She's sitting off on her own at the bar in the cabaret club, leaning casually against the countertop and gently nursing a freshly poured glass of sweet, ruby red wine. Her third glass thus far, the bartender giving her a nod and a kindly smile before flitting off to serve another patron. She could already feel herself growing a touch warmer under the collar from the effects of the last glass, and she would’ve certainly had a hint of a rosy flush to her cheeks if her dark fur didn’t otherwise mask it. Was she maybe overdoing it just a bit? Perhaps... but she was taking some well-deserved time to relax after performing a big show tonight, and felt some celebratory wine was in order. Lifting the glass to her lips, she takes a good, deep sip, the heady aroma of dark red cherries and blackcurrants hitting her nose before it struck heavy on her palate, followed by a blanketing sweetness that lingered even long after she'd swallowed it. A lovely reserve ruby port, the bartender had said, clearly eager to have her sample it as he knew all too well her preference for sweet wines. And it was mighty delicious... She might have to make this one a new regular order for her.

Licking her lips, she lets her eyes drift over the crowds gathered in the main hall of the cabaret club, packed to the rafters tonight with patrons both new and regulars alike who'd come to watch tonight's performances. The sounds of soft jazz music fill the hall as the band plays behind the next performer, a young coatimundi girl who’d joined the club a few months prior to Kira’s arrival. Her voice was soft and light, yet rang clear as a bell as it soared up through her register to hit those high notes dead on with expert precision. The lynx's gaze lazily glides across the busy area, taking in the sights of numerous wait-staff dashing between tables taking orders and serving food and drinks, patrons dancing along to the music in the designated area closer to the main stage, and security guards keeping a close eye in case they needed to step in.

Her eyes never stayed in the same spot for more than a minute, simply content to stay and people-watch from the bar for the time being. Until... Her ears and feathered wings perk as the sight of a certain someone catches her attention from among the throng of shifting bodies, and a sly, impish smile begins to cross her face as in one swift motion she slips off of her stool. Carefully smoothing out the creases in her red, long-sleeved dress that she’d worn specially for tonight, she sweeps her still mostly full glass of wine into one hand and balances it expertly between her palm and fingertips. Eyes sharp and focused on her target in the distance as she followed their subtle movements among the mass of bodies, she begins to cross the floor over to them with a casual yet brisk stride. Bystanders in the crowd are quick to move and get out of her path upon noticing her pushing her way through, her sharp horns and large feathery wings making her presence quite hard to miss. And those who weren’t paying attention would find themselves being firmly nudged aside with her free hand as she muttered a quick ‘Excuse me’ before brushing past, and if they had a problem with it… Well, most knew better than to dare get on her bad side.

Her steps are measured, purposeful, and carry an almost uncanny grace like that of a predator stalking their prey, yet with a bit of a bounce to them as well. Maybe she was a bit tipsy, having had quite a bit to drink already. But regardless, she was having a good time tonight, and she had a feeling it was going to get even better...

A beautifully done $10 commission of my lovely lynx gal Kira done by the gracious  Gatewayeee (Be sure to check out their page! They do very nice art for good prices!)

Kira 'Phoenix' Alistair is © to me