she remarked wryly. He gave her a side look. She had quite a subtle sense of wit. He decided it was best to continue over that remark. And best he do it with a lot of tact. He took her hands in his as he kneeled before her.
"Snow, we have not had the opportunity to, ah, meld like ordinary mates. We have been together just once. . . And, yet, I have no choice but to ask you to now allow me to lead you into something much deeper. If I had a choice, I would do this differently–but I do not. I know you do not understand these things yet, and so I am asking you to trust me."
"Trust you in what way?
"Familiar mates explore the deepest levels of their sensuality. . ." He crossed his eyes, shook his head back and forth at his own ineptitude, then tried again. "There is a process. . . The Incarnation can allow us to achieve these levels."
Snow did not have a clue what the man was getting at!
She cocked her head to the side and crossed her arms over her chest. "What are you talking about?"
The puzzled look she gave him would have been endearing if the situation were not fast becoming dire.
"Our sensual natures. Ah, through a detailed act, allow us to release a spiritual aspect–" By Aiyah, explanations had never been his strong suit! He faltered for words. Bravely, he tried once more. "When we make love, there are certain energies that arise. . . "
A dimple popped into her cheek. Is that what this was about? "So I noticed, Salair Ner." He snorted and nodded. "Very well. I am not good at explaining such things. The thing is such–when the female's energy rises, then so does the male's." She laughed outright. "I have heard it is so with many beings. Although some more than others. Perhaps ." He ignored her. "Once there is harmony–"
"During?"
"During. Then the two can enter into what is known as the tiers of the Incarnation ceremony. It is what we call the Nine Hundred Strokes To Love "
Now it was her turn to snort. "Not actually, though?" He gave her his most patient tone. "Yes, really." She brushed back her hair with a nervous touch. Her brief humor was suddenly gone. "Continue."
"As the energy levels rise between them. . . us . . . we can both reach our higher levels–"
"Salair, you keep saying levels. What exactly do you mean by that?"
"Every time the female reaches her peak, her energy transfers to the male. . . fueling him. . . So to speak." She was definitely wary now. "What do you mean by every time?"
She could feel him staring at her. "The Incarnation can go on for days, Softcat . The male must withhold his release even as the female–"
"You must be jesting!" she gasped. "It is too unbelievable!”
He could not help but chuckle. "These are our ways. Your ways." He made his voice roll with sensual purr . "It is most enjoyable; I assure you.”
"Well, you would say so, would you not?" He laughed. "I might–but I think I can get you to concur with my assessment," he murmured softly. Abruptly, a severe contraction wracked his body. For several moments, Salair’s breathing was erratic while he tried to hold the pain at bay. He was waiting too long.
Snow's palm gently cupped the side of his face. "What can I do to help you? I do not want you to suffer so." She was consenting to the Incarnation! At last.
"You have just done it, Softcat ," he murmured, turning into her touch to kiss her palm. "I will remember your kindness long after the last stars of M'yan flicker and fade into time."
It was a lovely thing to say, and the deep sentiment was not lost on Snow. Salair did not strike her as a man who went out of his way to be charming.
Consequently, his words were all the more meaningful to her.
***
Familiar men liked to gift their mates.
They usually made it a habit to leave small 'prizes' for the female where she would least expect it. Colorful ribbons, an exotic feather, a rare necklace. Under a pillow, in the bath, or anywhere it would surprise. It was a way to win favor.
Salair suspected that the
Theresa Danley
Nadia Aidan
Peggy Gaddis
Gianmarc Manzione
Britten Thorne
John Ritter
Carrie Tiffany
Morag Joss
Betsy Prioleau
Aric Davis