30. Thivoll

30

Thivoll

I bound over the poorly hidden trap, briefly considering hiding it better, but wanting to put as much distance as possible between us and the smell of genali blood.

Ree makes a drawn out high-pitched sound that doesn't translate, then a moment later she speaks.

"I overheard the genali talking about this place before we crashed. That they put blocks in the prey so they can't attack each other. They haven't placed more than one of each of you on the continent it sounded like. But they never accounted for someone like me being here, Thivoll. They made us translators as a harem package upgrade."

I instantly see her point. "You mean we could try to become allies with the prey?"

I can feel her wiggling in her excitement and it's heavy in her tone when she speaks again. "Yes! We need to speak to one of them."

I think it over for a moment. "They might have a block against hurting me, but they won't have one against hurting you."

She makes a lower-pitched version of the sound from before. "One of the genali hinted the block wouldn't work on you, though."

"Yes, you are correct," I concede.

She loosens her grip with one hand and strokes my mane before holding on again.

"I trust you to keep me safe, Thivoll. We need to try."

I take a moment to check my bearings to ensure I'm headed back toward Silver, then respond.

"I don't like the danger they would pose to you, but I know you're right. We will just have to proceed with caution and figure out a way to get you close enough to speak, but far enough away they cannot hurt you. I've heard several sounds that are likely other prey and it would be easy enough to find someone."

The sun is setting, and I change the subject to more immediate concerns. "Now that you are rested I think we should move to a nocturnal schedule. It will give us a greater advantage. I propose we keep running as long as we can tonight."

Ree groans. "I can't argue with your reasoning, but I did always hate the late night parts of my day-long work shifts."

I'm caught by surprise. "You worked entire days? I thought slavery was already outlawed on your planet?"

She lets out her trill and I can't help but chuff in response, even though I don't know what she finds funny.

"Oh, Thivoll, I wasn't a slave, though you could make a strong case for wage slavery."

I'm still confused, but I'm glad to hear the levity in her voice after how grim she was in the genali camp.

"I always knew I wanted to help people and the long hours aren't really that bad. What about you? You said you were a cleaner?"

"Essentially, yes. But actually an air technician, so cleaning is a large part of it, but also maintaining equipment and keeping all the biologics healthy."

"That sounds a lot more important than just cleaning. Do you talk about it like that because you don't like it? Seems like a pretty critical role."

It doesn't surprise me she picked up on my discontent. "I actually wanted to join the Thorisian Sentinels, which patrol our home sector."

"Thorisian?"

"Yes, named after an ancient regime. An underfunded amalgamation of non-conformists and aging vessels is all that remains of it. Nothing like the Thoris of long ago, but still important."

"Ah. What kept you from it?"

"Partly my dam, but only because it's considered shameful. It's a career everyone knows people have to go into, but no one talks about. People pretend only reprobates join, if they think about it at all."

"What the fuck? That's messed up. No wonder the slimes have been winning. Shit. Sorry, that was rude."

I chuff. "Hard truths aren't always polite."

Our conversation dies down naturally, both of us realizing we should be as quiet as possible now that we've left the camp far behind.

We continue through the night, stopping periodically for water and food. I can tell she is exhausted, but she doesn't complain, just clambers back on me each time we set off again, though her movements slow as the night wears on.

I'm also tired by the time I feel her almost slip off of me.

It's a while yet before morning and we have longer to go before reaching her Silver, but I know we are at our limit. I find a suitable tree and come to a stop.

"I know you are exhausted, but I need you to hold tight as I climb."

She nods sleepily, but pulls herself firmly against me when I lift her into my arms.

I'm getting better at climbing like this and it isn't long before I have her pulled up against my stomach and chest, tail and arms wrapped around her so she remains safe as we sleep.

I pat her rear lightly after I have her suitably arranged. "We aren't far from your Silver so we can sleep until the latter part of the day and still have enough light for you to close her wounds."

Ree shivers. "That sounds good, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to sleep during the day when I can't pretend there isn't a drop right next to us."

I enfold her more securely with my tail and one of my arms, then use the other to massage her hair at the base of her neck. She takes a deep breath and then lets it out slowly, her hands gripping me tight.

I keep petting her mane and she becomes more and more limp in my arms.

I can tell my Ree is asleep when she makes little nasal sounds and starts randomly twitching.

I wouldn't expect anything less than this level of charm, even in her sleep, but it makes my whiskers move forward just thinking about how utterly delightful she is.

I love the sensation of her in my arms and the pride that fills my chest that I make her feel safe enough to sleep despite her fears.

She has the same alluring mix of vulnerability and tenacity common among manticorid females, just in a very exotic package.

My hand is still stroking down her long mane, even though she is now asleep. Its texture is fascinating. It's so slick it almost feels cold, though I have her thoroughly warmed in my embrace.

I didn't lie to her when I said her nanites don't affect me, but I didn't say just how much her smell excites me. I suppose it has a lot to do with how the little robots are unnaturally fueling her arousal, but it just makes me incredibly eager to do what I can so it's of my own making.

The idea of finding out what is under that tight body suit and licking it all makes me harden against my sheathe.

A growl mixes in with my purr as I think about letting my thick purple member slide out with her positioned to take all of me. I'll have to delve her with my fingers and tongue first to ensure it would be safe for her.

If not, we will figure something out.

I know I won't be able to get enough of her taste, so if that is all we can do, I'll still be a thrilled manticorid.

Her grip on my tail earlier was almost enough to make me lose my composure and attempt an advance, but luckily my good sense reminded me she has just suffered a horrible amount of shock.

I'm also sure she doesn't know just how blatantly sexual her grip and my decision to wrap her around the waist was, even if it's very practical.

My tail is my deadliest weapon, but it's also used to hold our mates as we rut.

I desperately want to feel her clutch it again, but while I'm finding out what sounds she makes when I'm pleasing her, not just because I want her secured safely in a tree. After that, I'll find out if she would like it wrapped around her neck. And other places.

The way her body structure works is fascinating and I can't help but think of the possibilities it opens up.

When I imagine her kneeling in front of me, my tail pulling her head back, her back arched, and me taking her from behind I almost lose control and extrude.

I make myself abandon such delectable thoughts after that near miss.

I doubt she would like to wake up to a hot, sticky pressure against her sex. When I pulled her into my arms the past two rest periods, it hasn't escaped my notice that the difference in our torso lengths means she is positioned perfectly for me.

I growl at myself, annoyed with my lack of control over errant thoughts.

I need to just let the woman sleep and get some myself. We need to ensure her Silver is healed and safe, but I'll also need plenty of energy so I can stalk my Ree and convince her to let me touch her in more places than just her lovely mane.

To lick her places besides her neck.

And for her to kiss me in other places besides my muzzle.