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Elena felt the young man's approach on the eddies of air outside before he opened the door to the mayor's office. She tried not to focus her gaze, instead giving a polite nod along with her partner, Cendrine. The human male, Tommis, nodded back, gave a rolled paper map to the mayor, and then took a seat to the side where he wouldn't intrude on the negotiations. Nor would anyone notice his eyes sliding to Cendrine's body before he would catch himself.

Elena was used to gawking stares, especially in less traveled regions where dragonkin were rare sightings. Her tawny brown skin, more like supple, bronzed hide than delicate flesh, stood out even before one saw the dark red scales over her shoulders and brow (and elsewhere, covered by her robes and sash). Then there was the arm-length tail, the clawed toes, and the subtly slitted pupils to further set her apart. She'd have thought Cendrine more unusual, but it felt like humans looked at her a little more, and a little longer. Most just saw novelty. A few too many saw, or invented, the wrong end of their own preconceptions and ignorance.

To her fortune, the village of Hallenden was welcoming enough. It helped that she would play a role in saving them. None of the five humans present, including Tommis, had looked at her with anything short of respect.

"This is the map of our valley," Mayor Lira said. She was a woman of average build, short black hair, and well-made but functional worker's clothing. Organized and pragmatic. Elena liked her—almost a shame she was already spoken for. "These farms to the north belong to Grebrook, and they mostly grow rice and berries that the blight doesn't attack. The hills here and here are pasture."

Cendrine leaned forward, and pointed at one of the farms. "This is the farm we visited yesterday evening, yes?"

Lira nodded. "Marek's family works this field, and it's been the worst hit. The crops seem beyond saving. We plan to reap and burn it when it won't interfere with your work." Despite the woman's ever-confident voice, emotion seeped through.

It wasn't the first year of hardship for the town. No one event had been truly catastrophic, but they added up. Losing most of a harvest would mean a harsh winter, a choice between debt or hunger.

"It won't, do so as soon as is prudent." Cendrine gestured to the darkened, anemic head of wheat resting on a plate. "The samples were useful for understanding this sickness. Those crops came from blighted seed, and you are right. They'll have no chance to recover."

As the mayor slowly nodded, one of the two men in attendance—the head farmer—cleared his throat. "Madam Cendrine, how many fields can be saved?"

Cendrine considered the map, both chests swelling with a deep breath. All eyes were on her as she considered.

The cervitaur did get looks from passers-by, too, Elena had to concede. Her upper body looked elfine, with head, shoulders, arms, and torso all where and how one would expect. Looking closer, as hormone-addled men like Tommis found themselves doing, found her quite feminine indeed. There was a coat of fine fur on much of her skin, her nose had a wide bridge, and her ears were as long as a cupped hand with much the same shape; her features were exotic, but humans and others still tended to find her beautiful.

Where her hips would have begun, Cendrine's humanoid build ended. Lightly furred skin gave way to a thick, brown, dappled coat. Many whispered (or outright blurted) that she seemed half elfine woman and half deer. She had a slender build despite the larger barrel of her second ribcage, four legs with cleft hooves, and a spade-shaped tail that flashed white on the underside. Graceful was another oft-overheard descriptor, and it was also very true. The uncommon and uncouth utterances weren't worth repeating.

"If I work the magic around here, I can guarantee all the farmland in this area," she finally said, moving her hand in a circle over a fair portion of the map. The humans' expressions brightened. "The fair weather means my partner can spread curative with wind as well as water. Your farms to the west may see less benefit, though the mixed crops help against the spread of a single disease."

The other man, a stocky human with too much facial hair, grunted. "We should have stayed with mixed crops. Too much of one, and look what we get?"

"You know as well as I do, we needed to plant grain to sell after the storms." The head farmer shot a glare at the man. Elena couldn't recall their names; Cen was much better at these negotiations. "Or have you forgotten us fixing the roof of your smithy?"

One of the other women raised a hand. "Gentlemen, please. The issue at hand." The building quarrel died into mutters, then silence. "So this will cure the rest of the blighted crops?"

"She answered that last night—ah, you were working. It will treat the blight, but some still won't recover. At least it won't be a wasted harvest." Mayor Lira looked at Cendrine, pointedly ignoring the two silenced bickerers. "Unless your estimation has changed?"

"It hasn't. This is still early enough in the season that cured crops will grow back most of their losses. The yield may be slightly lower overall, but you will have a worthwhile harvest. The soil will be healthier, too, though rotating away from grains these next seasons will help even further."

Relieved breaths, even from those who'd already heard that news, dissolved much of the tension in the room. Not everyone in Hallenden was a farmer, but like many, the village prospered or struggled by its harvests.

Negotiations over up-front cost, and a handful of stipulations, followed. The borderline desperation of the town showed not at all in the brief accounting of supplies and respectable grasp of standard rates for magic workings. They had set aside enough to cover the full cost of the working, likely arranged to pool more funds if needed, and haggled only on a couple items. It helped that Cen had kept her pricing at the low end of Guild rates and abhorred taking advantage of the needy. Elena let her attention drift, only adding enough to the discussion to remain part of it.

Tommis was back to trying not to stare at Cendrine again, occasionally failing and blushing as he caught himself before others could. She had noticed his attention the previous night, and they had made some subtle inquiries.

"Then we're agreed?" Mayor Lira said, concluding the blessedly short discussion.

"We are." Cendrine offered her hands to the mayor, and they clasped forearms, deal sealed. "I'd like to perform the ritual this afternoon, both for my own preparation and to give your people time to alert the outer homesteads."

"Of course," the head farmer said. His entire countenance had changed for the better. "Today is a rest day, so many will be here in the village. We can send out runners and post watchers to ensure nobody disrupts the ritual."

"Good." Cendrine gave her best smile, the kind that could untangle the cold threads of anxiety binding the hearts of those who needed help. "Much will be improved by week's end. For now, Elena and I must prepare." Her pause for thought was somewhat more calculated. "If I could ask one favor?"

Mayor Lira nodded—again, not too quickly. "If it's within our power, you will likely have it."

"There are a few tasks for an extra pair of hands. I could use your apprentice Tommis's help, if you would lend his services for a time," she said. Her sienna brown eyes turned to the young man. "And if you'd agree, of course."

To Elena's recurring amusement, attraction towards her partner grew very confused indeed when a hapless male's gaze moved lower than Cendrine's face or chest. The few like Tommis whose interest persisted, and not because of desperation or worse, just might find their curiosity rewarded. She enjoyed the company of males more often, perhaps in part because Elena was available for feminine pleasure.

It was a welcome bonus that intimacy was the best fuel for life magic.

"I'd consider his assistance to you as part of his duties," Lira replied, also looking at him. To his credit, he didn't shrink from either gaze. "Consider yourself released to their service for as long as they require."

"It shall be done," he said. Elena suspected it was a lovely singing voice. Maybe they'd find out.

"Thank you," Cendrine said.

Brief pleasantries ensued, which Elena put more effort into; Cendrine might be the negotiator, but they were a team, and the positive impression did have its benefits. Besides, the town leaders were nothing but respectful and welcoming. Competent, too. That deserved reciprocation.

When the meeting broke up, Cendrine picked up her cushion and turned to Tommis. "Could you meet me in our room in a quarter hour? I promise your duties won't be taxing or uncomfortable."

"Of course, Madam Cendrine."

She smiled, and Elena held the doors for her as they stepped out of the building. The flat-cobbled main street had several stalls and a variety of plain-dressed people wandered or gathered in groups. The few curious stares quickly turned to excited whispers and even a few friendly greetings, despite a lingering tension in the air. Word had already spread through the whole village, of course.

"That went well," Elena said, after a pair of passersby greeted them with no shortage of enthusiasm. "I think I'm learning to appreciate the social aspect of our work."

Cendrine chuckled, her jute-shod hooves tapping on the stones. "You still worry too much about being intimidating. Don't be afraid to speak more." The mindlink came to life, then, offering confidence and comfort. The short distance between them was like a thin blanket, muffling details while letting warmth bleed through.

They'd met during a Guild event nearly two years ago, and found themselves in similar circles. After five months of ever-increasing collaboration (and attraction), they'd decided to travel together and offer their joint services where needed. Water, air, and life were a good complement. The mind-link came eight weeks later when Elena had volunteered to help Cen with a rather intimate ritual intended to deepen the cervitaur's connection to magic. It had worked. It had also, apparently, found enough mutual desire and chemistry to connect them on a fundamental level. Emotions, sensations, and sometimes the impressions of thoughts could flow between them, strengthened by proximity or focus.

It wasn't a constant thing, but after nearly a year together, it had grown quite familiar. The underlying thrum of interest in Tommis, for example, was definitely not Elena's.

She couldn't help but smirk as they came to their door. "So, assistance from Tommis. He certainly seemed eager to... help." Their guest house was the typical kind for a farming village, rented out to officials and high-end merchants or temporarily gifted to newlyweds for privacy. The thick walls kept the temperature reasonable and the sounds of the village quiet.

She shut the door after them, but didn't lock it yet. The house had a common room, a kitchen, and two bedrooms. Neither had quite enough space—Cen hated feeling closed-in, and the beds were too small besides—so they'd moved the table and chairs to spread out a double bedroll and blankets. Cen placed her seating cushion in front of a chair and opened one of the satchels on the table to retrieve a small case of incense.

"I think," she murmured, lighting a short stick of subtle, warm scent, "that he will be very pleasant indeed. Thank you for pointing him out."

They'd discussed strategy for both work and pleasure the night before. Cen could cleanse the diseased crops on her own, though it would take much of their combined strength. Elena was already giving what energy she could without jeopardizing her own water and air spellwork. Cen's primary interest in the lad was pleasure, of course. Using him solely for power went against both morals and the spirit of the magic. That said, she wouldn't pass up a side benefit, hence seducing him before the ritual instead of waiting.

"Will you be watching?" Cen's smile had warmth of a different kind.

"I won't want to be in the way."

"Ah," she said, placing a slender hand on Elena's. "There's that fear of intimidation again." It was a gentle reminder, not a rebuke.

Elena smiled back. "A little," she admitted, and Cen's eyebrows rose. "But. It's not unjustified in this case. He'll have enough adjustment without a third party involved."

Cen nodded slowly. "I'll just ask him. Do you suppose this is his first time?"

"Who's to say? He'd be a fool to turn down such a memorable experience." She squeezed the warm hand holding hers, then stirred the air to spread the incense. "I'll watch, if you ask and he allows it. Don't wear the poor man out too much."

Cen grinned and withdrew her hand, undressing her top save for the simple sash over her breasts. "If he gets more eager than his body can handle, I'll be sure to rein him in."

It was Elena's turn to let her eyes wander. They'd been nude together many nights, and days. Neither were strangers to doing more than looking. Cendrine put her folded vest and shirt on the table, then turned to remove the simple, pale green back dress that covered her flanks and haunches. Naturally, her spade tail was raised, showing herself off for the watchful eye.

Elena didn't share her partner's fondness for males, but those curves? She couldn't imagine getting enough of them.

Alas, this wasn't her moment. One casual caress over Cen's upper back was enough for now. Elena retreated behind the fabric curtain they'd hung in the bedroom doorway, cast a veil of blurred air over the gap, and removed most of her own clothing before the knock came at the front.

"Please come in," Cendrine said. "Ah, Tommis! Lock the door, if you would?"

He did, and Elena wished she could see him trying not to stare. "I, um. I hope I'm not interrupting you."

"Not at all. I'm just preparing a few things, and I'll ask you to help carry some supplies once we depart. Otherwise, I'd like to talk, if you're willing?"

"Oh, of course, Madam Cendrine." He was confident enough about his duties, at least. "I'm at your service for as long as you have need of me. And your partner's service."

"So polite! Please, just Cendrine. Or Cen, if it makes you more comfortable." She must have gestured to a chair, because they both sat—her on a cushion, within reach but not too close. "As for Elena, she's in the other room. Making her own preparations, or maybe resting. Short of screaming, we won't be disturbing her."

Elena drew down the blur just enough to see out, staying motionless to keep from drawing attention. If indeed

Tommis nodded. "Okay. She seems..."

"Strange? Intimidating?" The questions weren't directed at him, not that he would tell. The faintest tap from the mindlink, like the touch of a faint breeze, confirmed it.

"No, no," he said, voice thoughtful. Another tap; Elena rolled her eyes. "She's different, but not in a strange way?"

"I'm glad you think so. Some think her differences make her less desirable. Or mine for me."

"Fools, all of them." No hesitation, and Elena's opinion of him rose a few notches. "And both of you are very pretty." He hesitated, and Elena shifted closer to the curtain. Perhaps he was blushing again. Cen would find that adorable. "I mean, forgive me. I shouldn't be saying such things while working in your service."

Cendrine waved away the comment. "Nothing to forgive, and thank you for the praise! In fact, until the first hour of the afternoon at the latest, I release you from your obligation here. Though I would like it if you stayed—unless you have someone to see? A courtship, perhaps?"

"Thank you, Madam... um, Cendrine. No, no courtship anymore," he said, confirming what they'd heard. "I was hoping to ask for her hand, but... she fell ill last year. Half of her siblings, too. They went to Centrus Hame to find healing, and they've had to stay in the city to work off the debt. I offered to go with, to help, but... I had my parents to help, and this apprenticeship. Last I heard, she was courting someone in the city."

"Oh," she said, holding his hand in hers. This, they hadn't discovered. "I'm so sorry. That must have been very hard for you."

He nodded, then shrugged. "She was nice enough, we could have made it work. Maybe. I guess I'm happy she's making a life for herself. Before the winter comes I might be free to travel between towns, and, well. Maybe I'll meet someone I like."

Cendrine squeezed his hand, and Elena felt the echo of pressure through their bond. "You will, and they will be lucky to have someone kind and dedicated. And, handsome." She reached over to tap the ashes from the incense, which just so happened to push her chest out. "Would you like any tea, or water?"

"Ah, no, M—Cendrine." He was definitely looking at her, and had to have blushed furiously when she glanced back. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."

"Didn't mean what?" She kept gentle hold of his hand and rested her elbow on the table, keeping herself open to view. "I won't be offended by the answer, Tommis. In fact, I wouldn't have invited you if I thought your interest was rude. You've been nothing but respectful."

He nodded, and carefully looked her in the eye. "I, ah. I just know it's rude to stare. Thank you, Cendrine."

"Call me Cen," she murmured. "You have my permission to look, if you so desire."

Even through the hazy view, Elena could see the red on the man's face. She sent a faint touch of bemusement through the link.

"Cen," he said, "I, I don't want to be improper..."

"I've released you from obligation, so you don't even have to stay if it makes you uncomfortable. I won't think any less of you." She stroked his hand with a fine thumb. "But, it's not improper if I say you can look, is it? The choice is yours."

He nodded, slowly, and then his gaze dropped to her chest. She slowly arched her back, and though he stirred in his seat, he didn't look away.

"It's an easy guess that you like what you see," she finally said, grinning.

He looked back up at her face, licking his lips. "You're very, very beautiful. Like, like a..." He seemed to try finding something suitably poetic, then lamely finished, "very beautiful."

Cen took his other hand and placed it on her waist, just above her foreleg's shoulder. "See? Nothing to be nervous about."

"Oh," he whispered, taking in a breath. "I didn't expect for your, um, for you to be so soft." He paused, then shook his head. "I probably sound like a fool."

She giggled and ran her hand up his arm. "I take it as a compliment when words come less easily."

He cracked a smile at that. "That sounds much better than, well, than me not knowing what to say. You are very beautiful."

"Thank you. Would you like to feel more?"

He licked his lips again. "Yes."

"Mm, then why don't we try something other than words?" She drew the man in, hand now on his shoulder, until she could lean in to kiss him. Elena knew how Cen would feel: warm and soft like nothing else, yet with a firm and growing passion that swept away everything but the embrace—and the growing promise of more.

Somewhat more literally in a male's case, Elena supposed.

"Oh gods," Tommis breathed as their lips parted. Another kiss followed after a shared smile. Cen must have attenuated the bond, because the only sensation was a vague sense of warmth. It was certainly growing more heated. He almost followed Cen as she leaned back enough to look at him.

"You kiss well," she murmured. Not idle flattery, that. "Want to feel what you've been enjoying with your eyes?"

His eyes flicked downward. "Yes."

"Mm. So would I. Let's get rid of this, shall we?" Her hand plucked at his collar, and as realization struck him, she let go of his hand and reached back with both of hers to untie her shawl. She gently placed it on the table as he hastily pulled the hem of his shirt over his head. It took him several attempts to put the garment down, finally fumbling it onto the back of a chair.

"Very nice," Cen said, letting her own gaze wander over the man's muscles. No fur or scales—nobody was perfect—but he was built well enough, for a male. When Cen looked up again to find him staring openly, her lips quirked. "And I'm flattered by your appreciation."

He flushed, or had already started to blush, but didn't shy away. "The most beautiful I've ever seen."

"More flattery! Good man," she said, her grin conspiratorial. "I did say you can do more than look."

He raised a tentative hand, and took a short breath when she guided it to her chest. After another breath, his other hand went to her side, and he gently pressed the fingers of the first along the curve of her breast.

"First time this close to a woman?" she murmured, pulling him closer and caressing his cheek. He blinked, and shook his head rapidly. "It's okay, I won't think less of you no matter the answer, Tommis."

"It isn't, no, Cen," he said, licking his lips. His eyes kept drinking her in, though he did make an effort to return her gaze. "I've, ah. Only once farther than this, years ago, before she and I got too... scared, I suppose. With Yenne—my former partner—we would kiss like this, and touch each other..."

Cendrine leaned in. "And?"

His hand was kneading her breast now, and Elena felt the flashes of sensation through the bond. "Most times, just touching through clothing when we could sneak away for a few minutes. If we could be alone longer, we'd put our hands, you know, on each other. Like this." He licked his lips again. "Once... we had an afternoon. But we didn't want to end up with child before betrothal, so I, um. I spent myself after rubbing between her thighs."

"Mm, I'll bet that felt better than your hands," Cen said, then made a sound as his fingertips traced her nipple.

"Yes," he breathed. Conversation briefly ceased as their lips met again. "I could feel her wetness, and I'd used my fingers enough, that, um."

"You wish you could've felt more."

He nodded, and Elena felt the echo of his shiver as Cen's hand moved down his belly to rest above the waist of his pants. "Yes."

She kissed him again, brief and heated, then leaned to whisper in his ear: "You can't get me with child. I could show you how it feels."

The possibilities surely came crashing together in his head. He licked his lips and took a deep breath.

"It's okay," she murmured, lips brushing the rounded earlobe, "I know I look different from what you're used to. But, I promise you, I'm still very much a woman."

He nodded, seemed to remember his hand was still on her breast, and gave another gentle squeeze. "I, ah, I'm very interested. This is more than I dared imagine," he said, voice low. "You are different... but so very beautiful. Can, can I ask..."

She gave an answering nod, but he was silent as she cupped her other breast, and then both his hands were on her. He was still clumsy, but not rough, and the thread of pleasure arced through the bond strongly enough that Elena pressed her knees together.

Cen was enjoying it just as much, but her eyes studied Tommis and his creased brow until she finally prompted: "What would you like to know?"

He took in a breath, as if startled. "If it won't offend."

"It won't. I doubt you think I'm part beast, or anything of the sort."

"No, no! No. Not at all." One of his hands moved down, tentative, to her upper belly. "Are your, um, womanly parts..."

She giggled as he reached lower. "Mine aren't there, dear Tommis. No, it's okay." She kissed his chin. "They're on my lower body. And they're so similar to what you've felt, you might not even notice any differences."

"Oh. That makes sense, I guess." He smoothed down the fur, then his fingers moved back to her chest. "You're very kind to me. Teaching me, and, and more."

"Much more, if you want it," came her husky whisper.

He was growing bolder, and leaned in to kiss her, which she eagerly returned. Elena started to think they might not stop, but they parted again. "Ahh. I do. So, we can, you and I are able to..."

"Do more?"

"Have sex," he said, and matched her grin. Still shy, but learning fast. "If we won't disturb Elena."

"We won't. In fact," Cen murmured, trailing fingers through his hair, "she's the one who noticed you took an interest."

He blinked, and nodded. "I ought to thank her, then. Later."

"Later," Cen agreed. "For now, rest easy. She won't object to us being intimate, or interrupt. She even likes watching sometimes, though she's only intimate with women."

"Oh." He glanced toward the curtain. "Would she watch us?"

"Maybe." A hand cupped his cheek, inviting his gaze back to her. "I can make sure we have privacy, if you'd prefer. If she's awake, she can even put up a ward against sound." She planted a kiss on his lips. She knew Elena was awake, of course, but explaining the mindlink would be too complicated. "Otherwise, even if she does watch, she won't intrude or pass judgment on anything short of harming me."

His head shook, restrained only by her graceful touch. "Never. I would never."

"I wouldn't have invited you if I thought you might," Cen said, tone both amused and reassuring. "This is for your comfort."

"I guess I don't mind if she does," he said. "I just want... I don't want to do this wrong."

"If you do, or one of us is uncomfortable, we can make it right again." She did enjoy being the teacher. "We're here to make each other feel good, aren't we? If that changes, we can slow down or stop at any time. There's no shame in that."

He nodded. "I don't want this to stop."

"Good," she murmured. Their lips met again, the heat building until their breathing quickened anew. She took his hand as they parted, and stood. "Then come to bed with me."

The man's attention was entirely on Cen as she led him to the bedding and blankets on the floor. Then it was her turn to let her touch roam downwards, and his breath caught as she found her prize. His back was halfway to the curtain, so he'd have to turn to see Elena. Maybe she could get closer.

"Let's get this out of the way." Cen's fingers undid the cord belt and, with his help, the last of his clothing dropped. She trailed her fingertips over his exposed skin, practically purring at the feel of his erection in her grip. Elena expected her to start stroking him, but instead she lay her arms over his shoulders and pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss, the two pressing together until their bodies pinned his hardness between them. It wouldn't take a bond for the two to share their increasingly breathless anticipation.

She mustn't have exaggerated in the slightest when she'd praised his kissing.

His hips had started moving against her by the time their lips parted, and she'd dropped a hand to squeeze his butt. "I want it. Want you," he said, looking into her eyes. Then hesitated. "I, um. Do I go behind you? Or you on your back?"

She considered a moment, then took his hand and put it on her lower body's side. "Kneel down, and I'll show you," she murmured, and turned around before going to her own knees. She kept hold of him so he caressed her flank during the motion, and smiled over her shoulder as his eyes darted between her breasts in profile and his fingers slipping through her soft coat. A folded blanket, placed earlier for her knees, kept her back half raised. She wiggled her tail without raising it, yet.

If his cock was anything to judge, he wasn't intimidated or repulsed by the prospect of what lay beneath. Better still, his hand left hers and moved to her rump of his own accord.

"Good," she murmured, her upper body still turned so she could watch him. "Don't be hesitant to look, or touch, Tommis. I want you to be comfortable, I want you to see me as a woman despite my differences... and the more we touch, the more I want you inside me."

He licked his lips, swallowed, and watched as she lifted her tail for him. He drank in the sight just as he had the rest of her. His hand moved closer, and Cen let out a breath of anticipation.

"It's not strange at all," he finally said, awe and curiosity tinging his voice. "It's, ah. Even with the fur, you don't look all that different. And gods, is that, are you wet?"

She arched her lower back enough to show off further. "You've been touching me, pleasuring me, and I've been wanting this the entire time," she said, bringing a hand up to one of her breasts—and not just for his benefit. "I am very wet, Tommis. And eager. Feel me, and find out."

He nodded. Over the mindlink came the echoes of his fingers, unpracticed but gentle over sensitive nethers. After a few heady breaths he moved his hand in such a way that—yes, his finger was slipping in, Elena could feel it. The cervitaur's walls rippled around him, and it was his turn to gasp, adding a second finger to the first.

"Back and forth, just like... Yes, oh, that feels nice," Cen huffed. "Good man, keeping your nails short. Mm."

Elena was glad her own breaths were quiet. Sometimes the bond just left impressions or a lingering thrum of arousal. Other times, like these, she started touching herself in time with their movements. Her own breasts, barely large enough for a handful, weren't nearly as sensitive as she caressed them to mirror Cen. Not that it mattered in the heat of things like this.

Past the curtain that hardly separated them, Cen shivered and pressed herself against the man's hand. "Ohh, I want more of you, Tommis." She hiked her tail as high as it would go, the spade of white like an arrow pointing him where she wanted him. "I want you in me. You can take me like this."

"Yes," he said, gripping her haunches with one hand and pulling out to hold himself with the other. "But... I don't know... I may not last."

"Don't worry," she purred. She raised her rear to line up with his hips, then leaned back almost far enough to push herself onto him. "Just go slow, breathe, enjoy the sensations without worry. The next time will be longer."

He looked up at her. "I've never gone twice."

"Haven't, or couldn't?"

"Haven't?" The implication sank in, and he smiled. "Until now."

Cen wiggled her haunches. "Can't have a second time without a first. A little higher. That's it..."

The young man gasped as he found her entrance and pushed, his head slipping inside.

Cendrine's teeth caught her lower lip, the flutters of muscle and arousal echoing to Elena. "Slowly, now, good man. There's no rush. The more you savor, the better it will feel..."

Unlike her friend and partner, Elena wasn't excited about the male. She liked curves, and she liked seeing Cen pleasured. That a bond like theirs would let a partner feel the other having sex wasn't common, and control over it wasn't entirely reliable. Cen, however, had practiced a little trick: Elena didn't feel the impression of Tommis's hands, or smell him, or any of the other sensations that Cen herself would enjoy. All she felt was heat sliding into her nethers, and echoes of the pleasure her partner felt.

Her hand reached between her legs, slipping over and briefly into her own wetness. She might not want to be in Cendrine's place, but enough distance let her appreciate the idea.

She watched Tommis push deeper, his expression locked somewhere between concentration and rapture. He let go of himself to grip her. Whether he paused from pacing himself or thinking through the next steps was unclear. He'd figure it out soon enough. She imagined male instincts weren't all that different from her own: do more of whatever felt good, hunger for it.

"You feel amazing," he let out. His breath hitched, probably from Cen tightening around him as she liked to do. Though, given Cen's own expression, it wasn't entirely conscious.

For her part, Cen had both hands on her breasts now, as much for her own pleasure as showing off. "It only gets better, handsome. I'm ready when you are."

He nodded. After a breath, he pulled back, tentative. Cen opened her mouth as if to say more, but then he pushed forward—slow, exploratory. Both of them let out the softest of gasps. Another thrust, then another, and he seemed about ready to start bucking into her as fast as he could manage.

Cen caught it, too. "Slower, Tommis." She giggled as his face fell. "It's okay, I know you're eager. But if you want to last a little longer..."

"Okay," he gasped, though the strain of holding back lined his muscles. "I'll try. Ah... It feels... it almost hurts, it's so good."

"I know," Cen said. "Let that tension build. Just feel me, feel us together." She let out a shaky breath as his hands kneaded her. "Mm, enjoy each moment..."

His next thrust was slow, and Cen murmured encouragement as he tried to set a measured pace. Elena watched his muscles tense with the waves of pleasure, his motions growing erratic, and she could imagine... no, the phantom heat inside her was throbbing. It felt like the way a woman would clench on her fingers or tongue, but a pressure inside her instead. She could almost see the appeal.

Tommis's fingers dug into her partner's brown coat, groping her haunches as he thrust in her, caution abandoned. His breath came out in panting mingled with grunts, growing more guttural as his pleasure peaked.

"Cen," he gasped, "I think, I'm... close..."

"Let it out," she said, pushing back against him. "Don't hold back."

What control he had evaporated, and his hips slapped against hers once, twice, then pushed forward as his hands gripped and pulled and his back arched. His guttural groan met Cen's "Yes, yes!" and he stiffened, shuddering, swept up in the ecstasy of loosing himself in a woman—even if not of his species—for the first time. Elena might have silently chuckled at his unflattering expression if she hadn't been caught up in a surge of pleasure from the bond. Cen hadn't truly climaxed, the small peak more from satisfaction at pleasure given than direct stimulation. It still carried her like a swell, her fingers rubbing herself as the heat inside her spread.

Finally, Tommis relaxed—or nearly collapsed, if not for enough strength remaining in his shaking arms and legs to hold him up. He panted, shivered from whatever lingering pleasure graced him, and either pulled or slipped out of Cen before too long.

"You did good, Tommis," Cen said, and beckoned him to her front. He obliged, albeit haltingly, his half-erect and glistening member bobbing almost comically from Elena's perspective. Cen either didn't notice or didn't comment, instead leaning in to kiss him again, slow and gentle as he was still breathing heavily.

"T-thank you, Cen," he whispered when they parted. One hand rose, hesitant until hers took it, to rest on her breast; the other moved more confidently to her upper body's side. "That was... incredible." He kissed her again. "And I can't get you with child, you'd said?"

"Correct." Cen grinned. "There are still venereal diseases to consider for other partners, even those like myself or Elena's kind. I'd advise prudence and protection. But, you needn't worry with me."

"Oh. I mean, I didn't think about cleanliness, at first... Us being, being different." He swallowed, then tentatively smiled. "I guess it was a little late to ask."

"I won't fault you for it. Though, a disease doesn't make a person unclean. Not even an intimate one." His blush suggested another lesson learned. "So. You can take this," she said, reaching down to caress his member, getting a groan from him. "And breed me as many times as we have the stamina." She lifted rather stickier fingers to her lips and cleaned them off as Tommis watched. Elena was glad taste rarely translated through the bond.

Then again, maybe it tasted okay, or even good. She just wasn't in any rush to find out.

Tommis's gaze roamed over Cen again, seeming even more appreciative now that he'd felt such heights of pleasure in her company. When she kissed him again, he didn't flinch away from the idea of tasting himself on her lips, to his credit; when they drew together for a close, relaxed embrace, it seemed as much his idea as hers.

They murmured to each other, but Elena didn't listen in. Her own fingers—and elsewhere—had grown slick, so she busied herself cleaning. Or rather, enjoyed it. Perhaps some of that gentle thrum of pleasure made its way back through the connection, as she felt answering twinges from Cendrine. She looked up to see the two kissing again, more passionately, with one of Cen's hands between his legs.

Evidently, the young man was starting to recover.

In fact, he broke the kiss first. "Wait," he murmured, touching her arm. She withdrew as he smiled. "I, um. I want it. But I also want to make you feel good, too." He was blushing again. Elena had to admit, it was quite cute. "If, if you can show me more ways?"

Cen nodded, practically purring with approval. "Oh, you sweet man. Every woman is different, mind. For my part, I can show you a thing or two before you put that lovely length of yours in me again."

"I'd like that," he said, then tilted his head. "The ritual, the magic you have to do. Should I keep from tiring you?"

"You're quite the treat, Tommis," she murmured. "Thoughtful and sweet. No, if we're in danger of wearing each other out, I'll let you know. Then we just start again later." She winked, and then looked into his eyes. "If anything, you're helping me."

He blinked. "I am?"

"Life magic works from life, from growing things. What we're doing? Even though we can't interbreed, sex is a powerful force for life. If you hadn't been comfortable with me, or had eyes for someone else, I would still be able to work my spell. Just a little more energy on my part." She smiled and cupped his cheek. "To be clear, I invited you here out of personal interest. The benefit to the magic is a welcome bonus. If my intent were to use you for power, it'd foul the crafting."

"Still," he said, after thinking it through, "I need to ask, what can I do to make the spell easier?"

She placed a finger on his lips. "There's no obligation here. Just treat this as fun. Share in pleasure, spend yourself in me without concern. The magic will be taken care of."

He nodded, but his expression remained resolute. "I want to, Cen. And I will. But if there's anything I can do to help, too, please."

"You're very kind. You're also giving me everything that you can, without being a life mage yourself." Her hand moved down, and from his gasp, Elena guessed Cen had taken hold of him. "In fact, I think you're getting ready to give me more. First, a lesson or two, to get us both ready..."

First, she kissed him, and he responded quite eagerly. Once they parted she turned to lay on her back, pulled a couple pillows behind her head, and spread her hind legs. Elena dared to open the curtain further.

"Something the matter?" Cen asked after a few moments of his eyes roaming over her. He was facing away enough that his expression was difficult to read.

"No, no," he murmured, resting a hand on her lower belly. Wonderment, it seemed. "Just... curious, about your body."

"There's a lot of differences, I know. Some even assume I have more in common with a simple animal," she said.

He snorted and shook his head. "Ignorant fools. You're not—I mean, there's resemblance, but... no. No." He shook his head. "You're just different, is all. Graceful, beautiful, and, and alluring. I'd say the same as any other woman, except no woman I've met could compare to you."

She wetted her lips. "I'm glad to hear you say it. Truly. Now, about making me feel good..."

He nodded and moved to her haunches, and his hands played over the downy fur just above her nethers. She guided his touch with words or gestures, encouraging him to explore, and instructing him on what parts to tease and pleasure. "Put your thumb next to my clitoris," she said, after showing him what that was. "Stroke in circles around it, slow and gentle, it's as sensitive as the tip of your member... Ahh, yes, that's it," she gasped, "just like that."

He made a sound in his throat. "It moved."

She giggled. "Mine does that. It's called winking, it helps me feel pleasure by moving it against a man's length... It's the same muscles you felt squeezing you earlier. I'm still so very aroused." She watched him absorb that, his shaft rising back to full erection. "Rub it gently... as it moves. Put your fingers in me. That's it. Goddess, yes."

Elena felt the rising pleasure through the bond; the male wasn't an expert, but he had prior experience, a good teacher, and a head start from earlier. This part she liked the best. Cendrine's flanks rippled as her muscles twitched, hands moving to her breasts, needful noises escaping her lips. Her hind legs quivered as she tried not to kick the air. Tommis stroked the inside of one thigh with his free hand, eyes wide as he saw and felt the fruit of his work unfolding.

The expression on his face shifted, and while Elena couldn't read it, she had a guess as to his thought. She was proven right as he leaned down, lips brushing the velvet heat of Cen's sex, kissing and exploring with more confidence as the taste didn't repel him. Cen moaned, arching, doubtless getting juices on his face as she tried to grind against him. He redoubled his efforts rather than pulling back.

Good man.

The surges of pleasure came to a peak, bigger than before. Elena's fingers slipped inside her once again as the echoes of pleasure magnified her own. She was glad she was a quiet lover; Cen wasn't, and her groan came from both sets of lungs as she briefly writhed under the male's touch.

"Good," she gasped, breathless, patting the air with one hand. "Good, wait, wait," she said, smiling before his concern could be voiced. "You're fine. That felt... oh, you did well. So very well. I'm just sensitive for the moment."

"Oh. That makes sense," he said, tentatively stroking her fur with his other hand. After a moment's thought, he reached for a hand towel and cleaned his chin and fingers. "I tried watching what made you feel good."

She nodded and smiled. "A good instinct. Remember, every woman—"

"—is different," he finished with her, returning the smile. The towel dabbed her fur next. "I'll say again there aren't any as amazing as you."

"Flattery doesn't hurt, either. But you haven't met every woman yet. I'm not the only amazing one in this world, not by far."

"I suppose not, but you're the best I've met," he said. "You've taught me so much, and... well, being with you feels divine."

She glanced down between his legs. "I think part of you wants me right now."

"All of me wants you."

"Well," she said, giggling, "I do believe I'm ready for that. I'll bet we can make it last even longer..."

He nodded, and moved between her hind legs, bracing with one hand and holding himself with the other. Cen did her best to accommodate, hips high and tail flagged against the bed. Elena suddenly realized how much the bond had opened up.

A moment later, she felt that same surge of heat, and more: a sense of girth spreading her passage, like Cen's fingers or one of their toys. Different, though, more primal. Almost as good as a skilled tongue. As before, there wasn't any other sense of the male currently pushing into her partner, beyond a vague sense of weight and presence that could have been anyone. She couldn't help but start rubbing herself, slow and languid like the penetration. Cen took in a breath, and how much of that pleasure was Tommis or Elena wasn't apparent. Nor did she seem to care.

"You feel even wetter," came the man's voice, wondrous. "Like I barely have to push in at all. Oh!"

Cen grinned at him. "You like that?"

"You did that?" He glanced down, then up, then realization crossed his expression. "Oh, is that... that's what the winking feels like?"

"I did it on purpose this time, it'll happen by reflex when I'm truly excited. Feels good, doesn't it?"

Tommis nodded, looking a little dumbfounded... and eager. He waited a moment, perhaps pacing himself, or awaiting another squeeze. Either way, he started moving his hips. This time he caught himself before going too fast, and looked up at her as he struck a slow, smooth rhythm—one that Elena found herself enjoying, by proxy.

"Good," Cen murmured, her hind legs lightly gripping his waist. "Come a little closer—that's it." Her forelegs hooked over his shoulders, and though he glanced at the limbs, he didn't slow or falter. "Move with me, now. Be one with me. Share every last moment of this pleasure, for as long as we can make it last..."

They kept pace with each other, and Elena with them, though only one of the pair knew it. The scent of sex grew heavier, more primal. Most of that was from Cendrine, and Elena breathed it in, not minding the unfamiliar undertones. Her fingers slid inside her, only to move back to her clitoris as they couldn't compete with the fuller feeling of being fucked. Her quiet gasps were lost in the sounds of the two mating, let alone their own voices.

Tommis experimented, to his credit, grinding his hips against Cen's between thrusts. She bent up to touch his face, and he kissed her wrist. "I wonder," he panted, slowing, "If I were one of your kind, I could touch more of you."

Cen's other hand lifted a breast. "You miss these, don't you?" She smiled as he nodded. "Don't worry, you'll get to feel them again. Mm... You feel nice." She tightened again, which Elena felt as an intensifying of the phantom girth inside her. "Next time, we'll try a position where—ah!—where you can reach them easier."

His eyes widened. "We can do that?"

She laughed, not unkindly. "Oh, yes, and more. I'll show you. But right now, I need you to stay in me." She squeezed, he groaned, and his hips pushed forward with renewed vigor. He was certainly lasting longer, which both women were enjoying.

"I liked that," he said, sweat beading his brow. Cen repeated the roll of her hips, and he groaned. "Oh, yes."

"Good lad," Cen murmured. She glanced to the side as Tommis looked down, watching himself plunge into his lover. Elena pulled the curtain apart enough to show herself, nude, legs apart, hand between them. Cen moaned, and her lover looked up at her, thinking it was his effort. He wasn't wrong, and the firmer strokes he gave Cen had her gripping him in more ways than one.

"That's it," she huffed, spreading her hind legs for him. "Harder. Let me feel your strength."

He moaned and drove himself in, picking up pace. The muted slapping of their bodies meeting mingled with the lewd, wet sounds of their coupling, and with the increasingly lustful, pleasured noises from both of them. Elena couldn't keep entirely quiet either, panting and rubbing her own wetness. There was no chance of being overheard. Sparks of tension and need ran through her—through all three of them, surely.

"Close," Tommis gasped, muscles strained as he worked.

"Don't hold back." Cen's forelegs gripped him, hands groping herself, urging him to completion with every part of her. "Don't stop. In me, all of it..."

Sweat made a sheen on his brow as he rutted her, thrust after thrust, wordless voice guttural as she squeezed him again and again. He pushed himself to the hilt, again and again, until his body strained and back arched, hips grinding hard against Cen's, letting out a low, primal groan as he loosed himself. Cen cried with him, as much encouragement as ecstasy, taking everything he had to give. Elena could feel the phantom cock throbbing in her, and then the spurts of liquid heat. She had to bite down on her hand to keep from moaning along with them as her own climax hit, and still ended up making noise. No doubt Cen would feel the pleasure redouble her own. She couldn't tell if her partner reacted, couldn't even watch anymore as passion flared through her.

When she finally came back to her senses, albeit with her limbs leaden and her inner walls twitching around her limp fingers, Elena could see poor Tommis collapsed atop Cendrine and the cervitaur not much more collected. Both were catching their breaths. Quiet murmurs were eventually exchanged as the pleasure ebbed into warm relaxation.

Finally, Tommis moved, withdrew—to a soft complaint from Cen—and somewhat clumsily made his way up her form until he could embrace her. The kiss took a few moments more to happen and broke often as they came up for air. It tickled Elena's heart to see them share a tender embrace amidst the afterglow.

She busied herself cleaning while they recovered, then wondered if they'd go a third round before she'd get to step out, relieve herself, and make other preparations for the upcoming ritual. She might have a little trouble walking there, if they did. Then there were the sensations in their mindlink. Usually it wasn't so intense if they weren't in physical contact themselves.

"Here," Tommis said, handing Cen a towel; the two had split apart enough to handle the worst of their mutual mess at some point. He looked rather fondly at her, and Elena hoped he wouldn't end up too smitten. They'd be leaving town eventually, and even if he could follow, he probably shouldn't.

"Thank you." They cleaned each other as much as themselves, particularly when it came to Cendrine's hindquarters. She could reach just about everywhere, but having help was easier than contorting herself. "There's water on the table, if you could wet this one?"

He took the smaller washcloth, stood, and had to stretch. Elena watched Cendrine take in every eyeful and had to silently chuckle at her partner's expression. Even though this young man was far from her first partner, she had a self-satisfied little smile as she 'ate the eye-candy'—and Tommis wasn't even looking, so it wasn't for his benefit.

Elena supposed she had the same expression when she found Cen especially appealing, or on the occasion she found a fetching lady partner of her own. Desire was a wonderful thing.

The two of them cleaned themselves, and each other, with little murmurs and the occasional quiet gasp when a delicate caress met still-sensitive skin. When those touches lingered, Elena guessed a third round was on its way. Cen's hand slowly stroked his half-erect shaft. He pressed two fingers along her entrance, and the corner of her mouth quirked in the way that said 'I'm tempted to tell you: don't stop'. But, the tension seemed to ebb away, leaving them just enjoying a little after-play.

Perhaps Cen was holding some excitement back for the impending ritual, or Tommis had temporarily sated himself. Either way, they caressed a little more, then murmured some conversation about traveling and sightseeing that Elena didn't expend effort to overhear. She focused on her own cleanup, only looking out when fabric rustled.

Cen had dressed herself enough for a trip to the latrine. Tommis was slower in dressing, barely pulling on underclothes before Cen stepped out. Elena felt enough pressure in her bladder that she decided to dress. She wouldn't make her appearance yet. Maybe she could slip out unnoticed.

Cen returned before long, and the two shared a smile and murmured words. Elena took in a quiet breath, steadied her hands, and pulled the curtain aside as quietly as she could.

The motion caught Cen's eye. Or, she'd simply sensed Elena's presence. To his credit, Tommis didn't stammer excuses or otherwise panic, though his cheeks flushed and he offered a quiet, "Beg pardon," as he gathered his pants and shirt.

"None needed," Elena replied, and went to drink from a water flask on the table. Her mouth was dry, too dry. Cen was murmuring something to Tommis again. His attention was away, and the tension in Elena's chest was—.

Oh.

She fought down the growing urge to rush out the door, which was easy enough after months of practice. Calmness pooled in the bond, a wellspring from Cen that she didn't reach for, just kept in her periphery. It reminded her how it felt to be centered, in control. There was no judgment behind it. Just care, just compassion.

Sometimes it annoyed her. It was ridiculous that she would feel so out of control for simply being seen. Equally annoying to have someone noticing, helping.

She wouldn't begrudge her companion for the world, though, nor all the magic in it.

She walked out the door with deliberate steps and measured breath. Any thoughts of eyes on her, judging her, weren't allowed purchase.

The task was rather eased when she returned to find the two in the middle of a slow, passionate kiss. Tommis started at the sound of the door, but Cen drew him back in. Elena allowed herself a surreptitious glance at the man; his trousers were barely tied and his shirt lay on the chair, forgotten again.

A pang ran through her as she realized she was doing what she feared from others; but then, she wasn't staring. Though given the way Cen had an arm around him while the other slid under the waist of his pants, and the quickening breath as she found something she liked, neither would notice her looking. And she'd been watching them already. Still, she was actually in the room, so she gave them at least visual privacy. Just in case.

It took nearly touching Cen's flank and no small amount of focus to form words in the bond. "Should I leave you two alone?"

The ripples of growing arousal and desire from the other end carried easily through such a close connection. Elena wanted to squeeze her thighs together, to have her chest grasped and a tongue, or more, put to work on...

The bond attenuated from Cen's end first, withdrawing but not pushing. Just a simple signal that it was okay to draw apart; her own matching drawdown was more reflex than conscious act. The sympathetic thrum of heat in her core faded, save for the twinges of her own awakened arousal. Such was a complication of their bond: strong emotions could easily feed on each other and build beyond the point of reason. Discipline was important for any mage, and doubly important for those few who shared a link.

Cen's voice came a moment later, tremulous and breathy. "Much as I'd like to do more with this," she said, and Tommis's sudden breath suggested a squeeze had been given, "I think we should start making our preparations for the ritual."

"Of course, Ma—Cen." He was flushed when Elena turned back towards them, and slowly withdrew from their entanglement. Mostly.

"I should probably let go of this, then," Cen whispered with the lilt of a giggle. He breathed in as her hand withdrew, the motion languid enough that she was probably teasing him. The bulge was obvious from the front of his pants, and he seemed ready to drop them and let responsibility be damned.

Cen did have that effect.

But, moods soon sobered and clothing returned to bodies. The town's need wasn't as urgent as an epidemic—there would have been no time or energy for carousing when lives were at stake—but it was still important. So, they got to work.