John
"I will explain later, Small One." *He noticed her worry and did not wish to add to it. Once through the door, he straightened his back a little. Looking around, it seemed cosy enough: a man behind a small wooden wall, a few patrons, a firepit and the largest, most comfy seats Björn had ever seen, even more so than the Orc vip chairs!*

"This place seems... Nice." *The hustle and bustle of the town had faded away, replaced by the idle-volumed conversations in the taven, save for a few loud laughs here and there. He walked his way over to the fire and crouched before it, holding his hands towards it as he did so. The flames felt like heaven as the heat licked his hands and forearms.*

"Ves. Ask for a bath if they have one." *Björn wanted to feel the hot water against his sore body. He had been travelling for days and while used to the strains of combat, he was not used to the pains of travelling.*

||
Christina
Ves glanced over as Björn moved away. She felt more exposed without her Goliath shadow. Yet still she straightened her back and looked the bartender in the eye. He stared back at her with icy blue eyes as she cleared her throat and asked again.

"Do you have any rooms available? Preferably one with a tub," She specified helpfully. The Shapeshifter continued to stare in silence and Ves' heart dropped. He was about to say he didn't serve their kind here, or something along those lines. They'd be forced to leave and possibly run out of town. The Kobold held her breath anxiously. 

**"We have one left,"** The barkeeper replied at last. Ves exhaled slowly. **"With a tub. Bath costs extra though."**

"Oh! Umm, of course. We need that room, a bath, and a fresh meal please." Ves bounced a little in place, still anxious, but relieved. She looked back at Björn as the Shapeshifter shrugged and went to collect the room key. He returned and leaned over the counter to glare at the Kobold. **"Payment up front."**

Swallowing at the outrageous price given, Ves dug through her pouch and counted out the gold. It occurred to her to try and haggle, but she didn't want to draw any more attention. She then exchanged the money for the key. **"Good,"** The barkeep said as he bit down on a coin. **"Room is on the second floor. We'll bring you the meals when they're ready. Come back down and enjoy a drink or three tonight."**
John
*Björn stood up and walked behind Ves, slipping the key from her fingers into the palm of his hand.* "You heard the man. Let's go." *He looked down at her, then back to the Barkeep before giving a silent nod and beginning to walk upstairs.*

*In the moment, he seemed calm, emotionless, but inside his head was spinning! How could he have been so careless?! He forgot to ask for TWO rooms!! It's not like it would have mattered anyway, considering the lack of rooms... Nor that they've slept under the stars for a considerate amount of time... But this would be a real room with a real bed... At least they'd have a tub.*

*As he climbed the stairs, they made a creaking sound - clearly not used to a Goliath's stature or weight. He carefully made his way up them, worried they'd break under his pressure or weight while also making room for Ves to accompany him.*

||
Christina
She blinked as Björn took the key and turned to follow him. Her own steps were completely silent on the wooden steps. She either weighed too little or was too stealthy to make a noise. Either way, she didn't look too terribly alarmed to hear the stairs creak. She had no doubt that the building was strong enough to hold Björn's weight. Surely there were plenty of travelers passing through that could be as big as a Goliath. Surely.

It took a moment to find the right room and unlock the door. The space within was quite basic: a large bed, a tub, a wardrobe, and a cushioned chair filled the room and made it seem rather snug. There was even a painting on the wall above the bed of a small flock of colorful birds, which Ves felt was strangely disconcerting. Well, the ceiling was tall at least. 

Ves looked around briefly, immediately taking note of the single bed. That was okay. She would sleep on the chair. It looked soft at least and she would easily fit. Moving into the room, Ves smiled back at Björn. "Not bad, right? Though I'm sorry we have to share a room. I bet you'd like your privacy." That was a lie. She wasn't sorry at all. She was, however, concerned with what he desired. His happiness was more important than her own. 

||
John
*Björn approached the room with a curious feel to it. The room was pretty clean, cosy and more relaxed than he was expecting. He took note of the single bed, large enough to fit him, the exposed wash tub that would have him squatting at best, and the comfy chair. It looked so inviting.*

*Björn lifted the pillows from the bed, inspecting them... They were made from feathers. Perhaps plucked from a shapeshifter? No. That was too Barbaric, surely.* "This seems comfy. Don't apologise Ves. We have shared caves, forests, starlight. What harm is a bed?" *He shrugged to himself as he placed the pillows back down.*

*Looking at the painting on the wall, he was perplexed...* "Ves... What is this? The birds are trapped in the wall. Is this normal?" *He poked the painting, confused as to how they got in there, and how they're so still... Perhaps turned to stone? Maybe they're magic?*

||
Christina
Ves shut the door and locked it behind them. Then she wandered over to the wardrobe to peek inside. "Well, we don't have to share the bed. I can fit in the chair. So you have more room." What was she saying? That was the last thing she wanted. There was nothing inside the wardrobe, or so it seemed. Ves began to expertly search for any hidden compartments.

She glanced back when Björn spoke her name. "It's just a painting. Like... A drawing. A sketch on a wall. Only more detailed and vibrant. That's all." Going back to trailing her fingertips along the wooden frame, Ves finally found what she had been searching for. She opened the false bottom of the wardrobe and grinned a little. "I knew it," She mumbled softly to herself.

"We can hide the satchel in here," She said, motioning Björn over. But why? What was Ves worried about? She was still not used to traveling with a companion and the small Kobold had just about everything to lose. She was still stuck in the mindset of a survivor. Tail flicking, Ves glanced at the tub. "Do you want to bathe first?"

||
John
"Ah, I haven't thought about that. If you wish to sleep on a chair be my guest. It looks comfy enough after all." *He gave a small nod once more, realising how forward he sounded originally. Surely Ves would not be for something like that.*

"A painting... A vibrant sketch. I like it. I like it a lot." *He traced his fingers along the frame, before hearing a click from Ves' direction.* "What have you found? Oh, that's clever. How did you know? I'm very impressed!" *He peered over her, bumping his head on the wardrobe.* "If you think that's worth doing, I trust your judgement."

*He then turned his attention to the tub before shaking his head.* "No. I'd rather you bathe first. I can leave the room if you'd like, or I can help... Wash your back?" *He made the statement into a question, one he wasn't certain he should have asked. Why the hell did he ask?! Of course she didn't want that, that was creepy.*

||
Christina
Ves regretted her suggestion, but what could she do about it now? Björn had already agreed. Besides, he probably wanted to sleep alone so he could stretch out. And it was only proper. *Proper.* What was proper anyhow?

"Oh, I don't really know how I knew. I just had a feeling." She thought about it for a moment, wrinkling her nose as she reflected. Then she shrugged it off. 

Her scales reddened at his words. He wanted to help her wash her back? *What?!* Ves did her best to avoid making eye contact, trying to think fast. She quickly barked out an awkward laugh and tugged nervously at her ear. "You don't have to leave the room. We've... Seen each other naked before. And anyways, I trust you not to look."

Gods, *What* Was she doing? Why was she saying all these things? She was lying to herself and to him. Why couldn't she just be honest? And say what, exactly? *Please join me in the tub and then let's share a bed.* No, that sounded ridiculous.

Clearing her throat, she moved towards the tub. She knew Björn wanted to get clean, and so did she. So why wait? Maybe she could blame her red scales on the heat of the water. Assuming, of course, that this tavern in Broughton had hot water.
John
"Another clever thing of your's." *He gave a small nod while he sat in the chair, his physique sinking into the confines of it. He felt relaxed and held securely, even if the chair creaked under his size.*

*Björn immediately regretted asking such a thing. He felt so worried about her response... Her awkward laugh only made him panic more.* "If you're sure. I won't look." *A hint of disappointment at his offer being ignored was held in his dry voice but he nodded his head with his eye closed.*

"I simply thought, with your injury still healing, you may need some assistance." *WHY WAS HE TALKING?!* "And your scales are red again. You're embarrassed, right?" *He really didn't know why he was still speaking. Just let her bathe.*

*He kept his eyes closed as he promised. Part of his oath of protection was also about protecting her modesty and figure. He had already seen her naked, sure. But that was simply because he was protecting her... Was it? Was that it? No, surely there was more to it than that. He didn't want to, did he? That would be idiotic. Besides, he had already closed his eyes to let her bathe in peace.*

||
Christina
He brought up a good point. Her wound wasn't entirely healed yet - what if she fell and made it worse? She should accept his help. He was being gracious and sounded almost hurt by her refusal. Her scales turned even darker. "I just... You took me by surprise is all. I... I suppose I could use your help. If you're still willing."

*Yes.* Please be willing, she begged silently. Her inner monologue only made her blush spread further down her neck. She distracted herself by fussing with the tub. She turned on the spicket and, much like the tubs from the bathhouse, hot water began to flow. 

Ves began getting undressed next. She stripped in silence, swallowing nervously as she placed her clothes on a small stool beside the tub. The tavern even provided scented soap and towels. *Fancy.* It needed to be for the price she had paid. She then carefully climbed into the tub, sinking down into the steaming water. A small sigh escaped her. It felt wonderful.

||
John
*Björn almost leapt up but contained himself, slowly standing and giving a small nod.* "Of course. It's my... My pleasure. Yeah that's the word." *He gave a good smile as he figured out the correct wording.*

*He waited till he heard her in the tub to come over, making sure to not look at her too much. He slowly picked up a bar of soap and lathered his hands with it, before (as gently as he can) began to rub her back with the water and suds.*

*Small, slow circles around her shoulders and spine were his first moves. He tried to keep them to a gentle sensation out of fear for damaging her further.* "How is this? Tell me if there is something I can do better." *He said from his seated position, rubbing his friends back while she bathed.*

||
Christina
She nearly swooned at his words. His *Pleasure*. And as he approached her tail twitched in anticipation. She held very still, holding her breath as lathered up his hands and then...

She bit down on her tongue to keep herself from making a sound. She practically melted beneath his rough hands, her entire body shivering despite the heat. Her blush had traveled far below her clavicle. Gods, what was happening? What was going on? Was this really happening? Ves felt light headed in the best way possible.

"You can... You can rub a little harder. I'm tougher than I look," She said softly. Her scales were softer than they looked, surprisingly enough. She had sharp points, it was true, but the skin around her shoulders was almost smooth. And what else did she want him to do? Oh, so many things.

This wasn't strange, right? Friends washed each other's backs all the time. And bathed together. And kissed. It was a perfectly normal friendship. Ves didn't know who she was trying to lie to at this point. Herself? Or him?

||
John
*He noted her blush travelling much further down her, and noticed her stillness and silence. He thought nothing of it until she asked him to rub a little more. He gave a small nod and a quiet* "My pleasure." *Before rubbing her back and shoulders a bit rougher.*

*Björn made sure to get her nice and lathered up before washing her down and rubbing the shoulders more as he did so. He softly and surprisingly began to hum a small tune, in a minor key. It didn't sound like war music or like slavery songs from the Pits - no. This was much more. His deep voice made the hum rumble in his throat as he worked.*

*He took the time to admire her scales, how they bumped and curved to her form. The sharp and dull points, the colour and pressure differences. Kobolds were a very strange breed but one he found himself fascinated with - fascinated with Ves.*

"I hope this is good for you. I don't want you hurting yourself by trying to wash your back." *Even though there was a back sponge in the room with them, he didn't think she would catch on to his excuse for doing so. True, he wanted her safe, protected and out of harms way but he also found a certain humble joy in caring for her... If this is what a friendship is like, he was confused by it.*

||
Christina
Again with that phrase. Ves' heart beat rapidly in her ears. Her chest felt very hot and she was breathing a little faster. His touch felt beyond wonderful. And she yearned for more. 

Her ears twitched as he began to sing and slowly she began to relax. Her tense muscles became like silk beneath his hands. The softest of sounds escaped her - a little guttural noise of pleasure. Ves was embarrassed by it and hoped he hadn't heard. Or did she actually want him to hear? Oh, she didn't know!

"It's good," She reassured him breathlessly. "It feels good. Really good. You're good at this." She practically tripped over her words. "Could you maybe move... A bit lower?" She dared to ask. Gods, what was she doing? If he drifted too low, he'd touch her tail. She might lose it then.

"That's a beautiful tune. What is it?" She tried to distract herself with something else. Anything else. But why? Why not simply enjoy the back rub? Why did she have to look for meaning behind everything? Ves felt confused, but also clear headed. She was beginning to get an idea of what she wanted. It was just a matter of getting it. 

||
John
*He nodded his head silently and moved to massage the lower back muscles. He took his time kneading the soft muscles to get there first, making sure he didn't leave one left out...* "I don't know what it is. I just remember it. Have done all my life. I used to hear it in my dreams when I was but a boy in the Pits. It's how I managed to sleep after the slaughter."

*He kept moving lower into her back and accidentally brushed the base of her tail.* "Shit, forgive me." *He quickly made a few inches of distance between his hands and her tail. He knew it was sensitive so it was best not to provoke it*

"I just happen to know the muscles of the body well. They share their secrets with me. When I fight or do an action, I use all the muscles I can so I can actively get better. In the process, I damaged a lot of muscles so I learned how to nurse them."

||
Christina
Ves listened to his explanation, her ears twitching back towards his comforting voice. She wondered how long he had been a slave, but did not ask. Now was not the time for such questions. She didn't want to alter the mood. Not when things were going so...

Well! Ves gasped loudly when he touched the base of her tail. A visible shiver went up her spine. "No, don't stop-" She began to say as he moved his hand away. She hadn't realized she said it out loud for a good five seconds. Then her eyes widened and he might have sworn she was red from nose to tail tip. She ducked her head and coughed.

She knew what she wanted. She wanted him to touch her more, in more sensitive places, in ways that would make her squirm. She wanted him to know her body. She wanted his lips pressed to hers. She wanted to be *More* Than friends.

Ves looked over her shoulder at him, her eyes full of feeling and desire. "S-Sorry. I just meant... That felt good. I liked it. A lot." That seemed obvious, but she still felt the need to explain. 

||
John
*He pulled his hands away, worried he hurt her before slowly returning them to her body.* "No don't worry, I should have been more careful... If you want me to massage your tail I can try?" *He offered in a stable tone. Inside he was shitting himself over Ves gasping and her words... Her words had him very confused. Her actions contradicted. She felt shock yet wanted more? Why?*

"Calm yourself, you are very flustered. That's okay." *He spoke calmly, trying to hide the fact he had a strong blush.* "I'm glad you are explaining too."

*With her permission, Björn slowly placed a hand on her tail and tried to massage it. It was hard to do so, tails being mostly bone and muscle after all, but he gave it his best shot. He didn't want to disappoint.*

||
Christina
Oh, what was she doing? Asking him to touch her tail? She knew how sensitive it was. So why practically beg for him to massage there? He complied willingly enough and carefully grasped around the base. Her toes curled and she reached out to grip the sides of the tub tightly. Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no, this was going too far. She was asking too much. She should stop this before she got carried away... Even further.

"Would you... Just lightly touch where my tail meets my back?" She asked, doing the exact opposite of what she was frantically thinking. She tried to control her breathing, tried to make herself relax. What was she doing, directing him? He was just going along with her because... Because...

She wasn't sure. Why was he complying so willingly? Did he actually want to touch her? To make her heart beat so hard that her ears were ringing? What was going on in his head? She wished she was a mind reader. Instead she studied his expression for some sort of hint. But it was hard to concentrate with his hands gently massaging her. And she was half-turned so awkwardly in the tub...

"Björn," She said his name quietly, gazing into his eye. "Do you... Do you *Like* Touching me?"

||
John
*Björn nodded as he changed to lightly touch where the tail and back met. He traced small circles around it with his fingers.* "Like this?" *He questioned. He was hoping he was doing it right. He wanted her relaxed...*

*To answer her question, he paused... Before finally saying.* "Yes." *And that is all he said before continuing with his work. He was so stupid! He should have said more, shown he meant it! But he couldn't go back now. He needed Ves to be happy. He liked that.*

"I like your reactions. They're... Cute." *He ran his finger along the spine of her tail for a moment.* "Like that." *He gave a small laugh. He didn't know why seeing her jolt gave him joy but it sure did.*

"Do you... Like me touching you? Like this?"

||
Christina
His response was music to her ears. Did he mean it? Of course he did! Björn wouldn't lie to her. She had already established that fact. So when he affirmed that yes, he did indeed enjoy touching her, she believed him. Perhaps too easily. Was it because that was what she *Wanted* To believe? 

"Cute, huh?" She echoed as another shiver ran up her spine. He wouldn't lie, but that didn't mean he understood. How could he not? He and Solaire had made a baby. Even Ves knew how such things were done. So how could Björn be so innocent? So naïve? "It's not 'cute' for me. It's... Pleasurable." Would he understand that? Or did she have to get more specific? 

"I enjoy your touch more than you know. But if you like to touch me... Would you like to touch me in other places? Like... My ears. They're sensitive too." She turned completely around in the tub so that she was facing him. The bubbles in the tub were all popped and she was hiding nothing. She swallowed hard. How far was she going to let this go? How far could Björn be pushed? If he was being pushed at all.

||
John
*He slowly blushed as she not only mentioned her enjoyment but also her request for her to be touched more... She wanted more?! And she was turning around to face him...! Björn tried his hardest to maintain eye contact with Ves because Holy shit the bubbles were gone! One look would reveal everything. Why was it so damn hard to keep eye contact?*

"Pleasure... You want more?" *He took a moment to establish they were on the same page before giving a small, uncertain smile as a bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face.* "I'd... Be happy to." *He slowly reached out to the side of her face, resting his hand on her cheek before slowly moving to touch her long ears.*

*He started off near the base and worked his way up. Tracing and stroking them with a semi soft touch - he kept in mind her pressure preferance from before.* "How is this for you? Does it feel good?" *He reached his other hand out and began to mirror the same movements.*

||
Christina
Was she making him uncomfortable? Or excited? She couldn't tell. She noted his slight hesitation and his uncertain smile. Was his sweat from nerves or the heat of the water? She should have called it quits right then. 

But then he reached out and touched her ear. She immediately melted. Her entire body shuddered with pleasure and she made a soft sound. It was a mix between a sigh and a moan and Ves didn't try to hide it this time. No one had ever touched in the ways Björn was touching her. It was beyond anything she had ever felt before.

"Y-Yes. That's good," She managed to say. Her breathing came out in soft little pants. She wanted more and more and more. And she somehow knew Björn would most likely be willing. So long as she gave him direction, he would comply. But what if he was given free reign? What would he do then?

"What about... How does it feel for you? Are you okay?" Her eyes opened and she looked up at him. She could see how hard he was trying not to look down. She swallowed hard. "You can look at me... If you want."

||
John
*Björn smiled a bit at the sound of her and felt her shake beneath his hands on her ears... He liked it. More than he could say. He slightly tugged on her ears as he reached the tips of them, trying more and more things as he went.*

*Her conformation of his effort being payed off made him relax more. He liked making her pant. It was interesting... No it was more than that but Björn was restraining himself.* "It feels nice... The way the scales are so small here, the ridges, the edges... They're different from your shoulders or back or head. They're flimsy but stiff. I like touching them and I like the way you react." *He paused his speech as he continued his work, applying a light pressure.* "Do not worry about me, I am okay..."

*He heard her allowance and slowly, to make himself not seem as ready to do so, looked down at her. He let his eye wander. As he did so, a hot flush came over him that was visible in this face and slowly reached his Adams apple.*

||
Christina
She felt light-headed and dizzy from his touch, but she didn't want him to stop. Each stroke sent a jolt down her spine. Her toes curled under the water and she struggled not to squirm. It felt so good. No. More than just *Good.* That didn't even begin to describe her feelings.

Ves watched quietly as Björn's eye began to wander down her lithe figure. She was a slender thing, perhaps a little underfed, but she had her own soft curves. She even had lean muscle from hard work in the mines. She watched his blush spread and couldn't help but wonder: did he like what he saw? She thought he might. Only one way to find out. "Is it... Am I... Do you like me...?" That wasn't exactly what she meant to say, but that's all she could manage.

She found herself slightly jealous. She wanted to look at him the way he was looking at her. Maybe she should... No. That was too bold. Ves almost laughed at herself. *Too* Bold? As though she wasn't crossing a hundred unspoken lines already! Nothing ventured, nothing gained. She might as well before her nerves won out. "The water feels nice... Do you... Do you want to join me?" Was the tub too small for that? Did she even care?

||