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Thomas ran. Ran for his life. There was no time to think about honor or what others may think of his cowardliness. He wanted to live, he had to. He still had his wife to take care of, although it was just a matter of time until she will be sold to slavery. That is, if he doesn't come back to her. The shoulder was bleeding heavily, his arm disobeying direct orders from his central nervous system. If he survives, that'll be a story to tell. Images of him sitting near a fireplace with half a dozen children circling him flew past his mind. Only if…

His line of thought was suddenly broken by an arrow that missed him by barely an inch. The second one may not miss at all, he thought. The echo of resounding plate armor reached him when he made his way through dense foliage. There was no time to think and only barely enough time to breathe. Thomas had no idea how he didn't pass out until now – he was already running at his top speed for a better part of the hour. His heart was pounding as hard as it could but it didn't seem to be giving out just yet. Maybe there is a chance, after all. He reached an unexpected sight in such forest – a narrow corridor formed by two close granite walls. The river that had caused this formation has already dried out, luckily. Although if he died there, that would be quite an uncomfortable place for his gravestone to be placed. He marveled at his calmness considering the situation. “Please don't block me out from the other side" – Thomas pleaded to himself as he ran into the gap. The darkness inside was pitch black so he slowed his pace. If he fell, he may not be able to get up. His wound was twitching painfully and the loss of blood was starting to take effect – his vision was blurring and head was dizzy. Without thinking he snuck into the crevice in the left side of the wall. Then everything blacked out.

Thomas woke up to the sound of flowing water. First thing he noticed was that his clothes were soaked. After having a look around he found himself to be lying on the side of an underground river. He jumped to take a sip and moaned painfully as he twitched his wound or, to be more exact, hole in where his shoulder should have been. “Should be careful now" – he thought as he used his uninjured right hand to palm some of the cold stream and bring to his mouth when a disturbance of rocks resonated from somewhere behind him. Thomas froze in his place as he realised that he was not alone in there. He spun around, pulling his longsword from his sheath and aiming it towards where the sound came from. But he underestimated his capabilities as the sudden but brief cease of bloodflow in his brains caused him to pass out again.

Thomas woke up, fortunately. The loss of blood was causing severe headache and nausea. But he could not stand up. He tried moving a little, but he was held down on his belly by a surprisingly strong limb – a hand or a bare foot – and a weird, low yet silent voice, telling him to not move. “That's it" – he thought, sighing deeply – “I have been captured". His shoulder was tingling with unusual sensations and he heard the very same voice again, this time entirely in his head, and much louder and clearer. “No, you are not. I want to help you."

“Who are you?" – he spoke aloud, slightly frightened by the unusual communication method.

“My name is Diane."

“That gives me little idea of who you actually are."

His weird interlocutor grew silent and the tingling in his shoulder intensified. Then he heard a sigh, presumably of relief.

“There, I'm done. If you don't mind sharing, who gave you this injury?"

“Eyriel's army knights and footsoldiers."

He reached to grab his shoulder and, to his pleasant surprise, it was intact just as it was this morning. Or last morning, depending on how long he slept. Thomas turned around to see a gryphon. Wait, a gryphon? Gryphons do not interact with people, no one has seen one for fifty years now. But there was one, standing right in front of him, talking to him. Healing him, too, apparently. To add to that, no one knew gryphons were capable of mental communication, let alone any kind of magic whatsoever. Judging by its voice Thomas assumed that the gryphon was a female. He didn't realise he was staring directly at her face until she tilted her head.

“Are you with the rebellion force?"

“No, I am with the Royal Army. Or I was until the field marshal ran away from the battlefield and left me and my men to be hunted down in the forest. Most of us were slaughtered on sight. May I ask what is your interest?"

“I am curious. Gryphons do not speak to people, that leaves very few sentient beings out of our own kind to communicate to. I'm interested how the war is faring."

“The Arv'val is about to fall. We had little hope. Why… why would you help me? I am not your ally."

“Nor you are my enemy. Also, it is not in my nature to let someone die in my home."

Realisation struck him – he was an unwanted guest and that made him flush even more than before.

“I apologise for my intrusion then. I shall leave immediately."

“Please do not trouble yourself. You cause very little discomfort. Take your time to recover. The spell I used has healed the wound completely, but you may still feel not too great for the next couple of days."

She managed to stay completely emotionless during her explanation. That baffled him greatly. Although he had little time to contemplate that – he felt obliged to express his gratitude.

“Thank you."

“You haven't told me your name."

“I am Thomas, son of no one."

She blinked her eyes and shook her head slightly.

“How is that possible?"

“My father left my mother when she was pregnant with me. He used to get violent and force her into submission. Whoever he was, he doesn't deserve me to acknowledge him as my father. I would kill him if I had the chance."

“Fair enough. Please rest, you are welcome to share prey with me or my companion. He should be back soon."

“You have my sincerest gratitude but despite my condition I am still quite able to take care of myself. I wish not to cause trouble."

The overpoliteness was just a precaution not to anger his hosts. Thomas settled to sleep near the river as he watched the gryphon depart.

He didn't sleep for too long, the hunger prevented him from that so he took a quick sip from the river just at his feet and embarked to explore the cave. The curious gryphon was watching him from up close, although not close enough for him to notice. When he took a turn in the natural-formed corridors she heard him struggle. Then a few dull whacks into something soft. Diane held her breath as she waited for something, although unclear, what for. Then a few minutes of silence. A spark – bright enough to cast a human silhouette on the opposite wall – perfectly visible for the sneaky gryphon. Then the light lingered. Her curiosity got the best of her. She discarded herself from her cover and moved past the turn to find her guest cooking a black spider the size of a rat impaled on a skewer on a bonfire of his own clothes. Thomas didn't notice her approaching from his side until she spoke.

“What is that for?"

“That is my dinner" – he said, still staring at the spider on a stick.

“We have deer, if you want."

“Thank you. But I do not deserve to live if I cannot take care of myself. Your concern is most appreciated, though."

“Aren't these spiders poisonous?"

“Perhaps, but certainly not when cooked. Would you like some when it's done?"

“I… uh… are you really going to eat this?"

Her look was that of disgust – it was obviously past her imagination how could one consume an arachnid.

“Yes, of course. It's not my first time eating a spider. You learn lots of stuff after spending a year in the wilds without any physical preparation."

Her eyes sparked with an idea, although barely noticeably.

“Maybe you don't want to feast with us, perhaps you'd like to meet my friend?"

“You are really keen on preventing me from eating this spider, aren't you?"

“Well, part of that, too. Come with me?"

“Very well."

Thomas sighed, but as soon as she turned away he ripped one leg off the spider and quickly ate it. The crunchy sound of him chewing was enough to make the gryphon flatten her ears against her head and shiver slightly. After a few turns he noticed a dim light – not just any light but certainly daylight. He stood before the entrance of the cave. But just in front of him there was another gryphon – his fur – or feathers – were pitch black, different from his companion's mahogany brown. He was gnawing on a thigh of a deer.

“Thomas, meet my friend Del'lyr."

The majestic black gryphon turned towards him and dropped the half-consumed thigh and stood to all fours.

“Friend and soon-to-be mate. Hello."

“Greetings. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Diane chuckled as she heard what her friend had said.

“We'll see about that, you feathered rogue."

“Where did you say you found him?"

“Just by the river. He probably fell from the crevice above."

“That I did. It's almost all I can remember."

“I told him he can stay. Do you mind?"

“Oh, not at all."

The gryphon turned to Thomas.

“Please, be my guest. A recently slayed deer. Although I've heard humans burning their food before they eat it, I cannot understand it."

Thomas laughed lightly.

“We don't burn it, we cook it. There's quite a difference."

“Oh, that's how they call it. You are welcome to light a fire anywhere you please."

“There already is a fire deeper into the cave, I prefer to station myself there as not to disturb."

But the female gryphon blocked the way by sitting down on her haunches and spreading her wings to her sides. Thomas could notice her glaring at her partner omniously. Then he remembered – mental communication. Both gryphons stood still for a moment but soon Del'lyr's brow frowned with disgust.

“Really, a spider? That's beyond repugnant."

“Well, I haven't stayed in a proper home for over a year now, haven't had a decent meal for about that long. Living out of reach from civilization makes wonders to one's pickiness. For your interest, it's not that bad. I've had worse."

“Do I want to know?"

“If you are going to eat anything soon, you don't."

“So what was the worst thing you've ever had the displeasure of consuming?"

“That was either a slightly decomposed rat or dung beetles. There was a famine in our camp nearly six months ago. It was either that or turn to cannibalism – I didn't want to consume someone I knew."

The gryphon probably turned green but the fur and feathers concealed it, then gulped audibly.

“I was wrong, I did not want to hear that. Also, why did you burn your clothes?"

“Well, I had nothing else to burn and I didn't want to go search for firewood as not to… uhm… possibly interrupt anything you might have been engaging in."

“You can say it out loud, it's okay. By the way…"

The gryphon grew silent but Thomas felt something shimmer in his own head. The male gryphon's voice sounded loud and clear, just like Diane's from back then.

“May I ask you for advice concerning the intercourse itself? I have no idea how to… well… you know…"

Thomas responded, also entirely inside his mind.

“I am one of the worst people to ask. I have never been with a woman."

The gryphon spoke aloud now.

“Diane told me you spoke of your wife while you were sleeping, how is that possible?"

“She only justifies intercourse when the purpose of it is to reproduce. Or that is what she told me. Our marriage was out of necessity, not love."

“That is still weird."

“That's not unusual amongst humans."

“I need some time to think it over, please forgive me."

The gryphon was not paying attention to anyone anymore as he took off into the air and quickly disappeared from vision. Diane sighed and hung her head low.

“Did I say something wrong?"

“No, he sometimes prefers time alone. I just want him to be more courageous… sometimes."

Thomas clearly did not understand. Diane looked him in his eyes.

“I have offered myself to him twice now but he told he needs some time. I fear for the worst. Can you try talking him into it?"

“I can try, but cannot make promises. I know nothing of how gryphons copulate or spend lives with their mates. Also, I have never mated. I know nothing of the experience itself."

He didn't want any more questions, but luckily, she didn't want any either. The gryphon turned away and curled for a nap. She didn't want him to see her cry. Thomas grabbed a leftover deer thigh and left.

Three days went by. Thomas was staying deeper in the cave where it was colder and more humid. Diane would bring him a deer thigh or a rabbit twice a day even if against his request. The carcass of his own prey – a spider – mysteriously disappeared. He was nearly done with his recovery and packed what little stuff he had – a sword he fished out from the river and his dagger – and set to leave. Just as he approached the turn towards the exit he quickly darted to hide himself from plain view, startled by what he had seen. Diane was presenting Del'lyr with her rump. Thomas could hear her voice.

“Please, be a male for once in your life. Take me, I'm yours and yours alone…"

She swirled her rear end in the air before her friend's beak. The male gryphon just stood there, frozen in place.

“I… I don't… I'm sorry…" – he muttered then quickly spun around and flew out of the cave, putting utmost effort into his departing speed. Diane just stood motionless, until a few moments later she collapsed, out of strength and, seemingly, any will to live. He heard her wail – but that was something more than just wail – gryphons were creatures of magical nature, they could infuse their emotions with energy. Thomas felt her heartache, her despair. It was pure pain. She has been denied by her mate – one and only. He left his blades where he stood and slowly approached as he felt he had to comfort her, at least for everything good she did to him. He just sat near the gryphon, who was practically leaking with tears. Her voice sounded dreadful in his head.

“Please, don't leave just yet. I need someone… anyone."

“As you please."

She unconsciously grabbed his arm and pressed to her chest. Her fur felt very pleasing but that was the last thing in his mind. He pressed her entire form to himself and felt her do the same. They stayed like that for a moment. Then she stood up.

“Apologies, just give me a moment to collect my wits and I will cease bothering you with my own problems."

“You wanted me to stay, and I will. My temporary purpose now is to be bothered by your problems."

She looked at him, her eyes still watery, then waved her paw at the entrance. The view rippled slightly - another ordinary act of magic, perhaps some kind of protective spell.

“I want to carry you."

“Wh… why?"

“Just get on my back, please."

He didn't feel like refusing and did as asked. She trotted down the cave to where he was staying. When she stopped, Thomas thought of it as a cue for him to get off. When he did, she sat on her haunches and looked him in his eyes. He only now noticed her eyes were white. She again spoke directly to his mind.

“I am not going to cry for the rest of my life. I will search for a new mate. I thought Del'lyr was my best chance of enjoying myself. But soon I realised he was the second best. The first one is you, Thomas. I hope you will not think I want your service as a last resort for my urges. You are my preference. I want you."

She spoke from the depths of her heart – it wasn't in her nature to lie or manipulate. She lifted her rump slightly and presented Thomas with her wet, glistening pussy. He was shocked – that was literally the last thing he would expect from his hostess. But this… Yet he knew. He knew he cannot avert her offer because of what she was to him and what she had just gone through. He wanted to comfort her, to express the weird affection he had for her ever since he met her. He concentrated on his thought.

“First, let us talk this through."

That was his first attempt of mental communication. He felt relieved to hear her voice in his mind.

“As you wish."

She lied down on her side and gestured her wing for him to join her. He sat down, completely surrounded by her as she closed her wing around him.

“I will ask stupid questions now. Are you sure of your choice?"

“Most definitely."

She couldn't lie – that was the gist of mental connection.

“Are we allowed to do this?"

“Find anyone who would dare to object to this. Actually, find anyone who will know of it."

“Fair enough. I will be honest – I have strong doubts. But I want you. I don't care if it is your magic that makes me think this way, I am fine with it."

“I did not use manipulative magic to change your opinion. I only spoke the truth."

“Good. The next problem follows. I have a wife. I have made her a promise of fidelity, despite the lack of any kind of connection. But I also cannot turn you down. Not after you were turned down by someone you liked a lot."

“But I like you a lot, too. Trust me when I speak – it is that simple. I hope I will not have to beg but I will if need be."

Thomas lifted his hand to caress her belly but his limb froze mid-air. He sighed and turned his look away from her eyes, which were now gold. He told himself not to forget to ask her about how her eyes change color.

“You will probably hate me for what I have to say now."

He was more than glad that he could not lie while speaking to her this way.

“If you don't want me, can you at least use your fingers?"

Her desperation was tugging at his conscious, little did he know how much she actually desired him.

“I promise, you will have me inside you any way you want. But first I have to let my wife go. That means, return to Anv'var."

“Can't you just instead forget who you are for a moment, quench my need and have some fun altogether? And forget that ever happened afterwards."

“Would one time be enough for you?"

“No. I made it clear that I desire you, I always have, at least ever since I saw you. But I take what I can get. That one time would be my brightest memory, I would always imagine being with you regardless of who is mating me – you or any other gryphon."

“I cannot leave you for doubt. I don't want to. I will stay with you for as long as you want and be the mate you deserve. Or try to be, at the very least. But I have to relieve my spouse of her duties she never intended to fulfill anyway."

Diane's eyes shimmered with a shade of greyish white, which he assumed would be the color of despair. But they changed back to golden in an instant.

“I can carry you to the city. Forgive my impatience but I cannot wait anymore."

“You are not my steed."

“True, but I am your mate. Or at least, soon will be. I can help, and I want to. And I can't wait another week until you make a trip to the city. I can get you to and from there in half a day."

“That's settled then. We should leave immediately."

She reached to nuzzle him but Thomas gently pushed her beak away.

“Hold onto your thoughts until I am relieved of my former predicament. You will be able to do anything you want then."

“Anything?"

Her look gave away her enthusiasm. He laughed softly and patted her head as she leaned into his touch.

“I may regret promising this, but... yes, anything."

He stood up to collect his weapons and felt her beak prod at his butt. He jumped and swiftly backed away.

“Please refrain from anything that might induce my act of infidelity."

“I am having difficulties holding onto my thoughts without acting on them. Get on my back."

Thomas did as asked. Diane guided his hands with her thoughts and he gripped handfuls of her fur for leverage and stability. Diane took a short run to gain speed and gracefully leaped into the air.

It took them barely three hours to reach the outskirts of Anv'var. It was already dark, luckily. The chance of getting noticed was non-existent. When Thomas dismounted her, he felt her serene conscious, pressing against his mind.

“Please, return. It will be hard to find will to live after being turned down by two males in one day."

“I will, you have my word."

“I saw green flags on the gate. This means the city has been taken. You were a member of the Royal Army, be careful, the streets may be crawling with Eyriel's men. Be strong, we shall remain linked."

He thought that she just wished him strength but she closed her eyes and placed her paw on his chest. He felt a slight tingle, but it soon died down.

“Thank you."

He hid his dagger and tried his best to conceal the markings on his clothes that indicated him as the member of Royal Army, but that wasn't going to happen too easily. “I should probably steal some clothes after I enter the city" – he thought to himself as he opened a trapdoor that lead him into the great city or Anv'var.

It was weird returning to a place he used to call home after so long. It has been thirteen months, after all. Thomas was trying to fare off from wider streets and marketplaces, he took less frequented routes instead. Not getting caught was certainly on his plan, and to help with that, he snatched some fresh robes from laundry ropes, then took a break in a dark backstreet to change. Now he looked half-decent, certainly more prepared to face his wife, considering what he had to tell her. He never loved Annabelle, for that was her name. Thomas had already reached his district when he noticed his brand new clothes were quite unsuitable for the poor and dirty environment. But that was a worry for another day. Nostalgia filled his mind when his home came into view. Without a shred of doubt he pushed the door and entered. It was silent but well lit-up. Although after a moment he heard someone getting down the stairs – it was her. His wife. The one he hadn't seen for a year. When she saw him, her smile faded away. But she still ran into him and embraced tightly.

“Thomas… you're back. I missed you."

He already wanted to say he missed her too, but he was quick to notice small beads of sweat on her brow. Then he heard someone else descend the staircase – there was someone else. The man stopped in his tracks when he saw Thomas. What he saw sparked a memory in his mind – it was the field marshal that left him to die. He felt an incredible amount of anger in his chest. His wife was cheating on him with the man that would be the most direct reason of his death, should he had not escaped Eyriel's army. Without a clear consent from his mind he pushed Anna away from him and swung his fist at the man. His magically enhanced strength was more than enough to break his jaw, knock out a few of his teeth, let alone knock him unconscious. Then he turned to his wife – now she was the second most hated person of his.

“Why?" – he asked, looking into her eyes.

“I thought you were dead."

“If I was, it would be because of him. He left the entire 8th division to their deaths."

“It was either that or be killed."

“If he was the man he said he was, he would have died for his men. He is a coward. And you are a slut. I should kill you, just because the laws of marriage allow that. But I don't care anymore. I have someone else now."

And he left, slamming the door, just as he heard the gryphon's voice in his head.

“Me."

“Yes, you."

His gryphon's soft and tender calmed him, but just for a minute, as he had something important to worry about. The bell rang above his head – someone had sounded an alarm. Thomas didn't panic, instead, he ran as fast as he could. Just as he would see a troop of soldiers he would dash to his side, avoiding their sights. But as he entered the marketplace, there was nowhere to hide. So he slowed his pace and began his seemingly calm stroll towards the city gate. Although he didn't come to think that it was him that they were looking for. Someone saw him hit the field marshal through the window and called the guards. He realised that when a group of four men pointed their spears at him and their leader shouted –

“Halt, drop your weapons if you have any and surrender!"

“I'd rather not" – he said, completely calm and loud enough for them to hear and began running the opposite direction. But his sprint was cut short by another group of four soldiers. Thomas unsheathed his sword and charged at their leader. The tip of the spear shattered into near-dust when he swung his sword. But all of a sudden a wild screech pierced the night silence. Eyriel's men stood still, shocked by the sound, it was that long enough for Thomas to hit one in the throat with the flat side of his blade. Just as gryphon wings flapped in the sky, the warrior fell on the marketplace cobblestone paving and stayed there, silent, his breathing ceased. The gryphon landed in the middle of the square and gave another bloodcurdling screech and scared the men to their retreats. All but one. Thomas quickly approached Diane and swiftly got on her back. He saw everyone – soldiers and peasants – stand there, scared to their near deaths when they departed. He could feel the gryphon between his thighs radiate happiness, glad to have reunited with him.

“I missed you."

“But I've been away for only an hour."

“That was more than enough. I hesitated to show myself but they would have caught you otherwise."

“I am glad you did."

He hugged her, as much as it was possible to do mid-flight. It will be a long three-hour flight back home.

Thomas wondered why she didn't slow down when the throat of their cave came into vision. Her voice was full of self-confidence.

“Do you trust me?"

“I do, but don't do this."

“You'll love this."

Diane dived straight down and into the cave. The wind gushed past his ears. She stopped only when the corridor widened enough for her to fully spread her wings. Thomas dismounted her and stretched his back, grunting with pain.

“You will get used to this."

Her soft voice was mischievous and husky.

“But there is something more I'd like you to get used to."

She looked him into his eyes as she lied down on her back.

“Well, I made a promise."

“You don't have to do this if you don't want to."

“Oh, there isn't a thing I'd rather do or place I'd rather be."

He knelt next to her and cupped her head.

“Diane, would you grant me the great honor of allowing me to mate with you?"

She pulled him to herself and opened her beak, but didn't say anything. Yet he understood the clue. He closed his eyes and pressed his mouth against her beak – it was his first kiss, although completely different than he had imagined, but he didn't mind. He was enjoying it immensely, she was very sweet and pleasant. While they were indulging in their first kiss, she managed to undo his shirt and his breeches. Then Diane tilted her head slightly and pressed in deeper, careful not to cause any harm. It was that moment when their tongues interlocked. He felt her warmth in his hands and mouth, and her exhilaration in his mind. Only one thought was dominant in her head – the anticipation of mating with him. Thomas didn't want to make her wait any longer. When they pulled away from each other, she had almost finished undressing him. But he quickly finished what she had started by pulling down his pants and underwear. His now mostly erect shaft stood there proudly, soon for the eager gryphon to enjoy. She forced her gaze away from his manhood to his eyes and poured her words and feelings directly into his head.

“I want you to mate me."

The way she said it, the way she felt when she did not only made him harden to his fullest but also induced his own completely new feelings and a strong desire for her. Thomas settled at her entrance, gripped his length and guided himself inside her. He grunted when he felt her folds tighten around his member and noticed her form twitching at the intense sensations brought by the most intimate contact possible. He forced himself backwards just to feel her grip strengthen, reluctant to release him from the warm, soft and well-lubricated embrace. He felt Diane's mind within his, flowing with intense delight, as he pushed back into her and hilted himself. The smack of their hips was barely audible, but it sent ripples of electrifying pleasure through both of their bodies. Thomas ran his palms through her soft fur along her belly, causing her to release a shiver of pleasure. Her clawed paws carefully rubbed against his bare back, her tail wrapped around his legs – she wanted him as close and as deep as possible. He never felt her mind that close to his own, their thoughts barely distinguishable from each other's. He worried that he might merge with her, but Diane pulled him closer, both physically and mentally. Suddenly the boundary between their minds shimmered and dissipated. He didn't know whose body he was in. The pleasure of their mating doubled, if not tripled. He felt himself collapse on her belly and release a feral growl of bliss. Then his field of vision momentarily blurred. His paws caressed the body leaned against his own gryphon form. A moment later he was again thrusting into his lover, back in his human body. Diane felt the pressure welling up in his loins and pushed him tighter to herself, still cautious not to hurt him. She was close, too. One last thrust, one last desperate convulsion and the dams of their lust to one another broke. Their minds were a mess – Thomas could experience what she was feeling, like if he was mating with himself. He felt her swirl around his member as he released his essence in her belly. He feared of passing out, and he would have if it wasn't Diane that was holding him tight against her mind. His spurts ceased as he felt her relax and release her grip on him. But she still pulled him to herself and closed her wings around him.

“I had no idea how much I actually wanted you. Thank you."

“How did you manage to make me feel that?"

“Gryphons create a permanent mental link with whoever takes their virginity. Did you like it?"

“That was the best feeling I've ever felt."

“The future holds many more experiences like this one, that is if you want to do this again later."

“Oh, I wouldn't refuse you for the world. Still, what about the bond?"

“It consists of a very powerful permanent spell that creates an incredibly strong bond between us. Although there is a very complicated ritual to break the bond. I think I can manage, if that is what you want" – she wasn't completely comfortable speaking about that. Especially that.

“I don't want to lose the only person I care about" – he wrapped his hands around her chest and caressed the underside of her both wings.

“You won't necessarily lose me. The bond can be broken if you prefer privacy but we can still mate or have some kind of relationship."

“There is no place for privacy when there is something more than affection between us. I wouldn't give up the chance to feel you that way again . But I am curious – who are we now?"

“What do you mean?" – her eyes clacked with uncertainty.

“We just had sex. We are of different species."

“That won't stop us, right?"

“It won't but we will have to put in excessive effort to make this work."

“I don't mind. You didn't turn me down. You are my mate now."

“My mate" – he repeated. Those words carried some sacral meaning to him now. But his line of thought was quickly cut short by her mind tugging against his.

“If you want, we can do this again, but differently."

“I'm all ears."

But she didn't say anything. Instead she closed her eyes and kissed him. He willingly pressed into her, eager to feel her on his lips. But when he opened his eyes, he saw… himself! He was looking in his own surprised face. And the human leaned against him was covered with his wings. He had wings! And a tail, apparently. He realised what she had done – she placed his consciousness inside her own body. And seemingly inhabited his body herself.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Her voice was still the same, despite her body change.

“That's so awesome!"

He sounded like a child, but he too was amused by his current situation to care. There was still something else he wanted to try.

“Now it's your turn to mate me."

“So quickly after the first time?"

“Well, I have gryphon's stamina, it's more of a problem for you."

“Well, I am capable of magic so that's not a problem at all. By the way, you are capable of magic too. You were since we connected."

“I will probably try it later, now I want to feel you inside me."

He saw her guide his body back to where their passionate act took place moments ago. The gryphon slit was still dripping with the results of their previous efforts. It was weird being a female. But it felt amazing to be penetrated, to feel someone's hips slam against his own. Although the sensations weren't all that different because of their shared link, it was still new. But when his lover started rubbing sensitive nub above his entrance, his back cramped and his wings flared around his lovely mate. It took just a few circulations to bring him to his peak. He gripped the human body with his forepaws and pulled tightly against his rump. It was so blissful – to be filled. He felt the shaft throb inside him and release its essence. His form shuddered for few delightful moments and then he felt his entrance relieved of the considerably-sized manhood. Through his closed eyes he felt the human crawl to his head and press his lips against the beak. When he opened up, he was atop of his gryphon mate, back in his human body.

“I hope I wasn't too quick or anything else…"

“It was incredible. I hope we can, well, experiment a bit more someday, maybe…"

Thomas didn't finish as she cut him short with a deep sigh and a word to come with it.

“Tomorrow."

“Excuse me?"

“We can try something else tomorrow."

“Sounds like it will be fun."

“Oh you can bet on it. By the way, I had no idea that my fur is so soft, it feels so good against your bare skin."

“Oh, I noticed. It must take ages to groom."

“Not if you use a handy spell."

“Where's the fun in that?"

“Saves time. Now let's have a swim."

“The river is freezing-cold."

“Oh, don't worry, I will warm you up."

Diane's thoughts were as clear as mountain stream – it was obvious she was the happiest she has ever been. And he was the reason why.