In person, as opposed to her dream, Alcaini males had more presence than she realized. “I’ve never seen an Alcaini man in person before.” The being in question stared straight ahead, never even hinting that he was aware of being the subject of interest. His skin remained ruddy and impassive.

Ez’iri smiled, her forked tongue flicking between pointed teeth. “Tai’en took it upon himself to ensure my protection. It is his right as a member of my family.” She stood next to the second bay. “Although I suspect his curiosity about humans motivates him more than concern for my safety. This way, of your pleasure.” She motioned to the third bay. “And of yours, Physician Kenneth’en.”

Buhlmeier would get a kick out of the way Ez’iri mangled idiom, she thought. Ez’iri began asking her questions, interspersing them with explanations of the instruments she was lining up. The Alcaini were interested in the sensitivity of their skin, and the strength and structure of their bones. Rayne answered the questions as best as she could, noting Kenneth’s nervousness.

Ez’iri noticed, too. “Your mate–he does not approve?”

She frowned. “He’s not my mate. Hasn’t been for years, in fact.”

“My error.”

The portal opened and several other Alcaini females joined them. The tone of the lead female could only be that of a teacher lecturing students. Some things were universal, Rayne thought ruefully, as she noted the bored looks on some of the faces of the rear guard.

As the examination continued, she noticed the Alcaini women shooting strange looks at their guard. During a break, she asked Ez’iri about it.

Ez’iri rolled her eyes and shrugged. “My kinsman is something of a legend among our people. No one has seen him take a mate.”

“Hasn’t met the right girl yet?”

Ez’iri smiled, her skin bluing with amusement. “I know how your people feel about mating. But it is not the same way my people feel. Mating is something we share. We do not hide it like a…” she searched for the word…”shame?”

“Sin, you mean.”

“Yes! It is not a sin to us.”

“It isn’t to us, either,” Kenneth interjected. “We’re just private about it.”

As fascinating as the Alcaini were, she couldn’t comprehend this part of their culture. She would probably never again have a lover, because of her need to keep her desires private–a culture that saw things the complete opposite boggled her mind.

“Tai’en has more in common with humans in that respect. However, for us, it is a sin that he chooses not to mate.”

“Shame,” Rayne corrected. “Unless you mean that his not mating is a punishable offense.”

“A shame, then. None would dare punish a warrior. Tai’en’s decision, however shameful, still brings honor to our family, because he holds it with honor and strength.”

“So you value deep convictions?” Kenneth asked.

Ez’iri frowned. “Deep…I do not understand.”

It was Rayne’s turn to search for words. “Tai’en will not change his ways, and it is honorable that he doesn’t, even if his decision is not.”

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