Tavern Tangle

Ondrea is a known name in Equestria, and the response you get to that name is entirely dependent on who you ask. Capable monster hunter? The best night of your life? The mare is known to many stallions and griffins in Equestria, and many creatures in between. Her capabilities to indulge those in need is something she takes great pride in, and despite the side-eyed glares from mares who could only dream, she wouldn’t change her reputation whatsoever.

It’s a brisk autumn evening when you decide to partake in some ‘self care’ at the local tavern. It’s relatively busy, the wind outside shaking the trees and rattling the branches that gently tippy-tap against the upstairs windows. The wind evicts leaves from their once healthy perch, casting them to the ground below in a symphony of oranges, reds, and browns. Gusts of wind create flurries of the fallen leaves, eager to pester those who dare walk the streets during the cold dusk. To many it’s a sign to keep warm inside, to others it’s an excuse to drink more.

You’ve situated yourself at the bar, three beverages in and decidedly not stopping until that nasty windstorm settles. The tavern is filled with a soft, warm light that pours onto the streets outside, an open invitation for weary travelers. You’ve found yourself pony-watching, appreciating the diverse array of faces that have all found themselves in the same spot as you.

A sudden increase in volume catches your attention, the sounds of various voices greeting someone who has decided to join in on the fun. A local celebrity perhaps. Amongst the sound of approval and joy, some murmurs are also heard amongst the crowd, but nothing you can properly discern. You turn your head from your drink to see what all the fuss is about, getting a proper look at a brown, bird-patterned mare with red and blue paint adorning her complexion. The skull of a remarkably sized wolf sits weightless atop a braided mane, as if it was merely an apparition. A tingle starts between your shoulders and crawls down your spine, settling in your lap, radiating a surprising warmth.

Perhaps you have been drinking too much?

You shake your head and blink, clearing away any cobwebs that may be cluttering up the inside of your skull. Your eyes find her again, this time a little more focused and clear. You give her a good once-over, a smile growing on your lips. She looks strong, but still very feminine, accentuated by an array of wildflowers that have been carefully woven into her massive braid. A pleasant and bold mix of alluring toughness, and the paint makes her look like a piece of art.

She has an air about her, one of confidence and a lack of restraint. There are no boundaries for this mare, and her aura draws you in, leaving you to wonder how it might be that she isn't accompanied by a stallion. Or two. You don't realize how long you've been staring until a hoof bumps your arm. You break out of your trance, and the bartender nods to your empty glass, and then to the newcomer, raising an eyebrow with a grin. You look back at the mare, noticing her taking a seat near the end of the bar.

"Yeah, I'll take another," you reply, sliding the empty glass towards him. He nods, grabbing a fresh glass from under the counter.

You watch the mare make herself comfortable, settling down next to a griffon who looks to be enjoying his drink. They exchange pleasantries, and you try not to stare, but you're unable to pull your eyes away. You've never seen this mare before, and it would be impossible to forget a face like hers. You want to say something, anything, but your brain is drawing a blank. It's hard to think clearly when there are other parts of you that are thinking plenty. The bartender hands you another drink, and you thank him, taking a swig.

"She's cute, isn't she?" he asks, leaning his elbows on the counter. You can't help but nod. He smiles and gestures to her, "That's Ondrea. She's a regular here. I've known her for a while, she's a really good friend of mine."

"I can see why," you answer. You want to slap yourself. How lame can you get? The bartender seems to enjoy it though, as he gives a hearty laugh and pats you on the shoulder.

"Hey, if you wanna say something, go right ahead. She'll talk to you," he reassures you, giving you a friendly smile. "She's the friendly type."

He doesn't have to tell you twice. You quickly finish your drink, and grab another. You turn your stool to face the bar, and steel yourself, trying to come up with something to say. You glance over at Ondrea again, and notice her talking to the griffon. They look to be having a pleasant conversation. You bite your lip.
"What's wrong? Nervous?"

You turn back around, and the bartender is still smiling. "Yeah," you sigh, running a hoof through your hair. "I haven't really had to do this in a while."

He chuckles and shakes his head. "Look, if you really want her, you gotta show her. Trust me, it's easier than it seems."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Positive. Besides, she doesn't bite. Unless you want her to."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," you chuckle, downing the rest of your drink.

"Anytime," he laughs, patting you on the back. "Go get her, tiger."

With that, you push off of the stool, and make your way towards Ondrea, a newfound determination swelling in your chest. As you approach, you can hear her voice clearly. It's warm and inviting, and she speaks with a confidence you've never heard before. Her voice is almost hypnotic, and you find yourself slowing down to listen.

"So, how is your sister doing, Tayn?" she asks, her words slightly slurring together. You wonder how many drinks she's had.

"Oh, she's fine," Tayn replies, his eyes wandering elsewhere. "She's... well, you know, she's always busy."

"Right, right. Always working," Ondrea says, nodding her head. "Doesn't she have a big exam coming up?"

Tayn pauses, then sighs. "Yeah, I'm trying to get her to relax, but she's stubborn. Like always."

"She'll be fine," Ondrea smiles, her tone reassuring. She leans closer and whispers, "You'll see."

"I hope so," he sighs, taking a sip of his drink.

The conversation goes quiet, and Ondrea leans back in her chair, crossing her forelegs over her chest. You take this opportunity to clear your throat, catching both their attention. Ondrea glances up, and Tayn follows her gaze, the both of them looking at you.

"Uh, hello there," you stammer, suddenly feeling self-conscious. You run a hoof through your mane, smoothing out the stray strands. "I was just wondering if I could sit with you. The place is pretty packed."

Ondrea's eyes peek past you for a moment, where she spots an array of empty barstools. She grins as she returns her gaze to you.

"Sure," she says, waving a hoof in the direction of an empty chair. "Come on over."

You quickly scoot the chair next to her, and settle down, hoping your eagerness isn't showing. You glance over at her, and see she's looking right back, her eyes glimmering with amusement. Tayn rubs her shoulder lightly, standing up from his seat. "I'm going to head home before this wind gets any worse. The griffin wings can handle a lot but it's starting to look real rough"

"It was lovely seeing you again Tayn! Fly safe!" Ondrea remarked, waving him off before turning back to face you.

"So, what's your name?" she asks, resting her chin in her hoof.

"Ah, sorry, it's Anon" you say, offering her your hoof. She smiles, and shakes it.

"Pleasure," she hums, letting go. "I'm Ondrea, but you probably already knew that. What brings you here tonight?"

"I could ask you the same thing," you chuckle, resting your elbows on the bar.

"Fair enough," she replies, a smirk tugging at her lips.

You notice her eyes roam over your figure, and a shiver runs down your spine. The feeling is oddly pleasing. You watch as her gaze moves from your shoulders, down your arms, and eventually lands on your lap. Your cheeks begin to heat up, and you quickly reach for your glass, hoping to hide the blush.

"Do you come here often?" you ask, trying to keep your cool.

"Yeah," she says, shrugging. "This is the best place to be after a long day."

"I can imagine," you respond, taking a sip of your drink. "What do you do for a living?"

She looks at you, raising an eyebrow. "Are we going to have the usual conversation every stallion does with me?"

"Maybe," you answer, smirking. "Is that a problem?"

"Nope," she grins, taking a swig of her own drink. "Just curious."

"Alright," you say, shifting in your seat. "What do you do for a living?"

"I'm a monster hunter," she answers, setting down her glass.

"A monster hunter?" you repeat, looking her up and down. You're surprised with how comfortable she is talking with you, as if she's known you for ages.

"Yep," she grins, puffing out her chest. "I kill all sorts of baddies. I'm pretty good at my job, considering I'm still alive"

"You don't say..."

"You don't believe me?" she asks, her eyebrow raising, grin still pursed upon her lips.

"I didn't say that," you quickly reply. "I've just never met a monster hunter before."

"Well, now you have," she chuckles, raising her glass for another hearty sip of her beverage. "Anything else you'd like to know?" she inquires, furrowing her brow.

There's an amused flicker within her bright visage, as if she's enjoying how nervous you are. You've done all you can to act cool and yet it feels as if she sees right through you. You pause as you think for a moment. You've already asked most of the questions you've planned, considering you didn't even plan to get this far in the first place. Maybe it's time to change the subject. You lean closer to her, lowering your voice. "Why aren't you with somepony?"

"Is that a question you should be asking so soon?" she teases, her voice low and smooth.

"Maybe not," you answer, a grin growing on your face. "But I can't help it. I'm curious."

"Curiosity killed the cat, you know," she hums, scooting closer to you. That look in her eye visibly shifts at the sudden forwardness and confidence of your question.

"Then let's hope satisfaction brought him back," you retort, closing the distance between the two of you.

"It has its perks," she murmurs, her eyes meeting yours.

Her face is close to yours, and the scent of her perfume invades your nose, filling your mind with a cloud of desire. She smells like the flowers in her mane, sweet and fragrant, yet warm like cedar or vanilla. Her gaze is bright and inviting, and her breath is hot against your fur.

"I'll bet," you reply, your voice barely a whisper. You can feel her breath on your face, and you wonder what it would feel like to have those lips pressed against yours.

She licks her lips, and leans forward, her mouth brushing against your ear. "I bet I can satisfy your curiosity," she murmurs, her tone seductive and enticing.

Your heart is pounding in your chest, and a chill runs down your spine. She pulls back, a smug grin on her face. With how she's acting, it's almost hard to tell if she's being serious or not. Her sudden forwardness is not unwarranted, however. You did make the first move after all.

"Is that a challenge?" you ask, keeping your composure.

"Maybe," she replies, her voice low and sultry.

"Well, let's see if you can back up that bravado," you smirk, raising your glass.

"Oh, I can back it up," she grins, bumping her glass against yours. "And then some."

The two of you drink, finishing your drinks off. You can feel the warmth of the alcohol settling into your bones, relaxing you. The tavern is still filled with voices, and the wind is still howling outside, but you pay no mind. All you can focus on is the beautiful mare sitting next to you. She sets her empty glass on the bar, and turns to face you.

"This place is my favorite because I can get stupid drunk and only have to conquer a flight of hard wooden rectangles before getting to my bedroom" she chuckled, gesturing to the railing that followed the walls above.

"With how nasty that wind is, I don't think I'm going to be leaving any time soon anyways..." She adds, trailing off as her eyes lock onto yours.

You swallow, her eyes sending a rush of excitement throughout your body. You've never been this forward with a mare before, but the alcohol has loosened your tongue, and the way she's looking at you has you feeling confident.

"Is that a proposition?" you ask, grinning.

"It's whatever you want it to be," she murmurs.

"Oh, I can think of a few things I'd like," you reply, your voice husky.

Her ears swivel forward, nibbling idly on her lip as she grins again, clearly fond of your silver tongue.

"Do tell," she breathes, leaning forward.

"It's a secret," you tease, smirking.

"Is that so?" she asks, her lips just a few inches from yours.

"Yeah," you say, your voice soft.

"Keeping secrets is only fun when I get to be a part of them~" she whispers, her breath hot on your face.

Your eyes wander to her lips, and you can't help but imagine what they'd feel like against yours. She notices this, and smirks, her lips parting ever so slightly. You can feel your heart racing in your chest, and a fire ignites in your belly, a desire growing inside you. You glance back up at her, and your eyes meet. You can't take it anymore. You need to feel her lips against yours, and you need it now.

You close the distance, and your lips meet.

Her lips are soft, and the kiss is passionate, full of longing and lust. You pull her closer, and she moans quietly into the kiss, her forelegs wrapping around your shoulders. The two of you stay locked in the kiss for a few moments, and then break apart, attempting to sip the air that was stolen from you between heartbeats.

"Wow," she whispers, her cheeks flushed.

"Yeah," you reply, your mind spinning.

"I didn't think you'd have it in you," she grins, a playful gleam in her eyes.

"There's a lot you don't know about me," you say, grinning back.

"Then I guess I'll have to get to know you better," she hums, running a hoof through her mane, pulling some of the fallen strands back behind her ear.

You open your mouth to say something, but the words die on your tongue as her other hoof finds your thigh, and gives it a firm squeeze. You inhale sharply, a shudder running down your spine. She grins, and leans in, her lips brushing against your ear.

"Care to finish what we started upstairs?"

You swallow, a lump forming in your throat. The thought of being alone with her fills you with excitement, and a wave of anticipation washes over you.

"Sure," you manage to squeak out.

"Perfect," she says, her voice low and smooth. "Follow me."

She gets up, and heads towards the stairs, glancing back at you. You follow her, your heart hammering in your chest. This is really happening. The two of you ascend the stairs, and head down the hallway. As you walk, she turns to you, grinning.

"You nervous?"

"Yeah," you admit, swallowing.

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of you," she purrs, rubbing her rump against you.

Your heart skips a beat, and you feel a stirring in your loins. She giggles, and continues walking, her tail swaying behind her, pulled to the side just enough so you can get a peak of her drooling marehood. The two of you stop in front of a door, and she unlocks it, pushing it open. She gestures for you to enter, and you do, your eyes wandering around the room.

The walls are a deep red, and the bed is large and plush. A dresser sits across from the bed, and a nightstand rests beside it, a dim lantern casting a soft glow across the room.

Ondrea follows you in, and closes the door, locking it.