{"id":7857,"date":"2020-03-21T20:38:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-21T20:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=7857"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:00:55","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:00:55","slug":"mating-rituals-pt-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/03\/21\/mating-rituals-pt-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Mating Rituals Pt.2"},"content":{"rendered":"

*Warning. This chapter contains sexual content and graphic depictions of sex in the text. If you do not wish to read or feel uncomfortable at the material, please skip this chapter. You may miss terribly important and crucial plot points, but this is your choice.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A long time ago, when Erin Solstice was still new to the city of Liscor. When she still lived in her first inn, and people had just gotten to know about the odd Human girl who\u2019d appeared outside the city\u2014she\u2019d had a conversation.<\/p>\n

It had gone something like this:<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have not had sex yet. This is a bad thing, yes?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

That had been then, and a young woman had entertained the idea of sexual gratification, dating, and intercourse with her friends, Krshia and Selys. She had even gone on a date.<\/p>\n

It had ended poorly, for the would-be suitors. Erin had ended up with a rather interesting collection of dildos. Which had subsequently been destroyed by her undead skeleton. The first time.<\/p>\n

It happened. But since that day, the topic had not come up again. And yes, there were more important things in life to focus on. Monster attacks, keeping friends alive. The possibility of war.<\/p>\n

Yet, at the same time, it was extraordinary that the topic never<\/em> came up again. Erin Solstice didn\u2019t lack for friends, of any species or gender. But she discussed bowel movements and periods with more frequency than anything touching on mating\u2014<\/p>\n

Sex.<\/p>\n

Indeed, what was uncomfortable to many males wasn\u2019t banned in The Wandering Inn. As, case in point, a few days after Erin\u2019s night of glorious fire and celebration, she found herself in the outhouse.<\/p>\n

It was a nice outhouse. Rebuilt, refurbished\u2014Lyonette wanted the inn to connect to Liscor\u2019s sewage lines, but for now, the toilets were attended with herbs to cover the smell and cleaned regularly. It was one of the tasks the staff got to do. And the young woman named Erin Solstice was doing her business.<\/p>\n

Again, a natural activity. Erin went to the bathroom at least once a day, which was what she considered healthy. But she didn\u2019t talk about it. Still, at this particular time, Erin happened to look down. And her face fell.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw.\u201d<\/p>\n

She was on her period. Which wasn\u2019t generally a problem. But\u2026it was, if you didn\u2019t have anything like a pad and you really didn\u2019t want to go back indoors with your new underwear and pants. Erin grimaced.<\/p>\n

What to do? What to do\u2026<\/em>as crises went, Erin decided this was a low-level event. After a few minutes of cursing, she began shouting.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Hey! Someone get Lyonette!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

After a few seconds, her shouting roused someone. Namely, the Workers on the rooftop. Erin waited, and then Lyonette came out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026can you get me my pad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPad? What do\u2014oh.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It took Lyonette only a fraction of a second to get it. Inside, Erin felt embarrassed, but she went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s in my room. Um\u2014I think in the drawers? It\u2019s washed! Sorry, I just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got it. One second.\u201d<\/p>\n

And indeed, a minute later, Erin had relief. Well\u2014in a way. She still felt a bit crummy, but as she left the outhouse and reentered the inn\u2014after washing her hands outside, thankyouverymuch, Erin was chatting to Lyonette.<\/p>\n

The morning crowd looked up as the two young women entered the inn and went over to the bar. Not to drink, per se, but just to chat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t keeping count. Yuck. I hate being on my period. I just feel\u2026euragh. You know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026No. Do you mean, cramps? My mother used to have the worst ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, a bit. But I also get mad a bit more easily.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Compared to usual?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman frowned. She didn\u2019t see a few of the breakfasters looking up, especially some of the Gnolls who had good ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cHa. Ha. I never asked, but um\u2026you get them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette gave Erin a look.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Erin. I get them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just checking! Maybe you get a fancy Skill that stops menstruation or whatever. Or\u2026I was wondering if there were any<\/em> differences because we\u2019re\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin made a wild hand gesture to say \u2018from different worlds, and thus having the distinct possibility of some kind of genetic differences from the environments we are raised in, the proximity of magic, and other extraneous and unknown factors.\u2019 The [Princess] just shrugged in reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, I usually take a potion. My entire family does. But we\u2019re Human like you, Erin. Actually\u2014my bleeding is bad<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Mrsha got worried the first time it happened. But since Octavia\u2019s here, I think I might switch back to potions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPotions? Well, I know they stop you bleeding\u2014but do they like, work perfectly? Are there side effects?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm\u2026not really. You can get a few symptoms, but [Alchemists] are good about it. And it apparently stops you menstruating at all. So the one downside is that sometimes you have a [Lady] or even a [Queen] who has children in her sixties<\/em> if she\u2019s taken the potion all her life\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa. But that\u2019s\u2026well, I guess biologically\u2026wait, do you know about eggs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Eggs? We\u2019re talking about children, Erin. What are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBiology!<\/em> Wait, you don\u2019t know? You don\u2019t know!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] just gave Erin one of her looks.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, it\u2019s too early for this.\u201d<\/p>\n

But the young woman was already excited.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to sit down with you and explain! There\u2019s this thing\u2014inside our bodies. Our, you know, vaginas\u2014<\/em>and we have eggs\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She felt a bit embarrassed. The [Princess] was just staring, trying to process the fact that Humans laid eggs. It promised to be an interesting discussion, but a voice growled, interrupting them.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me. Do you mind?<\/em> I\u2019m trying to eat, <\/em>here!\u201d<\/p>\n

A Gnoll looked up from his table. And he was male\u2014that was just a\u2026fact worth noting. Erin and Lyonette turned and looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you mind? I\u2019m having breakfast!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll looked affronted. Lyonette and Erin looked at each other. Both frowned at the guest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter? It\u2019s just biology!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s disgusting. Humans bleed from\u2026I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pushed back his morning steak. Erin glowered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Dierr, you don\u2019t like it? It\u2019s what women have to go through! You don\u2019t like hearing about it? How you do think I<\/em> like blood coming out my\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Half the diners instantly stopped eating as Lyonette slapped a hand over Erin\u2019s mouth. The young woman hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2014sorry. Maybe it is a bit crude.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dierr, who was a regular of Erin\u2019s inn, shook his head a few times.<\/p>\n

\u201cHumans. Gnoll<\/em> women don\u2019t go through that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah? Oh wait, yeah. They don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin recalled a conversation with a female Gnoll. It was true\u2014Gnolls didn\u2019t<\/em> go through the monthly bleeding process. Neither did Drakes. They had different systems that had evolved in their species. Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah. Gnolls don\u2019t have periods<\/em>, but they have um, what\u2019s the term? Estrus? Mating periods. And Krshia told me that when they do, they have the same sort of, y\u2019know\u2026stuff. Coming out of you-know-where. Actually, she told me it can be blood, or brown\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

That did it. Almost every male diner and most of the female ones put down their utensils and had to push their plates back for a second. Lyonette covered her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to hear this!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dierr stood up, looking ill and agitated. Erin looked around; some of the guests were doing the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cI came here for entertainment, not\u2014that!\u201d<\/p>\n

Some of the other regulars were grousing. They weren\u2019t Olesm, or Relc, or Palt or the other big-names that often took part in the inn\u2019s dramas, but\u2026regular diners.<\/p>\n

Dierr, an affable [Hunter] who really liked getting his food within a minute of ordering, Menolit, the Drake [Veteran] with half a tail who\u2019d fought in Liscor\u2019s army until being honorably discharged, Ulevissia, a Drake [Mage] who made her entire living making door locks, Fleaears, whose unfortunate name didn\u2019t relate at all to his [Tanner] profession, at least, one hoped\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cI am so sorry.<\/em> Erin, be quiet.<\/em> Everyone, please! Let me get you something on the house. Why don\u2019t we all sit and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette rushed around, trying to keep the regulars in their seats. Erin stared around.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s natural. I mean, okay. I\u2019m sorry I said it out loud. It\u2019s like talking about poo, I guess\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] snapped at her. Erin shut up as her regulars glared at her. She flushed, and then looked about when she heard a vague, slapping<\/em> sound.<\/p>\n

Temile, and some of the Players of Celum who stayed at Erin\u2019s inn\u2014and the ones who came every day to rehearse\u2014were laughing so hard there wasn\u2019t actually much sound. Just wheezing, painful, choking guffaws, and slapping the table. Temile slowly slid out of his chair as Erin glared at him.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t the only one. Mrsha was giggling, even if she didn\u2019t really get all of what had been said. Erin propped her hands on her hips. At least some<\/em> people were being amused.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s natural!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut some things we don\u2019t need to discuss while our guests are eating, Erin. I\u2019ll get Octavia for you; she\u2019s probably asleep still. After another all-nighter at that naked Drake\u2019s lab.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know his name.<\/em> But\u2014dead gods! Can\u2019t he put on clothes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019d take an army. Anyways, he\u2019s cool.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s apparently up all night and into the morning! Octavia got back in time for breakfast! Exhausted from making potions all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly making potions?\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the other regulars quipped as Lyonette went around the inn, doling out a few of the chocolate squares as an apology. Erin saw Menolit, the Drake [Veteran], grinning as he took a square of chocolate. She frowned at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake stared at her. Menolit was scarred, and half of his tail was missing, owing to his service in Liscor\u2019s army. He was touchy about the tail, but Erin liked him and he liked being here\u2014partly because Humans didn\u2019t care as much about the tail.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Miss Lyonette. Er\u2014Miss Solstice, if a young woman\u2019s out with a fellow all night, you don\u2019t think it\u2019s all<\/em> making potions\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

He waggled his brows and grinned. Erin gave him a blank look for a second, and then blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWha\u2014oh! Hey! No way. That would never\u2014no way. I mean\u2014Saliss wouldn\u2019t\u2014he\u2019s teaching\u2014right?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at Lyonette, flustered. The [Princess] looked up, absently.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No, I doubt it. And if she is\u2014who cares?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s the best [Alchemist] in the city. Saliss of Lights. I mean, you know there\u2019re other apprenticeships that work that way. A young [Alchemist], does favors for a master\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Menolit said it matter-of-factly. Erin just looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMenolit!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake looked at her. Erin pointed at Mrsha, flushing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are kids here! Don\u2019t talk about s-e-x!\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha immediately began trying to spell the word out. Menolit gave Erin a long look as his lips moved.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, sex? Miss Solstice, it\u2019s natural. I\u2019m<\/em> not judging. Someone wants to spice things up with that Drake, be my guest. I wish he\u2019d put on pants too, but the Drake\u2019s got spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not all he has. Although between you and me, I\u2019d have expected a Named Adventurer<\/em> to be better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ulevissia quipped. There was laughter and people relaxed. Erin on the other hand\u2014was flushing.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Enough! That\u2019s enough. Let\u2019s not get\u2026weird, here.\u201d<\/p>\n

She waved her hands, and the laughter died down as Erin pushed<\/em> a bit with her ability to control the mood in the inn. It was fairly subtle, for her. But Lyonette noticed, as did Temile and a few [Actors]; their classes made them sensitive to such things.<\/p>\n

And a few others. At her table, Selys Shivertail looked up from a morning gossip session with Drassi. She hadn\u2019t really partaken of the conversation so far\u2014because she was trying to eat breakfast too\u2014but now she frowned at Erin, vaguely. As the [Innkeeper] argued with Menolit and then went around the room, chatting with her regulars, Selys paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Selys, Drassi. How\u2019s it going?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m off-duty! I don\u2019t start for another hour. Hi, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi announced hurriedly. Erin waved that off, although the comment was more aimed at Lyonette than the self-proclaimed \u2018cool boss\u2019. Selys smiled as Erin sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Erin. Rough morning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know me, spitting blood, shooting it out of my crotch\u2014I keep forgetting Drakes and Gnolls don\u2019t have periods.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin sighed. Selys and Drassi looked at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we have our problems, Erin. You<\/em> don\u2019t have dead scales.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have ingrown hairs or split ends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPoint.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three females grinned at each other. It was a longstanding practice of species to practice the game of \u2018who had the most bodily issues\u2019 with each other. Selys glanced at Drassi.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026well, you\u2019ve told us all about your monthlies. Feeling okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. It\u2019s not bad today. I mean, you know\u2026I could use a warm compress or something. That really helps. But maybe I\u2019ll talk to Octavia when she wakes up. Potions are handy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo arguments there!\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi grinned. The [Gossip] and [Bartender] looked in fine form today. But then, she was enjoying her new class and position serving alcohol. And she\u2019d certainly had enough work these last few days.<\/p>\n

Ever since the night of glory and fire. These days, the pink flame was carefully kept burning in a concealed, controlled lantern. The same one Erin had used for the blue flames of sadness. Sometimes it went out if you didn\u2019t feed it, but Erin could always conjure the fire again.<\/p>\n

At the moment Selys had just come in for her gossip session with one of her best friends. Best two friends, really. The young Human woman smiled as Selys offered her some fried dumplings. Palt had made them; the Centaur wasn\u2019t in today, but he would be, no doubt. Selys gave Erin a side-long look.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were just talking about recent events. Speaking of which\u2026are you worried about Octavia?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No. I mean, a bit. Saliss is like\u2026I mean, I think he\u2019s a good guy. But Octavia shouldn\u2019t be\u2026y\u2019know? When she\u2019s learning from him? That\u2019s weird, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked awkward as she danced around the subject. Drassi scratched at the spines on her neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cMadly having sex in their laboratory all night long?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] choked on her bite. Selys snorted and had to pound on Erin\u2019s back. She was assisted by a flying kick from Mrsha. Erin coughed up the food stuck in her airways and rubbed at her back.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw.<\/em> Thank you, Mrsha. Drassi!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Unless\u2014do you think they\u2019re being kinky?<\/em> Like\u2014I dunno, you hear stories.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrassi!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys leaned over as Mrsha leapt up onto the table and swiped a dumpling. Drassi grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know Stitch-People.<\/em> I hear they can switch out body parts and do a lot of crazy things. And they can repair their bodies, so they can get rough. Like\u2014have you heard the stories about how the male ones can have huge\u2026<\/em>things? And some Drakes\u2014and Gnolls!\u2014want to know how it feels. But you can tear\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrassi! Mrsha is right there!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin shouted. Mrsha recoiled as Erin pointed at her. Drassi looked at Selys. The [Heiress] was nodding.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be vulgar, Drassi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know you\u2019d try it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha\u2019s just a kid. Mrsha, go over there. And I don\u2019t think Octavia\u2019s sleeping with Saliss, Erin. But if she is\u2026well, I don\u2019t think [Alchemists] are that different. If Saliss was a high-level [Warrior], now\u2014Drassi?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Gossip] was nodding as Mrsha was ushered off the table. Erin practically hurried her over to Lyonette.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Alchemists] are kinky, Selys. Kinky.<\/em> Potions. Sex.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.<\/em> But how would you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dated a few of Liscor\u2019s [Alchemists]. They\u2019re low-level, but they still make stamina<\/em> potions. And that\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin slapped her hands down on the table. Selys and Drassi started, looked at her. Erin was flushing and glaring at the two of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t appropriate for the morning, you know? Mrsha\u2019s here, and she has good ears. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked from face to face. And Erin Solstice, who had happily pontificated on the issue of periods in front of the entire room, looked\u2026awkward. Selys and Drassi blinked at each other.<\/p>\n

And they both had the same thought again. The two engaged in a sub-vocal argument, and in the end, Selys lost. She looked at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2026why don\u2019t you have a seat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not gonna sit if you two are going to be weird\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave a seat, come on.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two practically pushed Erin into a seat. The [Innkeeper] looked at the two of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? What?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys took a breath. She remembered that conversation from a while ago. She hadn\u2019t given it a lot of thought, but now\u2026she looked at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026have you had sex recently?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin froze. Dierr glanced up from his seat and then pretended to be interested in his steak again. A Centaur, opening the door to the common room, halted in his tracks. Montressa and Beza ran into Palt\u2019s behind, but the Centaur motioned them back.<\/p>\n

The young woman paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? What sort of question is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026A normal one?\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys raised a brow. Erin looked at her friend, and then at Drassi.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems sort of personal, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno. We\u2019re friends. Drassi\u2019s not gonna spill it, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Gossip]\u2019s honor. But yeah, have you had a good one recently, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey now. I really don\u2019t feel like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKrshia told me she doesn\u2019t think you\u2019ve masturbated all month. And she said that last month. And the month before that. Erin\u2014do you have a problem? Because there\u2019s a potion for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two female friends stared at Erin. The [Innkeeper] stood up. Her face was beet red.<\/p>\n

\u201cKrshia said\u2014? I don\u2019t need to take this!\u201d<\/p>\n

She began to storm off, but the two Drakes grabbed her arms and towed her back. It was hard; Erin had [Lesser Strength].<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, come on!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not judging\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t, Drassi? I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Let go of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin found herself sitting at the table, held captive\u2026well, not really. But the two Drakes were looking at her seriously. Selys had to go first.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2026do you think maybe you\u2019re being a bit\u2026prudish?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout se\u2014<\/em>about the thing?<\/em> Yes! Especially with a kid around!\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi glanced at Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she knows about sex, Erin. Gnoll kids do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? She\u2019s far too young to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a Gnoll<\/em>, Erin. She lived in a tribe. She has a nose and ears. All Gnoll kids know about sex when they\u2019re young. What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman from Earth opened and closed her mouth. Drassi just blinked at her innocently.<\/p>\n

No\u2014not even innocently. She just looked blank. What was the problem here? Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014okay. But it\u2019s still not something we need to talk about, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if we don\u2019t want to. But seriously, Erin. Are you\u2026stressed? Because if Krshia\u2019s right\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you do use the dildos she says she keeps giving you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was practicing her guppy impersonations. Her mouth kept opening and shutting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014don\u2019t have to answer that!\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys looked serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, we\u2019re not judging.<\/em> It\u2019s normal. But seriously\u2014you talk about periods and using the outhouse and you get nervous about the idea of sex?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m totally fine with it! Anyone can have sex! Relc had sex just the other day! I think!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin threw her hands up. Drassi leaned over.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? With who? That Garuda [Guardswoman]?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s private! He didn\u2019t need to tell me and I didn\u2019t need to ask!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin glared at Drassi, trying to forget she\u2019d been bugging Relc about that exact thing. Selys raised her brows.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood for Relc. He deserves it. Poor guy would have trouble with Drake women, although he\u2019s popular even if he\u2019s a bit\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUgly?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrassi, be nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not being mean! I like Relc! I\u2019d give him a try if I thought it wouldn\u2019t make things weird.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sometimes Erin didn\u2019t understand Drake aesthetics. Relc looked fine to her<\/em>. But she found the conversation pivoting back to her again.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I\u2019m saying is that I have no problem with Relc hooking up, Erin. It\u2019s natural. Nothing to be ashamed of, even if Embria objects. Well\u2026she is his daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys paused. Erin fidgeted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that. And I\u2019m not judging.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. So\u2026have you had sex at all since the last time Krshia and I talked to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to answer that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Have you masturbated?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSelys.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, I think you might be stressed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPent up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay to want to have a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoll around on the carpet with some fun guy. Oh wait, Humans get rug-burns.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven relieve yourself now and then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, can Humans use their hands?<\/em> I\u2019ve been debating with some of my friends about that. Because we have claws with, you know, talons. And if you slip\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrassi,<\/em> please.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Gossip] subsided, but she and Selys both looked amused. Erin did not want to be at the table with them. She folded her arms, like a bulwark against all things erotic.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s personal.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys recognized the signs of a stubborn Erin coming on. She rolled her eyes, exasperated.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t want to talk about it, fine. But we\u2019re just talking to you\u2014as friends\u2014about whether you\u2019re happy. Honestly. We wouldn\u2019t want to push or anything. But if you\u2019re frustrated\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all she said. And she gave Erin a serious look. So much so that the [Innkeeper] realized that Selys wasn\u2019t making fun of her. Not really. Erin slowly uncrossed her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026well\u2026it\u2019s not necessary.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but it\u2019s fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could get pregnant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom a Drake or Gnoll, Erin? And there are potions for that. Actually\u2014I think I have my answer. Dead gods. How long has it been, six months? That\u2019s a long time for\u2026and nothing else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi gave Erin an almost admiring look. The [Innkeeper] didn\u2019t like the look. She glared, went on the offensive.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what about you<\/em>, Selys? Have you had sex? Or you, Drassi?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two Drakes blinked. They looked at each other. Drassi paused, and then shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I lost my last boyfriend during a fight two weeks back, but I\u2019m not hurting for company, you know? I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I had sex yesterday. In my apartment. Not the one I\u2019m building; that\u2019d be weird.\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys sipped her drink. The young woman blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was good. And yes\u2014we knew each other. But it\u2019s not serious.<\/em> But I enjoyed it, and so did he\u2014which is why we got together. Well\u2026and we see each other more often because of my position. He actually came by to talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014but\u2014Selys! What about Pisces?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Heiress] looked at Erin. And this time, it was a long look. And somehow\u2014not as amused or exasperated as she\u2019d been before.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin felt like she was treading on dangerous ground all of a sudden. But she didn\u2019t know why.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026I thought you and him were a thing. You know? You said you liked him, and you two were always talking, arguing. And you had that kiss under the mistletoe, and you told me you thought he wasn\u2019t that bad. So I thought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi\u2019s head slowly turned towards Selys and her stare said that her friend had said nothing of the sort <\/em>to her. Selys flushed. But she\u2019d invited this. She took a breath, and then nodded, as the scales in her cheeks darkened a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said that, Erin. But we haven\u2019t done anything. Literally, nothing besides that kiss, and that was for a dare. I like Pisces.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. So\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

There was an edge in Selys\u2019 voice. Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut if you like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe hasn\u2019t said anything to me. And I haven\u2019t said anything to him. We\u2019re both adults, Erin. Not engaged or anything. Should I be sitting here, saving my chastity<\/em> like a\u2014like a Human [Princess] <\/em>while I pine for him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Across the inn, Lyonette slipped as she cleaned a table. Erin turned red. Selys\u2019 voice had a note of real contempt.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I just thought you liked him. So\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all. Selys relented.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026might. But I\u2019m not expected to wait for him, am I? And I can have fun, right? Honestly, Erin. You sound like\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She bit her tongue before she said something actually hurtful. Erin sounded a bit like some of the old Drakes who scolded the young, promiscuous<\/em> ones. Not Selys\u2019 grandmother; Tekshia had only told Selys that she wasn\u2019t allowed to get pregnant before she turned twenty.<\/p>\n

But it was strange. Strange indeed, that Erin Solstice was so\u2026awkward. Selys looked at her friend and sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Erin. I\u2019m not mad. But\u2026have you never thought about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman looked past Selys. And Palt silently trotted into the inn. And the Centaur pulled out a cigar and considered his moves. Numbtongue wandered out of the garden where he\u2019d been playing music. And the young woman was just\u2026conscious of those facts.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Culyss still likes you. Even after getting beaten up by all the Goblins. You never really told me what that was about.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman blinked. She remembered the Drake. Selys took a breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell you what, Erin. You don\u2019t have to do anything. I<\/em> feel bad about introducing you to Culyss before you were\u2026well, you know. But why don\u2019t I introduce you to\u2026my friend? You know him, anyways. He\u2019s coming by later. I mean\u2026just so you know I\u2019m fine talking about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sighed, a bit embarrassed. Erin stared at her friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do? Wait\u2026is it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes went round. Selys rolled her eyes as Drassi leaned forwards with a [Gossip] and a [Bartender]\u2019s instincts for juicy tidbits.<\/p>\n

It was truly odd. But it was natural.<\/em> She just wondered if Erin was shy. Or maybe she hadn\u2019t ever been in a relationship. Selys thought Erin had said she had done it at least once, but maybe\u2026she\u2019d had a bad experience. The Drake shook her head.<\/p>\n

It was natural.<\/em> Why was everyone so hung up on it? But then\u2014this was the perspective of someone who had grown up with a former adventurer for a parental figure. Tekshia\u2026didn\u2019t have the same views as some Drakes her age. And Drassi was everyone\u2019s friend.<\/p>\n

Maybe it really was different for Humans? But then, that was the nature of carnality. Some people took to it more than others, and others saw it as deviant, or special, or\u2026awkward. But it definitely happened. Even if people didn\u2019t always talk about it.<\/p>\n

So what was the problem?<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sex. Ulvama brushed a sweaty strand of hair off her face. She was having sex.<\/p>\n

Intercourse, mating, procreation\u2026she straddled a sweaty Hobgoblin and grinned in the dim lighting of the hut. Raidpear, Hobgoblin, member of the Redfang Tribe, and a member of the Solstice Goblin group within the lands of the Unseen Empire, grunted. Ulvama smirked down at him and increased her tempo.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood? Good?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice was teasing, challenging, even. Which meant Raidpear metaphorically and physically stiffened at the taunt.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He grunted. The two were engaged in copulation, another good word. And both were enjoying themselves. Ulvama slowed and squeezed<\/em>\u2014the Hobgoblin groaned and the [Shaman] smiled.<\/p>\n

She enjoyed what she did. And to Ulvama, her job, her class, and position as [Shaman] necessitated having sex. She had explained it to Pebblesnatch, once.<\/p>\n

Sex was power. It was influence, and it was necessary<\/em>. That was why Ulvama had actively sought out and formed a relationship with the strongest Goblin among the Solstice Tribe. The [Shaman] might have gone after Leafarmor, the female Hob, but it was also her opinion that males were easier.<\/p>\n

Abruptly, the [Shaman] switched positions. She leaned down, so the two\u2019s faces were close. The intimacy made Raidpear shudder. And the [Shaman] fed off both the pleasure, the control\u2014and the magic. Her painted tattoos glowed<\/em> in the darkness. She was enjoying herself, but\u2014she didn\u2019t like Raidpear.<\/p>\n

Or rather, she enjoyed his company. She certainly<\/em> enjoyed this, and she had few objections to Raidpear as a fellow Goblin.<\/p>\n

But that was the extent of Ulvama\u2019s emotions. Sex was a type of currency to her, a give and take. It was not like that for everyone.<\/p>\n

Raidpear probably understood that, or guessed on some level their relationship wasn\u2019t born of mutual attraction. But he was a Redfang, and casual dalliance came easily to their tribe, who lived and died with each battle. It was a good position for Ulvama; he wouldn\u2019t grow touchy<\/em> if she ended things.<\/p>\n

Still\u2014she was using her knowledge to manipulate him. Like taunting the Redfang; their tribe didn\u2019t like losing, or running away from a challenge.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow? Now?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed as she methodically moved. Raidpear gritted his teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a contest. But the [Shaman] had already won, no matter who \u2018beat\u2019 the other in this match. Indeed\u2014Ulvama threw back her head, and Raidpear finally released. The two panted. And the Hobgoblin Redfang looked triumphant. Ulvama laughed. Her crimson eyes flashed as she embraced him, not without affection.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her fingers moved as she whispered a little spell. Raidpear made a deep sound in his throat. Instantly, he rose to action, and stared at Ulvama. She got off him and moved down the cot, gliding downwards. The two Hobs were caught up in each other. Raidpear hissed\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

And then they both saw the flash of light as one of the watching Goblins shifted in the tent\u2019s opening. Ulvama and Raidpear whirled. They saw about ten younger Goblins, six male, four female, all staring at them.<\/p>\n

Young Goblins. Cave Goblins, some of the Mountain City Tribe, the Flooded Plains\u2014no Redfangs, but they were a small group\u2014all staring at the two. <\/em>They paused as Ulvama\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOut!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Raidpear roared. The Goblins started. Ulvama was faster. The [Shaman] leaned down, snatched up some of the soil at the bottom of the primitive hut, and blew <\/em>the handful at the voyeurs.<\/p>\n

The dust and grit swirled at the young Goblins. They shouted in pain as it covered their skin and stung<\/em>, burning and itching. They fled, and Ulvama glared.<\/p>\n

\u201cStupid young Goblins.\u201d<\/p>\n

She grumbled, and Raidpear laughed. The humor broke the moment of intense passion Ulvama was going for, and the [Shaman] was put out. But that didn\u2019t stop them.<\/p>\n

Indeed, they were so noisy at times that one night, Pebblesnatch had run in with a bucket of water and thrown it at them. But Goblins had sex. That was what they did. In fact\u2026they were pretty good at it. And Ulvama, a self-styled master, bared her teeth in the shadowed hut.<\/p>\n

A few Goblins peeked back inside as she got to work re-establishing the mood. They were hit by Raidpear\u2019s codpiece.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sex. There were masters of it. Some used it as recreation, others for a goal\u2014some to manipulate, seeking intimacy. It was only all-consuming for some, but it was interesting how it factored into people\u2019s lives. It could be as significant as a full night\u2019s sleep in changing how a day went. Well\u2014the two didn\u2019t always go hand in hand.<\/p>\n

But it mattered. And yes\u2014to some more than others.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to have sex! I want to have sex! I swear, I\u2019m going to lock your muscles down if we don\u2019t have sex!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice shouted in Geneva Scala\u2019s head. The [Doctor], the battlefield surgeon, the woman known to some as the Last Light of Baleros, hope of the dying [Soldiers] everywhere, paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkasha.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care what you say! We haven\u2019t had it once! I have <\/em>needs! I\u2019m not like you! I can\u2019t control the body unless you\u2019re asleep and you have to rest and I\u2019m\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a sob from inside Geneva\u2019s head. Well, rather, Okasha was projecting her tiny voice directly into Geneva\u2019s eardrums. But it felt like it was literally inside her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, okay? But it\u2019s frustrating. I feel like a prisoner.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Doctor] paused. She was in her personal quarters, in the United Nations headquarters. And she was preparing her field-kit, her bag of medicines, experimental poultices, surgical tools, and so on.<\/p>\n

She was about to make a house call. But the [Doctor], one of the people from Earth on Baleros, the continent of mercenaries and war, was more extraordinary than even the other members of the United Nations company, designed to find and protect people from their world.<\/p>\n

She had a secret. And that was that Geneva Scala was paralyzed. Or she should be. A long while ago, a few months now, she had been struck by a mace. Her spine had been\u2026shattered.<\/p>\n

A terrible blow. Not just one you could hope to repair either; the blow had done more damage than Geneva could calculate; she\u2019d inspected the wound with a mirror and Okasha\u2019s help, but she suspected that even in her world, she might have been paralyzed but for the most experimental and cutting edge medical technologies.<\/p>\n

She would have been helpless. But\u2014Okasha had saved her. The Selphid, a member of the parasitic species that could control bodies\u2019 nervous systems, had entered Geneva\u2019s body with her permission. And the two had become something new.<\/p>\n

A Selphid living in a living body. Something anathema to the entire world. With Okasha, Geneva could move<\/em>. And not only that\u2014the two could work together. Okasha could even boost Geneva\u2019s body past its limits. And because Geneva was alive, she could heal damage done, even use her Skills while Okasha used hers.<\/p>\n

They were two souls and one body. But they were not alike. Geneva had gotten used to her roommate. They had their quarrels, but Okasha had given up much to be Geneva\u2019s shadow.<\/p>\n

Still\u2014when differences emerged, they could be tricky. And at the moment\u2014Okasha was vocally unhappy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m frustrated. I know <\/em>you are, no matter how much you try to hide it.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva opened her mouth, and closed it. It was hard to argue with someone in your nervous system.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could tell yesterday. You were aroused right after dinner! But you never do <\/em>anything. You just drink and work and drink and work and drink and then you work some more! You don\u2019t stop!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are dealing with a crisis, Okasha. There is a plague beginning in Baleros. And it will <\/em>spread.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Doctor] was tired. She had indeed been working all day and night. She snapped at Okasha.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Yellow Rivers disease is growing in infectious cases and no one but you, me, and the United Nations company is taking it seriously. People do not want to talk about it\u2014and there is no cure!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s gross. I\u2019m used to bodies, but I don\u2019t know how you can <\/em>touch them\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva grimaced. The Yellow Rivers infection, which was a sexually-transmitted disease, was indeed\u2026nasty. Even by the standards of someone in the medical field. And they were used to a lot of horrible things the body could do. But the yellow pus and the open wound the infection caused in the genital regions that spread so quickly along with the smell\u2026<\/p>\n

It was a good thing that Okasha could stem Geneva\u2019s gag reflex, and keep her from vomiting. Because even Aiko and the other aspiring [Nurses] and [Doctors] that Geneva had added to her clinic had trouble tending to the patients. But Geneva Scala was tackling the patients\u2014and she had over a hundred of them since the original two had appeared in Quallet Marshhand\u2019s company.<\/p>\n

The [Doctor] knew it was going to get worse. But she\u2019d been up for\u2026well, only thirty-two hours. She said as much and Okasha shouted<\/em> in her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou drink stamina potions like water! It\u2019s not healthy! I\u2019m the one making sure your organs are working! If it wasn\u2019t for me, your lower intestine would be gone!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m grateful, really. But Okasha, I have to keep working. If I don\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018People die, Hippocratic Oath, I\u2019m Geneva Scala, Last Light of Baleros. If I don\u2019t do something, no one will\u2019. Blah, blah! I\u2019ve heard it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Italian [Doctor] winced. She didn\u2019t sound like\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. But I don\u2019t have any tools from my world, or antibiotics or medicine. So I have to work myself hard. We can sleep after this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd have sex.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkasha. Have you not seen the Yellow Rivers infection? This isn\u2019t the time for\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWear a condom! You made them and they work! You can spot the infection! Wear one! Find someone! I know you <\/em>like some of the people around you! Or\u2014we can go to your room, and\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGeneva, I am going to throw your body at the nearest breathing person if I don\u2019t get <\/em>something to have fun with.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Doctor] grimly considered the Selphid\u2019s threat. Okasha could and would override Geneva\u2019s nervous systems in dire situations, but this sounded like a threat. And Geneva\u2019s understanding of the Selphid suggested that Okasha might actually be at risk of breaking down.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Okay. I\u2019ll look into it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? You promise? Swear?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Okasha raised Geneva\u2019s right arm, which she often got to control. Geneva saw and felt her right hand extend a pinky.<\/p>\n

It was odd, pinky-swearing with herself. The [Doctor] sighed, already regretting it. How was she going to\u2026?<\/p>\n

Well, there were no shortage of male Humans from Earth in the United Nations company\u2026or in the city they were in, Talenqual. But Geneva did not want to proposition, say\u2026Dawson, and deal with the consequences. It would be like, well, sleeping with someone in your company. And that led to problems.<\/p>\n

Ideally, she\u2019d have asked someone like\u2026Ken. Or Luan, if he wasn\u2019t married. Someone who could be discreet and whom it wasn\u2019t risky to deal with. But Ken was involved with that Lizardwoman\u2014or had they broken up?<\/p>\n

The United Nations company was certainly not celibate, by and large. And many relationships occurred outside of the group, because of the friction it caused when couples formed inside the group or broke up. But it was mostly casual, and Geneva thought it was positive as long as everyone wore protection, which she\u2019d lectured them at length about. With visual aids on the Yellow Rivers issue.<\/p>\n

She was reluctant to call it an epidemic yet, or a pandemic, but Geneva Scala feared\u2026that this disease was magical in nature. If so\u2014it could become a worldwide issue quickly.<\/p>\n

But no one was listening. No one with the power to change things. Maybe her scheduled visit to the Academy with the Titan of Baleros\u2026? Geneva\u2019s head hurt.<\/p>\n

So much to do. Where was she? Oh yes. Sex.<\/em> She had to have sex with someone. Geneva tried to remember her days in medical school. She\u2019d hooked up. Although when you were thrown into the fire and you were working all day\u2014that sometimes killed your sex drive. But she remembered enjoying it.<\/p>\n

It hadn\u2019t been a concern since she\u2019d come to this world. Since she\u2019d become a [Doctor] and measured her days in lives saved and lost. Geneva supposed she\u2019d just have to do it to keep Okasha from going insane. It had to be hard, being her.<\/p>\n

So\u2026not Ken. And Geneva wasn\u2019t keen on a female partner. Not her wheelhouse. That would have left Daly usually. But\u2014<\/p>\n

Daly and his bombs.<\/em> Geneva felt a flash of fury. Her breathing quickened and she nearly dropped the experimental disinfectant.<\/p>\n

\u201cCareful!\u201d<\/p>\n

Okasha spoke with Geneva\u2019s mouth. She caught the vial with the [Rogue]\u2019s agility. And Geneva felt her fury abate, almost magically.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m making you calm. Calm, Geneva! Be happy! Think about sex!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot with Daly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva muttered, but Okasha was manipulating her brain, releasing endorphins, getting rid of the adrenaline spike. It sometimes frightened Geneva, how casually the Selphid could do that. But Okasha respected boundaries. If not, she wouldn\u2019t be begging to have sex. Or\u2026was she manipulating Geneva on a deeper level?<\/p>\n

No, don\u2019t think of that. Think of\u2026sex. Geneva sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll find someone. Tonight, Okasha. Stop flooding my system.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The building sense of arousal vanished.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ask about it. Ironically, we\u2019re going to a good place to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva Scala sighed. Okasha paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cI slept through part of your day. What was it again?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Doctor] grimly hefted her field bag.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re paying a visit to the brothel. The owner wants to make sure her clients and her workers aren\u2019t infected.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. <\/em>Ew.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It was everywhere. Sex! The urges of copulation! Like a disease!<\/em><\/p>\n

Honestly, it was. But if it wasn\u2019t focused on all the time\u2014it occurred. As rarely as a period? More often? Less? It did vary. But sometimes, when it did occur\u2026it could change everything.<\/p>\n

In an inn, a half-Elf was considering just how it would change her team\u2019s dynamics. But\u2014it was time. Her skin glistened with her bath water. She had a fragrance on. And\u2026she was nervous?<\/p>\n

She knew who was going to come through that door. This wasn\u2019t her room. But she\u2019d walked into it, fresh from her bath, and she was ready to make a mistake. If it was a mistake. Probably? Yes? No?<\/p>\n

She was a bit\u2026intoxicated. But the half-Elf was ready. Dead gods, she was. So she prepared as she heard the heavy steps coming down the hallway, pausing, leaving the clamor in the common room behind.<\/p>\n

The half-Elf lowered her half-naked form over the inn\u2019s bedspread. After a moment, she lay on her front, tugging the towel up to just almost<\/em> cover her breasts. She adopted a languorous, sensual pose and faced towards the door. A subtle fragrance hung in the air that she\u2019d worked on for ten minutes to get just right.<\/p>\n

The air was hot. Expectant. And the glimmer of sweat on the half-Elf\u2019s skin was\u2026illuminating\u2026in the half-shaded room. As the door opened and the half-Elf [Mage] looked up, a soft, lilting tune began to play, almost unheard.<\/p>\n

The scene was set. Falene Skystrall looked up as the footsteps paused outside of the door and\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, half-Elf! Ylawes is drunk. He said you wanted to talk. Mind if I dump\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Dawil kicked the door open. The Dwarf paused and stared as Falene blinked up from her sensual pose on the bed. He had Ylawes over one shoulder; the groaning [Knight]\u2019s head was in danger of hitting the floor.<\/p>\n

He stared at Falene. She stared back. The half-Elf immediately reached for her towel and covered her breasts. Dawil\u2019s jaw worked as the Dwarf and other member of the Silver Swords stared at his companion.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dawil paused, and then his face broke into a huge grin. He laughed at Falene as she tried to cover herself up; Ylawes was barely conscious as he stumbled over to the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou pervert! He\u2019s only a boy! Barely twenty-seven!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet out!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dwarf roared with laughter as Falene raised her arms. He ran for it, still shouting with laughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor lad can\u2019t even catch a break with a grandmother thrice his age after him! Hah! Hey! No [Fireball]!<\/em> No\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2014you\u2019re telling me it\u2019s natural for two girls to\u2026have sex?\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre looked at Ryoka. The young woman shifted uncomfortably. They were sitting in Fierre\u2019s office with the desk between them. Ryoka had suggested it because it beat her room, which would invariably lead to them sharing a bed.<\/p>\n

But she\u2019d brought it up because no one in this world besides\u2026people from Earth\u2026really knew about sexuality. At all. Maybe they existed\u2014no, Ryoka suspected they surely did. But they were in a pre-acceptance era, and that was compared to Earth.<\/em> Pre-understanding, even.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. So\u2014it\u2019s normal. Just a different perspective. Some girls like guys. Some guys like guys. Some girls are actually guys and they were all along. It\u2019s\u2026I\u2019m going to use some terminology here, so it\u2019s complex, okay, Fierre? But the point is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka trailed off. She had to close her eyes and breathe.<\/p>\n

It was\u2026an awkward scene. Fierre was leaning over the desk, and she was looking at Ryoka like a piece of meat. And blood. Which was, to Vampires, pretty damn amorously.<\/p>\n

But did she like Ryoka? Did Ryoka like girls? Well, the answer was \u2018depends\u2019, both ways. Ryoka had had these moments with Fierre before. And the young woman thought it was a mix of things.<\/p>\n

It could be interest. Or that they were the only two who shared Fierre\u2019s secret, or that Ryoka liked immortals and Fierre wanted to drink blood, or that the two understood each other and they were alone. And Fierre could<\/em> be charming Ryoka with her eyes.<\/p>\n

But she probably didn\u2019t need to. And Ryoka\u2026thought of Belavierr. Of the [Witches]. And she opened her eyes and her tone was steady.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about being okay, Fierre. With who you are. Nothing\u2019s wrong about any way you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

She met the Vampire\u2019s eyes. And some of the ardor behind the red irises faded. Some of the teasing, too. Fierre sat back and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me. You said the Lord of the Dance was\u2026what was it? Homosexual?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr gay. Terminology, again. Homosexual is the term used to describe feelings of sexual attraction to one\u2019s own gender. But he could also be straight, or heterosexual, but just open to dancing with other guys. Which, I\u2019ll grant you, seems odd for Terandria\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre was making notes. The informant and letter opener and information broker was at least good at understanding new things.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery odd in Terandria. But go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to assume. But let\u2019s start with terms. There\u2019s homosexuality, heterosexuality, bisexuality, as three broad concepts. But it\u2019s not one thing or another. It varies. And there\u2019s the concept of transgender people, people who enjoy cross-dressing sexuality as a spectrum\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman wanted to talk about this right\u2014even though she wasn\u2019t an expert. And it was\u2026important information. Fierre\u2019s eyes glittered with the pleasure of acquiring new and valuable information. But she also was looking at Ryoka\u2019s\u2026<\/p>\n

Throat. <\/em>Which was about as uncomfortable as a guy staring at her breasts, when you got down to it. Different purposes, but the same general intent. Both wanted to put something in you\u2014although Fierre also wanted to take something out too. The Vampire girl inhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was it when two girls liked each other? Did you say\u2026homosexual applies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Well, there are other terms. It could be bisexuality, curiosity\u2026the colloquial term is lesbian\u2026or gay as a catch-all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how would two\u2014girls\u2014make love? I mean, the parts\u2026well, I guess there are ways. Do you know about that too?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka paused. She stared at Fierre.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah. We can get into that.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had a definite feeling that this moment, this\u2026intimate scene with the two in the locked, secure, \u2018you couldn\u2019t break in with a small army if you tried or hear what goes on in there\u2019 room, might escalate.<\/p>\n

And Ryoka could have run at any moment if she wanted to, or shut it down. But did she want<\/em> to?<\/p>\n

She had needs. And Fierre\u2026Ryoka needed a new term for someone who had an immortal fetish. Immortaphilia.<\/em> But then again\u2014why did they have to be so stupidly sexy?<\/em><\/p>\n

Vampire teeth. Ryoka didn\u2019t know if she wanted this. But she was pretty sure she was staying because she was uncertain. She swallowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go over from the top. From a biological perspective\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fierre was not the only person asking about sex that day. Nor was Ryoka the only one giving out an explanation. But hers was willingly. Others found the task of explaining the birds and the bees and the way they had intercourse, especially if they were kinky, an\u2026awkward<\/em> task.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster, what is sex?\u201d<\/p>\n

Az\u2019kerash, the Necromancer, master of the undead, and former Archmage of Wistram, looked up. Bea was sitting in front of him, as was her wont. When he allowed it, his Chosen hung about him, like flies attracted to rotting meat.<\/p>\n

Although, it was notable, Bea was never surrounded by flies. Or by the living, for long. She had recently been out on one of his assignments, and she had come back with this question on her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cSex?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Master.\u201d<\/p>\n

Az\u2019kerash didn\u2019t blink or falter as many a parent would when faced with the question. He had created Bea, but he was a rational [Mage], and he had stripped out lesser emotions long ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cA biological imperative that allows for reproduction and entertainment of sorts. It takes many forms. If some try to accost you, fulfill your roles as I have taught you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bea nodded. That was easy. She could, like Venitra and Kerash and Ijvani, blend into society at a moment\u2019s notice. She could even simulate sex\u2014until her partner expired. That wasn\u2019t the question.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut master, why do people want to do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEntertainment, Bea. Is this necessary? You know many biological functions of the living are incomprehensible to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miffed, but amused, Az\u2019kerash moved a strand of Bea\u2019s hair. She smiled, leaning into the gesture. And she was more like a child than the woman\u2019s body she possessed in that moment. Part child, part creation, part undead.<\/p>\n

Her eyes glowed faintly in the half light\u2014Az\u2019kerash was studying a bidding war over Saliss\u2019 Youth Potion, a rare item that went on the market and always precipitated a huge bidding battle. He was half of a mind to buy it. It was useless to him, but\u2026Az\u2019kerash well understood the allure to many.<\/p>\n

Bea watched her creator for a second. Then she had to go on.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut master, do you want to have sex with me? I heard [Necromancers] do that. And sometimes, [Golem Artificers]. Is that true?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cZelkyr believed in creating perfection that it might serve him. Adorn him. And yes, he believed in creating what he desired. I never did. You were never made for that. Never.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you don\u2019t want to?\u201d<\/p>\n

Az\u2019kerash nodded. And his dark eyes and white pupils were tired.<\/p>\n

\u201cI left it behind with my life, Bea. But Zelkyr believed in creating one who would love him as no other had in this world, before or since. Was it wrong? Did he make a [Slave] dressed in stone, or did they love him beyond what he had simply made them to be? I asked Cognita, once. And she told me it was love that bound her as much as spell. But I do not know where the answer lay. Zelkyr loved his three most perfect creations, and he loved magic and craft more than any woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause they were better at it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The question made Az\u2019kerash smile. Another, living man might have guffawed. It was fleeting, but he did smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps. But regardless, he and I differed. His creations loved him and he experienced the pleasures of flesh. But Bea\u2014they waned on him. In time, he began to hunger for something more than fleeting joy. He looked at his wondrous creations, beheld their flaws as they withered, and one was\u2014broken.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Rhir.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Necromancer paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. He and I beheld\u2026our imperfections. And thereafter, Zelkyr forsook love. He pursued something greater than Truestone, the height of his creation. He and I. But the difference is, I never had his desires.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you loved. Do you not love us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bea looked upset. Az\u2019kerash bent and kissed her on the forehead again, as he did sometimes. But never on the lips, which Bea knew now was\u2026different.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever. Can I love something I know too completely, Bea? I love you like part of myself. But can I love that in a carnal way?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bea opened her mouth. Az\u2019kerash put a finger to her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not wish an answer. Let us understand only this.\u201d<\/p>\n

He closed his eyes and thought a moment. Part of his fragmented mind came together, for an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cLove is painful, Bea. I found immortality. My old friend\u2026I do not think he did. I do not think so. And he and I both found love a painful thing, even though one of us trusted to the love we found in others, and another to the love he fashioned, that was eternal. It is not something I need now, grasping immortality. Part of it is simply biological and I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He touched his body and Bea understood.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, master. But\u2026the woman I killed said it was more than that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes. More, so much you do not need to know, Bea. Sex is not love. But one goes hand in hand with the other. I loved a woman like no other. And she died.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bea went still. Az\u2019kerash looked at her face and she remembered a sight she was not supposed to have seen.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you miss her, Master?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I think of her, yes. But it would be poorer to forget, even after a century\u2019s passing.\u201d<\/p>\n

And he looked at her face. Bea bowed her head, afraid to ask more.<\/p>\n

Az\u2019kerash sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIjvani is coming soon. And she has brought a\u2026gift. Come, Bea. Talk no more of sex.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Master. I have only one question, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAsk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do some people prefer to use this instead of this when we have sex? Or sometimes, they ask to touch my feet, or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She lifted up her clothing and pointed to different spots. Az\u2019kerash stared at her. After a second, he pointed.<\/p>\n

Bea blinked, felt a slight pop, and appeared outside the castle. Venitra and Kerash started and looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n

The bone woman, Venitra, demanded. Bea turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t explain about the other bit. I think we should just kill them before they get to that part.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Did he ask what the difference in gender meant? Or why the Drakes and Humans are so secretive when it\u2019s the same one?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did not. But apparently, Golems do it better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Some people were indeed better at understanding sex, whether it was from the viewpoint of science, or a practiced expert. But there were also the young.<\/p>\n

And the purely ignorant. There were some people for whom sex\u2014did not apply.<\/p>\n

Rebellion was fomenting in the Hive of the Free Antinium. The rule of Revalantor Klbkch was in jeopardy.<\/p>\n

The Antinium had seen the light of Heaven. But also\u2014they had heard of a new way. An Antinium had left the Hive<\/em>. Bird was gone. And he had chosen that.<\/p>\n

The law of the Antinium was being threatened, at a time when the other Hives were finally connected to it and beginning to mingle. Even now, representatives from the other Hives were making the long, long<\/em> journey towards Liscor. For Bird, again.<\/p>\n

But this was not about Bird today. Bird had been unbanned from hunting birds and had brought the old reign of terror back to the skies of Liscor. Rather, it was another Antinium who had business with sex.<\/p>\n

And business with the business of excretion. Yellow Splatters carefully wiped his excrement away with his hand. And if it was gross and vulgar to do that\u2014well, people did it and it didn\u2019t waste toilet paper. And toilet paper was a waste<\/em> of resources.<\/p>\n

He carefully wiped his hand after that, removing any filth in the sand. Then, Yellow Splatters left the excretion cubicle along with many Soldiers and Workers doing the same. They stared at him as he left, awed, perhaps, that Yellow Splatters, the [Sergeant], the Soldier who spoke, excreted just like they did.<\/p>\n

Antinium used their version of septic tanks, which were regularly cleaned. Well, theirs were just chambers in the earth that waste ran into. And it was useful and thus used as fertilizer and composting. Mostly to grow mushrooms, which became food again.<\/p>\n

It was an easy process, by and large. Antinium had very efficient bodies, so their waste wasn\u2019t that egregious. Yellow Splatters had heard\u2026stories. He was grateful for efficient bowel movements, and headed back to the barracks where the Painted Antinium were gathered.<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters produced waste every two or three days, sooner if he went into battle. He never talked about it. But it happened. Sometimes natural occurrences weren\u2019t talked about.<\/p>\n

Like excretion. But on the other hand\u2026sometimes such discussions were unique indeed. As Yellow Splatters entered the barracks and returned to his seat, Belgrade approached him. The [Tactician] looked unusually upset today.<\/p>\n

\u201cBelgrade. How can I help you today?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters used the greeting he\u2019d learned from Pawn. The [Tactician] stopped next to the [Sergeant] as Yellow Splatters fondly cast his eyes over the barracks. His home for his people. Pawn was not there; he was going out to visit the inn as he often did to speak with Lyonette. But the Painted Antinium were there, practicing, reading, sleeping\u2014<\/p>\n

Living. Yellow Splatters would do anything to protect that. And his people knew their deaths were not in vain. There was a Heaven.<\/em> He waited as Belgrade collected his thoughts. Then the Antinium Worker spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cSex.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade looked at him, as seriously as could be.<\/p>\n

\u201cSex. This is an issue I feel I must bring up among the Painted Soldiers, Yellow Splatters. Now that there is an issue of it occurring, this is something I wish to curtail.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Sergeant] paused. He was, besides Klbkch and the Grand Queen, the leader of all the Antinium in times of emergency. His level of command was matched only by Anand, who Klbkch had nominated as a secondary commander if both leaders were incapacitated. Indeed, their duality was even similar to Klbkch and the Grand Queen\u2019s. One lead from the front, the other behind.<\/p>\n

And yet, with all of his planning and his knowledge of the world\u2026sex was not one of the challenges Yellow Splatters had faced. Until now. He stared at Belgrade.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSex. The possibility of it has arisen. I have studied other species\u2019 habits as a hobby, and I believe we are in danger of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium [Trapsetter Tactician] was unusually nervous as he nodded to Yellow Splatters. The Soldier just stared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSex occurs between males and females. It requires both genders to occur, according to the people I have bought drinks for in The Wandering Inn. It is also pleasurable, and a means towards pregnancy and birthing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich are?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA period of increasing incapacitation in which another life form is incubated inside the female\u2019s body until it is birthed, thereby increasing the population count. It is, apparently, the other species\u2019 way of reproduction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs opposed to birthing pods?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Inefficient, but that is other species. But the incapacitation takes months of time, in which the female is apparently increasingly burdened by the strain of reproduction. I fear very much that this is going to occur in the Hive.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2026did sound like a problem. Yellow Splatters was hazy on sex, and pregnancy, and the pleasurable aspect of it, but incapacitation didn\u2019t sound good. He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can we alleviate this crisis?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy forbidding sex. You must instruct your Soldiers and Workers not to have sex. I would like to get Pawn\u2019s approval on this decision myself. I understand it is recreational, and if Miss Solstice insists, I will change my opinions, but I do not think the benefits, even for reproduction in this inefficient manner, outweigh the negatives. Do you agree?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Sergeant] was nodding. Absolutely. Then he paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait. You believe the Workers and Soldiers will have sex?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith whom?\u201d<\/p>\n

That was Yellow Splatters for you. Whom, not \u2018who\u2019. Grammatical and precise, even in the face of unexpected sexual intercourse. Belgrade stared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith your female Soldiers, of course. Now that you have both genders, it is a given.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stated this as fact. Yellow Splatters paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cFemale Soldiers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes! Chesacre and Thaina! The two who survived the Dungeon sortie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatter paused. He\u2026remembered that. Klbkch had determined that there was a surplus of Soldiers and Workers and had ordered thousands into the dungeon. To\u2026reduce both side\u2019s numbers. Two had survived, by a miracle. Saved from Facestealer by a skeleton, of all things.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. But that is just their names.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are female names.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade was agitated. Yellow Splatters didn\u2019t follow.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut they are just names.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut they are female names, Yellow Splatters. Chesacre and Thaina have informed me they are.\u201d<\/p>\n

That threw Yellow Splatters for a loop. He looked around and found the two Soldiers, who were sitting and reading books together. They were inseparable; they were the only two survivors, after all. They had been found, dancing among the slaughter.<\/p>\n

A miracle, like the ones Pawn prayed for. Yellow Splatters felt for the two; he had even determined to make sure they were never put in that situation again. But they had not taken on a set paint yet; they were thinking of who they would be. And\u2026he could admit they had different names than most Soldiers.<\/p>\n

But\u2026female? Yellow Splatters felt the need to clarify.<\/p>\n

\u201cNames do not define gender. Do they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChesacre and Thaina inform me they are female. Why would I doubt their sendings?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade gave Yellow Splatters a blank look. Of course, other Soldiers did not speak, but they had adopted their own sign language\u2014learned from Mrsha and made up themselves\u2014and they could communicate in a\u2026mental way. It was something Yellow Splatters felt himself. The [Sergeant] had to disagree, though.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Soldiers are neither male nor female, Belgrade. We are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do not identify as male?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026No. Why would I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do. My name is masculine. So is Pawn\u2019s. They are based on the greatest chess players of Erin\u2019s world. Well, except Pawn\u2019s. But he thinks he is male.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSurely it is not a choice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is. And I am concerned about the possibility of female pregnancies! What is so hard to understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade was growing increasingly agitated. Babies could appear out of nowhere! And, apparently, you had to feed them sweets, take care of them, make sure they didn\u2019t work too hard\u2026two would be fine, but many? He was worried.<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters on the other hand had a bit more insight than Belgrade in one area. Slowly, he leaned forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cBelgrade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you misunderstand one thing about gender.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBiologically, I believe gender is determined on genitalia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Why would that be the case?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t there a difference?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade had to think about this.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if there is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should at least make sure the biological risk of pregnancy is tied to genitalia, correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade thought about this.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Yes. I suppose that would be a contributing factor towards pregnancies. I didn\u2019t actually ask how the sex entailed; no one would accept my offer to pay to observe this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Sergeant] nodded slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, let us assume pregnancy does depend on that aspect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And?\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, the [Sergeant] pointed at his loincloth. He removed it, casually.<\/p>\n

Not all the Antinium wore loincloths. Indeed, only the ones who went above did. Most of them didn\u2019t wear clothing at all; it wasn\u2019t needed. But other species made a fuss and it was the rules, so the Antinium obeyed. But now, Yellow Splatters removed his clothing, such as it was. Belgrade stared down at his groin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not believe we have either markings of male or female.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Are you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade inspected the smooth chitin. Yellow Splatters nodded carefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a disposal valve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat takes place in sex. But I will admit\u2026I don\u2019t see the other two parts I was instructed to look for. And the disposal orifice is apparently only for advanced experts in sex.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Why would you use that area?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026They didn\u2019t really say. Then\u2026is pregnancy not a danger to the Antinium?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade relaxed. Yellow Splatters nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvidently not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Chesacre and Thaina informed me they are female.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen they are. What is the problem with that? I think it is a good tool to further differentiate Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two looked at each other. Belgrade nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed. Perhaps other Antinium are female. Fascinating. Is Klbkch female? The Grand Queen?\u201d<\/p>\n

They thought about this.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Klbkch is probably male. And the Grand Queen female.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBiologically, I understand she is. And that Klbkch\u2019s original gender was male.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith genitalia?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not ask him. Would you like to ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026No. But how do you know so much about this, Yellow Splatters? I had considered myself an authority, even if Miss Erin will not explain the rest to me until I am older.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade looked at Yellow Splatters, impressed. The [Sergeant] paused, and for the first time, was truly uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should not say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Is it something Klbkch has told you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why is it not permissible to speak?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade looked at Yellow Splatters with the innocent inquisition of someone who really didn\u2019t know. And Yellow Splatters paused only for a moment, because the Antinium outside of Klbkch and the Grand Queen really didn\u2019t keep secrets from one another. It was just an instinct that made him hesitate.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I have received all this information secondhand. From Pawn. He, I understand, has talked about sex with Lyonette. She tells him many things. And he has seen female genitalia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And she hugs him and they sit in her room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters realized he was talking in a vacuum. Every other Antinium in the room had turned to stare at him. The [Sergeant] paused, and for once, understood the word \u2018gossip.\u2019 But it was too late. Belgrade scooted forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did not tell me this. Tell me more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014understand massages are involved. And hand-holding. But Pawn would know more. I\u2026think it would be wise to be silent, now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026What are massages?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a question that would begin a very eventful little day in The Wandering Inn in earnest.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cYour meal, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Garry the [Chef] sat in an outdoor caf\u00e9, waiting for his order. When it came, he stared at the glistening pasta, seasoned with white alfredo sauce and herbs, with delight. The Gnoll [Waitress] bowed slightly, stared at him, and saw the Antinium pick up his fork.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you very much, Miss. I am very happy to partake of it. Do I tip you now? Erin told me it is very important to tip people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that comes later. If you would like. Er\u2026sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium Worker nodded. He picked up the knife and fork and carefully collected some noodles. He was on holiday. He had gotten his\u2026third<\/em> holiday ever. The Free Queen had given him money, and let Garry go to the city.<\/p>\n

Normally, Garry would go straight to The Wandering Inn, but today he wanted to be\u2026adventurous. So here he was, in an outdoor caf\u00e9, a ritzy one, eating good food to expand his own repertoire of recipes.<\/p>\n

Garry could eat pasta. He could eat gluten, come to that, because he was a [Chef]. And any decent [Chef] learned a Skill to internalize any food\u2014or make any food he<\/em> served or ate tolerable.<\/p>\n

It was Garry\u2019s new Skill\u2014[Non-Allergen Cooking]. And he wanted to be the first one to serve his fellow Antinium pasta<\/em>. And bread! All the bread they could eat.<\/p>\n

So Garry, with great anticipation, took a bite of his pasta-salad paired with some fine bread and wine. It was a fancy dish, and all the other posh diners were staring out of the corner of their eyes at the Antinium Worker sitting in their midst.<\/p>\n

The Worker chewed happily\u2014for two seconds. Then\u2014his mandibles opened. He put down his fork.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am very sorry to say this, Miss Waitress, but I fear the pasta is rotten. You may wish to inform the [Chef].\u201d<\/p>\n

Instantly, the other diners in the restaurant spat out their food. The Gnoll waitress looked horrified.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Garry pointed at his bite of pasta.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis cheese is sour. I believe it has been expired, which is not a flaw in my cooking, but in this restaurant\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Instantly, the diners relaxed. There was a laugh that ran around the tables. The [Waitress] laughed too, relieved.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no! That\u2019s the meal, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Garry stared at the Gnoll.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut this cheese is sour. Therefore, it is rotten.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSour cheese is a delicacy. Mister, uh, Garry. You pair it with the proper foods.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll [Waitress] explained patiently. Garry stared at her. Slowly, he tasted the cheese, and the delicate mix of vegetables with the sauce. And then the wine.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I see. I retract my comments.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it to your liking, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is very flavorful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Garry was truthful. And it was. It was good cooking. <\/em>Sour cheese was awful, horrendous if eaten on its own, but that was why you mixed it with other food. You created an experience with some wine, other mixes of flavor\u2014<\/p>\n

There was just one problem. Garry finished his plate of course, he always finished his plate. And he tipped the Gnoll [Waitress] well enough to make her smile and thank him profusely. But he looked at the gold coins he put on the table.<\/p>\n

It was okay. But could you make this for a thousand Soldiers and Workers? Or one hungry Free Queen? Garry walked away from the caf\u00e9, not in as good a mood as when he\u2019d sat down.<\/p>\n

He thought about the money he had spent, that his Queen had given him. That he could have bought nice things with, for the other Workers and Soldiers. And Garry felt bad and didn\u2019t like the sour, expensive dish.<\/p>\n

His head hung low, Garry decided not to go to the next restaurant. He could have bought so much food for his fellow Antinium. What was the purpose of a fancy meal only one person could eat? It went against his ideals as a [Chef].<\/p>\n

And\u2014speak of them already\u2014Garry looked up with surprise as he saw more Antinium headed towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGarry! Garry, we must sequester your aid. It is an emergency!\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade waved his arms, all four of them as he shouted. He was accompanied by Anand and Yellow Splatters. Garry stared.<\/p>\n

It was not unusual to see his fellow Antinium\u2014well, it was, since Garry was so often attending to the Free Queen. But it was astonishing to see them above in Liscor today.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBelgrade, Anand, Yellow Splatters. What are you doing? The Hive is supposed to be closed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Revalantor Klbkch had forbidden any<\/em> of the Painted Antinium from going above after the Bird incidents. He had\u2014not been happy about Bird.<\/p>\n

Only the Free Queen had overridden his restrictions to give Garry the day off. But the other Antinium were either having an emergency\u2026or defying Klbkch\u2019s orders.<\/p>\n

Unthinkable. But something impelled the Antinium upwards. And that thing was\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cSex?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Garry stared at Belgrade. The Worker nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cApparently, sex is something other species have. But\u2014and this is my opinion which Anand and Yellow Splatters do not share\u2014I believe sex can lead to unwanted phenomena such as pregnancy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething that happens between males and females. Which Antinium are not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChesacre and Thaina say\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are not female.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey say they are. I believe them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters\u2019 arms were folded. Anand looked between Belgrade and Yellow Splatters.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is why we are here, Garry. The matter must not wait. If Belgrade is right\u2014all the Antinium could become pregnant. <\/em>That might make Revalantor Klbkch angry indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

His antennae were flailing with his anxiety. Garry was stunned. All of them\u2026pregnant? He hadn\u2019t thought about it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know! We have come above to find out! It could be triggered by sexual intercourse, whatever that is. Maybe\u2014massages? Or hugging? Hand holding? These are all displays of intimacy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHugging? Hand holding?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium looked at each other. This was indeed serious. Serious enough to disobey Klbkch over, even. Garry thought about the food he\u2019d eaten. And he was ashamed. He straightened, and put his hand on his purse.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. This matter concerns the Hive. In that case, you have my support. Was Revalantor Klbkch informed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2026thought it best not to tell him. He need not know about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Antinium looked at each other. And rebellion was born of that carnal passion which brought down even empire.<\/em> Garry nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case, friends, come. I have funds allocated to me by the Free Queen. Let us see if anyone will teach us the intricacies of sex. I only hope I have enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium nodded. Four now, they turned. The first person they saw was a Drake. They approached him at speed. Yellow Splatters stopped the Drake, who looked alarmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it? Raskghar? Oh dead gods, is it the moths again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, citizen. We merely seek information on\u2026sex<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are willing to pay you for a demonstration. Or to partake of it with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade offered the Drake some coins. He stared at the four Antinium. And then he backed away slowly. And then turned to run. Belgrade turned to the other Antinium as the Drake fled, shouting for the Watch.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee? I told you. Handholding. We may already be pregnant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

When you got down to it, what was<\/em> sex? It wasn\u2019t something you had to explain to anyone who had partaken, but even someone who thought they understood the concept could be surprised.<\/p>\n

And surely\u2014every parent who had ever had that question pop up dreaded the conversation like nothing else. Because it meant their children would have\u2026sex. Or were at that age.<\/p>\n

I mean\u2014sex. Just fine when you had it yourself. No problems there? But a kid? And how did you explain it to them? Especially in a way that conveyed\u2026everything?<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice didn\u2019t know. But she thought she understood some of her parent\u2019s pain over their conversations.<\/p>\n

\u201cSex! Sex!<\/em> Seeeeeex!\u201d<\/p>\n

A Gnoll cub raced past Erin on the floor, laughing and shouting the word. Erin covered her face with both hands. Ekirra and Mrsha were howling with laughter as they raced about, playing tag and as Ekirra shouted the word.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d learned another one at her inn. His playdates to The Wandering Inn were in jeopardy. But it wasn\u2019t her fault.<\/em> Despairingly, Erin looked up.<\/p>\n

At Relc, Senior Guardsman of the Watch. And his four\u2026criminals. Who had attempted to accost Liscor\u2019s citizens for inappropriate acts.<\/p>\n

Belgrade, Anand, Yellow Splatters, and Garry looked up at Erin apprehensively. They had been marched into Erin\u2019s inn and the situation had been explained to her.<\/p>\n

Relc had brought them. But the Drake was hardly putting them in chains. He and Drassi were leaning on the bar, laughing so hard they were close to puking. So were Selys and half the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cSex? How did you\u2014who told you about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was informed of the dangers of pregnancy here, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade shook like a leaf, fearful of punishment. Erin wanted to hug him, but she had to fold her arms first.<\/p>\n

\u201cSex is\u2014you can\u2019t go around and ask people for sex, guys!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you have to be subtle. They were going up to strangers\u2014half of them blokes\u2014and asking\u2014for sex\u2014for gold\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc choked as he guffawed. He inhaled, came close to passing out as he laughed himself over the bar\u2019s counter. Drassi tried to haul him up and fell over.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not see what is so funny. Sex is not a good thing. It can lead to pregnancy. Or have I been misinformed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade looked anxious. But that was him. Anand was giving Erin a resigned look\u2014he\u2019d clearly figured out this was a misunderstanding. Yellow Splatters\u2019 arms were folded and he was looking uncertain. And Garry\u2026he waved at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Erin. I am sorry to bother you on your day off. And to be arrested.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin spared a smile for the least-seen Worker.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi Garry, I am happy to see you. But\u2014guys. What is with today and sex?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a sign, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys called out from her table. There were a lot of chuckles from around Erin\u2019s inn. Not just from her regulars. Erin glowered around and saw Montressa and Beza trying not to snigger. Palt was smoking furiously and she knew he was hiding a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cOi! Smoke!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m venting it. See?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Smoker] pointed. The haze was streaming out an open window. Erin threw her hands up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, laugh! <\/em>I don\u2019t think it\u2019s funny!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hilarious, Erin. These four finally want to have sex and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc pulled himself over the bar. He laughed at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was gonna arrest \u2018em? Watch Captain Z just said to send them here. It\u2019s your problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe said that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s look of chagrin made even Lyonette laugh. But the [Princess] was staring at the Antinium. At last, she came over.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I suppose we\u2019d better tell them about sex, Erin. So this doesn\u2019t happen again. Pawn should be able to do it. He\u2019s actually in the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Antinium looked at Lyonette. She blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPawn. He\u2019s in the city. Buying things. Um\u2026didn\u2019t he tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said he was going above. Despite the restrictions Revalantor Klbkch placed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRestrictions? Pawn said he had a special allowance.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] looked astonished. Then her eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTypical. Well\u2026I suppose he decided to lie.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled about it for some reason. Erin stared at Lyonette.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think we should encourage the Antinium to break rules, Lyonette.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even if she was her own bad kid who\u2019d run away from home. Lyonette blinked at Erin, and then she blushed furiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. I meant\u2014well, that\u2019s one thing. Before Pawn gets here\u2014we do have to do some explaining. First off, Belgrade, no one is getting pregnant from hand-holding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Hugging? Massages?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette turned beet red. Erin blinked at her and then at Belgrade. Her eyes slowly narrowed\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Sex is totally different. It\u2019s\u2014well, I might have to get a diagram.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know! It\u2019s when a male and a female get in bed! And grunt a lot! And the bed gets wet, but it\u2019s not pee!<\/em> It happens all the time!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekirra raced over. Erin covered her eyes again.<\/p>\n

\u201cEkirra, dear, why don\u2019t you play in the garden with Visma? She\u2019s<\/em> helping beautify the pond.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was indeed putting shiny stones in the pond, or rather, choosing the shiny ones Numbtongue brought back from his expeditions and putting the ones she didn\u2019t want on the pond floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? It happens all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the time?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium stared as the little Gnoll nodded solemnly. So did Mrsha. Then they fell over each other, laughing. They<\/em> were enjoying this. Erin was not.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s serious! Ekirra, in the Garden. You too, Mrsha!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey know about sex, Erin. I keep telling you\u2014Ishkr, tell her.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll [Waiter] paused as he swept the floor. He looked at Erin, and at Selys, who was waving him over into the discussion.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I\u2019m just working. I\u2019d like to keep working, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ishkr retreated out of the conversation. Relc chortled.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, boys, it\u2019s simple. Sex is where you take your thing, and you go like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

It was amazing how with two hands he could break down sex into a single motion. One hand pointed, and two fingers made a circle and\u2014Erin shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cRelc!<\/em> Come on!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you give details, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade and Anand were taking furious notes. Relc was only too happy to, as were other members of the inn. Erin threw up her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerverts!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, how else are they going to learn? Isn\u2019t it better for them to learn?\u201d<\/p>\n

That reasonable question came from Selys. Erin hesitated. She looked at the Workers, who had gone over to a table with some of the guests willing to talk to them about sex. It was entertainment to the guests and\u2026well, they did have to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin subsided. She still felt embarrassed\u2014doubly so when Ekirra leapt around singing about what he\u2019d<\/em> seen.<\/p>\n

\u201cEkirra, dear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette\u2019s voice was stern and made the little Gnoll pause, warily. Erin stared askance as he ducked his head and stopped laughing around.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! That didn\u2019t work with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I\u2019m the mean, strict mother and person managing this inn. And you\u2019re the cool boss.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] grinned at Erin\u2019s expression. The young woman stared as Belgrade asked Ulevissia.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re sure that there is no pregnancy from any act other<\/em> than inserting the\u2026what did you call it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPenis.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShaft.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSecond-spear? Mini-Relc?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026These are a lot of terms. Are you sure they refer to the same organ?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughter from around the room. Even Erin\u2019s lips twitched. It was so\u2026vulgar? Well, that or silly. And all the regulars had their own opinions.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and you should give someone a gift<\/em>. You have to court someone before you can have sex, dear little Belgrade.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ulevissia was telling the [Tactician]. Relc laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if it\u2019s a single night. Then, you only have to use one of your best pickup lines. I\u2019ll teach you a few. Okay, if they\u2019re a Gnoll you say\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

More laughter as half of the crowd told Relc to stop giving bad advice. Erin shook her head. And then she heard someone cursing.<\/p>\n

\u201cLizard-faced harpy. Gifts? That\u2019s how females suck you dry. You pay a day\u2019s pay and what do they<\/em> do?\u201d<\/p>\n

That remark stood out to Erin in the crowd, as did the sour expression and what she sensed\u2014dark anger. Erin turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. Menolit. Do you have a problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake [Veteran] stopped cursing Ulevissia under his breath. He glanced up, and then away from Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked back over at the Drake [Mage]-[Tinkerer], but she hadn\u2019t heard Menolit. She went over to Menolit\u2019s table, sensing his dark mood at Ulevissia\u2019s comments.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Most women don\u2019t need gifts, you know, Menolit.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared down at the Drake. She knew Menolit, and his upset expression and\u2014she realized she was looking at his tail for signs of his mood. But most of his tail was gone, leaving only a stump.<\/p>\n

The Drake [Veteran] noticed Erin\u2019s glance. He bared his teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mind me. I was just going to tell those Antinium it\u2019s not all about romance <\/em>or how you do in bed. If you don\u2019t get there, what\u2019s the point? It\u2019s harder when you\u2019re disfigured is all I want to say, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

His expression twisted. And Erin sensed<\/em> and saw his bleak expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat down at his table. Menolit turned his head, embarrassed, cursing.<\/p>\n

\u201cFuck me like a lizard\u2014don\u2019t mind me, Miss Solstice. I\u2019m just an idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo you\u2019re not. Is it\u2026hard? Is it really that bad in Liscor?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Veteran] looked at Erin. He indicated his tail.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis? Yeah. You don\u2019t know. Which is why I like it here. Gnolls don\u2019t see it as much, but they\u2019ve lived here long enough. It\u2019s like missing part of my face. <\/em>It happens in battle, but rarely. Drakes don\u2019t strike each other\u2019s tails if we can help it. But when it\u2019s me and half a dozen fellows at a bar, there\u2019s no point competing and I\u2019m hardly rich or funny\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He cut himself off.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mind me.\u201d<\/p>\n

But Erin did mind. She reached out. And caught herself.<\/p>\n

A trite comment would have been to say that he\u2019d find someone. It would be thoughtless. \u2018You don\u2019t need sex, I\u2019m fine\u2019, would also\u2026not apply to him. Erin looked at Menolit.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026You know, Humans don\u2019t care about tails. Look at me. I think Relc\u2019s a great guy, and I don\u2019t even notice what people say about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded at Relc. Menolit glanced up. He half-grinned, half-grimaced at her. And his mood didn\u2019t really change. Erin could feel<\/em> his black fury and despair and hurt<\/em>, oh, the hurt, while he sat in her inn.<\/p>\n

She was growing as an [Innkeeper]. Menolit spat his response.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d\u2014wonder if you\u2019d give me a chance, then, Miss Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her, challengingly. Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not dating anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. But if you were\u2026I imagine it would be someone in your species, or someone like\u2026Olesm Swifttail. Someone else. Someone with high levels or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Menolit didn\u2019t finish. He laughed harshly. And paused, as Erin reached out.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. Stop that.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him, squeezing his wrist hard. Erin Solstice looked at Menolit.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not interested in you, Menolit. I shouldn\u2019t have said that about Humans. But it doesn\u2019t matter what you look like to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She met his eyes. Menolit paused, searching them. Then he shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Wish every woman was like you, Miss Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah. We bleed too much each month.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed at that. Then shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I\u2019m sorry. Can I\u2014I\u2019d like to order something. The fire drink. The\u2014Minotaur\u2019s Punch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin hesitated, but what else could she do? She nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrassi\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bartender] went to her bar and fetched the pink flame, mixing the drink of glory and nostalgia. It hurt, but not as much as the Faerie Flower drink raw. Erin brought it back to Menolit.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He saluted her, crisply, and then drank. Erin saw him go somewhere else for a second. Then\u2014Menolit heaved himself up and joined the laughing conversation.<\/p>\n

Perhaps not better, but at least it was something. Erin wandered back to the bar, feeling sad for him. But she couldn\u2019t fix the world\u2019s ills. But maybe if she circulated the thought among some of her female regulars\u2026<\/p>\n

Here she was doing it. Erin blinked. But it was different for someone else\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cPsst, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette drew the [Innkeeper] aside. She sighed as Erin looked at her quizzically.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t give all these drinks on the house, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s a regular\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] stopped Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to mix the Minotaur\u2019s Shots with flammable alcohol. That\u2019s not as cheap as mead or ale. That\u2019s the eighteenth \u2018on the house\u2019 drink in the last two days! You get a limit of\u2026four per day. Fine?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin sighed. She looked at Belgrade and Anand and Garry and Yellow Splatters. Then she heard the clip-clop<\/em> of hooves.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, is now a bad time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not explaining the birds and the bees to you, Palt.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI assume that\u2019s a metaphor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Anyways, it\u2019s weird. Do you\u2014is it\u2014nah.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin waved a hand. The Centaur nodded, adjusting his cigar in his mouth. He paused.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026It\u2019s one of those things everyone learns about, I suppose. But I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll learn enough. And you don\u2019t need to hover over them. Why not take a break? I\u2019ve been meaning to treat you to a meal in the city. Take an hour off?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette looked at Palt. Erin glanced up vaguely.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Oh\u2026well, that\u2019d be nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know a good place\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, wait. Garry told me about sour cheeses, you know? He was really upset and he\u2019s only got his day off, so I really need to teach him. Sorry. Can we do it another time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt smiled as Erin gestured towards the kitchen. He talked with Erin a few more seconds, and then she went to extract Garry from the crowd. Palt nodded at Lyonette, who gave him a sympathetic look. When Erin was out of earshot, she whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to have to be more direct.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then she turned and went back to work. Palt blinked at the [Princess]\u2019 back, and then trotted back to the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cHah! I saw you fail your charm spell over there!\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa and Beza snorted as Palt sat down. He glared at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t even joke about that. Charm spells and love potions are banned<\/em> hard in Baleros. I don\u2019t know why Izril doesn\u2019t have stricter laws. It happens at Wistram all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two female [Mages] quieted. Montressa rubbed at her red hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt puffed a few times, calming himself down. He made an apologetic gesture for his outburst.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyways, it never works for romance. It\u2019s illusory love. Infatuation, not the real thing. Real love potions\u2026dead gods, I don\u2019t imagine even Saliss of Lights could brew those.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill, you did your best.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I? I should have just asked her on a date. But I feel like she\u2019d turn me down straight off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt looked at Montressa and Beza. The two [Mages] traded looks. Beza snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I<\/em> were looking for romance, I\u2019d march up to the male and tell him I liked him. That\u2019s how it works best. Honesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how has that worked outside of Minos?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Illusionist] replied acidly. Bezale sipped from her drink, her expression neutral.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s worked quite well, actually. The only ones who turn me down are the ones who couldn\u2019t have managed in the bedroom anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa snorted, but she waved a hand as Palt looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t talk to me. My name was mud in Wistram and before that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The two [Mages] paused. Before that was Pisces. They fell silent. Then Palt sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019ll challenge Erin to a game of chess. But if I go for it too early\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a challenge. And she\u2019s a master of chess. Do you think you even have a chance?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Aegiscaster] waggled her eyebrows at Palt. The Centaur shifted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can only try. Besides, this is\u2026more advanced than chess. If it was a game, it would be more convoluted than any board game ever made. With rules that keep changing. And I think\u2014different species and different genders play according to different rules. So that you never really know who wins.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two female [Mages] glanced at each other. Palt was the sort to pontificate on romance and make it a challenge. Even so, Beza had to ask.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you see<\/em> in her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt sipped from his drink calmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAside from the fact that she creates moments? The fact that she\u2019s brave enough to brawl with you, Beza? Or that she\u2019s smart? And hides behind a mask better than some of the Elusive Lot?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two [Mages] looked at Palt. Montressa whispered. He was head-over-hooves if he was singing Erin\u2019s praises. And Centaurs had a lot of space between their head and hooves.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Besides all that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s very<\/em> cute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cuteness was in the eye of the beholder. Badarrow thought of Snapjaw as \u2018cute\u2019, or he would have if someone vouchsafed the word to him.<\/p>\n

In reality, he looked at Snapjaw like\u2026a box. And inside that box was something different than most people saw. Everyone was like that.<\/p>\n

Snapjaw, who had a huge mouthful of teeth, who could eat<\/em> a Wyvern. Who could be friendly\u2014who had served with the Goblin Lord.<\/p>\n

Who had been his enemy. But who also wept for Eater of Spears, and her other fallen friends, just like Badarrow had. That was how they had met. The two liked each other, despite having somewhat different personalities. Badarrow was taciturn, Snapjaw outgoing.<\/p>\n

But trust\u2014oh yes, they had that. Trust<\/em> was an important thing. That was probably why Badarrow was carefully watching Snapjaw open her mouth.<\/p>\n

The same mouth that could, with a bite, turn a Wyvern\u2019s hide into mincemeat. And jaws that could crush stones for fun. But that was also the thrill<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Snapjaw sucked carefully and Badarrow hissed. Careful.<\/em> But he let Snapjaw do all the work. Her teeth were sharp and only the [Eater] was moving. Slowly. But with agonizing\u2014control.<\/p>\n

The female Hobgoblin\u2019s eyes were dancing with enjoyment as she looked up. Badarrow tensed, trying to last. And she teased him, and then\u2014abruptly\u2014began to hum a marching tune.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh!<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

Badarrow moved. Snapjaw relaxed and no blood was shed. But she kept humming, loudly, and Badarrow was having trouble holding on, even with a [Sniper]\u2019s discipline, a Redfang\u2019s pride. But he waited\u2014as Snapjaw began growing louder and louder, tickling, stroking his thighs and then\u2014<\/p>\n

The door opened right as Badarrow released. Snapjaw gulped, blinked\u2014and both Hobgoblins turned as Calescent marched into the room with a pair of plates and hot, spicy<\/em> food.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth of you not at breakfast! Must eat! I have lun\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He stopped, staring at the two mid-fellatio. Badarrow glared silently. Calescent paused. He looked at both of them. Studied his dish.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo much spices. Bad for this. I come back in thirty minutes, with less-spicy dish.\u201d<\/p>\n

He slowly backed out of the room and closed the door. Badarrow didn\u2019t move as Snapjaw slowly rose. She studied the closed door.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeed locks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMhm.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was panting. Snapjaw licked her lips and then nudged him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin grunted obligingly and Snapjaw laid down on the bed. Badarrow bent over and Snapjaw smiled expectantly\u2014and then had a thought. She whispered down to Badarrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cBet no Goblin ask Calescent to lick things. Too afraid of spicy burning.\u201d<\/p>\n

They both giggled at the thought. Down the hall of the private quarters, oblivious to the comments on his sex life, Calescent marched. He walked to the second door and opened it brusquely; he hadn\u2019t learned his lesson.<\/p>\n

\u201cBreakfast and<\/em> lunch are important meals! Everyone needs\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused. Calescent walked out of the room, checked the door. He stared back inside. This was indeed Chieftain Rags\u2019 room. He walked inside, stared at Redscar.<\/p>\n

And Leapwolf. The two Goblins were naked. Leapwolf was on the bed and Redscar was paused, hand on an erect phallus. Leapwolf stared at Calescent and turned red. Redscar\u2019s grip tightened as he grinned at Calescent. Leapwolf groaned, <\/em>back arching, sweat on his brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cChieftain?\u201d<\/p>\n

Calescent pointed lamely at his bowls. He heard a growl.<\/p>\n

\u201cNext time, knock.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Rags was peering at the two Goblins who\u2019d been giving her a demonstration. For fun. And education. Calescent slowly nodded as he saw Rags sitting in a chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cFood?\u201d<\/p>\n

All three Goblins shouted at him and the Hobgoblin hurried out the door. He sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably need locks. Must make better food for after-sex.\u201d<\/p>\n

He marched off.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Did it offend people, to discuss sex? To say penis?<\/em> Or vagina?<\/em> Or describe sex in intimate ways? The answer was yes. Perhaps, because most people weren\u2019t good at it.<\/p>\n

Call it crude, or needlessly lascivious. Unchaste, as some might label discussions of anything close to carnality. But it happened, and there was a difference in\u2026understanding.<\/p>\n

For example, what the Antinium learning expedition found was that there was a very wide sample size of techniques between the species they surveyed. And there was a correlation between genders; they\u2019d surveyed enough people to ensure it wasn\u2019t casual correlation.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, so there are different positions\u2014and uh, if you\u2019re really persuasive, there\u2019s even the butt\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc\u2019s lesson on sex with some visual hand-gestures was interrupted by a female Gnoll who kicked him in the back. She urgently pulled him aside and spoke to the Antinium.<\/p>\n

\u201cIgnore him. He doesn\u2019t know what he\u2019s talking about. If you want to make the female <\/em>happy, you can\u2019t just rush into it. If that happens, I know I\u2019ll have a bad time, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her comment was accompanied by nods from around the table. Female nods. Relc flushed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! I don\u2019t get any complaints!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know what to expect from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

That comment made Relc flush. The female Gnoll leaned over and Belgrade, Anand, and Yellow Splatters all leaned in. They were taking notes.<\/p>\n

\u201cTouching first. Obviously you court her\u2014the experience is the entire event. Not one quick explosion. At least\u2014not for us. And technique matters! You can\u2019t just go at it like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded at Relc. The Drake grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I<\/em> can go all day! Not bad, right, Beilmark?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Senior Guardswoman rolled her eyes. She was partnering with Relc for the interim\u2014there was a situation with Bearclaw in Liscor and she\u2019d come to ask why he hadn\u2019t checked back in. She\u2019d been sucked into the debate.<\/p>\n

\u201cRelc, not all women want<\/em> to go for an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that is important. Just a bit of time. Mm\u2014just not really short.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as they build up to it properly, it doesn\u2019t matter\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade was frantically scribbling down what was, when you got down to it, a lot of contradictory advice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see, I see. May I see a demonstration?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughter. The Worker looked up\u2014he had been serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you please demonstrate? Be specific as possible, please. I can pay\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe talked about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc coughed, looking amused.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s inappropriate. I apologize. Then\u2014may I receive a verbal description of the techniques employed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beilmark had to sit back, laughing, but Relc jumped in.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got one. You can use Skills in bed.<\/em> [Triple Thrust]. Oh yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

The entire group around the table stared at Relc. Menolit choked on his drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? <\/em>How does that\u2026work?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake [Guardsman] paused, and some of his bravado faded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt uh, tends to hit the right spot, and then her navel and thigh. Hurts like hell.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others stared at him. Montressa sprayed her drink out her nose. Gales of laughter followed Relc as he turned around, shouting.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a combat Skill! Shut up! I only did it once!\u201d<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters laughed too. He was enjoying himself. But Anand and Belgrade, [Tacticians] to the end, were serious and focused. Belgrade nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe we have enough data. Clearly, the time has come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026To do what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I to assume that sex is a somewhat difficult proposition that cannot be easily obtained?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot with some women.\u201d<\/p>\n

Menolit muttered. Beilmark nodded cautiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne cannot just do it on the streets, yes? That is why you cannot ask for it, hm?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked meaningfully at the Antinium. Belgrade nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are aware. Thus, since it is most likely an experience out of reach of most Antinium, I believe we must endeavor to synthesize the experience for other Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anand was nodding. Yellow Splatters and the crowd looked at the two Workers. The [Sergeant] spoke shortly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA story. We should convey our advanced knowledge of sex so that Antinium may understand how it happens and derive enjoyment. Just as one reads a book of cooking, and enjoys the idea of cooking, sex. Come, Yellow Splatters. We should begin work at once.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium were gesturing towards a table. At this point Erin had to intervene.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n

She stuck her head out of the kitchen where she was showing Garry how the chocolate had been made. The Workers looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo writing sex stories here!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw! Erin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She shook a fist at Relc. And that should have been the end of that. Erin went into the kitchen to keep teaching Garry, because some things were better than sex for the Worker. And he loved Erin\u2019s presence more than sex.<\/p>\n

But the Antinium had changed. So much so that their rebellion didn\u2019t stop here. Belgrade looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice had expressed her desire that writing of this story should not occur here. Therefore, it must not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anand was busily packing the ink and parchment up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed. Let us go to a more secluded spot. Bird\u2019s room. Come, Yellow Splatters.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Sergeant] rose. Relc saw Beilmark turn to him. The Gnoll whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cShould we stop them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you kidding?<\/em> Hey, Belgrade, Anand! We\u2019ll pay<\/em> for copies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAha. And you see? This is already turning into a monetary benefit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anand nodded as the three trundled up the stairs. Relc stared at their backs, and then at Beilmark.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re gonna be heroes<\/em> when we return to the barracks.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Senior Guardswoman nodded. She stared at Relc, and then around the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods. Does Klbkch always have this much fun with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but he can\u2019t appreciate it. Come on, let\u2019s get a drink, do a quick patrol, and come back. Hopefully they\u2019ll have something brilliant.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The two Workers and Soldier went up the stairs. They immediately went to Bird\u2019s room and knocked.<\/p>\n

Bird was not inside. He was on the roof, eating a bird.<\/p>\n

\u201cMmf. Birds. Birds! I love birds.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bird Hunter] looked up as the three Antinium paused in his crude tower. He was shaking<\/em>, crouched over a disassembled bird. Blood ran from his mandibles and onto his body. The Antinium stared at him. In this moment, you could see the Antinium that plagued the nightmares of Drakes.<\/p>\n

Until he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hello Anand, Belgrade, Yellow Splatters. I have fulfilled my obsession. Would you like a bird?\u201d<\/p>\n

He offered a piece of bird to them. Anand waved it away.<\/p>\n

\u201cBird, we have no time for birds. We must write a story of sexual prowess and deed for the Antinium. May we borrow your room?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bird stared at the Antinium. He opened and closed his mandibles a few times.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium went downstairs and entered Bird\u2019s room. Bird thought about asking if he and Pawn were invited to the writing of sex. He had seen Pawn just a few minutes ago.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAll clear. You don\u2019t have Yellow Rivers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva finished her inspection. The Lizardman sighed in relief. He flopped onto his bed, back-first, and Geneva began taking her gloves off.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Scala, you are a lifesaver. I was terrified when I saw\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust dead scale matter and dirt. It\u2019s built up here\u2014you need to take better care of your hygiene. As I said. And the condoms\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Lizardman\u2019s name was Xeppal. And he was a [Prostitute]. Geneva briskly took off her gloves as Xeppal sat up and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo fear, Doctor Scala. I\u2019ve heard about the Yellow Rivers. Thank you, thank you<\/em> for coming out. Everyone was afraid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He gestured towards the doors. Geneva nodded.<\/p>\n

The brothel she was visiting wasn\u2019t the highest of classes in Talenqual, but that just meant it was important to visit. The Slippery Tail did a lot of business and it was a vector for diseases.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour manager asked me to visit. And she\u2019s assured me she\u2019ll pay for protection and insist on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a relief. Miss Dushal\u2019s a good one. Dullahan, but she takes care<\/em> of us. Some places\u2014well, they don\u2019t even have security. You get a bad client and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva grimaced. Sex work existed in Baleros. In all five continents, actually. Terandria was apparently strictest, as were cities in Izril, but sex workers existed everywhere. The only difference was how much protection they were afforded.<\/p>\n

It was one of those things that made her angry. If it had<\/em> been regulated, the Yellow Rivers diseases would be easier to deal with. As it was, she had to seek out the owners of brothels, and they were sometimes less than cooperative.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a difficult situation, security?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xeppal nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou get someone who\u2019s the wrong sort? Well, my female friends have more trouble than I do. Me\u2014women come to me because I have this.\u201d<\/p>\n

He showed her his member. Lizardfolk had an odd design compared to a Human penis. Geneva had been inspecting it for the Yellow Rivers symptoms, telltale pus. Now she could admire the flaccid shaft.<\/p>\n

\u2026Both of them. Xeppal waggled his brows at Geneva. It was a bigger specimen than most she\u2019d seen, male or female.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid it surprise you, Doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHemipenes? I\u2019ve heard of it, but it was something interesting to see. I knew that snakes and lizards had them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvolutionary traits. Well, it\u2019s not that<\/em> unusual, but members of other species are certainly intimidated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that a Skill that gave you your enlarged hemipenes, or were you born with them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva refused to rise to the bait. Xeppal shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth, Doctor. As I said\u2014I\u2019m in this business. Have been for seven years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026That would make you fourteen when you started.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Lizardman shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cHad to make a living. It\u2019s not always easy, even with the community to fall back on, or family. Especially if you have bad ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva nodded. She was familiar with that too. Xeppal was her last client for the day, and she began packing up her bag while she asked him questions. All the other sex workers had told her similar tales.<\/p>\n

Some were in it because it was a fun job, others because they had no choice. But Talenqual\u2019s company, the Feathered Brigade, didn\u2019t regulate this industry as much as other companies and there was plenty of abuse in the system.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about the dangers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t need to whine, Doctor. Miss Dushal has been fine to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd elsewhere? I want to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xeppal paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Last Light cares about us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just Geneva. I care.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Lizardman paused. Then he shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026It\u2019s worse in places with no law. You get a Gold-rank or someone with high-levels that has\u2026bad tendencies? We die. Can\u2019t stop a Level 30 [Warrior]. But we keep an ear out for each other, if we\u2019re wise. If we\u2019re not, it\u2019s bad. Disease\u2014danger\u2014I suppose there\u2019s worse jobs. We enjoy ourselves, mostly. You get Skills, you can get clients who just love<\/em> you\u2014and, well, people look out for us. I hear it\u2019s bad in Terandria in places, Chandrar\u2014but there are things you hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014there\u2019s a group in Izril. Northern. Humans. The Sisters of Chell. Criminal gang. Very big and they take care of you. Mostly females, but if you\u2019re in their city and you work in our trade, you\u2019re safe. No one <\/em>abuses someone in the Sisters of Chell\u2019s territory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey hunt them down?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xeppal grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorse. Some of the Sisters\u2014most of them are former [Nightworkers], only, they turn into [Nightstalkers<\/em>]. [Seductresses]. You try hitting one of them; she might be a Sister of Chell and decide to take souvenirs.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Doctor] paused. She winced, but Okasha laughed. Geneva was just imagining how you\u2019d save that. Well, you could heal it, but the resulting damage\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to keep you, Doctor. Thank you, and we\u2019ll refer anyone to your clinic who has the Yellow Rivers. Hopefully not many.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xeppal shuddered. Geneva nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure you can use the condoms?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Oh, you made them in all sizes. Centaur, Dullahan, Human, Lizardman\u2014well, Dullahans and Humans have similar ones. I can put it on just fine. See? Uh, wait\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember, don\u2019t tear it. Some room at the top. Here\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She grabbed Xeppal and briskly demonstrated. Geneva was so focused on her work, she didn\u2019t realize the hemipenes were growing until she was halfway through putting the condom on. Xeppal grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Doctor Scala. I can\u2019t help it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva blinked downwards. And Okasha made a faint sound. The [Doctor] paused. No.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYes! Do it or I swear I will!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She hesitated. But the young woman looked at Xeppal, and decided\u2014why not? He was an expert.<\/p>\n

\u201cXeppal, tell me if this is intrusive. But if you wouldn\u2019t mind\u2014would you care to try out the condom? With me?\u201d<\/p>\n

As lines went, it was a poor one. The Lizardman blinked at Geneva and then beamed from earhole to earhole.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor you,<\/em> Doctor? I\u2019ll give you my best service.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva almost smiled. She began putting her work case aside, but Xeppal slid off the bed. And\u2014he knew the meaning of foreplay. Geneva felt herself getting hot. She blinked. She\u2019d have no problems with Xeppal, prodigious size or not. Her roommate was getting her body ready.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Lizardman looked at Geneva. And she felt\u2026more than just physically excited. She\u2019d forgotten what it was like. For a moment, she relaxed, and managed a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we need to get some of the [Doctor] uniforms in. I think our clients will enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xeppal whispered in Geneva\u2019s ear, and licked gently. She shivered. It might be fun after all.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, yes, yesyesyesyesyesyes\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She just wished Okasha would shut up.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter copious amounts of foreplay, the female was ready to achieve orgasms, which would be the first of many if the mating ritual succeeded in its intended goal. Thereupon, the male inserted his phallus, also known as penis, mini-Relc, or member into the vaginal orifice. Other forms of intercourse would come later.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

A group of Antinium sat in a tent made of cloth. Bird\u2019s Fortress of Fluff had been upgraded. And the three Antinium were squeezed under it, writing in the shade of the hung blankets and comfy pillows.<\/p>\n

They were writing about sex. <\/em>Anand took over.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then they had sex. And much sex was had. So much sex that insemination was guaranteed. Which resulted in much procreative pleasure. And\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Anand looked up from the story, quill in hand.<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters and Belgrade stared at him as all three hid under the blanket in Bird\u2019s room to write their carnal fiction. Anand looked at them, searching for inspiration.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do I write next?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. They had intense sex, which was so intense, they\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters paused. It was Belgrade who came up with the rest.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026They were covered<\/em> in fluids.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other two Antinium looked at him. Anand wrote that down quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo lewd. So much sex. Well done, Belgrade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Anand. Do not forget to mention the part about cunnilingus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that come before the sex?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Better write it in twice, before and after.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed. Did not Guardswoman Beilmark say that there could never be enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed, indeed. I believe we are finishing up. Let us present our work to the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stared at Relc. He\u2019d come back after an hour\u2019s quick patrol with Beilmark and he was practically dancing in place, rubbing his claws together. The young woman folded her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, Beilmark? Really?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll Guardswoman didn\u2019t even look ashamed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice, it\u2019s hurting no one. And I think even if we laugh about it, better to have something than nothing, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin glared. She was fed up with it. Fed up with people saying \u2018it wasn\u2019t any big deal\u2019. Maybe\u2014it wasn\u2019t. Menolit deserved to find someone. He was lonely. Erin wanted him to find love.<\/p>\n

And Selys and Drassi\u2014great! Really! Erin had thought about it and that was fine.<\/p>\n

But she put her foot down with the Antinium. No. No\u2014they were kids. In a way\u2014almost like her kids. They weren\u2019t even three years old.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think it\u2019s wrong for them to be learning about this? Let alone trying it! What if they had?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEh, they\u2019re big kids. Yellow Splatters is as tall as I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut they\u2019re kids.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beilmark paused. She looked doubtful. She sniffed at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyways, good sex is good for the body, Miss Solstice. I would know\u2014I wouldn\u2019t have married my husband and stayed all this time if we weren\u2019t having it regularly! Especially with kids and work!\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed. Relc was nodding. Erin bit her tongue.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just\u2014I\u2019m not saying it\u2019s bad! It\u2019s just not super necessary<\/em>, y\u2019know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHear that? Ouch. Good luck.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa chortled as she elbowed Palt in the flank. He gave her a resigned look.<\/p>\n

\u201cLife\u2019s not all about that, Montressa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not going to even let you get onto Tier 1 of dating with that <\/em>attitude.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Mages] watched as the young woman folded her arms, looking flustered, annoyed\u2014embarrassed. Relc was rolling his eyes, Beilmark was politely declining to argue about the Antinium\u2019s age\u2014<\/p>\n

And then Hawk walked into the inn.<\/p>\n

The Rabbit-kin Beastman was as always, one of those people Erin looked at when she imagined physical perfection. Not that she desired to emulate furry abs, but he did<\/em> have abs.<\/p>\n

It had to be the vegetarian diet. Mostly vegetarian, anyways. And Hawk\u2019s entire body was\u2026athletic. From his toned legs and muscles that moved every time he walked\u2014Erin slapped herself. She was focusing on the sex thing too now! Bad influence!<\/p>\n

The Courier looked around as Erin, relieved to have a break, walked over to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHawk! Thank goodness! What\u2019s up? I thought you were heading north!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Erin. Sorry. I was a bit delayed, but I am running north. Bunch of deliveries around Invrisil\u2014and it\u2019s dicier, with the Assassin\u2019s Guild. But uh, I wanted to stop by.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, sounds great! Can I get you anything? Carrot cake? Carrot bread?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know\u2014I\u2019ll take some bread. And cookies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can make some right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette hurried over; the Courier was a big customer. Erin smiled at Hawk. And not in a sexual way!<\/p>\n

Yes, she had eyed his poofy tail and yes, she wanted to touch it. It was a bunny poofball! On Hawk! But that was all. She could admire his physique, but wanting to\u2026no. Nope!<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t stay long enough for cookies, but I\u2019ll pay for whatever you have in stock. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Courier nodded at Lyonette. She hurried into the kitchen and Hawk looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I get you a drink? A Minotaur\u2019s Punch? Oh, right. Alcohol and running.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hawk gave Erin a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. No, I\u2019m just here to uh\u2014oh. Excuse me a moment, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked across the room. With each stride, Hawk seemed to go twice as far as normal. A Courier\u2019s Skills. Erin saw him pause at a table, and sit down. She heard his voice and slapped herself in the face. Hard. But there he was. Sitting across from Selys.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, I\u2019m heading north, but I\u2019d love to reconnect again when I come back this way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that. No promises, but it was a fun time yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys smiled. Erin stopped herself from slapping herself a third time. Hawk smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did enjoy it. Can I bring you a souvenir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can. But nothing too big, or I\u2019ll have to reply. Let\u2019s not get into a gift-war.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever fear.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Courier was laughing with Selys for a moment as Lyonette hurried out with his food in a bag. He put it into a bag of holding, paid, and stopped by Erin. She said something; he left.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys was sitting at her table, sipping calmly from a fruit drink with ice, courtesy of the sad flames, as Erin and Drassi converged on the table. The Drake looked calmly at her friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, he\u2019s a nice guy. And we dated before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014what? But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin pointed at Hawk\u2019s retreating back. Selys and Hawk? Drassi was grinning ear-to-ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said<\/em> you liked him, Selys! What changed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, good carrot-based foods for one. Erin helped there. And\u2026I\u2019m wealthy and Hawk\u2019s always been rich. It used to be people going after him for his gold, but now I think he and I understand each other more, you know? So we can do the same things without it being awkward.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWow. And I imagine a Courier\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa. Whoa.<\/em> Hold on. You two? Really?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was incredulous. Selys just smiled coyly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s casual. If we find anyone we like, we\u2019ll stop. Neither one of us expects it to go the distance. But\u2014yes. What\u2019s the big deal, Erin? What\u2019s wrong with us?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She gave Erin a look. The young woman opened and closed her mouth. And it was a disapproving sniff<\/em> from across the room that answered her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBit of a stretch, Beastkin Rabbit and a Drake. Or am I wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin turned in her seat. She stared at Menolit and with a sinking feeling in her heart, realized he was drunk. And it wasn\u2019t even evening. The Drake [Veteran] glared at the three young women.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo good for Drakes, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys\u2019 face went flat as Menolit stood up. But Erin and Drassi both saw her narrow her eyes. Menolit didn\u2019t seem to care. He seemed to relish the hostile attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Rabbit-man<\/em> and a Drake? Do the parts fit? Is it that much better<\/em> than with honest Drakes, or is nothing broken? Good thing too, going exotic. Maybe I should! Although I hear Humans have hair down there. And they bleed. So not so great for us fellows, is it? But I guess it balances out\u2014poor fellow over there probably can\u2019t find anyone who\u2019s not into getting torn a new one.\u201d<\/p>\n

He waved at Palt. The Centaur looked around. Everyone stared at the half-man, half-horse. Drassi winced.<\/p>\n

\u201cOoh. How would you\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

Menolit talked over her. He was drunk, and angry, and sad\u2014Erin stood up slowly as he whirled.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr the Minotauress? Giant cow-woman?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza stood up and Montressa and Palt forced her down\u2014with spells as much as muscle. Menolit stared at Beza, and then waved at Palt.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least I have a friend over there. Two of us who\u2019ll never get anything. One of us can\u2019t fit<\/em>, and the other\u2019s a freak! Neither one works, see? At least the Courier got some, but then, he\u2019s rich\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned as Erin walked forwards. The young woman stared at Menolit.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Menolit. Why\u2019d you have to say that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Veteran] looked at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?<\/em> So looks don\u2019t matter at all? This?<\/em> Doesn\u2019t matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

He waved his tail around, the severed stump of it. Erin wiped some spit off her face. She looked past Menolit, at Palt.<\/p>\n

The Centaur was holding back Beza. And he had a calm expression on his face. But [Illusionists] wore masks. Erin sensed how he was feeling too. So she spoke to both of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Menolit. I\u2019m sorry about what I said. Because the truth is, I don\u2019t have a problem with how you look. I really don\u2019t. It doesn\u2019t matter who<\/em> you are. What you look like. What scars you have. If I like you, it\u2019ll work. Somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose if you weren\u2019t putting it in\u2014no, wait, that\u2019s what potions are for. Stretching, shrinking or getting bigger yourself\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrassi.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked at the [Gossip]. Drassi stopped whispering. She looked at Menolit. The Drake was looking at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen what about me?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. I\u2019m sorry, but I don\u2019t like you that way, Menolit. But Selys? What did she do to you? Hawk?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake [Veteran] paused. He looked past Selys. Erin pushed<\/em> gently, and the alcohol in his system, some of the fury, turned maudlin. He lowered his gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2019ve disgraced myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you home, buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc strode forwards. Erin looked at him, and shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s fine. Come on, let\u2019s get you sat down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI should go. I\u2019m\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou remember what I said a few nights ago, Menolit? People get second chances.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman led him back to his seat, the angry drunk [Veteran] gone. And he had been a good soldier. People relaxed. Erin sat Menolit down, gave him some goat\u2019s milk. The Drake lowered his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay. You can apologize again. But Menolit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you say that stuff again, I\u2019m gonna hit you with a pan.\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled at that. And Erin smiled too. She couldn\u2019t save the world yet, but she was working on one sad Drake. Among others.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

And then the Antinium came downstairs and presented their story. Relc nearly died of laughter. So did most people. The Antinium might have noticed the laughter wasn\u2019t their intended response, but they looked\u2026pleased.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are eliciting a response. And I am pleased at it. Let us sell our copies to Liscor and bring the story to the Antinium. Aside from experiencing the pleasures of sex, and the act of pregnancy\u2014no\u2014wait\u2014that is for females\u2014I think we have done a good job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we must simply ensure Chesacre and Thaina do not engage in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

That caught Erin\u2019s attention. The young woman stared at the Antinium.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, there are female Antinium in the Hive? Wait\u2014wait\u2014<\/em>aren\u2019t those two the Soldiers that Pawn introduced me to?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade nodded solemnly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. They are female. I believe two pregnancies is not too dangerous, but given the complications of childbirth, we should not risk their deaths\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnless they wish to bear offspring. Perhaps it is worth the risk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, so they say. And it is not that<\/em> great a risk, yes? These\u2026two Soldiers are female, hm? How did that come about? Or are Antinium different and we cannot tell?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beilmark grinned at the three Antinium. And the pieces clicked for Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Oh.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It was just a misunderstanding. Erin put her head down and sighed. But then someone spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey lads. You know you can buy sex?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc leaned on his spear, grinning widely. Belgrade, Anand, and Yellow Splatters stared at him. Garry poked his head out of the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? But I was informed it was illegal to solicit sexual intercourse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, on the streets<\/em>, yeah. But why not visit a brothel?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc looked around. Beilmark was falling off her chair, her chest heaving with mirth. Erin stood up. Anand was opening and closing his mandibles.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it is legal? I was under the impression it was not.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Senior Guardsman shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cLiscor\u2019s strict about it. And so\u2019re most Drake cities, but they\u2019ve all got some. Even Pallass has some regulated brothels. Very regulated, but it happens. Gnolls are different. They\u2019re the ones who don\u2019t like selling sex; but Drakes allow it, so long as it\u2019s managed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRelc! How do you know that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin strode over to him, finger pointing. Relc gave Erin a puzzled look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a Senior Guardsman. Plus, I patrol there. What\u2019s the harm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I mean\u2014don\u2019t tell them that! Look!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium were electrified. Belgrade huddled with Anand and Yellow Splatters and Garry who came out of the kitchen. He looked at Relc.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have funds. Will we be able to purchase this sex?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Yeah. Why? How much do you have?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFifty six gold pieces, eleven silver, and thirty two copper pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n

Garry announced instantly. The room paused<\/em>. Relc blinked a few times.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2014yeah. I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll need\u2014even a gold piece for some of the best is like\u2014well, you could get an hour from Liscor\u2019s best for one gold. Most\u2019ll be a handful of silver\u2026they have more money than I have! Klb\u2019s holding out on us!\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Beilmark. Belgrade seemed shocked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are very generous rates, especially if offspring will be produced from the act. A bargain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc choked on his spit.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2026never happens, Belgrade, buddy. It\u2019s a bad thing, uh, if it happens when you don\u2019t want it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if we would like it to be so? Could we pay for this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade looked at Relc. It was Erin who answered. And she was getting angry.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s more than you think. And I\u2019m afraid you can\u2019t do it easily, Belgrade. It\u2019s not a light thing. And you shouldn\u2019t encourage them, Relc! It can\u2019t happen!\u201d<\/p>\n

She rounded on Relc. And she was<\/em> angry now. This was going too far. Relc held up his claws.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold up. They can <\/em>get laid, Erin. I bet you some of the girls would go for it, especially in Liscor, just to say they did. Especially the big dude, Yellow Splatters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if we lack genitalia?\u201d<\/p>\n

Crash.<\/em> Ishkr had just walked into a wall. Belgrade looked around innocently.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I not say? We considered this might be an issue.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou lack\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. See?\u201d<\/p>\n

Anand pulled back his loincloth. Erin recoiled\u2014but there was nothing there. Just smooth chitin.<\/p>\n

Everyone in the room looked at the Antinium. Relc\u2019s jaw dropped. Then his spear dropped.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Ancestors. You poor guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is he upset?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters murmured to Anand. But most of the males in the room looked horrified. Menolit stared<\/em> at the Antinium. Erin sighed.<\/p>\n

They had never had genitalia to lose, which was sort of the point. But Relc just stared at the Antinium and then gave them all hugs.<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors. Not even once?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this a bad thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we not have sex, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake turned to the others. No one wanted to answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean\u2014you can do some things. But the big thing? No. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

He put his claw solemnly on Belgrade\u2019s shoulder. The Antinium sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRelc, maybe we can take them to a brothel. Pay a male Drake and a female one. Or Gnolls. I know a few. At least let them see. And there are other things, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beilmark was whispering to Relc. The Drake was nodding.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah. They can see<\/em> it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin shouted. That was it. The room went still as the [Innkeeper]\u2019s aura crashed down. And suddenly, there was silence.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice walked forwards. She glared<\/em> at Relc, at Selys, at everyone. And she was angry.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all mad? They\u2019re kids!<\/em> Belgrade\u2019s not even three!<\/em> They just learned about clouds last year! They shouldn\u2019t know about sex!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She was so angry she was shaking. The others looked at her, unable to move or argue back. Relc was slowly raising one claw\u2014Erin stared at him and his arm shook. But he seemed determined to speak. And if he did\u2014Erin was gonna deck him. It was unacceptable. It was not right!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me. May I speak?\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone spoke under the crushing weight of the aura. Erin blinked. Her control was such that even Lyonette was moving in slow-motion. Erin\u2019s aura was fueled by anger. But it was Belgrade who was speaking.<\/p>\n

Her anger was not directed at him. Now, the [Tactician] spoke brightly to Erin and the room. He nodded slightly at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to see sex. I would like to try it, whatever I can do with my limitations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBelgrade. I\u2019m sorry, but no. It\u2019s too early. And you\u2019re too\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYoung?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Belgrade, you need to be adults<\/em> before you have sex. At least eight\u2014no, at least sixteen! Yeah! Sixteen! Wait\u2014is it sixteen?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin had to think. The Antinium looked at her. And then\u2026they shook their heads.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Erin. I would like to have it now. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade spoke quietly. Erin stared at him. She looked at Yellow Splatters, and Anand, and even Garry. And they were nodding.<\/p>\n

\u201cI as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to try it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I could share it with all Antinium, I would.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Belgrade who went on, speaking to Erin. Belgrade, who wept for the dead. Who was unsure of his place. But he spoke with a level voice, never looking away from Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand we are considered young by your standards, Miss Erin. But I would like to\u2026try this thing known as sexual intercourse. Even if I cannot, even if I am young. For I am afraid we will never be the age you seek. Not sixteen. Or ten. Or even eight. Most Antinium never live past four years. I cannot remember one who has lived six years, besides the Queen and Revelator Klbkch.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other three Antinium nodded. They were hungry. In a way like children, but also\u2026adults. Like people, wanting, searching for something they had never known existed. Just like a thirsty man longed for water even if he had never seen it in his life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not understand the pleasure of it. But I would like to.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Trapsetter Tactician] looked around. He looked at Erin, and then touched his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou tell me I should wait. But I will never have that long. And I? I would like to leave something of myself behind when I die. Even if I go to Heaven. I would like to know what it is like to be with someone like that. Someone else, whom I share this moment with. That is what I understand. That is what I desire. I am sorry if I am wrong, Miss Erin. But this is how I feel.\u201d<\/p>\n

He bowed, and stepped back. And suddenly, Erin didn\u2019t see the young, silly Antinium children. But that old look that not even her parents had known.<\/p>\n

The look of someone who had buried too many friends, had seen too much sorrow. Had killed. Erin saw it in the mirror some days.<\/p>\n

And she was suddenly ashamed. Her aura winked out and people moved, gasped. Erin stepped back. She was not blushing. That was embarrassment? This?<\/p>\n

This was shame. Erin had fought, but for the wrong reason. She looked at Belgrade, who did not expect to grow to be six years old. And she covered her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ever say that again, Belgrade. You\u2019re not going to die before you turn sixteen. You\u2019re going to live a long time. And\u2014you\u2019re going to experience so many things. I promise you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Tactician] turned to Erin. An adult, older than she. Who measured his age by his fallen comrades. And a child.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou promise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin silently looked at Relc. The Drake cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could arrange something. But\u2026yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it something we have missed greatly? Something all Antinium should know?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters looked at Relc. And the [Sergeant] was greatly disturbed. Erin shook her head as the other hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just\u2026part of life. One thing. I guess it can be good? But you don\u2019t need<\/em> it to live a full life, guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice was a question. And no one had the heart to contradict her. Because she was right and wrong. But perhaps\u2014that was her perspective. The young woman wiped away her tears as everyone felt compelled to buy the Antinium a drink, or speculate on other experiences which were just as good as sex. Things for them to show their people.<\/p>\n

And in time, a Hobgoblin came into the inn. Numbtongue felt refreshed. Sometimes you just needed some alone time.<\/em> Especially with females all over, none of which he was comfortable having sex with. And it was hard<\/em> finding a spot in the inn where someone wouldn\u2019t notice or ask to play tag where you could relieve yourself.<\/p>\n

He had to sit in a cave to feel properly isolated. The Hobgoblin paused as he saw the Antinium in the inn, caught up with the happenings.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s more to life than just sex. And there\u2019s beautiful things too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was telling the Antinium. The [Bard] nodded, and smiled. He took his guitar out. And he began to play a gentle song. The Antinium looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeautiful.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Anand whispered. Amid the discussions of sex, the Hobgoblin\u2019s music was like a calming breeze. Which was what it was. The song was gentle, light. Meant to be played on a ukulele. And Erin knew it. She smiled. Numbtongue understood.<\/p>\n

Somewhere Over the Rainbow.<\/em> A song about dreams and wishes. If any song had a bit of magic in it, it was that one, played by Iz Kamakawiwo\u2019ole. Erin clapped along softly, and then she began to sing.<\/p>\n

Nothing that engendered sex here. Just music. A thing everyone could experience. And beautiful. Touching.<\/p>\n

From their seats, the Wistram [Mages] listened. And Montressa glanced at Erin and Numbtongue, singing in harmony and looked at Palt.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat Hobgoblin might have a step up on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur paused. He looked at Numbtongue. And then he shook his head. The [Illusionist] slowly puffed on his cigar as he looked at Erin, thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I don\u2019t think he\u2019s even scored a single point. And I don\u2019t know if I have, either.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all he said. And after a while, the Antinium stood up. Sex might be seen, or partaken in. Erin let them go with Relc. But the Senior Guardsman had a sudden thought as he went with the Antinium. He turned to Beilmark. And he was suddenly grave.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeil. Um\u2026Antinium. Guys. You know, about your missing\u2026do you\u2026do you think that it\u2019s possible\u2014I mean, Klbkch looks different. And he\u2019s Klb.<\/em> But I\u2019ve never heard\u2014I mean, I thought it was him and the Queen or something. But does he not have\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He gestured silently. Beilmark\u2019s ears perked up. Belgrade and the others looked at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot imagine why, Senior Guardsman Relc. He inhabited a Worker body before his new one. And I understand genitalia are a weak point.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc stared. Then he leaned against the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. No wonder he\u2019s so angry\u2014Beilmark. You take them. I\u2019ve gotta\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDone.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Guardswoman was nodding. The Antinium stared at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it really that<\/em> bad a thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

The female Gnoll shrugged as Anand looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMales think so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sex. Or lack thereof. How it dominated things, when you let it. But there were bypasses. Workarounds. Like the vial Xif was showing Octavia and Saliss.<\/p>\n

[Alchemists] didn\u2019t just do it explosively, they didn\u2019t do it at all. Because they didn\u2019t need<\/em> to. With this. Octavia eyed the vial. It was, of course, shimmering a bit. But she\u2019d seen a number of odd ingredients going into it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen aphrodisiacs. But um\u2026Master Xif, Master Saliss. What is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two [Alchemists] looked at each other. Saliss tapped the vial.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a potion you can drink that makes you orgasm. It\u2019s outlawed in Pallass, mainly because of the impropriety.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOrg\u2014you mean, it helps in bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss rolled his eyes and Xif grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I mean, you drink this? You have a good time. Not the same as aphrodisiac, or a love potion. Different effects. Some are more mental, others long-lasting without being as\u2026dramatic. See, I\u2019m not good at this. Which is why we\u2019re here. Hey, Xif.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss. I whipped up one dose since I heard you\u2019d be bringing Miss Cotton here. Miss Cotton.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Xif.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two nodded stiffly at each other. Saliss just grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Octavia. This isn\u2019t an imposition. Xif is delighted to have you here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, using my ingredients and shop.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re paying you back for it. And you get your share.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss rubbed his claws together. Octavia looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, but why does this benefit Master Xif? Also, why is this potion here if it\u2019s banned in Pallass?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll coughed. And Saliss chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re teaching you the recipe. So we\u2026have to make some. And it occurred to us that Liscor doesn\u2019t ban these potions. Or\u2026other cities in the north.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Stitch-Woman\u2019s eyes went round.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! Then\u2014there\u2019s a new market? But this potion, will it sell?\u201d<\/p>\n

She eyed the potion dubiously. Something that bypassed all the pleasure of sex? How was that better than the real thing? But Saliss was just nodding.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will sell. The reason the Walled Cities banned them was because too many ingredients went towards making them. A huge market and we actually had a shortage of other potions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Because it was addictive?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot alchemically. But\u2014here. Try some if you want. As much as you care to.\u201d<\/p>\n

He offered Octavia the vial. She hesitated. It was common to try a potion\u2019s effects so you knew what it did. She eyed Saliss, and then downed the vial in one.<\/p>\n

Octavia paused. She knew better than to say \u2018nothing happened\u2019. She just had to wait for\u2026<\/p>\n

The Stitch-Girl felt heat suffuse her face. She looked down.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShoot! We forgot about that. I\u2019m gonna need a towel, Xif. You have clothes. Sorry, Octavia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not. Get your own towels! I\u2019ll never use mine again if you take them! They\u2019re good towels!\u201d<\/p>\n

The two [Alchemists] began fighting. Octavia\u2026slowly leaned against the counter. Her knees had lost all strength. She felt lightheaded and every few seconds felt tremors of giddy feeling run through her entire body..<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2014I\u2014M-Master Saliss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry! It goes away after a while! But it\u2019s great, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Octavia made a sound and covered her mouth, but she had to drop to the floor. Xif swore as Saliss grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist. Then the two [Alchemists] looked at the apprentice.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh. I forgot how the first time goes. You alright, Cotton?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss eyed Octavia. The Stitch-Girl didn\u2019t make a sound for about five minutes. Xif and Saliss retreated. When Octavia could stand up\u2014she did so shakily.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhew. That\u2014hold on\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She had to catch her breath. Saliss ushered her to a chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019t have given you the full dose. I\u2019m sorry. Here, take a seat\u2014no, don\u2019t talk for like, five more minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

He ushered her to a seat. Saliss came over to Xif, looking embarrassed as Octavia let the aftershocks ride her into a wonderful place. Xif eyed Saliss. He gestured at Octavia.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this inappropriate? You\u2019re the one who gives me speeches on student-master relationships, Saliss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEh. Nuance, Xif. She\u2019s learning it. I\u2019m not giving them to her regularly. And I\u2019m not banning her from having a good time or smoking\u2014well, I do ban smoking in my lab. But hush. If you didn\u2019t like it, why\u2019d you jump at the chance to make a few?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll [Alchemist] shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no problem with them. You\u2019re<\/em> the reason they were banned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss\u2019 brows drew together. He leaned over and snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome people need them more than others. Dullahans have problems. Young Drakes and Gnolls and Garudas don\u2019t. Shut up and help me brew a teaching batch with Octavia and I\u2019ll let you keep two bottles. And I\u2019ll get you back into Erin\u2019s good books if I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xif pursed his lips. Saliss would be walking away with most of them, but two bottles<\/em> was\u2026he nodded. Good for yourself, good for gifts, good for sale. But addictive in its own way. Also\u2014hard to make.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026How about some of the other fires?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have the pink one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss shook his head as he turned away from Octavia. He began setting up the ingredients and equipment they needed. Then he picked up the empty vial. He looked at Octavia, she was bending over, putting her head between her legs.<\/p>\n

A wonderful experience. And yet, it was still a potion. With this, you could experience one<\/em> of the things that made sex so great. And\u2014arguably, experience it better than most could the old-fashioned way.<\/p>\n

But people conflated that with the entire thing. Saliss paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlchemy. Who needs love?\u201d<\/p>\n

He only looked a bit sad as he said it. Then he tossed the vial aside and got to work.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think I\u2019ve learned a lot today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre nibbled on the tip of her quill as she finished writing. Ryoka reached for a drink with lemon in it. The two young women were flushed in the small room.<\/p>\n

They had just gone through a lot. From the discussion of sexuality as a broader thing than male or female, to the different ways people identified. Things from Earth. Which would be useful. Valuable?<\/p>\n

Perhaps, perhaps not. Ryoka had told Fierre because she wanted the young Vampire to know. Not about Earth, but things that were important from there.<\/p>\n

Like diseases. Ryoka looked at Fierre, whom she was pretty certain had some super-magical immunodeficiency syndrome. Could you get that from\u2026<\/p>\n

A kiss? Fierre\u2019s pale lips were stained with a bit of ink. It was not<\/em> the sexy look the Vampire girl was going for. But\u2026her deep red irises drew Ryoka in. As did her teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026about the way two girls have\u2026sex.<\/em> You showed me and told me, but uh\u2014you know, it\u2019s hard to visualize it without seeing. Do you think you could\u2026elaborate?\u201d<\/p>\n

Elaborate.<\/em> Ryoka felt a tingle along her spine. She looked at Fierre. Play dumb.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you mean, elaborate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe-ell\u2026it\u2019s not much, but the room\u2019s secure from everything. And um\u2026some of the things sound interesting. I\u2019m open-minded. If you wanted\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The Vampire girl smiled at Ryoka. And Ryoka felt her mind flying off in multiple directions.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t like girls. You\u2019ve tried that. I mean\u2014you don\u2019t <\/em><\/span>like<\/span> them as much as\u2014<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Shut up! Look at those lips! We could go for that! We have been <\/em><\/span>dying<\/span> over here!<\/em><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Could be STDs\u2014<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Can you get something from a finger? What if she wears\u2026gloves?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

And most of all\u2014Ryoka shivered. She liked Fierre. She thought she did. A lot. Fierre was like her. A girl with a secret. A different perspective.<\/p>\n

Immortal.<\/em> Strong enough to put Ryoka through a wall. Now, why was that<\/em> alluring when Ryoka never liked tough guys? She licked her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026could. Show you something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust one or two things. Maybe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre slid along her desk. Her chair screeched<\/em> a bit. That nearly brought Ryoka out of it as Fierre did that thing where she stood up and pulled the chair with her.<\/p>\n

Oh no. She was not a Vampire seductress, even like her mother tried to be. But Ryoka was really\u2026really\u2026<\/p>\n

They both had trousers on. You could do a lot with clothes. Ryoka stared at Fierre. It would be\u2026and you didn\u2019t have<\/em> to be unsafe. The Vampire sat next to Ryoka after a bit of a struggle getting the chair over her desk. She leaned over.<\/p>\n

And Ryoka felt something<\/em> touch her just over the crotch of her pants. She jumped<\/em> and felt goose bumps. Okay. If she hadn\u2019t thought she was into it\u2014<\/p>\n

That changed her mind. Ryoka stared at Fierre. The Vampire was close, but she had no body heat.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you wanted to show me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

And why not? They were so alike. Ryoka gulped hard. So alike.<\/p>\n

So alike.<\/em><\/p>\n

Abruptly, Ryoka pushed Fierre back and stood up. The Vampire recoiled, so quickly her movements were unnatural. She looked up at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I can\u2019t. It\u2019s not a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka\u2019s voice trembled. She was breathing fast. Fierre looked up at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not you. It\u2019s me. Wait, that\u2019s stupid. I\u2019m sorry. But I think\u2026I\u2019ve tried it before. Boys. And girls.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka stammered, her thoughts in a whirl. She was trying to explain. Fierre was drawing back, hurt, but Ryoka had to explain<\/em>. She looked at the Vampire girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that I wouldn\u2019t try it. Or that I\u2019m not attracted to you Fierre, because I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo. What?\u201d<\/p>\n

Now the Vampire\u2019s voice was cold. Definitely hurt. Ryoka pulled at her hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I\u2026I\u2019ve done it before. I\u2019ve tried to be with someone. Even though I liked them. Loved them. For a hot second. But it\u2019s never worked. I couldn\u2019t even have friends.<\/em> Fierre, you know what I\u2019m like.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Vampire hesitated. The hostility halted for a moment and she looked at Ryoka. After a second, she spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cBad days?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka closed her eyes. She put her palms over her eyes and sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. But I can\u2019t. It\u2019d just\u2014make me\u2014I\u2019m not ready. I don\u2019t want to hurt you and I can\u2019t <\/em>lose you as a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat there, shaking, lust faded. Ryoka muttered into the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to lose my friend. I don\u2019t want to\u2026change that between us. And it would. I can\u2019t even be a good friend. I left the other ones behind. I left\u2026a little kid alone because I\u2019d burn everything down. If I can\u2019t do that, how can I have a relationship?\u201d<\/p>\n

She just sat there, shattering. Fierre stared at Ryoka, wide-eyed. Then she raised her gloved hands, made herself laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was kidding! It was a joke.<\/em> I\u2019m charming you. Obviously.\u201d<\/p>\n

She saw the young woman look up. Ryoka brushed at her eyes, refusing to take the offered lie.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. You weren\u2019t. But it\u2019s fine to experiment, you know. There\u2019s nothing wrong with liking other people. No matter who you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had to be honest. Tell Fierre that. The Vampire girl looked at her. Then she went back behind her desk with her chair. She reached for something and pulled it out.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s different for Vampires. There are so few of us, and most are related. And Humans\u2014we can\u2019t just casually\u2026I\u2019ve tried it a few times, but it was a mess. They have to be drunk and not notice how cold I am. And I just want to drink\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Her teeth shone in the light. But the drink Fierre pulled out wasn\u2019t blood, but alcohol. And blood. She mixed the two into a shot glass and Ryoka smelled strong<\/em> spirits. The kind that went above 90-proof without killing you. Well\u2026that you could theoretically survive. Magical liquor. It made Ryoka start crying\u2014<\/p>\n

No, she\u2019d already begun before that. The young woman blinked as Fierre poured her a drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Vampire girl smiled. But she looked at Ryoka and the two stared at each other. Ryoka took the glass full of oblivion. Then she had to laugh. Because Fierre hadn\u2019t tossed her out. She still had her friend.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank god.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re so fucked.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo messed up girls. I won\u2019t even ask you how you know all that about sex.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was a [Sex Guru] in a previous life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre choked on her blood cocktail. Ryoka laughed as she drank and coughed. The two coughed and drank and eventually, Fierre sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least I have toys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, really? They have those here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you<\/em> from? I couldn\u2019t have them at my home. One time, Fluffles the Fourth found my um\u2026you know. And she was carrying it around and my father found it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka began laughing. Fierre laughed too, her pale cheeks tinged with color.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo way. I\u2019ve been, well, making do. I had no idea\u2014Erin hinted they had some dildos in Liscor, but\u2014really? You can buy them? Tell me where and I\u2019ll go yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a black market. And trust me, there\u2019s variety. Well, there\u2019s aphrodisiac potions too. Virility potions. Magical artifacts\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cArtifacts? Like what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka.<\/em> Artifacts. You want a good time? Illusions? [Mages] get horny too. And trust me\u2014there\u2019s a demand for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman was laughing. In relief. Because she felt like she\u2019d made the right choice. She looked at Fierre, laughing, smiling, trying not to cry.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, there are magical sex machines?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are called Golems, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sometimes people didn\u2019t<\/em> have sex. And that was as significant as when they did. Goblins\u2014Goblins had it easy in a way.<\/p>\n

They didn\u2019t dance about it. They had a different idea of how sex worked. Of course, they also had such passions because you could die tomorrow.<\/p>\n

Win some and lose some. But sometimes\u2026it was hard.<\/p>\n

Dawil found Falene at the bottom of her cups at the bar. She was alone; she was in fact, helping herself to the inn\u2019s liquor.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo away, Dwarf.\u201d<\/p>\n

Falene waved a hand at one of the Dawils haunting her. She was past light intoxication and readiness for a few questionable choices. She was fully maudlin and trying for oblivion.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re looking poor, half\u2014Falene.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dawil caught himself. Falene wasn\u2019t in the mood for their regular sparring sessions. The half-Elf ignored him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, mock me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Nah. Don\u2019t you worry about the lad, either. He didn\u2019t notice a thing. Poor fellow got pulled in by a [Drinker]. Or was it a [Drunk]?\u201d<\/p>\n

Falene sniffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019ll<\/em> remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShan\u2019t say a word, even if you remember this. Which I doubt, frankly.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Axe Champion] eyed the empty bottles around Falene. Wistram [Mages] could put away<\/em> alcohol. He was beginning to think the academy had a problem. Falene sniffed a few more times. She had snot running down one delicate nostril.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just\u2014I know it was a bad idea. But I\u2019m tired<\/em> of the road. I don\u2019t mind it, but finding a partner\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye. Tough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would you<\/em> know? You\u2019re short. I\u2019m a half-Elf. You can find company. Men see me and I\u2019m a trophy. They can brag about it. But I want someone who at least\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Falene put her head down. Dawil patted her awkwardly on the back. He reached for a glass as Falene tried to tell him about Feor,<\/em> and her faction\u2026and why Ylawes was a good second-choice\u2014and she\u2019d really just wanted a night\u2014<\/p>\n

The Dwarf nodded and patted her shoulder and tried not to let her kill herself drinking. He sighed.<\/p>\n

Children.<\/em> Sometimes he felt like an adult leading two brats around. But then he looked at Falene and sighed.<\/p>\n

Aging slower than Humans sometimes really was a problem. He envied Ylawes, sometimes. A [Knight] in shining armor? You had to ward his doors at night.<\/p>\n

Literally. And that didn\u2019t even count teammates.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

A life without sex wasn\u2019t so bad. If you had a purpose, it didn\u2019t matter. If you\u2019d never had it, what was there to regret?<\/p>\n

But it was probably good to relax people. Sometimes, it wouldn\u2019t help. But you could probably correlate it.<\/p>\n

At any rate, someone who was incapable of it was making a beeline towards The Wandering Inn. And he had two swords.<\/p>\n

Klbkchhezeim of the Free Antinium walked in a murderous mood. He was addressing Tkrn, who was regretting bringing the news to the Antinium Senior Guardsman.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey. Went. Above? Without my permission?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Senior Guardsman, but Relc and Beilmark got them and brought them to the inn\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. I will deal with them there. You may go, Guardsman Tkrn.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll hesitated. He had seen people like this before. And walking away usually meant someone was dead the next hour. But he hesitated\u2014<\/p>\n

Because Klbkch was really not in a good mood. <\/em>And the Slayer Klbkch was out. Tkrn was bracing himself. He\u2019d made mistakes once. If he got stabbed, well\u2026he owed it to the Watch and the one Guardsman who\u2019d been kind to him. He was preparing to reach out and duck when someone stepped out in front of the gates.<\/p>\n

Relc. He blocked the way towards The Wandering Inn. And his face was grave.<\/p>\n

\u201cKlb\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMove aside, Relc. I have a discipline issue to address. I have let it go on for far too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch was vibrating with anger. And his hands were on his sword hilts. Relc stared at them, and then he shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot now, Klb. Come on, let\u2019s have a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium stared at Relc. The Drake was uncharacteristically sober. Klbkch hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas something happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Nah\u2026nah\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething has clearly happened. What?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just want to buy you a drink, Klbkch. Come on. The lads are all here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeiss stepped out of the shadows. The Senior Guardsman and Councilman wore a similar look. And then Klbkch saw more Guardsmen. Some seniors, others regular ones.<\/p>\n

All with that look of\u2026Klbkch hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Why? I have work to do\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll cover your shift. It\u2019s all set. Captain Z herself gave the all-clear. Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I must\u2014what is going on? I am busy. Hello?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Klbkch knew it, the other [Guards] had seized his arms and were towing him in the direction of Wishdrinks. Relc shook his head. Tkrn stared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSenior Guardsman Relc?\u201d<\/p>\n

Had he heard about Klbkch\u2019s mood? This was smooth, for Relc! The Drake looked at Tkrn.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you heard? I\u2019m just torn up about it. Come on, we\u2019ve booked Wishdrinks. When they heard\u2014they\u2019re giving us a special time. We\u2019ve gotta have a good time, for Klb.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t heard? Oh\u2026oh man. Tkrn\u2026listen\u2026this is gonna break your heart. Klb\u2014he\u2014I can\u2019t say it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

A little while later, the Antinium Guardsman found himself in Wishdrinks. Everyone was plying him with alcohol, and asking how he felt. Even the staff were giving him special treatment.<\/p>\n

Klbkch had no idea why. But the Watch was filling the room. Mostly male Guardsmen, but some female ones. They were acting like they were at a wake.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t imagine. I heard of a fellow\u2014got hit in that spot. Just\u2026pulled out a wand and blew his head off after two months. You\u2019ve been like this for years? I respect that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeiss was talking, toasting Klbkch. The Antinium stared at him, then the female Drake.<\/p>\n

Watch Captain Zevara. She stared at Klbkch. Cleared her throat a few times.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how to say it, Klbkch. But um\u2026I\u2019m sorry? I heard from Relc. He\u2019s an idiot, but he\u2019s got good tact. You take care of yourself. You\u2019re a valuable member of the Watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch nodded. He opened and closed his mandibles as Zevara paused, patted him on the shoulder, and went back to mingling. He had no idea what was going on. But the Antinium had earned another day of reprieve. After a moment, Klbkch had to ask.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Am I being fired?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Somewhere, above, Belgrade, Anand, Garry, and Yellow Splatters were discovering that sex was not what they had expected. Not bad<\/em>, but certainly unexpected. They were taking notes for part two of their story on sex.<\/p>\n

Because they would bring their understanding to the Hive, those four males. They had gone out, into the world. And they had seen the truth.<\/p>\n

Up close. Squelching. With fur and scales\u2014not skin, but in different ways. They knew sex.<\/em><\/p>\n

What fools those Antinium be. Far below, in the Painted Antinium\u2019s barracks, Purple Smiles folded his arms. If he could have, he would have rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

Silly [Sergeants] and [Strategists]. They thought they knew. They thought they could analyze and study everything. But what they didn\u2019t know\u2014what Anand should have guessed at least, as he was better at it\u2014was that some things you didn\u2019t need<\/em> to research.<\/p>\n

You could intuit it. It wasn\u2019t a formula to be cracked, a grand secret to be discovered and made gospel truth.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, the secret was something you found. The other [Sergeant] watched as, in an area of the barracks reserved for the most sacred of things, two Soldiers sat.<\/p>\n

Chesacre and Thaina. They were in a place next to a wall of\u2026symbols. A place where Soldiers and Workers now would take on their paint. Would become Painted Antinium.<\/p>\n

The two Soldiers had not been painted yet. And they had thought long and hard on who they would be. Now\u2014they chose.<\/p>\n

But first, they performed ablutions. Cleansing their bodies before they were painted, that the paint would not be contaminated. But the two Soldiers did it together.<\/p>\n

They were female. By name and personality, even if not by appearance. And that was what mattered. Purple Smiles watched as the two Soldiers did something new in this Hive, in this moment.<\/p>\n

They were washing each other.<\/p>\n

Chesacre had some soap and a little cloth. Thaina was dipping hers into a bucket. The two were gently cleaning each other off, with some soap and water. Slowly, carefully, they polished each other\u2019s bodies, wiping grime away with water. Carefully.<\/p>\n

Polishing chipped carapace. Touching each other. The Antinium had very few senses. But\u2014they touched each other and felt it. The Painted Antinium watched.<\/p>\n

Something new. Something that Pawn or Erin or another of the Individuals<\/em> had not brought here.<\/em> Purple Smiles understood it. A bit. But then\u2014he listened. And watched.<\/p>\n

And he saw the two Antinium touching each other.<\/p>\n

On their multifaceted eyes. Mandibles, cleaning each and every inch of each other. And that action had significance.<\/p>\n

Antennae too; they were most careful about that. The two delicately touched each other\u2019s antennae. And they had sensation<\/em> there.<\/p>\n

And eroticism? The Workers and Soldiers stared\u2014then, abruptly, looked away as one. They felt it.<\/p>\n

They should not be watching this.<\/em> This was something private. New. Sacred.<\/p>\n

Individuality.<\/em><\/p>\n

Purple Smiles looked away too, as he felt the two growing closer. He envied them. And loved what he could not comprehend. Yet. But the two\u2014Individuals\u2014would be greater than he was.<\/p>\n

Or perhaps he had joined them. The Soldier did not watch. None of the Antinium were looking anywhere near them. Something must be done.<\/p>\n

Purple Smiles found some of the blankets reserved for the coveted Fortresses of Fluff and hung them up. A Worker created stands of wood by lashing together some wooden poles onto a base\u2014the Antinium had been experimenting with hammocks and slides, which Erin had assured them were fun ways to relax\u2014and Purple Smiles hung the blankets over them. Creating a private area.<\/p>\n

A room. And in their privacy, that was now, suddenly, needed<\/em>, the two Antinium stopped touching each other. They looked hesitantly at each other, and then Chesacre picked up a brush.<\/p>\n

They began to paint a design onto each other\u2019s bodies. Slowly, carefully, with infinite patience and grace.<\/p>\n

A new type of picture, one that didn\u2019t work without both halves. It was not a flower, or a heart\u2014that would have been symbolic.<\/p>\n

And it would have spoken to a culture neither Antinium knew. Rather, they were creating a building.<\/p>\n

A magical building, of pale silver and odd angles. That rose across their bodies, whole only when they stood so. Apart, it was meaningless, two broken halves. Together, if they stood side by side and their arms twined\u2014<\/p>\n

The Antinium understood something in that moment, Purple Smile, Thaina, Chesacre. And that was something the male Antinium above had yet to learn entirely.<\/p>\n

Sex was one thing. Love was another thing. Sometimes, often, the two were conflated. You could do it for many reasons, but it was designed for more than just pleasure.<\/p>\n

Like happiness. And you didn\u2019t need carnality for that. Happiness was also seeing someone else in pleasure. It was part of what you called romance.<\/p>\n

Although, it was true\u2014<\/p>\n

Sometimes it was just plain smut. And that wasn\u2019t a bad thing.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! Oh Nagas\u2014that\u2019s amaze\u2014how are you\u2014dead gods!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

There was something else people needed to know aside from wholesome love. And that was that of the many races in the world, one was best at having sex.<\/p>\n

And that was Selphids. Geneva Scala felt her inner canals tighten<\/em> and she and Xeppal both hissed in pleasure. Geneva felt two<\/em> objects moving in her, but there wasn\u2019t even a hint of pain. Or stretching. She sensed something in her contract<\/em> rhythmically as she moved up and down.<\/p>\n

The sensation\u2014wasn\u2019t like regular sex. As Maughin could have told Geneva or anyone if the Dullahan was inclined to speak\u2014and he wasn\u2019t, Dullahans talked about sex as much as Erin\u2014you might have your pride. You might believe you knew something. A few tricks. Or even a hundred.<\/p>\n

But the truth was you were a neophyte. An amateur. You couldn\u2019t even try<\/em> to reach the heights of sexual conduct. Because you didn\u2019t control your body. You were just a flesh-vessel, able to activate ten percent of the functions that a Selphid could.<\/p>\n

And a Selphid in a living body? In ages past, Selphids had conquered almost the entire world and created an empire. Geneva had known that\u2014that was why a Selphid could never inhabit a living body. For the power they could wield. But she had a new insight in this moment, as she felt herself clamp down, felt a burst of whiteness behind her eyes\u2014and she couldn\u2019t count how many she\u2019d had\u2014and saw Xeppal nearly inhale his tongue.<\/p>\n

As terrible as the Selphid Empire had been, they\u2019d had amazing sex.<\/em> Geneva was vaguely aware as Xeppal climaxed and she rose to give the condom a\u2026stress test with her mouth, that she was being watched.<\/p>\n

Well, they\u2019d been going at it for two hours. Xeppal was the best [Prostitute] in the Slippery Tail. He didn\u2019t have<\/em> a male refractory period. And Geneva?<\/p>\n

She had Okasha. The Lizardman climaxed again. Geneva felt herself mimicking him, they were that in tune. She spat carefully, and reflected that she could improve the design of the condom. It was an industry in her world.<\/p>\n

The last few moments of sex, six minutes later, actually made Geneva white out for a bit. Or maybe that was a thirty-six hour work day and two hours of exhausting sex.<\/p>\n

She came to with Xeppal lying beside her. The Lizardman was panting, staring at Geneva wide-eyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs\u2014that was\u2014incredible. Even with the\u2014the\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCondom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva smiled in a sultry way at the Lizardman. He was finally deflated, just worn out. The other sex workers stared through the door in awe. It was Okasha in charge; Geneva was happy to let her do it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had no idea\u2014how did you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just say I have a few Skills myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

She winked at him. And Geneva Scala felt a bit alarmed. But how else would they explain\u2026that? <\/em>Xeppal just nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cA [Doctor] and\u2026? Hold on, I should be paying you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Okasha-Geneva just laughed. She bent over to kiss Xeppal\u2014Geneva stopped her. Transmission of diseases!<\/em> No, but wait\u2014she\u2019d tested Xeppal, hadn\u2019t she? And he\u2019d been clean.<\/p>\n

And they\u2019d been doing a lot of kissing already. At least the condoms worked. Geneva felt tingly as Okasha bade farewell and walked them out the doors. An awed crowd saw Geneva off.<\/p>\n

She wasn\u2019t even walking funny. Okasha had kept Geneva\u2019s muscles from getting sore, or damaged and\u2014the Selphid smiled, relaxed as could be.<\/p>\n

She\u2019d felt everything Geneva had. And she\u2019d even enhanced the experience. Geneva stretched in the evening light. She felt light, clear-headed\u2014had that technically been a three-way? What were the ethics of a hidden partner?<\/p>\n

She\u2019d worry about it tomorrow. For now, for once, she was ready to sleep for a day. Okasha laughed as she let Geneva take over.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was amazing! Let\u2019s do it again!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Geneva hesitated. She stared back at the brothel, and then thought about her duties. It was a bad idea to fraternize with patients. Even if this had been an unusual case. She had a job to uphold. An image to maintain.<\/p>\n

She paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll come back in a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a hard truth to swallow for those who hadn\u2019t experienced it. Yes, they inhabited rotting bodies. Yes, they were temporary guests using a shell. But they had learned their forms that people took for granted. Whatever you believed, no matter what you said\u2014<\/p>\n

Selphids did it better.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

There was always more to learn about sex. And yes, you could drown in it. It needn\u2019t be all things. But it was a part of life.<\/p>\n

Goblins having sex. Antinium understanding romance. The courting and travails therein in regards to Erin Solstice. Vampires and when you were ready to give as much as you took.<\/p>\n

Geneva Scala, Last Light of Baleros and extremely eligible bachelorette. Sexual prodigy. Because Selphids were the best at what they did.<\/p>\n

And\u2026other couples. In The Wandering Inn, there was a fact no one kept track of. No one really thought of, or cared to measure. And that was that no one had had sex in this particular inn since its inception and construction.<\/p>\n

Temile and the [Actors] were certainly contenders. But they tended to find company with their temporary, star-struck fans and since they were new to Liscor, they were still finding their feet.<\/p>\n

It would happen. Oh yes. But no sex had been had. Sex had been written, and\u2026that was all. But that evening, the record about no sex was broken.<\/p>\n

By a digit. Or\u2014just like phalluses, members, and penii had different words, so too did fingers. And in this case, one gently, delicately moved.<\/p>\n

There was a gasp. A short intake of breath. Someone stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Go ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

A pause. The digit moved again. And the breathless voice changed depending on how it moved. Poking. Prodding. Pinching delicately\u2014learning what was best and not.<\/p>\n

On both sides. After a while, there was liquid. On the digits. The Antinium stared at them, and this new thing. Lyonette exhaled slowly. She looked at Pawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re being too careful. You can do\u2026more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice wobbled. The Antinium looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re in my room. Against Klbkch\u2019s orders. And we planned this for the last month<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] snapped at him. Pawn paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] had been noticeably absent from the inn for a while. She hadn\u2019t clashed on Erin\u2019s views regarding Antinium. Perhaps because she had different ones. Perhaps because some things happened behind closed doors.<\/p>\n

With chairs and a dresser blocking them. And the shutters were locked too. No little Gnolls or intruders would come in here, thank-you-very-much. And if someone used the Garden to enter\u2014Lyonette had a sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pawn. It\u2019s just\u2014I\u2019m feeling a bit\u2014close. Keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n

He did. Carefully. Lyonette made a sound and he stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good sound! Don\u2019t stop! Get the\u2014the things!\u201d<\/p>\n

Pawn looked at the bag he\u2019d bought from Krshia\u2019s shop. The Gnoll [Shopkeeper], not working in the Council today, had been very <\/em>amused by his order. But she had provided, and now, Pawn inspected the stash.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I will put them on\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes! It should fit. Does it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

It turned out that one of the things Ryoka had told Fierre already existed in this world. Albeit, not common. But marital aids for lovers with problems in bed existed.<\/p>\n

Strap-ons, if it wasn\u2019t clear. Pawn stared down at the thing he was tying to his waist. It was mimicking a Human\u2019s, which was what Lyonette had required. Gnolls and Drakes were a\u2026step up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you get this? Krshia only provided the harness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette was kicking the edge of the bed with impatience. They\u2019d taken their time. Escalated to this moment over weeks of talking, conversation\u2014experimenting. Seeing each other as more than just Antinium [Priest] and Human [Princess]. Slowly.<\/p>\n

Which, of course, made this moment only the more special. Lyonette had been disturbed by Erin\u2019s revelation that [Priests] were not supposed to do anything to other people. Pawn had considered this. And decided he could live with [Acolyte].<\/p>\n

\u201cKrshia keeps giving them to Erin. She never uses them. Is it ready? I\u2019m<\/em> ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure? This is an important moment, Lyonette\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The irony was that Pawn<\/em> could have educated Belgrade and the others in everything they needed to know. He faced the [Princess], and Lyonette du Marquin smiled up at the Antinium Worker. Her eyes shone as she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m a terrible [Princess]. I guess my parents will have to live with that. Come here.\u201d<\/p>\n

She and the Antinium met on the bed. And Lyonette gasped and Pawn instantly cast [Heal Minor Wounds], which was hilarious. And silly. And an accident. And the two found something new out about each other and themselves.<\/p>\n

And they had sex. But because it was the first time, it was sort of vanilla.<\/p>\n

Sometimes vanilla was a good thing.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

One. Last. Thing.<\/em><\/p>\n

And this was the biggest of them all. The pinnacle of a day full of madness and lewd things. Sex and romance. Heartbreak and choice.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice sat in her inn. She was not aware of Pawn and Lyonette\u2014if she had been, she would have assumed they were just having one of their chats. Which usually took place in the room and why would she think on it?<\/p>\n

She was ignorant of it. And\u2026preoccupied herself. Erin stared aimlessly around as she sat in the Garden of Sanctuary. No one was in here; she could sense it.<\/p>\n

Also, no one could go through the magic door. She was sure of that too, which was a relief. Mrsha was in Liscor, tossing meat bits at a young Frost Wyvern. The other guests were occupied.<\/p>\n

She was alone. In her [Garden of Sanctuary], her Level 40 Skill that no one could enter.<\/p>\n

In the tropical section, deep inside it, out of view.<\/p>\n

Sitting behind a tree.<\/p>\n

With a bunch of curtains up. Well, bed sheets.<\/p>\n

Erin had been trying to figure out\u2026the best place. Because when you got down to it, The Wandering Inn did not encourage privacy, at least, of the kind that made you reassured enough to do what you wanted to do.<\/p>\n

There was nowhere not\u2026exposed. The outhouses were outside, and grouped somewhat close together. Rooms? Hah! Those had windows, and Workers marching about on the roof and they were technically accessible via the Garden of Sanctuary. Erin was realizing the flaw in her new Skill.<\/p>\n

And where else could you go if you were going to\u2026not want to be seen? Make some noise? Really, think about it. Where could you go?<\/em><\/p>\n

The Floodplains? If you weren\u2019t in view from the walls of the city, there were Shield Spiders, Rock Crabs\u2026caves had monsters in them.<\/p>\n

There was nowhere in a city. Erin didn\u2019t have an apartment. Gnolls had noses. Oh\u2014and even if you thought about going somewhere else, like the Strongheart farm\u2014<\/p>\n

To begin, with, no. And secondly, there was only like\u2026the barn. With cows and animals staring at you.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe if I went to Celum or Esthelm. But I bet I\u2019d have to hike somewhere and find a cave or something. And there\u2019s probably monsters inside. So much work. Hey\u2014maybe Numbtongue\u2019s mining stuff? Nah. Nah.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin muttered. In some ways, she was rather like Numbtongue. She sat there, in her very private moment, and still felt like she was being watched.<\/p>\n

She was self-conscious. And\u2014honestly, a bit upset about today. Erin felt\u2026bothered. She tried to put it into words.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to know about this. I don\u2019t want to. It\u2014it changes how you look at people. Hey! Garia and Fals had sex! Or\u2014Selys and Hawk?\u201d<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t know about Garia and Fals, but now that she thought about it, she bet<\/em> Garia had tried it. Ryoka had said how much Garia liked Fals.<\/p>\n

And Erin hated it. She hated people talking about it. Dead gods, she\u2019d hate<\/em> someone having an entire\u2026discussion about sex. It was vulgar! And lewd! And\u2014why did you need<\/em> to talk about it?<\/p>\n

It changed everything when you found out about two people in a relationship doing the humpity-humpity. No\u2014it changed nothing, or it shouldn\u2019t. People were people.<\/p>\n

At the same time\u2014it did change things. But Erin wasn\u2019t a prude<\/em>. Was she?<\/p>\n

She\u2019d had an intimate relationship. Twice, thanks. Not\u2026sex. Not the kind that would get you kicked off unicorns. But um, something that would get you in trouble if your parents found out about it. Heavy things, right up to the moment itself.<\/p>\n

And it had been\u2026fine? But it had never gotten there <\/em>because Erin wasn\u2019t ready. Because it hadn\u2019t been right. Erin didn\u2019t get the same buzz some people did. Maybe, as Krshia said, it had been bad sex. It had certainly been short.<\/p>\n

Erin thought she knew herself. But this was another layer that she, Erin Solstice, hadn\u2019t ever really explored. Didn\u2019t understand. It made her\u2026afraid.<\/p>\n

Because she did want. She did\u2026yearn. She had urges, like everyone else. Erin stared at her pants.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably should take them off, yup, yup.\u201d<\/p>\n

But then she felt exposed. Erin sat down. Enough waiting. She knew how this worked.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, stupid.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

She poked herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin paused. She had to get in the mood. Mood was important. But\u2014something was off. She definitely felt a bit bothered<\/em> after all the discussion. And yet\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to. But what\u2019s wrong with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman muttered to herself. She thought of Palt. Or\u2014or Olesm? She tried to imagine it. Her. And a Centaur\u2026<\/p>\n

Okay, maybe that was pushing the limits. Backtrack.<\/p>\n

Erin wasn\u2019t a fool. She had known\u2026something way back when. But in this, at least, she liked being ignorant. She suspected. Did Palt actually\u2026? Nah. But why would he\u2014?<\/p>\n

He was a big shot [Illusionist] and she was just\u2026Erin. Why would\u2014and if they did\u2014<\/p>\n

Her imagination needed an upgrade. Erin Solstice sat, poking\u2014okay not poking, but trying to get something started. Nothing happened. She kept thinking.<\/p>\n

Numbtongue.<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] paused. No. Too intimate. Too\u2014close<\/em>. She tried a generic person. But it had been a long time since then. And she was afraid that something was wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cDarn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin buried her face in her arms. What was the matter with her? She wished she could talk about it with Ryoka, or Ceria. They were easy to talk to. Lyonette was\u2014a [Princess]. Who was probably an actual virgin. And Krshia was too old and laughed, and guys were out and\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cMm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin curled up into a ball and rolled over onto the dirt. She lay there for a while. She wasn\u2019t happy. She was unhappy, in fact. At herself. Frustrated. Lost.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never enjoyed it. What\u2019s the big whoop?\u201d<\/p>\n

She wanted to know. She didn\u2019t want to know. She wanted\u2014Erin Solstice closed her eyes. And it was a ridiculous thing. But she felt like crying. Just a tiny bit.<\/p>\n

Nothing bad was happening at all in the world. There were no disasters, no pressing emergencies\u2014yet. But it was strange. When all the bad things went away, there was only Erin, and her days were\u2026good.<\/p>\n

And yet. Erin Solstice tried to imagine it. But her body told her one thing, and her mind couldn\u2019t imagine it. She wanted to and didn\u2019t at the same time. Yes, yes.<\/p>\n

And\u2026no. She wasn\u2019t interested. But one fact remained that Erin did know was true, that made her want to cry, even though she couldn\u2019t. She had a family in this world, an inn. Good friends and things to do.<\/p>\n

But sometimes, even now, she just felt lonely.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Notes: <\/strong><\/p>\n

I wonder how you\u2019ll regard this. Hi, I\u2019m pirateaba and I\u2019m tired. It\u2019s VERY late and I wrote through the night. I\u2019d sad\u2026how many hours? Ah, 9:30 exactly almost. I streamed the entire thing.<\/p>\n

Because if I was going to be too embarrassed, I might as well not write. But I wanted to write this chapter.<\/p>\n

And not just because it\u2019s sexual. Because it\u2019s true. Sex happens, but like periods or poo, you don\u2019t read it in stories sometimes. An entire story goes by without one person having a bowel movement or popping a pimple. Have I done pimples?<\/p>\n

I digress. This chapter was meant to be real. Silly, yes, but real, and show a new side of characters. Big new sides of things. It will not happen all the time. In fact, I\u2019m aware some members of the readership are young, or probably don\u2019t want to read this.<\/p>\n

And I get it. Because this changes how you see a character. I understand that. And it can be uncomfortable, so these chapters will be rare. Explicit content I might keep only to chapters devoted to them\u2014but other aspects of love, no.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an experiment. I don\u2019t know how well I did, but I tried to write a good chapter as always. I\u2019m tired. My break is coming up and I\u2019m hitting peak exhaustion and I\u2019m still recovering from my cough. But I feel satisfied by writing. Happiness, sadness, and sex.<\/p>\n

A last note. I’m changing a lot of things, including how I post my after-chapter thoughts. Featuring more great art is something I also want to do. It’s a time to try new stuff. Below, I have two pictures of Erin Solstice, by pkay, and Staugroan, both amazing artists\u2014on Twitter and Instagram, I believe. And I can\u2019t link to either because they have uh, explicit content. But thank you for the art of Erin and thank you for reading.<\/p>\n

\"Erin\"Erin<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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