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attention?
Disturbed by the incongruity, a shiver passed down her spine.
Now I m nice and cool and you re shivering. Matt moved up beside her. Lutton was
nowhere in sight.
That was a quick tour.
I believe it served its purpose. What did the high priestess want with you?
You re going to be my guest during your stay in the village. She made a sweeping
gesture to her right. My cottage is this way.
He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. I don t need to stay in your cottage. I
can camp nearby or --
Inhospitable creatures roam this area at night. You ll be safer inside my cottage.
And what about you? What will make you feel safe?
I m hoping we can discover that together.
* * * * *
Matt accepted the bowl of fruit chunks, nuts, and smoked fish from Serena. His
nutrient converter allowed him to process food into energy, although the highly
concentrated protein paste he had in his backpack provided a longer lasting charge.
She knelt across the fire pit from him, picking at her own bowl of food.
Was there some sort of banquet going on tonight? I noticed people gathering in front
of several of the larger cottages.
After handing him a wooden cup filled with fragrant juice, she explained. My people
live in a true community. Only the elders have designated mates and they are primarily for
the purpose of procreation. Everyone else offers support and companionship to the entire
tribe.
There are no families, no couples?
There are no divisions. We share all divine blessings freely and celebrate the wonder
of discovery.
What if two people want to form a couple? Is it forbidden?
Comet Coalition: Replicant 41
Of course not. Some of the Perrlain express their sexuality with only one or two other
people, but it s far more common for them to find pleasure with a variety of partners.
You said the elders have designated mates. Why the double standard?
Being an elder requires wisdom, intelligence, and divine gifts. Many of these gifts are
passed from parent to child, so the elders must choose who they breed with carefully. Once
the children are born, thereby securing a future for the entire tribe, both parents are free to
resume normal sexual activities.
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He suppressed the wayward expression, not
wanting her to think he was mocking her. Few societies would consider what she d just
described normal. The rest of the coalition put such an emphasis on monogamy. Permanent
relationships were a goal few attained, but most of the people in his acquaintance spent their
lives trying to find the one.
What about children? He set the bowl aside, far more interested in the conversation.
Children are raised together and supervised by a variety of people. They re nurtured
and taught skills that allow them to contribute to the community. She took a sip of her juice
and shifted her legs to one side. The Perrlain have no possessions. Everything you see
belongs to the entire tribe.
How does everyone know where to sleep?
She chuckled. You re making it far too complicated. We sleep wherever we choose
and share pleasure with those we find pleasing. It is hard for us to understand why others
twist sexuality with a combination of reverence and shame. Fucking is natural and affection
should flow as freely as water.
Your people are never jealous?
Jealous of what? We don t own anything.
None of the other women are jealous of your beauty or your divine abilities?
My gifts belong to the people. Everyone in the Order is available to anyone who needs
help. That is our purpose, our calling.
And your beauty?
She set her bowl aside and turned toward the open window. A warm breeze blew
through the cottage, rippling her hair. If I inspire any emotion, it s pity. What sort of
priestess is afraid to be touched?
He doubted she d meant it as an invitation. Still, he was unable to resist. With one long
stride, he stepped across the fire pit and sat beside her. Can you tell me what happened
during your ascension?
Gathering her hair over one shoulder, she worked the long strands into a loose braid.
You came to us for help, not to be burdened by my& inadequacies.
42 Aubrey Ross
You are far from inadequate. He brushed her jaw with the back of his knuckles, not
risking a more intimate touch. How about if we play a game?
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