just one night couldn't be so wrong

He lay on the thin bedding, holding tightly to the woman beside him. Her own grip on him could not be ignored, and no matter the temperature outside, no cold seemed able to find them here. The warmth of their exercise and bodies kept them comfortable. The athletic warrior had, however, neglected much of his other type of exercise in favour of pleasing the Empress.

Her words surprised him, the type of love he gave freely was open, inviting, and for any he wished to share it with. He had no doubt that the love she spoke of was more restricting, but perhaps also stronger, more intense. He ran a paw down her lip, considering her for a moment. “Do you know aught of the Ademre?” he asked her. In his mind's eye, he saw the sword tree, dancing in the wind. He couldn’t not remember exactly where home was, or who he had shared it with, but somehow the cultures of his people had stayed with him,