This is part of my "Obsidian's Hoard of Lovers" series, but the shorts are written in such a way that you should be able to enjoy them in any order.
------------------------------------------------------------
If you spot any typos, do please let me know in the comments!
Thank you and I hope you enjoy the story.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dulce finished her song with a flourish and a bow, her long ears perked up listening to the cheers and claps of the tavern customers, who had clearly enjoyed her impromptu show.
She jumped down from the table gracefully, her soft paws and strong legs cushioning her landing completely.
The mug she had left besides her to gather tips had a few silvers and coppers, but nothing really spectacular. Dulce thought she might need to squeeze her already light purse to rummage enough for a good dinner and a room, though perhaps she could use plan b...
Ever the adventurous rabbitfolk, she had departed to human lands more than a year ago to explore the world and have some fun. And overall, she had been successful in that department.
She had travelled around for a bit with some adventurers until she felt they were chewing a bit more than they should, so they parted ways amicably. After that, she had mostly moved from town to town, playing, singing and dancing for coin, enjoying local stories, food and, sometimes, even the locals themselves... intimately.
And her eagerness for company had the benefit of usually coming with a free bed.
Besides, compared to most sapient people she was tiny, so it's not like she took a lot of room.
Dulce looked around the tavern, checking out the locals to see if anyone caught her eye.
She might be a frisky woman, but she still had some standards.
In the corner of the tavern, somewhat away from prying eyes, a group of people got up and left, chatting amongst themselves and checking their equipment.
Left alone, sitting by the table, was a human with very dark thick hair.
He was wearing what looked like travel clothes, and seemed young-ish, thirty at most. He was rather tall and broad shouldered, which made Dulce smile mischievously.
Someone that handed out quests to adventurers, she thought, perhaps some local official? A servant to someone important?
She walked closer to the table while trying to ascertain more about him.
He was handsome, that was for sure, with nice masculine features and deep dark eyes that were of a brownish red.
The stranger seemed lost in thought, and only noticed her when she tapped the chair opposite his.
"Mind if I join you?" she said, giving him a flirty smile while making one of her ears drop, turning up the cute as high as she could.
The man smiled at her and nodded, so Dulce hopped on the chair and sat down. Well, more stood or squatted, in Dulce's case, human chairs were not designed for someone of her size.
She leaned on the table looking at him inquisitively, her turquoise eyes shining under the lamps in the room.
He looked back into her eyes, and to her pleasant surprise, smiled again.
"Can I help you?" he said in a polite tone. His voice was deep and friendly.
Dulce's cute cotton tail twitched excitedly.
"Maybe... I'm trying to figure that out," she said with her best cheeky and flirtatious tone.
The stranger giggled and took a sip of his mug, mimicking her pose by leaning on the table.
Dulce couldn't help but to grin ear to ear, it was always fun to meet someone that tried to play at her own game.
"And... who might you be?" he asked, resting his head on one of his hands as he leaned on the table, his dark locks quite striking against his fair skin.
Dulce sat back on her chair and struck a pose with her guitar, giving him a wink.
"Dulce Greenhill, travelling bard, at your service!" she finished with a cute bow, the man obviously enjoying her flair for the dramatic.
Once she raised her eyes again, the man did a courteous bow, again, playing along with her mischievousness.
"John Emergal, at your service!" he laughed as he finished his introduction, and they both shared a giggle.
"So tell me, Dulce, were you looking for work as an adventurer? If so I'm afraid you just missed the group I hired," he said once again nursing his drink.
Dulce sat sideways on her chair, placing her guitar on the table carefully.
"Nah, not looking for that sort of work, tried it, not really my thing," she said looking at the ceiling. "I'm more of an entertainer, enjoying more fine drinks, warm beds and good company."
John gave her a smirk.
"Is that why you decided to join me? Good company?" he was brutally direct, refreshing, she thought.
"Maybe," she said with her best sensual tone while standing on her chair and laying her torso along the table, looking up at him. Her caramel fur was lustrous and pleasing under this light.
"You're definitely handsome, and seem nice, but I don't know you just yet," she said.
John leaned forward, meeting her gaze with his, and her body tingled in excitement, her fluffy tail twitching happily.
"So then, what's the next step, in this plan of yours?" he said, getting his right-hand close to her face as if asking if it was ok to touch her.
She nuzzled his hand, making it clear she was more than ok with being touched like this.
"Well, normally I would hope to share a drink and some conversation with my new friend," she said while enjoying his caresses on her fuzzy cheeks and ears.
John giggled and ordered them a couple of drinks. Dulce gave him a beaming smile and with a couple of agile moves she walked on the chairs next to the table till reaching the one next to his, snuggling against his warmth.
"You're not subtle, are you?" he said while putting his left hand on the small of her back, giving her a happy shiver.
She made her best fake outrage face, putting her hand on her lips.
"Who me? Why, I'm a paragon of diplomacy and subtlety!" she laid her head against his chest as she said this, giving him a smouldering look.
The barmaid dropped their drinks and smiled at the scene, rolling her eyes a bit.
"You can join if you like!" Dulce playfully shouted at the barmaid as she walked away.
"Maybe another time," she said, holding her tray against her chest. "You seem to have your hands full already...," she said while looking at John, who grinned.
Dulce turned and gave the man an inquisitive look.
"Well, well, well! Apparently you are accused of being a handful!" she said, digging a finger onto his chest, a coquettish smile drawn on her fluffy face. "What do you have to say for yourself?"