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Frontier.

It was one of the most remote outposts humanity maintained, with some number of soldiers, explorers, and scouts. Even with the weekly delivery, I'd never really seen the entire post, or found the opportunity to look around. It was like the leather satchel around my chest, giving only vague clues while its true purpose stayed sealed away. Riane and I ran out of guesses weeks ago, though we bantered about it occasionally. At least, we used to.

My heart tightened, and I forced my thoughts elsewhere. This was the morning after, and it was pretty bad. We'd hardly said a word to each other aside from the bare minimum for safe flight. If we weren't all the way out here, I suspect we'd be finding our way to opposite sides of a city.

Riane angled towards the raised hill used for gryphon flights and flared her wings. Sunlight brought out the fiery hues of her red feathers, and despite everything, I had to smile at the beauty. She truly was a magnificent being.

Our landing was quick and efficient, and I dismounted as soon as I'd undone the straps holding me to the saddle. A pair of handlers stepped forward to remove her saddle and bring her food. I was already halfway out of the makeshift eyrie when I turned my head from force of habit. Her cyan eyes met mine, briefly, before she dipped her head and glanced away.

I let out a short breath, almost a gasp, and kept walking. We knew each other well enough, and shared genuine respect and trust. Resentment or any other bitterness was simply off the table. Our conflict was born of confusion, anxiety, and whatever shame came before regret. There were no easy answers, and nobody to ask for advice.

My path took me beyond the barracks section and towards the command post. It was really a wooden building with tents spreading out from its walls, but it was still an imposing structure. I held the satchel in front of a guard, and he signaled for relief before escorting me inside. The place was fairly spartan, with the short hall leading to a central briefing room and several side rooms. We approached one of the doors, and he knocked.

"Enter," came a voice on the other side. The guard opened the door and waved me in, leaving me face to face with the commander of Frontier, Colonel Suman. "Ah, welcome back, Torio. Good flight?"

"Uneventful," I lied. "Good to see you again, sir. I have my delivery intact." The 'sir' was unnecessary since the Allied Flight Corps wasn't technically military, but he was a co-employer for the Frontier contract, and I made it a point to stay on very respectful terms with the people who paid me. Recommendations went a long way in this business.

A smile cracked across his ruddy features. "Excellent." He held out his hands, and I passed over the leather satchel for his inspection. A series of touches and tugs with his fingers found no flaw in the sealed pouch. "Stellar job, as always. I understand next week is your last?"

"Second to last, actually. We... my flight partner and I will be showing the route to our replacement. Then we'll head back to civilization."

He placed the satchel beside him on the desk. "Ah, I see," he said, keeping his hazel eyes fixed on me, almost piercing in their intensity if it weren't for the smile still touching them. "Everything alright?

I tried to keep the worst of my inner conflict off my face. "Just a... a rough patch, Colonel. It won't interfere with our work."

"I don't doubt it. All the same, though, sometimes I think we're all about to go stir-crazy out here." He sighed and looked out a small window. "Remote tours that stretch on for months can get hellish on the mind. We have our ways of dealing with it, but even if I could offer our services, I'm not sure we'd have a solution to your troubles."

_You have no idea,_I wanted to say.

"Still," he continued, turning back to me, "I'd recommend smoothing it out before it turns into a wedge between the two of you. I nearly lost a childhood friend over a... job, or girl, or something. Neither of us really remember what it was. But, we remembered how we felt. It buries itself deep if you let it take root. Do you trust her?"

"Yes," I replied. "No question about it."

He nodded. "Excellent. If she trusts you the same way, then hold to that as your lifeline. You're a good man, Torio. Smart, dependable. I know you can make it work." With another smile, he leaned forward. "On that subject, give her some happy news. I can't officially make any entries before the contract ends, but I'm planning to award you both a Platinum Seal."

My heart honestly skipped a beat, and it took effort to keep my jaw from dropping. "Sir, that's... thank you, from both of us." I forced myself to take a breath. It was the best contract reward possible, given for truly outstanding performance. "I have to admit, I didn't expect this when we still have two deliveries left."

"That there are, but I have full faith in your abilities. Not that you should try to fly through a storm, mind. I know monsoon season isn't far away." He gestured towards the small window. "The weather is already becoming unpredictable. If you need to delay, I won't hold it against you."

"We shouldn't have to," I said. "I've heard the big storms shouldn't be starting for another month and a half. Riane and I don't have much trouble with the local ones."

"Don't jinx it," he said, pointing a finger at me. "You've gone above and beyond already. How many weeks was the original contract? Six? There's more than money driving you, Torio. You didn't leave us hanging when the Corps' first replacement quit. The miracles I could do with a dozen people half as dedicated as you." He smiled, then chuckled at himself. "Anyway, I should let you get going. Here's your return satchel."

I took the identical leather pack, sealed as tightly as the one on his desk. "Thank you. For the high honor and compliments... and for the advice."

"You're welcome." We bowed to one another. "Safe skies for both of you."

I inclined my head further. "See you in a week, sir."

The flight back was as uneventful as the morning's, and left us with a few hours of sunlight to spare. I had told Riane I wanted to talk, just in case either of us got cold feet and disappeared after landing. Our unloading ritual went quickly thanks to needing only a few supplies for the short run. This meant the awkward silence descended all too soon. Both of us stood uneasy by the cold camp stove, trying to put our turbulent thoughts and emotions into order.

Finally, I simply forced my thoughts into words, then spoke before I could second-guess myself to death. "I'm sorry, Ri. I never meant for things to get out of control, but once it got started... I feel I should have had better control, and not let my urges get away with me. With us. I'm sorry for whatever hurt that caused you, and I want to make things right between us."

Her ears flattened a bit, and she dipped her head in assent. "Accepted, Tor, and I apologize for the same. I am not hurt, I think, but it was a very confusing night for both my mind and my heart." She took in a breath, and cautiously added, "I do hope you were not upset with me."

I quietly scoffed, remembering the crazy thoughts from that night. "How could I be upset? We were both going crazy from being pent up. Our curiosity led to getting frisky, and once we got worked up enough we ended up, um..."

"... Rutting each other's brains out?" she helpfully finished, flashing her open-beaked version of a smile.

I had to laugh. "Well, I guess when you put it that way!" I could feel the mirth lifting some of the tension between us. My thoughts were flowing more easily, and a realization surprised me. "I'm still not entirely sure why it shouldn't have happened, or why we should feel guilty about it."

This drew her up short too, but I could see the thoughts turning behind her brilliant eyes. "I do not have an answer to that, either. We are compatible in many ways, and now we know that includes intimate connection. What difference would come between us?"

I thought about what attracted me to women. Lovely curves, sure, but there was far more than that. Laughter, kindness, wit, and strength of character were good starters. Shared interests. Someone I could talk to--or simply sit with--for hours without getting bored. Riane held all of these qualities except for the body; even then, I remembered the way she felt both outside and in, and I had to admit there wasn't anything unappealing about her.

So what was holding me back?

"I don't think there is a real difference," I said, slowly, the pieces starting to fall into place. "But, we thought there would be." Her attention was focused on me, and I continued. "Even in the Corps there's a sort of separation between humans and gryphons. It felt like coming together, mating, was crossing some sort of boundary. Even when we both agreed on it, I thought it was supposed to be wrong. So it felt wrong. Does that make sense?"

She slowly nodded, her tail swishing from side to side as she made the same connections. "Yes, it does. There is no talk of our two peoples becoming intimate, so we think it cannot happen. Or that it should not. But I do not believe it was wrong of us."

I had to nod at that. "If anything, it was pretty good relief." I felt a little heat rise to my cheeks at the memory. "Better than relief. Last night was easily one of the most intense experiences I've had in a long while."

Her ears flattened again, and she licked her beak. "It was very enjoyable. I admit again, I wish gryphons had fingers like yours."

"Don't count yourself out, your muscles are quite strong." I grinned, but the gears were still turning in my head. "Anyway, I really can't think of any good reason to feel bad. You're a very beautiful gryphon, with a keen mind and no end of strength." I smiled and reached out to brush her neck. "I've never felt unsafe flying with you, and after all these weeks in the wilds your company keeps me from ever being lonely."

Riane leaned into my hand, and I could feel a purr vibrating in her throat. "You honor me, Tor. I was drawn to your humor and strength of will from our first meeting, and I have been privileged to see your kind heart. You were willing to help me with my needs well before I suggested we both join." Her eyes locked on mine. "You are right. I cannot regret what happened last night, and I hope you feel the same way. Once again the past is past, and now we are moving on, together, if we are both ready."

My hand stroked through the soft feathers on her neck. "I think we are. It'll take far more than a little confusion to come between us."

"Indeed it would," she murmured, shifting forward. I cupped her head in my other hand and leaned in to touch our foreheads together, and the two of us simply sat in a close embrace, our eyes meeting as her warm breath tickled over my neck and chest. My emotions were still turbulent, but the storm had passed and I could feel calm slowly settling over me. Her muscles were relaxing as well.

We really were remarkably alike.

As we reluctantly parted, I perked up as a memory resurfaced. "Hey, I've got something else to add to our good mood. The Colonel and I talked a little after I delivered the satchel. Even with two deliveries left he's decided on our Seal."

Riane perked up, and I tried to imagine her expression when I dropped the news. "Already?" she asked. "We are eleven weeks into our six week contract, so I doubt it is Silver. Gold?"

I grinned. We were well above the basic contracts that gave Bronze Seals; Silver was awarded for a complex contract completion, while Gold gave a fixed bonus for above-standard performance. "Try a little higher than that." There was only one rank above Gold: Platinum, which boosted the whole contract pay and granted a fair amount of prestige to the recipient.

Her eyes went wide as she took a step back, beak dropping open in sheer surprise. "Oh my," she said after a moment. "No mistake?"

My grin widened. "No mistake, Ri. And I'm pretty sure that bonus applies to all of our pay, not just the first six weeks. Almost enough to purchase a small house, so we'll have plenty to spare for pampering once we get back."

"Sky's blessing, Torio, I knew this contract would open doors for us, but now?" She was grinning right along with me. "We just might have nobles and high officials lining up to hire us."

"With a few words in the right places, I think we will. Couldn't have done it without you."

"Nor you," she replied. "Now, what shall we spend our earnings on?"

I rubbed over her golden beak, drawing a trill from her throat. "I have a few ideas already..."

After a night of frivolous planning, we awoke early to break camp and depart. The fifth day of flight in our route was the long and relatively grueling flight back over the sea. Riane and I took a long break before setting up the camp, but our tired spirits remained high throughout a hearty dinner of stew and meat jerky.

After dinner, we sat less than an arm's length apart. It wasn't long before our conversation took a turn for the interesting.

I was finishing up a story about a disreputable mercenary I'd seen the year before joining the Flight Corps. "... and after a few of the bar's patrons asked why the woman had slapped him, he said she wasn't keen on his suggestion to bring her sister when she came to bed with him. Not exactly the smartest man around, I'd say, since she didn't have a sister."

She snorted. "Not at all. I am guessing it would have gone poorly even if she did."

"Probably," I said, shrugging. "I've met at least one woman who was interested in a threesome, but not with a sister, I'm sure."

"Threesome?" She frowned, then her beak parted as she guessed the meaning. "You mean mating with more than one woman?"

"Three of any gender. I haven't had it happen to me," I said. "Anything like that with gryphons?"

She tilted her head in thought. "I have heard of two females who each took two males as they stood side by side. It was notable, but not necessarily frowned upon. I am certain less ambitious groupings exist more commonly." She leaned back a little. "I am loathe to admit it, but we do not have as many options. You ought to share some of the things you have learned next time."

"Already planning a next time?" I grinned, and the thrill that ran through me came as a pleasant surprise. My fingers stroked along her neck, and I turned to lean closer to her. "You have my attention, Ri."

Her beak nuzzled along my shoulder and neck, the smooth, warm surface vibrating as she chuckled. "If only today's flight had been easier," she murmured. "Still, our first session was somewhat rushed, and once hardly makes up for the weeks spent without company. That is, if..."

The question hung in the air, but I already had an answer. "Yeah, I think I'm alright with it, if you are." It was good to say, to deny the shame I'd once felt, and she looked pleased to hear it. My grin returned as I rubbed down towards her chest. "Better than alright, actually. I can think of a few things to do since we won't be half-crazed by lust."

"Or feeling worried, or guilty," she added, pressing in closer. "Feel free to be creative, Torio. The more pleasure, the better for both of us." Her tongue ran a slow, warm stroke over my neck, and a soft gasp escaped my lips. "Think of it as both of us taking advantage of what we have."

"It really is a shame this was a long flight." On a whim I reached up and pressed my lips against one of her ears, parting just enough to lightly nibble on the edge. Her neck arched and she tilted her head towards me, asking for more, and I kept kissing along its length until I was close to the base. "If the weather holds, tomorrow will be pretty easy. We'd have a full day of rest before heading back there for our next flight out," I whispered, adding a little heat to my voice. "And that camp has pretty smooth ground. There'd be plenty of time to touch you, tease you, to show you what else my hands can do."

Riane's beak parted and a shudder ran through her wings and back. "Skies above, Tor, I have half a mind to lift my tail for you right now." She paused, then lowered her voice. "I am sure you would take the opportunity, too, so you could feel me around you once again. Imagine me pushing back to keep you deep inside me, while I show you a few tricks of my own." Her ears perked at my sharp inhalation. It was starting to become an effort to keep my clothes on. "Your hands are wonderful, but it is so much better to have you properly..."

"Agreed," I gasped. My hand found her wing muscles and rubbed over them, sending a shudder through her body. "I want to give you everything I can. I may not be a gryphon, but--"

The front of her beak touched my lips to interrupt me, and my gaze was drawn to her cyan eyes. "I want you, Tor." She nuzzled along my cheek towards my ear. "You are more than large enough that I feel every last inch. And there is so much more we can do with each other." She gave a heated lick to my ear, another to my neck, and my hips shifted back and forth from the building tension brought on by her words. "I want you as much as any gryphon. Now, how much do you want me?"

I took a deep breath and grasped for the last bit of self-control I still had. "More than words, Ri," I murmured. "Enough that if we keep talking, and touching, I don't think I'll be able to stop, and neither of us will be getting any sleep tonight, heh." I was keenly aware I'd tented my shorts, and each quick beat of my heart sent blood pulsing through my loins. My entire body felt like an electric current, like one more touch could set me off. "A couple more days and we'll have more than enough time and energy to touch, feel, and rut each other's brains out, as you said."

She ruffled her wings, rousing herself from the heat of the moment, and slowly nodded. "That... yes, good idea." We both leaned back and took slow, deep breaths to try and calm down. Her eyes slid down to my pants, but snapped back up to my face after a moment. "I do hope I did not discomfort you?"

I chuckled and adjusted my clothing. "Nah, just got me hot and bothered. You're quite the seductress."

"Guilty as charged." She sketched a short bow, then paused, tilting her head. Something flickered behind her eyes. "I must admit it is strange, still, to think how far we have gone with one another."

"And how far we almost went again. Didn't take long."

"That it did not," she replied. "We have changed a great deal this week, Tor."

I slowly nodded. Somewhere in the turbulence lay my feelings on the matter. It was like the heavy fog we'd encountered several weeks prior to today, where we could hardly tell if we were on the right path or about to crash into a wall of rock. We had come through, of course; we always came through. We were partners.

"We have," I said, finally. "But not for the worse, I think."

Riane smiled, and the rest of the agreement went unspoken between us. We settled together as the camp stove burned away. After a minute I tried to stealthily shift the lingering bulge in my pants; it felt odd to keep it hidden since she'd seen all of me already, but it still seemed indecent, somehow. She had fur and feathers to offset her nudity, at least, though the reminder of her tail rising to reveal herself nearly brought me back to full mast. One climax had definitely not been enough to counter many weeks of near-celibacy if I was this easily worked up.

She was looking away when I glanced towards her a few moments later, though she met my gaze as soon as she noticed it. "It is getting late," she said, "and I think we could make the best headway if we start early tomorrow. Shall we get ready to sleep?"

The shift in tone surprised me a little, but it wasn't like we'd been actively conversing. "Sounds like a plan." It took only a minute to get my bedroll ready since most of the supplies were already packed. "Good night, Ri," I said.

"Rest well, Tor." She dipped her head, then curled up.

I stopped just before climbing under the thick sheets. We'd grown much more comfortable in the past two days. I knew we'd made a good decision to wait--and not just because of our long flight--but I still felt things had come to a very abrupt halt. Our feelings about the tryst and any future ones aside, we were still very close friends and companions. Was this the way to end such a night?

I turned to look at Riane, with only the moon and the light of the camp stove to outline her form. Even without light I would still be able to see her rich red feathers and golden fur, and look into those lively and sharp cyan eyes. She was a different species with a different culture, and yet we could still connect on every level, including the intimate.

She was definitely one of a kind.

Without further consideration, I picked up my bedroll and dragged it over to her side. She opened her eyes, beak parting as if to question me, but her expression softened as she watched me settle against her side. Her lovely purr filled the air around me as she rested a wing over me. In this warm and safe embrace, I easily drifted off to sleep.

Riane was right about making good time. Even with longer breaks during the flight, we made it to the final camp--the first we visited going the other way--with the sun still several hours from setting. The nearby runoff was hardly comparable to the brook near Frontier, but it was enough to wash off most of the dust and sweat from the past two days of flying.

We were both pretty quiet throughout the afternoon. I supposed it was a combination of saving our energy and simply enjoying each other's company. The past week was full of climbs and dives between us; for now, it was good to have a break from stories or heavy discussions. Even our dinner was quick and light. Riane stood to dry her fur, slowly waving her half-furled wings to keep air moving.

I reclined back on my bedroll to stretch out my muscles. Thankfully the top was fairly smooth since all but my underpants were airing out on a nearby rock. Silence made me realize Riane's slow flaps had stopped. When I glanced over, I saw her eyeing me with an odd expression. For a moment I didn't think anything of it, but when I looked back she was already walking over to me.

"What's on your mind?" I asked, propping myself up on my elbows.

She gave a shrug with her wings. "Indulging curiosity. It is not often I see you lying down without your clothes."

"Most of them, anyway."

"Most, yes." Her eyes roamed over my body, and she took a slow breath. "Tor, I do have a question." Those beautiful cyan eyes met mine. "Why wait two more days?"

This was definitely a surprise, but I'd been entertaining thoughts and fantasies during our flight. "I don't see a reason to," I said right away. The full impact hit me after a moment: we were going to do it again. Unlike last time, my gut wasn't twisted into knots over worry and what-ifs and self-inflicted shame. A little anxiety, sure, but the anticipation far outweighed the fluttering in my stomach.

"Good," she purred. Before I could make a move she pivoted and stepped over me, settling back to straddle my legs. I had to crane my neck to see her looking at me upside-down, with her beak nearly resting on her chest. "It seems I could ride you for a change."

I chuckled and shifted a little for comfort, though she was making the effort to keep most of her weight off me. "I won't be going very far, though," I said, reaching up to stroke over her chest. The downy feathers were just different enough from the soft fur against my thighs to excite my senses even further. It struck me how my head hardly even reached the middle of her chest, and I might even have to stretch to reach her neck; I usually took our difference in size for granted, but this position illustrated the stark contrast.

The fluttering in my stomach grew, but from the eager look in her eyes, I definitely wasn't too small where it counted. She wasn't too big for me, either. I wondered how we'd gotten this lucky.

"You do not have to go anywhere at all," she murmured, her voice growing husky. "Though you may want to get rid of that fabric."

I put on a playful smirk and ran a finger down her belly. "Undressing me already?"

"Yes." She held up a talon with one claw outstretched. "If you take too long, I may just do it for you."

I licked my lips, feeling a slight thrill run down my spine. If she wanted me badly enough to tear my clothing off... I had to grin as I reached down, and Riane lifted herself enough for me to slide my trousers off. Without them, I had nothing else on, and I was pretty sure it was the first time I'd been completely nude in her immediate presence.

She leaned back to look me over, taking in the sight of my growing shaft. "Much better," she purred. After taking in her fill she moved back up, letting the fur along her underbelly tickle the underside of my length.

When she lifted herself to try and take me inside her, I placed my hand on her belly. "Hold on," I said, eyeing her. "Let me get you warmed up first."

I ignored her soft grumble of protest. My fingers traced through her fur, finding her slit more by feel than sight. She was already wet, but judging by three nights ago, a little effort could have her dripping and twitching with need. I lazily stroked along her lips, feeling the soft skin and remembering the amazing muscles just past her entrance.

Memory wasn't enough. With a slow, steady motion, I slid my forefinger into my gryphon's depths, swirling it around as she tightened around me. A slight shudder ran through her body above me when I added a second finger. Heartened, I began to slide them in and out, twisting and curling them as best I could with the somewhat awkward angle. Within moments she was starting to press back into my hand. I lifted my free hand to rub her belly in slow circles, drawing a soft groan from her throat.

"More," she said, voice low, before shifting herself back up my body. This time I was caught by surprise, and barely had time to shift my hand down to my shaft. One or both of us aimed well since my cockhead sank an inch into her heated depths, and she gave a pleased trill before steadily sinking down and enveloping me. My hips rose to meet hers, and both hands went to her waist. "Yes, just like that," she murred. "Move with me, Tor."

"Don't think I could stop," I said, my grin returning. Both of us were rising and falling now, working into a steady rhythm. There was no rush for time, nor a frantic need to relive long-unsated urges. We could take it slow and steady. I held onto her with one hand while the other slowly explored her lower body, still a little awed at her size.

Despite our soft gasps and heated murmurs of encouragement driving us forward, our pace was a little too slow and steady for my liking. She was moving rather carefully to avoid crushing me, and while I was grateful, any time I sped up she would start pressing back and leave me with too little room to keep going. For all the warmth and closeness we were sharing, the pulse of blood through my loins was getting hard to ignore.

The idea came together within moments. "Hey, Ri," I said, patting her side. "About those lessons. How about we change things up a bit?"

She tilted her head and brought her motions to a near-stop. "Mm? What did you have in mind?"

I took in a breath, trying to keep my thoughts together while her tight grip rippled over most of my cock. "You lie partway on your side, and I come in behind you." She didn't seem sold on it, so I dropped my voice to a husky murmur. "I guarantee you'll love it. You'll be more comfortable, and I can move much faster and stronger, or however you desire. And even better, I can put my hands to good use. Our first time won't even compare."

That caught her interest. One last squeeze around me drew a groan from my throat, and she chuckled as she pulled off. Droplets of her juices landed on my thighs and belly. I sat up once she'd stepped past me and guided her down to a four-legged kneeling position, and angled her hindquarters so only one leg supported her weight. I had enough room to kneel behind her, the fan of her feathered tail resting along half my chest, and still reach under the outstretched leg.

"Perfect," I murmured, cupping her nethers. "Now, as I was saying about the lessons..." I winked as she turned her head back to watch me. She licked her beak and ground back against my hand. My two fingers slid in immediately, and with a full range of motion I had them curling to rub all along the velvety, ribbed walls just past her entrance. Her breathing grew heavier, interrupted every few moments by a soft gasp or whine.

"M-more," Riane whispered. Her hips rolled and pushed back against me, and it was an effort to keep from grinding my shaft against her furred rump. After a few tries I managed to slip all but my thumb into her; the struggle to fit in her clenching muscles was rewarded with a throaty moan as she arched and dug her talons into the ground. The spasms around my fingers relaxed after a few heartbeats, and I realized just how far I'd pushed her.

Judging by the lustful glare she fixed on me, it wasn't nearly far enough.

"You can use your fingers later," she purred, though her voice took on an unyielding edge. I'd rarely heard it from her, but it carried the threat of very physical followup if she wasn't obeyed. "I want you back in me, Tor. All of you, right now."

I nodded and spread her juices over my still-hard shaft, then aimed at her entrance. For the third time in a week I felt her wrapping around me, sending a wave of heat through my loins and lower body. "You are amazing as ever, Ri," I managed to say after a moment. "And I want you too, so badly..."

She murred and raised her tail even higher. "So warm," she said, and let out a ragged breath. "Let me feel it all, Tor, every inch of you."

"It'd be my pleasure." With a shift of my hips I hilted inside her, and immediately felt that ring of muscle tighten around the base of my cock. I tensed up as the light milking motion worked over my length, but managed to keep myself under control. I squeezed her rump with my free hand, keeping the other under her thigh. "I have just one question, sexy: what do you want me to do next?"

Riane pressed back against me as I rubbed my hips against her furred, muscled rump. I could see the idea light a spark in her eye. "I want you hard," she growled, "and deep." Her wings spread halfway out as if to brace herself. "I want you to mate me, to rut me like you are a gryphon," she continued, "and like I am in heat."

"Like I'm breeding you?" I asked. Her low groan was my answer. It wouldn't take much to get into the role, I figured, since I was already pretty eager for her. There was no danger, of course, since she wasn't in heat--more than that, we weren't even the same species. But for a fantasy, what did it matter? I drew halfway out and thrust back in with a slap.

"Yes," she gasped, "just like that. Do not stop..."

I didn't, and drove into her again, and again. My cock was hard as iron and quite slick from our efforts. In fact, she was wet enough that I felt almost no friction, enough that some of the juices were dripping down my balls to leave cooling trails that contrasted with the heat between us. I forced my breathing to remain deep and even, trying to keep the surges of pleasure from her squeezes under control. It was working, somewhat, but it wouldn't hurt to give her a push.

"Lift your leg a little," I said between breaths. "I'll need some room if I want to get in nice and deep." She did, and I paused long enough to balance on one knee while lifting the other leg to plant my foot on the ground. Her thigh rested atop mine, and I leaned forward and wrapped my arm over and around. My fingers explored her slit, quickly finding the raised nub at the top and circling around it. At the same time, I thrust back into her, trying to hit a spot I knew she enjoyed.

Riane's beak parted, but any sounds caught in her throat as a shudder ran through her form. I had pulled back, thrusting in once I felt the internal spasms subside, and kept up the pressure with my fingertips. Within moments my partner was crying out and rocking her hips against mine; she was saying something, but it took a few tries before she could get it out clearly: my name.

"Torio," she repeated, looking back but barely able to focus for the pleasure. "B-breed me, I want you... Give me your gift, give--" Her words were lost for a moment, probably from my hand's attentions. "Make me a mother," she gasped.

"I'm about to, Riane," I managed to reply, drawing my hips back and pausing to catch my breath. I was eager to give her more fuel for her fantasy, to drive her wild, just as wild as she drove me. Every moment stretched out for ages, every brush of fur or feathers on my skin was nothing short of electric, and being against--and_inside--_her powerful body made me feel invincible. My worries, my doubts about our coupling, or my smaller size pleasing her, were gone, leaving only the two of us, leaving only the greatest heights of pleasure imaginable.

I'd never felt more alive.

"I'm about to," I said again, keeping my voice low. "Almost ready to fill you with my seed." It was easy to slide into the role, and I moved my hand up and slowly rubbed her belly. "You'll have a strong, healthy clutch for sure..."

"Do not wait," she purred, regaining a little control from the lack of stimulation. "Have me until you cannot hold back... Give me every drop." She shifted back enough to take me halfway, and that ring of muscle squeezed right behind my cockhead. Her eye fixed on me, capturing my gaze. "I will lift my tail as many times as you can mate me. Fill me over and over until there is no room left. Give me eggs, Tor." Her words took on an urgency, a powerful need that kindled my own desires. "Breed me!"

I couldn't hold back any longer, and my spare hand tightly gripped her waist. "Then take it!" With an almost feral growl I slammed my hips forward, fingers digging into her fur as I started working in short, hard thrusts. The waves of pleasure formed a growing pressure in my loins, spreading from my tightening balls and throbbing shaft through my lower body. Riane quickly matched my lead, her larger form moving back to meet mine and grip my shaft in her tight, rippling embrace, lifting her leg higher, inviting me to drive myself deeper than I'd ever been. The tightness spread through my chest, and I knew my time was up.

I gave her one last thrust, as strong as I could manage without hurting either of us, and let the tension in me break open like a dam. My entire body could have caught fire from the heat of it. At the sound of my final moan, Riane arched her back and gave a screeching roar that almost echoed over the mountains. Her inner walls went into overdrive, clenching around my shaft tight as I shot my first load of seed inside her. Unlike last time, her hips simply pushed back against mine, keeping me completely hilted as the rippling waves of muscles coaxed each spurt of my essence into her willing depths; unlike last time, the motions continued past the end of my release, and even when the pleasure rose near the point of pain and black spots swam across my vision I kept pressing against her, hoping the ecstasy would continue forever.

It did end, though, thankfully before I passed out. Her grip on me finally relaxed and let my climax wind down to a warm, buzzing afterglow. Aside from putting her leg down after I lowered mine, neither of us moved while we leaned against each other and caught our breaths. We stayed locked together for several minutes at least, with the occasional twitch keeping my shaft at half-mast.

"It feels so warm," Riane finally murmured, looking down at my hand still on her belly. I started rubbing again, and a low purr rumbled in her chest and throat. "Mm. You filled me well. For a moment, I nearly thought it would give me a clutch."

I chuckled and patted her hip with my free hand. "We did make one hell of an effort," I said. "Though it really wouldn't be possible, right?"

"Certainly not now, since I am not in heat." She thought it over for a moment. "And even if I were, I very much doubt it would ever take."

"I thought so too." The conversation went on hold as I slowly pulled out of her. While the mess on both of us wasn't too bad, I still leaned over to grab a washcloth and dampen it. Her fur was fairly easy to clean, and my skin even easier, so it only took a couple minutes.

A cool breeze reminded me of my nakedness just as I finished the cleaning. I grabbed my clothes and my bedroll, laying the latter alongside Riane. I'd put my shorts on and was just reaching for my shirt when she wrapped a warm, soft wing around me. I smiled and dropped the shirt to the side, content to feel my skin against her fluffy chest and neck.

"You know," I said after a moment, "I do wonder what the children would even look like."

She laughed softly. "Even more different? Perhaps they would stand on two legs, and have talons more like your fingers." The mental image was pretty entertaining, I had to admit. She turned her head to catch my eye, and smiled in her way. "It is almost a shame. You would be an excellent father, Tor."

Warmth unexpectedly blossomed in my chest. "Thank you," I murmured, my voice nearly catching in my throat. "Don't count yourself out, Ri. I could see you being a great mother."

She dipped her head, and her ears folded back. If she were human, she'd probably be blushing. "Thank you in return," she said, warmly nuzzling my shoulder. "I am too lucky to have you as a companion."

I wrapped an arm around her neck, hugging her close. "Same here," I said, smiling until dumb realization hit me. "To have you, I mean."

"You mean you are not lucky to have yourself as a companion?" she ribbed, chuckling.

"I'd say yes, but it is rather hard to climb on my own back and fly myself around." I lightly elbowed her chest, then looked her in the eye. "In seriousness, you are the best and brightest individual I've ever met, and I'm honored to call you my friend."

She smiled again, her eyes glimmering in the fading light, and laid her head on my shoulder. I leaned my cheek against hers and stroked my fingers through the feathers on her neck. We rested against one another, losing sense of time, content to share in each other's warmth and company.

Much as we wanted to lie there until sleep took us both, we needed to relieve ourselves and set the last of the camp supplies for the night. I took care of the latter until she returned from the former. I immediately regretted leaving my shirt at the camp when I left, and nearly ran back after I was finished. Riane was there, inviting me under her wing again, and I let her warmth envelop me. Together, we drifted into a restful slumber.

An hour after our return to Daggermouth the next afternoon, the administrative assistant handed me a letter. Normally I would open mail in the relative comfort and quiet of my room, but solitude was postponed while Riane and I discussed the changing weather--and planned our private time in low murmurs.

"Thank you," I said to the man, suppressing the flash of irritation at his presence. We weren't being interrupted, necessarily, but I still felt like he was intruding. Was it because we had to watch our words around others, or had the long weeks of near isolation finally gotten to me? Either way, he was gone within moments, so I didn't have time to wonder.

Curiosity quickly got the better of me. I broke the wax seal while Riane looked over my shoulder; she wasn't terribly fond of reading, but it was nice to have her close and feel her warm breath over my skin. My eyes skipped over the Flight Corps' letterhead, the salutations, and--

"Huh," I muttered. Riane's inquisitive chirp rang in my ear, and I turned towards her while reading. "Our replacements have been confirmed and will be arriving a week from now. They're expected to make three trips after we're gone before the monsoon season makes the mountain weather too hazardous to continue standard deliveries."

"Good," she said. "Is it shameful to be jealous of such a short deployment, compared to ours?"

I laughed and patted her neck. "I'd say no. Looking at the bright side, once we get back most everyone will be jealous of how many crests we earned, and all but free pick of contracts to keep it coming." My terrible follow-up joke was forgotten as my eyes scanned one of the last lines. "Oh, whoa."

"What is the news?" Riane asked.

"They named the replacements we'll be training the week after this one. Flight Marshals Kaya and Aneurin."

"We will be training Marshals?" Riane's ears flared, and she blinked a couple times. "They are on the Veteran's Council, are they not?"

"Yeah. I think we've met them a couple times." The message gave a brief list of qualifications to help jog my memory. "Eight years of service, over one of which is on the Council. Seven Platinum Seals. It's not on here, but I know they hold a couple records for distance flight and navigation."

"Very interesting. I wonder why such high-ranking officers would come out this way."

I folded the letter and stuffed it in the pocket of my jacket. "I guess we'll find out in a week."

"In a week," Riane echoed, "but for now, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." A spark of mischief danced in her eyes. "If the weather does not get rough, I might."

My face cracked into a grin. "Planning for every contingency?"

Her voice grew low and husky. "My dear Torio, I always plan on a pleasant ride."

My grin widened as I rubbed the underside of her beak. "In that case, I look forward to it."

At the rate we were getting close, I wondered if I'd even be interested in any attentions from either the replacement rider, or even the women back in the cities. While I enjoyed living in the present, the future was growing closer by the minute. What would our exotic trysts mean once we were no longer excused by the untamed wilderness? Worse, what would the Council say or do if our secret was discovered?

Whatever the answers, I knew shame and regret were things of the past, and the future would be dealt with when it arrived. It was going to be a long two weeks. If our days were spent flying and our nights in one embrace or another, I could definitely live with it.

---

END PART TWO

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