#file 27

CHNTtober day 19: Traintracks

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we also know that the events of file 27 (what happened with jedidiah) happened roughly 3 years ago.

Dear Mr. Marvin,

A member of our team seems to be experiencing nightmares and illness after investigating the factory. Do you have any suggestions for the future? They are seeking some comfort.

Sincerely, Cerceruska Private Investigators

(Vela’s part in italics.)

After a beautifully calm evening, Dritz slept better than he had in a while, nearly oversleeping until Vela gently nudged him awake and the two of them started to get ready for the counsel.

Though he knew he wouldn't really be needed, Dritz chose the most appropriate thing he owned that would still be smart, a high-collared floral suit with uncharacteristically muted colours, and boots that he even made sure to polish carefully.

"It's not really much of a formal affair, the meeting, but it shows respect for the overseers. As open as they are for visitors, and as much as they strive for equality between the public and overseers, counsel meetings are very, very rarely accessible to the public. So since we're in a pretty privileged position, I figured... Dress to impress," he explained with a goofy smile.

Vela watched Dritz as he dressed, almost feeling too nervous to do the same. Eventually she had to choose her own outfit, deciding on clothes that best represented her people: one of her slightly oversized dark tunics and warm leggings. Too warm for Chrysala, considering, but she felt perfectly able to endure being too warm over being too cold.

[You look nice,] she told Dritz, standing near him and smoothing one hand along the front of his jacket for a moment. [So you won't know what's going to happen, if the public doesn't see much of the counsels? Or do you know anything else about them?] She could imagine that all the overseers likely had a chance to speak in turn, but beyond that she struggled to think of what a counsel might actually be like.

Dritz couldn't help leaning into Vela's touch just slightly, enjoying the attraction in her gaze. While his looks had never been a big problem for him, to know there was one with whom his attraction was mutual was still a novel feeling.

"So do you, flower. I know I say you look nice in everything, but... This stuff, your tunics and cloaks... I kinda fell for you first while you still wore this and only this. So it's got a special place in my heart, y'know?"

He brushed a stray strand of hair out of his face before continuing, "Yeah, it's normally done more casually, but because we brought it to be called, I think it has the potential to be a shorter affair. Usually it'd be discussing the districts and what the issues are in them, then all coming together to work out solutions to any problems. So say... There's drug deals going on in the lower districts. Szna might spare a policing force to help the other district, or she might offer stricter crossing through her own district to avoid continuing the route," he explained. "This should be very quick. We present our cause, Szna does much of the talking, but with our backup I think we'll have support for the Aurians."

The fact that Dritz enjoyed her Aurian clothing so much was a little surprising to Vela, but it made sense when he explained the reason behind it. She smiled and nodded, thanking him with a small kiss before fetching a comb to continue helping him with his hair.

[I hadn't thought of that. Of course it would be shorter and more simplified as a special counsel. We are the ones who brought it about. I appreciate her for doing this, but hope it wasn't too much trouble for her... then again, I think she really wanted to do it.] One of the main reasons she had hope of this working was because of Szna's dedication to their cause, which made her incredibly happy to think about.

After attempting to tame her own hair and largely failing (it still sprung in wisps however it wanted), they left their room and began making their way to where the counsel would be held, Vela keeping her determination at the front of her mind to ease her own worry.

Dritz lead Vela through the city to where Szna had asked them to meet her. She had sent a message directing them to a more upmarket portion of the district, featuring newer buildings built with more aesthetically pleasing frontage, shinier metals and softer lines, drawing influence from wide and far. As Dritz explained to Vela, this was due to the changing influence of the galaxy on Chrysala's creativity, the fashion seeping into their culture, making looks a more considered aspect of things.

Waiting nearby was Szna, dressed in the same understated overalls, but this time with a large medallion about her shoulders. The bronze chain was thick and interwoven with green fabric, holding a bronze disc with a map of the district hammered into it; the closest things Chrysala had to marks of authority, only worn for official meetings.

"Good morning, friends," she said as they approached. She took each of their hands in turn, clasping them and saying their names; she had remembered. "I spent a good time preparing for every eventuality today, but I still may need to call on the two of you. Is that alright?"

As they walked, Vela kept her attention on the sights around her, which further helped calm her nerves. She especially marveled at the buildings, unable to imagine living or working in them despite the fact the ancient Aurians surely would have had such lovely architecture as well. With a smile, she told Dritz that it was wonderful they had adopted designs from other cultures and could see the beauty within them well enough to do so.

She was captivated by Szna's necklace first, thinking she had never seen anything like it either, and subconsciously touching where her gift from Dritz lay hidden under her tunic. [Good morning,] she signed before taking the overseer's hand, pleased that her name had been remembered. [Thank you. Yes, I am ready to say anything I need to in order to help, and I know Dritz will translate for me. You are doing so much for us.] With these words, Vela's determination seemed to be set, and her resolution fixed on what was about to happen.

Once Dritz had translated for her, Szna smiled at Vela, holding out an arm to lead them.

"I am doing my duty. Chrysala is my home, but it has its place in the galaxy, and it has a duty to help where possible. I would expect assistance from other planets if my people were in dire need, and we can do no less." With a somewhat sad tone, she added, "I believe we as a people are still too closed off from other worlds; we will accept their culture but not them? It saddens me."

Vela had to pause and study Szna a moment with new interest. From the way she spoke, it seemed there might be a personal reason behind her assistance rather than simply wanting to help them. That wasn't a bad thing at all, but it did interest her enough that she thought she might ask later, after the counsel meeting.

With a nod of agreement, she allowed the Chrysalan overseer to lead the way into the building as she walked alongside Dritz.

Dritz had been agreeing enthusiastically, evidently too eager to voice his approval to notice the hint in Szna's statement, or the sad determination in her eyes.

As she led them, Szna explained the two counsel members that would be their main opposition in anything they said. Tvek was the incredibly stern overseer of the industrial estate, which housed the oldest established metalworks and very few residential areas. She was traditional, old fashioned; one who believed that things were done a certain way for a reason and nothing needed to change. Vri was younger and more naïve, she did not see the importance of trade relations, nor had she adapted her thinking to include offworlders. For one so young, she was remarkably xenophobic.

Eventually they came to a taller building, just as nondescript as Szna's office. The three of them were greeted by a small, slight Chrysalan man, clearly just getting his start in the business of their govern, as he seemed almost in awe of Szna as he escorted them.

The counsel were already assembled and ready when they arrived, five other Chrysalan women of varying skintones and hair colours, each with a large medallion of their own colour and metal; all practical and neutral coloured fabric attachments.

Vela listened closely to everything Szna told them, and paid extra attention when discussing the more difficult overseers. It was disheartening to think that some remained this way despite any advancements they had made otherwise; however, Vela knew that she herself might not be considered a typical Aurian when compared to any of the rest. They would not listen to her while she was there, but perhaps with all of this additional support and a reasonable alternative for a home already prepared, they would be more willing.

When they entered the next building and the room where the counsel would be held, Vela felt some of her nervous thoughts returning. It felt as though each Chrysalan was staring right at her, but that would be understandable in such a situation if it was true. She went where she was directed by Szna, Dritz still at her side, and tried to focus on the appearance of each woman, and how each of their medallions was different and lovely, while she waited for the meeting to proceed.

Szna greeted the others graciously, warmly even.

"Zask, my dear," she said brightly, embracing a willowy Chrysalan with very dark, very short blue hair and soft features. The two engaged in small talk about Zask's recent improvements to her district, and the plans for another tram line.

While Szna made her way around the group, greeting them with hugs and chatter, Dritz kept close to Vela, stroking her back gently.

Eventually, Szna moved to a high round table and gestured for all, including Vela and Dritz, to join her. Everyone remained standing, as the table had been built for the meetings to be conducted as such.

"I am sure we are eager to discover why it was I called you here," she announced. Gesturing to Vela and Dritz, she introduced them. "Ladies, we are idle as a people, and we ignore the needs of our galactic neighbours at every turn. We do our jobs well for our people, and I think the time has come for us to direct our attentions further. Vela comes to us from Aurctas, and wishes our assistance in the survival and preservation of her species. It's my opinion that we can give it to her.'

"And why, do tell, should the resources needed for Chrysala be transferred to this... Aurctas for use? I have not even heard of such a world, why should my district suffer for them?" From Szna's description, the Chrysalan speaking, weathered with greying lilac hair in a high bun atop her head, was Tvek.

With Dritz's gentle hand moving slowly up and down her back, Vela relaxed slightly against his touch as she listened to the overseers speaking among themselves. When the subject quickly turned to the Aurians, however, she stood up straighter and focused her attention first on Szna, then on the woman who must be Tvek. The questions asked made her instantly begin to sign, whether or not this was a good idea.

[I mean no disrespect in anything I say. I am Vela. I'm honored to be here among the Chrysalans and offered an audience with such an important counsel. I should clarify that Aurctas is likely unknown to you because my people are being exploited as cheap labor, and the existence of the Aurians is kept a secret by these dishonest traders. Aurctas is a harsh world where nothing can grow, and my people are dwindling.]

She directed her gaze straight at Tvek as she continued signing, stopping every other sentence for Dritz to translate. [Your district will not suffer for us, I think. All I ask are for ships to transport the Aurians to a new home world. Anything else would be asking too much, but I would accept more help as you might see fit. I can explain anything you like in more detail.] Here she felt the need to stop and see the reaction from the counsel, glancing toward Szna with a slightly troubled expression.

"This representative does not even speak our language," Tvek said sharply. Thankfully, it seemed that the other counsel members did not like this statement, and one stepped forward, holding out a finger.

"And you expect every representative to speak Basic or Chrysalan? Perhaps you might wish to speak to the scientists about a time machine, Tvek, if you prefer our ancient segregation so much," she scoffed, smoothing her long hair back over one shoulder. She turned to Vela with a gracious nod, "You are welcome here, child, do not listen to those who would see us remain in our dark corner of space without the joys of new worlds."

Dritz translated the remaining information as Vela expressed it, speaking with his head held high, his voice clear and confident, his hands clasped behind his back. "I am Dritz, of the Criznr Quarter if you would prefer introductions, and Vela's translator. If my opinion counts for anything, ma'am, the Aurians need help that Chrysala, as a prosperous planet, is in a position to give. This is a chance for a joining of communities." He seemed to realise he was speaking somewhat out of turn, and stepped back. It was not usually heard of for males to even be in the counsel's room, he needed to remember how privileged he was.

"What he says is correct; we can help. Chrysala continues to thrive and grow, but who are we if we turn our backs on the Aurians, who have asked our help. But I need a majority vote."

Over the next hour or so, Szna laid out a plan for their distribution of assistance, funds, and the time scale of the help the Aurians would need, with the overseers discussing, sometimes heatedly.

[With all respect,] Vela signed, [I do speak Basic. Or I would if I could do so aloud. The rest of my people also understand it, though perhaps less words than I do. I have been training my voice to grow accustomed to speaking but it's a slow process. I think that someday the Aurians may be able to become vocal as well.]

She only added a little more for Dritz to translate: that she was grateful for any assistance given, that the other Aurians would be too, and that any details would be left up to the counsel entirely. After this, there was a long period of debate as Vela tried to stand still and avoid wringing her hands just slightly in worry. Tvek had seemed so much against the idea at first, and some of the others were doubtful of it.  She glanced around the room more than once, though her gaze kept returning to the comforting sight of Dritz at her side. There was little she could do now unless further questions were asked of her, meaning all she could do was wait.

Tvek voiced her displeasure many times, backed up by Vri, but the other overseers seemed to be coming around to the idea the more Szna spoke. They would need to secure coordinates to Aurctas, send an ambassadorial party to discuss their plans and make diplomatic introductions, and prepare the Aurians for extraction.

Dritz stepped closer to Vela, returning his hand to the small of her back. "I know Tvek seems harsh, but I think she's outvoted here. Good job, flower," he whispered.

Once it seemed deliberations were over, a different overseer took the lead. She was older than even Tvek, silvery hair in a long, relaxed braid with a roughly hammered metal clasp holding it in place. She held up her hands, "My dears, I believe we have heard enough and will need to put in a vote."

Dritz gawked, seeming to realise something. "She's the grand overseer. I didn't even consider that she would be here," he muttered. "I've never seen her before..."

"You all know that I will make my final decision once you have voted, so please; complete Szna's plan for the assistance of Aurctas?" she asked, looking around the room. Szna, unable to vote on her own cause, watched with her mouth in a tight line as Tvek and Vri remained still, though the other overseers held up hands in agreement. "And you are opposed?" the grand overseer asked the other women, who confirmed.

Szna frowned and looked to the grand overseer with an anxious air to her.

"I've taken everything that has been said into account, and it's my opinion that the Aurians require the assistance of another world. We can be that world," the grand overseer said, a small smile reserved for Vela.

Through the oftentimes tense debate, Vela continued to glance around the table at each overseer, hoping they could at least try to understand how she felt and what it must be like to have a home which wasn't a home, even if they had never experienced similar. She was so focused on what was happening that she was almost startled when Dritz touched her again.

His whispered words brought a smile to her face. Of course she could not say anything, so she nodded slightly. Despite Tvek and Vri and their protests, everyone else seemed to think that helping the Aurians would be the right thing to do. When the one Dritz called the "grand overseer" began to speak, Vela almost felt as though she couldn't bear waiting for the answer any longer. She didn't know the significance of this Chrysalan, but the ultimate decision seemed to lay with her.

It wasn't a surprise when the two who opposed the vote made this clear. But it was heartening to see the others agree, and for the grand overseer to say that Chrysala would assist the Aurians... Vela almost wished she could sit down from the sudden weakness of her relief.

[Thank you. It isn't enough to show my gratitude, but that's all I can say for now. I deeply appreciate what you will do for my people, and they will too.] She had signed while looking at most of the overseers, but looked to Tvek and Vri next. [You will not find reason to regret this was done, I assure you. The Aurians will be prosperous again one day and I feel you will find them a worthy ally.] Finally she turned her gaze to Szna. [And thank you for agreeing to bring this to your counsel. I think we will never forget you for that.] She wanted to add a thank you to Dritz, but only directed her smile back at him again, knowing she could do that better later.

Szna beamed at the news of the voting, and there was a rapid series of events for Vela, with the overseers who voted in favour wishing to speak to her, congratulate her, and Szna hoping to speak to her about other matters, while Tvek seemed to be contemplating the results of the vote.

After a moment, Dritz stepped in and put an arm around Vela, seeing the situation could become overwhelming for her very quickly.

"Overseers, thank you for your time. Perhaps we could speak another time, as our Aurian ambassador is needed elsewhere," he said graciously. He turned to Szna, "Thank you, ma'am,  we will be in touch to further discuss our actions in relation to Aurctas."

Soon, he had led her out of the building and to somewhere quiet and peaceful.

"How are you feeling, flower?" he asked softly, pulling her into his arms and kissing her forehead, "I'm so, so, so proud of you. Wow. I can't even believe how well that went!"

With nearly everyone trying to talk at once, most of them directly to her, Vela had started to feel a little overwhelmed. Fortunately Dritz was there to handle the situation, speaking to everyone easily and guiding her away from the noise to somewhere more quiet. As much as she wanted to continue to converse with the overseers, she also needed some time to process what was a very emotional situation for her.

She felt herself leaning most of her weight on Dritz when he held her, just allowing his warmth to seep through to her own body in the way that was so comforting. [I feel alright,] she answered once she had collected herself somewhat again. [But I feel... overwhelmed. I wanted them to agree to help, but there was a part of me that doubted they would. And now I admit that I'm not sure what to do.] She smiled weakly before moving forward to rest her face near Dritz's shoulder, breathing in his scent and feeling herself gradually relax further.

After a few moments of the two of them standing quietly, Dritz stroking Vela's hair and chatting in that idle, unimportant way about what he could see while she was squished against him, Szna rounded the corner, in the process of untying her hair from the bun she held it in, letting it fall before shaking it out and sighing.

"Hello, dears," she said weakly, "How are we doing? I just wanted to come out and speak to you about what we need to do next," she said. She touched Vela's shoulder gently, "I think you did very well. You spoke clearly about what the needs of your people were, and you have done them a service. I believe with the right guidance from you, we can take the majority of the work from you now. You've set this in motion, and I would like you to allow Chrysala and Aurctas to continue your work. Do you think that will be possible? Is there anything more we will need to consider before we set this in place?"

Vela began to turn as she heard the footsteps coming from behind them and around the corner. She was not sure what she had been expecting, but was relieved to see Szna again. She had wanted to thank the Chrysalan woman further for her help in making everything much more of a potential reality.

[I think we are well. Mostly relieved and somehow exhausted, speaking for myself,] she signed for Dritz to translate, though she smiled at Szna. [Thank you. I only did the best I could, and if it had not been for the two of you, I might not be where I am today. I really can't thank you enough.]

It took some contemplation before she realized what she needed to say. [I think it's possible. The only problem is that I have not convinced any of the rest of my people that it's in their best interest to leave. So I thought that with the promise of a world for them, and a means of getting there, they would see it could be done and agree. Trelos was not fully decided on whether we might join them, so we will need to wait and see if they send word. After that happens, maybe we could send a small group of Chrysalans along to Aurctas to help persuade them? I know Dritz would have to come along as interpreter, but would we need anyone else?] In all honesty, she was uncertain exactly how many or even who might most impress the other Aurians enough to make them see that their lives could be different, in a good way.

Szna listened thoughtfully, her eyes bright as her smile turned into an impressed smirk. "You truly have considered every avenue. It's my hope that your people will see the effort you have put into their future. As for Chrysalans going with you to Auctas, I believe that is up to you. I am happy to accompany you as another ambassador for my people, and we could perhaps bring the grand overseer; I believe she may also be a good representative for the whole."

"Once we've heard from Trelos, we could set off from Hesperus Alpha together, depending on how many of us there are in the... I guess it's like a first contact mission, almost? But not?" Dritz rambled.

Szna bit back a grin and glanced at Vela, teasingly saying, "And this is your translator. Are you certain he's doing it correctly?"

Vela nodded, promising to give the situation more thought later and decide who she would like to accompany them to Aurctas.

[That's a good idea. Another small ship may be needed to get us there since the Nova can't carry too many comfortably.] She could sense that Szna was teasing about Dritz even without seeing the Chrysalan woman's expression. [He is. And he... usually gets it right.] Now she was teasing too, she realized, as she turned a small but playful smile toward her lover. [I think I would trust no one else to interpret for me now, truthfully.]

[But I have a question from earlier, if you don't mind my asking,] she continued to Szna after a time. [It seems to me as though you have a deeper reasoning for wanting to help me and my people? I know you are a good person, but something about the way you spoke... I might have imagined it. You don't have to answer.] Vela felt her phrasing had been awkward as she listened to Dritz translate, and she hoped Szna wouldn't be offended somehow.

Szna chuckled, glancing down at the ground with a smile when Dritz protested, insisting it was not often he got his translations wrong now, at least.

The overseer took Vela's question and considered it very carefully, nodding.

"Well. If I am being honest, I am in a relationship with a human woman myself. We are each others' primary partners; she is seeing another human, and I have two other Chrysalan lovers, but... she is special. I have to confess to your story being significant to me personally. The thought of my partner being in the same position as your people..." she said quietly. "This is more personal information than I should share as an overseer, but I want more Chrysalans to be open to alien relations in every sense, and I suppose I have personal stake in that... I hope you don't see it as selfish."

Rather than being surprised, Vela only had a sense that her suspicions were right all along. [I think that's wonderful,] she signed, her gestures slower to indicate a quieter and more reflective tone. [It's not selfish at all, because your personal stake will allow you to help many others who wish to be free with the partners of their choosing. And we will all be grateful for that.]

With a few more details worked out, Dritz and Vela were soon on the way back to their lodging, the Aurian slipping her pale fingers loosely through the Chrysalan's beautifully colored ones for a little while as they walked. [Did that surprise you?] she asked eventually, releasing his hand. [Your overseer is a wonderful person in addition to leader. And I'm glad you were willing to choose me as a partner when I am so different. I guess in a way, I'm surprised and proud I was able to choose you, too.]

The sensation of Vela's slender fingers slipping between his own brought Dritz out of a reverie he hadn't realised he was even in. Overseers were just citizens the same as any other Chrysalan, but they were mostly very private people, and for his own to have told them such a personal thing... And for it to be so close to their own situation, it was a strange thing to come to light.

"I am a bit surprised, yeah. See, I guess it's one of those cultural things. I know the overseers are no different, but it's so hard to separate them from their work. I couldn't even imagine Szna having partners. Not through her being unattractive, or anything of the sort, of course. It's weird though, learning that made me feel like it's getting better. It's not so ‘weird’ as people think, maybe we can begin to open minds in that way."

He squeezed her hand, "I... For a while I didn't think you would want me. Not because of anything you do, just... I had already assumed it wouldn't be something you would want. I wouldn't be something you would want. I'm glad I was wrong, I made the best choice." He grinned, throwing an arm around her and holding his head high as they walked.

It sobered Vela just a little to hear Dritz had thought she might not want him. She chose to add nothing further for the time being, instead letting him hold her close while they continued to walk. There were a few curious stares from passersby, but nothing truly hostile or rude. He might very well be right that it was getting better.

When they arrived back at their room, Vela wasted little time after the door had closed behind them. [Thank you again for what we've accomplished today. It's been truly incredible. And, I... I should tell you that it took me a little while to realize I was attracted to you, but when I did... of course I wanted you.] She brushed at some imaginary dust on the front of his jacket, temporarily distracted as her hand slid over his midsection. [I guess this might be sudden, but I want you now, too. I usually do.]

Vela glanced up at Dritz quickly, almost shy with this sort of admission, but was soon working at the buttons on the jacket. [I don't want you to get your pretty clothes wrinkled, I mean,] she explained in between, though the intent in her eye made it obvious that this was not her main concern.

Their walk gave Dritz time to contemplate. Had he ever shown that side of himself to her? He knew he must have done, they were so intimate emotionally, but something about the admission that he had developed an attachment to her so quickly had made him feel especially open to her. Not vulnerable; if anything Vela made him feel stronger.

When they returned, he felt strangely emotional, in a good way, in a passionate way, closer to Vela even though he thought that impossible. Her hands on his front and the sparkle in her eyes told him all he needed before she even began signing.

He shrugged off his jacket and shirt (that Vela had so kindly loosened) letting them both hit the floor as he cupped her jaw with a feather light touch and kissed her deeply.

"To be honest, flower, wrinkles in my clothes are the very last thing on my mind right now," he whispered against her lips.

Vela smiled against Dritz's lips in turn as he spoke, then leaned back to regard him playfully. [If that's the last thing on your mind, what's the first? Maybe there are a few things.]

While awaiting the answer to this, she took the opportunity to remove her tunic and let it drop to the floor as well, moving back to Dritz to press her body against his and kiss him hungrily. The mere feeling of his skin on hers was enough to send a pleasurable shiver running along her spine. She nudged him closer to the bed, eventually getting him to lay down and kneeling next to him in order to pay special attention to his neck, kissing and using her tongue along with the softest nibbles, which he quite evidently enjoyed very much.

His breath growing short, Dritz muttered, "I think you can guess-"

He stopped talking to let his gaze drag over her body. Everything about her was incredible to him, and it was all he could do to contain himself and allow her to lead him. As they moved, he nudged his shoes off and started on his trousers, staggering in his haste and fumbling with the fastening, more focused on Vela than the task at hand. He couldn't help a loud, appreciative sigh at the sensation of her teeth against his skin, just firm enough to allow for a contrast to her soft lips.

Dritz relished the attention for a moment before lacing their fingers together and tugging her into him, easily rolling them into an upright position and perching her on the bed's headboard, his own lips paying special attention to her chest and stomach, before moving to her hips and thighs.

At some point along the way, Vela realized they both had removed the rest of their clothes without even thinking about it, focused as they were on each other's bodies. It was amusing, but not something she was about to dwell on for too long in the current circumstances.

As always, it was surprising yet delightful when Dritz grabbed her and easily moved her to another position entirely. She began playing with his hair as he kissed her thighs, fingers moving just lightly around the base of his antennae. Eventually she slipped them gently down around his jaw and pulled him up to look at her, noting the desire in his gaze which no doubt matched the same in her own.

[What if I couldn't guess?] she signed, in some strange need of continuing their previous conversation. [Show me what you're thinking about the most.] She watched him, not really caring if there was an answer or not, but finding the situation somehow more arousing than even before.

There was something about Vela being more vocal that set extra fires in Dritz. He smirked up at her, trailing his fingers over her thighs, lighter, then harder, then feather light.

"Why don't I tell you?" he purred, leaning up to kiss her temple, "At the moment-" he kissed her jaw, "I am thinking about the expressions you have we we're together. When I touch you, and I find the exact spot you want to feel. The way you wiggle your fingers in my hair when..."

He trailed off, kissing his way back down her body, moving between her soft thighs.

Feeling slightly feverish at his words alone, Vela watched Dritz work his way down her body and stop in between her thighs. She drew in a sharp breath, even knowing what to expect beforehand. It wasn't entirely accurate to say she was shocked by how good it felt, but the sensation was always so much better than she might have anticipated.

Dritz had been right, however; her expression had changed to one of utter bliss, and she was moving her fingers erratically through his hair as it was nearly impossible to keep still when feeling this way. Before too long, she had to gently push him away and lay down on the bed, resting on her side as she faced him. She had needed to feel his body against hers, seeking the extra pressure as she moved one leg over his, breath quickening again.