Chapter 43: Girls Day Out

Rosalyn clung to Ann’s kilt as she opened the door to Nolton’s shop. Not seeing the snake man anywhere, she walked up to the counter and rang the bell with a flick of a claw. Quickly, Nolton slithered out from the back room with a soft hiss of scales on wood.

“Ah! Welcome back. I’m glad you returned safely. I was going to send you a runner this evening, but this saves me the time, and coin. So, your clothes. All prepared. The patterned kilts, the shirts that fit your specific needs, and a little something extra.”

“Extra?” Annita asked, cocking an eyebrow. “Didn’t pay for extra. What’d you make?”

“This was entirely of my own volition, I assure you,” Nolton said calmly, arranging the ordered garments on the counter in neat stacks. “We were talking about finery last time you were here, and I simply could not get the idea of you in that evening dress and hat out of my head. I admit I must see it, so I put something together for you. If you would?” the man gestured, bowing his blonde head as he directed her to a changing room.

Ann gave Kat a nervous glance but was wholly unsurprised to see her girlfriend with a giddy grin watching her go. Rosalyn was too busy looking around to notice her embarrassment as Nolton drew up beside her. “Will you need assistance? It is a simple garment, all things considered, however it is form fitting.”

“Um, yeah, some help would be nice,” Ann said, blushing, feeling her heart race with nerves. She’d never been one for fancy things, even before her coma, but Nolton’s fervour was contagious.

“’Ands tae yerself in there!” Kat called, teasingly.

“I assure you, ma’am, we will be as chaste as a pair of monks,” Nolton reassured her.

“She’s just messing with you,” Ann sighed. “No offense, but you’re not my type.”

“None taken. None at all. Though I must admit a level of personal attraction, professionalism comes first. Now, let’s get you out of those clothes and into this. I can hardly wait to see your girlfriend’s reaction.” He spoke with excitement, barely able to contain his glee as he helped Ann undress.

Soon, with some effort, and a good deal of wrangling her tail through the slit cut out of the back for it, Ann smoothed the black silk down over her body. True to Nolton’s words, it fit her like a glove. Every curve of her breasts and hips were on display, and when she moved, the garment moved with her. The bust fully supported her breasts and a low cut left her with ample cleavage. Her stomach, while covered, hid nothing of the toned muscle underneath. The hem of the dress ended just above where the fur on her digitigrade legs began. Seemingly knowing her preference without asking, Nolton had also gone with a sleeveless approach as well, leaving her olive skinned arms bare.

“It’s so pretty,” Ann marveled, twisting and turning in the dress as she tried to see every angle.

“Yes, I think I chose right there. The black is perfect against the dark grey of your fur. Very dark. Very alluring. If you will notice, there is also a long strip cut out of the back, allowing your spinal fur to breathe freely. To maintain the structure, I could not have it fully reach to the base of your tail, however it should not cause any discomfort.” As Nolton explained, he ran a casual finger down Annita’s spine, making her shiver as the finger went through the fur. She forgot how sensitive that fur was at times, she’d done such a good job of avoiding making it uncomfortable. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t expect such a reaction. I meant nothing by it, simply showing you where the edges of the cloth were. Anyway, now, the piece that completes it.”

He turned, or more accurately pivoted on his tail and reached for a large round box. Opening the lid, he handed Annita a black satin hat with a brim as wide as her shoulders.

“You really shouldn’t have,” Ann giggled with a grin, taking it from him.

“Like I said, I simply had to. Please,” Nolton gestured to the hat, clearly eager to see the outfit complete.

The hat was simple with a rounded crown, and as Annita inspected it, she found the cut outs for her ears. Lining it up, she placed it gently upon her head, adjusting it until her ears popped free. They twitched a few times, adjusting for the new sensations around them, but it settled perfectly.

“My word,” Nolton whispered almost reverently. “Simply stunning. Absolutely worth it all. Oh, you must show your girlfriends.”

“Just the one, for now at least,” Ann corrected him. Passingly, she noticed that she was smiling. A wide, excited smile that she could not quell if she wanted to, and she didn’t.

Stepping out from the curtain and around the corner, she found Kat and Rosalyn speaking quietly. Both women turned their heads at her approach and just about fell over. Kat’s mouth hung open as she stared, while Rosalyn’s hands had flown to her cheeks, hiding her face except her wide eyes that were travelling up and down Ann’s body.

“I take it you like it?” Ann asked bashfully, moving side to side.

“Gods damn,” both women said at once, blushing furiously as they glanced at each other. Kat continued. “Aye. Aye, I feckin’ do. Ye look like a dream come tae life. Gonna need tae beat the girls an’ the guys off ye if ye go out wearin’ tha’. Gonna have tae beat me off ye.”

“The hat is… wow. It’s a wonderful touch,” Rosalyn said quietly. “It’s… intimidating, but in a good way? Like, it draws on the more predatory aspects of the wolf. You’re so tall it doesn’t really hide much of your face, but with the shadows and how your eyes catch the light, it’s incredible.”

Nolton beamed as Ann turned this way and that at the women’s’ requests, twisting her body to show the dress off. “Exactly the reaction I was hoping for. You would strike a figure even in a royal ball, I daresay. Simplicity really does suit you. Ah, well, I do suggest you either wear some constricting undergarments for your lower half or manage that carefully,” he said after a brief stutter.

“Aww, ye ruined the fun!” Kat griped as Ann looked down, her skin darkening as she noticed the massive erection that was clearly visible under the tight fabric.

“I’m… I’mma go change,” Ann squeaked as she covered herself and ran to the changing room.

Kat

“Gods I love that woman,” Kat sighed, sitting back down. “Don’t think I didn’t catch ye starin’, neither.” She turned a wry grin to Rosalyn.

“She’s attractive. I’m sorry, I can’t help it. I know she’s yours and all that. Just, like you said, she’s gorgeous,” Rosalyn mumbled, fidgeting with her hands between her thighs.

“Ye thinkin’ about makin’ a move?” Kat prodded, leaning closer, taking a small hint of pleasure as Rosalyn shrunk both from the accusation as well as the closeness.

“No! Never! Nope! I mean, wow, you two are so good together. I just… I’m sorry?” Rosalyn blurted, backing up as far into the corner as the bench would allow.

Kat laughed. It was too fun to tease the little thing, but she relaxed and backed off. “We’ve talked about it, ye know,” she admitted, eyes focusing on the corner Ann had fled around. “She ‘ad a feeling early on about ye, ‘specially after tha’ night she lost control. Somethin’ about ye calls to ‘er, be that a divine influence or just ‘er bein’ way too sweet fer ‘er own good. I’m sure Bren’s filled ye in on our situation somewhat. It’s pretty much up to meself whether a partner makes it intae our bed.”

“I see,” Rosalyn almost whispered, peeling herself out of the corner.

Kat felt her heart restrict; the thoughts and feelings going through her weren’t ones she’d wanted to tackle. Time was working against her on that front, though. Rosalyn was clearly interested in Ann, and possibly herself. She’d caught some of the glances, even seen the way the woman almost stuck to them after they’d gotten to the city. Illdall be damned, she’d started keeping track of the diminutive woman like she did with Ann and Bren. A skill she’d developed that wasn’t linked to her Path. She sighed, and Rosalyn flinched. Grimacing, Kat forced herself to relax.

“Sorry. It’s a lot tae get through me heart. Mind accepts it as an inevitability, but the feckin’ heart keeps doin’ this squeezy thing whenever I think about it.” Kat heaved another frustrated sigh.

“I think I understand,” Rosalyn said, moving over to sit next to her. “It sounds a lot like how I was feeling right before I left with you.” As she spoke, she leaned her head back against the wall, her horns resting against the wood with a soft thunk. “It was terrifying to give up the comfortable, to move on to something new. To change.”

Kat felt a small hand rest gently on the back of her own.

“But sometimes the push can be worth it? I’m here to help you all, and explore this world. I don’t want to cause any problems that’d interfere with any of that.”

“Then ye go an’ do that an’ make it so damned hard tae be mad at ye,” Kat grumbled, taking Rosalyn’s hand in hers. “Feck, we’re gonna have this talk. Not ‘ere, later. But we’re gonna ‘ave it soon. Don’t like feelin’ like this around anyone, much less Ann.”

“I think that’d be for the best,” Rosalyn said, squeezing her hand. “Sounds like she’s coming back though.”

“Aye, shoulda heard her cursin’ the dress in there. I love these ears,” Kat chuckled, pulling her hand back.

Annita

No matter how sexy she looked, she hated getting out of that dress. Making sure she didn’t accidentally stretch or damage it was such a pain in the ass; she cursed Nolton’s taste. By the time she’d gotten one of her new kilts and shirts on, and returned to the main room, something must have happened. There was a tension between Kat and Rosalyn that hadn’t been there before.

Cocking an eyebrow at Kat, she asked without words what was happening. A subtle shake and tilt of Kat’s head said she’d tell her later. Trusting her, she turned to Nolton.

“Well, the dress is a wonderful gift, no matter how hard it is to get out, but I appreciate it. I’ll definitely keep it for fancier things, but I need to pay for it. You will not slither your way out of that.”

“I would object, but I can see that it’s pointless,” Nolton laughed, slithering behind the counter and taking out a coin chest. Ann paid the man, an extra three silver for the new outfit, and two more for him just being him.

“So, what’d you say to taking Rosalyn here under your needle?” Ann prodded at the seamster, leaning on the counter.

“Hmm, an Ovine. Interesting. Not much in the way of unique features impeding normal clothing. What is your style, darling? Do you prefer functional or fashionable? One does not have to come at the cost of the other, mind. Not petite, you appear to have wonderful curves under those robes. I do think some closer fitting garb would suit you well.” Nolton slithered over to Rosalyn, who instinctively clung to Kat. “No need to fear, just getting a proper look at you. Would you prefer a woman for your clothing needs? I have an associate who would be happy to look after you.”

“N-n-no, that’s fine,” Rosalyn stuttered. “Just not used to attention. At all, really. Sorry.”

“Quite all right. I apologise for not respecting your space,” Nolton said as he backed up. “A nice blouse, do you experience cold like most folk?”

“No, I don’t. Have a skill for that,” Rosalyn informed him.

“You and Annita both, lucky. Then, hmm, yes. A pair of blouses, white, cut off right above the navel, a pair of loose pants of warm earthy colours, deep greens and browns. Yes, yes. And simple to prepare. No custom fitting, like I had to do for Annita here. What do you say?”

“How much?” Rosalyn asked timidly. “I’ll be honest, I’m not used to money.”

“Ah, for the lot? A silver would do you fine. I can have it set up by tonight and send them your way tomorrow morning.”

“I… I have that. Ok. I’ll try it. Thank you, Mr. Nolton.”

“My pleasure, Madam Rosalyn,” Nolton said with a courteous bow that made the Druid blush.

“Time to, uh, get going, I think?” she said, standing and brushing her robes smooth over herself.

“Aye. We’ve been out fer a while. Time tae check back in wit’ Bren. Drop off Ann’s fancy new outfit,” Kat said with a grin, holding open the door.

The streets were still bustling as the afternoon turned to evening. The trio had safely deposited their things in their respective rooms, and took some time to relax. Ann and Kat laid together on their bed, fully clothed for once, while Rosalyn had retired to her own space.

“Ya know? I worry about how she’s going to handle what’s coming,” Ann said, laying on her back with her hand beneath her head as she stared up at the ceiling.

“Ye mean wit’ all the attention we’re gonna ‘ave? Aye. I’ll say I’ve been thinkin’ about it, too,” Kat murmured. She’d wound up on her side, head on Ann’s left bicep. Her long ear pressed against the other woman felt amazingly warm as she cuddled up. “Can’t say I’ve really thought o’ anythin’ that’ll ‘elp ‘er though. It’s gonna be a big deal. We’re all gonna be a big deal. Well, bigger than some o’ us already are.”

“Someone forgot they were a princess for a minute there,” Ann teased. “But, yeah. I can deal. You’re used to it, as much as you hate it. I don’t think anything could ruffle Bren. At least, not anything related to public attention. Rosalyn? She’s a leaf about to be riding a powerful wind.”

“Who knew ye were a poet?” Kat giggled. “We’ll ‘ave tae talk to ‘er about it. She’s already got that camouflage skill o’ ‘ers. Maybe she’ll get somethin’ better tae ‘elp wit it?”

“Somehow I doubt it,” Ann sighed. “We’re just gonna have to be there to keep her safe, I guess. Keep an eye on her. Fuck, Kat, I’m afraid of even coming on to her when you come around to the idea.”

“Oh, is it a when now? Not an if?”

Ann rolled her eyes, giving Kat an incredulous look.

“Ye got me. I’ve been thinkin’ about it. Was part o’ what ye walked in on at Nolton’s. There’s this jealous streak in me, somethin’ that’s scared ye’re already movin’ on from me. Tha’ I’m just the first an’ most convenient. Feckin’ sucks an’ it’s been festerin’. Rosalyn an’ I talked about it a bit, while ye were changin’ outta yer dress.” Kat sat up, curled up, and hugged her knees. Ann rose to sit beside her, gently stroking her back.

“She’s cute. Feckin’ adorable. Orenous’ ass I like her. I feckin’ said it. I’m just worried about us, ye know?”

“I get it,” Ann whispered. She didn’t say more. Kat was struggling, and it hurt to see the stalwart woman so confused. So vulnerable. It wasn’t the right time to speak, though.

“Ye’re not gonna. Right? Leave me?” Kat asked in a small voice, barely audible even to their enhanced hearing.

Ann stopped and pulled Kat in for a hug. “No. No I will not, Katlyn Farragher,” she proclaimed, drawing Kat’s forehead to her own. “We’re in this together, you and I. Even if Rosalyn wants to join us, it will be us. You, me, and her. Not just me and her. And definitely not you alone. Fuck that. I’ve said it before, but yeah.”

“Ye know, she gives good advice too?” Kat asked with a weak chuckle. “Said she felt a lot o’ the same when she was packin’ up tae leave ‘er life. Said sometimes the new an’ the scary can be rewardin’. Somethin’ tae that effect at least. Hit me in the heart, it did. Think it's time I push past all this shite in me. Face what’s comin’. Cause what’s comin’ is cute, an’ I think we can make it work. Heart just is how it is. I gotta let it be open.”

“Yeah,” Ann whispered into her forehead, kissing it softly. “I’m sorry I’m making you feel this crap. I didn’t plan on this. Was gonna be fine with just you for the whole time. I just, things changed. This Path. I swear Orenous is just nudging at something she knows about me I don’t yet. Even then, what do you say to just you, me and Rosalyn? I wouldn’t be averse to a couple of flings here and there if we all find some cute girl we want to have a fun night with, but the core is us. You and me, being the big idiots we are, and the gentle Rosalyn to balance us. I think we can make it work.” Ann hugged her girlfriend close. Her heart raced, hoping her words were making sense to Kat. That she hadn’t put her foot, or paw, she guessed, was the right term now, in her mouth.

They sat there for a while in silence. Kat’s breath was shaky, and Ann tried to bite down on her anxiety as she let her lover think and feel.

Kat mumbled something, too quiet for her to hear.

“Come again, love?” Ann whispered, turning her fluffy ear.

“All right, ye mutt,” Kat said louder, sighing deeply. “We can talk tae ‘er. It’ll be ‘er choice ultimately, though I’ve got a feelin’ I know what the answer’ll be. Ye see her oglin’ ye in that dress?”

“Her eyes were as big as dinner plates,” Ann giggled softly. “Same as yours.”

“Tonight, though. After dinner. Before bed,” Kat mumbled.

“Yeah, we can talk then. For now, more rest.”

“Aye, hopefully Bren gets stuck in the temple fer a bit longer. I need a nap after tha’,” Kat said as she flopped back onto the bed, closing her eyes.

Ann laid down next to her, holding her close as she listened to the Protector’s breath slow, her heartbeat steadying as she began to drift.

“Love ye,” Kat whispered. “Startin’ tae think I always will.”

“Love you too,” Ann whispered back, kissing her gently. “As long as we’ve got. You’ve got me.”

Kat squeezed her. Ann felt her body complaining, but she ignored it until Kat relaxed next to her, having drifted off.