4 comments/ 3450 views/ 6 favorites Home from the Sea Ch. 02 By: cultofstrawberry o0o Neisae shielded her eyes from the sun with one hand, seeing the merchant ships at the pier, and the traffic that came to and from the vessels, wares being exchanged between the people of the Nile, and the Acuans. Though the island of Acua was fertile, and had an abundance of natural resources -- not just on land, but in the oceans that surrounded it -- the limited landmass meant that the Acuans were not able to produce everything that they needed or wanted. Trade was a vital element of the Acuan economy, particularly for metals and marble, the former of which were scarce on the island, and the latter non-existent. Rocks and stone were relatively easy enough to come by, but fine quality was harder to find, and marble had an elegant appeal which made it a commodity on the island. Fortunately, Acuan pearls, among other things, held the same appeal to the various people that they traded with. Neisae's gaze moved to the blocks of marble that she saw being carted from the boats, the masons inspecting them to ensure that they were of appropriate quality. Neisae scanned the vantage before her, making sure that everyone was doing what they were supposed to. The activity before her reminded her of an anthill, and she smiled faintly to herself before her lips quickly dropped in a frown. "Nikos!" she said, trying to not sound too exasperated as she called out his name. "We still have crates to load!" The young man in question grumbled before turning away from the two men he'd been with. She was certain that neither of them were supposed to be here, as she didn't recognize them. "You two! Do you have jobs here?" she demanded. They could be apprentice masons, or dock workers. "Yes," one of the men mumbled. "Then best get to it," she stated briskly before she turned to Nikos. "Go help the others load the crates onto the ships." "Why do you have to be such a tight-ass?" he grumbled as he walked past her. "Because I have a job to do, and so do you. It's quite clear you don't care what I think of you, but your father is another matter..." The young man gave out a snort, his curly dark hair blowing in the breeze, his tanned skin glowing healthily under the sun, only a few shades lighter than the people who had sailed across the sea to trade with them today. She approached one of the captains, speaking to him in his language. Though not completely fluent in Egyptian, she had a good grasp of the language, and was able to converse with relative ease, making sure that the captain was happy with the trade, and that his recently-acquired wares were to his satisfaction. Not for the first time, she was met with curiosity and surprise, these foreigners unused to seeing a woman in such a position of authority. She'd been met with disdain and condescension at times in the past, and it gave her no small amount of satisfaction to tell such men off, and show them that women were more than mere helpmeets and breeders. As the afternoon came to a close, she felt her stomach give out a rumble. Days like this, it was easy to lose track of the time. Trading was no simple matter, for there was not only ensuring that there was satisfaction on both sides of the arrangement, but also interpreting, and making sure that their guests did not go places where they were not supposed to. The Acuans were hospitable, and did not balk from offering refreshment, or even lodging, to travel-weary merchants and traders, but such and such were located at the harbor, so that foreigners need not venture too far inland. Neisae turned from the ships, some of them having already sailed from the shore, seeing the marble statue of Gaea and Pontus on a crag that overlooked the harbor, the warmly-veined marble seeming almost gold in the late afternoon light. The position of the two figures made it clear that they were lovers despite the fact that they were clothed. According to the legends and traditions of the Acuans, their ancestors were the children of Gaea -- Mother Earth -- and Pontus -- Father Sea -- and that divine blood flowed through the veins of every Acuan. It was what made them different from the humans that they otherwise closely resembled. The harmony of earth and sea, the elements buffering and complementing one another, was said to be why Gaea preferred Pontus over Uranus. It was Mother Earth that gave them the ability to live and flourish on land, living from the harvests that they grew on the rich soils of the island. It was Father Sea that had given his descendants the ability to breathe under water, gills opening on their bodies when they immersed themselves in the water., and to harvest from the sea its bounty just as they did on land from the soil. Many humans did not make it past half a century. To live to three quarters made a human old. To come close to century, or even pass it, was a rare feat for the ephemeral species. For an Acuan, a century was considered a good period of life to have lived, yet one should expect at least a few more before their life came to its end. And when one died, they would return to the sea where life had come from, their bones settling at the sea bottom to be absorbed by the earth, in an eternal cycle. This legend was an integral part of the Acuan heritage. The Acuans knew they were different from all the people they traded in a way that might rouse fear or jealousy, so they were careful to keep their true nature hidden from their visitors. o0o "For the complaining that you do about the Teuthians, you seem to forget that we have more in common with them than you would think. "And what is that supposed to mean?" Nikos asked belligerently, not having gotten over the chatisement she had given him the day before. She'd heard him bitching about the Teuthians to his friends as they loaded up the supplies that would be offered to the alien race when they came in for trading later that day. "You complain about how secretive they are, yet do you not remember that we are the same way to the Mycenaeans, and Phoenicians, and the others we trade with?" "That's different." "How so?" Neisae challenged, her hands on her hips as she regarded Nikos coolly. "Because the foreigners would be jealous of our long lives, and treasures. So we hide them from the visitors for our own safety." "And do you not think that the Teuthians might feel the same way about their own... abilities, whatever they might be?" "It's different," Nikos persisted. "How so?" She fixed her eyes on him, and the other workers were paying intent attention to the conversation, despite trying to appear as if they were otherwise occupied. "They aren't even human!" "That's not what I asked." She took a slow breath. "The Teuthians will be here soon, and I would advise you to hold your tongue," she added sharply. "I've never seen an angry Teuthian before, but something tells me that they are not ones to be trifled with. Now, keep these hands of yours busy, and give your mouth a rest." One of the men laughed, but quickly covered this with a cough, and Nikos scowled. o0o Ralthid could not help but feel nervous as he lightly rested his hand on his pouch, feeling the shell within. The Teuthians were not generally known to give gifts for the sake if giving gifts. It was not because of selfishness, but practicality, with items exchanged or given serving a clear purpose. He patiently waited as formalities were exchanged, and his superiors inspected their goods. Neisae stood off to the side, her arms loosely crossed, paying no close attention to the Teuthids, as this was routine. She looked up at him with mild curiosity as he approached her, stopping a couple of paces short. "Good afternoon, Ralthid. Is there something you need? Or do you have a concern?" she asked in a businesslike, but polite manner. She had on a calf-length peplos of a teal shade that brought out the color of her eyes, and over that a blue-gray tunic with several pockets sewn into it for her styluses and other items she needed in her work. He took a slow, deep breath, keeping himself collected as his hand drifted to his pouch. "I came across this the other day, and I thought perhaps you might have a use for it." He opened the pouch, and pulled out a wrapped package that fit comfortably within the palm of his hand. He luntucked one corner of the dark, plain cloth to reveal a spiky murex shell, its white surface having a pale, pearly sheen to it. The dimensions of the shell made it wider than it was taller, a rare configuration for a shell of its type. The protrusions along the spines of the shell were tipped in a light silvery-blue. Seen from above, the shell almost resembled a flower, its spines and spikes creating an almost perfect configuration that resembled pointed flower petals. Neisae blinked a couple of times as she stared at it, her fingers slowly going up to touch her chin. He stood silently, hoping that her reaction was positive. "Ralthid... it's beautiful." Finally, she reached for it, holding it gingerly within her hands. Her thumbs gently brushed along the spikes as she examined the offering. "Thank you." She turned around a bit to better examine the shell in the sunlight, and he stood there silently. "I've never seen such a shell as this," she observed. "Yes. It is a unique shape and coloring for its type," Ralthid acknowledged. "Nonetheless, I am pleased that you seem to like it." She nodded before wrapping the shell up and gently placing it in one of her pockets. "Give me a moment." she said quickly. He nodded, staring after her inquisitively as she rushed off. He could feel the eyes of his team-mates on him. Neisae came back within a few minutes, holding a sealed clay jar, handing it to him. "This has spiced moon-peach preserves. As I recall, you particularly enjoy that treat, don't you?" "I do, but I did not expect something in return for the shell. It was freely given." "As is this." she smiled, holding out the jar. Ralthid paused for a moment before nodding, and taking her offering. He did have a fondness for spiced moon-peach preserves, and was loath to pass up the treat. "I thank you," Ralthid said, inclining his head in a slight bow. "You are more than welcome, and I hope you enjoy the peaches." "Rest assured, I will. The shell might not be edible, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless." She laughed, and it was music to his ears. "Have a wonderful day, and I hope to see you soon." She'd never given him that particular sentiment before, and it warmed his heart as he rejoined his brethren. They had obviously taken note of the gift, exchanging glances with one another before he returned to them. Formalities were again exchanged, and they did not speak again until they entered the cave that they used to get to and from Acua. It was Nyarlathothep who broke the silence. "Is it your desire to have Neisae as your mate?" he asked in a polite, yet straightforward manner. "I can not think of one more suited to be my mate than her," Ralthid said. "Your point is valid." Ralthid simply nodded. o0o The waxing quarter moon hung high in the sky, giving Neisae ample illumination for swimming. Generally, people preferred to swim during the day, for the sun gave as much visibility in the ocean as in the land to an Acuan, but the moon's light was bright enough to guide Neisae through the reefs once her eyes had adjusted to the darkness. It was peaceful, and Neisae allowed herself to float for several minutes along the current. It was quiet, almost eerily so, and she looked up at the stars in the sky, feeling the cool water of the sea lapping along the front side of her body. Fish swam around her, and as a child of the water, Neisae felt at peace. She cut through the water with the ease that came to her kind, clad in nothing but a loincloth. She had ventured well away from the Acuan isles, but due to her abilities, needed not fear drowning, or the larger animals that lived in the deeper reaches of the sea. The lights of the island twinkled just above the horizeon. When she was younger, she fenerally swam with her friends, but as she got older, she came to enjoy these night swims. Sometimes she would simply float around, whether on the surface of the water, or along the currents. After allowing herself to drift lazily along the waves, she flipped over and dove down, her gills opening as her lungs took in water. Eyes adjusted to the darkness below the water, the atmosphere had an almost eerie glow as the moonlight filtered through the water, casting most of it into a medley of greens, blues, and blacks. Fish darted in and out of formations of coral and rock, snd here and there she could see a creature along the bottom, crawling along or resting. She stilled as she saw a glow coming from the valley to her right, and carefully paddled over to it, wondering what it could be. Acuans could go under water, but they could only handle so much pressure, and though she'd heard of fish that glowed in the dark, she understood that they lived in depths beyond what an Acuan could reach. A couple of meters from the light, which revealed itself to be that of a glowing orb, its light muted so as to not cast everything else into complete darkness by contrast, a shadowy figure moved. At first, she took it to be another Acuan, and wondered where the orb had come from. It was not anything she'd ever seen before, and she was curious to examine it. The shadowy figure continued moving, somewhat hunched over as if it was searching the ocean floor. o0o Near the base of the reefs and the rocky cliffs, where the moon's light did not penetrate, Ralthid drifted through the water, his feet on occasion brushing against the sandy bottom. The creatures that lived in the safety of the trench regarded him as if he were a fixture in this environment, and his perusal of his surroundings was slow and languorous as he searched for shells and other interesting oddments. The orb offered no more light than the moon did near the surface of the water, and provided just enough illumination for him to discern objects with his excellent vision. Teuthids could manage in the darkness, but Ralthid enjoyed being able to see the color and subtler details of his surroundings. He was not particularly looking for anything, but he would go on these nightly excursions for his pleasure, to see what he could find, or to simply drift through the water. He paused as he sensed somebody approaching, and raised his head. He sensed no imminent threat, and was certain that whoever it was, might simply pass by and give him no notice. It was too large to be most of any of the creatures that made their home in this part of the ocean. His curiosity moved him forward, paddling slowly upward along the rock face, the glowing orb following him as he'd magically tethered it to his presence so that the currents would not be able to sweep it away, though it still remained a good distance from his form, keeping him in shadow. The other presence stilled. o0o The glow became stronger as she paused, feeling the rock under her hands as she perched on the edge of the cliff. The shadowed figure moved, and the light seemed to follow it, casting a silhouette from behind. Her eyes widened as she recognized the lanky form of a Teuthid, its tentacles trailing from its head and swaying in the current like seaweed. She wondered for a moment if she had intruded on a private activity. She raised an arm, her palm outward, in a sign of peace. To her surprise and relief, the Teuthid mirrored her movement.The figure approached her, closing the distance between them, and the orb slowly drifted above his head. Illuminating part of his face. Even in the semidarkness, Neisae recognized him, and it was clear that he had already recognized her. He was without his robe, and was clad in nothing but what looked to be material wrapped around his hips. The hand that had made the signal of peace reached out to touch her, his fingers lightly brushing against her arm. She grinned at him in a mixture of surprise and relief. She pointed to the surface, and he nodded before she started kicking upward. He followed her quickly, and she gave a small gasp as she broke the surface, taking in some air. He came up a second later, his head and shoulders becoming visible, gray-purple in the moonlight. "I didn't expect to see you here, Ralthid. What brings you out here on this lovely night?" "Peace and quiet. Though I certainly do not mind the presence of one such as you. I thought Acuans normally stayed closer to the island, or am I mistaken?" he inquired. "It is true, most of us don't venture this far or deep, but I've explored enough of the familiar places." "Ahh, that is completely understandable." "Do you usually come out here at night?" "Yes, many of us do, but this is a relatively new area for me, as we usually go to deeper places. However, I felt like... wandering." he shrugged slightly. "What were you looking for? And what is that... glowing thing you had with you?" Its light was visible beneath them. "Nothing in particular. Just... whatever caught my interest. There are times when you don't know what you might be searching for until you find it. As for the light, we use these orbs for illumination." He offered no further explanation. "Really? I do the same thing sometimes." She smiled at him. There was a tightening below his eyes and around his cheekbones that might have been interpreted as a smile, but she had no way of telling due to there being no visible mouth on the face of a Teuthian. However, he certainly seemed in a pleasant mood, given her previous dealings with the Teuthians, and he didn't seem at all put off by her presence. "Say, there's something I stumbled across several years ago that I never expected to find. Would you like to see it?" "What is it?' "It's a grotto that can only be accessed through an underwater passage. As far as I know, no one else has discovered it." "And you would share with me? I am honored." Ralthid responded gravely. "I wouldn't invite you if I didn't want to share it with you." She smiled at him. "Come, follow me." With that, she ducked under the surface, diving downward. o0o She moved through the water like one born to it, and Ralthid could not help but admire the curves and planes of her body. He'd never seen her like this, with nothing covering her top, and he rather enjoyed the sight, though he knew better than to express that with the usual bluntness of a Teuthid. As he followed her, he was able to admire the shape of her behind, and unbidden thoughts of feeling that part of her anatomy under his hands stirred within his mind. It wasn't the first time he had had such thoughts of her, but she'd always been dressed modestly before, and the sight that was now before his eyes would only add to his imagination. There were several islets and crags that dotted the ocean miles away from Acua, most of them too small or rocky to habituate on. Some were no more than stony fingers jutting out of the sea atop underwater peaks. Ralthid noted that she was leading him towards one of these mountains, its sides liberally coated with coral reefs. Ralthid saw no discernible opening, and was surprised when Neisae ducked behind a particularly tall growth of coral and seaweed. The passageway was relatively short, but it did angle downward before turning back towards the surface. When he surfaced, he saw that they were in a cave illuminated by moonlight through a large crack in the ceiling. There was a shore at the opposite side of the passageway that also curved to the right, offering a surface to rest upon. This surface had a slight slope upwards before terminating several meters at the back of the cave. "This place is stunning during the day when the sunlight comes in through that crack," Neisae explained. "And the water reflects the light onto the walls and you see so many rainbows. Of course, moonlight looks good here, too." The water reflected silver and pearl onto the walls of the cavern. Home from the Sea Ch. 02 Ralthid did not miss the bundle in a woven basket that was set up on one of the large rocks near the wall, and surmised that this must be the rest of his companion's clothing. She slid over to the sandy part of the shore and got onto her feet in the shallows, offering him a much better view of her body. "It is quite lovely," he nodded. "I think even if I saw it in the day, I'd prefer it under moonlight. You found quite the hideaway here." He allowed his gaze to move over her as he maintained some distance, keeping his admiration less than obvious. "Would that be your clothing?" he asked, gesturing to the basket as he too moved to the shallows and standing up, the water coming to his knees. She nodded as she stepped out of the water, leaving footprints in the sand. "Usually. I find this a better place to leave my things than on the shore of the island. One thing that Acuan children find amusing is to steal someone's things when they go swimming. The things are returned... eventually, but still, the joke is not appreciated. I learned at a very early age to hide my things when I go swimming, even when there's not likely to be children around, as some don't quite outgrow that notion." she quipped. "Why would such a thing be amusing? What purpose does that serve?" he asked. Though he had a better grasp on the subtleties of Acuan humor and social norms than many Teuthians, he found no humor in such a prank. "... It serves no purpose, really, other than to amuse the people who commit such a prank. Children will sometimes take pleasure in annoying or frustrating their elders, simply to see them get angry and flustered. I suppose it has to do with feeling in control, since elders are generally the ones in charge, not the little ones." This explanation was logical to Ralthid in a sense, but he still did not find it amusing. "Elders are in charge for a reason. They teach and guide us, there is no wisdom in aggravating them, especially in such a... puerile way." "So you never got up to mischief when you were younger?" Neisae asked as she looked over her shoulder. "No," Ralthid replied in all seriousness. Neisae raised her eyebrow. "I find that hard to believe," she said, her voice showing clear skepticism. "It is the truth." "I didn't say you were lying, it's just..." She paused. "Children are playful and mischievous. Some more than others, of course. There is not one child I know who never committed even just a bit of mischief." She turned towards him, her arms loosely crossed over her breasts, causing him to feel a twinge of disappointment. "Didn't you ever feel the temptation?" Ralthid paused, stroking a tentacle thoughtfully. "There have been times where I or other young might not feel inclined to do our studies, but we were raised to obey our elders, because they know what is best for us, and it is their duty to guide our development and ensure that we are functioning members of society." Neisae smiled a little. "I don't doubt that some of the children on the island would benefit from a Teuthid schoolmaster." "From what you have just told me, it certainly sounds like it," he replied dryly. He tried to keep his eyes on her face, but found himself compelled to study her form, wondering what it would feel like to slide his palms along her hips, or let his tentacles explore the valley between her breasts. Seeing her like this was almost too much for him. o0o Neisae hadn't felt shy at first, when she and Ralthid had come across one another earlier that evening. Many Acuans swam in nothing but loincloths or wraps, and some simply went naked. Nudity wasn't seen as embarrassing especially swimming, and she didn't think that being unclad would make any difference to a Teuthian. However, as she stood talking to him, she was aware of his scrutiny. Teuthian eyes were different than Acuans, being orbs of deep black with little color visible around the edges, so it was not always clear what they were looking at. However, she could not shake off the feeling that she held his undivided attention, in more ways than one. Did he like what he saw? Did he appreciate her in the same way that an Acuan male did? She briefly wondered about Teuthian females, and if they were as ugly as some Acuans believed. She decided to take a lesson from her dealings with the Teuthians, and approached the subject in a direct manner. "Be honest with me, do you like what you see? Do you find the form of female Acuans to be attractive?" He stared at her for a moment. Of course, it wasn't as if his own body was displeasing to her. Once one got past the tentacles, it wasn't hard to notice that he had a lean and well-formed body, with the sinewy muscles of a swimmer. "Not all of them. But when they are fit and smooth-skinned, certainly." She almost snorted at that. So he wasn't that different from a male Acuan! "Are you the only one who feels that way? The Teuthians are so private about themselves, I often wonder what they think of us when they meet with us for trading, or observing us." "I am not, though it can be difficult to tell. We're generally a rather secretive people. We have our reasons. But like any other race, we know beauty when we see it." She felt warmth seep into her cheeks at these words."But... what about your women?" He took a deep breath, staring at her intently. "That is not something we often discuss. It is..." he searched for the words, "...information that can be dangerous to share. If you wish to know, I would need your word that you will keep that to yourself. I count you as a friend, and it is my sincerest hope that you would not betray that trust." He spoke in a tone that was all seriousness, and she let his words sink in for several moments. She could let the subject drop, and turn to more casual subjects, but her curiosity was rearing its head, demanding that she take this opportunity to learn the truth about something that many an Acuan wondered about. It became clear to her just how much in regard Ralthid held her, and she could not help but feel flattered. "It is my turn to be honored here, Ralthid." She slowly nodded, eager to know the answer to a question the Acuans had been wondering for so long, even if she couldn't share it. "You have my word that I will not utter a word of it to anyone else." He stepped out of the water, approaching her. Her gaze flickered downwards, moving past his stomach -- he has no navel, she mused -- to the wet material that clung to his hips and upper thighs. The material also clung to another part of his anatomy, the wet drape across his groin displaying more than a hint of ample endowment. "My species has no females of its own. We seek mates from amongst the other races, who then return with us to our home. Much of their time is spent there if only because there are things about our home and our people that we would not see widely known. Though we are powerful, if our enemies knew of the difficulties this imposes on population growth, the outcome could be... less than ideal." Out of all the possibilities she and other Acuans considered as to why Teuthian females were never seen, she'd never considered that there were none to begin with. The very idea baffled her, and she was silent for several moments as she considered this. "So, you mean to tell me that you have no women of your own? So when you bring in women from other races, do their traits get mixed in?" She thought about all the Teuthids she'd ever seen. They would vary in color and other minor descriptions such as height, and their bodies certainly were human-shaped, if taller and lankier. "Beneath the surface, yes. Personality traits, skills, and the like. But not physical ones. Our essence is quite strong. When we conceive a son, no matter the race of the mother, it is born one of us. We are unable to produce female offspring, otherwise we would not be faced with tbis dilemma. It is only through this that enough of our kind are produced to sustain a society." "Huh." Neisae processed this for several moments before she spoke again. "Well, I can't blame you for keeping this a secret. I would likely do the same thing if I were you." She thought of the argument she had with Nikos earlier about keeping secrets. How could she judge Ralthid? "How does your race feel about us? You know many Acuans fear you, but how do you feel about them?" She moved to the right, and sat on a rocky outcrop, her lower legs dangling in the water. "We hold no ill feelings toward your race. We recognize your intelligence and abilities, and respect you as such. We hold no personal distaste for you." Neisae could not help but wonder if there were any Teuthians who felt the way Nikos did about those not like them, but she felt it wise to not bring this up. "We do know that some of your people are unnerved by us. Our appearance can be very... alien and confusing to some," Ralthid said, as if he had read her mind. "However, it pleases me immensely that you are able to see beyond our differences." He took a step closer to her, seeing that she had now lowered her arms, her palms resting on her knees. She smiled a little. "I will admit I was a bit unnerved the first time I saw your kind. You can be rather intimidating since most of you are taller than us and the first time one stared at me, I thought I had done something wrong," she admitted with a small chuckle. it'd taken her time to get used to their method of speaking, and their mannerisms, finding that she enjoyed learning as much as she could from her interactions. He nodded. "This is not the first time we've encountered this. People are often intimidated by us. At times, this can be advantageous. In others, it can be inconvenient. In your case, it is good to know that you've moved past it. I've grown to enjoy our dealings with you and I am proud to call you 'friend'." She felt a surge of pride and joy at this, especially as she'd been trusted with one of their biggest secrets. "I will say that you've been a better friend than some Acuans I've known in the past," she admitted. "We value our friendships." He took a step closer, his feet now submerged in the shallows. "Particularly those outside our own. Such things are rare and well-respected. Of course, my appreciation for our friendship is not just about a societal norm. I do sincerely enjoy your company. It has even managed to make this lovely night better." He ventured deeper into the water, approaching the abutment she was sitting on, stopping as the water came to his waist. The moonlight played across his form, highlighting the planes and ridges of muscle, emphasizing a form that would be appealing to many women if Ralthid had been an Acuan. "And I have enjoyed yours as well, very much. It means a lot to me that you were able to trust me with one of your race's most closely-guarded secrets. Never doubt that I understand how much it meant for you to tell me that." She lifted her hands above her head, stretching them casually, allowing Ralthid a better view of her breasts as she wiggled a bit to and fro to aid in her stretching. Her movement seemed casual, but it was deliberate, wanting to see his reaction. o0o Watching as she moved, Ralthid could feel himself growing hard beneath the water. His gaze lingered, taking in the sight of her body, the arch of her back, and the way it highlighted her breasts, the moonlight giving the flesh a creaminess that her bronze skin lacked in the sunlight. Lowering himself a bit deeper into the water, the Teuthid hoped to obscure the growing bulge beneath the thin shield of his undergarments. "So, since we're having a friendly chat, what is it you like to do in your free time besides swim? I think studying language is one of these hobbies since unlike most of your kind, you seem to actually understand our jokes and sarcasm -- at least much of it," she quipped. "It is. I enjoy all forms of study, really. And exploring. I seem to like conversation more than many of our kind. Seeking new experiences is certainly enjoyable. And you? How do you like to spend your time when you're not trading with us, or out here putting the beauty of this grotto to shame?" He offered the compliment rather casually, a bit of that odd directness his race merged with the flair for poetry that he'd seen in humans. "I enjoy sewing and weaving. I make most of my clothes, and I also do some dyeing. One of the seaweeds that you trade with us, the black seaweed, creates a quite brilliant blue-purple dye, though Acuans would rather eat the seaweed than use it for clothing," she said with a smile. Since the seaweed was something only Teuthians could get, it was a premium item, and also so delicious that it was considered a high culinary ingredient. "You make most of your clothes? My, you have more talents than I thought." His cheeks tightened, and the ends of his shorter tentacles curled upward in the Teuthian version of a smile. "Oh, you flatter me." She smiled. "My race isn't one for flattery," he responded calmly. "I merely speak truth." "Believe me, I know that very well in the two decades I've had in trading with the Teuthians. Life must be dull in R'lyeh if there are no jokes." "There is humor amongst our people. Just... not as much as your race seems to have." He moved closer, his stomach now less than a foot from her knees. "However, we aren't lacking in other areas..." He let this hint hang in the air as his gaze moved from her face to her breasts, and back up again. The Teuthians had an immense repository of knowledge, and that was not limited to more dry subjects. After all, they needed a way to keep their mates happy, and lure in new ones. "Is that so?" She tilted her chin upward, studying him beneath thick eyelashes. "Teuthians are scholars by nature. We study.... many things, and share that knowledge in our library." She raised an eyebrow. "However, I have the feeling that hands-on experience would be more educational in this case than reading about it in a tome," Ralthid added. If she wanted to reject him, he would not press the matter. He could only hope that he had not misread her signals and body language. Slowly, he lifted his hands, giving her ample time to swat them away if she so desired. His palms came to rest atop her own hands as he stared into her eyes. "You would be correct. Experience is much more satisfying than hearing about it." Her eyes stared into his own, and he felt a shiver pass through his spine, seeming to pool within his loins. "Neisae..." Her name emerged from his throat in a low, deep rumble. One of his hands slid along her arm, feeling the silken soft flesh as he made his way up her shoulder, and to the side of her neck, feeling her damp curls against the back of his fingers. Her hair had been pulled back on a loose ponytail, a riot of curls barely managed by the thong she'd used to bind her hair. His tentacles picked themselves up, a couple sliding along her stomach, tentatively at first, as he gauged her reaction. Rarely did his tentacles get to touch something so pleasant... o0o This chapter ended up getting too long, so I needed to split it up. I sincerely hope that you have been enjoying the chapter thus far, because I promise the next one will be quite the doozy. As always, I crave and welcome feedback/reviews. Home from the Sea Ch. 03 As Neisae felt the tentacles slither along her stomach, she noted that she didn't feel any revulsion or hesitation. She wondered if any other Acuan woman had ever felt attraction towards a Teuthid, especially given the revelation that there were no Teuthid females. A soft shiver passed through her as the tentacles sliding along her stomach circled around to loosely embrace her, hooking around her middle as another pair joined the first, and then a third. This last pair slowly slid along the sides of her breasts as she felt Ralthid's fingers massage the back of her neck. Her eyes met his as she arched into his embrace. His eyes were half-lidded, and though he had no lips, or even a visible nose, he seemed to be showing enjoyment in the set of his brow and cheekbones, the former showing concentration yet eagerness in the delicate way he furrowed them. She picked up her hands, taking a moment to decide what to do with them. Finally, she reached through the tentacles that remained dangling to rest her palm on his stomach. He did not move back, not that she thought he would. Her other hand came to rest against his upper arm, feeling the flex of muscles under the skin. As the hand she had on his stomach moved upward, one of his free tentacles snaked around it loosely, the tip of the tentacle lightly caressing the inside of her elbow. A short hum of pleasure thrummed from her throat, and her hand continued its exploration to discover that he had no nipples. Her fingers slid across his chest, following the ridge of muscle to his side, then back to the solar plexus, finding no nub of flesh with which she might tease and play. The Teuthians were different from Acuans and humans in some very obvious ways, but Neisae found herself not disturbed, but slightly surprised and perplexed that such a basic feature of anatomy she'd taken for granted simply didn't exist. Regardless, she didn't halt her explorations, for Ralthid was obviously enjoying it, and why should she deny him over something that was an oddity only to an Acuan? Her other hand slid up to his shoulder before resting in the crook that divided neck from shoulder. She felt gentle pressure from the tentacles around her middle and back, pulling her several inches closer to him. Her hand slid around to the back of her neck as her other slid down his stomach, stopping around where his navel would be, before going back up, delicately gliding along the depression where his collarbones met. She rested the palm against this area as her fingers slid upward, feeling his pulse before coming to his jawline, which extended several inches before she felt the base of a tentacle. His other tentacles continued their ministration, her nipples hard under the gentle assault of two tentacles, their lengths massaging and squeezing her breasts as they did so. "Ralthid..." she arched, the hand on his shoulder giving a squeeze. She wiggled even closer, straddling him now, her knees against either side of him, at the bottom of his ribcage. A tentacle slid past her navel, trailing along the band of cloth around her hips. "Do you wish for me to further our intimacy?" he asked gently, the tentacle sliding against her in a slightly firmer manner. "... Yes. Please," she replied without thinking. "As you wish," he purred, the tentacle pausing at the area above her pubis before slipping under the cloth, making its way along her thatch before finding the tip of the cleft that led to her most intimate areas. "Let me get that out of the way," she whispered. "Hmm?" he asked, his tentacles pausing for a moment. Undoing the band, she slipped out of the last vestiges of her modesty, and he did not hesitate to look downwards, his tentacles moving aside along the middle so he could see her. She wiggled herself at him, and his grip tightened. The tentacle slid along her outer lips, making a languid exploration, circling back at her perineum before starting to delve within her. A soft moan met their ears as her hips shifted, the tentacle giving her inner lips several increasingly firm strokes. It slid further inside, wiggling against her walls as she whimpered softly, her grip on him tightening as she pushed her hips forward a couple of inches. The other tentacles along her body continued to caress her, their grip tightening gently as their strokes became firmer. Her head lolled back as about of tentacle made its way into her, curling back down at the end of her warm tightness. "Ralthid..." she breathed, having never been so aroused in any of her previous sexual encounters. "In intimacy, a Teuthid values the pleasure of his partner." He lowered his head, the tentacles continuing to caress and fondle her as they gently eased her back to bring her womanhood to an angle that benefited him. Her arm, the one that had a tentacle wrapped around it, reached up to rest her palm against the back of his head as he positioned himself between her thighs, the lower half of his face level with her aching womanhood. "What do you feel with your tentacles? Is it like touching something with your fingers?" Neisae asked, the thoughts tumbling into her voice. "They're a bit more sensitive than fingers," Ralthid easily replied. "And as you doubtless are feeling, more... tactility than fingers, hmm?" To punctuate his statement, the tentacles wiggled along her skin. His hands now rested on her hips, his thumbs near the vee where her pelvis and legs met. Lightly, she brushed her thumb against the top of his head. His skin was quite nearly like an Acuan's. His skin seemed to be made of miniscule scales, though he was not the least bit slimy or sticky, and the scales were small enough to offer his skin great flexibility and softness. The tentacles that had been caressing and massaging her breasts trailed downward, joining the one at her womanhood, and she gave out a shuddering gasp as they stroked along her inner lips, wiggling them open as the one within her slid in and out, wiggling as it did so. His hands slid down to her knees to spread them further, and there was not the least bit of resistance on her part as she was opened to him, every intimate part in full view and wet or swollen, or both. Ralthid closed the distance between his mouth and her womanhood, the tentacles teasing her womanhood being the ones at the top of his mouth. The tentacle that had been in her withdrew, now working her clitoris, wrapping around it and rubbing the sensitive nub. She arched, her hand pressing at his head as she felt a tentacle slide within... no, it was his tongue, she was sure of it. "Yes, Ralthid... oh gods yes..." she gasped, propping herself up on her free elbow as she stared down at him with half-lidded eyes. His arms were now hooked around her thighs, her rear end just barely hanging off the rocky outcrop. He nodded, as if indicating that he was answering her unspoken question. A tentacle was teasing her clit, two were keeping her open for him while caressing her, and his tongue was working its way against her inner walls, pressing upward. After several thrusts, the tongue withdrew, replacing the tentacle on her clit before she felt a finger and then another slide within, rubbing at that inner spot within her that under his ministrations, sent delicious shudders of pleasure through her loins. She vocalized her pleasure quite a few times, though her body language spoke volumes on its own. Finally arching her hips and curling her toes, she reached the apex of her pleasure, feeling the delicious shuddering within her nerves as Ralthid continued his ministrations, his tongue laving at the result of his attentions. "That... was amazing," Neisae managed to whisper. He nuzzled her groin affectionately as he looked up at her. "For all our dourness outside intimacy, we can be quite open and energetic when it comes to within. And mating,..." he emphasized the word, skimming the tip of a tentacle along the sensitive skin of her neck and down the valley between her breasts, "can last a long, long time." "O... ohh... really?" Neisae's tits, already hard, seemed to harden even more at the his words,. "Mmm... perhaps you could teach Acuan men a few things..." she half'-joked. "And give our secrets away?" he scoffed as he licked up the last of his reward before raising his head, "doubtful. If a woman ever wants to learn what that's like, the only way to do so is to bed one of my people." As he finished the statement he slid his fingers slowly out, then back in, thrusting them to the knuckle. Carefully, he poked her g-spot, drawing out her orgasm in several pleasant shivers. "Feel good?" he questioned, sounding as if he already knew the answer. "Oh... oh..." Her head lolled back, exposing her tanned, creamy neck as she took a deep breath, her breasts seeming to get bigger as her chest lifted, and she nodded slowly. "You have longer fingers than an Acuan. Better reach," she said as she lifted her head back, giving him a lopsided grin as she clenched around him. He pulled her to himself, hugging her so that their chests were flush against one another. She was lowered in the sandy shallows, and he deposited her onto the more forgiving surface. "There is something I wish to do," Ralthid said as he looked down at her. He gently pressed against her thigh, giving a not-so-subtle reminder of his own arousal. "I would like to place myself between your breasts. I find their softness and warmth extremely pleasing." o0o Neisae nodded and arched towards him, cupping a breast. Under the ambient moonlight of the grotto, she was a siren wrapped in shadows, her eyes seeming to glow in the semidarkness. She was stunning, and his loins ached to further partake of her. The material in the library had ample material on how to please, and share pleasure with a partner. Intimacy without intercourse was a well-regarded method of courting, and even after mating, remained an enjoyable supplement to the act itself. His hands slid down his sides to hook into the material wrapped around his hips. He shimmied out of it and knelt before her, letting her get a good view of his arousal. Her eyes widened as he gave it several strokes, basking in her awe. "It's so big..." she breathed. He paused. "Is it too much for you?" he asked with concern. "Goodness, no! Well, almost." Neisae commented, batting her eyes at him. "I assure you, I've enjoyed every bit of you I've seen... or felt so far. Come here," she beckoned, curling her finger at him. He needed no further prompt, and straddled her middle, the tip of his aching manhood mere inches from her mouth. She looked down and reached out with one hand, giving it firm strokes. His hands slid to her shoulders as he leaned down, watching her as she massaged it with both hands now, sending searing yet pleasant throbs through him. Her hands slid down to cup her breasts, squeezing them around his cock, and he breathed out slowly, one of his tentacles reaching between their bodies to her womanhood. He pulled back, then forward, taking another breath as he gave several slow thrusts. He jerked a bit when he felt her lips at the tip of his manhood, before he relaxed, surrendering to her attention. Deliberately, he slowed his thrusts to give her time to explore him with her lips and tongue/ "Yes... Neisae..." he hummed as she sucked at him, her tongue wiggling against the small slit. At times, he would simply still for several seconds, basking in the pleasure from her eagerness. Eventually, he started to thrust more firmly, fulfilling a more basic need. His hips gyrated as he used one tentacle to pleasure her, feeling her wiggle against him, squeezing her breasts around him firmly. Her quick breathing accompanied his own. He heard his name whispered amidst the splashing, her body arching against him, her warmth around him. "Yes, Neisae... come with me," he whispered, the tentacle intensifying its manipulation of her clit, and their eyes met, green and blue flashing with her desire for him. She gave out a sharp cry as he pushed her to her second orgasm. Her fingers dug into her breasts, and she arched against him again. He thrust forward, his seed splattering into her mouth and against her chin and breasts. He maintained his grip on her shoulders, slowing his breath as he felt her withdraw her hands away from her breasts. Sliding to her side, the tentacle within her gently thrusting several more times before withdrawing. Propping himself on one elbow, he looked down at her. His essence glistened against her skin, and he felt a fresh ache in his groin at this sight. "This can not be the last time we do this," Ralthid commented half-playfully. "I am happy to see that we share that sentiment," Neisae commented as she dragged a couple of fingertips along the mess on her face. Her tongue darted out to lick them clean, and she looked up at him with a knowing glance. "If I knew how much fun being with a Teuthian was, I would have given you welcome signals a long time ago." "It would seem so." A tentacle reached out to caress her cheek. "Nonetheless, the important thing is that we have acknowledged, and accepted our desire for one another. Nothing remains for us but to explore these desires.. together." "Mmm." He felt her hand slide along his chest, and one of his tentacles gently hooked around her elbow. He knew that he would never forget the smell, taste, feel, or sight of her. His penis stirred as he thought of having her as his mate, to take her fully and hold her against himself any time he wished. In due time, he promised himself. For the time being, he was content to bask in the afterglow of what they'd already shared, and enjoy her company.