“What is my love for thee?
If it were to bleed from the depths of my soul
What would it feel like?
If it were a statue carved in stone
What would it look like?
If it were a symphony of flowing music
What would it sound like?
Is it like the ocean that beats upon the shore?
Is it like the stone of the mountain that shall never be thrown down?
Is it like the tree which reaches for the life of Eos?
Is it like the flowers of the field that blossom in their season?
Is it like the fertile plains that long to birth new life?
Ah yes, it is all these things and more
Yet I, simplest of the simple
A plain Penticorian indeed
Cannot grasp the beauty that is concealed
Behind the veil of your hooded golden eyes
And the gentle warmth of your embrace
As I seek to partake in the banquet
That is your love and affection
I am but a pauper, a fadosh without a home
And how much is it that these words
Shall flee from me, stole away to a secret place
In the depths of my beloved’s heart…”
Thalia hugged him once more. She leaned into him, and Candor wished that this night would never end. It was the perfect snapshot in time, a night that he would lock away in the vault of his memories forever. He longed to kiss her. Her pouting lips quivering, so close to his neck that he was nearly mad for her to touch him.
“You said that it was easy for you to tell me everything. But you, my dear, you make it so difficult.”
Her voice was like silk, and Candor could feel shivers of delight warm his chest and neck. He asked her. “So difficult to do what, my love?”
“So difficult not to adore you,” replied Thalia. She kissed him then, a small chaste kiss upon his neck. Candor felt the immediate rush of electricity that passed between them. This love he felt for Thalia was undeniable. In that moment, the rest of the crowd disappeared, and there was only the two of them.
“Well,” said Candor, trying his best to sound amiable. “I am adorable, you know. I’m not sure that I could be classified as handsome, but I am most definitely adorable.”
“Oh, and you are modest as well, my dear.” Thalia laughed, and Candor followed.
They danced in silence through another song as they held each other. And it was both odd and charming that at random intervals they would laugh together. Candor wondered if she were thinking the same things that he was. Or if their proximity to one another allowed their telepathic abilities to engage in ways he didn’t fully understand.
“My love?” he asked her.
“Yes, my dear?”
“The memory of your kiss haunts me. I beg you not to let it be the only one, and not to hold my longing for another against me.”
Candor could sense Thalia’s smile as she moved closer to his neck. This time it was a much slower gesture, drawing out his anticipation as she brushed her cheek against him. The silky texture of her skin sent shivers down his spine, before her lips found their target. She kissed him in a long slow movement. A passionate kiss that was punctuated by a slight nip as she gently bit his neck, her luscious lips hiding the faint lap of her tongue against his bare flesh. He moaned softly, unable to stop himself as his member grew hard against the pressure of her insistent thigh. Candor thought he would faint right then and there, and as Thalia felt him stiffen, she responded by pressing herself into him, deepening the dizzying sensations that swirled around him.
Slowly her lips parted from his neck, and Candor struggled to chain his desire for her. He was certain that he never felt anything like it before. His passion was an animal, his longing coupled to an overwhelming desire to make love to her. Candor was both exhilarated and terrified, because these sensations were new to him. Thalia appeared to understand the emotions thundering in his chest, and she moved away from him, just enough to release the pressure.
“I’m sorry, my love,” Candor said. Meanwhile, the fog of his emotions dissipated enough to allow the shame of poking her in the thigh to take over.
Thalia gazed into his eyes, and she smiled so brightly that Candor knew that he hadn’t offended her in the slightest.
“I did it to you, my dear, you have no cause to apologize for my actions.”
“Still,” replied Candor. “I’m trying to be proper here, and you…well…it’s a little hard under the circumstances. No pun intended.”
Thalia laughed as she raised a hand to cover her mouth. She looked so happy, and it melted Candor’s heart to see it. Once she regained her composer she patted Candor gently on his chest and said. “My dear, I would like to make you a proposal. Would you like to hear it?”
“Of course, my love, what is it?”
Thalia bit softly on her lower lip, and Candor found the act so enthralling that he began to grow stiff again.
“I make you this agreement.” She began, ignoring how aroused Candor truly was. “You say that you love me. And although I remain skeptical, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. You are my dear one, Candor, I have spoken it. I give you that place in my heart, for it is the measure of my mind. So, I tell you this.
“I will agree to take you as my suitor, so long as my parents agree. If I am to be yours, tale-smith,” she said with a smile that was absolutely mischievous. “Then you will be mine. Love me and keep me, and court me in the traditional manner of our ancestors. If you do…”
Candor was riveted to her every word. He didn’t have the foggiest idea what she meant, but he was going to agree to whatever she wanted, and then figure out the rest later. For Candor, the point was that she liked him, maybe even loved him. And more importantly she was giving him a chance!
“Yes, my love?” He said as he urged her to continue.
Thalia watched his expectant expression, and the hope and happiness that lie bare on his face. She thought that he vastly understated his appeal, because she found him both adorable, and dashingly handsome. Lifting her hand to his face she caressed his cheek, and whispered. “If you do, then I will kiss you more often.”
Candor was in a state of bliss. Between her kiss, and her acceptance of him as a suitor, everything around him felt surreal. He was drifting, as if he were in the middle of the most wonderful dream he could ever imagine. If this is a dream, he thought, then I hope that I never wake up.
“Are you well, my dear?”
Candor snapped back to reality as he beamed. “I am, my love. I most humbly accept your proposal, Lady Thalia.”
Satisfied that all of him was under control, he stepped back and bowed to her. Thalia laughed, and then took him by the hand. “I think I am finished dancing, my dear. Would you take me for some refreshments?”
“Certainly,” he replied.
As they left the dance floor, Jinx was standing at the ready with a tray of drinks. “Lady Thalia,” he said. “My name is Jinx. I serve both Candor, and the noble house of Shuveen. It is my humble honor to meet you in person. Candor speaks of you incessantly, and he was not overstating the matter regarding your beauty.”
Thalia blushed at the compliment. “Thank you, Jinx. The pleasure is mine. Candor informs me that you have been invaluable to him since his rejuvenation. And for that, you have my humble thanks.”
Jinx bowed, and then offered them the glasses. “That is most kind of you, Lady Thalia.”
“My dear,” she said to Candor.
“Yes, my love?”
Thalia pointed to a table. “We should go and sit with my mother and father. After all, don’t you have something to ask them?”
Indeed, he did. Yet he was hesitant, because he still didn’t know what was expected of him. He never studied ancient courting rituals, even though he’d been eager to accept her proposal.
“Greetings, Candor,” said Zyphon as he clapped him on the back. “Lady
Thalia, a pleasure as always. I’m pleased that your mother and father are here tonight, and doing well.”
Thalia bowed. “Oh yes, Sir Zyphon. And in no small measure it is because of your intervention. You have my humble thanks, and eternal gratitude.”
Even though the thought of being parted from her was painful to bear, Candor saw his opportunity. “Zyphon, would you be kind enough to accompany Lady Thalia to her table?”
Zyphon looked surprised as he answered. “Of course, I would be honored, old friend.”
“My love,” Candor continued as he explained his reasons. “Please forgive me, but I need a moment with Jinx. I must check on the state of my guests, and those viewing the movie. You have my word that I shall only be a moment.”
“Of course, my dear,” Thalia replied. “It’s thoughtful of you to attend to your obligations.”
With that, Thalia placed her hand in the crook of Zyphon’s arm, and they left.
“I must admit that I am confused.” said Jinx. “It is not my place to interrupt, or Eos forbid, correct you. But I thought that you established my orders for tonight very clearly. I can assure you that everything is proceeding as planned, and there has been no deviation.”
“I know, Jinx, and that’s not entirely what this is about. Is everyone happy, and the theater full?”
“Yes, on both counts.”
“Good, and what about those being turned away, how is that being handled?”
“Those individuals were given assigned seating for tomorrow. And you have agreed to personally autograph a photonic imprint for each of them.”
“I did?”
“Yes, you did,” replied Jinx. “Your instructions were not to turn anyone away without giving them a special invitation to a viewing, or something along those lines. Did I misinterpret your intentions?”
Candor shrugged. “No, you didn’t misunderstand me. It looks like my writing hand will be getting a workout.”
“Indeed,” Jinx replied with a smile.
Now that Candor had adequately discharged his responsibilities, he got down to business. “I have a question.”
“Ah, and now the real reason for your departure from Lady Thalia is revealed.”
Candor frowned, although his heart wasn’t entirely in the gesture. “You know there’s a human saying about a boy and his dog, but I don’t ever recall Lassie being a smartass.”
Jinx gave him a curious look. Candor knew that he was trying to process the reference, which was impossible, and Candor knew it. “A dog is a pet. A four-legged mammal covered with fur, and known for their loyalty to their human caretakers.”
Candor could tell when the light went on in Jinx’s mind from the way he tilted his head. “So, am I to infer that I am a…pet?”
Candor felt a cringe coming on as he laughed nervously. “No, Jinx, you’re a dear friend and my only confidant. I was the one being the smartass. I’m sorry, no offense was intended.”
“And none taken, I thought it was an intriguing reference. May I ask? Were the humans as loyal to these dogs, as the dogs were to the humans?”
“Yes, and in some cases, they would lay down their lives for one another.”
“Interesting,” observed Jinx. “I assume that being a four-footed animal they were of limited intelligence? Or at the very least restricted in their ability to communicate and express emotions?”
Candor nodded.
“Then I would submit to you that although we may share a similar symbiotic and social relationship, I am vastly superior. Of course, I say this with all due respect.”
He laughed, clapping Jinx on the back. The simulacrum didn’t get the humor of it, but that was fine with him. “You are superior, Jinx, no doubt about it. We are getting a little off topic though.”
“Oh, I apologize. What was your question?”
“I suppose it’s not really a question, more like advice. Thalia agreed to take me as her suitor.”
“That is wonderful news, congratulations! You should inform your parents immediately.”
“Hold your horses,” said Candor. “She agreed on the condition that I court her in the traditional manner of our ancestors.”
“What an honor, and proof of her affection for you. You have certainly made a fine choice for a potential mate.”
“Ah, yea,” replied Candor, unsure what to make of the simulacrum’s statement. “The problem is that I don’t know what that means, or how I’m supposed to act.”
Now Jinx understood, and he smiled at his friend as he once again assumed the role of teacher. “You have no need to be concerned. The manner she speaks of has its share of formal rituals. Those are performed in the presence of the families involved, and none will apply in your current setting. However, Lady Thalia’s reference was directed more at what you will refrain from, than what you will indulge in.”
“I don’t get it,” said Candor, and it was true. He simply had no frame of reference for Penticorian bonding, human marriage, or even sex for that matter.
“For Lady Thalia to invoke that precept, means that she meets certain specific criteria.”
“Like what?” asked Candor.
“Her age, for one, as Thalia claims the right to be bonded with another. She also declares that her family is of honorable standing, and that you must make yourself available to both her, and them. The rituals will also become a matter of public record, so that all will know of your courtship. Yet what Penticorians throughout the centuries have valued most, is that it is a declaration that she is chaste.”
It was a lot to take in, and Candor understood most of what Jinx said. He loved her, of that there was no doubt in his mind whatsoever. So, he was more than willing to be available to her and her family, and to learn the rituals, and declare publicly that he was her suitor. Yet the last item didn’t quite register at first, until…
“Are you saying that Thalia is declaring that she’s a virgin?”
Jinx was confused. “I do not understand that word, Sir Candor.”
“Pure, uncorrupted, never had intercourse with another, a virgin.”
“Ah yes, I understand now. Yes, that is her claim.”
“I have to go now, Jinx. I promised Thalia that I would ask for her parent’s approval. You’re implying some things that will take a mental adjustment on my part, at least as much as a modern human is concerned. We’ll talk more about this later, and in greater detail.”
“As you wish, Sir Candor,” Jinx replied.
“Oh, and by the way my friend,” Candor said as he patted the simulacrum on the back. “You have my thanks. Your work tonight has been impeccable, I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Jinx smiled, trying his hand at sarcasm as he told him. “I know.”
Candor laughed, then he asked him. “Could you please ask my parents to join us?”
Jinx nodded, and Candor made his way to rejoin Thalia. At the table sat Seiss Theniass, and Shajin Kythonia. While next to Thalia’s father sat Ghedron. To Shajin Kythonia’s right were Thalia, and Zyphon. As he approached, Zyphon excused himself and shifted chairs, allowing Candor to sit next to Thalia. Once again, her eyes, and the smell of her perfume, captivated him. He was mesmerized by the delicate lines of her smile, and the exquisite form of her body. All of which made his heart beat faster. Candor greeted each of them in turn, bowing to both her father and mother.
“How delighted we are to see you again, Sir Candor.” Kythonia said while rising to give him a kiss on his cheek.
It took Candor by surprise when she embraced him. He shot Zyphon a questioning glance as if to ask. Do they know about Thalia and me?
Surprisingly, his friend seemed to know what he was asking. Zyphon shook his head no, and Candor relaxed. “It is an honor as always, Shajin Kythonia,” replied Candor.
“Sir Candor,” said Thalia’s father as he embraced him in turn. It still unnerved Candor to see him as a young and vibrant citizen, and not the old Penticorian he first met at the manor. The more he look
ed, the more he was convinced that Ghedron, and Seiss Theniass, were carbon copies of one another. Truthfully it made Candor uncomfortable, because now the parents looked younger than their children.
“It is good to see you since my…change,” continued Theniass.
“It is my honor to see you, Seiss Theniass. I’m pleased to see that you are both well, and in good spirits.”
Theniass took Candor by the shoulder, offering him the empty seat next to Thalia. “It is hard not to be in good spirits, especially on a wonderful occasion such as this. What a fine moritainyoss you constructed. Why, I was absolutely riveted! I hear that everyone has adopted the new name you have given it. A movie, I believe is what they are saying. And I also hear that word is spreading rapidly across the fifteen cities. You, Sir Candor, will be considered the leader in your field, mark my words.”
Agreement found its way around the table, and Candor blushed with embarrassment.
“Where did you get such a vivid imagination?” asked Shajin Kythonia, placing a hand on his forearm.
“Oh, I suppose that it’s just a part of being a tale-smith,” replied Candor. He winked at Thalia. She smiled, and then shuffled her chair a little closer to him so that they were touching. He could hardly keep himself still as he drank her in again. The smell of her, the feel of her lips against his neck, the nibble of affection, and the…
“I hear it said that Candor constructed the movie to send the Senedos Seiss into a frenzy.” Ghedron said, abruptly shattering Candor’s fantasy.
“Now Ghedron,” said Kythonia. “I’m certain that from a creative standpoint, Candor would never do such a thing willingly.”
“But if he did,” Theniass interjected. “Then I would raise a toast to him. If you ask me, the Senedos Seiss are far too stuffy a governing body. Bound to their traditions too tightly, and unable to see the future, and grasp for it.”
“The movie was inspired by one of my dreams,” said Candor. “Sir Zyphon is convinced that it was a hallucination, just before my death and rejuvenation.”
“Ah yes, that,” replied Theniass. “You really must take better care of yourself. I myself was never rejuvenated by means of death, but I hear that it is a most terrifying experience. Do you have any memory of the incident?”
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