The temperature rapidly fell as the sun set behind the horizon. A light snow had begun to fall, muting the steady click-clack of the carriage as it meandered under garlands of holly leaves and colored lanterns. 

“Why’s it look so festive, Herd-mate?” asked Reina, poking her head in the window.

“Hard to say. Depends on who’s celebrating what. There are holidays the whole city engages in around the winter solstice, but it's not uncommon to see communities enjoy time amongst themselves to honor the end of a productive year with family and friends.”

Humans and demi-humans alike were huddled in warm clothes, their breath mixing with the steaming mugs they held in mittened hands.

Not dressed in her warm winter clothes, Suvi crossed her arms. Jeni, wanting to be helpful, wrapped her wing around the shivering ratgirl. “This one has body heat to share. Friend Suvi should feel free to request it whenever she needs.”

Suvi snuggled into the warm owl girl's feathers, surprised by how small she felt underneath all the fluff. “That's, uh, nice of you. I’m not used to being so close to people, but I'll try.”

Devin smiled at the two girls’ growing friendship. He was especially happy to see Jeni opening up to someone besides himself and, more recently, Azalea and Reina. Since her return from the academy years ago, he had seen her interact with customers, but it was always curt and brief.

Azalea popped her head out from Jeni’s other wing. “What's your favorite time of year, Suvi?”  

“Hmm, other than the cold, this is my favorite time of year because all the warm drinks are free.” 

“Agreed! Warm drinks are wonderful,” the fairy voiced as she made eyes at Devin, “especially when it’s freshly made and enjoyed with loved ones.”

“You’ll specifically enjoy tonight then,” hinted Sable. “Not the one you're probably alluding to, but our girls are skilled in a wonderful assortment of beverages.”

Reina trotted up next to the driver's seat. “How long have you worked at Whitegold, Miss Sable?” 

“This is my tenth year.”

“What do you do there?”

“I fulfill all the managerial work: finances, menu coordination, and act as scout and recruiter for potential new hires. Our turnover rate is rather low, though. The boss used to be more involved, but now she takes a very hands-off approach, but you are in luck tonight. She is gracing us with her presence this evening.”

“I look forward to meeting her.”

Sable hid a smile as she turned down a side street tucked away from the more festive pockets of people. She pulled back the reins, stopping in front of a three-story building made of dark walnut. Below a balcony jutting from the second story hung a giant cast iron sign embossed with two pitchers pouring intertwining liquids. The building was wider than it was long, and several brick stairways ascended to a tall set of double doors in the middle.

Sitting on the bottom step stood a familiar figure. Azalea darted out of the cab window and into an open embrace. “Mama Sanna!”

“Hello again, little Azalea.”

“What are you doing here?!”

 “I run the bakery during the day and work here part-time at night.” 

Sable slid down from the driver's seat and opened the cab door. “She’s security. Also does a bit of the heavy lifting when we get shipments in.” 

“So you knew you were gonna see us tonight!” the fairy exclaimed.

“I hoped so. I didn’t know when you were coming, so I wanted a chance to at least say hi before I go about my duties tonight. You are in for a lot of surprises tonight.”

Azalea jumped up and down in the grizzly woman's hand. “I love surprises!” 

Sanna laughed. “Some of them, I'm sure you will, others… might be a bit harder to swallow at first, and a few,” she commented while looking specifically at Devin, “might take some getting used to.”

Before Devin could ask what she meant, she was already leading the carriage away and offered, “You folks have a good evening.” With a wave, she and the carriage disappeared behind the far side of the building.

Sable climbed the stairs and held the doors open. “Now, since we are here,” she cleared her throat to continue, “welcome to ‘Whitegold,’ a finer dining experience than you’ll find anywhere in the western half of the kingdom.” 

The group entered the lobby, led by Devin, who stopped in front of a ‘please wait to be seated’ sign. “This is quite the opulent waiting room.”

A five-tiered chandelier with pine-scented candles hung from the arched ceiling entryway, the light reflecting off a gold and alabaster stained-glass wall. Somewhere behind it were moving, shadowy figures holding lutes, pipes, and a tambourine and playing a relaxed and light-hearted melody.

Sable moved in front to address them. “We are a somewhat exclusive establishment with many noteworthy individuals, influential business folk, and city administration as members. While the general public can make an unsubscribed reservation, the wait time can be rather long.” 

“We wanted to create a relaxed but classy atmosphere and provide uncommon services to those willing to spend for it. While it's more common amongst smaller businesses, we do house most of our employees on the third floor.”

“Looks like you’ve done well for yourself,” Devin suggested.

“Our success is due to the accumulated effort of all our girls. This way, please.” 

She led them through the left of two arched passages. “We have twin wings on each side, allowing us to seat around forty individuals. We designed the main dining room to be circular. To that end, we’ve positioned the tables for larger or more uniquely shaped demi-humans around the outside and smaller ones toward the middle. We’ve found it makes diners feel like they belong. It also gives an unobstructed view of one of our centerpieces.” 

She motioned to the middle of the room. A tawny fountain with five sandstone likenesses of two satyresses and a human girl were arrayed in a row. In the center, taller than the rest, posed a rarely-seen holstaur. Each statue stood naked, poised with chest thrust out and nipples spraying wispy streams of water into the collecting basin below.

“Makes quite the first impression,” Azalea mused.

“It was an impromptu addition.” Sable waved toward a pair in topless uniforms. “The flirty saytresses are Eija and Hija. They mainly serve tables. Our holstaur, Janina, runs the milkbar. As far as I'm aware, she’s one of only three in the city. A real sweetheart.” 

The two goat girls were laughing and bantering jovially as they served customer-filled tables. At the bar against the wall, huge-breasted cowgirls busily mixed their breast milk into customers' drinks. 

Sable produced a small set of chimes from her pocket and flicked one of the metal tubes causing a sudden squeak from Suvi. Simultaneously, a human girl standing next to Janina and draining her own milk into a pitcher jumped. She looked up from her work and searched the crowd until she spotted Sable. Whispering to the other two, she trotted over with a big smile, her perky boobs bouncing. 

“Hello, Mistress Sable. You called? Shall I prepare a large group table?”

“Not this time, Kirsi. We are headed upstairs.”

“The private room, eh? Too bad; they looked like a fun group to serve.” Addressing Suvi, “Are you ok, miss? You look a little flustered.”

“Y…ya, I'm fine.” Suvi flashed a suspicious look at Azalea, to which the little fairy held up her hands innocently.

Devin caught the exchange between the two. “Did something happen?” 

“Our toys activated for a second, life-mate. Perhaps Miss Sable's device?” 

“Toys?” Sable looked at the chime. “Wait, did you girls feel that?” 

“We did.”

“Maybe they know Eitri,” Kirsi suggested.

“Yes, we know her.. and her cousin!” Azalea proclaimed. “We went to their store during our shopping earlier today.”

“I see. She must use a set number of sounds for her merchandise. All the tables are given a bell to call a serving girl to their table if they need anything.” Sable held up a small tablet of twenty tubular pipes split into top and bottom. “This is the master set. I can call each girl using it should I need to get their attention. Depending on how I hit it, I can relay instructions.”

Kirsi turned around and pulled up her dress, revealing a buttplug decked with a five-petaled white flower with a yellow center firmly nestled in her apple-shaped bottom.

Azalea swooped down to get a closer look. “Oh! How cute! A plumeria?”

“Oh, is that what kind of flower it is?”

“Yes! They grew all over the fields near my home,” Azalea divulged before flashing her own. “We got one too!”

“How lovely,  like a little cut gem. It does a good job of catching the light. I’ve never had anything in my butt before, so I'm still getting used to it.”

“You and me both,” mumbled Suvi.

Sable patted the peppy girl’s head. “Kirsi is our newest full-time employee.”

“That's me! This is my third week. I’m mostly waiting tables and providing supplemental milk when needed.” She pinched her nipple, letting a few droplets fall onto her finger to show everyone before sucking it clean.

Kirsi felt a tug on her sleeve. “This one couldn't help but notice the uniqueness of your uniform, especially the way it draws the eye to your mammary glands.”

“You like it? It’s woven of high-quality sheep girl wool.” She raised her arms and performed a little spin. 

“Designing it together was such fun, but we had a hard time deciding because we all wanted different things. The sisters like to flirt and flaunt their bodies, so they wanted a lot of cleavage showing, but Janina wanted it functional – also, her boobs are enormous – so no tight clothing. We opted for a full cutout to let our boobies hang free.” 

“Since all our customers love our milk, I thought we should represent that?’ I suggested the boob window be heart-shaped and framed with lacey bows.”

Stable straightened one of the ribbons. “The proprietress and I wanted to make sure they felt they had a say in how they presented themselves. The girls comprised three groups, so each was responsible for their group’s base design. After two weeks tossing around ideas back and forth to the manufacturer, this is what was settled on.”

“Do you normally not wear the same uniform, Miss Sable?” Asked Reina.

“Only when we are at full capacity and need more hands helping out.”

“Which is almost never because she thinks customers don't want to see a woman with small boobs. She's only one size smaller than me, and I keep telling her size doesn't affect how much milk she produces,” Kirsi explained with a giggle.

“You girls produce more than enough.”

“You're making your customers sad! She has a small handful of regulars who love how she tastes,” retorted Kirsi.

“They don’t miss me that much.”

“Yes, they do!” 

Azalea peeked behind Sable. “If Sable also has a uniform, does she have a plug, too?”

Caught off guard by the question, Sable stammered, “I…er…yes, all employees wear one.”

“She has a special one only the boss has a bell for,” Kirsi snickered.

Sable coughed. “We've spent enough time gabbing. Don't you have tables to attend to?”

“Yes, I just got buzzed! Enjoy your evening, everyone!” She bowed before trotting to a far table.

Sable led the company around the room's edge and to the base of a broad, curving stairway that led up to the second floor. “The balcony seating is for overflow or reserved for special guests and events.“

Jeni placed her wing on Devin’s arms to steady herself as she hopped up the steps. He lauded the owl girl, “I haven’t had a chance to see you really interact with anyone outside your shop. You’ve come a long way.”

She flapped her wings slightly at the compliment. “This one has been most appreciative of big sister Mavis’ tutelage before going to the academy and of her fellow students for allowing the social interaction needed to communicate more effectively.”

Reaching the top of the carpeted stairs, Sable pushed open a small set of double doors and ushered everyone inside. 

A long, carpeted room stretching the length of the tavern formed a semi-circle at the far end. In the center, underneath, and behind the stained glass they had seen at the entrance, was a partly-curtained-off stage.

Half-obscured in the dim light sat a woman in a white and blue gown, legs crossed  and her talons idly clicking. She gracefully stood up and bowed. “Welcome, eagerly-awaited guests, to an evening you won’t soon forget.” 

Devin squinted. “Mavis?!”

Sable crossed the room and lit the sconces on the wall.

“Hello, little brother!” The smirking harpy crossed the room in three strides, embraced him in a light hug, and kissed him on the cheek.

He hugged her back, glad she wasn’t going for the mouth. “What are you doing here?”

“I maybe should have mentioned I'm a major investor in your negotiations tonight.”

Devin frowned, “You are?”

“I am. I have a lot riding on this, actually.”

“That’s worrying.”

She looked serious for a moment. “Yes, but not in a monetary way.” 

Devin looked at her, puzzled.

Mavis glanced over Devin’s shoulder, “Jeni! Is that you?”

Jeni peaked out from behind Reina. “Greetings, older sister Mavis.”

She pushed Devin aside, grabbed the fluffy owl, and spun her around, squeezing her tightly. “It’s been too long! I’m so happy to see you!”

Jeni hooted happily. “This one is also joyous at our much-delayed reunion.” 

“You live in the same city. You should go see her more than once a year,” Devin muttered.

“But that's what you’re for when I'm too busy, silly.”

“You know she loves you just as much as me.”

“Not entirely accurate, little brother. Look at this face.” She held Jeni out in front of her, “This is the face of a girl who wants to join your harem.”

“Since when do I have a harem?” Devin challenged.

“You have three girls with you. Surely, you have room for your childhood friend.”

“Um...” Suvi raised her hand. “I’m not really part of their…er…family.”

“You're not?” Mavis asked, surprised.

“She was a guide I hired for the girls,” Devin corrected.

“And then she became a friend!” piped in Azalea.

“Well, a friend is just a wife you haven’t gotten together with yet.”

Devin blinked several times, trying to unravel her logic.

“In any case, since you only have two, now you have no excuse,” Mavis declared while leering at him.

Jeni, still being displayed like an auctioned item, spun her head backward to look at Mavis. “This one is currently involved in a joint venture with Young Patron in the hopes he will see the benefits one day of being this one’s nestmate.” 

“See Devin? Don’t let all this girl's effort go to waste.”

Devin sighed. “Can we shelve this for the moment? Don’t we have important business to conduct tonight? Speaking of, where is the other party?”

“Everyone’s here.”

“Eh?”

“I am the other party.” 

Devin stared at the smug harpy.

“I’m also the owner of this restaurant.”

Devin’s expression changed to shock.

“Oh dear, Reina, you should help Devin to his seat. He’s looking a little unsteady. Come, come, please be seated while Devin comes to terms about my little surprise! I’ll sit here on the far left, Jeni can sit next to me, and you, my dear…?”

“Suvi.”

“Suvi can sit in the middle with Devin. Reina should sit on the far right, and Azalea can sit anywhere.”

Suvi sat down. “Are we going to watch a play while we eat?”

“Not exactly, but it is what makes our little establishment unique, as you’ll see shortly.” 

Devin, finally collecting his thoughts, thanked Reina for her momentary care. He took a deep breath and asked, “Mavis, can you please answer a few questions plainly and simply?” 

“I will,” she said, amused.

“Just to make sure I didn’t mishear, you're the mysterious person who arranged this meeting so you could negotiate with me to be a long-distance liaison with an unknown person that I need to find?”

“Yes.”

“And you just so happen to be the owner of this expensive-looking restaurant for I don’t know how many years.”

“Correct. Mine in every sense of the word: originator of the idea, negotiator for the land, designer, and purchaser of the building materials. The only thing I didn’t do was actually build it, though I did lay the first brick and hammer the first nail as symbolic gestures.”

Devin looked at Sable.

“What Miss Mavis says is all correct,” she verified

Devin slumped back in his chair. “Why do you enjoy shocking me with stuff like this?” 

“Precisely because you're the type of person who likes to know everything beforehand, and that's no fun! I was planning on telling you someday. I was waiting for the right opportunity.” The harpy justified.

Suvi put a hand on Devin’s shoulder. “Given the rumors I’ve heard, it could have been a worse surprise.”

Mavis, in an overly-dramatic gesture, raised her wings. “Ah yes, the rumors given shape by overactive imaginations and our exclusivity. Orgies? Debauchery? Rich old men bathing in breast milk while virgins feed them grapes and lick honey off their bodies? Or are you referring to a place where mothers and daughters of the affluent come to get gangbanged by well-endowed demi-humans?”

“Uh, I guess they were along those lines,” Suvi tentatively spoke.

Mavis snorted. “I can assure you, nothing even remotely like that has or ever will occur here.”

“I want honey licked off my body,” whispered Azalea.

Devin shushed her with a glance.

“Although, as I hinted to Suvi about, this is what we are best known for…” Sable rang her master chime. 

The curtain parted. On the platform were three similarly-clothed barmaids. Their dresses had been replaced with short skirts hugging and barely covering their hips. Tiny white aprons did their best to cover their fronts. 

They were each lined up in front of their matching statuary counterpart in front of another fountain. The most eye-catching of the three was a wolf girl with attentive ears, a bushy tail, and a little fang sticking out of her mouth. The chiseled facsimile behind her was squatting with knees splayed, a smug smile upon her lips, daring all to watch her pee into the pool below.

“Didn’t imagine they could get more outlandish than the fountain downstairs,” Suvi murmured to Azalea.

The wolf girl stepped forward, “Good ev’en, honored guests. Your host would like ta thank’ya for accepting her invitation to dine with us. This evening, we have been asked to be your exclusive servers to provide you with an experience of such quality you won’t find anywhere else in the northern realm! Allow me to introduce your hostesses, starting with myself.” 

The wolf girl took another step forward. “My name is Eeva – eager to serve and ready to please my alphas, that being you folk, and I'm supposed to tell you something about myself. Well, I suppose I like to wrestle with this pint-sized goblin here.” She motioned to the green woman seated to her right.”

The she-goblin uncrossed her legs and stood up. “And by wrestle, she means having me pin her down and bully her.”

“She exaggerates! She couldn’t pin clothes to a line,” Eeva retorted .

“Said the girl who denies getting turned on when her face ends up underneath this thick goblin ass!” The she-goblin jumped up, pulled Eeva back and took her place.

“Hey, all! Name’s Truulté Gress, or shortstuff, or sexy, or cutie. I'll respond to most anything. I’m the resident shortstack. Second-oldest employee after the housepet here. I love to serve people… in all kinds of ways. Especially when it comes to cuddling our cute, little snowshoe hare...”

“Hallie!” interrupted Azalea.

“Oh, you know each other?” Truulté asked, surprised.

“Yes, we met earlier today at Mama Sanna’s bakery for lunch.” 

Hallie took a small step forward and bowed. “H…hello Azalea, everyone! I look forward to servicing you… I mean, serving you again!” 

“Oh ho?” Truulté sidled up to the taller girl. “What kind of service did you provide? Did it involve bouncing with these strong bunny thighs or handling things with these squishy, pawed feet?”

She pushed Truulté away. “Not that kind!”

“She did flash us,” disclosed Azalea.

“Ah, typical Hallie things.” Truulté put an arm around the bunny girl’s slim waist. “We treat her as the little sister in our cozy work family. She is so soft and warm and we often take work breaks to fluff her fur and stroke her ears. Hey, wanna hear a secret? If you feed her her favorite food, her butt twitches.”

“Truulté! That was a secret!” Hallie cried.

“If you tell a secret, it's not a secret anymore,” the goblin cackled. She flashed a sharp smile, her eyes lively at Hallie’s embarrassment. “Maybe I should go get a carrot and show you.”

“Noooo!” 

“Relax! You know I only bully those I love. I wouldn’t dream of making my fluffy bed cuddler sad.”

Eeva joined Truulté in hugging Hallie from behind. “And there you have it. That's all of us. Though, I should also introduce our girl-in-training.”

Sable reappeared from the kitchen with a disinterested deer girl adorned with a gaudy amount of jewelry. She approached and placed two small buckets of ice on the stage, seemingly more preoccupied with checking the state of her nails than introducing herself. Noticing all eyes on her, she rolled her eyes. “Name’s Tuuli. Eighteen. I’m only here because my herd wants me to learn manners or work ethic or somethin’.”

“She’s very bratty,” snickered Truulté.

“M’not a brat… and you're one to speak… walking around with lewd drawings all over your body!” Tuuli retorted.

“These are decorative displays of my marsh goblin heritage – my social status, skillset, and availability. It's common amongst all the tribes.”

“Hmph! Looks like a display board for a broth…”

“Now, now,” Eeva abruptly interjected. “Tuuli is staying with us for a time to gain valuable life experience. And hopefully a little maturity. She’ll be assisting Hallie this evening if she runs dry.”

“Whatever. Can I assist her sooner? My bladder is about to burst,” she sassed.

Suvi regarded the deer girl’s chest. Her meager-sized breasts didn’t look particularly full, or even lactating. After thinking a moment, she swiftly glanced at the fountain again and back to Tuuli’s belly. With a hint of trepidation, “So… you don’t only serve milk here?” 

“We were originally called ‘The Thirsty Maiden,’ Sable responded, ‘but we changed it. Now it has a dual meaning. Most people think it stands for the gold-quality milk we offer, which you already saw we do serve. The girls’ milk is rich and sweet and is our number one ordered thing. The second most ordered item would be the golden liquid these lovely young ladies are going to share with you tonight.”

Mavis smiled amidst the sudden silence.

“We are going to drink their pee?” Azalea queried.

Devin rubbed his forehead. “I should have guessed with you in charge there was bound to be something outlandish about this place. Dare I ask why, and what led to you coming up with…” Devin waved his hand toward the fountain. “...what these girls are offering?” 

“Of course, you may. It's a bit of a funny story. It originally started as a joke, but maybe I should start at the beginning? Shortly after Jeni left for the academy and you became a full-time merchant, I felt a bit listless with you two gone. One day, during a walk through town, I overheard a group of girls complaining their milk bar wasn’t giving them enough hours and their chests were sore with all the excess. It inspired me to try my own attempt at it since the city was offering incentives to start new businesses.”

Mavis placed her wing on Sable’s arm. “Sable was my first hire.”

The weasel woman crossed her arms. “You kinda manipulated me into it.”

“‘Manipulated’ is such a strong word. I delicately tantalized her into saying yes.” Mavis uncrossed and recrossed her legs. “You see, after I made the decision, I was headed to the administration building when I spotted Sable in an alley. Poor thing was a horny mess.”

“I could have handled myself,” she huffed.

“I believe you, but wasn’t it so much easier getting to the sex shop with a supportive shoulder to lean on?” 

Mavis turned her attention back to Devin. “You might have heard before, but when weasel girls go into heat, it can actually be life-threatening if they don’t mate after a period of time. Or at least make their body think they did. So, one dildo and thirty minutes of orgasm denial later, I was rewarded with a yes and she received an orgasm she has yet to forget.”

“What was I supposed to say in my condition?”  

“Mavis, I’m disappointed in you,” Devin chastised.

“It's alright, Mr. Ebonplume. What’s done is done and I’m not actually mad. I wasn’t in immediate danger, yet.”

“Still…”

Mavis stroked Sable’s hand affectionately. “I know I have many attributes that could use … self-improvement, and I can be pushy at times. I hope I've gotten a little better?” She fluttered her eyes at her co-worker.

“Your teasing nature could be toned down.”

“It’s how I show my affection to those I care about. Just making sure you know I'm always available if you need my special touch. I don’t want you to end up so needy, again. You are my closest friend, after all.”

Sable exhaled and squeezed Mavis’ wing affectionately.

“Anyway,” Mavis continued, “we recruited Eeva shortly thereafter, and since then, the business took off, but it’s hard to reach the top when you're like every other tavern. It was during our third year. We had two regulars who had come from another pub who were tipsy. I was drying glasses while they gushed to me about how pretty Sable and Eeva were, how much they enjoyed their milk, and the warm welcome they always received, etc., etc.” 

“Lady Mavis, your placsh alwaysh provide the bwst milk and servish than anywhere else in the sshity.”

Mavis bowed her head. “You know we are just a humble establishment like any other. Though I’m happy we are able to please you.”

“No, iisssh true, other placises drinks taste like piss compared. In factsh, gives piss a bad name. I bet your girl’s piss would taste better then what they offer.” 

“It was meant to be a joke, obviously, but for an unknown reason that night, I kept thinking about what they said. I know a lot of demi-humans use urine for displaying their physical and social status – basically advertising. So I thought, in the right situation, perhaps we could use it to advertise and enhance what no one has ever offered before. For humans, well, we probably wouldn’t get many of them ordering unless they had a certain kink for it. But I don’t mind a challenge, so we presented the idea to Eeva.” 

Eeva rocked back and forth on her heels. “I thought the boss’s idea was crazy, but if she wanted me to pee in a mug for customers, I didn’t have a problem with it.”

Sable passed out utensils as she commented, “We wanted to keep our new drink category low-key, so we didn’t display it on the front page of the menu. Several days passed before anyone even asked about it. We were sure the first customers to order it were going to be demi-humans. Imagine our surprise when it turned out to be two young human lads with too much bravado.”

“After explained what it was, they dared each other to try it. Coincidently, that just so happened to be a time when Eeva was in heat,” Mavis chortled.

“Mistake number one,” laughed the wolfgirl. “While they themselves didn’t notice, others did. Word quickly spread, and I had to swat down overtures all week. It was great for business, but with the wrong kind of advertising. Soon after, we hired Sanna to impose if the people got too pushy.” 

Sable handed out white linen napkins. “It gained popularity, but Eeva’s bladder can only hold so much, so Truulté was hired to meet demand.” 

“I’m wondering, Mavis,” Devin interrupted, “if this place was doing so well, why did you take the delivery job?”

“Simple. I wasn’t satisfied. I believed we had the potential to grow, and I wanted to push us into serving more upscale clients. I called a meeting after we closed one night, and together we hatched a two-step plan: form a partnership with import merchants and appeal to a new demographic of customers who might have an interest in more exotic fare; clientele with too much money, willing to spend for the rare oddity or novelty.”

“The delivery business was only to establish the second part of the plan. I worked my way up to my current position to gain access to the upper echelons of society. You’d be surprised how far a little hint here or a little suggestion there to the right person will go when they are grateful to you for delivering their important things.

“Once we had a wide selection of drinks on the menu and the clientele to support it, we introduced memberships and used the funds to renovate, allow the girls to live here, and reinvest into the business you see today.”

Devin looked down at the customers having a good time on the bottom floor. Typical Mavis – capable and ambitious but with a tinge of reckless brazenness. She was the type of person who worked hard in the beginning so that later she could leave it in others’ hands.

“Well, dear brother? What do you think?”

Devin looked up. “I’m still a bit overwhelmed by all of this. I don’t know what to say.” 

Eeva eyed Devin and Reina. She smiled predatorily and crouched down. “How about looking at the menu and telling me what you want to order for starters?” She flapped the poor excuse for an apron alluringly. “I’m sure you’ll like at least one of our drinks. My bladder is full, and you have exclusive access to all of it tonight.” 

Before Devin could make up his mind, Reina timidly raised her hand. “I…I would like to give it a try.”

“Excellent.” She leaned back and stretched the apron taut. Pinned to the fabric was a small paper menu. “Depending on what drink you order, we have a categorized list of appetizers designed to match.”

Without missing a beat, she flipped the apron up, revealing her lack of undergarments. “On the back, we have the drinks available from me specifically. Of course, you're free to order from any of us. They come in three grades: grade one: light, grade two: middling, and grade three: strong.” 

“If you just want to dip your toes in, I recommend grade one. Hallie’s drinks tend to be sweeter. If you're feeling a little daring, you should go with grade two. Truulté has a pretty unique, earthy flavor and is a bit more potent, but If you want the full experience, I suggest three: a deep, rich taste with plenty of me mixed in.”

“What determines the difference?”

“Time. Grade one is easy, chug a bunch of water and wait about thirty minutes. Middling maybe an hour or two. Truulté and myself are usually the only ones who supply grade three because we can hold it for a long time.” 

“I think I want to try the strongest.”

“Going all in! My kind of girl. And how bout you, sir? Dare to follow in her hoofsteps?”

Devin looked at Reina. “She did offer to let me try her own once.”

“Oh? And didja?”

“No, but… I guess it might be a bit rude, given all the work you put into setting this up. I’ll try yours as well.”

“Perfect. So which one would ya like me to make ya’s? Or do you want it straight and pure in a glass?”

Devin ran his eyes down the menu.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<b>Dark 'n' Uriney</b> <b>Golden Honey Rye</b> <b>“Piss” co Sour</b>

grade 3 grade 3 grade 3

ginger beer rye lime juice

honey syrup sugar syrup

tangerine juice dash of bitters 

dash of bitters harpy egg white

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He tried focusing on the list of drinks but the closeness of her pussy and the smell of her musk were too distracting. 

She pushed her hips forward a little. “I don’t mind you staring. It's part of the enjoyment. Unique, isn’t it? Quite a bit different than most other demi-humans. Looks like a little triangular cookie, huh?”

Devin looked to Reina. She was staring as much as he was.

“It is quite a peculiar shape,” agreed Devin.

“Isn’t it hard to not make a mess?” Asked Reina.

“It was at first, but I've managed to make it work.”

“This ‘Piss’co Sour looks interesting. I will try that. What about you, herd-mate?” 

“I'll have the same.” 

Eeva wagged her tail. “And how would you like for me to pour’em?”

Reina looked up questioningly. “What do you mean?”

“Probably easier to demonstrate,” suggested Sable. “Why don’t you show your most requested way?”

“Alright.” Eeva took the tray Sable handed her and set it to the side. “Oh, I should probably add, these are nonalcoholic since many demi-humans have a hard time handling it.”

“I don’t mind. I prefer my head to be clear during business negotiations.” Devin confided as she set out two crystal glasses. 

She crushed ice into each glass and set them aside to chill. Then she unscrewed a metal mixer and separated the halves. 

Holding up a green fruit, she said, “Betcha never seen one of these!”

Devin thought for a moment. “I can’t say I have.”

Reina shook her head.

“It's called a lime and comes all the way from the southern continent.” She picked up a knife and gave it a spin. “Slice it in half, place it in a vice, and squeeze one ounce of juice out. Then we add half an ounce of simple syrup. Next, a harpy egg, laid just this morning.”

Devin glanced at Mavis.

“No, it's not mine, but maybe it should have been,” she smirked.

“We place the yolk in a strainer and separate the egg white into the mix.” Eeva dug out ice from a bucket and scooped it into the mixer. “I like using bigger chunks, so it whips up the egg well.”

“And lastly, the main ingredient.” She got down on all fours, turned sideways, and lifted her leg. “Before, I used to make drinks in the kitchen, but customers requested to watch the whole process often enough I decided to make it more exciting, experimenting with different positions to make a show of it.” 

Running her fingers around the edge of her oddly-defined, plump lips, she splayed them, making sure everyone could see. Taking a deep breath, she relaxed her bladder. Her pee hole quivered as a steady stream arched into the glass. 

Eeva carefully crooked her finger, stroking a small protruding nub near the bottom; panting as the pressure in her bladder lessoned while the pleasure increased. With the two glasses nearly full, she clenched the stream, put her leg down, and wiped her fingers clean.

After screwing on the mixer top, she shook the contents vigorously. “Then we pour it through another strainer into each glass and add a few drops of bitter. Kirsi suggested I drag the drops together to form small hearts, saying it looked cuter. And for the final touch,” She slid her fingers between her folds and traced the rim of the glass with her arousal before serving it. “I usually only do this when I'm in heat – when my pheromones are strongest. Drives the demi-boys crazy. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” Reina seemed to be more into this than Devin felt, but in the spirit of the moment, they clinked their classes and took a sip.

Reina nodded her approval. “I am quite taken by the silky tartness of it. I am inclined to try one in every grade now.” 

Eeva’s tail wagged happily. “Told ya you’d like it!” 

“I have to admit, it's surprisingly good.” Devin agreed. “Never tasted these combinations of… flavors before.”

“I’m proud of our girls and their mixology skills,” Mavis effused. “Would you like to try one, Jeni?” 

“This one’s curiosity is piqued, older sister Mavis. This one would like to try Truulté’s.”

“Of course, little bird.” The she-goblin flipped up her apron. 

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<b>Wee Sting</b> <b>Cosmo"pee"litan</b> <b>Mo"wee"to</b>

grade 2 grade 2 grade 2

spoon of runny honey lemonade sugar syrup

pressed apple juice cranberry juice lime juice

splash of ginger ale syrup soda

lime or apple garnish squeezed lemon mint leaves

ice ice ice

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jeni bobbed her head as she read her options. “This one would like to try the cosmo’pee’litan.”

“Exquisite choice, and I have a fun way to ‘pour’ it! Let’s move things out of the way so I don’t knock them over, and roll over onto my back. Place this here, and… up we go.” 

She raised her hips, pulling her short legs over her head. Running a finger across her pee hole, she pressed down on her bladder with her thumbs. A satisfied exhale accompanied her golden stream arcing up and landing in the container perched between her breasts.

Jeni clapped her wings. “This one is impressed with your flexibility and coordination. Would it be impolite to compliment the orderliness of your genitals?”

Truulté laughed. “Not a compliment I’ve received before, but thank you. You must not have seen too many naked girls. This snatch aint dainty, but I’ve been told many times I'm fun to eat, and to that end, I keep myself as smooth as can be.” 

Patting herself dry, she righted herself, arranged the tray before Jeni, and held up an orange and yellow fruit.

Jeni thought for a moment. “This one would guess they are limes but different colors?”

“Close. They are all within the same family of sour-flavored fruits. This yellow one is a lemon, and this is an orange. Not the most original name but tastier to eat alone.” She squeezed the fruits’ juices into the cocktail. 

“The lemon is used in many of our other drinks. The orange brings more sweetness.“ She shook premade cranberry juice with the lime juice before finishing with crushed ice.

Pouring the mixture into a shallow glass, she garnished the edge with a wedge of lime and served it. “Here you are! A refreshingly tangy, sweet drink with a delightful pink color.”

Jeni brought the drink to her lips. Her face scrunched at the unfamiliar to acidity. “It has exceeded this one’s estimation and this one is pleased. Thank you.”

Truulté placed her hand over her bladder. “Plenty left if you want more.”

Azalea poked Suvi. “Are you going to try one?”

“I’m not… er… that adventurous. I think I’ll just order milk, if that's ok.” Looking at Mavis.

“Of course it is,” Mavie assured. 

“Ask Hallie for her milk,” encouraged Azalea.

Suvi eyed Hallie’s perky chest. “You certainly enjoyed it at the bakery. I suppose I should give it a try?”

Hallie knelt down, gingerly squeezed her milk into a glass, and served it. “I hope you enjoy.”

“Well?” queried Azalea.

“Creamy and warm.”

Hallie fidgeted. “I’m glad you like it.”

“And which drink would you like, Azalea?” the bunny girl asked, raising her apron. 

The thirsty fairy took a moment to admire the well-defined and neatly closed pink bunny puss for the second time that day. She made a mental note to sketch it in her notebook and wished it was on the menu.  

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<b>Pee Daiquiri</b> <b>”Pee”na Colada</b> <b>Urineade</b>

grade 1 grade 1 grade 1

lemon/lime soda coconut juice lemonade

lemon juice pineapple juice Ice

pinch of sugar pineapple wedges

Ice cubes crushed ice

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“This is a kink I’ve never dabbled in and I don’t know what most of these ingredients are, but let's give the ‘pee’na colada a try.”

“Good choice. It’s my personal favorite. It especially tastes good in summer. Unfortunately, I don’t have a special pouring method. I’m not good at controlling it.” 

“No need to feel bad. I’m not either.”

“Then, if you’ll allow me,” Hallie faced away and squatted in front of the expectant fae. Running her hands down her sides, they met between her legs where she spread herself. “Ca…can you see?”

“Every part! Your pussy’s so cute.” 

Hallie’s puff-ball tail twitched as she filled the mixer. Azalea unconsciously licked her lips as she watched the clear, water-like stream.

“I’m curious, Hallie. You seem so shy. What made you take up this job?”

“I…I like to be helpful, even if it is embarrassing.”

The flow abated with a few final drops. Wiping her hands, she turned around and took two of the strangest fruits Azalea had ever seen.

”What are those? Are they edible?”

“Of course, they are. This one’s a coconut. It’s a pain to open, but the milky sap inside is worth it.” She took an awl, placed it against the eye hole at one end and tapped the other end with a mallet. Then she poured the contents into the mix.

“Can you do what Eeva did at the end?”

Hallie blushed hard. “I…I, no one has ever asked me before. I…I’m not wet enough…so I don’t think…”

“Sure she can. The customer gets what the customer wants if it's reasonable,” said Eeva, volunteering Hallie. “Come on, lass! You can do it. Just like all those nights we cuddle together.” The taller wolf girl embraced her friend from behind and stroked the fluff around her neck as her other hand wound down between her legs.

“Super easy for her.” Eeva’s fingers worked to coax the slippery sweetness from the panting bunny girl. “Just have to stir up her little bunny pot. See what I did there? No? Ok, bad puns aside, want to hear another little secret about Hallie? Careful when putting your head between her thighs. When she climaxes, it’s like a vice. Nearly took my head off.”

Hallie flushed a deeper shade of red. Between having her embarrassing idiosyncrasies exposed and Eeva’s skilled digits burrowing through her crotch, she leaned into Eeva’s body and resigned herself to the pleasure.

With the squelching sounds getting louder, Eeva tried to remove her hand. “That should be enough.” She eventually pulled her hand away from Hallie’s tightly clenching thighs. “I’ll finish you off later tonight if you want,” she whispered.

She held up the viscous lubricant clinging between her fingers, tracing it around the rim of the glass. “Here you are, Azalea. Sorry, we don’t have a smaller glass. You are our first ever fairy customer.”

“I am? I’m honored, and it’s alright. I can tilt it.” She brought her head down, inhaling Hallie’s scent as she took a sip. Another drink followed and then another. Her wings fluttered as she swallowed the syrupy fruit drink. “This is delicious! You should try it, life-mate! Reina!”

Devin took her glass and tried it before handing it to Reina. “It definitely seems like your type of drink.”

—-----

The rest of the meal passed with several more drinks complimented by decoratively arranged plates of hors d'oeuvres and finger foods.

Sufficiently full, Devin leaned back in his chair. “Thank you for dinner, Mavis.”

“Yes, thank you,” came several other voices.

“And for the girls making tonight lots of fun,” Azalea added.

“You are most welcome. It was our pleasure,” answered Eeva. “If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to buzz us.” The barmaids gathered the empty dishes and left the room.

“Now, let's hear what commission my older sister went to so much work to set up.”

Suvi stood up. “I’m going to take this opportunity to leave early. This doesn’t concern me, and there is someone I need to check on to make sure they are ok. Before I go, Miss Ebonplume, are you perchance hiring any more girls?”

“Are you wanting to work here?”

“I need a more stable job.”

“I’m sure Sable can find something for you to do, although we have no rooms available.”

“I don’t mind commuting.”

“Come on in the day after tomorrow, and Sable will set you up.”

“Thank you, I’ll be here! And thank you for the… interesting evening!” With a wave of her tail, she left.

Mavis began to preen her feathers pretending not to see Devin awaiting her reply, “Instead of telling you what this job entails, it’ll be more fun to let you experience what I need you to find.” Mavis rang her private bell, summoning Sable with a singular drink on a tray. She placed it in front of Devin and took her position behind Mavis.

A profoundly floral scent emanated from a golden liquid.

“It's not one of the girls' drinks… in case you're wondering.”

Devin held the warm mug to his lips and took a sip. He was instantly surprised by the explosion of sweet, mellow flavor.

“Can you name the ingredient?”

“Honey?”

“Yes! But not just any honey… bee girl honey.”

“Impossible. No hives exist in the north.”

“Precisely. Because of its scarcity and cost, we could only offer it to customers at a very high price. A little goes a long way, but you are drinking the last of it. I’ve had several individuals attest to its authenticity, and they are offering a significant amount of vol to acquire more.”

“You know I mainly transport goods already available. I have no experience with searching out new markets. If you're asking me, then I’m guessing you have an idea where to get more.”

“Yes, but the only lead we have is that it was bought from another merchant, who bought it from a different merchant… outside the country.”

Devin passed it for the girls to try. “I’ve never been outside our borders before. I’ve always wanted to visit the southern kingdom.”

“Unfortunately, our contact is not there.”

He sat up. “I hope you're not suggesting I sneak across the border to the middle kingdom.”

“You wouldn’t be sneaking.”

His mind sifted through all the information he knew about their neighbor. “Method aside, you want me to find a nearly impossible commodity in a country that is not, to mockingly put it, on amicable terms with ours?”

“Relations are a bit icy, yes.”

“And for good reason. Raiding your neighbor's population doesn’t help make friends. Frankly, I’m a little disturbed you would even consider this, given their treatment of demi-humans.”

“Yes, I am fully aware their society runs on conscripted labor.” 

“Slave labor, you mean. What about Reina and Azalea’s safety?”

“No one would bother them. With the right paperwork, anyone would just think they were your slaves.”

“I refuse to even pretend they are my slaves.”

“I think you should take the offer, herd-mate.”

“Reina, you should know as much as I do, maybe even more, considering your first-hand experience. Even with your trauma, you still want to go?

“I will ultimately abide by your wishes, but yes, I do.”

Devin frowned. He ventured a guess what Reina’s motivation was. She was probably hoping she might run into her sister. He’d ask her later to make certain. “And how do you feel about all this, Azalea?”

She kissed the back of his hand. “I’m already a slave to your love, life-mate. I’ll go where you go. I trust your judgment.”

“I don’t think you understand what we'd be getting ourselves into.”

“Reina wants to go, and that's good enough for me.”

Devin looked down and ticked off different ideas on his fingers as he thought of them. “Personal reasons aside, there are numerous logistical concerns. We’d need to convert all the money we’d use. Do we even know the exchange rate of the Zingar? Not to mention, we’ll need enough provisions for a five-week trip, one way, and assemble spare parts in case the wagon breaks down. Will we even make it through the mountains before the snow gets too deep? I was planning to convert my wagon into a sleigh for snow travel, but I’m skeptical if it’d survive such a brutal trip over the pass.”

“I wouldn’t be sending you three alone,” Mavis pointed out, interrupting his thoughts. “You’d be going with an experienced group of individuals who've made the journey before. They’ll assemble the bulk of provisions you’ll need. They also have a friend halfway between here and the capital you’ll be stopping at. We’ll dispatch someone to inquire as to the conditions, and your guild membership should offer you some immunity. There’s a branch office in the capital, isn’t there? You’ll just need to acquire visas and the proper documentation. We are not at war and, technically, you are not doing anything illegal. It’s not a lawless country. You’re just going to inquire of information, discreetly.” 

“Our milk money can go to help buy or build a new wagon, life-mate. I’m sure we can find someone who’d pay a lot for as rare and delicious delicacy as these two lovelies will be producing.” Azalea pushed her breasts together to emphasize her point.

All eyes were on him as he processed all the information. Even Sable was peeking out from the door to the downstairs kitchen, curious what he’d decide.

“I won’t believe you're doing it just for the money or merely fulfilling your patrons desire for a rare ingredient, Mavis. Are there other reasons?

Mavis tensed, hoping he wouldn’t guide the conversation back to her.

“There are some personal reasons.”

 “I want to hear them.”

“They aren’t important. Just trivial feelings.”

He folded his arms. 

She knew Devin wasn’t going to agree to anything until he knew every single detail. Mavis locked eyes with Reina, hoping she would pick up on her hesitation to speak plainly. 

Reina, guessing she wanted some privacy with Devin, abruptly stood up. “We’ve drunk a lot tonight. If you would excuse us, Jeni, Azalea, and I need to visit the outhouse. We’ll be right back.”

“But I don’t need to pee.”

“Yes, you do.” Reina plucked Azalea from the table and took Jeni’s wing.

Jeni, quicker on the uptake but slow on the reason, stumbled to her feet. “Is this the bonding ritual girls engage in when visiting the lavatory?”

“I’ll tell you later,” she whispered as they left Devin and Mavis alone.

Devin watched them exit. He didn’t need his merchant sense to pick up on what just happened. Whatever reasons Mavis was hiding were obviously for his ears only.

“Alright, just us, dear sister. Let's hear it. Based on the expression you let slip in your office, I'm guessing it's something you didn’t want me to know about in the first place.”

“No. I told you it’s just silly feelings that shouldn’t interfere with business.”

“So it's about me? Not to sound self-centered, but a lot of stronger feelings you have are usually about me.”

Mavis stopped preening. The soft murmur of voices and muffled clinking of glasses became audible as Mavis held the silence. “I’m just scared you won’t come back.”

“That's it? That's your big reason.”

“Pretty much,” she stated plainly. “I was torn between offering you a lucrative adventure and feeling responsible for you."

"You know I'm an adult, right?“ Devin relaxed. “For crying out loud, Mavis. Why must you be so melodramatic? Why didn't you just say that? You had me concerned it was some big thing.”

"I don’t like anyone, especially you, seeing me unsure of myself and vulnerable.”

"I don't know how you got it in your head, but i would never think less of you."

“When you first moved in with us, I told myself I needed to be the big, dependable older sister who you’d look up to and help you take flight.”

“So the real reason you check in with me all the time flying your routes...?”

“To make sure you're safe and checking if you need anything. I’m sorry I'm such a clingy, flirty big sister.”

“Why don’t you find some male harpy?” Devin suggested with a smirk.

“Don’t you even dare suggest such a thing! You're all I need.” She fluttered her eyes at him and laughed.

Devin wasn’t sure if she was teasing him again or not. Either way, she was providing him with a chance at breaking well out of his norm. “If I'm successful, I'll have quite the tale to tell when I return.”

“Does that mean you’ll say yes?!?” she challenged.

“A tentative yes. There is still the issue about a new wagon.”

“We’re back!” announced Azalea. “Are we interrupting?”

“No, I only needed to clear up a few misconceptions. Where’s Jeni?” replied Mavis.

Reina placed two drinks in front of Devin. “She’s downstairs filling out a membership form.”

“What's this? Two drinks we haven’t tried yet?” Devin inquired while reaching for one of the glasses.

“Yes! Compliments from us, life-mate!”

“You and Reina…?”

“Uh-huh!”

One was light, almost like water, with a wedge of lemon on the rim. The other was darker in color.

Azlea had her hands together in barely suppressed, excited expectation.

“Tart with a familiar sugariness. You made this, didn't you?” Devin asked Azalea after taking a sip.

“I did. Do you like it? I actually did have to pee shortly after we left.  Eeva suggested I try making the urineade as a surprise.”

“So this must be Reina’s then.”

“Dark 'n' Uriney. I know you declined my first offer. Maybe with some added ingredients, you'll be more inclined to try it.” Reina offered. “It’s made from ginger beer and myself.”

“That aspect of your culture is important to you, isn't it?”

“It makes me happy to do all I can to share myself with you in every way.”

“I thank you for thinking of me,” he praised. He sipped the bitter draught. "It's flavorful. I still don't know if I could handle it raw."

"I understand.” Reina returned to her seat. “Have you finished making plans for our trip?”

Azalea landed on the table and sipped Reina’s drink. “Yes, are we going, life-mate? To satisfy our craving for adventure and profit?”

“Profit is only valuable if you’re free and able to use it, and you, Reina… you hope to find your sister, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Mavis, this group we are going with, how many times have they…”

“Spied? Sneaked? Clandestinely infiltrated? This will be their fourth. They are made up of a mix of humans and demi-humans. I can’t disclose which of their group is going till the day they leave.”

“So I guess we are all in agreement?” Devin questioned his ladies.

“I would have tried to persuade you if you had said no, herd-mate,” Reina responded.

“Well, regardless, before any of that, we have to make a run to Merport to fulfill that order for Jeni. We should be ready in a week or two.”

Mavis stood up and responded to Devin, “That works! They need time to prepare, as do you, I'm sure. Since you are doing this in winter, it will be harder to get there, but since you have Reina, it should be doable. When you return from Merport, I’d like for you to come back and meet them.”

“I’ll send a notice when we do.”

Mavis embraced both girls and Devin. ”Thank you for doing this. Let’s just hope this venture proves successful.”

Mavis led them down the stairs and toward the front entrance. 

At the doors, Jeni placed her stamp on a document and handed it to Sable. Turning to the approaching group, she explained, “This one has found the older sister Mavis’ establishment’s services to be conducive to relaxation and useful in social improvement and wishes to frequent this place.”

He lightly ruffled the feathers on her head. “I will be comforted to see you getting out of your lab more frequently.”

She happily pushed her head into his hand.

Mavis held the door open. “We’ll see you in two weeks then!”

“I’ll bring the coach around,” offered Sable.

Devin shook his foot, which had fallen asleep while they were seated. “Actually, if you don’t mind, I'm feeling like a walk.”

Jeni hopped down the stairs and lost her balance, her wings flailing wildly. Reina grabbed one of her wings and guided her down the remaining stairs. “You can ride on my back if you want, Jeni.”

“Physical exertion is not this one’s forte, but if our progress is slow enough, this one should be able to keep up,” Jeni replied, panting from the shock of her near fall.

Azalea landed on Reina’s back and waved goodbye to Mavis and Sable standing at the door. “Thank you for the fun night!”

“I’m going to sleep the moment we get home,” declared Azalea, collapsing on her friend's back. “So tired and full.”

“Same. A lot happened today. Let’s hurry. It’s freezing out here.”