I want you to teach me what comes after kissing. Winters could feel the higher functions of his brain slowly shut down as he looked at Veera, unable to keep his eyes from raking possessively over her form, lingering long on her exposed legs and backside. Gods above that ass…damnit soldier, get a hold of yourself!

“Darling? Russell?” Veera called to him again, her look changing to one of mild concern as he remained stationary in the doorway. After a violent shake of his head he regained motion, replacing their dishes before walking over to the bed. He stood, silently looking down at her. Veera pushed herself up onto her knees, bringing her face level with his as her dress fell to cover her body again. She took his face in her hands. “Why are you hesitating?”

“Am I?” He whispered back, his gaze focused somewhere beyond her.

“Either that or my ass was so inviting you lost the ability to think.” Veera joked, kissing him lightly. He returned it, but without the vigor she was hoping for. Pulling back, she commanded his gaze, trying to figure out just what had happened to him between her doorway and her bed. A small sigh left her lips as his hands came to rest at her waist. The two of them seemed content to remain, so Veera tried to think back, to understand what could have her boyfriend troubled. She thought about their first kiss, about the festival, the conversations they’d had around her fire and at her farm. Her tail flicked as she realized what it was. “Are you afraid? Is it because I’m…untouched?”

“Maybe? I…” He trailed off, unsure how to continue.

“Yes?” She encouraged him in a whisper, bringing her nose to touch his. His eyes closed and he brought his forehead to hers, increasing the points of contact. It made it easier.

“I was just thinking that this has all been fast and crazy, but that I do love you. Every day I’m thankful I’m not alone out here on some uninhabited world. Then I saw you and I…I wanted to take you, forcefully. Let out all the pent up…everything. Fulfill my needs. You deserve a lot more than that.” He confided in her, rewarded with a searing kiss.

“I may be a maiden Russell, but I’m also a woman. I have the same needs that you do. When we kissed for the first time it was wonderful, and every time after that. I felt your…arousal.” She admitted, worrying his lower lip as he sucked in a breath. “But you stopped too, when I asked, didn’t you? You waited until I was ready to…be more adventurous with kissing. You’ve never given me reason to fear you Russell, so I don’t know why you’d fear yourself. Now come.” She demanded softly, pulling him down onto the bed, sighing contentedly as he ended up atop her on his hands and knees. She was most certainly trapped, but the thought only excited her. “So…after kissing?” She giggled, shooting him a coy look.

“I was being weird, wasn’t I?” He asked, shaking his head and smiling sheepishly at her. He found the sight of her beneath him, feathers slightly fanned out behind her head, to be most pleasing.

“I think you were just trying a little too hard?” She replied, stroking his face with a hand again.

“Yeah, maybe.” He admitted, hanging his head for a moment, watching her chest rise and fall with each breath. “I guess I thought things had to change when we said we loved one another. You want this, right?”

“I want this. I’ll tell you if it’s too much.” She affirmed as he met her eyes again before leaning in to taste her lips. Slowly the two of them re-established a sense of comfort and rhythm, lips and tongues moving unhurriedly with and against one another. Veera let out a full throated moan as Winters claimed her lower lip between his teeth, creating a pause in the action.

“Touching,” he said, kissing her hard. “The exploration of each other’s body.” Veera’s reaction was immediate as she opened her smoldering eyes and moved her hands from around his neck down to his torso and abdomen. As Winters figured out her destination, he stopped her, grabbing her adventurous hands at the wrist and holding himself above her with the strength of his core. “Someone’s quite eager.” He murmured appreciatively, guiding her back to his chest.

“But you said…” she whined, only to be silenced by a long, languid kiss. He spoke softly to her, planting his lips on hers every few syllables.

“There’s much more of me than just that. In time, I promise. For now I want to figure you out, and I want you to explore me. As partners we get to touch one another in ways no one else can, bring each other pleasure that no one else can. I don’t intend to limit myself to what’s between your legs Veera,” Winters insisted, allowing his teeth to do the talking as he moved up her body and held her left ear between them. Veera’s soft cry was music to his ears as her claws came out and poked at his chest through his shirt.

“Off. Now!” She breathed as he released her and complied with her request, hugging him to her the moment he divested himself of his upper garment. As she took in his scent and warmth, she sighed happily and ran her claws down his back, testing the strength of his skin and his body’s reaction. He hissed and kissed her neck before whispering in her ear.

“Claws out already, kitten?”

“I hear you enjoy a bit of danger, love.” She replied, sheathing her claws so she could apply more force with her fingertips, wondering at the feel of his firm muscles under her touch. He chuckled and nipped at her again.

“You heard right. You’re doing great love…I’m sure you’ve noticed by now but-” He exhaled hard and gasped as her hands moved back to his hips, though at a less rushed pace. Her thumbs had found their way into the grooves where his legs joined his body. Her tentative pressure had him struggling not to collapse on her. “How the hell did you…ngh…gah!” He failed to finish his sentence as Veera pressed harder before relenting, allowing him to pull away from her for a moment. She was staring at him with wide eyed wonder and desire, having found the first ‘weak point’ on her mate. The lightly distressed and heavily aroused look on his face was something she was committed to seeing more of.

“Oh that was fun…I think I understand what you meant now,” she told him, licking her lips.

“Oh? And what’s that, exactly?” He taunted after recovering a bit, returning to her ear and trailing kisses and love bites along the tender flesh before moving to the shell of her jaw and down her neck. Veera writhed deliciously beneath him as she tried to answer between heavy breaths. The tables were decidedly turned.

“That there’s…so much more to this than just…grabbing your manhood…and getting on my knees…nyaaa!” She mewled as Winters found her pulse point, kissing it twice before placing his teeth gently and possessively over it.

“That’s right Veera. You’re mine. And I’m yours. To be so hasty would be…a waste. Wouldn’t you agree?” He asked silkily, continuing to nip and play with the point that had his feather kitten positively buzzing with pleasure. He’d never seen her feathers wave and flutter like they were just then. He tried to remember the patterns, knowing they’d be a good signal when they eventually went further.

“That’s…you’re no fair!” She cried out, holding onto his shoulders for dear life and burying her face into his neck. Her legs had long ago become intertwined with his, only adding to the sensation that she was well and wholly consumed by his presence. Her brain was far too fogged with pleasure to come up with an independent plan of attack, so she decided to copy her human, contemplating the shallow dip of his neck. His pulse was just barely visible, an outward sign of his body’s heightened state. He’s so…vulnerable here. She remarked, tentatively extending her tongue to touch his skin. He was warm, hot even, and ever so slightly salty. The tiny growl that was his reaction was all the encouragement she needed to attempt a second, bolder swipe of her tongue.

“Nnngh, Veera…” He murmured, his hand stroking her chest and flank as he continued focusing on her neck. Her shivers were delightful to his touch.

“Russell!” She gasped as he bit down on her again, the light pressure of his teeth sending shockwaves down her spine. Unable to resist any longer, she opened her mouth and bit down on his neck. She felt his skin and flesh give, but not break, under her own teeth, lathing the area between her jaws with her tongue.

“Gah! Fuck!” Winters cursed loudly as the most primitive, prey-like areas of his brain erupted in response to the teeth of a predator on his neck. Mere millimeters separated her from the source of his lifeblood, and both his adrenaline and arousal surged in reply, causing him to release Veera’s neck and pant heavily against her fur instead. His entire body commanded that he focus on the teeth that were now raking over the tender flesh of his pulse point. His awareness of himself, his body, and that of his mate surged and clarified as she continued to lap and nip at him, preferring licking his skin to kissing it. Allowed to focus purely on exploring him, Veera refined her movements and began scraping her teeth lightly from the base of his jaw all the way down to his clavicle, making sure to soothe him with her tongue as she went. Her hands regained their impetus, roaming over his chest, sides, and back. His muttered expletives caused a small riot of happiness in Veera’s chest and she relished the feel of domination, even as he kept her pinned to the bed with his weight.

“You taste…so good…my lovely prey.” She whispered, withdrawing from his neck and demanding a kiss from her male, one he reciprocated wildly, practically shoving his tongue into her mouth. Her blood surged and ebbed as she reveled in her ancestral role as predator. After tasting him longingly and satisfying herself, she parted and searched his gaze. His dusky blue eyes were glazed and focused on her lips. “I take it you enjoyed that?”

“That obvious, am I? It was somehow both arousing and satisfying at the same time.” He laughed deep in his chest, sending tiny vibrations through them. His breathing came heavy and hot as it washed over her. “What about you?” He asked, propping himself up on his elbows and allowing her a bit more room to breathe and move.

“Thoroughly convinced that humanity is the current pinnacle of…” She trailed off, searching for the right word. For the Cauthan there was romance, and there was mating, but there was nothing like what they’d just shared.

“Making love?” Winters suggested with a proud and mischievous grin. The phrase sounded wonderful to her.

“Yes, the pinnacle of lovemaking in the galaxy. You make me feel like my body’s on fire. And much as I’d like to sate that particular longing…I’d be alright if we stopped here for tonight. This was a lot,” she told him, looking for his reaction in his eyes. He nodded his agreement, tenderly touching her cheek to signify that he too was fine with coming down from their peak. She smiled. “Now come darling, we have plenty to do tomorrow,” she beckoned, rolling the two of them over into what was becoming their customary sleeping position.

“I can’t complain. That was one hell of a ride. Love you feather kitten, goodnight.”

“I love you too. Goodnight Russell,” Veera whispered, eyeing the rotating globe that was Io. She had remained quiet and unobtrusive for the whole affair. “We love you too Io.”

“Yeah, what she said.” Winters added, immensely pleased that the earlier rift between the two of them had apparently begun healing.

‘For the sake of my own modesty I will remain in voice only mode. The two of you are an extraordinary sight to behold. Thank you Veera. Gute nacht.’

“Was that goodnight?” Veera murmured, feeling her eyes closing, heavy with fulfillment.

“Mhm,” Winters affirmed softly, ignoring the dull ache in his groin as they drifted off. It was something he’d grown accustomed to after months without release, both on board the Lancer and on Mara. Frustrating as it was, he was content, maybe even in awe of Veera’s response to him when she was in a situation she found comfortable. The knowledge that she was likely just as excited about mating as he was helped take the edge off. After a few minutes he was calm enough to sleep, finding himself quickly growing accustomed to Veera’s partial weight and warmth atop him.

-----

The next morning Veera woke to the notable absence of Winters’ usual form beside or beneath her. Pulling herself to her knees and stretching, she scanned the room and spotted him leaning against the doorframe, fiddling with his knife against his fingertips. At the sound of her cute morning yawn, he met her eyes and waved before returning to whatever it was he was doing. After getting out of bed and moving closer to inspect, Veera noticed he was using the blade to file down the rather impotent looking claws he sported on each fingertip.

“Do your kind not use your claws anymore?” She asked.

“Believe me when I say you wouldn’t like them if they grew out. We don’t really have claws anyway. It’s the same principle but they’re not useful if they get long and jagged. They’re more likely to break off and injure your own nailbeds than an enemy. This is just standard hygiene. We can’t retract them like you do,” Winters explained, blowing lightly on his nails as he finished one hand before moving to the next. “What about you? Do you need to file yours down or anything?”

“At times, but not too often. Daily wear and tear usually does enough as it is, but we can always use a tree or a rock if need be. What’s the plan for today?” She asked, leaning against the wall next to him, happy just to be close.

“I wanted to stop by the forge and the temple of Valta with some of our fish. After that I’ll head out to the pod. Hopefully some of my arrows are more or less complete. Beyond that I was just going to fish and work at the pod. You?”

“It doesn’t bother you?” Veera asked curiously.

“Huh?”

“Doing such mundane things?”

“Not if it means we’re warm and well fed at the end of the day. Don’t get me wrong, I understand where you’re coming from, but thanks to Io I have books and music, not to mention manual labor is still a great way to keep focused. I’m fine Veera, thanks.” He turned his head and kissed her cheek lightly before resuming his task. Veera then took the time to explain her plans, which entailed trading and exchanging of goods at the temple of Meylith, possibly followed by another day of foraging. Winters nodded in acknowledgement, extending his hand, palm down, to look at his nail beds. Satisfied, he sheathed his blade and began preparing a quick breakfast of bread, vegetables, sausage, and boiled eggs. He wanted to take the time to prepare a real, hot breakfast, but figured he’d have much more time and opportunity to spend cooking once the snows fell and he wasn’t scrambling to get as many fish out of the river as he could. As they ate, he noticed Veera looking at him.

“You alright?” He asked, noticing her feathers moving in the pattern he’d identified as a mild blush.

“Uh…yes. I just…sorry!” Veera squeaked, looking away from him and taking a bite of food. Winters scratched his head in confusion. “Your neck…I kinda…went a little overboard?” Veera finally whispered. Narrowing his eyes in surprise, Winters brought a tentative hand up to his neck, pressing lightly on the area she’d attacked the night before. He felt a dull ache and tenderness indicative of bruising. Realizing just what Veera was talking about, he gave her a dark, smoldering look.

“From the feel of it I’m sporting one hell of a love bite. You’re embarrassed about marking your territory?”

“Should I be?” Veera asked, not knowing how to respond to his question. If she’d done the same to a male of her species it wouldn’t have mattered due to their fur. Winters had no such cover, and evidence of their evening dalliances was clearly visible near the collar of his shirt. She was sure they extended along his neck and shoulder as well. After a moment though, she realized Winters wasn’t embarrassed at all. He was taunting her and making no move to hide them.

“I think I like them.” He remarked off-handedly, running a finger over his pulse point. Veera remembered running her tongue over the spot, thinking how absurdly easily this human could get her blood flowing.

“Then I’ll give you more,” she promised, feeling brave as she finished her meal. “But for now we each have work to do.” She looked a quick apology at him for moving the subject back to more mundane things. He nodded his acceptance.

“Indeed. Don’t worry; I’ll be in the Aegis again today. No one will know. Our little secret, alright?” His wink caused her to giggle as she stood and walked over to his armor.

“Would you like a hand?”

“Sure, but aren’t you forgetting something?”

“What?”

“Time to brush your teeth, feather kitten. Before breakfast and after dinner,” he informed her.

“Ok!” Veera agreed happily, the idea of participating in a uniquely human custom far outweighing its banal nature. Winters grabbed his brush and toothpaste before handing it over to Veera. He looked outside. It was still overcast, but the rains had not returned.

“Huh…well…” He mused, absently placing a hand over his neck. “Guess you might get to show off a little anyway, assuming anyone even makes the connection. C’mon, I think it would be pretty rude to spit in the street without anything to wash it away.” Veera took his hand in hers and nodded, leading him out the door and to the end of the blockhouse row. They got a few stares and good mornings, but by in large the two were free to focus on one another, arriving back home shortly without incident.

“Did you still want help?” Veera asked, squatting down and retrieving Winters’ undersuit from atop the pile of his gear.

“That would be great, thanks.” Winters affirmed, stripping off his shirt. Veera gasped as she saw the full extent of the marks she’d left on him during playtime. “That good, eh?” Winters laughed, motioning for her to turn around so he could finish changing. When Veera looked at him again, his suit had covered it all.

“Maybe I should go a little easier next time.” She considered, looking down at her feet. Winters shook his head and hugged her.

“Don’t you dare, I liked it. You told me when to go and when to stop. I’ll do the same, alright? Trust me the same way I trust you?” Veera’s eyes went wide as she tightened her hold on him.

“Ok! I promise. Now, let’s get you ready for the day.” She replied, repeating the process from the prior morning. A few moments later the two of them were prepared to depart, Veera wearing her satchel as well as a basket full of items to trade and Winters carrying his basket full of fish.

“Hey, Io?” Winters called, finding it odd that they’d not heard from the VI all morning due to her usual tendency of making sharp quips during their bouts of sensual wordplay.

‘Yes sir, I am here.’ Io replied, choosing not to project herself.

“You alright? You’ve been pretty silent this morning.”

‘I am aware sir. I apologize for worrying you. I am not in distress. However, I would appreciate it if you could leave me here for the day.’ She requested. Veera tilted her head at Winters, having never seen the two of them parted before.

“I don’t think that will be a problem. Can I ask why?”

‘Of course sir, I wish to devote today to reviewing the information gleaned from Veera’s blood sample. I gave you an overview yesterday during my…ill-advised outburst, but there is much more I would like to review and corroborate without processing additional information. Requesting permission to remain at base!’ She finally projected herself, fashioning a sharp smile and salute. Winters found himself unable to deny her.

“Very well, permission granted.” Winters agreed, removing the spare CPU and a battery for her, stowing both safely in a folded pair of his pants. Satisfied that nothing would stand out to a would be intruder, Winters clapped his hands together. “Shall we?” He looked at Veera.

“Mhm!” She agreed, walking with him hand in hand to the village square where they parted with a wave.

-----

“Good day to you human, what brings you to our…ah, I see.” Zolta’s master said as Winters entered the temple of Tyrdus, finding many of the smiths at work throughout the various rooms. He hoisted the basket of fish.

“Indeed. Brought a few, as promised. Where will I find Zolta?”

“He’s in the living quarters. His mate decided to pay him a little visit. Fret not; he’s been working on your order since you left yesterday, even spending the night here at the temple.”

“I was never worried. You won’t mind if I give the new couple first choice? I brought ten fish for you today.”

“Of course not. Young Zolta and I agreed to split the proceeds of the job sixty-forty.”

“That’s easy enough. Bit steep though, don’t you think?” Winters asked, wondering if Zolta had been cowed into accepting a poor deal. He wasn’t sure how exactly the work would be divvied up. The master developed a contemplative look on his face.

“I actually offered him seventy-thirty. He turned me down. Said the extra ten was a thank you for teaching him. He’s…he’s a good lad.” The elder smith said, looking unabashedly emotional.

“How long have you instructed him?”

“Since he was eleven,” the smith replied. Winters nodded.

“I’m glad I decided to help him out. It sounds like he’s the kind of person who deserves the good that comes his way.”

“He is, human. May Seil make it so. Go on now; I will take what fish remain once the new couple has chosen.”

“Of course.” Winters bowed slightly before heading into the side chamber. “Yo Zolta, how’s it going kid?”

“Eep!” Asha gasped as she turned around and saw his armored form, flailing about and tipping her chair over. Winters stepped forward easily and grabbed it before she fell all the way, though somehow the bushy-tailed Cauthan still managed to roll off the side and end up on the ground.

“Asha! Are you alright?” Zolta cried, jumping to his feet. He relaxed as Winters’ deep laughter reverberated around the room, followed by Asha’s own.

“Well, I suppose it’s good to know humanity doesn’t have to worry if we ever go to war with young Cauthan maidens.” Winters joked, extending a hand and helping Asha to her feet.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see your armor up close.” Asha remarked, staring intently at it now that the initial shock had worn off. Zolta was back in his seat, eying the two of them. “So what brings you here Russell? Zolta told me about the job you commissioned. Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome Asha. If that brilliant necklace of yours is any indication I don’t have much to worry about in terms of quality.”

“It’s not like I want to mate with you.” Zolta scoffed. “But it’s not like I’m going to slack off either.”

“Thought never crossed my mind. I can see the two of you are taking a well-deserved tea break, so I’ll be quick.” Winters said, hoisting the basket of fish onto the table. “I have part of your payment here Zolta. Feel free to pick any six fish you like.” He stepped back as the two Cauthan looked into the basket. Asha brought her nose close to get a good idea for the smell.

“They smell nice. You and Veera smoke them? Aaah I’m so jealous of you two!” Asha exclaimed, laying out what she thought were the choicest filets on the table. Zolta allowed her free reign, giving Winters a worried look. Winters shook his head.

“Nothing wrong with being excited about starting a life together. I’m sure the first fire you build in your own home will be a memorable one. That said, the two of you are lucky your families are still around to give you absolutely zero privacy,” Winters joked sadly as Asha finished her selection.

“Yeah, I guess that’s a good point.” Zolta replied, holding Asha’s hand as she looked a bit ashamed and downcast. “But I’m with Asha on this one too; I envy the two of you your privacy.” The human nodded.

“I wasn’t criticizing. I get it, believe me. Keep up the hard work you two; it’ll happen sooner than you think. I’d best be going though, gotta take the rest of these to the temple of Valta and head out to my pod.”

“Huh, I didn’t take your for that kind of person.” Zolta replied.

“Normally, you’d be right Zolta. And I’m certainly not doing it for Ratha’s sake,” he said, distaste apparent in his voice. “All that being said, she is an experienced hunter whose brain I want to pick for knowledge. That and it couldn’t hurt being on Valta’s good side, you know?” Asha’s feathers fluttered as she sipped her tea.

“It’s nice that you’re so devoted to her. I’m sure she appreciates it.” The seamstress assured him, looking lovingly at her own mate. Pleased that all seemed well in their world, Winters nodded and bid the two young lovers farewell, gifting Zolta’s master his share of fish before heading further down the road and ducking into the next temple. He was becoming more and more convinced that the door covering was, in fact, ursae pelt. Foolish as it was, he wanted to get his hands on some.

Upon entering, he was greeted by the sight of a couple of hunters butchering a chesko, carefully separating the hide from the carcass. The smell wasn’t too bad, but it certainly wasn’t pleasant either. After a brief nod of acknowledgment he asked if Ratha was in. One of the hunters jerked his head toward the back of the temple and resumed his work, concentrating on the movements of his bone knife. With a quick word of thanks Winters stepped past them and poked his head through the doorway, wondering what he’d find since the cavernous main room of the temple was used for both butchering and storage of food and material. Compared to the main space the room was tiny, sporting a single bed and personal effects as well as a shrine. It reminded him of Thantis’ quarters in the back of the temple of Kel. He saw the auburn-furred huntress seated with her back to him, working on her bow’s grip. He cleared his throat to get her attention. She stood abruptly and spun to face him, hand on the hilt of her dagger.

“So, you’re back. What do you want?” She asked tersely, seemingly unfazed by his presence in what he assumed were her personal chambers.

“To make an offering.” He replied, holding out the basket. Ratha set her bow on the table at her side and took it from him, looking inside with a critical eye.

“Certainly not what I was expecting, but then again I suppose if the festival taught us anything it would be to expect the unexpected with you, human. How’s the mutt?”

“Really? It’s been almost a cycle and you still haven’t removed that stick from your ass?” He shot back, not even bothering to answer her question. For a long time Ratha looked at him, the daggers of her eyes slowly warping until, much to his surprise, she burst into laughter. She sat back down, adopting a leisurely pose.

“That was actually a good one human. Don’t expect an apology though. I don’t need your help and you insisted you don’t need mine. So what gives?” She gestured at the fish, her steely gaze back in place.

“I wanted the goddess’ blessing; and to learn about how to stay alive out there,” he informed her. Ratha didn’t bother hiding her shock.

“Well I’ll be. You are whipped, aren’t you?”

“Just because you aren’t getting any doesn’t mean I’m not. If it’s all the same to you, I’m going to stay alive and keep it that way.”

“Heh, well you did beat that stick in the mud we call a guard captain during the festival, not to mention you brought something for the goddess.” Ratha shrugged, removing the remaining five fish and returning the basket. She gestured to the other chair next to the small square table. He sat. “What do you want to know?”

“Really, just like that?” Winters asked incredulously.

“Yes Winters, just like that. I honestly don’t care enough about you or your woman to hold a grudge. You decided to play by my rules, by Valta’s rules; so as her chief priestess there is no reason for me to deny you. That and your verbal sparring ability isn’t half bad either.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere Ratha.”

“Good thing you already handed over the goods then. Talk. I don’t have all day human,” she insisted, indicating that their crude but entertaining conversation was over. It was time to talk business.

“Chesko, hyrven, ursae. What do I need to know about getting home alive if I go after each?” He laid it out quickly. Ratha nodded, drawing her blade and using it to file her claws while she spoke. Her tone was that of mild disinterest.

“Well if you’ve got anything between your ears at all, there’s nothing dangerous about hunting chesko. Sure the males have those horns and they can all kick you pretty hard, but if you’re getting that close before they’re down or mortally wounded, you’re doing it wrong.”

“So what you’re saying is it’s most dangerous once you’ve already killed them.” Winters suggested. Ratha narrowed her eyes.

“So, she taught you a few tricks did she? And yet here you are, asking Ratha for help anyway. Don’t trust her? You flatter me human,” the huntress declared boldly, throwing her arms out to either side.

“Go choke on an antler. I didn’t ask for your appraisal of my existing knowledge. I asked you to add to it,” Winters growled.

“Oooh, how scary you are!” Ratha laughed. “Well she’s not wrong. The hyrven are cowards. Hungry, pack hunting cowards.”

“Cowards?” Winters asked in surprise.

“They only care about living, eating, and fucking; in that order.” Ratha declared with authority. “We don’t kill many of them, a handful a year on average, but that seems to be enough for the local packs to understand that we aren’t to be trifled with. Even so, you can never let your guard down out there, no matter if you’re burdened with a kill or not. If they manage to surround you, you’re already dead. They’re stealthy bastards too, so I hope your nose is as good as ours are.”

“Antoth said you’re known as a fairly experienced killer. How do you do it?” Winters asked, figuring stroking her ego wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if it got him the intel he needed.

“It’s simple. I kill one of them before they kill me. When they’re stalking, they spread out to encircle their prey. If you can avoid the pack and pick one off, either if they’re tracking you or another animal, then they’ll usually leave you alone. Sends the message real quick, that does.”

“Unless they’re starving.”

“Then you’re fucked, unless they screw up.” Ratha deadpanned. Winters nodded.

“Ursae?”

“What do you know about them?” The huntress asked.

“Basically what you told me last time. Antoth also mentioned that the last successful hunt was many generations ago, when his grandfather was a child,” Winters explained. Ratha nodded.

“Yeah, that about sums it up. Way I hear it, one day the head priest of Valta just up and decided he was going to prove how big of a man he was. Most of the hunters seemed to think it was a good idea. He died of his injuries shortly after returning home. I guess he was famous for a few cycles though. Not sure anyone remembers his name now. In any case, since then most of the leaders of the temple have been female. We tend to be less possessed by delusions of grandeur.” Ratha smirked at him.

“I can’t wait to make you eat those words. You still haven’t told me anything about them though,” he reminded her.

“What else is there to tell?” Ratha asked, throwing her hands into the air. “You know they’re big, stealthy, hungry, and nocturnal. No one else knows much. All I have is speculation.”

“I’ll hear it anyway.”

“I think they live far to the north and west.”

“What makes you say that?”

“First of all, none of our hunters have ever stumbled across an ursae lair. I don’t even know if they sleep in caves or just wherever they damn well please, but however they do it, we’ve not found them in anything that could even be remotely considered a vulnerable state. Second, their markings increase in frequency if you head in that direction. I’m sure you’ve seen it by now, on the trees?”

“I have.”

“Then I need not explain further. I don’t know what it is with you glory seeking men, but take my advice human, don’t bother with them. Get yourself back to the village by sundown. If you can’t, make sure you’ve got a hell of a lot of cover. If you go looking for trouble, chances are you won’t come back. I’m not sure your woman would be able to handle that a second time.” Ratha taunted him. Winters stood stiffly.

“Go fuck yourself Ratha. And thanks for the advice,” he spat, sweeping out of her quarters and past the two hunters who had begun gutting the chesko in earnest. Ratha sat still for a long moment, a pensive smile on her face, before heading to her fire pit and laying a fish carefully upon the burning logs.

“Goddess, your humble servant beseeches you. I present an offering from the human. Watch over him as he practices your craft and joins the hunt. I won’t ask for a miracle, but if he does prove stupid enough to go after the ursae, please do what you can. I find toying with him most enjoyable,” Ratha snickered, bowing to the flames once more before sampling a piece of fish herself. “Well what do you know? That’s not half bad.”