<strong>Eshalu - intimacy with Reliyian...and an unexpected presence</strong><br/><br/>"<em>Her presence lingers with me,</em>" Eshalu sighed, inhaling the soft perfume of Reliyian's skin - floral, the fresh breath of a blooming mountain glade, "<em>our People know that distance in space does not at once break the link between two souls.</em>"<br/><br/>The ranger sighed in satisfaction at Reliyian's acknowledgement. She slipped a hand between her hard, muscled thighs and traced the contours of her nether lips now swollen and dewy with desire. She knew she was wet, the dampness staining the inside of her thighs, but she could never have guessed that her hunger had become so tightly wound. The sensation of her calloused fingers on her sodden inner lips sent a jolt through her. She shuddered in Reliyian's embrace, her breath quickening, her lips close to the sorceress's throat. Her heart began to beat faster. She parted her thighs, never breaking contact with Reliyian's skin, and skimmed the contours of the tight bud of her clit.<br/><br/>She exhaled, controlling her breathing, allowing the waves of mounting desire to flow over her. Still...the position was uncomfortable. Shifting onto her belly, Reliyian's golden hair, loose and free like cornsilk, draped on her back, she spread herself, thighs tensed. "<em>I'll be quick,</em>" Eshalu smiled her head cocked to one side, meeting Reliyian's gaze, "<em>I am close to my peak, and well-versed in this skill since I was a girl.</em>" With that she raised her hips a little and brought two fingers to circle the hood of her little jewel. A contented purr. Then she began to caress herself - languid, circular strokes, her hips moving in harmony with her fingers. Like with all things she did, she focused her mind and body as one - her whole being dedicated for an instant to her pleasure. It felt good, this close to the ground, feeling Reliyian's skin, her breasts, the ripe peaks of the sorceress's nipples on the battle-scarred skin of her back. No, not good. Sublime. It was close. The fire raged, tightening the defined musculature of her belly. In her mind, images - waking dreams - welled up: Aeryn, her Lodge-Sisters, now even Reliyian's full, voluptuous form.<br/><br/>Grinding the base of her palm against her clit, Eshalu slipped three fingers insider her sodden channel, pressing hard against the spot she knew would soon unwind her desire. It took a few hard strokes - a passable substitute for a strong hand to spread her and fuck her - and Eshalu came in short, ragged breaths. She eased her breathing. Slowly and deliberately, her heart rate easing to a lower, but still ready, state of arousal. Her passion slaked, but not fully burnt out, she slipped back into Reliyian's embrace.<br/><br/>"<em>I hope that was not too...earthy for you.</em>" She smiled, grateful for her friend's presence and comfort. Her scent had mingled with the earth, her fingers still slick and wet. "<em>You have my thanks - Aeryn was always very clear that humans do not approve of such indulgence in the presence of others.</em>"<br/><br/>-------<br/><br/>In the morning, the insistent kneading of Reliyian's expert hands brought immediate and much needed relief to the torn muscle of Eshalu's calf. The pain was still there, but relieved by the curative mixtures of herbs and oils. She reclined, leaning back on her elbows, and watched Reliyian work. That, for an instant, held her full attention. Yet there seemed to be some movement. Some disturbance in the air and a slightly alien scent, that immediately caught Eshalu's attention.<br/><br/>She did not rouse Reliyian from her work, but she reached for the pommel of her shortsword. Just in case.