“Ow! Hey Thantis, this was just meant to be show and tell, not a hands on exhibit!” Winters hissed in pain as the elderly priest withdrew from a tentative prodding of his now significant bruise. Following the sparring match with the sun guard, he had decided to take things easy and remain on their bench for a time. Veera happily indulged herself in the situation, taking a warm cat nap against his uninjured side. Were it not for her peacefully sleeping form, Winters would have been quite a bit more forceful with the death priest. Thantis waved a hand and whispered an apology.

“My apologies Winters, I simply wish to understand this process better. It is most difficult to track the progression of such a thing with fur in the way.” He explained, approaching Winters again but keeping his hands to himself. The human nodded and relented.

“I can imagine Thantis, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less when you poke and prod. It’s bad enough when I take a deep breath.” Winters informed him.

“Why did you allow yourself to be hit in such a way?” Thantis asked curiously. “Gentia and I, even in our old age and without any formal training as warriors, know that your actions that round were peculiar, to say nothing of your opponent.” Winters smiled at the old priest.

“I was that obvious, was I? Well I guess that explains why the sun guard hit me as hard as he did. I’m sure he thought I was mocking him or something.” Winters shrugged with his right shoulder.

“Were you?” Thantis seemed astounded at the idea.

“I was not. I was trying to teach a young guard, Xan, a lesson about what happens when you don’t play to your strengths. It was true that I didn’t have to take this hit in particular, but I had to defend more vital areas. He was bound to strike me eventually. I wanted it to be somewhere I wouldn’t risk a cracked or broken bone. Those don’t heal nearly as well or quickly as soft tissue. I gather that your village has been at peace for many years? It’s clear that the youngest guards have not had any taste of real combat.” Winters explained. Thantis looked away pensively.

“Yes, that is the case Winters. We are a relatively poor village, a ‘frontier town’, if you will. That makes us a target, but we are also not particularly wealthy. The trade caravans move with heavily armored guards, for instance. The last raid here was many years ago and was not particularly well organized. They attacked before nightfall, allowing the former guard captain to rally a suitable defense and prevent any significant incursion into the town itself. He gave his life that day but saved many from death and starvation.” Thantis closed his eyes and made a motion with his hands, perhaps invoking Kel in memory of the dead captain.

“Is that when Antoth became the head priest of Uthos?”

“It is. He has done his predecessor proud, in my opinion.” Thantis nodded.

“From what I’ve seen I’m inclined to agree, though I am still mostly ignorant of your customs. I suppose it’s fair to add that I don’t blame him for Xan’s lack of combat sense. There are things you can only learn on the battlefield, unfortunately. If you’re lucky enough to survive, you grow.”

“Indeed Winters. You strike me as unusually seasoned given your age. Well…given what I assume your age to be. Very little youthful…excess…about you.” Thantis suggested.

“Maybe. I would be a little over twenty one by your people’s calendar. I was the only warrior of my kind on my ship. So if anything ever went wrong I would get sent in. It certainly added up over the last year and a half, to say nothing of being marooned on an uncharted world that humanity as a whole doesn’t know the existence of. That isn’t to say I wasn’t like Xan when I was younger, back on Earth.” Thantis seemed to understand well what Winters was trying to say.

“I see. The trials of life wait for no man. Well, in any case, thank you for allowing me to observe your wound. If you would excuse me, I should go make some notes back at the temple while this is fresh in my mind.” Thantis excused himself and returned Winters’ translator, allowing the human to take a moment to himself. The sky was crisp and clear, but cold. It didn’t matter to him. There had been no rain and minimal clouds for the duration of the festival. Even now he was comfortable. Thanks to Veera’s fur and the fire before him, Winters was warm enough to keep his shirt off, not wanting to obstruct his bruise. It was odd, in a way, how complete he felt now that he’d been given a few moments to simply think. Food and water had been secured, he had plenty of spare parts to keep his fabricator running, the solar panel array was fixed and working at optimal efficiency, he had plans for hunting going forward, his physical prowess had secured them some extra resources thanks to Veera’s betting acumen, and now, he’d secured himself an alien girlfriend. He exhaled deeply, wincing but tolerating the pain much better. “What is my life right now?” He couldn’t help the existential moment.

“I hope the answer to that question is something nice.” Veera said softly, rousing herself and looking at him. “How are you feeling?”

“Getting better. Haven’t felt anything off or strange so I think we’re in the clear, though I don’t think I’ll be dancing too strenuously tonight. Sorry Veera.”

“I was actually going to ask if we could do what we did last night, that dance we did together?”

“A waltz?”

“Yes, I think so. That shouldn’t be too hard on you, right? I very much enjoyed the dance of your people.” Veera told him eagerly. Winters chuckled.

“That’s only one dance of very many Veera, but to your point, no, it shouldn’t be an issue for me. I can’t say the steps will line up with whatever music your people happen to provide, but we’ll make it work.” Winters assured her with a smile. The thought of dancing with her again, in front of the whole village, warmed him from the inside. It was a dream of hers, he knew, and he wanted to be the one to make it real; to say nothing of the satisfaction he’d feel at claiming her in front of everyone; though, in a way, he’d done that already. He looked into the slightly darkening sky, the movement of Seil taking it close to the eastern horizon. “Shall we get ourselves something to eat?”

“I can go alone if you need to keep resting.” Veera kindly offered, but Winters shook his head and stood slowly.

“I’ll come with you. You already had to do this solo yesterday.” He offered her his hand after replacing his shirt and vest. She accepted it happily.

“Lead on then, darling.” Veera encouraged, practically singing the last word. Winters couldn’t help himself, bringing a hand up to rub the back of his neck. The motion seemed to stir Veera’s affections as she gripped him tighter to her, leading him off in search of their next meal. “So Russell, how many dances do your people have?”

“Depends on what you mean by my people. Humanity has more than I could even begin to tell you about. That said, most humans just make things up as they go. Not many people take the time to learn more advanced steps. What I showed you last night was…well…pretty basic to be honest.”

“That doesn’t matter Russell, I loved it.” Veera reassured him as her curiosity regarding humanity grew yet again.

That evening they were joined by Thantis, Gentia, Asha, and Zolta for dinner. The priests provided a communal pot and everyone added their favorite things, talking together about plans for the future as the potluck boiled. As Winters anticipated, Asha and Zolta were well on their way to becoming full time craftsmen. They even had their eye on a small unused dwelling in the district behind Zolta’s temple. They didn’t have enough wealth to donate to the temple of Seil yet, but they were saving. Winters made a mental note to be generous with his hunts. As long as he and Veera didn’t starve he figured it would be a good use of whatever ‘wealth’ he managed to kill. After all, the newly mated pair clearly weren’t going to get any privacy in either family’s home. Thantis was still looking for an apprentice, while Gentia would be planning for the winter season, ensuring the priestesses of Meylith had an accurate tally of their granary and that there were no issues within. Winters supposed it might be mundane to another human, but it was all important. He was receiving a crash course in just how far humanity had really come over the last few centuries. He couldn’t help but chuckle.

“What is it Russell?” Veera asked, retrieving a piece of boiled vegetable and blowing on it before popping it into her mouth. Winters noted the content expression on her face, glad that she’d rediscovered an appreciation of dato now that it wasn’t her only source of nourishment.

“I was just thinking that even with everything humanity has done, and how technologically advanced we are, the food I’ve been eating here is so much better than anything I’ve gotten in the military.” Veera beamed at him.

“I’m so glad to hear that darling. I know you’re a long way from home.” She sympathized. He knew she saw the momentary change in his expression.

“I am. It’s starting to…become real for me. When I landed I had to survive. That was my only concern: food and water. Then came shelter and safety, and finally some emotional healing so I could operate long term. I guess I’m feeling like this because things have been going so well recently. My brain has had too much time to think.” He considered, looking lovingly at his girlfriend and hoping she would understand that he wasn’t sad about being there with her, about what had happened. She took his free hand in hers as he ate a bite.

“We’ll carve out our own warm little corner in the darkness…together.” She whispered the promise. She knew she wouldn’t ever replace his people or family, but she could give him that much. He tightened his grip in response.

“Are you excited to dance tonight?” He asked, moving them on from that topic. He didn’t want to darken their final festival evening. She gave him a wide smile.

“Yes! I can’t wait!”

“Is there anything I should know? Procedure and the like?”

“Only that the first song is devoted to the last act of courtship. So we will actually remain on the sidelines for that one.” She informed him. “Had last night not…come to pass…I would have certainly danced for you, but I’m glad it happened this way. Once that song has concluded all are welcome to dance, but most people give deference to any new couples in a given year so we might have a song or two when we’re dancing with only a few others.” She explained as Winters looked over at Zolta. The kid looked nervous.

“Zolta, I know us guys dread dancing in public like death itself, but you already got the girl. Just enjoy it.”

“Easier said than done!” He shot back as Asha received a translation from Veera. The women giggled before descending into another whispered discussion. Zolta looked at Winters across the two. “I think we’ve created a monster.”

“As I said this morning, I think you’ll enjoy this monstrosity quite a bit.” Zolta looked around nervously before standing up and repositioning himself closer to the human. Thantis and Gentia were engaged with one another, giving the young ones a modicum of privacy.

“What else do we not know about?” He whispered urgently.

“What?” Winters was genuinely confused.

“I didn’t know about hugging or kissing. Not sure I ever would have thought about those things, maybe only as happy accidents. But they’re…well…quite nice. It makes me wonder what else I don’t know.” Zolta admitted as Winters looked at him, impressed. Io couldn’t help but coo at the newly mated Cauthan.

“You’ll make a decent lover yet Zolta.” Winters reassured him.

“A what?”

“You don’t have a word for that?” Winters seemed skeptical. “Well, either way, it means someone who takes his or her partner’s interests into account before their own when it comes to physical interaction and pleasure. Someone who enjoys being physical for its own sake and not just procreation.”

“Oh…I…” Zolta trailed off, his eyes narrowed in thought as he looked at the fire.

“You care about her very much Zolta. Just tap into that feeling when the two of you are getting frisky and it’ll be fine. You don’t seem like the kind of man who would just blow his load and fall asleep.” Winters encouraged him, unable to believe that he was, indeed, giving the talk to another Cauthan.

“I don’t know the first thing about pleasing a female. All I know is…well…how to get her pregnant.” Winters looked at him with a stern glance.

“Now isn’t the time Zolta, but I do understand where you’re coming from. Veera is likely filling Asha’s head with all sorts of wicked thoughts right now so you’ve got a head start there. If she does something unexpected, go with it, explore. Someday soon we can talk about…the rest. I don’t know much about pleasing a female Cauthan either, as you might imagine.” Winters laughed at himself.

“Could have fooled me.”

“That’s just because I’m brave Zolta. When you’ve killed magma lizards, women don’t seem so scary, even if they are of another species.” He leaned very close and whispered into the kid’s ear. “I bit her ear this morning. Softly, mind you, but I received the most…interesting reaction. Maybe give that a shot sometime when you two are alone, eh? Start small, see how she reacts, discover.” Winters finished abruptly, cut off by a tap on the shoulder and an accusatory glance from Veera. “Time’s up kid. Just enjoy the dance.”

“What did you do Russell?” Veera asked pointedly as Asha looked on with interest, noticing the very mixed expression on her mate’s face.

“The question is what I’m going to do to you…later.” Winters countered, allowing the words to spill from his lips like a molten promise of unmentionable pleasure. Veera actually shivered as they began another battle of words. “You taking notes kid?” Winters called with a laugh before meeting Veera’s eyes again. “Just playing father, don’t worry about it. And don’t act like you and Asha weren’t doing the same thing.” Veera answered his smoldering look.

“What can I say? You’re an inspiration to the most perverse part of me.” She informed him in her wonderfully direct yet still seductive manner. Winters felt multiple very male reactions to her words and tone. Veera was clearly the type to enjoy the art of sensual wordplay. Winters threw up his hands.

“Ok…we’ll call it a draw? Were it not for the bruise and the fact that we’re in public along with two of your people’s religious leaders well…let’s just say…” He pointed at her, then the ground, then himself. Veera understood, purring at him and whipping her tail behind her.

“You’re absolutely devious, Russell. But come, let’s finish dinner now. The dancing will begin soon!” She brought them down from their tete-a-tete.

“It sounds like someone’s been a good influence.” Gentia observed innocently, giving Veera a look that was anything but. Thantis could only chuckle at his mate’s forwardness, far too old to begrudge new couples their deviance. Veera and Winters both focused on their food, overcome with embarrassment.

As darkness fell and the meals wound down, Winters turned his attention to the yet unused fire pit in front of the temple of Seil. A large bonfire, taller than him by a good couple feet, had been prepared that afternoon and he had to admit that he envied whomever would get to light it. Veera saw where his attention was and explained that it would be lit just before the first songs of the evening, burning brightest as the youth of the village engaged in the rituals of courtship. Winters nodded, understanding the symbolism as he watched the musicians gather again.

“So Veera, how exactly does one get involved in music in your village? It doesn’t seem like the sort of thing one could do full time.” He asked, genuinely curious at how such a demanding pastime could be pursued.

“It’s nothing special Russell. If it’s something you want to do, you find the time. They meet more often in the winter, as you might imagine, but you’ll hear them all practicing on their own around the village every so often. Many of them take it very seriously. It’s considered an honor of sorts.”

‘Really?’ Io chipped in. ‘Is that because they are integral in the process of courtship?’

“Yes Io, that’s it.” Veera affirmed. “Our village only survives so long as each generation gives life to the next. To play a part in that is to honor Seil, the life-giver. Now Russell, stop with that depressed look. I told you already last night, not to mention when I shouted at Antoth a few days ago. Many will be happy that I won’t pass on my stripes to a new generation. I’ve found happiness with you and I intend to show them all how to dance tonight. Stop focusing on what you can’t give me. Start focusing on what you can. I’ll do the same.” Veera placed a paw on his cheek, turning him to face her.

“But you love it when I brood.” He smiled back, breaking out of his momentary funk and placing his hand over hers. “You really are a remarkable woman Veera. Don’t ever stop doing things like that.”

“I never will. You’re stuck with me.” She insisted happily.

“No complaints here. Oh…really? Do we have to hear from him twice in one day?!” Winters lamented as Vash ascended halfway up the stairs of his temple. The musicians had gathered at the base, awaiting his word. The two sun guards stood to either side of the bonfire, torches in hand. The priest raised his staff for quiet.

“My good people! We find ourselves yet again at the end of another fruitful harvest season. The time of cold and Kel comes, but by the grace of Seil we shall endure to see another year. Tonight is devoted to those among us who have come of age, who prepare to shoulder the mantle of adulthood and the continued prosperity of us all. Young ones, may you be healthy and prosperous in the light of the almighty Seil! Let the final night begin!” He concluded, signaling the guards to light the blaze and begin the final festivities.

“Alright, fine.” Winters grumbled. “I guess that wasn’t so bad. He’s still a prick though.”

“Does it still hurt?” Veera asked, placing a most gentle hand over his bruise.

“It’s a dull ache, nothing too bad. I wouldn’t miss tonight with you Veera, don’t worry.”

“I never did. Shall we head over? I think I see Asha up there already!” Veera informed him excitedly.

“But they’re already mated.” Winters pointed out.

“True, but they said they didn’t get much time to dance, not to mention I think she wants this moment for herself.” Veera ventured.

“What do you mean?” Winters looked between her and the fire.

“Well, thanks to you, Zolta upended the game and swept her away. She loved it, clearly, but I think she wants to do the same to him. Not to mention if you’re ever going to show off your stuff to the whole village, sixteen is the best time. Come on, you’ll see!”

“Am I allowed to see?” Winters asked cautiously, laughing as Veera paused mid-stride to consider.

“As long as your conclusion is that I’m more seductive, then yes, you are.” She informed him with a hand on her hip and a wave of her feathers. Winters leaned close to her ear.

“I’m yours, and you’re mine. None of these little tarts are ever going to change that, even Zolta’s.” He growled. She shivered.

“How do you do that?” She whispered. “You make me feel like I’m going to explode.”

“Trial and error, figure out what works. You make it easy, Veera. You’re never shy about what you do and don’t like. It helps, so don’t stop. And, by the way, you do the same to me; it spurs me on.” He told her earnestly, having put two and two together between his ear bite that morning and his most recent comment. Veera didn’t just respond to dominance, as she was capable of it on her own and clearly detested some of the authority figures in her village. In both instances that she’d responded well, Winters also promised her some element of devotion and fidelity. It was that combination that seemed most effective. Winters filed that knowledge away as they arrived at the edge of a large circle of Cauthan who formed a ring around the now fully burning fire.

“I guess Asha was right.” Veera mused as they looked around the open ring surrounding the fire. “The women were choosier this year. Plenty of them are sitting this one out.” Winters nodded in acknowledgement, spotting Zolta a few feet to his right. The young smith was thoroughly entranced by something and it didn’t take long for Winters to see why. The musicians were playing a primitive drum beat, a rhythm that matched the tone of the first dance well, in Winters’ mind. It was fast, loud, and called to the baser needs in him. He supposed it was more or less equivalent to what Veera might have imagined during her seduction of him the night before. He and Veera stifled their laughter as Zolta’s mouth hung open. He was staring, of course, at Asha. The young maiden seemed to have left her kind and reserved demeanor at the edge of the ring. Her dance could only be described as clothed foreplay. She had turned away from Zolta, ensuring he got a full view of her profile from behind. Her large tail waved back and forth, commanding attention and scattering firelight as she bent over to show off her thighs and hips, her pendant hanging from her neck and reflecting the firelight. Every so often she would stand straight and spin for him, flaring her dress and injecting the primal dance with a touch of elegance. Winters left Veera’s side for a moment, striding over to Zolta and disregarding those who complained that he was getting in their way. It’s not like she’s doing this for you lot…I guess sexual repression is a hell of a drug.

“So Zolta, are you happy you faced down your fear?” He asked quietly, coming to stand at the young man’s side and pressing the translator into his ear.

“Uh…what? Oh, yes…yes I am. What do you want, Winters?” Zolta asked absently, maintaining focus on his mate and her seductive dance.

“Only one word of advice, Zolta. It’s a guess, but I think you should try.”

“What is it?” Zolta actually broke his stare and looked at the human. He turned the kid’s eyes right back to Asha.

“Look at her right now. Remember this. Brand it into your memories. When the two of you are alone and everything in you compels you to breed her, remember this. You want to touch her, don’t you? You want to explore her body, right? Do that. Postpone your own satisfaction. She won’t deny you. Listen to her sounds. Focus on her movements. You’ll learn. If it’s at all possible, you’ll learn. I can tell just from that look in your eyes.”

“Learn what? If what’s possible?” Zolta asked heavily, his eyes wide as he beheld the woman who had assented to be his.

“When she screams your name, you’ll know.” Winters concluded, placing a supportive hand on the kid’s shoulder before taking his leave. Io popped up in his visor with a searching expression trained on him.

‘Why did you do that sir? We don’t even know if Cauthan females can reach orgasm yet.’ Io asked, clearly confused but also intrigued.

“I know Io, but I’ve planted the seed now. He’s Cauthan too. He might very well succeed before I do. If what Veera told us is right, some of these couples might mate later tonight. I have no intention of moving so quickly.” He explained as Io snapped her fingers with understanding.

‘Multiple samples…of course! Well played sir! I’m not sure we should publish our findings though…’ She congratulated him as he arrived back at Veera’s side and hugged her from behind. He ignored Io’s humorous quip and whispered to his girlfriend.

“I missed you.”

“Oh? Tell me more.” She purred, observing the females around the fire. It was easy enough to tell which young men had been successful that year. They numbered less than ten.

“Well, Zolta is well and truly smitten, but I find myself remembering last night much more fondly than anything I see before me right now.” Winters informed her silkily, earning himself another purr as Veera bent slightly at the knee, dragging herself down and then back up his body, leaving just enough room for her tail. Winters hissed.

“Eager to get out there?”

“You have no idea, darling.”

“You know, for a young maiden you’re quite…sensual. Not that I’m complaining…” Winters prompted, wondering how Veera always seemed to know how to get him fired up. She looked back at him, stealing a quick kiss on his cheek.

“It’s all you Russell. I’m not trying hard; I’m not overthinking anything. I just do things I think I’ll like, things that I think you’ll like. You’re not very reserved in your reactions either. I’m a fast learner.” She leaned her head further back, ensuring only he could hear her final line as she let the words drip off her tongue. The darkness and heat were getting to her. “After last night I know well enough where your manhood is. It’s like you humans were built for this sort of thing, for teasing and touching.” She pressed back against all of him.

“Holy. Fuck.” Winters and Io both exclaimed as Veera returned to watching the festivities and wrapped her arms around Winters’ own, flooding him with desire and the comfortable feeling of togetherness.

‘That girl is going to be the death of us.’ Io asserted, looping Veera in.

“If that’s the case, I’m going to die happy.” Winters agreed, laughing as Veera playfully batted his chin with her tail. For the briefest of moments he was taken aback. He decided to voice his reaction.

“I think…I think I’m going to enjoy being with a Cauthan.” He whispered, shocked the words were even coming out of his mouth. Veera tensed slightly as her crown fluttered before she looked back at him again, catching his gaze with her right eye.

“I’m sure there will be issues here and there darling, but you have no idea how happy that makes me. We’ll work through it together, I promise.” Her eyes sparkled in the firelight, reflecting flames and stars as the emotions of their new relationship rioted between the two of them. Veera had somehow perfectly encapsulated what he was feeling; hesitation, excitement, fear, dedication. He nodded with hooded eyes.

“I promise.” The two of them closed their eyes as the beat of the first song slowly faded, replaced by calls and cheers from the crowd as the males of the village joined their partners. Veera gently broke his hold on her and led him into the circle. Even after their kiss earlier in the day, the move elicited more than a few surprised reactions. Winters looked at her, her body forming a striking image in front of the towering flames, before approaching her with confidence. “Ready to be the center of attention, feather kitten?” He asked, placing his hands at her waist while she brought hers around his neck.

“Tonight, with you? More than ever.” She gave him a wide smile as they relaxed and waited for the next song to begin.

It seemed to Winters that the musicians clearly had a similar set of sensibilities, as their second song matched the pattern he and Veera established the night before. Whereas the first dance of that evening had been tribal and primal, meant to call to the animal inside, the second was meant to bring couples together. The flutes and pipes were primary in the tune, with the drums receding to provide a background rhythm. Winters wasn’t sure why he began thinking of the natives of the Pacific Northwest. He had no idea what their music even sounded like but his mind made a connection anyway. Shaking his head with an incredulous smile and clearing his thoughts, he and Veera began to move. While the box step wasn’t at all appropriate for the lively tune, the two of them were skilled enough to adapt. They immediately added rotation as they stepped through the motions. With knowing glances and subtle pressure they reversed and altered their trail every so often, using all the space they had available to them, carving a formless path around the bonfire.

“Ready to spin?” Winters asked. Veera took in the joyful look on his face, the skin by his eyes and mouth wrinkled with excitement, and nodded. She had no idea what he was talking about, but she knew she could trust him. Winters took Veera’s left hand in his right, placing his left hand on her hip. With a gentle push and pull he spun her away from him in a twirl that he found most beautiful, her motion accentuated by her feathers and tail. Veera let out a shocked and happy cry as she finished the motion, looking back at her human with adoration in her eyes. As the nearby onlookers noted their approval with cries and cheers, he spun her back into his hold, wrapping an arm across the small of her back and kissing her deeply. Veera moaned into him and responded with passion of her own, earning the two of them further attention and discussion amongst the onlookers.

“You…really know how…to make a girl’s dream…come true.” Veera complimented him, feeling out of breath from the combination of kissing and dancing. Winters somehow managed to smile even wider, holding her to him and rocking them back and forth as the music settled. By the time it started again, the entire village had seemingly joined in throughout the square. Many had retreated back to their own fires to dance, but there were still plenty of other Cauthan around them. Children ran and skipped through the adults, yelling and giggling with glee. New couples held each other close, mimicking what they’d seen of Winters and Zolta. Many older couples danced in their own ways, touching briefly at the hand or tail, separate but acting as one. Winters and Veera even noticed Gentia and Thantis moving together, holding hands and swaying back and forth. Winters thought back to the last time he had been in the square with so many Cauthan around, back when Veera had hoped to allow him entry to her village. He looked up into the dark, starry sky, contemplating the visible sliver of the twin moons.

“Thank you.” He spoke just loud enough for Veera to hear him over the music, fire, and revelry. She placed her hands on his chest and rested her head on his shoulder.

“For what?”

“You took a massive risk that day Veera, trying to take me inside the gates.” He explained. She nodded against him.

“I would do it again Russell.”

“Let’s make it so we don’t have to.”

“Ok!” She agreed happily as they settled into a long night of dancing and moving together as one, silently drawing themselves together, physically and emotionally, as their first harvest festival came to a close.