charge here.
"You are very wise to suspect that these containers have a secret trick, sir! And when I show you the secret, you'll be the envy of your fellow hunters!" Bannor smiled politely as he spoke, keeping his eyes more on Reth than the beer in his hand, and hoped by implying Reth had fellow hunters would cause the beast to reveal whether he was alone or not. Obviously, Bannor knew he couldn't ask directly as Reth had, and if there were more of these creatures nearby, the plan might not work. He slowly raised his other hand, extending his index finger clearly for Reth to see. "What you do is place a finger, umm, or claw, under this little part right here, and gently lift it." There was a "pssssht" as pressure escaped the can but no further noise, and no rude spraying. Bannor smiled at Reth as he offered the now-open beer back to him, holding it with both hands as if presenting something of great value. "You now know the secret that no other hunters in this forest know, sir." Reth seemed to be mulling over all of Bannor's bullshit, but took the can from him and inspected the tab and the hole. Feeling satisfied that his plan was working, Bannor leaned back a bit where he was sitting, and his hand unconsciously rubbed his abs as he watched the beast inspect its prize.
Reth took it as a good sign his human-thing did not try to complain when he requested for it to show him the trick to opening the brown-water holders. But it still talked too much. Why did it need to use so many words to say things? What was the point of taking longer to just say something? Reth wasn't even sure what a 'Sir' was, but the way Bann said it seemed to indicate respect. Perhaps it was similar to alpha or leader or master? He let off a gnoll laugh at the idea of being the envy of the other hunters. He would have to share if he showed them, and then he would not get to see what he felt like if he drank more of the brown-water. If he did not share it and show them how, he would be cast out for being greedy within clan grounds and not thinking of the group.
Out here he could do whatever he wanted though. The human-thing seemed to think he was laughing about its idea, but Reth didn't feel like trying to explain something like that to it. It would probably become confused and then he would have to explain more things to it since it didn't know very much. There was no reason to teach it anything when he was going to eat it. He still wasn't sure when he would though, but he could figure that out later. The gnoll watched as Bann showed him the trick, his heart lurching at the sound it made when opened, but nothing sprayed at him. Reth didn't understand why exactly it worked when he couldn't see anything pushing to make the opening appear like that, but it seemed simple enough to do.
He almost felt embarrassed for missing it but reminded himself that human-things were tricky and probably liked making it confusing like that. Why would he have figured it out when it wasn't even obvious how it worked? Reth took the now opened brown-water holder back from Bann, approving of how it was presented to him. It was being good so far, and if it kept being good like this it might stay out of his belly longer. He wasn't sure if it was just pretending or if it had come to accept that Reth was its owner now, but even if it was pretending, it would eventually become not-pretending if it did it long enough, so as long as it at least pretended to be good Reth was satisfied.
One of the gnoll's eyes was on Bann eyeing him again, though it would seem like he was just trying to keep an eye on him. He still wasn't sure how it would react if he was too sudden with his interests in part of it. Even if he had never kept a pet of his own he knew better than to push what it was willing to endure too far. Some things needed to be taken carefully or they would make the pet be a bad-pet and then there would be nothing left to do with it but eat it. The gnoll noisily drank the brown-water down before letting out a satisfied sounding breath of air and patting his stomach hard enough it could be heard sloshing inside. He testingly squeezed the holder of the drink and saw that it gave, and giggled as he crushed it in his paw. The crushed down metal went into the satchel at his side, the gnoll not willing to waste good metal that could be traded or used. He retrieved the other two and crushed them as well, storing them away.
Reth looked over the perimeters of the camp, nodding to himself and looking back over at Bann. "Bann pick good place for camp. Good view from here, hard to sneak up on. Reth only catch Bann because he not pay attention and keep watch! But maybe that good for Bann, arrow would be worse thing to happen!" Reth laughed at his joke because he didn't mention that he was going to eat the human-thing eventually anyway. But it was still better if it was not dead yet at least. No reason to make it a bad-pet by telling it. "Reth decide this good spot to rest for night. Bann lucky he pick good spot so Reth not have to make him move it to better spot!"
"It good Bann have food too, now Reth not need to hunt for meat! Hunt gear help hide Reth and make less sound, make bow string not hurt paw too. But it get hot and make fur itchy and not pretty. Bann stay in shelter while Reth get out of hunt gear. No want Bann think he can run from Reth; it bad idea to think that. After Reth out of gear he eat, and since Bann good so far Reth will feed him too." The gnoll shooed his pet into the tent with a gesture of his paws and kept an eye on it while he pulled his archer gloves off, revealing the black fur that went from his paws and part of the way up his forearms. He then sat down and pulled the boots off, revealing more of the black fur covering similar portions of his legs, and showing that he had digitigrade legs better suited for a predatory lifestyle.
He carefully removed his bow, quiver, and the belt holding the satchel and new hunting knife he had appropriated from Bann, setting them on the ground behind him and away from the tent. The straps of the jerkin went next, the garment opening in the front and revealing that the pale white fur that was slightly longer on the underside of his neck continued down over his chest and belly, though not longer as it was on his thick neck. Once he had his arms free he let out a sigh of relief, scratching at his arms and sides and getting the somewhat matted fur fluffed back out. The shapes of muscles could be seen shifting beneath his pelt, all over his arms, chest, and stomach. He looked just like what he was: a healthy predator toned by years of chasing and stalking prey to nourish himself- not massively muscular but as much as life required his body to adapt to.
His belly might have been taken for being slightly pudgy if not for the fact the fur going down the middle lightly outlined the shape of his abdominal muscles. The extra mass was in fact due to the fact that gnolls had adapted to be able to digest even bone with ease, but this was a biological fact they were not aware of. The leather pants finally came off and left the gnoll wearing nothing but his loincloth, a flap of fabric covering him in the front loosely and hardly even noticeable anywhere else since the cord was lost among his fur. The belt with the satchel and knife went back on, the gnoll unwilling to risk leaving the melee weapons out of his reach.
The bow and quiver were placed in different spots, ensuring if his pet went for one it would either have to threaten him with useless arrows or try to hit him with a fairly harmless stick. Furthermore, the quiver went under the pile of the rest of his hunting gear to make it even harder to reach. Reth stretched a bit, enjoying being free of the confines of his gear and having the warm forest air all around his body again. It was always very refreshing. Bann seemed to be looking at him right now. The human-thing was probably impressed by his physical prowess.
That was good, it would help make it know it had to be a good-pet. "Time for eating now. Bring out cold-chest and put somewhere near fire for eating time. After we go get wood for fire; there not enough for fire in camp. Reth going to get to know Bann better tonight." Bann probably didn't know why the gnoll let out a high pitched cackle then, but if it was nervous it would be a good-pet. Reth knew why he was cackling though. He was going to play with its belly after he had put food into it. Reth always felt more relaxed and willing to share warmth and pleasures with other gnolls when he was full, so the human-thing might be like that too.
Watching Reth down the beer was encouraging to Bannor, thinking his simple plan was going to work. But instead of getting another, the huge beast started talking almost non-stop! Oh, brother! Bannor thought to himself, "A talkative drunk!" He hoped that Reth hadn't caught his momentary expression of annoyance, and apparently he hadn't since he continued chatting on about who-knows-what. Bannor was only half-listening, trying to decide what Plan B was going to be, but caught a few of the beast's chuckles - so maybe the beer was working a bit after all. But less than three beers wouldn't be enough to incapacitate a creature of this size. And to make matters worse, now Reth was talking about eating, which would lessen the alcohol's effect.
While his mind raced trying to think of new ways to escape, Reth gestured for him to go into the tent. Bannor obliged, keeping up his act of faithful servant, or whatever the beast might think he is, and took a quick assessment of what the beast had done to his belongings. He knew his knife was now in the animal's possession, and he couldn't think of anything else that could be used as a weapon. He considered the lantern, maybe trying to empty the gas and burn the beast? No, that would be too hard to coordinate, even assuming he could get close enough to Reth without Reth suspecting something.
Besides, the tank didn't hold much fuel, so he would probably just end up causing the beast enough pain for it to kill Bannor on the spot. And it seemed that the beast was planning on keeping him around, so no sense messing that up until a solid escape plan was in place. He turned back to Reth before it became obvious he was doing something other than sitting, and watched as the beast removed its clothing. Bannor wasn't sure what type animal Reth was, but without all the extra paraphernalia on it, he guessed something similar to a hyena- only larger. Bannor had guessed right about its musculature and knew he would quickly lose any up-close confrontation.
He noticed Reth's abs and wondered how his would compare. He rubbed his hand across his stomach, flexing a bit for himself. His self-indulgence was interrupted by Reth demanding the "cold-chest". Bannor turned to fetch it and ran the inventory of its contents in his head: cheese, hot dogs, buns, raw chicken breasts, a few miscellaneous other snacks, and beer. Setting the chest a few yards from the fire, Bannor stood up and attempted to look meek. "Would you like another beer, sir? I could sure go for one myself." Even though Reth had stated his intention that they hunt for wood, Bannor wanted to try to delay him eating, and instead get a few more beers in him. "Beer is pretty good, isn't it, sir? It's a favorite amongst my people." Without waiting for Reth's approval, Bannor opened the chest and grabbed two cans, holding one out to the huge beast. "You can practice your new trick!"
Reth waited while Bann placed the cold-chest at the perimeter of the camp. Out of his gear he looked wilder, less tame than when he was covered with lots of clothing and carried weapons. Now he looked like something that lived entirely wild and free, the only indicator he was something more than that the fact he still wore the belt and loincloth. Bann came over and started talking again, the gnoll enduring it for the moment but thinking he might have to find a way to teach Bann to learn how to talk correctly before remembering that it would be a waste of time to do so.
He said nothing when the human-thing decided on its own to get the...beers? It was easier to say than brown-water at least. Human-things seemed to use more words than his kind did, but he was willing to learn this one since the drink felt so good inside him. Reth set his stance and look to convey disapproval. Bann was coming close to being a bad-pet by doing things on his own before he had earned the right. And it was unlikely he would earn that right before feeding Reth's stomach. It had done the action apparently to try to earn favor with him, but it had also taken a beer for itself, which Reth had not allowed.
He would have to teach it a few things even if he was going to eat it later it seemed. "Bann not being good when he do things without permission of Reth. Reth not teach Bann rules yet; he forget Bann not know gnoll rules, so it not Bann's fault." Reth smiled to reassure his pet and ruffled the fur on its head, gently scratching the hide beneath with his claws. "Reth not mind if Bann bring him food, Bann good pet when he do that. But Bann not get food for himself if Reth not let him. Learn rule and be good human-thing." The gnoll nodded indicating the lesson was over. "Reth keep beers in bag for now. It important to not be distracted when doing tasks. We get wood, then Reth will let Bann have one if he good and help carry."
Reth took both of the beers and they disappeared into his satchel. He started to turn but then stopped and turned back to Bann. "Also, Reth think Bann being too nice. Reth can tell difference between good-pet and pretend good-pet. Reth not care if Bann is not being bad-pet, but until Bann is good-pet Reth cannot trust him. Not know what 'Sir' mean, but Reth teach him new words that he think fit. Bann call Reth by his name or with master, alpha, or leader. Reth not care which Bann use, but no use alpha or leader if clan shaman or warchief present. That make Bann bad-pet and maybe Reth get punished, or maybe Bann get taken away from Reth. It bad to be pet to angry gnoll."
"Reth not hurt Bann when he bad-pet unless Bann is very-bad-pet. Bann not need to worry if he not touch Reth's weapons, or try hurt Reth, or try escape. Not like hurting when can be avoided." He smiled again and petted the human-thing's fur again. "Ah, Reth almost forget! Since he out of hunt gear he can wear charms again!" The gnoll opened the satchel that seemed to be full of really just about everything that one might need a pocket for, fishing out various objects with bones and teeth and stones attached. A necklace of bones and teeth went around his neck, and some bracelets with stones one them went onto both upper arms.
He giggled and dug around in the bag while glancing at Bann. Another necklace was pulled out, this one with a flat and rounded shell in the middle that had a marking on it. He put it onto Bann. "This have Reth's mark on it. This way Reth no need worry about other gnoll claiming Bann. Bann need one anyway. It make males look strong and proud. Not that Bann like gnoll females!" Reth cackled uncontrollably for a few moments at his joke before regaining his composure. "We go now, must hurry before too dark. Reth can see in dark unlike human-things, but it hard to tell good-wood from bad-wood then!" The gnoll headed into the brush and trees, making sure Bann was coming with him the entire way as he looked around for more wood.
The first few pieces were given to Bann to hold simply because Reth knew better than to make the mistake of being the one to hold it first. Once in a while an upturned piece of wood would prove to be wet or rotted, but Reth delighted in grabbing any grubs, worms, spiders, or sometimes larger things and swallowing them down. He also continued to occasionally collect leaves, mushrooms, lichens, seeds, and other things and place them into his bag. Once both had wood in their arms, Reth holding a few more pieces than Bann after taking a few from him to make up for the fact he had carried them longer, the light was becoming an orange color from the sun beginning to get low in the sky. Reth smelled his way back to the camp and had Bann place the wood in the same place he had put his. Now that the work was done he could relax with his pet. He sat down by the fire and enjoyed the warmth, motioning Bann to come and rest too.
Things were not going the way Bannor wanted at all! Not only was Reth not going to get drunk, but he prevented Bannor from enjoying a beer. That's two beers this animal had cost Bannor so far. But even worse, the beast was now patting his head and calling him his pet?! Bannor didn't mind acting menial to save himself, but being referred to as a pet for this- what did he call himself .. a gnoll? -this GNOLL was an indignity he didn't care for. Seething to himself, partly for being Reth's "pet", partly because he didn't get a beer, and mostly because he wasn't seeing any more ways to escape as it got darker; and even if he got away, he couldn't get far in the dark before the gnoll hunted him down. Bannor figured the best plan now was to learn what he could from the chattering beast- and holy crud, this guy talked a lot! - and try not to break any more of its "rules" during the night.
In the morning he could take new stock of the situation. Maybe Reth would relax his control a bit and give Bannor an opportunity to run. But for now, just cooperate and make it through the night. Bannor mulled over which title he would now use for Reth. 'Master' simply rankled his ass since he refused to call anyone master, so it was down to Leader or Alpha. Leader sounded too much like an old movie clich�, so he settled on Alpha. It fit because it meant 'first' or 'number one', and Reth was the first gnoll Bannor had seen so Reth was his Alpha. It was lame, but it worked and would only have to last until he escaped in the morning. IF he could escape in the morning.
Reth continued chatting and gave Bannor a bit of information about gnoll society, but it appeared that Reth was currently out on his own so Bannor learning about warchiefs didn't seem to do him any good here. But he was interested in the 'charms' that Reth pulled out because they seemed to have a high significance. If gnolls have charms, then maybe they were superstitious, and maybe Bannor could use that somehow. Not expecting to wear any jewelry himself, he bowed his head in respect. "Thank you, Alpha Reth." He gave a slight smirk in response to the gnoll's comment about him not liking female gnolls as Reth laughed at his own joke. "No worries there" he thought to himself.
With darkness approaching, they headed off for wood. He didn't mind gathering wood since he had planned on doing that himself before Reth took over, but seeing the gnoll eating some of the bugs made him almost retch. Holding in his urges for fear of being a 'bad pet', he simply looked away and thought about other things. Back at camp, Reth seemed more relaxed and even motioned for Bannor to join him by the fire. Okay, this is good, Bannor thought. We're bonding! Thinking that he was earning Reth's trust, he sat, and the cheerfulness wasn't as fake as the act he was putting on for the gnoll.
After a few moments of sitting quietly, Reth stretched both of his arms and arched his back, letting out a low groan as he did so. Afterward he opened his satchel back up and rolled one of the beer holders over to Bann. He carefully positioned the claw of one of his fingers as Bann had shown him and pushed up on the metal tab, tensing as the snake-sound came from the holder. The hole appeared suddenly to Reth's delight. He was eager to drink another beer before the good feelings faded further. The gnoll made short work of the contents before crushing down the can and putting it away in his satchel, followed by releasing a very large belch. He let out a sigh and rubbed his belly as new warmth flooded it.
There was no outward sign he had drunk all that he had yet in the furred hide, but he was starting to feel better as it was absorbed. He got up and opened the cold-chest, looking at the food supplies inside. It appeared to be mostly meat, but there were a few things he wasn't sure about. Well, whatever the other things were, Bann would probably like them more than he did. The gnoll began giggling when he saw what looked like a package of male-parts all collected as if they were a delicacy. But upon closer inspection he wasn't sure if that was what they were anymore. There was also the larger hunks of meat, though it was covered with something that prevented him from being able to smell it. There were plenty more of the beers too, and he removed several and set them on the ground in the space between where he and Bann had been sitting.
Reth opened his satchel and removed a few skins that appeared well worn from use and spread them so the worn side was facing up from the ground. The lighter colored meat and the things that looked like male-parts but weren't were placed on top of it, and the gnoll's claws quickly freed them of their coverings. Next he moved over to a different side of the fire and tore into the ground, digging a depression into the ground. He retrieved a branch from the wood pile and used it to scrape glowing coals and ashes into the bottom of the depression. Above this went a number of large, flat stones from his satchel. After placing the rocks he went back around to Bann. "We not working now, so Bann not need to call Reth alpha."
"Bann can eat as much as he wants; Reth want him to see being pet not so bad. Bann should eat until his belly stick out with food some so Reth not have to stop and feed him too early later and waste time. Eat like gnoll now." Reth looked at the other things in the cold-chest he didn't recognize. "Reth not know what these things are. Bann can have all of them. Reth not think he like most human food anyway. He mostly eat meat tonight, and drink beer. There lots of beer, so Bann can drink more too and feel good with Reth. Stones getting hot by now, Reth will heat meat on them. Cold meat not as good as warm meat. Bann can eat the human foods while it heating, Reth not mind." Reth sat down by the bed of hot stones and started working on another beer, taking his time with it as he adjusted the meat he had already placed occasionally.
Was his situation improving again? With it now near dark, Bannor was thinking that it might be too late for his plan of Reth getting drunk to work. Even if the gnoll fell asleep now, the forest would be too difficult to find his way out of. But Bannor concluded that getting lost in the woods might be better than being stuck here as Reth's pet. There were too many variables and Bannor was thinking that it might just be better to wait until the morning before planning any escapes. He took a breath of exasperation and sipped the beer Reth had allowed him to have as he watched how the gnoll was preparing to cook dinner. He was actually amused at Reth's expressions as he had dug through the cooler.
Obviously, gnolls had no idea of food packaging, so the hot dogs and chicken must've looked pretty strange. He noticed that Reth had checked out the hot dogs a few times and wondered what he thought they were. Suddenly realizing the obvious answer, Bannor almost spit a mouthful of beer out. Reth's method of cooking wasn't unfamiliar to Bannor, although he had never cooked that way. The gnoll was chatting again as he prepared dinner, and Bannor noticed how much calmer he was. Was it the beer? Reth had downed it fast, which would affect a human quickly, so maybe he needed to reconsider his midnight escape plan again.
Or not. He realized that the beer was hitting him faster than it should too, probably because he hadn't eaten all day. It was a light buzz, and took some of the edge off the whole situation he was in. He took a few more gulps to finish the can, then crushed it in the same manner Reth had, and offered it to him. Reth took it and placed it with the others in his satchel. Bannor walked over to where Reth was sitting and tending to the meat, and sat down next to him. "Ya know" he slurred just a little bit, "you got pretty good abs for gnoll. How much workin' out do you do? Mine are pretty good, too. See?" He leaned back and pointed to his own stomach, flexing his ab muscles to impress his new drinking buddy.
Reth's ears picked up the sound of Bann coming over to him and he turned and saw him giving him a crushed beer holder. The gnoll took it and put it into his satchel and watched his pet sit down. It was acting more like a good-pet right now, maybe the good feelings the beer made were doing it? He liked it when it complimented him and then had his attention drawn to his pet's own belly and watched as he flexed it. Reth crumpled his beer slightly it was so unexpected. The fact he could voluntarily control certain muscles to a degree was all that kept his loincloth from bulging out. He couldn't let Bann see he was capable of controlling the gnoll like that.
He took a hasty swallow of the rest of his current beer and remembered Bann had asked him a question. The gnoll forced his eyes back up to the human-thing's face. "Work-out?" He giggled, deciding what he thought the meaning was. "Reth always work outside. He not taking care of young or doing shaman-things! Reth's belly hard from lots of lifting, from hunting too. Reth have to hold belly tight in not feeling good positions lots when staying hidden from prey. There one other thing too..." He started to giggle to himself and picked up one of the cold male-part looking meats and held it in front of his loincloth, flexing his belly and hips and moving it back and forth in a very obvious imitation while pretending to growl. He started giggling again and put the meat back. "Reth get lots of help with muscles from that!" He laughed very loudly for a few moments, before calming down again.
"Yours good too. Reth not know any human-things strong like this before! They supposed to be weak but lots of them at once. It look much better than soft lazy-gnoll belly do." Whatever restraint he had had keeping him from doing it earlier was gone as Reth placed the flat side of a paw on Bann's stomach and felt over the muscles of his belly. The gnoll wanted to play with it more but there was still meat cooking and he didn't want to waste it. "Strong muscles. Good. Bann work hard like Reth does. Meat will be hot soon, Bann can feel Reth's belly if he wants to first, see what strong-gnoll feel like" Reth didn't know if his pet had the interests that he did, but even if it didn't he might be able to get it to do things he liked anyway without it realizing it. Having the human-thing feel his belly was a good start if it tried it.
Bannor was momentarily caught off guard by Reth's misunderstanding of his work out question, but the response struck him as funny and he smiled broadly listening to Reth describe the wrong thing before getting to what Bannor had meant. He was nodding in agreement until Reth picked up a hot dog and imitated humping someone with it as a stomach exercise. That was silly enough to be something either he or one of his absent friends would do, and seeing the gnoll do it struck him as hilarious. As Reth laughed at his own joke with the hot dog, Bannor was laughing too, suddenly feeling more relaxed about hanging out with the gnoll.
He was a bit tipsy, just enough to make things more amusing than usual, and mellower, so when Reth reached over and placed his paw on his belly it just seemed now like something a few buddies would do while hanging around a camp fire. What surprised him most was that he expected the gnoll's paw to feel much rougher than it did. The pads were soft and warm and almost tickled his belly as Reth felt his ab muscles. It didn't last long though as Reth was concerned about not burning their dinner. But his offer to let Bannor feel his abs in return intrigued him. Heck yeah, he wanted to check out a gnoll's abs. He wanted to see just how firm they were in comparison. Reth didn't follow his offer by leaning back to expose his stomach, instead bending forward to move the meat around on the coals, but Bannor reached over and slid his palm onto Reth's compressed belly anyway.
Leaning forward as he was made his abs impossible to feel, since his stomach was scrunched up, but Reth finished turning the meat and then leaned back while Bannor's hand remained on the now exposed ab muscles of the gnoll. Pressing through the fur, he could feel some pretty decent musculature and thought about how Reth said he got them that way. And then the image of Reth and the hot dog came back and he chuckled a bit. Feeling comfortable enough now, and thinking that Reth was accepting him as a buddy, the tipsy Bannor grinned at Reth, "All this from lotsa sex, huh? Heh heh!" He grabbed a hot dog from the coals and waved it at Reth before putting it back. His other hand was still on the gnoll's belly, lightly rubbing.
Reth felt excitement build inside him when Bann showed interest in feeling the gnoll's belly. He couldn't pay attention to it while he was making sure the meat wasn't getting burned, but after he finished adjusting it he was free to just lean back onto his paws and take slow breaths as the human-thing felt over his abdominals. He sagged back slightly and felt his head tilting upward somewhat, letting out a low groan. This was something he'd never had a way to think of how to convince another gnoll to do it. It would have confused them and they wouldn't have understood his attraction beyond the normal to it.
"Reth like that...feel good. Never done before. He hopes Bann not mind doing more later? Maybe Bann like if Reth do back too? Reth like how Bann's belly look, want to touch it more later. Not answer now, Reth want Bann be sure about choice. Since Bann Reth's now he can touch Bann's belly whenever he want to, but he like it more if Bann want him to. More fun that way, and get to do more often." The gnoll giggled when Bann referenced how he had said that some of his toning came from mating females. "Heeee, not just that. If Reth had female as much as he able he could start gnoll tribe on his own. Hee! Own paw not as nice, but it still make urges go away and feel nice."
"Sometimes Reth let other males do things to make good feelings and then do back. Nice to let others do sometimes. Still make lots of noise and have tired belly afterwards! Reth not one of silly males that like mating other males, but it funny to watch!" Reth giggled to himself more. "Meat ready by now, eating time. Can do fun things later with Bann if he want to. It important to eat when food ready, in clan if not hurry then all food in other gnoll's bellies before get any in own." Reth gently removed Bann's hand from his furred skin and got back up on his feet, moving to claim two beer holders for himself and using sticks to move the hot meat from the stones onto the hide he had laid out. The rest of the cold meat was then transferred onto the heating bed to warm while they ate.
Reth opened one of the beers he had retrieved and took a few gulps, really starting to enjoy the feel and taste of the drink, and welcome the warmth in his belly. He picked up one of the pieces of light colored meat with bones in them. He waited for Bann to seem to be settled and then decided to see what his answer to the earlier question was. "Has Bann decided if he not mind Reth touching him? Reth not able to help it, he like how Bann's belly look, want to feel it more." The gnoll then put the entire piece of meat into his muzzle and began idly chewing it, his powerful jaws perfectly made for crushing into the bones and pulverizing them. He waited for Bann's answer as he crunched on it.
Even though he was essentially a captive, drinking beer on an empty stomach had relaxed Bannor enough to not be overly concerned at the moment. He wasn't drunk, but slightly light-headed and good-feeling, and since the gnoll was being friendlier now- almost like a camping buddy- he just felt it was better to toss any plans of escape until morning. The meat was smelling good and he was hungry, and his hand was rubbing the abdominals of "his Alpha", who seemed to enjoy it. Bannor chuckled lightly at the thought of sitting here in the middle of a forest, with his hand on the stomach of a gnoll that had claimed him as his pet.
He was going to have quite a story to tell his two friends who bailed out on this trip! Reth was chatting away as he was putting the finishing touches on the meat, asking if Bannor wanted him to touch his belly more, and delving into how gnolls take care of each other. Bannor had been out on enough camping trips to know that things can happen that usually aren't discussed by the campers back in civilization, and was briefly concerned that Reth was planning on something similar, or even further! But the gnoll then said he wasn't interested in mating with other males, so Bannor relaxed again, figuring things weren't going to go too far, if at all.
He realized that if a gnoll the size of Reth did decide to mate with a smaller human, Bannor would be in bad shape! Maybe the beer wasn't such a good idea after all. So Bannor had Reth's question about touching his abs left to decide on. Reth said it was Bannor's choice, but did that mean Reth would respect that choice, or was he simply giving Bannor an opportunity to go along with what Reth was going to do regardless? Bannor had no qualms at all about the gnoll feeling his stomach muscles, and actually appreciated the attention since he was proud of the work he had put into getting them that way. And he was also open to feeling Reth's stomach again, too.
Except for the fur, the musculature seemed very close to human, and Bannor could tell that Reth had a nice 6-pack. As Reth finished cooking the meat, Bannor watched as he stuffed an entire chicken breast in his mouth and chewed on it, bones and all! He wondered what the gnoll was thinking as it watched Bannor eat the other breast by nibbling the skin and meat off the little bones. He figured Reth would see this as weakness, but Bannor wasn't about to chomp down on any chicken bones just to retain his honor to a gnoll. Apparently not concerned with how a "human-thing" eats chicken, Reth restated his earlier question, adding that he liked how Bannor's belly looks. Again, Bannor thought about Reth's comments on gnoll pleasuring, and wondered if one thing was leading to another, or was Bannor just over-dramatizing things in his mind?
Swallowing a bite of chicken, he looked up at Reth, "Sure, you can touch my belly all you want, Reth." He intentionally left off his usual "Alpha", not to show disrespect, but in his way, an attempt to show the gnoll that he wanted to be treated as more of an equal. Whether Reth would even pick up on that, Bannor had no idea, but he had decided that it would be a probable act of disrespect to refuse the gnoll's repeated request to feel his belly. Obviously, it was something Reth was interested in, and might take "no" as an insult, and Bannor didn't want to be in that situation. And since he enjoyed the feel of Reth's paw anyway, it really wasn't like he was making any sacrifices by agreeing. Reth was busy chewing and didn't say anything, but his expression looked satisfied with "his pet's" response. Bannor watched Reth chew the chicken breast. "It's unusual for me to see anything eat bones like that, Reth." Again, he left off the "Alpha", but continued to use his name. "I guess your body can handle it with no problem, you being a mighty hunter and all." Bannor nibbled at his breast some more. "How large of an animal can you eat?"
Reth thought things were going along wonderfully when his pet gave its assent to his request. Being able to touch it there whenever he wanted was exactly what he wanted to hear! Bann had skipped calling him alpha for once, but to Reth it looked like Bann was going from being a pretend good-pet to a good-pet in doing so. It was more likely for a pet to use the title if it wanted something or had been bad anyway, though some insisted on always using the titles as much as pretend good-pets did. He chewed more excitedly and stared at the human-thing's belly openly. Now if it only didn't mind the gnoll playing with its inward curving navel while he also admired its delicious looking musculature it might be the best day of his life!
The gnoll laughed as Bann pointed out how he was eating the bones in his meat. Its curiosity about how much he could eat was amusing too, though he wasn't sure if it would like his answer if it thought about it too much. He figured the human-thing would assume Reth wasn't going to eat it though since he hadn't already, despite the fact he'd had an empty belly earlier and most certainly could have. Reth tipped his head up and gulped down the lumpy mass of meat and bone, the mass briefly making a bulge in his shaggy throat fur before disappearing deeper into him. He smacked his lips and ran his tongue over some grease that had escaped before he answered. "Reth not know of anything else that eat bones like gnolls except snakes."
"Gnoll have strong jaws, crush skulls easily! Heehee! Reth's stomach make bones disappear, take longer if they swallowed whole. Sometimes he push back up skulls and big leg bones so not feel like he have rock or stick in his belly. Take longer to digest when big. Not feel very good when not with meat anymore. Bann not need to waste bones, give to Reth and he eat them. It not good for human-things to eat, bad for insides. Reth can eat lots at once. Gnoll bellies made to hold big prey if they have chance! Reth never done that since he help feed other gnolls in clan, but one time Reth and other hunters he know took turns swallowing big deer. It caught alive, wiggle a lot to try escape from us."
"Reth not first one to do, so when it Reth's turn deer was wet from belly slime and spit, but that make it easier for Reth. It more tired by then, not kick as much. It feel neat, Reth put head in mouth and pushed back into throat, it stretch and stretch more than Reth knew it able to. Could feel it moving inside whole way down into belly. Jaws so wide it almost hurt Reth. Reth had to lay on side it so heavy. Belly so big could see skin under fur and Reth's navel stick out more. Big enough to hold gnoll even, hee! It still move then and feel good, but even though Reth want go to sleep and digest he knew he had to let back out so other gnolls try trick too before it made ready to feed clan its meat."
He gulped down the rest of the beer he had and patted his belly. Belly not look like it can hold that much, hee! When like that not see muscle shapes anymore. Reth opened his second beer, really starting to feel good, becoming much more relaxed and calm. "That meat okay, bony though. Easier to not chew. Reth took the remaining two pieces of it that were already heated and put one into his mouth, tossing his head back and swallowing. His gullet flexed repeatedly as the entire piece worked its way down his throat. A few seconds after it disappeared into his chest a muffled plop could be heard from his stomach. The gnoll giggled and poked his stomach before drinking some beer and then making the second piece of meat disappear in the same way. A few more sips of beer elicited another belch from the gnoll, though he didn't appear the least bit concerned by it, nor did he make any attempt to hide it.
What is it about campfires that make people tell exaggerated stories? Bannor listened intently as Reth described the story of the deer, still nibbling the chicken breast. Initially he was a bit concerned about the idea of a gnoll being able to eat something as large as a deer, but then he realized that Reth had to be pulling his leg. Sure, the gnoll was larger than Bannor was, but there was no way something the size of a deer could fit in his mouth! Maybe he and his clan-mates shredded it and ate it - that would be totally believable.
When Reth then swallowed the other chicken breast whole, Bannor was a bit surprised and amazed, but still, a chicken breast is not a deer. So, he accepted the story as just so much campfire bullshit. Maybe Bannor would tell Reth a story about a maniacal killer with a hook hand later. What really got Bannor's attention was hearing the chicken breast splash into Reth's stomach! He'd heard a lot of stomach noises before, growling mostly, but never an actual 'splash'. Just how large was his stomach to have the room to make a splash? He looked at his own belly as he sat with the remains of the breast in his hand.
His free hand poked his stomach inward to see if he could prod any sounds from it, but it remained silent. He wanted to hear Reth's stomach splash again. Before he could ask, the gnoll had already swallowed the other breast, and it traveled down his throat and 'plopped' into his belly. Bannor thought that was cool, but wanted to hear it close up. Realizing he was done with his own chicken breast, he remembered that Reth wanted the bones, so he offered it to the gnoll. Reth was casually belching out some beer but accepted the bones. "Reth, would it be okay if I listened to your stomach when you swallow that? I want to hear it inside." As soon as he said it, he felt a bit embarrassed because it was a somewhat strange request. He sat back to see how the gnoll would feel about it.
Taking the bones from Bann, Reth giggled excitedly upon hearing his request. Reth liked playing with his stomach and making it make noises for entertainment, and of course feeling things trying to escape inside of it, but if the human-thing wanted to listen to his belly he was more than happy to share the experience with it! He couldn't help but smile. He also couldn't help but have to restrain a building stiffness with his groin's retractor muscles. Whenever he was eating for fun he was usually out of his loincloth and throbbing too. He could have pleasure-time later, after his belly was full of meat and beer digesting and he was more relaxed. Plus he wanted to play with Bann's belly and maybe his own too a little before that so he could think about it while he made himself feed good feelings.
That activity was one thing a pet could not be made to do with him. It could only join in if it wanted to. But there was trust involved with that, so he doubted they would do it together tonight, if he even kept it around that long. He didn't even know if human-things felt the urges more after a good stuffing like a gnoll did. Reth didn't bother responding verbally to Bann, but he did smile and nod slightly, motioning with his free hand then rubbing his stomach with it. His pet seemed reassured by his smile and came over. It seemed to try to get its head close to his stomach and yet avoid any other contact. Reth giggled at this.
"Bann act like he afraid to touch Reth. Heehee! Bann would freeze if was winter and he try to stay away from other gnolls like that. Touching good, reassuring. Show pet trust master and master trust pet. It not so bad..." Reth set the bones on the skin and pulled Bann up against himself, feeling him stiffen slightly. Reth waited a few moments and the stiffness faded away. Reth smiled. "See, Reth not hurting Bann for touching him. Probably feel good. Soft and warm yes?" The gnoll gently pressed the side of Bann's head to his stomach and then kneaded one of his shoulders, occasionally moving down to rub his chest and belly. His other arm was tending the meat he had recently placed to heat. It was going slower since the embers were not as hot now, but he wanted some time to have some fun eating with Bann.
"Hee! Bann probably hear things now Reth not able to hear. Maybe Bann hear Reth's heart, or breathing, or belly-sounds? Can only hear when close to others. Reth almost jealous, hee! Lucky pet!" He picked back up the bones, pulling a few free from one another so that they wouldn't get stuck anywhere. The pile then went into his mouth, the gnoll's lips sealing around them as his tongue worked them this way and that. Finally satisfied, he swallowed, having to take several to get them deep enough to start moving. They were moving rather slowly with so little for his throat to grip on, so Reth picked back up his beer and took a few gulps to get the bones moving. Reth could feel them progressing deeper and even knew when they began dropping into his stomach, making little noises. "Ahh, beer help with swallowing."
Reth leaned back slightly, not finished eating yet but taking a short break to enjoy having Bann listen to his stomach, able to hear the sounds it made as it worked that even the gnoll's sensitive ears wouldn't be able to pick up. "This nice, Reth glad Bann ask to do this. Bann still need to eat though. When he ready to move off anyway. When Reth told him to eat like gnoll he mean it! Hee! If Bann's stomach not hard with food soon then Reth will have to make him eat like when pups want play and not eat." Reth giggled at the slightly chiding remark. He really would feed Bann if he had to though, his belly needed to be very full after eating-time or they would waste time the next day because he was hungry again too soon. Reth swallowed down the rest of his beer and then relaxed back onto his paws to let Bann stay where he was as long as he wanted to.
His momentary embarrassment at asking such an odd request quickly dissipated when Reth accepted with enthusiasm. Being cautious of their Alpha-pet relationship, and simply not being used to touching such large animals, Bannor positioned himself on all fours, lowering his head a bit so that his ear was against the gnoll's belly, and made sure no other parts of his body touched. He was quickly pulled in by the laughing Reth who let him know that touching was not only okay, but expected. With a large paw pushing his head into the fur of the gnoll's belly, Bannor had to counter balance himself by wrapping one arm around Reth's waist, and his other hand lay on his belly directly in front of his face.
Reth seemed satisfied with Bannor's new position and began rubbing the human's shoulder as he ate the bones and gulped the beer. Bannor got a fantastic sound show! By itself, Reth's stomach was making gurgling noises, and every time something went down his throat it created new sounds for Bannor to enjoy. He pressed is head in a bit more, snuggling it in an effort to push past some of the fur that slightly muffled the noises within. His hand rubbed the fur around a bit too. The gnoll was very warm, and Bannor easily understood Reth's comment about needing body heat in the winter, although he wondered how a band of gnolls would all lay together. As Reth swallowed more bones, Bannor heard the 'gulp' that came from the throat muscles, and noticed something unexpected.
The loin cloth moved upward in a jerking motion a few times before receding. Bannor wondered if it was due to his rubbing Reth's abs, or from Reth's eating. The movement stopped and all that Bannor could think was if the gnoll was planning on any of the "activities" he had talked about earlier. His concerns were interrupted by Reth insisting that Bannor eat more. Even though he hadn't eaten all day, the chicken seemed enough to fill him, and he didn't see any reason to stuff himself when the food was supposed to last three days. He snuggled in a bit more into Reth's belly, no longer as entertained by the sounds as it simply felt good to feel his face press against the muscles and fur. His hand moved slowly back and forth and he noticed an indentation.
Gnolls had belly buttons? Bannor was amused by this and gently moved his index finger round the edge of the fur-covered hole. His head suddenly bounced a bit against the belly as Reth took in a quick breath. Bannor chuckled softly at the reaction and let the tip of his finger work past the fur and into the hole. He felt more movement via the gnoll's belly and figured this was tickling Reth. He laughed and stopped, lifting his head and twisting so he could look up at Reth. He just smiled for a moment. "Hey, Reth, I really don't need to eat any more tonight. We can save the food for tomorrow." He poked Reth dead center in the belly to playfully make his point.
Reth did not expect Bann to start touching the rim of his navel, taking a surprised breath and tensing slightly. The human-thing was probably just being silly. If it was already feeling his stomach it wasn't beyond the possibility of amusing itself with the lump of flesh held just below the rim of skin on the middle of his belly. The way it was only just touching it and lightly brushing the hairs tickled. Bann seemed amused and looked up at the gnoll's face, telling him he didn't want any more to eat and prodding Reth's belly. Reth was feeling too good from the beer to really argue about it, but he did give a somewhat exasperated sigh. "Bann would always be very skinny if he was a gnoll, hee! Reth let him get away with for now, but he will see there no reason for worry about supplies."
"Reth catch enough prey to feed himself and others too, important to eat lots and stay strong! He can spare time for feeding Bann in morning, but Reth not feeling like he quite finished with more meat hot and ready now!" Reth stretched an arm to the side and retrieved yet another beer. He loved this drink so much! It was making him feel really good and it seemed like everything was more fun. He wondered why his vision was getting a little funny though. By this point the heating stones were about as warm as the meat on them, the gnoll knowing fairly well how to gauge how much layering of embers was needed. "Reth going to show Bann how gnolls eat. Hee!"
The gnoll's stomach right now only protruded a little bit, its expansive size requiring more to show on the outside. The beer was opened and set to the side. "Reth save Bann some of funny looking meat things for later, but he eating rest." He grabbed some of the meat with bones in it- it was probably from a bird judging from how easy the bones had been to chew, and tossed it into the air, his jaws opening and snapping closed over it as it fell. It practically went into his throat on its own velocity and Reth helped it along with some beer. There were plenty of the male-part looking meat, so Reth grabbed the four that had just been heated in his paw, deciding to leave the other four for Bann. He licked one, finding the flavor to be strange, not like any meat he had tasted before.
The gnoll shrugged and slipped it into his mouth, the long shape easily slipping back into his throat and down, not even noticeable in his neck fur. A few moments later he made a surprised sound and then started giggling to himself and rubbing his stomach. "Meat-thing go down so fast Reth feel it push hard on inside of stomach. Felt funny, like it trying escape. Should get Bann to try frog tomorrow, see face when he feel it jumping inside. Hee! It feel kind of like that." Reth went back to eating, the meat-things going into him one after another in succession. He waited for the expected lurches in his stomach and giggled, helped along by the beer to find it funny. By the time the other three pieces of bird meat were in him Reth's stomach was very noticeably distended.
There was still half of his beer left, so he upended it and let it drain down his gullet, the extra mass entering his stomach feeling good. Reth burped and sighed, loving the pressured feel of his stomach having lots of food in it and leaning back. He rocked his belly left and right a few times and giggled as the mixture of beer and meat chunks and air sloshed around. One of his paws pressed at his stomach as he did it. "Reth feel meat sometimes moving inside, it funny! Reth done now, leaving some meat for Bann later." Increasingly under the effects of his bellyful of beer, Reth stopped paying so much attention to his retractor muscles and he let himself partially unsheath, tenting his loincloth very obviously. The satisfied gnoll wasn't even aware of it at the moment, simply resting far back enough now he was nearly on his back with a happy look on his face, panting slightly with his tongue lolling out.
Outside of watching Reth eat bugs and spiders earlier, the only other thing that really freaked Bannor out was the suggestion that he eat a live frog so he could feel it in his stomach! Never certain how much of what the gnoll says is serious conversation or just rambling, Bannor figured that if it was brought up again tomorrow, he'd figure a way to talk his way out of it. But for eating things, he was enjoying the show that Reth was putting on for him. The hot dogs were particularly funny as the gnoll slipped each one into his mouth and swallowed it whole. Bannor wondered if he could swallow one like that.
After Reth was done eating his, Bannor took one that had been set aside for him. He put the end in his mouth, fighting the instinct to bite it, and started to slide it in over his tongue. Hitting the back of his throat felt weird and he pushed it a bit harder to force it further, but his gag reflex kicked in and he nearly coughed it out of his mouth. He tried to look nonchalant and didn't know if Reth had been watching him or not. He hoped not. Reth had talked about hunting for more food - enough for him and others- and Bannor assumed he was the other Reth was referring to. So, they really were bonding, he thought. Reth wants to keep him around. That was a pleasant thought to Bannor's slightly tipsy mind. And if he hadn't been tipsy, he might've noticed that the gnoll was very possibly going to get itself drunk enough for Bannor's earlier plan to work.
But he had already given up on it, so he wasn't thinking towards that goal anymore. He put tip the hot dog back in his mouth and held it there for a moment, like a cigar, glancing at Reth. When Reth glanced back, Bannor sucked it in halfway - not wanting to repeat the gagging - and bit the end off in his mouth and chewed it, while the rest stayed between his lips. Swallowing that part in a big gulp, he sucked in the rest of the dog and chewed it to mush before sending it to his belly. Not nearly as entertaining a way to eat as the gnoll. Bannor looked down at his own belly, no noticeable change at all from the chicken and hot dog, unlike Reth's belly which was bulging from all he had eaten. Bannor wondered if that much food was making more noises, and he kept his eye on it as Reth laid back to relax.
And he noticed the loin cloth moving again, only this time it was held up by an obviously stiffened shaft underneath. Smiling at the thought of Reth getting a boner from eating, Bannor wondered how big the member was under the cloth. He didn't really know much about animal's reproductive bits, and assumed that the size of the animal probably related to the size of the organ. Given Reth's overall size, Bannor figured it was probably pretty large. The gnoll's tongue was lolling out of his mouth and Bannor wondered if he planned on sleeping now. Still seemed a bit early, but then, Bannor wasn't a gnoll. Maybe they sleep earlier than humans. He walked over and sat down next to Reth to see if the gnoll was going to break into another endless monolog. He glanced at Reth's eyes with a "what's next?" expression, but out of the corner of his eye he saw the loincloth jump.
Reth didn't really pay too much attention to Bann, though he was aware he might be eating something- and good, because he needed to learn to eat more. Just because his fate was to be meat for the gnoll didn't mean that he didn't care if Bann was hungry because he didn't eat more like the gnoll had instructed. Eventually Bann came over beside Reth, stirring him from an increasingly beer influenced stupor. Bann was looking at him like he expected something. A few increasingly sluggish wheels turned in the gnoll's head and then he remembered their having to stop feeling one another's stomachs to eat. The excitement stirred him in good ways. It also helped him push off the effects of the beer and sit back up. "Hee, Reth almost forget what we were doing before eating. Reth still want to play with Bann's belly, and maybe Bann want to play with Reth's too? Reth like that lots. The gnoll scratched at his side idly a few moments and then turned himself slightly, his eyes focusing on Bann's belly and fixating.
He finally looked back up at Bann, standing up and moving beside him, still unaware how precariously close he was to losing his modesty, especially with Bann at a lower position. "Reth think this work best if Bann lean back far on hands, or even lay on back. More comfy, and easier for Reth to look and feel too. Reth waited for Bann to do that, his pet choosing to just lean back and watch him. Reth kneeled down by his side eagerly and took a moment to just look at the muscular shapes in front of him for a moment, watching them rise and fall with Bann's breathing. He thought it would have looked better with enough food inside to show it was full, but maybe another time. He took in the shapes the muscles made in the skin, the patterns of thin fur the human-thing seemed to have in some places, the play of the light of the fire on the curvatures of the skin, and of course to look at Bann's navel.
He finally placed a paw over Bann's stomach, feeling the warmth and smoothness of the skin, and drawing it over the bumps of muscles, back and forth several times. He leaned in closer and brought his second paw down, actively feeling the skin, rubbing it around and massaging at the muscles, pressing in slightly. Reth giggled and leaned his head down, putting an ear over Bann's stomach and listening. He could hear his heart beating, and the sound of him breathing so close with his sensitive ears, and the sounds of things in his belly. His listened for a while, entirely enjoying the new experience, before going back to feeling and massaging again. Helped along by the beer, the gnoll sniffed at Bann's stomach, his cool nose and the short fur of his muzzle bumping against the warm skin. It worked its way down, reaching the navel eventually and blowing humid gusts of warm air into it.
Reth couldn't resist anymore and his long tongue slipped out of his muzzle, working over Bann's belly in much the same way his paws had, sliding over skin and pressing into muscle, but also tasting the skin and leaving a thin layer of saliva glistening in the firelight. His tongue moved all over the belly and sides, going over all of the exposed skin it could reach, finally nudging into Bann's navel and finding its way to the bottom. The gnoll was curious about the inward shape of the hole, since his own stuck out just a bit and he'd never gotten to examine other gnoll's belly buttons like he wanted to. The tongue pressed down against the bottom and felt over the sides, cramming itself into the space and tasting the flavors it found there. Reth started to suck on the opening slightly with his muzzle, his teeth gently nibbling at the skin around the opening. His eyes were closed as he experienced it entirely by taste, smell, and sensation. This was entirely arousing to the gnoll, his dark colored shaft easing out further slowly until enough had been exposed from his sheath for it to bend down under its own weight, making the tent in his loincloth disappear but also cause a bit of the dark somewhat pointed tip to show itself below the fabric.
As Reth sucked and pressed in against the navel with his tongue, he started rubbing Bann's sides and belly again, kneading with his paws and trying to make him feel good. It seemed to be working as Bann seemed to have slumped back further. It was several minutes before Reth finally drew back, licking his chops and admiring the way his saliva made Bann's abdominal contours all the more visible in the fading firelight. It looked very nice, and it also looked delicious too, making him lick his muzzle some more. The gnoll let out an immensely satisfied sigh and sat back, leaning on his paws with his legs bent at the knee and splayed open. He was vaguely aware that things were feeling a little cool in his groin region but didn't think to check why. "Mmmm...that nice...Reth liked that lots... Reth would like it if Bann do same with him, but he not force him to if he not want to..." Reth moved enough to have space to lie on his back, arms crossed behind his head, and relaxed. He hoped Bann would return the favor, but he was happy with what he had experienced already if he didn't.
Bannor had mostly forgotten that Reth had said he wanted to rub his belly more, but was happy to let the gnoll do so. The paw had felt nice before, so he expected more of the same. At Reth's urging, he laid back, propping himself up so he could watch. The gnoll kneeled at his side and appeared to be admiring Bannor's abs, which Bannor appreciated since he worked hard on them, and any compliments to them were nice. The paw that came to rest on his belly was warm, as expected, but something about the touch caused a tingle deep in Bannor's gut. He couldn't explain it, it just felt like the warmth from the paw transcended through his stomach. Leaning back a bit more to enjoy the attention his stomach was getting, he was startled by the sudden change when Reth put his ear to his belly.
The fur tickled a bit, but Bannor tried to keep from laughing or moving around too much. But when the nose came in contact with him, he took in a sharp breath from the sudden coldness. And then came the tongue! Warm and wet, it caused Bannor to shudder a moment while he took in the new feeling. For a brief moment, he thought that Reth was going to eat him, but that quickly went away when it became obvious to Bannor that Reth was enjoying himself! Feeling his deep belly button stuffed with gnoll tongue had him nearly grabbing for Reth's head to push him in deeper, but he wasn't sure of his limitations here, so he grasped at the dirt instead. After a while of bliss, Reth stopped and offered him a chance to do the same. Bannor had already planned on feeling the gnolls ab muscles again, but hadn't been prepared for the tongue part - so he wasn't sure how far he'd go.
But he signaled to Reth that he was wanting to reciprocate and the gnoll was already laying back, arms behind his head for support. As Bannor skootched over to his side, he realized that Reth was in a very vulnerable position. If Bannor had a weapon, he could easily do deadly damage, so it felt good to Bannor that Reth was trusting him enough to be this exposed. And speaking of exposed, when Bannor got to the gnoll's side, he saw that the loincloth was doing a poor job of covering anything. He caught a good look at the semi-erect gnoll member and realized that his earlier assessment of size was off. This was larger. Not wanting to be caught staring, Bannor turned back to Reth who didn't really seem to be watching him at all, just laying back, relaxing. He looked down at the belly in front of him, seeing that the abs were a bit stretched out from the meal inside.
With both hands, he placed one below where the navel was hidden under fur, and the other above, closer to Reth's ribs, and started a slow rubbing in wide circles. Feeling the fur shifting under his hands felt nice, and he pressed a bit more to reach down to the muscles, bending his fingers. The gnoll's stomach was strong but relaxed. Bannor could tell that when Reth wanted, his stomach would probably feel like a block of solid wood. But for now, it was relaxed so that Bannor could massage all the muscles individually. He took two fingers together to rub a circle around the still-hidden navel, slowly decreasing the circle's size so that the finger eventually found their target. Bannor felt a reaction from Reth, so he decided to play in this area a while.
His fingers slipped through the fur and connected with the skin, and Bannor could feel the shape of Reth's belly button. It was a shallow indentation that had a mound in the center resulting in an almost flat navel. He let his fingers explore and he leaned in to get a look at it, now that some of the fur was pushed out of the way. He thought he felt another reaction from Reth and he grinned as his face was now just a few inches above the gnoll's belly. He had expected there to be more of a dirty animal scent, but found the smell to be not offensive at all. He sniffed his nose a bit closer while his fingers still moved about the navel. Then he let his hands flatten against the muscular belly and move apart, leaving room for his face, which he pressed into the middle of Reth's stomach. He wasn't even sure why, it just felt the thing to do.
He rubbed his face around, feeling the fur, and felt the navel under his nose. Opening his mouth, he let his tongue slide out and lick the fur over it, tasting the gnoll for the first time. He was sure he got a reaction from Reth this time, so he pushed his tongue through the fur to take laps at the belly button itself. It tasted musky, if musky is a taste, but again, it wasn't unpleasant at all. And the more the gnoll seemed to enjoy it, the more Bannor wanted to lick it because he liked the reaction Reth was giving. Both hands were also busy rubbing, with the one moving up to the ribcage and exploring that a bit. The other hand was on Reth's lower abdomen, rubbing the soft fur and muscles there. Bannor's tongue was exploring the tasty belly button, pushing it inward and probing into every crease it could find. He could feel Reth nearly lurching under him, and he grinned as he licked and nibbled. Reth's movements caused Bannor's hand to shift a bit lower than intended, and he felt something tap the top of it - very warm, and very stiff!
His relaxation interrupted in a good way, Reth felt Bann's hands come to rest on his softly furred belly and begin moving gently over it. The relaxing motions became more confident after a few moments, pressing deeper into the gnoll's hide into the muscles. Reth was in bliss finally getting someone to do this and closed his eyes, having no cares for the moment but the feel of his pet's hands working on him. The gnoll began to groan happily when he felt Bann's fingers tracing around where his navel was. The fingers worked deeper into the gnoll's fur, touching the skin beneath directly now as they pressed into the opening somewhat hidden beneath his pelt. Reth's face took on an almost silly looking cast as he felt Bann examining the knot of flesh in the center of his navel, experiencing a near sensory overload from the whole experience, his entire form giving a muscular shiver. His retractor muscles fully relaxed then and the remaining length of his member emerged from within his body into the open, though it still remained fairly flaccid.
The drunk Reth still had no idea it had come out at all, just making low whimpers and groans, his muzzle slightly open as he breathed through his mouth. The feeling of the hands eventually moved apart and away, and Bann's face could be felt now, the warmth of his breathing periodically sinking through the fur to the skin beneath. The gnoll gasped slightly when he felt the tongue press against his navel suddenly, his dark penis twitching in response as well. Reth's eyes opened slightly, the gnoll hardly able to believe what was happening was actually real. He felt so full of happy-good feelings he felt like it would come bursting out of him. Years of wanting and longing for just this bubbled over, a few beads of moisture running from the corners of his eyes. He groaned some more, louder this time, as Bann's hands began stroking over his abdomen again even as the tongue lapped at his belly button, a warm dampness working itself farther and farther into the deepest creases below the rim.
Bann's tongue probed deeper and harder every moment, making Reth's belly alternatively tense and relax. The gnoll's breathing becoming erratic as he hunched upwards slightly, his belly muscles straining and standing out in his hide as his head came up and he just watched the spot concealed by Bann's head. Reth was making quite a bit of involuntary noise by now, his groans beginning to shift towards half-barks and grunts. His now free paws dug deep ruts into the ground at his side. There was a tingling, warm feeling building in his belly that made his stomach clench and his hips shiver and lurch unevenly. The loincloth wasn't hiding much of anything by this point, blood beginning to flow freely into the gnoll's shaft as clear fluid drooled out of the tip freely from the stimulation. As it swelled to its full size the gnoll's loincloth was pushed to the side, his pointed tip rising straight up in the air.
All of the squirming in pleasure by Reth made one of Bann's hands slide down the gnoll's lower belly to his groin, the downward pressure on the region being all it took to cause Reth's shaft to wobble toward his belly and press over the top of Bann's hand. Even drunk, Reth did notice this sensation. "Hrrrrng?" Bann seemed to suddenly freeze, slowly lifting his head from the saliva dampened fur of the gnoll's belly, his eyes twitching between his precariously positioned hand and Reth's face, his hand not wanting to move while it was under the throbbing, slightly slick maleness. It took Reth a few moments to comprehend the situation with his brain so fuzzy right now, but once he did he grinned and started giggling to himself. Bann still was frozen in place and the gnoll's laughing didn't seem to be helping.
It took Reth a while to finally calm down. "Hee! Bann still afraid of touching Reth? Not understand why, but it funny! Bann good pet! Make Reth feel good, best Reth ever felt before! Reth not know his male-part come out until Bann find it. Hee!" Reth giggled some more for a few moments. "Why Bann still not moving like frozen rabbit? He not being bad-pet. Good pet! Able to make Reth's male-part come out so easy! Is Bann afraid Reth get mad because he not mean to touch Reth's male-part? When he going to learn think like gnoll, huh?" Reth gently put a paw around Bann's wrist and guided the hand under his shaft up along his belly until it was freed. An idea that amused Reth formed in his mind. Had he not been so intoxicated he might have realized that his idea broke one of his own rules.
Rather than releasing his pet's hand, it remained in his grip, Reth ignoring the worried look he was being sent. "Reth show Bann it ok to touch." Reth's other paw laced itself with Bann's fingers and directed his hand back towards the throbbing gnoll dick, pressing Bann's palm against the hard, slick side and the directing the fingers to close around it. He had placed it in the middle of his shaft, equally distanced between the pointed head and swelled rim of his sheath. Reth groaned at the feel of the hand on his needy shaft, feeling the urges strongly after so much stimulation to his belly. He hips instinctively grinded upwards, dragging Bann's enclosed hand tightly down the underside of the gnoll's penis, eliciting a relieved moan from Reth.
The gnoll's hips shuddered back to the ground, and he drew Bann's hand up his length, squeezing the fingers tighter so he squeezed tightly as they slipped over the slightly flared head and closed over the tip, coaxing a dribble of fluid out of the opening that wetted Bann's hand even more. "Hrrrr...see...R-Reth not mind if Bann touch him there. Reth not able to help it, Bann make him feel so good, it come out. Bann not need to worry if it touch him while he doing that." Reth released Bann's hand then and wrapped his strong arms around him, enclosing him in a warm embrace against himself and sheltering his pet's head in the space under his jaws against his neck. This also trapped the gnoll's member against Bann's belly, but he wasn't paying attention again. He released Bann and relaxed back onto his arms, sighing softly and probing at his damp belly button with one of his paws, a happy look on his muzzle. His other paw unstrapped the loincloth and unbuckled the belt, both resting under his form but leaving the gnoll's body entirely exposed for the first time to Bann. As his paw rubbed his belly and navel, Reth's other paw leisurely stroked at his length as he thought of the things Bann had been doing to him.
It was immediately obvious to Bannor what had just touched the top of his hand, and not knowing how Reth would react to a 'human-thing' touching a gnoll's private parts caused him to freeze. But his fear of breaking Gnoll Protocol was quickly dismissed by Reth as the gnoll laughed and poked fun at Bannor for being so timid about something that was very natural in gnoll society. But having his own hand maneuvered around the large shaft to give it few strokes while Reth moaned in pleasure was unexpected. Not that Bannor hadn't helped a buddy or two get off before during a few past camping trips that involved a great deal of alcohol, his apprehension now was that Reth wasn't another human, and a gnoll's cock was much different. He didn't resist Reth's maneuvering though, letting him control the situation while Bannor was simply along for the ride.
Reth's degree of pleasure from the few strokes convinced Bannor that gnolls must be more sensitive to stimulation - maybe because they don't "abuse themselves" as often as humans do, which had probably desensitized the human race. But Bannor made a mental note of the things happening that gave Reth the most pleasure. Figuring he was going to be made to jack off the huge, black cock, Reth suddenly stopped and pulled him into an embrace, and Bannor felt the organ rub against his own belly. Through all this, Reth chattered on about how good Bannor was making him feel, and Bannor was planning on using that information. Once released from the hug, Bannor sat back kneeling next to Reth as the gnoll undid his belt and began to slowly stroke himself.
After watching for a moment, he noticed Reth's eyes lazily glance at him, and Bannor gave a warm smile back to him. Reth seemed to give him a "Bann make Reth feel good more?" look, which is what Bannor was hoping for. He again placed his hands on the gnoll's stomach and leaned forward to search for the belly button again with his mouth. Nibbling through the fur and nipping at the muscled abs, he located his target and separated the fur with his lips to his tongue a clear path to the navel. Reth was still slowly stroking himself and Bannor caught a grunt of pleasure as his tongue pushed into the button. His face was buried in gnoll belly as he probed the navel, alternately shoving as much of his tongue into it, pushing it into the gnoll's belly, and more lightly exploring around the inner rim and around the little flat bulb in the center.
Reth showed his appreciation by placing his free paw on Bannor's head and pushing his face in deeper. With his right hand, Bannor rubbed Reth's upper belly and around the base of the rib line, allowing it to move up to the powerful chest a few times. With his face deep in the gnoll's belly, tongue working deep into the navel, Bannor was able to feel the degree of pleasure Reth was experiencing, and it seemed to be quite a bit! Time to up the ante, Bannor thought and slid his left hand down the lower part of Reth's abdomen, stopping only when it came to the base of the large shaft that Reth was still lazily stroking. Making sure to keep the actions of his tongue and other hand going so there was no pause in giving Reth pleasure, Bannor gently moved his hand up the shaft and nudged Reth's paw away, taking over the slow stroking motions.
Reth let out a moan that Bannor knew meant the gnoll was experiencing things he rarely, if ever, got to feel. Almost imperceptibly, Bannor increased the speed of the strokes to Reth's hard and dripping cock, and used his tongue to lap a wider area of the gnoll's belly, while his other hand rubbed and massaged the now-tensing chest. Reth's breathing was getting faster and he was making low grunting sounds. Bannor knew he was close and mentally prepared himself for what was about to happen. The gnoll was taking quick breaths as his body began to tighten and lurch around. Bannor's head was almost bounced right off Reth's belly as the abs clenched into a mass of solid muscle. He heard what almost sounded like a guttural growl and felt hot, sticky goo splatter against his face.
Reth's body was spasming as Bannor continued licking, stroking and massaging, feeling more and more of the hot gnoll semen cover the side of his face and just about everything else. Reth was roaring in uncontrolled pleasure as his entire being shared in the orgasm that Bannor had brought about. After what seemed like minutes, the gnoll began to breath again and Bannor slowed all his motions until his hands were still. He raised his semen-covered face to see how Reth was doing. The look of pleasure on his face made Bannor smile. As he started to wipe goo off his face, Reth laughed loudly at the sight, then laid his head back, exhausted. He pulled Bannor in next to him, wrapping a muscled arm around him to hug him into place.
A few deep breaths later, the gnoll, drunk and pleasured, drifted off to sleep. Bannor lay quietly, telling himself that the mess was worth it. Waiting until Reth's breathing became lighter and steady, Bannor very, very carefully lifted the large fur-covered arm off him enough to allow him to slip out from under it. As quietly as he could, he slowly tip-toed away from the slumbering gnoll, heading for the nearest patch of trees. Forgetting about anything else in the camp, Bannor slowly stealthed his way through the forest until he was sure he was out of earshot, then he sprinted off as quietly as he could into the dark forest. Not able to see anything in front of him, he darted between the trees wondering how surprised Reth would be in the morning when he woke up to find his pet gone. His improvised plan of escape had worked! Bannor was on his way to freedom until a low tree branch caught him right in the stomach, knocking the wind from him, and laying him flat on his back!
Reth's hopeful look towards Bann proved luckier than he had hoped, his pet smiling and coming over to him, unafraid anymore. Without even asking, Bann was stimulating the muscles and skin of the gnoll's belly again, and he wasted no time in resuming his intimate contact with the gnoll's favorite place on his belly. The hands were doing the same things again, rubbing all over the gnoll's front as the tongue drove deep and explored his belly button, making the gnoll's body tremble and jerk as he stroked himself. Reth didn't even believe it when Bann slid one hand lower and lower on his belly until it clasped around his shaft, moving up and urging the gnoll's paw to release it, letting Reth do nothing but slump back onto his arms with a blissful groan and half close his eyes in a fog of pleasure.
Bann's hand moved at much the same pace, tightening in all the right places and making Reth hump upwards occasionally. The slow paced pleasuring gradually built stronger and stronger in Reth, a pleasant heat growing deep in his belly and slowly spreading up the base of his shaft all the way to the tip, his sensitivity rising significantly as fluid dribbled uncontrollably from the tip. He was groaning continually now and as Bann's pace quickened, the gnoll's breathing grew ragged. Reth's body tensed more and more, all the muscles tightening and driving him to grind into Bann's hand rapidly. The warm pleasure in his belly grew to fire, and Reth growled deeply as that fire filled his penis and made it pulse. A gout of gnoll seed streamed out of Reth and hit Bann, and then another, and another. Reth continued spurting, his cries of pleasure sounding wild and untamed, driven to continue releasing by the continued presence of Bann's tongue on his belly and in his navel. The flow only began to stop when the gnoll's heavy sac had nearly emptied itself, a slow drool of white fluid oozing out for another few moments before the gnoll's body finally relaxed.
Reth could still feel an afterglow of pleasure like a warmth within himself as his dark length began to soften and retreat back into the confines of his sheath. He looked at Bann and saw that he was absolutely covered in gnoll seed, finding it funny and giggling, then resting back, his lust sated, his belly full, and his body ready to take a nice, long rest to digest and recover from the experience. He pulled Bann over beside him, an arm left curled around him before he closed his eyes, feeling the cool air flow about his naked body, the warmth of the dying fire on one side, and the warmth of his new pet on his other side. In only a few moments, Reth was sleeping. The gnoll never noticed a thing when Bann remained awake, waiting. The tired gnoll did not respond when he slipped free from under his arm, either. Bann disappeared into the darkness of the trees, moving blindly until he hit a branch hard. At this Reth's ears twitched toward the faint bit of sound that reached him, and he awoke instantly, his hunter reflexes telling him something large was in the trees nearby, and that it might put him in danger. He immediately looked to the side in order to warn Bann, his drunkenness temporarily held at bay by his discipline.
But Bann was not there beside him. Reth stared at the empty space in shock, the events of the evening running through his head. And all of it had been an act. The human-thing had submitted and then broken that pact! He had given him such pleasure without meaning it! A deep, angry growl emerged from Reth's throat, his claws twitching and making grooves in the ground. His voice was low and dangerous. "So Bann decide be bad-pet... He think he escape Reth, in Reth's woods, at Reth's time of night? Bad-pet only good for one thing... Bann be sorry when Reth catch him. Ghuuurrrr!" Reth rose to his feet, closing his eyes and breathing deeply through his snout. He caught the scent he was looking for immediately. It was a scent he knew very well. Covered in the gnoll's semen, Bann was as good as leaving a brightly lit trail for Reth; the powerful scent something he could track for miles. Reth knew which way to go now, and he released a savage cry that would have made his wilder ancestors proud, sprinting off into the trees. The hunter did not take any of his weapons with him, knowing that his body was all he needed for this hunt.
Lying on his back, Bannor gasped to try to breathe but his lungs were in shock from the impact and were unable to draw in a breath. He didn't even know what he hit and the surprise of it was almost as bad as the pain. He couldn't move and knew it would be a few minutes before he could even stand again. His mind ran through all the curse words he knew, mostly directed at himself for making such a stupid error as running through an unfamiliar forest in the dark! His only hope now was that Reth was still asleep back at the campsite. He rocked his body from side to side to try to bring his internal organs back into the realm of function. His arms crossed over his belly where the branch had struck, but the outer pain didn't bother him as much as not being able to take a breath. After what felt like hours, but had been only minutes, he was able to sit up.
He looked around, unable to see anything in the dark forest, and he listened for any sounds that might alert him to Reth or some other predator in the area. The forest was dead quiet. Not even crickets. It seemed surreal to him to be in such a foreign-feeling place, escaping from a gnoll. Finally able to stand, Bannor still felt very wobbly on his feet. He used the branch that had downed him for support as he prepared to try to take a few steps. His lungs were now allowing him to take shallow breaths so he figured it would be better to move at a slow pace than to sit where he was any longer. Gazing into the darkness of trees, he let go of the branch to make sure he could balance on his own. He turned to go around the offending tree limb and nearly bumped right into Reth! The gnoll had found him and made absolutely no sound in his approach, and now stood at full height, glaring at Bannor with eyes that made Bannor turn white.
Reth felt a special dedication to this hunt. He always enjoyed hunting of course, but he had a personal stake in the success of this one from the dishonor of Bann's actions. The gnoll rapidly moved through the trees and brush, following the smell of his own seed as silently as a shadow. The human-thing could not have gotten very far when it did not know the layout of the area and had no light to see. Reth's eyes were able to use the faint light of the stars that made it through the trees to move very deftly in the darkness. In the low light of night everything became black and white to him, the differentiations that normally signaled colors so weak as to only be different shades of grey. The smell grew stronger and stronger to the gnoll, a grin curving his muzzle maliciously and his heart jumped with the knowledge his prey was nearly his. He moved faster, tail streaming behind him, attuned with his hunting instincts.
It was not long before Bann's figure came into view, clearly completely blind in the dark, cautiously moving through the forest and feeling his way around, stumbling occasionally. Reth closed in, closer and closer, for a while just keeping pace to the side and watching him struggle. After he had seen enough he moved ahead of Bann, positioning himself in his path so that he would not know he was there until he was nearly upon him. Bann would truly know how futile his efforts were then, how foolish it was to attempt to evade the hunter. He would learn that Reth really was a 'master hunter' as he had called him with his false praise. Bann came closer and closer, oblivious to the fact his fate had already been decided when he had made his fatal error, and blind to the fact he was walking right into the grasp of the hunter.
Reth's eyes caught a faint glimmer of the moonlight as a light breeze shifted the branches above, the light reflecting back out, and also shining down upon him. It was then that Bann saw him, waiting silently for him to come to him. And Bann had. The silence was deafening then, the gnoll's eyes piecing into his prey's, drinking in its fear and freezing it in place from even moving. Reth did not even bother touching him. Yet. His voice was low, soft, nearly devoid of any hint of emotion. "Did Bann really think he have any chance against Reth? Did he think he really get away?" The gnoll paused, his gaze unwavering, letting the silence stretch for several moments, not caring if Bann even said anything, for he did not care. "Reth thought today best day of life. No more." The gnoll suddenly gripped Bann in his paws, leaving no room for chance, turning him around forcibly and pinning his arms while moving up against him from behind. He put his muzzle near Bann's ear and whispered to him. "Bann was all pretend. And Reth believed him."
He let that sink in a few more moments, moving his head away. "Reth bringing Bann back to camp, his punishment happen there. If Bann struggle then Reth will paint forest with his blood." And with that, the gnoll prodded Bann forward, back towards the camp. The gnoll shut himself to anything Bann might be saying on the way back. As far as he was concerned the only talking that mattered was the things that he would say to Bann back at the camp before dispatching him. Reth could feel Bann tense as the glimmering color of the fire came into view, shoving him forward whenever he tried to slow. As they neared the perimeter the gnoll moved Bann's arms behind his back and held them together with one paw. The other paw was used to pick up a piece of the stacked wood, which was tossed onto the fire. He repeated this a few times, giving the fire more fuel so it would burn bright and hot again for much of the night. He would be needing the light. A thought crossed Reth's mind. Perhaps he would be amused if he gave the human-thing a chance to plead or beg or whatever it was it would do if he let it talk. Reth made Bann sit down, away from anything he might try to use as a weapon, retrieving a leather cord from his satchel and binding his arms so they would stay in the position they were in behind his back and free Reth's paw. Reth spoke again for the first time in many minutes of silence. "If Bann want say something, last chance is now. He not getting out of punishment, but maybe he amuse Reth by begging first." Reth's eyes bored into Bann's as he loomed over him, waiting to see if he had anything to say.
Never in his life had Bannor seen anything as frightening as the image Reth presented right now. Every instinct in him was screaming for him to run - fight or flight - but he couldn't run even if he wanted because he could barely stand after the impact with the branch. And he couldn't fight, partially for the same reason, but mostly because he already had evaluated the gnoll to be able to take him out without much effort. His only options now were to drop dead from a heart attack, or submit to the angered gnoll. Since a heart attack didn't happen, Reth made the choice for Bannor and led him back to camp. It was pretty clear that his attempt to escape was going to have a heavy price, and Bannor wondered if that was going to include his death.
Reth certainly wasn't holding back on making it sound like that possibility was very real, and from sheer fear Bannor's legs almost gave out a few times on the hike back, causing the gnoll to nudge him forward. Bannor said nothing, fearing anything he said would just seem like another scheme or lie to Reth. Beyond the fear, his mind was running the past few hours like a rerun, and Bannor thought that, if circumstances had been a bit different, he and the now-enraged gnoll could've had a kind of friendship. Even having been taken captive, Bannor had been amused by Reth, and he had to admit to himself that the belly licking they shared was something he would've liked to have done more. Even when he had decided to seduce Reth as a pretext to his escape, he was enjoying it. He should've waited until morning like he had decided earlier. But no, he got impulsive and baked up only half a plan to escape, and now he's back as a captive in a situation a hell of a lot worse than before.
Arriving back at camp, Reth tied Bannor's hands and fed the fire. And then the gnoll gave him a chance to speak. What could he say that would make any difference to Reth? Bannor was now truly the bad pet Reth had been calling him, and being given a chance to speak had to be nothing more than cruel entertainment for the gnoll. "I was scared, Reth." his voice was hoarse and soft and he couldn't bring himself to look at the gnoll, so he looked at the ground. "I just wanted to get back home. I wanted to go back to my life because I didn't know what you were going to do to me. I understand that you think of me as your pet, your possession, but that's not what I am. I'm a man who has his own life outside of this forest. I'm not a pet. But I'm also sorry that I felt that I had to run away because.." he had to swallow but couldn't, ".. because I like you, Reth. And if you think all that stuff I did to make you feel good was a lie, it wasn't. I liked doing it with you. Whether you believe that or not. If you hadn't tried to make me your pet, we could've been friends, I think." A moment passed and he finally raised his head to look up at the gnoll.
Reth had been expecting some sort of immediate begging, or an insult, or perhaps a defiant glare or submission to his fate from Bann, but the human-thing talked and talked and said many things. Some of the things angered Reth, and some of them confused him deeply. There was so much whirling through his mind, too much to even take in at once. His confident stand and look faltered as he growled lowly to himself and paced, glaring at Bann occasionally. "Guh! Human-things always complicated they said. Why they always complicated. Nothing ever simple to understand." He looked off into the forest for a few moments, his back to Bann before turning back. "Bann does not understand what he did when he submit to Reth. Submit mean give up everything. Life, body, things own, friends and family. All lost or taken by alpha!
When submit, give up all so can live! There no changing mind! Penalty for breaking is death! Bann could have talked to Reth about. Could make bargain for release with Reth if he find offering good. Reth not know what do with Bann! He not even know what submit mean! He not even know what pet mean! When Bann submit to Reth as pet, it mean Reth take care of Bann, make sure he feel good, is happy as can be. It mean Bann trust Reth and Reth trust Bann. He not know how much it hurt Reth when he break trust! Penalty death because bond that sacred..." The gnoll turned away, breathing raggedly, his mane fur bristling up with the stress he was feeling. The thought of Bann slipping out of his embrace as he slept and trying to leave him forever after he had submitted to him filled his thoughts. The betrayal bit deeply.
"There only one reason Reth can think Bann not deserve die." He turned back to Bann, his voice low. "While Reth sleep he was helpless. Left knife unguarded. Bann could have taken knife easy, cut Reth's throat so he choke and bleed until dead. But Bann not do that to Reth. It confusing. Bann act like Reth think human-thing would when he break sacredness of oath, but he act not like human-thing when he not kill Reth. That make Bann not like other human-things. When Reth first find Bann, he think he like other human-things. They cut trees with axes, cut gnolls who try to stop with axes too. Not care about us. Only reason not kill Bann then is he like how Bann's belly look. But Reth plan on eating Bann in future since he human-thing. He never decide when, but he start thinking he like keep Bann around more as day go on."
Reth resumed pacing, reasoning with himself out loud. "Bann never had reason be scared of Reth. That part of trust. All things Reth did with Bann supposed to be nice for both." Reth looked back at Bann, held his eyes with his own, his face turning downcast and his voice low and sad. "Reth wants to like Bann. Reth wants to do things with Bann. Reth wants to teach Bann things. But Bann not really want that in end. He want leave and never see Reth again... Reth not know what true and what not anymore. He never know if Bann only say something but not mean. Why human-things do that? Gnolls not even have word for it!" Reth stared off into the distance lost in thought, trying to think of what to do. An idea began forming in his mind - one that would truly test Bann's sincerity.
He came over to Bann and kneeled in front of him. "Bann must understand old life over. Even if Bann not understand what it mean then, he must learn to accept what it mean." He put a paw on Bann's shoulder and brought his face closer. "Reth Bann's family now. Reth's clan Bann's family now. Bann always have place where he welcome. He always have food, have shelter, clothing. He always have someone care about. If his old family, old friends, are so important, then maybe they come looking for him. Maybe they make offer Reth like and he release Bann. He only get one chance for Reth to forgive. Reth will give Bann chance to submit again. Bann will willingly do what Reth tell him, and not resist. Not once! Reth's punishment give Bann time for think about things Reth say to him, think about cost of refusing. He must accept or Reth must end his life for betrayal. Will give Bann time for think, let him talk if he want- maybe answer question. Reth wait for his choice." The gnoll got up and gave Bann some distance, sitting down on the ground and watching him silently with an unwavering stare and entirely downfallen expression..
It wasn't like his life was passing before his eyes, but a whole lot of it running through his mind right now as Bannor came to the realization that his survival was probably one swift claw-to-the-neck away. When Reth had first invaded his camp, threatening him and making crazy demands, Bannor said whatever was needed to ensure his safety. But in the time since, he began to get a good understanding of his captor's character. Reth wasn't just a simple-minded animal; he was a proud hunter with a strong sense of honor. And through his fear and ignorance of gnolls, Bannor had betrayed and hurt Reth. But he hadn't intended on that- his actions were what anyone would do if held captive by a strange warrior beast. Even as he sat with his hands tied, Bannor was feeling bad for causing such a conflict within the gnoll who probably would've killed any other creature by now.
Clearly, Bannor had not understood Reth's actions as benevolent until the betrayed gnoll knelt in front of him and offered him a second chance. But why? By all logic, Reth the Hunter should have killed Bannor the Betrayer. And yet Reth was now offering to take care of the human, make him part of his clan- if he submits. Reth even mentioned possibly letting him go if his family and friends came to barter for his release. But Bannor had no family left, and his few friends weren't that close. In fact, if they had been real friends, they would be there with him now. And there's no chance they will come looking for him because they don't even know where he is. Bannor had planned on bringing these novices out camping, and they probably couldn't find their way out of a park.
No one would ever come looking for Bannor. And now Reth, whom Bannor had brutally betrayed, was offering him a chance at a new life, a new family - albeit quite different from anything Bannor was accustomed to. Would that even be a life that Bannor could adjust to? He thought back over the past day and realized being with Reth had been an experience he'd never forget, and not because he had been the gnoll's captive pet, but because Reth had been interesting and fun- and even through the initial threats, had done nothing to harm him. In fact, Reth just said that he liked him in a way that Bannor interpreted more as friendship than as a pet. And Bannor had already admitted he liked Reth. And they had shared a very intimate time, even if Bannor had chosen to take advantage of it, he still liked it.
And if Reth was giving him a chance to share that again, how bad could being his pet be? Bannor felt an inner stirring as his mind drifted to how the gnoll's belly had felt and tasted on his tongue. But he snapped back to reality because he was facing life and death here. He looked at Reth who was sitting and watching. Submit or die. These were the options Reth gave him. Bannor knew what his choice would be, but it needed to be on his terms. "Reth, I've made my decision, but I want to say a few things first." The gnoll had said that Bannor could discuss and question him, so he didn't feel he was out of line. "I have betrayed you, and I know that hurt you, and I have given you no reason to trust anything I say. But I didn't know you or what your intentions were, and I was scared. And I'm still scared, but now it's because of what I've done to hurt you. But I never meant to hurt you , I didn't know about your culture and how much honor means to you. You mentioned the knife, that you thought I had an opportunity to kill you. It never entered my mind to harm you, only to escape. I want you to believe me, Reth. I would not have used the knife even if I had found it."
Bannor wondered if he would still feel that way should the gnoll decide to follow though on the death threat, but he shook it off and continued. "I didn't understand it at the time, but in your way, you treated me good. You trusted me, and I realized that when you let me touch your belly because you made yourself vulnerable to me then, too. Reth, you offering me a second chance after I betrayed you says so much about the quality of your character, and so little about mine. I feel ashamed for what I've done." He paused to take a deep breath. "And you're expecting my answer now. But I have a request first. I would like you to untie me." Bannor looked up to see Reth react to that, but he kept talking. "When you first asked me to submit to you, you had an arrow pointed at me. I was in fear for my life so that's why I said yes. And now, you've offered me a second chance to submit to you, but now I'm tied up, and you have to realize that if I agree under these circumstances you'll never be able to fully trust me because my reply was again given under duress." Bannor knew that Reth was probably having a rough time with all the words, and he wanted to keep it simple, but he didn't really know how. "Reth, the only way you should accept my response is by letting me do it as a free man. If I submit then, you'll know that it was truthful and you won't have worry about me, and if I refuse, well, then you'll do what you have to do. But I'll know that I was free when I made the choice." He wondered how quickly Reth would kill him if he said no. "You know I can't escape you, so I respectfully request that you set me free."
Bann was silent for what seemed like a long time, clearly thinking deeply. Reth merely waited until the human-thing reached a conclusion, telling him that he had decided, but wanted to talk first. Reth gave a subtle nod and waited for him to speak. Bann talked about how he had been afraid, how he had been ignorant, how he had not known he was doing wrong. He admitted he had not ever had any thought about hurting Reth, even going so far as to say that if he had remembered the knife, he could not have done it. That struck Reth deeply. That the thought had never even entered Bann's mind meant something about his character. The gnoll's face softened slightly at the realization. As Bann continued his outpouring Reth realized that what had inevitably happened was the result of a lack of understanding on both their parts. What Bann needed was to be put through an ordeal that required absolute trust. If he understood Reth's character now, then he could trust what the gnoll told him. When Bann requested to be untied, Reth nearly smiled. It was a bold thing to ask. But Reth would have untied him soon anyway.
There was a wisdom to Bann's reasoning he hadn't considered, however. "Reth will make Bann free as he request before he decide. But making Bann free more than just leather bonds." Reth came over to Bann and looked down at him, his arm suddenly flashing forward and pulling on the necklace around his neck, tearing it free with a jerk of a claw. The gnoll held it in his open paw for a moment with a sad look in his eyes as the broken strings dangled in the air. With a sigh he flung it into the fire and watched as it burned. He was silent for a few minutes save for a few ragged breaths that were subdued, just staring at the fire, his ears and tail drooping. He finally stirred, moving behind Bann and removing the leather cord that held his arms and returning it to the satchel. Even with his arms free, Bann was still effectively trapped with the gnoll; the surrounding forest might as well have been a cage. Reth turned back towards Bann, the firelight glinting in his eyes. "Reth is waiting for Bann's choice. If he think submitting to Reth be as easy second time, he is wrong. Bann must remember that before he say choice. No going back." He watched and waited.
The necklace being ripped from his neck struck Bannor as the same disgrace military people go through by having their rank torn from their uniforms. It stung the back of his neck as Reth yanked it away, but he felt a worse inner pain - like his heart had been stabbed. Giving the necklace to Bannor had seemed very significant and important to Reth, and even though he was offering a second chance, this was obviously meant to show that Bannor's place in the gnoll's world was not what it had been. Reth's expression of sadness as he held the remains of the necklace nearly shattered Bannor's composure. He felt his eyes welling up as he realized the depth of pain he had caused Reth - who had tried only to make the human-thing his own to care for. At that moment, Bannor felt death would be a more humane punishment for him than watching Reth solemnly throw the pieces of the necklace into the fire and silently watch them burn to nothingness. After another eternity in which Bannor's soul seemed to wither from the shame of his actions, Reth came to untie his hands.
They said nothing. Bannor stood, not moving from the spot he had sat, his head lowered because he found it too difficult to try to look at Reth. After stowing the leather cord in his satchel, Reth stood before Bannor - tall and powerful as a hunter should be. The flames from the fire created flickers of light on his fur, adding to the impressive image the gnoll presented to the now-meek and dejected human. The time was now, Reth had stated, and Bannor found he couldn't speak. And if he could, he was very close to declining Reth's offer in the hopes that his death would be quick and end the pain in the cavity where his heart was supposed to be. He didn't deserve a second chance. A tear slowly trickled down his cheek and he still could not find his voice. But Reth was waiting, standing imposingly in front of him. Waiting for Bannor to submit or die. Unable to raise his head to look at Reth, Bannor slowly extended his arm forward until the back of his hand contacted the fur on Reth's now-rock hard stomach. Almost imperceptibly, he let his hand rub the fur. "Reth," his voice was hoarse, "I submit."
Reth did not allow his expression to change when Bann indicated he wanted to submit to him. The words seemed to ring true this time, with none of the false undertones present. He spoke to Bann again, his voice low and gentle. "Reth told Bann it not be as easy second time. He not mean it be harder for Bann to say. That good, but it not good enough. Bann must be able to show he trust Reth with his life. If he do that, then he has submitted to Reth." The gnoll turned and moved a few paces away from Bann. "Earlier in day Reth told Bann story about deer. Reth held deer in belly but let back out still live. Bann must make same journey, but unlike deer, he must submit to it. He must come to it willingly. Bann says he understand Reth now, understand what Reth means. If Bann willing to submit to trial, he must remove garment and come to Reth. If he not able to do that, then Reth must come to Bann and kill him. Bann must decide if he is more afraid of Reth or death on his own." His challenge given, Reth stood tall and strong, showing his form in all its natural strength. He wondered what Bann might be thinking; it could not be pleasant. But then, punishment was not supposed to be.
Bannor had hoped that there would be bit of time for things, especially his emotional state- to get back to normal. The moment he submitted to Reth, it was like a weight had been lifted off his chest, but it wasn't enough and things quickly jumped to the next level of insanity. Although Bannor was drained and wanted to sleep, Reth spoke of things that shocked him awake. He had really eaten a deer? Alive? It wasn't just a campfire story? Everything seemed to be spinning as Bannor heard Reth tell him that he had to take the same journey as the deer. How is that even possible? Sure, Reth is larger than Bannor, but not by a large enough margin for Bannor to be eaten by him! Wait, EATEN by him? That's really what he's asking? It's just a trick, Bannor figured. Reth is testing him with this. All Bannor really has to do is go along with it and that will prove he trusts Reth and passes the test. That's the only rational explanation. Just a test. And Bannor had no intention of doing anything to mess up his new standing with Reth. It's just a test. That's all it is. And it will show Reth that Bannor trusts him. He unzipped his shorts and let them drop to his feet. Completely naked, Bannor walked to Reth and stood ready.
Bann seemed to think over Reth's statement a few moments before seeming to gain confidence, removing his only clothing and coming over to the gnoll. Reth was surprised he seemed so fearless right now, and smiled to encourage him. "Good. Bann kneel in front of Reth now, not be scared." He stroked Bann's head under his paw, whispering "Trust Reth. Trust Reth..." in his ear. Reth kneeled just in front of Bann, looking down at him from above, and whispered to him again. "Bann relax, try not be scared. Maybe close eyes if helps. Must trust Reth, know he safe even in Reth's belly." Bann seemed to stiffen suddenly, and Reth could see uncertainty and fear in his eyes. "No make face like that..." He pulled Bann up against his form, a paw pressing Bann's head against the fur of his chest. "No talk now, only trust. Reth must show Bann only way he can that he never want to hurt him. Must relax, release fear. Must be able to submit body to Reth."
Reth's other paw came around and stroked along Bann's back as he whispered reassurances to him. After a while the gnoll placed his paws on Bann's shoulders and pressed him away slightly, signaling that his reassurances were over. He could see that Bann was trembling slightly, his eyes fearing to meet the gnoll's gaze. Reth placed a paw under Bann's chin, seeing him flinch slightly, and tipped his head up toward the gnoll's, making him look into his eyes. "Everything be fine. Trust Reth; think happy things. Now Bann really show if he submit to Reth." The gnoll opened his muzzle wide then, exposing the sharp teeth, the ridges in the roof of his mouth, the place where his long tongue disappeared into the darkness of his throat. The flickering firelight made the saliva within glisten. A blast of humid air blew over Bann's face before the gnoll inhaled and then suddenly gripped Bann's shoulders, leaning forward and pressing the head into his mouth, stretching his jaws even wider.
The grip on Bann's shoulders was not hard, seeming to only hold hard enough to move Bann's form as needed to assist the gnoll. Bann had stiffened again, not showing any other reaction in the slightest as Reth maneuvered his jaws around his head and over his neck, tasting his face against his tongue Reth stopped for a few moments, letting his jaws get comfortable with the bulk before he resumed consuming Bann, pressing down hard and compressing his shoulders. The gnoll worked one side of his mouth over a shoulder, and then gradually got it around the other as well. His fangs lightly pressed against the salty skin, the gnoll careful not to let them slice into his meal. Reth's throat relaxed open as Bann's head pushed against it, the soft flesh making wet sounds as it spread over his face and embraced it. More of Bann's body slipped inward, the upper parts of his arms beginning to be pulled into the gnoll's mouth, bulging his cheeks out as he continued to shift his grasp lower.
Soon the chest began to slide over his tongue, the shoulders beginning to get deep into his mouth. As the arms became increasingly held at his sides by Reth's mouth, Bann seemed to suddenly slump and become more accepting of what was happening to him. Reth could only beam inside and think good thoughts about Bann, knowing the sign of submission was sincere. Reth's throat fur bulged out as Bann's head traveled deeper and deeper into it, the gnoll now working on convincing his shoulders' entry into his throat. He was able to have his paws free now, and rubbed Bann's sides and patted his back gently as his tongue licked over his chest. A firm push downward and Reth's throat bulged with the beginnings of Bann's shoulders. Reth could see that even though Bann had gone limp, his hands were clenched at his sides in fear. The gnoll stopped his swallowing and held one of the hands in his paw, stoking over the back of it with a finger until it relaxed and squeezed his paw gently.
Reth withdrew then and worked more of Bann's chest into his stretched neck. The bulge that clearly marked his face was sinking deep into his neck now, beginning to disappear beneath the gnoll's collarbone and into his chest. The firmness of Bann's chest began to transition into the softer flesh of his belly, the broad chest beginning to slip inward on its own as the throat gripped it in waves. Reth snaked his tongue out and over Bann's abdominal muscles, changing position slightly so Bann was not so hunched over, exposing his belly more. The slippery muscle felt over much of Bann's belly, another swallow allowing the gnoll to reach his navel and enter inside. The gnoll felt his own urges rising within him, the head of his length protruding out of his sheath as he tasted Bann's stomach, beginning to rub the slickened muscles with his paws. As his tongue burrowed deep into the hole in Bann's belly Reth noticed the human-thing's own member had lengthened somewhat.
It only felt natural for Reth to move his saliva soaked paws down and curl one around it while the other massaged Bann's sac. Combined with his tongue doing its work, the response was instant. Bann seemed to jolt and stiffen for several moments even as the gnoll stimulated his penis to firmness. But as Reth continued, Bann seemed to relax reluctantly, allowing the gnoll to continue pleasuring him. By now Reth's entire maleness had emerged out of his sheath and hung down between his slightly spread legs, exposed from arousal but not enough to stiffen yet. As the gnoll stroked and massaged Bann's length he finally got a response from him, the human-thing giving a few reluctant thrusts into Reth's paw. That changed as Reth tightened his grip slightly, making the member tense and stiffen more, pushing Bann to willingly hump upwards.
Reth kept all of his focus on giving pleasure to Bann, his jaws drooling rivulets of saliva over Bann's belly and back. When Bann's movements became erratic and uneven Reth knew what was coming, pushing down hard with his paw and pressuring the base of Bann's penis, his other paw tugging his balls slightly. That was all it took to make Bann give one final thrust before his shaft began to rhythmically pulse. Reth smiled as best he could as he felt something warm painting his belly and chest. Bann was completely limp again, Reth knowing he had just tired him out, and perhaps gained more of his trust. He continued tonguing Bann's belly, beginning to swallow again, Bann's head somewhere deep into his chest and surrounded by the sounds of Reth's breathing and heartbeat. It was becoming increasingly easy for Reth to take him into himself, the middle parts of the stomach entering his mouth. Reth felt a tight pressure in his lower chest and knew that Bann's head was being pressed into his stomach.
The sphincter suddenly relaxed and Bann's head quickly slipped into the organ, at the same time his belly sliding quickly into Reth's jaws, the belly button moving over his tongue and lowest parts of the belly moving over his lips. Feeling increasingly heavy, Reth went from kneeling to sitting on his rump, legs spread in front of him going around Bann. As Bann's shoulders began to slip into Reth's stomach he knew what would happen next, bracing his arms against the dirt behind his back, subtly leaning back and lifting his head. His powerful neck muscles bulged as he lifted Bann's remaining weight off the ground, his tongue licking over and cleaning the leftover fluids from the now flaccid cock and sac. There was a lurching feeling in his stomach as Bann's form suddenly slipped down into the gnoll's belly, his chest flowing into the stomach as his entire belly was sucked down the throat and pulled down deep into Reth's chest after bloating his neck substantially.
The upper parts of Bann's legs disappeared and Reth tipped his muzzle to the sky to ease the passage of the legs as a great weight pressed down within his stomach and made a visible bulge press out of it instantly. Bann's belly pressed into the gnoll's gut on its own weight, the expandable organ stretching to hold it until only his legs were left in the throat. Reth began taking powerful swallows, his head nodding repeatedly as he worked Bann's legs slowly down his throat. The pressure in the stomach built until it suddenly gave with a groan, Bann's legs dropping in and Reth's belly looking massively distended with his meal. The gnoll groaned and collapsed onto his back, feeling his organs shifting around to make space for the bloated stomach, an immensely satisfying weight pressing down in his guts.
The gnoll could feel his shaft throbbing against the swollen lower parts of his belly, but ignored it for now, instead gulping down a few throatfulls of air to ensure Bann had plenty of time to endure his punishment. Reth rested his head back against the ground, groaning and pressing his paws against his stomach, massaging and patting it. He could feel and hear it trying to digest the living creature inside of it, which even now felt like it was moving around, perhaps changing its position. Reth giggled. It couldn't be the most comfortable place to be when it was being shared with partially digested meat and bones. Reth continued groaning in satisfaction as he felt his stomach contracting around Bann and moving him around slightly inside him. He would keep him inside for a while, forever ensuring the bond of trust would not be broken ever again between them.
Reth had a different expression than Bannor had seen before, almost eager excitement, yet still controlled by his hunter nature. Curious about what this test was going to entail, he simply followed the gnoll's instructions and mentally repeated the mantra "Trust Reth" over and over in his mind beyond the times it had been whispered to him. Still feeling ashamed about his betrayal, Bannor was hoping that whatever this test was would help to resolve some of the trust issues he had caused and begin rebuilding a bond with Reth. "Trust Reth" was echoing in his head and it seemed to have a calming effect, but hearing ".. safe even in Reth's belly" caused him to involuntarily tense up, even though that was what this test was supposedly about- although Bannor was still certain it would be something else. Whatever Reth was planning, he was very reassuring in the build-up to it, hugging Bannor into his chest and giving assurances that he wouldn't harm him.
Bannor closed his eyes as suggested, waiting for Reth's test to begin. But feeling the hot breath on his face shot his eyes back open to see that Reth was indeed planning on eating him! Refusing to submit to fear, Bannor ran the mantra through his mind faster and faster "Trust Reth, trust Reth" The sight of the gnoll's sharp teeth had Bannor's trust wavering for a moment as Reth quickly guided his head into the stretched-wide maw, but the teeth made no contact with him. Reth's tongue washed over Bannor's face, covering it in warm saliva while it seemed the gnoll was preparing his mouth for further stretching. The tongue felt good to Bannor, and he recalled how it had also felt on his belly. It occurred to him, as he felt himself being squeezed into Reth's throat, that he wasn't panicking. Granted, the experience was bizarre to the point of concern- he was, after all, being eaten alive- but he was remarkably relaxed for most of it. He felt Reth use a paw to unclench one of his hands, and that simple act gave Bannor a warm feeling. "Trust Reth." If Reth was planning on harming him, why would he try to make Bannor more comfortable?
Bannor relaxed more as he felt himself working downward through the tightness of Reth's throat, warm and wet. The constant pounding of the gnoll's heart gave Bannor a beat to follow with his mantra. The warm, wet tongue burrowing into his deep innie caused a number of pleasurable shivers, but when he felt a warm paw on his aroused manhood, he tensed for a moment, but then caught on to what Reth was doing. This convinced Bannor to relax and try to take in everything he was feeling around him as he traveled into the depths of the gnoll's body, along with the special treatment Reth was giving the part still outside. Allowing his body to simply 'be' within Reth, it felt as if everything Reth was doing to his manhood was rippling through his entire being, and the resulting orgasm had to be the most intense, and messy, he'd ever had. Bannor entered the gnoll's belly with a satisfied smile. Moments later, the rest of him slid in and he curled into a ball. He could feel the movement of Reth repositioning himself and wondered what was next. Perhaps this was it. Reth seemed to be lying still now and Bannor wondered if he had fallen asleep after eating such a huge meal. He giggled at referring to himself as a meal, but that's what he was now. Not knowing what else to do, he closed his eyes and drifted into a deep sleep. "Trust Reth."
As Reth lay on the ground, listening to the crackling of the fire and watching the smoke trail into the darkened sky and make the stars shimmer, he began thinking to himself. He and Bann were as close as they could ever get right now if Bann was a live creature. To become any closer Bann's life would have to end and his body be broken down and made part of Reth. In its own way, it was the most intimate embrace possible, one that surrounded and pulsed against every part of him. One that if allowed to continue would gradually close around the deepest, innermost parts of his body, eventually touching against every fiber of his being and taking it from him to become part of Reth. The thought of Bann's muscular form resting beneath the fur and muscle of his belly filled him.
He could almost see it now, Bann curled up in his stomach, belly still full from earlier in the evening and his body tired and relaxed, both from digesting his food and from releasing his seed warmly onto Reth. And he was trusting, even as he was held in the stomach of a creature that had sent countless things both live and dead never to return to the same place. And he could feel his stomach working over Bann, groping at him for his essences. Was it rubbing his face? Back? Male-parts? Maybe his belly...? Reth moaned out and came back to reality as his shaft sent a trail of fluid down his lower belly in copious amounts. It tickled his skin as it trickled down his groin fur and around his scrotum. Reth felt an urgent need to release, finally having Bann in his belly he realized, and knowing what it was doing to him every moment he was within the gnoll's body.
He could hardly move his hips, but he grunted and struggled to stimulate anything he could on the other side of his distended belly that he could not reach. His paws roughly grasped and compressed his stomach, the gnoll's eyes drifting to his navel. The center lump of flesh within the outer ring had been forced most of the way out of the navel depression, bulging above it from the pressure his stomach was exerting around itself. Reth realized that there was nothing stopping him from rolling onto his side and laying his head in the dirt, closing his eyes and going to sleep. Bann would have no chance to get free, the gnoll's powerful body would keep him where it needed him: in the gnoll's belly to be digested. The air supply would not last him forever, but it surely would last long enough for Bann to have lost some measure of skin to the bone-dissolving acids. The morbid thought of his muscles becoming exposed as his skin corroded away, caressed by the stomach until they fell apart, the human-thing's belly button dissolving into the liquid of the gnoll's stomach as his entrails drifted free and gradually joined the gnoll's body...
Reth's feeble attempts to thrust didn't matter, he drove himself over on his morbid predatory thoughts alone. The thick gnoll dick gave several lazy spurts that made him tremble all over, not releasing fully but somewhat sating his lust for the moment. He felt the thick semen sliding down his shaft, coating his sheath and covering his balls before dripping off their lowermost parts. There was nothing he could do about it right now though, not that he wasn't fairly messy already with Bann's seed on his chest and belly, and his belly fur coated with saliva. The combination of the warm night, Reth's recent exertions, the heat generated by the living body in his belly, and the fire near to him made Reth very warm, a slight dampness upon his skin as he sweated lightly to release heat, making his gnoll scent stronger and spreading it through the camp. The gnoll relaxed for a bit, his penis only softening slightly and flopping over, not ready to rest within its sheath yet.
Reth gradually rolled himself onto his side, the change in position causing Bann to shift in his stomach and force his entrails to rearrange themselves again in a drawn out series of groans and gurgles. He managed to drag himself to his satchel, pulling out a fur. He placed it on the ground, turning so it was between him and the warm fire. His thigh muscles stood out as he forcibly rolled himself onto his swollen stomach, letting the lower portion of his belly take the weight as his hind legs sprawled out behind him. He shifted uncomfortably for a moment before reaching around his rear and pulling his fully exposed member out from under his belly so it pointed behind him with the balls resting over it, still flexible enough to allow the position change. Reth prepared himself mentally and physically for what was to come next, his breathing becoming slow and deep, his entire body relaxing. He could feel his throat relaxing all up and down its length.
When he felt prepared, Reth tightened specific abdominal muscles, which in turn urged his stomach to tighten and constrict. Reth immediately aimed his head away from the spread fur. A long and heavy belch erupted form his throat. The gnoll could taste digesting meat and the beer in it. His stomach continued to clench, the gnoll's head moving up and down slightly in slow motions. A gurgling sound came up his throat, and a stream of beer mixed with the already dissolved meat flowed over his tongue and around his fangs, pouring over his lips and oozing towards the dirt due to the thick belly slimes thickening it. Most of the beer had already entered the gnoll's intestines fortunately. Now came the hard part.
Reth's tightening stomach contracted around Bann's shape and squeezed him, the exterior muscles of the gnoll's belly occasionally twitching, his stomach beginning to convulse with effort. The spasms gradually directed Bann's head toward the stomach sphincter as the path of least resistance. Reth helped his body along, pressing against Bann's form within himself and urging it to go upwards, his arm muscles straining. He felt when the head entered the throat, and an uncomfortable clench later the shoulders were in as well. From there it became easier with Reth's assistance, the gnoll hunching over the fur on his knees, head low. There was always some discomfort making something this large come back up. Reth let out a low moan, and a few seconds later wet noises grew in his throat as it bulged with Bann's mass. Reth felt the human-thing's head tickling the back of his mouth, the shoulders soon swelling his cheeks. Once Reth forced the chest up with some effort gravity helped him.
He felt Bann's face, ribs, the lumps of his belly muscles, and the bulge of his groin quickly slide over his tongue. Bann was suddenly free of the gullet and landed on the warmed fur spread in front of Reth. He was covered in belly slime, and a few other things too that the gnoll gingerly gripped in his teeth and moved to the back of his throat with his tongue, sending the bird meat pieces back to his stomach again. Bann was lying on his stomach, seeming somewhat disoriented after the warmth and darkness of the gnoll's gut. Reth moved on all fours to be over him, licking the acidic slimes from his form, especially in areas that were more sensitive to them. Once he had finished with the back of him he gently rolled Bann onto his back, his tongue working over the face and hair before going to neck, shoulders, arms, and chest. The belly was cleansed and careful attention given to Bann's navel to make sure no acids stayed within the hole. Bann's groin region was given special care to ensure no painful damage was done to it.
Even though Bann had not yet managed to say anything Reth grinned to see a slight reaction as he cleaned the area with his tongue. Perhaps there was time yet for truly sharing pleasures with one another this time. The open air was still making Bann shiver, the gnoll's attentions merely replacing one layering of mucus with a safer one. Reth whispered to Bann, since he was not sure he was able to see clearly yet, the fire probably bright. "Bann must relax, recover first. No try say anything yet. Bann has shown Reth he trust him with his life and body by submitting to his belly, he and Reth can be close again. Reth will help Bann warm up, make him feel good too." Reth looked down at Bann, realizing he was like a newborn pup in a way right now. Albeit one born after being pushed out of a male's stomach and regurgitated up his throat and out of his mouth.
Bann's damp form shone in the firelight, the shapes of his muscles outlined in the glow. His belly looked...Reth liked it even more like this. The gnoll was erect and dripping again in seconds. He pulled another fur out of his satchel, normally having two when on the move: one for the ground beneath him and one to go over him. The second one was draped over his back despite his own warmth he had been experiencing, darkening the slight space between he and Bann. Reth wanted to try something that would pleasure both of them at once. It was a curiosity of his, but one he'd always wondered if he'd have a chance to try with a male like this. Reth pointed his ebony tip downward, using his other paw to massage Bann's belly and slowly work toward his own sheathless maleness. By the time he got to it it was reacting already, and a little more gentle encouragement had Bann erect again. A gnoll penis would have been too big, but maybe Bann's...he could hope, anyway. If this worked he couldn't even begin to imagine what it might be like compared to the occasional usage of his own tail.
Reth's other paw held Bann's member steady as the gnoll lowered his hindquarters towards Bann's. Reth's nervousness spiked as he felt the head of Bann's penis touch his own. He carefully positioned Bann's a bit further along his tip where the opening slit was, applying a gentle pressure. There was a strange sensation and then a sudden give, and Reth gasped as he felt the end of Bann's cock move into his urethra. He grunted and whined a bit at the sensation. Reth slowly eased himself down further onto Bann, the gnoll's penis moving over more of Bann's. He could feel it throbbing within his own, stretching the walls wider and making a pleasant sensation travel up and down the length of his shaft. He couldn't imagine what Bann might think is going on when he probably still can't see clearly. Perhaps he would pull the fur up and look once he could? Reth thrust slightly and the shaft penetrated deeper into his own, eliciting a whine out of Reth. It must have been feeling good, because Bann started to thrust into the gnoll's length, rubbing his maleness up and down Reth's interior walls. Reth's claws clenched into the dirt as his lips curled in a silent snarl, pleasure jolting his form as he dribbled fluids freely over Bann's thrusting shaft. He thought he could see Bann looking at his toothy facial reaction now, but he also looked slightly confused as to what exactly the gnoll had going on under the blanket.
The images in Bannor's dreams were exaggerated caricatures of himself and Reth, where Reth appeared as a huge creature with pure white fur until Bannor stabbed him with a knife, turning the fur completely red. Red Reth fell to the ground and with his final breath proclaimed his love for Bannor even though Bannor had betrayed and killed him. Reth's dead body melted into a huge red puddle that rose up as an angry, shapeless blob, shooting still-connected arrows into Bannor's chest, pulling him toward it and absorbing him until he dissipated into the shapeless form which then turned as white as Reth had been. It shimmered and disappeared as Bannor was suddenly aware of movement. His eyes shot open but he couldn't see anything in the darkness of the belly he realized he was still in.
"Trust Reth" began repeating in his head as he could feel his already-tight compartment pushed from the outside. Not able to tell which way was up, he could feel Reth moving about and rolling over, and felt more pressure against his body as it seemed the gnoll was now laying on his belly. All the juices that shared the belly with Bannor had sloshed over him during Reth's repositioning and he wondered if this was the beginning of being digested. With less space, the compressed Bannor tried to shift around a bit, but the stomach walls were squishing against him and made it too hard to change his relative position. He wondered how Reth felt now, having eaten the person who had hurt him. Bannor hoped that he would be forgiven before being digested.
He could feel a slight burning on the skin where he normally wore shorts, that area being more sensitive. He continued his mantra, feeling that if he truly trusted Reth, who said he wouldn't harm Bannor, that the end would be painless. He tried to shift his arm that was trapped awkwardly under his torso, but he heard a muffled moan from Reth and thought that his movements were causing him discomfort, so he stopped. After another indeterminable amount of time, everything started feeling different. It was like the muscles around the stomach were trying to crush him. This must be it, he thought, as his body was being literally shoved around by the belly that held him. Then an incredibly loud sound and rush of air triggered more muscles that pushed his head upward, in whatever relative direction upward was.
It was tight, but he was moving! His whole body was regurgitated in just a few moments and Bannor found himself back in the world! He was dazed and tired and disoriented and couldn't really see, but he could feel Reth right over him, licking him. Unable to generate the energy to speak, he just laid on his stomach and let the gnoll lick the slime and acid off him. What happened? He was lost in thought trying to rationalize the events that occurred and are occurring now. But his human conditioning couldn't put reason to action, so it must be a gnoll thing he knew nothing about. He submitted to Reth, Reth ate him, and now he's back and Reth is again taking care of him. He had trusted Reth and Reth did not harm him, as promised. But does this atone for his earlier actions? Reth would still have to explain this to him later, he figured.
Still dazed, he felt his body being rolled over and he finally got to see Reth again. His eyes were too blurry to make out any more than the large outline of darkness as it moved over him to continue licking him. Reth ran his tongue over Bannor's face to remove all traces of the acidic slime, but to Bannor it felt more like a wet embrace. He wanted to say something to acknowledge Reth but he was still too weak to talk. But Reth then whispered to him as he cleaned his body, telling Bannor that since he had trusted and submitted to Reth, they could be close again. Bannor felt like crying. It was like a rebirth experience. He had been taken into the body of the one he betrayed and was forgiven. He wanted to get up and hug Reth, but his body still wasn't cooperating so he made a mental note to do that later.
After cleaning his manhood, and causing unintentional arousal, Reth moved to retrieve a large fur that he draped over himself as he hovered over Bannor. Bannor assumed this was to keep them warm, and he was partly correct. But then he felt Reth stimulating him again and, appreciating the feeling, wondered what the gnoll had planned. Somewhat able to glance downward, he could see Reth positioning his much larger cock into "docking position" with his own now-hard member. Only able to observe, he watched as the tip of is cock slipped into the very tight opening of Reth's. The sensation was incredible and he gasped as a bit more of his manhood disappeared into the gnoll's shaft. Bannor didn't know if this was a gnoll custom, and it felt so good he didn't care! The soft inner flesh of Reth's cock squeezed around Bannor's as the one slid into the other, lubricated by the precum from them both. The sensation was so intense that Bannor involuntarily began thrusting, and he saw Reth's expression and knew that he must be feeling some good sensations too. After a moment, Bannor's manhood was completely consumed by Reth's and the tip of Reth's large cock was pressing against Bannor's crotch. His eyes started to roll back into his head as Reth began pumping up and down, with Bannor's cock sliding in and out.
It was like the two had merged together in a shared ecstasy of total physical pleasure! Bannor heard Reth snarling and groaning as he increased the speed, and Bannor's hands flew to grab Reth's biceps to pull him closer. The gnoll's head had been tilted back but the sudden grip on his arms brought his face close to Bannor's. Their eyes locked on each as the thrusting grew faster, and as if synchronized, they both let out low howls of primal pleasure as their orgasms erupted into a collision of fluids within the combined shafts. Bannor's semen shot into Reth's shaft as his own load blocked it and found the only way out. Semen flew everywhere, soaking both their stomachs and chests. Reth was still thrusting, which nearly drove Bannor over the edge of sanity from the intense sensitivity of his post-orgasmed cock still being stimulated inside the tight flesh of Reth's organ. Being on the bottom, Bannor was getting the majority of the sticky cum as it shot out and dripped off Reth's stomach. Eventually, the gnoll slowed his thrusting and stopped, leaving the two connected. He looked down at Bannor who was simply looking back, but then loosened his grip on the gnoll's arms and moved them to his torso to pull his body down on top of his own. Covered by the blanket, Bannor hugged Reth as hard as he could.
The feelings Reth was experiencing as Bann rocked in and out of his slit made him gradually sag lower until his length was pressed against Bann's groin. He could feel every pulse of Bann's heart through the maleness surrounded by his own. Bann seemed to be watching now, his gaze a combination of confusion and pleasure. The gnoll's member was swollen slightly out of shape around Bann's penis, visible pulses of the veins just under its surface making the entire length of the gnoll's member twitch. Reth began to pull back and then let himself sink down onto Bann again, his vision nearly blurring at the sensation as he came back down. He worked himself up and down, his belly muscles alternatively relaxing and then clenching tight and trembling. Reth just looked down at Bann's belly, watching the human-thing's own musculature shift and move beneath its skin as their bodies pleasured one another.
The gnoll's back slowly began to arch as he increased his pace, copious amounts of pre-ejaculate emerging around Bann's shaft and soon soaking his balls and groin. Reth moaned, groaned, and even began snarling and growling as the tension build up in his balls, beginning to tip his head up as his back arched further and his tail tensed, staring up at the sky but not seeing it. He could feel Bann's penis tensing and twitching inside of his own, seeming to swell even more with blood, the blunt head growing and having its sides drawn up and down against the gnoll's urethra even harder. Reth's scrotum tensed and his cock began throbbing tightly around Bann's, the human-thing likewise seeming to tense even as Reth's body did. Reth felt himself pulled towards Bann, their faces ending up just apart from one another. Their eyes fixed on one another as they shared the pleasure of the union together, body and mind.
The feel of something warm and burning spread up Reth's shaft from Bann, and Reth felt a searing explosion of warmth surge from the base of his shaft. The gnoll's urethra bulged with the seed as it backed up around Bann's own length, spiking Reth's pleasure and urging his testicles to pump more gnoll-essence from within. The resulting pressure allowed the combined loads to spurt around Bann's shaft, spraying thick semen all over both Reth and Bann's chests and bellies. Much of what painted Reth's underside dripped and oozed down onto Bann, the two gasping and trembling as their releases continued. When Reth could see clearly again Bann was looking at him again. Reth felt the arms around his biceps move to his chest and pull him down. Reth was tired enough from his orgasm it was all it took to bring his weight down over Bann's as the arms hugged him tightly in a warm and sticky embrace.
Reth's head ended up cradled over Bann's. The gnoll shifted his hindquarters a bit uncomfortably and pulled his groin away from Bann's until the shaft held within Reth's wetly slipped free. The slightly flimsy length of the gnoll's penis slid over Bann's stomach as it spurted a small flow and then slowly dribbled the rest of the seed that had been trapped inside still until now. Reth relaxed back down onto Bann, his sac connecting with Bann's tickling slightly as he nuzzled the underside of his jaw against the top of Bann's head and made low happy sounds. They relaxed under the building heat of the fur a while before Reth gently propped Bann's back up under one paw and rose onto all fours slightly while holding him up against his belly. The gnoll flipped onto his back so Bann was resting over his own form, not wanting to cause him any discomfort by being larger and heavier and on top of him. Now Reth could in turn put his arms around Bann's form and he did so, stroking over his back and sides, treasuring his presence with him and holding him to his warm body.
The gnoll was feeling almost uncomfortably warm now, but he wasn't willing to make Bann's still slightly damp form shiver. The combination of heat and the downward pressure on his sheath from Bann's weight kept Reth's member exposed and slightly stiff, but he ignored it for now. "Reth change mind again. Maybe this is best day of life. Reth hopes he and Bann can be close like this for long time into future. Reth always take good care of him. If Bann ever need talk to Reth about something he not need to be worried, Reth will understand. Now he know how much he can trust Reth. Reth is sorry he make Bann go where he did, but was only way to show him that." Reth signed and stroked Bann's back some more, giving him time to think about if he wanted to talk about anything, but enjoying the quiet moment of just sharing his presence with Bann regardless.
The weight of Reth felt good, and Bannor was hugging the larger body to accentuate the full mass lying on top of him. The intensity of the intimacy they had just shared was possibly the single-most pleasurable physical moment Bannor had ever had, and that having just followed the experience of being eaten and temporarily existing within the gnoll's belly, left him with serious conflicting thoughts. In his human world, transgressions like betrayal weren't quickly forgiven or forgotten, and Bannor had to wonder where he now stood in Reth's eyes. He had been within Reth, literally inside him, a closeness that could have been made permanent had the gnoll chosen to leave him and digest him. Yet, he was released to share in a moment of extreme intimacy, which seemed to be continuing as Reth was now nuzzling his head. The combination of all these events left Bannor with a sense of closeness for Reth that he had never felt with any living creature, human or otherwise.
But did Reth feel the same way? Was taking a living being into his belly a way of bonding, or simply a type of punishment? His thoughts were interrupted by the gnoll rolling over and pulling him to be on top now. The powerful gnoll held Bannor on his body and spoke softly about how things were good between them again, and Bannor, his silent questions answered, felt a flood worry leave him, replaced by a sense of belonging. "Reth," he started, then paused for a moment. "Thank you for giving me a second chance." He really had a few thousand other things to say, and questions to ask, but this didn't seem like the right time to talk Reth's ear off again. He felt the strong arms hug a bit tighter, so he shut up and lowered his face into the gnoll's neck and nuzzled. His breathing had returned to normal now, and he enjoyed the scent of the gnoll who said he would take care of him from now on. Exhausted but relaxed, Bannor let his consciousness drift away into pleasant dreams.
Reth had expected Bann to talk a lot like he always did, but when he only had one thing to say, thanking the gnoll for his second chance, Reth held him tighter to his chest and smiled. He felt Bann nuzzle into his neck fur and felt wetness in his eyes form at the intimacy of the gesture. He was lying belly to belly with this male, one who he felt was closer to him than any gnoll he had been with before after the time spent in the very center of Reth's being. That created a bond unlike anything he had ever shared before, as did the pleasures they had just shared together. The gnoll pulled the fur back halfway down Bann's back, his pawpads telling him Bann was smooth and dry now, in order to keep the fire from making them too much warmer. He kneaded the relaxed muscles of his back gently as he embraced him. There were lots of things to think about for tomorrow, but Reth didn't feel like this was the time for it. His body was tired from all of the exertions of the night that had repeatedly emptied his balls, and his mind was just as tired from all of the emotions he had been though recently. The gnoll took a deep breath and sighed, closing his eyes, whispering to the already sleeping Bann. "Reth loves Bann too...". And then the gnoll too, slept, sharing his warmth with his new pet under the fur and the stars.
Posted by CTBear 14 years ago Report
Very long, but great story.
Hope to see trust were Bann can go back home and return to Reth, maybe Bann get a house on the edge of the forest for them?
Posted by Bannor 14 years ago Report
Well, Avereth (co-author) and I hope to have the time to do another collaboration involving Reth and Bann, but I kinda doubt it will involve them setting a home anywhere. I suspect Bann will be following Reth deeper into the forest.
Posted by Avereth 14 years ago Report
We haven't thought overly deeply on where the plot goes from here in order to leave it open and free flowing when we do the next one, but I find it unlikely Reth would be allowing something like that to happen in the near future. As far as Reth is concerned Bann is effectively one of his possessions, albeit a very special kind of possession.
Posted by Takado 12 years ago Report
Okie dokie. Where to start. Well, I freaking loved this for numerous reasons. First off, it was written well, I didn't find myself frowning at any grammar stuff that I usually see in written stuff. The dialogue was awesome, I loved the way Reth thought, spoke and all that jazz. Kudos to Avereth.
I'm not much into navels, I mean, I like them but not as much as you dudes so it was a refreshing, new thing. The vore scene was nice,it made sense and was sweet. I love the way it ended, too.
My only complaint, which is more of a personal thing than anything, is how it's read. I love huge posts in roleplays but it seemed like a lot would happen at once and then the other would have to play catch up. Maybe it's something I'm not use to but it certainly didn't distract me all that much.
Anyway, I'm sad it took me a year to find this since it was posted up. I put it in my top five furry related stories for sure. I'd love to do an RP with either one of you but I'm afraid my skill isn't near your level. xD You two did an awesome job, you deserve another can of beer.
Also, side question. What primarily makes gnolls different than hyenas? They seem to overlap a lot once the hyena is an anthro.
Posted by Bannor 12 years ago Report
Thanks so much for the comments! And I'm gonna echo what you said about Avereth's skill in writing Reth's dialogue. It was an awesome experience to be a part of all that and I fell in love with his character.
The observation about "catch up" is something I've noticed also - and been slightly bothered by at times - but have accepted it as a standard in stories derived from RPs. I suppose a lot of editing could be done to smooth things out, but that would take away the essence of what the original RP had.
As for gnolls and hyenas - my personal assumption is that gnolls are larger and more brutish (not brutish in a bad way ... well, I dunno.. I like brutish predators). My first exposure to gnolls was in Strega's artwork - and I knew right there I wanted to be eaten by one. That helped make this RP with Avereth so special (beyond Avereth being an awesome RP partner).
Thanks again for your comments! Very much appreciated! :3