Awesome art by: Brolaren
Navigating to the baths wasn't hard, it was one of Kaahla's favorite places to be whenever she visited druid society. Like so many other things about this kind of relationship the zebras had with the jungle, relaxing in hot water was so much more different here than it was outside.
Some might think that there wasn't much you could do to a bath that hadn't been done before, but they'd be wrong. For everyone the experience was different depending on the reason they were intending to soak for and for how long. At the moment the lioness wasn't sure about one, but she did know that she needed to get clean.
The path that she followed had her descending into the depths of the library now, so much so that she suspected that she traveled into what most might assume were its massive root structure. The closer she came to her destination the warmer it began to get and before long she inhaled the earthy scent of the soothing bath waters.
Leading up to her walking into the main bathing area had the lioness passing by a few naked zebras who had just gotten done and were heading home. They were wrapped in robes or nothing at all as they drip dried, but no matter what they always gave the barbarian a friendly gesture and greeting, often addressing her by name. Kaahla would reply with equal affection but she never stopped until she had finally come to the wide open communal area.
The room was expansive and hazed in steam. Several pools, each having a diameter of eight feet, pocked three distinct levels. Each bath occupied between two and five zebras, all talking, washing themselves, relaxing, or indulging in some alcoholic sap.
Kaahla beamed at the sight and purred as she meandered in, garnering a few glances and smiles as she was recognized. Her intent was to only clean up and relax a bit and she knew that getting one of the baths at the center of the room would cause many to try and strike up a conversation. Because of this, she spied a distant pool with only one druid and she trotted quickly over to where it was.
“You don't mind if I join you, do you?” the lioness asked as she came to stand on the ledge near the water. The lone occupant, a young male likely fresh into adulthood, turned around to see the towering barbarian and smiled.
“Of course not, Kaahla. Please, have a seat,” he offered with a wave of his hand.
“Thank you,” she replied and stepped down into the hot water. The murky, somewhat green tinged fluid felt heavier than the streams that Kaahla was used to on the Savannah, but that was because it wasn't just water that she plunged into.
A mixture of soothing oils and minerals the tree had garnered from the soil mixed with the churning water to create a concoction that could help heal wounds, sooth muscles, and put the mind at ease. There was no drain at the bottom of the bath to whisk away soiled water, instead the fibers that the bath were molded from absorbed impurities that came from its occupants. Likewise, it was this same wood fiber that seeped the water into the basin and heated it to just the right temperature.
As soon as her feet made contact to the water the aches of the day melted away. The lengthy run from her settlement to the jungle was almost entirely forgotten by the time she sat down by her new companion.
“Fuck, that's good,” she sighed and leaned against the tub's edge.
“Glad to hear it,” he replied with a chuckle.
“Oh, I'm sorry, I don't know your name,” Kaahla suddenly realized and straightened her back.
“There's no worries. I'm Laan. And she's Mona,” he casually introduced.
“Who?” The barbarian asked with a raised eyebrow but then felt the presence of another person right behind her. She turned around to see another zebra, but this one an incredibly attractive woman that must have been the same age as the male. She knelt by the edge of the tub and smiling down at the barbarian. “Oh. Hello there.”
“I hope I'm not bothering,” Mona said with an apologetic smile. “I've heard so many stories about you I couldn't help myself, I wanted to meet you so badly.”
“It's no worries. Come join us,” Kaahla replied and patted the water on the opposite side of her from where Laan sat.
“Thank you!” Mona squealed excitedly and practically dove into the water. Her enthusiastic entry splashed the two in a wave that had Laan scowling and Kaahla laughing.
“Seriously?” the male grumbled and narrowed his eyes at the other zebra after she settled in beside the barbarian. “Have some consideration.”
“Oh she's fine. Reminds me of my younger self,” Kaahla commented and wrapped her arm across Mona's shoulder and pulled her in close. “So how do you two know each other?”
“We're in similar domains for our tutelage, so we have the same teachers. We've also grown up together,” Laan explained.
“I see. I'm not familiar with druid domains, care to educate me?” Kaahla asked.
“It's...complicated,” Laan replied and rubbed a hand at the back of his neck. “Of the six that are taught in our jungle, just know that she and I are among those in the healing domain.”
“Healing, eh?” the lioness laughed. “That's one none of us barbarians ever dabble in. Our society tends to be the opposite.” Kaahla glanced from the male to the other zebra, as she had been quite silent so far. Kaahla found out why when she caught the other woman staring blatantly at her large breasts as they bobbed just above the water.
“Mona!” The male hissed, which snapped the female zebra from her trance and she quickly jerked her gaze away, her cheeks burning brightly when she realized she had been caught.
“S-sorry!” Mona stuttered back and folded her hands onto her lap.
Kaahla's resounding guffaws drew the attention of many other bathing zebras in the room but only for a moment. The lioness was lost in her amusement for longer than what was probably appropriate for the awkward moment, but she truly couldn't help herself.
“You really are like a younger me,” the lioness said after finally calming down. “You can look at them all you want, Mona, I don't mind.”
Mona looked back at the barbarian with crimson cheeks and eventually turned all the way around again. “I'm sorry. It's just that...I wish mine were as big as yours,” she confessed.
“There's nothing to be jealous about, yours are just as beautiful as anyone else's,” Kaahla said and stroked her paw over the female zebra's shoulder.
“It's not that. I've just always found big breasts to be so sexy. I can't help myself sometimes,” Mona said and bit her bottom lip as she gazed longingly at the lioness's perky nipples and well rounded bust.
“I see,” Kaahla purred and smirked. “You can touch mine if you want. I don't mind.”
Mona glanced up to stare into her eyes to make sure that the lioness was being serious. The barbarian's amused but unwavering gaze told the truth, and as if checking to make sure she wasn't still being toyed with, she looked over at Laan. The male had since grown quiet but only because he had become equally interested in the subject at hand. Clearly he wanted to play with the lioness as well, but he knew he'd have to wait his turn.
Mona's hand reached up and cupped the bottom of Kaahla's nearest breast. For someone with skin as tough as rock and able to rebuke glancing blows from a sword, her bust was surprisingly soft. The flesh molded to the zebra's touch even as she would give it an appreciative squeeze. Her fingers gradually migrated to the large nipple and gave it a similar pinch to test its rigidity. From the heat of the bath it had grown soft.
Kaahla's purr returned and she relaxed back against the tub's edge. The three's conversation seemed to have fallen by the wayside as she and Laan watched Mona explore the lioness. Though the females were intently distracted, the male zebra couldn't help but feel blood begin to flow into his cock.
The barbarian watched as Mona drew herself even closer with growing curiosity. Open displays of affection weren't uncommon or frowned upon in druid society so this wasn't unlike a hug from a friend for the zebra. But to Kaahla, this was unique and intensely enjoyable. Where most like her kind would prefer to keep such things behind closed tent flaps, Mona inched her mouth closer to the perked nipple nearest to her.
The zebra woman's flat teeth gingerly took hold of the sensitive flesh and her lips wrapped around its entirety. Like a kitten wanting milk, she began to suckle and stroke her tongue against the sensitive flesh.
The enjoyable sensation caused the fur along Kaahla's back to stand on end and she let out a rumbling sigh of bliss. The gentle nibbles Mona applied had the lioness shifting her hips as she felt renewed heat blossom between her legs. While she was intent on watching the female druid enjoy herself, a motion from the side caught her attention and she turned her gaze to Laan.
He had begun to idly stroke his own cock beneath the water, seeming to have hoped that the steam and churning surface would obscure the blatant act. It hadn't, and it made the Kaahla's arousal grow even more.
The barbarian's leg lifted and draped across Laan's lap. He didn't shy away from the motion, in fact he seemed to be quite brave about masturbating in front of her. She liked that quality and she thought to help him but lightly nudging his hefty balls with her toes. She was careful not to do anything more than simply massage them while he pumped his shaft, as any wrong move could really ruin the moment with an ill-timed claw.
Laan and Kaahla shared a brief look before the male's gaze suddenly turned to between her legs. The lioness was made aware of why when she felt Mona's hand caressing the inside of her thighs. She looked down at herself in time to see an exploratory ring and middle finger caress her folds and graze gently across her clit.
“Being awfully ambitious are we?” she playfully chided the other woman, who was still suckling and tugging at the lioness's nipple with closed eyes.
Mona only stopped her licking to utter a short reply. “Would you like me to stop?” before going right back to the saliva covered nipple.
Kaahla giggled and tilted her head slightly as Mona's middle finger pushed past the other's soaked lips and delved into her tight insides, of which were still coated in her mate's cum. “Well, let's see where these leads...” the barbarian whispered.
Kaahla's legs splayed farther a part as the female zebra grew more vigorous with her exploring. She seemed to understand right away what the gooey mess within the lioness's cunt was as she seemed intent on cleaning the unwanted seed out. The white globs that coated her fingers disintegrate as soon as they touched the bath water, and the way that she worked another finger in to the pumping motion of her hand had renewed pleasure rushing through the lioness's body.
A light moan escaped with one of Kaahla's exhales and she pushed her breasts out, as if inviting the other woman to be more rough. Mona responded in kind with giving a harder nibble and tug, like an extra greedy kitten. The motion elicited another soft sigh and the purr that rumbled through the barbarian's body grew in volume.
All the while Kaahla and Mona enjoyed themselves, Laan had simply sat back to watch the show. He had at one point scooted a bit closer to have a better view of the action, but he dared not to interject himself into the moment. Observing others in their more intimate moments had been an often neglected fetish of his.
Though staying out of the fun wasn't something that Kaahla wanted. Noticing that he had come closer, she turned her gaze to him and smirked. “Poor Laan isn't getting any attention from us, Mona. Seems kind of rude,” she commented, her voice dripping with pleasure.
The other woman paused in her sucking to speak and look over to the other zebra. “How do you think we should include him?” Mona asked and grinned at Laan as she caught his eyes with hers. All the while she never stopped pumping her fingers within the lioness, practically every drop of cum within her had been expunged.
“O-oh I'm just fine with watching,” Laan said quickly with a nervous laugh.
“Nonsense,” Kaahla said sharply and began moving. Her strong form turned to him and she drew her knees beneath herself. Now kneeling, she leaned her face over his lap and dipped down to where his cock was barely breaking the surface of the bath. Laan's hand was pushed away as both of her paws settled on his lap and her mouth eventually came to engulf his thick tip.
This new position had the barbarian's toned backside sticking up from the water and pointing at Mona with slightly parted thighs and a tail that was drawn off to the side. The inviting sight had the female zebra practically salivating and she could hardly contain herself. Her face dove down with her extended tongue meeting the other woman's pussy and stroking it from clit the tailhole in one motion.
At the same time, Kaahla busied herself with slurping over the few inches that she was able to get to of Laan's member before she began to push her face into the depths of the bath. By this point, the cum that she had collected on her face over an hour ago had dried, but now it washed cleanly from her features as she bobbed her head in an energetic motion.
Laan groaned openly and tilted his head back. The barbarian stroked her tongue down along his girth as she held her breath and pushed her face down as far as she could. His member sank all the way down her throat and pushed her esophagus to its limits, not unlike any other zebra would have.
Kaahla tested the limits of her lungs and she stayed down and worked her tongue around his sensitive flesh. She made sure to cover every inch of it in her saliva while working his head in short, choppy motions. Only when the lack of fresh oxygen became uncomfortable did she draw her head back to take a breath of air. But the cock tip never left her mouth.
All while Kaahla played with the young male's manhood, Mona was hard at work indulging in her greater fantasies. She was vigorously working three fingers in and out of the lioness's cunt while she ravished the flexing tailhole with her long tongue. It was like she tried as hard as she could to force the wiggling organ into the other woman's ass and for a time it seemed like she made some decent progress.
Kaahla's pussy leaked her femme juices down Mona's wrist and forearm. The harder and faster she pumped her hand the more of the nectar she was rewarded. So much of the clear fluid sprung forth that she had a tough time deciding where she wanted to work her tongue. She seemed almost frantic as she switched from drawing circles around the lioness's asshole to lapping up the small rivulets that dripped into the bath.
Timing her breathing got more difficult for the barbarian as fresh pleasure worked through her body from her cunt. She wanted to moan and pause in her renewed bobbing motion but she'd come up sputtering if she did. Her physical fortitude was by in large the only thing about her that had fortitude. Keeping her mind on task became more difficult.
Though Kaahla's mind was set to sucking the male off while enjoying the exquisite sensations that Mona provided, there came a sudden voice that caught the lioness by surprised. It was muffled by the water and moans that Laan uttered, but she distinctly heard her name being addressed. The two other zebras must have heard it as well, as Mona paused in her finger and Laan became startled.
The lioness quickly lifted her head from the water and turned to where she thought she might have heard the voice's owner. The familiar figure of Dowe came to view staring down at her with an amused smile and a quirked eyebrow.
“Can I help you?” Kaahla asked while casually pumping Laan's member. She leaned back down to lick at his tip but not go down too far that the water would obscure Dowe's response.
“We have to get going, the elder's are waiting,” he said back.
“They can wait a little longer, I'm busy,” Kaahla retorted and sucked Laan's cock tip between her lips. Mona however had not resumed her fervent fingering as before to the barbarian's disappointment.
“We don't have time for this. You know how important this meeting is, the better presented we are the greater chance you will be accepted into our society,” the researcher said, his tone now taking on a more irritated edge.
His words did cause Kaahla to pause in her slurping. But only for a moment. It was what Mona said that made her finally pull off.
“If it means that you'll be a part of our world here, you should get going,” the woman said with a warm smile. “We can always resume this another time. In fact we'll have all the time in the world to pick back up if you get to stay here all the time,” she continued, her voice growing with excitement as she realized what it all could mean for the Barbarian.
Kaahla's soured mood was melted away by the other woman's words and by the elated look in her eyes. “Ugh, fine,” Kaahla sighed and stood up. She stepped out of the bath and was quickly handed a tower made of woven, absorbent moss by Dowe. “I trust that you two won't leave each other unsatisfied in my absence?”
“Not a chance,” Mona said before quickly moving over to the male's side of the bath.
“Good,” the lioness said as she began to dry herself off. She and Dowe turned and walked towards the back of the large room, opposite of where she had initially come in at.
Kaahla merely followed the druid as he made his way through a maze of halls and staircases. Once she had finished with her towel, Dowe conjured a leaf woven robe for her to wear during their meeting, and she gladly accepted it and tied it tight around her waist.
It seemed like a lengthy walk to their destination, but Kaahla thought that might have just been an illusion from how many twisting turns they had to make. To her delight, Dowe stopped just ahead of a pair of double doors that were wide enough to permit at least two of her kind to walk through shoulder to shoulder with room to spare on each side. It held an air of importance and she tried to calm her mind to what lied beyond.
The zebra stole a moment to himself to collect his thoughts and go over how they were going to proceed. Kaahla smiled down at the druid and reached a paw out to rest it reassuringly on his shoulder but before she made contact he moved forward to nudged open the doors. She dropped her arm back to her side and quickly followed as he disappeared into this new room.
The wide open space was dominated by a wide table that grew into floor, much like all other fixtures within the tree. Behind this table sat seven members of the high druid society, those that were tasked with the preservation of he jungle and all the knowledge that it contained.
Kaahla counted four females, two males, and one rather androgynous zebra that she couldn't quite tell the gender of. Each member of the council was dressed in garb not too different from her own, though the leaves that adorned their robes shimmered in a rainbow array of colors that would change depending on the angle someone might view them from. The leaves also came off as metallic in sheen. Could they have been armor? She thought to herself. She wouldn't have been surprised, each member was likely well versed in the special magical combat of their domain.
The first thing that the lioness realized about each member in the first few seconds of glancing among them is that none looked to be beyond the age of early adult hood, but she determined that to not be the case immediately. She had been in this world long enough to know the wizened gaze of individuals that had been alive for decades or even centuries, and each of the seven that now welcomed her in had to have experienced at least ten times the number of seasons that she had.
“Thank you all for allowing this meeting,” Dowe said and bowed to the center of the council, the gesture meant for all of them. The lioness mimicked his motion and stared at the floor until she saw him straighten back up a couple moments later. “I understand that the council's time is precious and so I won't take more of it than I need. I present to you all, Kaahla of the Savannah barbarian tribe and domain.”
Kaahla folded her paws in front of her and stepped up to be by Dowe's side as she was introduced. “I appreciate the audience before me and I can't express my gratitude for being seen. To not waste the counsel's time I will cut right to my business here. I would like to ask the council for my permanent residency within druid society.”
There came a few brief murmurs among the counsel druids and an equal amount of raised eyebrows and inquisitive expressions. Kaahla looked around to see if she could gauge any of their expressions but she couldn't quite determine if any of them were immediately approving or disapproving of her request.
“Druid society is quite reserved for its own kind,” a woman at the far end of the table said, addressing the lioness. “Because of this reason, a member outside of our domain asking for residency within it is quite unprecedented.”
“We are well aware,” Dowe spoke up from behind. “It is why we ask for the consideration of our greatest minds on this topic.”
That earned a few considering nods as some of the druids rubbed at their chins and appeared to delve into silent contemplation. Kaahla grew more hopeful by the second.
“We understand that this is also not the first time you have stepped foot in this jungle or had dealings with druid zebras before, correct?” The androgynous member asked, who's voice still gave no inkling as to their gender.
“That is correct,” Kaahla replied quickly. “Tonight marks my ninth time visiting this jungle. I've had so many interactions with the members of the jungle that it's difficult to recall how many.”
More nods and murmurs greeted her and she fought the hold back an excited smile. “You have one of our top researchers vouching for you, which is enough for us to at least consider your request,” the androgynous one spoke up again.
“For us to fully consider this acceptance into our society, we must know what it is that you can give the jungle in return. On top of that, an argument must be made for how you can be integrated into our population,” one of the males explained.
“Counsel, if I may,” Dowe addressed. “The barbarian domain has much to offer the Mother Tree. Kaahla has agreed to submit herself to the jungle's will so that it may learn all that she is.”
Murmurings of approval and understanding nods followed from the group of seven. Dowe continued, “Kaahla also wishes to participate in the upcoming Fertility Festival.”
This time the murmurings were more shocked and the expressions of the counsel members ranged from hesitant to disproving. The lioness feared they had just thrown away their good will.
“Dowe, you of all know how sacred and important the Fertility Festival is. It's not just some party that anyone might join. Its sacred meaning is the very core for what we as zebras and druids stand for,” the other male said, his words meaning to be measured but they were tinged with anger.
“I am well aware of what the Fertility Festival entails, counsel members, which is why I have deeply researched this topic. With the use of ancient magic and aid from fertility specialists of the Agrogian jungle, Kaahla will be able to conceive zebra young.”
Much more significant shock ran its course through the counsel members at this new proposal. They looked among themselves to gauge each other's reaction, which was predominantly curious mixed with excitement.
“You are sure about these prospects?” Another female asked as she caught Dowe's eyes.
“I am with a significant certainty. I have had close correspondents with these specialists and they assure me that hybridization is possible. Kaahla wouldn't even be the first lioness to bare zebra young, if those of the Agrogian jungle are to be believed,” Dowe replied and folded his hands into the sleeves of his robe.
Kaahla tried to keep her eyes from meeting any of the counsel members as Dowe spoke, but she felt the androgynous member's eyes boring into the side of her head. She began to think it might be rude to ignore the gesture and so she turned her gaze to meet the other's.
As soon as she did, the counsel member spoke. “Kaahla, I trust that you know that if you go down this path there is no going back. Would you truly be willing to give up your barbarian lifestyle and accept the druid domain?”
“I am and I will,” the lioness replied without hesitation. The two held their stare for a while longer as a few moments of silent contemplation filled the air.
“The last the jungle had known, you are mated to one of your own kind, aren't you?” they continued.
“That is true, yes,” Kaahla said with hesitant concern.
“To avoid any escalated incidents between the jungle and those of the barbarian domain, that link would need to be severed,” they pressed.
“I understand and agree,” Kaahla said back.
The androgynous counsel member nodded their head and met the gaze of the others. Another few seconds of silence enveloped the room as they all took in all the information that was presented to them and mulled it over in their minds. Finally, the center most member spoke up.
“If there is no more information to be presented, opinions to be voiced, and no more questions to be asked, then I move that we vote on the matter. Those that object must voice their objection now.”
Kaahla's heart galloped in her throat and it was like she could hear nothing else but that. She tried to make her breaths calm and timed but she was nearly on the brink of hyperventilating. It was during this time of running circles in her own mind that she realized how deafeningly quiet the room had become.
She glanced around at the counsel and saw that each had their head bowed slightly and their eyes closed. She then looked to Dowe who beamed brightly and stared forward. The barbarian almost startled when the center counsel member spoke again.
“With no objections, the counsel recognizes that under the conditions discussed in this meeting, Kaahla of the barbarian domain will be accepted into druid society.”