Tactical Embarrassment

I hadn't even finished my stew when the shadow fell across my table. Looking up, I found myself eye-to-chest with a Lupyn guard whose expression suggested she took her job very, very seriously. Her wolf-like ears were perfectly erect and alert, angled slightly forward in what I was beginning to recognise as the 'official business' position.

"Andie Ryuu?" she asked, her voice carrying that distinctive Lupyn cadence—formal but with an underlying growl that somehow made even simple questions sound like they carried deeper significance.

"That's me," I replied, setting down my spoon with a reluctant sigh. "Though I'm pretty sure I haven't broken any local laws yet. I've only been awake for about three hours."

The Lupyn's ears twitched once - amusement, perhaps? but her face remained impassive. She wore the standard guard uniform I'd seen around Crossroads: practical leather armour with strategic reinforcements at vital areas, all in deep blues and greys that complemented her naturally silver-tipped ears.

"Madame Noel requests your presence," she stated simply, standing with that perfect Lupyn posture—balanced, alert, ready to move in any direction at a moment's notice.

I glanced down at my half-finished meal, then back at the guard. "Now?"

"Yes." The guard's ears didn't budge. Clearly, this wasn't a negotiation.

With a sigh, I pushed away from the table. "Lead on, then."

As we left the Golden Hearth, the Lupyn moved with that characteristic fluid awareness I'd noticed in all her kind—constantly scanning our surroundings, her ears adjusting independently to track different sounds. The spacing between her steps seemed mathematically perfect, and I found myself unconsciously trying to match her rhythm before realising how daft I must look.

"So..." I attempted, "is this a 'good news' kind of summons or more of a 'we've decided to throw you in a dungeon' situation?"

She didn't break stride or turn. "Madame Noel did not share her intentions with me."

"Right. Very helpful."

We wound our way through Crossroads, passing through several different architectural zones. The Lupyn quarters we traversed featured sturdy structures with clear sight lines and multiple exits—practical designs that emphasised security and territorial awareness. As we approached what appeared to be a central administrative area, the buildings blended multiple stylistic influences into a harmonious whole.

Our destination was a modest but elegant structure that seemed to incorporate elements of all four architectural styles I'd seen throughout the settlement. The building featured the circular doorways I'd noticed in the fox-folk section, alongside the sturdier defensive positioning typical of wolf-folk construction.

Inside, various Canari moved with purpose—mostly Vulpyn engaged in what appeared to be information gathering and organisation, with a few Lupyn providing security at key positions. The atmosphere was one of quiet efficiency, with conversations conducted in hushed tones and an impressive amount of paperwork changing hands.

My escort led me to a door at the end of a short hallway and knocked twice.

"Enter," came Noel's melodious voice from within.

The Lupyn opened the door, gestured for me to proceed, and then took up position outside as I stepped through.

Noel's office was a fascinating blend of practicality and beauty. The circular room featured a large window that overlooked the central plaza, allowing natural light to flood the space. Her desk—a beautiful piece crafted from what appeared to be living wood that had somehow been coaxed into a functional shape rather than cut and assembled—sat before the window. The walls were lined with shelves containing an eclectic mix of books, scrolls, and small artefacts that hinted at diverse origins.

Most striking was how the space combined elements clearly drawn from her Solenari heritage with practical adaptations to her diplomatic role. Vibrant tapestries depicting landscapes I didn't recognise hung between the bookshelves, their patterns shifting subtly in the light as if the woven scenes were breathing. Several comfortable seating areas were arranged for different types of conversations—from the formal chairs before her desk to a more relaxed arrangement of cushions in one corner.

The diplomat herself sat behind her desk; her long rabbit ears perked up attentively as I entered. Unlike the ceremonial attire I'd first seen her in, today she wore what I assumed was more everyday diplomatic garb—elegant robes in warm golden tones that complemented her sun-kissed complexion, with subtle geometric patterns along the hems that caught the light when she moved.

"Welcome to my office," she said with a smile, gesturing to a chair. "We have a few things to go through, Andie Ryuu."

I took the offered seat, trying not to fidget like a schoolboy sent to the headmaster's office. "Am I in trouble already? That has to be some kind of record, even for me."

Her smile widened, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Not at all. Though I admit, you've managed to create quite a stir in the short time you've been conscious." She leaned forward slightly, her expression becoming playful. "Let's sort out the dancing bunny girls first, shall we?" She laughed, the sound like musical chimes.

I felt my face instantly heat up. "I—what—how did you—" Oh brilliant, now I'm spluttering like an idiot.

"Word travels quickly in Crossroads," she replied, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Especially when it involves such... unusual circumstances."

For a moment I contemplated playing dumb, but decided honesty was probably the better approach. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the delicate lace handkerchief that had been left with me—an incredibly fine piece of craftsmanship with an intricate pattern that seemed to capture and reflect light in impossible ways.

"I fell into some kind of pool during the triple full moon," I explained, trying to sound casual and probably failing miserably. "There were dancers—women with ears like yours, but... different somehow. They were performing some kind of ritual, and I interrupted it. Things get a bit... hazy after that." I held up the handkerchief. "I woke up with this."

Noel took the handkerchief from me, examining it with knowing eyes. Her long fingers traced over the delicate pattern, and I noticed her ears twitch slightly in what I was beginning to recognise as a sign of strong interest or surprise.

"You've met my Lunethnari cousins," she confirmed, holding the handkerchief up to the light. The material seemed to capture the sunlight, refracting it into subtle prismatic patterns. "This is Lunespun silk—extremely rare and created only during Triple Moon Convergences. It's quite valuable, actually."

"Lunethnari?" I repeated, struggling with the unfamiliar syllables.

She nodded, her expression growing more serious. "The Velunari—my race—divided into three tribes long ago. My people, the Solenari, chose the path of connection and bridge-building with the wider world. The Sylvanari returned to deep communion with the forests. And the Lunethnari..." Her voice took on a note of reverence, "They embraced the path of lunar magic and arcane study."

"They live primarily at Velunmira, maintaining the First Moonpool and the scrying tower. They're incredible magical practitioners, particularly in lunar-influenced magic, illusion, and divination." She gestured to the handkerchief. "This was almost certainly created during their sacred ritual at the Triple Moon Convergence—an event that happens precisely every 1,080 days when all three moons align."

"That's when I arrived," I said, the pieces clicking into place. "Right in the middle of their sacred pool."

"Indeed." Noel's expression shifted to one of fascination. "And they gave you this." She handed the handkerchief back to me. "It seems you may have caught someone's eye."

I nearly dropped the delicate fabric. "Wait, what?"

"Lunespun silk is never given lightly," she explained, a hint of mischief in her smile. "Particularly not to outsiders. The fact that they left this with you suggests... interest."

I stared at the handkerchief as if it might suddenly start talking. "Interest? As in...?"

"As in, you made quite an impression," she replied with a knowing smile. "The Lunethnari are particular about who they share their... attentions with."

My face felt like it was about to burst into flames. "Is there, uh, anywhere I can find them? To thank them, I mean." I was aiming for casual but landed somewhere between desperate and pathetically transparent.

Noel's eyes sparkled with amusement. "To relive the moment, or—?" She laughed at my expression.

"They dropped something, I should return it," I managed, even as I fumbled the handkerchief back into my pocket.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

"Of course," she replied, not even trying to hide her scepticism.

She turned slightly in her chair, signalling to the Lupyn guard who still stood by the door. After a brief whispered exchange that my human ears couldn't catch, I heard her say, "Please fetch Ruri Lapis. Tell her he may have met her or her entourage at the Triple Moon Convergence ritual."

I practically choked on air. "Wait, she's here? In Crossroads?" Oh gods, my voice just went up at least an octave there. Smooth.

"Some Lunethnari visit temporarily for trade or diplomatic purposes," Noel explained as the guard departed. "Though I must say, this is a remarkable coincidence." Her eyes twinkled. "Or perhaps not a coincidence at all."

"What do you mean?"

"The Lunespun silk marks you. If Ruri is indeed part of the group you encountered, she would have sensed its presence the moment you entered Crossroads." Noel leaned back in her chair, clearly enjoying this conversation. "Now then, while we wait, shall we discuss the rest of your itinerary?"

"My itinerary didn't exactly include falling into magical pools or..." I trailed off, not quite sure how to describe what had happened afterward without dying of embarrassment.

Noel laughed again; the sound genuinely warm. "Life rarely follows our planned itineraries, does it?"

I took the opportunity to pivot the conversation. "Actually, I'm trying to find some of my classmates. Two groups that should have arrived at least seven days before us—six males in one group, and three males and two females in another."

Noel's expression grew more serious. She called in another Lupyn—this one male, with darker grey ears that had an interesting pattern of black tips—and asked me to repeat my request.

"Could they have been Mirvari?" the Lupyn asked, his ears perked forward attentively.

I shook my head. "No, they're like me—from the same world. One of them might be named Kazuki?"

The Lupyn's ears twitched in recognition. "Ah, yes. I believe the second group you mentioned—three males and two females—entered a dungeon expedition five days ago. They should be returning tonight if all went according to schedule."

My heart leapt. "That has to be them! What about the group of six?"

The Lupyn's ears flattened slightly in what I was learning indicated uncertainty or concern. "I'm less certain about them. I can check with our Nyxashi and Vulpyn contacts—they gather different types of information than we do."

"Please do the necessary," Noel instructed with a nod.

As the Lupyn departed, Noel turned back to me. "The Solenari help by trade, Andie. We have possible jobs, trade opportunities, or security work available if you and your group need resources." She sighed slightly, her ears drooping just a fraction. "We're partially under-manned since we've had reports of Incendiveth digging to the north. We've sent forces to observe their activities."

"Incendiveth?" I repeated. "I met a Luxuriveth on my second day here—Rurielle. She mentioned something about Incendiveth movements."

Noel's eyes widened, her ears shooting straight up in obvious surprise. "You encountered a Luxuriveth? And she spoke with you?"

"I... may have saved her from some monsters," I admitted, trying not to sound like I was bragging.

"Remarkable," Noel murmured. "The Luxuriveth rarely venture so far from their territories, and they're even less likely to engage with strangers." She studied me with renewed interest. "First the Lunethnari, now a Luxuriveth... fate seems to be weaving an interesting pattern around you, Andie Ryuu."

Before I could respond, the door opened, and any coherent thought I might have had simply evaporated.

The woman who entered moved like liquid moonlight given form. Her platinum hair cascaded down her back in a silken waterfall, with a single elegant braid framing the front. But it was her attire that caused my brain to short-circuit—she wore what must have been Lunespun silk, the same impossibly fine material as the handkerchief, fashioned into a form-fitting dress that was so nearly transparent it barely qualified as clothing at all.

Beneath the gossamer fabric, I could clearly see dark blue lace undergarments—a quarter cup bra that seemed more decorative than functional, considering what it wasn't covering, and what appeared to be the world's smallest G-string with delicate bow accents. A lace garter belt held up sheer stockings that disappeared into stiletto heels that added several inches to her already impressive height.

Her figure made Noel's generous curves seem modest by comparison, and the way she moved—with a fluid grace that somehow combined dignity with raw sensuality—made it impossible to look away. Her rabbit ears were longer than Noel's, with a distinctive silvery pattern running along their length that seemed to catch and reflect light.

"You called for me, Noel?" she asked, her voice melodic and slightly deeper than I'd expected.

Then her gaze fell on me, and her eyes widened. She crossed the room in a few graceful strides, leaned down, and... sniffed me? Her ears twitched forward with obvious interest.

"Well, well," she purred, straightening up with a smile that made my heart rate double. "So, you're the pool-crasher. Mmm, your mana has ripened nicely since our little... moonlight swim. I can still taste the way you trembled when my sisters and I circled you."

"I—uh—" was my extremely eloquent response. My brain had gone completely offline, leaving my mouth to fend for itself. It wasn't doing a stellar job.

She reached out and touched my pocket—the one containing the handkerchief—with a perfectly manicured finger. "I believe you have something of mine."

Wordlessly, I withdrew the handkerchief and held it out to her. She took it with a delighted smile, her eyes never leaving mine.

"You've kept it close," she observed, bringing the delicate fabric to her nose and inhaling deeply with closed eyes. She opened them suddenly with a devious smirk. "I hope you haven't done anything... naughty with it. Though I'd be flattered if you did. The scent would tell me exactly what parts of you it touched." Her laugh was practically a purr as she traced a finger slowly down my chest. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about your little... nighttime activities."

"N-no! I just—I wanted to return it to its owner," I stammered. I'm pretty sure my face could've heated a small village at this point.

She tilted her head, studying me. "Mirvari are so funny."

"I'm not Mirvari," I clarified, finding my voice. "Or Takejin."

"Andie is marked by the twelve," Noel interjected smoothly. "We believe he's from another world entirely."

Ruri's eyes widened with interest, her ears perking up. "Is that so?" She leaned closer again, and I caught a whiff of her perfume—something exotic and intoxicating that made my head swim. "No wonder you tasted so different from the others. Most men give off a basic vanilla mana flavour, but you..." She bit her lower lip. "You're like that spicy Takejin dish that makes your whole body heat up from the inside out. Deliciously dangerous."

"My what?" I managed to croak out.

"Your magical essence," she clarified, running a finger along my jawline before leaning in to whisper in my ear. "When you fell into our pool, we had to drain you of excess energy. I volunteered to... suck it out personally. I'd love to drain you again sometime. The look on your face when you came... to understand our ritual was priceless."

"Ruri," Noel warned, though she seemed more amused than scandalised.

"What?" Ruri asked innocently. "I'm simply expressing interest in our visitor's unique qualities." She turned back to me with a playful smile. "When are you returning to your sanctuary? I might join you for a while..."

"Ruri!" Noel exclaimed, though she was clearly fighting a smile.

"I'm serious," Ruri insisted, crossing her legs slowly and deliberately. "I'd like to join his expedition temporarily. Think of all the fascinating cultural exchange we could enjoy. I have several positions—diplomatic positions—I'd like to try with him. For research purposes, obviously."

"I don't think your entourage would be pleased," Noel pointed out.

"I can convince them," Ruri replied with a dismissive wave. "I just need a few days maybe..." She turned those mesmerising eyes back to me. "Don't leave without me, or I'll eat you in your sleep," she said with deadly seriousness before breaking into a wicked smile. "And I mean that in both the literal and figurative sense. The second way is much more fun for you, though slightly more exhausting. Most men can't handle more than three rounds of being... consumed."

"Er... I sure won't," I managed.

"That is settled!" Ruri clapped her hands together, then turned to Noel. "Can I requisition one of your Solenari assistants please? For this journey as well? Two bunnies are better than one..." She made a pleading face that would have melted stone. "Pretty please..."

Noel sighed deeply. "You go try yourself... if no one goes, then I will go with you."

"Yay!" Ruri actually jumped a little, causing various parts of her anatomy to bounce in ways that tested the structural integrity of her undergarments.

I turned to Noel in disbelief. "Aren't you the chief diplomat?"

"Chief Diplomat and Trader is just a title anyway," she replied with a shrug. "There are a few of us here. Wait, you think I am the main leader here?"

"Yes?"

Noel laughed. "Well, my tribe, as well as the other tribes of Velunari, don't really have a vertical hierarchy. We have multiple Chief Diplomats and Traders in a trade outpost because at the end of the day, we are curious creatures and like to explore. Having a horizontal structure means that anyone can take over as long as the handover is done correctly."

"I see," I said, though I was still processing the idea of her potentially joining our group. One bunny girl was already short-circuiting my brain; how was I supposed to cope with two?

"That said," Noel continued with a knowing look, "Ruri definitely can't get anyone to join her, I better start preparing now..." She glanced at Ruri, then back to me, her expression becoming more thoughtful. "You should know, Andie, that Lunethnari normally won't interact like this with outsiders—not even with their own cousin tribes, let alone other races. You must have intrigued her enough to take interest in you..." She tilted her head, her long ears bobbing slightly. "You are either lucky... or very lucky."

Our conversation was interrupted by a quick knock at the door. A Vulpyn agent entered—a slender female with striking amber eyes and fox-like ears that twitched constantly as if processing multiple sounds. Unlike the more direct approach of the Lupyn guards, she moved with a fluid grace that almost seemed calculated to avoid drawing attention, her steps silent on the wooden floor.

She approached Noel's desk and leaned in to whisper something. Though her voice was too low for me to hear, I noticed her ears constantly adjusting direction—a behaviour I was beginning to understand indicated information gathering even while communicating.

Noel's expression grew serious, and she beckoned me closer. "The agent reports spotting six males fighting with a group of four and a hooded figure near 'the cave with doors.'"

My heart jumped into my throat. "That could be my missing classmates—and our sanctuary base!"

Noel nodded, the movement causing her long ears to bob slightly. "You should go immediately. You have my permission to leave Crossroads on this matter." Her expression darkened slightly. "Take weapons. If the hooded figure is who I suspect, this may not be a simple disagreement between your classmates."

I was already on my feet. "Thank you. I need to get back to the tavern and gather my people."

"I'll have further information when you return to Crossroads," Noel promised. "And we'll discuss this... expedition partnership once you've sorted out the current situation."

Ruri caught my arm as I moved toward the door, her grip surprisingly strong. "Don't forget our arrangement," she said, her voice lower and more serious than before. "I meant what I said about joining you."

"Right. Bunny girl field trip. Got it," I replied, too focused on the potential danger to my classmates to fully process the implications.

I bolted from the office, hurrying back through Crossroads toward the Golden Hearth. My mind raced with possibilities, none of them good. Six males fighting—had to be Kenji and his crew. But who was the hooded figure? And what were they doing at our sanctuary?

As I ran, I couldn't help but wonder if the universe had a personal vendetta against lunchtime. Apparently in this world, you're not allowed to finish a meal without some kind of crisis interrupting.

From bunny girls to battlefield in under an hour—that has to be some kind of interdimensional travel record.