Chapter 30: A Tale Of The Lion & The Wolf

The days passed peacefully, and on a crisp Saturday afternoon, Godric found himself at the floating pavilion in the middle of Cardigan Lake, a tranquil retreat from the livelier parts of Castle Excalibur. For some time now, this spot had become his and Raine's haven, a quiet sanctuary where he'd been teaching her to read and write. Away from the bustling corridors and watchful eyes of students and faculty, the pavilion offered solitude, its wooden platform swaying gently with the water's rhythm.

Despite the chilly autumn air, Godric didn't mind. The brisk wind reminded him of home, where the weather turned biting come fall and winter. But today was particularly beautiful—the golden afternoon sun shimmering across the lake's surface, setting the landscape aglow with warm hues of amber and crimson.

Godric sat behind Raine on the bench, a brush in hand as he gently worked through the tangles in her long, snowy-white hair. Each stroke revealed its silky texture, catching the sunlight like a cascade of liquid silver. Raine sat with a book in her lap, her amber eyes scanning the simple text, her wolfen ears twitching as she concentrated.

"Now take your time with the words, Raine," Godric said softly, his tone patient and encouraging.

Raine's tail wagged lightly as she read aloud, her voice steady yet tentative. "See… Jane… run. Jane… has… a… red… ball."

Her tail wagged a little faster, a clear sign of her delight, and her lips curved into a small smile. Godric chuckled softly, continuing to brush her hair, his movements rhythmic and soothing. Her ears twitched under his care; her golden eyes half-closed in relaxation as a soft, contented hum escaped her lips.

"Oh, Godric," she murmured, tilting her head slightly to glance at him. "How'd you get so good at this? Brushing, I mean." A playful curiosity flickered in her gaze. "Even the other slaves aren't half as good as you."

Godric smiled softly, his gaze growing distant as he spoke. "Back home, I used to do this for a girl named Wendy," he began. "We were neighbors, you see, and her father serves in the town guard under my uncle. She was…" He hesitated, searching for the right words. "She was beautiful. The kind of beauty that turned heads wherever she went. Almost every boy in town swore they'd marry her when they came of age." He chuckled lightly at the memory. "She had this long, golden hair—you'd swear it glowed like the summer sun."

As Godric spoke, Raine's expression flickered, a shadow crossing her face at the mention of Wendy. It was subtle, but her tail gave a small, involuntary flick, betraying a pang she didn't fully understand herself. "Oh," she said softly. "So… this Wendy… was she someone special to you?"

Godric paused, the brush still in his hand as he tapped it lightly against his chin. "Hhm… I suppose you could say that," he said thoughtfully.

Raine's wolfen ears drooped slightly, her gaze lowering as his words settled over her. She barely noticed her own voice carrying a note of sadness as she replied, "I see…"

Godric, oblivious to her shift in mood, continued. "She was like a big sister to me," he said warmly. "I've never had siblings, and my uncle never married. So… Wendy sort of filled that role for me. Always looking out for me, always ready with a kind word or a smile." He glanced at Raine, noticing her silence. "She'd even scold me when I got into trouble—usually deserved," he added with a sheepish grin.

Raine's ears perked up at his words, and her tail wagged with renewed enthusiasm. A wide smile spreading across her face. "Sister… right!" she said.

Godric raised an eyebrow, pausing mid-brush. "Are you alright, Raine?" he asked, his tone curious. "You seem… extra happy all of a sudden."

She blushed, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her tattered tunic. "Well… yes," she said. "I'm just… glad you had someone like that in your life, Godric. It must've been wonderful to have someone who cares for you."

Godric smiled warmly, his expression gentle. "It was. But I think everyone deserves someone like that, don't you?"

Raine nodded, her cheeks still tinged with color. A comfortable silence fell between them, broken only by the soft sound of the brush moving through her hair. Her shoulders relaxed, and she leaned slightly into his hand, her breathing steady and slow. The tranquil moment seemed to stretch, the golden autumn sunlight wrapping around them like a warm blanket.

"So," Godric finally said, glancing at the book resting in Raine's lap, "shall we continue with your reading? You've been making fantastic progress, you know. It's honestly incredible how quickly you're picking it up."

Raine's tail wagged a little faster, and her ears twitched with pride at his praise. "Do you really think so?" she asked.

"I do," Godric said with a grin. "You've got a sharp mind, Raine. I'd say you're a natural."

Her blush deepened, and she smiled shyly. "Well, I have a pretty great teacher," she murmured, looking back at the book with newfound determination. "It's… it's like magic, really, being able to understand all of these symbols."

"It is a kind of magic, isn't it?" Godric said with an encouraging smile, his crimson eyes gleaming warmly. "The magic of words. Now, let's see what adventure Jane and her red ball take us on next."

Raine nodded, her wolfen ears twitching as she focused on the book. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, and began to read aloud.

"Jane… throws the… ball. The dog… chases it," she said, her words slow and deliberate, but with growing confidence.

Godric grinned as he listened, leaning forward slightly. "You're getting it, Raine! Keep it up, you're doing brilliantly."

****

As the sun dipped lower, painting the skies with hues of amber and rose, Godric began to gather their study materials. He carefully stacked the books, smoothing out the edges of loose parchments before tucking them neatly into his bag. The soft rustling of paper and the gentle lapping of the lake against the floating pavilion created a tranquil atmosphere.

"Well, that's enough for today," Godric said, sliding his ink well and quill into his leather satchel, a warm smile lighting his face. "You did wonderfully today. So, same time tomorrow?"

Raine fidgeted with her hands, her wolfen ears twitching subtly as her gaze dropped to the wooden planks of the pavilion. Her usual vibrant demeanor softened, and a hint of vulnerability colored her voice. "Godric, I…" Raine began hesitantly,

She took a steadying breath, her fingers nervously toying with the buttons of her tunic. "I just realized something," she continued. Slowly, she began undoing the buttons, each movement deliberate and shaky. "I've never had the chance to properly thank you. Not for everything you've done."

The soft rustle of fabric filled the quiet air as her tunic slipped from her shoulders, falling gently onto the wooden deck with a barely audible thud.

"Oh, there's no need to thank me, Raine," Godric said with a dismissive wave of his hand, his back still turned as he tucked the last of the parchments into his bag. "Like I've told you before, we're friends. It's honestly my pleasure to—"

As Godric turned around, he was caught completely off guard as Raine leaned in, her lips pressing softly yet firmly against his. Her eyes fluttered closed, a quiet hum of contentment escaping her as the unexpected kiss lingered. Godric's breath hitched, his words silenced by the sudden and intimate gesture. His crimson eyes widened in shock, his mind scrambling for clarity.

When she finally pulled back, a sultry smile graced her face, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson that matched the setting sun. Her wolfen tail wagged slowly behind her, an unspoken mix of nerves and excitement in her demeanor. For a brief moment, Godric was frozen, his gaze inadvertently taking in her bare form.

"Just relax, Godric," Raine's voice was soft, almost hypnotic, her hand resting lightly against his chest. Her touch was warm, steady, and her words carried an unexpected intimacy. "You've done so much for me… let me return the favor. Trust me, you'll enjoy it."

Godric's heart raced, his face flushing a vivid red as her words sank in. Stumbling backward, he raised his hands as though to create a barrier between them. "Raine… what are you?!" His voice cracked with alarm. "Why are you—your clothes!"

His gaze darted wildly; his embarrassment palpable as he struggled to form coherent thoughts. "This isn't—I mean—Oh, Gods above!" His back bumped into the edge of the pavilion railing, leaving him nowhere to retreat.

"Godric…" Raine's ears drooped, her amber eyes shimmering with both fear and sadness. "W-why are you looking at me like that? Did… did I do something wrong?"

He fumbled to gather his bag and sword, his movements hurried and clumsy. "I-I have to go!" His words tumbled out in a frantic rush, his crimson eyes darting everywhere but her. "I just remembered… a thing…important…bye!"

Before she could respond, he bolted down the wooden bridge, his hurried footsteps echoing against the planks as he raced back toward the castle.

"Godric, wait!" Raine called after him. She sank to her knees as tears began to stream down her cheeks. "Godric… I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to…" Her voice broke as she buried her face in her hands. "I thought…"

Her words trailed off into the quiet of the lakeside, the golden hues of the setting sun contrasting sharply with the ache blooming in her chest.

****

Godric sprinted through the castle corridors, his heart pounding in his chest, his thoughts tangled in a storm of confusion and disbelief. Groups of students turned their heads as he rushed past, their curious gazes trailing him as if he carried a secret too heavy to bear. His face was flushed, a mix of exertion and embarrassment written across his features.

As he rounded a sharp corner, he almost collided headlong into his friends. Rowena grabbed his arms to steady him, her sharp blue eyes immediately narrowing with concern.

"Godric?" she said, her tone both alarmed and demanding. "What in Hecate's name is wrong with you? You look like you've just seen a ghost."

Godric pressed himself against the cold stone wall, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he tried to catch his breath. Sweat trickled down his forehead, and his crimson eyes darted nervously between his friends, all of whom were staring at him with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"Oh… you…" he panted, struggling to find the words. "You wouldn't believe… what just… happened."

Helga's face lit up like a child unwrapping a present. "Ooh, that sounds juicy!" she said, leaning in eagerly, her amber eyes gleaming. "Come on, spill the butterbeer!"

Salazar, leaning casually against the opposite wall, smirked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Let me guess," he drawled. "You've finally gathered the stones to ask Helena to the ball? And here I was thinking you'd never find the nerve."

Godric shot him an irritated look, shaking his head. "No, it's not that!" He raked his fingers through his crimson hair. "It's… it's Raine. She… she tried to—"

"Godric Gryffindor!" Rowena interrupted, her sharp tone slicing through his stammering. She crossed her arms, her piercing blue eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Explain yourself this instant. What did you do?"

"Me?!" Godric's voice cracked as he raised his hands defensively. "I didn't do anything! She's the one who… who…"

"Who what?" Helga prodded, practically bouncing on her toes. "Come on, Godric, don't leave us hanging like that!"

Salazar's smirk faltered slightly, and his emerald eyes widened as realization dawned on him. "Wait a moment…" He leaned forward. "She didn't. Tell me she didn't. Did she do what I think she did?"

Godric's face burned a deep scarlet, and he avoided their eyes, "Yes… she kissed me. And, well… she was… she was naked. I think she wanted to… um…" His words trailed off as he buried his face in his hands, groaning in embarrassment.

The silence that followed was almost deafening, save for Helga's poorly stifled snicker as her hand flew to her mouth. It only lasted a moment before she burst into laughter, doubling over and clutching her sides.

"Oh, by Bacchus's butterbeer!" she gasped between fits of giggles. "And you actually ran away? That's absolutely priceless!" Tears streamed down her cheeks as she laughed harder.

Godric shot Helga a sharp glare, his face still flushed crimson. "Helga, this isn't funny!" he snapped, his frustration bubbling to the surface.

"Funny?" Helga wheezed, struggling to catch her breath. "Godric, it's hilarious! Naked wolf-girl kisses you, and you bolt like a startled goat? It's like something out of those cheesy romance novels!"

Godric groaned, sliding down the wall until he was seated on the floor, his head dropping into his hands. "Yes, okay? Yes! I panicked, grabbed my stuff, and ran!"

Salazar, standing off to the side, raised an eyebrow, a slow, incredulous smirk spreading across his face as he chuckled. "Well, well," he drawled, folding his arms. "I knew you had an interesting life, Gryffindor, but this… this takes the cake." He leaned in slightly. "And I do so declare that you might be the only teenage boy in history to flee from a willing naked girl."

Godric glared at him, his face still bright red. "Not helping, Salazar."

Rowena settled on the floor beside Godric, her expression calm but thoughtful. "Godric, there's something you need to understand about Therianthropes. Their customs and instincts are quite different from ours. For starters, they do not view copulation the way we do."

Godric looked at her with a furrowed brow, still visibly unsettled. "Different how? What are you trying to say?" He grimaced slightly, running a hand through his hair. "And, by Charlamagne, please don't use copulation. It's… weird."

Rowena rolled her eyes but pressed on, ignoring his discomfort. "For Therianthropes, intimacy isn't viewed the same way we see it," she began. "It's not just about romance or attraction—it's deeply tied to their sense of trust and bonding. Acts that might seem… personal to us are entirely natural within their culture, even among friends and family."

Helga chimed in with her characteristic grin, leaning casually against the wall. "And they don't have, you know… 'women problems' like we do," she added with a sly wink. "Instead, they've got estrus cycles. Does help with avoiding spontaneous kids though."

Godric's eyes widened in alarm, his face turning an even deeper shade of red. "Estrus cycles?!" he exclaimed. "What in the name of the Old Gods does that even mean?!"

"It means," Rowena continued, her tone matter-of-fact, "that her actions weren't intended to offend or alarm you. To her, it was probably a natural expression of trust—or something more."

Rowena placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I understand it was overwhelming, Godric, but you have to consider her perspective. Raine has spent her life as a slave, isolated and stripped of normal social customs. Her understanding of how we humans view intimacy is likely… limited."

Helga nodded. "Exactly. It's not about her trying to make you uncomfortable—it's about her trying to connect in the way she knows how."

Godric sat in contemplative silence, his mind slowly processing Rowena and Helga's words. The gravity of what they were saying began to sink in, shifting his perspective on Raine's actions.

Rowena's voice dropped slightly, drawing his attention. "Not to mention," she added, her tone more solemn, "Therianthropes will only bear children with their chosen mates. And when they do choose a mate, Godric… it's for life."

"For life?" Salazar's eyebrows arched in genuine curiosity; his usual smirk replaced by a thoughtful expression. "That's quite the commitment. I dare say not even the other races exhibit such unwavering dedication," he said. "Well, perhaps the elves—they're long-lived enough to see it through."

Rowena nodded; her gaze distant as if lost in thought. "Remember what I said back in the Hospital Wing? That Therianthropes are a fiercely loyal race?" she began. "They only fall in love once. If their partner dies, they never take another. Some would even… follow their partners into death."

A heavy silence followed her words. Helga placed a hand over her heart, her amber eyes misting slightly. "Oh, that's… that's beautiful," she murmured. "But also, heartbreaking." She sighed. "I wouldn't want my special someone to stay bound to me in death. I'd want them to live, to be happy."

Salazar crossed his arms. "It's a kind of devotion most could only dream of, yet it's tragic in its absoluteness. Imagine loving so deeply that even death couldn't sever the bond."

Godric shifted uncomfortably, the weight of their words settling heavily on his shoulders. "I had no idea," he said quietly. "I didn't understand… any of this."

Rowena offered him a gentle look. "You weren't meant to, Godric. Therianthropes have lived a life vastly different from ours. What matters now is how you handle things moving forward."

Godric drew in a deep breath, his resolve hardening as he nodded. "You're right, all of you," he admitted. "I think… I may have overreacted."

"Bravo, my dear friend," Salazar remarked, a smirk curling on his lips as he gave a slow, exaggerated clap. "Welcome to the land of reason. Took you long enough to join us."

Godric ignored the jab, standing up and squaring his shoulders. "I need to find Raine and apologize," he declared. "I just hope I haven't hurt her feelings too badly."

"That's the spirit!" Helga grinned, giving him a hearty pat on the back that nearly sent him stumbling forward. "Go get her, you noble prat!"

Godric nodded, turning to leave, but Rowena reached out and caught his arm. "Godric, wait." Her voice was measured, her gaze steady. "Remember, no matter how much you care for her, it doesn't change her status here. The rules of this place… they're cruel, and they're unfair, but they're real. Please, just be mindful of how you proceed."

Her words hung in the air, heavy and full of meaning. Godric met her eyes and placed a hand over hers, offering her a small, reassuring smile. "I understand, Rowena," he said softly. "I'll be careful. But I can't leave things the way they are—not like this. I owe her that much."

Rowena's grip loosened as she stepped back, watching him intently. "Good luck," she said.

"Thanks," Godric replied, his determination rekindled. With a final nod to his friends, he strode down the corridor, his steps firm and purposeful.