18+ Private Eastern Brisshal Song and Stripes

[Vina Skysong]

In the aftermath of the decisive fight against Szofrit and the magia under her control relations between Falderen and Astorea had become tenser than ever. The Starcalled, once seen as otherwordly heroes that had shown up to protect the land from threats too great for mere mortals to handle, were now considered by many to be a threat themselves, immortal invaders who brought misfortune with them. Many Landers would argue that before the Starcalled arrived life had been peaceful, which made their achievements of repelling threats ring hollow.

Falderen's aristocracy, which had considered the Starcalled a threat to their established power from the very beginning, had seized this opportunity to strengthen their influence over the population and the government, and soon large swathes of the Lander kingdom no longer welcomed any Starcalled, whether they be magia or flesh.

Fortunately this stance wasn't universal, and in places where the people were more personally familiar with Starcalled these immortals could still find friendship and comfort.

Such was the case for Honeyhome, possibly the most Starcalled-friendly location remaining with Falderen's borders. As this was were all new Starcalled entered this world the villagers were more than familiar with their odd nature, accepting them as friends and fellows no matter how quirky. This was aided by the fact that many of the Starcalled also held a benevolent attitude towards the otherwise unremarkable village: if anything ever threatened Honeyhome most likely over half of all the Starcalled would immediately return to the first settlement they happened upon in this world to protect it.

Vina really liked Honeyhome, and would frequently return to it for no other reason than to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere, meeting up with old friends and performing at the local tavern. The villagers could recognise her silver fur from kilometres away, as well as her melodious voice riding the breeze, so as she approached the village those who looked forward to her return would already be waiting.

It was late in the afternoon when Vina entered the tavern she was so familiar with, smiling brightly as she greeted and was greeted by so many familiar faces. After spending some time catching up and enjoying some drinks and snacks the playful vixen finally moved to a spot by the hearth where the floor had been kept empty. The tavern wasn't big enough for an official stage, but it was clear that if someone wished to perform within these stone walls this was the place to do it.

The small amount of alcohol she'd already enjoyed had loosened Vina's lips, and before long her voice would spread throughout the tavern, silken smooth and pleasing the ears of all who were present to listen to her. Standing there her body swayed in tune with the rhythm as she sang about a hero, and while the people of this world might not know about the specifics a hero's ballad was popular in any tavern.

As summer had reached Falderen windows had been opened to let some much-needed fresh air in, allowing the sounds of liveliness within the tavern to also be heard by those passing by outside. The sound of people enjoying food, drinks, and conversation, and underneath it all Vina's song, bringing to mind legends and myths of heroes going on fantastical adventures.

@Harper

 

[Harper]

"Yo! Here's the haul for today."

A loud thud would follow the dropping of a large sack of sorted pelts and meats in front of both the tigress and a local Honeyhome merchant, who promptly granted her compensation for her work. With the aftermath of the conflict with Szofrit, the demand for hands to help around was at an all time high while the amount of hands going around was at an all time low. So, it stood to reason that Harper would have lots of opportunities to help around, yes?

Well, not quite. She was a Starcalled, after all. And thus a lot of people choo'd her help away even if they desperately need it. Not like she could complain much, after all she was one of the people who directly contributed to what transpired.

Still, some of the friendships she lost with the denizens of the game stung a lot. And thus, she nowadays finds herself mostly hanging around Honeyhome, a place where relationships with the Starcalled were still mostly positive. With her purse now a good bit heavier, she'd wave goodbye to the merchant as she started to make her way downtown, no particular destination in mind. It was something she found herself doing a lot nowadays.

Harper's own reputation with the residents of Honeyhome earned her a few greetings as she passed, which she happily returned with waves. Be it dealing with beasts, bandits or just helping with carrying heavy loads, the beastkin was known around the area as someone who you could rely on, if not one with a bit of a short fuse. They weren't always the most glorious jobs, but Harper was all too happy to help just the same.

She was also known for getting a bit rowdy in taverns and tavern-goers, and while this didn't exactly made tavern owners hate her, it did let them known that her presence preceded a particularly busy night. And as soon as Harper started to hear the singing and partying around the corner, a small smile formed on her face.

"Heh, why not? A tavern is about the one place they won't mind me being all dirty from hunting."

Opening the door, she would be met with the usual sights of a packed tavern, but there was one thing that was very much stood out. Her gracious voice echoed through the place, welcoming anyone to come and join on the fun, her white mane swaying around the air as she moved her body. It didn't take long for Harper to recognize who was livening the party.

"Ay, ay, ay!" She'd cheer out as she clapped her hands to the rhythmn, her trademark loud and proud voice echoing through the tavern as she found herself leaning against a nearby wall. They hadn't met ever since the sparring with Sarina, and while her training with her did prove she was very slippery, the tigress wasn't expecting her to also put those talents into being one hell of a performer.

"Oi, bartender!" She'd wave at the one tending the counter and those sitting on it. "The usual, warm." She'd ask while taking a seat by the counter and resuming her cheering.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

While the patrons of the tavern weren't wasting the opportunity to enjoy their meals, their drinks, or even one another's company, Vina did also manage to earn quite some attention from them through her singing and dancing. As a performer that was truly what mattered in the end: to draw in the crowd and make them enjoy the show you played out before them. As the pale vixen sang there would be some that joined in once they got a hang of the lyrics, others tapping along to the rhythm with their feet.

Vina's azure eyes flitted over to the entrance when yet another patron entered, no doubt to quench her thirst... only for those eyes to widen slightly when she recognised the person in question. It wasn't like she really knew Harper that well, but Vina didn't need to spend a lot of time with people before she considered them friends. And more so than the other patrons she hadn't expected to see the tigress here, which made her arrival more of a pleasant surprise.

The striped powerhouse recognised her as well, and Vina answered Harper's cheering with a wink without missing a step in her performance. Part of her performance was also to help keep the air in the room from getting stale, and in accordance with her singing and dancing a soft wind swirled around her, making her hair dance along with her and bringing in a cool breeze from the outside to soften the heat of summer for those inside.

Several songs later Vina finally decided that it was time for another break, however short or long that may be. It wasn't like she was actually paid for this, after all: her performance was done out of passion, not mercantilism. Weaving an end to the latest song she finished with a deep bow, those patrons who were most enamoured by her performance cheering in response. There were two or three voices which asked for her to keep going, but the playful vixen smiled and shook her head as she straightened up.

I can keep going for a long time, but even I need breaks you know~? I'll just catch my breath and maybe we can have some more fun afterwards~

As none of the people present wanted to pressure the vixen too much when she was performing for free that put an end to the calls, allowing for Vina to nimbly weave her way between the tables towards the bar, heading straight for Harper's position with a wide smile on her face.

Once she was close enough she greeted Harper, perhaps more enthusiastically than the tigress would anticipate: rather than a simple wave or even a handshake Vina stepped in and hugged her friend, her tail wagging energetically behind her before she pulled back.

Long time no see Harper~! I hope you're doing well?

Taking a seat next to the tigress Vina would quickly order a drink for herself, more so she'd have something cold and refreshing to soothe her throat with than for the actual taste.

@Harper

 

[Harper]

Harper had already seen that Vina could keep up with her in their previous spar, but the display of stamina the white-haired vixen was putting on with her perfomance was truly something else. The tigress was very much a seasoned athlete, yet she still got a bit tired just from watching Vina waltz around like that for what seemed to be an eternity, singing and dancing like there was no tomorrow.

Eventually the vixen would call for a small reprieve from the performance and start to make her way towards where Harper was. The tigress had noticed the wink from Vina, so she knew that she knew that the tigress was here. Expecting a normal greeting, she'd extend her hand as she approached. "Nice moves ther-?!"

Only to be interrupted by Vina suddenly going for a hug, earning the vixen a surprised squeal from the cat as the white-haired beastkin could feel her friend's body tense up for a moment, before relaxing with a quiet growl. "Oi, what are you thinking?! I could've thrown you by instinct, you idiot!" She'd threaten, but it was easy to tell it was more bark than bite. It wasn't like she was resisting the hug in the first place, returning the hug with a few taps on Vina's back, turning her head to hide a small blush.

As she was let go, she would sigh as her order arrived: A large glass of honeyed milk. Harper was not the biggest fan of alcohol this side of Brisshall, so she'd often ask for stuff like this as a replacement. While some places already had it in their menu, others had it as a sort of hidden item for her, even if she had to pay extra for the unusual request. She didn't mind it though, since it was all going into helping Honeyhome in the end.

"I'm doing as well as any Starcalled nowadays. Which is a definite 'Could be better'." She would sigh, taking a large sip of her glass of milk, shrugging with her shoulders as she put it down. "Could be a heck of a lot worse though, for sure. I've got it a good bit better than any of the poor folks joining the game nowadays." Her chin would swoop down to rest on her hand as a finger circled the rim of her cup. "I've had to fend off so many patrols, I've lost count. I'm sure they have more pressing matters, so this feels like a matter of spite more than anything. Bleh."

Another long sip, this time finishing the cup as she asked the bartender for another cup. "But hey, ya probably didn't come here to hear me rant. Sooo... Is this a side hobby of yours? Go around singing some songs and shaking some things for a buck? Or is it just for fun? You were preeeeeeeetty into it over there after all for it to just be a job."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina chuckled as Harper chastised her for going in with a hug rather than a handshake, the vixen unbothered by the threat as she instead just enjoyed the warmth of her friend before pulling back so the both of them could breathe.

A trained martial artist like you wouldn't just throw someone as harmless as me, would you~? (She winked.) It's not like I'm a threat after all... although getting thrown might be more fun with a soft floor~

Her own order would take a bit longer than Harper's, but even so it wouldn't take long before the bartender handed her a mug of malt beer, the druidess licking her lips before taking a sip. She wasn't much for strong alcoholic beverages, but the softer stuff did wonders for giving you a pleasant sensation without going overboard. Setting her mug down she listened as Harper answered her question, nodding along and frowning in sympathy as the tigress mentioned all the newcomers who had to put up with Falderen's renewed discrimination against the Starcalled.

I know what you mean. People are supposed to enjoy themselves, but instead they have to deal with those soldiers being all suspicious because of something we did, not them. (She turned around and leaned with her back against the counter.) But it's not like it's all bad: Honeyhome is as welcoming as always~

While peace hadn't fully returned yet Falderen's forces weren't as dedicated towards harassing new Starcalled as before: quite a lot of experienced and powerful Starcalled had made it clear that they wouldn't tolerate mistreatment of the rookies, and with the queen of Falderen herself not being in support of an all-out conflict with Astorea that meant the aristocrats couldn't dedicate as many resources as they would have liked to driving out the Starcalled entirely.

Reaching out she patted her friend on the shoulder and gave her an encouraging smile.

And if they're just doing it to spite us you'll just have to keep kicking their butts until they realise that they can't beat you~ And if you ever need help with that... well, I'm not much of a fighter, but I can still lend you a hand~

Vina was far from a violent person, but she didn't mind teaching a bunch of thugs some manners as long as it didn't go further than that. She quickly shook her head as Harper tried to move away from the topic.

I don't mind lending an ear when you need to vent Harper~ (She twitched one of her vulpine ears for emphasis as she smiled warmly.) As for this... well, I am an artist and a performer at heart~ I'd do it for free, and I often do, but I won't decline people if they're willing to express their appreciation~ (She smirked.) Why do you ask? Are you interested in trying it yourself? Or maybe you want me to perform for you as well~?

@Harper

 

[Harper]

Harper really didn't have much of a rebuttal to Vina's argument, merely sighing. Self-control was one of the things drilled into her head ever since she was a white-belt, after all. Unfortunately for the tigress, Vina's flirty finish to that argument came at the same she was taking another sip of her milk, catching the beastkin by surprise and causing her to almost choke on her drink. That earned the vixen one hell of a side-eye.

"If I threw you with any degree of intent, it ain't gonna be a bed that's gonna break your fall. But sure, I guess it would be more fun than hitting the wooden floor." A chuckle would escape her lips. "Though if we were in the rooms the floor above, you might just crash through the floor. Now that would suck even more, physically and financially, haha!"

She would finish her chuckling with a sigh as Vina commented on Honeyhome's hospitality. It was certainly not the norm in the world anymore, that's for sure. "Honeyhome is nice, but it's still just Honeyhome. I'm strong enough to go most places and deal with anyone that tries to stop me from doing so, but I don't want to have to do that. I'm not..." She'd look to the side. "That much of a violent person..." She'd say, but she knew that her fuse seemed to be growing shorter and shorter lately.

As Vina offered to lend an ear to Harper, the tigress smiled before shaking her head. "Thanks, but now it's probably not a good time. We came to have fun, after all!" Both of Vina's suggestions quickly made the beastkin go rosy on the cheeks, the beastkin waving her arms in front of her as she tried to hide it. "F-Far be it from me to hog you all for myself Vina! Besides... I don't think I'd know how to tap dance my way out of a barn, let alone singing while doing it..." She'd say with a somewhat defeated tone, followed by another sip of milk.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina hadn't intentionally timed her comment to match Harper drinking, so when the tigress was left sputtering the vixen patted her friend on the back both as an apology and to ensure the striped martial artist didn't actually choke or something. The look she was given in response made her smile apologetically before chuckling softly.

I'd just have to persuade you to throw me a little less hard then... It would be a lot more fun for the both of us~ (She looked up at the ceiling before laughing. I don't think it'd be the worst thing this place has experienced, but it would be an experience yes. But a while back when the Lions were recruiting the ceiling actually collapsed during the middle of a hefty rainstorm.

Even Harper would have to put in some effort to surpass the mess from back then. Not that Vina was trying to challenge the tigress... or make her want to throw the vixen through a floor or something.

I prefer a much gentler kind of throwing...

Harper's explanation did make sense: just because she was strong enough to go where she wanted didn't mean she was looking forward to having to fight her way through obstinant hostiles every single time. Vina wouldn't find that pleasant either, even if she'd estimated that the martial artist would be more willing to put up with it. Setting her drink aside for the moment Vina would give her friend another hug, this one slower and more gentle than her initial energetic greeting, to give Harper some reassurance.

I don't think you're violent Harper. Enjoying martial arts and showing off what you're capable of doesn't make you violent. Things are a bit rough right now but as long as we keep our spirits up and keep trying we'll be able to make things better again~

At the moment people were still scared from what had happened with Szofrit and the magia, as well as the knowledge that those who had stood up against the mechanical threat had decided to contain it rather than eliminate it entirely. There was no denying that this had caused many people to become resentful towards those so-called adventurers, but Vina was confident that in due time these feelings would weaken and once again the nations of Falderen and Astorea could cooperate and stand together.

Breaking the hug so she could take a sip from her own drink Vina nodded in agreement with Harper's next statement, although her ears perked up and her expression grew more amused as the tigress seemed to be in denial... without actually denying anything.

I know the two are not the same, but with your martial training I imagine that you could learn how to dance as well~ If you haven't tried it before I could try to teach you Harper.

The offer was completely genuine without any ulterior motive. Harper was energetic, lively, and given her skill as a martial artist her physical coordination had to be good as well.

However, the playful vixen then leaned her chin on one hand as she looked at Harper with a slight tilt to her head.

But I notice that you haven't said that you don't want me to perform for you~ Are you sure you're not interested~?

She was teasing Harper as much as anything else, her smile mischievous, but there was also something else in her gaze. Something more sensual and inviting, as if testing to see whether the tigress would take an opportunity freely presented to her or if she'd once again talk her way out of it.

@Harper

 

[Harper]

"The whole roof? Jeez..." Her eyes widened a bit as she looked up, realizing just how big of a mess that would be. She couldn't help but also feel disheartened that the Lions seemed to be never be able to stay from trouble, noble their goal was. Raising her cup in the air, she would gently push it forwards. "Well, a toast to the Lions. Hope they can rebuild themselves better than ever."

She would then down the cup of milk, some dripping down the side of her chin before she put the mug down onto the counter. Smirking at Vina's comment, she would lean her head to rest her cheek on her hand. "Awwwn, is Vina here a porcelain doll? Alright alright, I'll be gentler." The beastkin teased, but it wasn't like she was planning on doing anything to the vixen that would harm her, the throwing comments being just a way to fight back against the white-haired beastkin's incessant teasing. Once again Vina would find no physical resistance to her hugs, but this time there wasn't any verbal complaining either. Though after a bit, the vixen could feel Harper's hand lightly patting her back. "Alright, it's not that deep. I just care a bit about how people see me, that's all. When you are well know, your actions form opinions not only about you, but about those you walk with." Nicole, as someone known in the local scene due to her tournament results, knew that very well. She couldn't go around acting like a hooligan because that would make a poor image of the dojo she trains in. This was also more of the case in Terrasphere, where she's much more well-known, for better or for worse.

Vina's insistence on getting Harper to dance was about to meet another barrier of denial, but the patrons around them were listening to their conversations and were very much in the vixen's side.

"Come on Stripes, get groovy!"
"Yeah, get down with it!"
"Ay ay ay!"

They would start a clapping chain, trying to get the tigress to come off her shell. And after a bit of that, the beastkin would let out a sigh and put her mug down, throwing her hands up in the air in defeat. "Alright! But y'all don't get to complain if I step on your toes!" Getting up, she would stand by Vina's side and rest her hands on her waist, before being caught off-guard by her question about her interests, her face going beet red as she frozen in place, her striped tail spiking up and going rigid.

"Ugh... You are the worst, you know!" She would look from side to side, her hands fidgeting the fur on her thighs before she let out an exasperated sigh, putting both of her hands on Vina's shoulders as she looked down on her with a visage of annoyance, but still rosy on the cheeks. "Okay, fine, YOU WIN! Yes, as a matter of fact I do find you really attractive Vina! And I wouldn't be opposed in the slightest to that! Is that what you wanted to hear, you damn fox?!"

Harper's confession would earn her a cheer from a particularly brave patron, one who would regret his decisions almost immediately as she glared at him. Releasing her shoulders, she would take a step back. "But don't go hopping over the fence just yet. Before anything..." She would extend her hand, a smirk on her face as she beckoned Vina to stand with a motion of her head.

"You promised to be a teacher first. But again, I might step on your toes once. Or twice."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina nodded and chuckled softly, kicking her feet back and forth while her tail swished from side to side behind her.

It was quite a mess, but it was nice to see everyone working together to fix it~ (She pointed up.) I did my best as well: I climbed up there as quickly as I could so I could cover up the hole before everyone inside drowned.

While it had been rather unfortunate that such an incident had occurred just as the Lions had decided to use the inn to welcome back old faces and recruit new spirits with noble hearts Vina hadn't considered it a bad day. The Lions attracted people who wanted to help however they could, so even in the face of such misfortune they'd all come together. Even the innkeeper had faced minimal consequences: with the assistance of several skilled people the inn's roof and ceiling had quickly been restored to functionality, and even after that adventurers who saw Honeyhome as a home away from home had insisted on doing their part.

But Harper's toast was one Vina could wholeheartedly agree with, the vixen smiling brightly as she raised her own mug.

Yeah~! Don't worry though, it'll take more than some rain and a leaky roof to bring us down~!

She laughed after that. She knew that Harper wasn't just talking about that incident, but the playful vixen didn't feel like wasting words on all the business with Szofrit and Vintergard. And they'd already covered the topic of Starcalled once again becoming pariahs amongst the Landers.

I think I'm too lively to be a doll, but I am quite fragile as you can see~ (She leaned back and spread her arms to show off her slim figure.) Someone like you could break me like a twig~

Her smile grew a bit more mischievous as she tilted her head. Taking a quick sip from her mug she placed it on the table, then placed her hands on her knees and leaned forward towards Harper, a gesture which (entirely coincidentally, surely) helped emphasise her chest.

So you're worried about how people treat your friends? I can understand that~

Vina's attitude was carefree and playful, but she did understand such things as reputations. Thankfully most people seemed to be willing to overlook her transgressive nature thanks to her also being extremely friendly and empathic, so rather than just being a pervert whose friends were also treated as weirdos she was just the playful healer who needed to be reminded of boundaries at times.

As the rest of the patrons, who'd been overhearing their conversation, started to encourage Harper to try dancing Vina went along, clapping as well with a bright if mischievous smile on her face, raising her hands up in the air as if in celebration when the tigress finally conceded.

Although the topic of the dance was quickly pushed aside by Vina apparently managing to strike a chord in Harper with her incessant teasing. The vixen only answered Harper's statement with a pleased smile, although the confession that came after earned her a more affectionate look. While the mischievous twist at the corner of Vina's lips didn't disappear her eyes were warm and her happiness genuine.

It's what I was hoping for yes~ I'm always happy to have fun with a beautiful friend such as you Harper~

Once invited to join Harper on the dance floor Vina first finished her mug, then hopped off her seat. Somehow she didn't make a sound even though she hit the ground with both feet, stepping forward and taking Harper's hand while her long, silver-white tail flowed behind her.

Don't worry, just follow my lead~

@Harper

 

[Harper]

Taking Vina's hand, Harper would walk by her side as the patrons of the bar watched, some even making way for the pair to get to the center. For better or for worse, they were now undoubtedly the center of attention of everyone present. The band playing that night followed suit, changing the tune to something more fitting for the pair, which drew an exasperated sigh from the tigress.

She had really gone and done it, huh.

Nicole had dreamed up a scenario similar to this once. Though in the place of a tavern, there was a prom hall. And in the place of Vina, there was one of the good-looking classmates from her class. Besides that, everything else was quite similar. The stiffness, the self-doubt... She could go and perform on a national championship even through all of those things, but the thought of going through a slow waltz made her feel like her joints were filled with rust.

"Its just dancing, how hard can it be?" She muttered to herself, trying to

She really was out of her depth here. And while one could argue that she did have a teacher, and that it wasn't like learning Judo was any easier, at least in the dojo her failure would only be met with encouragement and advice. She was sure both of those things would also be offered by the vixen, but the thought of the rumor that Harper, badguy-flinger extraordinaire and resident badass not being able to dance her way out of a box going around didn't exactly please her.

Keeping her feet from crossing and not stepping on Vina's toes was easy enough, her years of training gave her a good enough body-mind connection to help with that. The problem is that she was still very tense, and it looked like the vixen was dancing with a wooden log with how stiff the tigress moved. Harper realized that as well, the beastkin's eyes darting around as she grew more and more unsatisfied with her own efforts.

"Ugh... Why is this so hard?! I just have to like, shake my hips and move my waist, right?"

Her utter lack of rhythm made for quite the goofy sight, much to Harper's dismay. The threat of being thrown out of a window prevented most patrons from openly expressing their laughter, but she could definitely notice how some were barely holding it in.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina made sure to give Harper a reassuring smile as the two of them moved to the open space where they had the freedom of movement required for a dance. Despite her being the one to invite Vina the tigress hadn't made it a secret that she wasn't an experienced dancer, so the druidic bard would do her best to help her friend feel comfortable even as she tried out something new.

Don't think too much about it. We're just having some fun~

As with many other activities, the key to dancing is to not let your own doubts get in the way. Not that anyone could give a masterful performance on confidence alone, but it was an important first step.

At least the music provided for the two of them was slow and deliberate, so they wouldn't have to execute any tricky movements. With a waltz like this, you just had to follow the rhythm. As the more experienced dancer of the two Vina would take the lead, subtly guiding Harper both through her own movements and through some soft whispers only the tigress would be able to pick up on.

With how lightfooted Vina was she wasn't worried about Harper stepping on her feet either: even if it looked like the feline was about to step wrong the vixen could deftly move her feet to safety. An encouraging and friendly smile also would hopefully help Harper relax a little, but the playful vixen wasn't so naive as to not notice that her friend was getting more upset at things not working out as smoothly as she'd hoped, or perhaps just as badly as she'd feared.

Look at me Harper.

Once her partner did so Vina would gently press her forehead against hers, her azure eyes affectionate.

Ignore what's around us, and just listen to me~

It was a little bit cheating, but it wasn't like they were here to teach Harper how to dance. Fun was the name of the game, so the druidess would use her tricks as much as she wanted.

Vina began to hum along with the music, softly, but her humming had a strange quality to it that made it sneak its way inside Harper's head and flow throughout her body, making the rhythm she'd been struggling with before now come naturally. As long as the martial artist didn't fight the sensation she'd find it quite easy to follow the music's lead.

Enhancing the performance of others through music was the very basis of Harmonic Magic. Vina's strong aversion to controlling others meant that she rarely ever used this aspect of her magic to manipulate, but something as innocent as helping Harper move more smoothly and in tune with the music was well within her comfort zone.

@Harper

 

[Harper]

"Well, I dunno if you can have fun doing something while sucking at it, but I certainly have a hard time at it."

She would let out a harrump, pouting somewhat as she continued to try to follow Vina's steps. Well, at the very least it seemed like the tigress was improving as time went on, her moves becoming more and more in sync as the night went on. Not nearly fast enough as to avoid at least some goofy moments here and there however, much to her annoyance.

At least there hadn't been any foot stepping. With how tense Harper was at the start, that could've been... Disastrous, to say the very least. It helped that both of them were on their game to avoid that, so that Harper's attention could be directed at something like actually dancing. Her mouth would open to voice a complaint towards a particularly noisy member of the crowd before Vina decided to completely obliterate any concept of personal space.

Maybe she couldn't see it due to her faces being so close, but that action made the tigress's face go crimson red. She initially froze up from surprise at the sudden advance from the vixen, but as her voice reached her feline ears the beastkin found herself much more relaxed. Harper wasn't really used to dealing with magic, most of her bouts being against things she could just do a strength contest with.

As such, she had zero idea of what Vina was doing. In her view, she had just finally managed to crack out of her shell and started to get the hang of this dancing thing, a smile starting to form on her face.

"Took me long enough. Haha, this isn't so hard after all!" Ever so humble, Harper was...

Now that she felt more comfortable, the tigress would inevitably start to try and push her luck, picking up the pace. Of course, she didn't really know what she was doing, but hoped her teacher would pick up the cue and guide her to a faster valsa.

Either that, or tell her to take it slow. Either way, she would listen as the hard-working student she was. @Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina had to hold back a saucy comment when Harper mentioned sucking, instead just smiling mischievously as her tail swished behind her.

Maybe I can help you with that then.

As she had suspected, while Harper might not be an experienced dancer her years of training as a martial artist meant she was quick on the uptake. The vixen did remain in the lead, subtly indicating how the tigress should move, but she could tell that as Harper became a little less stiff and a bit more familiar with the movement she was moving better. It might have been better if they'd done this first without onlookers, but at least the patrons of the tavern were friendly types who didn't go beyond harmless teasing.

The way Harper's face turned bright red once they were forehead to forehead made Vina's smile widen even if the affection and warmth didn't lessen one bit. Harper might be a powerful and intimidating combatant, but she could also be very endearing when caught off guard. It made Vina want to hug her, although that wasn't really something she could do in the middle of a dance.

With her humming Vina guided Harper's movements, making every step feel more natural without pushing or forcing her friend. Like pegs falling into the right holes or a key fitting its slot the druidess's song allowed the brawler to dance as if it was second nature. Hitting the floor just a bit harder with her feet she used that sound to strengthen the effects of her performance as well, the rhythm now as clear in Harper's head as her own heartbeat.

A chuckle escaped her as Harper became quick to boast about her newfound dancing ability.

It's fun, isn't it~?

She had no reason to deny Harper's desire to try and up the tempo a bit now that she was no longer worried about messing up. Vina's humming would accelerate a little, the vixen's movements smoothly adjusting to the tigress's desire for a more lively performance. She couldn't outright send complicated instructions into Harper's head, but subtle instructions alongside magical song could work wonders with a willing partner.

Now that Harper wasn't stiff as a board any more the onlookers didn't have much to joke about either. Teasing was replaced with encouragement, some even going so far as to clap along to the rhythm. It was for from the first time that Vina had danced in here, but she usually didn't have a partner along. From what she could pick up the crowd definitely approved.

Of course, Vina being Vina she didn't pass up this opportunity to get a bit more friendly as well. This new, faster dance including more skin contact than before, with the vixen dancing the line between what was necessary for the dance itself and what was basically just physical flirting. Since she didn't want to disturb Harper's concentration she didn't go as far as she might have wanted to otherwise, but she didn't hesitate to show that she was enjoying herself, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous and affectionate joy while her bright smile never left her lips.

@Harper

 

[Harper]

Harper couldn't help but start to hum along with the vixen's melody as well, eventually matching up. Was it intentional, or a product of Vina's magic? Who could tell. Harper certainly couldn't, the beastkin letting herself move and be moved by the rhythmn as she did her best to follow Vina's instructions. Her ears picked up on the change of mood from the gallery, a smug smirk forming in the corners of her mouth at them getting to eat their teasing.

Vina accepting a faster pace made things even more fun too. Gone was the slow salsa, now they were having a proper perfomance! Vina would get what she ordered with physical contact, getting a mix of somewhat rough, battle-worn skin and surprisingly smooth fur. This was all good and all, and she could stay all night like this, but...

Harper was just incorrigible.

In any skill she learns, she can never wait to try and show it off. Getting praise and awe from others just makes the chemicals in her brain go vroom. And if she was being honest, Vina was getting a bit too comfortable with the lead she was given. She didn't hate it, not at all, but she also wasn't the type of girl to just let stuff happen and watch.

Competitive as she was, she just had to at least attempt to take the lead.

"Say... I'm the feline here, right?"

She would shift her weight on purpose as one of her legs entwined between Vina's, the tigress bending forwards while making the vixen bend backwards. A hand around her waist and another on her wrist kept Vina from having to use her magic to not hit the ground. She let the position linger just enough to be noticeable before pulling her up.

"Still, do your best to land on your two feet like one, kay?"

With a cryptic warning and a smirk, her hand would slide down to her hips before pulling Vina up, keeping a hold of her arm as she let the fox get some air-time before guiding her through some wrist movement to try and complete the flip.
Sure, she had quite literally never tried something like this before. But if she was going to try, why not with the one who could use the winds to prevent a bad fall.
@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina had expected Harper to be a bit awkward with more intimate contact in the middle of the dance, given that she was still getting the hang of things. But apparently she'd underestimated just how quickly the tigress would regain her confidence once the vixen's magical assistance helped her overcome the initial hurdles of learning how to dance.

As the one who'd been in the lead so far she could tell when Harper stopped following her example. A coy smile adorned her lips as her partner spoke up, tilting her head in feigned curiosity.

Hmmhmm~?

Having seen this coming the vixen smoothly followed Harper's movements, leaning backwards while holding onto Harper's shoulder with her free hand. Her obscenely long silver-white hair fanned out on the ground below her head, until the martial artist pulled the druidess back up.

Will do~

She encouraged Harper with a wink, her smile playful and confident. Her body was surprisingly light as Harper picked her up, far lighter than even her slender figure might suggest. The vixen wasn't a stranger to the more energetic types of dances, so when she was spun she went along without complaint or resistance. Her large vulpine tail and her long pale hair almost formed a complete circle around her during the flip, leading to sounds of amazement from the crowd as the two beastfolk managed to put on such a display of athleticism and acrobats despite at least one of them having struggled to even match the rhythm of the song minutes before.

However, instead of landing on her feet a gust of wind held Vina aloft for long enough for her to take another position. Her wrist slipped free from Harper's grasp, and almost as quickly as she stopped spinning the druidess was resting her forearms on Harper's shoulders and wrapping her legs around the martial artist's strong waist, her eyes sparkling and her heavier breathing made her chest rise and fall.

You really like manhandling your partners, don't you~? I certainly don't mind~ (She chuckled.) I'm glad you're getting the hang of it so quickly.

With how strong Harper was she wouldn't have any trouble supporting Vina, even when the vixen let her upper body fall backwards, her hands now holding Harper's shoulders while she arched her back so she could look at their audience upside down.

Any other tricks you want to try out?

@Harper

 

[Harper]

Harper couldn't help but frown when Vina's wrist slipped from her grasp. Of course, it wasn't like she was keeping an iron grip on it or anything, but it was still a bit frustrating that there was someone who could slip her grasp so easily like that. It was a matter of pride, you know!

It was good that the vixen was her friend and not an enemy, but who was to say she wouldn't face enemies with similar skills in the future? It would be good to figure out a way to deal with such inconveniences if the future calls for it, but that wasn't what she was here for. She was here to dance.

Though truth be told, her back of tricks was falling kinda short here. She didn't exactly consume dancing content on a daily basis, so she couldn't pull much from memory besides that one trick from before. So it was time to improvise.

Holding Vina was barely an effort, the beastkin's slender frame combined with her aeromancy made her so incredibly light that Harper might as well be supporting nothing. Noticing that she was looking back by arching her back, the tigress would grow a smirk on her face. "Heh, I can do that too. Watch."

Unleashing the claws on her toes, she would grip the floor with her feet as she arched backwards to the point Vina was looking forwards once more, the beastkin using all the muscles of her body in unison to keep herself steady as she spread her arms to the side, nodding her head forwards so that she could look at the vixen.

"Look, no hands~"

She would hang like this for a surprisingly long while before arching even further back, completing the bridge before going into a handstand, her tail wrapping around Vina's ankles to keep her legs wrapped around Harper's waist to keep her from potentially falling. The two-handed handstand became one-handed, and then with a small hop, the one hand became just her thumb and index finger supporting the both of them with ludicrous balance.

She couldn't really dance as well as Vina, but she sure knew how to show off. "This trick good enough for you, vixen?"

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina answered Harper's frown with a teasing wink and a playful extended tongue. Of course, if Harper was actually treating her like an enemy the vixen doubted she'd have been able to just slip free like that, but while the druidess was primarily a spellcaster she was no slouch when it came to dexterity or agility either.

She was curious what Harper would do now that she was being challenged to show off her own tricks, but what she hadn't expected was for the tigress to essentially one-up Vina's own acrobatics. The crowd was surprised as well: Vina's own flexibility and willingness to perform was well-known, but when Harper also bent all the way backwards to the point that Vina was basically upright again their approving murmurs grew to impressed praise, which then further escalated into them clapping their hands to encourage Harper.

Vina straightened up and smiled down at her friend, her expression genuinely admiring as her tail swished from side to side behind her.

Amazing Harper~!

While it wasn't exactly any kind of traditional dance it was still a performance worthy of applause, and as Harper went even further the crowd cheered. Vina did her part to help balance once the tigress completed the bridge, stretching out her arms and keeping her legs firmly wrapped around Harper's waist so the martial artist wouldn't have to worry about the druidess falling off or becoming a hindrance. An excited laugh bubbled forth from her throat as her partner actually entered a full handstand, giving Vina the opportunity to grab those strong legs which had supported her moments before but which were now sticking upwards, leaving the two of them in a strange position where they were joined at the waist, with Harper upside down and Vina the right way up.

Which didn't last long, as Vina's response to Harper's smug remark was to let go of the tigress's legs and swing forward, stretching out her hands to catch her own negligible weight and coming face to face with her partner.

Oh, that's more than enough, and the crowd agrees~ (Her smile widened.) In fact, I think a reward is in order~

Her azure eyes were bright with a more intimate kind of affection as she brought her head closer, their noses almost touching.

But I think it's a reward you'll want to receive in private~

@Harper

 

[Harper]

Even if some of it was very much on the raunchier side, Harper enjoyed the cheers and the attention. Though most of all, hearing Vina herself go from encouraging her on modest steps forwards on her dancing abilities to straight up gleaming over her skills like that straight up made the tigress giddy, her eyes closed as she took it all in with a shit-eating smirk.

"Hahah, yeah I know I'm goddamn great!"

She would do a few handstand push-ups to further show off before Vina decided to get off the ride, the tigress turning around to get her legs away from the vixen before pushing herself off the ground and rotating in the air to land on her feet to a few more cheers. Her ears would twitch and turn quite noticeably as Vina mentioned that a reward was in order before doing her trademarked Personal Space Erasure technique, though this time the vixen would earn a much more subdued response from the tigress, some face reddening non-withstanding.

It seemed that the tigress had grown somewhat used to Vina's sweet words and teasing by this point, the beastkin raising an eyebrow as she tilted her head to the side with a smirk. "Ehhh? You telling me there even was another option besides privacy? You are really a crowd-pleaser through and through, huh? Perv." She'd let out a shoulder shrug as she used her tail to throw her purse at the bartender. "Then again, all of this happened because I did ask for it, so I guess I am bit out there too." She let out a small chuckle before rolling her eyes.

"A room for two, bartender! Oh, and for anyone looking for a backstage encore..." Her ears would visibly twitch, and her claws would unsheathe. "Feel free to try and sneak a peep, but I've got good ears and even better claws. Just so y'all know, capiche?" A smile and a friendly tone wouldn't do much to hide the threatening aura of that comment as she started to make her way towards the stairs that lead to the rooms above.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

A mischievous element snuck into Vina's smile as Harper pointed out that the songstress's phrasing implied that a more public reward had also been a possibility. The vixen gave a nonchalant shrug, leaning back both so Harper could have a little more breathing space and so the tigress could see the way Vina's large, fluffy tail was wagging eagerly behind her.

I won't deny it, I love to please~ If you ever feel like trying it out be sure to let me know, I'd be very happy to help~

It would be a waste of time and effort to even pretend that Vina was anything but an exhibitionist. Her open and welcoming nature meant that she was all too happy to have fun with others, or even when she wasn't having fun with them specifically to still let them watch. That pretty much everybody else was more reserved wasn't news to her either, and as she had correctly guessed Harper was no different in that regard.

If you're out there it's only because it's more fun than being inside~ (She teased her friend.) But since we're done with the show down here, it's time for the next event~

With Harper paying for the room (and passing along a warning to the rest of the common room) Vina was the first one to reach the stairs, swaying her hips in a manner that made her tail sway along. It was clear that the vixen tried to draw attention to her wide hips with each step, only coming to a halt once she was already several steps up to look back at Harper and wink at her.

Don't worry Harper, we're all good folk here. They won't look if you don't want them to, although a little glimpse never hurt anyone~

A soft laugh followed as she waited for Harper to also start climbing the stairs before she resumed her ascent. On the stairs she couldn't exactly sway her hips like she did on the floor, but she could lift her tail and make sure that with every step her behind stuck out so Harper got a good look at the vixen's bubble butt as her companion led the way to the next floor. She also hummed as she climbed, the melody slow and enticing, inviting those who heard it to come closer like a flower using its scent to attract admirers.

I think all the rooms are the same, but since you paid for it... any preferences? Maybe a corner room for more sunlight in the morning~?

@Harper

 

[Harper]

"You really are something else."

Harper wasn't exactly a nun or anything, but she was definitely having a bit of trouble dealing with how easy-going Vina was. It did make her curious about just what kind of person she even was outside the game. Was this a outlet for an otherwise average day-to-day life or a extension of someone who was very much a social oddity. Either way, she was definitely a pleasant, if not somewhat overwhelming person to be around.

Being the second to the stairs, Harper would very much be vulnerable to all of the vixen's experience in showing her gifts around. And as the tigress kept struggling to find out where she should even be looking, the entirety of the situation started to dawn on her. She was about to do... The thing. If she talked to the Nicole from a few years ago that her first time would be with a fox girl inside a death game, she would probably be told to stop hallucinating and go get some sleep.

Man, she had really changed this past year, huh? All for a game that she was just going to play because she was bored on the weekends.

Well, with how experienced Vina supposedly was, the only way this wasn't going to be enjoyable was if the tigress didn't like sex at all, which while she doesn't have the experience to tell, she found it to be pretty unlikely. But this did put her in a bit of a conundrum: Their best bet of having the best time was to just let the more experienced one lead around, but Harper knew herself too well: She wanted to lead as well.

In any case, that was something they would figure out behind 4 walls. Until then, she just had to deal with Vina's antics on the way there.

"Well, I don't really have a preference, so we can go with the corner room. Though with how you are going up the stairs, it almost makes me think you would prefer we do it on the corridor, hah." A lighthearted jab to try and cut through the flirting, a trademark from the tiger at this point. Though if Vina had perceptive eyes and looked back, she would be able to spot Harper instinctively watching her fluffy tail go from side to side.

@Vina Skysong