18+ Private Ilmea's Lament A Chantey like no other

[Lily]

.
.
.
.
.

Drowned Maiden
✦ Sailor bar ✦​

With the Sun long gone from the skies above the sea, sailors and pirates alike retreated to more comfortable places than the windy and cold decks of their ships. As per usual, many had chosen to drink themselves away at the Drowned Maiden - a renowned bar visited almost exclusively by pirates and less savory sailors. That said, the clientèle was never a problem! The bar had a strict rule of causing no trouble, or else one would risk a life-long ban. And with so few places welcoming these kinds of people, who would dare to attempt such a thing?

The bar itself was carved from the guts of a beached ship, nestled firmly into a rock side that surrounded the sandy beach adjacent to the bar itself. Unless one was adept at climbing down such sheer cliff-faces, the only normal means of arrival were through ships. But if a person found their way to this place, it was well worth the trouble! Beer aplenty, people not shy to drink something stronger if you requested, fair maidens dancing on the stage to provide a distraction, fine music… this place almost had it all!

Charlotte was directed to this place by Goldbeard after helping him rob the Petunia of the fish that were acquired during the competition. Apparently, she would be able to find many a fine contacts here, and she did! Today, she was here for the same reason as everyone else - to relax! With a mug of beer in her hand, she gleefully joined the chanteys and singing that was to be had here, perhaps even ordering something to fill her stomach and taste buds alike. However, there was something that caught her attention from the corner of her eyes—a pale beastfolk, much like herself.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

It wasn't often that Vina came this far East, as she was more used to the forest and the plains. That said, she did enjoy the journey here, hired by a ship to act as a windcaller who could make sure they had favourable weather. She might not have the power to control the literal weather, but at least she could summon favourable winds and help ships make their way out of stormy circumstances.

Now she was at the Drowned Maiden, a bar which almost exclusively catered to seafarers and which was nigh-impossible to reach by land. That made sense, as well as the fact that this resulted in it being a haven for pirates who wouldn't be welcomed in more accessible regions of the kingdom. Vina wasn't exactly a fan of pirates given their plundering and raiding, but that didn't mean she'd pass on the opportunity to have some fun at a bar she had never visited before.

She wasn't planning on drinking much, and instead got herself hired to sing for the bar while all the sailors and pirates enjoyed the ale and the food. There were plenty of other pretty girls on the stage as well, although most of them were limited to dancing while Vina would stand in front. The vulpine druid didn't hesitate to take her spot, only smirking as many of the people present in the bar ogled her without any reservations. Her outfit didn't leave much to the imagination, only covering the essentials, which meant that she served both as a songstress and eye-candy together with the dancers.

But she wasn't planning to take it easy on the singing. As she inhaled deeply she quickly pulled up and old sea shanty from her mind, her voice filling the air as she began to sing:

Come all you young sailormen, listen to me
I'll sing you a song of the fish in the sea,
and it's...
Windy weather boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes.

Thanks to a certain video game on Earth it was a pretty popular shanty for Travelers, and Vina didn't doubt that some of the sailors of this world had picked up on it as well. Sure enough, it didn't take long before some of the patrons joined in, and even those who hadn't heard of it before could at least catch the rhythm and go along with it.

Up jumps the eel with his slippery tail,
Climbs up aloft and reefs the topsail,
and it's...
Windy weather boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes.

As she sang Vina noticed a rather unusual sight amongst all the sailors and pirates. They came in all sorts and sizes, but they rarely came in the shape of a short, pretty white-haired vixen. She certainly looked like she was comfortable amidst all the other seafarers though, drinking together with them, but Vina still winked at her while continuing to sing.

Then up jumps the shark with his nine rows of teeth
Saying, 'You eat the dough boys, and I'll eat the beef!'
and it's...
Windy weather boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes.

@Charlotte Ann Marie

 

[Lily]

At first, it was just watching from the corner of her eye. But as time went and the chantey filled the whole bar, Charlotte grew much more interested. Not necessarily in the singing itself, but the singer. The two girls were surprisingly similar as far as some key characteristics went - namely that they both appeared to be the same, or very similar, kind of beastfolk. Though their builds were certainly quite different.

Getting up from her seat, the pirate captain would walk around before finding herself a new spot much closer. After all, there was that wink. It might have merely been an acknowledgment of fellow fox, but Charlotte decided to take it as a bit more than that. Wearing her finest grin, she would happily watch the vixen dance and sway her body side from side, her assets certainly making for a fine show for everyone who was not yet blind.

Heck, she was impressed enough with the performance to toss a few coins, as some other pirates did as well, onto the stage. This was no strip club, but such practice of literally throwing money on performers seemed to be well and alive in establishments such as this one. Even if pirates were often a far more greedy bunch that did not like to share their plundered riches.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

It looked like her fellow vixen had picked up on her invitation, Vina smiling as she watched the cute girl approach the stage so she could listen to her singing from up close... and most likely get a good look at Vina's shapely figure in the process. The druidess wasn't the must curvaceous of females, but she did have a healthy figure which was accentuated by her revealing clothes. She had no inhibitions that prevented her from showing off, and she enjoyed the approving looks she got. It also meant that people would pay attention to her performance, and she did really enjoy entertaining people.

Up jumps the lobster with his heavy claws,
Bites the main boom right off by the jaws!
and it's...
Windy weather boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes.

She took the money being thrown onto the stage as another form of approval, although she imagined that a fair amount of it was also dedicated to the dancers who shared the stage. They weren't singing like Vina, but they weren't shy in providing a visual delight either, especially since they also display impressive control over their finely shaped bodies with their skilled movements. That they managed to elicit such a response from a bar filled with pirates spoke of the quality of their performance.

As Vina sang she utilised a trick she'd developed by combining her Harmonic Magic and her Aeromancy. The air itself would carry her song, spreading it throughout the room so everyone would hear the song as if Vina was standing right next to them and distance was an illusion. Those who paid close attention would also hear the sound of waves and winds, acting as an accompaniment to the voice.

Up jumps the halibut, lies flat on the deck
He says, 'Mister Captain, don't step on my neck!'
and it's...
Windy weather boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes.

While Vina's performance had only been meant to provide some background music to the busy tavern, she managed to make everyone pay attention to her, giving everyone in the room a cheerful and mischievous smile which made it clear she was having the time of her life as she made her way through the sea shanty, the energy in the room falling and rising like waves in tune with the rhythm of the song.

Up jumps the herring, the king of the sea,
Saying, 'All other fishes, now you follow me!'
and it's...
Windy weather boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes.

A part of her wondered if perhaps the pretty vixen now sitting so close would like to join her, but from the looks of it, she'd rather keep watching. So Vina would make sure that Charlotte got the best view, her azure eyes flickering towards the pirate captain with a mischievous glint more than once.

@Charlotte Ann Marie

 

[Lily]

There was absolutely no doubt now, Charlotte's existence was most certainly acknowledged by the singer. Any questions brought up by the wink from before melted away as the white fox leaned forward toward the stage, her head rested on one of her hands, smile creeping across her face. Seeing a singer like this... it certainly was uncommon. Especially in this place. SHe seemed to be enjoying herself awful lot as well, which gave the vixen a bit of a mischevious... and possibly quite a mean idea.

Once she was sure that Vina was watching, Charlotte would lean in toward a fellow pirate that was seated next to her and whispered something to him. Given the rowdiness of the place, it was impossible to hear even for other beastfolk with enhanced hearing. Though the songstress did not have to wait long before she discovered what was said. The pirate grinned widely before pulling out another coin.

Instead of just tossing it on the stage, however, he raised his hand with the golden metal into the air and started shouting. "Extra gold to the foxy lady if she starts dancing and sheds her clothes, what do you say lads?!" The music that accompanied the singing paused briefly, though resumed almost as immadietely. Quite a few other pirates started chanting for Vina to fulfill the request while holding up hands with gold coins. And while Charlotte remained silent, she did flash a coin of her own in her hand and winked back at the fellow fox.

She had no obligation to follow through, of course. In fact, some of the patrons even got a bit annoyed at the increased rowdiness, seemingly having no interest in the dancers regardless of what they were wearing or not wearing. But at least the situation remained mostly under control... for now.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

As interested as Vina was in her fellow vixen, it appeared that this interest was returned. Of course, given that Vina was currently the star of the show it wasn't exactly surprising she'd have those eyes on her, but she got the feeling that the white-haired girl had more on her mind than just listening to her voice, as pleasing as that might be. Those feelings were justified as she watched Charlotte turn to whisper with one of the pirates enjoying the performance right after the captain's yellow eyes had met Vina's azure gaze. While she did have very sharp ears the tavern was too noisy for her to make out the details.

When the pirate stood up and made the request Vina halted together with the music, blinking in surprise. While she'd been curious as to what the seafaring fox was up to it wasn't often that one of her fantasies actually happened. However, it was clear from her expression that while she was surprised she wasn't shocked or embarrassed. Looking out over the crowd she heard many others call out for the same now that one had been daring enough to voice the suggestion first, her eyes coming to a rest on Charlotte and seeing her flash her a gold coin as well together with a wink. If there had been any doubt that the pretty girl was responsible for this turn of events, that doubt was put to rest right then and there.

Vina's expression went from surprised and curious to playful and mischievous, her gaze smouldering with sensuality as she resumed singing. Her eyes would stay on Charlotte for several seconds longer, the tip of her tongue moving from one corner of her mouth to the other, before she returned her attention to the tavern at large.

Up jumps the codfish with his chuckle-head,
He runs out up forward and throws out the lead!
and it's...
Windy weather boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes.

As requested by the pirates she began to dance along with the song, swaying her hips from side to side to the rhythm of the music. Her hands first stretched out to the sides, then came together to rest on one another's forearms, from where they made their way upwards to her upper arms, her shoulders, and then her throat where a brooch held her capelet in place. With a quick move from her fingers, the brooch was snapped open, allowing the capelet to slide from her shoulders and fall onto the ground behind her even as the druidess took a step forward, her own tail curling around and stroking her long legs to draw attention to them.

Up jumps the whale... the largest of all,
'If you want any wind, well, I'll blow ye a squall!'
and it's...
Windy weather boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes.

From the base of her throat, her hands went down her chest, fingers sliding into her cleavage before moving out towards the side. For a moment it looked like Vina would grab the leather top that contained her breast and pull it down, but instead, her hands went even further. Without any hesitation she cupped her supple mounds, lifting them up and pressing them together while leaning forward so the crowd got a good look at her enhanced cleavage. With a saucy wink, Vina let go of her chest so her hands could slide from her front to her back, where deft fingers quickly undid the strings that kept the top in place. Rather than letting it fall down on its own, she grabbed it, pulling it aside with a flourish at the end of the chorus, confirming the suspicions of many that she didn't wear a bra as her bare breasts bounced in full view, no longer restrained.

Windy weather boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes.

With the final repeat of the chorus, Vina dropped her top, her hands instead going to the side of her chest and from there on downwards. With a slow, rhythmic, sensual gait she made her way towards the edge of the stage, her hands sliding over her sides, passing her thin waist and then outwards to match her wide hips. Her thumbs hooked into her long loincloth, some sleight of hand loosening up the parts that kept the loincloth together. Every step after that made her loincloth move a bit further down, each sway of her hips revealing more pale but healthy skin. When her loincloth reached the widest part of her figure the bindings gave way, and with the next step, her loincloth parted and slid down her legs. While many had already guessed that the playful vixen didn't wear a bra, most of the audience hadn't expected her to not wear any underwear down below either... or for her to show it so willingly.

At the end of the song, Vina was standing in front of the crowd wearing nothing but her boots, which fit too snugly for her to remove them quickly. Her obscenely long white hair fell down her back and sides like a curtain, following her curves as the druidess gave everyone a wide, sultry smile. If she felt any shame at all she wasn't showing it, and those at the front of the audience could tell that Vina was really enjoying the moment. To finish off the song Vina bowed deeply, placing her hands on her thighs and pressing her breasts together with her upper arms. After straightening up her hands moved inwards, briefly running across her crotch before moving up her stomach, across the curve of her breasts, and then outwards as she spread her arms wide.

And for this last part, Vina's eyes remained firmly on Charlotte, making sure that the pretty pirate captain knew that the druidess was fully exposing herself and even making a show out of it while paying attention to her specifically.

@Charlotte Ann Marie

 

[Lily]

Some said that one's imagination was the key to sensuality. That you should never show it all, only hint at what could possible be. The mind would then flood one with the wildest and most perfect of images. Such saying, of course, failed to take into account that there could be a world in which someone as perfect looking as Vina could exist. And Charlotte certainly enjoyed the show even if she didn't have to use her own imagination to draw in the blanks left by the performance. As was silently promised, her smirk grew wide as she tossed the gold coin onto the stage.

She might have been the first with that gesture, but she sure as hell was not the last. All of the pirates close enough started cheering, whistling, and tossing coils at the pale vixen as well. All in all, it seemed to be an extremely successful little show... if only one that angered the other dancers, given that the spotlight was entirely stolen off of them. But not everyone was as happy with how things were going.

In a corner further back, one of the patrons woke up from his drunken nap, hangover clearly still ringing in their half-empty skull. "Hnpf- who the fhak-" Getting up from the stool, the scrawny man, garbed in tattered clothes and his face obscured by equally damaged hat, staggered toward the stage, making his way through the cheering crowd. "Da fhak is goin' on?!! BE QUIET ALREADY, ME HEAD IS SPLITTIN!" And just like that, he took a swing and landed a hit. In his state, he wasn't even interested in knowing who he just hit, it didn't matter. There were no thoughts put into his actions, only pure emotion. But the act was not without retaliation.

The pirate whom he hit swung back and that was all it took to start a brawl. Fists started flying in every which direction, it did not matter as long as they hit something. The sound of tables being toppled and mugs shattering after being thrown managed to get Charlotte's attention as well. With the pace at which the fight was spreading through the tavern, she was soon ducking to get out of a way herself.

Vina and the other dancers were about the only people out of harm's way... at least for a few more seconds. That changed pretty quickly, however, as one particularly large and bulky patron took a whole table and just chucked it toward the stage. But before it could hit Vina, a quick slash near-instantly cleaved the piece of furniture in two as Charlotte landed on the stage instead.

"Things're getting a bit rowdy here, we better get yer pretty butt somewhere safer~"

The fox merely exclaimed jokingly as she sheated her blade and grabbed Vina's hand, quickly leading her behind the stage. Somewhere the taller fox was probably familiar with if she was dancing and singing here, even if it was for the first time.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Now that her performance had come to an end Vina couldn't help but focus on the fact that she was standing in front of a full crowd of pirates fully exposed, something which might happen regularly inside of her fantasies but which all too rarely happened for real. Her breathing was also a bit heavier than usual due to all the singing and dancing combined with her mood, her chest rising and falling even as gold coins began to fall onto the stage around her as her audience voiced their approval of the show. Many of them were gazing at the pale bounty that was presented before them, and Vina couldn't help but bite her lower lip.

It was unfortunate that this state of events couldn't continue or develop into something even more exciting, as a drunkard who'd apparently managed to sleep through the entire show woke up and began to cause a ruckus. Vina frowned as she watched a fight break out, the earlier arousing atmosphere devolving into something equally heated if less pleasant. While the pirates might have been energised by Vina's performance there was more than one way for them to discharge that energy, and this untimely interference forced their hands.

Bringing her arms back down to her sides the vixen wondered if maybe she should start using her magic to bring the barfight to a quick end, possibly even offer another way for all these lively men to vent, when a table was chucked her way and she was forced to prioritise her own well-being. Winds were already gathering in her hands when the pretty vixen who'd been watching her show saved her with a quick slash, leaving Vina blinking before finding herself getting dragged backstage.

Thank you very much for the rescue~

Around them the other dancers were also quickly abandoning the stage, leaving the same way as Charlotte and Vina. Most of them didn't appear too panicked: this was hardly the first time that a brawl had broken out in the Drowned Maiden. Some of them did shoot Vina some dirty looks, apparently believing her to be responsible for the current upheaval, which technically was true at least in part. Vina just smiled and winked at them before returning her attention to Charlotte once they were backstage, closing the door and shutting out the sounds of the men fighting on the other side.

We'll be safe here: the owner knows better than to leave the performers defenceless when the customers get rowdy~

To support her statement Vina gave a thick wooden bar a push, the object in question falling down to serve as a much more effective lock against those who'd try to open the door from the other side. The vixen chuckled.

Not that I'd mind~ (She didn't specify what she meant with that, instead placing her arms behind her back, grabbing one of her wrists with the other hand and arching her back to push out her chest as she addressed Charlotte.) So! I'm Vina Skysong, and I really hope you liked my performance~ May I know the name of my saviour~?

With those last words, she leaned forward both so she and Charlotte were at the same eye level and so the smaller foxgirl could look between Vina's breasts and see proof of the druidess's excitement.

@Charlotte Ann Marie

 

[Lily]

‎
‎
‎‎
‎‎

While Vina was busy barricading the door, Charlotte happily spent that free moment to quickly get all of the gold coins into a single sack that she then attached to her belt. The currency was all just lying on the stage, after all, would have been shame to leave it all there when the fight broke out. It was a good thing that the fox was quickly and dexterous enough to nab it all before leading the songstress away.

"Yer welcome lass. Feel free to repay me personally, haha~"

It really was just a joke this time as the girl felt she was already paid enough for the rescue, even if the source were the pirates. Although even this pirate captain was quite surprised by what Vina said next.

"So ya that kinda girl, huh. Nothing wrong with wild sex, but I'd suggest ye stay far away from a tavern full of pirates in that regard. 'Specially in that state, those bootlickers would end up inflictin' more harm than pleasure."

She knew just how violent and braindead some of these men were, so she just hoped her fellow fox would take the advice. The girl seemed far too pure and innocent, despite her actions on the stage, to actually handle something like that.

"So, plannin' on giving me even more eye candy, or do you'se good some clothes around here?"

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina had been too busy with the brawl that was breaking out to notice that Charlotte had taken all the coins that were lying on the stage, but even as she saw the captain stuff the gold into a bag for safekeeping she merely chuckled. The druidess had little interest in money, and the pirates had freely thrown their stolen wealth onto the stage: they could hardly complain if a different white-haired fox ended up taking it.

The other dancers apparently had no desire to stick around even after they'd reached the safety of the backstage, most of them heading for their own rooms while muttering about how they lost out on a good amount of income thanks to the stunt Vina and Charlotte had pulled. As much as the audience might have enjoyed it, the other performers would remain a bit disgruntled.

Hmmm... maybe we should share our fortune with the others.

While Vina didn't care for money herself she knew that for many people it was very important, and if the other dancers actually suffered financially because of this incident it'd make her feel bad. However, the captain already had taken all the money, so Vina couldn't just hand it out.

As Charlotte warned her not to get too careless with pirates Vina smiled warmly.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll be careful, although I do have a trick or two to keep myself safe~

Her smile turned cheeky, and for a moment sparks of blue lightning would dance from her shoulder down to her fingertips, after which they disappeared as quickly as they'd appeared. Anyone who touched Vina in a manner she didn't appreciate would find themselves quite shocked by her rejection. It wasn't strong enough to be effective in a fight, but fortunately the kind of person who sought to exploit her willingness tended to be both unguarded and exposed.

In response to Charlotte's question Vina hummed and folded her hands behind her back, which had the benefit of pushing her chest forward. Even being reminded that she was completely naked didn't disturb her, as proven by how her tail was swishing from side to side behind her in a relaxed manner.

Well, you did say that I'm free to repay you for saving me, so I might as well give you something nice to look at~ (She spun in place before winking.) Unless you had something else in mind when you said that, of course~ Either way, I'm in no hurry to find clothes.

@Charlotte Ann Marie

 

[Lily]

‎
‎
‎‎
‎‎

"Hmm? Worried 'bout the other dancers?"

Charlotte should have figured. The girl in front of her did seem to be basically radiating positive energy, so adding altruism to that wasn't all that surprising. It was always hard to work with people like that, lowering profits and all. Thankfully there was a pretty good reason as to why they should not share the gold that was pilfered from the stage.

"Don't be. Those empty-headed seadogs are trashin' the inn as we speak. The owner and his lads will be there soon enuff to hand out a proper thrashin', and they'll be sure to shake 'em all out of what money they have on 'em for repairs. Portion of that will go to the performers. They'll probably get more than they would've earned otherwise, even."

Conflict was always profitable, no matter the context, it seemed. At least in this instance where the inn owner could reliably whoop the ass of every pirate that came around and caused a ruckus like this. Even Vina herself might have been entitled to some compensation. Yet, right now, it was Charlotte who was winning the most with a satchel full of gold and a beautiful girl to look at.

Though she ended up with a hearty laugh, delivering a good, yet still playful, smack to Vina's bottom as the other vixen spun around during her little speech, only to then hop further down the room.

"Sounds like ye might be underestimatin' some of 'em. But that aside, I could think of a few methods of payment that would help you discharge that energy as well. Got me own ship with a personal captain' room if ya interested in following."

With a cheeky and toothy grin, Charlotte looked over her shoulder to face Vina as she said so, golden eyes narrowed and eager to see if the other fox would really willingly follow to what could very well have been a den of lions waiting to devour her for all she knew.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina nodded in response to Charlotte, frowning lightly as she thought about how not all of them might have the luxury to lose out on a day's pay. The captain's explanation, however, managed to make the druidess relax despite her concerns. It was true that no tavern owner would just let their establishment get trashed by drunken patrons if they could do something about it, and for this lawless place to have a functional tavern implied that the owner was quite capable indeed.

I can't argue with your logic~ Still, I should go and apologise to them when I have the chance~

Even if she didn't hurt them financially disrupting their performance still bothered them. Vina was all in favour of raising some havoc if it was fun, but that meant it had to actually be fun for everyone.

It appeared that the captain wasn't particularly impressed with Vina's declaration of independence, even going so far as to smack her ass the moment Vina gave her the opportunity. The vixen let out a surprised but not displeased yelp, her bubble butt jiggling briefly in response to the smack. She gave Charlotte a smile which was no longer just friendly and mischievous but also had a sultry undertone to it.

Oh~? I sort of took you for the kind of courageous captain who'd claim their price here and now, but if you'd rather have me accompany you I'll gladly follow~

She practically skipped after Charlotte, unbothered by the possibility of trouble. Charlotte was correct that it wasn't like Vina could handle every problematic individual thrown her way, but she was quite good at getting out of unpleasant situations or making them a lot more pleasant for everyone involved. That, and she had no reason to distrust Charlotte.

Lead the way, my captain~

@Charlotte Ann Marie