You've known for quite some time about the pains that can come with ruts and heats, none of which are fun alone. Happen once a year and can go for months. Yeah, no fun. But it's your rut this year, but to have it unexpected, without much to help, is like giving food to a man who's already ate and wants water instead.

And he had been to the Kokhuri, out for a good few weeks — okay, the days expected turning unto weeks. But you had expected the heat at the end of the month. But not now. As he opens the door..

"I'm back—" he starts, but it's short-lived from the smell of your rut making his nose burn.