MaW: Shore Leave

Description: Richard, the Prince of Glilia and a Royal Marine Colonel, is finally getting some time for fun away from the war, along with the Hellhounds under his command.

My eyes opened and all was dark. That’s because I keep a thick, black curtain over the rooms only window. I find it difficult to sleep when there is any light. Despite being this far north, I was soaked in sweat. I looked toward the only sign of light in the room.

The faint green glow of the clock hands indicated it was a quarter to five. Oh so I was actually able to get some sleep, after all. I was thankful for that, because this was an important day for everyone. My attention then turned to the bed covers that were heavier than usual. I could feel the rise and fall of another body sleeping pleasantly.

That would explain why I was so hot. I seemed to have been visited in the night. At least it was just one this time. The record stands at three “Sorry, my dear. Time to get up.” Giving her a gentle push, the lump of fur that radiated so much heat rolled to the side. That gave me just enough room to get up.

I moved the curtain out of the way and spotted the silhouettes of five other ships sailing through the water. We were all heading for some much needed shore leave. A splendid beach party on behalf of one of my Ryu aunts from Zipangu.

And I was the chaperone for the wonderful occasion. That meant I needed to wake up quick. Even though the lights had just been turned on, the ball of sheets and fur hadn’t stirred any. That changed rather quick after I turned on the propane burner and started a new pot of coffee.

She lay there looking at me for quite a while. Those fiery eyes were still rather lethargic when she finally spoke up. “But don’t you Glilian gents look down on coffee for being ‘so uncultured?”

“Tea couldn’t stir a drowsy Weresheep. Care for a cup?” I asked while sloshing the kettle back and forth.

She gave me a toothy grin. “Thought you would never ask. Oh and no cream or sugar, please.”

“As the lady requests.” I handed her the first mug and poured another for myself. She took her first sip and immediately began to perk up. Even the fiery trails at her eyes grew as the coffee entered her system.

I turned the alarm off on the clock. It wasn’t like anyone in the room was going to get three more minutes of sleep, anyways. Sitting at the desk, I looked around my personal accommodations. The cabin was of a modest size, as requested of course. I didn’t want to kick the Captain out of his own quarters. Especially when I didn’t expect to get any sleep to begin with. Speaking of sleep, when did the Hellhound get in here?

Humorous how that works, isn’t it? She also couldn’t remember. “Hey, Rich…” She started off. “Did we mate?” She asked me with her head cocked to the side. Hellhounds, even with their reputation as it is, seemed to enchant me with an air of lovability.

I shook my head. “If we did, I‘d like to think I‘d remember, love. Perhaps next time, though.”

“Oh…” She appeared rather down about it. Not that I can blame. I certainly wouldn’t have minded. At that time, she was going to turn 17 in a few days, so she was by no means a pup. She was a capable squad leader, her mind was sharp so she had plenty of potential.

I had every intention of asking her about accepting a officer‘s commission. Just not then and there. I wasn’t going to start this day off with thoughts of work. I would ask her only after she had some time on shore.

She gave a yawn and pulled herself out of the bed. “Oh five ten. Another hour and we will reach the island.”

“Indeed. Oh and by the by, Quema. I’ll probably be staying behind and making sure everything is going alright between the ships, at least at first. So ask everyone this for me…” She waited, anticipated what I was going to say.

“When everyone is running around trying to find fresh mates to conquer, try to have some extra fun for your dear Colonel while he is stuck dealing with the dull matters of docking ships and unloading supplies. Promise?”

“We promise!!!” Came a chorus of Hellhounds that could be heard throughout the ship. From the other side of the door, I could hear bare paws and boots quickly scamper off.

--- One Week Earlier---