Sometime later.

It’s not long later that I wake from my nap. I’m still lying naked in the grass, the soft feeling of the mystery deer woman still draped over me as she idly plays with my hair. Slowly, I crack open my eyes, looking up at the clear blue sky. I look down at my lover and see a radiant smile on her face as she sees I am awake.

“Hi sweety, sleep well?” she asks softly. I nod in response, stretching as much as possible without dislodging my gorgeous hanger-on before I reply, “That was one of the best naps I’ve ever had. How long was I out?” she chuckles before replying, “Not long. Only half an hour or so?”

We sink into a comfortable silence, enjoying each other’s company for a time. its not too long until she goes back to running her fingers through my hair whilst I stroke her fluffy white tail. I feel her tail twitch under my hand and her expression changes to one of exasperated amusement as she says, “Hey, do you mind? That tickles you know.” I quickly remove her hand before saying, “Sorry about that, I didn’t know. I’m new in town and we didn’t have beastkin where I come from. My curiosity got the better of me.”

She raises a perfect eyebrow before replying, “No beastkin at all? I’d assumed you were a resident. Humans can be a bit weird about other races, especially when it comes to sex.” “I can assure you; I have no such hang ups.” I respond with wry amusement. “You’ve certainly proved that, wandering into a private garden then seducing the poor, innocent groundskeeper.” It's my turn to raise an eyebrow at her response, before I reply, “An innocent groundskeeper who was totally naked and practically ordered the poor, lost traveller to fuck her?”

She pouts prettily at me but can’t keep the expression up for long. “By the way, why did you wander into my garden?” I look at her sheepishly, then answer, “Would you believe I was headed to the merchant district to find work but got slightly distracted?” She shoots me an amused look, so I give her an exaggerated look up and down before adding, “In my defence, it was a very nice distraction.” She rolls her eyes at me, but she is smiling as she replies, “Flatterer.”

The smile shifts into a thoughtful expression as she says, “You said you were looking for work, right? Are you any good with plants?” “Why?” I ask, hopefully, “are you offering me a job?” “Sadly, there’s not enough work here to take on another person.” She sees my crestfallen expression, so she adds, “There’s a couple of independent alchemists I supply, a pair of rabbit-kin sisters who were looking for someone to run the shop side of their business, I could write you a letter of introduction if you like?”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” I hug her fiercely to me, relieved that I probably wouldn’t have to sleep on the street. She squirms in my grip, giggling and rubbing up against me, which quickly reminds me I am holding an extremely attractive woman. I let her go, blushing bright red. Her giggles turn into a full-on laugh as she realises the source of my discomfort, and I can see in her eyes that she is tempted to jump me again, but she decides against it, rolling off me instead.

She gets to her feet, looking down at me in my flustered state, then walks off towards a wooden shed tucked away in the garden's corner. Over her shoulder, she says to me, “I’ll go write you that letter. Feel free to get dressed then wait for me, I won’t be long.” I take her advice, scrambling back into my scattered clothes.

I am just about dressed as the woman returns, handing me a sealed envelope. “Head over to third street in the merchant’s quarter and look for a shop called “The Alchemy Emporium”. Hand this letter over to either Sasha or Natasha Adams, tell them that Lottie sent you.” Her smile turns mischievous as she adds, “That’s the name of the poor, innocent groundskeeper you just ravished by the way.” I’m blushing furiously again as I say, “Oh, errm, yeah, sorry, my name’s Emily, nice you meet you?” The last part comes out as more of a question than a statement, and my blush only deeps further at the look Lottie gives me.

“Well, Emily, It’s been a pleasure, but I really should get back to tending the garden. Feel free to drop in for a visit the next time you are in the area.” Taking the lifeline, I smile and nod, before saying “I would very much like that.” she walks me to the gap in the hedge, and after another round of goodbyes (which included a hug and a kiss that stretched on for a considerable time and almost led to a round two then and there) I crawl through the gap, make my way out of the public garden, and back onto the street.