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Ambassador

The court had buzzed for days after the news that representatives of the Saiya-jin Empire would be visiting Cepa, the tenshi-jin capital, for 'informal talks' with the Suzerain and his chiefs. What little information there was available about the Saiya-jin - that is, what little information the Suzerain had allowed to become common knowledge - was soon thoroughly blended with rumours and wild speculation as the members of the court from the lowest servants up imaginatively filled in the gaps in their knowledge.
      Apparently - it was whispered from person to person - the Saiya-jin were powerful and strong, as untamed in spirit as they were in appearance! In fact it could be had on good authority that they were fearsome and brutish, barely civilised! This last statement had more than a few of the court women - and men - quietly swooning in anticipation of the barbarians' arrival. Not only were they untamed – the tales continued - the Saiya-jin were wizards and magicians! Why, the things they could do with their awesome magics could make your eyes bleed out of their sockets in disbelief! It was even rumoured… that they could fly.
      Lutra, one of the dozens of courtiers packing the long chamber where the Saiya-jin ambassador and his entourage were formally welcomed to the capital, didn't see how that was possible; magic or no magic, the foreigners didn't even have wings! She fluffed out her own glorious, soft white set in mild disdain, earning herself a hiss - which she chose to ignore - as she blocked someone's view. She settled her wings back close to her body, as was polite, and continued her perusal of the visitors.
       To be frank, she was somewhat disappointed. Yes, the males – they were all male it seemed - were exotic, tall and strong-looking with an astonishing array of skin and hair colours, but dressed as they were in simple lines and plain colours with those curious furred belts, they didn't look barbaric at all. Lutra pouted, she'd been looking forward to a little wildness in her life for a change. However - her eyelids automatically drooped to cover the predatory gleam - they were attractive... She resolved to do everything in her slight power to ensure she was seated next to one of them at the feast that night.

The steward owed her a favour and so it was that the beautiful tenshi female procured one of the coveted dining places, to the mortal anger of the high-ranking female she'd displaced. Lutra appreciated that she might have started another petty blood-feud between Veran and herself but it wasn't as if she and her cousin hadn't been quarrelling since they were fledglings, what was one more deadly insult between them? Besides - Lutra not so subtly studied the green-haired, blue-skinned alien sitting beside her, her gaze roving appreciatively over the fine features and angled, gorgeous golden eyes – this was worth Veran's displeasure.
       The tenshi had taken her time getting ready for the feast, bathing unhurriedly in sweet-scented water and brushing out her thick blonde hair until it shone like high-sun on a river, cascading down between her wings. She'd chosen her outfit with care, dressing with the intent to charm. The loose, white underdress sat low on her shoulders, only prevented from slipping off her lissom body by the tight bodice of the shimmering sky-blue brocade overdress she wore, strategically laced to enhance the soft swell of her breasts. The full skirt of her dress fell in soft folds to swish pleasingly about her ankles allowing little peeping glimpses of her stockinged feet in matching, exquisitely jewelled blue slippers. Her efforts hadn't been in vain, Lutra was pleased to note. The handsome – no, beautiful – alien beside her seemed to be returning her appreciative looks and she blushed a little at the spark of interest in his large, golden eyes.
      Alestrel, that was the alien's name, was wearing the latest in High Court fashions and looking damned attractive with it, his exotic colouring standing out vividly against the silver-grey brocade doublet and black leggings. Lutra glanced down his body, her gaze coming to rest on the prominent bulge of his cod piece and she couldn't help remembering how... well-endowed the Saiya-jin had appeared earlier on in their body-hugging clothes. She lifted her eyes back to his face and blushed: Alestrel was smirking at her, well aware of her thoughts it seemed.

Tenshi feasts were always lavish, the fare rich and plentiful and this time the Suzerain had been unstinting in his efforts to impress the visitors. Course after course of artfully prepared, delicious dishes - mostly meat - were brought out and paraded around the banquet hall to the accompaniment of musicians and performers. It was quite a spectacle and Lutra was enjoying herself enormously, exclaiming and applauding the culinary works of art as enthusiastically as anyone. She was also enjoying the subtle attentions of her dining partner even if she wasn't sure if the half-smirk and long looks constituted 'flirting' as she knew it.
      A crash of cymbals, silvery but loud, heralded the arrival of the next course. The pair of male staler - huge, aggressive but tasty birds - had been plucked and roasted before having their glossy black plumage stuck back on somehow, then positioned together in an attitude of battle on an enormous wooden platter. Lutra cheered loudly as the half-dozen servitors didn't quite stagger around the hall with their burden, the percussionists booming along behind.
      Alestrel winced as the noisy ensemble went past, and his hands were clutched into tight fists on his thighs.
      "My lord?" Lutra asked with concern.
      "Sorry," the Saiyan smirked half apologetically, "My hearing is very sensitive."
      Lutra's mouth formed prettily around an 'oh', and she gently covered one of his hands with her own. She smiled, unaware of the enticing blend of shyness and promising sensuality she was conveying.
      "Would you like to go somewhere quieter, my lord?" her fingers stretched out to brush delicately over a lean, hard thigh, "I know just the place…"

Lutra stifled a giggle as she almost skipped out of the feasting hall, very pleased when she glanced back over her shoulder to see the intriguing alien strolling leisurely after her. The tenshi had a momentary qualm as she led Alestrel away from the well-travelled and better lit corridors to the darker, quieter passages on the other side of the ancient palace. Just what did she think she was doing? Taking this unknown alien into the darkness, alone, could be the stupidest thing she'd ever done in her life. Lutra glanced over her shoulder again and smiled; Alestrel was still striding along in her wake – she ignored the errant thought that 'stalking' might be a better description – his eyes gleaming in the dim light.

"Is it quiet enough here, my lord?"
      Lutra had led them to a shadowy, silent stretch of corridor, to a deeply embrasured window cut into the thick stone outer walls of the stronghold. The torches lighting the sentries' walkway the next storey down allowed enough light through the heavy-paned window for Lutra to see by, but not enough to bring anything more than a muted sense of colour to the scene.
      "Yes, thank you. My lady." The honorific was an afterthought and to Lutra it sounded... unpractised on the Saiyan's tongue. Unusual – she'd assumed all the Saiya-jin ambassadors were of noble birth, as ambassadors generally were; maybe things were different on his homeworld.
      Alestrel stood quietly, an amused expression on his beautiful face, obviously waiting for her to make the next move. Lutra was piqued; he was the male, he was supposed to take the initiative from here in this first encounter, but - Alestrel was an alien, surely in the circumstances this small lapse in courting protocol could be overlooked... Feeling very bold, Lutra took his hands in hers, and smiling, she gracefully backed up to the window ledge, drawing the alien after her and pulling him in close. He was almost quiescent though, it probably wouldn't hurt to make sure he knew what was going on.
      "Do you know why I've brought you here, my lord?"
      "I have a fair idea." He smirked, his voice like velvet, and Lutra shivered in anticipation.
      "Well then – " she said, reaching up to smooth her palms over the front of his doublet and down his flanks, intrigued by the strength she could feel beneath the expensive cloth. She peeked up at him through her long eyelashes, suddenly, inexplicably suffering from genuine shyness for the first time in years. She was rather annoyed at herself – what had brought this on? In the name of all that was divine, she wasn't quite a fumbling virgin! Covering her confusion, Lutra lowered her eyes again and continued her exploration. Her hands dipped under the doublet at his waist, brushing over the furry belt he was still wearing, but before she could form a coherent thought she found both her wrists effortlessly pinned to the cool stone above her head.
      "My – my lord?" Lutra's voice quavered as she glanced anxiously at the suddenly alien alien in front of her.
      "Don't worry, my lady."
      Alestrel half-smirked, transferring control of her two captured wrists to one of his capable hands. He brushed cool fingertips gently over her forehead, past wide eyes and down her cheek and neck to the swell of the tenshi's breasts. Lutra gasped and bit her lip as long, smooth fingers dipped into her bodice, flicking lightly over tightening nipples.
      Alestrel's smirk widened while his golden eyes became hooded. He held her with a disturbingly predatory gaze as he pulled his hand out of her bodice then swiftly, again not giving her time to process what was happening, slid that hand down her body before disappearing under the heavy hem of her dress. Lutra froze when she felt the alien's fingers stroking the inside of her leg, moving steadily, teasingly up her stocking, past the delicate ribbon of garter to graze her bare groin.
       "My - my lord? Alestrel?"
       The tenshi's strained whisper was closely followed by a barely audible moan; the Saiyan had teased a cool finger between the folds of warm, moist flesh and was stroking rhythmically. Lutra groaned, tipping her head back and easing her thighs apart as the alien worked a long finger inside her.
       And then it stopped.
      He withdrew his hand from between her thighs and released her wrists. The tenshi stared at the alien, confused as he stepped away from her. Alestrel bowed slightly from the waist, his expression sardonic, gleaming golden eyes never leaving her face.
       "Good night, my lady."
       He turned to leave and Lutra finally found her voice.
       "What! Where are you going?" She stood on slightly shaky legs and demanded, "Don't you want me?"
       Alestrel looked back over his shoulder at her.
      "Yes - but not for a few minutes in a dark corner."
      The tenshi could only watch in helpless bewilderment as he sauntered away from her.
      Lutra's wits had returned by the time the Saiyan's tall form had disappeared from view in the gloom. She glared after him, hands on hips, not sure if she'd been insulted or not.
      'Yes - but not for a few minutes in a dark corner.'
       Lutra humphed; what did he mean by that? Did he expect anything more? It wasn't as if they had a formal arrangement...

Za'rayne glanced up as his younger sibling returned to the table.
      **Where've you been?**
      A'lestrel glowered.
      **Resisting being seduced by one of these… bird things…**
      Ka'reysu, his twin, smirked from his seat at the other end of the table, pretending to ignore the (male) tenshi sitting beside him kneading his groin.
      **The one you were next to? Why resist? She was pretty** He pursed his lips. **Uh, I assume it was a she?**
      A'lestrel nodded slightly.
      **Physically compatible too, as far as I could tell**
      **So - why not?**
      A'lestrel glanced at Kinu, Za'jau as ever at his side, deep in conversation with the tenshi-jin Suzerain.
      Ah, of course. They were all under instruction not to do anything that might jeopardise the mission. Fucking the natives, even at their request, might do just that.
      Not - sighed Ra'vahn to himself - that that was much consolation to A'lestrel. His sib's scent showed just how stimulated he was, a weird combination of sexual arousal - and the urge to hunt? 'vahn frowned, then his brow cleared. Of course. 'lestrel had always been partial to winged things, relishing both the chase and taste of the huge, viciously-predatory sea-gliders that soared the coastal winds. These tenshi-jin were winged, and although much smaller than the gliders there was obviously some kind of instinctive response on 'lestrel's part. Watching as his sib irritably tore a wing from yet another elaborately prepared dish, 'vahn also realised that 'lestrel was very confused about his reaction to the female tenshi. The elder hybrid *stifled* a chuckle: his sibling couldn't decide whether he wanted to fuck the creature or eat her.
      Then Ra'vahn sighed. It wasn't really funny, not least because 'lestrel would be insatiable tonight, demanding hard, rough sex as a way of blanking out his feelings, and 'vahn was already tired. Ah well. Kinu was normally sympathetic, perhaps he'd let them both sleep in tomorrow…

A'lestrel dragged himself awake around noon the next day, his head pillowed on 'vahn's shoulder, one hand cupping his sibling's groin, kneading firmly. Ra'vahn groaned and nuzzled the younger hybrid's mane.
      **Didn't you get enough last night, pest?**
      A'lestrel chuckled.
      **You past it, zk'vissin? Getting old?**
      One large hand swatted lightly over a bright green mane - then 'vahn's stomach growled. 'lestrel prodded him.
      **Heh, you're as bad as papa…**
      Ra'vahn *pulled* himself to his not-inconsiderable height - only a handspan less than his sire Radittsu - and hauled his sibling to his feet, stroking a prominent cheekbone under smooth cool skin.
      **I want you to talk with Ti'ani after we've eaten**
      A'lestrel frowned.
      **Why?**
      **Because he's studied these tenshi-jin - as you should have done, zk'vils - and will be able to advise you on their customs and traditions. Well, a little anyway** he added. None of the delegation had been able to find much information on the species despite Leteetza's best efforts. A'lestrel pouted.
      **But…**
      Ra'vahn ruffled the soft green fur of the long, supple tail switching irritably behind his sibling, smiling as 'lestrel hissed and closed his eyes, legs trembling.
      **No arguments, sinam**
      Growling, A'lestrel nodded - more than a little reluctantly…

Over the next couple of days Ra'vahn kept an eye on his sibling, but A'lestrel seemed to be much calmer, more observant and interested in learning about their hosts. His behaviour was impeccable, courteous, even gracious, and he treated both male and female tenshi-jin with an admirable impartiality.
      It was too good to be true. It made Ra'vahn very suspicious…

There was no-one in the delegation that he could discuss this with, dammit! Kinu and 'jau were about the best choice to ask for advice - they'd bonded before 'jau was even born! - but even they were unlikely to know exactly what was going on, or how to cope with it.
      In the absence of a comfortable chair - the seats here being made to accommodate beings with wings - A'lestrel curled up on a floor cushion in front of a blazing fire, shivering every now and then. The castle was huge and ancient and stone-built, cold and draughty, and he cursed the genetic twist that left him with a somewhat more R'ren'nkh'ian susceptibility to the cold than his various siblings and fellow hybrids. These bizarre clothes (he wriggled slightly, trying in vain to settle the ridiculous thing they called a 'cod piece' comfortably) weren't a lot of use: either too thin to keep out the cold, or too stiff and bulky to make for easy movement. Why the diplomatic corps had decided in their infinite wisdom to decree that the delegation should wear native clothes on non-member worlds was quite beyond him. Oh, it was supposed to flatter their hosts, yes, but it was such a fucking nuisance…
      He sighed and gave up, sitting cross-legged and gazing at the fire, wondering what to do.
      The problem was that female, the one who'd accosted him. At the time he'd been intrigued - and yes, 'ani and 'vahn had been right, the fact that she was winged had stirred his hunting instincts (but he'd got over that now after a couple of days with 'ani) - her manner was completely unlike anything he'd experienced before. She'd seemed so shy, but she couldn't have been, could she. She had instigated the encounter, she had been the one to lead him on, she had touched him first...
      But he had allowed it. Why? He'd known they weren't supposed to fraternise with the natives - well, not until after the treaties were signed, anyway - yet he'd followed her.
      He rubbed at his face and sighed. He knew the answer.
      She fascinated him.
      She was graceful, and dainty, soundlessly light on her feet - he suspected the tenshi-jin probably had fine, air-filled bones like the birds he was familiar with - and so fragile compared to his usual partners. And her eyes were the bright rich blue of a hot season sunset, her mane shirred across her shoulders and back like silk whispering against silk. Her skin was warm and such a delicate pale creamy colour, pleasant to touch. And her body was very responsive… He rubbed his fingertips with his thumb, remembering the feel of stiffening nipples, the slick smooth dampness between her thighs… for a long moment there he'd nearly succumbed to the temptation to take her. It was obviously what she wanted.
      Unconsciously, he growled deep in his throat and shifted his hips uncomfortably as the 'cod piece' restricted a rapidly hardening inkei.
      But that was the problem. It was what she wanted. She thought she could use him, for her own ends. And no-one could be permitted to use a member of the Alliance's reigning families.
      The fact that his own self-discipline corresponded with the diplomatic corps instructions was satisfying - on this occasion, anyway, though that wasn't always the case. He nodded to himself. He'd done the right thing. Not quite as soon as he should have, but the right thing all the same.
      He let out a long hissing sigh and closed his eyes.
      That was all very well, but it didn't stop her from… haunting him.
      It was her scent. That subtle, complex and intoxicating mix of fresh grass, crushed herbs and sea breeze, underscored with the lightest touch of warm musk. He'd never smelt anything like it and it tingled through his body, dancing along his nerve ends and invading his dreams. It was irresistible.
      And he was savagely angry with himself for succumbing to it. He knew full well that when the situation presented itself - as he was sure it would - he'd give in, give her what she wanted, just to be able to enjoy her living warmth for a little while, just once. He'd hate himself afterwards, but that would ease. And in a handful or two of days he'd be home again, wrapped around with papa's strength and maazi's calm, loving warmth, and eventually this - obsession - would fade away.
      It was enough to make you cry.

Lutra and Alestrel's paths didn't cross for several days, though the tenshi occasionally caught sight of him around the palace. Lutra was undecided, uncharacteristically, on whether to initiate another meeting with the attractive alien. He'd as good as said he was interested - and so was she, very interested - but did she really want to risk another humiliating encounter? Because there was no guarantee the next time would have a better outcome, was there? But she had to decide something - Lutra had found herself drifting off into delicious daydreams at the most inconvenient moments, daydreams fuelled by the memory of Alestrel's cool fingers on her skin and his wide, golden eyes glittering in the half-dark - and she had to decide quickly, the Saiya-jin wouldn't be here for much longer…

The entire court was assembled, packed on to the polished floor of the long hall and lining the tiers of the overlooking balconies. There were more people here this time than there had been for the aliens' arrival, all of them eagerly awaiting the appearance of the Suzerain and the Saiya-jin diplomat; rumour had it an important announcement was going to be made.
      Lutra stood at the back of the hall in the shadows of the carved pillars that supported the next tier. She was more or less on her own, the great press of her people in front of her. The tenshi was agitated, nervously hoping to see Alestrel, yet dreading what she'd do if she did see him. It was getting ridiculous. How dare he ignore her, not seek her out? How dare he invade her thoughts so she couldn't concentrate on anything! She was quite annoyed with him.
      Someone brushed past her, their familiar - she realised - spicy scent jerking her out of her moody abstraction and causing a hot blush to spread over her cheeks. Lutra lifted her eyes; sure enough, it was Alestrel, still with that sardonic half-smirk adding a sharp light to his beautiful features.
       "My lady," he murmured, inclining his head gracefully.
      To Lutra's total humiliation she found her throat had closed and she couldn't speak. He really was very attractive, she thought dazedly, his enticing scent making her want nothing more right then than to bury her face in his neck and breathe him in. She settled for a vapid smile, not willing to risk making an even bigger fool of herself by trying to say something. Maybe he wouldn't notice her discomfiture? No such luck. The Saiyan's eyes sparkled at her in amusement and his smirk broadened into a smile that left Lutra in no doubt at all that he knew precisely what she was thinking.
      Damn! So much for dignity…
      Alestrel turned his back on her, placing himself a little to one side so he wasn't directly in front of her. Lutra was furious - until she realised the alien was standing much, much closer to her than was strictly necessary given there was no one pressing in on them. And why was he here at the back rather than at the front with the rest of the delegation? Now she was simply confused but still quick-witted enough to take the opportunity - as the assembly erupted in a noisy greeting for the Suzerain and his guests - to reach out and tentatively stroke a firm buttock. Lutra felt Alestrel quiver under her fingertips and, emboldened, she surreptitiously smoothed her palm down the back of a lean thigh. He felt cool and solid, his silky black leggings whispering over smooth skin as she moved her hand in small circles down his leg. Lutra leant into the alien's back, pressing her cheek against the heavy plait of green hair that fell thick and straight to the top of his thighs. So silky, she thought in wonder, rubbing her face over the shining cable. She let out a sigh, a tiny sound of satisfaction; Alestrel looked, smelt and felt wonderful. Lutra's hand slipped between the alien's legs, fingers undulating gently as she tried to work her way between his tensed thighs. She frowned, wriggling her fingers again but he still refused to relax and open his legs for her. Lutra smiled and slowly trailed her fingers up the crease of his buttocks; if he wasn't going to let her be subtle about touching him… Alestrel shivered again as her hand cupped a firm arse cheek, kneading gently before travelling around a prominent hip bone and dipping down towards his groin. The alien dropped his arms from their position folded across his chest and for a moment Lutra thought he'd stop her explorations. Instead, he lightly clasped his hands together, holding them easily over his lower belly. Alestrel wasn't stopping her, she grinned to herself, he was providing cover. The tenshi fondled the plain black codpiece, intrigued by the pliable hardness she could feel within, then teased her fingertips underneath the edge of it, stroking minutely along the underside of what could only be Alestrel's penis. Interesting, was it on the outside of his body all the time? Lutra's fingers travelled downwards – the skin over his groin was cool and hairless but there was an odd little lump...
      The alien gasped and quivered, and Lutra would've snatched her hand back only Alestrel had a firm grip on her wrist. The tenshi frowned; Alestrel was pulling her hand away but before she could ask why she was distracted by something soft – and furry?- twining around her ankle. Startled, she looked down to see what she'd thought was a furred belt around Alestrel's waist reveal itself to be a tail, long and flexible, the same shade of green as his hair; the end of it had disappeared under the hem of her robe. Lutra shivered, pressing close to the alien as his tail followed the same path his hand had taken the other night. It was extraordinary, she thought distantly, wriggling her thighs apart for the furry intruder, Alestrel's tail was prehensile, and strong, the tip brushing deliciously over the small, responsive fleshy mound that – Lutra realised with a twitch – roughly corresponded with the alien's 'bump'. Alestrel's tail probed gently at the entrance to her body and Lutra held her breath – would he? Wouldn't he? She hoped he would...
      Lutra pressed her face into the alien's back, stifling a groan as the tail wriggled and nudged its way deep into her body. She hugged the Saiyan's back, leaning her full weight against him as he deftly worked his tail inside her and over her mound. The tenshi was trembling and panting, highly aroused, it wouldn't be long before –
      Lutra groaned lushly, the sound of her climax fortunately lost in the sudden upswell of noise from the packed hall. The tenshi shuddered against Alestrel, gasping for breath. Good gods that was... She blinked fuzzily as Alestrel pulled away from her, the alien twisting his torso around slightly before inclining his head gracefully.
      "My lady."
      "Wh – what?" It took Lutra's still thrumming brain a couple of seconds to realise he was walking away from her. She grabbed his arm, her fingers twining in the silver brocade.
      "Is that it?" she growled.
      Alestrel looked amused.
      "It's what you wanted, wasn't it?"
      She paused, frowning.
      "It's not all I wanted," Lutra chose her words carefully. "I want to reciprocate, Alestrel, I want..." she gazed earnestly at him, "I want you."
      The Saiyan's expression was unreadable as he studied her face, then he half-smirked and reached out to run a fingertip down the edge of a wing, his eyes widening in appreciation of the snowy softness.
      "Are these functional?"
      Lutra blinked at the apparent change of subject.
      "Of course."
      "I've only seen your males fly."
      "Ah, it's different outside the palace." She tilted her head and smiled. "Do you like to hunt?"
      It was Alestrel's turn to blink.
      "Uh, yes."
      "How about you meet me tomorrow morning, after sunrise, and we'll go hunting?"
      "Tomorrow morning?" Alestrel smirked. "All right."
      "Good," Lutra stood up on her tiptoes and brushed a kiss over his cheek, "I have a small estate in the mountains..."

He had to get away, now, or he'd pull her into one of the alcoves and fuck her, hard, regardless of any audience. As she settled back down onto her feet he smirked tightly, bowed his head, and loped from the reception hall, resisting touching himself until he could reach somewhere private…
      There was a small sitting room a short way down from the hall: A'lestrel dived into it, grateful for the absence of any sentient being, and hastily untied the cod piece, hands cupping his aching erection. He brought his tail up to his face, breathing deeply of the warm, leafy scent that clung to the damp fur, then licked, closing his eyes with a moan as his arousal spiked higher…
      Kneading himself, fingers playing with his nub… it wasn't enough, he needed something to ease the ache inside… distantly aware it was going to hurt, later, he eased his tail into his chitsu, ignoring the barbs that scratched at the sensitive flesh. With tail thrusting inside, hands clenching outside, he brought himself to a fast, hard double-climax, collapsing against the wall with a groan as he came.
      A'lestrel wasn't fond of pleasuring himself - not that he needed to very often, there were always plenty of people eager to, uh, play… He found it unsatisfying, hollow, lonely - but at least it took care of the physical problem. For the moment.
      Growling to himself, he retied the cod piece, licked his hands clean, wrapped his bruised tail around his waist, and made his way back to the guest quarters.

Ka'reysu was speaking to someone on the portable monitor when A'lestrel loped into the delegation's rooms. He frowned - his twin looked dejected - and moved to peer over his shoulder. Ah, that explained it. Ka'reysu had been talking to his bondmate: Le'leen was nearing the end of his first hosting and Vinas had insisted he remain behind to be monitored.
      As Le'leen pressed his palm to the screen, back on Vejiitasei, 'reysu reciprocated, leaving his hand in place as the image of his zkai'da faded. A'lestrel draped his arms over broad shoulders and nuzzled the long, heavy, rich blue mane.
      **Koi?... Something wrong?**
      'reysu leaned back against his twin's smaller, more powerful body, eyes closing as his tail wrapped around 'lestrel's lean hips.
      **No… I just miss him…**
      'lestrel sighed and kissed the side of his neck, fully aware of the arousal and need in his twin's scent. He trailed a fingertip down the muscular body to stroke the hardness at Ka'reysu's groin.
      **Let me help you**
      'reysu looked up, richly sunset-flecked bright blue eyes gazing into his twin's molten gold.
      **I'd… like that…** He half-smiled, expression uncertain, and 'lestrel sighed silently. 'reysu was always so hesitant about accepting offers of help. A'lestrel tugged his mane, smiling.
      **C'mon, aijin. I need release tonight too**
      Surrendering gracefully, Ka'reysu allowed his twin to lead him to the bed.

A'lestrel woke cradled in his twin's arms, the ache between his legs reminding him how much bigger his sibling was than most of the family. Except for papa, of course, Radittsu was exceptional… 'lestrel sighed and twined his tail more tightly around his twin's.
      Ka'reysu sleepily nuzzled silky green mane, erection pressing between his sibling's buttocks, and A'lestrel backed onto him, wincing, faintly aware of his barbs softening - an intriguing reaction between twin hybrids. 'reysu's strong hands slid down to take hold of his inkei, fingers teasing his nub, thrusting powerfully into the smaller body and bringing them both to a sharp, fast climax. Shuddering, A'lestrel nestled back into his twin's embrace, twisting to kiss cool pale-golden skin.
      **Better?**
      'reysu nodded, licking his sib's throat.
      **Thank you**
      'lestrel smirked.
      **Any time, aijin…**
      They lay comfortably together for a few minutes, then A'lestrel eased out from his twin's arms, smiling as Ka'reysu grumbled quietly.
      **Sorry, aijin, but I have an… appointment…**

Bathed - and dressed in a warm, closely-furred black bodysuit and knee boots, no way was he trying to hunt in native clothing! - A'lestrel made his way to the flat of the palace roof to wait for Lutra.

The tenshi had woken later than she'd planned and she was still feeling flustered from her scramble to get ready when she landed next to Alestrel.
      "My lord," she smiled shyly at him, trying hard not to ogle the alien. Alestrel looked wonderful, powerful and yes, a little barbaric in his furred clothing. Lutra's own garments were comparatively simple compared to the more elaborate Court clothes he'd seen her in so far but the supple, pale-gold suede trousers and sleeveless, laced-up top were much more practical for hunting. Lutra wondered what Alestrel thought of her in them...
      "Can we go now?" the alien half-smirked at her, "I haven't had anything to eat yet."
      "Nor I," Lutra grinned, then her expression dropped to one of puzzlement, "My lord... can you fly?"
      Alestrel chuckled and - without altering his stance – floated a body-length up off the roof.
      Lutra gaped.
      "You are a wizard!"
      The Saiyan quirked an eyebrow in amusement.
      "Shall we go?"

When Lutra had said her estate was 'in the mountains', she wasn't being at all specific. All of the landmass on the tenshi-jin homeworld, about 40 percent of the planet's surface, was mountainous, either lushly forested or barren and icy with deep, cold rivers flowing quickly through the valleys. Being able to fly was a definite advantage here.
      Lutra kept sneaking glances at the alien flying beside her, quietly marvelling at how he was moving through the air. Her own wings were strong and efficient, and she had plenty of stamina, but Alestrel's flight looked effortless. And not needing clear space around him for wings meant he was so manoeuvrable. Lutra wondered how much the trace of sparkling blue… something, trailing behind him had to do with it.
      They flew high over the land, Lutra revelling as she always did in the freedom of the air. As they passed over various holdings, tenshi-jin would flap towards them, always stopping at a certain height, and hover there guardedly watching them pass. Alestrel zipped over to Lutra, flipped onto his back and manoeuvred himself so he was flying directly under her. The Saiyan smirked up at the astonished female – and asked her about the tenshi's behaviour.
      "We're very territorial," Lutra had to speak loudly above the rush of the wind, "A family owns the airspace above their holding, up to a particular elevation. As long as we don't go into their space we won't be challenged."
      "What would happen then?"
      "Unless we had a very good reason to be there, we'd be attacked."
      "It pays to be polite then?" Alestrel smirked.
      "Oh yes." Lutra agreed with a smile.

Lutra's small holding was on the sunset side of a mid-range mountain, an hour's easy flight away from the capital. The tenshi dropped gracefully into a tidy clearing in the forest, spreading her wings to break the fall. Alestrel alighted beside her and looked around approvingly. The trees were more widely spaced than their dense foliage had suggested, and the undergrowth, while thick, wasn't impenetrable.
      "Good hunting here?"
      "Very." Lutra grinned, "I'm lucky to have this much space to myself."
      "It's not usual?"
      She shook her head.
      "Most areas belong to families or clans."
      "So how did you end up with this to yourself?"
      The tenshi's eyes sparkled and she smiled mischievously.
      "The Suzerain's sister owed me a favour."
      "What - "
      "Let's hunt!" Lutra forestalled Alestrel's question by leaping into the air, a single downbeat of her wings propelling her above the tree line.

The tenshi-jin method of hunting was quite simple - you hung in the air, floating on the breezes, until you saw something edible, then you dove on it. Like most aerial hunters, the winged race had exceptional vision, and Lutra was able to discriminate between a branch moving because of air flow, or because it had been disturbed by prey. The hunting was good in this area and they didn't need to stray much past the borders of Lutra's domain into the 'common' ground. Lutra explained to Alestrel how most of the holdings, especially the smaller ones, were bordered with large areas of free territory, which no-one could claim and in which anyone could hunt. This made sure that everyone had a fair chance of finding food. It wasn't unusual for a patch of this type of area to be surrounded by clusters of holdings. In return for the extra hunting space it was the joint responsibility of the families to see to the areas' upkeep, monitor the game available and make sure none of the species were over-hunted. The system had been put in place centuries ago by a Suzerain who had devised it as way to at least slow down the vicious and deadly squabbling over territory. That had been a turning point in tenshi-jin history because it had broken the cycles of territorial feuds and shown the fiercely quarrelsome people that they could co-operate with each other…

Before long Lutra and Alestrel had caught enough game for a decent meal and they returned to the small clearing, Lutra shyly showing the Saiyan in to her small dwelling on the edge of the forest. Alestrel hadn't noticed it until she pointed it out, it had looked like nothing more than a small stand of leafy trees with their branches twined together, but inside it was restfully dim and surprisingly spacious. The floor was firm and dry, covered with mats woven of some sort of fragrant plant material and slung up above were nets made from a similar material. Lutra pulled a couple of soft, thick furs out of one of the nets and spread them over the mats, indicating that the Saiyan should sit.
      "Would you like these cooked?" she held up the five plump little tree-dwelling rodents they'd caught. "They're delicious raw, though they're wonderful roasted slowly in coals stuffed with wild tubers and the leaves they favour."
      "Raw will be fine." Alestrel smirked, "I'm hungry now. We can cook the next catch."

As they ate, Lutra told the attentive alien something of tenshi-jin society, about how the families all had dwellings in the city centres but most of them preferred to be out on their holdings, and how each family had obligations to contribute to the running of the Palace and the cities. Each family fulfilled this obligation depending on their standing in the hierarchy. The lower groups supplied servants and the general soldiery, the uppers provided the bureaucrats and officers. And everyone 'in service' did something useful, there was no dead-weight in the court, no matter how much to the contrary it appeared.
      "What do you do?" was Alestrel's inevitable question.
      "I'm one of the band of brave souls that keeps the Suzerain's sister's children out of trouble." Lutra laughed.
      "Are they much trouble?"
      "You have no idea!" Lutra grinned but wouldn't tell him any more - it was tenshi-jin business after all. The alien didn’t need to know just how desperate Trulan was to see her eldest daughter formally mated and off her hands before she was caught in the guards' barracks again.

Lutra had watched Alestrel while they chatted, feeling again that confusing pull towards him. She wanted him, and there was a feeling of urgency about it, as if - as if it was important…
      "My lady? Lutra?"
      The tenshi blinked, focussing on the beautiful face - that was the first time he'd spoken her name and there was a strange sort of power to it. Lutra shivered and forced a smile.
      "Shall we hunt again, my lord?" she swivelled away from him, trying to break the hold she felt he had over her, only to shiver again at the touch of his hand on her arm.
       "Wait. Wait."
      Lutra glanced hesitantly back over her shoulder, staggered to see her own uncertainty mirrored in the alien's face.
      "I don't understand it either," Alestrel murmured, golden eyes hooded and gleaming in the half-light.
      Lutra swallowed.
      "Shall – shall we return to the palace - ?" her unspoken 'before anything happens' hung in the air between them. Alestrel half-smirked, a weak facsimile of his usual self-assured expression.
      "I'd like to stay here..."
      Lutra watched in a kind of daze as Alestrel's hand lifted from her arm to settle softly over her cheek, gently urging her to turn around and face him.
      "I don't think this is a good idea – " she whispered the protest even as she moved towards him.
      "Don't you dare back out on me now." The alien was growling, but his eyes twinkled. Alestrel stroked slowly down her cheek and neck, brushing cool fingertips over heated skin, finally coming to rest lightly over the loose knot that stopped her garment's lacing from slipping.
      "May I?"
      Lutra nodded, wide-eyed as deft blue fingers undid the knot and loosened the lacing. Alestrel's hand slid inside the top to gently knead a breast; the tenshi quivered when he rubbed a thumb over her stiffening nipple. Alestrel half-smiled, watching her reactions while he fondled her.
      "I want to see you." he said suddenly, pulling his hand out of from beneath the warm suede to strip the lacing completely from her top. Lutra knelt quietly in front of him, bright blue eyes fixed on the Saiyan's face as he pushed the garment off her shoulders, leaving her bare from the waist up. Alestrel breathed out, an indication of appreciation it seemed, then bent down and, cupping her breasts in his hands, flicked out the longest tongue Lutra had ever seen. The tenshi groaned, surprised and aroused by the moist roughness coiling around one nipple and then the other. What other surprises did he have? Alestrel played with her breasts for a few, wonderful, moments longer then settled his hands over her hips.
      "Stand up," he murmured throatily.
      Lutra complied, her heart thumping as he fiddled with the fastenings of her trousers. The fastenings gave way and the Saiyan smirked triumphantly, stripping the piece of clothing from her and dropping it to one side.
      Lutra stood in front of him, naked and shy, and light-headed with arousal. Alestrel shifted to kneel in front of her – the alien was still fully clothed – leaning forward to nuzzle her belly while his hands gently nudged her thighs open. His head dipped and Lutra squeaked when she felt what could only be his rough tongue slide gently over her responsive nub of flesh. The tenshi clutched at him, tangling her fingers in his hair, perilously close to coming when that tongue slid up inside her. A few seconds later she did come as the delicious friction of his tongue sliding over the sensitive ring of flesh at the entrance to her body tipped – no, shoved - her, helpless, over the edge.
      "Ohh!"
      Lutra's legs gave way and she collapsed to her knees, leaning heavily against the smirking Saiyan.
      "'s not fair," she mumbled stupidly into his chest. "You've – you've still got your clothes on." For a brief moment she felt Alestrel's arms close around her, his cheek resting on the top of her head, then he gently pushed her away.
      "I'll fix that."
      The tenshi watched, mesmerised, as Alestrel heeled off the boots then wriggled out of the furred bodysuit to stand unselfconsciously naked in front of her. She reached up to tentatively stroke his erection; it seemed enormous from this angle, rigid, a deeper blue than the rest of his body. Lutra looked closer – there was that odd bump she'd found earlier, and below that was an unusual fold of flesh that appeared to run the length of his groin. Her fingertips closed gently over the little bump and Alestrel shivered, his pupils dilating hugely. He dropped down to kneel on the furs, lean buttocks resting back on his heels, and reached out to her, wrapping his hands over her hips and tugging her close. Lutra grinned and sat astride him, waiting, nervously impatient while he positioned himself. She slid down over him, biting her lip as she slowly worked his cool length into her body; Alestrel couldn't be called diminutive by any means. By unspoken consent they held still for a few moments, letting the tenshi adjust, her arms draped over his shoulder, his hands on her hips, his forehead resting against the top of her chest. And then he began to move, rocking his hips back and forth, small upwards thrusts that slowly increased in power and depth. Alestrel lapped at her throat with that amazing tongue and unknowingly, so close to losing herself in the sensations, Lutra spread her wings, the tips trembling just shy of the dwelling's leafy walls.

The tenshi had forgotten about his tail and she was momentarily distracted from her upward spiral of pleasure when it brushed softly over her breasts. But as it skimmed down her body, eventually looping around her hips, the tip teasing delicately over her small mound, Lutra absorbed its delights into the whole, glorious experience. Too soon she was swept along to another climax, immersed in wave after wave of languid pleasure. She slumped forward, dimly aware of Alestrel pulsing inside her as he gasped against her neck.
      Lutra smiled dreamily, stroking her palms down his back. Alestrel shivered, nipping gently at her neck, then shivered again. He was cold, the tenshi suddenly realised with a guilty start.
      "Lie down," Lutra disentangled herself and pushed the now visibly shivering alien onto the fur.
      "S-sorry." Alestrel's teeth were chattering.
      "Why didn't you say something?" Lutra snuggled in beside him, covering the cold blue body with one of her wings then settling the second fur around them both. Tenshi-jin were generally able to disregard the temperature, it hadn't occurred to her that Alestrel would be any different.
      "I was a little distracted," Alestrel smirked, "I didn't realise it was s-so cold here."
      "Shall I start a fire? Get you a hot drink?"
      "In a little while," Alestrel shifted over onto his side to face her. "This is nice," he said with a smile, tracing the line of her cheek with a finger. Lutra lowered her eyes, feeling shy again.
      "Thank you, Alestrel."
      He raised an eyebrow.
      "You've had enough?"
      "No." the tenshi replied without thinking, blushing when she realised how... forward she'd been.
      "Good." Alestrel nuzzled at the corner of her mouth, a hand moving gently on her breast while his tail stroked ticklishly down the cleft of her buttocks, "You can thank me when we have finished."

A'lestrel stood at the viewport, unblinking golden eyes fixed on the cloud-dappled turquoise globe rapidly shrinking behind the transport. Ka'reysu, biting his lip anxiously, stood behind his twin, hands resting on the smaller hybrid's shoulders. 'lestrel was in *pain* and 'reysu didn't know what to do.
      **Koi…? Can I help?**
      A'lestrel shook his head, absently, gaze fixed on the tiny dot that was his tenshi's home…

The day spent at Lutra's holding in the mountains had been… idyllic. They'd fucked - no, he growled at himself, they'd made love - for hours, learning each other, touching, caressing, exploring. He was fascinated by her breasts, specifically her nipples, playing with them, kissing and licking, watching as they hardened, smirking at her reaction, the way she squirmed, the blush that spread over her face and throat as her arousal built. And when she'd discovered his chitsu…
      She'd been bewildered at first, frowning at him, fingers distracting as she teased between soft protective fleshy folds.
      "But… you're male… How…?"
      The explanation made her blink.
      "You mean - you can have babies?"
      "And sire them, yes."
      She inclined her head - then pushed the fur up over his chest and squirmed down to look, easing apart the three pairs of labia and gazing at the orifice beneath, tentatively pushing a finger into his body. His breath caught, tail wrapping around her wrist warningly. She pouted up at him, and he smiled.
      "There are - barbs, lining the channel. They may scratch."
      She nodded, then eased in another finger, carefully feeling her way over the hard, pointed little protrusions, frowning.
      "Doesn't it hurt? Your partner, I mean?"
      He frowned slightly.
      "There's a way to soften them. A technique my sire - my father - discovered, that's taught to all of us as children."
      She nodded, then slid in another finger.
      "Could I learn it?"
      Interesting thought.
      "I… I'm not sure… It usually needs penetration to work…"
      Nodding, she eased in another finger.
      "Am I hurting?"
      He chuckled.
      "No. I'm used to a lot more than that."
      She grinned, her eyes twinkling, and pushed her whole hand inside, scratching at the barbs. Taken aback, then delighted, as he groaned, eyes closing as his hips bucked upwards.
      "You like that?"
      "H… hai…"
      Pleased, she carefully pushed her hand in a little further, scratching a little more forcefully… It startled them both when he came, hips lifting off the furs and hands gripping her shoulders.
      She eased her hand out, gazing at his twitching erection.
      "So… does that mean you can have two different sorts of orgasm?"
      "Three." Well, four, actually, but she didn't need to know about the inner base of his tail, not yet…
      Her eyes widened, then she grinned, easing a finger inside, and stroking his inkei with the other hand.
      "Inside, outside, and both together?"
      Eyes closing, he nodded. Blushing, she kissed the soft skin where the labia smoothed out - then paused, eyes on the small, rounded nub just above. Smirking, she pressed a finger to it.
      "And what does this do, I wonder…?"

He shivered, the memory sharp and clear in his mind and nerve-ends. She'd played him, like some sort of instrument: it should have been humiliating.
      It wasn't. And somewhere during that afternoon he'd realised that some strange, unfamiliar sort of fledgling bond had established itself…

He'd hardly seen her the next day: he'd been too busy with business - Maurilla and its tenshi-jin inhabitants were now officially members of the Saiya-jin Empire. But they'd managed to snatch a little time before the feast - and a precious hour during it.
      She'd led him back to the window alcove, holding his hand and drinking in his features, as if learning him by heart. He sighed and brushed cool fingers over her cheek. She smiled, but her eyes were woebegone.
      "You're leaving."
      He nodded, not trusting himself to speak. She swallowed.
      "I'll miss you."
      He hesitated for a moment, then pulled her into his arms.
      "Perhaps… the tenshi-jin are a member race now…"
      He knew she wanted to ask him to stay, or if she could return with him, he just knew it. But she had duties here, and he… well, he was a R'ren'nkh'ian prince and ambassador for the Alliance, with his own responsibilities and obligations. He'd need maazi's consent before doing anything so… rash… And how maazi and papa would take to such a liaison… Though their own bonding was hardly conventional, they should be sympathetic…
      "Alestrel?"
      He blinked; he'd been lost in thought.
      "I'm sorry."
      She cuddled into him, holding him tightly, belly pressed to his groin, rocking her hips gently.
      "I don't suppose…"
      But he didn't want their last memory to be of a hurried fuck in some dark corner. There was one thing they could do, though…

The night was perfectly clear, cloudless, cold but beautiful as they flew together. One moon hung bright, almost-full, the silvery second moon was just disappearing below the horizon. A'lestrel hung back a little for a few moments, watching Lutra against the darkness of the sky, a shimmering vision, moonlight bright on powerful wings. She was so beautiful... He'd carry that image with him when he left…

He hugged himself, gazing out at star-splashed void, feeling - empty, somehow, lost, lonely, already.
      There had to be some way round this, there had to be.
      He paused, eyes widening. It wasn't unusual for an official of the Alliance to act as resident ambassador to member worlds. Perhaps…
      Maazi would object: along with everything else, Maurilla was too cold to be comfortable for his hostling. But the weather hadn't stopped maazi from making Vejiitasei his home, had it? And the hybrids were more cold tolerant than pure-blood R'ren'nkh'ia-jin - even if he himself found cold weather a little more problematic than most of his siblings.
      It was a possibility. For a while, at least.
      Feeling a little less miserable, he turned into Ka'reysu's arms, accepting his twin's comfort. Perhaps everything would be all right after all…

© 2003 February 8^th Amanda and Joules

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