Extended Stay

A perfect example of how "first contact" relations SHOULD work. The tiger on the right seems to be a male, judging by the skimpier floof on his head, sideburns, and chest. Females seem better endowed, and spend more effort in grooming. He looks pleased and proud of the initial cultural exchange protocols developed with the bearded explorer. The tigress clinging to the other explorer seems to not yet be fully recovered from her melting into a puddle of tiger bliss. The "goth tiger" standing in the doorway seems to be more interested in catching up on lost sleep after a night of commotion from some of the others in bed.

Rick K

exactly as they say research wink wink (read bewteen line man xD)

poijn23

I think its funny they want to "stay for research" were realy they want to snuggle with the tigers

Isaiah.J.M

Why does the ending of every “Pokemon: Mystery Dungeon” game come to mind when looking at this?... that’s weird...

RacingEevee

I can has research? :)

Sterling Rodd

The benefits of interacting with these people must be thoroughly "explored"

Remmus

I guess they came to bed and liked what they got.

Customaera

The one in the tent opening staring at them definitely makes me chuckle. Good detail.

Reian

isn't that her in the foreground, the one they're talking to? (might explain why she's alone when she meets the Snow Leopards..)

Mark Temple

Darn, I was hoping that the guys would be naked with painted stripes in this pic. ;) Nah, but seriously, another great one, Tom! Definitely didn't expect getting another vote through this soon. I hope I manage to come up with more subjects that people'll vote for that give us more glimpses of the Tiger culture, it's my special point of interest at this point. Though maybe I should try to come up with something about wolf culture, too...

Iago24

Now those are some serious, hard core researchers right there.

Estragon

...Welp. Did it anyway. Sorry for the text wall. X-]

Roughlandin

From the Collected Journals of Explorer Jorge R. Klarcs. Tiger Expedition. Day 64: After some deliberation with our contacts in the Explorer's Guild, Lleweth and I have decided to extend the duration of our expedition into Tiger lands indefinitely. The Guild has approved our station as a forward outpost within Tiger territory, with plans to set up a more substantial and permanent trading post once the terms and logistics of a treaty can be finalized. Though we have journeyed far and long across the Parapet mountains, our guide informs us that as of yet we remain only in the northernmost border of Tiger lands. The village she has taken us to is apparently her home town. It is a smallish Tiger enclave nestled in a protective valley at the southeastern edge of the mountain range. The name of the village in the Keidran language is long and difficult to pronounce. The closest I’ve been yet able to manage is “Lyn Knoll”. Though the full title is far more complex, and the translated meaning is nebulous and vague. I’m afraid I am still somewhat of a butcher when it comes to the Keidran tongue. Our guide remains as patient and supportive in my tutelage as she has in all things. All things, that is, save one. Though Lleweth and myself have tried numerous times to learn it, she has yet to reveal to us her name. Whenever we broach the topic, she becomes strangely coy, changing the subject or suddenly recalling some errand she must attend to. Similarly, her exact rank and title in the tribe remains elusive to us. Whoever she is, she holds a position of some deference and esteem, judging by the way the other villagers treat her and, by extension, us. Lleweth has expressed to me several times, in tones of equal fear and awe, that he believes she is some sort of witch. Though I think shaman or village healer is a more accurate title. For now, she seems more than happy simply being Lady Tigress, our trusted guide and ambassador. Lleweth, for his part, has taken to his studies of Tiger biology and sociology with the same intense relish that he has for all topics which interest him. And despite his protestations, he does seem acutely interested in all things Tiger. When we are not together on official research or land surveys, I have often seen him and Tigress slipping off into the forest or some quiet part of the village, whispering conspiratorially to each other in Keidran (which comes as naturally to him as it has been elusive to me). What the exact nature of their private sojourns is, I do not know. But when they return, he seems… fuller, somehow. Refreshed, invigorated, and ready to dive headlong into whatever project is next on the docket. On occasion, I have even seen his typically stoic expression break into a smile. I do not begrudge him his private dalliances, just as he does not for the times Tigress and I, or any of the other villagers, have dallied similarly. Though we have come to the agreement after some time and consideration that dalliance must come after duty. This has become necessary, as we have quickly learned that, erm… dallying… is one of the chief means of establishing and maintaining social bonds in Tiger culture, amongst both males and females. Though they remain respectful of our boundaries, we have found that Tigers, regardless of gender, are far less reserved about being open with their affections, both emotionally and… physically. Though it has taken some… adjustment, Lleweth and I have found ourselves welcomed into the tribe with open arms. Oftentimes, quite literally. The experience has proven both exhilarating and, on days when our tribemates are feeling particularly sociable, frankly exhausting.

Roughlandin

adn you assume he is with that tiger beacuse?????, i mean he clearly is looking to that back boongalou

poijn23

"And no, she's not marking me as hers. Why do you ask?"

Wilford B. Wolf

All the background you added after the stream fleshes out the scene. Nice work!

Ordithus

Ah yes for more "Research"

So...Did the one on the right get gay with the male tiger? yes? please?

DCTunnell

I like that the one on the right is like " IDK what's going on, but I'm happy anyways."

Blizzard Snow Mew

Might be the first time we've seen a male human and male Keidran being sweet on each other.

Kubulai

Can’t really blame them!

Shadowkey392

In the doorway in the background

Winter

Where's our emo goth tiger (with one visible eye)? :P

McClaw

"On the mating rituals of the Snu-Snu Tribe." Note: Manuscript accepted posthumously.

Torbjörn Larsson

Kind of makes me wonder about how cultures in this world consider same sex relationships, because tiger on the right looks male to me. Also looks like Goth Tiger is waiting for them to come back to bed. ;p

steelabjur

ya may be thinking flora there 👀

SqueaklesMcFinn

Hopefully they don't end up like the snow leopard explorer... that'd truly be "going native". Still a very cute piece, and indeed, perfect opportunity to better.... "understand the culture"

SomemuttupNorth

We aren't married to both of these fluffs at our shoulders....nope.

JourneymanIK

I was thinking the same thing.

Shadow Runner844

Oooo what if one of them is trace's father?

Galaxytgw

OMG yes I love this!

Ryan W. Anderson

The guy with the ponytail must be an ancestor of Eric

Beastking1945

The tiger on the right with the ? above his head seems to be responding to the confused explorer in the foreground...

The Sexy Beast

Clearly some quality time happened to change their minds, seems they'll never leave now

Daniel Benko

They’ve gone full furry

Mediawatcher

Some people have all the luck.

Wind Walker

Goth tiger at the background! :)

Starcat13

lol, background tigers doing background tiger things~

CrRAR

Very obvious lie

Wolf guy

Time for more exciting misadventures with our favorite explorers.

SCD

Are the other two explorers from the snow leopard tribes?

DiDiDi-X

It would be really cute if the tigers were wearing Subtleseed necklaces

Elvenhunter84