I soon settled into the comfortable routine of working with Dane's family as they attempted to grow corn and wheat. It was back-breaking work, but it made me feel good to do something worth while. And the room they let me use was tiny, but it had a comfortable bed made of pine and stuffed feathers. Each time I lay upon my bed each night, I stared out of the window into the moon-filled sky and wondered if the winged man was scouring the lands seeking me out. I felt my heart tug in the direction of the glade and wished with all of my heart I had not left. But I knew deep down inside, that I could not go back. I could not take the half-loving. It was just not fair!
In the meantime, Dane had begun to attempt to earn my affections. He brought me flowers, took me on picnics, and swung me in a swing on an old oak tree that had been at the village outskirts for years. Although I found myself spending quite an enormous amount of time with the handsome man, I just could not let go of my heart and give it to him like he wanted.
One evening we were sitting at the edge of a beautiful lake, Dane's hand in mine, enjoying each other's company greatly. He had never attempted anything other than to hold my hand, but this night, he found the courage to lean over and press his lips against mine.
I smiled at him in return, relishing the feeling of having someone to kiss again. And this time, it was someone who could actually talk to me.
"Was that all right, Audra?" Dane asked timidly, which was very endearing to me. I nodded and he kissed me again. The crickets sang to us as he took me into his arms, resting me upon the soft grass beneath us, and pressed his lips to mine, resting them there as we moved them in harmony. I snuck my tongue out and licked his bottom lip, which caused quite a reaction. I could feel him harden and stared up into his eyes realizing that I really did feel something strong for the man.
"I love you, Audra." He told me softly, and I replied back similarly, knowing he wanted to hear it. The words brought a large smile to his face I could see he meant it. I watched as he removed his shirt, as our kissing had grown furious. I myself was warming, sweat rolling down my sides from the passion. Unable to stand it any longer, Dane sat up and helped me up, leaning me against him as we stared out into the darkness of the lake together.
"Hey, let us swim. I need to cool some." His grin was sweet in the moonlight and candles that were near and I nodded, agreeing that cool water against my skin would feel nice.
I dropped to my shift as he dropped to his underpants and together we entered the water, shivering only for a few moments. Soon, his arms were around me and he held me up as we swam deeper so that his toes barely touched. I began to kiss him in earnest, enjoying the feel of his arms around me as he kissed me back.
"Audra, I have never been with anyone before." His words touched me that he would humble himself, and I just smiled back, already knowing he had not. I felt his hands release me and wondered what he was up to until they returned while I treaded water and lifted my shift upwards. He tossed both his and my underclothes to the shore where they would hopefully dry and scooped me into his arms in the depths of the water, pulling me close. I could feel his hardness as it pressed against my abdomen and sighed in bliss as he continued to kiss me, my body reacting as it should. I forced a squeal silent as his hand touched a breast and then slid in between my legs, exploring, rubbing, and pleasuring me. Our kisses deepened as he guided his hardness in between my legs and pushed into me. When he met the barrier, he was confused a moment, unsure of himself. Just as I was about to help him by pushing my body into his to break the barrier and be complete, I caught a glimpse of a fluttering of wings and gasped, pushing Dane away from me. I was shaking and not from pleasure as I scanned the shore around us, startled and confused. Surely I had seen my winged man? He was here, watching me make love with Dane. I could not stand the thought as it hit me that once Dane had me completely, I would never be able to touch the unicorn or his night counterpart again. With a cry, I began to swim to the shore, leaving Dane confused and frustrated, calling my name.