Speak with Althesire

The strange and confusing being appears friendly enough, with his open arms and smiling countenance. His appearance, however, is rather startling. His masculine body is muscular and finely-toned, and his clean-shaven face suggests a man in the prime of his life. What is startling is the fact that he has large, Fox-like ears and a long, full, bushy tail. The fur that covers these canine features is the same silver-white color of his long hair, which comes together in a braid. The rest of his body, at least so far as the royal visitors can see (and they can see plenty) is hairless. He is dressed only in a loincloth, except for the gold ringlets that encircle his biceps.

Apparently sensing the confusion in the eyes of his guests, Althesire says, “Please to forgive any premature ejaculation from myself. I am virgin in giving cunnilingus to you.”

Adella gives a small cry of delight and whispers to her brother, “Of course! He’s a Nymphite!” Seeing Stewart’s questioning look, she explains, “It’s a subculture among the magical beings — one that was founded by the water and tree nymphs centuries ago. The nymphs are very sexual, and their use of language all flows from that cultural fact. They speak our language, but the meanings of words have subtle differences. You know how they say eskimos have a thousand words for snow... Well, a nymphite believes sexual expression and practices are the highest form of existence, so when they describe something with sexual terms, it may sound very erotic to our ears, but it is merely conveying their appreciation for it. Just now, when he said he was a virgin in giving us cunnilungus, he meant that this is his first experience talking to us. His apology for ‘premature ejaculation’ is a reference to his concern about making a mistake in communication.”

“So he’s not really asking to have oral sex with us? That’s a relief! I really need you at my side, then, Adella. Can you imagine if I had sent Duncan to a place like this?”

Stewart dismounts from his horse and offers his hand to Althesire. “Greetings, Althesire. I am Stewart, King of Mirantia, and this is my sister, Adella, the Princess Royal. We are most pleased to meet you.”

Althesire blinks rapidly as Stewart speaks. Evidently he has as much difficulty interpreting the meaning of Stewart’s words as Stewart did with his.

Adella steps forward and says, “I, too, was spawned by the passion of his parents and sprung forth from the same vagina as the king. We are greatly stimulated and aroused by you and look forward to enjoyable intercourse.”

Althesire’s face lights up in delight. “You make cunnilingus as I do! I am so erect at your oral skills! I believe we shall have many orgasms together!”

Stewart balls up his fists to punch Althesire for his brazenness toward his sister, but Adella quickly interprets. “It’s ok, Stewart. He simply said that he is surprised and very happy to see that I can speak his language. He anticipates that we will have a wonderful time in the days ahead.”

Stewart relaxes and gains his composure. “I’ll have to remember not to jump the gun while I’m here,” he says to himself. “This could get very confusing.”

Althesire looks at his guests, with a small frown on the corner of his mouth. “You wear so many condoms; there is no venereal disease here. Come... I have fresh condoms for you, unused and unsoiled. You must put them on for the glorious orgy!”

Stewart looks at Adella, who processes the words for a moment before translating. “He’s troubled for some reason by what we are wearing. I think he’s saying there’s no need for so many protective layers of clothing, and that he has more appropriate attire for us inside. He wants us to change for — I’m sure he means ‘feast’ or ‘party.’ You know, Nymphite dialect isn’t exactly my specialty; it’s really just something teenage girls like to read during sleepovers so we have something to giggle about.”

“It will have to do, though,” replies Stewart. “Unless I’m really supposed to put on a condom — at least it’s unused — and join in an orgy, I’ve got no better option than to follow your lead.”

Althesire leads the siblings inside the chateau. As they enter, they see two others, standing near the door, looking at them with curiosity. Stewart and Adella are likewise curious about them but try not to stare. Both are male, and like Althesire, are wearing only loincloths. One has a man’s body, but it is completely covered in fur, and the long ears perched on his head are those of a rabbit. The other man looks humanoid, but his greyish-blue skin suggests Drow heritage.

Althesire leads them to a door and says, “Here is where you will bed together. It is desirous for both of you to copulate with each other in the same bed?” He looks at them quizzically, awaiting an answer.

Adella says to Stewart, “He has put us in the same room, and he wants to know if that is acceptable.”

Stewart feels a knot in his stomach. He has been having a hard enough time maintaining pure thoughts about his sister without sharing a room or bed with her. At the same time, having her nearby would be most helpful for interpretation. Besides, he doesn’t want to run the risk of offending their host.