I tended to keep what I did on SF and FA separate; writing to the former and artwork to the latter. However, with the large site change impacting SF, I thought it would be good to use a journal here. I’ll cover Writing, commissions, artwork, and inspiration.

WRITING
I haven’t written anywhere near as much as I once did and that is due to real life. Job hunting took several long months and I feel very fortunate to have my current employer. I also wondered what purpose I could have in life since I spent so much time writing. Over the months I had regrets about what I could’ve done differently etc. but that’s fairly natural to do given the circumstances. It just puts a hamper on everything.
In the meantime I’ll post a few more stories that I’ve written and continue brainstorming newer ones. Unlike my commissioned works, they tend to lean more into adult content. There’s a lot of ideas that are incomplete, but it is difficult to get back in the mood for an old half finished idea. I want to work on a large/grand idea akin to a movie, novel length, but nothing has truly captured my interest yet. I’m not sure else how to word it, but things with chapters like I once wrote back in college and my early twenties.
My most recent is Idea #309, inspired by a little passage about an English escapee being caught by Napoleon who lets him return to England. The story would involve a main character wandering through the countryside and a town or two after escaping a prison. He’s going for the coastline to return home before authorities can catch him. He encounters some friendly bandits who helps him out some. Several little scenes are vaguely nought out, but I’m not sure if I’ll stick with it.

COMMISSIONS
For commissions I have two in the works; a nude raccoon from  Lirietrai and two raccoons wading through a stream from  lonicera-edulis and I’m excited about both! I’m keeping my same art budget but I am unsure if I will be commissioning as much as last year. The job hunt slowed things down of course, and I can only do so much per month.

INSPIRATION & ARTWORK
Inspiration for me is like a spark that burns bright for a brief period of time. There’s a lot of different things that give me inspiration either for story ideas or artwork commissions, and the early summer weather is a good time for that. Greenery of forests, thunderstorms, gardening, more wildlife, etc. can help. Backgrounds and scenery on DA as well as FA are always nice for imagining a place. Here are a few specific pieces!

A forest glade: https://www.deviantart.com/refiend/.....ade-1080473334
Shipwreck shore: https://www.deviantart.com/tangaboa.....hore-744045005
Wolnir’s Watering Place: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/61347452/

Of course characters themselves as well as the backgrounds can do the exact same thing. For example, these two pieces by  Rickgriffin
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/53431005/
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/53770051/

I love the art style for Traces of the Past (part of his In the New Age world). I enjoy the background as well; a tribal village with some mesoamerican features. It’s very easy to imagine day to day life there.

 Hibbary does wonderful work from doodles to paintings. There’s no limitation to what she can do, and her Golden archer is a perfect representation of a tribal anthro. The wild touch, casual nudity, bow in hand with the arrow in her mouth, athleticism, and facial expression give a perfect window into another world.
Golden Archer original: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/8039223/
Newer: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/57601382/

 Rukis always has beautiful and inspiring ladies within her female menagerie (if you’re signed up for that).  Amber-Aria also has beautiful works that churn my imagination.  Kalahari always blends together tribal aspects into modern life while keeping everything casually nude. There’s so much good artwork out there that can create an idea on an instant. I may create another journal going into details about a few artworks that I like.

To conclude, I’ll post some stories, continue writing at a slower pace, search for artwork, and commission. Thank you for reading and enjoying either the artwork I commission or stories I write. I greatly appreciate it.

Here are some art ideas I’ve had for commissions that I thought about sharing. It may help someone out there have their own ideas, or create something entirely different. Either way, a few of these will hopefully become fully fledged pieces in the future. Many will not as new ideas will undoubtedly come forth. Are there any that y’all reading this like in particular? They’re all meant to be artistic nudes.

1-park rangers? A solo female or group of ladies out in a forest. I can imagine them stopping by a creek and looking around or maybe even kneeling down at a creek. They’d wear long khaki pants, and possibly a backpack.

2-A female with a body like this: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/30392230/ . Similar pose? Maybe wearing swim shorts instead.

3-COMPLETED A mature husky is being brushed by seated lady facing her. Both are nude. The seated lady’s hand is touching the underside of her breast as the other brushes her side. The husky is gesturing and chatting while she’s being groomed. I imagine it is a cozy and friendly scene inside a room.
Husky ref: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/53281268/ (left) & https://www.furaffinity.net/view/55634897/

4-COMPLETED A naked athletic Doberman warrior is wearing a single shoulder pad and armed with a sword. Her stance is posed like she is ready to spar or fight with someone. No ref, just an athletic Doberman lady.

5-A group of Topless peasant farmer women as militia with pitchforks and rakes as weapons. I imagine they’re standing and facing the viewer and looking ahead with angry or discontent expressions.
Platinum fox, raccoon, and a Mightyena: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/47178957/

6-A Mature wolf is seated on a low stool while washing clothes. An infant/toddler is close by but curiously looking up at a bubble floating above. The wolf is either smiling sweetly or laughing.
Ref: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/53281268/ (2nd row, center)

7-COMPLETED Shiba Inu topless pirate crouching to look at the ground?
Ref: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/53786439/

8-COMPLETED Doberman/wolf guards with scars. Both are armed and yet somehow have bare breasts. I was thinking medieval as far as weapons are concerned.

9-A Celtic wolf warrior is nude but painted with blue designs. I am not sure if this should be more warlike, or more ceremonial for a festive mood.

10-Topless fencing. An athletic Doberman is smiling confident as she holds out her fencing weapon, and holds a sheet around her waist. An arctic vixen standing beside looks at her questioningly, weapon lowered, and holds sheet over her shoulder with a hand.
Similar to this: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/47257999/

11-COMPLETEDA mature aunt or grandmother grey wolf is holding a sleeping toddler/infant in an arm at her side. She would be wearing a towel around her waist. A happy and sweet moment.
Body type reference: https://static1.e6ai.net/data/sampl.....184759c592.jpg

12-A tricky coyote wearing only a cape is looming sneakily over a scared snake, about to cast a spell on it.
Artist: Hibbary

13-Mareep as a happy sheep! A nude mightyena is carrying a Mareep Pokémon under her arm while another happily bounces beside her on the grass. Both sheep are happy, and the lady is grinning as well.
Mightyena ref: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/47178957/
Artist: HarmaaGriffin

14-fishing with wolf at water’s edge. An average female dhole is naked and pulling in a fishing net while standing at the water’s edge while a muscular naked female wolf stands beside her. The dhole is talking to the wolf, who is thinking about something.

15-COMPLETED Raccoon bandits swamp. Three female raccoon bandits are wading out of the water of swamp. The two links are referenced or guidelines on how to make them look. The trio can be a combination of topless or nude.
Raccoon theme: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/51959703/ & https://www.furaffinity.net/view/53616994/

16-Warrior facing viewer on hands and knees with closed eyes or a proud look, breasts freely hanging. Mature shaman, also facing the viewer, crouches down onto one knee beside her. The shaman reaches over to paint a symbolic pattern on the warrior’s forehead.

17-Nude female with bandaged arm carrying a crossbow

18-ALTERNATE COMPLETED A nude, petite fennec, crouching low or leaning back onto a hand. Almost flat chested. Brandishing a knife and growling at an unseen trespasser. I imagine a desert setting with her clothes and supplies behind her. Someone must've startled her awake.

19-An ocelot In waist deep bubble bath playing a flute. She has a confused expression because bubbles with musical notes inside are coming out.

20-Swimmer climbing out of lake onto end of dock. Foggy and muggy weather. Jaws open some because she is catching her breath.

21-The Golden Archer drawn in this pose's rough outlined sketch: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/28058305/ , but adjust her right arm so her breasts are completely visible. I imagine that she's looking fondly into the edge of a pond bordered by grasses and reeds.
Artist: Hibbary

22-Two nude females picking weeds together. Average body builds. A vixen and a German shepherd? One in foreground and other a little behind? Talking while they work. One in forefront mostly facing viewer, maybe kneeling onto one knee with handful of weeds in a hand. Maybe a Siberian husky is gardening with a hoe towards the background instead?

23-Mechanic wolf mostly facing viewer while disrobing overalls. Leaning forward a little as one leg is raised up. The overalls are somewhere along her thighs or knees at this point. The pose would cause her breasts to hang and the raised leg would make the wolf's pudgy belly noticeable too?
Ref: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/28376043/ & https://www.furaffinity.net/view/30677807/
Artist: Hibbary

24-COMPLETED The tribal red vixen waist up here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/31448248/ as a mid-thigh up portrait. She is wearing a loincloth, facing the viewer, and giving her toddler daughter a "piggyback" ride on her back. So the little red fox is peeking over her shoulder from behind, and possibly reaching forward with an outstretched arm. The mother is looking back at her daughter. Both are smiling and happy.

25-A Shiba Inu is nude and drying her back with a towel. One paw is raised up on a bench and a one piece bathing suit is hanging up behind her.
Ref: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/53786439/

26-A nude female raccoon climbing or stalking in a jungle tree. She can be hunting, foraging for a fruit growing high up in the trees, or simply exploring. For something more humorous, she can be trying to climb up a difficult branch while her breasts are "resting" on top of the branch.

28-A topless red vixen privateer/pirate walking on a Caribbean beach by the sea. She is growling while carrying a wet shirt. She also has a sword by her side.
Artist: Hotchkisstank

29-A mature female grey wolf and raccoon are outside. One is hanging up laundry to dry on a clothesline from a basket while another is seated and peeling potatoes. One or both can be wearing bandanas on their heads. They're happy and gossiping about local rural news. For background, I imagine a shed with farm tools nearby.
Artist: Hotchkisstank

30-A female jackal reaching up a tall shelf trying to reach canned food. Inspired by https://www.furaffinity.net/view/43685172/
Artist: Hotchkisstank

31-A Young vixen archer is nervously holding bow down, trying to draw the string upward. A more mature vixen to her side is giving what she thinks is an encouraging slap to the young vixen's shoulder. Both wearing quivers, and loincloths too. Forest or moor setting.

This is kind of a useless journal, but I had a curious idea and wanted to see what kind of species I commissioned in my gallery, and some other data. So I counted everything! I avoided anything that was pending* as of today's date, and also duplicate artworks (alternates, scraps, etc). And here is what I found:

15.8% of my commissions are colored and 84.2% are true sketches (sepia, B&W, one tone).
100% are female :)
6% are rated clean and 94% are rated mature :D

Here are the most species that I have counted:
Wolves (grey) - 21.5%
Foxes (Red) - 14.1%
Raccoon - 9.0%
Lioness - 7.9%
Jaguar - 5.6%
Border Collie - 3.4%
Fennec - 3.4%
Arctic Fox - 3.4%
Husky - 3.4%
Other - 28.3% (less than six appearances)

Macro species Groups:
Canine 42.4%
Feline 23.2%
Foxes 21.5%
Raccoon 9.0%
Other 3.9%

I also found that I commission almost half of the artwork gallery from three artists (avoiding duplicates). So 45.7% of al commissions come from four artists!
 Hibbary 28 pieces
 Anisis 19 pieces
 Mickeyila 17 pieces
 Cadmiumtea 16 pieces

I hope if you accidentally clicked on this journal then at least something interested you. I like going through data, and it was fun to see what I've done over the past few years. Thank you for your time!
*pending artwork at the moment, but subject to change would be: a husky, red panda, doberman, and a fennec.

I wanted to make a journal focusing on some artists whose works I enjoy, but who also don't have nearly as many followers as they should. I'm also hoping that this will help some people find new inspirational works. At least I always appreciate finding new artists. Give the following galleries below a good look of you have the time. Most of them have less than 2,000 watchers. Although, as soon as I submit is list, there will be someone that I forgot :(

 Anisis I love Anisis to pieces. She's very nice and sweet; creates some of the best sketch work I have ever seen; and the way she draws felines is indescribably breathtaking. Please consider givi her a watch if you haven't already. She has a Patreon too! Well worth it :)

 BalalaevGod This artist only has less than 400 watchers, and when I have more watchers than an artist, that is a problem. All I need to do is link this, and the rest will be clear... https://www.furaffinity.net/view/43170638/

 Sheruru She draws very cute, adorable, and fluffy feral and anthropomorphic characters. There is a nice "softness" to her style that blends very well with how sweet she draws characters' appearances. Her gallery is also clean.

 Azany She draws great details and excellent backgrounds. Her fantasy drawings are most prominent to me, and her work "Sunny Forest" exemplifies this perfectly.

 Blokfort Many of his works are adult, but he covers a wide range of subjects.

 Defenbaugh He isn't an artist, but I enjoy all of the works he commissions from top notch artists. They are often very beautiful artistic nudes! Check out his scraps folder!

 Di-Ma He hasn't used FA in over a year, but I really liked his almost comic cartoon style drawings of a fox and his friends. They're very pleasant and happy and cover daily life scenes.

 GureeOokami She has great works focusing on tribal and dark witch-like themes. She often draws artistic nudes, and her work on anatomy is awesome!

 Heyriel She has not been active here for two years, I think. Her background skills and attention to details are stunningly gorgeous! Her works focus more towards nature and Nordic themes.

 Hotchkisstank The cool Russian guy! His sketch work includes great steam punk themes, and his style works very well with this. His works contain tasteful nudity, and so much personality within a single drawing. I cannot recommend his works enough, and when he opens up for commissions, I will claim first dibs :P

 Jishinu He recently joined FA and draws artistic nudes and lewd adult pieces. A particular character of his, a flat chested Husky, is very adorable. Her bright smile is graceful: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/43854415/

 Joshisanegg His works are few as a new artist, and show promise. His gallery has a few sketches of a white female wolf, and I like his skill with anatomy.

 Lehowa This is Bluari's new account! The most recent sketch of tigresses for Teiirka is more than enough reason to watch.

 Phyllostachys I always love to see his sketches depicting middle eastern life and Korean life from centuries ago. His architectural prowess in these two fields is unmatched as well. Each scene could be its own story, if it isn't already!

 Shamerli She has quite a few watchers, but I have to mention her wonderful drawing skills. My favorite character of hers, a lynx named Niki, is stoic and grumpy at times. I adore how she draws strong lethal looking female characters, particularly Niki, and I hope to commission her one day :)

 Skitalets Her work with lionesses was more than enough to get a few commissions from her. Her sketches are attention grabbing and a nice balance of eroticism and natural beauty.

 TheTarget The second cool Russian guy! I love his sketches, particularly of the vixen Countess Pokrovskaya. He can draw a wide range of themes and makes machinery appear alive. His attention to details also give extra life to his drawings.

 Tommyzz123 his works impress me with awesome background scenes and often include little story blurbs to accompany them. You may get lost in his inspirational pieces!

 Zaphkiellane His traditional sketches are usually about everyday life inspired by what one may encounter in a bayou (of a fictional world). His works are clean, and follow a story like pattern that covers a wide range of life.

 Zyonji Her works are incredibly detail oriented and she can create a vast colorful scene life few others! I love her bright colors and happy themes. She even draw clothes very well, which makes the character that much more believable.

First journal? Yep! Although, this is more of a test. I only upload artwork that I commission to FA, because that is what I primarily use this site for. Artwork. There is so much beautiful arrow or that I enjoy here, and so many incredible artists whose works are breathtaking, majestic, and even sensual at times. However, I often write stories in my spare time (if I'm not being too lazy). I never uploaded anything here because FA requires a file to be submitted rather than a cut/paste format. I hope the tabs/spacing aren't removed entirely...

Anyway, I am using this journal to submit two little stories that I wrote about Shamerli's character "Niki" https://www.furaffinity.net/view/34460356/ . I am posting this with her permission. By the way, give her a watch!  Shamerli Her artwork is incredible!

Both stories are roughly 6,300 words combined; and a short reads. They connect together but there is a noticeable gap between each so it isn't exactly a single story. The first is a very short adventure theme, and the second is more personal time spent at a bathhouse. Neither are adult in nature, but I will say that there is nudity. I hope that whoever ends up reading this will enjoy it!

The throng of an active marketplace never gave more than a moment of quiet to think. Buyers of many demands and sellers of many wares always sought to exchange. The small town of Harfleur was no different than cities in this aspect, albeit, much smaller in scale. A tall broad shouldered lynx approached a stall manned by a slim ferret who was currently occupied haggling with another buyer. Her normally stern expression was offset by the thick tufts of cream cheek fur jutting out in opposite directions. Long whiskers poked out from her face in every direction as she wiggled her nose. The smells of food always interested her pallet, not out of fine taste, but of hunger. Sharp golden eyes hungrily looked at the beef shank hanging on a hook behind the seller.
'I can't spend everything on that.' Niki, the lynx told herself soberly and looked at other foods to save herself some money. She tapped one of the pouches along her belt, thinking about how much she would need for the next town.
"Thank you!" The ferret kindly bowed to an older silver vixen who had finally purchased something from him. His keen eyes caught the lynx watching a few steps away.
"Ah, hello there." He grinned at Niki. "Is there something that interests you?"
"Hello. Um, well I haven't decided yet." She looked at a few melons for sale, but carrying one to another town would be a lot of work.
"These melons are freshly picked and ripe." He seemed eager to sell them to her. "I know the grower personally."
"How much?" Niki looked at the ferret skeptically.
"Six copper coins."
"Hmm..." The feline frowned uninterested.
"Perhaps you would prefer a few apples or pears instead?" He quickly motioned with the wave of his hand. "One copper coin each, if you so desire." He offered. The lynx eyed the fruit for a moment before making a decision.
"I'll take two apples and one pear, please."
"Thank you, sir." He happily exchanged them for her money.
"Thanks..." The lynx frowned as she was mistaken for a man the entire conversation. However, given her stature, it was fairly commonplace for her to deal with. Despite having more food, she left the small market with a grumpy face. Niki did not care for the bustling noise, and she typically avoided public places like bathhouses, busy streets, or city squares unless absolutely necessary. Crude or crass remarks never bothered her very much, but the secretive whispers from close by were annoying.
The lynx quietly passed by other townspeople in the narrow cobblestone streets. After passing by a horse drawn cart carrying hay, she reached the edge of town, prepared for her little journey to the next town. A pair of crossbowmen standing by a guard tower paid her no attention. The lynx passed the last buildings where the dirt road extended out towards the light forested hills ahead. No other townspeople were within sight in front of her. Only a few scattered farms were visible to her left or right. All that remained in front of her was a large sign hanging from a post read "Town of Harfleur."
"I'm outta here..." She glanced at the trees not far ahead with a little relief. It would likely take the better half of a day to go through the light forest on foot; but Niki was in no hurry. Niki hardly thought of a dirt road or off beaten path as dangerous, even though most did. Even if there was a rogue thief or bandit daring enough to attack her then she had a trusty pointed dagger within reach at all times. And she had no fears of using it.
"You dropped this, miss." A voice interrupted her thoughts. The lynx's ears wiggled at the young voice addressing her.
'Most people don't even say miss.' The furry lynx thought to herself, recalling countless times when she was mistaken for a man. Niki stopped and watched as a young mouse approached her with a small leather pouch in hand. The lynx towered over the much smaller and younger rodent, but he wasn't afraid of her. Her eyes widened as she recognized what he held. She checked her waistline belt and found her little leather pouch of money was indeed missing.
"Thank you." Niki gladly accepted her money back from the mouse, glad that nothin had been stolen. He briskly smiled in response.
"You're welcome!" He said as she resumed walking. "Where are you going?" The little voice asked her after a few steps. Niki looked over and found the young mouse walking alongside her.
"I'm walking to the town of Fontara." She told the youth.
"I'm going there too!" He excitedly exclaimed. "Can I go with you?"
"Hmm..." She hummed in thought. The lynx typically didn't like being around strangers, but she was kind to children. They were far more innocent than most people she had dealt with in her life. "I guess so." The lynx agreed and resumed walking. "What's your name?"
"Thanks! My name is Nolan." He introduced himself.
"Nolan?" She hadn't heard of that name before.
"It's short for No Land." The little mouse grinned cheekily. The lynx half grinned at the little joke.
"And how old are you?"
"Eleven... What's your name?" He asked in turn.
"Niki."
"Niki? I like that name." He cheerfully spoke.
"Why are you going to Fontara?" She asked the friendly mouse.
"My uncle lives there. He looks after me during the summer and winter."
"Don't your parents care for you here, in Harfleur?"
"No. I don't have any parents." He shook his head. The lynx felt sorry for the young mouse.
'I still had both of my parents by his age.' She thought to herself. They passed by the first trees where shade blocked the direct sunlight. The golden rays became scattered, dappling the forest floor randomly with light. Along the path there a few gaps in the canopies above to see the sky uninhibited. Their walk was pleasant as they chatted on occasion. The cooing of a dove gave them a happy tune once in a while, followed by the sharper melodious chirps from other birds. The forest always had a peaceful calm stillness to it that no city or town could provide. Niki and Nolan were carefree as they walked together.
A figure emerged at the other side of the bend in the road dressed in a hooded cape, and tattered pants. It wasn't uncommon to cross paths with fellow travelers or locals, but the mysterious person appeared very suspicious. It was a male raccoon silently waiting as they approached, but he didn't appear to carry anything for travel.
"Who is that?" Nolan whispered.
"I don't know, but I don't like him." Niki whispered.
"Halt." He suddenly commanded. Niki frowned but stopped with Nolan.
"You sir, hand over your bag and money." The raccoon held out a hand while wielding a curved dagger in the other. Nolan grabbed onto her belt fearfully. Niki glared at the raccoon bandit, but didn't move an inch. The lynx gradually removed her bag but tossed it towards the edge of the road rather than hand it over. The raccoon didn't look amused as she drew her dagger.
"Niki-?"
"Hide." Niki ordered him and stared down the raccoon bandit, but the young mouse froze for a split second.
"Nolan!" Her voice rose and the mouse immediately darted away to the trees for safety. He heard the two exchange a few words as he found a large ash tree to hide behind. Breathing heavily, the mouse quickly sat behind the tree. A yell made the fur on his neck stand up. The clashing of metal and scuffling of footwear over gritty dirt tortured the mouse's ears. He shivered in terror at the battle happening behind him. Each second passed longer than a minute to him.
'What should I do?' He feared for the lynx lady's life.
"Nolan!" A voice yelled causing the mouse to immediately jump to his feet. But rather than look, he ran blindly into the woods. The trees and bushes blurred around his vision as he ran as fast as he could. It was like fleeing a nightmare.
"Nolan! Stop!" The voice called after the mouse, but he only ran faster. A firm hand suddenly grasped his arm, nearly causing him to fall on his back.
"AAAAHHH!" Nolan screamed and swiped back as he was pulled from behind. His "attack" harmlessly grazed a very fluffy cheek. Niki blinked, but her expression didn't change. For a few seconds, he stared at her in complete shock while catching his breath.
"Your claws will have to be a lot sharper to hurt me." She frowned at him.
"N-Niki!?" He gaped at the lynx standing over him. "I'm sorry-There's blood on you!" He shrieked and pointed at her arm where a thin trail of blood was visible.
"I'll be fine. Are you ok?" She looked over the quivering youth.
"I was scared so I ran..." He started sobbing as his emotions caught up with him. "I thought... I thought you were..." Niki pulled the child close and hugged him tightly.
"You don't need to cry." She calmly spoke as he wailed into her shirt. "It's ok." She held him until his crying ceased. Nolan's face looked pitiful when he stepped out of her arms. Niki helped dap his eyes dry with her sleeve.
"W-where is the raccoon?" The mouse nervously looked around, but couldn't see the thief or the dirt road through the trees.
"He won't be following us, because he is going down the road." Niki explained.
"Okay..." What she said didn't make a lot of sense to Nolan, but he nodded with a little relief anyway.
"Are you sure that you're feeling alright?" She checked him over.
"Mmhm." He nodded.
"Ok. Let's go through the woods and find the closest creek." She stood up once again. He slowly nodded and wiped his eyes a final time. They quietly walked along the leaf littered forest floor, meandering through the trees and underbrush. The soft crunching of leaves beneath their steps was occasionally interrupted by the chatter of distant birds. Unlike before, the mouse was very quiet and didn't say a word. Nolan was thankful for his safety, but he was still shaken from the encounter they had with the bandit.
The sound of trickling of water reached their ears soon enough. They stopped at a shallow embankment that led down to a narrow and shallow body of water. The little rock filled creek snaked its way in front of them, disappearing and reappearing around bends within the forest.
"Let's stop here." Niki set down her pack. "This water comes from a spring in the mountain, so it's fresh and clean." The mouse nodded and looked around the creek.
'I need to get my cut cleaned.' She looked at the small stain of blood on her arm. The feline pulled her dark blue shirt over her head and hung it on a low branch. With her upper body revealed, her most striking feature was several dark stripes on her upper arms and shoulders that matched her long ears. Both of her arms were impressively strong, and her abs were toned underneath a thick cream coat. By comparison her fluffy cream neck fur resembled a lion's mane. The fluffiness of her coat tempered her sturdy exterior somewhat. By every metric she appeared masculine and bulky. However, despite having an incredible athletic build, the female lynx was feminine in at least one respect. Her breasts were small, but not invisible on her fluffy body. The naked rings of light pink flesh on each highlighted their subtle presence, almost as if to remind any onlookers, if there were any.
Niki sat down by the water's edge and poured water onto her wound. Niki hissed feeling a noticeable sting as she washed the blood away.
'It's shallow.' She didn't feel concerned and dabbed the spot dry with her other arm. Niki pulled out her dagger and cleaned it next before sheathing it once more. Glancing over to her side, she saw Nolan quietly stirring a stick in the shallow water. The side of his face that she could see appeared solemn. After a moment, the mouse looked to her and their gazes met. The rodent stood up and walked to her.
"Is your arm okay?" He grimaced and tried not to look at her wound.
"It's not bleeding anymore." She reassured him. The mouse was visibly relieved at the fact. "Can you get a bandage from my pack?" She looked over her shoulder. "I need to wrap it up."
"Yes!" He was quick to rummage through her pack and hand over the item.
"Thanks." The lynx bandaged herself without a problem. 'I have dealt with much worse.' She kept that thought to herself so Nolan wouldn't become upset again.
"Does is hurt?" He nervously asked.
"No. I'm feeling good again." She flexed her arm for him. The mouse grinned happily at the news.
"You're really pretty." His next words took Niki by surprise. The feline felt her large ears fold back.
"Um... Thank you." She rubbed her neck, unsure of what to say. Niki looked around the creek before glancing back at her hanging shirt. "It's getting late." She told him. "Let's find a good spot nearby and sleep for the night. We can go to the road and leave the forest tomorrow morning." She promised.
***
The sun waned through the final phase of its arc in the sky as they settled down in a small clearing. Darkness gently befell over the area like donning a blanket. The silvery beams of moonlight accompanied them soon after. They started a fire and shared a light meal before laying on their backs to observe the twinkling starlit sky. All they heard were the chirping of crickets and the occasional hoot of an owl.
"The air is nice and cool now." Niki rested her hands behind her head.
"Mmhm." The mouse quietly agreed.
"You haven't said a lot since we made a fire and ate." Niki observed. The mouse didn't speak for a moment out of discomfort.
"I don't like being mugged... It's happened to me before." He admitted.
"It's horrible." The lynx agreed and thought about all of the things she had to do to survive as an adolescent and young adult. "I wish it never happened. Is that why you wanted to walk with me to Fontara?" She guessed.
"Yeah." He answered. "I'm small. I wish I was big and strong like you." Niki looked over at him for a moment before gazing back up at the nighttime sky once more.
"You don't want to wish to be like me." She closed her eyes for a moment and blew a silent sigh. A brief moment of silence passed between them.
"Why are there so many stars in the sky, Niki?" He asked.
"I dunno." The lynx mumbled. "If there was only one, then maybe that star would be lonely?" She guessed. Loneliness was something else the lynx didn't like, despite her general demeanor towards strangers. Everyone needed another person, even if it was only one, to call a friend or family.
"Niki's tall ears perked up hearing a soft rustle beside her. Glancing to her side, she felt Nolan roll over and snuggle up to her. The lynx didn't say anything for a few minutes. Niki thought of the precious memories of when her sister was young, and would do the same thing to her. But that was long ago when she was innocent and naive about the world around her.
"Goodnight Nolan." She whispered before shutting her eyes, listening to the chirping crickets around them...


The morning sunshine stung Niki and Nolan's eyes as they emerged from the light forest, and crossed a small stone bridge bordering a pond. The thrushes, reeds, ferns, and bushes were dense along the side of the road closed to the water.
"You didn't expect the sun to be so strong after being in the woods for a night?" Niki felt her own pupils narrow as Nolan covered his eyes.
"Nope." He gradually peeked around. "But we made it through the woods!" He happily exclaimed.
"Yep. We did." Niki grinned contently as they passed by a farm bordering the other side of the pond. On the other side of the road, scattered trees dotted the slopes and rolling green hills.
"Look at all those goats!" Nolan excitedly pointed at the grazing animals nearby.
'Kids change their moods in an instant.' She thought to herself and watched the mouse wave his arms and jump around cheerfully.
After walking another mile and a half along the country road, the town of Fontara came into view. It was a little larger than Harfleur, and the multitude of buildings came as a welcome sight to the traveling pair. They passed by a true of musicians; a heavyset badger, an old rat, and a sleek grey vixen, each carrying different instruments. Nolan's fascination with the passing troubadours was only stopped when Niko halted.
The dirt road before them forked; the right going to the southern town gate, and the left meandering to the southwestern part of town.
"I have to go left. Which way are you going?" Niki asked.
"Right." Nolan's ears fell back sadly for a moment. "My uncle lives in that part of town." The lynx felt sympathetic towards his feelings of departure.
"I'll be in town for a few days with my sister, so if you need me, you can scream my name and I might hear you." She told him.
"Haha! People will think I'm crazy!" He laughed.
"They might." She chuckled. "Stay safe and help your uncle."
"Thank you, Niki!" He hugged her tightly. "I'll miss you!"
"Take care..." She smiled and patted his back. The young mouse darted away, turning around several times to wave at her. The lynx smiled and strolled towards the other side of the town with a pleasant smile on her whiskered face...

----

A strong beam of sunshine poured through the blinds of a guest bedroom's second story window. The soft snoring seemed misplaced given the bright early morning outside. Niki the lynx was laying in bed, fast asleep. The occasional sound of birds chirping and tweeting made an ear flicker, but didn't stir the slumbering feline. However, an abrupt knock on the closed door made the sleeping lynx's ear dial around. There was another second of silence before the wooden door opened slowly with a subtle creaking sound.
"Good morning!" A sweet female voice calmly interrupted the silent bedroom. Niki peeked an eye open and saw a partially blurry image of her younger sister, a slim female lynx, standing in the doorway.
"Hmmrgh..." The lynx grumbled and rolled over in a vain attention to reclaim her sleep.
"Niki, you'll have to wake up eventually." Viki grinned and entered the room. "It's already mid-morning." Niki opened her eyes in defeat and rolled back over to "face" her sister.
"Do I have to get up?" She cleared her throat, and rose up onto an arm causing the sheet to fall onto her lap.
"Yes." Viki gave an affirmative nod. Niki grumbled once more before sliding out of bed. She yawned and stretched her arms into the air to wake up while Viki watched with a little grin on her face. The sleepy lynx was only wearing a single garment for underwear, a plain dark grey cloth. Her upper body was impressively built with well defined arms, shoulders, and a muscular back. Even her torso was slim and strong beneath her thick coat of fluffy fur. Even her breasts had an athletic appearance; small but undoubtedly feminine with their prominent rings of pale pink skin.
"Get dressed. We're going to the bathhouse this morning." Viki told her.
"Is there a point in getting dressed then?" She rhetorically asked, and rotated her shoulder once more.
"Yes." She slowly nodded. "You can't walk around with that little garment around your waist like a manly laborer."
"I'd probably fit in more..." She mumbled and smoothed her facial fur.
"Don't be silly. And it's not like bathing in a river with everyone else, or even a typical public bath." Her sister pointed out. "It's where wealthier people tend to go, and it is separated by males and females too."
'Like I care.' Niki thought to herself as she wandered over to her shirt strewn over a nearby chair.
"I can give you one of my dresses." She offered.
"Eh, no thanks." The lynx didn't want a pretty garment to draw any attention to her. "Did you even have one in my size?" She looked over and asked.
"Eh. Fair point." She rubbed her chin. "But maybe we can have one made for you." The younger lynx thought aloud. Niki pulled her shirt over her head before putting on her pants. Her drab clothes contrasted completely with her sister's bright blue ankle length dress. She turned back towards the messy bed where she had slept.
"Don't fret over the bed, the maid will tend to it while we are gone." Viki waved for her to hurry up.
"I wasn't." Niki walked over to the bedroom door where Viki was excitedly holding it open.
"I think I know the answer to this question," Viki said as they walked down a hall to a flight of stairs, "but did you sleep well?"
"Yeah, I think so."
"That's good. I was so excited that you came back yesterday afternoon but I didn't realize it had turned to night fall when I was still talking with you."
"It's fine." Niki didn't mind. "I don't spend enough nights in a bed." They trotted down the steps. "Where is the Baron?" She looked around the large dining room that was empty, except for a female mouse servant cleaning a pair of plates from the long table.
"He was up early this morning, before I even woke up." Viki said. "He mentioned something about writing, but then he left."
"Oh. Did you eat already?" Niki asked.
"Yep. I had a quick breakfast, but you don't have to worry. I will take you somewhere to eat soon." She promised.
They exited the small estate through a side door and left along a brick pathway to town. Chirping birds were loud in the side gardens and neighboring trees all around them. Viki was bright eyed and excited as they walked onto the street. The spring in her step didn't match the plodding, almost sleepy rhythm of her older sister's steps.
"I'm so happy that I get to spend the whole day with my sister!" She cheerfully said in a singing voice. "We'll look at perfumes, the gardens, and maybe shop for some new clothes..." The smile on her face was contagious, and Niki found herself grinning. The tough lynx felt obliged to tend to her sister, even if she would rather do something else.
"Let's focus on one place at a time." Niki suggested.
"You're right. You are right." Her little sister quickly agreed. "We'll go to the bathhouse first, and then I will think of another place to go." She reasoned. Niki half grinned.
"So... Is this a good bathhouse? Do you like going to it?" She asked.
"Oh, I love it." Viki clasped her hands together. "The water feels wonderful, some times I run into nice people, everything is relaxing, and I always save refreshed. Besides, there's always some interesting gossip to hear." She added mischievously. Niki saw no reason to eavesdrop on someone else's business, t didn't mention it.
They continued along the streets of smaller houses and shops where the mid morning noises were at their loudest. The chiming of little anklet bells worn by several people softly echoed like a living folk tale. Street vendors were noisily calling out to passersby seeking to sell their foodstuffs and wares to locals or foreign travelers. Through open windows, brief snippets of conversations were heard from the street ranging from yells to crying infants.
"How busy is this bathhouse?" Niki hesitated to ask.
"It depends on the time of day, but it shouldn't be crowded right now." Viki reassured her older sister. They walked down a short street before coming to a small open plaza lined with several buildings, the largest of which was the town's bathhouse. A large fountain in the center created a calm bubbling noise to hear.
"Here's where we are going." Viki pulled Niki to the left entrance where a red panda mother and her toddler child went inside. A female ocelot was standing outside wearing an elaborate robe over her clothes.
"You have to pay to get in. That's why it's much nicer than other bathhouses." She grinned and revealed a bronze coin. Viki handed the money over to the female ocelot who looked suspiciously at the taller lynx.
"This is the female entrance. Only females are allowed inside here."
"Hnngh." Niki grumbled with a frown.
"My sister and I are going inside." Viki said without paying any attention to the lady. "Thank you!" She walked inside. They walked down a short corridor next. The humid air was impossible to ignore, and it made her thick fur feel more like a coat. They turned a corner and entered a dressing room where several other females were.
Niki anxiously looked around the space. The red panda mother was undressing beside her while a little toddler sat between her feet. A red husky and leopardess were gossiping quietly about frivolous topics as they dressed. A naked mother Samoyed was nursing her infant son while sitting on the bench. A mature raccoon was sitting an arm's length away, but was bending forward. Her sagging breasts seemed more relaxed resting on her knees while she cleaned her feet with a little towel. The thought of the modest room becoming more crowded during later hours made Niki's skin crawl.
"Ah, they don't have any towels out. Stay right here and let me get two for us." Viki said.
"Okay..." Niki stood completely still and watched her sister meander over to where the towels were stored. The lynx's tufted ears folded back flat against her head. The echoes of the inner baths occasionally reached the changing room, much like the voices of haunting ghosts. She glanced around the room, avoiding eye contact with everyone, but she noticed others doing the same with her.
"Excuse me." A voice spoke from behind her. Looking over her shoulder, a pregnant calico feline was standing behind her in the corridor's entrance.
"Oops. Sorry." She stepped aside to let the pregnant feline walk by her. 'Stand somewhere... empty.' Niki told herself. Viki returned a few moments later carrying two towels in her arms.
"I didn't forget about you." She ignored the scowl on Niki's face. Viki walked over to one of the many empty shelves and cubby holes and began undressing. Niki stayed close to her sister, but was more hesitant to follow suit. She didn't mind bathing with someone, her sister was family after all, but the lack of privacy in a public space was something she didn't like at all.
'A creek is more relaxing.' She told herself and grudgingly began disrobing. Viki was also less likely to catch unwarranted attention from other women than Niki. She had a much more feminine shape to her body. The younger lynx was skinny and petite; her arms and legs were gracefully slim; but her cheeks were fluffy just like her sister's. Her breasts were modest in size, but well rounded compared to her older sister's rugged athletic build.
"Do you want me to leave you here while I bathe?" Viki teased as she faced her older sister expectedly.
"Alright. Hold on." Niki quickly finished disrobing, and handed over her clothes reluctantly.
"Thank you." She turned back around to neatly fold the clothes beside her own on the shelf. Niki wriggled her nose anxiously as she stood in her bare fur.
'I wish I had a longer tail like a fox to cover myself.' She thought to herself and folded her arms. Niki sat down at the very end of the bench, facing several lower empty shelves where only a pair of incense burned. Her sensitive ears could hear someone talking about her.
"Who is that?"
"I don't know..." The other voice said quietly. "She looks like a brute." Niki folded her arms and frowned.
"What's with the sour face?" Viki looked over her shoulder. Niki looked up at her oblivious sister before standing up.
"I can feel the eyes on my back." She whispered unhappily. "Let's hurry up."
"Oh, I'm sure it's nothing." Viki dismissed her sister's concerns. "The mothers and their children are making more noise."
"Don't talk so loud..." Niki curled her toes and stood rigidly in place. A flash of embarrassment came over her.
"Ready?" Viki finally said with her towel under her arm.
"Yes." Niki nearly groaned, clutching her towel like a shield. "Thank you." They walked past everyone else along the benches towards the next entrance. Niki could feel a few pairs of eyes glancing up at her.
'Just ignore everyone.' She told herself, all too happy to leave the confines of the changing room. A red panda with only a towel around her waist brushed past in the narrow entryway them from the baths.
The room containing the female hot and warm baths was very large, with several columns partially separating different pools. The baths themselves were large and covered a great space. Each one had varying depths for swimming or simply bathing; and temperatures. One side of the baths had a large opening to a walled courtyard where a few females were drying their fur in the warmth of the sun, or brushing their fur.
Niki followed close behind her sister, but scanned to see if there were any open areas. Dozens of ladies of various ages were soaking in pools, seated on stools washing themselves, or lounging around ledges talking about whatever their interests were.
They walked by a blue furred husky seated at the edge of a bath, barely more than waist deep in the clear water. She appeared asleep with one arm resting on the ledge, and her head tucked low. Her large breasts subtly rose and fell as she breathed slowly. Not too far away, a lioness with several scars on her body was seated on a low stool, washing her arms with a cloth. Several scars on her strong body told of a difficult warlike past for the lioness; but like the others, she didn't seem to care being naked at the baths. The feline's gaze lifted and met Niki's, but the lynx looked away for a hint of privacy.
"Do you know her?" Viki asked out of curiosity.
"No, I don't know everyone who has a scar." She crossly mumbled.
"I'm kidding." Viki chuckled and brought her sister to an empty section of the shallow warm pool. She set her towel behind her and stepped into the pool. Niki quickly followed suit and found that the water was invitingly warm. The lynx sighed audibly and sat down in the pool.
"See? This is much better than some creek in the woods." Viki pointed out.
"I guess you're right." Niki sank down to her chin but didn't want to admit anything yet. There was a moment of quiet between the two sisters with the voices of other females echoing around them. Eventually, the silence dissipated as Viki began washing herself.
"Do you need me to get your back?"
"No, I'm fine." Niki insisted.
"What about your cut?" She eyed her older sister's arm suspiciously.
"You can barely see it." She held up her arm as proof.
"Humph." She puffed her cheeks for a brief moment. "So how was Harfleur?" Viki asked as she cleaned under her arms. "You told me about that bandit you fought. Gosh, it was awful that you had to fight someone alone in the woods."
"He won't bother anyone anytime soon." Niki half smirked pridefully. "I thought I told you. It wasn't eventful. I've been there before and there's nothing very interesting there. The watermelon and fruits taste pretty good though."
"You always think about food." Her sister grinned. "Isn't it a scenic town though?"
"It smells nice. A breeze carries all of the wildflowers into the town making it aromatic. There's plenty of streams outside the town to fish from too, but I didn't have time to goof around."
"That's right. You had to deliver that shipment of salt by wagon with that scraggly merchant, Perisi. Yuck! That rat always smells foul."
"The man loves his cheese." She shrugged. "Besides, I've dealt with worse."
"How well I know." Viki quietly agreed.
"At least the young mouse kid is alright. I was worried he could've been hurt."
"Oh yes, the boy lives here in Fontara. Didn't you tell me that last night?"
"Yes. He lives in the slums." She mentioned. "We should visit him sometime if we can." Niki nodded in agreement and washed herself. Once the sisters finished bathing, they rose up from the warm water, dripping noisily as they stopped out. Both felines towered off before heading into the open courtyard together.
The warm sunlight felt heavenly against her damp bare fur. The sunny courtyard was pleasantly warm, but not hot like the baths. Tall formidable walls prevented anyone from intruding, especially peeping males. Unlike the baths, there was less chatter, noise, and excitement. Two older ladies, a vixen and Doberman, were sunbathing beside each other, talking about little pastime stories. A slim coyote was reading a book while a buxom tigress seated beside her held onto two more for her. Lastly, a female leopard was grooming her spotty fur with a brush.
Viki took her sister to a quiet spot, rolled out heirs towels and laid down to sunbathe and dry their damp fur.
"I can see why you love coming here so much." Niki admitted as she stared up at the clear blue sky. "Although, I wish it was... less crowded."
"It's not crowded at all compared to other times of the day." Her sister insisted.
"I would hate that." Niki grumbled to herself.
"Oh, it is really crowded on every fourth day of the week because they'll set up a rope and play a game with a ball that you hit over it. Each side tries to keep it in the air and hit it to the other side. There's an older husky lady and a wolf who are really good at it. It's so much fun." Viki smiled as she described the game.
"I guess that sounds like fun." Niki didn't sound enthusiastic about it. She was glad that it was the fifth day of the week though. Dealing with a large crowd and standing out, especially without any clothes, chilled her.
Two ladies wearing modest silk garments began watering the rows of plants bordering the courtyard while they sunbathed.
"Let's smell and see the plants." Viki sat up.
"I can smell them from here." Niki didn't budge, feeling comfortable on her towel. Her sister rolled her eyes and stood up before disappearing from view. By the time Niki realized her sister had disappeared, a shadow obstructed her sunlight. Her naked sibling loomed over her with a purple piece of lavender in her hand.
"You could've waited..." She mentioned but accepted the fragrant herb.
"Not when you're trying to fall asleep." Viki laid back down beside her sister.
"Mmm. That does smell nice." She grinned at the lavender in hand.
"Maybe you will catch a man's attention if you use it." Viki winked and nudged her sister. The older lynx sighed and rolled her eyes much to Viki's amusement. "I'm kidding! I'm kidding!" She covered her mouth, but continued giggling.
"I'd love to take you to a well known seamstress in town so you can wear more stylish clothes." Viki spoke up. "
"Stylish?" The word pulled Niki's lip into a frown.
"Well, what kind of dress would you prefer, if I can have one made for you?" She asked.
"Maybe the duck confit." Niki hungrily licked her lips much to her sister's amusement.
"Ok, we can stop for something to eat first." Viki happily promised. "But just so you know, the seamstress is a little odd."
"How so?" Niki arched her brow curiously. Having seen many odd things in her life, it would be difficult to surprise the older lynx.
"Well... She doesn't wear clothes very often." Viki admitted. "Her name is Anita and despit e along the best clothes, the female wolf never wears clothes often."
"Am I going to be around naked people all day?" She half joked with a sigh and closed her eyes.
"No!" Viki chuckled. "She's very kind, but acts a lot like you. Indifferent, to the point, and very independent."
"That's good to know..." Niki blew a little sigh and rested her hands on her stomach. She found it difficult to keep her eyes open as the warm sunlight lulled her to sleep. Meanwhile, the younger lynx rolled onto her front, propped up by her elbows, to dry her back under the sun.
"Ahh..." Viki hummed a happy sigh as her back warmed. The minutes of enjoyment seemed to tick by slowly, just as she liked it. However, her pointy tufted ears perked up as she heard a light snoring sound. Looking over, she found Niki had fallen asleep! Viki grinned but didn't laugh, or stir her sister awake.
"I'll let you sneak a nap in." She whispered and laid down onto her front. "You've had a long journey, and I'm going to take you all over town until the sun sets." The younger lynx promised.