Chapter 148: Afterparty

“When the hell did you find out about this?” Ann asked, looking up at the new building. Instead of a manor, it was a restaurant of some repute, stylish wooden facade with an ornately carved sign declaring it the “Silmish”. Ann had to guess that it was someone’s name, or a weird animal, because it said nothing about the place. Most of the city, at this point in the night, was cloaked in darkness or dim streetlights, but the Silmish was ablaze with light, and even from the street Ann could hear the chatter and cheers inside.

Bren, unfortunately, had excused himself. Something about being tired and not wanting to bring the energy down. Lucia, however, had joined them out of curiosity.

“I, in case you’ve not been beaten tae death with it, have a reputation,” Kat said proudly. “A reputation that gets me intae all sorts o’ fun secrets. Come on, girls. The ball was nice, but I want tae feckin’ party.”

Kat’s braids whirled, and blue scales glinted, barely uncovered, as the princess rushed forward. Throwing open the doors, Kat and Rosalyn were hit with a roar of chatter, clinking of glasses, and more music. The music of the ball was regal, proper, fancy. This was party music. A drum beat in an oppressive rhythm while strings and wind instruments blasted a frantic tune. A singer belted out a chorus at the top of his lungs as the set continued.

Ann felt her heart race as the energy overtook her. One paw tapping, claws clicking as she stood there, she looked at Rosalyn. The Druid was wide eyed, and clutching her hand. She felt the nerves, the fear, the panic from just the woman’s body language, and she squeezed the ebony hand.

“Rosalyn, there’re drinks!” Kat called back, still standing in the doorway. The way she was backlit, she looked like some Greek goddess of muscles. The light bouncing off her brown braids, exposed skin, and beautiful blue dress was enchanting, and Ann cursed the world for not having cameras so she could immortalise the image.

“Fine, but I’m not walking home,” Rosalyn sighed. “You get to carry me no matter how wasted you get.”

“As if I wouldn’t want tae. Shite, if ye wanted tae be carried, ye only had tae ask,” Kat laughed, bouncing over and taking Rosalyn’s other hand. “Ye’re not small enough tae fit on one shoulder, but I can fit ye on both.” Deftly, Kat shifted her grip and lifted Rosalyn over her head, setting the woman on her shoulders, straddling her head. “Ye know. Shoulda thought this through. I can’t see shite with all these skirts,” came Kat’s muffled voice.

“Too late now,” Rosalyn declared. “You get to deal with this.”

“At least let me adjust them?”

“Nope,” Ann and Rosalyn said.

Ann dropped Rosalyn’s hand to grab Kat’s and led her through the doors.

“Welcome,” a waiter or someone on the staff called as they entered. “Here for the party?”

“Yeah,” Ann shouted back. “Four of us.”

“Could I have your names, please?”

“I’m Annita Kronforst, this is Lucia Simorgh, that’s Rosalyn Losenska, and under her skirts is Katlyn Farragher,” Ann said.

The woman looked at the bundle of muscles trapped under frilly skirts, did a double take, and nodded. Pulling out a notebook, she scribbled the names down and waved them through.

“Crazy princess,” Ann heard Lucia mutter.

Honestly, she couldn’t blame her. Who in their right mind walked into a party like that? Kat. That’s who.

“Ooh! They have a bar over there!” Rosalyn exclaimed. “Kat, to your left!”

“If ye stop tuggin’ at me hair, I’ll get there,” Kat complained, though there was mirth in her voice. “Or at least tug on it in the direction I need tae go. Steer me, woman!”

Ann walked a few paces back, letting the chaos unfold. The room was packed, and Kat was bumping shoulders with everyone in her path. Even with Rosalyn’s guidance, not that she was telling Kat anything, they were still crashing through the party like a bull in a china shop.

“Excuse you!”

“Sorry!”

“Ow, my foot!”

“Shite, my bad.”

“Oof!”

“Watch where you’re going!”

“I wish I could!”

Ann was cackling by the time they got to the bar and Kat got Rosalyn off her shoulders. Kat’s hair was an absolute mess, braids strewn everywhere after being under so much cloth. Her face was flushed, and she had a sloppy grin on her face.

“Eight shots o’ whiskey,” Kat ordered breathlessly.

“Stay still,” Ann said, moving behind Kat. Some braids had gotten knocked out of place, and she was spotting blue scales peeking through now and then. “Gotta fix some braids.”

Kat obediently stood there while Ann worked, chatting with the bartender about the night. Apparently, this party had started a little over an hour ago, with people siphoning off from the ball and making their way here. It was a common occurrence, apparently, for the younger nobility to find more intense entertainment when the proper etiquette of a ball was done with. Drinks had been flowing, and dancing was just now reaching its peak. Tonight’s entertainment was from Indelholm, a band called Silver Bullet. It was as close as Ann had heard to techno music, and she saw one performer with a strange instrument, more a set of crystals they were touching, setting off distorted music every time they did.

“Your drinks! Have a good night, Your Highness!” the bartender yelled over the music.

Kat grabbed four shots, handing one to Rosalyn, Ann and Lucia. “Here’s tae a feckin’ awesome night. All three o’ ye did a bang-up job wit’ yer debuts, an’ I couldn’t be happier!”

“Hell yeah!” Ann cheered back as they all clinked glasses, then pounded the liquor. “Oh, that’s strong. I like it.”

“Here’s to my girlfriends!” Rosalyn yelled, already having the second shot in her hand. “Without whom I’d never have a chance to do something like this!”

“Agreed,” Lucia nodded, meeting Rosalyn’s toast.

“Now what?” Rosalyn asked.

“Now, whatever the feck we want! It’s a party! Eat, drink, get wasted, go dance!”

“Don’t know how!” Lucia shouted back.

“What, dance?”

“Yes!”

“Oh, girl, we are teaching you how to really dance,” Ann laughed. “None of that fancy ball dancing. Come on!”

Lucia made as if to protest, but shut her mouth and followed along, hand in hand with Ann until they were in a slightly less packed area. Ann stopped, spinning on her paws, and faced Lucia. “So, you’ve never danced before?”

“No. Was not important,” Lucia shrugged.

“Know how to keep a rhythm?”

“Do,” Lucia nodded, crimson eyes paying rapt attention behind her lanky black locks.

“Cool, so start with that. Tap your foot and get the beat going,” Ann instructed, doing just that. “Once you’re in sync, start adding body parts. Nod your head. Yeah, like that!”

Lucia was getting it, nodding and tapping her foot in perfect rhythm. What Ann hadn’t expected was Rosalyn joining in on the lesson, the Druid with a look of pure focus as she moved.

“Alright, good, both of you,” Ann continued. “Now, your shoulders. Just side to side like this,” Ann demonstrated, paying no mind to how much this made her chest jiggle. Rosalyn, on the other hand, lost the beat entirely as her eyes locked onto more important things.

“Distracted, little lamb?” Kat teased, moving up behind Rosalyn. Not helping whatsoever, she put her hands on Rosalyn’s hips and moving with her. Ann heard more teasing whispers, but decided it was better to focus on Lucia, who was awkwardly trying to mimic her movements.

“You have to relax,” Ann coached. “You’re putting too much thought into it. Loosen up, move your arms. Let one move flow into the next. Roll your right shoulder forward, then as it’s rolling back, do the left. Yeah, you’re getting it.”

Lucia was slowly starting to get it. Her feet stayed completely still, but her upper body was starting to sway to the music. Despite that, she still had her teeth clenched as she focused far too hard on the movement.

“Ok girl, relax,” Ann sighed, moving over behind Lucia and gently placed her hands on the woman’s shoulders. Lucia stiffened at the touch, then released a breath, acknowledging and accepting the contact. “You are way too tense,” Ann said, starting to move Lucia with her hands. “Let your shoulders go. Come on. Move, don’t think. Feel the music.”

Lucia grunted, following the directions as best she could. It was awkward, still stiff, and, most importantly, it didn’t seem like she was having fun. Her feet were still stationary, her hips weren’t moving, just her shoulders.

“Alight, gonna do something. I’m gonna get close, ok? Just follow how I move with your own body. Is that alright?” Ann asked.

“I… intimate,” Lucia mumbled.

“Hey, as far as I’m concerned, you’re Bren’s. I won’t make any moves,” Ann said. “Just being a physical example.”

“Not Bren’s,” Lucia growled. “Am mine. Fine. Can touch. Will… try.”

With permission granted, Ann pressed herself against Lucia’s back. The Thrundol sucked in a breath, but relaxed as Ann’s arms wrapped around her waist from behind.

“Gods, do that tae me next,” Kat jeered unhelpfully.

“Sure thing, ears,” Ann laughed, then whispered into Lucia’s own ear, “Alright, follow my hands, follow my body. Sway with me, side to side. Good. That’s it.”

Lucia, now that she had something to guide her, started to move. She was out of rhythm for a few sways of her hips, but quickly corrected herself, matching Ann’s movements. When Ann leaned forward, rolling her shoulders into Lucia’s back, the woman mirrored the movement with only slight hesitation. When Ann pulled back, Lucia followed, chasing that contact. That was to say nothing about what her hips were doing. Even quicker than her upper body, Lucia’s hips picked up Ann’s gyrations nearly instantly, bucking and swaying. She quickly figured out the idea and started grinding on Ann without her prompting.

“Woah, sorry,” Ann yelped, feeling her body reacting to the stimulation. She backed up a step and left Lucia slightly breathless.

“Aww, you got Ann all excited,” Rosalyn teased. “Now I’m jealous.”

“Is fine,” Lucia said, blushing and returning to her normal posture. “Natural, right?”

“Yeah, still, I know you’re not interested,” Ann said, scratching an ear bashfully.

“Said is fine. Understand. Help more?” Lucia asked, facing Ann with her own blush. “Want to learn.”

“Don’t keep a lady waiting,” Rosalyn laughed, pushing on Ann’s butt.

Ann got back behind Lucia and resumed her position. She was now far more aware of her body touching parts of Lucia she was not prepared for. Still, she focused, and resumed the lesson. Lucia fell into the rhythm again quickly, following Ann’s movements with surprising dexterity.

“Alright, so your body is good,” Ann said, cursing herself for the double entendre, “but your hands need to move too. So do your feet. Come on, little shuffle down there.”

Hooking her paws so they were on the inside of Lucia’s shoes, Ann pushed the woman’s feet to spread slightly, then step side to side. It was awkward, and Ann got stepped on, but that was to be expected.

Ann grabbed Lucia’s hands, taking full advantage of the permission she’d received, and laced her fingers over the backs, between Lucia’s green digits. She guided the woman’s hands up from her sides, running them up and over her body. It wasn’t entirely sexual, but she needed to get Lucia moving, and this was how she know to do it. Hands wandered over hips, down onto thighs, up her shirt and over her breasts, then into Lucia’s long hair, throwing it around.

“Good,” Ann laughed. “Just let it go and move. You’re dancing for you, and only you. I’m gonna step away for a sec, just keep going. You alright?”

“Yes,” Lucia nodded, keeping the motions up. “Will try.”

Ann let go and stepped away. Lucia kept dancing in place as Ann rejoined Kat and Rosalyn, who’d been dancing on their own.

“She’s falterin’,” Kat said, looking over at their fourth wheel.

“Have faith,” Ann prodded Kat in the ribs. “She’ll get it.”

“My turn, my turn!” Rosalyn cheered. The woman couldn’t flush, but she was clearly tipsy after the wine at the party and shots.

“Fine,” Ann giggle, grabbing Rosalyn by the horns and twirling her into position.

“Wheeee!”

They danced, trading partners, joining together as three, and even bringing Lucia into the group. Songs came and went, and Ann coached Lucia through different styles. Not everything was bumping and grinding, after all. Finally, they’d all had enough, and retreated. Kat went off to get more drinks, and the other three found a sitting area set up on the second floor. Gratefully, they flopped onto a pair of couches. Well, Ann and Rosalyn flopped. Lucia perched.

“Hey Lucia, why do you sit like that? Perching like a bird, I mean. Cause it's really not normal, not that it's a bad thing, but I'm curious,” Rosalyn blurted, slurring slightly.

“Is habit. Was time had no chairs. Got used to it, didn’t change. Now feels weird when normal,” Lucia shrugged. “So sit like this.”

“Ya know? I think that’s why you’ve got such a great ass. Like, not coming on to you, but holy shit, girl. Those pants are really working for you.”

“I… um… thanks?” Lucia stuttered.

“Come on, you’ve got a killer body. You just never show it off,” Rosalyn continued the pestering. “I’m sure Bren would love to see more of it. You always dress in such loose outfits that we never get a look.”

“Seriously,” Ann nodded gravely. “Like, what’s your stomach look like? You rocking abs under that shirt?”

“Will not show,” Lucia said flatly, giving Ann a glare. Her tusks really helped make her look intimidating when she wanted to.

“Lucia, it’s just us girls,” Ann laughed. “Girl talk time. Come on, you’ve seen most of me. I’m fit, but I don’t have abs like Kat does. Rosalyn’s got this adorable little belly. Not much of one, but still. Betting you’re shredded.”

“Am not. Is… smooth? Not bumpy.”

“Toned tummy, got it,” Ann said, satisfied. “Welcome back, babe. Girl talk time.”

“Gettin’ started without more drinks?” Kat asked, setting down a platter of snacks, a bottle of liquor, and mugs of ale. “Bad form, mates.” Kat sat heavily next to Lucia, opposite Ann and Rosalyn.

“Food!” Rosalyn squealed, grabbing a mug and some cheese.

“So, you got the first round of questions. Your turn, Lucy,” Ann said, wiggling a cracker at her.

“Is Lucia,” Lucia corrected firmly. She took a moment, taking her own food, to think it over. “All three, all into girls?”

“Yup,” all three answered.

“So, no men?”

“I mean, I can appreciate when a fella is attractive,” Kat said, “but it doesn’t get past appreciation. If I want tae get wit’ someone, gotta be a lady. Or, well, mostly a lady, I guess. Ann’s kinda stretchin’ that mold a li’l.”

“Stretching other things too,” Ann teased.

“Damn right.”

“Does… does it hurt?” Lucia asked.

All three women’s eyes widened, turning to stare at Lucia.

“Um…” Ann started.

“Oh my Gods,” Kat gasped.

“Lucia?” Rosalyn asked with great care. “I mean no disrespect, or like, offence or being rude, but… wait… are you… you’ve never?”

“Never had sex? No,” Lucia said matter-of-factly.

“No feckin’ way,” Kat gasped. “Never? Oh my Gods, you’re completely pure. That’s crazy! I could’ve sworn ye’d have a body count wit’ the icy attitude.”

“Why?”

“Girl, people find that really, and I mean exceptionally, hot,” Ann explained. “Someone who looks down on them and is still willing to do stuff? Holy shit, even I get hard thinking about it.”

“I… did not know?”

“You didn’t, but you do now,” Rosalyn giggled drunkenly. “So, I really need to ask because it’s breaking my brain. You really haven’t tried to do anything with Bren?”

“No.”

“And you never thought of doing it with someone else even before? Oh crap, actually, how old are you? We never actually asked.”

“Twenty six. Am still young.”

“Bah, baby,” Kat scoffed.

“Am, compared to hag,” Lucia nodded, waving at Ann. “Oldest here.”

“Oldest anywhere,” Ann said with a cocky grin. “You’re shifting the focus, though. How the hell have you never gotten laid? I was getting all bothered dancing with you. That ass is incredible!”

“Was not focus. Focus was hunt,” Lucia explained in her stilted way. “Needed to prove self. To be the best hunter for tribe. Was much pressure, no time.”

“Yeah, but surely ye’ve had urges, right?” Kat asked. “I know I started masturbatin’ when I was in me twenties. Let me tell ye, Alfhindur puberty is a monster. Lasts fer fuckin’ ever. I'm honestly surprised I didn’t get intae more trouble.”

“Sounds awful,” Lucia said, continuing to munch on her food, then taking a glass of the liquor. “Yes. Had urges. Did best to ignore.”

“Did your best?” Ann asked, pouncing on the detail. “But you failed sometimes? Come on, give me some details and I’ll tell you the first time for me.”

“Always sex with you,” Lucia sighed.

“This is girl talk. If you don’t want to talk about your man, we’re gonna talk about all sorts of weird stuff,” Ann declared. “We’ll make it fair. So? Come on, I’m super interested.”

Lucia sighed, staring at her drink. She tipped her head back and swallowed the entire thing in one gulp, slamming the glass down and wiping her tusks.

“Fine. Details. Give you details. Was when I was younger,” Lucia began.