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Over the next hour, Cendrine sent Tommis to procure a hand-cart and a water barrel, organized the supplies for the ritual, and sent final instructions to the town leadership. Elena took one more look at the pattern of streams and rudimentary elevation maps, trying to predict the flow of water and air. When at last they slung packs over their shoulders and had Tommis take up the cart, groups of villagers cheered their passing all the way down the road out of the village center.

The small copse between two irrigation creeks was their chosen site. It offered access to much of the water the affected farms used, and the higher ground meant winds would help carry the cure. It was also isolated enough to keep from prying eyes—not that the village at large would necessarily mind the how of their crops' healing. Life magic was far from unknown, and even more prudish cultures condoned rituals that so often brought tangible benefits.

But, anyone getting close might interrupt their spellwork. Cendrine still gave Elena a bemused look when she started putting up minor air-blurring wards. Tommis was across the copse, putting water in buckets they'd brought.

"Just a precaution," Elena murmured, feeling the scales on her neck shift. There was no good reason for it. "Prying eyes."

Cen's smile didn't let up. "Oh?"

Elena nodded, perhaps less of a response than Cen deserved, and worked on the greater windcraft spellwork. It was ironic to worry about being watched after what had happened earlier, but there was a difference between private and public displays. Besides, there was the bond, and if Tommis had shown any distress over the idea of being watched, she'd have shut the curtains. Entirely different from a random villager spying on them. She was just being cautious. That was all.

There was no sound for a time, and Elena thought her partner had moved on. Then, a delicate hand caressed her arm.

"Are you worried that they will see us together, using life to bring about life?" It was a ridiculous question, and Elena turned to answer it, only to find Cen's gaze so tender it stopped her retort in her throat. "Or, my dear Elena, are you worried they will see you without clothes, without your guards up?" The fingers lightly squeezed her forearm. "You've nothing to hide, my friend. Tommis is not the first in this town to speak of your beauty."

Elena tried to find a reply, but it, too, fell away like scattered leaves in a stream. "I just don't want us to suffer distractions," she finally tried, though it felt as flat as any other excuse she might make.

Cen didn't push the issue, instead kissing the back of Elena's hand before turning—tail high, of course—to check on Tommis's progress. Elena let her thoughts churn while gathering energy for her spellwork. It was nothing too complex. You guided air and water in similar ways, both soon to carry a cure woven of magic and mundane means. The currents and breezes were simple, explainable, even bendable if you knew where to push.

Why couldn't emotions be the same way?

"All set," she called some time later, after feeling the spellwork around them like a weaver might test their threads. Everything pointed outward; her magic wouldn't necessarily interfere with Cendrine's, but they'd never fully tested how their magics might combine in the throes of the ritual.

"We're almost ready," Cen answered from beyond one of the patches of trees. Elena stepped around to see the last of a line of buckets being filled from the barrel. It was enough for all the fields, plus more. The two exchanged a couple final whispers in a tender embrace, then drew apart. "Tommis, your assistance has been exceptional. In every way." She smiled, and caressed his arm.

"My pleasure, Madam Cendrine." He smiled back.

"Just Cen, Tommis."

He nodded, and inclined his head to a respectful degree. "Only when not in service, I've been taught. If I may be so bold, I'd like to call you Cen later, though."

Her smile grew. "I think that could be arranged. For now, we must begin the ritual."

"The village will await your word." He bowed his head and then made a brisk pace back along the path.

Elena nudged Cen with her elbow. "I think he wanted to contribute a little more."

"I'll admit, the thought was tempting," she murmured, and giggled. "The poor boy almost drained himself dry already."

They both waved when he looked back, then turned to unload the very last of the supplies. In particular, perhaps one of their most valuable possessions.

Months ago, Cendrine had taken the wood from a branch of a heartwood tree that seemed timeless, though she'd been assured it wasn't much older than two centuries. It had taken her weeks to shape it, smooth and seal it from the elements, and work magic into the grain at every step. They hadn't used it often—and never casually—so it stood a chance of outlasting them.

Elena grinned as she unwrapped the thick cloth that protected it. "I take it you'll warm up the dildo?"

Cen's gaze was reproachful, even through her own glimmer of amusement. "The heartwood focus. Yes."

"Right." She handed over the fabric bag within the cloth, then pulled out a small bottle from a similarly padded pouch. "I'll handle the elixir of unity."

"The lubricant?"

"Right." Despite the usual exchange, there was an air of solemnity as Elena stopped to watch Cen pull out the focus.

It was, to the untrained eye, exactly what she'd joked about. The dark heartwood phallus was longer than a human's member, narrower at the head, and curved ever so slightly—patterned after a male of Cen's own species. The special varnish over the wood was waterproof and silky smooth. A metal ring held leather straps; once affixed around Elena's waist, it would secure the wide, contoured base against her pubic bone.

It appeared to be a dildo, and technically it was. It was officially a potent channel for life magic, the first use of which had established the mindlink between them. It would allow them to complete a ritual spell in an afternoon that would otherwise take days. Even without complimentary spellwork, the connection they'd forge would let both of them enhance their individual contributions.

That it would feel amazing was, like Cen's tryst with Tommis, just an added benefit.

"Life to life," Cen murmured, holding the focus close. "Creation and growth." The words weren't entirely necessary, Elena knew. Sometimes every little trick helped. The focus didn't hum or glow with power; yet when Cen held it out, Elena could almost imagine the thrum of energy inside the length—waiting, perhaps even eager.

Surely she was just imagining it. She unlaced her boots, her pants, and slipped both off. The focus was warmer than it ought to be when she braced it against her groin, like it had been left near a hearth. No matter how much power it channeled it wouldn't get too hot to handle—a good thing neither of them worked with fire. The straps fit over her waist and between her thighs. When she looked up, it was evidently Cen's turn to ogle.

Elena came to her knees with her thighs parted. "I might believe I'm beautiful, when you look at me that way."

"Then I'll keep saying it until you have no doubt," Cen murmured, stepping closer and lowering her front half until they were eye to eye. "I never tire of seeing you." Her fingers slid under the shirt and vest Elena wore, and they pulled it off together.

"I can believe it, from you," Elena replied, her next breath hitching as those hands started caressing her breasts. Her scales and thick skin didn't preclude sensitive spots—or maybe, Cen just knew where to touch. Elena reached out and unwrapped the shawl around Cen's shoulders and chest, exposing them both to the air.

At least, until roaming fingers replaced the cloth, and Elena's lips closed around one of Cen's nipples. Downy fuzz brushed over her lips as she swirled her tongue over the stiffening peak, and Cen's hand cupped her head as she groaned. The cervitaur's other hand wasn't idle, still feeling over her own curves, fingers pinching her smaller nipple until Elena had to gasp. The weight of the focus against her mound, primal to the point it almost felt alive, only added to the thrill of the moment.

Cen withdrew, her eyes gleaming with pleasure and power both, and to Elena's surprise their lips briefly, hotly met before Cen leaned in to whisper in her ear. "You ready?"

Elena nodded, almost growling her wordless affirmative, loving the feel of their breasts pressing together—fur on skin, sensual warmth, and quickening heartbeats bespoke what had drawn them together more than the magic they practiced.

They drew apart again, more reluctant. But, they both moved, putting Elena behind her. The sight of her flagged tail, and the prize beneath, made her want to press her legs together. Instead, she reached down for the oil and uncapped the bottle. The scent of almonds mingled with the hint of their mutual arousal. The generous pour quickly warmed as she spread it over the smooth wood in front of her. Cen watched the strokes over her shoulder, and the thick nub of her clit briefly vanished as her muscles tensed, winking desire at Elena.

"What can I say?" Cen idly rubbed one of her breasts. "You look good with that on. And you handle it so well."

Elena grinned. "I've had a good teacher. Otherwise, I'd hardly know what to do with the thing."

"I'm sure you'd have figured it out."

"Maybe," Elena said, her other hand reaching forward. "I'm more used to this kind of handling."

"You—ah!" Cen cut off as two, then three of Elena's fingers slid into her. True to her boast, she knew to set a slow rhythm, and how to curl them just so to draw a throaty groan from her partner. They were both growing so very wet; apparently neither had been sated from the earlier climaxes. Echoes of anticipation and pleasure rebounded within their bond.

Elena withdrew the fingers, only to replace them with the tip of the shaft she held. Cendrine was winking every few seconds now, haunches quivering with the need to take what instinct told her was a breeding tool, hot and ready. Elena found herself clenching around nothing, whether by her own reflex or another echo from the bond. Their connection thrummed as the head of the shaft slipped in. It was a subtle pressure, like a familiar touch through clothing, a sensation one had to reach for to truly experience.

She sank halfway in, and the connection blossomed. Mental discipline kept their mutual excitement from overloading the link.

Elena could feel the pressure, the inner warmth, in spite of nothing having entered her. Maybe they could secure a dildo to the bottom straps, she mused, so they could both enjoy the penetration. Something to worry about later. She wiped her hands on a small towel, no longer needing to guide the length. Instead, her grip shifted to Cen's haunches, squeezing and rubbing as she slowly moved her hips, getting two different lubricants spread over the polished wood.

The thick tuft of Cen's tail quivered against Elena's belly and sternum as she leaned forward. Her partner's flanks and upper chest heaved in turn as she took a deep breath. Tension gathered in the air, or maybe spread between them, as one hand left her breast and reached down to the sheaf of grain.

"Grow. Thrive. Survive. Fight."

The words were whispered; Elena felt more than heard them. She sank in nearly to the base of the focus, thighs tickled by the dappled coat that twitched from the muscles underneath. It was time to assume her role, imagining the woman before her as desperately fertile, that the virility between her legs needed to be released. It was easier than she thought; in some ways, it was like the reverse of her own latent instincts, of biology demanding its due.

So, she pulled back, and then drove her 'cock' straight into those willing depths.

It was worth the unusual fantasy to see and hear and feel Cendrine tense up and moan and push back. She did it again, and again. Once, fucking in this way had been awkward, and there'd been so much soreness in muscles she never knew existed. It was a wonder how men did it. Practice had improved matters.

A primal part of her, perhaps some atavistic impulse or the whim of the ritual magic, drove her to fuck Cen better than Tommis had. That part imagined replacing his seed, outcompeting him, ensuring the new life would be theirs. Cen moaned and arched. Maybe it was better, or maybe it was familiarity. Nothing would come of either union, save the pleasure and the magic. She was past caring about logic and impossible consequences.

All that mattered was mating her partner.

The pressure sent surges of heat and tension through her core. The carnal scent rose between them, more alluring now without mingling with an unfamiliar presence. Her fingers dug into fur to grope Cen's thick rump, then slid forward to feel her thighs, her flank. Such strength there, and all hers to enjoy. She rested both elbows and hands on Cen's back, bearing down with half her weight, doing her best to make her partner feel like she was being mounted from behind.

The growing spellwork around them—she hadn't even noticed it, caught up as she was—throbbed in time with her next thrusts, the threads of magic blossoming into vine-like patterns seemingly without guidance. Cen was working them, of course, but she was also pinching her own nipple and roughly pushing back against Elena's thrusts and trembling under her touch. Even as she rutted, the sense of being fucked increased, their two bodies feeling less and less distinct.

The more Elena became aware of the other sensations, the more she could feel herself under herself. She felt her own arms on her four-legged lower half, an imperfect approximation of a proper mounting; the thought counted, and the instinctual response to that weight was strong enough. She felt the thick, hot shaft sliding inside her, again and again, the rhythm much more familiar and hitting the right spots. At the same time, she felt herself balanced on two legs, breathing with one pair of lungs, chest pounding from one singular heartbeat.

The fingers on her back returned to their roaming, cautious, almost fumbling before becoming more sure, rubbing her fur in ways she hadn't known she liked. Cen and Elena discovered their bodies from a whole new perspective. Are we controlling each other? No, Elena still had one heart and two legs and no fur, and Cen still had hooves and winking clitoris and no scales. They could also feel what the other felt, knew where one wanted the other to move, and the pleasure that welled up from their core was the same waves redoubled; she thrust deep as she arched her backs and they both took a breath, felt it hitch when the pleasure—

They both groaned, the air from three sets of lungs leaving two mouths, hands gripping haunches and hands gripping breasts; she was clenching around the long, thick shaft and she was pushing her hips against her haunches to bury it deep—

The surge passed, leaving them gasping and shuddering. Elena felt the after-echo of their unified sensations, and their eyes met. This had never happened before. Words and questions tried to form, couldn't form, they were swept away—

—by the rush of pleasure surging through them, overwhelming rational thought, leaving only the two of them as one... but their responsibility remained...

Another breath, gasping and ragged from the throes of climax, and—

—and the energy pushed itself into the spellwork like water flowing through roots, turning the work of hours into mere moments, triumph sweetening the ecstasy, their breathless voices heard in both sets of ears, drifting apart but no, they needed to stay, they needed—

—they focused, staying together, pushing the throbbing power into seeds and fields and the stream that fed them, the rest mixing into water within the waiting vessels or on the breeze as they shuddered and arched in the last peaks of their singular climax, one and two, together, like two singers in harmony, neither clashing nor overwhelming, instead bringing their bodies and hearts to the same pulsing rhythm, greater than even the best of each peak...

The sense of total unity faded as their muscles relaxed, leaving Elena and Cendrine separate but still joined. What were once faint echoes of phantom sensation were now solid impressions. Touching the bond was like brushing over-sensitive skin, at least for the moment, but Elena could tell it had grown, deepened somehow. Entrenched. Empowered. Ebbs of Cen's emotions and thoughts came like ripples inside a glass, easy to see if you only looked.

"What did we do?" Elena found herself asking, when words returned. There was no shock or dismay, only wonder at the newest mystery. Mindlinks were known to deepen over the course of years, especially between lovers, but this? This was a small creek widening into a healthy stream on its own accord.

"I can only guess," Cen said, her lips parted as she caught her breaths. It took a minute for her to continue. "I think... both of us working, at once, with the same purpose, created a bridge. Strengthened the existing bridge."

"That makes sense." Elena shifted on her knees, drawing a gasp from Cen as the shaft shifted inside her. She gave a teasing grind before pulling out, and brought a cloth between Cen's thighs before the dripping mix of fluids could make too much of a mess. The weight of the phallus on her own groin made her want to squirm. Oversensitive and yet yearning for more.

The cleanup was never as fun as the main event, but it was necessary. Their bodies still had lingering shivers which echoed through the bond and drew out the delightful afterglow. Matted fur and sticky skin would spoil the afternoon. And besides, it let them embrace the languid intimacy of mutual grooming. Elena found herself enjoying that more than usual, and as Cen cleaned her in turn, their lips met more than once. Passion without urgency.

They weren't a traditional couple. They'd agreed on that when they'd put paperwork to their growing work partnership. Professional associates, social companions, sexual partners, and open playmates. And yet, the warmth in their hearts—lingering well after the pleasure faded to fond memory—went beyond mere friendship. Or did it? Was this what friends felt when they were this intimate? Did the mindlink change the nature of their relationship—or, was their relationship already headed this way?

Elena wasn't sure what to make of the changes. They were hardly all that sudden. They'd been growing closer for months, now. Was it truly a surprise that trust and tenderness would unify them further?

A related question, perhaps a distraction, bubbled in her mind as they finished cleaning and packed their supplies. "Will you spend more time with Tommis tonight?"

Cen hummed. "I'd planned to. It's almost a shame we'll be moving on in a day or three." Worry threaded through the bond, a discordant tremor in the serenity. "Unless you'd prefer I didn't? If this changes how we—."

Elena had her hands up and, "No, no," came out of her mouth before her brain caught up. "I mean, we should talk about this change, of course. Experiment. But I'm still comfortable with our arrangement." Happy for Cen's enjoyment of what she couldn't provide, even before the side benefits. It was no fault of either of them; there was more overlap in their tastes than not, but no one person could meet all the other's needs.

The sense of her thoughts carried across the bond. Or, it was an unspoken mutual understanding, now conveyed deeper than words.

Warmth brought extra beauty to Cen's smile. "The same for me. Perhaps we'll visit Centrus Hame or Villeyia, or one of the mage retreats, and see if any mind-link scholars have theories?"

"Oh, I'm sure they'll have theories." Elena credited herself for not snorting in derision. "After a full three days of arguing, they might be able to agree that bonds can form between minds."

"I'm sure we can give them a little more credit than that," Cen said. Her hand touched Elena's. "I'll admit, not much more than a little, unless they can be properly managed. That's a problem for later."

"Later," Elena agreed, taking the hand. "Right now, I want a quick wash and a good meal."

"Same. Shall we return and give them the good news?"

"I believe we shall," Elena said, smiling back. They shouldered packs and set off towards town. The walk would do well for working out the faint aches of exertion from the ritual and staving off the creeping edge of exhaustion until beds were within reach.

---

With success reported to the head farmer and workers dispatched, Elena sent Cen to rest. Even being secondary in the ritual, her energy was flagging. It was triply worse for Cen; Elena could feel the cervitaur starting to drift by the time they entered the town itself. It didn't take much convincing to get her to the guest house while Elena set off to 'handle a few things.'

She steeled herself. Business discussion wasn't her preference. She could do this much, at least. She could meet the mayor.

The report was, thankfully, succinct.

"Our few sensitive individuals could feel the magic even from inside the town," Mayor Lira said when Elena finished. "You've done us a great service."

Elena nodded and did her best to channel her partner's poise for such pleasantries. "It is our duty and privilege to help. We'll do a circuit of the fields tomorrow to ensure the magic is taking hold."

It seemed the worry lines on the older woman's face were already fading. "Do share with us any needs you have—Tommis will still be available, of course."

"We appreciate it." And thus her business graces reached their limit. She couldn't tell if the conversation should steer to small talk or farewells. Her eyelids felt heavy. Farewell it was. "Forgive me, but I ought to check on Cendrine. Unless you have any questions?"

Fortunately, the mayor smiled and gestured in the direction of the guest house. "If I may be so bold, it seems rest is your greatest need. Please, don't let me keep you. There will be better times to talk."

"Thank you. Good day," Elena said, and inclined her head to a respectful degree before they parted ways.

Unlike too many past meetings, it didn't feel like a retreat from an awkward encounter. She felt... good? Assured? Barely any stiffness in her shoulders, no too-rapid step, no sinking feeling and racing thoughts of how she could do better. Sure, there were things she could have done better. A thread of tension still coiled in her gut. And yet, she didn't feel like everyone in the village had been waiting for one misstep to line the streets and judge her.

Was this what confidence felt like?

She drew a bucket of water from the well to replace whatever they used for washing. Cen had put the supplies on the table and had eaten some rations; moving around was the only thing keeping her from dozing on her hooves. Elena coaxed her partner out of her outer clothes, through a quick rub down, and onto the bed before a knock came at the door.

"Beg pardon my intrusion," Tommis said when Elena answered. "I, um. Wanted to check in on you both."

Cen's stir of awareness carried through the bond, sleep shaken off for the moment. "Very kind of you," she said, and Elena opened the door further so he could poke his head inside. "I wish I could be good company, but I'm quite fatigued. Can I call on you later?"

"Of course, of course." The young man raised a hand in both apology and farewell. "I will wait at the town hall."

Cen seemed about to say something more after Elena closed the door, but her head met the pillow and the bond sank into the deep calm of unconsciousness. It was tempting to join her.

Elena meditated instead, letting her mind dwell on connections and flows between people. It was probably closer to a nap by the midway point. If she needed the rest, she needed the rest.

Stirrings of mutual hunger broke both sleep and concentration as the afternoon stretched toward evening.

"How are you feeling?" Elena asked, kneeling next to Cen. Her partner had a washing cloth and had already gone over much of herself.

"Better," she replied, fixing Elena with a warm smile. "I don't suppose the market has any fish? Something from the river."

Elena brushed the fur on her lower back. "I can see. Any other meat you'd want?"

"Hm, not tonight."

A stirring fluttered on Cen's side of the bond, half idle thought and half unnamed desire. Though, unnamed wasn't the right term. "Aside from Tommis's meat, of course."

Cen bit her lip.

Elena gave her ear a teasing nibble. "I'll send him over."

"You're wonderful," Cen said, smiling. A smile which grew impish. "And if I recall, there's some business to be done at the leatherworker..."

"I don't know what you mean," Elena said, even though she did. Maybe the next day. "I'll be back soon with at least one kind of meat."

If it weren't for the growing hollow she could feel in Cen's stomachs, Elena was pretty sure she'd have been drawn into continuing the tease she'd started. Instead, she took a basket and left Cen to brush the rest of her coat. The town hall was on the way to the main market, and the clerk promised to let Tommis know he'd been summoned. Meal supplies were easy enough to obtain—save for fish.

"Oh, no, miss," the butcher said, "we don't have enough demand for that until the cold sets in. Stinks up the good meat, besides." His features softened after a moment and he leaned his head towards the riverside of town. "You'll find a few hands casting lines at the riverside, there, may be some would trade or sell for their catches. Cheaper for those with many hungry mouths, you see."

"Thank you," Elena said, and put some coin towards an extra share of travel jerky. The walk towards the river took her near enough to their lodging that she reached out, curious if the range of their connection had improved.

Her step slowed and her jaw nearly dropped at the unexpected surge in her senses. It was as if she'd only been across the room. There was an impression of a floor beneath a phantom lower body, a warmth that Cen's focus was drawn towards. A presence. Tommis, of course, the sensations falling into place as Elena crossed the street. Cen was still in her bed, or had moved back there. Tommis was in front of her, close, either sitting or standing. Her focus was on him, on the smooth run of his skin against her palms, of pressure against her mouth. Were they kissing? It was impressive to feel as much as she did; Cen must have relaxed her mental control, or was perhaps working limited empathy on Tommis. Or their connection was that much stronger.

Excitement vibrated through Cen, and thus through the bond. That pressure, fullness, wasn't just against her lips but between them, on her tongue, in her mouth. Cen's head moved forward as the length stiffened—

Oh. Of course.

Elena attenuated her connection and raised guards. Perhaps a little too much by reflex, nearly slamming the door instead of gently closing it. Just, she hadn't expected to feel that much. A shift in awareness and a thread of apology and query graced her shielded mind. Elena opened back up enough to send back a measure of chagrined surprise, a strong helping of bemusement, and a blameless acceptance. Cen acknowledged, and then her attention withdrew, likely back to make Tommis forget whatever hesitation had just ensued.

At least she hadn't had to smell or taste him, Elena thought. She was hardly opposed to putting her mouth around something when a woman was involved, but... She shrugged to herself. She knew her inclinations. No sense in agonizing over what couldn't be changed.

The river was just wide enough for two boats to pass without worrying about running aground, and flowed at a stately pace. True to the butcher's word, at least half a dozen humans—several barely out of adolescence—had poles in hand and lines in the water. It didn't take long to find a couple willing to sell and haggle a relatively fair price for a dinner's worth of skinned and gutted catfish.

It also gave plenty of time for Cen to finish with Tommis.

Things were indeed calm as she approached the cottage. Tommis even had his smallclothes on, with only a slight flush and heavier breathing to betray prior events. Was he still hard? Elena didn't let her gaze linger. Cen, naturally, looked satisfied. The fish made sizzling filets on the stove's hot plate, while the greens and extra breading fried in a skillet.

"I can leave, if I'd be interrupting your meal," Tommis murmured to Cen, low enough that perhaps he thought Elena wouldn't hear it over the sizzling of food. The sound carried through the air she was already weaving to disperse the smoke. Maybe it was just conversational between lovers. She tried not to read into it.

"Nonsense," she replied, "share some food with us."

"I would be honored to eat with both of you." He shifted against her. "Though I did eat not long ago."

Cen probably waved him off. "Then share company. You are welcome." Her voice turned rich, sensual; it was the same volume as his, but clearer, as if Elena had been right there. In a way, she was. "Besides, I'm sure we have other appetites to sate afterwards."

His gasp and hitched breath had even Elena smirking. She didn't need the bond or to turn around to know her partner's hand had roamed. Sensation was dull at best, so Cen was shielding her still. No matter. She'd had time during the walk back to prepare herself for bleed-through. When she did turn, it was a slight surprise that Cen actually had her hand down the waistband of his smallclothes. He flushed as if he'd been the one caught sneaking touches. She just smiled in bemusement and started dishing up food.

They moved to the table, and at Cen's insistence Tommis did accept a small helping of greens—in exchange for keeping his outer clothes off. The meal was casual, though hurried; Cen seemed about ready to eat their helpings as well as hers before her stomachs accepted they'd been filled. Elena knew she would have at least another meal before they turned in for the night. Her partner's larger body came with a proportional need for sustenance. And of course, both had worked a fair amount of magic and would need a couple days to fully recover. The growl of hunger in both of them was at least settled quickly enough.

A different need, as predicted, was taking its place.

Tommis was kind enough to do the larger share of cleaning up the dishes, which gave Cen opportunities to tease him. A murmured word in passing here, a drifting hand there, and a flash of her hiked tail that nearly had the man drop the bowl he was drying.

"Shameless, isn't she?" Elena murmured towards Tommis, though her own eyes hardly strayed from the display.

Cen glanced over her shoulder with a coy smirk. "What can I say? I've two lovely lovers to show off for."

Tommis licked his lips. "And she is magnificent."

Elena nodded, which Tommis was too entranced to notice. He was also too caught up to notice or care he was erect.

Cen looked down too, and her smile grew. "See? He appreciates it."

"As if you can't tell that I can, too," Elena said.

Tommis frowned. "You mean from her life magic?"

Of course, he didn't know of the bond. Elena surprised herself by answering first. "Something like that."

"And experience," Cen added, winking under her tail. Her eyes danced between the two of them before settling on Tommis. "Speaking of, I do believe you wanted to learn more about pleasing women?"

Oh yes, he did blush easily, now that Elena could see him clearly. He nodded without hesitation.

"Good man." Her hooves made a quiet tap-tap-tap on the floor as she moved to her bed, beckoning the man to follow. Elena turned to put away several of the utensils. Soft sounds—a kiss, she guessed—carried through the air behind her.

When she turned around again, Cen's scant clothing was coming off, and Tommis wasn't far behind. She murmured something while he caressed her breasts. He lightly pinched one [dusky] nipple, and Elena felt the phantom twinge of pleasure in time with Cen's approving hum. Her hand went down to his rear while she leaned in close.

"—like it when I used my mouth—" came Cen's whisper into his ear, quiet enough that Elena would have to actively work magic to overhear.

She could guess just fine.

The human visibly shivered. "Yes."

Cen grinned and drew back. "Then how would you feel about using yours on me?"

His attention, predictably, moved to her chest. Elena could see when the realization struck and his head turned towards her haunches. "Oh, you mean... oh." And then he nodded. "I've heard other men brag, but, I've never done it. I'd like to?" He sounded more confident than he had earlier in the day.

"I'd be happy to teach you," Cen murmured. "If you don't like it, you can always use your fingers. The taste and smell isn't for everyone."

"I want to learn." He drew back and seemed at a loss how to help when Cen rolled onto her backs. The man recovered quickly enough to rearrange pillows and fold one of the blankets for support. More kissing, of course, more mutual fondling, before the spread of her hindlegs drew his attention.

Elena finished the last few chores while Cen explained a few points about anatomy and foreplay. She had to stifle a giggle at the wide-eyed, rapt expression of the man. He hung on Cen's every word like an apprentice before a master tutor.

But then, wasn't that the case here? Close enough. It was still cute.

"Don't overthink," Cen said, watching him with undisguised interest. Lucky for the student that the master enjoyed teaching—and not just for the little shiver when his questing fingers ran down her thigh. Tommis's brow furrowed, and he added more pressure, then his other hand to mirror the motions of the first as he teased back up. "Good man, good. Explore me more, enjoy, listen and watch for what I like..."

To his further credit, Tommis didn't immediately go for her slit, though she'd certainly be visibly, temptingly aroused. His hands moved over her thighs, her lower belly, even her tufted tail. He'd said earlier in the day—spirits, was it still the same day?—that he'd had some experience, at least. Perhaps his former lover had taught him a few things too.

Elena quietly slipped into a chair across from them and met Cen's quick glance with a wink. Her partner smiled warmly, then huffed and looked back down. Elena could see he was spreading her, focused and eager, his tongue flitting over his lips; still, he stroked one hand back up her belly, gazing over every contour of the cervitaur. There were quite a few of them. He was curious, sure. Four hooved legs in the air still wasn't clouding his expression with aversion or worse, though. Nor the supple but clearly nonhuman barrel of her lower body, the pale and tawny coat over that, or even the features on her upper half and face that weren't—.

"Oh!" he gasped, eyes flicking up to Elena. "I'm... I forgot you were here. I'm sorry."

She tamped down the feeling of alienation—his sudden confusion was the situation, not her. Not her. Cen's gaze was on her too, warm and steady, a reassuring comfort and another voice in support of her conclusion. She wouldn't kick him out if he said or did something truly foolish. She wouldn't condone it, either.

Elena took in a breath, remembered his earlier eagerness and her partner's enjoyment, and let them fuel her small smile. "I hope I'm not interrupting? I can leave if, if I'm unwelcome." She cursed the brief hitch in her voice, but she wasn't about to back down.

Through the bond, Cen stirred, ready to both defend her and to subtly reproach what she had heard as self-critical. Elena reached out to reassure her before she spoke. Cen wasn't wrong, just that Elena was ready to face that specter of rejection. Let it be proven false.

And to her relief, Tommis shook his head. "No, no, I mean." He glanced at Cen, then back. "If you want, if we're not interrupting your work? Or if you want to watch." His face flushed. "If it's not forward of me to suggest. Cen mentioned you liked to, sometimes."

"I do," she replied. "I wouldn't participate, mind. Just looking."

One of his hands kept stroking Cen's thigh, drawing a whisper of enjoyment from the cervitaur. "Right, you, you prefer other women? I hope I won't bore you."

Elena nodded, and waved the last comment off. "I like seeing Cen pleasured, even if it is by a man." The smile at the corners of her mouth spread as he dipped his head in thanks. "Don't let me distract you further. She's eager for you to continue."

His eyes went back down to Cen's loins, and his fingers followed. Cen's lower chest swelled in a deep breath. The man explored, teased, and caressed. He must have been rewarded with a wink, or a glimpse of her wetness, as his gaze focused and his touch quested. Muscles quivered, and then he pulled back, fingers glistening. He took a subtle sniff, then a lick, his brow lowering in thought.

"I won't hold it against you if you don't like the taste," Cen said.

"No, it's... different." Tommis took another lick, head tilting. "Not what I expected? Maybe I should try more." He spread her nethers, then resumed his caresses.

"He's learning to tease me." Cen glanced up at Elena. "Must be payback for not finishing him earlier."

"No?" Elena replied, despite herself. "I did shop as slowly as I could."

Cen's shoulders twitched in a slight shrug. "Kind of you, but I wanted him to—oh!"

Tommis had apparently summoned courage, or just desire, and pressed his lips to Cen's folds. More motion followed; fingers, tongue? Whatever it was, the man had taken her earlier advice to heart, repeating whatever had his partner gasp, murmur, twitch... Even without bleed-through, Elena felt the urge to press her thighs together at the sight and sound of her partner's pleasure.

And why not? She was here to watch. To enjoy. Who would gainsay her from doing just that?

Tommis was too involved in his work to notice Elena readjusting herself. Cen spared her a sultry smile before turning her attention back to the man's education. He was already improving. Cen's soft instructions in her own preferences guided him further: adding pressure, changing speed, and then just coaxing him to continue with growing enthusiasm.

At least, until he slowed, and then pulled back, breathing heavier and looking chagrined. Elena recognized the problem the moment he moved his jaw.

"Sore?" Cen murmured, and grinned at his bashful nod. "It takes practice, don't you worry. Did you enjoy it?"

He nodded again, more eager, and sat up while he rubbed his cheeks. The tent in his smallclothes was unmistakable, and even to Elena's eye, seemed uncomfortable.

"I think he wants to mate you again," Elena murmured, feeling an odd mix of self-consciousness and thrill when Tommis noticed her hand was under her own clothing. Did the blush ever leave his face?

Cen glanced between them and chuckled. "Yes, yes he does." A gleam entered her eye. "I think the clothes need to come off. For both of you."

Tommis took in a breath, and his hands went down to the cord at his waist. Elena stopped noticing him after that, her awareness shrinking down to Cen and her steady gaze. Her heart was trying to flutter itself into palpitations. Only deep breathing and the reassurance of her partner, her trusted companion, kept her centered. It wasn't that she was opposed to being seen, that was one thing, but disrobing? What if Tommis didn't like what he saw? What if the sight of her dampened the mood Cen had worked to—

"I just want you to enjoy yourself," Cen said. "Tommis, my partner is sometimes shy about her looks." Her expression softened, then, likely deciding against pushing the issue. "I hope you won't be offended if she stays clothed?"

Tommis blinked, pausing in untying the knotted cord. It fell away in his hands anyway. "Of course not, no. I won't even look if you'd prefer. Or, um." His face flushed further. "I mean, you are very beautiful, Elena. If that helps? I also wouldn't mind seeing you, if you want. You're both beautiful."

Elena took in a breath, recognized the anxiety for what it was, and reached for the lacing of her shirt. "Perhaps," she said, voice quiet, though she didn't think it was in danger of cracking, "I might make myself more comfortable? No touching, but looking... looking is fine."

Tommis had dropped his smallclothes, erection standing up and out from the hair around his loins. It twitched as he caressed Cen, and then again as Elena shrugged out of her shirt. The urge to cross her arms over her chest rose—she could feel his gaze roaming over her, over the scales, the thicker skin and smaller breasts than Cen. But, his cock didn't shrink, his eyes didn't avert. If anything, he looked hungrier. A man in public with that look would have been rude and unwelcome; she extended the same trust that she had for Cen, and her for him.

No, he was drinking in the sight of her at their invitation. She kept her hands on her thighs and let the tension in her gut relax. The little voices of doubt slunk back to the shadows where they belonged. There was even a little thrill of pride. If she was as flexible in her attractions as Cen, she might even have been bold enough to consider joining them after all.

Elena smiled. "I may not be interested in men," she said, slipping a hand back into her own trousers, "but, I know enough to guess you'd like to put that in Cen, now."

Tommis's own hand went down to his shaft, eyes tearing away from one woman to return to Cen. He nodded, licked his lips, and moved to straddle her. The brush of his length over her underbelly brought a slight gasp from her throat. She arched, he aimed, and Elena felt the echo of the moment he started to spread her thick lips and sink inside.

Then, curiously, she felt something like her muscles twitching, or flexing. Cen's winking? The bond shared plenty of sensations and emotions, but feeling something like muscles moving took focus to feel—they'd trained to tune it out unless focused on, especially to keep less-pleasant bodily functions unshared. This, though...

She felt it again, felt the echo of a larger clitoris flexing and moving along the phantom shaft, and definitely felt the pleasure from the direct touch. Cen wasn't just winking around him, she was all but milking the man. He certainly didn't seem to complain. It was, Elena had to admit, even a little arousing to see him double over and groan when the cervitaur rolled her hips. She started to rub herself, adding her own heat to the fire.

"Problem, young man?" Cen murmured, playing with her own chest, her belly. She was already quite turned on, no doubt from the teasing buildup before dinner.

"Ah! Only that you're... so very lovely, Cen."

She grinned up at Elena. "Such a flatterer, isn't he?"

"It's only the truth, my dear partner," Elena said, watching the man's eyes rise, focus on her features, on the outline of her hand moving in her pants.

"And I can feel him twitching, maybe I teased him a little too well..." Cen drew his attention back like compass-iron—though to be fair, he was inside her. His pace was picking up. Muscles stood out on his arms and broad shoulders. The grunting, she could do without. Cen started moaning, though, quite genuinely, which made up for it.

"Yes, Tommis, I know you want it," she gasped, backs arching, "in me, I can feel you, yes, take me, mate me..."

Elena closed her eyes to let the rising pleasure carry her away. Her fingers rubbed until she started to quiver, to squirm... She opened herself more, wanting to feel what Cen felt, if being fucked was better with a degree of separation.

A new surge of sensation brought the phantom pressure of a cock inside her. Warmer than a dildo, the softness of skin over the firm core, the twitching throbs of sexual instinct. Cen's enjoyment wasn't hers, though, and then new warmth spread deeper, spurts of thick liquid from the man's cock, pooling and leaking like hot goo—

Elena pulled away from the link, her peak somewhat marred by the sensation. Such a mess. Cen's pleasure had only redoubled; clearly she enjoyed it far more. It was likely an attraction to her even aside from being the very act of life itself.

Just not one Elena shared.

She'd never been close enough to a man to tell if she was missing much from her disinterest. Occasional samples like this continued to prove she wasn't. The more for Cen, she supposed, thoughts wheeling a little—the little climax hadn't been completely ruined. She'd need to strip from her pants before they stained. Maybe she could bring herself to a more comfortable peak in private.

By the time her legs felt steady enough to make her way to the bedroom, Cen and Tommis were cleaning each other. Probably a prelude to more; he was young, and Cen had plenty of stamina. Her partner smiled up at her and leaned her cheek into Elena's clean hand for a few breaths.

"Don't wear each other out too much," Elena murmured, letting a smirk cross her mouth. "We do need to make that walk around the fields tomorrow."

Cen made a little mock-groan and curled her fingers around Tommis's shaft. "Alas, handsome. Only five or six more times at most."

Elena chuckled and shook her head as the expression on the man's face turned to the very picture of eager, with only a mild shade of daunted. If her partner were any more devious, the poor lad would be all but eaten alive. Or so the saying went. It was an expression that seemed a little odd to her. Eaten alive? Not the best euphemism.

Oh well.

She tilted her head to Tommis in farewell, and he gently smiled—his eyes still slipping back down to her breasts, though Cen pulled his attention back smoothly enough. She drew the bedroom curtain nearly closed behind her, not bothering to hide the gap. Let him wonder if she was still watching. If he wasn't excited by the idea, at least he wasn't opposed.

The window shutters let enough light in that she didn't need the bedside lamp. She stripped down and cleaned the wet spot from the inside seat of her pants, then decided to rub herself to another climax while the sounds and impressions of sensation from the main room grew more intense. From the occasional sense of a longer spine and body, ghosts of touch on her breasts, she didn't have to glance out to tell Cen was in a position where he could reach her upper half while penetrating her.

There was more sensory bleed-through than there had been in days and weeks prior, along with occasional swells of emotion. They would have to work on familiarizing themselves with new boundaries. It wasn't a worry: she imagined her life would be less vibrant, less connected, if she hadn't met Cen. Let alone bond with her! And oddly, she got a similar impression from her partner. Elena would have struggled to imagine she would be a bright spot in someone else's life if the truth of it wasn't next to her own heart.

She smiled, and then bit her lip as her fingers worked over her folds. She was still wet, still sensitive, and the rise of her pleasure followed the pace of the gentle waves carried through the bond. Her other hand went to her breast, imagining Cen, or perhaps another woman while Cen was occupied, enjoying her curves.

There's that leather stand, Cen had teased her. It wasn't just the craftsmanship that had caught her eye. Maybe, maybe she hadn't imagined the look she'd gotten. Maybe those hands could be on her instead...

Elena barely stifled a moan, arching, shaking, heat and pleasure spreading from her core. This time she rode it out, grinding against her palm and gripping her tail lest it lash the lamp off the nightstand. The tug on her spine only redoubled the thrill. Oh yes, she had needed that.

Tension slid away to be replaced by that lovely warmth, that floating feeling as she licked her fingers clean.

They did need repairs on a couple of their bags. Maybe it was worth stopping by. Just to see.

The thought lingered with her as she drifted off to a nap, and came back when she roused long enough to prepare for bed properly—sure enough, Cen was still going with Tommis, though their slow pace and the shaky, sluggish movements of their sweat-streaked forms suggested it was their last time. The air smelled thickly of sex. Even after she returned to her room, it was tempting to rub out one more climax, especially when one and then the other sang out their own pleasure.

Instead, after making sure Cen wouldn't be too worn to clean up before bed, sleep took her a few minutes later.