Chapter 27

After a one more day of rest in the cave, Tiralie decided it was time to go back to the village. On the way back, Nicole constantly stumbled over roots and rocks and bumped into objects or people, but gradually learned how to live with only half of her usual field of view. The walk took eight days, and finally they reached their destination.

Fucking finally. Walking most of the day is so boring.

At the village, people greeted them loudly and excitedly. Nicole walked through the gates among the others, villagers shouting and clapping on both sides.

It looks as if we saved them from a dragon that threatened to eat them all alive. Though most of us just fought Bonewolves that didn’t even seem to care about this village at all.

Yet despite the greetings, not much happened afterward. People just went to their homes or stopped to talk with their close ones. Nicole and Soi went straight to their hut. Inside, Nicole sat on the bed with a sigh.

"It feels so good to be done with all of this."

"I know what you mean." Soi smiled. "Sometimes me and Vyrik go on a few-day hunting trip, and it’s always a nice feeling being back home."

In the evening, Nicole noticed more people than usual walking around.

I guess everyone is just happy to be back.

"Hey Nicole, you coming or what?" Soi asked, standing next to the door.

"Coming where?"

The catgirl blinked a few times. "Oh, looks like I forgot to mention it. After such a great hunt and victory over a Beast, the whole village is celebrating. Don’t even think about staying here, you’re coming with me!" She said, grabbing Nicole’s arm and pulling her toward the exit.

Nicole sighed but didn’t resist. Well, some partying may be a good way to relax.

Outside, she saw a big bonfire in the main square in front of the large hut where the village elders resided. As they got closer, music and female singing reached Nicole’s ears. She couldn’t make out lyrics and quickly realized there were no words—just sounds. But it sounded nice, so she didn’t complain. On the streets, many people were already drunk, dancing or chatting.

Hm, are they giving out free Eyekiss or is there actually a cheaper alcohol here?

Soon enough, Nicole’s question was answered. Soi brought her to a group of women standing over big pots, handing out drinks to everyone for free. With cups in hand, Nicole and Soi moved forward. They stopped in front of the big bonfire, its flames reaching over ten meters into the air.

Nicole took a sip of whatever was in the cup. The liquid was slightly sweet, and she almost immediately felt the effect of the alcohol. At first she wanted to start asking questions, but then took a deep breath of air.

I should relax and stop bothering Soi, at least for today.

Not far away, around smaller bonfires, villagers cooked meat and handed it out to anyone who approached.

"So… That’s it? I actually thought it would be more… something. I don’t know what I expected."

Soi smirked. "Oh, really? First we have to wait, because probably Izab will have some speech about the hunt. Then… well, then you just have to wait until everyone gets drunk."

"And what happens then?" Nicole asked a little cautiously.

"Everyone will have fun," Soi said simply.

Oh. Oh… okay. With the whole Beast fight, I forgot how open these people are. So it’ll just be a big fucking orgy?

Soon enough, when it seemed that every villager had gathered, Izab, Terl, Sevora, and Tiralie stepped out of the big hut and stood, looking down at the square. Everyone below stopped what they were doing and looked up at them.

"Greetings on this evening!" Izab said, his voice booming as usual. "I want to welcome everyone to this special celebration! Today, we are here to celebrate the victory of our mighty warriors over a monstrous Beast that crawled out of the Chasm." He paused. "I am thankful to everyone involved. Once again you have shown the power of our tribe and our village. Tonight, let us rest, celebrate the lives of those who survived, and honor the memories of those who gave theirs! Now, a word from Tiralie."

The catwoman stepped forward. "Hey. Thank you for coming with me. When I report to the Circle, I will tell them the story of the brave warriors of Greenshore Village… and one human. Thank you, everyone. Especially you, Nicole. You helped a lot." She looked directly at Nicole.

"And now, let’s start! Make the most of tonight!" Terl shouted enthusiastically.

His shout made everyone else shout as well, echoing him. People lined up for alcohol, and music and laughter grew even louder.

I wonder how fast this will turn into an orgy, with how horny and open everyone is, haha.

It didn’t take long for the first signs to appear. More and more men and women were stripping, some already indulging in various acts of pleasure. Soi gave in soon, shedding her clothes, though she stayed at Nicole’s side. The two sat and chatted casually.

"Hey, I don’t want to hold you back or anything. If you want, you can go enjoy the night," Nicole said, setting aside another empty cup. They had already built a small pile of them.

"No. Not yet. I’m waiting for Mori to come." Soi shook her head. "And I can’t leave you for now. I need to be sure you’re having fun too. And not left completely alone." She added more quietly, but the drinks made her say it loud enough for Nicole to hear.

"Aw, that’s sweet of you." Nicole sighed.

Looking at the debauchery growing around, and after a few more emptied cups, Nicole felt influenced as well. Without thinking much, she unbuttoned her shirt, letting her chest bounce free.

Am I becoming like them? I was pretty adventurous back on Earth, but no matter how drunk I was, I wouldn’t just sit with my boobs out in public. Though the evening breeze feels quite nice…

As they continued drinking, Morilia approached them. Except for her sandals, her muscular body was already naked.

"Here you two are!" she exclaimed, raising an arm to Soi. "Wanna dance with me?"

"And how do you think?" Soi stood up with a grin. She waved to Nicole as Morilia dragged her off. "Have fun!"

Welp, I’m alone. Nicole sighed, sipping her cup. Do I really wanna go all in tonight? Finding some cutie to relax with doesn’t sound so bad…

After her friend left, Nicole started noticing more and more people glancing at her. They had looked even while Soi was there, but now there were more.

Or cuties can find me instead.

She hadn’t even finished her drink when the first one approached. It was a short girl with long, wavy ashen hair. She seemed a little shy, blushing a lot and looking down, but her big brown eyes kept stealing quick glances at Nicole.

"H-hey. I’m Iloe. Maybe you’d l-like to d-dance with me?" Her voice was so high it seemed more fitting for a mouse than a cat.

Nicole looked her up and down. Iloe was still clothed, wearing a leather top and skirt like most women she saw so far. She had a petite, delicate frame with medium-sized breasts—a rare sight on this island.

"Well, first of all, I really have to ask, even if it may sound strange. How old are you?"

"I f-finished 19 eclipses a few weeks ago. Why do you ask?" Iloe swallowed hard, afraid her answer might not satisfy.

Right, they count eclipses instead of years. Well, she’s above eighteen at least.

"Alright, thanks. I’m Nicole, by the way."

The girl smiled shyly. "I know. My father and brother were with you on the hunt. They said you fought greatly."

"Seems my glory is bigger than I thought, eh?" Nicole smiled back. "You know, I’m probably not the best dancer, but if you’d like to sit down and chill together, I won’t mind you joining me." She took another sip.

At those words, Iloe’s tail swished suddenly. "A-alright." She quickly sat next to Nicole, as if afraid the girl might change her mind.

Nicole noticed Iloe relaxing, the tension leaving her body. The catgirl’s tail swayed softly side to side.

"Here, you can take this." Nicole grabbed the half-filled cup Soi had left. "She probably won’t come back for it anyway."

Iloe took it in both hands and downed it in one go, coughing right after.

"You don’t drink often, huh?" Nicole smiled.

"S-sorry." Iloe looked away, embarrassed. "I usually stay at home and learn herbalism from my mother. I don’t go out like most…"

"Oo, herbalism?"

Iloe looked back at her, eyes sparkling. "A-are you interested? I love it—also brewing various potions and medicines. Did you know that mixing liquid off the Pure Maiden petals and Black Rose's in the right proportions can create a strong toxin? Or that—"

The flood of information hit Nicole’s drunk brain too fast, soon turning into incoherent noise. She just sat, drinking, letting Iloe vent. After ten minutes, Iloe ran out of breath and paused.

"Hey, uh, Iloe. Thanks for sharing this, I see you’re passionate. But honestly, I didn’t understand most of what you said—I don’t know enough plants and won’t remember much either. Maybe try again when I’m not so drunk."

Iloe’s ears flattened. "Oh, sorry again. There aren’t many people interested in these things, so I got carried away… I’m sorry."

Fuck, now I feel bad for her.

Nicole wrapped an arm around her shoulders, making her squeal in surprise. "It’s okay, don’t worry." With a final gulp, she finished her drink and set it aside. "Alright, I think I’m drunk enough to lose my shame completely, haha." She giggled.

By now, most people around were already naked or having sex. Except for Iloe, of course.

"How often do these… celebrations happen?" Nicole asked suddenly.

"Um, I don’t know. I usually stay at home, but I think at least a few times per eclipse. Why?"

Nicole smirked. "That means there was a reason you came this time, hm?"

Iloe looked away again, cheeks flaring. "W-well… I-I…" Her voice shook, then she sighed and calmed. "It’s because of you. I thought you might come, so I decided to try too." In a moment, she shifted from nervous to determined.

Nicole blinked, stunned. "Wait, because of me?!"

"Y-yes." The determination faded, and shy Iloe returned. "Sorry, forget it. I probably sound like an idiot…"

"Hey, if that’s true then you already succeeded, no?" A mischievous smirk spread on Nicole’s lips. "But you know what would make it a glorious success for you tonight? We both know."

"A-are you sure? As far as I know you’re not as open about this as we are…" Iloe’s eyes widened.

"You know, I feel like it’s getting warm here…" Nicole slid her shirt fully off. "As far as you know? Wait, how would you know that?"

Iloe looked aside, though her gaze lingered on Nicole’s chest. "Uh… someone told me."

"Doesn’t matter." Nicole shook it off. "We’ve got more interesting things tonight." She stood, hands on hips. "So, are you brave enough to do more than chat? Then why are you still dressed?"

Iloe nodded shyly and slipped her top off, revealing her soft, perky breasts. At the clear signal that the catgirl is okay with proceeding, Nicole slid her skirt down, leaving only her dark red pantyhose.

Looking at her, Iloe swallowed hard. She had stripped as well, standing there blushing, self-conscious, yet not covering her nakedness.

Nicole smiled. "Seeing someone like this is actually refreshing, you know?" She stepped closer until only centimeters separated them. Her hand landed on Iloe’s waist as she leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. The other hand cupped her breast, thumb teasing the nipple.

She’s so cute. Like a kitten needing care and love.

"Let me show you how good it can be~" Nicole whispered.