play this at the prompt for immersion
The rest of their journey through liberated Daein passed uneventfully, and the five soon found themselves in neighbouring Crimea. As soon as they crossed the boarded, they immediately noticed a change in the natives. Whereas the Daeins would often glare at the laguz at a distance, the Crimeans were much more inviting and welcoming to the group, often waving at the laguz as they passed bustling villages, some even offering them fresh grown fruit as they passed fields. Vika was astounded by their kindness. After years of suffering and negligence from her human masters, she never thought she would ever see humans smile at her so kindly, nor be offered their hard-laboured fruits for free. Rafiel seemed every bit as fazed as she was. Muarim and Tormod seemed like they expected this change, while Nailah didn't seem to react to it at all.
''After The Mad King's War, many Gallian laguz helped in Crimea's reconstruction.'' Muarim had began to explain, sensing the group's confusion. ''Seeing the people that they had once treated with such animosity, put in such an effort to rebuild their homeland, greatly moved the Crimeans, thus they feel quite an obligation and kinship towards laguz.''
''I-I never though it was possible for the two races to coexist on such a level in Tellius.'' Rafiel gawked. ''Things have changed greatly during my absence here.''
''I really don't see what the big deal is.'' Nailah said, biting into a ripe tomato that an old farming couple had offered her. ''Beorc and laguz have been just peachy with each other for centuries in Hatari. How you guys are still so sore over a tail or different ears is beyond me.''
''Perhaps it was the way we were raised and taught.'' Vika chipped in, staring at her own shiny tomato. ''Many beorc are raised to believe that laguz are sub-human scum and will slaughter you and your loved ones if you let them roam free. Laguz, on the other hand, still have the memories of slavery from the humans fresh in their minds and are taught that they are superior physically. They despise humans for their suffering and want to see them experience the same pain that the laguz had to undergo. At least, that's how I felt...''
''Hatred for the sake of hatred is such a stupid concept.'' Nailah said, eyes hardened. ''Any blood split in ancient history has long since dried up. Despising someone simply based on their origins and not their life decisions will only repeat the bloodshed. Instead, you need to start on a new slate, where what happened in the past stays in the past, and work through your problems as equals.''
Vika nodded as she silently pondered the queen's words. Would there ever come a time where beorc and laguz could coexist peacefully throughout Tellius? Could they even sit at the same table to discuss it without tearing each other apart? Before she could get very far into her thoughts, she was interrupted by the yelling of Tormod.
''Hey look! A festival!''
To the east of them, Vika saw a quite little village with lavish decorations about it, villages happily dancing about and eating delicious looking foods. Though they saw many festivities in Daein, they never stayed to long for fear of racial tensions with the soldiers. Vika always wanted to join in on the cheerful human customs.
''Hmm, we are running low on supplies. Let us stay the night in this town before moving on. The gold from those bandits will treat us to a bit of fun as well.'' Muarim spoke, inciting a loud cheer from Tormod.
As they entered the energetic town, Vika saw stands as far as her eye could see, some selling savoury foods and produce, others charming human knick-knacks. As they bobbed and weaved through the stands, sampling Crimean sweets, Vika suddenly felt something tugging on her wing. Turning around, she was greeted with the sight of a tiny little human girl, her left hand feeling the raven's feathers with an intense curiosity.
''Umm...'' Vika mumbled.
''A-Are they real miss?!'' the little girl suddenly asked, her eyes wide and glistening. ''Can you fly?!''
Vika chuckled at the child, bending down and grinning. ''Of course they're real. Wouldn't be much use if I couldn't fly right?'' To emphasize the point, Vika flapped her wings, gracefully lifting off the ground and doing some twirls in the air.
''W-WOW! THAT'S SO COOL!'' the little girl yelled, jumping up and down in awe.
As she saw the little girl dance in happiness, her mind began to drift to a certain instance back to a meadow in Daein.
''Would you like to try?'' she asked, offering her back to the girl.
''REALLY?!'' the child shrieked as she jumped onto the raven's back.
Vika chuckled as tiny hands circled her neck. She lifted off in a flash of dust and began to fly the child above the village. Vika felt warm inside as she heard the excited chattering and cries of the little girl, gasping and pointing out all the landmarks she remembered around town. She wondered if this was what life was like in Hatari. Laguz and beorc happily laughing together and enjoying each other's company.
The bubbling of the little girl didn't stop even after they touched down, the child hopping with a huge smile on her face.
''That was the most amazing thing ever miss!'' she said with a cute little squeak. Vika soon felt tiny arms wrap around her knees lovingly.
''Thank you so much!''
A spark of pride and happiness filled Vika's chest. 'This is what life should be like.' she thought. The two races living together without discrimination, the only thing that mattered being how each could use their own unique gifts to make the other smile.
''You're very welcome.'' Vika soothed, a hand petting the child's hair.
''Well, aren't you popular?'' she heard Nailah tease.
''Wha-''
As she looked up, she saw a small crowd of little children, all chirping at the raven for a ride with big, bright eyes, as adults stood grinning and clapping behind them.
Oh Goddess.
Nailah walked up beside her and struttingly pumped her fist in the air.
''Don't worry bird! I got enough muscle to take all of these kids on the ride of their lives!''
Memories of torture and drops through open sky filled the raven's head.
''Oh no! You are not jumping off a cliff with five kids on your back!'' the raven scolded.
Thus, Vika, Nailah, and eventually Muarim, took turns letting the beorc children ride them about the town. Vika was able to convince the queen to drastically lower her speed when giving rides, much to the queen's disappointment. Luckily, the exhausted laguz were able to avoid the prospect of repeat rides, saved by Tormod and Rafiel, the mage creating a magic show with his spells and the heron singing soothing lullabies, which was also enjoyed by the adults of the village.
The sun had begin to set as the five finished up their little circus, the children all leaving with a smile on their faces, save the little girl Vika initially met, who she learned was called Lila. The child insisted to stay with the group, showing them the sights around town.
''And that's the flower shop! Mommy loves buying pretty plants from there! And that's Old Man Glenning's House! He gives me cool toys, but smells funny! And that's...''
Lila continued to chirp from her position on Vika's shoulders. Her back was aching from all the rides she had been giving all afternoon and just wanted to lie down and sleep. Muarim also seemed to share her fatigue, while Nailah almost seemed unaffected, listening to Lila with interest. As the group stumbled on, they suddenly found themselves in what appeared to be the town centre, with humans happily dancing their worries away, illuminated by the aged sunset's shades of pink and purple and the vibrant sounds of instruments on the wind.
[prompt]
''Oh! Here's the main plaza. All the adults come here to dance during festivals.''
Lila plopped down from Vika's back and grabbed onto Tormod's hand.
''Hey magicman! Dance with me!'' she beamed, dragging the little mage away.
''Hey! Just what are you implying?! I'm not as short as you! I'm a grown maaaaaan!''
The remaining four laughed as they saw the little girl manhandle the embarrassed mage into a swing.
Vika felt a strong hand grasp hers and looked over to see Muarim curtsy, his tail waggling in the air.
''May I have this dance Vika?''
Vika grinned. ''Heh, ever the charmer, huh? Of course Muarim.''
Thus, the tiger took the raven in hand and the two spun around the town centre, hand in hand. In the corner of her eye, Vika saw Nailah and Rafiel do the same thing, except it seemed like Nailah was the man in their tango, sweeping the heron off his feet. She let out a content sigh.
''This is truly an amazing place, isn't it.'' Muarim said mid-dance, a fulfilled smile on his features. ''I had not dreamed I would be frolicking in a human village, laughing and giving back rides to beorc children while being treated to their foods.''
''Ha, yeah. This entire journey was an amazing experience.'' Vika smiled. ''When we free all our friends in slavery, we should take them here and enjoy a bit of cultural exposure.''
''Yes. Hopefully we can make Tellius united again.'' the tiger hummed.
The two danced together for a little while longer, enjoying the festive atmosphere, before Vika noticed Muarim's face become deathly serious.
''Vika. I fear my life is in great danger.'' he said, face hardened.
Vika froze. ''W-What?! Here?! What's going on?'' she asked, fear replacing her enjoyment.
Muarim stared at Vika, stonefaced for a short moment before breaking out in a large grin.
''She has been glaring at me for quite a while.''
And with that, he twirled Vika away from him. The next thing she felt was falling dramatically into Nailah's arms, a roguish smile on the queen's face.
''N-Nailah?!'' the raven gasped, her face heating.
''You're damn right you hand her over!'' the wolf shouted in the tiger's direction. ''This bird is property of Hatari!''
In a daze, Vika soon found herself on her feet again, as Nailah held their arms together and waltzed off.
''Eeeep! W-What are you doing?!'' the raven squeaked, jumbling about and completely off rhythm from Nailah.
The wolf queen however, with her expertise dexterity and finesse, managed to keep Vika from falling to her feet and continued to gracefully spin the blushing raven around the bustling square, the locals entranced by the two dancing laguz.
''Why, I'm simply having an innocent dance with my favourite black-haired bird.'' she smirked, a charismatic air to her voice. ''What's wrong? You didn't seem this flustered when dancing with Muarim.''
The quip only served to intensify the tinge on Vika's cheeks as the dazzling woman progressed in their waltz with an enrapturing flair, inciting wolf whistles and squeals from the humans. The raven was still struggling to keep up with the lively dance of the queen, playfully scrutinized by the mistress's glistening, emerald eye.
'Damn it! She's doing it again!' Vika internally screamed, eyes focused on her feet and away from the wolf's stare. She was beginning to feel strange again, her chest fluttering as she become hyperaware of the Hatarian's rough, yet at the same time, soft skin, guiding her body about.
'N-No! I'm not going to play the fool again!'
Nailah felt the raven's posture lag a bit and dancing being to slow, head tilting towards the ground.
''Hey, Vika? You alri-''
Before she could finish her sentence, Vika suddenly pushed her panting body against the queen, her face so close to Nailah's that the wolf could smell the faint whispers of sweets on her breath.
Nailah visibly stiffened. Their dancing had all but stopped, alongside their crowd, and an uncharacteristic blush creeped onto the queen's face as she saw Vika slowly inch her face towards her own, her eyes glazed and breathing husky.
''V-Vika? P-People are watching!'' Nailah, shakily said.
''Nailah.'' the raven oh so seductively said, sending shivers down the wolf queen's spine. ''I always...I want to...''
Nailah stood motionless as the raven was now half a hairs length from the queen's lips, her breath caressing Nailah's lips, sensuality teasing of things to come.
'H-Holy crap! D-Did I mess with her too hard?! Ahh... she's gonna... her lips are...'
Just a moment more, and she would taste Vika's...
''Pfft.''
The sounds of their lips smacking together was never heard, instead replaced with a raven's snort as Vika suddenly dove down and away from Nailah's shuddering lips and wrapped both arms around the queen's torso.
''V-Vika! What are you-EEEEEEEEEEEE''
With a mighty flap of her black wings, Vika throttled them upwards into the sky and, with a grace and speed befitting one of the raven tribe, she smoothly cradled the shaking laguz and began to pull them together in a majestic ariel dance, Vika's wings and toned muscles keeping them a float. Cheering had erupted from their spectators and the music rose to a wild pitch, as the two waltzed through the festive air, arms intwined and bathed in a brilliant shade of sunset pink.
''My, my, my. Now that was pretty smooth bird.'' Nailah breathed with an impressed grin, quickly calming down from her pervious episode. ''I'm swooning.''
Vika gave a smile every bit as charming as Nailah's, though her cheeks still showed a bit of colour, and swooped the wolf about a large tower in the middle of the plaza.
''I can't act like the schoolgirl all the time. Besides, you needed a taste of your own medicine, your majesty.''
Nailah simply hummed as she sunk into the raven's embrace and continued their skyward performance, shifting her weight around to keep up with the raven's controlling wings.
Thus, as the crowd roared beneath them and the violins flared, the two danced their hearts out, swaying lively through the air. Vika never felt so elated in her entire life, a vibrant mix of orange, pink, and purple caressing the scenery, the bright melody of instruments pulsating through her body, the cool breeze soft and free in her hair, the smell of spice on the summer wind, and, most importantly, the warm and invigorating embrace of Nailah in her arms. With a joyful smile, Vika finished their dance with a flourish, spinning the two downwards and throwing the queen in the air, before catching her and swinging her towards the ground with a dapper wink, both of them panting hard. As she stared at the wolf queen, entranced, she suddenly felt Nailah's soft lips quickly plant themselves on her cheek, causing the raven's blush to return in full force.
''My hero.'' Nailah said with a smirk.
The crowd broke up in applause as the song came to a crescendo, loudly cheering and squealing at the two performers. Vika noticed some had even begun to throw flowers at them, one of which Nailah caught and planned in Vika's hair. The raven just stood there in an happy daze.
''N-N-Nailah!'' she stammered, clutching her cheek where the kiss still burned. ''Y-You-''
''Hahaha, no one out-teases me bird!'' the wolf laughed. ''Besides, such a charming performance deserves a reward, does it not?
Vika goofily smiled and relaxed in Nailah's embrace, happiness momentarily overpowering embarrassment. That was, until she became aware that they were not alone, and jolted as the wave of chattering villagers swarmed the two.
''That was such a romantic performance! Where did you learn to dance like that?''
''Eeeeee! The wolf laguz is so handsome!''
''But the raven one's prettier! I'd KILL for her figure!''
''Are you guys this extravagant in bed?! Can you give me tips?!''
Embarrassment won over this round, and it was all Vika could do to not burn a hole in the ground as Nailah expressively handled the crowd, charismatically answering their questions as she tried to keep them away from her dance partner, enjoying one last moment of the chaotic festivities as the sun set on the extravagant day.
It was dark outside by the time the two had finished dealing with their fans. Nailah was supporting the weary raven, one arm slung around her shoulder, as they stubbled about town, looked for their friends and an inn. The blush still hadn't fully disappeared from Vika's face, nor the smile from Nailah's, as the night air cooled their heated and tired bodies.
''Errrrgh.'' the raven groaned with fatigue. ''Those pesky humans took way too long. Have they never seen a laguz do something other than fight?''
Nailah, who seemed less affected by the long day, softly chuckled.
''Hey, its not every year two dashing laguz women come to town and begin dancing in mid-air. Besides, they seemed pretty innocent.''
''Innocent?! Do you remember the teenager who asked for bedroom tips?! Or those girls who kept trying to rip our clothes off?! This...this wouldn't have happened if you didn't k-kiss me at the end.'' Vika mumbled, suddenly finding the ground much more interesting.
Nailah slyly grinned as she leaned in closer to the raven.
''Hoho, you think I provoked them, eh? Do you not remember a certain bird lustfully straddling her dance partner, breathing hot on her lips, hmmm?''
Nailah could feel the heat radiating from the raven's cheeks from here, taking joy in hearing Vika stutter out excuses, none of which were coherent. Vika was still going by the time Nailah had stopped walking, standing outside a comfy-looking building, soft lights illuminating windows and signs.
''Alright bird, this is where the three boys' scents lead to. Hmm, pretty nice looking place if I say so myself.''
''IwasjusttryingtogetrevengemyfeetwerehurtingIdon'tknowwhatyourtalk-huh? W-What?''
Nailah ruffled the raven's hair in amusement and began to guide the two through the oak door, a bell chiming as they entered the quaint home. The place was a very tidy and cozy establishment, beautifully created wooden furniture littering the lobby and the smell pine in the air. Tormod and Rafiel were sitting on a bench, both looking exhausted, as Muarim slowly bounced a small child up and down on his knee, eyes barely open.
''Vika! Wolf lady!'' Lila shouted, as the little girl jumped down from Muarim's knee and ran towards the two, her tiny ponytail bobbing behind her.
''...Wolf lady?''
''Lila! What are you doing here?'' Vika lightly said, picking up the still energetic beorc in her arms.
''Magicman and his friends got tired after your dance so I took them to papa's inn. Your dance was SUPER PRETTY by the way! I wanna grow up to be just as pretty as you two when I grow up!'' the little girl bubbled, bouncing in the raven's arms.
''Yes, your dance was quite the spectacle, Vika.'' Muarim said as she petted Lila's hair. ''Very impressive manoeuvres, though I don't think your rubbing up on the queen was necessary.'' he frowned, a fatherly eye over Tormod.
''Ha, all the other kids seemed to enjoy it just fine! You're just antsy because I stole your dance, cat!'' Nailah teased, inciting laughs from Vika and Lila while Muarim simply meowed in annoyance.
''Well, if it ain't the talk of the town in my inn!'' a voice cut through the lobby.
A middle-aged man stepped out of a doorway and began to approach the group. He wore a barman's suit and had quite an impressive moustache on his slightly wrinkled face.
''I'm Lila's pa, owner and proprietor of Rosstucket Inn. Delighted to make you acquaintance ladies and gentlemen.'' the man said with a bow.
''The pleasure's ours sir.'' Vika said as the rest returned the gesture, Lila jumping into the man's arms. ''Nice to meet Lila's father.''
''We would like to stay for the night if it is possible.'' Muarim said with a smile. ''The day left quite a toll on us.''
''Not a problem at all! I'll set you fine laguz folk up with our best beds, all free of charge.''
The laguz blanched. ''F-Free of-. Oh no, we can't possibly impose on you like that! We can pay for the beds just fine!'' Muarim argued.
The man simply shook his head, smiling. ''My wife was there when the raven flew my little Lila over the town earlier today. She said that my little girl looked so happy, and not only that, but your gave rides to the all the kids in the town! I also had the pleasure of seeing you two ladies tango in the town square myself and I must say it was a captivating sight! Talk of an uprising in our country has recently set the whole town on edge and we tried to squeeze in as much joy as possible before war breaks out. You fellows were able to lift all that worrying and tension from our little village in an instant and gave us some happy memories to hold dear in the coming days. Please, let us pay ya back with a little hospitality.''
The laguz simply smiled at the man, feeling a sense of pride for what they were able to offer the village. They accepted the man's offer and tiredly began to follow the him to their rooms, Muarim carrying Rafiel on his back and Tormod in his arms. The tiger and his luggage entered their room, the door not even closing before Vika heard them collapse on the floor with a thud. Finally, Vika and Nailah reached their room, bidding farewell the Lila and her father before closing the door behind them.
The room was a snug little thing, beautiful decorations and designs lining the interior. The moon glowed softy through the balcony window, colouring the room in a bluish-white light. Vika would have spent more time admiring the pretty details if she wasn't so tired, and collapsed onto the bed, blissfully moaning as she felt an unholy softness sink her deep into the mattress.
'Wait. Bed? There was only one-'
Vika didn't get to finish her thought as Nailah slammed into the mattress in the same manner as she did, colliding with the pillow directly beside the raven.
''Ohhhhhh, Nagaaaaa! This is even better than my bed in the capital! Goddess, I needed this.'' she moaned, stretching her tired limbs in every direction.
As the wolf's blissful trashing slowly died down, Nailah began to relax into the fluffy mattress, her eye lazily watching Vika squirm under her gaze.
''U-Umm, do you want me to sleep on a chair or something-''
Vika suddenly felt a rough finger over her lip, and she swore she could feel it softly caressing them.
''I seriously doubt you would be okay with leaving this heavenly bed right now, bird.''
Nailah's voice began to take a lower, more breathy tone as her finger slowly left Vika's lips and started to trace down the raven's neck.
''Besides, I still need to reward the handsome prince for such a lovely dance. Do you have any ideas on how I can show my...gratitude?'' the wolf leered, breath now hot on Vika's neck.
''N-N-Nailah! I-I-I don't-I-I'm n-not ready!'' Vika stammered as Nailah began to lift herself up, face directly above Vika's.
''You know, that little stunt you did really fired me up bird. Your gonna have to take responsibility. Plus, watching you fly those children around made me jealous...now it's my turn to ride you, Vika...'' she moaned, face inching down towards the raven's.
Vika shuddered as Nailah slowly lowered herself down to Vika's face, skin sticky with sweat. She could see the wolf's single eye glazed over with something, maybe sleep deprivation, maybe lust, maybe both.
''Nailah, no...Please, I...'' Vika breathed, her tired body helpless against the looming predator. That strange feeling returned and began to erupt throughout her entire body, whispering to let the husky beauty assault her. She was so close now that Vika could smell the exotic sweat on the woman. Just half an inch closer before...before...
Smack!
''...Zzzzzzz''
Instead to their lips meeting, Vika felt their foreheads collide, the raven yelping in pain as Nailah loudly snored, slumped over the raven with a small stream of drool lazily dripping out of her mouth.
'She...she freaking fell asleep! After all that...ARGGH!'
Vika couldn't tell if she was relieved or disappointed. She at least knew that she was too tired right now to be angry and reluctantly relaxed in the bed's embrace, gently stroking the wolf queen's hair. The flush, sweaty skin of the woman on top of her was a sharp clash compared the cool night air coming in from the balcony. As she tussled Nailah's hair, she inhaled the sweet scent of the Hatarian, which mingled with the fresh smell of pine.
Vika's mind suddenly felt very clouded. The strange feeling hadn't disappeared from Vika's chest, preserving the raven's blush. Nailah's face looked so serene, so beautiful, as she sleep in Vika's arms. It made her heart throb and wings flutter as she stared down at the palely illuminated visage, her own face burning especially bright on a certain part of her cheek.
That kiss. What did that kiss mean to her? It was just like Nailah to do something playful and flirty like that, but when Vika thought back to it, all she could think about was how hot those wet lips felt against her skin, how breath-taking Nailah looked, bathed by the sunset. Vika numbly shifted towards Nailah's face, retracing the path that the Hatarian had earlier traversed to her own face.
''You drive me nuts, you know that?'' the raven muttered, face nearly touching Nailah's. ''Your stories make me green with envy, your groping and cheesy advances pisses the hell out of me, and your words... the way you make me so happy... it lights up my soul in a way I never knew was possible.''
Vika's skin was burning and her eyes had taken on the same haze as she earlier seen reflected in the wolf queen's eye. The feeling in her chest felt like it was going to burst from her body, urging her to go forwards. They were so close.
''Nailah...I think I...ahh...I..I lo-...Zzzzzzzzzzzzz''