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The Spirit's Embrace

© Cederwyn Whitefurr

15th September, 2024

All Rights Reserved.

The cabin they shared stood at the edge of the forest, where the trees met the sprawling open plains. It was a home built with strong hands and loving care, blending the Elk's connection with his heritage and the comforts of modern living. The walls were lined with hand-carved wooden masks, intricate dreamcatchers swayed near the windows, and the smell of burning sage often lingered in the air—a nod to his Native traditions. Yet alongside the symbols of his past, modern touches were woven seamlessly: a soft couch, a sleek kitchen with polished countertops, and the warmth of a large stone fireplace to keep the chill of winter at bay when required.

In the evenings, the roe deer would curl up on the couch, his small frame fitting snugly against the imposing elk's side. There, Linden felt safe. Outside, the world could be cruel—snide remarks in hushed tones, disapproving stares from strangers who saw their size difference and judged—but here, in their sanctuary, it was just the two of them.

Tahnee, the elk, stopped his delicate and deft movements as he crafted another dreamcatcher before he turned his dark-furred head and looked down at his lover, raising an eyebrow questioningly. He was an elk of few words, letting his smaller lover speak if he wished, his warmth of presence and spirit inviting and non-judgemental.

After a while, Linden glanced up, then swallowed the lump in his throat, compelled to speak at last. "How do you do that to me?"

Tahnee's eyebrow raised even higher, his only acknowledgement of the question.

"You just... look at me, and it's as if you can read my mind." Linden stammered, then broke the look and he pulled his knees to his chest, his chin resting on them, his eyes downcast. "Something happened today. At the store...those people. They were staring at me. At us."

Tahnee remained as if carved from mahogany, his expression unmoving and just looking down at his mate, letting the young roe buck unburden himself.

"It's just..." the roe deer began, his voice cracking slightly. "I feel so small. They look at us like we're doing something wrong. Like I don't belong with you! Like... like you're some cruel, dominant beast who abuses me and..."

One of Tahnee's ears twitched before he reached over and cupped the roe's chin tenderly. His thumb brushed over the roe deer's cheek, lifting his chin gently and turning it. "Hey," he murmured, his deep voice quiet and soothing, his brown eyes locking onto the smaller buck's. "their thoughts do not define us. We define ourselves. You're mine, and I am yours. That is all that matters."

Linden let out a shaky breath, tilting his head slightly to lean into the Elk's gentle caress. "But they say things—things about how it's wrong for me to be with you. How you're too...big for me. They don't understand."

Tahnee's lips twitched in the barest of smiles at Linden's unintentional choice of words before his stoic demeanour returned once more. He continued to tenderly caress Linden's cheek, holding the smaller buck's gaze like a predator trapped its prey, his voice carried the weight of his wisdom. "They do not need to understand. People will always be people. They talk. They don't see what we have—how we care for each other. They just see what is different, what does not fit their narrow view of the world."

"But it still hurts," Linden whispered, his small hand reaching up to clutch at Tahnee's larger one.

Tahnee exhaled slowly, pulling Linden closer until he was sitting on Tahnee's lap, the contrast in their size much more obvious now. The roe's head barely reached the elk's chest, and yet, in the elk's arms, he felt protected, loved, respected and honoured.

"I've faced this my whole life," Tahnee spoke quietly, his voice a gentle whisper. "Being Native. Being different. People make comments—they think their words have power. Words do have power, but their words are not the words. They're just words, as such, they only have the power we choose to give to them." He pressed his lips against the Roe's forehead, a slow, lingering kiss. "You give them too much, little one."

The roe deer's eyes fluttered closed, the warmth of the elk's presence washing over him. "I try not to, but..."

"I know." Tahnee's voice was a low rumble, like distant thunder, soothing and strong. "But you have to remember—what we have is rare, a gift given to us both, special. No one else shall speak of or decide what is right for us."

Linden's eyes opened, staring up into his lover's dark-furred face, so strong and calm, his jaw set in quiet resolve. "How can you stay so calm?" he asked, his voice filled with awe and reverence.

Tahnee smiled faintly. "Because I know who I am. I know you." His large hand stroked Linden's cheek gently. "You're mine, and I'm yours. That is all that matters."

A comfortable silence settled between them, filled with warmth and understanding. The elk's hands continued to hold the roe deer close, and slowly, the smaller buck began to relax in his arms.

"Come," Tahnee murmured, rising to his cloven hooves effortlessly, lifting the smaller Linden as if he weighed nothing at all. "Let me take care of you tonight."

As Tahnee carried Linden towards their bedroom, he felt every shift of Linden's small frame against him, the softness of his breath against his chest. The promise in Tahnee's voice was more than words; it was a vow of comfort and closeness, a promise of care that went beyond mere physicality.

Linden's blush deepened as he nestled into Tahnee's embrace, the feeling of being held so tenderly making his heart race. The world outside seemed to fade, leaving only the palpable connection between them. Tahnee's stead heartbeat, his soothing presence, the slight scent of his masculinity and natural musk, created a space where Linden felt cherished and wanted.

"You're mine, and I'm yours," Tahnee whispered softly, his deep voice soothing and calming, easing Linden's anxieties. "That's all that matters."

The gentle, rhythmic motion of Tahnee's steps, and the way Linden fit perfectly against him, all contributed to a mounting sense of anticipation. As they approached the bedroom, the promise of what was to come seemed almost tangible, yet the intimacy of the moment was a testament to their deep bond and shared desire.

Tahnee gently pushed open the bedroom door, revealing a space that Linden knew well. It was a haven of warmth and comfort for them both. Soft, ambient lighting bathed the room in a warm glow. Flickering candles were arranged tastefully around the room, their delicate flames flickering. A subtle, calming scent of lavender and sandalwood filled the air from the incense that was burning, creating a calm, soothing atmosphere.

He carried Linden to the edge of the bed, where the freshly made bed sheets were immaculate and looked incredibly inviting. Native Elk music subtly played, just at the right volume to be heard, but not stifle their conversations.

Tahnee helped Linden onto the bed with a tender touch, his strong hands carefully guiding his lover into a comfortable position. Linden looked up at him with a mix of nervousness and anticipation, the large, powerful physique of the elk looming over him like a shadow, as Tahnee placed his large hands on either side of Linden's head, bracing himself and gazing down, a warm, reassuring smile on his lips. He carefully began to remove Linden's clothing, with slow, deliberate movements and exquisite gentleness, his hands warm and gentle as they brushed delicately against Linden's fur.

Linden's eyes fluttered closed, as Tahnee rolled Linden onto his back, his his strong fingers working Linden's shoulders and back, providing a relaxing massage.

"Ooh - " Linden gurgled, his tail slowly twitching.

Tahnee retrieved a small bottle from the bedside table, squirting the liquid into his palms, before carefully sliding them down Linden's back—the elk's strong thumbs sliding either side of Linden's spine, massaging the sensual oil through fur and skin to the muscles beneath. His touch was soothing, his movements slow and tender, creating a steady rhythm that was sensual yet gentle.

As he massaged Linden's back, Tahnee leaned down and whispered quiet, reassuring words. "You are safe here. I am here with you." His voice was calming, a gentle rumble that conveyed his love and support. "You're perfect just the way you are. Let go of your tension, focus only on us."

The combination of Tahnee's words and his soothing caresses helped Linden relax further. The smaller buck became like dough, soft and pliable under the elk's fingers. Tenderly, Tahnee rolled Linden over, his gaze remaining soft and affectionate, his eyes never leaving Linden's face.

Once Linden appeared to fully relax at last, Tahnee took a moment to lightly trace the edge of a finger across Linden's forehead, before pressing a tender kiss there. "You are cherished," he murmured. "What we have is something only for us. Nothing else matters."

Linden's eyes fluttered open, and he gazed up at Tahnee with gratitude and love. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice filled with awe and relief.

Tahnee responded with a faint, affectionate smile, as his hands slowly moved over Linden's chest. "It is my pleasure," he spoke quietly, his voice so low and quiet, that even Linden struggled to hear. "Now, let me take care of you."

Linden blinked, gazing up curiously at Tahnee, whose dark eyes gleamed with a mix of affection and desire, their intensity growing.

"Just relax," Tahnee murmured, his voice soothing. He leaned in, his breath warm against Linden's fur. Slowly, he began to trace a path of tender kisses from Linden's collarbone down to his chest.

Each touch of Tahnee's lips was sensual, gentle, and arousing, his tongue occasionally flicking out to add a teasing element. Linden's body responded to the intimate contact, shivering slightly as Tahnee's attentions moved lower.

Tahnee's hands roamed over Linden's sides, his fingers brushing lightly against the sensitive skin. He nibbled gently at Linden's ribs, his teeth grazing the soft fur and causing Linden to gasp in delight. The elk's touch was firm yet careful, his movements both assertive and kind.

Tahnee glanced up at Linden, whose quiet gasps and trembles betrayed his mounting pleasure. Tahnee moved down Linden's body with purpose, pausing to lavish attention on Linden's soft belly, eliciting soft groans and shivers from the smaller roe deer. His kisses lingered, sensual and seductive, each one a silent promise of the care and love Tahnee felt for Linden.

His dark hands trailed down Linden's hips, his touch a comforting pressure. With a gentle caress, he guided Linden's legs apart, positioning himself to continue his attentions in a way that allowed Linden to relax completely into the sensation.

Tahnee's lips travelled further, his breath hot and steady as he explored the sensitive area of Linden's inner thighs. He maintained a steady rhythm, alternating between gentle kisses, playful nibbles and soothing licks. His attention was focused on Linden's pleasure, ensuring each touch and kiss was designed to bring maximum pleasure.

“Tahnee--” Linden gasped, his fingers clenching on the bed sheets. “You don't have to--”

“Let go,” Tahnee murmured, his voice soothing. “I'm here with you. For you. Let me take care of everything.”

“Tahnee...” Linden breathed, but before he could say more, he felt the warmth of Tahnee's lips wrap around his sheath.

The sensation was overwhelming, a surge of pleasure so intense that Linden's fingers gripped the bed sheets, his body trembling. Tahnee took his time, each movement tender and careful. His firm lips tenderly pushed the sheath down, exposing the thickening roe deer's penis tip. His tongue flickered over it, then around the slightly bulbous tip with a touch that almost drove Linden over the edge. Tahnee's lips carefully pushed downwards, drawing more of the length forth from the sheath, the sensitive tip pressing then rubbing against the bony ridges at the roof of Tahnee's mouth, further adding to the sensual and arousing pleasure.

Tahnee's hands gripped Linden's hips, holding the young buck steady as he continued his loving attentions. The slow rhythm of his mouth drove Linden closer to the edge, each flick of Tahnee's tongue sending sparks of pleasure searing through him.

“Tahnee... I'm...I'm close...” Linden's breathless gasp whistled as his throat constricted.

Tahnee's dark eyes licked up to meet Linden's, filled with desire and amusement.

I feel for my mate, Tahnee thought to himself, twisting his head from side to side and continuing to slurp and suckle with gentleness and compassion. He never had much self-control...

With one last, slow movement, Tahnee's nose pressed against Linden's lower stomach, his slick tongue twirling around Linden's length...and with a slurp, he brought Linden to the edge—then pushed him straight off it. A shudder ran through the smaller buck, his body tightening before he released a deep, trembling moan, his entire body overcome with pleasure as he gave Tahnee his seed.

Tahnee knew from experience, how sensitive the roe buck would be, so he held himself still, throat muscles swallowing and lips firm. It felt nice, to give back to his mate, in such a sensual and pleasurable for both, way. It was the way it should be, a perfect bond of trust and love between them.

As the waves of ecstasy washed over him, Linden trembled on the bed, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Tahnee remained where he was for a few more minutes, before he tenderly lifted his muzzle away and placed his black-furred hands on either side of Linden's head, before he tenderly placed a soft kiss lightly on Linden's forehead, his heart filled with tenderness and love.

Linden wrapped his arms around Tahnee's ribs, pulling the elk down, but rolling them onto their side. Tahnee submitted to the smaller buck, whose still firm erection pressed between them, as he flicked his ears and inhaled Linden's scent and listened to his short, rapid panting. It was a wonderful afterglow of emotions for them both, Tahnee tenderly stroking Linden's back and giving soothing, gentle licks with his long, supple tongue, tasting the sweat from Linden's fur.

For nearly and hour, they cuddled, kissed and caressed, before Tahnee rose and took Linden's hand, guiding him up off the bed with care.

“Come with me,” Tahnee asked quietly, his deep voice filled with warmth.

He led Linden into the bathroom, where he turned on the shower, letting the steam fill the room. Tahnee carefully helped Linden inside, the warm water cascading over them both. It was soothing, pouring over Linden's tired muscles, washing away the sweat and musky scent, any lasting tension from the intensity of their shared moment, draining away.

Tahnee stood behind Linden, his strong hands moving over the smaller buck's body, massaging his shoulders as the warmth from the water suffused both of them. With a loofah in hand, Tahnee began washing Linden with gentle, passionate care. Each caress was firm but careful, his hands moving with exquisite care as he lathered Linden's body, cleansing and nurturing at the same time.

Linden leaned into Tahnee's touch, his head resting back against the elk's lower chest, eyes closed in blissful contentment. The gentle stroking of Tahnee's hands, combined with the warmth of the water, filled him with a deep sense of peace and serenity.

Once the shower was complete, Tahnee turned off the water and wrapped a soft fluffy towel around Linden, carefully drying him off with the same tenderness he had shown throughout the evening. After drying himself, Tahnee lifted Linden effortlessly into his arms and carried him back to the bed.

Linden nestled against Tahnee's broad chest, his body spent but his heart overflowing. The elk wrapped his strong arms around his lover, pulling him close as they lay together under the soft blankets.

“You're everything to me,” Tahnee whispered into Linden's ear, a part of their nightly ritual, his voice low and filled with love.

Linden smiled softly, his eyes closing as he rested his head on Tahnee's chest, feeling the steady beating of his mate's heart. “And you're everything to me,” he whispered back, his voice barely audible.

Tahnee held him tighter, the two of them sinking into the quiet, intimate moment, their bodies entwined and their hearts perfectly aligned.

*

Tahnee and Linden lay intertwined under the soft blankets, the night's quiet intimacy wrapping around them and leaving them both drained but fulfilled. The room was a sanctuary of warmth and closeness, the soft sounds of the forest drifting through the open window.

Linden nestled against Tahnee's chest, his breath slowly returning to normal, the afterglow of their lovemaking – whilst not as fulfilling as Linden wished, he knew, Tahnee had to control himself, him being an elk and Linden only a roe deer...

Yet the lovemaking had been its usual gentle, passionate and beautiful self. A shared bond between them, Tahnee's gentleness and care only reinforced the love that Linden had for his partner and mate. The gentle rise and fall of Tahnee's chest beneath him provided a soothing comfort, and the deep, steady heartbeat reminded Linden of the profound connection they'd shared much of the night.

As Linden's thoughts drifted, he found himself reflecting on the weight of the coming night. The sacred ritual, the ancient traditions, and the spiritual significance of their union began to settle in his mind. He had always admired Tahnee's deep connection to his heritage, but tonight, he was to become a part of it in a way he had never imagined he could.

“Tahnee,” Linden whispered softly, his voice barely more than a breath. “Do you think... Do you think I am truly ready for this? To be a part of your tribe, to share this sacred moment with you?”

Tahnee stirred slightly, his arms tightening around Linden as if sensing the doubt that lingered in his mate's heart. He tilted Linden's face up gently, their eyes meeting in the dim dawn light. “You've been ready for five years now, Linden. More than anyone, you've embraced this journey with an open heart. Tonight, it's not just about our union; it's about you becoming a part of something greater, something that has always been a part of me. The spirits will welcome you, as they've welcomed me, and together, we'll honour the land, the spirits, the ancestors and our love.”

Linden's eyes shone with unshed tears, the gravity of Tahnee's words settling into his soul. He took a deep breath, letting the reassurance of Tahnee's faith in him bolster his own. “I've always felt like an outsider, but tonight... tonight I... Tahnee, my love, I don't know what to feel!” Linden began to quietly weep.

Tahnee caressed and stroked his mate, his lips tenderly kissing away the smaller buck's tears, as he held him close and comforted him.

“You have received the chieftain's blessing, to become my mate. That is no small thing, be proud of yourself, and your heart. For you were judged, my dearest Linden. You were judged and found worthy. Tonight, you are coming home. The spirits know your heart, and they've seen how much you care for, and about, me, as I do for you. You care about me and my traditions. Let us cherish this moment together, and when we go to the forest, let the connection we have built guide us.”

With that, Tahnee helped Linden sit up, the young roe buck shuddering as he felt himself slide a little further down Tahnee's thick and frightening length. Tahnee grunted, placing his paws under Linden's rump and gently holding him as easily as if he were cradling a fawn.

“Sorry...” Linden blushed. “You're... not exactly...”

Tahnee's weak smile spoke volumes, and with a gentle movement, they began a sensual, careful lovemaking. Linden shuddered and squirmed in pleasure as Tahnee supported him, their movements a blend of tenderness and intimacy. The delicate balance between their bodies, heightened by Tahnee's attentive care, allowed them to both experience a moment of profound connection and love before that evening, they would take the final steps into the forest together—to truly become a mated pair.

Tahnee's weak smile spoke volumes, and with a gentle movement, they began a sensual, careful lovemaking. Linden shuddered and squirmed in pleasure as Tahnee supported him, their movements a blend of tenderness and intimacy. The delicate balance Tahnee had to maintain between his urges and his gentleness for his mate, made his arms quiver.

It was sensual, beautiful, and truly fulfilling for them both. A moment of profound connection, before that evening, Linden would be asked to take his steps into an entirely new world, to undergo a ritual that evening, that would truly make both elk and roe deer a true, mated pair.

As dawn broke, their lovemaking reached a tranquil crescendo. Tahnee gritted his teeth, fighting instinctive urges to lunge, his climax strong and powerful, inside Linden's body. Almost simultaneously, Linden's spine suddenly arched and his hips bucked twice. With a piercing bleat, Linden's own orgasm surged forth, sticky semen spattering over Tahnee's muzzle and forehead. Tahnee sighed, turning his half-lidded gaze towards the gasping and embarrassed roe deer.

“Sorry...” Linden breathlessly panted. “I'll get a wet towel...”

*

The forest had grown quiet as twilight settled over the land, casting long shadows across the ancient trees. Tahnee, an elk buck with antlers that gleamed like darkened bronze in the fading light, stood in the centre of a glade, his body slick with sweat and wearing nothing but tribal paint markings and a loincloth. He'd done the sacred ritual, now, he gazed into the crackling flames, which reflected back in his dark brown eyes. The spirits were pleased with his offerings – and he felt their presence fill him with their blessings.

His gaze shifted to the stone altar that lay at the heart of this sacred place. It had stood for time immemorial, smooth and timeworn, surrounded by offerings of flowers, herbs, and small hand-made offerings by those of his tribe, to not only honour the land but the spirits as well.

Tahnee was the last to make his offerings, kneeling down before the altar, he had given himself to the spirits through chant and dance – for hours on end. Now, their presence was felt, like a comforting blanket over his shoulders, before he turned to the side and gestured for his lover to come join him.

Linden had remained at the edge of the circle, quiet and watchful, his fur prickling as he sensed, yet could not understand, the power that Tahnee had raised. There was a quiet energy, not on between them, but surrounding them, palpable and electric, like the moments before a summer storm. They had shared so much over the years—first a friendship, which later blossomed into something deeper, when Tahnee presented Linden to the Chieftain—and Tahnee had received the blessing to be mated to Linden. And now, as the ritual came to a close, they were alone, surrounded by nothing but the quiet sounds of the forest and the stars slowly beginning to prick the darkening sky.

Tahnee's heart pounded like a drum in his chest, not from exertion but from anticipation. Tonight was the night, the moment the whole tribe looked forward too. Their celebrations of this night would go on until dawn—some even longer, a sacred and secretive ritual honouring the land and asking the spirits for fertility not only for the land itself but the animals and the tribe. This place—the sacred ground beneath them was hallowed, a place where his ancestors had stood, where they had honoured the spirits of the land...and tonight, he felt especially honoured—for he would bring his lover into the tribe, to be loved and cherished, as Tahnee himself was.

Linden approached, slipping his small hand gently into Tahnee's, the elk looking down and tenderly squeezing it. He had no words, for to utter such, would diminish this moment—as Tahnee felt the spirits acknowledge and welcome Linden.

Tahnee turned to him, then knelt down, his tall form imposing yet softened by the light of the full moon which cast its glow upon them. His eyes, usually calm and focused, were now filled with a quiet vulnerability. He nodded to Linden, words not coming easily. He didn't need them. Linden had always understood him in ways no one else had. They had shared countless moments—glances that lingered too long, touches that spoke of deeper, pleasurable things. Yet tonight, in this sacred place, Tahnee knew there would be no holding back.

Linden's hand gently placed on Tahnee's chest, over his heart, as he gazed up into the elk's eyes. “This place, it means something to you,” Linden murmured, feeling the presence of the spirits, but unable to see or interact with them. “I feel...welcomed, like I've come in out of the cold, into the warmth of a cabin filled with love and heat from a fireplace. I can feel it, Tahnee. I can feel them, their...welcoming of me, of us...what we have.”

“It does,” Tahnee admitted, his voice low, reverent. He glanced at the altar, a flicker of emotion crossing his face. “This stone... it is where the elk of my tribe come to honour the land, the spirits that guide us. It's sacred. Tonight, it's for us.”

Linden's eyes widened, as Tahnee gently scooped him into his embrace, holding him firm as he began to walk towards the altar. “Tonight, you will truly become a part of me, as I become a part of you. You will complete your last steps, to become one with my tribe.”

The words struck something deep within Linden, igniting the desire that had simmered beneath the surface for so long. He didn't speak, but the way he looked up at Tahnee told him everything. His hand, still pressed against Tahnee's chest, felt the elk's heart beating faster and faster. His breath was warm against Tahnee's cheek, before Tahnee pressed his lips against Linden's, sharing a deep, emotional and passionate kiss for several drawn-out, exquisite moments.

Carefully, Tahnee set Linden down and helped the trembling young buck to undress. Tahnee's hands trembled slightly as he untied the leather thongs on his loincloth, letting it fall to the ground, the cool night air brushing against his furred skin as he revealed himself to the spirits. Linden followed, shedding his own clothing, his gaze only for Tahnee.

When they were finally naked and facing each other, the tension that had built was nearly unbearable. Linden's hands, smaller than Tahnee's but no less sure, tenderly traced over the firm abdominal muscles of the elk before him. He marvelled at the strength of Tahnee, the softness of his fur, and the way his body was both powerful and graceful, much like his beloved buck himself.

Tahnee's breath hitched as Linden's fingers trailed lower, igniting a fire within him that he had held back for too long. But this was not just about physical desire. There was something deeper, something sacred in the way their bodies moved towards each other. The altar loomed in the background, a silent witness to what was about to happen.

Without a word, Tahnee took Linden's hand once more and led him towards the stone. The cool surface of the altar glistened in the moonlight, and as they reached it, Tahnee paused, his eyes meeting Linden's in a moment of unspoken understanding. This was no ordinary act. This was something far greater—a union blessed by the land, by the spirits themselves.

Linden's gaze softened and he nodded. He understood the weight of this moment, the significance of what they were about to share. Tahnee gently lifted Linden up, holding him close and tenderly lay him on his back on the altar, the stone cool beneath his skin, but the warmth of connection more than enough to chase away the night's chill.

“Spirits, ancestors, I consummate with my mate in your name. As it was, as it is, and as it shall be with generations to come.” Tahnee spoke solemnly.

He moved against Linden, careful and gentle, bracing his weight on the palms of his hands, as he gazed down into Linden's eyes – sharing the moment and the connection they were truly about to share. The tension that hung between them for so long was gone, replaced by something more profound, and Linden gasped, as he felt the firmness of Tahnee's length press against the underside of his tail – the ache a mixture of pleasure and discomfort, indivisible, overwhelming, passionate...

Every touch, every kiss, every panting breath from either of them was an offering, a way to honour the land, the spirits and each other. The air around them seemed to hum with energy, as if the spirits themselves watched on, blessing this union between two bucks. Tahnee's breath came in ragged gasps as Linden moved against him, their bodies coming closer and closer, Tahnee's engorged length slipping deeper and deeper with each tender twitch of his hips.

At last, the moment came, when Tahnee laid over the smaller roe deer, his weight on his forearms and elbows, as they panted and shuddered. Tahnee had fully sheathed himself, the buck beneath him squirming and shuddering in pleasure that built and built to a blinding, incredible crescendo within him, his own arousal pressed firmly against the elk's lower belly.

For how long, they made love—neither of them knew. Their breath mingled, their kisses deep, passionate and fervent, their caresses only serving to heighten and stimulate each other to even greater heights of ecstasy, their bodies moving in perfect harmony – Tahnee's loud, gasping grunts and Linden's quieter, short and rapid panting.

At last, finally, the moment came. A wave of heat washed over Tahnee as he arched his back inwards, sheathing himself to the hilt inside his mate, as his throat bulged and a loud bugle exploded into the night air—his climax intense and frighteningly powerful. His entire body trembled with the force of it.

Linden followed soon after, the heat of Linden's freely given gift triggering his own release, his breath coming in a shuddering gasp as he felt the pulses and then the slick, hot warmth that soaked through fur and flesh, slicking their belly fur and smearing it flat.

For a long moment, both lay there, Tahnee's body shivering, struggling to hold his weight, the only sound was their laboured breathing and the distant murmur of the forest around them.

Awkwardly, Tahnee's hand, trembling, found its way down and beneath Linden's neck, pulling the roe buck closer, as he manoeuvred, placing Linden on top of him, still firmly inside his smaller lover, Tahnee's back now on the altar. He caressed and stroked Linden's back, his chest heaving as the last lingering remnants of their passion faded away.

“Tahnee...” Linden wheezed, his body overcome with the emotion and passion they'd shared, unable to truly articulate the words he so sought. “We've never—been able to truly share each other...”

Tahnee quivered, his three-fingered hand splaying out on Linden's lower back, quivering and caressing gently.

“Thank the spirits, and the ancestors--” Tahnee panted, continuing to feel urges and desires, suppressed and forced back—now surging within him. “They have granted your wish, my dearest mate. It is they and their magick, that has permitted this. We just needed this moment. Here. Together.”

Linden found he had no words, his own urges kindling within him, as he trembled, feeling welcomed, truly welcomed, not only into the tribe of Elk but by the very spirits themselves. It was true, he had been granted his wish...

His wish to truly know and be his elk's lover, without fear of their differences....

END