“Dear Diary,

She came back. I confessed.

(Many frustrated pen strokes and scribbles before a large gap)

I think I’m in love. (Crude sketch of a half elf and a heart) ”

- Aryana’s Diary

Aetemo and Tavaeia gestured for them to approach. Leon was standing off on the far side and waved from the drinks table while the other occupants dipped their heads in greeting. Within the room were an assortment of characters and races, with Sophie spotting another unknown wolfkin, a feline maujurrin, and two more humans. Out of all of them, the wolf looked most surprised at her appearance but said nothing of it, while the humans seemed more amused than anything. The cat seemed un-bothered and merely scooted somewhat to make room for the new arrivals.

“Hi everyone.”

“Hello.”

The duo replied in kind.

“My, my, I take it these are your acquaintances?” The maujurrin purred.

“Aye, aye. Friends from class.” Aetemo smiled, “A good lot, these two. How are you two?”

“Alright.” Sophie answered for the duo.

“Good! Something to drink?”

“Eh, sure?”

“That’s the spirit! Leon, prepare another serving!” Aetemo hollered excitedly.

The duo settled down and chatted with the new faces. Clarissa the feline, Karveno the wolf, alongside Stanley and Isobel the Arterian locals, formed those that the duo was unfamiliar with. Tavaeia and Aetemo meanwhile, introduced everyone, talking about their backgrounds and how they met while also recounting stories of life near the border regions of Lucuria. They regaled the crowd with tales of harrowing journeys across the sands, of relics and sites lost to time. To Clarissa and Karveno it seemed to be a familiar tale, Sophie noting how they nodded along as if they too, had experienced such things. For herself and the humans, it was an exotic tale of sights they wished to one day see.

Then Leon served the drinks. It was a strange greenish looking mixture with a small helping of mushy red fruit atop it. The others cheerily helped themselves to it while both Sophie and Aryana hesitantly held onto theirs, uncertain of what they were both about to imbibe. Noticing this, the more belligerent of their human companions began egging them on.

“Don’t worry! Tastes zingy and refreshing!” Stanley reassured them, taking a massive gulp that emptied half his mug.

“Aye, aye! Leon mixes well!” Aetemo barked in agreement.

“Now, now, boys.” Tavaeia clicked her tongue, “They seem to be relatively new to this. Let them take it easy, alright?”

"Ugh, Tav."

"Temo."

"Sorry." Aetemo hung his ears.

“I-I’m not!” Ary protested, hurriedly trying to chug her drink down much to the amusement of everyone else.

To their collective shock and horror, she didn’t stop. The mug slowly got lighter and lighter until it was fully empty, leaving on residual moisture behind. When she set her mug down, she began hiccuping, the redhead immediately trying to hide to no avail. For a brief moment, it seemed almost like she had conquered the challenge, risen to the occasion to become the star of the party. Then, Sophie noticed the flash of disgust that cut across Aryana’s face, her lips puckering up as her brain started processing the full flavour of it. Aryana gagged amidst her hiccups and the room broke out into uproarious laughter.

Embarrassed, Aryana turned her increasingly flushed face towards Sophie, her eyes displaying a plea for the half elf to draw some attention away. Sophie took her own small little sip of the drink to find that it was equal parts pleasant and unpleasant. There was a tangy, sweetness that preceded the flavour, a heavy dose of bitterness in the middle before a bittersweet sensation lingered in her mouth. She almost recoiled at the sudden burst of bitterness and her face evidently brought great joy to the room as well, eliciting another round of hearty laughter. She didn't know if she liked it or not, but, what she did know was that she was amazed Aryana could chug the whole concoction in one go.

The group seemed happy though, and the vibe of the room uplifted further when Aetemo called for “One more for Aryana, the champion!” to much fanfare. Leon brought over a second drink, one that Aryana reluctantly accepted. Thankfully, this time, she slowly nursed her drink, taking only small little sips despite the winces at the sudden flavour differences she tasted.

The moment turned into conversations about everyone’s academic lives; the toughness of classes, including the math class; professors, who they recommend or don’t for next semester moving forward; gossip, and all the little things in between. Unfortunately, the jubilant mood was reduced to a more somber one when someone mentioned the new Traxo-Abenstadtian war. The soured mood did lead to more intellectual discussions however, with everyone presenting their own perspective on how things will only get worse from here on out. It was a sobering thought exercise that saw most of the beastfolk worried about their friends and family on the Lucurian borderlands. For the Arterians, it was the ever present knowledge that if things do become worse, they might be conscripted for the state troops. The duo therefore, held a special position in which the war would be bad, but an inconvenience to their grander plans at best. Sophie snickered at the idea, if only they knew what I’ve been through already. Somewhat more depressed, Sophie downed the rest of her drink, finishing one drink.

Clarissa was the one to first break the somber mood, attempting to pivot the focus of their discussion onto a topic more familiar to a student, love and crushes. With everyone already buzzed or somewhat inebriated, the suggestion had brought forth a few fitful giggles. Tavaeia and Aetemo immediately turned up the level of intimacy by plopping themselves atop each other, their excited pants bringing some heat to the mix. Sophie tried trading glances with Aryana, but by now, the redhead was on her third drink and slightly more out of it than expected. Upset at being left behind, Sophie tried finishing a second drink only to choke up halfway, unable to push herself any further as her head started pounding.

Clarissa and Isobel then traded coy glances with Karveno, the wolfkin trying, but failing to hide his excitement at the sudden realisation of what that meant. Sophie raised an eyebrow but didn’t question it, her headache taking up more than enough brainpower. She groaned, her pained pleas prompting Leon to offer some water that she gladly accepted. Aryana grumbled incoherently beside her and sunk into the couch, her third drink already half gone.

“Stars, she’s gonna have one awful hangover come the morrow.” Leon grunted.

Sophie cradled her own head, occasionally massaging her ears to try and determine how red and warm they’ve become. Her exploration led to the conclusion that she too, would suffer when she next awoke. For now, she was more than content taking it easy, her gaze often traveling over to Aryana.

“You two went a little too hard, eh?” Aetemo grinned.

“Ugh, don’t.” Sophie complained.

“Hah! Just means you need to drink more to get more used to it!”

“Cheers to that!” Karveno howled.

“Aye, aye!” Tavaeia agreed.

“Goddess, my head.” Sophie tried to shoo them away but then sighed, “Maybe.”

“Ayyy! I’ll drink to that!” Aetemo cheered.

The whole group took another small swig, much to Sophie’s own consternation. Feeling a little pressured to join in, she took another sip and audibly gagged, her own throat trying to reject the liquid. Her face was already heated and now her head grew even fuzzier. To her relief, Leon seemed to be willing to act and gently took what was left of her drink from her. Stars above, my head, ugh.

“Bathroom?” Sophie managed to utter.

Their hosts turned to Leon, who nodded obligingly, gently helping Sophie to her feet as she staggered with every movement.

The two made slow progress down the hallway, taking their time to avoid some of the other guests. Eventually, the two arrived at a side room where a toilet happened to be free. Sophie lurched forward in desperation as Leon steadied her, the two almost falling to the floor at the sudden shifting of weight. Leon quickly stood back up and pushed the door open.

“I’ll wait here.” Leon urged her forward.

“Mmm.” Sophie grunted as she hurried inside.

Shutting the door, she slammed her hands down besides the sink and braced herself, her gurgling stomach sending her headache into overdrive. Pain, regret, and unease filled her being as what was within tried to force its way out. Her airways constricted as her body wiggled with discomfort. Sweat poured from her brows and she leaned down, ready for the moment of truth. She coughed, hacked and practically scratched her throat to force what was within outwards. Agony wracked her nerves, and yet, it didn’t come. Despite the stomach churning pain, she couldn’t force anything out.

Agonising minutes seemed to pass before she finally let out a loud groan and slumped backwards against a wall, sliding down in a pained pile. Despondent, she clutched her head in her hands and tried to soothe herself. Hearing a small knock on the door, she reluctantly stood up to open it. Leon jumped back at her somewhat disheveled appearance, his eyes doing a once over before he dropped into a frown.

“You alright?” Leon asked.

“Ugh, feel like shit. Can’t throw up. Goddess above, I want to.” Sophie nursed her stomach.

“There, there.” Leon patted her back, “You’ll feel better after a bit. If anything, we have a spare guest room for you to rest in afterwards. Though…” He was about to say something when Sophie violently shook her, “Whoa! Everything okay?”

“Ngh, just trying to keep focused.” Sophie grunted.

“Take it easy.”

“Pfft, as if-ack!” Sophie dry heaved a little more, the sickening gagging sensation going upwards only to roll back down her throat.

Exhaustion wrinkled her face and she found some solace as Leon steadied her. Unceremoniously stripping and handing her jacket to Leon, she embraced the comforting chill that danced across her skin as it cooled her down.

“I’ll hang this up, just stay here. Got that?” Leon reassured her, “Stay.”

Sophie grunted her acknowledgment before spending a few minutes just swaying in place. The noises and sensations that passed her by gradually returning over time. Against this backdrop, she found herself recovering slightly as only the headache remained, though every time she turned around, her stomach would cramp up. Stars, this feels horrible. How do people drink?

Leon eventually returned after wrangling a few other party guests. He babied her as they slowly shuffled back to the lounge. Though they had only turned a few corners, the lingering headache made it seem like an eternity before they arrived. Worse yet, the pounding only grew more physical the closer they got, drowning out what little thoughts she still had. Huh? Wait what? Ugh, it’s like I can hear the headache.

In a moment of lucidness, she snapped herself back to attention, turning to find Leon with a frown on his face.

What’s going on? She mouthed to him in concern.

He shrugged, the expression didn’t leave his face.

Pushing open the door, they were met with both a stench and a sight neither were expecting. In the far corner where the drinks were maid, The two wolfkin hosts were busy rutting with a very actively curious Isobel watching. Behind the couch, Karveno and the feline were performing similarly charged activities.

“Uhh…” Leon mumbled, not quite knowing how to properly react.

Curiosity, concern, and worry flashed within Sophie’s mind and her eyes frantically searched the room. They landed on another corner where Aryana weakly swatted away at Stanley’s advances. Almost disbelieving of the sight, it took her another few seconds before rage filled her mind. Mine, how dare. Letting out a ferocious growl, she stormed towards them, The sudden movement making Leon jump in fear.

Aryana’s worried eyes met her first, the girl’s expression caught in between frightened and confused. When their gazes met, Aryana’s then turned into one of pleading and happiness. Without warning, Sophie forcefully shoved Stanley aside, leaving little room for protest as the stunned student was left on his ass after a sudden thud.

“H-hey!” Stanley tried to yell, but Sophie ignored him.

Uncaring of the world around her, she knelt over Aryana as the girl’s eyes perked up.

“You came back.” Ary beamed.

Sophie smiled back and ruffled the girl’s hair, earning herself a goofy smile in return.

“We were just getting busy!” Stanley growled even as Leon tried to calm him down.

“Easy there, Stan.” Leon tried to soothe him.

“Everyone’s getting dicked down, what the hells do you think you’re doing?!”

Sophie spun around and turned towards the offender with an icy glare. “Back. Off.”

“The hells? You looking for a fight?” Stanley tried to shake Leon free.

“Ay, easy there.” Leon hurriedly spoke, sensing the tension.

“The hells man? What’re you on her side for? Didn’t you two get busy too?”

“What? No! She was about to throw-”

“She’s mine.” Sophie interrupted, a murderous look replacing her anger.

Something in her voice must’ve scared the others, and both the boys stiffened up. Even from across the room, Sophie could spy some of the others taking glances at the escalating situation, ready to spring into action. There was a stillness to her actions that seemed to make Stanley think twice. As they squared up to each other, she also noticed how he kept glancing down to her hand. Following his gaze, she found to her own horror that she had automatically assumed combat formation, ready to draw the currently and thankfully nonexistent sword. That seemed to sour his mood enough that he wordlessly stormed out, Leon both breathing a relieved sigh and shooting Sophie an apologetic look as if to say ‘I’ll handle him.’

Sophie too breathed a sigh of relief when the conflict was avoided, her own handles trembling from a mixture of rage and worry. Meeting everyone else’s glances, all of them shared a collective understanding that the situation was resolved and returned to their pleasures. Sophie turned to find Aryana had stood back up, but a very different expression had taken over the girl’s freckled face. There was a sense of thankfulness and joy at seeing Sophie once more, but even she could tell there was something else lying beneath that look. Desire. Aryana’s eyes were only on her, and the redhead’s breath stilled when their gazes met in earnest. Mine, her attention and affection should be all mine.

“Sophie…” Ary whispered.

Her mind still jumbled with emotions, Sophie drew her thoughts to the advice she was given earlier. What Sammy said, take charge. Sophie instinctively moved closer and pinned Aryana to the wall, eliciting a frightened little squeak from the girl.

"S-Sophie?"

“Are you okay?” Sophie asked.

“Yeah.” Ary let out a breathy rasp, the redhead sucking in a heavy breath as she bit her lip, “Sophie…”

The invitation was extended and Sophie seized her prize. With one holding the wall, her free hand held Aryana’s chin as they kissed. This time there was no subtly as she pushed her tongue forward, marking Aryana as her’s. The redhead seemed to melt under this attack and let out a muffled whine, her own hands now wrapping around Sophie’s back.

“Mine.” Sophie pulled back before leaning in and sucking on Aryana’s neck. She pressed her teeth gently into the girl’s soft flesh and ran her tongue up and down to take in the flavour.

“Ngh. Y-yours.” Aryana let out a sensual moan.

Having had a taste, Sophie still feared overstepping and looked up to meet Aryana’s gaze. Within her eyes, Sophie saw the same expression that had taken hold when she returned from Saclia, lust. Aryana gave her a tiny nod, and Sophie dropped all her inhibitions. Having watched the girl get dressed earlier, she reversed every step with an animalistic urgency. With one final tug, she flung the tunic off of the redhead, letting Aryana’s breasts hang out in the open as her stiff nipples seemed to urge Sophie onwards. She’s so pretty… I hope she doesn’t mind, Sophie grinned.

“Nmmgh.” Ary whimpered as Sophie lapped at her nipples.

Sophie was unrelenting, caressing Aryana's body as she greedily took her fill of the redhead's teat. The girl shuddered and squirmed, desperately trying to sit down only for Sophie to continue to hold her up.

“Mine.” Sophie declared before displaying a sultry smile, “Something the matter?”

Aryana quivered under Sophie’s touch and nodded ferociously, directing the half elf’s gaze over to the others in the room. Seeing this, Sophie giggled and sucked harder on Aryana, the girl tensing up as signs of pleasure ran across her face. "M-m-more." Ary panted.

“And?” Sophie whispered hungrily, pulling back to blow gentle puffs of hot air against Aryana. Her eyes traced the redhead’s freckles up and down her body, like a trail marking the most wonderful sights to be seen. Beautiful.

“Like them. You and me.” Ary managed to grunt as she involuntarily twitched from the sensation, “Please. Together.”

Still demanding even now, that’s my Ary. Sophie pressed against the girl once more, this time Aryana buckling under the attack, slumping halfway down the wall. Sophie licked her lips and began flicking Aryana’s nipples, occasionally grasping onto her breasts. Aryana’s face contorted into a multitude of expressions, but with each moan and grasp, Sophie found herself more and more turned on by the display. Stars, I want… need this.

“Ahh!” Ary cried as Sophie pulled her back up to her feet. The girl writhing under the sudden forcefulness that had overtaken her partner. Sophie cast a quick glance behind her, taking in the sight of everyone else being in various states of undress. She felt her own nipples harden and slipped out of her dress, perking herself up for Aryana's pleasure. A look of ecstasy filled Aryana's face as she took in the sight. Deciding to reward her partner, Sophie paused, letting Aryana soak in every last bit of her. Hah, look at me Ary. Only me.

Unable to hold back, she descended into a flurry of kisses, licks and caresses that had Aryana on the verge of crumbling. Hah, Ary is so cute. Cute, cute, cute.. She migrated her hands down Aryana’s entire form, from head to chest, to waist and then snaking them over to pull down Aryana’s pants. Aryana whimpered but didn’t speak as Sophie then removed her undergarments with a forceful tug. Her fingers brushed past a moist soft fleshy lip, the single touch sending Aryana shaking with desire.

Sophie took a breath to glance downwards, finding a strange sense of satisfaction at the moisture which glistened between Aryana’s thighs. She's horny, heh, because of me. Buoyed by overflowing affection within her heart, she kneeled in front of the girl and soaked in the scent of sweat and hormones with a hint of musky vanilla in the air. She stared at the small slit, her mind racing with all the possibilities when she smiled. Slowly, she began softly kissing the insides of Aryana’s thighs, moving up ever so slightly as she stared directly upwards.

Aryana looked confused for a moment, her face crinkling with pent up desire before lowering to meet Sophie’s own hungry gaze. Her eyes widened at the sight and Sophie could see her entire body tense with eager anticipation the closer Sophie got. But Sophie stopped, lingering just above, her breath teasing the quivering lip ahead of her. Aryana squirmed, a manic, pleading expression filling her face. Sophie pressed forward with a soft kiss, noting how Aryana almost completely melted from the one action alone. Their eyes met once more passing a wordless message which they both instinctively understood. With one final nod from above, Sophie moved in to claim what was hers. So cute, so cute and she belongs… to me.