“How’s it coming?” Sevi asked of her husband, as she and Lucinda entered her hut.

“Two quick sketches done and ready,” Prathin replied. He held out a piece of paper in Lucinda’s direction.

A smile spread across Lucinda’s face as soon as she looked upon the contents; There was no mistaking who the sketch was of. Drawn in a sharp-lined, charcoal style, Marrow was pictured from a sideways, slightly topdown angle, with her wings outstretched, her beak apart in a silent cry, and her long, wedge-shaped tail fully extended.

“What do you think?”

“It’s… great!” Lucinda gave the male Druid a big, happy smile. “Better than I imagined… Ah, not that I didn’t think you were good…”

Prathin and Sevi both laughed at her words. “Glad you like it!” Prathin said.

“Aren’t you curious how it’s so accurate?” Varmia asked with a playful smile on her lips.

“I was wondering,” Lucinda admitted.

“Marrow! Fly!” Marrow sent.

“…You had Marrow fly in here?” she asked, glancing about the relatively small building in alarm.

Prathin laughed some more. “Not really. Varmia held her talons so she could flap about a bit. Not quite the same as the real thing, but enough for me to work with. It helps that I’ve drawn birds before.”

“That must have been hard…” Lucinda started in Varmia’s direction, before sudden realisation struck her. “You touched Marrow!”

A loud burst of giggling erupted from Varmia, almost as if she’d been holding it back for some time. “Yep,” she replied, her expression one of intense amusement. “But, it was for your benefit!”

Lucinda tried to frown in annoyance at her friend. Her attempt failed, swiftly giving way to a smile instead. It was clear that Prathin and Sevi weren’t clued in on the situation, though Lucinda had no intention of changing that.

“How’s yours?” she asked. “Assuming I’m allowed to see it?”

“Of course you are. Here.”

A second piece of paper was brought before Lucinda’s eyes. It was largely as she’d imagined it would look, yet once again of a better quality. She felt some guilt at the thought, even as she admired the undeniable cuteness of the large otter lying on its back in the small puddle surrounding it.

“It’s cute,” she offered to Varmia’s expectant look.

“Just begging to be cuddled?”

Pouting briefly in the face of Varmia’s teasing, Lucinda then returned her attention to Prathin.

“Thanks for sketching her. I’ll think about it and let you know.”

“Great, here’s to hoping you both decide to get one!”

Bidding a temporary farewell to the Druid couple, Lucinda returned to her hut to drop off the sketch. Along the way, Marrow sent more than one mental question her way, but Lucinda had decided to leave the potential result unexplained for the time being.

She’ll probably like it… Unless she thinks I’m just weird? Painting me onto her feathers would be pretty strange…

With the important item stashed away, Varmia greeted her as she stepped back outside.

“Still a while before the feast starts. How about I show you around?”

“…You mean there are other spaces here? Like a hidden kitchen?”

“Yep. That and other more interesting places.”

A slight hint of nerves hit Lucinda as she considered the offer. Her evaluation of Varmia’s intentions had not changed since the previous night’s revelation, yet her own lack of a desire to try and put a stop to anything also remained.

“Okay. I’m interested.”

“I thought you might be,” the otter-partnered woman responded with a wide grin.

With a single finger, Varmia beckoned Lucinda to begin following her. They set off towards the south-east of the circle clearing with both animal companions in tow. Compared to the previous day, there were noticeably more people in the area, and they were more spread out across the available space.

Varmia’s intended destination turned out to be the tree wall just past the tavern-like area. To Lucinda’s eyes, there was nothing out of the ordinary to be seen, but as her guide touched one hand to the mass of branches and greenery, a neat section spread apart to reveal another space beyond.

In general, Lucinda wouldn’t claim that kitchens were particularly interesting places; however, finding one tucked away behind a seemingly impenetrable wall did make it a bit more interesting than usual. Strewn across the small area were several wooden counters; wooden barrels, with some being sheltered under grass coverings, and others in the open; a centrally located firepit; a small stream in one corner, flowing in from, and out through the wall; and a collection of baskets stacked in shelves. Of course, like elsewhere, the ground was littered in soft grass, and the flowers and other attractive plants on display made for a very pleasant atmosphere.

“This place is more like a castle,” Lucinda mused. “One tucked away in the trees. Do you have a dungeon as well? Ooo, or a treasure room?”

“That depends on what you consider to be treasure.” Holding out one hand, Varmia smiled invitingly. “Come with, and you’ll find out.”

Lucinda eyed the offered hand suspiciously. “Are you worried I’ll get lost?”

“Not exactly… But, the dryad’s magic can be a bit aggressive at times, especially beyond the kitchen. Wouldn’t want you to get swallowed by the walls.”

“And holding your hand will prevent that?”

“It will.” Varmia nodded in a serious manner.

“You expect me to believe that? … What about animal companions?”

“Animals aren’t affected, of course.”

In the face of the young Druid’s continuing smile, Lucinda was forced to give in. Rolling her eyes she said as much. “Fine.”

Varmia’s hand met hers halfway, enclosing around it gently. Combined with the increased intensity of the smile sent her way, it was more than enough to affect her cheeks, but as she was led away towards another wall, a few giggles escaped her lips at the silliness of it all.

They passed through a series of other rooms, each connected by a similarly hidden door, and each of a similar size. Naturally, the contents and purpose varied. Some were empty, others stashed full of more barrels and baskets; there were even a few rooms that held training equipment in the form of dummies and what looked like archery targets.

The next real room of interest was a vast open space, far larger than the previous areas they’d passed through, though still smaller than the primary gathering area. Its purpose was clear: with rows and rows of wild bushes, vegetable patches, fruit-bearing trees, and plenty of flowers.

“A hidden garden…” Lucinda took a deep breath and smiled at the pleasant aromas her effort produced. “It’s wonderful,” she said to her guide.

With a conspirational smile, Varmia replied. “How about a snack before the feast?”

“Ah, is that allowed?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” A raised eyebrow was sent Lucinda’s way, and was then replaced by a sudden grin. “I mean, if this is a castle, that makes me the princess, yeah? I’m fine with you sampling the delights of our… my garden.”

Her words brought loud laughter from Lucinda. “That’s a very generous offer, your highness. I can’t help but wonder if you have an ulterior motive…”

Varmia maintained a tight smile as she nodded several times. “Royalty often do. I’m not an exception. Come on.”

The self-proclaimed heiress found Lucinda’s hand once more, and quickly dragged her down one of the many rows present in the garden area. A wide selection of different plants passed them by, some with fruit, others seemingly bare. They stopped near the end of the row, bringing more of the garden into view, and another interesting sight along with it.

“Beehives?” Lucinda asked as she glanced over the large pots that sat in neat rows. Varmia chose not to reply, but there wasn’t really a need for her to do so. A short span of watching was all it took for Lucinda to notice a number of the small insects buzzing about the place.

“Wait here a sec?”

With her words barely having reached Lucinda’s ears, the young Druid waltzed over to the hives with no signs of wariness.

“Is that safe?” Lucinda called after her.

No reply was forthcoming. Fortunately, Varmia was not overrun by a swarm of angry bees as she approached the hive. Several somewhat tense moments passed, and then she returned with a pleased smile on her face.

“Perfectly,” Varmia said, returning to stand in front of Lucinda with one hand held obviously behind her back.

“You stole some honey?”

“Stole isn’t the right word… but yes. Hungry?”

“I guess so…” A slightly unhappy smile met her words. “Ah, I mean, sure. After you went through the trouble of raiding a beehive.”

“That’s more like it!” Varmia’s mood flipped back to obviously happy as she brought her hidden hand forwards and displayed the contents. “For you,” she said.

“Ooo, you know how to tempt your guests…”

Staring at the plump strawberry on offer, and the coating of honey that lay atop it, Lucinda couldn’t resist licking her lips. But, as she sent out one hand to claim ownership of the sweet prize, Varmia laughed and pulled it out of reach.

“Sorry to say, but as you’re not a member of this circle, I can’t let you touch it.”

A strong pout emerged on Lucinda’s lips. “Aww…? But, you said…”

“I can’t let you touch it with your hands,” Varmia clarified.

“What? Should I use my feet? Or shapeshift into something with paws?”

“Nope, neither of those.” There was no mistaking how much the pretend princess was enjoying the situation. “Just stay still.”

Lucinda barely had time to raise an eyebrow before the strawberry reappeared directly in front of her face. Realisation wasn’t far behind, then a rapid heating of her cheeks, and a quickening of her pulse.

“This is silly…” Lucinda declared, looking away from the fruit and the person holding it.

“Mmm, I think it’s rather fun. Humour me?”

A hasty glance into Varmia’s eyes revealed a twinkle of obvious delight.

The plump fruit began descending towards her lips. Several potential excuses for stopping the surreal experience passed through her mind in a span of rapid heartbeats, yet Lucinda made no move to voice any of them. The allure of the sweet-smelling treat proved to be too great.

Delicious flavours danced across her tongue as the strawberry landed upon it. She didn’t hesitate in biting through the soft flesh, severing a sizeable chunk for her to enjoy, and leaving Varmia holding barely half of the original. She chewed in silence, revelling in the intense sweetness, while the young Druid continued to watch her intently with an obvious redness to her own cheeks.

The near-silence continued up to Lucinda’s second bite, and onwards until only the green stalk remained in Varmia’s hand.

“…Thanks,” Lucinda uttered in a near whisper once the morsel was finished.

“My pleasure.”

Several seconds of staring into the other woman’s eyes passed before Lucinda thought to speak again. “You didn’t get yourself one?”

“I’m waiting for something else. I think it’ll be just as sweet, though.”

“Ah… I’m not sure I want to ask…” Her declaration did not prevent another increase in her pulse.

“You don’t want to gain your giant otter form?”

“I do! But, this is blackmail…”

Varmia laughed loudly. “I don’t think that’s what it is at all. But maybe I could make another offer instead.”

“…What?”

“A kiss.”

I should have known… Oh!

Lucinda darted forwards without hesitation. Closing in on the demanding Druid, she raised herself upwards and then planted a quick kiss on Varmia’s forehead.

“Done,” she declared, before offering the otter keeper a victorious smile.

“Cute,” Varmia replied, an amused expression on her face. “You know that’s not what I meant.” Still smiling widely, she took both of Lucinda’s hands in hers, and then dragged them to her waist. “A proper one, and her form will be all yours.”

Staring into the warm hazel eyes just a short distance from her own, Lucinda considered the situation as her heart continued to beat heavily in her chest.

It’s only a kiss… When else will I get a chance to acquire a giant otter? And why wait…? I just need to… do it…

Lucinda leaned forwards bringing her face a dozen or so centimetres away from that of the woman she held by the hips. She took in every detail, the smooth skin, her flushed cheeks, the slight parting of her lips.

I want to do it…

Varmia’s eyes closed as Lucinda moved closer still. Close enough to feel the quickened breathing of the young Druid before her, and to smell the faint hints of honey that came with it. However, with just a few centimetres left between them, her will faltered. All the troubling thoughts, all the potential problems. All of it rushed through her mind in the blink of an eye. She jerked backwards.

“I can’t…” Lucinda said, her cheeks still strongly flushed, and her breath still heavy. Her hands dropped away from Varmia’s waist, but before she could retreat further, the other woman’s hands grasped her own hips.

“Almost,” the blonde Druid said with a smile on her lips.

“…Sorry. I just… I don’t think I can be that sort of person.” Lucinda winced as an eyebrow raised sharply upwards. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it… But others do…! My mother… My father… Them knowing I would never marry. Knowing I would never have kids… I can’t…”

With her hands planted firmly on Lucinda’s hips, Varmia displayed a smile that was laced with bemusement. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I… What!?”

“Who says women can’t marry other women? Or men other men? Temples, maybe. But, they don’t rule the world, you know. With kids, okay, not exactly. But, there are plenty of orphans in the world who’d be happy to have a family to call their own, no matter what gender those caring for them might be. Also…” Varmia tapped Lucinda on the nose with one finger. “You’re being silly. Real relationships take time. A lot longer than the single day we’ve known each other. Right now: it’s just a bit of harmless fun between friends.”

“…I still can’t.”

One of Varmia’s eyebrows rose once more. Her gaze dipped downwards, and then methodically looked Lucinda over before returning upwards to meet her eyes.

“But, we’re still here.” An expectant look appeared on the Druid’s face. It remained there for several seconds, during which Lucinda continued to watch her, and do little else. “Hmm, maybe…”

Varmia seemed to reach a decision. One that caused Lucinda’s breath to catch in her chest as the result of that decision revealed itself to be a rapid reduction in the distance between them.

Ah… What did I think was going to happen!? I should have left…! I should have…

Unlike her, the blonde Druidess did not stop until her goal was reached. Lucinda’s thoughts froze as she felt the soft pair of lips press against hers. Her eyes shot wide, her body jolted sharply. Barely a second later she relaxed as familiar feelings of warmth began to spread through her. Her eyes closed, as a result, bringing every minute detail of their embrace within reach of her other senses. There was no mistaking how good it felt. No way for her to deny that she was thoroughly enjoying it.

Lucinda had no idea how long had passed when the continuing kiss abruptly broke, but she also didn’t consider it to be a particularly important detail.

Varmia grinned eagerly as she stared into Lucinda’s eyes. “Looks like I was right,” she declared, and then released a slightly sinister chuckle. “I suppose it makes sense in a way.”

“…It does?”

“Mmm, I think so. And I think I know just what to do about it.”

“Ah… You do?”

“I do! But don’t worry, you’re safe for now.” Varmia’s wide-eyed grin made Lucinda doubt the veracity of the statement. “How about a new shapeshift?”

“…I’d like that.”

“You’ve definitely earned it.” Varmia turned to look off across the large garden area they stood within. As she returned to face Lucinda, she took one hand in both of hers. “Answer me one thing before she arrives: If I feel a sudden desire to kiss you again over the next few days – which is very likely – will you try and stop me?” Varmia’s expression turned serious. “If you really don’t want to, tell me.”

A silence stretched onwards between them as Lucinda struggled to make a proclamation of any kind. By the time the giant otter, Ingala, arrived, nothing else had been said.

“Okay, so….” Varmia smiled warmly. “Admitting you’re interested: not possible. Doing anything about that interest: also not possible. But letting me do something about it: sort of acceptable. Yeah?”

Lucinda managed to nod in response. “It’s stupid…”

“Maybe a bit. I don’t think it’s your fault, though. And I’m going to try my best to help you.”

There was little doubt in Lucinda’s mind as to what the offered help would entail, but she did doubt its potential effectiveness. Especially as she couldn’t see herself allowing anything more than the relatively harmless act they’d so recently engaged in.

Fortunately, the appearance of the giant otter gave her something else to focus her attention on. Kneeling down in the short grass, she smiled at the long, brown creature as it huddled up against the young Druid’s legs. Ingala met Lucinda’s eyes, and then released a loud snort upwards towards her partner.

I hope I can actually acquire her…

There was no waiting to find out, as the large otter dashed forwards and dove straight into her lap. Giggling at the playful nature of the animal, Lucinda wasted no time in bringing her hands to bear.

“She’s so soft!” Lucinda exclaimed as she gently stroked the brown-furred creature. It wriggled about on her lap energetically; rubbing against her as she continued to pet it. “No wonder you chose her.”

“There’s a lot more to it than that. But, I do enjoy cuddling her a lot.”

Lucinda continued to pet the furry animal, revelling in its pure cuddliness.

“And… did you get it?” Varmia asked a short time later, with an amused expression on her face.

“I did!” Lucinda replied happily. “Sorry, I was a bit distracted.”

Not aquatic after all... That's good?

Shapeshifts Name Base Attributes Attribute Bonuses Base Level Rank Bonuses STR AGI END STR AGI END Giant Otter 22 36 18 1.1 1.4 1.0 6 1 Alluring Coat Alluring Coat (Giant Otter)

Physical contact with fur produces strong feelings of relaxation and calmness.

“Oh…” Lucinda giggled quietly. “Is that why you don’t let people touch her?”

“You got the same, huh?” Varmia chuckled briefly. “Sort of. Some people do get a bit stricken… But, you were a special case.”

Feeling suddenly less concerned about recent happenings, Lucinda didn’t hesitate in responding to Varmia’s assertion. Of course, she continued to gently stroke the writhing bundle of cuteness on her lap.

“You’re saying I’m special?”

Her words were met with a very pleased smile from the otter’s partner. “Oh, yes. Very much so.”

“Ah… Thanks.” Lucinda’s cheeks flushed as Varmia’s words dismantled her sudden confidence.

Still smiling, the young Druid slid to the ground to join Lucinda in petting her animal companion. Time passed as the two shared brief glances sporadically, while enjoying the luxurious coat that continued to demand attention from their fingertips. Finally, Varmia encouraged Ingala off of Lucinda’s lap.

“How about we go for a swim?” she asked. “Maybe you’ve noticed already, but Druids here have a habit of taking a matching shapeshift to their companion.”

“I had noticed… Though, Waflaw’s not like that. Is he a weird Druid?”

Varmia shrugged as a faint smile played across her lips. “You tell me. He’s your mentor, and I hadn’t met him before this gathering.”

Lucinda considered the thought for barely a second before she dismissed it in lieu of Varmia’s most recent offer.

“A trio of giant otters going for a swim? I’d love to!”

“I thought you might. Just don’t forget about your companion. Wouldn’t want her getting stuck in here.”

Raising an incredulous eyebrow in response to the absurd warning, Lucinda turned inwards to contact Marrow.

“Did you find that bone-bush you were after?”

“Bone.” Marrow’s mental voice conveyed her lack of success, but only a small amount of disappointment. Lucinda still wasn’t entirely sure if the bird of prey had been serious in her belief that such a plant might exist. She decided to commiserate all the same.

“Aww, sorry. I’m sure we can get you something during the feast. But, how about playing in the lake again before then?”

“Lake! Play!”